Saturday, october 15, 2016 binder1

News

City&Crime Update

Nigeria swapped Chibok girls with B'Haram fighters –CNN source

Police arrest foreigner for infecting Nigerian girls with HIV

l Red Cross: We were not involved in negotiation Pg. 5 l Buhari: More girls to be released soon

Pg. 11

SATURDAY Saturday, October 15, 2016

Vol. 3 No. 969

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

AISHA'S OUTBURST

BUHARI, WIFE

How ex-NIMASA DG acquired N2.6bn bullet-proof car –Witness Pg. 7

AT WAR PAGES 3, 49

“I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room. So I claim superior knowledge over her.”–Buhari

ONDO

"...if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again”–Aisha

Tension as court recognises Jimoh Ibrahim Pg. 8

No plea bargain for indicted judges –FG l Govt may set up special court Pg. 19

Pg. 4

Over 20% fail Nigerian Law School exam Pg. 7

Pg

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News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

H

aving evolved from a simple highway of 3 lanes on each side as seen in picture reflecting its look in the 1970s, the Ikorodu Road today is one of the major expressways in Lagos State connecting the Lagos mainland to Ikorodu, now home to millions who work in the mainland part of Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

Today, the road is designated as the A1 highway for its entire 24.5 kilometer length. For most of the Lagos portion, it is a four-lane expressway with two frontage roads parallel to the expressway and crosses other major expressways such as the Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at different points.

The road also hosts many of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority's bus rapid transit (BRT) stops with more BRT stops planned to come on stream as construction is on.

Ikorodu Road officially starts

News Ndubuisi Ugah, Emmanuel Anule and Johnchuks Onuanyim with agency reports

U

nease yesterday enveloped the nation’s first family when President Muhammadu Buhari reacted to his wife, Aisha, recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service programme.

In responding to his wife’s outburst that that his government had been hijacked by “some cabal” who were not with them from the very start, President Buhari said: “She belongs to my kitchen, my living room and the other room.”

But speaking in Berlin, Germany yesterday, as part of his state visit to the country, President Buhari was reported to have laughed off her allegations, saying: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

“His comments to reporters in Germany promoted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, standing at his side, to give him a short glare and then laugh,” according to an online news portal, Associated Press (AP).

Speaking further, President Buhari said he hopes his wife would remember that he ran for president three times before succeeding on the fourth effort.

“So, I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. It’s not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.”

However, the presi-

Pictures that tell stories

IKORODU ROAD IN LAGOS

after the flyover with the Murtala Muhammed Way in Lagos Mainland. From there, its travels north dividing Mushin from Somolu and after its 4 kilometer mark, the expressway interchanges with Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway or Gbagada Expressway. After passing the interchange, it continues northwards to Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way leading towards Computer Village and the Murtala

Muhammed International Airport.

The road’s last turn is as a cloverleaf interchange with the LagosIbadan Expressway. Once you go pass this interchange, the road, which the Lagos State Government continues to improve, becomes an divided arterial road all the way to Ikorodu. Unlike in the past, the stretch after the soon-to-be-relocated Mile 12 Market actually assures of a better driving experience.

Ikorodu Road, Lagos back in the '70s

The Anthony stretch of Ikorodu Road in Lagos today

NEWS FOR US?

Call: 08099400228, 08033617741

Aisha outburst: Buhari, wife at war l You belong to the kitchen –President l Garba Shehu: He was merely joking dential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said President Buhari respects women, citing the appointment of the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, as a demonstration of that.

Reacting to the media frenzy ignited by Buhari’s statement that his wife Aisha belonged in the kitchen, Shehu said that Buhari was only joking.

“My friends, can’t a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr President laughed before that statement was made.

“He was obviously throwing a banter. Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour.

Those of us close to him know there is never a dull moment with him.

“Mr. President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women. One of Nigeria’s most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs. Adeosun.

This is an evidence of the confidence he reposes on women,” he said.

2019: I may not support you, Aisha warns Buhari

Prior to President Buhari’s response to his wife’s outburst, Aisha had warned him that she may not back him at the 2019 election unless he shakes up his government.

Aisha, in the interview published by BBC yesterday, said the president does not know most of the top officials he has appointed.

The President’s wife expressed fear of rebellion from the 15 million people who voted for her husband, stressing that those who worked for the president have been abandoned for those who don't even have voters card.

She said: “The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.

“Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.”

In the BBC interview, the First Lady refused to name those who had hijacked the government, saying: “You will know them if you watch television.”

On whether the president was in charge, she said: “That is left for the people to decide.”

Aisha also said her husband had not told her whether he would contest the 2019 election.

She said: “He is yet to tell me but I have decided, as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.”

Anxiety in Aso Rock over first lady’s interview

Following this, it was gathered that anxiety heightened in the Presi-

dential Villa, Abuja, over the interview granted by Aisha.

Confirming this last night, a close aide of the President who prefers his name not be mentioned in print, told our correspondent that some of Buhari’s appointees, including cabinet members were currently jittery and as such, not sure of what would happen next.

There has been calls from prominent Nigerians for the President to rejig his cabinet and inject more competent individuals that will assist the government succeed in delivering on its developmental programmers.

According to the presidential aide, most of the cabinet members have not been given open access to the President because of the manner in which they were nominated into the government.

“On the directive of the President, every minister reports directly to the Chief of Staff except on rare occasion when it becomes necessary for oneon-one discussion about memos.

“This kind of process is different from what obtained in the past and has not given majority of them the confidence they need to function effectively. With the statement from the President's wife, most of them are afraid,” the source stressed.

Our correspondent gathered that most villa staff clustered in pair yesterday, discussing what effect the develop-

ment could portend to the government of the day in terms of changes that could follow.

BBC ‘defied pressure’ to publish interview It was also gathered that the BBC Hausa Service was under intense pressure from President Buhari and members of “his kitchen cabinet” to pre-empt broadcast of the interview granted by his wife.

Dependable sources said the President had reached out to his wife, who was currently in London, to stop granting further interviews to the media.

The organisation, it was learnt, had defied pressure from the Presidency and National Assembly to stop it from airing the interview.

A source within the Abuja Bureau of the BBC alleged that there was a letter from the Presidency asking the Hausa service of the BBC not to air the interview.

It was also gathered that a part of the interview will be aired in the service's morning broadcast tomorrow. It will be aired in full on its programme, ‘Gane Mini Hanya', today.

Aisha comment good for Nigerians-APC chieftain

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has said comments made by Mrs. Aisha Buhari, was not meant to discredit the current administration but to sound a note of caution for the betterment of

Nigerians and the country at large.

The APC spokesman in a statement yesterday, warned oppositions not to rejoice or misinterpret the said interview adding that the President's wife spoke out the minds of many party men and women who felt sidelined in the present government.

Frank said: “I think Mrs. Buhari deserve commendation because she is actually speaking the minds of not only the party members but Nigerians.

“What Mrs. Buhari has said is not different from what some of us have been saying that it is high time the President shake-up his cabinet and bring in people who understand the manifestoes of the party and could help the party deliver on its change mantra, especially, the economy of the country needs an urgent attention.

“Some of our leaders like the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, have made this same observation in the past and I think they meant well for the administration and the country. I will also join them in appealing to the president to do the needful.

“Nigerian women in politics and other wives of president in the world have a lot to learn from what Mrs. Buhari has done. We should not forget in a hurry that this is what the former first lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan failed to do to her husband when few people hijacked his government and brought the government down.”

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News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

FG rules out plea bargain for embattled judges Tunde Oyesina

...NJC, DSS trade words

here are indications that the Federal Government may rule out the possibility of plea bargain for the judges arrested and released by the Department of State Service (DSS).

Plea bargain is a system where an accused person admitted to the offence, especially when it relates to financial crime and as such the suspect will return part of the money in question, and hence a lighter sentence will be passed by the court.

The secret service had last Saturday in various parts of the country raided and arrested about seven judges over alleged corruption.

The judges involved are Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court; Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court; Muazu Pindiga of the Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike.

Justices Umezulike, Auta, and Tsamiya had earlier been recommended for sack by the NJC for al-

leged corrupt activities.

A source who prefers anonymity because he is not authorised to talk told Saturday Telegraph that the possibility of the plea bargain should be ruled out as far as the judges are concerned.

“The judges will be charged to court any moment from now. We are waiting for the action of the NJC. We expect the NJC to suspend them; otherwise it’s like taking a sitting judge to court.

“In the service, when anybody is being inves-

T ABUJA

tigated for any serious crime, the first thing we do is to place such a person on suspension. After the investigation, such a person would face trial and get dismissed from service on conviction and later face prosecution in the law court.

“The NJC does not have the luxury not to suspend them. We wrote the NJC on Monday but we haven’t received any response.”

Meanwhile, contrary to the expectations of the DSS, the NJC had refused

to suspend the affected judges, rather it (NJC) said that the secret service could establish a prima facie against them.

The council in a statement issued at the end of its two day emergency meeting in Abuja said that the action of the DSS is a threat to the Independence of the Judiciary, which portends great danger to the nation's democracy.

The council also described the arrest as a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the Judiciary.

However, another source told Saturday Tele-

Bello advocates independence of judiciary

N

iger State Governor, Sani Bello has said the nation needs an independent judicial arm of government that is free from the executive arm to enable it discharge it functions diligently.

Bello made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), when he received members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Minna yesterday.

He said operating an in-

dependent judicial arm of government would make the organ more efficient and free from external interference.

“It is my believe that the judiciary should be independent, so that we can stop interfering with their work so that all we can do is to support them achieve purpose.

“The judiciary and the police are supposed to be key in the society, but now, a lot of people have lost confidence in the police and judi-

ciary because of the manner in which they unnecessarily prolong court cases.

“Let me use Niger as an example, we have had cases of rape, kidnappings, cattle rustling, which we used to get information from communities and which such information led to the arrest of culprit,” he said.

Bello said that the judiciary was an important organ in the society that was saddled with the responsibility of giving justice to the poor and defenseless.

graph that the Federal Government is already working towards setting up a special court to try the judges.

“According to the source, the anti-corruption advisory committee led by Prof. Itsay Sagay is looking at the possibility of a special court to try the judges.”

However, speaking on the legality of such court, a constitutional lawyer, Ola Ibiwoye, said it will take a long process for such court

to be put in place.

“This is because there must be a law that will back up such court as it cannot be a creation of a committee. To establish such court, it will surely take a long process.

“If the Federal Government insists on a special court, it means it will have wait for a long time before arraigning the judges. That will simply defeat the purpose of the arrest,” he added.

Police Commission approves promotion of 4 CPs Emmanuel Onani Abuja

T

he Police Service Commission (PSC), has approved the promotion of four Commissioners of Police (CPs), to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police.

The newly promoted AIGs are: Messrs Henry Fadairo (Jigawa State CP), Pius Imue (CP,Railway Command), Felix Ogundeji (CP Intelligence, Force Headquarters), as well as Ezekiel Zang (CP Air Wing, Force Headquarters).

The disclosure was made in a statement by

the PSC's Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani. “The commission’s decision on the promotion of the four Commissioners of Police has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, for implementation.

“In the letter, signed by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Musa Istifanus, the Commission said the individual letters for the promotions would be forwarded to the IGP in due course for onward transmission to the affected officers," Ani said.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

5

Nigeria ‘actually swapped’ Chibok girls with Boko Haram detainees –CNN source

Ndubuisi Ugah

with agency reports

l Red Cross: Our role in release of 21 Chibok girls

resh facts emerged yesterday on how the outlawed terror group, Boko Haram released 21 out of the over 200 kidnapped pupils of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

They were abducted by the terror group in 2014, after the sect invaded their school.

Investigations revealed that contrary to media reports by the Federal Government that there was no swap deal, an online news portal, Cable Network News

(CNN) yesterday confirmed another online news portal, Per Second News (PSN) report that the release of the schoolgirls was a deal swap for money and Boko Haram detainees.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, said: “Please note that this is not a swap, but a release. The release was a product of painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides.”

In the same vein, the

F

Abubakar, Onaiyekan, NGE hail Chibok girls’ release Kunle Olayeni, and Biodun Oyeleye

F

ormer military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, yesterday commended the release of 21 Chibok girls by the Boko Haram sect.

While Abubakar said the freedom of the schoolgirls, who had been in captivity for over two years, was an episode that would never occur in the history of the country again, Onaiyekan said the release was still relatively late, considering that Nigeria had an opportunity to have ensured it happened long before now.

Speaking with journalists shortly after his visit to the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Abubakar who was accompanied to the palace by his wife, Justice Fati Abubakar, and two sons, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of those involved in the rescue operation of the Chibok girls.

He said: “First and foremost, we give glory to God for saving the children and we congratulate each and everyone who is involved in bringing the girls back.

Meanwhile, Onaiyekan while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, said although the Federal Government was making progress in its fight against Boko Haram with the release of 21 girls, the inability of government to come clean on the status of the remaining girls was a spot on the nation and urged stakeholders to make available necessary information that can guide the public.

Also, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has lauded the Nigerian government and the international community for their efforts towards the release of the girls.

It recalled that it had

Red Cross also stated that it “played neutral intermediary” in the release of the schoolgirls, contrary to Federal Government’s insistence that the group and the Swiss Government mediated in the release of the girls.

But a source close to the negotiations between the sect and the Federal Government, said on condition of anonymity, which the CNN reported that: “A number of Boko Haram commanders”, were freed as part of Thursday’s release of the girls, Per Second News Thursday revealed that the negotiation that gave birth to the release of the girls was the same brokered last

year July, when Boko Haram leaders offered to free more than 200 young women and girls kidnapped from the boarding school in the town of Chibok in exchange for the release of militant leaders held by the government.

A credible source who was part of the negotiation last year speaking under the condition of anonymity revealed that the only difference is the swap for money.

He revealed that apart from exchange of detainees, money was also part of the new swap arrangement, according to the source who drafted the Swiss government into the discussion in 2015.

Negotiations last year failed when Boko Haram demanded a ransom of $5.2 billion for the girls' freedom, according to a recently published authorised biography of President Muhammadu Buhari by American historian John Paden.

After about nine weeks of talks in 2014 a negotiator from Europe led the Jonathan government representatives to travel in September to a northeastern town where the prisoner exchange was to take place, only to be stymied by the Department for State Service intelligence agency.

At the last minute, the Department of State Services (DSS) said it was holding

through several communiques urged the Federal Government, International community and other public spirited individuals and organisations to rally round and support efforts that would facilitate the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls.

The guild in a statement by the General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their immense contributions and sacrifice towards ensuring the return of peace to the North-eastern part of the country.

It also noted that the release of the girls showed the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the abduction saga was brought to an end.

only four of the militants sought by Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross in explaining its role in the release of the schoolgirls, said when the Federal Government and Boko Haram reached a deal, they contacted the Red Cross to come in, inspect, and receive the girls.

Spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Africa, Elodie Schindler, told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, in an exclusive interview, that: “The role we played was neutral intermediary. We were not involved in the negotiation.

“What we usually do is when two parties are negotiating, we don’t get involved. But when they have struck a deal, they can then call us in to mediate.”

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, during the president’s visit in Berlin …yesterday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

BBOG matches released Chibok girls with campaign list Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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he BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy movement has expressed its support for the plan by the federal government of an immediate commencement of the programme for the physical, mental, emotional and social recovery process of 21 released Chibok girls.

The Federal Government had on Thursday disclosed that it had assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and trauma experts, to properly examine the girls, especially because they had been in captivity for so long.

The girls, according to the government, will also be adequately debriefed, to redirect their consciousness towards the normal society.

The group which also matched the names of all the 21 girls with its campaign list said it would

stand ready to support the federal and Borno State governments in every relevant respect.

Addressing members of the group at its daily sit out in Abuja yesterday, Chairperson of BBOG, Aisha Yesufu, said the hope of the movement had been renewed 914 days after the abduction of the girls that the Federal Government would fulfill its pledge to rescue all the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.

“Exactly 914 days since the abduction, our hope is renewed that our government will fulfil the pledge it made to rescue all our #ChibokGirls as well as every other abducted citizen of our country. We have therefore decided to step down the release of the Chronicles of False Narratives II. We will continue with our one month monitoring of the Federal Government's renewed rescue activities.

“Now, we can continue to make our demand for the

rescue of the remaining 197 #ChibokGirls with greater expectation of their quick return. We trust that our government will continue to work to keep their safety, security, and well-being a high priority.

“To the international community, especially the Swiss Government and others involved in securing this release, we send our deepest appreciation. We urge you to continue to support our government’s effort to rescue all other abducted Nigerians, so that parents, the Chibok community, the nation, and the world can finally put an end to this nightmare,” she said.

She added that the movement would continue to monitor the rescue activities by government for one month after which she stressed that BBOG would resume its protest rally after every 72 hours if nothing is done .

Yesufu expressed delight that at exactly two months since the plea-for-rescue

from one of the Chibok girls, Dorcas Yakubu, the 21 of them were released.

While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari, for providing the leadership that led to the successful rescue, she also applauded the resilience of the soldiers at the frontlines, heads of the military and security establishment, whose daily sacrifices provided the environment for the release of the girls .

On matching the names of the girls with the list being used by the movement, she said "working with the Kibaku Area Development Association, representatives of the Chibok community in Abuja, we have successfully matched the names of girls rescued with their position on our existing list.

Speaking also at the sit out, Chairman of Chibok community in Abuja, Tsambido Hosea Habana, said he spoke with all the 21 girls and confirmed that they are from Chibok.

“I spoke with all of them one by one yesterday with our language. I asked them their names, their fathers' name and their village which they answered? That has proved to all doubting Thomases,” he said.

THE LIST 1. Mary Usman - 159 2. Jummai John - 78 3. Blessing Abana – 90 4. Luggwa Sanda - 27 5. Comfort Habila - 24 6. Maryam Basheer - 195 7. Comfort Amos - 10 8. Glory Mainta - 22 9. Saratu Emmanuel - 76 10. Deborah Ja'afaru - 123 11. Rahab Ibrahim - 96 12. Helin Musa - 175 13. Maryamu Lawan - 35 14. Rebecca Ibrahim - 52 15. Asabe Goni - 100 16. Deborah Andrawus - 190 17. Agnes Gapani - 191 18. Saratu Markus - 164 19. Glory Dama - 139 20. Pindah Nuhu - 133 21. Rebecca Mallum – 86

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News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Anule Emmanuel, Abuja

Germany commits £18b to Lake Chad devt

he German government has promised to provide a total of £18billion for the recharging of the Lake Chad basin.

German Chancellor, Angela Mekel, who disclosed this yesterday said the amount would assist in the diversion of rivers in the Congo Basin to empty their waters into the lake.

Both the German leader and President Muhammadu

Buhari said they had ear marked this project as one of their priorities.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Buhari, following bilateral talks yesterday in Berlin, Merkel commended the progress Nigeria had made in fighting crime, terrorism and corruption and promised continued consultation and closer bilateral cooperation.

The German leader noted that: “The Lake Chad region is a great priority to us, Nige-

T

ria is part and parcel of that. n terms of cooperation we said we will earmark 18 billion for Lake Chad region area and 50 billion for the overall areas.”

Merkel expressed concern that the annual illegal migration of 20,000 Nigerians to Germany had become a major issue that needs to be addressed, especially given the fact the emigrants were mostly unqualified for asylum under their own laws.

“We also talked about the migration partnership with

the European Union; the EU wants to negotiate migration with Nigeria. My point in this is that we need to see to it that human traffickers are out of business, we have to strengthen legal migration to also create jobs in Nigeria, jobs possibilities for vocational training, possibilities in education,” she said.

On his part, President Buhari, who made a strong pitch for the recharging of the lake in bilateral talks with the German leader in the course of an

ongoing state visit, said the drying up of the lake had put the 30 million people in the Lake Chad basin area in danger of being forced to leave.

The President linked the emergence and spread of the Boko Haram terrorism as well as the increasing number of illegal migrations to Europe from Africa to joblessness, starvation and poverty. He said this partly arose from climate change as manifested by the drying up of the lake.

President Buhari welcomed the German offer of skills and vocational training for Nigeria's teeming unemployed, training and provision of equipment and intelligence to combat criminality and terrorism in the North-East, the vandalism of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region and frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Buhari also acknowledged the more than 100 German firms in the Nigerian economy and thanked Chancellor Markel for her encouragement to more of such firms to invest in Nigeria.

FG set to establish Development Bank Anule Emmanuel, Abuja

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has said the Federal Government will soon establish a new bank, Development Bank of Nigeria.

The President said the setting up such a bank would strengthen the government's economic diversification programme.

Addressing the GermanNigeria Business Forum in Berlin, President Buhari said the bank, when fully operational, would support small and medium enterprises in the country, by improving their access to financing.

“Our ambitions of creating a diversified and inclusive economy in Nigeria can only be achieved by having a mix of small, medium and large businesses.

“This is why we worked with the German development agency, KFW, in designing the Development Bank of Nigeria which will support the small and medium size enterprises both financially and technically to ensure they take their rightful place in the industrialisation value chain.

“I am pleased to announce that Development Bank of Nigeria will be taking off soon and should be a game changer in our economic diversification plans,” he said.

President Buhari, who described Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria from Germany as modest, urged prospective investors at the gathering to go beyond the expressions of interest and make binding commitments for trade, investments and industry in the key priority sectors of agriculture, infrastructure, solid minerals and digital economy.

He said Nigeria which recorded a trade volume of 2.96 billion Dollars with Germany in 2015, still had a great deal of unexploited potential and room to diversify its exports to Germany and increase overall trade volumes.

According to the President, trade relations between both countries primarily take the form of oil and gas exports from Nigeria, machinery, vehicles and vehicle parts, telecommunications technology and chemical products in the other direction.

Why blackout at ChannelsTV, others will persist –Ikeja electric

I

Adeola Yusuf keja Electric Distribution Company (IKDISCO) yesterday declared that the outage witnessed by its customers in and around Ejigbo, Oke Afa, Ikotun Egbe, Egan, Igando, Arepo, Warewa and Channels Television axis would be prolonged.

The company, which said it regretted the prolonged outages, maintained that blackouts were due to a faulty 100MVA transformer at Ejigbo Transmission Station as well as other multiple faults along the network in that area.

The transmission company, the power distribution company noted in a statement, had commenced repairs on the faulty transformer.

“However in the interim customers will be temporarily back fed through alternative sources to mitigate the current blackout pending the completion of the repair,” the statement read.

In a similar development, Ikeja Electric said that the

recent damage of the 33KV Electric Towers along Abeokuta Expressway by a truck has resulted in power outage in Millennium Estate, LSDPC Estate Ojokoro, Agbado, Aboru, Jankara and parts of Abeokuta expressway environs.

Dominic Adewole, ASABA

M

ilitiant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) yesterday brought down another oil installation with its 'Akuma Strike Team' in Iwhremaro axis of Delta State.

This is about the fifth time the group will strike with its teams, including 'The Operation Opudo', which later metamorphosed into “Operation Crocodile Tears” and now, “Operation Akuma Strike Team.”

Prior to its destruction, the pipeline was the quality control centre (QCC) delivery line of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; the state APC Chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale and Senator Abenga Ashafa, at the Executive and Legislative Retreat in Lagos …yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Inflation rises to 17.9% in September –NBS

A

Tony Chukwunyem

nnual inflation in the country accelerated to 17.9 per cent in September from 17.6 per cent in August, a more than 11-year high and the eighth monthly rise in a row, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Friday.

The NBS said the rise from 17.4 per cent in August reflected higher prices for electricity, kerosene, transport and food, a separate index for which rose to 16.6 per cent from August's 16.4 per cent.

"During the month, the highest increases were seen in clothing materials, shoes, books and stationeries," the NBS said in a statement.

It also said food inflation

lOil rises further above $52

rose to 16.6 per cent in September from 16.4 per cent in August.

The NBS has revised its forecast for year-end inflation, estimating the index will end at between 17.1 percent and 18 percent, up from 9 percent at the start of the year.

The September inflation figure is below the 18.4 per cent projected by analysts at First Security Discount House (FSDH).

In a note released last week the analysts said the continued pressure on the value of the naira could result in September inflation hitting 18.14 per cent from the 17.61 per cent recorded in August.

The analysts, in a note, said: “We expect the Septem-

ber 2016 inflation rate (yearon-year) to increase further to 18.14 per cent from 17.61 per cent recorded in the month of August 2016. Most of the divisions, which contribute to the headline inflation, are expected to rise as a result of the continued pressure on the value of the naira.”

According to the analysts: “The depreciation recorded in the exchange rate in the parallel market between the two months and higher prices in the international market would continue to put further pressure on domestic prices.”

However, the below 18 per cent inflation for September announced by the NBS may not have come as a surprise to industry watchers who

Again, militants bomb oil facility in Delta (NPDC).

The group said the bombing heralded the commencement of its “Operation Hammurabi Code”, which was launched by the group three weeks ago when it blew up the Unenurhie-Evwreni trunk/delivery line that cuts across Ughelli South and North Local Government Areas of the state and served as a final quit notice on all multi-national oil companies to vacate the state and the Niger Delta region at large.

Claiming responsibility for yesterday’s attack, the spokesperson for the group, Gen. Aldo Agbalaja, in a statement tagged: “Here are the dreaded days: Reward of multi-national's infidelity”, said more destructions

would be recorded in the days ahead.

The statement read: “The Akuma strike Team of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate brought down the Iwhremaro to the quality control centre (QCC) delivery line to signal the commencement of the Operation Hammurabi Code. More to come in the coming days.

“We have been patient and reasonable all along, hence our decision to restrict our activities to mild operations that were not aimed at causing critical damages, but it has now become crystal clear that we are dealing with devious and incorrigible people.

“Therefore, we serve this as a notice to the Nigerian

government and its conniving multinationals that the Operation Hammurabi Code has been initiated, henceforth, it shall be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Now you shall know what uprooting of your cherished assets means. It starts from now on, there is no longer going to be warnings or special consideration for anybody.”

While Agbalaja, in the statement threatened that since “the leopard of the oil company has refused to change its skin and ever deceiving, ever conniving, and waxing stronger in its 'divide-and-rule' gimmick”, his group will not stay idle in the face of blatant lies and deception.

point out that the NBS’ release of August inflation data showed that the inflation rate rose by 0.48 percentage point from 17.13per cent to 17.61per cent, indicating the slowest increase in 2016.

Meanwhile, oil climbed further above $52 a barrel yesterday, supported by a drop in US fuel inventories, though gains were kept in check by ample crude supplies even as OPEC plans to cut output.

Brent crude reached a 2016 high near $54 on Monday, underpinned by OPEC's Sept. 28 deal to reduce oil production, before weakening on rising US crude stocks and as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' own numbers showed output is still rising.

Global benchmark Brent LCOc1 rose 39 cents to $52.42 by 0859 GMT (12.59 pm, Dubai), with US crude CLc1 up 57 cents at $51.01.

OPEC’s plan is to cut its supply to between 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) and 33 million bpd to help to balance supply and demand and revive prices that remain less than half of the levels reached in mid-2014.

However, a lack of much detail in the initial agreement, such as how much each of the 14 members can pump and the scale of any contributions from non-Opec countries such as Russia, has left analysts skeptical.

"We are doubtful that OPEC’s efforts, even if successful in achieving a targeted 32.5 million bpd in collective output, will prove sufficient to materially alter the global oil balance and deliver a substantial reduction in oil inventories,” BNP Paribas said in a report.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

L-R: Brand Manager, SevenUp, Mr. Segun Ogunleye; Creative Director, ART X Lagos, Bisi Silva; Founder/Director, ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside and Head, Corporate Communications, Access Bank, Mrs. Olubusola Osilaja, during a press briefing on the upcoming Art Fair tagged: ‘ART X Lagos’, in Lagos… yesterday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSSAIN

Radio Biafra exposed Nigeria’s evils –IPOB Charles Onyekwere, ENUGU

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pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has described the establishment of Radio Biafra as a medium of communication which provides Nigerians with up to date news about what is happening in the country, especially in exposing the ills being committed against the people of the old Eastern region of Nigeria.

A statement signed by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, noted that the detained Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu, took it upon himself to use the radio to educate and enlighten the world about what is happening in Nigeria and therefore made the radio accessible to over 100 countries of the world.

According to the statement, Kanu and some of the founding members of the Radio Biafra, have made it a point of duty to use the radio to fight for the liberation and emancipation of Biafrans from Nigeria.

“Dr. Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, the leader of the IPOB with Mr.

…explains why Kanu set up radio station Alphonsus Uche Mefor (Deputy Director Radio Biafra, Mr. Emma Mmezu, Dr. Clifford C. Iroanya, Mazi Uchenna Asegbu and others, have since the inception and operation of the radio set out for the defence of the rights of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB and for the restoration of the ancient city of Biafra.

“The Radio Biafra propagates truth to mankind and exposes evil committed by the Nigerian government against the people of Biafra without fear or favour. It preaches Biafra not just only as a nation or a geographical expression of a group of people; but as an identity and religion. It preaches the ideology that is Biafra in its totality.

“The platform was created to salvage the already endangered people who have faced extermination in the hand of Nigerians orchestrated by Nigerian government and some western powers against her culture which has faced extinction.

“However, Radio Biafra has also, to a very large extent, placed the corrupt and unethical Nigerian Government and its agents where they belong.

As far as IPOB and Radio

Buhari: More Chibok girls will soon be released Anule Emmanuel, Abuja

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has said he was confident that more girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect will soon be released.

The President expressed optimism on the release of more of the kidnapped Chibok girls, after 21 of them were freed by Boko Haram, following more than two years of captivity.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday in Berlin, President Buhari said negotiations will continue until all the girls secure their freedom.

“On the Chibok girls, we have been able to secure the release of 21 of them, so over 100 more are still in the hands of the terrorists somewhere in the Lake Chad Basin area which include Cameroon,

Niger and Nigeria.

“In getting this 21 out, we hope we will get enough intelligence to go about securing the rest of them. We are very grateful to the UN for their participation in trying to secure the release of these girls.

“Please don't forget that as a result of terrorism in Nigeria, no fewer than 37,000 Nigerians were killed by Boko Haram.

“Right now we have about two million people in IDP camps, 60 per cent of them are women and children and 60 per cent of those children are orphaned.

“This is a major challenge for government; we have to provide face infrastructure especially for education and health, take them back to their villages and towns and reintegrate them so that they can have normal life,” he said.

The President thanked the German government for their humanitarian assistance and support for Nigeria in dealing with the effects of terrorism.

Biafra are concerned, it has become almost impossible for the Nigerian government and her agents to peddle and sustain their lies.

“During the genocidal war against the people of Biafra from 1967 to 1970, the Nigerian government with the help of the British, employed total media blockage against Biafrans and as a result, the world was kept in the dark about the genocidal war as the corrupt world media reported absolute lies.

“That is one of the reasons why the leadership of IPOB under the supreme leadership of Kanu took the task upon itself to ensure that Radio Biafra can be accessed from any part of the world.

“The radio enlightens the

international community, governments of various countries, organisations, individuals and lovers of freedom all over the world.

“Considering the fact that Biafrans are scattered all over the world, Radio Biafra has done incredibly well to gather Biafrans from the ends of the earth and this has given a thrust to the agitation in general.

“Today, over 70 million Indigenous People of Biafra residing in over 100 countries including Nigeria and Biafra are well organised and are speaking with one voice, seeking the restoration of Biafra through self-determination as enshrined in the United Nation declaration of the right of the indigenous People.

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Recession: We must rise above personal interesteral–Ambode level from both the Peoples

Muritala Ayinla

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s the negative impact of the economic recession continues to bite harder on Nigerians, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday said there was no better time for the six states in the South-West region under the Odu’a Investments Group to activate the partnership for economic growth and take the people of the region out of recession.

The governor urged elected leaders to rise above their personal interests and deliver good governance to the people who they represent, saying the economic downturn was no respecter of tribe or religion, neither does it discriminate along political party lines, hence, every Nigerian was feeling the impact.

This, Ambode said, is what Nigeria’s present economic situation urgently requires, saying it was time to render selfless service to the electorates.

The governor spoke alongside Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Adeola Olamilekan and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasir Obasa, at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Executive/Legislative Retreat on Victoria Island.

While harping on the central theme of the retreat, entitled: “Good Governance in a Recession”, Ambode said the current economic development in the country was a wakeup call for Nigerian leaders to come together for the purpose of rescuing the nation.

He said the retreat, which had brought together members of the Executive and the Legislature from the state and Fed-

Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a statement of fact that the people come first in Lagos.

“As you may recall, Lagos joined the Odu’a Investments Group last year to become the sixth state in the South-West with Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States as founders.

This historic move is not only strategic, but falls in line with our vision of reawakening the political economy and socioeconomic hegemony of member states.

“As we proceed to extract the greater opportunities of inclusion, it is of necessity to call on other state governments, irrespective of our political leanings that the Odu’a Investment initiative is a veritable economic vehicle for us to take our people out of recession,” Ambode said.

The governor who also dwelt on the need to entrench good governance, listed fairness, equity and obedience to Rule of Law and inclusion as key ingredients, adding that the last 16 months of his administration has focused on these principles.

“Allowing everyone to participate to reach consensus is good governance. There must be direction as to where our government is going. Strategic vision, performance, responsiveness in getting the needed results in the most cost-reduced efforts possible is good governance,” he said.

On his part, Ashafa commended the governor for how he has been handling affairs of the state, especially the issue of kidnapping, saying that Lagos remains the only state that usually responds swiftly to such issues with the governor leading the security operatives from the front.

How EX-NIMASA DG acquired N2.6bn bullet proof car –Witness Akeem Nafiu

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urther hearing in the trial of the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, over alleged N2.6 billion fraud continued yesterday before Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

At the resumed hearing, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Orji Chukwuma, tendered documents showing how the accused person acquired a bulletproof car for his personal use.

It will be recalled that Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside NIMASA's former Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Ezekiel Agaba, his aides, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the court on December 4, 2015, for allegedly defrauding NIMASA to the tune of N2.6 billion between March and June 2014.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Chukwuma, who is the last prosecution witness revealed

that a receipt for the purchase of the bullet proof car was submitted to the commission by Akpobolokemi.

He also tendered another document from an estate surveyor showing how Akopolokemi paid for his rented apartment at Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos.

While being led in evidence

by EFCC's lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness said: “The first defendant (Akpobolokemi) brought a document to us in relation to how he paid for his rented apartment on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos. He also attached a document from an estate surveyor on payments of his house rent.”

Efforts by the EFCC lawyer to tender the documents as exhibits was rebuffed by Akpobolokemi’s lawyer, M M Ajuwa, on the ground that he was not served with the documents.

He argued that the documents sought to be tendered ought to have been front-loaded in line with Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Justice Buba while upholding Ajuwa's submissions held that "it is sacrosanct that every accused person shall be given opportunity to defend himself and must be served with necessary documents including documents he submitted to the EFCC".

Again, over 20% fail Nigerian Law School exams

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early one in five students who sat for the August/ September 2016 final examinations of the Nigerian Law School, failed and will not be called to the bar, official results have shown.

The result contained in a statement signed by the executive director of the Nigerian Law School, Olanrewaju Anadeko, shows that 17.8 per cent of the student who sat in the last examination failed and will not be called to bar this November.

The figure represents 980 students out of 5, 517 who

participated in examination.

According to the statement, 4, 178 of the candidates passed the examination without any conditions while 359 of them had conditional passes.

That means 75 per cent of the candidates passed without conditions, while 6.5 per cent had conditional passes.

A similar examination conducted in April recorded 23.6 per cent failure rate, as 709 candidates out of 3, 056 of them who sat for that batch of the final examination from the NLS, did not make the pass mark.

Potential candidates to

the bar must sit and pass the final examination by the school, while complying with other provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act to be qualified for the call to bar.

According to Section 4 of the Act, candidates must meet all other requirements to qualify before they can be allowed to partake in the exercise.

Section 4 (2) of the Act implies that the 359 candidates with conditional passes cannot rely solely on their kind of result to make it to bar.

Information provided by the school states that after concluding their study at

the Nigerian Law School, successful candidates are given their certificates by council. They are later called to bar by the Body of Benchers, subject to the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act. The Council of Legal Education is the regulatory body for the Nigerian Law School, which must be attended by persons willing to practice law in Nigeria.

It also determines the steps to be taken by persons who have obtained a university degree in law from a foreign institution and are willing to practice as lawyers in Nigeria.

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News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Adams urgesYoruba race to promote its culture Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

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he National coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has urged Yoruba indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora to support the crusade of promoting Yoruba culture.

Speaking with journalists at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State during this year’s ‘Oro Ebedi' festival’, Adams said there was the need for all

and sundry to support the government in promoting Yoruba culture.

According to him, Nigeria has all what it takes to become a tourism destination and this will assist the government in generating more funds that will be useful to Nigerians.

He said: “Tourism is becoming a huge busuiness across the world, so Yorubas should make good use of our heritage”, while appealing to all the traditional leaders to tap into various tourism potential in their area and make sure that they are promoting Yoruba culture.

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME

BAMISAYE

I formerly known and addresses as EREWOYE OMOSAYE MORRIS now to be known and addressed as BAMISAYE SOLOMON MORRIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

RAYMOND

This is to confirm that my name was wrongly written as KACHIA SARAH MAIDODO and RAYMOND SARAH ANTHONIA. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as RAYMOND SARAH . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAMELI

I formerly known and addresses as MOSUDI ANIMASAUN now to be known and addressed as SAMELI ANIMOSAHUN. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public take note.

TAMARASERI

DAMILOLA

I formerly known and addresses as OLABODE OLUWABAMISE JEREMIAH now to be known and addressed as OLABODE DAMILOLA IRISH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SANBIARA

I formerly known and addresses as IDOWU ALABA OLUWAKEMI now to be known and addressed as MRS. SANBIARA GRACE OLUWAKEMI All former documents remain valid. BANKS and general public take note.

CHIBUZO

I, formerly known as DORIS YINKA EMEANA, now wish to be known as DORIS YINKA CHIBUZO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PEREMINE

I, formerly known and addressed as FRANCISCA AMAFIEN, now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCISCA TAMARASERI AMAFIEN. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EPEREMINE JOHN WOSOWEI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. PEREMINE JOHN WOSOWEI. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general publicplease take note.

george

akinola

I, formerly known and addressed as KEREMAH MERCY ENENI, now wish to be known and addressed as KEREMAH MERCY ENENI GEORGE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take.

TSUKUTA

I formerly know and address as MISS FATIMA L ABUBAKAR now wish to be call HAJIYA FATIMA L TSUKUTA ABUBAKAR. All former document remain valid, NYSC and General Public should take note.

NDUKA

I formerly known and addressed as OLIORA JACINTA OGOCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as NDUKA JACINTA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

KIZZI

I formerly known and addressed as NWANEKEZI CHIOMA ROSELINE now wish to be known and addressed as KIZZI CHIZZY ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid.

UBA Plc, Ecobank Plc and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWATOYIN VERONICA (ALABI), now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWATOYIN VERONICA (AKINOLA). All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

ALAIBIYE

I formerly known and addressed as SAIDI SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as YEI, ALAIBIYE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. UBA bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

ANYIGOR

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWEKE STELLA CHIBUZOR now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANYIGOR STELLA CHIBUZOR. All former documents remain valid. N.Y.S.C, First bank Plc, Ecobank Plc, Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and the general public please take note.

NWOSU

Ondo guber: Tension as court recognises Jimoh Ibrahim lJegede's candidature not affected by judgement –PDP Onyekachi Eze and Babatope Okeowo with agency reports

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Federal High Court judge has given a specific order asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

Justice Okon Abang gave the order to reinforce his earlier ruling in June which compelled the PDP to work with the Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the party as authentic party leaders relating to 2019.

But the PDP in the state yesterday rejected the verdict

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a Special Secondary Market Intervention Retail Sales (SMIS) for airlines operating in the country.

This resolution by the apex bank to intervene in the Inter-Bank Forex market through forward settlement is expected to engender market confidence, ensure access to Forex by the airlines to settle their obligations and sustain the integrity of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange market.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, noted that the import of this peculiar exercise is that the CBN will not apply the relevant provisions under clause 2.4.3 (i) of its Revised Guidelines for the Operation of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Market which provides that “all SMIS bids shall be submitted to the CBN through the FXPDs”.

Consequently, CBN shall receive bids from all the Authorized Dealers.

The CBN will also not apply the relevant provisions under clause 2.4.3 (i) of the Guidelines which provide that “Spot Forex sold to any particular end-user shall not exceed 1% of the overall available funds on offer at each

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

SMIS session”.

According to the CBN: “Whereas the bids are on Spot Forex basis as the Authorized Dealers’ accounts with the CBN will be debited in full for the Naira equivalent of the USD bid amount, the CBN will settle the bids through forward settlements of 2 months. Customers that are not willing to accept the settlement terms have been

Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja

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r. Benji Obi, former aide to the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has faulted the claims of his principal on prudency while in office.

Obi, who served as Special Assistant on Inter-party Affairs to the former governor, debunked most of the claims made by his former boss during his Independence Day speech on The Platform.

According to him, the speech of the former governor on The Platform was full of “lies.”

The former governor who was a guest at the popular Platform recently told his audience how he ran the state successfully and left

FirstBank ‘Food is Art’ holds today NEWS IN BRIEF

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advised not to participate in this Special SMIS – Retail.”

Reacting to the development, Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, described the special intervention by the Central Bank as a great relief for airline operators in the country who have complained bitterly over their inability to access the required Foreign Exchange to settle their backlog of obligations

which has adversely affected their operations.

The minister noted that the aviation sector is so critical to the nation’s security and global image that it cannot be overlooked or toyed with, saying the apex bank had taken the right decision that would not only strengthen existing airlines, but also inspire confidence in aspiring operators in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Obi’s ex-aide faults prudency claims by principal

MARINA

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, OLAYIDE OLUFUNMILAYO FOWODE hereby notify the General Public of loss of original Indenture registered as No. 18 at page 18 in Volume 1609 of the Register of Deed kept at the Lagos State Land Registry, Ikeja. The general public is hereby warned against carrying out any transaction in respect of the said original.

with it as necessary.

Speaking on the development, the state’s Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Banji Okunomo, said it was not the duty of the court to determine a party’s candidate but that of the National Leadership of the party.

He said: “The Supreme Court made it clear that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) of a party could nominate the governorship candidate. This was done in the nomination of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). As such, no High court can invalidate or alter this position which is clearly defined by the highest ruling court in Nigeria.

“Mr Jimoh Ibrahim is a verified non-member of the PDP at any level- ward, local government or State, having openly defected to the Accord Party.

His intention to destabilise the party can never be effectual.

“He would fail and is only

CBN okays special forex intervention for airlines, others

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EKEOGU MERCY ONYINYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWOSU MERCY ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, OLAYIDE OLUFUNMILAYO FOWODE hereby notify the General Public of loss of original Deed of Conveyance registered as No. 18 at page 18 in Volume 1331 of the Register of Deed kept at the Lagos State Land Registry, Ikeja. The general public is hereby warned against carrying out any transaction in respect of the said original

of Justice Abang that asked the INEC to recognise Ibrahim, stating that Ibrahim was not a member of the party having defected to the Accord Party (AP) some months ago.

However, when INEC received the ruling, the electoral body noted the ruling did not mention the status of the Sheriff-led PDP faction in relation to 2016 elections.

The litigants approached the court to obtain an interlocutory order forcing INEC to include Ibrahim's name or face contempt.

In resolving their prayers, Justice Abang gave the order to effect the inclusion of Mr. Ibrahim in the election as a candidate.

An INEC source told Saharareporters that substitution of candidates for Ondo closed yesterday. However, he stated the electoral body would study the order and comply

working for some fifth columnists outside the PDP. The intention of Jimoh Ibrahim and his sponsors is to put Ondo State under subjugation.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Eyotayo Jegede remains its governorship candidate for Ondo State despite the judgement on Friday by Justice Okon Abanga, which purportedly said Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim is the party's candidate for the November 26 governorship election in the state.

In a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, PDP said Ondo Governorship was not the matter before Justice Abang in the Suit.

“The matter before his Lordship was in relation to the 2019 general elections,” the statement added.

PDP, however, called on its members and supporters in Ondo State to remain calm and to not allow this judgemebt to distract their attention.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is presenting ‘Food is Art’, a food fête to reaffirm its commitment to the development of the art and business of food.

The event titled: ‘Street Food’ is designed to enhance economic diversification by showcasing varied opportunities and potential in food photography, artistry, presentation, and packaging among others. It is taking place today at the Freedom Park, Lagos, at 11am.

It is premised on the fact that Food is an essential part of life, which is why the way it is grown, processed, transported and consumed is worth understanding and improving.

a huge amount of money for the incumbent governor.

But reacting to some of the claims through a phone interview with some newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Obi asked his former boss “who built the first Helipad at the government house in Anambra for his personal use.”

He said: “Peter Obi used helicopters to travel often while he was the governor and he travelled alone or with one trusted aide.

“It was not a secret within the administrative circles in Awka. When he went to the burial of his wife’s sister, he flew in a helicopter from the Government House.”

The former aide, who served the former governor from inception, revealed that his former boss' story on the Platform was a fable when he claimed to have

run a financially prudent administration.

He said: “Obi increased the money for his private kitchen at the government house to N2million monthly and increased the feeding for the police officers attached to him to N7million monthly but he pocketed the money.”

He alleged that his former boss lied when he said he stopped the buffet-styled dinner being served at the Government House.

“What he did was to sack all the previous cooks and butlers and employed over 30 cooks/butlers/stewards from Akwa Ibom and expanded the kitchen budget.

The bills are still there. It is verifiable. The Akwa Ibom cooks and stewards were over 20, who were they cooking for? Buffet is always there,” he said.

IBADAN

FCT Resident doctors at UCH Delta woos local, international investors on agric suspend strike Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, have suspended their five-day warning strike.

The doctors had on Wednesday commenced the strike to protest what they called insensitivity of the management to their plight and payment of half salaries to members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the doctors are demanding that the hospital management must respect agreements reached over full lateral implementation of skipping and payment of outstanding salaries.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the hospital yesterday, however, observed that full medical services were ongoing and resident doctors were sighted attending to patients.

Delta State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Mary Iyasere, yesterday said the government was ready to offer tax holidays and other investment opportunities to local and international investors that want to invest in the state.

Iyasere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that every investor needed an investment friendly state to enable the business to thrive.

“Delta State Government, led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has put in place enabling environment such as good security, good governance, trust, transparency and refined legal framework to assist investors in the state.”

Iyasere said Okowa, was running a transparent government in the state where laws and contracts were enforced.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

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Ondo guber: AD NEC rejects Oke’s candidature lBoroffice disowns statement backing Akeredolu

Babatope Okeowo, Akure

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he National Executive Council (NEC) of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) yesterday rejected the choice of Chief Olusola Oke as the party’s candidate ahead of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Also yesterday, the governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) suffered another setback, as an aspirant, Ajayi Boroffice, dissociated himself from a press statement credited to him, which declared his support for Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, who is the party’s candidate.

Rising from an emergence AD NEC meeting held in Akure, the body also passed a vote of no confidence on the party’s National Chairman, Chief Joseph Avazi, for unilateral presenting Oke as the candidate of the party.

Oke has been named as a replacement for Dr. Akin Olowookere, who had withdrew his AD candidature after the APC party primary produced Akeredolu as candidate.

In arriving at the decision yesterday, the party’s NEC frowned at the sudden twist and the withdrawal of the party’s candidate to pave way for Oke's candidature.

Besides Avazi, the body also passed a vote of no confidence on the National Secretary, Akin Fasogbon; National Auditor, Ayodele Ismail; and the South-West Zonal Chairman, Chief Tayo Onayemi, for not following due process before adopting Oke as the candidate for the forthcoming election.

The NEC explained that the National Chairman and three others unilaterally adopted Oke as the party’s candidate without following due process laid-down by the party’s constitution.

They however, said: “Oke

FCT

Buhari mourns King Abulyadej of Thailand

Willie Danjuma, GOMBE

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to endorse and submit to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the name of the candidate of the party in Edo State, Ibrahim Garuba.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was read by Ibrahim Abdullah, and was supported all the 44 members in attendance stated that "this meeting condemns in its entirety all actions of the four officers in the emergence of Chief Olusola Oke as the flag-bearer of the party in Ondo State “The action in this case runs in total contradiction to the party’s constitution.

They have no vested power to usurp the powers of the National Executive Council of the party “That Olusola Oke is hereby not adopted as the flag-bearer of the party in the gubernatorial election of Ondo State scheduled for November 26, 2016, “That the National Chairman and the secretary must convene the NEC meeting in Abuja within the 21 days with effect from October 14, 2016.”

The meeting also threatened that failure to comply with its directive will lead to employing the constitution

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi; Chief Supply Chain Officer, Unilever, Marc Engel; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof.

Ademola Abass and Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc. Yaw Nsarkoh, during the company’s courtesy visit to Abass at Alausa…recently

Dankwanbo’s wife backs girl-child education ife of the Gombe State Governor, Hajiya Adama Dankwambo, has vowed to support all efforts at ensuring that the girl-child in the state enjoys her God-given opportunity to attain her potential by being educated up to at least, senior secondary level.

She stated this yesterday during a stakeholders parley on girl education where she flagged off the Gombe State campaign on the girl child and her education.

The parley, which was organised by Save the Children International, was aimed at articulating and planning strategies that will address issues of inequalities, which limits the girl-child in attaining full potentials.

“I and of course all of us will ensure that the girl-child is enjoys her Allah's-given opportunity to be educated at least, up to secondary education level to be empowered to face life and its myriads of challenges.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Nasiru Nono, said the assembly would partner all NGOs who will help the state government in implementing policies aimed at improving the life of the girl child.

He expressed regret that the girl-child has suffered a great deal as a result of economic, social and cultural values especially in the North East, which has staggering indices of girl child backwardness.

adoption as a flag bearer on the platform of AD is just known to Chief Avazi, the National Chairman, in connivance with three others who constituted themselves as the NEC of the party.”

The Deputy National Chairman (North) of AD, Mallam Musa Loyi, alleged that the Avazi das not called NEC meeting since he was elected as the party chairman in December 2015.

He also alleged Avazi of denying the party the opportunity to take part in the just concluded governorship election in Edo State by failing

NEWS IN BRIEF

ST

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Thailand much-loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, extended his heartfelt condolences to the entire royal family, the government and people of Thailand on the death.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari extols His majesty’s extraordinary and committed leadership to his people over a period of seven decades; and his exceptional stewardship which saw Thailand emerge as one of South East Asia’s leading economies.”

Isioma Madike

R

enowned Security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping an important campaign promise of “bringing back the Chibok girls.”

He said the release of the girls was a very positive development as it showed that “the Federal Government cares enough for its citizens to do whatever it takes to set them free from captivity.”

Ekhomu, who is the President, Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), said the captivity of the Chibok girls for over 900 days was a great embarrassment to the government and people of Nigeria.

He noted that this portrayed the Federal Govern-

FCT

IGP inaugurates committee on police investment companies

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday inaugurated a fiveman Committee to review and implement the audit report of the Police Investment Companies and their subsidiaries.

The companies are: Nigeria Police Cooperative, Police Pensions Limited and Police Property Development and Construction Company Limited.

Others are: Police Health Maintenance and Police Mortgage Bank.

Inaugurating the committee, Idris urged the chief executive officers of the respective companies to cooperate with the committee.

“I want you to cooperate with the committee for it to come up with a viable strategy. The committee was set up for us to be able to streamline the achievements of the companies,” he said.

JOS Gbong Gwom Jos commend Buhari

The Gbong Gwom Jos and President of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mr. Joseph Ari, as the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Gbong Gwom Jos stated this yesterday at his palace in Jishe, when Ari led the management of the ITF on a courtesy visit.

The monarch appreciated the president for appointing Ari to head the agency, which had importance to the development of the nation.

“We have no doubt that you are a great man of God who has great experience and exposure, and you have always added value to all the places you have worked, now we are definitely expecting a lot from you to improve the challenges of manpower in the country.”

of the party in settling the impending crisis and that it was open to negotiation only if the due process are followed.

Reacting to the development, the media aide to Chief Oke, Rotimi Ogunleye, said there was no official reaction to the allegations but said the party executives in the state should be in the best position to react to the issue.

Boroffice had been quoted in a statement purportedly signed by him on Thursday, as accepting the verdict of the APC National Working Committee, which upheld Akeredolu’s election as the party’s candidate.

He was also quoted in the statement to have declared his total support for the lawyer while urging all his supporters to make themselves and their resources available to the candidate in the effort to win the next governorship election in the state.

But Boroffice, a senator who represents Ondo North senatorial district, said the statement did not emanate from.

Speaking through his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi, Boroffice said he did not address any press conference on Wednesday as claimed by the statement.

“The Media Office of Professor Ajayi Boroffice, OON, has noted with utmost consternation a press statement that was purportedly issued by the senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice on Wednesday, 12th of October, 2016,” Mr. Fakuyi said.

“The said press statement, which appeared to have been circulated on the social media by its originators, did not emanate from Prof. Boroffice. It should also be noted that the senator did not address any press conference on Wednesday.

“By this statement, I wish to draw a line and detach Prof.

Boroffice from the views and admonitions expressed in the said press statement.

“It bears repeating that Prof. Boroffice remains one of the founding fathers of the APC in Nigeria and a loyal leader of the party in Ondo State. However, that does not confer any modicum of privilege to any person or group to write whatever press statement they like and falsely present it to the public as views of Prof. Boroffice,” the statement said.

Ekhomu lauds FG on Chibok girls ment as impotent and incapable of assisting citizens who are victims of terrorist kidnap.

Ekhomu said despite the long period of captivity, the fact that 21 of the girls came out alive was commendable.

“Obviously the girls were not rescued in a fire fight.

Rather, they were set free by

Boko Haram as part of a negotiated settlement.

“In situations like this, the government is likely to have paid a huge price - either releasing top Boko Haram commanders and or paying huge sums of cash that could strengthen the jihadists.”

He said that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau,

had apparently “milked the girls for propaganda value.

Perhaps he had no further use for them.

“After all, Boko Haram taught ISIS how to conduct mass kidnappings as part of the terror campaign,” Ekhomu said.

The security expert advised the federal government to immediately provide psy-

chological counselling and mental health intervention for the girls.

He said: “These girls have been scarred for life and it is hoped that they will resume their normal lives at some point in the future.”

He, however, called for urgent antenatal care for the 18 who are pregnant.

Unilever Nigeria committed to Nigeria’s economy

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s part of its commitment to continually invest in Nigeria, Unilever’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Marc Engel, has reiterated the company’s pledge to enhance local manufacturing in Nigeria.

He said this during his visit to the Special Adviser to the

Governor of Lagos State on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass, accompanied by the management team of the company.

Marc mentioned that the company which has been operating in Nigeria for over 90 years, would continue to invest in the country, albeit the prevailing economic challenges.

“Nigeria is strategic to our

business operations. This is why we remain committed to the country’s socio-economic development. We currently operate two manufacturing hubs in Nigeria, and we are already taking actions to increase our local manufacturing capacity.

“These ongoing investments will not only provide additional employment opportunities for Nigerians, but

will deliver further economic value through the development of a sustainable supply chain structure consisting of many local manufacturers,” he said.

In his response, Abass commended the company for its long serving history in Nigeria, and promised that the government would support Unilever in their expansion plan.

City & crime update

10

“W

Taiwo Jimoh and Kunle Olayeni e are sleeping in the water with our children, wife and other family members. We have lost our dignity as human being through the water that has ravaged our market place which also serves as our abode,” these were the words of the Hausa residents in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The market which is situated along Lagos-Ibadan expressway falls under the Ifo local government and the traders, mostly from northern part of the country, said they lost their cows, money and properties following the opening of the Oyan Water Dam. According to Alhaji Gaida Muhammed, a meat seller, the flood caught them unawares, that they didn’t know that the government would open the dam so soon.

He said: “We have lost everything we have laboured for to the flood; some residents and traders in the settlement lost the money they kept in their houses and some clothes. The most annoying part is that the economic activities in the market have been crippled because nobody wants to come into the flood to transact business.”

Muhammed added: “Before the dam was opened, we were killing about 10 to 15 cows daily but now we hardly slaughter two because people don’t patronise us due to the flood in the market.

Another trader, Mr. Ramat Muhammad, told our correspondent that the majority of them were sleeping when the whole settlement was over flooded by water.

He recounted that they had been sleeping outside the market since because of the flooding; saying that some children had taken ill due to the mosquito bites and some waterborne diseases from the flood.

“We have been outside our houses for about two weeks now, the flood has taken over the whole community but what annoyed us most was the recent visit of the state commissioner for environment who ordered us back into the flooded market to sleep there; he said that we were bringing disgrace to the state government for sleeping on the roadside,” he said.

Ramat further said that sending them back into the water that had not dried up was very devastating to them, and that it is inhumane for the commissioner for environment to instruct them to move back into the flooded market.

“As you can see we are complying with his directives, you can see some women taking their properties back into the flooded market alongside their children. We are paying tax to the state government, they did not provide a place for us to stay pending when the flood would dry up. We are being treated like leper in our fatherland.”

Mrs. Khadijat Iliyasu said the way

SATURDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2016

We were forced to sleep outside for two weeks – Ogun flood victims

Flooded houses in Ifo Local Government Area PHOTO: Taiwo Jimoh

Ogun State Government treated them was very unfortunate.

She said: “since we relocated to this present market from Oluwanishola Cow Market we have being paying our taxes, we have not benefited anything from the state government; they should consider us as partners in progress. Directly, we are creating jobs for teeming youths in various aspect in the market, so they should provide us a befitting place where we can do our business with pleasure and peace.”

A trader who identified herself simply as Mrs. Kazeem said each time she walked in the water she spends huge sums of money to buy drugs to cure the waterborne diseases from the flood.

“We don’t have another place to do our business; this is where I come to on a daily basis. About 40 cows, 20 rams had died since the market was over flooded, and each cow costs about something between N100, 000 and N200, 000. We have incurred debt of about N5million.”

Meanwhile, reacting to the flooding, the Ogun State Government urged the affected residents to relocate from the areas.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Bolaji Oyeleye, said in a statement that the government had hitherto carried out sensitisation and media campaign to warn residents about the impending flooding.

Oyeleye, however, assured them that

the state will work in conjunction with the Federal Government and other related agencies to provide succour to the affected communities.

The statement reads: "The Ogun State government wishes to draw the attention of the public to the recent river-flooding that has affected some areas in Ifo and Obafemi-Owode Local Government Areas namely Kara, Isheri, Denro, Akute, Wawa and Warewa.

"This unfortunate incident is a direct consequence of the release of water from Oyan Dam by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) coupled with heavy flow of rivers that are

tributaries to Ogun River and failure of the affected residents to heed government's warnings.

"Those living in the affected areas and other flood-prone areas along Ogun River are hereby advised to relocate to safer grounds to forestall loss of lives.

"Residents are advised to imbibe good environmental practices such as: desisting from erecting buildings on flood planes/ run-off routes and the drainage channels in front of their premises.

"Residents are equally advised to alert the State Government of any impending disaster that may arise from river flooding in these areas."

I stole to pay for surgery, says suspect

Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

A

suspect, Onyekachi Michael, 25, has confessed that he was sorry he had to rob saying it was his first attempt even as he said he had to rob to raise money for a surgery. He was among the over 20 suspects paraded yesterday by the Abia State Police Commissioner, Leye Oyebade.

He confessed that he stole the laptop which he sold to his friend, Ifeanyi Okocha, a professional DJ at N15,000. According to him, he needed to raise N45,000 for surgery.

Okocha had said that he bought the laptop from Michael, not knowing that it was stolen.

The Police also paraded one Samuel Okorie, who with other members of his three-man gang on October 1, 2016, at Lopkaukwu in Umunneochi local government area, robed, raped and killed one Mrs Anthonia Dike whom they trailed to Ofeme in Umuahia North local government area on September 29, 2016. The woman was said to be returning from Jos, probably on a business trip, when the incident occurred. Okorie said the other members of the gang were at

large. The Police Commissioner said that the gang raped all the occupants of the vehicle but shot Mrs Dike at the end of the orgy.

Among the suspects were a 300-level undergraduate of political science from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Franklin Ukachukwu, who specialise in stealing household properties. He was arrested with his gang and the woman who buys the stolen items, Nwakala Adiele from Owahafor, Obingwa local government area. Items recovered include, Toyota Sienna with registration number AGL 676 DH, five fans, three TV sets including one Plasma TV,

two generator sets, CD players, among others, at Aba. Oyebade also paraded, six suspected vandals and a car snatching syndicate that specialises in snatching cars from Umuahia to Akwa Ibom State. He said that while three members of the gang were arrested, three others escaped. The Police recovered one Toyota Highlander Jeep with registration number JJJ 872 CX, one black Mercedes Benz car with registration No.AG 467 NEM, one AK 47 riffle with two magazines containing 31 rounds of live ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol, among others.

City&crime update

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

11

Police arrest foreigner for infecting Nigerian girls with HIV

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Taiwo Jimoh olice in Lagos have arrested a 64-year-old James Turner man from the Republic Ireland for allegedly infecting his girlfriend with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

There was a mild drama at the Ikeja Police Station where the suspect and the lady were pointing accusing finger at each other for infecting other with the HIV virus.

The state police command spokesperson SP Dolapo Badmos while briefing journalists on Friday about the incident stated that the police arrested Mr. Turner following the complaints by his girlfriend (name withheld) that he infected her and other Nigerian girls deliberately.

Badmos said: “On October 13, the Ikeja Police Division got a report from a lady that a friend of hers deliberately infected her with HIV. But there seems to be counter allegations from both lovers.

But we later discovered that the foreigner infected the lady with the virus and this is a crime under Section 24 of the Sexual Act of Nigeria. If it is a deliberate act, the law will take its full course.”

The victim who explained how she was infected by his lover said, it was through the drug that he was given that she got to know that he has been infected with the virus.

She said: “I met him eight years ago while I was working as a real es-

tate agent. I travelled to Kaduna to sell a property because we couldn't sell it and James assisted me in renting the property to NNPC that was how we became friends.”

“We started dating proper in 2014, but during that period I noticed he was always sweating and falling ill.

I went with him to the hospital for checkup, when we got there I was

prevented from hearing what the doctor told him.” ''When we got back home, I asked him what the illness was about and he told me it was fever. I noticed that he started taking some drugs secretly, but would never allow me to see them. He was also making love to me vigorously as if he was madly in love with me. I also noticed that he was still taking his medication. ''When I could not bear it any longer, I questioned him again but he said he was only taking drugs for leg pains. One night when he was sleeping, I took the drugs and went to goggle to search for it. That was how I found out that the drug was an antiretroviral drug. I went to him again but he denied it. ''After I knew what was happening I went to see his doctor and he told me that James was HIV positive.

Thereafter the doctor conducted a test on me and it came out posi-

Turner

Military raids militants’ shrine, discovers human skulls

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he Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta SAFE, has arrested two militant leaders and discovered three human skulls in the ongoing military operations.

The spokesman for the taskforce, Lt.-Cdr. Thomas Otuji, in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, said troops raided five shrines at Debe and Ikot Ofing in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River on Thursday.

He said troops on covert operation in Esighi waterside of Cross River apprehended a suspected militants’ leader found with charms, while another suspected leader was picked up at a hideout in Ikpa Road, Uyo. Otuji also said the air component of the Operation Delta SAFE during a reconnaissance patrol at Onne in Rivers, sighted barges of 15,000 litres of petrol concealed with green grass.

The troops also arrested three oil thieves operating illegal refineries at Bennet Island, Asugbo, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said that the oil thieves had connected a hose linking the site to a wellhead from where crude was siphoned.

Otuji said that a locally made gun, five live cartridges, a crude laden wooden boat storage tank, seven speed boats with outboard engines were seized at the site.

He said a kidnap victim, Mrs. Roseline Duku, who was abducted by gunmen at Afiesere

junction in Ugheli North Local Government Area was rescued by troops in response to a distress call.

Otuji said the victim’s Rav4 car with registration number FST 927 was, however, abandoned by her abductors along Ejode Road in Ughelli while being pursued by troops.

He said: “Troops in conjunction with the police and local vigilante group rescued the victim at Ekapkamre, Ugheli North Local government Area, Delta State.

“Furthermore, troops deployed at Koluama in Bayelsa trailed and arrested a notorious

pirate known as Labiesta, who attacked innocent citizens at Ogubene creeks.”

Otuji said the militant had been on the wanted list of security agencies.

He said the successes recorded by the troops in the ongoing operation were traceable to the timely information provided by members of the public and resilience of the troops.

He restated the commitment of the troops to degrade the capacity of criminals in the Niger Delta region and pledged to provide a safe environment for legitimate business to thrive in the region.

We started dating proper in 2014.... I went with him to the hospital for checkup, when we got there I was prevented from hearing what the doctor told him

tive that I am HIV carrier. My blood sample was sent to a laboratory at Yaba, where it was also confirmed that I was positive.

“The doctor later called and advised him to take care of my medical bills and compensate me for deliberately infecting me with HIV. He agreed but when we got home, he told me to go to hell that he would not cater for me and called me a thief and blackmailer. That action prompted me to move out of his house and rented my own apartment.”

The victim said after infecting her, Turner also went and slept with my girlfriend without protection. I decided to expose him because I see what he’s doing as a deliberate action, to spread the disease to Nigerian girls.

“He is doing it deliberately because when he found out that he was HIV positive, he stopped having sex with his wife and sent her back to his country and threatened to expose me that I couldn't do anything that I would face stigmatization. I however took courage and reported him to the police for proper prosecution.”

Mr. Turner during interrogation, prevented journalists for taking his photograph, claiming that the lady was a thief who only wanted his money, that she was the one who infected him with the virus.

The spokesperson however said, the suspect would be charge to court after completion of investigation.

Transporter absconds with employer’s N5.5m in Lagos

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transporter, Metu Ikoku, who allegedly stole his employer’s N5.5 million, was on Friday released on bail on the order of an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

He was granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two responsible sureties in like sum after he pleaded not guilty, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ikoku, 53, an employee of Ifeanyi Chukwu Transport Company, is facing a five-count charge bordering on stealing, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

Prosecutor, Emmanuel Silas, told the court that the accused committed the offences between

March and May 2015 on Ifeanyi Chukwu Transport Company premises at Iddo in Oyingbo, Lagos.

He alleged that the accused with a man still at large had refused to remit the sum of N5.5 million into the company’s account; instead, converted it to personal use.

The offences breached Sections 284, 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused risks 15 years in jail on conviction, according to Section 312.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Ajibade, adjourned further hearing till November 1.

Customs seize N1.3bn smuggled rice, others, arrest 23 A total of N1.3 billion worth of smuggled items have been seized by a special team set up by Hamid Ali, Comptroller General (CGC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), two months ago, an official said yesterday.

Musa Jalo, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs who heads the CGC’s Compliance Team, said in Kaduna that 23 suspects were arrested in various operations it carried out across the country.

He said that the seized items included rice, vegetable oil, sphaghetti, poultry products, used tyres, vehicles, second hand clothes and mosquito coil.

“Two months down the line, our aggressive patrols of creeks, highways and suspected routes used by criminals and smugglers, and strong deployment of intelligence have continued to justify the creation of the team.

“Within the period under review, we have been able to make a total of 597 assorted seizures across the country, with Duty Paid Value of N1, 300, 000.00.

“It is important to point out that, this is what would have been lost had this team not been created by the CGC because our operation focuses on areas of leakages,” he said.

He noted that rice was the most smuggled item acros the country, and assured Nigerians that the service would continue to enlighten them on the effect of smuggling to the nation’s economy.

According to him, some traders had been arrested a week ago in Lagos rebagging unwholesome smuggled rice.

“This shows that smugglers are only after profits, they do not care whether people lose their lives after consuming it.

“They do not care whether our local rice farmers lose their investments, they do not care about national economy or job opportunities for our youths. All they want is money.

“We are determined to stop this and protect the economy and secure the wellbeing of all Nigerians, no matter whose toes we step on in the process.”

The assistant comptroller advised those engaged in smuggling to find legitimate businesses or spend their lives in jail.

The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that items seized included 23, 237 bags of rice, 2, 715 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 2. 070 cartons of sphagetti, 5, 676 cartons of frozen poultry products.

The rest were 1, 055 bales of second hand clothes, 4, 491 used tyres, 319 cartons of mosquito coil and 237 used vehicles.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Young Telegraph with DEBORAH OCHENI

They are cheap and unique

15 OCTOBER 2016

TOPIC

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My thought on used clothes (okrika)

Durable and unique

I wear used clothes because they are cheap and unique.

They don’t look like new ones that are mass produced.

I like okrika clothes because they last longer and they are not so common.

QUEEN MADAKI

IFY EZIKE

They don’t go down well with me

I don't wear them

A very large proportion of people like to wear okrika not because they can’t afford already made clothes but because they believe in the quality of foreign used clothes. I don't wear okrika because it won't go down well with me with that notion of "used clothes”.

I don’t wear used clothes because I am in the banking sector and I have to dress corporate all through.

EMMANUEL OKPATUMA

HABBIB OMACHILE

The purchase of OK is highly imperative

Even when you see an imitation of the original product in shops, the price will be exorbitant. Now, consider the economic condition of Nigeria and the need for individuals to appear neatly or corporately, hence, the need to purchase okrika is highly imperative.

They are of high quality

I like them because they are of a high quality.

ISAH JOSEPHINE

NOAH PAPA

Good quality

They are affordable and uncommon

Okrika has also attracted the well to do citizens because of the quality of goods you get from there. Quality stuff like shoes, bags, belt, shirts and trousers which you may not find in shops can be purchased in okrika.

Okrika clothes are unique and durable. I wear them because they are affordable and uncommon unlike Aba mass production that spread everywhere.

JUSTICE ONATE

They wear out easily

I like looking nice so if I see something nice and its second hand I don't mind, they are more affordable anyways but they are not as durable as new clothes, they wear out easily. So I prefer new ones.

OCHANYA AGBO

ELIZABETH ABUH

The only way I get what I like

That is the only way I get what I like apart from the fact that they are affordable.

ISAH MICHELLE

WeekendBliss

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

13

N O P U E S O CL EKO STEVE BABA

BEING ON NEW YORK ADVERTISING FESTIVAL JURY WAS FANTASTIC Apart from being the Managing Director of X3M Ideas, one of Nigeria’s high-flying advertising agencies, Steve Babaeko’s image looms large as a leader of the new school. In this interview with ADEDAYO ODULAJA, Babeko, who has recorded great strides in the very competitive industry in the last 20 years, makes it clear he is not ready to stop.

Having been part of the Nigerian advertising industry in the last two decades, how would you assess your involvement so far?

I started in the industry when I was

just 24 years old. Sometimes, it feels like yesterday and sometimes, it feels like it’s been 50 years. It is a mixed grill of challenges, excitements but one has been able to manage. I remember the

Instyle

Feminine in pencil skirts © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

p.15

first day that Mr. Victor Johnson, my former Managing Director at MC&A, gave me that letter that I was supposed to start work as trainee copy writer/ radio/TV executive. That day would probably go down as one of the happiest moments of my life because I really wanted to do advertising. But having come through all this way in 20 years, it is time to ruminate over all the transitions that have happened to both myself and to the industry; the metamorphosis that has taken place in the industry,

across both sides, has been monumental changes.

While growing through the ranks, which landmark events can you still recall?

20 years ago, there were just sprinkling of agencies. You could count the number of big or top agencies on the tip of your fingers. OBM was in their last lap, and may be Grant was a little active. But the big guns were the LTCs, the Insights, SO&Us of this world.

Shortly after, Prima Garnet became very big as well. I came into the industry in the late days where agencies had everything under one roof: PR, media, events and all of that. Those were the days when artworks were done on bromides, you use paint brush for special effects. It was almost the beginning of the advent of computers in agency operations. At some point, agencies would say in their corporate ads “we are computerised…” If you say that now everybody is going to laugh at you, if you are not computerised, how can you get anything done? If you look at how digital is playing a significant role advertising now, it is incredible. continued on page 14

The Arts

Hospitality

TV & Radio

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p.41

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Why I sang Let Evil Men go to Paradise, says Oba-Adarabierin

African Garden Lodge: Luxurious natural haven

Arrest of judges: Affront on the judiciary?

14

Close Up

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

'Turning 40 made me re-think a lot about my life' C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 3

Take a look at the eco-system of marketing communications in Nigeria and you will see that it has totally transformed in the last 20 years.

How really did you choose advertising above the more popular professions available at the time?

I was in the backwater of Nigeria in Kaduna then. We heard gists of what happened in Lagos three months later, not as it is now in the age of internet and social media where you could Google anything and search for anything you wish to know about. We were really the last people to get to know about things that were happening. I wanted to go into broadcasting, but when I did my NYSC at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in Kano, I realised that broadcasters looked really good on TV, but when it came to remuneration it was nothing to write home about. Sometimes, it was so bad that some people after casting the news, found it difficult to go home. That simply opened my eyes that broadcasting might not be for me because everybody was waiting for me to finish service because we were very poor and they were just waiting for me to get a job so that I could support the family. Of course, I was already using my NYSC allowance to support the family, so time was not on my hands and I couldn’t imagine being entangled in the broadcasting pay that I saw with my own eyes. At that time, I was really disillusioned. I didn’t know what to do until Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi granted an interview I read in the Vanguard Newspaper, where he talked about advertising and how they treated their staff at Prima Garnet. I thought to myself ‘may be this is what I should be doing’. But again, it was not like the age of internet

Babaeko

where I could Google what advertising was all about. I had to go to the Kaduna library to do a research on the subject and what departments there are in an agency. I stumbled on the creative department; I probed further on what sections there were under the creative department and got to know about copywriting.

How did you find your way to the Jury of the New York Advertising Festival and what is the difference between NYF and Cannes?

I was so excited when I got the invitation. We are here in Lagos at X3M Ideas doing our thing but we do not know who is watching us all around the world as a global village. We do not know anyone in NYF but I presume based on our track record, they traced us and invited us to be part of the grand jury. It was a fantastic and eye opening event for me.

The difference between the two is that Cannes is almost like the World Cup of Advertising while the NYF is another major advertising event on the advertising calendar globally but does not involve necessarily everybody while Cannes is where everybody in advertising gathers, it is the Mecca of Advertising. A striking difference is that Cannes goes on for like about a week while the New York Advertising Festival happens over two days. At Cannes it’s not just about giving out the awards, it’s about shared learning, seminars, workshops, it brings public speakers like veterans in Advertising, top politicians, anybody that has any kind of perception on brands and building of brands are invited to, deliver keynote addresses. So Cannes is like the ultimate.

Were you the only one from Africa at the NYF and how does the experience count for the industry?

Yes, I did not see anyone from Africa at the NYF apart from one other guy from Guinea that works with the NYF as a staff. Well it’s a very fantastic experience for me considering that we have Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) awards locally which I am also the Vice

Chairman, it gives me an opportunity to just look at the things we can learn from that global stage. You are asking yourself, what can we borrow to improve our own local awards? And there are a lot of things we can learn or borrow from them to make ours better.

These include: the quality of the Jury quality of the Jury was really top notch.

They went for the best creative people they could get across the world to serve on the jury as executive Jury and the Grand Jury. Secondly, the process of the judging also offered ample learning for us as an industry. As the grand jury, you did remote judging, they created a micro site within the NYF website, as a member an access code is sent to you so can go there, see the entries and make your judgments. As a Judge, I accessed the site on my laptop in comfort of my office and rated the entries over seven days. There were two rounds of that kind of remote judging that we did. The entries were passed on the topmost ratings - first three were forwarded to the executive jury who were on location to further evaluate and decide. So from the judging there are a lot to learn and even from the event itself – for instance how to organise a world class event? NYF is not the biggest advertising awards in the world but the quality that I saw on the screen was very impressive. These are some of the things that stood out for me and we can learn from them.

We are in an environment where one of the greatest draw-back is knowledge share, people like to hoard knowledge, how prepared are you to share this knowledge?

I think the process has even started and it goes beyond LAIF. That we are talking here is a process of amplifying some of the learning. As part of the LAIF organizing committee it is incumbent on me to pass on the learning. In fairness to the executives of the AAAN, they always make sure that such happens. I know somebody from another agency who was on the jury of Cristal Awards last year and we borrowed copiously from his experience to improve last year’s LAIF. I do not see an exception here, I believe I will be able to do a debrief session to the team and make the learning available to all.

How can the industry ensure that when an Indian, American or Brazilian sees our commercial, he or she knows they are cast in the local frame of reference but packaged in world class format?

I think we are going in that direction, forget some of the political and economic head winds we are running against presently, if you flashback like 10 years ago, let say there’s a party in Unilag and they are playing music, they will play nine foreign artistes, you will be lucky to get one Nigerian artiste make the playlist. Now, fast forward to 2016, if there is a party in Unilag today, they will play nine Nigeria artistes you will be lucky to find one foreign artiste to make the playlist. Such foreign artiste may have been smart enough to have featured a Nigerian, that’s why he will make the playlist.

I see a reversal of fortune such that what has happened in the music industry, that is why Nigerian music is being so much sought after globally. I think our advertising would move in that direction as well. We have done it with Nollywood. In music, people have done it. Within this creative enterprise, advertising

cannot afford to stay back for too long.

The client’s intent is to sell, how do you get him to buy-in into the idea of changing the narratives?

It is not an easy task, if you look at advertising, coming up with the idea is 50% of the job. Selling the idea to your client is the other 50%. The onus is on you as an agency to sell the idea. You must stand up for your idea, fight for it until the client says “shut up your dirty mouth, I am your client” then you let it go and find something else. The truth is that if you believe in an idea, you to stand up for it and sell it passionately. For example when we did the Francis Odega “Gerrara here” for Etisalat, that’s as local as it can get and it took us a bit of selling. We had sold the idea before we wrote the script. The client has bought the idea then he said give us a script then we sat down and wrote the script. Agencies need to do more of that kind of vigorous pitch to clients because having an idea is like having a baby, the job is not complete after pregnancy you give birth to the baby. No, you have to care and nurture the baby, it is the same thing with ideas. Generating the ideas, selling it to the client and making sure you nurture the process and production comes out fantastic just the way it was conceived. Your job never stops until the final execution.

Are you saying the client has absolutely no say in what you come up with as an agency?

More often than not when the client dictates, they are not going to get the right result. I tell agency people as well, don’t be close minded because the best ideas can sometimes come from your driver! Great ideas can come from anywhere. Of course, when you say clients should not dictate, it doesn’t mean client is not capable of coming up with great ideas but the best format that works for me is that agency and client should collaborate, that synergistic effort at creating is what works best.

X3M Ideas is one of the new generation agencies but it’s unheard of in the history of the industry to be quoted on the stock exchange, what is the position at X3M Ideas in this regard?

We run an industry (advertising) that is over a hundred years old, it is not any anyway different from banks. The banks have been existing may be for a slightly longer period and they are quoted on the stock market. In Kenya, you have an advert agency on the stock market! Why not here? Forget that the stock market as it is in Nigeria is going through this schizophrenic state, where nothing is sure because of the economic headwind that confronts us. What that is saying is that when the economic indices begin to show us the (right) direction in which the government is going, it will be a good direction to explore. Believe me, I am very open, we’ll probably do a private placement first as a precursor to going into the stock market proper.

What succession plans are in place to ensure the business can run even when you are not the one on the driving seat?

I am just in my 40s. I suspect I might take a back seat at 50. To be honest this job is a tough job. It is like being a member of the US Marine. It is tasking to your body; it is tasking to your brains.

After taking all the beatings for over 20 years, one feels tempted to retire early to call it a day. In view of that we are working on our succession plan already.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Feminine in pencil skirts W

Deborah Ocheni

hen it comes to work wear essentials, there are a few styles as put-together and feminine as the pencil skirt. They are polished, professional and still flirty enough to change your top and wear from office to evening outing.

A pencil skirt is one with a narrow and straight cut. It reveals the figure of a woman as it hugs the curves of the body. Usually, the skirt ends at the knee or slightly below it.

Pencil skirts suits fit most body shapes, it is just a matter of styling it. Whatever your body type is, pencil skirts can flatter your figure and make the most of your favourite accessories. Pencil skirts can be worn with a variety of blouses, shirts, blazers, and any accessories you can find in your closet.

Pencil skirts were often seen as an office wear but earlier versions gave them a new image and thus fit for different occasions.

If you intend to wear pencil skirts for formal or semi-formal office setup, or even at cocktail parties, showing off your sex appeal, here are some good ideas on what to wear with a pencil skirt.

TIPS zz Sport a classic and plain look with a pencil skirt by wearing it with a dress shirt. Just tuck it in and add some accessories. zz You can wear your pencil skirt black from top to toe. Add a little texture that will catch some eyes. zz For a more casual look, wear it with flats that match the colour of your shirt or your black pencil skirt.

zz Wear your black pencil skirt with gold accessories for a night out. If it is a night of clubbing, wear bolder top and high heels. zz If it is a dinner at a nice restaurant, wear a more conservative top and a not-so-high pair of heels. zz Wear your pencil skirt with a floral top to spice it up a little and to add a cheerful look.

Instyle

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Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

ACCESSORIES TO LIVE FOR

Pep up your style with star clutch Deborah Ocheni

T

he right accessories can make or break someone's outfit. It is important to strike the right balance with accessorising, otherwise an outfit might simply turn out all wrong.

Complete your party look by teaming your outfit with trendy star sling clutch. For you to remain on top of your game, it is important you pep up your style quotient by carrying star shaped clutch. The amazing detailing of the shape adds to the style.

Besides, it has one main compartment that is secured by a metallic lock so that you can keep your belongings safe, it also comes with a removable strap that makes it convenient to carry.

A standard star shaped clutch purse holds some basic necessary items and makes statement when paired with lovely dinner gown. Women typically hold their clutch purses in their hands, but star clutch come with a strap that wearers can remove when not in use, allowing the wearer to sling the star clutch over a shoulder or slip it onto a wrist.

TIPS zz Several factors are important when selecting the right star clutch, consider the size, colour, versatility and material used. zz Star clutch is versatile; it can be paired with chic or bold ensemble. zz It plays with your looks and adds great edge for a striking finish. zz Star clutch epitomises eveningwear philosophy. They are glamorous and eye-catching zz It comes with clasp closure with detachable curb chains, either longer or shorter to suit individual needs.

MY STYLE

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Modern designers are statement makers –Amechi Joseph Amechi is the CEO of Joseph Amech Unlimited Designs, an Abuja-based fashion outlet that clothes a select clientele. In this interview with Deborah Ocheni, the designer who believes in less is more speaks on the evolving nature of fashion, why he doesn’t want to clothe celebrities, his style ideology and more.

What inspires you various creations?

The inspiration comes up naturally when I see fabrics.

How will you rate modern designers compared to older ones?

Classic is always classic; whatever we are wearing now is same as what trended in the past but with little tricks. Modern designers a r e statement makers.

Your collections aren’t affordable. Does that encourage patronage?

The truth is that my designs are not for everybody. I am a business man, I understand that everybody must wear clothes but I cannot satisfy everybody.

It doesn’t mean that my clients are the richest but my vision is to present something very decent in terms of quality and affordability. It now depends on individual definition of affordability because I use high quality fabrics.

I work in a high end hotel so we cater for high end clients too.

How do you source your fabric?

My fabrics are from Italy, Spain and England Why did you choose to go that far to get your fabrics? Is that to say made in Nigeria fabrics aren’t good enough?

Fashion is about adaptability, the fabric that an Italian will use to make a shirt is different from what Chinese use because Italians are very fashionable and they produce the best fabric.

Do you also design for celebrities?

I prefer not to because my clothes are not for everybody. I am a business man, I provide what people want. If I want to clothe a celebrity it has

Amechi

to be something that will make a statement but my designs are very simple. I really don’t want to design for celebrities, it is not free advert because what it will mean is that I will give the celebrity clothes free of charge, pay him to wear them and tomorrow you will see him in another. The people I clothe are very quiet people and I think I am very comfortable with them.

Who are these quiet people?

Let’s leave them out because they are quiet.

What is your personal style sense?

Simplicity; you can’t go wrong being simple.

Just keep it simple because less is more.

Which fashion trends do you conform to?

I think I am traditionalist, I love the classics.

Is that to say you are not a trends freak?

I am very conservative; I can be adventurous depending on the clients I am clothing because I don’t expect everybody to conform to my style.

Do you have a ready to wear line?

I will say yes, because I was in New York this summer and I went with different sizes of my collections and they were very well received.

My designs were so basic but I came back with a few unsold not because they were rejected but because of the sizes.

Are you satisfied with your achievements so far?

I am, because of the way I started. I am a fashion icon but I am very simple; people always admire my clothes whenever I wear them, I always design my clothes but I don’t sew.

What is your ready to go outfits?

Simple, short sleeve native Which outfits take up most space in your wardrobe?

Simple native What is the most expensive fashion item you ever bought?

Wrist watch

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

T

Gentry

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How much is that?

It is the most expensive I have bought How do you love your shoes?

I believe shoes are the first things people see, I don’t have many but I have a few nice shoes. Italians are the best shoe makers in the world, so my shoes must be Italian.

Which accessories appeal to you most?

My shoes and wrist watch What will you never be caught wearing?

There are a lot of things I will not wear. I feel too old to wear tight fitting clothes.

What makes a man well dressed?

His shoes, wrist watch and perfume not necessarily his clothes Do you have a signature perfume?

I strongly believe in signature, you should be known with something but who will pay for the advert if I mention names?

What makes an outfit perfect for a man?

The fabrics of whatever he is wearing, the fabric should drape beautifully and it should be comfortable without being too starchy.

Fashion wise, would you say your physique works to your advantage?

That is the beauty of clothes, no matter your shape; a good tailor will make outfits that will flatter you.

The fashion market seems saturated, how do you intend to keep afloat?

I thought of it but if you are passionate about something you will dare to try it no matter how many people are in it. When you have passion for something, it will make you do that which you are passionate about excellently. My belief is that, even if all the birds in this world will fly at the same time, there is always space in the sky for them. So, there are people that will buy my clothes.

What is Joseph Amech Unlimited Designs offering differently from others?

Creativity is unlimited and our designs are very beautiful, Nigerian clothes are world class. I live in Abuja where a lot of people can dress Nigerian most days of the week. Joseph Amech Unlimited Designs deals in men’s wears and lifestyle brand; the market is here in Abuja.

How did you come up with the name ‘Joseph Amech?

My name is Joseph Amechi and when I wanted to register the company I remembered that big times designers such as Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger and the rest of them used their real name so I decided to use my name because I know Joseph Amech will be one of the greatest names in Nigerian indigenous designing. I decided not to add the letter ‘I’ in Amechi because it is for me.

What informed the decision of setting up Joseph Amech?

I work in a hotel; there was a period we closed down the hotel for renovation that was meant to last for three months, the three months dragged to 10 months and I had to survive. After three months I decided to make a few shirts that could be paired with pants and I made like a dozen and people were interested in buying them. In those 10 months I was able to get a sewing machine and hired a tailor; I started from my apartment, so when we eventually opened the hotel, my principal allowed me to do my business in the beautiful hotel.

When the opportunity of showcasing my collections in the hotel came, I decided to go into it full time. I believe you must give value to get money, so I decided to sell my car because I believe in the business and that was how I started fashion business fully in January and it was launched in February.

The front slit black maxi dress

his week’s fashion face-off is between Joy Agahiu, Founder/CEO of La’luba Ventures, an outfit that specialises on fashion designing and beauty services and Mercy Aigbe Gentry, one of the most sought after actresses in Nollywood.

The outfit in question is front slit black maxi dress; both trailblazers rocked the outfit beautifully with the right accessories.

Agahiu’s black dress has a touch of gold lace fabrics at the hem, off the shoulders neckline and black front zip. She accessorised her already stunning looks with pink colour pump shoes, simple earrings, subtle makeup and well put together, dread-lock hairstyle.

Gentry’s black dress on the other hand is made of chiffon fabrics with green design at the hem, she paired her one sleeved dress with matching green pump shoes, statement silver earrings and star shaped clutch. The way Gentry flaunts her smooth thigh is alluring. The ring and bracelet are also on point.

They both rocked the front slit dress beautifully with bare neck but in your own opinion, who do you think wore it better?

Instyle

Agahiu

Do you believe in the saying that “creativity thrives when there are challenges?’’

When you are hungry and the food is 100 kilometres away, you will trek there to get the food. If I wasn’t challenged by that temporary loss of my job I wouldn’t have thought of this.

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Interiors

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Bedside lamps that sparkle Deborah Ocheni

H

ave you ever been in a bedroom that just feels right and romantic? It's because it has a simple design that functions well and a dramatic lamp by the bed side.

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, so why give it the short end of the stick when it comes to design?

A simple bedside lamp will leave you with a bedroom so dreamy that you won't even want to fall asleep, a bedroom always feels nicer when the first thing you experience is a pleasant view of lamp as opposed to a view looking straight at the bed.

Every bedroom must have a bed in it; beds are big and ungainly and dictate the placement of every other object in the room. But if you are lucky enough to be planning a bedroom from scratch or remodelling an existing one, you can control the other elements and create a space that is both practical and pretty with bedside lamp.

TIPS zz The sweet spot for bedside lamps is 24 to 27 inches tall. zz You don’t need a tiny lamp on a big table or a small table with a towering lamp. Keep table and lamp in moderation. zz Lamps don’t have to match the bed but the look is more pulled-together if they do. zz If your lamps are slightly low in height, try putting pretty books under the base. zz If you don’t have a lot of table depth to play with, use an oval or rectangular shade rather than a round one. zz Keeping a pretty jewelry dish on your bedside table is functional, but it also adds extra colour, texture and a bit of sparkle to your bedroom. zz If you are short on floor space, don’t be afraid to think vertical. Using bookshelves instead of a bedside table will give you extra storage and create a fun place to display your lamp.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Why my marriage crashed under two years –Tito Da.Fire p.20

ShowBiz

Rahama Sadau is one of the most prominent figures in the movie industry in the northern part of the country popularly known as Kannywood. Adedayo Odulaja had an encounter with the brilliant and beautiful 23-year-old actor. Excerpts...

I'm so focused, attention from men can't distract me –Rahama Sadau How does it feel being a part of Sons of the Caliphate?

It feels good, feels very great and it means my name is becoming even bigger. I’ve actually worked very hard on this and I am so proud and super excited today now that it is finally ready and people can see it.

What does it mean to you as someone from the northern part of the country and especially being introduced to mainstream Nollywood?

I have actually worked in several productions in Nollywood but Sons of the Caliphate was a bit challenging because I mean it came to be through 11 weeks of shooting although I really enjoyed it. All the members of cast and crew were very nice but on the whole it is not different as such from what we are used to; it is just the change of language and the fact that it is a bigger production and everything.

What would you point to as the most challenging part of the TV series for you?

A few areas including getting me to read and master my lines, you know it is not what I am so used to. I am more of the Hausa girl, so getting me to read my lines and reproduce everything was a bit challenging but I think I pulled it off well in the end.

Talking about life as an actress up North, what is it like?

It is hard, then it is also kind of typical but what one has to always see are the positive sides to life no matter where you are.

What would you say makes it hard?

The fact that you are to always be on your guard and ensure you have to have focus, dedication and determination almost always. Avoid other things that will create problems and scandals because you know the northern part is not like life everywhere.

In light of all these, what would you say keeps you going?

The fact that I am able to come out to work every day and do what I want to do. And then the love I receive from fans, from friends and family keeps me going.

Is there any part of you that relates to the role - business-minded, independent lady – you played in Sons of the Calipahte?

Yeah, a lot. The character speaks more about me but of course it is the centre of the story and I can’t dwell on it although y o u don’t get to

Sadau

How Uduaghan made me take up role in ‘Oloibiri’ –RMD p.35

19

I would never act nude or act any film where I am not wearing proper clothes because whether we like it or not, I belong there.

see it earlier but it also speaks about Rahama.

Do you have plans to move down to Lagos or become more prominent in Nollywood?

I have already featured in many productions here in Nollywood, so it’s not trying to cross over, just about balancing the two because an actor is an actor anywhere, whether he or she acts in Bollywood, Nollywood or any other.

How would you compare both industries in terms of similarities and differences?

Like I said earlier, it is the same industry but the only challenge we have is that we have our own culture and traditions that we can’t just go against but everything is the same; production, the sets, everything including the story because you can actually tell the story of the Sons of the Caliphate from another angle.

Do you see yourself as someone who is likely to change the perception people have of the northern part?

Well, we were born in the northern zone of the country and you can’t say you will change culture. You just have to be careful with what you are doing, and my own perception is that acting is art trying to portray reality. I am not in politics, media or anything, I am just an actor Why did you decide to be an actor?

I was born to act, I’ve been dying to become an actor since I was in secondary school with all the drama.

But how about when you decided to take it professional?

I encountered a bit of resistance because of how the north is. It is a bit of a problem in the Northern zone because our people see it as not normal but today I am so proud as I am a role model to others and it is fine.

What is your educational background?

I studied Business Administration at Kaduna Polytechnic.

Back then, it was difficult to balance school and acting because I became involved with acting when I was in ND 2 but I was able to pull through.

Do you have points of restrictions you would never cross?

Yes, I am a Hausa girl and there are points I’d never cross.

Like what for instance?

I would never act nude or act any film where I am not wearing proper clothes because whether we like it or not, I belong there. Most of my fans are from there and I wouldn’t do anything that would frustrate my fans or make them my enemies.

You are beautiful, talented and popular, how do you handle advances from men?

I am just focused on my career and I am so hardworking a person and I don’t give attention to all of that.

Can you marry a fellow actor?

Yes, so that he can understand the job and allow me in the course of my career. I am not saying someone from another discipline would stop me from acting but I think it would be better with an actor.

Do you encourage young girls in the north to follow your footsteps in acting?

Of course. I just launched my production company and I all the crew members are girls.

Is that deliberate?

Yes because girls in the north think they are just women that are kept aside and can’t make a move. We have talents and potential but they are not given the opportunity to explore their talents and like I said, you can have restrictions to yourself and that you are an actor does not mean you must be wayward or something. That is why I launched the production company for girls and it is called Sadau Pictures.

When did you start acting and how did your parents react at first?

I started three years ago and at first my parents were against it but now my mum is so proud that when she saw Super Story, she said ‘Oh my God, that is my girl!’ so I have the support of my parents now.

My mum is my biggest fan, she always calls me to say: ‘I just finished cooking, where are you? Can you come and eat?’ Whether I am abroad or I am in town or on set, she doesn’t care. She is always dotting on me.

20 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Why my marriage crashed under two years –Tito Da.Fire

my actions and surely learn to be selfless while not neglecting self. Again, I’d learnt that things like goal congruence and oneness are important for relationships to work.

When the sensational singer, Uduak Peters, otherwise known as Tito Da.Fire, had a secret wedding with his lover, Ify, on November 2, 2013, little did he know that the marriage would be a flash in the pan. Sadly, marriage of the on-airpersonality who manages brands under G2M Creatives has crumbled irreconcilably and the wife has relocated to her parents’ home with the only child of the union, Ebuka. He speaks to LANRE ODUKOYA about this and more.

How often do you relate with your son?

In the last nine months, I haven't set eyes on my son; I spoke to him on the phone on a few occasions, but I wish to be in his life every day.

It has taken you three years to come up with a music video; do you think the industry has made any resounding impact in the last three years?

A lot has changed in the industry, the sound has changed, there are new and amazing artistes on the scene, more pressure on artistes to meet fans’ expectations and technology has changed the way we connect with fans We have a paltry number of those churning out good songs, and a multitude of singers with lewd lyrics, how do you think this can be controlled?

Expression can never be suppressed, and in the end it's the fans' responsibility to choose songs they love; the body that controls and tries to act as a shield against lewd lyrics and song is National Broadcasting Corporation, I am sure they are working to normalise things. With proliferation of social media, control and censorship is a big challenge. The audience has a lot of power over content, as they determine what content they want and consume.

What are you busy with at the moment?

I’d just shot my first video in three years, Imagination, directed

by Matt Max. Why did it take you that long to shoot a music video?

I took a breather to explore other interests, all arts are related. I was involved in lots of other creative and advertising works, managing brands under G2M Creatives and developing other acts under Grinding Records.

There are insinuations that Tito Da. Fire as an OAP is better than Tito Da Fire an artiste; how would you react to this?

It's all one; it’s one craft, same artistic stage, I love both. Tito Da.Fire the OAP, Tito Da.Fire the musician, Tito Da.Fire the record label executive, script writer it’s all same me.

Tell us a bit about Imagination and where it was shot Imagination was one of two songs I recorded with my long-term friend and brother, the late OJB Jezreel. Losing him just before releasing the audio was painful, and I wanted a director who could bring the energy alive. I spoke with a couple of directors and Matt Max's treatment deeply connected with the soul of Imagination.

Once I explained those thoughts and ideas to him, he connected and that was it.

If you had not been any of this, what would you have become?

I would have been a doctor or engineer or an accountant (which is why I studied accounting), but I’d still be back to being creative.

Is Grinding Records solely yours? And how many music acts do you have under the label at present?

I founded Grinding Records in 2015 to develop new acts, and promote them. Our target is to take them in their raw state and take them through artiste development and groom them; we have worked with IG Flamez and Tito Da.Fire since inception, and will introduce newer talents next year.

What goals have you recently set for yourself, and how are you doing on them so far?

The goal I have so far achieved was setting up G2M Creatives and Grinding Records and catering to brand development and building.

And so far brands have accepted us and reposed confidence in our ability to add value to their brands and businesses.

It's been over three years now that you got married, people may want to attribute your silence musically to marriage. Can they be right?

That's funny; maybe it’s a coincidence that I got married and didn't release new works. I was recording all through, so I don't think so. The day I stop recording will be the day I stop breathing, literally because it's like 1and2, inseparable.

What do you take for granted the most?

Before now, I took for granted the need to rest well, I could go on and on to get the job done, I hate not meeting deadlines, so I strive for perfection, that's my strength and weakness, balancing rest with work.

It was rumoured that your wife wasn’t favourably disposed to your career choice as an entertainer, and that it explains why she was hardly seen around you after a few months of your union; could this be true?

Initially I thought she was favourably disposed to entertainment, however overtime, I realised she was not, for example I would record songs at home and she would not make a comment, till I told her, ‘hey, I'm going to stop doing this because it seems you don't like me doing this.’ And what was her reaction to that. She said oh no, not that, and after then she would say that song you were working on, the one that has Haruna Ishola's voice (because I was working on a remake of his classics), it’s nice, but I packed it all up and won't talk about it after then because I felt she wasn't cool with me singing.

Where or what do you think you spend most of your money on?

During the days of Tito and Coco, I spent most of my money on my car, clothes, having fun, traveling and then on my family. These days, I seem to spend more on re-investing in G2M Creatives and Grinding Records because part of my learning curve as an entrepreneur is finance management. Richard Branson advises maintaining a healthy self-injected equity when growing your business, reducing your loan and outside risks, so that kind of shaped my approach to finance and spending. But lately I found out I needed to pamper myself a bit, so I gave myself treats.

And now is she cool with you singing?

Sadly, we separated about a year and a month after marriage.

How come you hid this from the public?

Looking back, I guess it's easier to deal with being single than getting separated and that's probably why I rarely talked about it.

What do you think about more than anything else?

I think a lot about legacy, it’s beyond me; it’s more of the next generation and what we leave for them, hence the need to build successors with the right orientation.

The marriage produced a child, I guess…

Yeah, we have a boy, Ebuka, who's with her. It was after our separation that she mentioned the song again, and reminded me that she thought it was nice, unfortunately I haven't revisited that song since.

What are your three favourite television shows? How frequently do you watch them?

That's tough, Little Big Shots TV show, The Thrill TV show and wow, which one? That would be every good music reality show.

Was the separation based on the fact that she never wanted you to be an artiste or it collapsed over irreconcilable differences?

In retrospect, I'd say we didn't know each other very well before marriage and that contributed. Surely differences count, approaches to dealing with issues also played a role in the crack.

What lesson has this taught you?

First, I have to be patient, learnt to take responsibility for

15 October 2016

What are three things you do that no one knows about?

Hmmm, well, one, I'm a venture capitalist, I love seeing ideas grow from nothing. Two, I almost quit music three years ago. Three, I don't have a tattoo yet.

Tito

And lastly, when are you dropping Imagination video and is there going to be an official launch?

Imagination video will drop November and there will be a series of release events.

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Psquare

Don Jazzy

D’Banj

2Baba

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Davido

Nigeria’s top musicians and their assets With their careers thriving since they made their debut on the scene, these Nigerian acts occupy the front row seats in the Nigerian music industry. In this piece, Samuel Inyang captures a number of Nigerian music stars and their worth in Naira.

Psquare When you talk about music in Nigeria and Africa, the success of the Okoye twins who make up PSquare is there for everybody to see. The duo started performing in Jos but today, they are well known and loved by millions across Africa and beyond. They are reportedly worth over N2billion. Their first house in Omole Estate alone is said to be worth about N200million.

Don Jazzy The boss of Mavin Records, born Michael Collins Ajereh, achieved fame having landed in Nigeria with his former partner, D’banj, after years in the UK. The in-demand producer and label boss has a lot going for him and is believed to be currently worth over N120million. He owns a Porsche Carrera GTS worth N18million D’Banj One of the biggest superstars in Nigeria, D’banj has proved that what you need to become successful is in you. His song, Oliver Twist, was a big hit in Africa and across the world especially in the United Kingdom. His is said to be worth over N100million. He owns a black Bentley which costs $300,000, an Aston Martin Vintage which costs $200,000 and other Toyota jeeps costing N24.4million.

2Baba He is looked upon by many as a legend already. 2Baba is believed to be worth about N105milion. He has an endorsement with Airtel and owns night club with branches in Festac and Ikeja as well as a luxurious duplex at Lekki reportedly worth 50 million. Not about to leave the game and boasting great following on the streets, 2Baba is still powering on.

Wizkid

Tiwa savage

Davido Born to a well-known billionaire, David Adeleke is one of Nigeria’s star musicians at the moment.

Born into wealth, Davido powered to the top of the Nigerian music scene with awesome tenacity and a few hit songs that Nigerian music lovers found too hard to resist.

He has a huge deal with international music label, Sony Music Inc. and is worth some N50million. When it comes to wonders on wheels, Davido stands out in style and luxury. Either we are talking of SUVs or Rolls Royce Phantom which cost over N80million and even a Porsche Carerra, Davido is always cruising around town.

Wizkid Born Ayodele Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid is one of the most popular Nigerian music stars currently. He is the boss of Starboy Worldwide, a record label he founded in 2014 and on which he signed a number of acts. Reports say Wizzy, who has a major endorsement deal with Globacom, is worth around N80million.

Tiwa savage It is no surprise that she is part of our female musicians, owing to her great style and star power. With her first hit single, ‘Kele Kele Love’, she broke into the industry and has not looked back since. She won the heart of Nigerians and later joined Don Jazzy’s Marvin Records. She is a brand ambassador of Forte Oil, Pepsi. Reports put her worth at more than N85million.

Yemi Alade The truly talented and popular Nigerian female musician was elevated to stardom after she released her hit track, ‘Jhonny’. The music video is currently the

Yemi Alade

most viewed music video on YouTube by a female artiste in Nigeria. With some hot tracks like ‘Kissing’, ‘Take Over’, ‘Tangerine and others, she is still very much around.

Yemi Alade is a brand ambassador of Bacardi and Breezer and is said to be worth around N25million.

Omawunmi She started her music career in 2007, after she was voted 1st runner-up of idol West Africa competition.

She has since become a household name since then and has been an ambassador for entities like Globacom, Konga, Mortein and Malta Guinness during the course of her career.

Seyi Shay She is truly a fashion savvy young woman with a great style and personality. Shay relocated from UK to Nigeria in 2011 and released her hit song, ‘Loving Your Way’ and ‘No Lele’ not long after. The two songs and others have positioned her as one of Nigeria’s finest.

In 2013, she released “Irawo” and has gone on to perform in many events including with the American Pop star, Neyo at the MTV Base Music Awards in Africa. She has endorsement deals with Etisalat, Bacardi and has a running deal with Pepsi. Her talent has made her one of the richest Nigerian female musicians and is worth N18million.

Chidinma Chidinma Ekile is also known as Miss Kedike. From emerging winner of the third season of the MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2010, she has been pushing out great music. Her song, “Kedike” won her the Kora Awards for Best Female West African Act. She has been brand ambassador for MTN for more than three years now and is reportedly worth N15million.

Omawunmi

Seyi Shay

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Social Media Craze TravelTourism

15 October 2016

Trending

Gist

Photos Controversies

Adedayo Odulaja

#21Chibok GirlsReleased

Flavour’s Baby Daddy mode gets fans talking H ow does it feel when you have two lovely daughters from two of Nigeria’s most beautiful women? We guess only Flavour can give you an answer since no other Nigerian man can boast of that status.

Not so long ago, the popular Highlife musician showed off his two daughters in a photo he shared on social media. Bearing both on either side of his right and left, it was a great photo that marks him out as a doting dad.

Of course it was not the first time Flavour was showing off his daughters but it was the first time he would share a picture of both at the same time and with only himself and none of his baby mamas. The cute girls, only a year apart, were delivered by different women in 2014 and 2015.

While Sandra Okagbue, former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, gave birth to Gabrielle in September 2014, Anna Ebiere Banner, herself a beauty queen, gave birth to Sophia in August 2015. On the part of Anna, she can at least be consoled that the singer identified with her.

Sandra cannot say the same and she

seems to have moved on quietly with her life but for teeming fans of Flavour but she can be sure some Nigerians are fighting on behalf of her and the fellow baby mama who is also tied to Flavour.

Obviosuly getting at the music star regarding his baby daddy credentials, @OnyxGodwin wrote: “Which of his daughters tho? Pretty much.”

Another Twitter user, @Oluchi wrote: “Mr Flavour, just protect that girl oooo coz wat u did to other woman some guys wil want to pay back in future.”

Trust Flavour, he doesn’t even seem to notice and if he does, he obviously doesn‘t care.

N

ews early Thursday regarding the release of 21 Chibok girls following their abduction two years ago sent the Nigerian social media scene agog. The release of the girls, whose current state remain unknown as at press time, was said to have been brokered by the International Red Cross and the Government of Switzerland.

A confirmation of the happening was made later in the day by the federal government, followed later with names of the released girls. From those wondering how true, to some expressing joy and some asking when the remaining girls who are still in captivity would be freed, many have one thing or the other to say.

Here are a few of them: Etin-Osa @ etinmagbe wrote: “21 Chiboiks Girls Released. I’ve confirmed from about 4 sources now, still waiting on more.”

Inibehe Effiong@InibeheEffiong wrote: “The news of the release of the 21 Chibok girls by Boko Haram today is a great relief for their families. We hope the rest will also be freed.”

Emir of Kano causes stir with ‘I love Jesus’Instagram post

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lmost everyone was taken unawares when on Thursday, the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi, took to his Instagram account to profess his love for Jesus Christ.

The former CBN governor posted a photo with the caption: “Many people

are unaware of the fact one cannot be a Muslim without loving Jesus (Peace be upon him) known in as Arabic Isa (Alayhis Salam).”

With not many expecting it, it soon became a trending topic and the last time we checked that day, over 800 people have liked the post and you can bet some of those must be Christians.

Nigerians play active role in #NoBraDay

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ll over the world, October 13 is celebrated as the #NoBraDay and all we know is that it is day set aside for the promotion of breast cancer awareness. Aside making many people across the world aware of breast cancer and its debilitating effect, the day is meant to help raise money for research towards the eradication of breast cancer.

The essence of the day is wrapped around getting women to let go of the bra so as to encourage women to screen themselves more often and not stopping here, the entire month of October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Proponents of the day encourage women to do away with bras and thus reduce the amount of sweat that appears on the breasts with the slightest hint of heat.

Going bra-less for one day leaves one with less pressure lines to deal with. More so, the extra adventure seems to invite women more as they are keen to see what it can amount to when being bra-less is not based on the all-too-familiar “wardrobe malfunction”.

But with many young women waking up the day with a wrong notion, social media soon became a theatre of photos of breasts. Some of the young women, so all out to show compliance with the trending topic, snapped photos of themselves without bras for the world to see.

As the showing lot kept posting pictures of themselves without bras and the breasts free, so are many calling them o order.

Weighing in, Londres est Bleu@KrazySexcCool wrote: “Wow…#NoBraDay doesn’t mean you should post your nudes.

Goodness me. Plenty of ways u can support a cause without showing your naked body” while _ShesNalediMerecedes @ NSerekeho had this to say: “#NoBraDay! To all the female soldiers out there fighting Cancer, we salute you!”

Baba Joy @iam_bett: “Somewhere on earth today. An ignorant girl is exposing her breasts coz it’s #NoBraDay forgetting to check them for cancer.”

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

When you get the #NoBraDay totally wrong

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

Investigations

23

Christians and Muslims in total supplication to God. Photos: Dailypost, nigerian eye and CAJ News Africa

Nigerian pastors and Imams appear to have thrown up a debate as to how much the Bible and Qur’an support the display of opulence in the midst of grinding poverty.

ISIOMA MADIKE in this report x-rays the ostentatious lifestyles of Nigeria’s ‘anointed men of God’

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oyin attends one of the Pentecostal churches scattered in all the nook and cranny of the country. She is a loyal and dedicated member. She is “spirit filled”, just like many other members. The church, like many of its type, brims with different classes of members: The rich, not so rich, poor and the very poor.

Every church service, the congregants are reminded of the blessings of God. The preacher would emphasise riches just to encourage the “less privileged” among the flock.

Like many poor members, Toyin had worked more than half of her life for the church. Not because she had the

Isioma madike

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

CHURCHES, MOSQUES

RICH PREACHERS, POOR WORSHIPPERS

calling, but because she chose to be dedicated in the ecclesiastical goings-on. She and her husband whom she married in the church were never found wanting in any activity. They made donations to keep the church afloat and gave their energies for any labour required. They considered these as necessary not only for spiritual gain but also for the expansion of the work of God. Indeed, Toyin represents what many ‘believers’, especially in the Pentecostal circle, go through to belong in the house of the Lord. In today’s Nigeria, it has somewhat become fashionable to be part of this crowd in order not be termed an “unbeliever.”

In Lagos, a city where many wake up early to get to their work places on time, churches and mosques take on the thankless job of waking people with their jangling, jarring bells and shouts, which usually truncates the sensual peace of dawn. Both in Lagos and in other cities, many of them buy airtime on radio

and television, making tele-evangelism a fashionable pastime.

However, the lifestyles of some of these new generation preachers seem like the intersection between the fast lane showiness of show business personalities and the ostentatious lifestyles of successful tycoons. They have plush homes, drive sleek cars and have reputation for glamorous and tasteful dressing that ranks them among most elegantly regaled Nigerians.

“My God is not a poor God” has somewhat become a national anthem for these preachers to justify their top-of-theline lifestyles. This, to some, accounts for the proliferation of places of worship in the country. Critics of these evangelical crusades add that people find it easier to acquire simple answers to complex personal and social ills through these sects than to commit themselves to solving real-life troubles.

As they reel off the word of God with an incredible speed, the devotees, most

times in circle formation, would respond with shouts of Amen, Holiness, and Alleluia, much in the manner of those caught in the terminal throes of death. They would mutter unintelligible, perhaps, celestial words.

Their Muslim counterparts are not totally left behind as they have also joined in the scramble to amass wealth.

Indeed, religion has become big business for some church and mosque operators and an irresistible leisure for worshippers, most of who go to these worship centres in search of miracles to solve their various problems.

It is, undoubtedly, everyday process of supplication, praying and worshipping by members of these religious sects. Many have come to believe, however, that the Nigerian style of worship can only be tolerated in a society stretched on the rack of ignorance, disease and poverty, which is a common continued on page 24

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Investigations

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

‘Out of the little they have, members go through the rigour of seed sowing’ c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 2 3

characteristic of today’s Nigerian society. These Pastors and Imams have desires and goals for “their” ministries.

But, those goals and desires, according to opinions, are often much different from God’s. They desire good finances, good numbers (members), massive mansion, and even national recognition. Yet, God’s ultimate desire, according to the Bible and Qur’an, are people ready to turn away from sin and live holy to make Heaven. There is no doubt that church and mosque business has become very lucrative indeed.

There is also no doubting the wealth these preachers, through their churches and mosques, have amassed over the years. They have mansions, fleets of expensive cars, and most recently private jets. The preachers build on the have-and-now miracles; cite parts of scriptures to proclaim their power. Believers, who pronounce their wishes in true faith, have already received them, the preachers maintain, even though it may take time for the miracles to manifest; in some cases, never realised.

The password is: “Name it and claim it.” This has forced many to align with Karl Marx, a German philosopher popular for his socialist writings, who in one of his works, ‘Critique of the Hegelian Philosophy of Rights’, stated that “Religion is the sign of the oppressed creature.” He also saw religion in another sense as “the Opium of the Masses.”

There are other philosophers, who equally view religion as a belief in the worship of some powers greater than mortal man. They believe it to be a bridge to the supernatural realm and an expressive measure of human, spiritual and material science as well as a continuation of wisdom by systematic approach. Yet, a few others believe there could be glaring cases

of hypnotism in all of these.

Incidentally, Marx’s statements, some say, are beginning to make sense in Nigeria. For proof, there is hardly any newspaper, television or radio stations in the country today that are not swamped with religious advertisements, giving notice of either the formation of one church group or the other, or handbills and flyers announcing crusades and special healings by churches, and recently, mosques.

However, many see the tendency to commercialise and live like the secular moneybags as the most disturbing aspect of some of these sects. The degree of guilt, however, is not the same.

Indeed, some preachers acknowledge the presence in their midst of charlatans and pretenders. A member of the one of the Pentecostal churches, who declined to give his name, told Saturday Telegraph, that there abound evangelists whose business is to chase after money.

“If you go to their churches, all you hear them talk about is money and harvest. We should beware of false prophets,” he advised.

One-time head of communications, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Dapo Daramola, agrees that some of the sect leaders “live so flamboyantly while members of their congregation live in penury. This is exploitation, and they are not supposed to exploit their congregation. Jesus Christ lived a life of modesty, humility and for humanity.

“Every Christ-like person ought to help humanity by building schools, hospitals or rehabilitation centres. This way the church would have touched the lives of the poor in the society. If you affect your next door neighbour positively; you would have succeeded in your little way in emulating Christ.

You would have lived for others,” Daramola said.

For Rev. Moses Iloh, retired, “there is so much a man can do for the man on the streets. So, for me, that’s a better way to reach out and evangelise. They

Standstill at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during religious crusade.

photo: nigerianeye

Popular Nigerian pastors with jets. photo: nigerianwatch

Pastor Paul Adefarasin's Rolls Royce

should come out clear with their priorities. For me, I’ve got plenty to do for the ordinary man. I think it’s a better thing to focus on, or begin the evangelistic mission. But if some church leaders feel it’s their priority to live extravagantly, fine. Good luck to them.”

The overwhelming number of churches in Nigeria is a testament to how profitable owning a church is and if that is not enough evidence, then perhaps the recently published list of the top 10 richest pastors in the world where the top earner, is a Nigerian, with an estimated networth of $150million should suffice.

While the notion of the soul-saving preachers with humble earnings and possessions is currently quite strange and almost fictional, it was the norm until the healing revivals of the 1950s. that was before a group of Pentecostal evangelists such as William Branham, Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts and A. A. Allen, embraced an understanding of faith as an activator that unleashes spiritual power. They understood the Bible as a source of God’s laws and covenants that gave believers specific rights and privileges.

Over the years, this teaching was revamped and made more sophisticated.

Preachers shifted from the “God of fire and brimstone” to a more appealing

one of “grace and prosperity”. It gained worldwide prominence, and prominent preachers in Nigeria are keeping the movement strong in the country.

These kinds of Christians promote, behave and dress like queens and kings, thinking positively, and believing it is their right as children of the kingdom to be rich. They in turn admonish their members to partner with God by faith to pursue riches.

The heart of the principle of this teaching seems to be exclusively reliant on using something to get something. Though, one could give God his or her time and other non-material things, money seems to be the most acceptable form of payment to unlock the blessings of heaven. It almost has the undertone of taking from the devil.

These preachers sell the gospel as the pathway to riches. Feeding the desire of their followers to be rich even though it is contrary to what Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. To support their theory, they use themselves as examples, testifying to the turnover they made from sowing seeds.

Motivated by stories of financial gain, out of the little they have, members pay their tithes and then go through the rigour of seed sowing.

They sow the seed, water it, cut the weed around it and even fence it. The

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

Global Chelsea hope to stun champions leicester p.28

Sport Splash

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News Eagles must be wary of wounded Algeria –Imama p.32

Musa

Eagles’ contract

Taribo, Etim bomb NFF over Salisu, Alloy

Salisu

•‘Coaches allowed soccer body to rubbish them’

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Ajibade Olusesan

Alloy

The Team Ajibade Olusesan l Co-ordinator

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

he shabby handling of coaches Salisu Yusuf, Alloy Agu and Imama Amakapabo’s contracts by the Nigeria Football Federation has not gone down well with many football pundits including Exinternationals Taribo West and Etim Esin who have described the NFF’s attitude as shameful.

The NFF named the three coaches in the new Super Eagles set up even before Manager Gernot Rohr was appointed but while the German has since signed his contract, the federation is still playing hide and seek with the Nigerian tacticians in the crew.

Taribo said the federation’s treatment of the local coaches was disturbing, calling it ‘madness’.

“It is very disturbing and sad that only in Nigeria you can hear of that kind of madness.

It is only here we treat foreigners well and don’t appreciate our own. That is how they treated Stephen Keshi may his soul rest in peace but no foreigner has matched his record except

Clemens Wersterhof. What we give these expatriates, we should do even better for our coaches so that they can be some of the best in the world.

“Enough of these painful and awkward stories, it is painful that you brought a foreign coach, gave him all his entitlement and enslave your brothers. It is not as if these Nigerian coaches are not good, they are and that is why you engaged them in the first instance, why playing hide and seek with them over contract? I think this is sickness,” he said.

Etim said although the soccer body had not covered itself in glory, the concerned c o a c h e s should take the biggest blame.

“I think the coaches should be blamed more because anywhere in the world before you start a job you must see the contract, look at the terms and conditions then put pen to paper if you are okay with it. Unfortunately our coaches don’t do that because of small benefits they will get such as bringing their players into the national to sell and unfortunately most of the times they don’t even get to do successfully business with these lads.

“The NFF also has the blame because it is unfair to exploit the eagerness of these coaches. How can you ask me to start a job without the tools? If anything happens tomorrow they will ask Salisu and Alloy to show their contracts and they will have nothing to come forward with. It is unfortunate they treat them that way but the coaches should be professional enough to demand for their papers before starting the job,” he Taribo said.

Sport

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous

BY CHARLES OGUNDIYA

Rangers to parade in Enugu •Amakapabo gives club first option •Players want coach to stay

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angers International, will on Saturday (today) parade the streets of Enugu with the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy won by the club.

The parade expected to start from morning will allow the team to appreciate their numerous fans who had supported them since the beginning of the season.

“The fans have been our 12th player on the field anytime we are playing,” the coach of the team, Imama Amakapabo said.

“Winning the title after 32 years is massive and without our fans who have been there all these years, I am not sure we would have achieved that great feat.

“Personally, I am grateful to the fans because they accepted me when I first came into the team, even when the result was not forthcoming.”

Meanwhile, the coach has declared that his first option will be to continue with Rangers.

Amakapabo's contract ended at the end of the season but he's yet to renew his contract with the club, but he said he would definitely negotiate a new contract soon.

So many clubs have signified their interest in signing the former Enyimba’s coach with former champions, Kano Pillars, leading the race.

He said: “I said it before, I have closed a chapter with Rangers, but I would love to open another one with the club.

“I already opened discussion with the management and I believe they want me to continue with the team.

“Winning the league will definitely not be the end, I want to aim higher by achieving more successes as a coach and hopefully, it will be with Rangers.”

Some of the players of the team want the coach to remain with them as they called on the management to open negotiations.

Heartland's Doyani Olawale (right) vying for the ball with Shooting Stars' Ajani Ibrahim in a recent league game

H

Heartland, Plateau United accept LMC sanctions

eartland FC has written to the League Management Company communicating their decision to withdraw an earlier rejection of the Summary Jurisdiction Notice issued the club for abandoning their Match Day 38 fixture in Jos against Plateau United.

Plateau United had earlier accepted a Summary Jurisdiction which fined the club N1m for the unruly conduct of their supporters who threw objects into the field of play in violation of Rules B13.18 of the Framework and Rules.

The LMC had in the aftermath of the match charged Heartland with breach of Rule B13.26 of the Nigeria Professional Football League Framework and Rules which makes it an offence for a club to refuse continuation of play during a match.

Heartland was fined Three Million Naira and

forfeiture of the three points and three goals to their opponent, Plateau United. Heartland players had abandoned the match in protest of the match referee's decision with scores at 1-1.

In their letter dated October 11, General Manager of Heartland FC, Oscar Keke, said the club had reconsidered their position in an October 7, 2016 letter rejecting the charge and decision of the LMC. "Our earlier letter on the above dated October 7 refers. We have reconsidered our position and hereby submit to the board's jurisdiction thereof".

The club further apologised for inconveniences their earlier position might have caused the League.

Heartland thus ended the season on 18th position with 36 points and stand relegated to the Nigeria National League.

Minister urges league body to work on referees

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Dalung

he Minister for Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has urged the League Management Company to look into the activities of match officials.

According to Dalung, if care is not taken, the men in black will take the shine off the Nigeria Professional Football League after some questionable officiating noticed during the just concluded league season.

“There were some incidents last season and it might affect the trust

people have in the league,” Dalung said.

“There is no doubt that we had a successful league season, but if care is not taken, the success recorded will be eroded because of questionable calls.

“The LMC should look at a way of getting the best out of the referees and there must be proper monitoring of the officials so that only credible teams can emerge as champions.”

Rangers won the league after 32 years, dethroning Enyimba.

Ezeji: League, FA Cup with Dolphins my biggest feats

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etired Nigeria Professional Football League star, Victor Ezeji, has said winning league title and FA Cup double with Dolphins in 2004 is the highlight of his career as a player.

Ezeji returned to Dolphins in 2004 after becoming one of the players that won the first CAF Champions League title for the country during his only season with Enyimba.

Speaking during the press briefing to herald his testimonial match scheduled for December 10, in Port Harcourt, the former Heartland player said people believed he was a fool when he left Enyimba who just won the title and Champions League for Dolphins.

“I can never forget the double with Dolphins because nobody gave the club any chance to achieve anything,” he said.

“When I left Enyimba for Dolphins after winning the Champions League, people were asking me why I had to take such decision. Although Enyimba are very ambitious, the truth is they don’t have a structure which prompted my leaving the club for Dolphins.

“Secondly I had won everything with Enyimba and I needed a new challenge. Joining Dolphins, nobody gave the team any opportunity but at the end of the season I won the title and the FA Cup, I won the best player for the two competitions and was rewarded with a car and N1m cash while the players back at Enyimba went ahead to win the Champions League again and were not rewarded with a dime.”

He described the media as part of his success, saying without them, he wouldn’t have achieved so much in the game.

He added further that so many good players were out there but never attained same height as himself, while also declaring himself as a role model to younger players in the league.

He said: “For me to have played for 20 years, I have become a role model for younger players.

“There is need to start something, so I decided to take the bull by the horns.

Apart from Austin Okocha and Joseph Yobo, I am yet to see a player that had been honoured with a testimonial match. That was why I called some people together to organise the game.

“Players tend to believe what they see and hear, there are so many challenges but we have to start somewhere.

There is need to re-educate

Ezeji

players currently playing in the league and let them understand that we can take it to the next level.

“Testimonial is a big thing for players all over the world, I want them to see that for me to achieve it, they can do so too. The world needs to know that there is a player that played for 20 years and was able to achieve a lot in the game despite playing most of his career locally.”

On his plans for future after retirement, he revealed that everything was open, as he could become a coach, a pundit or an administrator.

Speaking on the testimonial, the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, China Acheru, said Ezeji was one of Nigeria’s most decorated players who played his football in Nigeria and deserved to be honoured.

“I think the only two Nigerians that are more decorated than him are Nwankwo Kanu and John Mikel Obi; so I think we need to honour somebody like this,” Acheru said.

Meanwhile, Ezeji has mentioned some of the players expected to be part of the testimonial as he revealed his discussion with former Super Eagles winger, Finidi George.

“I have spoken to a handful of players; Obinna Nwaneri is one person we hope to see, I’m bringing Imama Amapakabo, Kennedy Boboye and a whole lot of guys. We are in touch with Finidi George and his elder brother Alari George as well as others.”

Ezeji started his professional career with Sharks in 1996, he also played for Eagle Cement/Dolphins, Enyimba, Sunshine Stars and Heartland.

He won the league with Dolphins in 2004 in addition to three FA Cup titles in '04, '06, '07.

While at Enyimba, Ezeji won the Nigerian League title, CAF Champions league and CAF Super Cup. He also added a WAFU Cup medal to his kitty when he returned for a third stint at Sharks from 2008 to 2012.

Sport

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15 OCTOBer 2016

27

Enugu Rangers, dry bones and the profits of persistence

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Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

ictory is sweet. It really is. You have to taste it to know exactly how sweet it can be to be victorious. Whether in leadership, business, diplomacy, and, as in the case we have as thesis point here, sports, coming out triumphant after what many may never know could have been long, debilitating and frustrating battles for whatever is the top target has a unique feeling you just cannot describe.

I am not sure many people are conscious of this: the joy of victory has a very short life span. Sometimes, it lasts just a few seconds. It is not the same as failure. When you fail in any endeavour, it creeps all over you, eating you like poison and slowly affecting the way you think, the things you want to aspire to and the targets you wish to accomplish. It slows you down, wears you out and if you do not get hold of yourself pretty quickly, it totally condemns you to long periods of regret that eventually consume your very essence.

But success is not this lingering. The moment is usually very brief, leaving you speechless in rapturous excitement. But in its short spell, it brings eons of gigajoules of energy that brings relief, connects you with many who are part of the momentous accomplishment and sharpens your mind for greater things to come.

Sunday, October 2, was a busy day for us in Enugu but it was also a day Nigeria’s oldest surviving Premier League football club, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, was to play their last league match for the 2015/2016 football season.

Rangers have come close to clinching the trophy countless times since last winning it 32 years ago but have come short each time.

For players, club managers and supporters, nothing can be more frustrating than coming out second best season after season. Although the club is on record as the only Nigerian side that has never been relegated, this counts for nothing in a world where nobody ever remembers a number 2. You are either the champion or you are just another name on the log. It’s just as ruthlessly simple as that.

With a fan base spanning all the ethnic and tribal divides in Nigeria, the absence of trophies on the cabinet never went down well with Nigerians.

When we came into government on May 29, 2015, one of the cardinal anchors

of our promise to our people was the restoration of happiness through massive infrastructure development, agricultural revival and sports renaissance. We looked at the club, its rich history replete with stories of determination, resilience, improvisation in times of challenge; we looked at its position as a rallying point for socioeconomic revival and concluded that there was need to provide the critical enablers that will restore the glories of yesterday.

And in all modesty, doing this really did not take much from us. Parents and even our young people in relationships understand this but let me frame it in words. The best thing a husband can ever give his wife is neither money nor material things. As germane as these are in infusing excitement in your marriage, the greatest gifts spouses can ever give to their partners is attention.

If you have tried sending a cake accompanied by other expensive gifts to your spouse on his or her birthday without being around, you will appreciate this better. Nothing beats your being there. Being there convinces the person he or she is important to you. It heals, it inspires, raises the spirit and it brings out the best in him or her.

In the dire economic situation Nigeria has found itself, doing more would have been practically impossible. Players are humans with needs. So we ensured that as much as possible, they were not owed.

Officials are just like us – leaders. So we needed to trust their judgment and believed they are capable of doing things right. We understood they needed us to be there when they became wearied, so we stood behind them, praising them when they won and telling them of better days when it was not so good.

We stood by them; inspiring them, motivating them, believing in them. That is all we did. Nothing more.

As Mexican Waves after endless Mexican Waves rose and ebbed around the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on the final day of the Nigerian League season, I knew our human approach to managing the affairs of Rangers had paid dividends.

The key message I want to deliver through this article is not to recall the revelry witnessed in the wake of the epochmaking triumph of Rangers as the latest champions of Nigerian football. On the contrary, what is important for me, as always, is to sift the learning points so that when the fireworks are gone and forgotten, Nigerians and, especially my people

received before and after the game confirmed this. This dispelled the earlier belief that it is only when the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, are playing that Nigerians come together. Nigerians came together behind Rangers.

I am certain we will have other issues that can draw us together in unity and oneness. We all need to explore and find them.

Ugwuanyi

of Enugu State, will have something to sustain their memories beyond the exciting football played by Rangers this season.

These include: Nigeria is one and can even be stronger: I have been following Rangers since I was a youth, listening to football commentaries on the radio. I grew up thinking that just like what we all later came to know as the English Premier League, football clubs have their largest fan bases in their homes states and regions. It took coming this close to the club for me to understand that Rangers have over the years grown into a brand loved and followed by people from all over Nigeria. The creation of states and the emergence of clubs like Spartans of Owerri (later to become Iwuanyanwu Nationale and then Heartland) and Enyimba of Aba never diluted the strong brand proposition Rangers represented.

As the deliriously enchanted crowd sang and danced and celebrated the grace and goals scored by Rangers on the final day of the league at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, it was also brought to my knowledge that the tumultuous crowd was not just made up the sports-loving people of Enugu State alone. People came from all over the country to witness the game and they included a large population of brothers from other ethnic groups that have followed this Great Historic Club side for decades. Tons of goodwill messages I

Rangers players celebrating with the NPFL league trophy

Persistence will always pay good dividends I have seen people labor and strive for years to something they desire. I have also seen people laugh at them. I have also seen people stand by them in committed encouragement. One thing I have learnt and which I love sharing is that we are our own greatest limitations. If we stayed long enough working to break a jinx, we will break that jinx. Calvin Coolidge captured the value of persistence when he said that “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Rangers were at a time the most dreaded clubside in Nigeria. Even when fortunes faded and they struggled to win their matches and at other times came frustratingly close to winning the league, they kept their head and kept striving, keeping the target within reach. The reward they have got today has compensated for all the years they and the fans waited and as Napoleon Hill also said, “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”

When you see a man diligent at a tough job, the least you should do is lend a hand I have never seen a person that singlehandedly made anything happen. The world today is filled with selfish people who lay claims to having made it all alone but I can assure you that even the person that said “WELL DONE” contributed a lot to your success. Can you imagine if this person had said something like “WHAT THE CRAP ARE YOU TRYING TO DO? We came into office and saw a clubside that needed more encouragement and morale boosting than anything else and we ensured we gave them in appropriate doses.

The result is the victory all Nigerians are savouring now. We did not help them play.

We did not even tell them how to play. But you know what, the fact that we told them they play well and can win the league was very critical.

Define your purpose and pursue it As a Government, we decided from the get-go to be champions in good governance. In articulating our value propositions to the people of Enugu State, we made it clear our desire to deliver values to our people across on spaces of experience. Sports and sports development is one of them because we are aware of its importance in peace building, recreation, relationship management, health and wellness and even as a business.

We therefore hit the ground running and the result is what we all are celebrating today. We will not end it here. Matter of fact, there is an ongoing quiet revival in the arena of Sports development across all facets that will ensure that the glory days when great athletes from the hills and valleys of Enugu State made Nigeria proud returns and remains for long.

Congratulations Rangers International Football Club of Nigeria. We are proud of you!

•Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the Governor of Enugu State, South East Nigeria.

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Zidane

aving registered three consecutive draws in La Liga, Zinedine Zidane will not be happy to recall his last trip to the Estadio Benito Villamarín in January, when he had just taken over the reins and saw his team drop points in a 1-1 draw.

However, Madrid have won four of their last six games against Betis and are on a 19-match undefeated streak.

Added to this, Betis have lost twice in their last three games and will not feel too confident going into this game.

H

Real trouble for Zidane at Betis

ice were able to spend the international break top of Ligue 1 following Mario Balotelli’s dramatic winner against Lorient last time out but now, at this stage of the season, the top-dogs are there to be shot down and the coming weeks will be a major test for Lucian Favre’s side.

Favre’s men should be rejuvenated after the international break, having looked a bit jaded in the match against Lorient, but Lyon should find themselves in a

similar position, having secured a vital victory in the derby against St Etienne last time out. Now, the challenge for Lyon is to push-on.

On the road without Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon have failed to score which makes the possible return of the forward even more vital. They need to be able to perform without their keyman if they are to have any chance of success this season but putting pressure on the striker ahead of his return from injury is a dangerous game.

Nice rely on Balotelli to hurt Lyon

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ld friends will become footballing foes for 90 minutes when Manchester City play host to Everton in the Premier League this weekend.

City boss Pep Guardiola played alongside his Everton counterpart, Ronald Koeman, for five years at Barcelona in the nineties, with the two men playing their part in four La Liga titles and one European Cup triumph for the Catalan giants during a hugely successful spell in Spain.

Both men, however, will be fully focused on returning their current clubs to winning ways when the Toffees travel to the Etihad Stadum.

The hosts had chalked up 10 consecutive wins under Guardiola, but were held to a draw against Celtic in the Champions League before suffering their first defeat of the season against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane before the international break.

Friends Guardiola, Koeman clash at Etihad

Balloteli

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Lahm

hampions Bayern Munich need to find their edge again if they are to challenge for trophies this season, captain Philipp Lahm said as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday in the Bundesliga after the break for international

matches.

Bayern dropped their first points of the season in their previous match, a draw against Cologne, following five straight wins.

That came just days after their first loss of the season, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

"What is clear is that we need to improve if we are to challenge for all titles," Lahm said.

"We must improve our aggressiveness because that has been our trademark in the past few years, to show the opponent they cannot get anything against us. We need to do that better."

Few, however, will be betting against a record-extending fifth straight Bundesliga title, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery also gradually hitting top form after injury breaks.

Lahm wants Bayern to rediscover aggressive edge

Global Football Special

No Clubs 1 Juventus 2 SSC Napoli 3 Roma 4 Lazio 5 Chievo 6 AC Milan 7 Genoa 8 Torino 9 Inter

SERIE A

No Clubs 1 Atletico 2 Real Madrid 3 Sevilla 4 Barcelona 5 Villarreal 6 Bilbao 7 Las Palmas 8 Eibar 9 Sociedad 10 Celta Vigo 11 Leganes 12 Alaves 13 Deportivo 14 Malaga 15 Real Betis 16 Gijon 17 Espanyol 18 Valencia 19 Osasuna 20 Granada

P 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7

P 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

P 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

LA LIGA

No Clubs 1 Man City 2 Tottenham 3 Arsenal 4 Liverpool 5 Everton 6 Man United 7 Chelsea 8 Crystal Palace 9 West Brom 10 S’hampton 11 Watford 12 Leicester 13 B’mouth 14 Burnley 15 Hull City 16 M’brough 17 Swansea 18 West Ham 19 Stoke 20 Sunderland

EPL

TABLES

Pts 18 14 13 13 13 13 11 11 11

Pts 15 15 14 13 13 12 11 11 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 6 6 3 2

Pts 18 17 16 16 14 13 13 11 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 6 4 4 3 2

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tarving Watford strike pair Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo of any service must be Boro’s priority this weekend.

That’s according to midfielder Adam Forshaw, who says Boro have identified Sunday’s Premier League clash against the Hornets as a huge opportunity to get break their home duck.

Boro’s last clash against Watford came in the Championship on Easter Monday in 2015, with Deeney and Ighalo both scoring to seize the automatic promotion momentum at Vicarage Road.

“Everyone knows they’re really strong up top, with two good centre-forwards,” Forshaw said.

Tiger Woods

Sir Nick Faldo says he fears Tiger Woods may now never return to competitive action following his latest withdrawal.

The 40-year-old has not played since last August but, after undergoing two bouts of surgery on his back, had planned to feature at this week’s Safeway Open.

Faldo told BBC Sport: “It’s going to be a hard grind to come back and compete against the best in the world. You wish him well, but what does Tiger want to prove?

Koeman

“They’re quite a direct side. We played against them in the Championship and they were a good team then.

“I think they’re quite simple in their approach – they get the ball up to Deeney and Ighalo plays off him. It’s a little bit more of a direct game, and it’s been effective for them in the last few years.

Boro’s Forshaw reveals plans to cage Ighalo, Deeney

Ighalo

Everton, too, have stumbled in recent weeks, crashing out of the EFL Cup to Norwich City, while the Toffees took just one point from their Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace respectively.

Koeman will be keen to see his side claim a famous victory, but the former Southampton manager knows his team will face a tough task, for Everton have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches against the men from Manchester.

These two teams played out a keenly contested goalless draw in Manchester last term and the odds are that the sides are again forced to settle for a share of the spoils from this renewal.

7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 7

SATURDAY 2pm Napoli v Roma 5pm Pescara v Sampdoria 19:45Juventus v Udinese SUNDAY 12:30pm Fiorentina v Atalanta 3pm Genoa v Empoli 3pm Inter v Cagliari 3pm Lazio v Bologna 3pm Sassuolo v Crotone 8:45pm Chievo v Milan 1pm Leganes v Sevilla 4:15pm Barcelona v Deportivo 6:30pm Atletico v Granada 8:45pm Betis v Real SUNDAY

Saturday 3pm Bournemouth v Hull City 3pm Arsenal v Swansea City 3pm Man City v Everton 3pm West Brom v Tottenham

1:30pMiddlesbrough v Watford 4pm Southampton v Burnley 8pm Liverpool v Man United

Tyson Fury's trainer and uncle Peter has vowed his nephew will return to the ring, despite him vacating his WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.

The 28-year-old is presently receiving treatment for a condition Peter Fury described as "manic depression" "Absolutely you will see him in the ring again. Boxing is in his life. It's in his blood. It's in his veins. He doesn't know anything else. He's just frustrated.

Tyson Fury

6:3pm Gijon v Valencia 8:45pm Villarreal v Celta Vigo

SUNDAY

MONDAY

12pm Alaves v Malaga 4:15pm Bilbao v Sociedad

5:30pm Palace v West Ham

3pm Stoke v Sunderland

EPL 12:30 Chelsea v Leicester City

Pts 16 13 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 1

Serie A

P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

10 10 9 9 8 7 7 6 6 4 1

La Liga

No Clubs 1 Bayern 2 Hertha Berlin 3 Dortmund 4 FC Cologne 5 Leipzig 6 Leverkusen 7 Hoffenheim 8 Frankfurt 9 M’gladbach 10 Freiburg 11 Mainz 05 12 Augsburg 13 Wolfsburg 14 Darmstadt 15 Bremen 16 Schalke 04 17 Ingolstadt 18 Hamburger

BUNDESLIGA

10 Cagliari 11 Bologna 12 Atalanta 13 Sassuolo 14 Fiorentina 15 Sampdoria 16 Udinese 17 Pescara 18 Palermo 19 Empoli 20 Crotone

SATURDAY

FIXTURES

out a win, Conte will know that victory over Hull last time out is hardly likely to convince many doubters after those damaging defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal.

On the other hand, a strong result against the reigning champions would represent a significant morale-booster for a team still finding its feet under new management, and seems eminently achievable on recent form.

Not only have Claudio Ranieri’s team failed to take a single point from their three away games so far, they also possess the league’s worst defensive record on the road after conceding four goals in each of their last two trips.

Having put four past them after extra-time when the teams met at the King Power Stadium in last month’s EFL Cup game, the Blues will feel confident of adding to the visiting defence’s woes in this one.

Nevertheless, Chelsea’s own backline hardly looks watertight after keeping just two clean sheets in nine competitive matches themselves.

Eight of the hosts’ nine matches so far have produced at least three goals, while Leicester have seen three or more scored in all four away games so far this campaign in all competitions.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who was unexpectedly eliminated from the Shanghai Masters after going down to Serbia's Viktor Troicki, admitted that he is not in his best physical shape.

"I need to recover the forehand. I know I need to hit forehands. I need to recover a little bit the electricity in my legs. I need to move faster to hit more forehands. I need to create pain for my opponent," he said.

SPORT BRIEFLY Rafael Nadal

Guardiola

fter suffering defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal in high profile encounters already this season, Chelsea will be hoping to make a statement when they welcome Leicester City to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s Premier League clash.

Antonio Conte’s men ended a two-match losing streak with a 2-0 win over Hull City before the international break and are favourites to make it two in a row here.

Having lost all three of their away games in the league so far this season, the Foxes go into this match as outsiders to claim maximum points in London.

Although it will have come as a welcome relief after three games with-

Kickoff: 12:30pm

Chelsea hope to stun champions leicester A

BIG LONDON BATTLE Y TELEGRAPH

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Lifestyle of Sportsmen

Sport

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Rooney’s hooker on the rampage again

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Jenny

enny, who advertised herself as ‘Juicy Jen’, is known for allegedly having sex with at least 13 Premiership footballers, including Wayne Rooney’s rival Mario Balotelli.

But the controversial exescort has since moved on to a Geordie badboy Aaron after she met him on the racy MTV series famed for its explicit sex scenes

and violent bust-ups.

A source close to Jenny told The Sun: “Jenny T had her eyes on Aaron from the start, he’s completely her type and she made a beeline for him right away.

“It wasn’t long before she’d got her wicked way with him and they were in bed with each other, things got pretty heated pretty fast.

Tattooed hunk Aaron is most famously connected to Geordie Shore

Mata launches own fragrance

I GOT RONALDO SEEING DOUBLE - Model A

M

anchester United star Juan Mata took advantage of the international break to unveil the latest Loewe fragrance.

At the event, the 28-year-old was all smiles as he posed for photos with some fans who attended the unveiling.

The unveiling held at the Indulge Fragrance Store at the intu Trafford Centre.

It will back to business for the midfielder as Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Monday, October 17 in the Premier League.

Mata is set to be named in the starting line-up following his impressive outings in recent games.

The Spanish midfielder has started five league games for United and is now favoured in the No 10 position ahead of captain Wa y n e Rooney.

co-star Marnie Simpson “And let’s put it this way – Aaron’s ex Marnie Simpson was a long way from his mind when he arrived on Ex as was Jenny’s last Love Island conquest.”

Jenny, who was dating Love Island’s Joshua Ritchie earlier this summer, had only set foot on the sun-drenched series for a few days before she managed to seduce Aaron.

stunning model has revealed how she got football star Cristiano Ronaldo seeing double – as the astonishing lookalike of his ex, Irina Shayk.

Beautiful Kristina Peric, 20, has told how she was introduced to the Real Madrid forward and Portugal captain by a makeup artist who thought she looked like Shayk.

Ronaldo has recently been on international duty with Portugal, but may have nice memories on meeting model Peric Intriguingly, the meeting came while Ronaldo was going through a crisis in his five-year romance with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Irina.

She later blamed the player’s confession on sending “flirty texts” to other women.

Irina, 30 – and now dating Hollywood star Bradley Cooper – reportedly told one friend: “Now I know the truth and I feel completely betrayed.”

Mata

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

Peric

Bony is EPL’s worst dressed man

Albania model named Europe’s most attractive football fan

I

E Sulejmani

urope’s most attractive fan has been named as Albanian model Erjona Sulejmani.

The 29-year-old wife of Switzerland and Bologna midfielder Blerim Dzemaili was a high-profile spectator at Euro 2016.

Now GQ Italy has chosen her for the sexiest-supporter award - celebrating with a black and white photoshoot.

Macedonia-born Dzemaili, 30, used to play for Juventus and FC Zurich.

But for now his wife is a bigger name in football than him.

Bony

t takes quite an effort for a footballer to put himself in contention for the 'Premier League's Worst Dressed Man' title.

Competition for that particular crown is fierce. Anyone who has ever witnessed top-flight footballers turning up for training will know there are plenty of players whose fashion sense is particularly bizarre.

But Stoke City's Wilfried Bony? Well, he's really going all out for to win this award.

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My desire to travel abroad brought me to sports –Emedolu Ex-international, Uchenna Emedolu, in an exclusive interview with CHARLES OGUNDIYA, said the best way to take athletics to the peak in the country is to have a listening Athletic Federation of Nigeria president. Excerpts…

In recent years, we have not been performing well in sprints. As one of the few Nigerians to have run sub 10secs, what could be the problem and what is the way forward?

In the Solomon Ogba administration, we have not been performing well as a country, maybe because of his way of planning and doing things which has affected our performance.

I will put the blame of our dwindling fortune at the doorsteps of the administrators. There has been no encouragement for the athletes, no support both morally and financially, especially for the home grown athletes.

All what we need to do now is to work with Nigerian athletes, develop them from grassroots, instead of looking for some spent force from USA. Maybe by then we will start getting results.

lt and Usain Bo uduru d Divine O

things didn’t really work out. I had to come back and concentrate on sprinting.

I started running in 1999 and I later gave out my football boot to someone. The next year I made the Sydney Olympic Games. From Sydney, everything about my career in athletics began.

In 2001, I won medals at the Commonwealth Games and the athletics World Cup in Madrid. I continued to shine in track and field until I retired. I worked very hard and was determined to be the best I could be. And I know I had the talent.

Looking at the administrators now and the election coming up very soon, will it be a case of ex- internationals or stakeholders becoming president of AFN? Personally, I can’t really say anything about the election for now because I am yet to see the candidates. I think this will depend on the people that are currently on the board. Whoever it is, let the person listen to advice. If it is a former athlete it will be good, but my own opinion is anybody that wants to become the president must be someone that knows the sport so well and is ready to listen to people.

If we end up bringing someone like the former president, things will still remain the same.

What about your children?

I don’t want what happened to me to happen to my children. I have decided that if they are going to do sports, they will start early. My boy has started running on a little scale. He is very talented and I know it. The other day he said, ‘Daddy, I’m going to do better than you’ and I believe him. He is 10 years old. They saw the clips of some of my races, and he said, ‘Daddy is that you? I’ll be better than you’. One day I took him to the stadium and he ran with me round the pitch; the entire 400m. I told him, ‘You must be very strong’.

Personally, how did you get into athletics?

I think it is the passion and also God’s wish. I also think I was destined to make it through athletics. God actually opened the way for me through Coach Tobias Igwe; known as coach Toblow. It was so sudden that people started asking who I was and how I could do well without even coming from the junior level. Toblow once told me I was the fastest athlete he had ever met, only that I didn’t start on time and I lacked some techniques that I ought to have learnt as a child.

Despite that, I tried to make my mark in the sport.

How did coach Toblow discover you?

I actually started as a footballer, playing in Enugu for a football academy that takes people to Europe. I just joined the group because I wanted to go to Europe.

In the process Dominic Nwobodo who was the coach of the team told coach Toblow to try me out because I was very fast on the field. When Toblow tried me, he was amazed how a person could run so fast without any build up or training. I ran 10.3secs. From then I was combining football with athletics, I played football for a while and eventually, I travelled to Malta to play professional football.

I stayed there for about one year and

The last edition of Making of Champions Top Sprinters was for all comers, was it a way of getting someone the same way Toblow discovered you?

Yes, we decided to allow everyone and see if we could see raw talents. They now have better opportunity; in the past, you must be associated with a club, organisation and so on, but what the CEO of MoC was trying to do was to give everyone equal opportunity. I didn’t have such opportunity in the past but with things like this, then the country will not be going for jamboree in the next four years.

What is your take onTop Sprinters?

If you look at what was achieved by MoC in the last one year, then you have to give kudos to them. They have succeeded in getting sponsors for two of their athletes, something that never happened before. I believe things will change.

Emedolu

What is your reasons for going into coaching?

I have the passion for coaching and putting into consideration the fact that I

started late, I believe that I have not given what I am supposed to give in track and field. With my coaching abilities I will be able to transfer this knowledge to the younger ones to accomplish what I had or even more.

Who was your biggest rival both locally and internationally during your active years?

Locally, I will say my home boy, Deji Aliu, he always gave me the zeal to run faster. Internationally, everybody was my rival.

How do we stem the tide of the country's athletes going out to run for other countries and doing even better?

This thing has been rampant during Ogba’s time. It is also about the people in the administration. If you pay the athletes well, treat them well, encourage them, they will have no problem and won't want to go to other countries to compete for them.

Money has always been the problem of administration but in those days we had corporate organisations like Mobil, and others. What do you have to say about this?

We need to get the right people to talk to these organisations. We have to approach the right corporate organisations who will sponsor sporting activities. The main problem is that we have the wrong people in the administration and that's why we are having funding problems.

Look at Bambo Akanni (MoC CEO), he knows the right people to meet and that is why the Top Sprinter programme was held this year and in previous years.

Apart from your involvement in the Top Sprinter Genesis, and also a coach, what else do you do?

I’m a business man. I have a company that I manage, which produces interior décor and a host of other things. I’m also a farmer.

What were your best moments and challenges as an athlete?

My best moment was when I won the Athletics World Cup. It was my biggest experience. And for challenges, I don’t think I had many. I am a liberal person, I don’t take issues personally. If it is fine, good, if it is bad, there is no problem; I can always start again.

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WAG Tour holds in Ghana

T

he West Africa Golf Tour has announced that it has moved the hosting of tournament outside its traditional base of Nigeria to Ghana as Celebrity Golf Club, Sakumono Accra, will welcome players from November 3 to 6.

President of the Tour, Emeka Okatta, said the arrangement was in tandem with the tour’s philosophy of establishing a pan-African platform to project golf talent to the world.

“The WAG Tour’s last four editions have been huge success and we are hoping to build on it by expanding the horizon. Ghana has always been a beautiful golf destination and since the logistics may not veer too much from what obtains in Nigeria it comes as a natural choice.

“And on the WAG Tour membership we have huge representation from Ghana as well, placed in high ranking positions in the Order of Merit. We are very positive about the future of WAG Tour and professional play-

ers of African origin” he said.

In the same vein, the closing event for the opening season of WAG Tour has got green-light to be hosted at the Arsenal Golf Club in Owerri, Imo State, after having hosted tournaments in IBB International Golf and Country Club, Smokin Hills and Port Harcourt Golf Club.

According to Okatta, the Arsenal Golf Club is a very strategic facility in the South Eastern part of Nigeria and easily accessible from four different airports.

“One of the challenges we have faced throughout the year is access to golf courses.

I think we have a fairer deal with the management of Arsenal coupled with the fact that the city has its own airport and Asaba, Enugu and Port Harcourt Airports are also within reach. That takes much off us.

“We are still working out the details and it may be venue of our closing event for the year, which is going to be our biggest,” he added.

Eagles must be wary of wounded Algeria –Imama

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Charles Ogundiya

uper Eagles assistant coach, Imama Amapakabo, has warned the team to be wary of the Fennecs of Algeria when the two sides meet in November in a World Cup qualifying match.

Algeria drew 1-1 against Cameroon in their first match in the qualifiers before sacking their coach, Milovan Rajevac, a few days after the game.

Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, the Rangers of Enugu coach said the sacking of the coach could work both ways for the team.

“It is either positively or negatively. I believe the players will want to impress the new coach,” he said.

“We should be very careful in approaching the game not minding if they have a new coach or not. We must be ready for anything.

“A win in that game will put Nigeria a step closer to playing in Russia. After getting three points on the road, we need to hold our home front very well.

“The most important thing is to continue doing our part and prepare well for the game because we can’t afford to slip.”

Describing the performance of the team after two matches, the coach said the manager of the team, Gernot Rohr, had done enough to instil belief in the players.

He called on Nigerians to believe in the team and continue to support the Super Eagles as they strive to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He added: “It is very important that people believe in this team because the confidence is back for the players.

“That’s what victory brings. After failing to qualify for the last two AFCON in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in 2017, there is need to take the games more seriously.”

Mikel

Lakowe hosts Total Charity golf tournament Ajibade Olusesan

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his year’s annual Total Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course, Lagos, on Saturday (today).

The tournament is designed to raise funds to improve the infrastructure for selected Charity homes in one of three locations in Nigeria. The funds raised are to be rotated between the charities every year, as part of Total’s social responsibility. The locations are Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

This year, two charity homes, which provide care for abandoned, motherless and vulner-

able children in the society, will benefit from the special fund.

They are Olive Blooms Orphanage Home, Ajah, and Friends of Jesus Orphanage Home, Badore, both located in the Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Total E&P Nigeria Limited said: “We are happy to make this societal contribution in a way different from our core business.”

All players are expected to make voluntary donations as participating fees. The amounts raised will be added to a special fund set aside by Total and presented to the selected charity organisations.

Ogudu GRA Tennis Club tournament’s win excites Ojukwu

In 2015, TEPNG donated proceeds from the tournament to the Zaamar Institute, Abuja, a learning ability centre for children with autism. Zaamar Institute utilised the funds for the provision of one-on-one classrooms; two toilet facilities; a store; and some playground equipment for the children.

The tournament which has been sponsored for 21 years by the NNPC/Total E&P Nigeria Joint Venture tees off by 09:00a.m. This year’s competition is expected to have 80 golfers from various parts of the country and will follow the Stable Ford format (Short Gun) and will be played over 18 holes.

I

kedi Ojukwu emerged champion of the Ogudu GRA Tennis Club Ladder Board Tournament with a 6-3 win over Dr.Tunde Olujobi last weekend and the winner said he deserved the victory.

16 participants featured in the two-day quarterly tournament which was proudly sponsored by members of the club which has Abayomi Osibanjo as chairman After a gruelling elimination series, the quartet of Ojukwu, Olujobi, Chukwudi Alaku and John Amata advanced to the semifinals.

Club captain, Olujobi coasted to an easy 6-0 win over Alaku to seal a ticket to the final but the other semifinal was in sharp contrast as Ojukwu and Amata endured a strenuous test from each other and needed

to be separated by a tie-break which was won 7-6 by Ojukwu.

As a new entrant, Ojukwu 's win over Amata, a former champion of the club, was the biggest upset of the tournament and he (Ojukwu) went on to prove that his feat was not a fluke with the win over Olujobi in the final.

The top 10 ranking, in order, was filled by Ojukwu, Olujobi, Amata, Alaku, Alabi Ibrahim, Barr. Osibanjo, Segun Adesanya, Samuel Oguamanam, Jude Efuribe and Francis Okoye.

“I am happy to win this tournament and become the club’s new champion,” he said said after the final game.

"This tournament is a quarterly event for members to play good tennis in order to harvest the best players for the club," Olujobi said.

NASFEST produces high jump prospect

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Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Deji Tinubu (right), presents Fielder of the Series award to Nelson Aminat of Ansar-ud-Deen Girls High School, Itire, during the final of Lagos State T20 Secondary School tournament.

he recent medal drought experienced in the track and field at the international level may soon be a thing of the past if performance of some athletes at the ongoing Nigerian Army Sports Festival is anything to go by.

Anyanwu Ogichukwu scaled 1.97m in the high jump despite training for one week according to the Private from 2 Division (Ibadan).

Ogichukwu could not hide his feelings after his gold medal winning performance.

"I am very happy for this. I am not a high jumper, they just took me out of duty and I trained for one

week and I saw myself achieving this feat,” he said.

“With hardwork and by the grace of God, I know I can still do it again."

When asked about his future plans following his recent achievement, Anyanwu added: "I would like to take it (high jump) further and I would be glad if the Army can release me for games."

He however urged the Athletic Federation of Nigeria led by Solomon Ogba to look his way as he might just be the one that Nigerians have been waiting for to break the record of 2.27m set by Anthony Idiata in 1999.

Investigations 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

Chris Okotie's Rolls Royce

Another set of worshippers.

Pator Ayo Oritsejafor's wife white stretch limo.

photo:onlinenigerianews

seed then become more important than seeking the kingdom of God. They even ignore the injunction of Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

While giving is not wrong per se, a majority of these prosperity preachers are living a luxurious life off their poor members who are in dire need of help.

Owning multimillion-dollar private jets just to “oversee churches”, while some members are living in poverty is acceptable and standard fare.

Being accustomed to life of luxury, some preachers with branches in the West get carried away and spend church funds at will, which eventually lands them in murky situations. While a popular Nigerian church was under investigation for alleged mismanagement of funds a few years ago, the British government allegedly ordered a Nigerian-born pastor but based in the UK to also pay back £200,000 in 2006 after it emerged that he allegedly used church funds to buy a £13,000 Florida Time share and spent £120,000 on his birthday celebrations, including £80,000 which was spent on a car.

Not too long ago, another preacher was embroiled in the controversy of how his private jet was allegedly used to ferry $9.3 million seized by the South

photo: nairaland

African government. He is believed to be a friend of the immediate past government as well as being a former National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Though members should be responsible for the needs of their pastors, making giving money a prerequisite for receiving from God, according to many, is not only punitive but duplicitous. It is a safe bet that a congregation with more than 500 members would surely have testimonies of people reaping from sowing but not everyone would experience such gain.

However, those who did not reap from sowing are not given a refund rather they are encouraged to sow more and have faith. The onus is placed on them and not the preacher who spoke confidently about the powers of sowing and they are thrust into a perpetual circle of giving and believing while the preachers travel the world in private jets, drive in fully air conditioned cars, send their children to the best schools and have the best of everything.

The height of this irony is that members cannot afford to send their children to the schools they helped establish even though the majority of these preachers benefited from free missionary schools.

Charity, which is a foundation of Christianity, seems to have absconded from these worship centres. The few who

claim to be involved in charity are seen as just using it as a camouflage.

The church, many say, is now a market hub, where everything is for sale.

Those who do not participate in this are relegated to the bottom of the chain. Little wonder, Nollywood actor, Prince Oluebube Eke, recently lamented high fee in schools owned by churches. He asked: “How can a church own a school and the poor can’t attend it? How can you be teaching people how they can make it to the kingdom of God when they can’t enter your own earthly ‘kingdom’, built with people’s tithes and donations?

“How can Christian schools be the most expensive schools in Nigeria now? How can one relate this to the term ‘Christianity’ with regard to the ‘Early Christian Community’? Most of the good people in the world now have nothing to do with Christianity; just like most Christians are far from it too.”

If Nigerians have a penchant for accumulating wealth, they are also known to be religious zealots. But, their uncompromising enthusiasm for religion seems not to be as a result of their love and fear of God. Rather, religion is sadly gradually being seen as a means of coping with the uncertainties and tensions of daily living, and where any of the religious bodies promise to provide cure for the sick, as many of them do,

followership is absolute.

Today, Nigerians in their legion, men and women, march like soldiers to embrace “spiritual” as well as “Biblebelieving” churches. Many have one thing in common. They suffer from one affliction or the other – disease they claim have defied orthodox medicine.

The women among them are either childless or unmarried. Together, they solicit for salvation, cure, wealth and self-fulfillment.

The preachers, most time, tantalise their adherents with promises, not of spiritual cleansing and salvation but material improvement and physical restorations. Thus, promises of miracles, healing and protection from myriad evil forces stalking the world are common and their followers often credit them with stunning powers over sickness and other adversaries.

The inclusion of healing in the repertoire of these churches, kind of cast a spell over their flock. Many of them circulate pamphlets in which prospective devotees are promised that their worries and scourges will be cast out.

In their promise of deliverance from mundane problems, the churches touch a nerve in the contemporary Nigerian mood where people, stretched on the rack of ignorance, disease and poverty become easily seduced by the promise of financial, utilitarian religion. The worshippers expect to be shielded from witchcraft, hunger, sickness, accidents, joblessness, and from many burdens that dog their earthly existence.

The fact, however, is that Nigeria is awash with churches and churchgoers, despite the rising crime and moral decadence. In the words of Bishop Sunday Mbang, retired prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria and one-time CAN president, Nigeria would have made progress on various fronts “if those who profess to be children of God are sincere to themselves.”

He believes many of them are hypocrites, while many others readily accuse church leaders of turning Christianity into a moneymaking venture.

And pastors are routinely criticised for living big off their longsuffering flocks.

But Ben Evagbai, senior pastor of Divine Appointment Ministry International, Onipanu, Lagos, sees nothing wrong in a pastor living big. According to him, “wealth is not what makes a man to be humble or proud. Now, let me say this, men of God should have good things of life. I give an example. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was asked where do you stay, He said come and see. That means He had a place He was staying.

“Jesus was crossing the river to the other side and the storm came, the Bible said He was in the lower part of the ship with a pillow; He was sleeping on a pillow. Now, you and I know that it is only first class compartment that has pillow in anything whether in ship or in an airplane,” Evagbai said.

Marx

Sportsplash 34 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Nigeria's creative industry is exportable –Adaora Mbelu-Dania

You are among the youths that met with President Muhammadu Buhari on creative industries. Could you tell us what transpired at the meeting?

Mr. President decided that they wanted to get different youths in the creative sector to come in and talk about some of the challenges that we’re facing in the creative sector and how we could transition from a creative sector to the creative economy. So, how could we? What do we need Adaora Mbelu-Dania is a half-caste from a Nigerian father while her the government to help out with? mother hails from Sri Lanka. She was among the eight youths who met So there, were about eight of us on that panel. Each of us spoke about with President Muhammadu Buhari recently to discuss the way forour specific sector within the creward for the creative industry. She told Flora Onwudiwe how the ative industry.

So, there was fashion, music, Federal Government can generate more revenues for the industry.

Nollywood was represented, the arts and culture and journalism. I basically represented the business of creativity and we talked about ria on the map, but we have some of our challenges, such as infrastrucdone all of these without the ture, funding, preservation policies, intelgovernment, so what we are lectual property, and protection. Just the asking the government, is different things that were obstructing that we have done all these the transition of the creative sector without you all we need is to to the creative economy, that’s reput things in place, that could ally what it was. So, it was a great now help us and the govt. as opportunity because there were well because as it is people from the private sector who were present. There was Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, there were quite a few entrepreneurs and there were also people from the government aside the presidency. There was quite a few ministers, the Minister of Trade and Investment, I think it was a brilliant opportunity for the young people to really talk about the creative sector that the government keeps hearing about and taking it more seriously because there is this thought that creative people are disorganised and that we’re not structured. They will say those Nollywood people have come again or those music people have come again.

So, we wanted this to be a bit different, we did not want to just go in there and blow up our ego or make us seem like we are bigger than what we are. We are big, but we could be bigger if you can fix the electricity, if we have funding, if we have infrastructure, these were things we were trying to do, and we could be bigger. The other thing is that the Nigerian creative industry is exportable, but we have so many challenges that don’t allow us to export to other countries, and this is something that could really increase our economy base.

What are those challenges that are hindering Nigeria from exporting from the creative industry?

If you are going to monetise creativity, you have to tie it to an economy quantity, it has to have an economic value, for instance; I will give an example of an intellectual property because if you are not able to protect whatever content you are putting out there, it is difficult to sell. The nearest example will be an international buyer who wants to buy a Nigerian movie, and they will so we love this movie, we want to put it out on American television. They will have challenges because the guy in Nigeria does not have an intellectual property right for that movie. We don’t really put a lot of those things into practice, so people will be concerned about buying. Another issue will be not having database where you can actually see the structure and the pricing of these things. If you are going to the airport as a foreigner and you buy some of these artworks, the immigration guys at the airport they don’t know, what these things were, they will just say alright give me N5,000 and carry it out, and the person is carrying artworks that is worth N3 million.These are taxes that government could make money from, but there is no database.

The immigration without a data can’t say this specific artwork is from Benin City,

Edo State and is very expensive and is of certain value.

So, those are normal structures that need to be in place, if those things are in place it makes it easier for us to export. But as it is, we have not really focused on business for the creative industry. We have always been about ‘let’s create’, and as it is, we are still generating income. We are generating income without the government help that is a reality and we are putting Nigeria on the map, our music is putting Nigeria on the map, Nollywood is putting Nige-

on publicly , they were signing budget for the Ministry of Youth and Culture to help in build this creative economy better also he did mention that his call advocacy was security, power as well , he focus on the Macroeconomic issues , I think for me as a Nigerian, I have gone pass merely watching people do the speaking, I think I will just like to watch the actions and see what happens. We will see if they really took us seriously.

What did you mean when you said, you are a kingmaker? How many youths have you made king or helped to realise their dreams?

When I say I am a kingmaker, it’s more in the light of how I view myself as a dream interpreter. I think we have dreamers, we have doers, in the middle you have a dream interpreter who take people’s dreams and make it a reality and that is more of my thing. I have always been passionate about people. I believe in helping other people to accomplish their own goals. I never see it as they are using me or they will disappear after I had done things for them, I find accomplishment and their own accomplishment as well. Kingmaker is something I love, my friends call me within my network, Adaora, you are a kingmaker, you are constantly launching peoples’ careers. I had worked with people who had ideas of what they wanted to do but they did not know how to do it I have been very instrumental into launching their careers and helping them on how to monetise these things into making a living from it.

What was your role in the 2014 centenary awards that had 28 world leaders in attendance?

The centenary awards and the international conference on peace and security occur at the same time. It was very interesting because they had the world leaders in attendance and it was a trying period for Nigeria so with all the security issues and all of that we needed to sort.

My role was that of a content director, so I was basically in charge of research putting all the content together for the event. I also handled the back stage alongside with Eddy Lawani, who is a very prominent person in production. It was a bit hectic because it was a lot of run around especially when you were walking with presidents from different countries.

There is a lot of protocol that goes on with that, so I had to keep running back and forth between back stage and the production guys, just to communicate because there was a time when the headphones that we had on was jammed. At some other time, I had to pass on a message and maybe one president says that he does not want to talk about this particular subject anymore and we had to quickly change it.

It was probably one of most hectic projects I have never worked on because you can think that the Mbelu-Dania president had put together what to say and at the last minute he decides he wants to change it and there is nothing else that you can do. Because this was televised live. So, evNigeria’s now transition her economy di- ery world leader had the right to edit his versifies from over dependence on oil , this speech at the last minute. I felt humbled a great opportunity for us to contribute to and privileged to be there, I got to interact with these people one on one because the bottom-line of Nigeria.

One of the things that I had to say that I was calling to tell them when they were really impressed me anywhere and again about to get onstage. To tell them what was the fact that the president was taking they need to look out for like the presennote of these things because I sat down tation of former Minister of Finance, Mrs beside him and I actually watched him Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Senator Pius write down certain things. I peeped into Ayim Pius. I took them on their presenhis notepad and he was taking note of cer- tation I basically worked them through tain things that he wanted to discuss with their presentations I think that was a great us, one of the things that he did mention experience.

35

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

How Uduaghan made me take up role in ‘Oloibiri’ –RMD

R

ichard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and instructed him to go. He said: has said he would not have ”My friend, will you go to Bayelsa!

Go and stay there for a month.” been able to play the lead role The actor said as a son of the Niger in ‘Oloibiri’ but for the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State said this recently at ‘Oloibiri’s private screening at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The film, which attempted to mirror the poor living condition of people in Oloibiri, a community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, also features Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Olu Jacobs, among others.

RMD, who was still in government at the time of the film's production, stated that he thought there was no way he could leave his job for three weeks to be part of the project.

He explained: “I was still in government when the producer, Rogers Ofime, called me. I did not want to go because I heard I would spend almost three weeks in Bayelsa. There was no way I could leave my job for that. But unknown to me, someone had already told my governor about it.

I even told Rogers to tell the president to tell my governor.”

One morning, Udu- RMD (middle) on set of Oloibiri aghan called him at 6am

Delta region, he was familiar with the whole story and that made it easy for him to interprete the role well.

However, the producer of the film, Ofime, noted that: “The film is meant to capture and preserve history, build national consciousness and attract publicprivate support for the concerned communities where applicable.”

Also, at the screening, comedian Ali Baba, an indigene of Delta State, insisted that the film was necessary as Oloibiri was an important part of Nigerian history.

He said: “All the governments have been taking oil from Niger Delta and you could see that ‘Oloibiri’ that should be like the headquarters of shell and NNPC is underdeveloped. There should be a school in the place to teach people how it all started. The history of oil should be told from that place. A petroleum institute should actually be in that local government.”

The event was attended by top entertainers, including Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Taiwo AjaiLycett, Gideon Okeke, Fred Amata, Steve Onu (Yaw), Emeka Osai and Segun Arinze. It will be premiered on October 20 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Sony Music releases Seun Kuti’s Struggle Sounds

A

head of the music tour that will see the Egypt 80 Band perform on different locations in the United States, Afrobeat musician, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, recently released his latest work, Struggle Sounds, on Sony Music Masterworks. Co-produced by Robert Glasper, the album features the single Gimme My Vote Back (C.P.C.D.), where C.P.C.D. stands for ‘Corporate Public Control Department.’

Seun recorded the EP with Egypt 80, his father's original band, which he inherited. Written by Seun, the three-

track album, which also has Struggle Sounds and African Dreams, comes with Seun’s usual strong social and political messages, a theme that Seun weaves into all of his music.

"More than ever we are convinced of our mission and the purpose of our music," says Seun. "The StruggleSounds EP is a true reflection of my social and political beliefs. I give honor to my parents and every revolutionary who made this possible even before I was born."

Ever since he came to limelight, Seun has continued to be a strong voice against any form of oppression of the Nigerian people by the govern-

Ajitena in a group photograph with participants

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ment. Even with his busy schedule that sees him play mostly abroad, he has remained consistent in his criticism of governments across the globe, using his music, social media handles, as well his concerts, to speak up against injustices on the common man.

“I think it’s more of the same elitism in government that has continued; a weird and ugly mixture of oligarchy and plutocracy that can only take shape in this country. The way forward in Nigeria is to have a fearless government willing to take on the oppressors in our society and redistribute the wealth,” Seun said recently, while commenting on President Buhari’s one year in office.

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Professor Johnbull highlights of folly campus prostitution amongst ladies

T

he craze amongst young ladies in tertiary institutions in Nigeria to indulge in soft prostitution commonly called “runs” was the focus of Episode 13 of Professor Johnbull, the popular TV drama series sponsored by Globacom. It was broadcast last Tuesday evening on NTA Network, NTA International and StarTimes.

In the episode entitled: “A Single Mistake”, Jumoke, an undergraduate living temporarily with Eliza (Prof.

Johnbull s daughter) in her father’s house exemplified the fad by hanging out with a married man overnight while Eliza read her book. This reprehensible act drew the ire of puritanical Professor Johnbull who asked her where she was coming from and Jumoke lived up to her status as “prevaricator” by lying that she was coming from the church where they had a ‘Singles Night’ programme.

Events gathered momentum as Madam Doris gave her the beating of her life that landed her on the floor for going out with her husband. Nemesis dealt her a harsher blow as she contracted a venereal disease which was revealed by her incessant urination and unease as wounds inflicted by Madam Doris were being treated.

Helen Paul, who played the role of Jumoke’s sister compounded the fate of Jumoke by exposing her as a poor village girl in contrast with the fake, opulent lifestyle and haughty affectations Jumoke had been exhibiting in the city.

A dejected Jumoke made several futile efforts to protect her image, including lying to the Professor’s household that Helen was not related to her and that she was only an impostor.

A single mistake climaxed with Jumoke’s realisation of the pointlessness of the false life she had been living as she was being ferried to the hospital by submitting:“If I can survive this, I will never be a ‘runs’ girl again.”

Lesson learnt, Professor Johnbull in his conclusion asked for a 360 degree solution that would involve all stakeholders particularly parents who he said should truly show love to their children and wards and rebuke them when they err. He added, “What young people call runs is bad and dangerous. Inordinate lust for material things in society, especially among students, can lead to situations that can damage them permanently or even lead to death.”

On set of Professor Johnbull

HOW Foundation dragged Joshua Ajitena to Nigeria

he HOW (Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe) Foundation brought the world famous British-Nigerian motivational speaker, Joshua Ajitena (a.k.a. Mr. Genero), for a youth leadership and mentorship seminar for secondary school students in Lagos. It’s Ajitena’s first visit to Nigeria for youth mentorship and the event, which held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State, was a success beyond description.

Ms. Antonia Ally, the chief executive officer of HOW Foundation, spoke to journalists earlier in the week about the organisation which focuses on malaria, prostrate cancer, youth leadership and mentorship.

Ajitena is the founder of Genero Living. He was born in Kano State and later relocated to the UK in the mid-nineties, where he currently lives and works as a motivational speaker.

He holds a Bachelor Degree in marketing; and a Master’s in Marketing Communications and Consultancy. He has done a number of projects in the UK, including speaking in colleges,

universities and schools, inspiring students to make the best of their time. He has a passion in motivating young people to develop the habit of breaking the norms as well as being their better version in life.

Ally said: “HOW Foundation is trying to help young people understand their type of leadership. Develop their skills from a tender age. We believes that young people are often threatened by contradictory characters they always distract them from optimising their full potential.

"At the leadership seminar, we shall address some of these challenges. Leadership development is very dear to Mr. Herbert Onyewunbu, who is the brain behind the Foundation.

"He has a very soft love for the young people in Nigeria.

He believes that there is leadership trait in everybody. All we need to do is to help them tap into the skill. There are quite a number of leaders that need to be identified and pushed to be great.”

Wigwe, is the Chief Executive Officer and the Group Managing Director of Access Bank.

36

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

TV&Radio

15 OCTOBER 2016

with Deborah Ocheni

This weekend AIT

Ozekhome

Arrest of judges: Affront on the judiciary?

M atters Arising is a programme that focuses on current happenings in Nigeria, it is aired daily on AIT at 3pm.

In the week’s edition of the programme, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist spoke on the arrest of some judged by the Department of State Services (DSS). He noted that it was wrong to break into suspects’ houses without the persons resisting you.

“I have heard people cite section 197 on the administration of criminal justice act that you can break into somebody’s house. What the section says is that when you go to a house, introduce yourself and tell the house owner your intention but if the person resists you from entering the house then you can use force to gain entry. You cannot use force to gain entry when the person is not resisting; you go respected, serving judges’ houses in the wee hours of the morning (from 1 to 3am) with axes, machetes and begin to break doors such that some of the judges thought it was armed robbers that were attacking. What is the meaning of occupants refusing to grant them entrance if they introduced themselves properly?” Ozekhome queried.

He outlined the duties of the national security agency as follows: “The national security agency is an act of parliament, it establishes three bodies that is the DSS, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The DIA is in charge of intelligence matters concerning the military, the NIA is in charge of intelligence that bother on external matters not related to military and the DSS is in charge of intelligence matters for protection and national security. It is not the function of the DSS to talk about fighting corruption or arresting people rather those functions reside fully within the domain of the Economic

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the police”.

He stated that the judges were not a threat to national security. He said: “What is the meaning of threat to national security? Were the judges Boko Haram? In that unlawful act, they even broke down the doors and windows of the house of one of the judges who was not home; they later apologised that he was not the one they were looking for.

Nonetheless, they carted away his files containing judgments that he is yet to deliver.”

Ozekhome said the judges that the DSS moved against were those that have delivered judgements against the government. “How come all the judges they are against are those that at one time or the other delivered judgements against the government? I haven’t seen any of the judges that they moved against now that did not deliver judgement against

government whether from the Supreme Court or the Federal High Courts.”

He added that the action of the DSS is not what is known as sting operation. “This is not what we call a sting operation, a sting operation is like an ‘arrangee’ and not when you believe that someone has money in his house and you go there in the wee hours of the morning without inviting the person.

Another contradiction is this, if you say you recover over N250million from the house of three judges the question is, did you go there with a counting machine like the Central Bank of Nigeria to count the money? Do you know what it means to count N250 million? I do not support corruption; it is endemic and systemic in Nigeria. I was one of the first few Nigerians to describe corruption as the 37th state of Nigeria and the wealthiest. No one is above the law but how they moved into effect the arrest is what we are talking about,” Ozekhome said.

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

B

Classic FM’s Buki

uki Sawyerr Izeogu commonly known as Buki was born in the Northern part of Nigeria at a time when black music had reached a crescendo. With the mixed heritage of a Yoruba father and an Itsekiri mother, and having lived in the North most of her life, she has the rare advantage of the positive influence drawn from diverse backgrounds necessary to understand and appreciate the history, culture, art and music peculiar to the region. With her music influence stemming from her father's love and knowledge of Nigerian provincial music, traditional jazz, the blues, soul and rhythm & blues, and her mother's inclination to soft rock and pop, she has managed to give herself a firm footing in different genres of music. She started playing the piano and reading music at the age of seven. She is currently an on air personality with Classic FM 97.3.

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Saturday 8:00 Nickelodeon 9:00 Brights 10:00 Smallvile 11:00 Crack in the Wall 11:30 UAC Soccer Lafflines 12:00 Music Video and More 12:30 Voices 1:00 Indomitable

Saturday 7:30 Business Africa 8:30 Destiny Encounter 9:00 Cartoon 10:00 Super Book 10:30 Sports File 11:30 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Souncity Top Choice Videos 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:35 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:20 Spice Most 7:00 News Headline 7:10 Footprints 8:00 Pulse 234 8:30 Spider 9:00 Spice Specials 9:30 Soundcity Party Mix 10:30 Omnisport Sunday 8:00 Hutos 9:05 Arambara 9:35 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Soundcity’s Global Countdown 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta

1:30 MBGN Diary 2:00 Adams Apple 3:00 Unspoken 3:30 Boom Town 4:00 Local Movies 5:30 Two Sides of a Coin 7:00 News 7:30 Secrets and Scandal 8:00 My Wedding Story 8:30 Fans Championship 9:00 Local Movies 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 News Sunday 8:30 Brights 9:30 Gospel Rhythms 10:00 St Dominics 11:00 Gospel Symphony 12:00 Walking with God 12:30 Revival in the Land 1:00 The Advantage 1:30 Love Dating and Marriage 2:00 Mountain Top Life 2:30 Impact Today 3:30 Singles and Married 4:00 Chapel of Uncommon Grace 4:30 Elevation Church 5:00 Reel Infotainment 5:30 Gospel Rhythms 6:00 WWTBAM 7:30 Hour of Salvation 8:00 Local Movies 9:00 Entertainment weekly 9:30 Boom Town

2:40 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:30 Glam Mamas 7:05 Before 30 7:30 Saints 8:00 Sunday Paparazzi Show 8:30 Spider 9:00 On the Couch 10:25 Omnisports 10:50 Movies

RADIO

Rainbow 74.1 FM Saturday 7:30 You and your Marriage 8:00 Whispers 9:00 Sports Tackle 10:00 Family Life 11:00 Kids on Radio 12:00 Hot Gist and D Sport 4:00 Wazobia Flavour 6:00 Request and Shout 11:30 Icon Saturday

Sunday 8:00 The Word with Interaction 9:00 God Bless Nigeria 10:00 Rainbow Gospel Gig 11:00 Talk your Own 11:30 Story Story 12:00 Classic Music 5: 00 180 Degrees 5:30 House Party Mix 9:00 Akamara 10:30 Afro Classic

Radio continental 102.3 fm

Buki

Saturday 77:30 Papers Today 8:00 Good Living 10:00 Saturday Sports 12:45 Replay Africa 1:00 Fan Zone 4:00 Me & You 6:00 Entertainment Unscripted 7:30 Afrobeat Tonight 9:00 Single Life 10:30 Old School Groove

Sunday 7:00 Press Report 8:00 Church without Barrier 10:30 Think You Know the Bible 11:00 Country Music 1:00 Chart Busters 2:30 Palaver 5:00 World News 6:00 Youth Connect 8:00 Sunday Evening Groove 10:00 Music

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

37

The Arts

Why I sang Let Evil Men go to Paradise, says Oba-Adarabierin Temidire Oba-Adarabierin is a song writer, poet, organist, folk rock pianist and vocalist. He is also a lecturer in the Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) Department, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Epe, Lagos State, where he teaches music and other affiliate courses. He shares his experience in this interview with TONY OKUYEME.

O

ba-Adarabierin has written and composed over 250 songs to date and has recorded about 150 of the songs. He explains that his latest album entitled “Let the Evil Men go to Paradise” which was launched recently is for global peace, sanity and happiness.

The five tracker album features tracks such as “To the Oba’s Palace” (Ile Oba ya), “Abundant Blessing” (Ibukun repete), “Ti Oluwa ni ma se” (I will be thine Oh Lord) and others.

So why Let Evil Men Go To Paradise?

You ask. “Everybody in Nigeria is a pastor, believer, minister. All those who looted the treasury are claiming to be men of God; they are all there and they are going to paradise. That is what they believe, but they are going to hell fire in paradise, because if you have not done anything good and you want to go to paradise, what is the person going there to do? Definitely the person is going to hell fire.

“My message is a warning that the ‘evil that men do live after them; the good is often interred with their bones…”, that is what William Shakespeare said in his book, Julius Caeser. So, why are they deceiving themselves? Paradise is not in Jerusalem; it is the whole world, people of the world. So, if they like they should change; as I stated ‘the evil that men do lives after them…”

The general message in this album, according to him, is that people should change for good.

Oba-Adarabierin, who is also a choir master and church organist, explained further: “One of the tracks is entitled ‘Let’s go to the Oba’s Palace’. It is a Yoruba track and I used my own name to compose it. The track is a folklore song, a eulogy.

“Then I have a track titled Jesus the Saviour’. It is also a Yoruba song. The other track is titled I will Be Thine O God. It is a worship song that says I belong to God.” He noted that he has been playing music in the church for close to 30 years now. “I think music is a family calling,” he said.

“I am from a royal clan in Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. My families are great lovers of music, entertainment. Even my name Adarabierin is poetic; it is part of our art in Adarabierin family. My father, Balogun Adebayo Adarabierin was a band leader when he was young. My late uncle was into music. In fact, in my place, we are known for entertainment. Although it is not our major profession, we are all music enthusiasts. Even at the age of five, I led a band called Harvest Time Band.

We used to play school songs and dance round the town collecting money. We go to houses of celebrants and perform and people will give us money. At that level,

we used to assist our uncles with the sale of tickets as well as ensure that those without tickets don’t enter the town hall whenever they have a show.

Born in Ado-Ekiti, Adarabierin Oba disclosed that right from his primary school, Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Aise-Egba Ekiti, the senior prefects used to call him to play the band because of his family background.

“I was also in the school drama group.

There was hardly a drama production in my school then that I was not part of as an actor. Also, at a very young age, I joined the choir. I was singing with the choir all through. Then from my secondary school, I was known for my discotheque acumen. There was also hardly any disco artistes that I was not part of their organisation and performance. Apart from music, I also loved dancing when I was in secondary school. Sometimes, even my father used to go to disco houses with his friends to see my dance style. I recall also that I sponsored bands to tour with their performances while I was in secondary school especially Ado Grammar School Band. I often used the money giving to me at home to do all these. I was about 15 years old then. Although, there was no music lesson in my secondary school, I

Oba-Adarabierin

“I have written over 200 songs. I have also been writing songs since I was in school. I have recorded over 100 songs, but I have only released two albums

used to admire my principal, Mr. M.B. Olajide, whenever he played harmonium in the college chapel on Sunday afternoon. Apart from that, I used to go to Fela’s place in Lagos. I was known to be a Fela’s boy in those days.”

He added that he started his professional music lesson during his days at the Divisional Teachers College in OyeEkiti. After that, he went to the College of Education in Ikere Ekiti and studied music. “I have been excelling in music since then as an undergraduate at college of education. Later, I went to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, for my degree in Music Education. After that, I went for my master’s degree in Music Psychology at the university. I am a lecturer at Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe, Lagos State.

In spite of his early exposure to pop and Afro beat music Adarabierin-Oba prefers to play a variety of music especially folk, classical, rock, symphony.

“I have written over 200 songs. I have also been writing songs since I was in school. I have recorded over 100 songs, but I have only released two albums. The first one is titled “Children Celebrate” which was released in 2008. The second album was released in 2011. It is titled “Let’s Make the World a Happy Place”.

Children Celebrate was written for May 27, Children’s day, my date of birth, to celebrate children. “Let’s Make the World a Happy Place” is my call for peaceful coexistence. I am a priest, and as a priest, I am calling for care for our children and for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria and all over the world” Adarabierin said.

WFD: Group holds photo exhibition

T

o commemorate this year’s UN-declared World Food Day, a group Poetic Mines Inc. (Fingerprints Nigeria and World Calendar Dates) in conjunction with Priceless Arts Inc., Ara Studio, National Gallery for Arts, and Foodbank Nigeria, will hold the maiden edition of its Photography and Poetry Charity exhibition at the Arts Gallery of National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos, on October 18.

The C.E.O of Priceless Arts and the exhibition consultant, Olawole Ashiru, said the show will “employ the medium of photography and poetry to articulate all that are associated with foods - nutritional value, prices, presence, scarcity, deprivation, excessive tendencies, hoarding, waste - and how they all affect the essence of life positively or negatively”.

Fingerprints Nigeria (fingerprintsng. wordpress.com) is an online Creative Journalism platform that constantly wields its pen to focus on social issues as it affects the life of every Nigerian and the world at large. A brain child of Poetic Mines Incorporated, with its sister project, World Calendar Dates, have worked in synergy to create awareness about internationally recognised days

such as World Blood Donor Day, Internationally Missing Children’s day and so on.

The Programme Coordinator for Poetic Mines Inc., said they address the shortcomings of the Nigerian populace and encourage a positive revolutionary mind-set using these significant days as global pointers and reference point.

“We believe that the work of total human development which includes good health, education, and poverty reduction and so on shouldn’t be left for internationally recognised organizations like the United Nations and World Health Organisation alone.

Everyone is to work for the common good of fellow men. This among other socially responsible tenets is the goal of Fingerprints Nigeria and World Calendar Dates.

Apart from the World Food Day exhibition, Saibu said pictures and poetry about World Teachers Day, Global Mental Health Day, and International Day for the Girl Child would also be exhibited.

“With the tools of photography, arts, motion pictures and poetry, we hope to inform, educate and advance

the lives of people. We can categorically tell you that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to stop hunger in the country. Change begins with me, with Fingerprints Nigeria, and with this maiden exhibition. I encourage everyone to participate and encourage what we are doing,” she said.

Ashiru

38

FRED NWAOZOR

T

hough it was conspicuously a sunny day, it seemed rainy and thundery to the willowy but pathetically-looking Deji who could be best described as a walking-cadaver. He kept strolling on the lonely ancient pathway otherwise known as ‘Street’ in disarray, looked rejected. As he stepped forward in his grey three-quarters chintz accompanied by its top and black leather sandals, he could recollect vividly how the abrupt mind-boggling jinx transpired on that Friday afternoon. By merely glancing at his countenance, or what have you, any of the few passersby could attest to the fact that he needed an urgent succour; but none could be of help. Nevertheless, the young man had to forge ahead, in spite of the quagmire, till he arrived at his destination.

The ‘mind-boggling jinx’ was that the 37-year-old Deji just encountered an unimagined ignominious scene, few seconds ago precisely. As a civil servant, after closure at office, he had unusually decided to have an unannounced brief stopover at his fiancée’s residence situated closely before transcending to his abode which was about twenty kilometres (20km) away, only to witness what could aptly be described as a heist. He caught her red-handed with a weird man right in her bed the moment he (Deji) let the door open with the help of the spare of the door keys that had been in his possession. He actually saw the guest on the 36-year-old Dami, the so-called fiancée.

Prior to the discovery, he persistently knocked at the door to no avail, thus he thought it wise to make use of the spare keys. It wasn’t that she refused to open the door; she couldn’t even hear the sound of the knock, probably owing to the superlative sensation emanating from the scintillating tango.

Dami alongside the ‘august visitor’ couldn’t believe her sight.

The guest, who never knew she was engaged, hastily went for his wears, got dressed and dashed out. On her part, Dami kept starring at Deji in silent awe, felt electrocuted having managed to cover her nudeness with a wrapper that was on the bed.

The most painful part was that, both parties were meant to walk down the aisle in three months time.

Deji who couldn’t withstand the shock, fiercely dashed out and pitiably headed for his humble abode. He was meant to board a cab that would take him home; in ten minutes time, he was done with the ‘lonely ancient’ street, thus waited impatiently at the bus-stop for any available incoming commercial vehicle. In some seconds, one came seeking for passengers, hence he hopped in.

As the cab drove off having gotten the required number of travelers, the thunderstruck and timorous Deji felt like fast-forwarding the time so the expected thirty minutes or thereabouts he was to spend on the tarred road would come to pass without much ado,

ShortStory

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056 Follow: @mediambassador

The possessed maiden

to enable him embrace his apartment immediately. While in the cab, although very disastrous, he took time to recall every bit of the ugly scene and kept wondering why he could fall victim of such ordeal he only heard or overheard people discuss, or sometimes watched in the movies. In twenty-five minutes interval, he eventually got to his destination at about 5.20pm.

When he walked into his selfcontained apartment, having locked the main entrance, he lied straight on the tiled floor of the parlour never cared to undress. He felt not unlike strangulating himself, and even forgot food that made him to take the cheat unawares.

Lest I forget, his prime motive of going to Dami’s place was to find something to quench the hunger that was ravaging his person right from when he was still in his office; he only took a light meal before leaving for the office in the morning.

Within a twinkle of an eye, Dami joined him in the parlour; apparently, she followed him the moment he left her place of residence. Before she entered, she knocked severally at the entrance but he didn’t response, though he never imagined she could be the one at the door; hence, since she equally had the spare keys, she needed not to wait any longer considering how perturbed she was.

“What are you doing here?”

Deji shouted as she stepped in, furiously raised his head from the floor. “Have you come to kill

She just spoke as if it was only on that occasion she cheated on him; she had done that severally. In a nutshell, cheating was something she observed as a tradition me?” He added fiercely.

She was speechless, stood still.

Uncontrollable tears gushed out from her eyes. “Baby, I am sorr… y!” She managed to exclaim, knelt down.

The pink maternity gown she put on was apparently also kneeling on the tiled floor, which augmented the unalloyed apology being tendered.

“You are sorry?” Deji ranted.

“You must be a clown.”

She was quiet, kept sobbing profoundly.

“You better go back to him,” Deji continued. “And stop bothering my peace.”

“Who do I go back to?” Dami said calmly. “You know, you are the only one in my life.”

“You must be kidding.” He asserted.

“Baby, I really love you.” Dami reminded. “I really do, and you know it.” She enthused, paused. “Just that I don’t know what came over me.”

She just spoke as if it was only on that occasion she cheated on him; she had done that severally.

In a nutshell, cheating was something she observed as a tradition.

But the contradictory fact was that, she truly loved Deji. The former’s love for the latter could be proven beyond doubts; as a well-earned company worker, she was very supportive in various ways including financially and otherwise; above all, she couldn’t spend a week without seeing him. Her sole predicament remained that her libido could not be quenched by only one man. She was insatiably curious to have as many men as possible in bed, unknowingly to her fiancé. It was a disease that needed to be urgently cured by the man in question or anyone who genuinely cared about her.

This implied that his unceremonious visit to her place was divine.

Deji who was mad over the last statement ‘I really love you’, frantically stood up. “In fact, leave my house.” He urged, made attempt to force her out of the apartment having made her to be on her feet.

She tried to resist it via an emphatic plea, but he eventually pushed her out. Left with no other choice, she hopelessly gathered herself and retraced her steps back to her residence.

The moment she left, Deji who

felt like ending her life when she was with him in the parlour, therein felt like calling her back; significantly, he still loved her.

Indeed, they both truly loved each other. Even the parents of both partners knew they loved each other strongly that no amount of propellant could make them go their separate ways. But, who could unravel the mystery that was bedeviling the seemingly ‘god-sent’ relationship? It was a puzzle that needed to be solved by all means.

Afterwards, Deji never bothered to share the bad news with any of his relatives or friends, not even his beloved parents; rather, he thought it wise to consult his spiritual director who he thought was the apt person that needed to get a glimpse of it.

After all said and done, it was revealed that Dami was possessed, thus Deji reconciled with her on the ground that she would go to his pastor for deliverance.

Thereafter, a holistic deliverance was conducted on her by the said cleric. After the spiritual cleansing, she was completely healed of the indelible disease that almost ruined her life.

Three months on, they both walked down the aisle as planned.

Tying the connubial knots ushered in jubilation all the way.

• Nwaozor novelist, playwright and poet, is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

Travel & Tourism

CHEF'S CORNER

I

na Garten, one of American’s renowned chefs delight your weekend palate with one of her favourite meals, Garlic roasted potatoes, taken from the pages of her classic cooking book, Barefoot Contessa

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Garlic roasted potatoes

Ingredients: • Three pounds small red or white potatoes • Quarter cup good olive oil • Half teaspoon kosher salt • One teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • Two tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves) • Two tablespoons minced fresh parsley Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters and place in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic; toss until the potatoes are well coated. Transfer the potatoes to a sheet pan and spread out into 1 layer.

Roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until browned and crisp. Flip twice with a spatula during cooking in order to ensure even browning. Remove the potatoes from the oven, toss with parsley, season to taste, and serve hot. *Culled: Food Network

TRAVEL BEATS

RwandAir’s newly acquired A330 makes debut flight to Lagos The weather was clement in-flight services. The aircraft last Sunday evening, is a 244-seat wide body, setting the stage powered by Rolls-Royce for the safe arrival Trent 700 engines, with and celebration 20 business class, 21 of the debut premium economy and flight of the newly 203 economy class seats. acquired A330 aircraft She disclosed that the airline Debutant A330

by RwandAir to the Murtala would be deployed among others in Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), serving the Asia route, specifically Dubai.

Lagos, with the Country Manager of the airline, Elated by this new development, she said that Ibiyemi Odusi, leading the celebration party. the acquisition of the new airplane was to In attendance were the Rwanda High Commisfurther entrench the airline’s brand in Nigeria sioner to Nigeria, Stanislas Kamanzi, a director and enhance its service, promising the travelling of APG Global Associates (General Sales Agent to public an improved service. She added that the RwandAir), Femi Adefope, representatives of the airline would continue to offer premium services Minister of State, Aviation, Nigerian Civil Aviation to the travelling public while enhancing in every Authority (NCAA), Federal Airport Authority of way possible its presence in the Nigerian market.

Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service and On his part, Babatunde Adeniji, of APG, the counother agencies at the airport, some friends of the try is honoured by the airline deploying the aircraft airline and the country as well as the media. to serve the Lagos route, describing it as expresThe atmosphere at the departure wing was a convivial one with the airline receiving a rousing welcome the moment the aircraft sauntered majestically to the hangar while the passengers were warmly welcomed. Thereafter the party was given a tour of the aircraft by the country manager and crew members and then back to the lounge for the official party to commence, which lasted for hours.

The new aircraft, which is named Ubumwe (Unity), according to Odusi, is one of the finest in the fleet of the airline with unique and distinctive features, which include enough space, flat beds, free WIFI and mobile communication, personalised in-flight entertainment and rich

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Travel Personality

Kazeem Kolawole Durosomo: Braindrain syndrome affecting Nigeria’s hospitality sector

p.40

sion of its faith in Nigeria and commitment to offering the best available product and service to Nigeria’s travelling public. He commended the airline for its support to the growth of the country’s aviation and that of inter Africa movement even as he expressed gratitude to all the aviation agencies for supporting the operations of the airline.

The Rwanda’s High Commissioner, Kamanzi, spoke glowing of his country and its commitment to promoting free movement of people and trade within the African continent, stating that RwandAir has since its inception been committed to that goal and will continue to see that distances within the continent are covered by its operations, which he said have continued to expand over the last one decade. ‘‘This comes as a milestone in our effort to increase on the fleet of our national carrier,’’ he said, adding that ‘‘it’s set up to fulfil the dream of the founding fathers of African Union, which is to open up Africa and bring about integration and interconnectivity within the continent.’’

L-R: Representative of Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Ambassador Kimanzi, Odusi and representative of NCAA's DG, Captain Abdullahi Sidi at the event

South African Tourism appoints new CEO The chairman of South African Tourism Board, Dr. Tanya Abrahamse, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer for South African Tourism, in the person of Sisa Ntshona. The chairman described the new CEO as having the right attributes and enough experience for the position: “Ntshona has displayed the right attributes for this position. He is an energetic leader for an everchanging world, with its challenges and opportunities for the growth and sustainability for South Africa’s tourism.

“He has more than 15 years’ experience in leadership roles in a range of sectors, both within and outside the tourism sector. He has proven strategic capability, strong entrepreneurial flair and strong commercial experience, having managed and run business operations successfully across the African continent and in the Middle East. His ability to infuse commercial objectives with an impact-driven focus is both relevant and suitable for this key role as CEO of SA Tourism,’’ he said Furthermore: “Sisa will lead SA Tourism into a new era of business sustainability through increased cooperation with the tourism industry, as we aim for a greater contribution to SA’s developmental goals and inclusive growth. He will focus on the catalytic role of the organisation to deliver growth in the number of international leisure and business tourists to our shores, as well as stimulating the potential for domestic tourists to enjoy our beautiful country.’’

Ntshona, who has since early this month resumed his position, takes over from the former acting CEO, Ms Sthembiso Dlamini, who is also SA Tourism’s chief operating officer.

Hospitality Hospitality

Destination

p.41 p.41

p.42

African Westown Garden Hotels: Lodge: Luxurious Entices with natural bumper haven Ramadan offerings

Tourism: Stakeholders Nigeria Aviation: point pathway to pivotal growth Aviation industry p.42 to economic development

40 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBER 2016

BACKGROUND

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

Durosomo graduated from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, where he acquired a Bachelor degree in Business Organisation and a Masters degree in Hotel Management from Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

For 17 years, he worked in the hospitality sector in the United Kingdom, occupying key positions in some award winning hotels such as being the first black (Nigerian) general manager in of the leading hotels.

But in 2014 he was lured back to Nigeria by the chairman of Pearl Court Hotel, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos where he served as the pioneering general manager of before joining Golden Tulip Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 2014.

Since then he has lifted to the hotel to the top making it one of the most sought after international brands in the Garden City and in recognition of his managerial acumen and the successes attained by the hotel, it won the coveted Best Hotel of the Year award, West Africa from Louvre Hotel Groups.

He believes that skill acquisition through regular training is necessary in the growth of the country’s hospitality industry, just as he feels that government has a key role to play in enthroning a tourism industry to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Kazeem Kolawole Durosomo is the general manager of Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State one of the leaders in the hospitality business in the Garden City, he speaks with EMMANUEL MASHA, on the hotel and challenges of hospitality industry among others What is the difference working in hospitality sector abroad and in Nigeria?

The major difference there is in terms of skill. There is a shortage of skill in the hospitality sector in Nigeria. Having said that, with the multinational companies coming to Nigeria now, I think the impact of these organisations is reflecting on the Nigerian hospitality sector.

They are bringing their expertise, and conducting a lot of training in hospitality. However, the training is only done at the supervisory level, not up to the junior staff level, which I would like to see more often.

What do you think the government should be doing to boost tourism and hospitality industry growth in Nigeria?

Funny enough, you mentioned tourism. Nigeria does not have a tourism industry. We have a hospitality industry that is driven by investors, and individuals.

What we have is corporate clientele from the oil and gas industry, which everybody depends on, and that is usually during the midweek. That is why at weekends, the occupancy level is not is very low.

Nigeria needs to do more on tourism.

There are a lots of tourism facilities in the country that can be exploited. If you look at what is happening in Europe and in America, you realise what tourism has to offer.

In those places, the tourism industry is usually about 20 or 30 per cent of the GDP unlike Nigeria which is negligible.

For tourism to thrive in Nigeria, the government has to create the enabling environment.

Image is very important in tourism.

How people see Nigeria from the outside world is very important. People used to know Nigeria as a corrupt country, but the government is doing its best to correct the situation.

Tourists like to travel around and see their countries of interest. But things have to be in place for them to have a memorable experience. The infrastructure has to be there. You have to provide the transportation; the road and accommodation have to be up to date.

We have very few people investing in hospitality business in Nigeria what should be done by the government to encourage more investors?

Hotel business is run by individuals,

KAZEEM KOLAWOLE DUROSOMO

Braindrain syndrome affecting Nigeria’s hospitality sector and can never be run successfully by the government. But the government can encourage investment in the hospitality sector by creating the enabling environment for it to thrive. That is by creating security, and infrastructure. You don’t expect hotel managers or investors to be doing road.

Once the right things are in place, more investors would move in.

You have worked in Lagos, and now you are in Port Harcourt, what is the difference working in these two cities?

Lagos is a completely different ball game. I have been in Port Harcourt for two years, and I am getting embedded in the security situation. Each time I visit Lagos, I feel more relaxed. I don’t look at my shoulder and feel it is coming.

It is very strange to be in the same

There is a shortage of skill in the hospitality sector in Nigeria.

Having said that with the multinational companies coming to Nigeria, I think the impact of these organisations is reflecting on the sector

country and feel like that. Yes, businesses are leaving Port Harcourt and moving to Lagos, because the government of Lagos created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

It is gradually changing in Rivers. I see changes now, but the governor can do more.

What gives you joy in your work as a top hotelier?

For me, I have always made sure my customers are satisfied. When I see my customers happy, I am happy. I achieve that by ensuring that the team you work with are well developed, and well trained. If you don’t do that, everybody is competing for the available number of corporate clients around. We don’t have tourism market to fight for. So, when my customers are happy, I am happy.

TRAVEL BEATS The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has unveiled plans for this year’s Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum (NTIFE), which is slated for November 29 and 30.

With the theme: ‘Tourism: Tool for economic recovery and development’, the event is scheduled to hold at the Ladi Kwali Conference hall of Abuja Sheraton Hotel, and is expected to have in attendance various operators, stakeholders

FTAN's tourism investment forum holds Nov 29 and experts across the travel and tourism trade from both the public and private sector with government ministries, departments and agencies as well as tourism based organisations.

The forum, according FTAN, offers opportunity for the promotion of Nigeria as a tourist destination with opportunities offers to participants to showcase their

tourism products, facilities and services as well as interact with investors during the event.

Similarly, discussions on various aspects of tourism would be conducted during the form with the hope of coming out with the position paper on fast track tourism development.

The President of FTAN, Tomi Akinbogun, said NTIFE has

become even more important now that the Federal Government has identified domestic tourism as one of the avenues of poverty alleviation. This, he said, had become imperative given the fact that tourism is one of the world’s largest revenue generating sector with an estimated 11 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Kenya Tourism Board gets new head Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has announced the appointment of Betty Radier as its new managing director, following an extensive selection process.

Chairman of the board, Jimmy Kariuki, said Radier, who would formally assume the new position on December 1, is said to have about two decades in leading positions in some of East Africa’s topmost advertising agencies. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Business Administration degrees.

The Acting CEO, Ms. Jacinta Nzioka, is expected to hold fort till December 1 before reverting to her former role as the director of marketing.

Travel&Tourism

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AFRICAN GARDEN LODGE

Luxurious natural haven

or barbecue turkey wings from the grill.

Another dining and wining area is the Mama's Place, which is calm and naturally serenades. Here you enjoy good music, drinks, international and local delicacies as well as a number of grilled foods ranging from fresh catfish to barbecue roasts. It is open to visitors and parades great atmosphere for singles, couples and families to unwind.

Yusuf's VIP Lounge is the third option for wining and dining, which is dedicated to guests and their visitors. It offers a garden-like setting with a whole lot to drink and eat.

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes on the facilities and services of African Garden Lodge with its mixture of natural ambience and opulent setting.

I

t is uniquely set and almost tucked away in its highbrow Omole Phase One Ikeja, Lagos location, from the prying public. But for a first time visitor, it is always a delight to harp on this hospitality home, which comes across as a discovery of a life time treasure.

It is not like any other hotel as it possesses quite distinct features that anyone will find very attractive, especially if you are a lover of nature because of its natural ambience, opulent and comfortable garden-like setting.

It is no wonder then that it has been named African Garden Lodge not just only for its luscious and luxurious tropical garden pull but for its well-blended African pristine scenery with obvious display of aplomb and sophisticated facilities dedicated to the relaxation and comfort of the guests.

The management of the hotel is quite proudof its highly recommended property and is always delighted to showcase its bowels to excited guests who find it irresistible once closeted within this pleasurable and homely setting exuding authentic African warmth and a breath of fresh air.

Your discovery as you explore the inner recesses of the hotel and interact with its employees, is the fact that its artistic richness and masterpiece setting with works of art of different colourations, come down to the inclination and creative impulse of the hotel’s founder, Ms Riskat Finni, a consummate artist, who has invested her creativity and resources in bringing the property to the standard that it is today.

She is also a good guide and the perfect hostess who most times is on ground to attend to the needs of the guests and treat them to the best of the hotel’s hospitality.

Here is a sample of the hotel’s facilities and services:

egories are of two settings, executive and African garden wings with the room classes including: classic rooms; Africa royal suites; Africa king and queen; garden queen, standard and single.

Rooms The rooms are well polished and of different ranges with each tastefully fitted and furnished to taste. The cat-

The lounge It is a beautifully laid out lounge and reception area; inviting with calm and serene outlook where you

Parties The lodge is also perfectly fitted for office, birthday and beer parties and a number of private events. It hosts conferences, seminars and workshops as well but accommodates limited guests with privacy and secrecy guaranteed.

Other facilities/services These include Wi-Fi, salon and airport pick-up.

HOSPITALITY BIT

Marriot Int'l set to open in Nigeria with Renaissance Hotel

The reception

HOSPITALITY

can relax, catch your breath and feast on nature and artistic pieces adorning the section.

Dining/wining The facilities and offerings in this section are very fascinating and specially designed with the Garden Bar serving as a private bar for guests and their visitors. It comes with a peaceful ambience and offers different foods and drinks ranging from fresh catfish - there is a fish pond here for ‘point and kill’ - charcoal-grilled giant tiger prawns,

Marriot International, which has recently completed its formal takeover of Starwood Hotels, is set to make a grand entry into Sub-Saharan Africa with the opening of Renaissance Hotel on Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, later this month.

In a statement by its director of projects, Ahmed Tajudeen, the new hotel is an embodiment of luxury, high taste, class and safety as evidenced from the gate through the reception to the exquisite rooms and other facilities.

It boasts of eight conference rooms of different sizes, 155 tastefully furnished rooms of varying classes on nine floors, all day dining restaurant; special steakhouse and outdoor terrace, spa, pool deck and events place, among others.

Tajudeen added that the suspended glass floor and glass bridge at the reception area was to create a unique class for a hotel that is first of its kind in Africa. With an underground car park, security on the premises is reinforced starting with electronically controlled bollards at the gate, at the car park entrance as well as body scanners at the entrance to the reception area.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS B E N E F I TS There are lots of benefits to derive as one of our partner hotels. For enquiries and details on how to join the programme, please contact Andrew Iro Okungbowa: 08023152195, e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com

FESTAC, LAGOS

LAGOS

29, OROLEYE CRESCENT, OFF ABEL ORENIYI, OFF SALAVATION RD, OPEBI, LAGOS

CAPITOL HOTEL, AGEGE

REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

42

Travel&Tourism

15 OCTOBER 2016

DESTINATION

NIGERIA AVIATION

‘Aviation industry pivotal to economic development’ Bernard

P

Andrew Iro Okungbowa erhaps, there is no other time in the history of Nigeria that the aviation industry has been in the eyes of the storm than this year, when in the last quarter, the industry was almost brought to its knees with its underbelly exposed for what it really is.

The present economic situation has greatly impacted on the industry, especially with the shortage of foreign currency, which dealt a huge blow to the foreign carriers with most of them not being able to repatriate their earnings.

This development, rather than assuage the feelings of the stakeholders in the industry, started eroding business margin, which eventually led two international carriers, Iberia and Delta Airlines, to exit the country.

Back home, local carriers too have not fared better with most of them groaning under huge debts, losses, inefficiency, high cost of aviation fuel, badly run and maintained airports, as well as gross abuse of passengers’ rights.

The regulatory agencies too have been rendered helpless in stemming the tide.

The situation came to headway with two of the local airlines, Aero Contractors and First Nation, closing their operations though the later has resumed its operations.

The dire state of the industry has resulted in hues and cries by the various stakeholders, including aviation workers, for urgent intervention by the government, with associations such as the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), calling for a declaration of a state of emergency in the industry.

But the president of NANTA, Mr. Bankole Bernard, in this interview with this reporter earlier in the year, spoke extensively on the state of aviation and tourism in the country.

Bernard, who then never imagined

that things would deteriorate this fast, is now calling for a state of emergency in order to save the industry from total collapse and the aviation business in general.

EXCERPTS: On the state of the aviation industry then For the aviation industry, I think the government is waking up gradually. I don’t think that they are fully awake.

Any country that does not pay significant attention to the aviation industry of the country is just wasting it time.

You look at a country like Ethiopia all they survive on is Ethiopian Airlines.

Kenya as a country is not even as rich as Nigeria but all they survive on is Kenya Airways (KQ). That is the pride of their nation. I have heard people agitate for a national carrier. Yes, it is a welcomed idea as long as there will be no government interference in it and secondly they are going to make it a level playing ground whereby you allow the national carrier to compete with other airlines favourably without government taking a huge stake in it.

Then I think the industry will be a lot better. Again, I am happy about the fact that the government has made its intention known to concession the airports. Yes, everywhere around the world, we see airports as major shopping complexes. If you go to Dubai airport, United Arab Emirates (UAE), you need to see the amount of money that

is exchanging hands and its duty free is second to none in the world.

So, it is an opportunity for us to increase employment, it is an opportunity for us to grow trade. Because you can imagine if Nigeria has a befitting airport that is properly managed and we have a duty free where billions are being exchanged annually then it would had added value to the country.

Government should reduce interferences in aviation and stick to regulation So, I think that government should reduce their level of interferences in the aviation industry and play the regulatory role which they are playing today.

Once the government can do that then it becomes a level playing field and anybody can invest and make returns.

Making local carriers to work For the local airlines, one of the responsibilities which I have placed on myself is to have a meeting with each of them because in Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), we have consumers protection department and it has not been doing much to attend to passengers’ plight and local airlines cancel flights at will and in discriminatory.

As a matter of fact it has become a thing of pride for them to constantly cancel flights. I haven’t seen them work together and that is one of the things that NCAA and International Airline Transport Association (IATA) need to get them to do.

I think that government should reduce their level of interferences in the aviation industry and play the regulatory role which they are playing today

When you don’t have full flight there is no need flying out empty when the other flights can merge with yours and they all share the proceeds but what happen in most cases is that they all want to operate independently.

They are competing with themselves instead of them cooperating among themselves and that is really affecting not only the passengers but other stakeholders in the industry. So, I believe that there has to been a major restructuring in the domestic airline business whereby the government will compel them or make them do business in a certain way as it is done everywhere around the world.

We all travel outside the country, we take domestic flights and they don’t cancel flights like that. Flights could be merged, flights could be delayed but not outright cancellation and no recourse to compensation for the passengers.

So, those are some of the things that I would like to see change. NANTA being a pressure group we are lending our voices to it to let the government understand that some of the things being done by the domestic carriers are not suitable and that we frown at it and it should try to intervene.

Once all that is done I think that we should have a better industry than what we have now. I know the complacency is because they have not seen international carrier come and play at the domestic market.

On foreign carriers operating from other airports outside Lagos They (Foreign carriers) would have loved not to do that if we have an effective domestic market. They would had loved to partner with any of our domestic carriers but our domestic carriers haven’t shown strength or capacity in that regard and so they don’t want to mess up with their passengers because they would be held liable for any wrong doing by their third party partner.

The government too has not done

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15 OCTOBER 2016

good job in that area. If only the government could be compelled to do what it is supposed to do; regulating the market, formulating the right policy and providing the right ambience for them to operate.

Then I believe that the aviation industry will be one of the best that you could have around and government will begin to look at it as one of the sectors where they are making good money.

Government is responsible for lack of investment in the country by foreign carriers I believe that everything boils down to the government. When you put in rules, when you make policies that will make the foreign airlines have a base in your country they would. But the government too is not so keen about it, nobody is talking to them about it, nobody is doing anything.

So, if you are in their shoes you make your money and you take it out because you don’t see an enabling environment that would want to make you make further investment.

There is nothing absolutely wrong in some of these airlines setting up a maintenance overhauling facility in our country but when they look at the cost of doing that and they look at Ghana they would probably want to put such thing in Ghana and we have complained about the cost of doing business here and that is part of the thing that is killing us.

We have all complained about the cost of ticket but by the time we look at it we find out that it is the taxes, multiple taxes on the part of the government that is the issue. So there is really no proper framework that this is what I am going to pay.

It has to do with the government and if our government can do what is expected of them - formulate policies, create the right environment for airlines to thrive, and compel some of them to do certain percentage in our local market. Why not?

Look at Togo, Ethiopian Airlines set up ASKY in Togo and ASKY flies to Nigeria and they are making good money.

If Togo did not create the environment do you think that ET would be able to do that? The answer is no.

So, it depends on our government creating an enabling environment.

NANTA is committed to a viable aviation industry NANTA will continue to demand for

Ikechi Uko reappointed consultant to Carnival Calabar 2016

T

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

a better aviation industry; for a better environment for both foreign and local carriers to thrive; for a better policy from the government. We are just going to continue to talk till the industry becomes something that everybody will be pride of.

On the state of the tourism industry I am glad that the government has started looking at tourism. Tourism is quite broad and we have a whole lot to do. But I will expect a government that is talking about tourism to start setting up destination management companies or approving them. Destination management companies are those that go all out to ensure that they keep data of people visiting the country, they maintain standards at each of the site that the tourists want to go to, they ensure seamless transportation, the movement at the airport and that the necessary information is given out.

Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has gone to sleep So, we don’t have destination management companies in Nigeria and that needs to be looked into. Equally we are talking about tourism, we have a Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) that has gone to sleep.

NTDC has practically gone to sleep.

NTDC needs to wake up, NTDC needs to set up offices outside the country. As of today we have Dubai Tourism in Nigeria, we have South African Tourism in Nigeria and Kenya is here already.

They are all promoting their coun-

Minister of State Aviation, Hadi Sirika

tries in our country and they are getting the dividends because our people are flying to those places. But what are we doing about our place? Absolutely nothing. We are still waiting for the government to make provision for NTDC, to give them money. But can’t NTDC turn themselves to a body that generates income and supporting it with subvention coming from the government?

For instance, Dubai Tourism would come here and they would fly our people there. Somebody is bearing the cost. Can NTDC do that? The answer is no. Until we start to look at the ways things are done else we are not going to make progress and when we talk about tourism let us show high level of seriousness and not just pay lips services.

Destination Akosombo Ghana launch for Oct 21

H

istory will be made on October 21 as Motherland Beckons will formally launch Destination Akosombo Ghana (DAG), a tour package that is designed at promoting tourism in Ghana with focus on Akosombo, a community in the south of Asuogyamna District, Eastern Region of the country.

According to the Founder of Motherland Beckons, Wanle Akinboboye, who is heading this effort at opening up the country to the world, especially Nigerians, Africans and Africans in Diaspora, a comprehensive entertainment package has been put together for October 21 night at Volta Hotel as a means of jumpstarting the promotion of the destination.

The night would witness a box office entertainment that would see a fusion of Nigerians and Ghanaians rated stars in the field of music, comedy, fashion and dance while the range of the tour packages include singles, couples and families packages with such activities as Youth African Tourism Expedition (YATE), and Corporate African Eco Retreat (CATE).

The official airline for the event is African World Airlines (AWA) with The Royal Senchi Hotel, Best Western Hotel and Volta Hotel as official hotels while Airtel which is the official telecommunication company is sponsoring the Kayak competition with prize money of 50 million cedis.

Exterior of Volta Hotel, venue of the launch

he publisher of African Travel Quarterly (ATQNEWS) and organiser of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, has been reappointed by the Cross River State government consultant for Carnival Calabar with the mandate of coordinating the international aspect of the annual event.

Uko was first appointed last year by Governor Ben Ayade to help birth the international version of the Carnival with 11 foreign countries participating at the carnival which was adjudged as very successful. Following this, Ayade, said he is pleased to announce the reappointment of the travel expert, who is also the head of TeamAfrica.

The 2016 edition of the carnival is expected to be bigger and better than that of last year, which was the first to be organised by the governor. The main carnival this year is billed to hold on December 28 while the international edition is slated for December 29.

To ensure that this year’s carnival rise to its billing, the Carnival Commission last month signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to promote the event globally with three and five days packages for tourists.

According to the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, the arrangement with NATOP will open the carnival to a wider audience across the world, especially the children who would be thrilled by the debutant Nickelodeon show this year at Tinapa.

For the President of NATOP, Nkereuwem Onung, the body is poised to promote and market the carnival through their extensive network while also commending the Carnival Commission for reaching out to the professionals to market the biggest tourism product in Nigeria to the world.

He promised that NATOP members will soon launch packages for for this year's carnival.

Uko

Sportsplash 44 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Celebrity RÈsume

STAGE NAME Tekno or Tekno Miles Full Name Augustine Miles Kelechi Date Of Birth December 17, 1992 Place Of Birth Bauchi Occupation Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer Genre Pop, Hip Hop and R ‘N’ B State Of Origin Ebonyi State Marital Status Single First Single Holiday Biggest Hit Duro (2015) First Record Label K-Money Entertainment.

Current Label Mmmg Active Years 2012 till date Biggest Achievement Joined Made Men Music Group (Mmmg) on October 5, 2013 and released "Duro" On June 8, 2015. The song, produced

By Dj Coublon and a video directed by Aje films, went on to top numerous charts in Nigerian and abroad. A remix which featured Phyno and Flavour N'abania was released on November 16, 2015.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBeR 2016

Ogun APC: Amosun consolidates amidst uproar p.47

Politics

45 'APC has failed, PDP will bounce back in 2019'

p.48

FG creating new jobs, giving loans without collateral, interest –Alhassan Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan is the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, she spoke with DEBORAH OCHENI on the social protection and the investment programme of the Federal Government among other issues.

Excerpts...

What is the social investment programme of the Federal Government all about?

The social protection or investment programme is a special purpose vehicle aimed at improving the lot of the ordinary Nigerian.

The scheme has five pillars; first is the Conditional Cash Transfer programme known as the CCT. The second one is the national home grown school feeding programme and the third is a bursary programme for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, so we call it STEM. The fourth is a job creation programme known as N-power under which 500, 000 unemployed graduates would be trained as volunteer corps teachers and deployed to their own communities to teach.

Also, unemployed non-graduates such as artisans, would be trained and empowered with different skills focusing on creative knowledge like graphic designs, animation technology, soft ware development and hard ware maintenance.

We also have a government enterprise and empowerment programme known as GEEP, it is targeted at providing microfinance as loan to young men and women from all states of the federation on very liberal condition.

What do you mean by very liberal condition?

It is instructive to note that for the first time in Nigeria, loans would be given to Nigerians with no collateral and no interest and this is because the government recognises the difficulty involved in securing loans from commercial banks.

OLALEKAN OSIADE Assistant Editor 08033076969 lekanosiade@gmail.com lekanosiade@yahoo.com

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behind.

What is the modus operandi for the disbursement of the fund and measures for evaluating the usage of the loan?

Measures for monitoring and evaluation of disbursement, usage and recovery have been put in place. This is necessary to ensure that beneficiaries are made to pay the loans so that fresh applicants can also benefit from the revolving scheme. The Bank of Industry has concluded all necessary arrangements for the disbursements of the funds to successful beneficiaries.

Whenever women empowerment is mentioned, what readily comes to mind is petty business. How long will this continue and what are you doing to get women into biggers businesses?

The government enterprise and empowerment programme is aimed at helping women who don’t have money to fund their businesses. It is because they don’t have money to fund their businesses that they are still at the low level but now that we are releasing money to them not just giving them money but we also train them on how to manage it. Even big business men and women started small, so if they start with this kind of no collateral, no interest loan, they can be self established to do bigger businesses. What most of them need is little financial push which is what we are giving to them.

What is the repayment schedule like?

The repayment schedule is much easier and less stringent than those of conventional banking loans and we are sure the country will witness increased economic activities nationwide with the desired multiplier effects and subsequent boost in the economy.

Many Nigerians are complaining that President Muhammadu Buhari is not living up to his campaign promises especially in the area of giving money to unemployed youths. What is your take on this?

I have also heard that the APC promised to give people money and nothing is done but this is it, Mr. President has released money to be disbursed to the poorest of the poor through the Bank of Industry. Recall that during the Democracy Day celebration on May 29th, the president in his speech made proclamation that the sum of N1.6 billion should be disbursed for women empowerment and the said amount had been released to the Bank of Industry for disbursement to beneficiaries in eight pilot states.

Which are the eight pilot states?

They are Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, Jigaw, Edo, Osun and Imo states.

When do you intend to join other states in the scheme?

We will do it every year by the grace of God, this was the presidential proclamation that we start with eight states. We believe that by next year, Mr. President will make the same proclamation for other states.

How do you get across to the beneficiaries?

We have agents all over the country, even down to the remotest villages, we have agents for the beneficiaries that applied and

Alhassan

Mr. President has released money to be disbursed to the poorest of the poor through the Bank of Industry

by this, we have also created jobs because the agents we are taking are from the particular places, so we are not only giving micro loans but we are also creating jobs for the monetary agents, recovery agents and so on. We have group leaders who are literate to lead the various groups, there must be a group of at least 10 persons but we are not going to give the money to the leaders because we want the money to get to every member and that is why we are giving the money directly to individuals, we pay dircelty into their accounts.

But not everybody from rural areas have bank accounts, what is your plan for such people since you intend paying directly to individual account?

We have the mobile money agents for disbursement; they verify and open bank account for them, in fact, I will advice beneficiaries to have bank accounts because it is on the bases of first come first serve. Those who do not have bank accounts will join the queue from

How far have you gone with the training of beneficiaries?

We are on it, we have been on it since Mr. President announced it in May, some groups have already been verified in my state and all the states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and disbursement will start soon. You know it is a large number, Rivers State alone has over 90,000 applicants as of last week. My ministry is collaborating with development partners and donor agencies like the United Nations Women to train beneficiaries on how to manage the funds to better their businesses so that the programme can succeed.

What informed the decision to help those from the rural areas and what do you think would be the effect on the society?

Are you not from a rural area? I am from a rural area and even the president. All of us in Nigeria are in one way or the other from the rural areas and we know what is happening in rural areas, the president and other ministers know the situation in their villages and that is why the government decided that the best way to improve the life of the people is to establish this kind of scheme and from the application we have received so far, most of them are asking for N10,000 to N15,000, only few of them are asking for N100,000. Each beneficiary is receiving between N10,000 to N100,000 depending on the type of business or trade they are involved in, and it is repayable in just six months.

46 Politics Mr. Akan Okon is Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, he spoke with TONY ANICHEBE on the activities of the state government, among other issues. Excerpts...

Akwa Ibom has just celebrated 29th anniversary as a state, how is the journey so far?

From what is on ground, it is a clear testimony that Akwa Ibom has done very well as a state, we have made significant progress together as a people. I am proud to be an Akwa Ibomite and I believe that the state can only get better especially now that we are blessed with a great visionary leader in the person of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

You served under former Governor Godswill Akpabio and still serving Governor Emmanuel, how would you describe the experience gathered from both administrations?

Government is a continuum, the last administration did well with infrastructural and human capital development while the incumbent, apart from building on the infrastructures is now embarking on industrialisation of the state and wealth creation and financial inclusion for the benefit of our people. Udom Emmanuel is determined to build on the achievements recorded by the last administration to drive the industrialisation policy notwithstanding lack of resources, the government is working hard. Today the resources we are getting is nothing compared with what we got few years ago thus Akwa Ibom people are lucky to have a sound manager as our governor. It takes somebody like Udom Emmanuel to navigate us through this difficult period.

It is on record that notwithstanding the difficulties, the state is not indebted to its workers. The state did not take Federal Government bailout for workers’ salary.

Industrialisation is a process not an event, government has kick started it by providing enabling environment and bringing in genuine investors to partner with in order to realise these lofty ideas.

There are discordant tunes on the issues of salary payment. Many people claim government is owing salaries while government says otherwise, what is the true position?

Government is not owing any salary because salaries are being paid up to date in Akwa Ibom State but maybe they are talking about pension,then there is a mix up somewhere. In that too there are civil servants that served the state government and there are ones who served the local government, even though both get their allocation from the federal allocation, their responsibilities somehow differs. The issue of payment of teachers falls under the purview of local government councils. But in the last few months the resources that came in was low owing to the factors we already know, which is crash in oil prices and crisis in the Niger Delta region which produces the oil. Monies are barely enough to pay salaries talk less of pensions.

But I want to state that it is not good that someone will work to retirement age and still struggle to get his gratuity and pension. A worker deserves his wages.

However, we are not owing salaries or pension but there was an issue, we have since discovered some funny practices and disparities, a situation some people collected salaries and other entitlements from more than one point and funds have been saved by nipping such practices.

Was that bursting ghost workers? But it was never made public, why ?

There was a committee which was set up that unraveled these things and we believe that they addressed the press on the

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

We are not leaking Akpabio's documents to EFCC –Okon outcomes of the exercise. Even those who committed the crimes are being freed to refund the funds illegally collected.

drastically reduced our debt burden from N3.5 billion to N850 million naira monthly.

Note that the Federal Government bond has longer tenure.

The inter-ministerial direct labour jobs was used in the past to spread amenities across There are stories making the rounds that the state and empower people, but under EFCC is after government officials including the present administration, not much have yourself. Is it true? been heard. Why? It is mere conjectures and mere insinuThe inter-ministerial programme was a ations, there is no iota of truth in the pubgovernment intervention agenda in varilications. ous sectors, such as education, health and rural development among others. Under There is also a report that you have been the inter-ministerial programme, we renogiving vital information to the EFFC concerning Akpabio’s administration. Is that vated hospitals, remodel schools and proalso false? vide them with desks and other When you have not been materials among others. We are invited or summoned by the still executing several projects The debt inherited agency, how would you give through the inter-ministerial out information because as projects to make life more meanfrom the past I am talking to you, I have ingful for the people. administration has never been invited by the EfCC. So, at what point did There were speculations that been spread into the there is huge debt inherited from I give out such information? the immediate past administraFederal Government It is a work of mischief maktion and that the state uses more ers, people with very low self bond than half of its allocation to seresteem who could not funcvice debts monthly. How true is tion under organised system, this? so their stock in trade is to That is not true, the debt inblackmail innocent people. As much as I herited from the past administration have know, I have not been to the agency before been spread into the Federal Government and I have never been invited, so, there is bond, this was done to forestall the enorno issue of leaking out any document to mous interest rates from commercial anybody in the first place. banks, whose period of grace is usually short. Before we restructure our debt of States are devising new means to improve N64.5 billion into Federal Government their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), bond, we used to be debited about N3.5 what is the situation in Akwa Ibom? billion as debt service obligations when You know times are hard, before now, the loans were with commercial banks. you are aware our major source of revenue So you could have imagined what would is oil but as a government we have put have happened if the loans are still with machineries and structures in place, even the commercial banks especially now that bye laws that will enable us maximize our we are receiving between N5 billion and IGR potentials. You are aware that in any N6 billion naira monthly from the federal society, the amount of revenue generated allocation. This is one of the reasons we is dependent on the number of individuals must thank our governor for his visions and organisation that domiciled there. So and managerial abilities. This singular act what we have done is to put the structures

Okon

right and get the taxable individuals and organisations into the tax net. You know before now some oil companies pay their taxes here but we have companies don’t pay their taxes here but we have restructured the machineries to get them pay their tax here. We are also engaging the informal sector with a view to bring them into the tax net.

What is the state government doing to cushion the harsh effects of the current economic realities?

Everyday, one major activity or the other is going on in the state. We are equally embarking on lots of construction jobs across the state. The fact that there is no cash does not mean that activities that ought to keep the society moving will be abandoned. A good manager of resources is not known in times of abundance but during difficult and challenging times, especially when the demands are higher than the available resources. We are lucky now to have a governor who is using what is available now very prudently and priotise government activities that have direct impact on the lives of our people.

Why are there still caretaker committees at the local government councils after the mandatory one year?

Let us look at the realities on ground, Using N4 billion to conduct an election now is enormous, that is one month allocation to the state. The resources required are massive and it accounts for the delay or do we have to use funds meant for salaries of civil servants for elections and allow civil servants to go on strike? The issue now in the state is to priotise what to do with the limited resources in the treasury of government and so far, the governor is doing excellently well with the management of the little we have to better the lives of our people.

The governor recently said he mortgaged his personal properties to raise funds for salaries of workers, do you agree with such practise?

Yes, that will show you how passionate the governor is about serving the people.

That is why you hardly hear complaints of salaries been owed. There are certain times the governor did what he had to do to ensure that the workers are happy. We believe that these difficult moments will not last forever, so whatever is required to be done, the governor does to allow people perform optimally and move government machinery forward.

What is the state doing in the area of agriculture?

The government is doing a lot in that direction, the agricultural sector and the agricultural value chain is a source of employment to our teaming unemployed youths, women and elderly ones. So the focus and the primary attention of this government is on agriculture, for instance, before now we use to have one planting season but with government believe that certain crops can be grown all year round, we have a second planting season for crops that grow well in the state. We have discovered that the cocoa grown in the state has the best flavour in the world. Sometimes ago, Akwa Ibom was number four in cocoa production in the country but we lost that position owning to our focus on oil. We have reignited the interest of farmers in cocoa production with adequate support to ensure that they produce a better yield.

Politics 47

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

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Ogun APC: Amosun consolidates amidst uproar

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gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seem to be consolidating their hold on power in the state with the just concluded local government elections. With a landslide victory at the poll held on October 8, the ruling APC, being controlled by Amosun proved it still remains the party to beat despite the turf war gradually unravelling within its ranks.

It was sweet victory for Amosun and his administration officials when the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) announced results of the council elections last Sunday. Seventeen registered political parties participated in the poll which held across the 20 existing local governments and 37 newly created LCDAs. The APC won all the 57 chairmanship seats and also secured victory in 346 councillorship positions. According to the OGSIEC Chairman, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, who announced the results, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) clinched two councillorship seats while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one ward in the election.

Ogunfemi, who spoke through the Commissioner III of the commission, Mutiu Agboke, declared that the poll was “free, fair, credible and transparent.”

She said though there were reports of skirmishes in some areas during the elections, her agency discharged its responsibility well.

“Election is a legal matter. The Commission has publicized the results which had been declared by our electoral officers at various LGs. The Election Petition Tribunal will be constituted by the authorities concerned, at an appointed time and anyone that is aggrieved or has any issue on the conduct of the election should seek redress before it,” she added.

The elections went peacefully in most parts of the state. While there was large turnout in some areas, others experienced apathy as voters shunned the exercise.

From reports, pockets of violence as well as allegations of ballot box snatching and stuffing marred the election in some areas.

Opposition parties alleged that electoral materials were deliberately not supplied to their strongholds. This, they maintained, was orchestrated by the ruling party to rig the election. They also claimed their supporters were intimidated and hounded out of various polling units, with security agents allegedly looking the other way.

But the police and APC chieftains debunked the allegation. They contended that events during the elections were blown out of proportion. The APC, indeed, hinged its victory on Amosun’s “impressive performance.”

“I can tell you that it (allegation) is a figment of the imagination of those peddling the falsehood against APC. Why do we have to shoot or snatch ballot boxes when majority voted APC based on monitoring done? Apart from that, we have a performing governor. Moreover, we’ve created LCDAs. On what ground are we going to be snatching ballot boxes?” the party’s Publicity Secretary, Sola Lawal, retorted.

The recent poll was the second council elections under the Amosun administration. It was historical because this was the first time elections would hold in 57 councils, including LCDAs. During the governor’s first term, local government poll was held on July 21, 2012 with the then ruling party – defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) – winning all the 20 chairmanship seats and 227 councillorship positions.

In that year, the main opposition par-

The All Progressives Congress (APC) swept the local government elections recently held in Ogun State amidst controversy and protests, as Governor Ibikunle Amosun consolidates gain, reports KUNLE OLAYENI.

Amosun

ties won nine councillorship seats. While the PDP secured eight councillorship seats, the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) got only one seat. The parties cried foul over the results and demanded a cancellation of the exercise.

After the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected local government officers, caretaker committees were constituted to run the councils until new helmsmen emerged.

In the 2016 exercise, however, opposition parties had a disastrous outing. They managed to win only three councillorship seats. But the number could still increase if the parties proved their case successfully before the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal which has just been inaugurated.

PDP demands cancellation Reacting, the state PDP Chairman, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, said the poll was brazenly rigged and fraught with irregularities. He stated that his party was in possession of documentary evidence to back its claim.

Ogundele stressed the need to take local government elections away from the purview of state agencies, saying only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct council poll.

His views were corroborated by the South West zone of PDP. The party’s South West Zonal Secretary, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, with some executive members in the zone, accused the APC of masterminding violence during the council elections.

“The election process was marred by the desperation of the ruling APC to rig in its favour despite the party’s failure

Ogundele said the poll was brazenly rigged and fraught with irregularities, stating that his party was in possession of documentary evidence to back the claim

Ogundele

and rejection by the people. The action of the ruling APC was barbaric, primitive and ridiculous as it becomes clearer that PDP’s popularity scared them to resorting to violence which marred the entire process completely,” Jenyo said.

According to him, PDP members were shot at and many were wounded before being rushed to the hospital. As a result, Jenyo said, many voters were scared and terrorized to leave their polling units.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the ruling APC in Ogun State having failed woefully as a result of its insensitivity towards the plight of the masses have resorted to strong arm tactics to perpetrate itself in power at all costs.

“Having discovered that the election went in contrary to their impossible wish, the ruling party suddenly went desperate, with a view to be declared winner by hook or by crook.”

UPN threatens court action The UPN, which won two councillorship positions, said it might consider legal action over the poll outcome. The party’s governorship candidate in 2015, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, argued that the election was “a mere deceit and mockery of democracy.”

“The election has not been credible; that is my own assessment. Some candidates have got video reports from the field and that is what we will take to court. If we cannot get judgment in court, we will abide by the rule of law. But there is a public opinion court, and that is where we are going to meet,” Paseda said.

IPAC endorses poll as credible However, 11 political parties under the aegis of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) insisted that the election was free, fair and devoid of substantial irregularities. The state chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Moshood Adesina, commended the OGSIEC for providing a level playing field for all parties at the poll.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta, Adesina, who is also the chairman of People for Democratic Change (PDC), said the opposition parties reviewed the entire electoral process and concluded that it was transparent and all inclusive.

“The outcome of the election, as announced by OGSIEC, is a true and fair representation of the performance of the different political parties that participated in the process,” he said.

Flanked by other leaders of IPAC, Adesina commended the voters for turning out to exercise their civic responsibility in a peaceful and civilized manner. He, however, condemned what he described as “the few instances where disgruntled elements attempted to snatch ballot boxes or intimidate voters” during the poll.

“In a contest of this nature, there usually will be winners and losers. However, our interest is in the fact that a level playing field was provided for all parties in the contest. In all we express our satisfaction with the conduct of the election and its outcome,” he said.

Members of IPAC include the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Independent Democrat (ID), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Citizen Popular Party (CPP).

Others are the United Democratic Party (UDP), United Progressive Party (UPP), Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD).

APC commends voters On its own part, the APC commended the electorate for the peaceful and transparent manner the October 8 local government poll was conducted. It said the outcome was an endorsement of the various developmental policies of the Amosun administration.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Sola Lawal, the party thanked voters for their massive support, describing the gesture as the required tonic for more commitment of the party to transform the state.

The statement reads further, “It is pertinent to point out that with the visible demonstration of support for the Amosun administration during the poll, the stage is now set for better and more inclusive governance in the state.

“The APC administration’s unprecedented decentralization of governance at the grassroots exemplified by the effective takeoff of the newly created local council development areas is a testimony to the zeal for growth of the Amosun government.

“The creation and election of chief executives into the new LCDAs have effectively brought government to the doorsteps of the people of the state.”

Amosun inaugurates, counsels LG bosses On Monday, barely 48 hours after the local government poll was conducted, Amosun inaugurated the 57 elected chairmen. The ceremony took place at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta amidst pomp.

Top government functionaries, party leaders and traditional rulers were in attendance.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on the local government chairmen.

Speaking on the occasion, Amosun congratulated the new chairmen and advised them to hit the ground running by embarking on people-oriented programmes that would make life more meaningful to the grassroots.

The governor enjoined the chairmen to focus on areas where their councils have comparative advantage in order to enhance their socio-economic needs. He also charged them to justify their election, adding that they should be transparent and accountable in all their dealings.

Politics

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

'APC has failed, PDP will bounce back in 2019'

What is your impression about the crisis rocking PDP? I can tell you that the PDP remain one indivisible family and there is no crack in the wall. In every family there is always disagreement but the best thing in life is to disagree and agree.

That feat makes PDP to be supreme than any other party in the country.

Do you see amicable settlement between senators Ahmed Markafi and Ali Modu-Sheriff factions?

I am happy that both leaders have decided to come to a round table to sink their differences, because they should realise that the party is supreme.

What are the chances of the PDP in 2019?

I always tell anybody who cares to listen that it is PDP and others. There is no party that will rival the PDP come 2019 because the power brokers in APC are PDP members. I am being frank to you that APC cannot do anything without PDP members. I can tell you that we are mopping up our house because we are members of the same family.

Former governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State recently accused the APC of lacking the capacity to take Nigeria to the next level, do you share this view?

Yes, I quite agree with Lamido that the APC does not have the capability to move the country forward, with what is happening it is now clear to everybody that APC has failed woefully.

For example, before President Muhammadu Buhari came on board the US dollar was sold for N170, or

Hon. Kelly Otuedon is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. He spoke with OLA JAMES on the party's preparedness towards the 2019 election. Excerpts... thereabout, and Nigerians criticized the upsurge, but today a dollar sells above N450. The situation now is that the APC is not prepared to do anything tangible.

Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala was brought in by ex-president Olusegun Obansanjo to manage our economy, she did very well but today, her laudable effort is being wasted. She is angling to be president of the world bank and that shows that she is capable of turning the economy of this country around. Of recent, she was asked if she would like to come back to serve, and she responded that she cannot come to a country full of corruption.

I remembered when ex-president Goodluck Jonathan brought fuel price to N67, General Buhari as he then known and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and others said the PDP did that to win the heart of the people. They all condemned Jonathan’s government.

But since they came into power what change have they effected, rather they brought woes and sufferings to Nigerians even as the price of oil has dropped. Who is cheating who? My advice to Nigerians is that time has come for everybody to vote in 2019 either for or against the present government.

Why do you think Nigeria is in economic recession?

When you don’t have a good team to manage the economy then you

crash. It is not just about Nigeria alone, it is all over the world, but when you don’t have a viable team you crash totally. Imagine the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, expressing fears that the price of rice may rise up to N40, 000 naira before December. The man is being frank because he knows that the process to bring the price down is not just there.

Infact there is no plan for this purpose and when you don’t plan you cannot achieve anything. My own candid advice to everybody is that we should all work together, irrespective of political party affiliation.

Can you assess Buhari performance in the last one year?

You know I am in the opposition party, so I cannot asses him. However, the Federal Government should do something to improve the economy for people to be happy.

Otuedon

APC does not have the capability to move the country forward, with what is happening, it is now clear to everybody that APC has failed woefully

What is your advice on militancy?

The militants should know what they are doing is wrong. We have our people that live in the creeks and their major occupation is fishing. Sadly, there is no government presence in the riverine communities. So, the Federal Government should embrace dialogue.

I remember how late president Umar Musa Yar’Adua introduced the Amnesty Programme. I want to advise Buhari to take a cue from the past administration.

What about Chibok girls?

Well, government should take positive step to bring back our girls and let the matter be put to rest.

Activists back NJC, condemn DSS raid on judges' homes Adewale Ajayi

C

ondemnation has continued to trail the invasion of the houses of judges by the men of Department of State Security, with the latest coming from a section of the civil society groups.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee for Democracy and Rights of the people (CDRP), Comrade Amitolu Shittu, who is the National Coordinator of the group, described the action as embarrassing, and an assault on the judiciary, while noting that the action has brought more shame to the country.

Shittu noted that since the judiciary has a disciplinary body that sanction erring judges, the matter should have been reported to the body to handle accordingly.

“If any judge erred he or she should be left for the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) to punish, and the NJC has never failed to punish those who are corrupt, if you look at this, those who are saddled with the responsibility of being in the temple of justice, they were always sanctioned when they erred, look at what happened to justice Wilson Egbo Egbo, he was dismissed before it was converted to compulsory retirement, recently we also have Justice Olamide from Osun.

“Countless number of judges were dismissed on the account of misconduct, and corruption, how many governors have been removed on the account of misconduct and fraud; they hide under the immunity clause, is it because the judges are not enjoying immunity? We must not celebrate

corruption but, the way and manner judges are being treated is appalling, is that why the judiciary is meted with that kind of rubbish, how many Senate president have been rubbished that way, the judiciary is a sacred place that must not be ridicule, if you have anything against anybody, you shouldn’t go about it that way, it is ridiculous it is embarrassing, it is beyond the imagination of everyone of us”, Shittu said.

He explained further: “we cannot say because you want to kill a mosquito, then you resort to using sledge hammer, one is not helping the situa-

CJN Mohammed

tion. We are only subjecting the country to ridicule, and the whole world will now make us laughing stock, that we don’t have respect for rule of law, and they will see us as people who always celebrate mediocrity.

Comrade Shittu warned the men of the Department of State Security DSS not to put the country in more problem,’’ the DSS has given us more than enough problem in this country and I think it is the right time men of the DSS should wake up from their slumber, and should desist from chasing shadows, they are the one that escalated issue of Boko Haram, the issue of Niger Delta Avengers, they cause trouble everywhere.

He also advised the president to be careful about the sort of advice he takes.

“Mr president should also be careful of his advisers because, those who shout hosanna today will also call for his crucification tomorrow, he must understand that those who urge him on may turn their back against him.

Shittu’s position is coming on the heels of the NJC statement, which also carpeted the action of the DSS, referring to it as a ploy to intimidate the judiciary.

The NJC had at the end of its emergency meeting on Thursday expressed grave concern and condemned the action of the DSS on the recent invasion of the residences and arrest of some serving and suspended judicial officers.

While noting that Section 158 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, has

unequivocally provided for the independence of the NJC vis-à-vis directing or controlling it by any authority or person while exercising its powers, the judicial body also viewed the action as a “threat to the independence of the judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and also considered the action as a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the judiciary”.

In the statement, signed by its Acting Director of Information, Soji Oye, the NJC also maintained its earlier decision that no judicial officer shall be invited by any institution including the DSS, without complying with the Rule of Law and Due Process.

“That the Department of State Services is an Agency in the Presidency and its functions as specified in the statute establishing it, is primarily concerned with the internal security of the Country.

“That the action of the DSS is a denigration of the entire Judiciary, as an institution..

“That by the act of the DSS, Judicial Officers are now being subjected to insecurity, as criminals might take advantage of the recent incidents to invade their residences under the guise of being security agents.

“The Council vehemently denounces a situation whereby the psyche of judicial officers in the federation is subjected to a level where they would be afraid to discharge their Constitutional judicial functions, without fear or favour, intimidation, victimization or suppression.

Politics 49

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

First Lady: I won’t campaign for Buhari again, if…

Full text of the Aisha Buhari interview with the BBC Hausa Service that has generated so much uproar within and outside Nigeria. Excerpts: People have goodwill towards President Muhammadu Buhari, especially looking at the things he did before, but since coming into power things have not been working the way they should, what do you thing is the cause?

I am not a government official, but in my opinion as a woman, a mother, what I think is, it is well known that the first four years are not going to be easy. Firstly, it was people that brought the government into power. More than half of those people are not appointed into the government. Some people that are not politicians, not professionals were brought into the government. They don’t even know what we said we want and what we don’t during the campaign. They even come out and say to people we are not politicians, but they are occupying the offices meant for politicians. Some have parted with their wives, some lost their children, some women too have parted with their husbands because of politics, a lot happened during the time. The way things are going, I too I am not happy. We are just starting we have not finished.

Some people that worked for the govAisha ernment have been

appointed. But those heading government agencies, you can find one fighting his state governor; they contested together during election one in APC while another in PDP. Who are those doing these kinds of things?

E v erybody knows them.

Those people

Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them, I don’t know them.

Perhaps he doesn’t know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years

should know that people voted singly. Even Buhari too had one vote.

Nobody voted 5 times, 15.429 million People. That one that people are thinking too, he had only some 2 or 3 people. I am pleading with them to have the people at heart and embrace everybody so that we can all move together. Not even now in 2016 or 17, lot of people are creating divisions within the APC, which is our source of concern. They think they have worked for the government while those appointed, some of them had no voter’s card. What I fear is uprising of 15.4 million people.

Is the president aware some people are subverting his government?

Whether he knows or he do not, those that voted for him knows.

But you are the closest to him. Did you tell him?

There is nothing I can tell him, he is seeing things himself. Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them, I don’t know them. Perhaps he doesn’t know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years.

Do you think there are some people that are dictating to the president things to do, not him?

That is what I am saying, those that know they don’t have voters card, they should give chance to those that have, they are the ones that struggled and knows what we want to do.

Some of them if you go to a meeting with them they will tell you, we are not politicians, if somebody is wise, they will not accept to take any political office. They didn’t even work for it. Even if you are asked to, you should say it is not my profession.

Those places not headed by politicians will cause people discontent.

One would wonder to hear you say some people have hijacked the government without him knowing, but who do you think are those people?

I don’t know them, I don’t know them. I don’t know them. You will know them if you watch television.

But some people are calling names, saying 2 or 3 are the ones, do you do that as well?

Yes, I agree. Because of those appointed apart from Fashola, Amaechi and some others, not much, I don’t know them, most of us too don’t know them, and he too does not know them.

One would wonder that Buhari is not the one charge knowing him as a person who had leadership experiences, people would not believe.

Yes it is surprising; nobody thought it is going to be like this. But now that it is so… sometimes when one is doing something wrong without him knowing, but when people talk to them, they should listen. Because in the future, whether he is going to contest or not, it is that same people that would vote for APC. We hope those people don’t come back, and everybody don’t hope so too.

You said, “whether he is going to contest in the future or not”, has he disclose it to you whether he is standing or not?

He is yet to tell me but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.

...Aisha Buhari’s interview vindicates me, says Saraki

•‘Comment confirms that Buhari’s govt hijacked’

P

resident of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has said that he had been vindicated by the recent outburst of President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, about her husband’s leadership.

Speaking through his media aide, Bamikole Omisore, Saraki said the fact that Mrs. Buhari could come out to openly express reservations about her husband’s appointees showed that his earlier argument that the government had been hijacked was in good faith.

Saraki had on earlier said that some individuals within Buhari’s government were running a “government within the government”.

“It has become clear that there is a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized apparatus of executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda,” Saraki had said then.

But Buhari pushed back against the comments, describing them as a figment of Saraki’s imagination, however, in an interview with the BBC, the First Lady appeared to agree with Saraki’s position.

She criticised her husband’s choices of cabinet members and heads of agencies, saying that her husband packed his cabinet with people he barely knew, suggesting that the government had been hijacked.

She also said she might not support her husband’s re-election if the president failed to shake up his cabinet.

Omisore said in a tweet yesterday that Buhari’s comment came “months apart” from Saraki’s own complaint about “the same thing”.

Omisore said Buhari and those who criticised Saraki at the time he made the comments should understand that both the president’s wife and his principal meant well for the administration.

“Aisha Buhari and Bukola Saraki both have the best interest of President Buhari at heart,” Omisore said in the tweet.

According to the Premium Times, Omisore further expanded on his principal’s position during a telephone interview with the online newspaper, saying Saraki still strongly believes that Buhari had been sidelined by a few men in his government.

“It is true that we still believe that there’s a government within the government. We do believe that the president has good intention and we’re behind him,” Omisore said. “But a situation where a few people are in charge does not bode well for the image and the future of our country.”

Omisore said recent development in which the Minister of Finance openly disagreed with the Governor of Central Bank on economic matters clearly showed that administration officials were taking directives from conflicting authorities.

“A situation where people that work within the executive say one thing and

other people that work in the same administration say and even do another thing.

“It shows that people are getting directives from different authorities,” Omisore said.

Omisore said Nigerians should pay attention to Mrs. Buhari’s statement because she’s a mother for the whole country.

“Mrs. Buhari is our mother and she has come out to say that the way things are being run, where APC manifesto has been abandoned and the party completely left out of governance, should not continue for too long,”

Omisore said.

Saraki has been facing corruption charges at the Code of Conduct Bureau since September 2015.

He was also arraigned alongside his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, in a separate case in which they were accused of forgery in the Senate.

The government withdrew the case a few days ago.

Aisha Buhari’s explosive interview rattled the presidency so much that officials pressured the BBC to step down the remaining part of the interview.

BBC however vowed to run the full exchange as scheduled.

There is a government within the government who have seized apparatus of executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda Saraki

50

FaceOff

Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome and Mr. Femi Falana, have expressed divergent views on the appropriateness or otherwise of the recent invasion of the homes of some judges by officers of the Directorate of State Services (DSS). They both bared their minds in this interview with AKEEM NAFIU.

FaceOff

DSS action unlawful – Ozekhome

Chief, what is your take on the recent raid of Governor Wike, a sitting Governor, was almost judges' homes by officers of the DSS? shot dead by fully armed gun totting DSS and Well, It amounts to sheer executive law- Police in Port-harcourt, led by the Director and lessness, arbitrariness, whimsicality, capri- Commissioner of Police, respectively. His "ofciousness and unconscionable behaviour for fence" was that he came to rescue a Federal DSS to have invaded serving judges' homes High Court Judge who was being abducted in between the bizzare hours of 10 pm and 5 am, Kamikaze Gestapo style.Other serving judges brutally breaking down residential doors and who would ordinarily respond to a mere phone windows with axes and cutlasses, as in a war call are being humiliated and rounded up in the situation, to arrest serving judges who were ungodly wee hours of the night, like common not fleeing from justice and who had not even criminals. first been invited and demurred. The same DSS had earlier invaded Akwa Ibom Govt House, Whose mandate is it to discipline erring Ekiti State House of Assembly and descended judges?

Under Section 153 (1) of the extant 1999 Conon the National Assembly. Colonel Sambo Dasuki has been ordered released on bail by three stitution, only the National Judicial Council different courts in the last eleven months.Yet, (NJC) has disciplinary control over judges. This he still languishes in government gulag, even is a responsibility it has faithfully discharged after the latest order for his release with pay- over the years. ment of N15m damages against the government by the ECOWAS Court. We now have Are you surprised at the action of the DSS? I am not. I am rather surprised that some Nian absolutist and maximum government that sits in judgement and on appeal over court gerians are still surprised. Some of us warned, wrote, preached and talked, judgements.We now have a but we were maximally iggovernment trying to outdo nored due to political partisanEmperor Beds Bokassa, Idi Under Section 153 ship. A leopard cannot change Amin, Papa Doc Duvalier, Mobutu Sese Seko and Lou(1) of the extant 1999 it's spots. Welcome, full blown dictatorship and fascism that is X1V of France, who once Constitution, only are now here with us. It started beat his chest imperiously and declared, le'tat ce'st moi the National Judicial with political opponents and opposition.Some of us cried (I am the state).

Council (NJC) has out.Many gloated with eclat and a sense of victory at oppoDo you think the action disciplinary control of the DSS is within its nents' horiffic travails.Then, mandate? they moved against some over judges No. By the way, under very senior and well respected our laws, the DSS is conlawyers being rubbished.Some cerned with matters of clapped.They said it was antiinternal security. It has no business whatso- corruption.We cried out. It extended quicly to ever with corruption matters, which are the the National Assembly, another different arm exclusive preserve of the EFCC, ICPC and the of government. Many hailed the government Nigeria Police. The rule of law and not rule of as tough, no-nonsense and anti-corruptionthe thumb, should reign supreme. Are we now inclined. Some of us warned. Now, the Judiin the pristine Hobessian state of nature where ciary, up to the very apex court of the land, the life was short, nasty and brutish? The new Supreme Court, has been targeted and is now onslaught against the judiciary signals great being intimidated, humiliated and annexed. danger to our hard won democracy, freedom, The incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria is said liberties and human rights, independence of to be profiled.Why? Your guess is as good as the Judiciary and the doctrine of separation mine. Virtually all the judges are southerners. of powers ably espoused in 1748 by the great My prediction? The media, the fourth estate of French philosopher, Baron De Montesquieu. the realm will be next. Read my lips. The earlier The last time I checked,we are supposed to Nigerians rise up and speak against this latest be operating a constitutional democracy, not onslaught on the judiciary, the better for all of military dictatorship or tyrannical absolutism. us and democracy.

15 OCTOBER 2016

No, it is in order –Falana

What do you think about the DSS invasion of judges' homes?

Having failed to take advantage of the relevant statutory disciplinary bodies to purge the bar and the bench of corrupt elements, the members of the legal profession have themselves to blame for the harassment of judges by security forces. It is on account of negligence on the part of the legal profession that the DSS which screens candidates before they are recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as judges has now engaged in the arrest of judges for alleged corruption and abuse of office.

Ozekhome

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

prosecution. About two years ago, an anti graft agency found N2 billion in the account of a high court judge. As soon as the judge was invited for questioning, she reported and made a statement and was granted bail. But as she could not defend the lodgement in her bank account, she obtained an interlocutory injunction from one of the judges in the custody of the SSS. It is common knowledge that two Senior Advocates of Nigeria are standing trial in the Lagos high court for allegedly bribing a judge.

Even though it takes two to tangle the judge has not been charged to court for allegedly receiving bribe.

Where do you think we get it wrong Where do we go from here? I mean, before we find ourselves in a situawhat is the next thing to do after all tion where judges' homes were being these incidents? invaded by DSS? As the detained judges are presumed It is a matter of grave concern that innocent until the contrary is proved by the legal profession has allowed the the State, they should be admitted to bail denigration of the halon self recognizance.

At the same time, the lowed temple of justice because of the misoffice of the AttorneyThe bar and the conduct of a few corGeneral of the Federrupt judges. For sevation should ensure bench should eral years, judges who that the suspects are committed grave crimarraigned in court immediately without any further inal offences were not strengthen their delay. To avoid any prosecuted but merely further embarrassretired by the authoridisciplinary bodies ties on the recommenment in the circumwith a view to dation of the National stances, the bar and Judicial Council (NJC). the bench should imremoving the few Although the NJC remediately strengthen cently recommended their disciplinary corrupt judges and the dismissal and bodies with a view lawyers prosecution of a judge to removing the few for extorting the sum corrupt judges and of N197 million from lawyers whose crima litigant, the authoriinal activities have ties had paid lip service to the menace continued to erode public confidence of judicial corruption in the country. In in the judiciary. It is also painful to note particular, the Nigerian Bar Association that, before now, the demand of the huwhich has information on all corrupt man rights community to the effect that judges and lawyers in the country have the fundamental rights of lowly placed continued to shield them to the embar- criminal suspects be respected by the rassment of incorruptible members of police and other security agencies have the bar and the bench. The few lawyers been treated with disdain. But having who have plucked up the courage to ex- regard to the fact that judges and other pose corrupt judges and lawyers have influential citizens have since become been stigmatised and treated like victims of institutionalized lepers by their colleagues. abuse of official harassment, it is high What roles do you think time that all the anti-graft agencies stakeholders had played in the past demanded on these issues? that every It is on record that criminal suspect when both the Indepenbe treatdent Corrupt Practices and other Offences ed with dignity Commission (ICPC) and the Economic in line with and Financial Crimes the proviCommission (EFCC) sion of the sent invitation letters to Constitution judges suspected of corand the Adruption, they had rushed ministration of Criminal to the Federal High Court Justice Act to obtain interlocutory injunctions to prevent their 2015. arrest, investigation and

Falana

News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Chukwu David,

T Abuja

he three Senators representing Niger state in the National Assembly have raised the alarm over the grounding of activities on major federal highways traversing the state as a result of traffic diversion due to dilapidated roads.

At a joint press briefing in the National Assembly complex yesterday, the senators called on the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to urgently repair the Abuja -Minna, Minna - Bida, Kontagora to Yauri, Rijau-Kontahora, Minna-Zungeru-Tegina federal highways, saying that many passengers were currently grounded on those roads.

Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC/Niger North), while speaking, lamented that motorists were spending between four to five hours for a journey that should ordinarily last two hours. He narrated how bad roads along the KontagoraMakera-Birnin Gwari had led to traffic diversion to

Niger senators send SOS to FG over dilapidated federal highways the Minna - Suleija federal highway, with traffic stretching over five kilometers on the road especially around Lambatta town.

He said: “We are in pains that the federal highways have remained dilapidated for years but the recent development for some weeks now is a cause for concern.

Minna and other communities along the highway have all been invaded by traffic diversion. The bad roads also have serious security implications.”

Also speaking at the press briefing, Senator David Umaru (APC/Niger East), complained about the non-completion of the dual carriage highway that has been under construction along the Minna - Abuja highway for years.

Umaru, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, said although the road projects were not captured in the 2016

Appropriation Act, the minister could urgently sought for funds from the ministry's budget to repair the highways.

The Senators commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his steadfast leadership but said Niger State with over 2,000 kilometres of federal highways linking the northern and southern parts of Nigeria

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breaker” who has made the state proud.

The council equally approved the participation of the state government in the “Saving One Million Lives“ Federal Government programme aimed at enhancing access to immunisation and utilisation of Vitamin A for the benefit of the people.

On the issue of security, the council reminded the public that the State’s Emergency Number (117) was fully functional and available on the MTN and Airtel networks.

deserved urgent attention and lasting solutions to the current traffic gridlock.

“The Minna - Suleija Expressway for example is the gateway to the nation's capital, Abuja, for many Nigerians. We plead that this road be given urgent attention for the completion of the dualisation project as it is the only neighbourhood road to the

FCT without such a dual carriage way.

“We are aware of a budget head in the 2016 Appropriation with a lump sum which is at the discretion of the minister. We call on him to exercise this discretion in our favour by coming to the aid of numerous Nigerians suffering on these roads. We also expect these roads to

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Temitope Ogunbanke

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group, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), has called for drastic reduction of child marriage, warning that the global number of child brides will reach 1.2 billion girls by 2050, with devastating consequences for girls, their families and their countries, if there is no reduction in child marriage.

Speaking at debate, essay and quiz competition organised by WARDC in commem-

WARDC calls for reduction of child marriage

oration of International Day of Girl Child, the Executive Director of the organisation, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, expressed worry about several threats facing girl child in Nigeria.

She said: “Currently the world has a population of 1.1 billion girls, yet the girl child remains one of the most endangered species in the world as accepted social norms and discriminatory laws continue to allow for harmful practices, such as child marriage, which shape a girl’s life and has a last

impact on her even in adulthood.

“The data speaks for itself, each year 15 million girls are married before the age of 18.That is 28 girls every minute.One every two seconds. If there is no reduction in child marriage, the global number of child brides will reach 1.2 billion girls by 2050, with devastating consequences for girls, their families and their countries.

“Also every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence. In emergencies,

NUJ disbands Broadcast Correspondents’ Chapel in Ogun Kunle Olayeni, Abeokuta

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he national leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has nullified the creation of Broadcast Correspondent Chapel in the Ogun State Council, saying it was alien to the union constitution.

The NUJ Vice President (B Zone), Comrade Cosmos Oni, conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman and Secretary of the union in Ogun State.

The Broadcast Correspondent Chapel, led by Mr. Kazeem Olowe of TV Continental, was purportedly inaugurated recently in Abeokuta amidst controversy.

Following a clearance letter written by the state Correspondents' Chapel, the NUJ national leadership nullified the newly created chapel, describing it as “alien to the union constitution.”

The union said the chapel

be captured in the 2017 budget,” Abdullahi added.

However, Senator Sani Mustapha (APC/Niger South), was said to be absent at the briefing due to an urgent engagement.

But two colleagues, however, said he was in full support of the call for the Federal Government's urgent intervention on highways within the state.

L-R: Director, Research and Publication, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr. Wale Salami; Executive Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran and a member, Mrs. Omotayo Gbadebo, at a press conference over the arrest of some senior judges in Lagos… recently.

Enugu seeks refund for rehabilitated federal roads

he Enugu State Government has further appealed to the Federal Government to reimburse it the amount spent on rehabilitation of FG roads in the state totalling over N22.8 billion, saying that it will enable the state to speed up ongoing projects.

The appeal came even as the State Executive Council (SEC) yesterday approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation of more sections of the Federal Government road along 9th Mile (Mechanic Village) – Egede Junction – Umuoka – Okpatu - Army Checkpoint and additional works at Holy Catholic Church Ochima Town to Opi Junction.

Briefing journalists at the Government House, Enugu, after SEC meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, said the contract, which was awarded to Comag Steel and Construction Company Limited at the sum of N114,841,938.75, was shaped by the need to curb the negative effects of the dilapidated sections of the road to boost the socio-economic fortunes of the state.

Udeuhele also disclosed that the council applauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his remarkable contributions towards the emergence of Enugu Rangers International Football Club as champions of the Nigerian Professional Football League after 32 years, describing him as a “jinx-

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was "null and void" and directed the Ogun State Council to reverse it with immediate effect.

It also ordered the state council to immediately withdraw the NUJ identity cards from members of the new chapel whose respective organisations were not

unionised.

Oni said: “The said 'Broadcast Correspondents Chapel' is alien to the union's constitution, hence not recognised by the union.

“Sequence to this, you are hereby directed to reverse the decision with immediate effect. The said chapel is hereby

declared null and void, hence status quo should remain at the chapel.”

While affirming the indivisibility of the Correspondents Chapel, the Vice-President noted that Article 5 (G) (2) of the NUJ constitution clearly stated who belongs to the chapel.

FCT NDE trains 50 unemployed youths Buhari congratulates UN in skill acquisition in Kebbi Sec.-Gen. -designate BIRMIN KEBBI

NEWS IN BRIE F

ST

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Kebbi State has begun the training of 50 unemployed youths in the moulding of interlocking stones and plant nursery in the state.

The NDE State Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Zogirma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi, that the training was aimed at making the youth self-reliant and employers of labour.

He said the directorate would sustain the training programme by empowering more Nigerians to become entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

The state coordinator said the directorate would train more people this year in order to reduce the figure of the unemployed in the state.

Zogirma urged Kebbi residents to patronise locally-produced materials to further encourage the youth involved in the enterprises.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Antonio Guterres on his appointment by the United Nations General Assembly as the next United Nations Secretary-General, beginning from January 1, 2017.

The President’s congratulatory message to Guterres is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

Buhari noted that Guterres’ wealth of experience as a former Prime Minister of Portugal, head of UN Refugee Agency for several years, diplomat and a politician of repute, had eminently prepared and qualified him for the new position.

Buhari also congratulated the outgoing UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon on his successful tenure and dedicated service to humanity.

The President noted that: “The world indeed owes a debt of gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General for spearheading the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, among other laudable achievements.”

adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, and in some cases, are abducted and exploited for sexual purposes by armed groups.

“Nearly half (44 per cent) of adolescent girls worldwide aged 15 to 19 think a husband or partner is justified in hitting or beating his wife or partner under certain circumstances. More than ever in Nigeria, the girl child is faced with threats. The case of our girls, the missing Chibok girls, is most prominent, over 200 girls kidnapped from their schools on the night of April 14, 2014.

“Ese Oruru, a young girl was abducted from Balyesa State and married off in Kano State without the consent of her parents.

In respect to girl education in Nigeria, the gender gap remains particularly wide and the proportion of girls to boys in school ranges from one girl to two boys to one to three in some states.”

IKEJA ANA plans free book donation to schools

In a bid to resuscitate reading culture among young Nigerians, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is to distribute books in primary and secondary schools in the country.

The National President of ANA, Mr. Denja Abdulahi, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, said the books would be sourced from authors.

He said: “As we speak, we have a project called teen authorship, where we gather mentors to train young children on how to read, compete and become writers.

“These efforts are geared toward projecting the reading culture and cultivating writing habits among our school population.

“The end result is to produce new writers that will succeed aging generation of authors in the country.”

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Perspectives

ast weekend, in the dead of the night, the Federal Government finally bared its fangs at the bench, men of big robes who are next to God, having the power of life and death over their fellow citizens. That was when the Department of State Services operatives swooped on a number of top judicial officials in the country.

The officials at the receiving end of government’s might were seven superior court judges, including two Justices of the Supreme Court: Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta, both of the Supreme Court and Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court Abuja, Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court, Muazu Pindiga of Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike.

Incidentally the action of government should not have come as a surprise because top officials, including President Muhammadu Buhari, had repeatedly taken pop shots at the judiciary and even lawyers, blaming them for aiding and abetting corruption and other vices in the country.

Speaking early in January the President said that the judiciary remained his main headache in the fight against corruption and vowed to overhaul the country’s judicial system.

Buhari, who spoke at a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, said: “On the fight against corruption vis-à-vis the judiciary, Nigerians will be right to say that is my main headache for now.

“If you reflect on what I went through for 12 years when I wanted to be the President, I attempted three times and on the fourth attempt through God and the use of technology, it was possible for Nigerians to elect an APC candidate as President. “In my first attempt in 2003, I ended up at the Supreme Court and for 13 months I was in court. The second attempt in 2007, I was in court close to 20 months and in 2011, my third attempt, I was also in court for nine months.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

Night of the long knives TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com “All these cases went up to the Supreme Court until the fourth time in 2015, when God agreed that I will be President of Nigeria.”

He also pointed out that if it was when he was Military Head of State (1984-85), he would not have had a problem because he could have just thrown them into jail without recourse to legal means!

However, in as much as one must support government’s efforts at tackling corruption one must also point out that in the new area of democracy there are norms that government must adhere too in order not to appear to be carrying out a vendetta against perceived enemies or worst still behaving as if they are above the law!

Unfortunately the President’s utterances and ‘body language’ strongly indicate that he is not really finding democracy to his likening.

During the only media chat he has held since coming to power in May 2015, the President pointedly said he would not obey court orders to release former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki and leader of the Biafra agitation movement, Nnamdi Kanu due to the enormity of their offenses.

“If you see the atrocities these people committed against this country, we can’t allow them to jump bail,” he said to a worldwide audience.

Regrettably, such talk and action have left him very vulnerable to claims of having a grudge against the judiciary, so much so that even his best of intentions of cleaning up this very important arm of government will be wrongly misconstrued.

If the same DSS can swoop on peoples’ homes at the dead of the night and can even gather the kind of intelligence they did on the indicted judges, it beats my imagination that they cannot carry out the simple talks of monitoring Dasuki and Kanu if they had been released on bail as the courts have repeatedly ruled.

Only recently the West African Court also ruled in Dasuki’s favour further reinforcing the belief that perhaps there is more to his case than just misapplication of huge sums of money.

After all government cannot also allege that the West African court has been tarnished with the same corruption brush it has painted the Nigerian judiciary with.

I believe that government would not have left itself open to all the criticisms it is receiving had it not employed Gestapolike tactics in affecting the arrest of the judicial officers.

At their ages and their status in society there is no way they can put up any form of resistance to warrant storming their homes in the dead of the night.

I feel government could have explored all the options available to them first by reporting the matter to the National Judicial Council, and then if not satisfied with the NJC’s action could have then formally summoned the officials in question to answer to the charges before swooping on their homes if they failed to honour the invitations.

Of course as it is done in democracies around the world, the agency or agencies handling the cases could have also leaked the allegations to the media which would no doubt have elicited huge favourable goodwill for government to take whatever steps necessary to bring them to book.

This would no doubt have endeared government to the ‘masses’ who rightly or wrongly believe that corruption is the root cause of all our problems.

Predictably, the nation’s top judicial officer, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) on Tuesday, justified the arrest and detention of judges by DSS operatives, insisting “no one is or should be above the law”.

Malami, who broke his silence on the matter after he inaugurated an Expert Review Committee on implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), argued: “Was there an allegation of crime? Was there relevant provision of criminal procedure responsible for investigation? Is there an allegation of corruption? If there is, nobody, no matter how highly placed will be spared.

“The right to investigate has not been taken away from the constitution. The allegation borders on criminality and no one is or should be above the law. Neither the judiciary or the executive will be exempted from investigation.”

Well said, but I still believe there were better options for government to have carried out the operation on non-violent crimes.

Beware Of False Prophets (Part 2)

ow is it that a prophet who is false is able to tell you the truth about your life, your marriage and your family background? There is something called FAMILIAR SIPIRT or household servant.

Before we proceed, let us remember how the devil rebelled against God and was driven away from God’s presence.

“How you are fallen from Heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning. How you are cut down to the ground. You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into Heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.

On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the Most High. Yet, you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit” (Isaiah 14:12-15).

“So, the greatest dragon was cast out, that serpent of old called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9).

Now, at the point where you come into this world in form of a child, God assigns an angel to you. How did we know? Jesus said about children: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven, their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Also, remember the promise in Psalm 91:11 “For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

So, there is an angel assigned over you

by God. The devil also assigns one of his

Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com angels referred to in Revelations 12:9. The angelic demon assigned to a child by Satan when the child comes into this world is called FAMILIAR SPIRIT. It is FAMILIAR because it has the profile of that individual from birth. This is why couples are always warned to be conscious of the calibre of people that handle their child shortly after delivery (naming ceremony, dedication, etc). There is even a demon that monitors people’s stars. Let us leave that.

Many false prophets (not all) consult Familiar Spirits to gather information or power of access to information about people. When he or she has gathered this evil power, all he or she needs to do is to look at an individual and announce this information. Of course, the information may be correct. But where is the solution to the problem? This is the issue. Satan has no solution to your problems and the solution he gives if any, is never permanent.

So, my dear, a stranger sees you and announces your phone number to you. So what? Don’t be so gullible and allow false prophets to scatter your marriage or family.

God confirms the fact that there are

familiar spirits. What is his position concerning them? He says “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits. Do not seek after them to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).

Please note that the ability to prophesy or do miracle does not in any way confirm someone’s connection or good relationship with God. How did we know? Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name? And then, I will declare to them, I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness!.”

Can you see that false prophets deserve to be arrested, tried and put behind bars?

They are lawless people. Stop going from one false prophet to the other looking for indirect speech from God when in most cases, you can get a direct speech. Jesus said in Mathew 28:20 “...and lo, I am with you always even to the end of age.” Also

see John 15:7.

Like I said earlier, if there are false prophets, there are real prophets. Okay?

But this does not mean you should be gullible. All you need is to first, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour, which is salvation experience. After that, the holy spirit takes over you. Then, expose yourself to the word of God and obedience.

You are then, empowered to discern between real and false prophets by the Holy Spirit power. You need God’s grace. Also read and imbibe Romans 12:2.

Even when the prophecy you receive is positive and true, you may still need warfare to bring it to fulfilment. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

I may prophesy to you for instance, declaring that you are going to father a medical doctor or lawyer. If after this prophecy, you fail to send the child to even primary school, the prophecy will not come to pass.

This does not mean that the prophecy is false or that God has lied. It is you that has failed to work faith into manifestation.

Faith without work is dead.

What are some limitations to the fulfilment of God’s prophecy concerning your marital relationship and family? What are the indications of a false prophecy? These and more will be discussed in the next edition.

May God protect your marriage from false prophets in Jesus name.

Perspective

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

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Using Themis to tame judicial recklessness

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t the Television Continental's (TVC) 'Journalists ' Hangout', a daily programme where journalists dissect contemporary national issues, the October 4 edition in which I featured was like a crystal ball foretelling the demystification of happenings outside the courtrooms. One of the topics for discussion on the day was the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the watchdog of the judiciary headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmud Mohammed, that Justices Mohammed Tsamiya (Court of Appeal), Innocent Umezulike (until now the Chief Judge of Enugu State) and Kabir Auta (Kano State High Court) should be retired for descreating the temple of justice and soiling their robes in iniquities by demanding bribes to pervert the course of justice.

It was also recommended that Auta should be handed over to the police for prosecution for allegedly using what we call '419' in the local parlance to defraud a lawyer of N197 million. The judge reportedly 'arranged' a woman who drove in an SUV with a police orderly and posed as a former CJN. Part of the money the judge allegedly collected was meant to secure accomodation for the fake former CJN who would in turn facilitate multi-million naira contract for the lawyer.

The programme anchored by TVC's Ayodele Ozugbakun also had in attendance Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Mojeed Jamiu, the publisher of an online news portal, Upshot Media. Jamiu recalled how in his childhood innocence, he used to dash across the Judges' Quarters instead of walking whenever he had need to visit the area.

His experience summed up the profound awe and veneration with which men in the temple of justice were treated by the larger society in those days. This was at a time when judges were almost anonymous.

Then, judges were mostly heard but rarely seen outside the courtrooms where they sat majestically with aura of profound reverence hovering around them. The belief that there were invincible forces surrounding these living creatures called judges put them at the pedestal reserved for the gods particularly because their mere pronouncements could mean life and death.

But the events of the past days have thoroughly bruised and broken the judiciary.

That arm of the government is now like a hen with a broken beak. For a country which has produced great legal luminaries some of who even rose to become Chief Justices of some African countries, this is not the best of times.

The Department of State Security (DSS) had in "sting operations" last week Friday

News Extra

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Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

bout 13 officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) were yesterday suspended by the administration, following their prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the FCT Minister, Mohammed Hazat Sule, their suspension was disclosed by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye.

He explained that the suspension was in line with the Public Service Rule 030406, which states that: “Where a

Waheed Bakare on Saturday

09056089320 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com and Saturday raided the homes of judges and arrested seven of them including two from the Supreme Court. During the operations, the DSS claimed it recovered N363 million from the houses of three of the judges. While this is within the realm of allegation, there may be iota of truth in the alarm raised by a former Supreme Court Justice, late Kayode Esho, that there are dirty men and women on the bench whom he described as "millionaire judges."

Expectedly, the lawyers are still confusing those of us who are not "learned" about the rightness or wrongness of the raids spearheaded by the DSS. In respect of where the pendulum of argument swings, the suspicion has always been that there is massive corruption in our judicial system. The events in the last one week only confirmed the level of misconduct in the system. Interestingly, there is a consensus that a corrupt-free judiciary is an expedient ingredient if democracy and the rule of law must thrive. There is also a general agreement that judicial rascality and recklessness must be tamed to restore the hope of common men that the court remains their last hope. The only difference is the manner of approach and whether or not the DSS acted outside its briefs as outlined in the constitution.

CJN Mohammed

Ignoring the alleged act under the pretext that the manner of approach was wrong is akin to ignoring leprosy and dissipating energy on mere ringworm. The judiciary as a whole should be contrite and grieved that just a fraction of its members has desecrated their inner chambers and brought opprobrium to the sanctity of justice.

Themis, the statue of woman of justice, found in courthouses and some law books, is a representation of the Greek goddess of divine justice. Even those of us who are not "learned" know it has deeep meaning beyond a mere symbol. The scale in her left hand symbolises fairness and balance. The sword represents fearlessness in the enforcement of justice. The black ribbon she is blindfolded with is a constant reminder to judges that their judgements should be guided by only evidence and law. Any judgment that is devoided of these two fundamental principles is a travesty of justice. But today, some of our judges have shamelessly removed Thema's blindfold so that they can see the faces of litigants and give judgement according their social and economic status. It is for this reason that judges scramble to be on the panel of election petitions tribunals.

Before our eyes, we saw how Justice Marcelleus Awokulehin cleared former governor James Ibori of Delta State of over 100 charges only for the ex-governor to be sent to jail in the UK for committing just a fraction of the same offences. Apart from the reproachment in the media, Awokulehin retired from the system and was given a valedictory service. What message was the NJC sending?

The NJC has presented itself as a body with much bark and little bite. This explains why petitioners now send their petitions to the president and jettison the NJC. The NJC ought to have done better than a mere slap on the wrist it gave Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia by asking that she should not be elevated to the Court of Appeal. She allegedly adjourned a 2011 preelection matter before her several times until the lifespan of the Ogun State House

of Assembly in 2015 lasped.

The only thing that Ofili-Ajumogobia is missing is the elevation. She is still a judge despite the huge moral burden dangling on her head. But the petitioner lost all.

He was denied justice. What is the assurance that the man or others won't resort to self-help instead of seeking redress in courts whenever they are aggrieved? Even Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, who is now champion of 'free judiciary', once expressed fear that a corrupt judiciary was inimical to the development of peace, progress and democracy, when asked why thugs suspected to his supporters beat up judges and disrupted proceedings on the premises of the Ekiti State High Court in September 2015. "I want to point out that a situation whereby judges or judicial officers, who should be custodians of the law got compromised with politicians, then anarchy will set in," Fayose said.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should from time to time call the attention of necessary bodies to the dangerous voyages that some of the judges have turned into fun spots through abuse of office. The NBA should also not shy away from the fact that its members are in most cases the initiators and executors of the malfeasance in the judiciary. How many litigants on their own can go to 'see' judges in their inner chambers without lawyers paving the way for them? The truth is that there cannot be corrupt judges without the connivance of corrupt lawyers. The learned men should work with the constituted authorities to expose the rot on the bench and bar.

On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari should not be seen as a threat to the freedom and independence of the judiciary in the name of cleaning the Augean Stables.

A situation whereby the judiciary still goes cap in hand to the executive for funds or before just an infinitesimal part of its budget is approved while other arms have it all is hypocritical and will not on the long run guarantee a corrupt-free judiciary. The administration should not circumvent the rule of law and due process while fighting this battle. If the procedure is faulty, the cases against the judges may be dead on arrival and procedural error may become a valid excuse in the temple of justice.

For those who want the judges to be left alone since corruption is pervasive, I leave them with the evocative words of late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa: "If you are a judge and you are corrupt, where do we go from here? Then everything has come to a halt.

If the legislature is corrupt, you go to the judiciary for redress. If the executive is corrupt, you go to the judiciary for remedy. If the judiciary itself is corrupt, where do we go from here?"

FCTA suspends 13 officers over EFCC prosecution

•Oyo releases N7.33bn for teachers’ salaries, pensions prima facie case, the nature of which is serious, has been established against an officer and it is considered necessary in the public interest that he/she should forthwith be prohibited from carrying out his/her duties, pending the determination of the case.”

Sule, however, did not specify what the suspended officers were being prosecuted but said it became expedient to suspend the officers in line with the extant rules.

The affected officers are

Mr. Suleiman Idris, Assistant Director, Transportation Secretariat; Mr. Idris Usman - Assistant Director, Engineering Services Department, FCDA; Mr. Mohammed Ishaq, Chief Planning Officer, Urban and Regional Planning Department; Helen Olokpo, Principal Town Planning Officer, Urban and Regional Planning Department; Bamidele Olaitan, Principal Education Officer, Education Secretariat and Ambrose Samchi, Principal Accountant, Treasury Services Department.

Others are Hassan Argungu, Principal Land Officer, AGIS; Saba Mohammed – Senior Data Officer, AGIS; Yusuf Baba, Senior Administrative Officer, AGIS; Abdullahi Musa, Senior Administrative Officer, Deeds Registrar’s Office; Abraham Murtala Belel, Senior Accountant, Treasury Services Department; Andrew Gwani – Land Officer and Abdulmalik Teina, Senior Accountant, Treasury Services Department.

Meanwhile, Oyo State

Government has restated its commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state, saying that it has released the sum of N6.2b for the payment of June, July and August salaries for primary school teachers in the state and N250million for the payment of gratuity of retired primary school teachers.

The government equally stated that the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has vacated the 14-day ultimatum given to the state

government over the payment of their pensions and gratuities, adding that it has earlier released N880 for retired primary schools teachers’ pensions.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, disclosed these while briefing journalists after a stakeholders meeting with the State Executive Council (SEC) of NUP led by its Chairman, Mr. Gbadegesin Akande and Secretary, Mr. Segun Abatan, at the Government Secretariat in Ibadan.

Sport Extra

54

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 OCTOBer 2016

Musa plays down Eagles’ bench role

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Adekunle Salami uper Eagles midfielder, Ahmed Musa, is not worried about his inability to be in the starting lineup in the Zambia, Nigeria match de-

cided in Ndola on October 9.

It was a shock when Nigeria’s team list was made public and the Leicester forward was on the bench. Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, put faith in Moses Simon in the encounter which Nigeria

Musa...(right)

won 2-1 In an exclusive chat with New Telegraph, Musa, who clocked 24 years only yesterday, said it was not a big deal to start from the bench.

“There is no big deal about starting from the bench. The coach is in charge.

He explained his decision to us and when I was introduced I gave my best.

“The important thing about the match was that we won. Within the little time I spent, I almost scored and I am satisfied I played a role. Everybody cannot play at the same time. I am a professional and I understand that.”

Musa’s predicament may not be unconnected with the situation in his club where he has also been struggling.

“At Leicester, it is a case of trying to adjust to the pattern of the team and the EPL generally. I have many years ahead of me to still do great things at club and national team levels,” he added.

Musa joined Leicester from CSKA Moscow at in the summer.

Algeria linked with Le Guen

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FIFA may expand World Cup teams to 40 or 48

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he 2026 World Cup could involve 40 or 48 nations after FIFA agreed to study options to expand the tournament from its 32-team format in greater detail.

The proposals will be made at the football world governing body's next meeting on January 9, 2017.

"The feeling amongst the council is rather positive towards expansion," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The 2026 host has not yet been chosen, while the 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.

Infantino took charge of FIFA in February and one of his election promises being to increase the number of teams at the World Cup finals to 40.

However, earlier this month the 46-year-old Italian proposed upping that to 48 countries, with 32 taking part in a preliminary knockout round in the host country and the winners joining 16 seeded teams in the group stages.

Elephant defender faces probe

Critics have expressed concerns over potentially weakening the quality of football at the finals.

Former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said FIFA presidents should "do the right things for the game rather than stuff to get re-elected".

He added on social media: "Come on Mr Infantino! You have a mandate to look after football's best interests, not your own. Do not destroy the World Cup! Please."

Infantino said: "When a team qualifies for the tournament the whole country is in football euphoria.

"More youngsters want to play the game, companies want to get involved in sponsorship and the benefits to football as a whole are immense.

"In a 48-team format, the quality would be higher because the 32 teams would have a play-off. The quality would improve and not decrease in any way."

Aurier

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aris St-Germain defender Serge Aurier is being investigated by FIFA after appearing to make a throat-slitting gesture to supporters.

Aurier, 23, celebrated an Ivory Coast goal against Mali by turning to the crowd and dragging his hand across his throat.

Now, FIFA has said a "preliminary investigation is under way".

In the same game, Aurier was praised for "saving the life" of Mali forward Moussa Doumbia.

After Doumbia was knocked unconscious in a challenge with Sunderland's Lamine Kone, Aurier intervened to stop the Rostov player by swallowing his tongue.

Mali manager Alain Giresse said he spoke to Aurier after the 2018 World

Cup qualifier to thank him for his "superb reactions".

The controversial celebration was the latest in a string of incidents involving the full-back.

In September, he was sentenced to two months in jail for elbowing a police officer, but remains free pending an appeal.

And in February, he was suspended

by PSG after appearing to use homophobic language to insult then-coach Laurent Blanc.

ocal media reports have linked failed Nigeria target Paul Le Guen to the vacant coaching post at the World Cup rivals Algeria.

The Algeria Football Federation have swung into action to replace the Serb Milovan Rajevac, who quit his post this week after Algeria were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier.

Le Guen sensationally turned down a chance to handle Nigeria’s Super Eagles even after his appointment was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation.

He is still without work and has now been mentioned with the Algeria top job along compatriots Alain Perrin and Rolland Courbis.

And it is looking increasingly likely that the new Algeria coach will be a Frenchman with FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua currently in Paris to discuss with one of these targets.

The speed with which FAF have achieved to hire a new coach could well see them have their man in place before next month’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo. The FAF boss was earlier this week cautious that a permanent coach will only be engaged before next year’s AFCON in Gabon.

Klopp, Son win EPL awards

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iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named Premier League manager of the month for the first time while Tottenham's Son Heung-min becomes the first Asian to win the players' award.

Liverpool had a 100% record last month, beating champions Leicester, Chelsea and Hull and scoring 11 goals.

"It's nice, but I prefer collecting points to personal prizes," said Klopp.

South Korean forward Son, 24, scored four goals for Spurs in three games in September.

"This is my dream, to get the award," said Son. "I want to get it a second time, a third time."

He added: "When I take the award home, my family will be crazy like you can't believe - they will be really happy."

Klopp, 49, has guided Liverpool to fourth in the league, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Sport Slaming Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Rohr, Eagles need support to consolidate

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ver the years, Nigerians have lost faith in the Super Eagles. The 2013 Nations Cup victory in South Africa came as a surprise. Nobody saw it coming but somehow the feat achieved evaporated soon after. Sad enough, it was the same coach, late Stephen Keshi, who raised the solid team that orchestrated the destruction of the same team with sentiments.

After the 2013 win, Nigeria is yet to take part in the continental football fiesta. It is so sad. Sunday Oliseh took over from Keshi and he was not good enough to fix the problems in the national team. Rather, Oliseh took Eagles to Tanzania to record a goalless draw which placed the team in difficult situation until Nigeria eventually crashed out.

Though I was not happy with the delay in engaging a coach, I was one of those who supported the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to go for a foreign coach.

I have a soft spot for Samson Siasia but somehow things did not work out between him and the federation. At that point, one was tired of recycling of the 1994 set of Eagles as national coaches. Keshi, Oliseh, Dan Amokachi, Siasia, took their turns after Austin Eguavoen.

Last weekend in Ndola, Gernot Rohr gave Nigerians a semblance of what he could do with the Eagles. The tactician came out with a line up with six players under the age of 23. The German showed so mush guts and deep knowledge of the game with his decisions. He ensured that the players were one united bunch. I learn on good authority that the atmosphere in camp is such that players will always want to be together. The reverse was the case under Oliseh who turned the camp to a warfront of sort. This time the players enjoyed friendly atmosphere and the technical input of Rohr is beginning to manifest.

The friendly camp situation manifested on the pitch during the Zambia, Nigeria match at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola as the players fought for one another to get the result needed in the encounter.

Eagles’ Vice Captain, Ahmed Musa, was not in the starting lineup for the Eagles. How many Nigerian coaches can keep Musa on the bench for 80 minutes?

Rohr picked his team based on the current form of the players and he never looked at their faces and did not care who gets hurt. I also learnt reliably that the German revealed his team list to the players even before the team left Nigeria for Zambia.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi have brought in so much vibrancy into the Eagles’ attack but Rohr will still have to work on the two other players to complement them. It is important that the past two indigenous coaches did not find these two players good enough. They were said to be too young. Iwobi and Iheanacho have been consistent with Arsenal and Manchester City in the EPL and it is not a surprise that they are doing well in the Eagles.

Kudos to Rohr for having faith in these youngsters.

The three points recorded in Ndola was crucial but the road to Russia 2018 is still very long. With the 1-1 draw recorded by other teams in group B - Algeria and Cameroon – Nigeria should capitalize on the situation Eagles are. The fixtures are in favour of the Eagles just as I have highlighted after the draw. Rohr and his men should be supported by all to nail Algeria and Cameroon here in Nigeria in the next two matches.

Rohr looks to me like someone ready to work and so sure of what he wants to do. He is focused. The German needs the NFF to get all the logistics right for all the games in the qualifiers starting with the November 12 date with the Desert Foxes.

The litigations hovering over the federation should be sorted out because the timing of some of these court cases affects the topshots of the federation. Any distraction now could be too costly for the team. There is enough time now to look for money instead of late rush for funds.

The technical crew and the players should not lack anything this time because after all the string of failures in football, Russia 2018 ticket is a MUST for the Eagles.

Rohr and his boys are on track and they should be motivated to consolidate position until the World Cup ticket is won.

News 55

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

15 October 2016

Glorious

Home Call We commiserate with the family of Late Mrs. Dorcas Tabitha Yakubu Maigari of Maigari Bangaro Compound Angwan Yashiyi Kafanchan Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State as she's being laid to rest today.

BURIAL ARRANGEMENT Saturday, 15th Oct, 2016 Venue: Maigari Bangaro Compound Angwan Yashiyi Kafanchan Jema'a Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

TIME: 10.00am

LATE MRS DORCAS TABITHA YAKUBU MAIGARI (1956 – 2016)

Signed:

ORJI UZOR KALU (MON) Former Governor of Abia State

SATURDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2016

DESTINATION NIGERIA AVIATION:

'Aviation industry pivotal to economic development'

p.42

SPORTS WORD SEARCH WIGAN ATLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB PLAYERS

Power Grigg Warnock Morsy James Morgan Davies McCann Jacobs

Pearce Hendry Garcia Wabara Anson Barnett Chow Flores

SATURDAY

Sanctity of Truth

N150

PERSPECTIVE

- QUOTE OF THE DAY -

Using Themis to tame judicial recklessness

Political correctness is tyranny with manners - Charlton Heston

p.53

Costa, Vardy in battle of strikers Ajibade Olusesan

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Costa

traight battle between Chelsea’s Diego Costa and Leicester’s Jamie Vardy will be the key point when London comes alive today with an English Premier League tie between the Blues and the Foxes.

Both of them could determine where the pendulum will swing in this tie as the two sides desperately seek to pick the maximum points.

Costa is arguably the most in-form striker in the EPL at the moment. The Spaniard has six times and he is a constant threat no matter the opposition. Keeping him quiet will be key for Leicester.

After three straight defeats on the road, the reigning champions are searching for their first away point of the season and their main goal scoring threat will, once again, be Vardy. The Englishman, like Algerian Riyad Mahrez, hasn’t hit the heights he did last season thus far, but the danger he poses is as great as ever.

Last term, Vardy scored twice as many goals as Costa on the way to the title, but Chelsea's rampaging striker looks far more menacing at the moment.

Vardy relied heavily on the supply from Mahrez last term but the Algerian has been lackluster and that consequently affected the Englishman.

While there is nothing to suggest Vardy and Vardy Islam Slimani are not compatible, the Algerian is more of a traditional striker than Shinji Okazaki, whose unselfish industry often paved the way for the Foxes No 9 to score his goals.

Coach Claudio Ranieri understands the problem and he said he was trying to fix it ahead of this clash.

He said: “There is a very good link between the three (Vardy, Slimani and Mahrez) and I think this is the strength of our future “In the training sessions I put the three together to manage better and better every situation. I believe in these three guys. There are special sessions, and also when we play matches they stay always together so they can link every time better, to get a better understanding.”

However, an interesting thing to look at is that Costa is currently on four yellow cards for the season, and a booking in this one will see him miss Chelsea’s game against Manchester United next week. The striker will need to keep his calm, but also bring the right amount of aggression to the party.

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