11 oct 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Botched arms deal: West wary of Nigeria’s influence, says Akinterinwa Ndubuisi Ugah and Juliana Francis

he seizure by the South African government of about $15 million allegedly meant for the purchase of arms on behalf of the Nigerian government

lU.S envoy: Human rights abuses by military are a stumbling block lFG, South Africa row over cash-for-arms deal political, says security expert has continued to raise questions as to why a sovereign nation would resort to what appears to

be less-than-acceptable means of procuring arms. It has emerged that the appar-

ent desperation to procure arms stems from a reluctance of western countries to sell arms to Nigeria.

Although it has never been CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

LINDA IKEJI Back from the brink

HALLE IMHORDU My music better than Goldie's

}9 & 23

}19

showbiz

SHOWBIZ

Ozekhome’s column debuts tomorrow in New Telegraph

ELIZABETH CHIMA Kidney transplant survivor

‘I thought I’d not make it’ }6 OPENING SHOT

Sport Splash

SPORT Your free 8-page thriller }25

FREE Super Eagles

Eagles will be in Morocco – Babayaro p.27

AWC

Falcons on mission to reclaim AWC title p.27

Interview

Hayatou denied us AFCON ’88 title – Omokaro p.31

l Onazi, Echiejile say no room for error Time: 8:00pm

in Omdurman to an artificial turf in Khartoum. But Onazi said: uper Eagles have vowed to leave no “that is not much room for errors as they face Sudan in of a problem with the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers us; this is Africa today in Khartoum. and we are proEagles are condemned to win the tie as fessionals. We they attempt to revive their dream of making have to be ready it to Morocco after a sloppy start in the quali- for anything. We fying series. They lost their opening match have been trainagainst Congo in Calabar and could only ing on artificial manage a goalless draw in South Africa. ground, we are They confront Sudan today and mid- doing great on it, fielder Ogenyi Onazi said the African so we would go champions would fight hard to claim the there and play maximum points from the game. our game,” He admitted that it would not be a walk he said. in the park for them in Khartoum but that they have no option than to defeat their hosts. Onazi also apologised for their poor start to the campaign but said they need the support of Nigerians in their bid to claw back into Defender, contention. Elderson Echiejile “Everyone is ready for this challenge. It shared his teammate’s is a very big one but I can assure you that sentiments, saying that they would we are not under pressure; we are going pick the maximum points against there to play our game. The determination Sudan. is strong, and everybody is going to fight “Artificial turf or not, we are for the team to come back with victory. We going there to win. We can’t afford have to go out there and win, that is the to let our fans down anymore; we only option for us,” he said. have to win not only this match but The Sudanese, who also need the maxi- all of our remaining matches so that mum points from the encounter having we can be at the Nations Cup. The lost their two previous matches, may have coach has told us what he expects subtly resorted to some antics to realise of us and he is working hard to this ambition by the sudden change of the get us ready for the challenge,” venue of the match from a natural grass pitch he said.

AFCON Qualifiers

Cote d’Ivoire target recovery in DRC p.28

‘we’d die in Khartoum

Ajibade Olusesan and Comfort Chukwu

Onazi

Echiejile

...Oboabona, Musa too

The Team Vincent EboigbelAssistant Editor Ajibade Olusesanl Correspondent Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

FAYOSE:

Oboabona strong team and I know we will we allowed winning the 2013 Sudan are determined to come win this game. Nations Cup and making it to out successful in the match the second round of the World against Nigeria on Saturday, Musa Cup get into our heads such that but we are in a very difficult Our only option is to win qualifying for AFCON 2015 has situation also so we are not in against Sudan. We can’t afford suffered, but I don’t think that the mood to give any space to to lose or draw. Winning is the is the case; the Nations Cup is anybody. By the grace of God only way that we enhance our nearly two years ago now and we are going to make sure we chances of getting a ticket to the the World Cup is past. It is not come out victorious. African Nations Cup, and by even related to fatigue, it was I know people have ex- the grace of God we will win just a bad day, sometimes you pressed fears before now, but I the game. have bad games and sometimes don’t think there is any problem I am not going to say I am go- you have good games, that is in the defence. It depends on the ing to score but I will do my best. football. It is not all the time individual players to make sure All the players are in a good you get what you want, but this they are focused, calm and fit mood, we are doing very well game is very important for us. for the game. For our attackers, and by the grace of God we are We are going to work very (Emmanuel) Emenike is strong, going to win our match on Sat- hard and we have 100 percent the same applies to the other at- urday. what it takes to go to Sudan and tackers that we have. We are a I know that Nigerians think win our game.

RETURN OF THE GADFLY

onstitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, will tomorrow commence a weekly column entitled, The Nigerian Project, in New Telegraph. Ozekhome’s rich resume includes over three decades of law practice, public advocacy and incisive commentaries on public discourse, having been called to bar in 1981. He would, expectedly, reflect such remarkable experience in the column.

... and Ekiti quakes }46-47

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

First Consultants: Liberian ambassador pressured us to release Sawyer lNigerian battalion in Liberia quarantined over contact with person who died of virus Appolonia Adeyemi

irst Consultants Medical Centre Limited, on Friday said it had taken some legal measures to stave off any possible lawsuit that may have arisen over its decision not to allow Nige-

ria’s Ebola index case, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, leave the hospital The hospital’s medical director, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, told journalists at a press conference that the Liberian ambassador to Nigeria had pressured the hospital management

to discharge the LiberianAmerican to enable him to travel to Calabar for an ECOWAS conference. Regretting the loss of his four staff, two doctors and a nurse and a cleaner to the outbreak, he grieved that the entire hospital was bereaved.

As Sawyer’s treatment proceeded with signals pointing to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), “the Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria started to put pressure on us, saying that Mr. Sawyer has his fundamental human right. He wanted to leave the hospital, add-

ing he should be allowed to leave since management of the hospital did not have the confirmation of what we thought he was suffering from. “The ambassador said if we continue to keep him (Sawyer), it will be tantamount to kidnap and

abuse of human right. “Furthermore, he said if we did not release him, we will be subjecting our hospital to international diplomatic row and we should not rule out the possibility of law suit. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Scores injured, feared dead in Kirikiri attempted jailbreak }11

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Contents | 11.10.14 CONVERSATION

INSTYLE

SHOWBIZ

SPORT

THE ARTS

TRAVEL

Comment

The Printer’s Tale

Tenacity is the word that best describes Dr. Bamidele Azeez’ story of triumph. With just N750, he grew Rainbow Press into a formidable presence in the Lagos printing market - a clout evident in the fact it was the first indigenous firm that printed recharge cards in Nigeria

International Day of the Girl Child

s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), issues arising from the continued discrimination against and victimization of this category of people must go beyond mere government pronouncements, exaggerating non-existent achievements in this regard. We say exaggerated }13 because we know that the girl child is still the most discriminated against, violated, Like a Royal abused and victimized in our society, not Celebrities are sporting the head for any fault of theirs but for the simple chain jewellery to give their reason that they are girls. conventional hairdo a new look On December 19, 2011, the United Naand also add glamour to their entire look. It’s a trend that would tions (UN) General Assembly’s resolution make any lady seem like a royal. declared October 11 as the IDGC, to recogBut just be sure it doesn’t fall off nize girls’ rights and the unique challenges on the street girls face around the world. The day, ac}17 cording to the declaration, is aimed at promoting girls’ human rights, highlighting His Best Yet to Come gender inequalities that remain between Juju musician Yinka Best talks girls and boys and addressing the various about why the prevalence of forms of discrimination and abuse suffered copycat artistes is a disincentive by girls all over the world. to release new albums and how This year’s theme “Empowering Adohis use of saxophone influenced lescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of VioK1 De Ultimate to introduce the lence,” is in recognition of the importance instrument into his music of investing in and empowering adolescent girls and preventing and eliminating the }21 various forms of violence adolescent girls Sad Memories experience in their day-to-day activities. In Ex-Green Eagles defender, Bright Nigeria, there is nothing to clink glasses for Omokaro, reminisces on the final as the stark reality of the deplorable condimatch of Maroc ‘88 between tions and inexplicable challenges faced by Nigeria and Cameroun and the girl child stare us in the face. declares that the desperate attempt According to the 2014 Millennium Deby the referee to please CAF boss, velopment Goals (MDGs) Report, as at Issa Hayatou, led to a goal by 2012, 781 million adults and 126 million Nigeria being disallowed youth world-wide lacked basic reading and writing skills, with women accounting for }31 more than 60 per cent of both populations. An Illuminating Art In Nigeria, the story is not different. Also, the United Nations Fund for Children With the idea of sculptures (UNICEF) in its 2014 report states that Nibearing lamps and radio into geria is home to 10.5 million out of school which African folk tales had been programmed, James Olloh’s works children, the highest in the world, and 60 shed light on how art could be put per cent of those children are girls. All this is certainly nothing to cheer to some functional use about. With a decrepit infrastructure, fre}34 quent strikes, poorly educated and poorly paid teachers, the situation cannot be any Opening to the World worse. This frightening school drop-out rate With increasing interest of is weighty enough to arouse government’s investors in Ethiopia’s hospitality interest to declare an emergency in the secsector and given its immense tourism potential, the country that tor and this could only be done if there is a patriotic zeal, political will and concern for calls itself ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’ is a destination on the rise the education of the marginalized group. The progress of the girl child is ham}42 pered by several other challenges. Many

Plus: Street Diary 11 | My Weekend 44 |

Faceoff 48

of them are still subject to horrific practices such as female genital mutilation, son preference – often resulting in female infanticide, child marriage, sexual exploitation, incest, rape, violence and abuse. The abduction of over 200 secondary school girls from Chibok, Borno State, by the militant group Boko Haram coheres to this disdain for and violence against the girl-child that the society seems to condone. The point bears repeating that education is the key to liberalization of the mind. Nigeria must re-strategize and invest more in her human capital. Girl child education has a trickling down effect on the entire household as basic literacy and knowledge of good nutrition, hygiene, family planning and the importance of issues as immunizations are critical to the survival of children in the family. Not only that, several studies have also proven that educated women are likely to marry later, have fewer children and healthier children. In other words, education is the game changer and we challenge stakeholders to create awareness and re-integrate all children of school age back into the system. The rights of girls are contained in numerous human rights treaties and the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child applies the principle that all rights to survival, protection, and development apply equally to every child regardless of sex. It is, therefore, our considered opinion that all rights as enshrined in the convention must as a matter of urgency, be implemented for the benefit of all Nigerian children. Indeed, it long overdue for all stakeholders to decisively treat and recognize the neglect experienced by the girl child as human rights issue. Governments at federal and state levels must find ways to checkmate violence against girls by making it an urgent development priority, bearing in mind that the more secure girls are from violence and other abuses, the more their potentials would be unlocked to contribute their quota to the development of the country. It is barbaric to still treat women in the 21st Century as second class citizens. Girls and indeed, women, have a role to play in national development. It took three major world conferences and a UN Decade for women and girls to draw international concerns to acts of violence against women and girls and Nigeria has been an active participant in the ratification of all the treaties and conventions. Thus, she must bring the issue squarely on the development agenda.

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11 OCTOBER 2014

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11 OCTOBER 2014

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SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Catholic archbishop to FG

Don’t criminalise gays, lesbians

he Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, yesterday spoke in support of ending the criminalisation of gays and lesbians in the country. Speaking in Rome, Italy, while attending the synod of Bishops, Kaigama said Nigerian bishops were against the criminalisation of gays but, for cultural and religious reasons, oppose same-sex marriage. “The Catholic Church respects all human beings. We believe we are all created in the image and likeness of God,” Kaigama said at a Vatican press conference. The Catholic Church in Nigeria wrote a letter earlier this year to President Goodluck Jonathan thanking him for signing into law an anti-gay bill passed by the National Assembly parliament. But Kaigama used the press conference to clarify the part of the law that he

said his church supports. He pointed out that the Catholic Church’s support of the law did not go beyond disallowing gay marriage in Nigeria. “We are serious defenders of human rights,” he continued. “And we would defend any person with homosexual orientation who has been harassed, who has been imprisoned, who had been punished. “We promote what is based in our culture and our religion, but we do not just throw away the persons, we embrace them in love. The government may want to punish them but we don’t,” he said. Kaigama promised that the bishops will “tell the government to stop punishing those who have different orientations”. The law in question prescribes a 14 years jail term for anyone convicted of indulging in homosexual or lesbian practices.

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Abdul Oroh; Governor Adams Oshiomhole and President Goodluck Jonathan, at the ground-breaking ceremony of the $1 billion Azura-Edo Power Plant in Benin City…yesterday.

First Consultants: Liberian ambassador pressured us to release Sawyer CONTINUED FROM PAG E 1

“However, the committee of three leading the team providing care for Sawyer deliberated on it and concluded that although Sawyer has the right to sign and leave the hospital against medical advice, we could not let him go for public good. “In other words, we have a provision within the law that allows the person to sign and leave the hospital. Meanwhile, there is a superior provision within that law which is that you can decline the

patient for public good. “In order to protect ourselves as an institution, we called in our lawyer who drafted for us a resolution, stating that we were not going to let Sawyer out because it will not be in the public good to let him out. “For us the key is that we were ready for a situation that even if the test came out negative, we trusted our physicians and we were prepared to back them based on clinical grounds. That was what we did. “If the test had come back negative, we were to

go to court to defend ourselves. We were prepared to go the public to say this is what we did.” According to Ohiaeri, the Liberian ambassador had said: “’I will come and take him, I will take him to Calabar and bring him back the following day. l will guarantee his return’. But we at the First Consultants refused and we did not let him out.” Though Nigeria might had heaved a sigh of relief from Ebola saga, the hospital is still counting its losses, Ohiaeri said, explaining that although

the hospital was shut down for two months, it has continued to pay its bills as the period lasted. “This is a hospital that was established in 1982 and had not been closed for one day. We were shut for over two months ago when we were reopened. You can begin to imagine what we went through,” Ohiaeri added. He said the hospital would fail the country if it had allowed Sawyer to leave the hospital for Calabar. Two of the hospital’s staff who survived the

virus having contracted it from Sawyer, said they survived the EVD as a result of their strong will to overcome the virus. Dr Ada Igonoh said she never nursed any fear of succumbing to the disease, explaining that such determination gave her the strength to triumph over the deadly disease. Her colleague, Dr. Fadipe Akinniyi, said he was also determined to defeat the disease but acknowledged that he was at some point worried that he might not come out victorious. “I was devastated

when the ECOWAS protocol officer died because we were in the same room and he was close to me. l thought that was how Ebola would be killing us one after the other,” he admitted. In another development, a BBC report has quoted Nigerian military authorities as confirming that more than 1,300 Nigerian troops on peace mission have been quarantined in Liberia after they came in contact with a Sudanese man who later died of the disease. It had earlier denied such reports.

Botched arms deal: West wary of Nigeria’s influence, says Akinterinwa CONTINUED FROM PAG E 1

clear exactly why that is the case, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has argued that there could be a motive that is untoward. He said, “If this were so, Nigeria as a veteran of international diplomacy, cannot feign ignorance of the fact that whatever policies nations adopt reflect a conscious articulation of their strategic national interests. “This country cannot pretend not to be aware that certain segments of the international community might not be comfortable with the country’s rising international profile and will align with the devil to promote the objective of frus-

trating this rising profile.” But in what appears to be the American government’s response to the controversy so far, the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, said cases of human rights abuses by Nigerian troops in the North-East in the past years have stood out as a sore thumb in the nation’s quest to procure arms from the U.S. Entwistle, who spoke in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, while fielding questions from journalists during a working visit to the American University of Nigeria (AUN), said: “Before we share equipment with any country, whether it is a government to government grant or a commercial sale

that requires government approval, we look at a couple of things. Does it make sense in terms of that country’s needs?” Speaking further, he said: “The second thing we look at is the human rights situation in that country. And as we look at equipment transfers, we look at the situation in those countries in the past few years. And as you all know, there have been instances - I’m not saying across the board - of human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in the North-East. “So, the kind of question that we have to ask is let’s say we give certain kinds of equipment to Nigerian military that is then used in a way that affects human

situation. If I approve that, I am responsible for that. We take that responsibility very seriously.” Entwistle, however, described as inaccurate claims that the U.S. had completely cut military aid for Nigeria, saying on the contrary, the two countries had continued to share training and equipment. “Some of the newest vessels in your navy came from the U.S. So, the idea that the United States does not share equipment with Nigeria across the board is untrue,” he said. The $5.7 million (approximately N952 million) cash seizure, which is the second one, had sparked a row between the two nations barely three weeks

after South African customs officials seized $9.3 million in cash stashed in the luggage of two Nigerians and an Israeli aboard a private plane owned by president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. Commenting on the issue, a retired Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ababukar Tsav, alleged that the reason why the western world is refusing to sell arms to the Nigerian government was because government may be funding the Boko Haram insurgency. Tsav said: “This Boko Haram war is being sponsored by the government, which is why these countries have refused to sell arms to the Federal Government.

“The outside world knows that it’s a self-induced war; a war which some people do not want to end, because they’re making a lot of money out of it.” In the same vein, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant, Zenith Intelligence and Security Solution Limited, Mr. Ethelbert Oney, said the reason the West apparently frustrates Nigeria’s bid to purchase arms was political. “I also believe that it’s because of the extrajudicial killings which Amnesty International has hung on the Nigerian military. They believe that if they sell arms to Nigeria, it means they’re directly or indirectly assisting in carrying out those illegal acts,” he said.

OpeningShot SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER, 2014

‘I thought I won’t make it’

–Woman who had kidney transplant

The storm is over for Elizabeth Chima after a successful kidney transplant in India about six months ago. But it wasn’t a walk in the park, writes Olushola Ricketts Chima at the surgical ward in India and (below) now hale and hearty

Olushola Ricketts year ago, the condition of the 48 years old woman was unbearable and death looked like an option. She was suffering from chronic kidney disease, secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis. She was at the mercy of well-meaning Nigerians through the media, family members, friends and her children. She needed to raise the sum of N7 million as her lifeline. And she did. At St. Michael Church, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, about two weeks ago, it was all smiles. It was a thanksgiving ceremony to thank and appreciate God for giving Chima a second chance to live and the chance to watch the further growth of her six children after the death of her beloved husband three years ago. She also invited friends at her Ketu’s residence to dine with her in the spirit of the celebration. In a chat with our correspondent at her residence, Chima says her health condition is now perfect. According to her, the thanksgiving service is necessary for all the things God had done for her and her family. “I want to use this medium to thank Nigerians for coming to my rescue during those trying periods. And I pray that God shall reward every one bountifully,” she appreciates. At the moment it dawned on her that she was being moved to the Theatre for the transplant in India, she says she wasn’t thinking of death. Her words: “I said this was the last bus stop. Even in the eyes of the nurses I could see doubt and sorrow, but within me my mind was so strong.” Recalling the dark days, she opens up that it was terrible, adding that she does not pray for her enemy to experience what she passed through. “The pain was too much to the extent

that at a time I didn’t expect I would survive. At first I said is this how my journey would end? I knew that I don’t have N7 million to foot the operation. I looked around to see where we would get such and there was nowhere. So I just said if I survive, I would be thankful to God and if I die it is fine too. But I thought I would not make it. That I am alive today is by the grace of God. Many cases I fainted in the hospital and they would use oxygen to revive me. So I am very grateful to God and to everyone that made the journey a success. Sickness, according to her, is the worst thing that could happen to anyone on earth. “If you are poor, just believe in God and thank him that you are healthy and alive,” she says, adding “this is what my sickness as thought me.” Even as death was drawing closer, she says whenever she remembered her children she would say: “How can I leave these children like that? Their father died some years ago and I would just go like that too. I said no! I would be alive to train my children and to continue to see the goodness of God.” “Even when I wasn’t praying I would lie down and say God I would not die premature. I want to live to carry my grandchildren. So whenever I say it I have confident in God,” she adds. She has good words about the doctors who attended to her in her fight for survival. She says they were so nice to her, insisting that the kind of attention she pulled was unimaginable. “Whenever I was rushed in you would see doctors running to attend to me. But it was not the same with some of the nurses,” she emphasises. Though she is strong and hasty, she knows she can’t afford to take risk by working or embarking on tenuous things at present. Chima’s hope is that by the end of next year she would be

“Even in the eyes of the nurses I could see doubt and sorrow, but within me my mind was so strong”

able start up something no matter how little is it. “I am not the type that would just sit down at home; I am not a lazy woman. My children are the ones feeding me, buying my drugs etc. I don’t have any money since I cannot run around now,” she informs. For her first daughter, Doris Ike, no one would imagine being in her shoes during the trying periods. She says she is so grateful to God and well-meaning Nigerians who they’ve never crossed path with but didn’t hesitate to come to their rescue “Like a year ago we didn’t know this

would come to pass, but it happened and we are very grateful about that. I want to use this medium to thank all those who helped us and people who gave us money anonymously. We are grateful to the media that help us reach to the public too.” Ike, who accompanied her mother to India, says she was trembled with fear when she headed to the theatre. “I felt that it is either a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but I now believe that God has designed it that things would happen this way.” When the news of her mother’s ailment broke to her, she says, she felt so bad because the hospitals here are not reliable. According to her, if they’ve been to competent hospitals they would have told them from the beginning what went wrong. “The ailment started two years ago and they didn’t diagnose it as kidney problem. It was later they said it was kidney failure. And at that time the two kidneys were already bad, so I think the government should urge the doctors to be more vigilant and professional in their duty. “Money is not everything in life; some things are bigger than money. About three or four of the hospitals we went never said it was kidney problem; it was at a critical point they told us. Nobody will want to be in my shoes at that moment because I felt so bad. But it is a good story at the end of the day,” Chima’s daughter laments. Also, she notes that she is still on drugs and very expensive ones. She adds that for the next three years her mother had been advised not to involve herself in any strenuous work. “Her drugs for a week are more than N200, 000. But because we get most of the drugs in India they are quite cheaper. I think after about a year, her drug intake would reduce, but it is still very high now.”

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Ngillari swears-in new Acting CJ AT LAST Adamawa State governor has sworn-in a new Chief Judge for the state

Ndubuisi Ugah damawa State Governor, Bala Ngillari, yesterday swore-in Justice Ishaya Banu as the new Acting Chief Judge of the state. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony in Yola, Ngillari said the Judiciary arm of government remained the only system that had continued to maintain its integrity, as it strives to strengthen democracy in the country. “Judiciary as you know is the last hope of the masses as well as government. Therefore, the judiciary must continue to ensure that it upholds the right position in the decision making in the process of grow-

l Fintiri resumes as Assembly Speaker ing democracy,” he said. He said the appointment of the new acting chief judge was on merit following his track record of excellence in the discharge of his duties and career in the judiciary. Ngillari said the state's quotas at the federal judiciary level were still vacant and urged the state judiciary to work towards filling the vacant slots as a matter of urgency. “We have eminent people that deserve to be there,” Ngillari said. The governor assured the appointee of maximum cooperation of government with the judiciary to allow the system functions effectively. In his acceptance speech, Banu thanked the Almighty and the Adamawa Government for finding him worthy to serve his people. He promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the judiciary and to avoid

any act capable of tarnishing its image as well as ensuring discipline in the system. Meanwhile, the former acting governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, has resumed office as Speaker of the state House of Assembly. Fintiri was on Wednesday, removed as acting governor by a Federal High Court, Abuja, and replaced with the former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Bala Ngilari, who had challenged the acting governor’s tenure. The court’s pronouncement, however, put to rest the move by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the governorship by-election, which was scheduled for today. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, on Friday in Yola,

said Fintiri expressed appreciation to the people of Adamawa for the support accorded him during his two months and three weeks tenure as acting governor. The statement said Fintiri also expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the state assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who “shared his vision and zeal to rescue and emancipate the people of Adamawa.” It said Fintiri had taken the judgement of the court in good fate and urged his supporters and the people of Adamawa to do the same. “However, in exercise of his rights as a citizen as guaranteed under the law and country’s constitution, the erstwhile acting governor has filed an appeal challenging the decision of the court, confident that the course of democracy and justice shall prevail at the end of the day,” the statement said.

News

The Week Ahead

Chibok girls: Activists urge global action Oct 11 Nigerian activists are calling for a global week of action beginning from October 11 to demand the immediate release of scores of schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram militants on April 14. October 14 will mark six months since the girls were kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect from their school dormitory at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. A statement issued by the #BringBackOurGirls movement said: “As the United Nations (UN) marks the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, we... are calling for a global week of action to mobilise everyone around the world to demand the immediate rescue of our Chibok girls and end this humanitarian tragedy.”

Ekiti crisis: NJC to hold meeting Oct 13 The National Judicial Council (NJC), will on October 13 and 14 hold an emergency meeting to resolve the crisis that rocked Ekiti State. It was also gathered that the council may also summon the state Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ayo Daramola and the governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, to appear before its panel at a later date. The NJC is also expected to deliberate on the petition filed by Daramola and the alleged plan by Governor Kayode Fayemi to relocate courts handling Fayose’s suits elsewhere outside the state.

Election Tribunal begins hearing Oct 14 The Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal in Ado-Ekiti will on October 14 continue hearing the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ayodele Fayose. The inaugural sitting of the tribunal was disrupted as the meeting was allegedly invaded by some thugs, who beat up a judge, Justice John Adeyeye, and prevented journalists from performing their duties. The tribunal panel, headed by Justice Mohamed Suraju, resumed the first inaugural sitting with the counsel to the petitioners led by Rotimi Akeredolu.

Buhari to declare presidential bid Oct 15 A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, will on October 15 formally declare his intention to contest for 2015 presidential election under the platform of the APC. In a statement issued by Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation (BPCO) stated that Buhari’s declaration would hold at the Eagles Square, Abuja, barely one week from its initial date of October 8.

Ebola: Kwara schools to resume Oct 15

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (2nd left), and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, on arrival at the Ibom International Airport, to attend the Millennium Excellence Foundation Summit in Uyo…yesterday

FG mulls $5bn investment in Sovereign Funds Ayodele Aminu Washington D.C.

gitated by the legal clash with the State governments over deducting of their funds for investment in the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the Federal Government yesterday said it was considering injection of $5billion into the funds. Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minster, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, dropped this hint yesterday, during her opening remark at a roundtable with members of the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU). Some two years ago, the Federal Government had invested $1billion in

seed capital to kick-start the SWF. The SWF is a Nigerian establishment, which manages the Nigeria sovereign wealth fund into which the surplus income produced from Nigeria's excess oil reserves is deposited. This sovereign wealth fund was founded for the purpose of managing and investing these funds on behalf of the government of Nigeria. The wealth fund commenced operations in October 2012 and was set up by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority Act, which was signed in May 2011. It is intended to invest the savings gained on the difference between the budgeted and actual market prices for oil to earn returns that would benefit future generations of Ni-

gerians. The fund was allocated an initial $1 billion USD in seed capital. Since then, and owing to the legal battle, the Federal Government has only injected $550 million through third party sources, into the fund. Okonjo-Iweala, however, noted that the management of Nigeria’s SWF has done well, by co-investing with others, in addition to investing local infrastructure development. The progress being made by the SWF, she added, was an indication that it “is one of the most important institution in Nigeria. This is an encouraging sign that the future is good.” The minister noted that that rebasing of the Nigerian economy has shown that it

is bigger and more diversified than previously imagined, growing at an average of 7 per cent over the past 10 years on the back of a thriving service sector. The rebasing, she continued, showed that Nigeria is the Africa’s largest economy, 26th in the world, with the ninth largest gas and crude oil reserves, besides the presence of 33 other mineral resources. The Managing Director, NSIA, Uche Orji, said the authority had signed infrastructural collaboration agreement with the World Bank. He said that the collaboration is to address one of the key issues that NSIA faced, include project preparation and making sure projects have credibility.

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has directed that all schools in the state should reopen on October 15. The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago, who stated this in Ilorin, said: “Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed after consultations with stakeholders today (yesterday) directed all schools in Kwara State both private and public schools to re-open on October 15, 2014. “That is, on Wednesday, next week. In view of this, the state government has also put necessary mechanism in place and will organise health seminar for all health teachers in both primary and secondary schools.”

Lagos observes horn-free day Oct 15 About 1,000 personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) will be deployed on the roads on October 15 to observe the Horn-Free Day. The LASTMA and VIS officials, according to the government, will take record of drivers who honk while driving. The Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, who stated this, said the government would honour professional drivers from private, public and corporate organisations, who had distinguished themselves in the performance of their duty tomorrow.

Fayose to be sworn in as Ekiti governor Oct 16 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor-elect in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, will on October 16 be sworn as the substantive governor of the state. The ceremony will take place at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

Deji Stool: Court fixes hearing for Oct 16 The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has fixed hearing for the suit brought before it by the deposed Deji of Akure, Oluwadare Adesina, to October 16 due to the absence of two of its three judges. Adesina had approached the court to stop the installation of a new Deji of Akure.

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11 OCTOBER 2014

ENUGU Ekweremadu inaugurates Ogbombara water project

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday inaugurated the N75 million Ogbombara Spring Water Harvestation Project at Ndeaboh, in Aninri Local Government Area Enugu State. The project, which was attracted to the community by Ekweremadu in the 2013 Federal Government Budget, has a three-kilometre Ogbombara Spring Water Reticulation Project in this year’s budget and will provide potable water to Ndeabor community and its environs. Ekweremadu, in his speech at the ceremony, said the execution of the project was part of his moves to address the challenges of portable water in the senatorial district.

IKEJA Mark leads Nigerian Parliamentarians to Geneva

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark will today lead Nigerian Parliamentarians to the 131st Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding in Geneva, Switzerland . Mark will on Monday address the Assembly on the issue of terrorism and insurgency ravaging Nigeria; efforts so far made and seek global support to tackle the menace in the country. He is also expected to lead Nigerian debate on the theme: "achieving gender equality and measures towards ending violence against women; the Nigerian perspective". Other Issues slated for debate include international law as it relates to national sovereignty, non-intervention in the internal affairs of states.

72.5%

The percentage rise of Shares business of Nigeria’s capital importation in 2012 over the previous year. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

The number of refugees assisted by UNHCR at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

FCT Senate President honoured

In recognition of his immense contribution to the development of Golf on the continent, the Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) has conferred on Senator David Mark the 'Distinguished Service Award for Golf in Africa'. He was consequently named pillar of Golf on the continent. President of AGC, Ambassador Joe Malanji, conferred the award on him at the closing ceremony of the President's cup of the AGC tournament on Thursday night at the Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe, Zambia. Conferring the award, Ambassador Malanji said: “It is on record that you have , in your personal capacity sponsored and mentored a large contingent of amateur golfers into the professional cadre.

14%

The percentage of population of women above 60 years in China in 2012. Source: Un.org

Edo Majority Leader, four APC lawmakers arraigned, granted bail JUDGMENT

Five lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly were arraigned for assaulting a colleague. Cajetan Mmuta

T BENIN

he Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Philip Shaibu (APC-Etsako West 2), Sunday Aghedo (APCOvia South-West), Eboise Emmanuel, Promise Ogiso and Ernest Arasomwan were yesterday arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court in Benin for allegedly assaulting a fellow colleague, Mr. Razaq Momoh. They were arraigned on two-count charge of alleged assault on Mo-

moh, who is the member representing Etsako West constituency 1, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Chief Magistrate, Peter Edo-Asemota, however, granted the accused persons bail on self recognition in the sum of N200,000 each with a surety in like sum. The accused persons were arraigned before court by the police for their alleged role in the fracas that occurred at the legislative quarters on Ihama road GRA Benin City on October 7 in which Momoh was beaten and hospitalised in the process. The case, which was filed before the court by the prosecutor Sergeant Samuel Mellabe of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is between the commissioner of police and the five accused. However, the prosecu-

tor, ASP Samuel Ogah, had told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on Oct. 7, at legislators’ quarters, Benin. Ogah said the five accused persons unlawfully assaulted and caused grievous harm on Momoh. The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code even as the accused persons denied committing the offence. Besides Shaibu and Aghedo, who were released on self recognition, the three other suspects were asked by the court to produce three persons with affidavit of proof of means of gainful employment or ownership of houses within the jurisdiction. Counsel to the defendants, Joe Odibeli, in his application for the bail of the five accused asked the court to grant the

1st and 2nd (Shaibu and Aghedo) on self recognition as members of the state house of assembly, stressing that they were merely invited by the police at the command headquarters when they were detained. He assured the court that his clients would not jump bail if granted and would be brought to court whenever they are asked to come. The prosecution counsel, K. A. Dika, told the court that he was not opposed to the bail application and that it was solely at the discretion of the court. He however said the court should take into account the seriousness of the case before granting the accused bail. The magistrate, after listening to the arguments of both counsel, therefore, adjourned the case to October 29 for hearing.

Protect govt investments, Jonathan tells Nigerians Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday harped on the importance of host communities across the country to monitor all federal and states government projects in their localities. The president also reiterated his administration’s commitment, towards ensuring stable power in line with the transformation agenda of the federal government. President Jonathan, stated this at the flag-off of the $1 billion Azura – Edo Power Plant, located at Ihonbor/Orior Osemwende communities in Uhumwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. He pledged this administration’s total commitment to the enthronement an enabling framework for good environment through viable policy formulations, that would guarantee access to long-term low interest fi-

nance and consistent regulatory guidelines to pave way for investment and growth. The multi-billion naira Azura –Edo power plant project is the first of large project-financed by a consortium of banks led by Greenfield IPPs, currently under development in the country with debt and equity sourced from local and international financiers. He said: “We are committed to irreversibly repositioning the Nigerian power sector as a pivot for the attainment of the nation’s developmental targets. "We are also maintaining our policy push for increased diversification of our energy, expanding investments in large hydro power projects through public-private partnerships, and the provision of necessary support to accelerate the exploitation of our coal resources.” President Jonathan expressed appreciation to the state government for its support for the project.

N8m debt: PHCN disconnects power supply to N'Assembly Philip Nyam Abuja

he power holding company of Nigeria(PHCN), has cut electricity supply to the National Assembly, complex over alleged non payment of bills by the management to the tune of N8 million. As a result of the disconnection, the National Assembly has resorted to the use of its diesel powered generators to supply electricity to offices and businesses inside the legislative complex. But due to the breakdown of the generators, the National Assembly had been without electricity since last Thursday. But matters became worse on Thursday evening after the electricity

generating plants stopped working. An operator reported that diesel needed to power the generators had finished and there was no money to buy replacements. Yesterday, the blackout continued, crippling activities in offices, banks and other businesses inside the legislative complex. Many staffers were seen leaving the complex as early as noon as a result of the blackout. Attempts by our correspondent to get the clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, to comment on the development did not yield results as his phones were said not to be available. Also, attempts to get the director of works, to respond to the allegation also proved abortive.

Ebola: Lagos procures N25m soaps for schools Muritala Ayinla

L-R: J.P Morgan Vice-President Sub-Sahara Africa Research and Strategy Global Economic Research, Ms. Giulia Pellegrini, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Deputy Governor, Monetary Policy, Mrs Sarah Alade, during J.P Morgan Investors Summit, at Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC, United States…Thursday

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday said that no fewer than 11,000 unemployed youths recently trained in soap making, supplied N25 million worth of soaps to schools as part of efforts to prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The governor also said that the state's 2014 budget has recorded a cumulative performance of 86 per cent between January and September this year. Briefing journalists at the State House in Ikeja, after

reviewing the budget performance in third quarter, Fashola said the soaps and commodities distributed to public schools was to empower the youths. On allocations from the federal government, Governor Fashola said for the first time 84 percent performance was recorded from federal transfers. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ben Akabueze, said construction, particularly roads would be focused on during the dry season, which is the last quarter of the year.

11 OCTOBER 2014

FG committed to improving healthcare system – Mark Charles Onyekwere

ABAKALIKI

he Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday said the Federal Government was committed to improving the nation’s healthcare system, which he stated was a critical sector to national development. Mark, who stated this in Abakaliki, during the inauguration of the In-Vitro Fertilisation Unit of the National Obsteric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, noted that the critical import of the health sector to a nation’s overall growth and development informed the importance the National Assembly attaches to the sector hence the need to appropriate more funds to the centre. “I want to emphasise the importance the National Assembly attached

to our healthcare sector as a critical factor to its development, hence the quick response to stem Ebola Virus Disease in the country. I thank the efforts of the National Obsteric Fistula Centre for the remarkable progress recorded since inception especially its free medical treatment rendered to the women. “This humanitarian attachment to your services is worthy of commendation. And I want to assure you that the National Assembly Appropriation Committee would always look favourably to the centre,” he said. “The Health Ministry has really accorded the National Fistula Centre the required attention it needed to operate efficiently and I also thank Governor Martin Elechi and the amiable wife for their dogged effort in making this project realisable,” he said.

Linda Ikeji's blog is back l ‘Why Google shut down blog’ Lanre Odukoya with agency reports

opular Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji's blog has been restored yesterday, after it was shut down by Google on October 8. However, fresh facts yesterday emerged as to why Google shut down the blog, which it later reopened. Justifying its action, Google had explained that it does not tolerate the violation of its Terms of Service, which include intellectual property theft, which it declined to state. The company stated that it does not discuss individual accounts, stating that practices such as plagiarism diminished the experience of its users, but said it would not discuss individual accounts. Ikeji’s blog was removed from its Blogger

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platform after an intellectual property activist reported the site for copyright infringement. “Google is dedicated to offering users the best possible experience across our products,” said KolaOgunlade, the company’s communication and public affairs manager for Anglophone West Africa, when contacted over the deletion of the popular blog according to a news portal, Premium Times. Meanwhile, Ikeji yesterday welcomed fans back to the famous online portal with the most intriguing of all her posts in eight years of the enterprise. She detailed a story of her relationship with an online friend with @ AyeDee as his identity and how their friendship got soured by perceived arrogance.

YABA 1.7m Nigerians have Schizophrenia-Consultant

NEWS IN BRIE F

A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Pschiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, Dr. Dapo Adegbaju, yesterday said about 1.7 million people in Nigeria were suffering from Schizophrenia. Adegbaju said this at an event organised by the Federal Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, to mark the 2014 World Mental Health Day. The World Mental Health Day is marked annually on Oct.10 and the theme for this year is: “Living with Schizophrenia.” A medical website - www.medicalnewstoday - says “Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that generally appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. “However, it can emerge at any time in life."

48,000

The total number of internet users in Bermuda in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

KADUNA Masari promises agric revolution in Katsina

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, on Friday promised to revamp the agricultural sector for optimal performance if elected as governor of Katsina State in 2015. Masari told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that modernisation of the agriculture sector was the only option available to make the state vibrant. “Katsina is blessed with vast lands; all that is needed is sound agricultural policies and programmes that would ensure massive production of assorted crops for both local and international consumption,” he said.

IKEJA 271 Muslim pilgrims arrive MMIA Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said some 271 Muslim pilgrims that took part in the 2014 Hajj in Saudi Arabia returned home aboard the airline on Friday. Bankole told journalists in Ikeja, that the pilgrims, from the South-West zone of Nigeria, arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos aboard a Boeing 767 aircraft of the airline. According to him, the Muslim faithful are from Ogun and Oyo States. He said the pilgrims were the first batch to return to the country among others designated for transportation by the airline. “We are fully mobilised in terms of equipment and personnel to handle the return leg of the annual exercise," he said.

90%

The percentage of lung cancer rates in men is caused by smoking. Source: Smokingstatistics.org

650.8m The total population of women in China in 2012. Source: Un.org

Nobel Peace Prize: Shekarau, Pakistan’s PM, UN congratulate Malala, Indian activist RECOGNITION Two activists have won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for their selfless services to humanity. Ndubuisi Ugah

with agency reports

inister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau; Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif; United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, yesterday congratulated Pakistani teenager, Malala Yousafzai and Indian children’s right activist, Kailash Satyarthi, for winning this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Similarly, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also congratulated both

winners via Twitter. Shekarau, who congratulated the duo in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Nnamdi Olebara, said Malala represented the new face of hope for the upcoming generation. Shekarau said: “Malala is determined, courageous and irrepressible in her quest to better the lots of the girl-child and her education. She has shown no limit in her pursuits; she has sacrificed a lot in charting a new course for the girl-child and her rights. Having come to Nigeria to identify with the kidnapped Chibok girls, we, in the Education sector, stand with her and congratulate her for becoming the youngest person so far to win the Nobel Peace Prize. We wish her well in her future endeavours.” Yousafzai, who was aged

17 emerged as the youngest Nobel Prize winner by far, won the award when she was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls’ right to education. Prior to her achieving the feat, an Australian-born British scientist, Lawrence Bragg, had recorded the feat at 25 when he shared the Physics Prize with his father in 1915 The prize, worth about $1.1 million, will be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the award in his 1895 will. Satyarthi, 60, and Yousafzai were picked for their struggle against the oppression of children and young people, and for the right of all children to education, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. The award was made at

a time when hostilities have broken out between India and Pakistan along the border of the disputed, mainly Muslim region of Kashmir - the worst fighting between the nuclear-armed rivals in more than a decade. “The Nobel Committee regards it as an important point for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education and against extremism,” said Thorbjoern Jagland, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Yousafzai was attacked in 2012 on a school bus in the Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan by masked gunmen as a punishment for a blog that she started writing for the BBC's Urdu service as an 11-year-old to campaign against the Taliban's efforts to deny women education.

Jonathan seeks stronger collaboration against terrorism Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he looks forward to greater support for the war against terrorism from Nigeria’s neighbours. Speaking at an audience with Mr. Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet, a Special Envoy of President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, President Jonathan applauded the renewed and heightened commitment of Niger, Chad, Benin Republic and Cameroun to joining forces with Nigeria to rid the West African Sub-Region of the scourge of terrorism and

violent extremism. “Boko Haram and similar terrorist groups kill people indiscriminately hiding under religious beliefs that are not found in any of the Holy Books. They do not represent any civilised and rational people. Civilised and rational people of the world, who are in the clear majority must, therefore, join forces to confront and defeat them,” President Jonathan said. Ngondet, who is Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said his country welcomed the decision to form a multinational force that will confront terrorism.

L-R: Director, Nursing Service, First Consultants Medical Centre (FCMC), Mrs. Florence Emerebe; Communication Officer, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Samantha Bolton; Chief Medical Director, FCMC, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri and Clinician, Manchester, UK, Dr. Simon Mardel, at a press briefing on WHO visit to FCMC in Lagos…yesterday

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11 OCTOBER 2014

FCT

OMUARAN

Landmark varsity alumni Chibok girls: BBOG sends pledges to develop community protest letter to Jonathan

N EWS I N BRIEF

President of Alumni Association of Landmark University, Omu-Aran in Kwara State, Mr Owolabi Akinyomade, has pledged the body’s support to the development of the institution and the host community. Akinyomade, who told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Omu-Aran, had led members to repair the failed section of Omu-Aran-Ilofa Road to ensure a free flow of traffic. “This initiative was borne out of our resolve to continue to impact meaningfully on our alma mater in line with the vision of its founder and chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo,” Akinyomade, a microbiology graduate, said.

As part of activities lined up to mark the six months that Chibok Secondary School girls have been abducted by the Boko Haram sect, the #BringBackOurGirls advocacy group yesterday sent a protest letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. Spokesperson of the group, Aisha Yesufu, told Saturday New Telegraph in Abuja, yesterday that the letter has been delivered to the Presidency. She lamented that the Presidency should be up and doing in its search and rescue operations for the girls. “The girls are tired of their plights being turned into politics.” We want them back no matter how broken they are. Nigerians should please come out and demand for the rights of these girls,” she said.

$216.5bn

The number of tackles won by United States in Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

The nominal GDP of Czech Republic (World Bank) in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

FCT 2015: Murtala's son declares for Kano governorship seat

Alhaji Abba Muhammed, the son of the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, on Friday declared his intention to contest the Kano State governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. He made the declaration while addressing a news conference in Kano. “I have decided to declare my intention to seek the highest political office in our great state of Kano on the umbrella of our great party, PDP,” he said. He said his decision to seek the highest political office in the state was borne out of his desire and commitment to build an equitable state.

81%

The fatality rate of Ebola virus outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1995. Source: Who.int

Court: Akeju not qualified to conduct Osun governorship poll VINDICATION A court has ruled that Osun State REC is not qualified to conduct the governorship election in the state. Adeolu Adeyemo

T Osogbo

he Court of Appeal sitting in Akure yesterday upheld the ruling of Osogbo High Court that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in Osun State, Mr. Toyin Akeju, was not qualified to conduct the 2011 election in the state. It, however, threw out the appeal filed by INEC and Ambassador Toyin Akeju over the judgment of a Federal High Court in Osogbo in February 2011. The judgment was unanimously delivered by Justice Misheila, Justice Lokular Shodipo, Justice Ariyibi, Justice F.A Akinbami and Justice B. M ugor. Reacting to the court’s ruling, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Diran Odeyemi, hailed the decision of the Court of Appeal for upholding the ruling. Odeyemi said: “By implication now, all elections conducted into the state house of assembly, House of Representatives and senate have become null and void. This landmark ruling has vindicated the PDP’s stance that Akeju based on his relationship with one of the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, has no moral justification

to conduct the election. “This is a welcome decision and all the APC lawmakers who are going about in a burrowed garment have come to their wit end. This is victory for democracy because though the wheel of justice grind slowly. Justice has been dispensed at the end of the day. “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate that it is truly independent by obeying this ruling and sack Akeju without further delay because it has been proven by

court of competent jurisdiction that the controversial REC is a card carrying member of APC and not fit to preside over election anywhere in the country.” “We urge our teeming supporters to be up and doing as there is victory at the end of the dark tunnel. We are also optimistic that the Osun state Election Petition Tribunal will dispense justice at the end of the day despite the hide and seek game by Akeju and APC. “We have faith in God that the mandate bestowed on the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candi-

date, Senator Iyiola Omisore will be retrieved no matter the delaying tactics and all manner of subterfuge by APC.” Also, the APC in a statement by its Director Of publicity, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said: “This is a very funny development. A judgment of that magnitude and important to our democratic culture was to be delivered in Akure was unknown to anybody except Omisore's PDP. Media correspondents in Akure only got the news of the so-called judgment from Omisore's office in Osogbo".

Jonathan, Uduaghan, others extol Aziza’s exemplary life Gabriel Choba Ughelli

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday extolled the virtue of the late President of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Gen. Patrick Aziza. Jonathan, who spoke at the burial ceremony of the late Aziza at Saint Paul Catholic Church, Adagbrasa in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, said the late UPU president led a life worthy of emulation. In the same vein, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Udaughan; former Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) and a governorship aspirant, Chief Gabriel Chukwuma Oyibode and others charged Nigerians to emulate the exemplary life of Aziza. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru, said the president

expressed his condolence to the Urhobo nation and Delta State over the death of Aziza. The president said the news of Aziza’s death got to him as a shock but said while on earth, he served the country and the UPU diligently, stating that he was a great leader who rendered selfless service to his nation. On his part, Uduaghan said the name Aziza was synonymous with greatness, adding that the late Aziza until his death was a successful businessman, who made a landmark in the country during his service to the nation. He said: “Late Gen Aziza until his death belonged to a noble class and that was why he bagged the award of the Commander of the Federal Republic because of his meritorious service to the nation, an honour given to few persons in the country."

APC will change orientation of Nigerians –Wamakko l Group counsels on selection of candidates in Kwara Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

okoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, on Friday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would change the orientation of Nigerians to respect the rule of law. Speaking while fielding question from journalists in Sokoto, the governor said: “This is because the respect for the rule of law means progress positively.” Wamakko said the party, if given the mandate, would tackle the lingering security challenges in the country within a short period by deploying positive change. “The party has mapped

out strategies to put an end to the several security challenges in the country. We will address the decay in the education sector; we will also address the energy sector and boost agriculture, which has been neglected for many years. All these laudable programmes depend on the people's will to move forward,” he said, adding that politics was all about people and APC had a blueprint for them. Meanwhile, some members of the APC in Kwara State yesterday pleaded with the party’s hierarchy in the state not to sideline those from the Legacy party in the selection of candidates for the forthcoming elections.

I’ll make senatorial race tough for Suswam – Gamade Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha (left), presenting his governorship aspiration memorabalia to the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, during a courtesy call on Udenwa at his residence in Amaifeke in Orlu Local Government Area…Thursday

ormer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Barnaba Gemade, has promised to make the race uncomfortable for Governor Gabriel Suswam, should he insists on running for the senate next year. Gemade, who represents Benue North East Senatorial District of Benue State, in the Senate, picked nomination forms yesterday to re-contest the position in 2015. He told journalists shortly after obtaining the forms that he was not scared of the stature of the governor, noting that he had prevailed in similar contests in the past and would similarly

emerge the winner to retain his senatorial position in the National Assembly. “Everybody knows that the purchase of forms for 2015 has commenced today and knowing my way around this way because I used to work here before, I knew how to come here quickly and purchase my forms. “That is why I am one of the first to buy nomination and expression of interest forms for senate in 2015,” he added. Gemade assured his supporters that the race for the Benue North East Senatorial District would be interesting with the attempt by the incumbent governor to unseat him and therefore called on Nigerians to watch out.

Voices Would you mind if your spouse watches pornographic movies? p.12

Street Diary SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Alleged oil theft: Tenebe, remains in EFCC custody

Emmanuel Onani suspect, recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in connection with alleged crude oil theft, Mr. Jarett Tenebe, may remain in the commission’s custody, pending conclusion of investigation. Jarett, an acclaimed international oil dealer, was arrested last month, for his alleged involvement in multiple frauds, including oil theft and advance fee fraud. He is said to be the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fenix Impex Nigeria Ltd. However, the suspect’s effort to secure bail from the custody of the EFCC, has failed, as Justice Salisu Garuba of a Federal High Court in Abuja, refused his bail application. Consequently, an earlier order obtained by the anti-graft agency, to hold the suspect pending when he would be charged to court, subsists. It was widely reported some weeks ago (Saturday New Telegraph not inclusive), that the suspect had, shortly after arrest, allegedly implicated a prominent member of President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet as well as a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The unconfirmed reports had also referred to the suspect, as a gubernatorial aspirant of the PDP in Edo State. The claims had compelled the EFCC to issue a statement, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren. In the said statement released on September 12, the commission had said “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a report entitled, Crude Oil Theft: PDP Governorship Candidate Jarret Tenebe Arrested implicates Jonathan’s former Chief of Staff, Anenih and Petroleum Minister. “The said report, quoting unnamed sources at the EFCC, made wide ranging allegations linking top government officials, both former and serving, to the activities of a certain, Jarret Tenebe, a suspect who is under investigation for oil theft. “The attributions ascribed to the unknown and unnamed EFCC source is shocking as it runs contrary to the established media protocol at the commission. For the benefit of members of the public who may have been misled by the attributions, all information emanating from the EFCC to the media are authenticated by the designated official spokesperson, which is not the case with this report.

Lamorde

“Equally distasteful was the obvious attempt to tar the agency as a pliable institution that is susceptible to manipulation by vested interests. Claims, that the commission ‘had been under intense pressure from several quarters to muddle up the case in order to spring the suspect free’ is an ingenious invention to impugn the integrity of the EFCC. “It is important to state here that no serving or former petroleum resources minister or public figure has been linked to the investigation in question. “Consequently, the commission dissociates itself from the report in its entirety. “However, the matter for which Tenebe, the managing

director of Fenix Impex Limited, was arrested is still under investigation and in due course the commission will make its findings public,” the statement said. A source at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where Jarett is currently being held, told Saturday New Telegraph that: “Our operatives have reached a crucial stage in the investigation of the suspect. “The commission is exploring all forensic knowledge at its disposal, to get all the evidence needed, to establish a prima facie case against him. “He will be charged to court, once we establish links between him and the alleged offences, upon which he is being held.”

APC, Suswam disagree over sale of N43b shares to Dangote Cement Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he Benue State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC and Governor Gabriel Suswam are at each other’s jugular over the relinquishing of the state’s N43 billion shares to Dangote Cement. The APC yesterday called on Suswam to immediately reconsider his decision and halt the sale of the state government-owned shares to Dangote Cement Group and threatened to use all legal and constitutional means to recover the already sold shares and also suspend the transactions. But the governor in a swift reaction has debunked the widespread claim insisting that the shares were still intact and have not been sold to anyone. Suswam told journalists that the shares were being warehoused with the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) Limited, and accused those he called his detractors of circulating falsehood that they had been sold, and further blamed BIPC for not trading with the shares to add value to it. The APC in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary Ayem T. Atsem, made available to journalists further call on the state House of Assembly to act fast in the interest of the generality of the people and probe the controversy. The party accused the governor of taking a unilateral decision without recourse to the House of Assembly and expressed grave concern over what it calls “the timing, the circumstances under which it is contemplated and the obvi-

ous breach of procedural steps that are required to make this transaction legal and legitimate.” The statement added, “The planned disposal of the shares in question has all the trappings of an attempt by the PDP-led government to use our common patrimony to prosecute the 2015 general elections and it is only against the background of this conjecture that one may appreciate this feeble attempt, otherwise, it is bewildering to say the least.” While calling on the Benue people to vote out the PDP in the forthcoming general elections on account that the party had over stayed its welcome, the party said there was no traceable plan indicating that proceeds from the said transaction would be prudently utilised. It would be recalled that reports about the sales of the shares been domiciled at Dangote Cement had been in the media of recent. But when contacted, the General Manager of Benue Investment and Property Commission, Mrs. Brigid Shiedu, said she was not in the position to sell government’s shares, adding that such decision could only be taken by the government.

Suswam

Attempted jailbreak foiled in Kirikiri

n undisclosed number of inmates were yesterday feared dead and several others left with varying degrees of injuries, following an attempted jail break at the Kirirkiri Medium Prison, Apapa area of Lagos. Although the circumstances leading to the incident are unclear, the attempted jail break occurred at about 4p.m., when some of the inmates attempted to overpower the prison officials and scale through the huge gates. According to eyewitness account, the stillness of the afternoon was broken by sporadic sounds of gunshots and

� Scores injured, others feared dead screams heard from inside the prison. Sources inside the prison said most of the inmates were forced into their rooms and a secure lockdown done to prevent those inside from assisting the jail breakers to overthrow the prison officials. Immediately the fracas ensued, some of the armed security personnel stationed outside the prison with well trained sniffer dogs were deployed inside while others remained at alert outside. To quell the situation, personnel of the Nigerian Navy (NN),

Navy Town, and the Kirikiri Police Station were said to have been called in to assist the men of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) safeguard the massive gates of the prison. However, Lagos State Police Command Prison Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Biyi Jeje, when contacted claimed ignorance and promised to find out. However, security personnel, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, claimed that no inmate was shot; stating that the gunshots were meant to deter them from successfully executing their plans.

He said: “We were called in after the situation began. We did not shoot anyone dead rather the shots were to deter them from succeeding. It is true however that some of them sustained bodily injuries. “But that could not be prevented because we were forced to use show of force to quell the situation. This was because those that were not even in the know of the plot tried to take advantage of the chaos and escape. “With the help of sister services, the situation is now calm and peace has been restored but we are still stationed there and we are at high alert. The injured will be treated accordingly.”

Voices

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Would you mind if your spouse watches pornographic movies? No, it's unholy, demonic My spouse must not watch pornographic movies. It's crazy, unholy and demonic. Most of the things they do are under the influence of drugs. Sometimes you find out that you cannot go the number of rounds they go. Watching pornographic movies makes you do crazy things that you would normally not do or think of doing. So, I don't think it is good to watch them. (Stella Francis, self-employed) She can learn from it Yes, I don't mind her watching pornographic movies either with me or alone. She might learn something new about sex on how to give it to me in a much better way. I love sex and I would want her to watch it to gain more experience. I enjoy watching it with the right person; we can even start it at the spot and practice most styles we like. (Rowland Okorie, MD/CEO, Equity Concepts) If she is weak sexually It is a means of sexual education when it has to do with a faithful relationship. It enhances the strength and perfection of sex in other to satisfy the sexual urge on bed. But for me, I would only allow my spouse watch such movies if she's weak and can't do those good styles that turn me on in bed, we might have to consider it. (Azeez Eletu, CEO, Eletu Concept Event) If it's improves sex life I don't mind if it would give room for improvement. (Remi Odunsi, student)

Yes and no! I will say yes and no, even though our culture forbids some things, it does not mean culture has power over humans. (Ibrahim Amusat, graphics artist It enriches sex life From the religious aspect it has some meanings, but in a normal sense it keeps the sex life active and enjoyable once both parties are opened to new ideas and adventure. (Olukayode Oludayo, banker)

No, it is nonsensical No, it is neither necessary nor appropriate. I will not allow that. To me it is nonsense (Prince Ahmed, printer) My wife can’t It depends on the type of relationship we keep. We are not like the white people that allow such vice to hold in a marriage. Like my wife can't try it because she knows I won't like it. (Adeniyi Adebayo, businessman) I won’t permit such It sounds obnoxious. I won't permit my wife and kids to be viewers of something like that. It is totally unacceptable. (Olushola Michael, clergy) We could watch it together I don't think I will welcome the idea. I can only allow if we watch it together. (Christina Owodunni, a model)

I won’t allow my husband to do such Except for lusting after other women, why should he be doing that? I am always there to show love to my husband when we feel like. It is not cool to me. I won't like it. Ayobami Esther God will not allow him to desire it It can poison his mind! Although it is stipulated that viewers should be above 18, that will not stop other negative reactions to proceed from it. God will not allow him take

pleasure in it. (Dimeji Aina, fashion designer)

It's a sin I can never allow that because it is a sin and he will become so sexually active that even when I am not there he will want to go for another woman (Adenike Oluwoga, pharmacist) Yes, if that will make her satisfy me sexually If that will make her give me what I need in bed then I will have no problem with that, the only thing is that she will not stop me from watching too. (Bhari Olajide, lecturer) Never, his eyes must be on me Never will I allow my husband to look at any other woman aside me. He has to keep his eyes and imagination on me alone. (Morenike Quadri, teacher)

compiled by

RICKETS OLUSHOLA, ANGELA DAVIES, SHADRACK YUSUF and inioluwa ekeolere

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014

WeekendDelight 13

C o n v e r s at i o n

Instyle

Good old polka dots p.15

Showbiz

Why I left 9ice’s Alapomeji Records p.22

The Arts

An illuminating art with a tale p.34

Destination

Ethiopia: Land of a Thousand Smiles opens to the world p.42

BAMIDELE AZEEZ

How I made telecoms firms stop printing recharge cards abroad Dr. Bamidele Azeez’s story echoes the many gains of tenacity. He built one of Nigeria’s most equipped and modern printing press, Rainbow Press from a mere N750 and his administrative finesse explains why staffers of over two decades still work with his firm. He shares his grass to grace story with LANRE ODUKOYA and INIOLUWA EKEOLERE. How did you get into professional printing? I started developing interest in printing in 1958. On my way to school I usually passed through a small press and I would usually watch a man stand by a letter-press machine and in a few minutes, so much words would have been printed on a paper. It was a mystery how the machine would type several thousands of words I couldn’t have written in hours. It was in Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State. While in school, I loved artistic works. I also liked to act and I was very good in hand ball. So, on my way to school, I usually see this man and how he did printing works. One day, I decided to approach the man to know what he was doing and how he got to do what he did. So, I went to the shop and I said, ‘daddy, I see that you are putting paper inside this big and wonderful thing and when it is coming out it would have written many things; how does it happen?’ I assumed there was a man inside this machine that writes the letters. So, I said I wanted to be like that man. He said, ‘if you want to be like that man, come back in two days with your pencil and paper then you will compete with the man inside this machine’. The third day I went there, he told me the name of the man was ‘Type’. He said, ‘Mr. Type and ink get ready; I am going to give you paper because your son wants to compete with you’. It was a footpedaling machine, he put the paper in the machine and it typed much faster than what I was going to writing. And he explained everything to me. I made up my mind from that point on that I would be a printer.

elementary school the little money I got, I used it to buy items that I hawked. What was the item you sold? I was selling ogi (pap) and in the evening I sold fufu. It was this money that my mother

Renee

But it wasn’t such a glamorous job, was it? At that time, the town was not a big one and the man had only a small shop. I just loved the mysterious machine and to see that it was only that man that understood it in the community was also magical. It was amazing for me and I even went there every day for almost one week. I came from a very poor family and my father was married to five wives and my mother was the third. My elder brothers then attended teachers’ training colleges and the school fee was very enormous. So, when it was my turn, my father couldn’t afford it. But I’m grateful to God for everything, I am very knowledgeable. I used to have good scores, but it was very unfortunate that my parents were unable to send me to higher institution. During my days in

AZEEZ

used to train my elder brother to high school. I thank God during that time I was hawking, my brother eventually graduated successCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Weekend Delight

| Conversation

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

‘A German lady embarrassed me the night I proposed to her at a disco’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

fully and by the time he graduated there was nobody to assist my mum and my father still had to face the other children. We were not so rich, but we were rich in religion. How then did you transit to modern printing technology? I was determined that no matter the institution I attended, I still wanted to be a professional printer or an architect. I wrote Common Entrance examinations for five different schools and I qualified. But there was no money. So, my father said I should try to be closer to one of his relations who was then the principal of Ansarur-deen Secondary School, but it was too late. So, I was told to wait for the next year that they might have some opportunity for scholarship. We were living in a village and all my mates had gone to schools in the city. I was the only boy of my age that was left in the village. So, I was depressed. One night, I woke my mum I said I was no longer interested in going to secondary school that I couldn’t wait for another one year. My mum began to cry. She tried to persuade me, but I said no way, that she either cooperate with me or I will abscond from home. When I was in elementary school, I usually weaved baskets and sold to people. I did that craft so I could buy exercise books and pencils. I helped my mother a lot so that she would not have to bear the burden alone. In May 1962, my cousin and I absconded to Lagos. That cousin of mine was an apprentice carpenter. When I got to my uncle, a week after, he lost his job. So, he decided to take me back to the village. I went to a corner and started crying because I saw it as a setback. But his wife frowned at the idea of sending me back to the village. She asked if I could hawk and I said I could. She asked me to stay back and hawk. He had already enrolled me in a printing company owned by his friend. The name of that company was Johnson & Co. on Lagos Island, Olusi Street, precisely. So, I started my apprenticeship in 1962. When I ran away from home my father was depressed; he was looking for me. He didn’t know where I was and my cousin didn’t disclose to him that I went with him. My uncle and his wife endured me despite the fact that he had lost his job and he had other relatives living there with us. We were nine living in a room. So, I started hawking early in the morning before resuming work and in the evening before having my dinner. I didn’t complain and I did everything with diligence because I had an ambition, I had a dream. When I saw exactly the same machine I had seen in my village at my boss’ place, I was amazed that at last my dream was going to come true. What year did your apprenticeship end? During my apprenticeship I learnt the job for six years. I was quite young and used an extra year. I was 16 then. I knew that my education was not enough, so I enrolled in an evening school. I made the breakthrough when I passed out in October 1968. I gained an appointment with Times Press, a subsidiary of Daily Times. I was

appointed there as a letter press printer. I worked there for four years and between those four years I was promoted six times.

me toothpaste pack to go and produce five million. My boss could not believe it because they had been pursuing that company for a very long time all to no avail. Instead of retrenching, we had to employ more. The little commission I got from him for the job was what I used to build Rainbow Press. I started with N750.

Given that you learnt with the letter-press machine how were you able to operate the machines that came later? That’s because right from my childhood I had passion for the job. Also, each time I was promoted, there was always a one-week training programme. At some point you went to Germany, how did this happen? In 1972, I resigned my appointment with Times Press. I knew that Germany was the home of printing, so I decided to go and learn there. When I got there, I had to go to a language school first after which I went back to printing school. I attended about four different printing schools. After my schooling, they didn’t even want to let me go. So when did you set up your own printing press? I started my own when I was working with Ibukunola Printers as a production manager. There was a recession period - which is common in the printing industry - so the man wanted to retrench workers. We were about 142 and he wanted to reduce by 40 per cent. So, I said I will leave, don’t retrench. I came out with concepts that I already had before I came back to Nigeria. I started designing greeting cards, gift wraps, wedding cards, all were my personal creativity. I introduced these gift wraps to them. We came out with about 16 different sub-designs and they were all mine. I then went out and canvassed for jobs. I went to a German company and they gave

“I believe in discipline and do not believe anybody should do evil under the guise that he’s drunk.”

What do you consider your career highlights? I was the first printer that discouraged MTN and Glo from printing recharge cards abroad. They were to contract it out to a foreign company when I approached a company in Germany with whom I formed an alliance to win the contract. It is a pride to me. It was when I stopped printing for them that most of these people you find today started. I’m happy to be such a pioneer. You had a difficult childhood; what was your relationship with women like? I learnt a lot in wooing women. It wasn’t my intention to be married to a German woman, but I had a lot of disappointments from Nigerian women. In Germany, I learnt something very interesting. Unlike in Nigeria where you could meet a woman and tell her you love her the same day, it is not so at all in Germany. One night I went to a disco and met this young lady and I approached her. And we danced for a very long time, we drank together and I just went straight to tell her that I loved her and wanted to marry her. She shouted and told everybody that this ‘monkey said he loves me and that he wants to marry me’. I was highly embarrassed. I ran away frustrated and disappointed. The

next day at home, I was depressed. So, my German friend asked me what the problem was and I told him the experience I had the previous night. He told me that was not the way to go about it and that next time, I should get to know her first. In my wife’s case, I got drunk one night and went after her on the street. She was taking a flower to her relative whose birthday it was but I staggered along the way talking to her. A few minutes later, I had become better and the birthday celebrant she was visiting wasn’t home. That way, the only choice left was for her to spend some time with me which she did. And from that point on, we got talking, so I could right the wrong I spoke about when I tried to woo the first lady. What is it like being married to a foreign national? The German society is very conservative and the Germans are wonderful people. You just have to understand their culture and respect it. I’ve been married to a German wife for over 40 years. We married when we had no money, but we were living comfortably within our means. Germany is my second home. I love everything German; I use their cars, wear their clothes, wrist watches and up to their tooth paste even though we have high supply of these items from other countries. You’re also known to be somewhat street-savvy, what’s your kind of drink? I am a workaholic, but I also find time to relax. I’m a social drinker and I do some cognac and whisky. I believe in discipline and do not believe anybody should do evil under the guise that he’s drunk. I do some cognac shots a few times a day.

Instyle

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

In step with the trendy Clementina Azude, or Tina Newman as she's known in showbiz, is an inspirational music artiste. Her passion for the trendy has never dimmed her individuality, writes ANGELA DAVIES. How would you define your style? My style is trendy. I like to flow with what is in vogue. However, I like to look flashy when I am going for an event. Being flashy will attract attention to you and I love attention so much. What determines the kind of outfit you wear? It depends on the event. If I am attending a night event, I dress sexy. If I am attending a daytime event, I dress to look gorgeous. If it is a casual event, I dress casually to fit into the event. I don’t dress more than the event I am attending.

Lala Anthony

What kind of clothes take up a larger space in your wardrobe? I will say dinner gowns because I attend dinner events a lot. But, you will also see casuals. Is there any outfit you would rather not be caught wearing? I don’t like tying wrapper because it does not make me look smart.

Adorable in podka dot top and flowing skirt

What is that fashion item you cannot leave home without? I cannot leave home without my makeup especially eye pencil. But I can do without lipstick. Can you recall the most expensive fashion item you ever bought? It is a dinner gown by New Look. How do you love your make-up? It depends on the event. Sometimes my makeup is light and sometimes, flashy.

Jadore

Niyola

Good old polka dots

Angela Davies hen it comes to fashion, some trend just won’t go away. Right now, the retro polka dots are back. From big and bold to small and dainty, the polka dot trend is rocked in different styles. Polka dots are a fun print that gives that feminine allure. From skirts, dresses and pants, to tops and jumpsuits, women who love fashion are rocking the trend to make their own style statement. The polka dot outfit can be worn to any event with style. However, it should be properly accessorized to suit and complement the outfit and the occasion. Before you decide to wear any polka dot print, here are things to note. • If you are conscious about a particular body part, avoid wearing large polka dots that will flaunt that area, as this print definitely calls attention to itself. • You should avoid wearing polka

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dot from head to toe because they are extremely eye catching. For a sassy look, you could wear a long flared polka dot skirt paired with a complementing top. If the dots are black, wear a black top to complement the skirt and vice versa. If you want to wear a minimal pattern of this trend, you could opt for a plain and polka dot patterned dress. Complement your look with the right accessories, and you will sure turn heads. If looking sophisticated is your aim, then, go for dotted polka dot shirt. Pair your shirt with a pant. For a classier look especially for the office, throw in blazer in a colour that will harmonize your overall look. You should opt for a short clinging polka dot dress for a special event especially if you are blessed with well-toned spotless legs to flaunt. Spotting a straight knee length or slightly below the knee colourful

polka dot skirt with a lovely top will give that girly but chic look. Just ensure you accessorize to complete your appearance. • For an edgy modern look, you could wear a simple sexy sheer dress that will flatter you. • For a casual but trendy look, you could wear a polka dot pant with a plain colour top. • Finally, you should not forget to accessories with pumps, strappy sandals, clutch or handbag, cocktail ring, wristwatch, bracelets and necklaces to add zing to your entire look. • If you don’t want to wear any dotted outfit but desire to have a feel of it, then, you could accessories with polka like pumps, scarves, handbag and even mobile phone cases. The key to wearing polka dots is to incorporate them into your own personal style. Wear them if it makes you feel good and go as bold as you are comfortable with. However, if you are not comfortable with this trend, then avoid it.

How do you love your hair? I don’t like bogus hairstyles. I like moderate hairstyle that will bring out my face. Best designer I like Mudi. He is a good, unique and creative designer. His designs may look simple but outstanding. Signature perfume I am not into designer names but I love perfumes with good and long standing fragrances. What kind of shoes appeal to you? I love high heel shoes because it makes me walk majestically and elegantly. Best colour I love bright colours. My best colour is red. What kind of jewellery do you like? I love fashion jewellery because it is flashy. I love chains as well. If you have to flaunt any part of your body where will it be? That will be my cleavage. That is what I have got to flaunt.

Ezeamakam Newman

Instyle

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Accessories to live for

Stylish floral cocktail rings

Facts Grace Chito Mark, creative director of Grace’s Hat Limited has been in the millinery business for 34 years. The seasoned milliner has made hats for a number of women including the first lady of US, Michelle Obama. She has also received many international awards for her craft.

Adorning elegant floral cocktail ring will enhance any woman’s finger no matter the outfit she chooses to wear it with, ANGELA DAVIES writes.

cocktail ring is one of the best ways to express your great sense of style and personality. However, floral cocktail rings are among the trendiest pieces of jewellery at the moment. A floral cocktail ring works for all ladies. Floral shaped cocktail ring makes a bold fashion statement especially when it fits your finger perfectly. The adjustable fit allows you to wear it on any finger you please. These floral cocktail rings are fascinating and have the natural look of a flower and the total glam of a fashion cocktail ring. Some of these flower cocktail rings are fun, drama and flirtatious. So, wear a stylish floral cocktail ring and show off your fashion savvy at your next get-together. You can wear them with any kind of outfit you choose ranging from casual, formal, traditional and evening outfits and it will fit in perfectly. For a day time event, you should wear a beautiful but fun floral cocktail ring. And for an evening event, wear a dramatic floral cocktail ring with some sparkle or diamond accent. Just ensure the colour you select complements your outfit and also flatters your finger. Flowers sculpted out of metal and carved out of gemstones are lovely additions to any ring wardrobe. So, enhance your personality by adorning charming floral style cocktail rings.

FASHION ETIQUETTE

Your perfume should not overpower

any of us spritz our favourite perfume before leaving our houses to smell fresh and good. But do you know that sometimes we unintentionally assault people’s sense of smell with the amount of perfumes we wear? A fragrance should never be overpowering. It is unethical for people to smell your perfume before they see you. If you want to get the most out of your fragrance, apply it to the pulse points behind your ears, your wrists and behind your knees in moderate amount. Alternatively, apply some into the palm of your hand before wiping it over your upper body. This will help the fragrance affix to the skin better. You should never hold the fragrance bottle too close to your skin when applying fragrance. Instead, hold the nozzle about six or seven inches away from you and then spray. That way, the fragrance will hit a larger area of your skin and coverage will be more even.

BEAUTY

The average woman will wear six different bra sizes throughout her life.

The earliest forms of jewellery were made with flowers, especially orchids.

The country with the most underwear models working for Victoria’s Secret is from Brazil.

Uses of coconut oil in beauty routine

hen it comes to beauty and skin care, sometimes, it is ideal to use natural products. That is why it is good to give coconut oil a try so that you can see how it works for you. Coconut oil is a wonderful natural product that you can integrate into your everyday beauty routine in many ways. It is rich in fatty acids and provides a lot of moisture, thus, making it very versatile as a beauty product. It is also a natural antibacterial and antifungal, an excellent moisturizer and can penetrate hair better than other oils. Here are some ways to use coconut oil in your beauty routine. Facial moisturizer Coconut oil as a facial moisturizer will give a healthy looking skin. You should rub a small amount between your fingers and pat on to your freshly washed face. You can also use it on other parts of your body like your elbows, knees or heels where you have dry skin. Skin moisturizer Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer which keeps your skin hydrated. It cleanses and neutralizes toxins. It is ideal to regularly use coconut oil to moisturize your skin after a bath. As a foundation primer Simply dab some on your face, allow it to soak and then apply your foundation. It makes your make-up smoother and last longer.

Tame Frizz A tiny dab of coconut oil rubbed on your hands and then ran through your hair will help reduce frizz and repair split ends fast. Eye makeup remover Coconut oil will help remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner with ease. Apply to lashes and eyelids, allow to sit on your skin using a cotton pad and then wash off with warm water. Body and foot scrub When you mix granulated sugar with coconut oil, you will get a smoothing body scrub to use when bathing. You will notice the immediate glow on your skin. Coconut oil is anti-fungal, thus, making it an ideal ingredient for a foot scrub. The sugar will exfoliate any rough patches on your feet while the coconut oil will soften any callus. Hair conditioner Coconut oil makes a great regular conditioner for your

hair. You can also decide to use it as a special deep conditioning treatment. Apply coconut oil after you use your regular conditioner and leave it on for about five minutes. Then, wash it out with lots of warm water for silky smooth hair. It is time you get your hands on some good quality coconut oil and test these amazing benefits yourself.

Trends

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Bejewelled like a goddess Angela Davies

adies, you may have accessorized your hair with hair clips, barrettes, head bands and other beautiful hair accessories to either beautify or make a bad hair day look good. But they may be on their way out of the fashion scene and that is because there is a new hair accessory that is trending. So, have you noticed the latest hair accessory trend among female celebrities recently? Well, it is the head chain trend. Celebrities are sporting the head chain jewellery to give their conventional hairdos a new look and also add glamour to their entire look. During the Mogul Empire in India, women adorned their heads with coins, chains worn over their foreheads, strands of pearls, and ornaments made to look like flowers. They also had hair ornaments made of gold and jewels that covered the long braids that reached their waist. Well, since fashion evolves and speaks a universal language, women from different parts of the world in recent times, have decided to embrace the head chain jewellery trend. The head chain jewellery trend in recent times started with Kim Kardashian and several other celebrities have followed in her footstep. The Kim Kardashian head chain jewellery trend was first sparked off by her through her Belle Noel jewellery line. Nicole Richie also introduced various styles of head chains through her jewellery line, House of Harlow. Several celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Christina Millian, Vanessa Hudgens and Khloe Kardashian and other celebs have also been seen wearing this gorgeous hair jewellery. The head chain jewellery are mainly worn in a gypsy style which adorns the front of the hair or worn over the forehead. These intriguing hair pieces could be worn for a night date, birthday party and fun outing with friends to enhance the head and face beauty with elegant outfits, make-up and other accessories like earrings, necklace, cocktail rings and bracelets. If you are a fashionista and love to experiment with new trends, then, you will surely want to try this trend. The head chain helps to break the monotony of your hairdo and allow your hair do the talking. These hard metal chain links come in different unique styles and details. These fashion jewelleries are incredibly embellished with brass-plated chain, silver chain, gold chain, pearls, rhinestone, swarovaski, crystal stones, leave accents, coins, different types and colours of pendants and so much more so that you can choose one that suits your personal taste and style. Since the head chain jewellery comes in different designs let us look at a few. Simple across the forehead head chains There are beautiful head chains that you can wear across the forehead. This style of head chain looks great with any type of hairstyle.

Mabel Maku

Seyi Shay

Moet Abebe

Freda Francis

Yeni Kuti

Toke Makinwa

Indian inspired bridal head chain In reality, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be an Indian bride to wear this type of head chain. Many styles are made with pearls and crystals to give a goddess look. This type of piece looks best with your hair parted in the middle or pulled straight back. Goddess head chains This head chain will make you feel like a goddess. These head chains are best for a bohemian look. It looks great when your hair is parted in the middle and let down. It looks good on either straight or curly hair. They come with lobster clasp and good for evening events. For instance, shiny Stone flower goddess chain head jewellery is the perfect finishing touch for a night date. It will leave you looking sweet and romantic. Back head chains These pieces can actually be worn at the back or across the forehead. They look best with a half updo or with hair worn all down. You should note that it does not matter the head chain jewellery style you choose to adorn as you enjoy it and feel beautiful while wearing it, you will surely look stunning and make heads turn. So if you want to be the centre of attention, head chains jewellery it is. The head chain jewellery trend is meant for women who want to add some oomph to their hairdo.

Short Story SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

“Y

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

our Papa didn’t give me no wedding even though I was a virgin for him,” Mama reminds me anytime she goes to a wedding or is baking a cake; Papa always keeps quiet after such accusation. The harvest of cotton takes much of the time during the next weeks. We pick cotton from the plantation, carrying large baskets that we put the pieces of white fresh and soft cotton fibre into. At times, Massa rides his horse around as we bend on the field. We stop singing when he rides, but the plantation guards tells us to continue when he leaves. The guards also ride on horses, holding their rifles and long whip that crack the back of any tired labourer; they call them lazy bones. Papa always watches out for the guards when the sun goes down. I see them call Negro women and take them into the woodhouse in the plantation, where they rest. We hear them cry and see them come out looking tired like they ran a race. The Negro slaves always hold on to any man whose wife is taken and the women tend to him afterwards. I long to see Small Lady Victoria, but have no luck. She comes to me at the barn one Sunday evening looking happy. I become afraid that I have no poem to give her because the preacher was ill with fever, but she asks for none. “Poncho, I have a present for you,” she says and asks me to open my palm. I notice hers is clasped around something. I spread my palm open before her. “Close your eyes.” I close my eyes and feel something drop into my palm. “Open your eyes now,” she orders and I do. My present is a piece of meat. She laughs and runs back towards the big house. I look at my outstretched hand again and the lump is still there on my palm. I eat it in joy and it tastes delicious. Mama says Massa don’t allow Negros to eat meat. “Only white Massas eat meat. If a Nigger eat meat, they wise like them Massa,” she said. I chew the meat more to get wisdom; I believe Small Lady Victoria wants me to be wise. I become happy and convinced she likes me. The next time I see Small Lady Victoria, she is with Master Edward. I keep looking at them from the top of the oak tree we climb to watch who comes towards the quarters. They walk side by side and Small Lady Victoria laughs now and then; she keeps her face to him. I climb down and go back home, not wanting to see more of the two white kids. “We have a stubborn horse here,” Small Lady Victoria says and flogs my buttocks. I feel no pain. Master Edward climbs me and pushes me to move faster, but his weight is more than my back could carry. They ride me till they get tired. This time, I felt no warmth when Small Lady Victoria rode me. “Victoria, come and show me the garden where you get inspiration to write me those lovely poems,” Master Edwards says, “I want to see the sun go down the sky.” Small Lady Victoria’s eyes catches mine and I know why she makes me write the poems. “Don’t you want to see where the Negros live?” she asks.

Deep River (2) “No,” he replies, I want to be in that your garden of poems,” They walk away, holding hands. I start going home; I feel heaviness in my heart and run faster towards the quarters, past the choir practising and get home. Mama is not home and Papa looks at me when I rush in. His eyes tell me he knows I am feeling bad. He opens his hands to me and I run to him, crying. It was on the following Saturday that trouble started. I was washing my hat when I heard Mama asking what the matter was from some people. “Where is that Nigger boy,” a voice asks; I recognize the voice. It belongs to one of the plantation guards, the one with tobacco rotten teeth that takes the Negro women to the woodhouse. I come out to know why he wants me and saw his face; I know I am in real trouble. “Come here you prick,” he barks and lashes his whip at me. It strikes me on the face and I fall down. I taste blood and lose my sight for a moment. I touch my hand to my lips to see if I am bleeding. His hands grab one of my legs and drag me out of the house. I hear Mama screaming now, “Leave ma baby alone!” I look up to see another guard holding her; his hairy hands squeezing her breasts. “Take it easy,” the white lady says, “I made sure nobody knew about this incident,” she adds, as she tries to comfort Lady Smith. “I will go and meet Edward’s parents and make them know that under no circumstance should this issue be discussed again,” she assures. “And you will also be coming to teach Victoria at home, she will

“Victoria, come and show me the garden where you get inspiration to write me those lovely poems,” Master Edwards says.

not be attending school for the remainder of the term,” Massa says. I begin to have an idea as to what may be the problem. “Poncho, who taught you how to read and write?” Massa asks me; his eyes get smaller and his lips look thin. I know I cannot lie, but I try to remain quiet. “Answer the damn question you piece of shit,” the guard with hairy hands hollers and strikes me a blow. I fall down and spit both blood and the truth. “The preacher,” I say, “he teaches me at Sunday school!” “I never should have allowed that useless Baptist near my property,” Massa says. Papa and Mama appear and kneel down before Massa. “Massa please! Massa please, lemme take his punishment,” Papa begs. I look at Mama’s face and see her eyes are reddened. Papa’s buttons are open; he did not have time to prepare himself. “You want to take his punishment without caring to know what he did?” Massa asks Papa. “Massa, please show mercy,” Mama pleads through her sobs. “Your Nigger boy has corrupted my daughter and brought shame on my name,” Massa says and picks up three papers on the table, “he has been writing love letters to Victoria to give to Edward,” he reveals. It becomes clear instantly why Small Lady Victoria and Master Edward became friends again. I hear Papa and Mama now crying louder for Massa to forgive me. “Lock him up while I think how to punish him,” Massa orders. The

Writer in focus:

Ahaoma Kanu

guards throw me into the slave cell. It is dark inside and I see nothing; I only smell stench within. I know there are other slaves in there, but can’t see them. I grope and step on a foot and get pushed till I sit on an unoccupied space. “Whatcha do boy?” I hear a husky voice ask; I remember him. He is the Negro slave that always tries to run. Papa calls him the Runaway Negro. I don’t know if the question is for me. “You deaf?” the voice asks again and I know that I am to answer. “Massa says I corrupted his daughter,” I reply. Mama comes to visit the next day and brings boiled potatoes and ointment for my buttock wound. When I heard my name being called and answered, the sun rays blinded me for a moment. Then, Mama cries and hugs me. “Ma boy, Ma boy!” she says and tells me that she went to the preacher and asked that he plead my case with Massa. “Preacher Damian is mad with you,” she tells me. “He says you committed blasphemy with the gospel.” “Is he going to help?” I ask, but Mama looks the other way and I see tears in her eyes. I know the preacher will not come; I have to bear the punishment for my sins. “Your Papa and I prayed to his god,” Mama says, “we performed some sacrifice and he says Sango accepted the offering. You need to be strong,” she tells me. I look at her confused and see the shame she is trying to hide. I know it does not matter to her; she will follow any god to make me free again. “Massa will forgive you,” she consoles. We hug before she goes away. I ask her to tell Papa I am sorry. My heart beats as the guard takes me out from the dungeon to the big house. I see Papa and Mama with some of the older Negro men and women standing in front of the big house. Massa comes out and is followed by another white man. I see the fear in Papa’s eyes as he sees the man. I look at him and recognize him; he is the slave dealer from Virginia, who sold us slaves at the slave market. Massa Smith finishes talking with the other Massa and they shake hands. “Massa please, Massa please,” Papa shouts, but the guards cock their rifles. The guard with the hairy hands grab me and drags me to the coach; it is the same wagon I travelled in to the slave market. He throws me inside and locks the gates. I look out of the opening and see Mama; Papa and the other Negro women hold her as she struggles to break loose. Papa’s eyes are red but he holds back his tears. I look up at the big house and catch a glimpse of Small Lady Victoria; she stands by the window. Her lips are pressed together and her eyes are squeezed in a way that makes her eyebrows crooked. There is no expression on her face. As the horses start to gallop, I hear myself screaming in a high pitch as I hold the cage. I see Mama freeing herself and running after me. Through the dust, I see her getting smaller and smaller, till all I can see is dust.

Paul Okoye His Bentley is a police car in Dubai

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Yinka Best How I influenced K1 De Ultimate's music

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ShowBiz SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

‘Comparing me with Goldie isn't bad, but I'm better than her' You have two singles, Dotty Shower and Na Na Na. How would you say they’ve fared? Frankly speaking, I would say they’ve been doing good, but it will travel farther everywhere more than just our very own radio stations. Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics? I draw my inspiration from God and my environment, friends and family members, situations and relationships. Your style has been compared with the late pop singer, Goldie Harvey’s; did she influence your music? Comparing me with the late Goldie isn’t a bad thing because we are more into the same type of music (pop). She was a very good friend to me and I truly do miss her in the industry, but I would rather clear the speculation that I’m like her. I am more of a singer and a dancer, so I am way better than her. Soon you will be able to tell. You once said your parents were mad at you for dumping your degree in international relations and English for music. Has anything changed since then? Yeah, my parents were mad at me for going into dancing first, but now they understand my passion for it and I have been doing great. Actually, I would say they pray more for me and I surely have to put it at the back of my mind not to be a failure. Aren’t you intimidated by the leading female acts whose songs have continually topped the chart? The industry is surely growing, but I don't think it’s intimidating me in anyway though because we are all different with our works. But definitely, my team and I are working towards being the best and churning out music that will make others go green with envy. Who are the producers you are bent on working with? Producers I’m dying to work with on the international scene Neyo, Timberland, Mike Will among others. These are dreams I only pray should come true dreams that will come true. And back home, I would like to work with Nigerian producers like TY Mix and Don Jazzy. Well, I have worked with Del B and would be working with Wizzypro Beats soon. Well, every producer is different with their styles on a job. Has music started paying your bills? I will not say it’s paying as I would love it to be, but I give thanks to God for everything. I can’t complain. When will you release your album and

Pop singer and dance instructor, Halle Grace Imhordu simply known as Halle in showbiz is a stage delight. The beautiful entertainer speaks with LANRE ODUKOYA about her career, romance and family. what would be there to strike your waiting fans? Album release for me now is not going to be soon because I am working towards putting out good music. But, hopefully, I'll release one in 2016. And a lot definitely would be for everyone the old and the young to enjoy in my works. At the moment, I’m actually trying to learn to sing in Edo because I do in other languages too. What else do you do to earn income aside music? I organise private dance classes, which is in line with my career. Every other thing I wish to do would fall into place, but for now I’m more into my music career. Who are the Nigerian singers you would love to feature in your works? Oh, I would love to have a song with Tuface, D'banj, Davido, Naeto c, Waje, Daddy Showkey and I would be cool with Tiwa Savage and P-Square. Who are the singers you’re dying to share the stage with? I have always dreamt of

being on stage singing alongside Madonna, Janet Jackson, Green Day and so on. It’s something I love doing and would love to continue to do even my kids too because music has been a part of me and my goal is to achieve it. What was your most embarrassing experience in the industry? My most embarrassing well it was caused by NEPA (the electricity utility company). I was performing and the lights went off. I couldn't help it, I just started laughing on stage because I never expected it to happen to me. I walked off the stage and the next thing the crowd just started cheering for me to come back which I did too. I can’t remember all of them but this is enough. Do you have a crush on any Nigerian singer? Yes, I do, but heaven knows I can’t say it here.

Who is your kind of man? My kind of man? I think I should leave that to myself please. But you do have him... Do I really have him? Yeah, I do as a matter of fact (laughs). Why do you think some women put their career above marriage? Well every woman has got their own opinions like me, growing up I wanted to be married at the age of 24, but now the thing has changed. I guess no woman wants to be that much of a burden to her man so she wants to work so she can also support the man. I hope I tried in answering this question because it’s somewhat tactical. Are you a career person? Yes, I am a career woman. What kind of childhood did you have? Well, I had a great childhood. I won’t say it was all rosy but I had a good one. What was your first kiss experience? Was it stolen like most ladies claim? My first kiss was the one I had at age 17 (chuckles) and it wasn't stolen o. I guess I stole his.

Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Why Tiwa Savage, Teebillz may never reconcile

he last may not have been heard of the break up involving estranged couple, Tiwa Savage and Tunji Balogun a.k.a. TeeBillz. Fresh tales of why the duo may soon start avoiding each other like a plague have emerged. And even if they intend to dissolve the marriage overnight, they are constrained legally because the provision of the law demands that they tarry for two years at least. The marriage started getting sour the second Tiwa Savage began to realise that she might have been sharing the bed with a man ripping her off. The singer had absolutely trusted that her lover and ex-manager with whom she ran 323 entertainment record label. Alas, she would endure disappointment in the unlikeliest place as she later realised that TeeBillz has been economical with the truths about performance fees, which she had no reasons to probe previously. Though, TeeBillz had been frequently accused of ripping her off, she’d rather believe his words against theirs. The last straw that broke the camel’s back was a near face-off Savage would have with the CEO of HipTV, Ayo Animashaun who

was to pay the couple N2m for the exclusive right to cover the fairy tale wedding staged in Dubai. Animashaun allegedly paid TeeBillz N1.5m which he hid from his wife. Peeved, unsuspecting Savage resumed verbal altercation against Animashaun who later spilled the bean. Understandably, Animashaun’s feeling of embarrassment cannot be gainsaid and he would never want to cross paths with Savage. It took the intervention of a top shot in Nigerian Football Federation to calm frayed nerves. And on the other hand, maybe TeeBillz had matrimonial heartaches he’d not shared with anyone until the bubble burst. As the ones in the eye of the storm refused to comment on the trending separation, TeeBillz was cornered by a reporter who did all he could to make him react to the story making the rounds penultimate Thursday. He allegedly told the reporter; “Oh! You are asking me what the problem is as if you all don’t know already? Now no one seems to remember ‘Doro na Tiwa…..Doro is a cheerful giver’, go and ask DoroTiwa what the problem is and leave me alone.”

E-BRIEFS

Star-crossed partners, Lagbaja, Ego, reunite on stage

Paul Okoye’s Bentley is a police car in Dubai P

any music buffs around have missed the vocal combination of Lagbaja and Ego Ogbaro. The two singers were a perfect singing pair and didn’t seem to have made much buzz and fortune since they both parted ways. But a few days ago, fans of Lagbaja and Ego were treated to some melodious tunes from their previous collaboration together at the Glo Privé Loyalty Programme launch, which held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. Fans look forward to a collaborative jam between these beautiful entertainers.

Sunny Melody lauds Gov. Amosun in new song I

n a five-minute 40-second new track delivered in pulsating juju tone, UK-based singer, Sunny Melody, captured the milestones of Gov. Ibikunle Amosun’s administration. And he had even inched further to release a video spotlighting the achievements and harping on them as an overwhelming reason the governor deserves a second chance to consolidate on his legacy. The song employed all the dialects in Ogun State. His praise song for the government has been described in many superlative terms owing to its high quality production, lyrical content and rich presentation.

eter Okoye, the other half of the very successful singing duo called Psquare, is still flabbergasted. He could not believe that the status cars he and some of his colleagues spent millions of Naira to acquire and only drive on occasions to the admiration of their fans are used as every day cars like taxis and police patrol vehicles in other climes. So much was his shock when he witnessed something he could not believe in Dubai where he went on a playing tour with his brother, Paul, that he went to his Instagram page to update his fans and followers: the Dubai police use status cars like Bugatti, Ferrari, and most annoying, his beloved Bentley, a car that set him back to the tune of several millions of Naira, as mere patrol vehicles. Peter was so miffed and surprised to see the Royal Dubai Police use his car just to patrol the streets of the city and he screamed out: “Bugatti, Ferrari, even my very own Bentley as police car in Dubai... Somebody pls send me the IG's number.” He posted a picture of the cars alongside some rickety Nigerian police cars and wondered if our police can ever drive in such fancy cars to keep law and order.

Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Yinka Best: How I influenced K1 De Ultimate’s music Your song, Ko Gboge Wa, won you several fans, but you took a break when the ovation was loud; what really happened? I didn’t leave at all. I have been doing songs and performing at gigs home and abroad. What happened is that musicians especially for people like us in juju or fuji music are facing some tough challenges. A few of us are releasing albums, but several others are feasting on the songs we sweat profusely to make. Nobody wants to go into the studio to work anymore. For instance, my last album was about three years ago and I’ve been inundated by calls I get from Juju musicians who frequently ask, “Baba, when are you going to drop another album?” They’re waiting for me to release my intellectual work for them to feast on. That on its own has made me take a moment away from churning out my works. I withdrew a little to really find a way around this menace. It’s not cheering to take your work to marketers and all you get is the story that not much sales is coming. That’s after all the labour, human and financial resources you put to use to achieve a great body of works. And none of these marketers are willing to invest in the works before they milk its profits. They want you to labour, achieve the publicity for the work and then bring them the gains to feast on. These situations are too daunting for one to continue working. Maybe I would have to be dropping songs track by track now, if it works better that way, then I’d continue. Don’t you think you made this easier for them by travelling abroad for a while? Even when I travel abroad, I don’t stay long anymore because of my career. There are people out there in Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Abuja and so on waiting for Yinka Best and others to release songs for them to be playing at gigs. I keep asking myself: can’t these people compose songs at all? If they can’t, why are they in music? It’s one of the factors killing juju music. You don’t have to be entertaining and making money with other people’s music, sing your own songs and that way, you’re helping yourself and the sub-industry. Some have said that you sound like Wale Thompson and Dele Taiwo. And you once spoke of jealousy in juju music which made a camp think you had them in mind. What’s your relationship with them at the moment? We are all friends in the industry. I had nobody in particular in mind when I made that remark. It was from the general point of view. I meet Dele Taiwo and Wale Thompson frequently on the plane or at shows. The sound of juju may be alike just like fuji, but if you listen to the music very well, you’d see that we’ve never sung the same way. There are guys who were trained by me and they have their bands today, and that is my joy. I made that comment about jealousy because I know it happened then and it’s still happening. For instance, you go to some events where maybe one of your colleagues is performing, the fans have spotted you and demand you to cheer them with some favourite numbers. And you find your colleague holding on to their microphone as if it’s his life. This life that is so transient. We don’t need all that. Some artistes get intimidated the minute you step into a show and that is just not right. It’s rampant in juju music. Can I be launching my album now and say that no juju artiste must perform except hip-hop guys where juju artistes are seated? What does that say about us? Three years of re-evaluating the industry has passed, when are you coming out with another album? By the grace of God, I’m coming out with another album in December. I don’t have a title for the album yet though. I have songs that I’ve done to be promoted track by track, but I’m not ready to release them now. King Sunny Ade’s birthday was a few days ago, what’s your relationship with the acclaimed

Yinka Best, one of Nigeria’s best known Juju musicians cut his teeth as a trumpeter in 1983. The former Kennis Music sign-on speaks with LANRE ODUKOYA.

King of World Beats? He’s my father literarily speaking. I’m happy you mentioned him. That’s the best person I’ve met in my life in the music industry. I pray that he lives long enough. How did your paths cross and what did he do to win your admiration? Like I said earlier, there are some artistes who are even more established and they’d still be victimising budding singers who have come nowhere near their status. I was with KSA in London, at his rehearsal, an average artiste would deny you entry into his rehearsal because he’d be afraid that you might sing the song he intends perform. But this man welcomed me wholeheartedly. He even introduced me to his promoter as a "colleague", not as "my boy". He said to the man, “this is my colleague from Nigeria, he sings good music the way I do, in fact, better than I do.” Won’t you be overwhelmed if you were in my shoes? That is exactly what I can do but many others won’t do this. Even at the grand performance, we were together on stage, he pencilled down my name at the point of entry to pre-inform them that my wife and I are going to be part of the show. I launched an album titled Possible, he was there and he pledged before he left the place. He wrote a cheque and the next day, I cashed it unlike some top singers who came and pledged but reneged despite my manager’s relentless efforts to get them to do the right thing. It got to a point, I asked my manager to stop going after them. What that tells me is that they’re not worth the stress. Are you in music for the art or the lure of commerce? Well, I don’t have to start overstating the place of money in the kind of trade we ply. Without the money, there’s no way you can move forward. In fact, your band boys don’t want to know how you get the money, they just want to get paid. They probably desire more money even more than the band leader. Money is key in music, make no mistake about it. I thought things would still be the way I loved to do it those days. Those days, I had passion for music and I always just wanted to play music with people for the fun of it. But nobody is ready to play music for the fun of it with you today; they want the money first. How did you get on the Kennis Music label? Immediately I left D-Rovans in Ibadan. I came to Lagos and met Chief Kola Kuforiji and Chief Taiwo Kolapo. They’ve been coming to Ibadan to see my shows, so they promised to get me a place. They did eventually. They used to call the place Hotshop then in Sabo, Yaba, and I was playing every Friday for the big boys. That was where K1 De Ultimate first had an encounter with saxophone. He saw me play saxophone and was blown away. From that point on, he infused sax into his music. The owner of the place, Niyi Onibudo, also owns Peninsula Resorts in Lekki. It was from there God lifted me. I did a demo and took it to Kennis Music and immediately they listened to it, they said, “wow, this is great music”. They started working on it immediately and the street song, Ko Gboge Wa, came along. The rest is history.

Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Why I left 9ice's Alapomeji Records

Nigerian rapper, Seriki Ibiyemi Sulaimon's music career took off when he teamed up with ID Cabasa's Coded Tunes. But he ultimately caught the attention of the public when he attacked Ruggedman in 9ice's track, Talk, I am Listening. He recently released his debut album and a video featuring Orisha Femi. He speaks with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS. Who is Seriki? I am a hip-hop artiste from Ikosi Ejinrin Local Government, Lagos State. Seriki is my surname and at the same time my stage name. I am the second son in a family of three. Growing up was fun; all I did was to eat, sleep and play around. It was cool, as I had no worries. But it is a different story now. When did you start singing? I can't actually remember the date, but it all started in my secondary school days. I grew up with music and comedy in secondary school. In 2004 when I went to Warri for my OND I still didn’t see music as what I wanted to do until I came back to Lagos. I used to know Dehide Fajana, 9ice’s manager in secondary school and he introduced me to 2phate and ID Cabassa. Cabassa later introduced me to 9ice and that was it. I didn’t do music professionally until I met ID Cabassa and joined Coded Tunes. Why did you settle for music? I love rap music. And besides I didn't choose music; music chose me. Once I recorded my first solo single Ayeloja people loved it and encouraged me to do more. So I went back to the studio and I started working on more songs. Are you signed under any label at present? No. I am not under any record label for now, but I am working with a management team, M4sernegy. Why did you leave 9ice's Alapomeji? It was just time for me to move on; it was time for me to grow up and do my things the way I wanted. 9ice is like a brother to me till date. The last time we saw was at Bash Go To School tour at the University of Lagos. We talked for a while at the back stage before I went for my performance. You featured in 9ice's controversial song, Talk, I Am Listening, where he was referring to Ruggedman. What do you have to say about the song? People called it beef, but I didn’t see it as beef. I was only protecting my people. We are all humans; I believe we all have our bad sides too. Ruggedman is my brother in the game and I just had to do what I had to at that time. It was just how I perceived the issue at hand. I was just protecting the team I belonged to. All that happened in the past, so let's just leave it in the past. Everyone has now moved on now. How is your relationship with Ruggedman now? We are cool. Why do you prefer rap in Yoruba? I am an African; I love my people and our culture. I feel more comfortable rapping in my dialect and it makes it easier for my fans and people to connect and relate to what I am saying. But back then in 2002 I do more of afro hiphop in pidgin. Then I used to perform songs made by other artistes like Eedris Abdulkareem, Buster Rhymes, among others. But one day a friend hinted me that people feel me more when I do Yoruba rap. He later convinced me to do a rap song in Yoruba and we should all see the response. In 2007, I went into the studio to do Ayeloja, which was the first solo rap single in my career. And right from the studio people wanted to know who did the song. So it was people that really chose Yoruba rap for me because they were feeling me more as a Yoruba rapper than the afro hip-hop.

make people laugh through my music. Who are your mentors? My parents and late Notorious B.I.G. Why have we not heard or seen much of you until lately? I have been working on the brand Seriki and have also been working on my album, Seriki's Dairy. What is title of your latest video? The song is titled Inshi Gini and I featured Oritse Femi on it. It was produced by my very good friend Magawatt. I recently shot the video and I like the response I am getting from the public. The video was by directed Cardoso. What projects are you working on? I just dropped my album like I said earlier, so for now I am shooting videos. Watch out for the video of my song, Turkey and Malt. How far did you go in your academics? I attended Ayetoro Grammar School, Ebute Metta, in Lagos. I later proceeded to study industrial safety and environmental technology at Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State for my OND. I still plan to go back to school.

What is unique about Seriki? Being real, I like keeping it real. I rap about the things that I see, what I hear and according to how I feel. I say things the way I see them.

Which collaboration do you consider your best so far? That's hard to say. I have worked with a lot of talented artises over the years and all the songs we did together are great. But trust me my best collaboration is yet to come.

What message do you preach with your music? The message in my songs is good life and I love to

Do you have a favourite track? I put my heart in all the songs that I have re-

corded. I don't think there is a particular one I regard most. Olamide is now seen as the king of Yoruba rap. What do you have to say about that? Whoever says that have a right to his own opinion as an individual and I respect that. I have people on the street of Lagos, Nigeria and beyond the shores of the country who call me the king of Yoruba rap. I believe that is their opinion and I also respect it too. But to me there is no competition; Olamide is like a kid brother to me. I have known him long time ago when he was working with Cabassa. How do you get inspiration for songs? God is my inspiration; he is everything that I built my career around. But my environment has a big influence on my music. I had lived in the roughest places in Lagos. I lived in Ebutte Metta, Oyingbo, Isale Eko and Surulere. I also listened to international rappers like 50cent, Ludacris, lil Wayne and others. I think hip-hop is universal, the only difference is the language that we apply differently, but the rules are the same. What are some of the challenges you are facing as an artiste? Obviously they are many challenges; the challenges are numerous, but piracy is the biggest. I know it would be almost impossible to eradicate it fully, but there should be a degree of decency. Pirates should allow musicians to enjoy the reward of their labours. What do you do apart from music? I have my own private business apart from music, but for now all what I do is good music and show biz. People should expect my second album next year ending by the grace of God.

11 OCTOBER 2014

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Linda Ikeji: How the cookie crumbled

frica’s queen of blogosphere, Linda Ikeji may not soon recover from grieving over the lock down of her blog, lindaikejiblogspot by Google largely due to reported cases of copyright infringements. The blog was rested late Wednesday, October 8, and expectedly it became one of the most talked about issues in showbiz. Ikeji, undaunted, promptly referred her fans to the mobile version of the defunct blog, lindaikejiblog. mobi through her Twitter account. Yes, many have motioned there to follow their favourite blogger’s stories, but sadly, no scar leaves the body the way it met it. The incident is capable of setting back the ex-model who records on the average, an annual turnover of 900,000USD, though she’s put up amazing tenacity to weather the storm. Ikeji, for the umpteenth time has fallen in and out of favour with different media houses including Punch, ThisDay, freelance journalists and other professional writers some of whom had forgiven her while others swore that Ikeji's arrogance is a reason to sustain the fight. A couple of days back, her outcry was contained in a lengthy post like a presidential speech. Ikeji has defended self, citing other foreign media who share materials but giving credit to the sources. She claimed that the few authors she couldn’t credit were the ones whose identity she couldn’t get before posting their materials. She also lamented threats from cyber-squatters. One of those who continually call out Ikeji is one UK-based Oluwadamilare Lasisi. No sooner the news broke than he posted his vindication on facebook. His words partly read: “The fall of Linda Ikeji - I was the first person to expose the celebrated ‘Queen’ blog-

ger as a plagiarist when she nicked all my Alaafin’s photos from my blog without acknowledgement. I screamed on facebook for help. Nothing happened. I emailed her more than five times. She stupidly ignored me (unknown attention-seeking blogger looking for cheap popularity?) I later received many messages from Linda’s loyalists telling me this hocus pocus gibberish: “We’re begging you on behalf of ‘untouchable’ Linda Ikeji. Please forgive and forget. You know she has an ego problem...” Nicholas Ibekwe of Premium Times also recently nitpicked Ikeji for theft of intellectual properties and billowing from the sweats of others. However, Ikeji believes that her travails are just by-products of jealousy and hate meted out on her following her growing fortunes evident in the newly acquired N24m Range Rover SUV, duplex for self and another (still in the works) for her parents, among others. Ikeji’s blog reportedly charges a minimum of N50,000 for posting stories while multinationals The good life...Ikeji flaunting some of her acquisitions monthly hand her adverts worth millions of Naira. Interestingly so, she has led her game for nearly a decade. It’s therefore not true to claim that she has just realised the need to own an office and recruit or contract professionals to work with her.

Okorocha's daughter weds Imo SSG’s son today B

Folake Coker celebrates 15 years of Tiffany Amber

arring any unforeseen circumstances, Uju Vanstasia, the daughter of Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will today be getting married to Uzoma Tony, the son of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof Anthony Anwuka. The traditional ceremony will took place in Okorocha’s home town, Ogboko last Thursday, October 9, while the wedding will be consummated at Saint Joseph's Catholic Chaplaincy, Imo state University, Owerri today. Okorocha and his wife, Nneoma Nkechi, had given out their heiress to Chief Uche Nwosu from Nkwerre Local government Area.

n October 1, iconic African fashion brand, Tiffany Amber Nigeria, celebrated 15 years of consistency and excellence in the fashion industry with the launch of a nationwide campaign, Exhibition and Fashion Show. In November 1998, Folake Coker launched Tiffany Amber, the first ready-to-wear label in Nigeria, revolutionizing Nigerian fashion and paving the way for the industry we know and love today. And it’s been 15 years of luxury lifestyle brand that transcends the whole of Africa with outstanding global recognition. The Women of Vision Campaign is the brainchild of the brand’s Founder/Artistic Director, Folake Folarin-Coker who in recognising the achievement of having built a successful and sustainable business over 15 years, acknowledges that one of the greatest things that she has experienced in growing her empire, is the incredible women she encounters on a daily basis. She acknowledges that these women are inspirational, they are empowered and she wants to share them with the world, more specifically the younger generation of women searching for strong female role models and in Folake’s words: “girls with dreams, become women of vision!” The Women of Vision campaign in line with the brand’s age will feature 15 women between the ages of 18 and 60 representing Tiffany Amber’s multi-generational following. The campaign, which was shot in Lagos this summer by renowned photographer, Philip Trimnell, will be revealed at an exclusive cocktail event and exhibition today. This campaign is slated to run for the next five years with a selection of women across Africa for the purpose of developing a mentorship scheme. Mentees will have the opportunity to intern, seek advice and support from these women in their respective fields. After a year, the mentees shall graduate from the scheme and will be assisted in spearheading their dream careers. The anniversary celebrations will round off with a grand finale fashion show featuring a collection the designer described as “my best collection to date.”

SOLUTIONS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE S

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ACROSS 1. SUICIDE 5. FOE 7. XOR 8. AKA 9. ESP DOWN 1. STARTLE 2. IBADAN 3. IDEM 4. EXPEND 5. FREE 6. EEL

10. EVEN 11. TEAM 12. ON 16. AB 17. BAHT 18. BRAG

22. AKU 23. IBA 24. LAM 25. BEE 26. UMUNEDE

13. SATIATE 14. SAGAMU 15. SATIRE 19. ROLE 20. GURU 21. BIB

s part of its corporate social responsibility programme, P&G Nigeria plans to donate equipment and technical spare parts worth about $1.5m (N240 million) to seven tertiary institutions in the South-West region. This is part of its efforts towards promoting academic excellence in Nigeria. The tertiary institutions include: University of Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Obafemi Awolowo University, the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. Tomasz Szpyt, manufacturing director of P&G Nigeria, who performed the formal handover of the manufacturing equipment to the school, said that the equipment, which will be used to endow the technology laboratories, will provide hands-on training for students of the institution, especially those from the Faculty of Engineering. According to him, the donation “is part of our efforts towards promoting academic excellence in Nigeria through the provision of an enabling environment for learning in our tertiary institutions”. In a related development, the company has also donated similar equipment and accessories to the College of Engineering and Environmental Studies of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ifo, Ogun State. Prof Saburi Adejimi Adesanya, the Vice Chancellor of the institution expressed appreciation to P&G for the kind gesture saying that facility will go a long way in improving the standards of the engineering department of the school. Szpyt explained that the donation was in line with the company’s global social responsibility principles of “Doing the right thing” which also includes investing in the communities in which it lives, works and serves with the aim of improving lives. The donation to University of Ibadan and Olabisi Onabanjo University, according to him, is the first in the series of donations that P&G Nigeria will make to selected tertiary institutions in the SouthWest. Other tertiary institutions that will benefit from this project include Obafemi Awolowo University, the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. Szpyt further noted that P&G Nigeria has, for more than 21 years, touched and improved the lives of Nigerians through the provision of everyday basics that help create the experience of home and improve everyday health and confidence for people in need. “Apart from manufacturing goods that bring customer satisfaction, P&G Nigeria has an array of well thought-out social programs that enhance everyday living in Nigeria,” he continued. He listed some of these initiatives to include the Always School Programme, which has a yearly reach of 800,000 Nigerian girls and the P&G’s Pampers Baby Care Hospital Programme and Mobile Clinics programmes that touch the lives of about two million mothers and babies across Nigeria annually. Others are the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Programme, Pampers/UNICEF Tetanus Vaccine Programme, Employee Volunteer Programmes and the Building Futures Program, among other initiatives. Szpyt added that these programmes have been very successful both in reach and impact and is optimistic that the programme will be as successful and urged the beneficiary institutions to deploy the equipment to the purposes for which it

Ideas & Brands SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Why we’re endowing schools with N240m worth of equipment, by P&G Seven higher institutions in the South-West region of Nigeria to be endowed with Baby Care manufacturing equipment worth over N240 million by Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, writes Kingsley Ogbonna

Szpyt

was donated. Apart from the equipment donation, Szpyt said that P&G is also mindful of ensuring that students of engineering of the beneficiary schools are well equipped technologically. To this end, the company is collaborating with these schools on technology transfer. Prof. Emmanuel Atoo Ajav, the dean of the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Technology who announced the partnership on Monday during the formal hand over of baby care production equipment and spare parts to the institution by P&G, said the partnership will see some students of the faculty

undergoing hands-on practical training with the global conglomerate on a continuous basis. Ajav said the partnership will go a long way in helping the premier institution build the next generation of engineers who are well-equipped with quality academic training as well as hands-on industrial practical experience which are essential requisites for professional excellence in engineering field. He expressed the institution’s gratitude to the management of P&G for the partnership while assuring that the faculty will ensure that the expected gains

L-R: Omar Elsayyad, Engineering Manager, P&G’s Ibadan Plant, Prof Saburi Adesanya, Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Prof J.O Akinyemi, Provost, College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, OOU at the donation of baby care manufacturing equipment to the College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, OOU, Ibogun Campus, Ifo recently.

from the facility is well harnessed for the benefit of the engineering profession in particular and the country in general. At the official commissioning of the machines and equipment accessories in OOU, Prof. Saburi Adejimi Adesanya, the Vice Chancellor of the institution expressed appreciation to P&G for the kind gesture saying that this will go a long way in improving the standards of the engineering department of the school “These machines and accessories being donated today will definitely assist in training our students as they will enable our staff and students improve their practical dexterity. This donation will further enhance the realization of the vision and mission of the College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Ibogun Campus, to give prominence to technological training and provide the much required impetus for rapid technological and industrial development,” he said. He explained that the College was established with the vision of carving out a niche for itself as a centre of excellence. “This however is epitomized by high quality programmes, products and contributions to the society.” Prof. J.O Akinyemi, the Provost of the College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, OOU, in his remark said that P&G’s donation will touch and improve lives of students and staff of the institution in many ways, as they will gain immensely from the adoption and usage of the equipment and accessories donated to the institution.

Dangote unfolds new brands packaging

oised to strengthen its brand equity, Dangote Flour Mills has unfolded new packaging of its various brands at an exhibition held at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 event centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja. Roseline Abaraonye, Dangote Flour Mills’ Senior Brand Manager, said that the event was strategic for strengthening Dangote’s position in the flour mill market. ‘‘We are using the platform to showcase our new packaging which has been deemed beautiful and enchanting to our trade partners and our consumers. We have also repackaged the brand in the formulation and other areas in a bid to give them a better product which will bring more money to their pockets by attracting more customers to their stands.” Abaraonye stated further that the exhibition was strategic as Dangote Semolina, one of its brands, will be given the visibility it deserves. ‘‘In line with flour packaging, Dangote Semolina has also been revamped and ready to be unleashed into the market. Statutorily, all flour mills are expected to have vitamin A in their flour product and strongly driven by NAFDAC. I am proud to say that Dangote flour has been playing in line with that expectation. Our products are also enriched with other micro-nutrients.’’

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

FREE

Sport Splash

Super Eagles

Eagles will be in Morocco – Babayaro p.27

‘we’d die in Khartoum

� Onazi, Echiejile say no room for error

AWC

Falcons on mission to reclaim AWC title p.27

AFCON Qualifiers Cote d’Ivoire target recovery in DRC p.28

Interview

Hayatou denied us AFCON ’88 title – Omokaro p.31

Time: 8:00pm Ajibade Olusesan and Comfort Chukwu

uper Eagles have vowed to leave no room for errors as they face Sudan in the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers today in Khartoum. Eagles are condemned to win the tie as they attempt to revive their dream of making it to Morocco after a sloppy start in the qualifying series. They lost their opening match against Congo in Calabar and could only manage a goalless draw in South Africa. They confront Sudan today and midfielder Ogenyi Onazi said the African champions would fight hard to claim the maximum points from the game. He admitted that it would not be a walk in the park for them in Khartoum but that they have no option than to defeat their hosts. Onazi also apologised for their poor start to the campaign but said they need the support of Nigerians in their bid to claw back into contention. “Everyone is ready for this challenge. It is a very big one but I can assure you that we are not under pressure; we are going there to play our game. The determination is strong, and everybody is going to fight for the team to come back with victory. We have to go out there and win, that is the only option for us,” he said. The Sudanese, who also need the maximum points from the encounter having lost their two previous matches, may have subtly resorted to some antics to realise this ambition by the sudden change of the venue of the match from a natural grass pitch

in Omdurman to an artificial turf in Khartoum. But Onazi said: “that is not much of a problem with us; this is Africa and we are professionals. We have to be ready for anything. We have been training on artificial ground, we are doing great on it, so we would go there and play our game,” he said.

Onazi

Defender, Elderson Echiejile shared his teammate’s sentiments, saying that they would pick the maximum points against Sudan. “Artificial turf or not, we are going there to win. We can’t afford to let our fans down anymore; we have to win not only this match but all of our remaining matches so that we can be at the Nations Cup. The coach has told us what he expects of us and he is working hard to get us ready for the challenge,” he said.

Echiejile

...Oboabona, Musa too

The Team

Vincent EboigbelAssistant Editor Ajibade Olusesan l Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

Oboabona Sudan are determined to come out successful in the match against Nigeria on Saturday, but we are in a very difficult situation also so we are not in the mood to give any space to anybody. By the grace of God we are going to make sure we come out victorious. I know people have expressed fears before now, but I don’t think there is any problem in the defence. It depends on the individual players to make sure they are focused, calm and fit for the game. For our attackers, (Emmanuel) Emenike is strong, the same applies to the other attackers that we have. We are a

strong team and I know we will win this game. Musa Our only option is to win against Sudan. We can’t afford to lose or draw. Winning is the only way that we enhance our chances of getting a ticket to the African Nations Cup, and by the grace of God we will win the game. I am not going to say I am going to score but I will do my best. All the players are in a good mood, we are doing very well and by the grace of God we are going to win our match on Saturday. I know that Nigerians think

we allowed winning the 2013 Nations Cup and making it to the second round of the World Cup get into our heads such that qualifying for AFCON 2015 has suffered, but I don’t think that is the case; the Nations Cup is nearly two years ago now and the World Cup is past. It is not even related to fatigue, it was just a bad day, sometimes you have bad games and sometimes you have good games, that is football. It is not all the time you get what you want, but this game is very important for us. We are going to work very hard and we have 100 percent what it takes to go to Sudan and win our game.

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11 OCTOBER 2014

Nigerian League Rendezvous with charles Ogundiya

charlesog2001@yahoo.com, charles.ogundiya@newtelegraphonline.com

08098042287

We experienced the best officiating in Ibadan, say Enyimba

30 games and still counting for Udoji

nyimba International of Aba skipper, Chinedu Udoji, is one of the few players that have been consistent in the league this season. Udoji has featured in 30 of the 31 rounds of matches played so far in the league, playing the whole 90 minutes. He has missed out only in the game against Giwa FC of Jos. He has also been consistent for the club in all their Federation Cup games, helping his team to the final to be played soon in Lagos against Dolphins of Port Harcourt. The hard-tackling defender informed League Rendezvous that God has been helping him to avoid any serious injury. “Yes I have been very consistent for the team this season because I have been lucky to avoid injuries. Last season I played almost all the matches even in the Federation Cup too. I am always happy putting in my best to help my club achieve result,” he said. Despite his sterling performances for his club the player said he has not done enough this season compared to last season when the club failed to concede a goal at home in 19 matches. Udoji said: “I would have love that we remain unbeaten at home and also achieve a clean slate like we did last season, that is one thing I regret this season. All the same it has been great so far.”

fter a hard-fought goalless draw in Ibadan last weekend, Enyimba International of Aba, have said they experienced the best officiating away from home for the first time this season in that encounter. Some players who spoke with our correspondent in Ibadan said the centre referee Marcus Bwashi’s officiating was the best they had seen so far which con-

TOP SCORER AS AT MATCH DAY 29 1 Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves)15 Goals 2 Ighodaro Osaguona (Rangers) 14 Goals 3 Peter Ebimobowei (Bayelsa Utd) 14 Goals 4 Mfon Udoh (Enyimba) 14 Goals 5 Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC) 13 Goals 6 Adamu Hassan (Kano Pillars) 12 Goals 7 Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) 11 Goals 8 Peter Onyekachi (Abia Warriors) 11 Goals MATCH DAY 32: (12TH OCT 14) GOMBE UTD VS ENYIMBA BAYELSA UTD VS WARRI WOLVES SHARKS VS KANO PILLARS KADUNA VS EL-KANEMI CROWN VS GIWA FC TARABA VS DOLPHINS HEARTLAND VS SUNSHINE STARS NASARAWA VS NEMBE CITY LOBI STARS FC VS RANGERS AKWA UTD VS ABIA WARRIORS

Glo league table Team

Pts

Kano Pillars

Warri Wolves

Enyimba

Dolphins

Abia Warriors

Nasarawa Utd

Giwa

Sunshine Stars

Rangers

Sharks FC

El-Kanemi

Heartland

Akwa Utd

-1

Lobi Stars

-6

Bayelsa Utd

-9

Taraba FC

-14

Gombe Utd

-3

Kaduna Utd

-11

Crown FC

-14

Nembe City

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sequently helped them to express themselves in the game. “He allowed a free game and when we noticed that he had thrown the game open for the two sides to play, we decided to give it our all as we attempted to get our first away win this season,” Chinedu Udoji, Enyimba captain said. The captain added that they would be in pole position if they had been getting

such opportunities away from home. “We would have been topping the league by now if officiating had been equally as good,” he said. In a quick reaction however the home team, Crown, derided the referee for his failure to spot some infringements in the game that should have been given as penalty kicks. An official of the club who asked not to be named said

the performance of the centre referee showed he was on a sinister mission in Ibadan. According to him, the referee was involved in a blatant robbery against his team and called on the League Management Company to investigate the match and punish the referee if need be. The game ended 0-0 as Enyimba continue to push for the league title after finishing second last season.

Enyimba’s captain Chinedu Udoji vying for the ball with a 3SC player last season

Why do stars fail to sparkle in 3SC?

ne of the traditional teams in the Nigerian league, Shooting Stars, have been finding it difficult competing with the best in recent time. 3SC won the first edition of CAF Cup, defeating the Nakivubo Villa of Uganda 3-0 in the finals at the Lekan Salami stadium in 1992 after the first leg ended goalless. They also won the African Cup Winners Cup in 1976, becoming the first Nigerian side to win an international trophy. The last time 3SC qualified for any continental competition was 1999 when they were eliminated in the group stage; since then the club has been relegated to the lower division twice the most recent being last season. The club steeped in tradition has seen stars finding it difficult to lift the side to glory only to leave and for other clubs and begin to blossom. Last season the club got

relegated despite having players like Gbolahan Salami and Ighodaro Osaguona, two top scorers of the current season with their different clubs, Warri Wolves and Rangers International of Enugu. The two strikers couldn’t get 15 goals between them last season to save 3SC from relegation but have already scored 29 goals this season. Salami leads with 15 goals

Salami

while Osaguona has 14. Azeez Shobowale is another former 3SC player doing so well and could be NPL champion with Kano Pillars at the end of the season, not forgetting Tony Edjomarigwe in Nassarawa Utd. Speaking with League Rendezvous, some of the players said the environment has not been conducive and that it will be difficult to go back. “My brother, the place is terrible. I was injured for more than a whole season, sometimes after playing well in a match the next four matches will be hell for me,” a player who craved anonymity said. An old supporter however summarised the whole situation thus: “A lot could be responsible for this my child, even Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo can never get 15 goals in a 3SC jersey and I think you should ask 3SC supporters club about this.”

No end to the suspense at the top and lower rungs

he ongoing Glo Premier League season has now entered its home stretch with seven rounds of matches to the end of the campaign. The title contenders and pretenders have been separated, while at the other end of the table teams in the battle for survival also know themselves as they make their push for safety. Match Day 32 on Sunday promises some tantalising fixtures. The clash between Sharks and league leader, Kano Pillars, is one eagerly awaited matchup as Sharks will be aiming to bounce back from a demoralising 5-2 loss away to Enyimba in midweek despite taking a 2-0 lead. Kano Pillars is seeking a third title in three seasons. 10 matches will hold on Sunday at 10 venues. Nembe City, Crown FC, Kaduna United and Gombe United battle for survival at the lower rung of the log.

Sport

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11 OCTOBER 2014

Eagles will be in Morocco – Babayaro

Vincent Eboigbe etired Nigeria goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, is confident that the Super Eagles will not only scale the Sudanese hurdle in the double fixtures today and Wednesday next week, but will qualify for the 2015 African Nations Cup in Morocco. The hand wringing, nail biting, permutations and prayers heightened since the Eagles only managed one point from two matches; they currently lie third in Group A of the qualifying series after an opening loss to Congo in Calabar and a goalless draw against South Africa in C a p e Town. Congo are t o p with six points, while BafaBabayaro na Bafana

Nigeria’s Efe Ambrose (r) contesting for the ball against a South African opponent

Falcons on mission to reclaim AWC title Charles Ogundiya

igeria’s women team, the Super Falcons, will today begin their quest to reclaim the African Women Championship trophy as they face Cote d’Ivoire in Namibia. Falcons are the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won a record eight titles but the Falcons capitulated last time in Equatorial Guinea as they finished fourth in a competition won by the hosts. This year ’s tournament is of more importance as it also serves as the qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Coach Edwin Okon-led ladies will be hoping to make amends for their failure two years ago by winning their ninth title and the journey begins with the showdown with the Ivoirians in Group A. Hosts Namibia and Zambia are

the other teams in the group. Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Super Falcons’ gaffer, Okon said his team will be banking on experience to make appreciable impact at the competition. “As far as we are concerned, we are set and that is the reason we have been playing series of friendly matches. I’m satisfied with the response of the players. So, we are ready for the challenges ahead,” Okon said. The coach also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to pick one of the three tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup billed for Canada. He said: “Yes, we are aiming to qualify and that is one of our major ambitions. I’m sure we are going to make it. I’m confident because we have been preparing well. Secondly, we have a crop of players that are talented and experienced.”

have four; both these teams confront each other also in a double fixture, and the outcomes especially if they end in stalemate, will favour Nigeria if they, on their own part, can beat Sudan in their two matches. And Babayaro who was a member of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic football god medalwinning team believes the Eagles can still weave the magic given that they have made heavy weather of qualifying for major championships in recent time. “I’m confident that we will qualify for the AFCON in Morocco. We have become prayer warriors and that will continue. We never seem able to negotiate smooth qualifications for competitions but we still manage somehow to get through,” said Babayaro. “The possibilities are limitless especially if we put our house in order and do the right things. The other teams in our group are beatable and I expect the Eagles to do just that in their remaining matches.”

Lagos Chess Classic holds, attracts Indian Grandmaster

agos State Chess Association has announced dates for the 2nd Lagos Chess International Classic which will also feature a mentoring program and exhibition game to be conducted by a Chess Grand Master from India, Sviran Jha. Rising from a tournament progress review meeting, the board of the LSCA headed by Fela Bank-Olemoh said preparations have reached advanced level and registration have already commenced. “The Lagos International Chess Classic has come to stay after the success-

ful take-off last year and we are working on making Lagos a global destination for Chess”, stated Bank-Olemoh who also disclosed that the second edition has grown bigger in prize money, attendance and spread. “This time, we have prize money of $6000 which is almost a million Naira and this is the biggest prize money for any competition in Africa “Participants are coming from East Africa, North Africa and our neighbours in West Africa which makes it unprecedented for any tournament on the conti-

nent”, the LSCA Chairman declared. He said the Classic has been sanctioned by the world Chess Federation known as FIDE and noted that “the tournament will provide opportunity for Nigerian players to get more points to improve their rating and ultimately some good ranking”. Jha, the Indian Chess expert will be conducting a training programme for interested participants on October 25 and as part of the drill, he will play an exhibition game against 20 players simultaneously.

Clubs lament effects of long away trips Charles Ogundiya

he long trips by teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League for away games have been identified as reasons clubs find it difficult to win away matches. The league has recorded only very few away wins down the years, and some followers of the domestic scene have questioned how home teams manage to win all their home games while losing scandalously anytime they play away from home. Speaking with League Rendezvous, after his team’s 3-1 loss away to Taraba FC in Jalingo, Warri Wolves defender, Ike ThankGod, said his team travelled for

16 hours for the game, citing this as the reason his they didn’t play well. Lobi Stars lost 3-0 to Sunshine Stars on Wednesday and the coach of the side Evans Ogenyi said his boys were tired. Ogenyi said: “We had a lot of stressful journey, we just arrived late yesterday (Tuesday) and I think that affected us.” General Manager of Taraba FC, Tijani Babangida, disclosed to League Rendezvous that his team could not compete with the big teams because they sometimes had to cover huge distances with same set of players every three days. That makes it difficult to prosecute such matches in high standard, he said.

Head, Government Relations, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Vivian Ikem (left), presenting a trophy to the overall winner of the 2014 Independence Day Golf Tournament, Mr. Babatunde Ojerinde, at the IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja…recently

ayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski, will face many of his club teammates when his national team, Poland, welcome Germany in Euro 2016 qualifying match in Warsaw today. The World champions secured a less-than-impressive 2-1 win against Scotland in their opening qualifier, while Poland fired seven goals past an amateur Gibraltar side. While Germany look certain to be run away winner in this group, the key to qualification for the rest in Group D may be trying to pick up the odd surprise points against Joachim Low’s recently crowned world champions. The presence of Polish-born players in the Germany team in recent years has done little to dilute the animosity between these two football nations and if Germany are struggling to raise themselves after their World Cup heroics in Brazil, they could

eating Switzerland away from home in their opening Euro 2016 qualifying got England back on track after a summer of despair and they can all but qualify for the finals by beating Estonia away from home. After the misery of their premature exit from Brazil 2014, England’s regeneration needed to be instant and a win for a youthful side in Switzerland last month was the result under-pressure coach Roy Hodgson needed to cement his position in the role. An England side led by Wayne Rooney was expected to see off the minnows of San Mario at Wembley on Thursday before heading out to Estonia for a game that may already be one of the final hurdles a youthful England side will need to leap over before they can start making their plans for Euro 2016 in France. England’s football supporters need to fall in love

England set to consolidate

Lewandowski faces Bayern mates as Poland, Germany clash

Dimitri Payet are among those included after superb starts to the campaign. A handful of absences were forced upon Deschamps, with important players like Arsenal pair Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud, as well as Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho, missing through injury.

rance welcome Portugal to the Stade de France on Saturday for the latest in a string of friendly matches against the teams from 2016 UEFA European Championship qualifying Group I. The game comes three days before Fernando Santos’ men’s crucial qualifying clash with Denmark, while Didier Deschamps men are up against Armenia in Yerevan next. The French tactician did not take the opportunity to experiment heavily with his squad, instead opting to stick largely to the group he took to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer, as reported by Ligue1.com. He did make one or two alterations, however, and inform Olympique de Marseille pair Andre-Pierre Gignac and

today. The African champions are sitting third in Group A of the qualifiers after picking just one point in two games. They were stunned 3-2 by visiting Congo Brazaville in their opening game in Calabar and their second game away at

uper Eagles could revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2015 African Nations Cup if they beat Sudan in Khartoum

Ajibade Olusesan

outh Africa will return to action in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a testing away match against Republic of the Congo at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire on Saturday. Bafana Bafana began their Group A campaign with two very positive results, a 3-0 away win over Sudan on September 5 and a goalless draw at home to reigning Nations Cup champions Nigeria five days later. However, the four points garnered only sees coach Shakes Mashaba’s side placed second in the pool, as Congo started their campaign with successive wins. The ‘Red Devils’ handed Nigeria their first home competitive defeat in more than 30 years with a 3-2 win in Calabar, before defeating the Sudanese 2-0 in Pointe-Noire. This means that these two clashes against Congo could go a long way in determining South Africa’s fate in terms of qualifying for Morocco 2015. Mashaba has opted for a similar squad to the one that did duty in the first two qualifiers.

P 2 2 2 2

GROUP C W D L GF GA Pts 2 0 0 5 0 6 1 1 0 2 1 4 0 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 4 0

GROUP B W D L GF GA Pts 2 0 0 3 1 6 1 0 1 2 1 3 1 0 1 3 4 3 0 0 2 3 5 0

GROUP A W D L GF GA Pts 2 0 0 5 2 6 1 1 0 3 0 4 0 1 1 2 3 1 0 0 2 0 5 0

Uganda Ghana Guinea Togo

P 2 2 2 2

GROUP E W D L GF GA Pts 1 1 0 3 1 4 1 1 0 4 3 4 1 0 1 2 3 3 0 0 2 3 5 0

GROUP D P W D L GF GA Pts Cameroon 2 2 0 0 6 1 6 DR Congo 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Ivory Coast 2 1 0 1 3 5 3 Sierra Leone 2 0 0 2 1 4 0

P Burkina Faso 2 Gabon 2 Lesotho 2 Angola 2

Algeria Mali Malawi Ethiopia

P Congo 2 South Africa 2 Nigeria 2 Sudan 2

Fixtures AFCON 2015 Saturday Congo v South Africa Sudan v Nigeria Malawi v Algeria Ethiopia v Mali Gabon v Burkina Faso Sierra Leone v Cameroon DR Congo v Ivory Coast Uganda v Togo Guinea v Ghana Mozambique v Cape Verde Niger v Zambia

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has also called up few new players including China-based striker Aaron Samuel and Reading midfielder Hope

Head-to-head Sudan Nigeria Played: 11 11 Won: 1 6 Drawn 4 4 Lost: 6 1 Goals: 11 22

Eagles seek redemption in Khartoum

Bafana face Red Devils challenge

Nigeria’s Kenneth Omeruo duel with South Africa’s Tokelo Rantie during last month’s AFCON qualifier

Global Football Special

France welcome Portugal

Euro qualifiers

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

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28 SATURDAY N 11 OCT

Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. Apart from the challenge of playing away from home, Sierra Leone go into this game with a coaching crisis following the sacking of Northern Irishman Johnny McKinstry, who led them during their first two qualifiers. To make matters worse, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the new coach with the country’s sports ministry naming a different technical team to that announced by the football association. Former Sierra Leone international Atto Mensah was appointed as head coach by the sports ministry, with John Sama set to assist him, and has already taken the players through their paces in Yaounde.

“We needed back-up in some positions due to the unavailability of some players, but it is more or less the same team that played Sudan and Nigeria – it’s a question of if it aint broken, why fix it?” said ‘Shakes’.

years. Konadu, a 2014 African Nations Championship silver winner, will be out to prove a point for local coaches by winning convincingly. He made only one change to the squad which picked up four points against Uganda and Togo by inviting Mpumalanga Black Aces defender Kwabena Adusei to replace John Boye. The Black Stars are joint leaders with Ugan-

Lebron James Forbes released a list of the most valuable brands in sports y and the man who held the top spot for so long go down. Tiger Woods fell to LeBron James. Woods has been No. 1 since 2007. James leads Woods by just $1 million. Yes, “just.” A sports brand doesn’t mean how much the athlete is paid on the court, but how much the athlete is paid off the court. Both athletes have strong deals with Nike which make up for most of the brand money, but Woods lost a key sponsor. Woods will no longer be working with video game company Electronic Arts after they had made 14 versions of Woods’ PGA Tour.

Floyd Mayweather Floyd Mayweather is yet to to officially announce his next opponent, but his father - who is also his trainer - has guaranteed that a fight against Pacquiao will happen. With the statement not coming from Mayweather himself, his father is the next best source: “It’s gonna happen. That fight’s gonna happen. Trust me,” Floyd Mayweather Sr. told fighthype.com. “That fight’s definitely gonna happen. It’s a fight for the world, man, right there. It’s the biggest fight that has ever been in life, so like I said man, that fight’s gonna happen.”

Kevin Pietersen says he could yet be open to the idea of coming out of retirement to play for England again if ECB boss Giles Clarke exits the scene. “What would have to happen for me to be recalled by England?” Clearly, the boss would have to go,” Pietersen was quoted as saying in ‘Evening Standard’. He added: “Clarke would have to go, and I’ve been hearing that could happen in the next few months. That’s all hearsay, you never know.”

da, who face Togo at home. Captain Kamil Zayatte suffered a hamstring while playing for his English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday last week and has been ruled out for three weeks. Turkey-based duo Guy Michel Landel (Orduspor) and Kevin Constant (Trabzonspor) are also in the treatment room for various injuries.

Yaya Toure

GROUP G W D L GF GA Pts 2 0 0 5 0 6 2 0 0 3 1 6 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 5 0

P Senegal 2 Tunisia 2 Egypt 2 Botswana 2

EURO 2016 qualifiers Saturday Ireland v Gibraltar Scotland v Georgia Poland v Germany Romania v Hungary Finland v Greece N.Ireland v Faroe Islands Armenia v Serbia Albania v Denmark Sunday Ukraine v Macedonia Belarus v Slovakia Luxembourg v Spain Estonia v England Lithuania v Slovenia Austria v Montenegro Russia v Moldova Sweden v Liechtenstein International friendlies Brazil v Argentina France v Portugal Guatemala v Venezuela

GROUP F W D L GF GA Pts 2 0 0 5 2 6 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 2 4 1

P Cape Verde 2 Mozambique2 Zambia 2 Niger 2

Kevin Pietersen

SPORT BRIEFLY

hana face an injuryravaged Guinea side in Casablanca in their Group E 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Black Stars pitched camp in the Moroccan city early this week in order to acclimatise for the third round match. Ghana are handled by caretaker coach Maxwell Konadu, who was assistant to the sacked Kwesi Appiah the past two

Ghana face injury-hit Guinea G

ote d’Ivoire face DR Congo away in Kinshasa in a battle for second place in Group D. The Elephants and DR Congo are tied on three points from two rounds of games played in third and second place respectively. The two sides are three points behind leader Cameroon who play bottom placed and winless Sierra Leone on the same date away. However, it is Cote d’Ivoire who come into the game severely hurt after losing 4-1 away to Cameroon on September 10 in round two. Furthermore, the Elephants desperately need a point in this doubleheader before the two former African champions meet again in four days in Abidjan. Another defeat on the road will see Cote d’Ivoire needing to pick up maximum points in their remaining three games as the 2015 AFCON qualifiers begin to wind down. “Now, we will travel to Congo and try to get something back. Those are two crucial games, and I hope that we will at least come back with a point and try to get a win at home,” Cote d’Ivoire goalkeeper Copa Barry said.”

Cote d’Ivoire target recovery in DRC

Akpan but will be without injured Victor Moses and Michael Babatunde. The coach has said that the team will overcome expected harsh weather and sudden change of venue to a stadium with artificial turf.

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Stephane M’bia

ierra Leone will aim to end their losing streak when they take on Cameroon in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Saturday. Although the Leone Stars are meant to be the home side, it is Cameroon who will enjoy all the home ground advantage as the tie will be played in their home stadium in Yaoundé due to the

South Africa ended in a goalless draw. They are now trailing Congo and South Africa who have six and four points respectively. Eagles’ bad run in the qualifying series have attracted flaks from the fans who have also expressed fears about the possibility of the team getting the opportunity to defend the title they won last year in South Africa. However, Eagles could close up the gap between them and their group rivals and brighten their chances in race for the tickets to Morocco if they manage to get a good result in Khartoum. It is definitely not a mission impossible for the Nigerian side, they have travelled to the country a number of times and got positive results, the last being a 4-0 bashing of the Falcons in a 2002 World Cup qualifier. Sudan, as a matter of fact, have only defeated Nigeria once in eleven encounters, they beat Nigeria 4-0 in the 1963 Nations Cup qualifier but they have lost six times against the African champions and four matches between the two teams ended in draws. Nigeria has scored 22 goals against their opponents while the Sudanese have managed 11 goals against the Eagles. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is back in Eagles fold after missing the two first matches and should be in goal in this tie. Coach Stephen Keshi

Ghana’s Andre Ayew (r) vying against an Ugandan player

Gotze’s injury time strike won the trophy for the Germans. Since their World Cup heartache Brazil have played two friendly matches and won them both. First they beat Columbia 1-0 with Neymar getting on the score sheet before beating Ecuador by the same margin with Willian this time finding the back of the net. Argentina, on the other hand, have only played one friendly and believe it or not that was a World Cup Final rematch against Germany in Dusseldorf. They won 4-2 as Manchester United star Angel di Maria was in fine form as he scored once and was heavily involved in the others.

with their national team all over again and another win in this clash will help that process.

Sierra Leone face ruthless Cameroon S

arcelona players Lionel Messi and Neymar will be at the centre of attraction when Argentina and Brazil clash in a friendly match in Japan today. Of all the international friendlies taking place this weekend the one between these two powerhouses whets the appetite the most. Many thought and wanted this to be the 2014 World Cup Final, but that didn’t happen thanks to Brazil’s capitulation against Germany in the semi-finals as they went down 7-1. Argentina went on to reach the Final but they could also not get it right and beat Germany as Mario

Messi, Neymar face-off in Japan

be tripped up in this tricky away game against motivated local rivals.

NEW TELEGRAPH TOBER 2014

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SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Football and the brothers’ challenge I

Segun Odegbami

Vincent Eboigbe

t is not an everyday occurrence, but Nigerian football is filled with brothers who have graced the game with their magic down the years; some played together for the same club or at different times, others didn’t play for the same club, while yet others had the rare privilege of going on to feature for the national team. In some cases the brothers were even more than just two; the Atuegbus for instance were four, unbelievably, and they all started in Jos, Plateau State. Matthew, Nicholas, Andrew and Aloysius went on to achieve varying degrees of success in the game. Aloysius, who played for Mighty Jets and Rangers International, was the best known and was nicknamed “Blockbuster” by radio commentator, Ernest Okonkwo, but the real blockbuster was Andrew, the central defender who also played for the national team. The Okalas were also dominant in Nigerian football; their forte was in the goalkeeping department. The senior, Emmanuel, at some point was arguably the best goalkeeper in Africa. He was outstanding for Rangers International during their dominant years on the continent; the highpoint being when they won the Cup Winners Cup in 1977. He was even more outstanding for the Green Eagles, beginning from 1973 All Africa Games when he took over from the waning Eyo Essien, up until the African Cup of Nations triumph at home in 1980. Patrick would follow in his brother’s footstep, manning the goal for Rangers and also the Green Eagles, but he didn’t quite attain the legendary status of his older brother. Segun Odegbami is perhaps the first modern-day legend of Nigerian football. The “Mathematical” bestrode the game like a “colossus” so much so that it is easy to forget that he starred for the Green Eagles for just six years. But those were magical years whose climax was when he led the Eagles to the 1980 Nations Cup triumph at home. But it was for IICC Shooting Stars that “Big Sege” had a long spell from 1970 until his retirement in 1984 10 years Segun’s junior having being born in 1962, Wole would follow big brother into IICC. He also featured for the national and played professional in Cyprus and Turkey. Okechukwu Uche and Emeka Uche played together for Iwuanyanwu Nationale in the days when the Owerri side was a strong force in Nigerian football. The Uche brothers were actually twins, and although Okechukwu is better known, having played for the Super Eagles in their most glorious years, Emeka is reputed to have been a better player. “Both of them played for Natio-

nale; great players both of them, but Emeka was far better,” says ex-Super Eagles defender, Emeka Ezeugo. Howbeit, Emeka didn’t quite make it to the level Okechukwu did. Some factors may account for this. Luck, injury or some other variables may play a role. Monday Eguavoen for instance was a far superior footballer to his younger brother, Austin, but in spite of that he never really had a resounding success in the national team; his appearance for the Green Eagles was fleeting. But Monday, nicknamed “professor” for his towering presence in central defence, was commanding; he was captain of Flash Flamingoes originally known as Rubber Austin Okocha Board and later Bendel United. Austin would go on to play for the Super Eagles for long periods and was part of Nigeria’s greatest feats at the Nations Cup and World Cup. “It is quite something to behold,” Monday said of playing football with his sibling. “It is not something very common although there have been several football families in the country. We were three actually; there was another brother, Joseph Eguavoen, who played for the U-17 during Fanny Amun’s time. So you could say it runs in the family.” In fact it was The Okochas were another footnot only ball family. Emma the elder who played for Rangers and the Green two of us. At Eagles was also known as JJ even though the original JJ was the oldsome point est, Gabriel, who played club footwe were ball in Enugu. Austin eventually appropriated the name so much so actually three that he is known all over the world brothers simply as JJ. Austin also played for Rangers playing before going to Europe and lighting up the world with his immense football. talents. By the time he finally hung

Ikechukwu Uche

his boots after appearing for the Super Eagles in three World Cups and five Nations Cup, he was widely acknowledged as perhaps the greatest Nigerian footballer of his generation. Emma recounted an occasion when he played against Austin. “I had heard that he was playing football but I never took time to watch him. At some point I heard he had signed for CCB of Enugu, but on this day we, Rangers, were going to play CCB and then I saw him (Austin) lining up and I was surprised because I didn’t know he was in the first team. And I asked him what he was doing here, if he had finished his chores. But at the end he was man of the match; although Rangers won 1-0, he completely tore us apart,” Emma said in an online report. Sunday Oliseh is one of the most widely traveled Nigerian players ever. He featured for Liege, Reggiana, Koln, Ajax, Juventus, Dortmund, Bochum and Genk after playing briefly for Julius Berger from 1989 to 1990, the same year he went to Europe.

Sunny was a mainstay in Eagles midfield in their most glorious years from the early 1990s. Younger brother, Azubuike, seemed to have ridden on Sunny’s fame and standing to get into the game, the highpoint of which was his appearance for Nigeria in the football event of 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Nwankwo Kanu is the most decorated Nigerian footballer of all-time having won various accolades with Europe’s top clubs. Ogbonna also tried to latch onto his older brother’s coat tails to ride to greatness, but he didn’t quite hit it as big. He played for Ajax like Kanu and also featured for the national side albeit briefly. Finidi George played for Calabar Rovers, Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Sharks at home before moving to Europe where he featured for Ajax, Betis, Mallorca and Ipswich Town. He made his debut for Nigeria in 1991. He was a member of the all-conquering Super Eagles class of 1994 that won the Nations Cup in Tunisia, and appeared in World Cup in the United States same year. His younger brother, Igeniwari, who played for the U-17 side at the World Cup in Ecuador 1995 was sadly mowed down by a stray bullet shot to disperse the crowd during an FA Cup match between Rangers and Stationery Stores in 1995. The Kpakors were three brothers. Although Moses, who featured for the Eagles at the Nations Cup in Algiers 1990, became the most well known, he said playing alongside late older brother Terfa was exciting. “Having Terfa as a senior brother who was also a footballer, indeed the best in Benue at that time, was motivating to me,” said Moses. “The kind of understanding that existed between us was natural, it was telepathic. Terfa could locate me with a long pass from over 30 metres; it was intuitive. “In fact it was not only two of us. At some point we were actually three brothers playing football. The senior, Joseph, also played for Lobi Stars.” Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro were another set of brothers who played for Nigeria. While Emma was a goalkeeper, Celestine was a left back. He played for Anderlecht, Chelsea, Newcastle and Los Angeles. The Babayaros played together in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic football winning team. The Olukanmi brothers, Segun and Femi, were part of Nigeria’s first team to appear at the World Cup: the Flying Eagles team to Mexico 1983. Augustine and Igie Igbinobaro played together for New Nigeria Bank. While Austin played for Nigeria at the senior level, Igie was not that lucky. Peter and Sunday Rufai were both goalkeepers and although Peter was more famous having graced the game longer and at bigger stages, Sunday also had his share of the limelight. He played for BCC and was in the Eagles between 1989 and 1990, missing out of the Nations Cup in Algiers. Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche are brothers who in more recent time have straddled the Nigerian game. Both of them have played at the top level for club and country. This list is by no mean exhaustive and cannot make any claims otherwise.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

How did you come about the nickname 10-10? It actually happened during our semi final game against Algeria at Maroc ’88, we were leading 1-0 and one of our players, Ademola Adeshina, was given a red card. One of their players was the livewire of the team and I went hard on him at some point during the game and he was unable to continue. They had already made all their substitutions and the game became balanced. In the commentary box, Ernest Okonkwo, of blessed memory said ‘Omokaro has made it 10-10’ and the name stuck since that time. Also during the dinner in our honour in Dodan Barracks, the then headof-state General Ibrahim Babangida asked me, ‘Bright how did you make it 10-10?’

Hayatou denied us AFCON ’88 title – Omokaro Nigeria was on the verge of winning the Nations Cup in Maroc ’88 but was denied by Cameroun who went on to lift the trophy after Nigeria’s goal was disallowed by the referee. One of the stars of the competition, Bright Omokaro, in an interview with CHARLES OGUNDIYA described that match as his worst ever. He shares other moments in his illustrious career. Excerpts:

are players who don’t play for their clubs becoming the first names on the line up list, it is a big shame.

If that day was the darkest moment of your career, then which was the best? The day I got the nickname 10-10. I was happy to use my strength to get my team the needed victory in that game.

What was the competition for shirts like in the team putting into consideration the array of stars available in your days? Was it healthy? Of course very healthy, if you were good then you would surely make the team, even the players will be the ones telling the coach that a certain player is good for the team. I recall an African Cup of Nations qualification in Enugu in 1988; it was the first appearance of the late Samuel Okparaji. Manfred Hoener was our coach then and Okparaji was playing for Stuttgart. We all saw his performance and we knew he was going to make the team because the guy was good; he proved himself compared to these days when there is no competiveness in the team.

How did it all start for you? It started from my tender age. My father was a footballer but not to a very high standard like mine. I will say I took after my father and I thank God where football has taken me. I played for my primary school and also my secondary school. I was part of the first-ever junior national team in the country in 1977 from where I graduated to the senior team. Three of us in that first junior side were drafted into the senior team: Sylvanus Okpala, Henry Nwosu and myself were invited to the national team and we remained there for a long time.

You were well known for your hard tackling, why was that? Actually, when I was playing I hated to lose because I knew I had admirers. When I did well they always applauded and respected me. Even Stephen Keshi can attest to this, when we were playing and as the captain he would ask me to take it easy, I will just tell him politely to let me be. That’s my life, I do everything possible to win and when people start hailing me it gets into my head such that in the next game I want to do the same. That was how I always played all my games. I am proud to have played for

How did you lose the final against Cameroun? It was the darkest moment of my football career. We were supposed to be the winner, but the referee got it all wrong especially in denying us a good goal in the game. Issa Hayatou at that time had just emerged as the new CAF president and the referee was doing everything to make sure he was in his good books to our detriment. It is a day I will forever regret.

What about your club career? I actually started playing for Bendel Insurance while I was in Secondary School. I played for so many club sides in the country - ACB of Lagos, Abiola Babes, New Nigeria Bank and Shooting Stars of Ibadan where I ended my career in 1996. I also had a stint with Asec Mimosa of Abidjan. What kept you going in your days despite the fact there was not much money in football unlike now that people play apparently for the money? It is the joy. When you finish a match and you get to town you see people who were so appreciative. It was the passion that kept us going compared to what it is today. Then we didn’t have manipulations but now we hear news of match fixing. Some players are not even supposed to put on the jersey of this great country not to talk of playing. But what we see now

profile

Omokaro

During the dinner in our honour in Dodan Barracks, the then head-of-state General Ibrahim Babangida asked me, ‘Bright how did you make it 10-10?

Omokaro ... early days in the Green Eagles

• Started his career as a midfielder at a very tender age of 12 • Omokaro was part of the first Nigerian junior team to be assembled 1977 • Played for top Nigerian side like Bendel Insurance, Shooting Stars, Abiola Babes and ACB • Won the WAFU Cup twice with New Nigeria Bank in 1983 and 1984 • Married with three kids, two girls and a boy • Make his AFCON debut in Cote d’ Ivoire in 1984 where he won silver • He also won a silver medal at the 1988 AFCON in Morocco

Sport

Nigeria; With the exception of a few of them nobody knows these new players. But look at most of us that have played for this country, people like Segun Odegbami, Samuel Okparaji, Felix Owolabi etc. people still talk about us because they felt our impact in the national team. In your days people watched our league unlike now that the craze is for the foreign leagues. What went wrong? You are very correct that things have gone wrong. And I can compare the two generations of players. In our days football was football. People didn’t have time for all this Chelsea, Liverpool etc. craze that they carry on about now. In those days if Shooting Star were going to play in the evening by 12 noon the stadium was already filled but now spectator don’t go to the stadiums because football is not what it used to be. They have added politics to football and that is why we don’t have a strong national team anymore. It is a terrible thing; what baffles me most is that football is done in the open and not in secret. When you do something in football people will know if you are doing the right thing or not. I have coached various clubs in the country and have impacted the lives of the players. Even in my current club, Gray of Ede, last season I got promotion for them from amateur to pro ranks; they sold the slot to First Bank because money was not available to campaign at that level. Again this season I have secured promotion for them; this is a club that is financially crippled but their mentality and experience are good because I have good players. I don’t manipulate because football is not a game of manipulation. If things are done in the right way fans will start watching our league again. The defense used to be Nigeria’s strong point but not anymore. What happened? Actually to be a good defender requires commitment. When I was playing they called me ‘butcher’, because as a player you don’t dare come close to me. You see defensive role is really the simplest: when a player is coming with the ball he has a lot of things to think of such as how to dribble past or elude you, your own is to distract him and take the ball from him. When we were playing we don’t allow the attacker to turn on us; as a defender when you close mark your opponent you don’t have problems. Nigerian players are doing well but defensive blunders are still prevalent. The goalkeepers are trying but the defending is poor, so they should work on it. Are any of your children involved in football? I actually have a son who is interested in football and he is very good, but my intention is to take him out so that he would know what football really is. You find most of our players fail trials and that has not helped the country. You need to know the rudiments of the game before you can be great.

Sport

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Ivanovic poses semi nude for magazine A na Ivanovic may have disappointed her fans by withdrawing from the WTA Generali Ladies Linz tournament on Wednesday. But they will at least have something to smile about with the Serbian tennis star on the front cover of the autumn issue of popular American magazine Bella. Ivanovic is featured in a glamorous photoshoot for the magazine which showcases her fashion sense off the court. The former world No 1 was reported to have had a brief relationship with Bayern Munich and Germany footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger in recent months but it is now believed to have ended. In the magazine interview, Ivanovic touches on the issue of relationships when asked if she has time to date. She said: ‘I would say, yes - there is always time, if you meet the right person. ‘One of the downsides of the job is that I am travelling so much, and I don’t have so much time to go out and socialise, as people who have a more traditional job might do, so it’s hard. ‘I don’t meet too many guys.’

“Life is spectacular. Forget the dark things. Take a drink and let time wash them away to where ever time washes away to.” – Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now

Lifestyle

Crouch, wife Abbey, attend Pride of Britain awards

eter Crouch and Abbey Clancy strutted their stuff on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain awards. The Stoke striker took the chance of the international break to take Abbey to the bash at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The awards are for Britain’s unsung heroes, and are nominated by the public Crouch’s wife Abbey wowed punters in an asymetric black dress. The couple were also joined

by fellow Premier League star Frank Lampard and his fiancee Christine Bleakley at Monday’s glitzy event. The former England teammates were pictured sitting together among other celebrities including fashion designer Gok Wan and TV Presenter Laura Wimore. After the awards Crouch tweeted: ‘Amazing event proud to have been there to hear such amazing stories, upsetting but inspirational #PrideOfBritain.’

Muntari rivals Balotelli over camouflaged Bentley

Michael Essien sitting on the bonnet of Sulley Muntari’s car

Ivanovic

emember Mario Balotelli’s camouflaged Bentley? Well, AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has followed in his former team-mate’s footsteps with a camoulaged creation of his own. In a picture posted by Michael Essien on Instagram, the former Chelsea player sits on his Milan team-mates car’s bonnet, showing a Lamborghini with a design very similar to that of Balotelli. Muntari and Balotelli spent a year in each other’s company at AC Milan between 2013-2014, before Balotelli left to join Liverpool, and it seems the latter’s taste rubbed off on his colleague. Muntari kisses the turf after his goal put Milan 1-0 up at the San Siro stadium on Saturday

evening The Lamborghini is believed to cost between £150,000 and £200,000, an amount that Muntari’s €3 million a year contract can easily stretch to. AC Milan have started the season with two wins, two draws and a loss, and currently sit fifth in Serie A. Their only loss came against table-topping Juventus, whose 3-2 victory over Roma at the weekend ensured their 100 per cent record so far this season is still intact. Muntari scored AC Milan’s first goal at the weekend, as they eased past Chievo Verona 2-0. Stories courtesy Dailymail

The Arts

An illuminating art with a tale

p.34

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Existential strokes on Alimi's canvas T

Moses Kadiri he increased number of people visiting exhibitions and art galleries in the country today clearly indicates the place and importance of contemporary art to the lives of average Nigerian. A pointer to this is the art exhibition at the Quintessence Gallery, Lekki, Lagos where Alimi Adewale has been showcasing his recent paintings and sculptures since September 5. Titled Eclectic, the works adorns the wall of Quintessence Gallery in various forms, and sizes. Alimi uses paintings, and sculptors to explore such area as politics, beauty, environment among others issues that allude the lives of people in the country. His paintings are bright, colourful, warm and gripping with powerful brush strokes. For the first time, Alimi who over the last decade continued to explore the issues of urban migration, politics, city life, beauty and nature invented stainless steel in his works. The sculptural pieces are made of stainless steel materials that has not been explored in the art genre by any other artist. His body of works also proved that Alimi has gone beyond his traditional oil on canvass as he explore other materials such as African fabric in the showcase. "I try to get ideas from diverse means. Most of the materials are sourced within the society," he said. "Art should be pushed beyond the traditional material. For the show, I exhibited my sculptural work for the first time as an artist; these days there is nothing like one is a painter, sculptor, l am just an artist who manipulate materials to make a statement. This is actually a new direction for me in terms of my art," the Lagos State born artist said. Alimi's works is not aimed at evoking "big", "shinning" or sensationalist emotions but rather at drawing out the subtle, even paradoxical emotions reflected in everyday objects. "All the materials used in this body of work were sourced around the studio; our ability to interact with the world in general, and with art in particular, cannot be separated from the conditions of our lives. Just as a body is the vehicle for life, art objects embody ideas and experiences. Each encounter with a work of art, for both the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the viewer, is influenced by context, mood, circumstance, location, and state

of mind. We construct meanings that shift and change over time." The artist's titles are catchy, but meaningful to our daily life, it reflects his passion for societal issues. Some of the works, Game of Throne, Confab, Fresh Air are politically-themed. "They are the inscription you find in the city, when people want to make things known they are all political in nature. In this stage of art in our country l do not think art must be all about beautiful things, we must be able to use art to pass a message across and also to document the political era in the country they are like satire, social commentary of the political situation in Nigeria." The interest of the mechanical engineering graduate of University of IIorin, Kwara State, in art shows that art could be appreciated irrespective of background. After graduating, he enrolled as an apprentice under Kamoru Sarumi in Yaba, Lagos, in the studio Alimi understood the distinction between painting and sculpture, which resulted in his sculptural series. With Eclectic, Alimi has once again made a bold statement in art materials discovery, his style and taste for a broad and diverse range of sources has given him a new direction in the art.

REFLECTION

Kuje: The Rugged Beauty Timothy Akinleye

1988, youth duty summons me to Kuje Far removed from civilisations, Threatening to crush my youthful expectations. Reluctant to her crude embrace, Smothering affection booms In her outwardly rugged womb. There sits little shepherd Yaro, Competently, his pasture commands The patience of art rests upon his head and hands. Looking forlornly happy. Humming those unlettered tunes Sweetly, in his lonely woods. Companied by obedient Sanu and the dancing trees Tending the flocks and making gains In his mobile domains. Daily, behold I, bare innocence in some Yarinya, In her exotic make-ups bedecked day and night Invisible hands of limpid tradition guarded tight Oblivious of my rousing appetite. The kassuwa rapport is better seen than similied: Where youthful maigidas On their backs do balance their sandas Communally under the trees in their weird costumes and sanders. Chatting, gisting and sipping fresh burukutu Amidst jumble of harmonious gaskianawa; kawo-kudi Of the maitanas with carefree abandon making cool deals. Often, I see frail mahaifiyarka, Who with practiced ease on her furrowed shoulders Steadied a load of survival, Sweating profusely on arrival.

Alimi and some of his works (top and bottom right )

These days there is nothing like one is a painter, sculptor; l am just an artist who manipulate materials to make a statement

How I wish they could be Mamserly mobilized And some sods sprinkled on those mechanical bodies, And bless these feminine pride in some soft fabrics. What's more, it sounds better still, To break this badly baked tradition Where fragile beauties of our nation Bend under the impact of calabashed burden And happier still shall I be, When and when boldly decreed That parental crime of making royalties Those promising Hawas and more. Tim ÂŠ. Written as a tribute to Gwaris and the Agauis, the original inhabitants of Kuje, in Abuja where I did my National Youth Service.

The Arts

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

An illuminating art with a tale James Olloh's works shed light on how art could be put to some functional use, writes TONY OKUYEME

ART DIARY

rt inspires life; art speaks a language of its own. Through murals, frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and portraits, art has expanded our horizons. Lagos-based artist, James Olloh brings the above statement to the fore through his new works, Lamps That Talk, Tell Stories. Art collectors, he argues, will appreciate one’s works better if you add value to them. Inspired by this idea, he embarked on adding the value to art. In the past few years, he worked diligently, exploring ways of incorporating deep cultural values into his work. The result is the production of lamps with purely African themes. For a name, he aptly calls them Art Keeper’s Lamps’ and ‘Art Keeper’s Folk Tale Lamps’. The lamps come in different colours, shapes and sizes. His factory in Ogba area of Lagos shows a rich collection of lamps that inspire, and speak volume of his creative exploration. Dotting various parts of the rooms, are an assortment of the lamps at various stages of production – carving, welding and design. There are several others that are at advanced stages of completion. According to Olloh, producing the lamps involves working with various artisans like welders and carpenters. “I am the one who created all of these – in terms of idea and design. But I work with various artisans like welders, carpenters. I believe that art collectors will appreciate one’s works better if you add some value to them,” he said, adding that he has 10 people directly or indirectly working for him. While the idea of lamps that also serve as radio is not new. Olloh takes his exploration further by programming folk tales into the radio, so that its user can also listen to African stories from it. “To me, this is a way of bringing our rich stories into the present and the future. I am working with renowned artist, Jimi Solanke, who is voicing the stories,”Olloh said. “The ‘Art Keeper’s Lamps’, and ‘Art Keeper’s Folk Tale Lamps’ are a delight to creative furnishing in homes. They have been exhibited in several parts of Lagos, with both local and foreign clients,” said Olloh, who is one of the 23 recipients of the prestigious Solidra Circle Award for his many creative roles in the promotion of arts in Nigeria. He is also a business man, and runs his private company, Jinoish International Ltd., on whose platform he designed, created and manufactured the very unique lamps. Aside being a practising artist who specializes in paintings his attempt at creative writing hasn't been disappointing. He has a published work, Wounded Hearts, while another, Sheep Led Astray, is due for publishing.

Olloh and some of his works which serve both as lamp and radio

I believe that art collectors will appreciate one’s works better if you add some value to them

The Wives goes on stage at MUSON Make It Happen Productions presentation of Prof. Ahmed Yerima’s play, The Wives, which opened on Thursday continues its run today with a command performance at the Agip Recital Hall Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Starring, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Jide Kosoko, Iretiola Doyle, Lala Akindoju, Toyin Oshinnaike and Debola Williams, the play focuses on the intriguing character called Chief Theophilus Gbadegeshin Olowookere, his sister and his three wives, Angela, Cecilia and Tobi.

He recalled that he became obsessed with using masks of various types for his lamps during his childhood. Then, he would mentally study masquerades from various tribes of Nigeria during festive seasons like Christmas, when they came out in their numbers to celebrate the season. Although from Delta State, he was born in Lagos State. “My entire childhood and adult life has been spent in Lagos, except for occasional short travels which are considered a boost to my knowledge. It's also a window through which many insights have been gained and has helped in producing the books I have written.”

Yoruba Romance tomorrow in Lagos

“In The Wives, the question of ‘Whether a man keeps his most cherished secrets forever," is the central theme of the play. There lies a sordid little secret and no one wants to talk about it. It is a dark comedy rich in sensuality and scathing humour.”

Watch Nneka beat up Ladoja as he tries to ask for her hand in Marriage. Ladoja has a running case of diarrhoea, Nneka still claims she is 16 years old and Evans’ her dodgy Father thinks he died and went to hell, in this rib-cracking comedy, Yoruba Romance, tomorrow Sunday, October 12, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. Produced by PAW Studios, and starring notable actors such as Odenike, Patrick Diabuah, Omololu Shodiya and Ijeoma Aniebo, the play is directed by AMVCA nominated actor and director Kenneth Uphopho. Written by Tyrone Terrence Yoruba Romance is an epic comedy about a marriage proposal gone wrong. Ladoja wants to marry Nneka, Chief Evan’s daughter.

His attempt to propose is met with an unexpected response about who owns what lands and horses. The play centres on three major characters: Chief Ladoja, NnekaChilouzor and Chief Chibuzor, Nneka’s father. Ladoja, an affluent middle aged farmer decides to take a new wife. His options or lack of options, narrows to the daughter of his neighbour Chief Chibuzor, a more affluent businessman. Everything looks good until a long buried land dispute between both families is unearthed. The marriage proposal takes an ugly turn and accusations and counter accusations fly. The play will also be staged on 12th, 19th, and 26th in October, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

LIfe Experience:

Dear Love Doctor, 'How can I forgive my husband and save my marriage?' p.37

'One of my children belongs to my brother-in-law'

p.36

L ve&Lv ng SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

‘My girlfriend died for love of money' Love Confession It is said that money can't buy love, because love is worth more than money. In this story, a young lady dumps a man for a rich Alhaji. Her action turns out to be a fatal mistake. Your memory is a memory of flowers, Loving you was the greatest moment of my life.

y name is Femi and I shared the greatest love of my life with a Hausa lady called Amina. I remember there were people that said beautiful things about our relationship. They called it a Cinderella story, something beyond perfect. But sadly, the relationship had to end. In February this year, my lover, Amina, finally told me that there was more going on than I thought between her and the Alhaji from Kano. I had been in a long distance relationship for 3 years with Amina, and I thought things were working and that the relationship was leading to marriage. Initially, a friend of Amina had sent me emails, telling me how Amina and Alhaji were seen together. I demanded to hear the truth from Amina herself. But Amina avoided my questions and kept torturing me with thoughts of her and Alhaji actually making love. After a week she finally admitted the story was true, and that was the moment our relationship ended. I loved her so much that I was actually willing to forgive her if she still wanted me, but without words she let me know that she preferred Alhaji to me. I had been in love with Amina for so long, thinking I was indispensable to

her, and foolishly believing that what we shared was true love. But to her, I was dispensable, something she could exchange for a rich man. I cried my eyes out for love of Amina, because she was my life. I had given her so much of my life that when the relationship ended I didn't even remember who I was anymore. After Amina broke up with me, I developed a minor mental problem. I became a crippled monster that needed love to walk. I was addicted to Amina like cocaine, and I couldn't live without her. Sometimes, I felt the love I once had for Amina change into hate and I kept asking myself, "How could she do this to me?" "What have I done to deserve this?" Amina called me after we broke up, saying that she wanted us to remain friends. But I told her that it would be better we remain enemies, because when you have dated for that long and loved someone with all your heart, friendship is like knowing a sword has pierced your heart, and yet you pretend that it didn’t and deceive yourself. I stopped receiving Amina’s ‘friendship’ calls altogether, even when I knew she was trying to talk Alhaji into getting me a job with an oil company as a way of consoling me for breaking my heart. But on April 24th, I received the news that Amina had died in a ghastly motor accident on her way to Kaduna state to inform her parents of her upcoming marriage to Alhaji. She was to be Alhaji’s fourth wife. I was devastated at the news of Amina’s death. But I noticed that Alhaji went about as usual with his girlfriends as if nothing had happened. I wonder why girls don’t love guys that love them, but fall for rich men who don’t love them. I was dying for Amina, but instead of dying for me, she was dying for Alhaji. Amina died for love of Alhaji and ruined my life. How can I ever love again? I wish I had married Amina before she died. I wish things had turned out differently, like in the Cinderella story. Part of me has died with Amina.

Romantic Quotes "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be." ― Robert Browning

"But true love is a durable fire, In the mind ever burning, Never sick, never old, never dead, From itself never turning." ― Sir Walter Raleigh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

GRACE

graceadewara@ymail.com

Love&Living

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Love News

Love Songs

Veteran jailed for attacking ex-partner's new boyfriend

n Afghanistan veteran has been jailed for a jealous attack on his ex-partner's new boyfriend after finding him hiding in a wardrobe at her home. Luke Tobin, 23, of Cardiff, denied wounding Matthew James with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, but was found guilty by a jury at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after a jury heard he had taken pictures of the attack on his mobile phone. Mr James suffered a fractured nose and eye socket in the attack by Tobin, after he had forced his way into his exgirlfriend Coral Samuel's house, and discovered him in the cupboard. He has been jailed for eight years for the brutal attack. The jury heard that Tobin, a soldier of five years' standing who had completed tours of Afghanistan, had been the boyfriend of Ms Samuel, the mother of a young child. Despite that relationship breaking down in August 2013, Tobin and she continued to see each other and he had stayed over.

Life Experience Sweetheart, life is nothing without you.

f you’re a woman with 5 children for your husband, yet your youngest child came from an affair with your husband’s brother, what would you do? My name is Princess and I’m a business woman. I was in my shop when Chidi walked into my life. It was love at first sight for both of us. I admired his height, while he liked my gaptooth. I can never forget the day Chidi slipped the engagement ring onto my finger at a restaurant. It was so romantic. He had told me to wear something sexy. So I'd worn something sexy enough to kill him. It was a red dress with a sexy bra. And I topped it up with an imported perfume. Chidi loved the dress and swore never to look at another woman if I continued to dress like that for him. We were quietly enjoying our drinks when he told me to come and sit on his lap for a moment. So I stood up and went and sat on his lap. Then he gave me a very soft kiss on the lips and brought out a ring and asked me: “Princess, will you marry me?” I melted and said yes. And Chidi cupped my small breasts in his hands and squeezed me. After our wedding, life went on smoothly and I had four lovely children, three girls and a boy. We had a wonder-

SHALAMAR

Second Time Around I know you come a long way, baby But you don't need that heart of stone, no You proved that you could do it, do it, baby You can make it on your own But you can't keep runnin' away from love 'Cause the first one let you down, no, no, no And though others try to satisfy you, baby With me true love can still be found, love can still be found

But after telling him that she had started to see someone else, Tobin went around to her house in Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, in September last year and forced his way in. When he got inside, he went upstairs and found Mr James hiding. Tobin called him a 'pussy' before laying into him in a relentless attack, kicking and punching him repeatedly while his partner's young child slept in the next room. During the sustained assault, Tobin told him he was going to 'finish him' and before Tobin left, he took photographs of the damage he had caused, telling Ms Samuel 'I've done a good job'. Byron Broadstock, defending Tobin, who had no previous convictions, said he had harboured hopes of rekindling his relationship and had been confused at its status because he had continued to see her. He had also run a trial, said Mr Broadstock, because he wanted to rejoin the army and the consequence

of a conviction would have made that impossible. Mr Broadstock said Tobin had displayed remorse but he was told by Judge Richard Twomlow: 'Real remorse would have been shown by a guilty plea at an early stage. 'You lost your temper when you saw Mr James in the house. 'He was so frightened he hid in a wardrobe. The attack was sustained and violent. 'You have been affected by your experiences in Afghanistan but this attack was the direct result of jealousy and losing your temper on finding Mr James in the house.' Tobin will serve half the sentence in jail before being released and will have to pay a £120 victim surcharge. He was jailed for eight years at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. Tobin will serve half the sentence in jail before being released and will have to pay a £120 victim surcharge. Courtesy: Woman's Day.

'One of my children belongs to my brother-in-law'

I can never forget the day Chidi slipped the engagement ring onto my finger at a restaurant. It was so romantic

ful sex life until my first child was 13 and my husband started having problems with his manhood. We went to hospital and were told that my husband contracted an STD several years ago and did not treat it well. So the disease didn't heal completely and had now come back. My husband could no longer make love to me like before, and our sex life suffered. My husband told his elder brother what he was going through. That was our mistake, because from that moment, my brother-in-law started trying to get me into his bed. He was always mocking me behind my husband’s back, and telling me that I needed a real man now to perform my husband’s responsibility. The snake ate the egg be-

cause the hen told him about the egg he had laid. I stayed without sex with my husband for two years, and one day I was fed up and depressed. And when my husband’s brother started mocking me again about my husband’s condition, I didn’t know when I allowed him to sleep with me. I later discovered I was pregnant. What an abomination! I started thinking fast and the only way out was to force my husband to make love to me. So that night, I forced my husband by romancing him for a long time, to have sex with me. It was difficult because we hadn’t had sex for about two years, but Chidi, my husband, finally managed to get it up and had sex with me. Soon after that, my pregnancy started showing and I proudly announced to my husband that I was carrying his fifth child. My husband’s brother is still sleeping with me since my husband can’t do it regularly. But I feel sick when I think of it. Our mistake as a couple was that my husband told his brother his problem. Now his brother has taken advantage to sleep with me. That is why it's not good sometimes to tell people your problem, especially if you’re married and the problem is with your spouse.

The second time around Ooh, the second time is so much better, baby The second time around And I'll make it better than the first time You know I really love you And I paid for my mistakes, yes I did, girl The more I try to hide my feelings, baby This old heart gets in the way and love won't let me wait The second time around Girl, with me it's better than the first time The second time around Let's do it one more time, say it again The second time around All that I've been through, I'll do it again just as long as I'm with you The second time around The second time I'll make it so good to you, babe I'll make it so good to you Not like the first time Not like the first time Not like the first time Talking 'bout the second time Not like the first time Not like the first time Not like the first time Talking 'bout the second time You can't keep runnin' away from love 'Cause the first one let you down And though others try to satisfy you, baby With me true love can still be found The second time around I'm gonna keep you mine the second time, baby The second time around I'll know what to do just as long as I'm with you The second time around Do it one more time, say it again The second time around

Love Poem

Joanne Wasserman

Daydream You fill the room with sweet sensation distracting bits of information crowd the space where logic dwells distorting sights and sounds and smells touching me with tactile pleasure pushing me beyond a measure of reasonable doubt that soon I sense I'm nowhere in the present tense.

*Send your love poems along with your name and number to ireto007@yahoo.com

Romantic Jokes

BBQ Grill

A husband exclaims to his wife one day, "Your butt is getting really big. It's bigger than the BBQ grill!" Later that night in bed, the husband makes some advances towards his wife who completely brushes him off. "What's wrong?" he asks. She answers, "Do you really think I'm going to fire up this big-ass grill for one little weenie?"

A programme for Singles and Married takes place at Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, Lagos, every Monday by 7.00pm. Hosted by Rev. Fr. Sebastine Ukwandu.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Relationships & Love Advice

'How can I forgive my husband and save my marriage?' Dear Love Doctor, The last two months I have been separated from my husband. I married him when I was 19 years old and fell head over heals for him. We now have two children together and a love that I cannot let go. When we first were married we both were young and like to go out drinking and of course there was no problem. But when I first got pregnant we split up because of an infidelity he had with one of his ex girlfriends. Now 8 years later and a lot of arguing, not coming home at nights by him, and another infidelity with the same woman I finally got tired of it. He has quit drinking now but I can't seem to let go of the past in order to save our marriage. I love him and I don't want to get a divorce. I think what we have is worth saving but how do I forgive him and let all of the anger go that I have for him? Not only do I have anger for him but it seems to be for everyone else too. Please help if you can. From Ugochi. Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Ugochi, If you want to save the marriage and discharge your anger, it seems to me that you need to figure out what sort of behavior you can live with from your husband and what you cannot, and then communicate those limits to him, and get his buy-in that he can abide by those limits. And then time has to go by, perhaps a lot of time, and you have to see that he actually does what he has said he will do. In essence, you have to start over rebuilding trust from below zero where it is today. Though this is a long process most of the time, if the both of you are dedicated to making it happen, it honestly can happen. If you want daily love tips or advice, download The Color of Love Guide on your iPad and iPhone. Search for ‘Color of Love’ on your Apple App store now and download the App. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo. com. For free marriage/relationships counseling, or if you have fibroid, fertility problems or need a male or female child; call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08131161840. Visit lovedrmike.blogspot.com

Odd News

germ-killing robot designed to rid a room of dangerous viruses in minutes is being used to keep hospitals Ebola-free. Called "Little Moe", the robot works by damaging viral DNA using pulses of ultraviolet light. It is currently being used in 250 hospitals and health facilities across the US, including a Dallas hospital where a patient with the first case of Ebola diagnosed in America is being treated. Little Moe was created by San Antonia-based company Xenex. The robot rolls around on four wheels and uses xenon, a non-toxic gas, to create the ultraviolet rays needed to destroy viruses. It blasts 1.5 pulses per second up to ten feet (three metres) in every direction to kill viruses including Ebola. Light that is 25,000 times bright than sunlight is created in each flash. The robot was first made available in 2010 and each unit costs £65,000 ($104,000). 'Our robot ensures the room is safe

Love&Living

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Romantic Text of the Week

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Ebola-killing ROBOT destroys the virus in minutes for the next patient by destroying germs on high-touch surfaces, and in hard to clean nooks and crannies,' a spokesperson for Xenex said. Ebola, however, is actually easier to kill than other infectious diseases such as superbugs that mutate and become immune to disinfection. It takes just two minutes for the robot to destroy Ebola on a surface, while other viruses can be eradicated in five minutes. Such technology, using UV rays to sterilise a room, has been around for decades, but Little Moe speeds up the process by using xenon in place of mercury. By comparison, a mercury-based UV machine takes up to an hour to disinfect a room. 'Our mission has always been to eliminate the pathogens that cause the infections that impact the health and lives of millions of patients and their families, and Ebola is no different,' Xenex said in a statement. Courtesy: Daily Mail.

Love&Living

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

True Confession From Overseas

Love Education

What is the meaning of Sexting?

'I demolished my sister's wedding cake'

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

've struggled with bulimia for at least seven years now. Before it evolved into acute anorexia and severe weight loss, however, noone knew of my eating disorder — not my boyfriend, not my parents, not even my older sister who I lived with while we were at uni. My older sister became engaged during her graduating year. She and her then-fiancé made me bridesmaid and set the wedding date to just after her final exam! Needless to say, stress levels were sky-high and tears always at the ready. There was the usual wedding planning rollercoaster ride, but the end result was wonderful — a bright, bubbly, beautiful day. My sister and I lived together up until her wedding day, so all her belongings were kept in the house while she was on her honeymoon. Miscellaneous goods from the wedding were tossed into the storage room, flowers were strewn through the house, and the bottom tier of the wedding cake — the one that was being saved for anniversaries to come — was put away in a cupboard. I have a thing for almond icing. I think probably many people do, it is so tasty! But my bulimia means I can't control my cravings. When it comes to binging, I abandon all sensibility and morality.

After her honeymoon, my sister gradually moved her belongings out of our house and into her new marital home

I ate the whole bottom cake (and promptly regurgitated it — sin above sin). I didn't eat it in one sitting, though, because I thought it would be a lesser crime if I ate the cake over a series of days rather than in one hit. The cake was actually forgotten about for a while. After her honeymoon, my sister gradually moved her belongings out of our house and into her new marital home. And, in the meantime, a boarder moved in to take my sister's room. The boarder was a nice girl, a little older than I, but very loud and robust. So when the whereabouts of the cake was finally questioned, I told my family that the boarder had been entertaining one night and, spurred by wine and companionship, found the cake and shared it with her friends. My family believed me and took a dim view of the boarder. To this day, the secret is mine, and it makes me as guilty now as it did then. Courtesy: msn.com

SEXUAL COMMUNICATION

Sexuality and Disability S

exuality and disability refers to the sexual behaviour and practices of people with a disability (PWD). Physical disabilities such as a spinal cord injury may change the sexual functioning of a person. However, the disabled person may enjoy sex with the help of sex toys and physical aids (such as bed modifications), by finding suitable sex positions, or through the services provided by a qualified sex worker. The experiences of people with disabilities has shown that the basic human need to form close relationships is as relevant for PWD as it is for humans without a disability. However, a long history of seclusion and segregation of people with disabilities is evident in Western culture, and this has greatly inhibited the ability of PWD to freely meet and socialize with other people. Furthermore, the social networks of people with disabilities can be small and this restricts the ability to form new relationships. Disability stereotypes add to the difficulty and stigma experienced by people with disabilities. The following myths about people with disabilities have been identified: l Men and women with disabilities don't need sex. l Men and women with disabilities are not sexually attractive. l Men and women with disabilities are "oversexed." l Men and women with disabilities have more important needs than sex. l Boys and girls with disabilities don't need sexuality education. l Men and women with disabilities can't have 'real' sex. to be concluded next week

Wedding Traditions

Fairies on the Dance Floor: Ireland

n Ireland when the bride and groom are dancing the bride’s feet have to stay on the floor. The Irish believe that if they don’t, evil fairies will come and sweep her away. The logic? Evil fairies

like beautiful things. The bride is beautiful. The fairies can only get to her if she is not touching the ground. Courtesy: list.com

he study had a small sample size, so more research needs to be done surrounding sexting and motivation, but it is clear that sexting is a phenomenon that is not constrained to simply unattached individuals looking for fun; it is used by those in intimate relationships to increase feelings of intimacy and closeness one's partner. For teens, sexting can also act as a prelude (or in lieu of) sexual activity, as an experimental phase for those who are yet to be sexually active, and for those who are hoping to start a relationship with someone. In a 2013 study conducted by Drouin et al., it was found that sexting is also associated with attachment styles, as those with attachment avoidance are more likely to engage in sexting behaviours (just as these individuals are also more likely to engage in casual sex). Thus, instead of increasing intimacy in these types of relationships, sexting may act as a buffer for physical intimacy. Risks A social danger with sexting is that material can be very easily and widely propagated, over which the originator has no control. Research by the Internet Watch Foundation in 2012, estimated that 88% of self-made explicit images are "stolen" from their original upload location (typically social networks) and made available on other websites, in particular porn sites collecting sexual images of children and young people. The report highlighted the risk of severe depression for "sexters" who lose control of their images and videos. The photos can also be used as blackmail, or sent to friends after a nasty breakup (or even while still in the relationship). In a study conducted by Drouin et al. analyzing sexting behaviours among young adults, it was found that men would show the sexually-explicit photos of their girlfriends to their friends. This is a new risk associated with new media, as prior to cell phones and email, it would be difficult to quickly distribute photos to acquaintances; with sexting, one can forward a photo in a matter of seconds. There are undoubtedly multiple risks when sending or receiving a sext, and these risks are something that often teens do not consider. The University of Utah conducted a study which contained a population sample of 606 teens who ranged from age 14-18. This study stated that about one third of teens did not consider or think of legal or other consequences of receiving or sending sexts. Teenagers may simply text out of curiosity of sexual activity and it may increase as teenagers enter deeper into their teen years which can be problematic. According to a study done by the health journal Pediatrics, more than one in five middle school children with behavioral or emotional problems has recently engaged in sexting. Those individuals who have reported sexting in the past six months were four to seven times more likely to engage in other sexual activities such as intimate kissing, touching genitals, and having vaginal or oral sex, compared to children who stated they did not partake in sexting. The study included 420 participants who were between the ages of 12 and 14 years old. The children were pulled from five urban public middle schools in Rhode Island between 2009 and 2012. 17 percent of the children tested claimed they had sent a sexually explicit text message in the past six months. Another 5 percent admitted to sending sexually explicit text messages and nude or seminude photos. Courtesy: Wikipedia.

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Travel &Tourism 39

Chef's Corner

Abuja's choice culinary experience p.40

Travel Personality Akram Daoud: I started as steward but dreamt of becoming general manager p.41

Destination

Ethiopia: Land of a Thousand Smiles opens to the world p.42

Golden Tulip Warri Airport Hotel: Colouring the oil city's other life HOSPITALITY ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA who was at Golden Tulip Warri Airport Hotel writes on how a combination of aesthetic splendour and impressive service have made the facility a huge toast of the oil city's discerning class.

agnificent is the word that best describes the imposing structure. Any connoisseur of good taste would tell you that a hotel's service is just as important as the structural appeal and environment it flaunts. On these points, the hotel does not disappoint. The cascade of water from the fountain at the forecourt gives it a surreal outlook. Mandate The mandate of the group as revealed by the general manager, Akram Daoud, is a commitment to high international standards with unique personality of people who manage it and local flavours. For him, that mantra is uncompromising. ‘‘I am bringing international standard and high quality of service to the hotel.’’ He intends to achieve that goal by leveraging on his background as a hands–on boss who have worked his way through the various sections of the hotel – starting as a steward to become a general manager. ‘‘I want to make this place the best in Warri. It has the potential for it – with the size of the hotel, the modern design, its rich avalanche of sophisticated facilities, the service culture and its closeness to the Warri Airport (less than five minutes drive) coupled with the business and leisure opportunities that we offer.’’ Not done yet, he gushes: ‘‘hospitality is our passion and

The facade of the hotel

we promise to serve you better. To drive home this point, he recalls some of the personalities and high profile events that the hotel has hosted within the few months of its opening. The list included the just concluded Nigerian Football Federation congress and election and the annual conference of the Nigerian Institute for Management. Accommodation: It offers 192 rooms made of 162 standard rooms and 24 executive suites. All the rooms are spacious, fitted and furnished with high quality amenities such as a king-size bed with comfy foam and well laid out, tea/coffee set, flat screen TV, mini – bar on request, work desk, settee, wardrobe and electronic safe, bedside lights and drawers, shoe rack, telephone and complementary Wi-Fi . The distinctive features of the executive suite include a lavishly set up separate

living room with convenience and a bedroom with a Jacuzzi. Dining/wining: It is fitted with a cosy restaurant manned by an executive chef of international repute and well trained kitchen staff. Continental and African dishes are offered with specialisation on the local delicacies of the region either as buffet or ala carte. The restaurant also caters for the various outlets of the hotel, especially in time of special banquet and dinner events. Besides, it offers special theme nights with Mediterranean (Lebanese) night high on the agenda and this is tailored made for the large Lebanese population of the city. Sunday brunch is another special offer of the hotel with array of meals ranging from local to continental spanning over 12 different dishes on offer for both adults and children as it is a family affair. Depending on the friendly nature

of the weather, the swimming pool area with its spatial beauty can also host the brunch session. Leisure/wellness: Here is where the hotel is in a different class as it boasts quite a rich array of distinct and interesting leisure and entertainment facilities. For Daoud, this is a deliberate effort to place the hotel at the top of the ladders as the home of upscale entertainment in the city and a one – stop facility where every of the needs of the guests are catered for in a special and dedicated manner. The list includes an Olympic size swimming pool with life guard and instructors, ample relaxation and sit–out area with a flow to the pool bar where drinks and light meals are served. There is also a performing stage attached at one of the ends for live performances during summer and outdoor friendly season. Also is a well equipped gymnasium and fitness centre with treatment rooms and sauna; a lounge bar with a romantic and serene setting for relaxation, a section of the expansive lounge bar host day and night live performances as well depending on the package on offer at the time of visit and live night clubbing at weekends. Within the massive complex of the hotel is the Silverbird Cinemas for live screening of movies. It also houses different shops and offices. A private entrance from the hotel provides easy access for guests to the facility. Conference: It boasts the biggest conference and meeting facilities in the city with its Golden Tulip Hall Dela Fame with it rich ambience sitting over 3,000 and it is the toast for many of the event planners in the city. It is said to be fully booked throughout the season and it has it service points with ample car park lot. It offers special packages for weeding and banqueting with complementary and heavily discounted room rates attached among other items. Added to these are two meeting rooms of different sizes for tea/coffee session, break away sessions and meetings, they also host private or family breakfast, lunch and dinner session as well as cocktails and light receptions.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS BENEFITS There are lots of benefits to derive as one of our partner hotels. For FESTAC, LAGOS

enquiries and details on how

ABA LAGOS

to join the programme, please contact Andrew Iro Okungbowa: 08023152195 (sms only), e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com or Chinyere

Opara: 08063768131 (sms only) ABA

e-mail angela_curtis-2@live.com

Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

CHEF’S CORNER

Abuja’s choice culinary experience ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA takes you on a tour of some of Abuja's popular restaurants where you can savour different delicacies across the world with your dates and families.

buja, the Federal Capital Territory is not just the seat of power and home to wheelerdealing politics. There are indeed other faces to this city beyond its staid outlook from fashion, the arts, and even tourism with the newly introduced city tour buses. Nightlife in the city may not be on the high, but the culture of dining out in style is fast becoming a fad in the city with the existence of many upscale and high end restaurants and eateries. There is as well local but classy hideouts where you could savour global gastronomic treats. Here are some of the endless spots to sample when next you visit or are planning to have time–out: Jevinik Restaurant: It is one of the most popular spots in the city that buzzes with activities especially at lunchtime. The best of local delicacies are on offer here, and the setting is quite

The interior of Wakkis Restaurant

Jevinik

good and impressive with a general section on the ground floor and a somewhat private section upstairs where personalised touch is added to the service. There are two outlets in the city, one at Garki and the other at Wuse 11 and they are both easy to access from anywhere in the city. Blakes Place: Located also in the Garki end of the city, it offers a good blend of dining and leisure and runs into the late hours of the night, especially during festive periods where they play host to some dedicated events. City Park: This spot along Ahmadu Bello Way enjoys a natural ambience. It is almost like a food court with different eateries offering varieties of dishes, snacks and small chops from local to continental. Some form of entertainment is also thrown into the mix with a number of artistes performing occasionally. Nkoyo: it comes with aesthetically-imposing scenery and inviting ambience and the owners sure know how to entertain in style. The food too is a delicious treat, from local to continental served with different drinks and fruits. The local dishes are particularly inviting, especially as you find some of the not too common foods among their vast and rich menu list. This is

actually the strength and focus of the eatery. Wakkis: On Aminu Kano Crescent offers Indian treat with speciality in tandoori style cooking prepared on an open grill i n the middle of the restaurant. The atmosphere is quite cosy as you can sit–out on the balcony. Rosebud: Also located on Aminu Kano Crescent, it offers rich variety of local and continental delicacies with fruit salad, ice cream and others. Its outlet at the Hotel Rosebud in Garki also treats guests and patrons of the hospitality home to good and inviting Nigerian dishes. Obudu Drill: Is one of the many eateries of Abuja Sheraton Hotel. Here is one spot in the city where you can be treated to fresh and healthy steak and with all the condiments that come with it. A wide selection of salads and hot and spicy side dishes are on offer too with choice stock of wine while on the sideline you can enjoy a good meal of fish here. Shagalinku: It is always exciting to explore the real local delicacies offered by this eatery which is quite popular among residents and visitors from the north. The ground

floor offers the normal setting while the upstairs level offers the traditional Hausa setting with mats and well designed rugs laid out where people sit to treat themselves to such local menu as ram head pepper soup, tuwon shinkafa and miyan taushe, among others. The eatery is located in the Central Business District. Chopsticks: On offer is Chinese meal which is quite popular with many Nigerians. The meals are really good with a touch of the traditional Chinese element and delivered in a professional manner. Other spots include the various city parks and gardens where full meals and little chops and variety of pepper soups are offered alongside fries or chips. You should really check out these spots if you're looking for tasty pepper soup. There are also the traditional fast food joints around the street corners and major roads with such names as GT Plaza, Mr. Biggs, Mama Cass, Sweet Sensation and Tantalizers.

TRAVEL BEATS

Yuletide summer treat to South Africa With the summer season ended, the next stop for holiday makers round the world is the Yuletide season where many look forward to celebrating with family, loved one and friends far away from home at exotic and dream locations. One of the countries that should attract attention at this season is South Africa because apart from the classic attractions it boasts, also has much sunshine at this time of the year. Gren Business Dimensions is putting a tour package, tagged Yuletide summer holiday treat to Pretoria/ Johannesburg and Durban. The details of the Pretoria/Johannesburg leg of the trip include

- tour of Sun City; Pretoria Zoo; Mandela Square and Sandton City; Soweto; Apartheid Museum and a day out at Gold Reef City as well as a picnic at the Union Building Gardens – the office of the President of South Africa. The package is billed to hold between December 21 and 27 with all inconclusive rates available for children and adults. The Durban leg, which is bill for December 27 and January 3, 2015, covers a tour of the Midlands; Ushaka Marine World; Zulu Village – the Shaka Zulu Memory Relief; the Valley of a Thousand Hills; the Crocodile’s kingdom and shopping at the second biggest shopping mall in SA - Gateway Shopping Mall.

Meetings Africa to mark 10 in 2015 COME 2015, Meetings Africa will roll out the drums in celebration of its tenth anniversary, an occasion that will be devoted to stock-taking and projecting into the future. ‘‘It’s an occasion that will be marked by looking back on how far the South African business events sector has come in that time, and how well-equipped it is to take growth and success to the next level,’’ a statement from the organisation announced. The chief executive officer of South African Tourism (SATOUR), Mr. Thulani Nzima, described it as a milestone. “Meetings Africa has grown from a small and insignificant show into the continent’s premier and best represented business event

exhibition. It is now recognised, and heralded around the world as the place to do business with a continent that’s capable, competent and absolutely committed to service excellence and delivery. “Our achievements, through Meetings Africa, have been great. Today, South Africa holds 34th place on the global ICCA rankings. Our advance up the rankings has been steady and sustainable and it’s this industry’s ambition to see South Africa occupy a place in the top 20 ICCA destinations by 2017. “With growing support for Meetings Africa, we are confident we will achieve our goal because we have solidarity in our industry."

Vienna targets 18 million bed nights, 1 billion Euros turnover in 2020 The future for Vienna looks bright as the city targets 18 million bed nights and 1 billion Euros turnover by the hospitality sector from direct flights from an additional 20 cities throughout the world in 2020. These are some of the objectives of Vienna's 2020 Tourism Strategy released by the Vienna Tourist Board. "The new long-term strategy for Vienna's destination development is based on the theme 'Global.Smart.Premium'," said the director of tourism, Norbert Kettner. "Vienna is consolidating its status as a cosmopolitan metropolis and economic hub of Central Europe , and profiling itself through its living culture of sustainability, sophisticated

urban technologies, intelligent mobility solutions and its high standards as a green city as a 'smart and glamorous city'. 'Premium' refers to our strategy of quality leadership in our tourism offerings - from arrival and accommodation to sightseeing, culture and entertainment, shopping and gastronomy, Vienna's guests receive products and services of the highest quality in every price category," he said. This, he said, translates five million more bed nights by 2020, as well as 400 million Euros more net room revenues over 2013, and 20 more cities worldwide offering direct flights to Vienna than today.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

e is a self-effacing man and motivated by the challenges of the new environment in which he finds himself, Egyptian-born Akram Daoud, with a warm and welcoming smile always, appears to be in a hurry to earn the much desired stripe for his new outfit, Golden Tulip Warri Airport, which currently is making waves in Delta State and across the South-South region as one of the biggest and most commending hotels with upscale facilities for the high end market. He walks with a sprint round the hotel’s complex where he sits as the lord of the manor -general manager. His determination to get the hotel to the top of the ladder is not hidden and the staff know this to well and so everyone has learnt to key into the fine working culture and professional ethos which Daoud has brought to bear. Daoud is a self-made man and his sojourn into the hospitality sector spans 25 years. He actually started at the age of 23 then he was just a student and saved enough money as a worker to send himself to school. Before this venture, he says he earned a degree in Food Production Science from Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, but that was just not enough for him as he dreamt of another world. “I have been in it since 25 years ago. I started as a student when I was in the university. I worked as part time and I had food production degree when I was 23 years but my passion was hospitality business so that was why I decided to study it and since then I loved it and that is what I have been doing and will keep doing it,” says the hotel general manager. Part of his motivation for his new found love, he says, is that, “I love meeting people, I like talking to people, I love new things, to know it and hotel business was like a dream which I wanted to achieve someday.” Also, he tells you that hospitality business is a strange world as you have to deal with all sorts: “It is a strange world, you deal with food and beverage, deal with people and understand what they need and try to make them happy and believe it or not, the thing I like about hospitality business is when clients say to me they are so happy and that they have spent a good time at the hotel. This makes my day and makes me happy.” It is no wonder then that Daoud works round the clock almost in the mould of workaholics since assuming responsibility for the hotel some months ago. He is actually handson person because he started from the lowest cadre -a steward and gradually worked his way up the ladder. “I started as a steward, cleaning the kitchen, the floor and all the equipment in the kitchen. Cleaning oil filters in the ceiling and I started moving a little bit up from a steward to waiter, captain, supervisor, restaurant manager and then assistant manager, food

Travel & Tourism

Akram Daoud: I started as steward but dreamt of becoming general manager Akram Daoud is the general manager of Golden Tulip Warri Airport Hotel, a new hospitality outfit, which is seeking the podium in a record time; and Daoud, a sure-footed manager, tells ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, that this can be achieved even as he speaks of his love for hospitality business and a somewhat lifetime devotion to serving and making people happy.

I was digging from the ground and then I went up. I wasn’t born with a tie or silver spoon in my mouth. I had to build myself up by myself

and beverage and food and beverage manager and now general manager. “I was digging from the ground and then I went up. I wasn’t born with a tie or silver spoon in my mouth. I have to build myself up by myself. I enjoyed it, it was great and I loved it, digging from the scratch,’’ he reveals of his career pathway. Insisting that to be a good manager one must be sound and knowledgeable, he says this helps and no wonder Daoud today is on top of his game as he virtually keeps his eyes on the daily operations of the hotel. How challenging is this? “It wasn’t easy, it was a tough experience because you have to prove yourself, you have to work hard, stand on your feet for 14 to16 hours a day and each time I achieved a level or measure of success, I was preparing myself for the next level,” he enthuses. Adding that it is a combination of the brain and brow: “Physically, mentally and study wise. The experience is not only the thing you acquire, it is a total package because you need to spend a lot of time to learn a lot of things and until the last day of our lives we still have to learn.” And for Daoud, this is one secrets of his success, as he tells you that he learns every day, especially from his staff. “It doesn’t mean because you are a manager or general manager you know it all. No, you still have to learn and I can learn from my staff and everybody. There is nothing wrong with that and that is my philosophy, I learn from everybody a new thing.” In retrospect, Daoud is quite happy with his path in life, as he says that he has always had his sights on the star. “Getting to the top was my target because when I started I had my eyes on getting to the general manager level.” But then again, he says is fired the more to go beyond the star: “Now that I am here, it is still not the end for me yet. It took me 25 years to get here and it is not ended yet because I still want to get higher, adding that, “I have to be honest

with you that I feel satisfied with what I have achieved but I still have to challenge myself to get to the next level or move higher.” Daoud confesses that he has enjoyed the best of the hospitality world having traversed some of the regions of the world. He started out in his native country, Egypt, then moved over to Switzerland then America working for both Hilton and Accor groups. Only recently he switched over to Golden Tulip where he had the choice of a plum offer in Dubai but rather chose Nigeria as he wanted a feel of the true African environment. He describes the American working environment as too mechanical with less attention to detail compared with that of Europe. “In Switzerland things are more detailed, this is very important but in the US they work too many hours like machines. They care about the outcome and not the details. But the volume of business in the US is more and higher. “But in Europe, they take their time to do things and care very much about the business. I prefer Europe because Americans like everything big and very fast but in Europe, they think deeply before they do things because they want to get it right. It may take time but they don’t mind but they have to get it right.” But Africa, he says is “a new experience for me and Nigeria is my first but like five years ago, I dreamt very much of coming to Africa having worked in America and Europe as well as Middle East. I needed to go to Africa to discover it because I have read and heard so many things about it. “I never imagined that one day I will be in Africa but today I am here and I am enjoying myself and also, I am learning like I said everyday I learn new things. I have good people, good friends and very nice people around here. Very polite and they are trying hard to get their jobs done and I appreciate that.” But on the flip side, he moans the somewhat slow pace of getting things done here in Nigeria. “I am used to getting things done faster and very quickly because if I decide today that I want this thing done it gets done so fast and quickly. But here it takes some time, longer than it supposed to be. “I don’t know why. I am working on it. I will figure it out and when I do I will let you know or you help me figure it out? It is a new and different culture, so I need to adjust and understand it very well as I did in every other places that have I travelled to and worked in. I just need to understand how things work here.”

Daoud

Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

DESTINATION

Ethiopia: Land of a Thousand Smiles opens to the world

With increasing interest of investors in Ethiopia’s hospitality as evident in the just concluded Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2014 hosted by the country in Addis Ababa, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes that with its immense tourism potential, the country is a destination on the rise.

Prologue heraton Hotel, Addis Ababa was the venue and the event was the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2014 with virtually all the international hotel brands, investors and key players in the hospitality sector in attendance. One outstanding development from the event organized by Bench Events is the fact that when it comes to the hospitality sector, Africa remains the beautiful bride with its rich market and high revenue yield as potential attraction to investors. This point was echoed by the major actors who took part at the event where a number of new hotels in the pipelines for Africa were announced. For the Rezidor group, “Africa is one of our most important markets for

growth. We believe in the great potential of this continent and are committed to becoming a key player in the travel and tourism sector across the continent,” Elie Younes, senior vice president and head of group development, said. It was a harvest of new investment in hospitality sector for the continent with virtually all the international brands making public huge investment with Ethiopia benefiting heavily from the windfall. The list includes InterContinental Hotels Group’s 210-key Crowne Plaza Addis Ababa, the first for the country. There were yet other big players on the roll call: Wyndham Hotel Group announcing a management deal for its first property in the country - a 136room Ramada at Addis; Accor’s Hotel Pullman in Addis Ababa due for 2017; Best Western International weighs in with two branded hotels in Addis Ababa to be delivered in 2015 and 2016 respectively. It is in conjunction with Great Abyssinia Plc and Noah Real Estate Plc; Marriott International is also birthing in the country for the first time as well as Worldhotels in partnership with Azalai Hotels Group. Tourism in ascendancy FOR this Horn of Africa country, tourism in the last couple of years has been elevated, making impressive contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Just to underscore this point, the government two years ago initiated a five–year national tour-

A festive moment

ism development policy and strategy, aimed at consolidating on the gains of the industry. Among its cardinal points are economic growth, poverty alleviation, friendly environment and protection of the people as well as meeting the aspirations of the private sector and industry’s stakeholders. Not the least is the hospitality sector, which has continued to attract new investments in hotels, resorts and leisure spots. This fact of course was demonstrated by the outcome of the just concluded international forum in hospitality with the country gaining big from hotel investors. Following this development, the country which styles itself as the "land of a thousand smiles" has

Ethiopian food

been described in tourism circle as the land of tomorrow where the government welcomes investors with a warm and open hand. And for the travel world, there is a vast and enthralling treasures to discover and experience in the "home of Lucy" (the oldest full human fossil), as the country is also referred to. Ethiopia offers rich history, tradition and cultural elements among other amazing features. Its history dates back to over 3,000 years and possesses some of the world’s cherished monuments, extant evidence of being the ancestral home of mankind and custodian of the three Abrahamic religions – Islam, Judaism and Orthodox Christianity. In the Christian Holy Book, the Bible, Ethiopia appeared over 38 times in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament it was referred to as the "Land of the Cush". Cast your mind back to the Ethiopian Eunuch mentioned in the book of Acts. Of course, never forget the fact that Ethiopia in its most recent history has also bequeathed to the world one of the most powerful, flamboyant royal of his time, Emperor Haile Selasie, whose legacies bestrode the landscape. It is also the home of the famed Queen of Sheba, presenting appealing and contrasting features

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Travel & Tourism

An architectural piece... one of the several structures that testifies to Ethiopia's ingenuity

for visitors to explore. The country is populated by people of diverse cultures and traditions with over 80 nationalities and 200 languages. However Amharic is the official language while English, French, Arabic and Italian are fairly spoken in the country. The people are hospitable and warm with mixed and interesting cultural and traditional beliefs that add to the country being called "the land of a thousand smiles". It holds the enviable record of being the only country in African continent not conquered or lost its independence to any colonial or invading forces. Addis Abba, the capital was created around 1886 and so named by Queen Taytu, one of the many women of Menelik 111. Ethiopia is is part of the area generally regarded as the "Horn of Africa". It is bordered by such countries as Djibouti, Eritrea - a country with which it engaged in war for many years. Kenya, Somalia and Sudan are the other bordering neigbhours. Addis Ababa Addis Ababa, the capital city, is an enchanting city to visit and explore with it being largely regarded as the "political capital of Africa". This has to do with it playing a historic role in hosting epoch-making political meetings of the continent’s leaders and even world leaders. One of such meetings in living memory is that of the Africa heads of state in 1963 that led to the formation of the Organisation of Africa Union (OAU), which has transformed into Africa Union (AU). The United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in the city is a monument to the influence of the city in Africa and world political affairs as well as the AU headquarters building, which is one of the most outstanding monuments populating the city’s landscape. Samples of Tourists Attractions The country’s tourists attractions have been structured in such a way that it makes for seamless tour and exploration. Whichever of the routes you chose to explore you are sure to have a memorable experience as each feature exciting and awesome elements. Historic Route While on this route, you are sure to explore some of the features that make Ethiopia a historical conundrum and reference point for the evolution of mankind. The endless list includes the ancient town of Axum, which features the likes of carved obelisks; Christian monuments such as the Ark of Covenant, Gondar with its castles and palaces; Lalibela – noted for its

Rock-hewn church in Lalibela

Blue Nile Falls Ethiopia

Ark of the Covenant

Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa

rock–hewn churches; Negash Amedin Mesgid – walled Muslim city of Harar and Lega Oda, some distance from Dire Dawa where carved paintings of ancient time are preserved. Wildlife There is Lake Tana, the country’s largest lake boosting the source of the Blue Nile; The Great Rift Valley Lakes – home to some national parks (the country has about 15 national parks and four sanctuaries) where you can savour amazing wilderness experience; Omo Valley – home to amazing natural species and people of deep cultural leaning; Rugged mountains in the north and bale mountains in the southeast with Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Ras Dashen, the fourth highest peak in Africa with an altitude of 4, 620 metres, as a reference point. Cities Addis Ababa, is the political, socio–cultural and commercial nerve centre of the country, boasting vast treasures to explore from its historic monuments such as the United Nations Conference Centre, restaurants, hotels, bars, theatres, religious centres, arts and craft to its economic

centres with Mercato, regarded as Africa’s largest open-air market. Aksum, Lalibela and Gonder are some of the other cities that make Ethiopia one of the most exciting and delightsome destinations to experience. There are also a wide variety of natural wonders as seen in the many mountains, valleys and plains. Cultural Festivals The country has a legion of cultural and religious celebrations with the Timker festival (Epiphany) being the most celebrated. It is held on January 19 yearly; There is Tseday festival, which is a "New Year" celebration held on September 11; Kulubi Gabriel, Sheik Hussein, Gishen Mariam and Sof Omar, all with some sort of religious bent and attracting large crowd of celebrants and supplicants whenever held. Other festive periods include Easter, Muharram; Ramadan; Eid– ul–Fitre and Eid- ul-Adha. Cuisines Top on the list of traditional cuisines is the wot meal, which symbolizes Ethiopia’s national menu and there are varieties of it such as meat, fish or poultry and vegetable of hot pepper spiced with stews and supported by unleavened bread known as Injera.

Buna, the Ethiopian brand of coffee, is a signature drink of the people, which is promoted with pride across the world by the people. When next you visit any event hosted by Ethiopia, which out for this common treat. Don’t also forget that Ethiopia is one of the world’s leading coffee producing nations. Ethiopia Airlines One of the most enduring symbols of the country is Ethiopia Airlines, which over the years has flown the country’s flag across the world and in doing so has helped to promote the country’s image and flown tourists to its bowels. It was created on December 21, 1945 and started operations on April 8, 1946. A wholly government sponsored enterprise but run as a private concern, it operates from the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which is its hub. A member of the Star Alliance, it has about 71 fleet consisting of all sorts of craft with its latest acquisition being the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, thus becoming the first airline in the world to launch the iconic craft. The airlines covers about 101 passenger routes and 23 cargo routes and proudly goes with the inscription the "Spirit of Africa".

My Weekend SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER, 2014

Relaxation for me is taking care of my grandchildren, says Nigerian-American cop

akeem Adagun has spent more than three decades of his life in the United States of America, building a home and career. But he is less driven by the attractions in ‘God’s own country, as he says his love for the Nigerian atmosphere cannot be equalled. This explains why Nigeria remains his choice destination during his holiday. He says, “For me, some people find it very hard to believe regardless of how Nigeria is, how people complain about Nigeria, ‘no power,’ ‘the roads are bad’ and all sort of things, I’m still passionate about Nigeria, I still come around every year. I think psychologically I love to be in Nigeria on my off days. Regardless of the things that surround the atmosphere, I still love my country. It is a good therapy for me. I’m not being exposed to a whole lot of things that I see in America. I can watch things and laugh about it, what I enjoy most, some people may not be able to put up with them.” The 52 years old career Masterpiece Officer with the Irish County Sheriff Office of the Houston State Police reveals that the Nigerian atmosphere fascinates him because of the peculiarity of the environment. Stating his attractions for Nigeria, particularly his native environment he says, “When I’m in Nigeria, I never miss my daily morning prayers. I board commercial buses, take a walk and do my exercise. From my house in Surulere, I will walk to the bus-stop to take the BRT going to Lagos, the last stop will be CMS and I’ll have to walk from CMS to my house, which is about five miles but I enjoy doing it. I don’t feel it. I enjoy my interactions with Danfo drivers, conductors and fellow commuters. I enjoy seeing those roads. It is like convenient store for me.” Back in the US, Adagun says despite his tight schedules as a police officer, he does his best to manage his life, job and relaxation as his family, particularly fairly large family comprising his grandchildren takes the most of his attention, even on weekends. Stressing his affection for his family, he explains, “Family comes first regardless of anything, because those are the people I come back home to. After the performance of my daily job, I still need my family. No matter how frustrated I am, I don’t bring my workload home because my family is not part of the problem. I deal with any problem that arises when I’m in the uniform. “As a human being, we can talk about it, we can discuss it but I don’t let my workload affect my family life. As a matter of fact, when we were in academy, an instructor said when you go to the academy, you don’t go alone, you go with your family because after you had been drained at the training, you come back home tired, you put cloths everywhere they are the one that clean up everything. You need to make your family understand, what you’re going through, and with their help and assistance you would remain focused on what you’re doing.” When asked how he relaxes, he says, “I try not to think about my work when I’m off from work. It is only when I put on my

The axiom that “there is no place like home” seems true going by the revelation of a Nigerian-American policeman, Hakeem Adagun. Despite having lived in the United States for over three decades, 52-year-old Adagun tells SEGUN EDWARDS why Nigeria remains his choice destination for holiday.

No matter how frustrated I am, I don’t bring my workload home because my family is not part of the problem

uniform that I focus on my work and be able to do it diligently. According to him, relaxation also provides opportunity for him to take lessons from an automobile technician friend, from whom he has learnt some acts of fixing his automobile. “I devote my time doing some other things. For instance, I spend some time with an automobile engineer from who I learnt some knowledge about automobile, we talk about automobile repair. He says policemen bid for their week-

ends, an indication that it is not automatic because of the nature of their job. “Before now, I used to have weekend off but now I don’t have because we have more people that have been with the department more than I have. So, we bid on the personality for slot. Whatever slot that is available that is what I’ll get. “I don’t spend all my weekend to myself alone but with my family if I have it. I do whole lot of family obligations during weekends, taking kids to school, taking them to Islamic school, taking them to any kind of sporting events, that’s my job on weekends but out of that, I still have a little bit of time for myself while they are in the training or sporting events or even away in their Islamic school,” he says of his weekends. He attributes his athletic look to regular exercise, adding, “I do a lot of jogging to keep fit. I engage in aerobics always as a police officer because it is part of my everyday activities. You have to keep shape to be able to perform your duty optimally that is a routine for the job and I don’t skip it.” On how he relaxes, he reveals that his life in the US provides an atmosphere of a very eventful family life with his grandchildren around him when he is just 52. “America is 24/7. If you’re not working or off duty, you will have family obligations like me. You get relaxations, a little bit here and there, especially. I take care of my grandchildren and that is relaxation for me. ‘’I go out to even parties, African parties, American parties when I have opportunities to do that with my grandchildren. Sometimes I go to my kiddies sporting events if my grandchildren are playing. One of my children, a girl, plays volleyball and she is very good and I have one that plays soccer, American football and soccer, which is part of the school curriculum,” he enthuses. He belongs to a religious group in America, the Nigerian Muslim Association, which he says he co-founded, adding, “May be I’m not that a sociable person owing to my limited time. But I devote time to my religious association with the name Nigerian Muslim Association.” His career as a police officer has seen him helped provide security services to a handful of prominent Nigerians that travelled to the US at some points for various reasons. “Sometimes, I had to do have some extra jobs providing extra security for functions like parties, funerals and other social events for Nigerians. I found myself providing security for some Nigerians. They include musical and comedy acts like the late Fuji music icon, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Prince Kingsley Cookey, the Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Amnesty Matters, D’banj and Basket Mouth. Also I had provided security for Nollywood actors like Aluwe (Sunday Omobolanle), Oga Bello (Adebayo Salami). I was to do same for Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde, the famous film act recently, but I wasn’t able to do that because of busy schedule. So, I delegated the responsibility to another colleague who handled it.”

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2014

Politics 45

Interview

The Gadfly returns in a blaze of controversy p.46

FaceOff

Lawyers of AMCON and Bi-Courtney disagree over the latter's alleged N50 billion debt p.48 & 49

You can negotiate with force, says NIIA DG The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Prof Bola Akinterinwa tells DOMINIK UMOSEN that there is no issue without international dimension.

Business Sense

Nigerian Dignity and South Africa’s insults p.52

What is the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, doing with a workshop on agriculture as tool of national economic transformation? Many people, for reasons of myopia, do not always consider international affairs; international relations and international studies, to include disciplines like engineering, agriculture, medicine. There is no discipline that does not have its international dimension. Here at NIIA, greater emphasis is focused on international economics, international law, international politics; we rarely talk about international agriculture; we do not consider agriculture as an international question that merits attention. Whereas the act establishing the institute did not qualify what constitutes the international question, it simply says any international question. Question , here, means any international issue. Any international problem; anything that has the potential to impact- positively or negatively – on Nigeria; that it should seek understanding of international questions; explain to the people of Nigeria and then advise government. Now, I have a question: If agriculture is not an international question, what is? Why establish the Food and Agriculture Organisation , FAO, by the United Nations? Much attention has been focused on the general assembly; its security council and so on and so forth. The World Health Organisa-

Did the private Nigerian plane, which was recently intercepted in South Africa with a huge amount of cash, breach international convention? Well, it depends. If the aircraft is owned by government, it may not constitute any breach. Any other plane, even if not owned by government, may also not constitute a breach. The issue has to do with its contents. An aircraft is not supposed to carry anything that could be considered injurious or threatening the national security of such a country. So in that case, one is not very clear about the circumstances of the plane. And since our government has said that it had to do with the containment of Boko Haram, about insurgency, anything that has to do with national security is dealt with in secrecy. Alright? You do not want to give your enemy any clue of what you are strategizing for. So from that perspective, I would not see any breach. The only thing is that our partner, South Africa, we have a special relationship with. Our relations with South Africa has been lifted to the level of a strategic relationship so there is no big deal about South Africa making noise or raising eye brows about that. What is your advice to government on how to deal with the insurgency? I have never believed in dialogue with terrorists. I will not accept a situation whereby a group of people, for whatever reasons, you take delight in beheading people, slaughter people as if you are slaughtering goats. People who do not believe in freedom or the right of others; people who believe that they must use force to compel me to accept their religion, faith or views; people who want to use force to divide Nigeria or to establish an ill-digested Islamic caliphate- for heaven’s sake, we are no longer in that pre-historic age, where you make use of force, not for legitimate self-defence but to convert people, kidnap children and enslave them and impregnate girls and then you say we should negotiate with them.

tion, WHO, is as international question. Agriculture, as a mainstay, as an instrument of national development, I think the NIIA should begin to beam its searchlight on this area. And that is why we sought partnership with the ICBS to organize this workshop; since we don’t have competencies in this department, we seek competent professional advice from outside. In line with its mandate, has the advice of the institute been sought by government in the management of the insurgency, especially as it relates to relations with countries with vested interest in the nation’s crisis? We are under the supervision of the ministry of foreign affairs; we are part and parcel of government. We do not even have to wait for the government to seek our opinion. It is our responsibility to sit down and begin to look at issues and advise appropriately. In this regard, I can tell you yes. In this case, the countries alleged to have interest in the insurgency, we do not really know the extent to which we can say it is true. It is so far speculations. There may be pointers to this fact that some countries might have issues with Nigeria to the extent of plotting insurgency in the country. We can not say the speculations are wrong and in this case, our own is to continue to monitor. Muamer Ghaddafi of Libya, who once said that the only solution

for political instability in Nigeria is to divide the country into a muslim north and christian south, may be dead. But if you are talking about insurgency, we might begin to look at Libya as a possible nation state with such interests. Nothing also prevents us from pointing accusing fingers at those who dreamt that the country would disintegrate in 2015.

I have never believed in dialogue with terrorists

Why this apparent reluctance by the West to provide arms to Nigeria in her moment of security challenges? If this were so, Nigeria as a veteran of international diplomacy, can not feign ignorance of the fact that whatever policies nations adopt reflect a conscious articulation of their strategic national interests. This country can not pretend not to be aware that certain segments of the international community might not be comfortable with the country’s rising international profile and will align with the devil to promote the objective of frustrating this rising profile.

Politics

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

The Gadfly returns in a blaze of controversy

As outrage continues to trail the invasion of courts in Ekiti by hoodlums, DOMINIK UMOSEN writes that growing apprehension equally straddles the October 16 swear-in date of the governor-elect.

his story is about how the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose was, one day, driving through the countryside and stumbled upon revelers. According to the story, he sat among the crowd and beckoned on everyone for their attention. According to the reliable account, Fayose asked those present to sow into his gubernatorial ambition, promising anyone who did that he or she would be rewarded when he became governor of the fountain of knowledge. A couple of those present reportedly guffawed, wondering aloud whatever might have given “this presumptuous young man” the impression that he could ever become governor of the state. A few folks reportedly made some donations but the bulk of those present reportedly laughed off Fayose’s swagger, dismiss-

ing him off as perhaps another victim of delirious malaria. According to an eye witness, who is a Senior Advocate based in Lagos, every one concerned promptly tucked away the incident until a few months after when it was announced that the socalled presumptuous young man had, indeed, become elected as governor of the state that prides itself as the “fountain of knowledge.” Someone who actually witnessed this incident, even contributed to the campaign fund, reportedly visited the governor-elect in Ado Ekiti. We understand that apart from being used to reinforce the idiom about the need to invest one’s faith prudently by an ecstatic Fayose, this individual was rewarded to the exact proportion of his faith and readiness to invest in young man whose sole claim to relevance, as at then, was

just his unbridled optimism. As the only Nigerian to have been impeached and re-elected governor, Fayose also holds the unenviable record of having a persona that is effortlessly interchangeable with controversy. For example, soon after his impeachment on fraud charges in 2006 by the state legislature, some people automatically pronounced him politically dead in Ekiti and went about to organize befitting epitaphs on his alleged political death bed. Exactly eight years after Fayose’s supposed political demise, the gadfly returned following his victory against incumbent Gov Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who redefined inelegance in leadership by, first, conceding defeat unconditionally, after the June June 21st governorship election which he lost, only to turn around and

Politics

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

contest Fayose’s victory after the opposition party ate up its vomit. Expectedly, the PDP in Ekiti descended on both the opposition party and Gov Fayemi, berating the transparent spirit of poor sportsmanship in crying foul even after having conceded defeat and congratulating the victor in vcictory. The party condemned the out-going governor of allegedly sponsoring Suit No. FHC?:/ Abuja CS 709/14 in an Abuja high court between Young Democratic Party versus the n Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Fayose and others, ostensibly to scuttle the governor-elect’s inauguration on October 16, this year. According to the party, sponsoring this suit by proxy and the killing of a Fayose confidant and former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW) in the state, constituted part of the conspiracy by the opposition party to scuttle Fayose’s inauguration next week. ‘This is a confirmation of our earlier alarm and submission that the APC which gallantly lost the gubernatorial election of June 21 was desperate to scuttle democracy in the state through the back door judicial process’, it said. The suit challenging Fayose’s eligibility to even re-contest election, according to the PDP, aptly mirrors the desperation of the APC and its sympathizers, including the Ekiti State Chief Judge, Ayodeji Daramola, to act out the plot to scuttle Fayose’s inauguration. The governor-elect and the ruling party have already accused the chief judge of being on the payroll of Gov Fayemi and the opposition party. In his petition to the National Judicial Council, NJC, Gov Fayemi accused his successor of being behind the crisis in the state judiciary, including allegedly slapping some judges. Soon after this petition, the PDP also petitioned the NJC, alleging sundry infractions against the judiciary in the state, including the charge that most of its principal officers, including the chief judge, are known sympathizers of the opposition party. For someone who is synonymous with controversy, the Ekiti State governor-elect has had his fair share. It was not for nothing that former President Olujhsegbujn Obasanjo openly berated him for allegedly behaving like a bastard. The venue was Okuku, hometown of estranged former national secretary of the PDP and former governor of Osun State, Brigadier-Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Oyinlola had just been removed as governor of Osun and his folks in Okuku organized a thanksgiving service to welcome their illustrious son back home. Former military president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; former Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniels and his former Oyo counterpart, Chief Adebayo Akala were all present. It is either that Fayose did not notice that Obasanjo was present when he arrived the venue. The Ekiti State governor greeted every dignitary present except Obasanjo and, in his chartacteristic manner, the former two-time president complained aloud. In rtesponse, Fayose said: ‘I won’t greet you.

Fayose

You are a bad person. I don’t greet bad people’. Every one present was stunned. But Fayose stood his grounds. Devastated by this public put down, Obasanjo sneered: ‘You are a bastard’. Born November 13, 1960, Fayose grew up in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State and heartland of the old western region. He attended the popular Olivet Baptist High School in the ancient Oyo town. Part of his political albatross and reasons for his fall from grace and impeachment included a convoluted poultry project which critics say was not only unnecessarily bloated in terms of cost but also misplaced politically. As a matter of fact, over

‘I won’t greet you. You are a bad person. I don’t greet bad people’

50 per cent of his political woes which culminated in his impeachment in 2006 was traceable to the controversial poultry project which critics condemned as a conduit to siphon funds. As the first casualty of the nation’s democracy, several commentators wrote him off politically, with some people even foreclosing any possibility of his political rehabilitation. This explains why some prominent stakeholders in Ekiti, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Femi Falana, reacted catiously following the electoral victory of the governor-elect. According to Falana, Fayose is

FAYOSE ON MARBLE § “This is the last time I would sound this note of warning to those people who want to disparage the party to stop. If you want to disparage the party, whether you are a former president, senator, irrespective of your position, we will sack you. When I fought with the party, I left the party, I did not stay in the party. You are free to go to any party you want, but don’t stay in the party and disparage it.” - See more at- Fayose to opposition governors in the South-West. § “You know that when our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, held its grand rally on June 7this year before the governorship election, President Goodluck Jonathan promised the people of the state more fed-

eral presence if they vote our candidate. “We thank the people of the state for doing their own part by voting massively for our candidate and party in the election and we are not going to disappoint them as all the promises we made will be fulfilled.” - Address to the federal delegation that visited Ekiti in Solidarity with Fayose’s victory. § “This federal secretariat is one of the numerous projects that the PDP will bring to the state from Abuja and they will complement the great plan we have for Ekiti State and which, by the grace of God, we will fulfil,”address to the federal delegation that vi sited Ekiti in solidarity with Fayose’s reelection- Tribute to Prof. Cornel Ade-Ajayi.

incapable of reformation and may never change or outgrow his lifestyle of controversy. ‘Ekiti people may have made their choice and I can only wish them well. We know what happened before. I am a student of history. I know that Fayose can not change and so do you think I should be celebrating? I only wish Ekiti people well’. The Ekiti governor-elect might not have changed, in line with the famous theory of the leopard and its indelible spots, but his political resurrecton has definitely confounded detractors. As controversy continues to trail the invasion of courts in Ekiti, including so far unsubstantiated allegations of manhandling of judges, Fayose seems to be living up to his tendency to court controversy. For starters, controversy continues to trail his Oct. 16 inauguration date as the state chief judge continues to argue that he might have nothing to do with the event, allegedly because Fayose triggered the crisis rocking the judiciary in the state. Even this threat eventually turns out to be a storm in a tea cup, it may have already started recording casualties, including the cancellation of a trip by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar to Athens to attend a stress management workshop. The CJN allegedly cancelled the trip out of fear of the possibility of controversy regarding the Oct 16, swearing-in.

FaceOff SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH 11 OCTOBER 2014

Bi-Courtney is not indebted to AMCON – Oshobi The Head, Litigation, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Tola Oshobi, tells Ndubuisi Ugah, in this interview, that Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is only using its ‘federal might’ to mislead Nigerians on the real issues surrounding the N50 billion debt it claims Bi-Courtney Group is owing it right figure? As indicated above, Bi-Courtney is not indebted to AMCON

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos recently set aside the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, which gave an interim order empowering the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to take possession of four companies belonging to Mr. Wale Babalakin (SAN). Legally, what does this ruling portend? The ruling not only set aside the interim order obtained by AMCON, it declared that it was a nullity ab initio. What this means is that in the “eyes”, of the law it is as though the order never existed. Any steps or actions taken pursuant to it are therefore equally void.

AMCON in its submission on the issue claimed that Justice Buba lacked jurisdiction in the sense that he went beyond the issues before him. Was that the case? AMCON’s contention is absurd. AMCON filed the action in the Federal High Court, obtained the order in the Federal High Court and there is only one Federal High Court, the case file was duly assigned to the Honourable Judge, so AMCON’s contention on the absence of jurisdiction is difficult to follow. Every court has the inherent powers to ensure that its process is not abused. The order obtained by AMCON was found to constitute an abuse of process and was rightly declared a nullity and set aside. The issue before the court was abuse of process the court did not go beyond that issue.

To some, the lawsuits are simply a case of a creditor trying to recover his loans while the debtor is seeking ways to prevent. Is it as straightforward as that? The dispute between AMCON and BiCourtney as well as its associated companies is not as simple as AMCON is making it out to be and AMCON knows this but persists in trying to mislead the public. Is Bi-Courtney in any way disputing the figure so far stated as its indebtedness? Bi-Courtney is not only disputing the figure stated by AMCON, but asserts that it is not indebted to AMCON in any sum whatsoever. There is an extant judgment debt in the sum of N132 billion due from the Federal Government of Nigeria to Bi-Courtney, arising from a ruling of the Federal High Court. The same ruling directs the Federal Government of Nigeria to deduct and remit to AMCON any debts due from Bi-Courtney to AMCON, which debts are in any event disputed. Bi-Courtney is therefore a net creditor of the Federal Government and AMCON. Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chairman Bi-Courtney

If yes, how much does it think is the

OLD FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, LAGOS

The parties executed a Debt Settlement Agreement which outlined a road map to settlement

Did the parties involved endorse a debt settlement pact before the latest crisis? The parties executed a Debt Settlement Agreement which outlined a road map to settlement, the agreement expressly provides that if settlement fails the parties would revert to their previous positions prior to settlement talks. AMCON kept trying to renegotiate agreed terms of the settlement which led to the breakdown of the settlement. Is there really a conceivable window for an out-of-court settlement? There is nothing to settle. We are not indebted to AMCON in any manner whatsoever. On the contrary AMCON is liable to Bi-Courtney and associated companies in very substantial damages for the illegally obtained order and for the its recent adverse actions and statements made pursuant thereto against Bi-Courtney and associated companies.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

FaceOff | Politics

Babalakin agreed to pay the N50bn debt - Sobowale In this interview with Ndubuisi Ugah, a senior associate in Olisa Agbakoba & Associates, Mr. Adebola Sobowale, says that Bi-Courtney Group, which is owned by Mr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), is not trying to honour the ‘gentleman’s agreement it had with AMCON The ‘war of words’ between Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Mr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) appears to have raised some pertinent questions concerning the ruling made by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos, empowering the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to take possession of four companies belonging to Mr. Wale Babalakin (SAN). Legally, what does this ruling portend? The ruling by Justice Buba vacated the Orders earlier granted by Justice Okon Abang, granting interim possession control and management of the Bi-Courtney Group’s Companies to AMCON. With due respect to Justice Buba, we feel the decision to set aside the Order was wrong and we have appealed accordingly. In the meantime we have filed an application to restrain parties from giving effect to Justice Buba’s ruling pending determination of the appeal. Given the line of arguments of both parties in the debt recovery drama, Bi-Courtney Group has claimed that the Federal Government and AMCON is owing Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), manager of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos, a total of N132 billion contrary to the claim by AMCON. How true is this? Bi-Courtney alleges that the Federal Government is indebted to it . We are not aware if this is true or not. It is however ridiculous for Bi-Courtney to say that because the Federal Government is indebted to it, then AMCON should take whatever Bi-Courtney owes it from the Federal Government because AMCON is an agency of the Federal Government. Can u say because the NNPC is owing you, you will not pay legitimate debts owed to the Ministry of Agriculture for instance? AMCON is not a party to whatever agreements Bi-Courtney has with the Federal Government. AMCON having assumed the role of the various banks the BiCourtney group was indebted to has a statutory mandate to recover the loans. Is there really a conceivable window for an outof-court settlement? Parties had agreed a settlement which we feel is a very good deal for Bi-Courtney. It is their refusal to implement the settlement after having accepted that forced AMCON to approach the Courts. Parties can still settle but Bi-Courtney must be willing to act in good faith. Equally, it was also gathered from ‘good authority’ that prior to the latest face-off between Agbakoba and Babalakin, there was a written understanding by Babalakin to Agba-

Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN)

koba allegedly admitting that he was owing N50 billion? How true is this? Let me first correct that wrong assumption, there was no face-off between Mr. Agbakoba and Dr. Babalakin as reported. The parties in court are AMCON and Bi-Courtney Group. It is correct that Bi-Courtney admitted being indebted to AMCON and by its unconditional acceptance of the AMCON’s offer dated 8th May 2014, it agreed to pay N50 Billion in full and final settlement of the debt. But in the real sense, did the parties involved endorse a debt settlement pact before the latest crisis? Yes a copy of the agreement showing BiCourtney’s memorandum of acceptance of

MMA 2, LAGOS

that offer has been circulated to the press.

Bi-Courtney alleges that the Federal Government is indebted to it . We are not aware if this is true or not

Equally, to some, the lawsuits are simply a case of a creditor trying to recover his loans while the debtor is seeking ways to prevent. Is it as straightforward as that? I can only say that AMCON pursuant to its statutory mandate seeks to recover a legitimate and admitted debt in this case. Is Bi-Courtney in any way disputing the figure so far stated as its indebtedness? Ans: There is no dispute as to the amount owed. We have since passed that stage. BiCourtney by acceptance of the offer dated 7th May 2014, has accepted being indebted in the sum of N50 billion.

Politics

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

DICKSON KALU:

Opposition parties causing Nigeria’s disunity President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition has been described as a brilliant stride. The barrage of criticisms hauled at his government is no deterrent to a man of such visionary tenacity. The coordinator of Goodluck Development Foundation, Benin Republic, Dickson Uwakwe Kalu tells CAMILLUS NNAJI. What inspired the formation of GDF? Prior to the present administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians have lived with many successive administrations that have deprived them of the basic necessities of life and fundamental human rights. Consequent upon this situation, we are inspired to form the Goodluck Development Foundation in support of the good leadership performance of the President who we all know amidst numerous challenges has piloted the affairs of Nigeria with accountability, probity and in line with his transformation agenda. So basically, GDF stands for good governance. We take good governance to the grass root because we have to lay a sound leadership foundation for our unborn children. You sound as if Nigeria is all rosy in the ongoing tenure, what about the obvious challenges like security? Yes, Nigerians may not be enjoying the efforts and policies of the present administration of President Jonathan under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), this is as a result of opposition parties who have left the way politics should be practiced and turned to work against the president’s effort. Opposition parties are the reason Nigerians are not enjoying the present administration. They are the reason we are not living in unity. But again, they should understand that by so doing, they are working against the future of the country. The politics of criticism have bedevilled good governance in Nigeria. Propagandists and opposition should join hand with the president to build a great Nigeria we all can be happy with. In other words, GDF basically is campaigning for the return of the president President Goodluck Jonathan has done so well and deserves a second term. We stand in support of him based on administrative continuity and good governance. In Benin Republic, we have millions of Nigerians comprising traders, students and residents.

One week after inaugurating Goodluck Development Foundation on August 19, 2014, 2.5 million Nigerians out of the 7 million in Benin Republic have already filled the endorsement form in support of President Jonathan’s re-election in 2015. We are not supporting him because of what we have to benefit as a group or individually. So what is the composition and structure of GDF? GDF is composed of eminent politicians in PDP, we have as our patrons, the present Senate President, Senator David Mark, Former Anambra State Governor, Chukwudife Ezeife, Ibrahim Mantu, Tom Ikoh and Engr. Okoro Ebiri just to mention a few of them . We have offices in the 36 states of the country and the headquarters in Abuja. What other programmes does GDF have? Like I said earlier, we are grass root supporters for good governance and protectors of human rights. In Benin, some people who have immigration problems have had it settled by GDF through the Nigerian embassy. Some who have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment have seen their cases sorted out for them by GDF. We have set free those who have committed no crime and yet detained by Benin Police. We are also aiming to offer scholarships to pupils in primary schools and higher institutions. Funding for this objective has been undertaken by members of the foundation. We are always in constant communication with our head office in Abuja working with the directorate for planning and research and they put us through before any event. How did you receive the news of President Jonathan’s return by PDP as its sole presidential candidate? Indeed, it is very good news for Nigerians, PDP and the foundation too. We are happy because one good turn deserves another; continuity is good for Nigeria now. The governors have returned him too; we join hands with many Nigerians to congratulate the president. What is your take on the efforts of our soldiers combating Boko Haram insurgency? The soldiers have done so well, sticking out their neck against Boko Haram. In the real sense of it, terrorists are minority to a great population like Nigeria. But I still find fault with those who are working against the federal government. A house divided against itself cannot stand, opposition are leaking the strategies of the federal government and this is not fair.

Biafara is history, says Eze Ndi Igbo Lagos State Eze Nwabueze Ohazulike is founder and national president of the association of Ndi Eze Ndi Igbo in diaspora. Ohazulike, who hails from Umuosebe, in Ihiala, told MOSES KADIRI, and EMEKA OKOBIA, about the importance of the 16th edition of the celebration which holds today at New Oko Oba, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos. What is the significance of the festival? The New Yam Festival is to mark the end of the crop season. Yam is the king of all crops in Igbo land; that is why we celebrate the festival for people to eat the new yam. I have not eaten new yam as the crown head of traditional rulers of the igbos outside the igboland. Since we have not marked the day, l will not eat new yam; if l want to eat yam, l have to look for old yam to eat. But back home, our royal fathers celebrated the new yam festival before eating New Yam. The essence of celebrating it in Lagos is for those who do not have the opportunity to travel to the east to celebrate the festival, especially those born in Lagos. What about those that have already eaten new yam without waiting for the festival? Those ones that have eaten new yam are not title holders. If you are a title holder, you must wait for the new yam festival before eating; if you are a title holder, you must believe in your culture, like someone saying this is what my father does and l want to emulate him. It is different when someone says my father said l am Igbo; that is not the people we are talking about. We are talking about those who are familiar with what their father’s culture. Do people need to gather before celebrating the festival? No. Not at all. I can celebrate it in my house, with my family; we are doing this for those who do not have that opportunity to travel to the east and those that don’t know about the celebration. Many people do not know about the celebration, we are doing it for them to learn our culture.

Kalu

Since 1998 when you were crowned the Eze Ndi Igbo till now, how has your reign been? You know, no crown is easy. Once you are a leader, you must have challenges, but how you are able to overcome those challenges matters. In every sector, there must be challenges, but l am enjoying it. I know where l have attained since l took the mantle of leadership. What l did not gain is money since the position is

not for money-making. So what are the challenges? It is normal for human beings to face challenges. There is no area where you do not find a quality leader who is not faced with challenges. l don’t take challenge as anything because it is something that is normal; when you crown someone Eze Udo, tomorrow they come out and say they are Eze Ndi Igbo; if l start fighting them it will bring distraction, whatever they like, they can call themselves, but what l gave them is Eze Udo of Ikeja, Eze Udo of Alimosho, Eze Udo of Mushin, Eze Udo of Ojo, it goes on and on but if they start saying they are Eze Ndi Igbo, people know they are impersonating. I did not come here to fight for a name. So what stands Eze Ndi Igbo out? Culture. When you are talking about culture, we are number one. When they are talking about culture of the people and they mention you, that is something. Culture is something that you cannot buy with money. How did you come about Eze Ndi Igbo? It is a miraculous thing. I dreamt to become king in 1973, but l did not know it will come out this way. About 20 years later, some people came to me and said they want to cap me Eze in Ifako Ijaiye. That was when I remembered what l dreamt in 1973 of becoming an Eze. l decided not to ignore the idea. After being crowned Eze of Ifako Ijaiye, and after my Ofala ceremony, people that came to the event were surprised that such thing could happen in Lagos. That was when the Ohanaeze and the Igbo speaking community came together and told me to aim for the state, that l am the material for the state. The Ohanaeze sent a representative to represent him during the coronation. The morning of that day, we went to Oba Oyekan now late for his blessing. He blessed me, l took oath with him not to work against him and nobody to work against each other that we would join hands to develop Lagos. Before he joined his ancestors, l never betrayed him.

Companies & Stock SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER, 2014

Seplat: Profit still falling on rising cost, dipped revenue

eplat Petroleum Development Company lost nearly one-half of net profit yearon-year in its half-year performance and the significant decline may likely follow the company to full year. The petroleum drilling company is faced with three-pronged operating issues in its effort to post positive score card. One is administrative cost, which has advanced by almost 190 per cent at the end of June, already more than the full year figure in 2013. The second is a decline in sales revenue due to output constraints and the third is rapidly rising interest expenses due to growing debt profile of the company. The company appears unsure what it earned on per share basis at the end of the second quarter, which is quite disappointing for a company of its status. The report it filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange shows that it earned 5 kobo per share at the end of June, considered a flop of the arithmetic of net profit divided by outstanding shares. The NSE itself is incorrectly stating the company’s volume of shares in issue in its website. These are misleading to investors, who need accurate figures for decision making. Its management under Austin O. Avuru, set N16 per share as the minimum dividend to shareholders this year. This will comprise

Skye Bank’s 2013 audited results

Austin Avuru...Seplat’s MD

an interim dividend to be paid in November and a final dividend next year. With 5 kobo per share earned as at June, is it going to pay shareholders from reserve? The need has arisen to take effective actions to step up earnings growth in the second half of the year to narrow the likely wide

margin of earnings drop at full year. He takes responsibility for misreporting earnings per share of N52.47 at mid-year as 5 kobo. The company’s sales revenue for second quarter closed at N60.29 billion, a decline of 7.4 per cent over the corresponding figure last year. Management at-

Can Mobil Oil muster double profit in 2014?

obil Oil Nigeria has experienced a windfall big enough to cause its profit to double in 2014. The oil marketer has already exceeded its 2013 full year profit figure at the end of the second quarter. It can be expected to attain a new profit high at the end of this year, as its recovery process gains momentum. Revenue growth is expected to be moderate but a big leap in profit margin has positioned the company to lead profit growth in the oil marketing group in the current year. The Adetunji Oyebanji-led management of the company, seems set to exercise the same superiority over competitors this year on some key performance numbers. These include earnings per share that is likely to rank second only to Nestle, profit margin that breaks out from the industry standard and exceptional growth in profit that is hardly matched anywhere else in the entire group of listed companies. After-tax profit amounted to N4.82 billion for Mobil Oil Nigeria at the end of the second quarter. This is a leap of 190.4 per cent over the net profit figure of N1.66 billion the company posted in June 2013. Half-year profit figure stands already above the full year profit figure of N3.48 billion the company posted at the

Oyebanji...Mobil’s MD

end of 2013. Based on the growth rate at the end of the second quarter, adjusted for the windfall that occurred in the first quarter, full year net profit is projected at N6.95 billion for the company in the current year. This will amount to doubling the net profit figure the company earned in the 2013 full year. This will be a major acceleration in profit growth from the improvement of 20.8% the company made last year. Mobil is in the second year of profit recovery after it re-

corded profit drops in 2011 and 2012. Until the current year, the company’s profit peak has been the N3.89 billion it posted in 2010. Going by the second quarter interim reports, only two other oil marketers, Forte Oil and MRS Oil may be able to grow profit at all in the current financial year. Its outstanding profit performance this year is spurred by a windfall of N2.79 billion from other operating gains, which was absent in the corresponding period last year. This represents almost 58 per cent of the net profit figure at the end of the second quarter. Sales revenue grew moderately at 8.8 per cent to N42.17 billion year-on-year at the end of the second quarter. This is a slow down from the first quarter figure of N22.41 billion. Based on the current growth rate, turnover is projected at N85.4 billion for the company at the end of 2014. This will be an improvement of 8.4 per cent over the full year sales revenue figure of N78.74 billion in 2013.

Mobil Nigeria’s Q1 2014 results Revenue

2014

Change

N22.41 billion

N19.14 billion

17.1%

N924.09 million

Profit/loss before tax

N4.74 billion

Taxation

N(882.99) million N(299.90)million

-194.4%

Profit/loss after tax

N3.86 billion

519.0%

N624.19 million

413.7%

2014

Change

Revenue

N60.29 billion

N65.14 billion

-7.4%

Profit/loss before tax

N24.22 billion

N32.70 billion

-25.9%

Taxation

N Nill

N14.39 million

0.0%

Profit/loss after tax

N24.22 billion

N47.10 billion

-48.6%

tributed the drop to unplanned down time of 45 days during the period. Full year outlook indicates a turnover in the region of N122.2 billion at full year based on the current growth rate. This means a likely decline of 10.8 per cent from sales revenue of N137.06 billion the company generated in 2013. After-tax profit stood at N24.22 billion at the end of the second quarter, representing a drop of 48.6 per cent year-onyear. Apart from rising cost and declining sales revenue, the absence of a tax windfall, which added N14.40 billion to the bottom line last year, led to the drop in profit. Based on the current growth rate, after tax profit is projected at N49.3 billion at the end of 2014. This will be a drop of 42.5 per cent from the full year profit of N85.68 billion the company posted in 2013. Asset turnover was down from 0.7 at the end of December last year to under 0.2 at the end of June this year. This means a

naira of the company’s assets is generating about 20 kobo of sales revenue this year compared to 70 kobo it did in 2013. The faster drop in profit than revenue indicates some major shifts in the cost structure of the company. Cost increases are led by administrative expenses, which grew by almost 190 per cent to N12.96 billion at the end of June. This has already exceeded the N11.21 billion the company spent on this line in all of 2013. Based on the weighted average number of shares, which the company applied in calculating its earnings per share, its correct earnings per share at the end of June is N52.47, a drop from N102.02 in June last year – which was also wrongly stated as 10 kobo. It stated its average volume of shares as at June last year as 461.67 million, which is also a factual error if the figures in the balance sheet make a correct reading. The company closed last year’s operations with 400 million shares outstanding.

FBN launches Ghanian unit F

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited has officially expanded its operations to Ghana, making it the largest corporate and retail banking financial institution in Africa (excluding South Africa). This follows its 100 percent acquisition of International Commercial Bank Financial Group Holdings AG (ICBFGH) in Ghana, Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone in 2013. The Ghanaian subsidiary, known as FBN Bank Ghana, will spread its operations across 17 branches in Ghana where ICB Ghana formerly operates.

“We (First Bank) are committed to developing a multi-local business model that broadens our geographic revenue base while providing enhanced service delivery to our new customers and equity participation to local investors,” First Bank’s managing director/CEO, Bisi Onasanya said at the bank’s launch at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra. Established in 1894, FBN has established itself as a brand of strength, dynamism and innovation. It has been a leader in introducing banking solutions, setting up the pace for other financial players to follow in Africa.

MoneyGram Nigeria to open outbound money transfer

lobal Money Transfer giant, MoneyGram, may have concluded plans to kick-start its outbound money transfer services from Nigeria to over 200 countries. There are indications that this service will be live this month. The latest move by MoneyGram is aimed at alleviating the stress Nigerians face in sending funds abroad for family upkeep, schooling and other legally recognised developmental purposes. This will align Nigeria with the best-practice around the world, in line with the country’s standing as Africa’s largest economy.

CBN recently licensed the three major Money Transfer Organisations (MTO’s) in Nigeria to engage in outbound service. MoneyGram thus becomes the second operator after Western Union to operate outbound money transfer services from Nigeria. The MoneyGram Outbound Service which will re-inforce the well-known MoneyGram “Receive and Send money in 10 minutes” brand promise is expected to lead to greater convenience and ease as customers will be able to access in the majority of MG location, through their partner banks.

52 Perspectives

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Nigerian Dignity and South Africa’s insults

wice is a coincidence. Thrice is enemy action! The Republic of South Africa, erstwhile apartheid enclave, has disrespected the people of Nigeria once too often! This is not the time for Ambassador Aminu Wali, our foreign affairs minister, to go into winding descriptions and analysis of how big brother does not fight and why Nigeria is important in Africa. We all know the details like a song. This is the time for action. I am not calling for a war against south Africa, far from it; but this is no time to set up a committee, neither is it time for subtle blackmail, stating that South Africa is supporting insurgency by impounding monies found in their country for arms deals. When someone you call your friend seizes money that belongs to you, what do you do? You retaliate! The options for retaliation are numerous. Before that, the presidency in Nigeria could have summoned the South African Ambassador to Nigeria and in no veiled terms, given him a stern warning of the implications of two seizures of money on their soil. If no action is taken on the part of South African government, then Nigeria needs to start serious arm-twisting on her soil by engaging in the subtle intimidation of South African companies wherever they are in Nigeria. Throw tax allegations at them, draw their attention to their expatriate quota. At least do something rather than let them get away with these dastardly acts. We should also call our ambassador home and announce to Nigerians that they are there at their own peril.( It is not as if the Nigerian government offered protection in the first place). President Jacob Zuma and his country men have always felt some measure of disdain towards Nigeria. His whistle-stop diplomacy where he spent less than six hours in Nigeria on his last visit only worsened some observers view of

BUSINESS SENSE ALEX OGUNDADEGBE alexogundadegbe@gmail.com

If we are a giant, we ought to act like one, and stop cowering in the shadows of mediocrity each time a nation takes a swipe at us.

him and our relationship. When President Goodluck Jonathan was to visit, he ended up spending almost a week. Zuma just lost one hundred and fifteen of his country men in The Synagogue Church of All Nations’ building collapse. This has probably worsened relations since no proper explanations have been given for why the building collapsed and nobody has been indicted and arrested till today. Moreover we have had consistent news of intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa; it is so bad that even the South African authorities take part in it. One event that reveals the hatred the people of the gold rich country have for Nigerians, is the murder of reggae superstar Lucky Dube. As judgment was being delivered to the murderer in the

South African Court, the accused was given a chance to speak; his explanation was: “ I thought he was a Nigerian!” They thought Lucky Dube was a Nigerian resident in South Africa so they did not care if they killed him for his car! Nigeria has spent millions of naira on regional integration. Our philosophy and guiding light seeks to project us as a powerful nation with a lot of money and influence. If we are a giant, we ought to act like one, and stop cowering in the shadows of mediocrity each time a nation takes a swipe at us. We can decide to keep mute, let it pass and say big brother does not fight. We can use subtle diplomatic channels to mop up the mess, beam and say: “Its okay!” But the truth is, its not okay! Each time there is a major diplomatic Snafu, there is a trickle down effect on individuals who travel to the countries that are involved. Nigeria restrains herself from taking action and our children are murdered abroad; we restrain from acting and our businessmen are embarrassed and disgraced at the point of entry of countries like South Africa. We restrain ourselves while people spit on us in utter disdain; yet we are top-paying and highly contributory at international forums. I see the hands of the Americans in this. Instinct tells me that the arms and ammunitions companies in South

Africa could have American influence. Since the US decided to stop selling Nigeria weapons because of human rights abuses, Nigerian authorities have not come out to defend the allegations. Does this mean that we can not even get our foreign policy right? Must our countrymen continue to suffer abroad because of the lack of cogent foreign policy? So many questions, yet there are not answers. Perhaps we should not expect too much from the Nigerian nation. The American citizen knows that as long as he follows diplomatic guide lines, “the US has got his back wherever he goes”! With all the resources we have in this country we can not safe guard our citizenry and resources wherever they are. There is nothing sadder for the country. So even though we are outspoken and have a great sense of pride in national dignity when we leave the shores of our country, this oomph has no bearing in many of our neighbors because they regard us with such disdain. On the coast of Africa, Nigeria ought to be one of the most respected countries. They call us respected but they thumb their noses at us behind our backs. I can just bet that President Zuma and his people are thumbing their noses and asking with pumped up pride: “So what are they going to do about it?” That, my friends, is the big question: What are we going to do about it? The stance of subtlety and disregard for our collective dignity which culminates in disrespect by foreign nations will not just go away. Respect is earned not asked for. As long as our citizenry keep queuing up at the embassies in a desperate bid to leave the country, we will never earn it. While we work on the internal vicissitudes of life in Nigeria that send the cream of our professionals abroad, let us show them in Pretoria , Johannesburg and Soweto that we are not pushovers.

Linda Ikeji has disappeared

here is Linda Ikeji’s blog. After a hard day’s work, I settled down in the back seat of my 2014 BMW and brought out my mini iPad getting ready to start enjoying my daily dose of gossip, rumours and news. As a 45-year-old, my usage of the internet is very limited. I cannot do all those fancy things that young people of today engage in. I just read my mails and go to Linda. The lady fascinates me. Her stories, her comments and, most of all, the response of those she calls “Libbers”. So after opening my ipad and typing those famous two words, I settled down, put on my ear phones and waited for the first story and, bang, no Linda. Kai, I thought my data had run out and I checked, I still had data. Abi NEPA has followed me to iPad? There was power so what could be the problem? As I was frantically searching for the blog, I stumbled on another blog trying to explain why Linda’s blog has disappeared. I am not sure of the authenticity of the information, so I won’t repeat it here. Well the blog is gone and dash goes a piece of Nigerian pop culture. The blog gave us a platform to relieve tension and to see Nigeria through a young girl’s eyes. It grew to be very influential and drew in a lot of eyeballs and with it so much money for the owner. She had started dashing out cash gifts to her loyal people and started flaunting her wealth. Brand new cars, homes for her parents and trips

EDGAR’S WORLD JOSEPH EDGAR

josephsamsponedgar@gmail.com to exotic places. It spawned a rash of imitation blogs that have not quite hit the same level. Advertisers and corporates scrambled to have their products and services positioned on the blog. The most interesting part of it were the comments. From those comments one could gauge the level of ignorance that pervades our country when it comes to serious issues. And when the contributions were too long, you will get a lot of “Libbers” complain about the length of the articles and how they did not have the time to read. I once met up with her. I walked up to her at one show at the Eko Hotel. We had a good 30 minutes of conversation and I came out of it, bolstered that if such a shallow-brained lady could make it so rich then there was hope for me. Her understanding of investments

The most interesting part of it were the comments. From those comments one could gauge the level of ignorance that pervades our country was limited to her current account and she was quite distrusting she gave me a fake phone number even though I was introduced to her by her trusted friend. That was silly because I called her everyday for three months and never got the calls picked. She had power and influence. But I sensed the end was coming. The blog was

too powerful and would never have been left under the control of such a young lady. It shaped opinion and dictated trends. Policy makers leverage on it to send their message. Everybody went there to state their position. The traditional media people may have felt kind of small envy. I once read an article in a national paper where the young columnist was describing Linda’s unshaved legs. That was envy. Well, sha, I am feeling really gloomy. By now I would have read one of Charly Boy’s treatise seeking relevance in the face of obvious oblivion. I would have seen Davido flaunting dollars and P-square sharing hair dye with Jermaine Jackson. Chris Okotie would have been explaining for the umpteenth time why he left his latest wife and how he was looking towards Synagogue to pick one of its members as a new wife. Whatever has happened to that blog, it must come back o. If it is Boko Haram, sorry we apologise. If it is the South Africans who are seizing everything Nigerian, they should mind themselves, otherwise I will throw away my MTN phone. Whatever it is, please bring my Linda back o. She just bought a Range Rover; how will she service it? Please, pity her aged parents and her sisters plus her future husband. Let’s have her back. Na beg o.

11 OCTOBER 2014

Jonathan not responsible for closure of Ekiti courts – NLC Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

ontrary to rumours in some quarters that President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the closure of courts in Ekiti State, the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said the continued closure is as a result of the ongoing strike embarked upon by public servants in the state over unpaid salaries and allowances. The NLC was reacting to a statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, accused the President of ordering that the Ado-Ekiti High Court Complex to be sealed off until the Governorelect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, is inaugurated. Workers in the state have been on strike since last

News Extra

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

week over the non-payment of their August and September salaries as well as deductions from their July salaries. The National Judicial Council (NJC) that intervened in the crisis rocking the state judiciary had last week ordered that security be beefed up at the complex. But the NLC in a statement issued by its state Secretary, Ade Obatoye, in Ado-Ekiti, warned politicians against reading political meaning to the issue and stop having the impression that the strike and the recalcitrant posture of the workers to resume work was political. The NLC stated categorically, that the ongoing industrial feud between the workers and government also affected the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which it said, accounted for the closure of courts.

IKEJA FCT 'Our recommendations will Trial of Cynthia Okosogu’s promote internal democracy' alleged killers stalled

NEWS IN BRIE F

The South-South Integration Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday ended its sitting in Abuja, with an assurance that its recommendations would promote internal democracy in the party. The committee, which began sitting on Wednesday, received party delegates from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Rivers and Cross River states, who filed petitions before it. There was, however, no petition or representative from Bayelsa State, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan. The Chairman of the committee, Senator Iya Abubakar, who briefed journalists at the end of the three-day session, said the committee had “very useful, peaceful and productive interactions.”

LAFIA Nasarawa First Lady tasks women on 2015 elections

The trial of alleged killers of late Cynthia Okosogu at a Lagos High Court was stalled yesterday due to the absence of the defense counsel. Okosogu was killed in a room at Cosmilla hotel, Lake View Estate, Festac Town, Lagos after a meeting with friends she met on Facebook. Okwumo Nwabufo, Olisaeloka Ezike, Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso were alleged accomplices charged to court by the Lagos State Government for complicity in Okosogu’s murder. They all pleaded not guilty. The trial judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade granted bail to the first two accused, while others were ordered to be remanded.

108

111,370

The sex ratio of women to 100 men in China, Macao in 2012. Source: Un.org

The total area (in sq. km) of Liberia. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Nasarawa State First Lady, Hajiya Salamatu Al-Makura, on Friday urged women to come out en masse and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began yesterday. Al-Makura made the appeal, while playing host to some women groups which paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Lafia. “The importance of having the permanent voter cards in any election cannot be over-emphasised, hence, there is the need for all women to collect the PVCs and contribute to good governance," she said.

30.1%

The percentage rise in contribution of shares to the Nigeria’s capital importation in 2013 over the previous year. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Suswam denies sponsoring aspirant with state funds Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has denied deducting N3 million from each of the 23 local government areas of the state through the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to bankroll the campaign of one of the 23 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants, Dr. Eugene Aliegba, to emerge as his successor in 2015. The governor made the denial while fielding questions from journalists in his office at the Government House, Makurdi. He explained that he had no hand in the choice

of whoever succeeds him as the next governor of the state, noting that his party, the PDP, had created a level playing field for all aspirants to sell their candidature to the electorate whom he said had the right through the ballot to elect their leaders. Suswam also said he had not anointed anyone to take over the leadership of the state from him, stressing that the aspirants peddling such rumours were rather wasting their time. The governor, who decried the state of the government house press centre, which he said was an embarrassment to his administration, promised to build and equip a new one with modern gadgets.

Oil prices drop to four-year low Adeola Yusuf

il price dropped to $88.40 a barrel on Friday, a price not seen since November 2010. The falls came after big declines in the US and Asia. On Thursday, the Dow Jones had its biggest oneday fall of the year, closing down almost two per cent at 16,659.25. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also cut its forecasts for global growth in 2014 and 2015. In Tokyo on Friday, the Nikkei closed down 1.15 per cent at a two-month low of 15,300.55. US oil fell $1.92 a barrel to $83.85, its weakest level since June 2012. Both oil benchmarks have lost about 20 per cent since their peak in June. Oil prices have been undermined by a combination

of increasing supplies and weakening demand. This week, German economic data has presented a consistently negative picture. Figures released on Thursday showed exports fell 5.8 per cent in August, and this followed weak industrial output figures on Tuesday. The IMF said there was a 35 to 40 per cent chance of the eurozone re-entering recession piled on the woes. Its downgrade of prospects for the three biggest eurozone countries' economies, Italy, France and Germany, prompted the Chancellor, George Osborne, to warn the UK economy was facing a "critical moment". He told the BBC: “The eurozone risks slipping back into crisis. Britain cannot be immune from that. It's already having an impact on our manufacturing and our exports.”

L-R: Regional Manager, Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship Programme, British Council, Adetomi Soyinka; Director, Programmes, Nigeria, Louisa Waddingham; Project Manager, Higher Education, Mrs. Sephora Imomoh and Chief Operating Officer/Business Director, Cutler Communications, Mrs. Laura Oloyede, at a press briefing to announce the forth coming British Council UK Education Exhibition FAIR in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

'Boko Haram still holding Camerounian leader's wife' REFUTAL

No relief yet for Boko Haram's captives in Cameroun as government minister denies their release Sola Adeyemo

Ibadan with agency reports

ameroun’s Communication Minister, Issa Bakary, on Friday said he was surprised by the news that some hostages kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Northern Cameroun had been released as reported by a news website. According to the report, Boko Haram militants had released the wife of Camerounian Deputy Prime Minister, Amadou Ali, 10 Chinese workers and district heads who were kidnapped in different attacks. But reacting to the report, Bakary said: “You are the first to give me that information.”

l Cleric predicts end of insurgency The Chinese workers were found missing and believed to be taken by the Nigerian rebels on May 16 after an attack at a Chinese work site in northern Cameroun. The wife of Amadou Ali was also believed to have been kidnapped on July 27 by Boko Haram militants in Kolofata but the group did not claim responsibility. President Paul Biya had in August strengthened military operations in the far north region to fight against Boko Haram militants. Meanwhile, President and Founder of the Victory International Church (a.k.a Rehoboth Cathedral), Oluyole, Oyo State, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has predicted that the Boko Haram insurgents would soon be disappointed and frustrated by God. He also predicted that: “The end of terrorism in Nigeria is closer than it began.” Adelakun, who is the chairman of the Pentecos-

tal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), stated this during a press conference heralding the 25th anniversary of the church from October 15 to 19. Noting that essence of the event was “to appreciate God's faithfulness and His grace upon this Ministry,” Adelakun said terrorism was not limited to Nigeria, but a global phenomenon. He said Nigeria and indeed Africa’s case was peculiar, adding: “God has said He is the only one that can disappoint and frustrate their token. He is the God that frustrates the token of liars and set the diviners mad. “There have been prophesies concerning Nigeria that the whole of Africa is like a gun and Nigeria is the trigger point. There is a revival that the devil is visiting on Nigeria, but I can assure you that only God’s counsel will stand. If anything has a begin-

ning, it must have an end, and the end of terrorism in Nigeria is closer than when it began.” He admitted that the military are doing their best, but said: “We should note that Nigeria's borders are also porous, and that is why we need to work with the other nations that are surrounding us like Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic, to be able to curb the incursion of terrorists into our nation.” Adelakun said that the terrorist groups in Africa, including the Al Shabab in East Africa and Boko Haram in Nigeria had powerful forces behind them, “who are funding them.” Reacting to the burning of about 135 churches in the North recently, the cleric said: “It is a pointer to the agenda of the founding fathers of these terrorists. PFN is providing relief materials for the displaced, but I use this medium to call on the Federal Government to also come to the aid of these displaced Christians.”

News

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

PORT HARCOURT ‘Lack of political ideology, bane of Nigeria’s democracy’

N EWS I N BRIEF

Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Terry Godfrey, on Friday said lack of ideology in Nigeria’s political system was capable of truncating its democracy. Godfrey said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Port Harcourt while speaking on defection of party members from one party to another. He said greed and avarice had always remained the reason for the traffic of some politicians who had thrown caution into the wind. “If the political system had recognised ideology as the basis of political participation, then it would have been very difficult for politicians to interchange parties,” he said.

3.4bn

The total urban population of the world in 2009. Source: Unesco.org

OSOGBO Aregbesola commiserates with Fasanmi

Osun State Government has described the death of Madam Adejoke Fasanmi, the wife of Senator Ayo Fasanmi as a great loss to the State of Osun and the South-West. Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of the Fasanmi matriarch had left a large vacuum in Osun as her motherly role in the socio-political affairs would be greatly missed by the government and the good people of the state. The governor described Fasanmi as a great mother, loyal wife and above all a humanist per excellence.

TIN CAN ISLAND Tin-Can Island Customs Command nets N69.1bn revenue

The Tin-Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N69.1 billion revenue in the third quarter of this year. The controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Zakari Jibrin, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Lagos. He said this year’s third quarter revenue was higher than the corresponding period last year, when N67.4 billion was generated. Jibrin said the NCS realised N23.4 billion in July; N21.1 billion in August and N24.5 billion in September.

7,809

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation of Togo assisted by UNHCR at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

€58m

The total amount spent on players transfer by Southampton as at August 18, 2014. Source: Goal.com

Ozekhome’s column debuts tomorrow in New Telegraph

“T

he Nigerian Project” is a weekly column that discusses how to retool, re-engineer and refurbish the contraption called Nigeria. Nigeria is a country in a state of flux, nascent, inchoate and like clay, waiting to be moulded into any shape, by their midwives (leaders and led). Ozekhome’s rich resume includes over three decades of law practice and incisive commentaries on public discourse, having been called to bar in 1981. He would, expectedly, reflect such remarkable experience in the column. Born on October 15, 1957, at Iviukwe, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, in Edo State, Ozekhome is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and is also an Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR). He earned a Bachelor or Law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife) in 1980 and also has

a post-graduate degree in law obtained in 1982 from the same university. He was a Federal Government nominee to Vision 2020 (representing the Judiciary and Rule of Law thematic area). This special committee was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to reposition Nigeria as one of the leading economies in the World by the year, 2020 (2009). Ozekhome was also a Federal Government nominee (representing Civil Society) to the National Political Reform Conference (NPRC) (2005). This was a gathering of very high profile Nigerians cutting across all strata of the Nigerian society who were carefully selected by the Federal Government of Nigeria to form a Constituent Assembly to discuss and debate burning issues concerning Nigeria with a view to arriving at a National Consensus. He is married with children.

Imoke’s ex-aide: Why I’m vying for House seat Bola Kareem

D L-R: Newly installed President, Rotary Club of Apapa, Lagos, Innocent Umeh; his wife, Genevieve and past President and a former Director of Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information, Ben Eke, during the investiture of Umeh in Lagos…recently

Benue uncovers 14,000 ghost workers on LG payroll FRAUD End of road for corrupt officials as Benue government discovers ghost staff Cephas Iorhemen

Makurdi

enue State Government yesterday said it had uncovered 14,000 ghost workers out of the 29, 600 members of staff on the payroll of the 23 local government areas in the state. Of the 29,600 staff, only 16,000 were discovered to have genuine letters of employment. This startling finding was contained in the interim report on Local Government Salary Automation Exercise carried out by the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. On the sideline of this,

l 85,000 benefits from Kwara Health Insurance Scheme

about 85,000 rural dwellers have benefitted from the Kwara State Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) from 2007 to date. Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Solomon Wombo, gave the figure of the ghost workers during a meeting with local government chairmen. He lamented that the report also revealed that under-aged children of 12 years also appeared for the screening and wondered how they were employed. Wombo said that a joint committee would be sent out to verify and confirm the authenticity of the report for onward presentation to the governor, and cautioned the chairmen to resist the temptation to carry out new employment especially now that their tenures were getting to an end.

While charging them to immediately commence payment of salaries of their staff, the Special Adviser warned that no money should be diverted for any other persons. Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Kwara State governor on Community Health Insurance Scheme, Alhaji Oba Sulyman, gave the figure of the beneficiaries of the health scheme

on Friday in Ilorin, while fielding questions from newsmen on CHIS. He said the five-year renewable scheme, being supported by international development partner, was targeted to cover 600,000 beneficiaries by 2022, if the programme was renewed. Sulyman added that the current five-year term, renewed in 2012, was expected to terminate in 2017.

r. Alex Ebgona, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has said he is seeking election into the House of Representatives because of the need to effect radical and positive changes in the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. He said in an interview in Calabar, that although past and present representatives of the constituency had done their best, having worked with and learnt from Imoke for close to eight years, he was well armed to serve with humility and take advantage of opportunities to turn things around. He said he acquired so much experience as a former councillor, an aide to former governor Donald Duke, deputy chief of staff and then the chief of staff and was ready to continue with his empowerment projects even in the House. He said the Abi/Yakurr

people “should be looking forward to a very vibrant representation and I have told them that I have a target of 36 to 48 months to make a difference and if I don’t, I will not be asking for another mandate". He also said he would work very closely with the present member of the House representing the area. “My relationship with Hon. Bassey Ewa is very cordial because I was the person who moved the motion that made him to go to the House of Representatives. I will tap from his knowledge and experience. Incidentally, he has experience in the legislature too; he has been in the House of Assembly as the speaker, before he moved to the House of Representatives. “He has done his own bidding and I’m actually going to improve on what he has done. If there is anything he has not done, I will look at them and try to do it and even do better."

Aspirant condemns debasing of PDP billboards in Ogun Olushola Ricketts

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial aspirant from Ogun East in Ogun State, Mr. Olugbenga Banjoko, has said the debasing of campaign billboards and posters of his party members in Ijebu Ode, by yet-tobe-identified persons is uncalled for.

In a statement issued by his press secretary, Mr. Samson Egbepeju, the aspirant said debasing of billboards and posters of opposition candidates could not influence the interest of the electorate. According to him, the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) is intimidated by the popularity and acceptability of

PDP by the people of the state, which made them to take cover under the darkness of the night to perpetrate unpopular and ignominious activities. The statement stated: “It has been brought to our notice that some members of All Progressives Congress in Ogun State have started destroying the campaign

billboards and posters of our members ahead of next year's election. Some of our members saw them at Ojude Oba where they were destroying the posters. The area where the hoodlums vandalised our posters include; Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo, Sagamu and some strategic areas within the Ogun East Senatorial District."

Sport Extra

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

11 OCTOBER 2014

Falcons to defeat CIV as birthday gift for Oshoala

Beat Sudan, Mark charges Eagles

uper Falcons skipper, Evelyn Nwabuoku, yesterday said the team had promised to beat Ivory Coast as a gift to striker Asisat Oshoala who celebrated her 20th birthday on Thursday. Oshoala, the MVP and top goal scorer at Under-20 World Cup in Canada, on her part however said she would work hard for the team to do well and achieve their target of reclaiming the title they lost in Equatorial Guinea two years ago. “I thank God for making me add another year to my life and I wish to celebrate it by performing well and meet the expectations of Nigerians at this AWC. “I don’t make promises but I can only assure them that I will give my best to ensure that we do well and win the cup for Nigerians. Adding another year to my life in a foreign land portends lots of positives for me and the team and I pray that God will give us the strength and luck to win the cup,” Oshoala said. The Falcons arrived Windhoek on Thursday and also have the feel of the Sam Nujoma Stadium Friday evening. The team was received on arrival by Nigeria’s envoy to Namibia, Ambassasdor Biodun Olorunfemi, who urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria on and off the pitch and also to return home with the trophy. There was no injury problem with the team and all the players are eagerly looking forward to the opening game according to the Media Officer of the team, Gracious Akujobi.

Chukwu David Abuja

I did not shut-out Ik Uche - Keshi Eagles to don all-white jersey for the crucial match

Sudan v Nigeria Time: 8pm (6pm Nigerian time)

Ike Uche (inset: Keshi)

uper Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, was livid with rage when he read reports credited to him to the effect that he has shut the Super Eagles permanently against Villareal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche. Clarifying what he said at Wednesday’s media parley in Abuja, Keshi said for the umpteenth time what he said was that he would not beg Uche to play for Nigeria, especially when there are other players who are willing and ready at all times to play for the Super Eagles. “I don’t know where they got that portion of their reports from, but I never said Uche won’t play as long as I remain coach of the team. In the near future if he changes his mind and indicates interest to play, he will be considered on merit.” He urged the media not to sensationalise the Ik Uche issue as it would not help resolve anything. “We have to help all our players grow so that we can all build a strong national team and the media is a partner in this regard,” he said.

He said he did not have anything personal against the Villarreal striker but would not force him to play for Nigeria against his will. The Super Eagles arrived Khartoum, the Sudanese capital on Friday at 6am local time and 4am in Nigeria aboard Sudan Airways for the crucial Nations Cup qualifier against the Sudanese national team. Reception from the Sudan Immigration was smooth while a handful of Nigerians were outside cheering the team. After airport formalities, the team was driven to nearby Grand Holiday Inn, where it will stay for two nights. Meanwhile, at the match coordination meeting on Friday afternoon, it was decided that the Super Eagles will dorn all–white jersey with green stripes while the Falcons will wear all– red with white stripes. Although temperature has soared above 40 degrees, Sudan FA Public Relations Manager Issam Gumaa has said that it will be much cooler at night when the match will take place. The match is scheduled for 8pm local time and 6pm Nigeria time.

resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has charged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to defeat their Sudanese counterparts in today’s qualifier to restore their pride as the defending champions. Mark said that the Super Eagles needed to step up their games and restore the confidence of Nigerians in their abilities to remain the African champions. The senate president insisted that only an emphatic win in the game would assuage the feelings of Nigerians after the Super Eagles woeful outing against Congo in their first game. He made this known during the visit of Amaju Pinnick-led new executive of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, in Abuja. He however tasked the new NFF to rise up to the challenge of improving football administration in Nigeria, saying: “your predecessors did their best but you just have to improve on their records and bring our footfall to an enviable position in the world.” “We have all the potentials and talents. We need to tap and harness them.”

Mark

Akpabio drags Pele, other top stars to Uyo ...plans big for stadium opening

Adekunle Salami

G Oshoala

lobal football icon, Edson Arantes de Nacimento, popularly known as Pele, is top on the list of dignitaries expected to grace the opening of the new Akwa Ibom Stadium on November 6 in Uyo. Governor Godswill Akpabio stated on Thursday evening that Pele was just one of the top football stars expected to grace the grand opening

Enugu to send 200 to Sports Festival Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

nugu State will send a 200-strong contingent to represent the state at the 19th edition of National Sports festival tagged Paradise Games holding in Calabar, Cross River State ,between November 21 and December 7. The state Commissioner for Information Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, announced this while speaking to journalist at the end of the state Execu-

which would also have top current and past international stars in attendance. “We are planning big for the opening. We want the big known football stars to be in Akwa Ibom and experience our hospitality during the programme. “The people of the state will also have the opportunity to see many of the stars they have been watching on television live at the stadium.”

President Goodluck Jonathan is billed to open the stadium while an exhibition match is being planned to hold also on that day. The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, in his remark, urged other state governors to emulate Akpabio in the development of football in the country. “The stadium is very beautiful but we really want more of such in other parts of the country,” Pinnick said.

GAMES/CROSS WORD PUZZLE

tive Council meeting at the Golden boot African past winners. Government House, Enugu. KEY WORDS Ugwoke explained that ODEGBAMI McCARTHY BELLOUMI BERLET ZEID the number would be made DIBA OKWARAJI TRAORE OMONDI YEKINI MILLA KEITA up of officials and athletes BWALYA HAMID BADAWI while also revealing that HASSAN AL HASSAN MBANO already the state Executive O A B I J A R A W K O A Council had approved the D G W M B T R A O R M B sum of over N91 million for N A A S A H D A T I E K R O L P D T V A Y D N O all the necessary arrange- U I Y L A E L H R N E B ments to prosecute the game. I D A D W L T R A O R E According to him, the N C I E I R E R B M R L I V G M A E D F I O T L amount covers the costs of camping of athletes, partici- K I T C A B Z O D N E O E J C A L H A S S A N U pation in the zonal qualifi- Y M R A N I K E Y B S M ers and participation in the W K O O D E G B A M I I game proper.

4 7

9 10

14 16 18 19 21 24 25

1 Act of killing oneself 5 Enemy 7 A Boolean operator 8 ‘Hand’ in Edo language 9 Electronic Stability Prog. (abbr.) 10 At the same height 11 Animals worked together 12 Indicates position

16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26

Jewish calendar’s 11th month Thai unit of currency Talk with too much pride 2nd Republic Benue Gov. Lagos suburb Hit hard Honey-making insect Town in Rivers state

15 17

DOWN 1

20 22

ACROSS

Frightened somebody

14 LGA in Ogun state

2 Africa’s largest city

15 Use of sarcasm

3 The same

19 Specific function

4 Spend money

20 Hindu religious teacher

5 Not regulated

21 Protective clothing

6 Snake-like fish 13 Glut somebody

See solution on page 23

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‘we’d die in Khartoum’ – Onazi, echiejile

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014.

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Guest Columnist: Rev. Chris Okotie

Why Pastor Oritsejafor must resign now

he recent seizure by the South African authorities of $9.3m found in a private jet owned by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has aggravated the image problem of this country at a time when the narrative of this government is brimming with negatives under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. The South African government took the action on the alleged charge that the undeclared $9.3m found in the plane might have been laundered. This revelation came when the dust generated by the seemingly dubious donation of the jet to Pastor Ayo is yet to settle. His friendship with the President has been at the centre of the controversies that mark his explosive tenure as the leader of the eponymous religious organization in Nigeria. Not that it is a sin to be the President’s Pal, but when such relationship becomes provocatively patronizing, or self-serving, it is unacceptable. The Pastor does not show restraint in the way he goes about, publicly hobnobbing with the President as if he is the Chaplain of Aso Rock. This certainly has compromised the integrity of his office as CAN President and this latest incident is just the climax of embarrassing incidents we can’t tolerate any longer. Considering the collateral damage Pastor Ayo’s close relationship with the President has done to the Christian community, it is fit and proper for the Pastor to resign immediately as CAN President to salvage what remains of the battered image of the association. This is without prejudice to the on-going investigation on the matter. Denials of his culpability by the Federal Government, CAN officials and his own recent defense, does nothing to reduce the moral burden this whole saga places on his shoulders. As the titular leader of Christians in Nigeria, there’s now a serious crisis of confidence on his leadership and he ought to respond to it by resigning from his exalted position. That is what the ecclesiastic responsibility of his calling as a gospel minister dictates, once he finds himself in a situation where his continued occupation of public office suffers a moral deficit, on account of any error of commission or omission. If one may ask: why should Pastor Ayo’s jet be the one that was chartered for this ill-fated transaction when there are numerous competitors in that business in which he is obviously a new player? It is very difficult to sustain the argument that a civilian aircraft is ideal to ferry weapons of war. A sitting President of CAN should

Okotie

never be involved in any way in the procurement of arms to fight insurgents like Boko Haram which claims Islamic principles in its war against the state. To do so is to expose Christians to more deadly attacks. To whom much is given, much is expected. The Pastor has the distinction of being the first and only person to occupy the posts of CAN President, and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, until recently when Rev. Felix Omobude succeeded him as PFN President. Pastor Ayo’s friendship with President Jonathan is perfectly legitimate and nobody should attempt to query such relationship. However, the Pastor opens himself to criticism of this otherwise normal social interaction because of his indiscretion in identifying too closely to the President, in a way that suggests a veiled endorsement of Dr. Jonathan’s policies and actions by the entire Christian community. He ought to have identified privately with the President knowing full well that he carries the mandate of the Christian community at these trying times. In a nation of contending faiths, Pastor Ayo literally ignores our divergent religious sensibilities as he sometimes gets himself involved in public quarrels with the President’s critics, from the muslim faith as well as in the opposition. Not all Christians are comfortable with this posture by their leader, especially

Oritsejafor

Why should Pastor Ayo’s jet be the one that was chartered for this ill-fated transaction when there are numerous competitors in that business in which he is obviously a new player?

at a time of intense politicking and the sectarian tensions generated by the Boko Haram insurgents and communal violence involving ethnic minorities with entrenched religious identities. The cumulative effect of Pastor Ayo’s abrasive leadership style has also polarized the Christian community as evidenced by the current unprecedented division in CAN. Before now, leaders of this organization deliberately stayed out of politics in keeping with the traditional stance of neutrality of the body vis-a-vis the policy postures of incumbent governments. In fact, former PFN leaders like the late Archbishop Benson Idohosa and ex-CAN President, Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie kept governments on their toes during their time. In more mature democracies, it is not unusual for public officers to resign from office when their actions appear to degrade their positions. And they would not have to wait to be found guilty in circumstances surrounding their actions before they throw in the towel. In other words, they could even be victims of circumstances; or in rare cases, subjects of blackmail. It didn’t matter. Once you are pelted in any way, you quit to protect the integrity of your office. That was the case of Dominic Strauss-Khan who resigned his position as the President of IMF because he was accused of molesting a maid in a hotel in the United States. He was eventually acquit-

ted after a celebrated trial. The Prime Minister of South Korea, Jong Hong-won resigned because his compatriots were drowned recently in a chartered cruise ship which carried some students on a picnic. Just last month, the First Minister of Scotland, Mr. Alex Salmond resigned because he led his country’s failed bid to gain independence from the United Kingdom. Nobody asked him to resign; he did so of his own accord because he felt it was wrong to continue to run a country he launched on a part of an unsuccessful “secession”. If purely secular leaders could do this to affirm their integrity, Pastor Ayo should take the honourable path by leaving office, not necessarily because he is guilty as charged, but to restore honour to an exalted office he has unwittingly degraded because of his unabashed flirtation with the head of a government that is perceived as one of the most corrupt in the world. The Bible commands us to “flee from all appearance of evil”. Nobody says Pastor Ayo cannot do business; he could have been in order, if he does so as the Pastor of his Word of Life Bible Church, WOLBC. But since his private jet was involved in a transaction gone awry in a foreign land, while he is still the sitting President of CAN, it is difficult for him to continue to command the respect of Nigerian Christians of diverse denominations who constitute the CAN group, regardless of the defense his sympathizers and the Federal Government tried to put up on his behalf. If this incident had happened in Pastor Ayo’s capacity as the head/founder of the Word of Life Bible Church, no one could justifiably call for his head because the Bible teaches that the “call of God is without repentance”. In other words, regardless of the conduct of a servant of God, He does not remove them from office or withdraw their anointing. This is one of the mysteries of the gospel. The Almighty has a way of chastising his errant servants. But here, we are dealing with Pastor Ayo as the leader of CAN; the largest umbrella of Nigerian Christians. He is condemned to be judged by secular standards, which, in this case, demands that, having found himself in a quagmire which calls to question, the sanctity of his office, he must step down to redeem his image. The Pastor should quit the CAN post and return to his church where he could then recalibrate himself, away from this season of anomie. Rev. Okotie, a Presidential Aspirant, wrote from Lagos.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani.