21 sept 2014

SUNDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY

Sanctity of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 215

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N150 Body Soul

FASHION

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Elegant styling with jumpsuits p.22, 43

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEM

BER 2014

NEWS

POLITICS

BUSINESS

Ebola: Lagos, FCT schools to resume tomorrow

I don’t have a criminal record - Araraume

Kudos, knocks as Emefiele marks 100 days in office

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No marriage is worth dying for - Pastor tor Chile

ume

My Ebola story Sunday New Telegraph Exclusive

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Survivor-nurse infected

by Patrick Sawyer

Jonathan AT synagogue TRAGEDY SITE

lVows to investigate deaths lSouth African mother awaits daughter’s return Tai Anyanwu

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid a sympathy visit to the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, where 80 persons died in a collapsed building on September 12.

The President, who was accompanied by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adamu Mu’Azu; a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, vowed that the in-

cident would be properly investigated and necessary action taken.

He arrived at the church about 9am and inspected the site of the building collapse. Jonathan also promised to work with governors to check incidences of building collapse in the country.

“The President came to the church this morning to see things for himself.

He met with Prophet T.B. Joshua and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families,” Ibrahim Farinloye of the National CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

L-R: General Overseer, Synagogue Church of All Nations, Temitope Joshua; President Goodluck Jonathan; PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’Azu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa during a visit to SCOAN headquarters in Lagos... yesterday

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Contents | 21.09.14 BODY & SOUL

No Marriage Is Worth Dying For – Chile Ume Once a man starts beating a woman, the beast in him can hardly be contained

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SUNDAY MAGAZINE

Black Scorpion: An Intimate Portrat The Sunday Magazine takes a look at the life and times of late Brig-Gen Benjamin Adekunle, regarded as a soldier’s soldier who executed the Nigeria civil war with crude brutality

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POLITICS

e-Id Card And The Tasks Ahead The e-identity card has been launched by President Goodluck Jonathan. But what are its potential for national planning, security and growth?

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BUSINESS

Kudos, Knocks As Emefiele marks 100 Days In Office Stakeholders differ on CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele’s policy on Monetary Policy Rate

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FAITH

Catholic Church’s Peace Initiatives Justice Department and Peace Committee of the Catholic Church in Jos, Plateau State spends N50 million to promote peace in the state.

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SPORT

I Was Like A President In Belgium, Says Etim Esin

There are many ways to create a job for the survival of the ex-international. But it is sad that the NFF has been pushing ex-internationals away from these positions

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Editorial

Peace in a season of strife

N

igeria joins the rest of the world today to mark International Day of Peace (IDP).

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “The Right of Peoples to Peace.”

Devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples, the IDP was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which is held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, September 21 was adopted as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

For us here, this year’s IDP comes at a time of escalating violence arising from interethnic conflicts, boundary conflicts between states, war of attrition against the state by the implacable Boko Haram Islamic sect and the untold hardship triggered by incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country by rampaging Fulani herdsmen. So, in a sense, the Day comes as a sad reminder of our collective failure to maintain the peace in our land: to think that we could not, for example, stop the invidious philosophy of a band of shallow Islamists from morphing into a movement that now threatens to consume all of us!

The Norwegian Refugee Council’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Center recently estimates that there are 3.3 million displaced persons in Nigeria. This ranks Nigeria third in the world as country with highest number of refugees and displaced persons, after Syria and Colombia, and certainly first in Africa.

These are certainly bad times for Nigeria, especially for those in the Northeast, as where the Boko Haram insurgency is fiercest. As the days go, the insurgents seem to gain more confidence as they chase more and more hapless villagers away from their homes in the North East and occupy their communities. Suicide bombings, direct gun assaults and knifings, all employed by the insurgents have combined to make life practically unbearable in the three most affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

Indeed, more people have been displaced and uprooted from their homes than can actually be accounted for. Besides, the 200plus Chibok girls abducted some 158 days ago are yet to be located and rescued. Similarly, thousands more have also been displaced as a result of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in states like Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Kaduna, Nasarawa, among others.

These are all depressing statistics, made worse by the fact that in a war situation such as we have at the moment, there is scarcely any progress in the economic and social spheres: without doubt, education, healthcare, the justice system, law and order, among others take, have taken the back seat, especially in the conflict zone. Displaced persons suffer untold hardships. They lack basic necessities of life, such as potable water, food, medical care and viable means of livelihood. Children are pulled out of schools and are without a future in camps where they confronted with the many health hazards of living in camps such as the ever present danger of an outbreak of diseases, malnutrition and insecurity. Usually neglected and isolated, displaced persons soon begin to lose their sense of self-worth and instead develop a sense of alienation from the state and people that “have abandoned them to their unenviable fate.” Such a situation is certainly not good for the country.

Today, then, is a time for sober reflection and call to action. We expect Nigerians to use this occasion to take stock of all the lives that have been lost in the last few years and show empathy and love to thousands of people that have been displaced, persecuted and humiliated all over the country in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.

We call for the demilitarization of the whole country. We must reduce the heavy influx into our country of arms and ammunition, which have found their way into wrong hands. It is our belief that concerted efforts and actions by governments, development stakeholders, corporate organizations and private citizens are needed to find lasting solutions to issues that create divisions and disharmony in our society.

It requires only political commitments of governments and our collective determination to end all conflicts, wars and violence.

We believe that security breaches can and must be arrested through inter-agency and inter-governmental collaboration and intelligence sharing mechanism. In this way, we shall quickly bring an end to the insurgency and other armed conflicts and resettle the displaced persons wherever possible and as soon as possible.

Nigerians deserve a safe, secure, and peaceful environment to strengthen and sustain our democracy. The purpose of setting aside this day would not be achieved if all arms were not put down to make way for peaceful co-existence. We appeal to all warmongers, terrorists and their sponsors to give peace a chance for the sake of humanity.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Advert Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Ag. Sales/Marketing Manager n Uchey Okezie

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

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The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Benjamin Adekunle Black Scorpion: An intimate portrait

He was always talking to the foreign journalists

The house where he died

Adekunle commanding artillery fire in Port Harcourt during the war

M

Ahaoma Kanu any reports, books, accounts and testimonies have been written about the late Commander of the Third Marine Commandos, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle, and his exploits during the Nigeria civil war of 196770. These stories, told by actors, historians, colleagues and even family members paint different shades of the man, who was later to be known as the Black Scorpion. Without doubt, Adekunle remains the most controversial figure during the war.

Accounts of his escapades, bravery, fearlessness, brutality and sometimes, savagery have been told from both the Nigerian side and from secessionist Biafra’s perspective.

Surprisingly, Adekunle, who passed away last week at the age of 78, did not write his memoirs on a war he was overwhelming a major player.

The only attempt made in this regard was the effort of his son, Abiodun Adekunle, in

2004, to publish some of his father’s letters and correspondences during the war along with some personal inputs by this father in The Nigeria Biafra War Letters- A Soldier’s Story.

In this work, the younger Adekunle tried to paint the picture of a humane father. The book also sought to portray him as a nationalist executing an order bestowed on him by his fatherland. Though the author said he used the book to refute some long standing historical misconceptions about his father which, over the years, had grown to assume the status of historical fact, he made it clear that the story was not entirely from the horse’s mouth. He said the project was compiled from discussions with his father and research into the late army officer’s personal records. The book also drew from other accounts of the war as recorded by Adekunle’s colleagues.

In a May 2004 interview with Bowker Magazine, the author told Richard Lorenzo that his father never shared his experiences during the war with his family.

“My father never shared any of his experiences during the war with me. Everything I know about the war and his participation in it I have derived from research by sorting through his personal records. Now, I don’t mean we never talked about this. Usually after I had read an account by someone else and required more insight or his perspective, he would give that. But sharing war stories at dinner was not a tradition I grew up with.

I think he did that intentionally with us to create some distance with the controversy of the war policies and the controversial figure he became.

“In fact, I often find myself reading accounts either from historians or personal civilian memoirs and find myself feeling righteously indignant about the injustice of that conflict.

I have to remind myself that I have a direct connection with the most controversial figure of the conflict, which is not something that I can easily convey; it’s a pretty surreal experience actually,” he said.

The controversy that clung to Adekunle

during his military career, especially the war period, still trails him in death. Last week, as the National Assembly resumed hearing after a long recess, a call by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for the House to observe a minute’s silence for the late war hero was met with stiff opposition by some lawmakers from the South-East.

They were of the view that the actions of the deceased during the war were inglorious and undeserving of any national recognition.

Many Nigerians of Igbo extraction have not forgotten about his perceived hatred for their people, especially his outburst in an August 1968 interview with Randolph Baumann of Stern magazine. He reportedly said, “I want to see no Red Cross, no Caritas, no World Council of Churches, no Pope, no missionary, no United Nations delegation. I want to prevent even one Igbo from having even one piece to eat before their capitulation. We shot at everything that moved, and when our CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Magazine

Black Scorpion: An intimate portrait

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3

troops moved into the centre of Igbo territory, we shot at everything; even those that did not move.”

Before the emergence of written accounts of the war by some actors started appearing, Adekunle was regarded as perhaps the most popular officer that prosecuted the war. His battle exploits and myths surrounding his prowess were reported all over the world by the international media. Also, his penchant for giving foreign journalists statements reverberated across newsrooms all over the world and made him the most sought after commander prosecuting the war.

According to the November 3, 1967 edition of the New York Times, when the Third Marine Commandos stormed Calabar, Adekunle asked the newspaper’s correspondent to announce to the world that soldiers under his command were more than Barbarians.

“We are just a people fighting for freedom, fighting to keep our country one,” he insisted.

His face represented the warlord; Nigerians saw him as the man at the war front, trying through thick and thin to restore the unity of the country after the political crisis which culminated into the war. He was seen as a hero to the Nigerian side at the time, and an exterminator and brutal killer by the people of Biafra. To some of his colleagues in the army, he was seen as an ambitious officer who had a political ace up his sleeve.

They believed he was using the war as a platform to realise this ‘selfish’ objective.

Adekunle was retired from the army in 1974. Ten years after the war ended, the first account of the inside story from some actors that fought the war came from former head of state, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who coincidentally took over command of the Third Marine Commando which was organised, built and even christened by Adekunle.

In My Command, Obasanjo’s 1980 account of the civil war, his first mention of Adekunle was as a mutinous commander who wanted to kill some Igbo officers who were being evacuated from the North after the first coup of 1966. This action, he claimed, happened after an ad hoc conference of the representatives of the regions called on August 1966 in Lagos, where the Supreme Commander recommended that military personnel be posted to barracks within their respective regions of origin in order to stop the killings of Igbos within the North.

He went further to hint on Adekunle’s alleged zeal to use the war for personal political influence. Obasanjo wrote that after the commandos captured Obubra in present-day Cross River State, Adekunle issued orders for an advance to Port Harcourt. When the objective was achieved, Adekunle saw the conquest as a means to build up his profile for future political exploits.

Obasanjo wrote: “Although the troops were tired and weary, the capture of Port Harcourt had greatly boosted the prestige and reputation of the division and its commander. Spoils of the war from looting had not been lacking for the troops either. Col. Adekunle, at this junction, saw the war not only in terms of crushing a rebellion, but as a means of building himself for any future political position or responsibility which he might wish to seek. I knew of people of some Western State origin who felt politically victimised and who saw in Col. Adekunle a saviour and told him so, and he believed them. Col. Adekunle’s next plan therefore was a grand one which he nicknamed OAU- the simultaneous capture of Owerri, Aba and Umuahia.”

This rather ambitious adventure, Obasanjo surmised, suffered great consequences and led to a dangerous military development requiring serious remedy.

Some of Adekunle’s actions during his formative years in the army would show in the contrary that he may have abhorred politics.

In Nigeria Biafra Letters- A Soldier’s Story, he declares that his inspiration to join the military was borne out of passion to serve

Adekunle at the front

With his family during the war

Belgian mercenary, Marc Gossens, killed during a Nigerian attack on Onisha in November, 1968

He is known to be tough and rarely smiles

Biafra victims of the war

the fatherland. He states that that helped him to overcome some of the daunting challenges which ordinarily could have discouraged him.

“I enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1957 immediately after I finished my school certificate examination. The idea of beginning ‘life’ at once, without the suspense and irritating interlude of university strongly appealed to me, a young man without the luxurious backdrop of a solicitous family. Large or small, I had already proved my physical mettle on a thousand occasions. Why not, I reasoned, fight for a worthy cause in the service of my fatherland? With the images of the confident giants of 1945 in my head, I departed for Lagos after my final examination and found my way to the Apapa cantonment.

“The first hurdle in my chosen career was a stiff entrance examination. At the succeeding interview, numerous white headed expatriate military officers gave me the grilling of my life. The Nigerian Army was then in its infancy and placed every conceivable impediment to dissuade aspirants from making the army a career. I was not daunted by these obstacles. We were then to undergo physical exercises. I found these exercises hilarious. I was given size 12 boots (I take a size 6); and oversized clothing. For a joke, I put them on and appeared at the venue to the vast amusement of the other boys. Notwithstanding my deficiency in size, I was accepted by the Army,” he recalled.

It is pertinent to note that throughout his career, Adekunle was never part of any coup.

Two military coups occurred in 1966 - the

Nzeogwu coup of January 15 and the counter coup of July 29 of the same year. Adekunle shared his opinion about military takeovers which was sweeping over Africa at that time, saying that some of the unwholesome hunger for power by the military may have been inculcated in the consciousness of soldiers in their formative years.

“Reflecting on Africa’s propensity for coups in the post-independence era, I sometimes felt that it could be traced, to some extent, to the feelings of indispensability that were nurtured in cadets at this stage of our training. Time without number, the importance of our roles in shaping the future of our nations was impressed on the minds of young military officers. This was not done with any sinister motive, but certainly, the orientation we were given was capable of sowing seeds of the ‘messiah complex’ in some of the cadets that passed through the institution.

“Also of some significance, I believe, were subconscious feelings of competitiveness among the officers. If former course mates could successfully execute a coup in their countries who wanted to be caught lagging?

On January 15, 1966, Nzeogwu implemented his coup, in my own opinion; there was a domino effect on the rest of Africa following the one in Nigeria.”

Another episode illustrates Adekunle’s assumed loathing of politicians and tribalism. In 1962, Adekunle, while holding the position of Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the then Governor of the then Eastern Region, Sir Akanu Ibiam, was said to have walked out on his duty post when he could not tolerate further what he

described as his principal’s alleged ethnic jingoism and religious hypocrisy.

This ‘rude’ attitude was exhibited even while he was a undergoing a course at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England. He constantly engaged his tutors in brawls during classes, especially on politics.

“My nemesis in this year was the Political Science course. As far as I could see, the entire exercise was a rather poorly veiled attempt to glorify Western civilization down our throats, western values, norms and political ideology.

On the other hand, Africa, her peoples, her values were denigrated. Needless to say, this left me seething and struggling to keep my peace. All too often (after an initial period of silent anguish), I would erupt and engage my instructor in an animated and nasty verbal brawl. These outbursts earned me an unprecedented total of sixty four days of restrictions with hard labour in my second year. I believe I still hold the punishment record for second year cadets. During my two-year span as a cadet at Sandhurst, I made only one close friend among the entire three hundred cadets I was instructed with an Irishman,” he recounted.

Another account of the war that came out in 1980, but this time from a Biafran perspective, was released by Maj-Gen. Alexander Madiebo, who was Biafran Army commander from September 1967 till the end of the war.

Madiebo, in a well-documented presentation, The Nigeria Revolution and Biafran War, made mention of the fact that Adekunle left Enugu with Northern soldiers without any incident during the evacuation of soldiers to their respective regions of origin. Obasanjo, one would argue, had benefit of the doubt in this narrative for the fact that he served as a Nigerian soldier. Madiebo’s other references to Adekunle in his book shed light on his battle exploits while commanding his division.

If there were doubts about the much rumoured political intentions of Adekunle during the war, Obasanjo’s expose in My Command painted a grim picture of zealousness of the Black Scorpion. Many expected this affront to have spurred him to have, in his accounts, cleared the air on the accusations and discredit laid on his doorsteps. He had a writ of reply and already, Nigeria had become a democracy, which guaranteed him freedom of expression. Adekunle, widely known for his ubiquitous romance with the media in his active soldiering moments of glory during the war, neither confirmed nor refuted Obasanjo’s account. This rather strange silence in the face of such grave accusations tilted many to be in agreement with Obasanjo’s narrative.

The only attempt made at a response was undertaken by the younger Adekunle, and many believed it came 24 years too late.

The late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe’s personal war memoir, There Was a Country, further established Adekunle as having had been notorious for cruelty.

Achebe wrote: “Colonel Adekunle, no doubt a Nigerian war hero, had by now earned a reputation, at least in Biafran quarters, for cruelty and sadism. After a number of provocative public statements illustrating his zeal for warfare, coupled with verbal clashes with international journalists and observer teams, Adekunle became the subject of the local and international spotlight. I was told, away from the media glare, that his conduct became a source of embarrassment for Gowon’s wartime cabinet. Perhaps Adekunle’s most heinous statement during the war was this: ‘(Biafran aid is) misguided humanitarian rubbish… If children must die first, then that is too bad, just too bad’. That statement caused such an international uproar that the federal government of Nigeria found itself in the unenviable position of having to apologise for the actions of not only Adekunle but also of Haruna, leader of Asaba Massacre infamy. Unbeknownst to Adekunle, a quiet retirement from the Nigerian army was in the offing.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

The Sunday Magazine

Beneficiaries of Adekunle’s efforts castigated him most – Col. Achuzia fallen hero.

Col. Joseph Achuzia (retd.), who fought on the Biafran side during the Nigeria civil war, speaks with DOMINIC ADEWOLE on the late war hero, Col. Benjamin Adekunle, in this interview What is your view about Benjamin Adekunle as a military officer?

He was a young dedicated military officer even though he was overzealous in the discharge of his duty. It was this over-zealousness that informed his confrontation with his superiors in the military. In the military parlance, if you go against the tradition of superior to subordinate, you are finished. So, it is a taboo to confront your superiors. Once you come on a confrontational basis all the time with your superiors, you will realise that most of your colleagues, whom you thought at the officers’ mess were your friends, will automatically desert you. That is why Adekunle was relieved of his command.

What culminated into his retirement at the port authority?

I watched his attitude towards dealing with civilians. The way he handled the port authority assignment earned him a lot of jealousy amongst his colleagues which eventually resulted in his retirement. But of as a soldier, he acted in the best interest of the professional system of the military and held the profession in high esteem of efficiency and dedication, even though he fought against Biafra. It was only recently that I started hearing about his connection with beat-ups in the Biafra; all that is history today. I won’t go into his activities during the Biafra war.

Why was Adekunle referred to as Black Scorpion?

It is just like octopus, which is a marine big fish or monster. The young officers at that time could not relate him to an octopus because they had not seen it neither did they understand what it was all about. They could only relate a superior to what they had seen, felt and experienced. All they could think of was a scorpion. And you know what a scorpion can do, how it stings. Consequently, since soldiers like their officer, especially if they fear him or have respect for him, they give him one name or the other to depict his gallantry. Adekunle falls in that category. He can’t be called a white scorpion, because they had not seen that before. That was exactly what happened in Adekunle’s case.

Col. Achuzia

Do you feel the military and the country at large were fair to Adekunle?

As far as I am concerned, the military was very much unfair to him. The government also was unfair to him in all ramifications.

As they would say, spiritually or religiously, what became of him was Karma (nemesis).

You cannot wish that away from his lot because he was opposed to the Biafran war. I wouldn’t say I miss anything about him because we were opposed to each other. The only thing I missed was that the war did not end quickly as we had envisaged. It was a gruelling, tasking and difficult time, too tough to talk about. People were seen dying on both sides of the divide. For me personally, I don’t like recalling the time because it was

a dying moment of misunderstanding from the opposing sides.

Any regret on your side for him?

The only regret I have about him is that those that benefitted from his efforts were those that castigated him the most. Well, everything, as we usually resign to fate in Nigeria, is left to God to be the judge. But the truth remains that Nigeria that benefitted, not the present-day Nigeria; I mean the old Nigeria, through the death to the cross of Biafra, abandoned him and badly engaged him in a lot of hatred. But for us, I believe that we acknowledge our heroes, whether they are dead or alive. We will continue to acknowledge them. So, I raise my cap for the

Was that the same reason you were referred to as ‘Air-Raid’ among your contemporaries?

That is almost the same thing. I don’t know how they came about that too. I only discovered why while I was on a trip with my troop.

As we were approaching the battle front, all of a sudden, majority of my boys jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the bush. Some of the drivers also stopped and escaped into the nearby bush. I was surprised. I commanded those that ran into the bush to come out. I immediately upgraded the ranks of the gallant ones who stood their ground during the encounter. When we got into our vehicles, I asked my driver and my orderly what actually happened. They said they sighted an Air-Raid plane. I replied, ‘But I saw no plane in the sky’. They started laughing. They said, ‘What a joke!’ It was then they told me I was the Air Raid they were talking about. I asked them, ‘Do I look like an Air Force officer?’

They answered, ‘No sir, you are the one they call Air Raid.’ That was how I got to know that people gave me the name. Adekunle also came about his own name in a similar way.

Black Scorpion: An intimate portrait

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

If the Igbos who believed Adekunle committed grave atrocities against them had thought he would one day apologise for his atrocities, they were mistaken. In an interview with The Guardian Newspaper of July 25, 2004, Adekunle, when asked if he was sorry for killing Igbos, replied rather nonchalantly: “I don’t dislike Igbos. But I learned one word from the British and that is ‘sorry’.

I did not want the war. I did not start the war - Ojukwu did. But I wanted to win the war.

So I had to kill Igbos. Sorry.”

In a review of Abiodun Adekunle’s book, renowned columnist and serving presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, opined that Obasanjo’s My Command disparaged Adekunle and other Nigerian commanders that were involved in the war at the Third Marine Commandos sector.

“Obasanjo had taken over the command of the Third Marine Commandos from Adekunle in 1969. In My Command, he pays no tribute to Benjamin Adekunle’s efforts as leader of the Third Division; instead he describes how he met a demoralised, disunited, quarrelsome troop, which he had to re-organise into an effective fighting machine which subsequently recaptured Owerri, and the federal troops under Obasanjo’s command went on to win the war. Obasanjo shines like gold in My Command as the war hero who brought the civil war to an end. And the book races towards this denouement after

Obasanjo had done a good job of suggesting that all former commanders of the troops were either distracted or incompetent,” Abati wrote in 2004.

This opinion was shared by Brig-Gen. Alabi Isama (rtd) in 2012, when he came out with his account of the war, entitled The Tragedy of Victory.

Isama, who was Chief of Staff to Adekunle at the Third Marine Commandos during the war, appeared a credible witness to the excesses or otherwise of the officer known as Black Scorpion. Isama’s Tragedy of Victory gave an on-the-spot account of the Nigerian civil war in the Atlantic theatre in details.

Adequately enriched with never-before seen maps, attack strategies and over 500 pictures which explicitly showcased the escapades of the division, Tragedy of Victory gives some insight into Adekunle and his command of his division from close quarters.

Through Isama’s account, for once, Adekunle was presented in a fitting uniform of humanity. For instance, Isama mentioned the dilemma the Third Marine Commandos had with prisoners of war. It was Adekunle that was credited for calling a meeting to discuss the issue. Adekunle suggested evacuating the POWS to Lagos; recruiting them into their side or killing them all.

“Whichever way we looked, we lost. Adekunle then came up with the idea that we should take a chance of letting them go back to their homes. But for those who wanted to

be recruited into the Third Marine Commandos, they should be allowed to do so. Wow, that was terrifying but it worked. Adekunle addressed them as One Nigeria and they were allowed to go back home, or join the Third Marine Commandoes,” Isama wrote Another quality Isama projected of Adekunle was his ability to listen to the strategies of his lieutenants inside the war room; though, with his reputation and position, he could have ensured that only his plan is followed. One of such incidents during the war was the mission to re-capture Port Harcourt. Adekunle wanted to attack through Bonny which was 80km to the destination but Isama had a different plan which would see the marines attacking through Calabar, a long 480km journey. Adekunle debated this approach for four days and later accepted.

Through Isama, Nigerians saw Adekunle from another lens; there were pictures of his social life though at the war front; his lap dancing with women; his close bonding with his troops to the extent of improvising his shirt as a stretcher as well as financing the wedding of a man who was later discovered to be a double agent.

Isama also brings out the overzealousness of Adekunle especially when he proceeded on the OAU mission.

“He let his ego get the better part of him, and then finally, he began looking for scapegoats for all this. Perhaps, affected by combat stress, in desperation, he turned his venom

on his colleagues, Alabi Isama and others.”

His many journeys to Lagos may have affected his focus and the interest in politics may have been sown during that time. But, the worst attitude of Adekunle which Isama revealed was his being cold blooded. Isama accused Adekunle of plotting to eliminate him and Lt-Col. Alade Akinrinade; an allegation Isama claimed Adekunle did not deny when confronted by Akinrinade in 1980.

“When in 1980, when he (Adekunle) paid a courtesy call on Akinrinade who had just been appointed Chief of Staff to the Nigeria Army, he did not deny when confronted. He joked, I almost got you boys killed in the war front.”

Little wonder he remained silent on issues concerning his activities during the war.

Almost all the accounts coming out have him not painted as Black Scorpion but as a bloodthirsty and merciless soldier who never minded if a child would die if he fired his first shot.

Since his death last week, tributes and messages of condolences have been coming from the government; who did nothing to recognise his war efforts; from former head of state, who made no attempt to let bygones by bygones. Maybe his reputation was still haunting them; maybe as Black Scorpion, his venom was still deadly. For so many stories to have been told about him while he was alive, who knows what will now be said in his death.

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Ngige, Obiano embrace as Catholic Church celebrates Tony Okafor Awka

lObi backs Jonathan’s endorsement

former governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, and incumbent Governor Willie Obiano yesterday embraced at the double celebration of the five years anniversary and one-year completion of the Holy Family Youth Village in Amansea, Awka.

Both exchanged pleasantries and joked as they received cheers from the audience that included Obiano’s predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi. The service during the opening of the Holy family youth village built by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, was conducted by Francis Cardinal Arinze.

The event was attended by over 500 priests, including bishops from Kano, Kogi, Imo and other states as well as Benin Republic.

Also in attendance were the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili; businessmen such as Prince Arthur Eze, Chief Obinna Uzor, Chief Cletus Ibeto; first female governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba; and All Progressives Grand Alliance National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.

Ngige, who is the senator representing Anambra Central and the All Progressives Congress leader in the state, donated a well-equipped ambulance and medical

equipment to the village.

He said it was in fulfilment of the promise he made to the Catholic Church a year ago, describing the youth village as a full community in Awka.

Furthermore, he promised to construct a medical centre and equip it to help the over 1,000 students living in the youth village.

However, he debunked the claim that he marginalised the Anglican Church in his appointments when he was the governor.

Earlier in his homily, Arinze told the congregation that the Catholic Church had taken the lead in bringing children up through education.

“Complete education must change the society but there are angles that deserve our attention and these are respectfulness, nobility and being a good citizen,” he stated.

Okeke, who initiated the project, described the arena as a nonprofit self-sustaining venture.

He commended the state government for returning schools to the missions, adding that it was responsible for the high performance of Anambra students in the West African Examination Council in the past three years.

For his part, Obiano said his administration would take care of other things

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needed in the village, describing it as an environment suitable for learning for students.

Speaking to journalists later, Obi welcomed the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by many groups in Nigeria.

The most recent was the endorsement by various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja.

Obi described it as a sign that Nigerians had begun to understand political permutations that would ultimately advance the progress of Nigeria.

Commended PDP governors and the party’s Na-

tional Executive Council for endorsing the President, he called on other groups to follow their example.

He said the people of the South-East endorsed Jonathan during his first term and had reason to do so again as a person better placed to complete all the projects he started in the Zone.

“Those who subscribe to stomach infrastructure may disagree with me, but the truth is that for the first time since the end of the civil war, we have a President that took and treated the entire country with fairness and equity. Under him, the South- East now has a func-

tional international airport and the neglected clamour for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge has been fulfilled.

“Under him, the SouthEast has been technically declared an erosion disaster zone and money and various forms of assistance are being offered to address the menace. With his support, critical industries powered by the private sector are coming up in the South-East. Under him, the problem of power is being holistically addressed, among others,” Obi said.

Describing Jonathan’s administration as a ‘welcome relief’, Obi said Nigeria is witnessing true democracy and that his re-election will strengthen the concept.

His words: “Apart from the salient achievements of the Transformation Agenda of this government, I can tell you that he remains a good example of how to practise democracy. Today, nobody is hounded for expressing the most bizarre of views; nobody is being harassed for being an active opposition; nobody is arrested for expressing his freedom under the law; no part of the country has been unduly victimised for any reason.

“Even now that the country is battling some of the global challenges as they affect Nigeria, he has continued to act within the law.

These are democratic ideals and his re-election will strengthen them.”

L-R: Chairman, Publicity Committee, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mamman Alakayi; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri; Alhaji Nasir Shehu Zarummai and Bunmi Ojo, during a courtesy visit of Publicity Committee of Federal Character Commission to NOA in Abuja…on Friday

South African mother awaits daughter’s return Councillors’ forum demands CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Emergency Management Agency told newsmen.

He said Jonathan promised to investigate the cause of the incident. Farinloye said the death toll now stood at 86 as against the previous figure of 84 after the various emergency teams involved in the operation had reconciled their figures.

“You are aware that several rescue teams at the state and federal levels were involved in the operations. We sat together and reconciled our figures which has now brought the death toll to 86. But those rescued still stands at 131,” he said.

Farinloye could not say if the new death toll included 84 South Africans who had been confirmed dead in the incident by the country’s high commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, told newsmen in Lagos yesterday that the Federal Government was investigating the claims by the church’s General

Overseer, TB Joshua, that a mystery aircraft caused the collapse of the building.

Speaking after a condolence visit to the church, Obanikoro urged Nigerians to remain calm as the mystery would be unravelled.

“We must not pre-empt the outcome of the investigation. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the police and the police will do all it can to conclude investigations swiftly. My appeal is that people should wait for the outcome of the investigation. Human lives are involved and so the issue must not be trivialised or politicised. I am here to commiserate with the church and all the people that lost their lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, sleepless nights have become the order of the day for family members of the deceased and unaccounted-for South Africans.

Nomathemba Muholi’s daughter left with a group of friends to Nigeria a week before the tragic incident happened. Muholi, 68, yesterday said her 31-year-old daughter had been planning to visit TB Joshua’s famous

church for months before she eventually left, City Press reports.

“She became sick, it shocked her, all of us, how her life quickly deteriorated after we found out that she had been sick all along. She thought the pastor’s blessings would improve her health,” said Muholi.

The pensioner from Mamelodi, outside Pretoria, has been camping at OR Tambo International Airport since the news of the tragedy broke in the country early this week.

None of her daughter’s friends have emerged from the sliding doors at the arrival hall.

“I listen to the news, hoping maybe her name (will be called) or something will be telling … I’m not always on the wireless (radio) though.

Family members keep me informed from time to time when they come to see me here. My child could be alive, I hope,” she said.

Muholi was not aware that the death toll had risen from 67 to 84 when City Press spoke to her hours after the number had been reported and confirmed in the media.

“I hope she is among the few that are still unaccounted for, or at least she is in hospital,” she said.

The soft-spoken grandmother of four has seen no less than a dozen flights from Africa’s biggest economy land on the premises, and her agonising anxiety has been growing with every passing hour.

It is understood that an average of 300 South Africans flock to TB Joshua’s church monthly for different spiritual needs.

Muholi, a Catholic, said although she never paid attention to the magical prophecies associated with Joshua, she would’ve considered going to Nigeria if her child came back with at least a positive spirit.

“I wouldn’t mind if she gets here and says ‘I feel much better, I have hope’ and I witness the progress myself,” she said.

Meanwhile, more flights were expected to touch down at OR Tambo this weekend.

One of them may hopefully bring Muholi’s child home.

“I miss her,” she added.

autonomy for LGAs

Clement James Calabar

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he National Councilors Forum of Nigeria has called for autonomy for local governments in the country as a means of taking development closer to the grass roots.

It has also condemned the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North-East and other forms of terrorism rocking some states.

In a six-point communiqué issued at the end of a four-day retreat in Calabar, the forum pleaded that local government autonomy should not be negotiated by any means.

The communiqué of the September 16 – 20 retreat was signed by the National President, Mr. Usman Ibrahim-Mohammed, and Secretary, Mr. Edemekeong Chistopher.

The communiqué also demanded that councillors in the country should be empowered and provided with mobility and constituency allowances to aid development in their various

wards.

Part of the communiqué reads; “We condemn, in strong terms, the current insurgency in some parts of the North and commend the Federal Government on how it has so far handled the situation.

“The forum, having identified the role of councillors and their importance in political mobilisation, urge policy makers across all political parties in Nigeria to incorporate serving councillors as mandatory delegates in all elections.

“As grass roots representatives, the forum appeals that the autonomy of local governments should not be jettisoned as it will help to bring more dividends of democracy closer to the people.”

“Having observed the massive transformation carried out by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the forum is willing to mobilise, sensitise and act as a political catalyst during the 2015 general elections to ensure peace and unity.”

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Police rescue 20 kidnap victims, kill three robbery suspects Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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he police in Rivers State have rescued 20 kidnap victims, arrested 51 suspects and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in various parts of the state The State Police Commissioner, Dan Bature who disclosed this, while parading the 51 suspects involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, car snatching and cultism, said that the kidnapped victims were rescued through

intelligence gathering and cooperation of members of the public.

Bature said that a total number of 242 ammunition, 15 fire arms, 20 vehicles and 10 bullet proof vests were recovered from the suspected armed robbers, and that six armed robbery suspects were fatally wounded during the operations.

He said: “On September 14, at about 13.35 hours, based on intelligence report our men carried out a successful operation along Ada George by NTA Road in Port

Gunmen behead youth, sack community Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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n unidentified youth has been beheaded in a raid by about 50 gunmen in Taaba, a community in Khnana Local Government area of Rivers State Besides beheading the youth and destroying the palace of the paramount ruler of the community, Mene-Bua-Ba, Kabari Nule, the gunmen allegedly causes a commotion forcing the villagers to flee in their hundreds to take refuge in neighbouring communities.

Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Honourable Leyii Kwanee, a native of Taaba who confirmed the incident, said the community was thrown into turmoil, late last week, at about 10pm when the gunmen struck, and sacked it.

Kwanee condemned the invasion of the community and alleged that the attack was orchestrated by desperate politicians who are seeking power by all means ahead of the 2015 general election.

He urged the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Dan Bature to fish out the perpetrators of the act, noting that the matter has been formally reported to the Police.

The deputy speaker also called on the people of Taaba to remain calm, and explained that the remains of the youth that was killed has been deposited at a mortuary and promised to ensure that peace returned to the community.

Rivers State police command public relation officer, DSP Alkmad Muhammed said he was yet to be brief on the incident.

Harcourt, where three unknown armed men were accosted, leading to exchange of gun fire and the suspects were fatally wounded.

Bature said exhibits recovered from them include one Honda Civic Saloon Car, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 79 live ammunition. Some operatives of the command, following a tip off, also arrested two other suspects, Ishaku Kalu and Samson Luka.

He said the duo along with three others now at large robbed a company of 120 bags of drilling fluids chemical valued N3.3m at gun point He charged criminals in the state to either denounce

criminal activities and become law abiding or face the consequences of their action.

He promised to be firm and resolute in the discharge of his duties until his mission of securing the state was achieved.

“I have already given marching orders to the officers and the men of the command to smoke out criminals from their hideouts and bring them to face the full wrath of law” he stated.

Meanwhile, a housewife and her four-man gang have been arrested after their aborted plot to abduct her three children.

The police arrested her and her gang following a

tip from a taxi driver, who the suspected kidnappers hired for the operation at Phase ‘D’ Close, Rumuagholu Road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

The fair complexion woman popularly known as Mama Princess, from Akwa Ibom State is married to a retired soldier and runs a supermarket in front of her husband compound, where the botched kidnap took place.

According to sources, the woman had approached the kidnappers to abduct her daughter, Princess and her brothers after paying and giving them their (the children’s) description.

She had told the husband

that she was travelling outside Port Harcourt, and had received his nod for the trip.

Sources said that the driver said the kidnappers gave him N100,000 and asked them to join them the next for the operation.

Pricked by his conscience when he found out that he attended the same church the Salvation Ministries with the family of the victim, he decided to confess to the police, who asked him to play along with the kidnappers.

He drove the children to a safe place, and assisted the police to arrest the kidnappers, while Mama Princess, was also nabbed when she was tricked to the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

An overloaded trailer which tumbled along Agidingbi road, by Daily Times bus stop, Ikeja, Lagos…on Friday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Endorsement: Jonathan thanks S’West PDP Wale Elegbede

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pparently showing a body language indicative of his positive disposition to the second term endorsement by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed gratitude to the party leaders for the offer.

Addressing a crowd of party faithful at the party’s South-West sensitisation rally held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the President, who was accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the developments surrounding elective offices in the PDP had shown that there are no dictators or one powerful person that decides who

contests on the platform of the party.

“Let me thank the leaders of our party from the chairman, committee members, our governors, our national assembly members, our BOT members and the party, for giving me the right of first refusal of the presidential ticket.

“When the party leaders endorsed me, by that endorsement, I have the right of first refusal. That is what is done in advanced democracies.

“The PDP has advanced than we were and it shows that democracy is working.

There are no dictators in PDP. There is no one that is powerful that decides who becomes the councillor, local government chairman, state house of assembly member, House of Representatives member, Senate and President.

“The decision is by the people and for the people and that is why the PDP will continue to do new things. The vice-president and I have promised not to disappoint the people; the PDP will continue to do the right thing and we promise you that we will not disappoint you,” he said.

The President who called for a minute’s silence for those who lost their lives recently in a building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in the state, described the incident as a sad occurrence in the annals of the nation.

Commiserating with the families of those that lost their lives, he said, “My first port of call was where a sixstorey building collapsed and 80 people were found dead and over 130 people

were injured. It was a very sad incident for us and the international community.

“This is because most of the people who died in that building collapse were nonNigerians. About 65 of them were South Africans. I spoke with the President of South Africa to send our own condolences.”

Speaking on the impact of his administration in the last three years and half years on Nigerians, the president said the transformation agenda of the government has recorded a number of progress. ”The signs are there though we have not reached where we wish to reach; but government is focused. The Transformation Agenda is on course. We will continue to make sure that we create jobs for our youths, the job creation we are taking

it from various angles. In terms of education, we are making sure we improve the quality of education and also enlarge the facilities.

“When we came on board, we noticed that Ekiti State in the South-West did not have a federal university, we built a federal university there.

Though it’s a small university but we will continue to improve on it.

“We are improving on small and medium scale industries to create jobs for our people. We are providing soft loans to make sure young men and women are employed; we are promoting youth programmes.”

For his part, the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’Azu, said the party will become stronger in the South-West.

He said that the purpose-

ful leadership of the President has given the party an easy leeway into the zone.

“We have lost three states in the South-West but we have started recapturing our states starting with Ekiti State. By the grace of the Almighty God, in 2015, we will not only capture our own state that has been taken over by the opposition.

As I always tell my friend, Governor Raji Fashola that we are coming and indeed, we shall win.

“I want to assure you that the people of South-West are totally PDP. Everybody knows that PDP controls the majority of the people and indeed, the majority of the states in the South-West and I want to assure you that we are battle ready, election ready come 2015 to take over those states,” he said.

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Insurgency: Alaafin, envoy meet

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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laafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has taken his worries over the menace of Boko Haram insurgency beyond the shores of Nigeria as he discussed the issue with the Nigeria’s High

Commissioner in London, Dalhatu Sarki Tafida over the matter.

Noting that the security challenge has put a serious strain on the bond of brotherhood in the country, the monarch who visited Tafida at the Nigerian House said that the insurgency has eroded the peaceful co-existence which hitherto existed among the citizenry.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, signed by his media aide, Fehintola Azeez, the Alaafin rhetorically asked: “What has gone wrong in Nigeria today that brothers are killing one another? Nigeria was not like. What went wrong? Where did we miss it as a nation?” he asked.

The monarch, who was accompanied by some

eminent personalities, told Tafida that: “In the past, Nigerians were not afraid of engaging in inter-tribal marriages and there are numerous examples of such successful marriages across the Niger. But, that is fast fading away because of lack of trust, tolerance and other mundane things at the detriment of a united Nigeria”, he lamented.

While reiterating the negative effects of the current insurgency on the corporate existence of the country, Oba Adeyemi maintained that there was no way Nigeria could move forward in her march to greatness in an atmosphere of crisis and wanton destruction of lives and property of fellow citizens.

He commended the Nigerian representative for his matured manner of handling issues bothering on diplomacy, saying, “I have read a lot about Your Excellency’s activities here in ensuring a peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and their host.

“Not only that, I’m conversant with how serious

you are about the image of our dear country, Nigeria, and how you always ensure that we are projected globally in good light. I can only ask you to keep it up, while I congratulate Mr. President for having a man of your calibre here”.

In his address of welcome, Tafida described the visit as historic to the High Commission since it was the first time a paramount ruler, “an outstanding and outspoken traditional ruler in Yorubaland” had visited them, and because of the fact that Alaafin “is first among equals,” he decided for the first time to welcome him personally.

MTN spends N10 billion on CSR projects, donates 115 security vehicles Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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L-R: Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and Francis Cardinal Arinze, after a mass to commemorate the fifth year of the founding of the Youth Village in Amansea, Anambra State... yesterday.

opular telecommunication provider, MTN has said it has spent over N10 billion in the execution of various projects in about 341 location in the 36 states of the federation.

Director of MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, disclosed this yesterday while handing over five fully equipped and brand-

Property dispute splits Adekunle’s family Ahaoma Kanu

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here are indications that all is not well in the family of late civil war hero, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle, who died on September 13, according to sources close to the family.

The children of Adekunle’s first wife are pitched against his widow, Folake, who took care of him till he died.

Sunday New Telegraph investigation revealed that the children from both wives had been estranged over the years but efforts made at reconciling them since the death of their father had not yielded any result as at yesterday.

Family members had met with Folake and her immediate family after

CHANGE OF NAME ADUNNI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RISIKAT ADUNNI LAWAL, now wish to be known as MRS ADUNNI DOSUMU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

the army officer ’s death to mitigate on some of the issues but the meeting ended in a deadlock.

According to a family source, some of the issues have to do with the way and manner Folake managed the properties of the late war icon.

“This family feud started a long time ago between the two wives and this led to a separation. And the second wife started excluding the children of the first wife from visiting their father. It did not end there as his friends and well-wishers were also banned from visiting him,” the source said. He added that the feud was so bad that when Biodun, one of Adekunle’s sons and author of his biography, Nigeria Biafra War Letters - A Soldier’s Story, came to invite his father to the launch at Abuja, he was turned down.

He was not also allowed to sleep inside the house and had to stay at a neighbour ’s apartment that night before leaving for Abuja the next day.

Sunday New Telegraph also gathered that two of

Adekunle’s children from his first wife came into the country last Wednesday from the United States and United Kingdom while a third travelled down to Lagos from Port Harcourt.

They visited their father ’s house located at Odutayo Street in Surulere on Thursday last week and sources said the visit was not unconnected with a planned meeting with the new owner of the property. Sunday New Telegraph confirmed that the property had been sold and now houses a school, Shoms International Schools. According to sources, Adetona, Adelaja and Olu Adekunle, all children from the first wife, want the service of songs for their late father to be held on premises.

The property, sources said, was sold about three months ago after some of Adekunle’s colleagues and friends came to rehabilitate him and also renovated the house.

The family relocated to a smaller house on Eric Moore Close, also in Surulere, where Adekunle

was till his death.

“The news of the sale of the house was kept secret as many people who came on condolence visits were confused when they saw that the former residence had transformed into a school. Even, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, came here with his entourage on Monday for a condolence visit but was surprised when he met another occupier in the building,” said a resident of the street.

Sunday New Telegraph gathered that before his death, Adekunle was really sick and at times, would wander off from his house. This happened on several occasions, suggestive of his having memory loss.

“Last year during the Ramadan fast, there was heavy rainfall and the whole street was flooded.

Around 11pm, I saw Baba walking in the flood and it was quite strange. So I called the attention of one young man who was his barber and he then went to ask Baba where he was going at that time. He said

he was going to his house but he came out from his house. We had to plead with him and informed the family and they came and took him in,” he said.

When Sunday New Telegraph contacted Mr. Adetona Adekunle, he confirmed that there was a family dispute but that it was being sorted out.

“I am just coming from the second and last meeting with my father’s widow and we have not been able to resolve the issue.

We have not fully decided on his burial arrangements because I understand that the army wants to give him a military burial so I will not say anything on that. There is little misunderstanding with his children, his widow and instructions from the army chief.

“The army is in control.

Finally, I must tell you that there is a dispute; there is a crisis going on in the family right now.

I really did not want to tell you anything but to be honest, I am confused.

There are a lot of family issues going on,” he said.

ed security patrol vehicles to Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State as part of its contribution to improving the security situation in the state.

He noted that the foundation had in the previous two phases of the initiative, provided 115 fully-equipped security patrol vehicles with communication gadgets to 18 other states and the FCT, while 12 others including Benue were benefiting for the third phase.

He latest donation made through the Security Support Project (MTN-ssp) at Government House Makurdi, was said to be part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at complimenting government efforts at ameliorating security surveillance in the state.

Okoro said that security of lives and property was critical to the growth and development of the state and should not be left in the hands of government alone, hence he implored to support government efforts as well.

He noted that the foundation had in the previous two phases of the initiative, provided 115 fully-equipped security patrol vehicles with communication gadgets to 18 other states and the FCT, while 12 others including Benue were benefiting for the third phase.

Receiving the keys of the vehicles, Governor Gabriel Suswam thanked MTN for the gesture and promised to create an enabling environment for the company to thrive and further urged the citizens of the state to patronize the service provider.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

News

Insurgency: Catholic Bishops urge tougher action

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atholic Bishops across the country have expressed concern over the alarming spate of violence, bombings and unjust killing of innocent citizens in North-Eastern Nigeria and beyond.

The bishops under the aegis of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) declared in a communiqué that while Nigeria bleeds and burns, the government must rise to its duty of protecting the lives and property of its people.

The statement signed by President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and Secretary, Most Rev. William Avenya noted that this was not the time to play politics, as it does not matter who becomes the President, but putting the lives of the people first and restoring peace and unity to the country should be paramount.

“As Nigeria tragically bleeds and burns, we Bishops are

really alarmed at the scale of human, material destruction, and the disruption of village and community life with increased levels of hatred and potentials for more conflicts in the nation. While Muslims are sometimes targets of these destructive attacks, Christians Churches and non- Muslims in general are the principal targets for extermination, expropriation and expulsion by the Boko Haram insurgents, the perpetrators of all these destructions.

“We believe that we still have governments- at Federal and State- levels whose primary duty it is to preserve and protect the life of every Nigerian irrespective of tribe, religion, social class or tradition.

“In the face of this Boko Haram group and other criminal militias arming themselves beyond our legitimate government and brazenly killing innocent, defenseless citizens, our government must do more

than it is currently doing to safeguard our lives and defend our nation.

It must do more than it is currently doing to fight off and disarm these actual destroyers of Nigerians and Nigeria. It must do more than it is currently doing to prevent segments of our nation from drifting, anarchy and mutual self-destruction and bring criminals to justice.

“We warn every Nigerian community at local and state levels to be alert to the grave danger facing all of us and our nation from within and from without. The issue is not about who becomes president or governor or senator after the 2015 General Elections. The issue is about the life and security of every one of us who loves his or her life and really cares about our living together in peace as noble Nigerians,” the statement read.

Describing the ordeal of many Nigerians in the hard hit areas, the bishops called

for a joint effort from all citizens, communities and leaders at various levels to support the government as it strives to put an end to the violence; and in the meantime, offer assistance to affected persons, families and areas, as many have been made homeless and more as the violence rages.

“Our Second Annual Plenary meeting in Warri Diocese, Delta State, has been daily strained by first-hand and horrifying reports reaching us from Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano and Kaduna states about the mass slaughter of fellow Nigerians; the burning and sacking of whole villages and churches and rectories.

Families and individuals are forced to seek places of refuge outside their invaded homes and lands.

The bishops also declared a two-day national all night prayer scheduled for 13th and 14th of November, 2014 in Abuja to intercede for the nation.

‘Leave me out of fight with Daniel’

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ormer Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Lagos State, and Chairman of Egjamirmar Nigeria, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, has put a lie to claims by Governor Ibikunle Amosun that the former bought Apoje Farms Limited for a paltry sum.

In a letter to the governor dated September 19, Adeniji-Adele, regretted that the governor even went on to rain curses on those who bought it.

He said for the avoidance of doubt, the ‘paltry sum’ mentioned by the governor was a signature bonus of N10 million, and as at the time the company was “ illegally and unceremoniously kicked us out of the farm, we had invested well over N200 million in Nursery (15ha), a first phase of transplanting (1,500 ha), and so many supporting infrastructure including irrigation.

Adeniji-Adele, who said

S’East govs, leaders insist on sixth state Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

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L-R: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Olukemi Mimiko; wife of the state’s Chief Judge, Cecilia Kumuyi and others, at the 67th edition of Divine Agenda Praise Night, at Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure… on Friday

Community chides Wike over seizure of land Tai Anyanwu

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ouths and traditional rulers of Ekporo Community in Eleme in Rivers State have protested alleged demolition of their property and attack by individuals suspected to be close to the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and the people of Ogu, to build a secondary school.

The protesters, led by Bishop Moses Dr. Kattey and Chujo E. Jonah, said that they decided to carry out a peaceful protest to reject the forceful ejection of the people of Ekporo out of their land to lay a foundation of Federal Girl’s Model School for the people Ogu

community.

Dr. Kattey, said it “is very inhuman and ungodly for the minister to drive a community of people out of their land, to site a school in order to please another community because of his gubernatorial ambition.”

According to him, various letters sent to the then Inspector General of Police and President Goodluck Jonathan over this issue were neither acknowledged nor received any action. Hence, the community resorted to inviting the people of Eleme, including traditional rulers, to a prayer session to avert any breakdown of law and order.

He said while they were praying in the church, Wike

was at the Ekporo land “demolishing houses and laying foundation of the Federal Model Junior Secondary School, at Ogu not even in Ekporo.”

During the protest, the President of the Ekporo Women Association, Chief Comfort Layefa, and representatives of the community carried placards, expressing displeasure over the displacement and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the people of Ekporo return to their land.

They are also seeking compensation for the demolished property, since they have been displaced by the demolition.

Also speaking during the

protest, the President General Elobo Eleme Assembly, Chujo Jonah also a human right activist, noted that they “are a helpless people, who have been driven away from their land, for almost a year now. Our situation is precarious.”

Attempts to get Wike’s comments of the issue were unsuccessful, as his number was switched off.

But a senior employee of the ministry described the school as an intervention project of the Federal Government and not a personal one being put in place by the minister.

He said arrangements were underway to discuss with the various communities and calm frayed nerves.

the company could hardly salvage anything when Amosu invaded the farm with some policemen, noted that he had deliberately kept “this illegality from the press since we belong to the same party”.

“Of course I took the only option left for me and went to court and I will continue to pursue this course of action reject the curse you vented at the occasion and pray for God to forgive you for the loss of lives your actions have caused the people of Ogun State and the untold hardship you have caused the people of your state.

“This same attitude of yours has split our party down the middle and I hope you change your ways and bring the party together in the remaining months of your tenure.

Since you mentioned me by name publicly I have also taken the liberty to circulate this letter in the media” he said.

eaders of the South-East yesterday converged on Government House, Enugu to assess the gains recorded at the just concluded National Conference, and urged Ndigbo to remain hopeful of the prospect of a sixth state.

Although the leaders were believed to have discussed the issue of which part of the zone deserves a state, Abia State Governor and Chairman of the Forum of South-East Governors, Theodore Orji, did not make reference to it while briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting.

Those who attended the meeting included the governors of South-East states except Imo State Governor,

Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, some members of the National Assembly, ministers from the zone, traditional rulers, religious leaders, some delegates to the National Conference as well as other political and opinion leaders.

Orji told journalists during the short briefing that “we had wanted to find out whether the briefs we gave them before they went for the conference guided what they did there. From the report that we have, those delegates to the National Conference did very well in articulating our views, in articulating our points; and those points are in the document that has been presented to the President.”

Boko Haram: Troops foil another attempt on Konduga Emmanuel Onani

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he Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops have, again, foiled another attempt by Boko Haram fighters, to overrun Konduga, a town about 35 kilometers from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

This is the third attempt within two weeks made on Konduga, as more than 300 suspected insurgents, were killed by troops, in the ferce encounters.

The latest failed attempt was disclosed by the Director of Defence Infor-

mation (DDI), Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, in a post on DHQ’s twitter handle.

The suspected insurgents were believed to be on a mission to recover bodies of their commanders, who were killed during previous encounters.

The post reads: “An attempt by another set of terrorists to gain entry to Konduga, was yesterday foiled by troops.

“It is believed that terrorists’ move was aimed at recovering the bodies of their prominent fighters, who had died in previous encounters in the area”, the post said.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPINION Rethinking how Africa engages the world

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Ejike E. Okpa s a native African, and one who has lived in the United States now for more than 25 years, I have been fortunate to expose myself to various aspects of life. I believe that nothing is deficient in the make-up or creation of a black person, be they Africans or AfricanAmericans.

God is not a partial creator, therefore, anywhere he endowed life, he has left resources lying in wait, to enable life and enhance living. We just have to allow necessity to be the driver and mother of invention. But if the human factor abuses the resources or inadvertently allows them to lie in wait, they pay a price. Africa has been paying a price and her leadership dancing naked in the world square as they run around like little boys and girls, looking for candies in the backyard of others. Why? How Africans conduct their business among themselves and others is all learned and often hoisted as the way to go. Human beings, being competitive animals, once together will seek to dominate, manipulate and

coordinate/control anyone they feel they can run circles around. Therefore, Africans and their scattered cousins and off-springs worldwide should get off SLAVERY and COLONIALISM aftermaths and behave like they just found themselves.

The book I want to write is the book that challenges Africans/African-Americans and seeks not to blame anyone else for our situation. My mom taught me in many unmistakable terms, should she ever see me BEG anyone for that which she know I am capable of doing or can do, she will cut off my hands and take consolation that I have no hands.

According to her, even a snake without hands and legs, moves and does so dangerously and swiftly. It is a lesson no four walls of a formal institution could impact better. That message has stuck with me forever.

We may/will not have everything and that is how God wants it. Therefore, we are called by necessity to devise means to collaborate and engage each other for a better outcome.

But stooping, looking inferior or running after anyone, especially persons or ethnicity that already have preconceived notion/ impressions that Africans are inferior, is like

playing into the hands of someone ready to crush one. We must let others know that the paste may have favoured them, now today going forward is ours and or dictated by our desires based on our rules. It is how the world rolls; set your agenda and look for partners, and if none shows up, go do it yourself and take all the credit. Be a “Nike” - Just Do It. Sub-Saharan Africa should never have devalued its currencies or agreed to financial conditions that make her look weak or inferior. There is no rule that says Africa has to be poor or dependent. If there is one, Africans should reverse it and say they are entitled to as much as anyone else – No APOLOGIES. Put aside annoying degrees and all that foreign assigned senses of arrival which do nothing except make the holder feel good.

MBA can be a Minor Business Account or Major Business Account, depending on the holder. Just like having PhD without PHD – Passion-Hard-work-Determination, is more a permanent head damage than anything else.

Having such degrees does not make one a great business person or leader. Of all the US presidents, George W. Bush #43, is the only one to have an MBA, and he did not become

US president because of that degree. Africans must step forward, head high and demand to be respected or never respect anyone who does not respect you. It is a golden rule and should never be lowered for anyone.

When US President Richard Nixon in late 60s to early 70s literally took U.S out of the bullion standards, which set the dollar rise as a store of wealth for the world, Nixon was shooting blanks both by design and default.

The dollar, a currency that is less than 200 years old, surpassed the pound. It is never how long one has been around but how well and determined they want to exact influence that makes others take notice. The miracle of the dollar is not hidden and it is all mancreated. God did not wire U.S its money. It’s earned and printed just like any other currency. That being the case, why is it that when sub-Saharan Africa earn theirs, it is worthless.

When they print theirs, it is like water under the bridge. My answer: The leadership is weak and lacks the determination to defer and decline outside prescriptions that often end up worsening the situation.

TO BE CONTINUED

Re: Mark’s return to the Senate faces danger Adakole Elijah

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olitics is indeed funny and sometimes intriguing. Funny in the sense that because of ambition, a good friend or brother could give dog a bad name in order to hang it. This is done through the instrumentality of black propaganda where perceived enemies are demonised. And in presenting these propaganda materials preparatory for the demonisation of the enemies, users of propaganda usually stood the truth, logic and facts on their heads.

This was the case with Chief Mike Onoja’s interview granted to several national newspapers. In these said publications, Chief Onoja made several incoherent, puerile and jaundiced assertions. Laughable among these allegations were; “The people of Zone C are saying that it is wrong for one person to be in an elective post for 16 years; not just for 16 years, to be there forever….” Chief Onoja analysed further that, “It is becoming a very big embarrassment to the people of Zone C; let me give you this typical example, in Benue State Zone A Senatorial District where you have Kwande, Vandeikya and Katsinaala, Prof. Daniel Saaror was in 1999 elected as a senator; Akaagerger took over from him and Chief Barnabas Gemade who is currently in the Senate took over from Akaagerger.”

He also ingloriously painted a similar picture about Zone B Senatorial District of Benue State and almost concluded that the Idoma should learn from their Tiv neighbours.

From his political thesis, two factors were obviously at play – envy and ignorance about democratic tenets. This was made manifest when he said,“…even in the Senate now, he (Mark) is the longest serving senator.

Is it that we do not have competent people to represent Zone C? So on the basis of that, I am contesting the Senate election for Zone C in 2015.”

Considering his wealth of experience as a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and somebody that had been trained severally abroad, Chief Onoja ought to have known the classical distinction between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

While the executive position was pegged at two terms, that of the parliament was not.

And this is a global practice. In fact, the leg-

islative arm of government is like wine – the older the better. And that is why in advanced democracies like the United States, there are senators that have served up to 40 years.

For instance, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia spent 51 years, five months and 26 days in the U.S Senate. He was there from January 3, 1959 to June 28, 2010. Also, Senator Daniel K. Inouye spent 49 years, 11 months and 15 days in the U.S Senate (1963 – 2012). Similarly, Allen Joseph Ellender spent 35 years, six months and 24 days in the Senate (1932 – 1972), while Patrick J. Leahy has been there in the Senate since 1975. All in all, there are about 25 senators that have spent over 20 years in the U.S Senate. And their constituencies are better off for it. In Nigeria, a new senator cannot even be a committee chairman. You must be a ranking senator to be considered for the chairmanship of a committee.

The question to ask is: Has Benue South Senatorial District fared better under Senator Mark’s leadership as a senator representing the zone? The answer is capital ‘YES’.

Senator David Mark took advantage of his mandate shortly after his election into the upper chamber in 1999 to critically look into the problems confronting Benue South Senatorial District. What he saw convinced him that leadership anchored on a humanistic posture as well as corporate social responsibility would certainly propel Benue South Senatorial District to the needed citadel of development. This, the Idoma high Chief has done creditably well.

Taking cognisance of the role of corporate social responsibility to community development, Senator Mark, like a Trojan horse, swung into action with his developmental programmes in accordance with the yearnings and aspirations of his people.

The first thing that caught the attention of Senator Mark after his inauguration in the Senate in 1999 was how he could strategically place his kith and kin in places of influence.

But with good brinkmanship, Okpokpowulu, as the senator is popularly called in Otukpo, the trado-political capital of the Idoma nation, was able to lobby for positions for members of his constituency. The Idoma have been given choice appointments

through his efforts at the national and state levels. This includes the appointments of four Idoma as ambassadors at various times since Mark became a senator.

Senator Mark also facilitated the appointment of Dr. Grace Ogwuche and Dr. Jerry Agada as ministers in both Chief Obasanjo and Yar’Adua’s administrations. He also played a key role in Chief Audu Ogbe becoming the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party after the exit of Chief Barnabas Gemade in 2001. He was also instrumental to the appointment of Hon. Sam Ode as Minister of State for Niger Delta. He again ensured the appointment of Comrade Abba Moro from Okpokwu Local Government Area as Minister of interior. This very critical appointment has empowered very many sons and daughters of Benue State, especially Benue South Senatorial District.

David Mark has to his credit the appointment of late Chief Adejo Ogiri as a member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission; Prof.

Samsundeen Amali, vice-chancellor, University of Ilorin; Hon. Patrick Ogbu, chairman, Board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga (retd), member, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Port-Harcourt; Ms Alice Ochai, member, National Centre for Women Development; Dr. Isaac Egboja, chairman, Governing Board of National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom; Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, member, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; Hon. Andrew Odumu, member, Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority; Hon. Augustine Abe, member, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority; Hon. williams Edoh Ogbole, member, Technical Aid Corps; Chief John Enyi, member, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti; Hon. Mike Inalegwu, member, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria as well as many others who have been appointed chairmen and members of boards of federal parastatals.

As part of his constituency projects, Mark ensured the construction of some critical development projects in all the nine local government areas in Zone ‘C’. The constituency projects which fall under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) cut across the water, health and education sectors. The

projects include the construction of an earth dam at Entekpa in Otukpo LGA; Ankpechi in Ohimini LGA; Oshigbudu in Agatu LGA; Apa-Agila in Ado LGA; Ukwo-Owukpa and Otukpa in Ogbadibo LGA; Akpegede, Otobi-Otukpo, Otukpo-Nobi, Amla, a multipurpose dam at Otobi- Akpa.

A model health centre each has been constructed at Akpegede Otukpo as well as Egba-Agatu respectively. Senator Mark also constructed a three-classroom block with VIP toilets and hand pump boreholes in LGEA Primary School Ochobo in Ohimini LGA; LGEA Primary School Otobi–Akpa in Otukpo LGA; Holy Cross Primary School, Okporikpo in Ojigo ward of Okpokwu LGA; Central Primary School, Ibilla, in Oju LGA; LGEA Primary School, Opaha in Apa LGA; Methodist Central School, Igumale in Ado LGA; as well as LGEA Primary School, Ohuma in Obi LGA. Also, the Okpokpowulu constructed a block of three classrooms each in St. Joseph’s Primary School, Otada- Otukpo; LGEA Primary School, Ukwonyo- Utonkon; LGEA Primary School, Okuntungbe, Obi LGA; LGEA Primary School, Inyuma-Oju; Igumale Community Secondary School, Igumale, Ado LGA; LGEA Primary School, Emichi-Otukpo; and LGEA Primary School, Ipega, Adum-Aiona, Orokam.

But the senator’s developmental antecedents predate his senatorial quest. Right from his military days, Mark who believes in the participatory paradigm of development fought and champions the re-creation of Ado and Apa LGAs, which were hitherto proscribed by the military government of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari. More instructive is the fact that David Mark is not from any of the two local government areas. The recreation of Apa and Ado local government areas was to facilitate quick development of the localities.

Before now, David Mark got the ancient town of Otukpo telephone exchange digitalised so as to keep the city in touch with the wind of globalisation. He also facilitated the establishment of two Federal Government Colleges in Idomaland: Federal Science and Technical College, Otukpo and Federal Government College, Otobi. Today, a lot of people are benefiting from these facilities.

TO BE CONTINUED

11

Sunday Mail SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com.

Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

Atiku angry at Jonathan’s endorsement?

Dear Editor, What is wrong with Nigerian politicians? I thought Atiku is in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Why is he losing sleep over the endorsement of President Jonathan by the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

I think what should worry him the most is that the supposedly Jonathan’s sole challenger, Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, has now agreed to abandon his nomination quest. As the news has it, Governor Lamido publicly acknowledged that Mr. Jonathan is the party’s sole candidate.

And if the Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu chose to be the MC after the occasion, trumpeting that PDP governors had “unanimously without any reservation decided to endorse the sole candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election.”

I think he should focus on what is happening in his Party. What strategy is he going to adopt to navigate the ‘heavily mined field’ on the way to the APC Presidential primaries and also have plan B on how to defeat Jonathan instead of criticising his endorsement.

Kelechi Deca Ikeja, Lagos

Unanswered questions on this $9.3m SA arms deal How convincing is the government spokesperson who claimed that the Nigerians found with $9.3m in South Africa were on a legitimate arms purchasing business trip for the FG? Were they in transit in South Africa or were they trying to buy the arms from a South African arms manufacturer unknown to the SA government? Why operate in a clandestine manner? Why would anyone or any government want to buy arms from another country without the knowledge of the manufacturer or home government? And you would not offend that government or strain the relationship between both countries?

Why would government not work with the security and intelligence agencies of SA? Why would the government not wire the money legitimately to SA or has the relationship between Nigeria and SA become that bad or have we become a banana republic? The Federal Government has a lot of explanations to give Nigerians on this business trip.

The problem for me is beyond recovering the money.

AC Ojikutu Lagos

Ochendo’s spurious national award?

Dear Editor, Something is wrong with Nigeria and her current leadership or so-called patriots. Why on earth should the Nigerian government nominate Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (Ochendo) for a national honour? For what? Does it mean that the Nigerian Government is comfortable with the state of infrastructure in Abia? In an organised society, national honours are given to patriots that have contributed positively to the lives of her citizens in social, political and economic spheres. No wonder the late Prof. Chinua Achebe rejected the Nigerian National Awards and would have rejected the Nigerian passport if not for death.

C-Jay Okeke USA

WHAT A DANGEROUS BUSINESS…Traders displaying their wares on Railway line in Ikeja Along, Lagos… yesterday.

Oritsejafor should be exonerated from this issue Dear Editor Two national subjects have captured my attention more than any other this week: the cash-for-arms deal gone awry/Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s alleged involvement in money laundering and the Synagogue Church’s guest house collapse. For now, I will focus on the first. Rather than join the media frenzy and all manner of roadside comments on the millions of dollars seized by the South African government, I investigated how arms deals and their payments are conducted. It is indeed a very complicated process with many things shrouded in secrecy as FFK pointed out. From my finding, it is not strange that some countries especially in war times or other forms of national emergencies which require deployment of arms resort to paying for the arms with direct cash. As I type this, Iran still buys US arms despite the existing sanctions using a complex network. Arms dealers in developed countries usually prefer direct cash payment, considering the nature of their business (many things are shady).

What I think happened was that the non-declaration of the cash at the point of entry was not a mistake by the Nigerian government officials involved. I won’t buy any argument that it was a mistake. It was deliberate but unfortunately they got caught in the act. Notwithstanding the confiscation, I think both Nigeria and SA will resolve the matter through diplomatic channels rather than the media. This brings me to the second leg of this story: the alleged role of Ayo Oritsejafor.

I cannot hold brief for Pastor Oritsejafor but I can confidently say that some of the media reports and comments by some Nigerians are wide off the mark. I have the opportunity of working for some clients who own private jets in Nigeria or use private/charter jets regularly. There are always a lot happening behind the scene than are reported by the media. A private jet is not like a motorcycle that you park under a mango tree and any day you feel like using it, you simply rev the engine and drive off.

Okwy Onyia Surulere, Lagos

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Thank you Mr. President It is with admiration and gratitude that we the candidates/trainees of the Federal Government’s SURE-P TVET Sponsored ICT Training in Lagos express our appreciation for your wonderful policies and programmes that have direct impact on the masses.

The magnanimity of your service and leadership excellence in your days of governance are visibly evident in infrastructure and in the improved lives of the citizenry all over the country.

Through the TVET ICT Training programme, you have demonstrated commitment and resolve towards adding value to the Nigerian youth and humanity in general. The programme has indeed exposed us to adequate entrepreneurial skills and a quantum of knowledge required to be self-reliant while contributing meaningfully to the economy of our nation.

Mr. President Sir, you have earned yourself quality trust and unalloyed support by these your giant strides. Your policy transparency and active response to the yearning of the masses have made you outstanding.

We therefore pledge our continuous loyalty and support to our country and to you within the period of your administration. We also plead for your support in finances to enable us maximize productivity with the ample knowledge and skills we have acquired. The usefulness, development, meaningfulness and success of these numerous skills we have acquired can only be enhanced by you giving us financial grants as capital bases to establish the well-articulated small scale and over flowing business ideas we have.

We have in view that given the adequate finance and opportunity, we will affect in multiple positive ways the human and material resources and the growth of the GDP. We assure you that the confidence you repose in us shall not be betrayed.

May God keep you safe and grant you wisdom to complete this leadership task successfully.

Thank you.

LAGOS SURE-P TVET ICT entrepreneurship trainees Centre for Management Development Shangisha, Lagos

12

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Moment

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (right), and the Team Leader, World Bank/French Development Agency, Mr. Mohammed Essakali, during a courtesy visit to the governor in, Osogbo, Osun State…on Tuesday

L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Yemi Adelakun; Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Federal Minisrty of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Idris; Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Dr. Felix Abali; Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma; Acting Regional General Manager, South West, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Noah Sanya; Assistant Director, Press, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu and Director, Operations & Training Standards, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt.

Abdulahi Sidi, during tour of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja Lagos…yesterday

L-R: Rev Fr. John Ikedube; Administrator, St. Patrick`s College, Asaba, Dr. Stephen Uzomah; Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama; State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof.

Patrick Muoboghare, during the commissioning of 208 capacity hostel accommodation in St. Patrick`s College, Asaba, Delta State L-R: Registrar/CEO, Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Victoria Okojie; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwobiala, during the 5th induction of Certified Librarians in Abuja…on Tuesday PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu; Chairman, Award Panel, Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo and member, Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya during a press conference to announce 2014 Nigerian Sports Award in Lagos…on Thursday PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (left) and former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, during a courtesy visit to Obiano in Amawbia, Anambra State...on Friday

L-R: Minister of State Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Ortom; Minister of works, Mike Onolememen; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Bright Odogwu and Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during a joint briefing on the outcome of the 17th Federal Executive Council Meeting (FEC), in Abuja …on Wednesday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

L-R: Great Coker Area Superintendent, The Apostolic Church of Nigeria (TACN), Nkem Okeiyi; Western Area Superintendent/Convener, Apostle Matthew Udoh; Field Superintendent, Apostle John Buzu and FCT Field Secretary, Apostle Samuel Brown; during the Western Area (FCT Field), 8th convention at the Area headquarters in Oshogun-Ketu, Lagos …recently

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Moment

L-R: Marketing Director, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Nigerian Breweries, Sampson Oloche; Art Director, Ice Nweke; Brand Manager Amstel Malta, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf; Asst. Brand Manager Amstel Malta, Phoebe Larry-Izamoje and Mentor/Judge, Sound Sultan at the finale of Amstel Malta Showtime 3 in Lagos

L-R: Prof. Boaji Adenifuja; Prof. Olugbemiro Sodeinde; Prof. Kike Osinusi and Prof. Oluyinka Ogundipe at the 2014 Faculty Day seminar of the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria at the LASUTH auditorium, Ikeja, Lagos

L-R: Professor of Business Ethics, Lagos Business School, Prof. Emmanuel Elegido; Representative of Central Bank Governor, Mr. Dipo Fatokun; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; President, Society for Corporate Governance, Mr. Olusegun Oshunkeye; former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and Founder, Diamond Bank, Dr. Pascal Dozie, at the 2014 Annual Conference on Corporate Governance in Lagos…on Friday

Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu [Middle]; his wife, Jummai (right); National Coordinator, Women for Change Initiative, Dr. Rabi Ibrahim (left) and other members, during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Minna…on Thursday

L-R: Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and Minister of Works for State, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, during the 2014 Ministerial briefing in Abuja...on Friday

L-R: Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio and National Chairman, PDP, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, after the party’s NEC meeting in Abuja …On Thursday.

The last eight contestant at the on-going MTN Project Fame season 7.0

L-R: Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Faruk Yabo; General Muhammadu Buhari and Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, during the inauguration of 234 ambulances for the 234 Wards Rural Primary Health Centre in Sokoto…on Friday

14

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Ebola: FCT schools’ll resume tomorrow, says minister Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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mid controversy over the reopening of public and private schools across the country due to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, has said that schools across the nation’s capital will reopen for the 2014/2015 session on Monday (tomorrow), as directed by the Federal Government.

Mohammed also stated that the FCT administration had taken adequate precautionary measures to ensure that children and their teachers are not unwittingly infected by EVD. The minister’s directive, which was delivered yesterday by the FCT Secretary for Education, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, at the Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, Abuja, said that all schools within the FCT had been fumigated.

He stated that tankers had been dispatched to provide water to schools lacking potable water.

Yusuf, who distributed items required to ensure a safe environment for schoolchildren, said the exercise would continue till Monday when schools would open.

He said that the FCTA had procured enough materials for distribution to all schools in the capital, noting that the distribution would run till January 2015.

Items distributed were hand sanitisers, liquid soap, thermometers, plastic buckets, anti-bacterial liquids,

gloves and sensitisation materials.

He also said officials of the FCT Department of Quality Assurance would visit schools tomorrow to monitor the level of compliance in the provision of the items by the private school owners.

He added that school owners are expected to provide the items for their institutions since they charge fees.

He gave the assurance to the Nigeria Union of Teachers that the FCT administration was ready to resume for academic activities in all its schools, adding that they should not discourage parents from taking their children to school on Monday.

He also called on parents and guardians not to harbour any fear.

“I call on all parents and guardians of FCT pupils and students who are understandably still apprehensive to harbour no fears.

Their children and wards are completely safe and schools will open as scheduled on Monday September 22, 2014” he said.

He however directed heads of schools not to admit any pupil or student with signs of malaria even as he enjoined parents to ensure that their children are treated of any ailment before the resumption date.

He also said the training of teachers in the handling of any suspected case of Ebola in any school had been concluded.

NUT Chairman FCT Chapter, Comrade Al-Hassan Jibril, expressed satisfaction at the procurement of the materials and cautioned that efforts should be made to ensure that all schools get the items.

Anambra demolishes more kidnappers’ hideouts

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nambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on Friday expressed his determination to free the state of violent criminals.

Obiano spoke as three more buildings used by kidnappers to hide their victims were demolished in the sleepy town of Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area.

A statement from Government House said the people of the town turned up in large numbers to witness the demolition of a sixroom bungalow, belonging to a suspected kidnapper, Emeka Eze, alias Emeka Nando. The owner of the property at Ubarisioye Nando was believed to be

the brain behind the kidnap of road transport mogul, Chief G.U.O Okeke, and many other high profile kidnap cases.

The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Hassan Karma, explained that Eze was later arrested by the police while in possession of a machine gun, three AK47 rifles, rocket launchers and five 50-litre cans filled with assorted arms and ammunitions.

The CP, who led the demolition squad, said the suspect was promptly charged to court where he was subsequently granted bail. He noted that Eze relocated to Lagos and continued with his criminal lifestyle until he was killed

during a gun duel with the police.

The demolition squad also pulled down a storey building at Akamanato Nando which was allegedly used by Nnamdi Nwabia, son of the deceased owner, Mr. Daniel Nwabia, for kidnapping.

The suspect also died in a gun battle with the police in Lagos.

The squad also demolished another storey building at Abube-Uno Nando, which belonged to one Ofomaiji. It was said to have been converted into a holding structure for kidnap victims by his son, Osinwa, a suspected kidnapper who is still on the run.

Karma explained that the buildings had been repeatedly used for various crimi-

nal activities, pointing out that in line with the laws of Anambra State, their Certificates of Occupancy had been revoked.

The CP urged Nigerian youths to stay away from crime and seek legitimate sources of livelihood as the government was determined to stamp out criminals from Anambra State.

Reacting to the demolitions, Obiano declared that the state was steadily winning the war against crime.

He recalled that in the last 10 days, seven suspected criminals were arrested by officers of Operation Kpochapu.

He said they were tracked and arrested outside the state while one kidnap attempt in Abia State was foiled.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu; Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke, during the South-West PDP rally in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

...Lagos pupils too, Anambra teachers give conditions Muritala Ayinla and Tony Okafor

L

agos State Government yesterday said pupils in all public and private schools are safe to resume tomorrow, September 22, 2014.

The state government also declared that Lagos had become free of Ebola Virus Disease as the last suspected EVD case under quarantine had tested negative to the virus.

But to avert the incidence of EVD in all the schools, the government has begun the distribution 1,675 thermos scans inspection devices in all its 1007 primary schools and 668 secondary schools.

Addressing over 3,000 teachers in the state at the Eko FM/LTV Complex, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, urged parents

and guardians to allow their wards resume too schools.

Adeshina said the last person under quarantine had been freed after spending 21 days at the isolation centre, urging teachers to return to school as there is no other way EVD could find its way to their schools.

She said, “We understand your concerns and fears. Many of you think that some pupils and their parents could bring Ebola to your schools. Others feel that Ebola could also put on a dress and come to your schools. We have made proactive efforts at ensuring that we will not any case of Ebola in our state again.

“To further ensure the safety of our pupils and the teachers, we have acquired thermo scans to be given to each public school. By Monday, you will all have it.

“As at today, there are no

worries about EVD in Lagos. All those suspects under quarantine in Port Harcourt will not be allowed to go out of their premises,” she added.

Adeshina, however, advised teachers to always maintain personal hygiene and ensure that safety practices such as hand washing with water and soap are maintained at all times.

She urged teachers to always report to the relevant authorities whenever they suspect any proven EVD symptoms in their pupils.

On the fear of contacting the disease through other means, such as the consumption of bush meat and bats, Adeshina said, “Our bats are free of Ebola.

They have been in existence before 1976 and nobody has contracted the disease. Besides, you can’t be infected with the virus during the

process of preparing the animals. When your food is well cooked, there is no way you can be infected with Ebola. The only known case of EVD in Nigeria was traced to Patrick Sawyer.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State NUT chapter has said it will begin the fresh academic session tomorrow if the government provides anti-Ebola facilities to schools as required.

The NUT State Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyi Ofodile, gave the condition in an interview with newsmen in Awka yesterday after a meeting with the enlarged executives of the union.

Ofodile, however, said that the devices such as Ebola infrared thermometer kits must be made available to the schools within the week of resumption.

“Having assessed the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situa-

tion in the state, the union is not in any way against President Goodluck Jonathan’s wish that schools resume on Monday. We will work with the various governments on condition that students are not lured to their doom by not providing the needed things,” he said.

He, however, commended Governor Willie Obiano for setting up a rapid response team as well as ensuring the training of 1,043 teachers selected from all the schools across the state on Ebola prevention and control.

Also speaking, the state President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Geoffrey Ajiba, expressed the readiness of the members to commence academic activities on September 22.

“We were told that by September 22, schools should

resume and have been told on what to do with little things like frequent hand washing. We pray that the government will keep to their promise because the lives of the children are at stake,” he said.

For his part, the state chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, Mr. Ikenna Achukwu, said that some public schools were yet to be provided with borehole or water reservoirs.

“While waiting for the state government, parents have been advised to train the children on proper hygiene and also assist in providing some of the materials such wash hand basins, hand sanitisers and towels.

“We will resume schools on September 22 with the hope that government will play its part,” he said.

15

FASHION

Elegant styling with jumpsuits p.22, 43

Body Soul SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

No marriage is worth dying for

- Pastor Chile

ume

16

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

my heart m o r f t h g i a r t S

ge to celebrate. velled to the villa use. I was tra d ha e w d mily ho season an Dine thered in our fa as the Yuletide e& y years ago. It w en and a few women - were ga y young, very fertile mind Win an m e ac pl ok d, m rs - m nt that to family membe lked and laughe recall an incide che morning, many thering. While the adults ta ar ul ic rt pa urd of is ena r th go ga e at r On rg th la a in tr G rl ex gi as an d only fo happy. There w palm wine. the youngest an Red body y. Everyone was ted sharing the white, frothy r satchels. . da ld us or io e w e ev th pr h e t ul d star ed th roamed m thei d so ge was contract ted the gourd an ) which they brought out fro n a I think a marria e. Then a stoutly-built man lif ds ur tabl cups (small go ed so good! idly. palm wine on a their own special palm wine t a tumbler, tim ve tast ha t us m e d in and she held ou ted. The ‘sharer ’ ha w an lm om pa w e th st s, fir The old men e ou th r lip d smacked thei ticipation. It got to the turn of the men first,” an old man sh They drank an W in an serve th ld ou ou m sh y k ie u m lled Yo ed ? co o Saliva flood been served me a mischief-fi ve en m ga p e d th i an l s al lip e h av son! d his te c “Taaaaaaaa! H oman’s young ng gulp, smacke c ol a xt ‘man’ -the w mbler in one lo was too I o . ilt bu h ly di moved to the ne - looked at me, drained the tu ur C as st in s. r than me and w imagination.

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According to th omen are docile rious argumen r they had a se nt that not all w ld the court, “Despite that he ar le s ha nd rie with a cane afte yf to emasculated bo nt Uko, was reported to have rs rescued him.”

The obviously ighbou Innoce r ne to r ec he sp til In , un or an The Prosecut flogging the m cy, she kept on begged for mer r hearing. hard!

I’m laughing so urned till October 10 for furthe , this jo ad es killing them as w se The ca en and sometim g hard punches in g this! om in w r ad ei re e th ar up in en g men beatin gs are throw I hope the m many stories of the punching ba Having read so omen are baring their fangs; me w is warming. So wine...join me. defense. stine-warming I’m sipping inte blessed week ahead. a Cheers and have Bod

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Juliet

Contents 21.09.2014 COVER

My own experience showed me that once a man starts beating a woman, the beast in him can hardly be contained.

Every man that raises his hand against a woman is not worth dying for, and such a one is an irredeemable beast

-Chile Ume

} 18-19

BEAUTY

Season after season in fashion, many styles are touted as the trend du jour. In makeup, as evident even on the runway at the New York Fashion Week, last week, winged eyeliners have been a common denominator across designer’s shows

} 21

GLAM DUDES Often, simple jeans, a niceT-shirt and matching shoes are good for a casual party. You can also wear chinos trousers, shorts or khakis with a nice shirt, Polo, T-shirt or a thin woolen V-neck sweater.

} 44

gs ph Ga legra JR Te

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M go om Mum, is tha anywin: the M& d to bec why t know r, s?

Ed did nte che sn’ r. tea wers!

Why e he wa supplie teache A new cher doe for ans school Becaus of all Mum:n: Our teaasking us King Edwi she keeps called is the tory Who er. thing... s of his !

The rul ly day ! Knock ights. the ear Knock there? ny Kn were cil. o’s so ma Why Ages? re Wh ken pen who? rk we sses? the Da e there sungla ts.

A bro ken pencil Becaus r wear studen A bro mind… teache h bright suc Never ntless! startdid the tence Why e she had It’s poi a sen Becaus e me llie, giv r: Mi Teacheh I. ing wit : I is…

Millie

FASHION

The beauty of jumpsuits is inexhaustible!

They are very functional piece that can be styled in multiple ways.

Depending on the fabric and style, the jumpsuit can be easily glammed up or dressed down to suit your mood and the occasion

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor)

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Wole Adepoju Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

} 22&43

Abimbola Sodeke

ACCESSORIES Wedges are killer chic and foot-friendly.

They are also sexy in a casual, subtle way.

To prevent the ‘ouch!’

That often goes with wearing stiletto heels, lots of ladies go for wedge heels.

Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics) Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 chibumah@yahoo.com julietbumah@newtelegraphonline.com

Associates

} 17

BED, WORK & LIFE “Good afternoon Aunty. You have a visitor here...Ben,” the security man says.

Kathryn’s breath catches in her throat. Dave is breathing e v e n l y.

Good.

“I’ll call him now.

Tell him that,” she says into the

mouthpiece and hangs up.

Gently, she gets off the bed and walks noiselessly out of the room

} 20

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Accessories

No ‘ouch!’ with Wedge heels Vanessa Okwara

W

edge heels are definitely the way to go if you’re not a stiletto-gal but still want to benefit from the extra height and leg-elongating effects of high heels. Wedges are killer chic and foot-friendly. They are also sexy in a casual, subtle way. To prevent the ‘ouch!’ that often goes with wearing stiletto heels, lots of ladies go for wedge heels.

Not all wedges are high. They range from nearly flat to extremely high. It’s the shape and the length of the heel that classifies it as a wedge. A wedge heel runs under the foot, from the back of the shoe to the middle or front. These shoes add height, but many find them easier to walk in than stilettos.

Wedges are good for women with thicker ankles and calves; such heels make them appear thinner. The shape and size of the heel looks better with the shape of their legs. If you have thinner calves, they will make them look even thinner. But anyone can wear them; you just have to know what wedge heel to go for.

They are available in a plethora of colours and styles. The three main wedge styles are low heels, high heels and boots. Each of these comes in multiple designs such as open toe, pumps, bootie, platform and gladiator sandals.

The height of the wedge completely depends on your foot’s pain threshold, but most wedges are very comfortable because of their smooth heel and soles.

A wedge heel looks great with nearly any length of skirt or dress. Wedge shoes are in general, casual footwear, but can be worn for a range of occasions, weddings included. The style has to be extra pretty and polished. Wedges are hot with maxi skirts, some jumpsuits, shorts, short skirts, wrap dresses and wide or flared jeans or pants.

17

Body&Soul

18

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body &Soul

No marriage is worth Could you let us in on your experience as wife and mother?

I had an abusive marriage that spanned 22 years. I got married to a Christian who is also a traditionalist. It might sound strange to you; he is the general overseer of a church. I suffered a hell of battering, unkept promises and violation. I got married to him at the age of 23. He promised that he would let me go back to school, but I lived with him without seeing the fulfillment of that promise. I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t know this quite early, so I made some stupid mistakes.

There was a time I raised the issue about his unfaithfulness to me. He hit me so hard on my ear that blood streamed out. Incidentally, he took me to the hospital, and made me to lie to the hospital staff that I hit my ear on the door. I covered him up. Today, one side of my ear is gone. I never knew that he could act so harshly. I refused to tell my parents and siblings about his cruelty.

I had another experience where he gave me the beating of my life. I was in the hospital for one week. I tried to cover it up again, but the woman doctor who was treating me refused to allow me do that. I cried before her like a baby. He paid the bills; but do you know that he told the police later that he didn’t know why I went to the hospital? He denied ever touching me. He denied ever abusing me. Before my mother and siblings, he denied everything. I thought I was the wife of a bishop and needed to protect and shield him from negative publicity.

One of those days, my mother said to me: “Chile, you can’t go back to that house again! If you had died when he beat you up by midnight and pushed you out on the street, he could have told the police that you went prostituting.” After beating me that night, I hid myself inside the secondary school in the compound. He seized my two phones, laptop and all, but a boy in the compound secretly gave me his phone.

I was then able to call my mother and siblings. He came to the school where I was hiding, beat me up again, dragged me out and threw me outside the gate.

Was that what inspired you to write the six books you launched recently?

I have actually written 20 books; but I decided to publish six. I was inspired by my dad. He was a good writer but never had time to make friends. He was always writing, and that helped me. And yes; what I went through as a woman, a mother, and a wife, also inspired me to write. The experiences I had were so bitter, they not only made me cry but also made me to write down what I was going through, so that other women can learn from my ordeal.

At a time people are reeling back in shock over the messy ‘behind the camera’ lives of notable men of God, TAI ANYANWU gets Pastor. Augusta Chile Ume, Proprietress of Mother Augusta Academy International, Aba, Abia State, to talk about her 22 years abusive marriage to a man of God. The mother of six marked her 44th birthday recently How has life been?

Well, it has been wonderful. I’ve got lots of experiences; good ones, great ones, happy days and sad days. I have also had experiences of child birth, motherhood and wife.

born into a middle class family. My parents were highly committed Roman Catholics. I had my primary education as well as my tertiary education at Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, and I’m currently running a degree programme.

What were your growing up days like?

As much as I can remember, I grew up in a family of seven and I was the first and only girl child for 12 years. My growing up years were wonderful. I was taken care of, but was not pampered. I had a good time with my parents because they were elites. We always spent time together. My father was a disciplinarian who never allowed me to mingle with just any Jack, Dick and Harry in the neighbourhood, but would always mandate me to read my books. I was

You said you’ve had experiences of child birth, motherhood and wife. Would you like to talk about that?

Yes. I am married, but I refuse to mention his name, not in honour but because I don’t want to waste space on him. I have six children (four girls and two boys).

I am presently the pastor of Home Alive Ministry International and the proprietress of Mother Augusta Academy.

Precisely, what lesson(s) did you document for the women folks in the books?

If you are a mother reading this piece, I would advise you to get a copy of my book, ‘The Dilemma of an African Wife’ from the nearest bookshop. Tell your daughter to go to school, read and get her certificates before considering marriage. She should get a job where possible and do what God wants her to do.

Every woman must sit back and ask herself, ‘Who am I’? What does God say about me? Don’t accept any definition from your pastor or anyone else. It is about you and your God. Sit down with Him and ask Him who you are, why He created you, what was on His mind when He made you, and what He wants you to fulfill here on earth.

Many have died without fulfillment. They sighed till they entered the grave because of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. Many were so talented until they met the ‘killer’ of their dreams and they lost all. Ask God for the big picture behind your creation. Never keep quiet.

That was my world. I plead with other women out there, who might be experiencing a similar dilemma or worse and more complicated ones. I have abridged my experiences for want of space, but I’d like to say this to the unmarried, please be careful.

So you don’t believe in the Christian injunction which says ‘till death us part’?

No. A woman should not die for marriage’s sake.

19

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body& Soul

dying for - Pastor Chile Ume People say, ‘till death do us part’, but that’s not the scripture. A woman should die for the purpose of God for her life. Jesus has already died for us; we don’t need to die for anyone. You know how dangerous and risky it is to care for a mentally sick person. If it is difficult for trained personnel, how much more will it be for unskilled and untrained amateur bush doctors or psychiatrists. Even at that, most women keep fooling themselves. Even when the marriage is collapsing, they continue to hope that there will be a change.

My own experience showed me that once a man starts beating a woman, the beast in him can hardly be contained. There is hardly any medication that can turn the heart of a beast. Every man that raises his hand against a woman is not worth dying for, and such one is an irredeemable beast.

I entered into the relationship because I heard Him clearly asking me to go in.

If the reverse was the case, I could have died long before now. If God is not leading you, please don’t say ‘I do’ because that I might mean ‘I die’. Love is no more blind, so open your eyes.

could have believed me if I had raised the alarm? My siblings were growing up and were not in a position to fight for me.

Sex for him was a man’s game. Anytime he wanted it, he would tell me, ‘Go wash your vagina for me’ and would add, ‘make sure you wash it very well because I want to see it very neat’.

When I had washed it, he would just go into me and leave me with bruises. After each session, I would keep my legs apart, airing it to soothe the pain. Once he was done, he was gone. All I knew about sex was to satisfy a man who cared less.

I begged for it when he denied me of it because there was nowhere to go to.

I cooked his food everyday whether I was sick or otherwise. He insisted on eating my food, even when I had children who were above 17 years. For him, a woman is a slave.

He opened and closed the women’s ministry at will. Many days, he woke up on the wrong side of his pillow and slammed a ban on the fellowship without notice.

He could wake up the next moment and reopen it. He is a king and takes no advice, consultation or word from anyone.

He was ‘divine’ and all of us were mere mortals. If you want peace, you have to both bow and submit to him or get ready to hear one story about your person that could force your dead parents to turn in their graves.

On many occasions, he warned me that if I dared him, I would hear from the pulpit something which could give me a heart attack. He would always threaten to say things that could force me out on the street and end it with ‘you know everybody will believe me’.

I went into this relationship because of my deep desire to serve God. But there I was in a deep sea of despondency. It was glaring that I have walked into the lion’s den.

Where and how did you meet your husband?

I met my former husband at the age of 18 and he proposed to me. We both attended the same fellowship. I went back to God in prayer. My parents raised a serious objection to the relationship for three years. He was barely educated. He was a trader serving his master. His family background was not too wonderful - not the type parents would think twice before saying ‘no’ to his proposal. Despite those differences, I had an approval from God to go ahead. He has a sweet tongue and was very smart. What he lacked in formal education, he had it in local knowledge (native intelligence). He could fight his way through and had what I thought was his own. We waited for three years for my parents’ approval.

We got married in 1992. He was 11 years older than I, but it didn’t really make meaning to me until the abuse started.

How did your love story turn sore?

I was working with NIPOST - that’s former Post and Telecommunication (P&T) Department. To the glory of God, I retired from there years later. I supported the family with my meager salary. Then he was a tailor. His business was the most subsistence type. From my salary, I sponsored him to Bible college when he decided to quit trading for the ministry. I took care of him and the family while he studied at the Bible college. We used to study the Bible together and by the grace of God, I was the one God used to explain the basics of the gospel to him.

After his training, he decided to start a ministry. It was not easy at the beginning because of opposition from the denomination where we were worshipping. It was also difficult to raise the capital that helped us to start. I gave him all my support, collapsing my ministry in order to support his call. We were sure of one important thing in life: each day, there was food in the house made possible by my salary at NIPOST. The headache of keeping the house was entirely erased from us.

We started making babies soon after our wedding. The financial burden was there but I was able to cushion it with my income and the little he could afford. With the passage of time, success started greeting us. He was a prosperity preacher and of course, I remained a Bible believing charismatic/

Pastor Ume

tering and domestic evangelical Christian. He believed “Despite our differences, I violence. A police in taking from the officer walked up to people and pros- stayed put. As the church me and asked me: ‘Are you Mrs. Aupering himself but increased in membership, I believed in giving gusta’? I answered in the affirmative to the people to add money came in and sin and he continued: value to their lives.

‘Thank God you As time went on, multiplied. Some weeks ago, these belief systems I had an experience that are now waking up. started separating I know your husus. He still believes made me so ashamed that I band so well, just that I am not loyal stood and gazed into the sky” as I know the items in my bedroom. All because I refuse to believe in a Christiof us in the station anity that is permissive, pervasive, ostenta- know him’. He mentioned a particular tious and arrogant. name and asked me if I knew the person.

Despite our differences, I stayed put. I told him I knew him. He said to me: ‘I As the church increased in membership, know everything about your husband but money came in and sin multiplied. Some it’s unfortunate that I am meeting you for weeks ago, I had an experience that made the first time in 22 years’.

I stood there like a foolish girl without me so ashamed that I stood and gazed into the sky. I was at the police station. a word. Was the officer saying that so My siblings took me there for abuse, bat- that I could laugh or cry or what? Who

How are your children coping with your separation?

Out of six children, the eldest is 21 and the youngest is six. One of my sons is an ally of his father. He promised him heaven on earth. One of such promises was that my name had been replaced with his as next-of-kin.

Every document I was to sign was transferred to him; the fake promises blew the head off the 20 years old boy. He now sees himself as a boy millionaire! He plans to make the boy the next pastor after him.

He usually beat me at the command of his father.

The area commander at the police station almost detained him because of his uncoordinated and inarticulate lies. My children are comfortable with the separation, though they know the truth. Right now, I don’t have access to them.

What is the mission of Augusta School?

Mother Augusta International Academy is born out of passion to really impact on lives, not just religiously, but skillfully.

My school is 100 per cent mission school.

I want to run the school in the old way, by making the fees affordable, and the quality of education will be competitive.

Do you plan to fight for the right of the girl-child to education?

Yes, but I can’t achieve it alone. I need the support of government and corporate organisations and churches. From our discussions, we will come out with something positive that will help the girl-child in Abia State and Nigeria in general.

20

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

K

athryn sighs again. How will she manage this situation? The man she loves so much is in her sitting room, waiting to eat the lunch she is preparing...and herself after. The man that may be interested in marrying her is somewhere in the neighbourhood, waiting to take her out.

She moves listlessly in her kitchen, waiting for the stew to get hot enough.

The rice is cooked.

“My wife, what troubles you?” Dave asks.

Kathryn turns. Dave stands at the door. He has a towel around his waist.

He observes her calmly but his man is not calm. It stands firmly, pushing at the towel. Kathryn has been so engrossed in her thoughts and hasn’t noticed him.

“What is the problem,” he asks again.

“Nothing dear,” she says without conviction.

“No, my love. You can’t fool me. You are troubled. Tell me what the problem is,” he says quietly, moving into the kitchen.

She moves towards the cooker.

“Nothing is wrong with me,” she replies with a sigh.

“Do you have any challenge in your business, health...any problem at all,” he insists.

“I don’t have any challenge, not finance...and I’m very healthy. I take very good care of myself,” she says a bit sharply.

Dave watches her move in and out of the kitchen. She serves the food and they move to the dinette.

They eat quietly, the food tastes great.

Dave is worried. He knows that something is bothering her. He wishes she’ll be free with him. He’s ready to take over her needs.

He tries to get her to confide in him.

“My love, is there anything you want me to do for you? Look, don’t hide anything from me. I’ll do everything within my power to make you happy...please tell me what the problem is,” he says.

“I love you and desperately want us to get married,” she says in her mind but says aloud, “I don’t need anything now. If I do, I’ll surely let you know.”

Dave is disappointed but he hides it.

They continue to eat.

Her mind is in turmoil. Ben will call in an hour’s time. What will she tell him? She won’t be able to go out with him if Dave is still around. But does she want Dave to leave?

They finish their food and wash up everything in the kitchen.

The silence becomes unbearable and Dave breaks the ice.

“Kathryn, I think I’ll leave. You obviously don’t want me around you.

I’ll be at home. You’re welcome anytime you feel like visiting,” he says, moving towards the door to pick his clothes.

Kathryn stands and watches him, shocked.

This is the first time he’ll call her name in full.

As he slips on his palms, it occurs to her that he is actually serious about leaving.

Without thinking, she moves to the centre table and grabs his two handsets.

“You ain’t going anywhere, sweetheart. You ain’t leaving me,” she tells him as he stretches his hand for his phones.

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

chibumah@yahoo.com

I’ll never leave you

“Yes, I’m leaving, Kathryn. I don’t hang around where I’m not wanted,” he says, his heart bleeding.

“And who told you you’re not wanted here?”

“You, of course,” he replies.

“Ok, have your phones,” she says and hands them over to him.

As he turns the lock at the door, he hears his name and turns.

Kathryn stands behind, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Oh no!

He is beside her in seconds. He scoops her in his arms.

“My wife, what’s the matter? Why are you crying? You must tell me what the problem is,” he says.

“Why didn’t you leave? You wanted to leave,” she manages to say between sobs.

“No my love, I didn’t want to leave.

You were pushing me to leave. You couldn’t bear to have me around you,” he says.

Kathryn curls her arms around his neck and draws his face down to hers.

“I love you Dave. I don’t want you to leave. I want you to stay. Please,” she says, sobbing.

“I’ll stay, please stop crying. I love you too. I need you in my life,” he says.

“What about your wife? What happens when she comes back?” She asks.

“My wife? Forget about her, my love,” he replies with a chuckle as they move to the couch. He sheds his clothes again...

After a bit of fooling around on the couch, she says, “Let’s go to my room.

There’s no sheath within reach here...”

They drag each other into the room and tumble into the bed. Dave is a he-goat on heat.

This is the first time they’ll be on a bed together. Dave feels like a groom on his wedding night...only that the bride is not a learner. For the first time, she lies on her back and takes him in.

Then, she shifts her ample derrière a little to the left, pushing him a little off her. Dave feels like he’s drowning.

A little scream escapes his lips.

Then she begins a slow movement that feels like she’s dancing to a very slow makossa tune. Anytime her derrière heaves, Dave clutches at anything his hands find as the feeling of drowning intensifies. He clenches his teeth.

Slowly and expertly, she moves until Dave’s head is cradled in the crook of her left hand, her large boobs nuzzling his face. He takes one tit into his mouth and suckles it like a baby while playing with the other. The feeling is heavenly. Kathryn continues to rock slowly to the silent rhythm, building up tempo. With her right hand, she traces paths on his body, digging in her nails a little and messaging at the same time. As her hips move faster, Dave begins to shiver and scream.

“Baby relax, ain’t gonna hurt you,” she coos and moves faster.

“Yes...yes...yes...” Dave mumbles, his mouth fastened on the tit as his man swells to fill up the warm, wet and cozy home that keeps oozing sweet juice...

“Fastaaaaaaaaa,”he screams as spirit mixed with nectar fill his brain and his buns move of their own accord.

Kathryn is in another realm. She rocks hard and fast to the music in her head. She gallops and bucks alternatively, making him feel like she’s swallowing him at the other end.

She dances until the music reaches

the crescendo and all the instrument. explode at the same time in a cloud of silvery smoke. They both scream, and scream until the spasms leave them.

Then, they lay...spent.

The intercom has been buzzing.

They ignore it. They’re too shaky to get off the bed.

“My wife, you’re the bomb. I’ll never leave you,” he tells her, smiling. His breath is still irregular.

“Thanks honey,” she replies, her voice cheery.

They doze off but the intercom buzzes again and she picks it.

“Good afternoon Aunty. You have a visitor here...Ben,” the security man says.

Kathryn’s breath catches in her throat. Dave is breathing evenly.

Good.

“I’ll call him now. Tell him that,” she says into the mouthpiece and hangs up.

Gently, she gets off the bed and walks noiselessly out of the room.

She has missed 11 calls on her phone, seven of them from Ben. She dials his number.

“What happened dear? I’ve been so worried,” he says, concern in his voice.

“I’m sorry Ben, my uncle is around...” she begins. ****** Dave wakes up with a start. She’s not in the room. He goes searching for the woman that has stolen his heart... *********** Hope Dave doesn’t hear what will kill his spirit!

Join me here next week as we continue on this journey.

Send your observations to the email above.

21

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

Apply the perfect eyeliner

Biwom Iklaki

S

eason after season in fashion, many styles are touted as the trend du jour.

In makeup, as evident even on the runway at the New York Fashion Week, last week, winged eyeliners have been a common denominator across designer’s shows. Though they have professional makeup artists to do their makeup, we too can replicate this old Hollywood glamour staple for smoked, crisp, winged or delicate eyeliner forms by adhering to the following: 1. Sharpen tools

Always sharpen your pencils so as to create a clean, perfect line when you sweep across. Be sure to always keep a sharpener in your makeup bag or buy one of those pencils that come with sharpener lids. You should sharpen after two to three applications.

2. Never skip the shadow If you skip applying a primer, eye shadow or powder before your eyeliner, will smudge even when placed tightly to your lash line. You may not see the transfer from the lash line to your lid with your eyes open, it is definitely visible with your eyes closed. A waterproof pencil may help but

your eyelid oils can break that down too.

3. Eyeliner residue It could be tricky taking off all of the eye makeup since we often rim the inside and outside of our lash lines. Try applying makeup remover on a cotton pad and place directly over your eye, hold for 5-10 seconds so the remover absorbs into the makeup, then wipe.

4. Avoid hard pencils Pencils are generally easier to apply when they are soft. They create clean straight lines even though they can also easily smudge into a smokey eye. There are many

bright, bold and high definition eyeliner formulas in the market today. You would be spoiled for choice.

5. Eyeliner gaps Along with your mascara, your eyeliners too should be applied, starting at the root of your lashes. This method prevents that slight gap between your lashes and your eyeliner- a definite no no, especially for very fair women. •BEAUTY TIP: Q-tips are the perfect erasers for wiggling tightly and precisely through the root of your lashes for that final clean up.

Body&Soul

22

43

umpsuits were quite fashionable in the 70′s and they are making a comeback in today’s fashion scene. It is a style that can be worn by everyone as jumpsuits come in all shapes, prints, and styles. No matter your body shape, height, or age, you can find a piece that’s perfect for you.

The beauty of jumpsuits is inexhaustible! They are very functional piece that can be styled in multiple ways. Depending on the fabric and style, the jumpsuit can be easily glammed up or dressed down to suit your mood and the occasion. It is easy to wear - the one-piece wonder slips on effortlessly and with a swish of accessories, you are good to go.

Jumpsuit is one of the best ways to express your own style. These days, the trend is getting hotter as different fabrics including Ankara and other African prints can be used to create funky styles that are uniquely yours.

With a chic blazer and pointytoed pumps, jumpsuit brings on a boardroom-ready look. With layers of gold jewelry and metallic sandals and clutch purse, it gives easy transits from a day at the office to an evening of cocktails .

When buying a jumpsuit, it is important to bear in mind that the styling determines the fit.

If you have tummy, go for a jumpsuit that has a loose top to help hide the bulge and if you have a straight figure, try one with a waist band. A slouchy, straight-up-and-down jumpsuit can be cool too, but cinching in the waist is a great way to define your shape and add a little extra femininity to your look. If you have wide hips, opt for a jumpsuit that flares out at the bottom and if you have broad shoulders, go for halters or high necks.

Do not overdo your makeup while wearing jumpsuits, as the jumpsuit gives you a trendy and gorgeous look.

Jumpsuit is also a great option to keep your luggage light on vacation. Pair it with simple flat sandals to stroll by day, and wedges, high heeled sandals or pointy toe pumps for an evening look.

Plus, the non-wrinkle fabric will keep you looking fresh and elegant.

J

Vanessa Okwara

Elegant styling with jumpsuits

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

23

SundayBusiness SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Oil workers’ strike threatens economy p.24

Praise, knocks as Emefiele marks first 100 days

Transport

Abuja tour firm begins operations p.25

Arcade

Lekki/Epe corridor: Nigeria’s fastest growing upscale honeypot p.26

CBN Governor, Emefiele

T

Chijioke Iremeka

hough Nigeria’s inflationary rate increased two points from 8.2 per cent to 8.5 per cent in the first three months of Godwin Emefiele’s ascendancy as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, observers are divided on the impact he has made on Nigeria’s financial sector in his first 100 days.

In separate interviews on Emefiele’s first three months, they differed on his policy on the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), with some saying it would not encourage and bolster the economic development of the country.

They said that for Nigeria to industrialise, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) must have access to funding.

Some also described the restoration of the N65 ATM service fee as a disservice to customers, adding that the appointment of Jim Ovia and Tony Elumelu as the chairmen of Zenith Bank and UBA Plc respectively indicate that the sector may return to its old ways.

They, however, charged him to focus more on activities and policies that would greatly strengthen the naira and

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

“He appointment of Jim Ovia and Tony Elumelu as the chairmen of Zenith Bank and UBA Plc respectively indicate that the sector may return to its old ways”

make funds available to SMEs. He has stabilised financial sector - Famuyibo The President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and Human Resources Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Victor Famuyibo, says the CBN Governor has been able to restore stability to the Nigerian financial world in his first 100 days.

“I think he has been able to bring stability to the financial sector.

It was getting a little bit unsettled before he came onboard. Investors were becoming apprehensive and were no longer sure of their investment in Nigeria. We were beginning to experience some form of capital flight and debenture capital, as foreign investors were withholding their funds because they were not sure of what would happen next. The last days of his predecessor had a lot of uncertainty and instability because of the poBoyo litical issues around that.

“So, there was restiveness at the time. But I think with his coming on board, he has been able to reassure investors that we intend to maintain continuity and stability in the naira to an extent. May be we would have lost some points to inflation, which is currently at 8.5 as against 8.2 when he assumed office.

“Not too bad, though. We are no longer as afraid as we were before he came in. There is some level of stability and I hope he continues with his good monetary policies that have given us comfort as we approach the 2015 elections. If that comfort is not there, there will be a lot of capital flight,” he stated.

He, however, declined to comment on the contentious issue of interest rates.

“The area has to be critically looked at. He can’t do it in a hurry. Remember it was not his creation. You don’t come into an office as big as the Nigerian economy and you begin to do make dramatic changes.

“Interest rates are linked to so many other economic issues and fundamentals and will drive inflation and borrowing. They are linked directly to what we make from oil. He can’t run faster than the economy itself. I’m not putting the blame at his doorstep; he is going to maintain a safe balance first.

“If I want to maintain our foreign reserve, how am I sure that the oil price that dropped below $100 per barrel will not drop further?

So, there are many variables he needs to put into account before taking that decision, and this is not one man’s decision. It has to do with

a number of committees of the CBN and they will look at all the economic variables and numbers to determine that.

Not impressive – Ovienmhada Business consultant and 2015 presidential aspirant under the Citizens Popular Party, Michael Ovienmhada, says he is not impressed with the way pronouncements have been made on critical policies without due consultations.

“I’m not impressed with Emefiele’s 100 days in office. I have issues with his policy on Bureaux De Change (BDC). No matter how well intentioned, a well-polished policy should be subjected to some degree of debate.

Call a meeting of stakeholders and tell them that these are the problems you have to deal with. Tell them that these are the things you are trying to address and then seek their input, especially when the policy will affect the people more.”

Many of the BDCs couldn’t meet the CBN’s new financial requirement of N35m for operation of BDCs in Nigeria. And these have led to loss of jobs. Any new policy must be exhaustibly discussed with stakeholders before being implemented. We should never be in a hurry to do things.

“Secondly, his policy on ATM charges is generating ripples. Now, when you want to do such things, explain to us why and give some time before doing it. Those in charge of ATM operations, are they banks or independent people? How do these charges affect them and their ability to provide better services?

Explain and give us time to digest it before implementation.

“Thirdly, I am still not impressed with his monetary policy on the naira. He should come out and tell us what his monetary policy is on the naira. Is he going to actively continue his predecessor’s policy on maintaining a stable exchange rate for the naira or not?”

Reverse N65 ATM fee - Okuntola Coordinator of Lagos State University Post Graduate School, Ojo, Lagos, Dr. Bose Okuntola, wants the CBN governor to reverse the introduction of the N65ATM service fee.

“I am of opinion that ATM service, which was made free before now, should remain so.

We should retain the freedom instead of putting undue pressure on customers who are being over-taxed.

“Also, virtually every sector of the economy is complaining about interest rates in the country. CBN should try and reduce them. People don’t have access to loans due to these high interest rates. If he does that, he would touch the hearts of the people.

“Low interest rates would enable the SMEs to develop the economy. Don’t forget that SMEs are the bedrock of economic development of any country. They will create jobs. Crimes and insecurity issues would be reduced drastically.

“Emefiele should work hard to reduce the high interest rate in the next 100 days in the office. More importantly, inter-banks charges should be reduced too because if not, it would still bounce back to the economy.

• I’ll rate him below 50% - Agboola The Chief Executive Officer of Vogue Tec and Engineering Limited, Lagos, Mr. Olumide AgCONTINUED ON PAGE 29

24

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday Business

T

Paul Ogbuokiri he drop in domestic gas supply has started taking its toll on the economy, pushing the price of cooking gas up by 20 per cent on Thursday.

A 10kg gas cylinder which cost N2,500 to refill last week now costs N3,000, while the 6kg went up from N1,200 to N1,400. A retailer at Jakande Estate, Isolo in Lagos told our correspondent that they had to increase price because they were not sure of supply as a result of the workers’ strike.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, on Thursday confirmed that the industrial action embarked upon by the oil workers across the country was affecting gas supply to key thermal generation plants in the country, hence, causing a drop in power supply.

Although Nebo did not state the effect on the nation’s electricity generation, but the daily generation profile obtained from the ministry’s website indicated that the recent recorded growth sharply dropped to 3,086.10MW, starting from Tuesday when the strike fully took off.

The minister, however, said in a statement in Abuja that the workers’ action had begun to impact on gas supply to power plants. He then called on them to call off their industrial action.

Nebo observed that the actions taken by members of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the course of their ongoing strike had cut off gas supply to major power stations, including Egbin, AES, Olorunsogo, Geregu and Sapele.

Nigeria cut off gas supply to Ghana following the industrial action embarked upon by workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The indefinite strike led to the stoppage of gas supply to Ghana through the West African Gas Pipeline.

The cut in the supply of gas from Nigeria to Ghana through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPCO) is “not good news” and could damage the country’s economy if prolonged, Ghana’s central bank governor Henry Kofi Wampah told a news conference on Wednesday.

A senior official at West African Company in Ghana told Reuters on Wednesday gas supplies through the pipeline, which serves Togo, Benin and Ghana, have been cut due to a strike in Nigeria.

Ghana’s economy was hurt in 2013 by an energy deficit.

WAPCo has expressed uncertainty over the restoration of gas supply from Nigeria to Ghana.

Nigeria stopped the supply of gas to Ghana on Tuesday as a result of labour unrests among workers of major oil firms.

Usually when gas supply is halted in Nigeria, it takes two days for the residue carried in Ghana’s pipelines to be completely exhausted.

Nigeria has a contractual agreement with Ghana to supply gas to its thermal plant in Tema. The country’s failure to meet the volume agreed upon in 2013 due disruption in supply, forced the Government of Ghana to fine Nigerian $20m.

The NNPC branches of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria embarked on the strike on Tuesday after failing to resolve a dispute with the management of the corporation over pension and other issues.

Other NNPC subsidiaries which have now joined the strike include: the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), Hyson, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), National Petro-

Alison Madueke

Joseph Dawah

Oil workers’ strike threatens economy “Accordingly, we have invited the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, the affected unions and relevant stakeholders in the sector to a meeting for Thursday, “Given the urgency of this matter, it is our hope that the relevant parties will attend this meeting” leum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

The Media and Information Officer of the PENGASSAN, Babatunde Oke, in a statement said all subsidiaries of the oil company had now joined the ongoing strike, which the union says could affect oil exports in Africa’s prime crude exporter.

The workers are demanding adequate funding of the pension fund and reactivation of the nation’s troubled refineries.

“I understand there is no gas flowing into the West African Gas Pipeline due to the strike by the oil workers in the NNPC,” the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, West African Gas Pipeline Company, Harriet Wereko-Brobby, told NAN on Wednesday.

Even as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke has said the strike is not affecting oil export, fears of a negative impact on crude oil exports have already led to a rise in oil prices in the international market.

Oke said all junior and senior workers of NNPC are on strike over a disagreement with the government on pensions and problems with the refineries.

“It will not have any impact on production but it can have an impact on

exports,” he told Reuters. “All export terminals manned by our workers could shut down.”

However, NNPC has entered into talks to avoid the disruption of oil exports as unions said terminals could halt as early as Thursday.

“We’re optimistic that the terminals won’t be affected,” Ohi Alegbe, the spokesman for the NNPC, told Reuters by phone from Abuja, adding he expects a solution soon.

Oke said the action recorded total compliance, saying they would cut off the export terminals, as they vowed.

Nigeria is the continent’s largest oil producer and relies on the commodity for over 70 percent of government revenue and 95 percent of foreign-exchange income. The West African nation pumped 2.3 million barrels a day of oil in August, the most since 2006.

Workers operating flow stations that pump crude to export terminals and at the NNPC’s 23 gasoline depots have joined the action, according to Oke. Private fuel depots are still open.

Also despite assurances by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, that there is no cause for alarm, our correspondent learnt that most filling stations in Abuja are not selling the commodity while there are long queues at the few stations selling. The development has heightened the fear of a looming nationwidw fue scarcity next week if the strike is not suspended by then.

However, Alison-Madueke, leaders of PENGASSAN and NUPENG failed to honour the invitation by a joint House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream) and Gas Resources on Thursday to appear before it over the strike.

The meeting was meant to forestall the planned nationwide strike by the aforementioned unions.

But the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Joseph Dawah, who also didn’t

show up described the lingering crisis is “an internal affair.”

According to Dawah, in the letter delivered by a liaison officer of the NNPC, the strike issue was an “internal matter” which will be resolved soon. Dawah said: “NNPC is currently engaging the unions” and that he was “confident that in no time, our staff will go back to work.

The House of Representatives Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream) and Gas Resources in a statement on Wednesday summoned the petroleum minister over the looming crisis in the sector.

It stated that the committees would not allow any strike to cripple the nation’s oil and gas sector.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman, Petroleum (Upstream), Mr Muraina Ajibola; Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, and Chairman, Gas Resources, Mr. Bassey Ewa. “The Joint Oil and Gas Committee of the House of Representatives is concerned by the strike as reported in the media by staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),” the statement said.

“Our concern is driven by the major role oil and gas play in our economy and the enormous damage any disruption in the system will entail for the Nigerian people.

“Alive to our constitutional responsibilities, the joint house committees have decided to intervene in this matter with a view to resolving whatever the issues may be.

“Accordingly, we have invited the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, the affected unions and relevant stakeholders in the sector to a meeting for Thursday, 18th September 2014 at 11: 00 a.m. at the House of Representatives.

“Given the urgency of this matter, it is our hope that the relevant parties will attend this meeting.

“We enjoin the parties to work with us to resolve their differences in the overall interest of the nation.”

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

25

Transport

SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Abuja tour firm begins operations C Paul Ogbuokiri

ity Sightseeing, the world’s largest city tour brand that operates in over 90 locations across five continents, has commenced tour operations in Abuja.

Known locally as City Sightseeing Abuja, the franchised service offers visitors and residents of the Federal Capital Territory the opportunity of touring places of interest in the area in purpose-built, eco-friendly open-roof tour buses.

ABC Transport Plc, which powers the tour, described it as the first of its kind in Nigeria in particular, and West Africa in general. City Sightseeing Abuja was designed for those who wish to explore the city on a spectacular scale, for others keen on making good use of their leisure and even those desirous of enjoying quality time with family or friends.

Having toured some areas of interest in Abuja in the city tour buses recently, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, said she was optimistic that the novel open-roof sightseeing service would boost tourism in the FCT, given its hospitable metropolitan feel.

She hailed the establishment of tour service and applauded the management for actualising such a dream in Abuja.

City Sightseeing Abuja goes to over 14 designated stops, cutting across 24 sights such as the National Assembly, Wonderland Amusement Park, Silverbird Galleria, Millennium Park, National Park & Zoo, to name a few.

A statement issued by the management of ABC Transport Plc said the new

O

rganisers of the annual Abuja International Motor Fair have given the assurance that there will be adequate security during the October 22-30, 2014 event at the Eagle Square.

Chairman of the organising committee, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said the 16th edition of the yearly event is at boosting investments in the sector. He said as the sector assumes its rightful place in the Nigerian economy, this edition has been packaged to increase the attention of various tiers of government in Nigeria on the importance of developing the sector so as to enhance the nation’s socio-economic development.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Agwu said every effort has been made to ensure that the sector receives the needed support from both the government and the private sector to enhance its rapid develop-

service indicates that it operates every 55-60 minutes on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on public holidays. It said tickets can be purchased on the bus from the driver, at City Sightseeing head office in the Utako District, Abuja, or from Silverbird Galleria, Ceddi

‘She hailed the establishment of tour service and applauded the management for actualising such a dream in Abuja’

City sightseeing

Sixth Abuja Motor Fair: Organisers assure on security

ment.

“We are packaging an event that will showcase all the existing and potential investment opportunities that abound in the Nigerian automobile industry, which we believe are very attractive to existing and prospective investors,” he said.

He said the event has been repackaged to ensure that both the private and public sectors are sensitised to accord the automotive sector high priority. Agwu noted that the sector is capable of catalysing and sustaining

Seat Belts oday, seat belts are an accepted part of routine vehicle operation for millions of drivers and passengers. But the modern three-point automotive seat belt has only been around since 1959 - and it’s saved thousands of lives since its introduction.

The three-point seat belt was the brainchild of Swedish aircraft engineer Nils Ivar Bohlin, who, ironically, spent the early years of his career designing aircraft ejector seats.

He designed the belt as a combination lap and diagonal belt positioned across the pelvic and rib cage.

Today’s seat belts combine Bohlin’s strong three-point harness with a relatively simple pendulum and ratchet mechanism that locks the belt in sudden-stop situations.

This design helps improve the comfort of belt wearers, as

T

Plaza, National Park & Zoo and some designated hotels in the city.

Tickets can also be bought at any of the 14 bus stops where the tour buses are known to ply.

City Sightseeing Abuja is supported

by NTDC.

the nation’s quest for economic transformation.

He said, “Hosting auto shows of international standard such as the Abuja Motor Fair will go a long way in placing Nigeria on the map of world automotive business and will equally fast-track the making of the nation as the hub of automotive business in the continent.”

Agwu said towards ensuring adequate security during the event, the organisers have concluded arrangements with relevant security agencies to provide personnel,

gadgets and arms for increased surveillance and monitoring of movements into, within and around the venue.

“All these are in place notwithstanding that Eagle Square as well the surrounding Central Business Area are highly secured by the government.

We will not leave any room for any breach of the security or threat to the lives and property of all those who will be at the event. Extra measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and free event for all and sundry,” he said.

Auto Clinic

Safety equipment in your car the belt is not locked in position under normal operation.

As with any safety system, seat belt performance is dependent on proper use and fit. If the belt is not positioned correctly on the vehicle occupant’s body, it can fail to provide adequate safety in the event of a collision or rapid deceleration.

How to Properly Adjust Your Safety Belt: Always wear your seat belt, and insist that your passengers do the same. One non-restrained passenger can seriously injure others in the vehicle.

Seat belts help prevent internal injuries by spreading the

force of a collision across two of the human body’s strongest areas: the pelvis and upper chest. To ensure the proper distribution of force, the lap belt should be positioned across the upper thighs and the diagonal belt across the chest.

Never slip the diagonal belt behind your body - the lap belt alone cannot prevent you from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle. Use the lap belt at all times, as well.

Without this restraint, your body would be thrown under the diagonal belt and into the dashboard or steering wheel.

To be continued

26

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Market Reverses Negative Sentiment

T

he equities market experienced a bullish momentum for the week as the market gained for four out of five trading days thereby reversing the bearish trend of the past four weeks.

The NSE All Share Index surged remarkably by 0.93% Week-on-Week (W-o-W) to peg YtD (Year-to-Date) return at -1.56%.

Volume and value traded inched up respectively by 23.16% and 7.11% (vs. 101.5% and 232.54% in the previous week). Market breadth for the week settled at 0.53x in favour of decliners (52 stocks) against the advancers (33).

IKEJAHOTEL yet again led the gainers’ chart with a Week-on-Week (W-o-W) return of 51.41%. VONO also remained consistent for the third week with 37.14% gain while PREMBREW, RTBRISCOE and CHAMPION gained 21.33%, 8.99% and 8.56% respectively.

ROADS rocked the bottom shedding points by 25.65% WoW; closely convoyed

by AGLEVENT with 13.16% loss while ROYALEX, FTNCOCOA and CONOIL shed 12.07%, 10.53% and 9.73% in that order.

We expect the market to maintain the positive mood as the outcomes of the MPC and FOMC meeting have maintained stability along all monetary policy variables.

Banking Sector: Trends south as ten stocks trade negative.

Contrasting the activities of last week, the banking sector closed in the red as ten stocks traded negative, three stocks traded positive, while UNITYBNK and ACCESS traded flat. STANBIC, WEMABANK, and ZENITHBANK gained 2.07%, 1.11% and 0.20% respectively while losers were SKYEBANK, STERLNBANK, UBN, UBA, FIDELITYBK, FBNH, ETI, DIAMONDBNK, FCMB, and GUARANTY dipping 7.99%, 5.65%, 5.55%, 3.20%, 2.50%, 2.07%, 1.66%, 1.59%, 0.96%, and 0.69% in that order.

The self-initiated technical suspension of Access Bank met varying opinions in the market, as the bank requested this from the NSE to prevent the erosion of value of its share price due to its plans to raise NGN68bn via a rights issue. The technical suspension which will last till 27th January 2015 will leave the share price of the stock at its current price level of NGN9.59 irrespective of trades during the period.

The September MPC meeting which concluded this Friday, saw key rates left unchanged. This leaves the position of banks unchanged, and gives them room to continually improve upon their income generation techniques despite regulatory headwinds, which has been seen thus far this year.

The negative returns of the sector however justifies our opinion on the winding up of the rallies that met stocks such as ETI and UBN for most of the week’s past, and we expect positive trading next week, owing to the pronouncement in the just concluded MPC meeting.

Industrial Goods Sector: DANGCEM pushes sector into positive zone

The industrial goods sector reversed last week’s negative mood this week gaining 4.29% as measured by our Meri-Ind index.

Four (4) stocks recorded positive performance while two (2) counters declined in the week.

PORTPAINT shrugged off sell sentiments from the previous week having gained 1.68% week-on-week to close share price at NGN5.08. WAPCO, CUTIX and DANGCEM closed higher in the week after gain-

…albeit; YtD return stays at -1.56%

ETERNA remains slightly undervalued.

Insurance Sector: Sustains Positive Momentum

ing 7.59%, 5.49% and 4.14% respectively.

CCNN which previously benefitted from a recent price rally on the heels of a good half year earnings results appears to be experiencing gradual profit taking as the stock shed 0.34% during the week’s trading with price settling at NGN14.45. CAP and ASHAKACEM also closed down following price declines of 1.02% and 0.65% accordingly.

Given the general bearish mood in the market as well as past rallies on major sector counter, save for DANGCEM and CAP, we envisage a lackluster sector performance in the coming weeks. We however acknowledge the possibility of improved sector returns driven by the growing positive sentiments on DANGCEM following the recent USD300m investment on the company’s shares and continued propensity to expand its frontiers.

Consumer Good Sector…Sector Sentiments Receive a Boost

The consumer goods basket seems to be on a gradual shift to the positives given the level of gains recorded relative to previous week’s trading. Some sector heavyweights recorded sizeable gains though general sell sentiment is still noticeable.

VONO and PREMBREW sustained the positive momentum of the prior weeks as they returned +37.14% and +21.33% in the week. NESTLE, PZ, UNILEVER, GUINNESS, NB and INTBREW all appreciated by 3.96%, 0.24%, 4.14%, 1.75%, 1.02% and 2.62% respectively. 7UP remained stable at NGN134 for the third consecutive week after few days of positive gains. NNFM also traded flat Week-on Week (WoW) remaining at NGN21.99.

DANGSUGAR led the sector’s decliners for the week after posting -7.95% return followed by LIVESTOCK which lost 5.50% WoW. CADBURY, DANGFLOUR, HONYFLOUR, FLOURMILL, NASCON, and VITAFOAM also depreciated by 4.56%, 1.15%, 0.49%, 2.66%, 4.78% and 1.40% respectively.

On the whole, the sector closed the week on a positive note after posting +2.65% return. While a breather seems to be visible in the general market sentiments, we expect the sector to continue to benefit from positive market sentiments.

The conglomerate sector had a negative week with both UACN and AGLEVENT losing 1.72% and 13.16% WoW respectively.

Oil and Gas Sector: Negative sentiment drags industry return

The oil and gas sector experienced tempered investors’ confidence during the week as the sector index lost in all the five trading days. The meristem Oil and gas index lost 4.12% for the week even as all the counters in the sector closed either negative or flat.

CONOIL continues its losing streak during the week as it topped the sector’s losers’ chart for the second consecutive week. CONOIL sheds 9.73% to close at NGN47.99.

FO, OANDO, SEPLAT, TOTAL, MOBIL and ETERNA were the other decliners during the week losing 4.97%, 4.80%, 4.48%, 4.16%, 3.33% and 1.55% respectively while MRS closed flat.

Our valuation puts CONOIL at the fairly priced region alongside TOTAL based on their current prices. We maintain our overpriced position on MRS and MOBIL while

The insurance sector consolidated on the marginal gain it recorded in the previous week as the sector advanced by 1.29%. The large chunk of the positive performance was contributed by NEM, which recorded price appreciation of 6.58% following a significant sell-off that trimmed its price by 5.00% in the preceding week.

The sector’s most capitalized stock (MANSARD) also returned 3.20% to close at NGN2.58 in the week. Other performers for the week were AIICO and MBENEFIT which prices extended by 2.41% and 1.89%.

The industry’s laggards for the week was led by ROYALEX as profit taking depreciated its price significantly by 12.07% following position taking that trailed its financial scorecards (2013FY, Q1:2014 and Q2:2014).

Other counters that dragged the sector for the week were INTENEGINS, WAPIC and CONTINSURE with price drops of 1.89%, 1.37%, and 1.02% in that order.

UNITYKAPITAL notified the NSE that the board members will convey an emergency board meeting on Monday 22nd September 2014. Subsequently, we expect the company to release its 2013FY result. On the back of the company’s fantastic performance as at Q3:2013, we have positive outlook for the company’s result all else equal.

Healthcare Sector: Negative Sentiment Persists

The Health sector measured by the MERIHEALTH index, continued its negative trend in the week, shedding 0.01% to peg the YtD at 448%.

Despite the modest activities in the week, FIDSON and MAYBAKER swung slightly within the positive terrain gaining 5.39% and 1.45% respectively to close the week at N3.37 and 1.40 in that order. NEIMETH and NIGERIA-GERMAN were the only counters that shed prices, losing 0.93% and 4.89% respectively. Other counters in the sector recorded no price movements in the week.

The activities of speculators have dictated the stride for the sector, as they take advantage of the low prices and cash out at any slight gain. Although the current performance of the counters seems unattractive, we are very optimistic about the future and opportunities inherent in the sector, and we believe that some players are already on their way to tapping into some of them.

Services Sector: IKEJAHOTEL …at the centre stage

The Services sector continues it bullish trend courtesy of IKEJAHOTEL which returned 51.41% in the week. The Sectoral index dipped WoW by 3.04% while the YtD stands at +7.21%. IKEJAHOTEL remains a toast to investors amongst other counters in the sector as the price continues to swing upward, price closed at its year high of NGN 2.15.

The sector breadth (0.8x) shows that more sector investors took profit during the week as four (4) stocks appreciated against five (5) that declined. The top gainers for the week were IKEJAHOTEL, RTBRISCOE and REDSTAREX which returned 51.41%, 8.99% and 4.38% respectively while the laggards were ACADEMY,TRANSEXPR and ABCTRANS which shed 9.03%, 4.68% and 4.29% in that order.

Market sentiment was the major driver for this week’s performance, although we have a short to medium term positive outlook for most counters in the sector.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

27

Arcade SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Lekki/Epe shopping malls

Lekki/Epe corridor: Nigeria’s fastest growing upscale honeypot

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Paul Ogbuokiri igeria’s fastest growing upscale corridor, Lekki/Epe Expressway, in Lagos is fast turning into a location of choice for mega retail business. With almost 100 estate developments at different points along the axis, several large shopping malls ready for investors in large retail chain stores now dot the corridor.

A recent traffic survey carried out by the Lagos State Government indicates that the peak traffic volume along Lekki-Epe Expressway between the first and second roundabout is 5,100 vehicles per hour in two ways of travel. The peak traffic volume around Ajah is about 3,600 vehicles per hour in two ways of travel and about 1,400 vehicles per hour in two ways of travel for the peak traffic volume between Abijo village and Eleko Junction.

Principal Partner, M I Okoro and Associates, Dr. M.I Okoro, told Sunday New

Telegraph that this indicates a world of opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer, Cornerpiece Properties Limited, Mr. Chima Iwuagwu, said the axis remains a rewarding place to invest in large shopping malls because of the rapid development in high profile real estate. He described the Lekki-Epe corridor is the fastest developing axis in the world, which means that classic apartments would continue to develop in the area as an airport and deep sea port are being planned for the area.

Sunday New Telegraph learnt that apart from The Palms Shopping Centre, Lekki, the corridor also hosts Osapa Convenience Centre, Twin Lake Mall, the Lekki Mall and Royal Gardens Malls.

The Lekki Mall is located on the expressway, off Cadinal Okojie Street, by a monastery. It is being developed on a total land mass of 22,000m2 between Sangotedo and Abijo and just west of Crown Estate. It’s is in proximity with Pan African University,

Lakowe Lakes Golf Resort, a number of housing estates and the proposed airport.

The mall is a single story level shopping centre with 100 shops and 1,000 open parking bays and the anchor tenants are expected to Shoprite and Game.

Royal Gardens Malls is another major shopping mall about to open on the axis,

by Ajah junction. It is almost overlooking the stretch of Thomas Estate and is sited on 30,124m2 land area.

Promoters of the facility, Royal Gardens Estate, Ajah, said on completion, the mall would provide high-quality retail space to small and medium line businesses that service Lagos’s growing consumer population.

Marketing Manager, Royal Gardens Estate, Tope Olajide, said construction is expected to start in early 2015 and be completed in December 2017.

Osapa Convenience Centre is a shopping mall situated in a strategic location at Jakande Roundabout on the express-

way and the centre occupies approximately 32,000m2 of land. According to its promoters, RMB Westport, the terms of the anchor tenancy have been agreed with Shoprite and legal agreements are near final drafts.

In addition to securing th e anchor tenant, according to the spokesman of the company, Tunde Ojudu, the project team has increased the focus on securing on the commitment from other strong tenants.

Twin Lake Malls is located along the southern side of Chevron roundabout along the expressway. The Twin Lake Estate Shopping Mall is to complement a site and service scheme development

by Chevron Nigeria.

The estate is sited on about 200 hectares of land to be developed in phases. The shopping mall will not only service residents of the estate but also others around it and even the general public. The Twin Lake Estate currently has two artificial lakes.

28

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday / Enterprise

Storm gathers over proposed ponmo ban

H

Tosin Omoniyi

ides and skins popularly called Ponmo in Nigeria have become part of the staple food. It is one of the part of the menu on our daily consumption. There is no class as to who consumes it. It is a delicacy for most Nigerians. As common and simple as it looks, it is also a lucrative business for some people.

Therefore, the alleged plan by the Federal Government to ban the sale and widespread consumption of hides and skins may not hold sway, as most Nigerians can’t do without it. In most homes, it is served as part of the dish and in restaurants, it is the star on their menu. For Edith Nwachukwu, a restaurant operator in Omole, Lagos, she sells about 300 pieces of ponmo worth N6,000 on a daily basis. She told Sunday New Telegraph that ponmo is the hottest item in her restaurant and it finishes before other kinds of meat.

“My customers always demand for it. They asked that I add it with meat for them. Some only eat ponmo because of their health,” she said. Nwachukwu is certain that government cannot ban nor curtail the sale and consumption of it.

To her, it means killing business for some people. As for Bob Izunobi, a car dealer, that is about the only meat he can eat since his doctor told him to avoid red meat and he is allergic to fish and other sea foods.

“What kind of thing is government talking about? Is there anyway ponmo consumption is adding to or devaluing the leather industry? They had better look for what is troubling them elsewhere and not inside the poor man’s pot of soup,” he said.

Adunni Oyelami, 42, is a big time dealer in the ponmo business. She has been in the business for 15 years and has even built a three bedroom bungalow somewhere in Abule Egba, a surburb of Lagos State. She has trained three graduates with the business. At the Abattoir slaughter slab, she pays for the killing of about five cows daily. After removing the cow skins for her ponmo business, she sells off their flesh to meat hawkers. According to her, her husband introduced her into the business. Her husband was always coming home late from the abattoir. She also was always seeing her husband with women in the business and she then decided to join her husband on the slaughtering floor.

“I found out that it is a very interesting business, a very lucrative one at that. And since I joined, I have not regretted it. It became a business that sustained me and my five children since my husband died two years after I joined,” she said. Oyelami told Sunday New Telegraph that the ponmo business is more lucrative than the meat business. On each cow, she makes a minimum of N55,000.

“How can government now wake up and say they are curtailing the consumption of ponmo? It is a mission impossible!” She declared. She believes that the government is not interested in helping small scale businesses.

“Why is it that this government does not believe in helping small scale businesses to expand?” she asked.

At the abattoir market, swamps of women were hovering around the slaughter slabs. After removing the skin for them, the butchers take it to the women who roast and cook it.

From there, it is transferred to women who cut them into different sizes and then is passed to the women who pack into sacks for retail sales. They sell at different prices, ranging from N50 to N200.

Hides and skins come in two different types and are preserved in different ways, white and brown. While they are preserved either by drying hard with hot charcoal or frying and storing in the freezer for those who want it fresh. Most people prefer the brown type because of its succulent taste in the mouth while others go for the white dried type because it swells up inside the soup.

There is hardly any home that does not cook with ponmo in this part of the world. As such, it sounds odd to their hearing that the Federal Government is planning to curtail it. Majority of them believe it will be a failed attempt. Ajibade Folorunsho said, “In my house, it is compulsory that it is inside the soup and stew. So if the government bans its consumption, we will resolve to kill cows inside our houses and remove the skin for consumption,” he said.

According to Eugene Maxman, a businessman, there are

‘I found out that it is a very interesting business, a very lucrative one at that.

And since I joined, I have not regretted it. It became a business that sustained me and my five children since my husband died two years after I joined’

ponmo-kpomo-jide-saluwww.nairaland com

better ways government can help the leather industry than the curtailing of the consumption. He said the quantity of what is consumed is extremely lesser to what is needed in the leather industry. “They should say something else,” he said. Eugene added that it’s not as if ponmo has any nutritional value, “but it has come to stay as part of our staple food,” he said.

The curtailing of hides and skin may actually be a difficult task for the government to achieve. It took a few hours for Twitter to spiral out of control thereafter with several Twitter users up in arms against what they perceived as an impending ‘ponmo ban.’

‘Ponmo’ is basically a Nigerian staple derived from the hide and skin of cattle or goat. The hard, cutaneous layer of the animal is subjected to incineration upon slaughter or incisions using hard objects in order to excise the fur of the animal. The charred remains are then soaked in hot water, tenderised, ripped into several pieces and ferried to several markets across Nigeria. From there, they end up in steaming pots and are served as a delicacy to many Nigerians.

Ponmo is definitely one delicacy Nigerians would not want to let go in a hurry if the following tweets are anything to go by.

The indication to ban the consumption of ponmo emerged last week Tuesday when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina called for competent regulations that would check the consumption and sale of the product. Dr. Ademola Raji, the

director, Animal Production and Husbandry in the Ministry of Agriculture, (who was representing the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina) made the brief remarks as he attended the third joint anniversary of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria,ASAN, and Nigeria Institute of Animal Science, NIAS, held at the University of Ibadan.

Dr Raji said: “I also commend NIAS for its advocacy and public enlightenment programs on Radio and Television that promote value addition in livestock, as against sale and consumption of primary products alone, particularly with the issue of curtailing the widespread consumption of hides and skins as ponmo which ought to be tanned into leather for a very high dollar return to the farmer and Tanneries. I expect that competent regulations acceptable by all stakeholders will be developed so as to give credibility that our set standards for food safety are being implemented which will boost value addition.” If this is achieved, he noted that livestock farmers would stand good chances of making high dollar return if the hides and skins are tanned into leather.

However, the Leather and Allied Products Association of Nigeria (LAPAN), organised a two day summit in Abuja recently where they listed local consumption of ponmo as one of the challenges of the leather industry since the demand for it has continued to rise and its value was put at N60 billion. They said that other constraints facing the leather industry include poor quality of hides/skin, which results in over 20 per cent of the hides being rejected by the industry.

29

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

IFC supports private sector in Sub-Saharan Africa Azubike Nnadozie

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nternational Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, said it provided billions of dollars of new financing and investment mobilisation and delivered wide-ranging advisory services in Sub-Saharan Africa during its most recent fiscal year.

It said its activities impacted on the business of 1.1m farmers, while it provided $17bn of financing to entrepreneurs, delivered health services to a million patients and improved quality of education for 117,000 students.

According to IFC Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Oumar Seydi, “IFC’s continued high level of activity in Sub-Saharan Africa reflects our support to private sector clients as they drive local economies forward. As part of the World Bank Group, IFC strives to deliver investments, knowledge and solutions based on global best practices, which in turn improves business and living standards in Africa.”

In coordination with other World Bank Group institutions, IFC’s work in sub-Saharan Africa supported agriculture and power, job creation, health, education and capital markets.

He revealed that IFC made new investmentsin31countriesinsub-SaharanAfrica during its 2014 fiscal year, totalling $4.6bn.

Seydi said IFC in partnership with MIGA, mobilised an additional $343m of financing for the private sector and provided more than $4.0m in new

investments in the continent’s lowest income economies. New IFC commitments provide $800 million to countries affected by recent conflicts, including Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali.

New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that African governments in the review period carried out 70 reforms to improve businesses with the support of the World Bank Group.

The impact of these reforms includes private sector cost savings of$25.5m in Ethiopia, thanks to more efficient imports and exports clearing procedures, an additional $106m in investment by new businesses in Rwanda generating 29 000 jobs, and levelled taxation between men and women in Cote d’Ivoire.

Seydi said the World Bank Group also supported the modernization of the Uniform Act on Companies, which led to more than 20 reforms of the investment climate among the 17 member countries of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).

IFC Advisory Services spending, according to him, reached $64 million with projects active in 30 countries, even as four new public-private partnership mandates were signed to improve access to power, water and roads.

Saran Kebet-Koulibaly, IFC Director for West and Central Africa, said,“IFC’s strong focus on Africa, a priority region for us, is helping countries to develop critical infrastructure to support their de-

CON TINUED FR O M PAGE 23

boola, says he will rate Emefiele below 50 per cent, because of his alleged politicisation of some of his policies.

“I’m not interested and as it were, it wasn’t as if the appointment was done on merit. It was basically political and what we have seen so far portends so. When you have somebody like Jim Ovia going back to the board of Zenith Bank, what do you expect me to say of him?

“He is back because his boy is the CBN Governor. So, when you begin to look at some of these things, then how would you rate the performance of such a person when everything is being politicised?

“A lot of people are not even happy with the reintroduction of the ATM charge. So far, we have not seen his impact in the first 100 days in the office. Well, maybe we would say he has done well with BDCs where a lot of people were holding licences without practising. They used it to collect money from CBN. He was able to stop the situation where one person acquires more than one BDC licence.

“In that area, perhaps, he has done well. But overall, I will rate him below 50 per cent. May be it’s too premature to start judging him now?”

He is on course - Arunsi To the Chairman, IC-Global Microfinance Bank, Benin City, Mr. Joe Arunsi, Emefiele is on course.

“I think the CBN governor is doing his work the way he should. I don’t know how to assess him now apart from what I have just said.”

Provide funds for SMEs The Chairman Technical, National Committee on the Research and Application of Stem Cell Transplantation Technology in Nigeria, Dr. Perry Iloegbunam, believes that the most challenging task for the CBN governor is the inaccessibility of SMEs funds, caused by high interest rates and collateral.

“Generally, we are still watching him and I think he is moving in the right direction. But let’s see what happens tomorrow because most of them who started well later became something else. I think he is still in the right direction.

“On a more serious note, Emefiele should work hard and make money available to the businessmen and women to create wealth. Accessing funds for businesses in this country is a big problem. It’s unfortunate the way this economy is structured.

Emefiele should reduce the high interest rate so that masses would have access to funds and develop the economy.

“The Nigerian economy is structured for the rich to survive alone without recourse to the common man. The rich go to the banks and borrow billions of naira but the common man cannot borrow N10, 000 for business in the bank. It’s unfortunate. This economy is not designed to develop.

“In China, for instance, in every small corner you will find small businesses thriving. What is the secret? Funds are avail-

velopment and improve lives, adopt policies to increase trade and investment across the continent, and improve the skills of the workers thereby laying strong operating foundations for Africa’s emerging and dynamic private sector.”

According to him, agriculture, which accounts for half of Africa’s output, is an increasing priority.

IFC’s investments in companies such as Saro Agrosciences in Nigeria, Malawi Mangoes and the Terra maize farm in DRC increased food production and linked local farmers to global markets. IFC’s total investment in the sector, including support for trade and increased access to finance, reached $723 million in the 2014 fiscal year.

Group Head Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Banking, Heritage Bank, Bayo Ogunnusi, receiving a gift from Vice President, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Mrs. Yemisi Joel-Osebor at the Annual (SME) Conference, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos… on Thursday

Praise, knocks as Emefiele marks first 100 days able for SMEs. In Nigeria, you will struggle with a business for over 20 years, yet you can’t access funds to develop it. Emefiele should reduce the CBN’s MPR policy; it is killing businesses in the country.

“The issue of collateral should be relaxed to an extent. You will work before you start acquiring property. For a beginner, where does CBN want him to get the collateral to acquire a business loan? Our economy is badly structured to fail. This is a challenge for Emefiele.”

Not much has changed, says Olateru-Olagbegi The Chief Executive Officer of a third party credit and debit card processor, Automated Information Services Ltd, Dr. Bowo Olateru-Olagbegi, says Emefiele has not made any major changes, except in the area of BDCs. He also describes Emefiele as ‘a careful man’ and the ‘right candidate in the sector.’

“He is being very careful. He hasn’t made any major changes.

The major thing he has done is with the BDCs, which I believe is commendable by taking the bull by the horns.

“However, he has been able to sanitise it to a large extent, I wouldn’t say completely because he needs to stop funding the BDCs. By raising the capital requirement to N35 million, he has made it a very significant issue.

“Personally, in the world, Nigeria is about the only country that still gives money to BDCs. They are supposed to go and source their own money independently. CBN allocating money to them is totally uncalled for. That is one thing BDCs need to do and CBN should stop funding them.

“Another major problem we have in the country is having money going out of the country through round-tripping and other means. And most BDCs have compromised in this regards. I believe a lot still needs to be done in that sector.

“Though it might too early to say, but I think he is the major person to be there. He is taking his time and I hope he would be able to bring about the necessary changes we desire in the country’s financial sector.

Right leadership at CBN - Ngige A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Emeka Ngige, says the country has a purposeful leadership in Emefiele, noting that he will transform the economy with time.

“Well, 100 days is not enough to assess him but I think we have a purposeful leadership at the CBN headquarters that has shown that he is for the ultimate goal of improving the economy of the country.

“He has started certain policies, though his policy on ATM restoration is creating some controversy. I think the amount he returned is something almost everybody can afford. That’s from N100 to N65. Remember that when we make a five-minute call on GSM, we would have spent N100.

“So, I think it is not too high that we can’t afford it. N65 is not

too much for one to pay on another bank’s ATM, considering the stress one has to go through searching for an alternative.

“I think he has started on a good note and I hope he sustains it. With time, he will be able to touch other issues in the banking sector.

Interest rates still too high - Njemanze Chairman, International Institute of Advanced Research and Training, Dr. Philip Njemanze, says the financial revolution that Nigerians are looking for has not come. He, however, expresses the belief that Emefiele has the capacity to transform the economy.

“Currently, the banking policies are not affecting the lives of common Nigerians and that is what I have been saying.

We have not seen the kind of transformation that we want. In what we have right now, for instance, access to credit remains very poor in Nigeria.

“The kind of condition for the provision of credit and loans is very bad. Even for the industry that issues this credit, it’s prohibited.

CBN is supposed to guide this policy so that they can fund the Nigerian economy.

“If they are waiting for Foreign Direct Investment as a way of engineering the Nigerian economy, it will not happen. Foreign Direct Investment doesn’t improve the economy of any country; it is always used as an ancillary action for the stimulation of economic growth from inside.

“This is not the way to go. The way to go is to ensure that Nigerians transform their innovative ideas to developing the economy by accessing funds to turn ideas into wealth. It is not all about designating certain funds for SMEs, but this is not the only way to go about it.

“Businessmen should be able to walk into the bank and access loans with very low interest rates; not more than seven per cent.

They should be able to do their businesses within 90 days, pay back the loan and take another. With that, the economy will be growing.

“I don’t see where you get loans with interest rates as high as 22 or 33 per cent. When the SMEs are able to access low interest rates, this economy will be pulled out of stagnation. That’s what is happening in China, India and the Asian Tigers.

“The financial revolution we expect to happen in the country has not happened and CBN is the cause. The time isn’t enough to start assessing him now but Emefiele is the one to salvage the Nigerian economy. He needs to transform the lending rate down to at least between five and seven per cent.”

I think Emefiele is trying - Ukwu Prof. Ukwu I. Ukwu of the University of Nigeria Nsukka notes that though he has not been following the CBN Governor’s policies, he believes he is working in the right direction.

“He appears to be on the right track. I have not been following him but I think he is okay.”

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

My thoughts on money Suc cess B Nuggets 1. Money is amoral etween morality and immorality, there is the amoral. Something is said to be amoral when it has no moral implication. The difference between ‘Amoral’ and ‘Immoral’ is that whereas ‘amoral’ means having nothing to do with morality, ‘immoral’ means violating morality.

Money is said to be amoral because in itself it does not violate morality. It is just there. It can only be used to execute moral or immoral purposes.

2. Money takes on the character of its owner.

I have heard people talk of ‘blood money’. Well, what I know is that there is only one issuer of currency - the central bank. So, I don’t know where the blood is coming from. *Laughter* Like water in a container takes the shape of the container, money takes on the character of its owner. Money in the hands of a terrorist will be used to execute terrorism. Money in the hands of a violent man will speak violence. On the other hand, money in the hands of a good man will do good things. This is one reason good people must work hard to make money - so the influence of good in our world will outweigh the influence of evil.

3. Money is bargaining power The value of money is not in the currency paper, but in its bargaining power. Hence, whatever you have to offer that people can pay a price for

O

ver the years, I have been one of those that applaud men and women of great achievements, that are addressed as ‘self-made.’ I have met some of them in seminars, speaking to young people on how they made it to the top unaided. I have also yearned, reassuring myself to be on top of my game and looking forward to the day I would be addressed as a person who against all odds single handedly became a ‘self-made’ success. This was until recently when I came across the phrase again. But this time, instead of springing up the zest in me, the phrased dropped like a heavy load in my heart. I heard myself repeat the word again and again; then I asked myself: Who is a self-made person? I rushed my pen and paper and begin to write down the answers I got, and these are the answers I got.

1. Your Family Apart from the first man and woman created, every other person was born into a family. Every baby is delivered into the waiting arms of someone. Some never saw their mother, but the fact that you are reading this piece shows that someone picked you up. There were people strategically positioned to nurse your fragile frame and give you all the care you needed. I mean someone watched you take your very first step in life. That person(s) form part of your success story.

2. Your Environment: Where you came from had a lot to do with your pattern of thinking. Your environment affects and shapes you.

Whether you like it or not, the change and success you ever anticipated may come only when you leave that environment for a better one or grow beyond your environment. This means that instead of your environment affecting you, you affect it positively. I tell you

Victor Okwudiri

08037674300 (SMS only)

is ‘money’. I, therefore, urge you not to limit your mentality about money to cash. Cash is just liquid money.

Money can be tangible or intangible.

Please see the classification below.

Tangible Money 1. Cash (liquid money) 2. Real Estate (land) 3. Goods Intangible Money 1. Services 2. Ideas (abstract money) An understanding of this will make a you seek value-creation above currency (cash) pursuit. This is because, at the end of the day, those with the cash (or figures) will come to exchange it for the value you have to offer. Think of it.

4. Money responds to value By virtue of its bargaining power, money speaks of value. It, therefore, responds to value. Money has a bearing. Its bearing is value. That is to say, it travels in the direction of value.

Wherever money sees value, money goes there.

Someone who would not tip a ‘peasant’ or help the poor may excitedly

The Big Picture

pay a gate fee to listen to a comedian in a stand-up comedy show. Why? He gets value from the comedy show.

What value does he get? Entertainment! Note that both the poor person who requested money and the comedian did a similar thing - they both spoke. However, while the poor person’s ‘speech’ expressed a need, the comedian’s ‘speech’ met a need (the need for mental relaxation and refreshment).

Friend, a needy person is one who does not meet a need. If you meet someone’s need, you cannot be needy.

I believe that God intentionally designed nature this way to tame selfishness.

Stop waiting for social welfare from the state or the church. No one can be a Boss by merely relying on Bursary.

Bursary does not make Bosses. Stop idling away in the name of looking for a job. After all, a job leaves one ‘Just Over Broke’ (i.e. slightly above being broke). Create one yourself and ride on to wealth.

Enough of the craze about ‘whitecollar jobs’. If you don’t get a ‘whitecollar job’, create a ‘black-collar job’, or even a ‘collarless’ one. A job is a job.

By all legitimate and Godly means, start adding value to someone’s life. Someday, you will be amazed at how much you are paid for the value you add.

Julian Atufunwa S only) 8032810713 (SM

(0

Who is a self-made person? that the latter is not easy because the moment you are raising your head they are watching you. The moment you stick it out, there are many who want to cut it off. But it will be better to stick your head among raised heads.

Olumide O. Emmanuel once said that when a shark is kept in an aquarium, the longest it can grow into is just few inches because of its environment. Put the same shark into the ocean and it grows into its full potential, larger than you can imagine. So your environment plays an important role in your success.

3. PEER (RELATIONSHIP) Your peers also play a vital role in shaping your mentality. Your course mates, business associates and people you grew up with as well as every individual that comes into your life has a part to play in your life. Your peers influence your choices of dressing, speaking and places you visit. Relationships are part of instruments of moulding you into success. There will always be someone who will want to see you succeed and will do anything to see to that. Some people come into your life for a short while. Though you try to keep them, they just go. It is neither their fault nor yours; you

both parted ways.

But there are others that even when you think you won’t see them again, you bump into them again.

Some stay with you through life.

There are many things that as long as we are in this world, we will never understand. So take relationships seriously. They can male or mar you.

Be mindful of the people you allow into your life.

4. Life Memorials Events of life mould us. Life’s experiences teach us the lessons we learn going through painful situations. There are things that happened around you that made you vow never to remain poor. There were situations you saw on the street that made you choose the path you tread. There were situations you saw on the street that made you promise yourself that you would own a house. Reach out to people.

5. Grace At one point in your life, you must have enjoyed an unmerited favour.

Every successful man or woman will tell you that sometimes in their life they knew that powers beyond them assisted them. It is not just talent; I call it grace. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is one person who has enjoyed divine grace.

080395121535 (SMS only)

Do you know your friends; your hangouts?

Ikem Okuhu

W

hile we were finalising the material for this column a few days ago, the Nigerian military issued a red alert on fresh recruitment methods they said were being explored by blood-thirsty killer-sect, Boko Haram, for the recruitment of members.

It was as if the army had fore-knowledge of what we wanted to share on this space or perhaps we were just about predicting correctly the next level in criminality in our beleaguered nation.

In the statement issued by the Army and signed by Director of Army Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the general public was warned about the how the ignoble sect may be planning to use auto mechanic workshops and similar places as loading bays for their improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Said the statement: “The Boko Haram insurgent group is recruiting auto-mechanic and car wash operators across the country, with a view to using their centres as loading bays to plant IEDS’ on vehicles of unsuspecting members of the public. When the unsuspecting owner of the car comes to carry his or her car, he or she will drive off with an explosives-laden-car that has been programmed to explode within minutes or an hour as the case maybe and in the process; he/she may be consumed by the havoc the explosion will cause.”

In the original opening paragraph of this column, we had planned to advise members of the public to beware of the types of friends they keep, the places they hang out for evening drinks and general relaxation. This, we felt, was necessary because many Nigerians have often been arrested and sent to long detention terms just for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If, for instance, you are arrested along with a bunch of criminals at a hotel or restaurant, explaining yourself away and regaining freedom is something the Nigeria Police have not learnt to do without cost (of time and money!) Some have even lost their lives in the process.

Yes. You may be used to hanging out with the boys in that particular ‘joint’ but you also owe yourself, your liberty, your reputation and your family the duty to be circumspect in choosing such places in these trying times. But the information recently released by the military also brings to our knowledge the dangerous dimensions that terrorism is taking in this country. It has therefore become very critical to not only know who your friends are; who and who are seen in your company; the types of places you visit but also who the person that fixes your car is.

In a country with poor road infrastructure and an increasingly disempowered populace, auto mechanics are often our best friends and make it tops on our frequent caller list. Some of us have cars that are so bad they visit their mechanics practically every weekend. Our mechanic has become our best friend.

We need to be careful. Just the same way you want to be careful that the man fixing your car does not cheat you out of the cost of spare parts replacements, you also need to be sure that, on leaving his workshop, you are not carrying an instrument of death.

The sad thing about this one is that when such a thing happens, you would be counted as a villain even when you would never have the chance to know what happened to you. And what about the family you are going to leave behind? They will forever be outcasts because no matter how they try to explain, no one would believe you were not one of those quiet evil doers whose mission was to institute a reign of terror among citizens.

You would have died a painful death. You would have left behind a family who would spend the rest of their lives as outcasts.

We just cannot afford to be too vigilant in this case, whether you live in the North or South.

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Politics SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

The Sunday Interview

Araraume: I don’t have a criminal record p.32 & 33

Interview

Boko Haram: Davis is lying –Shehu Sani p.35 Wabara: Confab, a soothing balm on wounds of civil war p.36 Pitan: I’m not intimidated by other aspirants p.37

Obasanjo

Gen Gusau

e-lD card and task ahead W

Biyi Adegoroye biyi.fire@yahoo.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

hen President Goodluck Jonathan, penultimate week was, issued the new biometric electronic identity card, not a few understood its multi-functional features. But that ignorance soon disappeared when Jonathan accessed his personal bank account with it, and the automatic teller machines dispensed cash.

With that singular action at the historic event, the new card was introduced to replace the previous one whose deficiencies have been identified by many Nigerians. Before the latest efforts which cost N7 billion, a number of attempts had been made by successive governments to provide Nigerians with a uniform identification instrument in the past three decades.

The first effort at a national identity card in the country was initiated in 1979 under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, albeit without success. Over two decades later, during his tenure as a civilian president, Obasanjo made a second attempt at the National Identity Card scheme, but it was enmeshed in initial crisis. The scheme did not come into fruition until it consumed the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Chief Sunday Afolabi. At that, the card emanating therefrom was flawed, lacking in basic security features which minimised its level of acceptability.

Hence, at the launch of the new e-identity card a few weeks ago, an elated Jonathan took time to explain the difference its from previous initiatives. This electronic system is a storehouse of the bio-data of its owner, and more. It shows its owner’s photograph, name, age and unique

In this analysis, BIYI ADEGOROYE and ANULE EMMANUEL examine the new e-identity card scheme, its features and potential for national planning, security and growth

identity number, and all the 10 fingerprints scanned when the cardholder joined the system.

President Jonathan’s excitement about the programme was manifest as he described it as “an important milestone, in the roll out of the National Identity Management System.” This was especially auspicious, coming about a year after the formal launch of the enrolment exercise for the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN), last October, where he had expressed the desire to see the commencement of the issuance process for the National Electronic Identity Card Scheme.

Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Chris Onyemenam, whose agency is driving the scheme, was upbeat about the multifunctional features of the card, which has 13 applications. And in no distant future, he said, NIMC is focused on an inclusive citizenship, more effective governance, and the creation of a cashless economy, all of which will stimulate economic growth, investment and trade – an aspiration achievable in close collaboration with both the public and private sectors.

Expatiating on this, the Director of Corporate Communications of the commission, Mr. Tony

Okwudiafor, said the difference in the new card stems from the fact that the concept has changed from merely issuing identity cards to people to managing the identity of the citizenry.

“We are building a ‘live’ identity database involving an instantiated de-duplication process, not storage of database used to issue identity cards. We are building a verification and nonrepudiation infrastructure, not a static infrastructure. We are building something we as Nigerians are managing and contributing some solutions that are a substitute to foreign products and we are succeeding,” he said.

The National Identity Management System requires the commission to carry out the enrolment of citizens and legal residents as provided for in the Act setting up NIMC; create and operate a National Identity Database; and issue Unique National Identification Number to qualified citizens and legal residents.

But to the Division President of sub-Saharan Africa of MasterCard, Mr. Daniel Monehin, the value of the national e-ID card is the role it stands to play in the area of financial inclusion and proof of identity. Besides the economic im-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

32

NEW TELEGRAPH SUND

The Sunday

Araraume: I don’t Senator Ifeanyi Araraume won the governorship ticket for the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State in 2007, but was dropped over what he described as ‘blackmail’. In this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE, he speaks on various national issues, including his desire to govern the state in 2015 How would you react to the relentless attacks

by Boko Haram on parts of Nigeria?

Terrorism has become a global phenomenon. In Nigeria, terrorism is relatively new. That is why we seem not to have adequate capacity to deal with it. But despite the intransigence of the insurgents, there is ample evidence to believe that President Goodluck Jonathan is determined to deal with them and eventually guarantee the peace and security of Nigerians.

The insurgency in Nigeria poses a seri-

Araraume

ous threat to our nationhood. No patriot in this country would condone what is happening. Not even the civil war threatened national unity and cohesion as much as the insurgency has done.

In the Northern part of the country where this insecurity is most pronounced, the economy of the areas has crumbled. Many people have been displaced without any means of livelihood.

Throughout the three years the civil war lasted, we knew who the rebels were and where they were fighting from. In this case, we do not know who they are, what their grouse is and what they hope to achieve. The wanton destruction of lives and property has reached unacceptable levels.

What is most frightening is the threat to our sovereignty. Nigerians must re-dedicate themselves to the indivisibility of the country. The Federal Government needs our support. The Nigerian military needs our support. We cannot afford to fail. The East, West and North must shun divisive tendencies and work for unity to build an indivisible nation where no Nigerian shall be judged on the basis of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

I have no doubt that our military has the capacity to deal with this great national challenge.

Remember, in 1960, our soldiers were in Congo under the United Nations Peace Keeping Force.

They were in Liberia, Sudan etc. I have no doubt that this challenge will soon be a thing of the past. I have no reason to doubt the capability and determination of the Nigerian military to surmount this challenge. All they need is our support.

But President Goodluck Jonathan’s move to secure a $1 billion loan to provide more weapons for the military is being criticised.

The request by Mr. President for an intervention fund to equip the military is timely, appropriate and worthy of consideration and commendation. The security challenge in the country requires decisive measures. Remember, the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, recently stated that in the last 25 years, no modern military equipment was purchased for the military. With the current arms race, nuclear race and determination of nations to raise the preparedness of their armed forces, we cannot afford to lag behind. Nigeria, as a medium power, leader of the black race and a strategic member of the international community, must equip her military for any eventuality. Don’t forget that there could also be an international conspiracy against Nigeria as a rising power. How do we cope if there is a challenge to our sovereignty? We must decisively deal with it. In international politics, one of the factors you consider in rating a country is the size, preparedness and commitment of its military in times of challenges.

Any amount we spend to equip our military is not a waste. Whatever Mr. President asked for to equip our military should be granted. I know the current National Assembly under the leadership of Senator David Mark

33

DAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

y Interview

have a criminal record is patriotic, responsible and reliable. In times of national challenges, it knows what to do.

What is your impression about the creation of additional 30,000 polling units in the country and the allocation of about 8,000 to the entire South?

I believe that Prof. Attahiru Jega is patriotic, capable and sensitive to the sensibilities of all Nigerians. So far, he has done very well. The controversy surrounding the creation of new polling units where it is alleged that the North got 70 per cent and the South 30 per cent, should not lead to national chaos. INEC under Prof. Jega has demonstrated considerable capacity and effectiveness. I know that Prof. Jega, as a scholar, knows what to do to re-assure the agitators that equity is important in our delicate federation. Let all of us support Prof. Jega to do the right thing and succeed. He does not need to be distracted.

Southerners who are opposed to the creation of the new polling units should present their case and allow Prof. Jega to do his work.

However, I know that equity is important to reassure all Nigerians irrespective of geographical differences that no one will short-changed in the creation of new polling units.

We understand that you taking another shot at the Imo State governorship seat. Can you give us the reasons?

Certainly, our state needs a new direction.

There is a collapse of leadership in the state.

Since the tenures of Chief Sam Mbakwe and Chief Achike Udenwa, Imo State has been in the doldrums. The economy of the state has collapsed. Despite what you hear on radio and see on television, the truth is that there is a need for change in all sectors. As I speak with you, Imo State University has lost accreditation for its Law and Medicine programmes. The state polytechnic at Umuagwo has lost accreditation for lack of facilities and required manpower.

In 2013/2014, graduates of Imo State Polytechnic who went for Youth Service were chased back because the courses they read were not accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The health sector is stinking. The specialist Hospital at Umuguma was shut down for months because of non-payment of salaries.

Many civil servants are being owed salaries.

Everything in Imo has been politicised. According to Edmund Burke, “Evil thrives where good men do nothing�. I cannot fold my hands and watch our common patrimony bastardised by a set of people.

I am from a humble background. I appreciate the pain which poverty inflicts on the human psyche. I must rise to the challenge of the moment to save my people and restore their hope in our state. Today in Imo, local government administration has collapsed. Nothing happens in the local government areas. There is no due process as the state is run from the purse and brief case of one man. This is why I intend to provide an alternative direction. Imo needs a governor with the vision of Mbakwe and the humility and determination of Udenwa.

In the eight years that Chief Udenwa governed Imo, he built the College of Medicine, Orlu International Market, new state secretariat and new Owerri, among others. His legacy projects are everywhere in the state. Udenwa transformed Imo and laid a foundation upon which another governor must build. I intend to build on this foundation and chart a new course in education, health care, infrastructure development, sports, security, youth employment, empowerment of women and security.

As an entrepreneur, I know how to apply resources. I know how to manage men and resources to achieve the desired impact. That is why I intend to run for governor. Also, you know I ran for governor before and was denied the opportunity despite my victory. But I have moved on despite that setback.

Araraume

I laboured to achieve success in business and in politics. I have never killed anyone before. I have never embezzled public funds. I have no criminal records. Those who blackmailed me were only out to score cheap political points. God knows every man and woman It was believed then that you were denied because the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, said you had a criminal record.

How do you react to that?

I had no problem with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In fact, at a point, I was one of his closest associates. But detractors came to put a wedge between us.

Those who encouraged President Obasanjo to move against me are today working with me. Chief Obasanjo is one of the fathers of modern Nigeria. He has served this nation well and I do not intend to join issues with him. If he had the opportunity to take any decision concerning me again, I know he would act differently.

In 2007, I won the PDP governorship primaries. Even when the Supreme Court went ahead and declared me the authentic candidate of the PDP for the 2007 governorship election in Imo, some people who were not comfortable with me, conspired to stop me. I have no criminal records. Even the EFCC investigated all those who were running for political offices and published the names of those who should not run.

My name was not published. I was given a clean bill. If I had a criminal record, the government would have made it public.

I laboured to achieve success in business and in politics. I have never killed anyone before. I have never embezzled public funds. I have no criminal records. Those who blackmailed me were only out to score cheap political points. God knows every man and woman.

My desire is to use all that God has given me to see how I can make a positive differ-

ence in the lives of my people and in our country. Despite the injustice I suffered in 2007, I am still determined to serve God and humanity.

You served two terms in the Senate.

What impact did you make on your constituents?

My two terms in the Senate were very eventful and productive. First, I was chairman of the Senate Committee on Power.

During that period, I attracted several power projects to Imo and some other parts of the South-East. Most of the major transmission lines in Imo and Abia states were installed during my era. Many communities in Imo State had transformers to enhance rural electrification during my period as chairman.

I also ensured that Imo and Abia states were included as states under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In the original bill, the two South-East states were excluded. But the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, later agreed that they be included. I was then the chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta. The inclusion of the two states in the NDDC Act meant more revenue for them. Today, Imo and Abia states host some of the very strategic projects executed by the commission.

Similarly, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, I made input into efforts made by Nigeria for debt cancellation by our creditors. I was also chairman of the Southern Senators Forum.

That meant that I was the chairman of all the senators from the 17 states in south-

ern Nigeria. That position afforded me the opportunity to participate in taking most of the major decisions concerning the country.

Furthermore, I was the chairman of the Senate Committee that conducted a public hearing on constitution amendment in the South-West. We made great input into the constitution amendment process. Similarly, I headed a committee set up by the South-East Caucus on the creation of an additional state for the region.

I was well entrenched in the politics of the National Assembly. For my constituency, I ensured that most of the roads that could assist the locals move their produce from the farms to the urban areas were tarred.

If you go to my community today, you will find schools, police stations, water scheme, boreholes and health centres built during my period in the Senate.

As you know, the legislature does not execute projects. The primary function of the legislature is to make laws for the order and good governance of the country. But within this context, we try to see what we can do for our people.

Also, in a bid to see what I would do on a regular basis for my people, whether I am in or out of government, I registered the Ifeanyi Ararume Destiny Foundation.

So far, under this foundation, we have provided respirators to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri. We have also sponsored several indigent patients to travel abroad for complicated ailments such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease etc.

Some patients have also been sent abroad for kidney transplant by the foundation.

We do not make noise about these things.

But God and the people know that we are working.

Some people in Imo are insisting that there is a charter of equity in Imo which provides for the zoning of the governorship seat across the three senatorial zones. Does it favour you now?

There has not been anything called the charter of equity in Imo politics. It is a figment of the imagination of those who are playing to the galley in order to get the ticket of the PDP. The advocates or apostles of this non-existent charter of equity are those who cannot compete in free and fair primaries.

In 1999, aspirants from the three zones contested for the governorship. They were: Humphrey Anumudu (Owerri zone); Chief Achike Udenwa (Orlu zone); Chief Rochas Okorocha (Orlu zone); Senator Eze Ajoku (Owerri zone). Nobody from my zone (Okigwe) contested. In 2003, aspirants from Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu contested.

Nobody talked about a charter of equity.

There has never been any governorship election without aspirants from the three senatorial districts of Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe contesting. Since Orlu zone did eight years, equity demands that Okigwe zone be allowed to finish eight years after which Owerri will take over for eight years. Then we shall un-zone and allow anybody from any of the zones to rule.

You cannot ask Okigwe to do only four years and then hand over to Owerri for eight years. If that happens, that means that Okigwe has been short-changed.

I appeal to my brothers and sisters from Owerri to be patient and allow Okigwe to finish its turn which was truncated when Chief Ikedi Ohakim was voted out in 2011.

What Imo needs now, is a new direction.

We need a governor who will retrieve the state from the precipice and then step aside. I offer myself for this service.

34

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Analysis

e-lD card and task ahead

Onyemenam C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

pact of the card, he said, it could be used “as an international travel document, which will have significant implications for border control in Nigeria and West Africa.”

He added that using the card as a payment tool, “Nigerians can deposit funds, receive social benefits, save, or engage in many other financial transactions that are facilitated by electronic payments with the extra security assurance that biometric verification provides.

They can also pay for goods and services and withdraw cash at millions of merchants and ATMS that accept MasterCard payment cards in Nigeria and in more than 210 countries and territories globally.”

According to him, since the card combines an identity card with MasterCard’s prepaid payment capability, it creates “a game changer as it breaks down one of the most significant barriers to financial inclusion, proof of identity, while simultaneously enabling Nigerians to access the global economy.”

Interestingly, NIMC is said to have commenced work with several government agencies to integrate and harmonise all identity databases, including Driver’s License, Voter Registration, Health Insurance, Tax, SIM and the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) into a single, shared services platform.

This is said to be the noblest potential of the card.

MasterCard projects the issuance of 13 million cards in the first phase of the project, with more than 100 million to be issued in all. To be eligible, the beneficiary must be a Nigerian aged 16 and he or she must register with NIMC’s at its centres nationwide.

Propriety of e-ID

A reliable e-ID system in any society especially a developing one such as Nigeria plays a vital role in policy formulation for national planning and speedy economic growth.

Working in tandem with the department of civic registration and the National Population Commission, National Planning would have a data base along its various demographic distributions.

Beyond that however, the current efforts which capture the biometric features of its owner, state of origin, profession, and sundry information, is also a vital security and immigration document. Observers believe that the absence of a common data base has been the bane of the nation’s security management capability.

On many occasions, highly mobile criminals have evaded justice by merely changing locations. Of particular interest was the case of one police corporal who was dismissed from the force some years back at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Lagos.

Suleiman

A couple of years later, he re-enlisted in Delta State. He remained in service in the state until his rifle, which he declared missing was found in possession of armed robbers.

Security experts believe that a number of murder cases like that of the former Justice Minister, Chief Bola Ige, and Mr. Funsho Williams, as well as financial crimes would have been unraveled if the nation had a reliable database with relevant biometrics, accessible to all the nation’s security agencies. Issues of identity theft would have also been reduced to the barest levels.

Former Director of State Security Services who served in Akwa Ibom and Ogun states, Mike Ejiofor, acknowledged that much.

Speaking with Sunday New Telegraph, he said: “The scheme, with its central (national) data base, will facilitate investigation of security breaches, since finger prints of the criminal taken at the crime scene, would make it easy to link the crime with the criminal.”

Ejiofor, who is also a lawyer, said with such evidence, the detectives can compile a case files which facilitate the conviction of criminals. This, in his view, would not occur over night, for the data base to be put in place, before the security and intelligence community can log into the network.

Foreign experience

Many countries, particularly in Europe, have adopted the electronic identity system because of its capacity to check issues of impersonation which have positive impact on improving security of citizens as well. Belgium for

Emefiele

instance, was one of the first European countries to introduce the electronic identity card.

After a period of experimentation in 2001, the kingdom started using the card in 2004. Since 2009, its possession is mandatory for all Belgian citizens.

Estonia, known as a technology pioneer in Europe, adopted the e- ID in 2002. Each citizen had to get the card when it was introduced and today, almost 90 per cent of the population owned one. In some other countries, the card is used as a means of paying transportation fares.

The success of the model in Portugal where they replace five different cards with the electronic identification card is a reference point.

They have fused the tax card, the social security card, the voting card and the social services card into one. Unlike other countries, in Portugal, a user must give his fingerprints to the government to get an e-ID. The country also created a database of all its population’s biometrics.

Workability

Interestingly, President Jonathan has given a clear directive for centralisation of all such data banks in the country, making them form a central system. In the view of the President, “The regime of duplication of biometric databases must now give way to harmonisation and unification with the e-ID scheme, which shall be the primary database.”

It is in compliance with this presidential directive that NIMC is expected to harmonise and integrate identity databases in govern-

We‘ll make it work, says Jonathan Being a text of the address by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, at the formal launch of the issuance process for the National Electronic Identity Card at the State House, Abuja, August 28, 2014

A

t the formal launch of the enrolment exercise for the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN), last October, I did express my desire to see the commencement of the issuance process for the National Electronic Identity Card (e-ID Card) Scheme. I am happy that this important milestone, in the roll out of the National Identity Management System, (NIMS), has been realised today.

I am impressed with the quality of the e-ID Card and the work of the corporate partners that have made it possible. I commend especially the MasterCard WorldWide Corporation and Access Bank Plc, as well as the Commission, who followed all laid down procedures in achieving a World-class product. The combination of intricate security features and other multiple functions in the e-ID Card, improvCONTINUED ON PAGE 38

ment agencies to achieve resource optimisation through shared services platform. It is for this reason that the NIMC system is a basic universal identification infrastructure tool that no other system has contemplated and NIMC alone is under statutory obligations to do this.

With this directive, all the security and allied agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force and Office of National Planning, must fuse their data bases with that of NIMC. Okwudiafor said the benefits of this are numerous, an indeed an answer to the prayers of security agencies. “This will help government, through the enhanced performance of the law enforcement agencies, to protect Nigerians from crime, especially Advance Fee Fraud and terrorism.

It will help reassure Nigerians that civil/ public servants are who they say they are: no ghost workers phenomenon again.

It will help the nation to better manage our national currency, achieve financial inclusion and deepen the Customer Credit System, which will help to grow the economy, create employment opportunities and raise the standards of living of Nigerians.”

A number fears have been expressed about the transition to this e-ID. Notable among this is the functionality and accessibility of the NIMC offices nationwide for the exercise. Observers believe that it is not enough for the President to direct the NIMC and the CBN to implement the reform, its success is contingent on effective monitoring of its implementation.

It is strongly suggested that the front view of the card, should, as a matter of necessity include such vital information as ‘Nigeria,’ digit numbers, signature and a hologram of the holders photograph. Divisive items like state of origin should be expunged as recently canvassed by the National Council of State.

Carefully implemented, Nigerians will not only enjoy the convenience of a handy, multi-purpose card, but also have a basic data bank for national planning and crime management. In due course, the new electronic identity card system will harmonise and integrate the identity databases in other government agencies as well as in the private sector and optimise the use of government resources.

This will, in turn, enhance service delivery across the economy, make tax remittance and other government revenue generation processes easier because identities will be easier to prove. The internationally recognized identification system will also promote Nigeria’s image and quicken criminal investigations.

35

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Politics / Interview

Boko Haram: Davis is lying –Shehu Sani As a Civil Rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani has been involved in past negotiations with Boko Haram. Last week, he raised doubts on the veracity of Dr. Stephen Davis’claim that Senator Ali Modu Sherrif, former Borno State Governor and ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, are sponsors of the insurgent group. In this interview with IBRAHEEM MUSA, the activist gives reasons why he doubts the account of the Australian negotiator Recently, you made a post on your Facebook wall, casting doubts on Dr. Stephen Davis’ allegation which fingered Senator Ali Modu Sherrif and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ihejirika, as the sponsors of Boko Haram. What was your reason for doubting the Australian negotiator?

Nigeria is facing a serious problem of insurgency that has led to the killings of thousands of people, displacement of millions of people and the destruction of the livelihood of millions of people. It’s the major national problem we are facing today. And all hands must contribute towards finding lasting solution to this problem. I think we have been doing our best as citizens and activists and we have taken a lot of risk in this respect.

I have got a report that Stephen Davis, the Australian negotiator, had made a statement that implicated former Governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sherrif and Iherijika, the former Chief Of Army Staff. I have neither met Sherrif nor Iherijika in my life. But I know that it is better to keep quiet than to make statements that cannot be substantiated with facts. I’m quite aware of the sensitivity of this issue and also the desperation on the part of some persons who simply want somebody to hang for what is actually going on. There are a lot of things that we can blame Sherrif for and there are also so many things that you can blame Ihejirika for. But we have to back our points with facts and data on the ground.

Now lets take on Sherrif; Sherrif is largely blamed by the insurgent group for being responsible for what happened to them in 2009 and they also fingered him as the man who had a hand in the killing of their leader and many of their followers. And if you have gone through the statements and video posts of the Boko Haram leader, you will see how they consistently vilify and continuously attack Sherrif. They have never hidden the fact that he is a target. Not only him but people who are associated with him.

Now if you look at Iherijika, he was Chief of Army Staff under whose tenure there were attacks at Baga and Bama in which scores of people were killed. And he unleashed a reign of force to fight the group. Many people have accused him and the Army under his command at that time of committing massive atrocities in the hunt for Boko Haram members. Now, how can any sensible person align Sherrif and Ihejirika with the funding of Boko Haram? I’m simply baffled by the fact that many Nigerians seem to believe what Davis said. Like I have said, there are lots of things that you can charge Sherrif and Ihejirika for but how can these people who have been declared enemies by this group fund Boko Haram? That is one.

Secondly, I have been involved in this issue of negotiation and to me, Boko Haram has never announced the name of any person as a negotiator except on one occasion where they mention a former journalist with Blueprint Newspaper, Ahmed Salkida. Now, Stephen Davis cannot talk to Boko Haram not to talk of them revealing their sponsors. Boko Haram has a Shura council which is made up of 32 people and they have a leader in the person of Abubakar Shekau. There is no person who can reveal the secret of this organisation except if he is a leader of the Shura Council. And there is no Shura Council member that can sit down with a white Australian and tell him their sponsors. As for me, I simply think that the man is being used by Sani

certain people to get at Sherrif and Ihejirika.

And it is not possible for any negotiator to sit down with Boko Haram and start asking them of their sponsors. They will treat him as an enemy and a spy and he can never get out of that negotiation hall.

So, what Stephen Davis said about Ihejirka and Sherrif, to me it’s nothing but a work of fiction, a frame up and attempt to simply rope in these people and destroy them. But that does not mean these two people have no case to answer as far as what is going on.

That should also not stop investigation into Davis allegation.

It’s curious that the government invited Davis to negotiate the release of the Chibok girls but he has turned round to indict top PDP members. Who do you think is trying to frame up Sherrif and Ihejirka as you claimed?

I’m not aware whether the government has invited Stephen Davis to come to Nigeria for the Chibok girls. But I will not like to go into details of all these things. But I doubt if he has ever met any top ranking Boko Haram member. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t take his statement very serious. I know people have been making comments because they want someone to hang, to be held responsible for the insurgency. But I think we should do that with better intelligence. There were two efforts to get the Chibok girls out of captivity and out of

the two of them, Davis was not there. The first effort failed and the second one is still in process. I know what is going on and I don’t think, speaking from an informed position, that Davis has come close to any Boko Haram member. He got his information through a third party. So, he is not speaking the truth as far as I’m concerned.

Who is this third party that Davis got his information from?

No, I don’t have to say it but I know who he used to go and ask about how to go about his activities. I must tell you that he has no direct contact that will provide him with the kind of information that he made public. The way the organisation works, even second category members don’t know what the first category members are doing. That is why the arrest of one Boko Haram member doesn’t lead to the arrest of others. They operate a highly secretive organisation that is very conscious of the fact that they are hunted. So, it is not possible for the relations of the insurgents to know their source of funding, talk less of someone who came from Australia.

But do you think it was proper for President Goodluck Jonathan to be seen with Sherrif in Chad, along with the Chadian president, even if he went to the country on his own?

Well, I’m not going to speak for the president. He has the right to pick whoever he wants to travel with.

Even when such people have been indicted?

I think for moral reasons, the president should have stayed away from Sherrif for now until this issue is resolved.

But if you look at the way they operate in PDP, even if you are convict, you will be invited to sit down and wine and make merry with them.

You will be at the high table as a very important person. So, if they can embrace people who have been convicted talk less of people who have been alleged to have. I think that is their

way of doing things.

Tell us how and why you took ex President Olusegun Obasanjo to the father-inlaw of the late Mohammed Yusuf, former Boko Haram leader.

I think that is a bit of an old story. All I did simply was the fact that I’m interested in peace, stability and the restoration of order in all parts of Nigeria. And all I did was to try to reach out to the family members of Boko Haram, including the late Baba Fugu and through other contacts. Then I reached out to Obasanjo and told him that I had made contacts and if he can alert the government, I can arrange a meeting between him and the family members of Boko Haram. We got a date and we met in Maiduguri in the mosque of their late leader, Mohammed Yusuf. We sat down and talked and ideas came up and they insisted that they wanted all their arrested members to be released and they also wanted an end to the harassment and the killing of their members. Two days after we left Maiduguri, Baba Fugu was killed.

Are aware if Obasanjo had communicated all these resolutions to President Jonathan?

Obasanjo actually submitted to the president all the resolutions. Most likely, the president handed over the issue to the former National Security Adviser and the NSA simply sabotaged everything. In his own thinking, they would finish with the group in about two years. So, they needed not sit down to negotiate with Boko Haram or release their members from captivity. He saw no reason why the government should accept the group’s demands. But what is more important now is that we are reaching out to the group as far as the Chibok girls are concerned. And we are making progress but it is not for the media; there is an agreement that the negotiation should be out of the media until it has achieved success because Nigerians are tired of explanations. So, all I can say is that we are moving on but it is a bit of a difficult terrain because both sides are not prepared to make concessions. But we are still doing our best.

Why did you turn down the offer when the Federal Government included your name on the committee that will dialogue with Boko Haram last year?

I turned it down for three reasons. First, I have on two occasions made contacts and came up with possible ideas that could end the insurgency and submitted to the government and it was thrown away. There was also Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed peace talk that was submitted to the government which was also thrown away. If those two efforts were thrown away, I don’t see them using the one that I will be in with 26 other people. The second reason was that when my name was mentioned, I made contacts and reached out to some people within the group and asked them if they were ready to sit down with the committee.

They said they were not prepared to accept the amnesty or sit down with the committee on the grounds that they were disappointed with the earlier efforts that were made. So with these kind of responses that I have gotten from them, I had no reason to sit down and start talking about amnesty and dialogue when I know that they were going to reject it at the end of the day. Except if I was going there for the allowances and the prestige that I was selected by the president to negotiate.

If my memory serves me right, it wasn’t the Federal Government that botch the Ahmed Datti peace initiative. It was Datti himself that abandoned it because it was leaked to the media.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Interview

Wabara: Confab, a soothing balm on wounds of civil war Former President of the Senate, Chief Adolphus Wabara, was among eminent personalities who represented the South-East at the just concluded 2014 National Conference. In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, he expresses delight that the four- month confab would heal the wounds of the Nigeria Civil War

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Conference’s end

es, the conference ended on a very good note. It ended like in a day the Super Eagles played a football match and we won. On such a day, you find Nigerians in a very joyous mood. That is exactly the way the National Conference 2014 ended. It connotes the fact that Nigeria has come to stay. After 100 years of uncertainty as a nation, this conference has cemented the unity of Nigeria.

You guys in the media have been coming up with several headlines about How this conference will end in chaos, but I’m sure this will come to many people as a surprise. Some people were quoted as coming to disrupt the conference. I feel that most of us came here with different mindsets but the conference afforded Nigerians the opportunity to vent their anger.

I am from the South-East, we vented our anger, our brothers from the North, West, South South and other areas understood that yes we are angry and they were kind enough to give us one additional state. We now found out that we have now been re-integrated into Nigeria.

In the area of derivation and resource control, you saw the way we decided that the issue should go back to Mr. President. That tells you that we are united. For me I’m so happy, I’m proud more than ever before to see myself as a Nigerian.

Referendum possible?

If you look at Volume One of our report where we defined the National Conference, the report of the conference should actually go back to the person that convoked the conference. Like I said earlier, we here (the conferees) were not elected by the people, the National Assembly people were elected by the people.

We are of the national conference. So it is up to the president to do the needful, to really work on the recommendations of this conference either through a referendum, in which case

the constitution should be amended because there are only two issues in the constitution that concern referendum. I believe that Mr. President knows what to do in order to ensure that the issue of referendum in the 1999 Constitution is amended by the National Assembly.

Apologies to National Assembly

If this does not work, he should call a meeting of the leadership of the National Assembly and appeal to them to say: ‘Please, can you incorporate what you find useful in the report into the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution?’

Look at the way the National Conference ended, everybody was happy. We had an assemblage of Nigerians in the conference and we can’t afford to dump the report.

It is a question of lobbying. Mr. President knows how to go about it. This is election year, the leadership of the National Assembly most of them would also want to return to their position. So there could be some horse trading.

If I were still in the National Assembly in the capacity of a presiding officer, I probably will know what to do, because I believe so much in the recommendations of this conference. If Mr. President works with the leadership of the National Assembly the recommendations will sail through smoothly.

I want to use this opportunity to apologise on behalf of National Conference to the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives, that they should forget some unpalatable words used against them at the conference and deal with the good work that we have done. We tried our best, those of us who understood that we were rubbing shoulders with the National Assembly by saying that ‘power pass power.’ We have our power here but the power of the National Assembly is more than our power. I want to

Boko Haram: ‘Davis is a liar’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

Yes, the media has been a major issue. But there is virtually lack of sincerity at that time on the part of government in implementing some of the ideas that were put forward. Datti said that he had to pull out because his suggestions were not used. To me, it was not the insurgents that disrupted the initiative but security agents on the side of the government.

I can tell you that there are two sides of the government in tackling this insurgency; we have the political side that want a peaceful negotiated resolution of the crisis and we have security experts that always give alarming reports and doomsday predictions if some suggestions are implemented. So, these are problems which we continue to face and it has been our major stumbling block up till now.

There was also a time when Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s name was announced as an intermediary between the group and the Federal Government but Boko Haram members denounced him. Why did they do so?

I don’t think the Dahiru Bauchi negotiation was true. Some people tried to drag him into it and tried to use him for their own pecuniary end. It was not with the blessing of the group that he should negotiate. There is a lot of fraud going on over this issue of insurgency. Some people used to come out with false report of cease fire which never took place, or false reports of meeting with the insurgents. Scams are going on around and one of which is the Dahiru Bauchi’s own and that was why the group came out openly to say that they had never given him their blessing to negotiate on their behalf.

Wabara

once again apologise on behalf of the National Conference to the National Assembly members that they should not throw away the baby with the bath water. They should forget about certain words like ‘legis-looters’ and stuffs like that. A lot of people do not understand that we are not of the people, we are just of one person, Mr. President.

Breaking the deadlock

I have to commend the presiding officers for a job well done. If you recall a day before the end of the conference, the presiding officers invited the zonal leaders to articulate the game plan on how to end the conference. I saw a lot of delegates from the zones- everybody was smiling. Those you should not have expected to smile everybody was smiling.

The amendment to the motion that the title of the document on constitution amendment should read proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution moved by Waziri Adamu really doused tension. Adamu came up with the idea that we should change the nomenclature of a draft constitution to read “Proposed Amendments to the 1999 Constitution.” The amendment really doused the growing tension. I think Nigerians are matured politically, the unity of this country came to the minds of most of us that no matter what Nigeria is greater than any other thing. Nigeria will outlive all of us, but we must leave worthy legacies that will make this country better for the generations yet unborn.

If you were to sit down with Mr President, what will be your advice as to how to end the insurgency?

There are two ways; if you are going to use force, you must equip your military, arm and fund them. And they must behave like a 21st centaury army in order to confront the insurgents. And if you are going to use dialogue, you must be able to implement whatever decisions that are reached. You must also beware of security experts who will always discourage and possibly sabotage any attempt at resolving this crisis through dialogue. So, you can’t go half way using force while you have an underfunded, ill equipped and demoralised army. You can’t also say that you are for dialogue when you have scepticism and doubt and you are not also prepared to go all the way to implement the resolutions that were reached. So, half commitment does a lot of dangers to the final resolution of the insurgency.

Between Confab and National Assembly

I did not rate the National Assembly above the people who elected them. I will be stupid to do that. What I am saying is that we here were not elected but members of the National Assembly were elected and by implication they are of the people. They are holding the mandate in trust for the people, and that is why you have the recall clause in our constitution. There is no way I would rate the National Assembly above the people. Even the President is not above the people but he is of the people. We are not of the people; we are of the national government. Every one of us was appointed by the Federal Government. If we were of the people, we would have just called for a referendum and it would work.

Healing the wounds of war

I want to commend the leader of the SouthEast delegates, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd) and the secretariat and of course all delegates from the South-East and Nigerians as a whole because we could have come here with all the demands that the South-East want and other Nigerians will say no.

We are happy that we are going back with one additional state for the South-East as agreed at the conference. If the other states that were also agreed upon are created, the South-East will also have three additional states. That is exactly why we came here because before now we were feeling in the South-East that we were being treated as second class citizens because of the war, and it was a war that we did not even cause.

Look at what Boko Haram is doing today.

It could be likened to the pogrom that led to that war. But because of our experiences we kept quiet. We came here with a game plan a game plan of not to be the vanguard of any agitation, but just to sit down and look. But we felt before now that we have been forgotten by Nigeria because of that war. For me we are happy that we are going back with additional state; we are also going back with the fact that we probably will have more local governments because local governments will now be the issue of the federating units.

If you want to have 100 local governments you will have that. We achieved that. The removal of the immunity clause removal is something Nigerians will be happy with it.

May be initially for the growth and development of our democracy, the clause was necessary but as we have grown now to the stage that the clause as we have decided should be expunged completely from the constitution.

37

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Politics / Interview

Pitan: I’m not intimidated by other aspirants As the race for the governorship election hots up in Lagos, Dr. Leke Pitan, who was at different times commissioner for Health and Education in the state, explains in this interview captured by TAI ANYANWU, that popularity of the aspirants and not godfatherism will determine who becomes the next governor Pitan

What really spurred you go into the governorship race in Lagos State?

Let me take you back memory lane. After the metamorphosis or merger, we merged with some other parties. So after the merger to form the All Progressives Congress, because of the different composition of the legacy parties (the CPC, ACN and ANPP), certain leaders got together and decided that in order to distinguish the party from other parties, there was a need to let the party have an ideology.

Hence, we created a socio-welfare manifesto for the party. This included free health, free education to a point, secondary school, sociowelfare policies for the masses and so on and so forth.

Having gotten to that stage, some of those stalwarts and leaders again got together and said that they needed somebody with the right credentials that can implement this to step forward as governorship aspirant in Lagos State. After the return from Abuja where the manifesto was launched, I was approached for this purpose. Before then some had been mooting the idea as far back as last year. I was encouraged by those stalwarts to step forward given my past credentials or pedigree. Don’t forget that I have been in charge of the Health and Education ministries which are the major socio-welfare sectors in the state.

Having contributed to the making of the manifesto, some of my colleagues and leaders felt that I am very well positioned to fully implement the policies using Lagos State as a show case. And in any case, part of their reasoning also was that in order to engender a confidence building situation between the party and the populace, it was important to bring out somebody that the populace would easily believe in and relate with that manifesto. And somebody suggested my name and said, that if you say people are in rags and you want to clothe them properly, you will have to naturally send your best tailor, especially a tailor they are already used to, who has a good record of dress making. You won’t send a carpenter to take their measurement before they start suspecting that you are planning to construct their coffins. You will send a tailor.

In a nutshell that’s what led to this stride.

Have you at any point in time been intimi-

dated by the popularity of some aspirants who have been described as favourites in the media?

There is no way I could have ever felt intimidated. I have been in this game for a very long time. I don’t have to say that I am longer there than most of my colleagues. I don’t want to say that. But it has very long and that much nobody can take away from me. So to that extent, I have seen a lot and I know what is the usual sequence of events; alright? And I know when it is appropriate to use the media.

I know that grassroots acceptance is the first; it is the foundation not media hypes. You don’t star up from media hype okay? That is one.

You start up with grassroots, the foundation.

And two, I am also aware that a man cannot give what he does not possess; that is fundamental. If you are already a grassroots person, a politician who is already well known by the people, the issue of first starting with media hype is nothing. It is connecting with those people in the grassroots, letting them know that you are available to be used by the party alright, because you already have a pedigree, they will easily back you up. And that pedigree I am talking about is not something you can just pick off the shelf or just like that; if you don’t have it you don’t have it. You may to a certain extent use media hype to try and make a facade but within a short time the mask will be removed and the real personality will be left; and if you don’t have it you can’t give it.

So under no circumstances could I have ever been intimidated. No, alright? Of course now, the situation is different in terms even of public awareness. I don’t want to call it publicity.

How different is it now in Lagos from what it was eight years ago?

Oh! Those of us who were not necessarily in the media glare before are now the toast not only of the media but of the relevant section of the polity - the grassroots. So at the end of the day, they are determinant players.

Any party worth its salt must put forward the candidate that the grassroots are comfortable with; that has no blemish; that has integrity, a credible and well known candidate. Not somebody you will offer to the public and the public would ask for his name before they want to know his antecedent. If there is no tangible record, you will have to start to create

or fabricate a record which can be brushed aside easily by one wave of the hand. That will not help.

Even if you organise a so-called primaries and you make it appeared democratic to help him emerge, you will always get a temporary joy for him, the party and yourself. There are many ways of making things appear as if it is transparent, but certain screws and pressure would have been applied behind the scene to make people go one way, even against their wishes. Even when you do that and make it seems like the person emerged through an internal process, you have not helped the party, you have not even helped that person. After that, the rest of the party members will have the headache of selling this candidate.

Currently, many people in Lagos either rightly or wrongly think that the government is slightly elitist. Does that look like something you likely take to sustain?

Naturally, as true democrats, it is to our own good. I am talking of most of us that started the foundation, which includes the present Governor, Babatunde Fashola, my good self, some of our other colleagues like Dele Alake, Osibajo, Rauf Aregbesola, Muiz Banire, Wale Edu, Yemi Kadoso and so on and so forth. We know that at the end of the day pleasing the people, serving them is the ultimate goal. So if in the process of getting to a certain level will appear to be having some policies that people feel are pinching them, it is incumbent on us to review and redraw. So if you say it is something that may do something about is certainly saying the obvious. But let me just tell you that Fashola’s administration is already redrawing some of those policies based on the fact that it is a government that has a listening ear. We will deepen it and relax things for people and let them be happy. The details I will rather not give here but the direction is clear that we will always carry them in mind particularly with regard to their limited purchasing capacity. We will re-strategise in such a way that we will not uproot or disrupt people without having alternatives for them.

Because we know that one person has a chain of dependants.

You have lately been giving free medical services, how did you come about it and

how has it been?

It came about naturally, because the fundamental frame of mind, that is a passionate commitment to selfless service is there.

And two, at that time it was only the public hospitals that were on strike. Ironically, it is the public hospitals that the poor have access to. If the place is not running, the poor are denied medicare. So we decided to provide something for them free of charge. That was why. Third, the fact that we appreciate the limit of their purchasing power, and all those things I was saying earlier, were the things that brought one to this. We decided to go and help them, appreciating their situation, their environment, the critical nature of their needs, especially an area that is crucial as healthcare delivery.

Talking about Ebola disease, are you satisfied with Federal Government’s effort at curtailing its spread, otherwise what should be done?

I want to commend the Federal Government for what they have done so far. And more importantly, one must commend the Lagos State government, the governor and the health management team. I am proud of them because they are part of the legacy I left behind. They made all of us in that area feel that our efforts did not go in vain. That the legacies and structures we put in place were brought to bear, tested and now trusted. That we have an IDH (Infectious Disease Hospital) in Yaba, an isolation centre had been there; if you recollect that during our time, emergence response was part of our flagship. If you remember that was what led to LASAMBUS and so on and so forth? And all the state around us any time they have an emergency they will call on Lagos. It is those things that were brought to bear coupled with the extensive health centre reform we had made and compiled into law. Those things made private hospitals to be of higher standard and that my dear brother was what made First Consultant Hospital to be what it was that made them to be able to pick the first Ebola case and managed it so professionally that even international bodies commended them.

It is kudos to the healthcare system of Lagos State. Otherwise, the story would have been different.

38

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Column

When lawmakers cried for help From the T hat the North-East geopolitical zone is at war is no longer news.

Everybody is getting concerned and worried. Boko Haram is running riot in the region killing, maiming, attacking and capturing towns.

In spite of the state of emergency subsisting in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, and the proactive response of the nation’s military, Boko Haram has continued to ravage the area. This informed the “Save our Souls” plea from members of the House of Representatives from the troubled states last week. It was indeed a desperate call for help.

The SOS message of the representatives from the North-East was not unexpected. The lawmakers had been on a long holiday and were at their homestead where they felt the pinch of terrorist activities in their various constituencies. The villages of some of these lawmakers have been taken over

by Boko Haram. In other words, they now have unwanted constituents, whom they cannot share ideas with. It means if there is an election today, neither the lawmakers nor constituents will be able exercise their franchise.

Frustrated, the lawmakers alleged that there was a conspiracy somewhere to annihilate their people because Boko Haram has turned their states to a theatre of war. They are therefore appealing to the Federal Government to come to the aid of citizens in the zone which have been overrun by the insurgents.

Hon. Tahir Muhammad Monguno from Borno State who led other lawmakers to voice out their frustration, described the activities of Boko Haram in the area as “the dangerous territorial push by terrorists.” He said the insurgents have now captured and are in control of seven local governments areas in Bornu, two in Yobe and two in Ad-

GreenChamber

Philip Nyam

ternyam@gmail.com

As I speak to you now, two towns in my constituency have been taken over by these insurgents. Many of them have fled their homes while others have lost their lives.

We are appealing to government to come to our aid Tambuwal

amawa; totaling 11 in the three affected states. He said all security formations in the affected areas have either been overrun, or the operatives have fled their respective stations thereby enabling Boko Haram to declare a caliphate and hoisting their flags.

Monguno, said: “The declaration of a caliphate means that those areas are no longer under the sovereignty of Nigeria.

Mr. Speaker, this is a serious threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The same territorial integrity we all swore here to protect”.

‘’In Michika for instance, where you have a large number of Christians, people are being forced to convert to Islam or be killed. Those who feared for their lives and converted were conscripted into the fighting arm of the insurgents, while those who refused were instantaneously executed’’. ‘’I don’t want to believe that our military is not well armed. The problem I think is that of motivation. As we speak, the military is not fully in control of Bama and other places captured. Let our military go and remove those terrorists from these local governments and return

We‘ll make it work, says Jonathan C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

ing its functionality and versatility is also significant.

Following successful local and international tests, the e-Card Scheme has now finally taken off. It is important that the Commission’s on-going efforts at ensuring local content capacity in the Card Body production process is sustained with the same zeal as the meticulous rechecks of ensuring payment functionality, in compliance with international best practice. Such high standard will help create economic and employment opportunities, consistent with our commitment to National Transformation.

We must at the onset keep in mind that the journey to capture the populace, by issuing over 100million Cards has just begun.

You should therefore ensure that the issuance process is prompt and swift enough to enable many more Nigerians obtain their own e-ID Cards, as soon as possible.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, will oversee that funding requirements, as budgeted, will be met and matched with appropriate delivery by the commission. It is important to ensure that this e-ID Card issuance process, proceeds smoothly, and that all MDAs, and indeed the private sector, can benefit from its designed functionalities, as soon as possible.

The Commission should immediately complement the efforts of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) and

Pension Department by ensuring that Federal Civil Servants and Pensioners are enrolled and issued their Cards promptly, so that the e-ID and the secure payment platform can both facilitate speedy and safe payment of salaries and pensions.

The identity authentication and verification services that are in pilot phase, as demonstrated, should immediately be further extended to other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). It should also be made available at the Airports and other border posts, for enhanced security checks The Commission should also ensure that all registrable persons as provided for in Section 16 of the NIMC Act No. 23, of 2007 are enrolled into the National Identity Database and that all Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) involved in data capture activities, must align their activities, with a view to switching over to the NIMC infrastructure.

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) should also ensure compliance immediately. The regime of duplication of Biometric data bases must now have to give way to harmonization and unification with the e-ID scheme, which shall be the primary data base.

The SGF, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Governor of the CBN should, in conjunction with the Commission, reach modalities for the harmonization of their biometric projects, including other ongoing projects in other MDAs, with the e-ID card scheme.

Proliferation and duplication of efforts is neither cost effective, nor security-smart. It is important to remove obstacles that may impede the NIMC from the discharge of its constitutional functions and statutory obligations.

The NIMC must now focus all its energy on ensuring that the remaining two components of the NIMS roll out – Identity Authentication and Verification and the Alignment and in particular, Switching Over by the MDAs through the harmonization and integration framework - are deployed without fail.

The logistics and speed of data collection must have to be improved upon, and this will reduce the justifications given by MDAs, as reasons for duplicated biometric options. Hopefully, the Harmonization programme will help to achieve this, especially, by the Commission ensuring that MDAs switch or at least align their existing infrastructure, as data collection agents to the NIMC System.

This should be the primary reason for expediting the Harmonization programme: more so, in this way scarce Government resources will be better optimised for significant national benefits.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have taken keen interest in this project, primarily because of the pervasive impact it can have on every facet of the socio-economic fabric of our dear nation, which is in sync with the Transformation Agenda of my government.

The fact that the project helps to estab-

such places to Nigeria’’, Monguno appealed.

Of course after Monguno’s submission, Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal allowed other lawmakers from the zone to speak out. It was a chilling revelation.

Most of the lawmakers were almost in tears as their colleagues reeled out the evil exploits of Boko Haram.

In a pathetic mood, Hon. Ganama Titsi, (PDP, Adamawa) submitted: “What I stand here to do like my brother is to drum support for our military to go in and free these areas so that our people can be free. As I speak, a lot of my people have been killed and there is place or freedom to even bury the dead. It is a serious humanitarian crisis”, lamented.

Also contributing, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, said it was a moment for an open appeal to the Federal Government. Ibrahim told members that two major towns in her constituency have been taken over by Boko Haram and the people made to flee their homes.

“As I speak to you now, two towns in my constituency have been taken over by these insurgents. Many of them have fled their homes while others have lost their lives. We are appealing to government to come to our aid. We are asking government to temper justice with mercy and give us the support we need. We also appeal to other Nigerians for spiritual and material support to weather this storm. Help us in any way you can”, Ahmed pleaded.

This is the story of the North-East as told by their elected representatives.

There could be no version better than this. The Federal Government must step up the fight against Boko Haram now lest it spread to other parts of the country. The military is doing its best but it must up its game now. lish the identity of the individual in such a way that privacy is assured and updating personal information is made easier. The project will also create effective access to the database in a more secure and user-friendly and reliable manner for the MDAs and even the private sector.

Given also that the National e-ID Cards can be issued and reissued with, ‘proof of identity’ possible, means that amongst other things, there will be more clarity around all forms of transactions and relationships. Significantly, some of the issues around identity- related theft and other such criminal vices and activities that are inimical to our national interests would be better addressed more efficiently.

Last year, I used the occasion of the launch of the enrolment exercise for the National Identity Number (NIN) to call on the private sector to invest promptly in this project. Let me reiterate that call and emphasize that it is good business to do so.

In this regard, the Board of NIMC must act decisively to increase investor confidence, in a very professional way, so that the various opportunities can be rapidly identified and exploited for the good of our economy.

To all Nigerians, I say, remember the National Identification Number (NIN), is your Identity. The Card is not only a means of certifying your identity, but also a personal database repository and payment Card, all in your pocket!

Once again, I commend the Board, Management and Staff of the NIMC; it is now my honour and privilege to formally kickoff the issuance of the National e-ID Card, Scheme for the good of our country.

I thank you.

39

South-East Focus

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

2015: Power brokers who will decide Anambra polls

I

Governor Willie Obiano:

t is an incontestable fact that a sitting governor is the most potent political force in any state in Nigeria. The election of Chief Willie Obiano as governor of Anambra State in November 2013 marked a new dawn in the state. His election marked the first time Anambra North would produce an elected governor of the state since it was created in 1976. By his emergence, his zone has now become a political powerhouse in the state.

This is coupled with the fact that his platform, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, currently controls the executive and legislative arms of government as well as the local governments.

This gives him an edge to determine a lot of things in next year’s elections. Since he will not be running for any office, he will have enough time to determine who gets what, especially in APGA. As the governor, he controls the treasury of the state and is in a strong position to swing things for his party, given the fact that many politicians will be hanging around him to get one favour or the other. In return, they will be willing to do his bidding as regards the political direction of the state in 2015.

Though some National Assembly members from the state have dumped APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party, Obiano is not perturbed. Apparently mastering the art of adept political strategy, he has jumped on the second term bandwagon for President Goodluck Jonathan. By setting up the Join Jonathan Journey support group, Obiano has shown he can run his own show for the President, even within APGA. That is likely to count in his favour as it guarantees a good working relationship with the Presidency, like his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, enjoyed during his eight-year tenure.

Arthur Eze:

He is a heavy investor. Whenever he develops interest in anything, nothing stops him from going for it. He has been actively around since the creation of the state in 1991. He hates injustice and marginalisation of any class of people. In the 2013 governorship election in Anambra State, he was said to have invested over N5 billion in the race in support of Tony Nwoye, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). What was his interest in Nwoye? It was simply because Anambra North, where Nwoye hails from, had not produced the governor since the creation of the state. He took up the project with passion, campaigned heavily round the state for Nwoye and financed it heavily. Some observers believe that but for the endemic crisis in the state chapter of the party that culminated in a long-drawn legal battle, Nwoye would have won that poll.

Nwoye came second behind Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; apparently because the PDP candidate began his campaigning too late in the day – just two weeks to the election because of legal encumbrances.

Shortly after the governorship poll, Eze gave his support to Obiano, notwithstanding their different political leanings. Just recently, he gave a $1 million cheque to the state government for security. He also matched it with a pledge of N1bn for the same purpose. Many have benefited from his largesse in different areas. Any political arrangement that doesn’t have his blessing, particularly in Anambra State, is doomed.

His recent scolding of Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, for poor performance tells a lot

There will be no governorship election in Anambra State in 2015.The state had its governorship poll in November 2013 and it produced Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. But surely there won’t be a dull moment in the state during the 2015 elections as all other elective positions shall be keenly contested. In this analysis, TONY OKAFOR writes about the political godfathers who will decide the political dynamics of the time.

Obiano

Eze

about Eze’s altruistic disposition.

Emeka Offor:

This oil mogul from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State has shown demonstrable interest in good governance and people’s welfare since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. When in 2001, he was not convinced of the leadership direction of Anambra State under Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the billionaire politician came out boldly to confront that government under the auspices of Anambra Peoples Forum (APF).

He literally fought that government to a standstill. On one occasion, he promised two helicopters and over 200 vehicles to the APF, with the sole aim of sacking Mbadinuju, who was touted as his protégé.

Though he has been roundly criticised for that extremism in opposition, that has not deterred him from sponsoring politicians that come to him for assistance. He is believed to be widely connected.

ABC Orjiakor:

A shrewd businessman with interests in oil and gas and publishing, ABC Orjiakor hails from Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Highly cerebral, he bankrolled the election of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju as governor in 1999.

In that year’s election, Mbadinuju had settled for the position of a deputy governor in an earlier arrangement. But when he brought the issue to Orjiakor, things changed fast as the oil mogul ‘ordered’ him (Mbadinuju) to jettison the deputy governorship ambition and take over the main position of governor. Mbadinuju grabbed the new offer with two hands and won that election with overwhelming votes.

Though after that outing, Orjiakor seems to have gone fully back to his business, but behind the scene, he plays the game as a master.

Peter Obi:

The immediate past governor of the state, Peter Obi is one man that nobody can hardly decipher his political mien and direction before he dhows his hand. For now, he has said everywhere that he will not contest any political position. Even with this open declaration, some politicians remain unsettled about his

Ngige

regular presence at funerals and other functions in the state. Some have suggested that he might sponsor his wife to run for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat against APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, and the current occupant and former governor, Dr. Chris Ngige. Obi has consistently denied these speculations; yet the apprehension amongst the political class in still high.

Whatever is the case, Obi is seen as the new generation political Maradona of Anambra politics, nay Nigeria. In next year’s elections in the state, he would be a major determinant, overtly or covertly.

One thing he has not denied is his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan. He has told anyone who cares to listen that he will do his best to ensure a second term for Jonathan.

Senator Chris Ngige:

Former governor of Anambra State and currently the senator representing Anambra Central, Dr. Chris Ngige, is an enigma of sorts.

Since he extricated himself from the shackles of political godfathers who made him governor of the state in 2003, Ngige has been a personality to watch.

His followership, especially in Anambra Central, has grown in leaps and bounds. Anybody who dares Ngige in Idemili axis of the state stands the risk of being mobbed, obviously because of the service he rendered to his people of the area when he was the governor.

The network of roads he constructed in that area would ever stand the test of time.

He is one politician that will determine who gets what in the 2015 elections in Anambra State, especially in Idemili.

Victor Umeh:

The National Chiarman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, is regarded as a ‘man of courage’.

Some have nicknamed him the ‘court marshal’ because of the avalanche of court battles he had won for APGA. This dates back to the era of Chekwas Okorie as the national chairman of the party.

He is regarded as one of the heavyweight politicians behind APGA’s resounding victory in the January 11 local government election in the state. Umeh singlehandedly installed 20

Offor

out of the 21 Local Government Chairmen and 318 out of 326 councillors in the state. Somewhat, he is in control of the APGA structure in the state for now. Though he has indicated interest in contesting the Anambra Central senatorial election, he would be among those who would determine who goes where in 2015.

Chris Uba:

Though, somehow, ‘tamed’ politically, Chris Uba is one person that can’t be underrated in any election. On one occasion, he called himself ‘the professor of Anambra politics.’ This is obviously because of deep knowledge of the politics of the state. Since 1991, he has been instrumental, in one form or the other, to the installation of political office-holders in the state. He installed Dr. Chris Ngige as Anambra governor in 2003 but his overbearing attitude made them fall out.

He withdrew support for Ngige and the latter was eventually removed by the appeal court in 2006.

Like an empire, he has been rising and falling. It will be perilous for anyone to wish him away in the political equation of the state.

Annie Okonkwo:

The multi-millionaire businessman represented Anambra Central in the Senate from 2007 – 2011. He has been around in Anambra politics since 1999. At various times, he had contested for the governorship of the state.

Recently, he has been playing strong opposition to Dr. Chris Ngige in the Idemili enclave of the state. He has expressed interest to vie for the Anambra Central senatorial seat, but this in no way will not diminish his godfather role in the 2015 polls, especially in the zone.

Nicholas Ukachukwu:

A businessman and evangelist, he had vied for senatorial and gubernatorial seats of the state at different times. He has remained a political colossus in his Osumenyi, Nnewi South area. His political opponents would not bother for votes in his domain because they know they won’t make progress in such a venture.

He will definitely determine the distribution power dynamics in the state next year, especially in Nnewi South.

40

Life SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

My Ebola Story –Nurse infected by Patrick Sawyer

The framed picture of Tochukwu Anunobi, and her husband, Alex, exchanging marital vows has the inscription, ‘What God has joined together, let no man put asunder’. This aptly defines the commitment of this couple to their marriage. Tochukwu was one of the nurses who attended to Liberian-American Ebola index case, Patrick Sawyer, at First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, Lagos. She became infected with EVD but survived. Tochukwu shares her story with AHAOMA KANU What inspired you to become a nurse?

It started when I was in the secondary school. I used to follow my uncle’s wife who is a nurse to go to people’s houses to treat them. Whenever she finished putting infusion on her patients, she would go. But I used to go back alone to be taking care of those patients. They usually informed my aunty that I always visited them later to take care of them. When I finished my secondary school education at Madonna Science School, I actually wanted to study Pharmacy; but my aunty was always urging me to choose nursing. Then, you were required to get admitted to a school of nursing as the course was not being offered in universities then as a degree programme. I did not succumb to her suggestion as I did not like the sight of blood then. But unfortunately, despite all the JAMB exams I wrote, I did not get the cutoff mark for Pharmacy. My aunty continued to urge me about Nursing so I picked up a form in 2003. The day I went for the exam, I had a change of mind towards nursing after seeing many of the candidates that came for the exam. We were more than 2000 and only around 200 were to be selected for the programme. I passed the examination as well as the interview and got admitted to the School of Nursing under the Imo State Ministry of Health in Owerri. I was there for three years.

I got married while I was in my final year at the nursing school. I worked with my licence for a year and then returned to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to get a degree in Nursing. I also did my midwifery training as well. I graduated in 2013. I proceeded to look for a job and submitted applications at St. Nicholas, First Consultants and another hospital. I did not really expect to be called

by First Consultants as I knew nobody there.

I really was hoping to work at Jolad Hospital at Bariga as it was nearer to the area where I live but First Consultants called me for an interview in November and I resumed with them on November 24, 2013.

How was your new job then?

Honestly, I did not know that the hospital was a very big one. I did not have a chance to get a good grasp of the whole hospital when I was invited for the interview. It is a very big and I discovered that I would learn a lot from them. The hospital has the highest standard in all my working experience.

Early this year the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease started in neighbouring countries.

Did you in your wildest dream ever think Ebola would be among the cases you would

manage?

I did not expect it to come into Nigeria.

I was hearing about Ebola but not in Nigeria. I did not even expect that if it eventually got into Nigeria, it would come to First Consultants. I was thinking that it would be in a general hospital and not First Consultants because the kind of patients that come to First Consultants are high class individuals. I knew that ordinary Nigerians could not afford the treatment there.

What are your specific duties at First Consultants as a nurse?

I had general nursing duties; everyday duty allocations are given.

It is either you work in the out-patient department; in-patient or theatre. But my name was permanently on the in-patient department where patients are admitted.

But that does not mean that is the only place where you were made to work.

Tell me about July 20, the day the late Liberian-American Ebola index case, Patrick Sawyer, was admitted.

He was admitted in the evening around 8pm. I was not on duty that day. He came on his own; you know he was coming for the ECOWAS meeting in Calabar, Cross River State. I think he called some of the ECOWAS staff and was told to stop at Lagos to access the hospital they use here. That was how they brought him to the hospital. I resumed work the next day, being a Monday, July 21.

By then, nobody knew he had Ebola and the usual procedure in the hospital is to do some tests before the commencement of treatment.

The test conducted was for Malaria Parasite (MP) and it was positive. That was the diagnosis I met the day I resumed. It was after doctors had administered drugs to the patient on Monday and Tuesday that they started observing other symptoms like vomiting of blood, diarrhea and high fever. It was one of the doctors, Dr. Ada Igonoh, who suggested that they should carry out an Ebola test. She likes browsing the internet. She said there was an outbreak of EVD in Liberia and the patient came from that country. That was on Tuesday evening but the result came out the next day, Wednesday, which was the day I nursed him. Even before I attended to him, the result was out. I was given protective

gear by officers from the Federal Ministry of Health but the gear was different from those the doctors from World Health Organisation wore when they were treating us. The gear the Federal Ministry of Health gave us was light and did not cover my hands and feet. It was somewhat short-sleeved from the elbow and then at the knee. The quality was poor and was like paper. But the one the WHO doctors wore was an overall of a good quality. It stretched up to their hands though they wore gloves. They also used clothing that covered their necks and it was only their eyes you see through their goggles. The gear we had did not have all this. We wore gloves and used face masks.

You attended to Patrick Sawyer knowing his EVD status. Were you at any point tempted not to attend to him since you knew his status?

I was not told that he was positive then. It was after nursing the man on Wednesday that I read his folder; but we had already started hearing and reading the news. They did the test and wanted to confirm. We started using the protective gear that morning.

Tell me about Patrick Sawyer; so many things have been said about him. As the nurse that attended to him, what kind of person was he?

When I entered his room, I noticed that the colour of the eyes was red. And he was a very fat man and fair-complexioned. I also observed tiny reddish rashes on his skin. He was also finding it difficult to breathe since

he was vomiting and stooling. He did not have energy.

Did you have a conversation with him?

Yes I did. When I got in, I wanted to give him some IV drugs; the ones he was supposed to take the night before but which he didn’t take.

The night nurses could not give him the drugs and they logged on his file that the patient refused the drugs that were supposed to be given to him for 10pm medication. I greeted him and then proceeded to inform him about what I wanted to do. I then asked him why he refused to take his drugs. He said that I just came in and informed him of what I wanted to do and the names of the drugs I wanted to give him. He complained that the night nurses came and started doing their duties without explaining what they wanted to do and so he refused the medications. He was asking me questions pertaining to the nature of the disease and I told him that I did not know anything yet. I went further to explain to him that we had to cover our noses because the disease he had was contagious and we that were taking care of him had to protect ourselves. I asked him if he was married and he said yes, that he was based in the United Tochukwu States with his wife and kids. He informed me that he actually flew down from the U.S to Liberia but did not tell me the reason why he visited Liberia. He said that he came into Nigeria for a meeting. I noticed some drugs on his table and at First Consultants, we hold on to patient’s drugs until the time you are to be discharged. I saw some Flagyl tablets

41

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Life

with him and asked if he had visited another hospital before coming to us. He replied that he brought them along. He told me that he loved my professionalism and would make me proud. I did not know what he meant by that. When he wanted to make calls, he ran out of credit and then asked me to help him buy airtime but he said he had only dollars on him. I told him that I was already dressed in my uniform and could not go out. I then called someone to help him. He gave me $30 and I called one of the guys to help him change it and buy a recharge card for him.

It was when I wanted to scratch the card for him that I removed my gloves which I had been wearing all along. After scratching the silver panel, I forgot to wear my gloves again and collected his phone to help him load the airtime. It was when I was loading that I remembered that I was not wearing my gloves.

I had to drop the phone and put my gloves back on. That was the first contact I had with him. Also, when I was fixing his IV fluid, the blood was pumping from the cannula l. His blood touched me on my gloved hand. Those were the contacts I had with him.

But many reports had it that Sawyer was not a cooperative patient and was removing his IVs. How did that happen?

Of course, he was troublesome and that was why he infected some of the doctors. That IV cannula is the only thing that will give the patient energy. So the hospital did not want him to die. It was fixed to his vein but he kept removing it and blood was splashing everywhere. In his room, there was blood everywhere and he vomited anyhow as well. He knew what he had but nobody knew from the onset. Even before he could be given a bath, about five men would have to hold him. It was when his actions became too much that Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh went in to caution him.

She told him that if he continued being uncooperative, we would stop treating him. Then, he agreed not to remove the IV again.

What kind of doctor was Dr. Adadevoh?

She was one of our senior consultants and was among the pioneers of First Consultants.

She was a physician and was in charge of everything to do with medicine.

When it was confirmed that Sawyer had EVD, what precautions did the hospital take?

First they brought the protective gears and then some officers from the Ministry of Health came to see the patient. They also gave us footwear as well as face masks. Immediately you came out from the room, you would remove the gear and wash your hands. We were also made to wear double gloves as well.

Another colleague of yours, Miss Justina Ejelonu, also died. How do you remember her?

She actually started work on Monday; it was her first day at work and she was pregnant.

She had not even received any salary. The matron that wanted to put her through used Patrick Sawyer to teach her since the diagnosis then was malaria. Justina resumed work on Monday, July 21, a day after Sawyer was admitted . She fed the man because he was too weak to eat and I think she wore gloves.

That means that you had not got to know yourselves as colleagues?

I just met her that day and on the second day which was Tuesday, July 22, she came to work but was not feeling fine. She said she was taking some anti-malaria drugs and was allowed to rest. Then on Wednesday; she was off-duty. That was the last day that I went to work. I was to resume on Friday and that was the day I heard that the patient had died.

When he died, can you recall the mood in your work place then?

When I was got to work that Friday and stepped into the hospital premises, I saw many people standing around. I asked the gateman what happened and he informed me that the Liberian man had died and that all the patients in the ward had been evacuated.

There were reports that Patrick Sawyer tried to leave the hospital. How did this happen?

Yes, it did happen. He had his tablet with him in his room and it was when he was browsing and saw his name and picture online that he ran mad. His pictures were everywhere even on social media. When he saw that, he was furious and threw the tablet away. He started saying that Nigerians were

‘When Adadevoh died, everyone wept’

Tochukwu with her husband, Alex liars and all that. He then started making a move to leave the hospital. He desperately wanted to go for a meeting in Calabar but Dr. Adadevoh prevented that.

Did he ever raise his voice in protest against the hospital’s decision?

I am not aware of that. But you know that in the hospital, you may not be there but you have to document whatever happened during your shift so that the next person on duty will be informed.

When you were informed that the Liberian patient had died, what came to your mind?

The news was already everywhere in the media and whenever I tuned to Channels Television, the story was always being talked about. So after he died, the Ministry of Health officials called all of us that came in contact with him and gave us thermometers and temperature charts to use in checking our temperature. We were told that the symptom was supposed to start from the second day up till 21 days. They gave us a chart to be recording our temperatures for that period. I started having a high temperature on the 19th day.

I believe that I broke down then after some of my colleagues started dying; then Justina had died and Mrs. Ukoh, the ward maid, had died as well.

Who was the first person to start showing symptoms?

It was the ward maid, Mrs. Ukoh. Patrick Sawyer died on Friday, July 25 and she started developing symptoms on Sunday, July 27.

I was on duty on Sunday when she called the hospital and alerted them to her condition. She asked that the management send an ambulance to come and carry her because she was having sore throat and fever. She said she could not come on her own. The hospital alerted officials of the Ministry of Health and they went to her house and picked her. I think she died the following day. People that were with her said that immediately she heard that Patrick Sawyer had died, she got into a panic and started sweating. Fear gripped her because she was the person that cleaned up the vomit, blood and all that.

When your colleagues started developing symptoms and some died, what was on your mind?

I almost collapsed. At a point, I could not eat.

These were people that nursed the same man with me and initially, I was afraid that I would eventually die. My temperature was normal but within me, I was feeling hot and asked people to feel my temperature. Any time I called my pastor, he would assure me that nothing would happen and I should not fear.

I said, ‘fine, but I am human and have seen my colleagues dying.’ It got to a point that I became very lean because I was not eating.

Any day I listened to the news, I would break down. I kept going on until the 19th when I checked my temperature and discovered that it was above 37.2. That very day, I went to work and was normal but in the evening, I discovered it. I informed my husband. But from the day I was given the thermometer,

I started sleeping in the sitting room, away from my husband. I also asked people staying with me to relocate to my brother’s house. I stopped going to the kitchen; my husband was the one that would cook and bring to me. I also asked him to be using gloves and separate buckets, utensils and others. We took the precaution so that if anything happened, it would affect only me. I stopped using the toilet and got an improvised putty bucket for myself.

You made that decision to sacrifice yourself and not infect other members of your family.

Tell me how hard it was for you to have made that decision and kept to it?

That was the only thing I could do. I never wanted the chances that if I died, another person would die as well. It was an easy decision to make and I made sure that my husband adhered to it. If it was possible for me to have rented another apartment or lodged in a hotel, I would have done it. If I had kids, I would have sent them away from me because I know there is no how they would not be all over me. That period, I stopped going to the kitchen.

So what steps did you take after you discovered the high temperature?

I first of all called the doctor assigned to me and he simply told me that it remained only two days for me to be free. He said that since I had not exhibited any symptoms, I could not have contracted EVD. I told him that I was having fever. My husband called an official of the ministry of health and informed her of the development. She then alerted them at Yaba and they came from the Ministry of Health to take me to the Ebola centre. They also disinfected the house.

When they took you from your house to Yaba, how was the journey like to you since it was a situation where you may have returned or not?

When they came in alone, it was so embarrassing. They came with a big ambulance and were suited in their gear and goggles. People living in my street came out and were staring at me. I think while they were trying to locate my apartment, they asked questions about someone that had Ebola and that made almost everybody know. When I came out, I saw the crowd, the big ambulance and the officials dressed up like they were; I was ashamed. From that day, the stigmatisation against my husband and other tenants in the house where I live started. They refused to sell things to my husband and other tenants. But I was confident when I got to Yaba. I entered there with my Bible, some money and my phone. When I got there, I was placed inside the ‘Suspect Area’. If you then test positive to Ebola, you will be moved to the Quarantine Area.

When I came in, she was in a coma and was on an oxygen mask

Can you describe the facility?

The place was lonely at night and very scary.

During the day, you will not get the chill but at night, it is another thing. When I was at the ‘Suspect area’, I was the only person in the hall. During the day, you would see people walking around but at night, they would go home and you would be alone. It was very difficult to sleep. I had my phone and would call my husband at night to keep me company. Being there was scary. The day I was brought in, I was given a bed and nothing actually happened. The next day, I woke up in the morning thinking they would come and take my sample but they did not come until around 10am. They gave me malaria tablets and I asked them when they would come to take my sample. They assured me that they would come. They later came in the afternoon and took my sample. In the night, I requested for the result and was told it was not yet out. That was on Friday. On Saturday, I requested for the result and they said they were still on it. The same thing occurred the next day. All this while, I was only given antimalaria drugs, food and water.

What kind of food were you being served?

The people taking care of us would ask what we felt like eating. But in the morning, they usually served tea or pap.

So how did you receive the test result?

It was on Monday when my husband visited. A lady came and asked him to leave but I said it was okay. She then told me that it had been confirmed and that I tested positive to Ebola.

So your husband was visiting you while you were there?

Yes, he was coming but there is a window with a distance where we could stay and talk.

You can come but not get inside. Anything he had for me, he would throw it over. When they gave me the news, I laughed and told my husband that it was okay. I was confident because one of my colleagues, Dr. Ada Igonoh, was discharged on Saturday while I was still at the ‘Suspect Area’. So I said to myself and held on to that belief that since Ada came here and was discharged, I would also survive.

Did you meet her?

No, she was the first person that was admitted. And before they discharge you, your blood must test negative to Ebola. So she was being discharged that day. When she was going, I saw her.

When you were moved to the quarantine centre, it was either you came out alive or dead. What was the experience like?

When I was going there, I was not scared because I had already seen Ada go home. I started being positive that I would survive and did not really dwell on what was around me at that time. I believed that I would not die. It was when I entered the quarantine centre that I saw my colleagues. They were three doctors, a nurse and a patient who was said to be a staff of NNPC. She was treated at our hospital but also contracted Ebola. Her baby was okay. She was delivered through a Caesarean Section. The nurse was the one who travelled to Enugu and she told me about her condition when she was admitted. She said she was having memory loss. I was encouraged by that too because when I was admitted there, I was fully conscious. She also told me that she was weak and had to be taken to the ambulance. But I had walked to the ambulance on my own. So these positive thoughts kept me believing that I would survive. It is funny now when I remember that moment because when I came in, the nurse made a light joke, asking me what I was doing there.

I replied that they told me to come and join them and we all laughed. One of the male doctors was not looking alright to me. When I greeted him, his response was somehow. I asked the others and was told that he had been behaving that way for some time. They were saying that maybe the Ebola had affected his brain.

Did you have access to newspapers or books?

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Life

‘Sawyer got angry when he saw his story on the internet’

Yes, they were bringing books for us to read.

What kind of books?

Novels and newspapers, anything that you wanted to read so you wouldn’t feel lonely.

I went there with my Bible and my hymn book; so I meditated on them. The day I was admitted to the quarantine centre was the day two doctors and the nurse who went to Enugu were discharged. Their discharge also strengthened me the more and before they left, the nurse advised me to take whatever they gave me, including the food and the ORS water. Initially, I was not eating and packed all the food for them to come and take them away. She told me that if I wanted to come out of this place alive, I should obey whatever instruction I was given. She said that Dr. Ada told her that and that at times, she had to force herself to eat the food and drink the ORS. After they were discharged, I was left with the other doctor.

Was Dr. Adadevoh not in the quarantine centre with you?

Yes. But I heard that initially she was being treated in another room and was later moved into the quarantine centre.

Describe her condition when she was brought in.

When I came in, she was in a coma and was under an oxygen mask. The quarantine centre is a hall with 14 beds; seven were put at one end and the other at the other for the male and female sections. A screen was used to demarcate the sections. So it was only I and Dr. Adadevoh that were in the female section.

She was at the extreme end and I was in the centre. At night, I could hear her breathing and her oxygen mask was making some kind of noise.

How long were you there before she gave up?

I entered on Monday and she died on Tuesday evening. In fact, on Monday night, I was looking at her and praying for her not to die.

The next day, around 5pm, I saw them removing everything - the catheter, the oxygen and others. I knew that she was gone. After they finished, one of the WHO doctors came to me and said they were sorry, that Adadevoh could not make it. I was scared because it was almost night and I was wondering how I was going to sleep that night.

You were still the only one there?

I was the only one now alive in the female section of the ward. They used a white cloth to cover her from head to toe. After that, they left.

They left her corpse there?

Yes, they left and came back around 9pm to finally remove the corpse. I was scared and had to move to the male section of the ward.

Even the doctor was scared also and shifted towards me. We now had our beds closer. Her corpse was still there and we were looking at our boss lying down there dead. It was scary and it was night. When they later came for her, I covered my ears not to hear what they were doing. They first of all decontaminated the body, the bed and sheets with Chlorine water. They later took her away. At the back of the centre, there was a pit dug there and that is where they usually burn anything that comes out of the ward. That place is very quiet at night and is really a dead zone. They would be waiting for you to either die or survive. If you die, they do to you what they do to the dead and if you survive, you leave the place.

That night and every other night, I could not sleep.

What then did you do at night?

I just closed my eyes and still would not sleep. I was very scared.

What was going on in your mind? Were you thinking about your husband, family and loved ones?

I tried to but I was seeing blood. Whenever I closed my eyes, I would be seeing red and be remembering the faces of my colleagues that had died. That scared me the more. I used to hear noises outside the building. That place has some bush behind and you would hear the birds singing in the night. That place is not good for somebody to stay in.

Were you not praying since you went there

with your Bible and hymn book?

I was praying inside my heart. I usually closed my eyes since I could not sleep and pray. I would get up and read my Bible in the night since that was the only book I went there with. There was a day that the other doctor told me that in the morning that I was not going to meet him alive. I told him not to say that since I would not be able to stay there on my own. He said that in the night he always felt like someone was pressing him down with a pillow. It was on Saturday night that I experienced it. When I told him about my experience, he was like that was what he had been telling me.

How was the security in that place?

I don’t know about the security in the facility but at night, we were left on our own. The doctors would leave while the other people would go home. If there was any adequate security, I am not aware of it. The only thing I know is that every night, we were on our own.

Did you try to walk around?

That day, I told the officials that if they did not discharge me, I would run away. But how would I have fled? They then asked me if I had any favourite pastor that I may want to hear his or her messages. They later said they would bring some messages to me and some drugs to make me sleep. The messages were church services which would make you have the feeling of being in a service along with the crowd. The place was like the mortuary of a hospital, very scary and lonely.

How long were you there?

I was there for 11 days.

All the while, were they testing your sample?

I moved into the facility on Thursday and later transferred to the quarantine section on Monday. It was the following Monday that they came and took my sample and told me that it was negative. But they could not bathe and discharge me since it was night. On Tuesday morning, they came to bathe me in order to decontaminate me. It was only my wedding ring that I came out with; every other thing I went in with, my phones, my clothes, even some money I had were burnt.

When the result came back negative, what was the first thing you did?

I started praising God. I then called my husband to give him the news. I was already sleeping when one of the WHO doctors came and congratulated me, saying that my blood tested negative. I was very happy. She broke the news to me through the barrier because she was not wearing her gear. I came in and

broke the news to the wife of one of our doctors who died of Ebola. The wife was brought in later as she tested positive as well.

What about the other doctor that was in quarantine with you?

He was discharged on the day my result came in late. They had been testing him all along. He stayed there for almost three weeks.

He was being told he had traces of Ebola before he eventually tested negative. While he was going on that Monday, he told me that my sample would come out negative. It was that day that my sample was taken.

When you called your husband, what did you tell him precisely?

I had already told him that he should go and buy new clothes for me as I knew I would be discharged. When I called him, I was happy and told him that I tested negative; and he was happy. The next day, my husband bought new clothes, shoes and undies for me. They bathed me with chlorine water and brought a new towel. Then after cleaning myself, they gave me the new clothes to wear. I handed my wedding ring to them and they disinfected it.

When I was coming out, they sprayed something on every path I stepped on until I left the contaminated area.

When you moved out, what did you do?

I ran to my husband and hugged him very tight. I was shedding tears but I was thankful that I survived.

When you were taken from your house to the centre, there was a crowd watching. When you came home, how was the reception?

We came home in the morning and we came in quietly. It was later that some of our neighbours started visiting to thank God with me.

Some came while others were still scared.

What relationship do you still have with First Consultants?

I am still working there but I have not resumed yet. We were advised to be taking our medications for two weeks. I don’t even have a uniform now because everything I had was disposed of. If I resume now, I will need to get everything new.

How eager are you to return to work?

Yes, I am very eager to start working. It is a profession I chose and I will keep doing my job.

Will you attend to an Ebola patient if you come across one?

I will require the safety gear that the WHO doctors had on when they were treating us.

If not, I will not. If the correct gear was given to us that first day, the casualty rate would have been lower. If I am given the gear that

the Ministry of Health gave us, I will reject it because that was what we wore and ended up getting infected.

How did your family receive the news?

Honestly, up till now I have not informed my parents. When the whole thing was happening, my husband informed my brother. I told my younger sister who was staying with me not to tell anybody. One of my brothers who lives in Onitsha came to Lagos to purchase a car. He made arrangements to put up in my place but I told him I was posted for training. We had not seen in a long while. He called me while I was at Yaba, describing the car he bought but never knew what was happening. When I was discharged, I called him and told him and he was annoyed because he said he would have visited me there. I begged him not to inform my parents yet because they would want to see me physically in order to believe him. I will make out time and travel home to inform them myself.

In this whole experience, what will you say made you come out of this alive?

I must be honest with you. At the initial stage, I never thought I would come out of this alive. I asked my husband and the church to pray for me. There were prayers going on for me. At a point, I wanted to die because I was too weak to do anything. But I was asking God to give me one more chance because I have parents and did not want my parents to bury me; instead it should be me doing that. I believed God gave me a second chance.

How do you remember your colleagues who could not make it?

It is still painful, I must say. Anytime I remember them, I shed tears, especially for Dr. Adadevoh. On the day she died, some of the officials there cried. While she was in a coma, they were praying for her. I am praying to God to grant them eternal rest because while they were trying to help a fellow human being, they lost their lives. What sacrifice is greater than that?

President Goodluck Jonathan called Patrick Sawyer a ‘crazy man’ and Nigerians have rained all manner of abuses on him. Being someone that nursed him and observed him closely, did he deserve the names Nigerians are calling him?

He deserved it because he knew what he had and kept it to himself. We later learnt from the Federal Ministry of Health when they contacted their Liberian counterparts that the man flew into Liberia for the burial of his sister, who died of Ebola causes. They kept him in surveillance and he escaped. We also learnt from sources that when they played the footage when he was at the airport in Liberia, he was avoiding contact with people.

But on arriving in Nigeria, he left himself to be contacted anyhow. He knew what he had.

When Dr. Adadevoh asked him questions concerning his contact with anybody with Ebola, he said he had none. If he had been truthful, they could have managed him and who knows, he could have been alive today.

But he lied and put others in danger. That was the reason he was urinating everywhere and vomiting everywhere. He was also changing beds anyhow. Thank God there was no other patient admitted in the same ward as it was a two-bed ward. He would sleep on one bed one minute and the next, he would be on the other. And he also scattered the bed sheets. There were times he would purposely remove his clothes and be naked. While I was nursing him, I asked him how many times he stooled that day and he told me to go to the toilet and look at the faeces.

He kept telling me to go into the toilet and check it. I had to enter the toilet because he kept the tissue there instead of leaving it on the bedside cupboard. And when changing IV, you need tissue to prevent the blood from coming out. I did the first one and noticed blood coming out, and I had no choice than to enter the bathroom and get the tissue. The man was just a mad man and knew what he had; he wanted to infect people.

Next week: Tochukwu’s husband speaks

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Body&Soul

Cool dressing for house parties Vanessa Okwara

H

ouse parties are social gatherings, usually casual, held in someone’s home. Unlike a dinner party, house parties do not normally require strict etiquette for dressing and fussy invitations are rarely sent out. Even in such a laidback environment, it is important to keep in mind a few fashion rules.

Dressing well for a party is particularly important. There is a chance you’ll meet people you don’t know.

You, therefore, have plenty of first impressions to make. Though looks may not matter, let’s be honest, you’re going to receive more attention if you’re nicely dressed.

That it is called a house party does not mean you will look like you just got out of bed. To look good, bear a few simple rules in mind.

The first and most important rule is, keep groomed! This means you have to look and smell clean. Put some effort in your hair, trim your beard and make sure your breath smells fresh. A groomed appearance makes a better impression.

Dress code for house parties is generally casual; this gives you more options in deciding what to

wear. Make sure you feel comfortable in the clothes you wear, choose natural and breathable fabrics to avoid sweating when dancing.

Often, simple jeans, a niceT-shirt and matching shoes are good for a casual party. You can also wear chinos trousers, shorts or khakis with a nice shirt, Polo, T-shirt or a thin woolen V-neck sweater.

A denim shirt always adds prep to your look where you can do the trendy denim on denim attire. Fitted striped T-shirt on Chinos is also a trendy casual to warm up a house party.

Some house parties can be semiformal. In such a case, adding a blazer or sports jacket to your Jeans and Polo attire will give you that casual but elegant look.

Choosing shoes to wear to a house party can be tricky. You can’t wear your dirty old runners. A pair of loafers or boots is the perfect solution. It is stylish without being too dressy. There are no rules for accessories, just keep it simple.

The key is to adapt your casual attire to the kind of party you’re attending. Wear your outfit with confidence and have a blast rocking the house party.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

J

Let’s talk about phonebook name game

oin me to paint this scenario for a moment: you went to a quiet restaurant to chill out with the one you love. As the evening progresses, he/she decides to use the rest room and leaves the phone on the table. On impulse and out of curiosity, you want to know if your number is saved as ‘Sweetheart or ‘Honey’. You dial your number and ‘Rasheed plumber’ pops out. What will be your reaction?

Well, it’s time to get inquisitive and do some poking around if you ask me.

They say curiosity kills the cat but I also say it is better than burying your head in the sand like an ostrich. I know I may be criticised for asking you to do this today, but whoever says he/she has never snooped around before should go ahead and throw the first stone.

The arrival of GSM in Nigeria has turned many citizens to deceit manufacturers. It is now accepted as the norm to lie using the mobile phone as cover.

You hear people quip to their friends how they tricked their partner to believe they are on their way to an important business meeting but in actual fact in a tryst with their lover in a hotel in another part of the town.

A comedian once made a joke that when you go through a market woman’s phone, you’ll find all kinds of names: IyaEja, Baba Okporoko, Mama Ororo, Baba Isi Ewu and so on. The woman simply saves the number of her customers

based on the particular business they deal with. Well, we are beginning to see such funny names in guys and ladies phones also.

This coded lies have filtered to the way names are saved in some phonebooks for the purpose of cryptic deception.

This kind of sham is often played out in a home when the husband’s phone rings and the clueless wife gives it a cursory glance and sees the name ‘James office’ as the caller. She innocently hands over the phone to her husband, not knowing she has unwittingly handed him over to his secret lover. Cheating in relationships have become the order of the day and people do it covertly; even their spouse living in the same house is oblivious of their unfaithfulness.

Guys are often culpable in this coded phone names. Check out an average guy’s phone and you’ll see ‘Mechanic’ with different street tags. These streets actually represent where these girlfriends either stay or where he usually

meets up with them. He will not want to put a ladies name on his phone in case his wife or girlfriend picks up the phone when he steps out of the room or taking a shower.

The ladies are equally not left out as they also play this dirty game with impunity. One guy said he was quite shocked to discover that his girlfriend saved his number as ‘Mugu Abuja’ since he had a penchant for doling out large sums of money to satisfy her incessant demands. Another guy said he discovered that his girlfriend had about four ‘pastors’ on her phonebook and she differentiated them with numerical and his was number four. He wondered if the three other pastors were real.

Names are powerful and what your lover calls you both in written or verbal form should matter to you. If your lover confesses endless love to you in private but fails to acknowledge it publicly and also on their phone, then that love is seriously insincere and should be properly

scrutinized.

It is said that once you tell a lie, you will need more of it to cover your tracks.

Before you know it, you get entangled in a huge spider web that will be difficult to extricate from. When you ask people who juggle more than one relationship at a time how they do it, they’ll sincerely tell you that it is hard work to keep up with the lies.

It’s time to straighten your acts people!

Remove those fake names both from your phone and from your life before you lose that valuable man or woman in your life. Stolen water is sweet and you may probably belong to that school of thought that says it is boring to eat only one particular type of soup, variety being the spice of life. All the same, bear in mind that truth always have a way or crawling out of the closet when you least expect it.

What kind of treatment do you think a lady deserves if she professes undying love for you, yet saves your number with a nondescript name such as ‘James the electrician’ when in actual fact, you are a business executive? Or a guy who calls you ‘My love’ saves your name on his phone simply as ‘Cleaner’?

Whatever punishment you think is appropriate, just know the same will be given to you if you are part of this phonebook sham.

Send your views to the email above!

The Oscar Pistorius saga and other legless judgments “Vengeance has no reme-

dy…Vengeance will cry out”

T

he above is my loose translation of a Yoruba proverb that my grandmother use in pacifying me every time I feel an injustice has been done.

This has become my succour as I find myself once again seeking solace in ancient wisdom and culture as another injustice is done in the name of a celebrity.

I am presently tearing my head out and trying to figure out just where the justice lies in the judgment of Oscar Pistorius. Honestly, I need more explanation from Justice Thokozile Masipa as to exactly how Oscar Pistorius is not guilty of killing his partner, Reeva Steenkamp.

Let us start with the basics; who shoots first and ask questions later in a house where there are just two people resident? Who doesn’t check if his partner, who went to bed beside him, is still in bed before shooting? Who really loves his partner and does not wait to see if the intruder are holding the partner hostage but shoots repeatedly at a locked door?

The Judge has just validated the notion that any celebrity can get away with murder. Simply get the best lawyer or make so much noise about how you are unstable due to your disability. This was the same guy who fought tooth and nail to compete with able-bodied athletes at the Olympics in 2012. This was the same man who was beaming with pride and self-confidence after winning medals at the Paralympics; gave interviews extolling the virtue of overcoming disability and facing the world with

bravery. Swiftly, he moves from this to a mentally fragile, insecure and bullied disabled man; please pass me the sick bucket because I need to vomit right now from all these nonsense.

Coming after O.J. Simpson who equally got away with killing his wife, we must begin to question the colour and nature of the justice system worldwide.

Are sports men and celebrities immune from the law? Is the law now an ass that can be ridden by only the rich and famous and the poor of the earth left without recourse? I can only imagine the state of mind of the parents of Reeva. They must feel as if they are in the wrong country.

I remember John Arbuthnot’s book ‘Law is a bottomless pit’, in which he

described the legal system as a “beast that. . . devours everything.” Now, that book was published back in 1712. Arbuthnot decried a legal system in which lawsuits sometimes dragged through the courts for years, bankrupting those seeking justice. In many lands, legal and judicial systems are so complex, so rife with injustice, prejudice, and inconsistencies, that contempt for law has become widespread.

He could as well be talking of any society in modern times. No country can say its legal system guarantees everyone justice. My family recently regained our ancestral land through the judicial system. However, it took 20 years and three generations for that to happen.

Surely, there has to be alternatives.

Let us start with the basics; who shoots first and ask questions later in a house where there are just two people resident? Who doesn’t check if his partner, who went to bed beside him, is still in bed before shooting?

Who really loves his partner and does not wait to see if the intruder are holding the partner hostage but shoots repeatedly at a locked door?

Now, after shedding crocodile tears for the cameras and watching world, Oscar can settle down to see how best to milk the situation. While talented writers and hardworking creative talents will be pounding the stone on the streets of South Africa for an opportunity to get their works published, the publishers will be lining up outside Mr. Pistorius’ door for a book deal. A so called ‘tell all’ tale of what exactly happened; like he is going to say anything different from all we have heard in the past year. Filmmakers will also be making fantastic offers of a movie deal, to showcase the trial of a disabled and misunderstood man. I can see the posters already and I can suggest a title for them right now: ‘Oscar Pistorius and Legless Justice.’ At least, that encapsulates what we have all seen so far. A justice system with no foot to stand on. I know the image of mother justice is blind, but it seems the seam of her gown has also covered her legs and the balance of the scales are affected.

Reeva Steenkamp’s family must not leave this case in the present condition.

There has to be avenues for redress and they must explore that avenue to its fullest. Take it to a higher court. Take it to Hague if necessary; just make sure Oscar Pistorius does not have the peace of mind to spend the blood money in his coffers.

Readers of this column know how much I value the input of the disabled members of the society, but they must also see this piece as a cry for justice, irrespective of the disability suffered. I state here once again, the human race is one race and justice for one is justice for all. Reeva Steenkamp deserves justice.

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 08085003746

Fashola’s hidden passion uncovered

G

overnor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the gangling number one indigene of Lagos State, the nation’s Centre of Excellence, is one public officer who has distinguished himself and carved a niche for himself as a performer. Some people are, however, of the opinion that media hype makes it look like Fashola is the best governor in the country.

What has been established about the lawyer-turn-politician is his zeal and commitment to good governance. The way he has demonstrated his desire is the same way he displayed his interest in sporting activities. The graduate of University of Benin, everyone can tell, has a penchant for the round leather game. Aside being a great football lover

and diehard fan of top premiership side, Manchester United, the left footer is equally a skillful player himself. He has displayed his dexterity at the game on several occasions, even as a sitting governor.

M e a n while, Celeb Lounge can authoritatively reveal that the Senior Advocate of Nige-

ria has another – power bikes.

He has an expensive bike he rides whenever he feels like.

Unlike his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, who is also a biker and a member of a bikers association, The Wheelers; Fashola is not a member because he’s not power bike addict but respects and obeys the rules of the association.

On the other hand, one year after his father passed on, the governor has relocated his mother from her Surulere base to the Island part of the metropolis. It is said that the woman was recently moved to one of her son’s houses in Ajah.

Alex Onabanjo’s daughter enjoys marital bliss S ome years back when it became public knowledge that daughter of billionaire, Otunba Alex Onanbajo, Moji, was going to walk down the aisle with son of the then sitting president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Gbenga, many anticipated how glamorous and exciting it was going to be. Some were even green with envy.

The wedding did not fall short of expectations and things went well. Trouble eventually crept in when

the marriage crashed.

After several months of going through the agony of the divorce and public embarrassment, pretty Moji had a reason to smile again as a suitor who saw no blemish in her came and swept her off her feet. They have since lived in joy and harmony, with a child to show for the union. Sources say that her new husband, Akinwunmi, has brought so much joy to Moji’s life and made her forget the tempestous past.

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any people are signifying interest to run for one elective post or the other as the next elections draw nearer. The amiable and dynamic youngman, Muiz Bello, is not left out. He is interested in taking Epe Local Government to the next level as the chairman on the platform of the APC. MB, as he’s called, became a force to reckon with on the Island of Lagos for his educational developmental programme that has spanned a couple of years. So many youths have also benefited from this

Rosemary Osula turns spectator

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hose who know Edo-born beautiful woman, Rosemary Osula’s antecedents will agree she is not just about beauty, but also a well-to-do business woman and a socialite in her own right. Osula, those who are in the know will recall, was at a time a very powerful and influential woman whom many lobbied to get an audience with the Abacha family while the late dictator was in power. Rosemary particularly was quite close to the then first lady, Mariam Abacha.

The tables turned when Abacha died and his family left the seat of power.

Rose had to move on with her life and later withdrew into her shell.

Succour came her way when money bag cum politician, Kasamu Buruji, wooed her and the rest became history as they became an item and started living as a couple.

The love between them was, however, shortlived as they parted ways in controver-

initiative. With his partners, Box Office, MB has done a lot in terms of capacity building and ideas development. His life as an accomplished young man has also inspired many.

A protégé of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top lawyer with multinational oil company, Chevron, the politician seems to be enjoying the support of his people. This and his influence may likely work for him. In an interview with Celeb Lounge, the graduate of LASU says he is running for the post because he believes in working the talk and will be able to empower and affect more lives in that regard.

sial circumstances. Ever since they parted ways, Rose has not only adopted a low profile lifestyle, but has also become a spectator to happenings in Aso Rock, where she used to be a regular face. On the other hand, her former husband now wines and dines with those who occupy the seat of power at the moment.

Fayose set for take over in style

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Island big boy, Muiz Bello, eyes politics

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

ontroversial governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, according to feelers, has assumed the position of a g o v e r n o r, even as he’s yet to be sworn

in. He’s said to have been working out modalities, preparatory to his taking over the leadership of the state in a few weeks’ time.

He is said to have been going around the state, inspecting various roads with engineers to identify possible projects.

In the same vein, his hotel, Spotless, where he lives, is also said to have become a home for politicians and other individuals who want one favour or the other.

Amidst all this, Fayose still finds time to prepare for his swearing in slated for October 21. As part of his preparations to return to the seat from which he was booted out eight years ago, we were told that Fayose, days ago, took delivery of a brand new 2014 Range Rover. The exotic auto is black in colour with a wine colour interior. Sources say that Fayose, being who he is, is planning a grand return to the government house he left unceremoniously few years ago.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju

Before you criticise Boko Haram

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favour from the state government since he has the key to the heart of the governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. They have been friends for many years, even before they ascended their coveted seats.

Meanwhile, information is rife that Obat may want to extend his business tentacles to banking. Rumour has it that he is one of those bidding to take over Enterprise Bank.

Bilikisu Gambari’s undying ambition

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iverpool, United Kingdom-trained business administrator, Bilikisu Gambari, is one of the women who cannot be shoved aside as far as the society scene in Kwara State is concerned.

She’s not only a socialite, but one who looks good in whatever she puts on. Above all, she’s got a beautiful face to compliment it all. She has since decided to divert her goodwill and popularity on the social scene to a fortune in the political arena, since she’s got all it takes to takes to play on the political scene.

Gambari, in her quest to hold an elective office, has run for a seat in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, but lost both

times because of her opponent who appears to be stronger. She lost to the Sarakis twice and this made her to be in the forefront of those campaigning against the Saraki dynasty. She recently defected to PDP, and almost immediately signified her interest to pick the ticket for Kwara Central, where she and the Sarakis hail from.

She has since started an awareness campaign but those who should know are saying that she lacks the financial strength to wrest power from ex-Governor Bukola Saraki, who is currently representing the zone in the Senate. Also, she’s said not to have a supporter base that can intimidate opposition or change the game to suit her.

Ex-Ekiti deputy gov’s daughter weds

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t was indeed a trying time for the immediate family of former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Funmilayo Olayinka, and the entire people of the state, when the woman gave

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com; 08072709777

with Helen Paul

Oba Akinruntan’s soaring image

rom a humble background, Fredrick Akinrutan grew up with the belief that he had to be strong. He decided to fight for his survival at a tender age. As fate would have it, he made a headway in his endeavours and before anyone knew it, young Akinruntan had grown into a man with thousands of people working in his establishment.

Having succeeded in his business life, the oil dealer of repute, who sits atop Obat oil, sought power by becoming the traditional ruler of his community, Ugbonla in Ondo State. Though a heir to the throne, it was a thug of war before he could ascend the throne of his forefathers.

During his struggle to actualise his dream of becoming the Olugbo of Ugbonla, attempts were made on his life but he survived. A dogged fighter and goal getter, Obat, as he’s called, was crowned as a king some years back, and with his wherewithal Olugbo has lived as a flamboyant monarch.

Since his ascension as a king, his business concern has continued to be on a rapid rise, and today, Oba Fredrick Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan ranks as one of the richest monarchs in the world. With this feat, it’s only natural that he would be respected and revered by his peers.

Sources say that his palace has become a Mecca of sorts to other monarchs in Ondo State.

However, the visit of other monarchs may not necessarily be to seek financial help, but to get

THINKING ALOUD

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up the ghost after battling cancer a little over a year ago.

However, the family now has a reason to be happy once again. The first daughter of the deceased, Yeside Olayinka, left the spinsters’ group to become one with the love of her life in holy matrimony in Lagos.

The widower of the late deputy g o v e r n o r, Lanre, gave

their daughter in marriage to Olumide, the son of Samuel Babatunde Agboola.

The church service where Yeside and Olumide were pronounced man and wife was at the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, while the reception took place at Haven Event Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. Friends, associates and APC top shots were in attendance to felicitate with one of their own. Among those who graced the occasion were the outgoing governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and many others.

’m sure that many people will be wondering why I love talking about marriage. Yes, I won’t deny that fact because marriage is a very vital institution that does not only shape our lives, but goes a long way in deciding the development of any community or country. You may be pondering why I said that, but it is the truth.

The family is like the foundation of a house, if it is faulty, the structure erected on it can never stand the test of time. Without the family, there won’t be Nigeria, and the world will not even exist. Come to think of it, Nigeria has a lot of problems at the moment, but the truth is that they are simply a reflection of what many families in the country are up to.

You can never have a good and developed country when the different families in the same entity are on sinking sand, morally, spiritually and otherwise. I know that someone who grew up in a family where there is genuine love and moral values will not get into power and embezzle what belongs to the people or his supposed followers.

Terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, prostitution, kidnapping, greed, fraud, bad leadership and other vices that have been the bane of Nigeria wouldn’t have been so rampant if we have enough good families, I mean families that have moral values. Today, what we see are families who are just desperate to enrich themselves at the expense of the entire country.

Everybody is lamenting about the activities of Boko Haram as a terrorist group, but the truth is that some of our leaders are worst terrorists. It is not until you carry guns or kidnap

people that you terrorize them.

If you are one of those benefitting from the epileptic power supply in Nigeria, then you’re even a bigger terrorist. You are sabotaging the power sector because of your selfish interest, crippling the education and medical sectors among others and you complain about Boko Haram? My brother, you need deliverance.

Honestly, some people have done more damage to this country than Boko Haram. But I know that one day, the judgment of God will descend on everybody that has corruptly made this country hopeless and difficult for an average citizen.

Don’t even be surprised if the same people in question are the sponsors of Boko Haram, or if their antics led to the emergence of the dreaded terrorist group.

Until they repent and change from their bad ways, they will not know peace.

Ideally, our religious leaders are expected to strike a balance here, but most of them have surprisingly disappointed me. We have seen religious leaders who fail to speak the truth because of what they get from those at the corridors of corruption.

How do you explain why some religious leaders build universities with the hard-earned money of their worshippers, and the same worshippers can’t afford to send their wards to the same institution because of the ridiculously high tuition fees?

What do we say about religious leaders with different stories of divorce and marriage separations? Can a leader who cannot manage his own home genuinely lead his congregation? How will he counsel his followers who have problems in their relationships or marriages?

Honestly, some people have done more damage to this country than Boko Haram. But I know that one day, the judgment of God will descend on everybody that has corruptly made this country hopeless and difficult for an average citizen. Don’t even be surprised if the same people in question are the sponsors of Boko Haram, or if their antics led to the emergence of the dreaded terrorist group. Until they repent and change from their bad ways, they will not know peace

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DIY on the GO

Body&Soul

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Home decorating ideas olour, pattern, texture and shine are essentials in home decoration. You can do it yourself if you have sufficient interest. Keep a few basic decorating secrets in mind if you want to do it yourself.

•Go with what you love.

•Let your imagination be your guide. This gives your home the atmosphere needed at any time of the day.

•Pay detailed attention to the four essentials above and be sure to get the perfect look for your home.

them.

The easiest way out is to look at photos of other homes. You can also scour design books or clip pictures from magazines.

When you have chosen what you like in terms of colour, furniture style and pattern, figure out how much you can spend. If you can’t afford to decorate the whole place at once, pick the room where you spend most of your time and make that your priority.

Note: Before you go shopping for your items, ensure you measure your space, and go with those measurements.

Decide what you like A lot of people do not know what they want. It’s not that they do not have opinions, they just don’t know how to articulate

Colour Your bedroom is primarily a place to get a good night rest. While touches of bright colours are one of the best ways to liven

Esther Odili

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things up, it’s also best to keep it moderate.

When decorating with bright colours on the walls, beddings and floor, you can limit it with accents. Every room should have some colours that stand out and make a statement. Put the colour in paint or accent pieces like pillows, lamps and artworks. You may start with the items you are most in love with.

Distribute colours naturally with dark colours on the floor, medium colours on the walls, and light colours on the ceilings.

Use colours to personalize a space. Yellow is the colour of flowers, lemons and shine. For the best colour scheme, pick neutral colours that you will never get tired of.

Pattern

When adding pattern to your decoration, make the look fun to behold, not overwhelming. Limit the use of colours to bedding, throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and wall papers for a balanced look. You can mix your pattern -a colour, a shape, a theme, or a style. You can also create your own pattern by mixing checks with floral depending on your preference. You can achieve this mix with the walls, windows, and furnishings. If you need to cut cost, do it with accessories like mirrors, pillows, and lampshades.

The little secret of decorating is that if you mix in a few cheap things among the more expensive items, no one will notice.

Pieces with history distinguish a home. But go for temporary pieces and

pieces that can be used in different ways and in different rooms of your home.

Texture Texture considers the mood of the room. The feeling of a room can change instantly depending on the texture of the pieces of furniture and accents used. Examples are glaze or faux painting techniques on the walls, upholstered, headboard, carpet or rugs, mixed fabrics and throw pillows, lampshades, picture frames and more. The more neutrally colored

the room is, the more important texture becomes.

Shine A little bit of shine -a large piece like a dining table or smaller accent pieces such as frames- lift a room. They also bring richness to your room.

You may choose gold for a bit of edge. Like mirrors on the walls, metallic lamps or ceiling fixtures, wall clocks, metal collectibles, accent pillows, sequins, threads in bedding. With shine you can dress up a room or add a playful touch.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Grenache Red for body and soul Ibukunoluwa Kayode

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ine is not only meant for celebration with family and friends, it is also a light indulgence that one can be use to relax and cool off the day’s stress.

This is why red grape wine comes in different varieties. Grenache is one of the best and finest red grape wines. This wine is one of the most

delicious and expensive in the world from the exalted region of California, Spain and Italy.

Grenache is a red grape wine that holds high friendly, fruity notes of blackberry, raspberry and strawberry on the palate with smooth tasty under notes of annis, tobacco, citrus rind and cinnamon. This wine is oak aging in nature. It is unmistakable and the cinnamon flavour is what

gives Grenache away to expert blind tasters. It has a medium to full weight in taste, but has a deceptively lighter colour and is semi-translucent; depending on where it’s grown.

This tasty wine often lets off strong smells of orange rinds and rubyred grapefruit when it’s grown in Old World regions such as Côtes du Rhône and Sardinia. It can also have herbal

notes of dried oregano and tobacco.

Also, Grenache grown in hot regions where there is late ripening can get very high sugar levels. Making the ripe grapes ferment to alcohol levels above 15 per cent which adds both body and spice. This wine from this area often smells slightly of rubyred grapefruit with lots of cherry and liquorice flavour.

Chocolate chip cookies

Biwom Iklaki

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e have been focusing on healthy eating for a while.

Even the best healthy foodie will tell you that a reward once in a while is in order.

What can be more fulfilling a reward than a chocolate chip cookie? That’s another word for chocolate heaven, no?

INGREDIENTS Makes 24 cookies (2 ounces each) 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 ½ cups regular semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup large bittersweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed ½ cup white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract PREPARATION Heat oven to 190° C. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Mix together chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Set aside.

In a plastic or glass bowl, cream the butter and sugars until well mixed and light, using a plastic or wooden paddle. Scrape down the sides (always scrape down before adding another component to the mix). Add one egg. Mix for five seconds.

Add second egg. Mix for five seconds. Add vanilla.

Mix for seconds. You’re going to add the sifted flour

mixture in four batches, stopping before adding the final batch. For the first three batches, mix the batter at low speed just to combine. When you get to the final batch of flour, add the chocolate chip/nut mixture. Its okay if they crush a little. Mix until there’s barely a trace of flour visible. Don’t over-mix if using a mixer. Sometimes, it’s better to do the final bit of mixing by hand.

Set up a sheet pan with a parchment paper. Bake one tray at a time or they will all cook at different rates. Make them spherical, or flat. The cookie size is up to you.

It is helpful to note that the bigger they are, the better ratio you have between gooey interior and crisp exterior. Two ounces is about right for that. Leave a few inches between the raw

cookies.

Place sheet pan in the oven. They cook very fast at this temperature, so you may want to hang around the kitchen and clean up.

They’re done when they’re brown and crispy on the outer border and raw in the very middle (eight to 10 minutes). Remove sheet pan. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then, with a spatula, transfer cookies to a cookie rack to cool. If you’re not going to eat them right away, they should be frozen.

Tip If you’re not baking them off right away, portion them out with an ice cream scoop, place them on a sheet pan, and freeze. Once firm, store them in a Ziploc bag. Works great to bake them off when they’re frozen.

The vintage variation of Grenache also exhibits and delivers fruity character of cherry fruit, more smoky herbal notes oregano, lavender and tobacco-making it refreshingly enjoyable.

The American Grenache is both fruit-forward and aromatic with crisp acidity. Instead of herbal aromas like most Old World Grenache, the American versions smell more like liquorice and flowers.

American Grenache is often blended with a touch of Syrah to add tannin and smooth out the flavour.

The spice in Grenache makes it a perfect pairing buddy to the spiced and herb foods including roasted meats, vegetables and many ethnic foods.

Alcohol is a solvent to capsaicin, which is the heat unit in spicy foods.

A high-alcohol Grenache can help reduce the burn of spicy food.

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Twilight stories

Crack your brain

Biwom Iklaki

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atrick was a 12 year old boy with a sister called Tiffany. Like most boys his age, he was quite naughty. He often disobeyed his mummy and daddy, but because it is common among children this age, they chose to ignore him.

One day, Patrick’s school announced a four-day midterm break. He spent a good time with his mother. She took him for outings to the beach, amusement park, delicious dining. She cooked his favourite foods and played with him. Two days to the end of the midterm, his mummy asked him to help her in cleaning the house. To her surprise, Patrick accepted. Everything was done to perfection. His mummy was surprised by his good behaviour.

While she was cooking dinner, he gave her a piece of paper. Because she was busy, she asked him to place the paper on the dining table. Later, she took the paper left by her son and was shocked by what he wrote!

This is the note: For weeding the garden – N300 For cleaning my room – N250 For helping in the kitchen – N200 For helping with groceries – N50 For watching Priscilla when you were shopping – N250 For emptying garbage – N100 Total you owe - N1150 She was shocked. She didn’t speak a word, but wrote in a paper and gave it to her son.

She wrote: For carrying you nine months – No Charge For getting severely sick when you were growing inside me – No Charge For sleepless nights taking care of you for several months – No Charge For soothing you without getting annoyed whenever you were troubled – No Charge For heartfelt prayers those dreadful days when you met with an accident at three years – No Charge Innumerable days spent without peace of mind thinking about your present and future – No Charge For taking care of you like a precious gift I never had in my life – No Charge You Owe: NOTHING Patrick was in tears and rushed to his mom and gave her a tight hug like he had never done before.

Unable to look at her, he said, ‘Mom I love you! I’m sorry for everything!’

She kissed his forehead. Patrick crushed the paper he wrote and threw into the dustbin.

LESSON: Always know that the love of a mother is unconditional, help her as much as you can.

Colour Art Gags Why did the M&M go to school?

Because he wanted to become a smartie.

Who is the King of all school supplies?

The ruler.

Why were the early days of history called the Dark Ages?

Because there were so many Knights.

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?

Because she had such bright students.

Teacher: Millie, give me a sentence starting with I. Millie: I is…

Teacher: No, Millie. Always say, “I am.”

Millie: Okay, I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.

Edwin: Mum, I think we need a new teacher.

Mum: A new teacher, why is that?

Edwin: Our teacher doesn’t know anything...she keeps asking us for answers!

Knock! Knock!

Who’s there?

A broken pencil.

A broken pencil who?

Never mind…

It’s pointless!

Cross word puzzle

Faith 51

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Sermon

Engaging power of grace for supernatural breakthroughs! p.57

Interview

Any pastor with a fake calling will regret it - Edozie p.53

Sermon

Launching forth (3) p.55

Catholic Church spends N50 million on peace initiatives

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he Catholic Archdioceses of Jos, in Plateau State, has said it has spent over N50 million in its efforts to promote peaceful co- existence amongst communities, youths and religious groups in the state.

The Jos Archdioceses Coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Committee, Mrs. Benedicta Daber disclosed this to Sunday New Telegraph in Jos after the committee’s presentation at the 12th General Assembly of the Archdioceses held recently.

According to her, the committee has been actively on ground since 2001 when crisis started the state. It has been mobilising funds, organising workshops, trainings of different people from communities across the seven local governments areas of the state, and it has been involved in emergency relief distributions in camps which the dioceses.

She stressed that the committee has been involved in a long term peace building efforts in Jos North Local Government Area by bringing youths, women

and leaders from the various flashpoints of the crisis together to build their capacity for peace management. She said the programme was designed to bring unity between Christians and Muslims and other groups such as youths, women and the aims have been achieved with the permanent peace currently experience in the state Daber commended, the efforts of the Archdioceses of Jos for the support given to the committee to make sure that its mandate was achieved.

Assemblies of God donates to home

Tai Anyanwu

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Sermon

Bring back our love

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L-R: Pastor Hope Chukwudebelu and the women ministry of Assemblies of God Church Festac (2), Lagos during the presentation of gifts to So-Said Rehabilitation Home, Lagos...recently

Jehovah’s Witnesses begins three-day convention

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© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

he 2014 Annual Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses has commenced in all parts of Nigeria with the theme “Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom,” based on the book of Matthew 6:33.

The three-day event, is holding every weekend for the next 12 weeks, with different delegates split into 271 conventions in large auditoriums in 30 cities in Nigeria.

Worldwide, there are over 7,900,000 Witness in more than 113,000 congregations.

For Lagos and Ogun residents, the convention is holding in four large auditoriums available at Ota, Badagy, Daluwon and Lekki. An estimated 6,000 delegates would attend the Ota Assembly Ground, each week for 12 successive weekends.

Beginning Friday morning each week, the convention will highlight a connection between family values and the teaching of Jesus Christ. The programme will also examine how those words of Jesus can be of special interest to families. An example of this is the programme part featureing Friday afternoon entitled “Teach Your Children To Love God’s Kingdom!”

Speaking on what to expect at the convention series, Afolabi Odeyemi, a Convention Spokesman, acknowledged that “People of many faiths pray for God’s Kingdom.

This convention, therefore, will explain what the kingdom is and how it can be a positive influence in our lives.”

A highlight of the programme is the keynote address which will discuss how that Kingdom is benefiting people today. ...a core belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses, based on Biblical and historical evidence, is that Jesus Christ began to rule as the King of God’s Kingdom in 1914. The convention programme marks this year as the centennial of that event.”

He said the convention which will also feature symposia and Bible-based dramas is a thrilling and festive occasions to attend and it is open to all families and friends. In the past few weeks, the Witnesses have been giving out printed invitation to everyone in Lagos, Ogun, and indeed all Conventions’ Cities. The first of three-day events to be held in Ota will begin Friday September 26th, 2014 at 8.20am.

he women’s wing of Assemblies of God Church, Festac (2) has put smiles on the faces of the inmates of So-Said Rehabilitation Home located at Ago Palace area of Lagos. Led by the pastor’s wife, Pastor Hope Chukwudebelu, the group donated food stuff, toiletry and beverages to the host community.

The object of the visit was to fulfil the biblical injunction to remember those who hunger and needed help.

“It behoves on those of us, who God has given the privilege to have access to daily provision, to remember the needy in their condition,” she explained.

Chukwudebelu also commended workers at the home for a job well done.

The women, who arrived in a convoy, were briefed by the Medical Matron of the centre, Mrs. Gift Asudu, about the vision of the home.

Asudu said God had mandated the home’s founder, Concern Felicia RD Martins, to go to the streets and pick up the destitute and mentally ill people and care for them. She explained that at the time the mandate was handed down, the founder was a year two student of the Lagos State University, adding that she had to abandon her educational career to take up the call. The women were later conducted round the various departments of the home, including the hostels, fishery and empowerment centre. At the empowerment centre, the inmates are taught vocations that would enable them to be useful after rehabilitation.

The Administrative Manager of the home, Mrs. Roseline Bankole, thanked the visitors for their gifts and concern for the centre.

Church seeks solution to insurgency Adesina Wahab, Ado-Ekiti

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s the nation battle to end insurgency in some parts of the country, the Christ Apostolic Church, Mount of Mercy, Erio-Ekiti in Ekiti State, has dedicated this year ’s annual convention to praying to God for divine solution to the problem.

According to the resident prophet, Pastor Sam Olu-Alo, the four-day event, which started on September 17, 2014, devoted time to praying for solution to insecurity in the country because everybody’s safety is at stake.

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Faith

Scenes at the 41st anniversary of Christian Ministry of Reconciliation, Lagos/first-year remembrance of its Overseer, Bishop John Ogu

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t was an occasion for rejoicing as the Christian Ministry of Reconciliation (Grace and Truth), Lagos marked its 41st anniversary at its campground on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from September 12 - 14, 2014.

The event, which was also used to mark the first year remembrance of its founding Over-

seer, Bishop John C.O Ogu, witnessed powerful messages from the Pastor of Grace and Truth Church, Lagos, Rev. John Nyamadi, and other visiting clerics such as Rev. Emmanuel Towesho and Rev. H.S Agunbiade.

There were also testimonies; songs by house fellowships, children, youths and the family of

the late overseer; special numbers by the Grace and Truth Choir; and child dedication.

Prayers were also offered for the family of the late overseer as well as the church and the country.

Below are some photos from the event.

Surulere House Fellowship rendering songs.

Pastor, Grace and Thruth Church Lagos, Rev. John Nyamadi, and other ministers at the event.

A cross-section of choristers L-R: Bro. Wale Otitoju; Thomas Sede; Judah; John Ogu; and Mrs. Ansa Ogu

A cross-section of guest ministers

Ejigbo House Fellowship, rendering a hymn

Family of the late Overseer, Bishop, Dr. John C. Ogu,singing.

A foundation member, Christian Ministry of Reconciliation, Elder Emma Egwunye, giving a testimony

PHOTOS: TONY EGUAYE.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Any pastor with a fake calling will regret it - Edozie I

How were you called into the ministry? was a patent medicine dealer. A lot of people knew me at Vulcaniser Estate in Igando, a suburb of Lagos. When people come around to buy drugs from me, I would rather ask them to pray for God’s healing hand to take away their infirmities. After they had prayed, the people would come back to tell me that the prayer worked for them. This is my testimony about God’s divine call upon my life; and the premise on which I started my work with God. I don’t have power of my own. It’s God’s work and not mine.

I started the ministry with a small group of three, including my sales girl, on a Wednesday. The following Wednesday, the number increased to six people.

At a stage the shop became too small to accommodate us. My landlord advised me to look for a place and we relocated to the house of a member of the group. Not too long after, another person bought a piece of land in the estate. We are over 500 members. By November this year, God of Elisha Healing Ministry will be four and I will be four years as a prophet.

People usually have stories of how they got the names of their ministries. How did you come about yours?

Two angels appeared to me in my dream and they told me to make sure that the name of this ministry is called the ‘God of Elisha Healing Ministry.’

They said Elisha obeyed Elijah and he received double grace. I was startled. I prayed again. The same angels appeared and repeated the message.

God proved Himself to me that the ministry you are going to take over as a leader is God of Elisha Healing Ministry. He told the ministry to always use Psalms 51, 91 and 53. God said this is because the fools think there is no God. How do you recognise God’s voice? Is it every time that God speaks to you?

If I pray God will reveal Himself to me in the dream.

As He shows me in the dream, I will be seeing those things and at the same time be hearing His voice.

What specific assignment did God give you for this ministry?

The calling I have for this ministry is healing. By the grace of God, God is using me to heal people.

What kind of things will make God to take away His power from you?

When I begin to do contrary to what God asked me to do; to start collecting money from people or telling them false stories about what God did not ask me to do; or exalting myself as if I am God. God can change His mind and take away His power from me. That is why I am always on my knees praying to God not to allow wealthy men and women to derail my spiritual relationship with God. How do we know a true prophet of God? How we know a true prophet of God is by their fruits. We shall know them.

Who are the major prophets you have in mind?

I know about myself. I don’t know about other prophets.

You are known for healing people with pure water, table water and olive oil. When did these gifts start in you?

By the grace of God I can remember in 2Kings 19-21, the situation of the land was bad; they used water and salt to pray. So, it started in the Bible. And James 5:1315 says whosoever is sick and comes into the church, let others come with anointed oil. I knew from the beginning that God can do it.

Who is your mentor?

It is God. At the age of 12 was when God revealed to me what I am today.

Have you had a serious case where you were unable to heal a particular person?

It is not a must that I must heal all the sick cases brought to me. It is the particular one that God says that will be healed that gets healed. When the person sees me, he will receive healing. But by the grace of God such a case will not be the portion of the

Prophet Chibueze N. Edozie is the General Overseer of God of Elisha Healing Ministry, Iseke Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. In this interview with FLORA ONWUDIWE, he said that he would not have carried the bible were it not for the sickness that took him to the grave at a very tender age, but resurrected when they were about to bury him unknown to him that God was preparing him to work for him, but today, he has over 500 members. children of God. When they arise against the innocent ones, we will surely overcome our enemies.

Many men of God establish churches for commercial purposes. What is your take on that?

If God does not call you and you call yourself because of money, that is between you and God. Such a person will regret it. God knows how to do His things.

You were an apprentice chemist and now a prophet.

I read up to Primary Six in 2004. The same year I came to Lagos. The master that I served gave money to somebody to bring me to Lagos. Instead of the man to pay my fare, he carried me on his laps from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State to Lagos. That is to tell you how small I was then.

Even as an apprentice, my master can testify to the calling of God in my life. I will cite an instance. I woke up one morning to tell my master of the dream I had where I saw fire destroy properties and two people died.

I m m e d i a t e l y, my master prayed to cancel it but it came to pass.

Again, I saw myself in a church and the congregation was seated, waiting for a man of God. I was there too waiting for the prophet to come in. I saw nobody coming to preach. The next thing, I saw people asking me to come and pray for them. I

Edozie

completed the apprenticeship in 2009, and left for my hometown. That was how I started the work of God. Your encounter with a strange old woman.

When I was nine years old, an old woman came to our house. I did not know her. My parents and siblings were around when this old woman came. The old woman requested for a cup of water. My mother told her that there was nothing to eat as we did not cook. The old woman responded that water was the first food. She insisted on drinking water but my mother refused. I ran to get water for her to drink and she drank seven cups. She prayed for me that God will be with me and that I will not regret giving her water to drink. I never saw her again in my life.

What has been your parents’ reaction?

My father never used to serve God, but now he has joined my mother in serving God. There was a particular period I was sick and it was speculated that I had HIV/AIDS. My parents and my elder brother, Bernard, took me to different places for healing but all failed. I gave up the ghost. While they were on their way to bury me, I woke up. My brother became curious that enemies were at work to kill his younger brother. But he was told that God has chosen me to serve Him. My brother told me that he was not surprised at what is happening in my life today.

Tell us about your background?

I don’t take alcohol. I don’t womanise. My parents are farmers. I come from the poorest family in my village and that was why my parents sent me to Lagos to become an apprentice drug dispenser. Whenever my mother cooked soup, she would add plenty pepper, salt and palm oil for us to eat it with garri. By the grace of God, He is blessing me. God says cry no more.

What would you say are the main challenges you have faced in the ministry?

In the course of moving me from one place to the other to receive healing, my parents took me to two evangelists. These men of God revealed to my parents that I am a prophet. Immediately I started my own ministry, God blessed me with two cars. I presented the two cars to them and they were surprised. They started attending my ministry. I didn’t know that these men would become a problem to me. These men of God have their own ministries. These men were not happy with me, they even attended my crusade and many of my members left with them. The irony of it is that you will not notice that some of my members left because the congregation increases each time we hold a programme. Today God has favoured me with another two cars. But the power of healing doesn’t come from me, it comes from God. If you want to come into the ministry I advise you to know God and be righteous. The Bible says in Matthew 6verse33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you.”

Any regret serving God? I am happy doing the work of God. If I don’t work for God, whom will I work for? If my mother or father had asked me to do the work of God I would have refused. If I tell you that the work of God is easy I will be telling you a lie. If not for that sickness that my parents had to take me to different churches for me to receive healing I would not have carried the Bible. The calling of God is not easy but when you are called we should thank God; especially when the miracles and testimonies start to manifest.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Scenes at Assemblies of God Church Ikeja Men’s week celebration in Ikeja, Lagos...recently

A cross session of members of the men’s ministries department The senior pastor Rev. P.A. Agmnpuye (middle), the men’s patron and the executives

The men’s ministries executives at the event A cross session of members of the men ministries department during the sermon

A cross session of men at the Little Saints Orphanage AGC, Ikeja men visit to the Little Saints Orphanage on the September 7, 2014 as part of the activities marking their 2014 men’s week

A cross session of the men choirs at the event The men’s president, bro Charles Nwobodo, delivering the word with immense anointing

The men’s presidednt bro Charles Nwobodo and the Victorious Ikeja men football team. Ikeja men thrashed Agnboju men 2:0 to win the 2014 challenge cup competition

A cross session of the Ikeja Glorious men football team before the match with Agboju church

55

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Boomerang generation L

ife begets life. Like begets like. Nations enjoy foundations laid.

Cities attract their like. Communities reap their fatherly products. Home (the bedrock) produces her seed when it germinates and the world either suffers or becomes the better for it.

Interesting, it struck a chord – the foundation laid today from homes (infancy, toddler, growing up, teenage years, adolescent, young adult) will mark that generation positively if properly done and negatively if left undone. The effect is better imagined than experienced.

Right thinking Adolf Hitler is a dent on Germans till date because overtly or covertly, he was not properly tamed when he started his destructive thinking.

Russians, even with their balkanisation, daily sing praises to God because in their history, Josef Stalin gave them sleepless nights.

Americans will not forget Osama Bin Laden in a hurry, for September 11, 2001 was a negative landmark, with those affected sulking daily.

Biblical David allowed Absalom to carry his madness too far and paid dearly through his nose.

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; expolice chief, Etim Inyang, and Nigerians who got the dose of Lawrence Anini, the self-

styled ‘the Law’ still shudder, for he gripped the nation with his daredevilry.

Judas Iscariot heard the word from ‘the Word’ Himself. He was warned by Jesus Christ but refused to change, hanged himself and landed in the gas chamber of life.

An untrained child is an ache tomorrow. Samson’s parents did not heed divine warning; he (Samson) became a sex loose cannon with generations perishing with him and great destinies hanging in the balance.

His Word ‘But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.

And do not think to say to yourselves ‘we have Abraham as our father’. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire’ (Mathew 3 verses 7-10).

Past and present tense The power in this word is simple. What you sow, you reap. Negative things being experienced today got their foundation years ago. Anything negative will boomer-

Power in the word with

Banke David

Tel: 08034156014

F

or two weeks running, we have talking about the things required to take off and succeed in business. Many people don’t venture either due to fear of the unknown, lack of courage, an absence of a compelling vision, a seeming lack of venture capital and so forth.

Today, we shall take our text from some verses of Scripture found in Luke 5: 1-6: “So it was that as the multitude pressed about him to hear the Word of God that he stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then he got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When he had stopped speaking, he said

to Simon, launch out into the deep and let down your net for a catch. But Simon answered and said to him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your Word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their net was breaking.

So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.”

This account is a very intriguing story indeed and has held my interest for years. A professional fisherman like Peter who had been catching fish all his life, suddenly was unable to do so. The account goes to say he had toiled all night!

There are many lessons to be learnt from this account concerning launching forth:-

ang. Children not properly trained and drenched with the word of God will become a pain in the neck to concerned parents tomorrow.

Nations breeding an unemployed, employable but idle, negatively brainwashed army of youths today have no future because the implosion and explosion in the fullness of the evil days will be too difficult to handle. Such nations are always full of regret.

Terrorists that abound in the world started with negative training and those affected have permanent scars.

Children not educated and properly trained will sell the properties of their parents and squander the family’s wealth while the parents watch helplessly because it will boomerang.

Moral decadence among youths arose from lack of home training and the evil fury is highly consuming now.

Worldly dressing, worldly music, peer pressure, wrong mentors and bad leaders that plagued this generation have become a sticking sore now that the world cannot handle – evil boomerang.

Homosexualism, lesbianism and same-sex demonic marriage are against God’s plan, threatening procreation. They were not nipped in the bud when they started and sadly, they have entered the church in the western world, rail-

Faith

Prophetic Insight with

Rev. James Akinadewo Tel: 08037188392 (SMS only) motailatugrow@hotmail.com

roading millions into destruction and hell fire.

Those misbehaving in leadership positions did not fall from the sky. They came from our homes but ironically, they were not properly trained from the cradle. They have become unrighteous judges over the righteous, with millions gnashing their teeth daily.

One thing I have learnt from history is that people fail to learn from history. Experience is good but better to learn from the experience of others. Many parents are still in the habit of not training their children and wards, not learning from global problems caused by untrained children and leaders. This has boomeranged, resulting in untold hardship.

Self appraisal John the Baptist warned the brood of vipers (like today) that the wrath of their evil foundation would be consuming. The word is still fresh today – this boomerang generation and the evil destruction on homes and nations will be earth-shaking and the price too high to pay if urgent positive steps are not taken.

•Is it not total madness that

youths now dress naked on the streets with parents looking the other way?

• Alarming dupers and crooks are being celebrated in the society, with gifted hands relegated to the background.

• It is a sad commentary that holiness and integrity have taken flight from our space and have been replaced by sinfulness, corruption, unrighteousness, selfishness (self first, self middle, self last), with thieves stealing their countries blind and being given honorary degrees and chieftaincy titles.

Immorality is now the order of the day with the upright shouted few shouted down in gatherings. It will boomerang, says the Lord of hosts. Repentance is the key. None will be saved on the day of reckoning.

Every tree not bearing good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the lake of fire.

Change this boomerang generation. God bless Nigeria. Ask Sodom and Gomorrah for details.

Jesus loves you. Run from sin.

You are lifted. It is well.

Text – 08037188392 Email – motailatugrow@hotmail. com.

Launching forth (3) 1. Listen and obey God’s instruction for your business concern.

We must learn to listen for God’s Word concerning our businesses so as to ascertain success in our endeavours.

It was only after Peter had heard and obeyed God that he was guaranteed success.

Though it is good to have a mentor in business that has gone ahead of you, we are to listen for God’s instructions in order to be successful. Though experience is a good teacher, the best teacher is the Holy Spirit. Launch out into the deep for a great catch! It was an instruction or a command given by the Master. Peter obeyed and had a great harvest. Obeying God assures us of success. Listen to Him! 2. Your experience will fail you: Though Peter was a professional in his field; he knew all the intricacies and techniques of fishing, yet his knowledge failed him. He had vast experience in the University of Fishing.

He knew where to catch the big fish and at what time of the day to do so. If you needed to learn fishery, he was the right person to go

to. He was highly skilled and even had a Phd. in fishicology (laugh out loud).

How come at the dire moment, he couldn’t catch the much-needed fish? You see, God is supreme and without Him, all we do is nothing (John 15: 6). The wisdom of God is superior to whatever knowledge or skill we have.

His foolishness is greater than man’s wisdom. For this reason, we ought never to have a superior attitude since He knows better.

Except the Lord builds a house, they labour in vain that build it. Therefore, it is only when God’s hand is in your endeavour that you can prosper, no matter your knowledge, expertise, skills or know-how.

3. Don’t argue with the Holy Spirit. Many times, what we know seems to hinder us from obeying God. We think we have all our facts, we know what to do and so why should we depend on Him? Afterall, we can use our brains, we may argue. You may know it all and still fail, I tell you.

When the stock exchange in Nigeria was about to collapse, we heard from

the Holy Spirit to sell off our stocks to avoid losses.

However, when we delayed a little bit. We experienced some loss because we didn’t obey immediately. You see, experts in stock-broking had all the expertise but it still crashed! You see, don’t argue whenever the Spirit gives you a nudging in order to avoid pitfalls and possible losses.

Whenever you are not comfortable with the deal, it may be God trying to speak to you and warn you.

Be careful, listen and obey Him; don’t argue. He knows best what you are to do!

If we must succeed in our dealings, we must: 1. Listen to God to hear His instruction 2. Let him be the one to give you the vision.

3. Obey Him, be bold and stop being afraid.

4. Despise what you know; He knows better 5. Ask God to send you helpers; you can’t do it alone 6. Educate yourself; get requisite knowledge 7. Launch forth, you can do it by God’s grace Banke David writes from Aba in Abia State.

56

Faith Love lessons of the cross

“L

ove don’t live heranymore.” This the title of a pop song of many decades ago. The song was an outcry of despair and clamour for love, attention and solidarity. Yet another pop song of the last decade says you aren’t got nothing if you aren’t got love. Last Sunday, the Catholic Church worldwide celebrated the exaltation of the cross worldwide. It is an annual commemoration of the role and power of the cross of the crucified Christ in the lives of Christians and in the world at large.

The cross of Christ has become a sign of victory and salvation for billions in the world. By divine arrangement the same Sunday signalled the official opening of the second plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria hosted by the Ecclesiastical Province of Benin at Warri. The opening Mass was a crowded, exuberant celebration of faith which took place at the Warri Diocesan Cathedral attended by Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; his wife, Roli; many state dignitaries; and traditional rulers.

The gathering also climaxed the Golden Jubilee of the institution of the Catholic Diocese of Warri on March 10, 1964. The diocese has grown since then from a small entity of eight parishes served by 10 priests to a sizeable circumscription of 115 parishes with 120

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Bring back our love Firm faith: right reason by Most Rev. Emmanu el Ade Badejo

Tel: 08039494219 Email: fradebadejo@yahoo. priests catering for millions of the faithful. The occasion represented a glowing tribute to the work of the local and expatriate missionaries whose labour of love made it all happen.

Carry your cross always The Catholic bishops chose the occasion to re-propose the cross of Jesus Christ to all as the authentic and matchless source of victory and power for true believers. The conference, at the Mass, presented a large ‘National Youth Day Cross’ to the youths of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province as a symbol of their commitment to Jesus.

The cross is to be passed round the dioceses in Nigeria until the National Youth Day celebration in 2015. In his homily for the day, the Bishop of Warri, Most Reverend John Oke Afareha, described the celebration as one which “ignites joy that springs from a living faith

but also accompanied by considerable effort and sacrifice.” He admonished the Church, urged on by the Holy Spirit, to walk the very road which Christ himself walked. He reminded the crowd to live out the commandment of Jesus Christ: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Lk. 9: 23).

Love still saves The cross, as a universal symbol, stands against greed and selfishness. The cross will always be a pulpit, a classroom a workshop and an open field for the experience of true love. It brings to mind the hymn of love by Saint Paul (1Cor. 12-13). The actress Katherine Hepburn once said: “Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get – only with what you are expecting to give – which

is everything.” Her words well describe the cross and the love of Jesus Christ. Bishop Afareha even spoke to Nigerians about the current distress. He affirmed that the cross of Christ can save if Christians make it a way of life; if people do more than just wear the cross around and place it in their surroundings. To lift up the cross the way Jesus did, “is to accept selfdenial and sacrifice as part of our daily lives. Sacrifice means to give up something that is of value to oneself for the sake of God and the benefit of the neighbour. Another word for it is love. Love is measured by sacrifice. People who love much sacrifice much. Yet, sacrifice does not make us poorer but richer.

This is what we see in Christ.”

Practise what you pray for yourself The cross of Christ is the supreme act and practice of love, so much spoken of but little practised. Often, leaders alone are blamed for this.

But the illustration of the President of CBCN, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, in his address at the opening ceremony, is worth recalling. He challenged all Nigerians to add patriotism and simple love of one another to their fervent prayers in order to make those prayers effective. According to him, the absence of that combination of good works and prayers have set the

country back in many ways.

“Recently in an accommodation centre I saw an iron, chained to an ironing table with a big chain.

You know why? For fear that somebody may remove it after use. Elsewhere, I saw a woman standing by the toilet at an international airport rationing out toilet paper. You know why?

For fear that somebody may remove it after use. We must stop this ‘culture of appropriation’ among Nigerians as well as the mentality of insatiable greed and reckless misuse of our common patrimony….We are all guilty and responsible for the situation of our country… We must begin afresh to relate to fellow Nigerians with genuine love.” The Bible says, “If a man says I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen” (1Jn. 4: 20). Today, practically every Nigerian is being nailed to one cross or the other. We perhaps should follow the wisdom of Pope Francis, to “all key into the logic of the cross which differs from the logic of the world.” We will find strength to conquer evil, save our souls and rescue our dear nation.

Then love will indeed return to live among us. There is hardly any other way out.

The crossroad battle

“T

he word of the LORD came unto me again, saying, Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city. Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced. For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver. At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build a fort. And it shall

evil priests and the official dining table for evil men. It is a place where evil traps are set for people. Moreover, a crossroad is the place of buying and selling; where the wicked trade their problems by sacrifice. It is a place where spiritual exchange takes place, a place where forces of darkness pursue and subdue their victims, where vendetta, discord and battles are settled; where arrows are fired against peobe unto them as a false divi- ple. The ‘T-junction’ has a nation in their sight, to them computer-like function. It that have sworn oaths: but has names of victims stored he will call to remembrance for evil references; it is a place the iniquity, that they may where captives of the mighty be taken.” are kept. Most unknown attacks and battles are from the -Ezekiel 21:18-23 A ‘T-junction’ is a point crossroad, especially the ones where three roads or paths connected to your father’s meet. It is a point where house. It is the invisible marvarious household idols ket, bank and treasure house and sacrifices that are made where glory and destinies are against people, especially stored. the people of God, are acIf there is nothing special commodated. The battle about the crossroad, people that is connected to the T- won’t be carrying sacrifice junction is an invisible one. there, especially at midnight.

The crossroad is a critical The wicked prepare lots of point and sacrifices therein items and back them up with are often very hazardous incantations and enchantbecause the first to behold ments against their victim it will be a partaker, except through this demonic scheme. the person is shielded by the Sadly enough, attacks from power of God. the crossroad can be launched The crossroad is an invis- against an individual, family, ible battlefield. It is a place business, career or even marof destiny diversion which riage. Anything good can be was devised to alienate men destroyed at the T-junction from their good fortunes. It of the road. Virtually nothing is also the invisible altar of can withstand the powers

and transactions at the crossroad except the power of the living God. Whatever battle or arrow that might have been programmed or waged against you, the power of God will destroy it and the owner in Jesus name. This is why you must be connected to the Lord Jesus so as to be under His refuge and protective covering.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psa 91:1) With God on your side, the forces of darkness cannot subdue you because the power of God remains the ultimate and only source of succor you can ever have.

Declare a prayer of warfare against the crossroad battle in your life, Matt 17:21.

Above all, build a bigger altar for God and service it regularly with quality sacrifice.

Don’t forget that it is sacrifices that are used to trade at the crossroad. Hence, your own sacrifice will invoke fire on the altar of God to consume your enemies and their evil sacrifices.

“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. And Elijah said unto them,

Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. 1King 18:38-40.

Beloved, agree with the word of God and launch a deadly attack against your enemies at the crossroad with the power of your sacrifice. As you do this, you will surely break beyond the normal achievement this year in Jesus name.

Pray these prayers: • By the blood of Jesus, I crush and conquer every crossroad battle targeted to truncate or divert my destiny.

•Any evil invoked from any crossroad to waste me, I reverse them by the blood of Jesus.

• I refuse to be a prisoner or victim of crossroad powers.

• Curses, enchantments, divinations, sacrifices from any crossroad fashioned against my life, you will not prosper…in the name of Jesus I know this message has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with me through; info@ thehebrewsng.com. Hotlines – 01-7903163, 08085845864.

You can also listen to my messages on our podcast at www. thehebrewsng.com/podcast.

Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos.

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Faith

Engaging power of grace for Dominion supernatural breakthroughs!

The Voice of by

Bishop David Oyedepo

W

Phone: 7747546-8; E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

elcome to your regular column. The mysteries of the Kingdom of God are the highways to your supernatural breakthroughs in life (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). When you understand a mystery and engage in it as a lifestyle, you command supernatural breakthroughs cheaply.

Understand that nothing makes great like grace. The grace of God is one of the vital mysteries for provoking supernatural breakthroughs on earth. Your breakthrough does not lie in your strength (1 Samuel 2:9), hard work (Psalm 127:1-2) or mental smartness (Ecclesiastes 9:11; John 3:27; Romans 9:16). Your breakthrough lies in the grace of God, because it is His grace that makes the difference in any life.

What is Grace?

Grace is the tangible and undeniable hand of God on a man’s life and in all his affairs (Titus 2:11). That means, God’s

grace appears or shows to everyone around you. The grace of God practically reflects in the life of the carrier. Paul said, “I am what I am by the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Characteristics of Grace Grace is a living virtue with characteristics that you must understand, if you intend to flow in it.

•Grace can be frustrated, paralyzed and crippled: Paul said: I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain (Galatians 2:21).

•Grace can fail: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God...

(Hebrews 12:15).

•Grace can grow: You can grow in greatness, because grace is what defines your greatness (2 Peter 3:18). If grace can grow, that means greatness can also increase. We are in the days of greatness. Therefore, it is important

MYSTERY OF ANXIETY with

Bishop John Ogbansie gbe

A

n insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and insured, in which the insurer pays the insured against a future loss. It is also what the insurance company agrees to pay the insured in the event of a misfortune or disaster.

Insurance is a means of indemnity against future occurrence of an uncertain event. It is a form of guarantee to give confidence in the trustworthiness of a thing. The deal or contract of life insurance between the insured and the insurance company is made for a particular amount of money to be given to the insured or his relation after his death.

One of the divinely established principles that influence human beings on planet earth, both spiritually and physically, is the agricultural principle of sowing and reaping. To this end, the word of God declares, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” – Galatians 6:7.

Again, the word of God declares, “While he earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, and summer and winter, and night and day shall not cease” – 8:22.

In view of this position, therefore, it is pertinent to note that the secret of successful farming include planning.

This involves choosing your seed crops as well as the farming method applied. The farmer chooses the time and season to plant. The harvest time must be considered and patiently waited for.

In the same vein, this agricultural principle must be applied in your relationship with God, in order to secure and ensure divine favour, success and prosperity in any area of your life. Your seed of faith is the

Tel:08033416327

catalyst to the fruit that you shall acquire in every area of your life. There is seed faith for the fruit of the womb.

There is seed faith for protection.

There is seed faith for journey or travelling mercies. There is seed faith for marital breakthrough. There is seed faith for employment and lucrative jobs. There is seed faith for promotion, exam success and university admission. There is seed faith for safe delivery and there is seed faith for divine sustenance and continuous prosperity.

The divine injunction says that there must be seed time and harvest time. In other words, it is implied that anyone that does not sow shall never participate in the anticipated harvest.

Your seed is like the monthly or yearly premium which the insured pays to the insurance company as an advance arrangement against a future loss. But in the context of this divine information, this premium or seed is sown to God as a security insurance or assurance of an anticipated miracle.

The Bible says, “Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If you sow a bad seed, you will harvest nothing or reap exactly what you sowed - a bad fruit or a bad harvest. After sowing a seed, you must patiently wait for the harvest season. This is because the growth of these seeds is not automatic or immediate. There must be days, weeks and months before they germinate, grow and produce fruits. The same thing is applicable to the seed we sow spiritually. When you sow a seed of faith, which is a spiritual seed, you must have patience and wait for it to germinate, grow and produce.

But the problem with many believers is the fact that they lack patience.

They sow seed faith in the house of God for a particular purpose and

for us to know how to jealously guard and grow in grace, in order to grow in greatness.

Anti-Grace Viruses: Some forces are out to frustrate the grace of God in our lives. We must learn how to deal with them, and keep them out of our lives. These forces are: • Sin: This is an anti-grace virus that cripples and strangulates grace (Romans 6: 1-2). When you engage the ministry of the Holy Spirit, you become absolutely free from the oppression of sin.

• Pride: It is a silent destroyer of grace. The Bible says: ...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). The grace of God cannot flow in the life of the proud (1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 16:18).

•Prayerlessness: This is the root of all spiritual weaknesses. The prayer altar is the fountain of grace. So, the more effectual your prayer life is, the greater the flow of grace in your life (Hebrews 4:16). The prayer altar is the altar of grace, but it takes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to stand strong in

prayers (Romans 8:26).

•Spiritual Ignorance: Grace multiplies by knowledge (2 Peter 1:2), but you will be limited in knowledge without the help of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-13).

•Lack of the Love of God: Love is one of the covenant channels for the flow of grace (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The love of God provokes the flow of grace in your life, and it is the Holy Spirit that spreads His love in your heart (Romans 5:5). Please note that without the help of the Holy Spirit, you cannot maintain the flow of grace in your life. Every channel through which God’s grace flows requires the help of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7).

There is no substitute for grace on your journey to greatness, because you can’t make yourself great. You can never outgrow the grace of God on your life, because only the grace of God can make you great on earth. Your own portion will not be lost in the Name of Jesus!

Friend, the power to fight these anti-grace viruses is available, if you are saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am a child of God!” I will be with you next week.

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Commanding The Supernatural and Walking In The Supernatural.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners.

We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

There’s a time and season

they begin to expect to reap rewards automatically, the next moment or the next day. When they discover that their expectations are not forthcoming, they begin to complain or regret the seed they sowed. Based on their complaints, they end up losing the harvest in total. Let me tell you why. Our Lord Jesus Christ declared in His word and said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abi-

deth alone, but if it dies, it bringeth forth much fruit” – John 12:24. The above scripture implies that a seed of corn or wheat in your pocket or bag will remain useless, worthless and fruitless so long as it is in your pocket, even if it is there for years.

In the same way, the unsown seed faith in your pocket which has remained there because of procrastination or any other personal reason will remain fruitless until you bring

Get addicted

I

am sorry, I was wrong; please forgive me How ready are you to use these ‘SIMPLE’ but powerful words.

Do you know that what seems right to you might be wrong to anotherperson?Doyoubelievethatwhat seems a joke to you might be an insult to another person? Do you also agree that someone can offend you and at the same time expect you to render him/her an apology?

You are smiling and nodding your head in agreement, I guess, as you remember some incidents as such that you have encountered at some points in your life and now you wonder why it has to be so, the reason is simple! We are different people, with different backgrounds, different reasoning and different orientation.Icannotbeyouandyoucannotbeme!Thatiswhat makes the world, but the ability to accommodate and tolerate each other is what makes the world a beautiful place.Thatiswhythemomentyoubegintoexpectother peoplearoundyoutobelikeyou,beitinyouroffice,family, churchfellowshipetcthatis whenyoubegintolose itall.

Iwantusalltounderstand that the greatest prerequisite to live a healthy and most peaceful life is our ability toforgiveothersandalsoaskfortheirownforgiveness as well, each depending on the circumstance.You will agree with me that it takes the grace of God for one to have such humility and wisdom (that’s my earnest prayer for you right now) IN JESUS NAME,AMEN! In the words of Martin Luther king Jnr., “We must develop the capacity to forgive he who is devoid of the power to love; there is somegoodintheworstofus and also some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”You see, my

it out, open the ground and sow it.

Sowing means dropping it in church seed faith box or in the hand of your pastor, who will receive it and pray for you. You have only allowed the seed to die and buried it, when you forgot it and refused to talk about it. But when you keep on remembering it, talking about and telling people about it, you have kept your seed alive, fresh and single without germination.

Virtue

Facts by

Felicitas N. Efidi

Tel: 07088458487 E-mail jefidi@gmail.

friends,theweakcanneverforgivebecauseforgivenessistheattributeof thestrongandthefinalformoflove.

Oftentimes,thedecisionswemakeaffectandhurtpeopleclosetousand this remains a FACT in life. But what matters most is how we realise this and thenmakesomeamendmentswhichcanonlyberealisedbythelevelof sincerityweexhibit.Meditateoneachofthesefivequotes,practisewhatthey say and you will add more value to your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

1 The best way to get the last word is to apologise.

2 Forgiveness does not change the past but it does enlarge the future.

3 We are not bound to trust our enemies but we are bound to forgive them.

4 Nothing in a Christian’s life is more important than forgiveness; forgiveness of others and God’s forgiveness of us (John MacArthur Jnr.).

5 Anger makes you smaller while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you are.

No wonder the Bible says in Matt 18; 21-23 that you must be ready to forgive your offender 777 times. Have you exhausted that number of forgiveness? My beloved, please be touched: that friend of yours, that wife of yours, that husband of yours, thatneighbour,brother,sister,cousin,colleague,parentorchildofyours that has offended you, be courageous to confront him/her. Swallow your pride; it may seem difficult but you may be surprised that he/ she has even been looking for th e slightest opportunity to say, “I am sorry.”

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Back to the Apostles’ teachings

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro

T

frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

he second coming of Christ, which all of the believers have been waiting for since His ascension, will be the greatest event ever in the plan of salvation, because “… so shall we ever be with the LORD” (1 Thess. 4:17). Enoch was – for a fact – translated “… and was not found …”

(Hebrew 11:5). Whoever spiritualises the Return of Christ or believes the Rapture is a revelation into which one is translated spiritually, but that it does not happen in reality, has just become the victim of a foolish mistake. Unto the preachers of such lies applies this scripture. “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist”.

(2 John 7) For this very last part of the time of grace God Himself gave the promise: “Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD “that is thus saith the LORD. We are still living in the time of grace which is also called the “Day of Salvation” (Isaiah 49:6-8, 2 Cor. 6:2). The time of grace began at the first com-

ing of Christ and will end for the nations with the Return of Christ, as promised unto us in John 14:1 – 3. Only then shall the last and terrible day of the LORD commence. God has sent unto us a man who He ordained to be a prophet; the likes of Elijah. Whoever does not recognise or accept it is living in spiritual darkness and is not in the kingdom of God or has not yet recognised the merciful visitation of God. The issue at hand is the commission for our time, which is to turn the hearts of God’s children away from all things that do not coincide with the word and to bring them back to the Lord. Now the original doctrine of the 12 apostles, as it was proclaimed at the beginning, must be preached to the church in this end time, so that she can be returned to her original harmony and built upon the true foundation of the apostles and prophets, whereby Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:13 – 22).

The completion of the work of Redemption is now in its final phase. God’s word has become our spiritual food and complete orientation. The revealed word of God given to us by the extraordinary blessed and divinely confirmed ministry of Broth-

er Branham truly is the fresh manna which is given to all true servants of the LORD, so that the same spiritual food can be shared throughout the entire world. This is the only way to achieve the unity within the Bride Church of Jesus Christ. Through Brother Branham’s ministry all the mysteries hidden in the word were indeed revealed.

His Elijah ministry meant to turn the heart of the children to the Apostles and restored unto us the all-encompassing original teachings.

Mark 9:12 “Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things…” Today this scripture is fulfilled before our eyes and our ears, and all the subjects, such as Godhead, identifying that God is the same person as the Lord Jesus Christ, and the very Jehovah, correct Bible teaching on water baptism, the Lord’s Supper! Indeed, all doctrinal matters have been returned to their original state. The prophet spoke about every Biblical subject.

Like Paul, he showed the women and the men, everyone their rightful place.

He spoke about the Church Order, about ministries and upon the command of the Lord, he even addressed the difficult subject of marriage, divorce, re-marriage.

The message of Elijah in

summary is: “Back to the word! Back to the beginning!

Back to the apostles’ teaching.

Yes, back to Pentecost.” This is now being expended by all those who truly believe according to the scripture. As this message emphasises, the last sermon in the true church of Jesus Christ must be like the first one was. The last baptism must be like the first. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

By the grace of God, everything Brother Branham taught can be Biblically placed. In the days of the Bible, the concern was not about the life story of Moses or Elijah or about the life story of John the Baptist, of Peter or of Paul, about whom we know practically nothing.

Likewise today it is not about the life story of Brother Branham, but rather about Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, which God is now bringing to its completion. We resolutely reject cults centered on any person and any type of idolatry. Only a believer who does not recognise that God shall not give His glory to anyone else will idolise the servant of the master Jesus Christ, be it Prophet or Pastor or Apostle or Evangelist or Teacher. However, we do not preach the prophet or the servants of the master, Jesus Christ, but the messages that were revealed to Him by the Spirit. We preach Je-

sus Christ as the same yesterday, today and forever.

Whoever is truly chosen lives in the presence of God. Elijah has come and his God-given messages to prepare the called out are making ready the bride of Christ, the wise virgins.

(Matt. 25:1 – 13) For the true believers, the concern is that we believe Biblically according to the scripture; that we are baptised Biblically in water by single immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Not in the Holy Trinity of the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost). When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:38 – 39, Acts 19:5 – 6) and that we are baptised Biblically with the Holy Ghost.

“For by one spirit are we all baptised into one body, be ye bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). That is how it was in the church at the beginning, and it is how it must be now, at the end. Only when we believe the promises of the word will we actually experience them. Only then are we the children of promise. (Galatians 4:28).

Frank Oboden Olomukoro Christian Ministry of Reconciliation

Inquisitiveness invites filth W

hat about David – the man who killed Goliath? A chosen vessel anointed and set apart

by God for leadership roles.

The Bible said that a time when men go to war, the king, a typical warrior, was at home. And while cruising around on a sightseeing venture, he saw a naked woman in the bathroom. What happens to you when men are in church for prayer meeting or Bible study and you are in some unsupposed places?

While men were at war, the king was at home. The led were working according to commandment; the leader was nowhere near his duty post. Be mindful of where you spend your leisure time or else you will just be hopping into eternal condemnation.

David saw and when lust got hold of him, he lost self-control. When you open your eyes too much, filth will enter. When Da-

vid saw Bathsheba, he sent for her. In the process of time, he slept with her and she became pregnant. The king sent for the husband.

I am sure a close friend delivered the king’s message to the woman. If such men were men of high sounding principles, they were in a place to advise the king otherwise. The king sent for the husband and tried to entice him with kingly delicacies. That is why we must be careful with gifts and some kind of gestures.

I have tried as a person to determine the kinds of relationship I keep. Many of them are those meant to build me. They are around me to help me work out my salvation with fear and trembling.

When the king saw Bathsheba, he began to feel funny and lust came. From lust to adultery and then murder that led to a national crisis. Many of the

problems that people are wallowing in today are caused by uncontrolled appetite. It is not just sexual tendencies, but also overambition, quest for fame, money, affluence and materialism. The Bible says godly contentment is great gain. So, David fell from glory and grace to grass all because of lust.

What about Solomon, the wisest man? How did he get to where only him had about 1000 women in his life? The Bible confirms that the many women he loved lured him away from God into idolatry; the evils of lust.

If all these great and anointed men chosen by God could experience what they experienced, don’t tell me that you are holier than them. Don’t assume that you are stronger than them; just sit up. The Bible says, “Except the Lord builds a city, they labour

Taming your Emotions

by Bishop Lawrence Osagie Tel: 08063250667, mail:powerlineministries@mail.com, www.powerlineministriesinc.org

in vain that build it.” We are what we are by the grace of God. But one disciplinary measure that Job took was to commit himself not to behold iniquity. “I have made a covenant with my eyes that I will not behold any evil.”

Let your eyes be single. Let your mind be focused. Let your eyes be straight before you. And that is the only way you will not see corruption.

I implore you this day by the sure mercies of Jehovah to make a covenant with yourself. It is good to start well and e nd well; any other thing is a failure. Apart from the

glories of this world, there is heaven to gain and hell to shun. I don’t know where you want to end your journey, but my own will not end inside a Hummer Jeep or beautiful mansion and make a mockery of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. I want to hear my Master say at the end of the day: Well done o! faithful servant.

If you cannot gain control over yourself then you are not ready for a journey into blissful eternity in the bosom of God. He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down without walls.

ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH EVENTS, SPECIAL PROGRAMMES, CONVENTIONS AND OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES ON THESE PAGES. CONTACT: TAI ON 07064380029

Sport 59

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Interview

I was like a president in Belgium, says Etim Esin p.60

Eagles

‘Keshi not a bad coach, he needs our support’ p.62

Golf

Ikeja Club fights cancer on the course p.61

EPL

Ozil praised after Arsenal win 3-0 at Aston Villa p.62

Sunday Team Deputy Sports Editor n Dapo Sotuminu Golf Reporter

nIfeanyi Ibeh

Graphics

n Edwin Usoboh

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Rugby will overtake soccer in Nigeria, says NRFF boss T he Vice-President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Mr. Tunji Fasimoye, has declared that the sport would overtake soccer in Nigeria in terms of popularity, followership and sponsorship as it is the case in England, South Africa and other top soccer playing nations in the world.

He told New Telegraph on Sunday that: “For me the followership of Rugby is dynamic and distinct. In the Seven’s Series you see people moving across the world just to be a part of it; this is aside from the Rugby World Cup and other world class invitational tournaments.

“We are a family in rugby and a not fan as it is referred to in soccer. Rugby would run sideby-side with soccer in Nigeria in the next five years and we are strongly working towards achieving this feat.

“It would not only measure size with football, it would overtake it because of the kind of supports we get from the international federation, the followership and everything associated with rugby. For example, like in England where football is very popular, rugby runs side-by-side. Also in South Africa, where the football league is bigger and better than that of Nigeria, rugby is more popular than soccer.

“Countries like Ireland, New Zealand and some other top European countries who are football playing nations, also have rugby doing very well there if not better. If few years to come, rugby will be side-by-side with football in Nigeria.

“With the right character, consciousness and sponsorship the prospect of rugby becoming a very popular sport in Nigeria is very high, we have the body size, the population and the potential. With the right administration and solid back-up from sponsors, Nigeria can only get better.”

He said: “I know that 50 years ago in South Africa, rugby also faced a similar problem as it is in Nigeria today, but because they consciously made efforts to develop the sport, they are where they are today in rugby.

“If we make a conscious effort to develop rugby in Nigeria, believe me we can even be better

than South Africa because we have all the materials it take to do so.

“At the moment there are over 20 clubs playing in the Nigerian Rugby League which makes it the number one league in West Africa. This is a plus for Nigeria. We have done well in a short while but we can do better.

“Nigeria is ranked 78 in the world and with the drive we have, there is the prospect that we shall keep moving up. We came in as a board in November 2013 and we have only played in one international competition, the African Cup Seven’s in Botswana, our performance moved us up four steps from 82 to 78 in the world.”

Tunji Fasimoye

L-R: Tertius Strauss Regional Director EXP, Tunji Fasimoye, VP NRFF, Breyton Paulse, Ex-Springbok Rugby player, Danie Gerber, Rugby Development coach and Ex-Springbok

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport/Interview

I was like a president in Belgium, says Etim Esin He was the most celebrated Nigerian soccer star in the late 80’s and early 90’s, he drove a choice car and lived in one of the most beautiful apartments in Belgium when he was there as a professional players. Etim Esin told DAPO SOTUMINU in this exclusive interview that he was treated like a president in Belgium before a false rape case ended his excellent career How will you describe your experience in the national team?

My experience in the national teams was full of ups and downs due to indiscipline on my part. I was suspended most of the time much that the former Super Eagles Dutch Technical Adviser, Clemens Westerhof, said he wouldn’t invite me to the Eagles as I was not disciplined and he didn’t pick me for number of tournaments.

Most times, when the national team coach expressed interest to have me in the team, my club in Belgium, FC Lokeren refused to release me. Then I was at FC Lokeren with Samson Siasia. The club said number of times that, ‘no; we cannot release two players at the same time for a national team assignment.’ And in most cases they preferred me to stay back while Siasia went for the Nigerian games.

This was why I was left of some major international competitions like the Seoul 88 Olympic Soccer event and the Maroc 88 Nations Cup. The situation is different today as FIFA has a regulation that allows more European club players to be released for international assignments.

Which edition of the African Nations Cup did you play for Nigeria?

I didn’t play in any African Nations Cup tournament. I only played in the qualifiers. The few opportunities I had, I was stopped by my European club.

What this means is that you also did not play in both the Nations Cup and the Senior World Cup in the colours of Nigeria. How do you feel about this?

It was a big disappointment for me because that was where the real ‘African Maradona’ would have showcased his talent to the world to see. My dream was always to play against Diego Armando Maradona. You remember the USA 94 World Cup where Nigeria played in same group with Argentina, the match Samson Siasia scored the first goal and we lost 2-1. If I had played in that match my life-long dream would have been fulfilled.

Every player’s dream is to play in the World Cup, it is painful I didn’t play at the highest level.

But the incident of rape that happened in 1993 and the arrest and death of Africa’s Pillar of Sports, Chief MKO Abiola, who really wanted to help me out by solving the problem so that I can play in the World Cup was most regrettable.

That was my greatest disappointment not playing at the 1994 World Cup. While in Belgium as a professional player, one of your colleagues Yisa Sofoluwe who also played in Belgium at the time said you were treated like a president in Belgium.

Yes, he was not wrong. I was giv-

en special treatment in Belgium as a superstar. Whenever I wanted to play a league game, the fans ran around the city with my picture on their shirts and flags shouting my name. And I had no public life as soccer fans did not allow me to enjoy my privacy as they thronged to everywhere I went in their thousands. I was widely celebrated as I always provided the vital goal against Anderlecht FC which was the biggest club in Belgium at the time. Stephen Keshi was one of Anderlecht’s stars, but each time I led Lokeren’s attack against them in crucial games, I always found the back of the net.

I was unstoppable.

They have never seen a black player played the way I did before; I was just one of a kind of an African player, so I was worshipped and respected. I think my orientation in the whole aspect of the football game goes a long way. I had a different orientation, if you look at my family background. My siblings were born in England and my father was a former Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor.

My brothers are Lawyers, Doctors and the emphasis for me was go to school to get education. The rebel course diverted everything about me and I was seen as the black sheep of the family because I decided to play football.

It was when I played for Nigeria that my father reconciled with me, because all what he wanted was that I should go to school to get education, it is now that I realised all what he tried to do. Education is a key that would give you a platform for everything in life.

Then in Belgium, I was a young man and I got carried away. One of the top Sports Editors in Nigeria then, Mumuni Alao came to Belgium at the time I was a superstar to do documentary on Nigerian players in that country and he came to my house which was like a beautiful palace. You can confirm this from him.

I forgot that it wasn’t my country; it is good that some players today have learnt from my mistakes to live their lives perfectly. They have learned that it is good to marry early so as to avoid falling into a deep pit of false rape charge from a white girl. That aspect is secured. A lot of Nigerian players who have made it big in Europe learned a big lesson from my mistakes.

I remember my late coach Chris Udumueze always telling me not to be in disciplined. You remember before the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 87 in Chile, I was shot in the leg by armed robbers, when the coach came to see me in the hospital he told me that it was my indiscipline that put me in such situation, and

that if I was in the camp, robbers wouldn’t have attacked me.

Today, when the issue is discipline I try to advise the young ones. I have been invited to seminars in some Football Academies to talk to young athletes on discipline. The message is always: “You can get to anywhere you want in life with discipline.”

Going back to that robbery incident before the Chile 87 World Cup, what really happened?

The coach told some of us who came with Peugeot 505 salon cars to park our vehicles outside camp at the Games Village in Suru-lere, Lagos, so I was on my to where I park my car when I was attacked by the robbers. It was a time when snatching of that brand of car was the trend. Really, it was at the middle of the night when I sneaked out to a night club in Suru-lere not far away from our camp. That was just another incident.

How will you compare playing football in your own time to what it is today?

The game compared to what obtained in our time has taken a new dimension, because the money involved now it unbelievable. You see a young boy earning 100,000pounds-aweek, which is outrageous.

No problem, it is their era everything has its time. We cannot compare the football played during Pele’s era to that played by Maradona in his era, and also what Messi is playing now.

During my o w n era,

I was on top of my game, it was my time, and everybody has his own era. By and large things are moving well, but for now it is a very difficult thing because if you look at it most of the states don’t recognise players the way it was in the past.

The NFF seems to be confused on issues bothering on the welfare of ex-internationals, what is your opinion about this?

We should have a true leader in the NFF, one that makes things move forward. The type that would bring everybody together under one umbrella. Sometime ago when I was an Ambassador of the National Association of Nigerian Foot-

ballers, NANF, Austin ‘Jay Jay’Okocha went to a rival footballer’s association APFON to be their ambassador. What are we going to achieve by doing this. The NFF should bring the NANF and APFON factions together. There are lot of things exinternationals can be involved in, not everybody would be a coach.

You can be a commentator, an analyst, coordinator, welfare officer, team manager, you can also be a Match Commissioner, and the list is endless. There are many ways to create a job for the survival of the ex-internationals. But it is sad that, the NFF has been pushing ex-internationals away from these positions.

As far as I am concerned, I am Okocha’s senior brother in Nigerian football, I played in the national team before him. We had a problem but Chief Segun Odegbami resolved it for us. I hope to do something with him in future so as to move Nigerian football forward.

If given the opportunity will you insist that your kids play football for Nigeria?

That is a very big question my brother, because up till now I am still doubting if there is anything I can show for playing for Nigeria, apparently nothing. Sometimes I ask myself, but I have resolved that they will get education first before venturing in to Nigerian football, but if not so, it is going to be difficult allowing my kids play for the country.

-Concluding part next week

Etim Esin

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Sport/Interview

‘Keshi not a bad coach, he needs our support’

Golf Weekly

St. Andrews finally bows to women

T

he chief coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has been labelled an average coach and a section of Nigerian football stakeholders are calling for a change asking the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to start planning towards getting a world class handler for the senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Keshi’s popularity suffered a slide following the poor results recorded against Congo and South Africa in the 2015 Nations Cup qualifier’s games.

To this end, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Barrister Waheed Enitan-Oshodi, called on Nigerians to rally supports for the Eagles’ chief coach as he is good both technically and tactically.

“Keshi is a good coach, the Eagles’ dwindling performances so far are due largely to other factors that are affecting the country’s football and these are slowing the players down on the pitch.

“We need a stable football federation which would come about after the NFF elections. Again, the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Commission must look at themselves inwardly and also look at the part they played in all these crises so far.

“We were very lucky to get that draw against

Stories by Ifeanyi Ibeh

Keshi

South Africa and if we had lost in Cape Town, Nigeria would perhaps be out of the 2015 African Nations Cup. It would have been a disaster for the defending champion to go out in the qualifying stage, so it is important everybody must put their hands on the pillar. For Keshi, we must give him all the supports he needs.”

Enitan-Oshodi added: “The players themselves have to look at themselves, especially the experienced ones playing in the top leagues in the world as they haven’t performed and that is telling on us.

We need everybody to come on board; Nigeria must qualify for the 2015 Nations Cup competition and defend the trophy in Morocco next year January.”

Enitan-Oshodi, Tandoh commend Extra Joss’s commitment

T

he Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Waheed Enitan-Oshodi and the state Director of Sports, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, have commended the contributions of the Extra Joss Soccer tournament on the development of sports in the state.

Enitan-Oshodi noted that, the impact of the competition is already being felt in the state as it fully involves teams in the grass-

roots.

“The sponsor is already sustaining the competition which is in its third year. I remember the first edition was so good, while the second wasn’t there, but we are hopeful that the third would be better as football has its appeal in Lagos. We are expecting a big crowd as usual to come and watch the competition.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Di-

Extra Joss officials presenting the event’s trophy to the Commissioner for Sports, Waheed Enitan Oshodi, second left. With him is Dr Kweku Tandoh, Lagos Director of Sports

rector of Sports, Dr Kweku Tandoh, noted that to a certain extent the state is getting the impact of the Extra Joss Soccer competition with the awareness that there is an intra-local government soccer competition.

“We need to move a step further than that, by ensuring that the impact is felt on the development of football in the state.

I just advised that, for us to get the true benefits of the Extra Joss Soccer competition, we need to start focusing on the age-grade categorisation of the competition, where talents could be identified at a very young age and we can monitor their impact. What we see now are senior players representing the divisions in Lagos state, this is not developmental, and we want a situation where the competition would be for Under-13, U-15 and Under-17 players.

“With this, we shall have a statistical analysis on the players’ progression to stardom and how their participation in the Extra Joss competition been beneficial to them in four to five years down the line. We would be able to have measurable data,” Tandoh said.

Otagharwa wins Rollerblades title as MX Games end T he long awaited MediaVision Extreme Games (MX Games) was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The MX Games witnessed participation from 28 athletes from Lagos State and Ogun State competing in Rollerblades, Biking, Mixed Bikes and Unicycle.

In the rollerblades event, Ernest Otagharwa of Lucky Stars Skaters Club came first, while Tunde Ajiroba also of Lucky Stars Skat-

ers Club came second with Samson Omotosho claiming the third position.

In the Biking category, Temitope Mathew emerged winner after a gruelling contest which saw Oriyomi Azeez and Opeyemi Adeniran of Storm Riders Biking Club claiming second and third spots respectively.

The Mixed Bikes event had Fatai Sharafa, Mary Okunola of Dynamic Bikers Club and Akanji Alimat of Storm Riders claiming

the top three positions respectively and the Unicycle event was won by Michael Brown of Stag Motion Skating Club.

The first, second and third place winners went home with N30,000, N20, 000 and N15, 000 respectively in each category with over a quarter of a million in total prize money.

The next edition of the MX Games will hold later in October 2014.

T

he ‘Home of Golf’, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, will now welcome women after its roughly 2400 members ‘voted overwhelmingly’ last Thursday to allow female members for the first time in its 260-year history.

A simple majority vote was required, but club secretary Peter Dawson announced that 85 percent voted in favour of admitting female members, effective immediately.

“This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club,” Dawson said, before adding: “I think it’s a very positive mess a g e for the game of golf. The R&A, in its position as a governing body for the game, I think it’s quite right that the members have agreed to embrace this concept and welcome women members to the club.”

On the same day that Scotland voted on whether to become independent, one of the two most powerful golf clubs in the world trumpeted its own historic decision – a move that seemed inevitable once news of the vote was made public months ago.

All-male clubs have come under increased scrutiny since Augusta National in 2012 extended memberships to former diplomat Condoleezza Rice and financier Darla Moore.

Criticized for having out-dated views on equality, the R&A has also agreed to fast-track a “significant” number of women to become members in the coming months.

There are three all-male clubs in the Open rota – Muirfield, Royal Troon and Royal St. George’s – but Dawson, who will retire next year, has said that he has no plans to pressure those clubs into changing their membership policies.

The R&A – the business arm created a decade ago to oversee the Rules of Golf and the Open Championship – has female employees on its staff, but none in leadership roles. Those are occupied by Royal and Ancient Club members, which, until Thursday, were only males.

This vote will allow women to play a role in the sport’s governance.

“The LPGA is happy to hear that the members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews have voted to include female members,” the LPGA said in a statement.

“This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game.”

For the first time, the R&A allowed its membership to vote by proxy.

Previously, only those members attending the club’s annual Autumn Meeting were allowed to vote.

Ikeja Club fights cancer on the course

T

roubled by the scourge of Breast and Cervical Cancer among women, the lady captain of Ikeja Golf Club, Dr. Veronica Chaka-Awatai has moved to increase more awareness of the deadly disease among the women folk.

To make the dream a reality, the lady captain is putting together a golf tournament to be played at the Ikeja Golf Club on September 24th.

And she hopes the event will go a long way in enlightening women on ways to combat the scourge.

“Cancer is killing a lot of women. Even though there is no cure for it, early detection of the disease will go a long way in helping the victims to live a healthy life and that is why we are putting together the tournament,” she said.

She added: “Our plan is to use the occasion to encourage and inform participants and the general public on the importance of early detection.”

Apart from taking to the course on September 24th, experts will also be on hand to educate the participants on the need for regular check-ups and early detection.

Over two hundred female and male golfers, drawn mostly from Lagos, are expected to take part in the competition sponsored by Diamond Bank, Fidson, Alpha Pharmaceutical, Lagoon Hospital, Dana Pharmaceutical and Emzor.

Cancer, also known as malignant tumour, falls under the category of diseases involving abnormal cell growth, with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

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SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport / News

NFF Congress approves Sept 30 for elections T

he General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, yesterday in Warri, Delta state unanimously approved Tuesday, September 30, 2014 as date for the 2014 NFF Elective Congress, and Warri, Delta State as venue.

The Congress passed a resolution that credible and transparent electoral process is non-negotiable.

The Congress unanimously affirmed the FIFA directive that the 2014 Elective Congress shall be composed of only delegates that attended the November 2013 Annual General Assembly in Warri.

The Congress also unanimously expressed high praise and admiration for the courage and resilience of the NFF Executive Committee led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in the face of the recent crisis that threatened the fabric of Nigeria Football.

Congress heaped encomiums in the Nigeria Media for standing by the truth and clearly supporting what is just in the thick of the recent crisis.

The General Assembly expressed deep and heartfelt appreciation of the entire Nigeria Football family to the President and Commander-InChief of the Federal Republic, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for his personal and administration’s love and tremendous support for the NFF, the National Teams and Nigeria Football as a whole.

Ahead of the upcoming elections into the NFF Executive Committee, Congress composed a new NFF Electoral Committee thus: Barr.

Samson Ebomhe; Barr. M. T. Ahmed; Mr. Adamu Sani Usman; Mr. Sadiq Yusuf Zaria; Reverend Onyeaghala Obioma; Engineer Adeola Adelanwa; Alh. Sani Dahiru Yakassai; Mrs. Sarah Jumoke Adebisi and Barr. Awwal Mohammed. The Secretary is Barr. Musa Amadu.

Ahead of the upcoming elections into the NFF Executive Committee, Congress composed a new NFF Electoral Appeals Committee thus: Barr. Okey Ajunwa; Mr. Dotun Coker and; Mallam Sani Mohammed. Mr. Victor Nwangwu and Mr. Bala Garba are substitute Members. The Secretary is Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Ozil praised after Arsenal win 3-0 at Aston Villa

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rsene Wenger praised Mesut Ozil’s performance after Arsenal claimed a 3-0 victory over previously unbeaten Aston Villa.

World Cup winner Ozil has come in for criticism for his performances in the early weeks of the season, but the Germany international was a key figure at Villa Park.

He opened the scoring on 32 minutes before crossing for Danny Welbeck to score just 79 seconds later and Wenger was happy with Ozil’s contribution.

Wenger told Sky Sports: “He played very well. I must say I couldn’t see one player who didn’t play well today and he was part of it.

“He took advantage of his position and his link-up play with Danny Welbeck was very good.”

Arsene Wenger is impressed with his team’s unbeaten start after an action-packed 3 minute spell gave Arsenal the 3 points.

Arsenal went into the game on the back of a defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, but overall Wenger is satisfied with his team’s start to

the campaign, which sees his side sit fourth in the Premier League after five games.

“It’s a positive start,” added Wenger. “We had to qualify, after the World Cup, against a tricky team (Besiktas) in the Champions League.

“We had a difficult start away from home at Everton, Leicester and here, but I’m quite confident we’ve had a positive start and can

Ozil celebrates his opening goal for Arsenal against Aston Villa

Stoke coach applauds Moses’ impact

S

toke City coach, Mark Hughes, has hailed the impact of Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses, after a starring role in Stoke City’s 2-2 draw with QPR on Saturday.

The winger, on loan from Chelsea, was instrumental in both goals - finding Peter Crouch, who headed on to Mame Biram Diouf, for the first before the pair combined again in the second half.

Stoke looked to be heading for a well-deserved win only for Niko Kranjcar to force a draw

with a fine free kick but Hughes is delighted with the impact that Moses has had on their counterattacking approach.

“He has been excellent in every game he’s played,” the Welshman told reporters. “He’s given us that pace that we lacked last year, which is a marked difference in how we play away from home now.

“He’s had two years where he hasn’t played a great deal of football, which isn’t anything to do

RESULTS Barclays Premier League QPR 2 - 2 Stoke City Aston Villa 0 - 3 Arsenal Burnley 0 - 0 Sunderland Newcastle 2 - 2 Hull Swansea 0 - 1 Southampton West Ham 3 - 1 Liverpool Germany - Bundesliga Freiburg 2 - 2 Hertha Berlin Augsburg 4 - 2 Werder Bremen Hamburger 0 - 0 Bayern Munich Paderborn 2 - 0 Hannover Schalke 2 - 2 Frankfurt Stuttgart 0 - 2 Hoffenheim Mainz 2 - 0 B/Dortmund Italy - Serie A Cesena 2 - 2 Empoli Spain - Liga BBVA Elche 0 - 2 Eibar Deportivo 2 - 8 Real Madrid Athletic Bilbao 0 - 1 Granada France - Ligue 1 Marseille 3 - 0 Rennes

become stronger.”

Commenting on Arsenal’s three goals in four minutes, Wenger said: “It was very quick and we took advantage maybe of their disappointment from the first goal that happened.

“I think we were always in control, even before we scored. It was just to find the opening and have the patience not to give the ball away.

Mauricio Isla of QPR, tussles for the ball with Stoke City’s Victor Moses, who is on loan from Chelsea

with his ability. He’s always been very talented and we are delighted with what he’s produced.”

Hughes added: “In terms of what we produced and the chances in open play, we were clearly the better team on the day. We allowed them to get back into the game when, really, we should have been too far away from them.

We were disappointed to go in at half-time at 1-1 and should have had enough to see the game out but, unfortunately, we encouraged them somewhat by giving away the free kick.”

“Our performance was good enough for maximum points today but it’s another point on the road. We keep on picking up points, which we struggled with last season.”

Harry Redknapp, meanwhile, hailed Kranjcar’s professionalism after the QPR summer signing scored a late equaliser on his second home debut.

“He is a class player, it was a great free kick. He punished Stoke,” Redknapp enthused.

“He is earning a third of what he was earning in Russia; that’s how desperate he was to come back.

Chukwueze grabs Eaglets’ winner against Akpabuyo Utd

A

kpabuyo United, current Cross River State’s League Champions, were beaten 1-0 by Nigeria’s Under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets on Saturday at the Abraham Ordia Stadium in Calabar courtesy of a first half goal by Striker Samuel Chukwueze.

The solitary goal recorded in the 36th minute was Chukwueze’s eighth and Golden Eaglets’ 81st after 29 matches of playing domestic friendly and international matches.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke

yet started with an experimental team and the lads responded well by containing their supposedly strong opposition right from the outset as they gird their loins ahead of their forthcoming second leg African U-17 Championship showdown against Gabon.

Left-sided defender, Usman Abass did a Yeoman’s job despite playing in an unfamiliar central defensive position along with Douglas Uzama. Up front Ebere Osinachi playing in the top strik-

ing role instead of injured Victor Osimhen who would not be available after seeing red in Libreville, showed tenacity as he combined beautifully with Chukwueze.

But it was midfielder; Kingsley Michael that would be the architect of the only goal of the match when he floated an inch-perfect pass above the defence of Akpabuyo United and Chukwueze reacted sharply to slot the ball beyond the reach of on-rushing goalkeeper Asam Umuah Asam.

Silva says Man City cannot afford to lose to Chelsea

D

avid Silva says his Manchester side cannot afford to lose to Chelsea in the crunch match between the sides today.

The west Londoners currently lead the Premier League table and could go a hefty eight points clear of City with a win.

And with Chelsea’s impressive form the City playmaker knows eight points could already be too much of a gap to make up in the title race.

“It’s a very important game,” said Silva. “They’re first and they’ve got points ahead of us.

We can’t afford to lose on Sunday and open that gap, so it’s a very important game.

“It’s early in the season, there’s a long way to go and we know in the Premier League that anything can happen. But we need to win on Sunday, otherwise the gap would be getting too big between the clubs.

“As we know only too well, the fight for the title can go to the last minute of the season, so you can never stop fighting. There’s a long way to go yet.”

Suarez already a good signing, says Enrique

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arcelona boss, Luis Enrique, believes Luis Suarez has already proved his worth despite not having even played a competitive game since his £75 million move from Liverpool.

The Uruguayan will still be unavailable for over a month after receiving a four-month ban for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in June.

Suarez could make his debut in Enrique’s first El Clasico in charge of Barca away to Real Madrid on October 25.

And Enrique believes the 27-year-old’s attitude in training has already made him an important signing for the club.

“He is adapting and waiting for his opportunity. He is training as if he could play tomorrow and that was our objective.

“Already, even without playing, I think he is helping us and has been a good signing.”

Barca have started Enrique’s reign with four consecutive wins and four clean sheets for the first time in the club’s history.

However, the former Celta Vigo coach still received criticism for making nine changes as the Catalans struggled past APOEL Nicosia 1-0 to open their Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

There are likely to be another wave of changes for Sunday’s trip to bottom of the table Levante.

Enrique insisted he will continue to rotate his squad throughout the season and hinted even Lionel Messi wouldn’t be excluded from his changes from game to game.

“Over the course of the season I am going to need all my players.

The priority just now is Levante and we will see where we are after that.

“Being without Messi would affect us like any other team. If he could play every minute he would, but I understand that is difficult.

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Rugby will overtake soccer in Nigeria, says NRFF boss

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Shema shines in Katsina but….

visited Katsina State last in 2007.

At that time, Shema had just taken over from Umar Yar ’adua as governor. When I went there again late last month to attend the All Nigerian Editors Annual Conference (ANEC) organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, I could not believe what I saw.

I have a very low opinion about most governors in the north. As a northerner, I feel they are not doing enough to catch up with the south. Agreed the revenue sharing formula as it is today puts them at a disadvantage, still, it is my belief that if they took a cue from what Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first and only Premier of the north did with the little coins that came his way, the north and Nigeria will be a much better place to live in.

Today, all I see is a bizarre, irritating form of competition. Our governors up north are competing with those in the south not in terms of development but in thievery. They want to outdo the others in fat personal bank accounts and obscene ownership of magnificent properties in Abuja and overseas.

But there are a few exceptions and Katsina is certainly one. The developments there are a “pleasant surprise” if I may use the words of Dr. Pius Onobhayedo who attended the conference and said so in a memo he circulated to all that participated after the conference .

For the four days that we were in the state capital and the far flung local governments and villages we visited, there was abundant evidence of good governance. The state capital itself is fast turning into a sprawling modern city with well paved roads and street lights.

We saw signs of good town planning, beautiful layouts, low and medium scale housing estates with solid-looking structures etc. A beautiful world class stadium has been completed just like a gigantic orthopedic hospital. These and many other projects we saw completed at costs that are surprisingly modest.

But what caught my attention in Katsina as is always with every northern state I visit is the developments in education. The biggest security nightmare of Nigeria to me is the widening educational gap between the north and the south. The almajeri system, which puts millions of northern school age boys and sometimes even girls on the street as beggars is not only an eye sore but a veritable threat to our corporate survival. Without skills and with a hazy understanding of what Islam is all about, these marauding street urchins have in the past been used by Maitatsine, killing and maiming people in the name of a religion whose tenets they do not and are not brought up to comprehend.

And now Boko Haram!

Until northern governors take firm measures to address this menace, we ain’t seen nothing yet in Boko Haram, as the Americans would say. For now, I see Kano, Jigawa, Nassarawa and now Katsina going the right way. Katsina has an impressive track record in education. As governor of the state, 1999-2007, Umar Yar ’adua carried out a state wide exercise - renovating primary schools and constructing new ones.

The pink one story buildings stare you in the face wherever you go in Katsina today.

Primary education in Katsina is free and unlike in some states in the north, teachers receive their salaries regularly. There is clear evidence in Katsina that whatever the state has in its kitty, a huge chunk of it is going into primary education. And this makes me happy and proud of Shema.

“Until northern governors take firm measures to address this menace, we ain’t seen nothing yet in Boko Haram, as the Americans would say.

For now, I see Kano, Jigawa, Nassarawa and now Katsina going the right way” There is also the Umaru Yar ’adua University in Katsina. Established by the late President in his days as the governor of the state, it was at that time called Katsina State University. Now re-christened in the name of the founder to honour the man who evidently meant well for Katsina and Nigeria, the university is a sight to behold. Well laid out with imposing structures, it offers the right environment for serious academic pursuits.

There is also the Federal University at Dutsinma. Even though established by the Federal Government, the founding Vice Chancellor Professor James Ayatse had nothing but praises for the massive capital injection the university enjoys from the state government under the leadership of Shema. He said without the support he receives from the state government, the university would not have achieved the success status for which it is celebrated today as an IT-driven university.

The giant strides not withstanding, education in Katsina is still bugged down by myriads of problems. The massive infrastructural expansion embarked on by late Yar ’adua and built on by Shema plus the free education policy has contributed to a high rate of enrolment into primary schools

MAMA LASISI

Shema in the state. Unfortunately, as you drive around the state, you cannot see an equivalent match of expansion in public secondary schools in the state. The consequence is that public secondary schools in the state are over flooded with students.

Writing last year on the state of secondary school education in the state, Mr. Joseph Philip who did his National Youth Service in the state as a secondary school teacher had this to say on the over populated schools: “In the school where I currently teach, the average number of students in a class is 110. Some classes even have about 130 students in the class. This population is just too much for one single teacher to handle and also ensure proper delivery and coordination. I have no background in the education sector but with what I have seen down in the south, the number of students in a class should be between 35-50 in order to ensure proper coordination and monitoring.

“In most of these classes, four students seat on a single chair with one or two of them having to write with his book placed on his lap. This is very worrisome as these students do not find it comfortable writing at all.”

Apart from that, Mr. Philip also noticed a dire need to improve on the quality of teaching in the schools. In a down to earth observation of the attitude of teachers to their work, the ex-corps member said: “One thing I have personally noticed and confirmed from other serving corps members is that most of the teachers in these schools are very lazy. They don’t come to school on time, have a lackadaisical attitude to their work, sometimes don’t go to classes when they have classes, sometimes leave school before official closing hours, etc. This attitude is so appalling because they see nothing wrong in it”.

Nothing much has changed since last year when Philip wrote and last month when I was in Katsina. I had discussions with some teachers and students who confirmed to me that his observations are as valid today as they were last year. That means a lot of work still needs to be done to improve the quality of education given to pupils who attend public schools in Katsina. This need is more urgent given the fact that public school students are in the majority and belong to the poverty-stricken strata of the society.

So, even though enrolment in primary schools has been on the increase, more drastic measures have to be taken to get more pupils into schools. The modern primary schools built by the government, I understand, have not penetrated the society enough. They are mostly by the major high ways, thus leaving the poor people who stay in the hinterland without any access to such facilities. This is unfair and more primary schools need to be built particularly deep in the rural areas.

Driving through the streets of Katsina, one is still confronted by the ubiquitous beggars. For a government that has invested and continues to invest so highly in education, the sight of young beggars on the street is completely a negation of its goals. The governor must go all the way out to ban street begging. This should not be mistaken with banning almajeri, which has been abused and made to look like a begging culture. I have spoken to many men of deep knowledge in Islamic matters and they all tell me begging is frowned at in Islam. The almajeri system of education in Katsina can be integrated with the western education system as is being done elsewhere.

Secondly, the quality of teaching in the schools needs improvement. Philip suggests that “periodic workshops, seminars and training courses should be organised and made compulsory for teachers to attend in order to make them current and also improve their capacity.” I agree with him.

Despite these shortcomings, however, Shema remains a shining star in a country with so much mediocrity ingovernance. The history of Katsina State will be very kind to him.

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