Leadership

12.09.14

No. 69

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

www.leadership.ng

N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

DAY

151

Leadership Newspapers

@leadershipNGA

FG, Security Agencies Have Failed > Page 2 Nigerians – BBOG Group

Another Foreign Ebola Patient Caught In Lagos 4

42 people stopped at Sokoto border OAU female student tests negative

The Rise And Rise Of Mobile Money And how it's changing the way we spend

By Chima Akwaja and Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Mobile Money transactions are gradually taking off in Nigeria after a very slow start due to inability to fully comprehend the scheme, lack of technology by those licensed to operate it and low level of the awareness by the public. There are 18 licensed mobile payment services providers in Nigeria, comprising banks and companies established for this purpose under the 2009 Regulatory Framework for Mobile Payment ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

unknown gunmen kill 20 in zamfara 10

Modu sheriff didn't Go With me to chad –jonathan 8

apc reps aspirant assassinated in imo

africa spends $35bn importing food annually – adesina

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fg housing scheme: 66,402 People scramble for 10,000 mortgages

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#BringBackOurGirls 151 day

Friday, September 12, 2014

Editor’sNote How time flies! It is once again Friday, a day you always look forward to as it marks the end of the hustling and bustling of the week and the beginning of the weekend when you are to relax and get refreshed and prepared for the next working week. And in keeping with our promise, here is your best Friday companion, LEADERSHIP FRIDAY, for your reading pleasure.

This package is awesome: As the BRINGBACKOURGIRLS page gives you the latest on the campaign for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, FRIDAY EXTRA treats you to health matter, a research on how to cure infectious diseases. ESSENTIALS features Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde.

The story of Malama Hadija Abubakar who has trouble with her kidney and needs N3 million to undergo a kidney transplant is also told in this edition.

You will thank God for your own life and understand what other humans like you are passing through by the time you are through with reading it.

Just as all that are contained here-in cannot be mentioned in this note, we urge you to read through all the rich and exciting stories we have for you this week, and you will be glad you did. Enjoy your day as we Thank God It’s Friday!

“One man practising sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.”

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng

The #BringBackOurGirls Group in a protest march to commemorate Day 150 of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction by the Boko Haram sect, at Area 1, Garki, Abuja yesterday.

FG, Security Agencies Have Failed Nigerians – BBOG Group

BY EJIKE EJIKE AND CHIKA MEFOR

CHibok iN THe Week Saturday, September 6, 2014 a parent of one of the schoolgirls adopted on april 14 and are still in captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists reportedly decried the manner in which, instead of joining hands with them to press for the release of the girls, some selfish individuals have turned the whole thing into their own money making venture.

Sunday, September 7, 2014 Parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls were reported to have alleged conspiracy in the abduction of their daughters by the Boko Haram terrorists and accused some top staffers of the school of having prior knowledge of the kidnap as, according to the allegation, some of those staffers had moved their wives and daughters out of the school premises less than 24 hours before the terrorists visited the area on april 14.

Monday, September 8, 2014 at least seven of the parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls were said to have died of the trauma resulting from their daughters’ continuous stay in captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists, according to a revelation by a very senior official of the Bornu State Ministry of health who spoke to LEadERSHIP on the ground of anonymity.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014 Following recent upsurge in attacks which led to the capture of some towns in Borno and adamawa States by the Boko Haram terrorists who were

said to be advancing towards Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the BringBackOurGirls group challenged the federal government to address the nation on the current state of insecurity in the north-east of the country.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group was reported to have raised concern over the sovereignty of Nigeria which it said was at a great risk if the Boko Haram terrorists, who were on rampage in the north-east of the country, succeeded in taking over Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Thursday, September 11, 2014 It was reported that President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the immediate removal of the 2015 campaign banner which has his picture and the inscription “BringBackGoodluck2015” from the streets of abuja, saying it was offensive and repugnant as it trivialises the very serious issue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls which is of national and global concern.

Today Friday, September 12, 2004 The BringBackOurGirls group has advised that citizens’ approach be adopted in the war against the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, saying Nigerian citizens should come up and take their destiny in their hands since it has COMPILED BY that UGOCHUKWU IROKA become clear the Nigerian security apparatuses are incapable of containing the sect. ...As Compiled By Abah Adah

The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) campaign group declared yesterday that citizens’ approach was the way forward in the ongoing war against the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, saying Nigerian citizens should be allowed to take their destiny in their hands since it had become clear that the Nigerian security apparatuses were at their weakest level.

In a declaration to mark 150 days in captivity of the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, by the insurgents, the group lamented that while its advocacy had always been that the federal government and its security agencies act to save the girls and all other Nigerians from the fangs of terror, "the response from them has not yielded the result that most Nigerians want".

The BBOG remarked, in the declaration signed by almost all its members, that the Boko Haram sect was well armed, motivated and "seem to have a game plan for carrying out their vision of an Islamic Caliphate from Nigeria and its neighbours. This must never happen."

It further noted that over and above the Chibok girls' mass abduction, "hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Nigerians, are in danger of falling into organised bondage, torture and death at the hands of the terrorists. This is happening because our armed forces are not sufficiently armed or motivated to fight the terrorists."

Noting that the country is being confronted with asymmetrical warfare and a more concerted and comprehensive approach to defeat terrorism is needed, the group urged the Nigerian state and its security agencies to cultivate the civilian population to become allies in the struggle.

"Intelligence is a key factor in ensuring success, and sourcing timely intelligence requires close collaboration with communities. It is clear to all that the Nigerian security apparatuses are at their weakest strength and capability at this historical point when we need them most.

"Rebuilding the strength and capability of our security agencies is a national commitment that government and citizens must support.

Nonetheless, the Nigerian public is concerned that the resources allocated to our security apparatus (N922 billion in 2012, N1 trillion in 2013 and N845 billion in 2014) do not seem to correspond with the results delivered by those at the frontline that are prosecuting the war against terror.

"While it is understandable that security operations are mostly classified, citizens believe that some degree of transparency, accountability and disclosure is essential to gaining public confidence and achieving optimal results. Even more important, if there is a generalised system of corruption and leakages in administering security budgets, just throwing money at the problem will not produce the desired results," the group stated.

Calling on Nigerians to be actively involved in the struggle to reclaim their destiny from the hands of terror, the declaration by the group which was made available to LEADERSHIP Friday by its Media coordinator, Mr. Rotimi Olawale noted: "On this 150th day since the abduction of the Chibok girls, we members of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement sign this declaration and call on all Nigerians to do the same so that we can come together to save the nation.

"The best option really is that dictated by article 14:2 (b) of our Constitution: that 'the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government'. If government has not been carrying out its primary purpose, we should come together to create conditions under which we can solve our problems."

BBOG further lamented that the result of weakness on the part of the country's security forces was that the rampaging insurgents were conquering more and more of Nigerian territory.

"With over three million Nigerians displaced from their homes by the ravaging terrorists, no sane person can question the capability challenges that our armed forces have. It is clear today that our call for action was not heeded because the capacity to act had diminished. Yet, we cannot continue to go down the path of the dismemberment of the country. We must reconquer and reclaim lost territories as well as re-establish sovereignty over the nation and security for our people," it said.

Lie to a liar, for lies are his coin; Steal from a thief, for that is easy; lay a trap for a trickster and catch him at first attempt, but beware of an honest man. ― Egyptian Proverbs

our stand

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September 12, 2014

Ebola: Before The Schools Resume

I

n the wake of the deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD), and as part of efforts to contain its spread, the Nigerian government considered it necessary that children in both private and public schools should stay at home pending further directives. To that effect, schools’ resumption date was initially fixed for October 13.

That was before the virus reared its ugly head in Port Harcourt and claimed the life of a doctor.

There has been pressure, especially from private school proprietors, on government to shift ground on the issue. Even the House of Representatives Committee on Education passed a resolution urging the government to take another look at the situation and come up with a decision acceptable to all. A new date of September 22 has been announced and the minister of health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, said that the date was arrived at after due consultation with his counterpart in the education ministry.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has counselled against opening schools on that date. But

Professor Chukwu warned against the tendency to cause panic. He also said that, unlike in other countries, there was yet no community transmission of the disease in Nigeria, and so there was no scientific basis for schools’ resumption to be further delayed.

While arrangements are on to ensure that the disease is effectively controlled and the environment made conducive for the school system, some preventive measures are being put in place. These include the provision of thermo-scanners to be used to check the temperature of students and pupils before they enter the school premises, engaging the services of desk

Ag. Editor Hassan Gimba Ahmed Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah

information officers in the states to communicate with the Federal Ministry of Education on Ebola, and providing good water and toilet facilities in primary and secondary schools so the children can wash their hands with running water.

Above all, more people will be trained in the education sector to work in alliance with health ministries to ensure awareness.

We commend the health minister for his cautious optimism in the ongoing efforts to combat this deadly virus. He should resist attempts by anyone or group to push him to a frenzy.

One thing that the nation cannot afford now is an outbreak of the disease in its school system. The ongoing collaboration between the health ministry and the education ministry must be sustained.

These arrangements must be intensified in the rural areas.

This is no time for half measures.

All the above-listed facilities must be put in place before the school gates are opened to students and pupils. It is our hope that the fund raised by the federal government for the fight against the disease will be put into good use, at least at this preventive level.

Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Ademola Oladosu Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership

Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

If you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes and the monkey remains as is.

— Egyptian Proverb

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

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September 12, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Greener Grass May Not Be Better Weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to our nervous systems and have even been confirmed to cause cancer. If you want to live a long life, stop using chemical herbicides and artificial fertilizers on your lawns. Instead, fertilize with organic compost or manure, pull weeds regularly, and reseed areas that are overgrown. Do not cut the grass too short, as this will expose the root system and leave the grass vulnerable to disease.

Also avoid lingering on the golf course too long, especially under a hot sun: extreme heat can strengthen herbicides’ noxious effects.

The Rise And Rise Of Mobile Money ➔ FROM FRONT PAGE

Services. No other country in the world has such a higher number of mobile money providers.

Nigeria’s regulatory framework allows three models, which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) describes as: i. Bank-led ii. Nonbank-led, and iii. Bank-focused.

It specifically excludes telecom operators from providing mobile payments services, limiting their role to merely the provision of the channel (infrastructure) through which other providers’ services can be offered. Those earlier given provisional licence by CBN include FirstBank/FirstMonie, Fortis Mobile Money, UBA/Afripay, GTBank Mobile Money, Pagatech, eTranzact, Monetise, Eartholeum, Paycom, FET, Ecobank and Kudi.

The operating licence allows the companies to provide products such as electronic payments through mobile phones.

According to Berg Insight, a leading financial technology research agency, a mobile money account does not encompass services limited to information services and simple transactions such as airtime top-ups and transfers between own accounts. It does not include services that use mobile operator billing as a payment source.

With mobile money, customers can convert cash to and from electronic value (e-money), and they can use mobile money to perform transfers or make payments. Tra-

ditional “bricks and mortar” banking infrastructure struggles to make the business model work to serve low-income customers, particularly in rural areas.

Mr Patrick Eregie, general manager, Mobile Payment of eTranzact, said “Mobile Money service has been specifically designed to give access to financial services for Nigerians in low banking coverage areas through the use of mobile phones, and to create job opportunities for many Nigerians.

“This service offers various options such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, airtime recharge cards purchase, funds transfer (to bank accounts, cards and mobile phones) and bills payment (for cable TVs, electricity, school fees, health insurance scheme, etc).

In countries where it has been successful, it has largely been driven by mobile operators who already have large airtime distribution networks which can be used to provide customers with a network of mobile money agents where they can perform cash-in and cash-out transactions. Large mobile operators in developing countries typically have 100 to 500 times more airtime reseller outlets than all of the banks’ branches put together.

In addition, several mobile operators have strong brands which are recognised even in rural areas.

Mobile operators can use their ex➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Another Foreign Ebola Patient Arrested In Lagos

By Nkem Osuagwu, George Okojie, Lagos Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto And Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Another foreigner allegedly suffering from Ebola virus was yesterday arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The late Liberian Patrick Sawyer had brought the dreaded disease to Nigeria when he made the infamous trip to the country through the same airport.

The woman, suspected to be infected with the dreaded Ebola virus disease was arrested by operatives when she disembarked from an Air Morok flight.

The unnamed woman was said to have showed signs that she might be a victim of the virus after the virus test was conducted on her by port health officials.

But there were conflicting reports over the nationality of the woman; some said she is from South Africa while others claimed that she is from Liberia.

Her arrest was confirmed to our correspondent by an airport worker who refused to be named. According to the source, the suspected Ebola patient, a transit passenger, has since been taken out of the airport by health workers for further investigations.

No port health official could be reached to confirm the story because they have been instructed not to speak on the issue unless there is a clearance from the minister of health in Abuja.

When our correspondent contacted Yakubu Dati, spokesman for aviation agencies, to confirm the story, he said the issues of Ebola are not within the purview of airport workers or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, adding that it was only the port health officials who could speak on the issue because they are the ones with the responsibility to screen inbound and out-bound passengers at the airport.

42 Stopped At Sokoto Border As the sensitization on Ebola outbreak and preventive measures continues to grow across Nigeria by the day, the Nigeria Port Health yesterday at the Illela border of sokoto State said it stopped no fewer than 42 people from travelling to and from Nigeria for resisting preliminary medical assessment.

Making the disclosure, a staff

Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu

of the Port Health and one of those manning the Illela border, Mr Efe Megbuwe, said among those denied movement were 15 Nigerians who refused to be checked before leaving the country for Niger Republic and 27 nationals of Niger Republic.

“We often send those who resist check-up back to their country. Just within the last two weeks, we have denied about 15 Nigerians access to travel outside the country because they declined to be scanned. We equally sent back 27 people from neighbouring Niger Republic who wanted to enter Nigeria but refused to be scanned,” he said.

On the detective apparatus being used at the border, he said despite that the federal government has done well by providing protective kits and a thermo-scanner that detects body temperature, a lot more needed to be done on logistics such as patrol vehicles to enable them monitor the borders effectively, just as he advised that organizing sensitization programmes for all border communities will be of unimaginable advantage in the struggle against EVD. LEADERSHIP Friday further observed that despite the tireless effort of the various security agencies manning the Illela border, they are however constrained by certain crucial operational requirements. The Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Port Health at the border do not even have a single patrol van, except for the Nigeria Customs that has only one.

They have to depend on water from neighbouring Niger Republic because there is no functional borehole for all the respective security agencies at the Illela border.

Ebola virus is a security challenge to any country – Aregbesola

The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said that any country under the threat of Ebola epidemic risks losing its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the Obafemi Awolowo University has placed a ban on resumption of their students from Liberia.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the prevention of Ebola virus disease, in Osogbo, Aregbesola pointed out that all must unite to prevent the disease from entering the state, saying the state’s meagre resources should be concentrated on bringing about massive economic development.

The governor stressed that most of the countries affected are almost losing their sovereignty because of Ebola.

He said, “We should not see the disease as an ordinary health challenge but a situation that can be seen as a security problem for a state or a nation. That is why I have called all the security chiefs and all stakeholders to this meeting.

“I am happy that we now have a big relief in the state against the rumour of the virus in the state.

God forbid it, I have been troubled ever since the news.

“How could we have coped with the little resources of the state?

You should now go out to tell the world that there is no Ebola in Osun and that we will prevent its manifestation here at all cost.

“With all these countries around us -- there are countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Congo that we need to support because they are too close for the comfort of our country.

Our prayer is that the disease will not have place to stay in our land,” the governor stated.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University has cleared the air on the purported infection of a female student of the university, saying that investigation conducted on her has proved her Ebola-free.

Addressing a press conference at the university, the vice chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, said the student was sent to Ebola isolation centre in Lagos for clinical and laboratory investigation and that the result of the preliminary and confirmatory tests proved negative.

Allaying the fear of the university community, Omole declared the university Ebola-free, adding that people should go about their normal business without panic. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

If you know a lot, know enough to make them respect you, if you are stupid, be stupid enough so they can pity you. ― Ghana Proverb

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September 12, 2014

Another Foreign Ebola Patient Arrested In Lagos ➔ FROM PAGE 4

FG, Lagos may differ on schools’ resumption date Amid insistence by the federal government that all schools in the country must resume September 22, indications emerged yesterday that the Lagos State government may pick a different date.

Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola hinted that they were currently locked in a crucial meeting with members of the State Executive Council over the September 22 resumption date for schools all over

the country as announced by the federal government.

Fashola revealed this when stepped out of the meeting to receive the World Health Organization country representative, Mr Rui Van Gaz, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

According to him,” the state government is in the process of ascertaining, through scientific risk evaluation, whether it will accept the date announced by the federal government.”

He added that if evaluation shows that children will be at risk on resumption, La-

gos schools will not open.

As at the time of filing in this report, members of the State Executive Council were still locked in the crucial meeting.

Earlier, Mr Rui Van Gaz said the entire leadership of the WHO saluted Governor Fashola and his team for their outstanding efforts towards the containment of the Ebola virus.

He urged the state government to avoid being complacent due to the apparent drop in the number of Ebola cases, saying the war will not be won until the virus is wiped out.

Gaz pledged WHO’s continued technical and logistic support in the eradication of the Ebola virus disease.

OAU female student tests negative to Ebola The vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Bamitale Omole, has disclosed that a female student of the institution who had contact with the late Port Harcourt-based Dr Enemuo has tested negative to Ebola virus.

Omole stated this in Ile-Ife yesterday during a press briefing.

The Rise And Rise Of Mobile Money ➔ FROM PAGE 4

isting brand strength to establish trust with customers, which is important for driving adoption of financial services. Nigerian banks and other mobile money licencees, however, lack the network spread and brand attribute of mobile telecom operators, which have been their undoing in propelling mobile money.

A Tip Of The Iceberg A ray of hope is, however, dawning, with the likes of Globacom, MTN and Airtel pushing the frontiers of Nigeria’s mobile money scheme even though the regulation establishing it has placed them at the back end.

MTN Nigeria is smiling to the bank following massive growth in Internet data and mobile money which contributed 16 percent to the N413.259 billion profit recorded from January to June 2014. In July 2014, MTN Nigeria launched the MTN Diamond Yellow account, offering mobile financial services in partnership with Diamond Bank.

The president/CEO, MTN Group, Sifiso Dabengwa, said the Nigerian operation will focus on meeting the significant market demand for financial services and mobile content with an expected positive impact on data revenue.

Super-Agent Network Last month, Globacom, Nigeria’s second national operator, launched Glo Exchange, a mobile money super-agent network that will allow for grassroots pervasiveness of the scheme. The initiative will accelerate mobile money revolution, availing the industry the much needed distribution network.

The CBN gave approval to Globacom to create 500,000 mobile money agent outlets in the country through the Glo Xchange, Globacom in partnership with Firstmonie, a subsidiary of First Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC and Zenith Bank.

Mr Dipo Fatokun, director, Payment Systems, Central Bank of Nigeria, said the launch of the mobile money agent network

by Glo supports CBN’s financial inclusion programme aimed at creating a cashless economy where every unbanked Nigerian can access to financial services irrespective of the location, literacy or financial capability.

“CBN believes that mobile money and agent framework is the frontier of cashless boom. Mobile money is the next thing

expected to transform the CBN’s cash-less policy. The apex bank believe that such initiative like this will aid both telecommunications and banking industries to further serve Nigerians better,” he said.

Head of Glo, Prepaid Services, Kamal Shonibare, said the government through the CBN canvassed cash-less revolution through relationship between banks and the telecommunications operators. He said mobile operators are to create platforms that will drive and make the process a success. According to him, a majority of the about 170 million Nigerians have no access to financial services.

Quoting a report by EfiNa, the Shinobare said only 20 million Nigerians are banked, while about 80 million are unbanked - those at the bottom of the social pyramid.

Nigeria and Others In Africa, mobile money payments have been launched across a dozen networks in Africa with Safaricom, MTN, Airtel, Vodacom and others making a success of the scheme. Kenya was the first country in Africa to successfully pilot mobile money and turn it into a huge revenue business model through Safaricom mobile network. One of the most successful ones is Vodafone’s M-PESA money transfer service which now has seven million customers in Kenya and is also offered in Tanzania and Afghanistan.

According to the GSM Association (GSMA) June 2014 Mobile for Development (M4D) report on Nigeria, major growth of mobile money services has thus far been largely outside West Africa in general, such as Kenya, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo where operators

have used extensive distribution networks and brand to grow scale and catalyse development of other sectors through payments, transfers and insurance.

It noted that the inability of Nigeria’s regulatory authorities to allow telecom operators implement mobile money is slowing the rate of acceptance of the scheme.

“We think there is a strong case for permitting operators to operate mobile money services in Nigeria. More widely, a facilitating regulatory environment can help unlock successful services in other M4D sectors closely aligned with economic growth and social improvement (Sri Lanka is a good example), for which Nigeria is a prime candidate,” it said.

According to GSMA estimates, in June 2013 there were still less than one million customers using mobile payments services in Nigeria, less than one per cent of the population.

“Nigeria is lagging behind in the development of these services, when compared to what has already been achieved in other markets such as Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda,” he said.

For example, Tanzania has an adult population of 25.8m (one-third of Nigeria’s adult population) and already has 11 million mobile payment services accounts that are active on a 90-day basis. In September 2013, the four mobile money services provided by operators facilitated transactions for TZS 2.8 trillion ($ 1.6 billion). The value transacted through those schemes in Tanzania is 26 times greater than Nigeria (N10.14 billion/month, equal to $61.4m, in the same month),”the report said.

Increasing Education, Perception and Interest Aside technology and agent network challenges which had hindered the smooth take-off of mobile money in the country, general perception and education of the payment platform remain areas needing improvement.

According to various surveys, many Nigerians are yet to be aware of the payment platform and even those who are aware of the platform do not use it for various reasons. A survey conducted by NOI Polls showed that almost six in 10 Nigerians (about 59 per cent) are not aware of mobile money services and only 13 per cent of those that are aware of mobile money have adopted it.

Also, a survey by Philips Consulting Ltd showed that of the 63 per cent of respon-

dents who know about mobile money, only 29 per cent are registered with any of the mobile money operators (MMOs) in Nigeria.

The report also revealed that the leading MMO among registered respondents was Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) mobile money which accounted for 41 per cent.

The survey report also showed that young adults within the age range of 2635, who dominate Nigeria’s population, had the highest registration with mobile money.

Survey reports also showed that the number of people registered with MMOs seems to be increasing every year since its inception. According to responses from the Philips Consulting survey, 40 per cent of respondents registered in 2012 compared to the six per cent in 2010.

Banks Taking Advantage Taking advantage of the bank-led model, many banks in the country have introduced various mobile payment platforms as they strive to keep their technology and change-savvy customers. GTBank came up with its GTMobile, United Bank of Africa (UBA) collaborated with Afripay to come up with Umobile, and Stanbic IBTC’s mobile money still trends on its *909# platform. Zenith Bank which was among the first to be granted licence also operates eaZymoney, while First Bank operates its mobile money through its subsidiary, FirstMonie.

Currently, most Nigerians who use mobile money only make transfers and airtime purchases with it. A survey on the use of mobile money in Nigeria by Philips Consulting showed that the most common usage for the service is for funds transfer.

Future of Mobile Money Experts believe that if mobile operators are allowed to be in the front seat of mobile money, Nigeria has the mass market to be the leader in mobile money which will lead to an avalanche of technology innovations, job and wealth creation as well as an increase in the contribution of ICT to the GDP. The mobile phone is changing how customers conduct their financial activities, leading to an extended reach and increased operational efficiency among financial service providers in emerging markets.

In the longer term, mobile money services are facilitating the increasing share

Negotiate a river by following its bends, enter a country by following its customs. ― Armenian Proverb

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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September 12, 2014

The Rise And Rise Of Mobile Money ➔ FROM PAGE 5

Jonathan

Shettima

Minimah

By Abdulkareem Haruna, Maiduguri

rived Maiduguri in the last 11 days, mostly on foot”.

He also denied claims that Bama had been recaptured. “With due respect to the military, going by the report I have received just this morning from the 133 displaced Bama residents that arrived Maiduguri today, Bama is still under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists. Though I am reliably aware of the military pushing towards Bama, but for now the town is still under the control of the terrorists,” Jidda said.

Similarly, Borno elders have also berated the failure of the military to reclaim territories, days and months after they were seized.

The elders alleged it was deliberate neglect of the state by the central government in spite the Boko Haram insurgency: “Borno State has been in total blackout for nearly three months,” said Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, a renowned Borno elder who functions as spokesman of the elders. “The federal government, taking cover under the claim of insecurity, failed to restore power to Borno, even when it was clear to us that the line to Maiduguri was damaged by an incident involving a Nigeria Air Force plane.

“Every economic activity has been grounded. This too has further expanded our web of despair. The authorities concerned should make it a point of moral duty to quickly restore power supply to Borno State even if they may resort to using different routes from the one they fear approaching. We were alarmed to learn that the extension of the 330KVA line to Maiduguri has been deliberately delayed. We were reliably informed that the materials meant for Borno were diverted to another state. We plead that those materials be brought back to Borno and the extension be completed in good time. Complete darkness is also an ingredient to insecurity.

“The Boko Haram Insurgents have been dishing out instructions to our people in the rural areas. In most of those areas, they have been patrolling streets, preaching and passing judgments including enforcing capital punishment. In most of those areas, our soldiers have abandoned their posts. Our soldiers have abandoned most areas from Gwoza to Gamboru-Ngala to Baga – stretching 10 local government areas. The people were cowed to accept their authority. It is really devastating and unthinkable that Nigeria can accept such

ugly development in any part of its territory.

“It is curious to note that each time insurgents were to embark on an attack on any community, our soldiers abandon their position, paving easy access to the insurgents to have unimpeded and unchallenged plundering. “ The often repeated claim by our soldiers was that they were not well equipped and that Boko Haram has superior firepower. However, it is sad to note that most of the weapons used by Boko Haram were the same weapons abandoned by our soldiers and those they carted away from barracks and other military formations. It is apparent that lack of patriotism, courage and purposeful leadership are the bane of our soldiers. The records of our soldiers in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations in various parts of the world had been a source of pride to us as a nation. So one wonders what has happened to the gallantry of our men in uniform. Our soldiers need to receive special attention from the government. They need to be encouraged and emboldened. They need to be re-oriented to be patriotic and courageous.

“For now, much devastation prevails in our part of the country. Apart from the dead, many of whom we could not properly bury, our towns and villages remain desolate and in ruins. We are battling to cope with thousands of widows, orphans, the wounded and maimed as well as refugees taking shelter in various places in and outside Nigeria. The giant of Africa which has been contributing to the rescue and peacekeeping of many other countries has effectively allowed its own citizens to reach this level of disillusionment and despair. From God we come and to God we shall all return, no matter how short or long it takes.

“Meanwhile, starvation is imminent. As there were no farming activities throughout Borno State this farming season, food crisis cannot be wished away. From time immemorial, small-scale subsistent farming has been the mainstay of the economy. Where the poor who is able and willing has been prevented from farming, he is about sentenced to death. A proactive and concrete plan must be on ground to ensure that the remaining population do not perish due to starvation.

Our animals have already been either rustled or died in their numbers.”

Boko Haram Still In Charge Of Bama – Residents Residents of Bama town of Borno State yesterday punctured the federal government’s claims that the Nigerian troops had recaptured their seized community from the Boko Haram terrorists.

The people of Bama under the aegis of “Bama Development Association (BDA)”, during a press conference, lamented that women and children were still held while the terrorists were still in charge.

The rebuttal came at the same time the state Committee on Displaced Persons from Bama was also saying that more people from Bama community were still trooping into Maiduguri yesterday even as over 7,000 of the displaced had so far been registered at the various camps.

Alhaji Mohammed Hassan, the chairman of BDA, said: “From Monday to date, about 11 days now, Bama, the second largest local government area in Borno, is under the custody and control of the dreaded Boko Haram sect; this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

Hassan lamented that “after 11 days of the invasion and takeover of Bama, no searchand-rescue operation has been conducted; no damage assessment has been made, even though the security and welfare of citizens is the fundamental and constructional obligation of any meaningful government”.

“We are calling on state and federal governments to expedite action towards reclaiming Bama from the hands of terror as those in captivity are under serious trauma, starvation, distress with serious degree of injuries while, on the other hand, those that have lost their lives are yet to be buried,” the BDA leader said.

The group said they could not account for more women and children that had got missing in the process of fleeing through rivers. “Some of the women and children had drowned at River Yadzaram in the process of fleeing, while others were shot dead... Apart from those in captivity, others who managed to cross the river were killed in the nearby villages, and we still have not been able to recover their corpses for proper burial.”

The chairman of the Borno Committee on Displaced Persons, Alhaji Jidda Shuwa, said “over 7,000 displaced persons had ar-

A deaf husband and a blind wife are always a happy couple. ― African Proverb

of digital transactions in emerging markets where cash transactions still dominate. A growing share of international remittances is being electronically disbursed into mobile money accounts.

Mobile phones are also being increasingly used to send remittances.

According the GSM Association, mobile money services are increasing the availability and access to financial services for lower-income segments of the population which, previously, had not been possible to serve profitably. The mobile phone will be the first digital banking channel for a majority of the unbanked populations in many emerging economies, like Africa, Latin America and Asia. The number of live mobile money deployments has grown at an explosive rate over the past two years.

In-depth study of the industry indicates that there are currently around 300 mobile money deployments in emerging markets.

The number of mobile money subscribers in emerging markets is forecasted to grow from 133 million users in 2010 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40 percent to reach 709 million users in 2015.

The total value of mobile money transactions will simultaneously grow at a CAGR of 54 percent from $25 billion in 2010 to $215 billion in 2015. Asia-Pacific is expected to become the most important regional market, accounting for more than half of the total user base.

Many new companies have entered the mobile money industry as technology vendors in the past year, including the likes of Ericsson, SAP, Gemalto and Nokia. The competitive landscape is intense with around 70 vendors competing in the industry, of which many need to reach a critical mass of deployments over the next two years in order to stay in business in the longer term.

Mr Mark Durrant, Nokia spokesman said the huge interest in mobile payment systems has a simple explanation: with more than four billion mobile phone users and only 1.6 billion bank accounts worldwide, mobile money services represent a big opportunity.

The credit-card companies are also getting on board Benefits For Financial Inclusion There are many reasons to be excited about using mobile phones for cash transfers, such as government payments or NGOs cash-for-work programmes. First, cash transfers are often sent to groups of people in multiple locations, and it can be easier to reach them via mobile transfer than to bring them together in one place. It is also easier to track payments if they are sent electronically, which can reduce corruption and increase confidence that the right amount of money ends up with the right individuals. A third possible benefit is that relying on a network of mobile money agents who already handle cash will increase security over creating new systems for transporting cash.

NEWS EXTRA /7

September 12, 2014

Court Remands 2 For Murder Of 75-Year-Old Guard

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

An Ilorin Magistrate’s court has ordered that a labourer and a security guard be remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing a 75-year-old man, Reuben Olayinka.

The suspects, a labourer, Isa Mohammed and a guard, Ganiyu Kareem, both aged 30, were arraigned by the police on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide contrary to sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code Law. According to the police first information report (FIR), the suspects criminally conspired and callously hacked Olayinka to death without any cause.

“On August 27, 2014 at about 12:30hours, one Adebayo Jimba of Success Security Guard, Ita-Alamu, Ilorin, reported at the station that on August 26, 2014, at about 22:20hours, he received a telephone call from a member of his staff, Rasheed Sanni, that one Reuben Olayinkahas been attacked by one Isa Mohammed and Ganiyu Kareem. He rushed to the place where he met Reuben Olayinka lying in the pool of blood and rushed him to the hospital where he gave up the ghost.

The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Bilikisu Adu, told the court that investigation into the matter was in progress and opposed the bail of the accused.

The magistrate, Shuaib Salihu, however, ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Oke-Kura Prison, while the case was adjourned till September 24, 2014, for further mention.

Family Of Slain Police Widow Laments Neglect

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

Family members of the late Madam Blessing Okosun, the widow of slain cop,ASP Mike Okosun, who was killed last Tuesday by a taxi-driver allegedly attempting to escape a police patrol team, have cried out that the police have failed to produce the killers of their mother.

Last week, LEADERSHIP FRIDAY had reported exclusively that while fleeing a police patrol team who were hell-bent on apprehending him for ‘wrong parking’; a cab-driver had crushed a 52-year-grandmother and widow of Okosun.

Madam Okosun, who was reportedly abandoned by both the taxi driver and the patrol team, after the accident, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, where some Good Samaritans had taken her to.

The spokesperson of the police in the FCT, Altine Daniels, insisted that “no police patrol team would chase a taxi driver” and that the “police do not abandon accident victims on the road”.

A daughter of the deceased, who spoke with LEADERSHIP FRIDAY over the phone, disclosed that her funeral will be held on September 19, 2014.

Border health staff scanning immigrants from the Niger Republic who are coming into Nigeria through the Illela border, Sokoto yesterday. PHOTO By ANKELI EMMANUEL

APC Reps Aspirant, Kingsley Nkemka, Assassinated In Imo

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Men suspected to be hired assassins have allegedly gunned down a Federal House Of Representatives aspirant, Kingsley Nkemka, on Tuesday at an area known as T Junction, Ohaohia Mbeiri, Mbaitoli local government of Imo State.

Nkemka, who was aspiring to represent his people of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the lower house, was said to have met his demise shortly after he attended the opening session of the state house of assembly lawmakers as a present aide of the speaker of the state’s house of assembly.

According to a statement signed by the senior special assistant on media to the speaker, Emeka Ahaneku, the victim was said to be hale and hearty before attending the session.

According to the statement, Nkemka had travelled to some of the wards in his constituency in continuation of his consultation with some party leaders in the area to fine-tune his political aspiration.

“Immediately after his visit, Nkemka reportedly stopped over briefly at the popular T-junction, Ohaohia Mbieri, to also meet with one of his facilitators who had desired a meeting between 8 and 9pm before the unfortunate incident.”

The statement further said that, “after the meeting with his facilitator and the director-general of his campaign organisation, some hoodlums, numbering about five, suddenly showed up at the scene, kicked out his (Nkemka’s) facilitator, ransacked Nkemka’s pockets, before shooting him in the ankle. They ordered him into the booth of his Toyota car where they finally shot him at close range”.

When contacted, the state police public relations officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, adding that the police have made some arrests in connection with the crime, while investigations are ongoing.

Police Nab Landlord’s Son For Stabbing Tenant Over Electricity Bill

by Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The police in Obiaruku Community in Delta State have arrested one Sunday Okolie for allegedly stabbing a tenant in his father’s house, following a disagreement over an electricity bill.

According to reports, the tenant was allegedly stabbed by the suspect after he failed, for the umpteenth time, to pay his share of the bill for the sixth month running. A heated argument ensued and, resultantly, the ugly incident occurred.

The stabbing, which occurred in the ear-

ly hours of yesterday, caused panic in the community, as the leaders described the incident as “evil”. According to the community’s elders, the aggressor had colluded with his younger brother to assault the victim and allegedly stab him in the stomach.

The police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of Okolie, disclosed that, in his attempt to escape after allegedly committing the crime, he was nabbed by other tenants who invited the police.

Kalu disclosed that the suspect, who is

currently availing the police with information to help them in their investigation, claimed that he had requested payment for the residence’s electricity bill from the tenant, but he (the tenant) declined.

According to Kalu, Okolie added that when the accused presented his own bill, it was discovered that the last time he made a payment was eight months ago, whereas he claimed to have paid for all the months.

Kalu assured that investigations are on and the police will get to the “root of the matter”.

Woman With Kidney Ailment In Need Of N3m

by Chinelo Chikelu, Abuja

The family of a woman who has been diagnosed to have a bad kidney have called out to the public and well-wishers to come to the aid of their daughter and mother, and save her life.

The woman, Hadiza Abubakar, who is married to a cab-driver,

Abubakar Musa, was diagnosed with the ailment in 2011 and has since lain in the Gombe Medical Centre, where very little has been done, as she cannot pay for the treatment which she has been receiving.

Abubakar needs N3m to pay for her treatment and other medical bills.

Anyone who wishes to reach out to Abubakar can call 07068872600 or 08034721371.

The account details are as follows; Account name: Mohammed Ibrahim Abbas Bank: Diamond Bank Account number; 004355732 Abubakar

A good surgeon must have a hawk’s eye, a lion’s heart and a woman’s hand. ― Cambodian Proverb

8 NEWS

September 12, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo

I Won’t Interfere With Modu Sheriff’s Probe – Jonathan

Says ex-gov did not follow him to Chad

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday refuted the allegation that he took former Borno State governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, an alleged Boko Haram sponsor, along as a member of his delegation to Ndjamena, the capital of Chad.

The president, who expressed surprise over what he described as “unnecessary hue and cry raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other bigoted critics” of his administration, assured that while investigation on the allegation by the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis against Sheriff that he was one of the chief sponsors of the terrorist group, Boko Haram was ongoing, he would not take any action that is capable of prejudicing the outcome.

Speaking through his special adviser

on media and publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, President Jonathan said the APC and others that rushed to condemn him “for a non-existent indiscretion would have found, if they took the least trouble to double-check, that there was absolutely no factual basis for their accusation.

“The totally erroneous basis for that charge was the spurious claim that Senator Sheriff accompanied President Jonathan on his recent trip to Ndjamena as a member of his entourage”.

Abati noted at a press briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that even though Senator Sheriff himself had already refuted the claim that the president was “hobnobbing” with him, through his media adviser, it became necessary that the Presidency affirms the former governor’s position for the purpose of emphasis, that Sheriff was not on Jonathan’s delegation to Chad.

The presidential spokesman said that it was in line with President Jonathan’s

commitment to transparency and openness in the conduct of government business that he announced names of the key members of the presidential delegation a day before the president’s trip to Ndjamena.

He gave the list of members of Jonathan’s delegation to include the national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the minister of communications technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, minister of state for foreign affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed and the directorgeneral of National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof Seidu Mohammed.

“As can be easily verified from the complete list of members of the presidential entourage to Chad which was also circulated on Sunday and never changed, Senator Sheriff’s name was not on it. The only other persons on the list were the president’s aides, security personnel and journalists”, he added.

Mbu Nearly Crippled Rivers’ Economy – Amaechi

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor and chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has described the former commissioner of police in the state, Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu as a politician in police uniform who attempted to cripple the economy of the state.

The governor said Mbu, who is now the assistant inspector-general of police (AIG) in-charge of Zone 7, Abuja, deviated from his professional role of protecting lives and properties by serving politicians who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Amaechi spoke yesterday when the newly deployed commissioner of police of the state, Mr Dan Bature, in company of the outgoing commissioner and newly promoted assistant inspector general of police (AIG), Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said, “The way Mr Mbu was going, Rivers’ economy would have collapsed completely. Fortunately for us, they took him away and brought you (Ogunsakin) and you restored calm. You tried to create a platform for all parties to have access to you. As you go, please go with that same spirit. The police in Rivers State should discharge their responsibility as it concerns the protection of lives and property”.

Nigeria Needs $305tn To Actualise Infrastructure Master Plan – Minister

By Mbachu Godwin Nnanna, Abuja

L-R: Retreat chief consultant, Engr. Abubakar Bichi; permanent secretary, Ministry for Local Government, Kano State, Mr Abba Ladan Kailani; Kano State deputy governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; GEMS 3 Northern regional manager, Mr Kevin Conroy and GEMS 3 team leader, Mr William Benthall, during a four-day induction course for newly elected local government officials and their appointees in the 44 LGAs of Kano State in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI.

Boko Haram Not Surrounding Maiduguri – DHQ Says they are pursuing terrorists in the Northeast

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters yesterday denied the allegation that Boko Haram terrorists had surrounded Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in readineass for a takeover of the city.

The AFP had reported that Boko Haram fighters had surrounded Maiduguri and were preparing an imminent takeover, referring to the Borno Elders Forum whose

members were calling for military reinforcements as the source of the story.

The warning from the Forum, made up of retired senior civilian and military officials, came after the United States warned of an attack on the city and analysts claimed the government risked losing control of the region.

But in a tweet on its handle, the military said its troops are now pursuing the fleeing terrorists from some towns and villages where they have been oppressing the people in the Northeastern states.

It stated that Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala and

other towns and villages in the region are being stabilised through air and land attacks against fleeing and dying terrorists.

“The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorist activities.”

It, however, frowned at the determination by a section of the media to cause panic and chaos in the region by deliberately ignoring visibly formidable security measures and reporting negativity.

He said, “Alarmist reports on foreign and online media on Maiduguri is clearly intended to cause panic in the city and the nation.”

The minister and deputy chairman of National Planning Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sulaiman, yesterday disclosed that Nigeria needs a whooping sum of $305trillion to actualise the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan over a period of 30 years.

The minister disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja to herald the infrastructure summit scheduled for 24th and 25th of November.

He said that when implemented, the infrastructure master plan will generate 25 million jobs for Nigerians and create investment opportunities as well as boost the economy of the country, noting that workers will be required to maintain the infrastructure for the next eight years.

The minister assured that the project will not be abandoned or aborted by the federal government along the line like previous programmes, just as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project.

He expressed optimism that the first stage of implementation will be successful, while urging Nigerians to key into the project.

“I see the first stage of the implementation being fruitful. The success is going to depend on mutual responsibility, so everyone including the press is needed to put in their best to see to the success of the project,” he said.

She is beautiful; she has love, understands; she respects herself and others; everyone likes, loves and honors her; she is a goddess.

African Proverb.

September 12, 2014

9

10/ NEWS

September 12, 2014

Fresh Attack: Gunmen Kill 20 In Zamfara

By Abba Abubakar Kabara, Gusau

After two months of uneasy calm in Zamfara State, unknown gunmen have resurfaced in some villages of Gusau local government, allegedly killing over 20 people and forcing hundreds to flee their villages to seek refuge in some neighbouring communities.

LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that last Sunday, many villagers fled their villages after a coordinated attack on their respective communities by the gunmen at Damba Model Primary School. Hundreds of dejected refugees including children besieged classroom blocks where they spent days in suspense, receiving emergency assistance from the state and local authorities.

One of the victims, Mallam Muhammadu Maidawa from Kungumau village under Mada district of Gusau local government, said that the gunmen have for long been terrorising many villages, driving away many cows and robbing people of their money and other valuables.

He said that of recent, a gang of hoodlums armed with heavy rifles besieged his village in a house-to-house assault, killing innocent people and “raping our wives and daughters’’.

He added, “There were times that this happened and we were forced at gunpoint to watch the assault’’, explaining that in the case of an old woman, they inserted dry cell battery into her private part which eventually led to her death.

“The sight of arms that they were carrying was so terrifying that there was a pregnant woman who had a miscarriage due to extreme fear and shock.’’

He regretted that all these occurred while security personnel were completely absent, “as we don’t have any police post within the locality.”

He said the communities that were attacked on the same day included Kofa, Kundubau, Wonaka, Fura Girke, Fegin Mahe, Gangara, Kukar Gandu, Kanawa, Lafiya, Gora and many others from where many people fled to safer places.

Muhammadu Waidawa told our reporter that the gunmen killed 14 persons in Akuzo village, and 19 in Zamfarawar Girke where “I personally witnessed the burial of 16 bodies”.

He said there are refugee camps in Yandoto, Shemori, Marke, Faskari, Bilbis, Unguwar Tsamiya, and Gusau, the capital city, while many fleeing victims took refuge outside the state.

A female refugee, Malama Sa’a Muhammadu narrated that they had to flee their village due to persistent threats by the Fulani gunmen who usually attack in broad daylight and rob the community of cattle and other belongings.

“We are not safe; not only our properties are unsafe, but we are often forced into sexual assault by the gunmen,” she narrated in tears.

She further said that for many months, their husbands could not spend nights in their matrimonial homes for fear of attacks by the Fulani gunmen who often besiege the village in house-to-house attacks.

L-R: Chairman of Nigeria-Kenya Joint Business Council, Sani Dangote, minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Kenya’s cabinet secretary of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Hon Felix Koskei, during the official launch of the Kenya-Nigeria Agribusiness Forum at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday.

Africa Spends $35bn Importing Food Annually - Adesina

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said that given the abundant endowment in Africa, the continent should not be spending $35billion annually on food importation.

Adesina made this observation yesterday in Nairobi, Kenyan capital, during the official launch of the Kenya-Nigeria Agribusiness Forum and the signing of MoU on bilateral trade between the two countries.

“With the unfolding global realities, where you are going to have the greatest impact is in making agriculture a business everywhere in Africa,” the minister posited.

“Whether in seeds, fertiliser, storage, processing or adding value, everything about agriculture is business. That is why I don’t understand how Africa will be spending $35billion every year importing what it produces. It should be producing a lot more.

Africa has no business importing food.”

Adesina noted that “Africa should be a dominant player in global food and agricultural market,” adding “we have land and water; we have cheap labour, and so, we should be dominant. We shouldn’t be spending $35billion a year importing what we produce. Because if we do that, we export jobs; we decimate our own rural economy; we fast-track the whole process of rural-urban migration and we have congested

cities.”

His Kenyan counterpart, Hon Felix Koskei, lamented the backward state of agriculture in the continent and in Kenya and Nigeria in particular, observing that “the dominance of primary production and marketing in crude forms are common to Nigeria and Kenya. These translate to low prices, few job opportunities and low income for farmers. Changing these will increase the income to our farmers.”

Koskei too wondered why Kenyan tea has to make a detour to another African country after first going to Europe. He disclosed that Kenyan tea comes to Nigeria through Europe under different trade names, but called for an end to the trend.

A woman will be twice bound when her chains feel comfortable.

Dominican proverbs

INEC Registers Over 1.5m Voters In Adamawa

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

The resident electoral commissioner of Adamawa State, Kashim Gaidam has disclosed that there are 1,529,636 registered voters in Adamawa State.

Gaidam, who made the disclosure during the distribution of soft copies of Adamawa State Voter Register to political parties fielding candidates for the governorship by-election slated for 11th October, 2014, said the figure was arrived at after duplicate/multiple registrations, underage voters and invalid registrations were expunged from the register.

“The register has been cleaned up and tidied through the removal of duplicate/multiple registrations, under age voters and invalid registration (i.e those whose fingerprints were not captured and those whose pictures were not clear),” he said.

He, however, noted that there are six units in Yola North, Mubi and Numan LGAs that have less than 50 voters, adding that the state INEC office has taken it up with INEC Headquarters and the outcome will be communicated to the people of the area in due course.

He stated that all the issues and challenges identified will be addressed during the Continous Voter Registration (CVR) scheduled to take place at the end of October, 2014, adding that the exercise will allow those who have not registered and those with challenges indicated above to register and obtain their PVCs for use in the 2015 elections.

My Relationship With Tinubu, Aregbesola Intact - Odunmbaku

By Olaolu olADIPO, Lagos

A prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku has dismissed insinuations that he is leaving the party for the PDP. He said he has no such plan even as he denied that former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously ill.

Odunmbaku who has been on medical vacation abroad returned to the state on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the APC leader said he spent the last two days with Tinubu in London where “he’s doing well, hale and hearty.”

He said, “I would like you to know that I spent the last two days with our indefatigable and revered leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Africa in London.

He is hale and hearty and very fit. He will soon be among us. We discussed on how to fashion out some strategies about how our party can excel in the coming general elections.”

Debunking the rumour that he had parted ways with Tinubu and the governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the deputy state chairman of APC declared at the press conference attended by several party faithful, that the rumour was an outright figment of the imagination of those looking for the downfall of APC.

11

September 12, 2014

2014 Annual Lecture And Dinner Of The BArewA OLD BOys AssOciATiOn (BOBA) in Pictures.

Dutse, Jigawa state, saturday, August 30, 2014.

(R-L) The President of BOBA, Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, CON (B.1075), the Secretary General of BOBA, Dr. Ahmed T. Mora, mni (B.2511) the 2nd Vice President of BOBA, Engr. Dahiru Ibrahim Wudil, (B.1136), Hon. Aminu Muhammad Gumel (B.2865), the Chairman, BOBA, (Jigawa State Branch) and Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Jigawa State, Hajiya Hassana Hussaini Adamu at the venue of the tree planting.

(L-R) HRH, Brig.Gen. Abubakar Garba Mohammed, OON, mni (Rtd) (B.1293), a Patron of BOBA in an interesting discussion with His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Dutse. His Royal Highness, the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje is on the forefront at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall, Dutse.

(L-R) The President of BOBA, Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, CON (B.1075), welcoming Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, GCON (B.1484) at the venue of tree planting in Dutse to commemorate the 2014 lecture and dinner.

(R-L) His Excellency, Alhaji Sule Lamido, CON (B.1528), Governor of Jigawa State; a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of BOBA, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Tsoho (B.1342) and the President of BOBA Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, CON (B.1075) admiring facilities at the new Dutse International Airport as part of the 2014 Lecture and Dinner events in Dutse.

(R-L) Deputy Comptroller, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Umaru Abbas (B.3527) receiving an award from Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, GCON (B.1484), the Chairman of the 2014 Dinner at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent site, Dutse.

(R-L) His Excellency, Alhaji Sule Lamido, CON (B.1528), the Governor of Jigawa State, the President of BOBA, Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, CON (B.1075) and the Keynote Speaker for the 2014 Annual Lecture of BOBA, Professor Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi (B.2489), the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Lokoja, at Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall, State Secretariat, Dutse, venue of the lecture.

(L-R) Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Na’amo (B.1415), Brig. Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) (B.1618), a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of BOBA and Maigirma Magajin Rafin Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed (B.1795) helping themselves during the 2014 Dinner at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent site, Dutse.

(R-L) His Excellency, the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, CON (B.1528) making his remarks before the Public Presentation of the “2014 BOBA Information Flyer”. On his right is the Secretary General of BOBA, Dr. Ahmed T. Mora, mni (B.2511).

12 NEWS NATIONAL

September 12, 2014

FG Is Enhancing Medical Services In Nigeria – Jonathan *Delay in passage of NHIS Bill frustrating Ministerial Committee on Development of the use of new medical technology. We World Class Hospitals and Diagnostic Cen- hope to benefit more from Cuban medical development of health sector- Elumelu

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the federal government was working to enhance medical services in the country by acquiring new technology and strengthening bilateral cooperation with countries like Cuba that have clear competence and expertise in the medical field.

This is even as chairman of the Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who is also the chairman of the federal government

ters, has said efforts by the government to reposition and improve service delivery in the health sector are being hampered by delays in the passage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Bill currently before the National Assembly.

President Jonathan told outgoing Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Mr. Hugo Rene Ramos Milanes, that Nigeria had already benefited from scholarships extended to some medical students to study in Cuba.

“We have enjoyed scholarships given to our students in the medical sciences and

expertise in tackling health challenges like Malaria,” the president said.

According to Jonathan, both countries could benefit from the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian economy and called on Cuban investors to explore the huge potentialities of sectors of Nigeria’s economy which have become open to foreign investors.

He commended Ambassador Milanes for his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba and wished him well in his future endeavours.

uation of the process of regularising the council polls.

He said the panels would be saddled with the task of treating petitions that may be brought before them by aggrieved parties and urged members of the panel to ensure justice and fairness.

“It is your responsibility to sit dispassionately and consider every petition brought before you,” he told them, reminding to be conscious of the fact that the task ahead of them would either make or mar their reputation.

“You should discharge your duties with-

out fear or favour and ensure you protect not only your image but that of the judiciary and the integrity of the state,” he said.

One Kabir Shuaibu is to serve as chairman of Panel 1 with the duo of Abbas Masanawa and Yahaya Daura as members, while Panel 2 has Kabir Shuaibu as its chairman with Lawal Suleiman and Haruna Dalhatu as members.

Responding on behalf of the tribunal, Kabir Shuaibu assured that they would work to the best of their ability so as to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Saraki Consoles Ex-Kwara Gov Over Wife’s Death

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Former Kwara State governor Dr. Bukola Saraki has described the death of Mrs Funmilayo Adebayo, wife of former Governor Cornelius Adebayo, as sad loss to Kwara and her entire family.

Saraki, in a condolence message by his media aide, Bamikole Omishore, said, “This is indeed a sad development for us all. I can only imagine the void that her passing away will

The Kogi State government has condoled with the management of The Sun Newspapers and the family of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, the vice chairman of newspaper’s board, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Lagos last Saturday.

A statement signed by the state commissioner of information, Zainab Suleiman Okino, yesterday, and obtained by LEADERSHIPFriday, said the government received the news of the death of Igwe with “rude shock”.

The statement noted with sadness the manner in which the life of the consummate journalist and an accomplished media professional was cut short by a “reckless motorist” in Ojodu area of Lagos.

Hajiya Zainab, on behalf of Governor Idris Wada, the government and people of Kogi State, expressed condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the management and staff of The Sun Newspapers, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Guild of Editors.

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Katsina LG Polls: CJ Inaugurates Tribunal The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Abdullahi Yusuf, yesterday, inaugurated two panels to handle petitions arising from the just concluded local government elections.

The two panels, made up of a chairman and two members each, would commence sitting at the premises of the Katsina State High court headquarters.

In a speech during the inauguration, Justice Yusuf said panel was constituted in line with relevant law to ensure contin-

BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

Insecurity: ACF Writes Jonathan, Expresses Doubt Over Sincerity To Ending Insurgency

L-R: Chairman Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) and Primate of Anglican Communion Most Rev Nicholas Okoh presenting the 2014 grand handlers agreement to Mrs. Mary Manzo of Rubicon Travels, Asia Tours, in Israel.

BY MUAZU ELAZEH, Katsina

Kogi Condoles With The Sun, Igwe’s Family

create for her husband, the children and the entire family.”

He said that Kwara had lost a virtuous and hard-working woman who supported her husband to achieve greatness as a profound politician, nationalist and teacher.

“No doubt, it is a trying period for everyone who has had one form of contact or the other with her, her immediate family and close associates. But I hope that the family, especially, will draw strength from the

knowledge that the thoughts and prayers of Kwarans and indeed Nigerians are with you during this our of bereavement.”

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and called for prayers for the family.

“On behalf of the good people of Kwara State and my humble self, I express our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. We share in your grief and I join you personally in prayers and thoughts as you go through this difficult time of mourning,” he said.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has written an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on the security situation in Nigeria and in particular Northern Nigeria, urging him to urgently deal decisively with all forms of insurgency particularly those posed by the Boko Haram sect and also reclaim Nigeria territories from the insurgents.

The open letter addressed to President Jonathan and dated September 10, 2014 was signed by its chairman and secretarygeneral, IGP Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie (rtd) and Col. JIP Ubah respectively.

ACF in the letter also expressed doubt over President Jonathan’ssincerity to ending the activities of Boko Haram in the northeastern part of the country, saying, “We are left with no option but to strongly believe that a covert war is being waged against the North.”

According to the letter, the forum was compelled to write the letter to Mr. President in the face of what it described as the country’s glaring drift to anarchy and dismemberment since the advent of the Boko Haram menace in 2009.

ACF wrote: “The spate of assassinations, murder, arson, destruction of lives and property of innocent citizens in the North East in particular and the entire North in general has continued unabated and assuming an unprecedented gravity and ferocity.

“It is looking more like an agenda being executed sequentially and successfully too.

The imposition of the emergency rule notwithstanding, towns and villages in the States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are being sacked and Nigerian territories being seized, while some insurgents are hoisting flags in a conquering fashion.

“Worst still Nigerian citizens in the affected areas are being slaughtered like animals, women and children have been kidnapped and raped.”

September 12, 2014

13

14 NEWS NATIONAL

September 12, 2014

Polling Units: Nigerians Have Right To Query INEC – Fayemi

By ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to be thorough in its activities.

The governor, while speaking on the outcries generated by the creation of over 30,000 additional polling units across the country said such will boost the commission’s integrity among the electorate.

He gave the advice yesterday while collecting his new 64-page e- international passport alongside his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

While justifying INEC’s action, Fayemi said Prof Attahiru Jega may not have committed any offence if the policy is targeted at making voting points closer and easier for Nigerians , rather than to give any party or region undue advantage.

Speaking on the polling units created before June 21 poll in Ekiti, the governor declared that the number was raised from 2, 195 to over 2,800 based on the request of the state government, to allow the citizens to perform their civic responsibility.

He said, “INEC is in the eye of the storm. INEC must not just be fair, it must be seen to be fair because it has a duty to communicate what it has been doing to ordinary Nigerians, in a very clear and concise way that cannot be controverted.”

I Fought Armed Robbery, Cultism, Kidnapping In Rivers – AIG Ogunsakin

L-R: Independent Democratic Party (IDP) coordinator, Akwa Ibom State Comrade Andy Oduabuk, IDP party chairman, Zamfara State Mr Abubakar Bala Wankande, IDP national chairman Mr Edozie Madu during IDP’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Kukah Preaches Unity To End Insurgency

BY Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Edo State stood still as creme de la creme from all sectors including the political class yesterday stormed Benin City, for the 80th birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawa Igbinedion.

Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, called for unity among Nigerians to fight insurgency and ensure the continued unity of the country. No fewer than 10 private jets landed at the Benin Airport yesterday In his homily at the St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Kukah told wealthy persons that God would judge them on the way they used their wealth to help the poor.

He also urged Muslims to reciprocate the

generosity Christians have demonstrated among other religious sects, adding that it is only a united Nigeria that can guarantee elections and elective positions.

Kukah said “Let us pray for our country, let us pray for the president, let us pray for those in whose hands the responsibility of governing our country has been entrusted. Let us pray for our military, this is not the time for us to share blames; we are in a boat which is threatening to sink; we need to get to safety first before we start sharing blames because in the final analysis; we must have a country before we can conduct election; we must have a country before we can have a president; we must have a country before we can have governors; we must have a country before we can call ourselves citizens and the future of our

country is at stake.”

On need for religious tolerance and unity he said, “We have had quite a good number of Christians who have built mosques, and donated them to Muslims, some governors who are Christians and many wealthy none Muslims have built huge and medium size mosques across the country for their Muslims constituents, but I am yet to hear or see the same thing credited to our Muslim brothers.”

Notable personalities at the service were the Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, his deputy Pius Odubu, PDP national chairman Adamu Muazu, Chief Anthony Anenih, minsiter of works Mike Onolememen, state chairman of the PDP Dan orbih, former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, his wife Eki, and Mrs. Kema Chikwe, among others.

Arewa Youths Blast Southern Leaders Over Polling Units Creation

BY anayo onukwugha, Abuja

Newly promoted assistant inspector-general of police (AIG), Mr. Tunde Johnson Ogunsakin, has said that the major challenges he faced as the commissioner of police in Rivers State was the fight against armed robbery, cultism and kidnapping in the state.

Ogunsakin, who disclosed this yesterday in Port Harcourt, during a valedictory interactive session with journalists, said the state Police Command under him deployed the best practices and rules of engagement in fighting crimes in the state.

He said, “The three challenges we faced in Rivers State were cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery. We set up anti-cultism unit which reported directly to me. The unit checked the activities of cultists who were terrorising the state.

“Also kidnapping constituted a major concern for the state and as such we undertook the task of tackling it from different angles.

We sought to sensitise and involve every member of the society in the fight against its perpetrators. This informed the launching of a campaign in Port Harcourt which was well attended by the different stakeholders.”

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) yesterday expressed surprise over the reaction of the southern leaders to the proposed new delineation of polling units preparatory for next year’s election.

In a statement by the national president of the forum, Gambo Gujungu, the group said “It has become pertinent to put the records straight in view of the fact that we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project”.

The statement reads in part, “It is strange to us at AYF as the umbrella body of all youths

in the north that the same people that have hailed Professor Attahiru Jega after the 2011 general elections even when some of his own people vilified him has turn around so soon to accuse the man just because of suspicion.

“During the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Jega was hailed by all for doing a good job, why are some people all of a sudden losing faith in him and do not believe that the man can do a good job.

“Even the international community hailed the commission after the 2011 election and the recent polls in the country. We believe the accusations are not only done in bad faith

but those championing same should be called to order.

“If the accusations do not have an ulterior motive, we believe that many of these people organising press conference has what it takes to go to INEC and seek clarification about the situation.

“We are also bothered that any issue whatsoever in Nigeria these days is politicised along regional lines. Because some people believed that they are closer to the president do not make them automatic spokesman of their people. Elders should behave like one so that the young ones will not emulate them.”

Niger Records N10bn Revenue Shortfall

By Abu Nmodu , Minna

The Niger State government has recorded about 80 per cent half year budget performance even as it recorded a shortfall of N10billion from receipt from the federation account for the period.

The commissioner of budget , economic planning and deputy chairman of the state Planning Commission, Mallam Yaha-

ya Dan-Sallau told journalists yesterday in Minna that the shortfall came from statutory allocation from the federation account.

He however said that the statutory allocation for the first half of the year was N24.502billion representing 70.3 per cent as against the target of N34.849billion and represented 58.5 per cent of the total expected revenue for the period.

Dan-sallau said that despite the short fall the 2014 budget of the state has performed well within the period under review as the internally generated revenue (IGR) raked in N2.58bn representing 81 per cent of the expected IGR for the period.

He said the capital receipts performance rate was 158 per cent and contributed 20.83 per cent of the entire revenue inflow.

A person looks only on the outside of things; God looks into the very heart.

Dominican proverbs

BUSINESS NEWS /15

September 12, 2014

business news Energy Policy: FG Targets Additional 2,483MW By 2015

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The federal government has said it is targeting an additional 2,483 megawatts (mw) of electricity to the national grid by 2015.

But this target, government says, is dependent on whether it is able to realise deliverables on a short term in the proposed Renewable Energy Policy (REP).

This was made known yesterday in Abuja by the director, Electrical Inspectorate Services (EIS), Ministry of Power, Mr Abayomi Adebisi, while presenting the draft of the National Policy on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency during a stakeholders’ workshop.

Adebisi, who disclosed that the policy development is being facilitated by development partners with a grant from

a German agency, GIZ, said that large and small hydro is expected to contribute 2,121mw and 140mw respectively to renewable energy generation next year, with another 117mw expected from solar.

“We pooled over 30 documents from people who had done something on renewable energy. We got a committee of experts to develop the policy, and the draft was approved by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREE) in May 2013,” he said.

Giving further details of the target in the proposed REP, Adebisi said it is expected that 8,188mw will be achieved with renewable energy by 2020 on a medium term while the long term target is 23,134mw by year 2030.

CBN’s N2bn Fund Tears Ogun Assembly Apart

by Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Confusion reigned at the Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) on yesterday over a two billion naira fund for the promotion of small and medium scale enterprises.

According to a release tagged, “Press Statement on HR 232/2014 of Ogun State House of Assembly,” signed by 13 members against the process led by Remmy Hassan, any matter related to money should be passed by two-third majority of the members.

The group said the 13 members were not against the fund but the process that the House leadership followed.

“The commissioner for finance and OSAMCA were invited to shed more light on the issue and finally made it to the interface yesterday 2014 along with the commissioner for commerce.

“However, some of the answers were unconvincing, hence the request by us, the undersigned, that some structures be first put in place before the OGHA concurrence can be gotten.

“That some members feel that the answers were not enough to grant the house approval,” the release stated in part.

The group also accused the House leadership of breaking a law in passing the resolution.

“On the floor of the OGHA, however, the speaker stood due process on the head by not allowing debate on the matter but choosing to rule on it in favour of approval.

“That the matter concerned falls under the provisions of the Financial Instrument Law of Ogun State 2012 passed into law on October 12, 2012, and assented by the governor on October 19, 2012,” the release read in part.

The group then called on the CBN not to honour the resolution.

“That the purported passage by the speaker is illegal, disorderly, unconstitutional and completely ultra vires,” the statement read.

However, the faction that passed the resolution, led by the chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Olusola Bankole, said due process was followed in passing the bill, saying it was not a loan but a fund for all states.

According to him the disbursement of the fund would be through the Ogun State Agricultural and Multi-purpose Credit Agency which will then release the monies to co-operatives for onward distribution to beneficiaries.

Market Capitalisation Sheds N42bn OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Trading on the stock market closed on a negative note yesterday as market capitalisation went down by N42 billion to close at N13.458 trillion as against the N13.500 trillion posted on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) went down by 0.31 per cent or 128.20 points to close at 40,757.20 points from the 40,885.40 achieved on Wednesday on the back of losses recorded by blue chips stocks like Oando, Guaranty Trust Bank and Dangote Cement.

Conoil recorded the highest price loss of N5.73 to close at N53.16 per share. Guinness lost N5.46 to close at N168.04 while Dangote Cement dipped by N2 to close at N218.

Oando dropped 49 kobo to close at N25.2 while CAP lost 30 kobo to close at N39.40.

Conversely, Seplat led the gainers by N20 to close at N670 per share. It was trailed by Forte Oil with a gain of N4.98 to close at N225 while PZ Cussons appreciated by 78 kobo to close at N35. Premier Breweries chalked up by 37 kobo to close at N4.02 while Dangote Sugar rose by 24

kobo to close at N8.65 per share.

The total transaction of yesterday went down by 30.9 per cent as investors traded 267.10 million shares valued at N3.06 billion in 4,756 deals.

Access Bank emerged the most traded equity with 38.84 million shares worth N368.17 million.

UBA Capital followed with 34.03 million shares valued at N70.68 million while UBA traded 22.33 million shares worth N162.88 million. Guaranty Trust Bank sold 21.47 million shares cost N640.77 million and Transcorp sold 16.13 million shares valued at N100.93 million.

L-R: Waheed Olagunju receiving the 2014 Corporate Ambassadors award from the former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu at an impressive ceremony in London, United Kingdom.

FG’s Housing Scheme: 66,402 Scramble For 10,000 Mortgages

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

No fewer than 66,402 applicants, which is more than six times the 10,000 mortgages expected to be financed under the pilot phase of the scheme, have applied for the home loans from the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC).

The coordinating minister for the economy and minister of finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who revealed this, yesterday, while giving an update on the outcome of the first batch of the federal government guaranteed mortgage facilities in Abuja, said 51 per cent of the 66,402 valid applicants have expressed interest in owning homes in Abuja while 18 per cent preferred Lagos.

She said the applications, which spread across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed that 96 per cent of the

applicants currently live in rented apartments and out of this figure, 63 per cent of applicants were male, 37 per cent female while 89 per cent applied for the homes individually and 11 per cent were joint applications (husband and wife).

Stating that the selection process will be transparent, she said that all the 66,402 valid applications would be given to the 17 mortgage lenders and four commercial banks that are members of the NMRC lending banks to sort out the pre-qualification and invite applicants that meet the criteria for discussion between now and the next eight weeks. She said names of successful applicants would be made public through the media.

Speaking at the occasion, the president, Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria, Mr Femi Johnson, said his organisation

was ready and prepared to support the process. He assured that the process would be further streamlined and more staff hired to ensure the process is completed within six weeks.

The minister said that almost 60 per cent of the applicants were in the 31-40 age bracket, and 15 per cent 21-30, indicating that a healthy 75 per cent of young people were willing to buy homes and can easily have tenors of up to 20 years for their mortgages. A further analysis of the applications showed that most of the applicants prefer 3-bedroom flats/houses as 62.7 per cent of the applicants applied to acquire this property type. 32 per cent wanted 2-bedroom flats and a small percentage applied for 1 bedroom flats and 1 bedroom self-contained flats. According to her, 92 per cent of applicants were in stable employed positions while eight per cent were self-employed.

Not saved every movement is money progress; SomeDanish movements areMoney just ataken, way offreedom burning fats! ― Israelmore Ayivor Money is as good as gained.

Proverb forsaken. ― German Ayivor

16 BUSINESS NEWS

Diamond Bank Opens Multipurpose Branch OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

In a bid to raise the bar in customer service delivery in the financial services sub-sector, Diamond Bank Plc has opened to customers a multi-purpose banking centre at Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The banking centre is structured to deliver twenty four- seven full banking services to customers, and is fitted with world-class facilities like e-centre for electronic financial transactions, lounge for exclusive banking, Internet access for Internet banking among others.

All the bank’s different categories of financial services; private banking, corporate banking, retail banking etc are available in the newly-launched branch.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the group managing director/ CEO, Dr. Alex Otti said, the bank has projected further into the future of banking in Nigeria by developing the edifice that can conveniently serve all the categories of customers of the bank.

He said, “Diamond Bank has gone into the future to develop a holistic banking hall that can serve all the needs of customers.

The branch has the following facilities; an e-center for electronic financial transactions, a lounge for exclusive banking

amongst others. It is a new generation branch where customers’ interests are best served. Diamond Bank has brought tomorrow’s bank to her customers today.”

Some of the bank’s customers that graced the occasion expressed their excitement at the innovation by the bank, adding that the futuristic nature and customer centric approach adopted by the bank would make it the toast of customers.

According to the managing director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Engineer Mutiu Sunmonu, Diamond Bank has actually peeped into the future and solved problems that the current banking service generates for customers.

“This for me is a dream come true. I have been looking forward to banking being done in the most modern manner and what I am seeing here gives me joy. It shows that banking in Nigeria is really transforming and improving in their quality offering. I want to thank Diamond Bank for leading this revolution,” Sunmonu said.

Also speaking, chairman, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Chief Ephraim Faloughi, a longstanding customer of the bank, stated that the flagship branch has become a prototype of banking hall, which should be considered as a minimum standard in the country’s banking industry.

Waheed Olagunju Honoured As Corporate Ambassador By BEN TV OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Executive director, (Small and Medium Enterprises) Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju, has been conferred with the award of Corporate Ambassador at the 2014 Nigeria Arise Awards ceremony organized recently by BEN Television of London.

Olagunju was honoured primarily for his services to the corporate world, particularly his dedicated service to the Bank of Industry since its inception in 2001. The organizers specifically noted the central role that Mr Olagunju played in the successful New World Nigeria International Campaign that was one of the business and cultural side events of the 2012 London Olympics the high point of which was the High Level Business and Investment Summit on Nigeria that took place at the Dorchester in the United Kingdom

According to the award citation, Mr Olagunju, who joined the Bank of Industry’s precursor institution the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) in 1990 as a senior manager, rose to the position of executive director (Business Development) in 2012. He also acted as managing director/ chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI) between 11th April and 16th May, 2014 and was recently reassigned as the Executive Director (Small and Medium Enterprises) under the Bank’s management team led

by Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, BOI’s new managing director and chief executive.

While thanking the organisers of the Nigeria Arise Awards for the honour and recognition, Mr Waheed Olagunju dedicated the award to his professional colleagues at the Bank of Industry.

September 12, 2014

Portland Paints Inaugurates Experience Centre OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of UAC Nigeria Plc, has formally inaugurated Sandtex Paints Experience Centre (SPEC) in Lagos.

The experience centre is coming on the heels of Portland Paints’ current growth drive and upgrading of first In-Plant & Point of Sale (POS) Colour Tinting technology in the Nigerian paints industry.

Speaking at the event, the group managing director of UAC and chairman of Portland Paints, Mr. Larry Ettah stated that the company’s new offering reinforces

the UAC Group’s values which emphasizes innovation and customer focus as a significant boost to the company’s business thrust.

Mr. Ettah, who was represented on the occasion by Mr. Joe Dada, executive director, Corporate Services of UAC, explained that the innovative solutions proffered by the company would ensure that customers have greater access to quality products in a more comfortable ambience.

In his remarks on the occasion, managing director/CEO of Portland Paints, Mr. Olufemi Oguntade said the introduction of the In-plant tinting system at the factory and

the POS system at the retail outlet would provide a broader range of colours to the customers for both commercial and individual building projects.

According to Oguntade, the company is committed to delivering exceptional value to all our customers through our Sandtex flagship brand. Customers will now enjoy up to a thousand more colours with improved products that come in new, modern and attractive packaging which will be available within minutes at our newly upgraded experience centres; all these are geared towards satisfying our customers who are key to the growth of our business.

L-R: First vice president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and United States Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, during the Building African Financial Markets ((BAFM) capacity building seminar at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton, South Africa.

FG Seeks States’ Support To Curb Illegal Mining

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The federal government through the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, has called on states government to support its efforts in curbing illegal mining activities in the various states.

He said this was necessary because revenue from mining went straight into the federation account for distribution and effective running of the various tiers of government.

Speaking while presenting a brand new Hilux Jeep donated by the Katsina State government to support monitoring and inspection

activities on illegal miners in Abuja yesterday, Sada stressed the need for states to support the efforts of the sector for the good of the nation.

He said, “The purpose of the donation is to do with our efforts in trying to curb illegal mining activities in the country.

“The federal government through the Ministry in the beginning of the year had appealed to state governments to support the struggle to curb the illegal mining menace. Some states responded to that call, and that is why today one of the state we are celebrating is the Katsina State government, who donated a brand new

Hilux pickup for the purpose of inspecting mining activities in Katsina state.

“We celebrate this effort and I think this is something other state governments should emulate. It is not okay to just sit down and say it is a federal government affair, the revenue that comes out of it may be to the federal government but the issues and activities that come out of mining within the state can sometimes affect the internal security of the state” He maintained that supporting the federal government effort in this regard will go a long way in boosting the revenue accruing to the country.

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Not every movement is progress; Some movements are just a way of burning fats!

― Israelmore Ayivor

MotoRInG /17

September 12, 2014

GM Builds Selfdriven Cars In 2016 StOrieS By SAmSOn eCHenim, Lagos

General Motors (GM) Company will in 2016 introduce its first car that can communicate with other vehicles to help avoid accidents and ease traffic congestion, the company’s chief executive officer, Ms Mary Barra, has said.

The company will also introduce more advanced technology allowing hands-free driving in some cases, she said.

“I am convinced customers will embrace vehicle-to-vehicle and automated driving technologies for one simple reason: they are the answer to everyday problems that people want solved,” she said in a text of a speech delivered at a conference.

Auto companies, academics and

government agencies globally are working to develop cameras, sensors, radar and other technologies that allow vehicles and surrounding infrastructure like stoplights to alert each other about nearby driving conditions.

The industry is rolling out such features as adaptive cruise control, crash-imminent braking and semi-automated, hands-free driving like GM’s ‘Super Cruise’ feature to make roads safer.

However, GM and other auto makers have emphasised that even with hands-free driving, drivers will be responsible and need to maintain attention on the road.

Meanwhile, the internet search company, Google Inc, is working to develop fully autonomous vehicles.

Cadillac SuperCruise HandsOff

Mercedes Passenger Cars Sales Rise By 9.7% In August Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz said it sold 118,887 passenger cars in August, showing a 9.7 per cent improvement on the year. The figures were helped by small car sales and record deliveries in China and the United States, according to a Reuters report.

Mercedes sales however fell 6.2 per cent in Germany, the brand’s home market, but growth of 9.4 per cent in the United States to 27,078 vehicles and of 18.3 per cent in China to 21,398 cars helped the brand achieve its highest-ever sales in August.

Demand for compact cars, which include the A-Class, B-class and CLA coupe, rose almost 30 per cent, while sales of the flagship S-class model more than doubled.

In the eight months through August, Mercedes has sold 1,032,410 vehicles, an increase of 12.3 per cent year-onyear.

The divisional board member responsible for sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr Ola Kaellenius, said, the launch of new models would provide a further boost this year.

mercedes SL-Class of cars

Stallion Motors, Diamond Bank Unveil Car Acquisition Plans Stallion Motors Limited in collaboration with Diamond Bank Plc has inaugurated new sales offer for desiring customers to discover the uniqueness of precision engineered Volkswagen and Skoda passenger cars in a commemorative sales bonanza tagged “Nigeria Centenary Celebration Bonanza.”

Announcing the scheme in Lagos recently, Volkswagen Nigeria head of sales and marketing, Mr Manish Daryanani, said the offer was designed with a seamless repayment sequence to ease the process of vehicle ownership.

Daryanani said the bonanza which is ongoing offers for sale a select Volkswagen and Skoda models including Volkswagen Polo, Jetta, Passat and CC variants as well as Skoda Rapid and Octavia models.

He said customers could walk into any of Stallion Motors’ Volkswagen and Skoda showrooms nationwide to place their orders.

Volkswagen and Skoda are part of the Volkswagen Group marketed in Nigeria under the Stallion Motors franchise.

Also speaking at the inauguration, Skoda World head of sales and marketing, Mr Sanjay Rupani, said the scheme is open to all customers, including those with or without functional account at Diamond Bank Plc. He said the trio of Volkswagen, Skoda and Diamond Bank Plc have cautiously designed the scheme to enable beneficiaries’ access interest free funds without necessarily paying processing fees or showing collateral.

A brand of Volkswagen Passat

Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn’t work; and second, failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.

Roger von Oech, American author, inventor and speaker

18/ TOURISM

September 12, 2014

Insurgency: FG To Rehabilitate Destroyed Heritage Sites

L-R: Acting director-general of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Abdulhameed Mohammed Sheriff and the newly-appointed DG of the Institute, Mrs Chika Balogun at the official handover ceremony in Abuja recently. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE

New Tourism Institute D-G Pledges Transformation Stories By Chika Okeke, Abuja

The Tourism ministry, department and agencies are faced with challenges ranging from poor facilities, inadequate manpower, funding and globalization, which had contributed to a decline in tourism-related events.

However, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), saddled with the responsibility of providing training and manpower development for the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria and West Africa, has fallen short of its mandate, a situation tit attributed to poor facilities within the institute.

At the official handover ceremony organized for the newly-appointed director-general of the Institute, Mrs Chika Balogun, at its headquarters in Abuja, the acting director-general of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Abdulhameed Mohammed Sheriff, lamented that poor facilities for trainees was one of the major problems confronting the institute and that efforts made in the past to upgrade the facilities did not yield desired result.

Sheriff took over as the acting helmsman of NIHOTOUR after his predecessor, Dr Munzali Dantata, bowed out, having completed his two-term in office.

While handing over, Sheriff said, “Our funding has been dwindling in recent years. We have been number two in the hierarchy of things and we are now second to the last out of the parastatals in the Ministry.”

He pointed out that the inability of the institute to own a 5-Star hotel

was a major setback in carrying out training programme even as he expressed optimism that the helmsman would improve the condition of the institute.

“Our counterparts have 5-Star hotels as their training hotel and we don’t have any training hotel. We only work on papers and sometimes reach agreement with friendly hotels to send our staff and students for training.”

He expressed optmism that the new D-G will improve the condition of the institute. “Apart from this, we have a lot of challenges that we need to work as a team in order to move this institute forward.”

Responding, the D-G of NIHOTOUR, Mrs Chika Balogun, noted that she was familiar with some of the challenges and promised to transform the sector with cooperation from the staff and other stakeholders.

Prior to her appointment, Mrs Balogun was the senior special assistant (Special Duties) to minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High, Edem Duke.

She was hopeful of creating avenues for generating funds through private sector partnership saying that though it might take some process but she believed in solving problems since challenges would always exist.

She said, “Funding is a general challenge because government has many pressing needs but if we have a strong case; I believe very soon we will make headway and move this sector forward. In addition to federal government’s funding, we

have to create avenues for additional funding and by doing this, we have to create values through which private sector will come.”

On the issue of training and capacity building, she said, “This is the powerhouse of this sector.

I promise to work hard to achieve this and I expect the same work from everybody. We will look for avenues of increasing the quality of our training and NIHOTOUR must have its own hotel to train people.”

Earlier, the federal government through the minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, announced the appointment of Mrs. Dayo Keshi, as the chief executive officer of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

Mrs Keshi, who recently retired as director, Cultural Industry and Heritage in the Ministry, after 33 years in active service, replaced Mr Mwajim Malgwi Maidugu, who bowed out after his two-term in office.

Also, Mr. Ferdinand Anikwe was appointed as the director-general of Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), where he replaced Professor Tunde Babawale.

Until his appointment, Anikwe was the special adviser to Enugu State Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, a position he held after retirement as the permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry for Culture and Tourism.

This appointment brings to three, the number of females overseeing the activities of parastatals in Tourism Ministry.

As part of its efforts to revive the nation’s cultural heritage, the Federal Government has stated its readiness to rehabilitate heritage sites destroyed by insurgents in conflict afflicted zones in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke at the opening of a 5-day capacity building programme for the protection of cultural heritage in the conflict-afflicted zones of Nigeria, organised by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments ( NCMM ) in collaboration with Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development (PCF) Netherlands and International Centre for the study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Abuja.

The workshop, which drew participants from conflictafflicted zones in Nigeria as well as culture-affiliated parastatals in the ministry was part of activities lined up by NCMM to respond to the growing threat faced by cultural heritage during the crisis.

Duke called on traditional and religious leaders to assist NCMM in protecting the heritage resources even as he commended the PCF, ICCROM and their host countries, the Netherlands and Italy, for their longlasting support to Nigeria as well as the universe.

Responding, the director-general of NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, regretted that damaged heritage sites in crisis prone areas were neglected for the past three years saying that ignorance on the part of policy makers was partly responsible for the neglect.

While appreciating PCF for sponsoring the programme, he reminded federal government that ‘resettling people hit by crisis without restoring their valuable way of life cannot be said to have been resettled.

NCAC Seeks Stakeholders Partnership On Culture Devt The chief executive officer of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mrs Dayo Keshi has called on stakeholders and private sectors to partner with the sector towards preserving our culture in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

She stated this at her maiden media briefing with NCAC directors and zonal coordinators at NCAC headquarters in Abuja.

She, “If the role of culture in our development process has not been properly and adequately appreciated, we must use every opportunity to make a change, re-dedicate our commitment and to use what we have in building a dynamic future by making sure that culture takes its rightful place in our developmental process.”

While calling on the media to create awareness by highlighting the strength of the sector, she was optimistic that the cultural industries would create viable employment and reduce rural-urban migration when fully developed.

On National Festival on Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and African Arts and Craft (AFAC) expo, she maintained that it would be given due consideration by creating viable platform between the manufacturers and consumers noting that her target was to make it more economically vibrant.

Keshi, who appreciated the efforts of her predecessor, said, “I am here to provide the necessary leadership and vision not only to further advance the accomplishment of our mandate but more importantly, to make Nigerians appreciate the relevance of our culture and the need to preserve it globally.”

She was optimistic that the sector would seek additional ways of revenue generation by connecting with private sectors even as she sought the cooperation of the staff in achieving her laudable objectives.

The system will always be defended by those countless people who have enough intellect to defend but not quite enough to innovate.

Edward de Bono, Maltese physician, author, inventor and consultant.

AGRICULTURE /19

September 12, 2014

AgriC REPORT

Crown Flour Mill Introduces Can Nigerian Farmers Practice New Agriculture As A Business?

Products Into Kano Market A farm

A major struggle of the federal government’s transformation agenda is to ensure that farming is no longer practiced as a developmental programme but as a business. But how ready are Nigerian farmers to take advantage of the economic benefits this portends, Ruth Tene Natsa asks.

The federal government should buy off farmers’ excess produce during harvest and store them in strategic reserves so that in the dry season when such produce are scarce, they can be brought out

Practising agriculture as a business is aimed at ensuring that Nigerian farmers earn profits from their efforts rather than just working hard but living in poverty as was the case in the past when people were of the opinion that farming is all work and no gain.

In the past, farming was hard work as most Nigerian farmers were rural dwellers who farm using crude methods (hoes and cutlasses), which led to lots of hard work with very little yield.

Another implication was that due to the subsistence level of farming practiced, there were few storage facilities in the country which led to lots of post-harvest loss affecting, particularly, fruits and vegetables, leading to very little profit being made from agriculture as what was not sold or consumed was lost within a short time.

Towards curtailing this, the federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, built a number of silos while developing food processing companies. The aim is to ensure that there is a ready market for farm produce, while

fresh foods, fruits and vegetables are processed in order to keep them fresh while also creating a means of exporting excesses.

However, even though government is optimistic that farmers can practice agriculture as a business, others argue that it is not feasible. Making his point, a commercial farmer of grains in Kaduna State, Chief Eric Ozungwu, was of the opinion that before farming can be practiced as a business, there is the need to see and practice agriculture with a view towards ensuring food security. This will help the peasant farmers to grow from subsistence to commercial farming.

He noted that government’s approach of empowering farmers by providing them with farm equipment and seedlings through the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) was a major boost to tackling the challenges of farmers being unable to access farming materials.” He recalled that in the past two years, the price of fertiliser went down from N6,500 to N2,500 because of government’s intervention but maintained that despite the success of the scheme, it was yet to trickle down to the peasant farmers. He added that “this disadvantage was discouraging to the farmers who would need to practice agriculture as a business.”

Ozungwu maintained that in ensuring that farming is successfully practiced as a business, “the federal government should buy off farmers’ excess produce during harvest and store them in

strategic reserves so that in the dry season when such produce are scarce, they can be brought out,” noting that “this will help to regulate prices of farm produce during scarcity.”

He added that for agriculture to be practiced as a business successfully, government must be consistent in training farmers through extension service workers, recalling that in the 1960s, the ADP advised farmers on the best way to improve their farming and went further to help them implement these techniques.

“They suddenly disappeared but there is the need to bring back extension services if agriculture is to be practiced as a business,” he said.

Another way to ensure the success of this scheme is to ensure that since all land is owned by government, a legislation should be put in place to make land available while ensuring that certificates of occupancy are made readily available to help farmers access loans.

Ozungwu also was of the opinion that to harmonise and create a synergy between farmers would help in the success of the scheme.

For instance, if the fulani cattle rearers who move about with their cattle should settle their cattle in farms, the cattle dungs will be manure to the farm lands and the chaff from the farm is given as feed to the cattle, the cattle would be fatter while the farm lands would become rich from the dungs used as manure, thus, creating a synergy between these farmers.

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Crown flour mill has, yesterday, in Kano, launched the new Mama Gold pure white semolina and Mama Gold whole wheat meal into the Kano State market.

The launching that took place during the company’s 2014 Customer Forum/Award ceremony held at the Tahir Guest palace, had in attendance the company’s customers from the Northern region.

In his address, the managing director of the company, Nour Shukhrah, stated that the company’s decision to introduce the new products into the Kano market was as a result of the several demands made by the their customers on the need to have newly and well-packaged products with improved standard.

He added that the company had promised to extend its capacity and the introduction of the new products is one aspect of yielding to its customers’ demand. According to him the company is always willing to accept positive criticism that will enhance the company’s service delivery.

The commercial director of the company, Sikiru Ali, said the new products, which come in 10kg, 5kg, 2kg and 1kg packages, has been enriched with protein and is specially made for the whole family, diabetic patients inclusive.

During the event, the company awarded some of its customers that have distinguished themselves in the sales of its products.

20/ tax f0cus

September 12, 2014

Taxation Of Contract And Direct Labour Procurement For MDAs (2) Financial Regulation, Extant Circulars And Public Procurement

up to N50,000.00 approved by the accounting officer. Applications for non-personal advance must state the reason for the advance, the method of clearance and the person to be held responsible for clearing the advance. (viii). In the disbursement of funds for non-personal advance for project/special programmes, the leader of the project/ special programmes shall’ be the accounting officer and shall approve all payments, while an accountant of an appropriate grade shall be attached to each project/special programmes and have responsibility for the disbursements as well as retirements of the non-personal advances.

By the content of accountant general for the Federation’s circular on the operation of year 2009 General imprest warrant, the following became applicable: (i). All accounting officers in the three arms of government, including ministries, extraministerial offices and agencies, are now authorized to approve funds to eligible imprest holders. (ii). The limit of reimbursable imprests shall be as follows:-

tax in focus

The Nigerian Financial Regulations, 2009, stipulates a contract can be read into the that:actions of two or more persons (i) Government contracts are or companies/enterprises, made in accordance with the such transaction must attract ordinary law of contract through withholding tax at 5%. offer by one party and acceptance The Federal Inland Revenue by the other.

Service Establishment Act 2007 (ii) The Public Procurement in:Act, 2007(PPA) provides detailed (i).Section 25 (2) states requirements and guidelines for that: The Service may, with the procurement contracts in respect approval of the Minister by of goods and services in the Instrument published in the public sector i.e. ministries, extraFederal Gazette, appoint any ministerial offices, other arms of Government Agency to collect government revenue pursuant to the power of (iii) (A)The Public Procurement the Service under subsection (1) Act applies to all procurements of this section. made by the following federal (ii).Section 24 states that government agencies, viz:the Accountant-General of the (a) All ministries, extraFederation shall have power ministerial offices, other arms of to deduct at source, from the government; and budgetary allocation, un(b) All agencies of government remitted taxes due from any that derive at least 35% of their ministry or government agency operational funds through and shall not later than 30 appropriation from the days therefore transfer such Consolidated Revenue Fund. deductions to the Service.

(B) The Act does not apply to (iii).Section 40 of FIRS procurements of special goods, Establishment Act 2007 works and services Designation of Imprest Holder Limit of Reimbursable Imprest involving national security unless the N express approval of the Hon. Minister 300,000.00 President has been first sought and obtained.

Permanent Secretary/Director General 200,000.00 (iv) All procurement Director 100,000.00 contracts by all Ministries, extraHead of Unit or Branch in States Ministerial offices, or any other imprest Holder 60,000.00 and other arms of (iii). The frequency of Government shall be provides that; Any person who reimbursement of any standing executed in a manner that shall imprest shall normally be once in a is being obliged to deduct any be prescribed and allowed by the tax under this Act or the taxes quarter and shall not exceed twice Bureau for Public Procurements. listed in the First Schedule to in a quarter where the need arises. (v) All bidders in a contract for this Act, but fails to deduct, or (iv). All accounting officers and public procurement must show having deducted fails to pay proof of eligibility for the award of officers controlling expenditure to the Service within 30 days are to ensure that all local the contract. They must prove the procurement of stores and services from the date the amount was following amongst others, viz:deducted or duty to deduct costing above N200,000.00 shall (a)They possess the necessary arose, commits an offence and be made only through award of technical qualification shall, upon conviction, be liable contracts. (b)They possess the machinery, to pay the tax withheld or not equipment and manpower for the remitted in addition to a penalty job; Source Deductions And The of 10 per cent of the tax not (c)They have the legal capacity Nigerian Tax Laws remitted per annum and interest to enter into the contract i.e. they By the content of FIRS Circular at the prevailing Central Bank are not under a receivership nor No 9801 of 1998, it is now of Nigeria Re-discount rate and are they insolvent; explicit that all types of contract imprisonment for a period of not (d)They are not tax evaders; and payment, whether on oral or more than three years. (e)None of their directors has written contract will attract Tax By the provision of the been convicted in respect of any deduction. Where, for example, Companies Income Tax [Rates offence! crime involving fraud, there is a written contractual etc, of Tax Deduction at Source financial misappropriation or sale of goods or materials by (Withholding Tax)] Regulations falsification of records. government or a trading concern of 1995: (vi)Persons who have been to another, the payment for (i). Persons qualified to deduct involved in the preparation of the transaction will be subject tax at source include body, procurement proceedings shall not to withholding tax at five per corporate, and unincorporated, qualify to bid for the procurement cent. Similarly, where there is a government ministry, either as a main contractor or sub- no written contract but through department and agency, a local contractor. an arrangement, a government government, a statutory body, (vii)Advances of non-personal or company places an order for a public authority and any character shall be authorized purchase from another company, other institution, organization, by the minister of finance, such a transaction must also establishment and enterprises except advances created under attract withholding tax at 5%. which operates Pay-As-You-Earn the authority of Financial Therefore, on the whole, it must scheme.

Regulation 2524 or advances of be understood that as long as

(ii). A deduction made from any payment shall not be regarded as an additional cost of the contract to be in the contract price but as tax due on the payment. (iii). A person who deducts tax from a payment shall, when the payment is credited or paid, whichever is earlier, submit to the relevant officer of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the evidence of remittance made to the designated branch of the collecting bank of the tax deducted. (iv). Payments from which tax is to be deducted and the rate as follows:

consumption of VAT able good and services as consumers of goods and services, ministries, parastatals and other agencies of government pay VAT on their consumption in addition to the contract price of the item consumed by them. (v). Rate of Tax for VAT: 5% for all VAT able items of goods and services, except for zero rated goods and services where they are specifically exempt by the VAT Decree. (vi). Payment for contract of supply of Vat able goods and services will suffer deduction of VAT. (vii). Payment for contract of supply of non VAT able goods or services will not suffer VAT deduction. (viii). Goods exempt area. All medical and

WHT Rate for Coys

Dividend, interest & Rent Royalties Commissions, Consultancy, Technical & Mgt Construction Contract of Supplies Director’ Fees

(v). Withholding tax deduction at source covers:-All aspects of building, construction and related services.

-All types of contract and agency arrangement, other than outright sale and purchase of goods and property in the ordinary course of business.

-Consultancy, technical and professional services -Management services -Commissions -Interest and royalty -Rent and dividend The Value Added Tax Act, CAP VI LFN 2004 states that: (i). Every government ministry, statutory body, or other agency of government shall register as agent of the board for the purpose of collection of tax under the VAT Act. ii. Every contractor transacting business with government ministry, statutory body and other agency of the federal, state and local government shall produce evidence of registration with the board as a condition for obtaining contract. iii. Every government ministry, statutory body, or other agency of government shall, at the time of making payment to the contractor remit the tax charged on the contract to the nearest tax office. The remission shall be accompanied with a schedule showing the name and address of the contractor, invoice number, gross amount of invoice, amount of tax and month of return. (iv). Value Added Tax is a tax on

10% 15%

10% 5% 5% 10%

WHT Rate for Individual

10% 15%

5% 5% 5% 10%

pharmaceutical products. b. Basic food items c. Books and educational materials d. Baby products e. Plant, machinery and goods imported for use in the export processing zone or free trade zone. (provided that 100% production of such company is for export otherwise tax shall accrue proportionately on the profits of the company f. All exports g. Plant, machinery and equipment purchased for utilization of gas in downstream petroleum operations. h. Tractors, ploughs and agricultural implements purchased for agricultural purposes. ix. Services exempt area.

Medical services b.

Services rendered by community Banks, People Banks and Mortgage institutions.

Plays and performances c. conducted by educational institutions as part of learning d.

All exported services x.

Zero rated goods and services area.

Non-oil exports b.

Goods and services purchased by diplomats Goods and services c. purchased for use in humanitarian donor funded projects. (Humanitarian donor funded projects undertaken by non-governmental organizations and religious and social clubs or societies recognized by law whose activity is not for profit and in the public interest.)

September 12, 2014

21

22

September 12, 2014

Invitation To International And Nigerian Stakeholders In AND FOOD PRODUCTION/ PROCESSING

To Feature In The

SECURITY REPORT On September 19th, 2014

For:

Governments at all levels Agro-allied industries Leading companies in food production Agro-solution providers Feedmillers Fertilizer Producers Suppliers and manufacturers of agricultural equipment Agricultural research centres Breeders Export and Import financiers...

As long as you are into food production, funding and support services, this is your opportunity to reach out to partners and customers.

ANGELA

A

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLI CATION

08033890255

23

September 12, 2014

THE

ELECTABLES On September 30th, 2014

Who

Makes The List?

The best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the traiblazers; Nigeria ‘s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead.

This is a must read!

A

ANGELA

08056991418

ADEGBOYE

08034098480

JOSHUA WAHEED

08032083633 08033705561

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLI CATION

24

September 12, 2014

Bernard Okhakume MC & A Weekly Digest market consumer advertising 08053040003

mcaandadigestweekly@gmail.com

Brand Management Inquest: Who Manages Your Brand?

To wit, the Agency contributes its quota in the area of market research – data collation, analysis and interpretation for articulate application of same findings for: • Effective product launch/introduction • Effective brand introductory campaign • Effective media vehicle consideration, purchase and deployment • Proper target market profiling.

The process takes off thereon, unto a whole gamut of strategic and tactical imperatives to guide the brand through the ever delicate (product) life cycle.

The Agency and the brand owners/ managers work together as partners, for the growth of such brand, swimming and sinking together. The commitment from both ends is total and selfish because the success or failure at both ends is dependent upon the brand.

Therefore, what obtains in such ideal situation is that the brand is taken care of by two sets of professionals from two different perspectives but for a common goal. On the one hand the owners are so passionate about the brand, they see it as the best that can

be, and it should just be so respected and engaged by the market, for the company’s growth and success.

On the other hand, the Agency positions as the outside marketing team for the brand and independently look at the brand versus competition and gives advice on way forward dispassionately but professionally, for the brand’s success.

Beyond its consultancy service, the Agency acts as the one-stop shop for concept generation, development and execution for effective marketing communication. In this area, it shares responsibility with no other. This is where the influence and importance of the Agency is most manifest. Information is key and powerful, more so an articulate product campaign based on scientific deduction, robust in strategic thinking and functional creativity. A good campaign will at least elicit trial.

The big picture here is that by reason of its professional contribution to the process of marketing the advertising agency plays a very important role for the success of any business. It is evolving as in so many other dynamic professions world-over.

Agbaji Chinedu business 1:0:1 Agrobusiness with Agbaji Chinedu 08035004617

Agbaji@yahoo.com

Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, for the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. Poultry are farmed in great numbers with chickens being the most numerous. More than 500 million chickens are raised annually as a source of food, for both their meat and their eggs. In Nigeria poultry farm is divided into three category small scale, medium scale and large scale farming.

The poultry industry is a broad niche.

There are many sub-sectors in the poultry industry which you can tap into. When poultry farming is mentioned, a lot of people take that to mean chicken rearing or turkey rearing alone but poultry farming is a very wide business with different aspects.

OPPORTUNITIES IN POULTRY INDUSTRY. Day Old Chicks, ducklings, pea chicks, poults Shops: This is the standard output from the hatchery for broiler growers, egg producers, etc in the poultry industry. You can carve your niche in poultry industry

by Hatching or supplying day old chicks, duckling, pea chicks and poults.It is a business of its own that can generate good income and return on investment is very high as the demands for day old chicks are growing by day. Its a broad business that a lot of players are making money from.

Poultry Drugs and Vaccines Shops: Poultry vaccines are widely applied to prevent and control contagious poultry diseases.

Their use in poultry production is aimed at avoiding or minimizing the emergence of clinical disease at farm level, thus increasing production. Vaccines and vaccination programmes vary broadly in regard to several local factors (e.g. type of production, local pattern of disease, costs and potential losses) and are generally managed by the poultry industry. Vitamins and Antibiotics are used in preventing poultry dieses as well.

Egg Production (Layers Breeding): This is a business of keeping bird for egg production only for human consumption or for hatchery etc.

Meat production .This is a business of

However, compromises abound in our local environment; presently threaten brands, brands owners and management from all directions. For some reasons plenty of untrained nonprofessionals are now involved in the service of brands management, principally for financial gains – without the ethical and professional responsibility. Some position within the very small service-end of the process in the name of media buyers, hot-shop and portfolio consultants, etc. They cannibalise the market so badly, sanity takes flight.

The attraction they bring to their “clients” is value-for-money (cheap) services. They go about promising fee-free

services, undercutting the essence of the standard Advert Agency. Then-on they become attractive (mostly to the Asians). What are not evident at the initial stage are the compromises they bring to bear. Most of these so-called practitioners are not even registered to practice, let alone represent a brand.

While we do not quarrel with those seeking means of livelihood, we care about how all these impact on the brands and the consumer. At least the buying public should be adequately informed, to enable wise and beneficial decision to purchase. We are restraining. from mentioning names at this point. As we go forward in this series, we shall look at peculiar cases for purposes of learning and appreciation.

But our principal concern for now is to point out those impediments with inimical consumer satisfaction. To enable a market situation for consumer satisfaction, the messenger should be seen as important as the message.

The question we shall keep asking for some time on this page remains: Who Manage Your Brand? ➔ CONCLUDED

Poultry Affairs Business Venture producing birds for meat purpose for human consumption in both small and commercial quantity.

Poultry feed production and Milling: It is a business opportunity that is not available only for high players in the industry such Vita Feeds and Topfeeds but even small players can make good money formulating feeds for farmers especially now that concentrates feeds are available in the open market for both farmers and feed millers.

Poultry equipment marketing and consultancy: Both locally fabricated poultry equipment and imported once are good business to do, such as drinkers, battery cage, feeder, feed additives etc. As a consultant in poultry industry you will make good fortunes because you will handles both the day old chick’s supply, vaccination, feed or feed formulation for farmers.

It’s not a must you will be an animal scientist before you become a consultant in poultry industry training and retraining is the key and willingness to learn.

Egg and meat processing, packaging

and marketing: You can market eggs to final consumers or industries that use egg in productions. If you are known for it, there is huge market for eggs today in Nigeria, both fast food firms, confectionaries and so on will be coming as they know the products are always available. Multitude is money.

Poultry Manure Supplies: There has been increased interest in using poultry litter as fertilizer since fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. It is a beneficial addition to vegetable gardens and root crops, but raw manure can burn plants. Composting poultry manure turns it into what gardeners refer to as “black gold”--a nutrient-rich, humus-like material suitable for use as a fertilizer or soil amendment. The advantage is that Poultry litter can be applied at any time of the year, but, like all fertilizers, it is best to apply near the time of crop uptake. So the demand is high and poultry farms sometimes look for ways to dispose it at little or no cost to dealers.

You can start this business as low as #50,000 depending on your location.

The way of this world is to praise dead saints and persecute living ones. ― English proverb

September 12, 2014

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide

Omotola Vs Genevieve …By the Numbers

Getting money is like digging with a needle. Spending it is like water soaking into the sand.

ESSENTIALS PLAYLIST

razak’s diary Tattles ― Japanese Proverb

26

staRteRs

September 12, 2014

eDitoR’s NOTe This past week has been marked by major events; from Joan Rivers’ passing to actor Bob Manuel-Udogwu’s declaration to run for elective office and a slew of others.

Now you can understand why we say a lot of things have happened.

Saying Rivers was a legend is an understatement. The comedienne, actress, writer, producer, fashion critic and television host who died on September 4 lived an interesting life

and, of course, her burial wasn’t going to be a dull affair. Celebrities, from Hugh Jackman to Whoopi Goldberg, paid their respects to a woman who was been described as “brassy in public and classy in private”.

Nigerian celebrities seem to have found a new passion – politics! 9ice, Kenny Saint Best, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Julius Agwu and Dan d Humorous have all declared their

intentions to run for elective office come 2015. We can only hope they are serious with their intentions, because the nation is in dire need of round pegs to fill up the round holes.

Singer Omawumi Megbele is set to quit spinsterhood. She joins the likes of Damilola Adegbite and Osas Ighodaro, who are also set to become full wives before the end of the year.

Also, in continuation of our ‘versus’

series, this week, we compare two of Nigeria’s top actresses. Be aware that the article was not written with the intention to belittle any of them; instead, we want the reader to come to his or her own conclusion.

Enjoy the weekend! fridayleadership@leadership.ng follow us on Twitter @essentialsng

one TO WATCH

essentials Playlist With

top 10 Hottest male artistes in nigeria 5. Banky W

For many who didn’t know, there once was a time when Mr Capable sold copies of his album from the trunk of his car, as far back as 2003.

When Banky returned to Nigeria to pursue a career in music, he made an indelible mark with his first single Ebute Metta (a cover of Rihanna’s Umbrella), Strong Thing and Sound Sultan’s Very Good Bad Guy. His third studio album R&BW – a collection of fine love classics housed under music’s many genres – was a breaking point, with Low Key and Yes/No as leading singles. Banky is a standard, conscious artiste, as is evident from videos like Good Good Loving, Jasi and Yes/ No, marked for top-notch directing and styling.

What’s more, he shows promising rap prowess on Jaiye Orimi and Niyola’s Love to Love You. Banky is also a patriot and a passionate advocate for human rights, especially as it relates to young people. He co-owns music label Empire Mates Entertainment.

4. WizKid

As much as many will like to write him off, the Starboy has found ways to keep making it into the industry’s exclusive lists. They don’t call him a ‘superstars for nothing. When he got out with sound treaties like Pakurumo, Love my Baby, Don’t Dull, Tease Me and Holla at Your Boy on his debut album, he fashioned a trend in the new-school Afrobeats genre and everyone was itching to know what the lad had up his sleeves. That was back in 2011.

It is 2014 and he has successfully built a brand and a fan-base that can compete with that of any singer globally – all by releasing one KIDalbum, as well as a bazillion records and features too numerous to mention. He also sits atop the management board of Starboy Entertainment, the platform on which he released singles like Show You the Money, Drop ft. Wale, Starboy’s Caro, as well as spanking videos Jaiye Jaiye and On top your Matter. In the features category, he turned things up with assisted vocals on Jesse Jagz’ Bad Girl, Maleek Berry’s The Matter, Chidinma’s Emi ni Baller re-mix, Iyanya’s Sexy Mama, Omawumi’s Warn Yourself, Sound Sultan’s Kokose and Kcee’s Pull Over. This proves he’s got some business management acumen. Add that to the release of his 18-track sophomore album, Ayo.

3. 2Face idibia

African Queen crooner and music legend 2Face is, perhaps, Nigeria’s No 1 singer (although he sits third on this log) who can boast of exclusive international collaborations. The release of his sixth studio album, The Ascension, which peaked No 1 on iTunes Nigeria and secured the 12th spot on global music charts after its release, records impressive features with world-class singers like Machel Montano, Bridget Kelly, Kim Almarcha, Shurwayne and Fally Ipupa, with our picks being Go ft. Machel Montano and Let Somebody Love You ft. Bridget Kelly. In like manner, he’s been

featured on T-Pain’s If I Got It with Akon, Chingy’s Falling re-mix with May7ven and Becca’s Bad Man Bad Girl. While it’ll be difficult to shake off the feeling that 2Face has got a thing for rain – his songs Raindrops, Rainbow (the re-mix ft. T-Pain) and Dance in the Rain clearly suggests same – he delivers with stellar vocals embellished by his mother-tongue. This tiny and probably overlooked detail has kept him endeared to music fanatics across the globe and mad him the mentor of Kennis Music’s Joe El, an artiste whose looks and vocal range are very much like 2Face’s.

2. Olamide

“First of all, introduction!” Apparently, Olamide needs no introduction anymore; not since his break-out single Eni Duro. At just 25, the CEO of Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL) Nation is steadily revolutionising indigenous rap music in Nigeria’s blossoming music industry and though he is constantly trailed by controversy for selfconfessing that he is “Naija’s most consistent artiste”, his career can boast a record of features and releases that trump those of other artistes at his level. Are we talking clean-cut visuals for Sitting on the Throne, Anifowose, Eleda Mi, Turn Up, Stupid Love or those for hot releases like Awon Goons Mi, Bora Freestyle with Patoranking, Story for the gods, Make us proud ft. Wale, Yemi my Lover, Duro soke, Voice of the Street or even his features on Lil Kesh’s Shoki re-mix, DJ Xclusive’s Ibebe and Phyno’s Ghost Mode? Olamide whipped out the best of his play-kit to test his wits when he flagged off YBNL Nation, which also has Kida Kudz, Viktor and Lil’ Kesh, alongside producer, Pheelz. Evidently, Olamide has advanced beyond Omo to Shan and Eni Duro.

1. Davido

Following his pave-the-way-for-me-track Dami duro, everyone labelled him a one-hit wonder, but, interestingly, Davido eventually shot into the limelight via the same song. The song was later part of his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo (O.B.O), on his music label HKN, with other tracks like Back When ft. Naeto-C, Ekuro, Overseas ft. Sina Rambo and All of You. He finally got everyone’s attention, having slinged multiple winning shots in music’s court and then continued his winning streak with what would become the two biggest singles of 2013 – Gobe and Skelewu, with first-class videos to go with them.

Davido has had his fair share of a newcomer’s treatment: there’ve been music leaks here and there and a not-so-amicable split with former manager, Asa Asika. Still, he’s risen above the storms to forge ahead, shelving plans for a second studio album in order to promote label mates Sina Rambo, B-Red, Danagog and Deekay. While we won’t forget quickly the Afro ballad Aye and Tchelete with Mafikizolo, he’s held down strong features on songs like D’Prince’s Gentleman, Runtown’s Gallardo, Oritse Femi’s Sexy Ladies and Lil Kesh’s Shoki re-mix.

Grey’s anatomy Writing about this ‘legendary’ show could prove to be quite a herculean task. I mean, what angle of the show will you want to cover without leaving out any vital information? You can imagine the dilemma involved in writing this.

Grey’s Anatomy is an American medical drama that focuses on the fictional lives of surgical interns and residents at the fictional Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly Seattle Grace Hospital, seasons 1-6, Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, seasons 6-9, and then Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital, seasons 9-present), as they gradually evolve into seasoned doctors, while trying to maintain personal lives and relationships. Considered an impact on culture, the series has received numerous awards and has also been included in various critics’

‘top 10’ lists. It is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series, Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series. The show has produced several specials, as well as distributed all seasons to DVD and released a collection of merchandise.

In 2012, Grey’s Anatomy was named the fifth-highest revenue earning show, in terms of advertising per half-hour. Grey’s Anatomy has been considered an impact on culture by Entertainment Weekly’s executive editor, Lori Majewski, with her writing: “Grey’s Anatomy isn’t just a show, it’s a phenomenon. When [the] final shows air, every place in New York City is empty. You could get a table at the best restaurants.” This sums up the enormous impact the show has had on popular culture.

movie revieW Sensitive Skin (1&2) Genre Documentary Director Wana Wana Year 2014 Sensitive Skin explores, primarily, the life and challenges of Gloria, a psoriasis sufferer and, secondarily, focuses on the emotional challenges of people who have to live with sensitive skin conditions. However, despite seeking to be the voice of people living with sensitive skin conditions, it fails to offer

alternatives for the not-so-enlightened and not-so-wealthy persons. So, is the documentary fixated on showing the life of a lady who is fortunate enough to manage her condition or is it aimed at helping those emotionally destroyed by sensitive skin conditions to rise stronger as the theme song Stronger preaches?

— Reviewed by Innocent Ekejiuba of NollySilverScreen.com

group rePOrTerS Abisola Alawode, Patience ivie ihejirika DeSiGN & LAYOUT Chukwudi J. Nwabueze, iniobong ekong

ACTiNG eDiTOr Hassan Gimba Ahmed

FOUNDer Sam Nda-isaiah CHAirmAN Hajiya ireti Kingibe GrP mANAGiNG DireCTOr Azubuike ishiekwene GrP eXeCUTive DireCTOrS michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

Your weekly eSSeNTiALS is filled with exclusive interviews, amazing articles from guest columnists and contributors.

27

September 12, 2014

EssEntIals Taste

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika

Bitter Leaves

Bitter leave is a native ingredient in many Nigerian soups. Its bitter taste makes it different from other soup ingredients. Bitter leaf, known as ewuro in Yoruba, onugbu in Igbo and shiwaka in Hausa, is particularly popular among the Igbo, who use it in the preparation of bitter leave soup (ofe onugbu).

Bitter leaf is also a common ingredient in some other soups like egusi (melon), okra and vegetable.

It is also used as a condiment for making sauces for eating boiled yam or plantain.

• Salt (to taste)

Directions

Health benefits of bitter leaves

Research has revealed that incorporating bitter leaf into routine diet could reduce risk factors for such health conditions as breast cancer and Type II diabetes. It also serves as a good remedy for stomach ache, skin infection, diabetes, insomnia, pneumonia, prostate cancer, fatigue and stroke.

Recipe

Bitter Leaf Sauce • 1kg smoked/dried fish or ‘bush’ meat • 1 handful grounded crayfish

• Fresh pepper (to taste) • 3 medium-sized tomatoes • 1 big onion • 1 bunched bitter leaf • 1/2 cup palm/vegetable oil • 2 stock cubes

• Place the millet in a large bowl and cover with water. Leave for about 24hours then remove from the water and wash thoroughly.

• Place the millet and spices in a blender, puree until very smooth.

• Add some water to the pureed mixture, then sieve the mixture and remove the shaft.

• Allow to settle for three to five hours and drain.

• Divide the mixture into two parts; mix one part with a small quantity of warm water, before

Ingredients

• Wash the dried/smoked fish or bush meat. Season and boil for five minutes, then set aside.

• Wash the bitter leaf properly to reduce the bitter taste. Chop tomatoes, pepper and onions and set aside.

• Pound crayfish to fine powder.

• Put vegetable/palm oil in a pot and heat, then pour in chopped onions, tomatoes and pepper, then allow frying for five minutes. Pour in the fish/meat and the stock. Add salt, stock cubes and pounded crayfish.

Stir and allow to heat for two minutes.

• Add the washed bitter leaf and stir. Heat for another three minutes, stir again and then remove from heat.

Bitter leaf sauce is ready to be served with boiled yam or plantain. It does taste real good.

Try it out!

Millet Millet is a healthy grain that can accompany many types of food with its sweet flavour. As with most grains, millet remains a regular staple in many Nigerian homes and is considered to be one of the most easy-to-digest grains.

Health Benefits Of Millet

Millet is a good source of magnesium, which has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of asthma and the frequency of migraine attacks. It has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, especially in people with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Millet is also rich in iron, vitamins and calcium.

Recipe

Kunun Zaki Kunun zaki is a non-alcoholic beverage produced from millet.

Ingredients

• 4 cups millet • 1 teaspoon ginger • 1 teaspoon black peppercorn • Sugar (to taste)

Directions

With money you can buy a clock, but not time. ― Chinese Africa

adding boiled water (about four cups).

• Mix the other part with cold water, thoroughly combine both parts and • add sugar to taste.

Kunun zaki is ready to be served.

28

FEATURE

September 12, 2014

Omotola Vs Genevieve …By the Numbers

By ABISOLA ALAWODE

Ask anybody in the Nigerian music industry and they’ll tell you that it is a cut-throat world, in the sense that competition is rife amongst all involved in Nollywood, be it record labels, marketers, entourages or the actors themselves.

Competition is definitely one of the things that keep the industry going. ESSENTIALS examines two of Nollywood’s most talked about actresses who have earned more than their fair share of bragging rights.

Nollywood’s story won’t be complete without tales of their supposed rivalry and who is better. We set their statistics side by side - not judging.

Genevieve Nnaji Born Genevieve Nnaji on May 3, 1979, Genevieve started her acting career as a child actress in the then-popular television soap opera Ripples, at the age of eight. She was also featured in several commercials, among which were some for beverage brand Pronto and detergent Omo. In 1998, at the age of 19, she took her first big step in acting with her debut movie Most Wanted.

Her subsequent movies Last Party, Mark of the Beast and Ijele endeared the Imo Stateborn actress to movie lovers everywhere.

In 2002, she starred in the movie Sharon Stone and after its release; it is safe to say that Nnaji’s reign as one of Nigeria’s top actresses began.

Nnaji doesn’t just appeal to Nigerians alone. She can count many Kenyans, Liberians, South Africans and Ghanaians, who are avid followers and dedicated lovers of Nigerian home videos, both home and abroad, as her fans.

Not only is ‘Genny’ (as she is fondly called) an actress, she is also a fashion designer.

She launched her clothing line St. Genevieve in 2008.

Though much hasn’t been heard about the clothing line, she did promise, at its launch, to donate a percentage of its proceeds to charity.

In 2009, Nnaji made history by being the first Nigerian actress to be profiled on The Oprah Winfrey Show, on an episode about the most

popular people around the world. As one of the highestpaid and most desired actresses in Nollywood, Nnaji is also referred to as “Nigeria’s Julia Roberts”.

She has featured in over 80 films in the course of her acting career, but she will be best remembered for her roles in Ijé: The Journey, Mirror Boy, Half of a Yellow Sun, Most Wanted, Blood Sisters among many. She has endorsed companies such as Etisalat Nigeria, Lux Soap, MUD Cosmetics, among others, with some still on-going.

In an ill-advised attempt to, perhaps, branch out, Nnaji ventured into music, with the album One Logologo Line, with the most notable number from the album being No More.

Nnaji is also not immune to controversies. Her seemingly eternal single status has been fodder for many gossip blogs and magazines. The ‘lesbian’ rumours surrounding her seems to keep rearing its ugly head and her perceived rivalry with Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is also the stuff of legends.

In recognition of her contribution to Nollywood, Nnaji was awarded the national merit award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. Nnaji has also won various awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for best actress in a leading role and the City People Awards for Best Actress.

Nnaji By The Numbers 35

Nnaji is currently 35 years old. She was born on November May 3, 1979.

8 Nnaji was 8 years old when she scaled the auditions for a role in early ‘90s soap Ripples.

N100m The reported worth of Nnaji’s endorsement with telecommunications company Etisalat Nigeria.

2 Genevieve is currently a brand ambassador for two companies, Etisalat Nigeria and MUD Cosmetics.

1 Genevieve released just one album in her short-lived musical career.

10 Nnaji has won over 10 major awards in the course of her career.

80 Number of movies in which Nnaji has starred in the course of her career.

671,400 Nnaji has a total of 671,400 followers on Twitter (as at the time of this publication).

With money you can buy a house, but not a home.

Genevieve

― Chinese proverb

FRIDAY EXTRA September 12, 2014

By Yusuf Abdullahi Magaji

A

INSIDE

s the fear of Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues to rattle Nigerians, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has come up with a blueprint for timely intervention in the fight against infectious diseases. The university has plans for the establishment of two significant centres at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). This was disclosed by the vice chancellor, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed (mni, MFR) when he received the director, West African Infectious Diseases Initiative (WAIDI), Mr. Lorwa Apera, in his office recently.

Rasheed named the centres as those for the control of infectious diseases and advanced medical research.

Apera has, therefore, also directed the provost, College of Health Sciences, Professor Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, to set up a technical team of experts for the establishment of the centres, saying, “Our agenda on health here in Africa always goes towards imitation from America and other European countries.

We need to have our own agenda; we have to work towards our vision as far as diseases like HIV, Ebola, malaria and others are concerned”.

On his part, Apera said: “the idea to establish an office in Nigeria came from a student trained by WAIDI, so as to open access in Africa. And with this development, we were able to conduct over 100 studies and 40 are under way.

Our mission is to support locally driven researches and promote their usage in setting strong health policy”.

In a similar development, the University has expressed commitment to fight against the Ebola scourge. The provost of the College for Health Sciences, Professor Habib gave this assurance during a seminar for the public awareness campaign on the Ebola virus disease.

According to him, “the University has able representation at state, national, regional and African levels, including its team sent to Lagos on curative measures to the victims.”

Venting the university’s readiness in conjunction with the state government to nip EVD in the bud, he added: “The University is also working hand-in-hand with the Kano State government under the state commissioner of health. We have made necessary arrangements to fight any case if detected. We reach out to all stakeholders, dignitaries and facilities, we are not hoping for even a single case but we are fully prepared should any be identified”.

On the public awareness campaign against EVD, the provost said they have posted many tools on the internet and website for the enlightenment of the general public on the dangers and control measures of the disease.

That was not all to hear about the scourge. In a paper titled “Prevention and control of Ebola Virus Disease”, Mr. Salisu Abubakar advised the public to apply precautionary measures which include avoiding unnecessary trips to

Entrance of the Bayero University

Bayero University To Partner WAIDI In Combatting Infectious Diseases affected areas, washing hands regularly and that if any suspected case is detected, the people transporting such a person to hospital should use appropriate protective equipment”.

The director of Health Services, BUK, Dr. Muhammad S. Ado lent his expertise in allaying public fear and possible misconceptions about the spread of SEbola.

Ado said, “Since the issue (of Ebola) came up, we took necessary measures to ensure that we do not raise the level of anxiety. We, in Bayero University, have students from different families; everyday there are meetings and lectures, so to avoid panic we use the University bulletin and FM station to enlighten the University community on Ebola facts”.

In a wider perspective, the AKTH has made tremendous achievements with the establishment of College for Health Sciences and related departments which is not unconnected with the dynamic and insightful administration of Professor Rasheed, who is reputed to have over forty years of remarkable scholarship. Since assumption of office in September, 2010, Rasheed has brought about some landmark achievements in the university. From social responsibility, structural development, expansion of academic capacity to staff development, the VC has made significant impacts that will not be easily for-

gotten in the history of the university.

For instance, the University has maintained a very cordial and impressive relationship with its neighbouring communities. Over the history, it has provided free and flexible scholarships at all levels which the neighbouring communities benefit from. This gesture in improving access to quality education is needed mostly at this time when candidates for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) record mass failure in disturbing proportion especially in Northern states some of which form the university’s catchment areas. BUK therefore lays the platform which will not only let students pass through it but also let the university pass through them, thus, making them able to stand firm as products of the institution.

The university shares joys and pains of its neighbours. As such many of the indigenes have graduated from its humanitarian scholarship which has greatly strengthened the relationship.

This humanitarian spirit is freely extended to other deserving students from other areas based on special offers where and when applicable.

Beside the flexible scholarship enjoyed by the neighbouring communities, they are offered employment opportunities.

The general landscape of the University has witnessed phenomenal structural development under Rasheed with over twenty gigantic projects covering administrative block, lecture theatres, road projects and general renovation in the two campuses.

Also, the monumental transformation witnessed in BUK include the multi - billion naira centre of excellence donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, first of its kind in Africa and five-storey ultramodern senate building, apart from faculties, centres and departments. The recent establishment of centers of dry land agriculture, entrepreneurship and Qur’anic studies further draws attention to the university’s focus in making wide range of impacts.

The sustenance of this timely intervention in combating infectious diseases is an issue that deserves attention just as the need to initiate and establish the centres. Will succeeding VC’s owe it a duty to sustain and fan the flame ignited by the VC in the area of prevention, control and management of infectious diseases? Indeed, the need to heighten the mettle goes beyond Professor Rasheed who laid the platform because. Health, they say, is wealth.

— Magaji wrote in from No. 12, Maitama, Zaria Road, Kano.

Best Places to for Parks/Roller-coasters Big Questions & Answers nobel ultimate top list Why... answers to scientific questions

30 FRIDAY EXTRA/Best places to go for...

September 12, 2014

Many are not keen to jump on a roller-coaster. But for those who are looking for one of those quirky, family-friendly adventures, this is for you.

Amusement Parks/Roller Coasters

W

hen you’re searching for a post-water park burger or beer, look for the red “Classic Wisconsin Dells” signs. It means the business has been serving visitors for at least 40 years and has most likely always been in that very same location.

The sign also means the business is staffed by the original owner’s kin, so you’re sure to get some deep-rooted local colour when you visit these spots.

The sheer volume of water parks makes Wisconsin Dells the country’s best spot to cool off, get wet and have a thrill.

You’ll find more than 21 indoor and outdoor water parks within almost 20 miles of one another, not to mention some of the country’s longest, tallest, and fastest water coasters.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the largest in the country, with more than 80 indoor and outdoor attractions like the Black Anaconda, one of the country’s longest water coasters at over a quarter mile long. The Point of No Return is another memorable one: It takes you up 10 stories high, only to shoot you back down the waterslide in five seconds flat.

Mount Olympus, another Wisconsin Dells institution, combines 37 waterslides with drier options like go-cart

Wacky theme parks

Soui Tien Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is devoted to the promotion of animism, an ancient spiritual belief system.

Sure, there is a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and pretty much everything else you would expect a full-scale amusement park to have, but there are also dragons, unicorns, tortoises, and phoenixes, the symbols of animism. Also don’t miss Tien Dong beach, an unusual “lazy river” sort of attraction where gigantic carved faces watch over beachgoers.

At Dickens World in Chatham, England, children can experience the harsh conditions of 19th-century London, just like those depicted in a Dickens novel.

Hammy actors play the part of stern schoolteachers, pickpockets roam the period-decorated town square, and you can even take a boat ride through brown sludge that is meant to mimic the inside

of a Victorian sewer.

If you like creepy fairy-tale scenes, appreciate a good bargain, and can handle a little kitsch, then the Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon, is for you. While kids can find plenty to do here, the Enchanted Forest also draws twenty somethings who want to walk down memory lane and see their favorite childhood fairy

tales on the cheap. It’s less than $10 for adults to get in, and buying four 90-cent tickets gets you a turn on one ride.

For fans of Hello Kitty, Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo is right up your alley. The sickly sweet indoor theme park is bursting with Sanrio characters such as Hello

tracks, batting cages, and wooden roller coasters. The water and theme park company also operates five resorts and several campgrounds that offer park tickets at no extra charge if you choose to stay in them.

Open since 1846, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, is North America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park. It’s not the biggest or most thrilling amusement park out there, but there’s something appealing about

the old-school, retro feel here (kids can even get unlimited free fountain soda). The park still maintains some of its original rides, including a carousel dating back to 1911 and the Wildcat wooden roller coaster, which opened in

➔ CONTINUES ON the next PAGE

Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.

Henry ford, founder and president of the Ford Motor Company

Parks/Roller-coasters FRIDAY EXTRA 31

September 12, 2014 ➔ FROM the PREVIOUS PAGE Kitty, Cinnaroll, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars. The first thing you might notice about Shenzhen, China, is the proliferation of oddball theme parks.

After China opened itself to the world in the 1970s, Chinese officials were so impressed by Disney and Six Flags-type entertainment that they considered it a necessary part of development. The result? Splendid China, which showcases miniatures of China’s famous sites and historical figures; the Chinese Folk Culture Park, featuring villages of cultural performances, parades, and artworks; Windows of the World, where visitors can check out replicas of the world’s greatest attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to Angkor Wat to the Sydney Opera House; and mind-blowing theatrical spectacles that put Vegas to shame.

Anyone who grew up in New York has an affinity for Coney Island, even as it grew more and more ramshackle and dated. But these days, major investments are revitalizing the long-neglected theme park, where you can watch art films, eat old-fashioned taffy, see a minor-league baseball game, and ride a roller coaster all in the same day.

Consisting of a string of loosely connected attractions spread across the shoreline at the southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island, is the antithesis of impersonal, corporate-owned theme parks.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park features the can’t-miss Wonder Wheel.

Datingbackto1920.this wheel has only stopped once, during the New York City blackout of 1977 (rders got down safely because the owners hand-cranked them all to the ground.) Of course, Coney Island’s Cyclone should be on every respectable roller coaster aficionado’s bucket list. This 85-foot-high wooden ride debuted in 1927 and is now a New York City Landmark. Did you know that

the Lego company is actually based in Denmark? Legoland park in Billund is the largest and oldest of the world’s four Legoland parks and a best pick for families with young children. Since it opened in 1968, the park’s heart has been Miniland, where you can see famous buildings, capital cities, and villages built at 1:20 scale from nearly 20 million Lego bricks. The best pick is the new Star Wars wing, which features nearly 2,000 models of distant planets, battle droids, clone troopers, and space stations, many of which are interactive. You can stay close to the action by checking in at Hotel Legoland, a family-oriented hotel that has themed rooms. If you can’t make it

all the way to Billund, Legoland parks are also located in Windsor, England; Gunzburg, Germany; Carlsbad, California; and Winter Haven, Florida (45 minutes from Orlando). For a budget option, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, is a well-rounded vacation destination for families. Where else can you find a Santa Claus willing to listen to kids’ gift requests all year long? But what sets this park apart is that it’s often cheaper than the other big players, plus you can get free sodas and sunscreen all day. It’s also a good option for kids of all ages, with the speedy Wildebeest water coaster and the tamer Freedom Train ride through Mother Goose Land.

Dubai has made a name for itself as the Middle Eastern entertainment capital and Wild Wadi Water Park takes that image to the extreme. Imagine zipping down a cool waterslide in the heat of the desert with the ocean and the Burj al Arab looming on one side of you and the skyscrapers of Dubai on the other. Located next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the park boasts 30 rides and attractions, 13 of which are interconnected, meaning you can go from ride to ride without getting out of the water-a great choice when temperatures can top 100 degrees. Highadrenaline rides include Tantrum Alley, Jumeirah Sceirah, and the Burj Surj, plus high-powered water jet rides and wave

Skip The Line

Ultimate Roller Coaster Every year, roller coasters get more and more extreme. The Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is officially both the fastest and the tallest in the United States.

It is 456 feet-high, has a drop of 418 feet, and travels at 128 mph (in fact, it goes from 0 to 128 in 3.5 seconds).

The Sky Rocket, Kennywood, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, uses launch technology called Linear Synchronous Motor, which shoots riders from 0 to 50 in less than 3 seconds!

The ride is launched up a 95-foot climb and hangs briefly before plummeting into a 90-degree drop. A second vertical free fall, a corkscrew turn, and the feeling of flying off your seat while upside down round out this 65-second thrill ride.

Don’t forget the Steel Dragon 2000 at Japan’s Nagashima Spaland. This coaster has a 306-foot drop followed by two hills in excess of 20 stories each and goes more than 95 miles per hour.

In three minutes, the ride covers 1 Yz miles (8,133 feet) of track.

Then there’s my favorite coaster,

which isn’t an extreme ride compared to today’s standards, but it is a nostalgic one. Jack Rabbit at Seabreeze Amusement Park, in Rochester, New York, was the fastest coaster in the world when it opened in 1920. Today, it’s best known as the oldest continuously operating coaster in America (there are two older coasters in the country, but neither has operated continuously since opening) athough the ride is more than 90 years

old, ongoing upgrades keep this coaster up to today’s safety codes. The max vertical drop is 75 feet, and the speed is 42 mph, with a track length of 2,150 feet.

Although it’s not as thrilling as today’s mega coasters, it is considered a rite of passage for generations of families across central New York.

Even today, it’s a milestone when kids are finally tall enough to enjoy the ride.

Fewer things are more frustrating than waiting in long lines at theme parks, so here’s how to avoid them-without getting in trouble for cutting. Buying special passes or staying in theme park-owned hotels can help your family avoid waiting in line at many amusement parks. At Walt Disney World in Orland0, guests staying at on-site Disney resorts can enter the park an hour earlier and stay up to three hours Later than other guests. To avoid Lines at Universal Studios Hollywood, go for the Front of the line pass. Available for $129 at Universal Studios.com, the pass gets you park admission, priority access to rides, reserved seating at shows, and behind-thescenes access.

And at most Six Flags theme parks, ride reservations are available with the Flash Pass service. When your beeper like device, called a Q-bot, goes off, it’s time to ride.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.

Henry ford, founder and president of the Ford Motor Company

32 FRIDAY EXTRA

nobel

September 12, 2014

A Century Of Prize Winners

Heinrich Boll

(1917-1985) Heinrich Theodor Boll played an important role in post-war German literature. Along with other writers in the early 1950s, he was a member of Group 47 - created by left-wing intellectuals interested in revitalising German literature which they considered deeply damaged by Nazi propaganda. Hans Werner Richter and Alfred Andersch, the founders of this forum for readings and discussions, were just two of the names that influenced Boils career. Another was Giinter Grass, who went on to win the 1999 Nobel Prize in Literature. The leaders of Group 47 advocated a new style in reaction to the classical, flowery language of the past; at the same time, they promoted the work of young revolutionary writers.

Born on December 21, 1917, to a sculptor and cabinet-maker, Viktor Boll, and his wife, Maria, Heinrich Bell’s first incursion into literature took place when he was 21, during a brief experience as an apprentice book-seller. He was conscripted to fight in World War II and was captured by the Americans in 1945. Only months after the war he returned to his native Cologne, accompanied by his wife and family, and set himself up in a damaged house and, bit by bit, took up writing again.

He had short stories published between 1946 and 1949, as well as his first book, the novella Der Zug war punktlich (The Train Was on Time), in which he criticized the futility and horrors of World War 11. With the novel Wo Warst do, Adam? (And where were you, Adam?), published in 1951, Heinrich Ball shed light on the political and social forces that deceived the ordinary people during Nazi leadership. Other works told of the difficult conditions in postwar Germany and denounced what he called the dehumanised materialism of the Federal Republic of Germany. His criticism of social values is well expressed in the short narrative Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum (The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum), published in 1974; the work includes harsh attacks on judicial proceedings and journalism. Its success led to its adaptation into a film.

Heinrich Boll built a career that marked the rebirth of German literature and he produced novels, short stories, plays and essays over his lifetime. In 1972 he received the Nobel Prize in Literature and two years later was made an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

In 1942 he married Annemarie Cech, who proved to be a tireless companion, equally affected by the Nazi regime and a conscientious critic of German literature.

Heinrich Boll died at the age of 68 in 1985.

For his empirically founded interpretation of economic growth, which has led to new and deepened insight into the economic and social structure and process of development.

Simon Kuznets

literature

economics

(1901-1985) Simon Kuznets is best known for his development of the concept of gross national product (GNP), put forth in his book National Income and Its Composition, 1919-1938, published in 194I. Later he helped the U.S. Department of Commerce standardize the measurement of GNP, but his contributions to the field of economics were diverse. He also became a pioneer in the study of American business cycles and economic growth.

Simon Kuznets was born into a family of Russian Jews in 190I, but he left his native country at the age of 21 to join his father, who had immigrated to the United States before World War I. He took some academic material he had worked on with him and completed his studies at the Columbia University, where he received his doctorate in 1926.

The following year he joined the National Bureau of Economic Research, where he worked for many years with Wesley C. Mitchell. It was to this economist that Kuznets confessed a deep intellectual debt, and he dedicated his study of economic cycles to him.

Kuznets remained associated with the National Bureau of Economic Research until the beginning of the 1960s, balancing his research with teaching. He also taught economics and statistics at the University of Pennsylvania between I93I and I954 and political economics at Johns Hopkins University from 1954 to 1960. In addition he lectured at Harvard University, where he was a professor for 11 years, until his retirement in 1971.

Simon Kuznets’s interpretation of economic growth was considered as a new perspective to understand world economics and social structure. Many specialists came to see him as an empiricist. His most important published works are Secular Movements in Production and Prices (1930), Long-Term Changes in the National Income of the United States of America since 1870 (1951) and Modem Economic Growth (1966).

He received the 1971 Nobel Prize in Economics and collaborated with several research institutions, including the American Economic Association, of which he was president in 1954, the American Statistical Association, the Economic History Association, the Econometric Society, the International Statistical Institute and the Royal Statistical Society of England.

Simon Kuznets lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with his wife, Edith.

They had two children together, and one of them, Paul, followed in his father’s footsteps and taught economics at Indiana University.

For his writing, which through its combination of a broad perspective on his time and a sensitive skill in characterization, has contributed to a renewal of German literature.

Once the last tree is cut and the last river poisoned, you will find you cannot eat your money.

— Canadian Proverb

Culled from the book ‘Nobel’

INVALUABLE TIPS FOR LIFE 12.09.2014

Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their 30s For many people, being in your 20s feels like a liquid decade, everything is in flux as you work out what you want to do professionally and who you want to be (and be with) personally. It’s in your 30s that life often seems to settle down into something firmer and more solid

Work/Career Fixing a Work Relationship Gone Sour

Finances 5 Easy Saving Strategies for Kids

Grooming

Effective Ways to Show Your Gratitude

Motivation

Health

5 Ways to Do Exactly As You Say

Drug Allergy

34 FORESIGHT

September 12, 2014

WORK & CAREER

GEt fEEdbACK GettinG feedback from others is a powerful shortcut to buildinG your confidence.it can be a wonderful experience to receive positive feedback from your nearest and dearest.

Fixing a Work Relationship Gone Sour

INfLUENCE PLUS

By Joy Jones Joylifechangers@gmail.com

S

ometimes you get stuck in a rut with someone at work a boss, a co-worker, a direct report.

Perhaps there’s bad blood between you or you simply haven’t been getting along. What can you do to turn the relationship around? Is it possible to start anew?

Even some of the most strained relationships can be repaired. In fact, a negative relationship turned positive can be a very strong one. Going through difficult experiences can be the makings of the strongest, most resilient relationships. Fixing a relationship takes serious effort. Most people just lower their expectations because it’s easier than dealing with the real issues at hand. Hard work is often worth it, especially in a work environment where productivity and performance are at stake. Here’s how to transform a work relationship that’s turned sour. recognise what’s happening Relationships in need of repair don’t all look alike. When it comes to relationship problems you may be in a rut where you don’t go beyond the, ‘Hello, how are you?’ every day. Or on the other side of things, you may be over-challenged, where you’re always walking on egg shells or constantly not seeing eye to eye. Take note of what’s happening in your relationship so you know what needs work. give up being right Getting a relationship with a co-worker back on track may require that you put your ego away. when you’re hooked on the idea that you’re right, you can’t start to repair the relationship because the issue of who’s at fault becomes a distraction.

Look forward, not back Resist your tendency to analyse every detail of what’s happened in your relationship. Who said what? Why did they say it? This isn’t productive.

Lots of people think that it’s only by understanding the past that you get beyond it. But what you focus on is what grows. see the other person’s perspective Empathy is the foundation of healthy work relationships. David suggests you

Taking Your Business Global

make room for emotions like curiosity about and compassion for your coworker by asking yourself a series of questions: How does she see things?

Is he feeling embarrassed, put upon, misjudged, or misunderstood? But don’t assume you can just guess how the other person feels. You need to ask, too. What seems unquestionable to one person might be totally different from the other person’s perspective.

Culled from.inC.Com

INfLUENCING PEOPLE

CONTENT Elizabeth Martin graphiCs Matthew akhabue hassan gimba ahmed

group FOUNDEr ChairMaN grOUp MaNagiNg DirECTOr grOUp EXECUTiVE DirECTOrs

you were there or just to say, God knows you tried, it is the mind-set that says “You’re in it to win it!” This class tells you ahead of time that life will promise and fail. It will tell you that there will be unexpected betrayals and delays. It will also tell you to expect to be dealt some unpleasant blows but after you stagger keep fighting until you win.

Wouldn’t it have been great to have been thought in college on the specific challenges that you will face in business and career? But then some things are learnt but not taught.

How? You may say, when these pressures come, the truth is revealed to you, your level of determination to succeed. The virtues you have are truly what brings success in life.

You may have a first class degree but without tenacity, you might not be able to conquer certain challenges, life will bring on your path as you journey. Be determined not just to fight but to fight to the finish and to fight with all you got so you emerge as the winner! See you at the top!

Find neutral ground literally and figuratively When you approach the other person, be sure it’s on neutral territory not at one of your desks. Instead, go out for lunch or coffee. The physical place is important but so is the emotional one.

Instead of debating what went wrong and who is at fault, try to create a space where you’re aligned.

But don’t expect the relationship to change overnight.

foresight ag. EDiTOr

Colleges are institutions of higher learning. After you get hold of the basics in secondary school, you proceed to the university or polytechnic to pick a subject you want to become majors in and get a degree.

This is what you believe prepares you for success in your life and career. You refer to yourself as educated after this.

But is education really the major thing you need in life to succeed? After taking all those courses and obtaining whatever class of degree. Why is it that some people still don’t make it in life? Perhaps it is because of a vital class they failed to attend...oops, what class? That class isn’t offered in college, even though one would wish they were.

It is the class of perseverance, endurance, tenacity and dogged determination that brings about the resolve of never quitting, never giving up or throwing in the towel. This is the class of life that teaches you about fighting to the finish.

It is not enough to get into the fighting ring, just to say,

sam Nda-isaiah hajiya ireti Kingibe azubuike ishiekwene Michael Okpere, Dr Kazeem Durodoye

Foresight published as an insert in LEADERSHIP Friday. a number of the articles here are sourced from diverse sources. please do send your feedback and enquiries to: foresight@leadership.ng

“because thouGhts formulate faster than speech, there’s a strinG temptation to interrupt the other person..”

Attention please

Most people fail to recognise when somebody’s attention is wavering.

It’s up to you to pick up the signals and act accordingly. The problem is this: when presenting an idea, demand, request, sales pitch or whatever, it’s usually crucial to get the point across at the first attempt, assuming conditions are conducive.

Having rejected an idea in the first instance, most people do not like to change their minds later, even if they know they’re wrong. It’s sometimes a question of pride. They may not want to

look indecisive or as though they were incapable of making the right evaluation in the first place.

People are always losing the thread of a conversation and need something explained again. But they wont admit it. This is because they don’t want to seem impolite, they don’t want to look stupid, they feel guilty for letting their minds wander, they have decided they’re not interested and they switch off and they don’t want to prolong a conversation because they have another engagement lined up; or they’ve just got a lot to do.

FORESIGHT 35

September 12, 2014 Sense of purpose

FINANCE

Having a sense of purpose is about where you see yourself in the world and your mission in life. Having a strong sense of purpose means you are already highly motivated.

Basics of...

Things You Should Know Before Getting a Loan Most people acquire their money through loans, a form of debt where you borrow money with an obligation to pay it back with interest by a certain time. Other people give up a percentage of equity in their company in exchange for some money to get the ball rolling. Either way, it can be a little intimidating to have a few extra zeroes in your bank account. These are a few things you should know before getting a loan.

Don’t Borrow From Family and Friends It’s impossibly difficult to face a person you’ve let down on a professional, personal, and emotional level. Avoid it at all costs.

Make Sure You Really Need to Borrow If living the start-up life means buying a new MacBook and attending a cool conference in San Francisco, you may want to revisit the necessity of borrowing money for your start-up. If you have everything you need to get started, don’t borrow money unnecessarily just to keep up with other companies or show off.

It’ll come back to bite you.

Know How You’ll Pay It Back Most people don’t ask themselves how they would pay back the money they borrowed.

When you take money out, make sure you have a clear plan of how you’re going to get that money back to the bank or investor.

Make actionable, month-bymonth reports on your progress to analyse what you could be doing better, and make sure your debt is the first thing paid each month.

Strings Are Always Attached Inexperienced entrepreneurs

MAKE YOURSELF

UNFORGETTABLE

are often excited about getting investments from investors. It feels like hitting the big time.

However, they don’t always have your best interests in mind. While there are angel investors who don’t seek a lot of money from your venture, most investors see you as a way to pad their wallet. Worse yet, equity investor sharks can prey on you, insisting on an absurd Return on Investment within a short timeframe and crushing your business. When you agree to do business with an investor, it’s not entirely up to you how the business will be run, either. When someone else’s money is in play, there might be a silent partner vetoing new equipment, new employees, or other costly measures. Vet any business partners carefully before taking them on.

Remember Your Reputation Everyone has a credit score it’s like the adult version of a report card. Having solid credit can open doors for you, but having poor credit can push you into a life of high-interest loans, debt, and financial uncertainty.

Your reputation, similar to your credit, is how others in the business community view you. Paying your bills on time not only boosts your credit score, but it also enhances your trustworthiness and credibility in others’ eyes. It can be easy to go on a spending spree when you see all that start-up cash in your bank account, but resist the urge. Take a step back from spending and plan where your money will go and you’ll find yourself a step ahead of the competition. culled from practicalmoneyskills.com

Confidence

When you lack confidence in yourself, other people are likely to agree with you. Quite reasonably, they figure you know more about yourself than they do anyway, so if you’re down on yourself, they probably will be also.

But for the same reason, when you project an air of confidence and self-assurance, they’ll feel good about you. However, always remember, other people want to

feel good about you. They want to connect with you as a professional and perhaps also as a friend.

Your job is just to make that as easy as possible. Summing up confidence is not really something you have. It is something you give, and then it is given back to you. Confidence, like class, is a power you radiate, and in its reflection you shine so much brighter.

Financial FUTURES

5 Easy Saving Strategies for Kids

Kids want to spend all their allowance on video games and candy, it’s true, but teaching them how to manage their money can have a lifelong effect.

They’ve got their allowance and birthday money, what they need from you now is advice on how to manage their cash and save smart. Just think about how different life might be if someone took the time to teach you about spending when you were young.

The perfect age to start teaching kids is when they’re five or six, or as soon as they can understand the value of money. Once they’ve got that concept down, put these saving strategies into action: 1.

50 per cent goes to savings The new mantra: save a portion, spend a portion. Buy kids a fun piggy bank or decorate a money savings jar with them. For older kids, go with them to open a savings account. Make it an event when they place their money in the bank. And if you want to encourage charitable giving, divide up the money into thirds 33per cent goes to savings, 33per cent to spending and 33per cent to a charity of their choice that you can research together.

2.

Count it Every month or so have kids count out their money and exchange coins for bills, and explain the value of each bill. This helps them really see that the amount is increasing and that their money is growing.

3.

Distinguish betweenwants and needs The next time you’re out shop-

ping and they want to spend away, try this: Tell them that instead of buying the item then and there, you’re both going to leave the store and they can think about the purchase for a day. If after a day, they still want it, it’s theirs. More often than not, they’ll change their minds. Like with so many adults, being in a store can make their eyes larger than their pockets, blurring the line between something they have their heart set on and an impulse buy.

4.

Make a budget Buying kids a notebook or setting up a page on the computer to record what they spent their money on and what happened to the money that didn’t get spent, is a powerful tool to help them understand cash flow.Other little things to talk to them about which help them understand budgeting:walking rather than driving, ordering water rather than soft drinks when dining out, coupon clipping and recycling plastics.

5.

Practice what you preach Kids imitate your actions, so if they see you budgeting, or putting money in the bank, they are more inclined to do it, too.

Reward kids for saving. For example, for every 100 dollars they have in their piggy bank you will donate another $5 to the bank and give them $5 to spend however they choose.

Simple rewards can help make saving a priority. culled fromdailyfinance.com

36 FORESIGHT

September 12, 2014 CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

LEADERSHIP

Experiencing new challenges can help your personal growth and development. You may find that challenges aren’t always positive experiences initially. But, when you look back you realise the new skill you’ve acquired or achieved has changed your perspective.

4 Ways Great Leaders Handle Arguments Becoming a better leader means listening well and accepting blame when disagreements arise.

Great leaders know how to handle arguments. Instead of viewing disagreements as a negative, they learn to use conflict as a way to improve.

To do this, they learn the art of how to argue. They listen well, are comfortable admitting they are wrong, and make a real effort to get to the heart of the issue. Become a better leader by adopting these four habits.

1. Listen before speaking When someone is angry, giving him time to explain his point of view is crucial. At first, it’s tough for you to stop and listen without interrupting with a solution. Next time you’re in a situation in which someone is arguing, wait a full three seconds after his or her last sentence to speak. This encourages the person to keep talking, and if you listen, you’ll get a better understanding of what the problem is.

It’s amazing how much respect you can gain and tension you can remove by coming into any argument and listening. Great leaders build a huge amount of respect by making sure their team members feel respected and valued. The easiest way to do that is to go into any argument knowing that the best thing you can do to start is close your mouth and open your ears.

2. Take the blame and apologise Apologising is one of the best ways to get great results from any argument. Often, the person you’re arguing with is explaining to you why you did something wrong and he or she did not. For instance, if your product didn’t deliver on its promise, your customer could explain why you are the one to blame. In cases like these, once you have allowed

the customer to let the steam out, you should immediately say, ‘you’re sorry’.

The beauty of this phrase is that it ends the blame game, and helps shift the argument into a productive phase.

“

3. Ask questions The cause of an argument is rarely found at the surface. The challenge is searching through the argument to discover the real root of the issue.

Great leaders are exceptional at this because they ask a ridiculous number of questions. Next time you’re in an argument, use the rule of five why’s. Ask over and over again why this happened, and by the last why, you’ll discover where the true issue is. Another benefit

Average leaders consider their company to be a machine with employees as cogs. is the person you’re arguing with will discover the real problem through this process as well. Now, once you both can agree on the actual issue to solve, it’ll be much easier to work together to create a solution.

4. Work together Great leaders know how to turn adversaries into allies.

A classic tip in any kind of negotiation or argument is to ask the other person, ‘What do we have to do to come up with a solution together?’ When you say this, you go from two parties arguing to two people working together. Once the person you’re arguing with starts collaborating with you, it’ll become easier to reach a solution. Also, by working together, you both have a say in what the right answer to the argument is. Finally, you give yourself the best chance at reaching an agreement that both of you are happy with.

CULLED from inc.com

Focus on What Works and You Start Solving Problems When things are dark, smart leaders find the bright exceptions and learn from them.

Some business leaders pride themselves on creating cultures of joy or happiness.

That’s a beautiful goal; occasionally it’s a beautiful reality. It’s good to strive for a culture of optimism, which is a little different.

Every day is not going to be perfect or easy. In life and in businesses, there are real challenges. As optimists, you model yourself on your mom at the dinner table. You start by focusing on what’s good and build from there.

A certain couple were working for Save the Children in Vietnam, trying to combat malnutrition. The assumption was they’d figure out ways to bring in more food. But this couple took a different approach: They went into villages looking for families that had somehow avoided malnutrition. Those relative success stories, they learned, were the result of people bucking conventional wisdom. For example, they gave children shellfish and sweet-potato greens, which were readily available but considered indigestible by the young. They also continued feeding children who had diarrhoea, a practice criticised in that country as a waste of nutrients. Such practices deviated from the norm.

And in deviating from the norm, they produced positive outcomes. The lesson was this: Focus on what’s broken and it can consume you.

Focus on what works and you begin to build solutions.

Searching out positive deviance is an act of optimism. Unfortunately, when things go wrong in a business, leadership often locks onto what you might call the ‘negative norm.’ Say a company has 20 sales reps, and 18 of them are sucking wind. Managers descend on those 18 territories looking for the culprit. They want to know, ‘Should this product line be shut down? Should these people be fired?’ The business world loves ‘troubleshooters.’ But if the goal is to shoot trouble, all you’re left with is stuff that’s dead.

Optimistic leadership would concentrate on those two territories where things are working well the positive deviants. Find out why those people are hitting it out of the park. Then send them on a tour of the other territories to educate their struggling colleagues. That’s not to say you should ignore your weaknesses. Rational optimists acknowledge when the organisation is falling short, especially when they’re part of the problem.

The message you should to convey to people is, ‘you can do better’. Then take a step back and begin to see your efforts objectively. You got better. You hashed out some differences, clarified roles and structure, and made on-going dialogue a larger part of the process. Now you know how to empower healthy criticism in a culture of optimism.

CULLED from INC.COM

WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING...

“One starts an action simply because one must do something.”

T.S Elliot

“More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin.”

Anon

“A coward’s fear can make a coward valiant.”

Thomas Fuller

FORESIGHT 37

September 12, 2014 MOOD PATTERNS

As you refine your awareness of your mood and that of other people, you heighten your observation of what triggers a change in mood for you – whether good or bad. Start to pay attention to how you’re feeling.

MARRIAGE

Why Women Are So Obsessed With Marriage With the amount of wedding propaganda shoved down people’s throats by popular culture, how can women not be obsessed with it?

Many people have been powering down from social media and tuning out news of contemporary nuptials. Many fascinating, beautiful, and independent women that are pursuing advanced degrees in their fields, and a few others have no intention of having children. These characteristics make you wonder: with such full lives, why do these women care so much about other peoples’ marriages?

It’s a rampant condition among 20-somethings. Too many times you would’ve watched a nice conversation over lunch or coffee quickly turns to guess who just got engaged! Or did you see pictures from so-and-so’s wedding? Its not certain if men experience this phenomenon when they sit down for a beer with their friends.

So, why are women so preoccupied with marriage?

The most simplistic explanation for marriage mania has to be media infiltration.

Most girls can remember watching commercials featuring smiling brides and their smitten new grooms. Often these commercials were not even for weddingspecific goods like dresses, honeymoons, or themed dolls, but for regular items like lipstick or moisturiser. Don’t you want your ruby-red lips to stay ruby-red throughout the entire ceremony, kiss, and cake? The adverts lead you to believe this is a very grave problem that they have addressed.

Similarly, store display windows seem to come alive with delicate china and white

dresses meant for the masses of women who have finally achieved the goal of so many others, and almost every television series has at some point featured a story arc around a wedding.

Historically, in western society at least, men owned and inherited property, worked for income, and managed financial assets.

If women wanted to have a solid home and enough food, clothing, etc. to keep her comfortable throughout her life she would do well to find a husband who could provide those things.

If security is no longer the driving force for women to enter into marriage, what else could it be? Some might cite the

more innocuous theory of companionship and love. Women, just like anyone else, hope to find someone they can confide in, someone they trust, and someone with whom they can share their triumphs and disappointments Much of the frenzy around marriage could be just that. It is a way to prove to society, that you have ended the quest, that you have found your ‘someone.’ Marriage needs to be based not on convenience, material benefits, or heteronormative roles, but on mutual respect, understanding, and unconditional love.

CULLED FROM eighthrising.com

8 Things Women Desperately Want From Men To generalise on women is dangerous. To specialise on them is infinitely worse.

Well, what women want still remains the unanswered question across the globe.

However, men needn’t lose hope for all is not lost. There are still a good number of things that most women like. Here are a few from the long list which can perhaps help you make her fall head over heels in love with you.

Superman Women love to be protected. So show in more ways than one to prove that you will be her saviour should your damsel land in distress. Women are always in awe of men who can step up in times of conflicts.

Be sure you grab every opportunity that situation throws at you.

Smell good Deodorant Adverts may be going overboard showing men being lured by women’s perfume. But the other way is also true.

Choose a deodorant that suits you.

Especially if it’s your first date, it’s best not to try anything experimental. Know

what smells best on you. Remember, what smelt heavenly on your friend might stink on your skin. For everything depends on your body odour. When you spray perfume on your body, what you smell is a combination of the body spray and your body odour.

Surprises galore Women love surprises be it chocolates, love notes, gifts or even a bouquet of flowers. Women don’t mind them in any numbers. You are sure to score brownie points with this one.

Transparency Honesty is still the best policy. Never lie to her if you are thinking of a long-term relationship. Never mind you will face some initial flak, but eventually you will win over her trust.

Perfect body What with the celebrities being obsessed with getting a six pack or eight pack abs, girls too go haywire over men with welltoned bodies. Get into the habit of regular workout so you can make heads turn.

Dress well Nothing turns off women than a poorlydressed man. Do a style-check, spot the trends in fashion, and speak to a stylist to find out what looks best on you. Clothes make man literally.

CULLED FROM eighthrising.com

38 FORESIGHT

September 12, 2014 HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR LIFE

GROOMING

When stressed by a situation, take a moment to think Whether you Will even remember this in 5 years.

Effective Ways to Show Your Gratitude One of the easiest and most powerful things any leader can do is to show gratitude for their employees. What are you waiting for?

Business is busier than ever, and it’s easy to forget to take time to tell your employees just how grateful you are that they’re working for you. This is a mistake. Showing your gratitude to employees is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do to create a productive workplace filled with happy, engaged people. And that’s something every business could use more of. Believe it or not, 58 per cent of employees report that they seldom if ever get a thank you from their boss. The good news is that there are many ways to show your gratitude, most of which don’t require spending any money at all. These are highly effective ways you can show your gratitude to your employees quickly and easily.

A dose of autonomy Give your people some autonomy and watch them grow. Reward your employees with a flexible schedule to show that you trust them. Let them choose to enjoy their cup of coffee a while longer in the morning as they work from home. Or perhaps one of your employees is a night owl and would appreciate a few of their working hours to be spent during the evening at home.

Treat your employees to lunch Bringing in lunch for your employees has an amazing effect on mood and overall happiness in the workplace. Or take that one special employee or team out for lunch to show that you really are seeing and appreciating their amazing contributions.

Special recognition If you have a company newsletter, be sure to recognise standout employees or teams.

If not, make sure to name them personally during meetings or get-togethers and recognise their efforts.

Show and tell Create a special board in the office a chalkboard wall, fancy glassed-in

Selling Yourself

By Chioma Agwuegbo dfairygodsister@yahoo.com

The Hidden Benefits of Social Media Marketing

“

Just as secretiveness and deception are examples of bad manners and bad behaviour, so are intolerance and lack of understanding

display, or corkboard where your employees can show what is important to them or new in their lives. A new baby, an upcoming marathon, and a special event they are participating in whatever the case, this is their place to brag a little or get support.

Be respectful Even if you’re having a bad day, never show your anger. No matter how many times you praise an employee for a job well done, one lash out of anger can negate it all. Always put on a smile and be respectful at all times.

What to look for

What situations in business make you uncomfortable?

Write them down. What is your feeling? Where did it start, and how long ago?

Who can you talk to about this, and get you past it? The situations that make you uncomfortable in business are those when you are at your weakest and most vulnerable.

ALL THINGS SOCIAL

At these moments you make your biggest mistakes, the ones that are inhibiting you from performing and feeling better. Attack these and your life will accelerate. This isn’t the easiest advice to hear, and among the hardest to follow. But its precisely for both of those reasons that hearing and following this

will lead you to someplace special. Because most people, hearing this, turn the other way, repeat their mistakes, suffer in silence, and hold themselves back.

Don’t do this exercise every week. Like heavy weight work, it will leave you sore. Do it each week, however and it will make you stronger.

If you’re feeling a bit sceptical about social media marketing and whether or not it’s worth the effort, following are some reasons why it may be working better than you realise.

Brand Recognition One of the most powerful ways to use social media is as a brand-building tool. With social media, you get to decide how you want to position your company and what you want people to know about what you do. With consistent effort and great content, you can build a reputation for your brand around your company’s values, benefits, and advantages.

Community There is nothing like social media when it comes to cultivating a community. When your followers become part of your community, you gain instant access to them.

That means you can find out what challenges they are facing and what they like and don’t like about your offerings. You can engage in on-going dialog that can be more valuable than any kind of paid market research.

Repeat Exposure There is an old marketing adage that says it takes six to eight exposures to a product before a customer decides to buy. A clear benefit of social media is repeat exposure with your network. You have the opportunity to remind them over and over again about what you have to offer, which can shorten your sales cycles dramatically.

Authority For coaches, consultants, authors, speakers, and other service-based businesses, social media can be very powerful in helping you establish authority in your field making you the go-to resource for your target audience to seek out for help. Share great content, answer questions, and serve your audience, and you will inevitably build loyal fans.

Influence As your following increases, your influence grows. Having a substantial social media audience creates a snowball effect that can attract new customers, media interviews, joint venture partnerships, and all kinds of other opportunities. It’s a bit like when you see a crowd hovered around something. You can’t help but want to see what all the fuss is about, so a large audience will only attract more interest.

FORESIGHT 39

September 12, 2014 Pay attention

MOTIVATIONS

Pay attention to what matters instead of bowing to pressures from other people.

5 Ways to Do Exactly As You Say What you actually do matters much more than what you say you’re going to do. Anyone can talk a big game or over-promise, but the actual follow-through is what creates lasting success in business.

When you tell someone you’re going to do something, you do it in the amount of time you say you will do it. Sometimes you could even do more, but never less. Following through is much harder than it might seem, and that’s why people often fall short.

This is how you make sure that you do what you say. Never agree to or promise anything unless you are 100per cent sure you can do it.

1.Saying yes is a contract From telling someone you’ll call them for lunch next week to saying you’ll have a project finished in 3 days, anytime you agree to something, you’re asking someone to trust that you’ll do it.

Say yes only to things you are sure about, be sure that you’ll make them happen and sure that it’s something you want to do.

Not finishing a task is far worse than saying no upfront. Commit with complete conviction or don’t commit at all.

2.Say no Telling someone upfront that you can’t or aren’t interested in doing something re-affirms your commitment to your current schedule and tasks.

Saying no means you not only respect yourself; you respect the other person, because you can’t guarantee to finish or commit to what they want.

3.Have a schedule Anytime you say yes to something, put it in your

calendar and set a reminder. These reminders could involve anything from completing part of a client project on a certain day, to making an agreement with yourself to work out twice a week. Own your tasks to ensure they get done.

4.Don’t make excuses Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. From car accidents to computer crashes to family issues, life is unexpected.

You can’t account for everything when you make a commitment, so if something forces you to break your promise, own it even if it’s not your fault. Don’t make excuses, just offer to make things right.

5.Be honest The truth isn’t always the nicest answer. It might not be what someone wants to hear.

But if you’re not rude about it, in the long run, everyone is better off.

Telling the truth makes life easier and much more productive.

This especially includes being honest with yourself.

Being impeccable with your word means you are being honest with others, and more importantly, with yourself. This is truly the secret to. It may require you to think more carefully about your commitments, but in the long run, being honest makes you a trustworthy person who is valuable in just about every situation. culled frombusinessinsider.com

Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their 30s For many people, being in your 20s feels like a liquid decade, everything is in flux as you work out what you want to do professionally and who you want to be (and be with) personally. It’s in your 30s that life often seems to settle down into something firmer and more solid.

But what if the form it takes isn’t as you hoped? How do people end up moving into the middle of their lives lugging mistakes and regrets to either be born or undone? Or to put it in a simpler way, what are the most common ways people mess up their 30s?

Neglecting people in favour of work Regret over working too hard is one of the top end-of-life regrets. Apparently it’s a bad behaviour (and regret) that takes hold early. Don’t just work. Make memories. The older you get, the harder it is to make meaningful relationships.

Foster those up while you’re young.

Not finding the right balance between passion and money Many people get too comfortable with a certain material standard of living and letting your dreams or your ideals slide. Also, persevering in careers you know are wrong for you out of comfort.

Meanwhile, roughly an equal number regret pursuing

WHAT MOTIVATORS ARE SAYING...

Seek happiness for its own sake, and you will not find it; seek for duty, and happiness will follow as the shadow comes with the sunshine Tyron Edwards

passion at the expense of sensible financial planning. The probable takeaway, therefore, is that balance in this area is both really important and really tricky.

Thinking you have to follow some sort of script Obsessing too much about your life plan, putting an excessive amount of pressure on yourself wouldn’t let you enjoy what you’re doing. Instead of focusing on what is, you find yourself obsessing over what could or should be. It can make you ignore your blessings.

Some people call themselves out for falling victim to fake stories society convinced them to believe, the necessity of home ownership among them. Some Believe: buying a home equals happily-ever-after.

The common thread is the belief that there is some plan or script, often set by others but sometimes set only by you, that you can make your life conform to through a supreme act of will.

Sure, having goals is important, but anyone who reads these answers would also have to conclude that it’s a mistake to adhere to them too rigidly. Skip the detailed life plan in favour of listening to yourself, keeping an eye out for opportunity, ignoring unhelpful advice or generic expectations, and of course correcting as necessary. culled from inc.com

The secret of living is to find the pivot of a concept on which you can make your stand.

Luigi Pirandello

The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.

Albert Schweitzer

40 FORESIGHT

September 12, 2014

HEALTH

Uncover your confidence Stay curious as to what kind of confident person you can be at your best.

Drug Allergy GENERAL INFORMATION DEFINITION Drug allergy is an allergic reaction caused by drugs.

The reaction may happen immediately after taking the drug or days to weeks later.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED Skin; blood vessels; lungs.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED Both sexes; all ages. Females are affected more often than males.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • Symptoms vary and may be mild to severe.

• Rash (most common), hives (urticarial), and itching skin or eyes.

• Wheezing.

• Swelling (lips, tongue, and/or face).

• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction). It can cause difficult breathing with a wheeze, hives, swelling, fainting, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, fast heart rate, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and stomach pain or cramping.

CAUSES It is a reaction of the immune system in certain people. It leads to a misdirected response against a substance that does not cause a response in most people. The body becomes sensitized by the first exposure to the drug. The second or subsequent exposure causes an immune response (production of antibodies and release of histamine). Injected drugs are more of a risk than those taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

10%

• Worldwide, adverse drug reactions may affect up to 10 per cent of the world’s population and affect up to 20per cent of all hospitalised patients.

• Worldwide, drugs may be responsible for up to 20per cent of fatalities due to anaphylaxis.

• Approximately 6per cent of allergy sufferers have food/drug allergies as their primary allergy.

• Food allergy is more common among children than adults.

90 per cent of all food allergy reactions are cause by 8 foods: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. For drug allergies, penicillin is the most common allergy trigger.

SOURCE

www.cdc.gov

RISK INCREASES WITH • Use of almost any drug. These are more likely: - Penicillin and cephalosporin

antibiotics.

- Sulpha drugs.

- Vaccines.

- Anaesthetics applied to the skin.

- Allergy extracts.

- Iodine-containing compounds in some x-rays.

• Injected drugs, especially in high doses.

• Personal or family history of other allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, or eczema.

• Serious illness.

• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT • Drug allergies cannot be prevented. Tell any health care provider you consult about the drug reactions you have had.

• Avoid drugs that have caused a past reaction.

WHAT TO EXPECT DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES • Your own observation of symptoms.

• Your health care provider may do a ph. exam. Questions will be asked about your symptoms and the drugs you take (including non-prescription, herbals, or other supplements.

Usually, a diagnosis can be made based on type of reaction, timing of the reaction, and a drug you used is known to cause reactions.

• Skin tests or blood tests may be done.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE • The first step of treatment is to stop using drug that caused a reaction. Usually, another drug can be safely substituted.

Symptoms of drug reaction may be treated with other drugs.

• If there is no substitute drug that can be u other treatment steps may be taken. There are methods (called desensitising) that gradually introduce a drug into the body in small doses.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Anaphylaxis (can be lifethreatening).

• Serum sickness (a delayed type of reaction that occurs 1 to 3 weeks or more after exposure).

It can occur with the first time use of a drug. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and nerve damage.

• Rarely, may affect internal organs.

PROBABLE OUTCOME In many cases, stopping the drug is all that is needed. In other cases, symptoms can be relieved with treatment. Most symptoms should resolve in about 2 weeks.

HOW TO TREAT GENERAL MEASURES • Wear or carry medical ID that shows you have the drug allergy.

• Keep an anaphylaxis kit at home, on your person, nearby at work, and in your car for emergency use if anyone in the family has had a severe drug reaction.

MEDICATION • Cortisone drugs to decrease inflammation, antihistamines for the itching, and bronchidilators for wheezing may be prescribed.

• Epinephrine may be injected to treat anaphylaxis.

ACTIVITY No limits once symptoms improve.

DIET No special diet.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF • You have symptoms of drug allergy or observe them in someone else.

• You or a family member has anaphylaxis symptoms. Get help immediately.

SOURCE: COMPLETE GUIDE TO SYMPTOMS , ILLNESSES & SURGERY, 2012

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: The heart Is it true that people today have fewer heart attacks than generation ago? How does this fit with the fact that far more people are obese now than then?

Yes, it’s true. There has been a massive 60 per cent fall in the numbers of heart attacks in men in the last 28 years: The improvement is due to millions stopping smoking, better control of high blood pressure, and a big change in the pattern of cholesterol in the blood.

However, the gradual rise in obesity in younger and middle-aged adults may change this for the worse as they reach their sixties. We look as if we are following the USA. There was a similar fall in heart attacks in North America until the late 1990s, but the obesity epidemic started sooner there, and there is now a U-shaped curve of death from heart attack. The Americans reached the bottom of the U around 2000, and numbers are rising again. We are about ten years behind them, so we

can’t be complacent.

I had to be put on two different drugs for high blood pressure plus a drug to lower my cholesterol. I’m only 51 and don’t want to take them permanently. When will I be able to stop them?

I have no idea, and I expect your doctor hasn’t either. The decision to stop either treatment will depend on how well the control your pressure and lipid levels, and whether they risk again after

a trial period without them. That can’t be predicted. However, taking medicines to lower your pressure and cholesterol is only a small inconvenience when you consider that the will substantially lower your chances of a stroke or heart attack Since doctors in the UK started to manage blood pressure an blood fat levels in this way, strokes and heart attacks have fallen by more than half. Taking these drugs is a small price to pa for a longer and healthier life.

FRIDAY EXTRA 41

September 12, 2014

ultimate top list GREAT ANCIENT CHINESE INVENTIONS

1

PRINTING-MOVABLE TYPE (SONG DYNASTY: (960-1279 AD) That paper was invented by the Chinese is well known (by Cai Lun, circa 50-121 AD). It is one of the great Chinese inventions. The recipe for this paper still exists and can be followed by today’s artisans. In 868 the first printed book, using full-page woodcuts, was produced. About 100 years later, the innovations of Bi Sheng were described. Using clay-fired characters he made reusable type and developed typesetting techniques. Though used successfully to produce books, his technology was not perfected until 1298. By contrast, Gutenberg’s biblesthe first European book printed with movable type-were printed in the 1450s. Interestingly, the Chinese did not start using metal type until the 1490s.

PORCELAIN

PRINTING- MOVABLE TYPE

5

SHIP’S RUDDER (HAN DYNASTY: CIRCA 202 BC-220 AD) Chinese naval developments occurred far earlier than similar Western technology. The first recorded use of rudder technology in the West was in 1180.

Chinese pottery models of sophisticated slung axial rudders (enabling the rudder to be lifted in shallow waters) dating from the first century have been found.

Early rudder technology (circa 100 AD) also included the TOILET PAPER (SUI DYNASTY, 581-618 AD) TOILET PAPER easier to use balanced rudder (where part of the blade One of the first recorded accounts of using was in front of the steering post), first adopted by hygienic paper was during the Sui Dynasty in England in 1843-some 1700 years later. In another naval 589. In 851 an Arab traveler reported (with THE SEED DRILL (HAN DYNASTY: CIRCA development, fenestrated rudders were common on some amazement) that the Chinese used paper 202 BC-220 AD) Chinese ships by the thirteenth century, which were not in place of water to cleanse themselves. By the late The seed drill is used to plant seeds into the soil introduced to the west until 1901. Fenestration is the 1300s, approximately 720,000 sheets per year were at a uniform depth and cover it. Without this produced in packages of a thousand to ten thousand adding of holes to the rudder where it does not affect the tool, seeds are tossed by hand over the ground resulting sheets. In colonial times in America (late 1700s), steering, yet makes the rudder easy to turn. This in waste and inefficient, uneven growth. Chinese it was still common to use corncobs or leaves. innovation finally enabled European torpedo boats to use farmers were using seed drills as early as the second Commercial toilet paper was not introduced until 1857 their rudders while traveling at high speed (about 30 century BC. The first known European instance was a and at least one early advertiser noted that their product knots). patent issued to Camillo Torello in 1566, but was not was “splinter free”-something quite far from today’s adopted by Europeans into general use until the mid“ultra-soft.” One rather odd piece of trivia is that the DEEP DRILLING (BAN DYNASTY, CIRCA 202 1800s.

Romans used a sponge tied to the end of a stick, which BC-220 AD) may have been the origin of the expression “to grab the By the first century BC the Chinese had developed COMPASS (FEUDAL PERIOD-FOURTH wrong end of the stick.” the technology for deep drilling boreholes. Some CENTURY BC) of these reached depths of 4800 feet. They used technology The Chinese developed a lodestone compass that would be easily recognisable to a modern engineer and to indicate direction sometime in the fourth PORCELAIN (SUI DYNASTY, 581-618 AD) layperson alike. Derricks would rise as much as 180 feet century BC. These compasses were south pointing and Porcelain is a very specific kind of ceramic above the borehole. They stacked rocks with center holes began primarily used on land as divination tools and produced by the extreme temperatures of a kiln. (tube or doughnut shaped) from the surface to the deep direct finders.

Written in the fourth century BC, in the The materials fuse and form a glass and mineral stone layer as a guide for their drills (similar to today’s guide Book of the Devil Valley Master, it is written that compound known for its strength, translucence and tubes). With hemp ropes and bamboo cables reaching deep “Iodestone makes iron come or it attracts it.” The beauty. Invented during the Sui Dynasty (but possibly into the ground, they employed cast iron drills to reach the earlier) and perfected during the Tang Dynasty (618spoons were made from lodestone, while the plates were natural gas they used as a fuel to evaporate water from 906), most notably by Tao-Yue (c. 608-c. 676), Chinese of bronze. Thermoremanence needles were being brine to produce salt. The natural gas was carried via porcelain was highly prized throughout the world. The produced for mariners by the year 1040, with common bamboo pipes to where it was needed. There is also some porcelain of Tao-Yue used a “white clay” found on the evidence that the gas was used for light. Whileit is not use recorded by 1119. Thermoremanence technology, edge of the Yangtze River, where he lived. By the time of known exactly when deep-drilling was first used by the still in use today, was “discovered” by William Gilbert in the Sung Dynasty (960-1279), the art of porcelain had Europeans, no evidence point to the early industrial about 1600. reached its peak. In 1708 the German physicist revolution (mid-eighteenth century). In the United States, Tschirnhausen invented European porcelain, thus the first recorded deep drill was in West Virginia in the ROW PLANTING (FEUDAL PERIODending the Chinese monopoly.

1820s.

SIXTH CENTURY BC) The Chinese started planting crops in rows HARNESSES FOR HORSES (AGE OF IRON PLOWS (HAN DYNASTY, CIRCA 202 sometime in the sixth century BC. This DIVISION, CIRCA 220-581 AD) BC-220 AD) technique allows the crops to grow faster and stronger. It Throat harnesses have been used throughout One of the major developments of the ancient facilitates more efficient planting, watering, weeding, and the world to harness horses to carts and sleds.

Chinese agriculture was the use of the iron harvesting. There is also documentation that they realised These harnesses press back on the neck of the horse moldboard plows. Though probably first developed in that as the wind travels over rows of plants there is less thus limiting the full strength of the animal. In the late the damage. This obvious development was not instituted in feudal period (4th century BC), there is pictorial fourth century BC and promoted by the central the Western world for another 2200 years. Master Lu evidence (from the Chinese state of Chu) of a horse government, they were popular and common by the Han wrote in the ‘Spring and Autumn Annals’; “If the crops with a wooden chest yoke. By the late Han Dynasty, dynasty. A major invention was the adjustable strut, are grown in rows they will mature rapidly because they the yoke was made from softer straps and was used which, by altering the distance of the blade and the will not interfere with each other’s growth. The horizontal throughout the country. By the fifth century, the horse beam, could precisely set the depth of the plow. This rows must be well drawn, the vertical rows made with collar, which allows the horse to push with its technology was not instituted in England and Holland skill, for if the lines are straight the wind will pass gently shoulders, was developed. This critical invention was until the seventeenth century, sparking an abundance of through.” This text was compiled around 240 BC. introduced into Europe approximately by 970 and food which some experts say was a necessary Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’ became widespread within 200 years. prerequisite for the industrial revolution.

2

8

6

3

4

7

9

10

The day your horse dies and your money’s gone, your relatives change into strangers.

— Chinese Proverb

42 FRiDAY EXTRA

kids

September 11, 2014

questions

Why don’t penguins live at the North Pole?

quickfire

Penguins can live at the south Pole because way down under the thick ice there’s land. the land means the ice is stable, so they can tend their nests, makes shelter and otherwise, survive when they’re not in the ocean. since the north Pole is made of floating ice that is always moving and shifting, it’s not the best place to call home.

Why did explorers race to the North and South Poles?

Why is Antarctica a continent?

Home to the south Pole, Antarctica is covered by ice year-round, up to to 3 miles thick,. under all that ice is alarge mass of actual land that is about the size of the continental united states, plus most of Mexico. its size and land mass give this rocky terrain at the bottom of the world its status as a continent. Massive shelves of ice cling to its sides, a neckalce of sea sorround it and collossal icebergs froat near its shores.

By the early 1900s most of the world had been explored. though few new adventures remained, the north and south poles had not yet been reached. several nations sent teams to try to get there first. in 1909, American explorers Robert Peary (above) and Mathew Henson won the race to the north poles. norway’s expedition, led by Roald Amundsen, was first to reach the south Pole in 1911.

Why do whirlpools start?

When water spins down the toilet bowl after a flush, it’s making a whirlpool motion. Whirlpool happen in the ocean, too. When two currents moving in opposite directions meet, a whirlpools can form, spinning around and around. some scientists thinks these whirlpools actually help slow global warming by gathering and drawing in carbon from the air.

weir d fact !

A ‘red tide’ happens when algae (tiny plants that live in the ocean) suddenly bloom in huge numbers, turning the ocean red. Red tides remove oxygen from the water and can be deadly for fish.

Why can sea mammals drink seawater?

Why are scientists drilling ice way down below Antarctica? they’re actually studying history. the ice on Antarctica was built up over many centuries. the core sample they drill are like superlong icicles dug from way below the surface. the ice they retrieve is packed with clues about the weather and atmosphere in ancient times.

An abundance of money ruins youth.

― English Proverb

some marine mammals like whales and seals can drink seawater and survive. their extra-efficient kidneys help them remove excess salt through their urine but the fact that they can drink salt water doesn’t mean they do. Most marine mammals likely don’t drink much seawater at all. some sea animals get all the water they need from eating fish, while seals sometimes eat snow to get water.

Culled from the book ‘TIME for kids Big Book of Why’

FRIDAY EXTRA 43

September 12, 2014

why?

... answers to everyday scientific questions

Why Do Men Have Nipples?

Men have nipples because women do.

The importance of nipples to women is obvious: they deliver milk to suckling babies - up to 900 ml (1.58 pints) a day! Other mammals manage even more impressive feats of lactation. In 2010 a cow from Wisconsin with the catchy name of Ever-Green- View My 1326-ET produced over (175.98 pints) of milk a day for a year!

(Cows normally manage around 31 litres a day (54.55 pints).

However, nipples appear to serve no purpose at all in men. Having nipples is part of what defines a mammal (mammals are animals that suckle their young, for which they need nipples), but not all male mammals have nipples. Stallions (male horses) don’t have nipples,

neither do male rats or mice.

Men probably have nipples because there isn’t a good enough reason for them not to. When embryos are developing in the womb they start off fairly unisex - both male and female embryos begin developing all the same body structures, and these include nipples, which appear around the fourth week of development. By the seventh week, the baby’s body begins to assume one gender or another as the sex hormones kick in, causing male babies to develop their sex organs, with the vaginal labia fusing to form the scrotum and the clitoris developing into the penis.

Nipples are not sex-linked body features in the same way as the genitals, so no signals arrive to

cause the developing male embryo to lose them. If having nipples were a significant cause of problems for men or in any way affected their survival and chances of having babies, there would have been pressure via natural selection for them to be lost. But this obviously hasn’t been the case, so there has been no reason for men to evolve some special mechanism to lose their nipples during the development of the embryo.

This is a long-winded way of saying that men have nipples because all embryos have them and all embryos have them because the female ones will need them later.

But this does not explain everything. Male nipples are fully formed and can become functional.

During pregnancy and birth a baby

With money you can buy blood, but not life.

— Chinese Proverb

is exposed to heavy doses of its mother’s hormones and sometimes, high levels of female sex hormones activate the breasts of boy babies so that they are lactating when they are born. This unusual occurrence is called ‘witches’ milk’.

There is also a medical condition called gynecomastia that causes enlargement of male breasts, which can cause milk to leak from the nipples. Men can also develop breast cancer.

Why spend energy and resources developing fully functional nipples? Wouldn’t it be worth evolving away male nipples to protect men from breast cancer?

Nobody knows the answers to these questions.

Culled from Why?: Answers to everyday scientific questions

44 FRIDAY EXTRA

titans

September 12, 2014

oF hIstoRY

CLEOPATRA 69-30 BC

“Fool! Don’t you see now that I could have poisoned you a hundred times had I been able to live without you?”

C

leopatra VII was the last pharaoh-queen of Egypt but she was Greek, not Egyptian, and using the prestige of her royal dynasty, her own political acumen and her sexual charisma, she tried to regain her family’s lost empire - and nearly succeeded. She was descended from Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, who conquered his own Mediterranean empire, based on Egypt.

The Ptolemies had fused the Egyptian pantheon of gods with that of the Greeks while adopting the ancient pharaonic practice of sibling marriage. In 51 BC, the teenage Cleopatra VII co-inherited the throne with her brotherhusband Ptolemy XIII, but the ambitious, cunning queen, aged 18, made clear her intention to rule alone. Forced into exile by her brother, she sought the support of Iulius Caesar.

In 48 BC, Caesar arrived in Egypt in pursuit of his defeated rival for supremacy in the Roman empire, Pompey, who was killed by the Egyptians.

But Caesar, now dictator of Rome, was drawn into the Egyptian civil war

by Cleopatra. He was 52, she was 21, the heir of the oldest dynasty of the Western world. She was probably not beautiful- her nose was aquiline, her chin pointed - but she possessed a ruthless aura like Caesar himself and shared a taste for sexual theatre and adventurous politics.

Cleopatra smuggled herself into Caesar’s presence rolled up in a laundry bag (not a carpet). As soon as the highly intelligent and seductive queen tumbled out at his feet, Caesar was bewitched.

Often in danger of defeat and hampered by meagre forces, Caesar managed to rout her enemies and restore Cleopatra. As he fled the lovers’ combined army, Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile.

Cleopatra’s youngest brother became Ptolemy XIV and her new husband.

Bearing a son by Caesar called Caesarion, the Egyptian queen lived openly as Caesar’s consort in Rome, causing a scandal. It was rumoured that Caesar intended to become king of Rome and make Cleopatra his queen. On the Ides of March in 44 BC Caesar was murdered by his political enemies and Cleopatra fled.

Back in Egypt, Cleopatra set about re-establishing her influence.

The swashbuckling general Mark Antony, one of the Triumvirate who now ruled the republic, summoned Cleopatra to his presence.

Her breath-taking entrance - reclining, dressed as Venus on a goldburnished barge - captivated Antony as effectively as she had hooked Caesar.

Mark Antony was assigned the imperium of the east, while Caesar’s adopted heir Octavian ruled the west. But Antony soon embraced a Hellenistic eastern vision of kingship, encouraged by Cleopatra, which was very different from the Roman tradition of austere dignity. She was determined to use Roman backing to re-establish the Ptolemaic empire.

Antony treated Cleopatra, not as a protected sovereign but as an independent monarch. He gave her vast tracts of Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus, and appointed their children the monarchs of half a dozen countries.

Antony saw Cleopatra as the co-founder of his eastern dynasty and her new Egyptian territories as a key cornerstone to support his Roman empire in his wars against the Parthians. But Rome could not allow the re-emergence of an independent Ptolemaic empire. Pressed by Octavian, half-brother to Antony’s abandoned Roman wife, the Senate in Rome declared war on Egypt.

The lovers who had designated themselves gods were vanquished by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Antony committed suicide, and Cleopatra, rather than face the shame of being paraded in chains through

Rome, had a venomous snake smuggled to her in a basket of figs. When Octavian’s soldiers came for her, they found the queen laid out on her golden bed, the pinpricks of an asp’s deadly fangs on her arm. Cleopatra had wanted to be the greatest of her dynasty, but she turned out to be its memorable last.

She gambled her bid for empire on her relationship with a general who rarely won a battle - and she lost everything.

With money you can buy sex, but not love. ― Chinese Proverb

Culled from the book ‘Titans of History’

FEATURE

September 12, 2014

Omotola Vs Genevieve …By the Numbers Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Born Omotola Jalade on February 7, 1978, Ekeinde made her acting debut in the movie Venom of Justice in 1995.

Since then she has appeared in over 300 movies. She came to limelight after she starred in the critically acclaimed movie Mortal Inheritance.

Also, Ekeinde doesn’t just appeal to Nigerians alone; she enjoys a large international following. The actress has won awards in almost all the continents of the world.

Not only is ‘Omosexy’ (as she is fondly called) an actress, she is also a singer, philanthropist and former model. The actress who became a United Nations WFP (World Food Programme) Ambassador in 2005 has also been active in the Walk the World Project and participated in the Walk the World Campaign in Liberia, with President Ellen SirleafJohnson. Ekeinde is known as a fierce human rights campaigner and her philanthropic efforts are centred on her NGO, Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme (OYEP). Ekeinde became an Amnesty International campaigner in 2011 and has participated in campaigns in Sierra Leone (on maternal mortality) and Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

She also takes advantage of the social media to connect with her fans and share her own unique views with the rest of the world. Ekeinde is regarded as the first African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page.

In 2013, she was honoured in Time Magazine's list of the ‘100 most influential people in the world’ alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton.

In 2012, CNN Travel noted Ekeinde's famous accent on their list of the ‘world's 12 sexiest accents’, with the Nigerian accent ranked 5th on the list. She is also regarded as the first Nigerian celebrity to star in their own reality show – her reality show

Omotola: The Real Me was launched in 2012 on Africa Magic Entertainment, a subsidiary of M-Net, broadcast on DStv. In early 2013, Ekeinde made her US television debut in VH1's scripted series, Hit the Floor. Some of her most prominent films include Ijé: The Journey, Last Flight to Abuja, Amina and Mirror Boy and Blood Sisters. She has endorsed products of Ghadour Cosmetics, online store Konga, Hollandia, Proctor & Gamble, amongst others, with some of these endorsements still on going.

Ekeinde has proved to be more versatile when it comes to music.

She released her debut album GBA in 2005. The singles Naija L’owa and The Things you do to Me were included in the album. Her sophomore album Me, Myself, and Eyes was released soon after.

Ekeinde has managed to remain scandal-free throughout her career.

The only time controversy was added to her name was when she lashed out at journalists who labelled some of her 12-year old daughter’s photos “sexy”.

Omotola is married and is a proud mother of four lovely childreb.

In recognition of Ekeinde’s contribution to Nollywood, she was conferred with a chieftaincy title in her home-state of Ondo. She has also won various awards, including the Ebony Vanguard Award, the Screen Nation’s award for Best Actress, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the ELOY Award for Actress of the Year and a host of others.

Ekeinde By The Numbers 36 Ekeinde is currently36 years old. She was born on

February 7, 1978.

1995 The year in which Ekeinde made her acting debut.

4 Ekeinde has endorsed the products of four companies; Ghadour Cosmetics, online store Konga, Hollandia and Proctor & Gamble.

2 Number of musical albums the actress has released.

4 Number of children Ekeinde and her husband have.

300 Number of movies which Ekeinde claims to have appeared starred in in the course of her career.

16 Ekeinde has won over 16 major awards in the course of her career

478,800 Total number of followers Ekeinde has on Twitter (as at the time of this publication).

Omotola

Public money is like holy water; everyone helps himself to it.

― Italian proverb

45

46 TATTLES Shakira, Pique Expecting Second Son

It is, indeed, the season of babies. The next celebrity baby may be that of Colombian pop star and footballer, Shakira and Gerard Pique. The singer announced last month that she is pregnant with their second child.

Now, her parents Nidia and William recently revealed that she is carrying a brother for her 19-month-old son, Milan. Her parents, speaking to Hola! Magazine, said: “We’re very happy.

She’s having another baby boy – a playmate for Milan.” Although they know the sex of their next grandchild, Nidia and William do not know what Shakira and Gerard plan to call their next baby. Shakira confirmed the happy news in a magazine interview and on her Twitter page, telling her millions of followers: “Yes, we are expecting our second baby!! Thank you all for your well wishes!”

Shakira, 37, has previously stated she’d like to have a huge family with her 27-year-old beau, with her dream being having enough kids to make up a soccer side of 11 players each.

Miley Cyrus attends a party , Topless!

If you are an American female entertainer and you haven’t released your version of ‘nude photos’ or they haven’t leaked onto the Internet, you are yet to ‘arrive’. At least, that’s what it looks like.

Rihanna is globally-certified crazy, but it seems Miley Cyrus needs to take that crown by all means.

The Wrecking ball singer made an appearance at the recently held NYC Fashion Week and a couple of ice cream cone pasties were all that stood between Miley’s nipples and her crew as they cruised into an Alexander Wang after party. Cyrus rolled in to the event with Tyga, Kendall and Kylie Jenner and others in tow.

Predictably, everyone else was boring and, you know, fully clothed.

Except Miley, that is.

TATTLES can only hope Nigerian celebrities who copy almost anything will not copy Cyrus’ style.

2Face Idibia, WizKid Lead 2014 Hennessy Artistry After months of heightened anticipation and speculation, 2Face Idibia and WizKid have been revealed as this year’s Hennessy Artistry headliners. The duo, widely known for monster hits and ground breaking videos, will join the league of rave singers who have head-lined the Hennessy Artistry in the past – D’banj, MI, Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Shina Peters, to mention a few. This year’s theme represents a blend of the matured, premium lifestyle and the young, vibrant lifestyle, which is generally classified as “new school”.

As is the custom annually, a selection of talented singers will join 2Face and WizKid on the artistry train. These support-singers will be announced later this month, before the club tour kicks off. Starting off as a cocktail-mixing contest between renowned bartenders, the Hennessy Artistry has since evolved into Nigeria’s biggest music platform for experimental collaborations between multi-talented artistes.

Women Can't Separate Us - Bracket Popular, music duo, Smash and Vast, who make up Bracket, have revealed that neither money nor women can make them go their separate ways, because, according to them, they have “grown past that”. They made this known in a recent interview with a national daily.

“Money has not separated us, so women won’t do that to us. We had a little issue about money in the past and we settled it.

So, when it comes to women or when Smash sees me with people who will not add value to my life, he warns me. When I don’t listen, he will let me be. Then when it all goes wrong, he will still be the person I come back to.

I don’t think women or money can be a problem between us at this stage,” Vast revealed.

Omawumi Owes No One An Apology It’s no longer news that singer Omawumi Megbele is engaged to her long-time love and the father of her baby, Tosin Yusuf. Surprisingly, some fans have accused the Delta State-born singer of being too secretive, as she hid the identity of the father of her child for a long time before entertainment newspaper NET revealed it. While responding to the criticism against her, the singer did not fail to be candid, as always: “I’m of the opinion that I don’t owe anyone any explanation. Just as I’m not prompted by pressure to reveal, I’m also not prompted by pressure to be discreet. I’m just me and right now I’m deliriously happy to (officially) share my world with the ones I love…. Thank you to those who love me, nonetheless, and thank you my loves,” she said in a recent tweet.

September 12, 2014

The rumour mills are definitely spinning out of action with the news that late Pop singer Michael Jackson’s 16-year-old daughter, Paris Jackson, may be pregnant.

Paparazzi caught her on a dinner date sporting what looked like a baby bump!

Thirty-three-year-old Kim Kardashian West spoke to Ellen DeGeneres about her plans to expand her family with husband Kanye West recently. The reality star did not mince words: “I’m ready for baby No 2,” she said.

TiSPY

Which American celeb attended a party topless?

Nothing Wrong With Entertainers Going Into Politics – Bob Manuel In a recent interview with Encomium magazine, one-time Ultimate Search host, Bob Manuel-Udokwu, revealed his plans to contest for a seat at the Anambra State House of Assembly in the 2015 general elections on the platform All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The current special adviser to the Anambra State governor on Nollywood and entertainment said: “I have been in politics since I was given the role of the special adviser on Nollywood and entertainment in Anambra State, as part of the present administration. Yes, I am interested in vying for a political position in the 2015 general elections in Anambra State House of Assembly to represent Idemili North Constituency 1. I want to go to the grassroots.”

Udokwu also had a few words for those who think actors and other celebrities should not go into politics. “People ask that a lot. Why are people raising eyebrow over it? A lot of people from other sectors have also gone into politics. There shouldn’t be an exception. In the USA, a lot of entertainers are into politics. Why are journalists always asking this question? We are often called political actors. I don’t see anything wrong in entertainers going into politics.

I am proud I put Nigeria on the world map as an actor. There is nothing bad in it if I do that in politics as well,” he pointed out.

The Things

They Said “The ‘foolish’ girl didn’t paint her nails”

–Waje reacting to the news of fellow musician Omawumi’s engagement “When we first met, I didn’t know who he was really”

Adaeze Yobo talking about her hubby Joseph Yobo

FLiRT “I am not in a relationship” ALERT –Actress Beverly Naya

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

TATTLES 47

September 12, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

How To Be A Celebrity In Nigeria Celebrities are public property; no two ways about it. The whole ‘celeb’ culture as a whole is an industry in itself. Magazines, websites, blogs and even newspapers live off the celebrity culture. So, anyone who says being a celebrity is over-rated had better think again.

Actor and film-maker Kunle Afolayan recently released his own list of how to be a celebrity in Nigeria. Having seen the list, TATTLES decided to write on behalf of the voiceless ‘fan’.

1. You must be a mobile ATM at all times.

Very applicable (to the following Police, Customs and Immigration officers) at check points, airports and borders, as well as area boys.

Kunle and other celebrities shouldn’t complain about this. After all, we are the ones who buy your CDs and other releases (this line has been used by every area boy/girl since the beginning of time whenever they want to extort a celebrity). So, pardon us if we ask for our own ‘share’ of your loot!

2. You must never have personal problems, only solve people’s problems, including buying breakfast for strange figures, because “boys must chop”.

If you choose, carry all the problems of this world on your head. E no concern us! Bros, when the time reach, boys must, indeed, chop!! If my favourite celebrity cannot solve my problem, who will?

3. You must never have moods. It’s forbidden; you are not human remember?

Yes oo, you are not human! How can one human being kill 20 people with one single punch? How can an ordinary man get to marry the king’s daughter, despite the number of well-to-do, handsome princes and kings who wanted her hand in marriage? How can an ordinary human being manage to always look spotless at all times?

4. You must never have an opinion. It’s not permitted. Else, you incur the people’s wrath.

Again, a celebrity is every body’s property! You are not permitted to have an opinion! You must always say “I agree” or “yes” to everything. We don’t watch your movies or listen to your songs for your opinion. You are whoever we make you out to be.

5. You must be ready to receive insults on social media platforms, especially from annoying anonymous persons. Also, be ready to be impersonated on ‘Facebook’ with many pages [created] by miscreants ripping innocent people off in your name.

Social media is no man’s land. So, when we drop comments on your music or film, on a blog or Facebook/ Twitter/Instagram, suck it up and do better next time. If you no wan see people comments, u fit delete all your social media accounts and let’s see who will lose. There are plenty celebrities waiting to be ‘abused’ and ‘insulted’ just to get their names out there.

6. You must never have a life.

How many times we go explain this one? If you wanted a life, you should have never become a celebrity! Period!

7. You must be ready to overlook and endure everything, even if it’s to your detriment.

Imagine seeing the headline – ‘Kunle Afolayan Slaps/Head-butts/ Kicks/ a Fan’ splashed across the front-page of all the major newspapers across the country? Who e go pain pass? You or the fan? So, bros, always be ready to turn the other cheek.

8. Be ready to pay your fans for seeing your movies or listening to your music.

You are everyone’s fan! Ever been told “you are my biggest fans oo. I dey watch your film oo, make you settle.” Hmmm, if I’m your fan I wonder what you are to me Do you know how difficult it is to leave your house to go to the cinema to watch a movie or download one song? If you knew, then, bros, you no go complain.

Note: Don’t get all that’s been said twisted. Celebrities are people too and they deserve every bit of their privacy.

So, respect them!

Have a wonderful weekend.

PUBLiC “Personally, I think sex before marriage is good” DiSPLAY –Actress Oluwaseyi Edun

Tinsel couple, Damilola Adegbite and Chris Attoh, recently welcomed their first child, a bouncing baby boy on Friday, September 5, 2014, in the United States of America.

Congrats to them.

Kenny Saint Best, KSB, who has declared her intention to contest for a seat in Lagos State House of Assembly, come 2015, finally revealed that she will be contesting the elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Good luck to her!

Nollywood actor Osita Iheme has written his first book. The petite actor recently completed the motivational book Inspiration 101. Good to see him branching out.

Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, recently came to the aid of financially stranded film-maker, Eddie Ugboma. Various sources claim that the governor supported Ugboma’s dream of building a film village with the sum of N10m. Good one, gov’nor!

TiP FOR “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

THE TOP –Napoleon Hill

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at abisolaalawode@yahoo.co.uk

48

COLUMNS

Diary

Razak’s

co s y raz z y @ ya h o o. co m

I’m an impulsive guy with an insatiable thirst for adventure. This is all about my dalliances & escapades.

Trouble Versus Nyanga (2) I coughed. Her noose was getting tighter and the crowd was getting larger. I was sweating more from the embarrassment than from the heat. I looked around and, I think, my mouth must have been open, because someone asked me “Why your mouth dey open na? Pay your customer her money.”

“Which customer? Which money?” I asked, annoyed. I had suddenly found my tongue.

“Bros, make I tell you; today na today o. You do me for Kaduna, you do me for Kafanchan and now you wan go do me for Bauchi. You must pay o!” All the while she was vibrating, while holding me in a vice-like grip. “’Do’ you what? When did I meet you and have I ever seen you before today?” I asked.

“All this one na grammar,” she said “na when you no give me money na him you go know wetin time dey talk.”

I couldn’t believe what was going. I had an embarrassed smile. Perhaps, if I was white, I would have turned pale or plain red.

True, I had looked at her, but I never touched her – not by mistake, not by design. Where was all this coming from? I looked beyond the crowd and saw two policemen approaching. I heaved a sigh of relief. When the cops approached, they wanted to know what had happened between me and the “beautiful lady”.

“Beautiful lady? This one?” My lust had turned to disgust.

Completely. “What is beautiful about giving a woman a lift and she turns out to be a hustler who wants some money from you?” The cops exchanged funny glances and turned to me.

“You mean a woman will just hang on to your collar and demand some money when you did not have anything to do with you? Bros, you will have to come with us to the station to explain a couple of things,” they said, nodding their heads.

“For what na?” The lady and I asked simultaneously.

“The man owes me. Let him pay what he owes and we will all go our ways,” she said. I noticed she had switched to proper English. I couldn’t believe it. I stared at both cops.

“This woman was speaking Pidgin before you came here o! Now she’s speaking English. She’s a fraud. You should be arresting her o!”

Both cops looked at me and smiled. “Bros, nobody dey do for free these days o. Just settle her make all these people no dey gather dey embarrass you o.” They didn’t have time for the truth or otherwise. At least, they had stated it plainly.

“Okay,” one of them stated, “tell us how and where you meet this woman.” Finally, some semblance of sanity in this whole crazy thing!

I explained everything, from the beginning, to how we got to the present.

“Okay,” the first cop, when I was done. “You never mentioned that you two branched anywhere to kill yourselves as she is insisting.”

“That’s because there was nothing like that,” I said.

“That one na lie, my guy. You say nothing, abi? Officer,” she said, turning to the first cop, “this guy do me four times before we reach Jos”.

“Bros,” said the second cop who looked like Shrek, “just give her something make she go. We no know who dey talk true or who dey talk lie now, as e be.”

I looked at him with unfeigned distaste.

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“This woman is a thief and a black-mailer and I cannot give her a dime from the money which I am going to give my mother,” I insisted.

“Who you dey call black-mailer? You nko, osho-free? I no dey do for free and I never ever do for free,” she flared.

I had an idea.

I asked the cops for permission to make a call. They nodded their acceptance. I stepped aside and made a call.

While the phone rang t the other end of the line, I could hear some buffoon warn the cops “make una no let the man escape o”. Everyone laughed aloud.

“Useless men wen no dey fit pocket their John-Thomas,” hissed an older woman.

“Mama, how you know wetin be John-Thomas?” Asked a far younger fellow beside her, with evident surprise.

“You look woman like me wen fit born you three times dey ask me if I know wetin John-Thomas be? You no dey fear?”

Now, even the cops laughed. The person I was calling had refused to pick his call.

What’s this fool doing at this time of day? I wondered.

“Hello, fool. You back from Jos, yet?” a voice said in my ears.

Finally.

“Fool, where have you been and what have you been doing?”

“I came for treatment in Nurse Titi’s clinic, just chilling, bro.”

“I hope you die while getting your treatment,” I said and without giving him time to reply, I ploughed on.

I explained everything about my situation to him.

“You see, if you had slept with her, you would have been feeling better now. But you didn’t and now you are miserable.”

“Thanks for the lecture, but let’s save it for later.”

“Okay, since you didn’t sleep with her, it’s simple,” Etim said.

“How so?”

“Well, are you wearing boxers?”

“Of course. See, no joke for here o,” I warned him.

“Relax.”

“So..”

“Since she claimed to have slept with you, just ask her the colour of your boxers.”

“Jug head,” I said and cut the conection.

I turned round to find them waiting for me.

“So, what did the lawyer say?” asked the lady.

I ignored her.

“So, are you going to pay me my money?” She asked again.

“What money?”

“The one you owe me for doing na…”

“Well, since you insist I ‘did’, whatever that means, I will like you to tell everyone the colour of my boxers.”

Everyone cheered. My demand looked good.

“Wetin?” she asked.

“You hear the man,” said Dumb Cop, “answer am”.

She stared around, refusing to believe that the table had turned.

I think I notice a huge strand of sweat dribble down her brow. I smiled for the first time in hours.

Write to us! Share your favourite recipes, TV shows, movies, and of course write to Matilda, Mimi and Rasaq. Send us your comments and suggestions on our features.

We want lots of feedback from you! fridayleadership@leadership.ng

When money speaks, the truth keeps silent.

September 12, 2014

Relationships FoR You, BY Me

Fabulous, ‘Old’, Lonely

Now when I say fabulous, I mean attractive (relative, of course), fairly independent, looks ‘kept’ and aged 28 years plus. Someone also said to me within the same time frame, “If any man is dating a woman who is his age mate (he was referring to a 28-year-old lady at the time), he must really like her.” I wanted to know why he would say that and he jokingly replied, “because a woman of that age is desperate for marriage and the guy is taking a risk dating her!” * chuckles* Of course, when I heard this I went into a daze because I thought to myself, “So, as I am 28 years old I am now a risk, a liability probably? What that fellow was saying was that I am not a woman who is looking for love anymore. No. I am a woman in search of a man who can handle all this baggage that is my age – not my personality, inability to have children or not or my income. NO, rather, is is my age that makes me high risk. Wonderful.

So, according to all I have said, if you fit the above characteristics, then you are fabulous, old, lonely and, therefore, desperate and high-risk.

I honestly don’t feel that the society or our parents are responsible for these issues. I feel it’s the fear of how we are perceived by society that creates or rather lets you ooze this desperation of wanting a ring that makes men treat you how they want because they feel you will take anything because “you aren’t going anywhere. You need this.” I heard a guy once say to a lady he was dating that he is doing her a favour by marrying her and [that] she needs him to upgrade her from the life she so desperately wants to leave. When I heard this I couldn’t explain the shock I felt in my soul. Yes, in my soul. Don’t get me wrong. She got the ring, but what would happen to her in that relationship? Beloved, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

In society, being ‘old’and unmarried is a culture change we are trying to accept like being an open homosexual. People still whisper behind your back, you still get the insults but for peace to reign we just ‘accept’ you and your choices. I know many older women who didn’t choose to be single at their age and many who chose to be. I find it disgusting to have to support a woman’s relationship status as if I am supporting the human rights movement. Being fabulous and lonely isn’t always a choice. Sometimes, being single in this day and age is a survival mechanism, because the rubbish that is walking around calling himself a ‘man’ is a tad too much. Men of these days are making it so hard to settle down and women of these days aren’t making it easier for men to even want to settle down. I have people saying “relationships are expensive”, “I need to make my money first”, “she’s too confident, I want a village wife who will bow and kneel when I pass”. Honestly I don’t blame these people, I blame our parents sometimes. Our parents didn’t always communicate with us; they didn’t tell us their stories and all that.

Parents need to tell their children that “it wasn’t always rosy; it wasn’t always holidays and designer bags for mummy. I had to suffer, I had to move away from you to earn more and make you happy. We didn’t always have money, your mum and I built this life together, she was with me when I was poor and is now enjoying these riches with me”. Words can’t explain how angry I feel when a single woman of today says “I need to find a man that can take care of me the way my father did.” Do you know what your mother had to sacrifice for you to have that love your father poured on you through money (since that’s what we are using to measure love now)? This could be why you are bleeding fabulous and lonely, because you are used to the lifestyle your father took many years to get you.

Life is hard as it is. Pointing, laughing and feeling sorry for women who are above the 28-year mark and not married is not a sport to help you pass the time. I promise you, as you are feeling sorry and gossiping about someone else, someone is doing the same to you, as well.

If you are fabulous and lonely, I implore you to stay that way until love is ready for you, because not being in love isn’t the end of the world. Even when you do get into it, life still pretty much continues afterwards and all those fancy dates, sweeping you off your feet won’t always be there. The real life just sets in. That’s where and when you know if you have found your prince charming or if you have just kissed another frog. www.miseducationofmimi.blogspot.com Mimidoo Achineku is a PR consultant in the SME, TV & Film industry.

She is a blogger, fabulous, old, depending on who you ask and she isn’t lonely!

— Russian proverb

49

September 12, 2014

One Year

GOne BY Mummy Zee, it is exactly ONE Year you left us.

But it all seems like “an evening gone”!

We thank God for the love, dedication, hardwork and empathy you impacted on us which are still very evident today.

We are eternally grateful to God for the privilege of being family! Rest in peace until we all meet to part no more.

She iS Survived by: Son: David & Olufunke Soleye Grandchildren: Danielle Soleye Samantha Soleye An aged mother, brothers & sisters, nephews & nieces & a host of other relations. reMeMbrANCe ServiCe Please join us for a first year remembrance service in her honor which will take place:

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2014 Venue: The Cathedral Church of St. Michael, (Anglican Comm) Ibrahim Taiwo Rd, Kaduna.

Time: 11:00am.

R.S.V.P - +234 803 315 5760

APPReCIATIOn The entire ATO family will like to appreciate all those friends, colleagues, the church (Nigeria & USA) & especially the St. Faith’s College, Kaduna Old Girls’ Association, her ABUTH Zaria colleagues & friends, her church members in Zaria, Kaduna & the USA, her Minnesota USA college mates & colleagues who commiserated with us through prayers, phone calls, gifts & condolence visits to encourage & support us through this one year. May God bless us all & keep us ready for rapture, in Jesus name, amen.

MS. LARAI EVA ATO

(MUMMY ZEE) June 6, 1947 - September 12, 2013 Signed: MS. huSSAiNA ChArity Ato for the Ato family

50 FRIDAY SPECIAL/BOOKS & ARTS

September 12, 2014

With Chikelu Chinelo & Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

Youths Chastised To Know More Of Their Culture Nigerian youths have been chastened to comprehend Nigerian cultures and its significance as a means of cultivating tolerance and unity, opined a clergyman, Monsignor S. Ajayi.

Ajayi made this known during the Culture Day celebration of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mpape, Abuja.

According to Ajayi, those who feel culture should be done away with or has no place in the church are much deceived; for through the inculcation of the mother tongue Africans gain a better understanding of the mass, so as to ensure complete participation in the order of the mass.

Commenting on how the church draws a balancing act from overzealous cultural practices, Ajayi pointed out that, although there are no laid-down principles guiding these in the African Catholic Church, it is largely dependent on the discretion and principles of the resident priest. However, he said that it is no more wrong for the faithful who either wish to offer thanksgiving to God with local foodstuffs and gifts or to usher in a new farming and harvest season to do so in the church, mirroring the activities of Israelites in the Old Testament.

He challenged youths to prepare for the celebration next year, armed with the knowledge of their various cultures and not just primed to celebrate the culture day for the sake of participation or entertainment.

Emphasising the importance of culture in the church, CYON president of the parish, John C., maintained that culture cannot be erased from the church, since individuals in the church come from different cultural backgrounds.

“The essence of the Culture Day is to remind those of us [who are] far away from home, where we are from and to keep the culture alive.

We have had resource persons address youths on spiritual, moral and social responsibility (responsibilities which young people owe the society),” John said.

He also extolled the church’s initiative and support of youths for the event, pointing out that the primary aim of the event is to empower youths via financial resources sourced thereof, create employment and skills for unemployed youths through computer training programmes, artistic and vocational trainings, business empowerment and business development processes.

Keeping Our Black Heads Above Water Diran Adegoke was one of the African leaders recognised by President Barack Obama and bestowed with the fellowship of the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, sometime in May. Here, he talks about culture shocks experienced when diverse cultures meet, and how he and other fellows hope to impact positively on the nation and the economy.

Tell us more about your educational itinerary during the programme?

One of the things we YALI fellows came up with, on peace and security, involves the fact that Africa’s security challenges are no longer coup-dependent; they have evolved to guerilla warfare on a different level, with children and women involved or caught in the middle. We need to beat them at their game in the case of Nigeria, [because] they are indoctrinating the children. We need to combat imbalanced education with the balanced variety. This means that, instead of analysing stakeholders opinion, so as to engage the stereotypical human psychology/psychosis of the Almajiri, you learn the language, understand them and try to develop the curriculum of educated and especially non-educated ones; try to understand their psyche or psychology and why the previous Almaji-

and appreciation of their culture. They teach their children their values, history, politics and so on. Therefore, until you are in contact with a foreigner, an American probably lives in a bubble; very much unlike Nigerians who are taught about different people from different countries. America’s education system does not tell them much about what is happening outside America. You meet people who call Africa a country, not a continent, and we have had to educate them.

Adegoke

ri-targeted schemes did not succeed. What we have done, so far, is to take the schools to them but we have not bothered to discover what they need and what they want. So, we need to understand their needs and not just what we need to offer them.

Relating this experience to globalisation and Pop culture, why do you think of the American value system?

I think the American value system is to sell itself to the world. How the world sells itself to America is none of its business. The US and South Korea use the same system to propagandise their pop culture to other nations, such as calls for educational scholarships, fellowship programmes, libraries, culture centres, as well as the hosting of several contest programmes and projects which require people to have a deeper understanding

Don’t you think that value system has made Americans more patriotic? They are not being bombarded with foreign pop culture.

China seems to toe the same line.

It has its good and bad side. On the good side, it has made them patriotic. But on the other hand, it limits their knowledge in the global environment. They have to learn like a child about other countries or people in order to relate to them. For instance, personally, it is easier to relate with an American than the other way round. To the American, I am more of a mystery, a culture shock to his usual experience or relations. I remember during our meetings at the Circle of Peace, an African American said to me “I meet a lot of Africans but I have problems approaching them, communicating with them, because I don’t know how to approach them. I really want to relate with them because I know they have information about my roots.” It also affects them because if they are coming to implement policies, trade or to do business or export goods into Africa without having any knowledge of the host environment, it will be a major short-coming on their part.

Ebola Virus: Threat To Over 5 Decades Of Catholic Tradition About a month ago, the Catholic congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mpape, had an unexpected shock when communicants received the Holy Communion in their hands. A bemused communicant stared confusedly before opening her hand to the seminarian who held the communion aloft waiting for the communicant to withdraw the waiting tongue.

In the past few weeks, several more changes have been spotted. The part of the communion rites, ‘The Sign of Peace’, where members of the congregations exchange handshakes is either skipped as was witnessed at the Pro-Cathedral Church in Garki, Area 3 or optional as seen in St. John the Baptist. Other changes include immediate burial of relatives without funeral mass rites by the church, as well as a lack of human or physical contact with the sick by the living, as contained in the statement of the Bishop of Benue Catholic Diocese, Athanissius Usu. The parish priest of St John The Baptist, Monsignor Ajayi, noted that the orders for the distribution of the Holy Communion by hand came from Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan to all priests at the Abuja Diocese, on Saturday, in order to curb the spread of the disease. He noted, however, that the practice is not entirely new, as it has always been an option in the diocese long before the Ebola outbreak. To allay fears of some of the faithful, he alluded that Catholic churches in the West committed to such practices years before. Despite his personal views, it took days for the parish

to effect the optional practice of giving the Holy Communion by hand or by mouth.

But what are the issues at stake?

Nigerians generally do share similar psychological traits as westerners and the tendency to walk away with the communion is high; not to mention that it seems like a cop-out, something like “it’s okay because the westerners do so”.

In Lagos, the metropolitan overseer, Archbishop Adewale Martins, in his statement in an article published in the New Telegraph of Sunday, August 10, 2014, expanded more on the precautionary measures to be enforced by all its priests, from wearing gloves during the dissemination of the communion, receiving the communion by hand, to the halt of the ‘Sign of Peace’ within the communion rites and the removal of the holy water from strategic points in the church.

With the news of the escaped nurse spotted in Enugu and the 21 quarantined there, it didn’t take the diocese long to effect rules too.

In Benue, the diocese took stricter measures, making it possible for the faithful to converge without any physical contact amongst themselves and with the religious. The question of how safeguarded Catholic values are and its ability to maintain traditions with minimum changes cannot be swept under the carpet.

It may seem such a little change but with the potential of inducing more harm than good. Even in the best of times, human beings are resistant to change. Add that to the number of Nigerians who are barely

literate and the chances of getting so used to the new system and be unwilling to revert to the former are higher. It is more dire when one considers the issue of the petrol subsidy and accompanying hike in transport fares which are yet to return to the original rates.

The burial rites mean much more than tradition or mantra to several faithful; it is spiritual. To some, it is the final moment, an offering of relief to their departed beloved to move on from the dark into the light. Consequent reaction of the retraction of the Sacrament of Unction could result to their seeking such solace and service from other channels. This can pose several health and economic risks.

A word with the faithful who visit healthcare institutions to pray for and comfort the sick or chiefly the ‘legions’ whose religious duties include visiting the sick, reveal that it’s the high point of their (patients) day to have people care about their welfare. Moreso, nothing is more humane and beautiful than physical contact to make them normal. When religious avoid physical contact with the sick, it speaks volume. Where is that expression of hope, humanity and humble service exhibited by Mother Theresa, who aided all kinds of ailing people without thought to her person? These are the sort of spirit and practice that the community risks losing to the fear of Ebola. Taking precautions are commendable, but it needs to be done thoughtfully and the re-orientation of the faithful on Catholic values.

September 12, 2014

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September 12, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com

Bits n’ Bytes

Home Schooling I think God is using Ebola to teach us – especially parents – a lesson. I was shouting that October was too far to keep the children at home, then the Nigeria Medical Association rejected the September 22nd opening date and have advised the government that December or January are better options.

Government needs to be focused and have a plan of action and stop wavering, because I am wondering what made the Federal Government move the date backwards. No one has said why they think the danger will be long past by September 22. I am assuming [that] when it confidently announced October as a resumption date, it had made consultations. Anyway, seems like the grass

(parents that is) will have to do some crying. Is it September, October, December or January?

Meanwhile, parents will need to become teachers.

I learnt that the Kaduna International School and a few others have creatively worked out a solution; weekly activity packs are given to each student and turned in for marking. While they haven’t asked for fees, some parents have gone ahead to pay, citing that their children are still being tutored anyway. I like [that]. Some of us are still in limbo!

Thankfully, children might get to see more of their parents and, hopefully, they (parents) will be on hand to train or re-train their children. What our children have now become due to our negligence is…I have no name for it.

Logic And Processes That supermarket called Next Cash and Carry have people called ‘merchandisers’. Let me explain.

Basically, the supermarket gives you a platform to sell your goods and at the end of a ‘cycle’ they remit what you’ve sold to you and take theirs. The ‘merchandisers’ are really marketers of your products. To get your marketer on the ‘floor’, a business will need to pay N1,400 to receive an identity card and a pinafore belonging to the supermarket. Now, a certain ‘merchandiser’ has not received her proceeds, because the person

who signed her receipt has been sacked and her records cannot be found! In this computer-age, the entry for the receipt of such cash is recorded in a notebook and…that’s what’s missing. The only way round this inconvenience is for the business to pay another N1,400! However, despite the need for the identity card, she is allowed access to the floor, based on using the same receipt! If another N1,400 is paid and the signatory is sacked and her books go missing…can anyone see the logic in this? I can’t; still searching.

Politicians will be politicians…yawn. The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa showed us that. Nothing is certain with these politicians, so stop banging your head against a wall for them. Kai, but 54 votes only to a former military administrator says a lot.

I walked into a barber-shop in Wuse II and ask for a certain barber. One of the staff then asked me, “Is it the electrician you are looking for? ” Why I would enter a barber-shop with a low-cut, looking for an electrician on a Monday morning? It beats me completely!

You need to hear the vehement protests against the proposed banning of ponmo/ kpomo (which ever spelling suits you) and turning that part of the cow into a booming leather industry. Nigerians are not having it! In as much as it has no nutritional value but makes all the difference in a properly made pot of soup, Nigerians are not having it! One thing the minister must realise is that we are, first, a people of leisure who like to eat exotically. This particular cow-part has become a part of our eating culture and, now, with this move the cost of cow hide has shot up. Another thing we are good at is taking advantage.

I don’t know how the #Icebucketchallenge works in raising money for charity but a lot of big(foreign) guns and a few of ours came out to stand and have icy water, I imagine, poured on them after accepting the challenge. Then someone came up with a #gratitudechallenge where you state three things for the next seven days that you are grateful for and nominate three people to carry it forward. I have read the most interesting things that people are grateful for and an eye-opener for some things I often overlook. You should try it.

Have a good weekend.

Federal Road Safety’s New Campaign While driving out of my house on Wednesday morning, I ran into a swarm of FRSC marshals. Lucky me, I was pulled over.

I know the drill; so I made for my bag, brought out my driver’s license and reached for the compartment to bring out my vehicle documents (even though I have that encoding device on my number plate!) in between answering his greetings.

When I got all necessary documents to hand over to the Marshal, he looked straight at me and said “Did I ask you for anything?

You are supposed to wait for me to ask you.”

WEEKEND

BiTES

#7-DAY GRATITUDE CHALLENGE

Shoooo!

I said “You are FRSC (though, frankly, I don’t know why you all still crawl about the intracity roads) and, clearly, you want to make sure I am ‘safe’ on the road”.

He responded, “do you know if I stopped to greet you?” He now had my attention.

Seriously?

Then he said, “don’t you know you are a beautiful woman?” Now, you must understand that I had my ‘bondage’ bands in full glare and this was the last thing I expected to hear. Well…I giggled, of

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

course.

His colleague joined the conversation, saying something I couldn’t hear, but smiling all the same. You see, vanity and bravado is always lurking in the background. I asked him, “Do you know how many of those I get in a day?” No truth in that. Unfazed, he replied, “I am sure I am the first for the day.” Ehennn!

Kindly note that the rest of the swarm were busy raising revenue for the commission.

Suddenly, he stopped smiling and, in a clipped voice, said, “you can go.”

Don’t ask. Me, too, I don’t know!

Hello Readers, thank you for reading and spreading the word about this page. We are now ready for your feedback. Let’s hear your take. Constructive criticism and contributions will be published. Send thoughts to diaryofastupidwoman@gmail.com OR 08055241197 via TEXT ONLY. Don’t forget to include your name and location. Please bear with us if yours doesn’t make it onto the page.

weekend flavour With Solomon Nda-Isaiah

September 12, 2014

Fire Tragedy: New Facility Ready, As BBA Kicks Off Next Month

By Samuel Abulude, Lagos

Producers of adult reality show Big brother Africa, M-Net and Endemol have assured fans that the event will return to the screen, as soon as a new venue is acquired.

In a statement sent to WEEKEND FLAVOUR, the producers assured that the reality show will still hold.

“Following the devastating fire in September 2, 2014, at the Big Brother House in Johannesburg, we have spent the last 48 hours searching both locally and internationally for a venue in which to produce Season 9 edition tagged ‘Hotshots’.

After exploring all possible options, the team is

delighted to announce that the reality show will go on, as a venue has been found to get the show on air within the next month,” the statement read.

It will be recalled that a fire outbreak destroyed major facilities for the ninth season of the show which was scheduled to begin last Sunday, September 7, 2014.

The producers also disclosed that in selecting a new venue, "a multitude of factors have had to be considered, including the complex technical requirements, logistics, technical crew and satellite link facilities, which have all formed part of the challenge. Therefore, M-Net is delighted to assure all its Big Brother fans that their favourite reality show will launch soon. We thank the fans from across the continent for their support during the last few days," the statement read.

MDA 8: 10 Families Qualify For Danceall Academy

BY Solomon Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Ten families have finally made it into the finals of the eight season of family show Maltina Danceall Academy (MDA), after an intense battle laden with excitement and suspense.

The 10, who emerged from a pool of 13 families selected from the different auditioning centres stand a good chance of winning the grand prize of N10m, as well as the highly coveted title of ‘Nigeria’s No 1 Dancing Family’. The first and second runners up will take home N3m and N1m, respectively.

The auditions for the dance reality show, tagged ‘Rhythm of Happiness,’ kicked-off with a bang, as the Williams family (Port Harcourt) hit the dancefloor, with an impressive performance which set the tone for the evening much to the delight of the audience.

Next was the Odigie family (Abuja), followed by the Oladapos (Lagos), Maisamaris (Abuja), Uteres (Port-Harcourt), Unakas (Abuja), Awokoyas (Lagos), Uzodinmas (Port Harcourt),

Abunwas (Lagos), Dides (Port-Harcourt), Nwaezes (Lagos), Ezekiels (Abuja) and the Leonards (Abuja), respectively.

The high-point of the event was the announcement of the results.

The tension amongst the families was palpable, as the judges read out the results after a painstaking selection process.

Of the 13 families who came to vie for the opportunity to get into the academy, the Awokoyas (Lagos), Abunwas (Lagos) and Ezekiels (Abuja) did not make it into the academy.

It would be recalled that preparations for the MDA8 kicked off with an electrifying performance by the Maltina All-stars’ team made up of past participants of the show, while host Osas Ighodaro, alongside popular comedians Gbenga Adeyinka and Lafup introduced the ninth season ‘Rhythm of Happiness Dance’ (ROHD) to the audience.

The gand finale for MDA 8, which currently airs on AIT (7-8pm) daily, Silverbird TV (9-10 pm) and

Lace Storms Music Scene With Aiye Miami Solomon Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Dozage Records signee and Turn by Turn crooner, Lace (real name Taiwo Agbohunsa), has just released a hot new single titled Aiye Miami.

The song, an energetic and fun-filled one, according to Lace, will make you want to move your body. It is a happy party song. “The song is fun-filled and the beat is like a call to party.

Considering the stress people go through every day, Aiye Miami is an apt song for relaxing and unwinding; it helps you let go of the stress and help people relax. It also the

kind of song that’ll enliven any event,” Lace said.

The singer who is extremely inspired by 2Face, Akon and Wande Coal, has been in the industry for a while and even has an album titled Benin 2 Nigeria to his name. His single Turn by Turn was a hit and now, Aiye Miami, is set to be released. The singer has stated that the single is just one of the things he has in store for his fans.

Lace who has worked with Olamide, Phenom, DJ Toxic, amongst others, feels that he has what it takes to compete favourably with other established artistes.

Lace

“I am not intimidated by the fact that there are lots of young and established artistes doing what I am doing, but we are all doing our thing. My song Turn by Turn was a big hit and I’m

expecting Aiye Miami to be even better,” the singer said.

Aiye Miami was produced

by Baze Tu Beats and was mixed and mastered by Suka Sounds.

Being Mrs Elliott Tops Chart In Cinemas

BY Solomon Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The highly talked about cinema release of actresscum-director Omoni Oboli’s directorial debut Being Mrs Elliott has come and gone but the movie lived up to expectations in the cinemas in its first weekend.

The movie which premiered at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos penultimate week opened in cinemas across the country on Friday, September 5 and has recorded good box office figures, topping the chart for the weekend ahead of other movies.

The movie made over $5m in its first three days in the cinemas, making it number one in the cinemas over the weekend.

The producer and director of the movie Omoni Oboli disclosed to WEEKEND FLAVOUR that she is elated

that people are in love with the movie.

“I am happy that people love Being Mrs Elliott.

The response has been phenomenal.

Whatever the run out of cinemas, BME has shown that if we do things right, most times, the market response will also be right. BME is showing in cinemas across the country. I urge all movie lovers to go and see the movie,” Oboli said.

According to media personality and Top FM on-air personality, Tosyn Bucknor, "When you watch the movie, watch out for the girl with Lepacious Bose; she almost stole the show.

Omoni Oboli herself was a big scene-stealer. She is a fantastic actress. Generally, Being Mrs Elliott was an interesting movie to watch; I liked the premise and how it was explored. I will like to see a television series based

on it actually.”

The editor of Genevieve Magazine, Joy Isi Bewaji wrote: “Being Mrs Elliot is consumed as ardently as chirpy gossip over drinks and friendship, each lending its own colour and mischief.

A sweet love story; genuine with a lot of faith. Omoni has proven to be a woman of many parts – a great actor and a good director. You will not miss the professional details lurking in the movie – in-between phone calls and the expected filtered sounds, for one. Nollywood is not running out of breath anytime soon; it is not slowing down. Movies like Being Mrs. Elliot show us that the race tracks are just being lined for a marathon.”

According to Thelma, a blogger with thelmathinks. blogspot.com, Being Mrs Elliott has all the elements of a good movie. “There was not a dull moment

Project Fame: Contestants Try 2Face For Size

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Tomorrow’s highlight will be the eviction show which will culminate in the eviction of another inmate of the Project Fame Academy season seven, but first, the contestants each had to perform some of singer 2Face’s greatest songs, either to the admiration of the audience or to criticism of the judges.

Given the boundless confidence and energy

of the contestants, there seemed to be no end to great entertainment dished out by the contestants.

Whether it was Christian’s rendition of African Queen, Daniella’s emotion-laden True Love, Ruky’s See Me, Geoffrey’s Only Me or Ugo’s Implication, the energy and vocal dexterity put into each performance was incredible.

As well, there was sheer grace in Clement, Emeka and Shola’s deliveries. Same applied to Debbie who was

advised to work some more.

The approval from the judges, however, confirmed that the contestants are finally emerging true stars.

Now, contestants need viewers’ votes to make the final stages of the show.

The highpoint of the evening was when 2Face took the stage, singing with such ease and mastery.

Meanwhile, the reality show broke another record over the weekend. The show’s Youtube channel

A person looks only on the outside of things; god looks into the very heart..

— Dominican Proverb

Oboli

(watching BME), but what was more impressive is that this movie had so many elements which are usually lacking in Nollywood movies; true romance, drama, comedy, suspense and the best; unpredictability, all wrapped in one! That last element is the reason I doff my hat to Oboli; any Nigerian movie which leaves me completely uncertain as to how it will end up, until I get to the very end, gets applause from me. Being Mrs Elliot takes the cake.”

Clement thrilled the audience with his rendition of Nfanga Ibawa

recorded over 4.7million hits, making it the highest ever aggregated on any similar platform in Africa.

54

September 12, 2014

As Scotland Threatens To Secede

Stanley Nkwocha Our Eye On Power And Politics

Feedback: stanleyn@leadership.ng

08038011382 (text only)

A Cap For The Obasanjos

Threats by Scotland to secede from the United Kingdom has seen Prime Minister David Cameron initiate and embark on a ‘No Campaign’, begging as a matter of fact, for Scottish citizens to reject the idea. I am even wont to believe that the reason for Royal Palace’s announcement that Prince Williams and the Duchess are expecting is to play emotions in and dissuade the Scottish citizens from seceding.

It is not just the UK and Cameron that should be bothered about a Scottish secession or not but indeed the entire world. It will continue to be a reference point for many a nation whether it succeeds or not.

I am impressed at the level of civility that has been deployed in championing this course. There are no tankers being rolled out, no air-fighter jets, no clashes, no conflicts. The system is being allowed to play out itself in such a civilised manner. The transparent nature of the exercise has forced Cameron out of 10 Downing Street, adopting moral suasion in convincing Scots on the need to reject the Referendum.

Compare what plays out in the UK with the hostile relationship between Russia and Ukraine at the moment over the threat by Crimea to secede from Ukraine -a crisis that even led to the shooting down of a Malaysian airliner carrying over 190 innocent passengers.

The injuries sustained by Lt. Col. Adeboye Obasanjo, son of former President Obasanjo last Monday while fighting insurgents near Michika in Adamawa State has spurned much admiration for the Obasanjos.

For it is clear that the former president is much more than the ‘stakeholders’ we all are.

While some

say it is purely military duty which the young Obasanjo undertook to carry out when he opted for our nation’s army uniform, it must also be said that there had been cases in the past when during war and peace enforcement periods certain sons of influential Nigerians got to embark on their annual leave.

It just must be given that Adeboye’s courage is a plus for the military.

Stan’s Memo

Musings

i

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style - Maya Angelou

Messrs Dawood Akinloye and Kehinde Adesiyan, lawyers of both Governor Rauf Aregbesola (APC) and Senator Iyiola Omisore (PDP) respectively at the ongoing Election Petition Tribunal in the State of Osun ( as insists Ogbeni), for the second time engaged in fisticuffs over disagreements which ensued as they inspected voting materials.

Nigerian Army : Attention There are loads of conflicting reports as to the exact number of troops being sent to confront insurgents in the North-East. There is also some sort of silent conspiracy going on in the Nigerian Army.

Soldiers who have gone on AWOL would tell you very scary details of the lapses of our nation’s army, while our Defence Headquarters would argue to convince us otherwise.

Not a few Nigerians are uncomfortable with reports of the seeming ‘point and take’ strategy that the Boko Haram insurgents are adopting in taking over villages and towns. While some attribute this to lies of actual number of troops being sent to repel these attacks which of course has a direct bearing on the budgets for such operations, others simply lay the blame on our military’s poor inventory as regards weapons and warfare technologies.

However, it is time to put a stop to these escalating brutality going on in the North-East region, most especially. It is obvious that it is to the benefit of some top military brass and indeed politicians that the fight against insurgency no matter how terrible continues - due to the

2015: The Dicey Game In Lagos

spoils it now distills.

The president must get some independent investigators and auditors and be fed with some reliable data and statistics. The actual number of persons on ground at battle lines must be same as reflected in official documents. It is time we put a stop to perceived over bloated bills and men whilst finding it difficult to curtail the excesses of these insurgents. In other words, it is time to super trace where budgeted billions have gone. into in recent time.

Just when it was thought that former accountant general of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode should take a trip, refreshen and come back proper for the 2015 elections after being ‘selected, anointed and endorsed’ by the Bourdillion political kingpin, out of the blues has emerged the governorship aspiration of Lagos State commissioner for works, Dr Obafemi Hamzat in what many say is an indication that the oracle in Bourdillion may have altered his choice.

Hamzat’s aspiration has hit a hitch with none other than the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu, questioning his indigeneship.

No fewer than five newspapers saw Hamzat explaining how his grandfathers established their roots in Lagos but only went on a ‘visit’ to Ogun State.

Power Play: Fintiri Vs Jubrilla At last, the coast seems clear as regards the major contenders in the Adamawa State governorship election slated for next month. Acting Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will fly the flag of the PDP while Senator Bindo Jubrilla will fly that of the APC.

It is game on. And it just seems that all who had at different times tasted power in and out of Adamawa State is back in the state, despite the Boko Haram onslaught in the state.

One thing is clear, whether the APC or PDP wins in this

race, it is going to be a landslide.

There is not going to be any close shave in the election. The determinants for the October election are just too visible and it will be just a matter of time before the chickens come home to roost. Wish both men luck.

Not every movement is progress; Some movements are just a way of burning fats! ― Israelmore Ayivor

politics Danjuma

Dankwambo

Gombe 2015: As PDP Strives For Dominance

The formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) seems poised to challenge the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the nation’s polity. In Gombe State, where the PDP has called the shots for the past 12 years, is the stage set for an intense power play? Stanley nkwocha writes.

The last time the opposition in Gombe State tasted power was between 1999 and 2003. This was when the then All Peoples Party (APP’s) Abubakar Hashidu was the number one citizen of the state . Since then the PDP has remained in power and made the opposition in the state look docile and basically inept.

But the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the country has made the opposition in the state look a bit potent. This is so as former governor, now Senator Danjuma Goje has in a rather surprising twist of events, moved over to the APC and poised to challenge the Ibrahim Dankwambo led PDP in the state in 2015.

What started as a rumor months ago has culminated in the now open breakdown in relationship between Governor Dankwambo and Goje. No sooner did Dankwambo take over the seat of governance that it became obvious that he would be a man of his own and would refused to be tied to the apron strings of his now estranged benefactor - Goje.

From his style of administration, control of PDP machinery and populist decisions, some stakeholders alluded that it was only a matter of time before he drew the ire of Goje who obviously was poised on still calling the power shots in the state. But as it is, the influence of the governor has overshadowed the state, with most loyalists of Goje now in Dankwambo’s camp. And at every given opportunity, the pulse of the rivalry is felt.

For instance when recently, on a state visit to Gombe State, the late Emir of Gombe called on President Goodluck Jonathan to reconsider the citing of the Federal University in Kashare - Goje’s hometown and so believed to be the major reason for its citing in the locality, the media war which the call assumed following pro and counter reactions knew no bound. As far as Goje and his supporters were concerned , it was the Governor’s position that the Emir merely stated.

This position got Dankwambo’s supporters irked that it took a whole month for the tension created to douse down. Such is the suspicion and acrimony which now exists between both politicians and leaders in the state.

For Goje, some recent remarks of his suggests political witch hunt by the Dankwambo administration.

So brazen has Goje’s action been that he says the recent

closure of the Gombe Airport as well as attempted ban on rallies in the state was aimed at frustrating he and his supporters. But as things stand now, Goje who started the new PPD in Gombe State has since become its leader and makes no presence of the APC to challenge the PDP which he helped to bring in the state.

That for the eight years Goje was governor, he rode like a king and entrenched to the grassroots the ruling PDP in terms of structure and foot soldiers is no cheap talk as he became easily a most powerful politician but indeed a force even amongst the governors and politicians in the country. Give it to the former minister during Obasanjo’s administration, his political enclave- though not intact, remains influential in the political discourse of the state.

Goje’s era as governor got the PDP fortified in the state that the opposition existed just for the fun f it and was never on ground.

Commended for his goodwill, till date vast politicians still have their aprong strings tied to Goje as his political will seems never ending in Gombe State even as not all agree with this position.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY on the prospects of the APC in 2015 as far as Gombe State is concerned, a PDP stalwart in the state, Mallam Babangida Moh’d Turaki, dismissed the APC saying it was only the former governor that was creating the buzz in the state. He said no one staunch PDP member has moved over with the Senator , while adding that 2015 will see to the perpetual disengagement of Goje and his ills from the politics of the state.

“In 2003, we all know how Goje took charge and immediately asserted himself and set down to work. We all know of the ruthless treatment he meted out to his erstwhile boss, Alhaji Hassan ( Baraden Gombe) both publicly and personally and of course how he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who in the first place gave him the hovers hip ticket and ensured that he was announced governor. Therefor, he lacks the moral right to be making comments of betrayal on the part of Governor Dankwambo as basically if the truth must be told, what has made their relationship frosty is the refusal of the governor to dictated to and implement unpopular policies and of course the

September 12, 2014

disbandment o f groups such as yankalare . “ We though that he would have been happy bringing a young man that toed his footsteps and has clearly beaten his record of achievements and is busy revamping, touching and heavily changing the face of Gombe State in every ramifications. But for him to just begin to fight the governor because of the political greed of a supposed godfather is wrong and unacceptable to the people of Gombe State and they at,e conscious of this and having given much to the former governor, believe me in 2015, the dice will be cast and the whet shall be separated from the chaff when the time comes. “ I maintain that APC is no threat and will never be a threat to the PDP in Gombe State. We re on ground, the good heart and works whether in eduction, rods project, hospitals, water, human empowerment etc speaks for him and there is no propaganda about this. It is an open fact which will be a vindication for the PDP’s execution and respect of the social contract between the people,” Alhaji turaki stated.

Meanwhile, the APC in Gombe State seems to be further enmeshed in some crisis as events in the party currently suggest. Barely two days after the commencement of the nationwide membership registration exercise of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Gombe State, the state’s chapter got into a leadership squabble as some stakeholders have kicked against what they described as attempt to hijack the party in the State.

Honorable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, the member representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has threatened that the legacy parties, comprising ANPP, CPC and ACN in the merger would pull out if aside if the National Secretariat of the party refused to address the issue of leadership on the state.

The Honourable member who, before the merger was the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, accused the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma now a serving Senator who recently defected to the APC from the PDP of hijacking all the machinery of the party and leaving them with nothing.

He said the consensus reached by the party not to assign positions before the National secretariat inaugurated the State Interim Management Committee has been breached by the former governor.

“We are not going to defect to another party because we are ready to die in the APC. Those from the nPDP don’t have a genuine cause to move the party forward and we have doubt in our relationship with them. Their actions are just anti-party to the APC”.

“As the only candidate in the entire nation who polled the highest number of votes during the 2011 election in the National Assembly, my impute in the composition is very important more so, virtually all those that are being registered including me are our supporters in the grassroots”, Honourable Mailantarki stressed.

While the APC may derive strength and support from Gen. Muhammadu Buhari who undoubtedly is one of the backbones of the APC in the North, it remains to be seen how he and Goje mend fences ahead of 2015 as whilst governor, it is open secret how Goje ensured that Buhari never had any inroad in the state. On one occasion, Buhari as a presidential candidate in 2007 had alleged that the Gombe Township Stadium which he had slated to use for a rally was denied him access by the then Goje administration which quickly mobilised tractors to site under alleged renovation of the said stadium.

Going on for the PDP in Gombe State is what major stakeholders say is the unity of the party in the state and its large followership . Also with a governor who is believed to have surpassed the success in office of the Goje administration , which candidate will be tossed up match against Dankwambo by the APC is yet another contentious issue as most in the PDP seems to have resigned their fate to a Dankwambo succession plan. This is just as the power of incumbency and closeness to the central seat of power makes the race in 2015 some bit of tall order for the APC. As things stand t the moment, it is an open game for the parties. It is showdown time between an erstwhile political godfather and his son. The stage is gradually getting set.

Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. ~ Akan proverb

56 FRIDAY INTERVIEW

September 12, 2014

‘In Politics, Equity Promotes Cohesion’ Hon. Bernard Mikko is a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State. In this interview with journalists in Abuja recently, he talks about zoning formula in his home state and the chances of his party in the 2015 election. Paul Chiama presents the excerpts What are the chances of an Ikwerre man winning the 2015 governorship election in Rivers State?

Let me answer it this way! In the political calculation of any multi ethnic society, there is no specific variables or strategies for winning the trust and confidence of a greater number of people as expressed in their electoral votes. Since Bayelsa was excised from Rivers, there have been varying interpretations about the composition of the geographical entity called Rivers State. While some political analysts are comfortable describing the state according to her ethnic configuration, other social commentators are more inclined to the so called geographical context of Upland and Riverine dichotomy. To me, the entire Rivers and indeed South - South geopolitical zone is largely littoral, having both land and sea in a single cocktail of nature and would rather refer to it based on senatorial districts. In Rivers we have the East, West and South East senatorial districts. And all have both Upland and Riverine components.

Interestingly, the Ikwerre ethnic group is a subset of a larger East Senatorial district that had produced Senator John Mbata from 1999 to 2007; in the senate, Sir Celestine Omehia as a Governor from the Ikwerre axis of the East senatorial district from May 29 to October 2007. Senator George Sekibo from the Okrika axis of the same East Senatorial district from 2008 to date. Therefore, keeping justice, equity, fairness and zoning aside, no ethnic group can win or dominate the leadership of the state beyond building a consensus based on these same principles. To be modest, it will agitate the minds of spin doctors and critical political pundits to acquiesce an extended Ikwerre governorship in 2015.

But the Rivers PDP is in Wike’s pocket...

Ordinarily, one will believe that party structures are like inanimate objects that could be traded and pocketed as commodities. However, political structures are intangible assets that cannot be warehoused or reserved in a closet for immediate or future use. I have no doubt that as a journalists, you have a better understanding that a political party is a basic institution of the political system. By institution, I mean a humanly devised constrain that structures the economic, social and political systems. They could be formal, informal, or both. Formal constrains on human activity include laws, statutes, constitutions etc, while informal constrains on human behaviors also include mores, customs, traditions, conventions, taboos, ideology and systems of beliefs.

Now, tell me if anyone in this world can pocket either the formal or informal constrain that make up the political structure of the largest party in Africa, the PDP? Or are political institutions tangible objects that can be hijacked or stolen? If so, this could be a new lesson in political theory.

Does zoning have any impact in PDP in Rivers State?

The Rivers State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party is not a legal entity in law, but only a branch or chapter of the PDP nationwide and I think the

Mikko

best person to answer that question is the national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metu who is not only a lawyer, but also a pioneer member of the National Working Committee of the party and versed in it’s rules, ethics and regulation.

However, from my scanty knowledge of the principles of zoning, they entail rationing something valuable that is not enough or can immediately go round so that every person involved will have a sense of belonging and no one will be left out, feel cheated or dominated. It is a fundamental principle of equity and natural justice that promotes integrative political cohesion and peace. This concept is espoused in the general provisions of the 2012 PDP constitution, particularly sections 6(3&4), 7(2f& g) and principally 7(3b & C).

These provisions are supported by section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria( as amended), particularly sub sections 3 and 4.

The highest decision making body of the PDP is the National Convention, while NWC is responsible for the day to administration of the party. NEC supervises and directs the work of the party an all its organs at all levels, ensures the party works effectively and democratically, and also carries out instructions of the National Convention. In my opinion, no political manipulation or legal innuendo can vitiate this process.

How true is it that Ikwerre people or candidate can win governorship election without other ethnic groups?

I certainly do not know, but can only say that credible governorship election in Rivers State is about building consensus around equity, justice and fairness and a greater participation of all groups in Rivers State to the exclusion of none. It is left to be seen how this will play out in 2015. We can only cross the bridge when

we get there.

What are the imperatives of Upland and Riverine politics in Rivers State?

There are diverse opinions and theories on this, but my understanding is like the kind of argument used

by Ku Klux Klan in the United States of America to discriminate and exclude black and colored people from the opportunities of life and providence in that great country. I hear this kind of tortoise logic based on Aristotelian syllogism that God created man in His own image, that God as everyone knows is not a Blackman, therefore the Blackman is not a man. This kind of minor or major premise is a dwarf argument leading to a faulty conclusion is no longer fashionable.

This kind of racial epithet is meant to promote schisms for cultural or political gains is unacceptable. These are simply concepts based on dominance, discrimination, segregation, injustice and fraud.

As I said earlier, Rivers is a littoral state and all the senatorial areas are coastal. It takes only 4 hours in a speed boat through the Atlantic ocean to Southern Cameroon from my village in Gokana.

So also most of the communities in the State What are your aspirations and programme for Rivers state in 2015?

From my brief introduction, you will notice that I have close to three decades of cognate political experience without bitterness, from Local government to the National Assembly. I have also participated in various political campaigns across the country but as the saying goes, every politics is local. My political program is designed to address the imbalance created by the extractive institutions and colonial adventure that has impoverished the Rivers people.My programme is guided by the PDP manifesto, taking cognizance of the directive principles of state policy as enshrined in chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended).

Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. ~ Akan proverb

NEWS NATIONAL /57

September 12, 2014

ACF Demands Proper Scrutiny Of Ex-soldiers For Recall

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Kuje traders protesting the location of Ebola centre at Kuje General Hospital in Abuja. PHOTO BY NAN.

Presidency Releases N16bn For Great Green Wall Project May announce Hassan as acting DG

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

The menace of desert encroachment and associated ecological problems in the country may soon become a thing of the past as the Presidency has released over N16billion for the early take-off of the Great Green Wall (GGW) project.

The GGW programme is primarily aimed at combating the menace of desert encroachment and addressing the various associated ecological problems that are bedevilling the country.

The release of the money was confirmed

in a letter dated August 15, 2014, by the minister of environment, Mrs Lawrencia Laraba Mallam, to President Goodluck Jonathan through vice president Namadi Sambo.

Following this approval, an Executive Bill has been drafted and duly vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice towards the enactment of an enabling law for the establishment of a National Agency for the Great Green Wall and Desertification Control as an implementation agency and to give the requisite legal backing to the programme and its implementation.

A Federal Executive Council (FEC) memorandum is already being prepared to facilitate the consideration of the draft bill

by FEC before being transmitted to the Na-

tional Assembly for consideration and approval.

The minister of environment’s letter to the president sought approval for the establishment of an interim National Agency for the GGW Programme as well as the appointment of an acting director-general for the interim agency, pending the enactment of the enabling law for the eventual establishment of the agency.

A competent government source disclosed that the director, Department of Drought and Desertification Amelioration in the Ministry of Environment, Dr Bukar Hassan has been pencilled down for the job in view of his wide range of experience and qualification in that field.

NASS’ll Continue To Promote Good Governance, Democracy – Maikasuwa

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

The clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, has assured that the nation’s apex lawmaking body will continue to promote good governance and preserve Nigeria’s democracy.

He stated this at a meeting with participants of Course 23 of the National Defence College (NDC) who were on a study visit to the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja.

Addressing the participants on behalf of

the CNA, the director of the National Secretariat of Nigerian Legislators (NSNL), Dr (Mrs) Rabi Audu stated that though the National Assembly in the Fourth Republic has had to go through periods of learning, it has made significant improvements in its legislative processes with regards to the quality of laws it makes.

“The present Assembly which also represents the Fourth Republic started from 1999 and we have been in a learning process. And we know that they have improved on their

legislative duties over the years. Like I said earlier, most of the legislative activities take place at the committee level which includes oversight duties”, Maikasuwa said.

He lamented that the timing of the annual study tour does not permit the officers to see their lawmakers in action.

“This course is structured in such a manner that each time you are here on a visit, the National Assembly is always on recess.

So, the opportunity of seeing them in action is not there,” he said.

TAN Rally: ‘1m Endorse Jonathan For Second Term In Niger’

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Niger State government has said that over one million people have put down their signatures in the state to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 presidential election.

The signatures are coming on the heels of preparations for Saturday’s Zonal Rally by the Transformation Ambassadors of

Nigeria (TAN) in Minna.

A statement by the secretary to the government of Niger State, Hon Saidu Ndako Idris Kpaki, said the collection of signatures which started on Monday saw over one million people across the 25 local government areas in the state endorsing Dr Goodluck Jonathan for a second term.

“Contrary to the report in a national daily that collection of signatures for President

Jonathan is yet to commence in the state, I want to say that as at this moment, we have collected over one million signatures in all our designated centres across the state, and we are expecting the number to double before the weekend,” the SSG said, adding that the signatories include youths, market women, businessmen and women, party members members of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP).

Don’t let women who attract attention walk behind you.

Cambodian Proverbs

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has advised the federal government to apply wisdom with the order to reinstate soldiers who were hitherto disengaged from the Nigerian Army for whatever reasons, saying such soldiers should be thoroughly scrutinised before they are reinstated into the army.

A statement issued yesterday by the national publicity secretary of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Kaduna said, “ It has been brought to the knowledge of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the federal government has authorised the reinstatement of 10,000 retired soldiers into the Nigerian Army. This in the wisdom of government is to boost the strength of the military to confront the insurgency that has engulfed the country.

“ACF welcomes this development; however, it wishes to caution the authorities responsible for the reinstatement to scrutinise the retired soldiers thoroughly and ensure that only persons qualified in accordance with military regulations are recalled. Furthermore, the issue of federal character must be reflected in the selection process to ensure fair representation of all sections of the country.

“ACF, therefore, urges the authorities to display transparency and honesty in the reinstatement exercise. ACF particularly advises that those who have never been in the military cannot be reinstated or recalled, and should, therefore, be excluded from the exercise as on no account should ex-militants, who have received formal training as part of the Amnesty granted by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, be considered to benefit from the exercise.”

Alleged Corruption: Male Chauvinists At Work Against Mbanefo – CSO

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

Against the backdrop of an allegation of corruption recently levelled against the director general of the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), Mrs Sally UwechueMbanefo, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) has said that the allegation is part of attempts by some male chauvinists to victimise performing women in government.

The group at a press conference addressed by its president, Comrade Etuk Bassey Williams, in Abuja, yesterday, said UwechueMbanefo was wrongfully accused by Mr Azania Omo-Agege of Za Entertainment.

According to him, CSO’s findings revealed that Za Entertainment which was saddled with the responsibility of generating funds through a public-private sector initiative for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a tourism village failed to meet up with this responsibility.

He called on relevant security agencies to investigate the allegation to ascertain the reasons why the tourism village was not in place in Brazil and equally bring to book anyone found culpable.

58 NEWS NATIONAL

September 12, 2014

Osun Guber: APC Challenges Composition Of New Tribunal

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday challenged the composition of the newly constituted Osun State Election Petition Tribunal and requested the new chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sulaiman Ambrusa to excuse himself from the sitting.

The APC through one of its leading lawyers, Mr Kunle Adegoke made the request shortly after the plenary sitting of the tribunal was declared open.

Adegoke said his clients, the APC and Governor Rauf Aregbesola had written a petition challenging the constitution of the new panel and removal of Justice

I. M. Bako, as the chairman following an alleged petition written by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He told the tribunal that the removal of Justice Bako based on the petition written

by PDP raised some concerns, adding that parties involved in the case were not duly informed of the development, thus it contradicts judicial process.

The APC’s counsel told Ambrusa, the new tribunal chairman to excuse himself from hearing of the petitions because the party also lacks confidence in him and called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to remove Ambrusa in the interest of the party and democracy.

However, Mr Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), who led the lawyers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed confidence in the new chairman, Justice Ambrusa, saying “we have no reason not to have confidence in the panel.”

In his submission, Adegoke told the tribunal that the APC was served the copy of the petition by PDP and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore just last Tuesday, adding that it will require at least 14 days to respond to all the issues raised in the petition.

The APC, therefore, filed an application for mode of subsequent serving of the petition.

A community sacked by flood and erosion in Benin City.

Public Servants Need To Be More Dynamic – Kwankwaso Pembi David-Stephen, Abuja

If Nigeria’s public servants are to be as professional as their colleagues all over the world, they have to be more dynamic and in tune with the times.

This view was expressed by the Kano State governor, Alhaji Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during the finale of a three-day induction course for the 44 newly elected local government chairmen of the state and their appointees, held in Abuja, yes-

terday.

“There is great need for constant and persistent training of public servants to keep up with the reality of the times.

This is not only desirous but also mandatory,” Kwankwaso said.

The governor said the programme was organised for a cadre of the state’s civil servants, in order to “make the participants understand and appreciate their responsibilities in the various local governments, so that they can translate same in ensuring that the state becomes more developed. Also, it is to make them

understand the kwankwasiyya philosophy which is centred on the doctrine of human and material management”.

He added, “Our desire is to have total literacy in our local governments. This will make governance easy”. and translate to a better society for all of us. Whatever developmental activity is going on in our local governments, you are involved. The idea is for you to know and feel so, so that we will achieve the development-related objective of this administration,” Kwankwaso said.

Emir Of Yauri Honours 3 District Heads For Promoting Peace

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

The emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zaiyyanu Abdhllahi has honoured three district heads for promoting peace, unity and development in their domains.

Presenting the award to the three district heads in Yauri, Dr Zayyanu said that the three winners were able to promote

peace and harmony as well as bring development to their areas. ‘’I commend the committee for doing justice in selecting those that were hardworking in promoting peace and development in my emirate; I urge others to work hard.’’

The three winners of the award were the district head of Kambuwa, Alhaji Adamu

Jibril from Ngaski local government area who took the first position and received N300,000, the district head of Gungu, Alhaji Dayyabu Yusuf Abdullahi from Yauri local government area who came second with N200,000 prize and the district head of Shanga, Alhaji Nasiru Jafaru Abdullahi who emerged third from Shanga local government and got N100,000.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

MDGs Record 90% Performance In North-West

By Ekele Peter Agbo, Abuja

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has recorded not less than 90 per cent success in communities across the seven states in the North-West geo-political zone.

A statement signed by MDGs project officer, Mr Emmanuel Iffer, in Abuja yesterday, noted that communities in Jigawa State are benefitting from 1,502 projects, which include 283 education projects, 365 health projects, 765 water and sanitation projects amongst others.

According to Iffer, rural communities in Kaduna State also benefitted from 1,586 projects including 352 in the education sector, 282 and 868 in the health and water and sanitation sectors respectively, which they are excited about.

“Kano is another example of the successes of the MDGs, particularly in primary health care, with several projects in this critical sector. In Kano State, 1,731 projects (677 education, 459 health, 514 water and sanitation, 27 wealth creation, etc) have also been successfully implemented in its communities.

Flagship projects implemented include the general renovation of Rano, Dambatta and Bichi General Hospitals in the state.

“Director, Primary Health Care, Gabasawa local government area of the state, Abba Adamu Takai said, “The perception of MDG programmes in our communities is positive because there is no settlement you visit in the state without seeing MDGs projects”.

2015: Allow Us To Vote As Delegates, PDP Councillors Tell Party

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

As political parties in the country prepare for the 2015 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Councillors Forum has called on the national leadership of the party to give all its members the opportunity to vote as delegates in the party’s forthcoming primaries.

The chairman of the forum, Hon Onogu Collins, who spoke on the forthcoming inauguration of the Cross River State PDP Councillors Forum executives, said that the 34-member Cross River State executive is headed by Hon Andrew Aleke.

He said the group is expected to pass a vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan at the occasion and also endorse him for another term since they believe he has performed well.

Speaking on the screening of the over 8,000 support groups for President Jonathan’s re-election bid by his special assistant on political matters, Professor Rufai Alkali, Onogu, who commended his efforts said the forum wished to be involved in the screening process of the various support groups.

He said the group is supporting President Goodluck Jonathan for another term in office because of the ways he has responded to the fight against insurgency and how the Ebola Virus Disease was tackled.

interview 59

September 12, 2014

From available records, the Vandefan Foundation has touched the lives of many Nigerians. What is the secret behind this unwavering support?

The secret is nothing, but the Almighty God. We can’t but first give thanks to the Almighty God for whatever the Foundation has been able to achieve since it was established .Secondly, with a purposeful commitment and our passion for the less- privilege in the society, we are where we are today.

Madam, can we have a brief recap of some major activities carried out by the Foundation recently?

As you rightly mentioned, only recently, the Foundation took a reasonable number of people suffering from various eye defects to Adamawa State for treatment and eye surgery all at the expense of the Foundation.

We have been able to establish a functional school for the purpose of educating our people. We have also completed the church edifice that was under construction in Shengwya, Kwande local government area as well as sank boreholes in some major communities. In furtherance of our commitments, Vandefan Foundation has donated 4 computer machines to Shengwya community Secondary School, Koti, and we believe that the gesture will build our youth and make them computer literates.

There is this problem of teenage prostitution among our girls. What is your Foundation also doing to checkmate this scourge?

We have not relented in the fight against teenage prostitution. Two years ago, a mass wedding was organized by the Foundation at the RCM

Govt Should Enact A Law To Help The Lessprivilaged – Terngu

safe election and electioneering campaigns and so on before the end of the month. This event will attract over 2000 people from different communities. We are still planning to build a secondary school for JSS1 and JSS 2 that will have the state of the- art- facilities. The scheme will be on scholarship basis. This is in addition to some of our students who already on scholarship at the Benue State University, Makurdi. We are doing alot and to a larger extent complementing the efforts of government.

Terngu

Mrs Ann Terngu Vandefan is the Chairman /Chief Executive of the Vandefan Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation. Known for her passion for the physically challenged and less- privileged in the society, Mrs. Vandefan who is a native of Kwande local government area of Benue State reveals what the Foundation is currently doing to better the lots of the people among others. She spoke to Chikelu Chinelo.

Church, IYOM to assist those who were ripe for marriage, but lack the wherewithal. At the event alone, over 50 couples were joined in marriage.

We also organised lectures/ seminars on preventing HIV/teenage pregnancy in school, where we featured resource persons and a guest speaker.

During the event, we were able to address issues like early child marriage, need for abstinence, and revearsal on teenage pregnancy among others.

Are you into any collaboration with local

or foreign partners on funding?

For now, whatever we are doing is from our personal savings, support from friends and well wishers. We are however looking forward to getting credible partners who also believe in the course of the less- privilege, the physically challenged and the havenots in the society.

What other programmes are you thinking about for Nigerians?

By the grace of God, the Foundation will be holding lectures on how to prevent the deadly EBOLA disease,

How has the community members been responding to your gesture. Any form of hostility?

Absolutely none. In fact, the communities have continued to pour encomium on the Foundation. When the Foundation donated motorcycles to some elderly men, the District Head of Shengywa, Chief Tor Adekwagh who is also a beneficiary, was full of praises for the Foundation.

How would you describe government involvement in encouraging non- governmental organisations?

I think the government can still do better.

What is your message to the government and other NGOs?

The government should enact laws that would give the less- privileged a sense of belonging. Government must also see the need to go into partnership with relevant NGOs. As for other NGOs, there should be more serious commitment on how to uplift the standard of the have-nots in the society. On our part, we shall remain steadfast as we look forward to receiving request for collaboration from reputable organisations.

2015: ‘Campaign Of Calumny Against Dankwambo, A Shame’

News

Civil Society Group, Foreign Bodies Commend NASS Management

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

A civil society group, Citizens for Accountable Government (CAG) and some foreign parliamentary bodies have commended the management of the National Assembly (NASS) under Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, clerk to the NASS. The national coordinator of CAG, Comrade Alao Akande, stated this in a statement issued and made available to LEADERSHIP Friday, saying the group has “hailed the management team of the NASS as the best in the country’s bureaucratic system”.

The civil society group further stated that the Maikasuwa-led team was, in its assessment, scored over 95 per cent in terms of efficiency, creativity, innovation, competence, dedication to

duty, among other criteria.

According to Akande, “various parliamentary experts and think-tanks within Nigeria and abroad, including the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Australia, Parliamentary Roundtable (London), Parliamentary Institute (New Delhi) as well as the United States Congressional Research Office have stated that since Maikasuwa’s ascent to office, there has been a conscious attempt at deepening professionalism and excellence in all the departments of NASS”.

The national coordinator further stressed that the NASS management has maintained a culture of proper award of contracts, procurement, tenders and pre-qualification, transparency, rule of law and observing due process in its dealings.

Onukogu Kanayo Jubal, Abuja

The campaign of calumny against the incumbent governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has been described as a shame by an umbrella body which is also a major stakeholder in the state, the Gombe Patriots.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY exclusively in Abuja yesterday, the spokesperson of the group, Mohammed Babangida Ladan, said that the groups who are tarnishing the name of the governor are only doing so because the administration has refused to be tele-guided by out-dated politicians who want to remain relevant in the state by all means.

Reacting to reports published in some national dailies that the members of the Youth Vanguard for Change (YVC) have decided to dump the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), on Monday, September 9, 2014, Ladan wondered who they were and what they did.

“I have never heard of such a group operating anywhere in Gombe. Their sudden existence and manipulation of the media only means that someone, perhaps, their sponsor, is hell-bent on carrying on this

campaign of calumny against the governor.

“How can they say that the governor has lost the support of the state because he does not carry people along? I think they meant to say that, whoever they are, they are grieved that the governor does not throw money around. If the people of the state are allegedly saying the governor does not carry them along, as the group claims, then who will benefit from all the projects currently going on in Gombe? What is the essence of the changes which he is trying to make in the infrastructural, agricultural, educational, social, health, commercial and economic fronts since his election? Are they not for the benefit of the state now and in the long run? What is the essence of the Talba Empowerment Scheme which has trained and employed more than 30,000 youths and other initiated other profit-oriented ventures enjoyed by the populace?

“Simply put, this is a campaign of calumny against the governor sustained by some mischievous, out-dated politicians in the state who never expected the governor to be circumspect with the state’s finances. If that is what it means to be carried along, then Dankwambo’s administration has better plans and that is why he should be reelected in 2015,” Ladan said.

By theIttime the fool has learned thehave game, the players havemoney dispersed.

Ashanti Proverb is better in times of need to a friend rather than ― Greek―proverb

60 / ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

September 12, 2014

Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad Focus On Faith 08076760011 (sms only) www.abubakrsiddeeq.com, email: deedat@gmail.com

Re: In Support Of The Shi’ah Procession

By IBrahIm Usman

Of all the spirited groups and individuals across the world who sympathized with the Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky over the brutal killing of 33 members of the Movement, including of his children, Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad, stands out like a sore thumb.

In his weekly column in Leadership newspaper, Focus on Faith dated August 1, 2014, titled, “In Support of The Shi’ah Procession”, the writer tried in his usual way to brig to fore the imaginary and unnecessary divisions among Muslims as his main focus, before expressing a subtle “condolence”.

Yes, only someone new to his column would need a “caveat” to know that Ustaz Abubakr is an arch-enemy of Shi’ism.

His writings had been replete with attacks on Shi’a creed. Read his opening lines: “Do I need to state that I am not an adherent of Shi’ism or that I do not pledge allegiance to the declarer of the Quds procession? I do not”. Should this come from a “supporter” of a procession by a bereaved in the period of mourning?

In as much as I tried to place the writer among the sincere sympathizers of the Islamic Movement over the unfortunate incident, as he aimlessly tried to show that the issue was beyond “sectarian leanings”, I found him a bundle of contradiction. His deep rooted hatred for the Shi’ism kept surfacing throughout the writing.

In the first place, the choice of words in title, “Shi’ah Procession”, gave the writer away. If, as I assume, the writer is well abreast with current events, the issue of Palestinians and the occupation of Palestine by the illegal state of Israel is beyond a particular group or section of the society. Why then refer to expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause as “Shi’ah Procession”? The narration by the writer on the true situation of events in Palestinian with regard to the Israeli brutality and aggression, as well as the world hypocrisy, was right. He however failed to note that, the issue of Palestine and Quds Day procession are global phenomenon, involving people of conscience and freedom-seekers.

Moderate Jews and their Rabbis, Christians and atheists, and even world leaders of some countries participated in the procession on annual basis. Some Christians participated during this year’s procession in Kaduna, while one Christian was among those killed and another (female Christian) also injured by the soldiers in Zaria. It is therefore irrational for one to view Palestinian issue as an exclusive concern of a group, and protesting against injustice on them as “Shi’ah procession”.

Lebanese supporters of the shi’ite amal movement bleed as they gash their foreheads with swords during a muharram procession to mark ashura in Beirut.

Ustaz Abubakar got it wrong while narrating the Zaria incident. Hear him: “Whichever way you want to look at it, somebody with weapons went beyond the call of duty and broke the rules of engagement of the Army by firing at mostly unarmed people. I say mostly unarmed because from some of the information I gathered, some of the Shi’ites were armed with bows and arrows. I also gathered that what probably triggered the bloodbath was the way the procession blocked the road, which left the soldiers on an assignment stranded. When the soldiers demanded that they be let through, a melee ensued”.

This is the common narration of the incident by common men on the street, who did not care to investigate what actually happened. I expected Ustaz to look further than his nose, go beyond the rumour before putting down his pen to write this statement that could be read by many people. He chose to act on hearsay. Even the soldiers that committed the atrocities did not say, “The procession blocked the road”. While the story of the Zaria incident lasted, I have not read anywhere, or heard statement from anyone who claimed that, “The Shi’ites were armed with bows and arrows”, except from the writer. I use this opportunity to discourage arm chair column writing.

Did the writer ever cared to watch the video clip of the shootings posted on the Islamic Movement websites, or read the Movement’s newspapers? No, he had no need, for he had “listened to accounts of the incident from eyewitnesses”. I also wonder if the writer cared to read Dr. Kabir Mato’s writing on the incident in the Daily Trust newspaper titled, “Understanding the Zaria Massacre”, and other similar write-ups.

Having indirectly accused whom he referred to as “Shi’ites” of being armed during the Quds Day procession, the

writer went a step further to accuse Iran and Hizbullah of being silent on the killings in Gaza, and that the “Shi’ites” in Nigeria were not protesting the killings in Gaza but the occupation of Palestine by Israel. What a contradiction! In the first place, the writer should know that Iran had never kept silent in the over sixty years of Israeli atrocities on Palestinians. In fact, the rise of Hizbullah was in reaction to the Israeli brutality in Palestine. I believe that the writer deliberately refused to read, or if he had read, refuse to tell the truth, on series of statements issued and conferences organized by Iran and Hizbullah on the plight of people of Gaza and Palestine in general. For the writer to alleged that Hizbullah kept mute over the issue because, “Palestine has a Sunni government, Hezbollah is a Shi’ite group, so it is quite convenient to be silent”, rendered him a laughing stock. I challenge the writer to bring forth any country or organization that gives support to the cause of Palestinians more than Iran and Hizbullah. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the spiritual guardianship of His Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky has championed the

I expected Ustaz to look further than his nose, go beyond the rumour before putting down his pen to write this statement that could be read by many people

It is better in times of need to have a friend rather than money. ― Greek proverb

cause of Palestinians, whether in Gaza, Rafah or West Bank, over the years. The Movement had had about five martyrs, before the present ones, during Quds Day processions in past years. When Israeli Defence Front (IDF) murdered Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and Dr. Abdul Azeez Rantisi (all Palestinian Sunnis), the Islamic Movement held special mourning sessions to remember them as fallen heroes. A procession was also conducted to protest the brutal murder of Dr. Rantisi, in which two members of the Movement were shot dead by Nigerian security. I am yet to read a piece from the writer, lamenting the plight of the Palestinians.

Even while demanding for justice over the Zaria killings, the writer could not hide his deep hatred for Sheikh Zakzaky and his followers: “I owe them no allegiance but even a pagan has a right to justice in Islam, not to talk of people who are largely Muslims. Only a small fraction of them have unIslamic ideologies”. Whatever name the writer gives members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, history has proved them as sensitive to the plight of the people, Muslims and non-Muslims.

Theirs, just like the Quds Day procession, is global mass movement. It was not a “Shi’ah Procession”, but a global mass movement of people with conscience demanding for freedom and justice. This was why Christians, Jews and atheists participated in the procession all over the world. In Kaduna, Nigeria, Christians also participated in the procession that day, and this was why Christians and their umbrella body Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extended condolence to Sheikh Zakzaky and families of the people killed. This is a global issue, with global outlook, hence the global condemnation.

I therefore see the writer shedding crocodile tears for the murder of the 33 “Shi’ites” in Zaria, for he could not have supported a “Shi’ite Procession”, in which the protesters, as he claimed, were “armed with bows and arrows”.

If what Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq wrote was meant to be a condolence or call for justice, it has fallen short of that. He has only succeeded in bringing to the fore and promoted, the imaginary divisions among Muslims, which enemies of Islam are always trying to promote. In this period, of mourning, condolence and sympathy, he should have kept low the issue of unnecessary divisions among Muslims and just lament the brutal murder of his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. I recall with great sense of pride and respect, the words of late Imam Ruhullah al-Khomeini: “Those brewing discord between Sunnah and Shi’a, are neither Sunnah nor Shi’a”.

— Usman contributed this piece from Abuja

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September 12, 2014

OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) THE POSITION OF THE ELECTORATE OF SOUTHERN KADUNA ON 2015 ELECTIONS We write this reaction to you with every sense of responsibility and patriotism. We hold your office and the National Leadership of our great Party, the PDP, in very high esteem. And we dare say, up front, that this underscores our resolve to ensure that Kaduna State remains firmly under control of the PDP during the Presidential and Gubernatorial Elections come 2015.

We are compelled to react to certain political developments that have taken place in Kaduna State recently which, if not put in proper perspective, are capable of misleading the general public and portraying the people of Southern Kaduna in bad light. The events in question include:• A Press Conference was held at Ungwar Walcili in Zangon K.ataf LGA on 14th August, 2014.

The Press Conference was held under the auspices of elected and appointed politicians in Southern Kaduna.

• A State Government Sponsored Town Hall Meeting held at the Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna on Saturday 23’d August 2014, where those in attendance were hoodwinked to an unplanned political adoption arrangement.

At both occasions, the participants were said to have endorsed the candidacy of: • Goodluck Jonathan/ Namadi Samba for the Presidential slot for 2015; and • Mukhtar Yero/Nuhu Bajoga for the Kaduna State gubernatorial contest.

Going by the 2011 election results, over 80% of the votes Mr. President got in Kaduna State came from Southern Kaduna. Thus, we consider it an insult to the people of Southern Kaduna to have been locked out of a heavily policed Press Conference held in their domain at which Mr. President was going to be adopted.

Equally painful to the people of Southern Kaduna was the decision by their political leaders to take the crucial Press Conference to Ungwar Wakili (albeit maliciously) to their exclusion. The event ought to have been staged in traditional centres at Kafanchan or Kagoro. Had there been sincerity of purpose and adequate publicity, the venue would have been filled to capacity by the Goodluck loving people of Southern Kaduna. While the loyalty and integrity of these political leaders of Southern Kaduna is now doubtful and questionable, the commitment of the electorate to the PDP and the reelection of President Jonathan is unwavering and total. Thus, the mismanaged conduct of this Press Conference did the Southern Kaduna Electorate some collateral damage as the beauty of the Press Conference was smeared by the evil and sinister motives of the organizers.

At the above occasions, it was indicated that the PDP and its leadership in the State had expressed their support for Yero/Bajoga ticket for 2015 gubernatorial elections. We want to state that the Political leaders from Southern Kaduha who attended these occasions are dishonest, deceitful, and insincere. Their proclamation does NOT reflect the views of the people of the area. By publicly pronouncing support for Yero/Bajoga ticket, they were openly contradicting and betraying the electorate of Southern Kaduna. Never had the major stakeholders and major interest groups in Southern Kaduna met to endorse Yero as their candidate for 2015 elections. Instead, in all their interactions with the electorate, these leaders have been told repeatedly that Yero’s candidacy is not acceptable to the people of Southern Kaduna. This position was emphatically expressed at a Courtesy Call on the Vice-President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo where the Political Caucus of the Southern Kaduna Forum, after due consultations, mmounced that Southern Kaduna has political interests that are in conflict with Yero’s ambition. As a consequence of this, Southern Kaduna has resolved that it will not vote Yero in 2015 election. However, our support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan come 2015 is irrepressible and irrevocable.

Since the above position has not been challenged, reversed or rescinded, where did the elected, appointed and party officials from Southern Kaduna got their mandate to malce their unpatriotic and profane declaration? For avoidance of doubt, the position of the Elders, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) religious, traditional, women and youth groups (that constitute the electorate) is as follows:• The 1st ever elected Governor from Southern Kaduna, Sir Patrick Yakowa died in office in 2012 having spent less than 2 years into his 4 years tenure. At his funeral many conciliatory and appeasing messages were delivered to comfort the people of the area. But after his death, the promises to revive and patronize Southern Kaduna seem to have been forgotten. Whatever the case, we still demand that the post of Governor of Kaduna State be irrevocably zoned (based on equity, fairness and political inclusion) to Southern Kaduna for 2015. This will enable the area to complete Yakowa’s tenure; • Southern Kaduna has remained the PDP stronghold in Kaduna State since 1999 it provided the bloc votes that enabled Zone I to produce the first Executive Governor. It also supported Zone II to produce the next Governor who eventually became Vice-President. Zone III came into office of Governor but tragically lost its flag bearer. With this loss, is Southern Kaduna still required to continue to remain loyal and committed to the Party without any reasonable and tangible benefits? Thus, on the basis of equity and fairness, Southern Kaduna is rife and should produce the next Governor of Kaduna State. This is one sure way of sustaining the loyalty and commitment to the party in the forthcoming national elections; • The incumbent Governor came into politics in 2007 as Commissioner of’ Finance. Later he became the Deputy Governor before eventually becoming the Governor- all within 7 years. To us, this Governor is Nigeria’s luckiest politician.

By every stretch of imagination, he has been over pampered over-compensated and Over-patronized

politically.

• Governor Yero is yet to pay his due. Thus, his ambition to continue in Office as Governor in 2015, in spite of all the unmerited political privileges he has enjoyed, is ill-advised. This vaunted ambition is capable of tearing the Party and bringing it to its knees for the first time in 15 years. We consider the Governor’s misplaced ambition as selfish and baseless considering his limited political experience, relevance and effectiveness. It is common knowledge that he has no capacity to deliver his LGA, talk less of delivering Zone I, to the PDP. He and his visionless cronies are undermining and under-estimating the sacrifice and contributions Southern Kaduna has made, over the years. The PDP as a Party that is built on justice and fairness cannot ignore the interests of the goose that lays the golden egg” • We ask, is the national and State leadership of the Party aware of the political and economic losses Southern Kaduna has suffered in recent past? For the records, Southern Kaduna lost its first elected Governor in 2012. It also lost a Presidential Adviser in the person of Late Senator Isaiah Balat early this year. Soon after, it lost the office of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC. We feel the full weight of the losses we have suffered and therefore feel justified to demand for the immediate replacement of these political offices. This is the only way we can feel comfortable to continue to support the Party; • The unimpressed performance of the Yero administration in the State is a thing of joy for the Opposition Party- Bounded to the North by Kano State and to the South by Nassarawa State, Kaduna State is certainly a comparatively docile, dormant and non-performing State. There is so much executive recklessness and high-handedness which has given the State a negative image. Recently, the opposition stated that “Kaduna State is open for graps by the opposition because.....the govemor cannot come out campaigning...and Kaduna State has been on a standstill since the demise of late Yakowa”. This statement is unfortw1ately true and is therefore instructive; and • Programmes and projects by donor agencies and MDGs requiring regular feed-back reporting and counter-part funding are now on the verge of folding up due to poor or non-responses from the State Government. What unwarranted colossal loss the State is being made to suffer? The Governor’s extravagant appetites and egoism have literally broken clown the bridges of trust and communal harmony built by his predecessors.

All Yakowa- initiative projects, which would have all been completed in 2013 are still at starting stages of completion. There is hardly any significant Yero initiated project in Southern Kaduna since he came into office in 2012.

The people of Southern Kaduna are being systematically short-changed as they benefit by less than 10% of all the contracts being executed under TETFUND, MDGs, SURE-P, ETF, Ecological Fund and other donor-assisted programmes. There is a systematic and sustained economic marginalization and political strangulation of Southern Kaduna people in the State; This year (2014), two Local Government Areas in Southern Kaduna ie Kaura and Sanga have suffered grave losses from terrorist invasions. In Bondong, Kaura LG, over 200 lives comprising mainly children, women and the aged were murdered in cold blood while 7 villages were completely razed down. The survivors are now helpless internally displaced people (IDP). In Sanga LG, over 300 people have been massacred with 9 villages and their crops on totally destroyed. The remnants are IDPs in Primary Schools and other villages without hope of any succor or harvest.

The offensive attitude and arrogance of Governor Yero has also demoralized the followership of the Party especially in the Northern part of the State. Many of the prominent politicians, (some of whom are founding members of the party in the Stat) have been forced to decamp to the opposition Party. The remaining respectable leaders who still control state-wide followership, leaders who are genuine bridge builders still in the PDP are today being side-lined. Here we pay special tribute to Senator Mohammed Ahmed Makar11 (F01mer Governor), Hon. Lawai Samaila Yakawada (Former SSG), Hon. Shuaibu Idris (Mikati- Former Gubernatorial Aspirant) and Engr. Bala Sani (Former Political Adviser), among others.

These great leaders deserve commendation from the National Leadership of the Party.

In conclusion, we wish to request Mr. President and the National Leadership of the PDP to take cognizance of the plight of the people of Southern Kaduna and introduce concrete and positive measures that will bring about healing and reconciliation. For long, we have patiently served and supported the Party. The payback time is NOW. Supporting Southern Kaduna to produce the next Governor of Kaduna State will yield three pleasant outcomes:Justice, fairness and reciprocity would have been served on Southern Kaduna which has stood, under thick and thin, behind the PDP in all elections since 1999.

Our great Party, PDP, would enjoy the assurance that, come 2015, Kaduna State will remain under the firm control of the Party.

Mr. President be rest assured that the usual bloc vote of Southern Kaduna will be wholly his in 2015.

For the 2015 Gubernatorial and Presidential elections in Kaduna State, Southern Kaduna is the JOCKER

ELDER ABOKIE GALADIMA For: Nakowa Patriots

DR. AUSTIN HYUWA For: Nakowa Patriots

world news REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL EVENTS AND ISSUES September 12, 2014

Russia Warns US Against Strikes In Islamic State In Syria Russia has warned that US air strikes against militants in Syria would be a “gross violation” of international law.

A Russian foreign ministry spokesman said any such action, without the backing of the UN, would be “an act of aggression”.

It comes as US Secretary of State John Kerry meets Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia to try to build a coalition against Islamic State (IS) militants.

President Obama has threatened action against IS in Syria as well as Iraq. IS controls large parts of Syria and Iraq after a rapid military advance. In a speech outlining his strategy, Mr Obama said any group that threatened America would “find no safe Americans have commemorated the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks with ceremonies in New York and Washington. The ceremonies began just before 09:00 local (13:00 GMT) and included a reading out of the names of those who died in the attacks.

In New York, the ceremony was held at the new National September 11 Museum. In Washington, President Barack Obama led mourners in a commemoration held on the White House lawn. Ceremonies also took place at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania where one of the hijacked planes crashed.

The anniversary comes just hours after Mr Obama laid out his strategy to counter Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

“Our objective is clear: We will degrade and ultimately destroy [IS] through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy,” he said in his address to the nation on Wednesday night.

Ceremonies began with a moment of silence at 08:46 am (12:46 GMT), the time when the first hijacked plane hit the World Trade Center. Family members then began the long

haven”.

He also announced that 475 US military personnel would be sent to Iraq but said they would not have a combat role. But the statement brought a strong reaction from Russia, which has been an ally of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“The US president has spoken directly about the possibility of strikes by the US armed forces against Isil (IS) positions in Syria without the consent of the legitimate government,” ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich was quoted as saying.

“This step, in the absence of a UN Security Council decision, would be an act of aggression, a gross violation of international

Syria Rebels Free UN Peacekeepers

Some members of the ISIS

law.”

Syria also repeated its warning that the US had to co-ordinate with the Syrian government before launching air strikes on its territory. “Any action of any kind without the consent of

the Syrian government would be an attack on Syria,” National Reconciliation Minister Ali Haidar said yesterday.

Last month Syria offered to help the US fight Islamic State, however the US ruled that out.

President Barack Obama; his wife, Michelle and Vice President Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill, during a commemoration service on the White House Lawn, yesterday.

9/11: Americans Commemorate 13th Anniversary

process of reading the names of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the attacks on New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and in Shanks Ville, Pennsylvania.

In New York, relatives of those killed when two hijacked planes

flew into the World Trade Center gathered at Ground Zero to remember the dead. The new National September 11 Museum has been opened on the site to mark the atrocities.

Nearby, the nearly completed One World Trade Cen-

ter has risen 1,776 feet - the year of American independence - above Ground Zero. It is scheduled to be filled with office workers by 11 September 2015. Ceremonies were also held in towns and cities across America.

Court Acquits Pistorius Over Murder Of Girlfriend The judge in the Oscar Pistorius trial has cleared him of murder, but has left it to Friday to announce whether the athlete is guilty of culpable homicide.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said prosecutors had not proved he meant to kill his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, prompting tears from

the Olympic sprinter.

But she said he acted hastily and had been negligent. Mr Pistorius says he thought an intruder was in the toilet.

Adjourning the trial, the judge said a reasonable person would not have fired. The BBC’s Andrew Harding, who was in court in Pretoria,

says she is expected to deliver a verdict of culpable homicide (manslaughter) but has not yet spelled it out.

Earlier, Judge Masipa described Mr Pistorius as an evasive witness but said this did not mean he was guilty.

—BBC

257

Three Al Jazeera staff; Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy have been imprisoned for 257 days in Egypt.

You can’t claim heaven as your own if you are just going to sit under it.

The United Nations has confirmed the release of all 45 Fijian peacekeepers who had been held for two weeks by the rebels in the Golan Heights on the Israeli- Syrian border.

A UN statement said the soldiers, all in good condition, had been freed on Thursday and would undergo medical assessment.

The Fijians were kidnapped last month by the Nusra Front battling the Syrian army after the rebels overran a crossing point in the so – called disengagement zone that the UN peacekeeping mission known as UNDOF has monitored since 1974.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said the soldiers had crossed into Israeli -held territory after their release. “ We opened the border and they entered, “ the spokeswoman said . On Wednesday the Nusra Front posted a video on its Twitter and YouTube accounts in which the hostages said they expected to be freed soon.

The Fijians had been captured about 8km away from 70 Philippine troops, who were rescued following an attack on their post on the Syrian side of the border.

Syria’s three -year civil war reached the frontier with Israeli- controlled territory last month when rebel fighters overran a crossing point in the line that has separated Israelis from Syrians in the Golan Heights since a 1973 war.

Syria and Israel technically remain at war. Syrian troops are not allowed in an “ area of separation: under a 1973 ceasefire formalised in 1974 . The UN force monitors the area of separation, a narrow strip of land running about 70km from Mount Hermon on the Lebanese border to the Yarmouk River frontier with Jordan.

It comprises 1, 223 soldiers from Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands and the Philippines.

Austria, Japan and Croatia have all pulled their troops out of the monitoring force due to the deteriorating security situation and spillover from the Syrian war.

Qatar, one country in the Middle East thought by the US to have influence with the armed rebel group, said Fiji had formally requested its assistance in freeing the hostages.

US officials have said that Qatar played a critical role in persuading the Nusra Front to free American journalist Peter Theo Curtis last month, whom the front had been holding hostage since 2012.

opinion /63

September 12, 2014

Gaza War: Netanyahu’s Debacle

BY M. B. Sabo

Benyamin Netanyahu; the Prime Minister of Israel had justified his colonial project in Palestine on two political stands: “antiterror” and Israel’s security. His contempt for the Peace process is legendary while his appetite for Palestinians land grab negates all UN resolutions/international law. No sooner the ceasefire was announced Israel seized 400 hectares of Palestinian land.

The 50 days war on Gaza was a worthless bloodletting, a debacle, it has neither broken the resistance nor achieved set objectives said the critics/opponents of Netanyahu. His popularity rating nose-dived from 83% to 38% shortly with the cease-fire. Israel may claims tactical successes but its strategic defeat was quite glaring.

Netanyahu deploys massive violence as a strategy to sustain siege and occupation.

He deployed 85,000 Israeli reservists for the Gaza war. According to the Israeli army, 39,000 tank shells, 60,000 artillery shells and 4.8million bullets were supplied to its troops during the fighting. The Gaza ministry of Interior claimed that, Israel dropped over 20,000 tons of explosives on the 139 sq. miles of the strip. Israel bombed/shelled

Gaza over 6000 times and only stopped when there were no viable targets to hit. There were disturbing reports of Israeli snipers targeting children during the war.

Israel lost 65 soldiers in the Gaza war despite being 6th strongest army in the world compared to rag tag Palestinian militants. It was apparent that Hamas dictated the pace of the war, which shaken Israel’s standing.

Because of the early loses suffered Israel hurriedly ordered its army to leave Gaza even before the Egyptian driven cease was announced. Environmentalist also claimed that, “the munitions Israel used affects the environment, soil and water and will affect the next generations by spreading diseases, especially cancer.”

The war was an added burden to Israel’s prostrate economy. It was reported that $2.5 billions was lost as a result of the Gaza war. Israel’s hotel and tourism sectors were severely hurt by the conflict. Palestinian rockets also forced US and European airlines to suspend flights to Tel Aviv International airport for 2 days. Netanyahu miscalculated the possible outcome of the war on Gaza.

He risk going for early election as his fragile unity government is under threat. The political disharmony in the cabinet is all too

letter to the editor

ISMS Politics In Nigeria: Before And Now

By Suleiman Saleh Konkiyel

Looking at the Nigerian political and historical antecedent, one will clearly understand that the dreaded ’’isms’’ continue to destabilise and consumes the country’s political, economic and social system more than the well known corruption and looting of public funds. Isms is a concept used to mean any negative word that end with the three letters like, regionalism, tribalism, sectionalism, nepotism, God fatherism among others.

Since after the colonial masters handed over the mantle of leadership to indigenous Nigerians in 1960, who inherited the political system of administration with some chain of developmental map for the betterment of Nigerians politically, economically and socially. But unfortunately, these negative concept (ism) entered and altered the progressive aim left by the colonial administrators which resulted in a bloody coup d’état on 15th January, 1966, after the military have successfully took over, the leader of the coup plotters major Nzeagwu Kaduna came on the media and clearly stated that; ’’ our enemies are political profiteers, swindlers, the men at the high and low places that seek bribe and demand ten percent, those that keep the country divided as ministers and VIP’s of waste, the trabalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing in the international circle,we seize power to stand out tribalism, nepotism and regionalism’’.

Some historian and public commentators argued that even the coup have some ethnic and regional connotation which according to them northerners believed that the event of January 1966 was purely con-

pired by southerners to swift out northern leaders from the corridor of power.

The concept (ism) continue to have negative impact in our political and social system, especially in the late 2010 and early 2011 when it becomes visible during the 2011 electioneering campaign when religion was injected in to the political system.

Religious dichotomy become stronghold in the minds of many Nigerians which some international community’s considered as a myopic mind of thinking on the side of Nigerian population for attaching the concept (ism) in their political system without looking its consequences on their social setting which create tension, anxiety, and hatred between northerners who are predominantly Muslims and southerners who are predominantly Christians. For instance the genocide that took place in Jos plateau state in 2008 after the local government election were thousands of people reported massacre and worth millions of naira destroyed. And the 2011 post election violence which resulted in killing many Nigerian including a serving corps members, properties and houses destroyed in different part of the country.

These and more are purely political issues but turn out to be ethnic and religious disturbances.

In the early 2014 Nigerian politics took another dimension in the name of ethnicity when southerners resorted in deporting northerners residing in their region and Vis-a-Vis, there was a massive exodus of people from both region for fear of being attack or killed.

Konkiyel is a student of the Mass Communications Department of the University of Maiduguri.

open.

Israel probably did not anticipation the barrage of International condemnation/ protests that greeted the war. The United Nations has set up a Committee of inquiry into possible War crimes. This is the second time the UN would scrutinize Israel’s war conducts on Gaza.

The world sees Israel as a bully nation.

Killing and maiming the defenceless people it forcefully occupied. Sympathy for Israel has weaned worldwide. Its closet allies the UK/US and the EU condemned the war.

Five Latin America countries of El Salvador, Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador withdrew their ambassadors during the war. Venezuela broke diplomatic relations with Israel since its 2012 war on Gaza.

Netanyahu’s Gaza war encouraged wide protest across the world. The call for Boycott, Disinvest and Sanction (BDS) on Israel is gaining global momentum. The objective of BDS is to isolate Israel politically, culturally economically and militarily so as to abandon its Apartheid system and grant Palestinian right to self- determination. BDS must be promoted to occupy a prime position in the against Israel colonialism.

Fifty days of war has harm Israel’s

international reputation as the world rose against it. Protest marches took place in the US, UK, France and in cities across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Arab nations. Over five thousand Israelis protested against the war. Conversely, right wing elements also queried Netanyahu on the rationale for ceasefire without any strategic achievement.

The callousness of the Gaza war infuriated Palestinians and the Arab streets. Analysts believe that in its next war with Palestinians Israel may fight in several fronts: Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and may be Hezbollah too. The war has not only united the Palestinians but also reasserted Hamas as the champion of Palestinian resistance.

Netanyahu’s war came with a terrible price of death and destruction and it would be futile to contemplate who was victorious.

What are the lessons from the wars? Can the two sides reach a permanent peace or long term truce? As one writer advised the Israeli leadership, ”the only security is political, not military. It comes through negotiation, not artillery fire…this should have been the Israeli goal. Instead, every opening was obstructed, every opportunity spurned.”

— Sabo wrote in from Federal Mortgage Bank

Begging As Means Of Survival Awawu Mohammed

Is begging a means of self-employment?

Begging (Almajiranci) starts when ones parents took him/her to another place be it a hamlet, village, town or to a city in some cases for the purpose of acquiring Islamic knowledge. The life of such individuals in the society is painful especially when it comes to the issue of food and shelter. Beggars can be regarded as a group of individuals who rely on asking people to earn a living.

Some beggars are found at their younger age. Some have not reach ten years because in some places you can see children of not more than five years and the place they live is very far from their parents. Some parents take their children to Almajiranci for the simple reason that the child is troublesome and they expect that their child will be well trained and disciplined better than when they are together.

Unknown to the parents that, their expectations are unnecessary to be achieved.

This is because the person responsible for teaching the child cannot afford to feed the child. The number of beggars (Almajirai) under the control of one Malam (teacher) ranges from two to hundred and sometimes even more than one hundred that is why the Malam cannot provide them with the necessary care that is expected of him.

And this gave room for the children to be roaming along the streets or going from house to house begging for food.

The body of these beggars (Almajirai) can easily accommodate any kind of disease because of the dirty clothes they wear and the place they sleep. So also, the food they eat in most cases is a contaminated food while the water they drink is mostly polluted. They are also exposed to all sorts of punishment and hardships by the Malam.

The elephant that is stuck in the mud will tear down the tree with it.

During rainy season, these Almajirai are used by their Malam to cultivate a gigantic area of land. The produce at the end will be sold by the Malam and the beggars will not earn anything from it mostly.

On the process of their interaction with other people, the Almajirai may eventually meet bad people in the society and that will mark the beginning of their anti-social behavior. All these hooligans in the society are mostly Almajirai.

With regards to the anti-social behavior, the ‘yan kalare (Gombe terrorists), ‘yan Sara suka (Bauchi terrorists) and ‘yan daba (Kano terrorists) which engage in all sorts of anti-social behavior are mostly beggars.

Beggars are mostly found in the northern part of Nigeria. Parents should be enlightened and\ educated that the disadvantages of taking a child to Almajiranci is more the advantages. Begging is illegal under the Vagrancy Act of 1804. However, it does not carry a jail sentence and is not well enforced in many cities although since the Act applies in all public places, it is enforced more frequently on public transport.

According to Ibrahim Sambo, a student of Islamic studies UNIMAID said Parents who send their children to Almajiranci with the intention of acquiring Islamic education, the truth must be said that, necessary remedies applied to this. Islam does not promote poverty, why is it that only the Hausa leper, an amputee, a cripple and poor person that roam the streets of this country from north to south while other Nigerians have similar liabilities in the southern part of the country, why don’t they occupy the bridge of our cities like the way Hausa do?

—Mohammed is a student of the Department of Mass Communications,University of Maiduguri.

— Cambodian Proverbs

64 ISSUES

September 12, 2014

Politicisation Of Boko Haram Insurgency, Bane Of Nigeria’s Anti-Terror Fight CONTINUED from yesterday

members (including the leader Abubakar Shekau), destruction of Boko Haram

By Lai Mohammed camps, and countless assurances of improving security and winning the battle APC’s research on total security sector against Boko Haram. spending (covering Defence, Police, Office Over the same period however, the emof National Security Adviser, Road Safety pirical realities are that Boko Haram has Corps, and security-related service-wide become more daring and audacious in its votes (e.g. on Amnesty Programme, inter- attacks through: nal security operations, etc.) is based on a. Increase in the scale, number and information contained in successive budget spread of attacks, even against supposedly documents. fortified military bases! b. More Boko Haram killings and casualty levels among civilians and Year Amount (Naira) Dollar Value security personnel. (@ N165 = $1) c. Rapid growing number of Nigerian Internally Displaced Persons 2014 1,174,897,477,334.00 7.12 billion (IDPs) and Refugees, now estimated by the UNHCR at over 600,000!

2013 1,178,832,576,309.00 7.14 billion d. Increasing reports of mutinies and soldiers absconding (desertion) 2012 1,154,857,159,110.00 6.99 billion from battlefields. e. Boko Haram declaration of a 2011 1,080,894,801,178.00 6.55 billion Caliphate.

The key issue in all of this is this 2010 836,016,773,836.00 5.07 billion – are all these mere empirical coincidence or statistical correlation Total 5,425,498,787,767.00 32.88 billion OR are there genuine organic and logical connections (some form of action and reaction)? Certainly it Why and what is important about is my and APC belief that there is a pull these statistics? and effect logic at work. Put simply, Presia. On the average the Boko Haram In- dent Jonathan’s handling of the Boko surgency has fuelled increases in security Haram insurgency has been a spectacular spending to around 25% of annual federal failure, and this is deliberate for political government expenditure. reasons. Where and even if the President b. In light of the rebasing of Nigeria’s Jonathan-PDP Admnistration may claim GDP (put at N80.3 trillion or $509.9 bil- to know nothing about the origin of Boko lion), the yearly average 2010-14 is $6.58 Haram, it has actively sustained the crises, billion, is equal to 1.3% of GDP. profiteering from it! c. The total for the 5 budget years E. The Way Forward: APC’s Stand amounts to 6.5% of Nigeria GDP. The APC has consistently argued for d. Most importantly, there appears to New Thinking and alternative approaches be nothing to show (commensurate) for to the Boko Haram crises. The five pillars the huge monies purportedly expended. of APC’s approach are: There are recurring reports and stories i. Urgent formulation of a holistic Counin the media about how frontline troops ter-Terrorism strategy that emphasizes and soldiers have inferior weapons and the synergistic use of military, political firepower compared to Boko Haram, and and economic elements, and roles for civil how Nigerian soldiers have been fleeing society and other critical stakeholders. battlefields (into Cameroon), and commuii. Political negotiation with Boko Harnities and military barracks being easily am. All recent cases of internal security overrun by Boko Haram fighters.This begs challenges (militias. etc.), including the the questions about where and how is the OPC, MEND, etc. across Nigeria have all money being spent? Is it truly spent on been resolved through political negotiasecurity? Is corruption taking place in se- tions of some sort. Boko Haram cannot be curity spending? What and where are the an exception. military hardware acquired? Who is supiii. Planning and Investing for Peace plying security equipment – manufactur- through a Human Development Approach ers or third party agents? to address the socio-economic, governD. Unanswered Questions and Puzzles ance and environmental conditions that about Boko Haram Insurgency gave rise to Boko Haram. Key here are APC’s research and analysis of the Boko youth development, employment and liveHaram insurgency has unearthed some lihoods, education, access to markets, reintriguing puzzles that warrant serious at- vival of agriculture, etc. What is advocated tention. is a serious and genuine consideration of Since 2011, President Goodluck Jona- socio-economic revival of the Northeast than-PDP led government has increased and other affected Northern areas, not the security spending; declared and renewed tokenistic (£7 million) gesture proposed emergency rule, issued propaganda claim- by the Jonathan Administration ing the capture and killing of Boko Haram iv. Bring in the United Nations (and its

Jonathan

specialised agencies), and mobilise local and international peacebuilding organisations to work with communities and groups affected by Boko Haram. v. Security Sector Reform through a thorough National Security Review, New National Security Policy, and tailored institutional, legal and operational reforms and re-organisation of Nigeria’s security agencies. The Boko Haram crisis has exposed systemic failures in Nigeria’s national security system, and there is a rare opportunity to use this as the basis to transform Nigeria’s National Security architecture.

Conclusion Unfortunately but truly, the Nigerian government had bungled the fight against Boko Haram. The government’s attempt to make political capital out of the insurgency has backfired.

The Boko Haram crisis and the Jonathan Administration’s response to it must be seen in the context of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. The status quo favours the PDP and President Jonathan.

Why? Because Boko Haram-affected areas and indeed the Northern region are opposition strongholds, hence the Administration is hoping - and perhaps secretly wishing- that the Boko Haram crisis, the declaration of emergency rule and general atmosphere of insecurity in the North will lead to the cancellation of voting in some areas and limit voters’ turnout in general, a development which the PDP believes will minimize its electoral losses in the Nirth and enhance the likelihood of a PDP victory.

Beyond that, reports from the grapevine is that the government is even trying to cash in on the worsening crisis to explore the possibility of delaying the elections and extending its tenure. It does not occur to them that the country must first survive for anyone to rule it.

Our worst fears were confirmed recently when the Australian hired by President

Some people are masters of money, and some people are slaves of it.

Jonathan to help negotiate the release of the over 200 school girls named the President’s allies and members of the ruling PDP as the sponsors of Boko Haram.

He said the Boko Haram commanders identified the men: Former Army Chief Azubuike Ihejirika and a former two time governor of Borno state Ali Modu Sheriff among the sponsors of the sect.

Now that the cat has been let out of the bag and the real sponsors of Boko Haram have been exposed , we hope President Jonathan will summon the courage to do the right thing: Hand over the identified Boko Haram sponsors to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.

There is no doubt that Boko Haram has committed crimes against humanity in its scorched-earth campaign against unarmed citizens, and the most appropriate body to investigate and try the sect’s sponsors is the ICC. According to Article 17 of the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, and to which Nigeria is a signatory, the ICC is a court of last resort, expected to exercise its jurisdiction only if states themselves are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate and prosecute international crimes.

In view of the fact that the alleged Boko Haram sponsors are either members of the ruling party or friends of the President, it is clear that the PDP led Federal government is unwilling and unable to try them.

As we all know if the funding of Boko Haram is not cut off, it will be difficult to defeat the sect.

I thank you most sincerely for your attention.

Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) London, September 8, 2014

― Russian Proverb

CONCLUDED

Naerls forum

September 12, 2014

National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU Zaria Contact: Dr M.K Othman - 08065571637. mkothman@gmail.com

NAERLS And IAR Partner With Sasakawa Africa Association To Implement SAA/AGRA Project SAA In Kano And Kaduna States (2) He mentioned that proven technologies will be disseminated to farmers to improve their production, processing, marketing and crops handling. Farmers’ accessibility to credit and input will be improved through proper linkages with financial institutions and input suppliers. Access to information will be enhanced through the establishment of farmers’ resource centres. The project targets to work with 20 extension agents, 60 facilitators, 60 clusters, 1,200 farmer-groups, 40 agro dealers within the two states.

Consequently, the project aims to raise the overall output of farmers by 40% conservatively. Thus, one vehicle, 20 motor cycles, 120 mobile handsets were provided to ease communication and logistics within the 20 resource centres in the two States.

The occasion was marked with series of techncal presentations; the first presentation was made by Deputy Country Director of SAA 2000 Mr. Sani Sagagin on the project framework and implementation over the three years period. Farmers would be made to have better access to information, inputs

Group photograph of participants at the SAA/AGRA project launching in Kano.

and credit facilities using the strategic innovation platform (SIP). Another presentation was made by Engr. Aregbe B Eziekelon on Eextension in Agriculture, which includes the capacity to generate and store data, generate information on the resources used by

the farmers and advising farmers on how to solve their farming and marketing problems without the farmer waiting for an extension agent or facilitator. Presentation was also made on the Strategic Innovation Platform (SIP), its usefulness in Agricultural extension

delivery services, constraints and rationale were highlighted by Prof. J. Onyibe, Assistant Director in charge of Research, Planning and Monitoring in NAERLS. He showed how SIP can be used to transform agriculture in the country.

Participants discussed the presentations, made observations and recommendations on the project implementation to avoid problems encountered by similar projects in the country. The outcomes of the deliberation were the nomination of the SIP members and OIP members in Kaduna and Kano States.

No doubt, NAERLS will play active roles in the establishment of the Community resource centres and partiparticipate in the strategic platform (SIP) of the two states. SIP is the highest decision making body of the project. The pillar of the project is extension delivery services using modern tools, therefore NAERLS will work closely with SAA 2000 Nigeria in all aspects of project planning and implementation.

CONCLUDED

news feature

Globacom Promises To Boost Cashless Policy

...Launches Glo Xchange

BY PAUL CHIAMA

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to push towards making Nigeria a cashless society, Nigeria’s telecommunication giant, Globacom, has recently launched a new mobile money product, Glo Xchange which is intended, among other things, to boost the operation of cashless policy. During the product launch, the governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said the initiative marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between the financial industry and the telecommunication sector.

According to Emefiele, Glo Xchange would accelerate CBN’s drive to achieve a sustainable cashless policy and financial inclusion. The management of CBN which believes that the next revolutionary step in this journey of expanding financial access is the bank’s Mobile Money and Agent Banking Framework, could not therefore, but adopt the Glo Xchange as a welcome development.

This framework is targeted at encouraging financial institutions to collaborate with retail agents in extending financial services to locations where it would not be economical for banks to build new branches.

“It is in view of this expectation that I am particularly delighted with today’s launch of Glo Xchange, the first mobile money superagent network in our country. I believe that this launching marks the beginning of a new collaboration between two major industries of our economy – the telecommunications industry and the financial services industry.

“I want to sincerely commend the major

collaborators in this venture, including Globacom, First Bank, Ecobank and Stanbic IBTC for harnessing the synergies of their technical expertise and creating this network for the betterment of our people. This collaboration could herald the development of a new ecosystem, which could present a win-win situation for banks, telecoms, customers, mobile money operators, relevant stakeholders and the Central Bank”, Emefiele said.

The CBN governor did not stop at that. He promptly advised “other telecommunication companies and banks not to sit on the fence but rather to follow this example of collaboration and join in the CBN’s efforts towards expanding financial access to our people”.

The head of corporate sales, Globacoms, Kamal Shonibare, in his remarks, said the Glo Xchange would avail the mobile money sector of the needed agent network across the country as well as the required technology platform for seamless mobile money transactions. He added that Glo Xchange would provide the partners in the project with the telecom company’s extensive network of 150 Glo World and Glo Zone shops, over 35, 000 Glo Dealer and sub dealer outlets and over 400 Conoil filling stations across the country.

This “give and take” business offer of benefit for the banks in partnership is expected to attract other banks to the network and further endear Glo in the heart of both the partnering banks and subscribers to this product since the ground has been cemented for effective and satisfactory use of Glo Xchange.

With Glo having a healthy partnership with Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), it is also expected that the Glo Xchange initiative will ride on the advantage of this relationship. This is more so as ACPN is reputed to have over 7,000 viable outlets across Nigeria. These, together with Glo World, Glo Zones, Glo Dealer outlets, sub dealer outlets and the Conoil filling stations, open opportunities for business fortunes which will ensure that Nigerians continue to tap the benefits of this platform.

Also, following this, Globacom targets job creation. It aims to employ over 500, 000 mobile money agents in the next five to six years who will gain financial empowerment by earning commission in the country. This development, when it occurs, will also help in addressing the problem of unemployment in the country.

Furthermore, Glo Xchange will, through the collaboration between Glo and the partnering banks, ensure that mobile money gets to the critical mass of the people across the country by utilizing the parties’ extensive retail market knowledge and customer-base.

Seen as a milestone in the financial sector and a driver for mobile money which reflects the dominant electronic culture of getting things done, Glo Xchange spells a revolution that bestrides the two vibrant sectors of telecommunication and banking.

After a critical look at the Glo Xchange and what it holds for the people, financial experts could not keep mum. A financial consultant and the CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane and a macroeconomics expert and CEO of Economic Associates, Dr Ayo Teriba, who

Money made through dishonest practices will not last long.—Chinese Proverb

were at the product launch, have commended the initiative.

Both Rewane and Teriba described the Glo Xchange initiative as an essential ingredient for accelerating electronic payment and financial inclusion in the country. Rewane pointed out that Nigeria, as a mineral-rich and commodity-dependent economy with a nominal GDP of $510 bn, 12 times the size of Kenya’s economy which has profited massively from mobile money service, has no option than to harvest from the benefit of this initiative.

Rewane also added that though Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and the 26th largest economy in the world, Nigeria’s economy is still largely cash-based, a situation he said constitutes a barrier to rapid growth. Such barriers, Glo Xchange has come to break.

On his part, Teriba noted that while mobile money service has been in Nigeria for over three years, it has failed to grow as expected because of certain reasons, including lack of efficient and expansive agent network.

It is such network that Glo has created and plans to sustain through the network with partnering banks while others are expected to join to partake in reaping the benefits.

Also, the managing director of Firstmonie, Mike Ogbalu, has said that the Glo Xchange would make financial services available and more accessible to more Nigerians, especially at the grassroots. Similarly, the executive director of Ecobank, Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, stated that Glo Xchange would through the network achieve financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The question now is how these expectations would be met and sustained considering all the benefits embedded in Glo Xchange.

66

September 12, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES bOdY bUILdERS WELFARE ANd EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chinedu John 2. Desmond Osawe 3. Kinglsey Onyemaechi 4. Faruna Ugbede 5. Paul Nduka AIMS ANd ObjECTIVES: 1. To foster relationship between the body builders and to serve humanity.

2. To provide welfare and financial support to members.

3. To organize training, seminars and lectures on body building and operation of some few members as bouncers/body guards.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

LEGAL NOTICE

THE CHRIST MINISTRY FOR SPECIAL NEEdS PERSONS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEdERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEdULE Deceased name and address Prof. Afolabi Olabimtan No 19 Hospital Road GRA, Ilaro, Ogun State Who died on the 27th August, 2013.

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Mrs Comfort Olubunmi Olabimtan and Deacon Olalekan Dosunmu No 19 Hospital Road GRA, Ilaro, Ogun State The widow and brother of the said deceased.

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SAdIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Commodore Temi Ejoor (Rtd) 2. Mrs. Qodesh Florench Ejoor 3. Mr. Moses Ogianyan AIMS ANd ObjECTIVES : 1. To empower special needs persons spiritual, psychologically, physically and financially, to live purposeful lives.

2. To establish a church family for special needs persons and compassionate able-bodied disciples willing to care for them.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

Signed: OMOWAYE OLUSOjI 08032299163

21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FOR YOUTH & WOMEN INITIATIVE

IdIOGO MENTORSHIP ANd CARE FOUNdATION

LEGAL NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEdERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Barr. Adebusola Mumuni 2. Liafis Sulaimon 3. Adebayo Oluwasegun Badejo 4. Chioma Blessing Kanu 5. Halima Bolatito Adefolahan 6. Deborah Olaolu Salami 7. Lukman Adekunle Adefolahan

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ezeh Chinyere 2. Eze Okerue 3. Hon. Chika Ibeneme 4. Hon. Douglas Aji 5. Prof. Onyemaechi Valentine Ekechukwu 6. Hon. Barr. Nnadozie Ike

AIM ANd ObjECTIVE 1. To build human and institutional capacity for sustainable development and poverty reduction among women and vulnerable groups.

2. To promote volunteerism in youth, educate and engage them to be active informed participants in political, economic and development process.

3. To collaborate and share relevant information with all stakeholders including appropriate government agencies at all levels on implementation of development projects that would impact on common people.

AIM ANd ObjECTIVE 1. To assist students understand how their ambitions fit into tertiary educationand career choices.

2. To promote the training of the next generation of talented young leaders for the transformative change in Africa.

3. To prepare persons to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.

Any Objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB198, Maitama, Abuja within 28th days from the date of publication.

Any Objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB198, Maitama, Abuja within 28th days from the date of publication.

Signed: bARR. NANCY dAGUN 08030531349

Signed: ASHIKEM bEATRICE AMOKEYE 08099799755

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEdULE Deceased name and address Ugorji Nkemjika Perpetual NOTAP Who died on the 24th November, 2013.

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Mrs Kate Ijeoma Ugorji and Mr Nze D. Ugorji Bwari, Kurudu Village, FCT Abuja The mother and brother of the said deceased.

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SAdIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

dRIVERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ONITSHA

LEGAL NOTICE

NjAbA YOUTH FORUM, LAGOS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEdERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEdULE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NNAMDI OKAFOR -CHAIRMAN 2. FRANCIS OSUNDU -SECRETARY 3. CHIEF EUGENE OJUKWU 4. CHIEF EMMA UKATU 5. CHIEF CHIKA NWABUGO 6. MR. IFEANYI OGBONNA 7. MR. TOYIN OGUNLAYE 8. ALHAJI IBRAHIM TANKO 9. HAJIYA USMAN ALI SULE 10. ALHAJI SULEMAN BAKARI

Deceased name and address Ibrahim Sule Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja Who died on the 30th September, 2014.

AIMS ANd ObjECTIVES TO PROTECT INTEREST AND WELFARE OF MEMBER ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Dan’Asabe Sule and Zuwaira Ibrahim guardian to Muhammad Ibrahim House No. 223, Apo resettlement, Garki Abuja The brother, widow and brother of the said

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SAdIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: EMEKA ALOH 07036684787

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. CHIKADEBIA ONYERERE (the chairman) 2. IKWUOMA CHIJIOKE WISDOM ( the secretary) 3.NNADI CHIKA HENRY 4. OKONJI AMAECHI AUGUSTINE 5.NNAJI NWABUGO CLETUS and 6.IKECHI OKONJI. AIMS ANd ObjECTIVES: 1. To promote social and cultural development of youths of Njaba Local Government Area.

2. To promote mutual interaction and assistance among youths of Njaba Local Government Area.

3. To promote social and cultural development of people of Njaba Local Government Area.

4. to contribute to socio-cultural development of Imo State.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication.

Signed: bARRISTER TOCHUKWU CHARLES IGWEzE

LEGAL NOTICE

THE POWER OF GOd REVIVAL ANd dELIVERANCE CHURCH

GOOdNESS ANd MERCY REVIVAL GOSPEL CHURCH

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEdERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEdULE

Applicant for grant Sera O. Enamue, and Francis O. Enamue guardian to Raymond O. Enamue and Joseph O. Enamue Plot 175, Zone A Apo Resettlement Abuja Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. The daughter, widower and sons of the deceased.

Deceased name and address Meriam Enamue Francis (Mrs) Transmission Company of Nigeria Abuja Who died on the 22nd February, 2014.

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SAdIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> AUGUstINE 08032325988

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Chibueze Chika 2. Mrs Chibueze Ifeoma 3. Mr Chime Obi 4. Mr Azor Victor Chigbo AIMS & ObjECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Ayeni Kayode 2. Mrs. Ayeni Omotayo Lucia 3. Mr Isola Matthew Oluwafemi 4. Mr Eguleti Adewale Opeyemi 5. Adeoye Jide Emmanuel 6. Mrs. Ayoola Elizabeth Onaolapo AIMS & ObjECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of God.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

67

September 12, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE

Oluwanishola Prophetic International Ministry

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Caeser Terna and Rosemary Terna Tim guardian to Joseph Terna Ulumi Village, Karimu Abuja

Deceased name and address Terna Stephen Tim Local Education Authority (AMAC) Who died on the 31st May, 2014.

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. The widow and sons of the

deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

AMASIRI PROGRESSIVE AGE FORUM, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for addition of trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Mohammed Jimoh Idris 2. Mallam Mohammed Haruna 3. Sa’id Haruna 4. Nasiru M. Bello

- Retained - Retained - Retained - Newly Appointed

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

IDEAL AID & DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The Trustees Are: 1. Engr. Eze Joel Obasi 2. Mr. Chuks Eze-Obia 3. Dr. Kingsley Nkumah 4. Barr. Kelechi Ndukwe 5. Mr. Ndubuisi Ikpeagha 6. Mr. Chukwu Idam Okpara

The Trustees Are: 1. OLAYIWOLA OLUSOLA JOHNSON 2. AJAYI DAYO DARAMOLA 3. ASHAOLU ADELEYE SAMUEL 4. BISI FABOYO

- Chairman

BI-OKOTO CULTURAL FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Adebola Taoheed Olowe 2. Adedoyin Saheed Olowe 3. Lanre Kabir Olowe

- Secretary

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote an equitable forum of members from Amasiri origin where we shall be our brothers keeper.

2. To promote peace, love, unity, justice and progress among our people.

3. To foster fraternal relationship as a people of common descent and interest.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: FREDMERC ATTORNEYS 08067104716

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preserve and share the heritage of Africa using traditional arts.

2. To promote African cultural awareness globally.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

FAMILY CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

LEGAL NOTICE

THE CHANGE EMBASSY MINISTRY INT’L

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEBAYO ADEBISI OLUWAFEYISAYO 2. AYORINDE MOBOLANLE ADEOTI 3. DEINDE ADEMOLA BENARD 4. ARIYO ADEMIDOTUN CHRISTOPHER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. AN INITIATIVE TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION OF NIGERIAN FAMILIES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Patience Enibuetta Bigouret No 10 Girei Street, Jimeta- Yola, Adamawa State

Deceased name and address Bigouret Jacques Yves Ballot Worldwide Ltd Jimeta- Yola, Adamawa State Who died on the 26th February , 2014.

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014.

The widow of the deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

DIVINE MERCY GALORE MINISTRY

THE BRIDGES INT’L FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR IFEANYI JAMES OKPE 2. PASTOR LAWSON IFEANYI NWAKUNA 3. MR. JOSEPH OBINNA EZE 4. CHIJIOKE MARTIN NNODUMELE 5. TOCHI GRACE OKORIE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROFESSOR OKECHUKWU OKO 2. MR. SAMUEL MBADIWE 3. HON. (MRS.) VIVIAN AKPAMGBO OKADIGBO

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO ENGAGE IN MISSIONARY WORKS. A NY O B J E C T I O N TO T H I S R E G I S T R AT I O N S H O U L D B E FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

IFEYINWA

I formerly known and called MISS IFEYINWA CHINENYE NWOGU now wish to be known and called MRS IFEYINWA CHINENYE NWAFOR-ORIZU All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

EKARUMA

I formerly known and called MISS EKARUMA IWONG MORPHY now wish to be known and called MRS EKARUMA MORPHY AJAGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note

ONWUKA

I formerly known and called MISS ALAMEZIE ADAUGO CYNTHIA now wish to be known and called MRS ONWUKA ADAUGO CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

HAUWA

I formerly known and called HAUWA SULEIMAN now wish to be known and called HAUWA OKORO. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND MOST VULNERABLE OF THE SOCIETY. 2. TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

The Trustees Are: 1. Dr. Bukola Williams 2. Mrs. Blessing Bukola-William

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: BARR. UDOCHUKWU GODDEY ONYEKWERE 08038578175

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Applicant for grant Dr. Isaac Abang Agbor and Mrs Agnes Eneh Agbor Block 430 Flat 14 No. 4 Badundu Street Wuse Zone I The son and daughter of the Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. deceased.

Deceased name and address Mrs Catherine Mbare Otu National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) Who died on the 22nd January, 2014.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

JENNIFER

I formerly known and addressed as JENNIFER JACINTA MBONU wish be to known and addressed as MRS JENNIFER MICHAEL OJO. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

NOBERT

I, formerly known as NOBERT AKABUEZE now wish to be known and addressed as MR. NOBERT RAPHEAL EVUARERE ABOLOJE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

- President - Secretary

DEBORAH

I formerly known and addressed as DEBORAH OBIYE STEPHEN ONU wish be to known and addressed as MRS DEBORAH AGBO EMMANUEL. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

Ihegwuagu

I, formerly known as Elegbua Chioma Vivian now wish to be known and addressed as Ihegwuagu Chioma Vivian.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

HAFSAT

I formerly known and addressed as HAFSAT MUHAMMAD wish be to known and addressed as MRS HAFSAT MUHAMMAD ISMAIL. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

KALEEN

I formerly known and addressed as KALEEN PIUS AVONG wish be to known and addressed as MRS KALEEN JEREMIAH. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

JULIE

I formerly known and addressed as JULIE JACOB KALAT wish be to known and addressed as MRS JULIE FIDELIS AUDU. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

CHRISTIANA

I formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA SEUN ODEDOYIN wish be to known and addressed as MRS CHRISTIANA ONIFADE. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

68 Our Lord Jesus Last Minute Ministry, Expose & Heal Me

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The Trustees Are: 1. Sister Florence Anaegbo Okwuoyibo 2. Mr. Edmund Anaegbo 3. Mrs. Comfort Anyadubalu 4. Mrs. Ifeadi Irene Anyaorah THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Nwanneka Celestine Ojibe No. 2A Ondo Close, Abacha Estate Zone E, Abuja Who died on the 22nd May, 2014.

Applicant for grant Eliogu Ifeoma Maureem No. 2A Ondo Close, Abacha Estate Zone E, Abuja

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. The daughter of the deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: Barr Henry

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Ibrahim Sunny Abdullahi FCDA (RTD) Who died on the 11th August, 2014.

Applicant for grant Sani Lulu Abdullahi and Umar Ikoojo Abdullahi 6 A Johanesbourg Street, Zone 2 Wuse, Abuja

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. The brother and son of the

deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Musa Michika Nigerian Police Force Who died on the 9th April, 2014.

Applicant for grant Luka Musa and Hannatu Musa Jikwoyi Karu AMAC The son and daughter of the

September 12, 2014 CARING HEARTS WOMEN ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS AGBO CHINEDU JOY 2. MRS AMAKA GERALD UGWU 3. MRS ENATIVE OGOOCHI ONAH 4. MRS CHINWE NNEMEKA UGWUOKE 5. MRS OMEJE CHINONSO MAUREEN 6. MRS KELECHI ANAYO EZEAMAMA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE COMMON INTEREST OF THE WOMEN FOLK PARTICULARLY THE LESS PRIVILEGED, POOR AND WIDOWS AMONG THEM. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : ONYEBUCHI OBETA ESQ 08036541064

ANOINTED APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC MISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPHET DAVID EJIMOFOR NWALI –PRESIDENT & FOUNDER 2. PASTOR IFEOMA BLESSING AGU – SECRETARY 3. PROPHETESS EVANGELINE PRECIOUS NWALI 4. DR. CHINEDU OBASI AKPA 5. MR. CLETUS SUNDAY UGWUTA AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL 2. TO RAISE END TIME GOSPEL BEARERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Mr Peter Maduegbunam Chigbo Energy Commission Who died on the 15th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Dr James Chigbo and Rev. Fr Felix Ani Our Lady Queen of Peace, Utako

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. The executors of the deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original offer letter in respect of land with plot No. 282 located within cadastral zone C02 of Gwarinpa Abuja bearing Rev. Amos Z. Bonkat. All efforts made to trace the documents proved abortive. If found, pleae return to the nearest police station or AGIS. General public should please take note.

Signed: Alh. Abdullahi Ahmed

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Allocation Paper dated 2nd February, 2007 with Plot No. 485 Dawaki Extension (Relocation) layout and payment receipt belonging to rev. aaron ndirmbita. All effort made to trace the missing documents prove abortive. If found, return to the nearest police station.

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss of document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original copy of certificate of occupancy (C of O) No. 2076w-fe27z-7211r-cf26u-10 bearing YUSUF BABA AJUWA DAMBO with file No. KD 10233, Gwarimpa 1 District, Cadastrial Zone C02 in respect of Plot No. 369. All efforts made to trace the documents proved abortive. If found, pleae return to the nearest police station or AGIS. General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Right of Occupancy of plot No. 554 Katampe, Abuja in the name of M/S TRADEMORE INT’L HOLDINGS issued by Federal Capital Territory Administration in the year 2003, and belonging to MOHAMMED MABAI BELLO. All efforts made to trace the missing document proved abortive.

If found please contact the nearest police station.

Authority concerned and the general public to take note.

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

Dated at Abuja this 11th September, 2014. deceased.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Godwin

I formerly known and called igbinazaka omoziku Juliet, now wish to be known and called Godwin best omozee. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

AZEEZ

OKWOR

I formerly known and called OKWOR SUNDAY, now wish to be known and called OKWOR AUGUSINE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

OLUYEMISI

I formerly known and called AZEEZ OLASHENI SULAIMON, now wish to be known and called AZEEZ OLASHENI YUSHAU. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

I formerly known and called OLUYEMISI MODINAT DURODOYE, now wish to be known and called OLUYEMISI MODINAT ABDULSALAM. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

LINDA

ISRAEL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND CALLED LINDA STEPHEN DUNG, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS LINDA AYUBA GANYA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS [NYSC] AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE PLEASE.

OSUAGWU

I formerly known and called MISS LAMBERT PRECIOUS ANURIKA, now wish to be known and called MRS OSUAGWU PRECIOUS ANURIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

FESTUS

I formerly known and called MR ONUNIKPO OBINNA GEORGE now wish to be known and called MR FESTUS AMAUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS JACOB OZOEMENA ODOH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ISRAEL OZOEMENA ABBA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

YINKA

I formerly known and called YINKA BAMIDELE, now wish to be known and called YINKA BAMIDELE MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

OKIKE

I formerly known and called OMOKE CHIDINMA CHUHWUDI now wish to be known and called MRS OKIKE CHIDINMA CATHERINE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF THE REGISTERED POWER OF ATTORNEY BELONGING TO BLUE MARINA PROPERTIES LTD, DATED 27TH AUGUST 2001, REGISTERED AS FC 73 AT PAGE 73, IN VOL. 55 PA OF FCDA REGISTERED BETWEEN WHEREIN BILIKISU MOHAMMED APPOINTED ISA MUHAMMED ANKA AS HER TRUE AND LEGAL ATTORNEY. All efforts made to trace the said registered power of attorney proved abortive, if found, please return to the nearest police station.

Signed: Innocent Ike (Director; Blue Marina Properties Ltd)

NWAFOR-ORIZU

I formerly known and called MiSS NWOGU IFEYINWA CHINENYE now wish to be known and called MRS NWAFOR-ORIZU IFEYINWA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

EJIKE

I formerly known and called MISS NWOGU CHINYERE OBIANUJU now wish to be known and called MRS EJIKE CHINYERE OBIANUJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy, Acknowledgement and Other Related Documents.

Federal Capital Territory Administration, Department of Land Administration with: File No; So; 11247 by the name Abdulmumini Manga. Plot No; 1257, Cadastral Zone B08, Jahi District, Abuja. Size: 1734sqm2.

All effort made to trace the missing documents prove abortive. If found, return to the nearest police station or call 08033745411.

EUNICE

I formerly known and called MISS EUNICE UKAMAKA EZE, now wish to be known and called MRS EUNICE UKAMAKA OGBUKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

ADESOLA

I formerly known and called MISS ADESOLA ABIODUN AINA, now wish to be known and called MRS ADESOLA ABIODUN BUSUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD September 12, 2014

Ntiero Died Of Typhoid, Stroke – Wife Mrs Nkoyo Effiom,wife of former chief coach of the national women’s soccer team, the Super Falcons, the late Ntiero Effiom has revealed her husband died of Typhoid. The coach was said to have died after a brief illness.

Ntiero according to his wife, Nkoyo, died on Wednesday afternoon after he broke down on Sunday morning while they were preparing to go to church.

Mrs. Nkoyo Effiom told journalists that the Africa Women’s Championship gold medal winning coach was at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday where he watched the Super Eagles 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers game against the Red Devils of Congo.

“He had been treating himself for malaria but we later found out that it was Typhoid. After he came back from the Super Eagles game on Saturday he was fine as he went to bed. He woke up soundly on Sunday morning and he told me as usual that I should go have my bath first before he would take his turn. But when I got back to the bedroom, I met my husband struggling to stand up from the bed and was saying some strange things I couldn’t understand.

“We rushed him to the State’s General Hospital, Calabar but he was rejected due to the Ebola scare. When he was eventually

The late Ntiero

examined in a private hospital, the doctor said he suffered a stroke and a part of his brain had been badly damaged. But this was strange as he was never hypertensive.

“He received treatment at the hospital until he died on Wednesday afternoon, leaving behind six children. Ntiero would have turned 68 years old on November 22, but the cold hands of death did not allow him.”

The President of the Female Football Interest Group (FFIG), Henrietta Ukaigwe, expressed shock on the news of Ntiero’s death. “Coach Ntiero was instrumental to the development of women’s football in Nigeria

as he assisted Ismaila Mabo for some time before he took over as chief coach. He helped Nigeria qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and also won gold in one of the editions of the Africa Women’s Championship. He was a dedicated coach who took all the Falcons players in his team like his daughters.

“The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, should immortalize this illustrious son on the country who gave his all while on national duty as coach of the national team. He was scandal free in the national team.”

Keshi’s Future With Eagles Not Certain

The future of Coach Stephen Keshi with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles is not certain following the not too good performance of the team in two games. Keshi himself disclosed that he is unsure of his immediate future in charge of the African champions as he headed back to Nigeria yesterday for discussions on continuing in the job.

Keshi’s contract came to an end after the World Cup and has not been renewed by the Nigerian Football Federation under a crisis ridden situation. He only accepted to take charge of the team’s first two matches in the African Nations Cup qualification where he guided the boys to a surprise 3-2 home loss to Congo last Saturday, and a

goalless draw with South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Responding to Reuters on his future, Keshi said: “I’m not sure yet. I was just brought in to help manage these two games. We have finished them now, so we’ll see what happens. If we (he and the Nigerian federation) come to an agreement, yes I’ll stay. If no, I’ll depart. Let’s see how it turns out when I get home.”

Keshi’s outings with the boys on the two games have drawn widespread mix feelings with some calling for his head. Nigeria next play Sudan twice in a row in October – home and away – in their bid to qualify for next year’s Nations Cup finals in Morocco.

They trail behind Congo (six points)

and South Africa (four points) in the Group A standings after picking up only one point from their first two games.

Keshi

must watch

Basketball World Cup: France Meet Serbia Today France which pulled off one of the biggest upsets at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup knocking off reigning European champions Spain 65-52 to reach the Semi-Finals of FIBA’s flagship event for the first time ever will meet Serbia today in the semi final.

Boris Diaw scored 15 points, Thomas Heurtel added 13 for the French, who were beaten by Spain 88-64 a week ago in the Group Phase.

The French dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Spaniards 5028, with France big man Rudy Gobert Diaw coralling 13 on his own.

Spain struggled offensively, going first lead, 12-11 and the game 20 of 62 from the field (32 percent) was tied at 15-15 at the end of and made just two of their 22 the period. attempts (nine percent) from beyond Gobert’s follow-up dunk the arc. Diaw’s three-pointer to start early in the second quarter the scoring matched his point total gave France a 21-17 lead and from the first game against Spain. the cushion grew to 28-21 on And it started an 8-0 run to begin a pair of Nicolas Batum freethe game for France. throws. Les Bleus maintained The home side finally got on the that seven-point margin at board through Rudy Fernandez’s halftime, 35-28. Urged on by lay-up with 6:51 left in the quarter the boisterous Madrid crowd, before Diaw’s second effort from Spain roared back, scoring the long range made it 11-2. Spain first six points of the second answered with a 10-0 run for their half to close within 35-34.

NIGERIANS ABROAD Mikel Under Fans Fire With Super Eagles and Chelsea of England midfielder under fans fire for loss of form and less playing time in his club, Nigeria national team coach Stephen Keshi has come to his defence saying he still believes that John Obi Mikel is a vital force in the Super Eagles.

Mikel has not been overly influential during Nigeria’s first two 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying games. Against Bafana Bafana, Mikel was outplayed by Man of the Match Andile Jali, the 24-year-old Belgium-based midfielder who South Africa will build their future around.

Mikel appears to having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, having only had 23 minutes of action so far this season for the big-spending London club, but Keshi remains adamant that the 27-year-old is an important part of the national team.

“Just because he is not playing

Mikel

in his team (Chelsea), that does not mean I cannot use him in my team, that’s the coaches’ choice,” Keshi said after Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with Bafana Bafana in Cape Town. “But in my team, if I think that he is good shape, with the wealth of experience he has, all his years in the Champions League, I think he’s very important for us in the team, and we just have to make the best of the situation.”

Willingness to change is a strength, even if it is means plunging part of the company into total confusion for a while.

Chairman and CEO of General Electric

Jack Welch,

70 ROUND-UP

September 12, 2014

We’re Condemned To Winning Remaining Matches – Eagles African champions Nigeria have promised to win their remaining four matches so as to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Eagles are now walking a tight rope as they have only recorded a point after two rounds of matches. Congo lead Group A with six points, while South Africa are second on four points. Next month, Nigeria face Sudan both home and away, before they take on Congo away from home in Pointe Noire and round up the qualifiers with a home game against Bafana Bafana in November.

Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi said the Eagles are determined to win their remaining four matches so as to defend their

crown in Morocco in January. “We did not plan for a draw (in South Africa). We now have to win all remaining games if we are to qualify for the Nations Cup,” said the Lazio ace.

“We are determined to meet our target.”

Celtic centre-half Efe Ambrose said they still have the hope of advancing to Morocco 2015.

“It was a difficult game against South Africa. They gave us a good fight, but we will still make sure we qualify for the Nations Cup,” assured the defender. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Action during Nigeria versus South Africa

LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor

LMC Announces Glo League Dates

The League Management Company (LMC) has announced that Glo Premier League fixtures will resume this weekend following the return of members of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) that had withdrawn their services in response to the uncertainties that trailed the Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Fixtures of the Glo Premier League were called off during the Weekend of August 30-31st following the withdrawal of services by members of the NRA. Salihu Abubakar, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC on Wednesday said the league resumption has been approved on the strength of the notice by the NRA indicating their readiness to officiate in matches. He said a letter announcing the resumption of services by Referees addressed to the NFF General Secretary and signed by the NRA Secretary General, Prince Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa has been received by the LMC. “Consequent of the NRA readiness to officiate in matches, all Match Day 26 fixtures will hold on Wednesday,

Real, Athletico Clash Again In Madrid Derby Tomorrow’s Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Athletico in the Spanish League presents another opportunity for revenge and consolidation. There is a Spanish saying that there are never two without three-a saying Atletico Madrid are hoping will be fulfilled.

Diego Simeone’s tough team will be looking for their third win at the Estadio Bernabeu, home of neighbours Real, within 16 months, in what promises to be a fascinating Madrid derby. Atletico did not manage to beat their illustrious crosstown rivals, for fully 14 years, from 1999 to 2013.

This painful run finally came to an end in May 2013, when Simeone’s battlers won the cup final 2-1 at the Bernabeu. Atletico followed up four months later with a 1-0 league win at the Bernabeu, a result which put them on course for their first Liga

triumph since 1996.

Not that Simeone’s fighters will be overconfident on Saturday. “We will never have excessive confidence, not against Real or against anyone. The derby matches are closer nowadays than they used to be, since we ended our run of defeats,” Atletico’s rightback Juanfran said. “Real have a great squad.

The matches against them are intense and beautiful, with chances at either end ... Some fans are saying it is easy for us to win in the Bernabeu nowadays, but I’m sure it won’t be.”

Atletico are sweating on the fitness of Turkish winger Arda Turan, who has not played since May. Meanwhile, Real will be without Sami Khedira and Dani Carvajal, both injured in training with their national teams.”We are not having much luck with injuries at the moment. Whenever a player

of ours goes off to play for his country, he seems to come back injured,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said, who is starting to feel the heat after a 4-2 meltdown at Real Sociedad.

Simeone

September 17 and Clubs of the Glo Premier League have been notified accordingly. We seize this opportunity to thank all stakeholders, especially our commercial partners and fans for their understanding”, stated Abubakar.

He said other Match Days have been rescheduled to accommodate the disruption and promised that the dates and fixtures which have been published on the LMC website (www.lmc-ng.org) “The disruption has made it inevitable that we re-jig the fixtures and dates which will now entail a number of midweek fixtures to make up for the lost time and enable us meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline for submission of representative clubs for continental club competitions”, explained the LMC officer. League fixtures across all divisions including the Federation Cup finals were put on hold as members of the NFF Board squabbled over elections into the Executive Board. It took FIFA’s intervention through an ultimatum that expired on September 8 for normalcy to return.

F/Eagles Star On Trial At Pillars Flying Eagles striker, Lawal Abubakar, is trying out with league champions Kano Pillars with the hope of penning down his signature for the northern club. According to AfricanFootball. com, The Sokoto United striker has been training with Pillars for a couple of weeks.

“He is training with us with the possibility of signing a contract,” said Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa.

Pillars strikers Gambo Mohammed and Kabiru Umar are not firing at full throttle this season as they have been on and off the treatment table.

And the team’s leading scorer in the league this season is central midfielder Rabiu Ali, who has so far scored 11 goals with former Kwara United striker Adamu Hassan on nine goals.

I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.

Walt Disney, founder and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

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September 12, 2014

I Gained A Lot In Eagles – Obiazor El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, David Obiazor has described as unquantifiable the experience he gained in the Super Eagles camp.

The former Plateau United shot-stopper was dropped from the Eagles squad that headed to Cape Town to confront the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the second group game of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches following home loss to the Red Devils of Congo.

Obiazor said he did not feel bad being dropped from the South Africa game but remains eternally appreciative to the coaches for the wonderful opportunity that will stand him out among his colleagues in the domestic league. “The experience I gained within the shortest time spent in the Eagles camp is immeasurable and is certain to stand me out prominently among my colleagues in the league. I’m certain even my team will notice the difference whenever the league restarts, I think the impact of rubbing shoulders with the big players has improved and sharpened my game immensely. I know El-Kanemi Warriors will be the biggest gainers of my invaluable experience in the Eagles camp. That’s why I’ll simply be considered an ingrate if for any reason I’m seen feeling bad over the decision of the coaches to drop me from the South Africa game. I’ve no reason to feel bad but to remain grateful for the wonderful opportunity given to me to experience football at that height,”

said Obiazor to supersport.com.

Obiazor said his side will strive to finish the season among the top two teams at the end of the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season. “Last season we finished fourth on the league log which did not take us to the continent but this season our target to earn a position that will hand us ticket to the continent. That means nothing short of the best two top positions especially now that we’re complete outsiders as far as this year’s Federation Cup is concerned. It looks daunting but achievable, it only calls for hard work on our part,” said Obiazor. The Maiduguri-based side are 10th on the league table on 35 points at the conclusion of week 25 matches of the Nigerian elite league.

Obiazor

Ribery Regains Fitness For Bayern Game Bayern Munich are set to benefit from the return of winger Franck Ribery, who is ready to make his season debut against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday after overcoming a nagging knee injury.

The German champions have had a less explosive start to the season than last year, drawing 1-1 at Schalke 04 on Aug 30 in their second league game after winning their opening match at Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern, which last season outclassed all competition to win the domestic league and cup double have also had a bad injury run, with almost half a dozen players out. The latest concern is new signing Xabi Alonso, who missed training this week due to a foot injury and has only just begun running again.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben is also training alone following an ankle injury while defender Rafinha is still some way from coming back following a ligament injury. Bastian Schweinsteiger is also out.

The return of Frenchman Ribery, who earlier this month announced his retirement from international football, should inject more pace into Bayern’s game against Stuttgart, who have picked up only one point from their first two games.

“I feel good and am fit for Saturday,” Ribery said on Wednesday. “Now all I need is to get into the rhythm of playing.” That should be no problem, with the Stuttgart game followed by their Champions League group premiere against Manchester City next week and a total of seven games in all competitions in 22 days for them.

Dortmund, last season’s Bundesliga runners-up, have their own injury concerns. Midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski is ruled out for at least four weeks after the Pole suffered a muscle tear in training on Wednesday. He joins Marco Reus, injured in Germany’s 2-1 win over Scotland on Sunday, as Dortmund’s latest casualties.

Coach Juergen Klopp will, however, have forward Ciro Immobile fit against Freiburg despite his injury while on international duty with Italy. “His injury is not that bad and I am confident he will be there on Saturday,” Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told Reuters yesterday.

FCT FA Boss Distances Self From Giwa CAS Letter

Giwa

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCTFA) Musa Saeed Talle has disassociated himself and his FA from the purported appeal filed by some Football Associations Chairmen to the Court on the Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on FIFA’s earlier plan to sanction Nigeria over the continual occupation of the NFF secretariat by the Chris Giwa led factional executive.

The FA boss in a statement in Abuja yesterday said “my attention has been drawn to an appeal purportedly filed by some five FA Chairmen against the World Football ruling body, FIFA, over its decisions to sanction Nigeria if the Chris Giwa led faction of the NFF failed to stop parading itself as the duly elected executive members of the Nigeria Football Federation, in which my name and signature was appended as one of the FA

Chairmen that filed the appeal on behalf of the Chris Giwa led group. I want to state categorically that I had no prior knowledge of such an appeal, and at no time did anyone discuss such an issue with me, neither did I sign any document of such for anybody.

I want the general public to disregard the appendage of my name and signature in the document as they are forged, and does not represent my intention, nor that of my FA”.

Contuining, Musa Talle said, “In as much as my FA frowned at the recent impasse that had engulfed Nigeria football, we would not tolerate any attempt by any group to drag our name to any issue we are not part off. We would therefore not stop at whatever level to seek redress on such issues. We further appeal to all affiliates of FIFA to adhere strictly to its dictates and statutes as it is done the world over” he warned.

ANDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH. Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi 2. Abubakar Lawal Hassan 3. Murtala Abdullahi 4. Alh. Abubakar Bala Adamu 5. Alh. Bello Marafa 6. Abba Lawal Hassan 7. Murtala Mohammed 8. Alh. Yusuf Muhammad 9. Alh. Aminu Aliyu

- Chairman - Secretary

ESTHER

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To encourage members of communities in their basic civil rights and responsibilities.

2. To encourage adult literacy and reading culture.

3. To promote and provide software based hardcover educational materials, support education in various schools, training and organising of educational events.

4. To support and distribute educational materials to beneficiaries in rural communities across Africa Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS This is to notify the general public that I, Abubakar Mallam of Sama road area Sokoto, lost the original certificate of occupancy No. SOK/G/0619 plot No. 45 LP 132 and SOK No. 411, 4059 4060 and 4110 bearing ABUBAKAR MALLAM issued by Land and Housing Sokoto State got lost sometime in 1989 within the resident of Abubakar Mallam located at Sama road areas of Sokoto. All efforts made to trace the said missing documents prove abortive. I, therefore apply for a certify True Copy of the above certificate to enable me fully and legally transfer same to the new holder. If found please return to the nearest police station. The Ministry of Land and Housing Sokoto and the general public should please take note.

Signed: ABUBAKAR MALLAM

CHIOMA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIOMA ROSELYN UMEANULUGWO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIOMA ROSELYN AMARAEGBU. All former documents remain the same.

General public should take note.

ADAMU

Serena

I formerly known and called MUHAMMED SANI ABDULLAHI, now wish to be known and called ADAMU SALIHU. All former documents remain valid. SSMB, UBA PLC and the general public to take note.

ANYOGU

I formerly known and called MISS AMUTA OGECHI MARYROSE, now wish to be known and called MRS ANYOGU OGECHI MARYROSE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

BOMA

I formerly known as BOMA OFORIBIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS BOMA FAVOUR OFORIBIKA. The National Population Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service (Passport Offices in Abuja and Pot- Harcourt), The West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and called MISS ESTHER BELLO, now wish to be known and called MRS ESTHER AMAOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

QUEENESTHER

I formerly known and called MISS ASOGWA QUEENESTHER ONYINYE TRISH, now wish to be known and called MRS QUEENESTHER ONYINYE TRISH EGBEOGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UGWUMBA

I formerly known as ABARIKWU JENNIFER CHINONYEREM. Now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUMBA JENNIFER CHINONYEREM. All former document remains the same, general public take note.

BOSEDE

I formerly known and addressed as BOSEDE AJIBOLA OLADELE wish to be known and addressed as BOSEDE AJIBOLA SOYINKA. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

ADA

I formerly known and called ADA ROSEMARY GODWIN now wish to be known and called MRS ADA ROSEMARY ODU. All former documents remain valid. University of Agriculture Makurdi and the general public to take note

FEHINTOLUWA

I formerly known and called MISS FEHINTOLUWA OMONIYI AYENI, now wish to be known and called MRS FEHINTOLUWA OMONIYI ADEMOLA-ADETUBERU. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

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No. 69

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How Did We Lose Our Mojo?

T

he caption was clear but the picture left me confused. Former Borno State governor Modu Sheriff was there. President Idriss Deby of Chad was there. And right in the middle was President Goodluck Jonathan. What were these folks doing together in Ndjamena on Monday?

The press reported that President Jonathan had gone to see the Chadian president, in company of Sheriff, to find a way of dealing with the worsening problem of Boko Haram. What was not reported was that the meeting was at the instance of Deby whose country has fallen on hard times as a result of the attacks of Boko Haram.

Two things seemed odd about the trip. First, two weeks ago, the Australian and federal government’s negotiator with Boko Haram, Steven Davis, named Sheriff as one of the two sponsors of the sect. The former governor has denied any links with the group, as has former chief of army staff Azubuike Ihejirika. But the Department of State Services has said, publicly, that it would investigate the allegations against the former governor. Until that is done – and I honestly don’t see why it should not be done quickly — it doesn’t make sense for President Jonathan to wear Sheriff around like an apron.

He might be an extremely valuable link in helping to end the violence in Borno and the north-east, but why is Jonathan behaving as if he needs Sheriff to introduce him to Deby? Sheriff had no business on a trip that excluded the serving governors of the three most affected states.

The Ndjamena hangout can only send the message that the man enjoys the president’s protection and that the security services must tread carefully.

That’s dangerous and confusing.

It brings me to the second point. Was the trip to Ndjamena

It may sound a bit crude, but if, today, Deby cannot run Jonathan’s errands, then we’re done for

even necessary in the first place?

I understand that we’re up against a totally different emoji of demons. The savagery of Boko Haram in the first six months of this year alone has claimed nearly 3,000 lives and rooted out thousands more from their homes and families. They have moved from spreading hate to mass kidnappings and are now claiming territory.

Sure, we need help to contain and defeat Boko Haram. But Jonathan’s trip to Ndjamena less than two weeks after 480 Nigerian soldiers fled to Cameroun for refuge sends the message that we’re the region’s new laughing stock.

At one point after the abduction of the Chibok girls, a top military source confided that rallying support from Cameroun had proved futile. President Paul Biya was not only playing hard to get, he turned down requests to meet with Jonathan either in Abuja, Yaoundé or anywhere else. It was

only after pressure from France that Biya relented and agreed to a meeting in Paris.

How did we get to this point?

How did we get to the point where the president would be escorted to Chad, our soldiers would flee to Cameroun, and Biya would keep the president waiting?

It wasn’t always so. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once paid the salaries of the Ghanaian police to save that country from rebellion. Today, Ghana is offering to send help to recover the Chibok girls.

Charles Taylor and Fonday Sankoh may never forgive us for their ignoble end, but generations of Liberians and Sierra Leoneans will never forget that we invested nearly $10billion and shed our blood to save their countries from ruin.

And Chad? I insist that Jonathan didn’t have to go there.

At another time, all he would have done was to ask Deby to come to Abuja. Isn’t this the same Chad

that Nigerian soldiers rescued from Muammar Ghaddafi at a cost that Shehu Shagari said had left a hole in Nigeria’s budget?

Surely, Deby has not forgotten that under his former president, Goukouni Queddei, the Chadian crisis was not big enough to be discussed in Lagos, then Nigeria’s capital. The parties to the dispute – Queddei and Hissene Habre – were happy to meet in Kano for peace talks on our watch. It may sound a bit crude, but if, today, Deby cannot run Jonathan’s errands, then we’re done for.

In 2003, the president of Sao Tome and Principe, Fradique de Menezes, was visiting Obasanjo in Abuja when soldiers in that country seized power. Obasanjo gave them an ultimatum to leave, failing which he threatened to send in troops. He didn’t have to; the mutineers packed their bags and left. Twelve days after they struck, Obasanjo personally escorted de Menezes back to Sao Tome and extracted amnesty for the rebellious soldiers.

And when Faure Gnassingbe, son of former Togolese president, wanted to assume power without elections, after his father’s death, Obasanjo pulled him back in line

by the ear. You might like Nigeria or hate it, but you could not ignore it.

What has changed?

Some say we’re facing a far more complex situation. Not like anything we have seen before. And to make matters worse, we have either neglected or maliciously degraded the military for decades. In an article entitled “Failing State, Fading Peacekeepers”, published two years ago, former FCT minister Nasir elRufai narrated how corruption, poor accountability and incompetence had undermined the military’s fighting power. The piece reads like a prophecy.

We’re not going to reclaim glory by looking to Ndjamena.

Jonathan must wear his hat as commander-in-chief and roll up his sleeves for the slug. He has to announce a strategy to defeat Boko Haram and must be in front to lead any region-wide aspects of such a strategy.

One small step would be for the military to give weekly public briefings on the war effort.

Another would be to start the trial of all those linked with Boko Haram without further delay. The current blanket secrecy and footdragging on prosecution can only breed suspicion and despair. It’s not late to take back the country one town at a time.

GHANA MUST GO Jonathan orders removal of #BringBackGoodluck2015 banner — News

A Long Farewell…

When I met Dimgba Igwe in Katsina two weeks ago, I never could have imagined it would be our last meeting. I have followed his writings for a very, very long time and they are always such a pleasure to consume.

Even his last article on the Guild of Editors’ conference in Katsina didn’t fail to capture

the renegade thoughts that afflicted many delegates, the suspense and the relief. Igwe’s piece was the traveller’s second journey. But it was, sadly for him, the last. Four days later, a hit-and-run driver killed him while he was jogging. May his soul rest in peace profound.

Take the banners to Otuoke!

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