NATIONAL WEEKENDER by NationalWeekender

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Event

Photos By

•L-R: Naijagal, Koffi & actress Empress Njama

Fidelis Isibor

‘My-Mic My-Swag’ Season 2 Swings In Lagos

•Blackgold and Njama

•L-R: Actresses Adediwura ‘Blackgold’ & Iyabo Ojo, Naijagal, Kehinde Usman and another guest at the event

IT was a night g of pomp p p and ceremony, y as dignitaries g from all works of life gathered g last Sunday for one of Nigeria’s foremost entertainment award-‘Mymic-Myswag’ Season 2. The annual award ceremony, organized by Naijagal entertainment limited, a leading PR agency and events managements outfit, saw about 35 Nigerian’s, who over the years have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the entertainment industry in the country rewarded for their unrelenting efforts. This year’s award recipients include Mavin records, Now Muzik, Ayo Adesanya, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusan, Pastor Goody Goody, Clarence Peters, Mr. Kool, Ali Baba, TY Bello, TY mix, Toyin Ibitoye, Mfon Udoh, Godwin Enakhena, Ify Okeke, Yemi Alade, DJ Switch, Omo Baba, Eric Obinna, Alero Dediare Lawson, Omotunde ‘Lolo one of Wazobia’ David among others. As part of the programme, some of the recipients took turn to wow the guest at the occasion with their trade. These artistes include Pastor Goody Goody, who sang his latest hit-banger, ‘Story’ and comedian ‘Elder O’ who doubled as MC for the day. Appreciating everyone present at the occasion, Naijagal Entertainment’s CEO, Ngozi Udenevo, who is also an accomplished On-Air-Personality (OAP) and publicist, said “this year’s award beat our expectation. It was by all standards better than what we had last year. I am really excited about this development and thank everyone who made it a success.” Mymic-Myswag is an annual event that celebrates outstanding and unique Nigerians who against the odds have been able to distinguish themselves apart in their chosen field of endeavours. This year’s edition was sponsored by Sportlineng.com and many others.

•L-R: Koffi, Naijagal, Pst Goody Goody & Mrs Usman

•L-R: Mr Kool, presenting an award to Mrs Usman, while Naijagal looks on

•L-R: Amb Patrick, Lolo 1, Naijagal & Ify Okeke

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

News

The More You Look, The Less You See...

•There is more to this ‘floating’ hut on the Lagos-Ikorodu express way than meets the eyes for security agencies...

Photo By

Fidelis Isibor

I Have Nothing To Fear –Jonathan By CHARLES ENWEREM FORMER president Goodluck Jonathan has said that in light of the call to probe his administration, he has no fear what so ever. This was made known in Kenya while he was on vacation with his family. Dr. Jonathan stated that for him as a person, if he is called

to defend his administration as president, he would gladly come forth to clear the air. A source close to the former president revealed that Jonathan’s visage of late is such that he has nothing to hide from the probing eyes of the anti-graft committee which is constantly waiting to call him in to explain how his government was run and the massive corruption that

characterized it. The source also went further to state that the former president has proven to all who to listen that he is a man of peace and means well for the nation, stressing that he has no skeletons in his cupboard to hide. This is coming barely a week after Dr. Jonathan paid a visit to the Aso Villa on invitation from the President Muhammadu Buhari.

Man, 21 Rapes 7 Year-Old Girl By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE, FRANCIS OGBONNA A 21 year-old man, Sodiq Balogun has been arrested for allegedly raping a seven year old girl in Ogun state. The suspect who lives behind World Filling station in Ibafo, was said to have performed the dastardly act on Wednesday, 12th August 2015 in his house after deceiving the girl into his room and forcing himself into her. The mother of the victim who

didn’t want her name or the name of her daughter (the victim) in print told National Weekender that her daughter was raped by Sodiq who threatened to kill her if she told anyone. She said she noticed that her daughter who was always excited when welcoming her was rather queer but she didn’t suspect anything until her son came to complain to her that she was bleeding. “I was not around when it happened, I went to the market. It was when I came back I noticed that my daughter

wasn’t happy. It was her brother who reported to me that she was bleeding. In asked her why she was bleeding and she told me she fell.” she said She said that she immediately rushed her to the hospital where she was treated but that the bleeding refused to stop adding that it took pacification from elders to get her scared daughter to confess that she was raped. “When the bleeding refused to stop, I suspected that there must be more to the injuries sustained by my daughter. I invited some elderly men in my neighbourhood who pacified her, apparently convincing her that nothing would happen to her before she confessed that she was raped by a man whose name she didn’t know. “It was on Saturday when we were outside the compound that sodiq passed by in company of his friends. Immediately my daughter saw him, she yelled pointing at him. Noticing what had happened, sodiq took to his heels. I ran after him and with the help of neighbours we were able to catch him” she said almost in tears. According to her, the suspect is currently in police custody at the Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran.

•Jonathan

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

News

Fowler Heads Nation’s Revenue •Dr. Williams Babatunde Fowler PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Dr. Williams Babatunde Fowler as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This was announced in a

statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. Fowler will serve as Acting Executive Chairman until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate. Before his appointment, Dr. Fowler was the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue from 2005 to 2014. The statement reads: “He had his higher education in the United States where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration degree from the California State University. “Before joining the service of the Lagos State Government, Dr. Fowler worked in the banking sector for about 20 years. He was at Credit Lyonnais Nigeria Limited

and Chartered Bank. “Under his leadership, the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue achieved a sharp increase in internally generated revenue from an average of N3.6 Billion per month in January 2006, to an average of about N20.5 billion per month in 2013. “Fowler, who holds an Honorary

reportedly kidnapped for suspected ritual purposes. “The number of such cases seems to be increasingly on the rise. Children aged between one to seven years have been reportedly kidnapped, leaving families distressed and helpless. “On the 9th of July 2015, a one year and nine months old baby was kidnapped at Ikot-Abasi Obori Street, Ikot-Ishie Town, Calabar. On 2nd June, 2015 a four and a half year old child was kidnapped at Awi, Akamkpa. “On 15th May, 2015 a fouryear-old child was kidnapped at Akamkpa and a two and a half year old child was also kidnapped at Idang, Calabar South. In April, 2015 a four-year-old child was kidnapped at 8 mile Axis of Calabar. Other cases include a one and half year-old child kidnapped in May, 2015 when the kidnappers lured the child’s mother to Aba, Abia State, under the pretense of giving her a job. “Again, in April, 2015 a sevenyear-old child was kidnapped at Ambo Street, Calabar South.

Gird-Up For Change, Buhari Tells Workers President Muhammadu Buhari has urged workers in the country to brace-up for change in line with his administration’s policy direction. Buhari gave the directive in Abuja, at the 15th National Productivity Day and conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Award. He directed the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to set up productivity desks to monitor workers’ contributions in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. He has also mandated the National Productivity Centre to liaise with the Head of Service to put up modalities for mainstreaming productivity into the consciousness of workers under the government employ. The President who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Illoh, said the directive was to awaken the consciousness of productivity in Nigerians, particularly as it aims at topping the world economy by the year 2020. He said: “This occasion once again helps us to redirect our minds to the need to work harder and smarter to build a strong national economy. This ceremony, especially the conferment

of the award, raises our hope of a brighter Nigeria. “The hope of self-reliance and selfconfidence that we are capable of accepting the challenges of nation building by practically demonstrating that given the appropriate opportunities we can be as efficient and effective as any group anywhere in the world”. Commenting on the theme for this year’s event, “Role of Productivity in the Change Agenda,” he said current realities in Nigeria necessitated proactive measures by all stakeholders to change the tide. “As you are all aware, this administration assumed office at a time when morale was at its lowest ebb at all strata of the Nigerian Society and the nation was functioning as a rudderless ship. “There was clear evidence that the system was not working the way it should and the people had even lost confidence and hope in the Government,” he stated. The National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award was conferred on eleven individuals who had distinguished themselves in public service, while two corporate organizations, Lubcon Limited and Artee Group, were also bestowed with the award.

of the Federation. Gusau’s appointment, the statement said, is effective from August 18, 2015 and is for a term of four years, renewable for another four years, unless he attains the retirement age of 60 years or completes 35 years of pensionable service.

“Why I Supported Ambode” –Lagos Monarch THE people of Ijora Land in Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos on Saturday, August 15th celebrated Ojude Oba festival with their king, Oba FataiAromireOjora. Speaking with journalists, the monarch expressed joy that he is celebrating with his people for the fifth year. He expressed delight over the development witnessed in the community since his ascension on the throne, adding that he feels

Group Decries Child Kidnapping In Cross River A non-governmental organization, Prevent Abuse of Children Today (PACT) Coalition in Cross River, says that no fewer than 20 children are kidnapped in Cross River within nine months.This is contained in a statement by Mr James Ibor, Coordinator, PACT Coalition Cross River State and Executive Secretary Basic Rights Counsel Initiative of the group, Mr. James Ibor, in Calabar. Ibor said that PACT had been investigating the recent spate of child kidnapping in Calabar an ancient city famous for its serene and peaceful environment. According to him, the city regarded as the safest in Nigeria is now nose-diving into a den of kidnappers with incessant reported cases of child kidnapping. “The fact that Calabar is increasingly gaining this sad reputation as a centre of child kidnapping should be of major concern to all state and national leaders.Over the last nine months, at least 20 children in the city and outskirts of Calabar have been

Doctorate Degree of the Irish International University, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Business Management Association of the United Kingdom,” it stated President Buhari has also appointed Mr. Aliyu Yahaya Gusau as Director-General, Budget Office

Another seven-year-old child was kidnapped in April, 2015 at Idang, Calabar South.On 14th May, 2014 a two-year-old child was kidnapped at Okon Ekpo Close, Off Jebbs, Calabar South. In September, 2014 a four-year-old child was kidnapped at Adiabo, Odukpani. “Also, a little boy of six years and her sister (a two-year-old child), were both kidnapped in June, 2014 at Ikot-Eyo, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River.We have the full data and documentation of these kidnapped children in Cross River,’’ Ibor said. He said that it was also worrisome that parents had been subjected to desperation and trauma in course of financing investigations by law enforcement agents. “Additionally, some selfproclaimed prophets claim to have spiritual powers to conjure and lure the kidnappers to bring back the missing children.At the moment, we are making efforts in collaboration with some security agents to arrest one of the prophets for extorting N40, 000 from one of the parents and victims. “Despite all such claims and socalled investigations, no child has yet been found or returned to their parents. It is illegal as well as cruel and wicked for anyone to kidnap, maim, and or murder helpless and defenseless children. There can be no justification. “This is a fundamental breach of the Cross River State Child’s Rights Law, 2009 and Nigeria’s international legal commitments,’’ Ibor said. The organization also condemned what it called heartless and senseless kidnapping of children in Cross

fulfilled. “I feel fulfilled because when you pray for a thing and God grants you grace to accomplish it then all you can do is to give thanks to God. This is the fifth celebration as you can see, there is progress in Ijora land. The Oba who revealed to reporters the reasons why he supported Lagos state governor, Mr. AkinwumiAmbode in the last gubernatorial election in the state said he did so because he is confident of the ability of the governor to deliver in the state. “I don’t collect money from any politician. I only support politicians that I know has performed and will perform. If a politician comes to me for support and I know that he cannot perform I will tell my people categorically that they should not vote for him” he said. Chief AdesinaEletu, Baale of AbelokoOrile-iganmuwho explained that the basis for the annual celebration said it creates an avenue for the entire Ijorapeopleboth within and in diaspora to come together and thank God for the progress of the land and strategize on ways to move the town forward. He wished the king long life and prosperity and prayed protection for all indigenes of Ijora land. On her part, AlhajaSilifatOloladeOlusanya, the Iyalode of Ijora land expressed joy that the festival met them in good health and prosperity. She applauded

the king for all his efforts at moving the community forward describing him as a philanthropist, excellent and compassionate leader. Also speaking with newsmen, Alhadji Chief WasiuBalogun, said that Oba FataiAromire has done very well for the town. He advised that all stakeholders in the community remain united and cooperate with the king stressing that with that, more progress will be achieved. Highpoint of the occasion was the coronation of Chief Akeem OladidupoOyewoleAjayiOjora as the new Bashorun of Ijora land. Oladipupo who is a businessman was decorated for his enormous financial and moral contributions to the development of the community. While expressing gratitude to God and the people for the honour bestowed on him, the new Bashorun promised to be diligent and honest. “I thank God for today and I must say that I am very happy for the honour bestowed upon me. “I promise to be honest and do my best in my capacity as the Bashorun to move the kingdom forward” he said. The Bashorun who lived most of his live in the northern part of the country encouraged people to be patient in their pursuit in live adding that only God’s favour can bring honour to a man. Ojude Oba festival is an annual celebration where all indigenes of Ijora come home to celebrate.

FRSC Promises Smoother Services THE Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi has assured Nigerians that the FRSC is committed to delivering improved productivity, saying that the award of the National Productivity Order of Merit conferred on him is a morale booster that would propel him and the commission to greater productivity. He spoke when he received the award of the National Productivity Order of Merit conferred on him by President Muhammadu

Buhari under the auspices of the National Productivity Centre, Abuja. According to a statement made available by FRSC’s head of Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Marshal who was one of the eminent awardees of the 15th National Productivity Day celebration, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the award, stating that FRSC will more than before show improved productivity in traffic management, rescue operations and post-crash care

to bring succor to victims of road traffic crashes. According to him, the corps would remain committed to creating safer road environment. “This award is a testimony to the contributions we have made to national productivity, and is well appreciated,” he stated. “Let me assure Nigerians that with this recognition, Nigerians should expect improved productivity from the FRSC in our commitment to saving more lives, and creating greater sanity on the nation’s highways.”

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Crime

Shekau’s One Life Too Many

•As Security Agents Grope In Vain Search •British Paper Demystifies Invisibility Rumours

•Abubakar Shekau is the leader of the terrorist group, Boko haram. His nickname is “Darul Tawheed”, which if translated, means; “specialist in Tawheed”, the Islamic concept of oneness of Allah. Over the past years, Shekau seems to have left security agents wondering about his invincibility. So just who is he? By STEPHEN AYA THE terrorist gangster is an ethnic Kanuri man, but also speaks Hausa, Arabic, and English. It is claimed, that he is an intellectual and a theologian, who studied Islam “under a traditional cleric”. Shekau was born in Niger, although it has also been claimed that, he was born in Shekau village in Yobe State of Nigeria. His age is unclear ,many speculate he is 34 or 35 years old, though others have claimed he is as old as 43. Abubakar Shekau was first reported killed in 2009. At that time, it was reported widely that he was shot by Nigerian Army. But he resurfaced later that same year, and evidence showed that he actually survived with a leg injury during that 2009 attempt on his life by Nigerian security forces. After this n Close shave from death, he ordered an increased in violent attacks by Boko Haram on Nigeria.

In June 2012, the United States Department of State designated Shekau as a terrorist and effectively froze his assets in the United States. Since June 2013, the Department has had a standing reward of US$7 million for information leading ading to Shekau’s capture through gh its Rewards for Justice Program. m. In addition, the Nigerian armyy has offered a N50 million reward ward (approximately US$300,000) 0) on Shekau Between 2014 and 2015,, the news came again that, Shekaru is dead again, this time in the battle of Kaduna that lasted from September 12 to 14th 2014. Nigerians, however were indifferent as people demanded to see some evidence which never came. Days later, Shekau in his normal style, released a video on the net boasting of ed his invincibility. He mocked the various armies and stated ted that, he “cannot be stopped”” and “cannot die except by the will of Allah”. Recently, the news about

Shekaru’s death has hit the air waves again, with both the Nigerian and the Cameroonian Army going public with the news of his death. Perhaps, one source that looked

credible at the beginning is that of the Chadian leader Idriss Deby, who not only told the world that, Shekaru is dead, but went further to say that, a new leader has been appointed to take-over as leader of Boko Har Haram. The successor, whom he n named as Mahamat Daoud, was w willing open to talks. The world was just about abou to celebrate, then came cam the eight-minute Hausa-language audio Ha message, in which m Abubakar Shekau A denied the claims by the Chadian leader that he had been replaced and called the president a “hypocrite” and a “tyrant”. Between 2009 and an now, there has be been more than five diff different stories about his death and all the time, we have gotten a response respons from the man, that he is alive and well. It appears that the Nige Nigerian army and other

security agents seem to have lost the fight when it comes to getting Shekaru and do not even know where to get him or what to do to get him Is the man a ghost? Is he invisible? No, he is not. According to the Telegraph, a British newspaper, the SITE Intelligence Group had verified the authenticity of the message, and also an AFP correspondent with extensive experience of reporting Boko Haram, said the voice on the audio exactly resembled Shekau’s voice in previous recordings. If Osama Bin Ladin could be killed inspite of going underground by the Americans, then one can say without fear, that if our security men put their acts together, they can over-come whatever challenges that Boko Haram poses and get Shekau. For crying out loud, he is alive and he may just be our neighbor, all that is needed is honest men as information providers and the fearless once who will go to arrest him or bring him down.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Crime

EFCC Goes Total Forensic By STEPHEN AYA

AS a way of enhancing the collaboration between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the United States in the fight against economic and financial crimes, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, on Tuesday August 18, 2015 donated a forensic work station to the EFCC. The equipment, technically referred to as F.R.E.D (Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device) was presented to the Head of Operations, Lagos Zonal office of the EFCC, Iliyasu Kwarbai by the United State acting Consul General, Dehab Ghereab. According to Ghereab, the equipment will enhance the EFCC’s effort in the fight against cybercrime and standardize its operations. “As we engage in these practices, we needed our counterparts, so the FBI office made an assessment of the prevailing cases of cyberbased crimes which are not unique to Nigeria.” She further praised the long term partnership between the FBI and EFCC which h a s existed for more than a decade, and

•Lamorde, EFCC Chairman

Homo-Sexual Lips-Bitter Arraigned A 27-year-old man, Saidi Abubaka, has been charged before an Isolo Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly biting-off the lip of another man, one Abubakar Abdulahi, 25, for refusing his sexual advance.

The accused was said to have committed the offence at Ago Palace Way, Okota, where the defendant and complainant reside. According to the police, Abubakar was arrested for his

esophagus, leaving Anthony bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes and ears. According to the source, seeing that his victim had dropped dead, Ifeanyi was said to have left the scissors at the throat of his dead and bleeding brother and fled to the nearby Central Police Station where he handed himself over. The Abia state Police public Relations Officer, Mr Ezekiel Onyeke who confirmed the incident said investigation was ongoing on the matter.

involvement in indecent act by forcing his victim into unlawful sex and assault. It was gathered that the matter was reported to the police at Okota Division. He was arrested and allegedly confessed to committing the crime. Abubakar was charged with indecent act, conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and assault under the Criminal Code. The prosecutor, Mr. Abayomi Abass, informed the court that it was not the first time Abubaka was involved in sexual assault of males. Abayomi told the court that the accused had been arrested on two occasions by the police for harassing and molesting males for sex. However, when the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.

TWO friends, Rashidat Iyabo, 20, and Jumoke Olawe, 34, were on Thursday arraigned at the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating Iyabo’s exlover, one Sunday Dauda. The accused, both traders, were docked on a two-count charge bordering on serious assault and conspiracy. They, however, denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The Prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Silas, had earlier told court that the offences were committed on Aug. 19 at Sawmill area in Ebute

Meta. “Iyabo solicited the help of her friend, Olawe, to help to beat up Dauda for breaking up with her. “They accosted the complainant on his way home where they beat him and stabbed him on his body and head thereby causing Dauda serious bodily harm. “Iyabo didn’t like the idea that Dauda broke up with her and therefore, set out to teach him a lesson,” Dauda said. He said the offences contravened Sections 172 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Tailor Stabs Mate Dead TRAGEDY struck in Umuahia on Wednesday afternoon as a tailor stabbed to death his colleague at no. 39, Kaduna Street by Umuwaya Road after a minor disagreement on his absence from a scheduled meeting. According to our source, the meeting which was scheduled to discuss sanitation matters was said to have not been fully attended by members leading to a decision to find out from the absentees why they boycotted the meeting. The victim, identified as Anthony Kalu from Ebonyi state was one of those who could not attend the meeting. It was reported that the suspect, Iheanyi John who hails from the same Edda community in Ebonyi State with his victim and who shares the same trade with the victim, demanded from him why he did not attend the meeting and had to be carrying out his tailoring work while others were attending a meeting that concerned all members. Following a confrontation and reaction by Anthony, the suspect, Ifeanyi collected a scissors and plunged it into the neck of Anthony, close to the

commended the EFCC for its professionalism. Ghereab encouraged the EFCC to keep up the good work. In the views of Fritz Kennely, a technical personnel with the FBI, the device will help the EFCC in analyzing, processing and preservation of digital evidence which

can be presented in court in a clear, concise and understandable manner, thereby aiding judges to adjudicate effectively. Kwarbai while receiving the device thanked the FBI for their support to the Commission in the areas of manpower development and investigation

Professor, Wife’s 46 Years Old Marriage Hits Rock A university teacher has dumped his wife of 46 years, and their six children, saying his repeated effort to put the troubled marriage back on track has failed. Sixty seven-year old Benki Womboh, a professor of Library and Information Science at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, told a court Wednesda, he felt his life was not safe and that he needed an end to his turbulent marriage. In an affidavit sworn to at the Federal High Court, Yola, Mr. Womboh disowned his wife, Grace Ayoo, 55, and her six children, saying he was fed up with the marriage and threats against his life. “There was no longer any love in the marriage,” he said. He said he tried several times to reconcile their differences but failed. ‘’There were several attempts to hold reconciliation meetings with Grace Ayoo, her children and family members but to no avail. Even a meeting convened at the instance of Grace Ayoo’s Pastor at NKST Akaajime, but she refused to attend,” he said. In the affidavit, Mr. Womboh said he was forced, out of sympathy for his late friend, late Pastor Jacob Ayoo, to contract a “probation marriage” with his daughter, Grace Ayoo, in August 1969 at Makurdi. Speaking to journalists, Mr. Womboh regretted that Grace Ayoo had shared the six children of the marriage and gave him only one boy, who is a lawyer in Makurdi, Benue state. “Grace Ayoo took away four girls and one boy (Friday Terungwa) that they were not fathered by me. And to make matters worse, she married

Friends Docked For Beating Ex-lover

•Prof. Benki Womboh & his ex-wife, Grace

a security man from the then Benue Cement Company (now Dangote Cement Company) and she sued me, for divorce at a magistrate court at Makurdi. “The court case was struck out because the man, who married Grace Ayoo died and so she stopped attending the court,” he said. Womboh said he took back Grace Ayoo and the five (5) children in 1999 after she left their home. In between, he married three other wives in “quick successions”. “But as a result of Grace Ayoo deserting the marriage at various times, I had to marry three other wives ‘in succession’, which means that as any one of them left he had to marry another one, because I do not want to be a bachelor at any point in time. “When Grace Ayoo was brought back in 1999, she refused to recognize these other three wives and their four (4) children. On 9th June 2014 she invited me to her residence at Gboko and dictated new marital terms to me as follows: ‘’Drive away the other three wives,’’ he quoted the woman as saying. He said Grace Ayoo threatened to quit with their six children if he failed to comply. “The six children, whose ages range from 36-46, have refused to call their mother to order not to make them bastards in the Nigerian society,” he said. “The said children, either by means of a devilish spell or covenant, have become so gullible that whatsoever their mother says, they accept hook, line and sinker.”

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Politics

Eye Us In Your Search For Justice •South South Cries To Buhari By FRANCIS OGB BONNA THE media, penultimate Monday was inundated with the news of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government commencing, in earnest,itspromised war against corruption, focusing primarily on the immediate past administration. According to reports, this war began with the hiring of two forensic firms to probe revenues that accrued to the Federation account and how it was spent by the immediate past government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The audit will also pay particular attention to several allegations raised in the past by supposed whistle blowers in the past, no matter how flimsy or spurious they might have appeared, with a view to recovering these reported stolen public funds, including that raised by the Emir of Kano and former Governor of the nation’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Recall that, while Sanusi served as CBN governor, he had alleged that about $20 billion made from the sale of Nigeria’s crude by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), could not be accounted for. To give impetus to this anti-graft drive and douse the fear of commentators, who had raised the concern that based on President Muhammadu Buhari’snot too friendly human rights antecedents, garnered while he was military head of state, the FG also appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PCAC). This committee, which will be headed by renowned, civil right activist, constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Professor Itse Sagay, will among other things,advise the country’s leader on the on-going war, implementation of reforms in the criminal justice system and develop comprehensive intervention for achieving its recommended reforms. Additionally, understanding that under democratic settings, where the strict adherence to the rule of law is mandatory, the success of such war is largely dependent on the quality of judges presiding over them, the PCAC was said to have been mandated by the presidency to scout for and identify a few fearless and courageous judges who will try suspected public fund looters. According to a source in the presidency, the idea is to conscript judges, who will expedite action on the cases, without accommodating unnecessary ‘interlocutory injunctions’, capable of delaying or even derailing justice, especially since the FG deemed the settingup of special courts to try corruption cases as requested for by certain section of the country. Expectedly, this decision has been applauded by most commentators. They argue that apart from the fact that most of our laws are obsolete and therefore needs total overhauling, the Judges we have had in high profiled cases have often for fear of being attacked or putting their families in arms way, are often easily compromised, while in other cases it is just a case of these Judges being outrightly corrupt. “The problem of corruption in the Judiciary

is real and has eaten deep into the system. It must however be noted that, it is not every judicial officer that is corrupt and dishonourable. There are some, who are clearly identifiable as corrupt but, they are protected by the system. There are those, who lack courage and their timidity is exploited to pervert the course of justice,” the former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami had said in a forum. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on his part, while accepting the fact that there are corrupt judges, lays the blame at the door steps of senior legal practitioners. His words: “Senior lawyers are behind the increased level of corruption bedeviling the judiciary. Some of these lawyers not only aid, but abet corruption within the Bench, a situation that portends danger for the justice system in the country. “They (lawyers), are usually the first to decry the rots on the Bench, calling for disciplining and cleansing of the judiciary by weeding out the bad eggs on the Bench, yet, they are the first to jump to court to seek restraining order on the NJC to stop it from the investigation and trial of a judge based on a petition brought against the judge before the council. How then is the principle of fair hearing sustained?” Nevertheless, certain groups from the SouthSouth and South-Eastern part of Nigeria have called on the President to appoint credible Judges from their zones to carry out this task. These groups claiming their zones are not just blessed with some of the brightest, but most fearless and upright members of the Judiciary, insist that President Buhari doing so will prove that he is fair and detribalized. They said this against the backdrop that mostly persons from a particular part of the country, namely the North have benefited so far from the president’s appointments. “We are not comfortable with the appointments made so far by President Buhari. Of the 12 appointments made by him so far, only his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina is from the South-West and the new NNPC Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, is from the South-South,” one group said. “In the first place we see Buhari’s fight against corruption as selective and sectional because so far most of the people he is after that is the former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of Finance, Dr. NgoziOkonjoIweala and former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke are all from the South-South, so we do not trust Judges from the North to effectively them without bias. So if he (President Buhari must try these persons then, he must appoint Judges from this geopolitical zone to do so. That is the only way that fairness and justice can be guaranteed,” a group from the South-South stated. The presidency in response to this call has maintained that there are still countless appointments yet to be made by the new administration and by the time they are done, President Buhari will be justified and the true detribalized Nigerian that he is revealed. Nonetheless, only credible and fearless judges will be appointed to execute this task, as the survival of the entire country depended on it.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Politics

•Bala

Okorocha’s Boast Gets People’s Backing THE Imo State Government has told the Peoples Democratic Party members in the state not to describe Governor Rochas Okorocha’s statement that the All Progressives Congress will govern the state for 24 years, while equally waxing stronger in the South-East as boastful. The state government noted that the PDP had made a more boastful claim while they were in power at the centre. Okorocha recently, claimed that the APC would not only become stronger in the SouthEast, where it didn’t do well in the last general elections, but would govern Imo State for 24 years, as against the former PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor’s claim that the PDP would rule Nigeria for 60 years. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said there was a difference between Okoroacha’s statement and Ogbulafor’s boast. It explained that while Okorocha’s claim was anchored on the “enviable record” of the APC government, Ogbulafor’s statement was premised on the high level of alleged manipulation during elections. Onwuemeodo’s statement read, “That of Ogbulafor was only anchored on ‘Federal Might’ they had always leveraged on to indulge in high degree of impunity during elections, while that of Okorocha was anchored on enviable record of achievements by his administration. “For instance, during the campaigns for the 2015 election, the governor and his party, the APC, challenged the PDP to itemize the party’s achievements in the state for the 12 years it governed the state for the people of Imo and other interested Nigerians to read or see, but it could not do that because it had no valid claim to make to that effect. “Hence, they resorted to what they normally call propaganda; and Imo people showed them class and let them know that they were not fools by voting massively against them at the polls. They would say ‘Okorocha has borrowed N100bn’. We challenged them to produce the proof, they wouldn’t talk again. They went online to tell lies; we challenged them, they kept quiet. “But on the part of Governor Okorocha and his party, the APC, they would say the APC government had introduced free education that is working effectively at all levels against their prediction that it would not work. Today, most of the street hawkers had all gone back to school

Bala, Five Others Scramble For PDP Chair

on the basis of the free education. When they saw that the policy had begun to work well, they said it was not qualitative. And Imo people asked them ‘which one did you people give us for the 12 years you held sway’. “Governor Okorocha also brandished the 27 general hospitals with one in each LGA and they have almost been completed; the 305 upstairs schools in each of the electoral wards; the network of both urban and rural roads; massive infrastructural development and more than 1,000 verifiable projects littering the state; to the extent that up till now, nobody has disproved any of the claims on Governor Okorocha’s landmark projects in the state. “That is the reason they have continued to talk about the government borrowing billions of naira without any proof, because what they could not do in 12 years, Okorocha did in four years.” The government added, “So, the governors’ claim that his party, the APC, would govern the state for 24 years was not based on nothing or made in the vacuum like that of Chief Ogbulafor. The governor’s claim was based on what his administration had achieved in his first four years, and what he has also set out to achieve in his second term. “All that put together, will submerge all other parties even beyond 24 years. Facts and figures do not lie.”

By: ADEBAYO NURUDEEN and RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN

NATIONAL Weekender can report that a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, and five others are warming up to square it up for the vacant position of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Others who are jostling for the job, are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jalo Abdullahi. According to reports, some governors are pushing for exGovernor, Sule Lamido and exKatsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema. The chances of both Lamido and Shema may be hanging in the balance, as prominent members of the party, including some members of the Board of Trustees, BOT, are

insisting that the Northeast should retain the position. There are however indications that former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who is expected to play a prominent role in the choice of who becomes chairman, favours young elements leading the party. The party is awaiting the date of a mini-National Convention to elect the chairman. A source in party said: “Most leaders and members are uncomfortable that we have an Acting National Chairman. “Already, six candidates appear to be interested in leading the party. While four of the candidates are from the Northeast, two others from the Northwest (ex-Governors Lamido and Shema) are being recommended by some governors and leaders of the party. “We are not sure whether or not the former governors are interested in leading the party.”

APC’s Al-Makura Testified Against Party –Maku THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the April 11 election in Nasarawa State, Mr. Labran Maku, has alleged that the witnesses presented by Governor Tanko Al-Makura and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, turned against them at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lafia. The former Minister of Information, who was speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, claimed that Al-Makura, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

could not prove their case at the tribunal when to their shock and disappointment, their witnesses either testified against them or failed to show up. While commending the actions of the witnesses, who he noted, were compelled by the fear of God not to sell their conscience despite enormous monetary inducement, Maku said: The rural people in Nigeria still have conscience even with money as they are not prepared to lie on oath. It shows that Nigerians could be truthful and have conscience and that testimony by his own witnesses to

tell the truth in spite of monetary persuasion is the victory I hold dear. I am not going to pre-empt the outcome of the tribunal but I trust the judges who are of good conscience to do justice. “You can’t have your own witnesses turn against you and still expect to be declared a winner. Clearly I have proven beyond doubt that I won the election and this has not been disproved by either INEC or Al-Makura. Of course I won the election very clear. We are not expecting a cancellation of election but a declaration that we won the elections.”

•Maku

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Editorial

Orchestrated Probe:

Less Noise, More Actions P R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari a forth-night ago as part of its anti-corruption drive, set up an advisory team-the Presidential Advisory committee Against Corruption (PACAC), charged with the responsibility of advising the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country on the on-going war, implementing of reforms in the criminal justice system and developing comprehensive intervention for achieving its recommended reforms. Also as part of its brief, the committee which has renowned professor of law, civil right activist and erudite constitutional lawyer, Itse Sagay as head, was also asked to shop for a few fearless and upright judges who will try suspected public fund looters expeditiously. According to a source

in the presidency, this was necessary because setting up special courts to fight this menace, will require an act of the parliament, which usually entails that certain often cumbersome procedures be observed before such institutions could be established. This of course, the presidency, in its wisdom has deemed could slow down the momentum the anti-graft war has already gained. This development, coupled by the fact that the steps taken by President Buhari in this war has been in tandem with the rule of law, has attracted commendations from both critics and his proponents alike, especially judging by the poor human rights records held by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, while he was head of a military junta.

national

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However, Nigerians are beginning to notice the resurgence of a disturbing trend, a situation that once characterized anticorruption efforts as carried out by previous governments. Today, despite the fact that no public servant, retired or serving has been indicted yet, let alone successfully prosecuted, so much noise is being made about the ongoing probe. Nigerians are skeptical because in the past, corruption was largely fought on the pages of newspapers. Even when people are indicted and brought before the court, nothing eventually comes out of these cases, as lawyers leveraging on the obsolete criminal code of the country, have the cases thwarted or get lighter sentences for their clients. Nigerians frown at this and in keeping with

the change mantra of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress demand a paradigm shift in the Justice system as well. Bottomline, Nigerians want action and less talk. National Weekender, aligning with Nigerians, demands an end to the rhetorics that once pervaded the war against corruption. The government of President Buhari get down to work and kill this vice before it grinds the entire country to a halt. National Weekender as partners together with the Federal Government in this fight against this hydra- headed monster called corruption are not averse to progress reports of this war, especially reports that reveal the magnitude of the offense committed and the judgment being widely publicized, so as to serve as a deterrent to others, we would want

LETTER

Send Your short and simple letters or comment to the editor@nationalweekenderonline.net

Mikel, Softly, Softly THOSE who criticized Stephen Keshi for leaving out John Obi Mikel in the game against Chad played in Kaduna now understand that the Chelsea midfielder no longer feels motivated to play for Nigeria. The urge and hunger to wear the green and white colours of Nigeria has withered. I want all those who called Keshi names to speak now on the decision of Sunday Oliseh to leave the player in the forthcoming game against Tanzania for similar

these facts verified and extent of culpability of the individual ascertained, before this is done, otherwise, it may put a dent on the intended combats and combatants. While at that, National Weekender also advises that the President and his teamshould fast track the process of overhauling the justice system of Nigeria with a view to reviewing the aspect of it that are obsolete so that they would reflect the realities on ground. If this is done and in record time, this administration will not only have given impetus to the continuous war against this vice, but would be setting the country on a path to economic recovery and prosperity as the benefits would be immense. Needless to say the number of other benefits that this move will attract.

reason. When a player feels he is bigger than his coach or manager then, the best thing is to excuse him. I think the NFF should excuse Mikel. He should be told that the national team is not a place to flex muscle or rubbish a coach appointed by the FA. The NFF should empower the coaches to take severe actions against erring players who feel they are too important. This is not about the coach but about discipline. Surely Mikel’s

behaviour has proven that it is high time the NFF introduced the code of conduct in the Super Eagles to check the excesses of some of the so called big name players. My only advice for Mikel is that he should stop biting the fingers that fed him. Needless reminding him that without the national cadet team –Golden Eaglets he won’t have been exposed to Chelsea. Again he should remember the role the entire country played when his father was abducted. This surely is not the way to pay your country for all the goodies you have enjoyed. –Mufutau Ajibade, ItaOshin, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Quote Of The Week This 8th National Assembly is determined to pass the PIB but coming to say when is a question very difficult to answer because right now, we have seven versions of the PIB. Maybe the final one will be presented by the 8th National Assembly”.

–Senator Ali Ndume, Senate Leader

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

On My Own –

From Nothing To Something, Nowhere To Somewhere, Nobody To Somebody...

Goody Goody,

Pastor With Bitter Gospels

Photo By Fidelis Isibor

astor, please what necessitated the release of your new single ‘Story’? Most times, people in the world want to be like Michael Jackson, Don Jazzy or Tuface, but don’t want to identify with their stories, they tend to forget that,it is the story that makes the man. The whole idea about the single ‘story’ is to encourage people like me into rising above their challenges and reach for the top. If I can get there in spite of all I went through in life, they can also do so. If Tuface, despite dropping out of school, can be the entertainer we all celebrate today, then they also can become great. They should use their story and the lessons they learn from it, to attain their desired success. In your song, ‘story’ you did mention something about some experiences you went through; are they really true or you were just telling another person’s story? That was my story; I and my family actually lived under the bridge in Ojuelegba. I at a point sold crayfish, bitter kola and a host of other things. I used to call myself a seasonal person and that was because I sold things each season had to offer. I even had pictures of the squalor I lived in. My mum used to be a nanny, but one day, she woke up and said she didn’t want to serve anybody anymore, so she quit. We then moved to an area in Ojuelegba, where if you wanted a

All eyes glued on him, all ears to the ground in rapt attention, our crew of Francis Ogbonna, Charles Enwerem and Stephen Aya orchestrate musical pastor’s sordid, pathetic rise from under the bridge with Mummy to the bridge top; from a rejected village returnee to the Towers of knowledge and, and, and … just read Pastor Goodie Goodie’s Life Story -

place to live, you had to rent a space and then with woods, you build a temporary structure. Two years after staying there, we started having issues with the landlord so we were ejected and since we didn’t have anywhere to go, we moved to Ojuelegba under the bridge. Even when I did ‘Pastor Goodie Goodie Welcome’, I was still there, I thank God today, that despite having mixed up with those street urchins under the bridge, I didn’t get corrupt. Are you saying that after you had sang your welcome song; you were still lived under the bridge? Yes! Even after Tony Tetuila had featured me in ‘Youdon hit my car’, we still lived under the bridge. But one day, I noticed that my mum started dressing good even while selling her stuff, little did I know that people had started calling her ‘Mama star’. She didn’t even tell me, after the video had been released, my cousins had recorded it and there was this day she made her usual visit to my cousins and they played the video for her and she cried for joy. Afterwards, she gave me N10,000 and stopped me from coming to the house, but instead told me I could live with my friends or the studio. That is my story. You just made a come-back as if you were after a long break, how would you rate the industry now and what would you say has been the biggest challenge you have noticed? I think the music industry is where I had envisaged

CONT’D ON PG 31

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Entertainment

•Kosokos

•Omobolanles

Nollywood’s Kings, Princes & Princesses •Afolayons

•Adebayos

e f a c

•Edochies

By FRANCIS OGBONNA

he Nigerian movie industry,widelyreferred to as Nollywood, against the odds, has evolved from a seemingly insignificant sector into a multi-billion dollar business. The budding industry, despite the fact that it is largely under-funded, today is ranked third in the world, in terms of popularity, after Hollywood and Bollywood that enjoys huge support from their respective governments and have both been in existence for over a century. The success recorded by Nollywood, in such a limited space of time is, entertainment analyst say, is attributable to the undeniable talents possessed by these male and female thespians, who over time, had to brave the rejections, hunger and often time the shame of being labelled as ne’er-do-wells, to make the industry into the highly wooed bride that it is today. Perhaps the best legacies, these actors have bequeathed to the sector, is not a compilation of their works, memorabilia or even guidanceto upcoming stars, but a part of themselves. This rare group of screen stars like their foreign counterparts, have also as key industry players their direct descendants, by so doing creating an acting dynasties of some sort, in some cases a third generations of thespians. Here are a few kings.who have produced a Nollywood dynasty: JIDE KOSOKO Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, born to the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island, began his acting career as a child actor in 1964 in a television production Makanjuola. He has featured in several Nollywood movies of both English and Yoruba Genres. He studied business administration at Yaba College of Technology. Though Sola and Abidemi, appear to be more prominent, Kosoko has other children,

who have been involved in the vocation that brought him fame, with some preferring to work behind the scene as either directors, producers or scriptwriters. ADEBAYO ‘OGA BELLO’ SALAMI Fondly referred to as Oga Bello, the veteran thespian started acting in 1964 at the age of 11 with ‘youngsterconcert group’, led by the late Ojo Ladipo. The group was later transformed to Ojo Ladipo theatre to ‘Ojo Ladipo theatre group’ and then ‘Awada Keri Keri’ group. Of his four children involved in the trade, only Femi, who also is a lawyer and Tope, who studied Computer science act. Sadiq, who studied Geologist, produces majorly, while Rilwan who also studied computer science is an editor and producer. ADE ‘LOVE’ AFOLAYAN Ade Afolayan, fondly referred to by Yoruba movie lovers as Ade Love, is one of the most successful actors in the history of the genre. His sons Kunle, Gabriel, Aremu and daughter Moji have all cut their teeth in the vocation that brought their father prominence. PETE EDOCHIE Pete Edochiecame into limelight after he acted as the lead character in the 1980s NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time bestselling novel, “Things Fall Apart.” He has since gone on to feature in countless other flicks. Pete Edochie’s legacy has been passed on to his sons, Linc and Yul Edochie, however, Yul remains the most popular. SUNDAY ‘PAPA ALUWE’ OMOBOLANLE Veteran Comedian and actor, Sunday Omobolanle (MON), popularly known as ‘Papa Aluwe’ is one of the founding fathers of Yoruba movie genre and an astute one for that matter. His son Abidemi Sunkanmi, is howeverthe only one among the son of Papa Aluwe who visibly took after the father.

Saturday, ay, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Entertainment

Why 2Face Wants Talks With Idibia

e f ca

Makinwa Rubbishes Sex Before Marriage

NAIJA music icon, 2face Idibia has revealed fresh plans to celebrate his Late father’s one Year Remembrance in low profile. Late Pa Michael Idibia had died last year at the age of 68 and was buried on November, 7, 2014 in a befitting funeral ceremony. 2baba as he is fondly called said the remembrance will be a low key affair. “My dad’s anniversary is coming up on August 23, 2015 and me and my family will come together and observe a very quiet remembrance for him in Benue state. It’ll be something very short, simple and without any fanfare or noise. It’s just an avenue for us to go and talk to him quietly” said 2face Idibia. The African Queen crooner recently unveiled a concept for his upcoming birthday tagged #Fortyfied.

•Toke Makinwa

Why Chidinma Shrugs-off Suitors

•Chidinma

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

CAPITAL record’s first lady, fi t l d Chidinma Ekile has disclosed why she has remained single despite h a v i n g been linked romantically with several suitors, largely made up of fellow male entertainers. Revealing this in a recent chat, ‘Miss Kedike’ as she is fondly called stated “Maybe it is because I’m yet to see the man, who is made for me or the person is yet to find me. So I am single and happy. The fact is I had few friends and some wanted to take the relationship seriously, but it never worked out. Though, I have a lot of male friends around me, but there has never been anything serious. Several

starss have been crushing on me; in fact, I thought I would have been crushed h d by b now. But B t to t be b honest, h t am dating none of them.” The pint-size songstress also took time to debunk the rumours that have made the rounds for a while, particularly as it affects her dating Afro hi-life exponent, Flavour; popular Veejay, Adams and others. “I can never date Flavour,” she said. “Music brought us (Flavour and I) together and nothing more. If he had asked me out, t h e answer would have been •Don Jazzy a capital “NO”. For Adams, , if I start telling you about him, we won’t leave here. He’s my good friend. We both insult each other every time. When the story came out, I was not surprised because we both are very close,” she concluded.

POPULAR on-air-personality, television host and vlogger, Toke Makinwa has said couples who indulge in pre-marital sex are dirty. Makinwa, who gained notoriety co-hosting the popular ‘Morning Drive’ on Silverbird’s Rhythm 93.7 FM, made this assumption based on the conclusion that since God does not like dirty things, people having such affairs are dirty people because and should therefore desist from it. Disclosing this to press men recently, Makinwa stressed that people should only have affairs with the person they know they are ready to spend the rest of their lives with, as people now live in a generation that cannot do without sex. According to her, “Sex kills. It is bad for you to have sex if you are not married. You are dirty and God does not like dirty. If you are not married and you are watching this, if you are underage, I’m judging you because sex should only be with your rightful rightfu partner, with your husband. Why are you having sex? Close your legs and only give it ha to the p person you want to spend the rest of your life with. wit “Even if you preach abstinence from now till “Eve tomorrow, people are still going to have sex. tomorr People are really having a lot of sex. We are a generation of people who are having too much generat sex as ffar as I’m concerned and protection is key if you must mu have sex.” 2013, Makinwa became an ambassador of the In 20 United Africa Company of Nigeria alongside Osas Ighodaro, Ighoda Dare Art Alade and Dan Foster. She also signed a multi-million naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria to become the new face of Maggi.

Don Jazzy Narrates D’Banj’s Break-Up PRODUCER extraordinaire and Mavin Record boss, Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy has disclosed for the first time, the real reason why D’Banj and him broke up. Revealing this in a recent interview, Jazzy blamed the teeming fans of the defunct label ‘Mo’Hits records and the media for the crisis that saw him and his former business partner, D’Banj parted ways after several years together. Don Jazzy said “I keep saying that, the problem you guys think we had been caused by both the press and our fans, because we were alright. D’Banj is working, I am working, and

we can meet up. We can gist, laugh and whatever”. When asked if he had something to loose, the music maker disclosed that he is only interested in discovering new talents. He added that “Yes and no, I am not losing anything. I have many artistes at hand right now. I’m a producer; my work is to look for artistes. If I want to sign more, I will. There is no doubt that he is a huge and successful entertainer, but then there is no glory in actually working with huge people. I like bringing up people”. Michael Collins Ajereh was born in Umuahia. His family moved to Ajegunle city in Lagos where he was raised, and graduated from Federal Government College Lagos. He always had a flair for music, singing and playing the drums from the age of four.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

EX-AMERICAN president Jimmy Carter has revealed cancer has spread to his brain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and is likely to affect other parts of his body. Mr Carter, 90, made the announcement yesterday before starting radiotherapy. He revealed two weeks

ago that liver surgery showed the disease had spread. The Democrat politician, president from 1977-81, said yesterday: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They found there were four spots of melanoma on my brain. I get my first radiation this afternoon.â&#x20AC;? He said he initially thought he had â&#x20AC;&#x153;just a few weeks leftâ&#x20AC;? after his liver op but felt â&#x20AC;&#x153;surprisingly at easeâ&#x20AC;?. The Nobel prize winner added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cancer is likely to show up in other places in my body.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the hands of God. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m prepared for anything.â&#x20AC;? Cancer killed his father, two sisters and brother.

Special tribute pullout inside

Thousands lined the streets before Cliff Richard sang at the packed funeral. Son Robert said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has returned home. She is a daughter of Liverpool and now the circle is complete.â&#x20AC;? 14&27

A TRAFFIC warden slapped a funeral car with a parking ticket as undertakers loaded a coffin into a hearse. James Hardcastle, boss of Pat Cook Funeral Services, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was obvious this big black car was part of a funeral. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outrageous, the driver was only gone seven or eight minutes.â&#x20AC;? Lincolnshire County Council said the parking warden was not aware the vehicle was part of a funeral procession and is refusing to cancel the ÂŁ70 ticket. The funeral home is now planning to appeal.

CHILDREN are quids in as pocket money has soared ahead of wage rises. Th e av erage weekly handout is now ÂŁ6.20, compared with ÂŁ1.13 in 1987 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 448% increase. But wages have increased by 193% in that time. Only 59% of children are expected to help out parents to earn their keep, down from 65% last year. Parents are softer on girls with only 50% doing chores around the house for cash compared to 66% of boys who do so, the Halifax Pocket Money report said.

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Drone captures scale of whale

The Mirror agony aunt knows her comments will be controversial but she insists: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to do something rather than pretend that outlawing it is going to end it. Legalising prostitution will make selling sex safer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will stop girls being forced into it, women risking their lives on street corners, pimps taking their earnings and, to some extent, drug addiction, sexually transmitted

diseases and violence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If sex workers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass checks, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be allowed to work and violent punters will face prosecution.â&#x20AC;? Coleen said in 2005 that she would pay for son Shane Jnr, then 17, to go to Amsterdam as a reward for passing exams. Now the mum-of-three is backing Amnesty Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign calling for prostitution to be decriminalised.

# #* ,

14 Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28 2015

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

FAREWELL TO A LEGEND: FANS

! ! ! ! " !

And close friend Jimmy Tarbuck spoke for them all when he said before the service: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cinderella, if you wrote a story â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just left us too early, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreadful, just dreadful.â&#x20AC;? Hundreds of mourners had assembled outside the undertakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two hours before the 1pm service, and they broke into applause as the hearse set off. With a picture of the smiling singer in the windscreen, Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name was spelt out in red roses beside her coffin inside. Fans threw more red roses at the cortege as it passed them during the 30-minute procession and a Liverpool FC scarf was tied to the funeral limousine. And in a particularly poignant moment, Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-classmate Frank McKenna, 71,

placed a self-made Scotland Road street sign on the hearse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a reference to her childhood in the tough area of Vauxhall. Tearful fans held signs saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;farewell chuckâ&#x20AC;?, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ta-ra Cillaâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and small girls clutched helium balloons spelling out the Surprise Surprise presenterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. Scores of fans had ignored pleas to stick to the official cortege route and gathered in a side road close to St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. As the funeral procession arrived at church, hundreds of fans broke into Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1964 hit Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re My World. The starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close friends, including Paul Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady and Christopher Biggins were clearly moved. And Tarby, already feeling nervous about reading the prayers, was close to tears. But he said he wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have missed Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s send-off for the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have walked all the way,â&#x20AC;? he said. Sir Tom Jones had chartered a private jet after a gig in Slovakia to ensure he made it. Entering the church, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was always happy and she had the common touch, which I feel Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We come from working-class people

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Business

•Ayo Arise

•Uzoma Dozie, MD Diamond Bank

Bank Debtors And Nation’s Economy By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE SEQUEL to the directive given by the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) to banks on April 24thto name chronic debtors after a three-month grace period, which expired on July 31, Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) published names, shaming their bad debtors with firms and their directors, whose loans have not been serviced for more than one year. So far, according to reports of an assessment of 16 banks which have published their list of bad debtors has shown that, the total amount of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector, stands at N238 billion. Amongst these banks are; Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Heritage Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited. First Bank, which has its total amount of non-performing loans as N43.72bn, published 92 names of delinquent debtors. The first five companies on the lender’s list owe a combined sum of N23bn. These are:Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Starcomm Plc; BGL Securities Limited, where a former Minister of Finance and

National Planning, KaluIdi kaKalu, is a director; Shield Petroleum Limited, the number one on the list, owes N6.883bn; while Zurich International Service, the last on the list, owes N26.69m. Unity Bank also released 260 names of delinquent debtors with a combined NPL figure of N45.52bn. The list has the companies of some prominent Nigerians including; Umar Mutallab’s Dean Shanger Project Limited, N3.6bn, Senator Ayodele Arise and a former Minister of State for Works, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye’s International Payment Devices Limited, N81.9m, Prince Adeyanju OlateruOlagbegi’s Cupid Investment BDC, N90.1m. However, some prominent Nigerians, whose names appeared on the list of delinquent bank debtors published, faulted the publication and denied ever incurring the debts ascribed to them and threatened to take legal actions against the banks and the media in which their names were published. Those who protested their inclusion on the list include; a former member of the House of Representative, who represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; one-time Minister of State for Works, Dayo

Adeyeye, and his friend and former Senator,who represented Ekiti North, Ayo Arise. Among the list of 173 “major delinquent debtors” published, the name of Hon Abike Dabiri appeared on No. 94, along with “Engr. Lukman Erogbogbo, Pharmacist Tunde Ogunleye, Mr. Bayo Kazeem, Chief Dixon Afolabi, Chief Oye Solebe and Mr. Mukund Gerrud as directors of the company with Account name, “Thriller Endeavours”. The publication indicated that they benefited from a term loan of N122, 912,031.06 granted on December 11, 2007, which expired on November 1, 2008. However, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa, in a swift reaction through her twitter handle @abikedabiri, vehemently denied any knowledge of the purported loan, or the company under reference. “Shocked to see my pic in Punch Newspaper. Said to owe N100m linked to some co. (company). I OWE no one, not even myself?…. Must be mistaken identity. Also writing Diamond bank and CBN to set the records straight,” the former lawmaker tweeted. In their reactions to the publication of their names and photographs in THE PUNCH, Messrs. Adeyeye and Arise threatened to take legal actions

against Unity Bank for the publication and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take the matter very seriously. In separate statements, both politicians said, they did not owe any bank, either in Nigeria or abroad for any reason. The former Minister was listed along with Robinson Pere, Robinson Ebiowe, Arise Ayodele, Olagbegi Bowo Prince, Adeyeye Dayo, Adebiti Yinka, Arise Seye and Obilana Ayo as directors of the company. In the publication, Unity Bank disclosed that, the said directors were on April 24, 2008 granted a bridging loan, which expired on October 20, 2008, leaving a balance of N81, 975,851.23. But, Mr. Adeyeye who denied owing the money, blamed the bank for the non-performing loans, and queried its management for always granting loans to clients without adequate collateral. “Truly, a friend of mine, Senator Ayo Arise, owner of International Payment Devices Limited, included my name as one of the directors just to satisfy the Corporate Affairs Commission’s requirements,” Mr. Adeyeye disclosed in his statement. On his part, Mr. Arise expressed sadness over the mention of his name on the list of debtors, saying,

International Payment Devices of which he was a director, did not owe Unity Bank Plc. “International Payment devices Ltd had a business relationship with Unity Bank Plc sometimes in 2007. They gave a purchase order for the procurement of 25 Triton ATM Machines at a value of N63, 500, 000,” Mr. Arise explained. He threatened to report Unity Bank to the Central Bank of Nigeria for fraudulent misrepresentation and dishonesty unbecoming of a financial institution trusted with depositors’ funds. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) however,commended the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive to banks to publish names of chronic debtors, saying it would strengthen the economy. The secretary of the NLC, Peter Eson-Ozo, said the measure would help to strengthen the nation’s economy adding that, banks did the correct thing by going ahead to heed the directive of CBN to publish names of debtors. He said that it would be inimical to the country’s economic growth for anyone to owe banks millions of naira without paying back. “I think the banks have done well by publishing the names of debtors becaus, it is not good for anyone to borrow money and not pay back; it endangers the economy,” he said.

Banks CEOs Call For Further Devaluation Of Naira

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Business MARKETS/ COMMODITIES

CBN Exchange Rates FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES 07/08/15

DOLLAR 196 POUNDS 303.6432 EURO 213.64 S/FRANC 199.187 CFA 0.3087 WAUA 272.7319 RENMINBI 31.5621 RIYAL 52.2611 D/KRONA 28.6278 SDR 272.6948

197 305.1924 214.73 200.2033 0.3287 274.1234 31.724 52.5277 28.7738 274.0861

PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri Aug 7, 2015

Top Gainers FO MOBIL PZ ASHAKACEM BERGER

208.00 160.00 34.51 23.00 9.97

8.00 5.00 1.51 1.00 0.47

PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri July 10, 2015

Top Losers FO 180.00 UNILEVER 39.90 NB 136.51 JBERGER 47.97 HONYFLOUR 3.23

-5.24 -2.10 -0.99 -0.53 -0.17

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS

Lagos – Abuja (Mon – Fri) 06:05, 09:30, 11:45, 16:00 (Sat) 06:50, 11:45 (Sun) 11:45, 16:00

Abuja – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 09:00, 11:30, 13:40, 18:30 (Sat) 09:00, 13:40 (Sun) 13:40, 18:30 Lagos – Portharcourt (Mon – Fri) 14:45 (Sat) 16:15 (Sun) 14:45 Portharcout – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 14:45 (Sat) 18:20 (Sun) 16:50 AERO CONTRACTORS Lagos - Abuja (Mon – Fri) 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:00 (Sat) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES Lagos – Abuja (Mon – Fri) 07:00, 08:50, 12:00, 15:30 (Sat) 10:00, 15:00 (Sun) 17:30, 18:30 Abuja – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 09:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN-ABUJA (MON-FRI)08:30 ILORIN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00

Nasarawa Attracts $1b Chinese Investments

CHINESE government is ready to invest one billion dollars in Nasarawa State in the next five years through Tongyi group as part of its strategic partnership aimed at boosting commerce and trade. This was disclosed by Mr. Yong Shubo, the general manager China public procurement in a chat with news men shortly after an interactive section with Nasarawa state government officials at government house Lafia. Mr. Shubo said that China will invest in the areas of power generation, mining, airport construction, and road construction which are expected to create jobs and generate wealth for the citizens of the state. Mr. Shubo explained that China is looking at the possibilities of making Nasarawa State an industrial hub because of the resources that abound in the state and its proximity to federal capital. He added that the Chinese

government will equally look at the Karu international market and prepare proposal for areas of partnership and job creation. According to him, the market is capable of creating over a hundred thousand jobs with a multiplier effect. Earlier, Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura expressed confidence in the group owing to their track record in other countries of the world. Al-Makurasaidthatthecollaboration with the Chinese investors will open up frontiers of investment opportunities and create wealth for the state.

Electricity Commission Hammers Discos For Meter Abuse FOLLOWING its dissatisfaction with the level of implementation of the Credited Advance Payment

CBN Oils Guns Against Betting On Naira Devaluation THE CBN has vowed to fight off speculators taking bets that the naira will be devalued after Kazakhstan became the latest country to abandon control of its currency. “We haven’t seen any reason so far to institute a change in the foreignexchange policies,” Special Adviser, Media, to the CBN Governor, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said. He added: “The preponderance of foreign currency in the country has led to speculative attacks on the naira. People who have done it in the hope we’ll devalue will be hurt.” After imposing trading restrictions in February to prevent dollars from fleeing Africa’s largest economy, importers have been unable to pay suppliers, a thriving black market has sprung up in foreign banknotes and a collapse in government oil revenue amid sliding crude prices has left teachers unpaid. The naira’s exchange rate needs to strike a balance between Nigeria’s dependence on oil for export

•Al-Makura

earnings and the country’s need to import most of its goods, Okoroafor said. “The volume of speculation on our currency is huge,” Okoroafor said. Genuine demand for foreign exchange will be met by the central bank, “but once it comes as a result of speculation, we’ll fight back,” he said.

for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) by majority of the electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it would commence enforcement action against eight Discos for non-compliance with terms in the CAPMI initiative. NERC in a statement from its head of public affairs, Dr. Usman Arabi, said it had issued to the Discos a seven-day ultimatum to show cause why punitive actions should not be taken and sanction meted on them for non-compliance with the CAPMI. The commission explained that its decision to punish the Discos stems from their violation of the

US Back-Up For NNPC Reforms THE ongoing reforms of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has received the endorsement of the United States (US) government which has pledged its readiness to work with the corporation’s new management in achieving the federal government’s reform agenda in the oil and gas industry. This position was made known by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, while speaking during a courtesy call on the group managing director (GMD) of the NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. According to a statement

issued by the corporation’s spokesman, OhiAlegbe, Entwistle disclosed that the US is willing to provide all necessary support to the new NNPC management to enable it to realise its set goals and objectives for the industry. The envoy who noted that though the job of the GMD of NNPC is about the most challenging job in Nigeria, said, “The US is convinced that Kachikwu has the skills, training and requisite experience to lead the oil and gas industry in Nigeria towards the path of growth and sustainable development.”

provisions of the terms and conditions of the licences they hold. It noted that notice of the enforcement action was contained in a letter it sent to the defaulting utilities which are Port Harcourt, Abuja, Yola and Enugu Discos. Others that got the letter were Ibadan, Ikeja, Eko and Benin Discos as well. Quoting from the letter, NERC said: “The commission considers your actions as manifest and flagrant breaches and therefore requires you to show cause in writing within seven days from the date hereon, why enforcement should not be commenced against you and sanctions meted accordingly for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the license granted you and the order on Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation.” According to NERC, the order introducing the CAPMI scheme became effective on May 14, 2013, and in which it directed that the scheme should commence and be implemented at the same time in all the Discos. It explained that the Discos were also to redeploy meters under the scheme to willing customers, including the installation of same within 45 days from the date of the payment by any customer who shows interest in participating in the scheme. It also said in the letter to the Discos that it had observed from public consultation and monitoring exercises carried out to ascertain the implementation level of the CAPMI that the Discos have either failed or neglected to fully implement the CAPMI scheme. “Condition 2 (1) of the terms and conditions of the licence granted the Discos provides as follows; ‘the licence shall comply with the conditions of this licence and the requirements of the licenced business as set out in the Act and regulations approved by the commission in accordance with the commission’s statutory duty to monitor all licences’. “They also have been found to be collecting money from customers for credit meters, not minding whether they opted for the scheme, including not publicising the scheme, thus giving misleading information to customers,” NERC added in the statement.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Health

L iving

Supernatural with

PASTOR EBENEZER BAMISHE 08066440970

Nation Building

The Benefits Of Serving God

Watch That Nagging Joint’s Stiffness!!!

•Rheumatoid Arthritis' Around UNDERSTANDING Rheumatoid Arthritis WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)? Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system condition, or “autoimmune disorder,” that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. It may also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, and nerves. Although RA symptoms can come and go, the disease can worsen over time and may never go away. Early, aggressive treatment is key to slowing or stopping it. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Joint inflammation from RA comes with pain, warmth, and swelling. The inflammation is typically symmetrical, occurring on both sides of the body at the same time (such as the wrists, knees, or hands). Other symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity; on-going fatigue, and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically develop gradually over years, but they can come on rapidly for some people. WHO GETS IT? It usually strikes between ages 3060, but younger and older people can get it. It is two to three times more common in women than in men. You’re more likely to get it if you smoke or if you have a relation who has this disease. WHAT CAUSES IT? Scientists don’t know exactly why people get RA. Some people may have

a genetic risk for it, that gets triggered by a particular infection that experts haven’t yet identified. HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE JOINTS? Inflammation of the lining of the joints can destroy cartilage and bone, deforming the affected joints. As the condition progresses, joints can become painful and not work as well. WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE REST OF THE BODY? RA can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints, including: • Rheumatoid nodules: firm lumps under the skin and in internal organs • Sjogren's syndrome: inflammation and damage of the glands of the eyes and mouth; other parts of the body can also be affected •Pleuritis: inflammation of the lining of the lungs •Pericarditis: inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart •Anemia: not enough healthy red blood cells •Felty syndrome: not enough white blood cells. Also linked to ahenlarged spleen. •Vasculitis: blood vessel inflammation, which can hamper blood supply to tissues WHAT IS JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (JRA)? Juvenile RA is the most common type of arthritis in kids. Like adult RA, it causes joint inflammation,

stiffness, and damage. However, it can also affect a child's growth. Juvenile RA is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown. WHAT DOCTORS WILL CHECK ON Because symptoms may come and go, diagnosing RA in its early stages is challenging. If you have these symptoms, your doctor may order further tests: •Morning joint stiffness •Swelling/fluid around several joints at the same time •Swelling in the wrist, hand, or finger joints •Same joints affected on both sides of your body •Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules) IMAGING TESTS YOU MAY GET X-rays can help diagnose RA and provide a baseline for comparison later as the disease progresses. You may also get an MRI or ultrasound to look for joint damage and inflammation. TREATMENTS FOR RA Although there is no cure, treatment can lower joint inflammation and pain, prevent joint damage, and help keep your joints working. You should start as soon as possible(ASAP). Your doctor will make a plan based on your particular case, including your age, affected joints, and how severe the disease is. It will include medication and exercise to strengthen muscles around the joints. Some people need surgery.

OUR nations are deeply indebted because we have neglected the greatest value of life and exchanged it for values that are temporary and lack eternal legacy, we have forsaken God the real owner and origin of life and lay hold on falsehood and lies to the extent that our sense of humanity has been deformed and in our gullibility we have become barbaric in our social behavior and in pretence, we have made our negative and so perverted human initiatives to represent innovation for paradigm shift and modeling platform for civilization. Sincerely, I believed strongly that it’s high time we wake up from this deep sleep of hopelessness and presumptuous dreams of endless frustration, our solitary places are full of shambles of walking graves and all the acclaimed benefits that we derived from the so called development of world order are nothing but woes and vexation of emotional trauma. Serving God is a divine condition and the path-way to fulfillment of nation building and human destiny, service is recognized as a type of labor which attracts reward, if this is right then serving God would definitely be more sophisticated, serving God is a divine platform through which God relates with His creatures. God has revealed Himself in all spheres of life and it is certainly clear that we do not need to deny the perfection and faithfulness of God. We do not need to further the course of our endless search for satisfaction, security and social development, it is impossible to substitutes God for anything, our hypocritical attitude has not taking us to any far distance better than from where we began. Since God’s benefits are of the best surety, let us whole heartedly return to Him, there are lots of benefits in serving God, though Satan has deceived us and made us believed contrary to God’s own plans, there is nothing good about Satan, and he never gives anyone anything without taking back more than enough, even when what is giving does not belong to him by right and it is of most counterfeit. The building of a nation does not in any way attach to so much social events, every nation is practically built on sacrifice of worship to the Almighty God, and any form of sacrifice that does not portrait God through Jesus Christ is Satanic and unacceptable to God including those forms of sacrifices recognized by God in the old testament of the Holy Bible. Serving God is a prerequisite for nation building, everything in existence must acknowledge this simple antecedent and that serving God does not requires making sacrifices to idols of any kind or shedding of blood. Jesus said in Mathew 5:17-18. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Jesus Christ has paid the price; all we need is to accept Him as our Lord and Savior, in John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Religion simply means a way to God; Jesus Christ is not a way but The Way. Please, let it be clear that I am not in any form of argument with anybody; I am just telling the truth. Practically Jesus came to the world and exemplified Himself as a case study and concluded by saying ‘FOLLOW ME’. There are countless benefits in serving God, but let us examine some of them in the light of the Holy Scripture, hopefully there will be a summary to limit this countless exploration. It says in Psalms 103:1-6. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.v2: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: v3: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;v4: Who redeemeth

•To be Con't in next edtion

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Campus Square

Students, Parents ACADA Protest Babcock’s Behind Campus Birthdays’ Curtains Cut-Throat Fees VOX POP With

OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE OG ogunojemiteayodele@yahoo.com

•Prof. Bem Angwe

Madonna VC, Others Face Human Rights’ Wrath For ‘Torturing’ Students The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said it will prosecute the Vice-Chancellor of Madonna University, Prof.IweAkubue and two other senior officials in relation to a case, where some students were tortured on suspicion of being members of cult groups. NHRC’s Executive Secretary Professor BemAngwe said Wednesday his commission might prosecute the officials if they failed to honour a fresh invitation to appear before the commission. The commission, on August 10, invited officials and authorities of the Army for two separate incidents of torture. While the Army authorities were invited for the inhuman treatment meted out to a civilian in Nyanya, Abuja, by a soldier, and requested the culprit be identified, the university officials were invited for the torture of two students, Stanley Okoye, a 23year-old final-year Civil Engineering student and Ga-Lim Aondofa Lord. Prof Angwe, who spoke in Abuja after receiving a team from the Army, said the vice chancellor had refused to appear on the excuse that the matter was in court, and that the commission should allow the court to handle it. He said although the commission had issued the VC and his officials fresh invitations to appear on August 25, the commission believed the university authorities failed to appreciate the powers of the commission. “The victims and their parents were here yesterday, but the vice chancellor and the two officials did not come. We received a letter from the vice chancellor, who said the matter is in court and that believes the Human Commission should allow the court to determine the case.

Food Poisoning Kills Female Student THE family of Oluwakemi has been thrown into mourning following the death of their daughter, who was said to have died after visiting her brotherin-law in an unidentified area in Lagos. Liveschoolnews.com.ng grapevine gathered that the 23-year-old lady, identified only as Oluwakemi, was found on Sunday, foaming from the mouth, after which she died in a hospital. Our correspondent learnt that Oluwakemi, who was said to be a student of a polytechnic in Oyo State, had come to Capacci, Mowe, Ogun State, two weeks ago, to stay with a friend for a church convention. It was gathered that, when the convention was over, Oluwakemi said she would be visiting her brother-in-law in an unidentified area in Lagos before returning to the campus Our correspondent learnt that Oluwakemi went on the visit on Saturday, but came back to complain about headache. On Sunday when the friend and neighbours left the house for the church, Oluwakemi reportedly stayed behind. We gathered furthered that, the lady was later, met foaming from the mouth in the afternoon. She was then rushed to the Redeemed Health Centre, Mowe, where she later died.

Stories By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE BABCOCK University students have taken to social media, blogs and forums to protest the unfair increase in fees. Recall that Babcock University is a private Christian institution and does not tolerate any form of physical protest as it considers it. a grievous offence which might attract punishments such as, suspension and expulsion. As a result, students of the school, having little option, resorted to the use of social media as they express their unhappiness with the recent event. This is not the first time attempts have been made to increase the fees, but we gathered that it may have become possible with the change of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.

According to one of the students, who expressed disappointment at the development, “This is not right as it seems Christian private institution like ours have taken advantage of the state of education in the nation to make things really difficult for the average school leavers to gain admission. Many parents pay through their noses to ensure their children are given education. Now, they keep increasing our school fees. This is totally unfair and unacceptable. “As it seems, the media areour last resort as the student association (comprising of students too) have boundaries which if crossed, they themselves could all be expelled” she said. A parent, Mrs. TounAderele, whose daughter is a Law student,

also decried the timing of the announcement. She asked the school to reverse the decision. “My daughter is studying Law at the university and I paid N870, 000 last session. We opted for two meals per day plan because she was always having early morning lectures. The previous information was that , the fees have been increased to N917,000. But as at yesterday (Tuesday), we understood that there was a meeting, where the fees have been increased to N1.5m, less than two weeks before resumption. We are not in support and the students are counting on us because, they are handicapped, ’’ she said. The students called on relevant authorities and the general public to come to their aid.

UNILORIN Bars UTME Students Over Dress Code AUTHORITIES of the University of Ilorin reportedly prevented 35 candidates, mostly female from taking part in the post- UTME screening over indecent dressing. It was gathered that, the candidates had assembled at the centre designated for the computer based (CBT) test at the permanent site of the University when officials in charge of the test turned them back on account of their dressing considered not decent enough. The authorities of the University, had in an advertorial before the commencement of the test, set guidelines for prospective candidates, one of which compels candidates to dress decently to the examination venue. It was learnt that the pleas by the candidates were turned down in line with the varsity’s zero tolerance for indecent dressing and other anti-social conducts.

With the development, the affected candidates may have automatically forfeited their chances of writing the crucial examination, which allows them admittance into the University. When contacted, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs of the University, Mr. KunleAkogun, said he was not aware of the development, but added that “it is possible”, because of the war against indecent dressing on the campus. Meanwhile, the bus terminus on the University campus was filled with passengers, mostly post- UTME candidates scrambling to board few taxi-cabs that were on ground. It was gathered that the commercial drivers shuttling between Unilorin Main Campus and Tanker/Tipper Garage, took advantage of the moment to exploit the candidates.

Nursing Student’s LUTH’s Virgin Of Virgins A 19-year old student of the School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Mosunmola Oladipo, has won the Miss Virginity 2015 beauty pageant. Oladipo beat 51 other selfconfessed virgins at the event held on Saturday in Surulere, Lagos. According to her, there was a lot of pressure from many people outside, but she was able to preserve her flower based on her conviction. Oladipo said, “It’s all about selfdetermination. It is about knowing what you want to achieve. It is a thing of honour to be a virgin.” Although the originator of the competition, Princess Adunni Adediran, noted that the contestants were not medically or physically tested, she said it was organised to honour and appreciate virgins. According to her, the judges considered the candidates’ appearances and I.Q. Adediran said, “I was thinking of our female children who men repeatedly use to satisfy their carnal desires before they are finally dumped. These girls will have undergone several abortions till their wombs are damaged. And when they marry they cannot have children. Some girls even run mad.” She added that some of the 52 contestants were mobilised by a Muslim cleric, Alfa SharafadeenBulala. “When he saw our handbills, he was excited at the prospects and invited virgins in his mosque and the surrounding neighbourhood. “When we started, we had a veteran gynaecologist helping us – Dr.NaimdeemAdeikemade. But

some parents were grumbling that we were violating the privacy of their children by inspecting their privates. The ministry of health also wrote me a letter in 2009 on the same issue. “This time around, God forbid that anyone who is not a virgin would come here to contest. I’m not testing them but they don’t know,” she said. Bulala and a church leader, Dr.AdedayoOyebamjo, as well as Associate Prof. of Guidance and Counselling, Dr.OluyemisiPitan, addressed the girls on health, social •Mosunmola Oladipo and other related issues.

Gunmen Invade ATM In EBSU, Cart Away N12m GUNMEN on Tuesday invaded an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) belonging to an old generation bank in the College of Agricultural Science, CAS, of the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Sources said the hoodlums evaded all the security check points within the school and proceeded to the ATM where they allegedly carted away N12 million which was earlier loaded in by the bank officials. “The robbers came into the campus in the night and went straight into the bank. They later carted away millions of Nigeria which was loaded in the day time by the bank officials. “We learnt that up to N12million was stolen during the incident. I can’t tell the actual amount but all I know is that there was robbery in this bank”, a witnessed said. Another source claimed that the hoodlums first sacked the security officials at the entrance gate before entering the bank. Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Chris Anyanwu who confirmed the robbery incident revealed that the actual amount stolen by the robbers was yet to be ascertained. “Yes, there was robbery incident in one of the old generation banks located in CAS campus of Ebonyi State University.

•Gang-Raping, Alcoholism, Cultism, Brawling Reign Supreme By TOYIN ALI

SINCE time immemorial, the celebrations of birthdays bring its own thrills and frills to friends, acquaintances, relatives among other people that form an integral part of the society. To many, it is a period to celebrate their achievements made all year while others see it as a moment to reflect and offer thanks to God for sustaining their life. Thus, it is not unusual to see celebrants and their guests trooping into eateries, amusement parks, exclusive resorts, churches and other places of interests all in a bid to celebrate. However, as casual as the practice may appear, the dimensions birthday celebrations take on campuses are, particularly, disturbing. I had a remarkable encounter. It was on a weekend when the sun was still blaring in its ferocious rage. I was passing through a major street at Tanke, the large community that hosts the University of Ilorin(UNILORIN) permanent campus. I was going about my own business when I ran into a scene that gave me more than my bargain. A female student was half-naked while about seven fellow students, including males, were bathing her with muddy water. I became so baffled as to why such a young woman would subject herself to such untoward ordeal all in the guise of a birthday celebration. While I kept fuming deep within myself over the barbarity, a group of her supposed friends were screaming the traditional happy birthday wishes. The above episode is just a tip of an iceberg of the many abuses that follow birthday celebrations among students. While being drunk with the euphoria of its celebration, students are being hoodwinked into believing that throwing lavish parties will reinforce their social credibility or make them more popular among their friends. For instance, there happened a time when youthful exuberances occasioned by a birthday celebration led to the death of a final year student of LadokeAkintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso. He was reported to have engaged in a fight with a hostel guard that led to his death. He allegedly instigated the fight when the guard accused and denied him entry into the hostel at midnight. He was reportedly returning in the midnight after attending a birthday night party. Is this not a hard price for frivolity? As a matter of fact, the new dimension it now assumes transcends what is expected of any reasonable celebration. The financial net worth of the potential celebrants goes a long way in determining how the bash turns out. This often results in high indulgence in wide-scale smoking, consumption of alcoholic drinks, and sometimes illicit sexual activities. We have also had many cases of campus birthday celebrations, that later ended in commotion of varying degrees of crime, such as gang-raping of unsuspecting female students. In extension, night party in general, is a veritable ground for all sorts of youth-related violence. Is this not an outward transition from mere fun to criminality? Let me digress a bit. It is often believed that the education of both the mind and body is essential for every youth. However, the storyline is somewhat contrasting, as most students cherish ultimately the beautification of the body rather than, educating the minds. This is grossly a clear departure from the founding ideologies of our past heroes, who used education as a tool to fight against oppression and achieved freedom which we all enjoy today. Our campuses have been turned into breeding grounds for cultism; indecent dressing among female students, financial shenanigans at the students’ union level, examination malpractices among other vices that keep betraying the values and purposes of education. The situation is really monstrous as it is apparently affecting the employability of the teeming youth population. The bottom line of the discourse is that immorality is fast gaining consciousness among the youth of today, particularly the students. Taking a critical assessment of the quality of graduatesthat are being churned out of the institutions, it wouldn’t take a second to conclude that, our education system is in the doldrums, and of course the situation needs a special emergency intervention to redeem its lost glory. In a nutshell, this writer is not out to condemn the celebration of birthdays and its associated vanities. This article seeks to put caution on the excesses and the likely consequences its abuse might have on our primary assignment on campus. Therefore, it becomes imperative that an end should be put to all forms of youthful exuberances that have hitherto jeopardised the future of many students.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Celebrity Cruize

Kosoko Of Many Trades, Mistress Of ??? His patience would make the vulture blush…his knack for juicy exclusive gist, would make Writer Hadley Chase shift in his lowly grave and his attentive silence when he gets his hosts or hostesses, makes the quietness of the coffin a musical theatre…our hot-on-their-heels, go-getting man, ADEBAYO NURUDEEN caught-up with the daughter of a veteran PRINCE OF THE MOVIES, Jide Kosoko and after a long, long zoom round town in her car, SOLA KOSOKO finally heaved sigh of ‘I surrender’ and when she started talking, our man could hardly stop her. But you have to find out what she unfolded here; welcome to her world of acting, scribing, producing, mothering, wifrey, et al...

ou have been around for quite a while; you have acted in and produced a lot of movies. For the benefit of our readers, could you tell us little more about yourself, beyond the screen diva that we know? My name is Adesola Kososo-Abina. I am

an actress born in Lagos to the family of veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko. I had my primary and secondary school education here in Lagos, before furthering my educational career at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State for a diploma in Industrial

and Labour Relation, l ti before switching over to Sociology for my degree programme in which I obtained a Bsc Degree in Sociology. When we spoke on phone, you said you attended school every Tuesdays and

CONT’D ON PG 20

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Celebrity Cruize

I Am D Do D B CONT’D FROM PG 19

Wednesdays; are you currently 0n a course? Yes. I am back to school with some actresses at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State on a federal government sponsorship How would you describe yourself? I am very simple and easy-going person. Did you go into acting as a result of your father’s influence? (Laugh) let me say yes, because not all the big actors and actresses you see in films have the opportunity of being a son or daughter of veteran actors and actresses in the capacity of my father. I actually started acting in the ‘90s with my daddy’s movie. Initially, I didn’t want to act, but you know that my father is an actor and he encouraged me to go into acting, he persuaded me and I accepted, though reluctantly because, I felt I was too young then as I

just finished secondary school about a year. I was about 19 years old then but my daddy didn’t force me to act; he just persuaded me and like I said earlier, earlier I felt I needed to further my education and that acting could distract me. But he said no, that it won’t disturb me from doing what I wanted to do. I accepted and played a role in the movie. Which film brought you into limelight? Well let me say ‘Omo Olorire’ in 2002. How would you describe Abidemi Kosoko? Abidemi Kosoko is my younger sister and she’s doing well in the industry. And I am very happy because I am proud of her. Would you allow me to say every member of you family wants to be an actor or actress because of your father? No. my daddy would not force anything on you. Whatever you believe

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Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Celebrity Cruize

Da BEST, I Don’t Best is good for you would be supported in as much as it is a good thing. That is the wayy we were brought g up. p How do you feel being a member of the great Kosoko family? (Laugh) I feel happy and I feel good because it has added a lot of things into my life as a daughter of veteran, earns a lot of respect. It is a great privilege, my brother. I feel great to be surrounded by well experienced professionals of the industry. I have a younger sister, who acts and also a brother, who is a script writer and a director and my father, a veteran actor, so that is a plus for me, so I am very happy. Permit me to say you are very beautiful, what is the secret of your beauty? Thank you very much. The secret of my beauty is God and my husband, Abdul Waheed Abina. God and my husband have been there for me. So I appreciate Almighty God and my husband for standing by me.

Would you say being beautiful has in any way exposed you to the alleged sexual harassments they say thrives in your industry, just like some younger actresses have complained? My brother, sexual harassment happens in any profession; even some girls invite it themselves. For me, I was never a victim due to how I started and I started with my daddy’s job. I actually got my fame from my daddy’s productions. So the issue of sexual harassment has never happened to me and I don’t think it can ever happen to me because, I am not desperate to become a star over-night. I believe in going through due process to becoming a star which comes after my hard work. So to me, I don’t need to sleep around before getting role because, I know my job will surely speak for me.

Why can’t it happen to you, is it because of your father’s interest? Not really because of my father’s influence, but the way I comport myself. I know the importance of packaging myself, if you will permit me to use that word. I know I will be addressed the way I dress and I will be approached the way I present myself and that is why I always give my best in any movie. Can you tell us what you have learnt from your father in the industry? (Laugh)I have learnt a lot, he is my number one role model, I write scripts and if I were not his daughter, I don’t think I would dream of doing that. I didn’t study Theatre Arts, my younger sister did, I read Sociology, but I can pick up my pen and start writing. When we were growing up, we always talked about productions, even as children. So, I know a lot

I feel happy and I feel good because it has added a lot of things into my life as a daughter of veteran, earns a lot of respect. It is a great privilege, my brother. I feel great to be surrounded by well experienced professionals of the industry. I have a younger sister, who acts and also a brother, who is a script writer and a director and my father, a veteran actor, so that is a plus for me, so I am very happy

about production through him. When we were younger, we used to go to locations with him; we know all the slangs, some of which, a lay man does not know, but we grew up with that. It is not something they would start teaching me on set. There is no location I go where I would not add my own contributions to whatever they are doing. If it is the script that needs adjustment, I will definitely do so. How do you feel acting with your father? Before, I was initially scared or afraid that, if I didn’t do this scene well, daddy would be angry with me especially, if he was directing the film. But now, I don’t fear acting with him because, I already know how to interpret my role very well, so I am happy acting with my daddy. You are married now; most of men would not want their wives to be in the movie industry, does your husband allow you to act all the time? My brother, is all about understanding, I have been with him for a long time even before we got married, which shows that he had been supportive even before we got married, and since we’ve been married, he has been supportive. Sometimes, I would say I just came back from a production I want to rest instead of going for another production, but he would encourage me to go, he has never blocked me for not going to act. As a mother, how do you cope with marriage and acting? You have not completed the question my brother, I expect you to say marriage, acting, schooling and I am also the secretary to actor’s guide of Theatre And Movie Practitioners

CONT’D ON PG 22

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Celebrity Cruize

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See My Pants For A Million Dollars?

...No Way! CONT’D FROM PG 21 Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). So combining this four is killing but I have to do it because life is all about challenges and we have to face it and I am happy that I am copying my brother. You mentioned TAMPAN, and we also have ANTP and TGMA, why do you decided to join TAMPAN or is it because of your daddy? No. TAMPAN metamorphosed from ANTP because I am also a member of ANTP. You are beautiful and surely, must have a lot of male admirers, so how do you handle them especially those who make advances at you? I have been handling it the way mature ladies would. Remember it a free world and everyone has the right to make amorous moves towards an opposite sex, when expressing one’s feeling. I always try to be friendly about it. I do appreciate those, who show interest in me because, I believe they must have liked me before proposing an affair. I try to tell them I appreciate and understand their feelings, but I am married. Apart from acting, what else do you do? I am into some other things. I am into marketing, I buy and sell, I even have a boutique on Pedro Road, Lagos, I am a model, an actress, I am a script writer and I produce movies. As daughter of veteran actor, how many movies have you produced? I have actually done some, I did some through my father, but the one I would really call mine, is ‘Shindara.’ It was stress-free because I had my father, who was the director and my elder brother, who was the script writer and with them around me, it was less stressful and I had enough money to play around with. I wasn’t thinking of managing money, I wanted ‘Shindara’ to come out the best and I thank God for that and due to my love for the name, I decided to christen my first child ‘Shindara’ which means; ‘God is still Performing Wonders’’, and I produced Wosikenke and the one am working on now, is Eseni although it is a tentative title because it may not come out with that title. How much do you spend on producing a movie? It depend on the story, there is no specific amount in producing a movie. Do you get paid or pay for the services of your family when you feature

them in your film? (Laughs) sure, I paid them and they also pay me but we don’t charge. But do you think that the menace of piracy that is presently haunting the industry is capable of destroying the industry? Piracy is more killing, although I am getting some returns back in the movie that I produce, but am not making the profit as I expected. It’s only God Who can save us in the industry. One of your colleagues said Alaba market should be shut down due to piracy? I don’t think they can shut Alaba market down because of piracy, Alaba is a big market and it is not only films they sell there; they do a lot of things there as well. It is not possible to shut down a big market as Alaba because of piracy, the only thing is, the government should just come to our aid. Can you act nude for one million dollar? No. I can never go nude. Who are your top 5 actor in the industry? My Daddy (Prince Jide Kosoko), Joke Silva, Olu Jacob, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero) What does fashion mean to you? I must confess to you that, if I wasn’t an actress, what I would have done in fashion, I would not have done it because I like putting on jean and tops. Despite the competition in the industry, how do you cope? There are competitions in every profession my brother,. You just need to cope not to do your best, but to be the best and that is the only thing that can make you to remain there, because you don’t do your best but be the best because that was what I taught in entrepreneurship. Tell us one nasty thing that have happened to you as an actress? Remember I said you should enter my car and let’s leave here? My challenges are that people feel that you are rich, that you have enough money. There was a day I was going home, I think I had about N5, 000 in my purse and some ‘Area Boys’ stopped my car and demanded for money, I gave them N2,000, yet they were not satisfied. I was thinking that what kind of nonsense is this ‘all I got in my purse was N5, 000 and these people are not satisfied with what I gave them, did they expect me to give them everything?

...Sexual harassment has never happened to me and I don’t think it can ever happen to me because, I am not desperate to become a star over-night. I believe in going through due process to becoming a star which comes after my hard work. So to me, I don’t need to sleep around before getting role because, I know my job will surely speak for me.

Photo By Fidelis Isibor

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Foreign News

Syria: Israeli Air Raids Kill Six

Turkish Forces Killed 771 ‘PKK Rebels’ In Past Month –State Media TURKISH forces have killed 771 militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey over the last four weeks, the state news agency Anatolia said Friday. The agency, whose figures could not be confirmed independently, said among those killed were 430 rebels who died in air raids on PKK camps in Iraq. Another 260 were killed in ground operations in southeastern Turkey, Anatolia said, quoting what it said were sources in military intelligence. The offensive was launched after 33 pro-Kurdish activists were killed on July 20 in a suicide bombing on the Syrian border blamed on Islamic State (IS) jihadists. The attack prompted a violent reaction against Turkish police and troops from Kurdish

militants, who accuse Ankara's Islamic-rooted government of complicity with IS. On July 24, Ankara launched its first air strikes against IS in Syria and then also began attacking targets of the PKK in northern Iraq, in a dual "war on terror". Dozens of air strikes have been carried out, but only three have officially been targeted at IS. The PKK, for its part, has been blamed for attacks that have killed around 50 Turkish soldiers. Eight were killed on Wednesday in a remotecontrolled roadside bomb in the south-eastern province of Siirt. Analysts say the escalation could destroy chances of agreeing a settlement to end an insurgency by the PKK that has lasted more than 30 years.

Inmates Lift Hunger Strike At Bolivian Prison INMATES at one of Bolivia's most dangerous prisons called off a hunger strike Thursday after reaching a deal with authorities over their food allowance, an official said. About 500 inmates agreed to suspend the strike after accepting an adjustment to their daily food budget and other benefits, said Jorge Lopez, national director of prisons, according to the official news agency ABI. Prisoners had gone on hunger strike three days earlier at the Palmasola maximum security prison in protest over their daily food budget, which was less than that for police dogs and horses. The agreement means the inmates will accept a modest increase already proposed by the

government. In addition, a prison health center will be constructed, with medical items financed by the government. Lopez said a new prison workshop might also be installed. The Palmasola prison, nearly 50 years old, was built to hold 600 prisoners but is now overflowing with nearly 5,000 men and women. It drew global attention when Pope Francis visited in July. A war between rival prison gangs in 2013 left more than 30 people dead.

ISRAEL'S air force carried out a drone strike in southern Syria on Friday, killing five civilians, while a soldier was killed and seven wounded in an air raid overnight, Syrian state TV reported. The drone targeted a "civilian car" in the village of Kom, killing five, the report said, adding that the strike was close to a busy market. Quneitra governor Ahmad Sheikh Abdul-Qader said the attack happened on the road leading to the village of Khan Arnabeh, near Kom, and destroyed the car. Syrian state TV reported that an air raid just before midnight Thursday in the southern region of Quneitra killed a soldier and wounded seven. The report quoted an unnamed military official as saying that the Thursday night attack targeted a military post near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The raid came hours after militants in Syria fired several rockets into northern Israel on Thursday afternoon, prompting Israeli retaliatory fire, the Israeli military said. It was the first time since the 1973 Mideast war that rockets from Syrian territory have slammed into Israel. State news agency SANA reported late Thursday that an Israeli helicopter launched several missiles on Quneitra in the evening. It said the missiles hit the Transportation Directorate and the Municipality Building. Syrian TV said the air raids aim to "boost the morale of terrorist organizations," claiming that Israel is backing militants in the area. Israel and Syria are bitter enemies. Israel has avoided taking sides in the Syrian civil war, which pits President Bashar Assad's government against an array of militants, including the brutal Islamic State group.

US Going After ISIS’ Most Devastating Weapon

Greece Rebels Announce New Party Ahead Of Snap Polls AT least 25 rebels from Greece's hard-left Syriza party said Thursday they would form a new parliamentary group a day after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras resigned and triggered snap elections. The party, which rode to power in January by vowing to end austerity measures, was deeply divided over Greece's acceptance of a third international bailout package. The revolt within his own party prompted Tsipras to announce his resignation late on Thursday, unleashing early elections which are likely to take place on September 20, state news agency ANA said, citing government sources. The new party, called Popular Unity, will be led by former energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, 63, according to the news website left.gr. Lafazanis, removed from his post in a cabinet reshuffle last month, is an implacable foe of the agreement reached between Athens and the European Union for a 86-billion-euro ($96-billion) bailout package, the first tranche of which was released on Thursday.

US-led coalition forces launched a second successful airstrike against a crucial Islamic State explosives facility Wednesday, continuing a trend of going after the group's most devastating weapon. The strikes destroyed a facility near Ar Rutbah, Iraq, which was being used to produce vehicleborne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). These car bombs are one of the main weapons used by the Islamic State extremist group — also known as ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh — to devastating effect across both Iraq and Syria. “Every VBIED taken off the battlefield is one less insidious weapon that can be used by Daesh against the ISF and innocent Iraqis,” US Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea said in a statement. “The location of this facility was strategic for Daesh in funneling VBIEDs into Anbar Province.” Anbar Province in western Iraq, which borders Syria, is currently the scene of intense fighting between the Islamic State and forces aligned with the Iraqi government. Iraq has pledged to retake the entirety of the province from militant control following the fall of the provincial capital of Ramadi in May. The fall of Ramadi was largely facilitated by the Islamic State's use of VBIEDs. These bombs are often advanced enough to produce even macabre amazement in their potential victims. One Baghdad police officer told Der Spiegel that these car bombs "were so sophisticated that they destroyed everything; there was nothing left of the car, and nothing to investigate how the explosive charge was assembled."

TIT BITS... Typhoon Goni Leaves Four Dead In Philippines LANDSLIDES and floods triggered by heavy rains from a powerful typhoon pummeling the northern Philippines left at least four dead Friday, including a 10-year-old boy, officials said. Government forecaster Adzar Aurelio said Typhoon Goni was still at sea on Friday afternoon about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of northern Calayan Island, with maximum sustained winds of 170 kilometers per hour (105 mph) and gusts of up to 205 kph (127 mph). The typhoon may pass over the tiny islands at the country's northern tip. A landslide in northern Mountain province killed a 10-year-old boy and injured his 9-year-old brother, said civil defense official Andrew Alex Uy. In the adjacent province of Benguet, two brothers died in another landslide while seeking temporary shelter in Bakun town, he added. Other deaths included a man who was pinned by a tree, while two are missing in strong river currents. Several flights and ferry trips have been canceled.

US Police Officer Shoots, Kills Man After Assault AUTHORITIES in Alabama say a Tuscaloosa police officer has shot and killed a man who attempted to assault the officer. Tuscaloosa Police Capt. Brad Mason tells local media a 50-year-old white man was shot after an altercation with an officer Thursday evening. Police say the officer, who was responding to an assault call, initially used a stun gun on the man but drew a firearm after the man continued to try to assault the officer. The suspect died at the scene. The officer was treated at a Tuscaloosa hospital for minor injuries. Authorities say the Tuscaloosa County Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the shooting, as is standard practice. Police have not released the name of the suspect or the name and race of the officer.

Guinness Recognizes 112Year-Old Japanese As Oldest Man THE secret to a long, happy life? Yasutaro Koide, a 112-year-old living in the central Japanese city of Nagoya who was officially recognized by Guinness World Records on Friday as the world's oldest man, says to "not overdo." Koide was born on March 13, 1903, and worked as a tailor. He became the oldest man with the death of Sakari Momoi of Tokyo in July at age 112. Three of his seven children, two of his nine grandchildren and one great grandchild attended a ceremony at a nursing home where he was given a plaque and a green vase. Koike was beaming but teary-eyed as those attending applauded. "The best thing is to not overdo," Koide said. He also recommended not smoking or drinking and said his favorite food is bread. Koike also recommends "enjoying everything," according to local reports that say he can read the newspaper without glasses. The newspaper Chunichi Shimbun quoted a granddaughter, Aya Kikuchi, as saying her grandfather once tended to be very strict about manners. "He was very stubborn, but he got nicer with age," she said. "His lifestyle is one that avoids stress." One of the world's fastest-aging countries, Japan has about 54,000 centenarians. So many, in fact, the government is reportedly considering scrapping or scaling back a 52-yearold program that presents each person reaching the century mark with an ornate sake dish and letter of congratulations from the prime minister.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Foreign News

Hong Kong Journalist Attack: Two Jailed For 19 Years TWO men were jailed for 19 years Friday for a brutal knife attack on a Hong Kong journalist in what the judge called a "coldblooded" crime that intensified fears over press freedom in the city. Kevin Lau, former editor of the investigative Ming Pao newspaper, was stabbed in broad daylight in February last year. The attack came just weeks after he was removed from his position and replaced with an editor deemed to be pro-Beijing. His sacking triggered staff protests and widespread fears that Beijing was tightening control over the press in the semi-autonomous territory. Yip Kim-wah and Wong Chi-wah, both 39, were last week convicted of causing grievous bodily harm, with the jury taking

less than four hours to reach a unanimous verdict. But questions remain over why they carried out the attack and who offered them an alleged payment of HK$100,000 ($13,000). Lau has called for the "mastermind" of the crime to be brought to justice. Judge Esther Toh sentenced Wong and Yip to 19 years each, describing the attack as "senseless" and "brazen". "They carried out this cold-blooded attack for financial gain," she said, adding that neither defendant had shown any remorse. "Life will never be the same for him (Lau) because he will forever carry the scars of the attack, both psychologically and physically," she added. Toh said that while there was no

evidence Lau was attacked because he was a journalist, "members of the press should be equally protected as are any of our citizens". "We are very lucky in Hong Kong to have a free press," she added. The pair had pleaded not guilty and accused police of beating them into making confessions. Prosecutors said Yip had told police he had driven Wong to a street where Lau usually ate after being offered the money, and that there was CCTV footage of the two near Lau's home ahead of the attack. But electrician Yip insisted he only went to the area to find an ex-boss who owed him wages. Both men were detained in mainland China before being returned to Hong Kong in March last year.

Five Migrants Hurt In Clashes At Greek-Macedonian Border

N. Korea Readies Troops For War Against South

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong-Un put his frontline troops on a war footing Friday to back up an ultimatum for South Korea to halt high-decibel propaganda broadcasts across the border. The move came as military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula soared following a rare exchange of artillery fire on Thursday that put the South Korean army on maximum alert. Technically, the two Koreas have been at war for the past 65 years, as the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a ceasefire that was never ratified by a formal peace treaty. Kim has given similarly bellicose orders in the past, most recently in 2013 when he declared "a state of war" with the South, although no clashes resulted. Over the decades, South Koreans have become accustomed to the North's provocative and belligerent behaviour, and there was no sense of public panic in Seoul despite the dire threats. Kim chaired an emergency meeting late Thursday of the North's powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) which endorsed the ultimatum for the South to switch off its propaganda unit loudspeakers by Saturday afternoon or face military action. South Korea's defence ministry insisted the loudspeakers would keep operating. According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim ordered frontline, combined units of the Korean People's Army (KPA) to "enter a wartime state" from Friday 5:00 pm (0830 GMT). The troops should be "fully battle ready to launch surprise operations" while the entire frontline should be placed in a "semi-war state", KCNA quoted

him as saying. In response, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff urged the KPA to refrain from any "reckless acts". South Korean television broadcast images of President Park GeunHye wearing army fatigues as she addressed a meeting of top military commanders outside Seoul. "Any provocations by North Korea will not be tolerated," Park told the gathering. The United States urged Pyongyang to avoid any further escalation, with the Pentagon stressing it remained firmly committed to defending ally South Korea. Direct exchanges of fire across the inter-Korean land border are extremely rare -- mainly, analysts say, because both sides recognise the risk of a sudden and potentially disastrous escalation. But Yoo Ho-Yeol, a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University in Seoul, said although previous episodes of tense brinkmanship had not escalated into conflict, this could not be ruled out. "We've been here before several times, but that doesn't mean it isn't still dangerous," said Yoo said. "There's a real possibility of this confrontation leading to some sort of armed clash." The last direct attack on the South was in November 2010 when North Korea shelled the South Korean border island of Yeonpyeong, killing two civilians and two soldiers. Seoul said Thursday's artillery exchange was triggered by North Korea firing several shells in the rough direction of one of its border propaganda units. The South responded by firing "dozens" of 155mm howitzer rounds. Nearly all the shells from both sides landed in their respective halves of the demilitarized zone (DMZ), a four-kilometre-wide (2.5-mile-wide) buffer zone that straddles the actual frontier line.

US Teen Hacked, Buried Alive By Fellow Students JOSE Amaya Guardado, 17, was horrifically murdered with a machete by a group of fellow students. Jose Amaya Guardado didn’t stand a chance. First, they hacked him with a machete. Then, they buried him alive out in the forest. And to celebrate the crime, two of his attackers then had sex beside the shallow grave, where he was still breathing. This horrific crime, committed by four students against their fellow classmate, has shocked the US state of Florida. According to the reports, all were students at Homestead Job Corps, a live-in school and vocational training program run by the US Department of Labour. As detectives dug deeper, what they uncovered was so horrific, so unthinkable, that they were left reeling. On Sunday, June 28, 17-year-old Jose went missing. After a frantic search, his brother finally found Jose’s body, buried in a shallow grave in the woods not far from the school. Police have since caught three of the culprits: 20-year-old Kaheem Arbelo, 18-year-old Jonathan Lucas and 19-yearold Christian Colon, who confessed to the crime last week. Desiray Strickland, 18, became the fourth charged with the savage murder of Jose when she was arrested yesterday. The group considered murdering

the teenager a fortnight before actually carrying out the act, and managed to dig a grave and hide the machete in the bush a few days before, police said. According to the arrest report, the foursome lured Jose into the woods before “ambushing” him with the machete, causing “massive injuries”. As he was dying, he was told to lie in the grave. “The victim made one last attempt to fight off the attackers,” the detective wrote on the police form, “at which time, [Arbelo] struck the victim with the machete several more times until the victim’s face caved in.” The report then stated that Strickland “complained that she had missed the first series of machete strikes because she had walked away for a few minutes to urinate in the woods.”

At least five migrants were slightly hurt Friday when Macedonian police threw noise grenades to drive back refugees from the country's border with Greece, a photographer at the scene said. More than 3,000 mostly Syrian refugees are stuck in no-man's land near the Greek village of Eidomeni after Macedonia declared a state of emergency Thursday and sent troops to help stem the flow of migrants attempting to cross the small Balkan country to reach northern Europe. Police in riot gear fired the grenades as they faced hundreds of migrants, included women and children, gathered at the border fence. The grenades sent up clouds of smoke and sent the refugees running for cover, the photographer reported. Macedonian authorities, however, denied any clashes had taken place. Interior Ministry spokesman Ivo Kotevski told reporters there was "no incident, no tear bombs... nothing like that on Macedonian side." Police had earlier prevented reporters from accessing no-man's land where on Thursday officers had been in a standoff with about 1,500 migrants and refugees who wanted to cross into Macedonia. But with the numbers of refugees blocked on the Greek side building up during the night, tensions rose. Macedonian police also stepped up their presence at the train station in the border town of Gevgelija Friday, where thousands of migrants who had been arriving daily previously were given temporary documents allowing them to cross Macedonia so they could travel on to Serbia and the main European Union frontier. But on Friday police were not issuing the documents to newly arrived groups, prompting exhausted refugees to fear that they would be sent back to Greece. "They don't give us papers, so maybe they want to bring us back to Greece," a 24-year-old man from Damascus told reporters. "We don't want to go back, we are very exhausted from walking," said the biology student, who asked not to be named.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Business

German Manufacturing Strengthens As Economy Shifts Up GERMAN manufacturing growth unexpectedly accelerated to the fastest pace in more than a year, pointing to building momentum in the euro-area’s largest economy. Markit Economics said Friday that its factory Purchasing Managers’ Index advanced to 53.2 in August from 51.8 in July. That’s the highest since April 2014 and above the 50 mark that divides expansion from contraction. It also beat the median estimate of 51.6 in a Bloomberg survey of economists. A services gauge slipped, though a

composite measure of both industries rose to a four-month high. The economy expanded 0.4 percent in the second quarter, and the Bundesbank has said Germany is poised for “solid” expansion that’s supported by external and domestic demand. Markit said the PMI indicate growth this quarter will be similar to the rate in the three months through June. The economy “shifted into a higher gear in August,” said Oliver Kolodseike, an economist at Markit.

“Encouragingly, manufacturers reported accelerated production growth.” The improvement in Germany is in contrast to France, where the economy stagnated in the second quarter. Markit’s latest numbers show French manufacturing shrank for a second month in August and services growth weakened. That left the composite business index at a four-month low. European Central Bank policy makers have expressed disappointment about the pace of

the euro area’s recovery. Further headwinds include China’s currency devaluation, which has sparked volatility in emerging markets, as well as looming interest-rate increases from the Federal Reserve and Bank of England. A euro-area manufacturing index probably slipped to 52.2 in August from 52.4 in July, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey. A services gauge probably remained at 54. Markit will publish the reports at 9 a.m. London time.

Global Markets Suffer Worst Week Of The Year

Novartis Buys Rights To Experimental Ms Drug For $1 Billion NOVARTIS AG agreed to buy the rights to an experimental multiple sclerosis drug from GlaxoSmithKline Plc for as much as $1 billion as it races to catch up with a competing treatment being developed by Roche Holding AG. Novartis will pay $300 million upfront to Glaxo for ofatumumab, followed by another $200 million after the start of late-stage clinical trials, the Basel, Switzerlandbased company said in a statement on Friday. Novartis may pay as much as $534 million more if certain goals are met during the drug’s development. The drug would compete with Roche’s experimental medicine ocrelizumab, which succeeded in reducing the relapses and disability progression associated with multiple sclerosis in two late-stage studies announced in June. That treatment may reach the market in 2017, while the Novartis drug would be at least two years behind, said Fabian Wenner, an analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux in Zurich. “It’s a joke,” Wenner said by phone. “Patients either want better

convenience than the old drugs or they want better efficacy, and ofatumumab is offering neither of those things. The chances of this being successful in MS and generating any sales are zero in my view.” Novartis didn’t immediately respond to a phone call and an e-mail seeking additional comment. The shares fell 1.5 percent to 96.05 euros as of 10:55 a.m. in Zurich, amid a decline in European stocks. Shares of Glaxo dropped 1.2 percent.

UK Sport, Bupa UK Extend Partnership

BUPA UK has announced that it continues to be the Official Health Insurance Partner of UK Sport for a further three years. The partnership, which has run for 13 years, has already provided support to elite athletes covering over 48,000 treatments, from diagnostic tests and MRI scans to surgical procedures. The three year deal means Bupa UK will continue to support UK Sport's

Microfinance Giant Finca Plans London Expansion To Tap Capital’s Cash FINCA, the microfinance giant providing business loans as small as £20 to the world’s poorest people, is expanding its London operations and seeking a high-profile, City director. The charity’s founder and chief executive, Rupert Scofield, said he was keen to tap into London as a centre to raise funding from philanthropists and link Britain’s burgeoning base of socially-minded businesses with technology that could help its one million clients in the developing world. Scofield said: “London is one of the

EQUITY markets across the globe were punished this week as fresh fears about a slowdown in China spooked investors. Friday release of the Caixin/ Markit manufacturing index, which showed activity in August in China's factory sector fell at its fastest rate in almost six and a half years, prompted a further sell-off. It compounded fears about a slowdown for the world's second largest economy, with many emerging market economies already struggling with the fall-out from last week's shock devaluation of the yuan which sent their currencies into freefall. The S&P 500 suffered its biggest fall since February 2014 yesterday, down 2.1% at 2,035.73, while the MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares ex Japan dropped 2.4% to its lowest level since 27 July, 2012. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong was down 2.4%, a weekly loss of 7.4%, while Japan's Nikkei plummeted 2.9%, or 5.2% for the week. On the commodities markets, US crude headed for its eighth straight weekly decline, falling 0.5% to $40.85 after reaching a multi-year low of $40.21 on Thursday. This run of weekly losses for oil is the

burgeoning capitals of social enterprise. There are many interesting people there, both on the entrepreneurial side in areas we are targeting like renewable energy, and on the financing side who are interested in doing something about the world’s big problems.” Finca has drawn up a list of 100 organisations here that might come up with ideas which could be of value to their clients. The charity has already begun working with Chiswick-based BBoxx, inventor of a solar-powered energy system that can be controlled and monitored remotely.

Athlete Medical Scheme (AMS), which provides access to specialist medical treatment, when expertise outside of the day to day medical support is required. The medical insurance covers support of elite athletes in their recovery from illness and injury and has recently been extended to include those suffering with mental health issues. It will be delivered alongside the English Institute of Sport, UK Sport's science, medicine and technology arm. Becky James, a double cycling World Champion, will remain an official Bupa UK ambassador. James has been a big beneficiary of the scheme following recent knee and shoulder surgery. UK Sport is investing around £377m of National Lottery and Government funding to help athletes prepare for international competition and ultimately to represent Great Britain at the Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio, Pyeongchang and beyond. Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport said: "UK Sport's continued partnership with Bupa UK demonstrates the importance of injury prevention and fast recovery in the world of elite sport where fine margins can make all the difference.

worst since 1986 when OPEC hiked production and prices slumped to $10 a barrel. The FTSE 100 also dropped to its lowest point since January this week, down more than 10% from its record high of 7,104 in April. It moved further into correction territory this morning, declining 0.71% around 10.15am to 6,322.94, although this was not as bad as the 2% fall predicted before the market opened. Miners Fresnillo, Randgold Resources and Rio Tinto were among today's biggest winners, as investors bought on weakness. European markets also did not suffer the rout seen by their global counterparts this morning, despite fresh uncertainty for Greece. The DAX was down 0.34% to 10,396.27 while the Cac 40 was off 0.45% at 4,761.81, as improving

manufacturing and services data from the eurozone provided valuable support. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced his resignation and said he intended to call a snap election, set for 20 September. A caretaker government will assume control during the interim period. Tsipras is seeking to strengthen his hold on power after he managed to secure a third bailout with creditors, but in doing so was forced to back down on many of his previous anti-austerity pledges. "I want to be honest with you. We did not achieve the agreement we expected before the January elections," he told the Greek people. "I feel the deep ethical and political responsibility to put to your judgment all I have done, successes and failures."

Apple Raises $1.6 Billion In Record Corporate Bond Deal APPLE Inc. raised A$2.25 billion ($1.6 billion) with a debut Australian debt sale that’s the largest bond deal ever Down Under by a non-financial company. The iPhone maker sold A$1.15 billion of seven-year notes at a yield of 110 basis points more than swap rates and A$1.1 billion of fouryear securities at a 65 basis point spread. Apple, which until November had only sold U.S. currency bonds, has since expanded its debt issuance to euros, yen, pounds and Swiss francs as well as Aussie dollars. It follows a A$700 million inaugural offering last month from brewer SABMiller Plc and joins other overseas-based issuers such as Total SA and Toronto-Dominion Bank in making Australian debuts over the past 12 months. “It certainly looks like a successful deal, especially if you consider the prevailing sentiment at this moment, it’s not been the most positive of days to issue,” said John Sorrell, head of credit at Nikko Asset Management Ltd. in Australia. Investors around the world sold riskier assets on Friday as a gauge of Chinese manufacturing plunged to the lowest level since 2009. The recent selloff in corporate bonds has pushed average credit spreads globally to the widest level since 2012, based on Bank of America Merrill Lynch indexes. The deal from Apple eclipses the A$1 billion transaction from BHP Billiton Ltd. in March that had been this year’s largest non-financial

company bond sale, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The proceeds of Apple’s Kangaroo bond sale may be used to return capital to shareholders through stock buybacks and dividends, sale managers said in an earlier statement announcing plans to do an Aussie transaction. The Cupertino, California-based company announced in April it was boosting its capital-return program by $70 billion through March 2017 and would be accessing both U.S. and international debt markets to help pay for it. All of the longer maturity notes from Apple will be fixed-rate securities, while at the shorter tenor they are set to issue a fixedrate portion of A$400 million and a floating-rate tranche of A$700 million. Initial price guidance on the four-year debt was for a spread of about 70 basis points, while the price talk on the seven-year notes was a gap of about 115 basis points. “It must have had a very wide range of acceptance,” Nikko’s Sorrell said, citing Apple’s position as a wellknown brand and its strong credit rating as factors that would have helped attract both international and domestic investors. Apple carries the second-highest credit ratings at both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. The final order book for the transaction was about A$3 billion, a person familiar with the matter said. The sale was managed by Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deutsche Bank AG and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Forex Talk Mike Fowope With

08056905612

wale.fowope@gmail.com m

Money Management (2) HOW MUCH MONEY (TRADING CAPITAL) DO YOU NEED TO TRADE? Before reading this lesson, you should have previously read through: • Money management – protecting your capital • Leverage in Forex trading Not everyone is going to have the same amount of money to start with. The amount of money you have – the size of your trading capital – will determine the position size that you are able to trade with. The position size is essentially the amount of money you put into the market – in other words the amount that you trade. The larger the position size, the more money you will make if the trade wins. However, this also means you can lose more money. This is why using the correct position size is so important, because you can keep within the correct limits of money management and protects your capital from losing trades. SO HOW DO YOU DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU SHOULD RISK? As you know, you should never risk more than 1-2% of your trading account on any single trade, which is why your trading capital will determine how much money you can trade with. However, the size of your stop loss will also determine the size of your position,

because whatever your trading capital is, the larger the stop loss, the more you will have to reduce your position size to make sure that you keep within the correct limits of money management. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POSITION SIZES When trading Forex, there are three different types of position sizes that are usually available to you: • Standard lot • Mini lot • Micro lot Each one requires a different amount to trade, depending on your stop loss. We will first explain the difference between them using an example of a trade with a fixed 20 pip stop loss. Standard lot In Forex, a standard trading contract equates to 100,000 units of the base currency. This is known as a standard lot. This means that one standard lot has a value of roughly $10 per pip (depending on the currency pair you are trading), so if the market moves 1 pip in your favour, you make $10; if the trade moves against you, then you will lose $10 per pip. If you open a trade and the market moves against you by 10 pips, this equates to $100. A standard lot equates to 100,000 units of currency. This means that a standard lot has a value of roughly $10 per pip. In order for a trader to be able

to trade a standard lot, you would need a large enough account to withstand a losing trade at $10 per pip. If you open a trade that has a 20 pip stop loss; this means that a losing trade on a standard lot is $200. In this case, you must have an account of at least $10,000 – 2% of $10,000 is $200. Mini lot Some people do not have a trading capital of $10,000 and so brokers are able to offer a different position size for traders with less capital to start with. They do this by subdividing the standard lot contract into ten; this is known as a mini lot. A mini lot equates to 10,000 units of the base currency. This means that a mini lot has a value of roughly $1 per pip. A mini lot is equal to 10,000 units of currency. This means that instead of each trade having a value of $10 per pip, each trade will now have a value of $1 per pip and you can start with less than $10,000. If you open a trade with a 20 pip stop loss; this means that a losing trade is $20. In this case, you could trade quite comfortably with an account of $2,000 – 2% of $2,000 is $40. Micro lot Some people, however, do not have or do not want to start

with a trading capital of $2,000. Brokers have therefore introduced the micro lot that divides the mini lots further by ten. A micro lot equates to 1,000 units of the base currency. This means that a micro lot has a value of roughly $0.10 per pip. This means that each contract traded is 1,000 units of currency and gives each pip the value of $0.10. A trade with a 20 pip stop loss will result in a $2 loss. In this case, someone can start trading with as little as $500 or even $150 – 2% of $150 is $3. Determine the maximum position size you want trade with depending on your account Of course, not every trade is going to have a stop loss of 20 pips and so it is important for you to determine the position size for each trade. In order to do so, you can apply the following formula that will tell you how much you can trade depending on the size of your trading account and the size of the stop loss: Position Size in Lots = (Account Size X the % risk per trade) / (Stop Loss in Pips X Loss per Pip per Lot) Let’s say that you have a $5,000 trading account and you have a 15 pip stop loss. You only want to risk 2% of your account. Assuming that you are trading

with US dollars, where each standard lot traded means that a pip movement is $10, the position size is calculated as follows: Position size = ($5,000 x 2%)/ (15 x 10) = 0.66 You always round the result down. This means that you can trade 0.6 lots, or 6 mini lots for this trade. So, in order to trade comfortably with 6 mini lots, you need an account size of $5,000 to stay within a 2% limit risk. Be careful when using the formula to make sure that the currency of the numerator and denominator are the same – if not; convert one into the other at the current market price. SUMMARY So far, you have learned that... • the amount you can trade with depends on the amount of trading capital you have and the size of the stop loss on the trade. • the different position sizes in the Forex market are a standard lot, where each pip moment is worth $10, a mini lot, where each pip movement is worth $1 and a micro lot, where each pip movement is worth $0.1. • in order to calculate the exact position size you can use the formula: Position Size in Lots = (Account Size X the % risk per trade) / (Stop Loss in Pips X Loss per Pip per Lot).

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

27 15

THRONG STREETS FOR CILLA

FROM RINGO

FROM MACCA

FROM BRUCE

FROM DES

and she never forgot it. It was always the same â&#x20AC;&#x201C; showbusiness never affected her and I loved that about her.â&#x20AC;? Former Blind Date contestant Mark Finch arrived at the funeral from Scotland, and said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a lovely woman, an absolute pleasure to meet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wish to meet someone so down to earth, her only fault was I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get my date! â&#x20AC;&#x153;I miss her â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I think the country misses her.â&#x20AC;? Poignant floral tributes and messages included one from Beatle Paul McCartney who said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To our darling Cilla and family,â&#x20AC;? while Ringo Starrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cilla, peace and love.â&#x20AC;? And a heartfelt message from TV star Des

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cilla, without your warmth and your smile, the world is a sadder place.â&#x20AC;? Another came from former Strictly Come Dancing host Sir Bruce Forsyth and wife Wilnelia, who wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You, Irreplaceable You,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a reference to the George Gershwin hit. And Joan Collins, 81, and husband

Percy Gibson, 49, left a card, which said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will miss you and cherish our memories of you.â&#x20AC;? As Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffin left church for the private family burial alongside her parents John and Priscilla at Allerton Cemetery two miles away, the crowd gave her one last round of applause. Corrie star Les Dennis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who stopped

to console his friend, actor Ted Robbins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; said afterwards: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watching the boys speak in the service was heart-rending â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they spoke so beautifully and held it together magnificently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have loved it, especially when she got a standing ovation as she left church. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all going now to raise a glass. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have wanted.â&#x20AC;? Andrew Lloyd Webber said the funeral had been perfect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was beautifully done and very, very moving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but also very funny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was a great, great personality who just enjoyed life, she was just fantastic to be around, always bubbly, as bubbly as the champagne she liked and she was just a great person.â&#x20AC;? Carol Vorderman said the service was â&#x20AC;&#x153;tremendousâ&#x20AC;?. She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was perfect because it had everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; her faith was very real to her, her family were all there, the grandchildren were in the procession. Paul was hilarious.â&#x20AC;? Outside the church, Brenda Collins, a Cilla impersonator, had entertained

the packed crowds with renditions of Cillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous hit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anybody Who Had a Heart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; followed by Kop football anthem Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Never Walk Alone. Remembering the moment two weeks ago that she heard the tragic news about Cilla â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who had died of a stroke after a fall at her villa in Spain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the 64-year-old cruise-ship singer said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was due on stage and a man came up to me and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cilla has diedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My world came crashing down. I had to stop the show and ask the passengers to give me a minute. There were sobs from the audience.â&#x20AC;? The Cavern Club, where Cilla worked as a cloakroom attendant at Beatles gigs, yesterday played her hits in tribute as fans trekked back from Woolton in south Liverpool to the city centre after the funeral to lay flowers at the venue. During the day, taxis displayed signs on their roofs, in tribute, saying simply: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cilla Black, 1943-2015â&#x20AC;?.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

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rantic Rihanna has been bombarding UK songwriters and artists for new tracks. After her much hyped Bitch Better Have My Money flopped, the Bajan superstar, 27, has dumped a load of material from her upcoming eighth album and is scrambling around for tunes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been three years since Rihannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last album Unapologetic was released and her new one was due out earlier this year but keeps getting pushed back. A source says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rihanna is desperate for an edgy sound that will appeal to a European market as well as America. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keen to emulate the same smash-hit success she had with Calvin Harrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; We Found Love in 2011. So far she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

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feel the songs she has are delivering the full package. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her people have put in calls with the best songwriters on their books and requested they drop everything to help. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usually writing camps are set up where hundreds of songwriters are invited to spend a few

days coming up with tracks for her. This time theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone direct to guaranteed hit-makers as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no time to waste.â&#x20AC;? Unfortunately for RiRi the violent video for BBHMM - which only reached No27 in the UK and No15 in America â&#x20AC;&#x201C; got more attention than the song. Kanye West, 38, was drafted in to executive produce the new record and featured on the first single FourFiveSeconds alongside Paul McCartney, 73. It was a Top 5 hit in both the UK and America. Our source adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rihanna wants another vintage album like Rated R and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put anything out until sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy.â&#x20AC;? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be worth the wait. Another Rude Boy would do nicely for our iPods please.

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NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Entertainment

Jennifer Lawrence Tops Highest-Paid Actresses List With $52 Million APPARENTLY a lot of women hold the grudge against Bill Cosby. Two more women came forward as the victims of Cosby's sexual assault, bringing the group's total to more than 40 women. Actress Charlotte Fox and a flight attendant who preferred to be addressed as "Elizabeth" held a press conference in New York City on Thursday, August 20. They were accompanied by civil rights attorney Gloria Allred who represents the victims. Sarita Butterfield, who came forward with her own confession in November, last year, was also present as support. According to Elizabeth, she was barely 20 years old when Cosby drugged her while dining at Tokyo KaiKan. "I was completely in a trancelike state, like I was dreaming," she read a statement. "I don't remember how we got

estimated $52 million during the past twelve months. Her money came from her movie roles and a lucrative deal as the face of fashion house Dior. The Oscar winner starred in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1", "Serena", and "X-Men: Days of Future Past" last year and will next be seen in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2", "Joy", and "X-Men: Apocalypse" this year. Scarlett Johansson follows at the second spot with $35.5 million, Melissa McCarthy rounds up the top 3 with $23 million, Fan Bingbing trails closely behind with $21 million, and Jennifer Aniston occupies the fifth place with approximately $16.5 million. Meanwhile,Sandra Bullock who topped last year's list with $51 million is thrown out of the top 10. She now sits at No. 15 as her earnings dropped to $8 million. She has no movie release in 2014 and will be seen in "Our Brand Is Crisis" after recently lending her voice to "Minions".

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Bollywood Notes

Alia Bhatt Considers 32 Right Age To Get Married

Kanye West To Headline FYF Festival

FRANK Ocean is no longer scheduled to perform at the upcoming FYF Fest. The rapper has canceled his headlining Jennifer Lawrence is this set, and Kanye West will now year's highest-paid actress replace him at the two-day in Hollywood, according to event scheduled to take place Forbes. The actress earned an at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena and Exposition Park this weekend, August 22 and 23. In a statement posted on their website, the festival's organizers said that Ocean "decided on his own terms to cancel his appearance," but they didn't give any clear reason. 'Ye will now close out the festival's first day, which will also see performances from Run the Jewels, Bloc Party and Purity Ring among others. Morrissey is still set to headline the festival's second day. Those lined up to take the stage on Sunday include D'Angelo, Flume, FKA twigs, Solange Knowles, Toro Y Moi, Laura Marling and more Ocean's decision to cancel his to his hotel room. He went to the set of "Uptown Saturday Night". She bathroom and undressed and came was invited along with a group to the headlining gig at FYF Fest came out in a robe." Playboy Mansion. She claimed she while his fans were anticipating Fighting back tears, Elizabeth felt ill after eating and drinking. The his new album. Earlier this year, said she lost her strength to fight next thing she knew, "I was sort of the Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill back. "He made me kneel down," she awake, in a bed, with no clothes on Them All affiliate hinted that the continued. "All I know is that it was and there was Mr. Cosby, in a robe, follow-up to his 2012 Grammythe most horrifying thing that could crawling from the bottom of the bed. winning LP "Channel Orange" happen to an innocent woman." I was incapacitated and couldn't say would be released sometime in Meanwhile, Fox said she was 23 no. He engaged in sexual activity July, but nothing new from him years old working as an extra on the with me. It was not consensual." has arrived so far.

Two More Women Claim To Be Bill Cosby's Sexual Assault Victims

Spider-Man Fights Captain America In ‘Civil War’

Tom Holland is currently filming some scenes as Spider-Man or Peter Parker for "Captain America: Civil War" in Germany. Heroic Hollywood brings the words that Holland is reportedly there to film a major fight scene which involves Spider-Man and one of The Avengers. Holland's Spider-Man was originally only expected to make cameo appearance in the upcoming movie, but now it seems like he will have a bigger role. The site said that the webslinger will fight against Chris Evans' Captain America in the film. While it is unclear why Spider-Man and the Cap are fighting, other reports suggest that Spider-Man will be on Iron Man's (Robert Downey Jr.) side at the beginning. If the report is true, the story will be quite the same as the comic books version in which the wallcrawler joins Iron Man during the conflict. However, after SpiderMan delves into the pro-registration side and finds out its dark secret, he finally turns his direction to the Cap's side. The clash between Spider-Man and Captain America eventually takes place before the webslinger joins the Cap's team. "Civil War" will see the war in which Captain America fights against Iron Man over the issue of superhuman registration. The film brings back Evans as the Cap along with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Anthony Mackie as Falcon, Paul Bettany as The Vision and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film is scheduled to be released in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

ACTRESS Alia Bhatt, who launched the trailer of her childhood friend Anushka Ranjan's debut film Wedding Pulav, says 32 is the right age to get married. "I am just 22 and I think 32 will be right age to taste the wedding pulav. I have not tasted 'shaadi ka ladoo', so I hopefully will not regret," Alia said at the launch. Speaking about the qualities she would look for in her groom, Alia said she wants him to have a good sense of humour. "He must make me laugh, then obviously comes good looks, good looks and good looks," she said. "I will not tell how to impress me, the person who loves me should know how to impress me," she added. Asked about her emotional outburst after watching Karan Malhotra directorial Brothers, she said: "I did not cry but I am a very sensitive girl and, yes, sometimes I get emotional. When there is high emotion,

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Slams Twitter Abusers NAWAZUDDIN Siddiqui has come a long way in the film industry. From playing a character role in Munnabhai MBBS to playing the title role in Manjhi - The Mountain Man, Nawaz has grown as an actor. Now, in the midst of this glorious phase, certain people are trying to pull him down with a string of abusive tweets. However, the actor got back at them and retorted to the nasty comments. Nawaz kept his cool and replied to his detractors with a straight face. Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a son of a farmer. He was born in a small town called Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. There was not much scope for education in his village . However, Nawazuddin managed to complete his studies. As a child, he would stand in front of the mirror and enact scenes that he remembered. In his growing-up years, the Sarfarosh actor saw not more than five films. He was married at a very young age, and his wife stayed in his village while he struggled to become an actor in Mumbai.

Ridhima Sud Fights Foeticide In “’Kajarya’ ACTRESS Ridhima Sud, who was last seen in Zoya Akhtar-directorial Dil Dhadakne Do, will now play the role of a journalist in a documentary drama which focuses on the strong subject of female foeticide. Madureeta Anand's directorial Kajarya, will have Ridhima playing a journalist who is investigating the gruesome activities going on in the village. "'Kajarya' is a film that I am really proud of. It's a powerful film on a relevant topic; It deals with the issue of female foeticide at its core," Ridhima said in a statement. "The release is well timed given the mood of the country right now. It is also in line with Prime Minister Modi's 'Beti Bachao' campaign that is reflective of that mood. I'm glad this is my next after DDD. Girl power all the way," she added. Kajarya has premiered at various international film festivals.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Fashion

Mamas, Wanna Look

Younger After 40? F Then Watch ‘N’ Do These

or women above 40, making up is about looking younger than you really are, it’s about creating an illusion, but the wrong application can certainly make it worse. Therefore, the question is; what are the proper make-up techniques that put emphasis on the anti-aging concept? There are several tricks that can be applied to camouflage the signs of ageing as much as possible through the help of make-up. • Moisturizer – It is crucial for mature women to invest in a good moisturizing cream or lotion especially if, you have dry facial skin. Getting a high quality moisturizer helps your skin radiate and it is the first step to making your skin come alive. Use heavy cream moisturizer which is suitable for parched skin and water- based moisturizer for oily skin. Makeup can be applied once the moisturizer has seeped into the skin. • Foundation - Go for liquid foundations formulated especially for mature women as they contain anti-ageing ingredients and they are useful for covering patchy skin, dark spots, uneven skin tone and fine lines. • Dark Circles - A good foundation and moisturizer can be used to cover dark circles which is natural since the skin under your skin have become thinner. Use a good under eye cream regularly to help diminish the dark circles. • Eyebrow Pencil And Eye Lashes Curler - The eyebrows are everything but one thing to note

is that at this age avoid the thin brows because it adds years to your appearance therefore opt for fuller brows that make you look younger, neatly use an eyebrow pencil to conceal the void. The eye lashes draws attention away from the wrinkles once it is curled therefore always use a plastic curler before applying mascara. • Eye Shadow - For mature women, application of eye shadow has to be kept at minimum, stick to natural shades and avoid using eye shadow with shimmer or glimmer. Blend at most 2 colors for better definition. • Lip Liner And Lipstick - The Lips is the most expressive and prominent feature on a woman’s face and the lips grows thinner the older we get. Lip liner is an essential when it comes to lip makeup, it helps to seal and keep the lipstick from spreading out of the contours of the lip. Go for liners that match the natural color of your lips rather than your lipstick. To make your lips look luscious use lipstick fortified with vitamin E and natural ingredients like Shea butter, avoid matte finishing lipstick and make sure the lipstick offers SPF protection. • Blush - Highlight the cheekbones using blush of floral shades as it helps you look fuller, healthier and plumper. Lastly, do not go over-board with the application of your make up; apply it the right way as its the sure way to look youthful and beautiful for all occasions.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

On My Own –

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

From Nothing To Something, Nowhere To Somewhere, Nobody To Somebody...

Goody Goody’s Crawl From Under Bridge To Stage Top hit back home. It was CONT’D FROM PG 10 asomega successful that it sort of and prayed it should get to. re-launched me. I would have These days I have had reasons come back to Lagos,but was to talk a lot about Wizkid a bit skeptical about that, so I and Davido, albeit young, they seem to have broken all the jinx in the industry and have gone worldwide with their music, however, I think the only thing bugging our industry now is leaving the sponsorship to only a few corporate bodies and individuals alone. Entertainment is a big deal today, there is hardly anything you do that you don’t end with music, so leaving it to a few record label etc. is doing a disservice to the industry that has brought a lot of Nigerians out of poverty and kept them off the street and of crime. The government unfortunately is not approaching the industry as such… Why exactly did you quit for a while? It’s been exactly seven years since I went out of circulations, it all started after that black mail.If you recall, I was accused falsely of killing someone, the entire story, though false, affected my music career. It was a lot more difficult because, I had wanted to go to court to clear my name, but someone had died and I didn’t think at that point, that it would be fair for me to pursue that case.It was not just me being hurt, but someone had died and I think that it would be disrespectful to the dead to pursue such a case. I could regain my image, but can the person be brought back to life? No! Why didn’t you try rebuilding your image then? I tried but it was difficult. All the corporate organizations and people who did business with me, understandably backed out of their contracts with me. It was very difficult then, but while I pondered on what to do, there was this little boy, who walked up to me and advised that I started all over again as if nothing ever happened. At about that same time that I was trying to start all over again, I lost my dad, so I decided to re-locate to the village. After the burial, I stayed back, because I had never been home before I lost my dad. What did you do back there in the village? A lot of people don’t know that I did a song while there in my local dialect. That was

It’s been exactly seven years since I went out of circulations, it all started after that black mail. If you recall, I was accused falsely of killing someone, the entire story, though false, affected my music career. It was a lot more difficult because, I had wanted to go to court to clear my name, but someone had died and I didn’t think at that point, that it would be fair for me to pursue that case.It was not just me being hurt, but someone had died and I think that it would be disrespectful to the dead to pursue such a case.

stayed back. Why exactly did you stay back? I wanted to start afresh, I wanted to begin little and gradually make my way back to the top. Not many people know that this single ‘Story’ was actually recorded in 2012, Really, it sounds recent… Yeah, a lot of people don’t know that. My songs are usually evergreen. I take time before I actually go to the studio, but I didn’t want to release it until one day, that I was playing it in my car and the guy who was with me said this music is good; why don’t you put it out? So I did. We still don’t have your side of the story, can you please tell us about what really happened? I try not to talk about it… But you really need to, at least as a way of cleaning your image. If I say anything about it now, I might be opening up some fresh wounds, more so as a lot of people have forgotten about it already, so what I just want to do is let it die a natural death. I am moving on, as a new person. The beautiful thing about this whole thing is that, I am not scared by it, if you listen to me sing or talk,you will never know that I had even gone through such an experience. I have returned back to school, University of Lagos and I am 200 level already… When are you shooting the video for ‘story’ and should it give you the desired break-through, would you likely drop school again? No it won’t! I actually have everything planned out and I am not going to rush anything. You don’t rush into anything, because you will rush out. Music is the only thing you can do alongside everything else. For example, most shows happen during the weekends, which leave the rest of the week available for my academic pursuits. If the song becomes a hit and I start travelling, this I can work out with my school. To answer your first question, the video is supposed to have come out since, but I got a call from the US. There is this guy, who wants to sign me on and that is why I am holding on. This is my story, I am the guy who nobody wants to identify with, but now, someone wants to sign me on a record label.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Relationship

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Perspectives On Retirement And Aging With Vitality (Cont’d) Preparations for blissful retirement should include. -Self –awareness. This is the ability to think about yourself and your relationship with your nuclear family, community and society at large. - It is an on-going attention to one’s internal state. - The ability to see how your emotions and perspectives are influencing your thinking and conduct. - Being your own raw material, you know what you consist of and what you want to make of it, only then can you re-invent yourself. - Knowing yourself will highlight your strengths and weaknesses. - What factors are responsible for those strengths and weaknesses? - Where do you want to get to, and what do you need to get there? - What unique skill or experience is needed? - Define your motive in retirement. Self-development: There is a gap between you and what you want to be – (your destination). That process of closing the gap is in essence the process of self-development.Learn something new every day. Take classes or read books about new subjects. Discuss the issues of the day with friends. Read, write, talk and think about what interests you.Celebrate your wisdom. Victor Hugo said; “One sees a flame in the eyes of the young but in the eyes of the old, one sees light”. More than anything else the world needs wisdom. Answers to the following questions will suffice to achieve selfdevelopment. - Who are you? What is your vision in retirement? - What are your needs/opportunities? What traits do you possess now? What next do you need to add? Life visioning: A vision is a big picture of the way things ought to be. It is the image of what you see working towards to your favor. The ways for creating vision are–dreaming big, developing personal vision, developing communication details, being courageous, identifying challenges, developing flexible vision and letting your vision out. Adaptation To New Identity By The Retiree Assume a new look and a new role. This is inevitable. The retiree must accept this and tune psychologically to this reality. Retirement is not the issue but what you make out of it. It is imperative you note and understand the following facts. - A retiree must not see him/herself as a spent horse. He/she has a lot to contribute to his/her family progress and development. Interestingly only in retirement can he do all things effectively without a serious clash of interest and duty? - He has to ensure prudence in his spending because his resource(s) (income) have dwindled - He has to project a positive new image about his current status. He should not create the impression that he is down and out. - He must also build confidence in the new image by sticking to his good plans. - He must shore up his public perception through the following. - Appearance – Well dressed, regular hair cut/shaving - As a senior citizen, he must communicate well and eloquently – verbally and non-verbally. - Participate in community service in any form he can. - Access information and knowledge to be relevant during discussions. - Be productive by being creative. AGING WITH VITALITY “If I had known I was going to live long, I would have taken better care of myself” - Eubie Blake Aging with vitality means more than just staving off disease. It means having energy and enthusiasm for daily activities, maintaining relationships, contributing to your community, and nourishing your spirit. Even if you have a chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease, you should make lifestyle choices that may help you maintain - your vigor, your independence, and your zest for life. Understand that, with the right attitudes and enough support you can develop new habits that will have a positive effect on your health and well-being. Aging is multidimensional and multidirectional. The experience seems to produce cumulative differentiation within individuals along multiple dimensions. Aging is also continuously and simultaneously influenced by wide range of dynamic biological and social processes. Age brings changes and uncertainties. It means transition from a familiar past to uncertain future. It can denote movement from a family home to a smaller place – to a daughter’s home, to retirement settlement, old people’s home, to a nursing home and of course – the “final home”. Abraham buttressed the above in the bible, when he said “Some of us will make our way from one location to another or suffer one thing or the other. How you marry these facts determines how successful your old age will be. The Aging Syndrome It is important to point out that those who step into retirement at the age of 60 are also stepping onto the threshold of old age, some, at that age, would have become acquainted with grey hair, baldness, wrinkled face, diminished vision and some shortness of memory. Others would have experienced stiffness of joints, reduced skin flexibility, loss of agility and some measure of senility. All these taken together constitute the old age

•To be Con't in next edtion

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Politics Enugu Guber:

Tribunal Dumps APC’s Petition Into Trash Bin THE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu yesterday upheld the election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State in the April 11, 2015 governorship election. This came barely 24 hours after the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, threw out same suits filled before it against Ugwuanyi by the APC. Similarly, the tribunal struck out the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Okey Ezea on the grounds that it was frivolous, lacked merit and against court processes. This was followed by a cost of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira to each of the respondents in the petition. As soon as the news of the tribunal’s decision got to the anxious supporters of Gov. Ugwuanyi, the entire court premises went into jubilation, as they started singing victory songs in praise of the governor. Ugwuanyi on receipt of the news of the judgment drove round the major streets of Enugu in company of the Local Government Chairmen to thank the people of the state for their support and prayers. Delivering the judgment which lasted for over three hours, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kwajafa Hildad among other findings by the tribunal held that it had earlier in the course of the hearing struck out several paragraphs of Ezea’s petition for being imprecise, vague, related to party nomination which is a pre-election matter and contained criminal allegation against people who were not made parties to the petition. He added that the petitioners’ allegation on over-voting and non accreditation through the manipulation of the Card Readers Machine by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other respondents were not sufficiently proved as it is only voters’ register that could determine the number of voters that participated in an election, stating that the petitioner failed to provide the voters’ registers to prove his case. The tribunal also noted that the petitioners’ witnesses which were only 6 persons drawn from 6 polling units out of the 2,958 polling units in the state were not sufficient to provide enough evidence to support his case, rendering it incompetent. It further held that even at that, the six witnesses admitted that the governorship election was free, fair and peaceful with minor irregularities which were not sufficient enough to cancel the election. Itstatedthatthepetitionersalsofailed to prove their allegation of falsification of result figures, maintaining that mere assertion that the figures were falsified was not enough evidence to allow them their prayers. It therefore, dismissed the petition and upheld the election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as valid. Reacting on the judgment, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described it as a reflection of the wishes of the majority of the people of Enugu State. The Party’s State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Okey Eze said that the judgment has proved to the world that Enugu is a PDP State and the governor was freely elected by the people. He added that the party is not expecting that the APC governorship candidate will go on appeal as the tribunal has proved that his case has no locus standi. He stated that this development will now enable the governor and the PDP to concentrate more in the governance of the state for the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Buhari Wades Into Guinea Bissau’s

Crisis •Delegates

OBJ On Peace Mission PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep concern over the unfolding political situation in Guinea Bissau. The political crisis was sparked-off by the dismissal of the Prime Minister, Mr. Domingos Simoes Pereira, and his cabinet by President Jose Mario Vaz. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement on Friday, said in demonstration of true African solidarity and brotherhood, Buhari had sent former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his special envoy to mediate and help find a solution to the crisis brewing in the country. Adesina disclosed that Obasanjo embarked on the first leg of his mission by consulting with the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Macky Sall of Senegal, in Dakar on Thursday. He regretted that while the former President was still consulting with President Sall, President Jose Mario Vaz of Guinea Bissau proceeded to appoint and swear-in a new Prime Minister, Mr. Baciro Dja. This development, he said, has worsened the political situation in his country. He therefore quoted Buhari as appealing for calm and restraint in the country. The statement read in part, “President Buhari appeals for calm and calls on the leadership in Guinea Bissau

•President Buhari to exercise utmost restraint and ensure the maintenance of law and order as efforts continue to resolve the current crisis. “The President particularly urges the leadership in Guinea Bissau, including the military,

to ensure respect for constitutional order, sanctity of life and safety of citizens, and avoid taking any further action that can threaten the fragile democratic institutions recently established in the country.”

Bayelsa Guber Poll: Group Bursts Alaibe, Ikiogha, Ogoriba’s Dreams A socio-political organisation, Bayelsa for Good Governance and Accountability (BGGA), has kicked against the zoning of the governorship slot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Central Senatorial District of Bayelsa State and warned the leadership of the party against fielding candidates from the district. With this political calculation according to a report on Freedom Online, the hope of the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Timi Alaibe, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha and Hon. Warman Ogoriba, to contest the December 5 2015 election on the platform of APC, may have crashed. A statement by the Chairman of

BGGA, Mr. Goodness Ebiye, in Yenagoa said the zone had produced Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who governed the South-South state for six years. He said: “Zoning the governorship slot to Bayelsa Central again will amount to unfairness and injustice on the part of the other zones, especially the Bayelsa West Senatorial District. “If the APC is serious as we are made to believe, it should jettison the idea of zoning to Bayelsa Central or else, it will give the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an easy ride to the Creek Haven. Aside the fact that the zone had produced governorship candidates in the past, those that are parading themselves from the zone have no moral justification to rule the state.

Shehu Sani Unveils Why He Let Go For El-Rufai THE lawmaker representing Kaduna Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has revealed that he dropped his ambition to become the Kaduna State governor after party chieftains prevailed on him to step down for Mallam Nasir El-Rufai because he was President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice candidate. While insisting that his present rift with the governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai, is purely ideological, Sani told Leadership that: “I never intended to contest for the Senate; I wanted to contest for the governorship and I opened offices in Zaria, Kaduna and Kafanchan, and later there was pressure on me that I should step down. Politicians came to meet me; that I should step down and allow el-Rufai to contest because they said he was the favourite of the president. “I pulled back and said I wanted to contest for the Senate, but there was a sitting senator, General Saleh, and I had to evict him during the primary election. And I told them in black and white that I didn’t have money to give any delegate, and if they feel OK with my principles, then let them vote for me, but if my principles are not right for them, let them go and vote for the same person (that was occupying the seat); and they voted for me and I removed an incumbent senator. So I didn’t contest against a vacuum.” The Activist-turned lawmaker stated that at the time he got the Senate ticket, there were two major candidates in the Kaduna gubernatorial race, el-Rufai and Isa Ashiru, and all the two had their senatorial candidates; el-Rufai was with General Saleh and Isa Ashiru was with Sani Suleiman, and one other Sadiq. His words, “I did not have any gubernatorial candidate as far as I was concerned, and I now thrashed the candidate of el-Rufai and Isa Ashiru. The el-Rufai that won the gubernatorial ticket in Kaduna won it with 1,000 and something votes and I won one senatorial zone with 920 votes. In three senatorial zone he got 1,600; I alone got 920 votes. “If I had contested the governorship, there was no way that I wouldn’t have emerged; it’s not possible. So I sacrificed that and I contested the Senate and I won. Reports going on in the media is on the surface.” While clarifying that the Kaduna State governor and he were different on the ideological front, Sani remarked that the recent directive of the governor, in which he directed that beggars should leave the state, if not properly managed, would lead to an implosion in Kaduna. He argued that the right conservative political divide, to which the governor belonged, created the socio-economic rot that produced the beggars and the destitute in the society, adding that its own solution to it, unfortunately, was to clear them from the streets and portray a semblance of sanity and normalcy.

•Sen Shehu Sani

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Politics

•Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

•President Muhammadu Buhari

OBJ’S GMB VISIT:

Gimmicks Behind Curtains By CHARLES ENWEREM THE season of former presidents visiting the presidential villa in Abuja seems to be now. In the week past, it was President Muhammadu Buhari’s predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who visited the villa which he occupied as president from 2010 after he succeeded the Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, to April 2015 when he lost at the polls. His visit was described by many, as a welcome development especially after his administration was allegedly characterized with wild-spread corruption especially in the petroleum sector which accounts for the nation’s major income. In light of all the corruption which rigged his administration, President Buhari has come out to say, that he would probe his government as well as, those before him especially those of Late Yar’Adua and Chief Obasanjo. It is maintained that according to political observers, barely two months after President Buhari was sworn into office, he had already invited his predecessor, which was an indication that the Nigerian situation was after he came into office, was nothing to write home

about and the much-awaited change which the masses cried for, is what he intends to deliver and in view of this, there is a call for the probe of principal officers in Jonathan’s administration in the light of the massive corruption, which plagued his regime. Political observers and many Nigerians speculated that the meeting which lasted for about an hour, saw Dr. Jonathan give President Buhari insights into the ways to stabilize the new administration, especially in the areas of the fight against Boko Haram and the purchase of military hardware from alternative sources. It was also revealed that Jonathan also presented detailed information on the additional weapons already paid for by his administration, which according to sources, has arrived the country and is currently in use to fight the insurgency which is currently ravaging the North-East zone. Prior to his visit, many were of the view that, given the spate of economic decadence during his tenure, Jonathan would have no face to show after leaving office especially in the wake of the call for the probe of his government. It was learnt that while Jonathan visited Buhari, he mentioned that some of the things that led to the

seeming down-ward plunge of the economy were carried over from Obasanjo and Yar’Adua regimes. But the question on the lips of many is, when he knew all these, why didn’t he say anything. It was recently revealed that some officials of the Goodluck administration had started returning some public properties, which they had made-away with. According to the investigation, some officials of the immediate past administration have started returning assets taken while in office. The move which many believe, follows Buhari’s repeated claims that those involved in public funds embezzlement would be identified and punished. The report states that a set of senior officials were secretly returning vehicles, furniture and generator sets back to Aso Rock , from where they had been previously taken. But many still wonder what would have prompted Chief Obasanjo’s visit to the Aso villa barely one week after the villa played host to Dr. Jonathan. There are speculations that, Obasanjo may have spoken on some national issues, including the yet to be named cabinet, the Boko Haram threat, and the ongoing purge of public institutions that are considered to have been in

the heart of sleaze. Known to have mid-wife the emergence of expresident Goodluck Jonathan as Vice-resident after arm-twisting other contestants into silence, Chief Obasanjo ruled Nigeria in 1976 – ‘78 as military head of state and 1999 – 2007 as democratic leader, and he is often referred to, as one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, but his popularity took a deep in his last years in office, 2003 – 2007, for what some critics have tagged his dictatorial tendencies. This according to experts, came after he fell out with Jonathan in the tail end of the latter’s administration over, presumably, his inability to influence him, which many say became a public issue and led to Obasanjo embarking on the past time of writing disparaging open letters to the former president, a move which was frowned at by many. Other political observers have also come forward to posit that, the former President’s night visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, was to intercede on behalf of the wife of late Umaru Yar’ Adua, whom some say, won Obasanjo’s support in a bid to short-change the northern political elites after he had fallen-out with them on various platforms.

According to some reports, Obasanjo visited Buhari last Wednesday and reportedly discussed other matters of national interest, but speculations are rife that the timing of his visit was connected with the earlier visit by Turai to him in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital. Turai was said to have made complaints that her family was having some problems with the “Buhari people” of which her husband, the late Yar’Adua and President Buhari is from the same Katsina State. This like any move, is seen as a stunt which is pulled by the former president given that he was also very instrumental to Buhari’s victory at the polls against Jonathan. In view of this power play in full glare, political experts and analysts are of the opinion that his visit to the villa, means more than what meets the eye, pointing out that after, he fell out with Jonathan, he celebrated the coming to power of Buhari and had made public pronouncements which imply that he might move very close to the new helmsman. His visit also would seem to be one of several to be expected in the days to come despite warnings from Northern leaders to Buhari to dine with Obasanjo with a long spoon given his political

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Crime

Motor Bike Thief In Court By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN

•Killed suspected kidnappers

Kidnappers Turn Heat On Housewives

• Messy Details Of Kidnap Gang Leader’s Death In Gun Duel With Police •Armed Robbers Rob Business Man N1.7m By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

KIDNAPPERS currently operating across Delta State, seem to have abandoned the men and now concentrate on housewives in recent developments of crime waves in the state. Expectedly, two housewives of two prominent Deltans were kidnapped in separate incidents by armed men from their homes in different locations in the state. The first attack of the hoodlums took place in Ovwian-Aladja, when the housewife was abducted by kidnappers and it took some days for police detectives to rescue her from the kidnappers den. The 47 year old housewife, identified as Stella Okimute, was taken to an unknown destination before the detectives swung into action, upon receiving the report of her abduction. It was gathered that immediately the victim was abducted, the kidnappers contacted the family of the victim, demanding for N30m ransom before the victim would be released. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the kidnap of the housewife and her rescue after some days from kidnappers den. According to her “it is true that she was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, but immediately the crime was reported, detectives swung into action, trailed the kidnappers to their den in Kokori” Police got information that the victim had been sighted in an uncompleted building in Kokori town; immediately, after, the police officers, in synergy with vigilante members in Kokori, moved in and stormed the hideout of the suspects and rescued the victim after a gun duel, she said. However, during the gun battle that followed, one of the kidnappers was gunned down as he was trying to escape from the scene, while others escaped, but the suspect later gave up

the ghost on his way tothe hospital for medical treatment. DSP Kalu said, the suspects had demanded N30m ransom from the family of the victim before nemesis caught up with them, adding that investigation into the matter was on, while efforts were on top gear to arrest other members of the kidnap gang on the run. In a related development, kidnappers have abducted the wife of the Chairman of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH)Health Workers Union in Oghara, Ethiope-West Local Government Area of the state. The victim, also a housewife, was seized in her house and taken away by the kidnappers who stormed the family compound in the early hours of the day. The husband of the victim who spoke to our correspondent, confirmed the abduction of the wife, ‘Ufuoma’. According to him, “heavily armed men stormed their residence and took the wife away at about 4am.” He confirmed to our correspondent that the kidnappers had established contact with the family, demanding N200,000 ransom. “I was not at home when the incident took place; a neighbour called me on phone to inform me before the kidnappers later called to make their demand” the husband of the victim said. He said Oghara, in recent times had turned to criminals den with kidnapping and armed robbery taking place almost daily, adding that he had reported the matter to police. Meanwhile, reports says that the woman had been rescued after the family allegedly paid N100,000 ransom to the kidnappers. Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the kidnap, adding that the command has put measures in place to check kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal acts, she added that many

kidnappers had been arrested recently in different parts of the state and that the command would not rest till all criminals were sent out of the state. she appealed to all Deltans to be security conscious and support the police in all areas of intelligence gathering and in community policing, saying that 24-hour patrol was on while all flash points were been monitored to check these hoodlums. Also, three suspects are now in police net for allegedly attempting to burn down police station and free some criminal’s suspects in police cell in Warri, Delta State. Police Public Relations Offier, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the Area. Commander, Warri, received information that some youths allegedly from Okere-Urhobo Community had gathered at the premises of B Division Police Station, Warri, and were attempting to burn down the station. The police spokesperson said based on the information, anticrime patrol teams were quickly mobilized to the station to disperse the protesting youths from the police station. However, the youths later regrouped and barricaded the Estate roundabout, preventing free flow of traffic, subsequently; police also moved in and dislodged the rampaging youths while three of them were earrested. She said investigation revealed that the youths invaded the police station in order to forcefully release some of the community youths who were arrested and detained in the station in connection with a case of breaking and stealing. DSP Kalu said the detained suspects were alleged to have burgled the house of a prominent chief in the area where they stole some valuables, adding that some of the items were recovered fromthe suspects in detention. She also disclosed that, it was further learnt from investigation that the protesting youths were

instigated by someone in the town to cause havoc. Meanwhile, law and order have been restored to the area, as efforts are on to arrest others linked to the crime. In a related development, a middle-aged man was, during the week in Ughelli town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, attacked amd robbed of N1.7m by suspected armed robbers in broad daylight. It was learnt that the victim had gone to a new generation bank in Ughelli to withdraw the money but unluckily, he was trailed from the bank to the gate of his house and robbed of the money and other valuables at gun point It was gathered that the suspects were later trailed to their hideout in Uvwie, where they were relaxing after sharing the money, and one of them was nabbed, while others escaped with bullet wounds. Speaking to our correspondent, Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Alkali Baba Usman, confirmed the incident and the arrest of one of the suspects. According to him “the victim, with his first name as Patrick, reported the matter to the police that he went to a new-generation bank in Ughelli, where he withdrew N1.7m, and, while on his way home, some armed hoodlums trailed him to his gate and robbed him of the said money at gun point. The police boss said that based on the report, SARS operatives swung into action and stormed the hideout of the suspects in Ekpan in connection with the crime and arrested one of them while other suspects fled with bullets wounds. He said investigation was on and appealed to members of the public to report anybody with bullet wounds to police, adding that such person might be a member of the armed robbery gang

Twenty-two year-old man, Rilwan Akintayo, accused of stealing a bajaj motor cycle valued at N126, 000, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The accused, a motor cycle rider, who lives at 18, Olateju St., Mushin, on the out-skirts of Lagos, is facing a one-count charge of stealing. The prosecutor, Insp Victor Eruada, told the court that the offence was committed on Aug. 13 at 16, Cash St., Mushin, Lagos. According to Eruada, the accused went to the residence of one Mr. Hassan Lateef and stole his bajaj motor cycle. “The accused was at the point of selling it, when a friend to the complainant recognized the motor cycle and he alerted the police,” he said. Eruada said that the value of the motor bike is N126, 000 and noted that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded innocence to the charge. The Magistrate, Mr. E.O Ogunkanmi granted the accused bail of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case to Aug. 28 for mention.

15-year Old Boy In Court For Stabbing Mum’s Customer By: STEPHEN AYA

A 15-year-old boy was on Friday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos by the Police for allegedly stabbing his mother’s customer in the face with an iron rod.The accused, who lives at Isheri, a suburb of Lagos, is facing one charge of assault. The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed on August 16 at 8, Ajibode St., Isheri, Lagos State. He said the accused committed the offence during a fight that had ensued between the accused and his mother’s customer, Wasiu Adeshina. “The complainant lost so much blood in the process and was rushed to a nearby hospital by some passersby,” he said.The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum. Elias ordered that the accused be remanded at the Borstal Centre in Adigbe, Abeokuta, Ogun State, until the bail conditions were perfected

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Crime

Ridiculous!!! Nigeria Uses 1938 UK Act •Reveals Uwa Ohiku •Rates Copy Rights Act Best •Condemns Trade Mark, Patent & Design Acts To Archives

National Weekender got up-close-and-personal with one of Nigeria’s finest Intellectual Property lawyers, Mrs.Uwa Ohiku, a senior partner with the law firm of Jackson, Etti and Edu. She speaks on issues bordering on Intellectual Property practice in Nigeria, as well as, her chequered legal odyssey that reads as stimulatingly as a box office legal thriller with our correspondent Stephen Aya. Read on …

HAT are the things that many do not know about you, ma? I’m Mrs. Uwa Ohiku (nee Eghobamien), from the well-regarded Eghobamien family of Ogbe Quarters in Benin. My grand-father was one of the young lads who bored the carved staff and stood behind Oba Ovonramwen. He also went with him to exile in Calabar. He was the Osuma of Benin. About ten years ago, his ceremonial regalia was exhibited at the London Museum. Many regard me as a good dresser and I always say to them that, my grand-father was equally so regarded. He died circa 1959. So the tradition of sartorial elegance seemed to have trickled down from him. The Eghobamien family is known to have produced many prominent lawyers. What is your relationship to the SANs among them? Well, Osaro Eghobamien (SAN) is my cousin. His father, my uncle is also a SAN. They have law chambers in Benin and Lagos. Indeed, my family is made up of quite a lot of lawyers, but that is not why I studied Law. Why your choice of Law as career? First of all, in my father’s house, you have to study a professional course. You are not going to tell my father for instance, that you are going to study History or English or any single honors course for that matter. We had a strict up-bringing, and God bless his memory for that. In any case, I’d always wanted to be a medical doctor. In fact, I will say that I practice medicine on my own privately. I think this is because I always had an inclination for it. And I think the interest was actually developed by my father. At a very young age, there was a book that he bought for us, titled, “Where there is no doctor.” I would read it through and through with such excitement that I said to myself that I was going to become a medical doctor. However, when I got to form three in secondary school, I found myself struggling with Chemistry, although I performed very well in other subjects. I just couldn’t pass Chemistry and it was dreadful and that dashed my aspiration to study Medicine. But I said very quickly, ‘whatnext can I do?’ And my father said since I could talk and was quite good in the Arts, I should go for Law. So I found myself putting in for Law as a course. What really was your special preference for Law at UNIBEN? The truth is that UNIBEN was not my first choice. My first choice was the University of Jos. UNIJOS for two reasons: I had a friend at Federal Government College (FGC), Warri who lived in Jos. Again, my father knew the Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS at the time. But you know what, that did not avail much to me because my father was not the sort who would aid the bending of the rules for his children. I had said to myself, I’ve

lived in Lagos practically all my life; I needed a change in environment. And when JAMB results were released, I went to JAMB office on Hawkworth Road in Ikoyi repeatedlyfor two days, but could not find my name on the UNIJOS list. You can imagine how disillusioned and sad I was with this development. And although UNIBEN was my second choice, I never for once thought of checking on the UNIBEN list. However, one of my school mates at FGC, Warri called me and was screaming, “Uwa congratulations, they’ve taken you; I saw your name.” Then I went back for the third time to JAMB office to see where this person said she saw my name. I went back to check the UNIJOS list and still could not find it. That was when I decided to check on my second choice. Lo and behold, I saw my name on the UNIBEN list. I was the second on the list. My score was the second highest for Law. While the first person scored 317, I scored 314. What are the exciting memories you have of the Faculty of Law? Professor Itse Sagay was one. He was the Dean of the faculty at the time I graduated. I have the deepest respect for Prof. Sagay for a number of reasons. He was very humble and approachable. I recall that I had this issue with a lecturer back then, who said he took a fancy to me. But I wasn’t in school for any of that; I was keenly focused on my studies; I was even in a relationship too. Then the lecturer started making some subtle threats like ‘you know I’m the one to mark your papers.’ He would pick on me during tutorials, asking me all the time to answer his questions. It was pretty obvious. But you know what, I walked up to Prof. Sagay and I reported the case. And prof. immediately promised he would be the one to mark my papers. I scored an A in that paper. The faculty also boasted the likes of Prof. Ameze Guobadia. She was a very strict woman. She later became the dean years after I had left. She taught us Company Law. The legend then was that during Company Law exams, there was always an ambulance stationed outside, because people would be collapsing and fainting from writing the course. I would say that taking Company Law under Guobadia later made me interested in corporate practice. There was also Prof. Yinka Osayeme Omorogbe, who I simply call Auntie Yinka. More precisely, she was my tutorial teacher. She’s an absolute darling. Your set in the Faculty of Law are currently up there in the legal profession. What was your relationship with some of them back then as students? Well, the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Raji Fashola (SAN) belonged to my generation of students at the faculty, although he finished two years after I did. The managing partner of the law firm of Udo Udoma and Bello Osagie, Mr. Dan Agbor, were also

in my class. Chief Charles Edosamwan (SAN) entered the same year with us but, he finished a year earlier in 1984. I finished in 1985. The current president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Augustine Alege (SAN) was also in my class right from first year to final year. These are the ones I can readily recall at the moment. Can you tell us about the early beginnings of your professional life? While in Law School, there was this guy I met, whom I knew back then in UNIBEN. He finished a year earlier than I. He was the one who told me of the law firm of Bentley and Edu. He said if I was looking for a place to do my law office attachment, I should try the place out. And I did. I really loved the place. It was very modern and in a lovely building. At the end of doing my attachment with them they offered me a job. But I told them that should be when I finished Law School. However, once I was done with Law School, I did not take up the job.My reason was that I was living in Isolo and going to the Island, where the office was located, was going to be stressful for me. And at that point also I was newly married. So, I ended up working for Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, when he was operating African Ocean Line, a shipping company located in Apapa. I felt Apapa was not too far from Isolo. I was employed as a legal officer in the legal department of the company. I served them for one year while doing my Youth Service. But in 1989, I went back to Bentley and Edu and told them I needed a job. And they said the offer made to you in ’86 was still available; that I should tell them when I wanted to start. I must give credit to the founder and senior partner of the firm, Mr. Demola Edu. If he didn’t give me the platform to shine, I probably would not have been here, because that was my foundation. I was in Bentley and Edu from 1989 to ’96. In 1996, however some of us felt the need to leave. It wasn’t too pleasant, but again we felt the need to do other things. And so we left and started Etti, Edu and Co in 1996. When we started there were three male partners and a female partner. I happened to be the female partner. The firm started on the back of an area of practice called Intellectual Property. But very quickly, we started developing other areas of commercial practice.Now, in the area of Intellectual Property practice, we are regarded as number one in Nigeria. In any case, the firm has equal strength in other areas of commercial practice, as well as dispute resolution and litigation practice. We are rated in chambers by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR). We are also in Legal 500. I have led the Intellectual Property practice in the firm to win practically every award that is winnable in the area both locally and internationally. Since Intellectual Property practice is not really well known in

Nigeria, from where do you mostly get your clientele? About 90% of our clients are international clients. Indeed, people don’t understand the importance of IP in driving the economy. All the rights that go around branding have to do with Intellectual property. IP is an intangible right, but the value is unbelievable.When people know the importance of IP, when they understand that it is the driver of any thriving economy; when they understand that it brings in investments into the country, then the authorities would begin to see need to update our laws in order to take advantage of the inherent value of intellectual property.Take India, for example. That country understands the value of Intellectual Property and how to put it to use in advancing the betterment of their society. India refused to grant a patent right in respect of an AIDS drug to a giant pharmaceutical company. They actually refused to grant them a second patent for an improved AIDS medication, because they were trying to protect their country, their reasoning being, if you are not going to make the drugs available at an affordable rate to our people, why should we grant you patent on the drug. So, they decided to open their market so that all the generic drugs for AIDS would come in so that their people can look into their composition and reproduce them for cheap and easy access. Those in authority in our country don’t think that way. To what extent are Nigerian courts entertaining disputes in respect of Intellectual Property? Before you came this morning, one of our clients in South Africa sent us an email that, we should file some patent for them; that their patent was being infringed in Nigeria. Even as we speak, we’re representing one of our clients in an infringement action that had to do with a machine used for recording people’s biometrics. We are representing the defendant, our client. The Federal Government of Nigeria was also sued in the matter. But this machine we are talking about is already in the public domain, as it is now open to anybody who wants to produce it. So, you cannot have a right to it. But because of the way our patent laws operate, we have a lot of deficiencies. People could get all sorts of things through. So the claimant got a patent on the machine registered, on the strength of which he sued our client for an unbelievable amount of money, about N30 billion. Do you know that the trial judge granted his prayers? Now we are on appeal at the Court of Appeal. However, we’ve gotten the patent revoked. You know Nigeria does not check anything. Anything you file, they just give you a document. Do you hold the view that the problem is because Copy Rights

laws in Nigeria have yet to be strengthened? Well, I should reiterate that our Copy Rights Act is one of the best. But the others like the Trade Mark Act and the Patent and Design Act are simply archaic. These laws have been in force since 1938. Indeed, we are implementing a 1938 UK Act, while we are in 2015. It is ridiculous!To this end, there is a bill sitting at the National Assembly drafted to take care of the anachronisms in those archaic legislations. They should pass that bill into law. Also the issue of enforcement should be strengthened. Penalties for infringement of rights protected under the Act should be stiffer. A law that says infringement would only bepunishable by an option of a fine of just N1000 lacks the ability to serve as a deterrent. As a lawyer whose practice doesn’t really involve litigation, what would you say to those who believe that a lawyer who is not into litigation is not really a lawyer? There are people who you even expect to be more enlightened, but you hear them say ‘you don’t go to court, what sort of lawyer are you?’ And I say to them, Intellectual Property is my core area of practice. It is an aspect of Commercial Law. I advise clients on their rights in Nigeria to ensure that those rights are protected. In our firm we are also into immigration law. Our immigration practice is the biggest in Nigeria. We have litigation practice, obviously. We are also encouraging people to explore ADR. The court shouldn’t be the first port of call when a dispute arises. In fact one of our partners is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Arbitrators. So our ADR practice is also very sound. What would you say is the contribution of Nigeria’s legal services market in terms of GDP? I can’t make that quantification right now, but I know that it is huge. Nigeria right now, is the toast of many investors. For a number of years, the South African economy was rated way ahead of ours. But now, Nigeria is rated the biggest economy in Africa. And the projections are even better. There are all sorts of private initiatives taking place. So a lot of money is being pumped into Nigeria for projects. Look at the hospitality industry, for example. It is growing in leaps and bounds. Marriot is building; Intercontinental is building, among many others. The Real Estate market is also booming. Look at the Lekki corridor right up to the Free Zone. The Dangotes and co are building. It is amazing. In all of the transactions arising from them, lawyers are called in in to tidy negotiations and sealup deals, mega deals, because they know that, if you don’t sort-out your legal end, you would run into terrible trouble. Respecting legal services, we are just scratching the surface, and there is enough to go round.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Sports

Mikel Won’t, Can’t Snub Nigeria –Shittu CHELSEA A mid-fi mid-fielder, fielder, John J Mikel Obi is still available for f Nigeria g dutyy despite p not being involved invo olved since November, November according to the player’s representative, John Shittu. Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh said he omitted Mikel from his first squad because the player was uncontactable. However, Shittu said: “Mikel will never turn his back on Nigeria. “He loves playing for his country and this is just a miscommunication between coach and player.”

•Mikel

Nigeria U-23 Saviour Takes Salvation To Belgium NIGERIA U-23 forward Godwin Saviour has arrived Belgium to undergo a medical and sign a contract with high-flying KV Oostende.

Saviour, accompanied by his agent, flew business class on Lufthansa through Frankfurt to touch down at the Brussels Airport in Belgium Thursday

Chelsea Ready To Off-Load Moses THE Blues are keen to off-load Nigeria international Moses after signing Pedro from Barcelona yesterday. Moses, 24, has gone out on loan

over the past two seasons and is not believed to be part of manager Jose Mourinho’s plans. And Express Sport revealed they will seek make room for even more arrivals in the next few days by offering Moses to Spurs for £6million. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is seeking further recruits to add to his two new arrivals already this summer. Defender Toby Alderweireld joined from Atletico Madrid early in the transfer window, while Lyon forward Clinton N’Jie was signed this month. Yet there are reports Juventus are keen to sign Christian Eriksen, while the Serie A club are also considering a loan offer for forward Erik Lamela, meaning Moses could be a welcome arrival at White Hart Lane. Moses played in Chelsea’s 1-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal earlier this month but is not expected to feature regularly in Mourinho’s XI.

morning. “I am elated to be given my chance at Oostende and I hope to grab it with both hands,” Saviour told AfricanFootball.com Saviour was scouted by KOV during the recent FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand, where Nigeria reached the knockout rounds of the championship. He scored twice and provided an assist at the tournament. Oostende, who have at least nine African stars in the first-team squad, are top of the Belgian league with 10 points from four matches, two points ahead of champions Gent. On Sunday, they demolished top Belgian club Anderlecht 3-1 at home to extend a fine start to the new season, which has seen them unbeaten thus far.

•Saviour

On Thursday, Oliseh explained to local media in Abuja why Mikel was not part of his plans for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tanzania . “I was in England early this month and I put a call through to Mikel. I called him four times, the phone kept ringing. I sent him a text message, I got no response,” Oliseh revealed. “I called his Chelsea team-mate and compatriot [Victor] Moses and we met after the Community Shield. “I didn’t hear from Mikel to acknowledge my calls or text until I travelled back home [on 6 August]. “But after our training [on 19 August] I saw a missed call [from Mikel] on my phone so at the moment I really don’t know what the situation is now.” Shittu insists Mikel has not been deliberately evasive. “Mikel sincerely missed the calls and wasn’t sure who called. Once he realised who it was, he made efforts to reach Sunday Oliseh but could not speak to him.” he said. “It’s unfortunate that a miscommunication is being blown out of proportion in the media. “Efforts are being made to sort things out amicably because Mikel is dedicated to Nigeria. “For the sake of the country, everyone should support the coach and the players selected instead of focussing on other things that could affect the preparation.” Oliseh’s predecessors BertiVogts, Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi also experienced difficulties with Mikel, who has been criticised for appearing to show indifference and a lack of respect. Mikel, who made his debut for Nigeria against Libya in August 2005, has scored four goals for his country in 64 appearances.

Eaglets In Well-Feathered For World Cup –Amuneke •Moses

THE coach of Golden Eaglet Emmanuel Amuneke said the team is in high spirit and determine to defend the trophy in the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for next month in Chile.

Speaking after his team defeated Katsina U-17 selected side 2-0 in a friendly game, Amunekesaid“weareoptimistic to retain the trophy given our level of preparedness.”

He added that the team welcomes such friendlies which will enable the team to critically access areas to work on and strengthen for good outing in Chile.

“To me its a very good thing for both teams, we are in the mood of preparations, I am pleased to have such friendlies, we are doing our best to defend our trophy,” he said

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Sports

Blues Loose Oscar To Injury OSCAR has been ruled out of Chelsea’s game at West Brom on Sunday. The Brazilian missed last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City after picking up an injury in training. And he is unavailable for the trip to The Hawthorns, where Chelsea will be looking for their first win of the season having lost at City after drawing at home to Swansea. Victor Moses has also been nursing an injury and he too is unavailable on Sunday. But goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will return to the side after serving a onematch ban following his sending-off against Swansea Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has suggested that John Terry will retain his place in the starting line-up despite the skipper being replaced by Kurt Zouma at half-time against City. Asked if Terry would be selected, the Blues boss said: “Maybe. Why not? Normally he is in the team, so why not?”

•Benteke

Reds’ £15m Mkhitaryan Carrot

THE clash between two of English biggest clubs is the sort of match, which always sounds good, even when the sides are at low ebb. But with both sides having a lot to prove, Monday’s clash could be a belter. Arsenal have had a mixed start to the season: a poor opening day loss against West Ham was followed by a hardfought win in another London derby, this time at Crystal Palace. The Gunners are yet to justify their pre-season billing as genuine contenders. As for Liverpool, they’ve ridden their luck a little, but have maximum points and you can’t ask much more than that - because finding a way to win, even on a bad day at the office, is the cornerstone of a good league season. But will they come unstuck against Arsenal?

• Too Juicy for Dortmund LIVERPOOL are preparing to discuss personal terms with the representatives of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, after Dortmund accepted a £15 million bid. That’s according to the Daily Express, anyway, who claim that the Armenian international is struck by the idea of joining the club before the transfer window shuts. Rumours have increased in the wake of some comments made by his agent, who talked up the potential of the transfer. “Henrikh wants to leave Dortmund at the end of the season. We will have to wait and see what we can do,” he said. Given this kind of talk, it is unsurprising that Dortmund may be tempted in cashing in on the player, who moved to the club from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. A move for Mkhitaryan would meanwhile end any Liverpool interest in Asier IIlarramendi. Liverpool have long been keen on the 25 year old defensive midfielder, but it is highly unlikely that the Liverpool board will sanction two big money moves before the window shuts, especially as their summer spending is already in excess of £67 million.

Arsenal, Liverpool Set To Rock Emirates

•Mkhitaryan

Arsenal have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games against Liverpool (W4 D2 L1). Only Manchester United (21) have secured more Premier League wins against Arsenal than Liverpool (16). Olivier Giroud’s next Premier League appearance will be his 100th. He’s scored 42 goals in 99 PL apps for Arsenal – only Thierry Henry (59), Ian Wright (56) and Emmanuel Adebayo (44) scored more in their first 100 PL apps for the club. Liverpool have only allowed their opponents three shots on target in their two Premier League games in 2015-16 so far; fewer than any other side. Martin Skrtel has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games against Arsenal – only against Man City has he scored as many PL goals (3).

•Sanchez

League Table Pos Team 1 Man City 2 Leicester 3 Liverpool 4 Man Utd 5 Everton 6 Swansea 7 C/Palace 8 West Ham 9 Norwich 10 Aston Villa 11 Arsenal 12 Watford 13 Tottenham 14 Stoke 15 Newcastle 16 Chelsea 17 S’ampton 18 West Brom 19 B’mouth 20 Sunderland

Holgate, but he is not earmarked as a replacement for the Chelsea target John Stones. Funes Mori has won one cap for Argentina and has been included in their squad for next month’s international against Bolivia after impressing during River Plate’s recent triumph in the Copa Libertadores. The defender scored in their 3-0 victory against Tigres in the final.

W 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GD Pts 6 6 3 6 2 6 2 6 3 4 2 4 1 3 1 3 0 3 0 3 -1 3 0 2 -1 1 -1 1 -2 1 -3 1 -3 1 -3 1 -2 0 -4 0

Fixtures Sat. Aug 22

Man United v Newcastle West Ham v Bournemouth Sunderland v Swansea Norwich v Stoke Leicester v Tottenham C/Palace v Aston Villa

Sun. Aug 23

West Brom v Chelsea Watford v Southampton Everton v Man City

Mon. Aug 24

Arsenal v Liverpool

Everton Dangle £6m At Ramiro EVERTON are close to signing the Argentina central defender Ramiro Funes Mori in a £6m transfer from River Plate. The 24-year-old is travelled to London on Friday for a medical and could complete the move this weekend. Funes Mori would become Roberto Martínez’s fourth signing of the summer after Tom Cleverley, Gerard Deulofeu and Mason

P 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

•Ramiro

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

Sports

Amir Khan’s Dream Bursts

IT seems that every time Amir Khan is on the brink of the megafight which would define his career, someone or other comes along to snatch away his dream. With Floyd Mayweather, the cock has crowed three times. First Marcos Maidana, then Manny Pacquiao, now Andre Berto have been called to the Money teller, just when it appeared that Khan would get the nod. No sooner does the pride of Bolton switch his attention to his old sparring partner, Pacquiao, than the picture turns cloudy, yet again. With a little help from yours truly – putting Khan’s father Shah on the phone to PacMan promoter Bob Arum – the ball started rolling in that direction. Pacquiao needs a come-back fight next February from the shoulder injury which hampered him against Mayweather in what turned out to be non-fight of the century. Step in Khan, said Arum. Probably in Abu Dhabi but maybe in Las Vegas or Manila. Not so fast, says Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer Freddie Roach this week. ‘The fight we want is Danny Garcia,’ says Roach in reference to the American who has a knock-out of Khan on his undefeated record. ‘That’s the easiest fight in the world.’ Roach also sees that as the bout which can set up mega-millions rematch with Mayweather, on the very date next May when Khan has been hoping to finally goad Mr. Money into the same ring. Leonard Ellerbe, the chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, has reiterated yet again that his main man will call it a career after beating Berto this September 12 – he is the 1-80 favourite - and thereby equalling Rocky Marciano’s record of retiring as unbeaten world champion on 49 wins and no losses. ‘Don’t believe it,’ says Roach. ‘Floyd will fight on to his 50th. Too much money to be made. Especially if he fights Manny again.’ While the disappointing nature of the first fight would restrain the re-match from emulating that half-billion-dollar shake-down, it would still be worth at least 250 million dollars. And the re-branding of this much-hyped saga has already begun. ‘No shoulder injury and Manny beats him,’ declares Roach. Pacquiao keeps watching the video of the first fight and saying: ‘I still believe I won.’

Ferrari Tags On With Raikkonen

FERRARI has decided to retain Kimi Raikkonen as Sebastian Vettel’s team-mate for the 2016 Formula 1 season. The team had been considering whether to drop the 2007 world champion following concerns about his form and had explored other driver options. But on Wednesday Ferrari said they had renewed their “technical and racing agreement with Kimi Raikkonen”. It means Valtteri Bottas, who had been of interest to Ferrari, is likely to stay with Williams. “For me, to be able to stay another year at Ferrari means that the dream goes on,” said Raikkonen. “The Scuderia is my family, as I always said, it’s here I want to end my career.” The Finn had been one of a number of drivers Ferrari had considered following concerns that Raikkonen’s form, particularly in qualifying, had not been good enough.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg were also among the options appraised by the team. Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne said earlier this summer that Raikkonen’s future was in his own hands - a clear message to the 35-year-old Finn to up his game. Raikkonen started the season strongly but suffered a dip in form following the first four races of the year. As this followed a 2014 in which he was comprehensively out-performed by Vettel’s predecessor Fernando Alonso, it caused disquiet within Ferrari. But after high-profile errors in the Canadian and Austrian races in June, Raikkonen performed more strongly in the subsequent races in Britain and Hungary before the summer break that comes to an end with this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Usain Set To Bolt In Beijing USAIN Bolt gave a warning to his rivals that he is not about to surrender his seven-year reign as the undisputed boss of men’s sprinting by declaring the “new improved” Usain Bolt is “ready” to compete at the IAAF World Championships, Beijing 2015. Speaking at the Puma and Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) press conference at the NUO Hotel Beijing on Thursday (20), a typically laidback Bolt seemed completely unflustered by his far-fromperfect preparation for 2015. He was relaxed and open and fully prepared for the latest chapter of his storied career. It was seven years ago when Bolt burst into the public consciousness with a series of jaw-dropping performances at the 2008 Olympics and his return to Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium – where he will begin the defence of his world 100m title on Saturday – brought a smile to his face. “I remember 2008, I was really excited even just to fly to Beijing,” he said. “It was fun. It was just a joy. I’m happy to be back here.” Since those spellbinding Games, Bolt has collected global titles for fun, winning eight world and an additional three more Olympic gold medals at the London Games. But times change and when questioned about what the main differences are between the Usain Bolt of 2008 and the 2015 version, he said: “I’ve been in the sport a long time and seen a lot. I would say I’ve changed, I’m different, but a much improved Usain.

“In training I’ve definitely had to sacrifice a lot more. I can’t just train for three months; I have to do it properly now and put a lot more into training.” It has doubtless been Bolt’s most challenging build up to a major championship. He is currently ranked only sixth in the world for the 100m with a best of 9.87 and he is 19th on the world lists with a best time of 20.13 in the 200m. He has scarcely competed this year with just three races each over the 100m and 200m distance. His rivals appear to be as strong as at any point of his seven-year reign as the No.1 sprinter, led by the 2004 Olympic 100m champion and 2005 world 100m and 200m champion Justin Gatlin of the USA. Yet there has been extenuating circumstances. A joint problem – which in his words meant, “I was not able to turn on the power” – that badly hampered him during the first half of the season has since been treated. The power has returned as evinced by his confidence-lifting performances at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in London where he twice ran 9.87. On the eve of the World Championships in Beijing, he is in a happy place. “I’m feeling good; I wish I could have had more races but training is good,” he says. “Coach (Glen Mills) is happy and that is good for me to know that. In London I had two good races and although I haven’t competed much since then, it was important for me to do the training rather than the competition.

Rudisha, Bowie Find Feet In Bird’s Nest

•Khan

TWO days before the start of the IAAF World Championships, Beijing 2015, two of the expected stars of the up-coming competition, Kenya middle distance great. David Rudisha and US sprinter, Tori Bowie, had a chance to visit the Bird’s Nest

with an unusual mission. The athletes braved the broiling sun, and high humidity, and took the media through their pre-race routine, from the warm-up area through two call rooms and onto the track. “It’s the best weather!” joked the 800m world

record-holder and London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist. “I did well in Daegu at the World Championships in 2011, and it was just as hot. I also ran in Beijing in 2006, at the world juniors, and won, as well.” Rudisha not only won his first global title in Beijing, he

also got his ‘Pride of Africa’ nickname here, and the Kenyan feels ready to stand up to it. Coming off a knee injury sustained in 2013, Rudisha has not been as dominant since but the Kenyan seems to enjoy the status of an underdog.

•Rudisha

national

Desmond Ekwueme

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, August 22 - Friday, August 28, 2015

EEKENDER A Passion For Truth, Objectivity, Decorum

Saturday, August 22 - Friday August 28, 2015

www.nationalweekender.net

Son Steps Into Ooni’s Shoes •Cheifs Divided Over Choice

By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE,ADEBAYO NURUDEEN AND FIDELIS ISIBOR If feelers reaching National Weekender from the ancient Yoruba city of Ile- Ife, are anything to go by, the wait for a new Ooni to the throne of the ancient city, may not be long. This on the strength of reliable information which strongly suggests that the first son of the late Ooni , Oba Okunade Adele Sijuade, Prince Tokunbo Sijuade is likely to succeed his father as the next traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. According to a source close to the Council of Chiefs’ deliberations on-going to determine whether or not, to allow Tokunbo take-over the ruler ship role of his late father, the late Oba before his death, had anointed Tokunbo and given instructions to his chiefs to make sure that, he succeeds him. He added that not all the chiefs are in support of the mov, since some of them believe that tradition should be followed to determine who the next Ooni should be. “As it stands now in Ife, Tokunbo is most likely to succeed his late father because from what I gathered from some chiefs, the late Oba Okunade anointed him and told his council of chiefs to allow him take-over from him once he joins his ancestors,” he disclosed. The source further revealed that although the tradition of the Ife does not permit this, the late king was crowned in a similar fashion. “The tradition truly does not permit it, but the late king was allegedly crowned in the same manner. The king before him, late Oba Aderemi, was said to have raised his hand and anointed him his successor on his sick bed shortly before he died. And from what I gathered, late Oba Sijuade has also anointed Tokunbo to succeed him.” He explained. There have been speculations about potential successors to the revered throne and the lists

•Prince Tokunbo Sijuade

Photo By

Fidelis Isibor keep getting longer by the day. The status of the Ooni in not just Yoruba Land, but attracts both national and international attention. Even fellow royal fathers acknowledge the leadership of the occupant of the throne of Oduduwa. The position carries authority, influence and power. No matter the level of affluence attained by a potential Ooni before ascending the throne, the authority of the throne transforms him to another level of influence, status and power. Royal families presently jostling for the throne include the Ademiluyi, Geisi, Lafogido, Ogbooru, Osinkola

etc while the names of princes that have been succeed the king include OmoobaAdelekanAderemi,Prince SikiruAyedun, Prince AbdulraheemAdedoyin, Prince AdemolaAdemiluyi,Prince AdedamolaAderemi, Prince Rasheed Adetayo Oladele, amongst others. Meanwhile, a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed on the ancient town. According to the Council of Chiefs who gave the order on Friday, nobody is expected to come out of his house today and Monday next week.

On SATURDAY

N150

08035321476 (SMS Only) desmondsportspro@yahoo.co.in

Buhari, Boko Haram And Chibok Girls

I have no quarrel with President Muhammadu Buhari for pushing the date to end the insurgency further because the man has suddenly realized that what he saw from outside Aso Villa before and during the election is quite different from what he is seeing now, from inside the Presidential Villa. At least Mr. President now has an insider’s view of things and situation of the country, which equips him better to formulate his policies and tackle the nation’s problems better. But my quarrel with Buhari is his continuous promise of ending the insurgency “very soon.” The phrase “very soon” is my anger. From his pre-election promise of ending the insurgency on assumption of office once he wins, he has shifted the goal-post twice. First he said in three months and later he said by December which is approximately seven months. Now he is saying “very soon”. Let me quickly remind Mr. President that even though he owes it as a duty to assure those who voted him to power that he will end the insurgency, I don’t think any Nigerian is asking him to give a time frame. Perhaps he is doing this just to take away the pressure of his election promise to wipe out the terrorists. I guess Nigerians already understand that politicians are bunch of jokers who most times make empty and irredeemable promises. Don’t ask me if Buhari is one of them. It is on this premise that I ask Mr. President to concentrate on governance and stop this gamble and nauseating promises. It is even sadder to note that while the promises of ending the insurgency keep coming, the insurgency gains momentum with continuous attacks by the insurgents. Interestingly the military has decided to tag the attacks “few and random.” But in the few and random attacks lives are lost and properties damaged. Unfortunately each time the promise of ending the insurgency “very soon” is re-echoed the leadership of the insurgents come out with

statements suggesting that the group has come to stay just like Al-Shabab in Somalia, Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and ISIS in the Gulf Region among others. It was not surprising that Abubakar Shekau recently spoke in a recorded eightminute audio message that he is not only alive but still leading the insurgents. Buhari should therefore focus on fighting the insurgents rather than promise to end the insurgency. The primary issue here is equipping the military and ensuring that it cooperates and combines well with international forces. It is also needful to sustain the tempo of taking the war right to the enclave or doorsteps of the insurgents because that will ensure they cave in. Let’s stop the noise about when the war will end. It is only a fool that talks of passing an examination in flying colours when he is yet to sit for it. We should set our priorities as a nation. This leads us to the talk about military widening its search for the Chibok Girls. Such talks as far as I am concern is meant to inject hope into the hearts of the families, associates and friends of the abducted girls. How can we be talking about searching for girls kidnapped over a year ago? The issue should not be searching but rather discovering where they were kept and how to rescue them. If by now we are still talking about searching then, I bet we will need another one year to discover where they and perhaps another year to rescue them. Ironically we are in this country when the insurgents married out these girls to their members, the bizarre stories of how most of them were sold into slavery in neighboring Cameroun and how many of them were impregnated hit us all like a tsunami months ago yet some people are bent on playing on the intelligence of others with the story of searching for the girls. While I pray that the search yields result, I wish to inform the sycophants in government that Nigerians are wiser than they think a n d know.

•Shekau

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