Saturday, june 20, 2015 binder1

SATURDAY Saturday, June 20, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 486

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

Mercy Chinwo (Nigerian Idol II Winner)

There are better } 21 singers who never won reality shows

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

How holes in their hearts leave holes in their parents’ } 10 pockets

code of conduct bureau

We won’t release Buhari’s, Osinbajo’s assets

Onwuka Nzeshi

T Abuja

he desire of many Nigerians that the worth of their political leaders in terms of assets and liabilities would be made public to guard against corruption while in office has again been dashed. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has refused to make public the assets declaration forms submitted by

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The duo had shortly before their inauguration fulfilled the constitutional requirements by declaring their assets to the CCB but reneged on an earlier pledge to publish same as former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua did in 2007.

Following the public outcry that the issue generated, a civil society organisation, Centre for

Social Justice, wrote to the CCB requesting that the contents of these forms be made public in line with the Freedom of Information Act. However, this request was turned down.

Sections 1(1) 3 and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 guarantees the right of a person to access on request information, whether or not in written form, in the custody of any public agency.

BAYO OMOBORIOWO At 28, he’s Buhari’s official photographer }13

Conversely, by virtue of Sections 12(1)(a)(v), 14(1)(b) and 15(1)(a) of the same Act, the Code of Conduct Bureau has power to decline a request which constitutes invasion of personal privacy. Assets declaration by public officers contain such personal information which falls within the exemptions to the disclosure of information in the FOIA. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 6

Panic in federal civil service over plan to merge, scrap ministries

}7

ZEAL

Styl Plus will rival Wizkid, Korede Bello }19

}

2

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Contents | 20.06.15 INSTYLE

Classic and Chic

Song of the Bard Film-maker and curator of the Lagos Film Society, critiques the works of kora-playing Tunde Jegede, artistic director of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON).

}18

SHOWBIZ

Rapping it Like Dagrin Yusuf Abubakar Sodiq, popularly known as CDQ, has lately become a regular presence at every major entertainment event. The singer speaks about his rough rise to fame.

}22

SPORT

Better after Pregnancy In this report, some female athletes speak about coming back after childbirth to produce remarkable performance that earn them laurels.

}25

DESTINATION

Southerly Trail A correspondent relives the thrill of his visit to Cape Point, one of Africa’s southernmost point located in South Africa.

}42

INVESTIGATIONS

Comment

Making cancer therapy affordable

C

The single ankle strap high ancer, number one killer disease heel sandals have proven to be globally, is ravaging Nigeria in a timeless wardrobe staple in an unprecedented manner. In the recent time. They are comfortable, past, the disease was regarded as an exclusive preserve of the rich. But understated and elegant.

}16

THE ARTS

SATURDAY

Gone with the Wind A Saturday Telegraph investigation looks at the death of the cinema culture and its latter day resurgence.

}23 Plus: Street Diary 50 | Perspectives 52

today, both the rich and the poor are being afflicted as over two million Nigerians are known to have some form of invasive cancer especially as no fewer than 200,00 are diagnosed annually, of which at least 180,000 die.

A decade ago, cancer was rated as one of the world’s top 10 most expensive disorders. Today, it is one of the top three. To diagnose cancer, patient would have to contend with paying for treatment and manage the high cost of drugs (chemotherapy). Most cancer drugs are available in Nigeria, but the costs are prohibitive just as distribution becomes inefficient.

However, cancer patients with no access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery constitute the bulk of those who inevitably die.

In a release by the World Health Organisation, cancer has become one of the world’s highest causes of death as about millions die of cancer annually.

Although most cancer ailmenys are not necessarily fatal, it remains one of the most expensive disorders to treat and manage.

In Nigeria, the cost of handling cancer is huge. Even though there is a palliative care for late cases of cancer for the rich, such is non-existent for the poor as there is little or no hope for survival.

Everything about cancer is expensive.

For instance, cost of treatment of cervical cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and any kind of cancer for that matter is better imagined than real.

This last week brought to fore the case of a 31-year-old woman, Adebukola Okechukwu, who never had any previous history of tumor or any form of symptoms relating to invasive cancer was diagnosed of a tumor in the breast. Two months after diagnosis, Okechuckwu was recommended for surgery.

She was required to raise N5 milion to undergo an urgent life-saving surgery in an Indian hospital.

The case of Adewusi Philips was not different from Okechukwu. Adewusi, a hair dresser was diagnosed of invasive ductal carcinoma Synchronous Bilatera Breast (SBR Grade 111) cancer.

Already Adewusi has lost her right breast and undergoing chemotherapy to manage her very critical state of health at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), spending an average of N500, 000 every three weeks to stay alive. These two

cases only represent the tip of the iceberg of the cost of cancer care and management in Nigeria. Financial constraint is the bane of most cancer patients seeking treatment.

While other developing countries have made giant stride to ensure that routine cancer therapy affordable aimed at reducing if not total elimination, government still does not have any concrete policy on this terminal disease ravaging the nation like holocaust.

Unfortunately, instead of taking a bold step towards curbing hundreds of deaths arising from cancer annually, there has not been any palliative measure whether to create awareness or upgrade the nation’s health sector.

As a matter of fact, Nigerians continue to pay for cancer treatment with their lives.

No doubt, cancer is an expensive and impoverishing disease, it is obvious that the poor cannot survive cancer and even the rich do not always survive it either.

It is sad that Nigeria has no comprehensive cancer centre. Also, the country lacks adequate treatment facilities.

This is why cancer patients in the country spend over $100 million annually on treatment in India which has over 120 cancer centres mostly established through non-governmental effort, with private sector support. Thousands of patients usually travel abroad for treatment at the end stage.

Even the rich who can afford to travel abroad still die as an average cancer patient on regular screening, clinical assessment and chemotherapy over the course of a year, may accumulate between N5 million and N20 million or more in medical bills depending on the type of cancer, the type of treatment and where the treatment is being accessed.

This is why government especially in this era of ‘change’ must ensure that cancer takes centre stage, making its treatment or therapy affordable. A new health minister must regard experts’ opinion on how to make cancer control a centrally coordinated system that would cause the Federal Ministry of Health to take up the vital role of seeing every patient by a group, not just the doctor, but other stakeholders.

Lest we forget, President Muhammadu Buhari-led government must acquire the suggested central coordinating role by bringing down the currently prohibitive cost of cancer treatment so as to save lives of patients who have become ‘beggars’.

Specifically, government must look for a way to ensure there is subsidy for cancer care, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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

Funke Egbemode

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

News Editor, Saturday n Ndubuisi Ugah

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

3

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Congratulations!

His ExcEllENcY, AMiNU BEllO MAsAri, Executive Governor, Katsina state

My family and I wish to congratulate Your Excellency Aminu Bello Masari on your election as the Executive Governor of Katsina State.

The people of Katsina have spoken in one loud voice with your choice.

We wish you a successful tenure in office.

Signed

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, MON Chairman,

SloK ShIppInG

4

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

5

Obasanjo: I’ll mediate in Saraki, APC leadership crisis Ndubuisi Ugah and Kunle Olayeni

F

Abeokuta

acts have emerged on why Senate President Bukola Saraki led a delegation of Senators to meet former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his hilltop mansion, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday.

Quoting a source that was part of the meeting, the Senate President, who was said to be in Abeokuta to beg Obasanjo to reconcile him with President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), also lamented that although the party leaders had accepted his emergence, there was “complete communication breakdown between him, the president and the party”.

In his response, Obasanjo, who did not make any comment as Saraki’s entourage departed at 11.20 am. reportedly promised to do his best to “ensure communication among all parties”.

The source also quoted the former President as joking with the delegation, saying: “you children of nowadays only run to elders when you have finished making the damage”.

According to the source, Obasanjo was said to have called President Buhari immediately he was informed of the visit, with the President simply retorting: “You have to see them now, are they not your boys?”

It would be recalled that the emergence of Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker respectively did

l We'll resolve feud, says Odigie-Oyegun

Oyegun, yesterday stated that the crisis rocking the party would soon come to an end.

The chairman also defended the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, over the statement he issued in his state (Kwara) after the emergence of the National Assembly leadership.

According to him, Mohammed's statement on the outcome of the election of the National Assembly was the position of the party and not his (Mohammed) and so he should not be vilified.

Odigie-Oyegun, who issued a statement in Abuja, after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the party, said: “The party has reached out to all interested parties, and when the National AssemL-R: Senators Andy Uba and Ahmed Yerima, Senate President Bukola Saraki; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senator bly resumes next week, NiDanjuma Goje, after a closed-door meeting at Obasanjo’s Hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State...yesterday.

gerians will see one harmo PHOTO: KUNLE OLAYENI nious, happy APC family.

“We owe it to our party, not go down well with the of the Senate President were value to this country and Saraki said: “I think alleadership of the party, former Acting National we are here to tap from his ready that (process of wage our teeming members and who branded them as un- Chairman of Peoples Dem- wisdom, knowledge and review) is in progress. If you supporters and indeed all ocratic Party (PDP), Alhaji experience," he stated. disciplined party men. remember last time, it was Nigerians who reposed Saraki also expressed op- about N150 billion and it’s so much confidence in us The relationship between Kawu Baraje, and former Saraki and the leadership Osun State Governor and ex- timism that the crisis rocking coming down to N120 bil- by voting us into office to has remained frosty since National Secretary of PDP, the APC over the National lion. I think the situation in quickly put the unfortunate then, with the national Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Assembly leadership posi- the country deserves that incidents of the recent past Obasanjo’s associates, tions would soon be resolved. every public servant must behind us and forge ahead.” chairman of the party, “As you can see, things make sacrifices and whatever On Mohammed, OdigieChief John Odigie-Oyegun, including Chief Oyewole abruptly cancelling a sched- Fasawe, Chief Bode Mus- are moving smoothly. Defi- sacrifice that is necessary, we Oyegun said: “Mohamuled meeting with Saraki tapha and Dr. Femi Majeko- nitely, rest assured that all will make it. And that is being med’s statement was issued last week without giving dunmi, were also at the ex- that would be put behind done. So, rest assured that we with the knowledge and president’s home. us very shortly. We are very are sensitive, we are aware of consent of the party hence another appointment.

Saraki, who briefed re- confident about that,” he the situation in the country it would be wrong for anyBut Saraki, who arrived Obasanjo's hilltop residence porters after posing for said. and if we are going to lead, one to make him a sacrificial Speaking on the clamour we must lead by example.” lamb for carrying out his in Abeokuta at 9.10am, was photographs with Obasanaccompanied by some sena- jo, said he came to consult for downward review of Meanwhile, Odigie- party responsibilities." tors, including Andy Uba with the former president the salaries and allowances of National Assembly (Anambra South), Danjuma and tap from his wisdom.

“We are here to pay our members, the Senate PresiGoje (APC, Gombe Central), Ahmed Yerima (APC, Zam- homage to him, to seek his dent assured Nigerians that fara West) and Tayo Alasoa- advice, to get his blessing he would support any “sacdura (APC, Ondo Central). and also to consult. We all rifice” for the interest of the Others on the entourage know President Obasanjo's country.

He said: “As at ThursAnule Emmanuel day night, trucks were Abuja sighted moving luggage ife of the President, into the president's resiMrs Aisha Buhari dence.”

While Julius Berger has moved the first family of Muhammadu Buhari to handled the renovation of the official residence in the the physical structure, including changing of tiles, warrant its latest allegations. tions in order to put the re- from Amnesty International presidential villa, Abuja.

The text of Minimah’s cords in proper perspective. to the military to comment Mrs Aisha packed into broken glasses, toilets and press briefing, which was sent “For the avoidance of on the allegations, the mili- the villa Thursday night other house fittings, anothto Saturday Telegraph, was read doubts, the AI’s allegations tary promptly commenced in the absence of her hus- er private company whose by the Chief of Army Admin- of human rights abuse and investigations into the alle- band who is currently in name could not be asceristration, Major General Ad- extra judicial killing of ci- gations. Consequently, sev- his home town Daura, Kas- tained at the time of this amu Baba Abubakar. vilians are a rehash of the eral investigations on these tina State where he began report had handled other the replacement of funk He further noted that in- same allegations made allegations are ongoing. the Ramadan fasting. vestigations on allegations against the military since “Similarly the Defence President Buhari is ex- turns and other necessary raised by AI, were con- 2011. No new facts have Headquarters set up two pected to join the immedi- appliances.

The Senior Special Astinuing, adding that prima been unearthed by Amnes- Joint Investigation Teams ate family as soon as he refacie cases had so far been ty International to warrant (JIT) to investigate, screen turns from the private visit sistant on Media and Pubestablished against 350 out their repeated allegations. and categorise suspected from his village. Presiden- licity to the President, Garof 504 suspected Boko Ha‘‘However, the figures insurgents in detention. cy sources said he would ba Shehu, had confirmed to our correspondent in a ram fighters arrested. adduced by Amnesty Inter- Out of the 504 suspects return to Abuja today. telephone interview earlier The text reads in full: “The national as victims of extra screened prima facie cases Both the official residence media has been inundated judicial killing by the mili- was established against 350 and office of President Bu- that the President would with reports of Amnesty tary have kept on increasing suspects and were recom- hari and those of his vice, have no choice but to move International allegations of from 4,600 to 8,000 and even mended for trial to the Fed- Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, have into the apartment and ofgross human rights abuse as high as 13,000 civilians. eral High Court, their case been under renovation be- fice when the renovation and extra judicial killing of The military has the consti- files were forwarded to the ing handled by Construc- work has been completed.

Since President Buhari civilians against the Nigeri- tutional and moral respon- office of the Attorney Gention giant, Julius Berger Plc. and Osinbajo took oaths of an military for the past few sibility to protect Nigerian eral and Ministry of Justice.

A member of staff of Ju- office and allegiance, they days. Amnesty International citizens and cannot sudden"Additionally, Code of lius Berger, who pleaded have yet to move into the report was released on June ly engage in mass murder Conduct for troops in the anonymity confirmed to Presidential Villa, Abuja.

3. Therefore, the Nigerian as portrayed by Amnesty North East and other InterSaturday Telegraph that work The two leaders have military as a responsible cor- International's allegations. nal Operations and Rules porate organisation is bound “It will be recalled that of Engagement clearly spelt had been completed on the been moving in and out of residence of the President the presidential villa since to respond to these allega- upon the written request out guidelines for troops." and that of his office. their inauguration.

Finally, Buhari’s family moves into Aso Rock

Amnesty rights’ abuse allegation a ‘rehash’ –Army Emmanuel Onani Abuja

T

he Nigeria Army yesterday said Amnesty International's latest allegations of extra-judicial killings against the military in the North-East, were a “rehash” of what the global human rights watchdog accused it of in 2011.

It would be recalled that the Amnesty International (AI) had about three weeks ago released a damning report of alleged human rights violations and extra-judicial killings of civilians in the course of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency war.

The report had allegedly put the figure of victims of extra-judicial killing at about 8, 000.

However, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, said no fresh facts had been found by AI, to

l 350 soldiers recommended for trial

W

6

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

IKEJA FAAN to shut down Benin Airport for repairs

N EWS I N BRIEF

ST

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday said it would close the Benin Airport to flight operations beginning from today to July 10 to facilitate rehabilitation work on its runway.

This is contained in a statement issued in Lagos by the Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Onyekwere Nnaekpe, on behalf of the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Yakubu Dati.

It said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had already been issued to all operators of scheduled and nonscheduled flights to the airport.

The authority, however, advised that the Asaba Airport and the Osubi Airstrip in Warri could be used as alternatives to Benin Airport.

FCT Buhari hails Ibiola Williams at 100

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mama Eunice Ibilola Williams as she celebrates her 100th birthday today.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday joined other Nigerians in rejoicing with “Mama Williams” and her friends on the happy occasion of her attainment of the very rare age of 100 years.

President Buhari said: “As they celebrate with Mama Williams, popularly known as "Mama Palm Church", the President urges them to give thanks to God for her much fulfilled life of commendable service to her family and society in various capacities and for blessing her with the great privilege of living gracefully on earth for 100 years.”

VICTORIA ISLAND 100 young leaders meet Jega today

Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment and Lifestyle network, EbonyLife TV, is set to host 100 young leaders to an exclusive meeting with the Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, today, at the Wheatbaker Hotel, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Invited guests are drawn from a selective pool of leading young professionals from various occupational sectors, and they will be conversing with Jega about his experience as Nigeria's most powerful electoral official.

The meeting will be moderated by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a co-host of the highly rated The Spot on EbonyLife TV. Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, said: “It is important for young Nigerians to ask questions; the Nigerian youth were a big part of the last general elections."

Asset Declaration: CCB declines to release Buhari, Osinbajo documents Onwuka Nzeshi

T ABUJA

he desire of many Nigerians that the worth of their political leaders in terms of assets and liabilities be made public to guard against corruption while in office has again been dashed.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has refused to make public the assets declaration forms submitted

by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

The duo had shortly before their inauguration fulfilled the Constitutional requirements by declaring their assets to the CCB but reneged on an earlier pledge to publish same as former President Umar Musa Yar'Adua did in 2007.

Following the public outcries the issue generated, a civil society organisation, Centre for Social Justice, wrote to the CCB requesting that the contents of these forms be made public in line with the Freedom of Information Act. However, this request was turned down.

Sections 1(1) 3 and 4 of the Freedom of Information

Act ( FOIA) 2011 guarantees the right of a person to access on request information, whether or not in written form, in the custody of any public agency.

Conversely, by virtue of Sections 12(1)(a)(v), 14(1) (b) and 15(1)(a) of the same Act, the CCB has power to decline a request which constitutes invasion of personal privacy. Assets declaration by public officers contain such personal information which falls within the exemptions to the disclosure of information in the FOIA. The letter marked CCB/ HQ/670/G/1/104 and dated June 10, 2015 was addressed to Stop Impunity Nigeria( SIN), Centre for Social Justice, Abuja. It read thus: "Re: Application pursuant to Freedom of Information Act, 2011 for copies of the Assets Declaration forms submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

"Please refer to your letter dated 1st June, 2015 Furthermore, paragraph 3(c) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as

amended provides that the Code of Conduct Bureau shall make assets declaration of public officers available for inspection by any citizen of Nigeria only on terms of condition prescribed by the National Assembly. However, the terms and conditions under which that can be done have not yet been prescribed by the National Assembly. In view of the aforementioned, the Bureau hereby declines your request."

The presidency had a couple of weeks ago said that President Buhari and his Vice-President Osinbajo will soon make the assets public as declared before the CCB. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity to the President Mallam Garba Shehu said in fulfilment of one of their campaign promises, his declared assets and those of Vice President will be released to the public upon the completion of their verification by CCB. The statement said "It is hoped that this process will be completed before the

expiration of the 100-day deadline within which they said they would do this.

He said "the duly completed forms by both the President and the Vice President were submitted to the CCB on March 28th, a clear day ahead of their inauguration."

The presidency explained that this clarification was warranted by the need to explain some suggestions that the President and the Vice-President may not, after all, declare their assets publicly.

"While such public display of concern is appreciated and valued, it must be said that it is a little precipitate.

"As required by law, the declaration and submission of documents to the CCB have been made, but there still remains the aspect of verification which the Bureau will have to conduct to authenticate the submissions made to it.

"In the circumstances, it is only after this verification exercise, and not before, that the declaration can be said to have been made and validated; and only after this, will the details be released to the public."

Ambode scraps, realigns ministries, agencies Muritala Ayinla

A

s part of the moves to reduce the cost of governance and bring about efficient and improved service delivery, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has scrapped and restructured the state government's ministries and offices.

Saturday Telegraph learnt that the realignment of offices in the state was carefully carried out to give room for efficiency and create opportunity for global competitiveness.

Hence, Ambode in his Executive Order tagged “urgent” with No: EO/AA01 of 2015 issued and sent to various ministries, departments and agencies, ordered the realignment, creation and abolition of the offices and agencies, saying the order was intended to improve the internal management of the state government.

Some of the offices created

EFCC releases Ohakim after five hours grill Ndubuisi Ugah

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday night released the former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. He was grilled by the commission for about five hours.

It was gathered that Ohakim was arrested by the anti-graft agency early Thursday morning at his residence in Asokoro District of Abuja. Prior to his arrest, Ohakim was said to have been invited by the EFCC for a meeting scheduled for June 17, which he failed to honour, thus prompting his arrest on Thursday.

In a statement issued yesterday by his aide said:

“Chief Ikedi Ohakim who was at the EFCC office few hours past 5pm on Thursday expressed surprise that overzealous officials of the anti-graft Agency could go ahead to invade his house with paid media men in order to score cheap points and achieve some credibility stunts.

“Having left office as Governor more than four years ago, the former governor was investigated by the EFCC on the same charges as the present one, as a result of the same frivolous petition sponsored by enemies of Imo State and Igboland who feel that their criminal plans against the state and Ndi Igbo would be thwarted by the highly respected elder statesman.”

Ramadan: Pray for peace, unity, Alaafin, Alao-Akala tell Muslims Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

T

Deputy-Director, Integrated Delivery, Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Carlos Cuellar (left) and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, during a visit of the Foundation to the governor, in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

include: Office of Civic Engagement, Ministry of Wealth Creation, The Office of InterGovernmental Relations was detached from Ministry of Tourism and moved to the Ministry of Special Duties, while the Office of Arts and Culture was merged with the Ministry of Tourism.

Also in the Executive Order, some offices and parastatals which hitherto had autonomy had been moved to some offices for better management.

Among them were: Lands Bureau and Land Use Allocation Committee, which were moved to the Office of the Governor with the newly created Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Rural Development, parastatals Monitoring Office and Office of Political and Legislative Power Bureau were scrapped while their agencies were moved to relevant ministries and offices.

he Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (III) and a former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday called on Islamic faithful across the country to pray for peace and prosperity in the land as they observe the ongoing 30- day fast.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Azeez Fehintola, and made available to Saturday Telegraph in Ibadan, Adeyemi said the Ramadan period, “provided a very unique opportunity for the Islamic faithful across the land to assist in offering supplication to the Almighty

Allah during this period.”

The monarch, who remarked that the present situation in the country calls for special prayers, said the Ramadan period was a period to commit the new administration into the hands of Almighty Allah for guidance.

Meanwhile, Alao-Akala, while felicitating with Muslims, urged them to pray for the nation.

Alao-Akala in a statement said: “I am imploring our Muslim brothers and sisters to use the fasting period to pray for progress, development, abundance and crisis-free Nigeria headed by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

20 JUNE 2015

NHRC asks Enugu CJ to probe extra-judicial killings Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

T

he National Human Right Commission (NHRC) yesterday requested the Chief Judge of Enugu State to convene a coroner’s inquest into the cause of death of one Chukwuma Ihezie, who was allegedly extra-judicially killed by personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Enugu, and 50 other corpses allegedly deposited by the police at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.

The commission had in 2014 received a complaint from the Enugu office of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) alleging that the late Iheizie, a 30-year-old male, was extra-judicially killed by one Mr. Bolu of SARS Enugu State Police Command.

Speaking on the request, the spokesperson for the commission, Fatimah Agwai, stated that according to the commission’s Stand-

ing Order and Rules of Procedure, it undertook a preliminary investigation into the complaint and discovered additional human remains of about 50 young men (with red marker on them) at the same mortuary where Ihezie’s body was deposited.

She added that in the exercise of its statutory mandate, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, has requested for the coroner’s inquest into the alleged killings to enable the commission to determine whether or not a systemic case of extra-judicial execution occurred in the circumstance.

“Prof. Bem Angwe stated that extra-judicial execution is a violation of right to life contrary to S. 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended); Article 4, of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

IKORODU IKEJA Unite for Nigeria’s sake, S/South women group hails Ashafa tells APC lawmakers Saraki, Dogora

NEWS IN BRIE F

ST

Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa has urged his colleagues elected on the platform of, All Progressives Congress, APC to close ranks and settle down to work for the sake of their country.

Ashafa made this statement on recently, in reaction to the senate inauguration fallout and how it affects the legislative body.

He pleaded that members of the APC Senators Unity Forum, the senators of Like Minds and other such caucuses in the 8th senate should collapse their structures and form a united, progressive front that will work with the new leadership of the red chamber for the overall interest of the Nigerian people.

7

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

South-South Women Organisation, an association convoked by South-South women residents in Lagos, has congratulated Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogora for their emergence as President of the Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives respectively.

The group in a statement by its President, Chief Vickie Djevwudu and Secretary, Mrs. Esther Ileleji, said Saraki had distinguished himself in his political career as a great leader with robust experience in public and private sectors, adding that his emergence as the Senate President would strengthen nation’s democracy.

The group also congratulated former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Chairman, Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, for their elections into the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

IKEJA Ambode sacks LSDPC boss, two others

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday sacked the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the state Development and Property Corporation (LSPDC), Mr. Taofeek Abiodun Oki and three principal officers of the agency.

The governor, however, approved the appointment of Engineer Jacob Agosu as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the corporation.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Habib Aruna, said: "Consequently, Mr Taofeek Abiodun Oki, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer and three Principal officers of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSPDC) have been relieved of their appointment”.

Osun PDP lauds emergence of Lasun Adeolu Adeyemo and Mojeed Alabi

T

he Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff, describing his emergence as the highest political office holder from the state as a big development.

In an exclusive interview with Saturday Telegraph yesterday, the Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Gani Ola-Oluwa, while congratulating the deputy speaker, said his political achievement must be welcomed by every reasonable sons and daughters of the state.

According to him, the scenario that played out during the election of the leadership of the 8th National Assembly was just a

repetition of what transpired during the election of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who was the Speaker of the 7th Assembly.

He condemned those calling for Lasun’s resignation, describing them as enemies of the state.

He said: “It is an act of hypocrisy for anyone to call for our new deputy speaker’s resignation and still claim to love the Yoruba race at the same time. These are the same set of people who schemed against Mrs. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, when the PDP presented her in 2011 and now they are calling for another person's resignation.

“We pledge our support to him and whenever he wants to come to the state if he extends to us invitation, we will mobilise more than 5,000 crowd to welcome him at the airport.”

Buhari pledges to fulfil his campaign promises

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that Nigerians should be patient and accept democracy not as a system of government but as a lifestyle in order to ensure development of the country and that he would fulfill his promises to the people.

The president said this when he paid homage to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, after attending the Juma’at prayer at the Lowcost Mosque, in Daura, Katsina State.

“If Nigerians continu-

ously follow the tenets of democracy the country will always be at peace since democracy on its own with its institutions has the mechanism for resolving conflicts peacefully,’’ he said.

The President, who delivered his speech in Hausa, urged those who were aggrieved after the 2015 elections to seek redress through democratic means and institutions.

According to him, if Nigerians decide to be hasty, some avoidable mistakes can be made.

L-R: Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd.), at the inauguration of JTF’s permanent site in Yenagoa…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Panic grips civil servants as Buhari moves to merge MDAs Onwuka Nzeshi and Clem Khena-Ogbena

T ABUJA

ension has gripped federal civil servants following a move by President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress ( APC) to prune down federal ministries from 28 to 19 as a way of reducing the cost of governance and avoiding wastage of scarce resources.

A number of civil servants who spoke with our correspondents expressed fear that the move might lead to loss of jobs and hardship for the average worker. They are anxious to ascertain if the merger would affect the ministries where they work while the workers' unions are warming up to resist the policy.

A senior official in the Ministry of Mines and Steel development told Saturday Telegraph that there has even a lot of uncertainty since the report hit the ground that their Ministry might be merged with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum

l Transition c'ttee wants federal ministries pruned down to 19

Resources. He said that given the new thinking that solid minerals would be the next main revenue earner for the country, the proposed merger might become counter- productive.

According to the official, who would not want his name in print, those behind the merger must ensure that the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development was not subsumed in the process and made to take the backstage at the end of the day.

Saturday Telegraph also sought the views of some personnel in the Ministry of Aviation and the response was the same.

There was a general panic mood in the parastatals in the aviation sector even as the unions kicked against the proposed merger.

"We have heard about the merger but we cannot be sure till it happens. We heard it but it is still a rumor. So, let's see what will happen but for now it's rumor. But let me not preempt what is going to happen.

"I cannot tell you that these people are going to

implement this recommendation because there are disagreements already on the issue. I know that the aviation unions are trying to discourage the government from going ahead with it. But we cannot categorically say whether it is going to happen or not.

Let's wait and see how it goes," he said.

A few days ago, the Transition Committee which was set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to review the hand-over notes of the previous administration and advise the new government on the way forward submitted it's report in which it recommended that Buhari should appoint into his cabinet only 19 senior ministers and 17 ministers of state, bringing the total to 36.

Although such an arrangement would fulfill the basic constitutional requirement of one minister per state, the implication is that the extra-ministerial portfolios that usually go to the geo-political zones and at the discretion of the President would be absent.

In previous regimes, the President appointed 42 ministers, picking one from each of the six geopolitical zones in addition to one from each of the 36 states of the federation.

Under the Jonathan administration, there were 28 senior ministers and 14 ministers of state, a situation that created more financial burden for the administration.

Since 1999, the successive administrations have expressed concern over the cost of having a large government and each of them have taken steps to effect changes through streamlining the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), but each time, these changes were reversed due to political calculations and pressures from the labour unions.

CHANGE OF NAME EWEKA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Josephine Umeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Josephine Eweka, All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

8

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

OSOGBO Osun Security Council warns mischief makers

N EWS I N BRIEF

ST

The Osun State Security Council yesterday warned that it will bring all means at its disposal to deter criminals and outlaws who may want to threaten the peace of the state.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jesubiyi Taiwo, who stood in for the state Police Commissioner, Abubakar Marafa, while addressing journalists after the state's security council meeting, said security agencies in Osun are alive to their responsibilities.

The security council of the state comprise representatives of The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, Department of State Services and the Civil Defence.

Others are the Air Force, Customs, Prisons Services, Immigration and the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

37.1m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of India in 2009.

Source: Itu.int

BARKIN Jang condemns killing of two women

The Senator representing Plateau Northern Senatorial zone in Plateau State, Jonah Jang, has expressed shock over Wednesday’s killing of two women, Victoria Solomon and Pricilia Bitrus, in Heipang, Barkin Local Government Area of the state by men of the Special Task Force (STF).

In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant/Media Aide and made available to Saturday Telegraph yesterday in Jos, Jang condemned the killings and pointed out that it was unfortunate that the security force being paid with tax payers money to protect citizens were the ones turning round to kill them.

The senator, however, appealed to the families of the victims and the entire community to remain calm and calls on the authorities concerned to investigate the killings.

ABA Abia govt moves against illegal structures

From next week, all ‘illegal structures’ in the commercial city of Aba, Abia State, will be demolished as part of government’s measure towards renewing the face-lift of the city.

Consequently, the state government has given notice to all property owners in Aba metropolis and the general public that, in line with its commitment towards the rebuilding of Aba, which necessitated the establishment of the Aba Urban Renewal Office, the agencies of government would commence the demolition exercise of all structures, property, stalls and shops which encroached into the road.

According to government statement, the properties to be demolished include but not limited to buildings on service lanes, illegal shops, illegal fences and such other structures that constitute a blockade to the free flow of traffic and drainage in the city.

76

The life expectancy (in years) at birth of men in Brunei Darussalam in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

$12m

The total amount of endorsements of Peyton Manning (NFL) for 2014.

Source: Forbes.com

Dogara laments state of nation’s economy WOE

The poor state of the nation's economy lamented by House of Reps Speaker with a promise to effect change.

Musa Pam

S Jos

peaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday lamented the state of the nation’s economy, saying the economy is in a state of unmitigated disaster and, therefore, needed to be addressed before it gets out of hand.

He stated this while

speaking with newsmen in Jos, Dogara said since the government is not resting on its oars to rescue the economy from its abysmal level, Nigerians too must make sacrifice to rejuvenate the economy, adding that all hands must be on deck while something must be done and very soon about the economy.

On the alleged jumbo pay for the legislature, the Speaker said most of the figures being branded about as the salaries of National Assembly members were far from reality, adding that the lawmakers don't fix their salaries but the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Com-

mission (RMFAC).

He said: “We don’t fix our salaries; this is the work of Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission. People should take the benefit of Freedom of Information Act to seek for information on that from the agency; I do know that our salary is not in the region of N1 million per month.

“There are discussion going on relating to allowances being paid to members, this is a matter under our watch, we intend to bring this to the front burner of national discourse. We have started it, as soon as we take root in the House of Representatives, posi-

tion will be taken on this.

“This will be done by competent CSO in conjunctions with development partner that we are discussing with that would help us conduct the needed assessment. By the time that the need assessment would be out, every Nigerian will know the true state of things.”

The speaker, who expressed confidence that the House under his leadership would experience peace and stability said stability of the National Assembly is anchor on fairness and justice, involving equal treatment for all irrespective of their background.

L-R: Circuit Steward, Presbyter Hoares Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral Yaba, Lagos, Bro. Ola Ayinde; Very Revd. Emmanuel Subuloye and the Lay President-elect, Mr. Bola Onabadejo, at an award presentation in Surulere, Lagos…recently

F

rieslandCampina has increased its equity stake in its subsidiary FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc (“FrieslandCampina WAMCO”) from 54.58 per cent to 67.61 per cent. It has also acquired 13.03 per cent of the shares for a total consideration of approxi-

Okowa intervenes in NURTW, govt rift Dominic Adewole ASABA

D

etermined to deliver on his peace and security agenda, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday intervened in the crisis involving members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and officials of the state government.

The governor in less than 24 hours had intervened in the showdown as it was alleged that the union had plotted against officials of the state’s Ministry of Transport over attempts to retrieve all the Delta City buses allocated to its members by former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration.

It would be recalled that Uduaghan had given out 100 of the buses to the union from over 600 pro-

NLC, TUC: Akwa Ibom not owing workers’ salary Tony Anichebe Uyo

C

hairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Mr. Etim Inyang and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Mr. Akamba Awah, yesterday said the state government had paid workers up till their May salary.

Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, Awah said the state workers were embarrassed by the news being circulated in media that the state government was owing between six and seven months’ salary arrears.

“We were embarrassed when we heard that the state government is owing up to six or seven months salaries. Akwa Ibom State is rich and can’t afford to toy with welfare of its workers, the month of June is still yet to end. We would have been talking of June salaries by now,” he said.

Also speaking, Ukpong said while labour was not holding brief for the state government, it was going to let the public know the truth.

He said: “Anybody who claims that government is owing salaries should be having issues with his bank or with biometric captur-

Friesland-Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc equity stake hits 68%

mately 180 million euros.

The Chief Executive Officer of Royal FrieslandCampina, Mr. Roelof Joosten, who stated this said: “The size of the market, the growth outlook and the commitment of the Nigerian people to bolstering

the stability and economy of the country are the reasons why FrieslandCampina will continue to invest in its subsidiary FrieslandCampina WAMCO.” Under the terms of the transaction which was executed on the NASD

OTC trading platform, FrieslandCampina has acquired 127,184,030 ordinary shares in FrieslandCampina WAMCO at N315.67 per share.

Though the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been informed of

cured by his administration.

The union’s state chairman, Chief Ifeanyi Obi, while speaking to journalists in Asaba yesterday, said it was thoughtful for Okowa to have intervened in the crisis.

According to him, the quick intervention of the governor shows that he is going to be a peaceful and progressive governor.

He said: “Our governor has done it again. He has shown that he is a peaceful man working for a progressive state. His intervention has made us to retain our buses and our members have sheathed their swords, they are now very happy.”

He wondered why some sychophants among top government officials had wanted to cause disaffection between the union and the governor.

the transaction, Joosten said the feat remained why the company had been a key player in the country since 1954 through its commitment to Nigeria and the dairy market.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Peak brand

ing exercise done recently because once government releases fund for salaries it is considered paid.

“Let us say emphatically here that workers in the employ of Akwa Ibom State Government have received salaries up to May 2015.

“Labour, therefore, views that report as a deliberate attempt at black- mailing the workers of the state, a callous effort to cause dissention among the workers, and a malicious attempt to create discord in the relations between Labour and workers and the new administration in the state.

“Labour would have expected those behind that report to have, in the true spirit of ethical journalism and reportage, balanced out their information by cross-checking with especially those who receive, salaries and who understand the difference between salaries and other entitlements. This they did not do. We therefore see that report as an affront.”

Ukpong further said: “If any person or group of persons have any bones to grind with any person else, or with those in government, labour and the workers of Akwa Ibom State refuse to be dragged into it. is one of the key brands in FrieslandCampina’s portfolio and it enjoys iconic status in Nigeria.

FrieslandCampinaWAMCO Nigeria produces, packages, markets and distributes a large variety of dairy products and is a major force in fast-moving consumer goods in Nigeria.

20 JUNE 2015

Travel agents kick against Lufthansa’s surcharge on tickets Andrew Iro Okungbowa

W

ith the planned surcharge of 16 euro for tickets issued through the General Distribution Systems (GDS) from September by Lufthansa Airline, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), has kicked against the move.

It described it as inimical to the operations of the travel agents and the nation’s economy while calling on the federal government to take a critical look at the operations of international airlines in the country as their operations were a drain on the nation.

Speaking on the issue, the president of NANTA, which is the national body of all International Air Transport Association (IATA) regis-

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

tered travel agents operating across the country, Alhaji Aminu Agoha, said this was confirmed to them in a meeting with the airline, which said that the new charge is a business decision by the group to cushion the effect of the increasing service cost from using the DGS. Aminu further revealed that the offer by Lufthansa to introduce to the Nigerian market charges of $50 and $100 for economy and business class tickets respectively by individuals who purchase tickets outside the purvey of the travel agents did not address the matter.

He added that the planned introduction also of the Travel Agent Portal, was programmed on a cash and carry basis, therefore requiring travel agents to pay cash on ticket issue.

APAPA Nine ships arrive with petroleum products

NEWS IN BRIE F

ST

KADUNA Ramadan: NSCDC tasks Muslims on security

Nine ships laden with petroleum products and food items have arrived Lagos ports, waiting to berth.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its daily publication – `Shipping Position’ – made available to journalists yesterday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that 23 ships are in the ports discharging petrol, buck wheat, fish, bulk fertiliser, containers, bulk rice, gypsum, steel products buthane gas and general cargo.

It said four of the ships waiting to berth contained petrol, while others contained aviation fuel, diesel, crude palm oil, bulk rice and fresh fish.

According to the NPA, 38 ships were expected in the ports from June 19 to 30.

The Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has appealed to Muslims to be security conscious during the Ramadan period.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Alhaji Zakari Ningi and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Kaduna.

Ningi said security was imperative in view of the challenges bedeviling the country.

He called on Muslims to be more security conscious during the fasting period considering the fact that faithful gather in their numbers to observe various prayers.

53.5%

$541m

The percentage of the urban population of Kazakhstan in 2012.

Source: Un.org

The estimated brand value of PSG in 2015.

Source: Goal.com

9

FCT FG appeals judgment against Kashamu’s extradition

The Federal Government yesterday appealed the judgment delivered by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on May 27, upholding the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by Buruji Kashamu.

The government also appealed another order issued on June 8 by Justice Ibrahim Buba, also of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The order restrained the Federal Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from taking further steps to extradite Kashamu to the United States, pending the hearing and determination of his contempt application against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the NDLEA boss.

When the matter came up yesterday before Justice Buba, Mr. Emeka Ngige (SAN), told the court that he had been briefed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to handle the matter.

7

The life expectancy (in years) at birth of men in Brunei Darussalam in 2010-2015.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

Military partners VON on national security

T

he Nigeria military has requested for collaboration with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in its fight against insurgency and other related security issues.

The Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said this in Abuja, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of VON, Mr. Sam O. Worlu.

He said the partnership move was informed by the organisation’s rich content in programmes and news presentation, which had been effective in projecting the image of the country positively.

"We in the Nigeria military are quite appreciative of your recent drives in programme, news and commentary content. We wish therefore to identify with the progress you are making and therefore seek your companionship.

VON has been our respite in times of severe criticism both from within and from outside Nigeria,” he said.

The defence spokesman also said the military was making progress in its mandate to secure all parts of the country, adding that areas that were hitherto impenetrable were now being accessed and necessary action being taken to restore normalcy specifically in the North East and other parts of the country.

On areas of collaboration, Olukolade said the military had set up a radio station and needed the expertise of and personnel from VON to help stabilise the operations of the new radio station as well as in shaping its programmes content.

“Wars are not won on the battlefields alone. There is also the corollary battle for the hearts and minds of the people. We want to play a role here, to provide some kind of impetus, not just about reporting, but in the area of research and programmes content," he said.

Gunmen abduct CAN secretary in Ondo Babatope Okeowo Akure

B

arely 48 hours after the Regent of AkungbaAkoko, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, was released by her abductors, the Executive Secretary of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Michael Segun Adewunmi, has been abducted by suspected gunmen.

He was abducted late on Thursday night, while on his way from office for an official engagement.

It was learnt that Adewunmi had told his secretary in the office to wait for him promising to be back soon.

A source said when it was taking a long time for him to

return several calls were put to his mobile phones which were not answered.

Worried by the unanswered calls, his wife later contacted the secretary who said his boss had gone out but promised to return to the office afterwards.

When it was getting late, a search party was raised to look for him.

The abductors of Adewunmi were said to have abandoned his black Toyota Lexus SUV along Akinjo Junction Oshokoti, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Also, the abductors were said to have gone away with some of his items including an IPAD and mobile phones. see news extra on pages 49-51

Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Sam O. Worlu (left) and the Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, during a courtesy visit by Olukolade to VON corporate headquarters, Radio House, Abuja…Thursday.

Fresh crisis rocks Adamawa APC over commissioners' list SQUABBLES

Party leaders in Adamawa APC divided over power sharing threatening divisions in their ranks.

Ibrahim Abdul and Adesina Wahab

F

Yola/Ado-Ekiti

resh crisis appears to be rocking the Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as some party chieftains are said to be protesting the names of those nominated from their areas to be appointed as commissioners.

This is coming on the heels of a declaration by a stalwart of the party in Ekiti State, Mr. Segun Osinkolu, who said the South-West caucus of the party would resist any attempt to side-track the party’s National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu.

But Saturday Telegraph

gathered that already, some members of the APC in Numan and Fufore Local Government Areas of Adamawa State have vowed to resist those nominated from their areas.

In Fufore, members were said to have protested alleged moves by former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar to nominate a former manager of the defunct BankPHB, Mr. A. Dawari, as a commissioner from the area.

The APC members in the area were said to have kicked against the move by Atiku on condition that he was not an APC member and did not contribute to the success of the party.

A local government executive of the party at Fufore, who did not want his name in print, told journalists in Yola that the party’s executive had nominated the secretary of Bindow Campaign Organisation and former Malabu administrator at Fufore Local Government Area, Shuaibu Babas, as a

commissioner-nominee.

The source said Atiku, who kicked against Bindow’s governorship ambition, was making efforts to ensure that his preferred candidate is nominated.

But the people of Numan constituency were said to have nominated Mr. James Ngbale, who was also a member of Bindow Campaign Organisation, which name was said to have been substituted with a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development, it was gathered, is now creating a crack in the APC-led government in the state as members of Bindow Campaign Organisation claimed that Governor Jibrilla Bindow was working contrary to their agreement.

According to them, Bindow has promised them that those that worked with him would be given priority when appointments are to be made.

Reacting to the develop-

ment, Bindow said he was not under any influence from Atiku to choose his commissioners.

The governor, who made his stand know to journalists in Yola through his Director of Press, Mr. Yohanna Mathias, said he was not being influenced by any individual and would not disappoint members of his campaign organisation.

According to him, those that are reacting to speculation of nominees from their areas were doing so based on speculation and should wait till the list is officially announced.

Meanwhile, Osinkolu, who was a senatorial aspirant in the last general election, also described as very unfortunate and disturbing, the supremacy battle in the National Assembly, which culminated in the election of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate and Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker, House of Representatives.

10

Feature

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

How holes in their hearts leave because we don’t have the facilities.”

Four families whose children have heart-related problems narrate their traumatic experiences in their quest to give them healthy lives. WAHEED BAKARE writes.

Eze’s pathetic story Like Mutiat, Chikodiri Eze, 22, is from a poor home. He has been battling heartrelated disease for about eight years now.

The problem, which started in 2008 when he was in a secondary school, aborted his dream of proceeding to the university despite making seven credits including Mathematics and English Language when he sat for the Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations in 2010.

Going back to school is now the least of Eze’s problems. All he wants now is how to regain his health. But perhaps, that is a tall dream beyond him and his family because it will cost about N6 million for him to do a corrective surgery –the only solution prescribed by a team of doctors that had examined him.

In a referral letter, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Osun State, says, Eze has “a 2-dimensional Echocardiograph which showed a probable tricuspid valve abnormality or a primary cardiomyophatic problem on the right ventricle with tricuspid annular dilatation.

“To correct the abnormality, the patient will benefit from the services of either of these two hospitals: Apollo Hospital, Savita Vihar, Delhi Mathura Road, New Delhi, India or Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, India. The cost implication is between N4m and N6m.”

For Eze whose father is an itinerant trader who sells second-hand clothes in various markets between his Ondo State base and neighbouring Osun State and a roadside food vendor mum, Augustina, raising such money is impossible.

A

biodun Yusuf, 42, is a barber on the Lagos Island. His wife, Kehinde, hawks kerosene within the neighbourhood. She says she needs to do this so as to augment whatever her husband provides for the upkeep of the family comprising three children. Even before Nigerian economy starts dwindling, the couple is just hanging on to life, hoping that there will be better days ahead.

But their hope remains forlorn as there are no indices to show that the economy will improve at least for now. However, that is the least of the couple’s worries. They have found solace in the fact the economy problem is a general one affecting the majority of the people.

Time is running out for Mutiat Their concern is how to find a solution to the ill health of their one-year-old child, Mutiat. Mere looking at Mutiat, she appears like a normal child. But that look is deceptive going by her medical record.

Whenever she has crisis especially at night, both parents say they have no choice but to stay awake even though they can hardly do anything to ameliorate her pains. They say seeing their child in such a helpless situation is not what they wish their enemy.

“Imagine your child is in pain, you are beside her, yet you cannot help her. My wife will just be crying beside her. That is what we have been experiencing since she was diagnosed with hole in the heart,” Yusuf says. Time, a doctor had told them, is running out. Yet there is no hope in sight.

He says, “My baby’s name is Mutiat Yusuf. She is now one-year-old. She has heart problem. We discovered since February 2014. We discovered through a test. She was showing some signs and we took her to the health centre. They gave us a card to take her for a medical test at Oshodi. It was after that test we discovered that she has heart problem. When we took her to Mercy Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island, they asked us to take her to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for further test. We had the test at a private hospital in Alaka area of Lagos because LASUTH’s workers were on strike then.

“They told us at Alaka that if we want to travel it will cost roughly N2 million, for both flight and the cost of the operation.

She is our third born, we have a boy and a girl aside from her. They are both medically fine. When we got to the hospital they gave us drugs. I cannot calculate how much we have spent. From last year December to January, I have spent up to N62, 500 aside the money for medical tests.”

In their quest to find solution to their daughter’s health challenge, they were advised to take her to a specialist hospital in Kano. They were however discouraged by the cost implication of travelling to Kano and fear that the health of the girl could be complicated since they could not afford the luxury of air travel. expensive drug On how the girl’s sickness has affected his lean purse, he said, “It has affected us so much. Sometimes we buy drugs of N1, 500 to N3, 000 within a week. When they admitted her at the General Hospital in Ikeja, we paid N5, 000. She was admitted for two months. Between November last year and January, she has done tests worth N45, 000.

Aisha in Indian hospital

‘My mum refused to sign consent form in Indian hospital’ Although luck smiled on Eze as Kanu Heart Foundation sponsored his medical trip and paid the required sum in 2012, in India, it was discovered putting him on the surgical table was too risky because his body was too weak to undergo surgery.

However, the Indian doctors agreed to take the risk provided Eze’s mum agreed to sign the consent form. Based on her understanding of the situation, she declined and returned home with her son. Now, she says she is ready to take the risk but help is not forthcoming.

Mutiat...in need of help

To even feed the family is a big problem.”

Yusuf is even worried that since the couple shuttle between their home and hospital, it is even difficult to engage in any vocation that could bring money to the family.

“We sometimes believe she will die.

When the weather is really hot and there is no electricity, we have to put on the generator to make her comfortable. The burden is too much for me and this is why I am appealing to Nigerians to assist us,” a dejected Yusuf said amidst tears.

Mutiat’s mother, Kehinde, said she had the premonition that something was not right about her daughter’s health on the day she was christened and quickly alerted her husband.

Her husband in turn asked her to consult an elderly neighbour who advised that her to wrap Mutiat in a wet cloth hoping that the wetness of the cloth would reduce her abnormal body temperature.

But rather than abate, her condition became aggravated and neighbours advised that the girl should be taken to a health centre in the neighbourhood the next day.

But her case was beyond the health centre

Aisha...after her surgery

and was referred to the Children’s Hospital, Mercy on Lagos Island.

She said, “They admitted her, gave her oxygen and conducted some tests on her, but they could not tell us what was wrong.

We were on admission for a long time there.

A senior doctor came and said she should be discharged because she had been on admission for a long time. Before we went for the test, we were told that it would cost us about N15, 000 but on getting there, we were told that it was N45, 000.

“We had to go home and gather the money. I cried profusely because it was difficult to raise the money. After the test she was referred to the General Hospital, Ikeja. When we got there, they took her and gave her oxygen because it was difficult for her to breathe. We bought injections and all the drugs prescribed by the doctor. On the day she was admitted, her temperature was very high. I gave her drugs, we also bought Bonababe, but she was not getting better.

I knew we had to leave it all to God. After everything we did including various tests, they told us that she would need operation.

We asked them if we could do it in Nigeria.

They said it could not be done in Nigeria,

‘I spend N10,000 on drugs monthly’ Eze now depends on drugs to cushion the effects of her excruciating pains. To raise the money for his drugs is difficult.

Whenever he cannot raise the money, he has to bear the pains with their attendant risk.

According to him, his drugs can cost as much as N10, 000 in a month. On how he raises the amount? Eze says the only regular money is the N2, 000 his elder sister who works in a factory in Lagos provides at the end of every month. Others come from Good Samaritans.

Eze says, “When some people see my abnormal look, they will just pity me and give me money. I only go out to whenever I want to buy drugs otherwise; I stay indoor most of the time. Whenever I take a walk, I feel embarrass the way people look at me. Besides, after walking for a while, I become tired easily. I just hope that God will do it one day.”

My husband and I are helpless, says Eze’s mum “My husband and I are petty traders.

There is no way we can raise the amount of money required for the surgery. What the boy needs now is total treatment and that is why I am appealing to Nigerians to help my son.

Feature

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

holes in their parents’ pockets “He is brilliant and wants to go to the university to read law. I want Nigerians to please assist us so that my child will not die,” Augustina says.

‘Ours was traumatic and harrowing experience’ Speaking on his own experience, a Lagos-based journalist, whose new baby was diagnosed of heart defect at the age of six months, says it was traumatic and harrowing.

“It all started when we noticed that the baby was having visible signs of cold and catarrh, while at the same time she was always sweating even when we switched on the fan,” the journalist, who craved to be anonymous, says.

Although he dismissed doctors’ suggestion that the baby could be suffering from heart-related diseases with a wave of the hand, the reality dawned on him when the ECG and the Eco laboratory tests conducted at the Mecure Medical Laboratory, Lagos, revealed that the baby has Cardio Vascular defect otherwise known in local parlance as hole in the heart.

He says the family was devastated but was determined to save the baby’s life by contacting a specialist hospital, Apollo Children’s Hospital, India, where the baby underwent a successful surgery which cost N2.5 million. “Sourcing for the money was not easy,” he adds.

‘After our baby’s surgery, she had infection’ He stated that the treatment of the ailment comes with the attendant risk of the patient coming in contact with infection.

Of course, his baby contracted an infection, which till date, the family is still battling with, spending money of intravenous injections. This, he attributed, to the fact that the baby underwent a major surgery.

He said, “On return to Nigeria, the baby was placed on intravenous injections of five rounds, which she was taking twice in a month. This costs N11, 000 apart from N10, 000 consultation fee of the private hospital we are using.

“After taking this for months, we were advised to stop it on medical ground because it was becoming difficult for her to cope with the injection. In the alternative, she now uses Stimuno, baby syrup, which goes for N1, 400 per 25 ml bottle. She takes this twice in a day. The doctor said this would enhance her immune system. We still need to carry out more tests to know the next thing to be done.”

Baby Aisha needs another surgery in two years’ time For Ibraheem Kewulere, a local government employee based in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, he has carried the cross of his child, Aishat, since birth. Just a week after her birth in 2009, Aisha became very sick.

She was given normal treatment expected to be given to a patient with fever. But her ailment was beyond that.

Kewulere says, “At a point, mucus was coming out of her ears and the odour was quite offensive. Later blood was coming out of her ears and her tongue was blue.

Her mother went to Osun State to visit her brother. When the man saw my daughter, he advised that Aisha should be taken to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

“It was as a result of series of tests carried out on her that it was discovered that she had a hole in the heart. We were given a referral letter to the UCH Ibadan. I was dejected when I was told that she needed a major heart surgery. The little money I raised was spent on her as we frequent hospital doing tests and buying drugs.”

After raising N1.4 million, a foundation,

Imagine your child is in pain, you are beside her, yet you cannot help her. My wife will just be crying beside her Eze

Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, provided N1.3 million to meet up with the N2.5 million needed to carry out the surgery in an Indian hospital.

So, Aisha and her parents left the shores of the country on February 2, 2014 and returned on February 20 after a successful surgery. Aisha, who is now six-year-old, is a Nursery 2 pupil.

However, she still goes to the UCH whenever she has appointment with her doctors. According to her father, she sometimes complains about pains in her bones, an ailment doctors described as rheumatism. As a result of this, she has been placed on aspirin for life. She takes one tablet daily.

Although a pack of aspirin compris-

ing 10 sachets of 10 tablets cost just N130, Kewulere’s worry is that when Aisha clocks eight, she has to return to India to remove the valve placed in her heart.

He said, “The doctor said this is necessary because by then, she would have outgrown the valve she is using at the moment. I broke down in tears because I know this will cost some money. The doctors and others who were around consoled me that I should be grateful that her surgery was successful. I hope and pray that when the time comes, I should be able to raise the money for her operation.”

According to the United States-based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, it is a misconception to assume that women who gave birth to babies born with atrial

11

septal defects (ASDs), ventricular septal defects (VSDs), or other heart defects may have done something wrong during their pregnancies. It adds that most of the time, “doctors don't know why congenital heart defects occur.”

“Heredity may play a role in some heart defects. For example, a parent who has a congenital heart defect is slightly more likely than other people to have a child who has the problem. Very rarely, more than one child in a family is born with a heart defect,” it says.

MedicineNet.com, a site that “brings doctor’s knowledge” to the public, congenital heart defects can involve: the interior walls of the heart, the valves inside the heart or the arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or the body “Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.

There are many types of congenital heart defects. They range from simple defects with no symptoms to complex defects with severe, life-threatening symptoms.

“The defects are the most common type of birth defect. They affect eight out of every 1,000 newborns. Many of these defects are simple conditions. They need no treatment or are easily fixed. Some babies are born with complex congenital heart defects. These defects require special medical care soon after birth,” it adds.

MedicineNet.com assures patients with heart problems that the diagnosis and treatment of complex heart defects has tremendously improved over the past few decades.

Eze's number: 08174296588.

Mutiat's dad's numbers: 08066565404, 08187117334.

How father of hole-in-the-heart child tried to dupe us – Foundation done because they said the age of the child had passed when the operation could hold. Though the mother was not told outright, she was only told that she could have some drugs that she could be using. She got the message anyway, she was really down, but those people whom they travelled together with encouraged her and she came back. It was after they came back to Nigeria that the child actually died. Three were carried out and after they came back, one of them died, while two of them are still surviving.

A foundation, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, has assisted some patients who had hole in the heart through provisions of money. The Operation Manager of the group, Mr. Ma’aruf Ahmed, shared his experience with WAHEED BAKARE How often do you get request from people who are in need of heart surgery?

Actually, we get regular request from people, but due to the enormity of fund involved in funding such medical expenditure, it makes us to reduce some of the inflow of the requests. We tell some of them outright to please seek assistance elsewhere because we do not delay health issues. In recent times, we collected nothing less than 12 to 13 applications for heart surgery, hole in the heart.

Are there parametres used in selecting those who are qualified to benefit from the foundation?

Yes. There is no hard and fast rule or parametres we use. We use our own human judgement in relation to the background of the parents that are involved.

We assess their economic buoyancy and look at the opportunities they can have access to apart from our foundation.

Some people do not even have any hope anywhere. If there is fund, naturally, we should have attended to all of them, be-

Ahmed

cause all is service to humanity.

How many people have you assisted?

So far we have about six or seven that have benefitted from the heart surgery operation.

Were the surgeries done in Nigeria or overseas?

All were outside Nigeria.

How successful were they?

There was one that died before he even travelled. We had already allocated fund for the person. It was only for him to complete all the necessary arrangement for his travelling document. About three or four weeks to the travelling date, the child eventually gave up. Four travelled to India; eventually one was not

What are the challenges you face helping people aside from finance?

One of the challenges is that some beneficiaries do not want us to publicise them but we have to do that because those who are funding us need to know what we are using their money for. The second is that some will inflate medical bills until we took up the challenge of linking directly with the hospitals of such patients. There was the case of one; hole in the heart too, who had successfully done the surgery, we did not know.

He requested for N1.7 million and we agreed to assist him. We asked him to provide the account details of the hospital since we don’t give cash directly to people. It was at this point that he now confessed that the surgery had been done but he needed the money to pay some debts incurred before the surgery was done. We were disappointed and sent him away. We had to replace him with someone who is currently in Cairo, Egypt, for the heart surgery.

SATURDAY

Voices SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

12

How would you react to your spouse's nude photos on the Internet?

That would be the end of our relationship

I will take it on my wife If they are pictures I knew about before I married her, then I will direct my anger to the media with an underlying disappointment in my wife. But if I don’t know about the pictures then I will confirm their authenticity and deal with my wife appropriately.

– Solomon Asine, MD, Push for Life Ltd

I won’t give a room for that in my relationship, but if it happened, that will be the end of the relationship. No matter how much love I have towards her.

– Theophy Esuike, web developer

I will deny him I will be shocked and embarrassed. I will literally deny him.

– Chukwuka Caroline

Ifeoma, student

I will investigate it

I will ask her about it, if she confirms the scene of event, I will contact the publishers and investigate it. Another factor to consider is how much trust I have on her, and how much sacrifice I am willing to put into the relationship. Howbeit, if it’s a wife, it leaves me without any choice by virtue of the oath taken on the altar of Christ to protect her. Findings from my investigation will determine what course of action will be next.

– Benny, web developer

I will adopt a neutral

approach to the saga

I will be devastated. But I must pull myself together and try as much as possible to get to the root of the issue. Blackmailers are on the rise and it might be a n avenue to get to us. I must know whether she's not involved in any extra-marital affairs.

She might not open up but I must not trust her on it.

Whatever my findings are, I will keep them to myself.

I must keep a neutral approach to the whole saga.

– Akeem Adio, business developer

I will be very mad with him Wao! That will be very bad of him and I will be very mad too. I will print it out, take it to him and let him explain.

– Tope Atitebi, CEO, Teekay

Cakes and Events Decorator

We will have to talk We will definitely have to talk about it, if it’s something she did when she was young no problem and she assures me that it’s never going to happen again, we will resolve it. After all forgiveness is one of the major essences in a relationship.

–Simeon Oluwatosin, photographer

I will confront her

It is not something to be expected

It will come with a vibrating shock because it’s not something I expected. The Internet is a worldwide community and if such happens it means millions of eyes are enjoying what’s suppose to be an exclusive of mine.

– Chinedu Ekeja, journalist

I can’t leave him

Firstly, I will ask him how his photos got to the net and I will also make my findings about the photographs. If the photographs are real I have no choice but to scold him but I can’t leave him as we will find a way of sorting things out.

– Rasheedat Shonibare, businesswoman

That is more than adulterous act First of all if that happens then that family lacks morality. I will not go for a woman that will be able to do that in the first place. And if that happens, I will send her back to where I picked her from no matter how many children she has. To me, that is more than adultery and that means she is selling herself. But then, if she posts it herself and she was not in the right frame of mind at that time I will pardon and take her to where her sanity can be checked.

– Louis Chikadibia

compiled by

Akin-bright deborah, ADEBOLA ADEKUNLE and CHINYERE ONAH

I will try to find out if the picture was photoshop or real. Though as human being, I will be shocked at first. But if it turns out to be real I will confront her because she has a lot of explanations to do.

– Kelechi Ozioma

She should go to the world That is a two way question. Was my spouse kidnapped, drugged and was released after a while then the picture was posted by her captives? Or did she post the pictures herself? If she was kidnapped then it is understandable and you just have to bear with her and know how to handle it. I believe a woman’s nudity is exclusive to her man. For her to have exposed it to the world then she should go to the world and sell her product.

– Innocent Akhator

I will take full responsibility If my wife's nude picture gets to the internet accidentally, accidentally in the sense that I know about the pictures while they were taken. I'll have to apply a little damage control. I cannot undo the damage that it might have caused. But I will take full responsibility and ask the site to remove the pictures. But if I am not aware of when and how the pictures were taken I will be shocked anyway. But I will still ask for the pictures to be removed from the site.

– Adedotun Jones, businessman

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015

SATURDAY

WeekendDelight 13

Instyle Single ankle strap high heel sandal p.16

TV & Radio Talking about health p.34

Love & Living ‘He made believe in love again’ p.35

Hospitality

La Campagne Boutique Homes debuts p.41

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

C o n v e r s at i o n

BAYO

OMOBORIOWO

At 28, he’s Buhari’s official photographer It may have seemed silly when Bayo Omoboriowo turned down an offer to be a lecturer at the University of Lagos to pursue his passion for photography. But at 28, he’s notched some impressive records that justify that bold decision. In this encounter with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, he talks about how his stumbled on photography and his new job as President Muhammadu Buhari’s official photographer. through this path and they’ve been frustrated out of the profession. Some used more than 20 to 30 years in the profession before they were noticed, but I told myself that at the shortest time I wanted to become one of the most celebrated Nigerian photographers. I never thought it would be this recent, however. In the history of the world I don’t think someone this young had ever become a presidential photographer and most people don’t know this fact. So, God just knew he had to answer the prayer this way.

Did it ever occur to you that photography would take you this far?

Photography wasn’t even in the plan. I tell people in recent times that this was not even a dream. I didn’t sit down and say this was the direction I wanted to go, but one thing I knew then was that I dreamt big and I kept praying about it. I didn’t know how it would happen and I never thought of dining with the presidency, not to say becoming presidential photographer. When I started photography too, I knew I would become successful with it; though many people had gone

How did you develop interest in photography?

Photography found me. I knew I loved to take pictures and thanks to my father who is also a photographer. He is the official photographer of UNILAG and his name is Yemi Omoboriowo. But he didn’t influence me directly or taught me how to make use of the camera. In fact, at a point, we must not touch his camera. We have four boys and a girl. But I feel that there is unconscious way you get to know something when you live in that atmosphere. I loved to hold camera and I could stand in front of anybody to take pictures. Anytime we were having church activities at the school fellowship I would be in front of everybody to get a good shot.

I didn’t have a camera then, so I got from people around. Most of them were always shy to stand up and I was always helping them out. People began to fall in love with my pictures and were always asking me to take them. Also, I loved the attention too.

Though it was just for the fun of it and I was not thinking of becoming a professional, I liked the fact that I was the one taking everyone’s shot and people were rushing to me. It started like that and got bigger when I went for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). From the moment I stepped into CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

14

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Snippets from Aisha L ast Saturday, the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buhari rolled out the drums to appreciate women who pulled their weight behind her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari during the election that brought the former military ruler to power. The event was graced by most of the wives of All Peoples Congress governors, female top political players, accomplished professionals and human right groups.

The two-hour event chaired by former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, took place at the State Conference Centre, Abuja.

After stringent security check by mostly men of the Department of State Security, guests were conveyed through the mass transit buses to the venue where they were admitted into the hall strictly by invitation cards. And here, it didn’t matter who anybody was, the strictlyby-invitation rule was enforced but only for a while. By the time the event was to climax, the security was relaxed as the agents, most of whom were spent and

Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Mrs. Aisha Buhari

famished also went to jostle for food and souvenirs - if it’s sauce for the goose, it’s no poison for the gander.

LANRE ODUKOYA brings you short takes from the highly eventful soiree.

WITTY, HUMOROUS, FIRM ... THAT’S THE WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT! Like the proverbial big masquerade who takes the centre stage for the last dance, Mrs. Aisha Buhari was the last speaker at the dinner which had a modest supply of everything. Resplendent in a yellow veil draped round her to prevent the full view of her real dress and red headgear to match, the bespectacled lady walked graciously to the podium to begin her interaction in a rather unprecedented way. After recognizing all who mattered to her, she went on to share specifically how Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu motivated her to set off the campaign for her husband. Given the recent political drama summed up to pitch the party chieftain against her husband, the audience was astounded to watch her speak so bravely.

Aisha Buhari and her daughters

L-R: Mrs. Hadiza Abubakar and Nana Shettima

Toyin Saraki

Aisha Bagudu

Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole

Hadiza Tanimu Yakubu and Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

15

Buhari's Appreciation Dinner And from that point she went on to share the story of hilarious moments she had with the first lady of Zamfara State, Hajia Asmau Yari (a very young and articulate lady who should be in her late 20s) prior to the victory of her husband. The speech had yet to sink in before the lady made another startling statement: “President Goodluck Jonathan is a good man surrounded by bad people. I want to warn people without the interest of Nigeria at heart to stay away from my husband. We heard some people in the previous administration requested for $50,000 or $30,000 to see them. You don’t need to pay any kobo to see either me or my husband. Just go through the protocol, it may take time, but it will happen.”

This drew a thunderous applause. But as sweet as her speech was, Her Excellency forgot to react to allegations that she wore a $10,000 Cartier wristwatch at her husband's inauguration.

MRS. DOLAPO OSINBAJO EXUDES

L-R: Erelu Angela Adebayo, Princess Moji Tejuoso and Joy Nunieh

EXEMPLARY SIMPLICITY In her sequined blue and pink Ankara dress with that tiny silver neckpiece, wife of the vice president, Dolapo Osinbajo, looked simply classy.

She advocated sisterhood among the "haves" and the "have nots", educated and illiterate women across ethno-religious divides in the country. And for that short but compelling speech, she got a well-deserved ovation.

TOYIN SARAKI, ZAINAB BAGUDU, ASMAU YARI, OTHER FIRST LADIES DRESSED TO THE NINES An unmistakable grace is built on the gait of wife of the senate president, Toyin Saraki, who donned a red sheer lace plus the same colour of headgear which was also somewhat cleavagerevealing. There is an unmistakeable nobility which explains why she hardly gets it wrong with her fashion sense.

Dr. Zainab Bagudu, wife of the Kebbi State governor shone albeit quietly in that exquisitely beaded Ankara from

sole to crown. A creation of one of the master craftsmen from Lagos, the elegant lady would rather not drop the designer’s name with anyone. Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, wife of the governor of Osun State made it to the ball dressed in a sky blue lace matched with brilliant red headgear. Most of the first ladies from the APC-led states stormed the event and they catered for all the goody bags containing APC headgear, memo pad and mugs.

IARA OSHIOMHOLE YET TO FIND HER FOOTING IN FIRST LADIES’ GUILD Edo State first lady, Iara Oshiomhole’s indescribable charm was a matter on the lips of guests who stormed the event. Clad in a black net lace, perhaps her first major outing after her talk-of-the-town wedding, the Cape Verdean lady who sat on the same row with her fellow first ladies really found it pretty tough to interact. She was there but looked really lost while others were having a swell time.

Omosede Igbinedion

Mrs. Dramina Abubakar Sani Bello and Mrs. Okorocha

L-R: Hadiza el-Rufai, Mrs. Alayingi Sylva and Mairo Al-Makura

L-R: Mrs Amosun, Hajiya Hasaitu Zanibe and Fatima Nna Gidado

L-R: Maryam Bindow and Mrs. Miracle M. Babae

Onari Duke

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Mrs. Odigie-Oyegun

16

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Accessories to live for

Single ankle strap high heel sandal If you are looking for sandals that are a blend of chic and functionality, then opt for the single ankle strap high heel sandals. ANGELA DAVIES writes.

C

lassic ankle strap high heel sandals have proven to be a timeless wardrobe staples in recent times especially the single ankle strap high heel sandals. They are comfortable, understated and elegant.

Single ankle strap heel sandals accentuate the feminine look and are an ideal alternative to the traditional high heels. So, you can opt for single ankle strap heels that feature slim stiletto heels, supporting slim or thick ankle strap and feminine peeptoe structure associated with these exquisite sandals. However, slim straps lend a delicate feel while the thick straps add more edge and boldness to any outfit.

You can wear them to formal and casual events but this depends on the height of the heels. They can be worn with cropped trousers, midi-length dress, jumpsuit, playsuits, skirts and shorts for an elegant look. They also come in a variety of details, colours, designs and materials.

The single ankle strap heel sandals blend elegance, comfort and fun for a completely stylish look. So, choose colours and designs that match your style. However, ensure your nails are beautifully polished even as they peek out.

Weekend Delight

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 JUNE 2015

| Conversation

17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

the camp in Rivers State, I was already taking pictures. With over 50 photographers, everybody wanted only my images. Then, my mind started telling me that there was something about photography and myself.

So, when people complain that they don’t love NYSC I laughed because NYSC was the starting point for me. I was also part of an exhibition in Nigeria alongside the likes of George Osodi in 2010. I just started and I was already exhibiting with internationally acclaimed photographers. In my first year, I sold two of my pictures and I felt good because no one else sold. Since I was already making headway in the first few months of photography, it dawned on me that I can actually achieve something great with it.

The early success inspired and encouraged me to take photography seriously.

How true is the story that you were from a very poor home?

Contrary to what was posted on the internet and got circulated, I didn’t come from a very poor background. I went to the best of schools in Nigeria, from nursery to primary and to university. All my education was inside UNILAG. The thing is that I didn’t come from a home where there was so much money to share. Like I said earlier, my father works in UNILAG but things were tough at a point. The most critical episode was the university days. I remember when my father gave me N500 per week in the university. I normally used the money to transport myself, feed, buy school materials, give my friends in need, pay my tithe and offering in church. Those trying times actually made me to think of making money from photography during my undergraduate days. I would love to have something, but didn’t have the money and it was painful. Since people always wanted me to print out pictures for them, I thought that it would be gainful if I start charging them. With that, I would have money to sustain myself in school and it worked out.

So, what do you do for the president?

I do everything that has to do with his photography. I just don’t do photograph for official reasons, which is one thing that makes me different. I am trying to tell a story about the president. I want to tell the story of him as an individual, including his lifetime as the president of Nigeria. Mr. President has no time to pose for pictures, so it is what he is that I do. I am trying to document him in history in such a way that 50 years after people can see it and appreciate him and my work. This is like building a story for our children to which they could make reference.

How did you get the job?

Sincerely, this is a question I try to avoid or don’t like to really talk about at this stage.

People don’t know that I had lived a life of sacrifice and I feel that young people most learn this. Everybody wants money, but we need to remove that mindset to move the country forward. If money remains your first priority, you will always go down or remain stagnant. It began with going to Ekiti State to document the former governor, Kayode Fayemi. No one sent me there and I did it with my money. I went from Lagos to Ekiti week in, week out and sometimes I would sleep in a cubicle because I wanted to tell the story of Ekiti State election. When Fayemi lost, I was so depressed but I picked up my pieces and continued. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s election came and I moved to Osun State. I fought for accreditation, but thanks to Red Media who gave me some money to get some of the pictures for their online publication. The money was okay for logistics and little things. I also documented one of the governorship aspirants in the north too. It was from there Adeola Williams introduced me to President Buhari’s campaign. Another major thing was that they’ve seen the quality and that happens to

For Omoboriowo, photography is not telling the person how he must stand or smile. Inset, top left: with ThisDay ’s photographer, Sunday Aghaeze

‘Ours is a nation filled with lazy people’ be my greatest priority on the job. I always think of how to make my picture world class. I started as a wedding photographer, but I told myself that I wanted more than that. I want to document history, pictures that can outlived themselves. I left wedding photography and the lots of money I was making to a place I didn’t know if I would make money or not. It started from campaigns and people were appreciating the pictures. Some were saying that my pictures made them to fall in love with Buhari. One key thing again is humility; the reason I am here today is not because I am the best. I see it that God favoured me and gave me the grace. It is also essential to believe in one’s ability and work hard. I never thought I would be Buhari’s photographer; it wasn’t in my dream and here I am today.

How did you feel when you learnt of your appointment?

I didn’t feel anything; I just felt another responsibility has been placed in my hands and it was time for work. The experience so far has been a mix of challenges and fun.

People don’t know how much I run around to take pictures without food in my belly. I could go one day without eating because you don’t want to take a break. People also don’t know that sometimes finance is still a problem even as the president photographer; the mindset is that he is getting a lot of money from the job. There is so much to be done. You are working in a place where the network is bad and you have to make sure you send pictures to the press in time for publication. Things happen so fast too on the field. You have to be smart and don’t forget that I have loads to carry (instruments).

Don’t you feel any pressure to perform considering that most people would love to have your job?

God has prepared me for the challenges and I believe I am built to work under pressure. I have worked with organisations that emphasize so much on time. If you don’t get the job done, someone else will do it.

The pressure is that people are looking at you and they would wish you make errors.

But as long as the person you are working with appreciates and loves what you do, you have no problem. What also makes us the president is more than what you think.

We have the security people, protocol officers and other components. So, once you can get along with everybody, you have no problem.

What kept you going when photography wasn’t paying your bills?

Did I mention the fact that I broke my camera at a point and everything

seemed to be over for me? I thought of leaving photography to pick up a lecturer in UNILAG because I finished as one the best students in my set and I was invited to be an assistant lecturer. I missed the opportunity and I said I would rather focus on photography and do it excellently well.

My motivation really was that whatever you do, do it with all your heart. I won’t deceive you; there were challenges, but what kept me going was the fact that if I succeed it would inspire many people. So, instead of failing and remaining down, I strived to succeed for people to listen to my story and get inspired too. So, I want to show the world that success is possible amid the battle and challenges.

What kind of photography do you do and how does it key into your new role?

I do documentary photography, which I call reality photography. My kind of photography is real; it is not telling the person how he must stand straight or smile. So, I am documenting the President and his administration. What else could be the biggest for a photographer that being the number one photographer in his country?

Talking about people, who are those people that influenced you directly or indirectly?

I had always looked up to President Barrack Obama’s photographer, Pete Souza.

The second person is former Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola’s photographer, Lukman Olanipekun. He has been played a big support. I have people like Andrew Isiebor , Jide Alakija, TY Bello and Kelechi Amadi Obi, who took the first step that I observed after documenting the former President, Goodluck Jonathan. Amadi-Obi led the foundation and Lukman also documented Fashola, which was a good inspiration too. Until recently, a President photographer was not celebrated. They were not even known in Nigeria, but in developed countries it is a big deal because the photographer is seen as the face of the President.

Are you in any way related to former deputy governor of Ondo State?

No and that is another story. While in the university I searched on Google for my name. It came up on facebook and every other thing else was Omoboriowo, the politician. It was all about negative things. I felt bad that there was nothing good about the name. I told myself that I was going to change it and if you google the name now you would see that I have been able to achieve my dream to a large extent.

What would you say to talented young

people who have been discouraged by circumstances?

They don’t have any excuse. I have hawked pure water before and faced different challenges. I’ve failed before, but I was determined to succeed. I later graduated with 4.26 CGPA. I studied applied chemistry. So, regardless of the condition you are, you can succeed. But are you willing to go an extra mile? This is a nation filled with lazy people, but they don’t know it. They would rather chase girls or go to parties.

You seem to pay so much attention to your looks; why is that?

I don’t want to be seen as “just” a photographer; I want to be someone people who look at and speak highly of. Also, I don’t appreciate people talking to me rudely. You would get on my nerve once you start talking to me carelessly because I believe everybody deserves to be respected. So, I would rather compose myself in a way that you would respect me. I want to you see me in a way that you would be able to say excuse me please can you take me? That is why I go the extra mile to look good. Being in this position now also makes me to be more conscious of what I wear. How would you expect the president photographer to look unkempt? At the moment, people always describe me with my. You need to have a dress sense that people would appreciate.

This not about impressing anyone; you need it to be valued.

What do are those things you still wish to achieve in the profession?

I want to photograph the United States of America’s President since he is regarded as the President of the world. I want to be the first Nigerian to achieve that height.

Normally, a president would rather want his country man to photograph him.

Though it looks almost an impossible task, I want to make history. If America still remains the world president, I plan to be the first Nigerian or African to photograph the president. Also, I would want to ensure that I do my best and I become a respected figure. With my position now, I would work extremely hard to become a model because I feel it would translate to other photographers. So, the appointment is a big responsibility on my own part. I don’t see this as an office to rest or feel fly; it is a responsibility placed on me to help others feel valued and treasured. I want to see how many people I can actually support to attain this level in the near future.

There are many things I have in mind, but you know I need to settle down first before I could make plans.

SATURDAY

The Arts SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

18

The loneliness of the soul in urban spaces Sunara Begum and Tunde Jegede at the Centre for Contemporary Art

I

Didi Cheeka n the sudden stillness, what Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen and other ‘desert singers‘ refer to as asouf – the loneliness of the soul in the desolation oft he desert, permeates the space. But we are not in the desert. We are in a room at the Centre for Contemporary Art for an evening of film, music and discussion and the desert is evoked by what Tunde Jegede’s fingers does tot he kora. He plays it with such sensitivity, as if making love to a woman you truly care about. It’s like lovemaking in a deeper, aesthetic sense: it’s an opening up, a comingling of cultures, a fusion of kora and cello. Like the Lebanese singer, Rabih Abou-Khalil says, “There are always doors between cultures.“ Yet, walking through this door is not as simple as it may seem“classical European music is written down in notes, and the performers before us have music sheet before them, playing and interpreting the piece as it’s written. The tradition from which the kora comes from, does not rigidly lend itself to such technical precision, but rather, to the performers mood, intuition, context. It possible to say that a person can never truly touch the soul oft he kora except one has touched, experienced the soul oft he desert. The beauty oft he performance is also in the harmony with which we fill the space.

Just before the performance, we sit before a flickering screen. It’s like apperitif – the images and sounds convey a sense of what is to come, and a hunger for it. It’s a film by Sunara Begum, Truth & Art. Really, it’s more than this. It is an exhibition that fuses fine art. Musical documentary and performance to tell the story four global artists from distinct musical and creative backgrounds to trace, by visualizing the trajectory of their artistic journeys. There is Diana Baroni, the flautist and singer from Argentina; there is Briton, Derek Johnson, guitarist and folklorist; there is Tunde Jegede, composer and multi-instrumentalist; and there’s Sunara Begum herself, photographer and filmmaker. There’s an intimacy to Sunara’s photography, heightened during her potrait of Jegede – so like visual lovemaking. Filmmaker and film subject seem to fuse, to overcome their separateness. There’s beauty and tenderness tot he photography, I want to ask Sunara if her conception of art is a marriage of truth and beauty, that is, if Truth and Art equals beauty. Afterwards, separately, I ask her about the photography: she has done it herself.

Sunara Begum was born in London, of Banglashi descent. She was brought up with the traditions of the place she is native to, in a Sufi-Muslim household.

Encouraged by her mother, who would always recite to her from an early age, stories of growing up in the villages of

Jegede...playing the kora, a traditional violin

Bangladesh, Begum decided to pursue a life in the visual arts, beginning her studies at the Camberwell College of Arts.

She had her first exhibition at the National Annexe Gallery in 2004 as part of a group show in Cape Town, South Africa.

Among the wide range of artists she has collaborated with is Trevor Mathison of Black Audio Film Collective and was sound designer for John Akomfrah’s documentary, Handsworth’s Song. Sunara ist he author of photographic poetic narrative, The Legend of Ara, a mythical character.

An unseen voice tells us that Tunde Jegede is a spirit from another age. What Jegede evokes, however, is a qriot, a being, yes, a physical being. But, one from another age. One could imagine him in a flowing jalabia, in a Bedouin’s tent, in the libraries of Timbuktu. In this lies the contradiction, this fusion of the ancient and modern. The music Tunde Jegede bleeds with his fingers is modern – in the sense that, all art, like the inscription on the wall of the Egyptian Musuem in Munich states, has always been contemporary. In that room at the CCA, the walls fall away and we are in the desert. With us are a number of Tuaregs – they do not consider themselves by this term, for it is an invective that means “damned

by God,“ rather they call themselves Kel Tamasheq (after their language) or Imazighen, which means “free people.“ There’s freedom in the room, the freedom of the composer to play classical European music with classical (I hate to use the word traditional in this regard) African instrument without his European teachers from music school raising a disapproving eyebrow.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and English mother of Irish descent (perhaps, this duality is the root of his desire to leave an open door between cultures, to fuse classical European and African instruments in music? Is it a deeper, personal need to fuse himself?) Elsewhere, Tunde

What Jegede evokes, however, is a qriot, a being, yes, a physical being. But, one from another age

It is a song of the campfires, the hour of a griot’s magic. The voice intimates the desolation of the spirit in the infinity of the night; of loneliness and melancholy. It is a voice catapulted from the stillness of the oasis by the hungry desert. The desert is advancing steadily south, eating up the land, smothering soil with sand. To live on the frontline states, as the desert fringes are called, is an eternal struggle against nature – for water, food and shelter. The desert had dried the oasis, buried houses, swallowed villages and farmlands. ‘The water is gone. The firewood is gone. The pasture is gone,’ the kora seems to say, mourning its remembrance of things long gone. ‘No herdsman loves the desert. We love water and green vegetation,’ the kora wails. ‘In the desert, there is nothing. Who would love nothing?’ To not understand the language of the kora is to forget. Far from the voice of the kora it is easy to remember the immediate cause of the crisis: in the northern fringe of Nigeria: the Fulani herdsmen are waging a war by slaughter, rape and pillage, razing thousands of villages. It is easy to forget that in the past the herdsmen and the farmers cooperated until good land became scarcer, and the two sides began fighting for it. Far from nights like these, it is easy to forget that Jos is, at root, a resource conflict; it is about grass, about cattle.

But, I‘m not thinking these things.

The words of the kora fills my head. ‘I am a child of the maternal earth, not of the desert. But now, I am of the naked horizon.’ Lost in the ancient rhythm of desert women emitting sharp quavering trills – I‘m not thinking anything.

Even as the mood is broken by a voice rudely, and insistently, demanding why an artist should privilege art over profit – a question, which by the way, Tunde Jegede answered so well in his first response only for Bisi Silva to place a shopkeeper’s calculator atop the kora – I‘m not thinking anything. Besides, a single wrong note does not destroy a symphony. And also, I have, afterall, known the depth of the desert night. Far from this performance, I had encountered the words of Suroor: “For I, Suroor,/ have known too the outcome of night;/ a thousandfold might it exceed its bounds, no further than morning can it ever extend.“ I too had known the outcome of night, known how it could exceed its bounds, how it could extend beyond morning.

I want to ask Tunde Jegede, in the broken silence, I want to ask Tunde Jegede – who is the artistic director of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) if the process of creating music is, for him, intricately bound with the process of creating memory. But the unseen voice has already answered: “Tunde Jegede is spirit from another age.“

has said that “Living between worlds allowed him,“ to form his identity and “embrace my part as a nomad.“ Tunde Jegede is a master kora player and specializes in the West African classical music tradition which dates back to the time of Sundiata.

His apprenticeship in African music was developed fully when he went with Amadou Bansang Jobarteh, a master of the kora to Gambia to study the ancient griot tradition of West Africa, where he found a sense of home and belonging, where his “inner and outer voice began to merge.“. Before then, Tunde had studied cello from an early age and over the years was taught by the likes of Alfia Bekova, Elma de Bruyne, Joan Dickson and Raphael Wallfisch at the Purcell and later the Guildhall School of Music.

In 1995, a BBC TV documentary, Africa I Remember was done on Tunde Jegede’s music.

That evening, we’re all nomads, the performance becomes a traditional nomadic gathering. As darkness slowly descends Jegede’s music became a refuge from the approaching sandstorm. Who are these wild men in turbans armed with kora, violin, cello? And then, instructed by the tribal leader, a female singer steps out from the Arabian nights – it’s not her appearance, it’s her voice – cutting through the desert night effortlessly, with her voice, Cheeka is filmmaker, critic and curator of as if to scorn the rude challenge privileging profit over art that was to come later. Lagos Film Society

SATURDAY

Sean Tizzle:

Mercy Chinwo

I’m single and searching

Omawumi is like a mum to me

p.20

ShowBiz

p.21

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

19

Zeal: Styl Plus will rival Wizkid, Korede Bello, others Zeal Onyecheme of the Styl Plus fame in this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA spoke about what the group has been up to these past years. He reacted to the music group break-up and what each of the members are doing with their lives outside music.

You performed alongside your partner, Shifi ,at Hajia Aisha Buhari’s Appreciation Dinner; do you mainly do live shows now?

We’ve always been doing that and we will continue doing it as far as music IS concerned. It’s a way for us to reach out to the people.

How did you pull the deal through?

Actually, we were called upon and we obliged since it’s our area of specialisation. We’re very glad to be part of the programme for progress and for change.

Do you channel your craft towards social activism?

We’ve always been a group that preaches positivity; we don’t just do music for the fun of it. We speak about the love of a woman for a man and everything that has to do about goodwill, so this will not be different for us. Our messages have been about love, peace, joy and growth. When we heard about the programme, it was like a tether for us to come on board and propagate our message to the people the more. So, we’ve always been in this kind of programmes and it’s because people don’t know about it. We actually organised a talent hunt where we rounded up a few young acts- young people who could act, sing, play football and from different walks of life. This platform is a bigger platform for us to tag into since it’s a new government that intends to take matters bothering on youth development seriously.

Essentially, you were endeared to many by your music and stage craft, what are you doing with your partner, Shifi, to return to the mainstream music sector?

Actually, a lot of water has passed under the bridge these past years, so many people are asking “what is happening to Styl Plus?” “We want Styl Plus” and it’s been the same reaction on facebook, BBM, Twitter and all over the social media. We’re very sorry our fans have been unable to hear from us.

We’re at the background working and it’s not that we intend not to come out with new songs. But like the Styl Plus you know, we have to take our time to do music properly for longevity.

Our kinds of songs are mostly classical songs that we don’t have to rush.

We’re actually in the studios right now working a few other acts. Very soon you guys will hear songs with Styl Plus and Faze in collaboration; soon too you’d hear works from Styl Plus and Don Jazzy and the Mavin Crew.

We’ve been working hard to fulfill our dreams and satisfy our fans than we’ve left for so long. Basically, music is not the only thing happening to us, we have other means of bringing food on the table.

What other things do you do to make ends meet?

Shifi is into Quantity Surveying, that’s what he studied in school. I do football tutoring with my kids.

You do football tutoring with kids; do you have your biological kids already?

I have a little football club with kids, not biological kids o, I’ve not married yet. I do some stuff with my dad who is a building contractor and I learn the ropes at the same time from him. There’s quite a lot to be done when we’re not doing music.

What is your current relationship with Tunde, Styl Plus’ former mate?

Like I said, when we’re not doing music, we have our fingers in other pies. Shifi and I are trying to build a company aside from Styl Plus but I won’t let the cat out of the bag now.

It’s just for you to know that we’re working fervently for progress. But the relationship with Tunde is quite good. We talk once in a while despite the misunderstanding that happened in the past. We’re still good friends, it’s just work difference that we have as Tunde is doing gospel right now and he feels good with it.

After Tunde left, many thought Styl Plus might rebrand with another name, why did you retain the name?

We stick to the brand name Styl Plus because one should ask oneself; why fix what’s not broken? That a man isn’t with us doesn’t mean the group will not continue. We have moved on and I will let our fans know through this platform that we’re not going to be three in this group; it would just be Shifi and I. We’re good together and that’s how it’s going to be for now.

Younger chaps have come on board to up the ante. You are aware of what Korede Bello, Wizkid, Kiss Daniel and Davido are doing with music now.

How does Styl Plus hope to measure up to the new tempo?

First and foremost, we’ve never been away. I will give you instances in the Western world where the old acts like Lionel Richie, Boyz 11 Men and the rest- these guys are still making waves abroad and it’s because there’s a structure. Back here we don’t have a structure. Nigerian artists are the most

Zeal

For us, music is passion; we’re not in it only by the lure of commerce.

We’re in this business because we love how the game is played resilient and the most hardworking.

What I’m trying to say is that we have old guys abroad who still shine in this age and time. That’s because there’s structure that see to royalty for them.

I appreciate the young chaps like Kiss Daniel, Wizkid and Davido; they’re doing an excellent work. It is not going to take anything out of our musical abilities to measure up with them songs

for songs, lyrics for lyrics and beats for beats. For us, music is passion; we’re not in it only by the lure of commerce.

We’re in this business because we love how the game is played. So, how we’re going to meet up with the younger artists is not going to be a problem.

Tunde is now married, but among the guys in the group, you were perhaps the most patronised by girls. What is Zeal still waiting for to walk down the aisle?

I will not deny the fact that there are ladies everywhere flocking around me or us wanting either business or pleasure. That’s perhaps, because of the kind of job we do. I’m not married yet and that’s not to mean that I don’t want to get married. I will be married soon; I mean in the nearest future.

Future usually sounds like 15 to 20 years. You and Shifi want to stay this c o nt i nued o n pa g e 2 1

20

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Sean Tizzle: I’m single and searching Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele known by the showbiz moniker, Sean Tizzle, rose to fame with two singles titled “Boogie Down” and “Sho Lee” produced by famous music producer, D’tunes in 2013. In this interview, he spoke to LANRE ODUKOYA about his career and why he’s yet to be romantically tied to anyone.

Tell us something about your new song titled, Abeg.

It’s just a good song; it’s a love song that teaches lovers never to be too proud to say the word ‘sorry’. It’s a song for those in love.

After this song, what more should we expect from you?

Yes, after this song, I’ll drop a couple more singles. There’s a lot more projects in the works too. I’m looking forward to recording a song with an international artiste or probably I’ve even recorded it (laughs).

Are there chances that you drop another album this year?

No, not at all, I’ll just keep dropping singles for now. The album will drop at some point next year.

Last month, your label signed five new artistes, how do you feel about that?

It’s a good thing, we are growing, it shows growth. It shows the blueprint we have is a good one, but at the same time I’m Sean Tizzle and nobody can take that away from me and I’m grateful to God that we can actually put these new artistes on board.

Are you absolutely happy with the new signings?

Yes, there’s certainly no beef at all. I knew about the whole process, it’s about the music; it’s about the label not falling or nose-diving.

Why did you launch the Tizzle-Nation campaign?

The Tizzle-Nation has been a movement from day one. At the end of the day, what I have with Difference Entertainment is a contract, some people sign for three to five years and after that, if you want to move on, you move on and if you want to stay, you stay. So, I think the same people should wait for me to decide if I want to move on, stay with the label or whatever the situation is, but whatever it is I hope it’s for good.

If you eventually leave Difference Entertainment, will you keep working with D’Tunes?

Yes, that’s my brother, I’ve been working with D’tunes before Difference Entertainment and we’ll still keep working even when I leave. But that doesn’t imply I nurse an ambition to quit.

When is the Tizzle-Nation record label starting up?

Why do you keep calling it a record label?

What if I say it’s a movement and the movement has been alive for a long time even

BIG SCREEN Everly A desperate woman (Salma Hayek) must fight for survival against an army of assassins in the confined walls of an apartment.

Starring: Salma Hayek, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Laura Cepeda

though I chose not to talk about it?

It’s a contract, they didn’t drop me. If I don’t want to do it again, it won’t be because anything happened or they dropped me.

And if truly somebody dropped somebody, it’s only a matter of time, we’ll know who dropped who.

So, it means you were never really signed as an ambassador?

I was signed as an ambassador for a year, that’s what we signed and when the contract elapsed, I chose not to resign.

Why did you choose not to resign?

It was huge being an ambassador, but I just felt like I don’t want to resign, I want to go to a higher place, not because I am Ashawo (prostitute), but it’s what I feel like. At the end of the day, it’s business and I’m a brand. I believe there are 1,001 companies looking for Sean Tizzle.

Let’s talk about your new love for tattoos…

It’s not a new found love. If you look at my neck, you’ll see two different tattoos "Determination" and "Success". I’ve had them for a long time even before I dropped my first song. You can see it looks local. I’ve only just added more and they all have positive meanings. There’s a Tattoo of an "Angel" on my shoulder there’s the "Wings" tattoo on my chest.

How much did it cost you to get the new ones?

(Chuckles) Haba, that’s not a problem.

What has fame changed about you?

Fame hasn’t changed anything about me. I’ll say it’s helped me to get a lot of connections and these connections do make things easier for me when I want to do stuffs. For instance, I’m from Ondo State and I’m working on a little project there that’ll be known later but it’s these connections that I get to ride on. These are the kind of things I can do with my fame.

My parents are proud of me, and it feels good whenever I go home and the whole neighbourhood comes to the house to see me. I still try as much as possible to be myself, so really nothing has changed.

Are you in a relationship?

Right now, I’m single and in search of the right person. When I find her and the time is right, I’ll let everyone know because I’ll flood my social media pages with her photos to let everyone know how precious she is.

Spy A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

Featuring:Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law,Jason Statham

Sean Tizzle

The Cobbler Max Simkin repairs shoes in the same New York shop that has been in his family for generations. Disenchanted with the grind of daily life, Max stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to step into the lives of his customers and see the world in a new way.

Hamari Adhuri Kahani

A woman (Vidya Balan) develops a budding romance with a hotel magnate (Emraan Hashmi), until her past comes back to haunt her.

Featuring: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Yada

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Showbiz

21

MERCY CHINWO, WINNER OF NIGERIAN IDOL SEASON 2

Omawumi is like a mum to me A new Idol, K-Peace, emerged last week, as the curtain fell on Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 5 amid glamour and razzmatazz.

OLUSHOLA RICKETTS had an encounter with one of the past winners Mercy Chinwo during the week. She spoke about life after Idol.

After the Idol show, people expected a lot from you considering how you stole their hearts with your voice and beautiful performances. Why does it appear that you’ve not been doing music since you left Idol?

I have actually, but they are not out yet. Yes, it’s been pretty long since I won Idol and nothing has been released. By the time my songs start enjoying airplay one would see that the wait is worth it. I go for shows non-stop and I get so amazed at the way people welcome me and the fact that they still believe so much in me. That alone gives me hope. My album songs are ready; I am just waiting for the right opportunity. I feel it is better to have a direction than running with speed that leads to nowhere. I know expectations are high from me and I want to use this medium to say I’m sorry for keeping people waiting. I plan to drop some very good songs shortly. It’s more like a one-man hustle right now for me. I am not in any record label, I am alone. But I have good rapport with producers and other industry practitioners.

How far have you gone with your acting career?

I've done a couple of movies lately which will be out soon, hopefully before August. Also, I do a bit of humanitarian gesture too. I have a nongovernmental organisation (Mecinda Safe House) and we visit the less privileged homes monthly to show them love and also support them the little way we can. There's more to come.

How would describe your debut as an actress?

The movie was Yvonne Nelson’s House of Gold.

I was shy and even afraid because I didn’t know what the outcome would be. When I watched the movie, I was so amazed at my performance. The movie is cool and entertaining. My role there was hilarious because I played a maid that later became the madam of the house. I enjoyed myself in the movie.

life; I don’t think I know any young lazy talent that won a reality show. For the lazy ones who think reality show is all they need to make it in life, I would advise they strive and take a step toward to helping and enhancing themselves.

It seems you have a good relationship with Omawumi; how would you describe her?

Omawumi is a rare gem with a kind heart. I appreciate every bit of what she does. She's more like a mother to me.

What turns you off in people?

I don’t like insincerity, lies and pride. Once you have all these qualities we cannot be friends.

What dose fashion mean to you?

I see fashion as what defines you outside your comfort zone and what represents your person. For me, I have to be comfortable in whatever I put on.

How would you describe your growing up?

I am from a humble background and I am from Rivers State. I am the first child in a family of six and my parents have always been supportive of what I do. Even when I started sinning as a child, they encouraged me. So, growing up for me was fun until I lost my dad. But I give thanks to God. When did you start singing?

I started singing at a tender age. I took it up as a career in 2007 when I lost my dad and I had to take care of my younger ones. I’m the first daughter.

'Styl Plus will rival Wizkid, Korede Bello, others' c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 2 1

way?

(Chuckles) The truth is that I’ve been able to manage relationship with female fans; it’s not a problem to me and same with Shifi.

Are you in a relationship now?

I’m in a healthy relationship now.

Is it the same with Shifi?

He’s absolutely happy in his relationship too.

Are you satisfied with the entertainment industry?

For me, the entertainment industry is basically about people trying to sell their market in different ways. I think what we need to change is the rate at which they pirate songs. We should help artistes to make money for their sweat. When you are working without gains, it is really annoying.

What do you think about reality shows generally, including Idol?

Reality show for me shouldn't be over flogged. We have talented people who do better or sing better. They’ve never been on a reality show, but have a lot more to offer. It shouldn't just be a platform to showcase talent alone, what happens after the show? I expect a reality show to have a concrete structure for the artistes to build and make them better.

Reality show is a platform for learning and helping talents grow.

Also, you must be hardworking to achieve anything in

Shifi and Zeal

Suppose you guys just decide to marry the same day, can you imagine the buzz that will generate?

Don’t worry; it’s going be a big banger. Just hold on and watch the big thing happen.

Chinwo

It is rumoured that you are planning to join Jazzy/Mavin.

What exactly are you doing with the crew?

There were speculations that Don Jazzy wanted me on the Mavin team and my manager also pushed me. He asked me if I was interested in the deal and I said it won’t be a bad thing to join the Mavin Crew but I will not abandon ship. I built a brand with my own, why fix it if it’s not broken? There’s no problem with my group. Like I said earlier, there’s going to be collaboration with Don Jazzy and that how it works.

Were you the one who asked to be brought on the Mavin Crew or Don Jazzy’s request?

Don Jazzy never called actually, but he speculated and I heard. He was just saying that he would love Zeal in the Mavin Crew but it wasn’t as if he called or we spoke officially about it.

How soon should fans expect the works you have in the pipeline?

I can’t tell that right now but next month, you should see Styl Plus and Faze’s video.

There were several versions of the story of Styl Plus’ break-up leading to the exit of ex-member, Tunde. What truly went wrong in the group?

Well, every other person had something he was bottling up and it was time to let it out. And for Tunde, he had to let it out by action. We’re not all brothers and all of us have a level of tolerance. So, in the group, we tried to tolerate each other and we had a fantastic sharing formula when it comes to finances. We didn’t toy with one another’s emotions when it comes to issues bothering on girlfriends.

The separation had to do with work and perhaps some egoistic problems. I’m also trying to figure it out too. I’m okay with Tunde and Shifi, but the tolerance level just shrunk up at a point.

22

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

'Dagrin is the reason I’m doing indigenous rap' Lately, there is hardly any major showbiz event in the country that goes on without the presence of Yusuf Abubakar Sodiq. Popularly known as CDQ, the indigenous rapper tells OLUSHOLA RICKETTS the influence the late rapper Dagrin had on him and his rough rise to fame.

How long have you been in showbiz?

I have been doing this since 2006, but I started professionally in 2009, the same year when I had a concert in my school.

It was the first and the last time Dagrin performed at the Lagos State University (LASU), together with the likes of MI and Jesse Jags. After sometime I left music to concentrate on my studies; I studied economics which was considered as one of the toughest courses in LASU. After the completion of my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) I was signed by General Records, which is owned by Mastercraft.

Why have you been quiet until lately?

I was on and off at a time because of school. I gained admission 2005 and I finished 2011. So, I wasn’t really stable with music. But it is a different story now; all my attention and energy are geared towards making good music. The journey has been very interesting and there have been a lot of ups and downs. Financial constraint is always a major problem for up-and-coming artistes. So, I really appreciate General Records for signing me and the producer, Mastercraft, for believing in me.

How did you come about the record deal?

I used to be personal assistant to Jaywon when he was with Kennis Music and Mastercraft was his producer in 2010. When I met him on a particular day at the studio, I gave him a record I made after selling my footwear. There was no money to produce songs then, so I sold some stuffs to do music. I gave him to listen to it, pleading that I was a talented musician.

After many months I got a call from him; I

felt he probably played it by chance and liked it. He asked me to join him in his studio and he gave me a verse in his track; he was putting together a mix tape. I was able to impress him and he didn’t hide it.

After the meeting we started keeping in touch and that was it.

You took a lead during the year’s anniversary of Dagrin; how intimate were you guys before he died?

Dagrin has a significant role in my life before he passed away, may his soul rest in peace. As a matter of fact, Dagrin happened to be the reason I am rapping indigenously because I started out as an English rapper. Then, I was always with MI, Jesse Jags, Ice Prince and Vector; we all used to do things together. I am talking about 2007.

I later met Dagrin in 2008 and Sossick, his producer and we started a moment called Classic Tune. He told me that if people really want to hear English rap they would get 5O cent’s CDs, and urged me to rap in my local dialect so that I can connect to the people easily. That is why I always say he occupied a special place in my heart.

Could you tell us how you guys arrived at the song you featured alongside Olamide?

We made the song, Indomie, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos. I was relaxing with Olamide and before we knew it we were singing a song. I just called Mastercraft to join us with some equipment and there we made the song.

The song was recorded December last year.

Mastercraft mixed the song and dropped it after a week; I didn’t even know he had gone that far with the song. The song is everywhere now, beyond our expectation.

Do you agree that the song (Indomie) brought you into limelight?

Yes, I wouldn’t deny that.

The song is one of the major successes I have enjoyed in showbiz. Though I had done other songs with the likes Skales, Jahbless and others, this song made the difference. In 2013 too I had a song titled Business which I featured Mastercraft and the video was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa. I would say the recognition was coming steadily, but Indomie made a huge impact in my career. It has taken me to places in Nigeria and beyond.

CDQ

What is next after Indomie?

I just dropped a new single which is just like a follow of the hit

song. The title is Salaro and I got the inspiration while I was reading the Bible. Salaro simply means one that ran away from the psychiatric. There was a verse in the Bible where David was dancing and the wife told him he was dancing like a mad man. For that reason, God cursed the wife. So, anything that makes you joyous can make you dance like a mad man. It is gaining massive airplay now; we are making plans for video.

Also, I am working on a mix tape too.

How was your growing up experience?

It was really fun. I was stubborn when I was little, so I was taken away from my mum at Orile in Lagos to Ilorin, my uncle’s place. I did my primary and secondary over there before I came back to Lagos for my higher education. I came back to Lagos in 2001 and I joined a basketball team at the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos. I also started a dancing group with Kaffy, but I stopped dancing many years ago because it wasn’t easy combining music and dance.

How did you come about music?

I believe music is something that has to be in you. I cannot really say, but when you have passion for something it comes so easy. After my National Youth Service Corps scheme I got a bank job, which I turned down. I had been through the training and I was supposed to resume before I turned my back.

Were your parents comfortable with it?

They were not happy; I had to run away from home. I was staying with Mastercraft because I couldn’t face the pressure at home.

That is why I say anything you do in life passion comes first; if you have passion for something you won’t see it as a struggle.

Do you plan to drop any album soon?

That will be early next year, but I would be dropping a mix tape in two months’ time, consisting of seven tracks. In the next five years you should expect me to have built an empire. There would be a platform for me to help up-and-coming artistes because I had seen what they are probably facing.

Was there a time you got tired of music?

I nearly dumped music when my father died in 2008. I came from a family of five and he was the breadwinner. Being the first child, things got bad when he died. Since bigger responsibility fell on me and music was not bringing in money, I thought of doing other things. At that time too, the two shops my mother had in Alaba Suru, Lagos, were demolished by the Lagos State Government for a road project. So, I left music at a time but the passion brought me back at some point.

What gives you satisfaction?

I am happy to see that if I say “A” everybody will love it. My words are everywhere and I hear people using them on a daily basis. They say if the vice chancellor of LASU wants to address students and says “Woss”, everyone would reply with “Wobi.” I originated those trending words.

Did you ever feel you will get this far with music?

Honestly I didn’t see this coming. There is no point lying about it, but for anyone who works well, there is always a pay day.

Once you work you are expected to get a salary.

O u t &A b o u t Shakara’s gang

Comedian Shakara will be live on stage with friends at an event tagged "Shakara and The Gang" on June 28 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Other comedians set to entertain guests include, AY, Gordons, Akpororo, Funny Bone, Elenu, Ajebo, Emeka Smith, Ushbebe, Senator, Pencil, Acapella, Mayor, Kolo, Destalker, Makati, Omini and Shaggi.

Kcee’s China tour The Limpopo king, Kcee, still has so much energy to share, as he prepares for a musical tour in China between July 22 and 25.

DJ Xclusive’s album party new date Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) has announced June 27 as the new date for DJ Xclusive ‘s "All While Album Release Party" at the Landmark Event Center, Oniru, Lagos. The event was formerly billed to take place last Saturday.

Nigerian DJs Summer Jam The Hottest Coalition of Nigerian DJs worldwide will be hosting the 9th annual Nigerian DJs Summer Jam in Chicago USA on July 16 to 19. The main purpose of the Summer Jam is to provide a meeting-place for members of the Nigerian DJs coalition, artiste and fans to celebrate the culture of Nigeria through music.

Sammy Okposo in Abia Sammy Okposo’s praise party holds tomorrow at the Streams of Joy International, Jubilee House, Umuahia, Abia State. It would feature the likes of Tim Geoffrey, Nikki Laoye, Nosa, Mercy Chinwo, Efe Nathan, Anny and a host of others. It starts by 3pm.

Tosyn Bucknor, others for conference On July 18, The Beautified Network, a faith-based initiative founded to inspire young women, is set to organise her flagship conference titled Becoming.

The conference is focused on inspiring young women between the ages of 18 and 30 to live up to their potential. The speakers for this year’s edition includes, OAP and CEO, The TosynBucknor Company, Tosyn Bucknor; CEO Style housfiles and founder, Lagos Fashion and Design Week; Omoyemi Akerele -. CEO Glam Brand Agency, Bola Balogun and founder, The Father's Girls, Titilola Tewe. The conference will also feature a panel discussion titled Can Women Really Have It All? The venue is Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Investigations SATURDAY TELEGRAPH 20 JUNE, 2015

Bruce Lee kicks in the Way of the Dragon

Love scene in an Indian film

photo: www.martialartsactionmovies.com)

23

photo: bollywood.celebden.com A soldier trudges along in an American film

photo:ahmsta.com

Cinemas

Gone with the winds

Cinema business was once a thriving venture. But today, Nigeria’s major cities are dotted with its relics. ISIOMA MADIKE in this report attempts to locate the reason why this is so

T

he place was Isabella Cinema, in Umeuke quarter, Ibusa in Delta State. This was in 1983.

Alex Osilonya, in company of his younger brother bought tickets and entered the popular side of the cinema. Showing that day was a popular Chinese film starring Bruce Lee. As the credits opened, there went up a deafening roar from the audience as their favourite actors appeared in a snap preview of the film.

Days after watching the film, animated discussions continue between Osilonya and his cinema-loving friends, for it would be some days again before these impressionable youths would save enough for tickets to experience another night in such a big-screen cinema.

However, Chinese films were not the only attraction then. Indian films were equally popular at the time.

From their start to the end, through scene depicting heroism, sacrifice,

Isioma madike

Editor, INVESTIGATIONS isioma.madike@newtelegraphonline.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Relics of God De Cinema, Ajegunle, Lagos

love, hatred, injustice and other human passions, and the eventual triumph of good over evil, the audience was always held spellbound by the flicking colourful screen.

In post-independence Lagos and other cities like Ibadan, Kano and Kaduna, going to the cinema was said to be thrilling for youths and the elderly.

It was a time cinemas thrived and cohabitation was less of a luxury. People had fun and social life was not only interesting but was at its peak. Different cinemas and recreational parks scattered across the urban centres and their suburbs.

That era, however, appears to be a thing of the past as times have changed. Today, Osilonya cannot readily recollect when last he crossed the portal of any cinema. This could also be said of thousands of former cinema lovers across the country.

For this segment of Nigerians who grew up in the 1970s up till the mid1980s, there was this special magic that drew them to the darkened halls of cinemas. In there, people would face a screen on which the operators beamed flickering image-forming light.

Incidentally, such veritable landmarks in those days are now relics echoing with long-forgotten histories.

The famous Casino Cinema in Alagomeji, Yaba-Lagos, now houses a Pentecostal church just like Odion Cinema on Lagos Island. Jebako Cine-

Days after watching the film, animated discussions would continue between cinema-loving friends ma in Idi-Oro, which is occupied presently by a church, is in that league, same as Studio Cinema in Mushin, while the popular Pen Cinema in Agege is today a fast food outlet. For God Dey Cinema in Ajegunle, it has long become a shadow of its former self.

In Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Scala Cinema in Sabo is at present a shopping complex. It also hosts parties and social events. The situation is not different in the North, where there used to be a strong cinema culture.

The buildings that housed most of these cinemas are today being put to other uses.

Mrs. Atinuke Balogun, a popular face then at Pen Cinema in Agege, Lagos, recalls with nostalgia, those glorious years of the cinema. She was there when long queues of people

photo: suleiman hussein

who wanted to buy tickets would stretch for some 200 metres into the adjoining streets in the neighbourhood.

At that time, the over 1, 300 capacity hall would fill up forcing the management of the entertainment centre to stop selling tickets until hours later when another show would start. She could also recall how the Whites, Indians and Lebanese often patronise the cinema.

Ayo Olugbejo, like Balogun, has not easily forgotten the leading outdoor entertainment of yesteryears also. “At that time, unlike now, there was little alternative in entertainment.

Outside the cinema, the televisions were few and what they had to offer could not be compared with what you get from cinemas.

"You will remember too that there was only black and white television.

So, the pull of full technicolour and alluring sound quality was just too much for people to resist,” he recounted.

With a long sigh, Olugbejo narrated the genesis of the dearth of cinema houses. It happened soon after the then military regime devalued the currency and the cost of films jumped up beyond the reach of most cinema distributing companies, he explained.

Like fading dominoes, misfortune thereafter dogged the cinema industry.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

Investigations

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

‘The time for the first generation C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 2 3

Olugbejo recalled that on the heels of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign instituted by the BuhariIdiagbon regime, overzealous law enforcement agents swooped on real and perceived hotbeds of “indiscipline,” among which were the cinema houses.

The police threw caution to the winds as they discarded their former standard operating procedure of approaching the cinema managers whenever they wanted to effect the arrest of any suspect they believed may have gained access into the cinema. In the new order, they would just descend on the place, arresting everybody in the cinema as suspects until they could prove their respective innocence.

In the face of this, erstwhile patrons soon began giving the cinema a wide berth because of the fear of the police.

“Responsible people could not come to the cinema again, as they gave the entertainment houses a leprous distance,” Olugbejo said.

But, it was not as if players in the industry just folded their arms and resigned themselves to fate. The cinema and video association of Nigeria took their case to the police commissioner at the time, who, it was gathered, promised to stop his men from carrying out indiscriminate arrests. Unfortunately, the man, according to investigations, was transferred to another command and the practice continued unabated.

Yet, that was not the only factor that led to the decline of the cinemas. The importation of fairly used (tokunbo) video cassette recorders, VCRs, also played a part.

“Following the security situation, people who normally would have visited the cinema found it easy to watch these films in the safety of their homes with their new video machines. This resulted in another challenge as some VCR owners turned their machines to commercial purposes.

“They would put up mushroom viewing centres and began to show these films for a fraction of what was being charged by the cinemas. They didn’t have to worry about taxes,” said a one-time cinema manager who identified himself simply as Tunde.

The Census Board also made effort to see that such viewing houses were shut down. Going by the standard of the Board, a cinema should have, at least two projectors and must be able

Ugbomah

Kosoko

to contain a minimum of 100 people.

Besides, the fire service department must inspect such premises to ascertain the availability of suitable fire extinguishers, adequate emergency exits and other specifications. They must equally buy government tickets from which would be deducted government tax.

“We paid about 16 kobo for every N1 we made, but these mushroom viewing houses were not paying anything to the government,” Tunde alleged.

A source close to the president, Cinema and Video Association of Nigeria, told Saturday Telegraph that there is nothing left to salvage. A veteran of the cinema entertainment industry, he said that “property-hungry” churches have now acquired almost all the cinema premises in the country.

“Others have been taken over by the eatery joints in every noticeable neighbourhood,” he added.

Queens Cinema, Ibadan, Oyo State now a mini-mart photo: thenationonlineng.net

There are also those who believe that it would be difficult to reestablish such budding cinema centres of old. With the peculiar security situation around the country where ubiquitous street urchins known as “Area Boys” hold sway, people, according to this group of opinions, would rather rent the video at the rentals than go and risk their safety at the cinema.

Aside from cinema, there used to be parks also in those days where people could take their family for relaxation.

“Now they cannot feel safe from molestation during the day in those parks let alone visiting the cinemas in the evenings,” Mallam Ahmed Jaji, a social commentator, told Saturday Telegraph.

In spite of this downturn, however, a small army of ardent fans remain. Anthony Boi, who works in one of the new generation banks in Lagos, is one. He falls into the category of cinema patrons that could be described as “die-hards.”

Curiously, despite dwindling patron-

Metro Cinema, Ikorodu road, Onipanu, Lagos, now occupied by The Redeemed Christian Church of God. PHOTO GODWIN IREKHE

Another enthralling Indian love scene

photo: news.indiglamour.com

Propertyhungry churches have now acquired almost all the cinema premises

age, there appears to be a relative success of new entrants into the cinema business. The likes of Silverbird Cinema, scattered in almost all the major cities of Nigeria, presents a good picture in this regard. Ben Murray-Bruce, owner of the entertainment house, uses the advantage of his private television station. But for that, advertising the films shown in the cinema would have offered a financial challenge.

Nevertheless, the cinema is a place to be, according to those who have been there. A first time visitor to Silverbird Cinema, Nnamdi Akabunma said, would surely be impressed with this fairyland of entertainment.

Housed in a choice corner lot on Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, it is a massive shopping mall on four flours containing choice shops, offices, restaurants and the fabled cinema. The larger than life perception created by

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

SATURDAY

FREE

Sport Splash 25

getting better after pregnancy, childbirth I

U-20 World Cup

Brazil, Serbia set for fitting finale p.27

News

AFCON 2015: 'Keshi must depend on established players' p.30

t is not so often that women athletes take time off to engage in the ancient sacrament of pregnancy and childbirth and still return afterwards to dominate their sports.

Several stars have done this down the years and we capture it all in this engaging and more-thancursory package.

Global Football

Paraguay, Uruguay ready for big clash p.31

Lifestyle

Experts, ranging from physiologists, human kinetics practitioners to physical and heath education specialists, provide facts and figures to illuminate the piece. The athletes themselves also give firsthand knowledge and personal experiences to capture all the sides.

STORY ON PAGES 28 AND 29

Yaya Toure cheats on wife with ÂŁ140-per-hour escort p.32

Ann AgumanuChiejine

The Team Vincent Eboigbe l Assistant Editor Ajibade Olusesan l Correspondent Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent Š Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Paula Radcliffe with daughter Isla

Mary OnyaliOmagbemi

26

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Nigerian League Rendezvous NPFL LEAGUE TABLE

Week 13 Fixtures Dolphins vs Giwa El Kanemi vs Ifeanyi Uba Wikki Tourist vs Sharks Heartland vs Taraba Shooting vs Enyimba Nasarawa Utd vs Bayelsa Utd Kwara Utd vs Lobi Stars Abia Warriors vs Akwa Utd Warri Wolves vs Rangers Sunshine vs Kano Pillars Top Scorers 5 GOALS

Mfon Udoh of Enyimba scores from the spot

Enyimba pose threat to 3SC in Ibadan Stories by Charles Ogundiya

S

hooting Stars Coach Gbenga Ogunbote will this weekend face his first litmus test when the team confront Enyimba inside the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The Ibadan side has not suffered defeat since Ogunbote joined the club, garnering four points from a possible six in their last two games.

The game against Enyimba will however be the biggest test for the former Sharks of Port Harcourt coach.

“I have said we have to take it one game at a time,” Ogunbote said.

“Playing Enyimba will not be different from the two matches we have played against Lobi Stars and Bayelsa United.

“We want to move far away from the bottom half of the table and the only way to do that will be to get as many points as possible especially from our home games.”

Meanwhile, the club will miss the services of the team’s top scorer, Junior Ajayi, who is currently with the national U-23 team.

Nojeem Olukokun, who has formed a formidable partnership with Ajayi told League Rendezvous that his team would definitely miss the services of the striker and another U-23 player, Biodun Akande.

Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC) Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars) 4 GOALS Mfon Udoh (Enyimba) Bright Ejike (Heartland) Mohammed Usman (FC Taraba) Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors) Esosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa Utd) Ubong Ekpai (Kano Pillars) 3 GOALS Victor Yakubu (Wikki Tourists) Segun Alebiosu (Kwara United) Mubarak Umar (Wikki Tourists

No.

Team

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Sunshine

10

6

2

2

14

7

7

20

2

Kano Pillars

10

6

0

4

11

7

4

18

3

Enyimba

10

5

3

2

11

8

3

18

4

Gabros Utd

10

5

2

3

13

8

5

17

5

Giwa FC

10

4

5

1

11

6

5

17

6

Wikki

10

5

2

3

13

10

3

17

7

El-Kanemi

9

5

1

3

9

9

0

16

8

Heartland FC

10

5

0

5

13

12

1

15

9

Warri Wolves

7

4

1

2

12

6

6

13

10

Abia Warriors

10

4

1

5

10

12

-2

13

11

Nasarawa

10

3

3

4

10

13

-3

12

12

Rangers

10

3

2

5

11

12

-1

11

13

Taraba FC

10

2

5

3

11

12

-1

11

14

Kwara Utd

9

3

2

4

6

10

-4

11

15

Akwa Utd

10

3

2

5

5

10

-5

11

16

Dolphins FC

10

2

4

4

9

11

-2

10

17

Bayelsa Utd

10

2

4

4

6

10

-4

10

18

Lobi Stars

10

1

6

3

6

10

-4

9

19

Sharks FC

10

1

5

4

9

13

-4

8

20

Shooting

9

2

2

5

6

10

-4

8

Kano Pillars set for new management

L

eague Rendezvous can exclusively report that Nigeria Professional Football League defending champions, Kano Pillars, will be getting a new management board.

When one of the current board members of the team was contacted on the telephone, he advised our correspondent to call back at the end of the month for any information about the club.

“I am not in a position to say anything about Kano Pillars for now,” the official said.

“You know a new government is in place and the government

will constitute a new management board for the club very soon.

When I talk to you, I want it to be on good authority.

“I don’t know if I will still be part of the board, so I will advise that you call me back at the end of the month and I will be able to tell you something.”

Kano Pillars have been one of the few consistent clubs in the country and have won the league for three years consecutively.

The club has however failed to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League in the last three years.

Sunshine ambush champions in Akure

Dolphins, Sharks deny debt settlement

S

ome players of Port Harcourt based Nigeria Professional Football League sides, Dolphins and Sharks, have informed our correspondent that they are yet to receive any money despite news that the governor has approved the payment of the backlog of salaries owed the teams in the state.

It was reported during the week that the state governor, Nyesom Wike, had approved the payment but the players said they are still waiting to get the money.

“We really don’t know what to believe anymore,” one of the players who did not want his name

Sharks FC players warm up for a game

mentioned said.

“It has been different stories for months now and we don’t want to believe anything until the money is paid.”

A player of Sharks who also doesn’t want his name in print said the players were tired of promises and just wanted to get their money.

He said: “Seriously, I don’t believe anything they say again.

When they are ready let them give us our money and stop all thepropaganda.

“I will only believe when the money is in my account, anything short of that, I am not going to believe.”

S

Bashir

Current form thrills Bashir L

obi Stars of Makurdi striker, Abdulrahman Bashir, has said he is happy with his current form after his goal gave Lobi Stars the three points against Nasarawa United during the week.

Before the signing of the former ABS striker, Lobi Stars were languishing at the base of the league table with no win, but the club has since won two games at home with Bashir scoring the winner in both games.

“I am enjoying my stay here

and I am happy with my goals,” he said.

“I am not setting any goal target for myself, all I want to do is help Lobi Stars as much as possible with my goals.

“Lobi Stars have started winning at home and the next thing will be for the club to start getting points away from home.”

Bashir joined the Markurdi side from Enyimba after finding playtime difficult with the former CAF Champions League winners.

unshine Stars will hope to maintain their top spot on the Nigeria Professional Football League table with a win against defending champions, Kano Pillars.

The Akure Gunners have been in a sparkling form since the beginning of the season culminating in the club climbing to the top position.

The club will host Kano Pillars on Sunday in one of the Week 13 league games inside the Akure Township Stadium.

Dolphins of Port Harcourt with two wins from 12 games will be back in the comfort of their home ground, Liberation Stadium, against high flying Giwa FC of Jos with the privately owned club looking to compound coach Stanley Eguma’s woes with a victory in Port Harcourt.

Heartland will be at home to FC Taraba while Kwara United will hope for a quick return to winning ways with a victory at home to Lobi Stars.

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

27

U-20 World Cup

Brazil, Serbia set for fitting finale � As Mali, Senegal contest African ‘final' O ver 50 matches and some superb attacking football, outstanding individual performances and spectacular games involving all 24 teams later, the curtains fall tomorrow on the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Sunday’s final between Brazil and Serbia will be another highlight in front of a sell-out crowd at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Argentina who have won six times hold the record of the highest number of triumphs at the U-20 world Cup, so a win for Brazil and they would equal their rival and neighbours.

The third and fourth-place match will be decided between Senegal and Mali just a few hours ahead of the main showpiece. The two African representatives hoisted the continental campaign admirably after Nigeria, pre-tournament favourite, crashed out in the second round. The Flying Eagles paraded a bunch of talented players but lacked the tactical savvy to deal with tough oppositions and failed to progress beyond the second round.

After two weeks of a near-perfect football organisation, the hosts can afford to engage in some self-praise.

“After 1999 and 2008, when the country hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup and FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup respectively, New Zealand has once more impressed with an excellent staging," said Hany Abo Rida, speaking after Thursday’s closing meeting of the Organising Committee of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which he chaired. "We have all received a very warm Kiwi welcome and the teams have enjoyed the conditions in all the Host Cities – from training grounds, to team hotels, to stadia."

Dave Beeche, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, said: “We have been delighted with the way the New Zealand public has supported this event, with new fans of the game being found all over the country. We have brought together thousands of ex-pat communities, who lit up many matches with their colour and passion for the sport, and we feel confident that this tournament will take football to new heights in what is predominantly a rugby-mad nation.”

The tournament, which kicked off on 30 May, has seen matches played in seven host cities: five on the North Island and two on the South Island.

Live and delayed action broadcasts as well as highlights on television, radio,

Brazil celebrating a win en route U-20 World Cup final

Past winners 1977 USSR 1979 Argentina 1981 West Germany 1983 Brazil 1985 Brazil 1987 Yugoslavia 1989 Portugal 1991 Portugal 1993 Brazil 1995 Argentina 1997 Argentina 1999 Spain 2001 Argentina 2003 Brazil 2005 Argentina 2007 Argentina 2009 Ghana 2011 Brazil 2013 France

Mali and Serbia during the semifinal match

internet or mobile have been placed in 184 territories. Fans all over the world have been following the tournament on social platforms: on the official FIFA Facebook page new likes went up by 726.4% during the group phase alone

and on the English FIFA Twitter account follower numbers have grown every week by an average of 56,573 twice the capacity of North Harbour Stadium. Another impressive number are the 55,000 people brought to FIFA. com via Facebook for the Brazil-Nigeria highlights alone.

Also the FIFA Fan Experience which was presented at the FIFA Corporate Stand at the Queen’s Wharf in Auckland has been a big success, with around 30,000 fans passing through since its opening.

With 44 goals scored in just three

days, including a record one-day haul of 28 goals on June 1, the event made a hugely positive start, demonstrating the passion and skill of youth football.

Colin Smith, FIFA's Director of Competitions, believes that the high standard will be maintained on the eagerly awaited final day of action. He said: “We have seen teams with excellent technical and tactical skills playing fast and attacking football. I am convinced that many of these youngsters have great careers ahead of them and that we will see them on the world stage again in future.”

Copa America: We can survive without Neymar - Dunga

B

Dunga

razil coach Dunga insisted that the team would find a way to cope at the Copa America without inspirational captain and goalscorer Neymar after his red card controversy against Colombia. Tournament disciplinary chiefs are to announce Thursday the punishment for Neymar who was sent off after appearing to aim a headbutt at Colombia goalscorer Jeison Murillo following a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday.

The predicted two-match suspension would rule him out of Brazil's final group game against Venezuela and any quarterfinal clash.

"We have played without Neymar before. We have to be ready," Dunga said of the looming absence of the

key player.

The coach said he would wait to see what punishment is inflicted but told a press conference after Wednesday's match that he was already thinking of possible solutions.

"We are starting to think about how to play," he said. "We played once without Neymar and now we will see the players we have."

Neymar was injured in Brazil's FIFA World Cup quarterfinal win over Colombia last year and missed the semi-final in which his side collapsed to a 7-1 defeat by Germany. "We have a whole group of players," Dunga said. "Of course we wanted to be able to count on Neymar. We will have to find a way to replace him."

Neymar

28

Sport

SATURDAY N 20 JU

M

Ifeanyi Ibeh ary Onyali-Omagbemi was for the better part of the 1980s and 1990s Africa’s number one and one of the world’s top women sprinters, dominating the 100 and 200 metres events.

In 1997, a year after becoming the first African woman to win an individual medal in the Olympic Games’ 200 metres event, she took a break from competitive sports to give birth to her first child. When she returned to competition in 1998, at the age of 30, she won a 100 metres bronze at the 8th IAAF World Cup in Athletics, in Johannesburg, and gold at the African Championships, in Dakar, both in a time of 11.05 seconds; same time she had run two years earlier in one of her heats at the Atlanta Olympics.

Onyali-Omagbemi, who went on to become the first Nigerian to compete at four successive Olympic Games, later in the year 2000, at the age of 32, came two hundredth of a second short of her best ever time of 10.97 seconds she had accomplished seven years earlier at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

And she felt at the time, and still continues to believe, that she was able to accomplish that feat as a result of her decision to start a family.

“I think it was definitely due to the rise in natural hormones such as testosterone that occurs in the woman’s body while she is pregnant. It makes you stronger because the hormonal level in your body has been increased naturally, not by drugs, but by the pregnancy,” said Onyali-Omagbemi in an interview with Saturday Telegraph.

“Being pregnant is like 10 times the training requirement, so your body really goes through the highest test of stress.

And for you to have survived it and given birth to the child and relieved of that stress, when you come back to training and doing your normal training regimen it is like a piece of cake because you have been there and done that.”

Funke Oshonaike, a veteran of five Olympic Games, is without a doubt Africa’s most successful female table tennis player, and continues to get the better of younger adversaries even at the ripe old age of 39.

At the All-Africa Games in Abuja, in 2003, Oshonaike, at the age of 28, and four months after delivering her first child, emerged as Nigeria’s best athlete of the 2003 Games after clinching four gold medals.

And the legendary table tennis player told Saturday Telegraph that her performance level back at the Abuja Games was boosted by the bodily changes she went through during and after childbirth.

“I honestly believe that was the reason,” she said. “It worked for me just like it did for many other athletes across the world. When I got married, my father and some other relatives asked whether that was the end of my career as an athlete.

“The same question came up when I was pregnant, but I was determined to continue even after that just because I was aware many other athletes did so and achieved good results.

“At the Abuja 2003 All-Africa Games I was in camp with my four-month-old baby, and I worked so hard in training. I also noticed that I could endure more; that

ST

INVESTIGATIVE SerieS

Oshonaike

GETTiNG bETTER AfTER PREGNANcY, cHiLDbiRTH I didn’t get tired easily. And so with that I won four gold medals for Nigeria. That was the best moment of my career and I did not achieve it as a teenager but as a nursing mother.”

She added: “It is a general thing for women. If one could work hard after childbirth, and put those hormones to good use, one could get better results in sports. I knew it before I experienced it and that was why I never thought twice about getting pregnant. It is a special gift from God to women.”

Much ado about testosterone Testosterone, although mainly associated with men, is also produced by women although at substantially lower levels than is to be found in men. In women, it is important for bone strength and development of lean muscle mass and strength.

It also leads to an increase in energy level and sports organising bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), have on a number of occasions suspended or barred women athletes for having unusually high levels of testosterone.

One of such athletes was South Africa’s

Caster Semenya who, after winning the 800 metres final at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin was prevented from competing in athletics events for a year after tests showed she had unusually high levels of testosterone.

During pregnancy, a woman’s ovaries secrete an increased level of testosterone to go with the estrogens they usually produce. But being pregnant transforms a woman’s body in other ways. Pregnancy puts the athlete out for at least a few months while her body undergoes dramatic changes, including considerable weight gain. So to come right back to the top is nothing less than miraculous.

“It was definitely a miracle,” recalled Nigeria's former goalkeeper, Ann AgumanuChiejine, who at the age of 27, in 2001, had the first of four children.

A few months earlier, in September 2000, she was in goal for Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the football event of the Sydney Olympic Games. Unbeknownst to her she was four months pregnant; not that anyone watching her save the Super Falcons with the ferocity and agility of a lioness from potentially humiliating defeats at the hands of China, Norway and the United States of America would have had any inkling of such.

And, though, it may not come as a surprise that many women athletes remain active during the early stages of their pregnancy, what may be surprising is that a great number of these women report some sort of boost during this fragile period.

“I had no idea that I was pregnant at the time,” recalled Agumanu-Chiejine in an interview with Saturday Telegraph. “Had I known maybe I wouldn’t have gone to the Olympics. But looking back I was in the form of my life.”

She added: “I went for every ball; I never got tired; my energy level was higher and it was only much later after the Olympics that I realised that all that happened to me was as a result of the pregnancy.”

During the first three months of pregnancy, women produce a surplus of red blood cells and hormones in order to support the developing foetus. These red blood cells are rich in oxygen-carrying haemoglobin and can improve the body’s ability to carry oxygen to the muscles. The increased blood flow can potentially give pregnant women an advantage in aerobic capacity and the ability to run longer, swim faster, or play harder with increased stamina levels.

“During this period and for the remain-

Sport

NEW TELEGRAPH UNE 2015

“The researches that we have show that when an athlete gets pregnant, in the early stage, there would be an upsurge of red blood cells production and because of the increase in the volume of blood we have higher energy metabolism and there could be higher performance.”

“But if you actually want to attribute it to childbirth, you have to take somebody who started training after having a child, which is the only way you can now say it is because of childbirth, and then take somebody who started before child birth and then compare the result. An athlete who has been training before having a child has a lot of things to fall back on including the experience before the childbirth and in addition to the physiological maturation, we also have skill maturation and experience.

He added: “But not all carry the pregnancy to the latter stages, as some could decide to terminate the pregnancy before it results into childbirth.”

Kim Clijsters celebrating one of her tournament wins with her daughter

der of the pregnancy, women experience an increase in the hormones progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone, which naturally gives them more strength,” said Dr Emeka Igwe, a gynaecologist with the Enugu State Ministry of Health. “They will also experience a rise in the level of relaxin produced by the ovaries and the placenta.”

Relaxin is vital in the process of childbirth as it relaxes the woman’s pelvic ligaments and softens and widens the cervix ahead of delivery.

More than a Myth Elite women athletes have long shared similar stories about the mythical bounce they get in performance during and after pregnancy.

Though there have been no concrete scientific studies, this trend may not be a myth after all, with some doctors theorising that the act of giving birth itself makes women not only physically stronger, but also mentally more alert, granting them that competitive edge.

“That has been the case for a while, but it is neither here nor there,” said Professor Ademola Abass, an exercise physiology Professor at the University of Ibadan. “We have seen elite athletes who after child-

birth come back and still maintain their status, while we have also seen those who after childbirth decided to opt out from active sports participation.”

Dr Christian Emeruwa, a physical and health education expert with the Nigeria Football Federation added: “There have been researches that have shown that some athletes are still able to perform well at elite competitions even by the fourth month of pregnancy.

“There are some schools of thought though that have done extensive studies regarding women who after giving birth come back to do better than their past records. But we have not been able to really establish physiologically if it’s as a result of the birth of a child or as a result of sheer determination by the athlete to surpass her previous mark.”

He added: “But it is neither here nor there. We have some that it works out for and some who just decide to pack their bags and stick to motherhood.”

Dr Adeyemi Awopetu, an Exercise Physiologist and Associate Professor at the University of Lagos told Saturday Telegraph: “The truth is that there is no physiological basis for it. It is not that childbirth brings in extra energy for performance.

abortion doping It might sound bizarre but Dr Awopetu’s theory actually holds water.

Back in 1988, at the height of the infamous illegal doping programmes of the former Soviet bloc nations, the performance benefits from a pregnancy were so hyped that ‘abortion doping’, as this strange and illogical process came to be known, became the topic of a world conference on anti-doping.

Then-IOC vice president, Belgium’s Prince Alexandre de Merode, reported he knew of several Eastern European athletes who would induce pregnancy for the performance benefits and then get an abortion.

“I heard of such back in the days,” recalled Onyali-Omagbemi. “Most of the stories centred on the East Germans but they were mostly rumours. No one, to the best of my knowledge, actually came out to confirm it.”

In the 1960s, East Germany started to dominate the Olympic Games and captured a large number of world records. It was later uncovered that the government had forced many athletes to take steroids as a result of which in 2005, 190 former East German competitors filed a law suit against the government in an attempt to get recognition for these abuses.

But in the 1970s, rumours began to circulate that the East Germans were forcing their athletes to get pregnant before competitions in order to take advantage of the induced hormonal changes. The IOC investigated the issue but was unable to discover anything sinister on the part of the East Germans.

But in the 1980s, the old rumours resurfaced and became known as the ‘abortion doping scandal’ and were in 1988 once again investigated by the IOC. The allegations were however never proven to be true.

And even though Prince Merode claimed he knew a Swiss doctor who was performing the procedure, the IOC determined that it was not illegal.

Regarding the incident Greg Whyte, Professor of applied sport and exercise science at Liverpool’s John Moores University, in a 2010 interview with The Times, stated: "It is certainly viable that pregnancies were enforced and then terminated as part of the old East German regime, some doctors have claimed they know that is the case.

“Testing for abortion doping is virtually impossible, as the only things to test for are the athletes’ blood and hormonal levels,” Dr Emeruwa told Saturday Telegraph. “If an athlete ever gets accused of abortion doping she could simply argue that the pregnancy was not induced for the temporary physiological benefits. So there is no way of proving it.”

But the fact remains that several marks have been set by women athletes shortly after giving birth, especially to their first child.

29

ST

INVESTIGATIVE SerieS

Onyali-Omagbemi ran her fastest time in years shortly after the birth of her daughter. American long-distance runner Kara Goucher ran her best ever time at the 2011 Boston Marathon seven months after giving birth. Britain’s Paula Radcliffe also won the 2007 New York City Marathon less than 10 months after having a kid.

Radcliffe’s case is all the more phenomenal in that she trained throughout pregnancy, even running the day before going into labour, before going on to win a marathon after childbirth. And, there was also Oshonaike, who dominated the African table tennis scene following the birth of her first child, not forgetting tennis great, Kim Clijsters, who after retiring from tennis in 2007 had her first child a year later before returning to competitive tennis in 2009 and won the US Open title that year.

In 2010, the Belgian defended her US Open title, and in 2011, she became the second woman in history to win three tennis Grand Slams as a mother, going on to become the first mother to be ranked number one in the WTA rankings.

But, for all the benefits there can be, there are plenty of drawbacks to serious training after pregnancy such as recovery if the pregnancy wasn’t easy, and an increased risk of certain kinds of injuries.

Bone density can be lower and ligaments and tendons are often stretched out and overly-flexible, something Onyali-Omagbemi learned the hard way towards the end of her illustrious career.

“We are talking about human performance, not a machine,” said Dr Awopetu.

“The human body does not work that way.

After childbirth, they even need a period to recuperate; they have to recover from that.

“Have you seen a woman who just had a child, either through normal delivery or caesarean section? If it is through caesarean section, it takes some time because the womb has to heal; the surgical opening has to heal before they can return to training.

“The pain of childbirth for women is an extreme pain, and not something that could enhance performance. They have to recover from that and start training gradually before they can get to their peak again; it is not something that is magical or something that happens overnight,” added Dr Awopetu.

Dr Awopetu is spot on about that: it is not something that happens overnight.

But for some reasons yet to be proven, it does happen to a certain class of remarkable women.

Goucher with her child

30

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Wawrinka backs Djokovic for Wimbledon

Keshi must depend on established players, says Adebiyi

F

A

rench Open champion Stan Wawrinka expects Novak Djokovic to bounce back from his Roland Garros heartache by successfully defending the Wimbledon title.

Wawrinka handed Djokovic one of the most painful defeats of his career earlier this month when he denied the world number one a career Grand Slam by defeating him in the final in Paris.

And, with Wimbledon getting underway later this month, Swiss star Wawrinka was asked who he would back for the All England Club title other than himself.

And the 30-year-old made it clear he would put his money on defending champion Djokovic ahead of seven-time winner Roger Federer, 2013 champion Andy Murray and two-time winner Rafael Nadal.

"Novak is No. 1. He's been playing so well and especially this year," Wawrinka said following his second round defeat against Kevin Anderson.

"I'm sure after losing the French Open final he wants more, he wants to come back and win the next big one.

"So he won last year. We all know that when he's playing his best tennis he's really good."

But Wawrinka refuses to rule out Federer and Murray.

"Even if Roger lost few matches this year, I'm sure he's going to be ready for the grass," said Wawrinka.

"Also, I think with him, with his confidence, if he can get through the first week or something, playing well, then he's going to be tough to beat.

"And Andy because he loves grass, playing at home, already won Wimbledon. He's playing really well this year."

Vincent Eboigbe former Nigeria Football Federation vice chairman, Gen. Gregory Adebiyi, has advised Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to use only established players to prosecute AFCON 2017 qualifiers.

The retired army officer who was also a one-time chairman of the technical committee of the football house argued that the business of AFCON 2017 qualifiers was too serious to be a subject of experimentation.

Since his first appointment in 2011, Keshi had shown an inclination to give home-based players a chance in the Eagles set-up and in the last AFCON 2017 qualifier against Chad, the “Big Boss’ initially invited eight home-based players albeit settling for only Gbolahan Salami in his final squad.

And the Warri Wolves striker justified his selection by scoring the first goal in the laboured two-nil win against the Chadians.

But Adebiyi is not overly impressed, insisting that Keshi must use the established players at all times.

“I believe strongly that we should use the established players to prosecute the AFCON qualifiers, this is not the time to experiment. We still recall with pain the last misadventure during the campaign for the 2015 edition. We obviously toyed with the first game

Salami

Australia coach cites tactics as reason for Falcons’ exit Emmanuel Tobi Canada

A

ustralia coach Head coach, Alen Stajcic, has blamed tactical deficiency for Nigeria’s elimination from the Women World Cup in Canada.

The Falcons drew 3-3 with Sweden and lost 2-0 and 1-0 respectively to Australia and USA to finish bottom of Group D with one points.

Stajcic who became the favourite of journalists in Winnipeg due to his technical ability and tactical knowledge,

revealed that the Falcons’ 2-0 loss to his team was their greatest undoing.

“As a coach, you have to just try and find strategies to stop the creativity of opposing players and I believe the Nigerian coach could have done better. Sincerely, I don’t have any word for the coach but I can say Nigeria have a great team,” he told Saturday Telegraph.

The 45-year old coach however predicts a bright future for the Falcons if well molded together.

“I like watching Asisat Oshoala and all the players that played at the world youth cup in 2010 and were runners up last year in Canada. I just love watching good football like Francisca Ordega, she is a good dribbler and Ngozi Okobi who is a fantastic player.

“All the same, the Nigerian team is a young team like ours but if they can improve, keep learning and working hard, we might be playing them in the 2019 World Cup final,” he enthused.

especially and paid for it.

“It is becoming something of a cliché now that there are no minnows anymore in football, but it is something that can’t be dismissed; so we must put our best foot forward at all times whether against Tanzania or Chad,” counseled Adebiyi, who was camp commandant of the Super Eagles at the1998 World in France.

Black Stallions coach tips team for AAG slot

H

ead coach of the Nigerian Rugby Team, Fabian Juries, has expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation for reappointing him to take charge of the team, while expressing the belief that the Black Stallions can book their place at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazaville.

Speaking after their a training session at the main bowl of the National Stadium in Lagos, the South African rugby legend said it was good to be back in Nigeria and that he was working with the players as they prepare for the one day tournament in Togo which also serves as the 2016 pre-Olympics qualifiers.

After taking the players through fitness routine to evaluate their level of fitness, Juries said, "Some were okay while some are still lagging behind, so we still need to work on that.”

Reacting to his return to coaching the Black Stallions, Juries said knowing some of the players has given him an insight into their mentality and that will help him in bringing out the best in the team.

The tactician hinted that some of the players in the camp might be dropped they have not performed to his expectation. He however expressed optimism that the players could still raise their game since they have a week to work together and lay claim to a national team jersey.

Enugu to Makurdi stretch poses biggest challenge – Ezeugo

E

Djokovic

x-Super Eagles midfielder, Emeka Ezeugo, who is running to mobilise support for President Muhammadu Buhari in the difficult task of leading Nigeria to greatness, said that he was currently navigating the toughest stretch of the racefrom Enugu to Makurdi .

Ezeugo who started the race in Port Harcourt has already traversed Aba, Akwa Ibom, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo,

RUNNING FOR BUHARI Umuahia, Owerri and is now on the Enugu to Makurdi end of the trip that will still see him still run to Lafia, Abuja, Minna before berthing at the final destination in Kaduna.

He said that as a result of the long distance between Enugu and Makurdi he would necessarily need more time to navigate the journey which he said nor-

mally takes as much as five hours travelling in a vehicle as against the other places he had run through which at the maximum take two hours with some even less.

And ever the football fan, Ezeugo said he would travelled to Makurdi to watch the league match between Lobi Stars and Nasarawa United before going back to where he left off to continue the running.

Ezeugo

20 JUNE 2015

www.newtelegraphonline.com

Copa America: Argentina set to crush Jamaica

Paraguay, Uruguay ready for big clash

O

ne of the last two matches to conclude the Group B round robin of the 2015 Copa America, Uruguay versus Paraguay promises an entertaining and highly defensive contest. The match will be held at the Estadio La Portada in La Serena, Chile on Saturday, June 20.

With Argentina's almost guaranteed win over Jamaica in the day's other match, this game is extremely important for both squads as the winner will have an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.

Paraguay get the upper hand if it ends in a draw by virtue of a higher points total in the overall standings.

La Albirroja will be riding on the momentum of their 2-2 comeback opening draw and a fluke 1-0 victory over Jamaica during their first two games. Jamaican goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr made a mistake by drifting too far away from their goal and heading the ball straight to an on-rushing Edgar Benítez for the lone point.

Meanwhile, La Celeste's Copa America bid is put at

C

ompleting the Group B round robin competitions of the 2015 Copa America is the game between tournament favorites Argentina and guest team Jamaica.

The match is going to be played at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar today.

Powerhouse Argentina are coming off a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over perennial rival Uruguay last Tuesday. Starting forward Sergio Agüero scored the lone goal for La Albiceleste in the 56th-minute mark of their highly defensive contest. Prior to that, Gerardo Martino's boys settled for a draw with Paraguay after leading 2-0 at halftime.

Meanwhile, Jamaica continue to struggle in this year's summer tourney as they have yet to score a goal in two matches. They dropped to consecutive 1-0 losses with Uruguay and Paraguay, and their chances against the mighty Argentinians seemed to be even slimmer.

Jamaica's last game against Paraguay is a stunner, as Winfried Schäfer's goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr virtually handed the goal to La Albirroja's Edgar Benítez with a crucial mistake of leaving his net unattended.

However, Martino is keen on reminding his team not to be relaxed and overconfident against the gritty Reggae Boyz. They still need to play their best game as the current Copa appears to be having a lot of upset wins from tournament underdogs. Argentina need to win this game to move on top of the group with seven points entering the quarterfinals.

Agüero

ment.

Copa America has turned into a focal point for tourism in Chile, with business trying to make the most of the tournament in terms of promoting their services to fans of different countries.

The Motel Fantasia offers free drinks for every goal from Messi during the Copa America, and also spe-

risk with 1-0 loss to Argentina on Tuesday. After winning their opener over Jamaica, 1-0, Óscar Tabárez's men were conquered by Sergio Agüero's lone goal of the match.

Uruguay were able to handle the pressure of the vaunted La Albiceleste offense all throughout except in the 56th minute when a fantastic buildup by the Argentinians gave Aguero a nice header that found the back of the net.

Cavani

Sevilla, Lyon battle over Milan defender S

Motel in Chile offers free drinks when Messi scores

A

31

Global Football Special

NEW TELEGRAPH

Chilean motel are running the risk of going out of business – by offering freebies every time Lionel Messi scores at the Copa America.

The motel Fantasia de La Serena, where the local community is Argentine, is giving away drinks and discounts for every goal that Messi scores for Argentina at the tourna-

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

cial offers for every Argentina win.

Motel owner, Joselyn Lizana, said: “Every Argentine fan can enjoy the benefits of their national team scoring.”

Another promotional offer, although harder to win, is the giveaway of an official Argentina shirt to one person who books in at the motel.

evilla and Olympique Lyonnais are reportedly ready to battle each other for the signature of AC Milan defender Adil Rami this summer.

The 29-year-old, whose current contract with the Rossoneri is set to expire in June 2017, is apparently looking for more space to earn extra minutes on the pitch and could be willing to make his exit from the Stadio Meazza outfit in the coming months, with the Spanish and French clubs

seen as his top two pursuers at the moment.

According to Gazzetta.it, Sevilla have only just recently joined the fight to secure the France international and may be ready to submit a bid to AC Milan for his services in the coming days in order to put themselves in pole position to sign him.

Rami, who first arrived at the Diavolo from Valencia in January 2014, managed to score one goal and provide one assist in his 21 Serie A appearances last term.

CHAN: B'Bafana not in top form yet, says Mashaba

D

espite ending their dreary run of form with Tuesday's comeback win against Angola, Shakes Mashaba feels his South Africa side still have problems to solve going into their clash with Mauritius.

Mashaba saw his side fight back from a goal down to end a six-match winless run in Cape Town - Thamsanqa Gabuza's equaliser the first South African goal in four outings.

Ayanda Patosi sealed the friendly victory as Bafana Bafana showed signs of recovery following winless campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations and the COSAFA Cup. An apparent improvement in front of goal will likely serve as the main source of optimism for South Africa fans, who will hope

to see their side take a step towards the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on Saturday.

Victory against Mauritius over two legs will see them face Swaziland or Angola for a place at the competition in Rwanda.

While Mashaba was pleased to his side get back to winning ways, the Bafana Bafana coach is not getting carried away ahead of the visit of Mauritius to the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

"Even though we scored two goals and won the game, the problem of finishing was still evident but this was a good preparation match for our upcoming game against Mauritius," Mashaba told reporters.

Icardi

R

Benitez wants Icardi in Madrid

eports from Spain say Rafa Benitez has asked specifically for Real Madrid to sign Inter striker Mauro Icardi.

AS cites claims from Sport Mediaset that the new Madrid

Coach took Icardi’s name to President Florentino Perez as his preferred option for a new striker.

Icardi was born in Argentina but raised on the Canary Islands and spent time at the Barcelona

academy before making his way in Italy.

Benitez would use Icardi as competition for Karim Benzema as it looks certain Javier Hernandez isn’t to be brought back on a full-time basis.

32

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Yaya Toure

cheats on wife with £140-per-hour escort

M

anchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has allegedly been cheating on his wife with £140-perhour hooker Sandra Ntoya, according to her claims in The Sun. The Ivory Coast international is said to have been sending a number of pleading messages to the 34-year-old before she agreed to a number

of sessions with him, though she now says she got a bit sick of it.

“He kept phoning me — around 10 times in one week — and pleaded with me not to refuse him and said he would treat me with respect,” she said.

“He was quite nervous but once he got going he was fine.

“He kept saying he wanted to change my

life for the better but I did not ask how — guys are always saying that to me.”

Sandra added that she and Toure exchanged saucy pictures over the phone, saying: “I was always having to send naughty pictures to Yaya’s phone — especially ones of my bum. But I got a bit sick of sending them to be honest.”

Ntoya

Onazi pictured at newspaper stand in Benue A fter helping Nigeria to a 2-0 win in their first 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifying game against Chad, Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, was spotted at a newspaper stand in his home state, Benue, where he is currently holidaying.

It seems the Lazio of Italy

star wants to be current with the happenings in the country as he hit a newspaper stand in the state.

The 22-year-old midfielder took to his official Instagram account to post a photo of himself buying a newspaper.

"Looking into the papers to see what is happening in town. Very lovely feeling to

Lifestyle

be treated as a regular guy," Onazi tweeted.

The midfielder also announced the kick-off of his five-aside tournament in Benue State last Thursday. "#Onazi5AsideChallenge about to kick off. We are about to unearth the next super stars in Benue State," Onazi said about the tournament.

Nobody ever wrote down a plan to be broke, fat, lazy, or stupid.

Those things are what happen when you don’t have a plan.”

- Larry Winget

Onazi (red shirt) at a news stand

Venezuelan TV presenter fulfils promise to strip if team wins

A

positive Copa America result for Venezuela apparently means attractive female news readers need to get naked.

Sports broadcasting in Venezuela seems to work somewhat differently to what happen in Britain.

In Venezuela, the newsreaders still tell the viewers about the latest results and stories from the football world. They just do it naked.

In fairness, the ladies from subscription news website Desnudando la Noticia are probably the only ones doing it in the buff. But still…

Last week, the presenters promised that they would mark any Venezuelan success at the Copa America by getting naked - all in the name of "empowering

women."

Well, Venezuela beat Colombia 1-0 in their opening game - and true to their word, the video above shows one of the ladies doing the channel's most recent report in her birthday suit.

The lady in question runs through the results of the first few Copa America matches, weirdly making no reference to the fact she is taking off every stitch of clothing.

The only nod to their previous vow of nudity comes in her sign off: "We just want to say well done to all the teams who appeared in these first games. A big kiss and a message to the national team we're with you…"

Wizkid, Lola Rae, others dazzle at Adebayor concert in Togo

T

ottenham striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, brought out the best African acts to perform at his music festival which he organised for his people in Togo.

Nigerian pop stars, Wizkid and Lola Rae, Ghanaian

comedian Funnyface and Ivoirian music star Serge Beynaud were among the stars that performed for the over 20, 000 people that attended the two-day SEA Festival Concert.

Captain of the Ghanaian Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan

who is also a musician was present at the concert which took place at the Marcelo Beach in Lome, Togo.

For Adebayor, the festival was a way of given back to his people of Togo.

"During my whole career, my goal was to give

something back to my community," Adebayor said through an Instagram post.

"From the bottom of my heart I thank every person who participated in the #SEAfestival. It turned out to be an amazing show," he Wizkid performing in Togo added.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Investigations

33

cinema may be about over now' Palpable air of insecurity and the advent of video films, satellite television and mushroom viewing houses contributed largely to the decline in cinema patronage

National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos

Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos

Ozone Cinema, Yaba-Lagos

constant television advertising campaigns is said to be matched by the sophisticated marketing and management machinery in place for the entertainment company.

A staff of the cinema, who does not want his name in print, relates to the newspaper the passion of the president of entertainment at the Silverbird group, Guy Murray-Bruce: “Mr. Murray-Bruce is a man with highly developed family values.

"He is desirous of having Nigerians savour the fresh air of the global entertainment industry. Cinema is one entertainment that pulls crowds. It is a premium medium that gives the family a high entertainment value,” he said.

However, the anonymous staff reiterated that the over $10 million cinema edifice is graded by the international cinema authority in the first category.

“The nearest thing to what we have

photo: suleiman hussein

photo: tony eguaye

here is in South Africa,” he added.

But, as he noted, the country could still accommodate more world-class cinemas in the major urban centres across the country.

A renowned security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, is of the belief that the road back to the revival of the cinema culture lies first and foremost in addressing the security question.

“If the government would address the security situation in the country, we could probably see a revival of the cinema. Stable power supply must also be put in place. Otherwise, it would be quite exorbitant running the cinemas with generators,” he said.

Veteran film-maker, Eddie Ugbomah, like Ekhomu, agrees that lack of security in the country is responsible for the ugly trend of diminishing cinema culture in the country. But, former chairman of the Association of Nige-

photo: oxygen.net.ng

rian Theatre Practitioners, Prince Jide Kosoko, disagrees. He rather blamed the collapse of the cinema on filmmakers themselves.

“We're the architects of our own misfortune,” he said. “The patronage at the theatres then was very high.

But when filmmakers started selling on videos, people resented and rather than go to the cinemas, they waited for the film to be released and bought it at a cheaper rate.”

Kosoko did not stop there but attributed the collapse of the cinema also to structural faults within the system.

“When the economy of Nigeria took a downturn, sometime during the military era, naira power fell so hard that it became increasingly difficult to get good movies,” he added.

To him, the time for cinema resuscitation may still be far. He though, reasoned that once the economy of

the nation gets on the path of recovery, patronage of the cinema would experience a change for the better.

“In the West where the cinema enjoys a higher quality of life, people frequent cinema when they feel the need to mingle. They prefer visiting cinema to watching a film even if they have access to the film on their home videos. To them, it promotes life and helps them enjoy it better,” he said.

Yet, Ugbomah feels that the time for the first generation cinemas may be about over now. “The world over, cinema business is getting to be a specialised business. You have to be aware of the choices available to your patrons and strive to provide what would be to their taste.

“The cinema is a first rate family entertainment medium. And once you are able to provide such in a serene, beautiful and secure environment, you can be sure that people will come,” he concluded.

Just like in the South, patronage is said to have rapidly declined also in the northern part of the country. “The business is no longer as lucrative as before,” was how Aza Msue, who lives in Kaduna, puts it.

According to him, Rex Cinema, located in Abubakar Gumi (central) market in Kaduna, which used to seat about 1, 000, and got rapidly filled up in its heyday, is today no more. “It has been acquired by an eatery shop,” he said.

Dwindling patronage is equally why Royal Cinema on Ogbomosho Road in Kaduna has closed shop. It is now used as a church. Msue attested to the fact that the palpable air of insecurity and the advent of video films, satellite television and mushroom viewing houses contributed largely to the decline in cinema patronage in the North as is the case across the country.

“Before, people would come with their families but now, only young persons and mostly males manage to visit the few still managing to operate as they are afraid of falling into the hands of robbers when returning home at night. Such people prefer to sit in the comfort of their homes to watch any film of their choice,” Msue said.

But, there are certain things people gain by going to the cinema instead of watching the same film at home. For them, a joy shared is joy doubled and sorrow shared is sorrow halved. This may explain the allure to cinema enthusiast.

Unfortunately, Chris Onyema, who lives at Oladoyinbo Street in Aguda-Ogba in Lagos, lamented that almost all the old cinemas in Lagos have been converted to churches and eatery houses.

TV & Radio with Angela Davies

SATURDAY, 20 JUNE 2015

34

This weekend TELEVISION

Channels

MITV

1:00 News Track 2:00 News Track 3:00 News Track 3:30 Road Map 2015 4:00 News Round 5:00 News Track 6:00 News Track 6:30 MDGs Track 7:00 Capital Market 7:30 Dateline Abuja 8:00 News Track 8:30 The Gavel 9:00 Entertainment News 9:30 Art House 10:00 News at 10 Sunday 7:00 Art House 8:00 Entertainment News 8:30 Turning Point 9:00 News Track 9:30 Metro File 10:00 News Track 10:30 Health Matters 11:00 News Track 12:00 News Track 12:15 Channels Sports Sunday 2:00 Sports Ville 2:30 Inside Out with Agatha 3:00 Rubbin’ Minds 4:00 News Track 4:30 Community Report 6:00 News Track 6:10 Seriously Speaking 7:00 News Track 7:30 Walk The Talk 8:00 Politics Today 9:00 Channels Discovery 9:30 Law Weekly 10:00 News at 10

5:30 People and Places 6:00 Tax Talk 7:00 MITV Kitchen 7:30 Awotunwo 8:00 WWTBM 9:00 News Special 9:30 Jogunomu 10:30 Atmosphere For Faith

Saturday 8:00 News Track 8:30 One Cubed Naija 9:00 Sunrise Saturday 12:00 Metro File 12:30 Health Matters

H

Talking about health

ealth Wise is a 30-minute talk-show television programme aimed at educating the public on basic health issues. Every week the host invites experts as well as celebrities with in-depth knowledge of the topic to be discussed to the studio.

In the last edition, the topics focused on were "teenage pregnancy and date rape." The first guest, Dr. Kikelomo Bright, revealed that teenage pregnancy is on the increase all over the world. She associated the causes to peer pressure, absent parenting meaning that parents could be present but at the same time absent in carrying out their duties as parents as well as substance abuse such as alcohol which could make one loose inhibitions and get into very risky sexual activities.

The second guest was the special adviser to the Lagos State government on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, who enlightened the public on date rape. Adeshina defined date rape as the act of raping a partner when on a date and forced is used during the encounter. She said a lot of times, date rape could be physical or psychological cohesion, meaning that people try to talk the person into it, intimidate or blackmail girls into sexual act that they are not willing to be a part of.

On her part, musician and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, who was also a guest

stressed that during her growing up days, there was a huge stigma attached to teenage pregnancy and girls knew that if they came home with pregnancy, they were generally hidden and life was made miserable for them. She added that one major problem then was that parents did not always talk to their children about the consequences of sex. But today, she is happy that there is a change as sexual education is being taught at an early age. She however added that teenagers should be made to understand that sex is a beautiful thing but it should be within the context of marriage and not between teenagers. She stated that teenage years are for the development of the mind and total concentration on school affair.

Speaking on date rape, gospel musician, Obiwon, said that date rape is being molested sexually and being forced to have sex against one’s will when one goes on a date with somebody. Speaking on some of the causes of date rape, he said in his time there was intense sexual pressure and sex was marketed everywhere. Adeshina added that sexuality is over-rated as there is so much sensual exposure on television, billboards, music and indecent movements that connote that you are ready for anything that comes unto you. And a lot of girls not understanding this, want to emulate a popular dance moves and in doing so, they have no idea that they are actually

Programme summary

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

Africart (TVC)

Saturday @ 5:00 pm It is a weekly arts and culture programme that basically takes a look at what is happening in the arts and culture scenes around Nigeria and indeed Africa.

Night Café (Cool FM 96.9)

Mon-Thurs @ 8:00 pm The show begins with DJ Xclusive’s mix of different genre of music to ensure listeners relax to some of the best love songs blended with talk shows concentrating on relationship.

FAB (MITV)

Saturday @ 5:00 pm It is a highlight of highly profiled red carpet events in Nigeria and Africa. The show is a mix of high fashion, celebrity interviews, exotic cuisines and lots more.

provoking ideas of thoughts in the opposite sex mind. Hence, they set themselves up being assaulted on dates. She however stated that date rape should not be blamed on appearance as everybody has the right to express themselves the way they want which also depends on background.

Actress Nse Ekpe Etim who spoke on the stigma of teenage pregnancy stated that young girls are shamed of the fact that they have given birth to babies at an age that is not right and out of wedlock as well. She also talked about Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) associated with teenage pregnancy and alienation they also face.

Director of the Office of Public Defender, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Omotola Rotimi, advised that the first place to go to after being raped or molested should be the hospital and be properly examined even though reporting the case at the police station comes to mind first. According to her, it is to preserve evidence, ensure that the evidence is not contaminated and chain of custody is also maintained as well.

During the vox pop segment, some blamed teenage pregnancy and date rape on what children watch on television and cinemas, while others blamed it on peer pressure, parents, indecent dressing, society, poverty and lack of principle.

D

aniel Akpata is frequently referred to as the blunt love doctor.

He is a broadcaster with Radio Continental. He anchored the flagship programme, The Continental Breakfast Show (CBS), and also the brain behind the programme, “Single Life” every Saturday.

He is a passionate broadcaster who started with Metro FM as a contributor in a youth magazine programme called, “It’s my life”.

He later anchored and produced the show for more than five years.

Daniel Apata

Apata

He also worked in radio stations like Lagos State Radio Service owners of Radio Lagos and Eko FM. While there, he produced and presented the popular programme “Something for singles”, a programme based on helping young and

matured singles make informed decision as regard relationships. In the programme, he was known as The Love Doctor.

Since then he’s been romancing the microphone doing what he knows how to do best and loving every moment and every time he spends on radio to put a smiles on the faces of listeners.

He is a certified relationship coach, teens and youth counsellor and motivational speaker.

Saturday 8:00 Yoruba Nollywood 10:00 Salvation ½ Hour 10:30 Sports World 11:30 Blissful Saturday 12:00 Mid-day News 1:00 My name is Earl 2:00 New Testament Voice 3:00 Train To Win 3:30 Education Zone 4:00 Little Miss Jocelyn 5:00 FAB 5:30 Arrested Development 6:10 Nollywood English 7:30 Monster Hit Banger 8:00 Sparkle 8:30 Awotunwo 9:00 Wetin Dey 9:30 World News 10:00 EL Clon 10:30 Wrestling Sunday 7:00 What The Bible Says 8:00 Peoples Palava 9:00 Ashiri Ihinrere 10:00 Woleola 10:30 EL Clone 11:20 The Storm 12:00 News 1:00 Nollywood English 3:00 Let The Nations Hear 4:00 My name is Earl 4:30 Covenant Discovery ½ hour 5:00 Movie

RADIO

Splash 105.5 FM

Saturday 7:00 Yoruba Sports 8:00 Voices 10:00 Entertainment Splash 11:30 Strictly Comedy 12:15 Yoruba News 12:30 World Sports 2:00 Saturday Afternoon Jamz 6:00 News at Six 7:20 Religious Belt 10:00 Night Shift 11:00 Dj In The Mix

Sunday 7:00 Yoruba Sports 8:00 Turn It Up 10:00 Wakati Iyin 12:00 English News 12:15 Yoruba News 1:00 Dj in the Mix 2:15 Editorial Review 3:00 Reggae Time 7:20 Religious Belt 10:00 Heart Matters

Smooth FM 98.1 Saturday 6:00 Breakfast in Bed 7:30 Venus Rising 8:30 Soul Food 9:00 Bite Size 9:30 Entertainment News 10:00 Smooth Book Review 11:00 Total Football 12:00 Metro Life 5:00 Luxury Soul 09:00 Late Night Blues

Sunday 7:00 10:00 12:00 4:00 6:00 10:00

Smooth Motivations Music Mix Sunday Brunch Music Mix Soulfully Yours Music Mix

SATURDAY

Dear Love Doctor, ‘I slept with my boyfriend’s friend'

p.37

Life Experience

'I had my ovaries removed but they grew back' p.38

L ve&Lv ng SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

35

‘He made me believe in love again' Confession In this story, a woman finds love in an unexpected place but accepts it with open arms. This love seems real, and in the face of this new reality, she has no choice but to confront her fears and overcome her doubts.

M

y name is Christiana. I’m 32 years old and reside in Lagos. My husband and I actually met in a gym. I had just completed the one year compulsory national youth service programme and started working due to my big aunt’s connections.

Before then, I had never thought of going to work-out in a gym because I thought that a gym was not meant for girls but only for boys. I felt that I had no strength to carry weight or do push up and sit up exercises.

But my aunt had complained that I was getting too fat because I now had more money to spend on food. She encouraged me to register at a gym in order to reduce weight, which I did.

It was on my first day at the gym that I spotted the sexy, muscular man whom I would later marry. I initiated it because we made lot of eye contact and smiled at each other and it was really fun.

He sent me a friend request on Facebook. And later on he called me and we talked until midnight. He was like, "oh we should do something like have a serious relationship leading to marriage" and I agreed and we began to send text messages to each other everyday and see at the gym and other places.

I would go to the gym twice or three times a week just to see Patrick. He took me out on many occasions and we even went to the movies and it was fun and the experience made me begin to believe in love.

Romantic love is the most important of all kinds of love. It is the most interesting, the one that fills us up and launches us into the heights of our art or lack thereof. Even when we think we are talking about something else, perhaps another type of love, we are still talking about romantic love.

We always seek (romantic) love.

When we enter the right age, we carry our inner mission to seek it in our classrooms, neighborhoods, offices, churches, and everywhere else. We need it.

We’re always sniffing and digging for it like dogs and rabbits because it's simply natural to do so.

However, the fact is that having the will is not enough to get love. You must be an agreeable person to get another person to love you. Love is generally a celebration of life and happiness.

I believe strongly that if you really want love in your life, you must do your part to get love. “Working for

it” is not actually the same as “doing something about it.” Some people are luckier than others. They lift a finger and love comes pouring down from the sky like heavy rain on them. Other people can grow a farm full of red roses and love wouldn't come to them.

For this reason, I am eternally grateful to God for bringing love into my life just when I needed it most. I can't count all what I did for love because I know that I did many things, including stupid things, just to get men (or a man) to love me. Every woman (and man too) does that, even though some try to deny it.

During our period of courtship, I sent my man a lot of romantic text messages. I love romantic text messages and I just can't do without them, especially when I'm in love. Here are some of the text messages I sent to Patrick my love.

"Before I met you, I didn’t know what it was like to look at someone and smile for no reason at all” "Sometimes words cannot explain the feeling, but still I can find the love in your eyes.”

“I am not the best, but I promise I will love you with all my heart.”

“My love for you is a journey, Starting at forever and ending at never.”

“If you’re mine you’re mine, I don’t like sharing.”

Love always defies our expectations in that it is never how we imagine it to be. Love at its most basic level is sexual.

There must be a semblance of physical attraction to support the love.

Sexual attraction is a stepping stone for one to reach the more advanced levels of the emotion. Therefore, I'm not ashamed that even as I loved Patrick, I felt a high level of sexual attraction towards him.

People who have always had love or are more experienced in it can handle it more gently. They’re like regular drinkers of alcohol who know which bottles to touch and not to touch. They know how many glasses before they become immobile.

But me, I was kind of crazy about my man because I hadn't really had love in my life. All I needed when I met Patrick was love and peace of mind in my life.

Patrick too was so crazy about me that he wanted to see me everyday, both on week days and on weekends.

One Friday, we had a little argument and he was like, I don't care about you anymore. Later, he changed his mind and said, "I want to see you, and I’m coming to get you."

Then on Saturday, he came to my place again and took me out for swimming. We had lots of fun and he was really close to me, and we kissed. Then he took me to his place and we made love.

After that night, I didn't know what would happen since he didn't text me the day after. We just talked for about 10 minutes that night. And I wasn’t sure if he still wanted me.

But the following day he came to my

place and apologized, claiming that his boss had given him too much stress the previous day. That was why he had not been able to come and see me.

Patrick was always honest to me right from the start of our relationship.

He proposed to me one evening while we were having sex in the shower.

After I said yes, he took me out for dinner and then we got ice cream and sat in his car talking. It was so romantic.

Before I met Patrick, a couple of men had broken my heart. Some friends had tried to make me think that all men are the same and that they are callous heartbreakers.

But after meeting Patrick, I had to confront my fears and overcome my doubts because he really seemed to love me with his body and soul. I knew that there was no way he could be faking such a feeling. I can now see that indeed, all men are not the same.

It gladdens my heart now to see that our love has grown into something that is the envy of all.

Patrick made me believe in love again and I thank God everyday for making it possible for me to meet such a nice man who respects women.

We have so much fun together and still look forward to many happy years together. We have a wonderful family of two boys and our lovely baby daughter.

True love and happiness with the one you love is really the recipe for a happy marriage.

36

Love&Living

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Love News

Love Songs

James Blunt cuts a stylish figure with wife Sofia at fashion party

H

e was back to his hilarious trolling ways on Wednesday morning with a cheeky 'announcement' about Glastonbury festival.

But the night before, James Blunt took the chance to enjoy a date night with his beautiful wife, Sofia Wellesley, as they attended the Walkabout Foundation Event on Tuesday.

Hosted by Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo at Loulou’s in London, the couple put on a stylish display for the event.

The singer looked dapper in a crisp shirt which he wore with a navy blazer and jeans.

His lovely wife looked chic in a white blouse which she teamed with grey trousers and a pale pink blazer.

She added height to her look with black heels while she highlighted her natural beauty with a fresh-faced makeup look.

The morning after the bash James couldn’t help but tease Glastonbury fans with a fake announcement on Twitter.

Following the news that The Foo Fighters have been forced to cancel their headline slot at the music festival after frontman Dave Grohl broke her leg, the

"Give You Love" Allow me to take you back to 1652, Where Romeo and Juliet had what we aspire to, Something so real something so true, not selfish in any way, Something so kind patient all the time, Promise to enjoy each day, For better for worse girl you need to know that I'm going to give you love, Till death do us part my only goal is

singer revealed some news of his own.

Taking to his social media profile, he wrote: ‘Amazed and thrilled to get the call from @GlastoFest to headline in place of @foofighters. Of course I said yes! #rockon’.

James Blunt chats about love, life and his biggest regrets Some of his 1.9 million followers fell for the prank with one user writing: ‘@JamesBlunt sorry for Foo Fighters but thrilled for you @JamesBlunt #rockon #you'rebeautiful’.

However other got the joke as one wrote: ‘@JamesBlunt that is genuinely funny- I'm a convert-a bluntvert-i now follow’.

Another joked: ‘@JamesBlunt @ GlastoFest @foofighters break a leg James... too soon?’.

Rocker Dave was injured in a horrific fall from the stage during a gig in Gothenberg, Sweden on Friday, but was hoping he would be able to perform at London's Wembley Stadium this weekend.

However, in a statement posted on the band's official website on Tuesday evening, the 46-year-old admitted he was on doctors' orders to take it easy following his operation.

[Chorus:] I'm going to give you love (love) [x8] Like Romeo and Juliet I promise to never give up, Give up on this love And I swear I wont ever strut, On you I wont be selfish, I wont be jealous, And I will never ever boast, I wont be forceful, Only Tasteful and give you what your soul needs, For better for worse girl you need to know that, I'm going to to give you love, Till death do us part my only goal is (girl)

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

[Chorus] I wont be selfish I wont be jealous [x4] And I will never ever boast

Life Experience

I

'I had my ovaries removed but they grew back'

thought that having a total hysterectomy would be the end of my life-long struggles with endometriosis and ovarian cysts. I was positive this surgery would, once and for all, close the chapter of my life that had been nothing but a pain. I was ready to turn the page and move on, y’all. I thought I had it all under control.

I was wrong. So, so wrong. The chapter may have come to an end, but lady luck had a whole damn SEQUEL in the works for me.

Hi, my name is Meg, and my ovary regenerated itself.

I was clueless about Ovarian Remnant Syndrome. I had no idea that a) it was an actual thing and b) it could cause so much pain and suffering.

And yes, you read that correctly: OVARIAN REMNANT SYNDROME. Before we get to my sideshow reproductive organs, here’s my backstory: I’ve been dealing with ovarian cysts and endometriosis since I was 16. My first cyst (note to self: Trademark that phrase for a Lifetime movie) was larger than a grapefruit. My doctor at the time assumed the worst, and I ended up being cut open from my belly button to bikini line to have the sucker removed.

The cyst was benign; it was just the beginning of a decade of pain and frustration. I needed seven more laparoscopies to remove cysts and endometriosis. I was pretty much sliced open about eight ways ‘til Sunday. I even had one more laparotomy for yet another freakishly large cyst.

When I was 21, I decided ENOUGH was ENOUGH. At this point, I’d only developed cysts on my right ovary. I decided to pull a Uncle Joey a la Full House, telling

my doc to CUT IT OUT. I had my right ovary removed; less than two weeks later, I developed a large cyst on my left ovary. I was devastated.

I tried to not let my chronic illness get to me, but every day was a struggle. I tried a parade of pills: birth control, hormones, anti-inflammatories. It seemed like nothing worked. I had all but resigned myself to a life of pain and heartache.

I’ll spare the details of the disappointment I felt in my doctors, too. I saw regular gynos and even a reproductive endocrinologist. No one had a solid answer for me. Not a single doctor could tell me why my body kept making huge cysts; equally frustrating was their general lack of compassion.

They had no answers and no hope, either--I was flat-out told (on several occasions) that I would never be able to conceive without IVF. I’m almost to the demon ovary, so bear with me...

I had another laparoscopy in 2011 (I was 26 then). My new pelvic pain specialist removed extensive endometriosis and scar tissue. He found my remaining ovary had twisted itself into a ball behind my uterus, forming a large mass of scar tissue around metal staples that a

Mi Casa

previous surgeon had left in me.

No joke: some other quack LEFT STAPLES INSIDE MY ORGANS. I should have been livid, but I was just relieved. I felt as if I finally had some answers--and hope. Sure, I still had to deal with endo, cysts, and pain, but I felt a little better knowing I had a compassionate and competent doctor on my side.

About a year later, I found out I was pregnant. I’d had a mix-up with my insurance company that resulted in my not getting my Yaz for a month, which I assumed (at the time) was NBD. After all, I’d been told I couldn’t get pregnant on my own. Wrong!

After 37 weeks of a super-scary pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and bed rest), I delivered a tiny--but healthy-baby girl.

Three months after giving birth, I was back in the OR for a hysterectomy.

I’d come close to having one many times before, but I held off in hopes of being able to have a child. I had been through two harrowing encounters with early cervical cancer, too, so once my kid was born I was ready for my lady biz to GTFO. My regular gyno performed the surgery. We left my ovary in hopes that I wouldn’t have any complications.

I should have known better.

I was back in the OR two weeks later when my remaining ovary developed a grapefruit-sized mass. Fun times, indeed. I had the ovary and mass of scar tissue removed in January 2013.

The additional surgery was a pain but I thought: surely, sweet baby Jesus, this has to be the end.

WRONG AGAIN. By mid-April I was in the hospital for severe abdominal pain. I remember having a CAT Scan, returning to my room, and having the gynecologist on call sit down on my bed to deliver the news. continued on page 38

[Chorus]

Love Poem

Karl Fuchs

Never Like This I’ve held others before, But it was never like this, Where my body inhales you And quivers with bliss, Where my senses are reeling From the strength of desire, And if I can’t have you soon, I’ll be consumed by the fire.

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

Romantic Joke

Dad's Advice

After Brian proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side. “Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did. They were huge on her and she said that she couldn’t wear them because they were too large. I said to her, 'Of course they are too big for you, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.' Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem."

Brian took his dad’s advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and gave them to Brian. “Try these on,” she said. Brian went along with it and tried them on, but they were far too small. “What’s the point of this? I can’t get into your panties,” said Brian. “Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don’t change your attitude, you never will!”

20 JUNE 2015

Relationships & Love Advice

‘I slept with my boyfriend’s friend'

Dear Love Doctor, My boyfriend’s friend took an interest in me so I made it my mission to sleep with him, but things went out of control.

I am 25 and my boyfriend of three years is 32. I love him very much and I don’t know why I risked what we have together by sleeping with his friend.

One night last year when my boyfriend traveled, his friend took me clubbing. He started chatting with me at the club and we ended up flirting. We were both a bit tipsy but we knew what we were doing.

He texted me the next morning and we met again that night. I was so excited I couldn’t keep my hands of him and we ended up having sex. This went on for about a month until I started feeling guilty.

I confessed to my boyfriend and he dumped me. His friend made up a lot of stuff about me to cover himself, and it caused a serious quarrel between me and my boyfriend. We stopped talking and all I could think of was getting my boyfriend back.

Three months ago, me and my boyfriend made up and have been very happy until last weekend when his friend saw us together again. He gave me one of his sexy looks and winked, and I knew that if I followed the sign he was giving me, I would end up having sex with him again.

Now I can’t stop thinking about my boyfriend's friend. I know he’s no good but he is irresistible as a lover. I love my boyfriend, so what’s wrong with me?

Why do I feel this way?

From Kate.

Blackberry Connection Nkechi, 29, from PH, a graduate and beautiful, wants a man of 32 to 35 years for a relationship that will lead to marriage.

He must be a Christian and working or businessman in the East. BB pin: 293AE0D5.

• Connect with Mike on WhatsApp or BlackBerry Pin: 7ab29e22 or 21978F71 for details on how to send your BlackBerry or Smartphone Connect request.

• Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 to link up and for direct hookup.

Love&Living

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Love Doctor’s Advice: It’s lust, not love that you feel for this guy. He gets his kicks out of pressing your buttons and getting a reaction. He will be a lot easier to resist if you keep in mind that it’s all about him and his ego.

He isn’t looking for anything lasting, just casual fun with you.

You put a lot of effort into winning your boyfriend back. Don’t risk it again if you really care about your relationship. You probably won’t get a third chance. But since it appears that your boyfriend’s friend gives you more sexual satisfaction than your boyfriend at the moment, try to spice up your love and sex life with your boyfriend. This would help you stay focused on him and ignore his friend. Good luck!

H♥♥K UP...find your heart’s desire Women SEEKING relationship/ marriage

MEN LOOKING FOR RELATIONSHIP/ MARRIAGE

♥ Tosin, 43, from Kwara, a Christian, works, 6ft, AA genotype, needs a man between 44-50 years for marriage. 08137398286.

♥ Sani, 49, from Bauchi, needs a responsible, working or business woman of 25-55 years from any part of Nigeria; Muslim or Christian.

08021365991.

♥ Ifeoma, 45, single mother of one, needs a God fearing, comfortable, working widower or single man between 45-57 years for immediate marriage. 08068164088, 08035209738.

♥ Cyril, 43, from Adamawa, based in Abuja, needs a responsible Christian or Muslim woman for marriage. 09026554435.

♥ Uchechi, 35, a graduate, tall, fair, from lmo, in PH, needs an evangelist or God fearing Igbo man for marriage. 08052366993. ♥ A lady, 34, single mother of two, business woman, needs a mature man of 50-55 years for marriage. 08134634943. ♥ Precious, 25, from Imo, sexy, pretty, needs a man above 30 years for intimate relationship and care. 08170325210.

♥ Emmy needs a loving person in Lagos as his online business partner. Text 0704 510 6540 or 08131161840. ♥ Uche, 32, HIV positive, from Abia, wants a very fair, pretty, slim, working girl of 18-24 years who works with any federal establishment. +234 8107968407. ♥ Kingsley, 36, businessman from Anambra, living in Edo, needs a God fearing working or business lady of 23 to 34 years for marriage.

08039318878.

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers.

A girl whose number is 09098192687, is asking

all men: "Why do some men want to marry virgins, and who will marry those girls they deflowered?" *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

37

Odd News

Horrifying rise in child human sacrifice in Uganda

'H

undreds' of Ugandan children are being sacrificed every year by witch doctors who have convinced the country's superstitious elite that mutilating them will make them even richer.

Shockingly, these 'gruesome crimes against children' are 'expected to rise' with the 2016 Ugandan elections fast approaching.

Wealthy businessmen are paying traditional healers 'thousands of pounds' to hunt down impoverished children and harvest their body parts, which they believe can cure impotence and boost their fertility, a children's charity told MailOnline.

These witch doctors sever limbs and remove their genitals after snatching them on the way home from school or as they go to fetch water for their family. Their dismembered remains are later discovered in forests and building sites.

Cruel witch doctors do not use their severed body parts to craft a magic potion, but claim to 'offer them' to the spirits who commanded them to carry out the brutal attacks.

In February, Uganda's government created a National Action Plan to stop the murders and approved a bill to regulate healers - some of whom were

practising as real doctors.

But the businessmen who pay thousands of pounds for the sick rituals are rarely prosecuted because witch doctors refuse to give up their clients.

The boys they castrate suffer the crippling after-effects of blood clots, a dangerous decrease of bone density and spinal fractures their entire lives.

Binoga warned child sacrifice will be difficult to stamp out because 'as long as people have such a belief, that practice will continue'.

But furious activists say the senseless killings will continue because they are fueled by greed, not tradition.

'It is a gruesome crime against children driven by superstition, religious beliefs, witch craft and extreme poverty,' according to the founder of the Jubilee Campaign who documented these crimes.

Danny Smith told MailOnline: 'Ugandans will tell you this is widespread - everyone knows about it - and children are being murdered under the umbrella of superstition.

'Witch doctors and traditional healers do very well because they convince them they have to go through different levels of spells and the most powerful one is the blood of a human child.'

The seven-year-old castrated by a cruel witch doctor

A

llan Ssembatya was seven-years-old when he was kidnapped and taken to a witch doctor's shrine as he made his way home from school in Mukono village - 18 miles east of Uganda's biggest city Kampala.

Two men held him down while the machete-wielding attacker made a deep cut across his neck and then across his shoulders - before slicing his head open.

After he passed out, the so-called healer crushed his testicles before cutting them off completely.

Allan was dumped in the bush where he was later discovered still unconscious, lying in a pool of his own blood.

He was rushed to hospital where doctors faced a desperate scramble to repair his broken skull.

They managed to close the wound but his injuries were

so horrific that he fell into a coma for a month and suffered a near-fatal stroke which took away the use of his left leg.

Before his attack in 2009, Allan was a normal, happy boy who enjoyed playing with his friends and loved going to school.

Now, not only does he bear the physical marks of his harrowing ordeal in a massive scar across his head, but struggles to deal with the emotional aftermath too.

Allan suffers seizures, flashbacks and cries out in his sleep from terrifying nightmares caused by the trauma he suffered.

His father was forced to abandon his hair-cutting business and took up a job doing casual building work to pay for his son's expensive hormone treatments.

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

38

Love&Living True Story

A

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

bout five years ago my husband Sean and I were struggling to pay our mortgage after he'd been forced to change jobs and I'd taken time off work to have our first child. His new position, in the finance division of a major company, paid a lot less than his last job and we were going to the wall financially. It looked as if we were going to have to go to my parents for a big loan to make sure we didn't lose our dream house and end up on the streets.

Eventually, after six months of working himself nearly to death, a much better job came up in Sean's division. The salary and bonuses he would earn from the promotion would set us up for years and not only pay for the house, but allow us a holiday and a few luxuries as well.

I can't underestimate how much we needed Sean to get that job. He was good enough and had worked hard enough, but the fact that he wasn't senior in the company might count against him.

A couple of weeks after the position was advertised and after Sean had written an excellent application that he had submitted to his boss, I found myself dragged along to a night out with the families of his co-workers.

As the boys from the office let their hair down to celebrate the end of the financial year, we girls joined in as well. I hadn't had a night out since my child was born and I guess I went a little over the top with my drinking.

As the night wore on and my husband, a little worse for wear, retreated to a couch with a few of his mates to keep on drinking, I felt a hand across my back and looked up to see the head of Sean's division standing behind me. He leant down and whispered quietly in my ear. He said, 'You're a beautiful woman'. I didn't know what to say. I didn't even know if he was serious, so I giggled a little.

He leant in again and kept whispering, "Kirsty, I know that you and Sean are having problems. I can help." I asked how and he said, "They've chosen somebody else for the new position. But I can choose whoever

'I slept with my husband’s boss to get him a promotion'

I like and I can pick him." I stayed silent waiting to see what deal he would make me. His hand became a little heavier on the small of my back and he continued, "I've been looking at you all night. I want to make love to you." I turned to tell him where to go and he interrupted me, "Don't say no yet. Just think about what this job means to Sean. One night with me and you're set. Think about it," and he walked away.

I stood for a few seconds trying to gather my thoughts and dissect what had just happened to me. Eventually I dragged Sean home, but having sobered up upon hearing Tom's proposal I had a sleepless night lying next to him wondering if long-term financial security was enough to betray my

husband for. Was it even a betrayal?

It was for him as well.

The next few days were spent discussing the state of our mortgage and how we needed him to get the job to save the house. How could I tell him that there was no way he was going to get it unless I gave myself for him? I knew there was only one thing I could do.

One day when Sean had left for work I went through his address book and found Tom's mobile phone number. I called him and said that I would give him what he wanted in exchange for Sean's promotion. He called me back a few minutes later and gave me the address of a motel where we would meet. For the next hour I let this middle aged man use my body as he liked on the promise that he would hold up his end of the bargain.

We left the motel and I sat in my car for another hour crying. Had I done the right thing? Would I be doublecrossed? A few minutes after I eventually managed to start my car and drive towards home my phone rang.

It was Sean. I couldn't bear to speak to him so I let it ring out and continued to drive. It rang again and I ignored it again. It was only the third time that it rang when I answered it. He breathlessly told me that he'd been chosen and would start his new job on Monday. We'd been saved. I cried again. They were tears of joy with a lot of bitterness and regret mixed in.

We were saved, but at what price?

Sean has since proven to be one of the best employees that the company has. He's earned bonuses that he never would have in his old role and looks set to be promoted again.

But every time he proudly talks to me about his work and how successful he is I have to look away in shame because I can never reveal the terrible secret about how he came to be there in the first place.

'I had my ovaries removed but they grew back' C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 6

“It’s nothing major,” she said, “Just an ovarian cyst.”

I assured her that was IMPOSSIBLE. She tried to argue with me, even suggesting that perhaps my ovary had been left inside of me by mistake. She finally acquiesced and said she’d return with more information. She came back an hour later with a yellow post-it note.

Three words stood out in black ink.

OVARIAN REMNANT SYNDROME I was told it’s a rare condition, that she didn’t know much about it, and that I should call my doctor.

I did, and he agreed to see me the next day. I had an ultrasound and blood work to confirm the diagnosis. I needed to see my pelvic pain specialist again; someone highly trained needed to perform the excisional surgery.

My OB-GYN, who is basically a saint and the coolest dude ever, explained what had happened: a small amount of ovarian tissue had remained inside of me after my surgeries. That tissue was able to regenerate itself and form the mass that was currently hanging out in my pelvis, causing me unbearable

pain.

After attending the University of Frantic Late-Night Google Searches, I found out that Ovarian Remnant Syndrome was, in fact, a real thing--and my chances of developing it were like one in a million. Remind me to buy a lottery ticket sometime…

There wasn’t any real info out there about ORS. I remember being psyched about finding a peerreviewed study only to be majorly bummed when I saw its author was a VETERINARIAN. I was so frustrated, but my pelvic pain specialist was there for me. It took a couple weeks, but I got in to see him again.

Before the surgery, I had to take Clomid, a fertility drug, to make the mass of ovarian tissue grow as large as possible--that would reduce the risk of any ovarian remnants remaining post-op. I had the Ovarian Remnants removed through laparoscopy. I stayed in the hospital overnight, and I was pretty bloated and sore for about a week. It didn’t take me long to be able to take care of my daughter again, and I was back at work just seven days after the procedure.

I would say the surgery was a success. I’ve had another laparos-

copy since then to remove more scar tissue and endometriosis that were causing me a lot of pain. I haven’t had any more large Ovarian Remnants develop, and that’s rad.

I am afraid that I’ll end up growing sideshow starfish ovaries again, but it’s out of my control. I just have to roll with the punches and live each day the best I can.

I have learned to live with the pain over the years. I was also diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, a debilitating bladder disease. It took some time to find the right combination of medication, and I recently had a spinal cord stimulator implanted to help me manage my pain. I am now able to keep my daily pain level down to about 4 out of 10 -- and that’s HUGE for me!

I hope that sharing my story can provide you all with some real information about Ovarian Remnant Syndrome. I wish I’d been able to find a story like this after my diagnosis. It’s scary, and it feels like something out of the Twilight Zone; however, with the right doctor and treatment plan, you’ll be able to manage ORS and its symptoms.

Love Education

What is Abortion?

A

bortion is the ending of pregnancy through the removal or forcing out from the womb of a fetus or embryo before it is able to survive on its own. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is often called a miscarriage. It can also be purposely caused in which case it is known as an induced abortion. The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy. The similar procedure after the fetus may be able to survive on its own is medically known as a "late termination of pregnancy".

An estimated 44 million abortions are performed globally each year, with slightly under half of those performed unsafely. Rates of abortions have changed little between 2003 and 2008, after having previously spent decades declining as access to education regarding family planning and birth control improved. As of 2008, 40% of the world's women had access to legal induced abortions "without restriction as to reason". There are however, limits regarding how far along in pregnancy they can be performed.

Induced abortion has a long history. They have been performed by various methods, including herbal medicines, the use of sharpened tools, physical trauma, and other traditional methods since ancient times. The laws surrounding abortion, how frequently they are performed, and their cultural and religious status vary greatly around the world. In some contexts, abortion is legal based on specific conditions, such as rape, problems with the fetus, socioeconomic factors, the risk to a mother's health or incest. In many parts of the world there is prominent public controversy over the moral, ethical, and legal issues of abortion.

Those who are against abortion generally state that an embryo or fetus is a human with the right to life and may compare abortion to murder.

Source: nhs.uk; en.m.wikipedia.org.

Wedding Traditions

Pink chalk and a Rosy Future: Vietnam

I

t is customary for the mother-in-law to bestow upon the bride pink chalk, which symbolizes a rosy future for the couple. The date and time of the ceremony is usually determined by a Buddhist monk or fortune teller.

The wedding consists of several ceremonies including asking permission to receive the bride, the procession to receive the bride, the procession to the groom’s house, the second ancestor ceremony, and the banquet party.

In the morning, the groom’s mother and a few close relatives would walk to the bride’s house with a gift of betel to ask permission to receive the bride at her house.

This ceremony was often done in the times of arranged marriages to insure that the bride had not fled from the home and that the wedding was still taking place.

Courtesy: Irish Central.

SATURDAY

Travel &Tourism SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015

Travel Personality Lilian Obinna–Igwe: Travelstart is set to take over the market p.40

Hospitality

La Campagne Boutique Homes debuts with premium facilities p.41

Destination

Five days in Africa's nether region p.42

39

CHEF'S CORNER

Barbecued chicken Get busy this weekend as you try your hands on barbecued chicken recipe from America’s celebrity chef Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa cookbook.

Ingredients: 2 chickens (2 1/2 to 3 pounds each) quartered with backs removed Barbecue Sauce Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large onion) • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves) • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 1 cup tomato paste (10 ounces) • 1 cup cider vinegar • 1 cup honey • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce • 1 cup Dijon mustard

Barbecued chicken

• 1/2 cup soy sauce • 1 cup hoisin sauce • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes Preparation: Chicken barbecue • Marinate the chickens in 2/3 of the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

• Heat the coals in a charcoal grill. Spread the bottom of the grill with a single layer

of hot coals and then add a few more coals five minutes before cooking, which will keep the fire going longer.

• Place the chicken quarters on the grill, skin side down and cook for about 45 minutes, turning once or twice to cook evenly on both sides.

Brush with the marinade as needed. The chicken quarters are done when you insert a knife between a leg and thigh and the juices run clear. Discard any unused marinade.

Preparation: Barbecue Sauce In a large saucepan on low heat, saute the onions and garlic with the vegetable oil for 10 to 15 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

TRAVEL BEATS

Starwood Hotels Nigeria celebrate Ramadan

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

As Muslim faithful celebrate the Ramadan month, Starwood hotels collection in Nigeria offers dedicated products and services in a bid to make the month a blessed and fulfilling one for the people as they embark on this holy rite.

Starwood hotels in Nigeria include Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Le Meridien and Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt, Four Points by Sheraton Lagos and Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. They are all poised to treat all their Iftar guests, families and friends to be best of the season.

According to the area general manager of Starwood Hotels, Nigeria, Mr. Barry Curran, who is also the general manager of Sheraton Lagos Hotel, all the hotels have carefully made special preparations and packages for the occasion. “Our special Ramadan venues will be available for all Iftar guests with a selection of dishes to break your fast. ‘‘Our offers include suhoor and iftar buffet favourites in the midst of live broadcast of proceedings from Mecca and the opportunity to enjoy the presence of a visiting islamic scholar daily at Sheraton Abuja Hotel," he said, noting that, ‘‘at our Four Points by Sheraton Lagos, in addition to the home made iftar cuisine offered we encourage

our guests to take advantage of our special Spa Ramadan package and get pampered. You will be amazed to know that this includes steam and sauna for 30 minutes, full body massage for 60 minutes and a choice of free express manicure or pedicure for 30 minutes or papaya facials 30 minutes.”

He promises the guests a swell moment at any of the hotels: ‘‘Our customers will enjoy great value this Ramadan season at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort - our prestigious golf resort getaway property in the heart of Akwa ibom.

The area general manager added:

“Starting from June 18 you can enjoy our special offers this season, Starwood Preferred Guests get a 20% discount at our restaurants and kids under the age of six enjoy a free meal per paying adult. Our offers come with complimentary internet and gym access so our guests are connected to what matters most to them. ‘‘Guests are guaranteed a memorable Ramadan with great offers and the right ambiance to experience warmth during this holy month as Starwood Hotels in Nigeria join the Muslim faithful to celebrate Iftar in the coming weeks.’’

Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort

Esperanza Cakes to hold training in Abuja Esperanza Cakes is schedule to hold its first ever training session in Abuja between July 15 and 19. According to the schedule of training released by the Lagos – based confectionery outfit, the first day would feature red velvet cake, banana cake and vanilla cake session; buttercream icing designs like basket, combing and star with lovely boarder designs session holds on the second day while the third day features fondant designs then advance class for teaching designer cakes would hold for the last two days of the five days training.

Registration is ongoing for the training scheduled to hold at UTC, Area 10.

Best Middle East hotels for 2015 emerge Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, a 5-star hotel based on the Arabian Gulf of Bahrain has topped the list of best Middle East hotels 2015. Others on the honours list include Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Khaimah (Best Sustainable Hotel), Manzil Downtown Dubai (Best Hotel Refurbishment), SUBA Hotel Dubai (Best Smart Hotel), One Media Hotel Dubai (Best Marketing Promotions), Gordon Ramsay at the St. Regis Doha (Best Hotel Restaurant) and Best Resort by Al Maha.

Other winners include Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (Best Lobby/Lounge and Best Community Engagement/CSR), Level 43, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road (Best Bar), Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh (Best Conference/ Banquet Facilities), Atlantis the Palm (Best Recreation Facilities), Savoy Park Hotel Apartments (Best Environmental Innovation), Ahsant Premium Hotel Suppliers (Best Hotel Partner), Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah (Best Hotel Apartment), Four Seasons Jumeriah Beach Dubai (Best New Hotel), Banyan Tree Ras al Khaimah Beach (Best Boutique Hotel), Centro Barsha Hotel Rotana (Best Budget Hotel) and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (Best Business/City Hotel).

40

Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

LILIAN OBINNA–IGWE

Travelstart is set to take over the market

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

Lilian Obinna-Igwe, heads Travelstart Nigeria, a global online booking outfit with its Nigeria office based in Lagos. She speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on her sojourn in the travel world, Travelstart Nigeria and the family.

H

The journey er sojourn started with Landover Aviation, Lagos, Nigeria. She was employed in 2000 as sales executive and she not only acquired hands-on experience but also earned herself a distinction in IATA certified examination.

These coupled with the commendation of her boss, Captain Edward Boyo, a man she speaks fondly of and describes as her mentor even as she ascribes her rise in the travel industry and success in life to his guidance and the grounding she received from Landover Aviation.

Years later she moved over to Alitalia and worked there for about four years with the sales and marketing team. Obinna-Igwe also had a stint with Arik Air as one of the pioneering staff and headed the customer service unit. But again, she moved over to BiCourtney Services, operators of the Murtala Mohammed Terminal 2, to head the aeronautics unit.

Having made her mark at Bi-Courtney, she left to head a travel agency and engage in some consultancies for some oil and gas companies and banks putting into use her proficiency in project management at different times but later she was head hunted in 2012 to head Travelstart Nigeria, which has just made its debut in the Nigerian market then.

On board travelstart Travelstart, according to her, “is an online travel agency, everything is done online. Travelstart provides a very robust booking engine that passengers can always log unto (www. travelstart.com.ng), make their bookings and use the various options of payment to pay for their tickets.

“Apart from selling tickets, we also sell hotels, car rentals, tour packages and we have tons of products that we sell, and our products are travel essentials developed to make our passengers travel more comfortable. We basically make our travel very simple reason why we offer those products.”

Some of the products outlined by her include visa denied policy; international and domestic travel insurance policy, service package, aviation accident policy, airline liquidation policy, flexi ticket, SDS lounge and cancellation and refund policy.

To entrench itself in the market, she says the fact that her company engages in a lot of online and offline marketing campaigns, including partnerships and promotions within and outside the industry’s confines.

To drive home her point, she reveals that Travelstart has the highest facebook likes in the industry in Nigeria, with almost 400, 000 hits and still counting.

Instagram and twitter platforms are also used by the firm for its marketing campaigns. “At the end of the day the whole essence is to use all channels available to us to drive traffic to our site because it is not just enough for passengers to know about Travelstart but we need you to take that action to click on our website to make that bookings.”

NeXtgen One product that Obinna-Igwe is so much excited about is the NeXtgen, which is known as B2B (Business to Business) platform, which also allows for bookings.

Launched in March this year, she says, “it is an interesting product for us.”

Before now Travelstart offers opportunity to non-IATA licensed agents,

BACKGROUND

Mrs. Lilian Obinna-Igwe is trimly built, quite affable and simple but behind that facade is a woman of substance, occupying an exalted position in a multi-national travel outfit. She is the Country manager of Travelstart Nigeria, an online travel agency, which started in 1999 in Sweden and later moved over to Cape Town, South Africa, with its tentacles spread across Kenya, Namibia, Egypt, Tanzania, Turkey, Dubai and Bahrain.

The mother of two and graduate of Biochemistry and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos, also has certification in travel by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and certified Project Management Professional and certified member of Project Management Institute in the US among others. She is all fired up when it comes to talking about travel, which is her passion and making Travelstart Nigeria the top rated online booking platform in Nigeria is her calling and devotion.

which they call affiliates to conduct business on its platform and are paid commission monthly on the business transacted. But with the introduction of NeXt, every other person who is interested in earning extra money particularly students, one-man travel agent, small and medium scale businesses, top shop owners and the arms of unemployed youths and adults can now make money on their platform using their personal computers. Also, there is a programme designed for companies who are interested in minimising their travel costs (Corporate bodies) to maximise their profits.

“The system is a very simple one as all you need to do is to log on to the NeXtgen portal (www.nextgen.travel), sign up and one of our agents is assigned to train you on the use. There is no access fee and the commission belongs to you.

You are also at liberty to add your own mark up to make more profit. Additionally, if you sell any of our products on the platform, Travelstart will share the profit with you on 50-50 basis.

“So, it is an interesting platform and since its launch in March we have had over 1, 000 sign ups and still counting.

About 50 per cent of the sign ups are very active and so, it is really a good business model for us. Interestingly too, this sales channel has increased our sales astronomically.”

Travelstart competitive edge The Travelstart boss adduces reasons why her booking platform is the best for you, some of which she outlined to include, “what you see is what you get; no hidden charges; we care because it is all about you; offering various payment options (EFT, COD, QT, POS, Cash in Office, Credit/Debit Card payments); We make travel very simple; help is always at hand; there is a local team nearby; and credibility, simplicity, experience and legacy. It’s like being your own travel agency.

“Others are overcoming travel distribution challenges; in house technology; all of these give Travelstart a competitive edge and most importantly our fares are highly discounted.

You can’t get any cheaper fares anywhere else,” she says, adding that, “we try to be innovative, technology is our topmost priority, so at the end of the day we make travel very simple.”

Obinna-Igwe

Travelstart has taken over the market Obinna-Igwe is very confident about the strides that the company has made within the three years of its existence, as she says boldly: “We have come a long way. In the last two years we have grown in leaps and bounds and I am very happy to say that we are gradually taking over the Nigerian market. I could say that our market share is increasing speedily at a very astronomic rate.

“But we are still not satisfied with where we are right now because we know we have lots and lots of enormous potential to completely take over the market.

Reason why we are doing lots of marketing campaigns, trying to be innovative in our own little way, being technologically driven, and to get the brand name up to the level of being a household name.

“Right now I am proud to say that we are the biggest online travel agency in Africa, we are one of the travel agencies to be reckoned with in Nigeria and in the next two to three years we hope to completely take over the market.”

Playing the role of a wife, mother and boss Being a successful career woman and at the same time a fulfilled wife and mother has never been an easy task for many of the womenfolk and ObinnaIgwe is not an exception to the rule. But she says the key is finding a balance between the office and home front.

“Somehow it is challenging but I have been able to strike a balance. I have children, I have two lovely children and my husband has been very supportive. No matter what you do, family is important. So in as much I am at the head of affairs at Travelstart, it doesn’t mean that I should relegate my family to the background.

“Basically it all has to do with time management. You have to be able to manage your time. I have a good nanny that takes good care of the home front and children when am at work. I am a wonderful cook and I ensure that I make it a point of duty to cook for my husband and children regardless, help the children with their homework no matter how very tired I am when I get back home and also ensure I execute my wifely duties. By doing all these everything falls into place.

“And most importantly, I ascribe the strength and wisdom to manage my home front to God, I cannot possibly do this without His grace upon my life.

All career women need to be fastidious in prayers, trust in God and ask Him to lead them aright in all matters concerning the family. A woman makes a home and must do everything to keep her home.”

Family time out “It is a standard ritual for me and as they always say, ‘all work and no play makes Lilian a dull girl.’ My husband is also very busy with his work but we all look forward to that time when we can spend time together, travel out, bond and spend quality time with the family.

“So, most importantly, every year, I try as much as possible, no matter how busy my schedule is, to take a well deserved vacation with my family. Since my job entails my travelling all the time, whenever I am at home I try to make the best use of my time by spending quality time with my husband and children most especially during the weekends.

“Every year we try to go for summer and anytime my work doesn’t allow me to go for summer we try to travel any other time that is convenient for both my husband and I.”

Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

41

HOSPITALITY

La Campagne Boutique Homes debuts with premium facilities ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA, who was at the formal opening ceremony of La Campagne Boutique Homes, writes on the luxury facilities and services on offer at the facility.

L

uxury boutique homes are not familiar in the Nigerian hospitality market except for luxury boutique hotels. However, the market has just welcomed its debutant luxury boutique homes and it has to be in the oil rich Niger Delta. Port Harcourt, the Garden City and capital of Rivers State is proudly the first city to play host to this new brand of luxury services.

It is the Bristow Estate located in Elelewo area of the city, which is now branded as La Campagne Boutique Homes under the management of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun Village (inclusive of La Campagne Club in Ikeja). It is noted as an African-themed resort and celebrated by the world for its rich blend of sophisticated facilities and a touch of African tones underlining the resort, which seats atop a sprawling natural enclave and nestled against the Atlantic Ocean.

Walking into the premises of the fourbedroom home promoted as the poster home on the night of the opening ceremony, you are totally serenaded by almost the same rich artistic and aesthetic ambience as well as the overwhelming signature aura of La Campagne.

Perhaps the only difference on this night was the fact that this was more or less a mini La Campagne uprooted from its natural enclave and planted soul and body in a somewhat plastic environment. Although you can still see a tinge of nature as represented by the well-kept garden with its beautiful outlay and trees swaying to the rhythm of nature.

Interestingly, here you would never be denied the creative and unique offerings that La Campagne locations are noted for as these luxury boutique homes would, among others, feature a rich blend of entertainment from music, dance and drama while you can also savour a rich dose of bonding exercises.

It is also ideal for corporate and honeymoon getaways, conferences, lectures, seminars and workshops as well as private weddings and unique events. But beyond that, it is a home for the family and individuals seeking a home away from home because of its homely aura.

The living room with its plush dining and snooker board

nished kitchenette with the services of a chef, butler, housekeeper, laundry and a chauffeur driven luxury car.

Common facilities Apart from the private facilities, the homes boasts a club or lounge where you can enjoy swimming, tennis, squash, archery, catapulting, cycling, cinema, African dance lesson and aerobics as well as a well fitted gymnasium. There is also a bar and sit–out area where you can relax to savour tasty wine, champagne, cocktails and beverages. Of course, there's a restaurant for African and continental dishes if you desire dining out.

Power/security The homes are powered 24/7 and have a network of round-the-clock security which include double hi-tech fencing, CCTV cameras and private security personnel complemented with external guards.

Posh and comfy bedroom

Those who loath the hotel environment will certainly feel welcome, safe and secure here given the prevailing privacy that shields guests from prying eyes.

Also included in the bargain is a private membership club while users of La Campagne Beach Tropicana Resort are welcomed to the homes while in Port Harcourt and vice versa. You couldn’t have wished for more and they all come at a premium rate, which is quite affordable given the exclusive treats.

Private facilities The four bedroom poster home has two living rooms, one downstairs and one upstairs. Both are lavishly-fitted and furnished with a rich taste of opulence.

There is an entertainment centre (music and video), a flat screen TV, snooker board, dining, and a private bar, art works ranging from paintings, sculpture and bronze lining the wall and available space and guest toilet while the bedrooms are fittingly furnished with comfy bed, flat screen TV, work desk and chair, and a cushion, among others. The master bedroom has a private balcony upstairs.

Then there is also a lush garden with canopied sit–out and a bar section while it can host private parties and outdoor games such as badminton, card games, monopoly, scramble, table tennis, ludo, ayo, dart and board games as well as cycling among others.

Also, each home enjoys a wholly fur-

A night of entertainment It was a night of entertainment for the guests at the event with a lot to eat and drink. Of course, with opportunity to watch live the finals of the UEFA Championship on the big screen. Then Atunda Entertainment signing off the glorious night with beautiful renditions from Oloomidanbata, Anu - D Lady Ekwe, known for her Afropolitan tunes and Adigun Olohuniyo.

For many, especially the foreign guests, it would be a night full of sweet memories to cherish for a long while.

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 (sms only), e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com or Chinyere Opara: 08063768131 (sms only) e-mail angela_ curtis-2@live.com

FESTAC, LAGOS

ABA LAGOS

REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

Panda Hotel Suites & Lounge

42 Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

PHOTO: GRACIAG3SI

DESTINATION

photo: nightjartravel.com

Five days in Africa's nether region

Aerial view of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Top photos: Visitors ascending the steps leading to the summit of the cliff on which the lighthouse sits

Taking time off the World Economic Forum on Africa which returned to its traditional venue in Cape Town after last year's meeting in Abuja, LAURENCE ANI visits Cape Point and recounts the exhilarating feeling that a visit to Africa's supposedly southernmost point could stir, and the disappointing realisation that the honour actually lies elsewhere.

"W

as the president at the conference?" I replied in the affirmative, glimpsing as I did a hint of disgust on the face of the cab driver whose age could be anything between 60 and 70. "He destroyed this country. So what's he gonna say anymore," he said of President Jacob Zuma, describing him in very unflattering terms.

I was silent. But this cab driver, an Afrikaan, was clearly the voluble type. "What time the conference gonna end?" I told him it was rounding off in two days. He fell silent too as he drove me to my hotel at the Cape Town waterfront from the venue of the World Economic Forum on Africa.

But the silence would soon be broken.

He moved his face close to mine - so close I could perceive cigarette, garlic and God knows what else in his breath - and said in a whisper even though it was just the two of us in the taxi: "I can take you to see the ladies. Good time, you know."

He was the third cab driver offering to show me the seedy side of Cape Town since my arrival in the coastal city. The response each time was a smile that managed to convey my disinterest without leaving the offering party chastened. "What country you come from?" I told him. "Oh, Nigeria.

That's (Sunday) Oliseh country. Great footballer. So sad your country wasn't here for the Nations Cup." I re-echoed

his sentiment, happy at least that the subject was moving off the salacious lane. Not for long. "There was this other footballer; what's his name now?"

He recalled his name after a brief moment and his face creased into a mischievous grin. "I also took him to see the ladies. He really had some good time there. Nothing to fear if you work in government; nobody talks about who they have been with. You work in a big government department?"

My reply apparently caused him some discomfit. He became momentarily pensive. I sense he was wondering whether he had revealed more than he should. "You're not gonna write about this in your paper, are you?" I gave him my assurances. That brightened him a bit as he drove into the Protea Breakwater Hotel, a huge facility which I'm told once served as a prison.

"So give me a call Laurence if you need me." I promised I would, exiting his taxi as the blustery weather slapped some icy raindrops on my face.

The next day, I didn't have to call any of my three friends who had made the bawdy offer; a taxi had just

dropped off someone and made to reverse while still peering at the lobby's entrance in anticipation. "Cape Town Convention Centre," I enquired. "That would be 50 Rand (that is roughly N1,500), sir," he replied.

Lembo kept the cabbie-passenger discussion at a formal level, only getting somewhat talkative when explaining that the Table Mountain was all hype. He had asked if I intended to visit any tourist spot and offered to drive me there. "There is nothing special about the Table Mountain, sir. It can't be compared with the Kilimanjaro but South Africans are good salesmen; they have made the Table Mountain seem like it's Africa's most outstanding," he explained, adding that a similarly ironic situation exists with regard to the Kruger National Park which he said pales in comparison to Tanzania's Serengeti wildlife park.

It's unusual to hear a black South African speak with such indifference about two of the country's most treasured tourist sites, so I asked if he's South African. "I'm a Tanzanian," Lembo said. I told him I was in Dar es

20 JUNE 2015

Salaam - the country's capital - a few years ago and had looked forward to visiting Zanzibar but could not eventually. He seemed very pleased and suggested a visit to Cape Point "rather than Table Mountain". It would cost me one thousand five hundred Rand (about one hundred and twenty Dollars). I thought it was a fair deal and promised to call him after the conference.

Barely two hours later, I was out at the Cape Town International Convention Centre's foyer, aghast at the humdrum rhetoric of the Forum's key speakers. The organisers had cleared the snack stand, perhaps sensing that some participants tended to spend more time there than in the conference rooms. There were some participants milling around and I wondered if they thought I was waiting for the meals like I suspected they were. The closing plenary was hours away, so I dialled Lembo's number to see if I could use the intervening period of my enforced break to do some shopping. It was hard luck for the Tanzanian; not so for the South African whose line I got on a first dial.

"You don't know how I appreciate this, Laurence. Forty-eight years I've been riding a cab and it's never been this rough," he said, the lines in his face giving hint of a rough early years.

Attempts to cheer him up only proved to be an incentive for him to dwell on his other favourite pastime - declaiming Zuma. He would later pick me up from the agreed spot at the Century Mall, a huge facility that teemed with shoppers on every square metre.

Taking place a few months after xenophobic attacks which began in Durban once more pushed South Africa into an unenviable spotlight, it was curious the issue only got peripheral mention at the Forum. As we drove past a long stretch of shacks - parts of which were getting some impressive makeover - I thought about some Nigerians I had met in 2008 after similar attacks that year. The sentiment, among those affected by the locals' extremism at the time, was that they wouldn't be in a foreign land if their home government showed as much care towards the welfare of the poor as did the South African government.

Later that night, I dialled the mobile phone of Sam, a young man who had spoken on the group's behalf then. He seemed quite glad to hear from me and offered to come over to my hotel the next day so I "could eat some Nigerian food" at his home. He had put the ugly incident behind him and had managed to recoup his losses, he said. I thanked him for the kind gesture but explained that I couldn't keep the appointment given my resolve to visit Cape Point.

"Bros, you can't say no to this: I'll come and drive you to Cape Point tomorrow," Sam said with a tone of finality.

We made the roughly 69-kilometre journey to Cape Point from my Cape Town waterfront hotel in a little over two hours. The time could have been much shorter barring stops along the way and the fact that Sam had in his enthusiasm made a wrong turn. We stopped at Fish Hoek, a coastal suburb with a number of summer lodgings and a fish market. After a meal of fish and chips, we drove on towards Simon's Town, another small suburban community with mostly elderly white South African residents. Despite its countryside feel, the buildings here are nonetheless remarkable and offer a picturesque view, with many literally built on rocky ledges on the side of the hills. We parked on the side of the road to take in those splendid sights.

Sam's error took us off the Cape Point road to that leading to the Cape of Good Hope, the peninsula on the Atlantic coast reputedly first sighted in August 1486 by the Portuguese naviga-

Travel & Tourism 43

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

PHOTO: CAPEPOINT.CO.ZA

Clockwise from top: The Cape Point Funicular or Flying Dutchman; the writer; and a common sight at the entire Cape region – baboon PHOTO: CAPETOWN.TRAVEL

It wasn't long before we spotted a lone zebra grazing some twenty metres away - a perfect distance for a photo-op. It wasn't an opportunity to be missed. tor, Bartholomeu Dias. But it was, afterall, a welcome error because the area is home to a protected nature reserve.

And it wasn't long before we spotted a lone zebra grazing some twenty metres away - a perfect distance for a photo-op.

It wasn't an opportunity to be missed.

Realizing our error, we made a uturn and headed south. Few minutes later, the imposing Cape Point lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs came into view. It was a challenge finding an empty spot at the car park because the entire area swarmed with tourists.

Equally challenging was ascending the numerous winding steps that take one to the summit of the hill where the lighthouse stands. We didn't have to endure such physical strain, though; there is an electrically powered train known as the Flying Dutchman Funicular that runs on single track with a passing loop which visitors could

board to access the summit for a fee.

But Sam dissuaded me. "This is the real fun, man," he said in his characteristic ebullience. The cliff on which the lighthouse is situated towers more than 200 metres above the sea. The surreal view up there however made the gruelling trek and the accompanying pain worthwhile.

Built in the late 1850s, this lighthouse had to be decommissioned after a Portuguese ocean liner sank after running into some rocks because the lighthouse's beam was rather high and often obscured by mist during poor weather. A new one was built many metres lower than the former which meant it was closer to the sea and more visible to ships. Although a new lighthouse exists, the old one still appears to be the star attraction. It was no surprise given the scenic view that tourists enjoy at its base.

Watching the azure waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans lap against the jagged cape said to be Africa's southern tip was a moment etched in gold. It was at once a first-hand experience of history and old-time geography. "That is the Atlantic Ocean and that is the Indian Ocean," a tour guide explained to an excited family apparently too busy with photographs to grasp what he was saying. Seeing they were not paying him the sort of attention he craved, he added, this time turning his gaze in my direction: "And that is where the oceans meet. You can see the colour of the waters at that point is indigo." I nodded like a pupil who had just solved a difficult algebraic puzzle despite not

actually glimpsing any colour difference. According to a trivia published

by South African Tourism, "the oceans actually merge all along the southern Cape coastline, not a particular spot such as Cape Point".

My phone rang. It was from the cab driver offering to "take me to the ladies". I announced happily that I was having the time of my life at the Cape Point. His reply was a remark typically laced with obscenities. Watching the ocean was not his idea of a good time, he sneered. "It's fun for pensioners with no more fire in their bones," he said, urging me to call him later in the night "for the real thing". Sam asked why I was laughing. I told him and he was soon laughing so hard as we began our descent.

POSTSCRIPT

Back in my hotel room, I googled Cape Point to learn more about our destination. The revelation from Wikipedia was anti-climactic: "Cape Point is located at 34*21'26"S 18*29'51E, about 2.3 kilometres east and a little north of the Cape of Good Hope on the southwest corner. Although these two rocky and beautiful capes are very well known, neither cape is actually the southernmost point in Africa; that is Cape Agulhas, approximately 150 kilometres to the east-southeast.

"Unlike its better-known relative, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Agulhas is relatively unspectacular, consisting of a gradually curving coastline with a rocky beach. A survey marker indicates the location of the cape, which would otherwise be difficult to identify.

"Cape Agulhas is the geographic southern tip of the African continent and the beginning of the dividing line between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans according to the International Hydrographic Organisation."

I sat on the bed thinking of Lembo's words about South Africans being adept at selling otherwise insignificant locations as the ultimate tourist site and wondering if my journey to Cape Point was worth it afterall. There and then, I resolved to make a return visit to Africa's true southern tip.

44

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Davido, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, others make MAMA 2015 nomination list

I

t’s exciting to see the rivalry between Nigeria’s pop duo, Wizkid and Davido lengthen albeit on a healthy note every year. They have both made the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) nomination in the same category again just as they did last year. Industry pals and leading rap acts, Olamide and Phyno are also locking horns in the same category; we can only hope that the victor would be generous enough to share a sincere hug with the vanquished whatever happens. VIMN Africa and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) on June 11 revealed the nominations for the MAMA KwaZulu-Natal 2015 at a star-studded reception at Harem, Johannesburg, South Africa and it was graced by MAMA 2015 nominees Seyi Shay, Black Motion, Bucie, Cassper Nyovest and Diamond Platnumz, amongst a host of others amid pomp.

Brought to TV audience across Africa by KwaZulu-Natal Province in association with Absolut and in partnership with The City of Durban, the show is billed to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Saturday July 18. Here’s the list of artists MAMA considers the best among the rest this year. L-R: Wizkid, Davido and Yemi Alade

E-BRIEFS

MAMA 2015 NOMINEES Best Male zz AKA (South Africa) zz Davido (Nigeria) zz Diamond (Tanzania) zz Sarkodie (Ghana) zz Wizkid (Nigeria) Best Female zz Bucie (South Africa) zz Busiswa (South Africa) zz Seyi Shay (Nigeria) zz Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania) zz Yemi Alade (Nigeria) Best Group zz B4 (Angola) zz Beatenberg (South Africa) zz Black Motion (South Africa) zz P-Square (Nigeria) zz Sauti Sol (Kenya) Best New Act zz Transformed by Absolut zz Anna Joyce (Angola) zz Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) zz Duncan (South Africa) zz Patoranking (Nigeria) zz Stonebwoy (Ghana) Best Hip Hop zz Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) zz K.O. (South Africa) zz Phyno (Nigeria) zz Olamide (Nigeria) zz Youssoupha (DRC) Best Collaboration zz AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria) zz Davido featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz: “The Sound”

Toke Makinwa’s vlog series survives the tempest

T

Makinwa

alkshow host and V-logger, Toke Makinwa’s marital squabble with her husband, Maje Ayida, a fitness expert who allegedly impregnated his ex-girlfriend, Anita Solomon, was the biggest gossip on the social media this past week. And for days, despite huge pressure on her to react, the lady kept mum on her barely 18-month marriage. Well, for everyone thinking Toke will rest her V-log series where she advises women on how to deal with relationship issues, she had just confirmed that she won’t quit the programme. Even if the counsels she reels out didn’t work the magic in her marriage, she’s certain they’d help a lady tolerating matrimonial mess. After she’d come to terms with what befell her, she left these remarks on Instagram: “The amount of emails I have received from women across the world going thru difficult situations is heartbreaking. (Thank you all for sharing). In a world where the popular belief out there is that women hate each other, women can’t stand each other….

I have gotten emails/calls from women sharing their own personal pain and that is courageous.” She concluded by saying, “And Yes, to all the people asking, there is a V-log this week.”

elecommunications firm, Airtel Nigeria, has named its brand ambassadors. Those who made the list are TuFace Idibia, rap artiste Phyno, reggae dancehall singer, Patoranking, one of Nigeria’s fastest rising comedian, Akpororo and wave-making on-air-personality, IK Osakioduwa.

The brand ambassadors were unveiled to the public at a star-studded event dubbed, ‘The Icon’ held on June 11 at MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. Speaking at the occasion, managing director and chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, stated that the new Airtel brand ambassadors who are tagged ‘Smart Icons’ are respected members of the society who have

distinguished themselves in their respective aspects of showbiz.

“We have carefully selected ambassadors who embody the values, character and overall image inherent to the Airtel brand, therefore making them a perfect fit for further endearing Airtel to millions of Nigerians whilst strengthening the relationship we have with our customers.”

IK Osakioduwa is a six-time host of the celebrated reality TV show, Big Brother Africa and has been rated among the top three most influential young people in Nigeria. He was also recognized by the Future Awards as the ‘Best On-Air Personality.’

Patoranking, the reggae dancehall singer won the coveted Next

Rated Award at the 2014 Headies Awards while just recently, he was named the Best African Act at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards.

Fast rising comedian, Akpororo, is regarded as someone with a very strong work ethic and his passion for comedy has endeared him to a large number of fans. He also sponsors a football competition as a way of supporting talented youths in his community.

The fifth ambassador, Phyno, described as "a dyed-in-the-wool kind of rapper" from Enugu is famous for his songs and has also won several awards including the Headies Award for Best Collaboration in 2013 and Best Rap Single in 2014.

Song of the Year zz Cassper Nyovest: “Doc Shebeleza” (South Africa) zz Euphonik featuring Mpumi: “Busa” (South Africa) zz DJ Fisherman & NaakMusiQ featuring DJ Tira, Danger & Dream Team: “Call Out” (South Africa) zz K.O featuring Kid X: “Caracara” (South Africa) zz Lil Kesh Featuring Olamide & Davido: “Shoki Remix” (Nigeria) zz Mavins: “Dorobucci” (Nigeria) zz Sauti Sol: “Sura Yako” (Kenya) zz Toofan: “Gweta” (Togo) zz Wizkid: “Show You The Money” (Nigeria) zz Yemi Alade: “Johnny” (Nigeria) Best Live zz Big Nuz (South Africa) zz Diamond (Tanzania) zz Flavour (Nigeria) zz Mi Casa (South Africa) zz Toofan (Togo) Video of the Year zz “Crazy” - Seyi Shay Featuring Wizkid; Director: Meji Alabi

zz “Doors” - Prime Circle; Director: Ryan Kruger zz “Love You Everyday” - Bebe Cool; Director: Clarence Peters zz “Nafukwa” - Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw zz “The Sound” - Davido Featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz; Director: Sesan Best Pop & Alternative zz Fuse ODG (Ghana) zz Jeremy Loops (South Africa) zz Jimmy Nevis (South Africa) zz Nneka (Nigeria) zz Prime Circle (South Africa) zz Best Francophone zz DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) zz Jovi (Cameroon) zz Laurette Le Pearle (DRC) zz Tour 2 Garde (Ivory Coast) zz Toofan (Togo) Best Lusophone zz Ary (Angola) zz B4 (Angola) zz Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde) zz NGA (Angola) zz Yuri Da Cunha (Angola) Personality of the Year zz Basketmouth (Nigeria) zz Bonang Matheba (South Africa) zz OC Ukeje (Nigeria) zz Trevor Noah (South Africa) zz Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) DStv, Gagasi FM and YFM are the official media partners of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 KwaZulu-Natal.

Yvonne Nelson: Don’t ever date a male celebrity

O

nce beaten twice shy. Sultry Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, recently revealed that dating a male celebrity is very risky and deadly. Yvonne who said this in an interview with Ghana’s Joy FM gave an illuminating insight into dating male celebrities and urged fans to stay away from dating them.

Though the actress never dropped any name neither did she connect the counsel to her past experiences, she stated that it is better for men to date female celebrities because they (women) are trustworthy.

Yvonne had dated a couple of guys in showbiz, the last and most reported was Nigerian singer, Iyanya.

In her own words, “It is deadly out there and would be the biggest mistake to date male celebrities.”

Tuface, Phyno, Akpororo others become Airtel ambassadors T

(Nigeria/SA) zz Diamond & Iyanya: “Bum Bum” (Kenya/Nigeria) zz Toofan & DJ Arafat: “Apero Remix” (Togo/Ivory Coast) zz Stanley Enow & Sarkodie: “Njama Njama Cow Remix” (Cameroon/Ghana)

Nelson

SATURDAY, 20 JUNE, 2015

SATURDAY

Politics COVER 45

Politics

How Gov Oshiomhole reversed a tradition p.47

FaceOff

Row over salary arrears in Benue p.48

Politics

President Buhari should mind those around him, says Pastor Innocent p.49

Saraki

Dogara

The N9bn wardrobe allowance question As the management of the National Assembly finalises plans to allocate offices to the 469 federal lawmakers ahead of their resumption next week, Ndubuisi Ugah reports that the N9 billion set aside as wardrobe allowance may have set the stage for yet another leadership overview of the current parliament

P

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

alpable anxiety heightened during the week when it was reported that the sum of N9 billion had been set aside for the payment of wardrobe allowance to both members of the Senate and those in the House of Representatives. The allowance excluded other emoluments like furniture, housing and vehicle grants.

The report, which elicited public outcry, once again brought to the fore, the need for the management of the National Assembly to clarify the huge budgetary allocation for the lawmakers. There are speculations already that Nigeria’s legislators are among the highest paid in the world. The annual salaries of a member of the parliament is said to be hovering between $150,000 and $190,000 depending on exchange rates.

Before now, Nigerian lawmakers were believed to be the second highest paid in the world. That was before the oil prices plummeted. This to many, is ridiculous, considering that the country’s monthly minimum earnings is about $90 a month.

However, a breakdown of the wardrobe allowance shows that each senator is entitled to N21.5 million, while Representatives receives N17.5 million each. It was also gathered that the wardrobe allowance, like furniture and vehicle allowances, was meant for the entire four-year tenure of the lawmakers as against housing allowance that was given on yearly basis.

Information in the public domain also indicated that housing allowances for political office

holders would be 200 per cent of their annual salaries, furniture allowance, 300 per cent, and motor vehicle loan 400 per cent.

This meant that 107 senators would be paid a total of N433, 649,600 as housing allowance annually. The Senate President and his Deputy are excluded because they would be provided accommodation by the Federal Government.

Similarly, each member of the House of Representatives will be paid N3, 970,425 as housing allowance on assumption of office. This translates to N1, 421,412,150 for the lower chamber legislature. Like in the senate, the Speaker and his Deputy are not included for the reason that the Federal Government would provide their own accommodation.

It would be recalled that following the monetisation of entitlements of public officials, the lawmakers lost the right to occupy houses built and maintained by the government. Consequently, the Federal Government sold the houses previously occupied by the lawmakers to them.

The principal officers of the National Assembly also benefited from the sale of the houses. As a result, the Federal Capital Territory Administration is at present building new houses for occupiers of the four principal offices at both chambers.

For furniture, each of the senators is to get N6, 079,200. The furniture for both the Senate President and his deputy are to be fully provided by the government. This meant that 107 senators would get a total of N650, 474,400 as

furniture allowance.

Interestingly, the furniture allowance is paid once in four years with each member of the House of Representatives been paid N5, 955,637.50 as furniture allowance. From all accounts, it then suggests that 358 House member (excluding the speaker and his deputy) would collect a total of N2, 132,118,225 for furniture.

For vehicle, each of the senators is entitled to N8, 105,600, while each House member is entitled to N7, 940,850.50. This means that 107 senators will collect N867, 299,200 for vehicles, while 358 House members will collect N2, 842,824,479 for the same purpose.

While the public outcry lasted, the Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Elias Mbam, debunked the reports that the federal lawmakers would be collectively paid almost N9 billion as wardrobe allowance. He, instead stated that the wardrobe allowance for each of the elected 469 members of the National Assembly was N506,600 annually.

Mbam, who made the clarification while on a visit to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the amount represented 25 per cent of the lawmakers’ basic annual salary. Saraki confirmed this assertion when he said: “I have just been informed that RMAFC will be publishing details of allowance on their website. With the current challenge, we are facing as a nation; RMAFC will be reviewing allowance to reflect the curCONTINUED ON PAGE 47

46 Cover

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Nigeria: Most expensive democracy

S

Dominik Umosen ince the issue of legislative allowance came to limelight, many have compared it with the recent bizarre happenings in America. For commentators without the requisite critical bent, it will be inconsequential to link what is happening in Nigeria’s hallowed chambers to the shooting of some innocent worshippers in a church in South Carolina in the United States of America.

But, the public resentment of the planned payment of what many has described as insensitive pay package to legislators in the largest black democracy, indeed, calls for comparison. Even if for no other reason, it is critical because the resentment refocuses attention on a key area through which disaffection could be engineered against the government. And any person remotely familiar with governance will understand that disaffection is one of the easiest means through which a government could be brought to its knees.

Before the trial of the 21-year-old South Carolina shooter, the Police had labelled the tragedy hate crime. What that suggests is that the shooting is a throw-back to the era of slavery and black persecution, especially in the southern parts of America.

It also translates to the fact that old habits die hard- that is, if they really do.

In like manner, it appears to be difficult for Nigeria’s legislators to accept the transmission of society from the era of primitive prejudice to enlightened or civilised racial integration. This is because the country’s legislators, even in this touted era of change, are finding it hard to accept change. Their traditional tendency to blackmail the rest of society with indecent demands comes fraught with the danger of engineering disaffection for the government.

It looks like an old habit that is proving quite challenging to handle. According to the former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, members of the National Assembly, who have earmarked over N9 billion for their pay, are speeding down a well-beaten path. “It was public disaffection with similarly obscene allowances for legislators, among other factors, that facilitated the collapse of the Second Republic under the leadership of President Shehu Shagari,” he said.

The 109 Senators and 360 Representatives are poised to receive about N9 billion as wardrobe allowances. In this arrangement, each member of the House of Representatives will receive N17.5 million, while Senators will get N21.5 million for the same purpose.

The sum does not include allowances for furniture, housing and official vehicle.

According to reports, each of the Senators will be paid N4, 052,800 million as housing allowance yearly. That way, the 109 member of the upper legislature will receive N433, 649,600 million as housing allowance yearly.

However, the Senate President and his Deputy are said to be excluded because their accommodation is provided by the Federal Government. Similarly, each member of the House of Representatives are expected to be paid N3, 970,425 million as housing allowance. This translates to N1, 421,412,150 per annum for all the members.

Again, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are not included from this allowance as the Federal Government provides their accommodation like the two most senior ranking officers in the senate.

Describing the figure as obscene, Musa recalled that similar provisions laid the foundation for the failure of the Second Republic. He dubbed the planned pay political corruption, which, according to

Falae

Musa

Sagay

Ozekhome

The allowance does not reflect the harsh economic reality in the country

RMAFC Chairman, Elias Mbam

him, should be checked before legislators undermine the credibility and relevance of President Buhari.

The former governor said the legislators should not be allowed to get away with the planned hefty pay. He recalled how Shagari was helpless then; hence he could not stop the National Assembly from fixing the high remuneration even when the economy was poor. Musa urged Buhari to resist what he described as high-level stealing and criminality, which could have adverse effect on the stability of the nation.

Incidentally, the elder statesman is not alone in his resentment. Like Musa, the factional president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, believes that the allowances are not healthy. He is of the opinion that such do not reflect the harsh economic reality in the country, especially now that workers in many states are being owed salaries for months.

“We are definitely going to protest it. Many Nigerians cannot get three

square meals a day. So, we won’t allow it to be implemented,” Wabba promised, adding, “we should be reasonable in our actions. The decision of the law makers in this regard is not patriotic and we will surely protest it. We are happy that the President has promised to reduce wastages in the economy by slashing the pay of political office holders and trimming down their numbers.

Why should legislators not follow in his good steps?” he asked.

Also, a ranking royalty in Lagos State, High Chief Muritala Elegushi, believes the said allowances cannot be true. “If it is, then it's quite unfortunate. In a country where some states are owing civil servants months of salaries, our National Assembly are being paid billions as wardrobe allowance?

This is nothing but sheer greed and President Buhari must not allow this or else, the whole essence of change will be defeated,” he noted.

Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was also no-less scathing in his criticism. Ac-

cording to him, “I've said it before that I don't see any change, at all from this government. I don't see any change because things are even getting worse. The light situation is worse, Boko Haram is becoming more daring, corruption is getting to an unprecedented level and here we are talking about jumbo pay; just for wardrobe. Nigeria is actually under a siege, which is Armageddon.”

If the situation reminds Ozekhome of Armageddon in the making, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, is wont to describe the development as suggestive of a farce, featuring over-pampered children bristling in anticipation of prized toys for a festive season.

“That sounds like a fantasy. Can it possibly be true? Are we in fairyland?

Even the richest country of millionaires cannot do that. Are you suggesting that the National Assembly members were naked before they were elected? Were they not wearing clothes and if they were wearing clothes, why do they need this wardrobe allowance? Are they actors and actresses who require costumes?”

Re-affirming his disgust, Sagay said: “The whole idea is mad. That's all I can say. It's absolutely mad. That amount is brazen robbery and anybody taking it should be shamed in the public square.

If Buhari allows that to happen then, for me, the whole idea of change is defeated.”

However, there are those who tend to disagree with this position. For instance, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Falae, sees nothing wrong with the allowance of the National Assembly.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, there is nothing jumbo about the money being budgeted for the National Assembly. That is what it has come to. If you told me that their salaries were increased from what it was in the past, then we can begin to talk about it and raise eyebrows but that has not happened. What people should appreciate is the enormity of work being done by these people and the places these monies are channeled to.

“That the states are owing salaries has nothing to do with the allowances the National Assembly members are being paid,” Falae emphasised.

The controversy surrounding the allowances of legislators has, invariably, justified the report by The Economist of London. The magazine had revealed before the present brouhaha that federal legislators in Nigeria, with a basic salary of $189,500 per annum (N30.6m), were the highest paid law-makers in the world.

Quoting from the International Monetary Fund and independentlygenerated data, the study compared the lawmakers’ basic salary to a ratio of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person across countries of the world.

According to the report, the basic salary (which excludes allowances) of a Nigerian lawmaker, is 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600. The $189,500 earned annually by each Nigerian legislator, IMF said, is estimated to be 52 per cent higher than what Kenya legislators, who are the second highest paid lawmakers, earned.

An associate professor of Economics at the Ekiti State University, Dr Abel Awe, described the jumbo remuneration as indicative of the huge disconnect between the poor and the rich as well as between the ruler and the ruled. He said it was regrettable that the country was running the costliest democracy in the world. In concrete terms, this translates to resentment, which invariably breeds disaffection that conscious political leaders should dread for the bad news that is.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

How Gov Oshiomhole reversed a tradition

O

n May 15, this year, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State made history: He not only brought heavy weights from across the political spectrum to attend his marriage to a former Cape Verdean model, air hostess and lawyer, Miss Lara Fortes. He did what other people have not been able to do by getting his children to personally endorse his union to their new mother.

The heavyweights assembled included President Muhammadu Buhari( then president-elect), and his wife Aisha; former head-of-state, Gen Yakubu Gowon and the former governor of Cross River State, Mr Liyel Imoke.

Others included Senator Bukola Saraki; former Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Gov Abdul Aziz Yari of Zamfara; Gov Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, then Speaker of the House of Representatatives; the All Progressives Party, APC, National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Femi Otedola, among others. They all retired from the wedding reception at Oshiomhole’s village marriage registry at Iyamho to his private residence in Etsako West Local Government home.

In deed, bringing a delectable former beauty queen, who is also a lawyer, to Government House was not the only piece of history the former president of the Nigerian Labour Congress made that fateful day. The other aspect of history he made, by doing these, was effectively deconstructing the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), which is a universally-accepted theory in clinical phsychology.

According to the PAS, which is a controversial diagnosis Oshiomhole that is often appli-

By getting his children to attend his re-marriage, DOMINIK UMOSEN writes that Gov Adams Oshiomhole successfully smashed the Parental Alienation Syndrome. cable in custody litigation, children often resist the idea of either parent re-marrying for a host of reasons, including persisting hurt from the loss of either parent, either through death or divorce. But in Oshiomhole’s case, however, re-marriage was not imposed by divorce but by death of his first wife, Clara, in September, 2010, no thanks to cancer.

On hand to re-inforce the deconstruction of this popular theory were some of the populist governor’s older children (Steve, Jane and Adams as well as two grand-childfren). They not only attended the wedding of their father and grand-father, but also endorsed his choice of someone not too far outside their generation as their new mother; someone whom the affable governor described as ‘mother of the house’.

A legion of reasons exist why children either resist or may be antagonistic to the idea of either a new

step-father or mother, according to Dr, Richard Adebayo, the Consultant Psychiatrist and clinical psychologist with the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. According to him, while resentment of the idea might be general to most off-springs, a majority might anchor their resentment on the fact that the woman their father, for instance, wants to marry falls within their age-bracket.

Those within this category, he said, might anchor their resentment on the fact that because the new woman is within their age bracket, she might eventually become pre-occupied with bearing children of her own, thus subordinating the primary responsibility of attending to the father’s needs which was the rationale for her coming into the family in the first instance.

Providing a theoretical framework for why different women

Politics

47

contract marriage with men across different age spectrums, he said that while some might prefer older men based on the preconception that because they are older and must necessarily be more experience and caring, others might do so out of desperation because they might have gone past the age that society demands that any self-respecting woman ought to have been married.

‘There are women who believe that an older man is more matured, hence more caring and reliable and if this type of woman has gone past the age that she feels that society might have set for her to do so, she is more likely to settle for an older man, even if the possibility of such an older man abusing her eventually has not been discountenanced’, he said.

Dangling an even greater incentive for a younger woman to marry an older man, Dr Adeboye said that such a scenario was even stronger in a depressed economy like ours where older and better-established men are considered better investments. He emphasized that although the economic factor in marriage can not be discountenanced, especially in a depressed economy like ours, ‘the reasons why different women go into marriage vary from one woman to another’.

For Gov Oshiomhole who is in his 60s and his new wife about 35 years old, the allure, certainly, must have transcended economic reasons because, as a lawyer and former beauty queen, she had everything going for her to eliminate desperation as the primary motive. Fofr one thing, the populist governor himself alluded to this when he described her as the ‘mother of the house, very humble and understands my weaknesses’.

If indeed, the smashing former beauty queen ‘has accepted to be the mother of my children and they are at home with her’, even to the extent of being physically present at the re-marriage of their father, five years after their mother, Clara, died of cancer, then indeed Gov Oshiomhole may have, conclusively, smashed the parental alienation syndrome.

COVER

The wardrobe allowance controversy C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 5

rent economic trend.”

The Senate President, while commenting on the issue in his twitter handle, denied the insinuation that the Senators’ wardrobe allowance was N21.5 million, insisting that the annual wardrobe allowance for each senator was only N506, 600 per annual.

He explained that fixing the allowances of the lawmakers was the sole responsibility of RMFAC, while stressing that the commission would soon publish details of lawmakers allowances on their website.

Saraki emphasised: “RMAFC was in my office to clarify that wardrobe allowance is N506, 600 per senator. I have just been informed that it will be publishing details of allowance on their website. With the current challenge we are facing as a nation, RMFAC will be reviewing allowance to reflect the current economic trend. Fixing remuneration is sole responsibility of RMFAC.” In like manner, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said the salary and allowances of members of the lower chamber may soon be made public.

He said this while addressing a delegation of civil society groups under the auspices of “Civil Society Situation Room,” in Abuja. The speaker, however, pledged to make the salaries and allowances of lawmakers open for public debate.

“The issue of transparency in the finances of the National Assembly has been a subject of bitter exchange between the National Assembly and CSOs. This time around, we will put it on the front burner regarding the issue of wages, salaries, allowances and the working of the parliament. It is an issue that has generated a lot of heat and we must open it up and engage CSOs. For instance, we are going to engage you on ideas about how much should a public hearing require to be aired live,” Dogara said.

Dogara further asked: “If we are unable to open up the process of lawmaking, can it be truly called an effective parliament?

You provide serious vigilance against tyranny and brazen impunity whether from the political class or from public and private individuals. Some think of you as meddlesome interlopers and I don’t think

so. And I must say that you have done very well. In some cases, your participation has been termed as a noisy one, but the conflict of ideas and exchange must be seen to be noisy if valid argument must be made.

“Given your roles as watchdogs, we had a peaceful and credible election, which was highly acclaimed by all stakeholders. We owe you a debt of gratitude,” adding, “we have lots of overheads with agencies under the National Assembly which draw funding from our purse. It was N150 billion and now N120 billion.

But even at that, we will open it up.”

Irked by the huge amount budgeted for the federal lawmakers, the National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, said it’s only in a prodigal nation like Nigeria that a certain political class would be so much pampered and spoilt with official pecks and the other paraphernalia that bleeds the commonwealth of all Nigerians to a near death.

According to him, why our hard

earned federally-generated financial resources should be blown away in the winds of frivolity to purchase articles of clothing for this extremely privileged class. He said: “Only in a banana republic like Nigeria where survival is for and by the brutes that such official perfidy is tolerated by the rest of the starving millions of citizens.”

Another Civil Society group, under the aegis of Voice of the Voiceless-Home Best, stormed the Assembly Complex, Abuja to register their displeasure against the N9 billion wardrobe allowances. It urged President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the issue in the interest of Nigerians.

The leader the group, Comrade Oliver Ezeala, said it has become apparent that lawmakers in Nigeria are never interested in the wellbeing of Nigerians they legislate for, given their eagerness to receive such huge sum of money, just for their wardrobe allowance. “We are not happy today and that is why we a protesting against the lawmakers who are to be paid N9 billion for being elected as legislators. The government cannot do such a thing and so we have resolved to resist it to the last.

FaceOff SATURDAY TELEGRAPH 20 JUNE, 2015

48

Govt should settle salary arrears, says NLC

Newly-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Benue State, Comrade Godwin Anya re-affirms to CEPHAS IORHEMEN, the position of the congress on the last-minute employment into the state civil service by former governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, insisting that the body cannot defend the employments which it describes as ill-fated and an evil idea.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), under your leadership, must have been worried to inherit last-minute appointments by the former governor, Mr Gabriel Suswam, even as he left many months salaries unpaid to workers in the state.

Will you defend the appointments of those affected?

Thank you very much. You see, there are certain things that you must be sincere about in totality if you want to succeed as a labour leader.

It is very unfortunate indeed. You see, the issues workers were and are still having in the state, include non-payment of salaries. Some ministries were owed five months, some four and others six months and you know, after failing to pay these people, you now go out of your way to make new employments. Clearly, you can see that this is very unfair.

If you are unable to pay the old workers that were already there and you are bringing new ones, then this imposes a moral burden on the idea of bringing them at a point of handing over to a new administration. And some of us don't see that thing as being fair at all. We felt that those last minute appointments were illfated and that is why we cannot defend such employments. It is evil, let me put it like that.

What is the NLC in the state doing about the salary arrears owed Benue workers?

Already, we have started discussions with the present administration and we know that the new government also has good intentions for workers in the state; the new government made this very clear when he was speaking with the leadership of the congress. It's like the new administration has all these things in mind because the governor told us categorically that they were looking for way through which they are going to clear the arrears.

So what we are doing, on our own part, is to support government to do these things and fast too because of the pains and sufferings of the civil servants; the agony workers in Benue state are undergoing. So we intend to work closely with government and support it on programmes that will help government to succeed. So as we speak, they have made promises that they are going to do something positive regarding the need to clear the outstanding salaries.

What strategies to improve its finances will the congress be suggesting to the state government?

Definitely, there are concrete issues on the ground. We know that in the past, nobody seriously considered Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Most of the times, when the government is talking, they always talk about federal allocation or about its shortfall. We want to emphasize that there is something to be done to improve the revenue base of the NLC in the state. You know, there are so many areas that are untapped and we know

that adequate revenue had been generated before in the state. But nobody cares about that. I think if government wants to be sincere and we must also consider this as a source of income to government.

I think there is something to be done substantially to improve revenue generation in the state. And which can also help government to solve some of these problems.

Outside this, what other challenges did you face when you assumed office as chairman of NLC? Well for now, I can say we are just starting and you know, we are yet to receive handover notes from the past administration. And in addition, you know, we have not taken off fully and so we can say that it is one of the major challenges, but we hope that in the shortest possible time, the past administration will have to me with us, give us and handover properly and we will study the things that were involved to see how best we are going to start. So for now, we have not started in earnest, we are just trying to make consultations, paying courtesy calls and see how we can move forward.

What is your advise to Benue workers?

Well, to Benue workers, I want to advise them to exercise some patience because the situation has been really bad; and they have been so anxious to usher in the new government and now that the new government has come, if their expectations are not done as expected, some people may become disillusioned.

So I want to appeal that workers in the state should be patient as see how government will pursue these issues and by so doing, they should also be supporting government so that all it avowed programmes and policies aimed at bringing about development in the state can be achieved. So patience is very important.

Anya

Agerzua

Benue has no capacity for extra financial burden – Adviser Mr. Tahav Agerzua, is the Adviser to the governor on Media and Information Communication Technology, ICT. He tells CERPHAS IORHEMEN why Governor Samuel Ortom reversed certain appointments made by his predecessor, among other issues?

What is the position of the new administration on some last-minute policies made by the last administration in the state?

You will recall that shortly after his election, indeed on April 13, 2015, Governor Ortom paid a courtesy call on the immediate past governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam at government house.

During that courtesy call, Suswam, without any prompting, stated that he will consult with the incoming governor on how issues that will have financial implication on the incoming administration. So we had expected that he would consult with the governor before taking some of the last-minute decisions that have spun the Ortom's government in reverse.

You will agree that such issues include the issue of appointment of first-class chiefs, last-minute recruitment into the state civil service and then the appointment of local government area caretaker committees for the 23 local councils in the state.

These were the three most pressing issues at the time.

When we discovered that recruitment letters were being issued clandestinely, Ortom, who had traveled to China, had cause to address a press conference through his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu at which he raised alarm over those measures and advised the beneficiaries not to accept the appointments because the incoming government was not bound to accept responsibility for more financial burden as a result of the backlog of salaries, allowances and retirement benefits.

So we had sufficiently raised eyebrows regarding the capacity of the state government to honour its obligations, even to people who had been employed long ago. So he has no capacity to take on further financial responsibility, you don't just recruit, you have to pay. So we had to reverse these things. As much as it pains us that the beneficiaries might not be very happy, we also have to do it because of the prevailing circumstances.

Perhaps, when the economy of the state improves, we will revisit the issue, but at the moment, we cannot accept any new financial responsibility, especially for those kinds of recruitments which we had warned against; which we had warned both the former governor and

the beneficiaries from carrying out and from accepting.

Were the number of recruitments revoked such that it unduly bloated the wage bill of the state?

There were over 4,000 recruitments from Grade Level 4 up to the senior cadre of the service. So if one computed the financial implication, it would have had an adverse effect on the wage bill no doubt. But you know that as things stand now, even the preliminary investigation has revealed that we are owing salaries and allowances and other benefits to the tune of N12 billion. So if you compute what those recruitments meant, you would have something something that we could not cope with.

So what step is the state government taking to liquidate the backlog of the unpaid salaries?

From the discussions that have gone on between the present governor and various labour unions, our priority is to begin the payment of salaries from this month (June) and then make arrangements to clear the backlog of arrears.

The last time the governor met with the unions from the Benue State University, he announced that he was going to take a facility from the bank to liquidate that.

He also said he would approach the state House of Assembly to approve that facility. So I am aware that he is going to pay salaries across the board, by the grace of God. I heard him said that governors had approached President Mohammadu Buhari to grant them a bail-out because most states, as things stand, simply cannot pay workers salaries so they are looking towards that direction to be able to clear the backlog.

So what is your parting words to Benue workers?

They are part and parcel of the Benue society, they know what is happening.

Workers are the people who compute the finances of the state so they know what is going on. Let them give the governor the benefit of the doubt, cooperate with him. Those labour unions that are on strike, he has pleaded with them to resume. He has given them the benefit of the doubt so that he could tackle the challenges facing them.

Politics

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

President Buhari should mind those around him, says Pastor Innocent Some prophesies about the last general elections failed, why?

There are things that we must know about prophesy and prediction. Prediction and prophesy are not the same. Prediction may fail but prophesy may not, because of its source. Prediction is strictly human, while prophesy is spiritual.

How and when do you know a prophet?

You don't know a prophet at the point of his prophesy, but you know him or her when the prophesy comes to pass. It is the fulfillment of the prophesy that will determine a true prophet. I will consider most of the things that were said during the elections as predictions. Men predicted and their predictions were wrong. Prophesy can not be wrong because God cannot lie.

Whatever God says must come to pass. The truth of the matter is that the presidential election was an interesting one because our country is growing. The outcome of this election shows that Nigeria is growing and there is hope. I once said there is hope for our nation, this is the beginning of that manifestation.

The President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim and there are things we know about him. His character, personality and integrity. He is the man we need at a time like this. Nigerians have proven that this change is what we need now. I am hopeful that God will give us the change.

I will caution my fellow ministers of God to be careful about what we say and the things we predict. Let us be careful to know when we are talking and when God is talking. You don't have to lie about your personal opinion and say it was from God. We should not be carried away by emotions, feelings, situations or conditions, but we should be focused and go back to Bethel, to the place of the altar. This is not to discourage pastors over prophesy but I want all of us to retrace our steps. Let's get back and get knowing that predictions and prophesies are not the same and they will

Kingsley Innocent, Senior Pastor of the Bible Believing Mission Incorporated, Aba in Abia State, in this interview with FLORA ONWUDIWE, faults the various doomsday prophesies before the general elections and hoped that change can only come if President Muhammadu Buhari selects people with exemplary character to work with him. ‘Talk na do’, as he is fondly called, reprimanded those who parade themselves before the politicians for money as shameful.

Innocent

never be.

How about allegations of politicians giving bribe to some pastors?

I am very worried and ashamed as well. Our place is the place of the altar and the reason for this is that too many pastors are running to government houses hence, this whole shame. Let us sit down and do what God has called us to do, let us remain at the place of the altar.

We should stop running around govern-

49

the in-coming Buhari's government. He is going to face a lot of challenges which I believe that God will help him. My only fear about this will be the people around him.

It is another thing for a man to have good plans and it is another thing for him to have a team that shares his vision. If the people do not share the same vision with him, all his efforts at the end of the day may not go as planned. I want to trust God to help the president-elect to choose men who have quality of character, men who are zero corrupt, men who are into the vision of nation-building, selecting the right people and not bringing the old elements who have plunged our nation into shame and disgrace over the years.

He should choose men who have the fear of God, selfless men, who have the interest of our nation at heart, then we are sure of getting somewhere.

If the in-coming president can deal with the issue of leadership which is the problem of the nation. It is because our leaders are corrupt, our society is not enjoying what we should enjoy.

Let Buhari put his ears on the ground, God will help him so that he can choose men who will represent him well because he cannot fight corruption alone. He cannot do it alone.

He should also tackle power shortage so that we can have 24 hours of electricity supply. There are so many things that Nigerians can do for themselves.

He has made a great touch on our refineries through the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) before and I believe that he would do it again. If he can fix our refineries and build new ones then the issue of fuel would be a thing of the past.

ment officials. It is a disgrace that money was given to ministers of God to mobilize for votes. It is one story that should not be heard of the church. I feel so sorry for anyone who is involved in this act. It is ungodly, God is not part of this, we are not politicians, the church is not political, rather we should pray for politicians and tell them the truth. A politician who would release money because he wants to be elected is simply telling us that he is not coming to do anything that will better the lives of the people, we should be able to tell them the truth.

When they spend money before they get into office, when they get into office, they will want to get it back.

This is unacceptable, ungodly and the church should not allow it. The church should say no to it, they should stand against it so that our nation can move forward and for our country to be developed the way other countries are. To better our nation, the time has come that time for elections are not a time for people to throw money around. It has come to the time that integrity and record of the people and what we know them for and what they are capable of doing should count.

Not how much, the prerequisite for getting into public office should not be how much money that you have, but it should How would you rate the INEC Chairman ? be the strength of your character that will I commend the INEC Chairman, Prof. take you there.

Attahiru Jega, who conducted the 2015 elections such that we have not seen. Although, Expectations for the in-coming adminis- it was an exercise that was not completely tration? free and fair, but we can say it was an imThere are a lot of things to be done by provement on 2011 general elections.

NEWS Extra

Wike inaugurates panel to probe Amaechi’s administration Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

R

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday constituted a commission to probe the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, mandating the commission to primarily investigate the sale of gas turbines; the sale of Olympia Hotel and the uncompleted mono-rail project.

The governor, who addressed the commission’s members at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, also urged them to investigate the non-execution of the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the withdrawal of N96 billion from the state’s reserve fund without due process, and N2 billion agricultural funds.

Wike said he resolved to inaugurate the commission based on the power conferred on him by section 2 (1) of the state’s Commission of Inquiry Law, and other relevant powers he has as governor, and urged them to submit their recommendation a month later.

The governor said the commission, to be chaired

by Justice George O. Omereji, has the power to hold sittings anywhere in Port Harcourt or any other place that suits the chairman.

While stressing that the commission was free to make “appropriate recommendations,” Wike urged them to use the following terms of reference as a guide to carry out the investigation: On the sale of the Omoku 150 MW Gas Turbine; Afam 360 MW Gas

Turbine; Trans Amadi 136 MW Gas Turbine and Eleme 75 MW Gas Turbine, Wike urged the members to identify those who bought them, the amount they were sold and how the proceeds were used by the Amaechi's administration.

LGs must meet obligations to their workers, says Oshiomhole Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

E

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says Local Government Councils must meet their obligations as specified in the constitution even as

he said the state government would assist the Local Governments in re-engineering their finances in order to meet their obligations to their workers.

Speaking at the 17th Synod of the Anglican Communion, held at the

Group faults N275m allegations against Okiro

A

g ro u p , People United for Societal Harmony (PUSH), has condemned the alleged N275 million graft levelled against the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro, by a staff of the agency.

It would be recalled that Okiro, a former Inspector-General of Police, was alleged to have misappropriated N275 million, being money

belonging to the commission.

He was, then, invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The said staff has also recently raised the alarm of death threat to his life in the wake of the allegation.

But, in a reaction to the allegation and the claim of threat to life by the author of the petition, the group in

a statement signed by its Director General and Co-ordinator, Dr. Sylvanus Ujumandu and Coordinating Secretary, Mrs. Sade Jaiyesimi, described the claims as “spurious and lacking an iota of truth.”

“As expected, Okiro’s invitation by the ICPC which was purely hinged on fact-finding promptly became a media meal with several misleading and screaming headlines."

St. John’s Anglican Church in Benin City, Friday, the Governor who attended the Synod in company of his wife Iara, and several top government functionaries, said: “Every day you read newspapers, watch television, there is no doubt that this is the most difficult period in Nigeria’s history, perhaps since 1999, probably even before then.

“Its so difficult that in about two-thirds of states, civil servants, public servants are working and for 6 months, their salaries are not paid, schools are closed, the children of the poor are at home and only the children of those who can afford private schools are being taught, compounding the problem of illiteracy with the concomitant security implication and yet we still have relative peace.

SATURDAY

Street Diary SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015

50

Onitsha tanker fire

Three weeks after, families cry out over non-release of relations' corpses Okegwo Kenechukwu

A Onitsha

bout three weeks after the May 31 tanker fire incident, which claimed over 60 lives at the Asaba park in Upper Iweka, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the victims’ relations have cried out to the state government, following the non-release of the dead victims by the authorities of the hospitals where they had been taken.

The incident, which happened about 3p.m. also saw 15 other buses burnt to ashes immediately the tanker conveying fuel fell and burst into flames.

The petrol tanker was descending the Upper Iweka fly over from the Enugu-Nkpor end of the expressway when the driver lost control.

However, Saturday Telegraph gathered that some of the survivors of the incident, who have been certified medically fit were yet to be discharged.

Investigations also revealed that out of the 10 survivors taken to Toronto Hospital, two were reported dead, while two others were discharged in error.

Two persons were reportedly discharged from Amaku General Hospital, while four others had yet to be discharged from the Toronto Hospital.

Speaking to Saturday Telegraph on the development, the Medical Director of Toronto Hospital, Dr. Emeka Eze, said two out of the survivors had died shortly after arrival at the hospital, while two

One of the survivors at the hospital

were transferred to Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital formerly known as Amaku General Hospital, Awka. He said the rest were now responding to treatment.

“Well we are happy that those who are here are responding to treatment. There is no danger of death anymore. But my handicap is that I cannot release any corpse to relations until I receive directions from the state government. They are under government quarantine,” he said.

Eze said 26 dead bodies were brought to the hospital, while 20 others were released to the General Hospital, Onitsha, in order for the pathologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka to commence forensic analysis on the dead bodies, which were burnt beyond recognition.

While the other six have been embalmed, Saturday Telegraph gathered that 60 of the dead victims have been identified by their relations and were therefore awaiting formal release. In-

cidentally, one person was said to have died a week ago at Bex Hospital, while the remaining 10 were yet to be identified.

Some of the survivors, who spoke to our correspondent at the Toronto Hospital, including Mr. Sunday Abonyi and Chukwudi Nwanga, said they were full of thanks to God for saving their lives.

Abonyi, an Okada operator, said: “I was coming from Oguta Road and on reaching the spot I saw the tanker coming with speed and I narrowly escaped being hit before it crashed into the office of the transport union belonging to the Federal Ministry of Work and burst into flame.

What I saw were flames of fire everywhere and before I know it I was already caught up in the inferno.

“I managed to run away with flames all over my body leaving my motorcycle. I thank God; Governor Willie Obiano came to the hospital to tell them not to collect money from us. I am now fit and I want to go but they say we should wait", he stated.

Corrobating Abonyi's story, Nwanga said: “Even the money my brothers spent when they brought me to the hospital was refunded. I am surprised, this governor is too much."

Speaking further, Nwanga said: “Everyday, people troop here to carry their dead relations in the mortuary, but I am alive; even though I have nothing again my life is more than money.

“My only worry now is that I am afraid this hospital management may hold us here if

government fails to pay the money. I know the money will be too much for my family and because they did not release the corpses to their relations. I am afraid and worried but believing God, Obiano will live up to his promises.”

Meanwhile, a new twist has emerged following a petition by a group demanding a probe of all those who were involved in the re-opening of the motor park, which was sealed off by the former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, in 2010.

In sealing up the park, Obi had opened up an alternative garage for the buses plying Onitsha –Asaba–Nkpor route along the Onitsha-Owerri Road and Nkpor Umuoji, Mobi Road, which gulped millions of naira.

The petition, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Telegraph, asked the state government to expedite action in probing the incident which according to the petitioners, was avoidable.

It was gathered that the park belongs to the Onitsha North Local Government Area, but when contacted, the Chairman of the council, Mr. Douglas Egbuna, said it was the state government that manages motor parks in the state.

He said the council had no hand in the running of the park.

Saturday Telegraph further gathered that the park was allegedly concessional to an influential businessman by the state ministry of transport to collect revenue but all efforts to contact him failed as he was said to be out of the country as at the time of filling this report.

NEWS Extra

N8bn CBN scam: Court denies 10 bankers bail, favours four Sola Adeyemo

J

Ibadan

ustice Adeyinka Faji of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday refused the bail applications of 10 of the bank officials standing trial for their alleged involvement in the diversion and conversion of about N8 billion, being the property of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to their personal use.

While stressing that the

offence was a capital one against the nation’s economy, the judge, however, granted bail to five others standing similar trial, considering their light involvement in the alleged crime.

In dismissing the bail applications of the 10 accused persons, Faaji had granted accelerated hearing for all the three batches of the charge before him, and later adjourned hearing till July 1.

The Economic and Fi-

nancial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on the invitation of the CBN charged all the accused persons to court according to their alleged roles in the scam, which took place between 2010 and 2014.

The accused were directed to destroy the mutilated currency in N1, 000 denomination amounting to N8 billion, but they instead destroyed ordinary newspapers and re circled the money into the pub-

lic thereby sabotaging the economy of the country with the CBN pumping the new naira notes equivalent of the money into circulation, the prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had told the court.

The accused denied bail are Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Philips,(CBN staff), Isaq Akano (a.k.a Isiaka), Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebanji Akeem, Ayodeji

Alatishe, Ajiwe Sunday Adegoke, Oni Adekola Dolapo, and Afolabi Esther Olunike.

However, Ademola Balogun, Kehinde Fatokun, Olukunle Sijuade, Ajuwon Bolade and Samuel Ogbeide, had their bail applications granted.

While noting that sections 161,162 and 163 of the constitution gave the court the discretional powers to admit an accused person that commits certain de-

gree of crimes to bail, the judge said the punishment of the crimes, which the accused persons had committed were a maximum of 21 years and minimum of seven years imprisonment according to the constitution.

The trial judge noted that the pieces of evidence against the 10 accused bankers who were denied bail were so weighty because they centred on the economy of the country.

Street Diary

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

51

Edo denies abandoning stowaway boy Cajetan Mmuta

T Benin

he Edo State Government has denied the report in one of the dailies that the 14-year-old stowaway boy, Daniel Ricky Ohikhena, may soon be expelled from school following non-payment of his school fees running into over a million naira by the government.

Mr. Patrick Obahiagbon, the Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and former member of the House of Representatives, told Saturday Telegraph yesterday that “the state government does not owe anything,” adding that the state government would not renege on its promise to take care of Daniel’s education, health and general well-being.

Obahiagbon, who described the report as the figment of the writer’s imagination, insisted that the government had paid Daniel’s school fees till date.

Daniel had beaten security officials at the Benin airport and stowed away to Lagos in the wheel of Arik Flight W3 544, on August 24, 2013, thinking the plane was US-bound. He said he embarked on the dangerous voyage to fulfil his dream of studying aeronautic engineering in the US. But his feat caught the attention of Governor Adams Oshiomole who promised to help him actualise his dream by sponsoring his education up to university level.

Daniel was later admitted into one of the first class secondary schools in the state, Edo College, Benin City, in September 2013 and is making waves among his peers.

He and five orphans are beneficiaries of the state government funded special scholarship scheme and are being supervised by Obahiagbon.

Speaking to Saturday Telegraph, Daniel’s mother, Evelyn, expressed gratitude to the governor for his kind gestures, adding that her son’s future

L-R: Oshiomhole, Daniel and former FAAN Managing Director, George Uriesi, at an event in Benin City

would have been in jeopardy if not for Oshiomole’s intervention.

It was learnt that Daniel was recently bitten by a snake while in school and was rushed to the hospital by officials of the state government for prompt treatment.

He recently celebrated his 14th birthday anniversary with family, friends and peers in the state.

Evelyn said, “I want to first of all thank Governor Oshiomhole for the assistance he rendered to us by giving my son scholarship. But my son has been worried that he has not been able to see the governor since he was registered in school so that he can tell him how he is doing in school.”

Recalling the fate Daniel passed through, she said, “I remember that period, people thought the governor gave us money and they were all disturbing me. I told them that my interest was not money but to take care of my son.

And that was why I was satisfied with what the governor did for us by giving Daniel scholarship. All I am begging for now is for him to assist me to go back to business so that I can take care of Daniel and others. My shop got burnt and he promised to assist me. I want to use this opportunity to thank him and to also tell him not to forget Daniel.

“I want to beg the governor that before he leaves in 2016 he should not forget to pay Daniel’s school fees. I am making this appeal here because it is difficult to see him and tell him our problems. I know he will not want Daniel to drop out of school after his exit for office. I am saying this because each time I went to the Government House to see him, they kept changing the appointment, so I got tired of going there. I wanted to see him and brief him how things have been going. But I am grateful to God for all he did for us.”

When asked about Daniel’s performance in school, she said, “He has been doing very well in school. The only time he had a problem was in March when he had the snake bite because it was during his exams. He missed some of the tests they did in school while he was in the hospital. But we thank God for the governor and his family and we will always continue to pray that God will protect him.”

Also speaking on how Daniel and others are faring, the Executive Director of the state Waste Management Board, Ms Gillian, who is saddled with the responsibility of taking care of them, said: “ At present we have three boys, two boys came as a result of the Boko Haram problem in 2011. And the stowaway boy came in 2013.

“They are all in school. For the ‘Boko Haram boys,’ they started from primary school and today one of them is in JSS 2 the other one is in SS1. The stowaway also started from JSS 1; we had to withdraw him from his former school as directed by the governor who said he wanted the best for him. So, we got him admission in a model school here in Benin. He has picked up now; he is calmer now and more focused.

“For those two boys we call ‘Boko Haram boys,’ what happened was that Edo people who were displaced in Maiduguri as a result of the insurgency ran back to Benin with these two boys whose parents were equally missing. So, government gave money to others to go back to their families in their respective communities. But those two -Victor Omokafe-James and Abraham Moses were too young then.

One was 10 and the other was 12. But the governor who had compassion for them adopted them as ‘government children.’ He thought the best is to cater for them and send them to school.

Even when the Boko Haram issue subsided, the parents came to pick them but they were not interested in giving them back. The children reside with us and they are being taken care of. "

NEWS Extra

Slain Egba chief's associates may invoke spirits to unmask killers Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

T

raditionalists and associates of the slain Oluwo of Ikanna, Chief Moses Alabi Oyebade, may resort to spiritual means to unmask his killers, Saturday Telegraph learnt yesterday.

Oyebade, 75, was shot dead about midnight on Wednesday by unknown gunmen at his home in Ago-Oba, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen were said to have broken through the sliding glass window into the room of the Egba chief and shot him several times, while he was sleeping.

Curiously, an assassination note, which contained a message written in both English and Yoruba languages, was recovered

from the scene.

The content of the note read “useless man, Oni dokudo (promiscuous).”

His associates at the Ikanna’s Traditional Council, otherwise known as Ile Ogboni Ilu Ikanna, reported the matter at the Ibara Police Station, Abeokuta.

When contacted yesterday, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police command was yet to arrest any suspect in connection with the murder.

Adejobi stated that though some people have been interrogated, the police had yet to apprehend anybody over the incident.

He, however, said investigation was ongoing, stressing that: “We are interrogating people and we are hopeful that we are going to get useful information that will lead to the

arrest of the killers.”

The case is being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) subject to the directive of the Police Commissioner, Val Ntomchukwu.

But when Saturday Telegraph visited the late chief's residence yesterday, it was learnt that his colleagues at the traditional council were planning to employ spiritual means to find the killers.

Some residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the traditionalists were determined to solve the riddle behind the assassination note found at the scene and the real motive of the assailants.

One of the residents said: “The Ogbonis have come to the (Oyebade's) house. You know the late chief is the Oluwo and was very prominent among them."

Rivers police command lists achievements T

he Rivers State Police Command yesterday said it had been able to record some achievements in its bid to rid the state of criminal activities.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner of Police, CP. Dan Bature, said: “On June 13, at about 10:35 p.m. along Igbo-Etche Road, a team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) engaged a gang of suspected armed robbers who were robbing innocent commuters. The operation yield in the recovery of two pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifteen cartridges and a Toyota Camry being the operational vehicle of the hoodlums while two of the unidentified suspected armed robbers

got fatally wounded.

Similarly, he said: “On June 14 at about 03:45 p.m. around Okija shanty by mile one, Port Harcourt, another team of SARS raided an enclave of suspected hoodlums. The operation also yielded in the recovery of three revolver pistols, one pump action gun, 35 rounds of .9mm ammunition, 22 cartridges, three military camouflage and two face masks while three of the unidentified suspected hoodlums got fatally wounded.

“On June 15 at about 3:45 p.m. at Abuloma in Port Harcourt, a team of Anti/Cultism Unit on a tip off raided the hideout of cultists and arrested five suspected cultists.

Items recovered from them include one Gen-

eral Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one AK 47 rifle, three magazines and 20 round of assorted live ammunition.”

Bature, therefore, said the command was determined to smoke out miscreants from their enclaves so as to proactively destroy their evil conceived plan to attack innocent citizens.

“While members of the public are assumed of their safety, the Command will sustain the ongoing robust operations until the criminal elements are flushed out.

The State will henceforth not be conducive for their activities. The continued support of the patriotic members of the public is solicited in this regard,” he said.

52

Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

Before we go naked to clothe our lawmakers

K

enyan legislators are copycats.

Or should I say they are envious of dandified Nigerian legislators most of who pay more attention to their looks than the business of lawmaking?

Between October last year and March, Kenyan lawmakers made two attempts to triple their end-of-term bonuses and awarded themselves and their spouses diplomatic passports, bodyguards for life and state funerals despite being among the highest paid legislators in the world.

Although Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has no power to determine the salaries of the lawmakers, he did not accede to the eccentric greed of a group of people many Kenyans consider to be corrupt, lazy and already overpaid.

But the road which many Kenyans see as bumpy and capable of ruining their economy is what our legislators have been travelling on since 2005. The avarice of our lawmakers got to a very embarrassing level a few years back when the leadership of the House of Representatives surreptitiously obtained N10 billion bank loan purposely to increase their quarterly salaries and allowances from N28 million to N42 million per lawmaker.

At a time, The Economist magazine reported that the Nigerian lawmakers, with a basic salary of $189, 500 (N30.6 million as at the time of the report), make them the highest paid legislators in the world. The report said the basic salary was 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600.

Yet in another report, the 469 lawmakers comprising 109 senators and 360 House of Reps members cost Nigeria over N76 billion on annual salaries, allowances and quarterly payments. The breakdown showed that each member of the Senate committee receives between N648 million and N972 million as yearly imprest, while a member of the House laughs all the way to the bank with between N35 million and N140 million as quarterly or yearly allowances. This tally with the alarm raised by the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano, that

A

Waheed Bakare on Saturday 08124877036 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com 25 per cent of the nation’s overhead was being spent on the legislators.

The Federal Government also reported that it spent N1 trillion from 2005 to 2013 on the legislators. These scandalous figures ought to have deterred the present leadership of the National Assembly from travelling on the same road to perdition like some of their predecessors who fell as a result of their insatiable greed. Their N9 billion wardrobe allowance which will see each senator receiving N21.5 million and a Rep getting N17.5 million has given credence to the axiom that politicians are birds of a feather or what Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, once described as “same of the same.”

The wardrobe allowance, like furniture and vehicle allowances, is meant for the entire four-year term of the National Assembly members as against the housing allowance that is given yearly. Aside other outlandish allowances and corrupt practices such as bribe-for-budget, housing allowance for political office holders is 200 per cent of their annual salaries; furniture is 300 per cent and motor vehicle loan is 400 per cent.

When the jumbo pay of the legislators became a public knowledge during the tenure of the sixth National Assembly, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), a body empowered under Section 70 of the constitution to fix the monthly emolument of the lawmakers, described the outrageous pay as strange. It put the monthly emolument of a senator at N1.06 million while that of a Rep member

At a time, The Economist magazine reported that the Nigerian lawmakers, with a basic salary of $189, 500 (N30.6 million as at the time of the report), make them the highest paid legislators in the world was N794, 000, which is far higher than what they allocate to themselves.

Yet the best some of them did with their spurious and sudden wealth was to sink one or two boreholes in their constituencies, occasionally give analgesic to the sick or provide between N5,000 and N10,000 to selected few in the name of economic empowerment. Some of these so-called constituency projects are in most cases deliberately not carried out until election year. How many laudable projects can we ascribed to legislators in our constituencies?

Already, a member of the House of Reps, Chief Joe Edionwele, has attributed the hue and cry over the ongoing scandalous allowances of the lawmakers to ignorance, saying some lecturers earn more than the lawmakers. Of course if I believe that, then I should believe that the sun rises from West and sets in the East.

We had a more ludicrous defence in the past when a lawmaker from Taraba State said Nigeria should bear the brunt of the lawmakers' expenses during electioneering and that their jumbo pay should compensate for that.

It was a defence except that it was a mere bombastic political posturing or an oratorical display that signified nothing and lacked iota of conviction.

The ruinous state of our economy is enough to discourage our lawmakers from allocating outrageous allowances to themselves under whatever guise. The political profile of our lawmakers will rise in the eyes of Nigerians by the number of laws they make to better our society and not by the number of flashy cars in their garages or the number of exotic places they visit for holidays.

The truth is that our dwindling economy can no longer support sybarite lawmakers otherwise our country will be seen as lacking modest leaders who are grounded in financial prudence. This is the time for our lawmakers to cut their cloth according to reality that the country which they expect to pay for their clothes is broke. Although they have different sizes, shapes and their tastes differ, these will not matter because the tax payers who also stood in the queue for hours to ensure that they realised their political dreams will not want to go naked for our “honourables” to put on "designers" clothes. Wardrobe allowance should be seen and treated as a matter of trifling importance.

Consistently running a budget that is based on 75 per cent recurrent expenditure and 25 per cent capital expenditure will only portray us as a country that is not serious with development.

Besides, our political offices should be made less attractive as this will save us some money and also reduce tension and turbulence associated with election year. Whatever money we save from running an expensive democracy can be used for development.

This should be the thinking of our lawmakers if they understand the importance of rectitude.

Electricity: Rethinking the nuclear option

pparently raising the stakes in the largely opaque quest to generate useful, instead of political electricity in the country, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) is currently holding talks with Russia’s Rosatom Corporation to build four nuclear power plants costing about $20 billion (about N3.9 trillion) projected to output 4,800 megawatts (mw) of electricity.

It could be recalled that on September 15, 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan formally inaugurated NAEC and tasked its members headed by Mr. Erepamo Osaisai to quickly evolve implementable plans, and timelines for the delivery of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in the country. NAEC was established in 1976 to investigate the development of nuclear energy but little progress was made.

It was reactivated in 2006 and Jonathan appointed a new team in 2011 led by Osasai.

According to NAEC chairman Osaisai, the plants will be co-financed by Rosatom, which is expected to build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) them to the government. He noted the preliminary licensing of the approved sites is expected by the end of 2016 from the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), which is currently developing the licences’ procedures.

Clearly this scenario has linkages with last week’s announcement by the Federal Government that it has selected Geregu and Itu in Kogi and Akwa Ibom States respectively as the sites for building two nuclear power plants in Nigeria envisaged to generate a total of 2,400 megawatts. This significant

The Nation-State With Louis Achi

achilouis35@gmail.com development was unfolded in a presentation by NAEC’s Osaisai, at the plenary of the Phase 2 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission in Abuja.

An obviously elated NAEC boss disclosed that part of his agency’s progress is the concluded preliminary site selection activities and “detailed evaluation and characterization to be conducted on preferred sites on the approval of government in Geregu, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of kogi State and Itu in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State.”

In what could pass for a fundamental recognition of the dangers of fooling with the atom, NAEC declared that training and capacity building for constructing and operating the plants are ongoing while it has developed a framework to establish a ‘National Nuclear Insurance Policy and Scheme’ to “adequately address the civil liability component for the nuclear power industry in conformity with the 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.”

Meanwhile, as all this ‘hard-work’ on behalf of Nigeria is going on, the Deputy Director General, International Atomic En-

ergy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Mikhail Chudakov, who led the agency’s delegation on a two-week trip to Nigeria, gave what could pass for a friendly warning that Nigeria should be prepared to take adequate responsibility for the safety culture and for safe operation of a nuclear power in the country.

Clearly, ex-President Jonathan’s move represented a legitimate aspiration. But beyond good intent, the implications of this initiative of exploiting the nuclear option which the President Muhammadu Buhari administration appears bent on inheriting, should be given far more thought than currently appears to be the case.

While the apparent sincerity in pushing this course can hardly be contested, the related facts certainly can and should be questioned.

Clearly, there is an alluring prestige in being counted as a member of the world’s nuclear powers, whether it is for peaceful or military use. But certain key background facts need to be factored into the big picture.

Nigeria has the world’s seventh-largest natural gas reserves, yet the nation is blighted by persistent electricity outages which

force businesses and individuals who can afford them to rely on generators.

Much of this vast gas reserves sit untouched under the ground or are flared into the sky. Despite being Africa’s biggest crude oil exporter, decades of corruption and mismanagement mean Nigeria has never built the infrastructure to farm its huge oil and gas resources for much-needed domestic use.

Deficits in our existing institutions remain a defining albatross on the path to meaningful development. Cut to the bone, this scenario suggests that Nigeria currently lacks the indigenous capacity, supporting infrastructure, discipline and security wherewithal to build and manage an atomic power plant. Bringing other foreign countries that are essentially pushing their business interests will not suffice. It simply is another way of courting disaster - one we cannot manage.

Nuclear power has faced increased opposition in some nations since an earthquake and tsunami damaged Japan’s Fukushima nuclear facility in March.

Chernobyl-type technology, where Rosatom comes from, will not do. Today, going green is the trend.

Nigeria should explore and exploit other safer, rational energy mix options. These include solar, gas, hydro, wind, tidal, bio-gas and coal options. Nigeria has these resources in stupendous quantities. A presidential directive requesting timelines for the generation of electricity through these options is a far better option than courting an atomic disaster.

Sport Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

S

IK Uche moves to Mexico

Charles Ogundiya uper Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche, on Friday expressed his readiness for a new challenge in Mexico.

Uche moved from Spainish team, Villarreal to Mexican side Tigres de la UANL. He signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Uche, 31, becomes the first African to join the Monterrey-based side who have won the league and cup in Mexico thrice.

"The project here is very attractive and I thought why not," Uche told BBC Sport.

"I've played in Spain my entire professional career and the opportunity to play in Mexico is a fresh challenge.

"All the Mexican players I've played with all had something positive to say so it wasn't a difficult decision."

Uche joined Villarreal in 2011 from Real Zaragoza after stints at Spanish clubs Recreativo Huelva and Getafe, and scored 103 goals in 13 years in Spanish football.

Tigres are aiming to become the first Mexican team to win South America's Libertadores Cup and begin their campaign against Brazil's Internacional next month.

"I'd like to thank the management of the club for their professionalism," he added.

"The desire and persistence shows how much they want me here and my

plan is to repay their confidence."

Uche, who moved to Spain in 2002, offered his gratitude to Villarreal for allowing him to complete his move.

"I must thank the people at Villarreal, the fans, my teammates and everyone connected with the club for the love and support," he said.

"I spent four years at the club and made good friends. I left enriched with only positive memories."

Uche began his career with Racing Ferrol at the age of 18 before moving to Spanish second division club Recreativo Huelva in 2003.

Super Falcons back today

S

uper Falcons will return to the country on Saturday (today) after crashing out of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.

The team, which lost its last group match 1-0 to the United States of America on Tuesday evening departed Vancouver on Thursday for London aboard a British Airways flight, and will in London connect to Abuja, to arrive in the early hours of Saturday.

Meanwhile, Francisca Ordega was the first to leave for her base in the US alongside Courtney Dike. Captain Evelyn Nwabuoku also departed for Kazakhstan while Ini-Abasi Umotong, who plays for Pompey Ladies FC in the UK, will bid team-mates farewell when the team arrives in London.

Team psychologist, Kasia Muoto, has also left for her base in the United States.

Falcons finished bottom of Group D with one point after a 3-3 draw with Sweden and losses to Australia (2-0) and USA (1-0).

Oshoala

Osasuna's Cristian Lobato Villegas and Villarreal's Ikechukwu Uche in action during their La Liga match

FIFA corruption

Jacques Anouma denies Qatar bribe

I

vorian ex-FIFA executive Jacques Anouma has told the BBC that he did not accept a $1.5m (£1m) bribe over Qatar's successful 2022 World Cup bid.

His denial comes amid a criminal investigation by Swiss prosecutors into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

Mr Anouma said that justice should now be left to run its course.

The Swiss investigation follows the indictment of seven top FIFA officials in May, accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m.

Anouma also said that $2m paid by

US Open 2015: I am on the right track, says Tiger Woods

T

hree-time winner Tiger Woods says he is lacking consistency and is still rusty following back surgery after making a "tough" start to the US Open.

Woods, 39, shot a 10-overpar 80 in the first round at Chambers Bay, and is already 15 shots behind the leaders.

"It's one of those things, I've just got to work through it," the former world number one said.

"I'm trying as hard as I can to do it, I just can't get the consistency that I'd like to have out there."

Fourteen-time major winner Woods registered a triple bogey on the 14th and is well behind leaders Dustin John-

son of America and Sweden's Henrik Stenson who are on five under.

Only Rich Berberian Jr, a club professional playing in his first US Open, and Rickie Fowler had worse rounds.

Woods

Qatar to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2010, ahead of the final World Cup vote, did not oblige African members to vote for the Gulf nation.

Negotiations with Qatari officials for the $1.5m bribe are alleged to have taken place in a hotel in the Angolan capital Luanda, during the CAF annual Congress in 2010.

But Anouma said there was no way he could have been involved as he wasn't even in the country at the time, having instead stayed behind in Ivory Coast.

Qatar denies any allegations of bribery in relation to its 2022 World Cup bid.

I have never doped, says Mo Farah

G

reat Britain's Mo Farah says he has never taken performance enhancing drugs, after doping allegations were made against his coach Alberto Salazar.

Investigation alleged that Salazar had practised doping techniques with US athlete Galen Rupp.

Olympic champion Farah said Salazar had reassured him the claims were false and "he will soon be providing evidence".

"I've never taken performance-enhancing drugs in my life and I never will," added Farah on Friday.

According to the Daily Mail, Farah missed two drugs tests before he went on to become a double gold medallist in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 Olympics.

"Over the course of my career I have taken hundreds of drugs tests and every single one has been negative," said Farah in a statement on his Facebook page.

"I've fully explained the only two tests in my career that I have ever missed, which the authorities understood, and there was never any suggestion that these were anything more than simple mistakes.”

53

Sport Slaming Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Another football crisis looms

T

he crisis that engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation last year largely led to the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea. It is expected that the NFF learns from this but the events of the past few days have proved otherwise. Just as Stephen Keshi has failed to learn from his mistakes by triggering problems in the national team, the NFF has entered troubled waters after just one of the six games to be played in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers. The soccer ruling body frowned at the comments of Eagles skipper Vincent Enyeama who kicked against the venue for the match against Chad due to security reasons. Enyeama was queried and the player reportedly tore the query. The players are not happy with the approach of the NFF; they argued that since Enyeama was not an employee of the federation, there was no need to query him. Though the Lille goalie has apologised, the last has not been heard on this issue that is causing disaffection between the NFF and the Super Eagles. It is too early to again have another crisis in our hands. Both sides erred on this matter which should have been settled behind closed doors. Enyeama as a senior player could have challenged the NFF’s choice behind the scene and not publicly. And I agreed with the players that it was wrong to issue him a query. He is not an employee of the secretariat. It was however wrong and irresponsible to have openly tore the query before some of the chieftains of the federation. This matter should have been settled internally. Interestingly, that is still the best solution. Another case was the presence of Okechukwu Gabriel on the bench of the Super Eagles in the match. He even wore the number 10 jersey despite not being a legitimate member of the team for the encounter. The football body again frowned at this but it was amicably resolved without a query. I am aware the same agent manages Babatunde Micheal and Gabriel.

The agent is close to the “Big Boss” but aside this it was learnt Keshi invited the player to join Eagles camp after he was dropped from the Flying Eagles. Gabriel was said to have been exceptional throughout the training session but to give him a shirt and allow him on the bench was very bad. It gives an impression of a ‘Charlie Boy show’ in camp. Of course in ‘Charlie Boy Show,’ anything can happen. The NFF, Keshi and the players should remember what bickering did to millions of football lovers in Nigeria last year. A word is enough for the wise.

Don’t cry for Falcons, F’Eagles

T

wo national teams competing for honours in FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup respectively broke the hearts of Nigerians in the past one week. I am not one of them though because I saw these things coming. Huge expectations were on the Flying Eagles because of their pre-tournament records but the coaches did not do enough to know the team’s opponents. The coaches and the NFF should have got information about the top four countries and the group opponents if Nigeria was really serious. The coaches also had selection problems because of the late introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho and two other pros. Musa Yahaya was outstanding in the opening match but he was on the bench in all other games. Only the coaches can explain that decision and also the invitation of Iheanacho who eventually had only one start. I believe the players are good and should graduate to U-23 in two years. We paraded a bunch of talented players but lacked tactics to deal with tough oppositions just as we saw in Canada.

Coach Edwin Okon had nothing to offer. It was obvious especially when he told the world that he used the first five minutes of every game to understand his opponents.

The NFF did not prepare Falcons well. Rather, the officials were promising the players money to perform magic at the World Cup. Top teams in preparation for the competition attended pre-tournament meets but the Falcons were called to camp late and they stayed in Abuja playing youth teams. It was a surprise they played well in the first game against Sweden. The Aussies were not fantastic but Falcons were not equipped. We need not cry over the failure of these teams …our coaches are deficient and we MUST learn from our mistakes!

54

Faces

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

NMGS holds course on petroleum mining The 51st annual international conference and exhibitions of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) was held recently in Lagos. The event tagged "Eko 2015" with the theme: "The petroleum, mining and construction industries: current trends, prospects and future challenges", drew a large turnout of dignitaries. Science writer, STANLEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA, captured the event in pictures.

Outgoing president, Prof. Clifford Teme (right) handling the leadership to the new NMGS president

Prof. Clifford Teme (right) presenting an award to a recipient at the event

A section of leaders and some past presidents of NMGS at the event held at Eko Hotel & Suites Lagos

Another section of leaders and some past presidents of NMGS

A section of National Geosciences and Information Centre Abuja at the event

Another recipient of NMGS award at the event

Prof. Ebenezer Meshida, one of the award recipient of NMGS

Some of the dignitaries

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

20 JUNE 2015

55

DESTINATION Five days in Africa's nether region

P.42

Sanctity of Truth

SATURDAY SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015

Perspectives

Before we go naked to clothe our lawmakers

N150

p.52

Crucial

90 minutes for

Falcao

R

Ajibade Olusesan adamel Falcao’s future should be decided in a matter of days. Barring any unforeseen situation, the Monaco striker should complete a loan move to Chelsea but before that happens the 29-yearold will have to help Columbia secure a quarterfinal berth when they confront Peru tomorrow (Sunday) in their last group match in the Copa America.

The former Atletico man has struggled to stamp his mark on the tournament so far. Colombia came into the competition as one of the favourites to win the title, but this tag suffered a deadly knock after they lost 1-0 to Venezuela. Falcao had a difficult time on the pitch, as he rarely threatened. He failed to have a single shot on target despite playing the full 90 minutes, while he was also guilty of losing the ball after a poor touch on four occasions.

Although the Los Cafeteros got their campaign back on

track with a shock 1-0 win over Brazil on Thursday, Falcao still could not make any impression.

The rest of the Columbian players were in right form except their talisman, he was lethargic and lacked confidence before he was hauled off.

The Coffee Growers face Peru in a mustwin game tomorrow and those 90 minutes can determine so many things for Falcao and his team. Columbia will progress if they beat spirited Peru but they have to win with a comfortable margin to be on a safe side. It is another 90 minutes of redemption for Falcao, to help his country, to help his career.

Jose Mourinho is adamant he can help the striker rediscover his form when he joins Chelsea, but the striker has another 90 minutes to show the Blues fans their manager is not about to embark on a fruitless mission.

Falcao scored just four goals in 26 Premier League ap-

pearances during a loan spell at Manchester United last season and was the subject of widespread criticism for his performances in England. Chelsea’s faithful are sceptical about this move; the story of a certain Fernando Torres is still fresh in their memory and a section of the Stamford Bridge have also argued that Falcao might just be another Andriy Shevchenko who joined the club at a time he had passed his prime.

Some South American players in Chelsea have registered their pleasure at seeing the striker come to Stamford Bridge. Brazilian Willian is one of them. He said: "Falcao is a great player, a striker that knows how to score and I'm sure it will help us a lot; I hope he can be happy at Chelsea."

It is now left for the former Porto striker to prove to Chelsea fans he still has some firepower in him. He can raise hope by kick-starting his Copa America campaign with a good 90 minutes against Peru tomorrow.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: (Lagos 09029281425), (Abuja 08055118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani.