Saturday, september 26 friday, october 2, 2015 by NationalWeekender

Tinubu, OBJ Fight Over Ministers

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

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EEKENDER A Passion For Truth, Objectivity, Decorum

Vol. 3 No. 07 SATURDAY,Y September 26 - FFRIDAY RIDAY October 2, 2015

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PG 1 9

Mama’s Fame Fanned My Acting Fire

N150

Rumble In Benin Kingdom

Boko Haram Plans Lagos Ports Attack

PG 32

PG 6

Refineries For Sale In 90 Days If ...

Beverly Osu Reveals Body PG 12 Exposure

PG 16

•Lion begets Lion

Man, 72 Defiles 11-Year PG 35 Old

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Fashion

Ladies… Here Comes Goddess Of Hairstyles G Compiled By CHARLES ENWEREM

oddess braids are easy to pull off, either you have a weave, attachment or its your natural locks. The goddess braids is the fastest style you can achieve once you don’t know what to do with your hair, or maybe you feel you don’t want a full hairdo. The goddess braids is a conservative, fancy and chic hairstyle that anybody with any face structure can pull off. The goddess braids come in different forms, shapes and sizes like the milk, the halo etc. This hairdo involves large cornrow braids twisted, twirled or turned into buns, sometimes they involve smaller and larger styled braids. The pros of this hairdo is certainly more than the cons(if there are any cons at all). 1. It is a versatile hairstyle that protects against environmental elements that can damage the hair. 2. It can be worn anywhere and for any occasion. 3. It allows the hair to rest and breath. 4. It retains moisture and softens the hair because of the routine care it receives. 5. It maintains and promotes the health of the hair. Steps: 1. Start by washing your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. 2. Condition and detangle the hair. 3. Add leave in conditioner to de-tame the frizz, visualize the style you want then create a part that you like. 4. Braid one side of the part you’ve created and fasten with a clip, then do the same to the other. 5. Fasten both ends with a clip 6. Finish off with the styling gel.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Lens Pick Of The Week When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder...

•Don’t drink when you drive, don’t drive when you drink

BVN: 32m Accounts Yet To Enrol –CBN THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that 32 million active bank accounts have yet to be enrolled on the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) by September. In a statement in Abuja on Friday, rMu’azu Ibrahim, CBN Director, Corporate Communications, said CBN was concerned by the number of account owners yet to enrol, considering that the exercise would end by Oct. 31. Recalls that CBN in collaboration with all banks in Nigeria on Feb. 14, 2014, launched the BVN, which is a centralised biometric identification system for the banking industry. It aims at addressing issues of identity theft and fraud and will help to discover blacklisted customers, reduce queues in banking halls and standardise efficiency of banking operations. The CBN also said the BVN would encourage banks to grant loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and students in the country. “One of the most potent arguments advanced by banks for not extending enough credit to prospective credit customers in Nigeria has been the absence of credible identity system. “Thus, it was agreed that the

scheme would make access to credit easier for low income earners in the society,’’ the Apex bank said. The CBN had initially put the deadline of BVN registration at June 30 but postponed it to Oct. 31 because of low enrolment. According to the statement, after 18 month of the exercise, empirical evidence shows that a good number of bank customers are reluctant and have not taken the exercise seriously. “The emerging statistical trend of the BVN registration exercise shows that there are about 52 million active bank accounts in various banks. “Out of this, total enrolment stands at about 20 million, out of which about 14 million accounts have been found linked to the BVN as at September, 2015. “The question now is whether bank customers have been taking advantage of the extension to complete their BVN registration and also ensure that their various bank accounts have been linked to the BVN,’’ it stated. The statement revealed that after the initial rush from June ending to July, there had been a steady decline in new BVN enrolment figures for August and September. It stated that the development

indicated that many bank account holders had continued to show apathy instead of taking advantage of the extension period to complete the registration. “Bank customers are urged to take advantage of the remaining time to complete the registration. “This is so as to avoid the commotion and melee experienced at various banking halls in the month of June. “The CBN has made it clear that there would not be further extension after the October 31, 2015 deadline,’’ the statement said. It said this meant that customers without the BVNlinked accounts might risk being restricted from normal operations of their accounts or access to their bank account balances.

•Emefiele

APGA Frowns At Ikpeazu’s Foreign ‘Bazaar’ THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State chapter has condemned the recent trip by the State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to the United States of America and Turkey, describing it as a waste

of scarce resources. In a statement titled, ‘Ikpeazu’s bazaar in Turkey and the extravaganza in Connecticut, USA,’ and signed by the party’s state publicity secretary, Madu

Chikwendu, the party stated that a trade mission was an international trip by relevant government agencies and businessmen aimed to achieve specific economic objectives which it alleged was not the case with the recent trip.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

News

NNPC Plans Clean Operations –GMD GROUP Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, on Friday said the corporation would urgently embark on a transparency operation to regain its lost credibility. In his first interactive session with journalists in Lagos since his appointment as GMD, Kachikwu said the transparency operation would start with an audit of the corporation’s finances, which was last audited in 2010 . He said the corporation’s finance would not only be audited and brought up to date, but would also be made available to the general public. The NNPC GMD said the transparency operation would also involve posting of the corporation’s activities on its website regularly. He added that along with the

•Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, GROUP MD, NNPC.

regular data, there would also be a weekly broadcast of issues concerning the corporation on its website from now henceforth. “Contracts will be made open to the public and we will choose the best module that works for us and that helps us save money. “We need to clean the system and carry everybody along. The concept of what is right and wrong will take us very far,” Kachikwu stressed. According to him, though, there were huge challenges in driving the corporation forward, but they would be surmounted with good planning and efficiency. The NNPC GMD said the challenge of cleaning NNPC would be a bumpy, exciting ride, which would eventually yield positive results. Commenting on the state of the nation’s refineries, he said they were

Prevent Another Civil War – Aregbesola OSUN State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has enjoined the Federal government to act fast to bring the crisis rocking the North-East and other parts of the country to an end. The governor said this in a statement in Oshogbo on Wednesday to felicitate with the people of the state on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir. The governor enjoined all Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying doing this would be in the interest of the nation. He said, “With the drums of war and violence resonating in all corners of the world, Nigeria must do everything humanly possible to douse the tension in the NorthEast and other parts before it escalates into full-blown war and spread to other parts of the country. “No nation can isolate itself from the current global crises, including social, religious, political, economic and

human which are daily staring us in the eyes. “What we need as a matter of necessity is to have a clean break with the systems that have failed us or retarded our growth as a nation; rethink and chart a new course for our greatness. “This is the fulcrum upon which President Muhammadu Buhari based his government. Nigerians in whatever capacity must identify with the new government and support it for the betterment of ourselves and the nation at large.” “I call on Muslims in Osun and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah to seize the opportunity of the Eid to reach out to peoples of different faiths with greetings and messages of love and peace. “Without peace and love, no nation unites and no nation attains greatness in an atmosphere of disunity, singing discordant tunes,” he •Gov. Rauf Aregbesola added.

Saudi Stampede, Monumental Tragedy –Buhari PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy which occurred on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President, who is currently attending the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, described the stampede at Mina, in which a notable Nigerian journalist, HajiyaBilkisu Yusuf, Prof. Tijjani El-Miskin and others lost their lives as a monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community. He extended his condolences to the families of the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives in the disaster which occurred less than two weeks after a crane collapse in Mecca claimed more than a hundred lives. The statement read in part, “President Buhari commiserates

with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists on the sad loss of HajiyaBilkisu, an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible, highly-respected, outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, will remain a glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria. “The President has taken note of the assurance by the Government of Saudi Arabia that Thursday’s catastrophe will be investigated and urges King Salman to ensure

a comprehensive and thorough exercise that will identify any flaws in Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage. “In the knowledge that it is not within our powers to question the will of God, President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will comfort the families who lost their beloved ones in the stampede and receive the souls of all those who died in the Holy Land while fulfilling the religious obligation of the Hajj.”

currently working at 30 percent capacity, which was unprofitable. Kachikwu noted that for the refineries to be profitable, they needed to attain a minimum of 60 percent operation capacity. “Personally, I would have chosen to sell the refineries, but President Buhari has instructed that they should be fixed.

“After they are fixed, if they still operate below 60 per cent, then we will know what to do. “The 90-day ultimatum for the refineries to be fixed will end in December and Port Harcourt Refinery looks like the only one that will meet the deadline, but we will wait and see what happens at the end of the 90 days,” he said.

OUTSPOKEN former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has warned that the on-going trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki was dangerous for the country. Disclosing this during a chat with newsmen in Makurdi yesterday, Tsav noted that the country may be reverting to the days of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, “when anti-corruption agencies were engaged in selective probes considering the circumstances shrouding Saraki’s ordeal.” “The probe is a witch-hunt. If not, why did they not take it up on him long ago? Why did they not take it up when he was in PDP and romancing with the APC? I think we are creating a very dangerous trend in this country. Why did they wait until after 13 years before

probing him? Why did they have to wait until he became the senate president before probing him?” he queried.

Saraki’s Trial Dangerous –Tsav

Kano Gov Frees Prisoners GOVERNOR Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has set 14 inmates of the Kurmawa Central Prison in Kano metropolis free, after he paid their fines. He announced the release of the inmates on Friday during a visit to the prison in Kano. He said the gesture was part of the state government’s efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the common man, especially those inmates who could not pay the fine. Newsmenreports that the release of the inmates follows the recommendation of the state committee on the prerogative of mercy.

The governor urged the released prisoners to be of good conduct after their reunion with their respective families. He gave each of the 14 inmates N5,000 to enable them transport themselves to their respective home towns and villages. Responding, the Controller of Prisons in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar, commended the governor for the gesture. He called on the beneficiaries to avoid anything which could result in their being imprisoned again. He also commended the state government for its continuous support for prisons in the state.

FORMER Oyo State governor and candidate of the Accord Party in the last governorship election in the state, Alhaji RashidiLadoja, has declared that Oyo State has no business defaulting in the payment of workers’ salaries if not for the misplaced priorities of the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Ladoja, who stated this yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen in his Bodija, Ibadan residence after the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at the AgodiEidpraying ground in Ibadan, stressed that ,“the Oyo State government should not be owing workers salaries if not because of misplaced of priority.” He claimed that, “My administration left N13bn when I left the government,

the state should not be owing workers’ salaries, but due to mismanagement, workers are suffering today in the state and this is also because what Senator IbikunleAmosun in Ogun State did for N1.00, Ajimobi in Oyo State did same for N5.00. “Apart from this, Ajimobi said he was establishing Technical University, promised five star hotel, used tax payers money to plant flowers, but as I’m talking, he has failed to fulfil his promises, so, misplaced priority is what is causing workers their salary in Oyo State today,” the former governor asserted. Ladoja went on to advise President Muhammadu Buhari to be more focused and concentrate on governance than fighting corruption on the pages of newspapers, stressing that the situation in the country is becoming worrisome on daily basis if one should consider the increase in the rate of unemployment. “The rate of kidnapping is increasing in the country due to lack of jobs for millions of youths that graduated from the Nigerian’ higher institutions. I read from the newspapers that President Buhari had directed the Inspector General of Police to produce Chief Olu Falae kidnapped about five days ago, I don’t know whether he had complied, we are not in the military era and I don’t believe that giving such an order is necessary,” he stated

Ladoja Blames Ajimobi On Workers’ Salaries

VLBC Great Harvest Week Kicks Off By ORJI MICHEAL VICTORY Cife Bible church district iv Lagos,with headquarters located at Wola Makinde Crescent. Alagbado will hold her Annual Apostolic Conference with an outstanding theme ‘’Great Harvest’’ this week. The event which will kick off from 27th of September 2015, will last till 4th of October 2015.

Great men of God have been packaged for the eight days conference which will see the general overseer of Covenant Christ Assembly, Apostle Tim Gbasa as one of the speakers, others speakers include Prophet Adeosun, Pastor S.G Beckley of Redeemed Christian church of God, Abeokuta and also the general overseer of victory life bible church Apostle Lawrence Achudume. Also expected to minister are Evang Tope Alabi,

•Alhaji Abubakar Tsav

Evang Bolaji Olokoyo and the church Mass choir In an interview with the District Superintendent who also double as the host, Bishop Samuel Agbebi, said God has been using the conference as a platform to save live and souls. We started in 1997 that is Eighteen years ago and a lot of people have been blessed through the Convention. We want to build aq five star church where everyone must be blessed.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Crime

•Okonjo Iweala

•Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

DAGGERS-DRAWN OVER ABACHA’S LOOT:

I Left 2bn Dollar, 3m Pounds, 10bn Naira In Treasury –Obasanjo

NO!!! You Left US500m Dollar –Okonjo Iweala By STEPHEN AYA In December last year, former president Olusegun Obasanjo presented his memoirs entitled Olusegun Obasanjo; “My Watch” and released to the public. Divided into three volumes and containing 58 chapters and 1,522 pages in all, the tell-all book reads like Obasanjo’s responses to all the people who have dared to criticise him in the past as well as, those he believed wronged him politically, most of whom he described in unflattering terms. The Former President, took a swipe at his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, exLagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, describing most of them as liars.He also accused former President, Goodluck Jonathan of incompetence, while saying that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua deceived him over his state of health. But Chief Obasanjo did not

stop there, his revelation on Abacha loot contained in the Vol. II of the book, slotted under the sub-heading “Recovery of looted funds” on pages 494 and 495 has giving the former Finance Minister, Dr.Ngozi OkonjoIweala, a lot of trouble of late. Quoting him “In total, by the time I left government in May 2007, over $2bn and £100m had been recovered from the Abacha family abroad, and well over N10bn in cash and properties locally. All were paid into the public treasury through the Central Bank. Obasanjo further added that, there was a time he got a report that £3m cash was seized from an agent of the late military dictator by customs officials at an airport in the UK, and that the British authorities asked the Nigerian government to prove ownership of the money. Giving more details, Obasanjo said the British government however, refused to release the money to Nigeria despite showing details that it was taken from the CBN. “I went to London to have a

meeting on another important issue with (former British Prime Minister) Tony Blair, and I took the opportunity to raise the issue of the £3m, using the Yoruba anecdote of the thief, who stole palm oil from the ceiling cupboard by getting somebody to help him so as not to spill the red palm oil on himself or the floor. The man who assisted became an accomplice. Tony got the message and the £3m was released to Nigeria the following day,” Obasanjo stated. However, in a quick response to these series of allegations, Dr. Iweala, who was Finance Minister in the Obasanjo administration and the last government of Former President Goodluck Jonathan, told The Punch newspaper last year through her Special Adviser on Communication, Paul Nwabuikwu, that contrary to reports that the sum of $2bn was recovered from the Abacha’s loot, only $500m was recovered under her as Obasanjo’s Finance Minister. But these allegations have not

only resurfaced, but they seem to be louder as the days go by. The Edo sSate governor, Adams Oshiomhole led the pack, with various claims of very serious financial mismanagement said to have taken place under her watch as Finance Minister in the Jonathan administration. Dr. Iweala dismissed this allegation nbt the issuance of a mere press release; an action seem by many Nigerians spoken with described as not a serious way of handling an allegation as grievous as this. Most of our respondents held the view that, Iweala should have done more than just the issue of a press release, since it a financial crime that we are talking about here and she knows that, no nation or even the advanced countries, which she knows, would accept such. Yet she had not said or taken any serious step to prove Obasanjo or Oshiomhole wrong. Speaking on this matter, Chief H. N. Ogiri a Lagos lawyer, said that the allegation oath to have been investigated by the EFCC,ICPC and the police

by now, given the fact that, it came from a former President, somebody who seems to have known Dr. Iweala well since she worked with him for eight years. He therefore called for proper investigation into such claims because it will be an embarrassment, if the world should hear that recovered Abacha’s loot is missing Another lawyer, Bamidele Ogundele simply called for a proper investigation to be carried out on the where-abouts of the Abacha loot before the entire essence of recovering the loot is lost. “It makes no sense recovering these monies from the Abachas, and has another person take it”. He added that the President Buhari is wasting time with the anti-corruption war. “The agenda has been set; the war against corruption has to be total. All the anti-corruption agencies have got to get to the bottom of this and other allegations against Dr. Iweala soonest, because as our people say “there is no smoke without fire,” another respondent urged.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Crime

Boko Haram Plans Lagos Ports Attack By STEPHEN AYA THERE are serious indications that Boko Haram Insurgents may still be planning to Attack Lagos Seaports. It is understood thatthe office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has issued a security alert on the likelihood of Boko Haram attacking Lagos seaports to all units operating at all the ports in Lagos. Investigations reveal that the

Tri-Cycle Thief Arraigned By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN A twenty-one year-old, Peter Ainekanhas been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate district on one-count charge for stealing. According to the prosecutor, Insp. Uche Simon, the accused was arrested on the 17th of September 2015, at Egbado Street, Iju-Ishaja, Lagos. Our correspondent gathered that,the suspect was said to have stolen a TVS Tricycle with Reg No. AGL 50 QC and Engine No. OK4FF4236729,

N3. 1bn Subsidy Fraud: Absence Of Counsel Stalls Trial By STEPHEN AYA

alert first came about, as a result of the concern expressed by the United States Embassy on the poor state security at the nation’s seaports, especially that of Lagos. As a result, security presence at all the port in Lagos, especially by men of the Nigerian Customs has been up-graded to almost full alert status following a directive to that effect by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd). The security alert was signed by

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Enforcement and Intelligence, Mr. Dan Ugo, on behalf of the Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (retd). National Weekender can confirm that the Nigeria Customs Service hasbegun the restriction of persons into its various commands and formations in Lagos. Careful security checks at all access points into the ports have also been made mandatory.

Police-Harassed Lagos Family Seeks IG’s Help By STEPHEN AYA A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Ogundele has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase to call to order, some of his officers who are being used to harass and terrorise some community leaders in the Lekki Area of Lagos State over a land dispute. Ogundele, in a Save Our Souls (SOS) letter written on behalf of the community leaders, alleged that a certain Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. OyinlolaAdeoye of the X Squad, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi Lagos, has continued to allow himself to be used to terrorise some principal members of the Dada Bakare Family of Abijo Town, IbejuLekki local Government Area of Lagos State. According to the letter signed by Ogundele and RaimiOluwaseyiNojeen on behalf of the family, the orders of the Deputy Commissioner of Police usually carried out by his men and one Prince Dosunmu, is capable of leading to the breach of the peace, lawlessness or outright anarchy in the Abijo town, if not checked. The family (Dada Bakare) claimed that they are the traditional owners of a large parcel of land totalling 75,000 hectares at Abijo Village, which was officially Gazetted by the Lagos State Government in No. 55 Volume 40 of 2007. The Dada Bakare Family stated that they were surprised, when one Alhaji AkeebAlarape Adams popularly known as Adamak, a native of Lamgbasa Village of the same IbejuLekki, brought some land-grabbers to take over their

is valued at N415, 000(four hundred and fifteen thousand naira). The prosecutor, further told the court that the offence committed, is punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.Peter Ainekan pleaded not guilty to the charge. The magistrate, Mrs. Y.R.Phineiro granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case till October 22, 2015.

land without their consent or the authority of the family. They alleged that the said Alhaji Adams recruited the services of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, OyinlolaAdeoye, who has been backing the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the hoodlums hired by Alhaji Adams. "DC Adeoye had personally led a Police Patrol team to take over the Dada Bakare Family land at Abijo Town without Court Order or Execution of Court Order despite a suit pending in court by Dada Bakare family in LD/2308/2011 against Alhaji AkeebAlarape Adams &Ors for the illegal trespass. "Several members of Dada Bakare Family including Mr. RaimiOluwaseyiNojeem, Mrs. SikiratuAduniLawal, Chief Sadiku Noah, Mr. Kamoru Suleiman, Mr. WaheedAluko and Mr. Sheriff Sulaimon were intimidated, harassed and arrested by the X Squad team without any justification. "Coupled with this, the rights of the Dada Bakare Family members to human dignity, liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Article 4, 5,6 and 12 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples Right Law of the Federation 2004, were curtailed and violated on several occasions. "We forwarded a petition to the office of the Inspector-General of Police and our matter was assigned to the P.R.O Department of Force CID, Area 10, Abuja and the case file of X Squad, Force CID, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Zone 2, Onikan and Area J. Ajiwe Police Headquarters were all retrieved for discreet and Godfearing investigation", they further

stated. The family stated that despite the intervention of the InspectorGeneral of Police and transfer of the case file, DC Adeoye still continued to harass and intimidate them at the instigation of Alhaji AkeebAlarape Adams. "Yesterday (September 22, 2015), one of our family members, Mrs. SikiratuAduniLawal was arrested by DC Adeoye's team at the instigation of Alhaji AkeebAlarape Adams in total disrespect to the authority of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force CID Area 10, presently handling the matter", the family further stated. They however called on Chairman of the Police Service Commission and Inspector General of Police to investigate the activities of DC Adeoye and Prince Dosunmu for dabbling into a land dispute.

THE absence of Abdullahi Alao's counsel on Wednesday September 23rd, 2015, stalled trial in the matter of Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, Abdullahi Alao and their companies: Eterna Plc; AxEnergy and Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited answering to a 38count charge of conspiracy, and obtaining N3, 121,393,098 unearned subsidy fund by false pretence and forgery at the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja. At the resumed hearing, Alao's counsel, Mr. Aderemi Oguntoye was conspicuously absent in court, with no explanation as to his whereabouts. The presiding Judge, Justice LateefLawal Akapo expressed displeasure over Oguntoye's absence, as he ordered that Oguntoye be written to by the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, and document same in the court records. "Mr. Oguntoye is not here and I want to take all the applications together, now I can't. I always say it, delays in court, dragging and congestion is often caused by counsels, and a counsel is not in court now. I don't delay counsels yet counsels delay me, and that is unfair, and there is no communication from this counsel in absence. Please, write to him and let

Fake Police Officer Docked By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN A twenty-two year-old, Abubakar Muhammed,who was caught with a Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Fake Identity cardhas been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates district on a two-count charge. According to the prosecutor, Sgt.OlatundeKehinde, the accused was arrested on the 19thof September 2015, at about 4.30pmat Egbado Street, IjuIshaja, Lagos. Our correspondent gathered that the suspect was arrested with lots of Police wears and he also claimed to be a member of the Nigeria Police. According to the

prosecutor,Abubakar Muhammed was caught with a Nigeria police Identity card with his name and passport photograph on it,for which he couldn’t give account of. The prosecutor, told the court that the offences committed are punishable under Section 77(b) and section 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. Abubakar Muhammed pleaded not guilty to the charges. The magistrate, Mr. Aka Bashorun, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum, and the sureties must have the evidence of tax payment.The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case till October 20, 2015.

•Abdullahi Alao

us take a date" said Justice Akapo. The main accusedAbdullahi Alao is the son of the late prominent Ibadan-based businessman, Abdullazeez Arisekola-Alao .Justice Akapo then adjourned to October 7, 2015.

Mad Policeman Kills Self, Two Officers ASP Toyin Gbadegesin, Police Public Relations Officer inYobe, says a police constable suspected to have gone insane on Friday killed two senior policemen. He told our correspondent in Nangere,Yobe, that the suspect thereafter shot himself.“A constable in Nangere went berserk this morning, grabbed a rifle and shot two inspectors who died instantly.“He shot himself too but did not die instantly but rushed to the hospital. “The cause of his action is notye,t known but investigation into the unfortunate incident has begun to unravel the remote and immediate cause of his action,’’ Gbadegesin said. Hospital staff who pleaded anonymity also confirmed the death of the policemen, saying that “the three bodies have been deposited at General Hospital, Potiskum’’

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Politics

•Tinubu

•President Buhari

•Obasanjo

OBJ, Tinubu’s Quiet Fight Over Nigeria’s Soul

•Camps Produce Ministerial Candidates’ List •Buhari Watches From Sideline By CHARLES ENWEREM & FRANCIS OGBONNA WHILE some Nigerians have been wondering why President Muhammadu has been foot-dragging over picking his cabinet, others have taken to be vulturepatient and watch how things play out. Perhaps after reading this piece, you would come to terms with the school of the patient dogs, who have been unrepentantly glued to their resolve to give Buhari a breathing space to do his job the best way he feels, as long he achieves the confidence reposed in him by fellow Nigerians; some of our respondents had said that, the absence of Southerners from Buhari’s kitchen cabinet, may not be far-fetched from the belief that the South are their selves’ enemies … Remember, he is for everybody, and for nobody -

Following the news that President Muhammadu Buhari is set to name the members of his cabinet or in easier parlance, the men who are to occupy ministerial offices in the federation, there are many twists and intrigues as to who takes what post in the ministerial list of the President. What many Nigerians are keen on especially the political elites and stakeholders, however is to know those who would make the final list Buhari will send to the National Assembly for confirmation. In view of all the political schematics, a number of individuals – professionals, technocrats and politicians – have been screened by the Department of State Services (DSS). The process recently concluded, has confirmed the president’s intent to meet the end of September deadline he set for himself regarding the much-anticipated ministerial list with many saying, that the crisis currently rocking the leading

party may affect certain decisions made by Mr. President as well as, other top party chieftains who have important stakes in the party. As a result of this, recently it was hugely publicized that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, have been slugging it out in recent weeks to have their candidates make the final list as well as get certain ministerial positions. Political experts are of the view that, following the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the presidential elections, internal politicking over the formation of the cabinet of President Buhari, started in earnest. OBJ Vs Tinubu The former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo played a key role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last general election, particularly in South-west Nigeria. It will be recalled that, Chief Obasanjo not only publicly denounced his

membership of the former selfacclaimed ‘Largest party in Africa’, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shredding his membership card in pieces before the press; he also went to the markets campaigning for Buhari’s elections. Chief Obasanjo however, did not join the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially. The former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman’s actions, particularly his exit from the erstwhile ruling party, according to political watchers gave further impetus to the candidacy of Buhari and to some extent, skewed outcome of the vote in favour of the new President. According to inside sources in the Presidency, as a reward for his effort, Chief Obasanjo in the South-West alone, was given two ministerial slots, one for Ogun and the other, Osun, while the APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and South-West leaders, would fill the four other slots remaining in the region.

Sources close to the Presidency also say that Obasanjo was given three other slots. To fill his slots Obasanjo, in alliance with the incumbent governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun agreed to give the State’s slot in the cabinet to a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha. The former military leader also presented as nominees one time Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ekiti State and Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Segun Oni (Ekiti); former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili and former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. According to an APC chieftain, who spoke to National Weekender on the condition of anonymity, it is premised on some names on Obasanjo’s list that, the APC National leader, Tinubu and the

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NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Politics

It’s Too Early To Assess Buhari – PDP BoT Secretary THE Secretary, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Walid Jibrin, has observed that 100 days of the present administration in office are not enough to assess its performance. In an interview with newsmen in Nasarawa, he urged Nigerians to give the administration more time before assessing its performance. “I don’t agree that Buhari is slow and I don’t believe that 100 days are enough to judge anybody or any one in office; it is just for one to start planning very well. “Let us give him and other leaders up to six months and after that, we could start assessing the administration,’’ he said. Jibrin also called on Buhari to be fair

to all political parties and individuals in his war against corruption. “If President Buhari decides to probe some individuals both in the All Progressives Congress and PDP, so be it. I will support him if he is doing the right thing for the betterment of the society,’’ he added. He urged Muslims and other Nigerians to use the period of Eid el-Kabir to pray for peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic, religious and political groups in the country. The BoT secretary said the PDP was working to win the presidential election in 2019, insisting that PDP would change Nigeria positively when it assumed office.

Kogi Election: Echocho Endorses Audu

INDICATIONS emerged Thursday, that the defeated PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi State and former Afribank Chief, Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho may have thrown his weight behind the candidature of Prince Abubakar Audu in the governorship race. Echocho lost the September 14, 2015 PDP governorship primary to the incumbent, Capt. Idris Wada. National Weekender was reliably informed by close allies of the Dekina-born politician that a meeting Echocho convened to appraise the political situation in the state ahead of the November 21 governorship election was tensed as he was said to have expressed doubt about the chances of Wada in the election. A source at the Monday meeting who seekedanonimity told Vanguard that the possibility of supporting Prince Abubakar Audu was a major issue at the meeting. In his words: “The Echocho group looked at a whole range of issues at the meeting. It was a general consensus that the incumbent, Capt. Idris Wada has failed woefully in giving development to the state, hence, a very slim chance of winning the governorship election. “We also resolved to open communication with Prince Abubakar Audu to explore the possibility of using our structure across the state to support his emergence because of our conviction that he is a better candidate than Wada. Since Audu left government in 2003, nothing significant has been added to his records of development as successive governments have continued to take the citizens for granted”. As Prince Audu stormed Kogi Thursday for the Islamic festivities, hundreds of Echocho’s supporters were seen on his entourage as he made his way to Ogonicha for the Muslim prayers. One of them told our reporter that Echocho has endorsed Audu. “You can see that we are here. Do we need any other confirmation as to who our candidate is? We can’t allow our state to suffer another disaster by supporting Wada again”, he said. When contacted, Alh. IsahJibrinEchocho declined comment on the issue. However, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Prince Bode Ogunmola said the party is not worried about who is supporting Audu. “PDP as a part is not worried about whoever may have decided to support Audu. Echocho went through a transparent primary election here and lost woefully. If he is that popular, why didn’t he win the election? The November 21 governorship election in Kogi is about the people and we are optimistic of victory because we have the people of the state behind us.

PDP Returns Dickson For Dec Poll

GOV. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa Thursday emerged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Dec 5 governorship election in the state. Dickson contested the primary election as the only aspirant following the earlier disqualification of three aspirants and withdrawal of another. Announcing the result, the Chairman of the Election Panel, Gov Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, commended the delegates for their peaceful conduct adding that this was

•Dickson

an indication that PDP was ready to set good example for other parties to follow. “A total of 476 delegates were listed for the election, 452 people were accredited, 24 were absent while five votes were voided.. “Gov. Dickson having scored 447 votes in the Bayelsa PDP governorship primary election, I declare him the winner; he is now returned as the party gubernatorial candidate in the state. “The election today, shows that PDP is united and the transparency in the election is commendable. I must say that PDP will continue to be united not only in Bayelsa but Nigeria at large. In his response, Dickson said he was ready to continue to pilot the affairs of the people of the state. “I commend you all, for the support and today has shown that PDP is a peaceful party; PDP is strong in Bayelsa and there is no space for other parties come Dec 5. “I hereby, announced to you that my able Deputy Governor, John Jonah will still be my running mate for the governorship race, I thank you all,” Dickson said.

Board Bosses’ Renewal Our Bane

–Tunde Braimoh

•Hon. Tunde Braimoh, a former chairman of Kosofe Local Government Council was recently elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly. In this chat with our Assistant Editor, FRANCIS OGBONNA and correspondent STEPHEN AYA, he speaks on his first hundred days as a lawmaker, the sweeping changes effected by the present administration and other issues. Excerpts… What has the last 100 days been like for the Lagos State House of Assembly? Well, the past 100 days have been full of activities; it has been very successful for the Lagos State House of Assembly. We have been performing our oversight functions well, both to the executive and Judiciary, and we have been on top of our game. What are the most difficult things that the House has had to deal with in the last 100 days? One of the most difficult things that we had to deal with, were the issue of some government boards, whose tenure were up for renewal and they were allowed to remain in office by the last government. So we had to get to work as soon as we can. With the support of the executive, we were able to handle it well. Some people have complained that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is trying to erase the memory of former Governor Fashola in the state by some of his actions, for example, the sacking of heads of Departments and Agencies in the State. What is your take on this? It is not true. I can tell you that for the fact that Governor Ambode is not out to do anything of such. Former Governor Fashola has done a very good job in Lagos. He is someone highly respected by all the good people of Lagos and us as well. Let me say here that nobody can rubbish Fashola. Asiwaju himself said so, and if we rubbish Fashola, we are rubbishing ourselves. But you see, it is very difficult to please people. The truth is that we are not running a ‘paddy-paddy’ government here. Even Fashola himself changed on some of his policies when he was in government, fine tuning them so that it can be of benefit to our people. That is also what Governor Ambode is doing, changing of

strategies to make governing more effective. Change is the only constant thing. So people need not worry, we are in good and capable hands. What area would you as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, want the Governor Ambode to focus on? Well, we all know that the major problem of Lagos state is that of infrastructure, and one of the areas that he should focus on is building of roads and other infrastructure and I think he will touch those areas too. What is the one thing that you will like to change at the federal level? Well at the federal level, the party is working on improving infrastructures as well but one thing I will like to see change at the national level is the perception of our people towards things generally. We need to go back to the basis. People are now worshiping money; we need to change that orientation. That should form the foundation of the war against corruption that the government is talking about, because to tell you the truth the society is bad, and no one seem to be reaching them. We have to show the value of hard work as against quick money. We have to go back to the days where honesty is highly regarded in our society. So I am calling for total change of orientation and attitude. What is the next stop for you after these four years in the Lagos State House of Assembly? Do you plan on aspiring for a higher office, may be the House of Representatives? Life itself belongs to God; yes I have been in the House of Assembly now I am grateful to God. I can’t determine what tomorrow will bring. I can only wish, pray and hope that what I wish for, comes to pass and in this light, I want to leave my tomorrow for God to decide.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Editorial

Time To Change Gear In Security Drive NIGERIANS, recently and rightfully so, have been greatly alarmed by the heightened state of insecurity, particularly those resulting from attacks carried out by gunmen. It is worrisome primarily because these criminals execute their nefarious activities with little or no resistance from the various security apparatus charged with the responsibility of providing protection for lives and property of the teeming citizens of the country. A typical case is the kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and erstwhile presidential candidate of the defunct All People's Party, Chief Olu Falae at his Ilado, Ondo State farm, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, coincidentally on the day he turned 77. The former Nigerian minister of Finance

abduction comes on the heels of a similar event, the kidnap of the wife of the Deputy MD of the Sun Newspapers, Mr. Steve Nwosu. Of course as in the case of Chief Falae, her abductors demanded for N100 million. Other non-related attacks by gunmen in the Southwest, however deadlier, include the recent killing of seven members of the Department of State Service (DSS) in Ikorodu, killings and abduction of 11 men of the NIgeria Police Force (NPF) at Arepo, Ogun State, both carried out by suspected oil vandals. Add to this catalogue of killings, the untimely death of one pregnant woman, Mrs. Damilola Fajana, who reportedly was fell in May 2015 by a stray bullet while members of Yoruba vigilante force, the Odua People’s Congress (Gani Adams faction) contracted by

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the former government, led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to protect the pipelines around Arepo, got into a gun battle with said vandals last year. Two other recent cases that evoke fear in the heart of Nigeria, are the gruesome armed robbery incidents that took place in Lagos, one in Lekki and the other in Ikorodu. They took place in May and June 2015 respectively, and as should be expected, they not only carted away several millions of bank deposits, but also resulted in the loss of some innocent lives. These incidents, fraught in the Southwest region of Nigeria confirms sad reality that insecurity is not a phenomenon peculiar to the Northeast geopolitical region of the country, that have been under heavy attacks perpetuated by the dreaded Book Haram sect, especially if you had the differs

incidents of Cattle Rustling in the Northeast, communal clashes that pervade the north-central States, the existence of a huge kidnap ring in the South-east and thriving oil bunkering business in the Niger-delta area, carried out by armed men, who on a regular basis, kill or maim JTF officers drafted to stop their illicit trade. These acts also suggest that, while the government might have been making progress in the war against insurgency, which borders on maintaining the country's territorial integrity, including the former government have neglected internal security of lives and property. Again, these call to question the value placed on the life of the average Nigerian by the various tiers of governments in Nigeria. National Weekender, premised on the above,

LETTER

would like to advise that government of President Muhammadu Buhari, while not neglecting the on-going counterterrorism war, should provoke the NPF and other related agencies charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and property into action. They have slept long enough, the holiday is over. These agencies should remake to step up to the plate and for a change, tackle crime in more contemporary and proactive fashion. Governors should also go beyond being titular 'Chief Security Officers’ of their domain and through workable synergies with the various security apparatus, provide first-line protection for indigenes and residents within their States. For one security votes should be used for security purposes.

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

The HID Awolowo Example THE matriarch of Awolowo dynasty may have gone talking about Chief H.I.D Awolowo but her legacy lives. Eulogies have been poured on the Late mama and they are not for nothing. The eulogies represent the dogged fighter in her which ensured that she stood by her husband to achieve all he did before he passed on. And even after his death she continued to work on the ideals of Late Choef Obafemi Awolowo. Today many label her as the

mother of the nation because she is really the last woman standing. Yes she is the last woman standing when you look critically at her likes whose husband along side her husband fought for the independence of our beloved country. Mama Awolowo impacted hugely on many and she ensured that her husband’s political dynasty remained solid years after his demise. She at a point became the rallying point of the politicians from the South West who needed the Awolowo

support to rise. I think the wives of our political leaders should borrow a leaf from Mama Awolowo to ensure their husbands are not mere politicians but nation builders. She has exemplified hardwork, transparency and goodwill which cuts across all the geo-political zones of this country. That is a strong lesson for all especially women who funds themselves of their husbands in power. -Angela Olasunbo, Ojuelegba, Lagos State

Quote Of The Week “It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our polity. This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the international community is watching because Nigeria is a key member of this community.

–Bukola Saraki, Senate President

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

On My Own –

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

RIGHTEOUSNESS

r o F y n r o h T o o T y a W One Righteousman •To him, his parents were wicked to have christened him Righteousman, because he was a total opposite mammal to that name. He walked the streets aimlessly, slept in mammy wagons and ‘molues’ buses for home, earned N3 – N5 for a night show, leŌ his parents’ cozy bed at 17 for an unknown world in Lagos; he cursed the day his parents called him his name but .. aŌer a while, when he realized that a good name is beƩer than riches, RIGHTEOUSMAN ERABO woke up to the challenges of his name. Read him tell the horrors, humiliaƟons, hunger and starvaƟon he went through and his passionate disgust for the dirƟness of today’s musicians to our Assistant Editor, FRANCIS OGBONNA and his tag team partner, STEPHEN AYA …

igerians know you as

‘Righteousman’, but not many of them know that the name ‘Righteousman’ is not an adopted stage name, but your real name. Please tell us a

little bit

about yourself? Maybe I should start this way; my name is Erabo Righteousman. Righteousman is my real name and it’s been a huge challenge to me, because I am aware of the meaning of what it is to be one. Righteousness means for one to have a right standing with God, so it has been a battle for me to really live up to the name, but by his grace, I am working on my salvation as expected of every Christian. Your parents must have deliberately given you that name; can you please let us into the circumstances surrounding the choice of that name? My parents are very wicked people (he laughs) to give a child that kindofnameunderstanding the burden that comes with it clearly shows that, they are wicked. All the same, it is paying up like I said earlier; it is not by power but by the grace of God, at work in me.

Like they say, “A good name is better than riches”. If they had called me “Devil man”, you would have been scared to even walk up to me, let alone talk to me. Were there times you in your own opinion, fell short of your name and did things you are not proud of today? Sure, I have done so countless times. I was a rude boy. I was a street boy. I was the opposite of my name. It was a crazy life. Even when I became a changed person in 2009, a lot of people didn’t believe me. They felt I would continue with my old life after a couple of months. But since 2009, I have not looked back. You said you started pretty young, how early did you begin singing professionally? My parents were not in support of me doing music, so I had to leave home at 17, so I could pursue my music

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NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Entertainment

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Make Your Pick–

Who Earns More … Actors, Actresses, Musicians Or Comedians? By FRANCIS OGBONNA

he widely-acclaimed Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, popularly referred to by his stage name, ‘Ali Baba’ last July made a sweeping statement that standup comedians-entertainers from his primary constituencies are comparatively richer than Nigerian actors. The humour merchant’s position, premised on the fact that comic artistes are engaged more often than thespians not only ruffled a few feathers, it also begged a few questions. First of all, what are the bases for the celebrated ‘father of contemporary stand-up comedian’s conclusion? Secondly, are these bases verifiable? And lastly, if so, does his claim only applies to actors or does it affect singers as well, who are an intrinsic part of this group of entertainers? This piece takes a cursory look at the income streams of the three key players in the showbiz industry in Nigeria and the average earnings from these sources.

Movies/Shows/Concerts Ali Baba in his defense of his assertion that comedians earn mores said: "Actors shoot a movie, it takes 4 months for the movie to be released and they get paid. There is hardly an actor who charges N1 million or N2 million per movie unless you are in the top end of the hierarchy such as RMD, Genevieve, and Omotola. But then, there are comedians who charge N800, 000 or N1 million per event. In four months, such comedian would have done maybe 30 events, but because he doesn’t do a movie that is on cable TV that can be seen in Kenya, South Africa, and all across the country, people do not think he is making that kind of money". The above claim by Akporobomerere actually holds water. Sadly it is a stark reflection of the status quo, and if a conclusion were to be drawn by this index alone, then it will be safe to say that Comedians earn more than actors. However, the same cannot be said of musicians that according to reports, have more shows and platforms to perform comparatively. For example the likes of D’Banj

is said to collect between N5m and N7m as performance fees for local gigs; $80,000 to $150,000 for African shows; £40,000 to £60,000 for UK shows; and $50,000 to $60,000 for American shows. This puts them way above the leagues of other classes of entertainers. Copyrights One other avenue through which entertainers ordinarily amass wealthy is through sales of their copyrighted materials. They also receive royalties from use of these materials, whether it is songs, films or comedy flicks. However, one phenomenon that robs entertainer of funds accruable from this stream of income is piracy. So it will be difficult ascertain who makes more money from this source, commentators say. Events Compère(s) One other source through which entertainers feed fat, is by serving as Masters of Ceremonies at high class or society functions. The average showbiz practitioner gets paid handsomely for filling these shoes at weddings, company events, birthday parties, concerts etc. This is especially so for comedians, who

are paid heavily to double as MC and Comedians for the day. Nonetheless, not many singers get the opportunity to serve as Compères at such meetings. The implication of this is that in this wise, Comedians actually earn more. TV/Radio Shows (Contents provision) As part of their offerings, or in some cases, just a ploy to remain visible, entertainers are beginning to develop TV/Radio contents, which run daily or even weekly. For example the Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st has “Laugh Matters”; AY has “AY Live Show” and “AY live on the ‘Morning Drive”; and Teju Babyface, the “Teju Babyface Show”. The likes of actress Monalisa Chinda have her TV show-“The Arise Show” and just recently Peter of popular music duo, P-Square launched his “Dance with Peter” reality TV show. These shows, because of their popularity often attract adverts, which have proven overtime to be veritable avenues through which entertainers are rewarded financial for deploying their talents. They tend to make millions of Naira

from TVCs or jingles aired on their shows by brands and different organizations. It is nevertheless difficult to judge who earns more from this stream, since they all seem to play on the same level here. Endorsements The above case is the same thing with endorsements, regardless of the entertainers’ trade. If the artistes, actors/actresses, or comedians enjoy certain level of followership or popularity, they become prime candidates considered for ambassadorial positions. This is especially so for the Telecoms industry, where it looks like the competition to sign on successful entertainers as brand ambassador is very stiff. In 2010, P-Square landed an endorsement deal with Naija’s Telecoms Giant and second national carrier, Globacom worth about N240m for four years. It has since been renewed with a better financial reward attached. As a reader, who do you think? Who among the people, group earns more, Comedians, Actors/Actresses or singers? Have a pick…..

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Entertainment

Beverly Osu Reveals Body Exposure DURING her stay at the Big Brother Africa (BBA) e, Beverly competition, Nigeria’s representative, se of her Osu threw criticism to herself because compromising photographs. en never However, the model and video vixen ead she bothered herself with such talks; instead xt level. concentrated on how to move to the next xplained In an interview with Naij, Beverly explained that she exposes her skin as her “own n way of w to be teaching up-and-coming models how comfortable with their body.” Beverly said she “got into modelling by being self to be a lingerie model. Actually, I forced myself d being a a lingerie model because I never liked runway model.” at I wanted "Before, I was a size 14 but due to what to become, I had to shed the weight. Basically, I n their own want to teach people to be comfortable in skin. People think I expose too much butt I think it’s just my skin, you did not see anything," she further said. Beverly explained why she started her own NGO, se living in which would be looking to support those slums. "While on a movie set in Ajah, I saw some me young roached guys filling a canoe with sand. So I approached et paid them, seeking to know how much they get aid, for the job. Surprisingly, one of them ssaid, ‘N500.’ Immediately, I said to myself: ‘Damn, people are suffering.’ ” After my movie shoot, my project manager told me, “Let’s do somethingg with the slum.” So we decided to start from Port Harcourt and by the grace of God, we will touch lives in every part of the country," she said.

Sound Sultan Disses Music Industry? THERE is the Biblical saying that a man should love his neighbour as himself but we are getting tired of our celebs not loving themselves oh. Veteran Nigerian singer, Sound Sultan seems to be the latest artiste to think that there are back-stabbers in the music industry. The award winning singer took to his Instagram page to share a photo of snakes with the caption “this is what I see when I look at the music industry. it won’t hurt to be straight forward in life… I tame snakes tho they be dancing to my flute”. Who could Sound Sultan be referring to in this picture because there is a lot of unspoken meaning in this photo and its accompanying caption? Sound Sultan who was last spotted at 2Face‘s ‘Fortyfied Concert’ is not one to make the news for frivolous reasons hence why this is really a big deal. It would be recalled that singer Iyanya recently called out his own back stabbers on social media and declaring that he has no friends. While actress OmotolaJaladeEkeinde also stated she only has colleagues not friends in Nollywood.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

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Dance Queen, Kaffy Gives Nosey Mum Punch Over Topless Wears

NIGERIAN dance queen,Kaffy, 34, has released a new set of promotional pictures. The pictures were taken by one of Nigeria's foremost photographer,KelechiAmadi-Obi are sexy and stunning. In of the photos Kaffy is topless as she backs the camera. While her new set of 'dance themed' photos have caught many eyes and have been praised, there are a few people, who however disagree. According to some comments on Kaffy's pictures, a married woman with two kids should not be taking these types of pictures. Kaffy swiftly replied to these comments. Replying to one Instagram user she wrote; "did I wear it to ur house? Is this a fashion shoot for a cloth line? This is about body care and u r d judge of who is a perfect mum. This is my art if u don't like unfollow. Myopic minded good two shoes." Additionally she wrote "it's just funny cuzi live my life empowering women and youths and most of the time these women and i mean beautiful women have been suppressed and are depressed just because they have lost their sense of sensuality, self-confidence all in the name of catering for husband, children and career. Taunted by hypocrisy of d society where it is okay for the men but d women who actually bring stability and work hard to keep everything together are neglected. My life is set to inspire, be a mum, be a career woman, be a wife...u can still be strong, sexy, sensual, and a great achiever."

Don Jazzy Benefited More From Mo’Hit’s Demise –OJB Jezreel SOME days ago at the 2Face’s‘Fortyfied celebration’, the singer had publicly begged that versatile producer and former music partner, D’banj come together to make a song even just one, which was widely applauded by the crowd. D’banj had acknowledged that definitely, it will happen as both stars were seen shaking hands and hugging each other at the event. For one of Nigeria’s must respected music producer, OJB Jezreel, he does not see anything wrong with the two coming back together as their chemistry could be said to have been ordained in heaven. He pointed that looking closely at them, breaking up was also good because it helped Don Jazzy to rediscover himself better. In his words with HipTV, he said, “D’banj and a Don Jazzy coming back, I will be honest with you, I think they being together is like a chemistry made from heaven and at the same time I think they being apart as also help most especially a Don Jazzy to actually rediscover himself the more. Let’s be truthful, he has been more on a level where he has been able to widen his horizon as a producer and as executive producer but for them coming together won’t be a bad idea.”

D’Banj Releases 10th Anniversary EP KOKO Master, D'banj has released his 10th anniversary visual EP 'An Epic Journey'. 'An Epic Journey' contains seven tracks, with features from Akon, Driis (Idris Elba), Shadow Boxxer, Cassper Nyovest, Reminisce, and Ice Prince. ‘Banga Lee’ is arguably one of the most prolific music makers in Nigeria this year. Considering the not so distant past where many fans and critics have voiced out their feelings of his music being under par, 2015 has seen a vast upgrade as he has begun to assemble hits after hits. D’Banj began his 2015 campaign

promoting his hit single 'Feeling the nigga' which was followed up with the remix featuring international superstar Akon, this saw to the beginning of a new era and also the return of the D’Banj we all fell in love with as he began to dominate all the major music charts for an extended period. Following up to his rise from the ashes, D’Banj made announcement of a first of its kind project. He informed the public of his intention to release a visual EP which would consist of 7 videos that would be released weekly, due to the nature of this project there were many reservations on whether such a

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

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14&27

$ DEPARTING Watchdog host Anne Robinson is being replaced by two presenters. Ne w sread er S ophi e Raworth, 47, and ex-Blue Peter star Michelle Ackerley, 30, join the BBC consumer show from October 8. Sophie did work experience on Watchdog when she was 16. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watchdog is the reason I got into TV. It feels like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come full circle.â&#x20AC;? Thehas pairconfessed will join its Chris VW Hollins and Matt Allwright. fake emissions tests Anne, 70,inquit following were used Europe. the success of her show Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Spending Secrets.

Recounting his wild days in a new tell-all book, the TV celeb said he is quieter now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still take drugs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but on prescription for blood pressure,â&#x20AC;? he joked. 28

$ SUE Dunn said son Mason, 14, uses e-cigs to kick 10-a-day habit.

$ ! ! " $

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

TORTURE O

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" ! ! age of 12, in part due to the death of his father. And she promised teachers he

Mason Dunn, 14, had the device taken would not use the e-cig â&#x20AC;&#x201C; known as vaping from him when he was found using it on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; openly or in front of younger pupils. But Suzanne Pountain, head of Kearsley his schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no-smoking premises. But mum Sue argued it helps him kick Academy, Bolton, said they had a â&#x20AC;&#x153;duty of careâ&#x20AC;? to discourage children from smoking. his 10-a-day cigarette habit. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not happy about the fact that he smokes in the first place, but we ' '!! % $ & "'& "! & ! $ %"! " % ( ! & "! " have tried everything to help him stop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have tried patches and have been && !& "! ! %! & % % $( ! & '# &" to the doctor, but nothing worked. So my ! "! !% $ #% &" & " &"$ &" eldest son bought him an e-cigarette and + '$ - % % " ! ! "& ! # & % ! it has helped him stop smoking cigarettes. $ && , ! !") ! & "! #' &* & %"'! % %"! &"' ) He has really made an effort.â&#x20AC;? She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went into the school and * $% & $ % ! & % !"$ ) !& % ' % '! ( && !& "! explained the situation, but was told it is

'& # ! $ ! &" ' $"'% & & "! against the school policy.â&#x20AC;? Miss Dunn, 42, & & & % ! & "! &" ! "& ! told how Mason started smoking at the

returned to Mason, Ms Pountain said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a h ealthy scho ol , we encourage students to Mason said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It feels like the school lead healthy lifestyles and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want me to stop smoking. to make healthy choices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is really irritating because they â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer students access shout at me when I have a cigarette and to the school nurse and, if tell me to stop, and then when I try to quit necessary, pathways such as the they tell me to stop doing that as well.â&#x20AC;? smoke cessation programme.â&#x20AC;? Though the device has since been She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to work with and support Mason within the guidelines of our policy.â&#x20AC;? From next month, it will be illegal for retailers to sell electronic cigarettes and "! * ! & $"' ( # ! & e-liquids to under-18s. % "" % $ ' "'% ! ) & %% O A school with a ban on disciplining & % ! % &" % ) "% # $ !&% && &" pupils has been labelled â&#x20AC;&#x153;inadequateâ&#x20AC;? by $ $ & ) & ! & !"$ "'! $ % Ofsted. Parents claimed naughty children $ % !"& ! ! ) "'& % " at Barrowford Primary School in Nelson, & ! '# "! & ) * " $" % "" Lancs, are sent to â&#x20AC;&#x153;chill-out roomsâ&#x20AC;?, and "$ "'& & #$"# $ ) * " ! ) & & pupils decide when they take breaks. , "" " % "! " " !

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when you have a terminal illness, you have to be rich enough to afford to travel to Dignitas [an assisted dying !! & ($#' ' $)! organisation] in Switzerland.â&#x20AC;? !!$* ($ $$' ($ # ( She also revealed her own mother ' +' $)& ' !( ')%& "$ personally lobbied her to amend the A proposed new law giving that right law to give choice to people with less tthan six months to live. to those with just months Ms Alexander said: to live was rejected by â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I became an MP MPs this month. Mum told me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shadow Health SecreI believe one law you change Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d tary Heidi Alexander said that people like you to look at this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;appallingâ&#x20AC;? that some itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about relievBritons are denied the should have because ing human sufferingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;? option of assisted suicide She stressed that her abroad because they choice at mum is still â&#x20AC;&#x153;fighting fit cannot afford to travel. the end of and perfectly healthyâ&#x20AC;?. Assisted suicide is Ms Alexander warned legal in some countries, their life that the NHS is on the including Switzerland.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;brink of collapseâ&#x20AC;? as Ms Alexander, in her ! a dire lack of funds first newspaper interview tthreatens it with extincsince her appointment, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe people should have tion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and vowed she will battle to stop choice at the end of their life. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s further privatisation of the service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want another wholesale appalling that if you want to control the time and manner of your own death reorganisation of the NHS,â&#x20AC;? she said,

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;but this Tory government is a huge danger to it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my first responsibility to hold Health Secretary Jeremy Huntâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet to the fire on the funding issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we have to do is reverse the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s privatisation agenda.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hospital bosses all over the UK will tell you they face the stark reality of choosing between balancing the books and maintaining patient safety.â&#x20AC;? Ms Alexander confessed to being stunned when new leader Jeremy Corbyn offered her the post. She had backed Andy Burnham, her predecessor as health chief, to lead the party but said Mr Corbyn never even mentioned her support for his main rival. She was making Sunday dinner when he called her at 7.30pm the day after he was named leader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was quite a shock,â&#x20AC;? the Lewisham East MP admitted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But now people like me need to put the differences of the leadership contest behind us and get on with providing an effective opposition to a divisive Tory government.â&#x20AC;? # & * & $&+ " &&$& $ )

HOMELESSNESS has soared by 40% since David Cameron became Prime Minister. Figures show 15,600 more families have been forced on to the streets since 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and charities say welfare cuts are a driving factor. Home ownership is down 4.1%. Projected annual rents will average ÂŁ11,500 by 2020. Shadow Housing Minister John Healey said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their five years of failure on housing means misery for millions.â&#x20AC;? The Communities and Local Government department said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made ÂŁ1billion available since 2010 to tackle homelessness.â&#x20AC;?

% % MEAT should carry tobaccostyle health warnings, Labourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new vegan Shadow Farming Minister has said. Kerry McCarthy said in April: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meat should be treated in the same way as tobacco, with campaigns to stop people eating it.â&#x20AC;? S he said of farmers complaining that supermarkets pay rock-bottom prices for milk: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you live by the market you have to risk dying by the market.â&#x20AC;? The MP now â&#x20AC;&#x153;acceptsâ&#x20AC;? Britain has a livestock industry. The Countryside Alliance said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her ideas are verging on the cranky.â&#x20AC;?

#) ! $ % $ A SECRET Tory plot to sell off Channel 4 has been exposed by a hapless official entering Downing Street. The aide carried documents referring to a meeting where â&#x20AC;&#x153;privatisation optionsâ&#x20AC;? were discussed. It is estimated the Government could raise ÂŁ1billion

They never see daylight or forage on grass, instead spending their lives painfully on wire floors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes alongside the carcasses of dead cage-mates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to let their waste fall through to a pit underneath. Tiny newborns who have their delicate heads knocked against the metal bars have little chance of survival, and some suffer a grim slow death in the sewage pit. An undercover investigation into the vile industry found 16 pitiful white rabbits packed into a square metre of space. Shocking images show animals with their ears chewed off, faces covered in sores, rocking from side to side to relieve the pain from bleeding, ulcerated paws. An undercover investigator said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cages were full. The young rabbits had no space to stretch out, stand or hop. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re born in a cage and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where they stay until slaughter 80 days later for their meat.â&#x20AC;? The females kept for breeding suffered even worse conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will be in solitary confinement for two years, producing litter after litter,â&#x20AC;? the investigator said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a few seconds they will be yanked from their cage, artificially inseminated and dropped back in again.â&#x20AC;? The appalling cruelty will horrify the owners of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nine million dogs and eight million cats who could be unwittingly contributing to the trade, as meat from farms like this is used in some pet food.

The cages rabbits are a cage and 80 days un theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kil

Julie Sanders, boss of the Four Paws animal welfare charity, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe pet owners in the UK would be absolutely horrified if they knew that the food they were feeding their cats and dogs was linked to such horrific cruelty.â&#x20AC;? There are no EU-wide laws against intensive farming of rabbits, and the vast majority of more than 300 million rabbits killed every year in Europe for their meat live in the type of battery cages that were outlawed for chickens in 2012. Some 300,000 rabbits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of them cage-farmed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are imported into the UK from the Continent each year, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Much of their meat and organs end up in household-name dog and cat food bought by unsuspecting pet owners. Ms Sanders added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although rabbit is the second most intensively farmed animal in the EU, with almost 326 million rabbits slaughtered every year for their meat, rabbits are not protected by any specific legislation in Europe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rabbit is not commonly eaten here in the UK, so people may simply not be aware of the sheer scale of the rabbit fae faeces can fal meat industry or the poor ranged in pits ra conditions in which these Investigato rabbits are kept. ccrowded rab â&#x20AC;&#x153;There may be a misconeeach otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e ception that rabbit meat is ffrom behavi

% " " $# generally from the wild.â&#x20AC;? They witn Evidence of appalling stand- & "( ( " %" ! fungal infec ards of factory farming were #$ " $ " $ falling off an supplied to the Mirror by Four One repor Paws, French animal welfare white wh h fur was group L214 and Compassion ra rabbits in som in World Farming. that it looked th CIWF recently visited 16 bbeen snowing rabbit farms in Italy, Greece, Most of t the Czech Republic, Poland iinvestigators and Cyprus and found animals % " ! "$ $ identified bu spending their entire lives $ " $ who has vi walking on the sharp floors of $ $ ( " farms in n metal cages so their urine and where most

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Business

•Col. Hamid Ali, Controler General, Customs.

En Route Economic Recovery:

Buhari’s Redemption Ace By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE WITH biting unemployment, dwindling crude oil price in the global market, heavy import dependency and a poverty rate that stands at 73 percent in the rural areas of the country, the Nigerian economy is unarguably, under dire straits. How to reposition the economy to the betterment of the citizenry has, therefore, become the concern of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration since its inception in May 29. According to reports, the federal government is looking at various ways to salvage the economy through reduction of over-dependence on crude oil and increase in generation of revenue through agriculture, tourism, textile and customs and other possible revenuegeneration sources. The government through

recent actions, has made it clear that it will not be business as usual in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is looking at the agency to generate more revenue for the country especially as price of crude oil continues to fall. President Buhari appointed retired colonel, Hammeed Ali as the new ComptrollerGeneral of Customs following the voluntary resignation of Abdullahi Dikko, a move many perceive as clever. The Ex- Customs boss was quoted as saying that he decided to resign his appointment before President Buhari sacks him. The president also refused to pick Dikko’s successor from amongst the senior officers of the Service because security checks on them, revealed many are stupendously rich far above their legitimate earnings with cash and assets stashed

away across the country and overseas. It is believed that Ali’s appointment is an ace the president served in his mission to scrutinize the already corrupt NCS system, which is bedevilled by various forms of corruption, bribery and embezzlement. The President is hoping that, when the system is clean of corruption and embezzlement, the country would be able to generate more revenue from the agency to cushion some of the effects of crude oil deficit. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) collected a total revenue of N3.048 trillion between January 2011 and August 2014. According to the agency’s Spokesperson, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, within the first eight months of 2014 alone, over 3,961 seizures were made with majority of them consisting rice, textile materials, poultry, wine and alcoholic beverages and vehicles.

Adeniyi said in 2011, the Service collected N741.8 bil lion, in 2012, it was N850.8 billion. In 2013, NCS collected N622.2 billion and by end of August 2014, the Service had raked in N622.2 billion. An economist, Mr Tosin Yusuf agreeing with actions of the federal government, said diversification is the only way to get out of the current economic problem in Nigeria. Yusuf while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, explained that the economic situation of the country required diversification of the monoculture oil economy. He further explained that the fall in the world price of oil made it “compulsory for countries like Nigeria to look elsewhere for revenue generation” and advised President Muhammadu Buhari to look at other areas of revenue generation. According to him, there are viable sectors that are

lying untapped which have potency to turn around the Nigerian economy for good thereby reducing the country’s overdependence on oil. “This current government under President Muhammadu Buhari must intensify efforts to create an alternative means of revenue generation. “The decades of over-reliance on oil have impoverished the greater number of Nigerians and hindered progress in all ramifications. “Sectors like agriculture and mining and customs are capable of making up the deficiency in the oil resources. “Obviously, the continued decline in the oil revenue will make the current government to diversify the economy and make it buoyant,” Yusuf said. He advised the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to block every loophole in the nation’s borders and generate more revenues for the country.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Business MARKETS/ COMMODITIES

CBN Exchange Rates FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES 25/09/15

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO S/FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 302.6044 218.6576 201.3561 1.6344 0.317 275.6977 30.7346 52.2569 29.3058 275.2428

197 304.1483 219.7732 202.3834 1.6428 0.337 277.1043 30.8923 52.5235 29.4553 276.6471

PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri Sept. 25, 2015

Top Gainers FO STANBIC WAPCO UAC-PROP UNILEVER

239.99 22.12 98.00 7.79 46.00

8.90 1.05 0.54 0.37 0.30

PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri Sept. 25, 2015

Top Losers NIGSEWING NIWICABLE STOKVIS OKOMUOIL UACN

28.10 30.00

-0.85 -0.66

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

Refineries For Sale In 90 Days If ...

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it may sell refineries that fail to work optimally by the expiration of the 90-day ultimatum for their rehabilitation. Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the NNPC Group Managing Director, disclosed this at an interactive session with news men in Lagos. Kachikwu said ``by the end of December when the 90-day ultimatum will expire, any refinery that does not work optimally will be sold. ``I am determined to make a difference during my tenure. We are losing N2.2 trillion monthly to refinery inefficiency. As at today, the average refining performance is 30 per cent. ``If by December, the refineries don’t work, I will export crude allocation and import refined petroleum products until we fix the refineries. ``Right now, the Port Harcourt refinery is showing signs that it

will meet the December deadline. ``However, I am not saying Warri and Kaduna refineries will not meet the deadline, but I hope they all make it, so that we can continue to utilise our crude allocation to boost domestic refining.’’ Kachikwu expressed the hope that the NNPC cash call arrears, which stood at N1.1 trillion, would be settled by the end of December 2015. ``By December, I hope to settle all the cash call arrears and grow Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) to where it is supposed to be,’’ he said.

ABCON Backs CBN’s Forex Market Drive THEAssociationofBureaude-Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has expressed support for the fiscal policy of the Central

Nasarawa Provides For IDPs In 2016 Budget GOVERNOR Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has revealed that provision would be made for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the 2016 budget proposal for their rehabilitation. Governor Al-Makura stated this when he received the state deputy governor, Silas Agara and other top government functionaries who paid him Sallah homage in government house Lafia on Friday He explained that government has come to the realisation that what the people and communities affected communal conflicts and other natural disasters needed at this material time is beyond handouts and relief materials but economic empowerment to be able to revive their lives back on track. He promised that the budget provision for the rehabilitation of the IDPs will address most of their challenges and create avenues for genuine economic activities within the affected communities. Almakura said that his administration would continue to ensure the unity of the people of the state and urged them to encourage inter-tribal marriages which promotes peaceful coexistence among communities. He called on community leaders and the people of the state to reject any form of violence and come together as one. On his part the deputy governor, Silas Agara promised the governor that all government workers and political appointees would do their best to support the success of the administration. Agara added that the vision of Al-Makura would go along way in sustaining the much needed development in the state and create a better future for the state.

•Kachikwu

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the country’s foreign exchange market. ABCON’s Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, told the newsmen on Friday in Lagos that the fiscal measures would stabilise the market and ensure that the Naira retained its value.

•Al-Makura

Gwadabe noted that CBN’s measures had contributed greatly to the current stability being experienced in the forex market. He said a stable exchange rate was favourable to the operations of Bureau-deChange (BDC) and also to the nation’s economy. Gwadabe had at a media briefing said that the existence of the BDCs was important for providing across- the-counter retail foreign exchange services. He also said that BDCs provided statistics to the CBN on transactions in retail market. “We also serve as channel of official intervention in the retail segment of the foreign exchange market.”

Skye Bank Gets New CFO SKYE Bank has notified The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of the resignation of its CFO, Mr. Bamidele Ogunnaike effective 31 August 2015, while the board of the bank has approved the appointment of Mr. Pius Olaoye as its new CFO effective 1 September 2015. Skye Bank, in a note to the Exchange, states that Pius Olaoye has the requisite skills and knowledge, related experience, and the understanding of the CFO role. He has been in the Financial Control Department of the bank within the last 10 years and was the deputy to the outgoing CFO between 2006 and 2012. He was re-assigned to the Central Processing Centre (CPC) in May 2012 as the pioneer Head, to set-up the operations. Prior to his appointment as CFO, Pius Olaoye was the Head of the bank’s Performance Management where he successfully instituted a more stringent and transparent performance management framework for the Bank.

He also worked closely with the outgoing CFO and is conversant with all regulatory reporting requirements, the financial systems and records of the bank. Meanwhile, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) had a three-day trading week as the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Thursday 24th and Friday 25th of September, 2015 as public holiday in commemoration of the Eidel-KabirSallah celebration. Meanwhile, a turnover of 850.095 million shares worth N9.060 billion in 9,414 deals were traded this week by investors in contrast to a total of 1.384 billion shares valued at N13.862 billion that exchanged hands last week in 17,984 deals. The financial services Industry led the activity chart with 726.294 million shares valued at N6.058 billion traded in 5,086 deals; thus contributing 85.44 per cent and 66.87 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The consumer goods industry followed with a turnover of 38.681 million shares worth N1.790 billion in 1,895 deals. The third place was occupied by the conglomerates Industry with 37.874 million shares worth N224.698 billion in 538 deals. Trading in the top Three Equities namely – Zenith International Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Sterling Bank Plc(measured by volume) accounted for 334.012 million shares worth N3.674 billion in 1,472 deals, contributing 39.29 per cent and 40.56 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were a total of 11,454 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N449,180.74 executed in 13 deals compared with a total of 1,189 units valued at N1.282 million transacted last week in 24 deals. The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.69 per cent to close on Friday at 30,543.17 and N10.497 trillion respectively.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Health

L iving

Supernatural with

PASTOR EBENEZER BAMISHE 08066440970

The Mercy Of God (PSALMS 23)

Doctors Too Ache Over Head-aches

early every man has had a Compiled By CHARLES ENWEREM head-ache, and most of us have had many. A minor common of all headaches. In most cases, head-ache is little more than a they are mild to moderate in severity nuisance that’s relieved by an overand occur infrequently. But a few the-counter pain reliever, some food people get severe tension headaches, or coffee, or a short rest. But if your and some are troubled by them three headache is severe or unusual, you or four times a week. might worry about stroke, a tumor, The typical tension headache or a blood clot. Fortunately, such produces a dull, squeezing pain on problems are rare. Still, you should both sides of the head. People with know when a headache needs urgent strong tension headaches may feel like care and how to control the vast their head is in a vise. The shoulders majority of headaches that are not and neck can also ache. Some tension threatening to your health. headaches are triggered by fatigue, WHEN TO WORRY emotional stress, or problems involving You can take care of many types of the muscles or joints of the neck or jaw. headaches by yourself, and your doctor Most last for 20 minutes to two hours. can give you medication to control MIGRAINE most of the tougher ones. But some Migraines occur less often than headaches call for prompt medical tension-type headaches, but they are care. Here are some warning signs: usually much more severe. They are •Headaches that first develop after two to three times more common in age 50 women than men, but that’s small •A major change in the pattern of consolation if you are among the 6% your headaches to 8% of all men who have migraines. •An unusually severe “worst And since a study of 20,084 men age 40 headache ever” to 84 reported that having migraines •Pain that increases with coughing boosts the risk of heart attacks by 42%, or movement men with migraines should take their •Headaches that get steadily worse headaches to heart. • Changes in personality or mental Neurologists believe that migraines function are caused by changes in the brain’s •Headaches that are accompanied blood flow and nerve cell activity. by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased Genetics play a role since 70% of alertness or memory, or neurological migraine victims have at least one close symptoms such as visual disturbances, relative with the problem. slurred speech, weakness, numbness, CLUSTER HEADACHES or seizures •Headaches that are accompanied by a painful red eye, pain and tenderness near the temples HEADACHE CATEGORIES There are more than 300 types of headaches, but only about 10% of headaches have a known cause. The others are called primary headaches. Here is a rundown on some major primary headaches. TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES Occurring in about three of every four adults, tension headaches are the most

Cluster headaches are uncommon but very severe, and they occur five times more often in men than women. Although anyone can get cluster headaches, the typical patient is a middle-aged man with a history of smoking. The problem gets its name because the headaches tend to come in clusters, with one to eight headaches a day during a one- to three-month period every year or two, often at the same time of year. The pain always strikes one side of the head and is very severe. The eye on the painful side is red and watery, the eyelid may droop, and the nose runs or is blocked. The attack starts abruptly and lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Most sufferers become restless and agitated during the attack; unable to sit still, they pace, jog in place, or beat their head against a wall. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound may accompany the pain. OTHER HEADACHES Doctors have diagnosed hundreds of conditions associated with headaches. Here are just a few: Medication headaches. Sinus headaches. Ice cream headaches. High blood pressure. Exercise and sex. Living with headaches For most of us, an occasional headache is nothing more than a temporary speed bump in the course of a busy day. Even so, most men can ease the problem with simple lifestyle measures and nonprescription medications. Relaxation techniques, biofeedback, yoga, and acupuncture may also help. But for some of us, headaches are a big problem. Learn to recognize warning signs that call for prompt medical care. Work with your doctor to develop a program to prevent and treat migraines and other serious headaches. And don’t fall into the trap of overusing medications; for some gents, rebound headaches are the biggest pain of all.

"WHEN God's mercy is available, His glory will manifest" "No man has ever ran away from his shadow: therefore, where God's presence is, is where God is" Exodus 33:14-15. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give the rest. v15. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. Ex:33:18. And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. "A divine encounter with God is all you need, to have a good description of whom God is" Exodus 33:19-20 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.v20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. "God never leaves the destitute without an alternative, What man prescribe as alternatives are solutions generating calamities But God has a readymade calamities solution free from every problem" Habakkuk 3:2. O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. "Mercy is the divine hand of God used to design and redesign man's destiny" Isa:59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. "The only thing that separates man from God is sin." Proverb18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. "The name of Jesus is the only seal for the redemption of man's soul" “The fortified tower is a surety stronghold that holds the hope of the destiny of every dynasty” Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. "Your faith is the key to the supernatural and your life is tied to it, therefore, when it is applied, you untie the hands of God and make things happen in the natural" Mark 10:27. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. “Mortality is not sufficient to make that which is impossible possible you need God to make the impossible possible" John11:4,40 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.v40: Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? "The only condition attached to your miracle is your faith in the name of Jesus Christ the miracle worker." “Faith unlocks the doors of mercy and makes mercy an agent change” Joh:11:33-39 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, v34: And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. v35: Jesus wept... When God’s mercy avails in your life every other excuse becomes irrelevant, because of mercy the law of gravity is defied, though your case might have defied all probable solutions and all hope is totally gone, today mercy is coming on your way, it once happened to Lazarus, so your situation is not exempted, Jesus groaned in the spirit and was troubled, the mystery in it is very simple, Jesus is the agent of divine mercy: the groaning and the trouble in the spirit is the key that unlocked the heavens and untied the hands of God for the release of divine abundance. Jesus the mercy carrier is right here with you, say Jesus please come into my life, I believe in my heart that you died and was raise from the death and I confess that you are my Lord. Jesus come into my life and be my Lord and saviour now and forevermore. Amen

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Offa Poly Student Sells 3-Week Old Baby THE police in Lagos State have arrested a Higher National Diploma undergraduate student of Offa Polytechnic, Kwara State for allegedly selling her three–week–old baby. The student, identified as Idiat, agreed to sell her baby to Mr and Mrs Ayangbemile for N300,000. Also arrested is the trado-medical doctor, OnalajaOlawole, who allegedly stole the baby and sold to Mr and Mrs Ayangbemile for N300,000. The couple had only paid N136,000 out of the money before the bubble on the illicit business got burst. It was gathered that the landlord of the Ayangbemiles, who became suspicious when the couple brought in a new baby, alerted the police. The trado-doctor, however, insisted that that the mother of the baby, IdiatBabatunde, agreed to sell the baby after she had allegedly collected N70, 000. The image maker in charge of the Lagos State police command, Joe Offor, while speaking on the incident,

said: “It was an outright sale. Idiat collected the money. The doctor said so, but she denied collecting any money from him. The real amount is N300, 000. The childless couple was able to raise N136, 000. The tradodoctor gave Idiat N70, 000. Speaking on the matter, Idiat, a Higher National Diploma undergraduate of Offa Polytechnic, Kwara State, said: “I gave birth on September 5, but because of issues of missing script and clearance, I needed to rush down to my school in Kwara State. I left forKwara on September 12. “I didn’t want anything to affect my going for the National Youth Service Corps programme. I left my baby with the doctor because he and my husband are friends. I know that his wife had just given birth and she would be able to take care of my baby. I never knew he would sell my baby.” The trado-medical doctor allegedly admitted collecting money from the couple but insisted that he did not sell the baby and that the money was meant for the paper work of the ‘adoption’ of the baby. Also, speaking on the

incident, Mrs. Ayangbemile said: “I’ve known the doctor since 2013. He had been treating me because I used to have miscarriages. He called me last year that I should adopt, but I said no. Soon after, my husband and I quarrelled and separated. “The doctor called me last week. He said that he had a baby girl for me. I didn’t know that the baby’s mother wasn’t aware of the deal. The doctor said he would prepare papers for us at Alausa, Ikeja,”

A 20-year-old suspected cultist, TaiyeAjayi, has been remanded in prison for allegedly murdering a security guard, MeshackEkpenyong, in Lagos. Ajayi was arraigned before magistrate Bola FolarinWilliams of an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court on a four counts of murder and belonging to an unlawful society, Punch reports. “That you, TaiyeAjayi, and others at large, on July 25, 2015, at about 7am at Ago-owu Street, Ilaje, Bariga, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; murder…,” the charges read in part. It was gathered that Ekpenyong, who lived in the Ibafo, Ogun State, was killed by

persons believed to be members of the Eiye Confraternity at Ago-Owu Street, Ilaje in the Bariga area of Lagos State. The deceased was reportedly on a visit to his mother. In a remand application brought before the court, the Investigating Police Officer, Bamidele Olusegun, said the suspect was identified by a witness with further fingerprint evidence incriminating him. Olusegun however said Ajayi had yet to confess to the

crime. The crimes Ajayi is accused of are punishable under sections 231, 221, 41 and 42 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011, according to the police prosecutor, Inspector Victor Eruada, who urged the court to remand the suspect pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The magistrate then ordered that Ajayi be remanded for the first 30 days permitted by law.

Nine OOU Students Injured In Road Accident NINE students of the OlabisiOnabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, have been injured in a road accident, about four month after the death of nine of their colleagues in similar circumstances. The accident occurred on Old Corperative Road in AgoIwoye last Thursday when the victims were returning to their off-campus hostels in Oru-Ijebu. They were travelling in a 14-seater bus. It was gathered that the accident was caused by a brake failure, which made the vehicle to skid off its lane and crash into a roadside

carwash. Sympathisers rushed to the scene to rescue the occupants of the bus. The driver, it was learnt, ran away immediately after the incident. Occupants of the vehicle included nine students. No life was lost. Three of the injured students were referred to the OOU Teaching Hospital in Sagamu. They are AdewunmiAdekanbi, a 400-Level Applied Zoology student, Elizabeth OlawunmiOlapelumi, a 100-Level Mass Communication student, and YetundeOgunsawe, also in 100-Level Mass Communication.

•Michael Opadoja is the Social Secretary, University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU). In this interview with our correspondent, OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE, the 400 Level student of Psychology, speaks on culƟsm, prosƟtuƟon and the sad death of Oluchi Anekwe.

not the first time soldiers and Man’O’War officials will be subjecting them to such humiliating treatment in the name of punishment. According to him, the latest of these punishments was delivered to them on Thursday because a lady corper misplaced her wedding ring. He said the corper reported the missing ring to the orientation camp’s broadcasting service (OBS) in order for it to be announced, peradventure,

anyone who finds it can return to her. He further said that, before they knew it, soldiers had rounded them up, marched them to the field and punished them. “Here in Delta state, we have been subjected to undeserved punishment from so called soldiers. A girl lost her wedding ring in her hostel, she reported to OBS (orientation broadcasting service) before we knew it everybody were asked to

The banners, first noticed a fortnight ago, were hung on the Badagry Expressway and Iba Gates of the institution. Each banner, as at Wednesday, read "Count Down!!! 38 days to go. The end of evil at sight.’’ Vice Chancellor Obafunwa’s tenure is expected to l end on October 31. Dr Adekunle Idris, the Chairman, LASU chapter of ASUU, told newsmen on Wednesday that the union had no connection with the banner. "We know nothing about the banner;maybe it is the handiwork of some concerned LASU community members, who are looking forward for a change in LASU," he said. Similarly, Mr SaheedOseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU Chapter, said the union had nothing to do with banner. "We just saw the banner at the two gates and on daily basis, we noticed that it was replaced." Meanwhile, the Governing Council of the university has started receiving application for the post. The school's official bulletin, stated that the vacancy was in consonance with relevant provisions of the LASU Law 24 of 2004. "The Governing Council wishes to appoint a successor to outgoing vice-chancellor, whose first term as V-C expires on Oct. 31," the bulletin said. It said that the appointment would be for four years and renewable for a second term of four years only. "Remuneration for the vicechancellor includes a consolidated salary, housing facility, and other benefits and allowances that apply to V-Cs in Nigerian universities," it said. The bulletin stated that all applications should be addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and submitted to the Registrar, not later than six weeks from the date of publication. "Shortlisted candidates will be required to make themselves available for interview with the Joint Council and Senate Committee at a date that will be duly and formally conveyed to such candidates in writing," the bulletin stated.

Delta Corpers Lament Maltreatment From Soldiers By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE CORPS members in Delta State, have lamented ill treatment in the hands of soldiers at their orientation camp. According to a corper, all corps members in the orientation camp were on Thursday forcefully made to kneel in the sun and raise their arms like children. The unhappy corperlamented that this is

With

OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE OG

Students Prostitution As Old As Time –UNILAG SOCIAL DIRECTOR

Union Dissociates Self

20-Yr-Old Cultist Jailed For Murder

VOX POP

ogunojemiteayodele@yahoo.com

LASU Countdown Banner: THE Lagos State University (LASU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday dissociated its members from the banners, counting down to the expiration of the vicechancellor’s tenure. The banner, being updated daily by an unknown person, said that the incumbent ViceChancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, had 38 days to go.

ACADA

kneel down under the sun like nursery school student. We call it "buying job". Every little offence here, we are made to frog jump and other humiliating punishments. “We call on Delta state government to come to our aid before these soldiers kill us. They punish us for every little mistake and in this case I can’t even understand what we did wrong. Corpers here are already getting agitated and I won’t be surprised if there is anarchy” He said.

WHEN were you elected Director of Socials of UNILAG and how competitive was the election? I was elected Director of Socials, University of Lagos (UNILAG) on March 29th this year. It was highly competitive at the beginning but as God will have it, I later became unopposed i.e, all other aspirants for the position eventually stepped down for me so at that point I was already sure to win. So far, how challenging has it been? It’s really been challenging and extremely tasking. Managing academics in my office is not easy. But, you know I can’t eat my cake and have it. Can you tell us some the challenges you face. One of the major challenge I face is attending various student’s events. Also, presently, the SUG is operating on zero fund and getting sponsors to support our events have been really tasking. Sometimes, I have to let go of some events. In your opinion, do you think that Nigerian students are more socially minded than academics? I think they are more socially minded than academics. This is because, even education is embedded in social activities. Take for instance, Albert Bandura’s social learning, which is in operation now. That is the sphere of life that we are now, the world of social networking and money field. Students now see education as a means to an end and not an end in itself. Abroad, academic calendar now absorbs certain social activities. So you see, social activity is the new and effective method of learning. What has your office achieved so far? This particular administration is a test run primarily to lay foundation for others. This we have successfully done. We might not have achieved much, but we have laid down a legacy that will last years to come. Do lecturers see you as an unserious student considering the position you occupy? My lecturers are very understanding though there are still a few of them who think that since I became a student leader, I have not been as unserious as I used to be. But the fact is that, I know what I am doing and I know how to manage both. I also understand that my academics must always come first. A student in your position should definitely have girls flocking around you. How do you cope? Before I became social secretary, I had girls all over. They are my fans. Some like me while some others just want to be friends with me. Some hate me while some dislike me…funny right? These are all things that contribute to my popularity. Girls are my serious issue. As a student leader, what is your take on cultism and student prostitution? Cultism, I am rather indifferent. As long as peace reigns and safety of lives of students is guaranteed, anybody is free to join any association of their choice at their own risk. UNILAG has enjoyed some great deal of peace based on the fact that its environment discourages cultism. Student prostitution on the other hand, sure exists and it’s been in existence in tertiary institutions long before we were born. Lots of students engage in the act unconsciously. Many do it for survival during their schooling. I will say that, it is a foolish act because students don’t have to go to the extent of giving their bodies in exchange for money or other material things rather, any form of positive and wealth creating innovations should be cultivated within the ambient of civility. UNILAG students complain that the school’s management is not proactive to the agitations of students. Is this true? The management are proactive. I will rather say their response style is what is faulty. Students want sporadic and spontaneous response, we don’t care what happens and how the management goes about it, all we want is result. Management on the other hand go through series of discusses and consultation before making a move even though their responses are not all the time tactical. Recently, tragedy befell UNILAG when a 300l First Class Accounting student was electrocuted to death. What is the SUG and the school management doing to forestall further occurrence? OluchiAnekwe, may her gentle soul rest in peace. That is one of many occurrences that could have been prevented if management had been responsive enough. It would have been averted. Though the school claims the power line belongs to Eko Electricity Company, but then why on earth should it pass through the major entrance to 5 halls of residence? That should have been corrected long ago. It’s rather just unfortunate that a soul had to be lost before something was done about it. I fault the management on this. Nevertheless, to prevent further occurrence, work has started and all the cables will go underground and insulated. Other halls are also under check for exposed wires and renovation is in process. We have also sent a communique on compensation of the family of the deceased to ensure that she didn’t just go wasted. Is there any event your office is organising at the moment? Yes, the last event of my tenure comes up in October. It’s a celebration of alternative music and our oral culture. It’s titled, OneMicStand. Are there other things you do aside schooling? Yes! I am a Master of Ceremonies and I also compere. I am a comedian, dramatist, singer and an event planner. I sometimes put pen on paper to write various works of aesthetics. I am into modelling as well.

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Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Mama’s Fame Fanned My Acting Fire

•They say she’s pretty; she gives it to God; they say she acts well, she gives it to God; tell her how she keeps her 12-years’ old marriage, she points to the Heavens; ask her about life after mama, she leaves tears welled –up in her eyes and blurts – “na God.” How come she’s striding so good in the industry, Mide tells you in the midst of radiant smiles – ask God. Read this, for you can’t afford to miss this all-revealing story of the daughter of the Late Funmi Martins as told to our indefatigable Correspondent, ADEBAYO NURUDEEN…

unmi Martins, you are well known but, for the benefit of those who may not know you well enough, tell us more about yourself. My name is Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun, I had my education in Community Primary School, Ibadan,Oyo

State, I attended Provident High School, Fagba, Lagos for my secondary school education later, attended Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU) for a Diploma in International Relations. I am married to a film producer and director,

CONT’D ON PG 20

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Mide Fu Martins Un Staying P CONT’D FROM PG 19 Afeez Abiodun popularly known as Afeez Owo. I am a mother of two. In one sentence, describe Mide Martins? (Laugh) I am a very straight-forward person, friendly and I love meeting people. Why did you decide to go into acting? Actually, I was not planning to go into acting but when my mother died, I just thought about it that I had to take it up from where she stopped so that she’d be remembered forever. Imagine if I hadn’t taken it up, many would probably have forgotten who she was today. That’s why I took it up and to God be the glory, I made the right decision. I never thought it would be this fun but I love it, when I’m on location, it takes away all my sorrows, I love my job so much. So what has acting done for? I must confess to you that, I have really achieved my aim of coming into the industry. If my mother were still alive, I wouldn’t have been this successful. She wouldn’t have allowed me; in short I never planned to be an actress all my life. I did not even like the career before; I wouldn’t even be in the industry because, I came into the industry mainly because of my mother’s fame. So for your mother’s death, you won’t have been acting? I can’t really say because, I was so young then. Probably, I would have joined acting on my own although I didn’t have it in mind then. How challenging was it for you after your mother’s death? I was very young then, and being the first child, I had to care for myself and my siblings and there was nobody to run to, even all the people who promised to stand by me, were nowhere to be found. They all disappointed m, so I was all alone and had to struggle on my own, you know it is not easy to struggle in this life alone, we all need somebody. But thank God, He was with me all through the years and thank God I met my husband then, he was there for me. Has anyone ever told you that your colleague Kikelomo Adeyemi looks like your mother? (Laugh) Yes you are right Adebayo. She looks so much like my late mother and I used to look at her too and I know that, she’s at Odunfa Caucus with Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) and Yinka Quadri. What is your relationship with her? I don’t have any relationship with her, but I must confess that she looks so much like my late mother because I have taken time to look at her very well. Honestly she resembles my late mother. But we are not related in anywhere. You speak so fondly of your late mother. You must have been very close to her. How have you been coping without her company? Well it has not been easy. After I lost my mother, I realized that it’s not easy to live life without a mother. My mother was

not just a mother to me, but she was my angel, she was everything. We were best of friends, we used to go locations, market and do many other things together. So we were very close. When I lost her, it was like the end of the world for me. It’s only by the grace of God that I was able to survive it because, I almost lost my mind. It was the greatest shock of my life, in fact whenever I think about it, I always feel sad. But I believe God knows best. I thank God that I am now doing great. How do you relate with other actress in the Yoruba film industry? I relate well with them, very well. You know all these actresses, I have known them for long during those times, I usually followed my mummy to locations so it made it easy for me to relate with them because we are like a family. Mide Funmi Martins has been in the industry for a while, what is your staying power? Permit me to say the way I work, my relationship with some producers, directors and some of my colleagues, the up-coming actors, the old actors and my senior ones, the way I relate with them and keep my relationship with them. That’s what makes me unique and that has kept me going in the industry.

Actually, I was not planning to go into acting but when my mother died, I just thought about it that I had to take it up from where she stopped so that she’d be remembered forever. Imagine if I hadn’t taken it up, many would probably have forgotten who she was today. That’s why I took it up and to God be the glory, I made the right decision.

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unmi nveils Power y t t e e e t e I e w n u n y e e e g y s g , y s e

Critics said you married Afeez Abiodun because he was your mother’s manager. Is it true? I didn’t marry him because of that. I just love him. It is a normal thing for one to develop affection and feelings for someone, who is always there for you, especially the person who was really of help when no one was there. My husband was the only person, who was there for me during my trying period and that’s one of the reasons I fell for him. I love him naturally. He was my mummy’s manager before she died, but before she died, we were best of friends and that’s where the feelings started from. So after she died, we became even closer, go out together, work together on some of the movie scripts mummy left behind and from there, things started going and thank God, this is our 12th year of marriage. Do you share the same bank account with your husband? No. we are not running joint account because we don’t miss business with pleasure. Is that to say that you pay him for services he renders in your productions? No oh! Ha! a fe ran owo to yen (we are not that money-conscious). Some people believe that you two are not compatible. They believe that you are too pretty for him. How do you respond to this critic? (Laugh) Well, love is a very funny thing. It happens in the most unexpected way, you might be the first lady of a country and fall in love with a gardener and you won’t just know how to explain it, true love is not something you can explain. You are one of the few actresses in the Nigeria movie industry, whose marriage has endured for 12 years. Can you tell us the secret? (Laughs)There is no secret apart from God. God is the only one, Who can keep a marriage or any home. We human beings are just trying. God has helped me besides, there are others who have been married for decades in the industry and still have their homes intact. So everything is prayer my brother. But there are others whose marriage didn’t last at all… Adebayo, many have even said a lot about my marriage, but you can see my husband here now. Like I said earlier, those of us whose homes are intact have them kept by God not by our power. It isn’t the wish of those, whose marriages are broken; but for one reason or another. I want you to know that, divorces or broken marriages are not peculiar to this industry, it is a general thing. We should just pray for ourselves. As an experienced person in marriage, what is your advice to your colleagues and younger actresses going into marriage, on how to keep their home? Well, only God can keep a marriage my brother and I will advise them to be submissive to their husbands and be sure

CONT’D ON PG 22

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•Kikelomo Adeyemi

•Late Funmi Martins

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

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Why I Married Afeez Abiodun CONT’D FROM PG 21 that they are ready for marriage. Let me tease you a little. If you hear that your husband is dating a friend or colleague, how would you feel? (Laughs) I will fight my husband and the person he is dating. Do you have beef with any of your colleagues in the industry? No. I don’t have problem with anybody in the industry because it’s like a big family if you ask me. Apart from acting, what else do you do? I am into lands and properties. I am the ambassador of Katawa Properties, a company that deals with lands and properties. I now know one or two things about land and so, it’s what I do. You are beautiful and surely must have a lot of male admirers, how do you handle them, especially those who make sexual advances at you? I have been handling them the way a mature lady would. You don’t need to fight them. Any one is free to make amorous moves toward the opposite sex. I always try to be friendly about it. I do appreciate those who show interest in me among my fans because, aside God, they are the next so, I really appreciate them and talk to them politely. Would you say being beautiful has in any way exposed you to the alleged sexual harassment they say thrives in your industry, just like some younger actresses have complained? This is the second time you will say that I am beautiful. Well, I always hear about it, I believe it happens in every profession. What I will just tell the young and upcoming actresses is that if you are good

at what you do and focused, you don’t need to sleep with anybody before you get there. It has never happened to me before maybe because of my mummy’s fame. Can you act nude for one million dollars? I can’t act nude for two million dollar. What about three million? Never! … not for all the monies in the world. What does fashion mean to you? I am a fashionista, so fashion to me means looking good and I like putting on gowns. Tell us one beauty item you cannot do without? That will be my small crossed bag. Because that is where I put my phone, ATM card, business cards and my make-up and it’s very every easy to carry and at the same time classy. Do you agree that the menace of piracy that haunts the industry is capable of denying the industry of its growth? Piracy has killed us already. It is only God that can help us my brother. One of your colleagues said Alaba should be shut down due to piracy, do you agree? Yes, I support it because, piracy is really affecting us. W h i c h project are you working on presently? I just premiered my new film Abike and it is a must watch for every home. Who do you prefer working within the industry? Well I can work with anybody even my enemy, because I am an actress and I am paid to interpret roles so, even if you are my enemy, I will act with you because, that is what I am paid for.

There is no secret apart from God. God is the only one, Who can keep a marriage or any home. We human beings are just trying. God has helped me besides, there are others who have been married for decades in the industry and still have their homes intact.

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NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Foreign News

TIT BITS...

Powerful Underwater Earthquake Hits Off East Indonesia

China To Announce Climate Pledge As Xi Visits Washington CHINA'S President Xi Jinping is set to unveil a landmark pledge on climate change and curbing harmful emissions, White House Officials have said. Mr Xi and US President Barack Obama held informal talks at the White House on Thursday evening, where they also discussed Iran's nuclear programme. Mr Xi, on his first state visit to the US, was hosted at the White House for a banquet on Friday. The visit has been overshadowed by ongoing cyber security disagreements. Mr Xi is in Washington DC for the latest leg of his week-long US tour. A White House official told reporters that Mr Xi would announce plans to launch a national carbon emissions trading scheme in 2017. The "cap-and-trade" scheme would see Chinese companies charged to emit pollutants beyond a certain level. China would also make a "very substantial financial commitment" to developing nations to help them move to low-polluting technologies, the Associated Press news agency quoted the official as saying. The expected Chinese announcement follows on from a joint US-China climate pledge in late 2014. Then, Mr Obama set a new goal of reducing US levels by between 26%-28% by 2025, compared with 2005 levels. China did not set a specific target, but said emissions would peak by 2030.

Ukraine Crisis:

Rebels Order UN Agencies To Leave

Saudi Prince Arrested At LA Mansion For Alleged Sex Crime

THE UN humanitarian aid chief has expressed alarm after UN agencies were ordered out of rebelheld parts of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. Stephen O'Brien said the agencies had been told to leave by Friday, and several international non-governmental organisations (NGO) by Saturday. The Luhansk separatists had earlier banned 10 international humanitarian agencies citing "violations". Pro-Russian rebels seized parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions last year. Almost 8,000 people have been killed since fighting erupted in eastern Ukraine in April 2014, a month after Russia annexed the southern Crimea peninsula. 'Psychotropic medication'

A Saudi Arabian prince has been arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly forcing a worker at a Beverly Hills mansion to perform a sex act on him. Los Angeles police said MajedAbdulaziz al-Saud, 28, was arrested on Wednesday and released the following day after posting a $300,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 19 to face a charge of "forced oral copulation". Al-Saud does not have diplomatic immunity, police said. The Los Angeles Times reported a neighbour had spotted a bloodied woman calling for help and trying to climb over a wall surrounding the $37m estate. The Saudi Arabian embassy is yet to comment on the case.

A tour vehicle and a charter bus carrying foreign students have collided in Seattle, Washington state, leaving four people dead, US officials say. TV footage showed an amphibious "Ride the Ducks" vehicle - a type used for tours in several US cities - smashed into the side of the bus on a bridge. The four victims were foreign students from North Seattle College. Several people were critically injured. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray described the crash as "a terrible tragedy". It happened at about 11:00 local time (18:00 GMT) on Thursday. Two smaller vehicles were also involved in the crash. Most of the victims were on board the charter bus. Officials have not said which countries they were from.

In a statement, Mr O'Brien said the "de facto authorities" in Luhansk had ordered the UN agencies and NGOs to leave the area. He also said all UN agency operations had been suspended in the rebel-held parts of Donetsk. Mr O'Brien urged the separatists in "both Luhansk and Donetsk to ensure the immediate resumption of UN and international NGO activities". He warned that restrictions on humanitarian shipments had prevented delivery of some 16,000 tons of vital supplies. "Hospitals cannot perform surgery because they lack anaesthesia. Some 150,000 people are not receiving monthly food distributions," Mr O'Brien said. On Thursday the Luhansk

Four Foreign Students Die In Seattle Bus Crash Forty-five students and staff members from the school's international programmes were taking an orientation trip ahead of the school year starting on Monday. Fifty-one people were taken to hospitals. Fire department officials said 12 had critical injuries. "Today, the North Seattle College community learned devastating news that four of our students were tragically killed in a vehicle accident on the Aurora

#Freekaren: Australians Mock Anti-Radicalisation Booklet A government booklet linking environmental activism and alternative music to violent extremism has been widely ridiculed by Australians.

rebels refused to register 10 out of 11 foreign NGOs because of "violations". They accused one of the banned NGOs - Doctors Without Borders - of "illegally storing psychotropic medication". The NGO denies the allegation. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of arming the separatists and also sending its regular troops in eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies this, but admits that Russian "volunteers" fight alongside the rebels. The EU and the US have imposed their own sanctions against Russian officials and top allies of President Vladimir Putin. A ceasefire in eastern Ukraine has been holding in the past two weeks, although there have been reports of occasional shelling.

Australia's anti-terror minister Michael Keenan launched the Radicalisation Awareness Kit on Monday, urging it be shared in schools. But the use of a case study of a girl called Karen - who gets into music and student politics before getting involved in criminal protests - has sparked both concern and humour. The #freeKaren hashtag started trending on Friday, and inspired offshoots #IamKaren and #JeSuisKaren.

The publication, Preventing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation, says young people can become violent because of ideologies such as "environment or economic concerns, or ethnic or separatist causes". The case study says Karen grew up "in a loving family" but when she went to university "Karen became involved in the alternative music scene, student politics and left-wing activism. In hindsight she thinks this was just 'typical teenage rebellion' that went further than most".

MORE than 60 people have been injured and 200 houses damaged after a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked eastern Indonesia, a disaster agency official said, and warned the number of victims could rise. People were woken up and ran out of their homes when the 6.6-magnitude undersea quake struck in the Papua region at about 1am (1600: GMT) on Friday, not far from the coastal city of Sorong. Seventeen people were so far known to have sustained serious injuries and 45 to have suffered minor injuries, while 200 houses were damaged, said disaster agency spokesman SutopoPurwoNugroho. No deaths have so far been reported. The earthquake also caused blackouts in Sorong and patients were evacuated from a hospital in the city. "We are still collecting data, and we expect the number of victims and damage to increase," Nugroho said in a statement.

‘Golden Bolt’: Japan’s 105-YearOld Sprinter Clocks New Record THE "Golden Bolt," Japan's recordbreaking105-year-old sprinter, has set his sights on the fastest man in the world. Hidekichi Miyazaki, fresh off an age-class record 42.222-second 100meter dash on Wednesday at the Kyoto Masters Athletics Autumn Competition, struck Usain Bolt's trademark pose and joked that he longs to race the Olympic gold medalist. The 105-year-old, who started running in his 90s and takes his name from the Jamaican sprinter, quickly acknowledged that his time is not threat to Bolt, who clocked an all-time record 9.58-second 100 meters in 2009. Still, the Japanese centenarian insisted he wasn't at his best. "Today my target was 35 seconds," Miyazaki said after the race, according to Guinness. "I shed tears of disappointment because I was not in good condition. I am not satisfied with today's time. But I am satisfied that I could cross the finish line.

China’s Race For Hydroelectric Power

Bridge," the school said in a statement. "Additionally, several students remain in critical condition, and other students and a North employee sustained serious injuries." Government officials were working to contact next of kin. A witness said the duck boat signalled to move left when it lurched and the front left wheel came off. It then clipped a vehicle before colliding with the bus. Two witnesses travelling in the opposite direction, Brad Volm and Bradley Sawhill, told the Associated Press news agency they saw the duck boat's left tyre "lock up" as it swerved into the charter bus. "It all happened so fast. I got out of my car, and there were just bodies, just everywhere. People lying in the street,'' Mr Volm said.

STUNG Treng province, northern Cambodia - China’s race for hydroelectric power has been going on for over 20 years leading to development plans and to the construction of a 28 dam cascade in the LancangRiver. However, in recent years, its enthusiasm for dam building has spilled over into Southeast Asia. Hydrolancang, a Chinese stateowned enterprise responsible for no less than seven dams in the upper Mekong, began in 2013 the construction of its very first overseas hydropower project, the Lower Sesan II dam in northern Cambodia. The $800m and 400MW project, located less than 100km south from the Don Sahong dam in Laos, have been among the most controversial and destructive ones to be developed in recent years. Once completed, it will block the Sesan and Srepok rivers - two of the main tributaries of the Mekong - creating a 36.000 hectares reservoir, flooding several villages and displacing thousands of people who have been living along the river banks for generations, relying on it for survival.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Foreign News

Hajj Stampede: Saudisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Face Growing Criticism Over Deaths IRAN has led growing criticism of Saudi Arabia after at least 717 people died and 863 were injured in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca on Thursday. Iran's Supreme National

Security Council accused the Saudis of "incompetence" and urged them to "take responsibility" for the deaths. Nigeria has dismissed remarks by the Saudi health minister blaming pilgrims for

"not following instructions". King Salman has ordered a safety review for the Hajj pilgrimage. The crush occurred at 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Thursday as two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj's last major rite. The pilgrims throw seven stones at pillars called Jamarat, which stand at the place where Satan is believed to have tempted the Prophet Abraham. With temperatures around 46C, two massive lines of pilgrims converged on each other at right angles at an intersection close to the fivestorey Jamarat Bridge in Mina, a large valley about 5km (3

miles) from Mecca. This is the deadliest incident to occur during the pilgrimage in 25 years. It is also the second disaster to strike in two weeks, after a crane collapsed at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 109 people. Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival, has reported the greatest number of deaths among foreign nationals - 131 - and has reacted with the greatest anger. On Friday, the spokesman for its Supreme National Security Council, KeyvanKhosravi, told the Isna news agency: "The unavoidable fact is that the Saudi government has been incompetent in this regard and

with regard to the management of the Hajj pilgrimage, and Riyadh must accept responsibility for this." He was echoing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said on Thursday that Saudi "mismanagement and improper actions have caused this catastrophe". Iran has declared three days of national mourning. AlaeddinBoroujerdi, head of an Iranian parliamentary committee for national security, called on other Islamic countries to lodge protests with the Saudis. The Saudis have spent billions on improving transport and other infrastructure since

the last major Hajj incident nine years ago. The millions of pilgrims who come each year also bring billions of dollars to the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayyef, who chairs the Hajj committee, has begun an immediate inquiry into the tragedy, with "fast" results promised. Offering his condolences to the relatives of the dead, King Salman said: "We have instructed concerned authorities to review the operations plan and to raise the level of organisation and management to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals in comfort and ease."

Osborne Praised For â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Not Stressing Human Rightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In China UK Chancellor George Osborne has been praised by Chinese state media for focusing on business ahead of human rights during his visit to Xinjiang. The Global Times said he was "the first Western official in recent years who focused on business potential rather than raising a magnifying glass to the 'human rights issue'". Mr Osborne has spent the past five days in China to boost trade links. He has said he raised human rights privately during his visit. In an editorial (in Chinese), the Global Times praised Mr Osborne's "pragmatism regarding his China policy", adding that "it should be diplomatic etiquette for foreign leaders not to confront China by raising the human rights issue". "Keeping a modest manner is the correct attitude for a foreign minister visiting China to seek business opportunities. Some Westerners believe their officials should behave like a master Mr Osborne this week became the first UK minister to visit Xinjiang, a restive province in China's far west. Campaigners had urged him to raise concerns about the treatment of the province's Muslim Uighur minority. Amnesty International said Uighurs had been subjected to "heavy-handed" security measures since an outbreak of unrest in 2009. Speaking during his visit there, Mr Osborne said "we raise human rights, but we do it in the context of also talking about issues like economic development". "Of course we're two completely different political systems and we raise human rights issues, but I don't think that is inconsistent with also wanting to do more business with one-fifth of the world's population." Mr Osborne, who also visited Shanghai and Beijing this week, has set out an aim of making China the UK's second largest trading partner by 2025. "We are building an ever closer relationship with China - it's a partnership that is set to unleash growth and help regions like Xinjiang, where we know investment can make a real difference, as well as unleash new growth back home," he said on Wednesday.

Pope Urges 'Humane' US Migrant Response POPE Francis has told the US Congress the US must see as "persons" and not as

that migrants "numbers". Speaking to a rare joint session, the Pope said immigrants should be treated "with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated".

In the same address, the pontiff renewed his call for ending the death penalty, and for better treatment of the poor and disadvantaged. He was warmly greeted by 500 lawmakers, justices and officials. After entering the chamber to thunderous applause, he said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted the immense challenges that the crisis presents. But he drew particular attention to the movement of migrants from Central America to the United States in search of a better life -

a reference which drew a standing ovation. "We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation," he said. For years, hopes of wide-reaching immigration reform have been dashed by political disagreements in Washington. And President Barack Obama's attempt to allow 11 million undocumented immigrants to avoid deportation has been stalled by a legal challenge.

EU To Use Warships To Curb Human Traffickers THE European Union will use warships to catch and arrest human traffickers in international waters as part of a military operation aimed at curbing the flow of refugees into Europe, the bloc's foreign affairs chief has said. "The political decision has been taken, the assets are ready," Federica Mogherini said on Thursday at the headquarters of the European Union's military operation in Rome. The first phase of the EU operation was launched in late June. It included reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering, and involved speaking to refugees rescued at sea and

compiling data on trafficker networks. The operation currently involves four ships - including an Italian aircraft carrier - and four planes, as well as 1,318 staff from 22 European countries. Beginning on October 7, the new phase will allow for the seizure of vessels and arrests of traffickers in international waters, as well as the deployment of European warships on the condition that they do not enter Libyan waters. "We will be able to board, search, seize vessels in international waters, [and] suspected smugglers and traffickers apprehended will be transferred to the Italian judicial authorities," Mogherini said.

"We have now a complete picture of how, when and where the smugglers' organisations and networks are operating so we are ready to actively dismantle them," she said. The new measures come at a time when Europe is enduring the largest

refugee crisis since World War II. An estimated 13.9 million people became refugees in 2014, while an average of 42,500 were displaced from their homes each day due to conflict and persecution, according to the UN refugee agency.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Business

GCR Rates Custodian Life Assurance High

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie

Nigeria, China In Agric Romance

NIGERIA and China have resolved to partner in the overall development of agricultural sector in the country. Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has stated its readiness to partner with the Chinese government, while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Sonny Echono who received the Ambassador, thanked the Chinese Government for their support in the past, saying the development model of China best suited Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda to commercial agriculture. Echono explained that Nigeria was working to improve her milling capacity in rice and cassava to reduce the current demand and supply. A statement by the Director of Information in the FMARD, Tony Ohaeri,

stated that Nigeria needed support in the establishment of ranches, poultry and textile industry. Therefore, he invited Chinese investors to come and invest in the sectors. The Permanent Secretary identified infrastructural development as another area the Chinese investors should come in and invest, saying Nigeria was working hard towards increasing productivity, hence the need to develop the Staple Crops Processing Zones (SCPZs). He disclosed that partnership discussion was on-going with some Research Institutions in China in the area of Technology. Echono said China has a huge market in cassava chips, hence the need to support Nigeria’s cassava production, saying Nigeria is the world producer of cassava. According to him, other opportunities for investment include Aqua-culture, fishery production and wheat production so as to be able to meet the demands of the

local millers. The Permanent Secretary also requested for support in capacity building, egg powder production and transfer of technology, while also adding the need to manufacture simple technological tools that are reliable to make farming less laborious. Earlier in his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, GuXiaojie expressed the readiness of the Chinese Government to work closely with the Government of Nigeria to explore areas of cooperation since both have big population and markets. Xiaojie suggested the creation of platforms for commercial farmers and technological companies to meet to know the areas of needs so as to meet their individual needs. He pledged the Chinese Government’s readiness to co-operate with Nigeria in the area of Technology, economy and anticorruption.

Equinix Notifies EU Of Telecity Acquisition TELECITY Group confirmed on Friday that EquinixInc has notified the European Commission of its proposed acquisition of the company for merger control approval. It said the initial deadline for the decision has been set at 29 October. Telecity added that this is consistent with its previously communicated guidance that it expects completion of the acquisition by Equinix in the first half of 2016.

US data centre company Equinix agreed to buy UK rival Telecity in May in a cash and share offer worth £2.35bn that will create the largest data centre business in Europe. Equinix trumped Interxion, which had proposed a $2.5bn all-stock merger in early March. Telecity runs high-speed data centres for Spotify and Facebook. At 1326 BST, Telecity shares were up 0.5% at 1,111.00p.

GLOBAL Credit Rating Company, an emerging markets-focused ratings agency, has rated Custodian Life Assurance A-, which is indicative of strong financial security. The company said in a statement, the rating has immediately given credence to Custodian Life shareholders’ fund growth of 36 per cent to N4.3 billion at full-year end 2014. In assigning the A- rating to the company, GCR disclosed “Custodian Life Assurance Limited has evidenced robust capital growth over the review period, underpinned by strong internal capital generation capacity.” Furthermore, GCR explained that cognizance is taken of the sound operating performance reflected by the company, with net surpluses recorded throughout the review period. Earnings capacity has benefitted from the favourable commission recovery rates recorded over the past two years, while increasing cost efficiencies are expected to preserve margin strength over the rating horizon. According to Global Credit Rating, the rating is supported by Custodian Life’s established position in the emerging domestic life assurance market. Commenting on the rating, the managing director of Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Mr Larry Ademeso, said, the vision, contributions and commitment running through the Board to the staff and service delivery at Custodian Life Assurance is beginning to receive deserved recognition from reputed agencies. He stated further that the uniqueness the Company’s service delivery is in its ability to provide the market with fast, efficient and highly professional market-driven services, products and operations, adding that the company will continue to aim for higher feats every single day. The company’s primary activity is the provision of life insurance associated with death, disability and health liability. It also provides a diversified portfolio of investment solutions to its customers. Custodian Life Assurance Limited operates from its head office in Lagos, with branches and agency outlets spread across the nation.

Over 500,000 Volkswagen Cars Back To Makers

UNITED States government is currently at the climax of its investigation of Volkswagen for illegally cheating clean-air laws The auto maker has been ordered to recall almost 500,000 diesel cars by the United States government after it emerged, that it had used computer software to cheat clean-air laws. The country’s Environmental Protection Agency is investigating the German auto-maker for intentionally using the sophisticated computer programme to circumvent nitrogen oxide emissions rules for its diesel cars, making them appear up to 40 times cleaner in tests. The agency slammed the use of the so-called “defeat device” as “illegal and a threat to public health.” It has told the company to fix the cars at its own expense and has imposed at least $18 billion in fines, with exact amounts to be determined. Volkswagen has tendered a video apology at the peak of the company life threatening scandal, which has claimed the job of its managing director, with the auto maker hiring same law firm that the BP engaged during its oil spillage case. According to a Reuters report, Volkswagen is to recall cars, all built in the last seven years, including the VW Jetta, Beetle, Golf and Passat models, as well as the Audi A3. The vehicles all contain a device programmed to detect when they are undergoing official emissions testing, the EPA said. The cars only turn on full emissions control systems during that testing. The controls are turned off during normal driving, the EPA said, allowing the cars to emit more than the legal limit of pollutants. The Beetle is among the models affected VW, which also owns Audi, initially said in a statement it is cooperating with the investigation, but declined further comment. The manufacturer faces fines of up to $37,500 per vehicle for the violations — a total of more than $18 billion. No final total was announced. California issued a separate compliance order to VW, and officials announced an investigation by the California Air Resources Board.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Forex Talk Mike Fowope With

08056905612

wale.fowope@gmail.com om

Trade Fight INTRODUCTION Want to take a break from real trading and play a game? TradeFight is a cool new game where you can play for real money. Remember this is a game, one that is based on real trading. You have to develop new skills for it and although you can use some of the trading skills that you know, it is not something that is supposed to be substituted for real trading and you cannot play the game in the same way as you usually trade. Trade-Fight is a trading game in which you play against another trader. You trade as you normally would, opening and closing trades, based on real data. The objective of the game is to have a higher (virtual) trading balance than your opponent at the end of a three minute period. You and your opponent start each game with a virtual balance of $1000. You trade on a tick chart for three minutes, and whoever has the most virtual money at the end of the three minutes wins. Even if you lose money in your virtual Trade-Fight balance, you can still win as long as you have more of a virtual balance than your opponent. At the start of the game, each player makes real money bet that they will win the game – this money goes into a pot. If you win the game, you win 95% of the pot money. The money you put into the pot is your 'stake' in the game, and stakes range from €0.5 to €50 – payouts range from €0.95 to €95. Due to the fact that real money is involved, Trade-Fight is another way of making money using your trading knowledge and skills. The difference being that you take money from your opponent, not from the markets. Use your trading skills to compete You still use your trading skill to compete, after all, you have to

determine a market direction, make an entry, let your winners run and cut your losses short – all the base principles of trading. However, there is an element of strategy and 'outwitting' your opponent, as opposed to simply beating the market. You are no longer motivated by making money over a series of trades, but rather, you are motivated to beat the person that you are playing against. You can still lose money in your virtual account and win, just as long as you lose less money than your opponent. A new approach and thinking Traditionally in trading, the idea is to take a series of trades and make money over a period of time. You will win trades and you will lose trades, but as long as you win more money than you lose, you are a profitable trader. Different traders go about this in different ways. For example, some traders have a relatively even risk to reward ratio (the money they win is generally the same as the money they lose), but their strategy ensures they win more trades than they lose. Others may have a low win rate, but they have an extremely high risk to reward ratio (they have a small amount of winners, but these winners make so much money that they are profitable traders). There is an infinite amount of variations in these two scenarios, and every trader is different. However, Trade-Fight requires an extra dimension in your strategic thinking, because you need to incorporate tactics to ensure that you win – you no longer have to gain an edge in the markets only, but also over your opponent. Playing the player Let’s say your opponent is losing and you have a few seconds to go until the game is finished. Would

you open a trade knowing that all you have to do is hold your lead by doing nothing and waiting? Cunning players may do nothing, because they can win without opening another trade, and there is no point risking a lead by taking any losses. On the other hand, if you are on the flip side of that scenario, and you are the one that is losing with only a few seconds to go, you may want to open as many trades as you can in the hope that a rapid movement in your direction could suddenly put you in the lead. This is completely different to normal trading behaviour when trading for real, because you would never open as many trades as you can, and highlights a shift in mindset that you will have to adjust to when playing someone on Trade-Fight. Making money with Trade-Fight Trade-Fight is fun, but it is also relies on strategies, psychology and consistency, if you want to continue to beat your opponents, and make money with it. You should also never start with the highest stake and before you start, you should make sure you pay attention to the money management lesson: You need to combine strategies against your opponent with the trading knowledge you have acquired. You won’t be able to apply all of your usual trading strategies in this kind of game, because you play Trade-Fight on a tick chart and you have to execute instantly, without much time to consider the wider market. In short, Trade-Fight is just like trading with all of the usual principles involved, only you will need to develop a whole new set of skills in order to beat your opponent. Think you are ready? Then carry on.

Biz News Africa Fills Less Than 1% Of Global Air Service Market WITH a landmass of over 30 million square kilometres, and over 1 billion people, sadly, the African continent still falls short in the global air service market, with less than 1 percent share. According to a recent World Bank report, “Africa has less than 1 percent of the global air service market despite having more than 12 percent of the world population”. The report implies that Africa’s 12 percent share of world population is serviced by only 3.9 percent of all scheduled air service seats in the world, resulting in little or no air connectivity, high airfares, cargo movement and especially impeding ease of investment flow and ushering poor economic development across the continent. The short fall also results in the loss of over $5 billion annually from investments that could not take off, or collapsed due to poor connectivity and lack of efficient transportation infrastructure. Meanwhile, while there were 1,088 routes flown within Africa in 1994, the figure had gone to 719 in May 2013 and is further going down, despite increasing demand for air transportation in Africa. Speaking on the issue, Femi Adefowope, head, HRG & GSA for Delta Airlines in Nigeria, noted that with the fastest growing global population in the world, a swelling middle class in nearly every country, thus driving unprecedented levels of demand and production, Africa has potential for a viable aviation industry with good returns on investment. Comparing the viability of aviation business in other climes, Adefope said by contrast, the population of North America and Europe combined, which is roughly equal to that of Africa, has access to approximately 54.6 percent of global aviation seat capacity, due sustained investments in the sector over there, despite their peculiar challenges. He therefore, urged African investors and their foreign partners to shun the prejudice against doing business on the continent and invest as experience and empirical facts have consistently shown that return on investment (ROI) is significantly higher in those countries that present higher barriers or impediments/ constraints to easy business transactions. “In other words, hard-nosed and serious minded investors who stick it out, in spite of the daunting difficulties/ challenges in the African environment, usually “smile to the banks”. Examples include Coca Cola, MTN and Delta Air Lines among others”, he said.

Renaissance Capital net Beat 20% Growth

RENAISSANCE Capital, a leading emerging and frontier markets investment bank has announced its financial results for the six months to 30 June 2015. During the reporting period, the Firm’s net profit increased by 20.8 percent to $10.5mn compared with $8.7mn in 1H 2014. In 1H 2015, the Firm delivered strong revenues from its core businesses, including global markets, which showed a solid performance led by particularly strong growth in Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC), despite headwinds. Continued focus on cost management has resulted in a 25 percent decrease in operational costs year-on-year.

FAAN Up Against Corrupt Security Officials THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) appears to be resolute in the clampdown on corrupt officials, who extort money from passengers. Checks revealed that the agency will on Monday issue a circular to all Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers, warning that anyone caught soliciting or extorting money from passengers from any of the airport terminals in the country would be summarily dismissed. The clampdown, sources said, was in response to the avalanche of criticisms from the travelling public on the corrupt activities of AVSEC officials who man and screen passengers at the airports. It was gathered that FAAN will also reinstate the policy of regular profiling of AVSEC officers with the aim of sacking anyone who is found wanting. The agency, which had earlier awarded contract for comprehensive installation of close-circuit television in parts of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport, Abuja would also institute a committee to monitor activities of AVSEC officials at all the airports in the country. FAAN resolved to take this drastic action in the face of numerous complaints it has received from Nigerians and the damage such illicit act has done to the image of the agency. Spokesman of FAAN Yakubu Dati who confirmed the move said every stringent action would be taken by the agency to stop such obnoxious activities and assured Nigerians that any AVSEC official caught would be dealt with according to the law. It has been established that AVSEC officials carry out this nefarious activities in connivance with other security operatives at the airports. An inside source said that already an AVSEC official, whose name was brought to FAAN management is currently under investigation and would be dismissed if found culpable.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

27 15

OF RABBITS FARMED FOR PET FOOD

are full, e born in d stay for ntil lled

ll into huge piles below them. ors claim the overbbits chewed off ears and suffered oural problems. nessed widespread ctions that left fur nd skin ulcerating. rted that so much falling from the me rearing sheds as though it had g. the undercover do not want to be t Sebastien Arsac, isited 15 rabbit northern France of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rabbit

meat comes from, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rabbits endure absolutely awful conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In France, 99% of rabbits used for meat are kept in factory farms without access to the outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kept their entire life in cages with wire floors. The density is approximately one A4 sheet of paper for one rabbit, or 16 rabbits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each weighing up to 4kg by the end â&#x20AC;&#x201C; per square metre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rabbits canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rear up to their full naw and height, have nothing to gnaw vered nowhere to hide. I discovered he farmers like to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;balanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the nest. They distribute thee new-born bunnies so that there are nine or 10 new-

borns per mother â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and not necessarily the biological mother. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The small babies have their heads knocked against a cage edge. Sometimes the hit doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kill them and they slowly die in the garbage. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found bunnies alive in the faeces pit under the cages.â&#x20AC;? All investigators filmed dead animals inside and on top of cages and found

bucketloads of antibiotics used to keep the others alive. A string of major supermarket chains we contacted said they were acting on concerns about cage-farmed rabbit in the pet food on their shelves. Asda said it had axed rabbit from its own-brand pet foods last April, Waitrose said it began phasing out its own-brand rabbit at about the same time and Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Tesco and the Co Co-op said they had pl plans to do the same. M Morrisons said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We t animal welfare take seriously, from working with farmers up to the point of slaughter. W are raising Four We

Pawsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns with our suppliers.â&#x20AC;? Lidl said it â&#x20AC;&#x153;worked closely with these suppliers to ensure that animal welfare standards are metâ&#x20AC;?. Pet supplies retailer Pets at Home said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have become aware that conditions under which rabbits are bred and reared on farms in Europe fall far short of what we would accept for the rabbits we sell as pets in our stores. So we have decided to stop buying pet food with flavour variants that include rabbit. â&#x20AC;? Purina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; part of Nestle, which makes Felix, Purina One, Bonio, Gourmet, Go-Cat and Winalot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; said it had instigated an audit of all its suppliers. Mars Petcare, which makes Whiskas, Sheba, Cesar and Pedigree products said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;really concernedâ&#x20AC;? about caged farming and added â&#x20AC;&#x153;as a precautionary

measure we will reassess the situation with our rabbit suppliers and will make any changes necessaryâ&#x20AC;?. Michael Bellingham of the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, which represents 90% of UK producers, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were shocked by the images brought to our attention reporting farmed rabbit welfare conditions in the EU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a responsible industry we are keen to understand more about the current state of farmed rabbit welfare in the EU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there is evidence that poor welfare is commonplace, rather than being an isolated incident, then our members are committed to work with their supply chain to look at how best to improve farmed rabbit welfare.â&#x20AC;?

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Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

London Daily Mirror-Pull-out In NATIONAL WEEKENDER

()%& %!452% 2)4%2

! # ! ! $ # $ % " So the entertainer washed the drug down with a swig of Coke and flew on to Australia â&#x20AC;&#x153;blissfully out of my mindâ&#x20AC;?. The much-loved comic and TV presenter has revealed how he feared he was about to be arrested at Bangkok airport after his partner realised he had cannabis in his pocket. Paul knew that, if caught, they would both faced a lengthy prison sentence under Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough anti-drug laws â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so he took drastic action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was only one thing for it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taking it off him I popped it in my mouth and washed it down with the can of Coke I was holding.â&#x20AC;? Paul, 60, admitted he then flew on to Australia feeling â&#x20AC;&#x153;euphoricâ&#x20AC;? . The astonishing incident in 1992 is revealed in his riveting new book Open The Cage, Murphy, the fourth instalment of his rollercoaster life story. With typical razor-sharp wit and candour, Paul tells of his rise to fame as Lily Savage on the gay club scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, before he became a household name.

The Merseyside-born entertainer admitted he led a hectic life of booze, drugs and one-night stands. And he also revealed that while working at Madame Jojoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drag club in Soho, Central London, he once earned ÂŁ500 by whipping a kinky German tourist in his dressing room. But big-hearted Paul has also written movingly of the pain of losing close friends to Aids at a time when the illness was met with widespread fear and prejudice. While caring for one pal, Chrissie, he bought cannabis from a local dealer to try to

help him regain his appetite.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d buy some dope and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d proceed to get heavily stoned,â&#x20AC;? Paul wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Round about the fourth joint weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d all get the w erable brain tumour. He towards us. There was no sign of a bin attack and has said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew munchies and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d vanish into wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I groaned, the film and the guards were getting closer. up overnight. It really did the kitchen to churn out shake me and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve toed the M i d n i g h t E x p r e s s There was only one thing for it.â&#x20AC;? tinned salmon sandwiches, instantly springing to So he downed the cannabis with a line ever since. prawn cocktails and chips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My clubbing days are mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; complete with a vision of glug of cola. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was good to see Chrissie eating Murphy and me sharing a rat-infested Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revelations may surprise some over. That dreadful lifestyle properly for a change â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and if that cell with John Hurt. fans but the star has never made a secret I was leading. Out sevenn meant breaking the law it was about nights a week. Out of me mind, nd, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You bloody fool,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I said, as I saw to of his wild past antics. time the law changed.â&#x20AC;? ou In 2001 he suffered a near-fatal heart smoking, drinking. When you my horror two armed guards walking But Paul could have landed on the wrong side of the law when he stopped off at Bangkok airport en route to Australia on a Lily Savage tour, just before his TV career took off. His manager and partner Brendan Murphy was going to stay over in Thailand and Paul got off the plane with him 2!$9 3 4%!2 *%2+%2 3(/7 !"/54 -),,)/. < &2%15%.4,9 4%,, ()- ; /5 -!$% -% while it was being refuelled. !44%23%! /'3 /-% (!3 30!2+%$ ! (5'% #29 ,!34 .)'(4 = % !$$%$ ; '/ ). 3)4 /. 4(% But as they walked towards customs 352'% ). $/.!4)/.3 4/ 4(% #(!2)49 +%..%, &,//2 !.$ 4!,+ 4/ 4(% $/'3 4!+% 4(%- and immigration Murphy put his hand )6).' (!3 2/#+%4%$ &2/- : -),,)/. 4(% /54 -!+% ! ")' &533 /& 4(%- in the pocket of his jacket, which he had 9%!2 "%&/2% /2 4(% /6% /& /'3 7!3 &)234 ; /5 '%4 3/-% 2%!,,9 3!$ 34/2)%3 !.$ 4(%9 not worn for a long time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then blurted 3#2%%.%$ ). 4/ ! 2%#/2$ : - ,!34 9%!2 !,7!93 (!6% ! (!009 %.$).' = 30/+%3-!. &/2 4(% (/-% ). /54( %34 (% (/-% #!2%$ &/2 !"!.$/.%$ out: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus, Savage. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a lump of /.$/. 3!)$ ; 52 3%2)%3 (!3 0,!9%$ ! ")' 0%43 ,!34 9%!2 !.$ #/34 : -),,)/. 4/ 25. dope in my pocket.â&#x20AC;? 0!24 ). 2!)3).' /52 02/&),% = (% 02/'2!--% (!3 7/. 47/ !4)/.!, Paul feared jail for himself and !5, 3!)$ 6)%7%23 < 2%'5,!2,9 &/52 7!2$3 &/524( 3%2)%3 34!243 .%84 -/.4(

Murphy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who died in 2005 of an inop-

ge told by Mick Jagger that get yyouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a bad influence on tthe Rolling Stones, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time tto put the brakes on and ccall it a day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ronnie Wood told me that th Mick said I was to keep away from the Stones, because awa there were three things they the were not allowed on tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drugs, alcohol and me!â&#x20AC;? Paul recalls those wild days in his brilliant new book, but insisted he does not miss his hectic former life one bit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complicated enough without raging hangovers and one-night stands to deal with,â&#x20AC;? he wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I take quite a lot of drugs though. Unfortunately all of them are on prescription for boring things like blood pressure and other elderly ailments, with not an upper in sight.â&#x20AC;? O Open the Cage, Murphy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Further Savage Adventures is out now, published by Transworld Books at ÂŁ20. $ !

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

e f Entertainment ca Bollywood I Did Notes

Why Ojuelegba Remix –Drake I

n his cover story for the 100th issue of FADER Magazine Drake speaks for the first time about why he jumped on the surprise remix of Wizkid’sOjuelegba a few months back. He told the magazine I just did it because I was in the moment. I wasn’t thinking like, ‘Oh man, I gotta get my brand up in Nigeria.’” Not to say that’s not important. I’m superhonored to be on that song. He also sets the record

straight about those Meek Mill ghost writing allegations and his beef with the rapper! On The Rap Beef with Meek Mill, which started after Meek accused him of using a ghostwriter It was weighing heavy on me This is a discussion about music, and no one’s putting forth any music? Nobody told you that this was a bad idea, to engage in this and not have something? I didn’t get it. I didn’t get how there was no strategy

Aamir Khan Too Hot To Handle For Sunny Leone

on the opposite end. I just didn’t understand. I didn’t understand it because that’s just not how we operate. Does he use ghostwriters? I need, sometimes, individuals to spark an idea so that I can take off running. I don’t mind that. And those recordings-they are what they are. And you can use your own judgment on what they mean to you. If I have to be the vessel for this conversation to be

brought up-you know, God forbid we start talking about writing and references and who takes what from where — I’m OK with it being me. It’s just, music at times can be a collaborative process, you know? Who came up with this, who came up with that-for me, it’s like, I know that it takes me to execute every single thing that I’ve done up until this point. And I’m not ashamed.

Rick Ross Sues Former Groundskeeper For Lying

Chris Pratt, Wife Donate $1m To Under-privileged Kids 'JURASSIC World' star Chris Pratt and wife, Anna Farisrecently donated $1 million to support charity which provides eyeglasses to underprivileged children, reveals a source to Life & Style magazine. The donation was inspired by their 3-year-old son Jack, who was born nine weeks premature and is visually impaired. “He needs to wear glasses, so they want to help other kids like him,” says the insider to the mag. That's not all couple did. They also donated money to the neonatal intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centerin Los Angeles and support March of Dimes, which works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Chris and Anna, who wed in 2009, have had a few very good years — Chris starring in Jurassic World and Anna in hit show Mom — plus, notes the source, "They’ve got big hearts!"

RICK Ross may be out of jail but definitely not out of his mind. The rapper has filed a fresh suit against his former groundskeeper, Jonathan Zamudio for lying that the rapper whooped him with his gun. The former groundskeeper had sued the hip hop mogul for allegedly pistol-whipping and beating him in his basement just because he found out he threw a party in his mansion and drove his cars. Zamudio also claimed Ross locked him in a room, whipped him with his pistol and brutalized him so bad he had to eat through a straw. Ross was arrested and thrown in jail for assault, making death threats and kidnapping. pp g But But the rapper now says his former groundskeeper ou undskeeper is lying and he claims to h have ave proof. In n his newly files legal documents, cuments, Ross states that Zamudio mudio called 911 three hours after er the alleged incident and d never mentioned pistolwhipping hiipping or any injury for that matter. tter. He also spoke clearly and d calmly to the dispatcher. So, So, if Zamudio was "badly beaten" aten" and could only eat through ough a straw, how come he could talk clearly on tthat hat 911 call three eehours after? er?

Johnny Depp Sold Yacht ‘Vajoliroja’ To Please Wife Amber Heard Lily-Rose, 16, and Jack, 13. The "Pirates DEPP bought the 156-foot luxury yacht in 2007 and named it after ex Vanessa Paradis and their kids; Lily-Rose and Jack. It is all for the sake of love. Johnny Depp has sold his yacht "Vajoliroja" in order to please actress wife Amber Heard because she is jealous of his ex VanessaParadis. Us Weekly was first to break the report, but giving no clue on how much the 156-foot luxury yacht was sold. Depp named "Vajoliroja" after his longtime partner Paradis and their kids;

of the Caribbean" star bought it back in 2007. "Johnny loved that yacht. But he bought it for Vanessa," a source was quoted as revealing in the new issue of a magazine. "And Amber is still jealous of her" and has refused to climb aboard. Depp and Paradis were couple for 14 years. The two never got married. Back in June 2012, they broke up. Later that month, Depp confirmed he was dating Heard and the couple wed in February this year.

Actress Sunny Leone finds Bollywood's 'Mr. Perfectionist' Aamir Khan 'hot' in all forms -- be it fat or fit. The actor, who has beefed up for his forthcoming film Dangal, was humbled and thanked Sunny for the "kind" words. The actress, known for being bold on screen, was in awe with Aamir's physique in an advertisement, and couldn't resist tweeting about it. "Hey @aamir_khan saw you in the Snapdeal Ad. Motte (fat) or not, you still look hot! Love you," Sunny had tweeted earlier this week. Responding to the EkPaheliLeela actress, Aamir posted: "Thank you @ SunnyLeone, you are too kind. Love." Aamir has been in news for his weight fluctuations for his film projects and that has raised concerns in the family over his health.

Bhagnani, Scarlett Meet At ‘He Named Me Malala’ Premiere Bollywood actor JackkyBhagnani, who made a faux pas last year when he misspelt MalalaYousafzai's name as 'Masala' in a tweet, attended the premiere of He Named Me Malala, a documentary on the Nobel Peace Prize winner here. And he even met Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson! Needless to say then, it was an "evening well spent" for the Bollywood actor. Jackky took to Twitter to talk about his experience and even posted images of the screening, which was held at Ziegfeld Theater here on Thursday night. "An evening well spent! Was a pleasure to be part of the #HeNamedMeMalala premiere #StandWithMalala #Inspirational. Overjoyed to have interacted with #ScarlettJohansson at the #HeNamedMeMalala premiere in #NYC," Jackky shared. The film opens a facet of Malala's life on the big screen and tells an inspiring story of how a teenage girl, who was shot in her head on her way to school in Pakistan in 2012 by Taliban, is undeterred by the threats and continues her fight for girls' right to education.

Viewers Hail Imran Khan ‘Maddy’ Performance IMRAN Khan's latest performance has been zeroed down and accolade by reviewers and audiences alike. Imran has been praised by critics for his realistic portrayal of his onscreen character, which has been appreciated by the audiences too. His execution of his onscreen character 'Maddy' has resulted in a level of relatability by the audiences. Throughout the film, Imran has lived critical moments with ease. Whether it is him playing a college student with a carefree attitude, the part where he plays a working professional, the scenes where he is madly in love with his ladylove or the emotional scenes, the actor manages to do equal justice to varied emotions. The actor has received lot of accolades for his realistic performance, leaving critics praising his work.

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Entertainment

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Can’t Serve Kings, But Praise Sing Celebrants –Ajebiewe •Popular actor, fondly referred to as Ajebiewe came to limelight singing the praise of the King in the recently hitherto rested TV play 'Feyi Kogbon. The thespian in this chat with our Assistant Editor, FRANCIS OGBONNA and correspondent, STEPHEN AYA relays how much blessings the programme has been to him and his family. Excerpts...' Recently sir, we saw ‘Feyi Ko Ogbon’ being revived after so many years. We will like to know what informed that decision to revive the programme as it were. The original cast of the epic TV programme has had reasons to meet severally and from our various discussions, decided ‘Feyi Ko Ogbon’ shouldn’t die because of the role it played in the past. Like you know, ‘Feyi Ko Ogbon’ was a rich programme, not just in the quality of production and stories we had then, but the values it taught its teeming viewers. We don’t have those kinds of programmes anymore, and it seems like our society is falling apart because the values we used to cherish back then, have been thrown to the dogs. This was why we decided to assemble the original cast (at least those still available) to start all over again and we thank God so far, for the progress we have made… Was it difficult assembling the old casts? It was difficult, but we tried and God really helped us. Though we were not able to get everyone back, we got majority of them back. This time around, how long do you intend to keep producing this programme? We are going to keep up with it forever. I, for one am in it forever and I think it is the same with others. Our prayer is that God grants us all good life, so we can continue with the TV programme. You play a peculiar role in the TV play; that is the role of man, who praises the king, how did you come about that role? I would say it is hereditary. My dad was very good at it and I would say I picked it up from him. I am also glad that my first son has also picked it up from me. It is a family thing, more like our family heirloom. Beyond ‘Feyi ko Ogbon’, do you use this special ability of yours elsewhere in real life situations like serve in the palace of any king? Serving a king? No. However, I actually use this gift at special functions. I will have you know that, I get invites to ‘praise-sing’ at various high class social functions like birthdays, weddings, naming ceremonies and other functions.. What has this special gift of yours attracted to you? Apart from being famous as a result of it, everything I am, own or have become today, is as a result of the ‘Praise-singing’ I do. My wife, kids, house, vehicles, virtually everything came out of this, and of course, with the blessings of God, because if God had not blessed my family with this gift, I wouldn’t be where I am or have what I have today. What has been your greatest challenge using this gift? Every profession has its own challenge; in fact there are a lot of them. If I start mentioning them, it may take the whole day. But suffice it to say that it has its own challenges. The most important thing is surmounting them. Does your son act in ‘Feyi Ko Ogbon’ as well? He acts, but he is not on the cast of ‘Feyi Ko Ogbon’… Is he the only child out of your kids who have taken up acting just like you? For now yes. How do you feel seeing him take after you? I am really overjoyed about it. Anyone would be seeing not just one of your children, but your first son taking after you; of course that is when it is something good. I am very happy and thrilled that he is a chip off the ice-Berge.

God’s Love Kept

Photo By Fidelis Isibor

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On My Own –

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

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

Righteousman

Tags Parents ‘WICKED’ For Name CONT’D FROM PG 10

career. I actually ‘kidnapped’ myself or let me just say that I escaped to Lagos at 17. That is to tell me how much people, particularly those of us, who are from a rich home were dissuaded from taking up music as a profession. Then if people saw you with a guitar, they see you as an unserious fellow, school then were the most important thing. So what was it like leaving home, where you had a definite life to Lagos where a life of uncertainty awaited you? It was really tough. I came to Lagos then with a friend and another veteran musician, Felix Duke. He told me we would find a place to put up where Majek Fashek, then stayed. Thinking that was the case, I decided to take that bold step and left home with him. However, when we got to Lagos, he took me there and we were surprised that there was no place like that. So I quickly got in touch with my cousin, who lived in Lagos. It was him who took us somewhere on Awolowo Way, Ikeja called “Mama Blessing” Studio. There, we joined a band that performed there and we were paid as a group N5 then, when they had so many sales, but N3 when sales was not much. Then we didn’t have a place to sleep, so what we did then, was to when it was getting late in the day, take a ‘Molue’ bus pay the fare and go to the back and sleep. Usually those days it took about four hours (two hours to and two hours fro) for the bus to go from Ikeja to CMS and back to Ikeja, because of all the stops it had to make. The conductors would then wake us up, so it is those four hours of sleep that will carry us till the next day as we perform in Madam Blessings studio. What did you do during the day? Majorly we just roamed the streets. This was how we continued for a long while before things started looking up and we finally got a place and then record deals and like they say, “the rest is history”. You could have done any other thing with your life, but you chose music, especially with your folks being well to do. What informed your decision to do so? I didn’t choose music, music chose me. It is a calling. I didn’t go into music because I wanted to make money, because I had started since I was a little boy. Music is life to me and that is why, I don’t use vulgar languages in my lyrics, in spite of the fact that the industry has been over-taken by immorality. How were you able to gather 60 artistes to feature in the video? I see beyond the video. I found out that we are no longer responsible as musicians. That was one of the reasons I decided to embark on that song. People are dying, while some others are celebrating. What do our children see, when they put on the television? What kind of music do they listen to? What video do they watch? Naked girls! Sometimes I just wonder what goes on in the minds of our artistes, when they are in the studios. You spend money to promote nakedness? It is terrible. If you drop a single and you don’t follow it up with another one three month’s later, people will forget you. That is the kind of songs we have today. Now, the musicians are more than the fans. Everybody is a singer. As long as

you have money and you have back-up, then you are good to go. That is the music we have today. I get worried for them because they won’t last. But they seem to be the ones actually succeeding… That is what it seems like, however, a gospel artiste came to me one day and said God is just blessing these secular artistes and they are making so much money, while the gospel artistes are not making it. I told him he was watching the wrong station. Until you watch the right station that is when you will realize that God doesn’t operate the way you want Him to operate. Stars should try to balance their music. I am not saying they should all do gospel music, but let them balance their music. The music of today reigns for three months. Gospel music is evergreen. Tell me one secular artiste who you can remember any of his songs that he sang three years ago. I don’t move with Nigerian time, I move with the world’s time. But your contemporaries, with their ‘decent’ lyrics, were not commercially successful as these younger generation artistes. What did you people do wrong back then? How come the footballers of those days were not getting it right the way the ones of these days are doing it? Back in those days, there weren’t endorsements. Musicians were playing music for passion. People sang to correct ills. Today, your neighbour will die and some people will be singing, ‘I want your low waist.’ You will only feel pained, when you lose your own. Tuface has been there and he will continue to be relevant because, his lyrics are wonderful. There are other artistes who I don’t even understand what they are singing, yet they are making waves. You can be good but people will not appreciate you. Please correct this notion if you can. People say that reggae music is gradually becoming extinct in Nigeria. How true is this? Reggae music is not cheap music; it is a strong music. But a lot of people d o reggae music i n

Nigeria today

and they call it hip hop, because they do not know music. We have a lot of mediocrities who call themselves award organizers; they cannot define music. Some artistes do dancehall and they still call them hip hop music. Reggae music is still there; it cannot die. A lot of our artistes are still doing reggae music. Most people believe that reggae artistes get their inspiration from smoking Indian hemp, what you call ‘Ganja’, where do you get yours from? I am already high on the Holy Spirit and don’t need anything else to be inspired. If without taken anything I am this high, what do you think will happen if I take something. My inspiration comes from God. If you walk in his Spirit, all you need to succeed in whatever field of endeavour you choose is guaranteed.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Relationship

LOVE LINKS FOR INSTANT LOVE CONNECTION, SEND YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND REQUEST

Letter To Aunty ROSE

News With Aunty ROSE 08097639574

E-mail: rosemaryugiomoh@yahoo.com

I Have Phobia For Marriage Dear Aunty Rose, not want it mentioned where they are. But My name is Agboti Omone. I am 25 let me quickly and hastily establish here years old from Delta State currently that our perception and disposition on living and working in Abuja. My boy polygamy stems from our religious beliefs, friend that we have been dating for cultural education and the historical two years, Tega is in a rush to get lessons from those who had took part in the married to me. I don’t want to marry past. Therefore, it is safe to be cautiously now because of fear of polygamy. We scared if one's experience on the subject has are both from polygamous homes. been harrowing in the past either as a child t looks likewives you while have Tega’s spent the My Dad had five or otherwise. bulk of wives. your childhood and early Omone, that you and Tega are from a Dad had nine How do I escape life from adult the fear ofabroad? polygamy? I wish to polygamous home with five and nine wives I may lived the bulk of my life marry fromhave a monogamous home. sharing one man respectively is not to mean abroad, but my heart has always been that you will end the same way. This is an at home-Nigeria. Check out the skit important I Dear Omone, point I must clarify here. But the did and you thing wouldto beboth able to Fearfor is Bovi an incredible sincerity of purpose and actions from both tell that, it’s in thinking my heart, I am a fullrational and Biblical on polygamy of you will bring your desires into fruition. blown wasfear born in and I haveNigerian…More to ask what the rootso, of Isuch One important thing that I am happy about left for a while and came back.isI that you are conscious about this fact is?Nigeria, What is deep within that brings up such just relocated backittostem Nigeria strong feelings? Could fromNovember being and you do not want it in your life. That last year, so you could I go back wrong on this subject andsay thusthat serious in itself is a very good beginning. But and forth. doubts cast on every other testimony one then, it is not about just being conscious. actually prompted may What have heard concerning polygamy? you Appropriate steps must be employed to decision comepersons back home? After all, sotomany have lived work this out. From my diagnosis, I can I wanted take my career the next happily with it.toOr a situation of tobeing only ascribe two reasons to why you are level. asked to live the lifestyle? Or could it be filled with fear. Firstly, your experience career you mean your acting as a By result of exposure to things of the while growing up in your family may be career? past which somehow cultural individual's playing a crucial role to your fears, which actingseem career. viewsYes, on my polygamy to refresh after is quite normal. Secondly, may be Tega you came to answer Nigeria, yearsBefore of suppression? Who can such have may have been indulging in hanky-panky questions? This subject has deposited more games (I.e, engaging in other affairs) which fear in the life of so many, so that some do you are quite aware of but have chosen to

remain calm. I am just saying but then it may not be farfetched. If the first reason I gave above is the cause, you have to let the past go so that you can begin a fresh phase of your life. ‘We simply cannot drive forward if we're focused on what is happening in the rearview mirror' says Steve Harvey in his book 'Think Like A man Act Like a Lady’. You’ve got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. We call it self determination. Once you're determine not to tiny the line then every necessary step should be adopted to put you in the right part. This also include that if your boyfriend has the trait of marrying more than one wife which is against your will, 'you have to let him go 'just the same way Bishop T.D Jake says whatever was not meant for you, 'you have to let it go'. You should not hold on to something that was never meant for you. I want you to look critically at where the fear is coming from. Ask yourself salient questions and be truthful in providing answers to yourself. Once you identify the source then, you can begin to find solutions to it. If the issue is with Tega you must call him to order through a round table talk and get him to commit himself to his promises to you. However, if the problem is from you, you should caution yourself and know how to overcome it.

I Have Dated Married Women All My Life Dear Aunty Rose, My name is Haruna Modibo, I am 35 years old and a graduate from one of the Federal Universities in Nigeria, currently working with one of the Unity schools in the North. I have dated married women all my life. Now, I find it difficult to date or marry a young girl between the ages of 25 and 30. I really need to settle down, raise a family. How do I go about this? I need your help Aunty Rose. Dear Haruna, The case you just stated is not peculiar to you alone. For many men, there is just something about a married woman that is more attractive than anything else. Maybe it’s the way that so many of them seem to convey a sense of self esteem or confidence in themselves and their situation. It’s the woman who’s not afraid to offer a passionate kiss, even though she’s just taken a bite of garlic or has not brushed her teeth for the day. It’s the woman who has enough confidence in who she is that a slightly dimpled bottom is not the end of the world. It’s the fact that many married women know how to please themselves and the man that they are with. For lots of guys, this is just what they want and need. Again, dating a married woman comes with so many stolen moments at odd times. Most of the time, once the initial date has taken place, she’ll be the

one making arrangements and planning your next get together, or date or meeting which is why it’s really easy to date a married woman. But I must be quick to say here that guys who enjoy this kind of relationships are usually not ready for serious commitment. They are more interested in catching fun. However, while both parties may enjoy this fun unhindered, there could be a danger if the man in question is younger and single. It is that of settling down to establish for himself a family he can call his own. This brings me to your question on how to skillfully navigate such herculean task of coming back to your normal self so that you can marry a woman of younger age. The two points that I shall list below may be of help. PURGE YOUR HEART: The thought that you can no longer date a girl younger than you is a thing of the mind. Hence, you must deconstruct such idea from your head. Failure to do this, you may not be able to leave behind your past adventures. When you fulfill this important task, it shall serve as the base to your recovery process. Please take note, the mind is a powerful tool. You must use it to your own benefit. All you simply need to do is to begin to tell yourself that you can marry or date a younger woman and once this idea begins to click in your mind, be rest assure that you will start putting the thought into fruition. Like the saying goes, ‘whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve’.

If you conceive to start dating a girl younger than you are, this will automatically become your desire. Also note that your desire is the starting point of all accomplishment. BE MORE RESPONSIBLE: like I have earlier noted, there is no gain saying that guys who date married women are guys who shy away from serious commitment. Dating a single girl of their age or even younger comes with so much responsibility. For example, the girl may be looking up to them for their basic needs which the guys may not be ready to shoulder. However, the married woman only needs one thing from her date; the emotional attention to spice up their lives. They have fallen into the rut of the day to day regime of their marriages, and are bored, neglected, lacking a sex life, seeking thrills, or even sometimes, seeking revenge on their OWN cheating husband. But the guys in question go into relationship with married women with the initial intent of biological release. So it is a case of getting what you want at less cost. But that has to change. When you get a younger date, you must be ready to give her listing ear. You should be ready to take care of her basic needs; showing understanding and care. This is a new way of life that you can learn to live. Once you put these two points into use you may well be on your way out of the challenge. You need to break free as soon as possible to begin your own family. Thank you.

MISSING LINK 1.

Aunty Rose, Kindly link me with a lost friend, Rose Mba, a primary school teacher from Uzoakoli. Her last known address was no. 24, Owosheni street Benin City. Since the 80’s, I desire she eats out of my sweat for the true love she showed me. My name remains Moses Ero, this is my phone number: 08078172177

HOOK UP WITH YOUR OWN LOVER NOW

Rumble In Benin Kingdom

•Binin Stand By Lion Begets Lion Adage… LION begets lion… this could aptly describe or paint the royal scenario unfolding in the highly revered ancient city of Benin. Information filtering in from the Edo State pride city, unveiled the unpalatable news of an undisclosed hiccup, which is one of the most significant clogs hampering the wheels of traditional rites being carried out to sanctify not just the ancient town, but the expected heir to the throne. According to reports reaching National Weekender, all traditional rites expected to usher in another ‘lion’ is and still in top gears. “But no one seems to understand what is happening in and even outside the palace. Today, a story emanates about the heir and tomorrow, another filters out on the eligibility of the heir. “It is so confusing … yes, very confusing, so much so that, we sons and daughters of the kingdom are beginning to wonder for how long we would go without a Royal Father. I must be frank with you, our tradition stipulates a laid-down rule and order, which has been religiously followed since creation, that the only Crown Prince for the Oba of Benin Throne, must, I repeat, MUST be of a Benin mother,” an impeccable source, who spoke to us on condition of strict anonymity divulged. We however gathered that, the delay in commencing all rites involved in the enthronement processes of another Lion may not be unconnected with “a royal in-house squabble as to who should be and who not.” A consolatory dose of news was however, told us on a telephone chat – “No matter what, I can assure you that our Oba will be announced in distant time. That is a part of our culture and tradition that we cannot afford to toy with and we will never,” another source assured.

Don’t Blame African Pilgrims For Stampede –NAHCON The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, on Friday called on the Saudi Arabian authorities not to involve Nigeria and countries affected by Friday’s stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, in the probe of the tragedy. No fewer than 747 Muslims lost their lives and 805 others injured at the stampede on the road leading to Jamarat (stone throwing site). Pilgrims from several nations, participating at the ongoing pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, lost their lives to the stampede. Mukhtar, who made the call at a news conference in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, said it was unfair for anyone to blame Africans participating at the pilgrimage for the fatal incident. “At this time of electronic age and the close circuit cameras installed in Mecca and environment, the authorities can easily know how the stampede started and what caused it,’’ he said. He urged the pilgrims to follow the timetable provided by Saudi authorities to prevent similar incident. A newsman reports that three Nigerians lost their lives although NAHCON officials said they had yet to verify the development from the Saudi Government.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Politics

Dickson’s Aide Knocks APC, Sylva SAINT Mienpamo, Special Assistant, Research and Social Media to Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has lambasted the All Progressive Congress (APC) for its disputed governorship primaries in the State. According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the party to beat, adding that the APC “does not exist in Bayelsa.” In an interview with newsmen on Friday, Mienpamo said the PDP was not surprised over the verbal attacks trailing the September 22 primary. Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State have been exchanging words over the outcome. While Sylva insists that he did not truncate the electoral process as being speculated, Oshiomhole said what transpired was not free and fair. He alleged that Sylva induced delegates, intimidated supporters of rivals, compromised the Police and also thugs to cause violence. Responding, Sylva called Oshiomhole a liar who “claims to be morally upright with a strong ethical orientation but landed in Yenagoa for the primary in a helicopter provided by a friend of one of the aspirants”. Speaking, Mienpamo wondered how the APC that cannot conduct ordinary primary, intends to govern an entire State. “I have seen impunity and I have seen elections. But what I witnessed at APC primary was scary,” he said. “An aspirant’s convoy was attacked by Sylva’s thugs even as boys loyal to another aspirant, Timi Alaibe viscously attacked their opponents. The Police and thugs jointly attacked delegates while aspirants, aides and supporters had to flee the venue for their lives. “As Governor Oshiomhole was speaking, the microphone was forcefully taken off his hands. His security detail was dismantled by cultists who held him hostage for hours. It took the intervention of soldiers. “A zebra will never outgrow its stripes. It was a sad reminder of how things were in our dear state a few years ago but the people will not make another mistake; we will not allow impunity to walk tall in front of us again. “Governor Dickson has brought peace to Bayelsa and our state will not to go back to the era of killing and unlawful attacks on innocent Bayelsans by Sylva and his gang of cultists.” Mienpamo also revealed what he described as ‘behind the scene’ happenings in the build up to the APC primary. “Sylva is someone nobody should associate with. Prior to that primary, he lured all the aspirants one by one and advised them to join the APC with their supporters.” “He followed that up by promising to ensure that they will get the ticket. Simply put, Sylva deceived them. “He kept on assuring them that, ‘Please come and join APC, I will make you governor. I brought APC to Bayelsa and as the leader, I can convince the national leadership of the party to make you our governorship candidate.’ “The aspirants fell for his sweet talk and left PDP. To further outsmart them, Sylva collected their money and now using same against them (laughs). Trust me, APC are yet to know the kind of person they are dealing with. “Virtually all those aspirants you see were in PDP. They didn’t read the writings on the wall; they didn’t seek wise counsel; they refused to use adequate intelligence because they were too ambitious and wanted to be governor. “They blindly followed Sylva to APC; a man whose sole reason for joining the APC was to spite former President and our leader, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. “Sylva was frustrated and allowed that to affect his reasoning and judgement. Now look at what he is facing; allegations and condemnations.”

I’ve Been Before Code Of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC –Tinubu •Tinubu

NATIONAL leader of APC, Bola Tinubu says the current trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct is nothing new to him as he was tried at the same tribunal two weeks after leaving office as governor of Lagos State. Speaking to newsmen after his Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks praying ground yesterday September 24th, Tinubu said “After they discovered that my assets declaration had some questions, they charged

me to the tribunal. I went and challenged them to show proofs. I was later discharged and acquitted because there was no evidence to prove their claim. It is only then I accused the government of being selective. We have to live by example and by our words. We can’t be talking about it alone. We have to work it without any iota of blackmail. I have been through it. The second week I left office, I was invited by the EFCC. I went there and answered

their questions. Later, I took them to court and I won. The government officials are almost no longer believable in this country. When one has a public responsibility, they look at it as if the source of wealth to steal and mismanage public funds and do things that are not included in the democratic norms and values. We cannot overlook a lot of things. We cannot personalise a lot of things as if it is vendetta. We have to endure, be patient, look for justice, equity and balance society.” he said

APC Makes Oyegun, Lai Mouthpiece THE All Progressives Congress has said only its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, are authorised to speak for the party on national issues. In a statement by Odigie-Oyegun on Friday, the party said the clarification had become necessary as those it called authorised persons had been “issuing statements” on behalf of the APC. It stated, “It has come to the attention of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress that unauthorised persons have recently been

issuing statements on behalf of the party “This is totally wrong and unacceptable as only the National Chairman and the National Publicity Secretary can speak for the party on national issues. Therefore, any member of the National Working Committee or the party generally, who wishes to speak on behalf of the party, should expressly clear such statement with the National Chairman of our great party.” It directed its state publicity secretaries to restrict their statements to issues concerning their various states, urging all the concerned officers to adhere to the directive.

Imo Assembly Workers Spoil For War

IMO State House of Assembly workers are currently fine-tuning arrangements to disrupt legislative activities when the lawmakers resume plenary next Tuesday, following what they called “the apparent unwillingness or inability of the state government to clear their arrears of salaries, since it received the Federal Government’s bailout fund.”

What infuriated the workers was the fact that two weeks after Governor Rochas Okorocha promised to clear the arrears of salaries owed Imo workers, they were still wallowing in penury, hunger and stress. Feelers from the Assembly showed that the workers would, apart from locking the main gate of the Assembly complex against the lawmakers,

would also take any other step open to labour, to achieve their collective aspiration. National Weekender gathered that the workers, who are acting under the canopy of the Imo State Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASSAN, had been at battle with government over their unpaid salaries and allowances.

•Lai Mohammed

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Politics

OBJ, Tinubu’s Quiet Fight Over Nigeria’s Soul

•Edun

CONT’D FROM PG 7 former President is at loggerheads. It was learnt that Tinubu, is not comfortable with the proposed portfolio for some of OBJ’s (as the former is fondly called) candidates and therefore, believes that their considerations will dim his chances of maintaining hegemony over the government of Buhari when his cabinet is finally constituted. Another Chieftain of the ruling APC explains: “Problem started when OBJ proposed that Prof. Soludu be considered as Finance Minister. Tinubu was not comfortable with the idea of Soludo, not because of the alleged misfortune that befell the banking sector during his reign as Governor of Nigeria’s apex bank, but because he (Tinubu) had preference for a former Minister of Finance in Lagos, Mr. Wale Edun. “He reckoned that if Soludo becomes the Minister of Finance, which will translate into him being the coordinating minister of the economy, as the order is, Obasanjo would be the one in charge of the economy. “That is why Tinubu and his cronies kicked against the former Central Bank helmsman; however, they cited as reasons the

•Ezekwesili near collapse of banking sector, a situation confirmed by former CBN chief and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a staunch supporter of the APC.” Many APC chieftains are also said to be against the former University Don’s candidature on the ground he remains a card-carrying member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and his appointment would be seen as taking from Peter to pay Paul. It is in reaction to this that Chief Obasanjo has kicked against Mr. Wale Edun representing Ogun in the first place. This situation puts the candidature of Mr. Edun, who had served as Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State, in the cabinet of Tinubu at risk, following an earlier rejection by certain prominent Eko indigenes, including traditional rulers and some of his colleagues that served in the Tinubu administration. According to them, Edun is not a Lagosian only that he has lived all his adult life in the State. Another OBJ candidate Tinubu has issues with, is the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Segun Oni. Despite the fact that in 2014 he defected from the PDP and joined the newly formed opposition party, All Progressive

Congress (APC) and currently holds the position of Deputy National Chairman South, the selfproclaimed ‘Lion of Bourdillon’, believes that if he makes the list, it will affect the chances of Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) becoming the Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation. Recall that Falana is also from Ekiti and the constitution prescribes one minister per State. Falana is also the reason, according to APC Chieftains, why former governors of Ekiti, Mr. Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo may not make the cabinet of President Buhari. On the other hand, while the Jagaban and Chief Bisi Akande do not have issues with former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, he has resolved to let Senator Chris Ngige slug it out with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili (since they both hail from the same State, just like Prof Soludo). The supposition of the proTinubu camp is that, Senator Ngige wields more influence amongst the APC hierarchy and based on that, he is more likely to clinch the slot than Ezekwesili. They are however of the opinion that ‘Madam Due Process’ as she is fondly called, is giving a ‘less

•Soludo important’ role in the government, possibly an ambassadorial position, seeing that her “Bring Back The Chibok Girls’ campaign in no small extent, helped their course, while they sought to topple the former government. Nevertheless, the final outcome of this rift between OBJ and the Asiwaju remains to be seen as so far, President Buhari has shown that he reserves the final say. Who Runs The Economy? Some anti-Tinubu groups within the ruling APC has started crying foul over the likelihood of Asiwaju Tinubu being granted the lee-way to produce the Minister of Finance, who eventually will double as coordinating minister of the economy. According to our impeccable source in the Presidency, not only that Tinubu wants to provide the Minister of Finance, he is also plotting to have the present Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Babatunde Fowler redeployed as Minister of Economic planning in the about to be formed cabinet. According to our source, “President Buhari in his search for credible persons that will serve in his cabinet, picked

among a list of Nigerians, Prof. Pat Utomi, and his (President Buhari’s) plans, al binitio, is to deploy Prof. Utomi to the ministry of Economic Planning, but Tinubu because of his preference for Dr. Fowler, has asked that Prof Utomi to be posted instead, to Industry, Trade and Investment, which is believed to be a lesser portfolio. “Now members of the party are of the opinion that if Tinubu gets his way and is allowed to be the one to decide who becomes Minister of Finance; Minister of Economic Planning and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the implication of this is that, Tinubu would be the one who runs the country. Already he is the defacto Vice-President, having single-handedly picked Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for the exalted office. “Other power blocs, within the party for example that of former president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar are right now working at cross-purposes to make sure this does not happen, less they ended losing in every way.” Our source also stated that these anti-Tinubu groups have also threatened to jump shipout if the Jagaban succeeds.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Crime

EFCC Nabs N4.5m Love Scam ‘Groom’

Man, 72 Defiles 11-Year Old Girl THE Edo State Police Command has arraigned a 72-year-old man, Mr. Solomon Ugiagbe, before an Egor Magistrate’s Court, in Benin, for allegedly defiling an 11-yearold girl.Ugiagbe was arraigned on a one-count charge bothering on unlawful carnal knowledge. It was learnt that the accused person, said to be a grand-father, committed the offence on November 13, 2014, at 72, Okungbowa Street, in Egor Local Government Area of the State. It was also gathered that the defendant carried out the act by forcing his manhood into the vagina of the minor.The matter was reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department, in the state capital.The offence, according to the police prosecutor, contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48 Vol. II, laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable in Edo State. The charge read, “That you, Solomon Ugiagbe ‘m’ on November 13, 2014, at No. 72 Okungbowa Street, Evbuotubu, Benin City in Egor Magisterial District did unlawfully have carnal knowledge of one Ivie (surname withheld) ‘f’ aged 11 years by inserting your penis into her vaginal and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48 Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable in Edo State.” But the accused person pleaded not guilty and urged the court to grant him bail.The presiding magistrate, William Aziegbemhin, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 and adjourned the case till October 5, 2015.

•Amadi Jude

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on September 21, 2015 arraigned one Amadi Jude before Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court, Calabar, Cross River State on a 12-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. Amadi, who goes by different pseudo names – Richard Smith, Mike Anderson, Richard Darwin, Jackson Miller, and Morgan Abela, is alleged to have

collected N4, 544,000 from a Swedish national, and promised to marry her. Count one reads: “That you, Amadi Jude Junior (alias Richard smith, Mike Anderson, Richard Darwin, Jackson Miller, Morgan Abela) ‘m’, John Ikechukwu Efughi (at large), and Farouk (at large), between May 2014 and January 2015 in Calabar, Cross River State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony with it:

obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same act.” The accused person pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Justice Obile, adjourned till October 12, 2015 and ordered the accused person be remanded in prison custody.

Police-Recruiting Cafe Owner Arrested POLICE operatives attached to Nyanya Division have arrested one ShedrachAmeh, owner of ScodekInfotech Cyber Café, Suite 5, First Plaza,Nyanya, for defrauding desperate and unsuspecting job seekers by asking them to pay N2000 for fake online police recruitment registration.

A police source said the operatives received distress calls from members of the public who were victims of the suspect. One of the victims, Beatrice Uzoma, told our reporter that she had paid more than N300, 000 to the suspect, who promised to get her a job with

FRSC Mobile Court Convicts 25

the Central Bank of Nigeria. According to her, when the job could not materialize after selling all her valuables to raise money to pay for the job, she confronted him but was surprised when he asked her for some more money as the contact from the CBN needed more money to make the job available to her. “That was when I knew that I had been duped, then I asked him to refund all the money and recharge cards I sent to him, but he refused. I immediately reported the matter to my neighbour, who works with the CBN. He informed me that they were not recruiting and that was when I went to the police,” she narrated.

Our correspondent gathered that when police operatives raided the cafe, the following advert was found pasted on the door: “APPLY FOR NIGERIA POLICE 2015/2016 RECRUITMENT HERE”. The FCT police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent AnjuguriManzah said that it was important for members of the public to note that the Nigeria Police Force is not recruiting; and when the recruitment will be done it will be publicized in the media. He said that the suspect is helping the police in its investigation and that he would be charged and arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

Bank Robbery Suspects Nabbed

THE Federal Road Safety Commission Mobile Court, Kakau Unit in Kaduna State, has convicted 25 motorists of various offences.A legal officer in the commission, Mr. Fawzy Garba, told newsmen on Friday in Kaduna that the commission would pay special attention on road users during Eid el-Kabir till September 28. He said among the 25, three were convicted of driving license violation, 10 for overloading, three for worn out tyres, four for number plate violation and five for speed limit violation.He, however, said the other five arrested persons have been discharged. The Sector Commander, Mr. Francis Udoma, said that the commission instituted the mobile court to ensure zero road crash, injury and death during and after Eid el-Kabir.“Intensive special

patrol and the mobile court are aimed at addressing the spate of avoidable road crashes usually associated with the surge of human and vehicular traffic during Eid elKabir. “All our men are on the road to arrest all defaulters on our highways and our goal is to reduce unexpected death of road users due to drivers’ carelessness or road obstructions.“We will arrest drivers who overload their vehicles, drivers with no licence, drivers who over speed as well as drivers with

worn out tyres,” he said. Udoma said FRSC would not relent in its efforts to change the driving culture of road users in the country.“Driving is a noble profession and we want only professional drivers on our highways, because if only experienced and professional drivers plight our roads, accident will reduce drastically.“We will be very thorough in the operation and so, we need the cooperation of everybody to keep our roads safe,” he added

POLICE detectives attached to the Durumi police division in the FCT have arrested two suspected bank armed robbers, Daniel Ekwe, 27, and OgochukwuIdoh, 29, for trailing and robbing FCT residents, who went to the bank to withdraw money. An FCT police command source told our reporter that the abovenamed suspects have been on the wanted list of the command. Our correspondent further gathered that the suspects are members of a notorious syndicate that lurk around banks and trail those who have withdrawn large sums of money to secluded places where they rob them. “The syndicate also specializes in vandalizing cars to remove expensive and exotic phones and laptops. The suspects were arrested after they trailed their victim from a bank in Maitama to a house near NNPC by American International School and broke the side glass of the victims car and carted away the sum of N350, 000 after the victim had alighted from the car and entered his house,” the source said. The source added that the victim saw the hoodlums break into his car and raised alarm, which alerted police personnel on duty in the

area. Parading the suspects, the FCT police commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu said police investigation has so far shown that the suspects, who were lodging at a hotel in Zuba, arrived the FCT recently from Enugu state to carry out such operations. “The suspects are helping police detectives in their investigation. They will be charged and arraigned in court on completion of investigation,” he said. He also added that the FCT Police Command has resolved to strengthen security across FCT during the ember months and throughout Sallah celebration.

•Wilson Inalegwu, FCT Police Com.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Crime

Why Hold Saraki 12 Legal Years After? Wig Queries Court By STEPHEN AYA

IT is a fact in the Nigerian political landscape, one becomes subject of persecution once you are not on the same political track with the ‘powers that be’ or they are to be prosecuted for doing something which is nonpolitical but criminal in nature. This issue has not only become a recurring display of political rascality, it can be likened our new culture of denial at any given time. Whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), like any other governmental agency in our Country, by its recent acts, is seen to have clearly shown to Nigerians that it is capable of being used as an instrument of political vendetta and persecution or not is another

matter altogether. The truth is that the tribunal has done something. The law says ‘A person elected to the office of the Governor of a State, by virtue of Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until, he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution. Saraki’s 2003 Declaration of Assets Forms was filed on May 12, 2003, seventeen days before he was sworn into office as Governor of Kwara State. By law, the CCB was to investigate and verify the information contained in the said declaration without prejudice to the constitutional immunity enjoyed then by Saraki as a Governor, why did this investigation take close to

12 years for us to discover that Saraki had lied will be explained in court. The CCB was established by the provisions of paragraph 15 (1) of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which provides thus: “There shall be established a tribunal to be known as Code of Conduct Tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and two other persons” The Act provides that the Bureau is established to deal with complaints of corruption by public servants for the breach of its provisions. It is indisputable that the CCT by virtue of the powers conferred on it in Paragraph 18 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

as amended, has powers to adjudicate on matters within its jurisdiction, including criminal ones. It must be noted here, however that the battle have been shifted from Saraki to the status of the court as a superior courts of records in Nigeria. According to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN,”in Section 6 (5) of the 1999 Constitution, interestingly, the CCT is not listed as one of such Superior Courts. This credibly laid credence to the proposition that the CCT is not a superior Court of record”. Some other lawyers however,refusedtocomment on this issue stressing that this and others that have come up against the Senate President, are still in court therefore they preferred to hold their peace for now. Barrister Femi Aji, while

refusing to comment on other matter, however said, there may be loopholes here and there both with the case and with the CCT. The most important thing here, is that the anti-corruption war of this government has stated and over time perfect structures will indeed be set-up. However, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN sums it all when he said; “Whilst it is elementary that time does not run against the State in criminal proceedings, the state should be up and doing in prosecuting a criminal act earnestly and timorously. This will not only deter potential criminals, it will also nip criminal acts in the bud. How could the Code of Conduct Bureau have waited for twelve good years before discovering Saraki’s alleged crime? It’s shameful”.

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Sports

Lille Miss Enyeama’s Safe Gloves

Injured Flying Eagles Nwobodo Back On Feet NIGERIA U20 midfielder Obinna Nwobodo resumed light training with Enugu Rangers on Thursday. Obinna, who missed last FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand due to a major knee injury he suffered in the final of CAF U20 Championship in Senegal in March, was spotted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium jogging. He was full of praise for Nigerians and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their support when he was on the treatment table. “Thank God I am back and I feel like

going straight onto the pitch to do my thing but I must wait out the time as instructed by the doctors,” Nwobodo told AfricanFootball.com “I hope to come back a better player to give back to my fans what they expect from me for all their prayers while I was out injured. “I must not fail to thank all Nigerians and the entire NFF family for standing by me through this injury. I appreciate their concern and won’t fail to pay them back at the appropriate time through quality representation on the field of play.”

LOSC Lille go into a game without goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for the first time since the end of the 2012-13 season on Friday, the Nigerian missing the trip to play Stade de Reims at the StadeAuguste-Delaune due to suspension. Enyeama was sent off in Lille’s 1-1 draw away to Stade Rennais FC a week ago and on Thursday it was confirmed that he must serve a one-match ban in Champagne country. As a result, his run of 82 consecutive starts since the start of the 2013-14 campaign will come to an end, leaving LOSC coach HervéRenard with a decision to make over who starts in goal. The Nigerian is a larger than life character and an outstanding ‘keeper who memorably went 1,061 minutes without conceding a goal in the autumn of 2013. His presence has helped Lille take the best defensive record in Ligue 1 into this weekend, with just two goals conceded so far in six games.

Falcons Glide Down FIFA Table

AFRICAN champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered the biggest slide in the world after they dropped nine places to be ranked 38th in the latest FIFA ratings. And this was despite playing the most matches (seven) in September. The Falcons, under caretaker coach Chris Danjuma, failed to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio after they were eliminated

by Equatorial Guinea. They also failed to medal at the recent All Africa Games after losses to Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire. There was no change at the top of the September FIFA/ Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking as the leading teams have not played many matches since the publication of the last edition of the ranking shortly after the FIFA Women’s World

Cup Canada 2015 which means that reigning world champions the USA continue to hold a lead over Germany and France. Two teams have this month achieved their highest-ever rankings – Equatorial Guinea (50th, up 5) and New Caledonia (94th, new). The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 18 December 2015.

NIGERIA’S gold medalist in the 100m dash of the 2003 All Africa Games in Abuja, DejiAliu, has urged the three tiers of government to show more commitment to claims of improving the welfare of athletics’ coaches in order to boost their morale for better performance. Aliu gave the advice while addressing newsmen at an event organised by the `Top Sprinter Genesis’, in Benin on Wednesday, in a bid to scout for younger athletes. Aliu urged administrators of

the sports to ensure that coaches’ welfare become priorities if the country must regain its fading fortunes in the sprints. Aliu, disclosed that the Top Sprinter Genesis is a private outfit conceived to scout for younger athletes who can be groomed to become world beaters. Aliu noted that, besides their remuneration, the coaches need to be exposed to the latest trends in the sport through trainings at home and abroad. “Our athletes now struggle inareas where we once held sway because our coaches lack a number

of things. “Most of our athletes see our coaches as hungry people. In any case, a coach, being a father, trainer and adviser to an athlete can only give what he has. “Of course, there are other factors responsible for our decline in the sprints, but I consider tyhis to be the most important one and needs to be dealt with if we are to regain our lost glory.” Speaking on the trials, Aliu pointed out that 30 of the more than 300 athletes that registered for the event would be selected for a final camping in Lagos.

Deji Aliu Wants Better Life For Sportsmen/Women

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Sports

Chelsea’s Radar On Georgian International

•Kane

League Table Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team Man City Man Utd West Ham Leicester Arsenal Everton Swansea C/Palace Tottenham Watford Norwich West Brom Liverpool B’mouth Chelsea S’ampton Aston Villa Stoke City Newcastle Sunderland

P GD Pts 6 10 15 6 4 13 6 6 12 6 4 12 6 0 10 6 3 9 6 2 9 6 1 9 6 1 9 6 0 9 6 -1 8 6 -2 8 6 -3 8 6 -1 7 6 -3 7 6 -1 6 6 -3 4 6 -4 3 6 -6 2 6 -7 2

Tottenham Threaten ‘Hard Studs’ Against City

ERIC Dier has insisted that he and his Tottenham Hotspur p pur teammates will not head into this weekend’s clash against Manchester City feeling dwarfed by their opponents. The North London outfit are currently six points behind Premier League leaders City after winning two games, drawing three and losing one. City have won five of their six matches in the top flight, but Dier has claimed that Spurs do not fear socalled “bigger” opponents. “We have got over this thing about the bigger teams,” the London

Evening Standard quotes Dier as saying. “We go into these games with i h a different diff mentality li now. If you look back from the beginning of last season to now, it is completely different. We fight them toe to toe.” In this fixture at White Hart Lane last season, City grabbed a 1-0 victory. Meanwhile Yaya Toure is desperate to return to winning ways in the Premier League when Manchester City travel to Tottenham on Saturday after their surprise defeat at the hands of West Ham. City started the league season in perfect fashion with five wins

from five matches, but the club’s 100 percent record came to an end when h iit was b beaten 22-11 at h home by b SlavenBilic’s side last Saturday. Manuel Pellegrini’s men bounced back with a convincing 4-1 League Cup victory at Sunderland on Tuesday and midfielder Toure has now set his sights on taking all three points at White Hart Lane. “We have a tough game coming against Tottenham and we needed this relief, and confidence coming back,” Toure said after the win at the Stadium of Light.” City or even Chelsea, Arsenal, when they start losing or have a bad spell you get a lot

team’s Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven earlier this month. After undergoing two operations in Holland, Shaw has returned to the North-West of England to begin recovery. “He was very positive [when I spoke to him last night], which is amazing for me,” Van Gaal told

MUTV. “It’s a very good signal. We have started rehabilitation. He shall be visited at home for the first electro muscle stimulants.” With Shaw out of action, Van Gaal faces a dilemma over team selection for Saturday’s match against Sunderland as defenders Marcos Rojo and Paddy McNair are also absent due to injuries.

•Aguero

of criticism. But we have experience in the squad - players like Joe Hart, Vi Vincent K Kompany and d me - and d we try to give the other guys confidence in these situations. “We have big experienced players who hate losing because we have experience at the high level, and we just try to stay calm and restore confidence for the next game.” Pellegrini may have to make do without a number of first-team regulars at Spurs, as the likes of captain Kompany, David Silva (both calf), EliaquimMangala (muscular injury) and Samir Nasri (knock) all missed the trip to Sunderland.

Pele Rates Gunners Over Blues BRAZILIAN football legend Pele has admitted that if he was playing in the modern game, he would choose to join Arsenal over Chelsea. The 74-year-old is widely regarded as the all-time greatest footballer after winning three World Cups, two Copa Libertadores titles and six Brazilian Serie A trophies with Santos. When asked about today’s Premier League heavyweights, Pele suggested that Arsenal’s style of football is more attractive than Chelsea’s. “Arsenal is a good team to play for,” Pele told The Telegraph. “I like the teams that play open football. Today it is difficult to decide which teams play that way. “Barcelona are the closest in style to Santos and are almost the same style as Brazil in 1970. Between Chelsea and Arsenal? I would play for Arsenal if I had the chance.” Pele has previously been named FIFA Player of the Century.

Fixtures Sat. Sept. 26

Tottenham v Man City Leicester v Arsenal Liverpool v Aston Villa West Ham v Norwich Southampton v Swansea Stoke v Bournemouth Man United v Sunderland Newcastle v Chelsea

Van Gaal Sure Of Shaw’s Healing MANCHESTER United manage, Louis van Gaal has confirmed that injured leftback Luke Shaw has begun the rehabilitation process on his broken leg. The England international is expected to be sidelined for at least six months after suffering a double fracture during the

CHELSEA are interested in signing Georgia international goalkeeper Giorgi Loria, according to head coach Kakhaber Tskhadadze. The 29-year-old is yet to play for Russian Premier League side KryliaSovetov since signing from Olympiacos in July, but Georgia boss Tskhadadze is certain of interest from the current Premier League champions. “There were two days where Chelsea would not stop calling,” he is quoted as saying by Spanish outlet Marca, but said that he recommended that Loria “concentrate on playing with his new team.” Chelsea are currently without injured first choice keeper Thibaut Courtois, who may not return to action until Christmas, with AsmirBegovic stepping in for the Belgium international.

Sun. Sept. 27

Watford v C/Palace

Mon. Sept. 28

•Shaw

West Brom v Everton

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Sports

Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Ogba’s Golden Feats

THE N Nigerian g contingentsto g the just j concluded Congo g 2015 All African Affrican Games (AAG), ( ) in what has been described by y sports p s pundits p as an amazingg feat emerged g overall second on table, picking a total of 147 medals medals, comprising 47 the medals m edals table Gold, 56 Silver and 44 Bronze in all sports. A cursory look at the Team Nigeria’s laurels showed that whereasAthletics recorded 10 Gold, 9 silver and 5 bronze medals, wrestlinggarnered 9 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. Weightlifting on the other hand finished third with 8 Gold, 18 Silver and 9 Bronze medals,while Power lifting accounted for 8 Gold, 7 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. The male football team came third, Women Basketball team second, while last minute entrants, cycling, shocked officials •AFN President, with 1Gold, 1 Silver and 1Bronze. Chief Dr. Solomon These laudable achievements though owed to the sheer Ogba (JP) resilience of the country’s representatives to the games is to a large extent attributable to the commitment and support of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), ably chaired by one of Nigeria’s foremost sports administrators, Chief (Dr.) Solomon Ogba (JP). The Dr. Ogba led AFN to arrive at this point, has adopted several global best strategies and one of them is leveraging on the contacts and influence of Dr. Ogba to bring the renowned High Performance •Nigeria’s 4x100m female relay team (HPC) to Nigeria. celebrating their gold medal at the AAG Centre The High performance center, the first of its kind in Africa is situated in the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state and since its establishments has seen several athletes from within and outside Nigeria have their skills developed to world class standard. Aside from this Chief Ogba has also been in the forefront of discovering athletes. Under his tutelage, Nigeria has seen rookie athletes evolved into world class sportsmen and women, chief among them being Nigeria’s track and field queen, Blessing Okagbare. Though an Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Solomon Ogba’s commitment to sports and politics from his student days can never be questioned, as he has de¬voted majority of his entire career to making impact in people’s lives using these two as a vehicle. Chief Ogba spend eight years as both Sole Administra¬tor and Commissioner of Sports in Delta State. It is remarkable to note that, it was during those eight years that a fresh sports foundation was laid for Nigeria. His love and contribution to sports pro¬motion and development in Delta State and Nigeria made him to present himself for service to his father land when he sought and won elections into the office of the President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Desmond Ekwueme

NATIONAL WEEKENDER

Ooni Successor Kicks Against Osun Government Interference Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 2, 2015

By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE THE Lafogido royal family of Ile-Ife have lamented the interference of Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola in the selection process of late Oba Okunade Sijuade’s successor.

Speaking with our correspondent, a highly ranked member of the family complained that,against customs, the influence of the state governor in the selection process was becoming unbearable. The source alleged that, the state governor has been meeting with stakeholders in Ife to strategize ways to get his preferred candidate on the ancient stool, a development his family is not comfortable with. “The influence of Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola in the selection process of the new Ooni is becoming unbearable. He has been meeting with some stakeholders in the town to see how he can get his preferred candidate to the position. This is not right and the governor needs to be called to order. There is a traditional process of picking a new Ooni after the demise of an old one and that tradition need to be duly

followed. The state governor’s actions are against our customs and tradition and it need to stop.” Many political figures have been accused since the demise of Ooni Okunade of trying to influence the process of selection of the next Ooni. Recall that, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Chief Bode George, warned the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, against manipulating the emergence of the next Ooni of Ife. The AtonaOodua of Yoruba land, told reporters during an interview that Tinubu should not use his relationship with the Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to manipulate the process. National Weekender also recall that Governor Rauf Aregbesola was conspicuously absent at the burial ceremony of late Ooni Sijuade.

national

EEKENDER A Passion For Truth, Objectivity, Decorum

Saturday, September 26 - Friday October 2, 2015

•Okupe FORMER Senior Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday, admonished the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to manage the on-going trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), in the overall interest of the nation’s nascent democracy. Speaking via a post on his Facebook page, Okupe, who made a shocking retraction of his preelection prediction that the APC would implode, however, stated that in the spirit of patriotism, and now that they (APC) are in government, it is not in his interest or that of any patriotic Nigerian to wish that they break up. Noting however, that the law must be allowed to take its course, Okupe urged the warring parties to “manage this delicate matter in the overall interest of our nation, our democracy and our people.”

www.nationalweekender.net

Okupe Runs From Saraki

His words: ords: “To ordinary watchers of Nigerian ian politics, the on-going ordeal of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki ki may be b an interesting i i soap opera. But to more discerning minds it is nothing short of a tragic comedy. Over the years, Nigerian politicians fail over and over again to convince anybody that they actually learnt anything from our checkered political history. This is why we have had many Republics in our national history. “Winston Churchill said ‘failure to act when action would have been simple and effective, lack of good reasoning, and confusion of counsel, all these lead to endless repetition of history.’ I am personally not a supporter of Dr. Saraki and for good reasons. He spearheaded the demolition of the PDP and the eventual catastrophic electoral misfortune of the Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency. “Neither am I a detractor of the Senate President. However, as a veteran

politician, I accept that all is fair in love and in war and as they say, the end justifies the means. “But “B what h iis currently l going i on is ominous and dangerous, and will require wisdom and extreme tact from all the dramatis personnel. I did in the past predict that the APC will break up, but that was before the APC formed the government. Now that they are in government, it is not in my interest or that of any reasonable or patriotic Nigerian to wish that they break up. “A break up of the APC now has the capacity to undermine the current political process and the entire political dispensation we are passing through to the detriment of the country and the innocent masses. “As it is now, while the law must be allowed to take its course, men with less passion, and more sense on all sides must rise to the occasion to manage this delicate matter in the overall interest of our nation, our democracy and our people” Jonathan’s former aide said.

On SATURDAY

N150

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

Last Order! THANK God that President Muhammadu Buhari is proactive as it concerns state matters. Thank God for his swift response to the N100m demand made by the abductors of former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falea. Thank God that Buhari acted like the true Commander-in-Chief he is by pulling then trigger that shattered the den of the abductors which led to the prompt release of the Ondo High Chief. Buhari has shown that he is a true leader who does not wait until things go from bad to worse before acting. A leader must be decisive, active and responsive. He must be daring, firm and unwavering. There is no doubt in my mind that if government reacted the same way during the abduction of the Chibok Girls perhaps we would not be where we are at the moment talking about insecurity. Agreed that the circumstances surrounding the Falea and Chibok Girls abductions are not completely the same, the motives are not totally the same more so, the terrain at the Sambisa Forest and Akure hilly forest are not the same but what we should have worked for us in the case of the Chibok Girls as witnessed in Falea’s case is the will-power to act by government. When a leader gives the LAST ORDER it is obeyed totally without complain. That is what every Commander-in-Chief does if the situation permits. Sadly we waited for close to two months to visit Borno and the rest like they say is history. Permit me to say that if the Goodluck Jonathan administration had recovered the Chibok Girls surely it would have led to another landslide victory at the polls like we witnessed in 2011. Buhari’s action has raised hope among Nigerians. He has succeeded in telling Nigerians that he is concerned about their welfare and indeed he is a (President) leader for all and for none. Buhari did not see Falea’s case as a minor issue especially as it is not happening to a top northern politician. He understood that Falea is a statesman and a move to rescue him is a move that will attract plaudits even from his (Buhari) foes. Indeed Buhari has a scored a strong political point which has registered in the hearts and minds of all Nigerians. His (Buhari’s) order to the Inspector General Police, Solomon Arase to rescue and present Falea to Nigerians reminds me of the order by former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to then Inspector General of Police Etim Inyang to get notorious armed robber, Lawrence Anini who tormented Benin City and its environ with his gang. Of course Inyang commissioned his men

•Falae led by Supretendent of Police Kayode Uanreroro who combed Benin City and on December 3, 1986 Anini was caught at No 26 Oyemwosa Street opposite Iguadala Primary School, Benin City. I want to recall that Babangida’s order to Inyang came in the form of a joke when he asked him during the Council of State meeting, where is Anini? Everyone seated at the meeting laughed hilariously but the message was already sent out. That is the power in the last order of a Commander-in-Chief. Nigerians want more of such decisive orders to move forward and like they say, to the next level. By last order we are not talking about the likes that wiped away an entire community, talking about Odi in Bayelsa State or the killings of 41 MASSOB members at Okigwe and Umuahia. Well done Buhari, thank you for rescuing Falea and for giving us hope!

NATIONAL WEEKENDER is Published by SportsDay Printing & Publishing Company Limited. Corporate Head Office: 19 Gbemisola Street, Off Allen Avenue Ikeja Lagos. Tel: 234 1 3426352. Editor: DESMOND EKWUEME. All Correspondence to the above address, ISSN: 23543043