Binder1 july 5,2014 by Newtelegraphonline

Saturday Edition

L ve&Lv ng

Dear Love Doctor,

'He proposed to me, but didn't tell me he already had two children' p.37

Life Experience: 'I married the man that broke my sister's heart' p.36

MICHAEL UCHEBUAKU

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WWW.NEWTELEGRAPHONLINE.cOm/LOvELIvING

ireto007@yahoo.com 0813 116 1840

Love Confession

Sanctity of Truth NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 JULY 2014

N150

MODEL OF THE WEEK

'I had a son from an Facebook.com/newtelegraph extra-marital affair' Name: Catherine Tel: 0803 263 8739

Saturday, JULY 5, 2014

former colleague. Johnson was astonished to learn I had become pregnant and given birth to his child as a result of our affair. He was sorry to hear about Femi's illness, but he steadfastly refused to help because he didn't want to risk his wife finding out about our affair or about the child. After many weeks of trying, we were not able to find a compatible donor for Femi. We were reduced to simply waiting in the hope that one might eventually turn up. It was as though all my sins were finally catching up with me; I was being severely y name is Yinka and I am 45 punished for my infidelity and stood to lose years old. My husband Henry all that I loved. I had already lost my husand I have been married for 15 band and now I could lose my son! years. We have one son, Femi. Femi became so ill the doctors said that He's not Henry's biological son and for conventional medical treatment could do many years, Henry didn't know the truth. no more for him. All we could do was reI had never shared my secret with anyone main positive and do everything in our and I'd hoped I would never have to. power to help support him in his fight Femi was diagnosed with acute leu- against the cancer. kaemia shortly after he turned 10. He was Throughout this terrible, terrible time, immediately admitted to hospital and re- Henry was simply wonderful to Femi. He mained critically ill for many months. The was loving and funny; an endless source doctors told us that his best chance of sur- of comfort, hope and strength. Femi my vival was to have a bone marrow transplant son never suspected that behind Henry's in London or India as soon as possible. cheerful facade, he was hiding so much We needed a compatible donor. As Femi's hurt and anger. parents, we were to have our blood tested Over a year later and against all odds, the following day. If Femi won his fight neither of our blood against cancer and types was compatible, At this stage, I realised it returned home. For a then Femi's relatives short, precious time, was inevitable that Henry we would be contacted were once again and his name put on would discover he wasn't a family. My joy at the donor list. having my son safely At this stage, I re- Femi's biological father home was tinged with alised it was inevitasadness; now that ble that Henry would Femi had fully recovdiscover he wasn't ered, Henry was free to leave me. Femi's biological father. I had to tell him Soon after Femi's return, Henry asked the truth that very evening. It was better me to have dinner with him at a local reshe heard it from me than from the doctors taurant. I was terrified. This was it, Henry the next day. was going to tell me that either tonight or That night after dinner, I explained to the following morning he was leaving. Henry that he was not really Femi's biological I was determined to be as calm and as father and that I'd had a brief affair with one of strong as Henry had been for Femi for all my work colleagues, Johnson, during our mar- those months. If Henry wanted to leave, riage. I later discovered that I was pregnant. I would let him go with grace. He had Henry was stiff with shock. Without a already given me so much by helping to word, he stood up in a daze and walked bring Femi my son back home. out into the cold, rainy night. That evening at the restaurant, a smilI waited up for him all night on the sofa ing waiter brought food and a beautiful in the living room, but he didn't return. I parcel to our table. Henry told me to open was beside myself with worry and afraid of the parcel and when I did, I found a gold what he might do to himself. To my relief, necklace inside. Henry finally returned the next afternoon. Henry now told me that he had forMy relief quickly turned sour when he given me and had bought the necklace coldly announced that he had only returned for me as a gift. for Femi's sake because he needed him. When Henry gently took my hand in his. And Femi was well again, he would file for di- with tears in his eyes, he asked me to please vorce and leave me. From that time on, Henry forgive him for his childishness and foolmy husband refused to have anything to do ish, stubborn pride. He said that it was no with me outside of Femi's hospital room and longer important to him whether he was he slept on his own in Femi's bedroom. If you want to be our next model, Femi's biological father or not. My blood type was not compatible so please send your photos to: Femi's long illness and recovery had I contacted Femi's biological father, John- made him realize what really mattered, that ireto007@yahoo.com Call: 0703 102 8714, 0813 116 1840 son. We had long ago lost contact but I we were a very special family and that we was able to get his phone number from a all belonged together.

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To some, infidelity in marriage is an unforgivable act which leads to divorce. However, forgiveness is also regarded as a vital ingredient in marriage. And indeed, this story proves that forgiveness brings healing to marriage.

Vol. 1 No. 137

OLUWATAYO Cocktail isn’t just about Chapman P.34

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

UCHE OGBODO Did she abandon ailing hubby? P.18

SHATTERED DREAM Europe-bound Nigerian lady ends up a prostitute in Libya P.10

Nigeria can’t survive another PDP rule, says Odigie-Oyegun Cajetan Mmuta Benin

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said that despite the political scheming and horse-trading by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration ahead of 2015, Nigerians will not be able to withstand what he calls “another fruitless four years of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.” Odigie-Oyegun, who stated this in an interview in Benin, the Edo State capital, said it was imperative for the PDP-led government to understand the impulse of the electorate that it was no longer going to be business as usual as Nigerians were ready for a positive change in 2015. “We have already presented ourselves. The first message we preach is that the Nigeria nation is broken and change must come. Let the Nigeria people try something new even if you are not sure what the result will be. In

Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses, set ablaze by angry soldiers at Palm Grove, along Ikorodu Road, Lagos over the death of a colleague allegedly killed by a driver of one of the buses …yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Chaos as soldiers in Lagos vandalise BRT buses over colleague’s death

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

See free 8-page sport pullout inside ARGENTINA, BELGIUM READY FOR BRASILIA SHOWDOWN

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DUTCH MASTERS TANGLE WITH COSTA RICA

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BLAME

KESHI

FOR EAGLES’ OUSTER

– GARBA LAWAL G arba Lawal has laid the blame for Super Eagles’ exit from the World Cup in Brazil squarely at the feet of coach Stephen Keshi. The retired Nigerian midfielder, who also took But the team still scraped John Mikel Obi to task for through to the last 16, after Boshis uninspiring perfor- nia won Iran in the last group mance throughout the tie to render the outcome of the championship, noted that Nigeria-Argentina encounter inthe problem started with consequential. But the team came the final squad named unstuck against France in the secfor the Mundial, and that ond round. Keshi, by his choices un“I’m disappointed with the dermined the team from the coach. Keshi must take the blame very beginning. for Nigeria’s ouster in the second The Super Eagles drew round,” said Lawal who was with against Iran in their the team in Brazil. opening match, “The situation in the team was managed a 1-0 so bad that anytime we had an victory o v e r injury there was always panic as Bosnia-Herze- to who to introduce. We did not govina before have a bench and this had to do losing their with the choices that Keshi made last group while picking the final squad. I match to was also disappointed in some of Argen- the players like Mikel. He did not tina. show up in the tournament at all.” Lawal, who is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee, was also not impressed by the overall conduct of the players as they placed more emphasis on money rather than on getting results. Before the second round match against France, which the Eagles lost 2-0, the players refused to go for training, as they demanded their appearance fee. As the row over money festered, the federal government intervened and sent $3m to the team which the players insisted on sharing on the eve of the crucial tie against France.

Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike

CONTINUE ON PAGE 27

BASKETBALL: ‘HUNGRY’ OLUYOLE WARRIORS THREATEN TO BOYCOTT PLAYOFFS

}p.27

WRANGLING OVER MONEY TORE EAGLES APART IN BRAZIL}p.30

GOD WON’T HELP US IN GLASGOW – OSHONAIKE

}p.31

ARSENE WENGER CAUGHT IN THE ACT! }p.32

Muritala Ayinla, Taiwo Jimoh and Shola Adefuwa

here was pandemonium in Lagos yesterday as some soldiers went on rampage, burning at least five Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses over the killing of their colleagues by a BRT driver. New Telegraph on Saturday gathered that the incident occurred around 9a.m. at Palmgrove area on Ikorodu Road when a

lBeat up passengers, drivers BRT bus was said to have knocked down a motorcycle on which two soldiers were riding, killing one as a result. It was gathered from residents of Palm Grove, Onipanu, and Obanikoro (all settlements along the popular Ikorudu Road) that the chaos was stoked by the death of the unidentified soldier. Irked by the death of his colleague, the second

} PPPRA denies 13 oil import licences P.2

soldier was said to have gone to the nearby Abalti Barracks to mobilise other soldiers to the scene and they immediately swung into action, taking laws into their hands by vandalising BRT buses. A source in the area alleged that the soldiers came fully armed after the mobilisation. On arrival, the soldiers swooped on passers-by and residents, unleashing

mayhem in the area. The soldiers swooped on BRT buses, vandalised them and set them ablaze. The soldiers, who stormed the area in their large numbers began to torch and vandalise BRT buses in quick succession, with the buses’ crew and passengers fleeing the scene to avoid being harassed by the angry soldiers. For many hours, the soldiers blocked the ex-

pressway on both sides of the busy road, causing heavy traffic gridlock. Many motorists and commuters were confused, leaving their cars and taking to their heels. Even, soldiers from OP Mensa took over control of traffic on Ikorodu road, even as police patrol team from Pedro and Alade police divisions were seen at the background. Policemen and officials of the Lagos State Traffic CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

} CENSors BOARD FINALLY APPROVES HALF OF A YELLOW SUN FOR RELEASE p.5

reprieve More support is still being galvanised for the abducted schoolgirls in Borno State Ndubuisi Ugah and Emmanuel Onani

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Pakistani activist, Yousafzai, raises $102,500 for Chibok girls

with agency reports

l Military arrests three female Boko Haram members

lmost three months since more than 200 school girls were abducted by the Boko Haram sect at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, a Pakistani human rights activist, Miss. Malala Yousafzai, has raised about $102,500 for the school girls. She said the proceeds from the sale, which would go to the Malala Fund charity, would in turn be given to Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) that focus on education for women and girls in the country. Yousafzai, whose portrait by a British artist sold for more than $100,000 at the auction, was painted by a leading British portraitist, Jonathan Yeo, which was estimated to bring about $60,000. In 2012, Yousafzai, who was 15 was shot and nearly killed by the Pakistani Taliban because of her efforts to promote education for women and girls.

The attack, which forced her to relocate to Britain to recover, only amplified her voice, even when United States President Barack Obama called her the “bravest girl in the world.” In the same vein, Yousafzai in an exclusive interview with the Voice of America’s (VOA’s) Deewa service, said when girls are targeted by terrorists, no matter where they are in the world, it affects her. The activist, who said she considers it her “duty” to speak up for the girls in order for the schoolgirls to be released, said: “I stand up with those girls for their rights ... and I request the whole world that they should also raise their voices for those girls.” Speaking further, she said: “I believe that every girl has the right to go to school.” Yousafzai, who would turn 17 on July 12, added that: “Girls in Nigeria also have the right to go to school. It’s their right to go to school to get education, as it is the right of girls in

the developed countries.” The activist, who is worried about the girls safety, said: “We don’t know in what conditions those girls are. They are all alone, they are without their families, and no one knows what feelings they would have at this time.” In another development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday announced that troops prosecuting the counterinsurgency war in Borno State have arrested three suspected female terrorists, who have been carrying out secret recruitment of women into the female wing of the Boko Haram sect. The disclosure which was contained in a statement signed by one Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the female suspects -Hafsat Usman Bako, Zainab Idris and Aisha Abubakar - were intercepted “while travelling to Madagali from where they were to transit to the forest to reunite with their cohorts.”

The Mega City ...for the love of Lagos

Super-luxury apartment towers rise on Eko Atlantic City }NEWS }YOUTH CULTURE }FLASHBACK }MY CITY, MY WORLD }LAND TUSSLES Special New Telegraph publication out every Monday

}INTERVIEW }UPCOMING EVENTS

“In the aftermath of the failed suicide bombing attempt on a military facility by a female terrorist who blew herself up in Gombe recently, troops have arrested three suspected female terrorists who have been secretly recruiting ladies into the female wing of the terrorists group. “Investigations revealed that the suspects, led by Hafsat Bako, have the mission to recruit members into the female wing as well as conduct espionage for the group. Hafsat’s link with the terrorists group had earlier been a subject of investigation in 2012, when security agents on a man-hunt for one Usman Bako, her husband who was identified as a terrorist, stormed their residence in Jimeta. “This resulted in the discovery of an AK 47 rifle and two loaded magazines. Though Usman Bako later died in an encounter with troops in Sokoto State, where he had relocated to continue his terrorist activities, Hafsat

continued with the terror group specialising in surreptitious recruitment of members into their fold. “The arrested trio suspects were luring ladies especially widows and young girls by enticing them with male suitors who are mainly members of their terror group for marriage.” Before their arrest, they were on a mission to take additional briefing from the leadership of the terror group. “The trio have been operating together as members of the intelligence team of the group. Their arrest has yielded information still being verified by security agencies.” Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that advocates for the return of the schoolgirls are growing frustrated, despite promises to help reunite them with their families. But nearly 90 days after the abduction, there are those who feel the drive and the passion to find the girls seems to have diminished.

A lead organiser of a rally in front of the Nigerian embassy in Washington, Omolola Adele-Oso, spoke to VOA via Skype, where she said: “I think the unfortunate part is we are in a world of life-cycle news where everything is two days and it's out of everybody's memory.” “Right after the rally, the issues of Iraq and the rescued soldier from Afghanistan, all these things have been happening, especially in American news,” he said. However, Pentagon’s Spokesman, Rear Admiral John Kirby, refuted the presumption, stressing that since the original surge of efforts, the U.S. had been joined by more coalition partners. “Are we flying exactly as many flights as we were at the outset? No. But the same level of effort is being sustained now internationally by everybody,” Kirby said. State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, said the U.S. still maintains a significant level of cooperation. “Obviously, the kidnapping, other attacks that have happened since then have prompted us to increase our assistance, to do more training, to do more to boost the capacity of the Nigerian military and of the Nigerian Government,” she said.

The Week Ahead World Pension Summit holds July 7 Nigeria will host the World Pension Summit (WPS) between July 7 and 8 in Abuja. The acting Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said the WPS ‘Africa Special’ will bring together leading players from Africa’s pension industries, as well as key figures from across politics, business and finance to exchange expertise and increase international cooperation on the continent. The summit will present new frontiers for collaboration with Pension Funds.

Suit against Alison-Madueke for July 9 A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed July 9 to hear argument on the motion on notice for the interlocutory injunction in a case involving the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, from being arrested by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar. The argument on the motion of notice is the fallout of the probe of the minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by the House of Representatives.

Court hears Cecilia Ibru’s suit July 10 A Federal High Court, Abuja Division will on July 10 hear a plea bargain application filled by the former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, which is to compel the Federal Government to implement her plea bargain as specified in the agreement she signed with it.

NECO entrance exams holds July 12 The National Examination Council’s (NECO) second test for candidates into unity school has been fixed for July 12. The Officer in Charge of NECO, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Mustapha Abdul, who said the exams, which was initially slated for June

28, stated that the postponement was to give candidates, who qualified for the second test more time to register.

Dutse Airport begins flight operations July 14 The Jigawa State Government has said the newly constructed Dutse Airport will commence commercial operations on July 14. Governor Sule Lamido said this when he received the Managing Director of Overland Airline, Captain Edward Boyo, in Dutse. He said: “I am happy that we are able to build an airport that got commendation of an air transport expertise.”

Bureaux De Change operators get July 15 deadline The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given all existing Bureaux De Changes (BDCs) and those operating with a Final Approval Letter (FAL) to comply with the requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit by July 15, while all current applications are expected to comply with these new requirements. A statement by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department of the CBN, Mr. Kevin Amugo, said the new minimum capital requirement for the operation of BDCs in Nigeria has been reviewed to N35million.

Bayelsa holds investment forum July 16 The Bayelsa State Government will from July 16 to 18 host global business leaders for its maiden investment and economic forum with the theme ‘Unlocking Bayelsa State’s Economic Potentials’.

NEWS

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LAFIA Police probe alleged plot to abduct students

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Nasarawa State Police Command has said it has commenced high level investigation into the alleged threat by Boko Haram to abduct students of Government Science School in Lafia. A letter allegedly written by Boko Haram threatening to abduct students of the school Lafia, was found on the school principal's table on Tuesday amidst panic amongst teachers and students. The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ismaila Umar Numan, told New Telegraph in a telephone conversation that the police have commenced investigation to ascertain the authenticity of the threat letter allegedly written by Boko Haram.

768m

The number of active mobilebroadband subscriptions in developing countries in 2012 Source: Itu.int

AWKA

FCT INEC reschedules PVC, CVR exercises

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the second phase of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises in 12 states. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said the distribution of PVCs would hold from August 15 to 17 at the polling unit level in the affected states instead of earlier date of July 18 to 20. Also, CVR will hold in the affected states from August 20 to 25 as against July 23 to 25 as earlier scheduled.

Obiano restates commitment to eradication of malaria

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the health conditions of Anambrarians through the rehabilitation of over 35 general hospitals and construction of maternal and child care specialist hospitals in each of the three senatorial zones in the state. The governor who revealed this yesterday at Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Headquarters in an event to end the 2014 World Malaria Day, also promised to make all the primary health care centres in the state functional.

76,000

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Peru in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

The number of profitable teams in the English Premier League in 2011-12 season. Source: Goal.com

Okorocha denies reported registration of northerners in Imo Steve Uzoechi

G Owerri

overnor Rochas Okorocha has demanded an apology from the Senate for allegedly maligning him and the government of Imo State, over reports that his administration was carrying out a registration of northerners in the state. The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his senior special assistant on media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo. “The Imo state government takes exception to what transpired on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, July 3, 2014 during which the distinguished senators engaged in a wild goose chase by allowing themselves to be deceived into deliberating and having resolutions on the so called registration of northerners in Imo State with a view of issuing them identification cards; a matter that does not exist in Imo State,” the statement read. According to Onwuemeodo, the Imo State government regrets that in spite of the rebuttal of the earlier allegations raised by Alhaji Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the minority leader in the House of Representatives, the "distinguished senators of the Federal Republic of

l Demands apology from Senate

Nigeria still went ahead to discuss the matter and take decisions on it". The statement noted that if the senate didn’t want to send a fact-finding team to Imo state on the issue, they should have "at least" contacted the heads of security outfits in the state like the SSS and the police to get the true position of things. “We challenge the Senate

to prove the allegation to Nigerians because the onus or burden of proof is always on the accuser. Where the senators cannot prove the allegation, they should be distinguished enough to apologise to the governor, government and people of Imo State.” Continuing, the statement read: “And for Senator Chris Anyanwu, she has no right to speak on the floor of

the Senate on behalf of Imo people like she claimed, because she represents only one zone in the Senate and not the whole state. Her claim of speaking on behalf of Imo people was an outrageous claim." Onwuemeodo maintained that the Imo State government has no plan of registering northerners in the state with the aim of issuing them identification cards.

Court strikes out Sanusi’s suit Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja division yesterday struck out the suit filed by the suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and the present Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, wherein he is challenging his suspension as the governor of the bank. The court had at the last adjourned date fixed today to enable Sanusi's counsel, consult him (Sanusi) as to whether the suit will be terminated or not in view of his recent appointment as the Emir of Kano. At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to Sanusi, Kola Awodein SAN told the court that they have filed a notice of dis continuance pursuant to Rule 19 of the court rules. Counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN did not oppose the dis continuance but noted that he is having a pending

Dickson charges parents to preserve culture, tradition CALL The people of Bayelsa have been urged to pay attention to culture

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has urged Bayelsans, especially parents to see the preser-

President Goodluck Jonathan (third from left), speaking during the breaking of Ramadan fast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Niger okays new salary structure for poly, colleges of education Dan Atori Minna

iger State Government yesterday approved the introduction of new salary scale for workers in college of education and polytechnic in the state,

increasing the take home pay for each of the worker by 15 per cent in addition to 5 per cent earned allowance. Briefing the journalists, after the state executive council meeting in Minna, the Commissioner for

Tertiary Education, Alhaji Bashir Nuhu, stated this at its meeting recently. Nuhu said since the new policy was not included in the 2014 budget the effective date for its implementation will be January 1, 2015.

The Commissioner explained that officials of the various unions in the state College of Education and the Niger state Polytechnic Zungeru were carried along before the final decision on the issue was taken by the government.

motion seeking for the stay of execution of the judgement of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court sitting Abuja which transfered the case to the industrial court. He however informed the court that he would need to consult his client whether the motion should be terminated or not. He further prayed the court for adjournment in order to know the next line of action his client would want to take. He also noted that the plaintiff had only discontinued the suit at the industrial court adding that two suits are still pending at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. He further stated that it would be advisable for the plaintiffs to withdraw all the pending suits in other courts. Counsel to Sanusi, however did not oppose to the adjournment sought Ozekhome. He however added that they will take all necessary steps in withdrawing any other pending suit.

According to him, the new policy will cost the government additional N468m annually. “We discussed the matter exhaustively with all the unions they are aware of the budgetary challenges, it was not arbitrarily done”.

vation and protection of the culture and tradition of the state, as a collective responsibility of all, noting that failure to do so will be seen as a great disservice to the society. Dickson, who gave the charge in his remarks at a ceremony marking the 2014 International Museum Day at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, said as a people, rich in history, every Bayelsan had a duty to preserve and protect the culture of the state with a view to handing it over to the next generation. “All of us have a duty to preserve and protect our culture so that you can hand it over to the next generation as our fathers handed over to us, otherwise we will be failing in our duty and depriving the coming generation of their completeness if you do not do so. “You are better when you have full knowledge of your culture and language; that way you will be a more complete human being; ready and able to take on the world," he said. According to him, the government has undertaken the massive construction of its cultural infrastructure to underline the importance it attaches to the promotion and propagation of the language and culture of the state.

CHANGE OF NAME RANSOME-KING: Former OLOWU SEYI AKINWUMI now OLOWU SEYI RANSOME-KING AKINWUMI Former documents remain valid. Concern authority and general public note.

Half of a Yellow Sun finally approved for release Sony Neme

fter a prolonged debate on the suitability or otherwise, the much talked about Half of a Yellow Sun has been released by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). It was among 77 movies approved by the board in June. According to a statement obtained by New Telegraph, "15 of the movies okayed are in the theatre exhibition category, which is where Half of a Yellow Sun is rated '18'. All approved movies fulfilled the regulatory conditions stipulated by the NFVCB." It further stated that, "Other exhibition movies approved along with their classification are: Edge of Tomorrow (18), Tokarev(18), Maleficent(15), Vampire

NEWS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Academy (18), Blended(15), Dead Drop(18), 22 Jump Street (18), Holiday A Soldier is never off Duty (18), Finding Fela (18), How to Train your Dragon (18), Under the Skin (18), The Fault in our Stars (18), Million Dollar Arm (12) and Transformers: Age of Extinction (18).” New Telegraph also gathered that in the non-exhibition category meant for home audience 62 movies were approved of which 16 were in English, 25 Yoruba, 19 Hausa and two Ibibio languages respectively. “Only one of the 62 approved for home release, Bakan Dabo, a Hausa language movie, is rated “G” for General Viewing. An Ibibio language movie, Minika is the only production rated “12” in June 2014 NFVCB approvals,” the statement added.

IKEJA Ajudua stalls arraignment over alleged $8.3m fraud

NEWS IN BRIE F

A Lagos-based businessman, Fred Ajudua, yesterday stalled his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja. He stalled the proposed fresh arraignment by way of a preliminary objection raised by his lead defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo. Ajudua is facing a fresh 32-count amendment charge before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court, bordering on allegation of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences, together with Rosulu Idowu Oluronke, a Registrar in the Lagos State Judiciary. In the amended information filed by the anti-graft agency, Rosulu allegedly conspired with Ajudua along with others still at large and committed the crime between November 2004 and June 2005.

70%

The percentage of agricultural use of water worldwide. Source: Unesco.org

FCT Turaki urges collaboration to tackle insurgency

The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, yesterday called for the collaboration of all Nigerians to complement government’s efforts in tacking insurgency. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, Assistant Director and Head of Press and Public Relations to the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. The statement stated that Turaki made the call when he received a group of Youth Peace Ambassadors for the African First Ladies Peace Mission. “Peace is inevitable in every sphere of the Nigerian society; peace is very important because without peace there can never be any development in any society,” he said.

90%

AGO PALACE UPN begins membership registration July 15

The newly-registered Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has said it will start a nationwide registration of members on July 15, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The National Chairman of the UPN, Dr. Frederick Faseun, who told NAN in an interview in Lagos, said the party was registered by INEC in April. “We have been doing official but low registration of foundation members of the new UPN,” Faseun said.

The percentage of individuals using The number of Uruguay players at Brazil 2014 to have the internet in Denmark in 2011. been called up to at least one previous FIFA World Cup. Source: Itu.int Source: Goal.com

50,000 persons displaced by crises in Taraba – NEMA

L-R: Financial Secretary, Onitsha Proprietors and Patent Medicine Dealers Union (OPPMDU), Chika Udemadu; Deputy Chairman, Ucheagwu Paulinus; Deputy Managing Director, New Telegraph, Felix Abugu; member, OPPMDU's Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Osy Unachukwu and Editor, New Telegraph on Saturday, Laurence Ani, during a courtesy visit to the association's office in Onitsha, Anambra State...recently

Doctors’ strike paralyses hospitals in Delta, FCT HOSPITALS DESERTED Even patients in coma have been thrown out of their wards Joe Obende

T Warri

he ongoing nationwide strike by doctors is becoming worrisome in Delta State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as no form of medical services are being offered in all government hospitals and medical centres compared to some states where there are skeletal services. While Warri yesterday looked like a ghost centre as all sections were deserted except for a few hands when New Telegraph visited, hospitals in the FCT were virtually deserted when

the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), visited the National Hospital, Abuja as only few patients were seen on admission in the male surgical ward. At the two laboratories, the few workers there were idle with no patients bringing in specimens for analysis. The Accident and Emergency Department was empty except for two student nurses and an auxiliary nurse with no doctors or patients. All the wards, including male and female surgical, chest, psychiatric, ante-natal, paediatric and intensive care unit, were empty. New Telegraph gathered that all the patients, including those in coma and other critical conditions were thrown out on the orders of the Acting Medical Director, Dr. Ralph Onyemeikhia, when the strike commenced on Monday. The few medical staff

who accepted to speak with New Telegraph all insisted on anonymity. A lab scientist and a pharmacist who spoke jointly think the strike being embarked upon by doctors “is self-centred and has a touch of some personal interests”. The doctors, they said, want to lord it over all the other medical professionals “and they are not special human beings. They went to the same universities we went to. They cannot treat patients in isolation without us, without nurses, without pharmacists, it has always been a team work. “It is a medical doctor who must head the hospital as medical director in Nigeria; it is never a pharmacist or a lab scientist. Only doctors can be consultants, you do not find consultant pharmacists or lab scientists in Nigeria, no never! “This strike is not really

mainly informed by what government has not done for them but why government should extend same to other medical professionals. They earn more than other professionals with equivalent qualifications in the medical field. This is annoying. “There is awareness now and I think they are fighting a lost battle”. A matron in one of the wards, said the doctors really wanted to cripple the hospitals because they “wanted to carry us along but we said no. They chased out all our patients to their private hospitals. They are splitting the medical profession." Meanwhile, The spokesperson of the hospital, Dr Tayo Haastrup, told NAN that the hospital had discharged many patients since the strike started, except for a few of them who were critically ill and could not be discharged.

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Friday that no fewer than 50,000 persons have so far been internally displaced in Taraba State due to both artificial and natural disasters. The Operations Officer of the Gombe Operations Office of NEMA, Hajiya Zainab Umar, who made this known to journalists in Bali, said the victims were mainly women, children and the aged. She said NEMA had conveyed about 20 trucks of assorted relief items comprising food, non-food and medical supplies to provide some form of assistance to the displaced persons. According to her, about 9,000 displaced persons are taking refuge in some places of worship and private residences in Bali.

She further said another 16, 000 persons displaced by religious violence in Wukari and Ibi were taking refuge in Mutum-Biyu, in Gassol Local Government Area of the state, while another 10,000 displaced persons mainly from Wukari, were being accommodated in Jalingo, the state capital. The officer said another 20,000 displaced persons were stationed at Wukari and Ibi towns, adding that the victims were in dire need of assistance. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had dispatched several relief items through NEMA to the troubled communities. NAN further reports that Wukari has witnessed four sectarian crises since the beginning of the year.

Igboezue tackles Soyinka on Boko Haram, civil war comparison Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he socio-political association of Igbo people worldwide, Igboezue has reacted to the comparison between the deadly Boko Haram group and the biafra civil war made by Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, in an interview with Reuters, describing it as a denigration and attack on the Ndigbo. The association in a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday by its National Leader, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said Soyinka should tender an unreserved apology to Ndigbo, in particular and Biafran people in general for his denigration of the people. The group threatened that it would urge the entire Igbo people to discontinue associating with Soyinka in

any form or manner and to withdraw any respect the people have for him. In the statement which was titled: ‘Prof. Wole Soyinka Goofed on Boko Haram And Biafra/Nigeria War Comparison’, Igboezue said Ndigbo woke up in the morning of Thursday 3rd July, 2014 to be assaulted by the rude shock of Soyinka’s unguarded statement that the Boko Haram insurgency is worse than Biafra/Nigeria war which lasted for 30 months. It lamented that Soyinka’s statement was to the effect that “the bloodshed is now worse than during the 19671970 Biafra war when a secessionist attempt by the Eastern Igbo people nearly tore Nigeria up into ethnic regions. We have never been confronted with butchery on this scale, even during the civil war.

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BAUCHI Yuguda tasks FG on prison facilities N EWS I N BRIEF

The Federal Government has been urged to provide more adequate infrastructure and facilities in various federal prisons across the country with a view to decongesting and ensuring skills training for self reliant by the prison inmates. The Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, stated this while receiving the newly appointed Controller General of Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) for the state, Alhaji Sidi Muhammad, at Government House, Bauchi. The governor said criminals should not be kept alone without adequate facilities for training with a view to making them skills and self employed after their terminal years in various prisons.

29.5m

The total population of Peru (representing 0.43% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

JOS

JALINGO APC moves to take over Taraba in 2015

The Chairman of Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, has called on the party supporters in the state to detest from any form of violence and be promoters of peace where ever they found their selves. The chairman made the call at the first stakeholders meeting of the party held in Jalingo. Ardo Said politics is not a do-or-die affair, urging the APC supporters in the state to be law abinding citizens and maintain law and order especially during the election periods.

NGO urges peace in Plateau

In an effort to consolidate on the ongoing peace process in Plateau State, teachers and students from 190 government and private schools in five local government areas of Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mikang have undergone training in peaceful co-existence. The two-day training funded by the European Union and implemented by an Italian-based non-governmental organisation, Apurimac Onlus in partnership with Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN) and Centre for Peace Initiative and Development (CEPID) took place in Jos. Speaking with New Telegraph in Jos, the Country Representative of Apurimac Onlus, Mr. Godwin Okoko, said the training was to inculcate the culture of peace and tolerance into the students.

80%

The percentage of cholera cases that can be treated using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). Source: Who.int

11.9m

The number of people with diabetes (20-79 years) in Brazil in 2013. Source: Idp.com

PDP lawmaker signed impeachment letter, Edo Speaker insists Cajetan Mmuta Benin

peaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Uyi Igbe, yesterday picked holes in the denial by the member representing Etsako West 1, Mr. Abdu-Razaq Momoh, that he did not sign the letter on the impeachment of the suspended Deputy Speaker. The Deputy Speaker, Mr. Festus Ebea, was impeached during a plenary held by the APC legislators in the old executive chambers at Government House, Benin City on Wednesday. The 16 members of the APC, including Momoh who recently dumped the ruling party for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had signed the impeachment letter. Speaking at a press con-

ference organised by the state chapter of the PDP on Thursday, Momoh denied appending his signature on the impeachment letter. He also threatened to petition the Inspector General of Police (IG) on the matter to enable the force unravel those behind the forgery saga. But Uyi Igbe in an interview with journalists insisted that Momoh signed the letter and asked the opposition or person who may want to cast doubt on the action of the lawmakers concerning the impeachment and the letter to take it to the forensic laboratory for thorough examination. Igbe said: “He (Momoh) signed; he signed the thing (letter), he is denying it now because he has no option but to deny. I think they have what they call forensic experts on signatures and all that; let them verify it. He did.

Anambra seals up nine buildings over property rate Uwakwe Abugu Awka

L-R: Former Chairman, Nigerian Institute Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Overall Photojournalist of the year, Mr. Suleiman Husaini and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, during the NB Golden Pen Ward in Lagos...Thursday

Igbo leaders seek return to true federalism UNITED Leaders from the SouthEast have restated its desire for Nigeria to practise true federalism

Leo Sobechi he Ndigbo Consultative Assembly, a summit of Igbo leaders under the auspices of Igbo non-governmental organisation including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo Delegates Assembly, Igbo Leaders of Thought, South East Development Association, South-East Christian Association of Nigeria, Aka Ikenga and others; has condemned the decay of true federalism in Nigeria. In a 10-point communique issued after its meeting in Enugu, the consultative assembly noted that “the decay of true federalism was the immediate cause of anger, disaffection and upsurge of insurrections in every zone of the Federal

Republic." The communique was signed by Gary Enwo-Igariwey, President-General of Ohanaeze; His Grace, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, representing South-East CAN; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, (Abia State); Professor Ben Obumselu, (South East Elders Council); Ambassador Uma Aja Nwachukwu, (Ebonyi State); Prof. Barth Nnaji, (Enugu State); Elder Uma Eleazu, (Professional Associations); Chief I. D. Nwoga, (Imo State) and Dr. Chris Aniedobe, (Igbo in Diaspora). The meeting suggested that a veritable way to root out terror campaigns and insecurity created by MOSSOP, the Odu’a Peoples Republic, MEND and Boko Haram is to “give back to every zone the power and authority to exercise political, fiscal and economic autonomy within their own domain”. While noting that the national conference has degenerated into a showdown between federalists and

those who profited from the banal distortions of the federal system, the meeting declared: “The campaign to give back political and fiscal autonomy to the federating units was not a conspiracy to punish the North and deprive that region of the benefits of Nigerian oil and gas revenue." It noted that many southern states have no oil and gas stressing that “true federalism should not impoverish any state or zone nor render any zone too poor to discharge its statutory obligations; to correct this misunderstanding, Igbo leaders called for the setting up of an expert revenue and allocations review commission to map out acceptable guidelines”. Part of the communique read: “The leaders received a position paper on behalf of the conveners of the summit. They noted that the conveners had shown that the principles of true federalism had been laid by the founding fathers of the federal republic,

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the landmark London conference of May 10 -19, 1960. “Those principles negotiated and adopted unanimously by all delegates who represented all Nigerian political parties and the ethnic nationalities, recognised the political and cultural pluralism of the nation and agreed that unfettered powers and authority should be given in matters of administration, finance, economic development and cultural life to the three federating regions. “The meeting resolved to reaffirm the principles of the founding fathers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and undertook to stay the course until a constitution similar in character to the constitutions of India and Germany and the United States of America; a constitution which gives its component states structural power to contribute to a great tidal wave of national activity, is restored in the nation."

or the failure of their owners to pay property rates amounting to over N1million, the Anambra Government yesterday sealed-up nine buildings in Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state. The houses included eight residential buildings and one school building all in Omagba phase II area of Onitsha and the closure was effected yesterday by Anambra Property and Land Use Charge (APLUC) which acted on the orders of an Onitsha Magistrate Court. Addressing newsmen shortly after the closure, APLUC Head of Human Resources and Administration/ Media, Mrs Chinenye Okafor, said the building owners deliberately ignored the court

summons sent to them. She stated that they also ignored hearing notices, saying that no representative was sent by the landlords during the court trial. The official claimed that the residential buildings owed a total of N916, 831 while the school, God’s Own International School, owed a total of N179, 846 between 2011 and 2013. “In this instance, they were served with court summons and hearing notices, yet they did not appear in court, but we were able to get judgments against them,” Okafor said. She said APLUC had so far secured 25 judgments in Awka and Onitsha magistrate courts while 496 cases were pending in Awka, Onitsha, Idemili North and Nnewi North magisterial courts on the same issue of non-payment of property rates.

‘GEJites not campaigning for Jonathan’s re-election in 2015’ Wale Elegbede

upporters of President Goodluck Jonathan under the aegis of GEJites Volunteers have condemned a statement credited to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Jonathan is “callous” and “insensitive” to security situation in the country. The APC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed had described as utterly callous and insensitive, the ongoing campaign by GEJites for the President's re-election right at the same spot where the 'bring back our girls' campaigners have

been staging daily protests demanding the safe return of the over 200 Chibok girls. The group said it was not campaigning for any reelection yet as the law insists that campaigns cannot commence until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says so. Reacting in a statement issued by its Chairman and National Coordinator, Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, the group said it strongly believes that Jonathan has been the hardest working president ever produced by the country and will be the best loved president of Nigereria ever, hence; the reason for the support.

Lagos ranks Africa’s largest market for illegal Ivory

Segun Edwards igeria’s commercial hub, Lagos has been adjudged as having the largest numbers of ivory trinkets on open sale in Africa, a Kenyan-based campaign group on ‘Save the Elephants initiative’ has said in a report. “The surge in the price of ivory is driving a wave of killing of elephants across Africa that shows little sign of abating,” the group noted. The group rated Angola’s capital city, Luanda as the second African city with the largest ivory sales. Although dealers in illegal ivory in Lagos trade in secret, curbed by regulations, Luanda traders appeared unperturbed by possibility of getting caught, the report said. Illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime is estimated by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to be worth $70 – $213 billion annually, which is comparable to a global

official development assistance envelope of about $135 billion per annum. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants) suggests that 15,000 elephants were killed illegally at the 42 sites monitored by MIKE in 2012. The forest elephant population size has therefore been estimated to decline by 62 percent between 2002 and 2011, with number of elephants killed in Africa estimated to be between 22 to 25,000 per year. According to UNEP’s environmental crime report, if it is assumed that 22–25,000 elephants are killed every year, with 1.8 tusks per elephant and 5.5 kg per tusk, priced at $750 per kg of raw ivory in Asia (which has reportedly increased to $2,100 in 2014). This means the African ivory gathered through poaching may fetch an end-user street value of $165–$188 million in Asia."

Compact Communication condoles with Bisalla’s family M

anaging Director of Compact Communication Limited, Mr. Chuddy Oduenyi, has commiserated with the family of the late Managing Editor of New Telegraph newspaper, Mr. Suleiman Bisalla, who died in the June 25 bomb blast at Emab Plaza, Abuja. In a statement issued yesterday, the company said it received the news of the death of Bisalla and 20 others, who died in the blast with shock and disbelief. “We wish to commiserate with you on the tragic death of your Managing Editor (North), Mallam Suleiman Bisalla. Indeed, words cannot fully express how sorry we are to hear about his untimely death. This is more so given the unfortunate circumstance of his demise. “The late Mallam Sulei-

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man Bisalla, no doubt, epitomised the new genre of elevated journalism of which the New Telegraph is justly famous. He was a committed journalist and redoubtable information manager who plied his trade with uncommon competence and high sense of professionalism. “Please convey the deepest condolences of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Compact Communications Limited to the Bisalla family especially the wife and children of the deceased. We also share with the New Telegraph family the painful loss of this patriot who was a victim of the mayhem perpetrated by a misguided bunch of terrorists and zealots. Be rest assured that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time."

AWKA Jonathan re-appoints Tahir UMTH CMD

NEWS IN BRIE F

President Goodluck Jonathan has reappointed, Professor Abdurahamman Tahir as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) from September 2014 when his first term will expire. The UMTH in a statement from the hospital and signed by the Director of Administration, Baba Gana Mohammed, said the re-appointment was as a result of his sterling contributions to the development of the hospital and the provision of high quality healthcare services to the people. Tahir, who hails from Yola in Adamawa state had his secondary education in Michika, Adamawa state from 1975 to 1980. He proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he bagged his MBBS in 1987 with Distinction in Applied Pharmacology.

33.2m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of United Kingdom in 2012. Source: Blatantworld.com

BAUCHI Emirs of Gombe, Bauchi pledge unity

The Emir of Gombe State, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, yesterday paid a one-day visit traditional homage to the Bauchi State Emirate Council as part of moves aimed at cementing the cordial relationship between the two emirates. During his visit, Shehu said the traditional homage was the first of its kind since the coronation of the two present emirs of Bauchi and Gombe states. He said the two councils have been in existence, stating that the relationship would remain cordial.

CALABAR COE Akamkpa to commence degree programme The College of Education, Akamkpa, Cross River State, has concluded plans to commence degree programmes in some courses from next year. The Provost of the college, Dr. James Bassey Ejue, while fielding questions from journalists in Calabar, said since the school began academic programmes in 2009, it had produced graduates, whose field of training is not being undertaken in many universities in the country. “For instance, very few universities run programmes on early child education. This means that our products at the level of National Certificate of Education (NCE) have a terminal point," he said.

28.8%

The percentage prevalence of diabetes (20-79 years) in Kiribati in 2013. Source: Idp.com

4.07m

The total population of Hyderabad, India in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

UNICEF spent over N300m in Bauchi, says Yuguda MALNUTRITION

UNICEF assists Bauchi State government in improving the lives of children and women Yuzarsif Alhassan

T Bauchi

he Bauchi State Government yesterday said over N300 million has been spent by UNICEF towards promoting and developing the lives of women and children in the state. It also said about two million children were immunised last year with a view to eradicating polio virus. The state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, who stated this when he received the UNICEF’s D-Field office representative, Dr. Abdulai Kaikai, at the Government

House, Bauchi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards the improvement of the lives of women and children in the state. According to him, the present administration has witnessed expenses on some projects made by UNICEF on community development, which he said comprised health, education, girl-child education, water, sanitation, among others. Yuguda also commended the effort of UNICEF by making the state free from malnutrition, adding that such has reduced infant and child mortality rates. The governor expressed appreciation over the support and co-operation by the Dangote group, Bill Gates Foundation as well as UNICEF D-field towards humanitarian interventions on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in the state. Speaking earlier, the

UNICEF D-Field representative, Dr. Abdulai Kaikai, said UNICEF was fulfilling the demand to ensure child survival, development and protection of the rights of children and thereby intensifies partnership efforts to improve the lives of children and women. Abdulai added that UNICEF had played a major role which had been significantly seen in many key sectors of health and nutrition, basic education, water, sanitation and hygiene. He stated that in 2013 and 2014, the UNICEF, under the CMAM had about 708,000 children with severe acute malnutrition, who were treated at 15 Out of Patient Therapeutic (OTP) feeding programme sites established in Kirfi, Dambam and Katagum local government areas. He said UNICEF had supplied about 13,425 car-

tons of Ready Out To Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) worth about N135 million, which he said was supplied to the state government between 2013 and 2014 with a view to making the mission accomplished. On the part of girls’ child education project 3, Kaikai said the state government demonstrated commitment by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DFID AND UNICEF worth N2 billion from 2012 to support the project for eight years. He also said the amount released had been very minimal, saying under the cost-sharing formula of 70 per cent (government) and 30 per cent (project), the state governments’ financial contribution to the girls’ education project phase three year, two stood at 58 of original cost sharing commitment.

Langtang indigenes seek end to Plateau crisis Buhari Bello Jos

ome indigenes of Langtang North and South local government areas of Plateau State have appealed to the state government to take urgent steps against widespread communal clashes in the southern zone, which currently constitutes a threat to life and property in the communities. Two of the indigenes, Mr. Nanven Johnson and Nanfa A. Nbin, who spoke

with New Telegraph, attributed the major causes of conflict in the zone to poverty, unemployment, religion and ethnic differences amongst the people, who were living together for years. Johnson expressed concern that since the zone was an agricultural environment with sufficient farmland, the situation had caused serious threat to lives and economic activities within Wase and Langtang North and South local government areas.

L-R: Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Titus Alams; his deputy, Mrs. Joyce Ramnap; Governor Jonah Jang and the Majority Leader, Mr. Dem Daniel, during the governor’s inspection of ongoing renovation of state House of Assembly complex in Jos...yersterday

PHOTO:NAN

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BAUCHI ATBU appoints new DVCs

N EWS I N BRIEF

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi has appointed Prof. Abdullahi Umar and Prof. Isiaka Ibrahim as Deputy Vice-Chancellors in charge of Academic and Administration respectively. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Mr. Zailani Bappa, in a statement issued yesterday in Bauchi, said the appointment letters were signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Saminu Abdurrahman Ibrahim. He said Umar’s appointment was for the period of two years in the first instance, while that of Isiaka was for his final term of two years. Umar had worked with the university for the past 22 years where he served as Head of Department (HOD) in Industrial Design and Estate Management of the university.

44.72kph

The speed that Usain Bolt of Jamaica (world’s fastest man) ran in Berlin in 2009. Source: Goal.com

BENIN CITY Court dismisses Standard Chartered Bank’s suit

Justice Doris Okuwobi of the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday dismissed the application filed by Standard Chartered Bank seeking to expunge some paragraphs in a N10billion suit against them. The action, which was filed by Dr. Tunji Braithwaite against the bank, was for erecting a high rise structure with a multi-level car park close to his residence in Victoria Island, Lagos. The bank had prayed the court to strike out some paragraphs of the claimant's reply to the bank's amended statement of defence.

FCT CPC to begin nationwide campaign

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has said it will soon commence a nationwide campaign to sensitise consumers on the need to ensure that they checked Products before purchasing them. The Director-General of the council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, made the announcement during the inauguration of the campaign “Check the Best Before (BB)” in Abuja. She the issue of BB dates were crucial owing to the grave risks and economic losses suffered by Nigerian consumers, who purchased products without paying attention to their expiry dates.

43%

The percentage of thermal power sector of total freshwater in Europe in 2011. Source: Unesco.org

124.6

The number of newspaper journalists per 1m inhabitants of Moldova in 2002. Source: Blatantworld.com

Policemen storm Edo Assembly Cajetan Mmuta Benin

ension heightened in Edo State yesterday as the speaker of the state house of assembly, Mr. Uyi Igbe and 14 others of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, escaped being shot dead by strange armed policemen deployed from Abuja. The policemen numbering over 100 had stormed the Chief Anthony Enahoro legislative complex on the Kings Square Ring Road, Benin City in a commando style to stop the ongoing renovation work at the assembly. The riot policemen led by one ASP Florence Joseph, who were confronted by Igbe claimed they were acting on the “orders from above.” On arrival at the assembly complex the officers threatened to shoot anybody who dared challenge them, including journalists, while elders and staff of the complex were beaten after they were asked to lie down and in the process sealed the premises. It took concerted efforts before they could allow the speaker and other APC legislators to enter the premises but all attempt to know their mission fell on deaf ears. Besides, the legislators also yesterday vowed to fight the alleged siege to the state assembly by the Presidency, the PDP national leadership and the Olushola Ricketts

n Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muyideen Bello, has called on Muslim youths to live a life worthy of emulation. Speaking at the Pasuma Fans Club’s annual Ramadah lecture on Thursday, Bello said it was good that the youth were all dressed

...beat staff, artisans

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) with the last drop of their blood to defend themselves and the country’s democracy. This is as the impeached Deputy Speaker of the house, Mr. Festus Ebea, who was flanked by other PDP lawmakers told newsmen that the “roof they are removing was done last year and that the exercise was not provided for in the budget”. Ebea described the work as part of the executive lawlessness, political brigandage and outright stealing, pointing out that all that is being done to prevent the

PDP lawmakers from sitting. He said he is the chairman of house committee on tenders’ board and that nobody contacted him and other members on the said work in the legislative complex. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo when contacted on the matter said he was in a meeting and that he not aware of development. One of the lawmakers, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunmwonde), said they (APC) legislators have contacted AIG Ashiru Agungu and the state commissioner of police but they both denied knowledge of the de-

ployment of any policemen to Edo state and wondered who could have drafted the deviant officers. The APC legislators accused the PDP chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, of allegedly masterminding the plot to destabilise the assembly. They urged Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the chief security officer of the state to take necessary steps to find out where the policemen came from, adding that the unfolding development is an acid test and that the people have been intimidated for so long that they would have no choice than take their destiny in their hands.

L-R: The past President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chief Lugard Aimiuwu; Managing Director/CEO, Infogem Limited, Mr. Ayo Olumoko and Head, Training and Consultancy, Institute of Director (IoD), Mr. Olufemi Mosaku – Johnson, at an event in Lagos...recently

Govt yet to conclude on Anambra drug market Onah O. Onah Onitsha

nambra State Government has said it is yet to conclude on arrangements to conduct an election into the Onitsha Drug Market, which had been bedevilled by leadership since June 2013 when a caretaker committee was appointed by the previous administration. The non-conduct of the election followed the leadership crisis that disrupted business and other activities in the market during the election. The former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, had appointed an 11-member caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the market pending the resolution of the crisis. The state government recently in a letter signed by the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme and addressed to the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the market, Patent Proprietors Dealers Union (OPPMDU), directed the traders to avoid anything that might disrupt the peace in the state, especially in the drug market.

Uzodinma defends closure of Abuja airport Anule Emmanuel

hairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has defended Federal Government's decision to shut down the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja beginning today. The airport is expected to shut this night to enable the repair of some major installations. Speaking with State House Correspondents, after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, he said the closure of airports for maintenance was a normal practice across the globe. He said potholes at the airport are already posing hazard for use at the airport. “This is done for obvious safety reasons. We have some potholes that are already seen as serious hazards. And don't forget that thats Â the only runway that lands our President,

Islamic cleric tasks youths on selfless life to participate in the programme. But, according to him, it will be hard to recognise them after Ramadan. “The younger ones are not reading and this is why they are behaving anyhow. They do not go to Islamic school again. And in the

public schools too they do not project good image,” he pointed out. The Sheikh stressed that there would be inferiority complex if people decided not to read. “If you are among doctors, lawyers etc, you will

be afraid to talk because you are not knowledgeable. The same thing applies to when you do not read your Qur'an. The few people who went to Islamic schools stopped halfway. I used several years to study the Qur'an and all my peers were looking for

But yesterday, a group known as Evangelical Union, which conducts Wednesday prayers in the market alleged that some thugs loyal to the caretaker chairman of the market, Mr. Nwosu Ugochukwu, had attacked its members during a meeting and injured some people. However, in a swift reaction, the caretaker chairman, who briefed journalists on the development, said the allegation was unfounded. According to him, the drug market has over seven thousand traders but not up to three hundred of these group led by one Emmanuel Obianyo a.k.a (small) of Prince Ejike Line and Emmanuel Ozoemena of Udoka line have vowed to oppose government directives, inciting the traders that the state government has no right to conduct the election, but traders. “As I am talking with you now they are protesting at the Onitsha South Local Government Headquarters but you can see, the market is bustling” we are not aware because all those touts doing that do not have shops in the market, we call them “Ndi Oso Ahia.”

money then. But I am seeing the reward now,” he noted. In addition, he said there was need to impact more on the youths, saying: “If you know the amount of old people who are fulfilled you won't bother to pray for them again.”

all the VIPs, all the investors that come into this country. “So, at the last time, there was a technical audit by FAAN in keeping with international regulations and they opened items on the country, component among them was the Abuja runway. "So, we now had series of meetings with the Minister of aviation and the airlines and agreed that from 12p.m. on Saturday midnight to Sunday that Julius Berger will take enough time to repair the runway and commence navigation once again. "So, it is just for pure maintenance programme based on safety reasons and it is welcome by all of us,” he said. Speaking on alternative landing places, he said: “Well all over the world they know that we have one runway in Abuja. The next thing anybody can do is to look for the nearest airport close to Abuja either Kaduna or Minna and then choose whether it will make a better business sense to land there or not to fly at all. “And whatever may be the case between midnight Saturday and Sunday, it's not something anybody can cry about. All over the world, airports and runways are usually closed whenever there are obvious maintenance programmes that bothers on safety," he said.

SEGUN EDWARDS olaedwards@yahoo.com 08111813095

Fidelity launches new solution to protect Verve, MasterCard holders

idelity Bank Plc in its drive towards protecting customers’ interest, has implemented a state of the art security solution which effectively protects the bank’s Verve and Debit MasterCard cardholders in all their online transactions on Nigerian websites. In a statement from the bank that was made available to newsmen, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, said that the solution will help customers accomplish transactions such as; airtime recharge, tickets, and general shopping, adding that customers would be sent a one-timepassword on their registered mobile phones. He explained that the solution will enable customers use the code to complete their transactions even if someone else had seen their card details. According to him; “that person will also need to have their phones to conclude the transactions”. Okonkwo who spoke through the Divisional Head, Electronic Banking, Adedeji Olowe noted that the initiative is in addition to the security system that the bank already has put in place, which constantly scans customers’ transactions for unusual activities. “Also our Visa cards have iPIN which provides additional layer of security when doing internet transactions, “he said. According to Olowe, “Fidelity Bank takes customers’ security banking transactions very serious and we believe you should be cashless with ease while we take care of the small details”.

Companies & Stock 5 JULY 2014

Can AIICO keep profit hopes alive to full year 2014?

IICO Insurance has again raised the hopes of the investing community for a profitable operating year in 2014 with its first quarter report at the end of March. This was the same trend in the corresponding period of last year when it opened the year at a good profit only to but close a loss. Whether this year will be different or whether it will eventually follow the pattern of the preceding year places a big question mark on AIICO Insurance this year. If the company, maintains its first quarter growth rate to full year, that will be a big turnaround year for the company. But a loss of grip again in its profit outlook would see the company’s result go the way of the previous year, which would be another year of a big disappointment to shareholders. Companies with unpredictable profit outlook carry higher investment risk than others, which explains the insurance sector’s continuing lack of attractiveness in the equities market. The company’s bottom line shows a 22.6 per cent improvement from N746 million in the first quarter of last year to N915 million at the end of March. If the company maintains the current growth rate to full year, an after tax profit of N3.7 billion could be posted by AIICO Insurance in 2014. This will mean a big turnaround from the loss figure of N739 million in 2013. AIICO, has experienced a wide fluctuation in profit in recent years. Its loss position last year was a big fall from an after tax profit of N1.32 billion in 2012. The loss happened due to major increases in claims and underwriting expenses, which rose by 60.8 per cent and 33.8 per cent respectively against an improvement of only 13.3 per cent in net premium income in the year. The profit hopes for this year

AIICO MD, Edwin Igbiti

follow outstanding growths in net premium income and investment income plus a considerable drop in net claims expenses on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter. Underwriting expenses however continue to grow ahead of revenue due mainly to a surge in life fund estimate. A new pressure is also coming from management expenses. At the end of the first quarter,

the company generated net premium income of N6.96 billion. This represents a leap of N78.7 per cent over the corresponding first quarter figure last year. Based on the current growth rate, full year net premium income is forecast at N28.9 billion for AIICO Insurance in 2014. This will be an accelerated growth of 58.6 per cent over the N18.23 billion net premium income the company posted in 2013.

‘Oasis Insurance must lift revenue, profit in 2014’

asis Insurance’s first quarter operations seems to rekindle hopes for the much disappointing insurance sector. The company is out of the red at which it closed in 2013 and in place of a drop in revenue last year, an outstanding growth in gross premium income may be expected at the first quarter growth rate. Almost one-half of the company’s gross premium income in all of 2013 operations has been earned in the first quarter and a big return to profit is expected to significantly offset the loss of 2013. At the current growth the company will have better news for shareholders at the end of this year, though dividend prospects remain low. The company closed its first quarter business upbeat, with an increase of 20.3 per cent increase in gross premium income, which amounted to about N609 million. This is already 49 per cent of the full year gross premium income the company generated in 2013. If the current growth rate is sustained to full year, gross premium

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Oasis founder, Samuel Adegbite

income is expected to more than double at N2.57 billion for Oasis Insurance in 2014. This will compensate for a drop of 22.5 per cent in gross premium income to N1.24 billion in 2013. Against the 20.2 per cent increase in gross premium income, after tax profit grew by 163.1 per

cent to N94 million over the corresponding quarter last year. While the company earned N35.7 million net profit in the first quarter of last year, it eventually closed the year at a loss of N71.2 million. If the first quarter growth rate is maintained to full year, net profit is expected to be in the

region of N388 million for Oasis Insurance in 2014. This will be an outstanding rebound from the loss figure in the preceding year and well ahead of the last profit of N240.4 million the company posted in 2012. The much stronger growth in profit than revenue in the first quarter follows major cost savings in two main cost lines of the company. One is net claims incurred, which dropped by 49 per cent to N62 million during the review period. The drop permitted a leap of 80.1 per cent in underwriting profit, which amounted to N190 million. This is reversing the drop of about 29 per cent in underwriting profit at the end of 2013. The other expenditure element that dropped to save revenue is management expenses/ provisions for doubtful accounts, which dropped by 30 per cent to N76 million in the first quarter. Its share of net premium income has fallen from 73 per cent at the end of 2013 to 26.3 per cent in the first quarter.

US puts Nigerian banks under searchlight

nited States (U.S.) Justice Department has said it is putting some Nigerian banks under the searchlight in the wake of growing terrorism in the country. Specifically, the banks are being investigated to establish their links, if any, with funding of the various terror cells across the continent, particularly Boko Haram. The development was sequel to BNP Paribas’ guilty plea and agreement to pay nearly $9 billion for violating U.S. sanctions, which has now triggered fresh enthusiasm on the U.S. Justice Department to also extend its investigations to Africa, especially among big banks on the continent with strong international links. Two other major French banks- Credit Agricole and Societe Generale, Germany’s Deutsche Bank AG, and Citigroup Inc’s Banamex unit in Mexico are among those being investigated for possible money laundering or sanctions violations, according to reliable industry sources. The Justice Department and other U.S. authorities, including the Manhattan District Attorney, are probing Credit Agricole and Societe Generale for potentially violating U.S. economic sanctions imposed against Iran, Cuba and Sudan, one of the sources said. Specifically, in the case of Nigeria, there had been widespread suspicion that a few banks in the country may have compromised in helping to move funds for members of the Boko Haram sect. There were fears recently that Nigeria may be blacklisted by international anti-money laundering watchdogs based in the U.S., over its inability to track the source of funds of the Boko Haram sect and curb terrorism financing in general. Signals from Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard setter for measures to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, indicated that despite the earlier warnings to Nigeria on its non-compliance level, the country is yet to take any concrete step to stem the rising spate of financial crimes including terrorism financing, money laundering and corruption. In its recent report, dated February 11, 2014, the FATF listed Nigeria among the countries that have not made significant progress in addressing the lacunas in their Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) regimes. The agency advised the international financial community on the potential risks in the country. Recent events, especially the activities of Boko Haram and startling revelations from various probes by the National Assembly, are putting Nigeria under global focus and scrutiny.

Should couples sleep in different rooms? p.12

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I was to go to Spain but ended up as a prostitute in Libya –Tina Tina, 28, recalls how her hope of going to Spain was dashed and why young girls should be wary when people promise to get them jobs abroad. CAMILLUS NNAJI writes.

hen a couple promised to take a lady, who wished to be identified simply as Tina, to Spain, she was so elated and thanked her star that her dream was about to be fulfilled. Like most girls of her age who crave to travel abroad, she saw the opportunity as an escape from poverty and impoverishment. Tina was spotted at one of the bus stops along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by our correspondent on Wednesday. She looked dejected and worried. Her hair was unkempt. When she was approached by our correspondent to find out if all was well with her, she only muttered: “No problem.” But when our correspondent pressed further, Tina opened up on how her journey abroad turned awry. She said: “My name is Augustina but I’m simply called Tina. I am 28 years old and hail from Benin in Edo State. My story is too complicated. That was why l initially felt reluctant to tell it. Sometime in the year 2000, a couple from Anambra State promised to take me to Spain. “They assured me that as soon as l get to Spain, l would get a job. I was so happy because I knew that I would be able to meet my obligations towards my parents by sending money to them regularly. I was carried away by their promise and it did not occur to me that I was being fooled.” Tina recalled that she left Nigeria along with some girls she met for the first time the day they travelled. She said: “We travelled by road and we passed through so many African countries before we arrived in Egypt. We were on the road for many days before we got to Egypt. When we got there,

When I could no longer cope, I left Libya with my children and we returned to Nigeria in November 2013

they told us we would take a boat to Italy and from there, we would go to Spain. “I did not know that I had been lured into prostitution. I thought the promise of employment in Spain was real. While embarking on the journey, I did not tell any of my relatives. My plan was to surprise them by giving them a call after I had settled down.” But rather than going to Spain, Tina ended up in Libya. “They took us to Libya, precisely to Tripoli in the same year 2000. When we got there, they collected all our travel documents and passports and took us to a strange building where some people were already waiting. “They told us that the place is called Connection Camp. The couple said we had to refund the money they spent to facilitate our travelling to Libya. I was told that the money they expended on me was $3,000 and was given an ultimatum to pay back within three weeks. That was how I started hustling.” When asked to explain what she meant by “hustling,” Tina said: “Hustling means prostitution.” “At this point, I had no option, because if I had tried to run away, I could have been killed. When I felt I had had enough, I escaped from the camp and started roaming the streets. “After some days on the streets, I ran into the bush. Three Libyans

saw me there and I narrated my ordeal to them but unfortunately for me, they did not understand English. “The Libyans took me to a Nigerien called Ahmed, who understands English. I narrated how I got to Libya to him and he agreed to help me on the condition that I stay with him. I had no option than to accept his offer. “But the problem was that since we were not married according to Islamic law, we could not stay together. I later became pregnant for him and had a baby boy in 2002. I had another baby for him in 2003.” Tina said at a point, she became fed up with the relationship, because Ahmed was no longer fulfilling his obligation as the father of her children. “He refused to give us money for upkeep. He could not feed the family, not because he did not have money but because he was no longer interested in the relationship. He later married another girl from his country. “When I could no longer cope, I left Libya with my children and we returned to Nigeria in November 2013.” The burden of taking care of two children as a single parent has now dawned on Tina. She said: “The burden of taking care of these children has now dawned on me. I have to rent

Tina

a house, feed them, cloth them, send them to school and do some other things expected of me as their mother. “Well, it’s unfortunate, I have to go back to hustle business. I am somewhere around here now doing it. At least I make some money. I can pay my children’s nanny N20, 000 monthly. I pay my house rent

N7, 000 monthly and send another N30, 000 monthly for the children’s upkeep because I have taken them to Benin. “My advice to many young girls out there is that they should beware of people who promise to take them abroad. I have discovered that such promises usually end up in prostitution.”

NUJ seeks assistance for ailing journalist Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, Ekiti State, has called on well-to-do individuals and organisations as well as the Ekiti State Government to come to the aid of Mr. Folounsho Olowoporoku, an Iloro-Ekiti-born photojournalist with the state’s Ministry of Information and Civil Orientation, who is now down with kidney ailment. Olowoporoku was diagnosed of chronic kidney failure recently and has since been on admission at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti. The doctor in-charge, Dada Ayokunle, a consultant, noted that the photojournalist is suffering from kidney disease and urgently needs a kidney trans-

Olowoporoku

plant. Ayokunle added the patient would require three sessions of dialysis weekly, which would cost N75, 000. According to him, dialysis will continue until the kidney transplant, which will cost be-

tween N7million and N8million is done. The medical consultant explained further that the cost of a hospital bed space for such a patient stands at N2, 500 daily. The wife of the photojournalist, Mrs. Ruth Olowopo-

roku, said her husband’s health predicament was beyond the financial capability of the family, adding that it was virtually impossible to sustain his treatment with their meagre resources. Ruth, therefore, called on the state government and the general public to assist her husband financially in order to save the life of the veteran photojournalist who served at various times as Senior Photographer attached to former Ekiti State First Lady, Mrs. Angela Adebayo, former Governor Segun Oni and the late Deputy Governor, Funmilayo Olayinka. Donations to the effort at saving the life of Olowoporoku should be made to the: Folorunso Olowoporoku Appeal Fund, c/o Nigerian Union of Journalists, Information Chapel, Ado-Ekiti, Acct. No: 6060059876 (Fidelity Bank).

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

STREET DIARY

How men used police uniform to steal N113 million A

Juliana Francis

fter allegedly netting over N113.5million in different robbery operations, one would have thought that a gang of robbers, which specialised in attacking trailers loaded with goods, using mobile police uniforms, would have given up on crime and used the money to rebrand their lives. But rather than quitting, the gang became more daring and greedy. The gang’s modus operandi was to wear mobile police uniforms, go to highways, pretending to be genuine policemen who were on ‘Stop and Search’ duty. But their mission was to rob trailers and trucks loaded with valuables. It was alleged that they usually overpowered the drivers and their assistants and disappear with the goods. Through this means, they had allegedly hijacked several trailers, laughing all the way to the bank, while the owners of the goods incurred losses. The suspects, identified as Julius George, 34, Simon Ogah, 33, and Lucky Oliseh, 30, had all once been guests at the Nigerian prisons. The fourth suspect, Lucky Friday, 33, said he had never been to prison, claiming that he did not know that George was taking him to a robbery operation on the fateful day police arrested them. “Mopol (George) begged me to escort him to collect money,” he added. Other members of the gang who had not been arrested are Julius, Arinze, Job, Chidi, Uche, Ben, Stone and Austin. George was alleged to be responsible for the recruitment and provision of police uniforms for the gang members. “I used to buy the uniforms from markets,” George admitted. According to the police, the gang had once hijacked a trailer load of iron rod, valued at N80 million. They had also snatched another trailer loaded with N18 million worth of iron. There was another hijacking of a trailer laden with engine oil, valued at N11 million. They once also allegedly made away with a truck load of rice, worth N4.5 million. George is said to be the leader of the gang. The gang met its waterloo on June, 22 after operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS), Lagos State Police Command, got a tip-off that the bandits were about to strike at two factories. The gang would have sailed away with N8 million in that operation, if SARS had not spoilt their tea party. A police source said: “A team of policemen, led by a Superintendent of Police (SP), Mr. Abba Kyarri, officer in charge of SARS, smashed that operation. The team was drafted following a tip-off received by the commissioner of police that a group of robbers led by one George Julius was planning to rob a factory at Sango area, between 10/11pm. Investigation revealed that they were to rob a factory of the sum of N8 million.” After the police got the tip-off from a paid informant, the police began trailing the bandits and swooped on them at the Ile Zik area, along Lagos-Abeokuta Road. “The last suspect was appre-

Goerge, Ogan, Olise and Lucky

hended at Abule-Egba area while he was waiting for other members of the gang. A pathfinder SUV meant for the operation was also recovered at Ekoro area of AbuleEgba,” said the police source. During interrogation, George, Ogah and Olisa confessed to have once been charged to court and even gone to prisons for armed robbery. Police investigation revealed that George was remanded in Ikoyi Prison in 2012 and later found his way out. Ogah, also known as Don Simon, said: “I have been involved in two robbery operations. We robbed two vehicles. I was later arrested and sent to prison. I spent two and half years in the prison. It was in prison that I met George, but we call him Mopol.” Friday was arrested with George and Ogah, in a vehicle, on their way to the N8 million robbery operation. Friday said: “I joined the gang because Mopol promised to help me financially.” Oliseh revealed that he had gone on other operations with George. His words: “I had gone on operations with George. My second operation was where the police arrested me. The operation

Singing like a bird, George revealed how he first found himself in prison was the robbery of a trailer load of iron rod. I provided mobility and drove the gang to scenes of robbery.” Singing like a bird, George revealed how he first found himself in prison: “My first problem was that I hijacked a trailer load of rice. I was called by a friend to come for the job. My share in that operation was N200, 000. We took it to Alaba-Rago and as we were about offloading the bags of rice, SARS detectives stormed the place. We were arrested. We were five that carried out that operation. Chidi, Job, Uche Aruna, and I. This was in 2013 and I was charged to court. I spent a year in prison. I was later discharged for want of evidence. There owner recovered his goods.” He further explained that it was in Kirikiri Prison that he met Ogah. He added “When I came out, a friend of mine, Ben, invited me to

escort a truck of engine oil from Apapa to Mushin. Many people thought I was a serving mobile policeman. Even on that day, I was in Mopol uniform. I charged them N10, 000. But on getting to Mushin, I was paid N5, 000. After that, they did not pay me my balance. “Ben told me the man had given him the money. But I did not hear from Ben again until I was picked up by SARS. I spent less than one year in the prison. I was later released on bail. My family spent N270, 000 in court through a lawyer before I was granted bail.” He said that he also took part in a robbery carried out along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He said that he was invited for that robbery by one of the gang members, whom the police are presenting still hunting for. “I was called by Samuel who is still at large. He deceived me. He did not disclose to me what we were going to do on that day. I went with Oliseh and another member called Yellow man Ikorodu,” George said. In his confession, Ogah, said: “In 2011, I went for a robbery operation with Obinna. We robbed at the Epe area. We snatched two

cars. In the process of selling the cars, we were arrested. In that robbery, we used a locally-made gun and it was provided by one Suleiman. We were arrested and I went to prison. I came out this year when an Igbosere court granted me bail.” On his part, Oliseh said: “Three weeks ago, Mopol called me for a robbery operation, which he said would fetch us N8 million. He said that it was going to happen at Sango. He said that his friend brought the deal. I started deceiving him that my car had problem because I didn’t want to go. He gave me N6,000 to service my car. Mopol assisted me at Abule-Egba sometime ago when LASTMA officials impounded my vehicle and that was how I came to know him and we became friends. I started driving the gang. In the Lagos-Ibadan Express Road robbery, I was given N100, 000.” Friday, 33, said he works in a shipping company at Apapa, Wharf. He added: “I met Mopol three months ago at Iyano-Oba and we became friends. I have never done any robbery job with Mopol. He invited me to go with him to collect money. I didn’t know it was robbery.”

Ramadan: Fayose calls for religious tolerance, distributes rice Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has called for religious tolerance among Nigerians as Muslims continue to fast in the month of Ramadan. This is just as he has given out no fewer than 14,500 branded 5kg rice to Muslim faithful across the state. Fayose, who distributed some of the rice at Ado-Ekiti Central Mosque on Friday, said the gesture was in the spirit of Ramadan. Speaking through the deputy governor-elect, Dr. Olusola Eleka, Fayose said the commodity was being distributed simultaneously across the 16

local government areas of the state. Eleka said, “You know the governor-elect is a man of the people and he so much has the love of the people at heart. He is doing this to demonstrate his love for the people and to identify with them especially during this season of Ramadan.” The deputy governor-elect appreciated the people for their massive votes for the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate during the recent election, saying the incoming administration would deliver on the promises made during electioneering. Eleka urged the Muslims to use the opportunity of the month to pray for the country and the state. He said the peace being experienced in the state was as

a result of the prayers of both Muslim and Christians. He added: “The governorelect appreciates your prayers for him, this state and the country at large and I urge you not to relent especially now that a new government is on the way.” He pleaded for harmonious relationship among all religious groups, saying without peace, no useful development could take place. Receiving the commodities on behalf of Muslims in the state, President, Ekiti State League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, expressed gratitude for the gesture. The Islamic cleric assured the governor-elect that Muslims in the state would not relent in their prayers for the state and government.

Fayose

Voices

Street Diary

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Should couples sleep in different rooms? They should sleep in same room Once you are married to a woman both of you become one. So, I see no reason couples should sleep in separate rooms. It doesn't help in building bonds and trust. Onasanya Seyi, student They shouldn’t sleep in different rooms No, they shouldn't sleep separately because they are man and wife. Tolu Odumuyiwa, entrepreneur

It depends It depends. Newlymarried couples are advised to sleep together. I am talking about marriage of less than 10 years. Though it is good they both have their own rooms if the apartment is big, sleeping together will encourage intimacy that strengthens the marriage. Michael Orji, student Sleeping in different rooms not acceptable Why did they marry? This could take place when they are not in good times, but it is not acceptable. They need to come back to terms; may God help them. It is a known commandment from God. Abdulwaheed Usamah, journalist Sleep together, pray together It is better to sleep together so as to pray together. And if there is an issue on the ground they can resolve it since they sleep together in the same room. When suddenly one of them takes ill at night, the other can immediately help out If they are together. Oluwafemi Oyefeso, business consultant

Why should they sleep in different rooms? It should not be that way. Why should they sleep separately when they are one? If both are not hiding anything, they should sleep together. Jumoke Fayemi, unemployed graduate It’s not advisable to sleep in different rooms Why are they couples when they will not sleep together? The Bible says what God has joined together let no man put asunder. Even though their apartment is big, it is not enough reason to sleep in different rooms. Omotola Balogun, unemployed graduate No, it affects intimacy No, couples should not keep separate rooms because it affects intimacy and encourages long term grudges. Adebayo Folasade, civil servant It is not advisable It is not advisable for couples to keep different rooms. It creates communication gap and they may not be aware of wrongs in the family. Damilola Oluwalogbon, engineer It is not advisable to do so It is not done anywhere, I know of so many friends who tried it because of pride, where are they today? Regretting their actions, no virtuous woman like me would want to try it. There are no reasons whatsoever that will be permissible for sleeping in a different room from that of your husband or your wife, don’t try it, it can destroy the home. (Mrs. Blessing Ahmed, lawyer) compiled by

ANGELA DAVIES, GLORY TITTY AND OLUSHOLA RICKETTS

No, it is not right No, why will they sleep in different rooms? Although it depends on what is going on between the couples, I have seen some couples who do that maybe due to some issues between them. As a pastor, I understand some people do that because of some spiritual exercises. I do not sleep in a different room from my wife no matter the spiritual exercise, except we both agree on that. (Gbenga Ademujimi, pastor/ Kingshill Coaching Academy/Certified life Coach) My wife and I cannot sleep in different rooms Not at all, my wife and I can never sleep in different rooms, I won’t allow it because it divides the family, if we start sleeping in different rooms the understanding is no more there. Quarrel comes in easily and believe me such family cannot last due to the misunderstanding between the couples. So my advice is that no couple should even start it no matter the situation. (Godstime Eriamiator, pastor) Why should I sleep in the same room with my husband when he is unfaithful? Haba! It depends on what is on the ground, because you don’t expect me to sleep in the same room with my husband when I physically caught him on bed with another woman? For what reason will I sleep with such a man? That means he does not respect me and the best thing to do is give him a break. But if he remains the good husband that he is then there is no need for that. (Lydia Titty, businesswoman) It will create gap in the relationship The truth is that keeping separate rooms will create a gap in the relationship. As a couple you are one, so why do you want rooms to separate you people? It is not advisable. Anthony Nwosu, Software developer/ programmer

Instyle Trend-blazing Ankara tops are fashion’s latest rave p.15

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C o n v e r s at i o n

‘There’s so much ignorance about bunkering’ A lawyer and maritime expert, Tony Dania is the principal partner with Lagosbased Dania & Associates. is not afraid to lend his voice to the many abnormalities facing the industry where he plies his trade. He had a chat with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS

OKEWALE

Dania

ony Dania speaks in a precise, matter-of-fact manner. The federal government, he said, should urgently create a special committee comprising professionals in the maritime industry to handle its affairs. Dania argues that such will help curb the excesses and illegality in the industry, and cautions that leaving it simply to the navy and other agencies may be detrimental to the growth of the industry as well as the nation. According to Dania, 50 percent of the arrest handled by the Nigerian Navy is illegal and the reasons are too clumsy to warrant arrest or the detention of vessels that are normally hired on a time frame. He states: “They arrest people because of bunkering; but bunkering is not a crime until it is declared illegal. They also detain vessels illegally and most of these vessels are hired. The vessels shouldn’t be detained since people who hired them enter a sort of daily rental agreement of about $10 thousand. These agencies keep the vessels sometimes for more than six months. Just like a vehicle uses fuel to move, a vessel needs diesel to move. And the process of taking that diesel is called bunkering and it is legal. What need to be done is to look for smaller vessel to give you the diesel because you cannot drive a truck into the water. So the truck must be charged into a boat or smaller vessel or a jetty. But you need an approval from the navy and to notify other agencies to do so. If you are in an area where you do not have access to the navy or the approval is being delayed and you go ahead, they will come after you. You will be arrested and your ship will be seized for a committed crime.” The lawyer said that approval is

an administrative issue, insisting that it is not a crime if one has not been issued yet. He pointed out that it’s unfortunate the Nigerian Navy has been arresting people on this account. “Navy cannot investigate crime and they cannot persecute crime. Their work is to arrest pirates and protect our terrestrial waters. The other agencies saddled with responsibilities need back-up because what we have now is an eyesore. Our civil defence, police, EFCC and navy officials are not doing what is right,” he bemoans. To him, vessels should be released on bail just as individuals are released on bail. He notes that government agencies capitalise on the ignorance of the citizens, emphasising that it is killing the maritime industry. “I learnt about the arrest of a boat carrying a drum of diesel recently. The boat was arrested and everybody in the boat, including the captain that gave them the diesel. They now began to plead out of ignorance. I feel pained that most people are unaware that they are being arrested illegally. The captain of a ship can decide to sell his bunker when he is in distress of any kind. Bunker means diesel. The only person that can complain is the owner of the bunker. If he or she says the captain has stolen the bunker or sold it without his or her authority, then there is a problem and an arrest could come in. But the navy has no obligation or duty to arrest anyone based on that. “We do not have vessels in Nigeria and the few ones we have are being detained by one arrest or the other. I sympathize with vessels’ owners in Nigeria because vessels are very expensive to buy and the processing is also tedious. No vessel is less than N100 million and after buying it you still have to do all the registration with your money. And it should be understood that most people who come to do business in Nigeria from abroad come with their vessels. They believe most of our vessels are old and do not trust them enough.” He noted that the income that could be generated from the maritime industry is a way bigger than what the country is getting from the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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‘CREATING JOBS WILL HELP REDUCE CRIME’ CONTINUED FRO M PAG E 1 3

oil industry if it is properly managed and annexed. He further says that the country has yet to exploit 30 percent of maritime opportunity. “What we are doing is to reduce the 30 percent we have got by incessant arrest, detention and delay, the government must check this.” Dania recalled a discussion he once had with a friend who would later become the chief of naval staff. He told him the navy wanted to make Remnant on Board (ROB) illegal. This is normally the five percent of oil left in a vessel after every discharge. That is why every costing is plus five percent, he said. “Five percent of 30 thousand is 1,500 and 1,500 transaction value is not less than N15 million. And you want to throw that business away? It is meant to take care of spillages, evaporation and other unforeseen challenges that may cause shortage on the number of metric ton a vessel is carrying. This is the essence of the extra five percent. And again, there is a limit to what you can pump out. It gets to a stage you can no longer pump out, but what the crew does is to use a boat to discharge it into a compartment. They cannot take it back to where they are going to load and if they pour it on the sea, it becomes another serious crime. So they have to look for a way to discharge it out and this is why it is called ROB. The government should legitimise it because I do not see any illegality there. Since it is not legal in Nigeria, they go offshore our water. Once you are not on our water, the Nigerian authority does not have anything to do with you.” The lawyer argued that most maritime agencies lack the capacity to investigate issues in the industry because they are not mariners. He would like to see agencies saddled with the responsibility to arrest, investigate and determine maritime-related cases show care and vigilance. “Even some Nigerian lawyers who practice in the maritime sector don’t fully understand it because some of them are not in the maritime consultancy business. They are just maritime practitioners; they should not kill the industry. “The Nigerian government should set up a committee to handle maritime and give a deadline for investigations to all the agencies. The directive should be that any vessel that is arrested as far as a bank can give a recommendation or cover the vessel should be released,” he said, adding that despite efforts to spur indigenous ownership of vessels much is still left to be desired. “How many vessels do we have now?” Nigerians should be encouraged to buy vessels and not encounter any hindrance during registration, he said. “This should also be made available for everyone; it should be as transparent as possible. People could even do the registration online and be called up for jobs anytime they are needed. We also need to create more seaports. The seaports are very small, crowded and lack adequate equipments.” Dania strongly maintains that there is need for the federal government to redress the state of the maritime industry by establishing a committee that would act fast on issues. He explained that once a vessel is arrested, it should be handed over to that committee, which he believes cannot be easily deceived as it would comprise experts who have good track records, in-

tegrity and the needed experience to execute the mission. He said the government cannot pretend not to know that there are criminals exploiting the loophole in the industry. “The government themselves know those criminals but no one is talking or taking action. What they do is to arrest vessels. I believe this is the essence of investigations and it allows innocent persons to continue their day-to-day activities. This will also make the maritime business to grow.” According to him, if the government sincerely wants to stop crime, more jobs ought to be created. He concedes though that there is no way crime could be curbed totally, but adds that job creation will definitely reduce it. He also queried the delay in the approval of a new maritime university, lamenting that students studying maritime don’t have enough places for field work. “Government should make available places for these students to train. And as soon as they graduate, the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should be in the Maritime sector. We shouldn’t treat the maritime graduates like all other graduates because it is a specialised field that needs attention. “Banks are not supporting this industry and stakeholders are not encouraged to do so. Operators look for financial leverages to support their businesses on their own. This is why oil theft abound in the industry, when indigenous motor-tanker vessels have to look for jobs.” On the illegal importation of arms, he cites the country’s porous borders as a major factor. Dania remains optimistic about the country’s potentials, but adds that things must be done rightly for Nigeria to fully live up to its expectation. “The borders are not properly protected and we have illegal channels all over Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. The weapons the militants in the Niger Delta were using came from the neighbouring countries. And the jetties that carried them are registered and owned by specific authorities. We also have different authorities like the navy, and customs who should always be aware of the content of all the jetties that come into the country. Every consignment is checked before departure from its location and we have destination check points. As soon as a consignment arrives there, it must be inspected. But in Nigeria, the capacity of inspection is limited because in some cases you need a scanner to know the content of some jetties and we do not have it in all cases. Without scanners, it would be cumbersome to get to see some things because people are so smart.” He also advised that electronic scanners to be mounted on roads by security operatives to enable them to ascertain the nature of items vehicles are

“The borders are not properly protected and we have illegal channels all over Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region.”

carrying. Dania also suggests that Nigeria should introduce “border fence” like they have in countries like Turkey and Israel. One other problem Dania speaks passionately about is the poor power supply in the county. “The president should work on the power sector and make sure he succeeds. If power problem is solved in Nigeria, we would have successfully solved 40 percent of our challenges. The amount we spend on fuelling alone in Nigeria is not less than N20 billion monthly. Multiply that by 12 months, you will have not less than N244 billion within just a year. The security system too requires the power sector to function well.”

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Trend-blazing Ankara tops

Angela Davies he Ankara fabric never seems to go out of fashion; it keeps reincarnating and blazing trends as it does. At present, the trending style for ladies is the Ankara top mostly worn by ladies with a bottom of their choice. The bottom ladies prefer to wear with this top range from pencil jeans or skirt, pants, jergens or long skirt depending on individual style and

the occasion. Some women go the extra mile to combine their Ankara top with either a lace fabric or two similar types of Ankara fabrics to give it a unique look and edge. Some other ladies add details to the Ankara top like sequins, appliques or striking buttons to add some oomph to it. One unique style about the Ankara top is that it flares out at the waist so that it can suit any bottom. The sleeve ranges from short, long, three

quarter and sleeveless, depending on the fashion statement you want to make at that event. Ankara top can be worn to any occasion as long as it is well accessorized with the right shoes or sandals that will suit the occasion, preferably a colour that matches at least one colour from the Ankara top. Then complete your look with the kind of jewellery you want, carry a classy purse and you are sure going to be a head turner at that event.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I admire Mofe-Damijo's simplicity' Nollywood actor Ken Erics has a casual dress sense. But there are no fashion taboos for him, he tells ANGELA DAVIES. How would you define your style? I would define my style as casual because I am not an over-the-top dresser. What kind of outfits occupy the most space in your wardrobe? Basically, I am a casual person because of the nature of my job so I think it is jeans and t-shirts. What determines the kind of outfit you wear? The occasion does. If I am going for a formal event, I dress up formally and if it is a traditional event, you will see me dress up in traditional attire as well. What is that attire you're unlikely to be caught wearing? Never say never because as an actor I cannot put a limit to what I can be seen wearing. That is why I am an actor. What is that fashion accessory you cannot do without? My wristwatch because I am very time-conscious. Do you have a best designer? Although, I like Armani but any good designer with good designs works for me as long as the outfit suits my body. Which style icon do you admire the most? I like the simplicity of Richard Mofe-Damijo. When he comes in casually dressed, he looks good and when he comes out corporately dressed, he looks cool; so I think I look up to him. What is yours signature perfume? I love X Men cologne by Marvel because the fragrance is mild. Most expensive fashion item ever bought A pair of shoes I bought recently. What is your preferred colour for shoes? I wear all colours of shoes especially when I am working but I am very cool with corporate shoes or casual sneakers. Which colour do you consider your best? I love black and white. I feel at home with these two colours because I think they are colours that you can combine with ease and you will come out looking good.

Dapper...Erics and his signature perfume

INSTYLE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Accessories to live for

Enliven your ensemble with scarves Scarves are cosy fashion accessories for women. These colourful and stylish accessories can be tied in countless ways to add sophistication to your ensemble and look writes ANGELA DAVIES.

carves are timeless and vital fashion accessory for women. These comfortable and colourful accessories are great not only for warmth but also to add interest to your ensemble and overall look. From gorgeous prints in lovely colours to multicolour stripes down to plain colours to animal print, you cannot go wrong with selecting a scarf that will jazz up your outfit. Scarves come in a wide range of fabrics, colours, sizes, shapes and textures to select from to suit your style even as it adds sophistication to your look. There is no hard and fast rule on how

BEAUTY

to wear your scarf, it is all about creativity and wearing it the way that it will depict your style and make you stand out. However, if you don’t know any style, you could simply wrap it around your neck or tie it in a knot form. This will make you look casual yet elegant. But for a classier look, you could opt to tie your scarf in styles like Rosette neck wrap, fake knot, loose wrap, French knot, half bow and bow tie. So whether you choose to wrap, knot, tie or loop your scarf, just ensure that you select a stylish and colourful one that will make you stand out.

Braids: The all season hairstyle

ne hairstyle which will never go out of fashion is braids. In recent times, some celebrities have dropped their expensive weave-on to embrace the good old hair and they are rocking it in style. Although, braids are timeconsuming, nevertheless, braids last longer and helps to enhance the facial features especially when styled properly. Braids keep your hair away from the negative effects of chemical products and also prevent you from spending so much time daily to comb your hair. Braids could be worn at any time of the year. However, on a cold day or during the raining season, you could let your braids down to help keep you warm. And on a hot day, just simply style upwards if you are feeling hot. There are many styles of braids to choose from. It all depends on your inclination. The styles range from French braids through million braids to Ghana braids, big braids and Bob Marley. The length, colour of extension and size of braids you want solely depends on your fashion taste. TIPS • You can choose any braid style but make sure that it suits your face shape. • You can style your braids

as you want with hair accessories to add colour and elegance. • If your braids get wet, you should dry with towel. • To avoid foul smell due to heat or wetness, dab cotton wool in mentholated spirit and thoroughly clean your scalp. • While braiding, do not allow your hair be pulled too tightly as it could cause breakage especially at the front or even cause boils. • Ideally, your braids should last more than a month if carefully and properly done and maintained. But, this also depends on the style and texture of your hair. Remember, braids are forever as they will never go out of fashion, so embrace the trend today.

Clockwise from top left: Stephanie Coker, Doris Simeon, Tonto Dikeh and Genevieve Nnaji

Facts Nigerian designer, Frank Osodi, started his career as a model for fashion houses like Dakova and Nikki Africanna before becoming a model manager. He also ventured into areas like choreography and then finally found his niche in makeup with his label, House of Bunor and Fashion designing. Cocktail rings got their name from the time of the prohibition where women, dressed in their finest, wore them to signify that they were drinking illegally at parties. The pencil skirt was created by French designer Christian Dior in the early 1950s after World War II as part of his "new look". The formal invention of high heels as fashion is typically attributed to the rather short-statured Italian bride, Catherine de Medici, married at 14 to the Duke of Orleans. She donned heels two inches high that gave her a more towering physique and an alluring sway when she walked.

Uche Ogbodo Did pregnant actress dump ailing husband? p.18 Night Clubs: Many travails of bartenders p.20

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FRESH OUTING WITH JAYWON Jaywon really touched me with the evergreen he dropped at the beginning of the year. It is better than singing about boobs and butts. There is no better way to start a year than with Jaywon’s song and he really communicated with the laws of the land through that song. I respect him more when he released that song dubbed Odun yi. After that, I invited him to come and feature in my single titled My Money because he prayed for money in his song. You can still feel me when you listen to my new single, just like it is with Buga.

show which I single-handedly sponsor, it is not about making profit but about the audience. In Nigeria, you have to put up your show before any brand can identify with you.

DREAMING EVERGREEN MUSIC I dropped another album about two years ago which I titled, Rooted. Thereafter, I got back to my project which I called Eko-Benin connection. It is just about promoting our culture and informing people about some historic facts. This has taken me a bit from music and it is not as if I am totally out of music. I try to do live performance. I will not go back to the society in which we worship fake things and we don’t really want to get down to the reality. We are money-centric, but I am so realistic. Few of us understand evergreen and real music.

ASSESSING NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY Nigerian musicians and our music are doing well within and outside the shore of Nigeria, but we are yet to get there. It is not just about the noise, but about being a professional. We still need to work on some things which some of us are beginning to work on. There is no point in we miming, we give other people that job to do, let’s do live performances. If Bob Marley started like that, he wouldn’t have been a legend today. Some of us are already doing great in live performances.

RAISING SOCIAL AWARENESS Even if we want to continue to talk about boobs, there is a way we can talk about it. But it is just a straight thing now and people talk about it loosely. There are lots of music which has to do with justice; we are not talking about what is affecting us as a society. When you sing about such, people will still come and ask if you have released a new song at all, meanwhile you are there putting some socio-cultural facts together for the society to see. When you don’t talk about boobs, they think you are not there. We need to do things well and promote our culture while advocating good government through our songs. If you want to do anything, do it very well.

Buga: There could be music without lewdness

Jesse King, better known by the showbiz moniker, Buga, got his pseudonym from his debut album, which helped seal his reputation as a serious artiste who would rather not ride to fame on the back of raunchy lyrics. The Auchi, Edo State-born singer shares his vision with LANRE ODUKOYA.

NOT LOOKING THE SAME OFF STAGE Yes, you are right but most of my fans don’t have problem identifying me when I am not on the stage. Yes, I am very comfortable with my long native cap signature outfit. It is all about promoting what we have. It is not by speaking Yoruba, you can promote your culture through your dressing and that I am doing gladly. I wear my cap when I travel abroad and people there are always fascinated about it. With my cap they know I am an African and somewhere in Nigeria. This is one of the many ways I sell my cultural value to people. With that they know that it is something they can relate with. I put on the cap and that will attract them to me and from there I give them my message. ON BI-ANNUAL AFFAIR I release album bi-annually because like a prophet, I want you to really digest whatever I drop. I want people not just to dance, but learn from my songs. Even when I release, I have to go for summer and organize my annual festival. Buga is neither very rich nor so poor. Money to me is just a means to an end and not the end itself. Like my

A SONG FOR MUMMY She felt so great. It wasn’t specially for her, but she was also going through a lot. Mothers are great and it is very good to appreciate them even if you don’t have money to buy things for them. Next year by the grace of God, I will do something better and greater for mothers.

SOMETHING IN THE OFFING FOR 2015 ELECTIONS I will still mobilise for All Progressives' Congress (APC) and I am a cardcarrying member of the party as we speak. I am using entertainment platform to advance the cause of Nigeria. If you are positive, you need to align with people who are positive. APC is just like a party at the back of your house and they are not far away. I think it is something you should do to contribute your own quota to the development of Nigeria. THRILLED BY LAGOS It is not just about money, it is beyond that. I am doing something that will continuously make me smile in my grave. I only support good things and I will always support you if you are going to do it well. If you are not doing it well, I will withdraw my support. That means that if APC reneges on doing good, I will go to another party that is fair to the governed. But APC will always do it well because it is a party that is passionate about Nigerians. It is not about money. I am a witness to the transformation of Lagos under the leadership of Governor Babatunde Fashola. I told people that I don’t have to be a commissioner or a political office holder before I live a good life, we are all entitled to it. So we must continually support anyone that is passionate about the masses. EARNING A LIVING OUTSIDE MUSIC Music, tourism and cultural exchange programmes are my sources of income. Foreigners can take loan to have vacation because they believe in it and so I bring them down to Nigeria. MY FAMILY We are doing very fine and my career is not affecting my home because I am a very rooted person. I am living for continuity so that when I am no more someone can step into my shoes perfectly.

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Sammie Okposo, Ali Baba, Audu Maikori, others prep for Insurance convention

t would no longer be a long walk to wellness as the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Convention is garnering more recognition and support from major industry stakeholders. To ensure a complete success of the event, many industry giants have committed to serving on the convention’s advisory board and pledged to give all the necessary support to ensure the smooth take off and also guarantee a solid foundation for the planned uniform health insurance cover for the industry. Some of the stakeholders currently on the advisory board are: Ali Baba; Storm 360 founder, Obi Asika; leading gospel artiste, Sammie Okposo; chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Mr Tony Okoroji; Julius Agwu; Actors Guild of Nigeria President, Ibinabo Fiberesima; CEO of Chocolate City, Audu Maikori; Founder of Beat FM, Chris Ubosi, and founder of Kennis Music, Kenny Ogungbe. Others include CEO of Now Muzik and Tuface Idibia’s manager, Efe Omorogbe; CEO of List Entertain-

Okposo

ment and D’Banj’s manager, Sunday Are; founder and CEO of Dicotyledon, Tony ‘Don T’ Anifite; Jide Kosoko; disc jockey, DJ Jimmy Jatt; CEO of Soforte, Gbenga George; entertainment services

E-BRIEFS

The Davido phenomenon

he Davido take-over still lingers and it seems no one dares stop this rocker's feat. Weeks after ruling the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards with multiple laurels, music star Davido won the Best International Act – Africa award at the 2014 BET Awards yet again, beating off competition from Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, Mafikizolo and Toofan.

Ireti Ajanaku for burial July 17 J

oy Ajanaku, the widow of Prophet Ireti Ajanaku, late founder of the Christ Revival Victory Church has said her husband who died in August, 2013 will be buried on Thursday, July 17. A lingering impasse with the deceased’s family had forced some of the relatives to seal the church before it was eventually opened. Some church members claimed the late cleric never died. They believed all that has happened had been foretold. In a recent interview with City People, Joy Ajanaku revealed that she delayed the funeral of her husband till now because Ajanaku himself picked the day, July 17. "It is part of what I discovered. It’s part of his mystery that made me say that he has what other men of God don’t have. Seven is a perfect number. Everything about his life had something in common with seven. I know it is not a coincidence. It is divine ordination from God Almighty. Like his date of birth, his house address where we were, was number 17. All the tenants in the house were 17. The land where we have the house was given to him. That was the only land that we have on the street and why is it 17? The church address is number 17 too. That is how God has been handling his Late Ajanaku and life,” her words read in part. his wife, Ireti

Ali Baba

provider, Edi Lawani; founder of Nigeria Music Video Awards, Cally Ikpe; founder of Headies awards, Ayo Animashaun and artistes business manager, Tony Nwakalor and several others.

In the same light, lots of practitioners have also identified with the project and commended it as laudable and timely. Majority are of the opinion that upon the launch of entertainment industry health insurance cover, the industry should no longer support the public soliciting to raise funds for medical treatment. Many also applauded the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Trust Fund initiative which will serve to compliment the insurance cover. The unique insurance cover being designed for the entertainment industry by the technical partners, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will be unveiled at the stakeholders meeting for proper scrutiny before the convention day proper. The convention being presented by the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Lecture Series (NEILS) is in partnership with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Lagos State ministry of health and Nigeria Medical Association. This event is billed to hold on July 22 at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.

Did pregnant Uche Ogbodo dump ailing husband? E

motions swerved in favour of pregnant actress, Uche Ogbodo, last week when news went viral that her 10-month marriage had crashed. How on earth would a man dump a pregnant woman in such a delicate state? Many had wondered until some confessions began to seep to the probing public. To further make the matter messier than the dimension it earlier took, the actress claimed they were never married but had a mere family introduction. Ubby’s father broke the camel’s back with yet another startling claim that has been a major online hit as well: the actress is lying about the whole issue, stating that they paid Uche’s bride price, which in Igboland means she is traditionally her husband’s. He reportedly said, “we went to her village and paid the bride price and after that she was still bearing her father’s name. I don’t know why she didn’t change it. If she is saying now that she is not married, then she has divorced herself, marriage is not by force. I am the father of Ato and I am telling you now that what she told you is a lie. I am a servant of God and I cannot tell lies. If she is saying that she is not married, that means she has rejected us. If she has problems with my son, this is the wrong way to go about it, but we leave it all to God.” However, an insider has revealed that Uche allegedly dumped Ubby owing to his failing health. Ubby is said to be hospitalized for a surgical procedure.

Ubby on his sick bed

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... a finger on the city’s pulse

CONFLUENCE

ast Sunday, it was a beehive of activities on Admiralty Way, in Lekki, Lagos when the new African-themed kitchen, Number One, opened. The soiree dragged the nouveau riche to Omisson Emporium mall. The proprietor, a rising fixture on social circuits, Ngozi Anyadiegu, croons about the restaurant's unique points: “As we open this kitchen today, we’ve heard very pleasant remarks about the uniqueness in hygiene and tastes of our different staples. Our business here principally is to avail our customers delicious meals they can’t find anywhere. As you savour the taste of our African dishes, we also stun you with intercontinental meals you can’t resist.” The meal-tasting offered in large supply foods from nearly all the ethnic groups across the country in

agos will be agog again today as the chief executive officer of Mallinson and Partners Limited, Mallinson Ukatu, marks his fiftieth birthday amid pomp. The high octane event which promises to be a convergent point for captains of industries, top government functionaries as well as members of the diplomatic corps will be holding at Nelo’s Place, Ikeja. The evening all dinner-dress affair is billed to kick off at 6pm. Ukatu, an accomplished businessman holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is a certified cost manager with the Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria. He is the founder and chairman of Mallinson & Partners Ltd, a company that posts an impressive annual turnover with interests in steel, industrial paper, etc. Mallinson also sits on the board of several companies including Fruitropics, a renowned domestic oil marketing company.

As Kunle Afolayan’s Figurine goes scholarly Afolayan’s popular film, Figurine (Araromire), Kingunle is returning to the limelight five years after makwaves, winning five awards including the best film category at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and screening at Film festival circuits. The film’s story is now being told in a scholarly book titled Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspectives on The Figurine which will be unveiled at a ceremony on Thursday, July 31, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. According to a press release from Relentless Media, the outfit coordinating the book unveiling and launch in conjunction with Golden Effects Services, the ceremony will be graced by a rich array of Nollywood stars, allied film professionals, academics, top government functionarie,s among other A-list guests. Former mnister of national planning and a respected patriarch of the arts, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, OFR, will chair the ceremony that is designed to be one of Nollywood’s greatest moments outside movie location. The book, a collection of essays, is said to be the first of its kind devoted to the work of a single Nigerian film director. It interrogates the thematic focus and cinematic style employed in Figurine while also using that singular work to engage the new trends in Nollywood.

SOLUTIONS TO CROSS WORD PUZZLE I L I

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L E A P

F A C E

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L A U N C H

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ACROSS 1. WISTFUL 5. SPY 7. ASP 8. ILA 9. CPU DOWN 1. WHISKER 2. STABLE 3. FACE 4. LAUNCH 5. SPIN

LANRE ODUKOYA - 08059296445

Ngozi Anyadiegu fetes friends as ‘Number One’ restaurant opens

High society storms Lagos for Mallinson Ukatu at 50

W H I S K E R

10. NONE 11. KILL 12. OC 16. IN 17. OKRO 18. CLAN

22. NEW 23. NAB 24. ACE 25. PAP 26. RANKINE

6. YEN 13. TROUBLE 14. SINNER 15. OKUNDI 19. LEAP

20. TWIN 21. LAP

the convivial atmosphere livened with pulsating music. On why the stylish lady chose food business above other interests, she said, “my husband and I have always had our eyes on this manner of service providing for long and I keep reminding him we must see this through. Even as we went on doing other business back then in Abuja, I never forgot to re-emphasise the need to float this business. I feel people can live better lives when they eat real organic foods prepared under a satisfactorily hygienic atmosphere like here. As you can see, this is a mall that can’t afford to hold any mess around it. I’m very glad to host people and see this dream come true with my husband.” The ultra-modern restaurant also has assorted drinks on offer for customers from all creeds.

For the ArisekolaAlaos, it's been tragic times

S Melaye and Alero, with whom he has an allegedly estranged relationship

ometime in May, late Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao lost one of his wives to the cold hands of death. Not long after the tragedy struck, the man also succumbed to an ailment. And just about when relatives are getting over the loss of their patriarch, Arisekola-Alao’s eldest wife, Alhaja Jelilat, known to relatives and close friends as Mummy Abdul, died on July 1 (just days after hubby’s death) in an auto crash. She was buried according to Muslim rites on July 2.

Dino Melaye’s second marriage makes headlines

ontroversial dandy, Dino Melaye, might be kissing his second marriage goodbye as you read this. Indications have emerged that the ex-House of Representatives member is having some differences with his second wife, Alero, who got married to him last December. Frustrated Alero said to be pregnant has packed out of the house. A leaked tweet between his ex-wife, Tokunbo and her friend revealed this sad development last Tuesday. At the last count, Melaye has had a turbulent relationships with three ladies including actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, who claimed she has her only child with the man who has lately been active as a social crusader. He denied responsibility for the child, but the actress dared him to submit to DNA to unravel the truth.

Double tragedy...Arisekola-Alao's wife, Alhaja Jelilat, died in a car crash days after her husband's death

20 SHOWBIZ The increasing rate of unemployment has made almost all jobs in Nigeria, including working as a waiter/ waitress or bartender in a nightclub ‘lucrative.’ Despite the unattractive pay, the high-stressful environment, unusual business hours or sleepless nights, young men and women now see it as an escape route from joblessness. OLUSHOLA RICKETTS reports.

n the morning, Mike works as a barber. But at night, he is a bartender in a club located at Finbarr’s Road, Bariga, in Lagos. The club is not too far from the popular University of Lagos (UNILAG). In a chat with New Telegraph, he says that he has been working in the club for over two years. Working at the nightclub, according him, affords him the time to do other things during the day. He is a student and has a barber shop. People play games at the shop too. He says: “I am always excused if I could not make it to work for some reasons because I have gained the management’s trust overtime. Most of the people we started together had gone; I am the only one left. Nightclub flourishes and fades out. If another club is built around the same area and it succeeded in attracting more people, the other old club could be heading out of business. Sales will drop because people are adventurous and like to experience new things. If they are impressed with the new thing, they might stick to it for a while before they move on.” Mike adds that at a point they were owed two to three months’ salaries. But he says he had predicted such scenario from the moment he stepped into the club and it was the reason he invested his money in a barber ’s shop. “Sudden things happen in clubs; they could change the management team or stop paying salary and advise people to resign. So, I invested in a saloon and people play games there too. It is what I was surviving on when the nightclub business went down. But we have people who only relied on the salary and since the money was not coming in, they left the nightclub. We have a new management now and things appear to be in the right direction,” he points out. For the sleepless nights that come with the job, he informs that when one knows something brings in money and one is told one’s eyes must be opened throughout the night, one has no choice. Also, he says when one hears of a nightclub’s vacancy, one should know it must be a night-related job and intense. “For you to accept it, you should have prepared your mind for the challenges ahead. But as for me, it is part of my system now. I know of some people who are new in the job and always doze off on duty. The solution to such person is to have enough sleep in the afternoon. I do not border to sleep in the afternoon because I have other things to do. “The club job is at night, so I monitor my own business during the day even though I have someone helping me in the shop. So, before 5pm, I resume at work and stay there till the next morning. If we close 5am, I look for time to sleep for like four hours before I go home and I come back in the evening. Sleep is very important; we cannot cheat nature,” he stresses. Mike says he gets N25, 000 as salary. It used to be a fixed price, according to him, but the new management changed the system. He reveals that they now have some workers who collect as less as N15, 000,

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Our job is stressful and the pay discouraging – Nightclub workers

while pointing that it all depends on the department and the sales of the club. “In our club, the waitresses collect lesser than the bartenders because it is believed that we are the ones who make sure that what we have in the store correspond with the sales. And the department is more risk-tasking than that of a waitress. “But we have some clubs around here that their bartenders collect like 30, 000 because their sales is bigger than ours. I have friends at those clubs too. If we don’t have many customers I visit them. Their waitresses collect N25, 000,” he says. And if there is any shortage in cause

We bring in ladies on Wednesday to lure customers but we hardly see guys of duty, the bartender, according to him, pays for it. The duty of a waitress, he notes, is just to serve customers and pay the bartenders anything she is taking out. At the same club situated at Fin-

barr ’s Road, the workers get a day to rest. Mark says it is only on Sundays the management gives as a free-day, revealing that some clubs around them have Mondays and Tuesdays as their free-days. Also, he explains that nightclub normally holds on Wednesdays (ladies’ night) and Fridays, but people do not really come on Wednesdays. “We bring in ladies on Wednesday to lure customers but we hardly see guys probably because most of them have to be at work the next day. Ladies will be there dancing, but once it is 12am and no customers, they call it a night. But

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Fridays are always well attended in all clubs because most people do not go to work on Saturdays,” he tells. At a club in Ikeja, the waitress tells our correspondent that one needs like N30, 000 to have a party at the club. He admits that it generally depends largely on the club and the day. “For us, on Wednesdays and Fridays, we collect N30, 000 for drinks and we would provide a space for you. But we collect N30, 000 for floor any other day. If we do not want you to have conflict with our customers, we put you at the VIP section and allow our customers to stay at the regular,” he explains further

Speaking on the stressful environment, especially for a lady, she says once one is used to something it becomes part of the person. Though she says it is always a different ball game whenever she invited some of her friends. She observes that some of her friends that had visited the club in the past often complain that a day after their visit, they could still feel the sound of the music echoing inside their ears. She confesses: “I also experienced the same thing at the initial stage when I started newly. But once you get used to it, it would be like any other day or environment to you. Even when you

are at home, you will loud the music and stimulate the anger of the neighbours. It might not even occur to you that you are disturbing people.” Kunle (not real name) has been working as a waiter for the past three years. According to him, he took the job because of the problem of employment prevalent in the country, adding, “There are no jobs in the country.” Lamenting that the environment is not too conducive, he says he is hoping to gather more money so as to return to school to further his education. “Here, we hardly sleep, some customers can be rude and we are expected to respond because customer, they say, is king. “When I get home most cases, I use drugs because I am always so weak. The females are subjected to sexual harassment from clients that could have taken too much alcohol,” he bemoans. Kunle works in a club at Alausa, Ikeja, in Lagos. He says the management only give them a day to rest. According to a bartender, who pleaded anonymity, it is always is always difficult if they cannot reconcile their account with sales, adding that some customers tricked bartenders by not paying for the drinks they were served. “When you ask them money almost immediately after service, they could sense it as an embarrassment. The club is a busy place and before you know it another customer calls for your attention. In some cases, customers forget that they are yet to pay for their drinks. It might not be intentional, but remember that they are drunk and if you fail to monitor them, it could be at your own detriment. Once they go to the rest room, they might not return again. In that case, the person who served them carries his or her cross,” he notes. In addition, he says the tips they get for customers is one of the reasons some of them still stay in the business. If there are many customers, he says he can get tips of N10, 000 or more in a night. He observes that ladies get more tips, insisting that there is a limit a man can attract goodwill for fun seekers. And also, as a bartender, he reveals that he doesn’t really deal with many customers. He says: “I only serve people around the bar. I get money or drinks mostly from people who know me well and have been regular in the club. But the ladies get more (tips) and I believe it is one of the reasons their pay is low. “The only problem is that they are always busy and so many people normally show interest in them. Some of the wait-

SHOWBIZ

The ladies get more (tips) and I believe it is one of the reasons their pay is low. resses also do secrete ‘runs.’ I know of a girl who used to be with us. She does not hide it or feel sorry to tell us about her experiences with some of the fun seekers who came to the club and demanded her number. She visited them afterwards and things happened. These girls like people who can really impress them by buying expensive and assorted wines at the club or whenever they come. “The management knows all these, but they do not care because it keeps customers in a way too. This is also the reason some clubs do not take waiters. They prefer men to stay at the bar and ladies to do the run around because they feel that ladies will keep their customers. It is natural for a fun-loving man to continue to visit a particular club because of the pretty ladies there.” He however insists that the club light does not have effect on them. But he admitts it can have a health implication, especially for people battling with eyesrelated problems. For a 22-year-old indigene of Benin who is also working in a club, he is leaving for good if he gets another job. He also explains that he does not have any problem with his parents working in a club. “I am a man and I carter for myself. So, I don’t have any problem with my parents. But it is always a different story for most girls who are working in one club or the other. Only ladies who have freedom or stay in the hostels could work in a club without their parents not raising any eyebrow. I know of a girl who always disturbed me that she wanted a job, but when I told her about the opening here she could not take it. “She says since she has to be sleeping overnight in the club, there is no way she can convince her mother to allow her do the job. But there are some students who stay in the hostels, receive lectures in the morning and resume the club work at night.” Another worker who spoke with our correspondent insists that working in a club deserves a bit of education. He also maintains that one can only strive well if the person can cope with the challenges. To him, club job is even unreliable because a new club can come up and the old one will fold up. He explains: “We used to have three clubs where we are, but one has been shut down about a month ago. The manager told me that the business just became dull suddenly and they were struggling to pay salary etc. The club manager was even surprised that we are still in the business because we started before them. “We have a new one just around us now. And without any form of prejudice, the club is the number one at present in the area. The truth is that all our customers are now patronising it and it is a source of concern for us. Last Friday, our sales dropped so badly to the extent that our manager had to visit the club himself to see what it is doing differently. When he got there, he saw how people struggled to park their cars there.” It was gathered that most club owners give no special medical allowance or treatment to their staff. When a worker is sick, the least he or she gets from the club is some days off. “Companies do not take care of our health, but they always give us the grace to stay at home and get better. The job is very stressful. You can get like the grace of two to three days, but after three days, it could start telling on your salary,” a reliable source explains.

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Why bitter drinks are thriving, by IDL’s senior brand manager

Kingsley Anuebunwa, the senior brand manager of Intercontinental Distillers Limited, producers and marketers of various brands of wine and spirits tells KINGSLEY OGBONNA that the influx and high level of patronage being enjoyed by bitter drinks in the country has so much to do with health benefits inherent in them.

side the pharmaceutical industry, one other industry that has gained tremendously from the regulatory activities of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the country, is the spirit and wine industry. Before now, these industries were in the state of coma as adulterated and substandard products choked virtually all the in this category. Many consumers who were unaware of the dangers inherent in these fake and adulterated products have been dispatched to the great beyond. But now, the story has changed as products are duly registered by NAFDAC and the spirit and wine industry is fast gaining ground in the country. This is evident by the array of brands that jostle for fair market share in the market place. The industry also thrives as many more people now consume these products. A visit to pubs and night clubs around town shows a big deviation in the kind of drinks that people consume. Spirit and wine seems to be the order of the day. But then, bitter drinks are gaining more prominent. No doubt, there has been a great influx in the number of different types of bitter brand of drinks jostling for market share. They come in various shapes, names and brand promises backed up with strong marketing tactics as they strive to gain loyalty. In spite of the large numbers of bitter drinks in the market place, they all have a fair share of the market. One thing is clear and that is the fact that the market is indeed deep enough to accommodate the various brands of local and international bitter brands that play in the market place. Mr. Kingsley Anuebunwa, Senior Brand Manager of Intercontinental Distillers Limited said that in as much as the industry is thriving, the level of competition is very high. “The industry is highly competitive. We have a lot of activities in the industry as local and international brands are coming in everyday due to the vibrant nature of the industry.” Anuebunwa may be right going by the report that Karsapreko Company Limited, a Ghanaian-based spirit industry has announced its intention to build a $50 million factory in Nigeria. Many have attributed this to the success of its Alomo Bitters brand in the Nigerian market. This could be described as a di-

rect foreign investment into the country. The local players are not also left behind. Many of them are also trying to out-do each other in the market place as evident by the number of bitters brands that presently flood the market as Anuebunwa explained that this has to do with the fact that consumers are now being conscious of what they take. “The key driving factors for bitters category is the fact that a lot of people are conscious of what they consume. And culturally speaking, bitters are more or less a wellness kind of product because of the functional and wellness capabilities inherent in them”, he said. He explained further: “Consumers are running away from sugar-induced products and bitters provide the alternative for them. It may interest you to know that bitter drinks category is the fastest growing segment in the spirit and wine industry in Nigeria and the reason is not far fetched. People in our country like to take bitter things. Don’t forget that the agbo local herb culture is there”. Though, he was not affirmative that the increase in sales of bitter drinks has to do with the drop in beer, but said that something really needed to give way. “I won’t be surprised if the drop in beer consumption is responsible for the growth of bitters drinks. Something really needed to give way. I wouldn’t know if the market share of beer industry is going down because I am not an active player in that industry. All I know is that the bitters segment is growing steadily and our Action Bitters which is a major player in that segment is a major beneficiary of that growth. IDL, which is one of Nigeria’s leading producer and marketers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages producing such well known brands as Eagle Schnapps, the first indigenous Schnapps brand in the country and Chelsea Dry Gin also produces Action Bitters. The company grew in size through the development of a wide range of portfolio of successful brands, relying on a sound understanding of the Nigerian wines and spirit market and also of the West African subregion. On April 20, 2012, IDL became NIS ISO 9001, 2008 certified. This is in reinforcement of her commitment to producing quality drinks that meet customer satisfaction at all times. Anuebunwa explained that the Action Bitters by his company which was introduced into the market over four years

Anuebunwa

We have a lot of activities in the industry as local and international brands are coming in everyday due to the vibrant nature of the industry ago, enjoys a very healthy market share. “We are a strong market leader in practically all the segment of the market which our brands are playing. Our brands are popular and highly sought after by the consumers and our Action Bitters is really doing well in the market and clearly

sought after by the consumers”. He continued: “Sales and market shares of our Action Bitters have grown astronomically and it is because it is a quality product that consistently delivers on its brand promises of ensuring the wellness of consumers”. The company, the senior brand manager explained, is not all about making money, as it plays strongly on the CSR platform. “This is targeted at our host communities where our factory is located. We have had a positive impact on the lives of people of Ota, Ogun State. Schools, associations and host of others have benefitted from our CSR projects. We have improved greatly the quality of lives of our host communities in terms of infrastructural development.”

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IDEAS & BRANDS

Consumers commend Maltina for live radio broadcast of MDA 8 Rhythm of Happiness

he live radio broadcast of the press parley of Maltina Dance All season eight (MDA 8) on Beat FM has been applauded by some Lagos-based consumers’ who described it as a trailblazing concept. Apart from the artistic choreography of the MDA All-Stars team which announced the unveiling of a new dance style known as Rhythm of Happiness Dance (ROHD), consumers who were not physically present were thrilled by the live radio broadcast of the activation which gave a blow by blow report of the event. The event which took centre stage at The Atrium of the Sil-

verbird Galleria in Lagos took fun-seekers, movie goers and shoppers by surprise. Renowned for “sharing happiness” and promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones, the MDA is the consumer engagement and experiential marketing platform that the brand deploys to resonate with esteemed consumers and the society in general. A consumer, Mrs Folashade Adigun whose son excitedly gave her his headphone to listen to what they are witnessing live also commended the brand. “We were shopping at the galleria when my son excitedly gave me his headphone to listen to ‘something.’ After listening, he dragged me to the balcony of

the third floor and pointed down saying ‘this is what you just listened to.’ As expected we walked down to watch everything live.” Muyiwa Ogunaike who had just viewed a movie at the Galleria and on his way out was listening to a radio station which was running a live commentary of the MDA activation. “Before now, I never thought that a live activation could get instant coverage on the radio. I was listening to Beat FM after viewing a movie and was pleasantly surprise that a live interview about Maltina Dance All was in progress and that I was also witnessing it live without realising it. You will understand if I say I was pleasantly surprised.”

For this year’s MDA competition tagged The Rhythm of Happiness, the winning family will go home with the grand prize of a whooping sum of N10 million. The first and second runners up will also get N3 million and N1 million, respectively. This is a considerable increase from the N6 million, N1 million and N500, 000 won last year by contestants. The show itself will be preceded by regional auditions which will kick off in Port Harcourt at the Atrium Event Centre on July 18th – 19th; Lagos – National Theatre on July 24th - 26th and Abuja – Nicon Luxury Hotel on August 1st – 2nd.Interested Nigerians can go online and register at www.maltinadanceall.tv

or they can register at the venues of the auditions for a chance to participate. They can also visit facebook.com/MaltinaNigeria for more information. During these regional auditions respective family members also stand a chance to win any of the numerous regional dance competition prizes; Generating sets, Flat screen TV sets, Home theatre systems and lots of refreshing Maltina drinks. The TV show will be aired from September 7 this year on major TV networks with videos uploaded on YouTube and Facebook. Also, viewers can participate and win fabulous prizes through the interactive SMS platform during the show.

Mantrac deepens market penetration, subsidises price of fork lift trucks

n its resolve to deliver quality world class Material Handling equipment, Mantrac Nigeria Ltd, the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar products in Nigeria, has reduced the cost of Cat lift Trucks for heavy-duty applications including stevedoring. The trucks are noted for delivering excellent performance to endusers. Deploying an integrated multi-channel campaign for new customers, it aims at promoting forklifts purchase via special financial offers. According to the Strategic Planning and Marketing Manager, Mantrac Nigeria, James Agama; customers are assured of buying a product that is rugged and durable besides getting value on investment during this campaign. In Agama’s words, ‘‘Caterpillar authorized dealer provides end users with exceptional endurance, power to handle heavy loads effortlessly and great return on investment’’. Agama also maintained that by purchasing Fork lift Trucks from Caterpillar authorized dealers, end-user will be buying a product that is backed up by 3-full level of after-sales support that are available lo-

cally (100 percent after sales service). These include: technical support for operational maintenance, 100 percent service spare parts availability, Cat trained engineers to carry out both preventive and repairs maintenance. The campaign will equally benefit transporters, inland containers depots, industrial areas factories, and food processing factories, bottling companies, breweries, warehouses, the maritime industry, free trade zone construction, freight, metal and brickyards. It also demonstrates Mantrac’s unparalleled support for end-users of construction equipment. The firm is also the approved sole supplier of genuine Caterpillar parts, which are available at competitive prices. Highly qualified employees work its extensive branch network that includes a head office in Lagos and branches in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Warri. Mantrac’s cutting edge lies in its service centers which are equipped to perform total overhauls. For back up services, there are also qualified service engineers, with necessary diagnostic and repair tools.

Grand Citadel gets marketing rights for NIPOGA 2014

rand Citadel Sports Limited, a Sports Marketing Company based in Lagos has been awarded the marketing rights for the 2014 edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) holding at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State. The marketing rights for the event according to an official of the company, involves seeking sponsors for the games. He added that the event promises to be engaging and competitive even as it will leave a lasting memory in the nation’s sporting circle as students from polytechnics and Colleges of Technology across the country compete for honours.

He called on corporate organizations to be part of history by sponsoring the event adding that interested sponsors will no doubt have value for their money. Sponsorship details, he added, will be released soon. The theme for the bi-annual sporting event is ‘ignte the spirit of friendship’. The game was first held in 1976 and was hosted by The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The 2014 games is the 18th edition. The council and management of Federal Polytechnic, Bida will be showcasing the rich culture and hospitality of the Nupe people ultimately to leave a sporting legacy that will be remembered for a long time.

L-R: Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, advertising practitioner; Dr. Celey Okogun, Adviser, Women in Advertising (WIA); Mrs Yinka Ogunde chairman, WIA and Mr. Lekan Fadolapo, Executive Director, Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN) at the 2014 WIA Seminar held recently in Lagos.

GE Launches ‘Garages’ Skill-Building Centre in Nigeria

E, in partnership with the Dangote Foundation and Points of Light has launched the first global installation of GE’s Garages programme – an innovation and manufacturing centre where aspiring makers and entrepreneurs can go to develop new skills and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies. Garages Nigeria will run from 23 June to 11 July at GE’s regional headquarters in Lagos, and will feature curated speakers sessions and workshops amidst a fully equipped fab lab. Participants can work with technical experts and use advanced hardware and software to bring their ideas to life, using equipment like CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers, and electrical engineering kits to quickly and collaboratively create new parts and prototypes. In partnership with the Dangote Foundation and other local partners, Garages Nigeria will expand into a programme dedicated

to training skilled entrepreneurs, employable workers and creating employment opportunities amongst service suppliers within the growing Power Generation sector. GE Africa president and CEO, Jay Ireland, said, “With more than 400 employees in Nigeria and 1,800 employees across 35 countries in the Africa region, GE is committed to supporting economic growth in Africa and driving both awareness and education on entrepreneurship via technology, hardware and software innovations in the industry.” As a significant stakeholder within the Nigerian private sector, the Dangote Foundation will help produce and maintain the training program and will collaborate on curriculum development for aspiring entrepreneurs. With the help of GE Foundation partner Points of Light, GE will activate its 400+ employees in Nigeria, as well as the global African Affinity Forum within GE, to create a network of mentors, coaches and teachers for

program participants. Director of the Dangote Foundation Adiahmbo Odaga said, “I am delighted to work with GE to set up a learning environment that is different from the traditional classroom. This programme is unique in that it is focused in both the classroom, as well as in the real-world – providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and production technology.” GE Foundation President and Chief Diversity Officer Deb Elam said, “GE created the Garages experience in 2012 to reinvigorate interest in invention, innovation and manufacturing. Building on past successes in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., Garages will foster a culture of collaboration in the Nigerian market, across GE, and makers and entrepreneurs around the world. We are thrilled to be working with the Dangote Foundation and Points of Light to support sustainable skills development in Nigeria.”

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Art beyond the barriers of sight Mastering the intricacies of arts and crafts is a huge challenge, even more so for the blind. But fortune sometimes favours the disadvantaged, writes EBERE AMEH, who spent time with students of Bethsaida Home for the Blind in Lagos during their arts and craft class.

ith absolute concentration, the students went about their crafts, even to the amazement of the sighted. How could they work with so much dexterity? How could they decipher the size by mere feeling and not by sight? What about the colours, which they use without mixing them up? So many questions, but according to one of their teachers, Uzoma Onuoha, the answers are not far-fetched. “When one sense organ is down, God perfects the other to do much more than man can imagine. Together with their zeal and determination to succeed, they do many things,” Onuoha said. “With beads, they do bags, flower vases and Christmas tree; they do leather slippers, detergents and disinfectants among other things. They do different types and sizes of flower vase like the hexagon shaped, the round ones and they do it with different colours. Having learnt how to do the various types, all they need is to tell them to do this or that and they do it,” Onuoha added. A special education graduate, Onuoha who said she has a passion for the disable and does her job with joy noted that though they are blind, they learn so fast. “A vase doesn’t take them up to a day to learn. You tell them what to do at every stage and after that one, they’ll get it. Like this flower vase, its step by step. So you can tell them step one, do this, when you okay that one, you ask them to do the second step until the last step. Afterwards, they can do it. “However, it depends on whom you are teaching. Since they don’t see, their feeling is sharp. You just tell them what to do. Even without holding their hands they will get it with a simple description. But there are some of them that you have to be patient with. Even in the normal school, all the students are not the same in terms of intellect, there are some that catch up easily.” As for the choice of co-

REFLECTION

Faithful God Timothy Akinleye

1. The steadfast love of our God never ceases His mercies never an end comes New every morning Shines every day Glowing every night Great is thy faithfulness oh God. 2. In his wondrous compassion hath he wrapped us Ever good to those Who quietly wait on his promises Never wavering, never staggering In the tranquil bliss of his word.

The students in a beading class

3. Waiting, looking and hoping in prayers For the perfect gifts from above That him only giveth Whose resting quality, more constant Far above the Northern Star And shifts not like shadows of men. 4. And why does thou in your manly mind Perceive God like mere fellows Balancing his promises on scales of mortals And fail to know He ain’t man that he should lie But immortal, invisible, the only wise

Beaded flower vases made by the students

lour, Onuoha said the home, Mrs Chioma Ohakwe, who has they can make two blind siblings a choice, but they depend said: “Through on the the experience sighted to I have had with the blind, give it to I know the them in blind do even separate bowls. much more “ B e than you and I. cause they When you give don’t see them anything colour, they to do, nothing disOnuoha tracts them. When they depend on the sighted to separate the handle something, they do colours. They put it in different it with absolute concentration, bowls and you will never see because they are not distracted them mix it in the course of do- by what is happening around them, unlike the sighted that ing their work.” According to Chidi Emman- would like to look and see.” According to Ohakwe, the uel Ikpeamaeze, the captain of the school who got blind while school teaches them other life in senior secondary school, said skills in addition to the crafts that all they need is instruction and would help them live an indethey are always determined to pendent and fulfilled life. “Outside the crafts and other things get everything right. “We can do anything we are they produce, they do virtually taught and we are set to excel. The everything for themselves. Once last thing I will do is lose hope.” you give them money, they go to Speaking with the founder of the market and buy what they

need as long as they know what to buy. They go to banks, cook, tidy their environs with little or no assistance. They do all that because the school teach them basic skills that help them to be self reliant.” They are unanimous in asking the government to provide facilities to make the lives of the handicapped worth living. “Homes like this should be replicated in various places by the government or public spirited individuals to help the handicapped. Special children are government children and their education should be the concern of the government. The education of a special child is much more expensive than that of a normal child, let the government to assist them so they don’t get discouraged. While the special child needs a computer, a typewriter, a recorder, JAWS and a host of others to be able to learn, a normal child can do without them,” Ohakwe who is grateful to the government for their new building said.

5. He brings water from the rock And mana too from heaven The rains to water the earth Causing lives to spring forth Keeping his covenant of love For ten thousand generations. 6. And to those who like Daniel dare To stand, to love and to keep his commands His ears are ever always tuned To those who earnestly Him seek Whose hearts on Him staid Himself from them hideth not. 7 Oh man, may thou come to the knowledge: God loves us for his own sake Making manifest his naturalness Putting us in remembrance Granting every request At the time of His choosing The best that can ever be. © Timothy 2007

SPSPLASH RT

ARGENTINA, BELGIUM READY FOR BRASILIA SHOWDOWN

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BLAME

KESHI FOR EAGLES’ OUSTER

– GARBA LAWAL G arba Lawal has laid the blame for Super Eagles’ exit from the World Cup in Brazil squarely at the feet of coach Stephen Keshi. The retired Nigerian midfielder, who also took John Mikel Obi to task for his uninspiring performance throughout the championship, noted that the problem started with the final squad named for the Mundial, and that Keshi, by his choices undermined the team from the very beginning. The Super Eagles drew against Iran in their opening match, managed a 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina before losing their last group match to Argentina.

Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike

But the team still scraped through to the last 16, after Bosnia won Iran in the last group tie to render the outcome of the Nigeria-Argentina encounter inconsequential. But the team came unstuck against France in the second round. “I’m disappointed with the coach. Keshi must take the blame for Nigeria’s ouster in the second round,” said Lawal who was with the team in Brazil. “The situation in the team was so bad that anytime we had an injury there was always panic as to who to introduce. We did not have a bench and this had to do with the choices that Keshi made while picking the final squad. I was also disappointed in some of the players like Mikel. He did not show up in the tournament at all.” Lawal, who is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee, was also not impressed by the overall conduct of the players as they placed more emphasis on money rather than on getting results. Before the second round match against France, which the Eagles lost 2-0, the players refused to go for training, as they demanded their appearance fee. As the row over money festered, the federal government intervened and sent $3m to the team which the players insisted on sharing on the eve of the crucial tie against France. CONTINUE ON PAGE 27

BASKETBALL: ‘HUNGRY’ OLUYOLE WARRIORS THREATEN TO BOYCOTT PLAYOFFS

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WRANGLING OVER MONEY TORE EAGLES APART IN BRAZIL}p.30

GOD WON’T HELP US IN GLASGOW – OSHONAIKE

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ARSENE WENGER CAUGHT IN THE ACT! }p.32

26 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

NIGERIAN LEAGUE RENDEZVOUS WITH CHARLES OGUNDIYA

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

08098042287

Who really owns Victor Ezeji?

Ex-Enyimba coach takes experience to Rangers

ormer assistant coach of Enyimba, Imama Amapakabo, has informed League Rendezvous that he decided to team up with Rangers International of Enugu because of the working relationship he had with the Enugu side’s technical adviser, John Obuh, during their time at Sharks of PortHarcourt. Amapakabo was announced during the week as the new coach of the club with Obuh remaining as the technical adviser of the club. Speaking to our correspondent, the former goalkeeper said he would be bringing a lot of technical and tactical support to the former Nigerian champions as the team targets a continental ticket at the end of the season. “I had a wonderful working relationship with Obuh for three years when we were both at Sharks of Port-Harcourt and I know what I can add to the team, which is the more reason I decided to team up with Rangers,” said Amapakabo. “My resolve to win at all times, coupled with the ambition of the team, not forgetting the tradition of Rangers in Nigeria, gave me the belief that the club was the best place for me,” he added. Rangers, currently placed 15th in the league, will hope to move up the table when the league resumes after the World Cup.

Amapakabo

FEDERATION CUP ROUND OF 64 RESULTS

Nasarawa Utd 3-2 Young Elephants Abia Warriors 2-0 Mafara Utd Dolphins 3-1 Ingas FC Apa Utd 1-0 Ekiti Utd FC Lokoja 2-4 First Bank Enyimba 3-1 Sokoto North CBN Cashless 0-2 Nembe Remo Stars 0-1 Bayelsa Utd Gombe Utd 1-2 Baton FC Heartland 1-1 Ebonyi Utd (4-3 pen) Kwara Utd 1-1 Sharks FC (3-4 pen) AS Racine 0-0 FC Taraba (4-5 pen) 3SC 2-0 Dalhatu FC Bright Stars 1-1 Crown FC (1-4 pen) Insurance 1-0 Sunshine Rangers 2-0 Ikpeazu FC Lobi Stars 2-0 Tornadoes Feeders Wikki 0-0 El-Kanemi (0-3 pen) Akwa Utd 1-2 FC Abuja Gateway FC 2-1 Kano Pillars

Crown’s Bode Daniel (r) in action against a Pillars player

Kano Pillars already setting the pace

eigning champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Kano Pillars, are only three points clear at the top of the league table after an indifferent start to the league season, but they have set their sights on winning a third league title in a row. Pillars won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2012 and 2013, and with the club currently perched at the top of the league standings, they appear not ready to relinquish their title to any other club. Speaking with League Rendezvous, Pillars midfielder, Eugene Obi, said the players’ resolve was to continue winning the league, especially putting into consideration the rewards they got from the club’s major sponsor, the Kano State Government, on the previous occasions they won the league title. The state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, recently rewarded the players with 28 Toyota Corolla cars and N9.5 million for winning the 2012/2013 league crown. It would also be recalled that the players were each re-

What next for the league after Eagles exit?

he league has been on break since the commencement of the World Cup in Brazil, with the people charged with the task of managing the nation’s top flight declaring that there is need for the championship to go on break in solidarity with Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Now that the Super Eagles are out of the Mundial what next for the league in the coming days? Will the league continue to wait till the end of the tournament in Brazil or resume immediately? The league produced four of the players that represented Nigeria in Brazil: Sunshine Stars defender, Ebenezer Odulami; Rangers’ mer-

warded with Kia saloon cars after winning the title at the end of 2011/2012 campaign. Another player who spoke with our correspondent, Shehu Abdullahi, said: “The governor has promised to give us something bigger if we win it for the third time. “We have promised the government to end the first round

at the top of the table which we have done because that is where we belong; at the top.” Pillars are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and will be hoping to continue with their good run when the league resumes upon the conclusion of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

Kano Pillars players with the League trophy won last season

curial midfielder, Ejike Uzoenyi; Warri Wolves captain, Azubuike Egwuekwe, and Gombe United shot stopper, Chigozie Agbim. The Super Eagles were expected back in the country yesterday and league followers can’t wait to see the players back on the field of play as the second half of the season resumes.

Players jostle for the ball in a league tie recently

here is controversy surrounding the ownership of veteran Nigeria Premier League campaigner, Victor Ezeji. The striker, who is one of the oldest footballers in the Nigerian top flight, has already seen out his 18th season in the Glo Premier League with this season making it 19, while scoring in the league every season he has featured in. He was recently rewarded by the League Bloggers Award as the longest-serving player in the league with the League Management Company chairman, Hon. Nduka Iraboh, promising to make him an ambassador of the league once the aging striker decides to hang his boots. Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the striker is currently training with Sunshine Stars of Akure, even though he is expected to resume with Crown FC of Ogbomosho, a club he signed for during the week nine transfer window. Speaking on good authority, an official of Sunshine Stars, who craved anonymity said: “Ezeji is with us now and he will be signing for us before the commencement of the second half of the season. He is an experienced player and will add a lot of value to the team.” When contacted, the media officer of Crown FC, Kunle Oyeleye, said that the player in question belongs to the club and they are still with his licence and other documents relating to the transfer.

Ezeji

Clubs gear up for resumption

lubs in the country are already gearing up for the resumption of the second half of the league season as soon as the World Cup in Brazil is over. The league went on break for the duration of the World Cup with all the clubs releasing their players on break. But they have since resumed for proper preparation ahead what would be a decisive moment in the league, as battle for the league title, continental slot and battle against relegation reached feverish height in the premier league, while the clubs in the lower league will be fighting for promotion into the upper echelon of the league.

Speaking with our correspondent, some of the clubs said they were ready for the second half of the season, promising an improved side. “We ended the first half poorly after a good start, but the break has given us the opportunity to correct some of the lapses that led to the poor results recently,” said Gbenga Ogunbote, Sharks of Port-Harcourt head coach. On his part, Akwa United coach, Patrick Udoh, said: “We ended the first half with an away victory against Sharks, and the target is to continue from where we stopped.” The league resumes the week after the World Cup final.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

SAMBA NOTES FROM BRAZIL Compiled by

Basketball: ‘Hungry’ Oluyole Warriors threaten to boycott playoffs

Adekunle Salami

VISITORS IN TOUGHER CONDITIONS The situation here in Brazil is getting tougher for visitors who already have tickets up to the final day or anyone who has business to do here till the final match is decided in Rio on July 13. The one dollar to two Reais exchange rate is the key issue and almost in everything, Brazilians are just making money, milking visitors dry. It is difficult for people to embark on shopping spree simply because they are directly spending dollars. The remaining 10 days or less will be crucial too as hotels are being forced to reduce rates since the event is winding up. Brazil is so tough but we shall survive it. Many off the fans are changing their flights by selling their tickets because they cannot pay their way till the final day. POINT AND ROCK In Nigeria, many people are used to the ‘point and kill’ syndrome at various joints especially in Lagos and Abuja where they sell fresh fish. Here there are point and kill (rock) joints as well, but not for fresh fish. These ones are also relaxation centres but it is of different flavour. Some night clubs in the Republican area of Sao Paulo have some ladies that display their nude bodies to prospective ‘clients.’ The clients will go round and point at the ladies that fascinates them most and then a deal is agreed for the next level of the ‘business.’ Members of the Nigerian Supporters club stay in that area and they alerted more Nigerians interested to ‘offload’ after over three weeks in Brazil. People call the place ‘point and kill’ joint, but I call it ‘point and rock.’ Nobody will die. The client will be relieved and the ladies will collect money too. GOING FOR GOALS Kunle Solaja, General Editor of The Sun Newspapers, in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation will be coming out with a book entitled ‘Going for Goals’. The book is ready but yet to be officially launched. It comprises the untold stories of Nigerian football history. It was learnt that about 500 copies of the book were brought to Brazil by the NFF and have been given to FIFA and CAF officials here for the ongoing Mundial. Congrats, senior KS SUPPORTERS LEAVE SUNDAY The last batch of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club will leave Brazil on Sunday July 6. The airline engaged by the group travels to Brazil on Wednesdays and Sundays. And since it is not a chattered arrangement it was difficult for all of them to travel last Wednesday. Staying about six days after the Eagles crashed out of the Mundial is a big burden on the body especially with the tight situation in Brazil.

Ifeanyi Ibeh

AFN Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (left), with the President Solomon Ogba

All Nigeria high jump winner rues World championship miss

Charles Ogundiya

igh Jump winner at the 2014 All Nigeria Athletics Championship in Calabar, Chinyere Anslem, is bitter after losing, opportunity to qualify for the IAAF World Junior Championship in USA, from July 22 to 27. Anslem jumped 1.65m in Calabar to win the All Nigeria Championship. She was however put on probation ahead of the World Junior hoping she will be able to meet the standard of 1.80 before

the submission of the final list for the championship. She however, lost the opportunity to be part of Team Nigeria for the championship after she was unable to jump at the first edition of the University of Lagos Track and Field Invitational tournament on Wednesday July 2, due to non- availability of landing foam. According to investigations by New Telegraph, the landing foam at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, belonging to the Lagos State government, was not released to the

organisers of the event. Speaking with our correspondent, an official who crave anonymity said it was unfortunate that the poor girl failed to achieve her dream of competing at the world stage. According to him; “I can’t really fathom the reason why the landing foam was not released. The coaches decided to put up this meet to give some of the athletes opportunity to meet the set standard, but it was unfortunate that they are playing politics with the career of these athletes.”

he camp of Nigeria Basketball Premier League outfit, Oluyole Warriors, has been thrown into turmoil over threats by players of the club to boycott the upcoming NBBF Final-8 Playoffs, which get underway in Lagos on July 9. Some of the players who spoke to New Telegraph in Lagos said they were not going to resume preparations for the playoffs until the three months’ salary and bonuses owed them were paid by the team’s financier, the Oyo State government. The players were scheduled to resume training for the weeklong playoffs on July 1, but as at the time of going to press, the players were yet to arrive at the team’s camp. “We have borrowed money even from our enemies; this is not what they told us, we are very disappointed in them. All they’ve done is to speak grammar and put pressure on us to win games,” said one of the Oluyole Warriors players, on condition of anonymity. “We have delivered the playoff ticket but they’ve refused to fulfil their promises. They want results but failed to empower the players. We can’t continue to play with empty stomachs,” fumed another player. Oluyole Warriors, who were promoted to the Premier Division at the end of last season, finished fourth in the Atlantic Conference to grab the last available slot for the playoffs behind Atlantic Conference champions Islanders, Union Bank and Dodan Warriors. Four other teams from the Savannah Conference will also take part in the playoffs. They are Savannah Conference champions Kano Pillars, Mark Mentors, Gombe Bulls and Plateau Peaks.

Oyeleye Mojuba (in white jersey), in action for the Oluyole Warriors

Blame Keshi for Eagles’ ouster – Lawal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

The players busied themselves sharing the money until about 2.30am on match day. “In fact the players were already talking about money before the game against Iran, and when you bother yourself with money issues you only succeed in creating distractions,” added Lawal. “If the players wanted to hold the government or the football federation to ransom all they needed to have done was win their matches and then the money will naturally

follow. “Now they got the money but they did not perform. I can’t understand it. Money is not everything; integrity and respect are important. One day these players will also end their careers like us and come back home, and if they did not conduct themselves properly while playing nobody will respect them.”

The situation in the team was so bad that anytime we had an injury there was always panic as to who to introduce Lawal

Navas earns praise

IFA’s number two official has said he’s “amazed” by the levels of drunkenness in Brazil’s World Cup stadiums, reviving a debate over whether alcohol sales should have been allowed at matches in the first place. In an interview with Brazil’s sports television network SporTV, Jerome Valcke acknowledged Tuesday that “maybe there were too many people who were drunk” at the matches and pointed to the connection between inebriation and violence. Brazil banned alcohol sales at soccer matches in 2003 in a bid to curb fan violence. But Budweiser is a major World Cup sponsor and the tournament’s organisers, FIFA, insisted Brazil lift the ban in order to host the month-long event. Lawmakers opposed to lifting the ban delayed the passage of a World Cup law that gave FIFA financial and legal guarantees to organise the event, and the issue became a major source of friction between FIFA and Brazilian officials. During the protracted debate over the legislation, Valcke stated in 2012 that instadium beer sales were a key part of World Cup tradition and that lifting Brazil’s ban was non-negotiable. In Monday’s SporTV interview, Valcke appeared to soften his position, saying alcohol sales are “something we have to look at.”

FIFA official ‘amazed’ by World Cup drunkenness

ajibade.olusesan@newtelegraphonline.com

AJIBADE OLUSESAN

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

NEW TELEGRAPH

rasilia is the setting for Argentina versus Belgium in the World Cup quarter final-but the South American nation will have the edge in an encounter which is expected to be thrilling. Argentina won all three of their group games and negotiated their way past Switzerland in the last 16 but they’ve looked far from convincing in doing so. All four of their victories have been by a single goal margin and they needed extra time in their win over the Swiss. It’s only really been Lionel Messi that has shone for the 1986 champions and even he has done it in fits and starts. Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi have been carried by the Barcelona man, but at least Di Maria managed to find the net last time.

4 5

Match drawn Goals scored FIFA ranking

Belgium

Lukaku

Messi

Despite looking shaky at the back, Alejandro Sabella’s side has kept two clean sheets so far and they managed to keep Switzerland at bay. Javier Mascherano is doing a decent job of shielding the back four and he will have a key role in tracking the runners from the Belgian midfield. Opponents, Belgium, also required extra time to make it into the last eight of the competition as they were tied 0-0 with USA after

2 0

Match won

Match played

Argentina

HEAD-TO-HEAD

90 minutes. A Kevin De Bruyne goal broke the deadlock and when Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to add a second, the game appeared to be as good as over. The United States pulled one back though and were unlucky not to force penalties as they laid siege to Thibaut Courtois’ goal. Again, like Argentina, Marc Wilmots’ men had a 100 percent record in the group as they won all three of their games. They were also all by a one goal margin and they looked relatively unimpressive for the most part given the standard of the opposition. The defence has looked good, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Van Buyten in particular, but going forward they have failed to deliver. Lukaku has lost his place in the starting XI and Eden Hazard has been relatively anonymous.

KICK OFF 5:00PM

Argentina, Belgium ready for Brasilia showdown

ablo Zabaleta admits Argentina are “playing for Lionel Messi” as their World Cup campaign is based on the hope he will produce seven perfect performances to fire them to glory. Messi was named man of the match for the fourth time in a row as Angel Di Maria’s winner late against Switzerland sent them through to a quarter-final clash with Belgium. And Zabaleta has admitted Argentina’s tactical plan consists primarily of giving the ball to the Barcelona talisman as they expect him to make the difference in every single game of the tournament. “We know he is our main player, our captain, the best player in the world,” Zabaleta said. “This team is playing for him as we know how important Messi is. We are so lucky to have Messi. “He has won four man of the match awards in a row. That is what we expect from him, always that the best player in the world will make the difference in every game, and even more so when you see he is enjoying himself. “Every time we recover the ball we try to pass to

We’re playing for Messi - Zabaleta

Zabaleta

Global Football Special

‘Herrera tricked Bilbao for Man

hana World Cup star Andre Ayew has alerted Bundesliga clubs after revealing that he would be delighted to play in the German top-flight. “Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world. I can certainly imagine playing

Ayew to consider Bundesliga move

alatasaray are closing in on Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o. Gazzetta dello Sport says the 33-year-old striker will be offered a one-year deal worth around £3m by the Istanbul club. That contract dwarfs the £1.5m deal put forward by Italian side Fiorentina. If he does move to Turkey, he will replace Chelsea legend Didier Drogba at the Istanbul club.

Galatasaray close to Eto’o deal

thletic Bilbao midfielder Iker Muniain has renewed his contract with the La Liga club and will remain at San Mames until 2017. At hlet ic con firmed the 21-yearold Spain international – whose previous deal expired in June 2015 – has added a further two years to his current terms, with his buy-out clause rising from €37.5 million to €45 million.

Muniain agrees contract extension at Athletic

TRANSFERS

28 SPORT NEW TELEGRAP 5 JULY

van Persie

ith record numbers watching Team USA in the football World Cup, many have also been alerted to the attractions of Brazil and its property The success of the USA team at the World Cup has not only boosted interest in soccer – but overseas property, too. An average of 21.6 million American viewers watched a TV coverage of Team USA’s thrilling 2-1 defeat against Belgium on Tuesday with 9.1million Tweets sent during the game and a record 30 million hours of video streaming watched. But American fans

in Brazil and the millions watching have also been turning their attentions to overseas property, the Forbes website reports. Fan, Jim Loseley, from Miami, who is among 24,000 Americans who travelled to Natal to support the US team, loves the area so much, he is now looking for a holiday property there. A m o n g p ro j e c t s catching the eye of investors are condominiums at the gated, beachfront Palm Springs development, 20-minutes from the new international airport in Natal, which are available from US$90,000.

Powell Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has withdrawn from Saturday’s Diamond League meeting in Paris due to injury, event organisers announced Thursday. Powell, a former 100-metre world record holder, complained of feeling a slight pain in his hamstring and elected not to race as a precaution, organisers added. Powell, 31, was expected to make his competitive return in the French capital after receiving a temporary reprieve following an 18-month doping ban he was issued in April.

US Ryder Cup captain, Tom Watson, insists he will gauge the way Tiger Woods is playing before deciding on his picks for Gleneagles. Watson keen to see Woods in action will be in charge of the American dozen in Scotland at the end of September as they look to bounce back from their devastating loss to Europe last time out at Medinah. Woods was part of the team that grasped defeat from the jaws of victory as the Europeans roared back on the final day to win by the narrowest of margins.

Former Pakistan skipper, Javed Miandad, has rubbished the plans of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold its inaugural premier league T20 tournament early next year in Dubai. “Unless the premier league is held in Pakistan it will serve no purpose and it will not help bring back international cricket or foreign players to Pakistan,” Miandad said on Friday.

SPORT BRIEFLY

hile striker, Mauricio Pinilla, has tattooed on his back the last-ditch World Cup goal attempt that rattled the bar in their second round defeat by Brazil, local media reported on Tuesday. La Roja almost clinched an upset victory against the hosts in extra time on Saturday, when substitute Pinilla’s powerful shot struck the woodwork with Brazil fans holding their breath.

The thrilling game finished 1-1 minutes later and went to a penalty shootout, which Brazil won in Belo Horizonte to edge into the quarter-final while devastated Chile went home.“One Centimetre from Glory,” reads the tagline next to a drawing depicting the shot on Pinilla’s lower back. The ball hitting the crossbar radiates like a sun in the tattoo.

Chile striker gets tattoo of missed goal

rites with the bookmakers to see off Greece. The 12 goals scored by the Dutch in their four games at this World Cup is the most by any team in the tournament. Their four goals conceded though is the most of the eight remaining nations.

KICK OFF 9:00PM

USA success triggers interest in Brazil property

Tiger Woods

Pinilla

co in the second round with Wesley Sneijder equalising in the 88th minute before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted a penalty four minutes into added time to seal a 2-1 victory. Costa Rica came through their tie with Greece on penalties after the Cental American side conceded a 91st minute equaliser. Jorge Luis Pinto’s side had Óscar Duarte sent off in the 66th minute, therefore played nearly an hour with 10 men. Louis van Gaal’s side is the shortest odds of any of the eight quarter-finalists to progress from their tie. Costa Rica were the underdogs in all three of their group games before being narrow favou-

he Netherlands will take on Costa Rica at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Saturday for a place in the World Cup semi-final, with the clash seen as a match between the third favourites and the biggest surprise package of the tournament. The Netherlands left it very late in scoring twice versus Mexi-

Dutch masters tangle with surprise side, Costa Rica

Miandad

apan’s 2014 World Cup campaign was undone by a lack of confidence and physical game, as well as a bona fide striker who can take chances, FIFA’s technical committee said on Wednesday. Japan lost to Cote d’Ivoire and Colombia and drew with Greece on their way out of Brazil in the first round, scoring just twice to end up bottom of Group C. According to Gerard Houllier of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, Japan never psychologically recovered from their opening 2-1 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire and simply did not have the fitness to keep up in that game. “The first game killed them because they were 1-0 up and lost 2-1,” Houllier told Kyodo News. “I don’t know how it affected them, but they looked as if they didn’t believe in themselves — as they should’ve done.

‘Japan undone by low confidence, stamina in Brazil’

head of Saturday’s quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, Costa Rica defender, Giancarlo Gonzalez, says goalkeeper Keylor Navas could play in any side in the world. With Costa Rica proving by far the biggest surprise at the World Cup, goalkeeper Keylor Navas has received numerous plaudits for his contributions to the side’s astonishing run to the quarter-finals. ‘Keylor [Navas] is a great player,’ he said. ‘He helps us a lot because of his experience in La Liga. In Spain he faces the best players in the world and he passes that experience on to the group.’ ‘He’s a leader and you can see that in his performances. For us, having a goalkeeper of such qualities and playing at that level is key.’ ‘As a national side and also as a country, we’re proud of him because he’s shown that he has the ability to play in any team and that he will perform the same way or even better in here with us.’

from teammate him as he is the best player we have in the team and he will score goals. “Messi has been one of the best players in the world for many years and you always expect a lot of things from them, like Maradona many years ago.

nter Milan have yet to reach an agreement with Real Madrid to acquire Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, according to the player’s agent. Casemiro has been strongly linked with a move to the San Siro outfit this summer. “I know that Inter are talking to Real Madrid,” Casemiro’s agent Joseph Lee said to www.tuttomercatoweb.com.

‘Casemiro deal not done’

there to hone my skills,” the Ghana international told Sport Bild. “It would also be a lot of fun to play in the same league where my friend Prince (Boateng) operates, that would make everything a lot more interesting.”

ottenham are ready to welcome Spanish midfielder, Iago Falque, back to the club. The 24-year-old has been out on loan at various clubs since joining the White Hart Lane outfit in 2012, most recently with Rayo Vallecano last season. But he will be back at White Hart Lane for preseason, ready to give it one last shot at making it into the Spurs first-team under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Spanish star gets Tottenham chance

enoa president, Enrico Preziosi, would like to see striker Alberto Gilardino accept a deal to join Guangzhou Evergrande. The 31-year-old could reunite with former Italy coach Marcello Lippi in China, as Genoa look to reduce their wage bill. “We don’t know whether Gilardino will accept or not. If he doesn’t, then we will keep him and continue to give him a great deal of money. If he doesn’t, then we already have some alternatives. “We want to bring the average age of the squad down and reinvest the money for a younger forward who we believe could be as strong as Gilardino.”

Gilardino set for China move

thletic Bilbao president, Josu Urrutia has claimed Manchester United signing Ander Herrera deceived the Basque club before sealing his move to the Premier League. Urrutia said he had no indication that the midfielder wanted to depart for the Premier League and, following the sales of Javi Martinez [to Bayern Munich, in 2012], Fernando Llorente [Juventus in 2013], and Herrera in the last two years, Urrutia stressed that the Basques did not aspire to be a selling club.

Utd move’

PH ON SATURDAY Y 2014

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g n i l g n a Wr y e n o m r ove s e l g a E e r to apart in Brazil

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

nce again, Nigeria failed to progress beyond the second round of the World Cup. After managing to scrape through to the last 16, needing Bosnia-Herzegovina to do them a favour by beating Iran, the Super Eagles came unstuck against France. That they failed to advance beyond the second round, mirroring their outings in 1994 and 1998, is not the major issue here, but what is significant is how the wrangling over money tore the team apart and made nonsense of their campaign in Brazil. In the Bible, it is stated clearly that when someone or group places money first, things are bound to go awry. Timothy 6:10 says; “For the love of money is the root of all evil, by which some, because they desire it, have gone astray from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains” No doubt, this was the case with the Super Eagles and two other African teams that took part at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Ghana and Cameroun had their share of in-fighting and protests over money in their respective camps. However, rather than learn from the early exit of the Black Stars and the Indomitable Lions, the Super Eagles chose to tag along with the bad attitude of these other teams. After struggling to qualify for the second round, the Nigerian team failed to file out for their first training session in Campinas. Rather than insist on training, Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, ‘threatened’ that he would drop any player that fails to get set for the trip to Brasilia the next day. “I don’t know what is going on in their minds but by noon tomorrow, I will drop any player that fails to be in the bus for the trip to Brasilia,” Keshi had said. That was a shock to many followers of the game as every training means so much to a team and Keshi should have threatened to drop any player that failed to enter the bus for training. “Why is Nigeria involved in money drama instead of concentrating on the task ahead? Do they want to follow Cameroun and Ghana?” Emmanuel Maradas

Super Eagles’ Mikel Obi dribbles past an Iranian opponent during their opening tie at the World Cup

asked before the second round game between Nigeria and France in Brasilia. The Eagles were demanding the appearance fee for the World Cup which FIFA is expected to give the Nigeria Football Federation after the World Cup based on the final rating of the team in the competition. That incident was the distraction that led to Nigeria’s ouster from the competition. Not that France were not good enough, but because the Eagles could have defeated the French team if they had played to their full potential. A former Eagles coach, Bora Milutinovic, expressed shock at the display of Eagles in the second round game. He said; “The players seemed not to be mentally ready for the game against France. They were just running around with flashes of brilliance which showed that they could have done better. Nigerian players are always very strong and they did not show that. “Maybe they had things on their mind. Maybe they felt they have done enough. I guess they lost concentration to go for a win.” Also reacting, Seyi Olofinjana, a former international blamed coach Keshi for parading a team without depth and also not been firm on the team. Olofinjana said; “The money distraction was sad and unfortunate. But the team itself lacked depth. When Onazi (Ogenyi) came off due to injury, the midfield collapsed and I wonder why? The replacement, Gabriel Reuben did not do the job and on the bench there seemed to be no other top notch player who could come in to drive the team. “France are a quality opposition, but Nigeria did not show the true fighting spirit we are noted for in that encounter. They could have done better but for the dis-

tractions in camp I guess.” Janaina Xaiver is a Brazilian broadcaster. She wondered why the Super Eagles were not consistent in their play at the World Cup. She noted that the Stephen Keshi-side played differently in almost all the games. “Against Iran, Nigeria was poor. The players did not move upfront to get goals. The second game there was hunger and determination and so they defeated Bonia. Against Argentina, we saw a slow first half and a better second half, but against France, there was no aggression in their play. When you play a big team there must be determination and zeal to win. The Nigerian team was ordinary. Just flowing with the game,” she said. It is impossible to sweep the money issue aside when discussing the ouster of Nigeria from the Copa Mundial. In the first match, the players got $5,000 for the 0-0 draw against Iran. They were paid $10,000 for beating Bosnia 1-0 and against Argentina despite losing 3-2; they were again given $5,000 each as motivation for putting in effort in the match. The NFF went wrong in trying to motivate them after the defeat because the players capitalised on that to ask for more, believing the money was there. Kayode Tijani, a football ana-

lyst, argued that the NFF has over-pampered the players and it boomeranged at the biggest stage in Brazil. He said; “With a draw, the players should not get anything. Imagine the poor display against Iran and yet they got $5,000 each. That is big money. If the players were wise they should have played for $10,000 in every match and get their money after each win, there would have been no controversy. But paying bonus for a draw and a loss sparked the whole problem. “This administration of NFF has done well with bonuses but they were simply not firm enough in dealing with the players. It is a shame we found ourselves in this situation.” The head of Technical committee of the NFF, Chris Green, said he was shocked that the Eagles put up such drama at the World Cup. Green said: “We had an agreement on the FIFA money. If they get to the second round 30 per cent, last eight, 40 percent, semifinal, 60 percent and we even told them to win the cup and get the entire FIFA proceed. “However, the money comes in not less than three months after the competition and the players were demanding it during the competition when we were still playing. That was so unreason-

able and it showed greed on their part. I was disappointed because we did not owe them anything in terms of allowances and bonuses for the competition. They distracted themselves and we have seen where that landed us.” On Sunday night before the encounter against France, $3m was sent to the camp from the Federal Government and instead of the money being shared after the match; the players opted to get the money that night. And up till 2.30 am the government largesse was being shared in Brasilia. “The players did not sleep up till 3.am because they were sharing the money from the FG. They slept very late and their match was an early match 1pm local time. They did not have enough rest, it was obvious during the match,” a source said. Indeed, the NFF was not firm enough with the players because the body was concerned with public opinion and the role of Keshi in the whole drama leaves much to be desired. Before Keshi came on board, the past four coaches of the team both foreign and indigenous did not experience bonus or money row in any way. Keshi was in charge when the team decided not to fly to Brazil for the Confederation Cup due to money issues until FIFA came to the rescue of Nigeria to avoid embarrassment at the competition. At the Confederation Cup, the team was poor. After beating Tahiti, Eagles lost 2-1 to Uruguay and 3-0 to Spain. It could also be recalled that at France ’98 World Cup, the Eagles fought over money and shared money till about 3.30am on the day they were to play Denmark. They lost the second round match 4-1. Will Nigeria ever learn from history?

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

SPORT

Despite her age, Nigeria Table Tennis queen, Funke Oshonaike, continues to wax strong. In this interview with CHARLES OGUNDIYA, the 40-yearold mother of two speaks about her career, motivation, and Nigeria’s chances at the Commonwealth Games among other issues. Excerpts… What has kept you going these past years? I will say discipline. I am talented and I have God’s favour with me which have helped me over years. In every area of your life, you have to be disciplined. Without discipline you cannot achieve anything. Even if you are the most gifted person in the world, indiscipline will ruin everything. What is the difference between the older players and the young ones? The players these days are very different. During our days we were very disciplined, and although I am still playing with the young players, I am of a different generation. Children of nowadays are very different, not only with regard to sports, but even in the way parents bring up their children. The children now have a say unlike in our days when they did not. So many competitors and to wear the Nigerian shirt was like getting to heaven, but now they believe since they are playing well, they have to represent the country, it is not like that. My job now as a senior player is to talk to them one-on-one, and hopefully we will get to where we used to be. I am still around to motivate the young ones. How did you start the game as a female player? I started when table tennis was next to football in Nigeria. Then everyone played on the streets and I started like other youngsters in the country. I didn’t come from a rich family so I started playing on soak away, before moving to bench, using wood as playing bat. Later my brother bought a table tennis board which we used to rent out. It was not normal to see a lady playing back then, so whenever I was playing people will gather round, surprised that a lady was playing table tennis, and that really helped me. Somebody discovered me and I was able to play during the All Primary School games when I was still in the primary school, from there I got to Rowe Park and the rest is history. But we don’t really have that now… Yes. That is where the problem lies. How many children do you see playing on soak away these days? Where are the benches? How many table tennis boards do you see around? How many primary school games do we have? Or even secondary school games? We just have to go back to the basics for everything to be okay. What were the challenges you faced while growing up? Personally I didn’t face any

God won’t help us in Glasgow – Oshonaike challenges growing up. The only thing was that I trained very hard; I loved the sport, I was disciplined and I also worked very hard. What do you make of the lack of competitions now? Seriously it is a big problem and I really pity the players still playing in the country. During my days, we usually had at least one competition in a month and we were always buoyant, but there is nothing like that nowadays. For example to buy a rubber, the one we used to play, it costs as much as N30 000 to 40 000. How are they going to cope when there are no competitions? Competition is very important as per putting money in the players’ pockets. Also you cannot just be training without competitions, how will you measure your development? We need more competitions. Thank God for this World Tour in Nigeria and the passion shown by the current board; the president has been doing well for the sport in Nigeria, I just wish the sports commission can complement his efforts. It doesn’t affect table tennis alone, it affects all the sports in Nigeria with the exception of football. But I know with time things will change. What is your advice to the younger generation? They should be more disciplined. If I was not I won’t be here today, and they should have passion for the sport. Table tennis is not something you can just go and do, you need the techniques, fitness and you need to use your head. Despite my tight schedule,

as the only queen in their midst I have to settle quarrel. You look great even at 40, what is the secret? When I was still in the country I will go to the national stadium and run round the main bowl. After doing that I will go to the gym to continue my training, and still go to school as a young girl; that is why I am still looking great. You cannot just play table tennis without physical fitness, I keep telling the players, you don’t need to have somebody to do some things for you; you too have to push yourself to achieve your goal. I still work hard as a mother. I have my family to cater for, I work and despite all that I still have time to go to the gym for physical exercises. I will still train every day.

Oshonaike

I still find time for my training. If I can be doing all that at my age, why can’t they (who don’t have responsibilities yet) do it? I keep telling them that they need a lot of sacrifice to get to the top. You need to have passion for what you are doing not because Funke is doing it and has made it. The question is can they do what Funke has done to get to where she is? First thing in every job is passion and love for the job. I even have more responsibilities now than when I was younger. I have my work, my children and my husband, and those are demanding enough. When my three boys are fighting

Any advice for the current board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation The board is a wonderful one with the president doing a good job. I am still around because we have a very good board overseeing the game of table tennis in Nigeria. They have been wonderful and putting a lot in the game, it would have been different if the board was not interested in the. They have been so encouraging. Can Nigeria achieve anything at Commonwealth Games? The Commonwealth Games is not going to be easy, we have countries like Singapore, Malaysia, those are the top countries coming; we have others like England, Australia, India, before we can talk about Nigeria. Like I said it is not

Oshonaike

going to be easy, but this is sport where anything can happen; let us hope we are going to do well. But the problem I am having right now is, barely a month to the competition, we say we are preparing but what is the country doing for the players that will be going for the Games? Are they in camp? Are they training? You cannot just go there and feel God is going to come down and perform some miracle, preparation is very important, all the countries we are going to compete against have been preparing for a long time. But we are yet to prepare, just individual players trying to train on their own. When competition starts and a player loses, Nigerians will be shouting that the player doesn’t know how to play, but how will you be expecting result when you are not doing your own part. The federation is doing a lot, but how much can they achieve without the support of the country What was preparation for competitions like in the past? I recall when I was in secondary school we had to go for camping in Ilorin, Kwara State for a whole year in preparation for the All African Games and I had to change my school from Lagos to Ilorin. But now, how many times do we go for camping for two months? Commonwealth Games is next month and nothing is been done as by way of preparation. I am sorry to say this, but people should not expect any miracle. Let us see what our individual efforts can bring. We have a lot of dedicated players and let us see how it goes.

32 SPORT

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

Brazil, Germany and Holland’s relaxed attitude to sex pays off at 2014 World Cup

Lifestyle

ll countries which banned their players from having sex at the 2014 World Cup have been eliminated, while those with a more relaxed view on the matter are enjoying better results on the pitch, research has shown. Germany and Holland bosses allowed wives and girlfriends to stay in team hotels and both have navigated their way safely into the quarter-finals of the tournament. Meanwhile, France, Brazil and Costa Rica who have more complicated rules regarding sex, but still allow it, also remain active in the competition as do Argentina, Belgium and Colombia whose preference isn’t recorded. Other sides happy to let their players spend intimate time with loved ones include the United States, Switzerland, Uruguay and Nigeria - all of whom made it into the last 16. Of the sides that banned sex - Spain, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chile and Mexico - none made it past the last 16. Courtesy: Daily Mail

Ozil and girlfriend

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

Neymar’s girlfriend

Coleen Rooney

Rooney takes wife out after World Cup disaster

t is no surprise that Wayne Rooney struggled to muster up a smile as he began his luxurious Las Vegas holiday with wife Coleen on Monday. The couple decided that their favourite holiday destination would be the perfect remedy for a disappointing year in the player’s career as they soaked up the sun in America’s gambling capital. The Manchester United striker and his beau

were seen partying with a group of friends at a VIP bungalow in the popular Encore Beach Club. Coleen showcased her svelte figure in a classic black bikini while she accessorised with a delicate necklace and tortoiseshell sunglasses. The mother-of-two seemed to constantly have a drink in hand as the group topped up their tans in the glorious sunshine. Courtesy: Daily Mail

...Steven Gerrard too

e shared a number of adorable snaps of his three daughters with Instagram fans while holidaying with his family last week. However, it was Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex who became the focus of his attentions on Wednesday as the pair enjoyed a day together at Ibiza’s Nassau Beach Club. There was no missing the WAG’s enviable figure thanks to her bright bikini, as she took a dip in the sea with her hunky footballer husband. “When we saw a very toned and tanned Alex Gerrard making serious style waves in her orange print bikini, it took us about 1.7 seconds to decide our holiday suitcases just would not be complete without the stunning shade,” as quoted in the Daily Mail. The mum-of-three looked incredible as she soaked up the rays in Ibiza in her achingly stylish Vix guarani Bia bikini which features a burnt orange and white pattern and eye-catching gold plate accents. The blonde beauty made the most of her toned tum in her patterned orange two-piece, which featured chic gold detailing on the bust and hip. Courtesy: Daily Mail

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, spotted in Copa Cabana, Rio,Brazil with an un-named beauty

Beckham shows off physique for latest H&M clothing range

Gerrrard and wife, Alex

Beckham

avid Beckham may have retired from playing last year but there has been no let-up in his god-like physique, as he demonstrates in his latest photo-shoot for his new clothing range. Beckham is pictured modelling in his AW14 Bodywear collection for high street store H&M., showing off his chiseled abs and array of body art in a series of photographs that will leave the ladies swooning over the former England captain once more. The 39-year-old poses in black and white underwear and loungewear in several candid photos, with Beckham sporting stylish, wet hair and designer stubble as he promoted his latest collection. Beckham said: ‘These new pieces for my Bodywear range at H&M have a real energy about them. I genuinely enjoy the creative process with H&M and we have had fun this time playing with colour and texture. I hope people like them as much as I do.’ It has been a busy week for Beckham after he treated his mother Sandra to a VIP trip to Wimbledon on Saturday, where they sat in Centre Court’s Royal Box, watching on as Spanish star Rafael Nadal overcame Mikhail Kukushkin. Courtesy: Daily Mail

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

THE ARTS

Nollywood's newest writers?

Didi Cheeka our Pitch session is slated for Thursday 19th June... Please arrive before 11am," the text said. I had registered to pitch for two of Afrinolly's Cinema4Change short film projects. Ordinarily, I hate social issue-oriented movie projects. But Pearl Osibu was among the project writers, and, given that I'd flirted with her writing (always there's a wickedly erotic undertone), I was on the prowl to direct her story. My quarrel with the stories goes to the heart of my quarrel with, well, movies that want to make a 'change.' It's possible this was why I found the blogger of Fifty Shades of Me's story a letdown. After its hosting of screenwriter’s workshop with about twenty emerging screenwriters for a week in Lagos to discuss a series of social issue stories aimed at addressing Social change, Afrinolly announced a Call to Pitch for the Afrinolly Cinema4Change Films. The scripts from the writer’s workshop have now been compiled, with an open call to filmmakers in Nigeria interested in directing any of these stories. To be selected to direct any of the Shorts, filmmakers must register to pitch for a story. According to the organizers, a good pitch will be determined by its panel of judges using the following criteria. 1) Interpretation 2) Characterization 3) Emotionality 4) Look and Feel - Production, Design, Camera Work In Partnership with Ford Foundation, Afrinolly Cinema4Change project aims to use the cinematic medium to help people see the person or issue(s) addressed and see themselves in the story. By partnering with non–profit and public sector organizations, Afrinolly believes that films can creatively combine the social and artistic to engage the audience in a compelling and socially significant way. The selected scripts for this season are: My Brother’s Keeper, Henna, My Father’s Son, Once, The Dutiful Wife, The Road, The Scheme of Things, The Space Between, The Measure of a Man, Timothy. My Brother's Keeper, by Bunmi Familoni, is the story of two teenage brothers who have opposing ideals; one wants to change his immediate environment by fixing the roads in his own little way, while the other joins political thugs to get votes for a local politician. In the ensuing electoral violence their mother is affected as well as their house which makes the brother who joins the thugs to have a change of heart. Henna is a story about 13-yearold Reina with dreams in a village where young girls are married off at a young age. She is terrified as she is asked to drop out of school and get married but after the death of her father’s last wife and close friend, 15 year old Amina from RVF, Reina does not just stop at being terrified but seeks to turn her dream for a better life and proper education into a reality. The screenwriter, Alexandra Hul began her filmmaking career in 2012 and since then have writ-

l Afrinolly's Cinema4Change

A sleeve announcing the Afrinolly project

ten the Afrinolly and Homevida award winning short film To Serve With All Our Strenght. In My Brother's Keeper, Kunle Olajide is an unemployed graduate who finally finds a way out of his predicament: a job in the police. Kunle, whose world has been black and white so far, is thus pitched into a vast, new world of grey where he must make difficult choices that pit him against the things he cherishes the most: his personal convictions, family and all-round security. For the screenwriter, Kayode Faniyi, the question is: what drives people to do what they do and through what mechanisms can these very same forces bring about change? The writer finds this paradox immensely useful in exploring corruption in his story. Once is a story set in Tudun Wada, a bustling district of Jos. It is about a 10-year-old Plateau boy called Panshak whose closest friend is Abubakar, an 11-year-old Muslim boy. Crisis breaks out in Jos and Abubakar and his Hausa friends are captured by a group of older boys. Panshak finds a way for them to escape, finally leading them to his church and saving Abubakar’s family in the process. Haye C. Okoh is a screenwriter, an aspiring director, photographer. She wrote, directed and produced a short film, which was featured at the 2012 B.O.B. festival in Abuja called Someone Like You. The Dutiful Wife, by Tayo Abereoje was my second choice story (until I got in and was told to pitch only for one as the rules changed in the last minutes). This story recalls a movie from Kieslowski's Dekalog and raises - by not raising it all - the question: is love something we carry in our heart or between our legs. Ibidun has what every woman wants: the love of her hus-

REVIEW My quarrel with the stories goes to the heart of my quarrel with, well, movies that want to make a ‘change' band, the security of his wealth, and the honour of his status as a leader in the Church. For this reason she has no choice but to keep quiet about the secret he hides from her before they got married: Francis is impotent. Ibidun keeps her husband’s secret but the thirst for passion draws her into the arms of a lover. Ibidun soon discovers that she’s pregnant. Torn between the obligations of her various roles and relationships, Ibidun must decide what to do with the life growing inside her. It’s a journey on which she gains the courage to reach for the life she has always wanted. (This is how the writer wrote it, I'd have directed it differently.) Tayo Abereoje's recent projects include: writing for the premiere African soap opera, “Tinsel;” writing for the M-NET short film series, “Afriwood.” Jude Idada's story, The Road, is about the impact of a dilapidated road that runs through a rustic town, turning the bus driving business of his protagonist, Osaro Osagie into a living hell, as, desperate to relocate to Lagos and give his heavily pregnant wife and unborn child a better shot at life, he against the advice of his wife, accepts the position of grassroots organizer for the re-

election senatorial campaign of his childhood friend and repentant fraudster, a decision that begins his spiral into a world of violence. Jude Idada is a winner of an AMAA best screenplay award, the Goethe Institut Afrika Projekt and a finalist in the New Directions Filmmakers of the future project by MNET. He was also selected as one of the screenwriters for the Toronto International Film Festival’s ADAPT THIS! Project. Pearl Osibu's The Scheme of Things tells the story of Oyama Etaba, a 35 year old banker; charming, intelligent but seemingly lazy. Oyama's friend, Kelly Ovat makes contact with an affable, gregarious political godfather who employs them to rig the elections. During the voter registration exercise, Kelly gets hurt, Oyama approaches the chief for help and is rebuffed, making him realize how unimportant they are in the scheme of things. Pearl Osibu is a writer, blogger and fashion designerturned screenwriter who was just "minding" her "business when Afrinolly" came knocking! In The Space Between, Gabriel Babatunde is a young, 29 years old, political and human rights activist. His recent altercation with the authorities sees him being roughed up and tossed into a cell. He comes to, and finds himself sharing a cell with another young man, Sasha who clearly is not what he expects. This is not exactly a gay story, but yes, Sasha is gay. The two men are constructed as different as the sun is from the moon. The one is a male stereotype, while the other is the conception of what a male homosexual look like - with a strong bias towards effeminacy. The writer, even though well-intentioned, fails to challenge prevailing assumptions. Still, this is the story I pitched for. It

is the one that feels like a movie. If I have my way, I'd play Gabriel as the gay male in denial, and Sasha as merely adopting gay posture (in this way he helps the former recognize and accept the truth about himself). The writer, Jude Dibia is the author of three well received novels: Walking with Shadows, Unbridled, and Blackbird. Walking with Shadows is said to be the first Nigerian novel that has a gay man as its central character and that treats his experience with great insight, inviting a positive response to his situation. In The Measure Of A Man, Lara, a diligent and principled woman lives in the laps of luxury until her husband dies. Lonely and hard up after her in laws strip her and her three children of her late husband’s wealth, she sends her first son, Chinedu, to live with her husband’s brother. Unfortunately, Chinedu returns a few years after with the wiles of an Advanced Fee Fraudster. Lara, despite her values, does not demur until the Police arrest Chinedu. The writer, Adeola Ike has written scripts for the soaps ‘Rough Edges’ and ‘Cyberia’, and the TV series, ‘Living In Lagos’. Timothy, by Ben Chiadika, would run whenever his father tried to inject him against malaria. so when he runs one fateful night, his father knows he will come home to bed that night and be injected just like every other night. So, as the candle in the room burns to an end, Obajimi injects himself and the rest of the family that night, but something is wrong. The candle fire gets to the wooden table and continues burning. Later, Timothy wakes up from the bench outside and walks in. - Cheeka is a Marxist critic, writer and filmmaker.

StartUps NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 JULY 2014

‘Cocktail not only about Chapman’

As a well-trained person in the business of cocktail, have you also trained other people? Yes, I have had the privilege of training like three people and they are doing well in the market right now. Most of the time when they are confused, they invite me to help them out and l do oblige them. I just do this for them and give them other training, and It’s been fun it’s been okay and I see myself training other people because l also train my servers on the job. For a start-up person, what is the capital requirement and what does the person need to be well- equipped for the business? I started with my church, I just told them that I know how to do this. So, they dropped little money for me and I decided to show my skill. I got things like some glasses and dispenser, and I have to get some ice and all those stuffs. They said ‘you are good at this thing.’ L got the next job through my former boss. He promised to help me out and he fulfilled his promise by getting me a particular job and I did well and since then, it has been fun. So, for a start-up, you need a mobile bar, you need bar equipment and you have to how to mix drinks. There are times you don’t mix some drinks together because they won’t go. It is important for the person to know the taste of a particular drink, know how to mix it with other drinks so as to derive a palatable cocktail.

Owasanoye Oluwatayo, is a cocktail drink entrepreneur, a business yet to gain ground in the Nigerian juice production industry. He describes cocktail production as mixing of various soft drinks and juices to make a sumptuous juice mix. The young entrepreneur, who operates his business under the corporate name L’events, tells SEGUN EDWARDS, in this interview that cocktail is loved but yet to be appreciated. He says its knowledge entails a lot of technical knowhow.

As an entrepreneur in cocktail drinks, what does the business entails? Cocktail is all about mixtures of drinks. Basically, here in Nigeria we don’t really recognise the kind of drinks yet but cocktail has to do with fruity drinks to make for healthy satisfaction that is what cocktail means. How long have you been in the business and what actually got you into it? I will say I’ve been in it for about six years. Before I got admission into the university, I worked in the best cocktail bar on the Island, the News Cafe, where we were trained by foreigners every three months, six months and this went on for like three years. From there, I resigned. Before I resigned, I was schooling and was doing the cocktail stuff. After l had resigned. l saw it as fun and l said; ‘this thing is fun, this is good, it’s good for the health’ and I thought it is better to commence doing it. So, I commenced with a mobile bar services and the club thing. Since you started, how have you been able to cope and what are the business challenges you are facing? Well, the challenge is the market itself, because Nigerians entirely like the cocktail drinks but they cannot imagine the payment for cocktail. You hear someone exclaims ‘how can I pay for a glass of cocktail drink for so much cost and all that stuff.’ The entire Nigerian system has not actually embrace the cocktail awareness or cocktail world but some people on the Island, or those that are exposed to it know a lot about it. But the challenge majorly is how to get the actual client and again to orientate people about this cocktail thing, but it is very good.

What is the cost implication for the new person? It depends on the kind of cocktail, cocktail has different brand, they have different names, they have different country of origin so, it depends. The cheapest cocktail in which the normal ingredients are used costs at least cost N300, which is the Chapman. But right now we do chapman for free because everybody likes chapman in Nigeria. But now we want to bring cocktail into the system. We want everybody to know cocktail and we do the chapman that everybody knows here in Nigeria for free for them. When we give you chapman free of charge, we equally tell you we do other cocktail and you have to pay for them.

Oluwatayo (top) and some of his cocktails

Would you say that you are at the moment getting sufficient patronage for the business and if not, what are you doing in this regard? Well, right now we are still trying to get into the market, to create awareness about the goodness and quality of the drink, that you can take more of it and be better off than taking the regular beverages. For a start-Up person who wants to go into the business, what are the things such person requires as background knowledge, may be inform of training and any other thing that can make them succeed? People need to understand cocktail itself. Some people think that cocktail business is all about Chapman. Everybody in Nigeria does Chapman but they don’t know what cocktail entails. Basically to go into cocktail business, you have to know everything about bar services, you have to know the bar equipment, whatever in the bar bible, the cocktail itself and everything. So, you have to understand everything before going into the business, if you don’t understand it, you just find yourself doing only Chapman and just mixing rubbish for people. You need to go deeply and get enough knowledge on what you need to do. In your own case you had enough training

from experts. Yes, I did. What are the competitions you are facing at present? Right now, I have moved around but have not seen anybody I’m competing with for now. This does not mean that there are not people doing cocktail, of course, there are lot of people that do cocktail services and mobile services for top shots and everything like that. However, I’m not competing with them because I know my background. I know where I’m coming from, I know how these things go, it is South African kind of drink and we have a lot of cocktail concerning different countries. So, we studied whitemen and they trained me. I know how it is and right now, I don’t see competition from the basis, from the scratch.

The challenge majorly is how to get the actual client and again to orientate people about this cocktail thing

What is the range of cocktail drinks that you blend? We have blending cocktail; we have a lot of them. For instance, we have Martini, we have Magaritta, we have Mohido, we have Stars among several others. We have a lot of them. As a well-equipped cocktail blender, what is the duration of training for a new person wishing to take a career in the business and become proficient? It requires just one month training someone. At the end of the training, we will help you to get a job. It may not be big but we ensure as a start-up we help you to get a job to enable you to acquire the required confidence after the training. Even while you are still being trained, you will be following us to events to see how see the practical aspects of what you are being taught. You will see how we mix drinks and how we relate with customers. Who are your clients? My clients are everybody. The people at the lower rung of the ladder love cocktail and you never can say where someone would rise to tomorrow. So, I carry everybody along in my effort to increase my clientele base, this is in a bid to also raise awareness about cocktail drinks. I just have to make sure every client is covered, even when some customers say they cannot afford the cost, we still find a way around it. We just tell them ‘okay just provide this and this for us and we will do the rest.’ As a result of this, we have had to accommodate some clients by bringing down our charges just for the purpose of creating the awareness about cocktail to all and sundry.

L ve&Lv ng

Dear Love Doctor,

'He proposed to me, but didn't tell me he already had two children' p.37

Life Experience: 'I married the man that broke my sister's heart' p.36 NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

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'I had a son from an extra-marital affair'

Name: Catherine Tel: 0803 263 8739

former colleague. Johnson was astonished to learn I had become pregnant and given birth to his child as a result of our affair. He was sorry to hear about Femi's illness, but he steadfastly refused to help because he didn't want to risk his wife finding out about our affair or about the child. After many weeks of trying, we were not able to find a compatible donor for Femi. We were reduced to simply waiting in the hope that one might eventually turn up. It was as though all my sins were finally catching up with me; I was being severely y name is Yinka and I am 45 punished for my infidelity and stood to lose years old. My husband Henry all that I loved. I had already lost my husand I have been married for 15 band and now I could lose my son! years. We have one son, Femi. Femi became so ill the doctors said that He's not Henry's biological son and for conventional medical treatment could do many years, Henry didn't know the truth. no more for him. All we could do was reI had never shared my secret with anyone main positive and do everything in our and I'd hoped I would never have to. power to help support him in his fight Femi was diagnosed with acute leu- against the cancer. kaemia shortly after he turned 10. He was Throughout this terrible, terrible time, immediately admitted to hospital and re- Henry was simply wonderful to Femi. He mained critically ill for many months. The was loving and funny; an endless source doctors told us that his best chance of sur- of comfort, hope and strength. Femi my vival was to have a bone marrow transplant son never suspected that behind Henry's in London or India as soon as possible. cheerful facade, he was hiding so much We needed a compatible donor. As Femi's hurt and anger. parents, we were to have our blood tested Over a year later and against all odds, the following day. If Femi won his fight neither of our blood against cancer and types was compatible, At this stage, I realised it returned home. For a then Femi's relatives was inevitable that Henry short, precious time, would be contacted we were once again and his name put on would discover he wasn't a family. My joy at the donor list. having my son safely At this stage, I re- Femi's biological father home was tinged with alised it was inevitasadness; now that ble that Henry would Femi had fully recovdiscover he wasn't ered, Henry was free to leave me. Femi's biological father. I had to tell him Soon after Femi's return, Henry asked the truth that very evening. It was better me to have dinner with him at a local reshe heard it from me than from the doctors taurant. I was terrified. This was it, Henry the next day. was going to tell me that either tonight or That night after dinner, I explained to the following morning he was leaving. Henry that he was not really Femi's biological I was determined to be as calm and as father and that I'd had a brief affair with one of strong as Henry had been for Femi for all my work colleagues, Johnson, during our mar- those months. If Henry wanted to leave, riage. I later discovered that I was pregnant. I would let him go with grace. He had Henry was stiff with shock. Without a already given me so much by helping to word, he stood up in a daze and walked bring Femi my son back home. out into the cold, rainy night. That evening at the restaurant, a smilI waited up for him all night on the sofa ing waiter brought food and a beautiful in the living room, but he didn't return. I parcel to our table. Henry told me to open was beside myself with worry and afraid of the parcel and when I did, I found a gold what he might do to himself. To my relief, necklace inside. Henry finally returned the next afternoon. Henry now told me that he had forMy relief quickly turned sour when he given me and had bought the necklace coldly announced that he had only returned for me as a gift. for Femi's sake because he needed him. When Henry gently took my hand in his. And Femi was well again, he would file for di- with tears in his eyes, he asked me to please vorce and leave me. From that time on, Henry forgive him for his childishness and foolmy husband refused to have anything to do ish, stubborn pride. He said that it was no with me outside of Femi's hospital room and longer important to him whether he was he slept on his own in Femi's bedroom. Femi's biological father or not. My blood type was not compatible so Femi's long illness and recovery had I contacted Femi's biological father, John- made him realize what really mattered, that son. We had long ago lost contact but I we were a very special family and that we was able to get his phone number from a all belonged together.

If you want to be our next model, please send your photos to: ireto007@yahoo.com Call: 0703 102 8714, 0813 116 1840

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 JULY 2014

36 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Love News

Love Songs

Mark Ruffalo blames Ben Affleck for ending his friendship with Jennifer Garner

ot Matty! They may have played best friendsturned-lovers in the beloved 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, but Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner are no longer friends for one big reason -Ben Affleck. On Thursday, June 26, the Begin Again actor, 46, appeared on Watch What Happens Live with his costar Keira Knightley. When a fan called in to ask if Ruffalo kept in touch with Garner, he shook his head. "We had a great time together, and I think we would, but then Ben [Affleck] came on the scene and that was the end of that," Ruffalo said smiling. "I heard he doesn't allow her to have male friends," host Andy Cohen said, joking, "I made that up!" Ruffalo shrugged and pled the fifth, adding that it was "sad" he hadn't stayed close with the Alias

star in the 10 years since the film was released. The same year 13 Going on 30 was released, Garner started dating Affleck and the pair married in June 2005. They have three children together -- daughters Violet, 8, and

Seraphina, 5, and son Samuel, 2. Ruffalo has been married to French-American actress Sunrise Coigney since 2000, and they have three children together. Courtesy: Yahoo

Don't You Remember When will I see you again? You left with no goodbye, Not a single word was said, No final kiss to seal any sins, I had no idea of the state we were in,

And a wandering eye, and a heaviness in my head, But don't you remember? Don't you remember? The reason you loved me before, Baby, please remember me once more,

I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness, And a wandering eye, and heaviness in my head,

Gave you the space so you could breathe, I kept my distance so you would be free, And hoped that you'd find the missing piece, To bring you back to me,

But don't you remember? Don't you remember? The reason you loved me before, Baby, please remember me once more,

Why don't you remember? Don't you remember? The reason you loved me before, Baby, please remember me once more, [Another version says: "Baby, please remember you used to love me"]

When was the last time you thought of me? Or have you completely erased me from your memory? I often think about where I went wrong, The more I do, the less I know,

'I married the man that broke my sister's heart' Life Experience M y heart beats for you as strongly as the rain beats the ground in a rainstorm. It is said that one should not pass judgement in a case after hearing from one party alone. We ought to hear from the other party before reaching a decision. My name is Taiwo and I swore never to love again after two men broke me and my twin sister’s heart. At that time, I believed strongly that a woman ought not to express her feelings to any man, because after that, the man would start taking her for granted. I got a job after NYSC with a company in Kaduna. I was in the marketing department and had to travel a lot. It was on one of such marketing travels to Abuja that I ran into Benson, the man who broke my sister’s heart about 10 years back. He was a staff of the company I was visiting. I greeted him reluctantly to show that I still disapproved of his action though it happened a long time ago. He knew I wasn’t too happy meet-

ADELE

ing him after such a long time, but he humbled himself and offered to take me out for lunch. I initially refused but when I saw the hurt look on his face, I agreed. So we went out for lunch and talked. I told him my sister was now happily married to another man after he broke her heart and that she has forgiven him. Benson now began to tell me the whole story of their ill-fated relationship. According to him, my twin sister, Kehinde, was the cause of the breakdown of their relationship. He said my sister was always demanding for money and material things, without caring whether he had the money or not. At a point, he said, he found it impossible to cope. Benson told me that he tried to warn my sister severally that her demands were impossible, but she wouldn’t listen. According to him, my sister refused to take correction until he was forced to leave her. Ever since, he too had been lonely and heartbroken because he had never loved any woman the way he loved

Love Education

my sister. I was really touched when Benson made this revelation about my sister. But I knew it was true. My sister, Kehinde, loved material things so much then. But the truth was that the heartbreak shook her so much that she changed after that. In fact, during courtship, she never demanded for a penny from the man who eventually married her for fear of losing him the same way she lost Benson. After the revelation, I began to see Benson as a gentleman, not as the heartbreaker my sister portrayed him as. We grew closer and one thing led to another till we ended up in bed. When he brought up the topic of marriage, I felt that since my sister was already happily married to someone else, there was no point refusing to marry Benson. My sister did not oppose our marriage. Today, I and Benson are happily married and all old wounds have been healed, because we have handled our past with maturity and let bygones be bygones. We and our children sometimes spend our vacation with Kehinde and her husband and children in Lagos, and we are all united like one big happy family.

But I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness,

Love Poem

Katiynd Jenkins

Heart In My Hands If you said you were cold. I would wrap my arms around you. If you said you were thirsty I would give you the ocean blue. I would give you anything the moon, the stars, the sunset too. This heart in my hands I hold out to you. *Send your love poems along with your name and number to ireto007@yahoo.com

Romantic Jokes

Jury Duty Joke

It was Sally’s first time going for jury duty and she was a little bit apprehensive. “I would just like you to know” said Sally as soon as she was in front of the judge “that I feel very strongly that capital punishment is morally unjust and incorrect.” “That’s OK, said the judge “capital punishment is not a possibility in this case so it’s perfectly fine for you to serve on this jury.” “What’s the case about?” Asked Sally. “Well Mrs. Smith is filing a suit against her husband for gambling away the money she had saved for remodeling her bathroom”, replied the judge. “Alright” replied Sally “I’ll serve on this one, I may have been wrong about the capital punishment thing after all.”

Words of Wisdom: Be faithful to your partner

What is Cervical Cancer?

ervical cancer is cancer arising from the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on there are typically no symptoms. Later symptoms may include: abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sex. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to be involved in the development of more than 90 per cent of cases. Most people who have had HPV infections; however, do not develop cervical cancer. Other risk factors include: smoking, a weak immune system, birth control pills, starting sex at a young age and having many sexual partners, but these are less important. Cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes over 10 to

When will I see you again?

20 years. There are a few types of cervical cancer. About 90 per cent are squamous cell carcinomas, 10 per cent are adenocarcinoma and a small number are other types. Diagnosis is typically by cervical screening followed by a biopsy. Medical imaging is than done to determine whether or not the cancer has spread. HPV vaccines protect against two high risk strains of this family of viruses and may prevent up to 65 to 75 per cent of cervical cancers. As there still is a risk of cancer, guidelines recommend continuing regular Pap smears. Other methods of prevention include: never having sex and the use of condoms. Cervical cancer screening using the Pap smear or acetic acid can identify precancerous changes which when treated can prevent the development

of cancer. Treatment of cervical cancer may consists of some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Five year survival rates in the United States are 68 per cent. Outcomes however depend very much on how early the cancer is detected. Worldwide, cervical cancer is both the fourth most common cause of cancer and the fourth most common cause of death from cancer in women. In 2012, it was estimated that there were 528,000 cases of cervical cancer, and 266,000 deaths. This is about 8% of the total cases and total deaths from cancer. Approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in developing countries. In low income countries it is the most common cause of cancer death. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has dramatically reduced rates of cervical cancer. Source: Wikipedia.org

LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Relationships & Love Advice

Odd News

'He proposed to me, but didn't tell me he already had two children'

Wimbledon tennis star who had breast reduction surgery to help her game now 3rd seed

Dear Love Doctor, I am Chioma from Enugu state. I live in Port Harcourt and I am a student. This is my story.I am in a relationship with a guy and he is my first love. He is from the Northern part of the country. He proposed to me and I accepted to marry him. But after a year of honest devotion and pure affection, I found out that he has two children and the mother of his children still lives in his house in Lagos while we have fixed a date for our traditional marriage. Should I quit or go on? What should I do? From Chioma. Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Chioma, it's rather ridiculous that you've been dating a man of whom you know little or nothing about and yet you decided to rush into marriage with him. It is rather unfortunate that you have been a fool for love. The fact is that a partner who hides the truth from you from the beginning or when the affair begins to get serious certainly cannot be trusted. You do not know who you have been dating and as a result, I strongly advise you to suspend the so-called traditional marriage. Again, if the mother of your man's children still lives in his house, it is very likely that she is married to him. In other words, you must have been dating a married man who probably wants you as a second wife. From the look of things there is

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still so much more you need to know about that man because he has apparently hidden it all from you. The fact is that if you don't know who you're dating, then you won't know who you're married to. That simply means you've been sleeping with a stranger for the past year. They say that love is blind, but that does not mean being ignorant as you've been. The lesson in this is that you must try to know your man well next time, instead of rushing into marriage with him. If you want daily love tips or advice, download The Color of Love Guide on your iPad and iPhone. Search for ‘Color of Love’ on your Apple App store now and download the App. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@ yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641. Visit lovedrmike. blogspot.com

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♥ Annie, 24, wants a sugar daddy who can assist her financially. 08115897031. ♥ Sylvia, 23, from Anambra, student, needs somebody that will take care of her. 08142386699. ♥ Mercy, from Edo, fair, caring, desires a handsome, caring, tall, responsible man of 35-37 years for marriage. +234 9023191258. ♥ Rose, in Lagos, has experience in hotel management as a waitress and she needs any job in any part of Lagos state. +234 8107458039. ♥ Nkiruka, 26, graduate, chocolate skin, genotype AA, wants a Igbo businessman or graduate of 34 to 40 years for marriage. 07063651021.

♥ Dennis, 40, needs a graduate, working lady of 24-40 years for marriage. 08167885874. ♥ Melody, 37, in Enugu, needs a fair, tall lady of 30-40 years for a relationship. 08068461879. ♥ Kingsley, 26, graduate, needs a girl of 20 to 24 years a for serious relationship. 09093702172. ♥ Tim, 40, needs a good and attractive lady from 24-40 years for marriage. 08167885874. ♥ KC from Anambra, businessman and law student, needs a HIV Positive medical doctor, lawyer or working girl. 08112071563. Lovers’ Answers Game:

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The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. A girl is asking all men: "Does love truly exist?" Call her via 07068202281. *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

any sport stars say they will do whatever it takes to succeed. But tennis player Simona Halep has gone to drastic measures in her bid to win Wimbledon – by having a breast reduction to improve her reaction times. And since going from a 34DD to a 34C aged 17, she has soared up the rankings – and is now seeded number three for Wimbledon, ahead of former champion Maria Sharapova. As one commentator explained: ‘She is more confident, more mobile and her strokes are less restricted now that those obstacles have been reduced.’ The 22-year-old Romanian reached the fourth round at last year’s US Open and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in January, before making it to the French Open final a few weeks ago. Her recently appointed coach Wim Fissette said her breast reduction had been 'an important part of her career.' She added: 'I guess it was the right decision. I did not see her then. I have seen some photos, but she took that decision and it was a good one. I understand that. 'That’s why she was famous. 'Let’s hope she will win a Grand Slam and then they will start talking about the Grand Slams and not something else.’ At the time of her operation, Miss Halep said of her breasts: 'I don’t like them in my everyday life, either. I would have gone for surgery even if I hadn’t been a sportswoman.’ She said last week: 'A few years ago I was looking up the rankings on the internet and I saw I was on the fourth page. I said my dream was to be on the first page. 'Now I am there. I want to enjoy this moment but I want to improve more in my game and maybe be second or first.' Courtesy: daily mail.

38 LOVE&LIVING

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Lovers in Court

True Confession From Overseas

'I had my boss transferred'

areful, Fiona," my workmate Kate warned as I gazed at our handsome young boss Aaron. I'd been at the legal firm just a few weeks and Aaron was the company star. He was only in his early thirties, but he'd worked his way to junior partner and was on his way to another promotion. "Why's that?" I asked. "He doesn't seem so bad." The truth was I thought he was gorgeous. "He sleeps with most of the girls in the office," Kate said with a shudder. "He's a total player!" He just hasn't met the right girl yet, I thought. Within weeks, I'd pretty much fallen for Aaron and decided to make a move. I knew it was dangerous to date my boss, but I couldn't get him out of my mind. So I sent him an email, asking if he'd like to meet for a quick dinner after work. He replied immediately with a time and place. The date was very successful, and I spent the night

with him. After that, we saw each other a few times a week — in secret. Every morning he rushed off before me so we arrived at work separately. "We can't be together in the office, babe," he told me. Deep down, I knew Aaron was using me, but I was sure I could make him fall in love with me if I was the perfect girlfriend. But it wasn't long before I noticed Aaron spending a lot of time with a young clerk, Alannah. "What's with the flirting?" I asked, burning with jealousy after seeing Aaron laughing with Alannah in the kitchen. "She's only 19!" He just smirked. That night, Aaron didn't come around to my place as planned and he didn't answer his phone. Alannah came to work the next morning in the clothes she'd worn the day before. It was obvious from the way she looked at Aaron that something had happened. I spent most of the morning crying in the toilets. How could I have been such a fool? I was drying my face

'My wife is flirting with my tenants' Stories: Abimbola Sodeke

A I knew it was dangerous to date my boss, but I couldn't get him out of my mind when the CEO's wife came in — her husband had popped in to talk to Aaron about the company losing money. "What's wrong?" she asked. Soon I was in tears again and had blurted out the whole story. "That's terrible," she said. "Don't cry. He's only a man." For the rest of the day I tried to avoid Aaron and

Alannah, who giggled and flirted all afternoon. I arrived at work the next day ready to resign, but a man I didn't recognise was in Aaron's office and Alannah was crying. "What happened?" I asked. "Aaron's been transferred!" Alannah wailed. The CEO had called Aaron the night before saying he'd heard stories about inappropriate relationships, and was sending Aaron out to a much smaller firm in the country. I suppose I should feel guilty for getting Aaron practically fired. Funnily enough, I don't! Your say: Have you been a woman scorned? What revenge have you sought? Courtesy: ninems

Honeymoon House Arrest: Indonesia

Wedding Traditions

t’s not just the wedding day itself that has some strange customs – Indonesian honeymooners are confined to their homes for three days following the wedding, even if this means not going to the toilet. This honeymoon house arrest is believed to produce a happy marriage full of healthy babies. Courtesy: eharmony.

Kendra Wilkinson threw wedding ring in toilet ... When She Discovered Hank Baskett's Affair With Transgender Model

ost-baby heartbreak. Just five weeks after giving birth to daughter Alijah, Kendra Wilkinson was forced to face a bitter, shocking truth: As rumored, husband Hank Baskett had indeed cheated with a transgender YouTube model named Ava Sabrina London. As revealed in the new issue of Us Weekly, former Playboy model Wilkinson, 29, first laughed off reports of Baskett's April tryst with London, 25. But when NFL pro Baskett, 31, didn't rush to clear his name in the press, his wife grew suspicious

No Love Lost and "started snooping," a source explains to Us. Once Wilkinson discovered an unexplained—and damning—charge on his credit card, she "flipped out," the source says. In a rage, she punched walls in their Calabasas, California home, threw their 2009 wedding photos into the pool, and even pulled off her wedding ring, flushing it down the toilet, the source says. "She was extremely angry," the source observes of Wilkinson, who also shares son Hank IV, with Baskett. Courtesy: yahoo.

45-year-old man, Adebowale Egbetokun, has pleaded with a court to dissolve his marriage with his wife, Comfort. The couple who have been married for 14 years and have two children, engaged each other in a heated exchange in court over their differences. Egbetokun told the court that his wife starves him of sex, and that is why he suspects she is flirting with his tenants. He stated that they only had sex five or six times in a year because she usually gave excuses to avoid sex. "In a year we do have sex five or six times and when I complain she gives different excuses or she will tell me that she's going to church. I didn't know she was sleeping with my tenants and flirting with other men in the neighborhood. "She does not come close to me when I want sex. She stopped sleeping in the bedroom and moved to the sitting room," he said. However, Comfort denied the claims. "He lies a lot, I have never slept with any man apart from my husband and he can't even prove that he has caught me red-handed before. He claimed I stole his money but this man is not working. He is jobless. I am the one taking care of the house. He does not have any kobo. He made me retire by force from my nursing profession," she said. Comfort also asked the court to compel Adebowale to refund all the money she had spent on him and also bear his responsibilities towards the children. "All I ask for since we are finally going to get a divorce is that all the money I have invested on him should be refunded and that he should also take part in catering for our children," she said. The court President, P. A William, advised the couple not to attack each other and to return to court on the adjourned date.

'I want my children' A

man who gave his name as Mr Nwosu has pleaded with a Lagos Customary Court to grant him custody of his children, claiming that his wife took them away from him and that his mother-in-law has prevented him from seeing his children. Justina, Nwosu's wife, is said to be living outside the country. However, Justina's mother who stood in for her claimed that Nwosu was not a good father and husband. Nwosu's mother-inlaw told the court that he never asked after his children for over six years. She said: “Nwosu is a wicked man; he killed my husband (his father-in-law) with his trouble. He made my daughter suffer and even his children do not know him because they have never seen their father. "After the court pleaded with me to let him see his children, I agreed. But he is yet to come as we speak. Instead of coming to see his children, he claimed that I am a witch and that he does not want to die." She however told the court that she has forgiven him, but that he must go back to tell people that she is not a witch. After trying for about one year to persuade Nwosu to go and see his children, the Customary Court decided to strike off the case and referred them to the Ikeja Family Court for further proceedings.

Travel&Tourism ON SATURDAY NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/travel

Destination Edo: Not the nation’s tourism heartbeat p.42

Travel Personaity NONYE DURU: I want to bring professionalism into dining p.41

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, EDITOR, TRAVEL AND TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 JULY 2014

HOSPITALITY

Transcorp Hilton Hotel: Give yourself a lifetime treat With its obvious painstaking attention to detail, Transcorp Hilton Hotel continues to extend the benchmark in Nigeria's hospitality industry, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

RANSCORP Hilton Hotel, Abuja, is perhaps Nigeria’s most prestigious and high end hotel with an almost irresistible appeal and attraction. The structure is not just an iconic architectural masterpiece but exudes commanding presence and beautiful ambience as well. With its well laid and garden–like landscape, the hotel which has become one of the most defining landmarks of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) caters to the luxury demands of the wealthy. From top government functionaries to business leaders, Transcorp remains a highly favoured playground Its devotion to offering the best business and leisure experience in the city is exceptional and compelling. It has over the years played host to a number of high profile visitors and events in the country, the most recent being its hosting of the World Economic Forum. In few months time, it is positioned to host the World Travel Awards, an event regarded as the Oscars or Grammy of the travel world. As a luxury hotel, its amenities and facilities are well apportioned and fitted to taste. It boasts some of the best and most classic and modern hospitality gadgets for the comfort and enjoyment of its clients. The panache and magical feel of the hotel is one of the attractive pull as you explore the hotel. Of course, this could only be showcased in a property such as the Transcorp where the stock in trade appears to be a blend of sophisticated opulence that is tempered by a mix of indigenous taste. The buzz word here is "let's spoil you a bit"; but it's actually much more than a bit. It would appear that the hotel's management is just being modest when it says so because the moment you step through the door into the warm embrace of the hotel, you certainly get the feeling that you are in a wonderland. Add the thrill that comes from experiencing its cozy rooms, which are spiced with stylish and moving interior décor,

furniture and other facilities, world food culture, amazing leisure offerings, clubbing and night life, shopping and wellness and you will understand why it remains a hotel of choice. Here are samples of its many offerings: Accommodation: It has about 670 rooms of different categories - King Hilton Guest Room, Royal Suite, Presidential and King Presidential Suites – each with their peculiar deluxe and exquisite styled elements but you cannot miss out the art décor – style, spacious and breezy nature of each and of course the customized treat on offer in the executive floor, which is on the high end. Dining: It's almost like a food festival and feast day here with its well–apportioned restaurants such as Bukka, Zuma, Fulani Pool Restaurant and Bar and Oriental offering different flavours from the various corners of the world. Its daily theme night is an exciting and pleasant culinary experience to explore if you are the adventurous type when it comes to food. Its pastry corner offers a fitting climax to the day. Wining/entertainment: Savour the rich blend of wine culture and entertainment from its Capital Bar, Piano Lounge, which offers a three–in– one treats, Lobby Bar and Safari Nightclub and a casino. Meeting/conference: With about 24 meeting rooms and banquet facilities of different themes, business meetings and social events are well catered for here. Complementing all of these fully equipped meeting rooms plus the congress hall are a functional business centre and executive lounge. Wellness: Its range of wellness and sports facilities include basketball, volleyball, fitness room/gymnasium, sauna and massage, paddle tennis table, playground, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts. Other services: Beauty salon, handicraft village, car rental, simultaneous translation, travel advice and ticketing and baby-sitting services on request.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS BENEFITS

FESTAC, LAGOS

PARKVIEW ESTATE, IKOYI, LAGOS

LAGOS

There are lots of benefits to derive as one of our partner hotels. For enquiries and details on how to join the programme, please contact Andrew Iro Okungbowa: 08023152195 (sms only), e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com or Chinyere Okpara: 08063768131 (sms only) e-mail angela_curtis@live.com

40 TRAVEL&TOURISM CHEF’S CORNER

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JUly 2014

Showcasing a rich, culinary experience Nigeria's food culture is diverse and rich with chefs becoming increasingly creative in their presentations and some exploring ways to export it. ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA highlights the colourful scenes from a recent food fair held in Abuja.

T was three days of enriching and exciting experience of Nigerian food culture at the recent Nigeria food and culture fair held at the International Convention Centre in Abuja, organised by the Federal Capital Territory and the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). The event was consistent with the theme of Nigeria's centenary celebration and was conceived to be a showpiece of Nigeria's food culture evolution in the last one hundred years. It was not just a talk shop about Nigeria's food hundred years down the line, it witnessed a rich display of some rare local delicacies from the various regions of the country to the contemporary Nigerian dishes. The event attracted a number of service and product providers in the different categories. As outlined by NIHOTOUR, the vision of the fair was ‘‘to create an enduring event aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich food culture, manifested in the various cuisines of the diverse ethnic groups". The mission is ‘‘to bring together all types of food crop and producers, food industry support materials and equipment in Nigeria as well as all the stakeholders under the same roof, providing an atmosphere for business interaction, networking and also putting them in direct contact with each other’’. These and many more were achieved during the threeday gathering that had in attendance the minister of culture, tourism and national orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, the chairman of NIHOTOUR’s board, Kanayo O. Kanayo, the director-general of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Munzali Dantata, the president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Tomi Akingbogun, among others. The pictures here are scenes from the event:

Clockwise from top right: Photographs from the three-day event

TRAVEL BEATS

NTDC, Gambia Tourism Board sign pact THE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and The Gambia Tourism Board has signed a pact to fast-track the development and promotion of tourism in both countries. The pact is also expected to trickle down to other West Africa countries. While at the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the Lagos office of NTDC, the DG of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo described the new move as a momentum in the tourism industry in West Africa. "Nigeria is a great factor in the development of tourism in West Africa. We have the population, which is a great lu-

L-R: Benjamin Roberts, Assistant Director of NTDC's Legal Dept, Mrs Funebi Out-Umondak; Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NTDC, Mrs Anette Ibe and Mr. B.K. Jammeh, after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) bricant in the wheel of developing tourism. We also have the political will to explore the potentialities of the industry,’’ she said. She added that The Gambia has an excellent tourism industry and expects that the partnership would bring about the exchange of ideas, programmers and many

more between the two countries. With this pact, the two countries are to embark on capacity-building at both ends and also help to tell the right story and promote tourism both ways. Director-general of The Gambia's Tourism Board, Mr. Benjamin Roberts, said: "We are not just

signing the MOU for the fun of it, but we shall ensure that it works out for the benefit of The Gambia and Nigeria. The partnership, we believe, will also help to develop and promote sub-regional brands and experience.’’ The chairman of The Gambia's Tourism Board, Mr. Bakery Jammeh, who corroborated the submission of Roberts, praised Mbanefo for her passion for Nigeria's tourism, with emphasis on domestic tourism which, according to him, will make Nigeria a voice in global tourism. The permanent secretary of The Gambia's ministry of trade, Mrs. Naffie Barry, and the deputy permanent secretary of The Gambia's ministry of trade, Ms Kodu Jabang, who both witnessed the ceremony alongside some officials of NTDC were hopeful that the pact would yield good results for the two countries.

Institute of Hospitality UK – Nigeria inducts new Fellows THE Institute of Hospitality UK Nigeria branch has inducted eight new fellows into its fold. The ceremony took place during its recently held Annual Fellow’s Dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos. The new fellows including the following: Olatunde Oluloye FIH, MD/CEO Max-Xenia Hotels and Leisure Limited; managing partner - Patterson Dove Hospitality Limited and branch chairman, Institute of Hospitality, UK (Nigeria International Branch); Lauretta Togonu-Bickersteth FIH, Senior Lecturer and Catering Coordinator, Wavecrest College of Hospitality Management, Lagos and Honorary Secretary, Institute of Hospitality, UK (Nigeria International Branch); Wasiu Babalola, PhD, FIH; Manag-

ing Director for West, East and Central Africa, Swiss International Hotels and Resorts, Switzerland and Assistant Honorary Secretary / International Twining Officer, Institute of Hospitality, UK (Nigeria International Branch); Bounding. O. Coker FIH, Executive Director, Hotel Supports Global Limited, Lagos; Jonathan Patterson FIH, Managing Partner - Patterson Dove Hospitality Limited; Kola Abawonse FIH, Executive Director (Operations), Adriel Hotel Consultants Limited, Kaduna; Francis Ogosi FIH, Operations Director, Bluebyte Hospitality Limited, Asaba, Delta State and Elizabeth Babagbale FIH, Reader, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State.

TRAVEL&TOURISM

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TRAVEL PERSONALITY

NONYE MIRROR DURU:

I want to bring professionalism into dining Nonye Mirror Duru is a geologist with an MBA in finance but opted for hospitality world where, as she tells ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, she hopes to create her own brand and champion a new culture of excellent customer service delivery.

ER Kahoona Restaurant located in the quiet and highbrow area of Maitama, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) tells it all. Spank and creatively set up with all the elements in place, the eatery, which is devoted to Chinese, continental and African dishes among others, is not your next door dining and wining house. That is exactly how the brain behind the restaurant, Ms Nonye Mirror Duru wants it to be. A laboratory or mirror image of what she has set out to propagate, an hospitality outfit that is properly set, inviting and offering delightsome dining experience where excellent customer service delivery is top notch. This, Doris, the manager of the eatery and her fellow workers know too well as they have come to imbibe and exemplify the tenets that Duru is so passionate about. On this fateful day, they were all nicely adorn in their black and white outfit with red apron, from the doorman to the backroom attendants, to the delight of the guest while the food, Chinese dish and service were exceptional. Was this just a showpiece meant to impress the guest? Smiling and betraying some sense of fulfilment as if to say I told you, “no, no,” says Duru emphatically, as she informs you that what you have just been treated to is the typical routine of the house and a practical display of her philosophy, which is gradually sinking in and her patrons are loving it as well. Why the quantum switch for Duru who is coming from the oil and finance backgrounds and exactly what is the statement she is trying to put across? “Because I love serving people,” she enthuses, explaining that “I see a need for hospitality in Nigeria. I see what is lacking because when you go out to eat food the service is bad and you don’t enjoy it. “It is just the customer service. I see a need in customer service because when you go out to eat sometimes they serve you the main dish before the appetizer, they serve you food and you have to wait for them to go and get you the cutlery. I see a lot of that when I go out, so I am trying to correct some of those mistakes in my restaurant because I train my employees.” Her desire, she tells you, is to see people enjoy their meals in a good set up and properly packaged. “I like people to enjoy dining, good customer service and good food,” adding, “I see a lack of professionalism in Nigeria and I am trying to bring that experience to Nigeria. This is my second year and so far so good and I love it.” Duru who straddles two worlds, America and Nigeria, says “what I want to achieve is to help people to enjoy their money because people work hard for their money. So, when you go out to eat, the service is great and the food is great and you get service for your money. What I want to achieve is give people a memorable experience of dining.” For her, Kahoona Restaurant is the beginning of her journey into the hospitality

world and it is serving as a good training and testing ground for her ideas. “In the future, we hope to go fully into hospitality business, having hotels and managing other restaurants, training and coaching in delivering professional customer services but right now this is our starting point. I am trying to concentrate in building my brand. But for the next five years or less, my plan is to go fully into training, managing restaurants and hotels.” The experiment, she says, is coming out well. “It has been okay because the turn up has been good.” However, the snag is that many of the people are yet to get into the groove and enjoy the new service culture and setting that Kahoona represents. In her words: “They still find the place too posh and not your typical Nigeria eatery where you can dirty your hands and dump the finest dining culture. But to encourage everyone, she often tell them to feel free, be themselves and just enjoy the meal in whichever way or manner that they so wished so long as they are having fun and savouring the mood. “I think they are used to just eating and are not used to the kind of service and culture that I have here because they ask me often ‘don’t you have any other place that we can sit and eat and I say to them go on and mess it up we would clean it up.” Even while trying to encourage the people as a way of building up her clientele base, Duru however advises that “Nigerians should learn to dine and wine in a good place and not just anywhere.” Is anyone listening? The business environment of Abuja, she says is pretty good but a lot still need to be done to improve on the level of power supply as she informs that she spends heavily in buying diesel to run her business. The other challenge, according to her, is that of water supply, which is also not adequate and regular. Attracting tourists to Nigeria “I think it was better before than it is now because people are scared to come to Nigeria. All these bombs going off everywhere

scare people and that affect tourism because if people don’t feel secure I don’t know if they would want to come to Nigeria. “People go to Ghana; a lot of my friends go to Ghana. A lot of my friends in America when you talk about Africa the only place that they know is Ghana. This is Ghana here and they can come from Ghana to Nigeria, but they don’t come because of the security issue,” says Duru of Nigeria tourism. For her, the issue is not building paradise but building confidence in the destination. Hear her: “it doesn’t really matter what you have but if people don’t feel secure they will not come. You can have paradise on earth here and if people don’t feel secure here they wouldn’t come. Yes, they go to Ghana and elsewhere because they feel secure. “They don’t want to come here and bomb will go off and they hear all these news, on CNN and everywhere so people don’t feel secure. Number one thing is security, you have to make people secure before you talk about the things that you have for them to even look at you.” Geology was my first love Growing up, young Duru set her sight on making money and when told that you could make a lot of that in oil and gas, Duru decided to follow her heart and settle for geology. She started her study at Nnamdi Azikiwe University of, Awka, but later left for America where she completed her course and then went on to earn an MBA in finance. “It is all about what you want to do, what you have passion for. I had passion for geology because I love rocks. “I had passion for it and at that time when you come to my house I had different kinds of rocks and every time I am going to the lab

What I want to achieve is give people a memorable experience of dining

and I am trying to analyse the rocks and see what they are made of. At the time people were saying why geology? It was difficult but I loved it. I loved what I was doing, it was tough but I was enjoying that challenge.” My childhood days were fun, lovely Duru is from a well-wheeled family, her late father - Oba C. M. Duru, Oba 1 of Mkpologwu, Aguata in Anambra, was the traditional ruler of her community, and so she had a buoyant childhood. “Growing up was really nice, lovely and really fun. I grew up in a home where I didn’t know what it means to suffer. We were nine and my daddy took care of everyone and made sure that everyone was comfortable till he died. He raised everyone from the beginning to the end. “I grew up in the church. My mother is a very good Christian. She raised us up in the church despite the money and riches. She taught us how to mix up with people, no matter the class and not to differentiate and how to treat people,” she intones as she further gives details of her childhood. “I was in choir, Sunday school, Christian boys and girls clubs, name them, every time in church from Monday to Sunday. When I finished primary school (Constitution Christian Primary School - Aba Santa Maria Primary School), I went to a seminary school in Umuahia – Anglican Girls Seminary. When I was in the choir I represented my church in singing competitions and won many laurels and I did a lot of solos for the church. But I don’t know if I can still sing that good now because I haven’t sang for a long time." Paris and Dubai it is! “I want to go to Paris and Dubai. I want to see the Eiffel Towers and the Lock Bridge. I have heard a lot about Paris and I want to go there and Dubai because a lot of people have said that it is the most beautiful city in the whole world. They say it is different and that USA is nothing compared to Dubai. I just want to experience Dubai. It is my dream to go to Dubai and Paris.”

42 TRAVEL&TOURISM

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DESTINATION

EDO: Not the nation’s tourism heartbeat Edo State prides itself as the heartbeat of the nation and Benin City, its capital, as the cradle of civilisation. Such legend helps fuel tourism. But as ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes, there remains a huge gulf between expectation and reality.

DO State is one of the country’s richly endowed states with distinct and inviting as well as rich tourist attractions. Its history, culture and tradition are particularly of interest. With the rich history and culture of the Benin people, Edo State should make a huge statement in tourism and ought to be a tourist destination of note, attracting huge following. But the truth is that tourism is yet to flourish in the state as it appears not to rate high in the state government’s action plan. Successive governments have over the years failed to build on the rich history and culture of the people. Even its importance as a gateway to the eastern and northern parts of the country and the western end when viewed from both sides is practically unnoticed by the government and the people as there is no visible effort to attract a huge tourist traffic using that as a leverage. The development and infrastructure deficit inherited by the current government of Adams Oshiomhole has been overwhelming and, like his predecessors, interest in the tourism sector is only on paper as there is no concrete or visible sign of building the tourism sector to an economic height.

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

Even the people of the state and investors also have looked the other way as there is no investment of note in developing the state into a destination except of course for the hospitality sector, which has witnessed a boom with new hotels and eateries springing up at different locations within the state. The result is that many of the tourist attractions bequeathed to it in years past are now in a horrid state with some abandoned and forgotten while tourism activities in the state appear to have taken flight with little or nothing heard from the state. Ogba Zoological Garden and Park: Large expanse of forested land in Ogba Village, on the outskirts of Benin City, it was established as a zoological garden and park in 1915, was for years one of the famous and most visited tourist attractions in the city with vast and rich fauna and flora with a pleasant environment and open canopy space for picnic and parties. It was one of the best places to relax and catch fun with the family and friends during festive and holiday periods until it fall into bad management and was completely abandoned. But in the last couple of years, attempt has been made again by the Edo State government to reverse its fortunes as it was concession to a private management team under the Public and Private Partnership deal of the government. Visitors and residents are beginning to return to the place but there is still much left to be done to restore it to it once glorious years. Ramat Park: Named after Nigeria’s former military head of state, General Murtala Muhammed, the park was once a popular playground used mostly for picnics during public holidays and festivals. It was very popular with school children in the city then but now its fortunes have dipped and it is almost a forgotten site with commercial activities within the same vicinity dwarfing its presence. Benin Moat (Iya): An amazing creation it was then as it was regarded as the most awesome and largest man-made earthwork or excavation dug entirely with human labour. It was constructed round the inner city as a defensive wall by Oba Oguola (about 12801295) and further extended by Oba Ewuare the Great during the height of his reign in the 13th century as Benin monarch.

However, this astounding creation which reveals the history and sophistication of the Benin people has over the years been neglected and today has become a refuse dump and almost gone extinct and reclaimed. Attempt also to have it enlisted as World Heritage Site by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the government has also been jettisoned. It recently made the list of one of the amazing human creations in the Naija Seven Wonders project. Oba Palace: The palace of the Oba of Benin is rich in culture and tradition and is open to public viewing to reconnect with the sociological and historical development of the Benin culture dating back to the once powerful and rich Benin Empire. Court arts, shrines and bronze works for which the Binis are known for are some of the features in the palace Igun Street Bronze Casters: Igun Street is the traditional home of the Benin bronze casters or guild that is noted for their creativity in bronze casting. Years back Benin Bronze Festival was organised by one of the arts personalities of Benin to draw attention to the richness of the bronze tradition. Chief Ogiamen’s House: Located on Sokponba Road, Benin City, Ogiamen’s House is an ancient palace and building which has been preserved over the years for its rich architectural appeal and historical role in the culture and tradition of the people. It was believed to have been built around 1130 AD and survived the British siege of Benin City in 1897. It has now become a national monument but more needs to be done to preserve and popularise it in order for it to attract more visits.

Emotan Statue: The statue of the stately woman erected near the Oba market, it pays homage to the heroic deeds of the woman who sacrificed greatly to save the Benin Empire then. It tells of the rich history of the people and today, it remains revered and visited by people. The grace of her poise and rich adornment is a revelation of the appealing dress sense and cultural finese of a graceful Benin woman. Benin National Museum: Located in the famous Ring Road, which is the centre of attraction in the city, the Benin National Museum is a repository of the vast and rich art works and craft of the Benin people with a number of the relics warehoused by the museum underscoring the creative ferment and sophistication of the people then. Holy Aruosa Cathedral: Situated along the popular Akpakpava Road, Benin City, Holy Aruosa is the creation of the Benin monarch. Created in the 15th century during the era of Oba Esigie, it is a replica of the Church of England or the Reformed Dutch Church. A number of the churches were established at different sections of the city but Holy Aruosa is the only surviving one and here is where the Benin monarch worships especially during cultural and traditional celebrations. The presiding priests here are known as Ohen Osa. Ughoto Village: The village located 42 kilometres away from Benin City is a laid back

My Weekend NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY

5 JULY 2014

Kemi Adefolu, the Managing Director Voyagers Limited, tells SEGUN EDWARDS that her experience as a former banker was quite useful when she switched over to travelling and ticketing business.

emi Adefolu, must be one of out of many business people that found a great deal of job satisfaction in their businesses. She admits that her job provides the platform for her to relax and unwind as a CEO of travelling agency. An enthusiastic Adefolu says, ‘’Yes, it has always been fun. I recently attended a summit in Paris, France, it was a global women summit and I will be going away next month for the summer holiday. At least, I have that in my agenda now. I don’t know what would happen for the rest of the year. The 51-year-old former banker says she explores the opportunities of her business to enjoy the privilege of important holidays like the summer abroad with her family, particularly her children and friends. To this end, she says every arrangement has been concluded for her to proceed with her twin boys in the company with about 12 of her friends and their kids on a summer tours to the United Kingdom and the U.S anytime soon. She says, “We are going to Orlando (U.S.) for the summer holiday, we will be proceeding on the trip anytime from next week. We are going to set our focus on Orlando, which is the major highlight of the holiday. We will take the children out and hope to have time out ourselves. I mean visit a place like Disney Land, which is such a big name, a play area that is something we look up to in the trip.” Adebolu also explains the importance and relevance of her membership of the Association of Women Travelling Executives to her leisure time. She says, “I belong to a body called the Association of Women Travelling Executives and once a year we go somewhere we haven’t been to before, somewhere usually in Africa. This this year, we were in Cross River, Calabar precisely for a three-day tour of the state. “We visited several places of interest like Mary Slessor’s house, the museum, TInapa. This is always interesting whenever we do this. This provides the opportunity for us to unwind from our busy schedules as executives, to bond and to discover places that normally we wouldn’t go. It’s been great as the platform has provided the opportunities for us to visit to other countries like Sychelles, Mobassa, Nairobi, Kenya, among other places.” Adefolu, who had enjoyed international exposures having grown up and studied in the UK before coming to Nigeria for her university education says she enjoys socialising with friends and relatives on her weekends. And on such occasions, she fancies the traditional double wrappers attire with blouse. She says, “I do like to socialise as there is always something to get involved in by way of socialising. Not that I go out every weekend but I think I’m quite a social person, I do go to functions with family and friends. “I quite fancy this ‘up and down wrapper’ that women wear now. So, I wear a lot of that. But when I go out casually with my children, I dress casually like in trousers or something. “On weekend, when I’m not attending

I usually wear Ankara fabrics made into particular styles suitable for me

My business provides platform for relaxation –Adefolu

Adefolu

social functions, I usually wear Ankra fabrics made into particular styles suitable for me. It is either Ankara or any other nice casual dress.” When asked if she has any favourite colour in choosing what she wears, she says, “I go for anything that is nice and colourful that will always be attractive to me.” The University of Ibadan chemistry graduate is also not the type of person that attaches importance to any particular menu for her weekend. “I will rather say I crave these days to lose weight otherwise I don’t stick to any particular menu. Although I like vegetable that I cook myself and everybody eats whatever they want with it, nothing in particular, she said.” What if she sometimes sets her sight on a special meal during weekend, she says, “I may prefer the traditional local delicacy of pounded yam (Iyan) and vegetable (efo riro) as it popularly called, I will rather like that on a Saturday afternoon but we normally do take rice on Sunday afternoon, which is our preferred menu for Sunday.” Any favourite drink on weekend? “I really don’t like taking wines because of the

alcoholic content. I don’t take too much of it because it makes me feel somewhat tipsy,” adding, “I take drinks like Chapman or things like that, I seldom takes any drink that contains alcohol, I seldom do that.” But she likes fruit juices and consumes them a lot. “I’m learning how to drink water because I observed I’ve not been taking enough of that and I’m learning to do that but I take fruit juices.” Taking us further to her weekend world, Adefolu says her weekend starts on Friday after the close of work. “My weekend usually starts on Friday evening though I usually work a little bit when I get home in the evening but most Friday evening I try to step down. I try to go out with the kids. We sometimes invite some friends. Sometimes, my kids go swimming as well or we go to club. I have started swimming recently, which is also a way of relaxing for me.” Ironically, she does not have any favourite musician revealing that she listens to current music by Nigerian reigning pop acts, “who are loved by my children.” She adds, “Most times I go along with

my kids who most times when they are with me in the car like to sing to the lyrics of musicians like Davido, Tiwa Savage and whatever they are. They know every bit of the lyrics and I guess that is also what I have to listen to because that is what we have to hear every other time.” Her major mode of recreating is swimming because according to her recreating through swimming make enables her to shed excess weight while the exercise also gives the utmost benefit of relaxation. “I visit the gym like three times a week and sometimes when I’m free I do it on Saturday. It is good, interesting and refreshing. It refreshes me and when I get home, l will have a shower, lay down thereafter and have some sound sleep. Adefolu is a member of Ikoyi Club where she goes to swim with her children Recalling what she describes as the most memorable periods of her life, she says: “I will say my memorable period was when I lost my mum about 10 years ago. I lived with her up to the time she died, before she died myself, my sister who lived in South Africa and my brother, who lives in London, we used to spend time together every year as a family in either Cape Town or Johannesburg. “We have a lot of pictures of those times and we’ve a lot of memories of our holidays at various times, which are very crucial. We try to keep it up after she had died.” Speaking on her background, she explains: ‘’I was brought up my stepfather who was very strict. I have stepbrothers and I am closer to them than my brother. We were all raised together. My stepfather believed that children should have good education. “So, we were exposed to education in England I did my O’levels and A’levels and then I came back to Nigeria, went to the University of Ibadan studied chemistry but I ended up in the banking sector. I also work with a pharmaceutical company for a while. “But I wanted to do something that was real and I thought money was real, that was how I got into the banking sector. I left in November 1998 to set up my travel agency and that is what I’ve been doing since. When I look back, it’s been quite an experience; I don’t have any regret over any step of my life at all. About four years ago, I had a set of twins. They have brought new sparkles into my life, it gives me a new lease of life, that is clearly a different phase of life that I’m into. I have no regret, rather I thank God.” Her company, Voyager Travels Limited, came into existence in April 1999 at Oyin Jolayemi Victoria Island, Lagos from where it was moved to Muri Okunola in 2004. Narrating how she started the business, she says she was a pioneer employee of Guaranty Trust Bank. “When I left the bank, I wanted to do something similar to what I was doing before. So, I ended up with travel because travel management is similar to banking. It is just that travelling is a bit of product, while banking is money. I still manage people and I manage account, quite similar to what I was doing in the bank and I get to meet a lot of people in fact I would call myself a good marketer, I do a lot of marketing, I tell you I’m easy with people. I get to meet a lot of people because I go out quite a bit.”

POLITICS

Nyako’s impeachment is coming late, says Hong p.47 Presidency 2015: Okorocha, best candidate APC can field, says Ezediaro p.51

ON SATURDAY

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5 JULY 2014

Nigeria can’t survive another four years of PDP, says Odigie-Oyegun Some people who contested against you were aggrieved that your party lost the Ekiti State governorship election. How are you trying to bring everybody together and what is the way forward? Well, everything is happening rather quickly. Changes are going on even before one has to settle down for the new job. The first one is straight forward and easy. For those who felt rightly or wrongly aggrieved, it doesn’t matter if they are right or wrong, my job is to make peace and I have given equal attention to all. There was a little bit of bad blood over the secretaryship, and over other positions and I have reached out to all the significantly aggrieved people. Some have responded, some have not responded but there is no giving up. What I have realised is this; that in a party that has no prospect, you beg people to volunteer for office, you virtually plead with them to accept offices but because the APC has very bright prospect, it has become virtually the government in waiting given the mood of the nation and the universal cry for change. The APC is a party whose time has come and because of that the contestation for offices becomes a little bit sharper than it would have been with a party that has no prospect. We have reached out to all of them, most have responded positively, those that are still nursing grievances we will continue to reach out to. As far as that is concerned, it is a good and healthy thing because if the party is not a growing concern, people will just walk away. But it is not like that. This is a movement that is going to end up in Aso rock in February of next year. So we are doing everything we can to talk and bring them back happily into the fold. Ekiti Election? Ekiti election to some extent is still a mystery. It still has some aspects that we are trying to unfold. But the first point is because we are a party of change and because we are a party that wants to show Nigerians that there is a different way of doing things; that politics doesn’t have to be bitter. In spite of all our reservations, the governor was advised to concede. One, given the heavy militarisation of the area, we didn’t think it was worthwhile raising tension which may lead to the spilling of innocent blood. I was there in Ekiti, I had to leave virtually in the dead of the night because of the intelligence I received all the way from Ado Ekiti to Lagos and most of our people who got by air couldn’t go back by air because the airport was closed. So there was this state of tension which needed a little spark to set it off and we said look this is not our style of politics. The governor did the honourable thing. We have a lot of questions about the election. We are going ahead with something more detailed than a forensic examination of what happened. We knew all was not well. On the face of it, the processes before Election Day were heavily faulted and, of course, with the very unconstitutional militarisation but on the day of the election, the facade was given that made everybody thinks that everything went normally but we know that, that was

Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the first civilian governor of Edo State and former Vice Presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), speaks with some journalists on his emergence as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the Ekiti election, security situation in the country among other issues. CAJETAN MMUTA was there.

law in this nation and bringing the military so forcefully into the political arena, there is no law in practice that accept that in this nation. All these things we will query and take the appropriate legal actions so that our legal authorities will tell us where the boundaries are for governmental action. Yes it was a public blow for us but we have gone over that. It is alright to get one state by bringing army and police to that one state election because you are in power at the federal level. To start with, that is one of the best argument I have seen recently for state police. Secondly, we need the army and police in Borno, Yobe, we would have been glad if these people were deployed there to get back our girls but because they wanted to make a point, because they are desperate, the PDP is desperate and they think that making a point with Ekiti will set a bandwagon effect for others. That exercise itself deceptive and in delusion because when the time comes in February the whole nation will be voting at the same time, let them take all the soldiers out of Borno and come and police every single state and see if there will be a Nigerian left at the end of the day. Yes, it was a very regrettable lost but the D-day is still coming and we are very confident that when the D-day comes the people of this country will decide for change. One of the aggrieved persons is Chief Tom Ikimi, who has threatened to pull out of the party, what has been his response to that? It is still an ongoing process. But it is unfortunate that when you feel hurt, you threaten your party, that alone creates suspicion about you in the party that you still belong to. Let me just say it is an ongoing process and it was a mistake for him to have threatened to leave the party. We value him and respect him. I have tremendous respect for him, I used to go there quite often and use to have a lot of goodwill and I hope this has not separated us. It can’t. Politics can’t separate us and I pray that when he calms down, we will resume our very warm and close relationship. Not just with me personally but more importantly with the party.

Oyegun

not the case. We are looking into it in a very clinical way and when our findings are ready we will address the Nigerian nation. Like I said, we didn’t think power was worth shedding of innocent blood so we have taken the path of honour and conceded. And you can see there was a little peace thereafter. If we had decided to dispute the election, only God knows what would have happened but that is not the APC. We are a party of change and we hope Nigerians have taken note of what we did in Ekiti and we hope it doesn’t get repeated because a lot of what happened was totally unconstitutional. You don’t lock down a whole state for 48 hours. You are allowed to restrict movement within 24 hours before the election. And you don’t lock down a state

and arrest the leaders of the governing party there; lock them down completely but allow leaders of the opposition party who have no business at all with Ekiti, ministers of state defence, police affairs, Chris Uba, were all there operating freely in that 48 hours. These are the fact that must not repeat itself in Osun Election. We are taking various actions just to prevent it. We are not going to court over the election itself but we are going to court to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens from whether governor, party leaders or an ordinary citizens have that right of free movement in this nation. That cannot be abridged by anybody except there is a good course to do so. And, of course, the issue of locking down a state for 48 hours, there is no such

Your party is preparing to take power but the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket appears to pose a serious threat. What is the true position of the party? I don’t know where you get this MuslimMuslim ticket, Christian-Christian ticket, Pagan-Pagan ticket or whatever you want to call it. I am the national chairman of this party. What I can guarantee Nigerians is that we are going to have a totally above board primaries for the rank and file of the party to decide who will be their candidates and that is the way it is going to be. We want to win election so the party members whose job it is to select their candidate will do whatever they need to do on the basis of that. We need to win elections and it is the party that will decide. So, whether it’s Christian-Christian, Muslim- Muslim, it will be the decision of the party. So let us not cross bridges that don’t CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

THE SATURDAY INTERVIEW

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

‘Ekiti election still a mystery’ C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 4 5

exist. If we get there we will deal with that issue. It appears you party is still far away from picking its candidate? Every party is still far away, even though the case of the PDP there is a presumption. Don’t be fooled, it could change. Very dramatically, it looks like a one horse race but the reality is on the eve of selecting candidates, they dictate otherwise. APC has a fair selection of prominent Nigerians, we are listening to the people because we have a drag net spread out. We have people we are talking to all over the nation who are telling us and giving us vibes about what the people feel, want and expect. So presenting a candidate in another two, three months will not be an issue. What is important is what does the party stands for? How can it prove that it is different and serious, that is the task that we have between now and the selection of the candidate. Once the people of the nation buy that fact that yes this is a party they can trust to deliver change, the candidate become number two issue. As far as John Oyegun is concerned and as far as the constitution of the party is concern, anybody from any part of this country is qualified to vie for our presidential ticket. That is the law of the party, that is the situation. What is your party doing to ensure that Goevrnor Amechi of Rivers State and Murtala Nyako in Adamawa are safe from the gale of impeachments against them? You know that in desperation, the Federal Government is creating problem for us in all our states. Let us start with the present insecurity. Once or twice I have read that it is the opposition that is doing all this because they don’t like the government, they hate the government, but do you kill your family to prove that you hate somebody else. How come that these things are in APC states former ANPP? Now, it is crawling into another APC state, Kano. Adamawa was relatively peaceful in terms of all these killings and abductions. The issue of impeachment, they have money, we know the kind of figure that are been mentioned and offered to dump the APC and in Adamawa to remove the governor. In River State, they have a courageous young man, even before we ended in one party; he is one person who started as governor from day one saying that these people are not defenders of the rights of the riverine Niger-Delta people. He called them common criminals from day one. I was alarmed on his behalf and then he was a strong member of the PDP. I said how can this young man, I call it been fooled? But he succeeded. He brightened the security problem of River State. He is a very principled man. So, in terms of the constitutional bridges at the affected state’s right, state revenues, he took a principle stand that look this is not a family affair. This is not a PDP affair. This is not where you have PDP solidarity against non PDP state. It is something that affects all the states. Whether it is PDP or not we will fight it on the basis of the fact that he is the chairman of the governors’ forum because of that he got into the black book of the government and since then they have not let him see peace. As we speak today he is still very much under stress and attack all in the bid that since he left things have been worst. You are aware of the commissioner of police that was sent, as at today he still doesn’t to hold security meetings because all the security teams have instructions not to seat with him. So we have all these breaches and we can only fight to the extent we can. But as defenders of the public good, if we fight, they will say we are biased, we are political adversary, and we want to undermine the government. You should be able to say what is white is white and what is black is black. A lot of these things are not right. We are prepared to take them all at every stage. We are fighting the Adamawa case and by the grace of God they will not succeed. As far as the other issues are concern,

Oyegun

when a party is seen as having prospect, the struggle for offices get a little bid keener and that is what is happening in all of these states. How about the Ogun APC crisis? All of these things will be resolved. We already have a high-powered committee working on Ogun. As a matter of fact Ogun is the most delicate of all of them. We already have a high-powered committee headed by former vice president Atiku, including some truly respectable senior party leaders working on the Ogun case. These things are going on parry parsu with building and solidifying the party. The Edo State case is clear. You can see what is happening. From the time we had some defections; I think the PDP saw as a wonderful opportunity to undermine the state government, particularly, as four members of the House also defected with the group. They thought it a wonderful opportunity to destabilise and undermine the state government, keep it preoccupied with crisis but what people should see in it is this, it was these defecting members who went to court to seek two redresses. First, that their seats should not be declare vacant, two, that they should not be removed. They went to court, the court granted the first request that their seat should not be declared vacant and rejected the second request saying they can’t interfere in the proceeding. The APC complied, they didn’t declare their seat vacant but they went ahead since they had legal clearance in terms of the suspension and suspended them. These people are not obeying the orders of the court, they are now operating outside the ambits of the law and that is what people should see and tell our security agencies to please help in enforcing the laws of this nation otherwise the two sides can revert to jungle justice and God forbid we should ever get to that situation. It is a clear case of the opposition in Edo State, the PDP using totally illegal and crude tactics to try to undermine the government of the state. That is unacceptable and illegal and must not be allowed to stand. What is your take on the accusation that your party lacks internal democracy? Internal democracy means that there is a law and you must conduct yourselves according to law. The APC has a constitution and it states clearly that consensus is a preferred way of reaching decisions because all leaders would have subscribed to that consensus and everybody will be happy, that

Let the Nigeria people try something new even if you are not sure what the result will be

means nobody gets everything he wants but everybody has something. So, we are able to live happily together. And it states clearly that when that consensus can’t be reached and even a single member insists on a proper election, again, according to the rules of the party, so be it. Then we go and have an election. And that is what we are operating unless somebody has another definition of internal democracy. What is important is that we are abiding strictly by the constitution. Are you insisting that your emergence was based on consensus? Yes, it was by consensus and in spite of that we still had an election. There was still voting. You could have voted no even if I was the only candidate and if the ‘no’ are more than the ‘ais’ that is the end of the matter. I don’t get elected. There was nobody competing with me who didn’t voluntarily withdraw. How do you intend to manage Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambition? I don’t know if there is a management problem, I am praying desperately that there should be more aspirants. Each of them will have a support base, each of them will be able to enthuse a lot of party members and non-members who have interest them. Each of them will get people to look with magnifying glasses at all the people offering to be our president and I will seat down smiling and hoping they come and pay our fees so we make quite some money. It becomes the duty of the people, party members represented by the delegate to decide which one in their opinion, in their wisdom, in their consideration is most likely to help us win the election and then provide a good leadership for the nation. It will be the choice of the people, mine is to hold the ring and be a very impartial referee and provide a level plain ground for all the contesting interests. There is nothing to manage. I know a lot more who are interested on being the president on the platform of the APC and I have given them my word that their candidacy for the nomination will be most welcome. What do you have as an option in the APC for the people? We have already presented ourselves. The first message we preach is that the Nigeria nation is broken and change must come. Let the Nigeria people try something new even if you are not sure what the result will be. In spite of that, for democracy to thrive, for the PDP not to take the nation for granted as it has done today, for them not to become that unquestionable disaster that is afflicting the nation, show them that you have a choice and it is your right to hire and to fire, that you want to try something dif-

ferent for a change. If that something different doesn’t satisfy you, try them again. That is the kind of democracy that we should have. This government has maintained itself in such a way that it doesn’t really care anymore what the population thinks. They fixed the votes, put themselves in power and rule us with impunity. It is now for Nigerians to decide whether to continue in that condition where nothing is working or not. I was listening to BBC and a Nigerian said we are going to wake up one day and like in Iraq, Boko Haram will be marching down south. Is that the kind of country we want? Are they the kind of politicians we want? Is that the government we want, the government that can’t secure our lives? We are going to tell Nigeria it is time to try something new and different, it is time for change. They must vote for change, even if in their hearts they are not sure, we are presenting ourselves as something new, we are presenting the states that we govern as sign post. If (Governor Adams) Oshiomhole is in Abuja, he can do in Abuja what he has done in Edo State and we won’t have any problem. We will see visibly what our resources are been used for not when ministers now have two jets, people steal pension fund and get away with it, the fuel subsidy scam has disappeared from public discourse, N20 billion has disappeared from public discourse, the over 200 poor young girls who were adopted is disappearing already from discourse. In another months, it will just become well it has happened. Bombs going off and on in this nation have become like a normal thing. Is that the life we want for this country? We are Nigerians and so the kind of decision that each and every one of us has to make. We are presenting our party as new and different. And we have done the study as people who truly care there is no way we can prove it to you because we have not ever ruled this nation but we can tell you look at our states. We are not pretending to be angels get that clear. And politics is not a seminary nor is it a pool party. But what is important, is, what you are doing with the lives of the people. That is what is critical. Are you restoring hope to their lives? Are you making their lives better? Do they believe that the lives of their children will be better? Are your policies concentrated on improving their lives? Do we have power, do we have quality schools, do we have security, do we have jobs, and can we continue in this kind of state? I have told people who have ears to listen, that this country cannot survive another four years of the PDP. So we need a person who have plans to start taking care of these issues and that is what the APC represents. And we are telling people give us a chance. Anybody who looks at Lagos, even the PDP governor, the Chief Servant of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has said so quite clearly that anybody who looks at Lagos State in what it was and what it is today and doesn’t give kudos to that man, then something is wrong. Anybody who goes to Ibadan and doesn’t see the magnificent change that the greatest, largest village virtually on the face of the earth been turned into a modern city does not recognise good things. So all we are saying is that, invest in the people. Unfortunately a state is a state; a state is not a nation. The basic policies that define a nation, the basic policies that create progress and movement forward are all federally controlled, whether it is Fiscal, or Monetary policy even the mere use of resources. We shall plead with the people to look at our states for a change and be ready to take a risk. Look at what we stand for, look we want to do and believe us because in our states we have done it. It is for the people to decide whether they want business as usual, the level of impunity that is going on now, the level of insecurity that is going on now, the level of joblessness that is going on now whether they want it to continue for another four years or whether they want to take a change and take a risk and it is a good risk.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

Dr Idi Hong, a staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former minister of state for tourism, foreign affairs and health, tells ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA about happenings in Adamawa State. As someone in the thick of political happenings in your state, how justifiable is the attempt to remove the governor by the House of Assembly? I will say that for the House of Assembly of Adamawa State, one would have no moral rectitude to condemn their current action because what they have embarked on is part of their constitutional responsibilities and one of such responsibilities is to check the excesses of the governor otherwise it would become a monarchical system or dictatorship where the governor would act or behave the way he likes. That is the reason why in their wisdom the framers of our constitution gave the powers to check the excesses of the governor to the assembly. Where he is asked to make amends and refuses to and in their own judgement has grossly infringed on the constitutional provisions, the constitution has empowered them to impeach the governor or the deputy governor. So, I will say first and foremost that the House of Assembly is performing its constitutional responsibility and those of us outside who do not have a clear picture of the situation or access to the privileged information that the House has should not be in a hurry to either castigate or condemn their action because they are being paid to perform this function in the interest of the state. Let me say further that for some of us who are citizens of Adamawa State and also watchers of events in the state, this impeachment is coming too late or belated because we have complained severally about the inactivity of the governor, about his constitutional infringements, we have complained severally about the immoral and unethical irresponsibility of the governor and his family members but nobody listened to us then. But as the wise people would say it is better late than never. I can tell you that the people of Adamawa State share their views and position on this matter and really uphold and support them over this action. Has this got to do with his defection to APC? No, I don’t share this view because he is not the only one that has defected from the PDP to the APC. How about Rotimi Amaechi and Musa Kwankanso or Wamakko or the other governors? Let me tell you that this is local politics; it is the House of Assembly that has embarked on this action and not the party or ordinary person on the street. The constitution has empowered the House of Assembly to check the excesses of the governor and that is exactly what they are doing now. Just like the National Assembly is empowered to check the excesses of the president so that whatever decision he takes would be consistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic and also in consistent with the financial and administrative regulations of our civil service rule. But unfortunately, in Adamawa this has completely been flouted because the governor doesn’t know if the constitution existed, the governor doesn’t know if financial regulation existed and he doesn’t know if there is an administrative regulation that ought to guide his action and his inaction. And most importantly, the governor and his family are ruling the state as if there would be no tomorrow and there is no accountability. But they have forgotten that the House of Assembly is empowered statutorily to check them. Why then is the impeachment coming up now and also given the current state of insecurity in the state? I can’t say exactly what the reason is and

POLITICS

Plot to remove Nyako coming late, says Hong

Hong

‘Let me say further that for some of us who are citizens of Adamawa State and also watchers of events in the state, this impeachment is coming too late or belated’ I can’t speak for the House of Assembly because they are the ones who have the statutory powers to impeach the governor and not my good self or the ordinary people of Adamawa. Secondly, the reason why this is coming up now may be because the House has been patient with him with the hope that he would repent and amend his ways but has so far failed to do so. Finally, maybe they were also waiting for the charges to accumulate or get maximum charges so that nobody would see them in bad light. But with the court wading into the matter now how do you see this whole saga playing out? I think this is an abuse of due process. Are you saying that the House of Assembly has no constitutional responsibility of impeaching a governor? That is their statutory responsibility and I think the court action is part of the antics people use to hamstring due process in this country. I think that it is even not fair for somebody to go and restrain a statutory body of government that has constitutional responsibility to carry out certain function. I think what should had been fair in this case is for the people to allow the process to go on and see how it ends. Because I don’t think that the House is even in a hurry to impeach him otherwise they

would have simply done so on the day the charges of impeachment where brought against him. Well, what I can only say to your question is that one doesn’t have the moral right to say that he can really fathom how the whole saga would play out. One can only say that the ultimate decision is in the hands of the House of Assembly and those other institutions that are supposed to participate in this whole process. The House has given him notice of impeachment and they have brought charges against him, so it is now left for the governor and his deputy to go and answer these charges and if they answer them clearly to the satisfaction of the assembly there would be no impeachment. People see this current friction as occasioned by posturing for 2015.Therefore, what is your take on this or the chances of your party – PDP in the state come 2015? The fact that the governor has defected to another political party doesn’t mean that he has any clout to win election. For the record, this governor is a seating governor and there was a bye - election in his own local government and the PDP fielded a candidate and we defeated him roundly - hundred percent in his own constituency. Again for the record, the fact that Nyako defected to the APC doesn’t mean that Adamawa is an APC state. Everybody knows that Adamawa is a PDP state right from inception and it would continue to be like that. Nyako didn’t defect to APC with other members of the house or national assembly. You can see how weak he is. He is not like the other governors who defected because there are other governors who are in total control but he is not. Ninety – nine percent of all our stakeholders in the state are still in the PDP.

How about Atiku Abubakar? Well, Atiku Abubakar is perhaps the only major stakeholder but Nyako has completely blocked Atiku in APC. Atiku is APC at the national level and not at Adamawa because he has no space there. Come to think of it, his hands are full, Atiku is a national figure who is aspiring to become the president and therefore, he won’t waste his time looking after Adamawa when he has 36 states of the country to contend with. So, I think he doesn’t really have the time to bother with Adamawa but if he has become a local politician then you can’t wish away the influence of Atiku in Adamawa. In fact, I have said it severally that APC was dead on arrival with the defection of Nyako to the party. It has helped us solved two problems. One, we have sent away a bad product and two, he has helped us in killing the goodwill of APC because APC would had been a formidable opposition in Adamawa. But with the arrival of Nyako there you can see that all the supporters and stakeholders of APC have all made a u – turn and returned to the PDP. This is exactly what would play out in 2015. APC would not win a single ward come 2015 election in Adamawa. Write it down because as far as this current arrangement is concerned and subsist till 2015, Atiku would be busy with his national election, Nyako has lost the goodwill of Adamawa State people - both the elite and the grass roots. The PDP has more formidable followership and stakeholders and we are more united than them. How far have you gone with you governorship ambition? Well, I am still consulting but I have already expressed my intent to be a contender in the 2015 governorship election in Adamawa State. I have shown an interest, I am broadening my consultation and I am broadening my negotiation and also building my vision and aspirations for the state. How do you see governor Fayemi conceding the election and calling to congratulate the governor - elect? I think governor Fayemi has shown leadership by statesmanship, he has shown something because even though we have succeeded in defeating the APC but he has shown that APC has quality that all of us should emulate. I think all Nigerians, particularly major stakeholders, who are aspiring to stand for election; you know your limit, as long as he provides a level playing ground just take the Fayemi honourable route. Forever and ever I think Nigerians would be very grateful to the Statemanly behaviour of Fayemi. Without contest and without saying anything he has seen the transparency of the election and he knows that it is the wish of the people of Ekiti State to invest in Fayose and he accepted that in good faith and congratulated the winner. Can this feat be repeated in Osun election? Yes, of course, we are very hopeful. The hope is that one, the president has guaranteed one man one vote and two, we have confidence that Osun people would see that PDP has done well nationally and that the PDP has also done well in Ekiti and they have seen the trend. So if nothing fundamentally goes wrong we are quite hopeful that we would win in Osun.

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5 JULY 2014

Hon. Istifanus Caleb Mwansat, former Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly during the sixth Assembly, and Member representing Pankshin South, Mwansat is also a strong member of the PDP in the state, he spokes with MUSA PAM in Jos on full assurance of the PDP to win the Presidential elections in 2015, and also says there is no opposition Nigeria and plateau state amongst other issues. There have been political debates in the three senatorial zones on which should produce the governor in 2015. What is the position on zoning in the state? Well, I will start by trying to give the definition of what is political zoning, it is an arrangement to accommodate all shades of opinions and sentiments of the society to participate in the leadership so that no body feels cheated or left out. In Plateau State, there is a strong preference for political zoning; that arrangement exists. I stay this with a very strong authority because I am a chieftain of the PDP, I was the strongest person in a meeting of nine in late Chief Solomon Lar house who was lest than 50 that advise chief Lar with eight other elders that G34 should be metaphase into a political party otherwise those of us who are young that had been in a struggle for democracy don’t know where go. The name PDP was given in Plateau State and it was done in the house of Chief Lar Hajiya Ladi Nimlag she suggested the name PDP, so having given this background I am in the position to make commend on the issue of zoning, I was the secretary of the finance committee of the Plateau Southern zone that raise money to funds PDP in 1999 most of the people noise today in Plateau State were nowhere to be found, I still have document of those who contributed their hard earn money to build PDP in Plateau State, late Silas Janfa was the highest donor, sadly today most of them are late and even the key actors have been edged out so this take us to the argument of zoning. Indeed, the governorship seat was left open in 1999 between the Northern zone and the Central zone, because elders and party leaders wanted a take-off point and this two zones actually contested in that 1999 where the centre zone took the slot and there after in 2007, the Northern zone took the slots. Now, in the competition of three, the first you could find is two very active among three, determine who will start, now once the first person has taken, who is left and in the second round, you are still going to have two people determining who will take next, once the second position has been determined, it becomes obvious that the third person is the next person online. That is the situation in Plateau State, some people have argued that when governor Jang was contesting, people from the southern zone contested. Yes, one has gone but two are still left: who will take next and you don’t use arbitrary arrangement, so by all sense of reasoning, the zoning goes to the area that has never produced a governor of Plateau State. But if you are talking about the governor of the then Plateau yes we have produces and our sons have contested and won governorship in the Plateau and their deputies were taken from Nasarawa State, but what is called Plateau state today no son southern zone have governed Plateau state, it direct and challenge anybody to tells me his name and who was him deputy, so in all fairness equality, political harmony, togetherness the people of the southern zone should be given the same fair treatment to participate in producing the next governor.

Politicians in Plateau overheat polity– Mwansat

cannot invite us with a warrant to come and explain this, you would have look for advised because we are not answerable to you, we said any where if you want us to talk go to our head office in Abuja and as June 2012 they were given an account of the money given to the state government sure-p was 7 billion, when the came from February 2012 to June 2013 it was 7 billion it was the statement of account given to them by the sure-p headquarters, when the came they were intimidated and harass by the governor and the lacks the courage to continue, so the thrown the document and abandoned it. So from that point it is a fact that sure-p money has not been accounted for, sure-p money is not a stating allocation, it is an intervention funds meant to address transportation, health, youth and women empowerment poverty alleviation, in neighbouring states Kaduna you can see generals or collage hospital build in evening district with sure-p money and sure-p sinbond, the governor invited youths and gave them loans women were given loans trycicle was brought and given to people and there is succor to poverty in Kaduna, that has also been done in Nigeria, Jigawa.

Mwansat

so in all fairness equality, political harmony, togetherness the people of the southern zone should be given the same fair treatment to participate in producing the next governor Was there any zoning in the state? Yes, like I told all those talking about zoning were not there whem it was done, and more so the key actors of this political arrangement are no more even the political mainstream again, most of them have died, Chief Solomon Lar is gone, Senator Silas Janfa have dived, Dafan from Qua’an Pan have died, so most of the leaders are no more living. So those shouting including the senator and saying that there is no zoning are ignorant beneficiary of political zoning that there is no zoning are ignorant beneficiary of political zoning that they are shouting, but I am saying from the truth of knowledge and I told you I was the youngest person less than 50 was at the meeting were PDP was formed in Chief Lar house and there is zoning in Plateau State. There has been this document in the State House of Assembly by some group called ‘’Plateau Patriotic Front’’ alleging extra budgetary spending misappropriation, inflated contract sum and also mismanagement of SURE-P Funds against the Governor Jonah Jang whatis your views on it? I have been privilege to read the document written by a group of citizens of Plateau State, level I commend them for their

courage to challenge wrong doing, democracy allowed that in democracy citizens are expected to challenge leaders to be accountable, and accountability and transparently are very fundamental requirement of democracy, I think the absents of this two qualities of democracy compels this group to challenge, of course the government of Jonah Jang have not been accountable, citizens have been kept to the darks on the activities of government, citizens also have not been too participating in the activity of government, the government has runs the state in the manner that the citizens are not too satisfy, in fact one of the measure ways the government has not manage the state well is to introduce division among the tribe of the state, because the government patronize a group and that group is taken from a tribe, and is not even a representative of a tribe is a committee of friends, but predominantly of a tribe and that has make so many citizens to begin to have a negative thinking about the entire tribe, while the tribe itself which is the Berom tribe suffers like every other tribe in Plateau, there are Berom community today that if you go they don’t have water to drink, the people are so hungry the are suffering they cannot find fertilizer, but a click of people has used their name to promote excellence, now back to that allegation in fact the allegation is very weight are weight because one of the aspect of the allegation I have knowledge about which is the sure-p in southern zone, there was a time the house of Assembly wrote us to appear before them, so that we can informed them on what is sure-p, and we told them no you got it wrong we insurable to federal republic of Nigeria, we only give you a privilege information that there is money coming from federation account of sure-p to local government and the state government are you award, and they said they were hearing for the first time, but you

You mean there is no evidence of SURE-P spending in Plateau? Bauchi, even in the world times areas of Yobe and Borno this things have been done there, but Plateau State until now there is no single evidence of sure-p money either spent on any of these templet of sure-p, rather I saw in my local government some Hillux vehicle carrying sure-p inscription or name and it is not within the scope of the sure-p template I said this and repeat that it is a miss-direction and miss appropriation of funds to used sure-p money for security purpose. So, there are weight allegation contains in that document that I have seen and confirmed the sure-p aspect which I have the knowledge of it so for a serving senator to said that the allegation is baseless is not answerable the allegation, the allegation is talking about specific figures meant for sure-p, is he saying there is nothing call sure-p, because by him argument sure-p doesn’t exist, but I am saying that the allegation have bases because existed, and is existing and that amount of money is emitted heavy to state and local governments, so referring to those allegation as baseless is trying to cover the allegations or sheep a very serious allegation under the carpet, and the allegation is bigger than the carpet so it will swallowed up, it is not baseless I challenge senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, if he think the allegation is baseless let him called a public debate between me and him, it should be air so that people of Plateau State will hear, I will come up if he intended to mislead the people of Plateau, I will confirmed to Plateau people that their money has not been accounted properly. The issues of insecurity in plateau state and bombs where do think is the problem? Anytime the issue of bomb is mention in Jos, tears will run down my eyes because I have casualties, in fact a student name Komolate who died in that bomb blast remain a leaving legend, she fought terrorism with her pen, infact she wrote a lot articles on the social media against terrorism, even appealed to Nigerian to see terrorism as a common enemy.

FACEOFF | POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

Plateau is graveyard of accountability – Dalung Solomon Dalung, lawyer and former chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, is lecturer in the faculty of law, University of Jos. The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress spoke to MUSA PAM in Jos on several issues, including the 2015 governorship election; alleged misappropriation of SURE-P funds and insecurity in the state, amongst others There have been political debates in the three senatorial zones on which should produce the governor in 2015. What is the position on zoning in the state? Well, I will start by trying to give the definition of what is political zoning, it is an arrangement to accommodate all shades of opinions and sentiments of the society to participate in the leadership so that no body feels cheated or left out. In Plateau State, there is a strong preference for political zoning; that arrangement exists. I stay this with a very strong authority because I am a chieftain of the PDP, I was the strongest person in a meeting of nine in late Chief Solomon Lar house who was lest than 50 that advise chief Lar with eight other elders that G34 should be metaphase into a political party otherwise those of us who are young that had been in a struggle for democracy don’t know where go. The name PDP was given in Plateau State and it was done in the house of Chief Lar Hajiya Ladi Nimlag she suggested the name PDP, so having given this background I am in the position to make commend on the issue of zoning, I was the secretary of the finance committee of the Plateau Southern zone that raise money to funds PDP in 1999 most of the people noise today in Plateau State were nowhere to be found, I still have document of those who contributed their hard earn money to build PDP in Plateau State, late Silas Janfa was the highest donor, sadly today most of them are late and even the key actors have been edged out so this take us to the argument of zoning. Indeed, the governorship seat was left open in 1999 between the Northern zone and the Central zone, because elders and party leaders wanted a take-off point and this two zones actually contested in that 1999 where the centre zone took the slot and there after in 2007, the Northern zone took the slots. Now, in the competition of three, the first you could find is two very active among three, determine who will start, now once the first person has taken, who is left and in the second round, you are still going to have two people determining who will take next, once the second position has been determined, it becomes obvious that the third person is the next person online. That is the situation in Plateau State, some people have argued that when governor Jang was contesting, people from the southern zone contested. Yes, one has gone but two are still left: who will take next and you don’t use arbitrary arrangement, so by all sense of reasoning, the zoning goes to the area that has never produced a governor of Plateau State. But if you are talking about the governor of the then Plateau yes we have produces and our sons have contested and won governorship in the Plateau and their deputies were taken from Nasarawa State, but what is called Plateau state today no son southern zone have governed Plateau state, it direct and challenge anybody to tells me his name and who was him deputy, so in all fairness equality, political harmony, togetherness the people of the southern zone should be given the same fair treatment to participate in producing the next governor.

Was there any zoning in the state? Yes, like I told all those talking about zoning were not there whem it was done, and more so the key actors of this political arrangement are no more even the political mainstream again, most of them have died, Chief Solomon Lar is gone, Senator Silas Janfa have dived, Dafan from Qua’an Pan have died, so most of the leaders are no more living. So those shouting including the senator and saying that there is no zoning are ignorant beneficiary of political zoning that there is no zoning are ignorant beneficiary of political zoning that they are shouting, but I am saying from the truth of knowledge and I told you I was the youngest person less than 50 was at the meeting were PDP was formed in Chief Lar house and there is zoning in Plateau State. There has been this document in the State House of Assembly by some group called ‘’Plateau Patriotic Front’’ alleging extra budgetary spending misappropriation, inflated contract sum and also mismanagement of SURE-P Funds against the Governor Jonah Jang whatis your views on it? I have been privilege to read the document written by a group of citizens of Plateau State, level I commend them for their courage to challenge wrong doing, democracy allowed that in democracy citizens are expected to challenge leaders to be accountable, and accountability and transparently are very fundamental requirement of democracy, I think the absents of this two qualities of democracy compels this group to challenge, of course the government of Jonah Jang have not been accountable, citizens have been kept to the darks on the activities of government, citizens also have not been too participating in the activity of government, the government has runs the state in the manner that the citizens are not too satisfy, in fact one of the measure ways the government has not manage the state well is to introduce division among the tribe of the state, because the government patronize a group and that group is taken from a tribe, and is not even a representative of a tribe is a committee of friends, but predominantly of a tribe and that has make so many citizens to begin to have a negative thinking about the entire tribe, while the tribe itself which is the Berom tribe suffers like every other tribe in Plateau, there are Berom community today that if you go they don’t have water to drink, the people are so hungry the are suffering they cannot find fertilizer, but a click of people has used their name to promote excellence, now back to that allegation in fact the allegation is very weight are weight because one of the aspect of the allegation I have knowledge about

So from that point it is a fact that sure-p money has not been accounted for

Dalung

which is the sure-p in southern zone, there was a time the house of Assembly wrote us to appear before them, so that we can informed them on what is sure-p, and we told them no you got it wrong we insurable to federal republic of Nigeria, we only give you a privilege information that there is money coming from federation account of sure-p to local government and the state government are you award, and they said they were hearing for the first time, but you cannot invite us with a warrant to come and explain this, you would have look for advised because we are not answerable to you, we said any where if you want us to talk go to our head office in Abuja and as June 2012 they were given an account of the money given to the state government sure-p was 7 billion, when the came from February 2012 to June 2013 it was 7 billion it was the statement of account given to them by the sure-p headquarters, when the came they were intimidated and harass by the governor and the lacks the courage to continue, so the thrown the document and abandoned it. So from that point it is a fact that sure-p money has not been accounted for, sure-p money is not a stating allocation, it is an intervention funds meant to address transportation, health, youth and women empowerment poverty alleviation, in neighbouring states Kaduna you can see generals or collage hospital build in evening district with sure-p money and sure-p sinbond, the governor invited youths and gave them loans women were given loans trycicle was brought and given to people and there is succor to poverty in Kaduna, that has also been done in Nigeria, Jigawa, Bauchi, even in the world times areas of Yobe and Borno this things have been done there, but Plateau State until now there is no single evidence of sure-p money either spent on any of these templet of sure-p, rather I saw in my local government some Hillux vehicle carrying sure-p inscription or name and it is not within the scope of the sure-p template I said this and repeat

that it is a miss-direction and miss appropriation of funds to used sure-p money for security purpose. So, there are weight allegation contains in that document that I have seen and confirmed the sure-p aspect which I have the knowledge of it so for a serving senator to said that the allegation is baseless is not answerable the allegation, the allegation is talking about specific figures meant for sure-p, is he saying there is nothing call sure-p, because by him argument sure-p doesn’t exist, but I am saying that the allegation have bases because existed, and is existing and that amount of money is emitted heavy to state and local governments, so referring to those allegation as baseless is trying to cover the allegations or sheep a very serious allegation under the carpet, and the allegation is bigger than the carpet so it will swallowed up, it is not baseless I challenge senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, if he think the allegation is baseless let him called a public debate between me and him, it should be air so that people of Plateau State will hear, I will come up if he intended to mislead the people of Plateau, I will confirmed to Plateau people that their money has not been accounted properly. The issues of insecurity in plateau state and bombs where do think is the problem? Anytime the issue of bomb is mention in Jos, tears will run down my eyes because I have casualties, in fact a student name Komolate who died in that bomb blast remain a leaving legend, she fought terrorism with her pen, infact she wrote a lot articles on the social media against terrorism, even appealed to Nigerian to see terrorism as a common enemy. The state have fail in providing security to it citizen, we have serious security problems in the state, and I have always arguing that the way the state government have managed the security is not good enough.

50 Politics

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The killing fields of Northern Nigeria Charred remains of vehicles destroyed in a blast

Ibraheem Musa

o dramatise the mindless bloodletting masterminded by sponsors of the spine-chilling regime of terror in the North-Eastern flank of the country, last week Tuesday, over seven villages in southern Kaduna were systematically ransacked by marauders, killing scores and injuring several people in Sanga local government area. Although a curfew was slammed, promising the return of calm to the area, it will not be surprising if the council or any other settlement in southern Kaduna is subjected to a fresh attack in the coming days. Afterall, grim examples provided in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states show that insurgency has a face and an ideology. Severally, Boko Haram chieftains, foot soldiers and closet members have expressed the desire to Islamise Nigeria and exterminate non-muslims. In Katsina, Zamfara and parts of Kaduna state, cattle rustlers attack and kill those pre-designated with impunity. In Benue, Nasarawa and most middle belt states, including longsuffering Plateau, the killings are shrouded in farmers/herdsmen clashes and settler/ indigene contentions. Largely, the agitation for resource control, before the amnesty programme, animated the Niger Delta insurgency. However, the killings in southern Kaduna, a largely Christian enclave, lack reason or rhyme as the insurgents, at different times, adopt different cognomen, sometimes as gun men or Fulani herdsmen. Significantly, the killings defy easy categorisation as sometimes, the attackers steal cattle or other livestock to mislead the public. However, most times, they just kill, maim and burn everything or everyone in sight, without taking a dime. Sometimes, the killings take ethno-religious coloration, especially between aborigines and HausaFulani settlers as in Plateau. Similarly, the killings also assume traditional garb as in chieftaincy and land disputes. In summary, the southern Kaduna insurgency is at once criminality, cattle rustling and the struggle for power and influence. Combined, these forces have stalked these areas, making southern Kaduna a killing field. Killings have been reported on a regular basis in the last three years. Specifically, within this week alone, over 120 people, according to reports, lost their lives in separate attacks in the area, corresponding to this magnitude of ethnic cleansing. Again last Saturday, Dauda Maiwada

Merchant of death...Abu Shekau all in one of his hate-filled messages

and his wife Alheri were ambushed on their way to the farm. Similarly, gun men attacked Rikwa village the next day, killing Ayuba Kure and his spouse Sarah. The attackers, according to reports, stormed the village at midnight and descended on the inhabitants who fled for their lives. However, Ayuba and Sarah were not so lucky. On Tuesday, the attacks became more gruesome and ferocious and the death toll, according to reports, climbed three digits. Specifically, the latest attacks occurred around Gwantu, headquarters of Sanga local government area, around 1am on Tuesday. Armed, ruthless and blood thirsty, the marauders operated till 11 am without let or hindrance, sacking three villages as they did. Specifically, Fadan Karshi, Nandu and Kabamu villages were subjected to a killing spree as neither the police nor the military came to their rescue. Severally, Save Our Souls phone calls, a source told New Telegraph, were made to the Divisional Police Officer but the cop was handicapped. The insurgents, he reportedly said, were more armed than his men and on that note, the villagers were left to defend themselves. Later, the military came but their presence was of no effect as they parked on the highway, waiting for orders, instead of responding at the murder scene. However, using local weapons, the villagers also extracted their pound of flesh, killing four of the assailants. The rest, according to reports, took to their heels and disappeared into the woods. At dusk, the gunmen returned and continued their mayhem, killing people in six more villages, including Dogon Daji, Kobin and Hayin Kwalta, as well as Kabani, Gani, Kwasu and Dogarawa settlements.

Thereafter, the death toll hit over 100 and the injured were in their hundreds. However, the police put the death figure at 48. Two arrests, according to the police, have been made and the suspects are assisting further investigations. Naturally, the renewed killing raised tension and caused anxiety in Sanga local government. To restore calm, Mr Emmanuel Adamu Danzaria, the council chairman, imposed a 24 hour curfew the next day. Predictably, the state government appealed for calm, commiserated with the bereaved and promised to bring culprits to book but as has been the case, nobody haass been brought to book. For now, tenuous peace has returned but this may be temporary as the insurgents may attack another village soon. Significantly, condemnations and accusations has followed the attacks. Specifically, the ‘’Concerned Southern Kaduna Realists,’’, in a statement signed by Dr John Danfulani, the group’s convener, blamed the Kaduna state government for negligence and complicity in the attacks. Categorically, the group said that the security of southern Kaduna is not being given attention. A state of emergency, Danfulani pointed out, should be imposed in the area ‘’because terrorists are carrying out gradual and systematic genocide in our community.’’ The situation, as a panacea, ‘’must be handled with sincerity, justice and honesty, contrary to what we are presently witnessing’’. Right now, there is absolute failure of governance and security in Kaduna state, Danfulani declared. Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna state chapter, condemned the attack and pointed the way

forward. Addressing a press conference, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim described the killing is unjustifiable and clearly devilish. The Federal and state governments as well as security agencies, CAN had advised, must redouble their commitment to tackle these ongoing killings. Various efforts, in recent past, have been made to sustain peace in Kaduna state but these initiatives, according to the Christian group, is being frustrated by agents of destabilization. In part, CAN’s observation seem valid because the situation has been degenerating since the post election violence. In August 2011, the District Head of Fadiya, a village close to Zonkwa, headquarter of Zango Kataf local government, was attacked and two people were killed in his palace. Before then, armed bandits attacked some villages in Jemaá local government and injured several people in July. The suspects, according to reports, were citizens of Niger Republic who pounced on Anguwan Yaro and Angwan Yuli around 1am on a Saturday. However, the attackers encountered a stiff resistance as prior to their arrival, the people had gotten wind of their mission. Earlier, the villagers noticed an unusual movement in the woods and this put them on the alert. Consequently, when the marauders arrived, the people were ready for them and for several hours, a fierce battle ensued in the two villages. The raiders, according to Saidu Malam, numbered about 500 and they came in two batches wielding guns, swords and other locally-made weapons. In addition, they brought cans of petrol for the pincer attack. However, they met more than their match in the villagers as the people stood up to the attackers, ran them out of town and rounded up 15 of them and handed them to soldiers. Similarly, they took their wounded to hospital but tension, an uneasy calm and heavy security presence prevented Church service and Muslims’early morning prayers from holding the next day. Expectedly, the crisis put Kaduna on edge and the police tried to cover it up. Particularly, the then commissioner of police, Alhaji Balla Nasaraw, denied the story as false and mischievous. These denials have gone on for long and the killings have continued without let. Although a curfew is in place and calm has returned to Sanga local government , it will not be surprising for the area council or any other settlement in southern Kaduna or outlying areas in Chibok, Borno State to be attacked again in the coming days.

Politics

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Presidency 2015: Okorocha, best candidate APC can field, says Ezediaro Ezediaro Uzoma is a business mogul, and philanthropist based in Ugwuta in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The All Progressive Congress ,APC, chieftain told EZEDIARO UZOMA in Owerri that Governor Anayo Rochas Okorocha is the best presidential material from the south, who can miraculously boost the party’s chances.

Tell us about your plans to impact positively on the politics of Imo State? I am basically a businessman, a social crusader, an activist, youth mobilizer and financier who runs a foundation that is changing the lives of the people of my area positively. In fact, my foundation has put laughter in the mouth of many people from the area and smiles in their faces. My inspiration? Well, all my life has been that of service to God and humanity. I have deep passion for service. My joining politics is a means of advancing my many passions for services to the lives of men and women. Like I told you, all the good things I have been doing in my area is as a private business man. Don’t you think if I can empower one hundred youths in my area as a private business man which I have been doing, if I am elected to represent them at the national assembly, I will empower over five thousand of them. I am not into politics to amass wealth. By the grace of God, I am a successful business man who runs many various flourishing companies. So, it is not about money to me; it is about rendering selfless services to the people which I am involved in even by my own nature. So many people in various positions in government were poor people before they got into government. The few that were rich before they set into government go and check their performance. You can’t compare them with the performance of these poor ones. My accepting to represent the people of my constituency is divine. I am going to give them a meaningful and credible representation. Under my representation, the people of Ohaji/Egbema/Ugwuta Federal Constituency will smile. I will do for them what no body past and present who represented them did not do. I have deep passion for selfless services. So if I get this ladder that I will use to render it, I will render it very well to the Glory of God and Joy of our people. Should Gov. Okorocha not be adopted for the Presidency. In fact, let me use this forum to sound it loud and clear that Govern or Rochas Okorocha is the elephant in the APC room from the South East. The way APC leaders in the country handles his matter will determine their fate in the South. Okorocha is the most powerful presidential material in the South today out side South West, who have ruled the country for eight years. He is the best presidential material APC can field from the South. As a governor, he has so develop and transform Imo State. He is a very popular governor in the whole South East. In-fact, the Igbos have started looking up to him as the Igbo man who will realize the dream of Igbo presidency. He has all it takes to do that. In-fact his popularity as a performing governor and upright leader has cut across the south South, South West, North central, North West and North East. Today Governor Okorocha has distinguished him self as a leader all Nigerians can trust. A detribalized Nigerian who so much believe in the unity of the country. Look at his performance as the chairman APC governors’

So, Okorocha is a presidential material any day, any time whose tickets will rain in votes for APC in the south especially South East and South South

Ezediaro

forum. He is the only Igbo governor in APC; still his colleagues from other zones decide to make him their leader. Are you saying those APC governors did not see his leadership qualities before they made him their leader? Under his leadership see what those progressives’ governors are doing in Nigeria. Nigerians are positively filling their impacts in their various States. So, Okorocha is a presidential material any day, any time whose tickets will rain in votes for APC in the south especially South East and South South.

He is very popular in all the southern states even in the North. He will transfer his Rescue Mission Agenda to the federal level if elected president. Nigeria need to be rescued from all these challenges facing the country and Okorocha APC governor from the South knows how to do it. He is doing it in Imo State, if given the opportunity he will do it in Nigeria. Imo State is a typical example. Before all the governors who ruled Imo State used to say that Imo State is a poor state. But Okorocha came in and tell Imolites that

there is money in Imo State. Before the people of Imo State knows it, he began to demonstrate it. Can education be free in a poor state? So what I am saying is that Okorocha will put under control all the challenges the country is facing. As he is able to rescue Imo State, he will equally rescue Nigerian. So, he is the most credible presidential material of APC from SouthSouth and South-East and one the powerful and influential presidential materials of APC in Nigeria. He will be the highest vote catcher for APC in the South. So, should APC think of capturing the whole South, Okorocha must be considered by APC because in the whole South East and South South he will rain in votes for APC and his performance as a governor is already speaking for him in the whole South. So it is because of his performance so far that the people of Imo State are calling on him to go for a second term. There is no sector of the state economy Okorocha’s government has not touched and they are now rescued and are flourishing. The truth of the matter is that Okorocha is a good presidential material for APC, but Imo people want him again.

Fayose, more matured now – Igandan Kolawole Igandan, media consultant and former SSA to the governor-elect of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, spoke on how Fayose, emerged, his corruption charges and why he would work hard to justify his victory at the polls. People have asked what is new that Fayose would be offering after his stint in government in 2003 to 2006, do you think he can make any appreciable impact. Well, let me quickly say this, His Excellency Dr. Ayodele Fayose, the Governorelect may be the same Ayo Fayose that everybody claims to know but things are different now. He left government eight years ago, he has seen the other side of power. Remember how he was hounded out of office. The truth in all of these is that God has given him a second chance. No matter what his critics say, God ordained his second coming. Look at the career trajectory of Fayose, you will know that he has always crept into our consciousness in a way that confounds everybody. Who gave him a chance in 2003, when he took on political heavy weights like S.K. Babalola, who was touted to be the President’s favourite for the 2003 election then but Fayose got the ticket. He not only got the ticket in his party, he trounced the incumbent, the very confident Otunba Niyi Adebayo. Having gone through so much persecution, harassment, intimidation in the eight years he left government, his approach to issues and governance

to mount the saddle. He doesn’t want to be bogged down with problems. To him, four years is too short in the life of a government so he is all out to fulfill his campaign promises.

Igandan

would certainly be different. I admit that he is not perfect and a bit of exuberance could have come in the way then, but if you have been observing his disposition to issues lately, you will agree with me that he has matured through the years. Let me tell you quite frankly and with a sense of responsibility that Fayose is looking to build his name after the unwholesome manner he was shoved out of government. He sees this as an opportunity to appreciate a people who adores and love him with a passion. To underscore the level of job at hand, Fayose is not even taking a deserved rest after the tedious and rigorous campaign, ha has hit the ground running, meeting his opponents and charting a new course in preparation

What about the corruption and murder charges hanging on his neck? Wont this be a moral albatross to him as a governor? It will be unfair to comment on a case that is in court. Its subjudice. In all sincerity however, how can anyone convict a man by way of sheer insinuations. The court has not pronounced him guilty in any way. He is still in court no doubt but must we hang him when the court has not said so? We should be mindful of how we politicize these issues. We know the politics behind all these and it will be dealt with in due season. They keep raising the issues of the Poultry. That is another dummy sold to the people. If that issue was not politicized, and the guy did his term, that project would have been model for other states to emulate. Are you saying he embarked on the project to see to its ruin when the whole world was watching. Ekiti people are not stupid. They know the project was truncated because of some interest at play then, and in spite of his travail, his people never believe he stole their money. The resounding victory he recorded in the 16 local government is a pointer to the fact that he has been vindicated. Atleast, if he was considered a rogue, the people had a choice. If they believed he stole their money and they wanted anyone aside Fayemi, they had a choice in the Labour party’s candidate, Congressman Opeyemi Bamidele or any of the other candidates.

52 PERSPECTIVES

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MEN IN THE NEWS

The road to Hill Top Mansion

Dominik Umosen

f bookmakers are right, debonair Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, might be the second career banker to glide into political power from the dizzying heights of corporate banking. The first banker to have scored this feat was Mr Willie Obiano, who recently celebrated 100 days in office as the governor of Anambra State. And if calculations by pundits hold true, the Akwa Ibom State SSG, who quit a lucrative job as executive director of soar-away Zenith Bank, is likely to blaze a similar trail as the next occupant of the Hill Top Mansion in Uyo, the state capital. Even though they do not like the political attention the banker-turned-politician seems to be enjoying from the powers that be, most of the wannabe governors in the littoral state appear helpless vis a viz the towering profile that the new political entrant has carved for himself. Even though Gov. Godswill Akpabio has not anointed a successor, his body language has been unmistakable regarding the fact that he would prefer to be succeeded by a thoroughbred professional who made his mark professionally before venturing into the refractory terrain of politics. Undoubtedly, Udom possesses every of this trait favoured by the kingmakers in Akwa Ibom . Born in 1966 and educated at the University of Lagos, Udom relied on hardwork and personal commitment to excellence to catapult himself to the highest level in the banking industry. Propelling himself to the top through hardwork, rather than nepotism, Udom, friends say, realized quite early in his career, that with neither political connection nor patronage, hardwork and unwavering devotion to personal capacity provided the surest guarantee for his advancement. For example, his devotion to excellence eventually paid off when the Information Technology backbone of Zenith Bank undoubtedly became one of the best in the rapidly changing banking industry in the country. As a matter of fact, the management of the spectacularly-successful bank was

reportedly full of misgivings when a particularly-resourceful staff voluntarily turns in his resignation. Ever since he graduated in accountancy from UNILAG in 1988, this self-effacing man who will most likely become the next governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom State has consistently posted favourable appointments with oprovidence. Before joining Diamond Bank as head of special projects in-charge of multi-lateral projects, Udom started out as audit manager with Pricewaterhouse, the renowned accounting firm. At Zenith Bank, Udom who hails from Onna Local Government Area was, variously, member of the Executive Management Committee; senior and credit management committees as well as member of the nomination and governance committees of the highly-successful new generation bank. Other committees he served on included the corporate strategy and planning; business development as well as international investors relations committees. He was also a non-executive director of Zenith Bank in Sierra Leone and the Gambia. He was also a non-executive director of the African Finance Corporation, AFC, as well as director of the Nigerian Inter-Banks Settlement System. If Udom eventually becomes the occupant of Hill Topm Mansion in 2015, he would have become the second man to have blazed that trail after Willie Obiano of Anambra. Hopefully, the Nigerian Governors Forum might not become a gathering of captains of industry but it will feature knowledgeable people. Udom has always been favoured candidate by providence wherever he found himself. Apart from places where he has worked and distinguished himself, even

If Udom eventually becomes the occupant of Hill Topm Mansion in 2015, he would have become the second man to have blazed that trail after Willie Obiano of Anambra

among governorship hopefuls in the state, his growing popularity and apparent favour among the electorate also appears providential. Right now in Akwa Ibom, the name ‘Udom’ evokes special emotions as the man who appears favoured by the stars to provide restorative leadership for a state that has been torn to shreds by the unprecedented resurgence of tribal consciousness in the past eight years of thghe Akpabio administration. Also, over 400 civil society groups have expressed readiness to partner with Transformation Initiative, the platform on which support for Udom’s gubernatorial ambition has been prosecuted. Mr Ephraim Akpan, the Board of Trustees chairman of Transformation Initiative told New Telegraph that in terms of personal capacity to discharge any designated responsibility, the present SSG has always distinguished himself. According to Akpan, Udom’s track record at Zenith Bank clearly shows that he fits the perfect picture of the type of governor desired by the people of the state. ‘Take for instance the information technology platform of Zenith Bank. Among its contemporaries in the banking industry, the IT platform of the bank was the best and was under his care. There have been various challenges with the system since he left the Emmanuel bank.’

If tomorrow ever comes for Ndigbo...

Kenneth Ani

f there is anything the average Nigerian can do better, it is the penchant for living in self denial; playing the ostrich and fiddling like Nero while Rome burns. The perceived clueless reaction of the government to the daunting security challenges plaguing the country today is attributable to the age-long ostrich mentality imbued in the average Nigerian, believing that if a problem is ignored the problem will take care of itself. But not for the pressure from the international community the Chibok girls would have ended a business as usual issue. That is why other countries who count the life of an average citizen as important will forewarn its citizens of impending danger here, there, and thereabout but for the incorrigible Nigerian establishment their response is always “nothing dey happen”. Permit the pun. That is why the former American Ambassador John Campbell will write his book in 2010 with graphic details of Nigeria’s dance on the brink of the

precipice with emphasis on 2015 and its gloomy and foreboding consequences for Nigeria’s corporate existence as one country and the “nothing dey happen” establishment backed by its cheerleaders would respond by denying him a visa. They are so quick to pin the tag of prophets of doom on the pragmatic and the realist. Today, in Nigeria, it is only an imbecilic fool that will say with all certainty and conviction that ‘nothing dey happen.’ My honest assessment is that we have lost it on all fronts and we are only living on borrowed time. ‘Something dey happen’ for Nigeria and that something is highly unpalatable. Now, if by providence or fate Nigeria totters into 2015 and beyond and if Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is still the occupant at the house on the rock it follows that his tenancy shall expire by 2019. Before the period, it is highly imperative and crucial to seek for ways of addressing the many foibles of the Igbo peoples. By far the major drawback to an effective and coordinated approach to crucial issues affecting the political, economic, and socio-economic well being

of the Igbo race is the obnoxious notion of “Igbo enwe Eze”. (the Igbo have no king). Inasmuch as this writer detests the ignoble and unserious practice of rotation, the unwholesome antics of the Fulani oligarchy claiming a monopoly of a so-called “divine mandate” to rule Nigeria eternally have compelled and provoked this discourse. If the Lord tarries an Igbo should be the tenant in the house on the rock in 2019; however this objective is in grave jeopardy of being truncated by the blustering of MASSOB and Biafra Zionists, as well as the underhand scheming of some unscrupulous and greedy Igbo elites. The rabble rousing campaign by MASSOB and the Zionists for a sovereign state smacks of folly and is fraught

If the Lord tarries an Igbo should be the tenant in the house on the rock in 2019

with negative consequences. They attempted secession once and look where it got the Igbos. The rallying cry of the Igbo for now should be “Igbo President for 2019!” It is unscrupulous and demeaning for Prince Arthur Eze to unilaterally appeal to the North to support President Jonathan in the 2015 election so that the “whole country” will support a Northern candidate in 2019 (probably aiming to play the perpetual second fiddle as vice-president). This is outrageous! The North has ruled Nigeria for 40 years compared to the six-month rule of the Igbos. Fear is the mentality of the slave, and the Igbos must strive assiduously to purge themselves of the slave mentality as it concerns their welfare and future in the Nigerian polity. That the country is in coma today is due largely to the inexplicable paradigm whereby the sighted are perpetually led by the blind; where those with less-endowed faculty have for long dominated the higher endowed faculty. This is the tragedy of the Nigerian situation today and only a bold honest restructuring can resurrect Nigeria!

MILESTONE

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Dikko: Power behind Shagari’s throne B

Ibraheem Musa

orn in 1936 to a Zazzau aristocratic family, Dr Umaru Dikko always stood out wherever he was. At Barewa College Zaria which he left in 1954, the young man was an excellent student. Similarly, he bagged a first class in mathematics at the University College Ibadan in 1960. After a stint at the civil service, he joined politics in the second republic where his image loomed larger than life. Last Tuesday, Dikko died in London, ending a five decade life of service and controversy. The former Transport Minister, personified the plots, power and politics of the second republic. Dikko, in that era, was the power behind the throne as Alhaji Shehu Shagari, then president, was merely in office but not in control. Confident, combative and controversial, Dikko was the poster boy of the administration, straddling both politics and governance like a colossus. Specifically, he went beyond his ministerial brief, engaging Shagari’s adversaries within and outside government. In particular, he and Malam Adamu Ciroma, a fellow minister, enjoyed a frosty relationship. Ciroma, then, stood for merit and principles but for Dikko, all was fair in the quest for power. Similarly, between Dikko and Chief M.K.O Abiola, there was no love lost over the latter’s presidential ambition. In addition, he and late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, then governor of Kano state, were always trading insults across the aisle. Likewise, Dikko and retired General Shehu Yarádua, according to reports, had a cat and mouse relationship. The general, during the primaries, had supported Ciroma against Shagari and Dikko held this against the former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. Severally, Dikko stepped on toes, made enemies for National Party of Nigeria ‘NPN’ and bad news for the administration. The media, at that time, feasted on Dikko, his NPN and the government in general. Significantly, as a mathematician, Dikko was spare with words and most times, he put his foot in the mouth. Sometimes, the media quoted him out of context but Dikko, as arrogant as ever, seldom made rebuttals or clarifications. Apparently, Shagari didn’t reign in Dikko as the minister fired broadsides at will. In particular, the NPN lost an ally in Chief Abiola, a strong pillar of support in the south west. Abiola, emboldened by zoning, threw his hat into the ring but this proved a costly error. Rich, well connected and generous, the multi titled chief was a virtual shoo-in for the presidency but some elements, led by Dikko, denied him the NPN ticket. The party, at its national convention, retained its zoning formula as Shagari, a Muslim northerner, emerged the presidential candidate. Similarly, Dr Alex Ekwueme, the vice president, remained Shagari’s running mate while Abiola’s south west and southern minorities retained the party chairmanship and sen-

Significantly, the duo were delegates to the conference but Dikko proved ineffective in checkmating Yarádua

ate presidency respectively. Tactically, Abiola was schemed out of the top job and Dikko, instead of assuaging him, added salt to an open injury. The presidency, Dikko told Abiola, was not for sale to the highest bidder. On that note, the business mogul left politics in a huff and turned his newspaper, The National Concord, against Dikko and NPN. Significantly, the minister gave enough ammunition, on a regular basis, to attack the government. In particular, he dismissed stories of hunger in Nigeria, arguing that Nigerians were not eating from the dustbin. This statement, even within NPN, caused consternation and feature articles, editorial comments and cartoonists lampooned Dikko for the faux pas . However, Shagari didn’t lose his cool as he saddled Dikko with more responsibilities. Specifically, he headed the task force on rice importation, chaired various committees and headed Shagari’s re-election campaign. Paradoxically, NPN won at the polls but the opposition against Dikko swelled even after election. However, the man still retained his post. Significantly, the conduct of the election, the state of the nation and tension in the polity sounded the death knell of the second republic. On December 31, 1983, the military struck and herded politicians to detention. Dikko, according to reports, sneaked through Seme border and fled to Britain. As fugitive, the ex minister kept attacking the military, discrediting the new regime. Consequently, Dikko became public enemy and the media, in spite of the clampdown, churned out stories about the former NPN henchman. From exile, the ex minister promised to wage jihad against the military usurpers. Simultaneously, Dikko sought for political asylum but the British refused him. The military and Kaduna Mafia, he had argued, will hound him into jail if he returned to Nigeria. However, the British did not yield to his request but Dikko stepped up the legal process. Ironically, the fugitive got a breather from unexpected quarters. The man, close to his home, was abducted, bundled into a van and taken to the airport. Thereafter, he was crated into a diplomatic baggage in a state of unconsciousness. Specifically, a Nigerian Airways plane was waiting to airlift him to Nigeria but the plot failed; two Israelis were apprehended but Britain saw Nigeria’s hand in the failed kidnap. Therea f t e r, a

diplomatic spat ensuedbetween Nigeria and United Kingdom, culminating to their envoys recall. Subsequently, Dikko got a reprieve and lived in Britain.With time, the Abacha administration nominated the Zaria-born politician to the constitutional conference. Specifically, the government was banking on Dikko’s reputation, especially to be its man Friday. Yarádua, at that time, was eyeing the presidency and the retired general, on this account, was mobilising against Abacha’s transmutation plan. Momentarily, the regime was at a cross roads but somehow, they found Yará dua’s match in Dikko. Significantly, the duo were delegates to the conference but Dikko proved ineffective in checkmating Yarádua. Lobbying, mobilising and caucusing, Yarádua threw a spanner in Abacha’s self succession works as the conference placed a deadline for military exit.Thereafter, Abacha lifted the ban on politics and once again, politicians were in their elements, crisis-crossing the country for support. Dikko and a few supporters floated the Solidarity Group of Nigeria(SGN) but largely, the association was localised in Kaduna. At once, the association demystified Dikko and redeemed him. Before then, newspaper reports had pegged his fortunes at N7 billion but SGN put that ru-

mour to test. Largely, the association lacked the logistics and structures to function properly. With time, supporters thinned out and Dikko was like a general without troops. However, the man gained his reputation as his alleged corruption was either a ruse or grossly exaggerated. Incidentally, SGN exposed Dikko’s soft financial underbelly but a few months later, his famed political dexterity was also demystified. Abacha, in a dubious transition, ran a guided democracy where government officials, from behind the scene, controlled the five registered political parties. In that regard, the United Nigeria Congress Party(UNCP), Democratic Party of Nigeria(DPN) and National Centre Party of Nigeria(NCPN) as well as the Congress for National Consensus(CNC), including the Grassroots Democratic Movement(GDM) were funded like government parastatals. Dikko and a few others pitched tent with GDM and Alhaji Gambo Lawan, a new breed politician, was chairman of the party. In no time, Dikko and Chief Marshall Harry, the late River state politician, teamed up against Gambo Lawan. In summary, they wanted to oust him but the chairman sidelined them and ran the party almost solely. However, the transition was short lived as Abacha died with his five political parties. Thereafter, Dikko quit politics and remained quietly at his Kaduna Coronation Crescent residence. Last July, he was roused out of retirement, when PDP chose him to chair its disciplinary committee. The committee which had no terms of reference, was aimed at caging the parties rebels. Similarly, it was also constituted to rehabilitate the old man but it never got off the ground. However, in spite of everything, Dikko died a fulfilled man.In an interview, the man decried the current monetisation of politics and how his ilk couldn’t fit into the system. In the 80s, Dikko recalled, his signature made paupers millionaires and millionaires transformed to billionaires. In contrast, he didn’t make money in politics because ‘’I sought for power and I got it’’. The present crop of politicians, he pointed out, are in politics for money and not service. ‘’If you want money’’, Dikko had advised, ‘’go into business but if you want power, then join politics and play it like we did.’’In Nigeria, money has a way of attracting people and the fact that Dikko’s residence was largely deserted, suggested that he didn’t have it in abundance, in spite of what was said and written about him. Last Tuesday, the last of the disappearing tribe of political gladiators of the second died in London after a protracted illness that saw Dikko in and out of hospital, the bills which were largely picked by the federal government. At 78, the man had overshot the proverbial three scores and ten years of wisdom and had reach the zenith and depth of an eventful life. May his soul rest in peace and May Allah grant him paradise.

54 PERSPECTIVES

Repackaging the APC

our factors that might work against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun, I wrote online this past week: His overwhelming Islamic preoccupation in a state that has a large Christian population, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed’s Tinubu’s “influence” in various Osun projects, high cost of school fees in stateowned schools and the debt profile of the state. Aregbesola wants to be governor the second time and the going is not going to be as easy as he thought. One factor that might work against Senator Iyiola Omisore, Aregbesola’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, is the Chief Bola Ige wahala. There is no evidence that the Senator was involved in the death of the late Attorney General and Minister for Justice, but his utterances at the time are difficult for Ijesa people to forget. There is a factor that we are not sure which group it will favour, the Peoples’ Democratic Party or the All progressives Congress (APC): Former Governor Olagunsoye Onyinlola seems to be a beautiful bride in the matter. Who will the Okuku born prince work for? There are a lot of reactions to this analysis. One observer said, “we need to be careful with our words. You have not adduced evidence here to come to a major conclusion of an ‘...overwhelming Islamic preoccupation’. What does that mean? How has he done that?” An Osun resident was quick to reply: “For record purposes, we’ve got Hijirah day as a public holiday in Osun, Isese day for traditional worshippers; Christians have called for declaration of Pentecost day which the state government is yet to consider necessary”. The so called Hijirah day involved an elaborate ceremony in which it is alleged that tax payers’ money is used. Plus girls in certain schools have begun during this regime to dress the part of Islam. Of course, nobody says don’t practice your faith, but must it stare us in the face?

BUSINESS SENSE ALEX OGUNDADEGBE alexogundadegbe@gmail.com

I doubt whether Omisore has the oratorical ability of Fayose. The Prophet of Ekiti State has a way of purging emotions from crowds while he speaks Another respondent was frantic about unpaid salaries: “Please” he asked, “how can Ogbeni go into this election with all higher institutions closed for months. Civil servants are owed almost four months salaries. Well anything is possible in Nigerian politics!” The salary thing is a real issue in Osun. I was also told that: “you did not add the disenchantment of the work force over incessant delay in salary payment to your factors. It’s the same for pensioners. And that population is huge.” Is it that there is no defense for the incumbent governor in these circumstances? One came in terms of the school feeding programme and school uniform that the governor had provided, but again that was shot down:

”Let it be known that the free meal programme for primary school pupils was started by the Oyinlola administration,” the Osun resident emphasized. “This is a known fact in Osun. As for the free uniform, students are given uniforms that barely last for a term ( they get worn out) and thereafter are asked to buy from the garment industry (owned by them) at a cost ranging between N1,900 and N2,100 depending on the pupil/student’s class (elementary, middle or high school). The analysis didn’t stop there: “It may interest you to note that most private schools in Osun do not sell uniforms for as much as N1,900”. Our Osun resident in the dialogue believes that a lot of populist propaganda is what goes on in Osun. I also put in my view about this free uniform business: “the free uniform and meal is a great incentive. But is it really enough to make Aregbesola carry the day?“ Osun is known to receive one of the lowest allocations in the country. That was another excuse thrown up in defense of the incumbent governor. But again there was this counter, “the drop in Federation Account is not peculiar to Osun or targeted at Osun State. It affects all tiers of government including the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led Federal Government!” The bottom line for Ogbeni Rauf Areg-

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

besola and his fellow APC members is that it is time for the renewal of the APC in the south-west. Aregbesola in his time as commissioner in Lagos was known to be a grassroots mobilizer who saw Alimosho local government, where he lived at the time, as the electoral property of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Alimosho had the largest population of voters in Lagos and Aregbesola was instrumental in seeing that a lot of those votes went towards his party. Has attaining the office of the governor of Osun softened the mobilizer up? It had better not! Already the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has made some efforts to repackage his relationship with members of his party and the people of Ogun State as a whole. The party can no longer rely on old loyalties and ethnic sentiments. Those who know Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ought to have told him that his grip is slipping and he would do well to be more diplomatic with his utterances. The people of the South-west require more than they have been getting at this time and if the governors are not ready to give it to them, then they could be in for another rout at the polls as was witnessed in the past when the PDP swept the South-west. Right now what is probably going through the mind of Senator Omisore is “if Peter Ayo Fayose can do it in Ekiti, I can do it in Osun,” and he is justified too! There have been snap shots taken all around Osun of Omisore acting out the part of a commoner. Riding on the back of a motor cycle and eating pop corn in public! I doubt whether Omisore has the oratorical ability of Fayose. The Prophet of Ekiti State has a way of purging emotions from crowds while he speaks. The elections in Osun are still a month away, and like Basorun MKO Abiola once retorted: “One month is a long time in politics!” A lot can still happen.

Stephen Keshi, the World Cup and the Super Chickens

rom all those adverts with Keshi talking about Nigerians being the twelfth player I could sense that we were in for another disastrous outing. His diction and confidence have still not improved since his first foray at product endorsement. I used to laugh at him those days with his fake, American accent, trying to convince us to “drink Bournvirra”. His voice nondescript, his good looks lost in age and his not so strong command of good English killing his self confidence, leaving him squeezing like a rat trapped in a hole. Me, I did not watch any of our matches at this World Cup o. I did not bother when I peeked at the first match and saw old man Ameobi playing with his grand children. I just laughed and continued with my chores - washing the toilet. I still cannot understand why people take the Super Eagles at the World Cup so seriously. We are not ready as a nation to be taken seriously by the football world, I tell you. When we beat Bosnia, I still did not change my attitude; I continued washing the toilet. I knew very well the tactics. Beat one country to give them a strong bargaining platform for allowances. Immediately the news filtered out that the squabble for bonuses and allowances had begun, I just laughed. It’s all so familiar. Our people are just fools. How can they continue to sell their honour for a bowl of porridge. What is allowance compared to the great historical feat of being the first African team to win the World Cup. The dollars would be spent and they will be forgotten in the dustbin of history while those who win the cup end up on the good side

EDGAR’S WORLD JOSEPH EDGAR

josephsamsponedgar@gmail.com of history with their names immortalized forever. The attitude is so wrong and is a reflection of our society as a whole. People would sell their conscience for money, people would rather give a kickback rather than do something right. I once had a friend who after legitimately finishing a programme at the university preferred to pay to get her result instead of going through the legitimate means and ended up with a fake result after four years of study. Of course, she lost her job by the time she got around to getting the school to give her the authentic result. We are a country of short cut, a people doomed to eternal servitude as a result of our inability to dream. The Eagles were just a bunch of contractors who had no business in that competition. The allure was the allowances and the endorsements that came with their measly performance. That is why I did not bother to invest any emotional capital on the bunch of losers. I hear some people are celebrating that

When we beat Bosnia, I still did not change my attitude. I knew very well the tactics: beat one country to give them a strong bargaining platform for allowances at least we got to the group of 16. That is bunkum. The countries that would progress beyond that nko? Do the players have two heads or is it angels that are playing for them? Are they not team mates with our players in their various foreign clubs, coached by the same coaches day in and day out? We celebrate mediocrity and that is why people would rather vote for a bag of rice instead of looking at the issues and voting with a clear conscience. Keshi should go and sit down joo. In

my books he has joined the hall of infamy up there with those who have contributed in turning this country into the desert it is today. He never planned to win the World Cup, he planned to use the outing to better his position in getting another team to manage. If Keshi who has a lot to gain could do this, then we should not bother going to World Cup again and concentrate on WAFU Cup. This is what we have become - a country of also ran. A country with a bombing problem, a country that cannot find common school girls running into months now, a country with leprosy and a country with over two hundred million people and yet we cannot bring out just 11 people to win a cup. I tire. Me I dey find visa. I want to relocate, I am leaving. As I write, doctors have gone on strike for whatever reasons, people are withdrawing their sick relatives from hospitals and millions of naira have been spent in Brazil just for the thrill of seeing people break their legs and loose gallantly. All that money would have stopped this strike, reduced the bombing, found the girls and put food on the tables of millions of families. Please, going forward, we should suspend our participation in the World Cup for another generation and redirect the funds to sectors that really need it. Can you imagine what those funds would have done if we had used it to equip the police. Any further attempt at embarrassing ourselves at such a world stage should be privately funded so that tax payers like me would not have the effrontery to yab Keshi like I have yabbed him today o.

SPORT EXTRA

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

Germany beat France to reach World Cup semis

ermany booked a place in the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup with a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over European rivals France at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. The ‘Mannschaft’ were typically dogged and efficient, smothering ‘Les Bleus’ with their intelligent tactics, especially once they claimed an early lead through the head of centre-back Mats Hummels. The Germans have now qualified for the semifinals of the World Cup for a fourth successive time and a record 13th overall. Germany settled the quicker of the two teams and opened the scor-

Thomas Mueller of Germany controls the ball against Patrice Evra of France during their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil quarter final match on Friday.

NFF sacking: FIFA threatens to ban Nigeria

he world soccer ruling body, FIFA, on Friday gave the Nigerian government four days ultimatum to reinstate the ‘sacked’ board of the Nigeria Football Federation or face heavy sanctions. FIFA, in the letter dated July 4 and addressed to NFF President, Aminu Maigari, stated clearly that if the body was not reinstated on Tuesday, the matter would be referred to appropriate organs for sanctions. A Jos High Court on Thursday asked the NFF President and the members of the board to stop parading themselves in their respective positions. Just a day later the office of the soccer ruling body was sealed off in Abuja while the Ministry of Sports swiftly appointed Lawrence Katken as the sole administrator on the NFF. However after enquiries by our correspondent in Brazil, FIFA released a detailed document stating Katken and any other person would not be recognised by the football body. “FIFA will not recognise any person or organ not elected in compliance with the NFF statutes (article 17, par 2 and 3 of FIFA statutes) and therefore will not con-

• Gives July 8 ultimatum • Rejects caretaker body

he embattled President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, landed in more trouble on Friday as he was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Security Service. New Telegraph Sports learnt that Maigari was picked up at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on arrival from Brazil. Also the operatives of

Djokovic, Federer set up Wimbledon final

Maigari

sider the appointment made by the minister of sports,” the letter signed by Secretary General of FIFA, Jerome Valcke, read. The world body also enumerated the effects of sanctions on Nigeria which includes a ban or suspension from all national football matches and club engagements. “We would like to underline the dire effects a suspension could have on Nigerian football. It would for instance mean that no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) could have any sporting contact (article 14 par 3 of FIFA stat-

utes),” the letter added. FIFA advised Maigari to relay its message to relevant authorities in the country to reinstate the board and allow it to run football independently in accordance with article 17, par 2 and 3 of FIFA statutes. Interestingly, the Jos court is due to entertain hearing on the suit on July 11 which is three days after the FIFA ultimatum. The latest development from FIFA means there must be a truce between now and Monday for Nigeria to escape the hammer of FIFA.

op seed Novak Djokovic reaches his third Wimbledon final in four years after defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 7-6 (9/7) and will face Roger Federer on Friday. The Serb, who lost to Andy Murray in the final 12 months ago, beat the Scot’s conqueror in this year’s tournament as he ended Dimitrov’s impressive run at SW19. Novak, who had to work harder than the other three semi-finalists to reach the closing weekend of Wimbledon, went into the trenches again on Friday against the flickering genius of Grigor Dimitrov but he is through

…..Maigari arrested by DSS Charles Ogundiya

ing in the 13th minute. Toni Kroos played an in-swinging cross from a free kick and Mats Hummels out-jumped Raphael Varane to score with a glancing header. Joachim Low’s team created further half chances and had a decent shout for a penalty turned down when Miroslav Klose tumbled in the box after having his shirt pulled by Mathieu Debuchy. France almost claimed an equaliser in the 34th minute when Antoine Griezmann’s cross found Mathieu Valbuena, but the playmaker’s shot was brilliantly saved by Manuel Neuer, while Hummels did just enough to deny Karim Benzema from the rebound.

DSS same day stormed the NFF Glass House Zone, 7, Wuse District, Abuja and took over the secretariat. According to report, the DSS operatives who were armed with guns arrived the Glass House at exactly 11.30am in convoy of four Hilux vans. However, our correspondent learnt that the administrator was later released by DSS but the reason for his arrest was still unknown and attempts to reach the DSS were abortive as at press time.

to his third final. “I was playing against a future star,” Djokovic said. “He’s already a top player, winning against [Andy] Murray in the quarters, he deserves respect. “It was a tough match. Like last match against Cilic I allowed my opponent to come back into it. He has quality shots, great touch. His transition game has improved immensely the past eight months. “But, overall, I’m happy to be in the final. I have lost the last couple of grand slam finals, and could have won. It’s a big challenge, the biggest event in our sport.”

GAMES/CROSS WORD PUZZLE Some of the following sets of people could provide you with security against any form of hostility.

KEY WORDS

SENTRY DUENNA NANNY WATCH WARDEN

POLICE MAN WATCH MAN DETECTIVE BODYGUARD CURATOR LIFEGUARD WATCH DOG GOVERNESS GUARD DOG LOOK OUT

E S E P T U O K O O L

P S I S I C U R A T O

K E V I T C E T E D Y

G N Y R T N E S Y R E

A H C R E V G P H N E A T N W E H A S U T G W C I D H E S M G U A

T O E P R J N W L K R

A G O D H C T A W U D

W E L I F E G U A R D

E T W N A M E C I L O

I O U K N E D R A W G

N N

4 7

9 10

14 16 18 19 21

22 26

ACROSS 1 5 7 8 9 10 11 12

Pensive and sad Secret observer of others South European viper Town in Osun state Central Processing Unit, abbr. Not any of Cause somebody to die Officer Commanding, abbr.

16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26

Indicates a place Plant with finger-shaped pods Group of families Recently made Grab somebody Winning serve in tennis Semi liquid food Scale of absolute temperature

15 17

DOWN 1

24 25

Hair on somebody’s face

14 Somebody who commits a sin

2 Not changing

15 Town in Cross River state

3 Front of head

19 Jump forcefully

4 Fire a rocket into the air

20 One of two similar things

5 Rotate quickly

21 One circuit of a track

6 Unit of Japanese currency 13 Condition of distress

See solution on page 21

INSECURITY

The killing fields of Northern Nigeria

P.50

Sanctity of Truth w ww. n ew te l e g r ap h on l i n e . c om

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

SATURDAY, july 5, 2014

SPORT NFF sacking: FIFA threatens to ban Nigeria

P.55

N150

Suleiman Bisalla (1967 – 2014) BROADSIDE EMMANUEL ONWE agubata@aol.com

Bisalla...The late Managing Editor of New Telegraph’s northern operations died in the June 25 bomb blast at Emab Plaza, Abuja

e travel alone. But never walk alone. We have little understanding of the great, imponderable mystery called life; and not knowing exactly when, where or what time our journey shall come to an end - the greatest reduction to puppet-hood that life could ever give us. And yet it is, simultaneously, the most emphatic demonstration of God’s supremacy and omnipotence. And yet, still, in this doom and darkness, Bisalla, you brought light, joy and enlightenment to the lives you touched; to the society you graced with your all too brief presence. In this vast stage, you played your magnificent role with exemplary humility, generosity of spirit and devotion to the contents of life that truly mattered to you: family, friends and duty. You showed us how the force of calmness and quiet intelligence could triumph over belligerent and noisy pursuit of life’s goals. In your private conducts and public engagements you brought a persuasive definition to the notions of friendship, comradeship, honesty, uprightness, faith and patriotism. You sang your song and, as the curtain fell, died like a hero going home. We struggle with the awesome contractions of this hell from which you have flown to the throne of heaven in which, mercifully, you have now perched. “Ah, broken is the golden bowl! the spirit flown forever!/ Let the bell toll! - a saintly soul floats on the Stygian river.” A double death in that you died so young. A double tragedy in that the weakness of a nation and the nihilism of an outlaw brigade of murderers brought this to pass. No anthem today to rally a nation to the strenuous demands of “love and strength and faith.” For these you had and professed and yet they availed you not. They avail us not. One soul followed by another. One innocent citizen after another. One drop of blameless blood in the desert. Another drop in the savannah. The charred concrete in the city and the rubble of ashes in the hamlet. Drip, drip, drip. Citizen Bisalla is dead and a nation is gripped in the throes of annihilation. This death diminishes me because I am involved in this stormy chaos called Nigeria. We need not send to know.... The funeral bell tolls for us. In grief and profound solemnity, I invoke, nevertheless, the defining prayer and anthem of a nation in flux: “To serve with heart and might/ One

nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.” For thus did Bisalla serve his nation – with the hope of freedom and peace pulsing in his veins he ventured forth but never to return. If he could speak to us now, it is to this onerous duty that he would enjoin us. There is nothing more overwhelmingly certain than death, and nothing more crushingly uncertain than the time of dying. The immensity of life is nullified in the sudden summary of its end. Like a wisp of smoke in the wind, we are blown to eternity in an instant. With this knowledge, therefore, we must be prepared at all times for that which may come at anytime. Sunset in our place is sunrise in another. Our grief here on earth is the exultation of the angels in heaven. Our brother and colleague who has taken the final bow has not passed away but has gone before us. He cannot come back to us, but we can go to him. Death shortens our life on earth but paves our way to heaven. Where death finds you, eternity binds you. It’s not for us to decide when, how and where. But it is for us to make a choice and invest generously and productively the limited time allocated to us. The powerful example of Bisalla’s life gains its echo in the way we have missed him. We, then, must live in such a way that people should miss us when we depart. Bisalla, although rested in death and eternal peace, we will not let you die. We will cherish, honour and perpetuate your memory. Indeed it’s true: The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. The tragic violence that sent you home will forever announce your name in a thousand decibels. The thunder of that next bomb will remind us of you, and renew our resolve to prevail against the forces of darkness. Avaunt! tonight my heart is light. No dirge will I upraise, But waft the angel on her flight with a paean of old days! Let no bell toll! - lest her sweet soul, amid its hallowed mirth, Should catch the note, as it doth float up from the damned Earth. To friends above, from fiends below, the indignant ghost is riven From Hell unto a high estate far up within the Heaven From grief and groan to a golden throne beside the King of Heaven. -

Edgar Allan Poe

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off Acme Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani. All correspondence to PMB 10000, Ikeja, Lagos.