Saturday, june 18, 2016 binder1

Showbiz

Politics

OJB already booked hall for 50th birthday

l

Sheriff, Makarfi meet DSS, police

State PDP offices deserted

Buhari better than Jonathan but still evil

Pgs. 48,50

Pg. 45

Pg. 34

SATURDAY Saturday, June 18, 2016

Politics

Vol. 3 No. 850

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

SEX SCANDAL IN THE US

MOHAMMED GOLOLO (APC, BAUCHI) ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT

MARK GBILLAH

(APC, BENUE) ALLEGEDLY SOLICITED FOR PROSTITUTE

N150

INSURGENCY

Boko Haram kills 24 in Adamawa, 7 policemen in Niger Republic Pgs. 6,7

SAMUEL IKON

(PDP, AKWA IBOM) ALLEGEDLY SOLICITED FOR PROSTITUTE

3 reps may step aside

...hold joint conference Monday Pg. 3

l Indicted Reps on their own, says Ex-envoy

Dakore I hid tattoo on my waist because of prying eyes

Pg. 13

Pix 1: Caskets bearing remains of the deceased Pix 2: Women protesting during the funeral PHOTOS: CHARLES ONYEKWERE AND KENNETH OFOMA

NIMBO MASSACRE: 9 victims buried

Pg. 9

2

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Comment

Contents | 18.06.16

Still on the Onitsha massacre

T

he massacre of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra at a church service to mark the 49th anniversary of the declaration of the State of Biafra, was one violent action too many on the part of the military. Indeed, it underscored the growing culture of impunity and abuse of state power.

Given the nature of the latest gathering of these groups and their sympathisers at a Roman Catholic Church, one could only imagine that their only weapon was the Bible, more so as they were attending the memorial of compatriots who lost their lives in the Nigerian Civil War. It is inconceivable that those citizens could carry offensive weapons to attend a church where four prominent and respected priests including Catholic Arch-Bishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna, were to minister. Sadly about 50 of them were killed in the encounter.

Like the previous activities of the groups, the commemoration was carried mainly in the form of religious events and was strategically planned hence it held simultaneously on that day throughout the South-East.

The crux of their agitation is the continued marginalisation of the SouthEast on several fronts especially by the current administration. This, of course is very logical. However, there is no denying the fact that appointment into various offices in the country in the past one year of the current administration have not only been lopsided, they are manifestly skewed in favour of the North to the detriment of other sections of the country.

The same thing goes for the distribution of infrastructural amenities- an action which belies the tenets of one Nigeria and commitment to nationhood.

While we stand for one indivisible Nigeria, suffice to say that governance of the nation must be done on the principles of justice, equity and fair play.

Every section of the country should be given a great sense of belonging in the distribution of the commonwealth in tandem with the principle of National Character which is enshrined in the

constitution.

One undeniable fact is that secessionist tendencies and agitations by the IPOB and MOSSOB have been on for many years. And by these agitations manifested on Radio Biafra and demonstrations on the streets, the groups have created apprehension, disturbed public peace and accompanying inciting statements have denigrated the country’s leadership.

Their actions in recent time have disrupted business and social activities, leaving many people dead. Often, the streets of Asaba and the Niger Bridge in Onitsha have been grounded, leading to the death of many and destruction of vehicles and other properties – those of MOSSOB and IPOB members inclusive.

Whereas these protest-related killings have been most unacceptable, the last bloody incident by soldiers from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu State, is most uncalled for.

Not only did it smack of high-handedness, it runs counter to all universally acceptable means of handling protests.

Coming at a time when the founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu is standing trial for treason, it was presupposed that the Federal Government would deal with the group within the confines of the law, especially when there have been no independent confirmation to substantiate claims that they were bearing arms as at the time of the massacre.

On the part of IPOB and MASOOB, we make bold to say it is time they adopted legal and internationally acceptable methods to achieve their goals in a civil manner. Sometime last year, Scotland held a referendum in expression of their determination to leave Britain as done by several countries worldwide and in most cases without any bloodshed.

Above all, the military’s crush them mentality, as was also the case in Zaria, would only record fleeting success.

Only equitable distribution of offices and infrastructure as well as according every section of the country sense of belonging will elicit patriotism by all citizens and stave off reccurrence of secessionist tendencies.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani

Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor n Vincent Eboigbe

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam News Editor, Saturday n Ndubuisi Ugah

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creatives n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Bold and chic in shorts

INSTYLE

There is no other way to flaunt smooth sexy legs than wearing shorts. They are comfy, elegant and statement pieces but definitely not for those who lack confidence and smooth straight legs. The key to rocking these breath-taking fashion items is to wear them with attitude and confidence

}15

Mystyle

Nwauba’s obsession with dresses The CEO of Oge’s Clothing, Ogechi Francisca Nwauba, gives her views on her fashion philosophy, design that will be on the fall in third quarter of 2016, charming decent clothes that are not too revealing

}17

Giving the kitchen a lift

Interiors

The look of your kitchen may go a long way in affecting the quality of what you cook at times, and that is why some people will do anything to give their kitchen a face lift.

}18

Seun Kuti’s trajectory

SHOWBIZ

When the name Kuti is mentioned what comes to mind instantly is the late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. But his son, Seun, remains one of his enduring legacies. He talks about his aversion for marriage, attacks on government, music and more

}34

A footballer’s passion

SPORT

Footballer Sone Aluko was born in London but had no issues switching allegiance to Nigeria.

His love for the country of his birth and desire to help its teeming youths is boundless. He is in currently promoting this passion in the country

}28

THE ARTS

CCA hosts trio’s exhibition The works of three Nigerian artists – Kelani Abass, Taiye Idahor and Abraham Oghobase – who work across three different media is the focus of a group exhibition which opens tomorrow and runs till July 24 at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Lagos

}37

3

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Pictures that tell stories VINCENT ENYEAMA AND WIFE AT 10TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

V Vincent and Promise Enyeama in 2004

incent Enyeama (born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for French club Lille as a goalkeeper. He was also a member of the Nigerian national team from 2002 until October 2015, serving as its captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football.

The ex-captain of the Super Eagles celebrated the 10th wedding anniversary to his wife, Promise. Enyeama took to his Instagram account to countdown to Friday, June 10, which marked the

10th anniversary of their wedding. Although he has been with her for over 15 years, Enyeama got married to Promise in June 2006. “#So gorgeous#10years ago #countdownto10thofJune #Godhasbeenfaithful,” Enyeama wrote on Instagram along with a photo of him and his wife on their wedding day.

Ahead of the anniversary, the 33-yearold and his wife flew to a holiday destination to celebrate. ‘Destination next,' he captioned a photo of him and his wife on ...in 2016 the first class section of a plane.

News

Sex scandal: Indicted Reps may lose c’ttee positions Ndubuisi Ugah, Philip Nyam and Mojeed Alabi

F

resh facts emerged yesterday that the House of Representatives may have resolved to relieve the indicted three lawmakers of their House chairmanship positions pending the outcome of the investigation into the matter allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against them by the United States Embassy in Nigeria.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the move is part of measures by the House to show its seriousness over the sex allegations.

The three lawmakers accused are Messrs Samuel Okon Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom), who chairs the committee on Inter-parliamentary Affairs, Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), deputy chairman of committee on power and Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue), deputy chairman of the committee on petroleum resources (upstream).

In view of this, it was gathered that the three lawmakers will be addressing a joint press conference to aggregate their position on the allegations against them.

It would be recalled that the House spokesperson, Abdurazaq Namdas, had on Thursday confirmed that the leadership of the House was investigating the allegations contained in a letter written by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwintle, to the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, on the conduct of the members on a recent trip to the US for a leadership programme.

However, a ranking member of the House,

l Lawmakers risk 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 l To address press conference on Monday

who confided in Saturday Telegraph, said the leadership was considering suspending the three lawmakers from their positions in view of the gravity of the allegations against them.

He said, although his colleagues are not guilty as they have not been tried or convicted. He added that the nature of the allegations and the image of the House and the parliament, they might be asked to step aside next week.

“It is likely, the three gentlemen who are in the eye of the storm now may be asked to step aside as leaders in their various committees until investigation into the allegations before the House is completed.

“The matter is being discussed at the leadership of the House and may be when we reconvene in plenary next Tuesday, the speaker will make the announcement.”

The lawmaker explained that there was a precedence and the speaker would not be wrong if he pronounces the affected lawmakers suspended as committee chairmen and deputies.

“Remember there is a precedence in this House.

In the 7th Assembly, when Farouk Lawan was involved the subsidy probe bribery allegations, the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, relieved him of his position as chairman of the ad hoc committee as well as the standing committee on education.

“Of course, he (Lawan) never headed any committee until he left the House, this was in spite of the fact that the he was not pronounced

guilty by the court. But the as a responsible parliament, the speaker took that bold move. I think Rt.Hon. Dogara would follow the same footsteps.

The lawmaker also made reference to the allegations of bribery against Hon. Herman Hembe by the then director general of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arumah Oteh during the 7th Assembly.

“Again, we had the issue of N44 million bribery allegations against Herman Hembe by Arunma Oteh.

You should recall that Hembe resigned voluntarily to face investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Thank God, Hembe was eventually discharged and acquitted by the court and he is still in the House heading committee on FCT.” When contacted, the chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Emmanuel Orker-Jev, said there was no provision in the House Standing Rules and Orders empowering the speaker to suspend members based on allegations against them.

He, however, explained that the speaker could alternatively advise the lawmakers to resign from their positions if he so wishes.

“There is no such provision in our House Standing Rules and Orders. They will maintain their positions. But like it happened in the case of Hon. Hembe verses Arunma Oteh, if they want to resign on their own they can do so.

“It is also a matter of personal decision. If the

speaker so desire, he can call them personally and talk to them to step down but as to our rules, there is no such thing,” he stated.

What the standing rule on misconduct says

The Standing Rules of the House of Representatives (Eight Edition) only dealt with the conduct of lawmakers during debate on the floor of the chambers and matters concerning publications against another member.

The rules also takes care of the privileges of lawmakers but it is silent regarding conduct outside the chambers.

Lawmakers to address the media

Speaking also, Gbillah has confirmed that they would be presenting their joint position next Monday to let Nigerians know what transpired during the trip.

The lawmakers have ceased further comment on the development until Monday even though it was gathered that they have been informed of the revocation of their current U.S visas and requesting them to bring their passports.

An online news portal, Per Second News gathered that solicitation of prostitution is a specific intent crime. The Cleveland Police Department has enough evidence that the lawmakers allegedly made serious attempts to engage in prostitution and solicitation, according to reports in Cleveland.

In Ohio, it is a crime to solicit a person to engage in

sexual activity in exchange for money (Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.24.).

Prostitution, loitering, and solicitation for sex are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 in the state of Ohio.

In the U.S, solicitation is a crime, an inchoate offence that consists of a person offering money or inducing another to commit a crime of sex with the specific intent that the person solicited commit the crime.

Gbillah asks U.S to produce video evidence

In a bid to exonerate himself, Gbillah has asked the U.S to produce CCTV footage to support claims that he was involved in a sex scandal. He noted that the lawmakers were not given fair hearing by the embassy.

Gbillah in his protest letter to the ambassador over the allegations, demanded for the “full video/CCTV footage covering the period of our entire stay at the hotel; this should clearly show the movements and activities of every member of the group throughout the hotel.”

He wrote that he will institute “legal action in the U.S against the Marriot Hotel Brand, the Cleveland Council of World Affairs and the U.S State Department requesting for damages, comprehensive investigation of these allegations to exonerate myself and a formal globally publicised apology.”

Lawmakers are on their own, says Ex-envoy

Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun, has tongue lashed the three members of the House of Representatives accused of sexual impropriety by the Government of the U.S, saying their predicament cannot in anyway affect Nigeria-U.S relationships.

Speaking exclusively to Saturday Telegraph yesterday, the don, who is an Emeritus Professor of History, described the cancellation of the parliamentarians’ visas by the U.S as appropriate.

He noted that any country that issues a visa reserves the right to withdraw whenever circumstances warrant such.

He added that such cases of misconduct is not peculiar to Nigerians alone citing the allegation of sexual assault and attempted rape by a hotel maid, Nafissatou Diallo, against the former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

He said: “These parliamentarians have just brought shame on Nigeria and more importantly on themselves and their families. I must say that this speaks of the caliber of people being elected into positions of authority in this country.

“The decent, responsible and morally upright Nigerians don’t have the chance because Nigeria’s constituencies have become what English call ‘rotten boroughs’ where bribery, intimidation and forgery earn you votes and not competence and quality.” continued on page 4

4

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Diezani denies ownership of $18m Abuja mansion

F

Ndubuisi Ugah ormer Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, yesterday denied ownership of the $18 million mansion at Asokoro area of Abuja, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), purportedly seized from her.

The former minister, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer in the United Kingdom, also denied a statement attributed to her in which she allegedly justified her affluent lifestyle, having worked hard and being successful before she was called to serve in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The multi-million dollar palatial residence with its furnishings and expensive jewelries said to have furnishings worth $2 million and a bulletproof gym, were shown in a documentary recently by Qatar-based television station, Al Jazeera, in recognition of the efforts of the EFCC in recovering public funds allegedly stolen by Alison-Madueke and others.

Claiming that the information being peddled by Al Jazeera lacked any modicum of truth, the former Petroleum Minister, who is under investigation in Nige-

ria and the U.K, also denied stealing any public money, as was also alleged in the documentary, to facilitate the procurement of any such phantom property or for any other matter, whatsoever.

Speaking through her counsel, Dr. Chike Amobi, Alison-Madueke wondered why a respected media organisation of the calibre of Al Jazeera could not conduct further investigations to ascertain the ownership of the property.

Amobi said rather than steal any money, “the honourable minister, our client, did her utmost best to protect the interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He said: “However, in their haste to achieve high ratings from publishing sensational stories, the producers of the Al Jazeera programme had mischievously neglected to conduct a cursory investigation of the readily available property records, which would have

revealed the names and identities of the true owners of the property.”

The lawyer also rubbished the so-called reaction attributed to the embattled former minister when the documentary by Al Jazeera went viral, saying the statement, which attempted to explain off the fact that it was not out of place for a person of her status to afford the reported expensive jewelries allegedly seized from her by the EFCC, could

not have originated from Alison-Madueke.

He said: “Anyone who knows or has spent time with our client would readily attest to the fact that she neither thinks nor speaks in that manner.”

The lawyer stressed further that: “We, therefore, find it disturbingly worrisome that someone would take the time to publish these seemingly favourable statements and attribute them to our client,’ without obtaining her

Kalu: More witnesses testify on Abia North rerun Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

S

ix more witnesses yesterday testified at the Abia North rerun Tribunal in Umuahia, the Abia State capital as hearing continued on the matter filed by the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, against Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

The witnesses brought the number to 10 of the witnesses called by the petitioner, four having testified on Thursday.

Kalu, who is the petitioner and candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) had in the March

5 Abia North senatorial rerun challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ohuabunwa’s election, praying the tribunal to declare him winner.

Three of the witnesses, including Chukwuma Nkata, Ojike Kalu Ojike and Chinedu Onuke, hail from Amaekpu Ohafia in Ohafia council area and were ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election.

They all testified that in their areas of electoral assignment, the 1st respondent’s thugs chased away voters and hijacked the materials which they thumb printed in favour of the 1st respondent.

They were unanimous that in all the polling units they served not up to 10 voters were accredited to vote.

According to Kalu, the thugs forced their way and insisted to be accredited threatening to harm them if they refused to comply.

He added that they had to do their bidding even when the machine recorded process was unsuccessful.

“They insisted that we pass their voters cards through the card reader machines, so when I did the machine read unsuccessful. One of them forcefully grabbed the voters register and started thumb printing after threatening to kill us if

we don’t cooperate,” Ojike told the tribunal.

Other witnesses, including Ahamefula Okereke Chioma from Onyekachi Okoronkwo and Anyalewechi Elekwa, all from Arochukwu, who served as PPA agents during the election in Arochukwu told the Tribunal that voting did not take place at all.

They said the thugs sent by the 1st Respondent chased away voters and carried away the materials, including voters register, ballot papers and boxes and result sheets.

“In some places where voting took place only about six or seven people voted,” they insisted.

consent or her “imprimatur on the statements.”

Alison-Madueke also condemned what she described as the irresponsible journalism of Al Jazeera for broadcasting what her lawyer said were verifiably false statements against the ex-minister as much as she distanced herself from and disclaimed the ‘reactions’ that were attributed to her.

Indicted Reps may lose c’ttee positions cont inue d FROM page 3

Osuntokun, also disclosed that as an ambassador in Germany, many Nigerian visitors to Germany at the time were usually accused of sexual misconduct and that the embassy had always intervened.

“In fact, to tell you that what the US is raising against these undisciplined parliamentarians is not new, the same country had once rejected Nigeria’s Ambassador-proposed because his stepson was said to have been guilty of rape in Baltimore in the past. Nigeria had to nominate another person,” Osuntokun added.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Adeola Yusuf, Taiwo Jimoh and Abiodun Olokode

T

he price war among marketers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol degenerated during the week, with reports indicating that the N145 per litre may have been forced down as low as N140 per litre in Lagos and its environs.

The fresh twist in the price of the product is coming less than one month after the Federal Government introduced the new price regime of N145 per litre for petrol.

It was gathered that the price war among marketers had started having its ripples effect with some motorists already resorting to park their vehicles at home, due to the reduction in the demand for fuel at most filling stations visited.

For instance, Saturday Telegraph checks on Wednesday revealed that some filling stations visited were “forced to adopt the price war” when motorists began to show preference for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega stations where the product is mostly being sold at N143 per litre.

While the product sold at N143 per litre at PM filling station located along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Rainoil at Pako Bus-Stop, Akinogun in the Ipaja area of the state, it was discovered that the difference was N1 lesser at Al-Maruf filling stations located at Orelope Bus-Stop and Igando where it sold for as low as N142 per litre.

It was also gathered that the NNPC filling stations at Alakuko as well as the one along Iju Road reportedly sold the product at N140 per litre.

In view of this, Saturday Telegraph gathered that some marketers have started to lament the low patronage by some private car owners who have crashed the demand for the product by parking their cars to join commercial vehicles.

“There is no market at all and marketers who do not want to be chased out of business are beginning to adopt different strategies including price disparity,” Mr. Olumide Ayeni, a marketer told Saturday Telegraph.

He said: “The price issue which began immediately after the removal of subsidy in May is becoming tough and what I am sure of is that if this continues like this, fuel will sell for the lower price before December.”

The consumption of petroleum products by Nigerians began to slide since April, dipping to 882.13 million litres compared to 1,115.61 million litres in March 2016.

A document obtained from the NNPC noted that the fuel scarcity, which cul-

5

Fuel marketers heighten price war, crash ‘price’ to N140 per litre l Patronage dips, station attendants lament l Private car owners’ opt for commercial vehicles l Commuters groan

President Buhari

minated in the new price regime, was partly responsible for the slide in fuel usage.

The document said: “Before arriving at the new price regime, a comprehensive study of the costs of importation was under-taken,” the document stated.

All stakeholders, including marketing companies and independent experts, it continued, were “consulted in arriving at the appropriate cost reflective regime.

“This is in furtherance of the Price Modulation Framework rolled out in January 2016, which entails modulating prices down or up on a periodic basis to reflect actual prevailing costs.”

In April this year, it was gathered that 882.13 million litres of PMS was sold compared with 1,115.61 million litres in March.

While justifying reasons for a new price regime, NNPC noted that the rise in crude oil price and prevailing high cost of importation brought back subsidy regime.

“Due to decline in government income, related to crude oil price and limited crude oil output caused by the spate of renewed vandalism and sabotage of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

“There is neither funding nor appropriation to cover this in the 2016 Budget. 57.43 million barrels of crude oil and condensate was produced for the month of March 2016, representing an average daily production of 1.85 million barrels reflecting a decrease of 3.10 per cent compared to February 2016 performance,” the NNPC said.

The corporation said there had been noticeable improvement in transpar-

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu

ency of its activities.

The NNPC also added: “In business brief, we continue with the successes of the 20 Fixes Initiative, which is the foundation of the pre-sent reform in NNPC with the focus on ‘shine the light’ having shown in the last edition the achievements of the efforts at ‘stopping the bleeding’, which includes the recent liberalisation of petrol price and its net positive effect on NNPC financial position.

“Stop the bleeding; shine the light; increase efficiency; manage performance and push; profitability,” it said. The NNPC reiterated that its payments update to the Federal Government hit N933,116.78k in March, while the domestic Products Sales and Distribution in April 2016 stood at 882.13 million litres compared with 1,115.61 million litres in March 2016.”

Commenting on this development, a fuel attendant at Total Filling Station, Palmgrove, Jimisayo Sulaimon, said the hike in the pump price of petrol had caused a spiral reduction in patronage.

He said: “Our customers are now spending more than their normal budget when the price was still N86.50k. Since the increment, we barely find customers who smile; they are always aggressive and frowning because of the price of fuel.

“This fuel issue has affected transportation to the extent that vehicle owners are now patronising Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses and commercial buses which I think is quite understandable. Now vehicle owners only drive their vehicles when they have

NLC president, Ayuba Wabba

important occasions.

“The quantity of the sales we make per day play a decisive role in the amount of money we are paid as salary.”

A supervisor at the same filling station, Mrs. Bola Omotayo, said customers have reduced patronage which is affecting daily sales.

She said: “Regular customers that are known to be filling their tanks are now requesting for a little amount of fuel and they are complaining bitterly.

“We have lost many of our customers and we have fuel trucks on the ground that cannot discharge the fuel they brought here. A truck of fuel that we sell for only one day is now sold for three days.

“BRT buses from Ikorodu to CMS have made commercial transportation faster and more affordable for those that own a car.”

Another fuel attendant at MRS Filling Station also in Palmgrove, Rahmon Moruf, also said the station was experiencing low patronage.

He said: “Our customers that buy 20 litres now buy 10 litres and this has caused the salary of fuel attendants to reduce drastically. Most vehicle owners now opt for commercial buses in order to minimise the amount of money they spend on transportation.”

A motorist, Pastor Tayo Adekunle, said it required serious calculation before anyone could go out in his or her vehicle nowadays.

He said: “I am managing my movement because of the fuel issue. I try to avoid heavy traffic because the slow movement experienced in traffic consumes more fuel, while the faster

you move the car the lower the fuel consumed.

“The situation of fuel has caused people not to drive out for leisure, car owners only drive for business purposes and technology development has helped people reduce the rate at which they use their vehicles.

“I believe vehicle owners are just trying to endure this period, but we are waiting for the time that fuel will become cheap again.”

Another vehicle owner, Mr. Oriowo Kosemani, said fuelling his car had become a problem.

He said: “Before, I used to fill my tank with N5,000, but now I fill my tank with N9,000. Now I board commercial buses to wherever I want to go. I only go out in my car for business purposes.”

With regards to the spiral effect of the price war on fuel consumption, it was gathered that some commercial drivers and commuters have started feeling the impact already, while private car owners have resorted to parking their cars at home.

When our correspondent visited some filling station across the state, the patronage had reduced considerably unlike in the past.

Some of the stations were selling at the official regulated price, while some had reduced their pump price to attract customers.

Mr. John Abiola, a fuel attendant at Anu Oluwapo filling station in Mowe, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said they have been witnessing low patronage since the increase of the pump price.

Abiola said: “Where we are in Mowe, we are ex-

periencing low patronage from the private owners and commercial buses, we only depend on those who buy to fill their generating set at night. The situation in the country is becoming unbearable for us.”

He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the hardship for Nigerians, stating that in the last two weeks, the situation had been pathetic.

“It is very bad as we have not loaded fuel from Apapa unlike before where they use to have about five to six trucks offloading into the station,” he said.

Another fuel attendant at AP Filling Station in Mowe, who pleaded anonymity, said due to the low patronage some of his colleagues have been laid off.

He said: “Last week (Tuesday), the manager of our station, summoned every member of staff to an emergency meeting. It was in the meeting we were told that the management of the station complained that they continue to keep the number of staff which they have.

“Private car owners don’t patronise us, like when the fuel was at N86 per litre, but with N145, majority of them preferred to board a commercial bus than going out with their own car. But some of them go out occasionally whenever they are going to functions.”

A fuel attendant at Conoil filling station at Ikeja under bridge who identified himself simply as Akin Olowu, said things have change drastically for petrol station marketers in Nigeria.

“I am tired of the work, we are standing everyday wait for customers to come and patronage us, we are only getting few patronage from the commercial buses because of our location, even when they buy they hardly filled their tank, some time they buy between N1000 to N1, 500 and later refuel it after taking passengers.

“We don’t get patronage from private cars, because of the price and the economy situation of the country, if you visited our station before the change in price you hardly see space to park, but now things have change everywhere us empty we hope in God for better Nigeria,” he said.

In view of this, some managers of notable filling stations, however, declined to speak to our correspondent.

6

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Ex-Customs CG remains in EFCC’s custody Emmanuel Onani Abuja

T

Former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar (left) and President Muhammadu Buhari, during Atiku’s visit to the President at Nigeria House in London…

Thursday PHOTO: ATIKU MEDIA TEAM

Troops arrest two Boko Haram commanders

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

l Sect kills seven policemen in Niger attack

he Nigerian Army yesterday said troops of Sector 5, 3 Division, in conjunction with Civilian JTF, arrested two commanders (Ameers) of the Boko Haram sect.

This emerged on a day suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a village in Niger Republic while a delegation of ministers were visiting, killing seven gendarmes and wounding 12 in a gun battle, the military said.

However, the army said the troops of 156 Task Force Battalion, rescued 47 people, who were held hostage

by Boko Haram.

A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani

Usman, gave the names of the commanders as Ibrahim Jagwal and Audu Ahmadu.

The Army disclosed that Jagwal, who was arrested in Potiskum, Yobe State, led the troops to another part of the town, where Ahmadu, who is said to be the sect’s engineer, was apprehended.

The statement reads: “... troops of Sector 5, 27 Task Force Brigade, 3 Division, in conjunction with Civilian JTF from Maiduguri arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Ibrahim Jagwal, aged 38 at Gishiwa Dabua area of Potiskum, Yobe State.

“The suspected terrorist who turned out to be the Ameer of the Boko Haram

T

...nab19 vandals, foil bombing of Agip pipeline

T

he troops of the Joint Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, have foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to destroy a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Okpoama community of Bayelsa State.

The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, OPS, Col. Ado Isa, who made this known in a statement on Friday, said the suspected vandals had dug and deployed dynamites beneath the pipeline location in a swamp for detonation before the troops discovered it.

He said the items recovered from the scene were two dynamite detonators, cable wire and battery.

The OPS spokesman said the troops of the Joint Force deployed in Ogbia

Local Government Area of Bayelsa, conducted antiillegal oil bunkering patrol and cordon-and-search operation along Ebelebiri and Agba communities.

Isa said: “On same day, OPS troops, in continuation of its raid on suspected pipeline vandals’ camps carried out cordon-andsearch operation in Oporoma Community of Delta State.

“Ten suspected pipeline vandals were arrested during the operation and the following items were recovered from them: one pistol, 195 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 14 handheld radio sets, diving equipment, personal computer, IPAD, 30 detonating codes and several cell phones with SIM cards belonging to telecoms companies, among others.”

Terrorists at Tumbin Gini, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, also led the team to Garejin Audu in Potiskum, where another terror suspect, Audu Ahmadu, (alias Condemned) aged 45 years, was arrested same day.

“Preliminary investigation confirms that Audu Ahmadu is a Boko Haram engineer who specialises in repairs of automobiles for the Boko Haram terrorists group. It was further confirmed he was at the garage to repair 2 vehicles.

The vehicles were recovered by the team, while the suspects have been taken into custody for onward movement to Joint Interrogation Centre.

In the same vein, the attack happened on Thursday in a village in the region of Diffa that hosts refugees and internally displaced people who have been forced from their home by the Islamist insurgents, officials said. The ministers

were unharmed.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Chad has sent troops to help Niger in a planned counterattack against Boko Haram after the militants seized the southern Niger town of Bosso in an attack that killed 26 soldiers, reports Reuters.

Niger's Defence Minister, Hassoumi Messaoudou, told Radio France International yesterday that regional leaders needed to “rethink Boko Haram” and called on regional forces to defeat the group in Nigeria.

“We thought they were reduced to making suicide attacks. Now they have rebuilt their military forces.

We are dealing with an army,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Army said troops of 156 Task Force Battalio, rescued 47 captives during a clearance patrol.

According to the DAPR, “...troops of 156 Task Force Battalion, 29 Task Force Brigade carried out clearance patrol yesterday."

he interrogation of a former ComptrollerGeneral (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), still continued yesterday as he is still in the anti-graft agency custody.

Saturday Telegraph’s investigation revealed, that the former Customs boss, who reported at the headquarters of the commission on Thursday, was still being quizzed as at the time of filing this report.

Dikko is answering questions on alleged diversion of N40 billion from the proceeds of the seven per cent cost of collection, as well as one per cent comprehensive import supervi-

Senate begins constitutional review, blames Jonathan over setback Wale Elegbede

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he Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and other principal members of the National Assembly, including Speakers of state Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders, yesterday converged on Lagos to commence the process of reviewing the nation's constitution.

Speaking at a three-day retreat of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution tagged: “Towards Ensuring Governance Accountability In Nigerian Federalism”, the chairman of the committee, Ekweremadu said the botched 4th alteration bill done by the last 7th Assembly wasn’t successful because former President Goodluck Jonathan bungled the exercise by withholding his assent.

LASG: Why we evicted Tarzan, metro ferry from jetties

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agos State Government yesterday said its decision to serve eviction notices to Tarzan Marine Enterprises and Metro Ferry, both operators of commercial jetties in the state, was in line with overriding public interest and quest to strict adherence to safety measures and international best practices.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Ms. Abisola Kamson, the state government said company was served an eviction notice on its operation in Ijede and Badore jetties as they could not validate their

claims of a purported 25 years concession which the operator alleged to have entered with the government in 2006.

According to her, the previous administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola had investigated the claim by setting up a Task Force in 2010 to validate the claim that they had made two payments totalling N2.1million to the defunct Lagos State Ferry Services for a 25 years concession, but the claims could not be validated.

She said: “Based on that, Tarzan was asked to move out then, but through some back door arrangement, he

sion scheme of the NCS. He is also being quizzed on the source of money for the acquisition of his Abuja home, believed to be valued at N2 billion.

A source, who confirmed that Dikko was still in the custody of the anti-graft agency as at 7:17pm yesterday, said: “He is still here.”

Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said for fear of being caught, alleged looters now keep money in abandoned houses.

Magu made the revelation in Abuja yesterday, at a workshop on the Role of Professionals in the Fight Against Corruption.

According to Magu said: “People are now scared of keeping monies in banks, as it can be traced easily.

Monies are now kept in abandoned houses in the country.”

came back to the terminals and all the while, he has been holding on to a receipt that has not been validated and which could be potentially forged because there was no trace of any payment. He could also not provide the purported 25 years concession when asked.”

Speaking on the eviction served to Metro Ferry, Kamson said the operator was given approval on the Oworonsoki Terminal by the state government to convey staff of Total Oil from the terminus to their office on the Island, but went beyond the terms of approval.

Ekweremadu said the 8th Assembly would not have been constrained to embark on the process of another constitutional review, if the Jonathan-led government had not bungled the exercise and rubbished efforts made by the seventh Assembly.

He said: “Although the National Assembly reliably gathered that former President Goodluck Jonathan assented to the Fourth Alteration Bill, we were surprised to get a letter from the Presidency stating clearly that he was returning the Bill, but failing to attach the original Bill being returned.

“The National Assembly was dragged to the Supreme Court by the Attorney-General of the Federation to prevent us from overriding the presidential veto.

“The Supreme Court later asked us to meet and resolve our differences out of court, which we did and returned the Bill to the Presidency for approval, but only for it to renege on signing the Bill before the expiration of President’s tenure.”

The deputy senate president noted further that: “While we carried on with all patriotic consideration, little did we know they were buying time. So, it can be clearly seen that the inability of the Fourth Alteration to become part of our constitution was not in any way the fault of the National Assembly. The rest is history.”

While noting that the process will be concluded far ahead of election season, the committee chairman said: “It reduces the contamination of an otherwise patriotic exercise by personal, political, and other narrow considerations."

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Boko Haram kills 24, injures scores Ibrahim Abdul with agency reports

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oko Haram insurgents have launched a night attack on mourners in Kuda-Kaya village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing 24 people and injuring many others.

Eye-witnesses said the insurgents allegedly stormed the village located about three kilometres from Gulak, the administrative capital of Madagali Local Government Area on the fringes of the Sam-

bisa Forest around 10pm on Thursday while the villagers were observing a wake keep for a dead member of the community.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the sect took the villagers by surprise as members of the community never envisaged such an attack.

“They stormed our village on motorbikes and immediately opened fire on the people observing the wake.

As at the last count, 18 people were killed while about 10 others were injured and rushed to a health facility in Gulak,” he said.

Alleged invasion: Obanikoro, wife slam N100m suit against EFCC

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ormer Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday slammed a N100 million suit on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged breached of his fundamental human rights.

The former Minister is demanding the sum as general damages for the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional seizure and detention of several items, properties and personal effects belonging to him and family by the EFCC on June 24.

Other applicants in the suit are: Mrs. Fati Obanikoro, Alhja Moroophat Obanikoro, Gbolahon Obanikoro, Babajide Obanikoro.

Obanikoro in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, filed on his behalf by his lawyer, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), is also praying the court to restrain the EFCC whether by its officers, Servants, privies, assigns or agents from arresting, detaining, harassing any of the applicants or any of their relatives pending the hearing and

determination of the suit.

The applicants also want the court to restrain the commission from further entering their premises and an order directing it to tender an unreserved public apology to them for the unlawful action.

They are also asking the court to direct the respondent to release all the items, properties and personal effects seized from their premises.

The applicants further want the court to hold that the action of the EFCC constitute a gross violation of their fundamental rights as guarantee under section 43 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

In a 15-paragraph affidavit attached to the suit and sworn to by Fati, it states that on June 14 some officials of the EFCC numbering about 20 stormed their premises situated at 10 Mojisola Onikoyi Street,

by Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos and took away several items.

She also alleged that the respondent thereafter proceeded to also search the personal house of the former Minister at 4 Layi Ajayi-Bembe road, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Also speaking, a resident of the community, Moses Kwagh, told an online news portal, Reuters that people waited until three hours after the attack and then counted 18 women's bodies.

He said some women were still missing as at the time of filling this report.

Similarly, a police source confirmed the attack but said it was not yet clear how many people had been killed. The military did not respond to a request for comment.

Yekeen Nurudeen, Abuja

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espite the emergence of the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Samson Supo Ayokunle, as the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), there are indications that the crisis within the Christian body is not yet over.

This is because a group, the Patriotic Christian Youths Association of Nigeria (PCYN), yesterday called the bluff of those calling for the cancelition of the election, insisting that there was no division in the body.

The group described those calling for the cancelition of the election results as “disgruntled former CAN leaders who are trying to find a place in its leadership.”

This followed calls for the cancelition of the election by some aggrieved members of CAN on the grounds that certain candidate was not allowed to take part in the election held on June 14 at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, where Ayokunle emerged as the new CAN President.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, President of PCYN, Evangelist Simon Nasso, said no CAN leader prevented any candidate from participating in the election.

He said: “They have lost touch with CAN and have been looking for an opportunity to create a faction.

They are persons who feel a Northern government in Nigeria should have a Northern CAN leadership.”

Passo, who commented on a threat that the Northern bloc would break away from CAN as a result of the outcome of the election, said those maintaining such po-

sition are only deceiving themselves.

“The Bible is very explicit about evidence of those trying to tear the church apart; some claimed to be for Apostle Paul while others Barnabas. For the record, there is no Northern or Southern CAN in the current CAN constitution. The CAN constitution provides for the states and the geopolitical zones for ease of administration only.

“Those telling you that the North will break out of CAN are just deceiving the public. They are not in CAN in the first place, if we must say the truth, they are a set of disgruntled former CAN leaders and their supporters who are trying to find a place of leadership in CAN. “They have lost touch with CAN and have been

looking for an opportunity to create a faction.

They are persons who feel a Northern Government in Nigeria should have a Northern CAN leadership. For your information, all the statutory leaders of CAN in Northern Nigeria were at the CAN election; the zonal and state chairmen were all present.

“All the people calling for the cancellation of the election to give room for further meetings and reconciliation are just deceiving the public because beside their interest in a particular candidate, they have no legal right to attend any of the meetings they are calling for. All the meetings in CAN are well defined in the constitution and they are not part of any.”

onmonya

I formerly known as MISS KATE ENE ATTAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. KATE ENE ONMONYA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

emmanuel

I formerly known and addressed as ASUQUO MFON OKON now wish to be known and addressed as NKATA INIBEHE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Otose

T

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADELEKE ROFIAT ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLADIMEJI ROFIAT ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and the general public please take note.

he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a recent comment credited to Justice Danladi Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) advocating a return of Decree 2, the draconian anti media law of 1984, which was promulgated by the military to detain journalists without trial.

The NUJ in a statement by its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, recalled that Umar was quoted to have expressed the desire during proceedings

Abubakar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “So far, 18 people have been killed in the attack but the number of the casualties could not be ascertained.”

He also confirmed the arrest of a wanted Boko Haram commander in Gombi Local Government Area of the state.

The suspected commander was allegedly sighted by policemen at a security checkpoint and quickly recognised him.

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME

NUJ condemns CCT chair, Umar’s faux pas

at the ongoing trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

While reacting to a newspaper publication, which reported that he adjourned the trial indefinitely, Umar had stated that: “Journalists should be punished for publishing falsehood, it is a criminal offence. If not that we are under a democratic setting, I would have advocated for the retention of Decree 2.”

The union noted that it had repeatedly cautioned that threats and attacks against the media are aimed at inducing fear and selfcensorship, saying, "these are the basic strategies of authoritarian regimes and not democracies like Nigeria.

in our areas causing panic,” Kamale said.

Speaking also, a member of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Tsamdu, told Reuters: “I am yet to get the details on how it happened and the real number of people killed. I have sent hunters to go to the area and get me the details because people are afraid to go to the village.”

Confirming the attack, of the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Othman

No division in CAN, says Christian group

I formerly known as MISS OGIJI CHINELO BENNITA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OTOSE CHINELO BENNITA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

Olalekan Osiade

Also confirming the attack, the member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Adamu Kamale, said the number of casualties as at the time of filing this report could not be ascertained but noted that many members of the community were feared killed.

“Many were feared killed and there was pandemonium and many people scampered for their lives. There had been a series of attacks

7

Adeleke

onwuka

I, formerly known and addressed as ASSUMPTA OBIANGELI OKEKE now wish to be known and addressed as ASSUMPTA OBIANGELI ONWUKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

ADEGBAMIGBE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEOLA AMINAT RAJI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEOLA AMINAT ADEGBAMIGBE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, ALLOVER Polytechnic, WAEC and general public take note.

dominic

I formerly known and addressed as ABUTU MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as ABUTU MICHAEL DOMINIC. All former documents remain valid. GTBank, Diamond Bank, NAFDAC and general public please take note.

falaye

This is to confirm and certify that FALAYE OLUWAKEMI VICTORIA and FALAYE VICTORIA refer to one and the same person,now wish to be known and addressed as FALAYE OLUWAKEMI VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

nweke

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zubakemor

This is to correct my name spelling ZUBAKEMOR AKU which was wrongly written as ZIBEKUME AKU and now wish to be known and addressed as ZUBAKEMOR AKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public

ASISAT

I formally known as MUSTAPHA AZEEZAT OLUWAFUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSTAPHA ASISAT OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All other documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public should please take note.

NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING

NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section Notice hereby given, pursuant section 468 of isthe Companies and Alliedto Matters 468 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990, that the final General Meeting of Act, 1990, that thecompany final General the above-named will Meeting be held of at the above-named company will be held at No. 220b Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove, Lagos on th Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove, Lagos on No. 220b the 29 day of July, 2016 at 10.00am for the th the 29 day of July,before 2016 at 10.00am for the purpose of laying the members purpose laying before theand members financial of accounts, dealings conductthe of financial accounts, dealings and conduct of the winding up of the Company, and an the winding ofupthe of Liquidator’s the Company, and an explanation account of explanation of the Liquidator’s account of the winding up and for the purpose the windingand, up ifand for the of considering thought fit, purpose passing the considering and, if thought fit, passing the following resolution: following resolution: That the financial accounts of the Company That accounts of dealings the Company and the financial explanation of the and and the ofexplanation of the conduct the winding-up as dealings presentedand by conduct of the winding-up as presented by the Liquidator Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN the Liquidator Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN is hereby approved; is hereby approved; Dated this 14th day of June, 2016 Dated this 14th day of June, 2016 _______________________________________

_______________________________________ Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN

Professor LiquidatorGbolahan Elias, SAN Liquidator

8

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Man sets own vehicle ablaze to evade VIO’s arrest

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Muritala Ayinla

n trying to evade arrest, a commercial bus driver, Biodun Olaoti, has set his own bus ablaze and allegedly instigated hoodlums to invade the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) Service Yard and damaged other vehicles parked on the premises.

Olaoti, 40, was also accused of inflicting injuries on some VIOs, all in a bid to cause confusion and evade arrest and avoid his bus being towed by the traffic enforcement personnel after he was stopped to present his particulars.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that Olaoti, after realising that he was guilty of the offence, went under his bus and disconnected the pipe hose which connects fuel to the engine and began to spray himself, and his bus.

This, it was learnt, allowed petrol to spill out of the bus and in a twinkle of

an eye, fire engulfed the bus.

As effort to put out the fire failed, the driver was said to have mobilised hoodlums in the area to attack the VIS office at Oluwu.

The hoodlums, it was gathered, attacked the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) Office at Olowu on Lagos Island and vandalised three vehicles and injured some VIOs. Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, Olaoti, who is from Oyo State, confirmed that he was arrested without valid documents but said that he couldn't explain how the whole thing happened.

He said: “It is true that I was arrested for driving a rickety vehicle and without valid vehicle licence but I was not the one who ignited the fire and mobilised hoodlums. It happened when the vehicle was gutted by fire and I decided to go to the VIS office. I didn't know how hoodlums got there because they also attacked me.”

New forex policy’s success hinges on implementation -Fitch

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Tony Chukwunyem lobal credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings has said that while the new foreign exchange policy announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may boost economic growth, this would depend on the effectiveness of its implementation.

In a note issued yesterday, Fitch stated that although implementation may present challenges, establishing the new policy’s credibility will be key to its effectiveness in attracting portfolio flows and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to make up for lower oil export receipts.

The CBN on Wednesday issued revised guidelines for a single, “market-driven”

inter-bank FX market, open to authorised dealers and other entities. The move was widely welcomed by financial advisory firms who had argued that the CBN's previous policy of restricting access to the official FX market and supporting the naira, rather than risk the inflationary impact of devaluation, has been negative for Nigeria's sovereign credit profile.

According to Fitch, “Defending the naira has lowered reserves and increased external vulnerabilities, while a shortage of hard currency has weighed on the non-oil economy. The change of policy is consistent with our view that the CBN would struggle to defend the naira indefinitely.

C’River deep sea port to gulp $800m –Ayade’s aide Clement James, Calabar

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he proposed deep sea port in Bakassi, Cross River State is expected to cost between $500 million and $800 million, the Special Adviser on Technical Matters to the state governor, Mr. Eric Akpo, has said.

Akpo said the fund for executing the project would be made available by investors, who are already interested in commencing the project.

He disclosed this yesterday in Calabar after series of presentations to the Federal Government delegation on the Project Steering Committee and Project Development Committee, led by the Director, Maritime Services in the Federal

Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sani Galadanchi.

The Federal Government delegation was earlier taken on boat cruise through the Calabar waterways to the proposed site of the deep seaport by the Chairman of the Cross River Seaport Authority, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

He said over 10 foreign investors had shown interest to commence work on the proposed deep seaport while 12 others had signified interest to partake in the construction of the proposed 260 kilometre superhighway that will serve as evacuation corridor to the port.

“For now we are at the level of expression of interest and we have expression of interest from about 10 companies for the seaport and 12 companies for the superhighway who are interested,” he said.

Akwa Ibom refutes pipeline bombing report l Hoodlums attack two churches, torch property Tony Anichebe, Uyo

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kwa Ibom State Government yesterday debunked rumours of pipeline bombing in Ikot Osute in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm and not be disturbed by the rumoured bombing.

The refutal came on a day some hoodlums attacked and set ablaze Aka Itiam Assembly of Mount Zion Gospel Church, Uyo Section, destroying properties and equipment worth thousands of naira.

Also attacked was the Apostolic Church, Bassey Esau Street.

Reacting to the rumours of bombing after a visit to the site, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said: “There is no iota of truth in the claims making the rounds in the social media," stating that what happened was

an eruption occasioned by leakage in the old pipeline of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), which traversed the area.”

He further emphasised that “no pipeline has been bombed in Akwa Ibom State,” adding that: “Those peddling such rumours are ignorant of the true situation in the affected area.”

The commissioner stated that: “As at Thursday morning, when security operatives and officials of the state government visited Ikot Osute, the state Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) personnel and other gas companies operating in the area were on site working round the clock to ensure safety in the area.”

While enjoining residents and Nigerians to remain calm and go about their businesses, Umanah said government was committed to protecting lives and property of all citizens in the state.

Also speaking, the state

Police Commissioner, Mr. Murtala Mani, told journalists during an interview in Uyo that the rumoured explosion was an accident occasioned by leakage in the gas pipelines sited in the area.

He said it was a technical problem and that some engineers from Port Harcourt were already working to rectify the leakage.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the gas pipelines was the property of Seven Energy Company, the operator of Ibom Gas Power Plant, which is located in Uquo, Esit-Eket Local Government Area of the state.

Meanwhile, the resident Pastor of the church, Mr. Elijah Inyang, while narrating his ordeal yesterday, said the church, which started in July 10, 2011, had never had any threat or attack from the host community.

He said: “I am short of words. This type of incident has never happened

before. They broke into the church and as you can see, they destroyed our altar and also set it on fire, destroyed all the musical instruments.

I am surprised they did not burn the generator or maybe because it was chained”.

On what could have led to the attack, he said: “I don’t really know but I am going to the police station right away to report the matter. The Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) was here and they have asked me to file the matter at the Ewet Housing Estate Police Division. I am on my way to the station now.”

Though the matter has been reported to the security agencies, a similar incident occurred at The Apostolic Church, Bassey Esau Street, resulting in palpable fears.

It was also observed that another apostolic church along Information Drive was attacked by the clandestine marauders destroying church seats and other properties.

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, wife of the governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel; Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, at the foundation stone laying for Filano Furniture Factory in Ikot Ekpene…yesterday

PHOTO: AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Nigeria stocks, black market naira soar after forex reforms

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he naira traded at N355 on the black market yesterday, up 2.8 per cent on the day following the central bank's announcement on the currency reforms.

A Reuters poll found that analysts expect that when the naira floats freely on Monday it will trade at 275 to 300 per dollar.

“The success of the new exchange rate regime will ultimately depend on how effective it is in attracting more foreign investment and getting pockets of dollars hoarded on the domestic front back into the market place,” said Cobus de Hart, economist at NKC Economists.

In the non-deliverable forward markets, the one-month contract, gained 3.45 per cent to equal the

record high of 300 naira per dollar hit the previous day.

Stock traders said domestic investors were buying shares at cheap valuations, hoping that a more liberal currency market and the recent stock-market rally will draw foreign investors, who have avoided Nigeria due to the risk of a currency devaluation.

The stock market, which has the second-biggest weighting after Kuwait on the MSCI frontier market index, climbed for the third straight day on Friday, to close 2.66 percent higher at 29,247 points. Stocks rose 7.4 per cent this week.

But worries over where the naira will start trading on Monday and how an estimated $4 billion backlog of demand in the

currency market will be cleared, still persist, analysts say.

Bank chiefs and treasurers were meeting central bank officials on Friday to discuss trading on Monday.

The CBN yesterday sold longdated treasury bills at higher yields than in the secondary market to mop up naira liquidity before the start next week of open market currency trading, to curb speculation.

It mopped up 205.9 billion naira ($1.03 billion) worth of oneyear bills at a price yielding 15.6 percent, the same level as inflation, which was running above a six-year high as of May. Secondary market bills were trading at 10.81 percent on Friday, traders said.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Nimbo massacre: Emotion as community buries 9

Kenneth Ofoma and Charles Onyekwere

E ENUGU

motions ran high just as tears freely flowed yesterday as nine persons (all male) massacred on April 25 when suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded Ukpabi Nimbo community of Enugu State were buried.

Clement James Calabar

F

or the third time in one year, plans by some lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly to impeach the Speaker, Hon. John Gaul-Lebo, failed to sail through as the Speaker allegedly refused to convene the resumption of the assembly.

About eight lawmakers allegedly led by the lawmaker representing Ikom 2 State Constituency, Hon. Simon Nkono, are said to be shopping for signatures to make up 2/3 of the 25 Lawmakers in the House in order to impeach the Speaker.

It would be recalled that two attempts had been made to impeach the speaker last year, but they failed. Because of the crisis in the House, and the fear by the speaker of the

•We’ll get justice for victims –Ugwuanyi

The burial evoked memories of the gory incident that claimed the lives of over 30 persons; men, women, and children in the community.

The families of the victims wailed as they filed to carry the corpse of their relations after the funeral

church service for interment at their family compounds.

The funeral service took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government area.

Three other victims were said to have been buried before yesterday, bringing the

Crisis rocks C’River Assembly over plan to impeach speaker

plot, the House has not sat for more than four months now.

According to the assembly source, who spoke to some journalists in Calabar yesterday, the lawmakers are aggrieved that the speaker does not take care of the welfare of members, “but only looks after his own interest.”

Gaul-Lebo was also accused of playing a role in the last PDP congress which his colleagues argued did not allow them to make their input.

This is in addition to the allegation that the he has written to the Head of Service in the state to transfer the Deputy Clerk of the assembly, two administrative officers and the auditor “for

revealing his financial transactions to other members.”

The source added that the aggrieved lawmakers met with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Evara Esu, during the week and were advised to sheathe their sword until the governor returns from a trip abroad. They also met with the party Chairman, Inok Edim, who similarly appealed to them to remain calm.

However, when contacted, the Chairman of Information Committee of the House, Nelson Ofem, while confirming that there is “discontent” in the assembly, said an impeachment notice was yet to be served on the speaker.

total of confirmed number of victims to 11.

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rt. Rev Godfrey Onah, in a sermon during the funeral service, urged the Federal Government to look beyond the incidence of Nimbo and find lasting solution to the incessant herdsmen attacks on communities and farmers across the country.

He noted that the failure of government to protect the citizens is not only a crime against the people but also against God. The cleric urged the families of the victims and entire community to put their faith in God and bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Also in his remarks, the priest in charge of St. Mary Catholic Church, Ukpabi Nimbo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Obeta Okeke, said the community was still living under the threat of possible attacks by the herdsmen.

He said the herdsmen who abandoned their camps after the attack on Nimbo had since returned without their wives and family members and those farmers are afraid of going

to their farms for fear of possible attacks.

In his address at the graveside, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, reassured the community that his administration would secure justice for the deceased.

Ugwuanyi, who stated that the death of the victims can never be in vein, counselled that no amount of emotions could restore them to life.

The governor was accompanied by the former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, National Assembly members from the state, including the senator representing Enugu North senatorial district, Chukwuka Utazi, among other persons.

The governor said: “We make bold to declare that their deaths can never be in vain and we pledge to do all that is within our legitimate means, to give them justice.

Though our emotions cannot restore them to life, we find solace in the fact that the whole world had stood by us and offered us sympathy and solidarity, ever since the incident that took their lives, occurred.

“Shortly after the attack,

PHOTOS FROM THE NIMBO BURIAL

Relatives of the deceased at the burial

Governor Ugwanyi (left) and Mr. Peter Obi (4th right) at the Government House PHOTOS: Charles Onyekwere and Kenneth Ofoma

A banner showing the deceased

Sympathisers at the grave yard

9

we had called for fasting and prayers and we must declare that the God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, and awesome God of David, has not failed us but has continued to show us His mercies.

“For, even as we await the outcome of the judicial panel of Inquiry that we have constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, we received news that five people, who are suspected to have participated in the attack, had been arrested by the police and paraded before the whole world.

“We use this occasion therefore to once again, express our gratitude to the generality of Nigerians who put aside religious, ethnic and political differences, to offer us their hands of support and sympathy after the killings. We thank the Federal Government and the security agencies for the steps they are taking to prevent future occurrences and address the issues that led to the incident.

“We thank the people of Enugu State for their restraint and for the confidence they placed in our ability as a government to deal with the matter in a mature and responsible manner.”

10

City & crime update

SATURDAY, 18 JUNE 2016

3 years after court victory, victim of police assault awaits compensation

T

Biodun Oyeleye hree years after the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, upheld a N20 million judgment against the Nigeria Police for aggravated assault by its officials against Adebayo Olaide, the 37 years old victim of brutality, who has become blind due to the assault, is still waiting for his compensation.

Yet, in a twist of fate, the police officers who descended on him with sticks and the butts of their guns around Alagbayun, near Odo Oba in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State in 2009, have been promoted while their victim, Adebayo, has had to withdraw from the College of Education, Ila Oragun, where he was a 300 level student when the incident happened.

“I won’t lie to you, today I am a beggar”, he told our reporter during the week in Ilorin, Kwara state.

“I go from one place to the other to get something to survive”, he said, lamenting that he spent one week begging to gather the N1,500 needed to get his family of four to Ilorin, from Ogbomosho when told some newsmen were interested in his story. His Pastor in Ogbomosho as well as his mother-in law, he noted, had been the major help for his survival. “When my children are sick, it is the Pastor and my mother-in-law that helps us”.

But there is a limit to what they can do given their own personal challenges. Thus, his two children, Jethro, aged six and Praise, aged three, are out of school. “And we owe two years of house rent. So, the landlord has asked us to pack out, we are now discussing with the church if we can put our things somewhere there and find somewhere else to stay”, his wife, Ayodele, told our reporter during the encounter.

His condition is pathetic.

Dr. F.O. Olatunji of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) confirmed in a letter dated November 16, 2011, to the Provost, College of Education, Ila Orangun, that Adebayo was “found to have lost vision permanently (NPL) in the left eye and vision at the right eye was severely impaired (6/36)” due to the injury he sustained when the policemen hit him with sticks and the butt of their guns The 2009 incident was typically Nigeria police style according to the narration by Adebayo and which was upheld by the decision of Justice Mashud Abbas of Ibadan High Court. According to Olaide he was flagged

down by a policeman around Alagbayun. He stopped. He gave them money. But unfortunately, another policeman, a sergeant named Mukailu Gujuba, some metres away thought he had not ‘settled’ the team, so he threw a stick at him.

The stick hit him in the left. He fell from his motorcycle, wailing.

The other policemen rushed down. They told their colleague the man had actually settled them.

But instead of rendering help, the policeman descended on him again with the butt of his gun, this time on his right eye. Today the left eye is condemned while the right eye cannot function properly. “I spent 10 months at UITH”, he recalled adding: “in all I actually spent 18 months in various hospitals. Now I cannot see except you wave to me”.

While in hospital, he said the policemen were rounded up and eventually, they paid part of his medical bill. But he took the matter to court and in his judgment, Justice Abbas descended heavily on the police, particularly the offending officer, Mr. Mukailu Gujuba. The court said: “In this case, a law enforcement officer is shown to turn the use of his position as a law enforcement officer and in particular the use of his instrument of office (as he is claiming that it was his rifle that hit the appli-

We are now discussing with the church if we can put our things somewhere there and find somewhere else to stay

Olaide before and after the incident

Olaide with his family

cant) to brazenly an in an intentional manner grievously caused irreparable damages to the citizen, he must be held for breaching the fundamental Right of that citizen.

This was a man who by his appointment and position as a police sergeant is entrusted with the gun which was in his possession for the protection of the citizens if this country that the 3rd respondent is now claiming was used by him to render a citizen of this country almost completely blind.”

The court awarded N20 million damages against the police. The police appealed the judgment but in a unanimous decision on April 15, 2014, the justices of the appellate court, presided over

by Justice H.S. Tsammani, dismissed the appeal for “serious lack of dil-

igence” in prosecuting the matter.

Since then, Adebayo said he had only been able to claim N313, 000 from the police. “we got that on March 15, 2015”, he said, explaining that every effort by his lawyer to get the police account had been unsuccessful as most banks would claim the police had no fund in their accounts with them.

Now through his lawyer, Mr. Wale Adesokan, he has dragged the matter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. And a letter, dated March 24, 2016, signed by one Mrs Ngozi Calista Nkem , of the Department of Civil Litigation and Public Law, office of the Attorney General, is offering a glimmer of hope for Olaide. The letter asked his lawyer to furnish the AGF’s office with a duly certified copy of the judgment of the Court of Appeal to enable the AGF “articulate and give robust advice in this matter”.

Adebayo said he hopes a real change would come from this intervention. He said he needs the money to settle his life and see how he could prevent the right eye from completely going blind again.

City&crime update

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

“I

Juliana Francis f not for God, the colonel would have killed me. Luckily for me, the trigger fired and I shot him.

I didn’t know he was an army officer. I was surprised that he was very strong. A few hours later, my gang member, Chijioke, called and told me what he saw in the man’s car. That was when I knew I was in deep trouble.”

These were the words of Emeka Okeke Cyprian, the leader of a gang of car snatchers that killed Army Colonel, Samalia Inusa, a Chief Instructor at the Nigeria Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.

Cyprian however said he had no regrets killing Inusa. According to him, it was either he killed Inusa or Inusa killed him. Although the gang members had been charged to court, they decided to unburden their hearts before facing the judiciary.

Cyprian said it was as if he was destined to kill Inusa. He also said there was a time the gang went to meet another gang member, Pastor Precious Ebere, where he had gone on the mountain to fast and pray for days. They had just bought some rifles and needed Pastor Ebere to teach them how to operate them. Ebere is known for frequenting prayer mountains to do intercession prayers for successful operations.

They went to join him at the prayer mountain, smuggling in the rifles. After staying in the mountains, praying and fasting, they left to go and start training on how to use the rifles.

The gang would have got away with the murder of Inusa, if not for the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase’s Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Cyprian’s gang took Inusa’s phone after killing him. The police tracked the phone to a prison warden. The end for the gang started after they picked on Inusa.

Inusa was abducted by unknown gunmen at the Kamazo area of Kaduna Refinery Road, on March 26. His corpse was found the following day.

The IRT operatives were deployed to Kaduna State by Arase to track down the bandits. Three month after the murder of Inusa, police authorities in Abuja announced that the IRT and men of the Kaduna State Police Command, Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the army officer.

It was later learnt that the IRT smashed the gang after it tracked a Techno phone, which was stolen from Inusa to a prison warden, Abdulahi Adamu.

Adamu is a close associate of one of the suspects, Ibrahim Kabiru who was already in the custody of the SIB in Kaduna State by the time IRT got to him.

The SIB operatives, while trailing car snatchers terrorising the state, arrested Kabiru and his boss, Ebere. The SIB was unaware it had just caught those behind the murder of Inusa.

The suspects’ confessions led to the arrest of Cyprian, who without mincing words, confessed to having killed Inusa.

He was arrested along with one Chijioke Ugwuanyi.

Cyprian, 44, a father of three, claimed to have joined robbery three years ago. He first started by hijacking trucks on Katangura Road, Kaduna State.

He said: “We used to barricade the busy road with broken down vehicles and logs. Whenever a truck loaded with goods stops in front of our barricade, we would strike! We used to attack drivers and conductors with machetes. We would drag them into the bush.”

He said that the drivers and conductors would be held captive, fed only with water until the truck and the goods arrived Niger Republic. This was where they sell the goods and snatched cars. He said they had hijacked and sold many trucks through that way. Once they hi-

11

Pastor goes to ‘mountain’ to pray for robbers' success

•Colonel’s stolen phone led police to killers •No regrets killing colonel, says gang leader jacked any truck, one Dan Sokoto would smuggle it into Niger Republic. Cyprian said after they first started operation and made some money, they all went their different ways.

They didn’t work for five months until Sokoto called gang members and they regrouped.

Cyprian said: “We had new terms for sharing our loots and because I’m the striker who goes after the driver and conductor, I insisted on getting the lion share. On our third operation, we hijacked a truck carrying spaghetti and we asked Sokoto to get us two pistols with the goods and pay us the balance in cash.

He got us two pistols and brought N1m which we all shared. Since we had two pistols, I decided to side-line other members. I formed my own gang and I brought in Chijoke, Ebere and Kabiru. We went fully into car snatching.

“We once snatched a 2005 Toyota Sienna. We told Sokoto that before selling any of our goods, he must ensure I speak with the buyer in Niger Republic, to negotiate over price. When he took the vehicle into Niger, I spoke to one Garuba and he paid us N700, 000. I got N120, 000 as my share. I told him that I liked the way he did the business. I promised to always get him vehicles.”

He said that after some critical operations, the gang decided to take things easy and watch the security situation. They monitored the situation for two weeks and discovered policemen in Kaduna were hunting for car snatchers.

The gang leader said: “One of our members called and told us that he noticed policemen had been stationed at Abuja Junction. They usually hide their vehicles inside a dark spot. I told my people that we must be fast in our operations. We discovered new routes. After two weeks, God helped and blessed us with a Toyota Venza.

“I told Sokoto that I wanted to go to Niger Republic. I wanted to see Garuba and Mustapha, our receivers. When we crossed into Niger Republic, a man met us. He hugged me the moment he saw me and he shouted Shege Emeka. He said I was a strong man. I told him that I wanted

After we kidnapped the Colonel, I was taking his car to Niger Republic and decided to search the car. I saw his uniform, ID card and other military accoutrements

a big rifle because of heavy presence of policemen. They told me that rifles were sold for N500,000 and loaded magazines were sold for N250,000. Garuba said he was going to pay us N500,000. He said he would smuggle the rifles into Nigeria for us; that we should just go back to Nigeria and get him a Toyota Hilux. I told him that Hilux was difficult to steal because they were mainly used by security operatives.”

Cyprian continued: “Dan Sokoto asked me to go; he said he would call me the following day, to meet him at Abuja Junction.

He said I should come with Ebere whose bus we used for operations. When he arrived, he called me. I called Ebere who told me he was at the mountain praying.

He asked us to come to the mountain.

When we got there, we hid the rifles under the seat of his bus. The next day Ebere taught me how to operate the rifle. Ebere later broke out of our gang to form his own group.”

Recollecting how he killed Inusa, Cyprian said: “It was a Saturday evening.

We saw a Mercedes Benz Jeep. We followed the vehicle to Kamazo area, down to a house. When the driver stopped to open the gate, we went after it. We discovered that the driver was a woman. A was with her. I suspected that the man was the owner of the vehicle. I ordered him into our own car. I asked Chijioke to move the Mercedes to Dan Sokoto, while Kabiru drove our own car.”

Cyprian said he tried to reassure Inusa that it was only his car, the gang was interested in. He told Inusa they wouldn’t kill him. But before he knew what was happening, Inusa jumped on him.

He said: “I told him that he was a ‘big guy’ and could always buy another vehicle. He asked for water, but when I was about giving him the water, he jumped at me while I was with the gun. I was shocked. He gave me a head-butt. He beat the hell out of me. But I held tightly to the rifle. We rolled on the ground. I don’t know what he touched, but the trigger of the gun refused to fire but I later shot him.

We sold his car for N900.000.”

He said they later heard the news of Inusa’s death almost in all the papers.

Apparently scared, Chijioke told Cyprian

that he wanted to quit. They however decided to go for one last operation.

In the last operation, they stole an Avalon Jeep. But they couldnn’t contact Sokoto sell the jeep. He appeared to have disappeared. Chijioke had to take the car to Niger Republic. It was there that Garuba told him that Sokoto had been arrested by policemen at Birnin Kebbi over a N250m case.

Cyprian said: “Chijioke relocated to Enugu, while I stayed back in Kaduna, watching as things unfolded. Kabiru went and joined Ebere. Not long after that, they were both arrested by SIB in Kaduna. I was in my sister’s house, sleeping, when police came into our house very early in the morning and asked for Emeka. I told them I was Emeka. They asked why I killed Colonel Inusa, I promised to tell them everything at the station. I assisted police in luring Chijioke back to Kaduna, where he was arrested.”

Chijioke, 44, a graduate Economics, Enugu State University, said that poverty pushed him into crime. He explained that after his graduation, he couldn’t get a job. He even tried marketing for an insurance company, but it didn’t work out. He later went into teaching and was earning N5000 as a graduate.

He later decided to become a commercial motorbike rider. It was in that process he met his old school mate.

Chijioke said: “He was earning more money than me as a truck driver. I joined him as a conductor and I started making little money. It was through the job I started meeting criminals. I met Emeka, through one Alhaji in Onitsha. They wanted to sell a trailer load of rice which they hijacked. I linked them to a buyer who paid N1. 5m for the goods. I was given N80,000. That was how I joined the gang.

After we kidnapped the Colonel, I was taking his car to Niger Republic and decided to search the car. I saw his uniform, ID card and other military accoutrements.

I called Emeka and told him not to kill the man. But he told that the man was already dead. He said it was as if it was his destiny to kill the man. He said the man was stubborn and almost killed him. After that operation, I left Kaduna and went to Enugu State. I went to fix my truck. I wanted to start driving again. But I was arrested. I’ve always known we would be arrested because we were not supposed to kill anyone.”

Suspects

12 10

News News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

NDA threat: Governors resort to prayers, appeals Igbeaku Oji, Dominic Adewole, Uchenna Inya and Steve Uzoechi

S

outh East and South South governors who were recently given an ultimatum

by Niger Delta Avengers to release Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and MASSOB members detained in those states or face grave consequences, have resorted to prayers and appeals to avert potential danger.

The governors are Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Willie Obiano of Anambra and Rochas Okorocha of Imo. Others are Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

In his reaction to the threat, Governor Okowa has apparently put his fate in the hands of God. The governor, who expressed confidence in the ability of God to take care of any situation, has employed the services of the South-South branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in conjunction with the state chapter of the Christian body to engage in fasting and prayers.

Okowa, represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Tiereri Avwomakpa, in Warri, at a special prayer session for God's intervention in the Niger Delta crisis, said his boss had resorted to

Adeolu Adeyemo, Osogbo and Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

T

he younger brother to Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Oyeniyi Akande, who was arrested and detained last Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged diversion of N.3billion funds of the Osun State College of Education (OSSCE), Ila-Orangun, has been released on bail.

Akande, who is the part-time Chairman of the college, according to Saturday Telegraph investigations, was in the antigraft agency’s custody and quizzed for three days over alleged illegal diversion of the N.3 billion public funds approved for the construction of Amphitheatre (Lecture Theatre) and other valuable projects of the institution.

Sources told our reporters that Akande had “offered clues” to the commission on the diversion of the money.

It will be recalled that a group, the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State

prayers for guidance and protection.

Avwomakpa said: “There is nothing that is impossible before God and through His Holy Book -the bible, He made us know that whatever good thing we ask of Him, He will grant us. I thank CAN for its concern for the situation of things in our country, we need to pray because our God does not sleep, our God hears prayers and we know that with prayers, He can change positively beyond our imagination the current situation of things in the region and our country.”

“Christians are known for their peaceful disposition to issues, it is good that we apply peaceful means in whatever we do to enable us achieve success, we should always give room for dialogue and avoid destruction of things that keep us as one.

Now they are threatening to attack government parastatals and elected officers, I believe in the efficacy of prayers, when we call on our God, He will answer us. So let us pray for the state and our Governor.”

On his part, Ebonyi State Governor, Umahi, urged the Avengers to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

He also said that the threat to attack some governors will not be the solution to their agitation.

The Governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Anya told the Avengers to go into dialogue. He noted

that dialogue remained the best way to resolving the problem. ‘’The Avengers should go into negotiation with the Federal Government because it is the best way to resolve any problem. ‘’I am calling on them to lay down their arms and embrace peace and dialogue; they should cease fire because every problem has a solution. ‘’Here in Ebonyi State, no any Biafra agitator is held either in police detention or prisons. No any single Biafra member is under detention in the state as to warrant threat of attack on

the governor’s convoy. So, that threat is uncalled for and barbaric,’’ he said.

But Ikpeazu of Abia State does not appear bothered by the threat.

Since the threat last week, government has continued with its business unperturbed. No official response has been heard from the government either in its official functions or informally. However officials of government who have responded to the threat described it as a security issue.

Former media aide to the Governor, Mr Ugochukwu Emezue, said in newspaper review segment of a

radio station programme in Umuahia that the threat was uncalled for since the government never ordered the arrests of anyone.

Also, fielding questions from journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, Abia State commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Bonnie Iwuoha, said it was a security issue. “It is a security issue, so I am not going to say anything about it. It’s the security council that will handle that,” he said.

MASSOB/BIM had alleged that ten of its members were whisked away by the police during the Remembrance Day rally held in Umuahia on May 29.

Although the threat may not have gone unnoticed in Imo state, there is

hardly any sign to suggest that Governor Okorocha is disturbed.

Though security around the government house area seemed to have been beefed up as the usual checking of visitors had been replaced with a more thorough search of visitors, especially unknown faces to the government house.

Efforts to get a comment from the Imo state Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Ibe, proved abortive as he refused to take his calls.

A text message to his mobile phone was also not replied.

Meanwhile, the governor has left the state for a trip outside the region which is expected to culminate in an overseas trip.

His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (left) and Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Bishop Peter Adetoyin, during the 80th birthday and 50th priestly ordination of the cleric, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

EFCC arrests, releases Bisi Akande’s brother over N.3bn fraud (CSCEOS) had earlier forwarded a petition letter to the Acting Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magun over the subject matter.

The petition letter dated March 21, 2016 and signed

by Mr. Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, urged the commission to get to the root of the

matter through investigations.

Other names mentioned in connection with the diversion were the college’s Registrar, Mr. Aderiola Adeoti; former Bursar (now Bursar College of Education, Ilesa), Mr. Akin Latilo; the college’s former acting Provost, Dr. Basiru

Gbadamosi and a member of the Governing Council, Mr. David Olayinka Olojede.

Also to be quizzed according to the letter were Mr. Oyegbade Reuben Abayo, Mr. Amobi Yinusa Akinlola, Mr. Ayoola Peter Olajiola, Mr. Moses Oyewole Otitoola, Mr.

Kujeunbola Oluwafemi, Dr. Omotosho Adeleke and Dr. Adeleke Sulaiman Ajala.

A reliable source from the Ibadan Zonal Office of the EFCC, revealed that the College Provost, Professor Isaac Oyewole, led the college team to the EFCC office on Monday

and Wednesday this week before Akande was detained for further investigation into the alleged fraud.

It was also learnt that the agency had concluded arrangement to invite the remaining culprits in the saga by next week for further interrogation.

NBA presidency: Northern lawyers refute Gadzama’s adoption

A

Foluso Ogunmodede head of the July national election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), lawyers of northern extraction, at the weekend dissociated themselves from an alleged adoption of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) as the zone’s presidential

candidate.

The lawyers, who rose from an emergency meeting in Kaduna, said the alleged adoption was a ruse as the mastermind had no authority to so do on behalf of the zone.

The lawyers, in a communiqué signed by four chairmen of the Maiduguri, Katsina, Kaduna and Lokoja

branches of the association, Baba Kura Kaka, Abubakar Mohammed, Limon Salihu and Serrif Ndasule, said although their preferred candidate was Mr. A.B. Mahmoud (SAN), none of the two candidates had been adopted by the northern lawyers.

The communique reads: “Chairman, Secretaries,

NBA National Executive Committee representatives, former chairmen and secretaries as well as leaders of the 25 northern branches of the Nigerian Bar Association met on June 14 at the Conference Hall, African Continental Hotel, Nagogo Road, Kaduna State, to review developments relating to the forthcoming elections

of the NBA slated for July.

“Attendees at the said meeting also reviewed developments in the Arewa Lawyers Forum and decried the negative role played and being played by some supporters of Gadzama in frustrating Arewa Lawyers Forum from adopting a consensus presidential candidate for the North."

Adekanye appointed Pro-Chancellor of Chrisland varsity

E

meritus Prof. J. ‘Bayo Adekanye has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council for the newly established Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The appointment was sequel to an initial letter of invitation and call to service sent by Chief W. A. Awosika, Chancellor/Chairman,

Board of Trustees (BoT), Chrisland University, and Emeritus Professor Adekanye’s positive response to her invitation.

The choice which resulted from a head hunt was based on Adekanye’s many years of outstanding performance, experience in both private and public universities, and exposure at national and international levels.

The Chancellor/Chairman BoT is convinced that his pedigree will be a great value to university.

Adekanye earned his initial B.Sc. honours degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, in 1967 and the subsequent Master’s and PhD from Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, 1971 and 1976 respectively.

He is a well-established and respected Nigerian scholar and Professor of Political Science, with considerable international reputation and stature.

He was for over thirty years a tenured staff of the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, from which he retired in late September 2006.

WeekendBliss

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

13

N O P U E S O CL BUSON-AKANDE DAKORE EG

I HID TATTOO ON MY WAIST BECAUSE OF PRYING EYES

Actress, Dakore Akande nee Egbuson’s career lull is over. The elegant thespian is back on the grind with a fresh spark. Her career hiatus was occasioned by her marriage to Olumide, son of billionaire businessman, Harry Akande. She speaks with LANRE ODUKOYA about her grand return to acting, family, and other issues.

You seem to like tea so much...

Oh, yes! I drink green tea every day. It’s the best. It cleanses your system and it’s an antioxidant. I’m a tea drinker, I love it more than coffee. I do herbal tea sometimes like peppermint for digestion. I exercise and I do a lot of health stuffs and I take multivitamin supplements. I want to stay young in physique and at heart.

Little wonder you still look this young…

Yes, that was the plan. I never wanted to look like somebody’s mother yet.

And it doesn’t bother you when much younger guys make passes at you?

‘Them no dey toast me o. Them dey mad?’

They know this is not a girl. There is a way you’d see a woman that’s slim, trim, fair and fine but you’d also realise this woman isn’t my mate. They know, so they don’t come near me. Yes, we could say ‘hi’ from a distance and that’s as far as it goes.

What about the older men?

They’re not that bold. They know I’m married. Look at these rings (she thrust forward her finger) and you’d know they’re big enough.

There’s no way you’d just want to do that. After seeing the rings there’s no way you wouldn’t lose the courage even if you’d mustered it before. They just feel, ‘I can’t compete with that’ which is great. Kudos to Mr. Akande!

Instyle

Stand bold and chic in shorts © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

p.15

I think you’ve got a tattoo, why did you hide it? Is it actually for him alone?

Well, I don’t like to be obvious about it.

How many are they?

No, it’s just one and it’s about seven years old now. I’ve had it for a while. It’s a symbol, like a Ghanaian hieroglyphics and it means ‘I represent the majesty and supremacy of the Lord’. So, if I was going to have a tattoo it had to be something profound.

Is it permanent or temporary?

It’s permanent. I’m an African, fiercely one.

I always feel calm whenever I’m in Ghana, so I go there often because I also have a huge fan base out there. So, I go there to relax. It was on one of my trips there that I came across the symbol. It was very interesting. It’s not Nigerian though, it’s Ghanaian’s and Ghana is just 45 minutes away.

Why did you decide to hide the tattoo around your waist?

I just didn’t want it to be anywhere in public view so that if I’m wearing clothes I don’t have to cover it, since it’s in a nicely covered place. I like to be discreet. continued on page 14

The Arts

Hospitality

TV & Radio

p.37

p.41

p.36

Abass, Idahor, Oghobase hold exhibition in Lagos

Westown Hotels: Entices with bumper Ramadan offerings

Oil extraction: Irresponsible control system

14

Close Up

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

'I now mind my roles because of my daughters'

bored and I’m going to London’. So, I miss that because now I have to plan for my family. I must be certain everything is in place. Previously I could decide on the spot if I’m taking a script or not, but now I have to consider my kids. Is the movie such that I’m comfortable with my children watching? I now have more filters. When I was younger I could take perhaps any role I liked but now I must be discerning because my kids are going to watch. I don’t want to embarrass my family with the roles I take. That’s not to say that I’ve always taken embarrassing roles because I’ve been very lucky. Even when I take controversial roles, I did with a lot of poise and class. It wasn’t tacky at all.

Dakore and family c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 3

I thought the whole idea of tattoo is for people to see and admire…

No, it depends on why you have a tattoo. I was not doing it because I wanted it to be seen or get admirers. By God’s special grace I got many and I’m not looking for extra. I really just wanted something close to me and close to my faith as a child of God. You wore dreadlocks for years and created a personality you wanted to be identified with…

I think from the time I started having dreadlocks people started noticing that this is somebody who is very conscious.

When I found my consciousness, I just tried to read more, asked questions and was interested in other faiths and religions. I tried more to understand people better with their faiths as well, and it brought me to where I am right now. I want to continue to grow; I don’t want to ever stay stagnant with my faith in God and in humanity.

It was incredible to see you shave your lovely dreadlocks I understand but I was bored. I carried it for 13 years and you know for a woman, we love to change our hair, we like to be adventurous and I coloured it, cut it short, grew it really long and did everything with it until there was nothing else to do and I just got bored. But I still have them. I kept them in a box; so, sometimes I still look at them in the box.

Many people missed the regularity of your face on movie jackets; was marriage responsible for that long hiatus?

Of course not! I’m a bit offended that this old question is still being asked even when I’m working and got nomination for Best Actress at AMAA for my role in the movie entitled ‘50’. You know progression is important. I can’t keep on doing things at the same level. I need to progress, so I must leave the field for the younger ones.

I cannot be hustling now the way I used to hustle 10 years ago. The up and coming ones should be given the space to do that. You hustle smart and not hard. I’ve moved from the Asaba movies, though it trained and made me. I’m doing more cinema works and you know that kind of work is not as regular and on the faces people as the other one. I’ve also been very picky about my works and what I lend my

name and energy to. It just can’t be like before when I was in all the films.

How did you get the role in the movie, ‘50’?

I auditioned. I had a screen test.

I thought you were handpicked…

Everyone had to go in and read. The director was there and Lady Mo, Tope and Biyi Bamidele were there. And I had to perform, so it wasn’t that the offer fell on my lap. I worked and studied for it. They gave me a few sides and I was able to work on them. They even gave me a coach, Ifeoma Fafunwa, who coached me. I’m not at a point in my career where I feel I know everything. And it’s nice when you feel hungry for knowledge again. And I really wanted to play ‘Tola’, I’m glad it finally came and the film has been a huge success.

It’s a great validation that one can do this.

Has there been any character you’d taken away from one movie set to another or even back home?

No, that’s part of why I don’t work all the time because I believe as an actor, you’re embodying another character. So, the same way it takes time to embody that character, it takes time to wean yourself of that character. And if you do jobs back to back, then you’d have a backlog of all these characters. And you’d start having psychological issues because if you take it seriously, the way I do, you’d need a break. After ‘50’ I didn’t work for almost six months and I’m glad to be in this position that I can afford to give myself that break because struggling actors don’t really have that option. Sometimes you play some really horrible characters and you want to really make sure you get it out of your system because it can really interfere.

When was the last time you did any film before ‘50’?

‘50’ was like my seventh film after the hiatus. I did ‘Journey to Self’ which was my first comeback film in 2012. Then I did ‘Unconditional’ with Uche Jombo and after that I did a short film called

‘Paired’ and it only showed online. So, I’ve been working steadily. I did ‘After the I Dos’ which was an MNET movie that came out as one of the Africa Magic original films. I went onset for ‘Hear Word’ afterwards. I started working on stage, I did that for two seasons. I was doing all that to hone my skill. All those steps gave me a leap on my talent so that by the time ‘50’ came along, I was fully prepared. Mo Abudu is somebody I respect so much and somehow she always wants me in her project. It was actually Tope Oshin, the producer that called me for ‘50’. She just said, “Dakore, there’s this movie we’re doing but you have to read for it. Hope you don’t mind doing to read for it.” And I said, ‘what? Are you kidding me?’ I would read for anything.

And the rest is history.

Have all these engagements interfered in motherhood for you?

Well, it really did. And at other times I was away from work because I didn’t want to be pregnant and be working at the same time. I was pregnant with my second child in ‘Unconditional’ and nobody knew. It was three months project, but after that, I said no more movies.

Did you actually enjoy motherhood?

I did and it was amazing and hard at the same time. I haven’t slept properly since then because I was 33 when I had my first child and it slowed me down whereas I used to be very swift and bubbly. I’m so happy that I have both of them by and large. They keep me young and that’s why people tell me you look 18. I run and play around with them and it keeps me in touch with that childish part of me. They’re amazing and are the best. My daughter just graduated from a nursery school yesterday (June 10). I saw her and was like, look at my baby. She’s four. She’s so smart.

I’m glad to be in this position that I can afford to give myself that break because struggling actors don’t really have that option

When are you returning into the labour room?

For now, I’m fine with my two kids. It’s not easy.

What do you miss from your yesterday?

I miss waking up and just travelling anywhere I want to. I loved to travel so much.

I could just wake up one morning and say, you know what? ‘I’m

What was growing up like for you?

When I was growing up, because I’m the first child, my mother was on my case because I had three brothers and a sister behind me. She taught me to be polite, to learn to respect and all that.

And it was all overwhelming on me, but I thank God for all she taught me now. Now those teachings had carried me through my career, you’d never hear ‘oh she’s rude’, that upbringing is so important but unfortunately it’s lacking in some of our youths today. They feel like the world owes them something. I was never raised that way. So, maybe at a time I hated my mum for shouting at me and say I should not go out , but I’m glad today that she did that because I wasn’t on the streets as it were. Even when I was in the university, I was able to handle myself. My family pedigree was also there to protect. Nobody likes to hear the truth but I’m glad that I did.

You were raised in a conservative home and you’re married to another one. Don’t you desire some spice to your life?

I’ve got spice to my life, trust me.

I love music and I love to dance. The times that I need to have fun, I have.

Like if I’m in a concert and feel like dancing, I won’t pose, I would scream and dance. And some people would say ‘but she’s a star’, I don’t care. I do photo shoots and I enjoy them. I create my fun anywhere I go because I like people around me to be happy.

How do you feel about the AMAA nomination?

It’s amazing. Where I come from AMAA means woman and this is my second nomination. My first nomination was for the movie, Caught in The Middle, where I played the lead role with Richard Mofe Damijo in 2008, but I didn’t win. That movie was a classic.

To be nominated after coming back to the industry is a great validation and I really hope I win. But even if I don’t, I’m just grateful that they’ve acknowledged that Dakore is back.

Will you ever return with your dreadlocks?

Yes, I’m going to return to growing and rocking my ‘locks’. I’m someday going to be one of those old women with ‘locks’. I admire those old women with gray ‘locks’ and I just say, I’m coming for you.

Your wedding anniversaries have been quiet and it seems you never celebrated…

I just don’t want to be putting our stuffs out like that. Marriages nowadays, my mother always say, ‘cover your yam and how you’re eating it’.

Like on his birthday, I just do maybe some posts on Instagram but we like to celebrate anniversaries in-house with the kids. We’ve been together for 10 years but married for six years.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Stand bold and chic in shorts Deborah Ocheni

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t times the mood calls for relaxed and casual, in others bold and adventurous; whatever the calling mixing, matching and layering on your favourite styles are fundamental in street style decorum.

Street fashion is a type that is personal; it is something that displays one's personality. It is highly trendy and cool. It can just be your own

clothes that you have either customised or demolished (if you so wish).

They are worn to display personality.

The key to rocking this streetinspired apparel is to always be yourself by keeping aside all style etiquette you can think of and introduce your personal style such as rocking oversized apparel and mixing colours in different hues.

So many pretentious street style wannabes that throw on the most

TIPS zz Do you consider your style glamorous, preppy or eccentric? Street style fashion gives you the opportunity to creatively bring in each of these features. zz Take a good look at your closet and mix match depending on your mood. It’s always a good idea to mix up options when you are feeling in the moment. zz Wear what you most feel comfortable in. Just because everyone is wearing it doesn’t mean you have to. It’s important to choose your style accordingly, you can’t be confident if you are feeling uncomfortable. Know your body and stick to what makes you comfortable. zz Be yourself. This is perhaps the most important of all street style tips and the grand rule for life in general. zz Leaving oversized jacket unbuttoned is the most common street style; you can add an unexpected clash of accessories and incorporate floral and snakeskin, but keep your outfit base classic.

outrageous frocks just to attract attention. If you are dressing up as a way of attracting attention rather than an expression of your style, then you really aren’t the standard street style goddess you think you are.

Street style is certainly an inspiring aspect of fashion; not only for the women who do it best straight-up amazingly stylish, but they also have a thing or two to teach about the process of putting together a killer look.

Instyle

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Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

ACCESSORIES TO LIVE FOR

Fringe bags, reviving fun boho vibes Deborah Ocheni

T

he boho look, which owed much to the hippie styles that developed in the middle to late 1960s is back and better.

Fringing has proven to be particularly popular on the streets and it appears to be enjoying a bit of resurgence this year. Its popularity is not entirely surprising because fringing injects drama and flintiness to any look.

Fringing has been spot-

ted in all shapes and forms from the classic boho inspired leather and suede jackets to the flapper-inspired dresses complete with fringe hems.

This trend can actually be tricky to pull off, and there is a fine-line between looking stylish and costumey. The safest way to incorporate this trend into your style is by accessorising; accessories are a more conservative way to wear this trend without sacrificing your level of comfort.

Fringe can look amaz-

TIPS Choosing pieces in a similar colour palette to your fringe bag gives your outfit continuity and keeps your look fresh.

While you’ve probably seen a lot of fringe in fashion magazines, you need to be careful about how you add it into your wardrobe.

The key to wearing fringe this fall is simple: less is more.

Keep fringe minimal, wear one fringe piece at a time.

Limit the number of fringed pieces in your look. Just go for one fab statement bag and keep other accessories in clean line.

Choose items that have fringe added as an unexpected touch like an evening clutch in a boxy shape with fringe on the front.

ing, stylish and super cool or look out-of-place and kind of tacky. If you want to go the stylish route with fringe, there are so many different things you can do to make it look amazing. The best way to make sure fringe stays away from costume territory is pairing it with streamlined, modern pieces. When clean and solid outfits are contrasted with fringe bag, the look suddenly becomes fashionable, making it a very fashion-forward ensemble.

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

MY STYLE What is your personal style sense?

I like charming decent wears. I don’t like wearing clothes that are too revealing although as a business woman, I deal on all kinds of wears. However, I advise my friends to be decent too. I love charming outfits that are capable of stealing attention.

What kind of outfits take up most space in your wardrobe?

I think what you will find mostly in my wardrobe are dresses; I am obsessed with charming dresses.

Is there any fashion accessory you don’t fancy that much?

I am not a bag person, I don’t really like bags?

Which fashion accessories appeal to you most?

I love earrings and gold neck piece.

What kind of shoes holds special appeal for you?

I wear any kind of shoes; I don’t limit myself when it comes to shoes.

Is there anything you will never be caught wearing?

Anything too revealing What determines the kind of outfits you wear?

My mood is the major thing that determines what I wear. I

I am not a bag person –Nwauba Ogechi Francisca Nwauba is the CEO of Oge’s Clothing; she speaks about her fashion philosophy, fashion design that will be on the fall in third quarter of 2016 and more in this interview with DEBORAH OCHENI. dress casual if I so wish and I can go all formal too depending on my mood.

While shopping which fashion item catches your fancy fast?

Dresses and skirts What is your idea of colour combination?

When it comes to colours, there is no limit for me. I like pop of colours, blue and yellow always come handy when I think of colours.

Who is your best designer?

Channel because their collections are of high quality.

Which celebrity’s fashion sense do you admire most?

Genevieve Nnaji’s. Her style is classy What informed your decision of going

into the business?

I have always loved fashion right from when I was in school; the decision of going into fashion was informed by the love I have for it right from my tender age. I started the business as a student and to the glory of God, it is now bigger and better.

How will you describe the experience so far?

It is nice and exciting; it has been going on well but because of the economic situation in the country things seem to be on a standstill. But we hope it gets better someday.

What are the challenges in the business?

The major challenge is that some customers buy goods on credit and paying the money in most cases is difficult.

Beauty Irresistible curve nails

Deborah Ocheni

D

Tips Curve nails can be worn in long length or easily clipped down to the desired length of choice.

It comes in sleek and slender size which is perfect for those that have more slender fingers and smaller nail plates.

Depending on the statement you want to make, deep curved nails are daring and elegant.

It is more dramatic when decorated with crystal stone.

Opt for subtle nail polish colour for a more professional look.

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isplaying that gorgeous cocktail ring without well-shaped and polished nails is like winking in the dark, you will go unnoticed and that will bring you down from your style game.

Deep curve nails is a better choice for people with a pronounced curve from side to side as average tips will not fit tightly in the nail grooves because there is a tendency to select a tip too narrow for the nail with pronounced curves.

With the wide variety of nail tips available and new ones entering the market all the time, how do nail lovers navigate the sea of options? Many tip features are simply a matter of preference. Long or short, tapered or straight, coloured or clear, pre-painted or guidelined, the choice is largely yours but when selecting a tip to fit individual nail, always remember to consider your natural nail shape and make your selection accordingly.

Naturally coloured tip works best with most nails but who says you cannot go a step further by opting for deep C curve; these nail tips are ideal for creating an over-the-top and brash look that any fashionable person will love. They have an extreme curve that creates an extreme and dramatic loo

Which design do you think will be on the fall in the third quarter of 2016?

Crop top is something that has gained so much prominence in the fashion world, and I don’t see it going anywhere soon. It looks smart and classy.

Nwauba

What is your advice to up and coming entrepreneur?

They should take their time and study which ever business they want to go into and pray well before venturing into it otherwise it will crumble.

Facts

It was Mark Twain who actually invented and patented the bra-strap clasp.

Actress Julie Newmar, who starred as the original Catwoman, actually holds the patent for “pantyhose with shaping band for cheeky derriere relief” a forerunner to Spanx. She was granted the patent in 1975.

Platform shoes are nothing new, they were popular across Europe and Asia since the 16th century; platform shoes offered a platform of anywhere from 6 to 24 inches and they were the predecessors to the modern-day high heel.

Greek prostitutes had sayings etched into the bottoms of their shoes like “follow me” that would show up in the sand to attract customers.

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Interiors

Girly kitchen dĂŠcor:

g n i r u l l a y l p Sim

T

Deborah Ocheni

he kitchen is an important room in the family where we carry out culinary activities. It is the space where we prepare meals and so there is need to bring in more vibes to liven up the cooking space.

Cooking may get so boring if kitchen interiors is dull or dirty; no matter how small the cooking space may look, there are lots of interiors you can introduce that will make it look bright and big.

The look of your kitchen may go a long way in affecting the quality of what you cook at times and that is why some people will do anything within their reach to give their kitchen a facelift.

Painting your kitchen in pink or white colours and matching kitchen accessories will instantly convert it to an exciting one. Cooking gets exciting with exciting girly kitchen interiors.

You can easily transform your kitchen to a dazzling one by making it up with pop of pink and white colours for a girly and alluring appeal in your cooking space.

Another important thing in the kitchen is cupboards; they are immensely important within the kitchen as they help to get the kitchen tidy and organised

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Baby Fresh

I share similarities with Don Jazzy

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ShowBiz

OJB Jezreel's Death:

The True Story

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Seun Kuti: Why I don’t play in Nigeria When the name Kuti comes up, what quickly comes to mind is the late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

But his son, Seun, remains one of his enduring legacies. In this encounter with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, he speaks of marriage, his fourth album, among others issues What are the new projects you working on?

I am working on my fourth album at the moment and people should expect the best. The band and I are in the middle of fine-tuning the tunes. It is the next big project and we are about to get into the studio. I am looking forward to it, other things come after the album.

It seems you don’t criticise the government anymore?

People are even saying I am too critical of this new government. The truth is that I am too critical because I feel that it is right for young people to participate and talk about the things that concern them. I am not resting, this is even the time to talk more.

Why do you prefer to perform abroad to Nigeria?

That is not the case. When I am touring, I go with a 20-man team and I cannot travel for just one or two shows. I have to go for 20 or 30 shows so that my band members and I can make more money and everyone will be happy. My shows are always booked in advance. Most times, when people want me to do a show in Nigeria, I am already fixed abroad. But most people think I don’t want to take their jobs or I am being selective. If I have my way, I would like to take all shows that come my way because it means more money for me. Since there are always other commitments, I am helpless. But when the opportunity to perform in Nigeria comes, I take it. When the Commissioner of Culture in Lagos, Folarin-Coker did the Lagos end of the year festival, we did three nights. I even opted out from better shows in South Africa because I wasn’t really committed to the show yet. The truth is I would rather play in Lagos because it is more convenient and it saves me the stress of travelling or moving around.

What do you see as the most embarrassing moment of your life?

The most embarrassing moment happened when I was nine years old. I used to open the show for my father and I used to sing before he came on stage. We were in Cincinnati in the US and Fela was about to come on stage, and I had gone somewhere. I was playing archaic, so I forgot about the show. I got carried away.

When it was five minutes to go, I rushed back to the stage and I dressed up quickly. My sister helped me with my pants, but I didn’t know she didn’t tie it well. I was wearing the traditional pants that required to be tied. As soon as I got on stage, my pants just came down.

What is it like heading Fela’s ‘Egypt 80’ band?

I am working with a very experienced band. It’s not as if they are novices, and they have helped me as well. The veterans in the band have made it a tradition to train the young ones and let them get acquainted to the music. We are large in number, which makes it quite expensive to manage.

But in terms of organisation and discipline, we are good.

Seun Kuti

Afrobeat is not just music, but a movement and the message is the big part of the movement. A lot of young artistes in Nigeria are saying they were inspired by Fela, but the only part of Fela that inspired them was the fame, which he was able to achieve through his music. They don’t understand the man himself. For you to be a thorough fan of Fela, you have to understand his message. It’s not about champagne and exotic cars because only a few Africans can afford this lifestyle.

Could you share with us the achievements since you took over the band?

I can’t stop praising my late dad for all the things he did. I’ve realised that Fela was the only artiste in the world playing Afro beat and he also had a lot of detractors.

Fela was a great band leader and great musician. Since I’ve been on board, the band has also done greatly and all the band members’ fortunes have increased greatly. We have done theree albums and we are working on a new one. We have played in cities that my dad never visited. Fela never had the chance to reap the benefit of his hard work. Now, there are hundreds of bands all over the world that play Afro beat music. I don’t think what the band has achieved after Fela could be compared to when he was alive because Fela achieved a lot. Fela made his band a renowned institution of African music. What is important for the band now is to sustain the international standard that Fela was known for. We have moved ahead and the band had done great things.

Do you really spend quality time with your daughter?

My children would grow up in the environment they are used to. My daughter has to adapt to the situation of things, but I see her more than people think.

What has fatherhood changed about you?

I take less risks now.

I used to be the type that takes lots of risks. I love to do extreme things, but since my daughter came I have become more conscious.

When do you plan to get married?

For me, I don’t really believe in the institution of marriage. I have always said that. If I had wanted to get married, I would have done that a long time ago. Since my father died, I have been successful. Before I even got successful with the band, being the son of Fela alone was enough to get married and raise a family. Marriage has not been something I have ever thought of. Marriage is a piece of paper. People get married mostly for selfish reasons and the pressure of the society. Marriage is not as sacred as it used to be.

Does this mean you don’t plan to get married?

It is not always good to cancel out possibilities because they say “never say never”. But I don’t think I would get married.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Baby Fresh

I share similarities with Don Jazzy Sunday Enejere aka Baby Fresh seems to be another Don Jazzy in the making.

The producer of Tiwa Savage’s ‘My Darling’ and ‘Adaobi’ shares his journey so far with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS.

When did you join Mavin?

I joined a year before Mo’ Hits broke up. I was working with Cool FM when I met D’Prince and we became friends.

I worked on one of his songs and Jazzy liked it. The first day I met him we got along well, I feel we are very similar.

He is a songwriter, I am also; he is concerned about grooming talents and I have always been doing that too. So we became friends and brothers.

How would you describe working with him?

It has been an amazing journey of learning. When you learn, you just don’t learn about talents, you learn the business, the character and the right attitude to approach things. If you don’t have the necessary things in place, you might run into trouble with the business of music.

If you are involved in grooming people, you also have to be a patient person.

everyone saw my ability. But I did my BSc. and showed my mother the certificate. My mother wanted all her children to be professionals. I don’t blame our parents, it is the society. When they saw my determination, they later gave their blessings.

Don’t you feel working with Don Jazzy takes the shine off you?

Working with him assists my development. There was a time Jazzy was learning under JJC. He also learnt from a lot of people before he could stand alone. I would grow and become my own person too; that is what Jazzy wants for everyone.

When do you plan to stand alone?

As the spirit leads me. When it comes to this journey of life, you don’t pick the time. My life is in the hands of God; all an individual needs is to be patient. If you run faster than your shadow, you could crash along the way. In due time, everything will fall into Darling’ place.

What makes you unique?

It is my sound, it is I love ‘My fresh. Someone who has been able to do because it brought this is Drake and Could you tell us out the side of Tiwa his producer, Noah. some recent projects He started with hip you’ve worked on? that I love. hop, but he has a I did my ‘My Darling’ producer who loves

by Tiwa Savage, ‘Adto create a different aobi’, ‘Corner’ and sound. Over the others. I love ‘My Darling’ because it years, Drake has created a calm sound. brought out the side of Tiwa that I love.

He sings and people have no choice but She is a loving being who expresses muto listen to what he’s got to say. If you sic in different ways. I love the way she listen to my sound well, you will see that expressed herself in the song. it is a bit different even though I am still on the journey to perfect it.

I started music in the choir at the age What were the circumstances that led of 10. I have diverse abilities when it to the production of ‘My Darling’?

When we were working on the album, comes to music; I sing and I produce. I do everything basically. I am very simi- we thought of different ideas and we lar to Jazzy like I said. Have you seen the wanted the album to be diverse. When video of Jazzy performing while he was people listen to the album, we want little? People were even giving him. But them to have a taste of her life and person. Between Reekado, Tiwa and I, we today he is not really a singer. came out with the concept of ‘My Darling’.

How far did you go with your education?

I went to the University of Maiduguri What are the things you still wish to and I finished in 2006. I had a crew in achieve? the university too; we performed and Every day I wake up, I get inspired by entertained people. my boss, Don Jazzy, Dr SID, D’ Prince and Tiwa, because these are people who Are you satisfied with your growth? have worked hard for years. They built I am. I am growing and learning every brands and they inspired more people day. I feel like I am blessed. I am in the than they even know. I must say that it best family, it is a beautiful place to grow. is not easy to be successful in what you Look at all the people in this family and love to do. But if you persist and learn to their growth within a short time. It is a be focused, you would be successful. It beautiful place that God has created for is not easy to build a brand in music, but people to grow and develop. when you do, it brings you the wealth of success, happiness and all you want in life. Music is not just about singing or How did your parents feel about youhaving a good voice, it is about building decision to do music?

They had to come to accept it. When something that is appealing to people. I they started taking me to the church, am focused on the way Jazzy has been

able to build a brand.

What would you have pursued if you didn’t venture into music?

If there is no music, there is no life. But I am skilled in many things.

I used to work at Cool FM as an assistant head of production and I have a degree in zoology, a course former President Goodluck Jonathan studied.

My mother wanted me to study further and they made plans for me to go abroad.

I started as a medical student, but I felt it wouldn’t allow me to do music. If I had focused on medicine, I would probably have been a medical doctor. If I had wanted to go far academically, I would have done a lot. But I knew from childhood that I wanted to do music.

How did you handle your first heartbreak?

I don’t call it heartbreak. In life you have different kinds of relationships; some relationships work out while some don’t. The most important thing is that when you are leaving someone, make sure you do it in peace. You shouldn’t hold grudges and all those negative things. If someone disappoints you, it would heal with time. I urge people to move on with their lives and be at peace with everyone regardless of how things turn out.

Baby Fresh

Showbiz

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18 JUNE 2016

O u t &A b o u t

Cohbams

I am yet to conquer the music industry Outstanding producer, Cohbams Asuquo, was one of the artistes that graced the media parley of One Africa Music on Wednesday. He spoke with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS. had always dreamt of doing and I was just about 16 then. I continued afterwards, making music and meeting people.

I was introduced to Faze by his brother, who was my senior in secondary school (King’s College) and later I met Maintain’s manager in the studio. They took a chance on me and it began to happen from there.

Why did you decide to put your weight behind the One Africa Music initiative?

I decided to be part of this because I don’t know anyone doing music that will resist something as laudable and important in the history of our music as this. Everyone involved will want to lend their voices to this. This is like pioneering a movement, it is like opening the gate for the conversation between Africa and the rest of the world at the arts level. I am grateful to be part of this.

What are those things you still desire to achieve?

I don’t believe I have conquered the music industry.

Personally, I feel that my career just started. I have been making music as a producer, but I also have the ability to perform. No matter how much name I have made as a musician, there is still lot to do as a performing artiste. I am starting out literally, I think of myself sometimes as starting from the scratch as a performer. So I am giving it my sweat, blood and tears and I am really excited about it because I can see the result and responses of people. I don’t think I have conquered the music industry, I am just proud of an industry that has been very good to me. I am happy to be given more than I have given in the last 16 years or so. I am excited about how I am evolving in the industry.

Why have you been so passionate about the Bring Back Our Girls campaign?

I don’t have anyone who was directly involved and I don’t think we need to have someone before we speak out. I think this is one of our problems. As a people, we have that individualistic approach to a lot of things. That is why there we have a disconnect between the average man and the government. There is a discontent between the average man and the policy that we make.

These girls are real people, they are cousins, sisters, children and wives to be. They were taken away from their families without reasons. No matter how long it takes, it never diminishes the importance of this situation. The government needs to do something about the urgency of the situation. I think this is a conversation we should continue to have as a people and what better time to have the conversation than now that the world is watching. We have an opportunity to say things to the world, we need to tell the world that regardless of what happens, our girls are not forgotten. As a people, as Africans, we want them to be brought back.

Why did you decide to become a performer?

I have always had the ability to perform right from when I was little. It was possible I doubted my ability. I have found out that it is okay to do all the things you’ve been gifted to do. This is just me expressing one of the many gifts I feel God has blessed me with.

I have done music production and I have continued to produce at some level, though I have slowed things down on production. There are many other things I plan to do as we progress. We have many Nigerian producers out there who deserve opportunities as well.

Your new collaboration with Falz is quite different from what we know you for; are you now doing commercial songs?

It is not a question of Cohbams doing commercial music or anything else. For me, I make music that is relevant. Music is arts and I find expression in various means. To be able to collaborate with Falz is a personal joy. In order to get the message across, especially to his own audience, it is important to create music that is relevant. It must be relevant to the people we speak too. So it is not a question of whether I am going commercial or not. If the music is great, I would go for it. Do you like the music? I am all for great music as a producer and performer; I don’t discriminate.

Are you satisfied with your progression generally in showbiz?

I think it has been intriguing and interesting with its ups and downs.

I started out just doing this for fun but now it is paying my bills. From my early days with Faze and the group, Maintain, before they split up, these are some of the people that took the risk of having me work with them. I remember some key moments like the first time I actually sat down to make music at New Wave Production, the experience was simply amazing. Although I had been in the studio before, I found myself doing what I

Do you plan to feature in movies?

You guys should watch out; that is all I am going tell you.

Cohbams

How do you describe the institution of marriage?

One may never really know how beautiful it is until one gets into it. For me, it has been amazing and beautiful. It is such a rewarding experience, especially when one is married to the right person. I found strength, support, hope and the reason to be grateful for being married. I have a fantastic wife and I try as much as possible to be a fantastic husband to her too because she deserves the best and so much love for someone who gives as much as she does. The truth is that in marriage even if the other person doesn’t give as much, they still deserve to be loved because it’s a commitment to be kept for the rest of one’s life. It’s been good and made me more responsible. The stakes are certainly higher but I love it all the way.

21

One Africa Music Festival

One Africa Music FestivalBanky W, Tiwa Savage, Cobhams, Praiz attend press conference A media company, Upfront and Personal Global Entertainment Consultants (UPGMC), will be having her One Africa Music Fest on July 22 at the Brooklyn's Barclays Centre, United States of America.

A press conference was held on Wednesday for the upcoming event at Fuze Sports Bar and Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos. Celebrities included Praiz, Sound Sultan, Cobhams, Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Tunde Demuren, Dj Obi, Illrymz, Asa Asika, Bizzle, Ebuka Obi Uchendu and Andrea Giaccagalia.

For the event, artistes from different parts of Africa lined up are Wizkid, Davido, Cobhams, Praiz, Sound Sultan, Stone Bwoy, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Iyanya and many more.

AUC-AFRIMA to host stakeholder’s conference In its drive to build capacity for knowledge sharing among Africans and effectively communicate the calendar of AFRIMA 3.0, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) hold joint Stakeholders/Media Conference at the Conference Room 2, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 17.

The AUC-AFRIMA joint stakeholders/media conference is specifically to share this year's calendar and programs of the annual continental awards tagged "AFRIMA 3.0" with focus on July 30 deadline for this year's entry submission.

The conference will also touch on the adjudication process, nominees' announcement and public voting as part of 2016 calendar.

There will be discussions on how to engage the shared African values and the spirit of Pan-Africanism for greater collaborations in culture and music for sustainable development in line with the AU cultural agenda for peace building, integration, democracy, economic advancement and youth social development.

The conference brings together music professionals, creative/cultural industry experts and practitioners; award winning recording artistes, government officials, business and media practitioners in Ethiopia and neighbouring countries.

Benson Idonije at 80 Benson IdonijeFaj, Osagie Alonge, Chris Ihidero, Ayeni Adekunle, others to speak at conference as Burna Boy’s grandfather clocks 80 Respected broadcaster and music critic, Benson Idonije, will celebrate his 80th birthday with some big names in the music, media and creative industries on 19 June at the Freedom Park, Lagos.

The event, which has been put together as part of the NECLive mini -series, is the initiative of Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and Culture Advocates Caucus.

BHM Founder, Ayeni Adekunle, will be delivering the keynote address on the theme "Music Forward - Deconstructing. Reconstructing", with veteran music producer and A&R manager, Laolu Akintobi as chairman.

The conversation will also include a panel discussion featuring prominent personalities from the Nigerian creative industry, including Pulse’s Osagie Alonge, Molara Wood and Femi Akintunde-Johnson.

Benson Idonije, who was Fela’s first manager, said: "I'm grateful to be surrounded by amazing colleagues, friends and family as I enter a new year. The NECLive mini-series is a platform to help us adapt to the evolving music industry. It is important for us to collectively engage ourselves as stakeholders and more important as members of an evolving community, to bring about the desired industry structure. I'm grateful to CORA, Nigerian Entertainment Today and NECLive for this innovative platform."

22

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Social Media Craze

Trending

Gist

Photos Controversies

With Olushola Ricketts

Tonto Dikeh's boobs bigger than baby’s head

T

he queen of drama, Tonto Dikeh, Churchill, will never stop to amaze Instrgram addicts. Before we forget, her husband, Oladunni Churchill, surprised with a birthday party on June 10 as the actress turned 31. The party took place at the Ivory room, Abuja.

Speaking about her baby, Omodayo Churchill and her new body size, on Thursday, Tonto posted a picture of her playing on her husband’s leg. She didn’t stop at that. She shared with the picture: “ I use to think my baby gat a big head (no offense my world, you know I love your big head big time) until I started breastfeeding I knew what big was.”

This post surely attracted the attention of her followers. While it got 26, 000 likes, 1,350 people dropped comments.

Wizkid breaks silence over OJB

P

op star Wizkid who is currently on a tour with Chris Brown has shared a simple but touching message in memory of the late OJB Jezreel.

It is widely reported that OJB introduced and guided Wizkid’s music career. And

before now, many Nigerian entertainers, fans and critics struck by the singer’s death poured out various forms of condolences for the fallen hero but Wizkid was perhaps too busy or looking for the right words to say.

The Ojuelegba star has eventually found some time

to eulogize the man who is widely regarded as a pioneer of Nigerian music in many respects, as well as an instrumental figure in helping shape the career of many artistes. He wrote via Instagram on Wednesday: “Rip legend, mentor and hero.”

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Tonto Dikeh and husband

Cossy Orjiakor plays born-again W hen Controversial Nollywood actress Cossy Orjiakor shared a new photo on Instagram on Thursday, question were raised. She is known for her striking semi-nude images, but this new picture didn’t depict anything of such.

It was later observed that the picture was taken on the set of a movie. The actress was all dressed up

and was looking like a born again Christian going on evangelism.

She shared in the caption of the photo: “Rounded up.. The REFORMER...

Working for Mr Zeb Ejiro and having Mr. Keppy and Ms Bukky help me out with my expressions have opened up more acting opportunity now am shooting back-to-back….

Haha shooting right now

in festac. My face thou…

Evidence of partying all night without sleep….. Age me so fast.. It’s like a mirror.. Whatever I feel inside shows outside. ” Other artistes on the set with Cossy are Bukky Wright, Zeb Ejiro, and Keppy Bassey Ekpeyong.

The actress revealed that she has learnt many new things that have helped chart a new course in her acting career.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Freeze in love with Buhari

A

Cossy on a set with fellow actors

fter throwing shades at the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, popular Nigerian radio presenter Freeze has come out to publicly gush about his love for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Freeze took to his Instagram handle on Wednesday to post a picture of President Buhari saying, we should allow Buhari make Nigeria great again.

He posted that with the caption: “Nigerians have a history of voting people into office and not letting them work. I remember quite clearly the jubilation on the streets of Lagos, when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was voted into office in 2011, that joy however was short lived because in 2012, less than a year later he became one of the most insulted presidents ever, for the proposed

deregulation of petroleum products he wanted to carry out. Our lack of foresight prevented us from seeing that the proposed price we greatly opposed back then is the same price we warmly embraced recently. I remember with much clarity, the #OccupyNigeria some Nigerian celebrity clowns carried on their heads like gala, one of the noble intentions of which, was to remove the fuel subsidy, which was one of the biggest and most elaborate corruption schemes in Nigeria, that created a billion dollar cabal, swiftly draining the country’s financial and natural resource ‘blood’ like a cut to the jugular. Fast forward to the 15th of June 2016, president Buhari floats the Naira and instead of the expected jubilation, as it is a much anticipated move in the right direction, Nigerians are busy hounding him for a certificate...

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

23

Investigations

N E M O W S U S COWS VER

y r o t s The e v i s u l of exc eding e f t s a bre

Mother bonds with her child. photo: naij.com

A baby sucking her mother's breast photo: tribuneonline.ng.com

Exclusive breast-feeding has been recommended as the best method of feeding infants in the first six months of birth. But, findings by ISIOMA MADIKE, have shown signs of growth faltering in kids because women, introduce their babies to artificial milk, unknowingly deny the newborns colostrum, the first yellowish milk produced by the breast which contains vitamins, minerals and protein that provide substantial amount of antibodies

I

Isioma madike

Editor, INVESTIGATIONS isiomamadike69@gmail.com 08090896879 © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

t was Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, the late professor of paediatrics and the then minister of health, who launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in 1991. Expectations were high that the programme would succeed in Nigeria.

About 200 hospitals were to be designated baby-friendly by the end of 1993. But the target was not achieved.

By December 31, 1993, only nine hospitals had been so designated. In August 1994, more hospitals were added to the nine. The problem was lack of money. The federal ministry of health which is responsible for selecting hospitals for the programme did not provide money for it.

Only the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) gave money to the programme.

For instance, it paid for the training of medical personnel for the programme. In 1991/92, it gave four Toyota Land Cruiser Sport Utility Van and N100, 000 each to four teaching hospitals.

However, BFHI was a global programme worked out by the United Nations’ agencies to encourage women to breast-feed their babies. The women were taught the proper way to suckle a baby so that mothers do not have sore nipples and backache.

Once a hospital was designated babyfriendly, no nursing mother was allowed to bottle-feed a baby there. Free baby food donated by baby foods manufacturers and philanthropists were not welcomed in such hospitals either. And part of the problem of

Breast-feeding mother on beach photo:

the programme was women’s resistance to the idea of total breast-feeding.

James Grant, the then executive director of UNICEF, said during a visit to Nigeria at the time that only two per cent of Nigerian women breast-feed their babies. RansomeKuti had said at the launching of BFHI in 1991 that breast milk was all the food and drink a baby needs from birth to the age of six months.

The late professor said that even in a hot climate, breast milk is sufficient because it contains enough water for a baby.

Unfortunately, many women were not and still are not convinced that breast milk is continued on page 24

24

Investigations

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

'Breast-feeding leads to special

If government wants us to feed our babies for six months with only breast milk, it should make provisions for a six-month maternity leave

Baby feeds from a bottle photo: naijagists.com c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 2 3

sufficient on its own.

Some researchers and experts have, over the years, supported RansomeKuti’s stance on breast-feeding. For instance, the United States medical journal, The Lancet, of April 20, 1991, highlighted that “exclusively breast-feed infants do not need supplemental water” even in hot weather. The researchers warned that supplementing breast-feeding could cause diarrhoea, and reduce the calorie intake of an infant because the water reduces the quantity of breast milk the baby takes.

Also, a paediatrician and former special adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on health, Rafiu Isamotu, said that mothers do not need additional fluid to babies' breast milk. “Some nursing mothers believe that infants need water on top of the breast milk. This is not true.

Close to 80 per cent of content of breast milk is water. Although, some premature babies need to have some micro nutrients like phosphorus added to their feed for optimal head growth,” the Dublinbased medical practitioner, added.

However, what many women do not know is that every time they give their babies supplementary fluids, they expose them to danger. This is because some babies are allergic to certain components of artificial milk and their mother may not know.

“Some babies may have certain metabolic condition called Galactosaemia.

They have what we call lactose intolerance. There is an enzyme called lactase which helps in the digestion of lactose.

Such babies can develop gastroenteritis.

Accumulation of galactose-1-phosphate results in brain damage. Hence they need to get lactose and galactose free milk,” Isamotu said.

Studies have also shown that the rate of diarrhoea among infants fed that way is higher than among those given breast milk only. Because the supplementary fluids do not contain certain nutrients, the babies are not immune to many childhood diseases.

When women introduce their babies to artificial milk, according to a consultant family physician, Dr. Sodipo Oluwajimi, they may unknowingly deny the infant colostrum, the first yellowish milk produced by the breast which contains vitamins, minerals and protein. He said even a very small volume of colostrum will provide substantial amount of antibodies.

“Breast milk is composed of colostrum for the first few days. This colostrum is very rich in protein, phospho-

Malnourished child photo: www.pinterest.com

lipid, cholesterol and immunoglobulin.

Effective brain development requires good amount of protein. To be able to mount good defensive mechanism, we need immunoglobulin; hence colostrum in the first few days is beneficial to the babies,” Oluwajimi said.

Although many women agree that they find that breast milk is the best food for their infants, they still claim that they find breast-feeding frustrating. For instance, Toyin Osejindu, who currently nurses a set of twins, said she gave her first child exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months but could not do same for her babies as a result of her office demand.

“Unlike my first child, it was difficult to give the baby breast milk all alone during the period because of my work,” she said, adding, “this would also affect my set of twins who are just eight weeks old.”

Yet, Osejindu is beginning to see the good effect of exclusive breast-feeding on her six-year old boy. She said the boy performs better at school and has better intelligent quotient than his peers who were not breast-fed for so long.

“He hasn’t come second in class since he started school; he is usually the best in class,” she added.

A middle age woman, who identified herself simply as Bimbo, said that most mothers would like to comply but that such policy might be difficult to follow in the face of growing demands on the mothers to make meaningful economic contributions to their families. “It is a good thing that can help the child and the mother, but the nature of our nation’s economy does not allow the mothers do that.

“If government wants us to feed our

Sterilised feeding bottles photo: udderlyez.com

babies for six months with only breast milk, it should make provisions for a sixmonth maternity leave for the mothers so that they can have enough time for their babies,” she urged.

Another, who did not want her name in print, said mothers “need good atmosphere, good nutrition and right frame of mind to feed a baby for six months. A mother who does not feed well will find it difficult to feed a baby for such a period of time without complementary meals. Otherwise, mother and child would be unhealthy.”

Besides, a general observation and experience by Saturday Telegraph, showed that cultural practices such as the use of traditional herbal preparation such as ‘agbo’ and other liquids are still on the

increase. This is contrary to the exclusive breast-feeding regulation which does not allow other forms of complements, including water, in the first six months of life.

Some mothers however claim that high demand of babies for food, especially at night, often forces them to complement their feeding with other liquids apart from the breast milk. Nwabuno, an employee of one of the new generation bank on the Island, complained that her son was never satisfied. While a man, who refused to give his name, admitted to Saturday Telegraph that he had to encourage his wife to bottle-feed their daughter because she was not sucking enough breast milk.

Former national president of Nigerian

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Global Euro 2016: Wounded Belgium set to show grit against Ireland p.28

Sport Splash

My fiancee helps take away football pressure – Aluko

S

Emmanuel Tobi uper Eagles winger Sone Aluko said the pressure that comes from football is intense but is happy to have a fiancée who helps douse the stress.

The former Hull City player, in an interview with Saturday Telegraph, admitted being in love with a Nigerian woman, although he declined to reveal her identity. The player says the lady means so much to him.

“She separates my football world because the football world can be tough,” Aluko told our correspondent. “Everything is measured by winning or losing, promotions or relegations and things like that.

“I like the rest of my life to be pretty and constant, so with her, I have a separation from football where I can just relax, go out to eat and take a break.”

Aluko has not had more than seven international caps since he switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2009.

For a player of his quality, it is expected that he would have racked up far more appearances for the Super Eagles but inconsistency in the coaching personnel of the national team has limited his chances but he doesn't regret the fact that he picked Nigeria ahead of England.

“Definitely, I have never regretted it. It’s been tough getting a good run in the team but I’d always believed ultimately that I made the right decision.

Even If I never get to make another cap which I’d be ready to do, I still believe I made the right decision. If I think back, I’d still make the same decision,” he said.

The Nigeria Football Federation has said part of its target is to lure to the Super Eagles Europeborn youngsters who are of Nigerian descent. Aluko maintains relationship with some of them and he said it could be tough convincing the youngsters the environment is not attractive enough.

“Moses Odubajo and Chuba Akpom played with me at Hull City and they are keen on playing for Nigeria at international level. They always ask me what it's like to play for Nigeria, should they take the decision or still hold on?

“The fact that we have not qualified for the last two African Nations Cup competitions is making it not attractive for them to declare that they want to play for the country. But it is the responsibility of the NFF to make it attractive for these players to come,” he said.

FULL INTERVIEW ON PAGES 27 AND 32

The Team Ajibade Olusesan l Co-ordinator

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ko Aluko with O

cha

25

Feature Keshi/Amodu: Anxiety grips coaches over health issues p.31

26

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous

BY CHARLES OGUNDIYA

Kogi Utd coach wants quick response against Kaduna

NPFL LEAGUE TABLE P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1 Wikki

21

11

5

5

30

12

18

38

2 Rivers Utd

21

12

2

7

25

16

9

38

3 Rangers

21

10

5

6

29

24

5

35

4 Kano Pillars

21

9

6

6

28

20

8

33

5 Sunshine

21

8

8

5

28

21

7

32

6 Lobi Stars

21

9

4

8

23

19

4

31

7 Enyimba

20

9

4

7

21

19

2

31

8 MFM FC

20

8

6

6

22

20

2

30

9 Akwa Utd

21

8

5

8

26

24

2

29

10 Abia Warriors

20

7

8

5

21

19

2

29

11 El-Kanemi

21

9

1

11

24

25

-1

28

12 Tornadoes

20

9

1

10

23

25

-2

28

13 IfeanyiUbah

20

8

3

9

20

23

-3

27

14 Warri Wolves

21

7

6

8

17

21

-4

27

15 Nasarawa Utd

21

9

0

12

23

29

-6

27

16 Heartland

21

5

8

8

15

20

-5

23

17 Plateau Utd

21

5

8

8

19

26

-7

23

18 Shooting

21

7

2

12

22

34

-12

23

19 Ikorodu Utd

21

3

6

12

15

34

-19

15

20 Giwa FC

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

A

fter their elimination from the Federation Cup, Kogi United's coach, Ishaya Jatau, has made a clarion call to his players ahead of their Nigeria National League game against Kaduna United this weekend.

The coach advised the players not to dwell on the loss, but to use the defeat as a morale booster.

"We have moved on from that defeat and I want the players to make amends against Kaduna United on Saturday in front of our fans," he said.

"Victory is very important on Saturday so as to bridge the gap between us and the league leaders, Katsina United."

Shooting Stars will stay afloat – Ogunbote S

Wikki Tourists Nura Mohammed (right) vying for the ball with Heartland’s Ogbugh in a recent league game

Wikki in crucial battle against Kano Pillars

hooting Stars of Ibadan coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has said the team will escape relegation at the end of the season despite placing second to the last on the league table.

Ogunbote rejoined the team recently and declared to our correspondent that he had put it upon himself to lead the team away from the bottom.

“The 3-0 victory against Almar FC in the Federation Cup

T

he top of the bill clash in the Nige- of the season ria Professional Football League this when the weekend will be the Northern battle two sides between league leaders Wikki Tour- clash inside the Agege ist and four-time champion, Kano Pillars.

Wikki have been riding high this season, Stadium on while their opponents had experienced Sunday with IfeanyiUbah mixed fortune.

Kano Pillars’ coach, Baba Ganaru is taking on Rivers under serious pressure after winning one United in Nnewi to comgame in the last seven matches with their plete the weekend fixtures. last game in the Federation Cup ending in The game between Enydefeat against a Nigeria National League imba and Sunshine Stars side, Prime FC of Osogbo. has been postponed due to A victory for Wikki will extend their lead the champions' continenat the top of the table while defeat for Pillars tal assignment against might spell the end of the coach in the team. Zamalek of Egypt on Lobi Stars will take on bottom side, Ikoro- Sunday in Port Harcourt. du United in one of the matches MATCHDAY 24 scheduled for the weekend as Akwa United, welcome El-Kanemi IfeanyiUbah vs Rivers Utd Warriors to Uyo. MFM vs Shooting Rangers will continue the quest Enyimba vs Sunshine (PP) for their first league title in 32 years to Kogi where they will keep a Lobi vs Ikorodu Utd date with Niger Tornadoes. Warri Akwa Utd vs El-Kanemi Wolves will be at home to Plateau Abia Warriors vs Heartland United.

Wikki vs Kano Pillars In Lagos, MFM will hope to Warri Wolves vs Plateau Utd avenge their 3-0 defeat against Tornadoes vs Rangers Shooting Stars at the early stage

Team

P

Ogunbote

will surely boost the morale of the players and prepare them for the task ahead in the league,” the former Giwa FC of Jos coach said.

“I don’t really want to say there is pressure on me or vice versa, because the only pressure now is how to make sure the team stay afloat.

“I am going to do everything at my disposal to see that we achieve our target of staying afloat at the end of the season.”

This is Ogunbote's second time of trying to rescue the team from relegation after achieving same feat last season before departing for Giwa FC.

IfeanyiUbah, Rivers talk tough ahead of clash

layers and officials of IfeanyiUbah and Rivers United are already talking tough ahead of their weekend clash in the NPFL. Declaring their readiness to win the game, IfeanyiUbah’s Wilson Elu, said he was confident of getting a win against the high riding Rivers United as he called on his team mates to give the game their all.

“They are a good side no doubt about that, but I am confident that if we give it our all as a team, we can get the victory on Sunday,” Elu said.

Speaking in the same vein, the chairman of the club, Chuma Ubah, said the team had not been performing to their best in recent games but their midweek victory in the Federation Cup would serve as a boost to their ambition.

He said: “We have

to be consistent from now if we really want to achieve our target of qualifying to play on the continent.

“The game against Rivers United will not be easy, but we have the players that can do the job and I am sure they will not disappoint on Sunday.

“Our target is to build a strong team that will be the envy of every team in the country. Our level of play should be compared to some top teams in the world.”

For Rivers United, they have to forget their handsome victory against Kaduna United in the Fed Cup and think of how to maintain their recent run in the league.

Speaking with League Rendezvous, attacker, Chinonso Okonkwo, said: “We need to approach the game against IfeanyiUbah with a great mentality and forget about the recent victory against Kaduna United in the Federation Cup.''

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

How does it feel coming back to Nigeria?

It’s always good to be back home. I enjoy the response I get from people when I come here. I just enjoy being in Lagos and the atmosphere. It’s always goood to be home.

g n i p m u d s t e No regr o k u l A – a i r e g i N England for

Why are you home basically?

The main reason I am in Nigeria is to see my family and visit my hometown but aside from that I’m here for the Ambassador’s Cup. I’m here for City Of David United, to see the performances of the boys that came out to showcase their talents. To give them opportunities to join bigger clubs and COD United possibly.

What’s so special about this Ambassadors’ Cup? It’s just something that you don’t see so many times in Nigeria or Lagos. It is a real platform from a solid club with good principles and good efforts that believe in youth football. My partnership with them has also helped to encourage the boys in exhibiting their great potential.

It’s about the boys having opportunities, having exposure to maybe take their lives to better places through playing football. Football is just the vehicle we are using in exposing them to a better world.

What’s your relationship with COD United?

I’ve been with them for a few years now, I’ve known Shola Opaleye, the CEO and the other guys there for a few years as well, but we made it official and I became an ambassador.

So, when I come to Nigeria, I talk to the boys, the coaches, try to encourage them, support the team in many different ways by sponsoring competitions financially and any other ways I can to help them.

I really believe in the future of Nigerian football, I believe in grassroots football and I don’t want to wait for somebody else to do it, so I’d rather do it myself. You know, if we all do the little we can to make an impact, Nigerian football will go forward.

Was it easy for you to consider Nigeria ahead of England when you had offers from both countries?

It wasn’t an easy decision. Obviously, I’ve been in England playing. I played in the U-16, U-19 with the England team, I grew up in England and it was naturally fit for me to be in that setup. But I just believed at the time that I could have more impact in Nigeria as a footballer maybe not necessarily on the pitch but all together doing stuffs like this than I would in England.

Growing up, my heroes were Nwank-

27

outside of football. That’s why I’m in partnership with them because we have the same beliefs.

There have been many times that I felt did I make the right decision? You know, playing in Nigeria is not easy, as everybody knows it’s tough to come here and play wo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and that generation of players that featured at the 1994 World Cup. That was when I had the dream and I wanted to be like them. So, when the opportunity came, it wasn’t an easy decision but now I feel it’s the right decision.

Your elder sister plays for England and you for Nigeria, was there any time that you felt like was it the right decision?

No, because my sister didn’t get to make the decision. By the time Nigeria became even aware of her, she had played many games for England. She made it into the team so early that there was no other choice for her, my situation was a little bit different.

There have been many times that I felt did I make the right decision? You know, playing in Nigeria is not easy, as everybody knows it’s tough to come here and play. And I’ve only played seven games since I pledged my allegiance to Nigeria.

It’s been tough getting a good run in the team but I’d always believed ultimately that I made the right decision because of youth development programmes like the Ambassadors Cup so I can have more impact and I can help a lot more people here than I could possibly do in UK. Were your parents sceptical about your choice?

No, funny enough my mum and dad were quite keen on me to play for Nigeria.

Growing up, my family had been Nigerian football fans even though we lived

Aluko

abroad.

We’d usually support Nigeria all through their games, so they were very keen for me to be a part of Nigeria’s team and they were the ones that advised about the good impact I could have in Nigeria. That was the main reason behind the decision.

The Aluko family is reputed for being scholars, but what propelled you and your sister into football?

Actually, since my early age I’ve had a vision for it. When I was little, when anyone asked me what I wanted to be in future, I was confident telling people I was going to be a professional footballer and I knew I had a gift for it. So, that gave me the drive to push and aim for success in it.

My parents were very keen on us to have a very good education and always made sure I did well in school. My sister graduated as a lawyer as well as playing football, so the decision was that I had to be good in school so I could keep playing football.

But now I’m still going back to do more studies outside of football. So, I believe too in education the same way COD United believes in raising boys more than just footballers, raising people fit for the society, raising boys that can make their lives better

Aluko addressing footballers and coaches at the National Stadium, Surulere

How would you describe the performances of our young Nigerians in the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi in the EPL last season?

I think Iheanacho was one the few young great players in England last season. He’s been in a team that has a lot of stars and he performs well, take most of his chances and score goals. I spoke with him a couple of times and encouraged him that he’s been really impressive and he’s been playing very well. Iwobi too has been fantastic.

Breaking into the Arsenal team is no mean feat. They think very highly of him at Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger is a big fan of him clearly. He gives him a lot of opportunities.

Like I’ve always said, the future of Nigerian football is bright; we always have the raw materials, we always have good players, the way we love football in this country is so great but the problem lies in the organisation of the game. We keep changing coaches and there has been no consistency for years now.

How can we lure young players like Seyi Ojo, Dominic Iorfa, Chuba Akpom to play for Nigeria?

Actually, I get in touch with these players often. They’d usually ask me, what is it like playing in Nigeria and what I think they should do. But right now it is not attractive for them to play in Nigeria.

You know, if you are in the England setup even if you are not in the international setup, the story should be positive about Nigeria.

Moses Odubajo and Chuba Akpom played with me at Hull City and they are keen on playing for Nigeria at international level. They always ask me what it's like to play for Nigeria, should they take the decision or still hold on?

The fact that we have not qualified for the last two editions of African Nations Cup is making it unattractive for them to come and declare that they want to play for the country.

But, it is the responsibility of the NFF to make it attractive for these players to come. If they want to attract them to play for the country, they have to call them up and get them to decide whether they want to play or not.

A consistent coach must be in place as well. You know, a coach has to be on the matter of those players and have a direct access to them on how to play and what should be done. When there is no coach, straightaway the players are put off. You might declare to play and the coach is changed and you never have the opportunity to play again. The player’s international career is finished before it even gets going. In seven years, I have just 6 to 7 caps because we have different coaches with different players, tactics and formations.

Also, issues we hear about like bad hotels, people getting sick or bad travelling, public disagreements and things like that are not good for players. I have been in the system and withstood all that; I usually try to tell them it’s not as bad as it seems but CONTINUed ON PAGE 32

2016, may be forced to leave in search of regular first-team action.

“We like Nacho and need to sign defenders because of injury,” Spalletti told Corriere dello Sport.

Nacho

ainz 05 have signed Denmark international goalkeeper Jonas Lössl from French outfit EA Guingamp.

The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal

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Mainz sign Denmark stopper Lössl

Pereyra

W

ATFORD are closing in on a deal for Juven-

Lossl

tus midfielder Roberto Pereyra, according to reports.

The playmaker endured an injury-hit debut campaign with Juventus, making just 13 league appearances.

New Watford boss Walter Mazzarri is believed to be keen on taking the 25-year-old to Vicarage Road and has previously faced the Argentinian during his managerial career, having spent time with Serie A sides Napoli and Inter Milan.

Watford close in on Pereyra

ue to struggles with defensive injuries, Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has confirmed an interest in making a summer move for Real Madrid’s Nacho.

With Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane all ahead of him in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu pecking order, the 26-year-old Spaniard, who wasn’t included in La Roja’s squad for Euro

D

Roma reveal interest in Nacho

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Switzerland

jeopardy.

Lukaku had a disappointing showing in the 2-0 loss to Italy on Monday, missing a great chance to equalize in the second half.

"I will have to think about that," Wilmots said of Lukaku's chances of starting against Ireland at the Stade de Bordeaux. "The Italy game hasn't robbed him of his confidence. But I have different types of strikers and I will see who fits what match."

Divock Origi is one of those options, and the coach brought the 21-year-old forward on for Lukaku in the 73rd minute of Monday's match. Wilmots can also turn to Origi's Liverpool teammate, Christian Benteke.

fter a demoralizing loss to Italy exposed defensive frailties and wayward finishing, the Belgians face Ireland in their second European Championship match on Saturday and even Romelu Lukaku's place up front seems to be in

But although the coach has options up front, he also has injury concerns going into Saturday's match. Midfielders Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne both missed training sessions after the Italy match.

Hazard has some groin and knee issues, while De Bruyne has a thigh problem.

"They should both be coming back on Thursday, but I will only be sure when I have spoken with medical staff," Wilmots said. "So let me be cautious."

More worrying for the coach is the team's leaky back line as Belgium tries to lift itself from the bottom of Group E and salvage its chances of advancing. Time after time, the Italian players easily ran past Belgium defenders in the first match.

"What I missed was grit and aggression," Wilmots said. "If we think that everything will come by itself, we are heading the wrong way."

Wounded Belgium set to show grit against Ireland

EURO 2016

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yon proved to be a happy hunting ground for Romania at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals and they will hope for another positive result in the city against Albania.

Romania have fond memories of Lyon as they prepare to take on Albania for the 17th time, with the latter hoping for a first victory since 1948 against the team they have played more than any other.

Albania have faced Romania on 16 occasions – more than any other nation – with the record W2 D4 L10. However, they have not won in the sides' last 13 meetings, since their third encounter in May 1948.

Romania have yet to lose in eight competitive meetings with Albania (W6 D2 L0). Romania won the countries' first six competitive games until qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012, when the teams twice drew 1-1.

Experienced Romania left-back Răzvan Raţ scored the only goal when the sides last met, in Yverdon, Switzerland, in a friendly in May 2014.

In their only previous fixture in Lyon, Anghel Iordănescu's Romania defeated Colombia 1-0 in their 1998 FIFA World Cup opener. Viorel Moldovan, now Romania's assistant coach, played in that game, with Adrian Ilie scoring the stylish winning goal.

Romania failed to win at their most recent final tournament, UEFA EURO 2008 (D2 L1), scoring only once in the process.

Romania boasted the best defensive record in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying, conceding just twice in their ten games and making it to the finals unbeaten (W5 D5).

Romania bank on Lyon luck

Global Football Special www.newtelegraphonline.com

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

28 SATURDAY

18 JU

football and have fantastic fans. I can't wait to sample the atmosphere in Mainz's stadium. It's going to be wonderful and I'm absolutely up for the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga."

oy Keane believes that some of the criticism of the Belgians in the wake of their defeat by Italy is harsh and insists that some of his own of Eden Hazard may have been misconstrued.

Indeed the Chelsea midfielder is the example he cites time and again when discussing the the threat Marc Wilmots’ side can pose against Ireland.

“I think it’s a bit harsh to say that they are not a great team,” he says, “because there are not that many great teams out there but they’re a good team, a very good team and they have the potential to be a great team and the potential to be one of the favourites.

Keane had to be reminded of the fact that he had said some time back while working on television that he would kick Hazard around the training ground if the pair were at the same club but that, he insisted, was because of a suggestion made to him that the 25 year-old’s attitude had been poor in training as he agitated for a move away.

R

A

rgentina well and truly laid down a marker for the Centenario in Group D as they won all three of their games, making them the first team to do so since 2007.

While comfortable wins against Panama and Bolivia were to be expected, to beat title-holders Chile in their first match, and without Lionel Messi, was particularly impressive.

Argentines goalscoring exploits have contributed to their status as favourites to lift the trophy.

Messi is also returning

Messi

Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza will lead Spain's charge for Olympic tennis glory at Rio in August and could play together in the mixed doubles, officials said on Thursday.

Also in a strong Spanish team are David Ferrer, ranked 14 in the world, Albert Ramos and Roberto Bautista Agut, Spanish tennis authorities said.

Rafael Nadal

SPORT BRIEFLY

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O

Sanchez

Amir Khan has decided against pursuing the chance to represent Pakistan at the Olympic Games set to be played in Rio de Janiero later this summer.

Khan said, "I will look into it. If possible, this could be amazing. “Imagine if I take part in Olympics to represent my home country Pakistan, it will be something very special for me."

Amir Khan

ne of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals will take place at the Levi's Stadium on Saturday when Mexico meet Chile.

El Tri topped their group after an unbeaten run, and they enjoyed a 3-1 win over Uruguay in their first outing.

La Roja left it until their final match to secure passage to the quarter-finals and needed at least a draw with Panama on Tuesday to proceed. Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez inspired them to a 4-2 victory with a brace each—the latter's being especially impressive Bad news for the squads left in Copa América as Alexis Sanchez rediscovered his goal scoring form for Chile After the Arsenal star admitted to being fatigued following their defeat to Argentina in the first game, his renewed form will come as a relief.

There is little to separate the two sides, and the same may well be the case on the scoreboard even if there are plenty of goals.

Alaba

Tough tie for Sanchez’ Chile

ortugal and Austria come together again in UEFA EURO 2016 Group F, with little to choose between the sides in their six competitive meetings over the years.

Portugal and Austria meet for the first time since October 1995 in the second set of UEFA EURO 2016 Group F fixtures.

In qualifying for EURO '96, Portugal's Luís Figo scored the only goal in Lisbon. The return fixture in Vienna ended 1-1, full-back Paulinho Santos's spectacular equaliser effectively securing Portugal's place at the finals in England and ending a ten-year absence from major tournaments.

Austria arrived with an outstanding record in qualifying — unbeate n

with nine wins in 10 matches — and touted among the best outsiders to go far in the tournament.

But Hungary dealt a reality check to a neighbor which is still seeking a first-ever win at a Euro tournament.

Austria could now give a new role to its leading talent David Alaba.

Mostly used at left-back by Bayern Munich, Alaba played in deep midfield against Hungary and is reportedly now being considered as a playmaker behind forward Marc Janko.

Portugal, Austria battle for supremacy UNE 2016

Riding on her stupendous performance at the Australian Open Super Series, Indian ace Saina Nehwal jumped two places to reach the World No. six in the latest Badminton World Federation ranking.

The 26-year-old from Hyderabad, who clinched the Australian Open title -- her first of the season – last Sunday, now has 75,369 points in her kitty.

to fitness, which bodes well for La Albiceleste.

After scoring a hat-trick in just half an hour as a substitute against Panama, he played 45 minutes against Bolivia on Tuesday.

Venezuela have also been quietly impressive throughout the tournament so far, picking up seven points in a group that also contained Uruguay and Mexico. While they scored just three goals—the fewest of any side to qualify for the knockout phase—they also conceded only once, the same as Argentina.

Payet

zerland's consolation came from Johan Vonlanthen, who became the EURO finals' youngest ever marksman at 18 years 141 days.

The countries shared two draws en route to qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they were paired again and played out another stalemate in their opening group encounter in Stuttgart.

It was a different story when they faced off in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Didier Deschamps' France running out 5-2 victors against Ottmar Hitzfeld's Switzerland with five different goalscorers.

Venezuela at Lionel's 'Messi'

rance made light work of Switzerland at UEFA EURO 2004, but the neighbours' past encounters suggest the tournament hosts are in for a tough Group A game.

Switzerland will hope for a marked improvement on their only previous final tournament meetings with France as the neighbours reconvene for their last UEFA EURO 2016 Group A match.

Switzerland's record in 37 games against France is W12 D9 L16, but they have yet to win a competitive encounter with Les Bleus (W0 D3 L2).

After 32 friendly fixtures between 1905 and 2003, their first competitive meeting was in their final group match at UEFA EURO 2004, when Jacques Santini's France defeated Jakob Kuhn's Switzerland 3-1.

Zinédine Zidane and Thierry Henry (two) scored the France goals, while Swit-

keen to stand up to neighbours France F

Saina Nehwal

“It’s not personal,” he says. “It’s nothing against the boy, I’d like to have him in our group. He’s a top player. He’s had a disappointing season perhaps but that’s only by comparison with the high standards that he’d set before.

I think he’s an outstanding player. But if you’d ask me if I was playing with anybody, whether it was at Forest, Rockmount, Cobh Ramblers and they were constantly talking about leaving and they had a poor attitude to training, then I would kick them in training.

Keane

Keane wary of Belgium response after opening defeat

through to summer 2019.

"It's a dream come true to be able to play in the Bundesliga," Lössl said. "I'm from Denmark and have followed the Bundesliga all my life.

Mainz are a really special team that play good

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Lifestyle of Sportsmen

Sport

Bilbao midfielder parties with porn stars I

ker Muniain & former Athletic Bilbao teammate Javi Martinez are shown partying with Porn Stars in 2012.

The woman to the left is a relatively well known ‘adult actress’ – Carolina Abril. The Spanish footballers were apparently not aware of her occupation at the time of this picture.

It is not clear who the other woman is, the one attacking Muniain’s midriff.

Defoe gets over Euro 2016 heartache

B

arcelona star Neymar has taken full advantage of his free summer by jetting off to Las Vegas.

Having won La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, Neymar was left out of Brazil's Copa America Centenario squad and took the opportunity to catch some sun to relax and recharge his batteries ahead of another long season.

During his trip the 24-year-old bumped into Serena Williams and posed for a picture with her, before the WTA world number one uploaded the image to Instagram with a caption 'Always be ready for summer. You never know when @neymarjr will show up'.

Serena Williams wasn't the only star Neymar was snapped with, after the Brazilian was pictured in a club with Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris.

Harris is performing shows in Las Vegas throughout June whilst on tour in America, and like Williams, posted a picture onto Instagram with the wing wizard captioned 'Neymar in the club !!'.

Neymar has become somewhat of an icon when it comes to music, promoting and featuring in music videos for some of Brazil's most famous pop stars.

Defoe (left)

Wilshere leaves England team hotel to meet fiancee E

ngland midfielder Jack Wilshere took full advantage of his afternoon away from training by meeting up with fiancee Andriani Michael on Monday.

The 24-year-old was pictured receiving a kiss from the glamorous Andriani as he took time out of England's busy schedule in France.

Wilshere started dating Andriani – the daughter of his barber – following the break up of his relationship with the mother of his two children and proposed to her in May. The midfielder got down on one knee at his other half's surprise 25th birthday party and celebrated his engagement at swanky north London party venues Shaka Zulu and Gilgamesh.

Wilshere was named on the substitutes' bench for England's opener against Russia but the Arsenal man replaced Wayne Rooney after 78 minutes in Marseille.

Wilshere and Fiancee

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

18 JUNE 2016

Neymar bumps into Serena Williams

J

ermain Defoe got over his Euro 2016 heartbreak as he kicked back at a plush Ibiza party spot.

The Sunderland striker hit 15 goals in 32 games as the Black Cats avoided the drop last season.

He recently earned himself a new three-year deal under boss Sam Allardyce at the Black Cats It was enough to earn the 33-yearold a new three-year deal at the Stadium of Light – but not a call up for Roy Hodgson’s campaign at the Euros in France.

The ex-Spurs star kicked back at Ocean Beach Ibiza taking selfies with fans and relaxing by the pool.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Serena and Neymar

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Charles Ogundiya and Sefinat Olaiya

T

he death of former Super Eagles coaches, Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu, still remains a mystery and a rude shock to many in the country including coaches.

The duo died within three days of each other, something that has bring a rude awakening to some top coaches in the country following rumours that both died as a result of issues related to the stressful nature of their job.

Saturday Telegraph spoke with some top coaches in the country and they were of the opinion that there was need for serious campaign for coaches to take proper care of their health.

The chairman of the Nigeria Coaches Association, Bitrus Bewarang, said it was most unfortunate that it took the demise of two high profile coaches in Keshi and Amodu, to awaken the conscience of the people.

“Amodu has been complaining for a long time before his death,” the former Plateau United chairman said.

“It was just unfortunate that we lost two people before we see the need to do something about the health of coaches.

“We are not happy, but I think their death has shown that we need to do some things right. Amodu took the job of the technical adviser of the Nigeria Football Federation so that he can help the local coaches, but now that he is gone, we will continue from where he stopped. So unfortunate that he is not going to reap from where he has sown.”

Bewarang added that as an association, they were trying to bring all the coaches together and educate them because such must not happen again.

He revealed further that there was a plan to start a group in collaboration with an individual from the United Kingdom.

He said: “As an association, we have been trying to bring the coaches together, we want to fight the cause together, although we have not really succeeded but we are not giving up.

“There is a good news because just during the week, I received a call from a concerned citizen from UK who loves Nigeria football seriously, he has volunteered to form a group which will help out in putting our coaches on the right part as regards their health.

“I am happy to say that something is coming up now that will benefit not just the coaches but the players as well. We are trying to put a lot of things in place to see that we don’t have a repeat of what we just experienced.

“The group is ready to buy and distribute gadgets that help in checking our health condition like the Blood Pressure machine, machine that check sugar level and so on.”

For former Akwa United coach, Zakary Baraje, pressure comes from different angles that could affect a coach in the country.

According to him, pressure comes from employer, supporters, players and also from the home front.

“Sometimes you give instructions and your players go against them, this can give any sane man hypertension,” he stated.

“Although not all coaches are hypertensive, but some allowed pressure to get to them.

In my own case there is no way I can be hypertensive, I had suffered it once and that was my early days in the job as coach.

“It was when I replaced the late Amodu Shaibu as the coach of BCC Lions, there was a new management that didn’t know how the team was struggling to play their games home and away, I never knew when the pressure came in.

Keshi/Amodu: Anxiety grips coaches over health issues

“I woke up one day and I realised I already had stroke, thank God I was able to manage it and got out of the problem since that time, I have been able to manage very well. Now I go on medical check-up constantly.”

He further advised all the coaches to do same because nobody has two lives.

He said If as a coach you cannot make it every three months, then it must be every six months because situations can trigger depression that if care is not taken may lead to death.

Enyimba of Aba coach, Paul Aigbogun, said the pressure does not has to do with coaches alone, but every job.

The former Warri Wolves coach however said the coaches should learn to move ahead after every situation, whether win or lose.

Aigbogun said: “I think most high profile jobs come with pressure and this is not about coaching alone, I think that is part of the game.

“The most important thing is you don’t allow yourself to get too carried away when you win or lose a game. When you don’t win, you don’t get too much upset because it can have adverse effects on you.

“I have been in that situation

Not going for medical checkup might be as a result of ignorance, or because they don’t have the means to do so

Keshi

Amodu

31

before when I started coaching but now, I have been able to get myself accustomed to the pressures of the game. With some number of years on the job, you must be able to get used to it. With the environment we find ourselves, you have to learn how to adjust yourself.

“I think the coaches should watch their life style, learn to accept defeat without dwelling on it, they should learn how to do their best, eat well and pray to God.” Coach Gbenga Ogunbote did not mince words as he stated categorically that all coaches were candidates of hypertension.

The Shooting Stars of Ibadan coach said coaches die whether lose or win because of what the job entails.

“As a coach you always think of how to win a game and even after the game, you are already thinking about the next game when you are supposed to be having a rest.

“It is quite unfortunate that we lost two high profile coaches (Keshi and Amodu) that some of the indigenous coaches are looking up to. Their death was a big shock and very unbelievable. They are a big loss to the continent, not Nigeria alone.

They are people to reckon with in football.

“Although it has not been medically proved that any of them died of hypertension, but if it is proved to be true, then we will start looking at how to forestall such occurrence in the future.

“Personally, I have been saying it that coaches are supposed to be paid very well as and when due because the job is a risky one.

"I don’t think there is any coach that will not want to take care of their health, but sometimes there are situations that are beyond human understanding, because if you look at some of the coaches, not going for medical checkup might be as a result of ignorance, or because they don’t have the means to do so.

"I think the coaches should really take good care of themselves because nobody know what tomorrow holds.

We all live only once."

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18 JUNE 2016

'London 2012 miss, my greatest regret' CONTINUed from PAGE 27

I usually advise them to take their time before deciding.

I don’t tell them, come and declare for Nigeria because if it was my brother I won’t tell him to come and declare now.

I’ll tell him let the coach be in place. Let's see where Nigerian team is going and then you make your decision. It’s a very tricky one.

Hull City had a wonderful seasongetting promotion to the EPL and you are out of the team now, what’s next for you?

Yeah, Hull had a good year, all we wanted was to get promoted back to the league and we achieved our aim. It was a tough season, we had many ups and downs, and many of the players didn’t play well but like I said the ultimate was to get promoted and I’m glad I left on the high.

My four years there; two years in the Premier League, two years in the Championships and two promotions and obviously relegation wasn’t good but I had a successful period there and I’m happy about that.

And next for me, I think four years in a club these days is a long time and as the longest serving player there, I had decided in January that I needed a new challenge. I needed to prove myself again and maybe get out of my comfort zone a little bit at Hull City.

I think the club decided the same after I told them the way I was thinking. So, we left on good terms and currently I’m taking my time with the next decision. I need to be playing regularly again; I think that’s one thing that upset me this year.

I didn’t play as much as I would like to.

And I haven’t really decided on what’s next yet as I’m 27 now which is the peak of my career, so my next decision is based on the fact that I want to be playing regularly, I want to be scoring goals. So I need to take my time to take the right step.

just seven matches in over seven years for the country?

Definitely not, I have never regretted it. Like I said, for me to play for Nigeria was more than just the playing. It’s bigger than me. You know, seeing things that I can do today for maybe hundreds of boys in Lagos now, it is based on the fact that I’m a Super Eagles player.

Now, I’m giving them a platform but if I had stayed in England I might not be able to do this.

Even If I never get to make another cap again which I’d be ready to do, I still believe I made the right decision. If I think back, I might feel differently but I’d still make the same decision.

How would you describe the experience you had with the coaches you worked with?

It was a realisation of a childhood dream when I made my debut for Nigeria during a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on May 29, 2009. From when I started training till after the game, it was a dream come true.

For me, I would always be entirely grateful to coach Amodu Shaibu for the opportunity he gave me. May his soul rest in peace. And after that Stephen Keshi too, he was the coach that brought me in. The Big boss, he was the one who really gave me the chance in Nigerian football because he brought me in for competitive games and I got my first two goals under him.

The two goals I scored against South Africa during our 2–2 draw on November 19 2014, in the qualifying round for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations was because Coach Keshi believed in me.

You know, those two coaches are real pillars of Nigerian football. My family and I are entirely grateful to them both.

May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Do you have any memorable moment in the Eagles camp especially with the

Is it going to be in EPL, Championship, outside England?

Well, I’ve been spoken to from all divisions in and outside English leagues.

Like I said, it has to be a good football team; it might not necessarily be the biggest club. All I need is a club where I’d play regularly, where I’d play well and I’m going to be comfortable. And that’s why I’m taking my time.

players?

Well, the team was star studded but obviously John Mikel Obi was straightaway one of the players in training you’d realised that he has something special.

He rarely gave the ball away and is always very comfortable on the ball.

I had known Victor Moses since when I was in England that he is a very talented player. Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama were very incredible, the team from back to forward was a very strong team. A lot of those players won the African Cup of Nations under Keshi, so I could see why they were successful.

Who was the funniest guy in camp?

I’d say it’s Azubuike Egwuekwe.

That guy is a real comedian, even during training and he was a good player too. He was the life of the team outside the pitch. Every team needs such players especially when you have a bad result or when things are not going right.

There were lots of speculations at a time that you were out of international football, how true is that?

I don’t know where that came from.

I’ve always said Nigerian football would retire me, I won’t be the player that’ll say I’m not playing anymore. I would stop playing when they stop calling me. If they call me, I would always come back and play.

After Keshi left the first time, I didn’t get a call up since then and Hull City got relegated. So, you know football didn’t go as planned at that stage but I’m al-

You were part of the team for the qualifying race for the London 2012 Olympics, how did you feel when the U-23 Eagles failed to qualify for the Games?

Well, that’s one of my biggest disappointments in football. I don’t have too many, I have been fortunate to have had a great successful career, free of injuries. I’d really wanted to play in the Olympics for Nigeria and the one in London would have been amazing.

I was born in London and grew up in the UK, so to play at that stage would have been something special for me. But that’s life, it happens. God had a different plan for me at that stage; I’d even love to play in the next Olympics for Nigeria. I would never turn down the opportunity to play with Nigeria.

Do you have regrets leaving England for Nigeria because you’ve only had to play

Aluko (left) during Eagles training

For me, I would always be entirely grateful to coach Amodu Shaibu for the opportunity he gave me. May his soul rest in peace ...with elder sister Eniola

ways available for Nigeria.

Coming back home to Nigeria and relaxing, what does it remind you of?

There is no place like Lagos. The atmosphere here is nice and I’ve not seen anywhere else like Lagos. The traffics is crazy and make Lagos unique. I’ve been fortunate to travel to a lot of places but I haven’t seen anywhere like it. I enjoy it.

Lagos is like New York, one of the best places I have visited even though I can’t live there. The craziness, the energy is awesome. I’m a city boy, I like to be active and seeing things happening.

How do you relax outside football?

I like to go out and eat. I eat a lot, I go to restaurants often and I spend most of my time with my family. I’ve got a brother and sisters, so I spend most of my time with them.

What’s your favourite Nigerian dish?

Well, its pounded yam and Okro (Ogbono) soup. It’s what I eat most times when I’m in the country but my mum cooks other dishes for me as well. But generally, I eat Mexican, Italian foods.

When is Sone quitting bachelorhood?

I am a very private person, so I won’t really reveal too much. I’m not married but I have a girlfriend and she stays in UK. I like to always keep to myself and I’m always with my family and my girlfriend a whole lot of time.

What is so special about her?

She was born here. She grew up in Lagos till she was around 13 or 14 but she just understands me and she is very relaxed. She hasn’t been to one football game I played. She separates my football world because the football world can be tough. Everything is measured by winning or losing, promotions or relegations and stuffs like that.

I like the rest of my life to be pretty and constant; so with her, I have a separation from football where I can just relax. We go out to eat and relax. She’s calm and understands the pressures I go through. She leaves me to enjoy my life and she is very supportive.

Investigations 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

bonding between mother and child' Skin to skin breast-feeding photo: blogs. unicef.org.uk

A mother admires her breastfeeding child photo: www. pinterest. com

Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, also said that many women do not believe that their babies can do without supplementary fluids. Every woman, Enabulele said, can breast-feed. Unless there is something seriously wrong, the doctor insisted, a mother’s breast are capable of producing sufficient milk.

He, however, told this reporter that some mothers are so anxious that they would not be able to produce sufficient milk that the fear affects them. He said that if a baby is breast-fed every time he/ she demands food, the mother will produce more milk to meet the baby’s needs.

“No medical condition that I know can prevent any woman from producing sufficient milk. But, if women do not drink enough water or fluid they may not be able to produce enough breast milk.

But, mothers who have chosen to breast-feed have proved paediatricians right. A mother of two, Adaobi Nwabuoku, breast-fed her second child for six months because she wanted to “give her the best start in life.”

Nwabuoku also said that breast-feeding leads to special bonding between mother and child. She wanted that feeling, so she opted for exclusive breast-feeding.

“With the experience and knowledge that I gathered with my eldest son, Jude, who I breast-fed for two years, I became more determined to exclusively breastfeed my second son. Peter, was breast-fed exclusively without water for six months and is still on breast milk till today. He is six years and a month old now.

“As soon as I delivered Peter, my hubby told the nurse to put the baby on my chest. To my surprise he took just a few minutes to get to the nipple and start sucking by himself. Despite the pain, I felt the joy and warmness when I saw him holding tightly to the breast. It is hard to say in words and I believe each

mum have to go through to experience it.

“I found that breast-feeding kept me closer to my children, as they went with me to workshops and meetings. It is also my determination that helped ignore the occasional strange looks and comments.

With minor exceptions (forgetting the occasional cracked or sore nipples), the breast-feeding times remained in my memory as some of the most relaxing minutes and hours in my busy professional life.

“Nobody would disturb us, whether at home, or outside, and while my son was totally occupied with breast-feeding, I could pick up a book and relax or work.

Now, I do my best to convey the joys of breast-feeding and the multiple benefits for new mothers. I think I saved by experiencing fewer illness episodes with my children,” Nwabuoku said.

According to Isamotu, “there is a special rapport between mum and child during breast feeding, close intimacy ensures. You could prepare formula for your child and ask your child minder to feed your baby via feeding bottle but you breast-feed your baby yourself. It is

A breastfeeding toddler photo: www. pinterest.com

difficult to explain but definitely special relationship exists between mum and child in breast-feeding.”

Recent studies have equally shown the beneficial effects of breast-feeding in preventing morbidity and mortality from diarrhoea in infants. Its promotion activities are carried on world-wide in order to fulfill the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommendations that infants be exclusively breast-fed for about six months. However, the introduction of complementary foods and continued breast-feeding ought to run into the second year.

One of the problems found with feeding bottle milk was diarrhoea, which, according to Nurses, leads to other sicknesses and eventual retardation of growth in babies. Investigations reveal that most nursing mothers fed their infants on fore milk alone. This is because most of them do not know

the appropriate time to transfer the babies from one breast to another during breast-feeding.

The nutrients taken in the process are not always enough to support adequate growth of the breast-fed infants. And nursing mothers with stunted and undernourished babies often do not actually know anything about fore and hind milk. The hind milk contains mainly fat and it comes last during breast feeding. It supplies the energy needed by a growing infant and it is not suckled, it reduced the energy intake of the infant.

This translates to the fact that other nutrients, especially protein that should be used for growth may be mobilised to supply the energy deficit, which may lead to stunting or under nutrition with other attendant problems including death. However, a well breast-fed infant grows normally without faltering, though, some babies are not always satisfied after feeding, resulting to crying.

However, UNICEF, has expressed worried over the continued decline of exclusive breast-feeding among Nigerian women and frowned at the “widespread roadblocks to improving breastfeeding rates and unethical marketing by makers of breast milk substitutes, and poor national policies that do not support maternity leave, and a lack of understanding of the risks of not breastfeeding exclusively.”

The organisation stressed that if breast-feeding was promoted more effectively and women were protected from aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, more children would survive and thrive, while lower rates of disease, malnutrition and stunting would be recorded.

WHO has also described breastfeeding as “an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. Review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breast-feeding for six months is the optimal way of feeding infants following which babies should receive complementary foods with continued breast-feeding up to two years of age or beyond.

To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breast-feeding for this six months period, WHO and UNICEF recommend initiation of breast-feeding within the first hour of life; exclusive breast-feeding, meaning that the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water.

Unless there is something seriously wrong, a mother’s breast are capable of producing sufficient milk Mothers on post-natal clinic

photo: vanguardngr.com

34 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

OJB JEZREEL’S DEATH:

THE TRUE STORY  Planned to build 5-storey building  Died in wife’s arms 20 days before birthday  Already paid for hall for 50th birthday party

For the late music maestro, Babatunde Okungbowa, a.k.a. OJB Jezreel, the dream died with the dreamer. The vastly talented composer, singer and music producer died following a total failure of his kidney transplant. He had a successful kidney transplant in India in 2013 and had since managed to stay alive. LANRE ODUKOYA shares what they never told you about the iconic entertainer.

HOW HE DIED It was learnt reliably that on Monday, June 13, OJB had just played with the kids and wife, Mabel, a.k.a. Mama J till about 10pm before the family went to bed. But by 3am, an excruciating pain had overwhelmed him. He groaned nearly helplessly but his wife prevailed on him to endure till 6am when they would rush to Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, one of the best dialysis centres in the city and where he was always treated. He cried all through the night and when it was about 6am, Mabel’s younger brother had joined the family to drive the couple to the hospital.

He was in his boxers and Mabel had to rush to put a shirt on him. By that time, he could barely mutter anything. But unfortunately, the doctors’ industrial strike had begun on Monday, June 13, so he would be unable to get anyone to attend to his emergency case. But Mabel had reached out to another doctor in Isolo. Right there in the Infini SUV (one of the automobiles he gave her) which moved towards Isolo, Mabel screamed into his ears, “you’re behaving as if you don’t want to return home with me. And you know the kids know that I would

always bring you back home after treatment. If you don’t come back with me, what would I tell them?” His body was frail and heavy as he leaned on her. He couldn’t answer. Alas, Mabel noticed his weight had changed. He had become heavier. Before they could get to the hospital, he gave up the ghost. As at when he died, he had emptied his bank account paying for dialysis which cost N35,000 daily and technically, he died broke.

LIKELY CAUSE OF HIS DEATH After the successful transplant, he was supposed to return to India for a checkup a year after but we gathered from reliable source that he couldn’t go for want of money. Sadly, our source also insists that for about 10 months he couldn’t afford his drugs or any other treatment for that matter. But along the line, he got some reasonable money and resumed his dialysis. But his condition was already deteriorating because of the 10-month break. So, when he finally made some fortune, the health had deteriorated and impossible to manage. He survived for the longest time among the

A FAN DID TO ME –SOdiq Abubakar Yusuf aka CDQ

All the experiences I have had are with female fans and as an artiste you have to embrace them because women are a major part of the music business. You can’t push them away.

There was a time female fan came on stage while I was performing and kissed me. You can’t expect me to push her away; I had to play along.

I am still cool with Teebillz (Teebillz was his manager before the marriage crisis), we are family. But I had to move on with my life. I’ve got ambition that I’m chasing, so for no reason would I allow anything to lock that down. I am a goal getter and I can’t allow anything to slow me down. My career comes first before anything else.

six patients with whom he had the transplant, according to a credible source.

HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY PLANS Plans to celebrate his 50th birthday were in top gear. In fact, the venue, opposite Shoprite, Adeniran Ogunsanya, had been paid for. He knew it could be his last and wanted it to be a grand occasion.

HIS UNFULFILLED DREAMS He had some tall dreams one of which was to partner his foundation, OJB Kidney Foundation with experts who will import the dialysis machines to cater for patients at a lesser fee than N35,000 per day. The experts had agreed that if the plans sailed through, he would be given a huge discount on his dialysis- N7,000 daily would be all required from him while the centre offers same service to other patients at a little over N20,000.

He had hoped to reconstruct his house in Surulere, Lagos, to a 5-storey building. The prototype (architectural design) was already in his living room. The ground floor was to be a parking space, first floor a shopping mall, second floor for rented apartments, third floor for his family and the fourth floor would be a music production studio while the last floor was to be an event centre. He had hoped to get a loan from a bank to achieve this because he never wanted his family to suffer after he was gone.

MABEL, JUST AS ILL Since she donated one of her kidneys to her late husband, Mabel had also been on drug

Family photo at his 48th birthday

OJB Jezreel

and it is for life. So, although she was stronger than OJB Jezreel when he was ill, she’d also been ill now many times because it was just one kidney that had to bear the burden. But she said to all who cared to listen that she had no regrets donating her kidney to a man she loved.

HOW HE SHARED HIS CARS He owned four cars namely Infini Q56 SUV, Range Rover Sport, Chrystler and Toyota Yaris. Mabel has Infini Q56 and Chrystler, June Ama (second wife) got Toyota Yaris and Korede got the Range Rover Sports.

FATHER INFORMED 48HOURS AFTER His father, a rich merchant

in Agbor, Delta State, was prevented from getting the news until two days later.

His TVs were switched off for 48 hours so he wouldn’t see the news. Now senile, he was later informed after chiefs and his friends had given him courage.

AND TWO OTHER THINGS… OJB Jezreel’s last wish was, “I want to lie in a very beautiful place”, perhaps he wanted a vault. One of his best kept secret is that his wife, Mabel, who gave him the greatest donation ever also erred. He confided in a source that the lady took a lump some of the money he got to church for thanksgiving and he couldn’t complain or tell the world. He was afraid he might be labeled an ingrate.

Showbiz 35

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

SHOWBIZ TODAY

TIT BITS FROM

AMAA 2016

T

he Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) staged its 12th edition last Saturday, June 11, at Obi Wali International Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Memories of a star-studded five-star show is all left with movie buffs and cynics who thronged the hall to catch a glimpse of the All Africa celebration of the finest in filmmaking across the continent.

The ceremony recognised and honored excellence among directors, actors, and writers in the film industry. The awards night was hosted by Chris Attoh, Mike Ezuruonye and Kgopedi Lilokoe.

It aired live on NTA to over 100 million viewers worldwide.

From about 9pm when the show started till about 1am, it was mostly moments of fun for nominees, winners, jurors, movie buffs and cynics.

But as the event was inching to its climax, a sudden power outage almost marred the epochal outing. In no time, the situation was brought under control

(Left) Pete Edochie saluting RMD (Right) L-R: Olu Jacobs, Julius Agwu and Joke Silva

and famous songsters, Harrysong and KC serenaded the excited audience who stayed to witness the rest of the show.

Present at the event were Governor Nyesom Wike and wife, Minister of Information and Strategy, Lai Mohammed, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other notable politicians who stormed the show. Gov. Wike and Lai Mohammed shunned their political differences to celebrate. They had a very warm handshake to the excitement of all and sundry.

Interestingly, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva were given lifetime achievement awards; the feat moved the sterling actress so much so that she could barely find words when she got the microphone. But it might interest you to know that while the couple was announced for the honour, veteran actor, Pete Edochie, rose to applaud Olu Jacobs and his wife.

That singular act put to rest an age-long rumour that these two greats don’t see eye to eye.

Chiwetel Agu with a presenter

LIST OF WINNERS EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM 1. Encounter – Nigeria 2. Le Chemin – Cote De Voire 3. Blood Taxi – Nigeria 4. Meet The Parents – Nigeria/Canada – WINNER 5. Nourah The Holy Light – Burkina Faso 6. Ireti – Nigeria 7. Life of Nigerian Couple – Nigeria AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION 1. The Pencil – Burkina Faso – WINNER 2. The Peculiar Life of a Spider – Ghana 3. Funsie Fast Fingers – Nigeria 4. Lazare Sie Pale – Burkina Faso AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY 1. My Fathers Funeral – Cameroon 2. Nollywood – Nigeria 3. Tchindas- Cape Verde 4. The Fruitless Tree – Niger — WINNER 5. Runs ‘I too Seek The Horizon’ – Nigeria/UK 6. Camera/Woman – Morocco OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE 1. Brotherhood Eye – Mali 2. Bala Bala Sese – Uganda 3. Missing God – Nigeria 4. Cursed Treasure – Ghana 5. Wako – Uganda 6. Daggers of Life (Agbe Fe Akumehewo) – Ghana MICHAEL ANYIAM OSIGWE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD

1. Lambadina – Ethiopia/USA – WINNER 2. Skinned – Liberia/USA 3. LAPD African Cop – USA/Nigeria 4. Boxing Day – USA/Nigeria 5. MONA – Nigeria/UK AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT 1. Lines – USA 2. Raptors – USA 3. Across The Track – USA – WINNER AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY 1. Can You Dig This- USA 2. America’s Blues – USA 3. Spirits of Rebellion – USA — WINNER AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE 1. America Is Still the Place – USA 2. Ben & Ara – USA – WINNER 3. Luv Don’t Live Here – USA AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN 1. The Cursed One – Ghana – WINNER 2. Soldiers Story – Nigeria 3. Ayanda- South Africa 4. Missing God – Nigeria 5. Out of Luck- Nigeria AMAA 2016 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN 1. Eye of the storm (Burkina Faso) – WINNER 2. Oshimiri 3. The Cursed One 4. Ayanda

5. Soldiers Story AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP 1. Oshimiri 2. The Cursed One 3. Missing God 4. Soldiers Story – WINNER AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK 1. O-Town – Nigeria – WINNER 2. Tell Me Sweet Something – South Africa 3. The Cursed One – Ghana 4. Hear me Move – South Africa 5. Le Pagne- Niger AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT 1. Hear me Move – South Africa 2. Oshimiri – Nigeria — WINNER 3. Silly Movie – Nigeria 4. House Arrest – Uganda 5. Soldiers Story – Nigeria AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND 1. Eye of the Storm- Burkina Faso 2. Fifty – Nigeria — WINNER 3. The Cursed One – Ghana 4. Behind Closed Doors – Morocco 5. Falling – Nigeria 6. Rebecca- Ghana AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY 1. The Cursed one — WINNER 2. Eye of the Storm

3. Ayanda 4. Tell me Sweet Something 5. Fifty AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING 1. Behind Closed Door 2. Rebecca 3. The Cursed One 4. Eye of the Storm 5. Hear me Move —WINNER AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREEN PLAY 1. The Cursed One 2. Tell me Sweet Something —-WINNER 3. The Visit 4. Eye of the Storm 5. Beyond Blood AMAA 2016- RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT ENDOWED AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM 1. Beyond Blood 2. Dry —WINNER 3. Fifty 4. Missing God 5. Falling 6. O’Town AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR 1. Nyanso Dzedze – Hear Me Move 2. Ophelia Klenam Dzidzornu – The Cursed One 3. Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge – Dry — WINNER 4. Ifu Ennada – O’Town 5. Eve Esin – Oshimiri

AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 1. Joseph Otsiman – The Cursed One 2. Uti Nwachukwu – Breathless 3. Abidine Dioari – Eye of the Storm — WINNER 4. Adeolu Adekola – Taxi Driver 5. Kenneth Nkosi – Ayanda 6. Thomas Gumede- Tell Me Sweet Something AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 1. Thishiwe Ziqubu – Tell me Sweet Something — WINNER 2. Maureen Okpoko – Missing God 3. Ijeoma Grace Agu – Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver 4. Bontte Modiselle – Hear Me Move 5. Nthati Moshesh – Ayanda 6. Linda Ejiofor– Out of Luck AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE 1. Oris Erhuero – The Cursed One 2. OC Ukeje – Ayanda 3. Fragass Assande – Eye of the Storm 4. Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane – Tell me Sweet Something 5. Daniel k. Daniel – Soldiers Story — WINNER 6. Biuferi Yakoubi – La Pagne AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE 1. Zineb Odeib – Behind Closed Doors 2. Adesua Etomi- Falling 3. Fulu Mugovhani – Ayanda – WINNER 4. Maimouna N’Daiye – Eye of the Storm 5. Iretiola Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Nse Ikpe

Etim, Omoni Oboli – Fifty 6. Nomzamo Mbatha – Tell me Sweet Something AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR 1. MONA – Anthony Abuah 2. Beyond Blood – Greg Odutayo — WINNER 3. 8 Bars and a Clef- Chioma Onyenwe AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR 1. Nana Obiri-Yeboah – The Cursed One — WINNER 2. Biyi Bandele- Fifty 3. Sekou Toure- Eye of the Storm 4. Sara Blecher- Ayanda 5. Moussa Hamadou Djingarey- La Pagne 6. Stephanie Linus – Dry 7. Akin Omotoso – Tell me Sweet Something 8. Mohammed Ahed Bensouda – Behind Closed Doors AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM 1. The Cursed One – Ghana 2. Fifty – Nigeria 3. Eye of the Storm – Burkina Faso — WINNER 4. Ayanda – South Africa 5. La Pagne- Niger 6. Dry – Nigeria 7. Tell me Sweet Something- South Africa 8. Behind Closed Doors- Morocco AMAA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Olu Jacobs & Joke Silva — WINNER Richard Mofe Damijo — WINNER Tony Akposhore — WINNER

36

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

TV&Radio

18 JUNE 2016

with Deborah Ocheni

This weekend ONTV

Desmond Majekodunmi speaking during the programme

TELEVISION

TVC

Saturday 7:00 Hossana Hour 8:00 Boom Box

Saturday 7:30 Crocadoo 8:00 The Indomitables 8:30 Pocahontas 9:05 Arambara 9:30 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Souncity Top Choice Videos 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:35 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:20 Spice Most 7:00 News Headline

10:00 On the Town 11:00 Between the Lions 12:00 News 12:30 Video Fashion 1:00 The Big Issue 2:30 Fireworks 3:30 Golden Chance Lotto 4:40 Boom Box 5:00 Hyperchondraic 5:30 Stand by Me My Beloved 6:00 Boom Box 6:30 Project Your Poise Show 7:00 Teju Baby Face Show 8:30 Fenz Championship 9:00 Sillent Noise 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 News 11:00 Play on Repeat Now Sunday 7:00 Hosanna Hour 8:00 Nollywood English 10:00 News 11:30 Sports Week 12:00 News 12:30 Nollywood English 2:30 The Sunday Interview 3:30 Golden Chance Lotto 4:30 Excellent Leadership 5:00 Hitlist and Cruising 5:00 Vivid View 6:00 Stand Point 9:00 Pastor’s Teaching 9:30 Ogun 10:00 News

Oil extraction: Irresponsible control system

T

oday on STV is an entertaining current affairs programme that focuses on interviews with eminent personalities on topical issues. It is aired on Silverbird Television Channel 252 In this edition of the programme, the crew members of the programme gave the breakdown and discuss the trending headlines in the national dailies which is the cleaning of Ogoni land and level of damage caused by pollution.

During the programme, Desmond Majekodumi, an environmentalist, identified the situation as a sensitive one that had destroyed livelihoods. He said: “It is a very sensitive situation, you have people who are totally aggrieved

Programme summary

Africana Literati

Amfam (154) Thursday @ 2pm A literature show that is aimed at appreciating and promoting African literary works

All African Dishes Cuisine STV (252) Thursday @ 2:15pm It is a programme that excites viewers’ taste buds with rich African foods, featuring recipes prepared by guests and also discuss health matters.

and these are people whose resources were squandered and their livelihoods destroyed.”

He added that children and young people lost their lives as a result of gas pollution and irresponsible control of extraction system. “We must not lose sight of the fact that their children and young people have been dying as a result of gas pollution and irresponsible control of the extraction system there, and this goes back decades.

“Nigeria has the dubious distinction of having the most polluted oil extraction area anywhere in the whole world; that is the fantastic distinction we have been awarded and it is a reality. The clean-up of Ogoni land is going to be the biggest of all oil pollution that has ever been known in history, so definitely the people are going to be aggrieved when they see pictures of Abuja and other areas. They know that the money used to develop these areas came from their land and yet they cannot boast of power supply in their locality. We are in a new age now where we can easily access information about places like Texas in the United States where oil is in large quantity and the Texans are benefiting immensely from the resources that is under their soil. Definitely it is going to be a terrible grief in the hearts of the people.”

Majekodumi said that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is not the only one that should benefit from

the oil and that madness will ensue in that area if it is not cleaned up. He said: “Having said that, the NNPC is not the only one that should benefit from the oil; the area has to be cleaned up, otherwise madness will ensue. Throughout history, human beings have been capable of going beyond certain ticking points where we just bring madness on ourselves. We shouldn’t doubt the fact that the Liberian war was a reality and it lasted for 10 years; God forbids that this will be our own reality but the way we are going, we are heading towards that because there are too many grievances. The remuneration shouldn’t just be for the NNPC, and there are those who own oil blocs? Check the records, do you know how many thousands of children have died in this area because poison? So, everybody who has benefitted from this resource should now feel very strongly responsible to help bring peace to the land”.

He however condemned the activities vandals, saying that there are better ways of expressing grievances. “In reality, if you are going to express your grievances by blowing up a pipeline and that pipe line bursts and the oil starts pouring into the area, then you are just as guilty as the other people because you cannot justify killing children just because you have a cause that you are fighting for,” he stated.

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

F

Rockcity FM's Sophie

or Toluwalope Sophia Anidugbe popularly known as Sophie, her adventure into the world of broadcasting has been a childhood dream come true. She attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Ojeere, Abeokuta, where she studied Mass Communication.

Sophie is the young, but purposeful broadcaster who decided to bring a childhood dream, a teenager’s passion and an adult’s training, into a holy matrimony; a union which gave birth to a unique brand of an On-Air

Personality called ‘S.O.P.H.I.E’ and culminated in a career path she intends to pursue until she becomes Nigeria’s first female president.

As the saying goes: a gold fish has no hiding place and Sophie’s potential has made her the most valued voice at Rockcity 101.9 FM Abeokuta were she graciously straddles the spectrum as a duty continuity announcer, presenter, newscaster and a voice over artiste.

7:10 Footprints 8:00 Pulse 234 8:30 Spider 9:00 Spice Specials 9:30 Soundcity Party Mix 10:30 Omnisport Sunday 8:00 Hutos 9:05 Arambara 9:35 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Soundcity’s Global Countdown 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:40 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:30 Glam Mamas 7:05 Before 30 7:30 Saints 8:00 Sunday Paparazzi Show 8:30 Spider 9:00 On the Couch

CITY FM 105.1

RADIO

Saturday 6:00 Saturday Breakfast Show 8:00 Weekend Update 8:30 Growing Up Matters 9:00 City Talks 10:30 Don-Digy’s Corner 12:15 The City Kids Show 2:00 Fan Zone 3:30 Soccer Wrap 7: 00 Encounter with Grace 8:00 Round Table 11:00 Elisha Baza Show

Sunday 5:00 Praise in the City 5:30 Christ Embassy 6:00 Sunday Praise Show 3:00 Music Culture 6:00 Singspiration 8:00 Only the Hits 9:00 Once Upon a Time 10: Refresh

RADIO LAGOS

Sophie

Saturday 75:10 Audra Aro 5:20 Iwure Aaro 5:25 Waasi Idaji 6:15 Nigba Ti Wa 7:15 Asayan Iroyin 9:10 Idan Orita 10:15 Ara Ewe 12:00 World News 1:00 Mooko Mooka 1:30 Lere 2:00 Oyin Momo 2:30 Ogegele 3:00 Odo Iwoyi

Sunday 6:15 Oro Igbala 6:30 Oro Iyin 7:00 Personal Paid Announce- ments 7:15 Asayan Iroyin 7:30 Ase Ibi Mimo 10:15 Eba mi Dupe 11:10 Mukulumuke 5:30 Rotimi Akinwole on FM 9:00 Obirin Ologo

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

37

The Arts

18 JUNE 2016

Arthouse Contemporary hosts online auction with Oresegun

O

Abass

Oghobase

Idahor

Abass, Idahor, Oghobase hold exhibition in Lagos T Stories: Tony Okuyeme

he process of works in progress by three Nigerian artists – Kelani Abass, Taiye Idahor and Abraham Oghobase – who work across three different media and undertook residencies over a three-year period in the same place at the Salzburg Summer Academy between 2013 and 2015, is the focus of a group exhibition, which opens tomorrow Sunday and runs till July 24 at Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos.

This project, according to CCA, is an opportunity to present the continuing process of developing their practice but also offers a discursive platform that engages the mutability of studio practice, the impact of international residencies on the local art sector as well as the benefits, and at times, the disadvantages of residencies.

Kelani studied at the Yaba College of Art and Technology, graduating in painting with distinction.

Since then he has had solo exhibitions including, Paradigm Shift (2009) and Man and

Machine (2011). He has taken part in some group exhibitions in Nigeria and South Africa. Kelani has won several awards and prizes including 1st prize in painting of the Caterina de Medici/3rd Black Heritage Prize (2010), the Yusuf Grillo Award for best painting student at Yabatech (2007). He has taken part in several residencies and workshops and is a member of the Society of Nigerian Artists.

Idahor grew up in Lagos, and she studied Fine Art at the Prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where she graduated in 2007 with a Higher National Diploma (HND) after specialising in sculpture at the college.

Idahor has worked significantly within the concept of identity and women using hair as a visual language. Tangled through the issues of trade, beauty, the environment and globalisation, she examines how these factors build the woman’s identity in today’s Africa but in particular Lagos, Nigeria, where she has lived all her life. She has participated in a number of exhibitions and workshops both at home and abroad including Nigeria our Nigeria, Presidential Inauguration

T

Exhibition Abuja Nigeria 2011; the specially curated at the Dubai Art Fair, Marker 2013; her first solo exhibition “Hairvolution” in Lagos Nigeria 2014 and Timeline a residency exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, 2015.

Oghobase also studied at the Yaba College of Technology's School of Art, Design and Printing in Lagos, majoring in photography. Understudying Nigerian painter and photographer Deji Ajose and the acclaimed sculptor and photographer Uche James Iroha, Oghobase received further mentorship in the early stages of his career from French-Algerian photographer Bruno Boudjelal.

A quest for the purpose of existence has led Oghobase to a unique form of art, as he explores issues relating to human emotions and identity against specific socio-economic backdrops, often using himself as material for his performance-based work. His photography has been exhibited in his home country of Nigeria and across Africa and Europe. Oghobase's work is also part of private collections, including the KIASMA Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland.

resegun Olumide is best known for his hyperrealistic and emotional oil paintings and they will be on auction online next week.

Presented by Arthouse Contemporary on its website, www.arthouse-ng.com, it is first auction of its kind in Nigeria, and it will hold from June 23 till 26, 2016. Opening reception holds on Thursday, June 23, at Renault Showroom, 43B Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Inspired by his immediate environment and people from his local community, including his neighbours, friends and siblings, Oresegun calls attention to the quiet moments of his childhood.

Whether reading, writing letters, or sleeping, Oresegun’s subjects are caught off guard in a tranquil moment of reflection.

A graduate of distinction at the Yaba College of Technology, Oresegun received international media attention with a recent CNN article that lauded the hyperrealism of his art. Since then, he has become an Internet sensation for the attention to technique and detail in his paintings.

Similarly, Arthouse Contemporary has announced call for consignment of modern and contemporary artworks, with an emphasis on rare works of African artists in the modern period, for auction in November this year, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Arthouse Foundation will hold Artist Talk and Studio Visit with Dipo Doherty and Olumide Onadipe today at its office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Dipo Doherty and Olumide Onadipe “are currently undertaking a three-month residency with the Arthouse Foundation in Lagos, where they are experimenting with new materials and processes as they create a final artistic project. Doherty and Onadipe will speak about their past work and artistic practices, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore their work in progress in their studio.

“The artistic projects will culminate in a final exhibition in December 2016”.

Oresegun in the studio

Sleep Sef Na Wahala in Abuja

he stage is set for the university tour of Sleep Sef Na Wahala, a play written by Africa Ukoh and directed by Williams Obasi.

Produced by African Renaissance Theatre (A.R.T) in collaboration with the Department Of Theatre Arts, University Of Abuja and an ensemble of ex-Unibuja theatre arts graduates, the production holds next week, at the Open Air Theatre, Mini Campus, Unibuja and Faculty of Arts Auditorium, Permanent Site, Unibuja.

Sleep sef na Wahala is a comedy about Amaechi, a half-employed-and-half-unemployed part time worker and full time slave.

After a soul-crushing 72 hour work shift, all Amaechi wants is sleep. Unfortunately for Amaechi, his landlady wants him. His neighbour also wants him. The police want him. Even the friendly neighbourhood preacher wants him. Amaechi just wants sleep. But does sleep want Amaechi?

Shortlisted for the 2009 Abuja Writers’ Forum competition, this hilarious play promises harvest of humour and great entertainment after the class’ wahala.

African Renaissance Theatre (A.R.T) is an arts and culture organisation based primarily in Abu-

ja, the Federal Capital Territory (F.C. T) of Nigeria.

“A.R.T is founded upon four EPIC values: Excellence, Professionalism, Innovation, and Creativity.

“A.R.T aspires to bring our unique creativity to the expression of the African experience, using the all-embracing umbrella of the theatrical arts to inspire the contemporary evolution of African performance artistry.

“This performance is supported by Elixir Entertainment, Gwagz Facts, VNT Media, Bluetooth Entertainment, Season 7 Restaurant,” A.R.T stated in a release.

38

FRED NWAOZOR

“H

oney,” Ugochi called right in the bedroom.

“Yes dear,” her hubby Ugochukwu answered.

“I have something to discuss with you.”

The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ugochukwu Okorie tied the knot nine years back, but was yet to hear the cry of a newborn baby. Though all the medical diagnosis or findings proved that they were perfectly sound, but they could wholly sense that there was something very wrong somewhere which they were yet to fathom. In view of this presumption, each day of their life as a couple was preoccupied with such series of expensive thoughts, mixed feelings as well as rhetorical questions as ‘God, why me?, who’s behind this?, what have we done to deserve this?, I wouldn’t have gotten married in the first place’, and what have you. Despite the coincidental synonymous nature of their names – Ugochukwu and Ugochi, which made many friends and well-wishers saw them as destined couple, they were still faced with a crisis that almost made them abandon their faith in God; in other words, the people’s initial perception over their union later appeared like a paradox not just to the couple but anyone around including their aged parents.

During the aforementioned moment, which was in the early morning of that very day, the seemingly unlucky partners who just woke up from their long lasted night rest that was interrupted by several nightmares at intervals owing to the not unusual restlessness of their respective minds were still lying in their matrimonial bed.

“What’s it?” Ugochukwu responded calmly.

“Since we have confirmed that we are medically sound,” she began hesitantly. “I suggest we should try God.” “How do you mean?”

“There’s this pastor a friend of mine introduced to me,” said Ugochi. “I learnt the man is very powerful.”

“So…?” He said, staring at her.

“I think we should give him a trial.”

“You think?”

“Yes.” “Well, I don’t think so.” He disclosed, faced the other side of the room.

“Why are you being stubborn?” She said bitterly.

“Me, stubborn?” Ugochukwu enquired, glanced at her.

“Of course, you are being stubborn.” She vocally asserted.

“Well, call it whatever you wish to call it,” he ranted. “The point is that I am not going anywhere.”

There was a bit absolute silence.

“Honey, I am so sorry if I have used a hard word on you,” Ugochi uttered submissively. “But you know what we are passing through.”

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ShortStory

18 JUNE 2016

frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056 Follow: @mediambassador

Spirit lives on

The husband was speechless.

“We need prayers.” She landed.

“So,” he broke the silence. “We can’t pray for ourselves, right?”

“It’s not what you think.”

“So, what?”

“I know we can,” she replied.

“But we still need the assistance of a man of God.” “So, I am a man of the devil?”

“Please, stop playing with this issue.” She urged madly.

“But you just called me a man of the devil.”

“I repeat,” she enjoined. “This is a very serious issue, and we must treat it as such.”

There was tranquility.

“For crying out loud,” Ugochi rode on. “Nine years of barrenness isn’t nine months.”

“There you go again,” he said.

“So, you believe you are barren?”

“Please, stop misunderstanding me,” she quarreled. “You know how people see all these

things.”

“Is it now about the people, or about us?” He queried. “Well, I think this discussion is over.” He declared, made attempt to leave the bed.

But she pleaded with him to stay back while holding his nightwear. “Honey please…,” she said.

“If not for anything, just for my sake.”

“It seems you don’t understand,” he responded amicably. “I don’t want us to start going from one church to the other.”

She stared at him in awe. She wondered why the young man was yet to face the reality.

“If God really wants to bless us with a child,” he continued. “He will do so at the right time.”

The altercation lingered for several days until after two weeks when Ugochukwu decided to have a rethink. Thereafter, they were touring from one church,

healing centre, house of prophesies, and so on, to another, all to no avail.

The ugly scenario continued till one certain day when the couple encountered one passerby madman on the street when they were just leaving one of the churches they patronized.

“Una just dey run up and down.” the madman lamented in Pidgin English meaning literally ‘you people are just wandering about’ as soon as they stepped out of the church premises.

They stood aloof and stared at him.

“No child for you unless you confess.” The stranger who was in rags prophesied.

They instantly became shocked, stood still.

“Woman, go and confess,” he said louder. “Man, go and confess.” He added.

The couple became more de-

pressed and flabbergasted. Luckily for them, there were no other passersby or residents within the arena.

The insane man reiterated the last clause for the umpteenth time that he found himself singing with it.

It was indeed a horrible moment for the couple whom was covered with fathomless ghost pimples. It seemed to them as if a messiah just came down from above to reveal the apparently forgotten story of their life.

Therein, they recalled every bit of their collective past life which they foolishly thought had gone forever.

The truth was that, Ugochi had once committed manslaughter. Nine years back when the couple newly got married, they were living with Ugochi’s niece called Ebube who was barely 11-year-old.

Ebube was the first child to Ugochi’s married elder sister.

Along the line, one fateful day, she provoked her aunt Ugochi owing to one slight mistake she made when both of them were busy in the kitchen, while Ugochukwu was seated in the sitting room watching television. And, in the process, the bad-tempered Ugochi unconsciously landed her kitchen knife on the poor kid. Therein, the kid bled profoundly till she passed on to the couple’s utmost surprise. Prior to her exit, Ugochukwu had ran to the kitchen to ascertain what went wrong the moment the kid cried intensely as a result of the hurt inflicted on her.

The most painful part of it was that the couple hid the cause of her death to their relatives including the deceased’s mother. They had lied to them that she accidentally hit her head on one of the sharp objects in the kitchen. Little did they realise that one’s spirit lives on even many years after his/her eternal departure.

Immediately after the revelation, the insane young man vanished into thin air as he repeatedly cited the clause – ‘woman, go and confess; man, go and confess’; he probably ran into a nearby bush.

To him, the mission had been successfully accomplished.

Thereafter, the couple headed for the appropriate quarter and confessed without much ado as requested, and eventually received the needed forgiveness. Barely three weeks after the scenario, Ugochi conceived at ease to the glory of God; she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl nine months on.

• Nwaozor novelist, playwright and poet, is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

39

Travel & Tourism

CHEF'S CORNER

Eight things you should never put in dishwasher Cast iron

Dishwasher

I

t took a lot of effort to get your cast-iron cookware perfectly seasoned!

Don’t ruin it (or potentially cause your pan to rust) by using the dishwasher as a cleaning shortcut. Instead, rinse your cast iron in hot water, scrubbing with a soft sponge to lift stuck-on food.

Don’t use dish soap (it could break down the seasoning) and dry thoroughly with a towel.

Anything wood We’re talking cutting boards, wooden utensils (like spoons) and knives with wooden handles.

Why? Dishwasher detergent is abrasive and will scratch wood over time.

Plus, the heat of the drying cycle can cause the wood to warp or even crack. Rinse and hand-wash cutting boards soon after you use them, but don’t submerge them in water. A little baking soda can help scrub away stains, too.

TRAVEL BEATS

NTDC DG woes Mexican investors The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Uwechue - Mbanefo, has assured Mexican investors of the safety and of their investment in Nigeria even as she stated that Nigeria is a fertile ground for investment.

She gave this assurance during a presentation on tourism investment opportunities in Nigeria at the Mexico seminar on business opportunities in Nigeria where she explained that the insurgency attacks in the North Eastern part of Nigeria do not aggregate to insecurity in the entire country, adding that the present administration had drastically reduced the activities of the insurgents in the area.

The NTDC boss, while encouraging the Mexican investors to invest in the nation’s tourism sector disclosed that the main thrust of Nigeria’s tourism policy are to: create employment and engage the youths, generate foreign exchange, encourage small and medium enterprise development, promote tourism-based rural enterprises, empower local communities and reduce urban migration, and promote cultural exchange.

She said Nigeria is the largest and fastest growing economy in Africa, with the largest population, adding, “one in every seven black

persons is Nigerian. Now, imagine selling your products to over 170m people. We are not just populous, but we are the happiest, most friendly and warm people with over 250 ethnic groups who are united in diversity and we have the best weather.

“Now is the best time for you to invest in Nigeria, as we are moving away from total dependence on oil, our tourism industry is a goldmine you can explore.

“Our business tourism is excellent, so also our entertainment Tourism (Nollywood and music); our religious, sports and conference tourism are very good and active, while our culture (festival), medical tourism, education tourism, ecotourism and agro tourism are promising.”

“The current administration is focused on diversifying Nigeria’s economy and our mandate at the NTDC is to create an enabling environment, promote domestic tourism and fast track investment incentives that will propel growth in the tourism industry to make Nigeria Africa’s foremost tourism destination. With a domestic tourism market estimated at $4bn, tourist arrivals at 4.03m in 2013 which grew to 4.8m in 2014, we are ready for investors from Mexico,” she said.

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

Travel Personality

Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Jacquelyn Esho: I want to make Nigeria to makesuitable Nigeria for suitable tourism and pleasurable for tourism for people

p.40

the manufacturer, Stick to the sink but give them a The dishwasher second look after they is one of those come out of the machine, ‘best things to note any damage. since sliced bread’ inventions, Certain plastic items saving you countless You should take the manuhours otherwise spend facturer’s lead on this one - some Cast iron stooped over the sink. But of softer plastics can’t handle the dishwashcourse, we’ve yet to create a device that’s a er’s heat. Hardier items like food proceskitchen-clean-up panacea- there are some sor bowls, plastic cutting boards and mixthings the dishwasher just shouldn’t tackle. ing bowls can often go in the dishwasher, but know that most clear plastic will get Aluminum cookware scratched and dulled over time if you wash Aluminum pots and pans can technically it this way. Also, it’s often wise to place plasgo in the dishwasher, but they’ll oxidize and tic items in the top rack of the washer, where fade from shiny to dull after a single cycle. Alu- they’re farther away from the heat. minum cookware’s doppelganger, stainless steel cookware, can often go in the machine Kitchen knives - but always heed manufacturer guidelines.

Placing your good knives in the dishwasher is a big no-no. The detergent will dull a Copper or other precious metals knife's blade - frustrating as you slice and Those pretty copper pots could dull or dice, and also unsafe, as you’re more discolour in the dishwasher. Keep silver, likely to lose control of a dull knife. gold and bronze heirlooms out, too; they’ll Plus, the hot water and heat in the tarnish and will eventually lose their gleam- drying cycle will loosen knives’ ing finish. handles. Wash your kitchen knives carefully Wooden Nonstick cookware by hand in spoon Generally, the nonstick coating just hot soapy doesn’t hold up well in the turbulent wash- water iner. You can likely make an exception for stead.

Culled from items that are labelled “dishwasher-safe” by Foodnet.com

Sheraton Lagos Hotel partners Circoc for Wazobia night As its now popular Friday Wazobia night event holding by the poolside hits the high note attracting huge following from both hotel guests and walk-in visitors, the hotel has spiced up the exciting and entertaining weekly evening outing by partnering with Ciroc and extended the show to Saturday as well due to demand by its guests.

This new move, which formerly got underway last weekend, according to the hotel’s General Manager, Damian Cooper, who is also the Head of the Food

and Beverage Council for Starwood Hotels in Nigeria, is designed to treat guests “to the eclectic sounds of our live band while enjoying Ciroc based cocktails and our tasteful array of finger food.

“We are happy to offer 20 per cent discounts off drinks all night as well as complimentary snacks such as suya and chicken wings for the first round of cocktails,” said Cooper, adding that “we look forward to having Lagosians join us to spark off the evening with fun and friends at our Wazobia Saturday night.”

L-R: National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) 2nd Deputy President, Mr. Kabir Maiwada; Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Salami; President, Bankole Bernard and Treasurer, Abdullahie Zackary, during a press conference on aviation matters

Hospitality

Westown Hotels: Entices with bumper Ramadan offerings Ramadam offerings

p.41

Destination

Nigeria Tourism: Stakeholders point pathway to growth

p.42

40 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

JACQUELYN ESHO

I want to make Nigeria suitable for tourism Jaquelyn Esho, a young and enterprising Nigerian lady is the founder and managing director of MotherlandEvents, London to Lagos, who is very passionate and dedicated to promoting Nigeria tourism.

She speaks to ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on her journey to motherland

BACKGROUND Jacquelyn Esho is of Nigerian parentage but born and bred in London where she studied and trained as an interior designer with a first class degree from the London University of Arts. Young and enterprising, one would expect her to pursue a career in that field and live her dream in London with the world under her feet.

But not for her as she abandoned the glitz and good life of Europe to chase her life’s consuming passion for travel and tourism, therefore elevating her enthusiasm for the promotion of Nigeria tourism to a life time calling. Her passion made her to relocate from London to Nigeria where she is presently deep-necked in giving vent to promoting tour business among others through her MotherlandEvents, London to Lagos.

She is the founder and managing director.

“The journey of MotherlandEvent, London to Lagos, began at the University of The Arts London in 2014 with a vision to bring Nigeria to the forefront of international tourism. Prior to MotherlandEvents we organised excursions for universities across the United Kingdom every month in which we financed the project personally,” she says of the beginning of her journey.

“Tourism is my passion and I intend hopefully to improve the tourism sector in Lagos and Nigeria through my various activities like my planned youth tours –London-Lagos. My passion for tourism grew along while I was in the university.

“The focus is to bring people here and to bring them here with things to do so that they have a reason to always come back. It is not just visiting for the sake of it but you want to make sure that people want to come back regularly with friends and families,” says Esho of the mission of her company.

O

The beginning nce she decided on her course of action, she set up her company, comprising welltrained and exposed young graduates. Then she decided to explore the world to understudy how tourism business is conducted before launching out on her own.

“I travelled for a year to other countries. I went to China, Cyprus, America and Turkey. I went to different countries just to study and analyse how other countries have developed and promoted tourism.

“How they attracted people and why people want to go to those countries. I also studied Nigeria as well,” she reveals.

First visit to motherland Her first visit to Nigeria was in June 2015, spanning August when in her words she says: “I came down and travelled to Abuja, Ogun State and all the states that I could travel to just to research and gain some insights as what activities people can engage in here and what are the attractions in each state which we can market to people internationally.”

Nigeria is a beautiful place She describes Nigeria thus: “Nigeria is such a beautiful place and there are lots of humanities here, there are beaches, a lot of natural resources here, there are things that are here that other countries actually make and are dying to have.

“Dubai for instance, is made and it is not a natural tourism destination but Nigeria has every resource that they don’t need to make anything.”

Being her first trip, she reveals that “I was learning the languages, the areas, I was learning everything about Nigeria by myself when I first came in June.”

Mixed experience According to her, the experience was a mixed one starting with the difficulty of processing a Nigerian passport and visa in London, which took almost eternity to achieve. Then on arriving in Lagos, she had a tough time clearing immigration and the hordes of security officials, whom she confessed gave her tough time because she wasn’t dancing to their tunes.

“But it was tough entering Nigeria, it was very, very tough. I mean the first few days in Lagos are hard. There is a process for everything in Lagos that you can never really explain. They make everything hard for you and I don’t

People went back excited to come back again. There was no one person that was bored. Everybody had a fantastic time.

They enjoyed their stay, they enjoyed the food, they enjoyed the culture, they enjoyed the weather,” says Esho of the trip.

Esho

TRAVEL PERSONALITY know if they see it like that but from a traveller’s experience or someone from abroad, things are lot harder to process in Nigeria.

It was a fabulous trip However, she admits having a good time: “After all the shocks of landing, it was a fabulous trip.”

Smitten by Nigeria’s bug It is understandable why she decided to settle in Nigeria and become her unofficial ambassador of some sorts to London and Europe, as she confesses that “I didn’t come with the intention of living here. That was never on my mind when I was coming here but by October I was sure that it was something that I will definitely be doing.”

But why that swift and life changing decision? “When I came here a lot of people were asking me how is Nigeria and all that. Overall, I just thought why not make this a platform for people to

travel to Nigeria for specific days and offer them things that can engage them while here. They wouldn’t be bored but they would enjoy themselves and therefore they are more likely to come back."

The first group trip to Nigeria Her first group trip to Nigeria was in July last year and she had in the group about 60 people from the UK comprising Nigerians and other nationalities.

“The age ranged between 18 and 35 and the majority of them were students, university undergraduates and postgraduate students, we had a few professionals who have previously been to Nigeria before,” she says of the team members.

It was a week-long inclusive package to Lagos, with visit to different attractions and exploration of various activities in the city. She repeated the same feat during the Christmas period of same year with about 100 people on the trip.

Everybody had a fun time “A lot of people enjoyed it and that is the majority of feedback that we got.

Upcoming trip for July Following the success of last year’s trips, she has decided to expand on the scope and content of her group trips this year. Just like last year, she plans on two trips, the first holding between July and August while the second trip is billed for December 18 spanning January 7, 2017.

Two groups are expected to arrive Lagos and Abuja. She is also collaborating with other travel suppliers, hotels and entertainment providers across the country She said: “The majority of the people coming are people who haven’t been here for a while. So, what we are trying to do now is that we are trying to bring people back who have little knowledge about the new Nigeria, we are marketing the newer Nigeria to people now.

“We are marketing the new things that are in Lagos, the new hotels, the new restaurants, the new theme parks.

Everything new in Lagos is what we are using to pull the people who may have lost interest and have not been here since they were born.

“Those are the people that we are now bringing back to say okay this is the new Lagos and you have to see it continued on page 43

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

HOSPITALITY

41

WESTOWN HOTELS

Entices with bumper Ramadan offerings licious services that would enhance their stay and exploration of the different products on offer by the hotel.

Fascinating exterior of the hotel

Plush restaurant setting beckons diners

Enticing presentation

I

Andrew Iro Okungbowa t is Ramadan season as Muslim faithful round the world undertake one of the important pillars of their religious obligations. Obviously at the end of every day they need to refresh and replenish their energies to get on with the next day’s activities.

In this wise, many of the hospitality homes across the country are agog with different offers, especially enticing culinary packages. In Lagos, one of the top spots to visit is Westown Hotels in Ikeja part of the city (Sheraton Lagos Link Road) as the hotel management has on offer bumper and sumptuous offerings for the discerning guests.

Headlining the hotel’s packages is the Ramadan room offer, which comes with heavily discounted rates, complimentary breakfast and dinner, wifi, use of swimming pool and the gymnasium. This is in addition to the other dedicated facilities and services of the hotel with the Chief Operating Officer, Ajibade Remi, informing that guests would be pampered and

treated to the best ever available services.

According to Remi, Westown Hotels is an outfit that is interlaced by many destinations and facilities, which are yet to be explored by the people and that this is one of the best times to explore the hotel because of its unique services and fantastic rooms with state of the art facilities.

Besides its fascinating and awesome architectural pull, the hotel boosts an array of modern and sophisticated facilities, which are dedicated to the comfort and relaxation of the guests. These include: Rooms The rooms are extra-ordinary in nature and design and of different categories to fit the taste and mood of the diverse guests, especially corporate and leisure guests. The categories include: Superior, Deluxe, Junior, Executive, Loft, Governor and Presidential suites.

One of the tailored made rooms for the corporate guests is the corporate suite, which is specially designed for long staying guests with an in-built office space and facilities.

A typical leisure guest room is the Loft suite, which fits the taste of love birds and honeymooners. Guests here are particularly pampered and treated to rich and de-

Food/beverages The hotel’s food and beverage section is top notch offering exceptional gastronomic packages that come with wide selection of drinks. Ose continental restaurant offers both African and continental buffet dishes while it Aroy-Dee, a Thai themed restaurant, entices with the best of Asian cuisines.

With a master Thailand chef, Aroy-Dee is very popular with many diners in the city and guests of the hotel. It has become a must visit restaurant for what Remi described as it inviting ambience and special treats, which anyone looking for a unique treat, especially at this Ramadan period, should visit for a delightsome.

Entertainment Ten bar comes with great mood and relaxing ambience for the guests to unwind and be treated to the best of entertainment

HOTEL factfile

ranging from wide selection of drinks and finger foods. You can swing to the musical mood creations oozing from the ground piano.

Also, lovers of sports can catch live matches and other sporting events while lounging with loved ones and friends. You can also savour some of the daily special packages such as live Salsa music on Friday beginning from 6pm at the rooftop poolside and on Wednesday evenings you can enjoy the best of piano evening with live contemporary jazz music serenading your mood.

Leisure/sport Some of the dedicated leisure and sport facilities include the swimming pool, a uniquely designed rooftop pool that is a classic of its own and a gymnasium that is fully equipped with a spa service on request.

Conferences Business conference and event planners will also find the hotel a good location for the hosting of different events as its convention centre and meeting rooms are purpose built and fully equipped to host different business and social events.

Other facilities/services The list of its facilities and services are unending as it also boosts laundry service, complimentary parking space, wifi and newspaper, as well as flexible and weekend rates.

Excellence Hotel and Conference Centre

The Ogba-Aguda, Ikeja, Lagos-based hotel is one of the city’s hotels that boost excellent facilities and services, which are dedicated to both business and leisure travellers as well as residents of the city. For years it has earn enviable reputation and patronage for its excellence and professionalised services just as connoted by its name.

Its extensive facilities and services as well as leisure and special packages include: l Excellent and tastefully design and fitted rooms of different categories for guest comfort with such amenities as comfy and well-laid bed, flat screen TV, mini-bar, work desk/chair, settee, tea/ coffee- making machine. l Restaurant and bar for rich African and continental dishes as well as variety of drinks with appealing mood for relaxation and lounging with friends.

l Conference facilities for different events and meetings. l Wedding package that comes with different options for intending couples and honeymooners. l Family buffet lunch on Sunday creating a homely atmosphere for family to enjoy different savoury meals laced with home cooking ambience. l Fully equipped fitness centre for both resident guests and walk-in guests and offering aerobic classes. l Business centre and cafe that is fully equipped offering different types of business and secretariat services. l Gift shop for purchase of different personal and gifts items. l Others include wifi, laundry, car hire, airport shuttle, car wash and travel agency.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS B E N E F I TS 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, e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com

FESTAC, LAGOS

ABA

LAGOS REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

CAPITOL HOTEL, AGEGE

29, OROLEYE CRESCENT, OFF ABEL ORENIYI, OFF SALAVATION RD, OPEBI, LAGOS

42

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

DESTINATION

Nigeria Tourism: Stakeholders point pathway to growth Government should facilitate inflow of tourists

As many people look forward to Nigeria tourism as the next revenue earner for the country following the diversification policy of the Federal Government, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA speaks with stakeholders on the fate of the sector

The hospitality business is a thriving one, it is a business that many investors in Nigeria are interested in and it definitely has a huge potential. What can still be further developed both by the industry and the government, I am not saying that the government has to pay or do things but it will be good if the government facilitate the inflow of travellers into Nigeria, facilitate the availability of various sites, for example, in and around Lagos or Nigeria in general to make them accessible.

That will help the development of the

A

s Nigerians especially operators in the tourism sector, art, culture and entertainment await the final outcome of the recently held National Summit on Culture and Tourism, which is expected to provide a guide as to the path to the development and promotion of Nigeria tourism following the new emphasis on diversifying the economy by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, a number of stakeholders in the sector expressed mix feelings about the fate of the sector:

Government should see tourism as driver of the economy Issues on tourism have in the past been treated with levity. Hence, its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is low. We should harness this potential and turn them into product for marketing and tourist appreciation.

It’s time our government see tourism as driver to our economic emancipation.

Focus should be given to tourism from the federal to state and to all local government councils in Nigeria. It should be enshrined in our school curriculum and taught in many institutions of higher learning. State governments should be encouraged to create man-made

A

move to forge unity of West and East Africa has been initiated by the government of Tanzania and the management of Atunda Entertainment, a Nigerian-owned musical and movie production outfit. Tagged West/ East Amalgamation through arts and tourism, it is geared at bridging the existing gap between countries of the west and east regions.

The new project, which will be devoted to the production of movies and musicals through Nigerian and Tanzanian’s artistes collaboration, was disclosed by the Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria, Daniel O. Njoolay and the President of Atunda Entertainment, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye.

According to the Memorandum of Un-

sites to attract foreigners and finally we should encourage domestic tourism by giving tour incentives to workers in our employ.

The private sector can’t do much if the political will is not there to drive it.

There must be a conscious effort from government to encourage the private sector in marketing Nigeria as a destination. This could be in the area of supporting our craftsmen and other artisans to attend international exhibitions to broaden their horizon and ensure international standard. The private sector should be involved in the process of planning and execution of any tourism project or product.

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) should not mix politics with associations, the aim was to be a formidable group to grow the sector through advocating for policies and programmes that will help grow the industry not to be a platform for ascending into political position. It should not be left for moneybags alone.

FTAN needs vibrant young men and women who have grown within the industry to bring in new ideas of making the different associations live up to their terms. *Ubong Ekpe Okon, Executive Director of Akwa Tourism Development Company Limited

tourism industry. Tourism worldwide is very important for revenue generation and that can be the same in Nigeria.

There are some many African-Americans for example that would like to come back to their origins, maybe not to live but to visit and that is a never ending market because that population is growing and children are born and those children will also desire to go and visit.

At the moment there is already a possibility through DNA testing which parts of Africa you are coming from which enables it for them to actually travel to these areas. It will be great if we can celebrate that. *Mercel Andeweg, general manager of Golden Tulip Festac Lagos

We need to create enabling environment for tourism to thrive Global tourists is competitive, we need to attract big international events to Nigeria, this is very important. That will improve image of the country as well as bring in foreign exchange and improve domestic tourism too.

Therefore, the federal government should consider hosting international conferences, games and sports at our idle stadia.

The president can use tourism to create employment. We have many tourism projects that government have spent money on that require participation of the private sector for sustenance. Positive actions from the parastatals are required in these areas. Members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have projects that need only approvals from government yet approvals are hard to come by and government allocates funds to these non-effectively managed projects.

Domestic Tourism is a gold mine and we can create Nigerian holiday discount vouchers for Nigerians on vacation to use in all tourism businesses in Nigeria We have the population and the tourist sites are there. We need to create the enabling environment for tourism businesses to grow

in Nigeria.

Basic infrastructure needs to be in place like good roads and electricity. Of cause, the most important is security which the President has scored high. We need to have a tourism bank to provide long term funds for long term investments. We call Nigerians to have their holidays, weddings, conferences in Nigeria.

Religious tourism should be encouraged while they should be encouraged to pay taxes too and cultural events should be privatised or at least on public-private partnership. The activation of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT) should be looked into while the implementation of the tourism master plan should also be considered.

Creation of tourism zones in identified areas with high potential recommended while our waterfronts should be reserved for tourism and not for individual use or building of shopping malls as with Jabi Lake in Abuja.

The beachfront in Lagos or other areas should be reserved for hotels, restaurants, night clubs, arts, museums and other dedicated facilities that are suitable for the beachfronts. *Tomi Akingbogun, president of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria

Atunda Entertainment, Tanzania Govt derstanding (MoU) , the scheme will kick off in August at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun Village, Lekki, Lagos, owned by Akinboboye with the selected artistes and crew coming together to create and produce a movie script and post production within two weeks.

In third week, the entire crew will move over to Tanzania for the premiere of the movie that will be attended by the government officials, business moguls and other personalities and the general public from both countries. The premiere will feature musical performances by musical artistes from both countries as well, which will

be recorded and commercially produced.

Thereafter a second movie will be shot and produced in Tanzania, which will be premiered in Nigeria and will feature musical performance. Njoolay, who took time to give historic account of the project conceptualisation and benefits to creative youths of both countries, pointed out that motion picture in Tanzania lacked the necessary skills and expertise.

As Nigeria ranked among major movie makers in the world, the High Commissioner said the partnership would benefit his country in the area of artistic and creative technological transfer.

According to him, Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Culture is fully involved in the project and will commit funds to it.

In his word: “Our movie stars still lack the skill. It will be a form of artistic technological transfer when we bring artistes to come and perform jointly with experienced Nigerian artistes “We have reached a good point and everything is moving on fast. Everything begins on August 1.”

Njoolay also harped on the tourism benefits of the project, as it is expected to boost the tourism potential of both coun-

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'Don't go to Dubai, come to Nigeria' L-R: President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung, Group Managing Director, Kasapreko Company Limited, Kwabena Adjei, organiser of Accra Weizo, Ikechi Uko, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofusu Adejare, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Wanle Akinboboye and Uche of ABC Transport Plc, at 2015 event

continued on page 40

to enjoy it. It is important for us that we get it right because if we get it wrong they are most likely not going to come back.”

Accra Weizo focuses on seamless travel in West Africa C ome July 15, the travel industry in West Africa will be on focus as operators in the industry across the region and Africa gather to examine the fortunes of the industry and devise a path to its growth and elevation to the pedestal as countries of the west coast seek to forge alliances in the development and promotion of travel.

The event is Accra Weizo, a travel and tourism trade exhibition created by African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), organisers of the annual Akwaaba Travel Market in Lagos, Nigeria. The expo, which debuted last year, is holding at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, which appears to now be the home of the expo, as it was the city’s resort that played host to the debutant gathering in 2015.

With collaboration of the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ikechi Uko, who is the head of ATQ, revealed that the theme for the expo, which among others would feature, roundtable discussion, products and services exhibition as well as arts, cultural and musical entertainment, is seamless travels in West Africa, is to be headlined by a discussion session on West Africa as a single destination.

He said: “Accra Weizo is a one-day travel seminar, awards, exhibition and the objective is to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in West Africa.” He also added that over 150 travel professionals that are representatives of government of countries in the west coastal, national tourism boards and administrators, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers as well as various suppliers and buyers of travel and the general public are expected at the event.

The session will have as discussants the President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung, Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankola Bernard and heads of the tourism associations from Benin and Togo. It will be moder-

ated by a leading Ghanaian journalist. According to Uko, the session, which also enjoys support from Ethiopian Airlines and Accra City Hotel, will offer an in-depth analysis into ways to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in the region; improving and simplifying airport and border processes; and standardising hotel facilities for tourism through shared vision.

The roll call of speakers for the aviation session include: the Managing Director of ASKY Airlines, Mr. Henock Teferra. ASKY Airlines is a pan Africa airline, based in Lome, Togo. He will speak on ‘the challenges of running a successful regional airline in West Africa’, while for the tourisms session, the Regional Manager of South Africa Tourism, West Africa, Hloni Pitso, will speak on ‘the prospect of West Africa as a single tourism destination.’

Other top rated speakers at the event also include: The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors Limited, Captain Fola Akinkuotu and the Vice Chairman of SAHCOL, Mr. Chike Ogeah.

Akinkuotu will be heading the team of panelists comprising leading aviation experts and government functionaries, who will discuss different issues relating to the main theme of the expo while Ogeah will be speaking on ‘integrating airport operations in West Africa.’

The West Africa Award (Balafon) will be held at 5pm, with award categories to include: West Africa Tourism Man of the Year, West Africa Aviation Man of the Year, West African Personality of the Year, and Top 50 Hotels in West Africa.

La Palm Royal Beach Hotel will host the Carnivore night by 7pm, an event that has been tagged: ‘eat all you can, meet from all nations, dance, dance and party till dawn affair.’

A pre-event tour is scheduled for July 14 while the post event tour is billed for July 16 spanning the various tourism circuits of Ghana, including Accra, the country’s capital city.

partner on arts, tourism tries. To show how serious the country is with the project, he said that the Director, Tanzania Film Board, Joyce Fisoo, had met with Akinboboye in Nigeria.

In his remark, Akinboboye expressed the need to diversify the economy, especially that of Nigeria which has relied solely on oil. “The need to diversify the economy is over flogged. It is long overdue. In diversification, you have to appraise your strength and opportunities. Our strength is our creativity. We are number one in Africa in movie and music. But how much value has it added to us and how much value has it added to the continent? If Africa laugh and play together they will ….together. Artistic

endeavours are the best way to foster Africa unity. Let us go to East Africa to help brothers develop their movie industry.”

Akinboboye wondered why many Nigerians are ignorant of the tourism potential of Tanzania.

"I believe strongly that if Tanzania can be number two in the world, the project can only explore and enhance both nations’ tourism industries. Let us go to East Africa and develop their movie industry," Akinboboye said.

Njoolay revealed that the maiden film to be shot Tanzania would be named the, 'My Pride’ and it will be a one and half hour production.

With effort like this definitely Africa will be rising.

People are curious about Nigeria “People are curious about Nigeria. They want to come but they don’t just have that link. People need something to urge them to come to Nigeria and I think that is where Nigeria lacks in terms of bringing people back.

“Because they see the price of the ticket for example, the price of the hotel, the price of the visa and they think is it worth all of that? And that is where Nigeria is failing, they are failing to show them that we are worth all of that,” laments Esho.

It is the combination of these two factors, people’s wish to see Nigeria and the lack of machinery to make it happen that have inspired Esho to step forward hoping to fill that void. “Which is where we sort of come in by saying, let show you what Nigeria can offer,” insisting that Nigeria is easily marketable.

Nigeria is not a hardnut to sell While many people believe that Nigeria is a hard nut to sell to the world, this young enthusiastic self-appointed marketer of Nigeria believes otherwise, insisting that: “Nigeria is easily marketed, people want to come to Nigeria, Nigerian internationals, British citizens, Jamaicans, various people want to come to Nigeria but they just need that extra platform to pull them in to the country.”

She admits that the country may have its own issues but blames the media for their stereotypes of Nigeria and magnifying her problems. “The thing is that the media doesn’t help.

Don’t get me wrong, people are scared of what they hear of Nigeria. I myself sometimes I am scared. Sometimes you look at the headlines of papers, you see the headlines of BBC news, they are not appealing at all.”

I want to make a change Esho professes undying love for the country, as she is uncannily committed to putting her life on the line in the promotion of Nigeria’s tourism, as she tells you that “I am happy to continue doing that because Nigeria needs the younger minds, it needs fresh graduates that are ready and hard working to explore Lagos and find solutions to issues that are on the ground.

“I think for me in general, I want to make a change. My initial aim is to make Nigeria suitable for tourism, make it pleasurable for people, make it a place that people are happy to come to and seeing people come back is my joy.”

Profit making is not my motivation She makes it quite clear that she is not in tourism for the money

but for the love of country. “If it is to do with money I would have ran away since last year. It is more to do with the fact that I want to see a change, I want to see people on the beaches, I want to see regular tours in Lagos, I want to see people on the beaches every Saturday and Sunday having fun.

“I want to see families coming back, I want to see graduates that have gone to study in the UK coming back,” she says, admonishing them thus: “Don’t go to Dubai, don’t go to America, come back to Nigeria because this is where needs the most attention.

“So, making it attractive for them and easy for them to come back is where my passion is.”

She is also not unmindful of the distortions and disconnect in the Nigerian society, as she admits that “Nigeria is for the brave-hearted. You have to have a meaning to be here to continue striving basically.

Passion has to be there for Nigeria because to look passed the bad you need something in your heart that keeps you focused here.

“You have people who know Nigeria already but at the back of their minds they don’t just know the good part about it and you have those who are clueless completely but they would come if they have that push or hand stretched at them, saying, let go to Nigeria.”

I am fulfilled Her push for Nigeria is almost contagious as she speaks glowingly about it, disclosing that despite just getting to know the country in less than two years, she is obviously a fulfilled apostle of her motherland.

“Yes, I am fulfilled. Even though it is hard but I’ m loving it and I can continue pushing Nigeria 365 days, as we should have tourists arriving in this country because it pushes local businesses and the economy. There are so many hotels for instance but who are they building these hotels for?

“We are spending billions on tourist attractions and we are spending billions on the entertainment industry but who are we spending these billions for?

“Hotels are suffering low patronage because people who we need are not here. So, we need to physically go to them and say, this is the platform, come back to Nigeria.”

Esho

44 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Celebrity RÈsume Name: Yemi Eberechi Alade Stage name: Yemi Alade Date of birth: March 13, 1989 Genre of music: Afro-pop and Rnb University education: University of Lagos, department of Geography Elementary education: Saint Saviours British Primary School and Victory Grammar School Family background: I am the fifth child of seven children. I have four brothers and two sisters. My father is from Ondo State while my mother hails from Abia State.

First experience as a musician: I began my music career professionally in 2005 and I won the maiden edition of the Peak Talent Show in 2009.

First single: ‘Fimisile’ featuring eLDee First album: King of Queens Numbers of album: King of Queens and Mama Africa Favourite artistes: Waje, Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Maria Carey, Beyonce, Whitney Houston and many money Record label: Effyzzie Music Awards: Best Female, MTV African Music Awards 2015.

Relationship status: I am in a relationship, but I prefer to keep it private.

Inspiration: My environment and experiences

45

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics Buhari better than Jonathan, but still evil –Balarabe Musa

18 JUNE 2016

Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa is a former g overnor of Kaduna State in the Second Republic, and has been the leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) since 1999. in this interview with IBRAHEEM MUSA, the old warhorse who is about the only socialist politician that is clinging to the leftist ideology, analysed the first anniversary of President Muhammadu

What is your opinion of the Muhammadu Buhari administration?

First of all, I am terribly disappointed. I had expected from the president's one-year address to the nation, a clear statement that showed his preparedness to regain the popularity which he lost in the last one year, but the broadcast was not articuate, not encouraging and not convincing at all. It didn’t show any preparedness to regain the popularity which we believed he had lost. You can’t have a president who cannot convince you about his programme. What can you see from the broadcast?

Failures which were recognised and which have to be corrected?

Nothing! The broadcast was just colourless and there is no clarity on anything. Take the three important issues that we generally talk about; corruption, insecurity and falling standard of living. Has he said anything

OLALEKAN OSIADE Assistant Editor 08033076969 lekanosiade@gmail.com lekanosiade@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Musa

convincing about these? Let us take Boko Haram for example, but you know Boko Haram is just one-third of the insecurity that is plaguing Nigeria. What did he say about it? Except that Boko Haram is not in control of any local government is the North East; that is rubbish. Even during Goodluck Jonathan era, that was the situation. If Boko Haram was not brought down sufficiently, would there have been the 2015 election in those areas?

The election was held throughout the North East.

But during Jonathan's regime, the insurgents were controlling about 14 local governments, they hoisted their flags and even had some form of government in place.

That is what government says and it cannot be true. Because if they were in control, elections couldn’t have taken place there.

So, they were not in control, it was just political manipulation.

The situation is the same, during Jonathan and now. Even on corruption, the president did not say anything new except that he is fighting corruption. The fight against corruption is very fundamental, it's one of the key

If you compare the cost living at the time Buhari took over and the cost of living today, you will be surprised. It has increased by at least 50 per cent. And there is greater unemployment now

solutions to the negative state of the nation, the president himself admitted it. Then why is he dilly-dallying with the issue?

He said that he will mention all those who have been accused of corruption and the money so far recovered, in his state broadcast. Why is he hestitating about it? He is now saying that the list will be released without the names. What is the meaning of releasing the list without naming names? If the list is authentic and if it should guide Nigerians, then they should mention the names of the accused. And in the case of looted funds, they should state where the returned loot is kept and in which countries the remaining are. More importantly, Nigerians should be told what the money will be used for.

There was no clarification on all these in the broadcast. The president merely made generalised statements.

The Minister of Information gave a clarification that the president didn’t name the looters as promised because of legal considerations.

Then they should take extra care and precaution in order to avoid these legal implications,

afterall they are the law officers.

For example, if there is no case against a person, they should not include his name. But if money has been recovered from somebody or he is under investigation, why don’t you name him?

Why hestitate? The implication is that some people will be covered up.

Some Nigerians have applauded the president’s war against corruption, do you think they are wrong?

Not most Nigerians! It is Nigerians that are benefitting from the system that are applauding him, including the media. It is they who are applauding it but the reality is that the war on corruption is not being fought substantially.

How is the media benefitting by highlighting the administartion’s efforts in fighting corruption?

You know more than we know because you go through channels that we don’t know.

You know those who are corrupt and those who are not, from the information that you gather and CONTINUed ON PAGE 46

46 Politics

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18 JUNE 2016

'I supported Buhari because he's less evil' CONTINUed from PAGE 45

important insecurity problems that the country is experiencing right now. Besides Boko Haram, there is cattle rustling and now the Niger Delta crisis. That is if you don’t upgrade kidnapping to that extent. Government is supposed to deal with the Niger Delta insurgency, afterall, these people are not enemies ; they are Nigerians. Find ways and means of talking to them, government is supposed to be skillful. People will know if you are sincere in having dialogue with them.

There are key people in the Niger Delta who are not supporting the insurgents. Going by media reports, I can say that two-thirds of the leaders of the Niger Delta do not support the insurgents.

This is simply because of what Yar’adua did, by treating them not as enemies but fellow Nigerians with a problem. I know that it is not easy but government should start it. Why is the president avoiding negotiation with aggrieved people? Does he want to fight them to the finish? What will happen if they too decide to fight to the finish? What if Boko Haram, Niger Delta insurgents and cattle rustlers, because the government is their common enemy, team up and fight the government? This is possible, it happened elsewhere, when aggrieved violent groups, with different agendas, all hostile to each other, coming together under certain circumstances, to fight one common enemy. Then there is a large number of unemployed people, what of if they all come together and fight government?

investigations that you conduct.

And from reports made to you, you know more than we do but you don’t say it.

Do you agree that high profile suspects are being tried?

The public wants to know who these high profile crooks are. Name them. The president said that he will not name them, that he can only mention the amounts they allegedly stole.

What is the point in saying that so so amount has been recovered without saying who lodged the money in the bank. There is a sharp falling standard of living.

For instance, if you compare the cost of living at the time Buhari took over and the cost of living today, you will be surprised. It has increased by at least 50 per cent. And there is greater unemployment now.

The president has unveiled a comprehensive social security programme, whereby N500 billion has been earmarked for social intervention programmes.

Don’t you think he should be praised for this pro-poor initiative?

This is just playing with figures! When he assumed office, a bag of imported rice cost N8,000.

Why the country should import rice instead of consuming local rice is another issue. Let us take the issue of the cost alone, the cost of imported rice was N8,000 a bag. It is now N15,000 and the price is rising. By the end of June, it will be as high as N20,000. The price of local rice has also gone up. I know this because we live with the people, even if we don’t buy for ourselves, we buy for others. Local rice now costs N800 per tiya, when it cost less than N200 when Buhari took over.

Before now, previous governments had wasted a lot of forein exchange on food imports and Buhari wants the country to achieve self sufficiency in food production. Isn't that good?

Is Buhari saving foreign exchange now? Why has he not done anything in restoring refineries? Why is he not doing anything in encouraging the establishment of more refineries because Nigeria needs more refineries? Has he improved the situation where by almost 100 per cent of the petrol that we consume is being imported?

Do we only listen to complaints without solutions? Is that what government is meant for? Is government not meant to correct what is wrong and stabilise things and make progress? Instead, the president is just complaining of what has happened, which he ought to have known before coming to power because he ought to have prepared himself.

What do you think should be done to Niger Delta Avengers who are blowing up pipelines and sabotaging the economy?

Why can't he stop this vandal-

Buhari

The government it is trying to create jobs with a plan to employ graduate teachers. Isn't that laudable?

Don’t believe this, it is all rubbish. Government had spent billions of naira to rescue banks in this country. Bank managers stole money and to rescue the banks, government pumped in billions of naira in bail out. Some state governments were also unable to pay workers' salaries.

Federal Government gave them more money in order for them to steal again. In spite of the bail out, some states are still unable to pay their workers.

Musa

ism? What is Buhari in government for? Is he in government to complain?

Talk to them! Didn’t we experience a civil war? Did the civil war end because someone was too powerful and arrogant? No! The government talked to the aggrieved people and that was how the civil war ended. But now, there is only talk about talking and no serious action.

Do you think an amnesty programme is feasible?

Yes of course! Amnesty programme worked under Yar'adua, but the programme is failing because the militants are now returning to the creeks. The crisis in the Niger Delta is one of the three most

He was better than all those that he contested against in all the elections. Buhari was the better of the two evils, but don’t forget the fact that it was an evil

Are you regretting your support for Buhari during the 2015 election?

We supported him in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and we made it quite clear that he posed the least risk. We said that supporting any politician in Nigeria is a great risk because the deciding factor in politics and election in Nigeria is money. Therefore supporting anybody is a great risk but in the case of Buhari at that time, supporting him was the least risk we could take. In spite of what I have said, he still remains the least risk. The situation in Nigeria was so desperate that you cannot pin point who was better than Buhari. He was better than all those that he contested against in all the elections.

Buhari was the better of the two

evils, but don’t forget the fact that he was an evil. To tell the truth, the situation in the country was so hopeless that you can't identify a leader with reasonable risk. In order to correct the situation and chose a leader that can correct the negative state of the nation, we changed the socioeconomic and political system that control all development in the country and the political leadership produced by the system. We had to enthrone a system and leadership based on public interest first and enlightened self interest second. This is as opposed to what we have today, where self interest is first and public interest is second or incidental, and we have history to prove this. Untill the military took over in 1966, did we have this hopeless situation that we have today? Did we have a situation whereby anybody can steal any fund and get away with it?

I have worked all my life in the finance department since 1953 when I joined the Civil Service.

Up till 1966, no one could steal a kobo of public fund and get away with it, without being investigated and punished. That was the situation before the army took over in 1966. Since then, if you are the favourite of the president, you can steal one-third of the annual budget, as long as you don’t eat alone, and you will get away with it.

Those who stole and got away with impunity are being called to account. Don't you believe that Buhari is fighting corruption?

Some of them, but not in a wholistic manner. He said that he will anounce the names of those who have stolen public funds or those who are being investigated. Then later, he said that the list will be given without names. Then who is he sheilding?

Are you saying the non-disclosure of looters has eroded the war against corruption?

The war against corruption has lost the confidence of Nigerians because they feel Buhari cannot fight corruption. He can't fight it so long as he can cover some people or he is afraid to mention names.

But some people said no leader has fought corruption like Buhari?

Well, I can tell that of General Yakubu Gowon. During his time, there wasn’t this level of corruption. Later, the corruption came in and it ended the government.

The person who really fought corruption clearly and openly and made all sacrifices was Murtala Mohammed. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long and they killed him, because corruption fought back.

But Buhari's corruption war is not convincing, he wanted to fight corruption and we supported him becwause we thought he could do it but he couldn’t do it convincingly.

Feature 47

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18 JUNE 2016

Adeolu Adeyemo

C Osogbo

ommerce and trade are economic activities which are as old as mankind.

Goods were first exchanged by barter. Specialisation depended on trade, but was hindered by the "double coincidence of wants" which barter requires.

For instance, for an exchange to occur, each participant must want what the other has and has what the other wants.

In these primitive commercial transactions, there were fundamental flaws. One of these is the fact that there is no common measure of value.

The singular absence of measurement of value in the process of exchange brought fraud and underhand dealings - there was simply absence of fairness in trade.

With the advent of monetary economy, money came to play the role of a measure of value of all goods, so that their values could be assessed against each other.

It is this anomaly that is still very visible in the economies of developing African countries, which is why there are still rampant cases of haggling, cheating, outright fraud and other commercial deceptions.

But the State of Osun, as usual, always wanted to be different. There is the need to eradicate all the anomalies in trade and commercial activities according to Governor Aregbesola.

According to checks, this was what prompted the state to launch the use of Standardised Weighing Scales tagged Osunwon Omoluabi, in the entire Osun State markets on June 13, 2016.

The state did this according to the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to guarantee fairness and honesty in commercial transactions in such a way that parties involved in contractual transactions get fairly treated by one another.

The Governor said the basis of fair and honest trade is, and always has, rested on the use of accurate weights and measures.

He stated that no business could be conducted, fairly, honestly and satisfactorily except each person is sure that the other person is being fair and honest in his dealings with him.

Affirming this further, Aregbesola opined that throughout the entire history of mankind, weights and measures had played an important, even if largely unseen, role - and they would continue to do so.

He argued that the need for measurements was one of the challenges primi-

Osun's innovation of standardised commercial activities tive societies were confronted with as they needed rudimentary measures for many tasks, especially bartering food or raw materials as often seen in barter trade.

According to the Governor, measurement remains one of the first intellectual achievements recorded by humans, the challenges posed by fairness in exchange of goods and services was such an uphill task that needed urgent solutions explain why people learned to measure centuries before they learned how to write.

Measurement and weight thus taught people how to count, the governor submitted.

The other side of these yardsticks for fairness, the Governor averred, is fraud, cheating and lack of fairness in the most brazen manner as witnessed most of the time in most Nigerian markets.

In other to drive his point home on the obligatory nature of having a standardised weights and measures, he delved into the holy books where God commanded justice in all human undertakings.

The Governor first quoting from the Holy Bible in Deuteronomy 25:13 which explicitly states: ‘Thou shalt not have in thy bag diverse weights, a great and a small’ and Proverbs 11: 1 ‘A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight’.

Mankind was also admonished in the Holy Qur'an,Chapter 11 (Suratul Hud), verse 85 thus:"And, O my people! Give full measure and weight fairly, and defraud not men their things, and do not act corruptly in the land, making mischief."

He also made reference to the law of the country, saying that in Nigeria, weights and measures constitute item 63 on the Exclusive Legislative list of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The laws made in this respect include Weights and Measures Act CAP W3LFN, 2004 (Formally Weights & Measures Act CAP 467LFN 1999); Pre-Shipment Inspection of Export Act CAP P25 LFN, 2004; Weights and Measures Standardisation of Indigenous Measures Regulations, 1992; and the Weights and Measures Fees Regulations.

It was revealed that these laws were

geared toward ensuring that products are not under-dispensed at markets, factories, oil and gas stations and crude oil depot in Nigeria.

Although lofty and far reaching, the provisions of these Acts are simply not being enforced by the relevant authorities and also being observed in breaches wherever observed at all.

Investigations revealed that this was due mainly to widespread illiteracy and ignorance about their use among the populace and the non-availability of the relevant materials.

Even where they are said to have been available, their cost is prohibitive and out of the reach of the ordinary or common trader or businessman.

As a result, the scale of measure in Nigerian markets and other such places remain strictly by cups, pans, tins, bushels and bottles of varying sizes and volumes; loaves of bread, cakes, and similar items of food are still sold not strictly by weight but by size without regard to uniformity.

However, for the Aregbesola Government, standardising weights and measurements is critical to equity and justice in an effort to establish consumers’ confidence and economic security. However, experiences in almost all present-day commercial transactions reflect that such faith is often lacking.

Great variations exist in the weights and measures used in different localities; and even at times, in those used by different individuals in the same locality was thus viewed as an aberration in the State of Osun, the acclaimed State of the Virtuous.

These are what Osun Government is out to correct. Aregbesola puts it succinctly: "It is an outlook that eliminates cheating and other underhand practices that have now become the hallmark of trading in our markets. In the quest to be competitive and make more profit, which is greed, traders now devise varying means of shortchanging buyers.

"Measures are deliberately reduced through cutting, filling with candles and wax, and sleight of hand. Scales are tilted fraudulently while husks, chaffs, barks and other rubbish are included in goods

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (left); Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye Tomori (2nd left) and Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Gloria Adepele Ojo, during the Official Launch of standardized weighing scales in Osun Markets, (Osunwon Omoluabi), at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

sold, with the intention of reducing the actual values of what the buyers take home.

"Clothing items measured accurately at the market are later found to be many inches short of the intended size by the tailor.

"One of the tragedies of this immoral practice is that foreigners began to distrust our export because, for instance, cocoa graders put top grades at the top of the sack, leaving poor quality at the bottom, and in the process, collect money for the top grade. Those who are in the business can tell you what loss they suffered because the foreigners distrusted their products and classified all cocoa coming from our land as inferior, irrespective of the grade."

And to commence the programme immediately, the State Government has procured 40,000 scales of different weighing capacities which are suitable for weighing diverse goods that are sold in markets.

Government decided to make the scales available at affordable prices for all market women and men as well as business men and women.

Aregbesola vowed that his The Government is irrevocably committed to, not only the introduction of the scales to markets, but also to the sustained the use of the standardised weighing scales by all sellers of scalable goods in all markets in the state.

He revealed that the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment has been directed to engage in close and proper monitoring in all markets to ensure maximum compliance.

In his explanation the former Commissioner for Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr. Ismaila Adekunle Jayeoba-Alagbada, said the standardised weighing scale across markets in the state became necessary to mitigate challenges noticeable in commercial transactions.

Jayeoba-Alagbada said in order to erase cheating in the process of exchange of commercial goods and checkmate other market forces challenges, government decided to formally introduce the standardised weighing scales. According to him, training workshops had already been conducted in the markets all over the state on the effective use of the scales.

He stated that the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the day-to-day administration of the programme.

He said: "I need to emphasise that market women and men had been fully mobilised to key into this emerging commercial revolution.

"Both the leadership and the followership of the associations of market women and men had agreed, not only to comply with the right use of the scales and measures but to continuously carry out peer reviews with a view to ensuring flawless implementation of the standardised weighing scales and measures programme.

"I want to place it on record that, but for the grace of God and the dogged determination of Mr. Governor, this launch and indeed the entire standardised scales and measures programme would have been a mirage."

The President General of Osun State Market Women Association, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade, said the standardised scale became necessary owing to imbalance in measurement and fraud in commercial activities.

She however warned that the introduction of the standard scale should not translate into increase in commodity price system in the market.

48

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

PDP crisis deepens as more factions emerge in states

T

Our correspondents he ongoing probe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s campaign fund in the last elections and the leadership crisis at the national level is taking a massive toll on the party’s fortunes across the states of the federation as no fewer than 20 state chapters have become factionalised.

This is coming on the heels of a meeting between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase and both gladiators.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mrs. Olabisi Kolawole, yesterday disclosed in a statement that the IGP met Makarfi and ModuSheriff in company with the Director-General (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, where both men were asked to nominate four representatives each, who will meet within a week, to find solutions to the crisis rocking the party.

Noting that the Wadata Secretariat of the PDP as well as the Legacy House remain shut, Kolawole said the meeting called for peace among the contending parties.

Investigations have revealed that the PDP stalwarts in many states that received various sums of money for campaign during the 2015 elections are under investigation while the tussle between Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction and Ahmed Makarfi’s caretaker committee for the soul of the party have exacted a huge price on the erstwhile ruling party.

Saturday Telegraph investigations reveal that a large number of state secretariats of the party are practically deserted, as activities are either skeletal or non-existent.

Apart from the lull in activities in the states, many of the employees are also being owed backlog of salaries as well as being sharply divided in their support of Sheriff and Makarfi, which has led to the emergence of factions in some states.

Lagos divided between Adewale, Salvador factions

The recently elected chairman of Lagos PDP Otunba Segun Adewale has been having a rough time leading the party as some bigwigs within the party have refused to recognise his leadership.

One of the leaders of the party and a former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, had told party members that Mr. Moshood Salvador is the authentic chairman of the party in Lagos State.

During a recent press briefing, Adewale appealed to the media not stop seeking interviews with Salvador and Mr. Gani Taofik, the

spokesman of the Salvador faction, calling them “illegal exco”.

“The committee of Mr. Moshood Salvador, Gani Taofiq and others is a fictitious creation of Chief Olabode George and, it has no recognition from any organ of the PDP. “By posing as officers of the party, these people are creating confusion among the PDP members, causing disaffection for the PDP in the community, and undermining our efforts to perform our roles as a credible opposition party,” the factional chairman said.

But Salvador would not have any of such as he countered Adewale, saying that he operates from the official secretariat, making him the authentic leader.

Salvador, said those who were not part of the congress that produced his leadership are impostors, while describing the emergence of Adewale group as a ploy by Modu Sheriff to perpetuate himself in power.

“I am not here to join issues with anybody. My own is that this is the secretariat of the PDP and that is where you come to meet me and tells you what you need to see and to know. This is the official venue of our congress. Those other people are a section of Ali Modu Sheriff as far as we are concerned.”

Three factions rule Ogun PDP

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, while the faction loyal to Senator Buruji Kashamu holds sway as it controls the party secretariat, those loyal to a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and that of Ladi Adebutu are struggling to gain control of the party machinery.

To show its loyalty to the Makarfi-led committee, one of the factions in a statement signed by its chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele and Publicity Secretary, Malik Olamilekan Ibitoye, thanked the Board of Trustees (BoT), the governors and other leaders for bringing Makarfi on board.

“We in the Ogun State PDP received the news of the belief of the leaders of the party in Makarfi with gladness. The decision did not come to us as a surprise because we knew all along that the PDP is capable of solving its internal problems and challenges.

“With what has happened, we have no doubt that Ahmed Makarfi would do his best to steer the ship of the party and place it on the right path and prepare the ground for the party to take over power at the centre in 2019.

Sokoto inaugurates parallel state secre-

•Party offices deserted nationwide •DSS, police meet Makarfi, Sheriff

Sheriff

tariat

In Sokoto, it was gathered that members and supporters of the party have deserted the state headquarters owing to the ongoing crisis and the defeat suffered during the last election.

Some party stalwarts have also attributed the situation to the probe of arms deal, which has seen some prominent party stalwarts being arrested.

Saturday Telegraph checks also revealed that the building accommodating the party’s office on Ilorin Road has been characterised by political passiveness occasioned by non-patronage by party supporters and members, a sharp contrast to the beehive of activities witnessed during the electioneering campaigns ahead of the 2015 general elections.

It had been earlier alleged that among those who received the arms funds were executive members of the party and their involvement in the arms deal is said to have troubled their political passion making them to shy away from participating or attending any function in the state.

This by extension has grossly drained the confidence of their supporters thus affecting the social, political and economic wellbeing of the supporters in the state.

Two factions have also emerged in Sokoto since the endorsement of the incumbent state chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, at a convention to manage the affairs of the party for the second term, a development that was against the wishes of a disenchanted few, who rejected the purported outcome of the convention, describing it as not reflecting true tenets and principles of

Makarfi

party democracy.

This led to the formation of a parallel state EXCO led

by Akibu Dalhatu and the inauguration of a factional party secretariat along Emir Yahaya road.

Contacted to speak on the matter, the Sokoto State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Yusif Dingyadi, dispelled the news of a new faction, calling it a rumour. He maintained that the issue affecting the party at the national level has nothing to do with the state, saying most of the political activities in Sokoto were held outside the party's secretariat.

Dingyadi who is also the Chairman, Conference of All Publicity Secretaries of the 19 Northern States maintained that the Sokoto State chapter is loyal to the national leadership and is abiding by the constitution of the party.

Imo PDP office deserted

The usual buzz of activities at the PDP secretariat in Imo State has gradually disappeared leaving behind a deserted office with listless and poorly motivated staff.

When our correspondent visited the office, not even a car was parked within the premises of the party that was usually full of exotic vehicles.

This has been the scenario since the eruption of leadership crisis in the party, as it was gathered that a former chairman of the party, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, who was said to have been paying out N600, 000 monthly as salaries of workers at the party office was no where to be found.

As it stands, there is no guarantee of salaries for the handful of persons that still work at the Imo State PDP office.

The last time there was a

meeting in the state party office, it ended in fracas as opponents of the then caretaker chairman, Nnamdi Anyaehie, stormed the venue with hoodlums and sacked the entire office.

The secretariat had been locked up with multiple padlocks belonging to different factions with the implication that no group is able to go into the office without the agreement of the other faction, except the padlocks are broken.

With the desertion of the party office, it is uncertain which faction runs the party in Imo even as most members are reluctant to visit the place for fear of attack.

We are investigating and watching the event, says Oyo PDP

The Oyo State chapter of the PDP yesterday said it was yet to take a position on who to support between Makarfi and Modu Sheriff over who controls the party at the national level.

According to the party's Publicity Secretary, Kehinde Salawu, the situation was complex since there was a court order, which Modu Sheriff was basing his stand on, even though all the PDP governors and members of Board of Trustees were behind Makarfi as the Caretaker Chairman.

Salawu's said: "On this issue, we are watching the situation for now. Makarfi is a Caretaker Chairman and all the governors and the BOT members supported him.

When the court pronounced Sheriff as the Chairman, the PDP in Oyo State decided to be watching. We are investigating the cause of the crisis. The BOT members are behind Makarfi, and we cannot go against the judgment of the court.

"So, our position in Oyo

on the national leadership issue is that we are watching and investigating", Salawu stressed.

But a chieftain of the party, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, has blamed the leadership crisis on some disgruntled elements who defected to the party and were attempting to impose themselves on the founding members, insisting that Alhaji Alli Modu Sheriff cannot be the party's chairman.

According to the AkinDeko junior, many grassroots members of the PDP were poised to see that Alhaji Alli Modu Sheriff would not emerge the party's Chairman, insisting, "Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi is an excellent man. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, and fortunately, he was a former governor".

Also insisting that the conventions held in Port Harcourt and Abuja were not conducted in line with due process, Chief Akintayo said "though the crises in the PDP will soon be resolved, I can tell you that I am one of the people that went to court to stop the conventions at Port Harcourt and Abuja.

"I insist that the party must follow the due process. The problem with our party started in 2011 when some people from the South South threw out the party Constitution and said that Jonathan should go for second term. That impunity has been continuing since then to the extent that the governors said they were going to impose Alhaji Sheriff on us.

The grassroots members are resisting it thoroughly. Alhaji Sheriff cannot be there. The governors cannot impose Sheriff on us. Only the BOT can reconstitute the party's working committee.

"Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi is an excellent man. Fortunately, he has also the advantage of being a former governor.

He is a bridge that the BOT will use to stop this madness that is going on in Abuja right now, where some people were invading our party Secretariat as if we are going back to the Wild Wild West.

"And unfortunately, it is the Northerners that are now attacking themselves over issues of principles. We have already sent to the party elders and by the end of this month, the problem would be solved. We have insisted that we are not going to remove that suit in court unless they follow due process.

"Nobody can just walk in from another party and try to impose themselves on us that have been patient for so many months and years to recover our party based on the structure that our founding fathers had laid", Akintayo said.

CONTINUed on PAGE 50

49

18 JUNE 2016

Young Telegraph with DEBORAH OCHENI

TOPIC

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

How I relax

Reading sports newspaper

Watching movies

I relax watching movies. African magic is one station I cannot do without in a day. I love the way Africans display their creative talents on that station.

I enjoy reading a lot, whenever I visit my vendor I always prefer flipping through sports pages before any other things. I feel relaxed by reading

ANGELA CHI

CHENEMI OYIBO

Hanging out with friends

Listening to inspirational music

I relax by listening to inspirational music; It lifts my spirit when I am weak and depressed.

I am always happy and relaxed whenever I am in the midst of my friends because of the way we gist and laugh.

EMMANUEL ODUKA

LUCY MICHEAL

Reading the word of God

Going to cinema

Nothing calms my nerves than visiting the cinema, knowing that I am in the cinema alone is enough to make me happy.

I am happy reading my bible; it reminds me of God’s promises upon my life. I consult it whenever I am depressed and I feel good afterward.

OKPE SIMON

MURDIA JIBRIN

Playing games

Domestic chores

If you look at my phone now, what you will find mostly in the applications is games. I love playing games of all types and I am always happy engaging myself in such mental task, it makes me think less.

I enjoy taking care of the house; I am never tired of rearranging the house and keeping it tidy.

PAUL ISAIAH

OMACHI OCHEJA

Playing with kids

I cherish the innocent smile on kids’ faces, so whenever I am bored I go out to play with kids.

There is no fun better than that.

PAULINE MABE

Speaking with my loved ones

Either through phone calls or chats, I enjoy gisting with my family members. We are so close in my family, so we gossip a lot and I enjoy it.

ROSELINE STEPHEN

50

News Extra

CONTINUed from PAGE 48

‘Kano PDP neutral’

Despite the national leadership mess, the party’s employees in Kano say they don't have problems with their monthly salaries even as party executives in the state said they were neutral and do not belong to any faction.

Shuaibu Ibrahim Gabari who is the Chief Security Officer of the PDP Secretariat in Kano told our correspondent that they receive their monthly pay as at when due.

He said he is in charge of payment of salaries of all the workers in the secretariat, which include security officials and sanitation officers among others.

He also disclosed that although the party is no longer the government in power but from time to time people still converge on the place for meetings and other vital issues.

The state PRO, Alhaji Musa Danbirni, on his part said “the party in Kano is neutral on the crises rocking the national leadership”, adding that other like minds states have not been taking sides on the crises, although he is hopeful that it will be resolved soon.

The PRO explained further that Kano PDP decided not to take sides because they are aware of the fact that the problems would soon be over and that even all those involved in the rancour are doing so for the love of the party.

Niger PDP solidly with Markafi- Beji

The Niger State chapter

ST

18 JUNE 2016

Sherriff , Makarfi divide PDP chapters of the PDP has declared that it is in support of the Caretaker Committee headed by Makarfi.

Chairman of the party in the State, Barrister Tanko Beji, exclusively told our correspondent that despite the challenges at both the national and state levels, members have conducted themselves well and had been visiting the secretariat without any crisis.

He added that the elders committee is still working on reconciliation of members.

"We are awaiting their findings and recommendations. On campaign funds, I am not in a position to speak on that.”

The atmosphere at the state secretariat was calm and peaceful as employees were seen working. Security men and some other workers including cleaners were also at their duty posts.

However, one of the security men who refused to disclose his name said their salaries have been delayed for the past three months.

“When PDP was still in power, we were paid N25, 000 monthly and we were paid as at when due. But now, we have not received salaries for about three months now."

South South PDP disowns Sherriff, says ‘he was never chairman’

The newly elected National Vice Chairman of the party in charge of SouthSouth, Elder Emmanuel

JOS Buhari’s wife donates food to widows, less privileged N EWS I N BRIEF

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, yesterday donated food worth millions of naira to widows and the less privileged ones in Plateau State.

Aisha, represented by the former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, said the gesture was aimed at cushioning the present hardship experienced by the downtrodden.

According to her, the plight of the widows and less privileged ones in the society remains a serious concern, hence the need for the support.

Ogidi, has wondered why Sheriff was desperate to impose himself on the party, saying the factional chairman has been behaving like somebody who is out to complete a hatchet job.

“He cannot claim to be the chairman. He should not arrogate to himself what he is not. He was never the substantive national chairman; he was just an acting chairman. He does not love the party; anyone that loves the party would not behave like that. After all, he is not the first chairman to be removed in that manner.”

He said now that he has taken the party to court, the party would not hesitate to argue in court that the national convention is bigger than a single member of the party.

“The provision of the law of the party provided for it.

The convention has the powers to remove him. We will go court with him but definitely he cannot force himself on the party”, Ogidi said.

Wondered why Sheriff would go to the national headquarters of the party with thugs, Ogidi said, “it is unfortunate that at his level after claiming to love the party, he turns around to be mobilizing thugs against the party.

“Since when have we begun to settle matters with thugs?” he queried.

Yobe divided

There was dramatic twist leading to the seizure of the

APAPA FGmovestoreviveactivitiesat bondedterminals

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, yesterday said the Federal Government would intervene to revive business activities at the bonded terminals which had been idle.

Bello said this while receiving members of the Association of Indigenous Bonded Terminal Operators of Nigeria at the council’s headquarters in Lagos.

He said it was sad that containers were not stemmed (transferred) by the terminal operators at the ports to the bonded terminals which were established to decongest the ports and create employment.

Yobe PDP headquarters last week by hundreds of Modu Sheriff’s supporters, with members of the party throwing their weight behind Sheriff as national chairman.

However, few loyalist of the Makarfi faction yesterday went into the PDP secretariat to show their solidarity to the caretaker committee of the party led by Makarfi.

Activities crippled In Anambra

The Anambra State PDP which had been in two different camps led by Mr. Ken Emeakai on one side and Chief Ejike Oguebego on the other are no longer functioning effectively.

When our correspondent visited the two offices of the camps at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka, the Oguebegolu office was under lock and key with overgrown grasses while only two staff was found sleeping at the Ken Emeakai camp.

The Administrative Secretary of the Emeakai camp Honourable Evans Offor told our correspondent that they have nothing to do with the crisis because it only involves those in Abuja.

‘Akwa Ibom PDP intact’

The Akwa Ibom PDP chairman, Mr. Paul Ekpo, has said that the crisis is just one of the dynamics of democracy stressing that the party will come out stronger from her present predicament.

“The PDP is passing

FCT ‘Pilgrimage, a Holistic programme for every Christian’

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, has urged the Catholic Church of sponsorship of its youths on Pilgrimage, saying that it enables Christians to understand the Bible better.

Uja made the call when a delegation of the Catholic Youths Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) paid him a courtesy visit, a statement signed by the Head of Media, NCPC, Mr. Celestine Ogugua, made this known.

through a difficult phase that will make her retain her enviable position as the biggest party in Africa. Our problem is that some people want their personal interest to override the collective interest of the party but I know we will overcome the present challenges and move on”.

He specifically berated an acclaimed factional chairman of the party in the state Mr. Saviour Enyekere for misleading a section of the public describing his action as illegal.

According to him “We know the PDP in the state is led by Mr. Paul Ekpo with his entire Executive in the state while the party at the National level is led by Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi and his caretaker committee but for Mr. Enyekere who parade as factional chairman in Akwa Ibom, I want to ask, at what convention did he emerge as party chairman because I

knew he participated in the convention that produced the incumbent executives Who is his deputy, secretary and other officers. The public should ignore his antics”.

Meanwhile a check at the party’s state office along Edet Akpan Avenue in Uyo shows that activities are still going on at the party office. Some staff who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that their salaries and other benefits are paid as at when due.

Appolonia Adeyemi

tion that had peculiar and a large number of products led to the introduction of the global listing scheme in 2003.

In addition, she said supermarket operators shall register two products per 100 items imported.

The importation of products banned by the Federal Government of Nigeria shall not be allowed (Items on the import prohibition list of the Federal Republic of Nigeria).

Mandatorily fortified food items s such as .e. salt, flour shall not be allowed, except they have been fortified to the levels prescribed in the food grade (table or cooking), salt regulations and the food fortification with vitamin A regulations, amongst others.

The acting director general of NAFDAC, Oni stated that in three months, another meeting will be convened to access the performance and compliance level and review the achievement of the December deadline for the common interest of all.

Sheriff’s chairmanship ends in Borno, says Edo PDP

Leadership of the Edo PDP yesterday urged members of the fold to remain calm as there is no cause of alarm over who presides over the affairs of the party at the national headquarters, saying that Markafi remain duly elected chairman of the PDP and has the loyalty of all members in the state.

NAFDAC tasks supermarkets on global listing

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has threatened to enforce the provisions of global listing scheme on supermarket items.

To this end, the agency has called on supermarket operators to adhere strictly to all the provisions of the global listing scheme of supermarket items.

This was communicated to them at a stakeholder forum organised by NAFDAC for supermarket operators in Lagos.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, the Acting Director General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, said: “By of December 31, all provisions of the global listing scheme will be fully enforced by NAFDAC’’.

The need to accommodate the supermarket operators, fast food chains, embassies and international organisa-

Okereke-Onyiuke: Court dismisses SEC’s appeal

T

Akeem Nafiu he Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has dismissed the appeal filed by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the ruling of Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which nullified the removal of Mrs. Ndidi Okereke-Onyiuke as the Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Justice Idris had in his judgement described Okereke-Onyiuke’s removal as reckless, hasty and done in

bad faith. He also ordered SEC to pay her N500 million as exemplary and aggravated damages.

Dissatisfied, SEC, filed appealed and urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment.

In its notice of appeal, SEC maintained that Okereke-Onyiuke’s sack was in exercise of its statutory powers to protect the NSE, the interest of investing public and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

But when the appeal came up yesterday, Okereke-Onyiuke’s lawyer, Michael Akintayo, drew the

court's attention to a notice of discontinuance filed by the appellant.

He submitted that once a notice of discontinuance had been filed, the court is left with no other option than to dismiss the appeal.

In her reply, SEC’s lawyer, Imaoboy urged the court to ignore the notice of discontinuance, adding that it was filed in error.

But, in a short ruling, the panel presided over by Justice U.I. Ndukwe-Anyanwu, said SEC had earlier filed notice of discontinuance of the appeal and that the appeal cannot be resuscitated.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Feature

51

Ladipo Market: I’m prepared to take Igbo traders to court, says Babaloja of traders in the market, we also have traders from other tribes. Most of the LACEC members and many others hings are still cold between the don’t have shops or any legitimate Yoruba and Igbo leaders at the business in the market. They are just Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lausing the association to make illegitigos. Though Babaloja of Lamate money for themselves through dipo, Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki, is collection of illegal levies, rates, tolls only interested in getting his deserved Babaloja receiving a certificate of office at the coronation ceremony in December, 2011 among others. They issue out fake tickets recognition from the Igbo traders, it man of LACEC, frustrated and truncated and labels at the detriment of Lagos State is not going down well with the Igbo Babaloja also lamented the disregard the peace meeting efforts of the Assistant revenue base and in defiance to Mushin who see the square parts market as Commissioner of Police ACP, Arungwa for Lagos State Government’s policies Local Government’s directive,” he shared. their playing ground. by the LACEC. Citing an example, he Nwazue, by giving flimsy excuses.”

Since his coronation in December 2011 Reacting to the publication by SaturThe Babaloja explained that most tradpointed to their unruly behaviour during as the Babaloja of the market by the late day Telegraph on May 21 titled ‘Ladipo ers in the market decried the activities of the last Lagos State Residents Registration Iyaloja General of Nigeria Alhaja (Dr.) Market Crisis: Baba Oloja, Igbo traders the LACEC, but couldn’t speak out beAgency (LASSRA) exercise.

Abibat Mogaji and the official installaexchange words,’ Babaloja claimed that cause of fear. “But those who cannot toler“I personally requested for registration tion in July 2012 by the late Mr. Olatunde the leaders of the Ladipo Auto Central ate their excesses do cry out occasionally,” point and provided an enabling environBabatunde Adepitan, he alleged that the Executive Committee (LACEC) lied he quickly pointed. ment and facilities in my warehouse to Igbo traders had continued to frustrate about many things.

“When some armed robbers were arbring LASSRA registration point closer him.

According to him, even when the He stated: “It is pertinent for me to rested last year, they confessed that they to their business area. I formally wrote Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Govreact to your publication on May 21 in received their training and arms from the LACEC to tell their people about the regernment, Babajide Bello, called all the parorder to correct a lot of misinformation market. LACEC has its ‘hit squad’ and istration. Rather than encouraging the ties to a meeting and implored the LACEC by the Chief of Staff to LACEC’s Presithey use them whenever they want to traders to turn out for the exercise, they members to respect Babaloja’s office, it dent, Mr. Onyeke Igwe and the Secretary wreak havoc. resorted to harassing the LASSRA offididn’t yield any positive result.

General, Mr. Steve Ijeoma Paul. They “Everywhere we’ve been to on this cials and gave them ultimatum to leave Oki said in Ladipo Market he was the lied about many issues in the market matter, both parties are always advised the market. They said they did not take only Yoruba man with the oldest warein order to cover up their atrocities and to sit together and work out means of permission from LACEC before coming house, saying: “his warehouse, Warethereby misinforming the general pubworking together for the progress of the to the market.” house ‘A’, has been running for over 20 lic. But I feel there is need for me to say market. But all these my Igbo brothers do He informed that that they had been years.” things the way they are for posterity sake not listen for reasons best known to them. owing LAWMA a huge amount of money He added: “We used to have only and to keep record straight. As an elderly They often go about bragging about their despite the fact that they were collecting three warehouses (Amada, First Bank and person and a law abiding citizen of this superiority over the Nigeria Police Force environmental levy and tolls from the D’Dorts) in the whole of Ladipo Market. country, I’ve been trying my best to enas exhibited during their mayhem of July traders and people in the market.

Presently, we have about 30 warehouses, sure that peace reign in the market.”

18, 2013. My warehouse was attacked by “All attempts to organise the enviover 40 units/associations. All the Igbo He told Saturday Telegraph during a LACEC during an environmental sanitaronmental exercise in the market was traders who own warehouses in Ladipo visit to his office in Ladipo that there tion in the market,” he added thwarted by LACEC and its cohorts. They Market today started doing businesses was an urgent need for everybody in Speaking about the recent crisis, he don’t care about what becomes of Papa from my warehouse.

So when Ijeoma the market to come together to move insisted that there was no time Governor Ajao and Lagos as long as they are making said the Igbo founded the market about the market from the deteriorating and Akinwunmi Ambode visited the area. The their illegitimate money. If we sit down 36 years ago, how old is the market now? decaying state.

Secretary General of LACEC had told Satand fold our hands or look the other way, How old was Ijeoma when he joined my According to him, members of we are not leaving a good legacy for our urday Telegraph that that they had to apply warehouse as an apprentice.”

LACEC were the cause of all the trouble children and posterity will not forgive us. force to clear the road and surroundings to As against the position of LACEC in in the market and if they don’t turn a “If not for the greedy disposition and welcome the governor, which led to open the publication too, he argued that there new leaf, things will remain the same. confrontation. flagrant disrespect for our culture and was no time the Force Criminal InvestigaBabaloja maintained that they must reBut Babaloja reacted: “When and constituted authority by the Igbo traders, tion Department (FCID) Headquarters in spect the Yoruba’s tradition and culture where was Governor Ambode visiting coupled with the compromising attitude Abuja told him to go and manage his own regardless of their advantage of number. in the market at that particular period? of some of our politicians and security warehouse.

“It is a norm in the Yorubaland to have agencies, I see no reason why Babaloja LACEC sent thugs to Olapeju street and “It is a blatant lie and part of the misan Iyaloja or a Babaloja. The Hausa in the they descended on traders, mostly the Yoand all other affiliated bodies cannot work information I am talking about because north called it Sarkin Kasuwa while the ruba and the youths challenged their unharmoniously together.” the FCID Headquarters did not and will Igbo in the east called it Onye Isi Afia. The ruly action. Some people died while othWhen the new President of LACEC, never say a thing like that on a matter that Igbo traders do not dominate 95 per cent ers were taken to hospitals in Mushin. An Mr Kingsley Ike Ogunor a.k.a. Sege, came is still under investigation. It was rendered of the market as erroneously claimed by eyewitness account of all that happened into office, Babaloja thought it was the inconclusive because Mr Animalu IkeIjeoma. Though it’s true that the Igbo could be verified if police are ready to do beginning of new things. He sent him a chukwu Obosi, the immediate past Chairpeople have quite a sizeable number their job without fear or favour.” congratulatory message, looking forward to a good and cordial working relationship between both offices. But he got a surprise.

“Though he acknowledged my letter through a phone call and promised he would pay a visit to discuss on how to run the market together, I am yet to hear from him till date. He probably changed his mind after consulting his people,” he said.

Babaloja insisted that the position of Babaloja in the Lagos market was part of the administrative structure put in place by the government to ensure a smooth and seamless organisation and no one should question it.

“In the Alaba International Electronics Market and Trade Fair Complex where there are huge number of Igbo traders, there are Babalojas. Inasmuch as Lagos is a metropolis, there is no denial that there are local indigenes who are the original Aftermath of the crisis on July 18, 2013 (Babaloja's warehouse owners of the land and their norms be A mechanic victim, Jamiu Abdulkareem was attacked by LACEC during an environmental sanitation) respected,” he stressed.

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Olushola Ricketts

52 News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

Herdsmen/farmers clashes: Amosun rejects grazing zones

Kunle Olayeni, Abeokuta

O

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday said he is opposed to the proposed creation of grazing zones across the country by the Federal Government.

Amosun declared that grazing zones could not solve the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria, saying he would rather support the establishment of cattle ranches as lasting solution to the conflict.

He spoke in Abeokuta while receiving the technical committee on herdsmen/ farmers clashes set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

Controversy had trailed the alleged sponsorship of a bill at the National Assembly for the creation of grazing zones to address violent clashes between herdsmen and farm owners.

Amosun described as “timely and a step in the right direction” the setting up of a technical committee of the Armed Forces to proffer solution to the crisis.

While urging Nigerians to embrace peace, the governor noted that nothing could be solved with violence.

He enjoined security agencies to investigate the nationality of the killer herdsmen, if indeed they hailed from foreign countries as alleged in some quarters.

He rejected the idea of creating grazing zones for herdsmen, saying cattle herding should rather be seen a as private business.

“People have suggested a number of solutions. But, for me, I would not support grazing. They should take

•Army plans ‘Operation Accord’ it as a business, probably building ranches privately.

We should not try to solve a problem by creating another one,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the head of the technical committee, Major-General Edward Nze, said the panel was set up by the Chief of Defence Staff at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the country had assumed a threat to national security.

In order to tackle the problem, Nze said that “Operation Accord” will be launched by the military authorities.

He said: “The Chief of Defence Staff told us to visit Ogun State, which happens to be one of the states that have issues with farmers/ herdsmen clashes, to get facts.

“The Chief of Defence Staff is aware that government at all levels, Federal Government, state governments and local governments, are doing something about these clashes at their levels but he also felt there is need to plan some aspects of intervention because the clashes are assuming some

T

he Nigerian Navy yesterday said it had recovered a vessel, MT Dejikun, which was used in hijacking an oil tanker by some suspected pirates on February 11.

Addressing defence correspondents at the Navy base in Apapa, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai, said his men also arrested the owner of the vessel along with an accomplice.

MT Maximus was hijacked on the second month of this year off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire, but the Navy arrested the suspected pirates after a gun battle that one died.

The pirates had hijacked the oil vessel, laden with 4,700 tonnes of diesel, but

Oyo, ahead of the planned operation.

He said while in Ogun, the delegation would meet with relevant stakeholders in order to ascertain facts about the herdsmen and farmers

clashes.

He added: “When we finish, we will take back the information we gathered to Abuja where we would present it to the Chief of Defence Staff who, in turn, would use

Team member, “Not in my Country” Production, Mr. Martins Adun; Creator/ Producer, Mr. Akin Fadeyi; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Nollywood actress, Efe MayfordOrhora and member, ‘Not in My Country’ Production, Mr. Busuyi Ojo, during a courtesy visit to Ojudu in Abuja… recently

Ortom restores College of Health Sciences’ subvention ration of subvention at the College of Health Sciences of the state university in order to sustain the accreditation of the institution.

Speaking when the man-

Cephas Iorhemen, MAKURDI

B

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has announced the resto-

agement of the college led by the third set of graduates of the college visited him at the Government House in Makurdi, Ortom said in spite of the financial challenges facing the state, he tried to pay

Imo community decries release of kidnap kingpins Steve Uzoechi, OWERRI

A

n air of apprehension has enveloped the entire Nguru Umuaro community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, following the release of some alleged kidnappers by the state police command under questionable

Navy recovers vessel, arrests owner Flora Onwudiwe

sort of criminality and terrorism.”

Nze said the technical committee had also visited some affected states, including Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Zamfara, Ondo, Ekiti and

held the crew hostage until they were rescued by the Navy on February 22.

Bobai said the vessel, which was used in February to carry out the hijack, was vandalised and abandoned off the coast of Benin Republic.

“The Benenoise Navy discovered that there was nobody on board the ship and took custody of the vessel.

When they got the ship, they were able to recover some documents of the ship and during investigation, it was discovered that the owner of the ship is a Nigerian.

“The Navy operatives at the Forward Operating Base in Badagry arrested the owner of the vessel along Seme Border,” the FOC said.

Bobai said the person that chartered the vessel from the owner was also arrested, adding that the vessel and the suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation.

it to plan an operation that can assist us to deal with this menace once and for all.

“If we don't nip that very issue in the bud, it may grow into a monster that would be more than what we are having in the North-East. So, that is why there is need to plan a holistic operation to tackle it nationwide.”

circumstances.

Six kidnap suspects had been arrested following the kidnapping of President of Nguru Umuaro Town Union, Chief Reginald Amadi, where three of the kidnappers were personally identified by Amadi during the suspects’ parade by the police.

According to a reliable source, “our community on suspecting foul play among the men of the police handling the matter sent a strong delegation of eminent community leaders led by our traditional ruler, Eze A. Unanka, to

the commissioner of police and appealed for proper investigation and prosecution of all identified suspects so as to rid our community of criminals.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, had praised the delegation for their determination in fighting crime in their community and assured them of a thorough investigation of the matter.

To the shock and disappointment of the community, two days after the meeting, the suspects openly identified by the victim as his kidnappers were freed

OSOGBO

ENUGU

Hijab crisis: Osun speaker calls for calm

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has appealed to Christian NEWS IN BRIEF

ST

and Muslim leaders in the state not to allow court judgment on wearing of hijab in public schools to lead to crisis in the state.

Salaam, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Osogbo, said the religious leader should not allow the issue to create enmity between the two religions.

NAN recalled that the Muslim community in the state in 2013 instituted a case against the state government on the right of female Muslim students in public schools to use hijab on their school uniforms.

Salaam said: “l want to seek the indulgence of Christian community to kindly seek redress in the court if they are not satisfy with the judgment.”

51

The life expectancy of women at birth of Dem. Republic of the Congo in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

and allowed to return to Ngor Okpala.

When contacted, Amadi decried the hasty release of the identified hoodlums, thereby placing the security of prominent community leaders on the line.

He said: “Among the three, most shocking is the release of the suspect known as JayJay from Elelem community in Ngor Okpala LGA, a notorious kidnap suspect who I identified during the suspects parade. For five days, they held me in a location at Elelem where Jay-Jay comes from.”

ALAUSA

Enugu to participate in FG’s N14b support scheme

Enugu State Government is to participate in the Federal Government’s Budget Support Facility of N14 billion, aimed at addressing the current economic challenges.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, said this yesterday in Enugu while briefing journalists.

He said: “The State Executive Council has approved the participation of the state in the Federal Government’s Budget Support Facility to the tune of N14.16 billion.

“Our interest is sequel to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Finance, No. HMF/FMF/GOVs/FSP/BSF/1/2016, dated June 10, 2016, confirming its readiness to offer support to state governments.”

39%

The estimated percentage of the antiretroviral therapy coverage (range) of East, South and South-East Asia in December 2010. Source: Who.int

the subvention.

He also agreed to pay for the licence of the 28 doctors of the third set and also attend their oath taking ceremony.

The governor, who acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors in the successes recorded at the college, said he was happy that his dream of becoming a medical doctor was being realised indirectly through the youth of the state.

Earlier, the Provost of the college, Prof. Simeon Adebisi, commended the governor for facilitating the graduation of medical doctors at the institution.

President of the set, Dr. Terlumun Surma, expressed appreciation to Ortom for ensuring that they graduated after spending 10 and half years in medical school.

He solicited financial assistance to his classmates to enable them to obtain practicing licenses.

‘Global recession affecting public service’

Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, yesterday said the issue of global recession was affecting the public service as it was doing to every aspect of the economy.

Ademola spoke at a news conference in Ikeja on activities lined up for the 2016 Public Service Week celebration holding between June 17 and 23.

She said: “I think one of the principal challenges facing the public service is the challenge that faces the nation and even faces the world, which is global recession.

12

The number of fixed (wired)broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of developed countries in 2005. Source: Itu.int

Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

53

Memories last forever: Adieu Amodu, adieu Keshi

‘M

emories last forever’ was the catch phrase for world’s largest manufacturers of photographic materials and cameras, Kodak. The American company, whose full name is Eastman Kodak Company and based in Rochester, New York, used the catch phrase to let the world know that with good pictures which capture the moment such would last forever.

And this was exactly what came to mind a fortnight ago when the news of the death of former Super Eagles skipper, Stephen Keshi, filtered in and three days later of Shaibu Amodu was pronounced dead – they are both gone but their memories will always stay engraved in me forever.

On hearing the news of Amodu’s death early on that Saturday morning, what immediately came flooding back into my mind was the time spent together in the Maryland, USA home of Rilwan Omuson’s cousin way back in the summer of 1994.

Sadly, Omuson, who worked with me at the Guardian Express died last year after battling stroke for years.

But during the FIFA World Cup 94, which the United States hosted 22 years ago, Rilwan was still bubbling full of life and a wonderful host to Amodu, Sam John and I. During the three or so days we stayed together little did I realized what a lasting impression Amodu would go on to make on Nigerian football.

The coach was ostensibly brought to the United States to see the FIFA World Cup first hand by the then Nigeria Football Association Chairman, Air Commodore Emeka Omeruah (who himself is late) in order to prepare Amodu to take over from Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, who had been the Eagles Technical Adviser since 1989, the Edo-born soccer tactician was a bundle

“O

nce there is money, marriage will be successful.” This is the perception of many people. Unfortunately, it is a wrong perception. Otherwise, why are there many divorce cases among billionaire couples?

Financial capacity can only bring joy to a marriage when there is effective management of available resources. It is more a question of how what is available is managed than the quantity of what is available.

Love remains a basic requirement for a joyful marriage but can be perceived to be absent, where a husband and wife are ignorant about the influence of individual family economic background on marriage.

I will explain this in the next edition.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).

The desire of a responsible married man is not only money but family and spiritual stability. It is poverty of the mind and lack of vision that leads to focus on immediate needs without considering the big picture of the family’s future. To safeguard the economic future of a family, it is wrong to operate a home or plan the family’s economy based on the economic capacity of the wife. For instance, the wife’s income is N500,000.00 per month and the husband earns N150,000,00. The choice of school for the children, type of family car for purchase and so on, should be made based on the man’s N150,000.00 income.

If economic decisions are made based on the N500,000.00 and the wife gets sacked or loses her business, the family will suffer a severe economic problem. But if it is the man that loses his job, the wife immediately steps in to play her ‘helpmeet’ role. Advantage here is that the stress of the shock will

TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com of knowledge of the game.

Although I had known him as one of the young coaches making waves with the various clubs he had handled – BCC Lions, with which he won the FA Cup in 1990 and then the now rested CAF Cup Winners Cup the following season (rejecting external assistance to achieve the feat) and then with El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri the following season – the days spent with him in Maryland opened up another vista in the person of Amodu.

Of course under no pressure because he was on a ‘working holiday’ Amodu was downright plain without the airs of a man who was highly regarded.

Many other men in his shoes would have been snobbish; but in the informal surroundings in which we lived those summer days and nights, 22 years ago, Amodu showed his abilities on the field were no fluke with his reservoir of knowledge about tactics and players.

We hardly had a dull moment as he even went as far as telling us what he would have done differently if he had been in charge of the Eagles at the World Cup, where Nigeria crashed out in the second round against eventual finalists, Italy, after a pulsating 120 minutes of football.

Of course soon after he was announced as Super Eagles coach at the age of 36 and

a few months after USA’94 he was able to put his ‘Washington talks’ into action when he led the national team out against the Three Lions of England at the famous Wembley Stadium in London.

Although the Eagles lost 1-0 courtesy of a David Platt header, Amodu’s team had given a good account of themselves and incidentally, the former BBC Lions handler also gave Nwankwo Kanu his first senior cap in the process.

Of course as they say the rest is history, Amodu went on to coach the Eagles four times, ensuring World Cup qualifications twice in 2002 and 2010. But sadly on both occasions, politics ensured that he was not present to test his abilities against other coaches on the World Cup stage.

I was again to come into close proximity with Amodu in 1996 when Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan were to tackle Zamalek of Egypt in the second leg of the then Champions Cup in Cairo Egypt. After securing a narrow 2-1 victory in Ibadan, Amodu as national team coach was drafted to help the Nigerian side in the return leg.

I was already in Cairo a week before the return leg and was thus on ground when Shooting Stars arrived from their training tour of Tunisia and was able to give them some tips.

On the day of the match proper, I was

with the team in the dressing room deep in the belly of the huge Cairo International Stadium, when Amodu gave his final pep talk.

Cool as a cucumber, Amodu laid out his final tactical plans on how the team should play against the Egyptians on a blackboard so that the players could actually visualise what he wanted them to do.

But for the lottery that is the penalty shoot-out, Amodu got his tactics spot on and Shooting Stars would have become the nation’s first ever winners of the prestigious continental trophy.

Although he never won the Nations Cup title, his protégé, Stephen Keshi was to do him this big honour when he guided the Super Eagles to a third continental triumph at the Afcon 2013 in South Africa.

He later followed it up by qualifying for the World Cup finals in Brazil 2014 where he became the first indigenous coach to reach the second round of the Mundial.

However, I first came across Keshi even much further back than Amodu. It was in 1977 when my secondary school, Mayflower, Ikenne battled against St.Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos which had the likes of Keshi, Henry Nwosu and company in their ranks and easily ended my school’s Principal Cup dreams in the semi-final of the competition then played at the old UAC Ground in Surulere where we now have the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Back then little did I realized that many of the players in the side that whitewashed Mayflower 3-0 would become household names with Keshi standing head and shoulders above the others.

Again as with Amodu the rest is history.

But for both of them, they may have departed this world; but their memories will always last forever! Adieu Amodu, adieu Keshi!

FAMILY ECONOMICS (Part 1) Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com be minimal on the wife, while the man will be protected from extreme frustration and discouragement, as he prays and trusts God for another job or business bounce-back or investment. This is one way of ensuring sustained economic stability in a Christian home where love dwells.

When a man is comfortable with a situation where the woman of the house pays most of the family’s financial bills, it is dangerous for security of the economic future of the family. Biblically, it is the responsibility of the husband. In a marriage where the wife is not playing the breadwinner role despite her superior income, it should not be interpreted as lack of love for her husband. Now, we know it is natural for love to move a wife to protect her marriage from exposure to disrespect. You can give without loving but you cannot claim to love without giving. Okay? However, this piece is looking at responsibilities of each party based on God’s standards.

We must admit that today, the roles have adjusted, especially in this part of the world due largely to the economic situa-

tion. We have situations where a family man is thrown out of job or searches for job for years without getting it. The children are growing, going to school and bills are being paid. Of course, someone is taking care of the responsibilities while it tarries. But this is the test of true love. Love has to do with selflessness. Where there is true love, love helps to surmount difficult times. Where there is no true love, everyone looks at self and ego and there is trouble. However, this does not change God’s order. A man has his responsibilities. A woman has hers. If one is doing the other person’s work, it is just an assistance.

So, if you are a wife and you are constantly the financial pillar in your family, do not say: “Ahan! I said it! I have been doing something wrong.” No. God expects you to be the virtuous woman that you are (Proverbs 31:10-31). This is however, not an excuse for laziness on the part of the husband. Lazy husbands are many in this part of the world and they need to repent.

Husband! It is not proper to leave most of the bills to your wife for payment, par-

ticularly when you are an income earner, or even earning higher income than her. The marriage institution is not a mere business partnership but a union. It is called a union because a superior supernatural being called Almighty God is involved. A woman’s spiritual wiring is to be cared for by her own husband. God told the woman in Genesis 3:16 “...thy desire shall be thy husband and he shall rule over thee.” (Proverbs 31:10-12).

Man is spiritual head of the woman and is expected to be so. This issue of headship is sometimes, perception-related. For instance, the husband and father of the house is called and seen as breadwinner. If you are in the lower or middle class of society, take time to assess the monthly expenses made by your wife on domestics most of which are off record (the items she buys from the market for upkeep and other things bought for the children outside your budget). You may discover that she actually spends on the family more than you do.

God never makes mistakes. He has ordained that the wife will be a help to the husband because he knows that if all responsibilities expected of the husband are left to him, he can hardly meet all the financial, spiritual, psychological and emotional expectations in the home.

Whatever happens, critical family decisions that involve finance such as choice of school for the children MUST be subjected to discussion between husband and wife, and approved by the husband. A balanced happy home is achieved this way.

Your marriage shall be a miracle and a testimony in Jesus name. Amen.

54

World News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

18 JUNE 2016

'Fresh violence kills many in CAR'

F

resh violence in Central African Republic has killed several people and forced thousands from their homes, with many seeking refuge in Chad and Cameroon, the United Nations said yesterday.

The spate of attacks and reprisals took place in Ngaoundaye, about 500 km (300 miles) northwest of the capital, between groups backed by Christian militias and herders supported by Muslim fighters, said the U.N. peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA).

Several people have been injured and killed in recent days, houses have been

burned and looted, and thousands of people have been uprooted, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"This new spiral of violence will likely cause additional needs in CAR while the increasing insecurity is rendering the work of humanitarian actors even more challenging," Michel Yao, the country's humanitarian coordinator, said in a statement.

Central African Republic descended into chaos in March 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters seized power, triggering reprisal attacks by Christian anti-balaka militias.

A fifth of the population fled their homes due to violence and the country remains largely divided along religious lines and controlled by warlords.

More than 400,000 people have been internally displaced, and some half-a-million have fled to neighboring countries such as Chad, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, OCHA said.

Aid access in the country is hindered by insecurity and violence, and there were more than a dozen attacks against aid workers last month, according to the U.N. agency.

Medical charity Medecins

sans Frontieres (MSF) halted operations in the west of the country last month after a staff member was shot dead during an ambush on one of its convoys.

MSF said more than twothirds of the country's health facilities have been damaged or destroyed by fighting since 2013, while around 2.3 million people – half of the population – urgently need humanitarian aid, according to OCHA. President Faustin-Archange TouadÊra took office in March after elections aimed at drawing a line under the crisis, and observers hope his election will help end the country's unrest.

UN forsees Burundi scenario in Congo

D

emocratic Republic of Congo could descend into a cycle of electoral violence similar to that seen in Burundi and presidential and legislative polls due in November are likely to be delayed, the United Nations warned yesterday.

A group of senior U.N. experts put Burundi and Congo at the top of a list of risks to watch for in the next six months, along with Libya, the La Nina climate phenomenon, and drought in southern Africa.

"The most likely scenario remains delayed elections into 2017, a move which would likely trigger wide

political unrest in a situation similar to that of postelectoral Burundi," they said in a semi-annual report.

With little freedom for democratic opposition and the heavy-handed use of security forces, the risk of violent clashes was high, especially in the capital and in Lubumbashi, home of Moise Katumbi, the leading opponent of President Joseph Kabila.

"The government is likely to limit or shut down mobile networks, restrict the opposition's rights through legal or violent means and increase intimidation and harassment," the report said.

Orlando shooter 'texted' wife during attack T

Putin

Putin ready to work with next US president

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin yesterday called presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump "bright" and said his country is prepared to work with any candidate American voters elect.

"Mr. Trump says he's ready to restore full-fledged Russian-American relations.

What can be bad about it?"

Putin, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev were part of a panel moderated by CNN's Fareed Zakaria at the 20th International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Zakaria read from a report that had Putin calling Trump "brilliant," "outstanding" and "talented." He asked Putin what led him to that judgment and whether he still holds that opinion.

But Putin told Zakaria he had changed the meaning of his comments. Zakaria said later he was reading from a translation of an Interfax news report "I only said he was a bright person. Isn't he bright?" Putin asked. "I did not say anything else about him."

He stressed that Russia doesn't meddle in the internal political affairs of other nations and will work with

anyone who is elected.

As for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Putin said he didn't work with her that much but that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did.

"She probably has her own view of U.S.-Russian relations."

He said he's seen many people change after they are appointed to some office and that when they have different responsibilities, they start thinking differently.

Russia hopes that a sense of responsibility will serve to bring about a more secure world and greater cooperation between the United States and Russia, Putin said.

Putin also dealt with other issues in his remarks.

As for Europe, he called for improved relations with leaders there.

At present, sanctions have been used against Russia over its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and its activities in Ukraine.

As for Syria, he said the United States should persuade opposition leaders to have a dialogue with the regime in Damascus. He said he agrees with an American proposal to include opposition representatives in the government.

he Orlando shooter and his wife exchanged text messages during the Pulse nightclub rampage, a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation has said.

According to the CNN, around 4 a.m. on June 12, about two hours after he started the attack and while holed up in a bathroom, Omar Mateen texted his wife, Noor Salman, asking if she'd seen the news, the official said.

At one point, she responded with a text saying that she loved him. Salman also tried calling her husband several times during the standoff, a second law enforcement official said.

The timing of her calls came after reports of the at-

tack had emerged, and apparently after she realized her husband might be responsible. He didn't answer, the official said.

It's not clear if Salman made any attempt to report her husband during that time.

Salman is coming under increasing scrutiny as police investigate the killing of 49 people and wounding of at least 50 at the gay nightclub in Orlando. Authorities say Mateen carried out the killing with a Sig Sauer MCX semiautomatic assault-style rifle and a pistol.

Salman apparently gave conflicting accounts about what she knew of Mateen's intentions in the hours before the attack. authorities said.

She also told investigators that in the weeks before the

attack, Mateen spent thousands of dollars, including for the guns used in the attack.

Mateen and Salman married in 2011. They have a 3-year-old son and lived in Fort Pierce, about two hours from the massacre.

A U.S. attorney plans to bring evidence before a federal grand jury to determine whether charges will be filed, two law enforcement officials said.

Mateen also vented on Facebook before and during the massacre.

"America and Russia stop bombing the Islamic state," the gunman wrote, according to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

"You kill innocent women and children by doing us air-

strikes ... now taste the Islamic state vengeance."

Then, in his final post, an ominous warning: ''In the next few days you will see attacks from the Islamic state in the usa."

The messages were described in a letter from committee Chairman Ron Johnson to Mark Zuckerberg, asking the Facebook CEO to provide "all Facebook data on Mr. Mateen's activities on his account and any affiliated Facebook accounts."

It's not the only time Mateen invoked ISIS during his rampage early Sunday. In the middle of killing 49 people, Mateen also called 911 to pledge allegiance to the terror group and CNN affiliate News 13 to say, "I did it for ISIS. I did it for the Islamic State."

EgyptAir Flight 804: Second black box found S earchers have recovered the flight data recorder from EgyptAir Flight 804, Egypt's Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Committee said yesterday, potentially a key step in helping to unravel the mystery of what caused the plane to plunge into the Mediterranean Sea nearly a month ago.

The discovery of the recorder follows the discovery

of wreckage from the flight and the recovery of the cockpit voice recorder this week, according to Egyptian officials.

Like the cockpit voice recorder, the flight data recorder was damaged, but searchers were able to recover the crucial memory unit from the device, the committee said.

The flight data recorder gathers 25 hours of technical

data from the airplane's sensors, recording several thousand distinct pieces of information, including air speed, altitude, engine performance and wing positions.

The cockpit voice recorder captures sounds from the flight deck, including flight crew conversation, alarms and background noise that can help investigators understand what the flight crew

was doing.

Both were recovered by the crew of the John Lethbridge, a privately owned deep-sea survey and recovery vehicle contracted by Egypt's government to aid in the search.

A French naval vessel helping in the search picked up a signal from one of the devices two weeks ago, helping narrow the search area.

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18 JUNE 2016

CAF CL: Enyimba promise good start against Zamalek

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Charles Ogundiya he country’s only surviving club on the continent, Enyimba of Aba, will be playing their first game in the CAF Champions League group stage against Zamalek of Egypt on Sunday and the coach of the side, Paul Aigbogun, has promised a good start.

The former Warri Wolves coach said the two-time champion of the competition would approach the game with all seriousness because the target would be to get the three points.

The coach told Saturday Telegraph that the players were battle ready against the Egyptians and their antics.

“We know what to expect on

he football family of late soccer legend Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun has joined other Nigerians to mourn the death of two football greats Stephen Keshi and Shaibu Amodu.

Keshi died on Wednesday and Amodu died early hours on Saturday.

Both men have contributed tremendously to football in the country both as players, coaches and administrators..

Commenting on the death of Keshi and Amodu the spokesman of the family, Mr. Kayode Zege Balogun, said they were smarting from 18th annual memorial service of their late mother, Alhaja Mulikat Thunder Balogun, only to hear of the sudden departure of coach Stephen Keshi and NFF Technical Director and coach Amodu Shuaibu.

“These are great men in football and no doubt our country will miss them,” Balogun said.

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teph Curry was ejected for throwing his mouthguard into the crowd as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat his Golden State War-

Curry

the stadium but he was later pronounced dead.

His family said he died "doing what he loved best".

In a statement released through the PSNI, the family said: "Our father Robert Rainey, known to everyone as Archie, has sadly passed away whilst in France supporting Northern Ireland at the Euros surrounded by all his friends and family.

Italy in last 16 after win over Sweden

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taly are through to the last 16 of the European Championship finals after Eder struck late on to beat Sweden.

The game looked to be heading towards a dull goalless draw before Eder chased Giorgio Chiellini's long

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NBA finals: Curry ejected as the Cavaliers force decider

Euro 2016: Ireland fan dies during Ukraine match

Northern Ireland supporter has died at the Stade de Lyon as he watched the team beat Ukraine at the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Robert Rainey, known as Archie, is understood to have suffered a heart attack in one of the stands at about 18:00 local time.

Medics tried to resuscitate the 62-year-old Belfast man inside

Adekunle Salami

Sunday against Zamalek,” the coach said.

“It is important that we start the group stage well so as not to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure in the competition.

“We are going to give our 100 percent to get the needed victory.

I am not putting any pressure on myself or the players but just telling you what we are going to do.”

Since playing in Port Harcourt, Enyimba have not lost a match at home and will be relying on the competition top scorer, Mfon Udoh.

The Nigeria Professional Football League record goal scorer recorded seven goals in the qualifiers and will be looking to increase Enyimba's Chinonso Okonkwo (left) vies with Bayelsa his goals when the group stage United's Dengo Ebinipere commences.

‘Thunder’ Balogun family mouns Keshi, Amodu

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Sport Slaming

throw to drive home from outside the box.

Sweden, meanwhile, failed to impress as they did not produce a shot on goal for the second successive game, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic kept quiet throughout.

riors side 115-101 to force a decisive game seven in the NBA finals.

After fouling out late in the fourth quarter, a frustrated Curry threw his mouthguard, which hit a supporter.

The 28-year-old apologised to the fan before leaving the court in Cleveland.

Victory in Oakland on Monday would make the Cavaliers the first team to win the finals having trailed 3-1.

It would also be their first NBA title.

"I had some stuff I wanted to get off my chest," said Curry, who top scored for his side with 30 points. "It was just frustration and I thought it was kind of hilarious how the last two fouls kind of unfolded."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr added: "He gets six fouls called on him, three of them were absolutely ridiculous. I'm happy he threw his mouthpiece."

LeBron James scored 41 points for the Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving added 23 in front of a home crowd at the Q Arena.

Golden State set an NBA record of 73 wins in the regular season.

Ikorodu United in road crash

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layers and officials of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Ikorodu United were involved in an auto crash that left several persons dead on Friday.

The accident occurred around the ninth mile area in Enugu State.

A trailer coming from the opposite direction almost collided with the bus of the Ikorodu United team but vigilance from their driver saw him swerve sharply to avoid a head-on collision.

The trailer however collided with the vehicle just behind the Ikorodu United bus, killing all passengers on board.

There was however contact between the trailer and the Ikorodu United bus (from the side) just before the head-on collision with the second vehicle.

EURO 2016 fixtures Belgium v Ireland 2pm Iceland v Hungary 5pm Portugal v Austria 8pm

Keshi, Amodu’s death and the rest of us

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he past one week has been tough for Nigerian football. This has nothing to do with the current leadership crisis that has refused to abate and it is not about the Super Eagles that have remained without a coach for about four months. The bad mood that enveloped the country is also not about the poor financial situation of the Nigeria Football Federation that is owing its employees two months’ salaries and has been struggling to fund the 11 national teams.

The country lost two of the best coaches Nigeria ever had in a shocking manner. Last week, I wrote on the death of former Eagles Captain and Head Coach, Stephen Keshi.

He died on June 8 but sad enough, another huge football personality, Shaibu Amodu, also died in his sleep on June 11. It was just three days from each another. Amodu was at the home of the Keshis in Benin on a condolence visit. He was one of those who set up the canopy in the compound on Friday evening for visitors only to also join his friend, Keshi, same night. Cruel fate!

Writing a back-to-back tributes of people close to me in my career is tough for me. Since I wrote on Keshi and the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, last week, this piece is basically on Amodu and the implications of their death.

Amodu was a coach I respected so much. He had so much impact on my career because he always broke down technical football issues to educate me. As a reporter, Amodu almost turned me into a football coach. He taught me about tactics and why he took any decisions. That was when he was with the BBC Lions of Gboko. I remember a particular match in the early ’90s at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

Amodu told me before the game against Julius Berger that he was going to win the encounter in the last 20 minutes and I wondered what he was talking about. About 25 minutes to the end of the match, the BCC Lions were one goal down and the coach brought in Amir Agwe and John Zaki. The change produced two goals to give Amodu’s side a big win.

There was another match the late coach adopted defensive tactics to gain a point in Lagos. He was in charge of El-Kanemi that time. He told me that his two strikers were injured and that he would be defending. “Salami, nobody will score here. I have no striker and so we are here to hold Stores tight and take one point to Maiduguri,” he told me before the match which eventually ended goalless.

In the national team, there was a time the Eagles won four straight games consecutively with a 1-0 victory margin during World Cup qualifiers and it was defenders that were scoring but Amodu explained: “What we needed is the points and we are winning. I am building the team gradually and goal scoring will come with time. For now, we play tight and look for a win, any win, anyhow.”

I will really miss this man who qualified Nigeria for the World Cup twice but was never allowed to go to the Mundial. He never lost a World Cup qualifier. He played 15, won 12 and drew three. It was expected that his role as the Technical Director of the NFF could boost football in the country. It is a big setback for the country.

However, it is important to talk about the circumstances of the sudden death of these two football legends. Amodu’s wife confirmed her late husband was a diabetic while I learnt on good authority that Keshi was also living with diabetes. Many coaches are potentially hypertensive, hence, Amodu and Keshi could also have been patients of hypertension due to the nature of their job. I recall Amodu rejected the offer of taking over Eagles coaching role after Sunday Oliseh on health grounds.

We still have many good coaches around at national and club levels. This is the time for them to take their heath seriously. I am not one of those who will blame clubs or the federation for the poor health of a coach or a national team player. These people are rich enough to have a full complement of staff including a personal physician. Professional players and managers abroad have personal doctors, physiotherapists, media aides, etc.

It is imperative for athletes, trainers and everyone to be conscious of their heath; anyone in doubt should know better now. We don’t want to mourn again!

Sanctity of Truth

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SPORT SLAMING Keshi, Amodu’s death and the rest of us

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Portugal v Austria

Ronaldo chases EURO record …as Alaba carries country’s burden

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Ajibade Olusesan wo things are at stake for Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal face Austria in a European Championship tie today (Saturday). He needs redemption and

record.

Ronaldo’s pride was bruised when he was eclipsed by water-tight defence of Iceland who played a 1-1 with the Portuguese in their opening Group F fixture.

The three-time World Footballer of the Year compounded his problem with unguarded remarks after the match, a statement that attracted widespread condemnation across the world.

The Portuguese legend said the smallest country ever to play in the tournament had ‘small mentality’ because of their defensive approach to the game.

"Iceland did not try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend and play the counterattack," said Ronaldo, who left the field without shaking the hand of most Iceland players.

"They had two chances and they scored one goal. It was a lucky night for them."

But that statement has won him just a few friends with most scathing attack coming from an Iceland defender Karni Arnason who said

the Real Madrid star would continue to queue behind his greatest rival Lionel Messi.

Having led Real Madrid to their 11th UEFA Champions League triumph, his confidence level to the tournament seemed deflated with the incident and Ronaldo will be looking forward to shaking that off. He has to answer his critics with an exquisite showing against an Austrian side that was shocked by Hungary in their first match of the tournament.

And again, Ronaldo will go into this tie with an opportunity to create a record. He and Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic are competing to become the first player to score in four different European Championships Ronaldo can achieve it Saturday at the Parc des Princes where Ibrahimovic has been a fan favorite for the past four title-winning seasons with Paris Saint Germain.

The Austrian defence trying to stop him is without central defender Aleksandar Dragovic, who will serve a one-match ban for his red card in the 2-0 loss to Hungary in Group F on Tuesday.

This is another time for Austria’s brightest talent, David Alaba, to step forward and help his country. A defeat for the side means they will be heading home so early. The Bayern star surely has the capacity to do it.

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