Binder1

05.09.14

No. 68

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

www.leadership.ng

N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

Ebola: us seeks Nigeria's assistance in liberia, sierra leone, others

Driver Kills police widow while fleeing patrol team

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Chibok Diary

Leadership Newspapers

oil theft: IOCs Keep mum as stakeholders trade blame 15

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DAY

144

@leadershipNGA

We Have No Political Motive — BBOG Group

Boko Haram members 'marrying' abducted girls 8 – report

> Page 2

Split Over Jonathan Deepens In The North 4

As northern elders disagree over president's 2015 ambition

Nigeria’s ‘One Hit’ Wonders

by ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM, Abuja

Lijadu Sisters

Nigeria is a nation blessed with a plethora of gifted musicians. While there are a few who have remained relevant for decades, there are quite a number who, for some reason or the other, were not able to shine beyond the success their first few songs gave them. Our Entertainment correpondent, with agency reports, brings you some of Nigeria’s music artistes who came out and hit it, but then just as suddenly quit it.

Ofege Ofege was a band of students from St. Grego➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Ekwe

Zule Zoo

Zakky Azzay

apc accuses pdp of do-or-die approach to deny david umaru victory

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#BringBackOurGirls 144 day

Friday, September 5, 2014

Editor’sNote It’s another Friday for you to start winding down after an eventful and perhaps stressful week. Relax and get rejuvenated from going through your darling paper, LEADERSHIP FRIDAY, for inspiration. You will surely be fully recharged to face next week full of vigour, hope and confidence.

FRIDAY EXTRA takes you through the basics of life, to lessons to be learnt from the world’s greatest leaders and life’s bewildering mysteries.

ESSENTIALS basically covers all aspects of entertainment - travel, food and just about every basic bit of essential information the urban resident will need in order to have a fulfilled life. FORESIGHT brings to you various aspects that can give you foresight to be a better and more successful person in whatever your calling is.

We also give special reports that take you along into the world of unusual reports, events and issues that shock the human in you and make you desire for a better world.

And as you enjoy this week’s package, join us to Thank God It’s Friday!

““Being considerate of others will take you further in life than a college degree.”

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng

Chibok in The Week Saturday, august 30, 2014 In a move to acquaint its members with the tenets of good governance, a lecture was held for the members of the BringBackOurGirls group by one of its foremost leaders, Oby Ezekwesili, on the theme: “The Supply and demand Sides of Citizens’Engagement in governance in a democracy.

Sunday, august 31, 2014 Following the recent revelations by dr Stephen davis, the Federal Government negotiator with Boko Haram, the BringBackOurGirls group was reported to have set up a four-man task team led by dr Emman Shehu to analyse what has been released and identify key issues that can be used as points of reengagement with the government.

Monday, September 1, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group, at its 124th sit-out session in abuja hinted of its plan to embark on a protest march through the streets, while distributing fliers and pamphlets in continuation of its advocacy for the safe return of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls who are still in captivity of the Boko Haram sect.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group, while distributing fliers and pamphlets to mark the 140th day of the 219 Chibok schoolgirls’ captivity, vowed not to

relent until the girls are released by their abductors-the Boko Haram sec Wednesday, September 3, 2014 It was reported that a group of persons under the mission name: “BringBackJonathan” gathered at the unity fountain in abuja, where the Bring BackOurGirls group have been holding their sit-out session to press for the safe return of the Chibok schoolgirls in Boko Haram’s captivity following their abduction on april 14.

Thursday, September 4, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group has singled out LEadERSHIP Newspapers Group as the number one supporter of its advocacy for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls who are still in captivity of their abductorsthe Boko Haram terrorists. One of the group’s leaders, dino Melaye, gave the hint during a courtesy visit he paid in the company of others to the headquarters of LEadERSHIP Newspapers Group Limited in Utako, abuja.

Today Friday, September 5, 2004 The BringBackOurGirls group, during its courtesy visit to the headquarters of LEadERSHIP Newspapers in abuja, has said it is neither getting political motivation nor under any form of political pressure from anyone in its advocacyBY forUGOCHUKWU the rescue of the COMPILED IROKA abducted Chibok schoolgirls. ...AS COMPILED BY Abah Adah

L-R: Leaders of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group, Aisha Yesufu and Dino Melaye during their visit to LEADERSHIP corporate headquarters in Abuja. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

We Have No Political Motive – BBOG

BY CHIkA MEFOR AND EjIkE EjIkE , Abuja The #BringBackOurGirls group has said it had no political motive or intent in its advocacy for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The group made the declaration on Wednesday when it paid a courtesy call to the corporate headquarters of LEADERSHIP Group in Abuja.

“We came together with a singular issue, the Chibok girls. We have come from different ethnic backgrounds. We have all come together because of our shared humanity to press home the fact that 219 girls are still with their abductors for 142 days. It is 127 days of our advocacy. The government has said they know where the girls are, yet they are not back.

“We want the media to take it up because it is for the good of the whole of the country. We started our awareness that something had gone wrong in the country and something had to be done. We started the advocacy when there was no response from the government until the government set up a committee which said that 219 are still with their abductors. We want the media to put it on the front burner.

“We are not funded by any individual or group.

We need the government to tell us where the money for security is going to. We should demand accountability. But people think that the moment you demand accountability from government, you are an opposition.”

The group while empathising with the soldiers that lost their lives in the fight against insurgency,

called on the government to properly equip the army to achieve the desired result.

Responding, the group executive director of LEADERSHIP Group, Michael Okpere assured the delegates of continued support and partnership with the group.

According to him, “as an alley of good governance, we have Leadership Hausa, Leadership Friday, Leadership Weekend, Leadership Sunday, Leadership Daily and we are also online and all of them are available to the group for the cause of advocating the release of Chibok girls, because all of us are from Chibok. From what you have said now, it is clear that the group is out to advocate the abducted girls and as it is in the country, if you are demanding anything from the government, you are assumed to be opposition.”

He, however, urged that group to ensure that it reached out to the government and tabled its demands, noting that “somewhere along the line, there is this belief from the government that you are anti-government, while you also see the government as anti- BBOG. There is need to bridge this gap because we are working for one country and purpose.

To break the barrier and reach out to government, we should be able to grab their ears and tell them to go and bring the girls back.

“There is also the need to reach out and educate the Chibok community. They should be given proper information, while we expect the government to do the needful. We are all members of the BBOG. We are all from Chibok and we want the girls to be brought back for the good of the country.”

A little “thank you” that you will say to someone for a “little favour” shown to you is a key to unlock the doors that hide unseen “greater favours”. Learn to say “thank you” and why not? ― Israelmore Ayivor

our stand

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September 5, 2014

Resident Doctors Are Not To Blame

I

f the recent statements of the minister of health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, are anything to go by, then, residency training for doctors may be on the chopping block. This should not be a surprise after the ban/unban move by the federal government following the strike embarked upon by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), a majority of whom are resident doctors. Apparently referring to the recent strike, the health minister, at an event in Abuja, accused members of his constituency of losing empathy and concern for human life. The minister, at the event designed to appraise the residency training programme in governmentowned hospitals, lamented that the programme had derailed from its initial lofty ideals.

In an apparently unintended counter-punch, however, a director in the ministry, Dr Patience Osinubi, exonerated the doctors from the minister’s accusations. She pointed out that the residency programme was beset by numerous challenges like inadequate funding by federal hospitals, lack of commitment on the part of trainers and residents, intermittent loss of accreditation by training institutions and

total lack of adequate training institutions.

The director hit the nail on the head. The minister, a professor of medicine, was until his appointment a trainer of resident doctors. To that extent, he is well aware of the challenges the director pointed out. Even from his high horse, he cannot claim not to know that training institutions and facilities for resident doctors are, to put it modestly, almost non-existent.

It is no news, even to lay people, that our hospitals, especially the federal government ones, are “mere consulting clinics”. That much was exposed when terrorists bombed the United Nations building in Abuja; the neighbour

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

next door, the National Hospital, could not provide even first-aid services. And that hospital is one of the best the nation has to offer at least in the Federal Capital Territory as a doctors’ training institution.

Whose duty is it to equip the hospitals and make them functional? Certainly not the resident doctors who have to put up with the indignity of referring their patients to outside facilities for services like laboratory, x-ray and even for prescribed drugs, fully aware of the risks involved but are nonetheless helpless. Some, out of frustration, leave the country in search of opportunities.

We are not by any means trying to condone the excesses or, for that matter, the shortcomings of the resident doctors who are, indeed, the frontline soldiers in most government hospitals. But the minister should be honest enough to accept that the nation’s healthcare facilities are less than desirable as evidenced by the humiliating syndrome of medical tourism Nigeria is plagued by.

Professor Chukwu ought to know that the entire healthcare system is in dire need of overhaul.

Scapegoating the resident doctors is escapist and unacceptable.

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

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

— Canadian 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 5, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Nature’s Pollution-Fighter

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This naturally occurring amino acid may also help boost the immune system, protect against heart disease, build muscle, and decrease fat buildup. L-cysteine is also useful for combatting inflammation and promoting healthy hair and nail growth. The substance is found in eggs, fish, almonds, sesame seeds, soy, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, legumes, avocados, bananas, whole grains, and brewer’s yeast.

Yakasai

Jonathan

Split Over Jonathan Deepens In The North

By MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

Felix Liberty

Nigeria’s ‘One Hit’ Wonders ry’s College in Lagos, Nigeria, influenced by Nigerian bands BLO, The Funkees and The Black Company, as well as overseas bands like Led Zeppelin and Santana.

The first of their kind, Ofege succeeded in creating a debut album drenched with fuzz guitar, plaintive, wailing vocals and a backbeat as influenced by James Brown as it was by Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It was a unique, raw, beautiful take on the psychedelic sound.

Their song Gbe Mi Lo had charm and though they recorded a few more albums in the mid to late 70s that were ostensibly funkier than their debut, Whizzy Ilabo was their main hit.

The Lijadu Sisters If you were born anytime before the late 80s, you would have heard the song Danger by Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, identical twin sisters from Ibadan popularly known as the Lijadu Sisters. They were a prominent musical duo from the mid-1960s to the 1980s.

They achieved success in Nigeria and had modest influence in the United States and Europe and were notable for being a West African version of the Pointer Sisters, who mixed Afrobeat sounds with jazz and disco. They retired from the music scene in the late 80s and relocated to the United States.

Junior and Pretty They broke even in the 90s with their unique style, which they called Fufu Flavour. Nigerian music lovers will recall their hit track Bolanle, which was about Junior’s attempt to woo a pastor’s daughter.

Then there was Monica, a hilarious musical tale of an ‘unfortunate city guy’ who married a ‘local girl’ from the village.

Junior and Pretty were teenagers when they hit stardom. They were signed on to Storm Records by label boss Obi Asika. The artistes, whose real names are Okechukwu Azike and Pretty Okafor, ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Baba-Ahmed

The Alhaji Tanko Yakasailed Northern Elders Council, NEC, yesterday dismissed the three months’ ultimatum given to President Goodluck Jonathan by the Amb. Maitama Sule-led Northern Elders Forum, NEF, as unreasonable.

The NEF had given President Jonathan two months’ ultimatum to produce the Chibok girls or forget the support of northerners in his 2015 ambition.

Two members of the forum, Barr. Solomon Dalung and Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who addressed journalists in Kaduna after their meeting, warned, “In the event that President Jonathan fails to do this, Nigerians will be left with the only conclusion that he has forfeited his right to ask for our mandate beyond 2015.”

The AlhajI Yakasai-led group dismissed the ultimatum as “child’s play” while inaugurating its Board of Trustees (BoT) in Kaduna.

Speaking to journalists, Yakasai said the ultimatum has no substance and merits: “You see, when young people are talking, at times they talk out of thought; you know they are our juniors. You know what the elder can foresee the younger man can go on top of the tree and will not see.”

Reacting to the statement, a member of the NEF and former federal permanent secretary, Dr Hakeem Baba-

Ahmed, said: “Is the Northern Elders Council the mouthpiece of the president? When have they become the federal government’s spokesperson? As far as we are concerned, the three months’ ultimatum still stands. And from all indications, Jonathan has failed and has no reason to ask for the mandate of the northerners.”

Yakasai, however, said insecurity has unfortunately become an abnormal thing now not only in Nigeria but all over the world. “Look at what is happening in Libya. Two years ago, Libya was a peaceful country; today it is shattered into pieces. See what is happening in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other places. It is a worldwide phenomenon,” he said. “I think what is required is for the government to plan, allocate more funds and also seek the advice and support of the international community, because now we are living in a world of global village.

“Everybody, every human being, has a contribution to make to any country that is in trouble. It is only by working together with your people and the people from outside that we will be able to achieve results,” he added.

Alhaji Yakasai said the Council is intended to provide a platform for a proactive and constructive engagement in the socio-economic and political spheres of the north in particular and Nigeria in general.

“The Council is totally opposed to the use of reckless

If you have the money, your opinion is accepted Hebrew Proverb Money is sharper than a sword. ― Ghana Proverb

and inflammatory statements and utterances which may tend to overheat the polity and undermine the effort of patriotic Nigerians who are focused on building a virile and prosperous nation,” said Yakasai.

Also speaking, the chairman of the newly constituted Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta, said the nation cannot continue to pretend that things are all rosy today, but he advised that the situation is by no means insurmountable.

“The good news is that, in the midst of all these challenges, our country has remained resilient and has successfully held together. We recognize the efforts of the federal government under the able leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in managing the complex challenges with firmness and effectiveness. We are convinced that such efforts can take this country out of the turbulent waters of insurgency and underdevelopment,” he said.

Kaduna State governor Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero said never before has the nation been subjected to the fearful level of insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and property as the present situation in some parts of the region.

Yero, who was represented by his deputy, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, said life has become so cheap in the north as innocent people are killed on a daily basis without justification whatsoever.

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September 5, 2014

Ebola: Us Seeks Nigeria’s Assistance In Liberia, Sierra Leone, Others

By Winifred Ogbebo, Victor Okeke, Abuja; Tope Fayehun, Akure; and Aliyu Yusuf, Zaria

The United States government has commended the federal government for its response to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, even as it called for its assistance to other three most EVD-endemic countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy call on the minister of health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu.

She said: “I commend the minister and his staff and the government of Nigeria on how effectively they have been work- Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu ing to deal with the Ebola outbreak here in Nigeria.

Let’s join hands to fight Ebola vi“They are taking all the right steps to control this and they are having great rus disease - David Mark success here. I appealed to the minister President of the Nigerian Senate David to assist neighbouring Liberia, Sierra Le- Mark has said the federal government is one as they also grapple with this terri- intensifying effort to curtail the spread of the Ebola virus disease, EVD, to othble outbreak.”

Greenfield noted that even with the er states, hence the need for Nigerians inability of the US to provide Nigeria to join hands to fight the deadly disease in with ZMapp, the collaboration between both countries had been effective in con- the country.

David Mark made the disclosure in trolling the Ebola outbreak.

Akure, the state capital, when he led She said: “I think the Centre for Dismembers of the 32 Course of the Nigeease Control has proactively supported all the countries in the West African re- rian Defence Academy Alumni Associgion in dealing with the situation. It is ation to pay a visit to the palace of the not about Zmapp. There were six doses Deji of Akure kingdom.

Senator Mark said the federal governof Zmapp available; they were all used.

“What is important is how to control ment was winning the war against the the spread of the disease. And, that is ex- deadly disease and that it should not be actly what is being done here in Nigeria; left in the hands of government alone and efforts are being made to have the but rather be a collective responsibility.

He revealed that government has put same kind of success in Liberia.”

On the failure of the US government in place various strategies to curtail the to assist Nigeria with Zmapp drugs, she spread of the disease and appealed to said: “What is important is how to con- all citizens to join hands in stemming trol the spread of the disease. And that its tide in the country.

Senator Mark added that the disease is exactly what is being done here in is dangerous to the people but governNigeria; and efforts are being made to ment would not sleep until it flush Ebhave the same kind of success in Libeola out of the country. ria,” Greenfield told journalists.

“The Ebola Virus Disease is a national On global efforts to find a cure for the infectious Ebola virus, the US under-sec- issue and is not particular about one orretary of state said, “I think the world is gan of the government to fight.

“Even the federal government, Nadoing everything it possibly can to control this disease. There are many diseas- tional Assembly and the state governes in the world. I mentioned to the min- ments and are all united in the fight ister that we are still wary about malaria. against this deadly disease.

“All of us are working towards curtail“There are more people dying of malaria in Africa than those that are dying ing its spread and everyone has a role to of Ebola. We are working on all of these play. If you know anyone who has conto try to find a way of controlling them. tracted the disease, then, you must reIt is not as a result of neglect; it is a re- port such person.

He lauded the ongoing transformasult of hard work to continue to control tional projects of the Mimiko-led adminthe spread.” istration in the state, mostly at the capIn his response, Chukwu expressed appreciation to the US and other devel- ital city, and pleaded with the residents opment partners for assisting Nigeria of the town to continually support the manage the outbreak. He said Nigeria present government.

Responding, Princess Adetutu Adis willing to assist the countries affectesida, the regent of Akure Kingdom, ed by the disease.

“You talked about Zmapp; the expla- thanked the Senate president for visitnation has come why that was impos- ing the state and for his support dursible. But we’ve also done well without ing the reign of her late father on the Zmapp. Eight patients have been suc- throne.

Princess Adesida applauded the efcessfully managed and discharged. The point is that it is not all about Zmapp. forts of the federal government for risSo, we are going to assist other ECOW- ing up to the challenges of the Ebola virus disease, EVD, and the Boko Haram AS countries,” he said.

insurgency in the country.

She appealed to the Senate president to help facilitate the request of the people of Akure on the implementation of the upgrading of the College of Health Sciences of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, and other federal government projects in the state.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to the Senate president to use his great office to prevail on the National Assembly to help facilitate the upgrading of the College of Health Sciences at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, to a full-fledged college of medicine with a modern teaching hospital and the dualization of the Ilesha-Akure-Ore road and also upgrading of the Akure Airport tower’s facilities”, she said.

The Senate president, who promised to convey the request of the regent to the president and members of the National Assembly, later took a tour round some projects initiated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the state.

Some of the projects toured by Senator Mark and his entourage included Neighborhood Market, mega primary schools, and communication and information technology located in the state capital.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who conducted the Senate president and members of his team round many of the projects, said they were part of the promises made by his government at inception.

Mimiko added that more projects would soon be carried out for the benefit of the people of the state. He vowed to complete all the projects before the expiration of his tenure.

Ebola: Kaduna suspected patient tests negative The authorities of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, yesterday said the result of the suspected Ebola patient’s test confirmed he had dengue fever, not Enola.

The chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, disclosed this to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY in Zaria yesterday.

“The diagnosis is dengue fever, not Ebola, and it is a case we used to have from time to time and is curable.”

Muhammed advised people not to panic and report any suspected case to the appropriate medical facility for quick intervention as a measure to curtail the spread of the deadly disease.

“We have a task force who are going round to ensure that anybody with the disease symptom will be attended to with a view to avoiding its spread.”

On why the result was not ready immediately, Mohammed said ABUTH had no facilities to test such disease, hence the need to take the blood sample to Lagos for diagnosis.

A student of the Faculty of Law in ABU, Ahmadu, had been admitted in the hospital.

The student was suspected to have had a symptom similar to that of Ebola, which caused panic not only in the hospital but in Zaria and its environs.

Birds are caught with seed, men with money. ― Armenian Proverb

Tetuila

Nigeria’s ‘One Hit’ Wonders ➔ FROM PAGE 4

succeeded at infusing Pidgin English into rap, thus pioneering a completely new style of music that has survived to date. Sadly at the peak of their career, Junior passed away on February 2, 2005, following injuries he sustained from a motorcycle accident. Pretty is currently an events consultant.

Altine Jibo Rockers from the North who did the rounds of local clubs and joints in Kano, Kaduna and Jos will most certainly remember the song line “Wayyo Allah mama na ...mama na my devoted”. That song by Altine Jibo will always ring a bell.

Zakky Azzay This torch-bearing Nigerian artiste has been struggling to remain relevant in the music industry, but for some time now family problems appear to have been hindering him from achieving that feat.

His song, Mata, appreciating the role of women was a hit that endeared him to a number of prominent women in the society and made him a popular face at events.

But allegations that Zakky beat his wife that spread like wildfire across the nation doused this popularity.

Zule Zoo Remember Zule Zoo of the song Kerewa fame? Their acrobatic dance steps and the originality of their songs were among the unique features that made this group a household name in Nigeria at one time.

Kerewa was however banned in Nigeria for its obscene theme and Ibrahim Hassan and Michael (the duo that made up the group) later both went solo.

Felix Liberty This young Nigerian from Delta shone like a star in the early 80s with hits like Lover Boy, Ifeoma, Ngozi and Take Me Home. Unfortunately, Felix’s fame didn’t last very long. The entertainment industry has not heard anything from him in a long time.

Lorine Okotie Lorine is pop singer turned pastor Rev. Chris Okotie’s younger sister. She hit the Nigerian entertainment scene in 1990 like a hurricane in a flood of publicity and promos with a Gospel album that swept her to popularity, even though she’d been around since the late 80s. Hit tracks on the album included Love is the Medicine and Jesus I Love You then suddenly, she disappeared and has ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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September 5, 2014

Nigeria’s ‘One Hit’ Wonders he strangled and killed his estranged wife, Rukayyat Idris in April 2012.

The incident, no doubt, affected his career negatively. For years now, shows have eluded him.

➔ FROM PAGE 5

not returned since.

Alex Okoroigwe This handsome musician from Imo State thrilled music fans with his unique dress sense, dancing skill and vocal ability. He too disappeared and never made a comeback.

Jide Obi Jide Obi-Ogidi, lawyer turned musician from Anambra State was the man behind the voice on songs like Kill Me with Love in the early 80s. A close associate of Rev. Chris Okotie, it was rumoured he relocated to the US after going through some hard times.

So it was said.

Isaac Black This reggae musician has also become ‘extinct’. His popular track Papa Bless Me remains his best. One wonders what has become of him today.

Evi Edna Ogoli From Edo State, this lady hit the scene in the late 80s with an album that endeared her to Nigerian music lovers. She quickly became accepted as the ‘Queen of Nigerian Reggae’. Everybody knows her song, Happy Birthday, but nothing much is heard about her these days.

Soul E

Alex

Baba Fryo

Soul E Baba Dey Here is the unforgettable track from Soul E’s first album titled Naija is Blessed that shot him into the limelight.

His real name is Emmanuel Ifechukwude Okose and in the heat of his reign on the music scene, he was reportedly linked romantically with several older women, particularly Queen Ure. He, however, vehemently denied that he was ever married to her after their rumoured divorced.

He has now become a ‘prophet’, predicting people’s death and bomb blasts and receiving lots of insults for it!

Baba Fryo Baba Fryo’s Dem Go Dey Pose was a massive hit in Nigeria in the mid-90s and it made him a household name.

His stardom waxed strong in Nigeria’s entertainment industry from 1999 to 2003 but suddenly, the Afro-reggae artiste’s fame and fortune disappeared into thin air. The last time anything was heard of him was on August 23, 2012, when he was reportedly beaten by policemen, handcuffed and dragged like a common thief to Isashi Police Station, along the Badagry Expressway.

Tony Tetuila You Don Hit my Car (Oyibo rekpete), featuring Pastor Goody Goody; if you didn’t rock to this song, then you were in the wrong part circles. This was a huge hit from Tony Tetuila at the time, released on the Kennis Music label.

Original Stereo Man Ekwe Real name Sunday Osakuni, his story is a ‘riches to rags’ one. According to the artiste, who was once a Glo Ambassador and whose hit song E Dey Pain Me made waves a few years back, his trials began after he was invited by detectives of Force CID Panti, Yaba in Lagos, following an allegation that

Marvellous Benji Chinua Achebe’s book, Things Fall Apart best captures Marvellous Benji’s grace to grass fall. Back in the day when Suo, Konto and Galala were the reigning dances in Nigeria, Marvellous Benji, whose real name is Benjamin Ukueje also reigned. But in no time, his popularity dwindled.

In 2012, he tried to re-launch himself into the music industry with two singles, Iwo Ni Mofe and My Life, but his expectations of the effort were not met.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP Friday on his current status, the artiste, in a sober voice, said he was working on a big hit and would let the public know when it was ready.

There are a number of other Nigerian music artistes whose emergence in the entertainment industry could at best be described as a flash in the pan. It is instructive that remaining relevant is of the essence if one’s music career is really to make any real impact and artistes should learn the art of doing so from the Sunny Ades, Onyeka Onwenus and Panam Percy Pauls of our time, and even from those like Fela Anikulapo Kuti who though dead, live on famously through their music.

Bizarre: How Woman Killed Her Grandson And Shared His Flesh

by Abu Nmodu, Minna

Just when we thought we had heard it all, another gory story of horror and man’s inhumanity to man breaks out from somewhere.

This time it is at Doso Village in Doko District of Niger State, where a woman known as Fatima Saraka Mohammed slaughtered her nine-year-old grandson, Mohammed, shared his roasted flesh and drank his blood in connivance with two other people in an apparent act of cannibalism.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that little Mohammed was always attached to his grandmother, and whenever he was not with his parents, he would always be found nestling in her arms or sleeping beside her; he was quite fond of her.

But how tragic, and ironic, that it is this same grandmother that would turn around and end the little boy’s life by this heinous act, something that can only be heard of only in fairytale books. Many people describe it as heartless and some cannot believe that a human being, in his or her normal senses, could be that cruel to any child, much less her own blood.

The search for the missing Mohammed The story started when the father of the boy, Mohammed Doko, could not locate his son after he came back from an outing. Usually, the little boy would be the first to welcome him any time he went out.

LEADERSHIP Friday’s findings revealed that as soon as this ritual was not done, Mohammed Doko was prompted to commence an intense search for the boy, a search that went from minutes to hours, and from days to weeks, but the boy was nowhere to be

found. The search, it was learnt, even took him to neighbouring villages but when the search did not yield any positive outcome, he became even more agitated.

LEADERSHIP Friday also gathered that in the process of the search, one of the villagers told the father of the child that he saw the child with his grandmother some days ago, when she was leading him along a nearby bush path.

Further investigations by the boy’s father, it was gathered, actually led the missing boy to his grandmother’s place about 50 metres away from his own compound in Doso village, invariably making it easy for the boy to always be with the grandmother.

It was at this stage that Fatima was confronted by the villagers. At first, she vehemently denied any knowledge of his whereabouts, or even that she had seen the boy before his disappearance.

After a lot of pressure by the villagers, and threats of calling in the police, Fatima finally caved in and admitted that the boy was taken to a nearby bush where she had invited one Zhitsu Aliyu, a 38-year old man, to help her slaughter her grandson and collect the blood in a bowl, all this in connivance with her friend, Amina Wusa Mohammed. Both of them, she said, belonged to the same cult of witches.

Fatima narrated how she and her collaborators each took part in drinking young Mohammed’s blood and having their share of his flesh after roasting it.

The villagers carefully searched the crime scene and recovered the knife used in killing the boy and the blood-stained clothes confirming the dastardly act.

Consequently, the villagers invited the po-

L-R: Flesh eating grand mother, Fatima Saraka Mohammed with her collaborators Zhitsu Aliyu and Amina Wusa Mohammed. PHOTO BY abu nmodu

licemen in Bida division and handed Fatima and her collaborators over to the detectives.

The three suspects were later moved to the office of the Anti-Homicide squad at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Niger State Police Command, where the investigation into the matter commenced.

Fatima and the two collaborators also allegedly confessed to the police that she actually abducted her nine-year-old grandson for several days before slaughtering him.

Fatima confessed that she was aided in slaughtering her grandson by Zhitsu Aliyu and Amina Wusa Mohammed, 65, with whom she shared membership of a witchcraft cult.

The three also said they collectively shared the flesh of the boy among them and drank his blood to satisfy their witchcraft spirit and that they had arranged to present their grandchildren and children to the cult when it was their turn to do so.

“I am the first to kill my grandchild, and this is our first time. It was God that exposed us,” Fatima told the policemen at their head-

If it hurts to spend your money, you will go hungry. ― African Proverb

quarters in Minna.

She said that they regretted their action and blamed it on the spirit that pushed them, praying that God should forgive them, because they now know that what they did was inhuman.

The police public relations officer, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, who spoke on the incident, said that investigation was ongoing and that the culprits had been arraigned before the court of law.

The suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Alhaji Hameed Ahmed Bima.

At the court, the presiding magistrate could not hide his disdain for the act and subjected them to serious questioning. The charge sheet was read to them and they all pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, culpable homicide and cannibalism, which contravene Section 97, 218 and 221 of the penal code.

The chief magistrate described the deeds of the three suspects as heartless and ungodly and told them that they will surely pay for their sins here on earth.

NEWS EXTRA /7

September 5, 2014

Dog Slits Man’s Lips

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

A man who was playing with his friend’s dangerous dog has regretted his action, after the animal bit his lips in Ajegunle area of Lagos State, yesterday.

The owner of the dog was said to have gotten to his house, accompanied by his friend, Junior, when his friend stopped over to play with the dog. The accident happened when Junior jerked the dog’s chain.

An eye-witness, Emmanuel, told LEADERSHIP FRIDAY, that the Rottweiler wanted to go jump on its owner, when Junior jerked its chain from behind, causing both man and dog to collide.

The dog had bared it teeth and slit Junior’s lips, as Junior could be seen cupping his lips.

Emmanuel also disclosed that the owner of the dog had earlier warned Junior not to disturb the dog, because it is dangerous, but the warning fell on deaf ears.

The owner of the dog took the dog to its pen while his friends Junior to the Ajegunle General hospital for medical attention.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY understands that the vicious attack by the dog had left Junior with an ugly slit from below the nose to the lower lip.

16-year-old Remanded For Culpable Homicide

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

A 16-year-old boy, Adamu Abdullahi, has been remanded by an Ilorin Magistrate’s court for culpable homicide.

The suspect was arraigned for committing an offence contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code Law. According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), the suspect’s arraignment followed a case transferred from Divisional Police Headquarters, Share, to the Department Of Criminal Investigation, Ilorin, for discreet investigation.

The FIR stated that “On August 20, 2014, one Hassan Hautta of Fulani Camp, Sekun Village, Share, reported that two of his children, Harun and Bature Hassan, had taken their cattle to graze in some grasslands along Sekun Village, where you, Adamu Abdullahi, of the same area, attacked them and callously used your cutlass and matcheted Hassan Haruna on his head.

“You also went ahead and matcheted the helpless boy, cut off his left hand above the wrist, and also [cut him in the neck] and left him in a pool of blood, which led to his untimely death.

“After committing the crime you took to your heels before you were later arrested by the police. You thereby committed the above offence”.

The suspect pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The police prosecutor, Abdullahi Sanni, told the court that the suspect had admitted to the offence during police investigation.

The trial Magistrate, Mrs. S. B. Olanipekun, however ordered the remand of the accused at the Federal Maximum Prison, Madalla, Niger State, while the case was adjourned till September 15, for further mention.

Fish-sellers sit in Tombia Market, along Amasoma Road in Yenagoa, yesterday. Photo by Nan

Extra-marital Affair: Woman Bites Off Girl’s Ear

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

An angry woman has bitten off the ear of a secondary school girl for having an affair with her husband in Ajegunle area of Lagos State, yesterday.

The woman, identified as Mama Ijeoma, had long suspected the girl – an SSS3 student identified as Ada – of having an affair with her husband, but could do nothing about it.

However, the woman was said to have blown her top when she saw the pair having a nice time in a beer parlour along Ojo Road.

Mama Ijeoma was alleged to have slapped the girl twice; an action which made her husband, identified as Papa Ijeoma, to give her two resounding slaps.

Having been slapped by her husband, the aggrieved woman promised to “deal with” Ada and, before anyone could intervene, she pounced on the hapless girl, tearing her top to shreds.

All efforts to appease the woman by her husband and other onlookers proved abortive, as the woman, in a rage, revealed that the girl had been dating her husband long before they

got married last year and that she had had enough, after warning her to leave her husband alone, to no avail.

In a shocking move, the woman overpowered her restrainers and pounced on the girl a second time, biting off her ear.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY understands that, immediately her ear was bitten, Papa Ijeoma rushed the girl to a nearby private hospital for medical attention, while his wife left the scene before the arrival of the girl’s parents. When Ada’s parents arrived, they headed to the hospital to see their daughter.

Love Scam: Fraudster Arrested For Swindling Woman, 75, Of €200,000 Ejike Ejike, Abuja

For swindling a 75-year-old woman of €200,000 in a romance-scam, a 31-yearold conman, Adio Opeyemi Michael, who hails from Owu local government area of Ogun State, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Dutchwoman Jeanet De Jonge allegedly met Michael on dating site, ‘Net log’, where Michael posed as a 41-yearold American citizen, working as a chef in a Nigerian restaurant and in need of a wife.

The profile attracted Jeanet and, in no time, she began sending him mon-

ey through Western Union and Money Gram.

“She was sending me money monthly, ranging from $800 to $900 from June 2012, through Western Union Money transfer and Money Gram; to the extent that Western Union blocked her from sending money to me in Nigeria.

Following the blockage, she requested that I go to London to enable her send me money there. I contacted a friend, Osas Odiah, in London, so that he can receive the money and send it to me here in Nigeria. She first sent €2,000 to Odiah’s account in London and, later to my Keystone Bank account, which was actually a Forex Trade account. We started

using this account when we discovered that my friend was not remitting all the money sent by Jeanet to me,” the suspect revealed.

According to EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujiaren, investigations further revealed that the suspect collected the various sums under the pretext that he was going to use the money to perfect his travel plans and obtain the required documents that would enable him travel to Holland to join or visit De Jonge. However, his continued refusal to honour the invitation from De Jonge prompted the petition to the EFCC. Michael will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded.

When a once-beautiful piece of cloth has turned into rags, no one remembers that it was woven by master weavers. ― Nigerian Proverb

10 NEWS

September 5, 2014,

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo

Falana Threatens To Take FG To Court Over Allegations Against Sheriff

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has threatened to drag the federal government to court if it fails to immediately order the investigation linking former governor of Borno State Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff to the deadly Islamic sect Boko Haram.

Falana is specifically asking the government to implement the Ambassador Usman Galtimari Panel report that investigated the genesis of the insurgency in the northeast region.

The report had ordered security agencies to prosecute all the indicted sponsors of the Boko Haram sect.

The human rights activist, who made this demand in a press statement he issued in Lagos, also warned that if the government failed to respond to his call, he would apply to the Federal High Court for a Writ of Mandamus to compel the security agencies to discharge their duties in the public’s in-

terest.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that an international negotiator engaged by the federal government to dialogue with the Boko Haram sect, Stephen Davies, had named the former governor as one of the sponsors of the sect.

Falana also wants Sheriff to explain the circumstances surrounding the extrajudicial killing of the sect’s former leader Mohammed Yusuf and his father-in-law Alhaji Baba Fugu Mohammed by the police in 2009.

Falana said: “Sheriff should explain to Nigerians the basis of the appointment of Alhaji Buji Foi, a Boko Haram leader as the Commissioner for Religious Affairs by his government. Alhaji Foi was made a cabinet member as a compensation to the Boko Haram sect for supporting the governor’s re-election in 2003.

“The Ambassador Usman Galtimari Panel had recommendeded that the federal government should direct the

security agencies to beam their light on some politicians who sponsored, funded and used the militia groups that later metamorphosed into Boko Haram, and bring them to justice.

“The panel also found out that politicians in the country have employed the services of thugs and other groups and associations with large youth membership to intimidate their political opponents during electioneering activities.”

He further stated that the roots of terrorism, especially in Borno, Gombe, Yobe and Bauchi states, could be traced to groups or associations such as ‘ECOMOG’, ‘Yan Kalare’ and ‘Sara Suka’ which had links to prominent politicians in these states.

Falana, however, alleged that the connection of Modu Sheriff and other sponsors of the sect with the Presidency ensured that the security agencies could not implement the directives of the federal government which were handed down since May 2012.

Zaria Killings: Etsu Nupe, CAN Youths Condole With Sheikh Zakzaky At 40th Day Prayer

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has extended his condolences to the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Zakzaky on behalf of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The royal father, who commiserated with the Islamic Scholar on the occasion of the 40th day prayer for 33 people killed in Zaria during the Quds Day procession in July, prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest, and the families the fortitude to bear the loss.

In another condolence message to Sheikh Zakzaky, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-East Youth Wing, and signed by Evang. Musa D. Misal, the CAN youth wing described the killings as unfortunate and commended Sheikh Zakzaky for his exemplary calm.

“When the news of the incident reached me, I was very confused, as from my view and my understanding in the teachings of The Holy Bible, this is just a cold-blooded murder committed against them.

“However, all praise be to Allah for the manner you handled the situation patiently and left the matter to Allah alone. With this, you displayed that you are the most patient type among rest of the scholars in Nigeria, and we pray to Almighty God to endow you more in patience,” the letter read.

Abia 2015: Marc Wabara Declares For Guber Race

By Millie IBE, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan (centre) with Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam (left), his counterparts in Abia State, Theodore Orji (2nd left), and Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun (right), during the inauguration of the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Boko Haram Members Marrying Abducted Girls – Report

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

Boys and girls abducted by Boko Haram, including Christian girls, have been forced to convert to Islam and coerced into marrying members of the group, along with other female abductees, a report by Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict noted yesterday.

Watchlist, an international network of human rights and humanitarian non-government organizations working to end violations against children in armed conflict, also accused the federal government and other international humanatarian bodies of being slow, fragmente and unable to meet the fast-growing needs of those affected by the conflict in terms of relief re-

sponse to violations against children.

“Boko Haram abducted these girls and young women from schools and markets, and during raids on villages in areas across Borno State since at least December 2012.

Some members of the group raped girls and young women in the camps. None of the girls and women who escaped, and were interviewed by Watchlist, had access to counseling and other health services”, the group noted.

According to the report made available to LEADERSHIP Friday, the Boko Haram sect and the Civilian Joint Task Force (“Civilian JTF”) have subjected boys and girls to forced recruitment, detention, attacks at school, abductions, rape and other forms of sexual violence in the north-east of Nigeria.

In the 64-page report entitled “Who Will Care for Us? Grave Violations Against Children in Northeastern Nigeria,” the group painted a pathetic picture of what it described as grave violations by some parties to the terrorist attacks since December 2012 and made some recommendations on how to better protect children.

“The gravity and scale of these violations warrant urgent action from the Nigerian government, United Nations and other child protection actors,” it said.

Specifically, Watchlist said the major source of worry was the forced recruitment of children for spying and assistance during armed attacks by Boko Haram, and the Civilian JTF, a self-defence militia formed in mid-2013 in Borno State.

She is beautiful; she has love, understands; she respects herself and others; everyone likes, loves and African Proverb.

The recent declaration of Sir Marc Wabara to serve Abia people has received has been hailed by critical sections of the civil society, stakeholders and commoners judging by the huge turnout of supporters both at the PDP local government headquarters in Ndoki, and state party headquarters in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on August 26,2014.

At the Ndoki PDP LGA party headquarters, where his expression of interest was initially announced to the party faithful, party stalwarts and officials, there was unanimity with the view that Marc Wabara was the man whose time has come given his unblemished national record of service.

They assured him of 100 percent support, not only because he was a home boy, but because of his unblemished national reputation as a politician imbued with the purpose of securing, protecting, promoting good governance, accountability and welfare of the citizenry.

Stakeholders, especially in the LGA party office, affirmed that given Wabara’s skills, experience, intelligence, integrity and qualities of honesty,he would steer the affairs of the state well if elected.

“His track records reveals he is an effective politician that is trustworthy and reliable. Wabara is always poised to capture the essence of truth, sincerity, candour and practises what he preaches,” one supporter who gave his name simply as Matthew said. honors her; she is a goddess.

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September 5, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF MALICIOUS FALSEHOOD AGAINST REV. CHRIS OYAKHILOME AND THE CHRIST EMBASSY CHURCH The attention of our client, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome and the Church, the CHRIST EMBASSY(“the Church”) has been drawn to the wave of false, malicious and fabricated stories being published in the print and electronic media about his person, the Church and a matrimonial cause between him and his wife.

Our clientis seriously concerned that under the guise of reporting a divorce proceeding involving him, publishers resorted into an unjustified and malicious attack on his reputation for reasons not unconnected with the respective publishers’ selfish motives of prospect of material and financial advantage attendant to the wide circulation their distorted and fabricated stories would enjoy. The publishers decided to fabricate facts including (but not limited to) allegation of ADULTERY against our client, with the wicked and malicious intention of bringing his person and the Church to public opprobrium and ridicule.

It is our client’s instructions to inform the members of the public and particularly warn the concerned media houses that the news or story presently circulating in the media is nothing but a complete distortion of the facts in the pending proceedings in the United Kingdom, to the knowledge of the publishers.

Whilst we do not contest the individual's right to freedom of expression, we would expect that, as a matter of keeping to the applicable Code of Ethics, the concerned publishers would first and foremost verify the authenticity of the stories and or their sources before publication. Be warned therefore that unless the concerned media housesdesist from further publishing words and stories which are false and damaging of our client's reputation and the Church, we shall, without further recourse to the concerned publishers, promptly embark on appropriate legal machinery with a view to protecting our client's reputation and that of the Church.

‘KEMI PINHEIRO, SAN, FCIArb. PINHEIRO & COMPANY Lagos Office: 8B, TaiwoKoya Street, Ilupeju Byepass, Lagos.

Tel: 234-1-7752444, 08022259872, 08143233555 admin@pinheiro-law.com, pinogun@metrong.com URL:http.www.pinheiro-law.com

Abuja Office: Plot 784A Herbert Macaulay Way, (3rd Floor), Nigeria Re-Insurance Building, Central Business District, Abuja Tel: 08136483781, 07012244728 abuja@pinheiro-law.com

10/ NEWS

September 5, 2014

Niger: PDP Plotting To Deny David Umaru Victory – APC

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of adopting a do-or-die approach to deny the APC candidate, Barrister David Umaru victory in the Niger East supplementary by-election scheduled for tomorrow.

The publicity secretary of APC, Mr Jonathan Vatsa said yesterday in Minna that the PDP has adopted various political anomalies to disallow the wish of the people of Niger East Senatorial District to give their mandate to David Umaru.

He said, “We are not new to their approach of do-or-die politics where they are being helped by some staff of INEC in Niger State, specifically the resident electoral commissioner (REC), Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo to make sure that they win the election at all costs”.

“The money they spent for this election, I am quite sure, is public fund which should have been used for development; this will show the people that the ruling PDP only remembers them during elections, and can do anything to win election”.

Vatsa, however, maintained that the APC is confident that David Umaru would come out

victorious, considering his popularity and the desire of the people for change.

Reacting, the publicity secretary of PDP, Hassan Mohammed Saba said that the party cannot adopt do-or-die approach because it is already leading comfortably and cruising towards victory.

Saba stated that the do-or-die approach can only be adopted by those who are already failing in the election, adding that the people of the senatorial zone have “loudly spoken through their votes that our party and candidate, Dr Shem Nuhu Zagbayi is the one they want”.

L-R: Chairman, Transitional Board of Patrons, ADA Change Divine Foundation Edward Ugege; ambassador of Israel, Uriel Palti; director of Raw Materials, Usman Argungu and director of Nigeria - Israel Chamber of Commerce, Ike Willie during the media outreach and interactive forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE.

Nakowa Patriots Dissociates Self From Jonathan, Yero’s Endorsement By PDP By ekele peter agbo, Abuja

Barely 48 hours after a group under the auspices of Elected and Appointed Politicians in Kaduna State held a press conference at Ungwar Wakili in Zangon-Kataf local government area of Kaduna State to endorse the ticket of President Goodluck Jonathan and that of the state governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero for the 2015 election, another group from the zone under the umbrella of Nakowa Patriots has dissociated the Southern Kaduna people

from the purported endorsement.

In an open letter to President Jonathan and the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) entitled ‘The position of the electorate of Southern Kaduna on 2015 election’, signed by Elder Abokie Galadima and Dr Austin Hyuwa, president and secretary of the group respectively and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday, the group stated that since the 2011 election results showed that over 80% of the votes Mr President got from Kaduna State came from Southern Ka-

duna, the group considers it an insult to the people of the area to have been locked out of a heavily policed press conference held in their domain to endorse the president.

The group also expressed dismay about the press conference venue, Ungwar Wakili saying that any decision concerning Southern Kaduna has always been taken from Kafanchan or Kagoro, the choice of the venue the statement added, show the insincerity of the socalled elected and appointed politicians from the zone.

News Of Oyakhilome’s Divorce, Malicious Campaign – Lawyers

By Pembi David-Stephen, Abuja

Following the recent publication in some sections of the media that the founder and general overseer of the Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, is on the verge of completing divorce proceedings with his wife of many years and the vice president of LoveWorld International Ministries, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, the

pastor’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, has described the stories as “false, callous and malicious.”

In a press release from Lagos-based Pinheiro and Company, Oyakhilome expressed concern that, under the guise of reporting a divorce proceeding involving him, the publishers resorted to an “unjustified and malicious attack” on his reputation for reasons not unconnected with the respective pub-

lishers’ selfish motives and financial gains.

The statement warned such publishers to “henceforth desist from further publishing words and stories which are false and damaging of our client’s reputation and the Church or we shall, without further recourse to the concerned publishers, promptly embark on appropriate legal machinery with a view to protecting our client’s reputation and that of the Church.”

Everything you can imagine is real.

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and scuiptor

Medical Expert Seeks Collaboration On Ebola Control

By George Okojie, Lagos

The Group Medical Director of Ayodele Medical Group, Dr. Niyi Adeosun, has called for an interface between medical practitioners, various arms of government and community leaders to curb the spread of Ebola virus in the country.

The medical expert said this when the Ayodele Medical Group organised a walk against spread of EVD, storming Lagos markets and streets to enlighten Lagosians on ways of living safe without contracting the virus.

According to him, “Collaboration is what we are already doing at our local level. Community leaders should emulate what our traditional leader at Ifako -ijaiye, Bale Spencer Savage has done by motivating the walk. Though the doctors do not have enough money to organise walks of such magnitude, they can collaborate with the governments and community leaders. I can tell you every member of the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGMPN) in Lagos State will be happy to organise a walk like this.”

In the awareness campaign done in many languages to get the message to grass roots, the boss of the medical group with state of the art facilities emphasised the need for preventive measures to contain the rampaging virus.

He added that the walk tagged, Ayodele Medical Says Ebola must go is a follow-up to the previous awareness campaign done by the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria(AGMPN), IfakoIjaiye branch.

Adamawa 2015: Group Tasks Delegates Over Fintiri’s Candidature

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

A group under the auspices of Fintiri Continuity Movement (FCM) has called on elected delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Saturday’s primary in Adamawa to tread the path of honour and elect Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the flag bearer of the party in the October 2014 gubernatorial election.

Speaking in an address signed by the director general and director of publicity, Leader Leneke and Haruna Dunuba Daniel respectively, the group said, “Therefore, delegates, your election by the democratic people of Adamawa State must be seen and appreciated in the context of being an act in the right direction. You must see yourselves a repository of the people’s collective wisdom and resolution of Adamawa citizens to participate in national developmental activities, without let or hindrance”.

“That is why the PDP provided the opportunity for you to emerge and to select the next governor of Adamawa State at the state primaries slated for September 6, 2014. It is in this regard that we urge you to demonstrate the highest sense of patriotism by electing the most capable person into this office.”

September 5, 2014

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September 5, 2014

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF SELECTED STAKEHOLDERS WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN SOME PARTS OF NASARAWA STATE HELD ON TUESDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2014 1.1 It would be recalled that, in a bid to address the persistent communal crises and militia activities in Nasarawa State for sustainable peace, security, stability and harmonious coexistence among the diverse communities and ethnic groups, in addition to the State Government efforts to fast-track community-based conflict resolution initiative, His Excellency, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, Governor of Nasarawa State met with selected stakeholders of the State on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2014 at the Conference Hall of the Government House, Lafia.

good people of Nasarawa State for their untiring efforts towards ensuring peace and peaceful coexistence in the State.

1.6 After a frank and brotherly deliberation, the meeting resolved as follows: i.

That the crisis is bringing bad publicity to the State. There is the need to come together and live in peace with one another and contribute towards enhancing sustainable peace as envisaged by the founding fathers of the State in order to give our people a sense of security and faith in one another so that we leave a good legacy for future generations and contribute to national harmony;

ii.

That Nasarawa State Government should implement all the Government Whitepapers on the previous Reports of Communal Violence/Disturbances in the State to the latter in order to serve as deterrent. This is not withstanding the implementation of the administrative aspect;

iii.

That Government should resuscitate Peace-Building Committees and should consist of CommunityBased Organisations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Groups, among others in order to nib disagreements in the bud before it escalates to full-blown crisis;

iv.

That visible roles be given to traditional rulers in the State to complement Government efforts. This is even if an Executive Bill should be sent to the Assembly for enactment in order to have their roles codified;

v.

That Government and security agencies should collaborate with community leaders and cultural associations to disarm ethnic militia groups in the State;

1.3 However, the meeting frowned at the attitude of some invited critical stakeholders who failed to attend the meeting without any apology. It, however, noted the apology sent by some invited stakeholders for their inability to attend the meeting.

vi.

That culprits of offences should be seen to be punished;

1.4 The meeting noted with satisfaction and commended His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his tremendous support, encouragement and cooperation to the Nasarawa State Governor and the Government and people of the State towards addressing the security situation in the State. The meeting also noted and commended His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-makura, Governor of Nasarawa State for his untiring efforts and resilience towards ensuring sustainable peace, harmonious coexistence, progress and development of the State.

viii. The Summit supports the proscription of Ombatse as it is already outlawed. Anybody professing membership of the cult group should be apprehended and prosecuted;

1.2 The meeting was attended by the Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman Umaru Dikko; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone IV; Hon. Musa Baba Owana, Member, Representing Nasarawa/ Toto Federal Constituency; Members of the State Executive and Security Councils; Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, mni, CON; Prominent sons of the State such as Senator Walid Jibrin, Sarkin Fulanin Nasarawa, Justice Ahmed Yakubu Ubangari (Rtd), former Chief Judge of Nasarawa State; Mr. Mathew Attah Akwe, Makaman Doma; Executive Chairmen of Lafia, Obi, Wamba and Doma LGCs; First Class Traditional Rulers in the State and other traditional rulers from Nasarawa North and South Senatorial zones; former Secretaries to the Nasarawa State Government, notably Mr. Jonah O. Ogbole and Alhaji Muhammed Sabo Keana; Chairmen and Youth Leaders of Mada Development Association, Alago Development Association, Kanuri Cultural Association, Tiv Development Association, Akye Cultural Development Association, Rindre Cultural Development Association, Gwandara Development Association, Migili Cultural and Development Association, Kantana Development Association and National and State Leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; Fulani Ardos from Northern and Southern zones of the State, as well as other District and Village Heads and other top Government functionaries in the State.

1.5 Finally, the meeting commended all heads of security agencies and their personnel in the State, as well as the

vii. That Cultural and Development Associations in the State to discharge their roles in the inculcation of good behaviours in their members;

ix.

The Summit supports Government efforts in the provision of relief materials and resettlement of displaced persons. It urges Government to expedite efforts in getting people back to their homes and also provide enough security to protect them;

x.

The Summit also commends Government in calling for this Summit and advised that such exercise should be called more regularly in order to guard people’s sense of belonging and ensure the corporate existence of our State.

Signed: NASARAWA STATE STAKEHOLDERS

September 5, 2014

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September 5, 2014

Congratulations O

n behalf, of the State of Georgia I wish to congratulate Dr. Mrs. Merit Gordon Obua on her Honorary Citizen Award and as a Life Patron of the Women in Leadership Organisation.

This Honorary Citizen will be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United State of America or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside.

DR MRS MERIT

Signed:

SENATOR DONZELLA JAMES

Senate District 35 Atlanta Georgia State,USA.

GORDON OBUA

BUSINESS NEWS /15

September 5, 2014

business news

New Abuja Airport Terminal Ready In 6 months – Chidoka

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos, With Agency Reports

A new terminal at the domestic wing of Abuja airport will be ready in six months.

This was disclosed by the minister of aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, during an inspection tour of facilities at the Abuja airport.

Osita also said that he would continue with the numerous projects of his immediate predecessor, Stella Oduah, but would focus more on security and safety at the airports.

He said: “I have also tried to see that my predecessor had

done very well in the terminal buildings so all that we need to focus and complete the works that have already started, but with that we want to pull our resources away from the terminal remodelling and focus more on the security and safety of the airports. So we are talking to airline operators and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Also that we make sure that we focus more on the safety of passengers and air space.”

He pleaded with passengers to bear with disruptions to their comforts due to the work in progress.

MTN Nigeria, IHS Invest N78bn In Mobile Towers Firm

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

MTN Nigeria yesterday reached an agreement with IHS Holdings Limited to invest N77.84 billion. ($500m) in a new mobile towers company where MTN Nigeria will transfer its 9,151 mobile network towers jointly owned by both of them.

The transaction is expected to reduce MTN Nigeria’s operating costs, drive network efficiencies and further expand its voice and data capacity.

As part of the deal, the

investment will be made over four years into tower upgrades and a maintenance programme to improve quality of service and enhance the customer experience on the MTN Nigeria network.

Under the terms of the transaction and subject to requisite regulatory approvals, IHS would have full operational control of the underlying business. The new towers company will market independent infrastructure sharing services to other mobile

operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2014.

Group president and CEO of MTN Group, Sifiso Dabengwa, said, “We are delighted to have entered into a further transfer transaction with IHS, in our largest African market. IHS’ deep knowledge and considerable experience in the sector will help drive efficiencies and enhance our network uptime, allowing us to concentrate on further raising our own service levels.”

Glo Xchange: Glo Recruits Agents For Mobile Money

By Kingsley Alu, Lagos

Globacom will on Saturday September 7 , hold town hall meetings with mobile money prospective agents across the country.

The meetings will afford the prospective agents the opportunity to learn the rudiments of the mobile money distributing process and the technicalities of the business. It will also give the prospects the opportunity to ask questions.

At the meeting those who wish to take up the business would be recruited and signed on for further training. According to the head of Mobile Money Department

in Globacom, Mr Esaie Diei, the event will hold in six different locations around the country simultaneously. The locations are Ibadan Genesis Hotel; Challenge, Ibadan; Benin Constantial Hotel, Airport Road, Abuja; Immaculate Hotel Annexe, Wuse 2; Port Harcourt Landmark Hotel, Lagos; Mainland Airport Hotel, Ikeja, and on Lagos Island – Dover Hotel, Lekki Phase. Glo Xchange is the easy and convenient platform that will enable Nigerians to use their mobile phones to send or receive money and pay for airtime, goods and services, including utility such as electricity, water bills and pay TV subscription in different parts of the country.

Rights Issue : Access Bank Woos Investors

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos, With Agency Reports

As banks in Nigeria envisage the need for increased capital, Access Bank Plc is talking with local investors to gauge the level of interest in a possible rights issue of about N60 billion to N70 billion which it hopes to open in the fourth quarter of the year.

The bank which had raised a $400 million in Eurobond in June, wants to bolster its core capital, according to a fund manager who attended the meetings in Lagos. The fund manager who declined to be named told Reuters that the bank was also discussing with investors

in Abuja.

Banks in Africa’s biggest economy have been boosting their capital levels in recent months as the industry this year adopts new international capital requirements.

A source at Access Bank told Reuters that the bank was meeting with stakeholders and would determine the amount of the fundraising after the meetings.

Managing director and chief executive of the bank, Herbert Wigwe, had told an analysts’ conference call last week while presenting the bank’s half-year results that he anticipated thatbanks would need to raise more capital as a result of the new regulations.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan,and Vice President Namadi Sambo in a group photograph with the members of the National Council on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), during an inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

Oil Theft: IOCs Keep Mum, Stakeholders Trade Blame

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja and CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

Shell and Chevron, two leading international oil companies(IOCs) active in Nigeria have maintained stoic silence over the declaration on Wednesday by the chief of naval staff, Vice-Admiral Usman Jibrin that oil companies are culpable in oil theft, a LEADERSHIP survey of stakeholder reactions has revealed. While Chevron’s general managerin charge of public affairs , Sola Adebonwo, did not respond to telephone enquiries, his colleague, Ibe Ojo, refused to comment insisting that only his boss could talk to the press on the matter.

Similarly, Shell spokesman, ..... declined to comment on the issue.

However, Nigeria’s representative on the global board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Faith Nwadishi, said the IOCs cannot be exonerated from alleged culpability in oil theft.

She said the fact that they have refused to meter their facilities to determine the actual crude production and what was being lost points an accusing finger at them.

Nwadishi who represents civil society organisations from English speaking West Africa countries on the EITI board, explained that the IOCs do not pay taxes on figures they claim they lost to crude theft and so tend not to care about the rising level of theft.

She said, “I have been saying this and am glad someone has brought it to the fore. There’s no way the IOCs will say they can’t do something about crude theft, the fact that they don’t have meters at their facilities points a finger at them.”

However, Nwadishi who is also the Country Director of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria, said government agencies such as the NNPC, DPR and NAPIMS who are involved in the operations can

Not Not every every movement movement is is progress; progress; Some Some movements movements are are just just aa way way of of burning burning fats! fats! ―― Israelmore Israelmore Ayivor Ayivor

also not be exonerated.

“Our agencies can’t be exonerated if we are pointing one finger at the IOCs we should be pointing four at our own agencies.

If the IOCs do what they are supposed to do and our agencies do what they are supposed to do, oil theft won’t be happening.

“But a situation where the DPR depends on the IOCs to provide them with logistics to carry out inspections is a shame. What manner of inspections will they carry out?” Nwadishi said.

She further informed that there is a technology used by the IOCs to identify their individual crude and wondered why the same technology cannot be applied to know whose crude is up for sale at the international oil market.

“If they have the facility to know their crude why can’t we use the same technology to determine which crude is stolen and sold in the oil market?” Nwadishi queried.

16 BUSINESS NEWS

September 5, 2014,

SON Begins Certification Of Sandcrete Blocks

Dangote Cement To Invest $5bn In 4yrs

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Dangote Cement has said it would be investing more than $5 billion in expansion programme between the year 2012 to 2016.

Besides, the company’s current market capitalisation controls 30 per cent of the total Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) capitalisation.

The company’s managing director, Mr Edwin Devakumar, stated this at

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is now set to commence full certification of all sandcrete blocks and allied products in the country.

The agency which at the moment, is organising a National Stakeholders’ Forum On Blocks and Allied Products with the stakeholders fully in attendance said this was to ensure compliance with the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for local manufacturers.

Flagging off the programme in Abuja with the theme: “Safeguarding Lives Through Compliance with Standards,” minister of industry trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga, said the federal government was worried over the high incidence of building collapse in the country.

The minister argued that proper application of specifications in the built sector would not only ensure optimal use of resources, right quality and durability of the blocks, but would in addition, align with the government’s aspiration for safe and affordable housing for all.

“This will also ensure consumer confidence and repeated patronage that will ultimately lead to increased capacity utilisation and employment creation in line with transformation agenda of the federal government.

“One key focus of standardisation all over the world

is continual improvement aimed at customer satisfaction and this is only attainable through the diligent implementation of specifications for products and services as prescribed in the relevant approved standards,” he explained, while calling on Nigerians to always “demand for quality as a right, take steps to seek redress when dissatisfied with a product’s quality, and provide classified information to regulatory agencies on suspected substandard products.”

Also speaking the directorgeneral of the SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, said anytime a building material fails durability or safety tests, it leaves a question mark on all stakeholders concerned.

According him: “We did a national survey on the quality of concrete blocks in Nigeria, especially the low bearing ones and found out that only five per cent of the blocks are moulded to specifications of standard of the NIS587:2007.“That actually necessitated what we are doing here today, because we believe that it is important that anything that is remotely or directly contributing to building collapse in Nigeria should be addressed.

“What we are doing today is part of the specification process and part of it is to collaborate with the blocks and concrete moulders’ association.We are also collaborating with them on self-regulatory obligation to meet above 20 per cent.

Statistics Association Wants More State Bureaus OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Nigerian Statistical Association(NSA) has called on State Governments that have not established their Statistics Bureaus to urgently do so in furtherance of the ongoing national drive towards a fully integrated and developmentoriented statistical system for the country.

Giving the charge yesterday in his welcome address at the Special Session/Opening Ceremony of the 38th Conference of the Association in Katsina, the association’s national president, Dr Mohammed Tumala, said the creation of statistics bureaus at the sub-national level would go a long way in the provision of statistical data and other information required for a more effective planning and good

governance.

He explained that the establishment of statistical institutions at the state level would bolster Nigeria’s efforts to improve the lives and well being of her citizenry, since experience had shown that lack of policy frameworks, systems and comprehensive information that guide national policy decisions, actions and effective planning has been hampering national developmental initiatives.

The seasoned statistician canvassed the support of the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) to continue to actively involve the states’ officials in its data production activities as a strategic option of improving the statistics skills at the state level and achieving a more effective resource utilisation at all levels.

OLUSHOLA BELLO, , Lagos

the company’s facts behind the figures programme at the NSE yesterday.

He pointed out that the company would be investing the $5 billion across the African region to build operations in 13 countries.

He added that Dangote has a clear strategy to become Africa’s leading cement producer, saying that it would use Nigeria as low-cost base to reach a third of Africa with clinker/ bulk cement.

According to him, the company, which has invested $300 million in additional coal facilities across all plants was ready , while the Obajana project would commence operations by September 2014.

The Dangote Cement boss explained that the company was also looking into oil and gas blocks’ acquisition, which according to him, would help secure gas supplies .

L-R: Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Dr Fedinard Agwu; director-general of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu; minister of industry, trade and investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga and the national chairman, Building Collapse Prevention Guild of Nigeria, Mr Kunle Awobodu, during the official unveiling of new cement bags at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE

NCAA Warns Airlines Over Non-payment Of Salaries

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to airline operators who are defaulting in the payment of their staff salaries.

This warning was issued after the management of the regulatory authority held a meeting with all the airlines culpable in this practice.

At the meeting, the management expressed serious concern over the non – payment of salaries by the airlines. It viewed the development as detrimental to the continuous growth the industry has witnessed in recent times.

According to the authority, the action has become necessary when consistently the financial health reports from the airlines were indicating gaps in financial stability.

As far as the NCAA is concerned, the issue of nonpayment of staff salaries is critical to safety. The moment an airline cannot meet its financial obligations, it is believed that the staff morale will be down and this can impact negatively on safety and security of its operations.

The airlines were told that NCAA would not condone a situation where their staff would disrupt operations which would affect the travel

plans of passengers who have purchased their tickets.

Consequently, the authority has written a warning letter to the affected airlines, informing them that non- payment of staff salaries was unacceptable.

The regulator therefore warns the airlines that if this act persists, it would resort to sanctions, one of which may result in suspension of Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

It will be recalled that three airlines were sometimes last year suspended due to their inability to pay staff salaries.

In fact, NCAA is insisting that until all the arrears of salaries are paid, these airlines would not be cleared for further operations.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

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

― Israelmore Ayivor

MARITIME /17

September 5, 2014

Ebola: Shippers Charge More For Nigeriabound Cargo European shipping lines have increased freight rates on cargo coming to Nigeria and other selected West African countries over Ebola concerns.

The shipping lines have also imposed surcharge on crew and vessels coming to Nigeria and other countries that are currently battling to contain the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in the West African sub-region.

There has been previous reports and fears of a likely hike in freight rates on cargo coming to Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea at the onset of the outbreak of Ebola in the countries.

The President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Chief Adebayo Sarumi who confirmed the freight hike at a members evening programme in Lagos recently said Nigerian importers had expressed fears over a likely increase in the freight rate on cargoe to Nigeria as a result of the deadly virus.

Sarunmi who is also a former chief executive officer of Nigerian Shippers Council and managing director Nigerian Ports Authority said both the insurance rates and freight rates have been increased while surcharges have also been imposed.

Also confirming the increase, the director-general of the Chamber; Mrs Ify Akerele said that the rates had been increased because Nigeria had become a high risk area, even as she pleaded that the government must do everything possible to bring the situation completely under control.

She said, “It is a tight situation, we can only complain but there is nothing we can do, all hands must be on deck to contain the virus. “The man that took the virus to Port Harcourt has further compounded the problem we were almost bringing to an end.” The chamber’s boss however blamed the foreigners of wanting to take advantage of the situation by increasing rates adding that the same was done during the unrest in the Niger Delta region.

“Chamber will initiate moves with relevant government authorities to negotiate the increase in freight rates with the foreigners. We will use the forthcoming African Maritime Summit coming up this month to discuss the issue of negotiation with the European shipowners,” she said.

Also commenting on the increase freight rate, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello said that increment was brought to Council’s notice a few days ago. Hassan explained that these foreign ship owners have a penchant for increasing rates at the slightest opportunity adding that the recent increment in rates is unjustifiable. He said the Council would use instruments of the International Maritime Organisation to trash the increment in rates.

cargo ship

Saving Nigeria’s Indigenous Shipping Industry From Collapse Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry is facing extinction. The odds against investors in the industry which experts say could employ about five million people, but which is persistently in the lull is enormous. In fact, there has been no government interest or concern for the country’s local shipping industry over the years. And as economically important as the industry may be, it contributes zero to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). What is perhaps touching is that the industry is not covered in the federal government’s so-called transformation of the maritime sector.

For investors in Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry, these are hard times.

The difficulties and odds against the business are not new to them, but things have turned out worse in recent times. To say that the industry is in distress and faces possible extinction is no less the truth, if the federal government fails to take drastic measures to resuscitate the dying industry.

A decade ago, the lot of an average indigenous shipper was quite in better shape, with hopes for a better future. But all that hope is now gone, as the hard reality stares at his face. The industry players, most of who had 10 vessels a decade ago, now have no more vessels, or just one vessel, to keep the business moving at its lowest ebb.

Three leading indigenous shipping companies, namely Morlap Shipping Company Ltd, Genesis Shipping Worldwide and Al-Dawood Shipping Line, which formed the Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria, now code named Nigeria Indigenous Shipowners Association (NISA), are now shadows of themselves, as they now have either just one vessel or none, with their owners in huge life-threatening debts. Same tale is replicated among others, which are only waiting to wither away.

Leading cause of their woes remains lack

of jobs in the nation’s waters and inability to get the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF), a special fund set aside to aid indigenous shipowners and shipping agents.

The National Assembly, in 2003, enacted the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, now popularly known as the Cabotage Act, to avail the indigenous shipping companies a competitive edge over their more sophisticated foreign counterparts in doing business in Nigerian waters. But the Nigerian government and large companies continue to favour foreign vessels.

Among multiple advantages, the Cabotage Act gives the local shipping companies the right of first refusal and provides the CVFF, which stood at over $150 million (N23.4 billion) as at June 2012, but the fund remained undisbursed, just as the Act remains unenforced.

Local industry investors have, as soon as it came in February this year, denied the assertion by the minister of petroleum, Mrs Diezeani Madueke that 60 per cent of oil lifting jobs in Nigerian waters are awarded to indigenous shipping firms.

The chief executive officer of Morlap Shipping Company Ltd and president of NISA, Dr Isaac Jolapamo, said about 80 per cent of indigenous shipping companies have closed shops, with more companies about to close down.

“I used to have six vessels 10 years ago, but now I have only one and the one, MT Mor Prosperity of 18000+ DWT capacity is now in trouble after it was vandalised by pirates. I have purchased four vessels in the last four years, spending up to $40 million (N6.2 billion) but no jobs. I have not been able to pay back the loans I took from the bank.

“The CVFF (Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund) has been sitting in the bank with no one taking benefit of it. We are handicapped. About 80 per cent of indigenous shipping companies have closed shops. Today, I have only one vessel and other local shipping lines are

just managing to exist. “There are many shipping companies that have come into the industry, but there is no positive progression. It has only been a kind of linear development,” Jolapamo lamented.

For not developing her local shipping industry, Nigeria continues to lose up to N2 trillion annually in capital flight to foreign countries which own vessels used to lift about 150 million tonnes of cargo, including oil products, according to experts, who also posit that the industry could have provided jobs for five million citizens if explored to its fullness.

The obviously distressed NISA boss, who merely managed to hold back tears, said, “We are going back on the Cabotage law, with the main problem being that government has not accepted Nigerians to be able to do the shipping business. This is further aggravated by lack of standards for being a broker in oil trading. Oil trading activities should be streamlined.”

On the non-release of the CVFF, a senior official of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the agency was still awaiting ministerial approval to disburse the fund. The official added that conditions requiring that vessels be built in Nigeria, staffed and operated by Nigerians was hampering proper implementation of the Cabotage regime.

“But, the Act is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly to eliminate such requirements making it impossible to implement the Cabotage Act,” the official said.

Reactions from Chairman of Genesis Worldwide Shipping, Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, painted a vanquished industry player, who has given up.

“I don’t know of anybody who is doing business and a lot of us are going to fold.

I was the first indigenous national carrier.

There was a time I had over 10 ships of my own but not anymore,” lamented Iheanacho, who is also a former minister of interior.

If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Antoine de Saint-Exupery, fresh writer and aviatorny

18/ TOURISM

September 5, 2014

Ebola: World Travel Awards Shifts Abuja Event To 2015

The Sales Manager of Kenya Airways, Mr Diran Oloyede; Marketing Manager of Amadeus Travels, Ms Matilda Adetola; Vice President of National Association of Nigerian Travels Agents Abuja chapter, Alhaji Saleh Rabo and Principal Partner of Destination Marketing Extra Limited Mr Joesef Karim after briefing the press on the forthcoming Afro Tourism Expo in Abuja recently. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE

How Absence Of Credible Entrepreneurs Ruins Cultural Goods Stories By Chika Okeke, Abuja

The nature of trade and exchange of cultural goods and services in Nigeria during the pre-colonial era was dominated by trade by barter in creative products like baskets, beads, hand-woven materials and wood carvings with functional values.

Such goods were usually exchanged for rare items like salt, cowries, farm implements, hides, mirror, dry gin and among others. Where peaceful means of exchange failed, they used military force to satisfy their huge appetite for Nigerian cultural goods.

However, colonialism increased the commercialization of these cultural goods as the visiting Europeans demonstrated huge desire for craftsmanship and innovative cultural goods. Since then, the commercialisation of cultural goods gained momentum.

Sadly, the introduction of policies that would stimulate entrepreneurial culture by successive government in the last three decades particularly among the youths was confronted with problems of non-possession of sound knowledge of entrepreneurship by the students as well as inept government decisions and high cost of running small businesses.

In his paper presentation titled, “Cultural Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria’, delivered during the World Culture Day in Abuja, the President, International Theatre

Institute (ITI) Nigeria, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura maintained that absence of credible entrepreneurs led to the diminishing values of cultural products.

“Apart from plundered Nigerian cultural goods, there are instances where local people actually sell such art products to foreign collectors for paltry sums because of the absence of credible entrepreneurs who can value these goods appropriately, buy and resell at internationally competitive prices to the foreign buyers thereby providing the needed bridge between the locals who produce these goods and the consumers in Europe and United States of America.

According to him, “This condition seems to persist till date because the required infrastructure for viable investments by entrepreneurs in the sector is lacking. Sadly, this is over a century after Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914 and government is either unwilling or unable to play its role.

He further listed street begging culture, high level of poverty, gender profiling, dominance of extended families, low incorporation of science and technology, high tax regime as major problems obstructing the growth of cultural entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“The street begging culture in some Nigerian communities is also a limiting factor as potential entrepreneurs sometimes opt for alms-taking rather than task their brains no how to convert their social or physical conditions to productive activities.

Both the alms taker and alms giver are equal contributors to the perpetuation of this decency situation which limits entrepreneurial development.

Dandaura who is also the Head, department of Theatre and Cultural Studies in Nasarawa State University Keffi stressed, “It is important to improve the regulatory environment to better secure the intellectual property rights of creators and ensure better protection of investments in the cultural industries against domination by bigger foreign monopolies and the vagaries associated with the informal business environment.

“Government agencies and private organizations should embrace research and develop functional linkages with world class institutions in their fields of specialty so as to leverage new trends in production, packaging and marketing of cultural goods.

However, in a communiqué issued at the just concluded 7th African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Investment Forum organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Abuja and chaired by Prof Ben Ekanem, it was resolved that capacity building workshop should be organized to facilitate the the exchange of skills among craftsmen at both local and international level.

“That support should be given to initiatives that would bring about value addition which would enhance the competitiveness of our crafts products in the global market.

In view of the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) in Africa, the Oscars of Travel Industry, World Travel Awards has postponed the 2014 Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja today till 2015.

The decision to postpone the event which was expected to be attended by over one hundred leaders in Tourism industry across the world was reached between World Travel Awards and Transcorp Hilton Abuja to ensure the safety of guests.

A statement obtained by LEADERSHIP in World Travel Awards website quoted the President, Graham Cooke as saying that, “It is with great sadness that we have been forced to postpone our much anticipated Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony at this time. However, we are confident, along with our partners at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, that World Travel Awards will be able to visit Nigeria for the first time in 2015 to stage the event.

According to him, “We are working tirelessly to ensure our winners from the Africa & Indian Ocean regions receive the recognition they so richly deserve later in the year. We will release more details as soon as possible.”

On his part, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr Etienne Gailliez regretted the postponement of the Gala ceremony saying that it was necessary for the safety and security of guests.

“We regret the turn of events leading to the postponement of the Africa & India Ocean Gala Ceremony.

However, the safety and security of our guests remain of paramount importance even as we still look forward to hosting the event on a larger scale come 2015.”

Afro Tourism Expo Targets Employment, Gets UNWTO Endorsement

The maiden edition of Africa Tourism Exhibition has received the endorsement of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as one of the leading tourism events worldwide even as the exhibition would provide massive employment opportunities for the teeming youths.

The event which is scheduled to take place at International Conference Centre Abuja from 17th to 18th September is proudly supported by 10 organizations including LEADERSHIP GROUP, would provide Africa Tourism industries basic information about the leading hospitality brands as well as facilitating trade and investment partnership.

This was disclosed by the Principal Partner of Destination Marketing Extra Limited (DMX), Mr Joesef Karim while briefing newsmen in Abuja on measures put in place to ensure hitch-free expo tagged, ‘Afro Tourism Expo with the theme, ‘Creating The Framework, And Business Environment, For Investment In Africa’s Tourism Industries’. Organized by DMX, a Nigerian destination management company in partnership with tourism firms in South Africa and Canada, Karim noted that the maiden expo would attract participants from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya and among others.

Also speaking, the Vice President of National Association of Nigerian Travels Agents (NANTA) Abuja chapter, Alhaji Saleh Rabo was optimistic that the event would provide opportunity for Africans to invest in Nigeria tourism sectors saying that it would assist in addressing the challenges of youth employment.

Rabo who is the Co-founder of Afro Tourism Expo was optimistic that participants form Ebola endemic countries would not participate saying that hand sanitizers and gloves would be shared to participants to avert Ebola outbreak.

On her part, the Marketing Manager of Amadeus Travels, Ms Matilda Adetola was hopeful that the expo would underplay the negative issues happening in Nigeria and reveal the goodies in the country.

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.

tax f0cus 19

September 5, 2014

Taxation Of Contract And Direct Labour Procurement Introduction The Nigerian tax laws have provisions for the taxation of contract expenditure including those of government, ministries, departments and agencies.

The withholding tax (WHT) provision was introduced into the tax system in 1997 with limited coverage to rent, dividends and directors’ fees.

Tax deduction at source has since been expanded to include: • 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.

The introduction of WHT regime came about in order to address the problem of tax evasion although, there is the overriding objective of full disclosure, transparency, predictability and fairness.

Despite the huge tax revenue from the award of contract and related source deductions, there is a growing interest in the usage of direct labour system in project procurement in Nigeria especially in the public sector.

Direct labour system is one of the several options of procurement used for project delivery process. This type of system is regarded as in-house because the procuring entity is different from contractor’s staff carrying out the project delivery process and activities. One of the reasons for the preference for direct labour procurement is the tax effect. Government ministries, departments and agencies consume the services of contractors and hence are to be charged VAT by contractors who execute contract for them.

This paper is intended to highlight how Government expenditures are taxed in Nigeria and the extent to which direct labour procurement can be a tax evasion scheme.

This paper will not in any way, address tax issues relating to corporate and individual expenditures.

The public procurement act 2007 and award of contract By the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the following should be noted about award of contract and public procurement:• Procuring entities should outsource those services that are either not part of their core business activity or for which there is a fluctuating requirement in terms of

specialist skills or equipment, or where the open market provides a more efficient and commercial alternative.

• The approval and maintenance of monetary and prior review thresholds is important for the faithful implementation of the PPA. The thresholds establish relevant approving authorities and methodologies. “Monetary Thresholds” is defined in the interpretative section of the Act to mean the value limit in naira set by the Bureau outside of which an approving authority may not award a procurement contract.

• Procurement to be executed:• by open competitive bidding, except as otherwise exempted; • In a manner which is transparent, timely, and equitable for ensuring accountability and conformity with the Public Procurement Act and regulations deriving there from; • With the aim of achieving value for money and fitness for purpose; • In a manner which promotes competition, economy and efficiency; and • In accordance with the laid down procedures and timelines.

Where the Bureau has • set prior review thresholds, no funds shall be disbursed from the treasury/federation account/ or any bank account of any procuring entity for any procurement falling above the set thresholds unless the cheque, warrant or other form of request for payment is accompanied by a “Certificate of ‘No Objection’ to Award of Contract” duly issued by the Bureau.

• Subject to the monetary and prior review thresholds for procurements, the parastatal tenders’ board of a government agency, parastatal, or corporation or in the case of a ministry or extra-ministerial entity,a ministerial tenders board shall be the approving authority for the conduct of public procurement.

• The following procedure shall be observed by ministries, extra ministerial offices, and other arms of government in implementing their procurement plans, viz; • Advertise and solicit for bids in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Bureau from time to time; • Invite two (2) credible persons as observers in every procurement process, one from a private sector professional organization relevant to the procurement and the other from non-government organization working in transparency, accountability and/or anticorruption areas;

tax in focus • Receive, evaluate and make a selection of the bids in accordance with prescribed guidelines; • Obtain the approval of the tenders board for the award of contract to successful bidder.

• Obtain “certificate of ‘No objection’ to award contract” Acting chairman, FIRS, Kabiru Mashi from the Bureau than where contract is outside the N50 million N5 million threshold. and above but less than N250 • All bidders in addition to million N2.50 million and requirements contained in any above but less than N50 million solicitation documents shall: N2.50 million and above but less • Possess the necessary: than N50 million • Professional and technical Accounting Officer:Permanent qualifications to carry out Less than N5 Secretary particular procurement million Less than N10 million • Financial capability; Less than N5 million Less • Equipment and other than N5 million relevant infrastructure; Accounting Officer: Director • Shall have adequate General/ CEO Less than personnel to perform the N2.50 million Less than obligations of the procurement N5 million Less than contracts.

N2.50 million Less than • Possess the legal capacity N2.50 million to enter into the procurement • Reduction or Contract contract splitting is an offence in the • Not be in receivership, Public Procurement Act. the subject of any form of • The Accounting Officer of insolvency or bankruptcy every procuring entity shall be proceedings or the subject of the person charged with the line any form of winding up petition supervision of the conduct of all or proceedings procurement process; in the case • Must have fulfilled all of Ministries, the Permanent its obligations to pay taxes, Secretary and in the case of pensions and social security Extra Ministerial Departments contributions. and Corporations, the Director • Procurement approval General or Officer of Coordinate threshold (2012) responsibility.

BPP issues “No • Procurement by accounting Objection” to award/ FEC officers must be on the basis of N100 million approves approved quotation or tender. and above N1.0 billion Selection must be made from at N100 million and above least three quotations. and above N100 million • Section 19 of the Public and above Procurement Act 2007 specifies conditions for “Force Account” Ministrial tenders board i.e direct labour, which should be N5 million and above but less executed within three months, N10 than N100 million to include million and above but less than • The procuring entity has N5 million N1.0 billion ascertained that a schedule and above but less than N100 of rates, cost – plus or target million N5 million and above contract would not be feasible, but less than N100 million as quantities of work to be carried out cannot be defined in Parastatal tenders board advance; N2.50 million and above but less • Works are small and

scattered or in remote locations with no local contractors and demobilization costs for outside contractors would be too high; • Works must be carried out without disrupting existing operations; • The risk of unavailable work interruptions is better borne by procuring entity than by a contractor; • No contractor is interested in conducting the work at a reasonable price; • It has been demonstrated that Force Account (Direct Labour) is the only practical method for constructing and maintaining works under special circumstances; or • Where national security would be compromised if any other method was used.

Reduction or contract splitting is an offence in the Public Procurement Act. • The accounting officer of every procuring entity shall be the person charged with the line supervision of the conduct of all procurement process; in the case of ministries, the permanent secretary and in the case of extra ministerial departments and corporations, the director general or officer of coordinate responsibility.

• Procurement by accounting officers must be on the basis of approved quotation or tender.

Selection must be made from at least three quotations.

• Section 19 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 specifies conditions for “Force Account” i.e direct labour which should be executed within three months, to include • The procuring entity has ascertained that a schedule of rates, cost – plus or target contract would not be feasible, as quantities of work to be carried out cannot be defined in advance; • Works are small and scattered or in remote locations with no local contractors and demobilization costs for outside contractors would be too high; • Works must be carried out without disrupting existing operations; • The risk of unavailable work interruptions is better borne by procuring entity than by a contractor; • No contractor is interested in conducting the work at a reasonable price; • It has been demonstrated that Force Account (Direct Labour) is the only practical method for constructing and maintaining works under special circumstances; or Where national - security would be compromised if any other method was used.

20 motoring

September 5, 2014,

Nigerian-Made Nissan Patrol Goes On Sale Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

The epoch making Nissan Patrol first to be assembled by Stallion Motors in Nigeria has charted its way in the upscale market, the company said yesterday.

Car buffs waiting to catch a glimpse of the latest Nissan Patrol would have every reason to celebrate the quantum of transformation in one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the global four-wheel drive (4WD) scene.

Now redesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than six decades old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA. Assembled in Nigeria by Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (NMN) plant in

Lagos, Nissan said the new Y62 Patrol as it’s fondly called, adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its ‘proper off-roader’ status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor.

Stallion NMN head of sales and marketing, the local Nissan sales company, Mr Amit Sharma said, “the new Y62 Patrol is not the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the practicality of a luxury sedan.

“And just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque, so does its multi-mode grip compensates for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water.”

Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank Softens Vehicle Acquisition Hyundai Motors Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc have unveil a credit facility for Nigerians who intend to acquire the Hyundai brand in line with the current government auto policy that seeks a robust local automobile industry.

Hyundai Motors head of sales and marketing, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni, who gave this hint at the inauguration ceremony in Lagos said fleet managers and prospective automobile patrons needed to take advantage of the newly inaugurated vehicle finance scheme to procure affordably priced Hyundai vehicles without necessarily paying conventional bank interest rate.

The joint initiative christened

“Hyundai/Diamond Centenary Offer” is designed to allow beneficiaries access bank loans to buy select Hyundai cars and offset the credit in 48 equal monthly instalments without paying management fee or presenting any collateral.

Nadkarni said the credit scheme was in line with Hyundai strategy and direction to make vehicle acquisition a seamless experience, explaining that successful customers would aside these seamless benefits enjoy series of other offers including free insurance cover for one year, free registration, free service for one year, free tracking devise and an Apple iPad for every car purchased.

Ford Expands Commercial Vehicle Lineup With New Transit Variants Ford’s all-new transit van and chassis cab variants, along with new Tourneo people movers, will become the backbone of small and large businesses, the company’s awardwinning commercial vehicles.

The two-tonne version of the Transit panel van is available to customers in both medium wheelbase (MWB) or extended long wheelbase jumbo configurations to suit customers’ load-carrying needs. Both versions also retain the smart load space features that have made Transit a household name abroad. These two vans are joined by the MWB and Jumbo versions of the Transit chassis cab, which businesses can tailor to fit their needs. The Tourneo is also added to the commercial vehicle lineup and wouldbe available in 15-seat configurations. Built from the ground up as a people mover, the Tourneo offers African businesses a factorybuilt bus for safely transporting passengers.

These new models are part of an

unprecedented renewal of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle range for South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, and they come to market alongside International Van of the Year winner for 2013, the Transit Custom, and the Tourneo Custom.

“As part of our expansion in South Africa and the Sub Sahara African region, we’re bringing in more Ford product than ever before - and that includes commercial vehicles,” said Gavin Golightly, marketing manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).

“The Transit has been a leader in Europe for over 25 years. Now, local businesses will also have access to the best on offer with the new Transit, which boasts smart capabilities that sets it apart from the crowd. We are also ensuring that we have a number of dedicated Ford Dealerships to better suit the needs of the new market these vehicles appeal to,” Golightly said.

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

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September 5, 2014

Democracy, media and good governance in Nigeria

A speech delivered by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, at the 2014 all Nigerian Editors Conference held at Ibrahim Shehu Shema Conference Hall, Local Government Service Commission, Katsina State on 28th‐31st August, 2014.

Let me start by expressing my profound appreciation to the organizers of the 2014 All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) for choosing Katsina State as a host of the 2014 conference.

As you are aware, Katsina is the home of hospitality. We do hope that you will have a good time in our historic city. I wish to welcome all of you and assure you of our resolve to make the event one of the best in recent times.

When the idea of hosting the conference was muted, I was highly delighted. It is an honor to host Nigerian Editors Conference because of the role of the media in advancing democratic norms and values.

The traditional role of the media in educating, informing and entertaining the citizenry is all encompassing and strategic, especially in a democratic society where individual freedom, openness and transparency in government are enshrined.

Democracy is a knowledge-based political system. Therefore, information and education are important components of any democratic system.

On the surface, entertainment may appear not important to democracy, but on a deeper analysis the relationship between entertainment and democracy is a strong one. Let us consider political songs or drama that promote violence or defaming of political opponents. As journalists will you play such songs to entertain your listeners? What are the implications of playing such songs and drama to peaceful co-existence?

As Journalists you should promote individual freedom especially freedom of expression. But freedom has never been absolute. Unfortunately, many politicians think that it is their right to say or write whatever they want even if it amounts to assassinating the character of their opponents. Freedom of one individual cannot compromise that of another under democracy and rule of law.

In advanced democracies, citizens are cautious in their exercise of their freedom of expression because the judiciary is very protective of the rights of all concerned. But in most African societies, especially Nigeria, people are reluctant to go to courts and claim damages because going to court is largely seen as going too extreme in pursuance of justice.

But this should not be the case. In fact, this is the more reason why judiciary is an integral part of democratic system.

Journalists are human beings with interest and institutions. To what extent do

.Shema .Shema you, as Editors, uphold the ethics of your profession that the truth is sacred? For me, you have just one challenge: TO BE FAIR TO ALL. And you have just one watch word: FAIRNESS. Whatever you do, you should ask yourselves these questions: AM I FAIR TO ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED? AM I FAIR TO THE SOCIETY? AM I FAIR TO MY COUNTRY? The above questions are important because not everything that comes to your way is worth publishing. That is why you are called Editors. You are gate keepers. The more garbage you allow into your media houses, the more the houses lose reputation and respect, nationally and internationally.

“ To e x e c u t e t h e s e projects and the new ones initiated by this administration, we did not borrow a kobo. I repeat we did not borrow a kobo, from the inception of this administration in 2007 to date. We used the money of the state to develop the State.”

In Katsina State, since I became Governor, we take education seriously because education is the soul of society. Democracy cannot thrive in an unenlightened society. This is why my administration spent over N11billion Naira to complete the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University. We also built 34 Girl Child Primary Schools, Constructed 260 Conventional Secondary Schools and over 100 Primary Schools. Education is not only free in the state, but the government also pays the WAEC, NABTEB and NECO fees for all students. We have just released N800 million for the payment of the examination fees. The Government has also sponsored 700 students abroad for different courses.

Residents of Katsina State are also aware of how we re-engineered the State Radio and Television for effective delivery of services.

We believe in freedom of expression as a foundation of robost debates and engagements with a view to finding solutions to our problems.

To promote good governance in the state we also addressed important sectors of the economy especially roads and infrastructure.

This administration executed 58 road projects including the ring road. We also invested N3.8 billion in the Songhai Agricultural project to introduce and sustain modern methods of farming which is the key to food security and higher income for farmers. This is in addition to youth empowerment programmes especially the Youth Craft Village which has trained over 5,000 students in 18 different trades such as computer maintenance and networking, GSM repairs, auto-mechanic and electronics, leather works, film making and photography etc. The government has also constructed over 2,000 houses and completed a standard 35, 000 seater stadiums to ensure the physical development of our youth.

Existing water supply schemes have been expanded and new ones constructed. Also over 3, 000 boreholes were constructed in rural areas. In the energy sector, 75 megawatts windmill solar powered projects are ongoing in the state. It is interesting to note that we completed all the projects initiated by my predecessor especially the State University, Turai Yar'adua Maternity and Children Hospital, Airport, 8 road projects, water and electrification projects, before we started new ones.

To execute these projects and the new ones initiated by this administration, we did not borrow a kobo. I repeat we did not borrow a kobo, from the inception of this administration in 2007 to date. We used the money of the state to develop the State. We also pay N240 million every month as pension and have implemented N18,000 minimum wage, using the best scale in the country as testified by state and national labour leaders. Workers in the state get their salary between 22nd-25th of every month.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I can take the whole day reeling out our achievements as a democratic government. But there is no time for that. Fortunately, I learnt that a tour of the state has been organized for you. I expect the organizers to take time to take you round. We shall talk when you come back.

Thank you for your time.

22

September 5, 2014

23

September 5, 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

24

September 5, 2014

Bernard Okhakume MC & A Weekly Digest market consumer advertising 08053040003

C

mcaandadigestweekly@gmail.com

Brands And De-marketing (2)

onsider this very sad story involving FedEx in Southern California, USA presently streaming (as at Thursday December 22, 2011, about an irresponsible employee.

According to the footage captured in a surveillance camera, the FedEx driver was to deliver a customer’s parcel, which is a computer monitor. On getting to the address, the guy just carelessly tossed the monitor over the fence. That was awful in any case, but it is worse so because at the time, the recipient was not only at home, the gates to the house were wide open! Can you ever imagine that? Whatever stopped the guy from simply knocking and going in to carefully deliver the parcel, he did the unimaginable.

FedEx is spending more than can be imagined to undo the damage this unfortunate development is costing the brand presently.

In a market like ours in Nigeria wouldn’t the driver and the company have been free to go? Where would have been the surveillance camera to pick the driver? Even if the consumer complains, it would have been his/her word against the driver’s. Fed Ex has not only replaced the damaged monitor, its

senior vice president Mathew Thoraton just posted an unreserved apology on the net for the driver’s misbehavior! But I still recall my experience with NIPOST speed delivery service some time in 1988/89, I sent a parcel from Sokoto to Lagos till date, it is yet to arrive. Within the first week of their failure to deliver the parcel to the destination I made my complaint, wrote letters through Sokoto office to Lagos headquarters, without response. In fact, the most senior officer at the Sokoto office then advised I forgot about the matter because nothing will come out of it. So it turned out.

So, the efficiency of any brand is to a large extent dependent upon the extent of the market’s development and sophistication.

The prevalent situation in the underdeveloped or developing markets is the reason why brands will not keep to their promises, compromise, abuse and cheat consumers without consequence. How else would one describe a situation where sales promo based on raffle draws are never won by anybody and so much lies are told on newspaper pages of winners. Often times you find that names and addresses of publicized

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

Nigeria is the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa with population of over 160 million growing at 3 Percent annually. The economy recorded impressive growth of 7.85 percent in 2010 and 7.72 percent as of the second quarter of 2011 compared to 5.2% forecast for sub-Sahara Africa and food inflation has been on a downward trend from 14.1% in October 2010 to 9.7% in October 2011. Petroleum powers the country‘s economy and petroleum exports account for 20 percent of GDP, 95 percent of total export earnings and close to 85 percent of federal government revenue. According to Global Agriculture information network.

With her population, Nigeria provides a large and attractive retail food sector.

The major traditional Foodstuffs consumed by majority of the population including, corn, cassava, rice, sorghum, beans, tubers, and seafood (fish) etc are predominantly unprocessed and/or semi-processed. However, changing demographics and lifestyles are resulting in increasing consumer preference for wide range of convenience, processed and packaged as well as nutrition foods.

Agbaji@yahoo.com

These are assisting Nigeria‘s retail food sector to expand, as a result food processing and packaging has become a good business venture to go into for both local and export markets.

THE FOOD TRANSFORMATION RESULT Although the traditional open-air markets remain the dominant channel for Nigeria‘s retail food sales, the country‘s retail food sector has been undergoing change over the last decade with international Supermarket brands entering the country; gradual improvement in the power sector, new malls being constructed according to international standard and the steady transformation of informal markets into more formal and modern facilities are setting new bars by providing a wide choice of shopping experiences in a modern, customer-oriented, building. Any food that are consumed in Nigeria can be processed and packaged for local and international consumptions, such as cassava,yam,pla ntain,beans,crayfish,paper(sokoto,nsuk ka)potatoes(Irish/local)okpa, etc. Some

“winners” are not given to easy independent verification. Sometimes you see awkward combination of names from places so far away from common imagination, it discourages further questioning.

Unfortunately, consumer protection is not popular in this market, so the consumer remains at the mercy of persons ad brands that decides to abuse the system.

Bad as the situation is today with the consumers, however, we like to put it before all such brands careless with delivering on their promises that they are gradually burn-

ing their candles (from both ends) , with the consumers. Indications are that the population of discerning consumers is growing, and very soon brands will be accountable for their deeds, in this market. When that happens, it will reverberate as the consequence of involuntary DE-MARKETING to all such brands that are presently taking us consumers for granted, such that will not be unto any good. It is bad enough that nobody cares for or about the consumer, irrespective of the horde of non-governmental organizations signed up for that role and even the government institutions established for same reason. Even when brands flaunt their NSO and NAFDAC numbers, it all amounts to nothing before the consumer. But to all you liar-brands, rest assured you are compromising yourselves for the future, as you continue to abuse consumers for immediate gains.

Or could be you are all experimenting with DE-MARKETING dangerously. 2012 business year could just turn out a new beginning. ➔ CONCLUDED

Food Processing And Packaging Business of the machines used can be fabricated locally.

A good testimony of an indigenous processing and packaging company is Ayoola Foods Ltd and Dangote groups They commenced business with few products, today they have wide range of products which include flowers,nodles, sugar,salt,Poundo Yam, Yam Flour, Cassava Flour, Plantain Flour, Beans Flour, Brown Beans and Cassava Fufu among others. All their products are duly registered by National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC),and consumed local and internationally.

FOOD PROCESSING AND PACKAGING REQUIREMETNS Location of business area, you have to consider some factors while locating your business, power supply, raw material, storage facilities, market etc and the land should be up to 1000 squarmeters.

Factory building which must be standard and inline with regulatory bodies’ specifications.

Business registration (cooperates af-

Money spent on the brain is never spent in vain. ― English proverb

fairs commission, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Standard Organization of Nigeria/National Food, Drug Administration and Control, local government etc) Equipment (Flash dryer, packaging machines, Granding machines, weight machines, etc) Motor vehicles for distributions of products Storage facility The return on this project is quite attractive and impressive that it would be difficult for any financial institution especially micro- finance banks with discerning credit officers to turn down any loan request for funding this project. Promoters of this venture will also feel comfortable to release their hard earned money to finance this project because food processing business is a business with 100% return on investment in Nigeria today going by our population and improved standard of living.

NOTE You can cut your own edge and focus on a particular product that you know has a very good market potential and potential to expand into other products such as cassava etc.

September 5, 2014

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide

ESSENTIALS PLAYLIST

razak’s diary Tattles Getting money is like digging with a needle. Spending it is like water soaking into the sand.

― Japanese Proverb

26

STARTERS

September 5, 2014

Top 10 Movies September 1-7, 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures $281,204,000 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Paramount Pictures $166,278,000 If I Stay Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution $32,330,500

Let’s Be Cops 20th Century Fox Distribution $59,492,700 As Above, So Below Universal Pictures $10,284,100 The November Man Relativity Media Distribution Group $11,797,400 7 When the Game Stands Tall TriStar Pictures $18,828,500

8 The Giver The Weinstein Company $33,230,300 9 The Hundred-Foot Journey Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures $41,262,600 10 The Expendables Nu Image/Millennium Films $34,177,600 fridayleadership@leadership.ng follow us on Twitter @essentialsng

one TO WATCH

Essentials Playlist With

Top 10 Hottest Male Artistes In Nigeria 10. Sean Tizzle

Sean Tizzle sealed his entry into the music scene with a series of breath-taking moves. From the release of Sho Lee and the controversy that later trailed the track’s success over song-writing credits, he rode on the chariots given him by producer D’Tunes and Difference Entertainment to carve out his territory. Tizzle’s sound is majorly Africaninfluenced and when they’re married with his comfortable tenor range, he meanders towards genius in his sonorous offerings.

Consecutively, he released Mama Eh/ International Badman, Komole and Kilogbe, all to critical acclaim. Then came the Hip-hop Awards where he made a huge statement by winning a couple of heads. Many greeted his mergence with indifference, but against all expectation, he came through with his debut album The Journey. Since then, he’s remained resolute in his career art releasing followup videos for tracks like Take It and Perfect Gentleman.

9. Oritse Femi

The self-declared ‘Musical Taliban’, Oritse Femi sure won’t be offended if we refer to him as one taking the bull by its horns. The release of his single Double Wahala marked his moment of re-emancipation and a complete dissociation from the league of has-beens after a long hiatus. The street classic dedicated to Afro-beat legend, Fela, got music-lovers clogging up the Internet as they moved in their numbers download.

In the wake of the 2014, he enlisted the services of O.B.O crooner, Davido, to power his Sexy Ladies track. He followed it up with a remix of Double Wahala with D’banj, leaving us at a loss: was the re-mix born out of popular demand or the need to extend its waning glory? After that came two singles; Body & Soul and Redi Dance, tracks tailored after the successes of his previous hit singles.

At this point, Oritse Femi rose to become sought after. Ice Prince cornered him into assisting vocals on Tears for Naija – a freestyle cut for the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

2Face’s mentee, Joe El didn’t pass up the opportunity when it came calling and the result was Oya Now produced by OJB Jezreel.

Story Story is no longer what we thought to be a most unusual collaboration, as both Iyanya and Femi failed to gel. They were more like oil and water.

8. Iyanya

It’s safe to say that Iyanya has grown out of his Project Fame reputation, having fashioned an art and style relative to his music craft.

Iyanya bade farewell to obscurity a second time when the vocal single that broke his

career waters, Kukere, launched him into the deep. Co-owning the Made Men Music Group music label was the next big thing following the release of his commercial debut album Iyanya vs Desire, which had hits like Jombolo ft. Flavour, Ur Waist ft. Emma Nyra, Somebody ft. Tiwa Savage and Sexy Mama ft. Wizkid.

While there’s a bit of déjà vu in the sounds Iyanya creates, his visuals are crisp-clear and clean (not literally). Lekwa Ukwu and Away are very good examples. He’s become a soughtafter vocalist and for good reason too. His most unusual take to Story Story, a recent collaboration effort with Oritse Femi, is fast growing on fans. Iyanya’s Instagram page has become a mecca for female fans; he has become a sight for their sore eyes.

7. Reminisce

When Time magazine lists you as one out of the seven World Rappers You Should Meet, then you know it takes a little more than just creative prowess and style eccentricity to achieve such a feat. Reminisce first got us with Kako Bii Chicken – a supposed rap track with a vocal delivery so not relative to the usual style of rap we’ve come to know. The song was received with critical acclaim and, automatically, became his break-out single, preparing the way for his debut album Book of Rap Stories through which songs like If Only and 2Musshh shone through. When it seemed as if we’d seen it all, 2013 brought us Alaga Ibile – a breakthrough album with instant hits like Eleniyan ft. Wizkid, 3rd World Thug, Daddy Mi ft. Davido and Fantasi. Recently, he put out Tesojue, his first official single for the year 2014 and it has left us in eager expectation of what else he holds in stock.

6. Phyno

Phyno’s most striking feature might be his eccentric sense of style, but there’s more to his stunner shades and the Mohawk when he’s spitting out lines in his local dialect over synchronised music bars. Phyno is one superstar who has enjoyed loyalty from fans, both in Eastern Nigeria and everywhere else.

Prior to the release of his debut album, No Guts No Glory, his singles Ghost Mode ft.

Olamide, Man of the Year (Obago), Parcel, and Anamachi Versachi catapulted him to fame while songs like O Set ft. P-Square, Icholiya? ft. Ice Prince and M.I and the controversial Authe ft. Flavour after the album release, kept him on a cruise. In like manner, he has shown great versatility in genre-switching, especially on Dr Sid’s Surulere Remix, Mo’Cheddah’s Destinambari, Leriq’s Turn Up and B-Red’s Iwotago?. The song Alobam, a song in its own class, has become his business franchise!

To be continued next week

Revenge If you are one who likes emotional drama, this is the show for you. Revenge revolves around Emily Thorne who comes to the Hamptons and rents a beach house next to the Grayson family mansion for the summer. Emily is really Amanda Clarke, whose father was framed for treason when she was a little girl. After a lengthy trial, he was imprisoned for life and set-up to be murdered in prison by agents of the people who framed him. Amanda was separated from him after his trial and never saw him afterwards.

She has now returned to the Hamptons as an adult to exert revenge on those who wronged her family. Her primary target is Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe), matriarch of the Grayson family, who loved and betrayed Amanda’s father. The show focuses on Amanda’s plot to destroy every

individual who played a role in her father’s imprisonment. Along the way, she discovers various facts about her father’s past which change her plans many times. As the series progresses, Amanda brings in other individuals as allies for her plan. As Amanda executes the stages of her elaborate plan, she finds it difficult to remain emotionally detached. She struggles to identify her true motivations and examines how her actions change her sense of identity. Dorothy Rabinowitz of The Wall Street Journal praised the series, writing that “The arrival of one pure and unadulterated drama about a passion as old as man is something to celebrate.

That’s particularly true when that drama is as spell-binding in its satisfyingly gaudy way, as Revenge turns out to be”.

The show stars Madeleine Stowe, Emily Van Camp and Gabriel Mann.

movie review Verdict Genre Short Film Director Stanlee Ohikhuare Year 2014 As expected, Stanlee Ohikhuare doesn’t fail to fully portray his message with as less elements as possible. Here, he gives an absurdist treatment to the absurd explanation given by the US Army on the rape and death of La Vena Johnson.

However, this Oscar-worthy film fails to take into due consideration the primary

audience. With near-perfect acting and directing, Ohikhuare might have just wasted resources on an issue that holds little or no importance to his immediate community. Unless if his immediate community is the Army of the United States of America (which is not the case). Besides that little glitch, this is a masterpiece.

— Reviewed by Innocent Ekejiuba of NollySilverScreen.com

group EDITOR Lerato Miriam Umah 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 5, 2014

EssEntials Taste

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika

Boiled crayfish

Crayfish is usually boiled in a large pot with heavy seasoning

ingredients

6 whole crayfish 2 large onion balls 1 teaspoon of salt 1 carrot 6 pepper cones 20gm butter 1/2 lemon (juice) 1 cup of dry white wine Water to cover

Method

Slice the carrot and the onions and set aside. Fry gently in butter until golden brown. Add the wine and the water slowly and allow simmering gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Put in the crayfish. Boil for 2 minutes and then simmer for 10 minutes. It is ready to be served.

Get the treat With Crayfish

Crayfish is a very popular seafood. It can be boiled, fried, grilled, steamed or even made the main ingredient for soups, cutlets and cold salads. Other popular dishes made from crayfish include crayfish pie, crayfish dressing, crayfish bread and crayfish beignets.

Crayfish has high omega-3 fatty acid content. According to a recent research, crayfish is an excellent

Health benefits

EssEntials Taste

example of low-fat protein. The protein contained in crayfish is of high quality. It also contains

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika

Bell Pepper ingredients

Bell Pepper Mixing bell pepper with tomatoes is a wonderful combination which produces a tangy taste. The pepper comes in a wide range of vivid colours; green, red, yellow, orange, purple, brown and black. Despite their varied palette, all are the same plant and have the same taste.

Unlike the other peppers, bell pepper is not hot. In Nigeria, the pepper is mostly consumed by the Yorubas in South-western Nigeria.

Health benefits of bell peppers

Bell peppers are low in calories. Also, they contain plenty of Vitamin C, several phytochemicals and carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which helps with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent studies have shown that bell pepper reduces bad cholesterol, controls diabetes, brings relief from pain and eases inflammation. It is also a good source of vitamins E and B6.

Recipe: Bell Pepper Mixture Sauce ingredients

• 5 medium-sized red bell peppers (tatashe) • Scotch Bonnet pepper to taste (ata rodo) • 8 medium-sized tomatoes • 1 medium-sized onion

Direction

• Chop the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion and scotch bonnet peppers and blend with a blender.

Remember to remove the seeds from the bell peppers before chopping.

• Puree to a fine paste (you might need to add some water to help make blending easier).

• Pour the mixture into a sieve and set aside for about 20 minutes. The essence is to help reduce the excess in the mixture and, as well, reduce cooking time.

• Pour the sieved mixture into a pot, boil on medium heat until the water is completely dried up.

• Your bell pepper sauce is ready. You can use it in preparation of any of your favourite stew.

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

abundant essential amino acids and is an easy-to-digestible food for people of all ages.

28

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 5, 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

FRIDAY EXTRA H

INSIDE

assan Ibrahim, a farmer in Garko, a village along Bauchi-Gombe road said groundnut farming is their source of livelihood. “I learnt the art of cultivating groundnut from my father who learnt from his own father, my grandfather”, he said, as he analysed the sequential dissension of this noble activity in his lineage.

“Every year, we cultivate groundnuts in quantum, preserve and transport it to Gombe or the neighboring Bauchi State to sell. Sometimes we have buyers coming to us from the Eastern part of the country. When we sell, we make a lot of money that we use in purchasing other household needs for our family use,” the farmer told LEADERSHIP Friday.

The village head of Dukku in Dukku local government area of Gombe state was quite the enthusiast as he discussed groundnut faming; one could see his eyes light up with excitement. Explaining to LEADERSHIP Friday the importance of groundnut farming, he said “Groundnut farming is the major activity of the people of Gombe State. Its importance cannot be overemphasized to the people of this community in particular and the state in general because apart from selling groundnuts, we also eat, extract oil from it and make other consumer products like kuli-kuli, a local cracker eaten in parts of the north and exported to other parts of the country.”

History of the great groundnut pyramids Not too long ago, Agriculture used to be the bastion of Nigerian economy and groundnut farming was once one of the major contributors to the economic upsurge, especially in the northern part of the country. However, the once vibrant, invaluable and a major determinant of our gross domestic product (GDP) has dwindled significantly, causing a serious decline in its production.

During the era of agricultural boom from the time of colonization up to the late eighties, statistics have shown that the people of old Bauchi which parts now form Gombe State, contributed up to 65 percent of groundnut export to Kano. In effect however, if agriculture constitutes about 60 percent of our economy as speculated then, the northern region alone may have contributed about 40 percent which in furtherance, the people of old Bauchi would have contributed up to the co-efficient of 20 percent. It is against this backdrop that about 70 percent of the entire population of Gombe who are peasant farmers engage in groundnut farming.

From Funakaye in the north to Yamaltu-Delta in the southern part of the state, groundnut farming is the major activity of the farmers. According to a member of the state farmer’s association who claimed anonymity, last year alone, Gombe produced about 1,400 metric tons of groundnuts. “Gombe state did not only produce groundnut, we also made it into finished, consumable goods’’ he said.

For the people of Nafada in Nafada/

September 5, 2014

Groundunt farming has become an integral part of agricultural practices in Northern Nigeria

‘Groundnut Farming Is Our Life, We Can’t Give It Up’ The great groundnut pyramids of Kano may have slowly been fizzled out but the people of the north-eastern state of Gombe will not let the legacies of their forefathers go in vain just yet. MAHA ABDUL ALI spoke with some farmers in Gombe who say that they will do anything to preserve their heritage as far as groundnut farming is concerned.

Bajoga local government area of the state, groundnut is life. “We eat groundnut, we make money from groundnut, we feed our domestic animals with its leaves and do so many things with groundnuts, including soup”, Usman Kabir of Nafada town informed LEADERSHIP Friday as a matter of fact.

Walking through the town of Nafada really justified the claims of Kabiru as there is no any household visited that did not boast of a bag of groundnut in their local food barn.

Alhaji Iliyasu Barde is a wholesaler in Dukku town who buys from the local farmers and sells them off to Igbos from the Eastern part of the country. According Barde, he sometimes took two to three trailers load of groundnuts from his warehouse to either Kano or Lagos.

He also said traders from neighbouring countries like Cameroon would also come to patronise his products.

Barde had no hesitation in disclosing that groundnut business has fetched him a lot of money over the years.

“This is the only business me and my family engage in, he reveals. “From this business, five of my children have al-

ready graduated from the University and four others are presently studying various courses in Universities across the country. Through this business, I married four wives and by the grace of Allah, I am fending for many other lessprivileged people. Groundnut farming is a blessing to the people of Gombe State” he concludes happily.

However, while people like Barde may be smiling to the bank, there are challenges militating against efficiency as Geoffrey Jatau reveals to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY. He laments how inadequate farming equipment and their inability to get access to or even afford fertilizers have been the bane of their occupational woes.

“It’s been so difficult to get modern farming tools and also fertilizers”, he said. He went further to say that the money they make from the sales of their farm produce is not enough to sustain their families not to talk of buying farm tools and fertilizer due to prices that skyrocket everyday. “Consequently, our farm tools are obsolete and the growth of our crops is stunted as a result of the dearth in the fertility of the land caused

by continuous crop rotation”.

To ameliorate these problems, Mr. Jatau solicits for government’s support in the area of fertilizer and farm input procurement. “We need the government to provide fertilizers for us and other farm input such as tractors and high breed seeds’’ he appealed.

According to a member of the state farmer’s association, if groundnut farming has put food on the table of many people in Gombe State and its environs, then we strongly advise that Government’s poverty alleviation programmers should be extended and expanded to accommodate agriculture, especially the promotion of groundnut farming in the state. He said that this can be achieved through the federal and state government poverty alleviation programmes which should invest heavily in agriculture especially groundnut farming.

Secondly, he said government should establish cottage industries like groundnut processing companies in the state and make such highly productive and functional. Thirdly, the people should be encourage to improve their productivity through the provision of subsidized farm inputs like fertilizer, not only that, it should be made available and affordable.

He also encourages the sensitisation of farmers to move from subsistence farming to mechanize farming. “To do this, the government ought to assist with farm equipment and the necessary funds that can make such transition possible.”

Best Places to to... Whale Watching Big Questions & Answers nobel ultimate top list Why... answers to scientific questions

30 FRIDAY EXTRA/Best places to go...

September 5, 2014

Until you’ve seen a whale up close and in person, your appreciation for nature hasn’t been fully charged. It is, to say the least, an electrifying moment to see these behemoths, and it’s one of those bucket list items you won’t check just once and move on. You will want to return, if you can, as often as you can to watch these giants who are, by the way, watching you.

Whale Watching

T

he finback, which is the second largest of the whale species in the world, is seen on a regular basis in the waters around Cape Cod. The best time to go whale watching in this region is between the months of June and September when, after nursing their young in the tropics, whales return to Cape Cod to feed. Although there are plenty of charter services that will take you out into the water from Provincetown, check out Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, which are a short bike ride from Provincetown.

Olympic National Park in Washington is a prime spot to see gray whales heading north in spring, and they can easily be spotted from shore. For the best views, just head to Kalaloch Lodge, which sits high on a bluff within the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which shares 65 miles of coast with the park. In summer, the national park service itself holds interpretive beach and tide-pool walks

led by park rangers.

One of the most anticipated events in Maui, Hawaii, in December is the arrival of the humpback whale. As many as 3,000 whales come to mate and give birth in the warm and protected waters that flow between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. However, the best place to view this phenomenon on Maui is at Papawai Point, near the 8-mile marker on the Honoapiilani Highway. What’s really unique about the whale-watching experience here is that it’s one of the best spots to eavesdrop on whales’ mating calls, and boat captains will drop an underwater microphone so you can hear them.

Whales will travel thousands of miles to feed in the waters of Alaska, and you’ve got a good chance of spotting humpback and orca whales in summer. Beyond that, species such as beluga, bowhead, gray, minke, and northern right whales also inhabit Alaskan waters so it’s a nobrainer that you’ll see something. For the best chance of spotting these marine

creatures, take an excursion in the Gla- whale here, as a pod of about 15 to 20 cier Bay and Kenai Fjords National Parks. lives here during the season. If you preGlacier Bay Lodge operates the only day fer to skip the tour, you can still spot the tour in Glacier Bay, an 8-hour experience whales from the lodge itself. that runs from late May through early September. You’ll likely spot a humpback ➔ 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

to Whale Watching FRIDAY EXTRA 31

September 5, 2014 All up and down the coast of Vancouver Island is prime viewing for orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales. More than 85 orcas (a.k.a. killer whales) reside off the coast of southern Vancouver Island, comprised of three pods. You can spot them easily from Amphitrite Lighthouse on the coast of Ucluelet, along the 6-mile Wild Pacific Trail. Or go during the gray whale migration between February and May, when the majestic creatures travel the thousands of miles from Baja California to their feeding grounds in the Bering Strait. If you really want to get the full experience, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival takes place every March and includes various whale-watching excursions, interpretive lectures, and other events.

Between the Baja California peninsula and the mainland of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is a favorite spot for migrating whales between December and April.

Why? It’s a combination of balmy waters, high salt content for buoyancy, and protected lagoons that keep the whales safe from predators. In fact, this migration route is thought to be the longest of any animal on earth, as the whales voyage some 12,000 miles from their Arctic feeding grounds to the Sea of Cortez.

For an eye-to-eye view, many experienced whale watchers will rent kayaks to get a close and personal view of the whales. Near Los Cabos, Mexico, whales tend to stick to the shallow lagoons around San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and Ojo de Liebre and often get close enough to shore to be visible from land.

The seaside town of Kaikoura on New

Zealand’s South Island is one of the best places on earth to see the mighty sperm whale-in fact, what makes this such a prime destination is that these mighty giants can be spotted year-round. You’re also likely to see orcas between December and March and humpbacks in June and July. There’s no shortage of whale-watching tour companies here, but for a really unusual perspective, hop on a low-flying

30-minute flight for an airborne view.

The little town of Hermanus, located about 70 miles southeast of Cape Town, is the center of South Africa’s aptly named Whale Coast.

Between July and November, southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to Walker Bay, usually peaking in October; humpbacks are also known to frequent the area starting in May. What’s excep-

tional about this place is that you don’t even need to go out on a boat: The whales are easily spotted right from the shore.

A stretch of cliff paths feature telescopes and benches where you can sit back and enjoy the show. And here’s something you didn’t know: Hermanus actually has its own official “whale crier,” who patrols the town and blows his kelp horn to signal sightings.

Whale Watching For Free There are plenty of places where you can catch a glimpse of whales for free.

In the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California, the end of the overlook trail is a great spot to watch whales migrate. San Simeon State Park in San Luis Obispo County has plenty of whale-watching spots along the boardwalk that runs parallel to Moonstone Beach.

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles, is one of the best places in California to see the gray whale migration, with docents helping visitors spot the whales offshore.

In Oregon, good viewing points include Cape Lookout State Park and Boiler Bay State Park. In fact, volunteers from the Oregon parks and recreation department are stationed at 28 different locations along the coast to help visitors see the great whales.

In the state of Washington, whales pass right by the town of Westport, on the Olympic peninsula, about 21f2 hours from Seattle. In summer, orcas migrate past Washington State.

And on the west side of San Juan Island, a state park nicknamed Whale Watch Park (officially called Lime Kiln Point State Park) is considered one of the best spots to view the whales, which come right up to the shoreline.

Here’s a tip: If whale watching is high on your priority List, come prepared with portable chair, a cooler, and a pair of binoculars to enjoy the show.

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 5, 2014

A Century Of Prize Winners

Willy Brandt

(1913-1992) In 1971 Chancellor Willy Brandt became the fourth German citizen to receive the N obel Peace Prize. For a number of years he had been a political refugee in Norway. He was also a refugee in Sweden and only returned to his native country after World War 11, when he began his political career.

Born Herbert Ernst Karl Frahm on December 18, 1913, in the city of Lubeck, He was still a young man when the Nazis came to power. He quickly became active in politics, first joining the Socialist Party of Germany (SPD) in 1930 and more radical movements later; he assumed his new name in 1933 in an attempt to avoid arrest by the gestapo.

When he was 20 Willy Brandt left for Norway, where he studied history and journalism and helped the victims of Nazi persecution. While still a refugee Brandt played an important role in the process of awarding the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize to the German pacifist Carl von Ossietzky, a journalist who was arrested and spent five years in concentration camps for his writings. During this time Brandt was stripped of his German citizenship.

When Germany invaded Norway in 1940 Brandt was forced to flee the country and became a refugee in Sweden. At the end of World War 11 he moved to West Berlin and a year later he re acquired his German citizenship. As a Social Democrat Willy Brandt was elected a deputy in the first legislature of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. In 1957, he became the mayor of West Berlin.

In 1961 he assumed the leadership of the Social Democratic Party. He served as vice chancellor and foreign minister from 1966 to 1969. He finally achieved his goal in 1969, becoming chancellor, and he was also re-elected in the 1972 general elections.

Willy Brandt won the 1971 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in diffusing the tension between Eastern and Western Europe. His policy, known as Ostopolitik, led Germany to sign nonaggression pacts with the USSR, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Ostopolitik was based on Brandt’s acceptance of Germany’s loss of more than 40,000 square miles (I03 500 sq. km) of German land, which was awarded to Poland after World War 11, and Germany’s moral responsibility for atrocities carried out during the war. He was the first German leader to effectively resolve these lingering issues, and they helped to pave the way for his nation’s new place in Europe. He was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1970 for his influence on world events during the delicate rebuilding of Europe after World War 11. He died on October 8, 1992, at the age of 78.

For a poetry that, with the action of an elemental force, brings alive a continent’s destiny and dreams.

Pablo Neruda

peace

literature

(1904-1973) Pablo Neruda, the world-famous Chilean poet, received the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature and is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and this despite his belief that “all books should be anonymous.” Born Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto in 1904, he started to use his pseudonym at the age of 16, when he began working for the literary journal Selva Austral, in homage to the Czech poet [an Neruda (1834-1891).

The son of a railway worker in Parral, he published his first poem, “Entusiasmo y perseverancia” (“Enthusiasm and Perseverance”), at the age of 13 in the daily newspaper La Manana. Others were collected in the anthology Crepusculario, which was published in 192} Neruda achieved fame at an early age. The book Veinte poemas de amor y una cancion desesperada (Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, published in 1924) was an immense success, and the author was soon acclaimed as one of the most important young poets in Latin America. Meanwhile he studied French and pedagogy at the University of Chile in Santiago.

Between 1927 and 1935 he traveled the world as an honorary consul, spending time in Burma, Ceylon, Java, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid. During this period he wrote, among other things, a collection of esoteric, surrealist poems entitled Residencia en la Tierra (Residence on earth, 1933), which is seen as a turning point in his literary career.

He favored the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War after the death of Federico Garcia Lorca, whom he knew personally. It was at this time that he wrote Espaiia en el Coraz6n (Spain in the Heart, 1933), a book that had an enormous impact on the frontline. While living in Mexico Neruda rewrote Canto general de Chile (General Song of Chile, 1943), transforming it into an epic work on nature, people and the destiny of all South America; the work’s new title was, simply, Canto general (1950). The book was published in Mexico and circulated underground in Chile, and it is considered by many to be his most important piece of poetry.

He returned to Chile in 1943 and, two years later, was elected a senator and joined the Communist Party. However, his protests against the repressive acts of President Gonzalez Videla forced him into exile. After living in various European countries he returned to Chili in 1952. During this time he only wrote poems of a political nature, such as the verses collected in Las uvas y el viento (The Grapes and the Wind, 1954) and Odas elementales (Elementary Odes, 1954-1959).

Pablo Neruda died in 1973 at the age of 69.

In recognition of his rich and vitalizing ideas and the brilliant skill with which they have been presented.

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 5.09.2014

What No One Tells You about Being a Boss Letting go of fear makes you create the life that you haven’t even dared to dream yet

Work/Career How to Have Fun at Work

Finance

Marriage

Grooming

Health

The One Thing Parents Can Do To Teach Kids about Money

How to avoid divorce

Do’s and don’ts for the not so bereaved

Gonorrhoea

34 FORESIGHT

September 5, 2014,

WORK & CAREER

EmERgEnCy plAns SetbackS can throw you off balance, but having a back-up plan in place in caSe the unexpected happenS helpS you Stay on courSe and keepS you motivated to achieve your goal.

What No One Tells You about Being a Boss

W

hen you’re about to start a business you’ll receive plenty of advice. Everyone you know suddenly turns into an expert on financing, marketing and sales strategies, and technology and innovation.

But what you won’t hear is what it’s like to be a CEO, even if you’re the CEO of no one but yourself. Knowing the responsibility truly stops with you is a subject non-entrepreneurs know nothing about and even entrepreneurs rarely talk about.

You will still have a boss Most people assume you don’t have a boss when you’re the CEO. If you’re the sole owner that is, strictly speaking, true but you still have plenty of bosses. And that means you have to consider the different objectives of all those bosses when deciding what to do. Having greater latitude is one of the fun parts of being a CEO, but never assume you have free rein to do whatever you want.

The input you receive will often conflict Some investors may want you to focus more on short-term results than longterm growth. Different customers may want very different things.

Even individual board members can have very different opinions. Your job is to continue to tell the story of your company, continually make judgment calls, and continually balance personalities, needs, and goals.

Everything you do will be under a microscope.

As a CEO or business owner, you’re constantly on display, not just for the job you do but for things like what you wear, whether you use a Styrofoam cup instead of a mug and what that says about your environmental consciousness, what kind of car you drive, etc.

For example, an employee was talking with a boss’ wife at a company event and talked about how he was family oriented. That’s important; because he has kids. How did she decide

that? During a meeting he took a call from his wife. She rarely calls him at work and he wanted to make sure nothing was wrong. But what if for some reason, say he knew she planned to call at that time to leave him a message that wasn’t urgent and he had hit ‘Ignore’? Would that employee have thought he was not family oriented and that his company was not a family-friendly company?

Possibly so. When you’re under the microscope, it’s amazing what can be read into the smallest things. One interaction doesn’t necessarily send a major signal, but when your business is large enough and employees only see you occasionally, that one experience can form their entire opinion. Being in charge is like a double-edged sword.

You get to lead by example, but you can set tons of inadvertent examples. You can’t have a bad day.

You will be the worst boss you ever had Becoming your own boss theoretically frees you from being controlled and micromanaged. But your conscience is probably the most exacting taskmaster you’ve ever worked for.

Culled from forBeS.Com

foresight

Hassan gimba ahmed

group FOUNDEr CHairMaN grOUp MaNagiNg DirECTOr grOUp EXECUTiVE DirECTOrs

By Joy Jones Joylifechangers@gmail.com

How to Accelerate Your Promotion at Work As long as there is life, there is hope; this is the natural law of life. Everything that has life, grows, expands and produces.

That’s why man will always have ambition, set goals and expectations continually.

As long as there’s more to conquer, there will always be people willing to break those barriers and conquer new frontiers.

Promotion is one of such things.

It is a reward for meeting an expectation or reaching a target, whether at school or the workplace. When you meet an expectation set by your superiors, the natural protocol is to reward that achievement.

There are people however, who have been stagnated for a long time on the same level, who desire promotion, expect promotion but are yet to see their wishes come true. What could be the reason? While there are those who don’t even complete the cycle of time allotted for an expected promotion but get promoted anyway. That’s why you need to know how to accelerate a promotion.

How well do you know your company’s goals and priorities?

One of the things that separate employees on the promotion watch list is understanding who gets it. You need to know your organisation’s vision and align yourself with pleasing and meeting up with those goals. You will definitely be a favourite and will also not lack assignments because your understanding puts you in a preferred status already.

Be proactive, always a step

ahead of expectations It’s almost like you are a mind reader, being prepared for or already executed the next assignment even before it is given. You seem to always see it coming. You will definitely be the time saver and the genius.

Doing what others are reluctant to do A leader in the making is one who does what needs to be done rather than what’s he’s supposed to do. When you think and act like a leader, a supervisor or the manager, in cases where there was a need to do that and you saved the day. This is better than standing aside and saying; well it’s not your job or responsibility. You are likely to get promoted to that status you acted out naturally. And this promotion will be sooner rather than later.

When companies find natural leaders, they keep them.

Be a team player by helping other colleagues Some folks are obsessed with being good and looking good regardless of who’s hurt or who’s trampled on. This is bad for you at the long run. Goodwill is very important if you are to move up the ladder quickly.

Help others look good, by covering up for them, being a team player who recommends and complements others over a good job or good behaviour. This will always come back to you as well. People will choose you as their leader or preference when asked to recommend who should be over them. These are not all but few pointers to work on towards your desired promotion. Go get it!

InFlUEnCIng pEOplE

CONTENT Elizabeth Martin grapHiCs igwe-Ngerem Michael ag. EDiTOr

InFlUEnCE plUs

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

Memory Magic

“life iS all memory except for the one preSent moment that goeS by you So quick you hardly catch it going.”

Aside from expressing a desire to become more persuasive, as far as the next ‘wish-list’ attributes that most people would like a goo memory is always near the top of the list.

Life is all about memory. You don’t have to think hard to imagine how a better memory would enhance your life on a day-to-day level in the workplace and with family and friends.

A poor memory threatens everything in life: personal relationships, business contacts, income, and health the list is endless. But the sad truth is that most people pay little attention to improving their memory skills and consequently put up faulty recall. In business and personal life, the confidence that comes from a good power is valuable beyond measure.

FORESIGHT 35

September 5, 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 5, 2014, being inspired by role models

LEADERSHIP

Having a role model can be inspiring and motivating.

3 Types of Focused Leaders Where the leader looks, so goes the team and the company. Consider where you are focusing your efforts.

Learning to strike a healthy balance in your focus is key to driving your company to the success you want and envision.

Leaders fall into three categories: Internally-Focused If you are a leader that is internally focused, you follow the agenda of your staff. Their priorities are your priorities and you never seem to get around to your own to-do list.

You find yourself buried in your e-mail box late into the night and there never seems to be enough time to think about the steps you need to take to move your company to the next level. While caring for and attending to your employees’ needs, it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day weeds and never really focus on your most important role creating and sharing the strategy for the company.

What can you do? Start by establishing boundaries standing meetings with agendas, a known escalation path, and insisting that employees bring you solutions to the problems they believe are present, are all a good start. Ask yourself if you are empowering your employees to make decisions on their own, or are you suffering from control issues. You have a team for a reason. If you find you are doing their job for them, you need to seriously consider why and address it head on through training, giving up some control or making a change.

Externally-Focused An externally focused leader is driven by all of the outside forces pressing in on the company. You are concerned with what the latest competitor is doing, how the

economy is performing, whether or not your customers are happy. You are willing to sacrifice your internal resources and your time in pursuit of addressing these outside forces and you often use them as an excuse for your lack of success. If you were honest with yourself, you would realise that you have very little control over these things.

What can you do? Realise that companies have succeeded against huge competitors and in less than stellar business environments.

Competitors will always be innovating and you should certainly pay attention, but don’t let them distract you from your goal. New companies are inclined to take bad deals or build inferior products in an

“

to strike a healthy balance, focus is key to driving your company to the success you want and envision.

attempt to unseat a competitor only to suffer later because of issues with performance and the ability to finance projects signed.

And while the customer is always right, make sure it’s the right customer. Whole Foods doesn’t look to compete against Wal-Mart on price.

They understand their customer expects a different level of selection and experience.

The worst thing you can do is to dilute your brand by trying to be all things to all people.

Strategically-Focused You must find a beacon in the distance for your company and drive your organisation passionately in that direction. A strategically focused leader finds a healthy balance between servicing internal needs and external threats. It is your job and your energy that will lead your organisation to the destination you see.

CULLED from huffingtonpost.co.uk

5 Things Clueless Bosses Say That Zap Motivation An aligned and inspired work force is the dream of every true leader. It takes great empathy to connect with employees; in order to lead them; you first need to understand them.

How do you truly understand employees? You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.

So, you’ve been coached, and schooled in the six primal leadership styles. But, you still don’t have the aligned, passionate, and inspired work force that you need. If you ever say one of the following glib, offthe-cuff comments, you will devalue your employees and a devalued employee is not inspired or aligned.

That’s above your pay grade.

You just delivered a mixed message, and guess which one they are going to internalise?

Telling employees that there are pecking orders, codes of conduct, and duties and responsibilities by cast, is simply the stupidest thing a manager can say. You want employees to be unfettered and think of things you haven’t.

That doesn’t happen when they are told to stay in their boxes.

That’s confidential In a start-up there are very few things that are truly confidential. Start-ups are flat organisations and information sharing is a huge part of maintaining that culture.

Telling an employee that something is confidential communicates that you don’t trust them, they are not part of the inner circle, and they are not your peer. Start-ups are all about a group of peers achieving something amazing. It’s better to go first in order to give people the freedom to show that they are not trustworthy rather than to assume it. A trust first culture is truly inspiring.

Please leave the room You’ve invited several

managers and employees to a board meeting. The presentations are over and you have other items to discuss with the directors or management committee. What do you say?

Don’t dismiss them the way a five-star general would do to corporals or privates because they will feel like infantry and await instruction on everything else, rather than taking chances and filling voids that you don’t see. There are much savvier ways to have them leave the meeting like, taking a break.

Your people, your team This is occasionally followed by, ‘would follow you through fire.’ Say the first thing if you want employees to feel like chattel; come with the second statement if you want them to feel like stupid chattel. These statements don’t elevate team members; instead they serve to remind them that even on the ‘team’ that is working elbow to elbow, there is a hierarchy.

It is arrogant and self-serving.

It also brings back memories of lunch time in grammar school when kick ball teams were being selected. This isn’t grammar school; it’s business and everyone should behave as if they’re in charge. After years of leading effectively, being empathetic and inspirational, you might get employees to follow you over warm coals, but don’t say that you see them as lemmings.

Employees are like your children The reason children must leave home is so their parents see them as adults. So, telling 25 to 55-year- olds that you think of them as your children conjures up their memories of being dependent and powerless. You should nurture employees, but show them they’re your peers.

And, don’t say the company is like a family if you’re a really good leader, the employees will say it. And when you hear that, smile, to yourself.

CULLED from INC.COM

WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING...

Doubt indulged soon becomes doubt realised.Frances Ridley Havergal

A man’s doubts and fears are his worst enemies.William Wrigley, Jr

Doubt whom you will but never yourself.Christian Bovee

FORESIGHT 37

September 5, 2014

MARRIAGE

being in control

Motivation gives you the sense of being in control. You quickly understand what the task involves when motivated.

How To Avoid Divorce Couples who want to stay together should learn to take proactive steps to strengthen their relationship from the start, rather than allowing it to reach crisis point before seeking support run a bath for each other.

Little gestures like couples making cups of tea for each other; leaving notes around the house for a spouse to find; or taking their other half to the cinema even when they don’t want to see the film themselves can demonstrate commitment, smooth over conflict, and build strong and healthy relationships.

High levels of marriage breakdown need deeper solutions than advice on whether to make your spouse a cup of tea. When the low chance that a cohabiting couple will stay together means nearly half of all young teenagers live with just one of their birth parents.

A man taking his girlfriend to the cinema to see a romantic film he feels he may not enjoy can be said to be a great example of a compromise. Women can put their arm around their man when they are out in public, even when they are talking to someone else. They might also make creative presents, such as a compilation of photos and a favourite song to go with them.

Also women should dress to impress, to

show that even after years they still want to look good when out with their man. Men might consider providing their wife with breakfast in bed on a Saturday morning, or stroking their girlfriend’s hair while she falls asleep.

It is easy to get caught up in the larger issues that relationships tend to throw up and, in doing so, overlook the smaller, more subtle things that do really matter and can help keep a relationship healthy and strong. It‘s these small acts that help you to connect with your lover, demonstrate your commitment, improve communication, show you care, achieve compromise and even

resolve conflicts.

You have to recognise the value of the simple gestures and give others ideas of things they could be doing everyday to strengthen a relationship. It doesn’t hurt to give hints and tips.

But it is so much better if people start their relationship on a secure basis in the first place, most obviously by getting married.

The number one predictor of whether people will stay together in the long term is whether they get married. If you don’t, the chances of sticking together are slim.

CULLED FROM huffingtonpost.com

Common Myths about Cheating It’s mainly men who cheat Men born before 1962, cheat about twice as much as women. But women in their twenties and thirties have about the same amount of affairs as men of the same age. More women in this group are working and have more financial freedom and are therefore more likely to take risks with their relationships.

Around 50 per cent of all affairs are with a person in the workplace.

There’s a cheating profile Given the right circumstances, anyone is susceptible to cheating. It’s common for people to become involved in an affair when they had no initial thoughts of being unfaithful. It may not even be consistent with a person’s value system, but if the circumstances and time are right and the opportunity presents itself, that person may be tempted. Although some people are serial philanderers, affairs can happen to anyone.

For men, an affair is usually opportunistic, but for women, it’s usually planned. Don’t fool yourself into believing you’ll never have an affair. Instead, think of situations or circumstances in which you might be susceptible and make a point of avoiding them.

Long-term monogamy leads to an affair More people have affairs during the first two years of marriage than at any other time.

This is the time when women are asking

themselves if they made the right choice or whether they would be better off with someone else. It takes at least two years of living with someone before you really know that person. If a man was a serial cheat before marriage, he may also be a suspect for it during this initial period. Serial male cheats are usually driven by a combination of higher testosterone levels and early childhood experiences, which affect how relationships are perceived as an adult.

A man is driven to infidelity when he’s not happy at home People who never intended to be unfaithful unwittingly formed deep, passionate connections before they realised that they had crossed the line between platonic friendship and romantic love. For male philanderers, the opportunity just happened to appear and they really got off on the chemical highs associated with philandering.

The bottom line is that the more emotional distance you develop between yourself and your partner, the greater the chance an, affair has of starting. Open discussion about your relationship is the best way to ward off affairs.

You’ll get it right second time around Those who decide to pair up permanently with their affair often make the decision to get it right this time. The chemical changes that happen in the brain fool many cheats

in believing they will always live in happilyever-after land.

You can usually sense when your partner is fooling around Most people are oblivious to a straying mate for some time because they are living in the relationship based on the notion that their partner will remain faithful, so they don’t look for clues. When philandering signals do become evident, people prefer to go into denial rather than face the upset uncovering the affair. Women are better at spotting the signals.

CULLED FROM yourtango.com

38 FORESIGHT

September 5, 2014, HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR LIFE

GROOMING

A mAn is A success if he gets up in the morning And gets to bed At night,Andin between he does whAt he wAnts to do.

Etiquette Rules to Remember Next Time You Fly Airlines are cutting service and packing planes to improve razor-thin profit margins, while flights aren’t getting any shorter and customers are feeling the pain.

If you don’t have the cash or the points to secure an upgrade, there are ways to make flying more pleasant, but they depend on everyone’s cooperation.

Below are basic rules of etiquette. Follow them, and your next flight might just be bearable as long as everyone else follows them, too.

If you must recline, do it carefully The right to recline one’s seat is a topic of debate, but if the seat goes back, take advantage. If you don’t want to open your wallet, make sure to look behind you before you recline. Maybe warn the fellow traveller whose space you are about to invade so that person can hang onto his or her drink or adjust his or her laptop.

“

you need people to chAllenge your Assumptions for better decisions.

the time, but keep yourself in check.

Consider your odour Obviously, bad body odour is a terrible thing to inflict on your fellow passengers. Take a shower before heading to the airport if possible, and use deodorant.

Keep your children in check Both flights and misbehaving children can induce headaches. Together, they are almost certain to. Parents, make an extra effort to keep your kids in check.

You may be exhausted, but they are your responsibility.

Don’t force anyone to talk to you If you feel like striking up a conversation, go ahead. You can meet new and interesting people and maybe make the experience of air travel a bit more pleasant. But if the other person is clearly not engaged, let it drop: Many people just want to endure the flight in silence but will most likely be too polite to just ignore you.

Don’t get hammered Having a few drinks is a fine way to pass

CULLED FROM EighthRising.COM

Selling Yourself Conventional wisdom once said that you needed a mentor. No doubt many successful people have had mentors. The reason that many successful people had mentors is that people destined to succeed attract

By Chioma Agwuegbo dfairygodsister@yahoo.com

Unacceptable Things To Do Online

Remember how security works This is all about thinking a few steps ahead, so you get through the screening process as quickly as possible. Before you get to the X-ray machine, take everything out of your pockets. Put it all in your bag or the pocket of a coat that you’ll put through the machine. When your belongings come out, collect them quickly and move to a spot where you’re not blocking anyone. Then you can put your shoes and belt on.

Be kind to the flight attendants Flight attendants didn’t create the rules about stowing tray tables, wearing seat belts, and restoring seatbacks before landing. Giving them a hard time is obnoxious and can delay your take-off.

ALL THINGS SOCIAL

Having A Mentor all kinds of people; including mentors successful people attract mentors, fans, followers, even puppies and kittens. So the way to attract a mentor, that is if you need one, is to display those traits that will lead you to success

anyway. Now here are some simple questions to ask yourself: Will a mentor lead you there? Probably not. Will a mentor help you in some smaller way? Probably.

Don’t seek a mentor because everyone has one.

So you’ve signed up, gotten yourself a Facebook or Twitter account in 2014. To start with, where have you been? Second, it is assumed that by reading this piece you can avoid some mistakes older users have made.

A little definition: Facebook and Twitter are some of the channels, enablers and tools under the broader term, ‘social media’. Social media in itself is simply communication enabled by technology. So it is talking to your friend in the market, school, church and mosque, only online rather than in person, via a letter or over the phone. It is also making new friends that way too, instead of writing and asking to be pen pals.

It is important to remember this simple analogy in our everyday use of these networks because it will help you not to alienate people in the name of being ‘social’. Especially when we’re not sending private messages.

For example, would you write on a notice board at your university that you had the best sex ever with xyz?

Even if the board asked you what was on your mind? Or would you say you’d just received payment for a job done running into millions of naira and you were on the way to cash the cheque?

And for good measure, write where you were at the time?

If you said (or thought) yes to any of the questions, you can stop reading now, because you cannot be helped.

But if you thought it absurd, why then do you post such things online, especially in these days of heightened crime and insecurity? And you’re quick to complain when things go south.

Did you see the articles on protecting yourself online from a few weeks ago? Refer to this website www. chiomachuka.com if you didn’t, and you’ll face what’s acceptable and what’s not in the next edition.

FORESIGHT 39

September 5, 2014 Acknowledge it

MOTIVATION

For your sanity, pay attention to what you’ve achieved,Look back and acknowledge your accomplishments and successes.

5 Ways Successful People Keep Calm Do the most successful people spend their day’s frantically running? Think again. Here’s how to keep as calm as high performers.

If you spend much of your days being frantic in your pursuit of success, you should know that research shows that the vast, vast majority of high performers are actually very calm. Being hectic isn’t a hallmark of success; it’s a sign you’re making it difficult to reach your own peak level of performance.

90 per cent of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress in order to remain calm and in control.

These are some tips on how you can keep calm.

1. Gratitude If you’re never satisfied, you’re never calm, that’s a fact that high performers have figured out.

Successful people may be strivers, but they also understand the importance of gratitude for what they already have.

Taking time to contemplate what you’re grateful for isn’t merely the ‘right’ thing to do. It also improves your mood, because it reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23 per cent. People who work daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude experience improved mood, energy, and physical well-being. Gratitude can also improve decision making by making us less impatient.

2. Disconnect Given the importance of keeping stress intermittent, it’s easy to see how taking regular time off the grid can help keep your stress under control. When you make yourself available to your work throughout, you expose yourself to a constant barrage of stressors. High performers know that if you’re always on, you’re never at your best.

3. Sleep

You probably know this one already, so come on, why aren’t you acting on it? The body needs rest and the brain has to get its rest. If the brain is being over worked it cannot produce excellent results.

4. Self-talk How you talk to yourself in your head matters. High flyers know this and nip negative self-talk in the bud. The more you ruminate on negative thoughts, the more power you give them. Most of your negative thoughts are just those thoughts, not facts. When you find yourself believing the negative and pessimistic things, your inner voice says, it’s time to stop and write them down. Literally stop what you’re doing and write down what you’re thinking. Once you’ve taken a moment to slow down the negative momentum of your thoughts, you will be more rational and clearheaded in evaluating their veracity.

5. Breathe The easiest way to make stress intermittent lies in something that you have to do everyday anyway: breathing.

The practice of being in the moment with your breathing will begin to train your brain to focus solely on the task at hand and get the stress monkey off your back. When you’re feeling stressed, take a couple of minutes to focus on your breathing. Do this in a routine and organised way and it’s called meditation a technique endorsed by tons of impressive entrepreneurs but don’t think you need any fancy equipment or lengthy meditation training to get started calming yourself by paying attention to your breath. culled frombusinessinsider.com

Ways to Strengthen Your Friendships Without sleepovers and allnight phone calls, it can be hard work keeping friendships alive as adults. And when your career, family, or new friends get in the way, those oncestrong relationships can wither from neglect or crumble under pressure. These are ways to strengthen friendships: Find Some Consistency In a world where ‘liking’ a posted photo counts as keeping in touch, it’s easy to forgo face-to-face dates.

Is the occasional text enough to keep your bond strong? How you communicate isn’t as crucial as reaching out on a regular basis.

The number one important quality for a friendship is consistency. Spend as much time and special moments together as possible. If that means you only see each other every few months, make a point to make that date extra special. And dial her number between hang-outs.

Intimacy can be maintained easier through a phone call than it can through a text message.

Differentiate a Drift from a Rift Breaking up is hard to do, especially when you’ve forged a long-term friendship. Next time you get in an argument with a friend; give yourself a chance to sit quietly with what happened.

Assess if your relationship is something worth maintaining. It’s important to know the difference between a drift and a rift. When your lives are moving in different directions, your relationship has drifted apart. But a rift occurs when a hurtful action happens.

Always try to recover the relationship. It is impossible to be in friendships without learning to forgive each other. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you’ll stay friends with them; you should give

WHAT MOTIVATORS ARE SAYING... if every man makes proper use of his strength, he need never regret his limited ability

Cicero

Anyone is to be pitied who has just sense enough to perceive his deficiencies

William Hazlitt

the relationship a chance to be different.

Turn off Cruise Control Just like romantic relationships, bonds with buds should enrich your life, not be an afterthought or something you take for granted.

It’s your job to know what you need from a friendship and how to ask for it. Rather then just cruising, you might as well give it a chance to be something meaningful. So take the future of your friendship into your own hands. Be upfront with your pals about what you need and want. And don’t be afraid to be vulnerable it shows your willingness to grow.

Swap More Sex Stories Talking to friends is one of the easiest forms of therapy. Know that feeling of companionship you get after gabbing with girlfriends over cocktails? It’s intense. Plus, it is good for you to feel vulnerable. It shows you are putting your full trust in the other person. Not sure your friends are comfortable hearing about what goes on in your bedroom?

As long as you’re not bragging about your recent conquests or an overly well-endowed mate. If you can talk about all those subjects in a healthy way, it is totally appropriate.

Play Smart with Money Lending money to a friend can be tricky, but if you decide to play banker. First, only lend a friend an amount of money you can afford. Second, the amount you are lending should be small enough that you won’t feel resentful if your friend doesn’t pay you back. Finally, there should be clear deadlines set for when you will be repaid. culled from inc.com

Happy is the man who can do only one thing: in doing it, he fulfils his destinyJoseph

Joubert

40 FORESIGHT

September 5, 2014,

HEALTH

STOP, GO FORWARD when your emotions are controlling you, use the stop technique.it gives you the chance of stopping a situation.

Thrush GENERAL INFORMATION DEFINITION Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is common in new-borns and infants. In adults, it is usually a result of an underlying condition.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED Mouth, gums, tongue, soft palate, cheeks and lips.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED New-borns and infants, but may also affect older children and adults.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Patches (plaques) appear

in the mouth.

• Patches are white to creamy-yellow, and slightly raised. They are similar to milk curds, but they don’t wipe off.

• Usually no pain, but may have mild discomfort.

• If patches are rubbed off, they can leave small painful ulcers (sores).

• The mouth is dry.

• Infant may have trouble feeding.

CAUSES A fungus called Candida albicans. It is usually present in small numbers in the mouth.

Certain factors may cause it to multiple out of control.

RISK INCREASES WITH • Treatment with antibiotics. This may upset the natural balance of germs in the mouth and allow thrush to develop.

Birth. Newborns may • acquire the infection during passage through the birth canal, especially if the mother has a vagina yeast infection.

• Aging.

• People with poor nutrition.

31%

• The prevalence of oral candidiasis among AIDS patients is estimated to be between 9 per cent and 31 per cent.

• Studies have documented clinical evidence of oral candidiasis in nearly 20per cent of cancer patients.

• It is estimated that between 5 per cent and 7 per cent of babies less than one month old will develop oral candidiasis.

SOURCE

www.cdc.gov

Dentures.

• • HIV infection.

• Diabetes.

• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

• Chronic steroid drug use (oral or inhaled).

• Smoking.

• Having conditions that cause dry mouth.

HOW TO PREVENT • Good oral hygiene, especially if you have dentures.

Avoid antibiotics, unless • prescribed for you.

• People at risk of thrush may be prescribed a preventive drug.

• For dry mouth problems, increase water intake and use non-prescription dry mouth

products (e.g., sugar-free gum, mouthwash, or artificial saliva).

WHAT TO EXPECT DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES • Your own observation of symptoms.

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the mouth and ask questions about

your symptoms and recent use of antibiotics or other drugs.

• Medical tests may include a scrapping of the patch for viewing under a microscope.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE • Infants often need no treatment.

• In others, treatment is aimed at improving the underlying condition and helping the symptoms of thrush.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Complications are rare. They are more likely to occur in those with underlying conditions.

PROBABLE OUTCOME Usually clears up within 2

weeks. Thrush has a tendency to recur.

HOW TO TREAT GENERAL MEASURES • If an infant has the infection, sterilize any objects that may be placed in the baby’s mouth.

• Older children and adults: - Brush teeth with soft toothbrush.

- Rinse mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in one

cup of warm water. This may ease pain.

MEDICATION • Nystatin oral suspension may be prescribed. Follow instructions that are provided with the products.

Mothers who are nursing an infant with thrush should use drug on her nipples.

This prevents the infection from being spread back to the infant.

• Other antifungal drugs are effective and may be prescribed for adults.

ACTIVITY No limits.

Diet No changes in infants. Older children and adults should maintain a good fluid intake with milk, ice cream, custard, water, tea or other beverages and foods that are easy to swallow. Use straw for drinking if the patches are painful.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF • You or a family member has symptoms of thrush.

• Dehydration (sunken eyes, poor elasticity of the skin and lethargy) occurs in a child.

• Fever develops.

SOURCE: COMPLETE GUIDE TO SYMPTOMS , ILLNESSES & SURGERY, 2012

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Hands And Feet I have a fungal infection in the nail of my big toe. My doctor has given me a paint to put on it for three months. Why does it take so long to cure it?

The nail grows very slowly, and it is difficult for the treatment to penetrate into the nail deep enough and in enough concentration to kill the fungus. At least the modern treatments do work – in the past once a nail was infected it remained so for the rest

of your life.

I have a lot of white spots on my nails. Is this a sign of lack of calcium? Are there other nail signs that we should be aware of?

The white spots are the outside appearance of tiny air pockets lying between the skin under the nail and the under surface of the nail, usually caused by having knocked the nails against something. They don’t have

serious health consequences.

Other nail problems though, should cause you concern.

Developing a spoon-shaped depression in the nail, so that you could hold a droplet of water on it, is a sign of iron deficiency: anaemia. That can have many causes, so if your nails are spoon shaped, get a check-up. If you have small red flecks like tiny lines under the nails near the tips, see a doctor. These may

be small ‘emboli’ (thrombosis in small blood vessels) from a heart problem. Tiny ridges that run lengthwise from cuticle to tip don’t, as a rule, matter much.

They are just the way nails grow in some people. But if the ridges are at right angles to the growing direction of the nail, this may indicate times of ill-health (the nails have stopped growing for a short time) and you should ask for a medical.

FRIDAY EXTRA 41

September 5, 2014

ultimate top list 10 ancient mysterIEs 1

DISAPPEARANCE OF THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION The Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappans after one of their cities was uncovered in an area of the same name in India) was an advanced culture that coexisted with the great civilizations of Mesopotamia. It’s believed that this society stretched from what is today Western India to Afghanistan, but they are largely shrouded in mystery since their language has never been deciphered.

Archeological study has unearthed evidence of sophisticated sewage systems in their cities, as well as large, complex baths. To date, however, no one has ever found conclusive evidence as to what brought the Indus Valley Civilization to an end.

THE TARIM MUMMIES In the 1990s there was a discovery of some highly unusual two-thousand- year-old mummies in the Tarim basin of Western China.

The mummies-which were subjected to DNA testing-were Caucasian in appearance, with blonde hair and long noses. The tests indicated that the mummies were indeed of possible European origin, despite being found in China. The mystery, of course, is who these people were and how they got there. Chinese texts dating back to the first millennium BC make mention of Caucasians living in the Far East, but their actual identity remains unknown.

2

3

THE VOYNICH MANUSCRIPT The so-called Voynich Manuscript (named for the book dealer who acquired it in the early twentieth century) is a document of unknown origin and authorship, written in an unknown alphabet and language. It is believed to date from the Middle Ages. Ever since its discovery various individuals and groups have tried to decipher it with no success, and to this day it remains a complete enigma. The illustrations included within suggest it is some kind of pharmacological text, but even this is uncertain.

Theories abound as to the contents, their purpose, and who authored it.

4

THE LOST ROMAN LEGION Legend has it that a number of Roman soldiers escaped the defeat of the Roman general Crassus at the hands of the Parthians. These legionnaires supposedly went eastward, and were said to have founded a town near the Gobi desert. There are reports in ancient Chinese records of an army fighting in the style of a Roman legion, and there have even been DNA tests done on local inhabitants in recent years to see if they were the possible descendants of this lost legion. The tests were inconclusive, indicating a possible European origin for some, but nothing more specific.

TARIM MUMMIES

5

WHO WAS ROBIN BOOD? There are various figures mentioned in historical rolls who could have been the basis of the legend of Robin Hood, among them a man known as “Hobbehod” or Robert Hod, of Yorkshire. The search for a “historic” Robin Hood is made all the more difficult by later embellishments to the story, and additions of characters that obscure the time and place where he may have lived.

We will probably never know who he really was or if he even actually existed.

6

THE CARNAC STONES The Carnac Stones are examples of ancient monument building that may share much in common with other megalithic sites and stone circles, the most famous of which is Stonehenge. The Carnac Stones however, are some three thousand megaliths, set up in straight lines near the coast of northwest France, covering some seven miles. Neither the purpose of the stone lines, nor the people who erected them, are known. Myth says that they were a legion of Roman soldiers turned to stone; current theories run the gamut from astronomical markers of some kind to a kind of ancient earthquake detector.

7

FALL OF TBE MINOANS Over four thousand years ago, the island of Crete was inhabited by a people who were known as “Minoans.” after the legendary king Minos, who was supposed to have ruled the Aegean at that time. The Minoans were contemporaries of the other great ancient civilizations of the Near East: Egypt, Sumer, Babylon, and the Hittites. Tradition says that they ruled a trading empire centered on the islands of the eastern Mediterranean and mainland Greece. They apparently lived in peace and in great security, as none of their cities that have so far been excavated show any signs of fortifications. What they do show, however, is that the Minoans were a highly sophisticated, artistic, and inventive people, clearly responsible for influencing the early Greeks who were their immediate neighbors. We know very little about them, however, because the few examples of Minoan language that have been found have proven undecipherable, and thus the Minoans are cloaked in mystery, and the greatest mystery of all is what brought their society to an end. We know that after about 1500 BC, the archeological record indicates that Crete was in the hands of mainland Greeks and the ancient Minoan styles of art and architecture come to an end. This date, interestingly enough, coincides with the date of a vast volcanic explosion on the island of Thera, which may have sent huge tsumanis crashing into Crete and blanketed the island with ash.

LOST ROMAN LEGION

8

THE BOG BODIES Unearthed in and around the wetlands of Northern Europe, the bog bodies are hundreds of mummified corpses-many remarkably preservedsome of ‘which date back as far as two thousand years.

Some of the bodies show the clear indications of having suffered torture, and some are apparent victims of strangulation, throat-cutting, and other methods of execution. The supposition made by many archeologists is that the bog people were victims of ritual sacrifice.

LOST CITY OF HELIKE Helike was a city in the Peloponnesus mentioned by the Greek travel writer Pausanias in the second century AD. According to Pausanias, the city-capital of the Achaean League and a center of worship dedicated to the god Poseidon- had been devastated by a powerful earthquake and tsunami which erased almost all traces of it in a single night. It was not until modern times that clues began to surface as to the precise location of the lost city, and in 2001 archeologists finally found the ruins of it in a lagoon.

9

RONGORONGO Everyone knows about the giant stone heads (or Moai) of Easter Island. Less well-known, however, is that the Easter Islanders evidently possessed a written language, in the form of a hieroglyphic script called” Rongorongo.” This is itself a curiosity, as any form of written language was apparently unknown to the neighboring oceanic societies. Rongorongo has never been deciphered, in part due to the fact that Europeans who came to colonize the island banned the language, and destroyed most examples of it.

10

The day your horse dies and your money’s gone, your relatives change into strangers.

Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’

— Chinese Proverb

42 FRiDAY EXTRA

kids

September 5, 2014

questions

How do we know how old the earth is?

quickfire

the answer is in the rocks. some elements are radioactive. over a long period of time, those elements change and stop being radioactive. special machines measure how radioactive a rock’s elements are, and a technique called radioactive dating lets scientists calculate how old earth is-about 4.5 billion years old.

Why is quartz so shiny?

Why are the North and South Poles so cold? neither end of the earth gets much sunlight, and what they do get is neither direct nor warm. Plus, much of the sunlight is reflected back into space from the ice that covers so much of the polar regions. the icy terrains also do not leave room for much exposed land, which usually helps absorb the heat of the sun.

Rocks are usually made up of a mixture of minerals. quartz, however , is almost always made from pure silicon dioxide. the silicon dioxide makes quartz appear almost clear and shiny. smalls amounts of other mineral can change the color of quartz to green, pink, purple, or even brown.

Why do imaginary lines divide the Earth?

When a giant star starts running out of nuclear fuel, it shrinks and grows hotter and denser. eventually, all of the nuclear reactions inside of it stop. in less than a second, the temperature rises to more than 100 billion degrees as the atoms in the star’s core are crushed together. there’s a lot of energy stored in so much heat. it’s all released in a violent explosion, and the exploding star is called a supernova. supernovas, which can release more light in a few days than 100 million suns, can be seen from every far away.

cool fact !

our sun stands alone. But about three-quarters of all stars are part of a binary system – a pair of stars that formed so close together that they orbit each others.

Why did dinosaur bones turn into fossils?

Many dinosaurs died in place where soft rocks and soil protected their bones from disintegrating. then, over time, the calcium in their bones was replaced by various minerals, which eventually hardened to form long-lasting fossils.

Why does sand have different colours? sand is made of tiny pieces of large rocks. if the original rocks were yellow, black, pink, or white, then the sand they make will be the same color. For example, sand on volcanic beaches in Hawaii is black like the lava that makes it. Likewise, the pink coral that is common in Bermuda becomes pink sand.

An abundance of money ruins youth.

― English Proverb

Culled from the book ‘TIME for kids Big Book of Why’

friday EXTRA 43

September 5, 2014

why?

... answers to everyday scientific questions

Why Does My Mobile Phone Lose Its Signal?

Your mobile loses its signal because you move away from the cell tower, buildings and hills get in the way, other people steal your signal and signals can interfere with one another.

A mobile or cell phone is basically a walkie-talkie, except that it doesn’t talk directly with other phones; it has to go through a cell tower. Each tower broadcasts radio signals over a relatively small area, or cell - this is why in the US mobile phones are called cell phones.

The strength of your signal, and whether or not you lose signal altogether, depends on how well your phone can swap radio signals with a tower.

There are many different things involved in deciding how well your phone and the tower can swap

signals: distance, number of people in the area trying to make calls, your network, your phone, the geography of your surroundings and luck.

Each tower has limited power so it can only cover a limited range. It also has a limited number of slots available for use, so if all the slots are being used, your phone will try to connect with a tower that is further away.

This will make a serious dent in your signal strength, because the power at which radio waves are transmitted by a tower drops off as the inverse square of distance. This means that if you have to connect with a tower twice as far away, its signal strength will be four times weaker.

When a signal leaves the tower

it has around 20 watts of power, but by the time it reaches your phone it usually has just a millionth or a billionth of a watt of power.

So getting bumped onto a more distant tower is bad news.

The weakness of the signal from the tower is also a serious problem if you are inside a building, behind a tree or underwater. Weak signals are easily blocked by brick, concrete, glass, rock and water.

With signals bouncing all over the place and reflecting off things, especially in the city, you could have signals arriving at your phone

With money you can buy blood, but not life.

— Chinese Proverb

from all directions at once. These signals are radio waves, and waves can interfere with each other. The trough of one wave can cancel out the peak of another, weakening your signal even more.

Weather can also affect your signal strength. Rain and storms weaken the signals and interfere with your phone’s reception.

Even the way you hold your phone might affect the efficiency of the aerial, as Apple iPhone users found to their cost during the ‘death-grip’ furore that greeted the launch of the iPhone 4.

Culled from Why?: Answers to everyday scientific questions

44 FRIDAY EXTRA

titans

September 5, 2014

oF hIstoRY

HEROD THE GREAT

c.73-4 BC

“then herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wrath, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.” Matthew 2:16

H

erod the Great was the half-Iewish, half-Arab King of judaea and Roman ally, whose thirty-two-year reign saw colossal achievements and terrible crimes. Famously handsome in his youth, he was a talented, energetic and intelligent self-made monarch who combined Hellenistic and Jewish culture, presiding over the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, the embellishment and restoration of Jerusalem, and the building of great cities and impressive fortresses. He created a large, rich and powerful kingdom with a special status at the heart of Rome’s eastern empire. Yet in his lust for power, women and glory, he became the bloodthirsty villain of the Christian Gospels and the despot of josephus’ Histories of the Jews. Even though he did not actually order the Massacre of the Innocents, as told in the Gospels, he killed three of his own sons, as well as his wife and many of his rivals, and used terror and murder to hold on to power right up until his death.

Born around 73 BC, Herod was the second son of Antipater, an Idumean convert to Iudaism and chief minister of the Jewish king Hyrcanus 11, greatgrandson of Simon the Maccabee, who had established Judaea in 142 BC as an independent Jewish state.

The Maccabees had ruled judaea as both kings and high priests ever since, but to win back his throne in 63 BC, after his brother Aristobulus had wrested it from him, the ineffectual Hyrcanus was forced to ally himself with the Roman strongman Pompey the Great, ceding control of Judaea to Rome.

Herod and his father Antipater were shrewd students of politics in Rome, always supporting the winner in the civil wars, from Pompey to Augustus, in order to keep power. When Julius Caesar subsequently appointed Antipater as governor of Judaea in 47 BC, Hyrcanus continued as king in name only, and though he survived a revolt in 43 BC led by his popular nephew Antigonus - a revolt in which Antipater was poisoned - he was exiled three years later.

The Parthians, Rome’s rival empire, invaded and overran the Middle East, and Antigonus became king under their patronage. Herod escaped to the protection of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and thence to Rome, where the two dominant strongmen, Mark Antony and Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus) appointed him king of Iudaea. It took him three years to conquer his kingdom. When he took Jerusalem, he slaughtered forty-six of the Jewish ruling council.

Already hated by his people, Herod attempted to legitimize his position by discarding his first wife Doris and marrying the Maccabee princess Mariamme, the teenage granddaughter of Hyrcanus. In all, he was to marry ten times and produce fourteen children, three of whom he murdered while another three eventually succeeded him.

Herod ordered a series of grandiose construction projects, which included aqueducts, amphitheatres, the stunning trading port of Caesarea (considered by many to be one of the great wonders of the world), and the fortresses of Masada, Antonia and Herodium. Most ambitious of all was the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem - a massive project that took years to complete.

Over 10,000 men spent ten years constructing the Temple Mount alone, and work on the Temple courts and outbuildings continued long after Herod’s death. The last supporting wall remains today the holiest site of Judaism: the Western Wall. He ruled by terror, having the high priest - his wife’s brother Aristobulus, whom he feared as a potential rival- drowned in 36 BC. Old King Hyrcanus was also killed. Herod’s marriage to the gorgeous, proud Maccabean princess Mariamme was passionate and destructive. They both loved and hated each other, but had two sons together.

In 29 BC, he ordered the execution of Mariamme following suggestions she was plotting against him. Later, in 7 BC, he ordered the execution of Aristobulus and Alexander - his sons by Mariamme - after being persuaded by Antipater (his son by Doris) that the two were scheming against him. Augustus joked that he would rather be Herod’s pig than his son since Jews do not eat pigs.

Close friends with Emperor Augustus and his powerful deputy Marcus Agrippa, Herod’s sons were educated at the imperial court in Rome; and his mercantile empire of mines, wine and luxury goods made him probably the richest man in the empire after the imperial family. But by the end the poisonous intrigues of his decadent Jewish-Greek court began to destroy both his family and his reputation as a reliable ruler of the turbulent Middle East.

Old age and debilitating health problems (Herod suffered from a horrifying condition that entailed a decay of the genitals, described by the Jewish historian Josephus as ‘a purification of his privy member, which produced worms’) brought no respite from the killing. Stung by criticism from the Essenes - a rigid Jewish community - Herod had their monastery at Qumran burned down in 8 BC. Then, when a group of students tore down the imperial Roman eagle from the entrance to the Temple in 4 BC, he had them burned alive. Days before his death, he ordered the execution of his son Antipater, whom he suspected of plotting to take the throne, and his last act was to gather the foremost men of the nation to approve his last will, dividing the kingdom between three of his sons.

With money you can buy sex, but not love. ― Chinese Proverb

Culled from the book ‘Titans of History’

weekend flavour September 5, 2014

Jumia Celebrates 1m Facebook Fans With Giveaways

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Having attracted one million Facebook from its establishment to date, Nigeria’s leading on-line retailer, Jumia, has said it will be having special giveaway sessions on the social network, so as to appreciate its fans and customers.

According to the managing director, marketing and sales, Jonathan Doerr, “it is amazing to have 1 million Nigerians solidly standing behind us, showing their support online. As we attain this milestone, we would like to thank all our fans on Facebook and across other social media platforms because we could not have gotten here without them.”

Also, last month, the on-line retailer recognised Olome Ochonogor Joseph as its customer of the month for his active participation

and loyalty to the on-line shop since 2012. “Joseph is one of the renowned Jumia fans on Facebook and Twitter, who has truly followed the brand since inception, with countless items and goodies to show for it. He truly deserves it.

This is another opportunity to show our customers how much they mean to us and thank them for their loyalty without which we will not be number one,” Doerr said.

Facebook still remains the largest social network in Nigeria and Jumia has taken advantage of the platform to engineer a rapid extension of its services and clientele, as well as improve its service quality.

The company introduced the novel idea of shopping online, which was quickly and widely accepted by Nigerians, leading the company to reach the 500,000 fan-mark in less than a year. Now two years old, Jumia has been able to attract one million fans via the world’s largest social network.

Ojo

Iyabo Ojo Drags Ini Edo, Halima Abubakar Into Beyond Disability

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

After opening her beauty spa at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, recently, darling actress Iyabo Ojo has dragged other popular Nollywood actresses Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, Halima Abubakar and others to the set of her new movie titled Beyond Disability.

Others are Ireti Osayemi, Ebele OkaroOnyiuke, Christ Okonkwo and her own kids, Priscilla and Festus Ojo. The actress, known in Yoruba movie circles for her acting acumen, has decided to do something different, this time an English movie. Inspired

by the tales of the popular Modupe Memorial Home, Ojo’s latest effort is primed to captivate lovers of good movies.

Ojo, who hinted that she's in a relationship that is altar-bound, recently released her last effort, Silence. While Beyond Disability has entered production stage, Ojo, whose talent shot to high heavens after her movie Arinzo and other flicks gained some acclaim, said she aims to become a pillar in Nollywood by having a good husband by her side.

While the identity of the man is under wraps, we hope Ojo is in this for real and has learnt her lessons.

Asa’s Got Bed Of Stones Solomon Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Jailer crooner Busola Elemide, popularly known as Asa, has dropped her new album titled Bed of Stones.

The album Bed of Stones, which was released on Deluxe CD’s, Vinyl and Vendors Worldwide on August 25 is available for pre-order on iTunes.com.

According to the singer, the songs on the album were born from her life and the shock she felt coming off the road in 2012, after an incredibly long tour. “I needed time to pull myself together. I toured for two years, gave everything I had every single night. I had been the girl that was full of life, force and energy that people looked at for two

hours on stage, and then congratulated backstage after the show. But I was going home alone, never really realising how exhausting all that actually is,” she said.

Asa is Nigerian but was born in Paris. She became an artist in Lagos, focused on old-school Soul and was snatched up by a French label. She's clearly one of the most exciting artists to have emerged in the last decade. She's highly in-demand by festivals across the world and radios (with taste!) are giving her a special place on their playlists.

She's a whirlwind, she's happiness and she is a craze.

After her last tour, she just couldn't stay home, so she traveled and she

With Solomon Nda-Isaiah

Asa

wrote. Lagos, Berlin, the USA, London, Paris..."

I wanted to feel human again. Meet new people and do everything I always wanted to do before 30. I wanted to learn to swim, rent a car and drive from Nashville to New York and from New York to Los Angeles and I wanted to

learn to skateboard and drive a motorcycle," the singer gushed.

She finally left for Hastings in East Sussex to work with Blair MacKichan, a song-writer and producer who had worked with Will Young, Lily Allen and Paloma Faith.

Lounge Owner Set To Leave Bachelorhood Blessing Ukemena, Abuja

One of Abuja’s foremost bachelors and lounge owner, Musa Isah Atodo, has achieved a number of things, but he is about to ascend into another high – married life.

Of all his achievements, the one Atodo revers the most is the fact that he has found the woman he wishes to spend the rest of his life with. Without reservations, Atodo is mighty glad about the prospects of becoming a married man.

“I am getting married this month. Her name is Amina Sulieman, a Fulani girl from Kastina State.

She is one of the best things to come into my life. We are going to do a

modest wedding by next weekend, although that will be difficult in a city like Abuja. Those who know me know what I am capable of, so it is going to be a nice day with family and friends and more of a celebration of what we have done, where we are coming from and where we are going to,” he told WEEKEND FLAVOUR. Atodo revealed that the event will be graced by entertainers, based on friendships cultivated over the years.

Atodo still holds the name of his honeymoon destination close to his heart. “I love exploring the world and discovering new places and I will be doing that with my wife to be,” he assured.

The lounge business is a very competitive one in the FCT. Every major street in the city centre seems to have a lounge. Indeed. However, Musa Isah Atodo, has managed to carve a niche for himself through true dedication and a bit of luck. “Well, it is all about hard work and dedication and a little bit of luck. We make sure we put things in place by using state-ofthe-art equipment. We go with the trend and try to upgrade every six months because this business is dynamic,” Atodo said.

He however admits that it is not yet uhuru for him. He has lived up to the expectations of many, but many more are waiting to see what

Atodo

he can do. To that end, he aspires to keep up with the standards or beat their expectations and achieve his best.

Atodo’s attention to details has seen his business expand at such a rapid rate.

“I try to conform to what is obtainable internationally, because I travel a lot."

Terry G, Maheeda Get A Booty

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Arguably Nigeria’s most controversial singer, Caroline Sam, popularly referred to as Maheeda, has released a new work with Terry G. The single, titled Booty, is set to hit the nations clubs any moment soon.

According to controversial singer, the lyrics and the passion of the song rely heavily on a crazy club

tune. The mother-of-one, speaking on the song said, "We just want to do a calm, danceable, love song. Myself and Terry G could have done this last year but for his busy schedule, we could not round it up. Terry G is crazy like me and he stands out; this makes us a good match,” she said.

"Honestly, working with Terry G is great. He is homely," said Maheeda.

Love does wonders, but money makes marriages.

— French Proverb

Terry G

Maheeda

42 TATTLES 46 Drake, Chris Brown Monitored By Police

As if Drake and Chris don’t have enough problems already, the rappers’ club appearances and performances are said to have become closely monitored by a group of officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) – known as the Hip Hop Squad – in the wake of the recent shooting of Suge Knight at Brown’s party at the 1Oak Nightclub in Los Angeles.

According to the New York Post’s Page Six gossip column, the feuding duo are at the top of the list of artists on special watch, with the actions of French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Lil Wayne and Fabolous also being monitored by the group.

“All New York club owners are required to inform the Hip-hop Police in advance if anyone on the watch list is coming in,” a source said, so as to help them be there to monitor the crowd, in case any trouble starts. “They don’t want any situation like the Suge Knight shooting. If something does go down, they want to already be on the scene.”

George Clooney’s Plans ‘Red-blooded’ Bachelor Party The 53-year-old actor is set to marry Amal Alamuddin next month in Italy and his friends are keen to throw him a sexy stag do at a strip club near his home in Santa Barbara, California, to celebrate. A source told the Daily Star newspaper that “This isn’t a surprise we’re springing. We floated the idea of one final night of red-blooded male fun and he jumped at it.”

The VIP bash – which will be attended by the star’s famous friends Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck – will cost around £1,200 and will include a private room, complimentary alcoholic beverages and lots of buffet snacks. However, Amal, 36, reportedly isn’t keen on the idea of a strip party for her husband-to-be but Clooney is hoping his beau will be able to turn a ‘blind eye.’ The source explained that “George hopes she’ll turn a blind eye but he looked sheepish when we asked how she’d react. He likes to let off steam once in a while, although it seems she thinks it’s time for him to let go of the all-boys’ nights out.”

I Never Dated Genevieve — Banky W Singer and EME boss, Bankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington recently opened up on his relationship with actresses Genevieve Nnaji, Tonto Dike, Rita Dominic and Juliet Ibrahim.

While speaking with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on the programme Rubbin’ Minds, the Jaiye ori mi crooner while speaking with denied he ever dating Nnaji but revealed that he once had a crush on her.

“I did not date Nnaji [Genevieve]. I liked her, though I had a very huge crush on her at one point,” he said. Asked if he pursued the crush, he said, “It was a crush now. I tried but Genevieve is Genevieve. It didn’t work, but she is my person”.

As for Dominic, he was blunt. “No, never did, but she is my person too.”

Asked about his plans for marriage, the singer said he is not “under any pressure”.

We Used To Be Gamblers – P-Square Africa’s most famous twins and Pop duo P-Square (Peter and Paul Okoye) recently made a startling confession from their past. The brothers who were guests on the Mid-day Show with Toolz on Beat FM 99.9 and they went on to reveal how rough they also had it before they became super stars. In their unique rag-to-riches story, the twins explained that, back in Jos, Peter used to be an apprentice who was learning how to become an electrician while Paul used to sell mangoes in school to make ends meet. As hustlers on the street, they went the way most young men in their situation would go: gambling. They were both chronic gamblers in the famous city of Jos before they decided to relocate to Lagos to pursue a career in music, seeing that they were doing well in the area of dancing.

Ajibade Oyemade To Hold ‘Comedy Cruise Live’

Popular comedian Ajibade Oyemade is set to host his yearly ‘Comedy Cruise Live on Stage Show’. This year’s show will be taking place at the Banilux Event Centre, Yaba, Lagos on Sunday, September 14, 2014 by 3pm. The show is a quarterly programme which offers serious comedy with A-list stand-up comedians in performance. It also gives upcoming comedians a platform to showcase their talents.

Lolo, Koffi, Yaw, De Don, Omobaba, Senator,Bash, Mr. Patrick, Acapella, Eric, Eteye, MC Above and many more comedians will be performing at the event.

September 5, 2014

After nine years and six children together, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finally ‘jumped the broom’ on August 23, 2014, in their French estate Chateau Mirava, in front of a sparse gathering of family and friends. Congrats to them!.

Following the released nude photo of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence on social media, the on-line hackers responsible have claimed to have private pictures of 100 A-list Hollywood celebrities including reality TV star Kim Kardashian, singer Rihanna, models Candice Swanepoel and Cara Delevingne. Huh.

TiSPY

Which American actor is set to get married?

Politicians Have Spoilt Our Actors With Money, Cars – Zeb Ejiro Movie producer Zebulon Ejiro has frowned on the growing affinity between politicians and actors. In a recent interview with Yes! Magazine, Ejiro made some ‘candid’ claims.

“There are a lot of people who never dreamt of being what they are today. Suddenly, they find themselves there and people are running after them, saying ‘I need to see you’ and all that [and] they start seeing themselves above God. That’s where they get it wrong. Where they get it wrong is that they see themselves above God and above the industry. People who suffered to make them who they are, they dump those people and disrespect them. You are doing something today, maybe a child’s naming ceremony, marriage or whatever and they don’t attend [if you invite them]. They don’t need you anymore, because the politicians are giving them so much money, buying them cars, homes and the likes. The male politicians are buying the female ones whatever they want. So, suddenly, they don’t need the producer anymore. They can even make bigger movies than you now because one politician will give them N100m and you are looking for N15m to do a block-buster.

“Suddenly, they find out that they are bigger than you. Not just you; they are bigger than the industry. They start to equate themselves with God and forget that these politicians will only use you while you are the ‘reigning’ star. They will flock around you [only] for that period of time.

Immediately somebody else springs up, they will dump you and go to that person. I think the bane of the movie industry are the Nigerian politicians.

That’s the truth!” he said. If this is indeed the case in Nollywood, TATTLES thinks something needs to be done fast! But what [needs to be done]?

The Things

They Said “I did not register and I advise all not to. It does not matter who you vote for”

–Jesse Jagz

“I once paid a club to let me perform”

Harrysong

FLiRT “I had sex with Davido in my dream” ALERT –Musician and body exhibitionist Maheeda

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

September 5, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

Thoughts For The Nigerian Upcoming Musician TATTLES found this article online and felt every upcoming artiste should live by the points raised in this article.

Enjoy.

The Nigerian music industry is probably one of the most interesting but difficult business arenas in the world. It has always been competitive and, these days, it is becoming more difficult to ‘live by the bling’.

BE ExCEPTIOnAL You can’t make it in this business, unless the music you make is exceptionally good. ‘Good’ in the sense that it has a market (beyond your loyal friends and family members) QUALITY AUDIO When people hear you for the first time they will be expecting a certain level of audio quality. You need to ensure that your productions are well recorded, mixed and presented in the best possible way for that allimportant first impression.

PROmOTIOn Never assume that your music will have so much appeal as to sell itself.

Quality alone is no guarantee of success – we all know of music that we think deserves a wider audience while, conversely, we also hear music which make the singer to, inexplicably, sniff success. These successes and failures can be explained by a single word – promotion. People who do not know your music exists can’t buy it – even if it’s the best song ever written. After all, “na who buy form dey win Miss World”.

HIRE PROFESSIOnALS As your profile grows, it might be time to bring in professional marketing/ promotional personnel. Generally, such people are hired to raise the awareness of your product. These people spend their lives keeping in touch with people you’ll find it hard to reach yourself, such as journalists from the print and audio-visual media, pluggers, music bloggers, gig bookers and other essential industry contacts.

Often, the momentum generated by a few months of carefully planned marketing can be sustained by you thereafter.

PUBLiC DiSPLAY

“No apologies for being vain” –Actress Daniella Okeke

CREATE A CATCHY ImAgE Most musicians in Nigeria severely underestimate the importance of their image. Yes, music is about ‘music’, but a successful music business is about a total package that includes music, image and visuals which emanate from live performances, among other things that need to be fully developed and integrated in an agreeable manner.

RISk, InvEST You need enough cash flow to support your music career. Like it or not, it takes money to build a music career. One thing that all successful musicians have in common is that they have, at some point, invested in their music career.

Connections Often times than not, it is said that “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In music this is often modified to, “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” True, it’s not about that either. The most important aspect of connections within the music industry is how deep your current relationships can/will develop in the future. You don’t want to simply know people or be known; rather, you want people who know you to have a real deep connection with you, so that you are always in their minds when opportunities present themselves.

Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more than anything else, even talent.

PRACTICE In order to not only compete, but succeed in this hyper-competitive musical world, it’s absolutely vital to be on top of your game at all times, so as to consistently raise the bar for yourself. In order to make the most out of it, you have [to] learn to really enjoy the process of improving and practicing as well. You can never be ready enough for opportunity. Your live shows can always be better, your songs can be more amazing and your playing can only improve. it’s essential to practice your craft every day.

PATIEnCE This might be the most important

element. A career does not appear overnight and, especially, not one in the arts. Even artists such as Davido or Sean Tizzle, who seemed to appear in an instant and blow up the charts out of nowhere, planned and prepared for that for years.

EnTERTAIn When it comes down to it, being a professional musician is really all about entertaining people. Entertaining the public as a life commitment involves getting yourself into a deep sense of personal commitment to your art and the business of your art. It seems that artists who are able to do that have come to grips with the notion that success is more an internal experience and not necessarily one that will be satisfied by a money-hungry music industry that defines success in terms of ‘cash’ alone.

In SUCCInCT Should the day come when you sense you have made it, know that the pressure to keep producing viable music is huge. So, you need to find a balance inside yourself. A sense of timing that lets you know when you have to take a break, eat or sleep right. Successful musicians have to be healthy and ready to create/perform on demand. Make sure you honor your business commitments and always act professionally. Again, make sure you keep your artist side healthy and creative. Your hard work will pay off eventually, amen.

James Ndu is an independent music business consultant based in Lagos, Nigeria. He is available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached by email at: soundhivenaija@ gmail.com Twitter @JamesNdu

43 TATTLES 47

Funke Akindele (yes, you read right) is set to get married…again !

According to soft-sell magazine, City People, the Jenifa actress has been dating her UKbased man for some time now. She is also planning to hold her introduction later this month. Good for her!

Babatunde Omidina aka Baba Suwe is set to re-marry, five years after the death of his wife Omoladun Omidina. The actor made this known in a recent interview with a national newspaper.

“It has not been easy but life must go on,” he confessed.

Olamide is set to go on his first tour across several countries in Europe. The tour, scheduled to hold between September 11 and 21 this year, will see the rapper perform in cities like Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Athens and Frankfurt in 10 days.

If WizKid’s recent interview on The Truth with Olisa Adibua is anything to go by, then the Pop star’s time with E.M.E Records is fast coming to an end.

“Yes, this is pretty much my last album with E.M.E,” WizKid confirmed on the show.

TiP FOR “Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.”

THE TOP –W. Clement Stone

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at abisolaalawode@yahoo.co.uk

48 feature

F

September 5, 2014,

By Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

ollowing vacation, many children in the capital city’s suburbs are easily, as they find nothing to engage them like schooling did. Very few get to travel and fewer still get enrolled into holiday classes. That is almost exclusive to private school pupils.

However, in a bid to get the children in the FCT to have fun while learning, the youth wing of Actionaid International, Activista, launched its maiden ‘Activista Holiday Classes’.

The free holiday tutoring classes which have been running in a host of other states in the country, is designed to get children of school age off the streets and exposing children to their rights at an early stage.

The pilot programme which was held at the LEA Primary Scholl, Phase 2, Nyanya saw more than 400 children turn up for the classes from August 3 to August 29, 2014.

Helped along by a host of teachers and a slew of NYSC members, the target of the NGO was too evident to miss.

The children were taught subjects like civic education, mathematics, the English language, basic technology, agricultural science and health education.

When LEADERSHIP FRIDAY visited the school on the last day of the classes, August 29, 2014, the policy and campaign officer, Actionaid Nigeria, Kenneth Okoineme, explained that the goal of the programme is to bring children together and build their consciousness around their society, how it functions and the role they can play to shape their society.

“The essence of shaping the thought process of children from an early age is to help them begin to appreciate situations and see how to work on or around them. For us in Actionaid Nigeria, we want the children to begin to understand the concept of rights and how it plays out in the society, as well as how they can stand up to ask for their rights. We do these using very simple methods,” he said.

Okoineme also explained that beyond having a holiday class, the thrust of the free holiday class is part of a campaign for free basic education.

“We believe that every child has the right to be relevant and the right to education; in that process we have developed what we call the ‘promoting rights in schools charter’, which is actually a set of rights which a child of schoolage should have. It ranges from free and nonviolent learning environment, free education, the right infrastructure, free and compulsory education. We want these children to imbibe these rights and experience, first hand, what it is like to have education that is qualitative and free.

“Better still, we believe that the children can also be advocates for those rights, because they can talk to their parents, parents, principals and guardians about these rights and at the end of the day we can have children who understand what ‘right’ is and the whole concept of it,” Okoineme further explained.

The classes, held in collaboration with another NGO, Education Rights Campaign, started in Lagos and, presently, the programme has reached out to five states, including Abuja, Benue, Gombe, Ondo and Lagos.

“What this means is that we can have more children thinking and keying into the campaign for their rights. I thank the 420plus children who turned up for the classes, I thank the children for making it such a challenge to handle and cater for them and I thank Activista volunteers who came to teach the children, but the most important thing is

Despite their numbers, the volunteers taught the children. PHOTOS BY Onukogu Kanayo Jubal

Free Holiday Classes: Lending A Hand To Abuja’s Suburbs that they are learning new things in different ways,” he said.

Okoineme’s pride is that what they have learnt will help them relate better with their environment and their superiors – parents, teachers, guardians, and neighbours. He also promised that the programme will spread to better schools and the charter will become one which, hopefully, every school in the FCT will own and come to adopt.

“We also look forward to a time when schools will be made to work better and the children managed better through the acceptance and application of the 10 charters.

Only then can we say we are beginning to make some impact,” he said.

Okoineme appealed to more young people to join the Activista arm of the NGO, so as to greatly reduce the teacher-pupil ratio in the next classes to be held over the next long vacation.

“The children just kept on coming and we did not want to send them back, but, I think, the teacher-pupil ratio can only get better at the next class, but the most important thing is that more than 400 children learnt differently and in a new year over the long vacation,” he assured.

As part of events to round-off the holiday classes, some of the parents honoured the NGO’s invitation to come celebrate with the children and appreciate what they have learnt.

One of the parents who spoke to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY, Florence Offor, said her child began attending the classes from the beginning and that, within the threeweek period, his approach to home-work has changed.

“Most times, he comes home and he keeps going on about what they learnt that day and what the teacher said about homework and all that,” Offor said.

Another parent who is also a teacher, Afangideh Josephine, explained that though her children began attending the classes late, she is glad they got the chance to attend the lasses over the holiday period.

“I was just passing very close to the school when I saw the banner. I decided to send my children here and, I can say, they have not done badly. I went through their work and I discovered that the teachers are using the

The children danced to bring the three-week class to a close

correct, government-approved scheme and the three children have not done so badly,” she said.

Another parent, Nicodemus Gadu, narrated that he had two children who were both part of the classes and, from all they have done, he is proud of the efforts of the NGO. Another parent, Lawani Othman, explained that he was grateful for the opportunity to get his daughter away from all the “play-play” to come learn “something better”.

“My child is in Primary Two and, since I brought him here, he has been unable to go around playing like he was always used to. I think he used this holiday period well and I will build on the things which he has learnt to help him learn to read before school resumes properly,” another parent, Mrs Amusan, said.

“When I was in primary school back in the ‘70s, we used to have these free classes back then, but forlong I have not seen this kind of thing,” another parent, Pam Hamunda, said. He was grateful to the NGO for the opportunity to keep his children away from “too much play and unnecessary friendship.

If you don’t have money you can’t get these things now, but these people are doing it for free. Since there is no money, if there is education, our children can have a great sense of pride”.

Some of the children also shared their experiences with LEADERSHIP FRIDAY.

He who can persuade someone not to gamble has earned money for him.

Nasir Mohammed, a 10-year-old in Primary 4, told LEADERSHIP that he learnt a few things in Health Education, the English Language, Bible Knowledge and Math, but claimed to love Math most.

Janet Caleb, 12, in JS3, said she was taught Basic Technology, Agricultural Science, English Language and Math. ”What I loved most about the classes was the way the teacher explained the Math lessons. I didn’t know some of these subjects were so easy, but the explanations have made things easier,” she said.

Bernadette Jeremiah and Bilkisu Aliu, both aged 10 and in Primary 4, explained that they learnt about living and non-living things and enjoyed the English Language lessons on pronouns.

Rabiu Abdulwahab 12, in JS3, enjoyed everything about the classes, while Emmanuel Steven picked Civic Education as his best class. “It taught me a number of things,” he said.

Prudence Nkanu (11, JS2) and Divine Tandu (13, JS3) called the classes “three weeks of fun” and admitted that they will like the classes to be held again next year.

The children rounded off the day with an eclectic performance of traditional dance steps, singing different Nigerian folk songs. Loud whoops and clapping greeted the somersaulting dancers and their lithe, energetic steps, as they moved to the rum beats.

— Chinese Proverb

KANNYWOOD trends

By Al-Amin Ciroma

September 5, 2014,

email: alaminciroma@gmail.com. GSM: 08033225331 (sms only)

Zango Becomes MTN Ambassador

A

dam A. Zango, popularly known as Prince Zango, signed a one-year endorsement deal with MTN last week. The actor was visibly overjoyed to have joined a number of Nigerian celebrities who have been snapped up by the telecommunications giant.

In a statement, his spokesman, Abu Sarki, told Kannywood Trends that said talks on the deal started about three months ago.

“Zango is now one of the numerous ambassadors of MTN, having signed a one-year deal. He is expected to participate in all the

brand’s activities and to take part in, at least, 10 MTN gala shows a year, including all other activities of the brand, as part of the contract agreement,” Sarki announced.

The contract, according to him, is subject to renewal every year, if both parties deem it fit. “I am happy to say that Zango’s romance with MTN, as one of the leading communication companies in the world, is a great achievement, not only for him as a person, but for the Hausa film industry as a whole.

Therefore, I equally convey this message to his teeming fans that he dedicates this victory to them and his loved ones,” Sarki said.

Zango, who is widely regarded as one of Kannywood’s A-list stars, started out as a studio manager, before he started composing songs, in his bid to reach for the stars.

Today, Zango owns a production company in which he has invested so much. The company continues to provide employment for a growing number of youths who work as managers or as part of his production crew. Within a startling short while, Zango has got his finger in every pie and his vocals in almost every Kannywood movie sound-track. It is no wonder that many, including MTN, now find him completely irresistible.

Movie Reviews Movie Title: So Aljannar Duniya So Aljannar Duniya is a story about a man beaten blue-black and left on the streets for dead. He is taken in by a professional journalist who sees to his treatment and nurses him back to health. Unfortunately, the young man turned out to be a tricky maroon who keeps plotting to covet all that the good journalist owns – even his wife!

He plots for the journalist to be arrested, frames him for childtrafficking and, shockingly, does away with anyone who stands in his way.

Right when it looks as if he has succeeded, after eliminating the journalist’s younger sister, his lawyer, gate man and the journalist, he meets his waterloo at the hands of the journalist’s wife who he thought had been hand-in-glove with him all the while.

So Aljannar Duniya is a tale of betrayal, envy and greed.

Ali Nuhu plays the lead as Ka’ana, while his wife (Fati K.K) plays Maimuna-Ya’ana. Rahama Sadau (Fanne) was an almostperfect-fit as Ka’ana’s younger sister, while Zanjos plays the crook and traitor. The movie marks one of the big Kannywood screen come-back of model-cumactress, Fati K.K (Ya’ana).

Sale A.G.M directed the movie which was released on June 10, 2014, while Yerwa Productions produced it. It is currently marketed by Al-Rahuz Film Productions. But does the film have what it takes to make huge sales?

Cast Ali Nuhu (Ka’ana), Fati K.K (Maimuna-Ya’ana), Yakubu Mohammed (Zanjos), Rahama Sadau (Fanne), Al-Amin Buhari (Fannami) and Hadiza Mohammed (Hajiya) who plays the role of Ka’ana’s mother in the flick.

Adam A. Zango

Plot Zanjos is a petty crook who lives an adventurous. Like all criminals, he is greedy and cheats. It is while in school, engrossed in his dirty dealings and leading a dangerous life that he meets another student, Maimuna-Ya’ana and they both fall in love. Immediately after leaving school, both go their separate ways, until fate brings them together once more – only, she is already married to a journalist, Ka’ana, who she never really loves.

Ka’ana takes good care of her in her mentally-challenged state, spends his fortunes to see her get better…but she never really loves him.

As a result, their home is an unhappy one, until they run into an unconscious Zanjos and decide to take him to the hospital. Zanjos becomes part of the family and, upon recovery, leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to get back the love of his life (Fati), who is now the wife of his new benefactor.

Ka’ana has no idea that the stranger he has been so good to and allowed into his home will be the end of him.

As if his life couldn’t get any worse, Zanna is distracted from his job and a few family issues begin to gnaw away at his mind.

First, his kid-sister Fanne becomes loose and abuses drugs beyond measure. All his efforts to bring her to order prove abortive. Worse, what anyone thinks about her attitude is the least of her troubles.

Zanjos, meanwhile, plots to elope with Zanna’s wife and all that is his, after doing away with him (Zanjos).

He employs every means available to him, moving any ‘stumbling block’ in his path.

He frames Ka’ana for murder and other crimes and gets him imprisoned.

While investigations are on-going and

his benefactor is in jail, Zanjos sets about taking all that is Ka’ana’s.

Pros Ali Nuhu maintains himself as a professional journalist with just the right amount of cleverness required for a character who discharges his duties with of a big heart, a humble mien and a community-friendly attitude; always willing to help both friends and family. His mistake, though, is counting the self-assured fraudster as one of his ‘friends’.

Cons While the film has some truly thrilling moments, it also disappoints in a few ways. It lacks any sense of originality. The dialogues are conflicting and the lazy script makes some situations seem too simplistic and inexpedient. A cleverer screenplay would have made the role more challenging for Zanjos (Yakubu), in order to taking his character a rung above the rest.

The most disappointing of the lot is the language usage in the movie.

Somehow, the actors come across as though they wish to prove to someone somewhere that they have a certain mastery of the English language.

For a purely Kannywood production where the primary language is supposed to be Hausa, they ended up mixing both English and Hausa into their diaogues. Above all, most scenes lack continuity.

Verdict The basic requirement of a good con story is a crisp, taut script that keeps the audience engaged and entertained. But a dull script, like that of So Aljannar Duniya, smacks of unprofessionalism.

With money you can buy a bed, but not sleep.

— Chinese Proverb

The Movie posters

50

September 5, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com

My Driver’s License

My temporary driver’s license has all the details that the permanent card will eventually have, so I’m wondering what really is the rationale for expending time, energy and resources to issue a nice-looking temporary one which lasts for only three months within which the permanent one is not issued! I don’t know what the next step is now that the temporary card has expired.

Beware, Hackers On The Loose The amount of hackers determined to hack my account is becoming unbelievable! Every single day I receive, at least, two mails. It does seem as if we are heading back to the days of the ‘yahooyahoo boys’.

Souvenirs A souvenir, by definition, is a ‘thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place or event.’ souvenirs were meant to be small and cute. We, however, have exaggerated [the idea of souvenirs] that some people have been known to give microwaves, Persian rugs, pearls dinner sets, tablets and the likes.

With the wide and rich variety of ‘souvenir’ given, someone will get killed one day at an event because of the ruthlessness with which guests approach getting one. A host will plan his/her event based on a certain number of

people he/she intends to invite, including those who will stray in. Funny that the ‘strayins’ end up getting the souvenirs. This is what I find interesting; you see well dressed women, heavily decked in gold or ‘as like’ with their shoes and bags to match fighting for and being rather vicious about collecting a ‘souvenir’. It can be quite disheartening and embarrassing. Most times, these bags contain items they can quite easily pick up in the market anytime they so choose. I guess it has become a case of awoof no dey run belle.

The Bane Of A New Month

I am still getting strange emails from ‘banks’!

At the beginning of a new year, when we say “Happy New Year!” felicitate with one another and all that; why are the months January to December excluded, because I don’t understand the barge of messages that greet me on the first day of each new month! Each month comes themed with different hopes, prayers, wants, demands and aspirations. I don’t get it! Nigerians even got “Happy New Month!” trending this September. Again, Nigerians have a way of modifying anything that they inherit or imbibe. With the way it has caught on we might be looking at Month-themed cards and gifts. I just fear that one day someone will start the happy-new-week trend.

‘Zenith’ Bank is now sending me s, telling me about the successful beneficiaries that have been added to my ‘account’. I don’t know any....

Beneficiary Name Adewale Yomi Tedddy Beneficiary Account 30446004721 Beneficiary Bank United Bank For Africa Plc. Other times, it could be Beneficiary Name Chukwuma Daniel Osuji Beneficiary Account 30946004721 Beneficiary Bank First Bank of Nigeria Plc (note the similarities in the numbers). There are a couple more where that came from.

The banks won’t take this serious now till a major cock-up happens and then they begin to hide behind some indefensible ‘policies’. There is a story there and that story is for another day.

Then mails from ‘First Bank’ always request that I reset my password, because my account “has been dormant,” if not closed now for donkey years!

The Shoprite Proposal Last week, a guy decided to propose to his girlfriend in the very public space of Shoprite Ikeja. The responses, as usual, from Nigerians has been, to say the least, disturbing. Ninety per cent of comments and reactions were less than kind and insulting. Why it is our business in the first place is beyond me. Most of the commenters were not impressed by the fact that the guy risked being turned

WEEKEND

BiTES

A moment of pAtience in A moment of Anger prevents A thousAnd moments of regret.

down in front of total strangers. Well, I can understand their concern but ‘he who goes to war must count the cost’. Besides, with the way the average Nigerian female has been skewed to think that marriage is salvation, I dare say that any man who does a public proposal is most certain of getting a “yes” for an answer! Others were disgusted by the ‘fact’ that he was seeking attention. Whose atten-

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

tion? Strangers? Some olofofos pointed out that the concept is alien to us and, as such, the female should have been proposed to over dinner or by the beach. Well, is that not also alien to us? You can’t help but admire the simplicity of the Oyinbo in this instance.

The eternal romantics would have cheered them on and it would have been carried in the news sef; complete with a story.

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.

Naerls forum

September 5, 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 NAERLS and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), the two prominent Ahmadu Bello University based agricultural research Institutes are among the key partners for the implementation of SAA/AGRA Project in Kano and Kaduna states for the next two three years (2014 - 2016). Other partners are Centre for Dry Agriculture (CDA), Faculty of Agriculture, Beyero University, Kano, Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) and other relevant stakeholder. The project is funded by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The Theme of the project is “Improving Productivity and Income of Small Holder Farming Households through Innovative Extension and Advisory Services in Northern Nigeria”. After series of consultations among the partners, the official launching of the project was held on 19th August, 2014 in Kano while that of Kaduna was held on 26th August, 2014.The overall goal of the project is to improve food security and income of small scale farming households through innovative extension and advisory services. The project is aimed to achieve a target of directly benefiting 30,000 smallholder farmers within three years of implementation through the formation of 60 clusters in 20 LGAs of the two States.

The launching of the project in the two states were graced by prominent agricultural scientists, policy makers, inputs suppliers,

Group photograph of participants at the SAA/AGRA project launching in Kano.

traditional rulers and farmers. The honourable Commissioners of Agriculture and Rural Development for the two states were among the dignitaries at the two occasions. The Executive Directors of IAR and NAERLS; Prof.

A. Falaki and Ismaila Ilu were similarly present at the launching.

Prof. A. Falaki was Chairman of the launching in Kano while his Deputy Prof Amans Chaired that of Kaduna State. Prof Falaki considered the project to be a laudable one because as it came at the right time when emphasis is placed both on production and the

marketing of agricultural produce. He mentioned that in the past emphasis was placed only on the production aspect where farmers were made to over produce without making provision for adequate markets of the commodities.

The Director of the Federal Department of Extension at Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development expressed the confidence of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina on the success of the project implementation because Sasakawa has record of successes in all the agricultur-

al programmes SAA is involved. He pledged the support of his Ministry in achieving the project laudable objectives.

NAERLS Executive Director, I. Y. Ilu commended the effort of SAA and the key stakeholders for the formal launching of the project and termed it to be timely and appropriate for smallholder farmers because of the introduction of value chain and marketing as a components of the project. He commended the introduction of facilitation approach for extension delivery services in the project.

He highlighted the differences between extension agent and facilitator in agricultural extension delivery system. He pointed out that the SAA /AGRA project in the two States would be implemented using the value chain approach through capacity building and extension advisory services to farmers, processors and marketers to increase their productivity aimed at achieving the project objectives.

The country Director of Sasakawa, Prof.

Sani Miko highlighted the target of the project, which planned to reach out 70,000 farming household directly in the two states (Kaduna and Kano) through specialized extension delivery on maize and sorghum in Kaduna State and sorghum and soyabeans in Kano State. ➔ TO BE CONTI UED NEXT WEEK

52/ INTERVIEW

September 5, 2014

‘Private Universities Financial Conscious, Not Education Improvement’ The acting vice-chancellor of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof Mohammed Akaro Mainoma, is an all-round alumnus of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The scholar of accounting and finance committed 13 years of service to his alma mater, until he got to the position of senior lecturer, before walking away to try new experiences. He spoke to PEMBI DAVID-STEPHEN and ONUKOGU KANAYO JUBAL. Education analysts divide the issues bedevilling tertiary education in the country into three – poor research; poor content which results to poor quality of graduates and poor infrastructure. However, it is believed that there are other underlying factors which are hardly brought to the surface…

(cuts in) That’s very correct. The first issue is labour relations, in terms of competition within labour unions. As something is happening to the ASUU, SSANU is warming up to make its own demands.

The laboratory technicians are also bidding their time. Therefore, you must ensure that you are careful to treat them all with the same degree of seriousness and give them all the same considerations.

Most times, they may have no issues, at all; but because a body comes to the table with some of its challenges, another may feel that it needs some looking into, as well.

While all this is going on, you have to be bothered about your recurrent expenditure all the time. A department which runs on N5000 per month may decide to increase its requirement to N20,000 per month. You cannot agree to everything.

There are also the water and light situations which are nothing to write home about. You need to bother about bringing in diesel and water daily.

Promotion is another issue which needs to be taken into consideration. Some promotions are unnecessarily delayed and, at the end of the day, you discover that you need to effect some promotions which were supposed to be effected since 2013 and that you have to pay the arrears for those promotions. Since I came into office, I have effected two promotions, in order to ensure that I meet up.

In state universities, it is common place to see natives of the state who think it is their right to be admitted into the university, whether they are qualified or not.

They usually refer to the university as ‘our own university’. Seeing as you need to balance the percentage from the state, the ‘catchment area’ and the ‘outsiders’, how have you been able to avoid friction?

The truth of the matter is that you have to

make matters straight. Once you have it on ground that 40 per cent who must be admitted on merit, all you have to do is to list out the candidates, from the highest to the lowest and draw a line below the best 40. It is so transparent that you do not have to sweat over it. Issues like these only crop up when you admit someone who is unqualified over a qualified candidate. What’s the big deal? I can tell a candidate to his or her face that he or she is not qualified to gain a place and that’s that. It does not matter if you feel that it is your university as a native. You need to be qualified to be in your own university.

Since my coming, I have made it clear that since we have those who are qualified, we have no business with the unqualified. Time was when some candidates were admitted with deficiencies (in their ‘O’ levels). We don’t do that anymore; we stopped that in 2013. If you are, per chance, admitted and it is discovered that you do not have what it takes to be in the university you have to forfeit that admission. We have an avalanche of qualified candidates; why consider the unqualified?

If we need to admit 3000 candidates and we have 18000, all qualified (that is, having 180 and above), what business do we have with those who have less than that score? None.

However, where a native of the state is qualified and you opt for someone from Akwa Ibom, you may find yourself to blame for any friction in the system, because it is the resources of the state that is used in running the university.

You have to give the state some credit, a quota.

Nigerian graduates have been labelled ‘half-baked’, most times, just for the fun of it. But if these candidates come into the system qualified (as far as the ‘O’ level is concerned), and they pass through the university system, is it not right to say that something goes wrong during their sojourn in the university? What makes the graduate half-baked? Is it the content of the curricular, the environment within which he learns or his receptivity to this content?

Mainoma

I must tell you that it has to do with the combination of a number of factors. First off, you find people who claim to be qualified but know nothing. Some of these young people have 10 credits, but some of them can’t even write their names. It is not about having it all on paper. Also, anyone looking to come into the university must be trainable. There are some who may not necessarily earn what they are presenting; some buy it while others cheat to get it. Now, when they write the UME (because JAMB is still a huge factor, unfortunately) where they have to write an exam based on a combination of these exams they have, they get an inflated JAMB score, say 280. If they come to write the post-UME exam and score, say 40 out of 100, this is added to the UME score and the candidate is almost sure of getting a place in the university (even though he did not earn the ‘O’ level).

Now, they come into the university with the weight of a manipulated result. This is one factor.

The second factor is that it is possible to find some lecturers who do not go about imparting knowledge the right way. Also, a student may be qualified, but because he is not studying the right course, he may not do well in his course of study. There are other, too, who come into the university as very good students, but, upon entry, engage in other distracting activities and, at the end of the day, do not get it right.

To tackle this, we have put a monitory mechanism into place. These measures can help us check the whole system to the best of our ability. Teaching, quality of examination and assessment, screenings, invigilation and the likes are constantly monitored to ensure that they are done in the best of traditions. If every university does this, then we can all vouch for our graduates, to some extent.

factors used in the ranking of these universities are finance-related. If you do not have the funds, you may not be in the position to get in. If you do have the funds, though, and you succeed in getting in this year; if, by next year, you do not have the funds to follow-up on your progress, you may fall in the pecking order.

For example, all a university needs to do is to have a strong presence on the Internet, develop its site, such that all it activities are published on the web. Also, your every member of the university’s staff may be connected to that portal. This is a huge factor and it demands annual renewal. How many universities in Nigerian can afford to do that? They rely on the information you supply on net, not necessarily the physical. It is highly capital-intensive.

That may explain why Nigerian universities do not always find their way in there.

How has that divide remained insurmountable, in spite of the proliferation of private universities?

That divide is quite huge. It may also surprise you to know that private universities are not doing anything different from what we are doing. The same lecturers who teach in state or federal universities are still the ones who go to lecture there. The only difference is that these universities are more interested in generating more income for themselves, not about solving the educational problems of the country.

That is why the education issue may not really change.

And the solution…?

It is all the fault of the government. Why should you go to Lafia and establish a federal university for political reasons when all you have to do is channel the resources into the state university expand the faculties, build more infrastructures? Ideally, federal universities admit less than 1000 candidates but spend more than N40bn Annually, the world’s universities are annually. Why not invest that much in the ranked based on a set of indices. Very few Nigerian universities have made the rank- state university and increase the in-take to 20,000? When this is done, it takes away ings and those who have made the rankings are not consistent. Why do you think the pressure of catering for the tertiary inthis is so? stitute y the state government and helps This is due to the kind of indices which them to concentrate more on primary edthe ranking body uses. A number of the ucation.

A fool may earn money, but it takes a wise man to keep it.

— English Proverb

Feature 53

September 5, 2014

S

ecurity agencies in the country, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been in the news for the wrong reasons: in-fighting, killing and brutality.

The rancour among these security agencies spell a dangerous trend which needs to be urgently addressed, as the country gradually counts down to the 2015 general elections.

The seeming rivalry between the Police and the NSCDC came to the attention of the public on Friday, August 22, 2014, when some policemen reportedly threatened to shoot the commandant-general of the corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin, who led a federal government delegation to Lagos.

Abolurin, who was on an inspection and assessment tour of disposable forfeited items – along with other members of a special committee drawn from the Nigeria Army, EFCC, ICPC, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, among others – was threatened by the police inspector who was allegedly “acting on the orders of the Inspector-general of Police”.

From the ugly confrontation, it can be gleaned that there is a huge need for jurisdictional lines to be drawn, so that security agencies can know their various responsibilities. This will increase accountability to a huge degree. Also, agencies found to be wanting in the discharge of their duties will be accountable.”

Evidently, last year’s lethal clash between personnel of the NSCDC and the NPF, in Lagos, was attributable to role conflicts, particularly over protection of oil pipelines and prosecution of vandals.

It is unedifying that the two law enforcement bodies have, at different times, accused each other of conniving with pipeline vandals – an accusation which is, evidently, highly embarrassing for the government which set up these bodies.

Reports have it that the August 22, 2014 confrontation was orchestrated by the men of the police force, following the arrest of some suspected vandals and oil thieves for possession of petroleum products in several jerry cans, including two big Cotonou boats by the men of the NSCDC. The suspected police team who came in an unmarked danfo bus, carrying AK47 rifles, were said to have challenged Abolurin, insisting that they were “in charge” and, therefore, Abolurin and his men had no right to “visit the area, because it belongs to the police”.

It was further revealed that the power-drunk cop and his colleagues rebutted warnings of caution from members of the committee.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the committee, constituted by the office of the attorney general of the federation (AGF), embarked on an on-the-spot assessment tour of the country for disposable forfeited items used for the vandalism of critical government infrastructure.

Back in March 27, 2013, Nigerians woke up to hear of the disheartening clash involving men of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, where the latter lost two officers identified as Assistant Inspector Adaji Gabriel and Inspector Innocent Akegbe on the spot, with scores critically injured.

NSCDC, Police Fracas: Time To Sheath Swords

Abolurin

Abah

Many are still at loss as to why security agencies in the country are always at daggers drawn, as seen in the recent confrontation between the men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

CHRISTIANA NWAOGU writes that the recent death threat issued to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, by a police inspector, might just be the height of the whole spat.

Although there were varying versions of the unpleasant incident, the bottom line is that some policemen opened fire on an anti-vandalism squad of the Lagos State chapter of the NSCDC, killing two of the officers on the spot and injuring others.

Reports had it that the NSCDC officers were returning from a successful operation that had led to the arrest of alleged pipeline vandals in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos, when they were ambushed by the policemen. An altercation was said to have ensued, resulting in the shooting.

One theory which has been bandied about is that the policemen were allegedly collaborating with the vandals, who had contacted them after they were nabbed by the men of the NSCDC. Prior to the above-mentioned attack, on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, some senior officials of the NSCDC, including the corps’ public relations officer, Emmanuel Okeh, came under attack from some members of the Nigerian Police Force. It was an inhumane and violent attack that, again, exposed the lack of discipline on the part of some of the police force’s officers.

The fracas occurred at the popular Julius Berger Ring-road, Abuja, on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, when dozens of wellmobilised police men descended heavily on five NSCDC officers. At the end of the swoop, the five officers were admitted into different hospitals in the city centre and three officers were in dire need of medical attention for their gunshot wounds.

According to eye-witnesses, the barbaric

incident was carried out by a combination of cops working at nearby police stations and posts.

Only recently, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) won a prolonged disagreement with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over who had the right to issue vehicle number plates and keep the database of vehicles in the country. The conflict boiled over in March 2013 during a public hearing on the new number plate and driver’s license conducted by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, where Deputy Inspector-general of Police Olajide Akano said that the new number plate registration and driver’s license upgrading by the FRSC were illegal and a violation of the Act which set up the commission.

The ‘war’ would have dragged on, if the then FRSC marshal, Osita Chidoka, had not insisted that the Enhanced Central Motor Registry programme of the police had been faulted and certified illegal by the Joint Task Board which had met separately in Kano and Nasarawa states.

A security consultant and retired FCT commissioner of police, Lawrence Alobi, described the incessant clashes between both agencies as “unhealthy and unacceptable” on more than a few occasions.

“It is not supposed to be so. This is because the police is the mother agency tasked with ensuring internal security of the nation while the NSCDC, as a sister agency, should give a supportive arm to the police.

You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ― African proverb

“They are expected to work as a team to attain a positive result and not to be competing. The country’s ultimate goal of gaining maximum security for both its citizens and critical government infrastructure will be forfeited, if they are not cautioned. We can’t achieve this expected end if they declare war on themselves. To this effect, there is the need for the NSCDC to respect the police while the police, on their part, should reciprocate,” Alobi added.

Alabi, however, refused to comment on the attempted assassination attempt on Abolurin, explaining that he was not aware of the situation. “Sorry, I can’t comment on that because I am not aware of such [an] incident. However, my prayer is that peace should reign among them so that the war against oil theft, vandalism and other heinous crimes can be won.’

Another security expert, Adewale Segun, pointed out that history will forever have it that this same ‘baby agency’ (NSCDC) has successfully stemmed the wave of pipeline destruction by bringing to book criminals whose illegal activities have plunged the nation’s foreign exchange earning into the doldrums.

“We may not all be civil defenders; yet, let us all celebrate their arming. This is because, this celebrated harvest by the security agency has, in a way, placed a huge responsibility of protecting lives and property on them.”

Segun advised officers of the NSCDC combine to combine the professionalism of a security outfit with the civil ethos of profound respect for the rights of citizens.

“In this way, it will justify the confidence reposed in them by some people and allay the justified fear clearly expressed by others”, Segun said.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC helmsman, Abolurin, had, in a press statement, prescribed understanding as the only antidote to the crisis and urged his subordinates to always ignore any level of provocation, preferring to adopt a soft approach to any challenge which crops up in the execution of their tactical and operational activities.

The corps duties, he explained, are as enshrined in the NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003 and amended in 2007. He urged the men of the corps to ensure that they approach their duties without complacency, at any level.

It is in this regard that the federal government, the National Assembly, civil society groups and all well-meaning Nigerians should express concern over the apparent failure of these agencies mandated by the nation’s constitution to protect, guard and sustain law and order in the country and within the states.

These ‘warring’ agencies should be reminded that any division or parallel effort to fight vandalism, oil theft, terrorism and other nefarious crimes will weaken them and strengthen the nation’s saboteurs to their loss – especially at a time [when] our security forces are over-stretched with the battle against Islamists insurgents There is never a more fit time for both agencies to unite than the present. They do not need a presidential committee, enquiry or prodding; all they have to do is sheath their swords and egos, understand themselves and their roles and apply themselves to the job at hand.

54

September 5, 2014

The Polity Is Gradually Heating Up

Stanley Nkwocha Our Eye On Power And Politics

08038011382 (text only)

Sheriff : Time For Real Soul Searching

Amidst the Boko Haram carnage and the scourge of Ebola virus disease, no Nigerian needs to be told that there is a gradual heating up of the polity and 2015 elections are already here.

As Ebola and Boko Haram continue to wreck untold havoc on us as a nation, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) is busy doing their thing - engaging Nigerians on the need for President Jonathan to continue in office.

Meanwhile, while Prof. Attahiru Jega and his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are churning out permanent voters card and issuing warnings to those who seem unconcerned, others like Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and his erstwhile associate Chief Tom Ikimi are engaged in what certainly would be an unending roforofo fight.

The folks in Adamawa are gearing up for their party primaries, set to engage in a governorship contest after former Governor Murtala Nyako has been made a history and passed phase in the state.The speed with which 2015 is being crashed into suggests that Ebola or no Ebola, Boko Haram or no Boko Haram we shall continue to forge ahead as a nation. And the truth remains that this is what it would be whether we like it or not.

We have come to a point in our nation’s history that we just must brace up despite the odds that we face.

These are not the best of times for Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

The multibillionaire politician seems to have beaten more than he can chew. I do not know what to really think of Sheriff. But I know some basic things about Sheriff.

Sheriff loves power. He craves for attention and loves to control and command people. He loves to be the only one sitting while

others are squatting. To him, the politics of Borno State as far as he is concerned is an enterprise only he should control and have a say in.

When such mindset exists, it’s only natural that the bearer will continue to explain both the known and unknown endlessly. Doubt how many people will ever listen and trust Sheriff. His politics and style is not amusing to many a Nigerian.

Feedback: stanleyn@leadership.ng Stan’s Memo

Musings

i

It’s not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life,it’s what you whisper to yourself that has the most power - Robert Kiyosaki

Hope sanitisers are not the latest conduit pipes in town.

Already some directors in ministries and parastatals are fighting over who presides over the purchase of sanitisers. I just pray this does not become like Boko Haram where some persons, as a result of the billions that have been popped out hate the idea of bringing Boko Haram to an end!

What Is Happening In Borno?

Are reports of the seizures of towns by the Boko Haram sect actually true? I mean reports that the sect has captured some towns and villages in Borno and Yobe states. Are these stories true?

I have been quietly watching and really wondering if it is true that Nigerian soldiers are really being this frustrated? We have indeed clearly underestimated the might of the sect.

If with all our ‘tactical maneuvering’, aided with the advantage of our airspaces for air strikes and assaults, the Boko Haram sect has continued to pick villages at will as if on a leisure trip, it just must mean that time has come for a complete overhaul and restrategising. I will advocate that all the top military brass who promised to quieten the sect by April this year only to make a volte face and those who make cases for the Army’s ‘tactical maneuvering’ be eased off.

It is damaging enough that after 143 days, we are still at a loss as to the fate of our missing Chibok Girls!

Fintiri: What was Mantu Up To? Last Saturday, the people of Adamawa State and indeed a whole lot of political observers were stunned when acting governor, Umaru Fintiri’s aspiration to contest and fly the flag of the PDP in the October election was initially cut short. No thanks to the ‘red card’ which the Senator Ibrahim Mantu- led Screening Committee dashed him.

Just when everyone thought that the likes of Nuhu Ribadu, Marcus Gundiri and Buba Marwa would still find it hard to jump the hurdle after being granted waivers by the PDP leadership, but for the Appeals Committee of Senator James Manager, it was Acting Governor Fintiri’s aspiration that came close to being given a technical knock-out even before the race started.

Reports that led to the initial screening out of Fintiri is making the rounds and I can only say, ‘Haba Senator Mantu! You again?”

Power Play: Tinubu Vs Ikimi Ever since former APC chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi fired the first salvo after losing his bid to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing Tinubu of imposition, Nigerians knew it was only a matter of time before he

responded. But Asiwaju kept mute and defied the rules.

It took another salvo by the former foreign affairs minister for Asiwaju to roll the tanks and he did it mercilessly and in typical Asiwaju style - the ‘no matter whose ox was gored

pattern’.

Having known a bit of Chief Ikimi, this fight will not end as he does not fight and run away.

So fellow Nigerians, I can only say sit back, relax and lets get set to enjoy some real good fight for it’s just beginning.

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

world news REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL EVENTS AND ISSUES September 5, 2014

Several Killed In Twin Afghan Car Bombings

Two car bombs targeting local police and intelligence offices have exploded in the city of Ghazni south of the Afghan capital Kabul, sources have told Al Jazeera.

At least 18 people were killed and more than 130 others were injured in the attack, which also destroyed dozens of shops near the government complex. The fatalities included eight police officers, nine intelligence staff and a civilian.

The explosions took place

around the same time, in the same area in the centre of the city, and was followed by at least three hours of fighting, according to witnesses.

Musa Khan Akbarzada, governor of the province also named Ghazni, told the Associated Press that as many as 19 Taliban fighters had launched the attack. He said 13 of the attackers were also killed after the gun battle with the police.

“The bombs were so powerful

that many civilians were wounded because of falling roofs and shattering of windows in their homes,” he said.

Sources told Al Jazeera that the death toll was likely to increase, as rescuers try to dig from the rubble and look for bodies.

In a message sent to Al Jazeera, Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said that the armed group was responsible for the attack.

—Al Jazeera

The scene of the bombing in the Afghan city of Ghazni

NATO Summit To Highlight Unity Against Russia NATO leaders are holding a summit in the UK in a bid to show unity against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, after France suspended delivery of a warship to Moscow despite a surprise peace plan put forward by the Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko held talks with US President Barack Obama and other Western leaders on Thursday on the conflict with pro-Russia rebels in Ukraine ahead of the start of a NATO summit.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has warned that Russian intervention in Ukraine is the most serious security threat since the Cold War, one which the 28 member-states ignore at their peril.

US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to stand together in support of Ukraine against Russia in a joint statement in the Times newspaper on Thursday.

“Russia has ripped up the rulebook with its illegal, selfdeclared annexation of Crimea and its troops on Ukrainian soil threatening and undermining a

Cross section of world leaders at the summit in Wales.

sovereign nation state,” the two leaders wrote in an op-ed piece.

“We should support Ukraine’s right to determine its own democratic future and continue our efforts to enhance Ukrainian capabilities.”

Poroshenko and Western leaders are to hold a session of the

NATO-Ukraine Council, set up after the country became an alliance partner in 1997, the AFP news agency reported.

During the two-days of talks in Wales, Nato leaders are also set to discuss the rise of Islamic State (IS), and Afghanistan where Taliban militants launched

US To Pursue IS Group To ‘Gates Of Hell’ Joseph Biden, the US vice president, has said his country will follow the IS group “to the gates of hell” following the beheading of two American journalists by the group in Iraq.

Biden vowed to hunt down and defeat the IS group, while stepping up efforts to recruit an international coalition to join in the fight.

“The American people are so much stronger, so much more resolved than any enemy can fully understand,” Biden said in a speech on Wednesday. ‘’When people harm Americans, we don’t retreat, we don’t

forget.”

A videotape showing Steven Sotloff’s murder was broadcast on Tuesday, two weeks after the same group released a video showing Foley’s killing.

“We take care of those who are grieving and when that’s finished, they should know we will follow them to the gates of hell until they are brought to justice,” the US vice president said. “Because hell is where they’ll reside.”

The speech came as US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said dozens of US citizens are joining the Islamic State group.

“We are aware of over a hun-

dred US citizens, who have US passports, who are fighting in the Middle East with ISIL [IS] force,” Hagel said in a television interview. “There maybe more, we don’t know, we can’t take a chance.”

Earlier on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama called for an international front against the IS, as US allies Britain and France weighed possible military action.

“We know that if we are joined by the international community, we can continue to shrink ISIL’s sphere of influence, its effectiveness, its financing, its military capabilities,” said Obama.

—Al Jazeera

a deadly attack on a government compound yesterday.

Writing in the Times newspaper, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama said they would “confront” IS, warning their countries would “not be cowed by barbaric killers”.

250

Three Al Jazeera staff; Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy have been imprisoned for 250 days in Egypt.

600

Million

WHO says at least $600m is needed to fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, as death toll rises to more than 1,900 people.

Al-Qaeda Leader Announces India Wing Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has announced the formation of an Indian branch of his global armed group that he said would spread Islamic rule and “raise the flag of jihad” across the subcontinent.

In a video spotted in online “jihadist” forums on Wednesday by the SITE terrorism monitoring group, Zawahiri said the new force would “crush the artificial borders” dividing Muslim populations in the region.

Al-Qaeda is active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where its surviving leadership are thought to be hiding out, but Zawahiri said the group would take the fight to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

“This entity was not established today but is the fruit of a blessed effort of more than two years to gather the mujahedeen in the Indian sub-continent into a single entity,” he said.

Founded by Osama bin Laden, who was killed in Pakistan by US commandos in May 2011, al-Qaeda has long claimed leadership of the self-declared jihadists fighting to restore a single caliphate in Muslim lands.

But since the death of its figurehead, it has been somewhat eclipsed, first by its own offshoots in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and now by the so-called “Islamic State” fighting in Iraq and Syria.

While still regarded as a threat to the West, the group has never managed carry out another attack on the scale of the September 11, 2001 attacks by hijacked airliners on New York and Washington.

But, in launching “Qaedat al-Jihad in the Indian sub-continent,” Zawahiri may be attempting to recapture some of the limelight for his group and to exploit existing unrest in Kashmir and Myanmar.

“It is an entity that was formed to promulgate the call of the reviving imam, Sheikh Osama bin Laden, may Allah have mercy upon him,” Zawahiri said.

56 ISLAM

September 5 , 2014

Discourse with Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi turimuhd@yahoo.com 07038199475 (text only)

In the name of Allah who states “O apostle!

Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people; surely Allah will not guide the unbelieving people” Q5:67 Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble servant, our master Muhammad and his oppressed progeny.

Let me start by thanking Allah for giving us the opportunity to witness Zulqaadah, the eleventh month of Islamic calendar.

It is one of the four sacred months with a number of historic events. Believers are highly encouraged to put more efforts in worship with a view to acquiring the pleasure of Allah the Most High.

Birth of Imam Ali al - Ridha which occurred on the 11th day, in the 148th year after hijra is of the most brilliant events.

“There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not an invented tale, but confirmation of what went before it, a detailed exposition of all things and a guide and mercy to any such as believe” Q12:111. His father was Imam Musa al - Kazim and mother Najmah nicknamed Ummu - banin (as).

Bukhari and Muslim have narrated that the messenger of Allah has said: “I shall be succeeded by twelve religious leaders, all of whom shall be of Qurayshite origin”. The Imam was brought up under the spiritual guidance of his father for thirty five years.

After succeeding his father, he has faced great enmity and hostility from the ruling class who assassinated his father before his eyes.

Many of his followers were imprisoned and those outside the bars were afflicted with untold hardships. However, the Imam bravely followed the footsteps of his grandfather, noble messenger Muhammad (s) in a peaceful manner which resulted in the strategic widespread of his teachings.

Like his predecessors, the Imam was finally poisoned which resulted in his martyrdom on 17th Safar, 203 after hegira at the age of 55 leaving behind 5 sons “Deem not that Allah is heedless of what the iniquitous do; He is only deferring them to a day when eyes shall stare” Qur’an 14:42 For the Imam’s refusal to join the oppressive regime, he attained martyrdom losing nothing and remained a great and highly respected Islamic personality honored by Allah that remains indelible in the face of history. Reference could be made to books of history for details.

THE 40TH DAY PRAYER The 40th day prayer for the 34 brothers murdered on 25th July by the military after the peaceful procession was held last Wednesday principally at Zaria. The prayer as particularly known in Islam was also held at thousand other places - mosques, Husainiyyat and centres - across the world.

Ad’iyatu Jaushanul Kabeer, Alqama, Mujeer and Tawassul were among the prayers recited generally on four goals; Firstly, for the repose of the innocent and gentle

After The 40Th Day Prayer: Endless Prayers For The Most Unusually Oppressed Sheikh!

souls of the murdered. We prayed to Allah to accept them as martyrs, grant all their wishes, elevate their heavenly position and place them in the great custody of Imam Husain (as), the chief martyr. As Allah immortalized their names for the great sacrifice they have made, may He also amplify their remembrance throughout history. Secondly, for the families of the 33 martyrs above all leader of the Islamic movement sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) whose three sons were deliberately murdered in cold blood. To them, we prayed to Allah to give them more fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, grant them all their wishes in the criminals behind the heinous act, honor and reward them for their patience, perseverance and reliance on Him over the tragic event.

Thirdly, on the criminals, the heartless and blood - thirsty that brutally executed the murder, their close and distant masters and their supporters across the world.

We know some like Lt. Colonel Oku, but undoubtedly Allah knows all of them. To them, we prayed to Allah to give them a befitting punishment on their barbaric act in this world and hereafter. O Allah the exalted in might, the irresistible and the invincible, we have neither power nor ability but you are powerful and able over all things, show us your immediate power and ability on these culprits that brutally killed our innocent brothers and sisters! O Allah never actualize their goals and ambitions at all, send your inevitable wrath and anger on them and accord them most disgracing chastisement in the hereafter! and: Fourthly; for the Muslim - ummah which is deliberately engulfed by conspiracies of its enemies across the world. How did Islam become a thing of the past that it is now likened to terrorism?

The comments of renowned non - Muslim philosophers of the past centuries are still very much enlightening. So we prayed to Allah to guide, support and emancipate this Ummah from the predicament and raise it above all nations in the world.

These prayers are very important and should continue unabated. Yes, the arrogant murderers have guns and take pride in their satanic action. Together with their local and International masters may laugh or belittle our reaction of consistent prayers and cries to Allah the most High. We know you are ignorant of Allah the creator and disposer of all affairs and disregard His commands, but no doubt, you will see His inevitable action.

We will also acknowledge the prayers offered by some churches over the barbaric murder for Allah’s revenge and fortitude for the various families to bear the loss. Because as we said and repeated, the International Quds day is globally observed primarily on human ground, not even religious. As such all sorts of people partake; a prominent figure is George Galloway, the member of British parliament and some countries like Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Palestine, Iran and Turkey who expressed much concern and called for justice over the tragic event.

THE ENEMIES OF THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT The diverse nature of sympathizers to sheikh Zakzaky (H) over the brutal murder of his sons and students was a clear testimony of his significant role and peaceful relations in the society.

The sheikh’s effort in promotion of peaceful coexistence and ethno - religious tolerance is widely recognized. His stand has undeniably made tremendous impact in general Muslim / Christian relations not only in Zaria or Kaduna where his home is considered safe abode to ethno religious victims, but indeed throughout Nigeria. During the 2011 post - presidential violence, the medical wing of his movement actively provided first aid and medical care to innocent victims irrespective of tribal and religious inclinations in most northern states, just as they provide same whenever the health sector goes on strike.

In every Ramadan, the sheikh would host some Christian leaders in a goodwill gesture. Pastors Yohanna Buru, national chairman, peace revival and reconciliation foundation of Nigeria and Maxwell Sanda of evangelical intercessory fellowship, Kaduna traditionally honor such invitations after which the need for closer ties and peaceful coexistence are stressed. This move is worthy of emulation by both sides as no development is possible under a situation of chaos and bloodshed.

No doubt, the sheikh symbolizes peace, knowledge, truth, patience, trust, bravery and responsibility just as his enemies symbolize violence, ignorance, mistrust, lies, impudence and irresponsibility.

And in contrast to his opponents his writings and speeches are always full of

Too many desires harm the mind; to desire much money harms the body.

wisdom and consideration.

ENDLESS PRAYERS FOR THE SHEIKH As the sheikh said in a number of interviews, his life is threatened after killing his three sons based on the evidences he put forward. In fact, he spoke of a list of people planned to be killed in the Islamic movement. However, our lives are in the hand of Allah from whom we pray and seek for protection always.

At this juncture, I want remind all brothers, sisters and other well-wishers to never relent in their daily prayers for Allah’s special protection with regard to the sheikh.

We pray to Allah the omnipotent to protect the sheikh as he protected prophets Musa (as) under the pharaoh’s regime, Ibraheem (as) from the fire of Nimrud, seal of the prophets (s) and Sheikh Uthman Danfodio and Imam Khomeini respectively.

We should never forget this in all our gatherings and daily Witr after the night prayers when his enemies are busy in their deep sleep. At the same time we should never forget the murderers of our innocent brothers. Let them face the full wrath of Allah in this life and beyond. Let them never achieve their goals and remain cursed and blameful in the books of world history and meet the most disgracing punishment of Allah in the hell.

Evidently, justice is the base for all development. So the need for government to bring the murderers to book has been repeatedly emphasized, hence the need for action. From the words of Albert Eiinstein peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah.

― Chinese Proverb

Feature 57

September 5, 2014

By Chikelu Chinelo

‘Built Institutions, Volunteerism, Processes, Ingredients Of Nation Building’

Y

ALI Fellows Adediran Adegoke and Ekpo Mfonobong have attributed the longserving system of the American government to seeds of institution building, volunteerism and processes as against individualism practiced in many African countries.

A civil servant and entrepreneur, Adegoke who spent his fellowship program in a government institution in the U.S, emphasized the need for government to focus on building institution via strong policies that outlives political incumbents. In a related development, Barrister Ekpo, the founder Discovery Center, a socio-economic and political initiative, and COO Future Project Africa, recommended the need for Nigerian youths to understand processes necessary to effect changes in the polity.

Speaking on the youth calls for reduction of years to represent constituencies in the House of Representatives, Ekpo said it is not just about the gap in years that matters but rather the experiences and skills gained by youths that seek such policies. Enunciating the importance of processes, she drew comparisons with her leadership programme initiative. According to her, students are trained on creative leadership skills, deployed to the field of study, and then attain leadership qualifications based on researched and evidential service to com-

Ekpo Mfonobong

munities. The hurried need to jump processes contributes to the discrepancies and disruptions in the Nigerian polity.

Addressing the need to encourage volunteerism network in Nigeria as part of nation building, Adegoke says volunteer and charity organizations “pick up a lot of the slack left by the American government” through the provision of shelter, food, health environment and green living to US citizens.

“The people do not wait for government to do everything; rather fill in

those needs that they are more acquainted with to encourage community growth”. He continued, “Part of our itinerary during the fellowship was volunteerism maybe once or twice a week.

We (The YALI fellows), visited the juvenile detention agency in our state of study, and crafted creative ways of engaging youths there. It was obvious that we cannot just walk in and start to teach them about being blacks in the US or about issues in their country. We introduced them to African, African culture and dances which eventually concluded in a dance off contest between the volunteers and the delinquents. They taught us Krump dancing. It ended up a bi-lateral relationship of sorts.”

“I have rethought my impressions of volunteerism since the fellowship. I no longer focus on just building a business selfishly, but to find means to give back to the society that has made my business, what it is today, says the founder, Abuja Cakes and Sugarcraft Society, Joan Aisha Oshiokpekahi.

Maryam Mohammed, alumni Public Management fellow, Morgan State University, who runs a charity organization that offers health aid to the underprivileged said the key to volunteerism lies in “the passion for your field of volunteerism”. “It helps to have an unwavering passion for the extracurricular activities you engage in. My health programme

I have rethought my impressions of volunteerism since the fellowship. I no longer focus on just building a business selfishly, but to find means to give back to the society that has made my business which gained my participation in the YALI Fellowship is not my profession. I work in an investment company, but the passion to provide good health to those who cannot afford it is what has brought the charity to its current state and led to the fellowship,” The fellows are actively drawing up massive plans that will involve creative volunteerism and sensitization on leadership, patriotism and entrepreneurial mind-set.

The plans are not yet full fledged rather in the works and Nigerians wait impatiently for the results of the 31 days fellowship and YALI Leadership Summit in Washington D.C, which championed, ‘African solutions to African problems, the African way’.

FCT NHIS, FHSS Promise Quality Healthcare Delivery To Rural Dwellers

BY PAUL CHIAMA and CHIKELU CHINELO, Abuja

Rural dwellers in the FCT may have every cause to smile as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), FCT chapter, and the FCT Health Services Scheme (FHSS) have set up a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) for effective healthcare delivery to rural dwellers The two schemes have also promised to take health scheme to greater heights through continuous implementation of the FCT-Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS).

This was made known in a statement

made available to LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday signed by Mr Greg Mbakwe on behalf of FHSS. According to the statement, the two schemes are poised to deliver healthcare to the rural populace through a collaborative effort.

“In pursuance of the Presidential Mandate on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the FCT Office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is collaborating with the Health and Human Services Secretariat through the FCT Health Services Scheme (FHSS) to reach the numerous rural populace of the Federal Capital Territo-

From Back row: Dr Aminat Zakari ( 2nd from left), Dr Evans Onyekele (3rd from left), HRH Yohana Koche (middle), with FCT NHIS-FHSS team during the sensitisation visit to Kabusa community, Abuja.

ry,” the release read in part.

It further added that “the Coordinator FCT-NHIS, Mr Obaro Ologbo and the Programme Manager, FHSS, Dr Evans Onyekele are putting together a formidable team by forming a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) headed by Dr. Aminat

You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ― African proverb

Zakari of FHSS to take FCT-Community Based Health Insurance Scheme to greater heights.

Recently, the Team visited the Chief of Kabusa, HRH Yohana Koche to sensitize the residents of that Community on the Social health Insurance Programmes.

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September 5, 2014

Salute to an inspiring

leader Dear Chairman: With humility and utmost respect, may we join men and women of of goodwill to felicitate with you on your 75th birthday.

I remain inspired by your sense of patriotism and your high principles.

I dare say that our great party is blessed to have you as Chairman.

All the very best wishes, Sir, today and always.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR, gcon

Turaki Adamawa Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999-2007

Chief JOHN ODIGIE OYEGUN Chairman, All Progressives Congress

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September 5, 2014

All Progressives Congress

Welcome! Welcome!! Welcome!!!

His ExcEllEncy,

AlhAji Dr. AliyU MAgATAkArDA WAMAkko GMOn, MWMl, niiFE (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto) Executive Governor, sokoto state

Chief john oyegUn cHAiRMAn All Progressives congress (APc)

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Oyegun, cordially invite all APC supporters nationwide and other well meaning Nigerians who cherishes CHANGE, to Sokoto (Seat of the Caliphate) for the inauguration of the APC North West Executive Committee and a grand rally which will God willing hold as follows; venUe: Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Old Airport Sokoto DATe: Monday, 8th September 2014 Time: 12noon

We look forward to receiving all in Sokoto for this gargantuan event.

ANNOUNCER: INUwA AbdUl-KAdIR, Esq (Magatakarda Babba) National Vice Chairman North West

60 NEWS NATIONAL

September 5, 2014,

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army Sen Thomson Sekibo, chief of defence staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Bade, chairman, House Committee on Defence Hon Bashiru Adamu and a member of the committee Hon Umar Bature during the interactive session with the service chiefs at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.

2015: APC Govt Will End Bloodshed In Kaduna – Guber Aspirants

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) government will be in place in 2015, all forms of bloodshed in the country and in Kaduna State in particular would come to an end, a governorship aspirant of the party in the state, Alhaji Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has said.

Alhaji Lukman who is the present director general of the All Progressives Governors Forum stated this yesterday during a press conference where he presented his manifesto to the people of Kaduna State tagged “Roadmap for a United and Progressive Kaduna State”.

The governorship hopeful noted that

sectarian crisis in the state over the years have pitched the people against themselves both along ethnic and religious divide, saying, “Today, our people in Kaduna State live in mutual suspicion because the threat of violence and bloodshed is never far away.

“Everyday, we hear reports of killings and deaths. Kaduna State must become a society where the foundation of our progress is based on mutual trust, unity and togetherness.

“The old fears and distrusts must end, and a new era of collective responsibility, trust and commitment must emerge”.

Asked how he intended to put a stop to violence in the state, the APC governor-

ship aspirant said he would institute a reconciliatory committee on assumption of office to dialogue with any warring group.

He said: “Given the deep seated distrust and wide gaps in the relationships between the different social groups in the state occasioned by years of frequent religious and ethnic clashes with very little done to address the causes. Our government on assumption of office on May 29, 2015 will immediately institute reconciliatory committees with the main objective of facilitating inter-ethnic and interreligious dialogue across the state.

“It shall be a state-wide reconciliatory committee with working frameworks at senatorial and local government levels.”

FG Commends Civil Defence Over Judicious Use Of Resources

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The federal government has commended the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at sanitising the operations of Private Security Guards (PGC’s) and also for its ability to maximise the resources allocated to it through accelerated innovations.

Minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro gave the thumps up at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and annual general meeting of the Association of Licensed Private Security Prac-

titioners of Nigeria (ALPSP).

Comrade Moro who was impressed by the progress and sanctity injected into private security operations as part of moves to ensure that the country becomes self-reliant said, “There is no doubt that the NSCDC has justified the resources availed them in our quest to fully attain our true potential as a great nation.”

The minister said the involvement of the NSCDC in ensuring professionalism in the operation of private guards in the country has put to rest the era where

miscreants took up the task of operating private guard companies.

He called on the operators to adhere to professional conduct adding that training and retraining as well as staff welfare should be prioritised so as to stop their staff from falling prey to criminals who may want to entice them with freebies.

Senate president David Mark, who chaired the event, urged the operators to be patriotic in discharging their duties and stressing that the nation needs their services to remain one indivisible entity.

Jang’s NGF Commends Taraba Acting Gov Over Road Project

By Pembi David-Stephen, Abuja

The secretary and administrator of the Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF) under the leadership of the governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has commended the acting governor of

Taraba State, Alhaji Umar Garba for embarking on the construction of the Jalingo - Bali road to Mambilla Plateau even though it is a federal road.

In a statement released in Abuja yesterday, Earl Onaiwu who visited Taraba State for an on the spot assessment of the

construction work noted that upon completion the road will reduce the travelling time from Jalingo to Mambilla Plateau.

The secretary of the forum added that the new road when completed will further enhance the tourism potential of Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.

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

NGO Calls For Collaboration On Youth Development

BY PAUL CHIAMA, Abuja

The chairman/CEO, Centre for Childcare and Youth Development (CCYD), a nongovernmental organisation, Dr John Abhuere, has called for assistance from government and philanthropists as a way of collaborating with the centre in training youths in acquisition of needed skills for national development.

The CEO made the call during the closing ceremony of a one month free computer training organised by CCYD for 135 youths in Sabo Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja.

Abhuere, a retired director of the National Youth Service Corps, stressed the need for urgent steps to be taken towards orientating and development of children and youths to imbibe positive lifestyles that would be devoid of violence, crimes and other forms of social vices.

According to him, the current security challenges and upsurge in crimes witnessed in the country are results of failure to develop and nurture children’s mindset to become better individuals and assets for national development.

“First of all, I have to express my belief and faith in the ability of the Nigerian child to be developed and to play a responsible role in society,” he said.

Uduaghan’s Aide Identifies Causes Of Pension Payment Delay

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

An aide to governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and chairman Garlico Herbal International, Elder Omeni Aruoture Sobotie, has identified the factors militating against the payment of pensions to retired civil servants blaming it on bureaucracy.

According to Elder Sobotie, the law which established the pension’s schemefails to interpret and influence the system to respect and check the operators of the pension scheme.

He also lamented the non-challant attitude of the managers of the pension office, adding however that there was the need to build on the pension scheme to bring a lasting legacy that will see retirees smiling home with their money without stress.

While claiming that Garlico Herbal International was established by God, Elder Sobotie disclosed that it was borne out of a desire to seek answer to a 19-yearold asthma that had defied all known orthodox medication, adding that the same asthma bedeviled his son and daughter who inherited the affliction from him.

He said, “It was by God’s providence and mercy that I stumbled on the product from Garlico herbal international that annihilated my ailment through one Adolphus Okoromire and today he is the Director of Operations having been healed of the ailment after 19 years.”

NEWS NATIONAL /61

September 5, 2014

L-R: BoT chairman, Northern Elders Council (NEC), Alhaji Gambo Jimeta; Kaduna State deputy governor, Amb Nuhu Bajoga; NEC chairman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Kogi State governor, Idris Wada, at the inaugurations of the NEC BoT, in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO

BY GBENGA ABIOLA

2015: No Automatic Ticket For Governor Ahmed, Others – APC

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has thrown the contest for its gubernatorial ticket and those of other elective offices for the 2015 elections open, as it declared t hat no one would be given automatic ticket.

Presently, the incumbent Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed remains the only gubernatorial aspirant of the party.

Though Ahmed is yet to make any public declaration, various groups and stakeholders from across the state have endorsed him for a second term.

Also, a group, Coalition of Kwara Youths in APC, has made a strong case

for the zoning of the party’s gubernatorial ticket to Kwara Central district as the most populous zone in the state.

This, the group argued, will put the APC in a better position to defeat the hardfighting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.

Rising from an expanded State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by its chairman, Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani, the party urged aspirants seeking to contest elective positions in the 2015 general elections to declare their ambitions without any further delay.

The ruling party, in a statement issued after the meeting, declared that “there is no automatic ticket for aspirants at all lev-

els, without exception, in the 2015 general elections”.

The statement signed by APC publicity secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari reads in part: “The APC reached the resolution that there is no automatic ticket for aspirants at all levels, without exception, in the 2015 general elections at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State.

“We urge all aspirants seeking to contest elective positions in the 2015 general election to declare their political ambitions as the APC will soon kick off the process of direct primary elections for all aspirants in Kwara State.

Ebola: Health Workers Are Endangered Species – Sotiloye

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Health workers in the country have been described as endangered species as a result of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The assertion was made yesterday by the chief medical director of the Federal Medical Centre, Dr Oladipo Sotiloye, in Abeokuta, while accepting materials donated by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) for the prevention of Ebola spread.

According to Sotiloye, washing of hands is the basic way of preventing all diseases. He said health workers are constantly exposed to the risk of getting infection from their patients, stressing the

need for them to always protect themselves.

He said it was as a result of this that the management of FMC, Abeokuta had increased water supply in the facility with the completion of two additional boreholes for the use of both patients and workers.

“Hand washing is the single most important way of preventing Ebola. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you return from attending to patients.”

The medical director appreciated the efforts of the association for donating the hand washing materials, saying other associations should emulate them.

“This donation is great. It’s a good gesture. This is a gesture that is worthy of emulation by other associations.

We should remember what the former American president said that we should think of what we can do for the country and not what we want to gain from the country.”

Earlier, the chairperson of NANNM at the centre, Mrs Abosede Faborode, said that though EVD had not been recorded in Ogun State, the association thought it necessary to provide the hand washing materials for general prevention of diseases and to also serve as their contribution to the improvement of health care delivery at the hospital.

Zungeru Dam: FG Completes Payment Of Compensation For Farmlands

By Abu Nmodu, Minna,

The federal government has completed the payment of compensation on farmlands to the farmers in communities along the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Dam Site and its environs.

This was disclosed in a statement yester-

day in Minna by the chairman, Community Relations Committee (CRC) of the project, Alhaji Isah Jibrin.

He said that the next stage in the plan was the resettlement of some of the communities around the dam now under construction, adding that with this development, work on the project site is now in

progress.

While commending President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to the transformation of the nation’s power sector, he applauded the Federal Ministry of Power for ensuring that the issue of resettlement to the new site for those to be displaced is receiving greater attention.

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

No Ebola Patient In Ebonyi State – Commissioner

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

Following the false alarm raised by a doctor working with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA 2) over a suspected Ebola patient in the state, the Ebonyi State government yesterday debunked rumours of the presence of an Ebola patient or the outbreak of the disease in the state.

The state was in the early hours of yesterday thrown into panic following a false alarm which LEADERSHIP gathered was raised by a doctor in the hospital while treating a patient who was manifesting symptoms similar to Ebola.

The rumour caused doctors, nurses and patients to scamper out of the hospital premises.

But in a swift reaction, the commissioner for health, Dr Sunday Nwangele debunked the rumours and urged the public to disregard it.

Niger Prepares N400m Budget To Prevent Ebola Outbreak

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Amidst fear of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) spreading to the north, the Niger State government has said that there is no reported outbreak of the Ebola disease in any part of the state, even as it has prepared a N400million budget to stop its outbreak in the state.

The commissioner of health and hospital services, Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi disclosed this yesterday in Minna at a press briefing, adding that the government will take more proactive measures to ensure that the dreaded disease does not spread to the state.

She said government was creating awareness among the people, and had established a quarantine centre in Minna and two in the other two senatorial districts as part of the proactive measures.

She said that already, government has commenced sensitisation of clerics across the state on the steps to take in the event of a patient dying as a result of the virus, explaining that the clerics are being taught the mode of burial of an Ebola victim as accepted by the Holy Quran.

The commissioner further said that part of the sensitisation of the public is the introduction of special radio and television programmes where the public will be able to contact experts for information on how to manage the disease, even as government has commenced negotiation with some telecommunications service providers on how to get toll free lines for usage by the people.

She said the government has set up a committee which has prepared a N400million budget for the containment of the disease, adding that out of the amount, the buildings earmarked for the quarantine centres will be completed and furnished.

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September 5, 2014

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September 5, 2014,

Ebola: WACSOF Condemns Ban On Flights, Use Of Air Space

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

Staff of Ayodele Medical Group during an enlightenment walk campaign on Ebola Virus Disease tagged ‘Ebola Outbreak Must Go’ held in Iju, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO

BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

Adamawa Probe Panel Issues Warrant Of Arrest On Ex-SSG

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL,Yola

The judicial panel constituted by the acting governor of Adamawa State to investigate the immediate past administration of Governor Murtala Nyako from 2007 to 2014 has issued a warrant of arrest on the immediate past secretary to the state government (SSG), Mr Kobis Ari Thimnu, for his consistent failure to appear before it.

The probe panel led by Justice Bobbo Umar had on Tuesday berated the former SSG for refusing to appear before it in person as the chairman of the panel directed the counsel to the former SSG, who stood in for him, Barrister Oladele Olalalo, to bring his client on or before the closure of Wednesday’s sitting

of the panel.

But following the failure of Thimnu to appear before it, Justice Umar Bobbo, apparently irked by the show of contempt, issued a warrant of arrest on the former SSG. Counsel to the panel, Barrister Samuel Kyenson then prayed the four-man panel to apply the powers vested in it by Section 1-2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law of Adamawa State 1997 to issue the warrant of arrest on the former SSG. He averred that the commission deserves to be respected and its orders complied with by any witness no matter his status or position in the society.

The chairman of the panel said since the former SSG did not tender any cogent reason

for his failure to appear before the panel, he had no alternative than to issue the warrant of arrest.

Justice Umar declared that the panel had given the former SSG ample time to honour its invitation, but he remained adamant, adding that the former SSG’s appearance was sought by the panel to clarify allegations of diversion of revenue from Adamawa Plaza in Abuja allegedly remitted to his office instead of the state Board of Internal Revenue.

The chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Abubakar Tuta had earlier testified that the revenue from the Adamawa Plaza was diverted to the office of the SSG instead of the board, which is the body with the statutory responsibility of collating such funds.

Youths Protest In Jonathan’s Hometown Over Varsity Admission, Employment Quota

BY Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

Irate youths from the home community of President Goodluck Jonathan, Otuoke, of Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State yesterday barricaded the entrance of the Federal University located in the area over alleged refusal of the institution to employ and give out admission slots to indigenes of the community.

The protest, which started at about 8am, led to the closure of the entrance into the

temporary site of the institution and the disruption of examinations for pioneer and 200 level students of the institution.

Leadership Friday gathered that the protest was called off by the irate youths following the intervention of heavy deployment of armed policemen, men of the Joint Military Task Force code-named Operation Pulo Shield, the Oloibiri clan head of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) led by Comrade Osaanya Osaanya, the Ogbia Clan head of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief

Wilson Obi and the chairman of the Oloibiri Clan Youth Assembly, Comrade Ifiola Moses.

According to the protesting Otuoke youths, though recruitments for employment have been done in the last two years, “we demanded that a total of 319 names agreed by the community should be employed. We also requested for admission slots from the university, and for a Memorandum of Understanding with the community on issues of employment and admission.”

Employers Don’t Remit Pension Deductions – Administrator

By DAVID ADUGE-ANI, Abuja

The executive director, ARM Pensions, Mr Layi Afolabi, has raised the alarm that many employers of labour in the country violate the Pension Act of 2014 by refusing to remit monthly deductions of their employees to the pension administrators.

Speaking during an interactive session with retirees and the current retirement savings ac-

count (RSA) holders in Abuja yesterday, Afolabi explained that such employers usually complain of lack of funds, just as they see the 12%, which they need to contribute to the scheme, as an additional cost to their organisations.

“One of the major challenges we face at the moment as pension administrators is lack of compliance on the part of employers. A lot of employers who are within what the 2014 Pension Act prescribes on remittance on behalf of

their employees are not doing so.

“A lot of them complain of lack of funds, because the 12%, which they are supposed to contribute to the scheme, as prescribed in the Act, is usually seen as an additional cost.

As a result, many of them shy away from the payment. We have also discovered that a lot of companies do deduct these funds from their employees’ accounts, but will never remit it to the pension administrators”, he said.

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

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) has condemned the banning of flights and use of air space and other means of transportation from Ebola Virus affected countries.

It said that the act has created additional hardship for the already impoverished countries especially in the area of basic facilities such as food.

In a statement signed by WACSOF president, Madame Traoré, the forum urgently called on the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen its strategies already in place by providing additional logistical support to the already affected countries and tightening measures on countries even yet to be affected.

“We call on the governments to utilise all available resources to protect health workers and provide for those families who have lost relatives through their selfless services to their countries.

“WACSOF is aware of the financial constraints but calls on ECOWAS and its partners to urgently support with logistics especially in the epicentres of the disease where technical know-how including crisis/disaster management is quite limited,” she said.

Traoré also called for continuous sensitisation by governments, civil society organisations and the media to create well informed communities/individuals on the causes and prevention of the Ebola virus.

He stressed the need for medical support from advanced nations within the framework of the responsibility to protect and advance the regional institutions to achieve technological know-how to curtail existing and future outbreaks.

Iliyasu Dhacko Dumps PDP For APC

BY MILLIE IBE, Abuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State, Alhaji Iliyasu Dhacko has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated September 2, 2014 to the PDP ward chairman in Limawa “A”, Chanchaga LGA, Minna, Alhaji Iliyasu Dhacko said his decision to quit the party was purely on personal grounds and principles.

Alhaji Dhacko’s PDP membership card with Reg. No. 291 and receipt No. 252 has since been handed over to the PDP Limawa “A” ward chairman.

Dhacko who is also the Ajiyan Minna has since joined the APC and has been registered and issued his new membership card in the Limawa “A” ward, Chanchaga LGA, Minna.

He is expected to make an open declaration for the APC soon.

letter to the Editor 65

September 5, 2014

Adamawa 2015: As Delegates Decide

By Sale Danbaki

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) over the weekend once again showed why it is the party for the people. Not only did it display a high sense of professionalism during the screening exercise of the aspirants, it went further to show its respect for the rule of law by upturning an earlier decision which disqualified the acting governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Ahamadu Umaru Fintiri from taking part in the party’s primaries scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2014; thereby giving every aspirant the opportunity to contest for a place to fly the party’s flag in the October by-election.

As delegates converge tomorrow to choose the party’s flag-bearer, it is pertinent to once again draw the attention of delegates on the danger of fielding the wrong candidate for the party. Not only will it create room for the opposition to lay hold of the state’s most exalted position it has coveted since 2009, but it will further discredit the party as one that is people oriented. Delegates therefore need to put sentiments aside and choose a candidate that is widely acceptable, and has the strong will to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Adamawa

State who are in dire need for a change.

Only a candidate with an in-depth knowledge of the plight of the people can deliver the kind of change they seek.

After a thorough examination on the aspirants who had indicated interest and are cleared to contest in the primaries, Fintiri stands tall to deliver on the much awaited redemption to the people of Adamawa State.

He is a man of unwavering personality whose leadership style has not only produced a united and strong state Assembly, but has chart a course for the state.

What is left is to provide a governor with same vision as the lawmakers to key into their vision for the state and bring about the desired development, peace, and infrastructure to the people, so that Adamawa State can be at par with its contemporaries in other parts of the country.

In a move that truly reflects the minds of the people of Adamawa State, former acting governor of the state, James Barka, who was in the race, set the pace for other aspirants to follow. Having observed the credibility, patriotism and ferventness of the acting governor, Barka decided to put his weight behind him, and in his words, he is confident that, “More aspirants would soon withdraw their ambi-

tion in support of Fintiri.”

Re-echoing his intention for contesting, the acting governor earlier in the week restated that his bid to contest for the position of the governor of the state is in the interest of the people of Adamawa State, and not his personal ambition.

One cannot think any less of Fintiri as the most popular of all aspirants, having seen the response that greeted him, when the news broke out that he was not qualified to contest. And the jubilation that engulfed the state after it was reported that the earlier decision which disqualified him has been upturned. As a man who shows gratitude, and holds the place of the people in high esteem, he swiftly appreciated the peoples’ love for him with these kind words, “I feel happy and have cause to thank God that the Appeal Committee has cleared me to contest. I want to assure the people of Adamawa who trooped out to welcome me that we must all team up and work for the total liberation of the state.”

The people of Adamawa State have spoken through their unreserved solidarity for Fintiri; fate has played its part by putting Fintiri in the position to contest. It is now left to the delegates to actualise and deliver the dreams and aspirations of

the people to them through their votes, come Saturday, September 6, 2014. Adamawa State was once very peaceful; it is blessed with abundant natural and human resources. And that’s why so many great men and women, whose contribution cannot be omitted in the history of our dear country Nigeria, and the world at large, have emerged from the state. The younger generation also want to toe the path of their elders and leaders; but that can only be achieved in a state where there is peace, and dividends of democracy delivered to the people.

Therefore, let every delegate in the interest of the future of Adamawa State and its people, who look up to them to secure their future and the future of the younger generation, put sentiments aside and do the right thing.

The race for Adamawa State government House is almost at its climax, but beyond the race, the list of the men who stand to make history or news as it were is a long, almost exhaustive one. Among them are men who have paid their dues (Aliu Modibbo), men of experience (Marwa), men of integrity (Ribadu), men of affluence (Atiku) and the likes of them.

—Danbaki wrote from Namtari ward, Adamawa

Feature

Driver Kills Police Widow While Fleeing From Patrol Van

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE

Tragedy struck Tuesday, at the popular Berger Junction Wuse, Zone 5 when a suspected police patrol team chased a taxi driver for wrongful parking, causing the driver to crush a 52 year grandmother, Madam Blessing Okosun, wife of a late Police Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Mike Okosun.

LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that both the driver of the vehicle and the police patrol team abandoned the lady in a pool of her blood until some kind-hearted passers-by came to her rescue and rushed her to the Abuja National Hospital where she gave up the ghost.

According to eye-witnesses, including some of the persons who rushed Madam Okosun , an Edo State indigene, to the Hospital, the woman would have survived if the patrol team had immediately rushed her to the hospital. She was said to have lost a great amount of blood before help could come.

Some neighbours of Madam Okosun who spoke with LEADERSHIP Friday said she boarded the taxi at the Dei Dei Mopol Barracks Junction, also called Mohammed Abubakar Barracks, where she resides. They said she worked in the Barracks as a cleaner after she was deployed from the Force headquarters where she

also worked as a cleaner.

According to the neighbours, that fateful day, Madam Okosun was heading to the force headquarters to supply bottle groundnuts and vegetable for some senior police officers who were her regular customers when she met her untimely death.

“The woman left her work place in Mopol Barrack that fate Tuesday, September 2 and was heading to the Force headquarters in Area 11.She boarded a vehicle from Mopol Barrack junction before Dei Dei Junction on the way to Zuba. As she was coming she stopped at Berger junction and was removing her wares from the boot of the car when the driver saw a police patrol van coming after him.

“As they were coming after the taxi driver, out of fright the driver put the vehicle in reverse gear as he attempted to escape arrest. He knocked down the woman who was trying to remove her goods from the boot. The vehicle ran over her and left her in the pool of her blood.

“Seeing what they had just done, the patrol team quickly drove away, leaving the driver who they were chasing to also escape. The woman lay there on the road for some time before we came to her rescue and rushed her to the National Hospital.

She had lost so much blood but was still breathing, the eye witness said.

The eye witness who said patrol teams

were always harassing taxi drivers and chasing them whenever they find them parking at some places without giving any consideration the danger they posed to innocent road users. He called on the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, to fish out the members of the patrol team and make a scapegoat of them.

“These police patrol team and other patrol teams of the security agencies, including the Road Safety , the Civil Defence, the VIO and the Abuja Environmental Protection Agency are always in the habit of chasing taxi drives knowing fully well that drivers would not wait to be arrested.

In the process they threaten the lives of other road users like they have just killed the lady,” he said.

A neighbour of Madam Okosun who described her as a kind, loving and hardworking woman who she said was the caretaker of the compound where they lived said the entire neighbourhood had not been able to overcome the shock.

One of madam Okosun’s daughters, Miss Rose Okosun, who spoke with LEADERSHIP Friday said after they learnt of the accident they rushed to the National Hospital with the help of one of the rescuers, where they were told she was placed on intensive care unit. She said at about 5 pm they were informed by the doctors that she lost so much blood be-

fore she was brought to the hospital and could not make it.

Rose who said her father passed on in 2009 after retirement as Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP, told LEADERSHIP Friday that they went to the Utako Police station to find out the members of the patrol team which chased the driver but were told that the team may not have come from the station. According to the officers at the station, patrol teams from other parts of the FCT also come to the Berger junction and so it would be difficult to know where they came from.

Rose said every attempt to find out the police station where the officers came from had proved abortive but insisted that the police authority could find out if they really want to know the patrol team which abandoned the their mother to bleed to death.

When LEADERSHIP Friday contacted the FCT police Spokesman, Altine Daniels, she said it was not true that any police patrol team would see an accident victim and abandon the victim to die. According to her, the police patrol vans are labelled and could be identified through the inscriptions on them. She challenged anybody with evidence that it was a police patrol van that was chasing the driver who crushed the woman to death to come forward with evidence.

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

66 OPINION

September 5, 2014

Gaza: Siege And War Of Attrition

By Mohammed Bukar Sabo

Gaza is the hub of Palestinian struggle for statehood. As the West Bank and East Jerusalem seem to concede to occupation and land grab, Gaza is saying no to Israel’s siege and colonization. The massive destruction, death and injuries inflicted by Israel on Gazans are calculated to defeat the struggle, demoralize and break the resistance.

Benyamin Netanyahu capitalized on two recent events to launch full-scale war on Gaza. Firstly, Netanyahu opposed the Palestinian unity government hence his desperation to kill it at its embryonic stage.

Hamas has been commended for making painful compromises to agree to a unity government with Fatah. So enraged was Netanyahu that he shut down negotiations with Mahmoud Abbas over the Unity government. Even the EU/US hailed the unity government.

Secondly, the kidnapping the three Israeli teenagers that were later killed was a great opportunity for Netanyahu to check whether Hamas has replenished or developed new rockets. Though Hamas denied kidnapping them, Israel hurried arrested and hounded hundreds of its members into prison mostly those recently released from the prisoner swap deal. Several stone throwing Palestinians were also killed. Netanyahu deliberately exacerbated tension so as to start

the conflict.

Ariel Sharon ended Gaza’s occupation in 2005 but quickly imposed land, sea and air blockade. Gaza is internationally referred to as open-air prison of 1.7 million inmates.

For seven years Israel refused to lift the siege citing security concerns. Egypt also helped to perpetuate the siege of Gaza by blocking the Rafah crossing. Blockade is an act of war and therefore Gaza has the right to fight it as it is currently doing.

Contrary to the Geneva Convention, the siege of Gaza is a deliberate collective punishment. It has pauperized the strip. Over 60% of Gazans go on food ration from the UN. The strip can neither export its produce nor its citizens travel without hindrance. Israel naval blockade has underdeveloped the fishing industry. Palestinian airport was destroyed by Israel. The power plant in Gaza runs at 45% capacity because of the limited fuel allowed by Israel.

Gaza hospitals are in critical shortage of drugs/disposables and the critically ill cannot travel out. Gazans are forced to smuggle drugs and their basic needs through tunnels from Egypt. Then came the July 8th war which Israel code-named operation “protective Edge”. Though Israel claimed its mission was to destroy rocket site and tunnels the targets as expected were Schools, UN buildings, public buildings, hospitals and residential areas. The world’s “terrorist state” as declared by Bolivia killed 2020

Palestinians (over 500 were children), combatants (215) and non- combatants. Over 20,000 Palestinians were wounded. 64 Israeli soldier and 3 civilians were killed.

According to the UN, “bombs have pounded 133 schools and 22 health centres, stadiums, playground, mosques, roads, power and water supplies, phone towers, communication centres and government buildings.” Over 100,000 people have lost their homes, over 20, 000 houses destroyed and 230 schools damaged. Gaza power plant, main water supply and wastewater infrastructure were all knocked out.

Even the “Islamist” animals in Gaza zoo were bombed and killed. Palestinian officials claimed Gaza reconstruction might cost 7 to 8 billion dollars.

Within the last six years Israel waged three wars on Gaza. In 2008 and 2012, Israel launched operations “cast lead” and “Pillar of Defence” to destroy Hamas and other groups in Gaza. In the two wars 1,467 Palestinians and 16 Israelis lost their lives. As Israel and Hamas inched towards a truce it may not be preposterous to ask when is the next Israel-Gaza war? Israel is fighting war of attrition against Palestinians to protect and consolidate its colonial gains. They have created a settler colony using biblical injunctions to steal Palestinian land. In Africa we fought their Caucasian cousins who stole our land in South Africa and Zimbabwe. They christened their co-

Netanyahu

lonial project in Africa as the “Whiteman’s burden.”

The international condemnation of Israel’s reckless bombing, brutality, killing and destruction was unprecedented. Israel’s violent colonial project must be resisted.

The boycott/sanction campaign must hit the streets, factories, seaports, sports, etc. to isolate apartheid Israel. The message is clear: Zionist arrogance and impunity will not go unchallenged. Far from Israel’s propaganda, the world must support Hamas; it is a national liberation movement with no pony dreams of an Islamic Caliphate.

Sabo is a staff with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and can be reached at bukarmustaphasabo@yahoo.com

The Scourge Of Imposition Of Candidates As Threat To Democracy

By PRINCE OLIVER OKPALA

Internal party democracy is a key ingredient of any democratic system of government. This is because democracy ought to begin from the parties and how they choose their candidates for the election proper. If the candidates are chosen otherwise than in line with tenets of democracy, then the political space would be tainted and no true democracy can be said to be in existence.

A key ingredient of internal democracy is the avoidance of imposition of candidates on the party. Every candidate interested in an elective office should be given the opportunity to test his popularity within his party by a democratically – conducted primaries which will produce the most popular candidate for the election proper. Anything short of this is a total de ebur from democratic norms and principles.

In Nigeria, imposition of candidates on the party by some influential leaders has become the rule rather than the exception. This practice has spelt doom for many political parties and even their candidates whose political ambitions had been truncated rather undemocratically in preference for some sacred cows.

It can be said that imposition of candidates is as old as Nigerian democracy.

But this spate of imposition assumed disturbing dimensions with the advent

of republican democracy in 1999.

Political godfathers and party tin gods went practically low wire as they picked and chose favoured candidates physical godson at will without any concern for the good and progress of the party. Such godfathers prefer their loyalists and criminals to popular candidates who hold their run anytime.

The imposition came to a head in the last general elections and thereafter as party members, who felt shortchanged during party primaries left in droves to other parties. It is important to note that imposition of candidates cuts across all the political parties, baring none. Recent experience has shown the tendency of this evil practice to cause the disurtergration of political parties and to breed bad blood and discontentment in the rank and file of the parties.

This practice is a threat to democracy as it does not give room for party members to have a say in the choice of candidates to stand for the main election.

Another dimension to the imposition syndrome is the practice whereby certain candidates who feel shortchanged in one party cross over to another party only to be given the opportunity to vie for elective posts or offered plum jobs over and above hardworking and loyal old party members. This also breeds frustration and bad blood in the system. It sounds in breach of the fun-

damental rights of party members to deny them the right to elect candidate of their choice.

The bane of our party politics since 1999 is impatience on the pact of party godfathers and members to allow tone democracy to flourish in the parties. There is nothing interracially wrong with a party member deciding to pitch his tent with another party in order realize his ambition or to identify with his personal ideals and manifestoes. But it is only prudent that such persons who cross over to other parties should exercise patience, bid their time and understand the party before taking a shot at an elective position.

The spate of imposition across Nigeria political parties dampens and morale of members. It is a practice capable of shaking the belief of members in their party and in its internal mechanisms. It is direct affront to democracy which reduces the game of polities to a process of sheer selection, godfatherism, favouritism and particularism. No doubt, this is a total threat to our nascent democracy.

The present development where certain politicians abandon their parties midstream only to join other parties and seek governorship or speakingly positions almost immediately is indecent. It should be completely discouraged.

Indeed, such persons who, dump their parties and seek elective positions in

You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ― African proverb

other parties can best be described as political self-seekers who are mere politicians of fortune. They will definitely cross over to another party should they fail to realize their ambition.

Similarly, where the legislature has impeached a governor, deputy governor or speaker, it is in bad taste for the speaker to aspire to the position of governor. Decency, wise counsel and good judgment dictate that such a speaker who presided over the impeachment of a governor should keep away from vying for that position immediately in order to give the legislature he led some measure of credibility. This new practice should be checked or else our legislatures will embark upon impeachment spree all over the country to enable the head of the legislature transmute to a governor. This can spell doom for our nascent democracy.

All hands should be on deck to fight the scourge of imposition of candidates by our parties. Not only does this practice shortchange our democracy, it threatens our national stability. It is dangerous to national security.

It is worse than insurgency, which has gulped a considerable chuck of our national budget. There will be breakdown of law and order. Let us protect and preserve our democracy for our potently.

Okpala, a political analyst wrote from Abuja

67

September 5, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES YOUTH FOR AGRICULTURE

INITIATIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHT ADVANCEMENT AND SAFE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for change of trustees and amendment of constitution under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The OLD Trustees Are: 1. Prince Offorma Onwurah 2. Dr. Tashiu Suleiman Gachi 3. Aisha Sambo 4. Agu Stella 5. Otuodunlola Babayemi 6. Prof. Nelson Onoba

- Retained - Retained - Retained - Retained - Removed - Removed

The new Trustees Are: 1. Obioma Christian Onwurah 2. Goodluck Francis Chukwuemeka Onwurah 3. Prince Ezeana Anyibuofu 4. Prof. Jacob Adeleke Fayomi 5. Bolaji Olayemi Silva 6. Christian Obioma Ozoemelam

- Appointed - Appointed - Appointed - Appointed - Appointed - Appointed

Amended Article 8 and Article 9 of the constitution THE AIM 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 PILLAR OF FIRE MISSION The general public is hereby informed 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.

The Trustees Are: 1. Rev. Father John Ikponko 2. Lady Gladys Shaahu 3. Prof. Mike Odey 4. Mrs. Helen Dzeramo Nambativ 5. Alh. Mustapha Garba 6. Mrs. Grace Omanchi

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Anugwara 2. Prophet Emmanuel Obinna Anugwara 3. Mr. Charles Nnamdi Ikwuagwu 4. Mr. Emeka Ibeagu 5. Pastor Chidi James Madukoma 6. Mr. Eno Etowa Ekwe 7. Mr. Okechukwu Jonathan Madu

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote community development.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

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.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed: EH ALDOPHUS & CO.

FOUNDATION FOR COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS AND RESERACH IN NIGERIA

SPIRIT OF FAITH EMBASSY

RAYS OF LIGHT EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is here by notify that, the above named FOUNDATION has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990

The general public is hereby informed 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.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE 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. Seyi Bickersteth - Chairman 2. Richard William Johnson - Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Star Tom 2. Mr. Innocent Nnaji 3. Dr. Mrs. Ikwo Tom

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adetoun Omisore-Davidson 2. Titilope Ojo 3. Sarah Olusola 4. Garba Ibrahim

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote sustainable development of Nigeria.

2. To promote research on issues of relevance to the achievement of sustainable socio-economic development of Nigeria.

3. To analyse impacts of policy implementation strategies in areas germane to achieving sustainable development.

4. To liaise with other bodies or individuals having the same objectives in promoting development policies in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

3. To organise outreaches, crusades, seminars, workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corperate Affairs Commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

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: THE ESQUIRE PRACTICE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS & NOTARY PUBLIC

SIGNED: SECRETARY

BEYOND THE REALMS FAITH MISSION (RC: 7222889) HEADQUARTERS: Ekoi. Ikpe Annang Essien Udim LGA Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria

This is to imform 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Prophet John Munchin Nkanta 2. Pastor Ime Charlie 3. Pastor Udo Akpan Eshiet 4. Pastor (Mrs) Christiana Nkanta 5. Evangelist Enefiok Andy

- General Overseer - Secretary - Treasurer - Sunday School Director - National Adviser

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. Propagating of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

2. Establishment of schools for the training of children, adults, and preachers.

3. To own and keep property anywhere in Nigeria and beyong for the purposes of advancing the mission.

4. To sponsor missionaries to other lands to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

5. To found branch churches throughout Nigeria and beyond.

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.

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 person(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 Fidelis Sylester Kajang Nigeria Customs Service Who died on the 20th November, 2013.

Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Christy Fidelis Kajang guardian to Markson Fidelis Kajang No 18 John Olugbo Street Ikeja Lagos State The widow and son of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> augustine 08061602706

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

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 person(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

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 person(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 Habakuk Enoch Davut FCT Secondary Education Board Who died on the 4th May, 2014.

Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Comfort Ajiy Davut guardian to Gloria Longthony Davut Galadimawa Village No GLW/06/603 The widow and daughter of the said

Deceased name and address Fati Abdulsalami Bala National University Commission, Abuja Who died on the 20th April, 2013.

Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

UGBECHIE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

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.

LEGAL NOTICE

Signed: PASTOR IME CHARLIE. Secretary

LEGAL NOTICE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To empower women and youth to make a positive change in the society.

I formerly known as OKONJI NKECHI SCHOLARSTICA wish be to known and addressed as UGBECHIE NKECHI SCHOLARSTICA. All documents remains valid, VITA Foam and the general public to please take note.

MERCY

I formerly known as MERCY ARIAYIRE wish be to known and addressed as MRS MERCY ESEOGHENE AKPOREHA. All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

Applicant for grant Abdulsalami Bala and Rakiya Abdulsalami Bala National Health I nsurance Scheme, Abuja The widower and daughter of the said

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

ISRAEL

I formerly Known as JACOB OZOEMENA ABBA, now wish to be known as ISRAEL OZOEMENA ABBA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS CECILIA SOMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS CECILIA IBRAHIM DANGARI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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 the Original of Copies of Offer of the Terms of Grant/Conveyance of approval (1st change of ownership) in respect of Plot 308 at Kubwa II Annexe (Gbazangu West) layout belonging to C. A Hassan, Offer of Terms of Grant/Conveyance of Approval dated 18/02/07 in respect of Plot 308 at Kubwa II Annexe (Gbazangu West) layout re-issued to Horizon Nig. Ltd and Offer of the Terms of Grant/Conveyance of Approval dated 22/02/07 in respect of Plot 308 at Kubwa II Annexe (Gbazangu West) layout re-issued to Horizon Nig. Ltd got missing in the custody of Land Office, Bwari Area Council, Zonal Planning Office, Abuja and all effort to trace them proved abortive.

If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original of Copy of C of O certificate of occupancy No. 178 our piece of land at Bula, Ref. No. 178/I/35 belonging to ALHAJI SHAFI DANLADI KABARAINI. was missing.

All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

68 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 person(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 Ogar David Nigeria Army Who died on the 31st July, 2013 Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Thomas Ogar and Christopher Ogar Opposite Redeem Church Kubwa ,Abuja The sons of the said 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 person(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 Esinulo Mabel Onyemaechi Block F Flat 4, PCU/NFRA Quarters, Sheda Kwali FCT, Abuja Who died on the 4th November , 2013 Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Applicant for grant Esinulo Micheal Chibuzo and Esinulo Basil Kennedy and Esinulo Prince- Ann Chioma Block F Flat 4, PCU/NFRA Quarters, Sheda Kwali FCT, Abuja The son, daughter and widower of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss of document This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original of Certificate of Occupancy No: FCT/ABJ/MISC/11859 in respect of Plot No. 2233 Wuse District, Cadastral Zone A2 of the FCT; belonging to Julnan Enterprises Nigeria Ltd. was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. or call 08036121462. General public should take note.

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 person(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 Applicant for grant Ajayi Olugbenga Ajayi Temitope Enitan guardian Nigeria Prison Service Headquarter Abuja to Ajayi Tayo Who died on the 26th July, 2012 No 14 K armonmy Quar ters Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

elwuro Akobo, Ibadan The widow and daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss of document This is to inform the general public of the loss of the original letter of offer, in respect of plot No 46, old Kutunku Village Extension layout, of about 500sqm, named Stepeny Preyier, issued by Gwagwalada Area Council belonging to Prof. (Mrs.) Gambo Laraba Abdullahi was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss/burn/destroyed/ stolen of the Original documents. They are as follows: 1. B.S.C in Sociology result issued by Bayero University Kano (B.U.K) 2. Remedial English result issued by Bayero University Kano (B.U.K) 3. National Youth Service Corps N.Y.S.C Certificate issued

by N.Y.S.C and 4. Seconday result issued by Government Secondary School Suleja GSS Suleja Secondary Testimonial.

All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public should take note.

CHIOMA

I formerly known as CHIOMA ROELYN UMEANULUGWO wish be to known and addressed as CHIOMA ROSELYN AMARAEGBU. All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

ABDULWASIU

I formerly known as BILQEES YUNUS wish be to known and addressed as ABDULWASIU BILQEES. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF LAND ALLOCATION PAPER OF PLOT NO. 482 OF ABOUT 1000M2 IN KUBWA EXTENSION II LAYOUT BEARING YAHAYA IBRAHIM, BELONGING TO ERNEST EZEJA. All efforts made to trace this missing document proved abortive, if found, please kindly return to the nearest police station.

September 5, 2014 LOSS OF OF document DOCUMENT LOSS loss of DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original of Certificate of Occupancy No: FCT/ABJ/MISC/11459 in respect of Plot No. 3346 Maitama District, Cadastral Zone A6 of the FCT; belonging to MESSRS TIM TALI MOTEL (NIG) LTD. was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. or call 08036121462. General public should take note.

PATRICIA

I formerly known as MISS PATRICIA OWANE ODOO wish be to known and addressed as MRS PATRICIA OWANE OKPE. All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

roseline

I formerly known and addressed as miss roseline unekwu haruna now wish to be known and addressed as mrs roseline unekwu ojomati. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

ariye

I formerly known and addressed as miss afekhena glory omon now wish to be known and addressed as mrs ariye glory omon. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

ROSEMARY

I formerly known as ROSEMARY KECCY OKEZIE wish be to known and addressed as ROSEMARY K. OLUBUNMI OLUSEGUN. All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

George

I formerly known and addressed as miss okonkwo peace Ebele now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs George peace ebele. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ehi-okoedion

I formerly known and addressed as miss odiaka isioma chisomeje now wish to be known and addressed as mrs ehiokoedion isioma chisomeje.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

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 the Original of Certificate of Occupancy No: FCT/ABJ/MISC/1345 (13545) in respect of Plot No. 1881 at Asokoro District, Cadastral Zone A4 of the FCT; belonging to JEBUT BUSINESS ENTERPRISES LTD. was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. or call 08036121462. General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original of Certificate of Occupancy No: FCT/ABJ/MISC/12671 in respect of Plot No. 3348 Maitama District, Cadastral Zone A5 of the FCT; belonging to TIM TALLY SHIPPING & MARINE LTD. was missing. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. or call 08036121462. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME LOSS loss of OF document DOCUMENT

AUCTION! AUCTION!!!

LOSSAUCTION!! loss OF of document DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that there will be an auction sales of some unserviceable vehicles belonging to Universal Basic Education Commission

I formerly known and addressed as MRS ALEOBUA CYNTHIA DAPHNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OPARAH CYNTHIA DAPHNE. All former documents bearing ALEOBUA CYNTHIA DAPHNE remains invalid. NSCDC and the general public should take note.

Date: 10th September, 2014 Venue: UBEC Headquarters, Abuja Time: 11a.m For enquiry, contact: Auctioneer Wasola Great Investment Limited (08034026337)

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

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 person(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 Applicant for grant Hena Samaila Anna S amaila guardian to Nigeria Police Force Timothy Hena Who died on the 19th July, 2003

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 person(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

Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Aso C, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State The widow and son of the said deceased.

Deceased name and address Janada Joe Gadzama National Health Insurance Scheme Abuja Who died on the 5th April, 2014 Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS GLADYS NGOZI UDEKWE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS GLADYS NGOZI AGWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Applicant for grant Chief J.K Gadzama (SAN)and Madu Joe Gadzama Plot 2502, Yusuf Baca Usman Street, Asokoro Abuja

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

CECILIA

I formerly known as CECILIA ELIAS wish be to known and addressed as CECILIA ELIAS PIUS. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

JOSEPHINE

I formerly known as JOSEPHINE AMEH wish be to known and addressed as MRS JOSEPHINE ERNEST ONEKPE. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

ADA

I formerly known as SIMON ADA GLORIA wish be to known and addressed as MRS ADA SIMON OCHAJE. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

NEWS NATIONAL /69

September 5, 2014

2015: Presence Of Military Prevents Violence – INEC

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to curtail violence in the 2015 general elections, saying the presence of military men in both Ekiti and Osun states prevented violence to a large extent.

This was disclosed by the chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega while presenting a lecture titled, “Curbing Electoral Violence in Nigeria: The Public Relations Dynamics”, held at the media centre of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Igannmu, Lagos.

Jega urged politicians in the coun-

try to abide by the rules of politics , while promising that INEC would engender credible electoral process.

Jega, who was represented by the resident electoral commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola said, “ What is bad about the electoral process is the fact that politicians have not risen above all the various causes of violence”.

Jega therefore urged politicians not to see the election as a do-or-die affair and appealed to Nigerians to work with them during the process.

In his speech, Jega stressed, “It is important to note that Nigeria is a country in transition and we are still

weaning the political culture from the anti-democratic tendencies that the many years of military rule we lived under, fostered in our national life. “ As a matter of fact, our electoral system is a work in progress, still undergoing reform processes and policy initiatives aimed at refining the system. Such an imperfect system, understandably could not be completely free of violence”.

He said the commission has put in place strategic programmes toward the general elections which are distribution of PVC and improvement of the legal frame work. amongst others.

He promised that the third phase of

the distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) will soon get to other 12 States including Lagos and Kano State.

The commission at the event enlisted NIPR representative as a member of the State Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on voter education and publicity.

The Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Joseph Okonmah used the medium to call on all stakeholders to conduct themselves and the interest they represent in a peaceful and orderly manner devoid of intimidation, threat and violence.

Polio: Germany Supports Nigeria’s Eradication Efforts With 36.5m Euros

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

The government of Germany has supported Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts with a 36.5 million Euros fund.

Domiciled with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the Nigeria government has received a total of 31.5 million Euros from the fund while the remaining five million Euros would be released henceforth.

At the signing of the last segment of the 36.5 million Euro financing support by the government of Germany, mem-

bers of the international community commended the federal government for her impressive efforts and commitment at eradicating polio in the country.

The signing ceremony which concluded phase 5 of the agreement, as stated in the statement released by the head, Public Relations Unit, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Saadu Salahu, also incorporated phase 6 with injection of additional 10 million Euros.

Speaking at the occasion, the UNICEF country’s representative, Dr Jean

Gough disclosed that Nigeria’s utilisation of the fund for provision of child health interventions, especially in the North East was highly commendable.

She recalled UNICEF’s visit to some of the facilities in parts of the NorthEast and expressed joy with Nigeria’s progress towards polio eradication.

Also speaking, representative of WHO, Dr. Mkanda Pascal, assured Nigeria’s Government of its technical support towards final eradication of polio in the country.

The Germany’s charge d` affairs reit-

erated his country’s continued support for polio eradication in Nigeria.

In his address, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),, Dr. Ado Muhammad assured the international community that transmission of polio virus would end this year.

He said Nigeria has only six polio cases this year as compared to 51 cases same time last year.

Ado emphasized that Nigeria was about to make history with high prospect of being the next country to end polio transmission by end of this year.

LEGAL NOTICE

AMAEZE FARMERS ASSOCIATION

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to imform 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.

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 person(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 Applicant for grant Brig. Gen. Bernard Nnabuze Samson Shaibu and Mrs Viction Nigerian Army Shaibu guardian to Favour Shaibu Who died on the 3rd April, 2014 44 Salu Court Lagos Island, Lagos Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

State The son, widow and daughter of the said

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

ABDULAZEEZ

I formerly known as YUSUF OKIBAYI MEDINAH wish be to known and addressed as MRS ABDULAZEEZ TIJJANI MEDINAH. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

VINCENT

I formerly known and addressed as AGWUBILO CHINEDU IGWEMADU now wish to be known and addressed as VINCENT CHIBUZO CHINEDU IGWEMADU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

clara

I formerly known and addressed as miss clara nkiru amaechi now wish to be known and addressed as mrs clara onyinyechi nwachukwu abali. All former documents remain valid. NBA and the general public should take note.

FARIDA

I formerly known as FARIDA ABUBAKAR wish be to known and addressed as MRS FARIDA HASSAN. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mrs. Duru Juliana 2. Mr. Peter Ejim 3. Mr. Dominic Chukwudum 4. Mr. Somtochukwu Obinna 5. Mr. Barnabas Chukwurah 6. Chief Peter Okoye 7. Mr. Ejirika Aloysius 8. Mr. Nwigwe John 9. Mr. Jacob Eze 10. Mr. Nkwor Gideon

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 person(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 Applicant for grant Edegbo Abdulrahaman Edegbo Victoria guardian to FCDA, Education Department Onuche Solomon Who died on the 20th December, 2009 2- 4 Ajine Close Gadumo, Lokoja

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. to distribute the farming output to the needy 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.

Dated at Abuja this 4th September, 2014.

Signed: Barr Hafsat Sadiq For: Probate Registrar

Signed: Secretary

FARIDA

I formerly known as FARIDA HARUNA wish be to known and addressed as MRS FARIDA AUDU BAWA. All documents remains valid, Kaduna Polytechnic and the general public to please take note.

ASMAU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ASMAU ATTAHIRU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ASMAU MUSA MUHAMMAD SALIHU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

RUKAIYA

I formerly known and addressed as RUKAIYA UMAR now wish to be known and addressed as RUKAIYA UMAR AHMADU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ANDREW

I formerly known as OGBETA BEATRICE OSARUGUEMWEN wish be to known and addressed as ANDREW BEATRICE. All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

The widow and son of the said deceased.

PUBLIC NOTICE LOSS loss OF of DOCUMENT document The general public is here by notify that, ISLAMIC YOUTH LEAGUE OF NIGERIA has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Certificate of Incorporation under part ‘C’ of companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990

AISHA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MOHAMMED NANA AISHA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AISHA AUWAL ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid, concerned authority and general public should please take note.

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

Any objection to this application 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.

JUSTINA

I formerly known and addressed as JUSTINA CLEMENT DANMAIGONA now wish to be known and addressed as JUSTINA TACHIO BAGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ULOAKU

I formerly known as uloaku dorothy okonko-hughes wish be to known and addressed as MRS ULOAKU ONYEAGORO All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

IRECHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWOKEH TOCHI JONATHAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IRECHUKWU TOCHI NANCY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AARON

I formerly known as AARON APEH MATANMI wish be to known and addressed as AARON APEH ITODO All documents remains valid, General public to please take note.

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD September 5, 2014

Giwa Inaugurates Committee To Probe LMC, NRA …Insists FIFA will not ban Nigeria

By SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

Factional president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ambassador Chris Giwa, has inaugurated a 4-man committee to investigate the culpability or otherwise of the members of League Management Committee (LMC) and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) for suspending and disrupting week 26 matches of the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja, Giwa said the committee is not aiming at witch hunting or suspending anybody from football but to explore the reasons behind LMC and NRA decision to suspend league matches. “The committee is to investigate the reason why the executive council of Nigerian Referee Association (NRA) decided to withdraw from last weekend match. And to still investigate the reason why the LMC decided to asked the clubs not to participate in last weekend matches.

“The reason for constituting this committee is not to witch hurt anybody but to report to the board of the Nigeria Football Federation a report that will guide us in future. I

LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor

am somebody that believes that as a person you need to listen to people because may be as a board we have taken certain decision that led to that.

The committee will help us to investigate that and report to us,’’ he said.

The committee, chaired by Dr. Chris Ekong include Mr. O. O. Olaniyan, Alhaji Inuwa Umar as member and Mr Sunday Okayi as secretary.

Giwa also inaugurated a 6-man committee to oversee the running of the Nigeria Professional Football League till the end of the season. The members of the committee are Victor Rumson Baribote,

Fatai Olaniyan, Chief Okey Ibe, Barrister Isaac Danladi, Tijani Babangida, Babangida Little and Tunji Babalola – Secretary.

The federation had on Monday suspended the activities of the League Management Company (LMC) as organisers of the league on an account of sabotage and set up an interim board to take charge of remaining part of the season.

Giwa, while appealing to Nigerians to remain calm over threat by FIFA to suspend Nigeria from all international football activities said Nigeria will escape the ban.

“I want use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. The FIFA letter that got to us on Wednesday, we appreciate it, and I want to say that we are not enemies of Nigeria football. We love the game and we will do everything possible to make sure that game progress in this country. We are not enemies of this game and very that every soon the enemies of this game will be expose.

“For the letter that came on Wednesday, I want to plea for calm and I am very sure Nigeria will not be suspended. Our intension for Nigeria football is for good and not for bad.

Whatever we will do for this game to grow and for Nigerian people to be happy, we will do it

NFF Palaver: Faction Reinstate Maigari The embattled former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari for the second time in less than a month has been returned to office as the president (NFF) by another faction.

This follows a directive from the world football governing body, FIFA that “the NFF executive committee as it was composed on 25 August 2014, meaning under the presidency of Aminu Maigari, should then convene a first extraordinary general assembly as soon as possible to elect the members of the electoral committees and a second extraordinary

general assembly in order to proceed with the elections of the new NFF office-bearers.”

The NFF factional congress held yesterday in Abuja, however, restored Maigari and his board to office. The Maigariled executive committee is now saddled with the responsibility of convening two general assembly meetings “in order to proceed with the elections of the new NFF office-bearers,” as directed by FIFA with a tentative date of September 25 now fixed for elective congress.

The tentative date for the elective congress, it was learned, is in compliance with FIFA’s directive to ensure that

“in the shortest time possible allowed by law to proceed with the elections of new NFF office-bearers.”

Maigari

NFF Electoral Committee Members disown Biambo

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Two members of the Amoni Biambo led electoral committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have dissociated themselves from the August 26 kangaroo election that declared Christopher Giwa as president of NFF. Mr Prince Elube and Professor Musa A A Garba in a statement jointly issued yesterday insisted that they were not part of the sham election held last week in Abuja.

They the August 26 General Assembly of NFF was not meant for election, but rather to follow an earlier agreement that FIFA statues be adhere to in all its ramifications so that a new road map that will bring about free, fair and credible election is put in place.

“We were surprise to our bone marrow when the chairman of the electoral committee, Amoni Abiambo walk into our hotel rooms at Bolton White and told us that election has been held.

This was quite unfortunate because we taught we were walking with a man who is honourable.

“As members of the electoral committee we ought to have been

Biambo

informed that election will take place on the said date but the chairman and one Mr Charles Nwokocha and Professor Kayode Omolamo just went ahead to mess up the good arrangement we have for the NFF elections.

With our reputation we want to tell over 150 million football loving Nigerians that we were not part of that election,” they stated.

They also posited that thing must be done in Nigeria football circle according to FIFA status, stressing that you cannot fight an organisation you are affiliated to.

NIGERIANS ABROAD

I Don’t Expect To Be Begged To Play For Nigeria– Uche Out of favour Super Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has reacted angrily to claims by the Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, that he wants to be begged to play for the country.

Keshi and Uche fell out during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations following claims by the former that the latter failed to show complete commitment for the African champions.

The 30-year-old Villareal striker has now put out a veiled response to Keshi’s comments that he is seeking “special treatment” in order to play for Nigeria.

The former Real Zaragoza and Getafe man has also made it clear that he remains available to feature for Nigeria “when/if considered for selection.”

Ike Uche

“It’s an honour to play for Nigeria. I don’t expect to be begged or given special treatment. I’m available when/if considered for selection,” Uche said via his Twitter account on Wednesday.

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,

ROUND-UP /71

September 5, 2014

Agbim Wants Chance To Shine Nigeria international goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim has fixed his sights on a starting place between the sticks when Nigeria takes on Congo tomorrow in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Calabar.

The Super Eagles and the Red Devils go toe to toe at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar and Agbim will not be satisfied with a place on the bench especially with first-choice, Vincent Enyeama absent.

Enyeama, widely regarded as Africa’s best goalkeeper, asked to be excused from the fixture and Agbim reckons he may never get a better chance to start a game for the Super Eagles.

“Everyone knows that in the absence of Enyeama, Ejide who is the usual sec-

ond-choice is the favourite to play.

“Those who know me very well however know that I will be doing everything possible to get the nod of the coaches.

“I have been working hard in training,” he told supersport.com.

The Gombe United goalkeeper then took the time to discuss Saturday’s opponents, Congo.

“The game is a must-win. We are the African champions and we are at a level where everybody wants to beat us.

“We want to go to the Nations Cup next year to defend our title next year,” he said.

Nigeria are in Group A of 2015 Afcon qualifying alongside Congo, South Africa and Sudan.

Agbim

US Open: Djokovic Topple Murray To Reach Semifinal Through a pair of back-and-forth sets, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray put on a display befitting a matchup of past U.S. Open champions.

They tracked down would-be winners and somehow got them back, prolonging points that involved 10 or 20 strokes or more, extended by Djokovic’s slides and splits or Murray’s gifted anticipation.

After one 30-shot masterpiece on his way to victory, Djokovic raised his right fist, bellowed, “Come on!” and windmilled his arms to rile up the crowd.

Eventually, the physically demanding action proved too much for a fading Murray, and Djokovic pulled away to win 7-6 (1), 6-7 (1), 6-2, 6-4 and reach the tournament’s semifinals for the eighth consecutive year.

“I knew coming into tonight’s match that it’s going to be tough, that he’s going to go for his shots, and the more aggressive one would win it,” the No. 1-ranked and No. 1-seeded Djokovic said.

“I’m glad I managed to stay fit in the end and pull it through.”

Asked in an on-court interview to look ahead to facing 10th-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan in Saturday’s semifinals, Djokovic joked: “My thoughts are just

directed to sleeping right now.”

That drew guffaws from spectators, and he continued: “Or party. What do you say?

Let’s party. I think my coach right there would chase me with a little baseball bat if he saw me going to the city to party right now.”

Nishikori became the first man from Japan to reach the U.S. Open semifinals since Ichiya Kumagae in 1918, outlasting third-seeded Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (5), 6-4.

Taking advantage as the eighth-seeded Murray’s lively forehand dipped in quality and the Scot’s service speeds slipped, Djokovic broke to go up 3-1 in the third set, then fended off a pair of break points in the next game. On the first, Murray sailed a backhand long to end a 28-stroke point, then leaned over and put a hand on his knee. On the second, he dumped a forehand into the net, then slammed his racket against his right thigh and yelled.

Soon, Murray was turning to his box to say, “Nothing in the legs.” In the fourth set, a trainer came out to deliver a heat pack to Murray.

“I got stiff in my hips and my back. ...

I don’t know exactly why,” said Murray, who beat Djokovic in the finals at the U.S.

Serena Overcomes Pennetta’s Scare, Advances To Semis Off to a bad-as-can-be start to her U.S. Open quarterfinal, losing serve twice while dropping the first three games, even Serena Williams found it hard to believe.

“I was thinking: ‘I’m down two breaks?” she said. “But I ... felt like, ‘It’s not the end of the world.’ “ Quickly turning things around and taking complete control, Williams stretched her Flushing Meadows winning streak to 19 matches by eventually overpowering 11th-seeded Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3, 6-2 yesterday.

“I don’t feel like I was doing too much wrong,” said Williams, a five-time champion at the U.S. Open, including the past two years. “So I said, `If she keeps it up, she absolutely deserves

the win.’ And I just tried to do a little better.”

“Against her, you can’t wait, you can’t give her time, you can’t fail to push her to her limits -- because if you do, she’s a runaway train,” Pennetta said.

Williams is bidding to become the first woman with three consecutive U.S. Open titles since Chris Evert won four in a row from 1975-78. The 32-yearold American also is trying to pull even with Evert and Martina Navratilova at 18 Grand Slam singles trophies.

Williams had not yet reached a major semifinal in 2014, bowing out in the fourth round at the Australian Open, the second at the French Open, and the third at Wimbledon. The last time she didn’t reach at least one Grand Slam title match in a season was 2006, when

she entered only two of the sport’s top tournaments.

“Well, honestly, I’ve had a tough year in the majors and I’ve (lost to) some great players that weren’t in the top 10,” Williams said. “So you can never underestimate anyone.”

Williams will meet 17th-seeded Ekaterina Makarova, who beat 2012 and 2013 runner-up Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-2 today in the semi-final. The other women’s semifinal will be No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark against unseeded Peng Shuai of China.

One of these is not like the others: Williams is the only member of that quartet with a Grand Slam title.

Wozniacki, the runner-up at the 2009 U.S. Open, is the only other woman left who has even participated.

Serena

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

AMUSEMENT PARK

one way to solve all the traffic problems would be to keep all the cars that aren’t paid for off the streets — Will Rogers

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NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

No. 68

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here was more to the story than meets the chicken. Former Enugu State deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, had been Sullivan Chime’s deputy for nearly seven and a half years. And just when you thought they had had a good party, the dance was ending on the back foot.

I have never met the former deputy governor but I recall speaking with him twice. Not about chicken of course; it had to do with some outstanding payment to this newspaper for advertisements. This was at a time when Governor Chime was in his third straight month of absence without leave and his deputy was under pressure to topple him.

In the course of my second phone conversation with Onyebuchi back then, I sneaked in a question about when the governor was expected back and if he could confide his whereabouts. He panicked. He quickly recovered and begged me not to bring up the subject in our future conversations.

That was strange, but understandable. The governor’s mysterious absence was a trap and his deputy could not be too careful.

No one is exactly sure when the seed of enmity was sown but some persons who should know told me on Tuesday that the chicken story was a fool’s errand.

Onyebuchi maintained poultry in the official residence of the deputy governor, but he didn’t build it. According to one source, the structure designated “Farm Unit” was built by Dizengorff WA many years ago and had been used as poultry by at least two previous administrations.

I understand that Onyebuchi has not lived in the place where the poultry is located since 2012. He has operated from his private residence because each year, in the last two years, Governor Chime has insisted

05.09.14 The Egg That Landed The Chicken Farmer In Trouble It was bad enough that the former deputy governor ignored his advice not to contest the Enugu-East senatorial seat with Ifeoma; it was intolerable that he had the mojo to get in bed with the governor’s Abuja enemies

that the place needs renovation.

The state assembly has so far appropriated N35m without getting the job done or smelling chicken feed.

The worst possible charge against the former deputy governor might have been fundamental breach of contract. I don’t see how that would have amounted to “gross misconduct”. And if the state lawmakers cannot see that it’s mad to stretch the constitutional meaning of “gross misconduct” to cover chicken feed, then, why spare the governor who has maintained piggery and poultry in his own wing of the Government House at a cost of about N15m for the past two years?

Let’s face it. This is not about poultry or refusal to sit in for the governor at some public events.

It’s about power, ambition and sacred cows.

Things boiled over about four months ago when the former

deputy governor told the governor that he was interested in running for the Senate in 2015. That should not have been a serious problem, except that Governor Chime had “reserved” the slot for his chief of staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo (no relative of Jim Nwobodo), who is from the same senatorial zone with Onyebuchi. To make matters worse, Onyebuchi had been cozying up to deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu and other enemies of the governor, mostly Abuja politicians, who promised to help him. Keep in mind, too, that the governor and Ekweremadu already have a foot each in one leg of a pant.

Both want a seat in the Senate next year but only one of them can get it.

In Chime’s book, that was where Onyebuchi crossed the line. It was bad enough that the former deputy governor ignored his advice not to contest the Enugu-East senatorial seat

with Ifeoma; it was intolerable that he had the mojo to get in bed with the governor’s Abuja enemies. Onyebuchi had to go.

It would be unfair to impute any motives to the governor’s relationship with Ifeoma. But who can deny that the two have come a long way, from when she was an accountant at the Nike Lake Resort, and he, the attorney-general and commissioner for justice under Chimaroke Nnamani. Chime could forgive his deputy any sin – including his refusal to shun Nnamani, their mutual benefactor now out of favour with the governor. But the sins of stubbornly attempting to block the political ambition of his chief of staff and courting his enemies were obviously too hard to bear.

The governor has gratified his ego by sending a clear message to all those who may wish to mess with his authority. There can be only one governor in

town; all deputies are spare tyres.

But what happens to our politics? Why does it appear easy to suborn our lawmakers to do mischief? Part of the answer can be found by following the money. The other part, which is linked to the first, lies in the woolly nature of the law. The definition of “gross misconduct”, under the law on impeachment, does not make sense. Gross misconduct is what the lawmakers say it is, depending on who is paying and how much.

That is why, for example, Chime was absent without leave for four months last year and nothing happened. That is why he literally imprisoned his wife “on health grounds” and nothing happened. That is why even though he is as guilty of maintaining poultry as his deputy, nothing happened.

And that is why even though he has threatened to redeploy Onyebuchi to the Ministry of Education where the deputy governor once worked as a typist, nothing will happen.

Onyebuchi’s crime was not maintaining poultry in the deputy governor’s official residence. He stepped on a golden egg in the governor’s farm and had to pay the price.

GHANA MUST GO Nigeria losing N16bn to oil theft monthly, says Naval chief — News

Ebola Fights Back Just when we thought we had contained the virus, Ebola appears resurgent. Two new cases have been reported in Port Harcourt and one suspected case in Kaduna. Even though it appears things might get worse before they

get better, there’s no need to panic. States must resist the temptation to hype their response but remain prepared. I believe that with hygiene, vigilance and sharing of information, we will roll back the tide.

Tell the oga at the top!

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