Saturday, september 3, 2016 binder1

Politics

We've lost confidence in Kekemeke –Akeredolu

ONDO APC PRIMARIES

SATURDAY Saturday, September 3, 2016

Vol. 3 No. 927

City&Crime Update

Akeredolu has been rejected by the people Pgs. –APC chair 46, 47

SUSPECTS

We bought over 100 exotic cars from robbers, kidnappers

Pg. 11 5

Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

N150

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

EXPERTS TO NIGERIANS

prepare for the worst

INI EDO

Selling yourself for roles won't take you far

PAGE 9

l Recession may increase mental illness l Communicable, non-communicable diseases will rise l Expect upsurge in bank robberies, kidnappings, internet fraud lMore marriages to break up

Pg. 19

EXECUTED NIGERIAN DRUG PEDDLER

'Why we gave our son befitting burial' l Got married in prison

l Indonesian wife's relatives attended burial in Nigeria l Built houses for widows, indigents Pg. 50

PDP chair shot dead in Ondo Pg. 19

Ezimoha's mansion. Inset: The deceased

Pg. 8

2

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Comment

A

Sanitising Lagos

ugust 10 was a sad day for many traders in Isheri-Idimu Area of Lagos as bulldozers moved in to demolish over 500 shops and shanties built on the Right of Way (RoW) of high tension power cables at Oba Wahab Ayinde Balogun Modern Market, Isheri Olofin, Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State.

The exercise, which was jointly carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, was aimed at making the Lagos Mega City environment friendly and liveable.

Traders, residents and owners of demolished properties wept profusely while lamenting their losses. Many of the traders had paid between N1.5 million and N3 million to the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area to secure the shops built under the deadly high tension cables.

These included lock-up shops, K-clamps, kiosks etc., built in contravention of the state’s building law. One of the traders explained to a reporter that he had paid over N13m of his life investments to acquire some of the demolished shops.

This is in spite of government’s repeated warnings to the property owners to vacate the area for safety and health reasons. The state, in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola, had stated its determination to enforce the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 in a bid to maintain a liveable and friendly environment in the Lagos Mega City.

Lagos State’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 prohibits building under the centre-line of overhead electric wires. The law also specifies the distance to be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN high tension cables. The law recommends setback for buildings of not less than six metres for 11KV wire lines and nine metres for the 33KV wire lines.

Sometime in 2014, eight people, including a pregnant woman and another nursing mother, were electrocuted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when a high tension cable snapped and landed on vegetable traders at the busy Apata Market.

Also, in May this year, a 14-year-old school leaver was cut down in her prime when a high tension wire fell on her. All these are avoidable calamities.

While we wonder why citizens would subject themselves to dangers by living and transacting business precariously under the

high tension electricity cables, we commend the state government for being proactive in saving citizens’ lives. One of the roles of government is to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens. No responsible government will fold its arms while allowing its citizens risk their lives. The lives that could be lost if a high tension cable should disconnect is better imagined than experienced as electricity kills within seconds.

The government has also demonstrated that it would not tolerate any form of illegality, no matter the quarter it is coming from. The demolition has shown that the Ambode administration is working. The demolition has also proved that illegality has no place in contemporary Lagos.

Two land grabbers, alleged to be relations of a traditional ruler in Isheri, had claimed ownership of the land where the structures were demolished. They had earlier stormed the place with thugs, dislodging artisans and mechanics using the place. In the process, lives, as well as properties, worth millions of naira, were lost. The duo was alleged to have collected several millions of naira from the developer who built the illegal shops in conjunction with officials of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area. It took the developer under one month to erect the shops.

We condemn in its entirety the actions of these land grabbers who, because of their closeness to a monarch, would perpetuate illegality in a state where law and order prevails.

Also condemnable is the action of the local government officials who should know that building under high tension cables is illegal in Lagos State, but still allowed such illegality to be perpetuated.

We call on the Lagos State government to investigate this matter and punish or prosecute any of its officials found to have soiled their hands in this matter. The suspected land grabbers should also be brought to book, should the investigation find them guilty.

While commending the prompt action of the Lagos State government in saving lives and property by the demolition, we call on the government not to relent in its bid to achieve zero tolerance with regards to all structures and properties built under high tension cables across the state.

Government should take the bold step of demolishing all structures built under high tension distribution cable, not only in Lagos, but in all the states of the federation to avoid deaths by electrocution.

We hail the Ambode administration’s determination and will to step on toes in its plan to maintain a friendly environment and prevent needless deaths in Lagos.

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

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani (Leave of Absence)

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

Contents | 03.09.16

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

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

The sway maxi dress

INSTYLE

Maxi dresses are not only one of the most comfortable, flattering and breezy items of clothing to wear, but they’re also surprisingly versatile.

From dressed up fancy to a little bit funky, work appropriate to playful weekend ensembles, maxi dress can do the magic it properly styled

}15

Mystyle

Simplicity is watchword for Tyna Augustina Enechile Abraham fondly called Tyna style is simple yet classy. The beautician and event planner who is the CEO of TYTIS describes herself as ‘the ordinary girl with an extra ordinary content’ and talks about her sense of fashion which she describes as simple, decent yet classy

}17

Interiors

Cool black sofas A black leather couch is a bold, perpetually stylish décor choice, but the immediately eye-catching nature of a black centrepiece presents its problems however. But if you want to make your living room more welcoming and inviting try placing comfortable cushions and pillows on your black leather sofa

}18

SHOWBIZ

Ini Edo’s new niche A leading Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has shrugged off negative reports peddled about her.

Rather than the standard fare of addressing the salacious tales that once plagued her career and marriage, she talks about her appointment as a Special Assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, the challenges and prospects

}19

SPORT

Galadima’s damning verdict Former Nigeria Football Assoctaion Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, has identified instability and corruption as bane of Nigerian sports. He should know. He counsels those in positions of authority and indeed Nigerians to define what they want to achieve with sports if there must be a revival of the country’s sports

}27

THE ARTS

Fighting language battle Olutayo Irantiola is a culture activist and host of Yoruba Lakotun, aimed at promoting Yoruba literacy in diverse ways such as poetry, music, creative writing and other art forms that would continually showcase the beauty entrenched in it

}37

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEMPTEMBER 2016

3

Wristwatches: From time gauging to fashion accessory

Pictures that tell stories

Ancient Greek timepiece

News Okegwo Kenechwkwu, Charles Onyekwere and Igbeaku Orji

T

he apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, the Ohaneze Ndigbo and some other groups in the SouthEast have called on the governors of the zone and their counterparts in the SouthSouth to emulate the grazing law passed in Ekiti State

by Governor Ayodele Fayose as a means of checking the activities of herdsmen.

Specifically, the groupsIndigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), challenged the SouthEast Governors’ Forum to end the Fulani herdsmen attacks on the people of the region or be ready to face the wrath of the people.

Reacting to the incessant attacks, the President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in the region, Chief Chris Eluemuno, said the group had consistently called on the South-East Governors’ Forum to address the menace of the insecurity facing the region.

He said: “We have severally and collectively called on the governors of the region to toe the steps taken by the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, who had banned the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the state.

“I want them to follow that line and if they don’t want, then let them allow them (herdsmen) to wipe out the zone. I am tired of saying one thing everyday.”

Eluemuno, however, expressed shock over the recent killing in Nkanu, Enugu State, describing the attack as inhuman, barbaric and callous.

Commenting also, the Igbo groups argued that

P

eople’s engagement with time is long, and it is considered that time was understood by the position of the sun long time ago. Sundials are assumed to be used as a tool to measure time more than 10,000 years ago according to literary materials. In Egypt, people understood time at night based on the position of stars around 3400 BC, and then timepieces for measuring time were created using various materials including water, candles, and oil.

And so between 1090 and 1873 explored mainly by China, Japan and Italy, what would today be one of the most important fashion accessories and a must-own item. But the clock industry by handicraft manufacturing grew in Paris and London in the 18th century, and the evolution of ra-

tional production system in the U.S. in the 19th century made a huge leap of mechanical clocks.

In 1927, the quartz clock was invented in the United States, and efforts were made in Japan to miniaturize these quartz clocks. In 1969, the ground-breaking quartz analog watch was released, and the precision of watches progressed rapidly. Subsequently, in 1973, liquid-crystal quartz digital watches were released. In addition, standard time and frequency signal transmission stations were established in Japan in 1999 and 2001. This enabled reception of the exact time country-wide, and Radio-controlled clocks were successively released. Today watches are not necessarily used to gauge time, it’s also largely used for fashion and at other times a status symbol.

Today's wrist watch

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Herdsmen attack: Ohanaeze, MASSOB, IPOB want Fayose’s method adopted

the call became necessary following the “near silence” of the Federal Government over the matter.

On his part, IPOB’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Emma Powerful, in a telephone interview, said: “All the South-East and South-South governors should adopt the Ekiti State example.”

He added that the recent arrest of armed herdsmen in Enugu State “showed that the herdsmen were executing an agenda best known to them. It is a systematic plan to decimate Biafra.”

Powerful called on national and House of Assembly members from the zones to support the governors in raising a legislation against the activities of the herdsmen in the South-East.

The IPOB spokesperson also praised Fayose for living up to expectation

as a leader, urging other southern governors and politicians to emulate him.

“We urge the southern governors especially the South-East and South-South governors to follow the way of their counterpart in Ekiti State to ban the Fulani herdsmen in their respective states.

“The second attack on Enugu people again shows that the Fulani herdsmen are up to something and are being sent by their masters in Aso Villa, Abuja.

“The Fulani herdsmen are supposed to be stopped because of their barbaric and inhuman treatment of their fellow citizens. How can real human beings rape old women and girls because you see them in the farm?

And after rape, you kill the person. That is the real life of the beast. As they are doing all these the government of the day will not talk but

rather encourage them to create more confusion in the state they enter.

“With Ayodele Fayose's bold steps towards ending the activities of Fulani herdsmen in his state, we expect more reasonable governors from South-East and South-South to follow his example and stop them, not just stopping but ban them outright,” Powerful noted.

Also reacting, the MASSOB in a statement signed by its National Leader, Uchenna Madu, noted that the current Igbo governors were afraid of President Buhari.

The statement noted: “Fayose has become the best friend of Ndigbo.

On the streets of urban cities and villages of rural areas in Igboland, the man Fayose is commanding respect, honour and praises because of his eloquence

in criticising the wicked and evil policies of this administration against Christians and the people of Southern Nigeria.”

The group stressed that it would continue to acknowledge eloquent, fearless, selfless and friendly leaders like Fayose, who truly is a pride of Ndigbo.

“He will always be welcomed and received with joy in Biafra land.

Signing the anti-grazing bill into law in Ekiti State is a further proof that he is the governor of the people not Buhari’s boy. The people of Ekiti State and the entire Yoruba people are happy with him.

“The governors of the Igbo land with their numerous SA's, PA's, commissioners, are still waiting for President Buhari to allow them rise up in defence of their states from Fulani herdsmen criminal attack on the citizens of their

Portfolio investment: CBN amends forex manual Tony Chukwunyem

A

s part of efforts to boost portfolio investment in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has amended the relevant provision of its foreign exchange manual.

The amendment allows Nigerians and foreigners who bring in funds through authorized dealers to invest such funds in money market instruments, bonds and equities.

In a circular posted on its website, the apex bank,

stated: “…The provision of memorandum 21 of the foreign exchange manual on the subject is hereby amended as follows: A resident/non-resident Nigerian national and/or entities and foreign national or entity may invest in Nigeria by way of purchase of money market instruments such as Commercial Papers, Negotiable Certificates of Deposits, Bankers’ Acceptances, Treasury Bills, etc.”

It, however, said the investment must meet some documentation requirements

including a SWIFT message evidence of the remittance of funds, board resolution of the local beneficiary authorizing the investment (in the case of a company) and the stated purpose of the capital importation.

The CBN also stated that prospective investors must appoint a local bank or broker as an agent to purchase the instruments, adding that the funds must be transferred electronically to a designated bank.

It further stipulated that on receipt of the funds, the

bank will within twenty four hours, issue a certificate of capital importation to the investor.

The CBN stressed that: “For the avoidance of doubt, only funds inflow through the authorised dealer by resident/non resident Nigerian nationals and companies specifically for purpose of investment shall be eligible.

“Consequently, balances on exports domiciliary and ordinary domiciliary accounts shall not be eligible for the investment.”

respective states. Ndigbo will be happy if our governors will emulate their counterpart from Ekiti state, the electorate, village women and men, their children will always celebrate any Igbo governor that is not a coward.

“Governance is not only about sitting in office attending to friends, associates and praise singers or listening to biased reports or reading stupid memos. True governance is about the governor coming out to feel the pains, suffering, mourning, cries, hopelessness, lack of social amenities, devastating blackout from electricity distributing companies, rampaging of Fulani herdsmen and their cows in peoples farms.

“The governors of our Igbo states should rise up from their slumber in defence of their citizens and electorates; they will be massively voted out in the second tenure,” Madu stated.

Commenting, a chieftain of the OYC, Mr. Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said: “The South-East should emulate (Governor) Ayo Fayose as a way to checkmate the activities of herdsmen.”

He advised Enugu State, Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to expedite action in adopting the grazing bill without further delay, given the renewed attacks by herdsmen in the state.

It would be recalled that Fulani herdsmen recently attacked the people of Attakwu, in Akagbeugwu Awkunanu, in Enugu State, killing a Catholic priest and injuring many others.

4

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

Minister to meet AMCON over Aero crisis

A

Wole Shadare

ero Contractors workers can now heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has assured that none of them would lose their jobs while promising to restructure the airline.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made this known when he addressed the workers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The minister who identified some of the challenges facing the airline said he would meet with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the management of Aero Contractors with a view to resolving the labour empasse.

He told the workers that the Federal Government would make sure that the problems plaguing the airline was solved, noting that it is the responsibility of government to create jobs and therefore would not allow any business concern to die under its watch.

“I landed from Riyadh to Lagos and before I left Riyadh, I was informed by the people in charge in Aero that things were getting worse and they have

l No one will lose job –Sirika

only one airplane operational at the moment and I said to myself since I have time between my flight to Lagos and connecting one to Abuja, I decided to come and see Aero and probably discuss a few issues with the managers and possibly see the staff, but unfortunately I came here and saw that there is a protest going on, so I had to stop by, listened, discussed and came

to an agreement.

“The primary purpose of government, especially this APC government is to help to promote, nurse, sustain, develop, keep businesses so that they can continue to provide services and employ our people, so it is not the government of APC that will kill jobs and close down shops; our intent is to promote jobs and promote businesses in

Nigeria so that businesses will be growing,” the minister said.

Sirika said the workers had the right to protest because they could not just be relieved of their jobs, so he assured them that government must resolve the issues concerning the airline to have it back on track.

“I think the protest is justifiable and I agree with

the issues raised, but we will look into it and come up with a solution that will be mutually beneficial to all of us both the staff, the company and government itself. I have appealed to the staff and they have agreed that we will reconvene here on Monday and listen to each other and also develop a road map and agree on what to do to rejuvenate the airline, being a premier company in this country,” he said.

He also observed that

Moody’s forecasts subdued growth for Nigeria Tony Chukwunyem with agency report

G

lobal rating agency, Moody's Investors Service, has said that subdued growth in the Nigerian economy could be undermined if the country's production levels don't recover.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had said on Wednesday that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 thereby confirming speculations that the economy is now in a recession.

The oil-sector contribution’s to total real GDP for

the country declined by 1.45 per cent year-on-year, the NBS stated.

Moody's said that although the Federal Government should be able to withstand some pressures, rising inflation and other growth challenges remain.

"The government of Nigeria continues to face low oil prices, volatile oil production, a spike in inflation that has eroded purchasing power, foreign exchange scarcity and an economy that has entered technical recession,” the report read. “Moody's projects stagnation in real GDP in 2016 and only subdued growth at 2.5 per cent in 2017.”

The Federal Government has said oil production during the second quarter declined almost 20 per cent from the previous period.

Burdened already by revenue lost to lower crude oil prices, Nigeria production is the target of a campaign from militant Niger Delta Avengers, one of the more active groups of its kind in the region. In an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, the movement said it ended its hostilities and was now calling for a restructuring of the country. It says the administration is sidelining the interests of the people in favor of oil interest in the

Niger Delta.

On the financial front, Moody's said a government move to devalue the currency could help offset some of the loss from the oil sector, but could also push the rate of inflation toward 20 per cent by the end of the year.

“We expect that Nigeria will contain pressures on its public finances in the short term,” Aurelien Mali, a credit officer at Moody's said in a statement. “However, there is greater doubt about the severity of the impact of these challenges, particularly on government liquidity and economic growth, over the medium term.”

although AMCON which took over the airline because of the toxic loans it owed banks, but noted that the decision of the government agency was not out of place as its mission was to sustain the airline, adding that now that it is under threat, government would ensure that the airline was revived to continue to serve the public and keep its workers.

“I think what is going on now started sometime ago. The reason why AMCON came to rescue Aero Contractors or any other business was due to the wisdom of the government of the past and we respect that wisdom and because AMCON is constitutionally established by the Act of Parliament to take this responsibility, but in doing this job we must look at the fundamentals.”

“So if there is a problem of this nature we must look and find out what is happening. We are aware of the problem of the legacy, we are aware of the management problems and we are aware of where the planes are and we are also aware of what has been going on with maintenance. So we will try to resolve these problems,” Sirika said.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEMPTEMBER 2016

5

PENGASSAN threatens strike over non-implementation of agreement

N

igeria may be plunged into another round of fuel crisis as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to resume its suspended strike if the Federal Government refuses to enforce the implementation of an agreement reached among the tripartite partners in the industry.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, dated August 22 and signed by the acting General Secretary, PENGASSAN, Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, stated that since the agreement was signed over a month ago, there had been no much progress or commitment towards implementing the tenets of the agreement.

The union, therefore, urged the minister to intervene by calling on the defaulting managements

who refused to implement the agreement to order so as to avert another round of nationwide strike.

PENGASSAN expressed dismay at the disobedience of the Federal Government’s directive such as the high level of authorities of the minister by the managements of those companies.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS), the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

According to PENGASSAN, the agreement was reached at the end of the conciliation meetings held at the instance of the minister with PENGASSAN, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other stakeholders on July

Sokoto withdraws students from foreign varsities

S

okoto State government has given approval for the transfer back home of 39 of its indigenes currently in various schools in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The government stated that in today’s exchange rate, the move would enable the government to save over N500 million from the policy.

The government said this signalled change of priorities in the payment of scholarship to study abroad.

The state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who said this yesterday in Sokoto, when he received the report of the committee instituted to advise government on the issue, said: “The transfer/relocation of the students was necessitated by the need to conserve funds and apply same to more critical areas in the education sector.”

He added that admissions had been secured for all the students in Nigerian schools, while arrangements had been made to

Temitope Ogunbanke

H

uman rights activists and leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been urged to emulate the late legal icon and rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, in defending Nigerian democracy and fight against violation of human rights.

Speaking during a rally organised by Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) in Lagos yesterday in commemoration of late Fawehinmi’s seven years remembrance, the President of Woman

ensure that none of them misses a grade level upon their return home.

“As at the time we sent the children to Dubai to study last year, the state government was spending over N400 million per annum to maintain them there. The last administration had good intentions when it sent them to Dubai to further their studies, but the current financial situation of the state can no longer allow us to continue with this burden.

“We explained to the parents and guardians of the students that as at today, Sokoto State Government spends over N500 million to maintain 17,000 of its citizens on scholarship in various schools in Nigeria. So, having to pay N400 million for 38 students in Dubai was weighing heavily on the scarce resources of the state.

“We thank them for their understanding,” the governor added.

12, 14 and 21 in Abuja.

The letter read in part, “It is over a month now since the last communiqué was reached and we can say in summation that no much progress has been achieved. This of course is making our members restive and we are under tremendous pressure to bring about a total resolution on all the contending issues.

“We are constrained, therefore, to note with great dismay that most of the com-

panies are foot-dragging and have resorted to time-wasting tactics in order to deliberately frustrate the process.

“We are, therefore, based on the above, requesting that you use your good offices to intervene by calling on the managements of these companies to quickly implement these resolutions as it affects them.

Else we will be left with no alternative than to succumb to the pressure from our members and do what

CISCON, and Baker Hughes, among others.

Speaking on the issue, PENGASSAN National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, explained that the agreement was signed as a prerequisite to calling off the last nation-wide strike by the union, adding that there was nothing preventing the managements of the companies from respecting signed agreements as contained in the communiqué.

L-R: Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Founder and CEO, Facebook, Mr. Mark Zuckerberg, using his mobile phone to record his picture and the president, during his visit to the State House, in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Alleged misconduct: Shippers’ council staff petitions Presidency Olalekan Osiade

S

ome members of staff of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order investigation into the alleged irregular recruitment and placement said be going on within the organisation.

The group’s call was contained in a petition sent to the president, in which Buhari was urged, to, as part of his administration’s anti-corruption campaign, immediately stop the irregularities so as avert a repeat of what happened during the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment in 2014.

The group in its petition dated May 16, stated that such practices were not in line with the conduct and rules of the Civil Ser-

vice, while frowning at the mode of recruitment in the council.

“An example of these is the case of a female deputy director (name withheld), who is being considered for the post of a substantive director by the management, while she occupies a position that oversees the quality of personnel in our organisation.”

According to the petition, the said deputy director graduated in 1987 and was employed as a Confidential Secretary by a former managing director.

“Against the Civil Service Rules, she was placed on Grade Level (GL) 12. It should be noted that Miss XYZ had no working experience in the public sector before this appointment.

She only had a short stint in the private sector. Against

Activists urged to emulate Gani Fawehinmi Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; GAFAMORG’s chairman, Comrade Ayodele Akele and other activists said it had remained impossible for anybody to step into Fawehinmi’s shoes after his death.

During the rally, largely dominated by members of the National Conscience Party (NCP), the political party founded by the late activist, people trekked from Ikeja Round About to Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota in honour of the deceased.

needs to be done in furtherance of our mandate.”

The union listed the companies that refused to honour their own parts of the agreement reached during the various engagements among the tripartite. The managements are Mobil Producing Nigeria Contract Staff Forum, Fugro Nigeria Limited, Petrostuff Nigeria, Tecon, Frontier Oil Limited, Universal Energy Resources Limited, Pan Ocean, Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited,

Okei-Odumakin said without Fawehinmi, Nigeria would not have recorded any success democratically.

She therefore urged all activists to organise themselves and embraced the virtues that the late activists died for.

“It has been seven years that Nigeria lost its most priceless and principled defender of human rights and democratic values. We are remembering Gani for his doggedness and principled commitment and for the defence of the down trodden.

He taught us how to stand firm and demand our rights.

“Although Gani died without realising the Nigeria of his dream, there is no gain saying the fact that things would have been worse without his fights.

His absence has created a big gap which daily challenges the rest of us. The greatest tribute that can be paid his memory is for many more Nigerians to rise in his shade to fill the void his departure has left in the struggle for a better Nigeria,” she said.

the procedure guiding scheme of service, she was migrated from the position of a confidential secretary to officers cadre.

“In 2003, she sat for the promotion examination from GL.14 to GL.15 and did not perform well enough to be promoted. Your Excellency, we want to say that this examination remains the only examination process that she has ever gone

through in the council!

“With effect from July 1, 2007, she was promoted to the position of assistant director. However, it must be made clear that this promotion was backdated to 2003 even though she did not perform well to be promoted then. She was promoted to the position of the deputy director notionally with effect from January 1, 2008,” the petition reads.

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME

AYEDUN

I formerly know and addressed as AJADI ISIAKA AYEDUN now wishes to be known and addressed as AYEDUN AJADI ISIAKA. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

The general public please take note

RACHAEL

I formerly know and addressed as OPAWANDE ADEOLA RACHEAL now wishes to be known and addressed as Oluwatowoju ADEOLA RACHEAL. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public please take note

SAMUEL

This is to confirm that AKUAOWEI DININI and AKUAOWEI MERCY SAMUEL refer to one and same person. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as AKUAOWEI MERCY SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and general public take note.

anosike

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ENYIDEDE PRECIOUS AMARACHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANOSIKE PRECIOUS AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

adhalakpo

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

ONYEMAH

This is to confirm that OHIRI ESTHER ONYEMAH which I used to open my account and OHIRI ESTHER ONYEMAH NNENE in my BVN registration refer to one and same person. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as OHIRI ESTHER ONYEMAH NNENE. All former documents remain valid.

First bank Plc and general public take note.

enimeketeme I formerly known and addressed as IGODO MATTHEW now wish to be known and addressed as IGODO ENIMENI ENIMEKETEME. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank Plc and the general public please take note.

asogwa

I formerly known and addressed as MISS PAUL CHIKAODILI DOROTHY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ASOGWA CHIKAODILI DOROTHY. All former documents remain valid. UNN and the general public please take note.

enoni

I, formerly known and addressed as IGRUBIA EDDY NALABH, now wish to be known and addressed as ENONI NALABH. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

6

News

Olaniyi Aderuku

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arely three weeks after three Nigerian pilgrims were arrested in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 55-year-old female pilgrim, Mrs Binuyo Basira Iyabo, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for testing positive to narcotic ingestion.

She was placed under observation by officials of the drug agency after excreting 76 pellets of substances found to be cocaine.

Similarly, officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, also intercepted a 37-year-old father of three children for inserting seven wraps of cocaine weighing 355 grammes inside his anus. Both suspects were travelling to Saudi Arabia and China where drug trafficking

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

Drugs: NDLEA arrests pilgrim at Abuja Airport is punishable by death.

NDLEA commander at the NAIA, Hamisu Lawan, said the female suspect was still under observation until she expels all the ingested pellets of drugs.

“Binuyo was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight to Medina through Dubai. She has so far excreted 76 pellets of drugs that tested positive for cocaine. Meanwhile, she is still under observation until the drugs are completely expelled,” Hamisu stated.

Binuyo hails from Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. She is

married with three children and a trader at Dosumu Market, Lagos. In her statement, she agreed to smuggling the drugs for a fee.

“I am a trader in Lagos, married with three children.

I wanted to expand my cosmetic business but I had no money. My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage. I was excited until I was asked to take drugs along. I wanted to refuse but considering the offer of N1m, I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina but I was caught in the process,” she stated.

The other suspect was

Buhari meets Facebook founder Zukerberg in Aso Rock

...commends his enterpreneural spirit Anule Emmanuel, Abuja

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with the founder of Facebook, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Zukerberg did not speak to State House Correspondents after his meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes.

The Facebook founder was in Nigeria on his first trip to subSaharan Africa.

Receiving the internet entrepreneur President Buhari said the various meetings held with Nigerian youths were most timely as the country was already exploring opportunities to stimulate development through entre-

preneurship.

“Nigeria has always been identified as a country with great potential for growth, especially with our youthful population, but now we are moving beyond the potential to reality.

“I am impressed by your simplicity in sharing your knowledge and wealth with those with less income,’’ the President said.

Buhari noted that the simplicity and magnanimity of the entrepreneur, who is among the world’s richest men, had also challenged the culture of lavish wealth display and impulsive spending that had become peculiar to Nigerians.

“In our culture, we are not used to seeing successful people appear like you. We are not used to seeing successful

people jogging and sweating on the streets.

“We are more used to seeing successful people in air-conditioned places. We are happy you are well-off and simple enough to always share,” he added.

In his remarks, Zuckerberg said he was impressed by the interest, energy and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by young Nigerians in all the ICT camps that he had visited.

“I was highly impressed by the talent of youths in the Co-creation Hub in Yaba. I was blown away by their talent and the level of energy that I saw,” he said.

Zuckerberg said he was in the country to promote the penetration of “fast and cheap” internet connectivity, Express-wifi, that would help people create online businesses and reduce poverty.

found to have inserted seven wraps of cocaine weighing 355 grammes inside his anus at the MMIA. He was apprehended during outward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight to Hong Kong, China, through Addis Ababa.

NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba, said the suspect who hails from Imo State holds a dual citizenship of Nigeria and Mali.

“An arrest has been made of a suspect travelling to Hong Kong, China. He hails from Imo State but was travelling with a Malian international passport. The name on his

Ibraheem Musa, Madina

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igerian pilgrims are paying exorbitant fees when they either make or receive phone calls in Saudi Arabia as the service providers charge high tariffs in the Holy Land.

Saturday Telegraph’s investigations show that most pilgrims rarely make or pick calls unless they are very urgent and necessary because they are usually charged for both incoming and outgoing calls.

“MTN charges N120 per minute and it doesn't matter if you only spend one second on the phone. The tariff regime is like what obtained during the pre per-second billing system", a Sokoto State pilgrim, Muhammad Ibrahim, told our correspondent in Madina yesterday.

He pointed out that Airtel and Etisalat were the preferred networks because they charge

PHOTO: LAGOS SPEAKER MEDIA

Edo Attorney General cautions against inconclusive election

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sive, but rather to declare the winner and allow the loser to approach an electoral tribunal for redress if dissatisfied with the result so declared.

He said: "In law, an election can be stopped before the first ballot is cast if INEC has reasons to believe that there are factors threatening the conduct of the election. But once the first ballot is cast and an election is conducted, the duty of INEC is to declare a winner and a loser".

Idahagbon said that the constant declaration of elections as inconclusive was not the type of situation envisaged

by Prof Jega, neither the type envisaged by President Mu-

hammadu Buhari. He thus advised the electoral body to put its acts together to ensure that the Edo State governorship election was concluded as scheduled.

He urged all stakeholders to put their hands on deck to ensure that the election was conducted peacefully, concluded on schedule, the result announced not later than September 11 and the winner declared accordingly as Edo people would not be interested in an inconclusive election.

On the possible outcome of the September 10 election, Idahagbon expressed confidence that the All Progressives Con-

Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.), expressed satisfaction with the arrest, stating that it is a product of diligence and vigilance.

“The arrest of the suspects is commendable. We will continue to be on the alert in protecting all exit and entry points from drug trafficking organisations. I am glad that the suspects were arrested here (in Nigeria) thus preventing them from untimely death and also protecting the image of our country from disrepute,” he stated.

Nigerian pilgrims groan over high telecoms tariffs

L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja ll); and a member of the assembly, Sikiru Osinowo, during the speaker’s visit to the monarch… yesterday.

he Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Honourable Henry Idahagbon, has described the recent spate of inconclusive elections in parts of Nigeria as an embarrassment to the country.

Idahagbon based his views on the performance of the Prof Atahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he assessed to have conducted some of the most credible elections in Nigeria.

He said that INEC does not have the legal power to declare an election inconclu-

passport is Diara Sauduo, while his Nigerian name is Okpalanem Henry. The case is under investigation,” the commander stated.

The suspect who excreted seven wraps of cocaine on his way to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death did not show any form of remorse.

He said: “I know that there is capital punishment for drug trafficking in China but I was optimistic of safe passage. Unfortunately, I was caught with only seven wraps. Maybe that is my destiny. I am married with three children.”

gress (APC) would defeat the People's Democratic Party (PDP) with a reasonable margin.

He said the Edo State governorship election was a referendum on the eight years of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led APC administration in the state, and that the governor had done well for his party to deserve the people's votes again.

He said: "Oshiomhole has imparted positively on the lives of Edo people by massive reconstruction of the state in such a manner that we have not witnessed since the time of Governor Ambrose Alli in the Second Republic."

N30 per second.

Speaking further, the pilgrim said that a Short Message Service (SMS) costs N60 for a few lines of texts on an MTN line.

Another pilgrim, who referred to himself just as Ali, said he had resorted to asking his wife to send him credits from Nigeria in order to cope with the high cost of telecommunications service in Saudi Arabia.

“I loaded N3,000 worth of air time on my MTN line before coming to Saudi but I exhausted it within two days. I didn’t make frivolous calls but before I knew it, my credits were gone after a few phone calls. I have been asking my wife to send credits to me,” he added.

According to our corre-

spondent’s findings, getting a Saudi line is very difficult because pilgrims cannot just buy SIM cards across the counter unlike what is obtainable in Nigeria.

“At Mobily telecommunications shops, pilgrims are expected to show their International passports before a line is sold to them. The problem is that most pilgrims don’t have their passports. So getting a phone line is impossible for many pilgrims,” another pilgrim, Usman Mohammad, told Saturday Telegraph.

“Even those who are lucky to have their passports, mostly officials, also find it difficult to secure a line because of the language barrier and long queues at sale points,” he pointed out.

INEC smart card reader stolen in Edo Cajetan Mmuta, BENIN

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fficials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday raised the alarm over the sudden disappearance of one of the smart card readers in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The dramatic loss of the smart card reader came just about one week to the actual conduct if the much expected governorship election fixed for September 10 by the electoral umpire in the state.

Saturday Telegraph learnt that the card reader was stolen during the training of presiding and assistant presiding officers meant for the conduct of the governorship polls in the Kukuruku hilly agrarian town and oldest council in the country.

Our paper further gathered that a man who disguised himself as a member of the Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stole the vital electoral item The real identity of the corps member is yet to be made public as at the time of filing this report even as it was also learnt that the suspect wants to use the smart card reader to secure access into the venue of the training of the presiding officers and others slated for Monday next week.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, had confirmed the loss of the smart card yesterday in a statement signed by

the Administrative Secretary, Oscar-Less Amaechi.

Olumekun described the incident as a ploy to tarnish the image of residents in the council area, pointing out however that the smart carder had not been configured for next Saturday's governorship election across the 18 council areas of the state.

The statement noted that: “INEC has observed the ploy to tarnish the good image of the good people of Akoko-Edo LGA, especially the inhabitants of Igarra. It is a challenge for the people of Akoko-Edo to fish out the impostor who, during the training of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers made away with the training smart‎ card reader, which has not been configured for election.”

The REC stated further that the loss had been reported to the police for necessary action and to bring the perpetrators to book but warned that any plan to discredit or disrupt the already scheduled conduct of the governorshi polls in the state would not be tolerated.

According to Olumekun, mefforts to disrupt the electoral process and credibility of the election would not be tolerated.

He said: “The INEC is using this medium to send a warning signal to all those who may be planning to disrupt the commission’s processes on election day to have a rethink because the law enforcement agents will descend on them.”

Meanwhile, tension has heightened in the affected council over the loss of the vital item.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

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Declare state of emergency in aviation sector, NANTA tells FG Andrew Iro Okungbowa and Wole Shadare

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he National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) yesterday lamented the worsening fortunes of the nation’s aviation industry, calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the sector, as that is the only way to ar-

rest the dwindling fortunes of the sector.

Speaking in Lagos during a media session organised by the South African Airways (SAA), the President of NANTA, Bankole Bernard, said what was happening in the sector was very alarming as virtually all the players in the sector are facing worsening situation arising from the economic crunch.

“What is happening in the aviation industry now is alarming and calls for a state

of emergency as we don’t have to wait until the industry collapses before we cry out. It is nose-diving as we can all see,” he said.

He further stressed that, the short fall in supply of foreign currencies has greatly hampered the operations of the sector and is threatening its extinction except urgent steps are taken by the Federal Government, pointing that since United Airlines and Iberia shutdown operations, other airlines have also reduced

Biafra not negotiable –Uwazurike Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

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eader of the Biafra Independence Movement/Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (BIM/MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has restated his resolve to actualise Biafra as an independent nation, declaring that adopting Nigeria was adopting slavery, corruption, poverty, marginalisation, inequality and instability.

Speaking through the group’s Director of Information, Mr. Chris Mocha, Uwazuruike said Biafra could never be wished away, while stressing that there is Biafran blood in every Igbo man.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to allow Biafrans secede; saying granting independence to Biafra will be good for Nigeria and all other ethnic nationalities.

“If I will not get Biafra, I wouldn’t have come out to start talking about it in the first place and the nonviolence method which I understudied for years in India would be defeated,” he said.

“We are firm that Biafra can never be wished away.

Therefore, under the present circumstance, we humbly apply to be admitted, registered or treated as the case may in any of the organ of the United Nations, having denounced our Nigerian nationality.

“Adopting Nigeria as our country would mean adopting slavery, corruption, inequality, poverty, marginalisation and instability,” Uwazulike stated.

He said Biafra is currently struggling to gain her independence from Nigeria through non-violence method, while urging world leaders and all other peace loving people of the world not to permit “the grand conspiracy being perpetrated against the Igbo” to continue.

their level of operations.

Bernard also lamented the poor state of the nation’s airport pointing out that most of the airports and aviation infrastructure are obsolete even as he condemned the airport concession move of the government saying in other climes frantic efforts are being made to develop and modernise airports for better efficiency.

Besides the present economic crunch, the NANTA president who is also the

GUSAU Army destroys two bandit camps in Zamfara NEWS IN BRIE F

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Troops of the 223 Light Tank Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Gusau have destroyed two more criminal hideouts in Dumburum forest of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

The Commander of the Battalion, Col. Aliyu Adamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Gusau yesterday.

Adamu said: “Troops from the battalion destroyed two bandits’ hideouts in Dumburum forest of Zurmi Local Government Area in the early hours of Thursday”.

He said intelligence indicated that two notorious gang leaders, Manu Wargaji and Bush, headed the hideouts.

Adamu explained that having sensed the approach of the troops to their hideouts, the bandits fled, leaving behind most of their belongings and 1, 355 animals.

Managing Director of Finchglow Travels Limited, blamed government bad policies and the inability of the various aviation agencies to effectively monitor and enforced regulations and guidelines as factors that are threatening to bring the sector to its kneel.

While lamenting the economic woes and loss of revenues as well as the technical issues confronting the airlines, he insisted that the only way out is for the Federal Government to declare

LAFIA Nasarawa inaugurates committee on salary adjustment

The Nasarawa State Government on Thursday inaugurated a tripartite committee to renegotiate the salary adjustment by the state government.

The 27-member committee headed by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Silas Agara, is expected to come out with the most acceptable salary template for the state as ordered by Governor Tanko Al-Makura.

Inaugurating the committee at the banquet hall of the Presidential Lounge in Lafia, the governor tasked the committee to do a good job even as Agara, who spoke on behalf of the committee, promised to discharge the assignment diligently.

a state of emergency in the sector.

“Aviation is suffering and things need to change and urgently too as what we have seen so far is a total collapse of the domestic scene and if proper bailout plan is not made for our local carriers, most of them will not survive because they are financially weak, but if the government comes to their aid with a well developed plan, we will have a change in our domestic airlines,” Bernard said.

MINNA Lawmaker empowers 2,000 artisans

The House of Representatives member representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Mohammed Umar Bago, has given over 2,000 people in Niger State some relief materials worth millions of naira.

The gesture according to the lawmaker is a means of empowerment to generate stable income, wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

Bago said the gesture is part of his promises to the people.

“This is the 5th stream of the foundation's project, we have 1,000 motorcycles, 250 tricycles, 1,000 grinding machines, 1,500 sewing machines, 3,000 barbing clippers, 1,000 generators, 1,000 deep freezers, 1,000 fridges, 1,000 carriage motorbikes, 1,500 vulcanizing machines, 1,500 water pump machines for irrigation farming, all in our store.”

‘No polio outbreak in Delta’

Dominic Adewole, ASABA

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elta State Government yesterday told the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) that the oil rich state has not recorded any case of polio outbreak for decades.

The state government told a UNICEF delegation, led

by Mr. Wilboard Ngambi, to take it’s searchlight to Borno State, where the disease recently reared its ugly head.

Receiving the team in Asaba on behalf of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said, with over 200 health care centres spread across the 25 council areas, maternal and child health care delivery had been adequately taken care of.

The Director in charge of Oversee Development Agency (ODA) in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Mrs. Patience Ogbewi, said the state has put strong machinery in place to check any possible outbreak.

The government assured the UNICEF team of the state's support for the programmes, even as Ukah stressed the need for early notification to enable the state prepare appropriately.

Ngambi said the wrong signal posed by the recent outbreak of the disease in Borno State, prompted the need to strengthen the country's health care system, while informing that UNICEF had opened a district headquarters in PortHarcourt to oversee Enugu, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Delta states.

He added that the essence of the visit to Delta State was to seek partnership with the state government on the cardinal goals of water projects, health care for children between 0-5 years, voluntary counseling/ testing to check mother to child transfer of HIV and polio eradication, among others.

L-R: Chief Operating Officer (COO), CWG Plc, Mr. Kunle Ayodeji, with students and teachers of Ajigbeda Girls Senior High School, during CWG Plc’s CSR contribution to the MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care Initiative; at CWG Academy, in Lagos…recently.

Gunmen kidnap 14 oil workers in Rivers

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Ndubuisi Ugah alpable tension yesterday enveloped Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State when reports filtered in that suspected gunmen have kidnapped

14 oil workers attached to Nestoil Plc. Though unconfirmed reports stated that the incident occurred around Omoku-Elele link road when the workers were accosted by the gunmen in the company’s bus which was conveying them

to the office, another report noted that the workers were abducted on their way back to Port Harcourt.

A source who spoke to Saturday Telegraph said the workers were diverted to an unknown destination at gunpoint but the police in the area

confirmed that they were already on top of the situation to unmask the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

When reached, the Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the develop

UNIJOS VC threatens to dismiss students with fake result

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Musa Pam, Jos he Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof Seddi Sebastian Mamako, has said that any student found to have gained admission into the university with fake results would be sent out of the institution.

Maimako gave the warning yesterday during a matriculation ceremony

for the admittance of 321 students into the Bachelor of Education part-time programme.

"You should note that if at any point in time any of you is found to have registered with false certificates or incomplete qualifications, you would be withdrawn from the programme.”

The Director, Institute of Education of the University, Mangut Manklik, represented the Vice Chancellor, at the matricula-

tion ceremony, where he warned against cultism and exam malpractice.

“We do not expect you to engage in cultic activities; we need to warn you that there is no room for cultism in this university.”

"If you are caught engaged in any form of examination misconduct, the appropriate laws governing examination misconduct in the university would be brought to bear and applied".

He charge the newly

admitted students to avoid examination misconduct all through their stay in the university, saying outright expulsion is the penalty for any student found to be a cultist.

Maimako also informed the students that the purchase of handouts from lecturers had been abolished, and urged them to report any lecturer who attempts to sell handouts.

“Let the students know that the ban on sale of handouts is still in place

in the university, and no lecturer should force students to buy such materials”, noting that the B.Ed programme was to boost elementary education in Nigeria.

“With the introduction of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, serving teachers with Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and Diploma in Education have been provided with an opportunity to upgrade their qualifications.”

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News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

Varsity dons, GOS task Ambode on inclusive governance model

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Muritala Ayinla ice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Chairman, African Culture and Development, Prof. Sophie Oluwole and Senator Ganiyu Solomon, have tasked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to intensify work on projects that will touch the lives of the residents.

They described the quarterly town hall meetings and the ongoing road projects in both the densely populated and high brow areas of the state as signs of inclusive government, saying more residents are productively engaged by those projects.

Speaking at the annual public lecture/book presentation event organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Information Chapel, Fagbohun, who was the guest speaker at the event, identified transparent governance, access to information, policy collaboration and par-

ticipatory budgeting as frontiers for inclusive governance.

According to the university don, the initiatives of the state governor in the areas of stakeholders’ engagement, quarterly town hall meeting and the creation of Office of Civic Engagement and Disability Affairs, are commendable.

"Within the space of one year, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has shown that he is conversant with every nerve and artery, and has good grasp of how growth and development can get to the grassroots.

Also speaking on the theme of the event entitled: “All Inclusive Government: Lagos State in Perspective,” Senator Solomon said Ambode cannot be said to be concentrating in developed areas, saying that the governor has touched all aspects that concern the people.

The senator, who also faulted the call in some quarters for part-time legislature in the country, said that the current challenges confronting the National Assembly do not warrant modification in the operation of the nation's law-making body.

Recovered loot not enough to revive economy –Mohammed Ndubuisi Ugah with agency reports

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inister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the looted fund recovered so far by the Federal Government is far cry from what the country needs to revive the economy.

The minister, who said this yesterday when he appeared on a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, said the amount of money recovered was always being made public.

He said: “What we have recovered and if my record is right is about N78 billion, and $3 million. We have been able to block various accounts in which about $9 billion is found but those are not money available to us because we are still in court over them.

“The government spends N165 billion every month to pay federal civil servants, even what has been so far recovered will not even pay 50 per cent of the salaries in a month.”

Mohammed assured Nigerians that every penny recovered will be judiciously spent and nobody could re-loot what had been recovered under the administration.

The minister further explained that Nigerians should understand that what had been recovered was so little compared to what the people needed on a continuous basis.

On budget release, he recalled that the Federal Ministry of Finance released N400 billion for capital projects, mostly on roads, railway, and power.

“N400 billion seems a lot, but you must also understand that for three or four years contractors were not paid.

“So, when we paid this money to contractors, they also use part of it to settle their own debt, they use part of it to recall laid off staff.

“But the truth of the matter is that many of them have been paid, they are yet to mobilise to site and they cannot do so until the rains are over.

Mohammed said what the government owed the contractors was about N2 trillion.

Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA okays modified house numbering system

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he Ayobo- Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has introduced a modified and customized house numbering system that will enhance adequate record and identification of houses in the area.

The Sole Administrator of the council, Abiodun Agbaje, stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and residents in the LCDA. Agbaje, who displayed the newly customised coloured plastic number boxes which safely accommodate utility bills of each houses, said the exercise

became a necessity, after it was discovered that houses in some areas were not properly numbered, while so many houses shared the same number.

He also used the forum to warn residents of the area of the calamitous implications of disposing refuse and other particles in canals and newly constructed drainages in the area, imploring them to create the awareness in their various communities to avoid ravage flooding.

The council boss said the registration for the Permanent Voters’ Card (P.V.C), is still on-going at Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Ikotun , especially for those who have just clocked the mandatory 18year age. He urged everybody to always be eager to perform their civic rights as Nigerians.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Samson Okwu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni and Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOCLC), Air Vice- Marshal Sani Ahmed, at this year’s Nigerian Air Force (NAF) logistics seminar held at NAF Officers’ Mess, Ikeja…recently

Ondo guber: PDP chair shot dead Babatope Okeowo, Akure

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hairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Niyi Pirisola, was in the early hours of yesterday shot dead by unknown assailants.

Pirisola before his election as the Chairman of PDP was a Caretaker Chairman of the local government fuelling the speculation that the killing has political motives.

Sources in the council area said Pirisola was on his way from the church when the suspected killers shot him and confirmed him dead before they left the scene.

It was learnt that the suspected assailants did not remove anything from him after he was killed.

The state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident but could not say the motive of the killers.

Joseph said the former chairman was coming from the church where he has gone for vigil before he met his untimely death.

But the state Chapter of the PDP said Pirisola was killed in his residence at Ilutitun in the council area.

In his condolence message, the Publicity Secretary, Prince Banji Okunomo, expressed deep shock, as he said: “While the PDP expresses shock at this inhuman act, we hereby call on all security agencies to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book.

“This is necessary because of the sensitivity of the times that we are in Ondo State

l ‘Kuku not interested in APC’ considering that the state is preparing for it governorship election come November 26.

“Ondo State has been widely acclaimed as one of the most peaceful states in the country. We must not allow hoodlums to tamper with this track record or dent our image in any way,”.

The police, however, said those responsible would be brought to book.

Also, the former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, yesterday denied the allegation that he is romancing the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of the November 26 governorship election in the state.

Kuku through his Kuku Support Group (KSG) said he would work for the candidate of People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election.

The Coordinator of KSG, Kennedy Peretei, said Kuku would not be forced to align with any of the factions seeking the control of the PDP both at the state and national levels Meanwhile, another aspirant, Mr. Derin Adesida, yesterday withdrew from the race to clinch the ticket of the party.

Adesida, who was the former House of Representatives lawmaker between 2007 and 2011 said he dropped his ambition in order to support another aspirant, Dr. Segun Abraham.

In a statement signed by head of media and Publicity of Derin Adesida Campaign Organisation (DACO), Mr. Adeyemi Lebimoyo, said

BIRMIN KEBBI Kebbi completes airlifts of 4,307 pilgrims to S’Arabia NEWS IN BRIEF

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Chairman of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Bala Sakaba, yesterday said the state had completed the transportation of 4,307 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj.

Sakaba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi that the pilgrims were directly flown to Medina.

He said they were transported by Max Airline from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, in nine flights.

The chairman added that about 3,807 of those transported were from different local government areas, while 500 were from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.

He commended the pilgrims from the state for their peaceful conduct during screening and departure procedures.

the former lawmaker having regard for the leadership of the party, decided to toll the path of loyalty and sacrifice his ambition “Being a very strong politician from Akure, Adesida is poised to make winning easy for the APC in his town. Adesida is still ever formidable and a force to reckon with in

Akure political circle. Stepping down from the race is to allow for the process to present our candidate to be less stressful.

“While I know that so of my delegates who are battle ready to see that we clinch this ticket may be disappointed, I want to implore them to understand that party interest must overide our personal ambitions."

Ondo guber: Multiple aspirants not good – Erubami

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Temitope Ogunbanke he President of the Nigeria Voters Assembly (NVA), Comrade Moshood Erubami, has expressed worry over the large number of aspirants vying to run in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

He said the number of gubernatorial aspirants should be of great concern to political parties and therefore urged party leaders to prune down the list of those who have shown interest in the race.

Speaking during an interactive section with members of the NVA, Erubami said the large number of aspirants, if not properly handled will cause division among contestants and their supporters, which could lead to internal wrangling and low turnout of voters during the gubernatorial election.

“The bad effects of high number of aspirants contesting in the primaries is that the money that should be pulled

OJO LASU adopts online screening for 2016/2017 admission

Lagos State University (LASU) has commenced the admission of candidates for the 2016/2017 academic session using the online screening approach.

The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Olanrewaju Fagbohun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the institution had begun to use online system.

He said candidates, who chose LASU as their first choice as directed ‎by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), would be screened online.

“The university will go online and shortlist the credentials of successful candidates, who chose LASU as their first choice, for onward transmission to JAMB.

together to support better candidate will be avoidably wasted, thereby reducing the capacity of whoever is finally chosen to reach and sell the party's programs to more constituencies and cultivate the people to vote for his or her party,” he said.

He also called on all party leadership to show interest in their party primaries from the beginning to ensure that the best candidate that would elevate the name of their party and add electoral value during the election wins at the primary election.

“Future crisis or conflicts that may unfold or degenerate into violence should be considered and mitigated from the beginning by encouraging the coming together of the aspirants to support the best from among them to stand as the party’s candidate. This will strengthen the candidate’s winning capacity against opponents from other parties and enhance chances of winning absolutely,” he advised.

Erubami also urged the members of the NVA to play their roles as voters and good citizens in the coming polls.

YENAGOA Bayelsa CJ's son: Dickson thanks Wike, others

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has expressed gratitude to his Rivers State counterpart, Chief Nyesom Wike, Justice Francis Tabai and other personalities for the various supportive roles they played in the burial activities of late Wariebi Abiri, son of the state Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri.

Late Warebi was a graduate of Coventry University in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a degree in Law and was studying to become a barrister as well as Solicitor of the Supreme Court at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja before his death.

Speaking during a commendation service at the Chief Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the governor noted that the crowd of sympathisers at the event spoke volumes of the integrity and impactful lifestyle of the Abiri’s family.

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

9

Recession: Prapare for the worst, experts tell Nigerians him, needs to come out with a clear, consistent, possible direction and enlightenment of Nigerians in order to get them to understand what is really going on.

“Health wise, for instance, even before now, we were battling with Nigerians indulging in what one can describe as catastrophic expenditure in terms of pocket spending. Now, with the economy this way, you can imagine what it would look like. It's going to be worse off. They can't even now afford to purchase those medications prescribed by their physician. You're going to have more Nigerians unable to take care of themselves.

“If we are not proactive enough, we may find a situation whereby more families and household records many more ailments and of course, that would increase the burden of disease, both (communicable and none-communicable) and consequently, that will affect the life expectancy which is about an average of 53 to 54 years now. That certainly is not going to be a good trend for Nigeria.

I

Isioma Madike

f the figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics recently showed the first sign that the Nigerian economic is in recession, then the official confirmation, which came from the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, during the week put paid to doubts about it.

Adeosun’s admission also rubbished what the minister and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, had over a month ago said was a “technical” slump.

Expect upsurge in bank robberies, kidnappings, internet fraud However, experts from different fields in the country have been reacting to this new development. For instance, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, a management and security consultant, described the situation as very unfortunate.

Ekhomu said that it is a situation which many countries do not pray for because when there is recession, there are job losses, there is inflation or hyperinflation. He feared that disposable income will be limited in the circumstance, which has the tendency to raise the bar in both crimes and criminality.

“We have a peculiar situation here in Nigeria right now where we are fighting two high intensity wars and low intensity wars. The Boko Haram sect in the North-East and the Niger-Delta militants, are high intensity conflicts going on right now with the military battling to curtail them.

“The herdsmen and kidnappers causing havoc everywhere could be regarded as low intensity conflicts because they are sporadic and isolated. When you add insufficient disposable income from people, you have a very toxic situation, because even when things were good, we had a lot of criminalities, a lot of insecurity in the land. You can imagine what it would be now that the country’s economy is officially in recession.”

Ekhomu who is Nigeria’s first chartered security professional and president of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), advised Nigerians to be more security alert, more security aware and do more to protect their assets. He believes with the present situation, not only kidnappers, armed robbers and terrorists that would be raving the land now.

“There are also the fraudsters. There will be an increase of people trying to dupe others through BVN, cybercrime and so on. I see a situation where banks would be targeted because that is where the money is. Although, it has been a trend for a while now but I think it is going to increase,” he said.

Increase in mental illness Also speaking on the issue, a formerly national commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), senior lecturer and formerly head of department of sociology at the University of Lagos, Prof Lai Olurode, expressed similar fears.

He said that the effects of the sociological implication are in dimensions. The first, according to him, is on the impact on human welfare. “How is it going to affect, knowing already we have over 50 per cent or more of Nigerians actually living below one dollar a day.

“So, the bottom line is what you need to exist as a decent human being would become very difficult for you to navigate to action. The basic thing you need to have like water, soap, ingredient, brush your teeth… the prices will go up. So, what option do you have? You will then begin to look for alternative which are not easy to come by.

“We have little money in our pocket; the purchasing power will be very low and that will now create a kind of psychology imbalance and disorder. This invariably will send many people to mental homes for therapy and care.

“Also, social outing will be reduced like birthdays; parties will go down. And people in terms of the commitment to immediate and extended families and social obligations may also be watered

Ekhomo

Enabulele

More people may contemplate suicide For Dr. Alex Igundunse, a socio-psychologist at the University of Lagos, “it will create a lot of anxiety. This is because that will get a lot of people thinking.

“Apart from that, it can lead some people right into depression because if the economy is depressed, also trying to translate their thinking can lead to the psychological depression of some people because it gives them hopes in terms of how they can quickly loose it and all that kind of thing. At the extreme, more people may contemplate suicide as a way of their problems.”

Olurode

down; they may become difficult to maintain. Also, immediate and extended family may become difficult to maintain.”

More marriages will break up Gbemisola Omoniyi, a consultant female child psychiatrist at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, appears to corroborate this assertion when she stated that from the psychologist point of view, the recession will trigger loads of frustration, people's apprehension and anxiety.

Omoniyi said that this will also cause people to become unduly hostile because of the nature of the things happening around the economy. “By the time you go to the market, everything is inflated.

It appears that people are having a very difficult time. So eventually, they are hostile; people are frustrated.

“It reduces their motivation to achieve other things. Once you cannot achieve the basic need of life: clothing, food, shelter and other simple things, people are no longer motivated. They become easily depressed. As such, the rate of having mental disorders increases in the community. People can't send their children to schools they would want to send them to. Some even have to withdraw their children from school. Eventually, on the family, there is a lot of anger, a lot of anxiety, people become unduly irritable.

“The direct relationship is the fact that things are a bit more difficult and far above the means of the reach of the common man. Even the rich are complaining. Once you cannot achieve the things you hope you would have achieved, you become frustrated, you become easily angry. There are the issues individuals begin to experience as a whole.

“Within the family, there is a lot of dissensions, a lot of fights occur; things you would not have argued about makes you argue. It affects people; people begin to worry a lot. They are apprehensive. It eventually begins to affect their sleep. It affects motivation; leads to depression and all that and may eventually lead many to mental homes. Those are the consequences it would have on the individuals.”

Communicable, non-communicable diseases will rise Also, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, former

Arigbabuwo

National President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and consultant family physician at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), toed the same line of argument. He said Nigerians don't need to consult any oracle to know that the current economic challenges will have a very tremendous impact on the lives and wellbeing of the people.

Enabulele said that what is happening now will gradually expose Nigerians to some shocking sensations, especially as to the fact that, because of the economic hardship, the purchasing power of Nigerians has been greatly undermined. The government, according to

Announcement of renewed poverty And Dr. Adeyeye Arigbabuwo, current chairman of the Association of the General Medical Practitioners, Lagos State and a national executive member of the Executive Council of Health Care Providers Union of Nigeria, is no different in his views.

He said that the summary of what has been declared is an announcement of renewed poverty. It is like telling the nation, "we are a very poor nation," Arigbabuwo stated.

“And what does that mean? It means we should be conscious of things happening around us and therefore, we should begin to adopt new methods of living. And begin to structure the way we even live as a family.”

Police arrest church founder for running prostitution ring l22 others held over robbery, kidnapping Kunle Olayeni, Abeokuta

T

he police in Ogun State yesterday paraded 23 suspects arrested in connection with various offences ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping, murder, cultism and illegal possession of arms.

Among the suspects is the founder of a white garment church, Aduramigba Cherubim and Seraphim Church, IjokoOta, Mrs Idowu Olupinla, who was nabbed for allegedly running a prostitution ring, using teenagers.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, paraded the suspects at the command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Iliyasu said one Saidat Haruna, aged 16, and three others, lodged complaints against the suspect.

He explained that apart from using the complainants for prostitution, the church founder also allegedly sent other young girls to neighbouring countries for the same purpose.

Though Olupinla denied the allegation levelled against her, three of her victims confronted her and insisted that she was guilty of running a prostitution ring.

According to the victims, the suspect used one of the rooms in her apartment as a brothel, where different men, includ-

ing male members of the church slept with them.

The police boss, who stated that investigation was still ongoing, however, said the 54-year-old church founder might be prosecuted for human trafficking and child abuse.

Speaking further, Iliyasu said other suspects were arrested from various locations in the state and at least, 21 assorted guns, including three AK-47 rifles, were recovered from them.

The suspects included one Richard Abraham, a member of a gang of robbers and kidnappers allegedly terrorising residents of Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states.

Iliyasu disclosed that the operatives of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) received information on the hideout of the notorious gang last Monday and swung into action.

He said as the suspects sighted FSARS operatives, both sides engaged in gun battle and by the time the dust settled, one of the robbers, Abraham, was nabbed while other members of the gang escaped.

The commissioner stated that one AK-47 rifle loaded with 60 rounds of ammunition, three pump action guns, one cut to size double-barrel gun, one cut to size single barrel gun and one unregistered Toyota Corolla were recovered by the FSARS.

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Voices What is the most precious gift from your spouse? p.12

City & crime update

SATURDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2016

Uber rider INSET: A delighted Uber driver

The ‘Uber’life: Riders’ bliss, drivers’ fortune T

Lanre Odukoya echnology is driving the world into a more tranquil, stress-free and perhaps, if not careful, lethargic sphere.

And the emergence of a top-notch transportation system known as ‘Uber’ is a loud testament to how you can find and ‘ride’ almost seamlessly even in one of the toughest metropolis like Lagos.

Uber Technologies is a popular American online taxi service provider with presence in a whopping 77 countries and 503 cities worldwide.

The idea was born on a snowy evening in Paris in 2008; two individuals, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp had a problem hailing a cab. This explains why they came up with a simple idea to tap a button and get a ride. The duo would later boast that “what we started as an app to request premium black cars in a few metropolitan areas is now changing the logistical fabric of cities around the world. Whether it’s a ride, a sandwich or a package, we use technology to give people what they want and when they want it.”

Sometime in 2014, after spreading across many cities of the world including some in South Africa, Uber thought Nigeria’s humongous population should get this service to lessen the transportation burden while also creating job opportunities to those willing to work using their cars. Uber Lagos launched its UberBLACK, a relatively high-end transportation service that employs the use of top automobile brands like Mercedes Benz, Toyota SUVs, modern sedan vehicles and equivalent to move riders from one location to another in a more comfortable and luxurious fashion.

So, whether you’re headed to work, the airport, or out of town, Uber connects you with a reliable ride in minutes. It’s just all one tap on the downloaded Uber app on your mobile devices (phones and tabs) through the GPS that reads your lo-

cation, you’ll be asked where you are headed, the various Uber drivers close to you would be made available with their phone numbers, the cars and SUVs, rates and you’d be asked where you are headed and how you intend to pay- cash or credit card. In 10 minutes or less, the taxi is right in front of you.

Subomi Esan, a university undergraduate, who had recently patronised an Uber driver still holds that nothing compares to that experience: “It was very cool. I rode in a Kia Sportage SUV from Eko Hotel, Adeola Odeku on Victoria Island, Lagos to the University of Lagos in Yaba with my friends and it was very convenient. We actually didn’t pay because we were just lucky to have the ride during promo because it was my first experience. The Uber company footed the bill. I’m not sure I would be qualified for the promo if I was paying cash. This happened only last month.”

A communications strategist, blogger and publicist, Bunmi Odunowo, who had traversed Lagos in different Uber taxis nearly a dozen times remarked; “There were times I’d used the taxis on my own and there were times when Juliet Ibrahim (the actress to whom she’s a publicist) got me to use it. It has been a smooth experience devoid of unnecessary stress.” Do the drivers have the navigating system that enables them to know where there would be vehicular traffic so that they can take alternative routes?

“Yes, they certainly have that facility.

I’ve never encountered traffic in Uber taxis, not even once. There was only one different and unpleasant experience I had. But I think the driver knew what he was doing. I’d already given him the address of where I was going in G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos, but he was just going round and round the place because he thought he could hike the fare. You can estimate your fare despite what bill the Uber machine gives you and every time I did that, I was either inaccurate by N100 or N200 and it saves more cost. My self-estimation of the fare is almost always accurate,” she retorted.

Uber pricing is almost similar to the rugged yellow cabs.

Surulere to Lekki is roughly N3,000 with regular cabs but cost N2,600 plus AC with Uber

And for someone who’d used the service for a considerable period of time, chances are that she could have taken advantage of the promo service, but Odunowo differs: “No, I don’t even bother myself trying to find those freebies. I don’t use their codes, though I know some banks like Guaranty Trust Bank and First Bank offer it.

I just take my phone and do the billing myself. I use credit card all the time but they don’t debit from my balance sometimes until a day or two later, but your card has to be in a good financial standing before you can use it.”

A young executive who simply wished to be identified as Sandra gave a forensic account of the twin experiences she had below: “I had heard about Uber a long time ago but was pretty skeptical about using their services because their app is expected to be connected to my bank account via my master card. To be honest, any type of external connection to my account makes me scared. But my friends encouraged me to embrace the cashless Naija theme, so I downloaded the Uber app which is available on apple and google app stores. It was my first experience. I desperately needed a cab, so I decided to fill in my details and use Uber. Basically, the app shows you the available cab driver and details (name/picture/phone number), the number plate/car model (Uber cars are typically 2008 models and upwards), and the approximate pick up time. A fare estimate can also be requested prior to asking a cab. The app is “map like” and shows directions from pick up point to destination.”

She went further, “after requesting a cab, I got a call from the driver confirming my location and his arrival time. In less than 10 minutes, he was in front of my dorm. Once I got into the car, the driver began the trip. My cab was a 2009 Toyota Corolla and the driver was Abiodun. He was a cheerful and polite guy who spoke a lot; I got tired of him talking so much. He was careful and didn’t drive like the regular Lagos drivers. I got to my destination in less than an hour, he ended

the trip, and my bill was sent and deducted from my account. A rating poll was also available for me to rate my driver.”

But she found the second experience somewhat more blissful than the previous due to the overly gregerious personality disorder of the first driver.

“My second experience was much better than the first mainly because the driver was so quiet and there was no awkward conversation. Uber pricing is almost similar to the rugged yellow cabs. Surulere to Lekki is roughly N3,000 with regular cabs but cost N2,600 plus AC with Uber.

I rate Uber a steady 9/10. I was really skeptical at first, but it’s beautiful when you don’t have to haggle cab fares. First rides with Uber are almost free with N2,000 off once you use a verified promo code,” she remarked.

Aside grossly easing mobility of people, the Uber transport system has also begun to contribute to the GDP of the country by engaging owners of private cars who are taught how to make money using the vehicles that might hitherto had been serving no economic good to their owners.

Uber provides the software to connect drivers to the riders and so, the company doesn’t own a single car. It is a symbiotic partnership nonetheless and this is how it works. People make money on the Uber platform by driving their cars themselves and picking up Uber patrons or putting a fleet of cars on Uber network and hiring drivers to drive them. The easiest and most affordable way to achieve commercial result is to drive for yourself on Uber. It avails you a rare opportunity to choose your own work hours; you can adjust your availability to suit yourself and Uber only sends you riders during your available hours. From time to time, there may be need to haggle prices with customers as fares are determined by the app, and are automatically calculated based on the distance and time. Uber takes 20 percent commission and credits your bank account at the end of each week or month with your earnings.

City&crime update

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

O

Juliana Francis peratives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris’s Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT), have arrested some men who confessed to have received over 100 exotic cars from suspected kidnappers and robbers.

The suspects, without mincing words, said they bought the cars, quite aware they were stolen. They also admitted to have received the cars from kidnappers and armed robbers. The men said always fraternised with suspected robbers and kidnappers.

The suspects have been identified as Abdulrahman Hassan 42, aka Risi, Abubakar Datti 45, aka Baballiya, Aminu Adamu Yakasi, 49 and Shuaibu Yahaya 48.

The suspects were said to have been arrested in Kano State. One of them, Yakasi, confessed to have sold a stolen car to the leader of the gang that kidnapped Mikel Obi’s father.

Yakasi said: “I sold a Peugeot 607 to one Dogo who took part in the kidnap of John Mikel Obi’s father. When the police arrested Dogo he told them that I sold a vehicle to him. The police came after me.

I ran to Niger Republic. I hid there for a week before I returned to Nigeria. I was arrested after I returned.”

The crackdown on the suspects began after IRT operatives arrested some suspects for the kidnap of the Deputy High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, MajorGeneral Alfred Claude-Nelson and the Executive Director of Dangote Group, Engineer Alhaji Mansur Ahmed.

A police source said: “It was after the arrest of those that kidnapped the Deputy High Commissioner to Sierra Leone,

‘We bought over 100 exotic cars from robbers, kidnappers’ Major-General Alfred Claude-Nelson and the Executive Director of Dangote Group, Engineer Alhaji Mansur Ahmed, that further revelations were made by suspected kidnappers.

“The suspects mentioned syndicates that specialised in receiving victims’ cars from them. It was based on follow up to their confessions that IRT operatives moved to Kano State. The four suspects were arrested. They confessed to have received more than 100 exotic cars from different gangs of armed robbers and kidnappers. One of the cars is the 4-Runner Jeep belonging to the Deputy High Commissioner. The syndicate usually moves the cars to Niger Republic and other neighbouring countries. They hand the cars over to various agents. One of the agents has been identified as an Alfa. The Alfa is the one in possession of the 4-Runner Jeep of the Deputy High Commissioner. Other agents are Garba, Dauda and Mallam Haruna.”

Hassan said he used to sell rams at DeiDei Market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, before one Usman Zamfara initiated him into the business of receiving and selling stolen cars in 2009.

He was first arrested in 2011 by policemen from Delta State, charged to court and jailed for receiving a stolen Honda CRV from one Ebele, in Warri, Delta State.

Hassan said that after Ebele was arrested, he led policemen to arrest him. Rather than quit buying of stolen vehicles, Hassan went back to his old ways after leaving prison.

Hassan said: “I got bailed a year later and went back to my business. In 2015, I met Suraju, who is now dead. He promised to always supply stolen cars to me. He gave me two cars; a Toyota Lexus 300, which I bought for N350, 000 and Honda Accord Hennessey, which I bought for N150, 000.”

According to Hassan, before Suraju died, he linked him to Balarabe Mohammed who sold a stolen Toyota Corolla 2002 model, to him for N450, 000 and 2009 model Toyota Four Runner, which he bought for N1.2m.

Hassan said: “I sold these vehicles to one Alfa who is based in Niger Republic.

I sold the Toyota Corolla for N700, 000 to Alfa. He also bought the Toyota Four Runner for N1.6m. Alfa paid N650, 000 for the Lexus and N330, 000 for the Honda Hennessey. I knew the vehicles were all stolen.

That was why I didn’t sell them in Nigeria.

I took them to Niger Republic.”

He explained that Mohammed also brought a 2014 model Audi Squadron Sa-

I sold a Peugeot 607 to one Dogo who took part in the kidnap of John Mikel Obi’s father

Suspects

Kogi vigilance group nabs suspected ritualists Zacchaeus Ozovehe Lokoja

A

11

vigilance group and local hunters in Igbagun Community Area of Yagba East Local Government in Kogi State have arrested a suspected ritualist, one Nifemi Oyibo along with 11 other members of his gang.

The suspected ritualist was said to have been arrested while trying to break into one of the houses and was paraded naked around the community before being handed over to the police.

Spokesperson of the community, Chief Aiyejoto Tuesday said the community had been on siege of armed robbers for a long time as the robbers even in broad day light bungled houses, ransacks their farms and terrorised them at will.

Tuesday said the development prompted the community to fortify its vigilance group and local hunters; a decision he said yielded positive result during the week

when Oyibo, was apprehended.

It was gathered that the arrested member, Nifemi Oyibo who hailed from Obadore in Ekiti state ( a border community with Igbagun) confessed to be a herbalist that prepared the robbers with charms on their assignment, said he chose to followed them on their last operation when the gang failed to give him his share from their last two proceeds.

Oyibo was said to have also listed some accomplices who were residents and indigenes of the community as their informant, also said they were also planning to kidnap three high Chief of the community.

He was also said to have confessed to the abduction of a three years old boy from the neighbouring village last month who was used for ritual by the owner of a popular Saw Mill factory in the community.

Chief Tuesday said the vigilante group has been handed over to the Area Police Division in Kabba; who further arrested all

the accomplices and transfer the case to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS. However, some protesting youths from the community yesterday went round the community protesting that a popular politicians from the village was trying to lobby the police to release the suspects.

The protesting youths said if such release is carried out; the community is doomed and on the verge of returning to the evil days when the robbers holds sway terrorising the entire village.

The politician fingered by the protesting youths, Jimoh Omiata, has however denied trying to effect the release of the robbers, said he, being a community leader was only at the police station to get the details of the case.

Omiata who is a serving House of Assembly Member representing Yagba East constituency said before going to the Police Station, he had already informed the community chiefs, and he went along with some members of the community.

loon car for N700, 000. He later sold the car to Garba Maradi, living in Maradi Town, Niger Republic, for N1m.

Hassan said: “I received two Honda Hennessey cars, 1998 Models from Babagana. I bought each for N400, 000. I bought a Volkswagen Golf car, from Alhaji Tasiu of Plateau State for N350, 000. I gave these vehicles to my ‘boy,’ Abubakar Datti, who moved them to my new buyer, Maradi, in Niger Republic. I was paid N1.4m for the three vehicles. I gave Datti, N170, 000 as his share and kept the rest. After my arrest by the IRT operatives, I assisted on recovering one of the vehicles, which was the 2014 Audi Squadron. I was forced to refund the sum of N500, 000 to Maradi. My son went to Niger and brought the vehicle to the police.”

Another suspect, Yahaya, an engine oil merchant, who also sells spare parts, said he ventured into buying and selling of stolen cars in 2012.

He said his friend; Ali Yahaya, introduced him to the business. He said Ali supplied him four vehicles: Honda Haller, Brama Honda, Honda Civic and Honda Arcadia.

He sold the Haller to a medical doctor for N220, 000, the Brama for N270, 000, the Civic for N180, 000 and the Arcadia to a banker for just N200, 000.

Yahaya said: “I got my commissions from the proceeds of the sale of the cars.

But a few months later, Ali was arrested by policemen from Zone 1 Police Command, Kano State. He led them to arrest me. I was charged to court and sentenced to three years.”

Just like his friend Hassan, Yahaya went back to his vomit after leaving prison.

He said that moments after leaving prison, a contact supplied him a 2013 model, Toyota Camry car. He sold it to Daudu Maradi in Niger Republic for N400, 000.

He said the car was supplied by Suraju.

After selling it, he gave Suraju N350, 000 and took N50, 000 as his commission. He said this happened just five months ago.

Yahaya said: “Later, I met one Abubakar Datti. He gave me one Toyota Sienna, which I sold to Maigida, residing in Nassaraw State. Maigida paid N400, 000 for it. Datti also brought another Toyota Camry, which I took to Maidiga again. He paid N350, 000.”

Narrating his own story, Yakassi said he started receiving stolen cars in 2008. In 2010, he bought a stolen 1986 model Honda Accord Saloon car from one Alhaji Mohammed. He paid N300, 000 for the car. Alhaji Mohammed was later arrested and he led the police to Yakassi.

Yakassi recounted: “After I was released, I went back to my business. I received a 2010 Toyota Camry from one Dikko. I paid him N1m. I drove the car to Niamey in Niger Republic and sold it to one Iliya for N1.5m.

I was later arrested by policemen from Kano State and charged to court. I spent eight months in prison before I was granted bail. A month ago, I received a Toyota Hilux from one Jibril Danfulani, who had links with a notorious robbery and kidnap gang.

I paid him N900, 000. I drove the vehicle personally to Maradi Town and sold it to one Mallam Haruna. I sold it to him for N1.3m. I also bought three vehicles: two Toyota Carina E cars and one Mercedes Benz. One of the Toyota Carina cars was from a certain Baffa. I bought it from him for N300, 000 and bought the second one from Afamtama, in Bauchi State, for N130, 000.

I bought the Mercedes Benz for N500,000.

When I was arrested by IRT, they recovered the last three vehicles from me.”

Yakassi further confessed to have also assisted a syndicate that specialised in hijacking loaded trucks on expressway, to get buyers.

12

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Voices

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

What is the most precious gift from your spouse?

My wife’s heart

I can’t recall any in particular

The most precious gift my wife gave to me is her heart because there is nothing precious like someone loving you back as much as you love that person. She loves me with all her heart and there is nothing anyone could have asked for if not true love in a relationship.

I cannot recall one in particular but he gives me special gifts when I am celebrating my birthday and I really like them. I say thank you in different ways.

—Alhaja Quadri, shop owner

My kids are the most precious gift my wife has given to me because my kids mean the world to me.

I feel very happy whenever I look at them and they also make me feel proud as a father.

—Chidi Maduforo

Her love, affection, word of God As a matter of fact, I think the most cherished gift I have gotten from my spouse is love, affection, togetherness, unity and above all, as Christians, we believe in the word of God and it has really re-engineered my family. I think that is the best I have gotten from her.

—Sebastian Akonomhan,

security official

Kitchen utensils The most cherished gift I got was a set of Kitchen utensils from my sister-inlaw. You know when it's not your birthday anniversary and someone gives you an unexpected package. It was

really interesting.

—Rose Chukwudi , caterer

extra-special.

—Chime Martins, businessman

Earrings when I was not expecting it

Making me a father

My kids mean the world to me

My most cherished present from my spouse was a beautiful wristwatch she got for me on my birthday.

I wasn't expecting such gift you know. It made my day

—Atoyebi Daniel Taiwo, technical engineer

I would say the most precious gift my wife has given to me is children.

Making me a father has made me happy and I must say that after every marriage, children are expected to come which she has given me.

—Emeka Igwe, businessman

A beautiful wristwatch

This is a hard question.

Well, he gave me earrings even when I was not celebrating anything. I felt happy and I told him thank you.

—Juliet Tochukwu, shop owner

She buys me cards

A suit when I was single and broke The most cherished gift I ever got was a suit from my girlfriend when I was still single and broke.

I used that for a long time before I finally got a job.

You know Nigerians love packaging.

—Chijoke Paul, businessman

In terms of physical gifts, there's none I cherish like words. Often times, my wife buys me cards, the text written in them are usually very soothing. They are the best I could receive from her. It could also be in the form of words of encouragement or prayers. They are the most cherished among the many gifts I have received from her.

—Raymond Okonkwo, clergy

A wristwatch A wristwatch remains the most cherished gift I have received. Apart from the fact that it was quite expensive it came from someone whom I never expected such a kind gesture from. It was a

surprise to me.

—Eric Kelechi, businessman

A set of jewelries I have lots of cherished presents from my spouse but the most important one was a set of jewelries I got on my wedding anniversary.

—Ehis Favour, hair stylist

My wife’s understanding The most cherished gift I have received from my wife is understanding. She understands the way things are. She tries to manage with me and she also works hard to see that the whole burden is not upon me.

That is the most important and most cherished gift I have received from her. Although she buys me clothing but I am not the type of man who attaches himself to the things of the world.

—Herbert Nnajiofor, businessman

The most cherished are pairs of sneakers The numbers of gifts I have received from my husband are countless.

But the most cherished are shoes. My husband loves sneakers. He loves to see me wearing them. According to him, I usually look smarter and under 16 whenever I wear sneakers and it makes me feel elated whenever he says that.

—Ruth Adagbon, hair stylist

A set of beautiful furniture Mine was a set of beautiful furniture that my parents gave me when I got married to decorate my new home. It was really amazing then and it's something very special to me.

—John Sunday, engineer

compiled by: NGOZI OGBOLU, OGE NDUBUNMA, ESTHER SODEKE AND OLANIYI ADERUKU

WeekendBliss

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N O P U E S O CL KI ORITS WILI

EXPECT MY GRAND COMEBACK WITH RAS KIMONO

Being one of Nigeria’s most notable names in music, Orits Wiliki commands ample respect within the Nigerian music terrain and far beyond. A veteran in every sense of the word who remains active both on stage and in concerts, he celebrated 30 years as a musician just a while back. In this interview with ADEDAYO ODULAJA, he speaks about life, music and the perennial crisis-ridden Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

What have you been up to lately?

I’ve been up to lots of things but mainly our current project, that is the collabo with my brother, Ras Kimono. We've been working seriously and quietly for the past 10 months and we are about now ready for the release. Secondly, we have also been working underground trying to fix the numerous problems of the entertainment industry.

How has music life been for you?

Life with music has been very good, bad and ugly. Good because this is my calling, my passion and my first love.

It’s good because l have made success of it despite the huge challenges.

This is good because for over thirty years of active performances, l am still here standing tall to the Glory of Jah Almighty- the giver of life and everything that comes with it. I know how

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The sway maxi dress © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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many we were at a time and l know how many are still here relevant. It’s bad because we ought to have done better.

We are not where we are supposed to be industry-wise. It’s bad because any innocent mind can be easily deceived by the hypes, show and shine of the business when you see our lifestyles as stars, moving around in our various huge cars and living large in mansions in Lekki, Victoria Garden City and so

The Arts

Hospitality

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p.41

We must encourage use, teaching of our language –Irantiola

Golden Tulip Port Harcourt: Richly blended business haven

on. The bank account may not necessarily reflect that. Some of these hypes are things the artistes do to package themselves for better pricing. And it’s ugly because we don't really have the right and proper industry with the right structures to run it. We have more of shows without the business.

It’s also bad because Nigeria at fifty something still don't have any statistics of what the industry actually contributes to the GDP. Ugly because we are usually the worst hit in any depressed economy because most Nigerians see music as luxury, it is not one of the essentials when you go shopping after all there over 1000 radio stations or TV you can tune to and listen to any thing you want to hear music.

It has been very long since we last heard from you, what is happening to you?

It has been all right, but things are not the way they were in those days.

These days, live concerts have been restricted to those who can afford it. We want to be respected and paid what we ought to be getting before we can perform at ‘live concerts.’ While we were doing what we did those days was because the industry was booming. Then, indigenous music promoters could tour the country with an artiste for six months and more. It was possible for a local promoter to tell you that he wants to take you across 15 citcontinued on page 14

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C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 3

ies in six months and pay you your first four months before the journey begins.

But the case is different today because it is very expensive to take artistes on a musical tour.

How active have you been when it comes to featuring young artistes and generally mentoring them in music?

I have featured some artistes in my songs. In 2002, I featured Eedris Abdulkareem on The Good, The bad and the Ugly album. I have also featured other artistes and I will definitely feature more of them in future. Orits Wiliki’s Reggae is all about preaching “Truth and Equal Justice.”

Do you think that consciousness is going out of fashion?

Reggae music is not going into extinction. Popular stars and artistes like Snoop Doggy Dogg from the United States, is changing the face of reggae music. In Nigeria, 2face is a Reggae artiste, Faze is also a Reggae artiste.

Omawumi’s recent album has Reggae flavour. Yes, some of our young artistes are influenced by the hip-hop genre, but if you listen to their music, you would notice that they are truly playing Reggae music. And we know that Hip Hop itself is an off-shoot of Reggae.

You recorded some songs at Hope Studios sometime ago, are you working on an album?

Yes, l’m always recording sometimes not for immediate release but to increase my archives. As a composer, writer, producer and performer, you are always in tune with sound. One of those recordings is the collabo with Ras Kimono. It's going to be a turn-around for the industry because the airwaves have been polluted with all kinds of lewd lyrics for so long so we feel our children need a redirection in terms of lyrical contents. We want to redefine this trend.

Has being a music producer over the years put food on your table?

I do nothing else than the business of music and entertainment. To God be the Glory. At least, l am not hungry. l am not saying l am getting what l duly deserve. We are coping. Until we have the right structures in place no entertainment practitioner can earn rightly.

So we are coping with the crumbs.

Is being a music producer lucrative in this part of the world?

Yes it ought to be a lucrative business if it was in the right environment.

Let me also say that entertainment is driven by passion first before anything else. A producer earns his wages not only from production fees but also from royalties. So, he ought to earn well.

What's your take on the music industry presently, is there an improvement on quality compared to the days of yore?

There is certainly an improvement in sound quality because we are in digital age. The same soft wares used anywhere in the world are also available here, so gone are the days a D J will be scared to play a local artiste's job side by side the foreign because of difference in sound quality. In fact we are played more than the foreign ones now but in terms of contents a high level of purification is needed.

How about the welfare of musicians?

Artistes’ welfare is zero. The question l always ask is: “Who is looking after who?” It's been every man for himself, God for us all.

'My children have to decide their own paths' PMAN of which you are an elder is still a shadow of itself, what is the present state of the music union?

Well, we realised that, that situation couldn't go on like so forever. So some concerned groups have been working silently but are often frustrated by the illegalities that have bedeviled us for some time as a union. Thank God for that relentless effort of the concerned group. I hope PMAN will soon find her feet again.

a fresh election. We told him three things; first was to let him know that the Federal High Court has no powers or jurisdictions to entertain any union matters, secondly the Union does not have any provision for an interim president and thirdly he is not known to be a card carrying member as there was no such records with the

L-R: Wiliki, Daddy Showkey and Ras Kimono

Union. In order to be seen as inclusive we asked him to collapse his activities into the caretaker committee, this he saw as insult and therefore insisted on parading himself illegally as the President of PMAN with the ‘judgment; whether good or bad it remains a judgment until set aside.’

Not even the intervention of the Ministry of Labour could make him see any reason, in fact the Director in our final meeting in Abuja warned Pretty Okafor not to transact any business in the name of PMAN. So it took us almost one year to set aside that judgment but Pretty won't respect the law.

He has been misleading the corporate companies, the general public with huge lies and antics but all that has come to an end now.

What will it take for peace to reign in PMAN and finally see the music union gaining its lost glory?

We are on the right track now to solving these maladies or quagmire. A proper election is on its way. That is the only thing needed to stop all the intrigues and Illegalities.

Is Pretty Okafor capable of steering the wheels of progress in PMAN? Pretty Okafor is one of the problems of PMAN presently. The road to the seat of the President of PMAN is by election. Pretty, because people have illegally declared themselves President of PMAN and got away with it, felt it was his turn to do (the) same. Some touts in the Union got a very questionable judgment from the Federal High Court and asked him to become the interim president of the Union while there was a Caretaker Committee saddled with the mandate by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to conduct

As regards your music, are you doing a collabo with younger artistes?

I have been doing lots of collaborations with both old and new artistes, the latest being with Ras Kimono, and this is a huge one; just watch out.

l am not saying l am getting what l duly deserve. We are coping. Until we have the right structures in place no entertainment practitioner can earn rightly. So we are coping with the crumbs

Is any of your children taking into music or the arts?

Well there is one l am looking at but l can't make that decision for any of them, you know.

...with wife.

photo: seriouslydoughnuts.blogspot.com

What are three things people don't know about Orits Williki?

Okay, l am very emotional. I am a very shy person.

Seeing a woman beaten by a man whether, boyfriend or husband, brings out the beast in me.

Instyle

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3 September 2016

The sway maxi dress M Deborah Ocheni

axi dresses are not only some of the most comfortable, flattering and breezy items of clothing to wear, but they’re also surprisingly versatile. They are so gorgeous with the way the hemline gently sways around the legs.

These floor grazers are easy to add layers over as well as hide layers under, making them the perfect transitional piece for fashionable women.

From dressed up fancy to a little bit funky, work appropriate to playful weekend ensembles, maxi dress can do the magic if properly styled.

Ensure you select the right details and prints, dark neutrals and colours such as black, chocolate brown, deep plums and green minimise and make you look taller. However colours that are similar to your skin tone works equally well for petite body because it elongates body frame.

According to thechicfashionista, most long garments don't harmonise that well with a short stature and can really swamp you up, making you look shorter. But the trick here is to select a style that is well-cut.

That means choose a full-length dress that sits snugly to your body figure - especially around the hips and thighs.n.

TIPS zzPrints need to be scaled to your body frame, so avoid humongous patterns if you're petite. However plus size women should opt for medium scale prints. zzThe point with a V-neck is that it shows more skin - which means you'll look slimmer as the V-shaped neckline will attract the eye and make it go up and down - creating a streamlined sil-

houette. zzKeep a breezy style grounded by pairing with platforms; for some extra height pair maxi dress with pumps, wedges or high heeled sandals. zzInteresting accessories take a simple maxi dress from simple to head-turning. zzTurtlenecks bring a surprising edginess to maxi dresses. zzForego flip flop for strappy sandals.

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ACCESSORIES TO LIVE FOR

Versatile brown shoes Deborah Ocheni

W

hether for business or for that hot date, nothing will make you look more successful or sexy than stepping out in a cute pair of brown shoes.

Brown dressy shoes are the jack-of-all-trades of shoes. There’s something almost spiritual about a fine pair of brown shoes, you will instantly feel manlier when you step into them, and you probably won’t want to take them off for a good while

There is nothing that will make you look more stylish and give you a confidence boost like a nice pair of shoes. Every man needs a few pairs of great brown dress shoes for the unavoidable occasions that will call for them.

Keep them sleek and they can easily be worn with your workhorse navy and gray suits; you can also transform them to casual shoes by wearing them with chinos or jeans. It’s hard to find something that doesn’t look good alongside a

pair of brown shoes, so try making them the foundation of your shoes wardrobe.

What you have on your feet can make or break any look. It doesn’t matter if you have the most amazing suit in the world, if you have bad shoes, you might as well roll around in a puddle of mud. So invest in good quality brown shoes that is capable of taking you anywhere at any time, but in doing this ensure you opt for the perfect size and design that define your style.

TIPS zzIf you want to impress your girlfriend, wear a brown blazer with a light blue shirt and brown shoes to your next date. The colours look great together and help give a clean, sophisticated image zzPair brown shoes with black suit for business appropriate looks zzFor a pop of colour, wear red pants with a checked black and white shirt with your brown shoes -an outfit that is sure to turn heads zzMeetings can be made fun by wearing a sophisticated outfit.

Keep it classy with grey and blue toned outfit, a brown briefcase and matching brown shoes.

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MY STYLE

3 September 2016

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My style is simple, classy –Tyna Augustina Enechile Abraham fondly called Tyna Style is simple but this simplicity gives her an appealing edge. The CEO of TYTIS, who is a stylish beautician and event planner known as ‘the ordinary girl with an extra ordinary content’, talks to Deborah Ocheni about her fashion and a lot more.

How will you define your style?

My sense of fashion would be simple, decent yet classy. I love to always keep it simple but my simplicity turns heads.

Would you say your physique works to your advantage?

Perfectly! One gift I would forever be grateful to God for is my body.

I have the kind of body that introduces me; I can say I've been like this since I know myself. I have a ‘forever young’ kind of silhouette.

Do you consider any fashion item indispensable?

Not really, because I think nothing is indispensable when it comes to fashion. I mean, nothing lasts forever.

What determines the kind of outfits you wear?

My mood and the occasion determine what I wear. I usually prefer what my mood is comfortable with; in that way my confident level is not tampered with.

Is there anything you are unlikely to be caught wearing?

Sure, you can never catch me wearing whatever my spirit, body and soul reject.

What is the most expensive fashion item you have ever bought?

Human hair is the most expensive fashion item I've ever bought. For me, once my hair is on point, I can "slay" even in rags.

Tyna

How much is that?

As for the price, let me think about it; I will tell you when I’m done thinking.

What are your ready to go outfits?

Casual outfits like jumpsuits. They are attires I can be very free wearing all day because of the nature of my job.

Beauty

A

Deborah Ocheni

foot blister is a small fluidfilled bump that forms in the upper skin layer of the foot.

It is usually caused by repeated friction or rubbing in one area.

This can happen after walking long distances, running, performing repetitive motions during exercise, or by wearing old or poorly fitting shoes.

The blister form more easily on a moist foot as compared to a dry foot.

Other possible causes include exposure to extreme temperatures, chemical

How do you love your shoes and hairdo?

I prefer my natural hair most times with little or no extensions. Usually side or centre part works for me; I don't really like braids.

How do you like your shoes?

I am a lover of heels. I love good shoes!

Which jewellery appeals to you most?

Funny enough I'm not a jewellery person, but anything beautiful is okay for me when it comes to jewellery.

Who is your best designer?

I like Deola Sagoe, Mai Atafo, Donna Karan, DKNY clothing labels.

Do you have any signature perfume?

Not really, I go with anything nice so long as it’s not offensive.

While shopping which fashion item catches your fancy?

Shoes, bags, ankara fabrics and accessories Which fashion items take up most space in your wardrobe?

I think everything complements one another What is your idea of colour combination?

When it comes to colour combination, I just see myself place red and yellow together and I am good to go. So it is with every other colour.

If given the opportunity to alter a part of your body, which will you change?

Absolutely nothing, every part of my body holds an amazing gift I discover daily, so why would I want to alter any when I don't know what gift I’ll discover next? I am unique and different.

How has event planning affected your style sense?

It has affected my style sense greatly because as an event planner, I style, design, decorate, beautify, manage, suggest, coordinate, mingle and meet different kinds of people. All these have taught me to always be ready at all times.

What informed your decision to set up TYTIS? It is my passion for helping, inspiring, motivating and beautifying things, people,

Fight foot blisters with Aloe Vera exposure, sunburn, allergic reaction to irritants and the skin being crushed, pinched or aggressively squeezed.

Depending on the cause and location, a foot blister can form in different sizes. Common symptoms of foot blisters include red and tender skin, pain, swelling and inflammation which may result in difficulty in walking.

Foot blisters are painful as well as annoying. Most heal on their own and do not need any special treatment.

However, you can lessen the discomfort and speed up the healing process by using simple natural Aloe Vera

home remedy.

Aloe Vera is a natural healer, hence very effective in treating foot blisters. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling. It also keeps the skin hydrated so it heals faster. It reduces the risk of infection as well.

Tips

Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the blister and allow it to dry on its own.

Rinse it off with warm water.

Repeat the process two to three times a day for three days and you will be glad you did.

objects, places etc. and the zeal to reduce unemployment in my own little way.

How did you come up with the name TYTIS and what's the message behind it?

TYTIS is an acronym for Tyna-Tops Integrated Services Limited. Like the name implies, we offer quite a number of services and we are always on top of our game.

What is TYTIS offering differently from its counterparts?

TYTIS is unique in every aspect, it’s different from the usual; we have professionals in our various departments and they are always available to deliver world class goods and services. We work day and night to meet our clients’ needs by totally taking the stress off them and giving them value for their money.

With your rich clientele base, would you say you a satisfied now?

I think I am still at the starting line of where I want to be and I am working tirelessly to get to a finish line which for me is infinite. It is a goal that must be achieved and a thirst that cannot be quenched as I yearn to better and improve myself and TYTIS daily as I live with God and the right people by my side.

Would you say government has done enough for creative people in the society?

Well, I'd say they are trying but I believe they can do better. We have so many young, creative Nigerians who have creatively built something out of nothing for themselves and all they need is a little support to do the unimaginable.

I'd humbly advice the government to genuinely look out for such Nigerians and empower them so that they can in turn empower others. Government should shift its focus towards entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship for the nation's good considering our present economic situation.

Advice to younger ones First of all, try your best to identify your purpose, use your time well, acquire a skill, learn something new at every given opportunity, make sure it's something you are passionate about, develop it and get people to pay you for it either as goods or services. Be confident in your abilities, always put God first and be with the right set of people.

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Interiors

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3 September 2016

Black sofa decor ideas Deborah Ocheni

A

black leather couch is a bold, perpetually stylish dĂŠcor choice, but the immediately eye-catching nature of a black centrepiece also presents an interior design challenge.

Of course, there's no one correct way to decorate around a black leather sofa, since this versatile piece of furniture accommodates styles from modern to retro, formal to casual.

If you want to make your living room more welcoming and inviting according to Decoholic.org, try placing comfortable cushions and pillows on your black leather sofa. Small corner tables with lamps and plants can also make the room look more casual, some additional resting armchairs, vibrant wall colours and appealing artwork can accentuate your living room, and make it more welcoming. You can be creative with the variety of methods to help you establish just the vibe you want in your

living room.

As a rule of thumb, choose two to three base colours to accent your couch and unify the space. Bright, bold colours such as red or orange really pop against a black leather couch. Alternatively, you can take a subdued, modern route and go monochrome by choosing varying shades of gray. To soften the bold effect of a black couch, choose pale, light accent colours, such as blue-gray, mauve or seafoam green. If you want even more boldness, add striking contrast to the room with white walls and black accents, for instance a black wall with a wide window opens up the vista even further Complement your black leather sofa with throw pillows, ideally in two colours to match your chosen scheme. For additional unity, use matching pillows on other furniture, such as chairs or divans.

While individual, solid-coloured pillows should reflect the colour of the walls or offsetting colours, throw rugs should contain all the colours of your room's colour scheme.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

I had no doubt music will pay off – Harrysong p.20 A leading Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has shrugged off all the negative reports peddled about her. She takes LANRE ODUKOYA on the journey of epiphany and her appointment as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, on Tourism.

And her litmus test may be the forthcoming festival dubbed, IbomFest.

A lot of positive recognition has greeted your appointment as the special assistant to the governor on tourism; do you think your career as an actress will continue to get the same level of acceptance in Nigeria?

I want to believe so, because since my appointment to serve my state, I have had so many calls from producers, actors calling to extend their hands of fellowship in building the Nigerian project. Again, I have been invited to play different roles in the movie industry.

Do you think your appointment will impact Nollywood?

I think it is a plus to the producers and actors that one of their own has a government appointment again; I am not the first to be so appointed in Nigeria.

Other notable movie actors had been appointed and they contributed their quota to the development of the industry and this is what I aim to do.

How will you describe your work in government?

My work in government is basically to assist my state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in the area of tourism development. This entails how as a state we can harness the rich tourism potential into a world class money-making venture that will also attract direct foreign investment into the state and increase tourist traffic into Akwa Ibom State.

Is there any challenge combining it with acting?

Certainly, nothing good comes easy but I still try to do my work religiously and I put in my very best to uphold the confidence reposed on me having been so appointed to serve my state.

How will you describe the government’s approach towards tourism development in the state?

Among Gov. Emmanuel’s five-point agenda, tourism is encapsulated in the industrialisation drive and as such he is very keen in developing the

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19 Nigerian celebs and their uniquely distinct features p.34

Selling yourself for roles won’t take you far –Ini Edo vast tourism potential that abound in the state and this gave impetus to his endorsement of the Ibomfest Heritage Festival which is coming up from December 15 to 17. For us, developing the tourism sector will increase tourist traffic to our state, increase the IGR and employ a lot of our youths and others of employable age.

What is so unique about Ibomfest?

Ibomfest is unique in many ways.

At first, its theme is 'Our Cultures Beyond Borders,' so I would like to say it’s not a carnival of some sort.

It is a festival to showcase our way of life, our natural endowments, our rich cultural heritage and our most widely celebrated cuisines. Every local government area in the state is blessed with huge deposits of natural resources; all of these will be showcased to the admiration of spectators, tourists and visitors during the festival in December.

What challenges did you have to surmount to get the project to this level?

Well, I did not see challenges other than I needed to get the right people, the right team to work with to achieve this task. That I have got, and so far our team is working night and day to make sure the project succeeds. Since our governor runs an all-inclusive government, he endorsed the project after my presentations to him. Having been convinced of the economic benefits accruable to the state, he gave his nod and endorsed it.

all mobilised to clean up their environment in readiness to receive visitors.

All hospitality business owners have also begun to train their staff in preparation for the festival. Local tours will be organised to allow our visitors see Akwa Ibom and its beauty.

What activities have you planned for Ibomfest?

The festival has four components. One of them is the parade of colours where all local government areas will parade in the streets of Uyo to showcase their rich cultural attires, masquerades and natural endowments within their locality giving room for prospective investors to see the availability of such and the abundance of it and then invest. Then the cultural attires can be rebranded for export into the international markets.

There is also The Beach Fashion Show. Our Ibeno Beach is the longest stretch of sandy beach in the coast of Africa, yet in the past, it did not receive any recognition; we intend to host a fashion show there to enable our visitors to appreciate the

What plans do you have for visitors coming to Akwa Ibom State for the festival?

Our state is the safest place now in Nigeria, as such visitors will not have problems of security as our armed security personnel are everywhere in the state offering maximum security to all persons.

Our hotels are

Ini Edo

beauty, its ambience and tap from the economic activities there.

Our Akwa Ibom cuisines are widely accepted and appreciated, we shall host a food fair to showcase our local delicacies and rebrand for export.

Then there is a boat regatta. Since we are a riverine state, it’s important to showcase our strength in boat building through this colourful boat regatta competition.

Are you expecting a huge partnership with corporate bodies on the project?

Yes, Ibomfest is expected to be a public private partnership driven project as such we call on all corporate bodies in the country to come and be part of it by way of sponsorship or partnership to make this vision a reality. Already some corporate organisations are beginning to make enquires while some have indicated strong interest to participate.

What legacy do you plan to leave behind after your appointment?

By God’s special grace, I plan to build the Ibomfest Heritage Festival to be self-sponsored, attract tourist traffic yearly to the state, increase the IGR and create employment and partner development agencies and government to develop tourist sites in Akwa Ibom State.

What nuggets of wisdom will you want to share with budding actors in Nigeria some of whom your career has inspired?

The primary advice I will offer any budding actor is that selling yourself for roles to a producer to get ahead does not work in the long run, not as well as hard work and talent. Develop your craft and always give everything in depicting any roles you accept to play whether big or small. That’s what gets you noticed and that’s what wins awards.

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I had no doubt music will pay off – Harrysong

If I have a relationship, I would respect the person by being discreet about what we share together.

Your career has taken a startling leap since last year and your song, Reggae Blues, also amplifies your influence, what have you been doing differently?

I realised early enough that music for me is life and wisdom tells you to take life seriously. I think about what people go through daily, what they can effortlessly identify with as they go on their day-to-day activities and this forms components of my lyrics. If you listen to my songs, you would be compelled to believe this account. I sing for people to take everywhere they go.

How exactly did you start playing music and when did it dawn on you that it would provide your livelihood?

Music is a family thing for me. My mum sings so well and I’ve always been singing from when I was a boy. I was music director in the choir and for years I played live at the popular joint, O’jez, at the National Stadium, Lagos. Music comes to me so effortlessly.

What I do is put some efforts into it; God began to crown those efforts by the way people appreciate my music- the impact it had on the audience was always humbling and impressive.

When you get that kind of nod from God and enthusiasm from those who enjoy your music, what more proof would you need to be sure music provides my livelihood?

Before the song you did with KC-Presh (when the group was together), where were you all along?

Like I said earlier, I had been performing for people, maybe not on the big stage and I was constantly entertaining guests at O’jez and that was where I met KCPresh; they loved how I sang and we became friends. So, when they parted ways, I still stayed close to Kingsley because I’ve been closer to him all along.

Harrison Tare Okiri, 35, known by the moniker Harrysong, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and instrumentalist who rose to fame after his tribute song to Nelson Mandela won the "Most Downloaded Callertune Award" at The Headies 2013; he was said to have made up to N50m on the tribute song via MTN. He speaks to LANRE ODUKOYA about his career.

You saved the day at the AMAA 2016, when there was a sudden power outage that almost thwarted the show…how did you feel after successfully cheering the weary audience?

The gift of God is without repentance and if God calls you, he would favour you. I remember the event and all that happened and I give God the glory for what Kingsley and I were able to do with our talent that night. That is just one of the very many interventions people love.

You’ve also been in concerts in various places…

Yes, we just finished ‘One Delta’ concert and the response so far has been overwhelmingly pleasant. We’re proceeding on a U.S. tour and there would be some amazing songs fans should

expect from me before the year runs out. Constantly, we have been working to give the best to fans who believe in us.

You had a face-off with a fan online who claimed you wore some lipstick…

No, that wasn’t really a face-off, I just made some diplomatic remark and that was all. Fans are amazing people and you’d just find out that once in a while some of them say things that are unkind to you and forget that you’re a human being first of all. When such things happen, it really requires a great deal of patience and comportment to remain calm and that was what I did. I don’t know what she called ‘lipstick’.

Nobody has been romantically linked with you in the industry and outside it, are you not looking to settling down soon?

I keep my private matters private. I cannot be discussing my love life on the pages of a newspaper.

If I have a relationship, I would respect the person by being discreet about what we share together.

What if music had failed to pay your bills?

It took a lot of courage for me to move from that point to this point. You need to be very sure of yourself, because people don’t want to invest in what they are not sure of. In my case, I was sure of what I had and what I wanted. So I had to keep on pushing because back then, I was already seeing the picture of today. It was very difficult, but I held on to the passion and talent which has got me this far.

I’m not really scared of anything. What has brought me this far is hardwork. I don’t like to give excuses, because I have everything it takes to make it in life. I don’t give room for excuses.

When you talk about fulfilment, I am not yet there; there’s still a lot more coming ahead. This is the first phase of my career. I write songs every day. I work hard every day. So, there’s still a lot more to come.

If music didn’t work for me, I don’t know what else would have worked for me.

Maybe I would have gone into football. Music is my life and I thank God for His grace and mercy.

More or less, you have sufficient experience to own your label, are you going to join some of your colleagues who are floating theirs already?

Five-Star Music hasn’t failed me as a label. It is doing all it ought to do and the results are quite evident; if something is not broken, why fix it? I remain with my record label, the relationship sometimes feel like one of a family where we all have respect for one another.

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

Showbiz mums who still rock the scene Omoni Oboli

Dakore Akande

Like elsewhere, young and not-so-young women are striving hard to balance motherhood and largely demanding careers in the Nigerian entertainment scene. In this piece, Ogechi Ndubunma takes a look at young mothers who have remained both stunning and active in Nigerian entertainment.

Omoni Oboli The beautiful 38-year-old Nigerian actress, producer and director, has written many scripts including Being Mrs Elliott and The First Lady.

Having dazzled us all with her acting in movies including Figurine and Anchor Baby, Omoni has multiple awards to her name but the best part is being a mother of three children, Gozi, Tobe and Chizi.

A woman who belongs to the keep fit army, no one will look at her and think she’s given birth to three children due to her young looks.

Dakore Akande The University of Lagos graduate is another stunner who is married with two lovely girls. An actress steadily climbing the ladder of recognition, the 37-year-old hails from Bayelsa State and has acted in more than 50 films including Fifty, Peace of Flesh and Emotional Crack.

Mercy Aigbe Gentry

Genevieve

Tiwa Savage

Mercy Johnson

Mercy Aigbe Gentry Edo State-born but grew up in Lagos, Mercy is a top of the bill actress in the Yoruba section of Nollywood. A producer and director in her own right, she boasts a degree in Theatre Arts and at 37, she is married with two children along with three step daughters.

With a retinue of awards in her kitty, Mercy is a true definition of a hot mum as she is very stylish and never misses a chance to post another amazing look. So good is Mercy, married to Lanre Gentry, at this that her daughter, Michelle, has tapped into her stylish trait.

Genevieve Nnaji This in one name that has been on the lips of many Nigerians for a long time. An outstanding actress by any standard, Genny, as many of her fans call her, has also been involved in modelling and singing since she was introduced to the Nigerian audience many years ago.

Having started acting from a young age, her acting career kicked off properly in 1998 with a TV series titled Ripples, she must have lost count of the number of movies she has starred in. Her numerous awards include AMAA’s Best Actress in a Leading Role and most recently Best Movie in West Africa at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards for her debut offering as a producer, Road to Yesterday.

She is a single mother of a teenage daughter named Chimebuka and still so adorable at 37; men are still queuing up behind her.

Tiwa Savage Singer, songwriter, performer and actress, Tiwa Savagae was born in Lagos and studied at the University of Kent and the Berklee College of Music. She is currently signed to the Supreme Mavin Dynasty along with a recently announced deal with

Jay Z’s Roc Nation.

Tiwa started her career in England and then moved to Nigeria where she has been very well received and now boasts a rising profile despite widely publicised marriage issues this year. She is the mother of young Jamal.

Mercy Johnson Okojie This hugely popular actress came to the limelight following her gripping part in the movie, The Maid, and has gone on to establish herself as one of Nollywood’s top acting talents.

At just 32 years old, Mercy is where a lot of women desire to be – with three children and still able to boast of being at the top of her game along with a desirable figure.

Tonto Dikeh Churchill As controversial as they come, Tonto Dikeh is an actress, singer and songwriter. Known for movies like Missing Rib, Games Fools Play and Zara, she took everyone by surprise when she decided to venture into music.

So far, the 31-year-old whose young son is named Andre, has worked with artistes like D’banj, Kayswitch and Solidstar. And if anything, motherhood does not look bad for her, judging from how beautiful she looks still, but maintaining her hold on the industry is a different kettle of fish.

Annie Idibia Annie is the long-time love and wife of talented music star, 2Baba formerly known as 2face. An actress and model in her own right, Annie has featured in movies like Blackberry Babes, Crime and Pleasure among others and is a mother of two children.

Waje The talented “I wish” singer is the mother of Emerald Iruobe. Waje has worked with numerous acts including Banky W, MI, P.Square, Omawunmi and Lynxx and acted as one of the judges on The Voice Nigeria.

Growing up, the beautiful ebony said she had to overcome difficult situations like the divorce of her parents but has done well for herself as an artiste widely known in Nigeria and beyond West Africa.

Juliet Ibrahim An actress, singer and filmmaker of Lebanese, Liberian and Ghanaian descent, Juliet Ibrahim is a young mother of one.

Known for her outspoken nature and stunning beauty, Juliet is almost more comfortable in Nigeria than Ghana and has acted in movies like Dead End, Naked Weapon, Tattoo Boys, Blood Fight among a long list of others.

The 30-year-old, who remains

Juliet Ibrahim

convinced about her singing talent, has released a single titled “It’s over now”.

Osas Ajibade Not many women within and outside Nollywood would have forgiven her for snatching the handsome Gbenro Ajibade from right under their noses but Osas, a rising actress and former beauty queen, seems blissfully unaware.

Following a star-studded wedding in Benin, Nigeria and the United States last year, the couple recently welcomed their first child.

The pretty Osas, who won Miss Black USA Pageant back in 2010, has acted in popular TV series, Tinsel, apart from co-hosting an edition of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. She has also featured in The Department, Restless City, The Club, Put a Ring on it and many more and one cannot but wish the Best TV Actress of the Year at the 2014 ELOY Awards good luck all the way.

Osas Ajibade

Lilian Esoro

Lilian Esoroh Franklin Lilian kicked off her acting career in 2006 with the soap opera, Extended Family, but has gone on to star in others including Clinic Matters, Taste of Love and Tinsel.

An ambassador for House of Lunnete and Dunes, Mrs Franklin, recently welcomed her first child with her husband and MMMG boss, Ubi Franklin.

Nadia Buari Almost all her fans were taken by surprise when 34-year-old beautiful actress, Nadia Buari, disappeared from the radar, only to reappear about a year later with a set of twins.

A proudly Ghanaian actress who was in a relationship with Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, up till last year, has starred in movies like Beauty and the Beast, Holding Hope as well as Single Married. And even if she has not revealed the father of her twins, it has become clear Jim Iyke was not responsible for the pregnancy that led to the cute babies.

Ufoma Ejenobor-Mcdermott Another former model and beauty queen, Ufuoma is popular for her role in the TV soap, My Mum and I. She is the mother of two children, a boy and a girl, having been married to her European husband, Steve McDermott, since 2010.

35-year-old Ufuoma starred in Vivian Ejike’s Private Storm as Lisa and also featured in the song, “Dream Come True” by masked musician, Labgaja. She is one of the few women with a master’s degree in Nollywood along with certificates in acting and filmmaking from the prestigious New York film Academy and Hollywood Film Institute respectively.

Waje

Annie Idibia

Ufoma Ejenobor

21

22

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Social Media Craze TravelTourism

3 September 2016

Trending

Gist

Photos Controversies

Fans express wishes as Funke Akindele finally confirms marriage

I

t is no longer news that celebrated actress, Funke Akindele, is married once again. The Jenifa actress and producer got married to rapper, JJC, in London on August 23 surrounded by very close family members and friends.

According to the Nollywood star, who had been silent on her relationship with the “We are Africans” rapper since last year, she and her new husband decided to have a quiet wedding in the United Kingdom because neither of them wanted to be at the centre of attention having been on that lane before.

Through a statement released by Biodun Kupoluyi, her publicist, she said: “The decision to do it quietly was right for us and we pray for the understanding of our close friends and fans at this offer of a lifetime moment.

“At a good time, we shall look back and in appreciation of divine grace and your support, we shall celebrate milestones and where we are in life.”

Earlier, controversial Cool FM OAP, Freeze, had made known to

discerning followers of the union by sending his good wishes to Funke on her 40th birthday via Instagram.

While tagging JJC in the said message, he wrote: “Ise ti bere” meaning work has started while implying that children will soon accompany the marriage through a number of symbols.

Awojinrin Britiko, a fan of Funke, while commenting on Facebook, wrote: “Wish you all the best that comes with marriage Funke Akindele, God bless ur union.”

For Johnson Adesanmi Fadeke, it is: “Wish u all of God's fruitfulness;May God grant u wisdom to endure n persevere;Marriage takes lot;Be strong.....congrats Jennifer.”

On her own, Ideho Princess Izegboya said: “If u don't understand or know what someone been through,don't ever judge their breakthrough. I wish u soooo well Funke and I love u so much.

Whoever u marry is your business not ours. Your marriage shall be a blessing,your children surround ur table,u shall see ur grandchildren.

Amen.”

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

Comedian, Akpororo, welcomes baby girl

O

ne of Nigeria’s most notable comedians, Jephta Bowoto, also known as Akpororo, is currently a very happy man. The funny man and his wife, Josephine, have welcomed their first child into the world and as expected, you can’t even measure how happy the couple and their relatives are.

Having got married on November 14, 2015, to his longtime boo, the Ondo State-born comedian made the

The new couple, JJC and Funke Akindele

Social media agog as Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, visits Lagos

I

ndeed it is a week in which Nigeria scored very highly and that mainly due to the visit of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg to Lagos, Nigeria. The young billionaire and inventor landed in Lagos on Tuesday and made his first stop at CCHub, Yaba in Lagos.

No sooner had he arrived than Nigerians found a scapegoat in Cable News Network (CNN) for including Sub Sahara Africa in its headline instead of plainly writing: Facebook founder visits Nigeria.”

The Facebook founder interacted with Nigerian tech entrepreneurs at Yaba, regarded as the Silicon Valley of Nigeria but CNN wrote: “Mark Zuckerberg makes first-ever visit to Sub-Saharan Africa” but with Nigerians hitting at the cable TV without restraint.

The anger, mainly directed at the CNN for somehow refusing to mention Nigeria since the incident has no negative implication on the country, was also for creating the impression that Africa was a country.

A commentator on the development, Bola Aduwo, wrote: “CNN please what is Sub-Saharan Africa? An area of over 20 countries. Why can’t you be specific?

with Adedayo Odulaja

What will it cost to say Nigeria?”

“If Mr. Mark had gone to a European country, will you tweet this way: ‘Mark makes first ever visit to Europe’? — CNN Africa?” asked another Twitter user, @ oluwatimilehino.

But with that made known, Nigerians soon got down to the hilarious part of the visit. A contest between the Mainland and Island parts of Lagos soon ensued.

A Twitter user, Bam Bam, tweeting through BamBam @fxmi_ wrote: “Lol..

Because Mark Zuckerberg is in Yaba, Mainland 1 – 0 Island.

Popular public commentator, Japheth Omojuwa, tweeting through @Omojuwa also wrote: “Mark Zuckerberg slept on the Island? 1-1. Draw draw. Lol.” It became even more hilarious as the social media comedian, Frank Donga @@frankdonga_ wrote: “Eh sir, @MarkZuckerbergF A whole U enta Lagos wit singlet&jeans,No noise. If na one of us, peepu wee still be eating gala in traffic on 3MB.” “Nigerian Jollof rice has made it!

Mark Zuckerberg just said that Jollof rice is sweet…on Facebook live Nigeria: 100 Ghana: 0 WIN FOR LIFE!!! ” wrote Prosper Otemuyiwa via @unicodeveloper Taking it even further, Femi Lee @

Akpororo shows off baby moments after birth

announcement on Instagram moments after his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child on Wednesday.

Beyond making it known to his fans, Akpororo seized the moment to also appreciate his wife of less than a year by writing: “You are welcome to my world the princess of RORO KINGDOM, thank you for bringing JOY to our world. Now u can call me papa somebody, @jose_bowoto you are the best woman in the world, I love you like kilode.”

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

23

Investigations

Clockwise: Recommended foods, a child being breastfed and malnourished infant

FOOD, BREASTFEEDING

A MOTHER’S MIRACLE AT COMBATING CHILD MALNUTRITION Malnutrition is a pathological condition brought about by inadequacy of one or more of the nutrients essential for survival, growth, development, reproduction and capacity to learn and function in the society. This is invisible yet deadly. About 17.3 million children worldwide suffer from acute malnutrition, also known as wasting. Nigeria is said to be among the highest with this condition in the world at around 1.9 million children each year. In this report, ISIOMA MADIKE, who just returned from a UNICEF conference on child malnutrition in Sokoto State, looks at food as a therapy for attacking this malady

Isioma madike

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

O

ne-and-half-year-old Aishat Awwalu gave a loud cry as she was placed in the spring scale with her legs dangling in the air. A health worker quickly noted down her weight, lifted her out of the scale and returned Aishat to her mother. The news was not good.

Aishat weighed five kilos, only two thirds the average weight of a normal toddler her age.

“My baby is very sick,” said Hauwa staring at her daughter. She had been in queue with other mothers of malnourished children at the Communitybased Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Gidan Dahala Primary Health Centre (donated by USAID), Sokoto. The centre is about 10 kilometers away from her village.

“For four days, she had been suffering from severe diarrhoea, high fever

and lack of appetite,” the mother said of Aishat.

At any given moment in Sokoto, according to survey, there are around 250 severely malnourished children in need of life saving therapeutic food. Many more visit the Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) Centres within the metropolis as well. At the CMAN the health of malnourished children are thoroughly checked. If they are not sick, they are enrolled in the outpatients programme, receiving a weekly supply of nutritious peanutbased paste.

“From the screening and weight records Aishat was severely malnourished but with no complications,” said Ahmed, one of the nutritionists, who is implementing the United Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-supported programme.

“We have many cases like these coming to the Outpatient Therapeutic Programme. This month alone, we received over 25 new cases of severe malnutrition,” he told Saturday Telecontinued on page 24

24

Investigations

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

‘About 2 million children suffer from continued from page 23

graph.

Pathetic as Aishat’s case may seem, she is not an isolated case. In the queue on this day is Aminat with her eight months old baby - Sadiq.

Two months ago, the child had acute diarrhoea and became severely malnourished. At that time he weighed four kilogrammes but after treatment and a supply of the peanutbased paste, he is nearly double that weight.

“I couldn’t produce breast milk, I used to feed him cows’ milk and tea before I knew it was not good for him” said Aminat, a mother of seven children. “Today, I was told it is his last day at the clinic, he is better now.”

The nutrition officer explained that the major causes of malnutrition in the region are majorly lack of breastfeeding, inappropriate food for babies and children, poor hygiene and sanitation as well as drinking contaminated water.

“The other challenge is that there is not enough food in many homes,” said matron of the home, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Ambursa. “If a mother has not eaten well, she will not be able to produce enough milk to breastfeed her child and that is big problem here.”

When children, before the age of five, miss out on the nutrition they need it can affect them in many ways. They may be shorter for their age, perform poorly at school and have problems learning skills, which stops them from reaching their full potential.

Without proper nutrition, the immune system is not efficient. So, disease enters through germs like bacteria and can attack easily. Then a cycle begins. When there is a disease, the child could easily become malnourished.

Malnutrition is a dangerous condition that develops when the body does not get enough nutrients to function properly. It can be caused by a lack of food or an unbalanced diet that is missing or insufficient in one or more nutrients. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that malnutrition affects about 792 million people worldwide. At least a third of them are children. Childhood hunger affects one of every four children, with as many as 17 million children at risk of malnutrition.

Stunting is one of the main long term effects of malnutrition in children. The malady can hinder a child’s ability to grow normally, leaving both height and weight well under normal when compared with children the same age. Stunted growth can be permanent, and a child may never achieve normal height or body weight if chronically malnourished.

According to the “British Medical Journal,” malnutrition in children can also adversely hinder brain development and intellectual capacity in the early stages of life. However, malnutrition can involve not only insufficient macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and fat, but also insufficient micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Vitamin and mineral malnutrition can have an array of effects, depending on the specific micronutrient that is lacking in the diet.

A malnourished child being examined at the CMAM centre, Sokoto

For example, a deficiency in the mineral iron can lead to anaemia, or a low red blood cell count. While a lack in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which causes tiredness and yellowing of the skin. But, ingesting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals can prevent deficiency.

This malaise could be invisible yet deadly. About 17.3 million children worldwide suffer from acute malnutrition. Also known as wasting, this occurs when a child is so undernourished. They could also be at risk of dying. Nigeria’s rates of severe wasting are said to be among the highest in the world at around 1.9 million children each year. These children are nine times more likely to die, according to statistics, than those who have been well fed and cared for.

As recently as 10 years ago, treatment for severe wasting had to be carried out in hospitals. Today, in Nigeria, an innovative community-based approach led by the government is reaching large numbers of children - far more than a limited number of hospital beds would ever allow. Nigeria's CMAM programme welcomes mothers, careers and children to local health clinics across the country.

At CMAM, malnourished children are able to recover quickly by eating fortified peanut-based Ready-to-Use

Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Mothers and children also receive basic health care, treatment for common childhood diseases, and nutrition and feeding advice which can be followed at home.

Working with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministries and UNICEF, the community pro-

gramme delivers life-saving care and treatment to children with severe wasting under the age of five in Nigeria. All children diagnosed with severe wasting attend regular clinics and receive advice on home care and treatments, including packets of RUTF which can help them, recover quickly.

About one million children are said to have been admitted to the programme since it began in 2009 with over 830,000 of them cured with an annual cure rate at 85 per cent in 2015.

Providing treatment in the community enables health workers to reach large numbers of children. But, despite the success in reaching this number of children, only one in three severely wasted children in Northern Nigeria is receiving the treatment they need.

Research by Action Against Hunger shows that a number of barriers have limited the potential reach of the programme. More can be done to ensure that mothers, carers, families and communities recognise the signs of severe wasting and understand that there is effective treatment they can give to their children at home. It costs just $160 to cure a child who is suffering from severe wasting.

The model for community-based treatment has proven itself to be cost effective with impact. There is an urgent need for treatment of severe acute malnutrition to become part of essential health services delivered by all clinics across Nigeria. Every child who needs treatment should receive it.

Insufficient diets are a fact of everyday life for hundreds of millions of children. The signs of malnutrition are so common – a short child or a child who has lost some weight. They often do not appear sick or suffering at first.

But they are. Though, malnutrition is not merely the result of too little food.

It is a pathology caused principally by a lack of essential nutrients which not only causes growth to falter, but also increases susceptibility to common diseases. This is why a common cold or bout of diarrhoea can kill a malnourished child.

Most of the damage caused by malnutrition occurs in children before they reach their second birthday. This is the critical window of opportunity when the quality of a child's diet has a profound, sustained impact on his or her health, physical and mental development. Breast milk is the only food babies need for the first six months.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Interview Corruption, instability killing Nigerian sports – Galadima p.27

Sport Splash

25 Feature Tokyo 2020: Towards better Team Nigeria performance p.31

Eguavoen: Eagles must beat Tanzania for pride, confidence A

Ugochi Akwueze former coach of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, has said that the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania is very important, urging Super Eagles players to approach the match with seriousness.

He also stated that the pride of the country in football was at stake in the encounter and that the match was a rehearsal which would help the team in its preparation for the 2016 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in October, and so players should do their best to get a shirt.

“We cannot afford to lose this game. It means a lot to us. If we do, it may bring us down in FIFA rankings which will not be too good for us and the

The Team Ajibade Olusesan l Co-ordinator

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

morale of players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

“Players have the opportunity to showcase their skills and prove they deserve to be called up for the next game against Zambia,” he said.

Speaking to Saturday Telegraph on the appointment of a foreign coach, the 2004 bronze-winning coach, laments that the Nigeria Football Federation does not show local coaches enough support, however, but wish the team well if the NFF feels that a foreign coach is the best.

“We have qualified coaches in Nigeria, it’s just that the support given to local tacticians is not enough. All we have to do is pray for the team’s success,” Eguavoen said.

The former national team captain, nonetheless, charged Nigeria’s new coach, Genrot Rohr, to give his best and qualify Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup. “He knows the job of qualifying for the World Cup is tasking given the fact that we have started the preparation late, however, he should try as much as he can to help Nigeria qualify.”

Nigeria will on Saturday play the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers. Although both teams lost their chances of qualifying for the tournament as seven-time African champions Egypt picked the ticket in the group.

Eguavoen

26

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous

BY CHARLES OGUNDIYA

More than two-horse race at the top

W

ith two points separating the top four teams on the league table, the Nigeria Professional Football League will be going down to the wire with just six matches to the end of the season.

Wikki Tourists currently lead the table with 54 points from 32 matches same as Rangers but with inferior goals difference.

Rivers United are one point behind the duo while IfeanyiUbah are in fourth position with 52 points to complete the top four teams.

Defending champions, Enyimba are also gradually climbing up the table in fifth place and may be in the best position to retain their title.

With 49 points and two outstanding matches, they will hope the teams above them slip up for them to achieve their target of winning the league for a record eight time.

Enyimba will be taking on Lobi Stars in Markurdi this weekend as league leaders, Wikki Tourists, will be on break due to

the uncertainty surrounding the re-instatement of Giwa FC. Heartland lost 3-1 to Ikorodu United during the first stanza of the season and revenge and survival will be paramount on their mind as they welcome the Oga Boys to Owerri.

Plateau United and Shooting Stars continue their quest to move further away from the relegation zone as they face each other in Jos. Shooting will be buoyed by their last game at home when they walloped Kano Pillars 4-0, and a good result in Jos will give the Oluyole Warriors breathing space.

In some other matches scheduled for the weekend, Kano Pillars will play host to Sunshine Stars as Warri Wolves play at home to Nasarawa United.

MFM will be guest to Akwa United while it will be northern battle between El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes. Abia Warriors will be at home against IfeanyiUbah with Heartland playing Ikorodu United.

Heartland not leaving anything to chances against Ikorodu

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

32

15

9

8

43

23

20

54

2 Rangers

32

15

9

8

41

34

7

54

3 Rivers Utd

32

17

2

13

34

24

10

53

4 IfeanyiUbah

32

15

7

10

33

29

4

52

5 Enyimba

30

14

7

9

32

25

7

49

6 Lobi Stars

33

14

7

12

37

31

6

49

7 Nasarawa Utd

32

16

1

15

39

36

3

49

8 Sunshine

32

12

11

9

40

31

9

47

9 Akwa Utd

33

13

7

13

42

39

3

46

10 Kano Pillars

32

13

6

13

42

36

6

45

11 Plateau Utd

32

12

9

11

32

32

0

45

12 Shooting

32

13

5

14

39

44

-5

44

13 Tornadoes

32

13

4

15

36

37

-1

43

14 El-Kanemi

32

4

15

34

38

-4

43

15 Heartland

32

10

12

23

27

-4

40

16 Abia Warriors

32

10

10

12

28

35

-7

40

17 Warri Wolves

32

10

9

13

27

34

-7

39

18 MFM FC

31

10

8

13

30

33

-3

38

19 Ikorodu Utd

31

4

11

16

24

50

-26

23

20 Giwa

18

4

2

12

11

29

-18

14

Heartland vs Ikorodu Utd Kano Pillars vs Sunshine Plateau Utd vs Shooting Rangers vs Rivers Utd Warri Wolves vs Nasarawa Utd Abia Warriors vs IfeanyiUbah Akwa Utd vs MFM Lobi vs Enyimba El-Kanemi vs Tornadoes

C

Efugh

Team 1 Wikki

MATCHDAY 34

Ikenna Amadi aptain of Owerri-based Nigeria Professional Football League, Heartland, Chinedu Efugh, has warned his team mates not to give room for complacency as they face Ikorodu United this weekend.

Efugh said they were not relying on their visitor’s current form or the form of other teams fighting relegation like MFM FC and Warri Wolves.

Speaking during a live interview programme monitored in Lagos during the week, the defender expressed optimism about his team's chances of remaining in the top flight.

“We are not really counting on MFM result. We are just looking at winning our games so we can be comfortable,” he said.

“Looking at MFM or some other teams, anything can still happen. They can easily go away and win. Our own is just to take it step by step and all that is in our mind right now is the game against Ikorodu, coming up this weekend.”

Speaking further, the player popularly called Chicago said the influence of the new head coach, Ramson Madu, had been enormous. Claiming that Madu has brought back confidence to the team.

He said: “The current coach brought something like bringing the confidence that we should play and forget about relegation battle.

“He always asks us to play our normal game. That is it, we go all out and play our game because we are already down and hope for the best. This gives confidence to the players.”

NPFL LEAGUE TABLE

Rangers, Rivers United battle for title

R

League action between Ikorodu United and MFM FC

Who is afraid of referee Udoh?

F IFA-badged referee, Ferdinand Udoh, has handled some AFCON qualifiers this year and will be in Niger this weekend for the game between Niger and Burundi, but is yet to handle more than six matches this season.

In all his games this season, no home team recorded a victory, with five of the matches ending in a draw and one away victory.

Wikki defeated El-Kanemi Warriors away from home. The game between

Abia Warriors and Rangers, Lobi against Wikki, Rangers versus Heartland, Enyimba at home to Rangers and recently the 1-1 draw in Akure between Sunshine Stars and Heartland.

It is obvious that some teams are scared of having Udoh handling their games because of his fearless attitude and proper interpretation of the game.

It is important the referee committee appreciates such referees, as this will bring more confidence to the fans watching games.

angers secured a slim 1-0 victory against MFM in a rescheduled match on Thursday morning but will have to be at their best when they host Rivers United in a top of the table battle this weekend.

A point separates the two teams in second and third position respectively and the match will be keenly contested by the two sides.

During the week, the media officer of Rivers United, Sammy Wejinya, promised to reward his players with the sum of N100,000 if they could defeat Rangers at home while Rangers MO, Chime Foster, countered with promise of N200,000 for a victory.

The encounter promises to be mouthwatering as both side go into this game with a winner-take all mindset. It promises to be a tricky situation for Rangers, whose hunt for silverwares has been like an obsession for the team as the whole of Enugu is expectant currently.

Knowing a victory will see them topple Rangers, Rivers United will be going all out as they look to continue with their fairytale run in the league.

On the other hand, Rangers will see the game as another opportunity to move back to the top of the table with Wikki Tourists not playing.

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

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Corruption, instability killing Nigerian sports – Galadima Former Nigeria Football Association chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, in a no holds bare interview with Saturday Telegraph’s CHARLES OGUNDIYA (with additional information from Tunde Akinbinu and Jane Nweze) said Nigerians should define what they want to achieve with sports. Excerpts…

What do we have to do to take sports back to the top in Nigeria?

The fact is, in Nigeria we do not seem to be clear with what we want in sports. We just have to be certain on what we want to do, is it for recreation or for economic benefits, which I believe should be the case, I say this because we have the potentials over the years to take advantage of what we have to maximize these benefits. Let’s take example of Jamaica; Usain Bolt has really put the country on the world's map in terms of sports. During the Olympics, I was watching the sales of souvenir from Jamaica in Brazil simply because of Bolt’s performance; he has used his exploit to take the name of the country to the world. You can see also how Brazil left their political and economic crisis and prepared for the games, just to attract the world to their country. Our main problem in this country over the years has been the consistent change in the leadership of the sports ministry. From 1997 to date Nigeria has had about 15 to 16 ministers. To the best of my knowledge, only two of these ministers had some semblance of sports knowledge and involvement. Now you could see the damage that this has done, when you bring in someone that has no idea about sports. I cannot remember someone not a lawyer being appointed the minister of justice, or somebody who is not a medical doctor to be the minister of health. But in sports it has always been the other way round. A sort of dumping ground for anybody to come and work.

It was a bad outing for Nigeria at the Rio Olympics just like London 2012, what could be responsible?

Simple, we were not prepared because the team went in tatters and we actually finished with noting albeit the bronze won by the U-23 boys. The bronze actually gave some people platform to say yes we are better than we were in London, but I am not sure that was enough to placate Nigerians.

I am saying all these to make the people understand where we have gotten it wrong over the years and I must confess that there is no end in sight. What we have at the moment is not good enough, in the sense that, the characters that makeup the sector are not willing to change and the system has

been corrupted that you may not have any hope of getting anything worthwhile. I am still a chairman of a committee set up by the minister of sports, Solomon Dalung, but three months after we finished the job, the minister has not received the report. I told him (minister) to look at the report and give it to his boss (President Buhari) for him to know the problems facing our sports. But Dalung is yet to get the report even after four months.

How did you get into sports administration?

It is traditional for people to pick interest in something while growing up especially in school. At first I had no interest in football because I didn’t play the game. I however got into football administration in 1977 as the Chairman of Kano Football Administration before becoming the Chairman of the Sports Council of the old Kano in 1981. After the 1983 military coup, I was made member board of the National Sports Commission, Vice-president of the Olympic committee between 1985 and 1987 and coming back as chairman of sports council after the creation of Jigawa state. I have participated in every committee set up on sports. It has been a busy time stopping me from getting my desire to have a quiet life.

What’s your take on the scrapping of National Sports Commission?

The controversy of scrapping the sports commission is something being talked about. For whatever reason, the minister said the sports ministry should be scrapped. He also had his own idea that the sport commission would make the sports ministry irrelevant. The sports commission is an intricate body that has technocrats.

Again, the documentation wasn’t backed by law, so it was easy to scrap it.

That has been the problem, until we decided to have a structure on ground because what we have been having in the past was a situation whereby power is been vested on the ministry of sports.

Even the people who are in the ministry like directors, some of them had no sports background, but they find themselves in the sports ministry as civil servants. Check other ministries, you find professionals in those fields unlike sports. It all depends on the structure. I don’t know whether it

Galadima

is a curse because we are not having this problem in other sectors. Good things come with the right structure.

What will be your advice to the president on moving sports forward?

I will advise him to take a cue from these smaller countries in terms of getting it right.

These countries have been projecting their image by being organised. Talking about organisation, it has to start with who you appoint to work for you, what structures do you have in place for you to work with and then other things will follow. When the minister was appointed, a journalist called me and was being sarcastic with it; he was expressing his anger that how can somebody who does not know his way to the stadium be appointed a minister. You can now see people’s perception and kind of characters they want to see around a particular sector. If he (the president) seeks my opinion, I will tell him all what I have been saying and perhaps more. It is very disturbing the kind of funds allocated to sports and no results to show. Just a while ago, the presidents of various federations were asked to present their budgets and they defended it on the floor of the National Assembly. It was a senator, who is now president of a federation who revealed how

monies appropriated to them never got to them. They would defend these budgets but monies were never released to these federations. There are so many things and when I see the president, I will inform him on the need to have an independent means of getting information on happenings in the sector and also encourage the private sector to get involved.

How do we give the private sector the confidence?

For instance, when I came in, I said we are willing to discuss with sponsors who are ready to support our activities, but one thing is these sponsors don’t need to lodge their funds in the sports commission. Let the private sectors pick the programme they want, then we guide them on how to run that programme. The moment the money gets to the commission that is when you have the problem of someone saying that the money has been syphoned. This is what should be avoided, there must be transparency. If we can be that transparent, these private sectors will know that if they put their money in sports it is not going for nothing.

Also, the most important thing is to go back to schools and start sports from the grassroots. Right now we don’t have any structure in terms of school sports. Even at the university level, we must bring them together to tap from the talent in these areas. Students in the university pay sports levies and that money goes to the school account, how much efforts have these institutions done in terms of using those levies to develop their structures in the institution? We need to groom all these talents.

Back to football, what can you say has been the problem?

The instability in the system. No football in any country can survive when you have three coaches under two years. We had late Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh all in the period of two years. There is no way you will expect miracles to happen. We are looking at the 2018 World Cup with the tough group that we are into. Now we have a German as a coach and he has been tasked to qualify us to the competition. Missing two AFCON finals already makes us not to have a standing team. Perhaps if we had played in the last AFCON, maybe we would have had 80% of our team intact. We have the qualifiers now; issues of the payment of the new coach will likely come up. The instability in the system is too much, this played out in Brazil at the Rio Olympics as the boys protested of not being paid.

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Euro 2016 with Portugal. Sporting revealed the transfer fee was 45 million euros and the player, a Sporting youth product, was unveiled to Inter fans before last Sunday's Serie A match against Palermo.

he shaggy-haired

sive defender just two

David Luiz, Paris Saint-Germain to Chelsea, $44.7 million

move for Switzerland international Xhaka.

The 23-year-old's arrival obliged England international Jack Wilshere to seek a loan move elsewhere.

Granit Xhaka, Borussia Moenchengladbach to Arsenal, $46 million

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger moved to address longstanding concerns about the lack of bite in his team's midfield by sanctioning a big-money

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out clause for the former Real Madrid player, who broke the long-standing Serie A scoring record with 36 goals last season. Signed on a fiveyear deal, Higuain came off the bench to score the winner against Fiorentina on his competitive debut.

Joao Mario, Sporting Lisbon to Inter Milan, $50.3 million

t has been a summer of rebuilding at Inter, who have a new coach in Frank de Boer and several big-money new signings. The biggest is Joao Mario, who arrived at the San Siro from Sporting fresh from winning

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talian champions Juventus dealt a huge blow to their domestic rivals when they signed the 28-year-old Argentina striker Higuain from Napoli, their closest rivals in Serie A last season. Juve paid Napoli close to the full amount of Higuain's 94.7 million-euro buy-

Gonzalo Higuain, Napoli to Juventus, $98.8 million

Ivory Coast's players Giovanni Sio with a Liberian player during World Cup qualifier

Diaby

vory Coast will be eyeing a place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals when they host Sierra Leone at the Stade Bouake in Boauke on Saturday.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast are currently sitting at the top of their qualifying group with five points - one ahead of second-placed Sierra Leone.

A draw in the final Group I encounter will

Nicknamed the Leone Stars, Sierra Leone managed to hold the Ivory Coast to a goalless stalemate in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Sellah Tetteh's side played their home matches in the qualifying campaign outside their country due to a Ebola outbreak.

Third-placed Sudan have four points, but their last group game is against Gabon. Games

seek place in 2017 AFCON finals I

placed Benin.

Alain Giresse's side are eager to overcome Benin at home in the final group match and finish at the top of Group C. Just like Mali, Benin are undefeated in the qualifying campaign thus far. They have recorded three victories and two draws.

Nicknamed the Squirrels, Benin held Mali to a 1-1 draw in their first Group C meeting in Cotonou. Stephane Sessegnon and Abdoulay Diaby netted for the respective nations.

A win over Mali, will see the Squirrels also book their place in next year' AFCON finals.

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ali will be out to maintain their dominance in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying group when they host Benin at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Sunday.

The Eagles of Mali are one of the teams who have already booked their place in next year's AFCON finals which will be hosted by Gabon.

They are sitting at the top of Group C with 13 points from five matches. But Mali are only two points ahead of second-

2017 AFCON QUALIFICATION Mali host Benin in top of the table clash

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ith Per Mertesacker and Gabriel sidelined by injury, Wenger plugged a sizeable gap in his back line with a move

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Shkodran Mustafi, Valencia to Arsenal, $46 million

inger Sane, 20, arrived in England

with a burgeoning reputation, having scored eight goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke last season and earned a place in Germany's Euro 2016 squad. Sidelined to date by a hamstring injury, he could make his debut in the derby against Manchester United on September 10.

Leroy Sane, Schalke to Man City, $48 million

legant centre-back Stones, 22, became the biggest signing of the Pep Guardiola era at City after joining from Everton in a deal that made him the second most expensive defender in history behind David Luiz. The former Barnsley player had a difficult final season at Everton, but has looked assured in his early outings for City,

regularly stepping up into midfield with the ball.

John Stones, Everton to Manchester City, $61 million

he summer ’s most long-running transfer saga concluded

with France midfielder Pogba returning to former club United in a world-record move. Allowed to leave Old Trafford in 2012 after failing to win over legendary manager Alex Ferguson, the rangy 23-year-old midfielder with the dazzling haircuts and blistering shot returned as one of the biggest names in the game.

Paul Pogba, Juventus to Man United, $116 million

Top 10 summer European transfers

28 3 septemb

SATURDAY

Henrik Stenson

Mkhitaryan

years earlier. However, Luiz, 29, was tipped to lose his place to compatriot Marquinhos at PSG, and has returned to Stamford Bridge for a reported fee of around £34 million.

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cunning and unorthodox striker, 22-year-old Belgium international Batshuayi moved to Chelsea following a prolific season at Marseille in which he scored 23 goals.

Used mainly from the bench so far, he has scored three goals in four.

Michy Batshuayi, Marseille to Chelsea, $43.5 million

Brazilian's deadlineday return to Chelsea was one of the biggest surprises of the transfer window, after PSG paid £50 million to make him the world's most expen-

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Henrik Stenson wants to avoid another knee operation as he prepares to play through the pain in the FedExCup play-offs and the Ryder Cup. The Open champion withdrew from the The Barclays last week after an opening-round 74, citing the same right knee injury which required him to have an operation last year.

anchester United and Armenia midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan hopes he will be able to play in a FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier against Danish footballers.

The Armenian national will face its Danish rivals on September 4 in Parken Sadium, Copenhagen.

Mkhitaryan was injured yesterday in a friendly game with Czech football players. The Armenian national was humiliated by Czech footballers 0:3. Mkhitaryan left the game on the 38th minute.

Asked after the match if he will be able to play against the Danes, he said: ‘I hope’.

Armenia’s other rivals in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying round are Romania, Poland, Denmark, Montenegro and Kazakhstan.

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Mkhitaryan hopes to face Denmark

ollowing two fine seasons with Southampton, during which he scored 25 goals in all competitions, 24-year-old Senegal flier Mane left St Mary's to join Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool revolution. He has made an impressive start to life at Anfield, netting a fine solo goal in Liverpool's 4-3 win at Arsenal on the opening day.

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Sadio Mane, Southampton to Liverpool, $44.7 million

for Germany centre-back Mustafi on the penultimate day of the window.

Mustafi, 24, previously spent three years at Everton, but made just one senior appearance.

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Felipe Massa announced at Monza that he is to retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season, thus concluding a 15-year career that will primarily be recalled for that last-moment heartbreak in Interlagos 2008.

For a brief few seconds after crossing the line as race winner, he was poised as world champion.

Felipe Massa

urkina Faso will be targeting Botswana's scalp when they host them in their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou on Sunday.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso need to beat Botswana in order to qualify for the AFCON finals for the fifth time in since 2010.

They are currently sitting at the top of Group D with ten points. But they are only ahead of

S enegal are at home against Namibia and will want to wrap-up their successful 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a victory.

Although Senegal have already booked their ticket to the continent's ultimate football tournament, they will aim at bagging six points over Namibia.

They defeated the Brave Warriors of Namibia 2-0 in the first leg in September 2015 and a win in front of their home fans will be a sweet victory.

The Lions of Teranga

lead Group K with 15 points after five matches having won all of them with no draw or a loss.

Coach Moustapha Seck will push his side to remain disciplined to ensure they maintain the good run of form in the campaign.

Looking at the visiting Southern African side, the 2015 COSAFA Castle Cup champions face a daunting task in this assignment.

They also want to stun the hosts by bagging their third win and secure second position in the group, but it won't come easy in Dakar.

Senegal out to dominate Group K

against Gabon are considered as friendlies and not counted for the standings.

Hamada Nampiandraza from Madagascar will officiate the encounter between Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on Saturday evening.

Kenya's Olympic chief Kipchoge Keino is under pressure to resign after four of his deputies were accused of mismanagement of the Kenyan team's visit to the Rio Olympics.

According to police, the investigations are ongoing into theft of team uniforms, abuse of office and neglect of official duties.

Kipchoge Keino

second-placed Uganda on head-on-head.

Paulo Duarte's men will remain at top of the group if overcome Botswana. But they can still win the group if they lose and Uganda also lose to Comoros.

Their opponents Botswana have already been eliminated, but they will be looking to end their qualifying campaign with a win.

The Zebras are currently placed third on Group D standings with six points - three ahead of fourth placed Comoros who are also eliminated.

o t k o o l o s a F a n i k r Bu secure spot B

SPORT BRIEFLY

he Syli Nationale of Guinea will be aiming for the full three points as they welcome Zimbabwe in their final 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

Although their chances of going to Gabon are zero, a win could boost their confidence as they wrap-up their campaign.

Guinea are placed at third spot in the group with five points from one win and two draws respectively.

However, a win for them will not guarantee a spot in the tournament next year as they are behind the second placed Swaziland (with eight points).

In their first leg in March this year, both nations finished the match with no winner as the game ended 1-1.

On Kalisto Pasuwa's men, the match is seen as a dead rubber but the Warriors are gunning for their fourth win to ensure they finish with 14 points.

Zimbabwe are already through to the Afcon tournament next year which comes as a major achievement for the Southern Africans.

The qualification is their second appearance after their disappointing first round exits in the 2004 edition which was hosted by Tunisia and 2006 in Egypt.

Guinea eye Zimbabwe scalp

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see the reigning AFCON champions qualify for the 2017 finals which will be hosted by Gabon.

However, it won't be easy for Michel Dussuyer's side because Sierra Leone proved a hard nut to crack in their first Group I meeting last year.

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Lifestyle of Sportsmen

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SARAH THOMAS n 2015, she became the first women to ever be a full-time official for the NFL, but did you know that she was also the first female to officiate a major college bowl game? All the haters probably had their jaws hit the ground after taking one look at her.

The beautiful blonde and mother of three proved she has what it takes after making the correct call during the most important play of a Monday Night Football game between the Pittsburg Steelers and San Diego Chargers. Not only is she smart, but her smile can stop anyone in their tracks.

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Bollier

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Holtkamp

H Tambini

Mansfield Town embroiled in sexism row after stunning models promote ‘One Call Girls’

ansfield Town have become embroiled in a sexism row after using women in revealing outfits to promote their sponsors – called “One Call Girls.”

The League Two club has been forced to defend itself against allegations that the term is sexist and makes the club workers “sound like prostitutes.”

A number of Twitter users have shared their anger at the promotion The women, who wear skin-tight low-cut outfits and hand out promotional vouchers, are so named because they carry out marketing for club sponsors One Call Insurance.

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LAUREN HOLTKAMP he NBA official became famous over night when superstar Chris Paul, of the LA Clippers, criticized Holtkamp’s decision to give him a technical foul during a game. His quote, “this might not be for her,” got him a $25,000 fine. As the third full-time female referee in the NBA, she has done a great job, regardless of Paul’s frustration.

Most of the photos Holtkamps are when she’s working a game. So we can’t imagine what this stunning woman looks like if she wasn’t wearing those atrocious uniforms but rather something fashioned by Joseph Altuzarra.

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AURÉLIE SARÀ BOLLIER ollier has made a name for herself refereeing in amateur leagues in Switzerland. Judging by her Instagram, the exquisite Swiss is comfortable showing off her tattoos and loves animals.

In an interview with a Swiss News publication, Blick, Bollier said she doesn’t see herself becoming a professional referee. Sorry for all you fans out there, the only way you’ll get to see her in action is if you travel to an amateur game.

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

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3 september 2016

World’s 5 hottest female referees

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CLAUDIA ROMANI he Italian model has worked for many publications including GQ and Maxim during her career. Her beauty has attracted the attention of so many that in 2012 she reached the finals in a VH1 bikini contest. Who did she go up against?

It was none other than the Queen of R&B, Beyoncé.

It wasn’t until 2014 when she decided to make a career changing move. After passing an exam, she became qualified to referee both Series A and B (the top two soccer divisions of her native home) matches. She caused a controversy by posing in AC Milan’s gear, causing many to complain that she wouldn’t be impartial on the field.

B a s i c a l l y, she’s dripping in hotness.

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The club took to social media as the girls were handing out beer tokens at the Stags’ EFL Trophy game against Doncaster Rovers at the One Call Stadium on Tuesday.

But Twitter users were unimpressed by connotations surrounding the “call girls” phrase and have branded the club “pathetic”, “chauvinistic” and “sexist.”

One user Matthew Gooding tweeted: “‘One Call Girls’. Stay classy Mansfield.”

Thom Airs put: “One Call Girls’?! As in call girls, as in prostitutes?! Christ.”

While another Phil Rolls wrote: “You don’t see any problem with this? On any level?”

ELENA TAMBINI ot Italian girls and soccer go together like milk and cookies and wine and cheese. She was a part-time model but also worked as a full-time match official in Italy’s lower leagues.

Is it just us, or would you gladly accept a yellow or red card just to get her attention?

She put down the whistle and went into the television business but that hasn’t stopped Tambini from being one of the hottest women on the planet. There has never been a female ref in Italy’s Series A and they definitely dropped the ball on this one.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

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3 september 2016

ndeed, it has become the norm for countries to vow to commence preparations immediately after one Olympic Games, Nigeria not being an exception.

But while others do, Nigeria and indeed Africa pay lip service to such averment, hence they are always at the bottom of the ladder while the U.S., Great Britain, China, Russia, Germany and Japan rule the world.

It is noteworthy that Niger which won only a silver medal at the Rio Games in Brazil has vowed to keep its team to the competition together for Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan.

In fact, it did not disband the Team but moved them straight to camp hoping that they will train adequately in a good environment till the next competition.

Niger has provided practical impetus by promptly appreciating their man of the moment - Abdoulrazak Issoufou Alfaga and motivating him rightly for Tokyo 2020.

The President of the Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, has rewarded the athlete with 100,000 dollars in cash and has undertaken to bankroll the cost of the athletes’ stay at a German Training Centre for the Olympic Taekwondo silver medallist until the next Games.

For Nigeria, the case of poor preparation and lack of funds have become a tradition as successive administrations have not made enough efforts to ensure that preparations commenced immediately after one Olympics.

Of late, from Beijing 2008 Olympics to Rio Games, Nigeria have not performed creditably though the sports authorities have always had a reason to offer, often blaming it on poor preparations due to inadequate funding.

Nigeria had its best Olympic outing at Atlanta 1996 Games where Chioma Ajunwa secured the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Long Jump with a record of 7.12m.

Mary Onyali and Falilat Ogunkoya won bronze in the 200m and 400m respectively, while Ogunkoya, Bisi Afolabi, Fatima Yusuf and Charity Okpara won silver in the women’s 4x100m relay.

The Dream Team also won gold in the football event with the following players Daniel Amokachie, Emmanuel Amuneke, Tijjani Babangida, Celestine Babayaro, Emmanuel Babayaro, Teslim Fatusi, Victor Ikpeba and Dosu Joseph.

Others are Nwankwo Kanu, Garba Lawal, Abiodun Obafemi, Kingsley Obiekwu, Uche Okechukwu, Austin`Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Mobi Oparaku, Wilson Oruma and Taribo West.

But the achievement was possible because then adequate preparations were made and the athletes camped early. The issue of funds are not available was not there.

At Beijing 2008 Games only Chika Chukwumerije secured Nigeria’s bronze medal in the Taekwondo event, while enterprising Blessing Okagbare, took home silver from the Long Jump event, opening a vista of criticism of the country’s poor preparations.

The situation worsened at the London 2012 Games where Team Nigeria returned no medal after all the declaration that preparations had commenced after the 2008 Games.

Thanks to the U-23 team which etched the country’s name on the medals table with a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

The question is; shall Nigeria continue to go that way? What is responsible and how do we achieve a better result at Tokyo 2010 Olympic Games in Japan?

A renowned sports journalist, Muyiwa Daniel, said Nigeria has had a rather high turnover of sports ministers, who spend an average of two years before being fired or simply dropped.

He catalogued Nigeria’s performances

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Tokyo 2020: Towards better Team Nigeria performance Somebody ought to take full responsibility and really begin a productive preGames process that is not tainted by deceit

Toriola

Okagbare

since 1952, saying it was in the days when the government invested in its youths and sports and the resulted became visible. ``It was until the Games of 1964 in Tokyo that Nigeria as an independent nation made it the podium the first time when it won a bronze medal through Nojeem Maiyegun, in the boxing event,’’ Daniel said.

The Barcelona Games of1992 was a different ball game as the country’s 4x100 relay team comprising, Olapade Adeniken, Davidson Ezinwa, Chidi Imoh, Oluyemi Kayode and Osmond Ezinwa won silver in the 4x100m.

The female 4x100m relay team made up of Beatrice Utondu, Christy OparaThompson, Mary Onyali and Faith Idehen also won silver that was over celebrated.

The celebration attracted an IOC photographer, who caught them in the now famous photo shot that virtually went worldwide.

The ionic photo of the celebration caused the picture to make headlines around the world. The photo made many Olympic documents.

Two boxers David Izonritei in heavyweight and Richard Igbineghu in the Super heavyweight divisions won silver medals apiece.

At the millennium Sydney Games of 2000, following an International Olympic Committee’s decision to strip the U.S. relay quartet of their gold medal in the 4x400m after Antonio Pettigrew confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs.

Their Nigerian rivals were awarded the gold medal a decade after by default.

At the Athens 2004 Games, the Nigerian quartet waited until the last day of competition to win a lone bronze medal from the 4x400m relays.

Daniel said that in all the excuses that followed each failure, the ministers of sports have always tried to vouch that early preparation would be the answer to the next Games.

Contributing, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said: ``We are tired of hearing that preparation will begin ahead of the next Games - Tokyo 2020, only to be assaulted with the same lack-lustre performance. ``Somebody ought to take full responsibility and really begin a productive preGames process that is not tainted by deceit so that at Tokyo, we can actually aspire like the rest of the world to imprint our names on the sands of time’’.

AIPS-Africa President, Nigeria’s Mitchell Obi, said: ``Africa needs more of Niger Republic’s President to dole out more of his kind gesture’’.

This is in contrast to a directive quoting Zimbabwean, President Robert Mugabe, as insisting that all the Olympians from the Rio de Janeiro Games be arrested and docked for failing to return home with medals from the Rio Olympic Games.

He was quoted as saying, ``if we wanted those to sing the Zimbabwean National Anthem at the Olympic Games, we could have presented some young beautiful Zimbabwean girls’’.

A former Nigerian sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, unlike his predecessors

tried to kick-start preparations for the justconcluded, Rio de Janeiro Games, but his tenure was abruptly terminated.

Solomon Ogba, the president of Athletic Federation of Nigeria craved the involvement of the sports administrators in the selection and development of athletes for major Games.

He cited the engagement of two experts – High Performance Directors -- Eric Campbell and Angie Taylor, to work with local coaches to develop local athletic potential.

Sports buffs across the country said that there should be policy consistency in administering sports with ministers in charge not being changed too often.

Political will, they also said, was important in ensuring that funds for early preparations are duly released and that mechanisms are put in place to effectively monitor the implementation of the training programmes.

The AFN says it is important to strengthen the institutions for athletes training citing the High performance Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and the National Institute for Sports, Lagos.

It is also important to maintain strong linkages with such institutions in other countries for technical exchanges.

Duro Ikhazuagbe, a journalist and a former spokesman of the AFN, said the federation had clamoured for such high performance centres as in Senegal and Kenya. ``Through such centres, the countries and those within their region have developed their athletes’’.

He adds that the centre is funded through a counterpart arrangement from the host country and the African Athletics Confederation.

There is also the need for the country to ensure that school sports were revived at the primary and secondary schools for steady breeding of athletes.

There should be improvement in the facilities for training with modern equipment.

Unfortunately, for more than 10 years, the defunct National Sports Commission tried to set up a High Altitude Centre at Gembu, within the Mambilla Plateau but to date, the project has yet to be completed.

The world leaders in athletics, Jamaicans and Americans derive the success of their athletic system from a strong link to schools that produced the worlds’ fastest man, Usain Bolt and a host of other new breed of runners. ``It will be worth understudying the Jamaican system to adopt the model with massive funding from government and multinational sponsors,’’ suggested Ikhazuagbe.

That Nigeria could only win a bronze medal at Games, where such countries as Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt and Botswana won multiple honours `is unacceptable’. ``We must as a matter of urgency get back to the schools, because that is where the talents are. ``All the stakeholders from the Federal Government to the local government councils must rise up to the challenge of rebuilding the Nigerian sports,” the Guild of Nigerian Editors said.

The Guild adds: ``The Federal Government must not pay lip service to sports by way of releasing funds late’’.

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Osimhen, Ndidi, Emmanuel fight for Eagles shirts

Nick vows to nick gold in Rio P

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ictor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel and Chidozie Awaziem are some of the youngsters seeking to squeeze themselves into the mainstream of the Super Eagles as new coach Gernot Rohr takes charge of the team for the first time in an AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Osimhen is part of the ‘youth class’ who is getting a chance to shine with the seniors after his heroics in the junior ranks. Tall, languid but with an eye for goal, he is expected to have a chance to rub shoulders with the big guns like Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye in attack.

Daniel’s heroics in goal for the U-23 Eagles at the Rio Olympics has seen him getting invited to stake a claim for Carl Ikeme’s shirt.

Daniel was magnificent in goal for the ‘Dream Team’ as they picked a bronze at the recently concluded Olympics which didn’t go unnoticed

by Rohr.

The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper will fight for the substitute goalkeeper slot with Ikechukwu Ezenwa as Carl Ikeme, barring any injuries remains the number one choice for the Super Eagles.

Highly-rated Wilfred Ndidi is also in the squad for the Tanzania game and it will be another opportunity to add to his Super Eagles cap. Ndidi will surely be a regular in the not too distant future.

That future might even start under Rohr.

FC Porto’s Awaziem's inclusion, though surprising, is a move in the right direction as he gets a chance to understudy the senior defenders.

Musa Mohammed’s inclusion is surprising.

He hasn’t exactly been involved in any top flight football for some time and didn’t make the cut for the Olympics but is getting a chance with the seniors.

Ajibade Olusesan

ara-table tennis player Chinedu Nick has said that he is ready to win a gold medal at the forthcoming Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

He said that it was his dream to feature in the world’s biggest competition for the first time and was determined not to come back home empty-handed.

He said preparations for the Games had been impressive and counted on support of Nigerians to return with a medal dangling on his neck.

“I cannot tell you how I feel at the moment particularly as the games is getting closer. We have been training hard in the last three months for the games and I know I will get something at the end of the competition in Brazil,” he added.

Nick, who competes in class five category, said that he came into the game after suffering business setback and would make use of the opportunity after he qualified for the Rio Games in a Nick miraculous way.

Osimhen

Nigerians demanded foreign coach – Bewerang Ikenna Amadi

N

igeria Football Federation Technical Director Bitrus Bewerang has claimed the NFF responded to the clamour for a foreign manager for the Super Eagles by Nigerian football fans.

He said it was wrong to accuse the NFF of splashing huge amount on German coach Gernot Rohr saying the federation

acted in the best interest of the country.

The chairman of Nigerian Coaches Association said that although there were also qualified individuals in the country, the public cry forced NFF to engage Rohr and he berated fans. ''The public will always cry that the team is not doing well. I had been clamouring for indigenous coaches, but Nigerians kicked against it. We are in a tough group

for the World Cup qualifiers, and then we pushed the NFF to get a foreign coach and now we are complaining that the money is ridiculous. I don’t know what Nigerians want,’’ he stated.

Bewerang also downplayed the importance of Eagles’ AFCON game against Tanzania while claiming that it is just a match to test the quality of invited players.

Okafor set for Oklahoma City Thunder move

A

Okafor

s the 2016- 2107 NBA season draws near, rumours are now circulating around the league that Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder guards Oscar Roberson and Cameron Payne.

There has been plenty of drama surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder during the summer, first the departure of starting power forward Serge Ibaka, then followed by the high profile trade of Thunder superstar Kevin Durant.

The former NBA most valuable player, who signed with Western Conference champions, the Golden State Warriors, left the Oklahoma ball club with plenty of bitterness between him and his teammates especially with long-time teammate Russell Westbrook.

The future of Oklahoma City Thunder is starting to look a little bit brighter, though, as Westbrook has

extended his contract with the Thunder in a three-year $85 million deal, according to SB Nation. Oklahoma is also looking to add more depth to their roster with the trade for Jahlil Okafor, as the 76ers' big man averages 17 points, 7 rebounds and, 1.2 blocks per game. Okafor would make a decent pairing at power forward or center position with Thunder center Steven Adams.

The rumours state that the trade for Okafor will come at the expense of two of the Oklahoma City Thunder's guards, Oscar Roberson and Cameron Payne. With the recent trade for Victor Oladipo with the Thunder's Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma now has another guard to partner with Westbrook for the Thunder's back court. The move to trade two of their guards for an all-around big man would make perfect sense for the Thunder who are looking to once again be one of the top contenders in the NBA.

“When I went for the Paralympic Qualifiers in Morocco in 2015, I played well in the Morocco Open but I was unlucky not to get automatic ticket. I was so happy when I was told that I will be at the games through the tripartite slot,” he said.

Prince Gas Cup kicks off Sept 11

T

he much-awaited Prince Gas Football Tournament will kick off on September 11 at the Igando Palace Playground, Alimosho, Lagos.

Chairman Organising Committee, Sulaiman Gbadamonsi, disclosed that 16 teams had confirmed their readiness to take part in the annual competition.

He explained that most of the participating teams did not know the rules and regulations governing the competition and urged the players and coaches to channel their grievances to the appropriate committee instead of taking the law into their hands.

“I will advise the teams that are not comfortable with the officiating or some rules of the game to channel their grievances to the appropriate committee instead of taking the law into their hands. The aim of this tourney is to bring youths together in friendliness and unity. I wish all the participating teams best of luck in their outings,” he said.

Gbadamonsi promised that all the teams would be given equal treatment during the tournament saying that anyone that violates the rules will be sanctioned accordingly.

Among the teams that will take part in the tourney are Anointed FC, Samjason FC, Future Stars FC, Zico FC, Junior United, Stars United, Akinsanya FC and King Best FC.

Investigations 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

acute malnutrition in Nigeria’ After this time, breastfeeding alone is not sufficient and the types of foods introduced into the diet are of paramount importance.

Diets that do not provide the right blend of energy including high-quality protein, essential fats, and carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals can impair growth and development, increase the risk of death from common childhood illness, or result in life-long health consequences.

The UNICEF said that malnutrition plays a huge role in child mortality because the immune systems of these children are less resistant to common childhood diseases. According to the organisation, malnutrition contributes to at least one-third of the eight million annual deaths of children under five years of age.

Despite the vast numbers of preventable deaths worldwide, international assistance over the past decade appears to have paled into nothing when compared to what the World Bank estimates is required to adequately combat the malaise in high-burden countries, where 90 per cent of malnourished children live today.

And current approaches to address malnutrition have serious limitations.

In places where families have little or no access to highly-nutritious foods, behaviour change approaches to malnutrition that focus on education about proper food choices, hand-washing, and breastfeeding are not enough to address the problem. Such strategies are insufficient because in the world’s “malnutrition hotspots,” the Horn of Africa, for instance, many families simply cannot afford more expensive nutritious food.

They need access to energy-dense, nutrient-rich foods, including animalsource foods like milk, meats, and fish to provide the 40 essential nutrients a young child needs to grow and be healthy. Exclusive breastfeeding meets nutritional needs until six months of age, and beyond that, young children need the addition of dairy, eggs, meat, or fish.

Like Aishat, most of the children in this bracket are said to come from Nigeria’s poorest communities, where literacy is poor and poverty high. Their mothers are themselves often undernourished, forced into early marriage when they reach puberty, and give birth to underweight babies with weak immune systems.

In many Nigerian neighbourhoods, there are children whose bones are pop-

L-R: Another malnourished child and a well-fed mother and child

ping out of the body. The sunken eyes, drooping faces, swollen belly, chapped lips and wrinkled skin are common place in most states of the federation. This, incidentally, is the physical description of a child, who is malnourished.

Due to lack of food and insufficient health supply, many children in Nigeria suffer from this heartbreaking disease.

Though, no longer news to a vast majority of the people as many who live in big cities with posh houses and cars, still have plenty of chances to come across the malady. In highbrow areas, they are considered to be low and windows are usually shut when they beg for money for their survival.

But Nigerians, as a minimum, deserve a life free from hunger, considering her vast resources. Unfortunately, both poverty and hunger have continued to haunt the country’s landscape. Hunger is both a cause and consequence of poverty, as people on low income tend to have worse diets, while people who lack adequate nutrition struggle harder to extricate themselves from poverty.

The scary picture is the same all over.

Illiteracy or lack of awareness has, in-

Mothers with their babies at some CMAM centres in the North with officials. photos: isioma madike/internet

deed, taken its toll on Nigerian kids.

Mothers, in most communities, according to investigation, do not breastfeed their children well, chiefly because of ignorance or lack of nutrients in their own bodies. They often rely on contaminated water, making their children prone to illnesses like diarrhoea, which prevents nutrient absorption.

Studies have shown that every one out of three Nigerian child is malnourished, while almost half of the child population in the country dies because of this. The country’s GDP maybe marginally high, but the majority of the children under five years of age is immensely underweight. They have no source of gaining their weight back or stay healthy, as the most privileged in the society are not taking enough actions to mitigate this.

Since CMAM was introduced in 2009, financial support for the programme has been provided by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), The Department for International Development (DFID), which is a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid.

Others are an agricultural support agency to the world, the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), which exists to reduce hunger and improve the lives of small-scale farmers worldwide, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has also contributed hugely to this cause.

“We must scale-up CMAM in Nigeria. It is a proven high-impact intervention that is saving lives and helping Nigerian children reach their full potential through a good start in life,” noted UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Jean Gough. “We need greater investment in Nigeria’s future by investment in good nutrition,” she added.

According to the Country Manager, Nigeria and Regional Representative West Africa, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr. Larry Umunna, “malnutrition has become a public health concern in Nigeria as

micronutrients were absent in staple foods.” Also, Prof. Laolu Akinyele of the Department of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, has called for the fortification of food products with micronutrients to reduce high rate of malnutrition induced diseases. Akinyele, who described micronutrients as nutrients needed only in tiny amounts but which absence in the body have severe consequences, said their absence affects every stage of the lifecycle from embryo to the adult stage.

Quoting statistics, president, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, said about 37 per cent of Nigerian children are stunted, 29 per cent underweight and 18 per cent wasted while micronutrient deficiencies are also high. According to her, “while we are grappling with the challenge of under nutrition, the incidence of obesity and related manifestations of over-nutrition are beginning to emerge at relatively significant levels.”

Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, deputy director/head of nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health, also said that malnutrition is one of the underlying causes of underfive mortality rate in Nigeria, contributing 53 per cent of infant mortality. While blaming malnutrition on low level of exclusive breastfeeding of Nigerian children under the first six- months of life, Isokpunwu urges mothers to scale up nutrition before and during pregnancy till age two of a child’s life in order to empower their mental development.

For John Mudzongo, UNICEF representative in Sokoto, “we are often told that we are what we eat. Not just that, food is what makes you and nutrition comes out of food and one thing we also know is that, if a person is not adequately nourished, the person is practically in no place to do much of anything.

“We can make complimentary foods from our locally-available foods in such a way that they will be adequate in nutrients. Complimentary foods must be filled with key vitamins, minerals, the right energy and other essential nutrients to bridge the gap between what is provided by breast milk and nutrients needed by your growing baby,” he stated.

ir e h t d n a s b le e c n ia r e Nig s re u t a fe t c in t is d ly e u uniq

Sportsplash 34 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

Due to the staggering level of competition, entertainers all over the world are known to attempt carving clear-cut identities to distinguish them in the crowded scene. Those in Nigeria are not different, and here, Adedayo Odulaja and Ogechi Ndubunma, present 20 Nigerian celebs with unique features. that work well for him just like his “razz” accent. A combination of hat that h’s almost never seen without, along with the glasses without lens. He has made this style popular among young Nigerians, many of who are among his teeming fans.

Falz, who has risen very fast in such a short time, is set to go for far much longer. So meteoric has his rise been that one is left wondering why he read law in the first place. Well, it becomes a bit understandable upon learning his father is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

DJ Sosse It’s not every day one comes across a man with a huge tattoo on his face. DJ Sosse has really made a name for himself with his tattoo, which he claims to be his brand. The Disc Jockey, whose real name is Thomas Amar-Aigbe, born to a Hungarian mother and Nigerian father, lived for 12 years in the United Kingdom. Mainly known as “tattoo face,” he is regarded as one of Nigeria’s best DJs and it would surprise many to know his first degree is in Business Information Systems and Film and Video Production.

Yemi Alade Widely known as Mama Africa, Yemi Alade is as popular for DJ Sosse her African styles as she is with her hit singles. She knows how to make the beautiful African styles work for her and even if she sometimes embraces foreign hair styles, she never leaves them on for too long. Her African hairstyles, however, have a common characteristic which is that they are always bulky and wonderfully woven.

D’banj Also also known as Kokomaster, D’banj has a thing for sun glasses and hardly makes an appearance without one.

His glasses come in different shapes and sizes and they’ve looked better as his fame and fortune increased. One can’t be all that wrong to say the sun glasses have become a part of him and some even say he looks somewhat older without the glasses so they do give him an edge.

Tonto Dikeh Tonto, who has been active for about decade, does not have a tattoo on her face but she has tattoos on parts of her body. She claims her tattoos are her secret but adds that she cherishes them a lot. So say what you may, it would not change the way Tonto feels about her tattoos which she claims are up to 10.

Don Jazzy The Mavin boss has shown his love for walking sticks since the early days of Mo’Hits Records. It is considered an integral part of his fashion statement because apparently, he has no known walking defect.

Even though he does not carry them as often as he used to, especially when he was still very much with former partner, D’Banj, but we still see him with them many times.

Daddy Showkey This veteran Nigerian music act has stuck with one unique style for as long as we can remember. He has huge dreadlocks on his head which look very heavy but accentuates his Ghetto soldier look. Without a doubt, Showkey won’t be Showkey without the locks as we all have never known him without the locks popularly referred to as “Dada” on the streets. Showkey once claimed to have made a vow with God that if he becomes successful he would not cut his dreads. If that’s true, then we guess he is never going to take them off.

Lagbaja Lagbaja is a Nigerian musician and even on the world stage, he is in a class of its own when it comes to identities.

Known for his masks draped in different colourful patterns, he has never been seen without it, at least in public and apart from hanging around those who don’t know him.

Beyond the mask, which he says is a depiction of the identity of every faceless or unknown member of the society, Lagbaja’s music is very unique and cannot be mistaken for anyone else’s.

Daddy Showkey

Banky W Like 2baba, Banky is bald but makes it look fly as he wears hats to hide it. We do not have a problem with the hats as they look really stylish on the Empire Mates Entertainment boss who has been around now.

Eva Alordiah Since breaking into the industry some years ago, Eva has always been on low cut but with varying styles to go with it.

The Delta-born rapper and songwriter, who is finally ready to drop her debut album titled 1960 despite hitting fame since around 5 years ago, is a fashion forward individual and is never afraid to show it.

Eva

Flavour Like others, the ladies’ man has his own thing going on with dreadlocks different from the Daddy Showkey brand. Since he broke into the music industry, he has not been seen without his equally long locks which have evolved with different patterns, making him more stylish overall.

2Shotz Call him a leader of the bearded gang in Nigerian music and you won’t be wrong, 2Shotz has maintained his heavy moustache. It would be interesting to see what the rapper, who used to be a part of the larger collective known as Da Trybe and headed by Eldee, would like bare-faced.

Gbenga Adeyinka It might not be all that desirable but it is no doubt an identity.

The notable comedian from Ogun State is known for his tummy and as big as it is, he seems to have always had it. What’s more intriguing is that he also manages to look stylish despite the bulging belly.

Chiwetalu Agu Not many Nigerian actors would make this list but he is here due to his penchant for high-sounding catch phrases which he never seems to run out of. Hardly does he appear in a movie without at least one of his catch phrases running through emphatically. Some of these catch phrases: “Etelu ugba etelu ose,” “Ekwe mgbaduga,” “Otanjele mgboshe,” “wanboto,” “ekwensu eweta phone number.”

Lagbaja

Terry G For so long now, Fagba, Lagos-bred Terry G has spotted the short dreadlocks which some call silly. Although, in truth, the dreadlocks do not make him look exactly sane, it gave him his own brand and uniqueness, that was before he cut them off though.

DJ Spinall Like DJ Sosse, Spinall is also a Nigerian DJ but one who boasts a unique style. There is a reason he is called The Cap and that is not unconnected to the traditional African cap he imposes on whatever outfit he is putting on. He has made this cap a major trend among young socialites in Nigeria and beyond.

Tiwa Savage The Mavin queen loves her nose ring and is almost never seen without it. Some people are of the opinion that the ring makes her look more beautiful but we think with or without the ring, she is beautiful. So let’s say it’s her brand and personal style.

2Baba- Although the bald head he displays around town is more down to the forces of aging than choice, it has really become his brand and personal style. But we believe it has inspired others into going bald as it works perfectly for him.

TY Bello

Falz the Bahd guy This Nigerian artiste, presenter and actor has overtime chosen styles

Chidinma Petite vocal powerhouse, Chidinma Ekile has shown that women can overlook all the fuss about Brazilian, Carribean, Peruvian hair and still look smashing. The Project Fame winner, who has been strongly linked to Flavour and VJ Adams but has denied having anything to do with either, has made the low cut her identity and she is still slaying.

TY Bello For the prodigiously talented TY Bello, who easily cuts across the lanes of music, photography and even video directing, there has always been a distinct look. Apart from her days as a member of Kush along with Emem, Lara George and Dayo Torimiro, she has always been one to spot a large Afro hair that is resplendent in its thick black colour.

Even as a mother and musician leaning towards inspiring and empowering others, her large Afro hair is still her dominant identity but unlike her early days, there is no longer a debate about whether it is her natural hair.

Interview 35

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

When RMD, Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic party with Mark Zuckerberg Mayorkun

Etisalat lights up Abuja with Delphino Picnic

R

esidents of Abuja again had a great deal of fun and excitement last weekend as Nigeria’s most innovative and youth-friendly network, Etisalat, brought high quality entertainment and networking opportunities to their doorsteps during the Delphino Picnic which held in Nigeria’s capital city.

The picnic, which held on August 28 at Harrow Park, Abuja, was well attended by hundreds of upwardly mobile young professionals and families and offered a relaxed atmosphere of good music, refreshments and games. The picnic also provided opportunity for families to bond as there were lots of fun games and exciting activities for both children and adults.

The event, hosted by King Special, featured various artistes such as Mayorkun, Drmo and Nigga Raw among others, who thrilled guests with some of their hit songs.

Speaking on why the telecom company sponsors the picnic, Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu, explained that the fun and exciting atmosphere of Delphino Picnic presents a rare opportunity for the Etisalat brand to connect with customers in Abuja, especially young upwardly mobile professionals in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

“At Etisalat, we are committed to supporting noble causes which impact positively on the lives of our customers and the wider Nigerian public. Our support for Delphino Picnic therefore demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the development of the vibrant entertainment sector in Nigeria which is a passion point for the majority of young people. Ultimately, our aim is to give back to the community,” he said.

T

he much-talked about visit of Mark Zuckerberg to Lagos, from Tuesday until Wednesday, did not end without a small party featuring some of the brightest in Nigerian entertainment.

The gathering, which took place on Wednesday after the Facebook founder concluded the business ends of his visit to the country, featured popular names including Kunle Afolayan, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Rita Dominic, DJ Cuppy, Basketmouth and Yemi Alade.

The entertainers, who were all happy with the 7th richest person in the world, had so much fun and many of them couldn’t wait to upload pictures from the event on their social media pages.

Kunle Afolayan and Rita Dominic with Mark Zuckerberg

House on the Rock, Bolanle Austen-Peters, others to premiere 93 DAYS

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he House on the Rock Church, Natives FilmWorks, Michelangelo Productions and the Bolanle Austen-Peters Production are collaborating to host the Nigerian premiere of the Nigerian produced film 93 Days on September 13, at The Rock Cathedral, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Starring Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Somkele Idhalama, Keppy Ekpenyong Gideon Okeke and other talented actors, 93 Days is a compelling story of dedication, sacrifice and resilience which celebrates the courage shown by the First Consultant Medical Team, the Lagos State and Federal Governments and wellmeaning organisations in combating the Ebola virus, which broke out early 2014 in Nigeria.

The movie tells the story of how a few sacrificed their lives at the frontline of the horrendous battle against the Ebola virus, some of

who lost their lives, but not without saving many lives. Noteworthy is the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh whose role is played by renowned Nigerian actress, Bimbo Akintola.

One of the producers of the movie, Bolanle Austen-Peters, in her statement said: “93 Days is a masterfully crafted story of bravery and sacrifice and is definitely a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria; it is powerful, gripping and an emotive piece. I am more than proud to have played a part in this project.”

Speaking on The House on the Rock Partnership with these notable bodies, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Churches, Pastor Paul Adefarasin said: “House on the Rock’s mission is to work together with everyone that is investing in building a transformed nation, a better Nigeria, and this essence ties strongly into the courage displayed by Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues who brought hope to a nation that was being

threatened by devastation, at the expense of their own lives. This is the kind of love and sacrifice that can truly bring transformation to all.”

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), widely recognised for showing the most outstanding films from around the world, has selected 93 Days for screening in September at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Canada.

Bolanle

It’s not easy loving same woman for 15 years–Okey Bakassi

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opular Nigerian comedian, Okey Bakassi, may well deserve a medal for being a honest and caring father to his wife and kids.

He has been able to build his name into a brand that many will readily want to spend their money on any day and time and that has to a large extent placed him above many of his peers.

Okey Bakassi

The comedian is currently celebrating 15 years of marital bliss with his loving wife and he could not hide how he feels in being alive to celebrate with his loved ones.

It is not easy living in Nigeria while the wife and kids are based abroad but Okey Bakassi has been able to prove that trust is the only way for a successful marriage.

“Wow! How time really flies. I can't believe it’s 15 years already since my childhood sweetheart and I decided to brave the odds and give love/marriage a chance.

It has not been an easy journey. We have lost the two great fathers that gave us life but we have enjoyed the warmth of family and also made them proud by giving them three beautiful grandchildren. Zizi, thanks for your love, trust, commitment and holding my hands through this challenging experience called life. I may not be the best but I'll always give my best to you and the dream we share. Happy wedding anniversary to us, Mr and Mrs Onyegbule,” he shared.

36

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

TV&Radio

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

with Deborah Ocheni

This weekend TELEVISION

Shittu

News @ ten: Examining the role of the judiciary N ews @ ten is one hour programme that breaks and develops news as well as human angle stories. It captures the latest information in judiciary, business, sports, entertainment and news from around the world. It is aired on Channels Television Channel 95 daily at 10pm.

In this edition of the programme, Wahab Shittu, a legal practitioner, speaks on the role of judiciary in the fight against corruption. He stressed the need to focus on public interest litigation, adding that lawyers must speak against corruption, impunity and declining professional standards.

“Whether we need to develop regulatory framework or be contented with the existing one or not, we also need to focus on public interest litigation. Lawyers must speak out against corruption, impunity and declining professional standards”.

Shittu noted that the theme for this year’s Nigeria Bar Association conference is a very critical one.

“Look at the theme of NBA Conference (democracy and economic development), it is very critical and lawyers must be concerned about progress and how to deepen our democracy. We have certain fundamentals of democratic tradition such as: respect for the rule of law, respect for constitutionalism, respect for fundamental rights, zero tolerance for corruption that are crucial to democracy,” he said.

Speaking on what NBA has been able to do concerning conflicting court judgments in recent times, the case of Abia State where we there have been different pronouncements from courts, Shittu said: “Conflicting court judgments is one of the issues discussed during the NBA conference and NBA noted that development with a lot of concern. I think the consensus of the stakeholders now is to put measures in place that will foster

some decorum. The chairman of the conference also alluded to the fact that efforts are being made to ensure decorum by avoiding some of these conflicting judgments. What came out clearly from the conference is the resolve of all the stakeholders including lawyers to deliver on effective and efficient administration of justice to forestall delays in the administrative process. Again, it was clear, the need to combat corruption and forestall impunity and to generally raise the standards of the legal profession in terms of efficiency and effectiveness because we believe that legal practitioners have a lot of roles to play in ensuring the growth and development of the country. We cannot play that role if we do not put our house in order. The conference provided an opportunity for lawyers to do a lot of soul searching; we are concerned about declining professional standards, quality of legal education, lack of public confidence in the legal profession and the result of lawyers who attended the conference.”

However, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba said during the programme that autonomy for the judiciary was the only guarantee for success in the anticorruption fight. He added that eliminating corruption in Nigeria might not be achieved unless the judiciary was allowed to carry out its function without interference.

Whether we need to develop regulatory framework or be contented with the existing one or not, we also need to focus on public interest litigation

Programme summary

Faith Matter Vox Africa

Fridays @8am

A religion programme that explores what people build their faith on, their source of support and the values they uphold.

Video Fashion Men Spice TV (192)

Friday @7am

It is a programme that looks at men’s fashion, it sheds more light on men’s favourite accessories, bling, gadgets cars and women.

BiG'MO

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

LTV

GALAXY TV LAGOS

9:00 Red Carpet 9:30 Ibudo Labe Orun

8:00 House 22 8:30 Nollywood English 10:00 News 11.00 Primetime Africa Sunday 8:30 Nollywood Yoruba 10:00 Naija Rave 10:30 Celebrity Zone 11:00 Echoes 11:30 Woman 2 Woman 12.00 Galaxy Party Time 1:00 NTFS 1:30 Solid Entertainment 2:00 Hour of Salvation 2:30 Dawn in the Creeks 3:00 Democracy and the

Rule of Law 4:00 Ogun Standard 5:00 Tropical Paradise 6:00 Destiny River 7.00 News 7.30 Beyond Doubt 8.00 Inspire Dot All 8:30 Nollywood English 10.00 News 11:10 Movie

Saturday 7:00 AM Saturday Live 9:00 Voice of Restoration 10:00 Deluxe 11:00 School Buggie 11:30 Silent Noise 12:30 Afin Alayeluwa 1:00 Mariana and Scarlett 2:00 Mide Mase 3:30 One Touch 4:10 Mountain Top 4:35 The White House 5:00 Power in the Word 5:30 Health Wise 6:00 Iroyin 6:30 Hour of Empowerment 8:00 News 9:00 Music 9:30 Red Hot 10:00 You will get there Sunday 7:30 Better Life for City People 8:00 Sunday Express Live 9:30 Path To Paradise 10:00 Naaginn 11:30 Burning Spear 12:00 Purification of Soul 1:00 Mo gbejomide 2:00 Nnkan Nbe 2:30 Hour of Salvavtion 3:00 Gbarada 4:00 News 4:10 Redemption Way 5:00 Grace Point 5:30 Great Hope 6:00 Iroyin 6:30 Inside Out with Agatha 7:00 News 7:10 Promised Land 7:30 LAMATA ½ Hour 8:00 Sunday Menu 8:30 Crime Fighters

Saturday 8:30 Movie 10:00 Sport Edge 11:00 Lab Rats 12:00 Empowerment Zone 1:00 Galaxy Party Time 1:30 Editors Forum 2:00 Fat Burners 2:30 Kuti’s career Palace 3:00 Ile Alayo 4:00 Nollywood English 5:00 Destiny River 6.00 Rhythms And Blues 6:30 Tropical Paradise 7:00 News 7:30 Squatterz

RADIO

Magic Fm 102.9 Aba BiG'MO

Wazobia FM’s BiG’MO

W

okedi Moses better known as BiG’MO is fun loving and cool on the microphone. He loves music, driving and movies.

He graduated with a degree in Industrial & Labour Relations from the Ogun State University, Ogun State (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). He started his journey in the entertainment industry as a model, sit-down comedian before doing a few TV soaps. He kick started his “Radio Persona” with Radio Gotel Yola, Adamawa State, but he is currently with Wazobia FM.

Saturday 7:00 Afro NaijaFlava 9:00 At Your Request 10:00 Talk Sports 11:00 Rep Your Club (Soccer) 1:00 Those Were the Days 2:00 At Your Request 3:00 It’s Our City 4:00 Old School Highlife 6:00 Extra Time 7:00 The Big Saturday

Sunday 7:00 A Day with the Lord 10:00 Sunday Free Way 12:00 Kick Off/Predictor Game 1:00 100% Naija 2:00 Focus on Family 3:00 Tear Rubber 4:00 Campus Line 5:00 Magic FM Music Survey 10:00 Soft Side 11:00 Who’s on Your Mind

City FM Saturday 8:00 Weekend Update 8:30 Growing Up Matters 9:00 City Talks 10:30 Don-Diggy’s Corner 12:15 The City Kids Show 2:00 Fan Zone 3:30 Soccer Wrap 7:00 Encounter With Grace 8:00 Round Table 11:00 Elisha Baza Show

Sunday 5:00 Praise In The City 5:30 Christ Embassy 6:00 Sunday Praise Show 3:00 Music Culture 6:00 Singspiration 8:00 Only the hits 9:00 Once Upon A Time 10:00 Refresh

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

The Arts

37

We must encourage use, teaching of our language –Irantiola Olutayo Irantiola is host and producer of the indigenous television talk show, Yoruba Lakotun. In this chat, he explains the ideas behind the programme, poor reading and writing culture among other issues. TONY OKUYEME reports.

C Irantiola

all him a culture activist and you would just be stating the obvious. He is no doubt at home as host of Yoruba Lakotun, a television programme aimed at not only stimulating interest in the use of Yoruba language but also the promotion and preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

“Interestingly, I am a graduate of English but I discovered along the line that the different categories of writings in Yoruba language, different forms of poetry in Yoruba language it's the same way it exists in English language. I felt there is a need to also project our culture to the world and also treat it as ours,” he says, adding, however, that he was trained and groomed by the society.

This, he says, includes, “my parents, my grandparents, my teachers across all levels of learning and by my association with many elderly people who had taught me Yoruba language because of my attention to it.”

So, what really inspired the programme? According to him, Yoruba Lakotun is a response to societal happenings. “It was not prominent neither was it fashionable to learn English before Yoruba language, about 30 years ago.

However, in this age, even illiterates who can converse in Yoruba language want to imitate the educated people by training their children in English language.

“This caught my attention and we came up with Yoruba Lakotun, a cultural renaissance, through which we hope to remind ourselves of our culture, craft and literature. Interestingly, Yoruba literature is not as old as English literature and people rarely write in it. So, it is a holistic call to people to return to their roots.”

On how he has been able to generate relevant and topical issues for the programme, he said the topic of discourse was particularly extensive at a time when Nigerian languages and culture are being relegated. “For every edition, we focus

on these tripartite area- cultural studies, literary studies and language studies and this is where there are issues. Yorubas of today need more exposure to the culture, the literature and the language and we are doing it at every edition of the programme. One of the rules is, we speak strictly Yoruba language and we do not allow code mixing. It is both a testing and learning ground for many people.”

He also notes that through the programme they are helping to address the issue of indigenous languages being on the verge of extinction.

“We have been doing this through different opportunities. Some of the ways include the showcase of young talents who have held on to the culture and are willing to teach others who do not understand the language. We also create a networking opportunity for culturally inclined people who have skills that can support one another. It is a place where people get answers to their age long questions because they have lost contact with elderly people who can explain things to them. Lastly, it is a place of nostalgia for people who have lost touch with the culture in recent years.”

“I will want to appeal to everyone to strive for the preservation of our language and culture. There are many dead languages even in Nigeria. If a language will survive, it needs to keep the four requisite skills of communication: writing, reading, listening and speaking.”

He stressed that there was no benefit in relegating your culture and language for other cultures.

“If the argument about the language

of pedagogy and global communication is English as such there is no need to understand our language. That has affected our psyche, morality and dressing.

“So schools should not abandon teaching in our language; parents should continue to speak it to their children and the community must uphold her standard.

People would complain that it is restrictive in the exercise of their fundamental human rights but the virtues of ‘Omoluabi’ are the distinguishing factor.”

So, what is his take on Yoruba literature and the acceptance by the society at the moment?

“Yoruba literature is not more than 50 years old. Some of our findings include the decline in the reading and writing culture in Yoruba language. The dearth of publishers who want to publish Yoruba books except the recommended texts for pedagogical purposes. The scarcity of old Yoruba books published decades ago. The government lackadaisical policy on Nigerian languages and most importantly, Yoruba writers do not get celebrated by their people like it is done with Nigerian English writers.

“Having said this, I will want to say that Yoruba need to take our literature and language seriously because people from the United States of America, Germany and United Kingdom are learning our language through different forms of exchange programmes. They have all the books that is no more in our libraries in their libraries and if we lose our language and culture totally. We would wake up one day to realise that it is an era of literary and linguist colonisation that we are in.”

Nollywood actress bonds with fans on StarTimes Kunle Azeez

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opular movie actress and Irokoworld TV ambassador, Funke Akindele, aka Jenifa, has concluded a three-day tour across StarTimes business offices in Lagos where she met with scores of teeming fans and subscribers.

The multiple award-winning actress, during the visits, interacted with fans and subscribers, took pictures, signed autographed and rewarded the lucky subscribers with various gift items including one-month free Unique bouquet subscription tickets to enjoythe premium package on StarTimes digital TV. The free tickets give opportunities for the lucky subscribers to access over 90 television channels including iROKOWORLDTV. Kehinde Adetayo, one of the lucky winners, expressed delight at the opportunity of meeting Akindele in person for the first time.

An elated Kehinde said: “FunkeAkindele is a movie star I love to watch on TV screens anytime. I have beenwatching her films since she starred in the popular I Need To

Know Series and for me, it was a great honour to have met her personally at StarTimes office. I have enjoyed many of her films like Jenifa, Apaadi, Maami and Married But Living Single. Thank you StarTimes for creating this opportunity for customers like me to meet our beloved actress."

For John Omene, who met Funke at the Victoria Island office, “It was a dream come true.”

John noted that: “Since I watched her in Omo Ghetto, I have not stopped seeing her movies, both as an actress and a producer.

She gives us very good stories and she’sone of the best actresses in Nollywood as far as I know. I am also happy for the free subscription ticket and I really enjoy Nigerian films and entertainment generally. Now that my children are on holiday, they will definitely enjoy different programmes on StarTimes with the free subscription I received.”

Group Legal, iROKO Partners, Uloma Onuma, said, “iROKOWORLD is excited to partner with StarTimes to connect Funke Akindele with her teeming fans on Pay TV and further bring the ambassador closer to the viewers. “iROKOWorld is a Nollywood oriented

Akindele with fans during the tour of StarTimes facilities in Lagos recently.

TV channel, broadcasting Nigerian movies on 24/7 basis. Nollywoood is the world’s second largest movie industry, and at iROKOWorld we aim to showcase hours of this awesome content coming from Nigeria and Ghana to the delight of her viewers on TV,” she added.

Also speaking on the Nollywood actress' visits, StarTimes Head of Public Relations, Mr. Israel Bolaji, said StarTimes will continue to offer subscribers the best in class of pay TV experience with world

class channels for entertainment, drama, sports, kiddies, news and music.

"We are keen to connect viewers with their TV heroes and support them to live their dreams," Bolaji stated.

He stressed that, “As a digital TV company, StarTimes desire and commitment is to ensure Nigerians continue to enjoy the best of digital television entertainment and experience with very sharp and clear pictures and images at very affordable bouquet rates."

38

FRED NWAOZOR

"O

key,” Mr. Madu called.

“Yes dad.”

“I called you here to discuss something very important with you.”

The brilliant 16-year-old Okechukwu who was fondly called ‘Okey’ by his teeming friends and relatives was the only child of his late mother who died two years back at 44 after a brief illness. Since his mother’s eternal demise, his 51-year-old father, Mr. Ama Madu had vowed not to tie the knot with another woman, but the unending persuasions he had so far received from his kinsmen including his aged parents had made him to think otherwise, thus had decided to add a lady to the house’s population.

This was what necessitated the above meeting which was taking place right in their sitting room at about 5:20pm the moment Okechukwu who was preparing for his forthcoming Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) arrived home. He had however earlier informed him when he was leaving for his school in the morning that he had a very crucial issue to iron out with him when he returned. Okechukwu, having hurriedly taken his lunch as well as undressed himself as soon as he arrived as instructed by his beloved father, joined him in the parlour where he was patiently awaiting him. Both were seated closely in the same cushion.

Okechukwu listened attentively, stayed calm.

“It’s true that the vacuum your late mum created in our hearts cannot be filled so easily.” Mr. Ama Madu rode on.

Okechukwu looked at him sorrowfully.

“But, we can’t continue to remain in a mourning mood.” quoth Mr. Madu. “Therefore, we must move on.”

Okechukwu took a sigh of relieve, adjusted himself a bit.

“Okey my son,” he called. “You need a woman that would take good care of you as a mother.”

The listener remained calm.

“You can’t continue like this,” he said, looking into his eyes.

“Neither me.” He added.

Okechukwu bent his head, became sober.

“The burden is becoming so unbearable,” Mr. Madu confessed.

“Oh, Adaku!” He bitterly recalled his late wife, shook his head.

“Dad, it’s okay.” Okechukwu enjoined. “God knows everything.”

Mr. Madu glanced at him, was deeply encouraged over his courage.

“I think you are right,” Okechukwu proceeded. “We can’t continue to mourn.”

“I am impressed you are sounding this way.” Mr. Madu complimented. “Well, it’s time to tell you why I called you here.”

Okechukwu became more attentive.

“I want to remarry,” he informed hesitantly. “I want to marry another wife.”

The chap was moody, though wasn’t shocked by the notice.

“I want to bring in a woman that would take care of us,” he

ShortStory

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frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056 Follow: @mediambassador

Fearsome melodrama

landed. “Particularly, you.” He said, gesticulating.

“There’s no problem, dad.” concurred Okechukwu in a jiffy.

“I know you have always wanted the best for me.”

Mr. Madu was calm, overwhelmingly amazed to hear his son speak courageously and wisely.

“So, when am I meeting her?”

Mr. Madu smiled. “You will meet her soon, okay?”

Okechukwu nodded. “Alright dad,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet with her.”

The discussion ended at exactly 6:15pm prior to the discussants’ departure for their respective bedrooms.

The following three days being Saturday February 9, 2008, the awaited bride, Chizoba by name, arrived. She was in her mid-thirties, looked virtuous and meek.

Okechukwu was conspicuously pleased by what he saw in her externally, and was eagerly looking forward to seeing a woman that

had a pure heart just like that of his late mother, Adaku.

The first few months of Chizoba’s stay at her matrimonial home were splendid. Owing to this attribute, rather than seeing her as a step-mother, Okechukwu was of the view that his late mother’s spirit had eventually returned; she was, to say the least, the deceased’s replica, thus he vowed to remain loyal to her regardless of the circumstance. By this time, she was already five-month pregnant; apparently she conceived the moment she packed into the home.

There was nothing Okechukwu asked or sought for that wasn’t given to him on a platter of gold, that, at a point he became so astonished over the innumerable kind gesture. When he was sitting for his SSCE, Chizoba who was a professional fashion designer ensured that he made the best out of it by providing him with all he needed, though with the assistance of her husband. In fact, she could best be

described as an ‘angel’ whenever her name was being discussed in the family. As a result of this, Mr. Madu kept appreciating God that he never made a mistake bringing in another woman in respect to his first wife’s exit. Notwithstanding, only God knows what one’s fate would entail in the future.

Four months later, the heavily pregnant Mrs. Chizoba Madu successfully put to bed a bouncing baby boy. It was ostensibly a moment of divine mercy. Above every remarkable thing attached to the euphoric moment, at least Okechukwu could then boast of a more intimate everlasting companion. At this point, Mr. Madu’s joy knew no bounds, hence he organized a revelry. The newborn baby was therein named Chibuzo.

“You have made me more complete now.” Mr. Ama Madu elatedly told his wife amidst the gathering while standing.

The revelry comprised every dignitary the community was

proud of. The host, Mr. Madu was a notable man in the locality, thus he was able to reach out to ‘allthat-matters’ in the ancient clan.

Chizoba smiled as she cuddled the little Chibuzo who was well wrapped in a charming multicoloured wrapper.

“Honestly,” the celebrant continued, stood still. “I don’t know how best to appreciate you.”

The crowd instantly gave a very cheerful look at the outpouring compliments.

“Since you came into this family,” Mr. Madu said. “A lot has really changed…”

Before he could finish the last statement, one able-bodied man who seemed to be in his late thirties, though looked poor, just jumped out from the gathering. “Hold it there!” he urged Mr. Madu with alacrity.

The crowd including the celebrant marveled at the scene. On her part, going by Chizoba’s body language, it appeared she knew the man who seemed totally strange to the entire members of the gathering; she instantly stood up from her seat, looked apprehensive.

“For your information,” the intruder told Mr. Madu amid the crowd. “This baby is mine.” He informed, pointing one of his right fingers at Chibuzo who was tightly held by his pale-looking mother.

The fearsome melodrama was occasioned by the fact that the seemingly strange being named Kedu who hailed from a neighbouring clan was the person who truly impregnated Chizoba, thus was the biological father of Chibuzo. They were dating prior to her abrupt marriage to Mr. Madu. She was even pregnant of the baby before she tied the knot, unknowingly to the groom (Mr. Madu) because the pregnancy wasn’t yet obvious.

Mr. Kedu couldn’t settle down with her due to his financial incapacity, and she wasn’t willing to wait either. When Mr. Madu sought her hand in marriage, having disclosed the proposal to the former, he pleaded with her to wait for him but she refused. Apart from her personal wish, her mother whom was aware of every bit of the situation persuaded her to abandon the former for the latter.

Although Kedu wasn’t aware of the pregnancy, Chizoba’s trusted ally - Dalu whom was the only person she confided in aside her mother regarding the origin of the pregnancy, disclosed it to him (Kedu) without Chizoba’s knowledge; hence, Mr. Kedu waited till she delivered the baby before he could claim it.

What happened thereafter is a story for another day. But, if you were in Mr. Madu’s shoes, what would you do at the gathering?

Think about it!

• Nwaozor novelist, playwright and poet, is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

Travel & Tourism

CHEF'S CORNER

S

39

A whiff of South Africa’s choice wines

outh Africa destination offers visitors a rich deluxe of attractions, one of such is its avalanche of wine farms as the country is reputed for its vintage and award winning wines. The Cape region is particularly noted for its rich and tasty wines from red, white to sparkly bubbles.

It is always going to be a difficult task to settle for the best wine however, here is a list of the best wine producers of 2016 as put together by the South African Wine Index: KWV Synonymous with fine brandies and wines, KWV is one of South Africa’s best-loved, large-volume wine producers. While the Paarl-based company has a range of different award-winning wines, their Mentors series has consistently been a favourite, both locally and abroad.

Hamilton Russell Vinyards The first of two Hermanus vineyards on the list, Hamilton Russell prides itself on pioneering Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blends. This focus on only two wines has paid off, with the label enjoying high accolades almost every year since the farm began.

Jordan Wine Estate The Stellenbosch region is home to a legion of world-class vineyards, with literally hundreds of choices available to grape-loving adventurers. No visit to these stunning mountains would be complete, however, without a stopover at Jordan to sample their best-in-show bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, and to soak

up some of the most picturesque settings in the valley.

Bouchard Finlayson It’s clear that if you want to find some of the best wines in the Cape, Hermanus is a must-see destination.

The second vineyard on our list, and South Africa’s second favourite wine, is a winery that combines innovation and creativity with old-world techniques to create blends that are truly out of this world. Welcome to Bouchard Finlayson.

Saronsberg Cellar Who would have guessed that a vineyard that’s only 12 years old would be one of the most-loved and sought-after wine makers in the country? Nestled at the foot of the Saronsberg Mountain in gorgeous Tulbagh, and only 90 minutes from the city of Cape Town, Saronsberg cellar offers the best wine in the country, along with gourmet food to excite and delight the most discerning of palates.

Franschhoek Wine Tram It can be hard choosing exactly

TRAVEL BEATS

which wine farms you want to visit, and trying to get to all of them in one day can be a daunting task. Enter the Franschhoek Wine Tram – a hop on/ hop off open tram that takes day visitors on a lazy trail through the Franschhoek Mountains to some of the best vineyards in the area. Guests can stay as long as they like on each farm before choosing to head off to the next, enjoying delicious tastings and scrumptious food along the way. Definitely our top tip for making the most of a visit to South Africa’s wine capital!

Wakanow partners Dubai Parks and Resort

Zimbabwe, Egypt uplift tourism pact

Africa’s leading Online Travel Agency (OTA) Wakanow has signed a pact with the Dubai Parks and Resort, the first ever by an African outfit, to stock the tickets of the prestigious hospitality outfit, which is noted for its first class rated facilities and services.

According to the Group Deputy Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno, who represented Wakanow at the signing ceremony, the new partnership deal would open a new vista of opportunities and unique experiences for African travellers to Dubai. The visit by Tamuno was an epoch one as he is the first African businessman to have stepped on the rich grounds of the resort.

“Beyond our strategic goal of always leading the way and shaping the travel business in Africa, we also collaborate with other market leaders from within and outside the continent to create value for our fast-growing travel market. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive investment and its owners clearly needed a partner with pedigree and panache. Wakanow was the natu-

The Zimbabwean and Egyptian governments have harped on a pact to uplift their tourism industries even as Egypt signals support for the candidature of Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr. Walter Mzembi, who is expected to run for the secretary general office of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) next year.

At a recent meeting in Cairo between Mzembi and his Egyptian counterpart, Yehia Rahed, they both arrived at a far reaching decision to intensive cooperation in elevating their tourism industries to a higher plane.

The two Ministers discussed, among other key strategic issues, the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Co-operation in the field of Tourism signed between the two countries in December 2014.

According to Mzembi, a joint tourism technical committee, which would see to the implementation of the

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ral choice for such a partner,’’ disclosed Tamuno of the choice of his company.

Also speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Head of Sales at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mr. Elwin Kemming, described the move as a bold step in creating remarkable experiences for travellers from Africa.

“Our partnership with Wakanow is a union of two widely admired tourism brands, joining forces together to provide memorable experiences for

travel lovers globally. With deeprooted presence throughout Africa, we are confident that Dubai Parks and Resorts can consolidate on Wakanow’s significant reach and foothold across the African market,” he stated.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is the biggest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination in the Middle East, comprising Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Parks and Bollywood Parks.

L-R: Group Head, Products and Packages Wakanow, Mr. Gautam Bajaj; Group Deputy Managing Director and co-founder Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno; Head of Sales, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mr. Elwin Kemming and Hotel Contracting Relationship Management Executive, Mr. Solomon Ilufoye during the official Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Dubai…recently

Travel Personality

Evelyn Mahlaba: Nigeria contributed the highest spends to our tourism

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MoU between the two countries, was set up after their meeting. One of the key programmes is the agreed Egypt Tourism Week to be held in February 2017 in Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Week in Egypt in April 2017.

The two ministers also agreed to work assiduously towards an early resumption of direct air-links between Cairo and Harare as this is largely viewed as a critical success factor in spurring tourism growth in both countries.

Meanwhile, Mzembi’s bid for UNWTO secretary general post received a boast with the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister, Sameh Shoukry, declaring his country’s support for him during his visit to the minister. Shoukry said his country fully supports the African Union’s (AU) endorsement of Mzembi at its recent meeting in Kigali.

“Egypt is committed and bound by the AU resolutions particularly on the candidature of Dr Mzembi. We want to assure him of our support,” said

Hospitality Hospitality

Destination

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Golden Westown TulipHotels: Port Harcourt: Entices Richly with bumper blended business Ramadan haven offerings

NigeriaIbom Tourism: Stakeholders Akwa Heritage Festival: point pathway to growth To light up fallow tourism p.42 market

40 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

EVELYN MAHLABA

Nigeria contributed the highest spends to our tourism South African Tourism (SAT) last month was in Nigeria for a travel road show with the regional director, Africa, Evelyn Mahlaba leading the team from SAT’s Johannesburg office.

She speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on the tourism agenda of her country and the premium its places on the Nigerian market among other related issues Mahlaba

What are your core responsibilities as the regional director of SAT for Africa?

My responsibilities includes coming up with strategies in terms of how we promote South Africa Tourism in different markets in the continent. Currently we have two countries which we are concentrating on in West Africa.

Nigeria and Ghana and we call it the West Africa hub and in East Africa we look after Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. That forms our East Africa hub and then we have Angola and the whole of SADC excluding domestic tourism.

So my responsibilities include how we engage with travel agents and tour operators and how we engage with the media in terms of media buying. And back home ensuring that we have tour operators in South Africa and South Africa products, which are hotels, tourist attractions and how we can work with them to promote South Africa in the different markets in the continent.

With the road show in Nigeria covering three cities you appeared to be making more inroads into the Nigerian market, what informed that?

Yes, we are extending our footprints into Nigeria and that is because of our regional manager, Pitson Hloni and our trade relations manager, Mohammed Tanko, who have also started to make sales pitches and calls to other cities in Nigeria. They were in Kano not too long ago, so we have actually started to spread our footprints within Nigeria.

We’ve got what we actually call core markets. Nigeria is one of our core markets, Ghana is one, Kenya is another and Angola. Those are our three major markets.

How well have you done on the continent in recent years?

Last year we didn’t close the year very great in the continent, including Nigeria.

We were on the minus however, in terms of revenue generated from travels, Nigeria and Angola contributed the most.

In terms of arrivals we were in negative but positive in the amount of money that they spent while in South Africa.

Nigeria and Angola actually made it

possible for Africa, including the SADC to become fourth in terms of revenue in all our portfolios.

But which are you top rated source markets?

Our number one source market is the United Kingdom then the US and Germany. So you can imagine that in terms of spends we (African market) surpassed the Asian markets, we became fourth and the contribution is that important. Nigeria is one of our core markets.

Arrivals were down by -10% compared to the same period in 2014 while it is 7% more on spends. (Average spends increased from R12, 200 in 2014 to R19, 600 in 2015 while current arrivals; January – April 2016 is 21, 991, an increased of eight percent compared to same period in 2015). That also said to us that in terms of the campaigns that we are executing as we have started selling the destination more than what people knew of it before.

People knew Johannesburg, we continued by selling Johannesburg and the surroundings like Tshwane and people are getting to know more about that and they are getting to know more about Cape Town and the surrounds of Cape Town.

Durban for example we started selling last year to extend the offerings and this year we started selling Mpumalanga.

So now that in itself for me even though the numbers in terms of actual arrivals was down and spends was up it actually showed that our campaigns worked in the market. Hence we are just extending what we did last year.

What is your future projection for the continental market?

Obviously, we are currently looking at growing our market by at least five to six percent averagely in the continent and for people to actually get to know more of South Africa and not only the major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

But to actually know what lies throughout the country and getting to know more importantly about the South African people.

What has been your greatest strength

in selling the destination?

It is actually having a knowledgeable team and a hardworking team. The team that we have here led by Hloni Pitson (Regional Manager, West Africa) is actually doing a phenomenon work and the team that I have back in South Africa that works throughout the continent marks life a whole lot easy.

So knowledgeable, skilled and hardworking team is my backbone in terms of making what I do much easier.

How challenging it is for you selling the destination in Nigeria market?

Like any other market sometimes it is easy and sometimes it is not so easy but the thing that have contributed to the ease of selling in Nigeria and promoting in Nigeria is because we have been con-

BACKGROUND Evelyn Mahlaba, regional director, Africa for South African Tourism (SAT) is easily distinguished from the crowd with her signature blonde low cut hair style that she spots with dignity and gliding movement.

Then of course, her brilliance and ease of delivering when it comes to her most favourite subject, making a pitch for her beloved South Africa tourism as one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Affectionately called Evy by many of her admirers and colleagues at work, she is a thoroughbred professional who has spent a good part of her career in the selling of her country. She started out working with South African Airways (SAA) and was actually among the pioneering team that set up the airline’s operations in Lagos, Nigeria. She also had a stint at the Airports Company of South Africa and Sun International.

But in 2004 she was contracted by South African Tourism as the global trade relations manager and in 2009 she assumed the role of regional director for Asia and Australasia and later Americas while in April 2014 she was made the regional director for Africa, a position she has used over the years to passionately canvassed for South Africa destination all through Africa.

The regional director is from SOWETO where she grew up and had her early education and though she works at the Johannesburg office of SAT she still retreats home on a regularly basis to fraternise with her kindred. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Communications from the University of the North West and another BA in Business Management from De Mont ford University in the United Kingdom (UK) as well as a post graduate degree from the US.

sistent, we try so hard to ensure that whatever it is that we have done we don’t actually lose momentum so that we can actually grown year on year.

However, as you know we have a couple of barriers in terms of visa processing and we continue to engage through our ministry with the ministry of tourism and also our mission here in Nigeria as well as tourism associations like the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) just to get more information and those information we pass them on. ...the cost of doing business in Nigeria So it is beginning to be easy in terms of the barriers but I think the cost of doing business in Nigeria is also a challenge. We would like to have events in most cities but because of these issues you term to do less. ...the social media has helped However, the other thing that contributes to the ease is the social media and digital marketing. So that has actually made it so much easy and word of mouth. Like during workshops and also hosting both media and trade and individuals like your celebrities.

These have actually contributed tremendously and we can never be thankful of the partnerships that we have actually had.

How fulfilling has it been for you working on the continent?

Just being part of the continent. As you know for us South Africans the world has been so closed for us and just getting to know how wonderful we are as a people, as black people, as Africans, for me that is very fulfilling.

Being in different regions and getting to know how strong Africans are personally brings me joy and it actually gives me hope in terms of the generation to come.

To actually know that I have contributed positively to the advancement of an individual and their businesses actually gives me joy. Those are the things that make this job exciting.

Travel&Tourism

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GOLDEN TULIP PORT HARCOURT

Richly blended business haven

Golden Tulip is one of the few branded hotels in Port Harcourt offering business guests and others international standard facilities and services with a mix of local flavours, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

L

ocated on Evo Crescent in the Government Reservation Area (GRA 2) of Port Harcourt, which is known as the garden city and famous for its oil wealth as well as its pulsating business and social elements, Golden Tulip offers guest a serene haven with richly apportioned facilities and services of international standards and quality.

Catering for business travellers and mixed guests including leisure travellers and residents, the calm and welcoming ambience of the hotel the moment one walks through the door is certainly an attractive pull for a first time guest and then the courtly smile of the butler welcomes you to the fascinating world of the hotel as you settle in to explore it bowels.

Just about 35 kilometres away from the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa and a kilometre from the Aba - Port Harcourt Expressway, with ease of access within the city, the hotel also offers you a window of opportunity to various service points and facilities within the city besides its array of plush and richly fitted facilities, which are at the fingertips of guests.

Here are samples of its rich menus:

Rooms As expected of a four star rated business hotel, its boast 102 guest rooms of different categories (Standard, Superior, Deluxe rooms, Executive, Luxurious diplomatic suites), all tastefully furnished and fitted with luxurious setting, common and in some cases unique amenities befitting the different classes of rooms. These include well laid and inviting bed, tea/coffee making machines, bath/shower, flat screen TV with multiple satellite channels, free access to Wi-Fi and computer, work desk and chair, well stocked mini-bar and electronic safe deposit.

Food/beverage It food and beverage offerings are top notch and a true reflection of the Golden Tulip’s brand image, which is nestling international standard against local flavours because its restaurant and bar settings combine with the rich artistic blend of international and local feel to create an inviting and relaxing mood.

The menus are made of rich continental and African dishes with special local delicacies that are uniquely the traditional and legendary Rivers’ cuisines that from its presentation alone

HOSPITALITY

make you salivate while the actual food is an exciting feast of its own.

It stylishly created Anioma restaurant beckons for memorable dishes while Colossians, the hotel's 24 hour bar offers well – stocked and wide selections of different wines, cocktails and beverages just as the pool bar with its unique setting offers ample relaxing anvil with a lot to drink and snack on while either sunbathing or just getting your groove back.

Business conference The garden and rich oil city is noted for its high profile business element and Golden Tulip certainly offers a rich nest for business meetings of all sorts including social events as it boast an array of well apportioned conference and meeting facilities that are fully equipped to the hilt with modern conference amenities.

The business conference facilities ranges from Abuja, Kano and Lagos halls to Rivers board room, each offering different packages and incentives for event planners and corporate bod-

ies in need of first class rated facilities, serene and well secured environment to host their events and guests.

Wellness/leisure Golden Tulip Port Harcourt also offers a rich toast in the areas of wellness, leisure and entertainment as it has an outdoor swimming pool with ample seat out area to relax after a good dip with a pool bar to the bargain.

There is also a well equipped fitness centre for the guest to enjoy a good and healthy bodily exercise and treats while for golf enthusiasts, there is a nearby golf course and for night life, the garden city is never short of any spicy hideout to savour a rich night treat as the hotel could recommend a high profile, safe and secured spot to hang out with friends.

Other facilities/services Other related facilities and services to harvest in the hotel include: coffee shop, airport shuttle/care hire, travel agency, business centre, doctor on call, evening turndown, laundry/dry cleaning, complimentary local calls and fax messages as well as secured parking lot.

Plush facade of the hotel.

Inset: The hotel's lobby

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

T

Travel&Tourism

he Akwa Ibom State government has never hidden its intention in recent years to give life to it tourism industry taking a cue from its sister state, Cross River, which many have judged the best ever tourist destination in Nigeria given its attempt at building a tourism led economy with the Calabar Festival headlined by Carnival Calabar as a major push in this direction.

The former governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpan tried to build on some of the tourism offerings of the state like the Ibom Plaza and Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as well as introducing a number of projects and events with the 1,000 man choir and Ibom Tropicana making the list.

Two years on, his successor, governor Udom Emmanuel, seems to have harped on a signature project that hopefully would light up the rich and vast tourism industry of the state, which despite attempts the various governments before him to ignite the state’s tourism.

In this wise, the governor and his team have dream a cultural tourism event, tagged Akwa Ibom Heritage Festival otherwise known as Ibomfest. The recent unfolding of the festival’s blueprint by the planning committee, which has since swung into action to deliver on the mega event, has been greeted with fanfare across the state and the country with many describing it as a welcome and salutary development.

The state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok and the Special Assistant to the governor on Tourism, Ini Edo, one of Nigerians acclaimed Nollywood actresses, who are among the people charged with the festival spoke extensively on the festival; modalities for its implementation, marketing and promotion plans as well as the vision among others.

For Ibiok, Ibomfest is hinged on achieving the five point agenda of the present administration, which he said is ‘‘focused primarily on industrialisation as the fulcrum of economic emancipation of our people.’’ It is this agenda, he said, that has given birth to this new initiative of trying to use tourism to speed up the economic development of the state. ‘‘In furtherance of that agenda, I am pleased to inform you that we are developing a robust agenda specially designed to speed up the pace of development in the tourism industry in the state,’’ he disclosed.

He then went ahead to paint a glowing picture of the rich tourist attractions of his people: ‘‘Akwa Ibom State is known all over the world as a natural haven for tourism. Our people are renowned for their great spirit of hospitality, their natural God given habitat is littered with sculptural landscapes and topography. ‘‘While the artistic creative spirit of our people are easily spelt out in the unique arts and crafts created by naturally gifted local artists whose products can hold their grounds against the best anywhere in the world. ‘‘In songs, dances, drama and even in contemporary theatre, our people occupy prime positions of prominence. ‘‘Above all, our environment is re-

Some of the artefacts in the state

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

AKWA IBOM HERITAGE FESTIVAL

To rev tourism market Akwa Ibom State government prepares to stoke the embers of its dormant tourism industry with Akwa Ibom Heritage Festival billed for December. ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA brings you details of this new initiative

One of the state's cultural troupe on display

DESTINATION markably clean and healthy while the peace and security status of our state, even in these turbulent times of terrorism and insurrections the world over, speak volumes about our status as the prime tourism destination in our country.’’

The new quest therefore, he said is to lighten up these attractions and make the state the next tourist destination in the country. ‘‘In line with these, we are here to introduce to you the Akwa Ibom Heritage Festival (IBOMFEST), Governor Udom Emmanuel’s vision to further develop the tourism industry in the state. ‘‘Ibomfest, planned as an annual tour- Aerial ism platform is in line with the state gov- view of ernment’s vision to further develop our Uyo economy while projecting the beauty of our state and our people.’’

According to the commissioner, Ibomfest, ‘‘is designed to divert tourism traffic and investments to Akwa Ibom State by providing artistic, cultural and tourism platforms that will add value to the fledgling economy. ‘‘Ibomfest, therefore, in the spirit of

the Dakkada philosophy of our government, is positioned to contribute significantly towards the enhancement of the revenue base of the state and yield positive harvests to the people and government of the state.’’

The festival, which is envisioned as annual event with the debutant edition holding between December 15 and 17, across locations in Uyo and other localities within the state, is no doubt an ambitious one, which according to him will not only rival but outbid such signature events as the Carnival Calabar and Osun Osogbo Festival. ‘‘As the years progress, Ibomfest will, rightly, be expected to take its pride of place in the annual calendar of legacy tourism, cultural and artistic events like the Calabar Carnival, Osun Osogbo Festival, Ofala Festival and Argungu Fishing Cultural Festival recognised globally.’’

Next to stepped up the excitement already ignited by the presentation of Ibiok was the Special Assistant to the governor on Tourism, Edo, who disclosed that the theme of the three days festival is ‘our cultures beyond borders,’ explaining that it is expected to expand the tourism horizon of the state across the country and the world and thereby drive tourist

traffic. ‘‘Our cultures beyond boarders. It is my hope that this event will showcase the rich culture and beauty of Akwa Ibom people, attract tourist traffic and tourism investors to the state and contribute to its revenue base. ‘‘Other economic value of this event includes, promoting foreign direct investment vis-à-vis foreign exchange from visiting tourists, opportunity for establishment of trade relations with states and countries that will participate in the event, employment generation through involvement of men and women, youths, artistes, arts/ crafts vendors, transporters, food vendors, hoteliers and others in all activities throughout its duration and finally opportunity for income generation for entire communities.’’

Besides, the SA on tourism also revealed other areas of benefits: ‘‘In addition, the event will help strengthen relationship between government, policy makers and private tourism operators within the state, the country and overseas towards further development of the abundant tourism potentials of the state and encouraging private sector initiatives in building of tourism infrastructure such as parks, tourists market/ souvenir shops, sit outs, guided tours and others to compliment government’s effort.’’

Travel&Tourism 43

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

SEE THE

WORLD Family trips on the rise l Spain most sought after destination The latest trend report by the IPK International and ITB Berlin has revealed that family trips in on the rise with Spain as the most sought after destination by the families on vacation despite reported decline in birth rates across many countries of the world.

A special evaluation of the World Travel Monitor reported by the two organisations has also disclosed that in 2015, around 78 million Europeans went on family vacation abroad and spent a total of 640 million nights on these trips.

Over the last 10 years, the annual average growth rate of holiday trips with children (aged under 15) has been around two percent, which corresponds to the growth rate for all holiday trips undertaken by Europeans. For family trips, Europe is the preferred destination as 90 percent spend their holidays there.

The most popular destination for families is Spain, where around 15 percent spend their holidays, followed by France. In recent years, Germany has registered high growth in this segment. As in 2007 it was still ranked sixth behind Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Turkey, Germany is now ranked on the third place and the number of family tourists there has almost doubled.

Outside Europe, the most popular destinations for families are the USA, followed by Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Thailand. The three source markets with the highest demand for family trips are Germany, the UK and France, which altogether account for more than one-third of European family tourists.

Edo addressing the media on the planned festival. Inset: Emmanuel

OUTLINES OF EVENTS Truly, the festival is designed to be an encompassing celebration as the three days are packed with various activities of different colours and reach that are meant to cover the different aspects of the state tourism offerings and at the same time deliver excitement to the thousands of people expected to attend the festival.

Day One: Cultural float The festival will open on the first day with a cultural float, which has been tagged parade of colours, which will go through the streets of the state capital, Uyo. On parade would be cultural floats from the 31 local government areas of the state, cultural troupes and even tourists.

The float will make a stopover at the Ibibio Unity Park in Sir Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, where the state governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, will formally declare the three days fiesta open amidst colours, celebration and excitement by the people, tourists and

guests from across the country and outside its shores.

Thereafter, the party will move to Ibeno Beach where a high flying fashion show will unfold with both international and national couture designers and models on parade with a tinge of ethnic and cultural attires on the runway. Prizes and awards would be given to the participating models and designers.

Day Two: Celebration of cultural colours The celebration of colours of the state will continue on the second day with cultural dance and music holding sway at Ibibio Unity Park as troupes from the local government areas, cultural troupes and tourists compete for prizes and awards.

Then in the afternoon, it will be time to parade and display the traditional hospitality and culinary experience of the people of the state, which is quite famous and legendary. With a food fair heralding the day, cooking competition,

eat and drinking competition, food exhibition, comedy and live entertainment among others.

The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, will be leading other women in the state to the event.

All of these will climax in the evening with a gala and dinner party to be hosted by the governor for special guests, government functionaries, sponsors of the events and other stakeholders.

… Beach attracts most

Day Three: Boat Regatta Headlining activities of the third day, which is the final day of the debutant festival, is a boat regatta holding at Ayadehe in Itu local government area of the state. All riverine communities in the state are expected to partake in the cultural boat float showcasing one of the most cultural beauties of the people.

The festival will close on a coluorful note with a number of activities slated to hold in Uyo, the state capital.

Beach holidays are the most popular type of family holidays, with two in five spent on lakes or by the sea. The main motivation for families is to relax, while sunbathing and swimming as well as good food and drinks are also very important.

Although having been on the rise in recent years, with 17 percent, city breaks follow beach holidays by far in popularity. The focus here is on sightseeing and experiencing a city’s atmosphere. With 15 percent round trips are the third most popular type of family holidays.

Ife Tourism Zone gets Motherland Beckons – NIDO office

I

fe Tourism Zone, following its formal declaration in February this year, has continued to witness waves of activities, organisations and individuals visiting, to pledge commitment to the speedy development of the tourism zone into a foremost destination in Africa, especially given the personal involvement of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, in the historic project.

The latest move was the formal opening of Motherland Beckons – Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) office at the Enuwa Palace. The ceremony was performed by the Ooni, who is also the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, an organisation founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, which is dedicated to the promotion of Africa and enhancing linkage between the Diaspora and Africa, Motherland.

Speaking at the occasion, Oba Ojaja 11 enunciated an ennobling vision of uniting Nigerians in the Diaspora and that he has a responsibility towards them as he sees them as one of his primary consistencies in his grand design of fostering the peace, unity and development of Nigeria as well as Africa.

The monarch also emphasised on the significant role of the Diaspora in the development of the nation. He said that even America was developed by immigrants from Europe and not the native Red Indians. Oba Ojaja 11 then used the occasion to express gratitude to the members of NIDO America for

their warm reception and hospitality accorded him and his entourage during his visit to the USA in June.

He urged NIDO members not to relent in their efforts in contributing to national growth and development and showered royal blessings on them and stressed that the new NIDO office is for NIDO America, NIDO Europe, NIDO Africa and the Caribbean.

In his remark at the event, the Chairman of NIDO America, Samuel Gbenga Adewusi, said he was delighted by the warm reception accorded his team by the monarch even as he expressed joy and happiness on the Ooni delivering on the promise

he made to them in February, with respect to opening a befitting office for NIDO within the confines of the Enuwa Palace, Ile-Ife. He announced a donation of 400 e- books on information technology, amounting to about 10, 000 pages to the new NIDO office by NIDO America while promising to follow up with more material, physical and monetary donations on behalf of NIDO Europe and Africa that were also represented at the event.

Adewusi said that the office will be devoted to promoting the activities of Motherland Beckons and NIDO within the continent.

Ooni with some of the officials of Motherland Beckons and NIDO during the ceremony

… Hotels in high demand

More than 50 percent of families choose to stay in hotels. Over the last 10 years this market has experienced steady growth, with about 25 percent of overnights spent in four star hotels. Besides hotels, the second most important type of accommodation are rented holiday homes and apartments which are more popular among family holidays than in the overall holiday market. In contrast, the market for private accommodation has almost halved over the same period.

… Travel information, online booking on the rise In order to plan their holidays, families obtain most of their information from the internet but approximately one-third also consult travel agencies and a quarter get tips and information from friends and relatives.

Also, for bookings, the internet has become the most important booking channel and has gained strong in market share in recent years. In 2015, almost three-quarters of all family trips were booked online. Travel agencies came a distant second. Around a quarter of family holidays were booked via this channel.

Travel market future hinges on young people

According to the Senior Vice President, Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin, Dr. Martin Buck: “The young people of today represent the travel market of tomorrow. Tour operators must pay attention to the needs of both families and children. Good Wi-Fi reception at a destination is important, for example. ‘‘The growth in hotel overnights shows that families have increasing requirements when it comes to their holidays. Not only attentive staff or good care for their children is important, they also want to experience unforgettable, special moments that let them come together as a family.’’

Sportsplash 44 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 September 2016

Celebrity RĂˆsume

Full Name: Olamide Adedeji Date of Birth: March 15, 1989 Place of Birth: Bariga, Lagos State State of Origin: Ogun State Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Label Executive Music Genre: Hip Hop, Pop, Afrobeat First Album: Rapsodi Albums: Rapsodi (2011), YBNL (2012), Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Street OT

(2014) and Eyan Mayweather (2015).

Marital Status: Single Awards: Best Rap Album and Album of the Year (Headies 2013), Most Gifted West (Channel O Music Video Awards 2014), Best Rap Album, Album of the Year (Headies 2014), Best Street-Hop Artiste, Artiste of The Year (Headies 2015) among others.

Biggest Hits: Eni Duro, First of All, Durosoke and Yemi

My Lover.

Active Years: 2011 till present First Record Label: Coded Tunes Record Label: YBNL Nation Biggest Achievement: Establishing his own record label just a year after his debut offering and going on to turn it into a major label. He also provided mentoring for talents such as Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktor and others. He also welcomed

his son, Batifeori Maximilliano Adedeji in Februrary 2015 through his longtime girlfriend, Adebukunmi Sulaiman.

Endorsements: Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with CĂŽroc on July 17, 2013. Later that year, on October 24, 2013, he signed a multimillion Naira deal with Guinness before baghing yet another endorsement as an ambassador for Etisalat.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

45

Politics

3 september 2016

Clash of titans in Ondo APC

p.46,47

When journalists critique Amosun's works

p.48

Grazing reserves idea outdated –Ahmadu Hon. Waziri Ahmadu is the Commissioner for Agriculture in Adamawa State. In this interview, the former Executive Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) speaks on the proposed Grazing Reserves Bill being debated in the National Assembly, among other issues. Excerpts: What is your disposition towards the Grazing Reserves Bill being debated by lawmakers in the National Assembly?

The issue of grazing reserves in Adamawa State lies with the Ministry for Livestock Production and not my Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture.

Having said that however, my personal opinion on grazing reserves is that the whole notion is an outdated one.

States should be able to look at livestock production the same way they look at other agriculture subsectors/ industries, as business. The reserves should redeveloped into commercial, self-sustaining livestock production enclaves that any willing Nigerian can invest in unless what they are set up to be today, as vulnerable ethnic enclaves.

Don’t you think the project can generate employment if it becomes law?

I know that the reserves in Adamawa have limitless potential for new jobs creation and increased output into our local economy.

Is there a political will to annex the sector towards diversification?

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has diverse issues to contend with, but states, where the agriculture physically occurs and where the majority of beneficiaries of government intervention initiatives are found, must design their own specific/peculiar programmes for the benefit of their people. Understanding the challenges bedeviling farming communities and putting timelines to plans is important, and involving the private sector in making these plans by states where the private sector takes particular roles and responsibilities is critical to success of agriculture programmes. There is the need for massive new investments in acquiring mechanisation and modern storage capabilities, as well as entrenching agro-processing as logical value-chain to increase agricultural output. Leveraging on people to want to do best for themselves and actually helping them to do so either through facilitating access to finance or to markets, and/or providing opportunities for capacity building opportunities always work. There is need everywhere to make special provisions for agribusiness development throughout the country.

OLALEKAN OSIADE Assistant Editor 08033076969 lekanosiade@gmail.com lekanosiade@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

As a former Executive Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), could you possibly say the bank has been living to expectations with respect to meeting financial obligations of customers?

Bank of Agriculture has never actually met the needs of the sector in Nigeria, as it could very well do. The Bank has tremendous potential especially with the technology advancements in financial services today, but it needs the right management with special sets of skills. I am aware that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the CBN and BPE are working very hard to reposition the institution right now to take it further from where we stopped when we left just over a year ago.

There are indications that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the immediate past administration has been jettisoned. What’s your take?

I do not think that any policies of the past minister have been out rightly jettisoned, but this minister is under obligation to review what he found on the ground and work out how to maximise the benefits of output and prioritise which programmes align with the ruling party's manifesto, as well as determine what can be achieved given the poor funding environment.

I do not think that any policies of the past minister have been out rightly jettisoned, but this minister is under obligation to review what he found on the ground

Ahmadu

Do you think the present administration is sincere with revitalising the agriculture sector, as the country’s budget, including the yet-to-be-

I

implemented 2017 budget is still hinged on oil benchmark?

Pre-occupation with the oil benchmark price is simply a reflection of reality, a redundant obsession by many people with money and government, as governments at all levels are the most real providers of opportunities to earn quick cash by most people. That has nothing to do with the government realising its goals in the agriculture sector.

So, what’s the way forward?

Create a division for Agribusiness Development in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and appoint the right person to man it; that is an overdue recommen-

dation. Have the federal and state governments collaborate more closely with the private sector in improving access to finance and developing output markets for investors in commercial agriculture.

How do you hope to transform the agricultural sector in your state?

In Adamawa, we have developed a 6-point plan for taking the sector to the next level, carried out a stakeholder validation forum to make a critique of some of our postulations, and have even commenced implementation of certain aspects of the programme. The bouquets of activities are mostly private sector-driven.

Will Kashamu dump PDP for APC?

f the news making the rounds is anything to go by, the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Buruji Kashamu, might have concluded plans to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This, the Saturday Telegraph reliably gathered from some political allies of the senator, who they said had been having nocturnal meetings with some bigwigs in the APC. The move might however not be unconnected with a recent court ruling over the move to extradite the politician, who is alleged to be wanted in the United States of America for drug-related offences.

One of the political aides of the politician who confided in our correspondent, said Kashamu his trying very hard to save himself from proposed extradition by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“He does not want to be taken to the US, that is why he wants to join APC. It is a common knowledge in Nigeria that he has been fighting his extradition battle.

“And you know that it is also an open secret in Nigeria, that, if you decamp to a ruling party, your sins are forgiven.

“He even told some people during a meeting held in Ijebu-Igbo last week, that anything can happen. He said he is a politician and he is at liberty to join any party”, the politician said.

However, PDP youths in the state seems to have got wind of the intending move as they issued a statement, alleging that Kashamu had been hobnobbing with the APC, while asking him to be bold enough to declare for the APC and stop pretending to be a member of the PDP. The youths, acting under the auspices of the PDP Youths Congress (PDPYC), sai Kashamu was more of APC than the PDP and he should rather join the APC formally instead of going about masquerading as a PDP member while at the same time defending the APC federal government.

In a press statement issued by its convener, Mr. Oluwole Durojaiye, the PDPYC said it should be clear to all lovers of the PDP, es-

pecially in the Southwest that Kashamu had become an agent of the APC and was ready to do everything possible to destroy the PDP. The PDPYC, which said Kashamu was already acting as the mouthpiece of the APC, noted that the senator would be a better replacement for Alhaji Lai Mohammed as the APC National Publicity Secretary, since he had taken over the job of defending every acts of the Federal Government even better than the two presidential spokespersons.

They alleged that Kashamu has spent over N100 million on media publications against fellow PDP members while he has not published one paragraph article against the APC led government.

The youths also alleged that over N2 billion had been spent for the procurement of court judgments against the PDP. The group further alleged that Kashamu had been getting plum jobs from the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, citing the supply of vehicles to the state House of Assembly as one of such contracts.

46 Politics

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

There is crisis over the leadership of the party in the state, which of the divide do you belong to?

I am not too sure we have a divide because APC is still one and APC remains one. What had happened overtime in the last couple of weeks is that the party apparatus, the executive members, the elders, the women wing, the youths and all tendencies in the party have virtually passed vote of no confidence on the chairman and this speaks a lot.

It speaks volumes that we do not have confidence with those we are supposed to be working with, that is just probably the only thing but since the chairman has refused to step aside and to allow interim transition for all of us, because I can also tell you that majority of the aspirants also said that the chairman should step aside until after the governorship election not only the primary election, because we do not have confidence in him any longer.

What I believe at that point is that it is the problem of Africans and that is what is repeating itself, that people want to hold on to power at all cost. I expected him to take the path of honour in a situation where all the party's tendencies have expressed that they don't have confidence in him and it a shame to still hold on to the post and still want to be at the helm of affairs.

What informed your lack of no confidence in the chairman? What informed my decision is very simple, I am of the opinion that the chairman deserves the right if he wants to support any aspirant of his choice, it is quite possible and he might say, 'as chairman, I want to hold the balance', it is still another possibility, but when you now chose to endorse a candidate which I say he reserves the right to do, he cannot use the apparatus of the party for the support of the aspirant he chooses. Most people have found out that because he is the chairman he is calling all local government chairmen and telling them that this is where they should go. This is wrong, and again he called the chairmen of the 203 wards and say this is where we want to go, that will be unfair to others, though it is his right, but you will lose that leadership position immediately you make a choice and people will lose the confidence in you and that's why they passed the vote-of-no-confidence in him.

FaceOff Asiwaju engaged other aspirants and talked to them why the committee picked Akeredolu and as the leader of the party then, he spent his fortune in the election to assist us in the election in the state and nobody takes that away from him. When anybody comes around and say that Akeredolu was imposed, I always take pain to explain that I was not imposed, all of us who contested agreed to abide by the decision of the committee and not that Asiwaju said this is the candidate.

In this particular case, Asiwaju has told all of us to go and run and he has now come out to say I am now endorsing a particular person, when all of us had obtain forms and spent money. There's difference people must try to understand and many of us should be able to say the truth.

Akeredolu

You're going to the primary and if the endorsed aspirant emerges, how would you take it, would you still support the party.

I can assure you that whoever wins will have my support. I am a member of the party and a loyal party person and I cannot go to any other party and I'm only in this race for service . If I feel too strongly about any candidate they picked, I withdraw back into my practice, I have lost nothing . But I know that there will be some difficulties, not from me alone but from many of the aspirants who will feel dumped if the endorsed candidate emerges.

So we must be prepared on how to manage this. But I know if any other candidate emerges other than the endorsed candidate everybody will come out to support him. They party can still manage it.

Ondo APC primary election: We have lost confidence in Kekemeke, says Akeredolu

Is it true that the chairman said he was acting the script of the National Leader by mobilising support for an aspirant?

I doubt that and if he said so, he knows the full implication of that and I'm sure that Kekemeke is not somebody that can be led by the nose, I want you to quote me on this, there's a Yoruba adage that says that when you are send on an errand like a slave, when you get there to deliver the message, you pretend that you are a free born and everybody will still respect you and say it is not a slave that brought this message. This is a way to put it assuming it is true. I have been to the National Leader you refer to, so many of us went to him and he gave his words to say that he was going to allow free and fair primaries and it is after the primary that he will come up to support whosoever emerges.

But he has not denied it.

He said in the letter written to Tunji Abayomi that he has a right but he did not state that he is endorsing a particular candidate. It is not denial and it is also not for us to assume that he endorsed him. If he endorses a particular aspirant, it is his right , the National Leader reserves the right to say that he endorsing a particular candidate , I don't see anything wrong in it but what I said is that the moment you do that, you have stepped into the arena, you have become partisan and cannot lay

A former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and an aspirant in today's primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said virtually all the aspirants have lost confidence in the state chairman of the party.

BABATOPE OKEOWO brings excerpts: claim to leadership, it is not that you're not the leader of the party but for this contest, you cannot say to me as an aspirant that you're giving me order, more so when you know that I'm an aspirant and you're taking side against me. To me there's no quarrel about this, if he decides to pursue that course to say yes, I'm going to endorse a particular candidate and probably bring in money and he must accept that he will not expect all of us who are on the other side to agree to his decision. He has become a chief campaigner to one person. Whatever comes out of it he has to take it.

You said you were not imposed in 2012 but it started from endorsement to imposition.

Do you think you can still have a free and fair primary.

Let me start from 2012, I've said this over and over and try to explain to people that 2012 is different from what is happening now. We operated under ACN and ACN in 2012 does not say it was going to conduct primary. In 2012, nobody paid money for expression of interest but here all aspirants have paid N2m each except the lady among us who paid N1m. In ACN, nobody obtain form but here, all of us have paid N5.5m to obtain form to run this election except for the lady who was free. I said I was not imposed by anybody in 2012, I stand by it. I know the operation and all of us who contested knew too.

We attended meetings not once, twice or thrice and the leadership of the party then, that was the style in ACN, formed a committee headed by Chief Bisi Akande and include all past governors like Bola Tinubu, Niyi Adebayo, Segun Osoba, and probably Lam Adesina and governors of the ACN then. So the committee needed to reach a consensus, so it's not one person that imposed the candidate. Tinubu couldn't have imposed me, he couldn't have endorsed me, because there was a process but this process was one that all of us submitted ourselves to. There's a law that say that you cannot complain of an injury when you have voluntarily submitted yourself to the process and in that process, all along if not all the time, the committee usually ask us that, 'are you all prepared to abide by whosever we chose among you' and everybody would say yes.

So, I know of a fact that in the meetings, because it's not just one meeting people argued for different aspirants. If by consensus in that meeting, I was endorsed or chosen to be the candidate it is not one person choosing me as the candidate, so it is not one person imposing Akeredolu on others. I am sure if you ask Tinubu, he will tell you that he did not impose Akeredolu on others. What I'm trying to get at is that after the meeting, by consensus they agreed on me, as a predominant leader of the party then,

What is your reaction to the allegation that you are being backed by the Presidency?

People invented that. They said I've not been spending money, that Nasir El Rufai is backing me, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi and Babatunde Fashola are all with me. You have not seen any of these people in the state. All they can do is to support me with money but I have not been spending money, it means they are not backing me. Again what they can do is to help to talk to the delegates and if you ask any of the delegates how many of them have spoken to these people, nobody. Nobody has called the chairman to go and work for me because if the Presidency wants to work for me it could call the chairman to work for me. The only person who claimed he had been called and announced it openly that he has enough money, that Asiwaju has given him enough money to work for Abraham is Kekemeke, he said it openly, so have you seen those people coming here. It's just an imagination of the people.

How true is the statement by Abraham that aspirants are kidnapping delegates?

Well, let me share this with you, somebody said to me when I was having a meeting with my coordinators, he said there must be some spirit working with me, and said they were pressuring him when people heard that they were taking some delegates to some location but I told them I'm not interested in that. We will all meet when they come on Friday and we will all vote on Saturday. I wouldn't know, but if they have taken some people out they are in trouble now. I have my delegates and I've not taken out any of them to any special place, I don't even have the means anyway, why would I put somebody in hotel for over a week, is it possible? What do I want to gain from it?

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Akeredolu has been rejected by the people – Kekemeke The chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr. Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke, in this interview with BABATOPE OKEOWO responded to Akeredolu's statement saying that the legal icon ought not to be in the race as he had been rejected by the people.

What efforts are you putting in place to assuage the feelings of aggrieved members of your party?

We should move from calling them aggrieved members to desperate members.

They have transcended the line of party faithfulness, loyalty and commitment.

What we have now is a few people who are becoming so desperate that will stop at nothing to destabilise the party, embarrass it and give it a bad name. They have become spoilers and embarrassment to the leadership and teaming members of the party. They have also gone ahead to desecrate the culture and tradition of Akureland in the desperate moves and desire to embarrass the party.

I want our party members to begin to see this as no longer a joke. It is an attempt by few individuals to weaken and demonise the party leadership so that they can leave the party weakened. I have assured them that our party remains strong and we will not be weakened. I deliberately resisted making statement so as to enable us reconcile these differences immediately after elections. But the more I keep quiet, the more encouraged they get in their mischief making.

What do you think is their reason for wanting to remove you from office?

They are fighting me for no reason because I do not organise the party primaries. As at today , the process had been taken over by the National Executive Council through the National Working Committee and this is what is done everywhere . In Edo and Kogi states, the National Executive Committee organised the primaries and Ondo State could not be an exception.

What have they done to ensure the election is held?

They have set up the machinery, the Governor of Jigawa State is the Chairman of the Organising Committee and his advance team is already meeting with appropriate security agencies and sorting out logistics, so, where do I come in? The only thing they are doing now is to try to harass, intimidate and blackmail me to support them and I can never do that and as God liveth, they will never win.

how it works. He was overwhelmingly rejected then and why is he contesting again? That is the logic.

Some of the aspirants alleged that you are working for the PDP. Is that true?

They are the people working for the ruling PDP. If they are not working for the ruling party in the state, why would they be demonising their leaders? You demonised Asiwaju, Pius Akinyelure and all the known leaders of this party. They do everything to seal up the secretariat of the party; who is now working for the governor? And we know those who danced with Mimiko anyway, We know them.

They are fifth columnist in our party. They want to weaken our party to go and join another party, we know them.

What is the solution to this crisis?

Let me say very soberly that there is nothing extraordinary happening here. In my address at the State Working Committee meeting, I made it very clear that nothing extraordinary is happening in the APC . We had primaries in Edo State sometimes ago, we had similar situation there. Even, there were accusation that the Deputy Governor said the governor was trying to assassinate him and all of that. It is not something unusual. In Kogi State and everywhere, I mean in all the parties. Where ambitions are involved, you find out that tempers will rise. For instance, we still have single authority trying to conduct set of primaries but another party has two authorities and two primaries. The only thing is that we have a few disloyal party people, a few uncultured party people, very few of them who are trying to create the impression that something extraordinary is happening and that there is crisis in our party. I will give an example, we have

One of the grouses of these people is your recommendation, which has led to an endorsement.

Do you fight the recommender? Most of those fighting now are aspirants. I am not an aspirant. Their action is idiotic. It is idiotic for anybody to say that somebody of Asiwaju’s status would be overwhelmed by my recommendations or would be dictated to by me. Sometimes, I think they are stupid in the way they think. I think they are afraid to fight Asiwaju because they know the consequences and they want to fight me. I have decided to hand them over to God. One of the aspirants, Rotimi Akeredolu, said you should have stepped aside?

My answer to him is that as a former Attorney General, he is my predecessor in office and as a Senior Advocate, the people of Ondo state rejected him in 2012, so, he should not contest again. As a lawyer he knows that he doesnt need to contest because he was rejected in 2012, if that is

Kekemeke

a 15 member working committee and 11 of them are working with me. We have only three of them who are making all these noise. We have State Executive Committee; all of the 18 chairmen said they were solidly behind me. We have a State Executive Committee where members were saying that their signatures were forged and they are not party to this drama. So, where do they get the numbers? What they do is to get paid from whoever and try to destabilise the party with the impression that something is wrong. They went to court and said they had an injunction, they nearly obtain a paper at the court registry and I'm not even served with the papers and they've been shouting all that. You can see how illiterate and desperate they have become. But all this while, I have decided never to get to their level and I think is becoming unbecoming of them.

Majority of the aspirants do not agree with you that endorsement is not imposition?

I have said it many times that when ambitions are involved, we find out that it take very strong men, extraordinary men to remain sane or to remain balanced.

Even primary school pupils know the difference between endorsement and imposition. I think it has become trite, that is what we call it in law, it is common knowledge that endorsement is just a common expression of preference. Imposition means the exclusion or the denial of the right of the individuals to aspire or participate in a democratic process, particularly, process of the primaries of election. That is simple and everybody knows that even in the best of democracies, this happened.

Example of United States of America where a leading presidential contender in Republican endorsed President Barrack Obama eight years ago who was not in Republican but in Democrat. In Britain, just a few weeks ago, we saw the process of emergence of Prime Minister Theresa May and we know that it has to do with endorsement and counter endorsement.

Endorsement simply means an expres-

Politics 47 sion of preference and what these people are saying is that if that endorsement is not for me, it shouldn't be for any other person, simple. Some of the people that are complaining now have come to me that they have been endorsed and that I should work with them.

Considering the area where the endorsed candidate comes from, Akeredolu said Tinubu shouldn't have endorsed that person. Do you agree?

Was I there when Akeredolu was endorsed in 2012 and imposed on the party?

I don't like to join any issues with him.

All I know is that if he said I should have resigned because some people forged signatures, what about him that was clearly rejected in 2012, so he should hesitate having been rejected by the people of Ondo state in 2012 from contesting elections if that is how it works.

Some of the aspirants said you are not sure of free and fair primary.

They are afraid and they do not need to be afraid because I have no place in the entire process. I have said this before. Why are they afraid? They are afraid of losing.

Nobody is restricting you from assessing the delegates. The delegates are known.

You can assess them. I have only one vote which I even promised not to exercise. So, what is the fear?

Can you confirm the endorsement of a partcular aspirant?

There is not one single endorsed candidate; there is not one single endorsement.

There are thousands of endorsements. Asiwaju himself have explained that he has the right to endorse. Why are you asking me? He said it that he has right to endorse and nobody has said he doesn't have the right. The National Executive Committee and National Working Committee of our party said, yes individuals have the right to endorse but the party does not have the right to endorse. The party does not endorse at all and if anybody gave Asiwaju power, it is this aspirants that gave him power because all of them went to him individually or went to the people that they think knows him or went to his aides to seek his support and the man said, 'I have a right' and I believe he does have, nobody has been able to say he doesn't have and all of them have one endorsement or the other. So why is this noise?

It is endorsement contending with endorsement, brain contending with brain, those who can abuse can contend with further abuse, those who can mobilise contend with mobilisation, those who have logistics will contend with logistics.

That is what happens all over the world. If you are unlucky to think that a particular endorsement is heavy against you, you go back to the field and work instead of going on air and saying unprintable things about other people.

Do you still see APC winning the November 26 governorship election?

The misunderstanding in APC is less than the misunderstanding in PDP; you are not saying that. We don't have Sheriff, we don't have Makarfi. We don't have two sets of forms. We are not organising two sets of primaries. PDP has Jimoh Ibrahim and Eyitayo Jegede. Is that not more crisis than a party where the only problem is abusing the state chairman and demonising national leaders of the party. The only problem I have is that we have only a few people in the party who are unfaithful, who want to weaken the party, who want to give the impression that things are so bad in the party. Otherwise, even the Makarfi and the Sheriff people don't abuse themselves as our party people abuse their leaders. It is a case of indiscipline and is understandable looking at background of the progressives politics and the fact that we don't have the power of sanction and all of that, I think it will settle as soon as we put the process through and have our governor.

48

I

Politics

t is a general belief among the Nigerian populace that governors elected on second term do not perform during their last lap in office, as they only stay to enjoy the benefits of the office while it lasts. This is a notion the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, is trying to change as he has vowed to continue working till his last day in office on May 28, 2019.

Amosun's verdict came during the first ever National Media Summit, the largest convergence of journalists, held in Abeokuta, the state capital between August 16 and 18, utilising the opportunity of the forum to express his desire.

It was the first to be organised in the history of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Abdulwaheed Odusile led leadership had invited stakeholders from the critical segments of the society to give their verdict.

The event, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex, with theme; “The Media and National Unity” exposed the host state and its government to media critique and considerable scrutiny, especially in the area of socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.

Apart from Amosun, others that did justice to the topic on the first day include, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Lagos and Kwara states respectively, among several others. While Ambode was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Ajeigbe, stood in for Ahmed.

On the second day, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Col. John Agim; former DirectorGeneral State Secret Service (SSS), Col. Kayode Are (retd); former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh; as well as former NUJ presidents, Mohammed Sani Zorro and George Izobo, were on hand to share their wealth of experience, among other speakers.

The second day was dedicated to presentations bordering on germane issues: “The media and national security;” “Financing the economy for national unity;” “Social media and national cohesion” and “Building a strong union.”

On last day of the summit, a project tour of Ogun State was undertaken by the contingent of media professionals. They had a feel of the performance of the Amosun administration. The participants were conveyed round the three senatorial districts of the state to physically experience some of the developmental projects executed by the governor.

Taking into cognisance several factors, the summit opened up the fold and allowed various assessors to freely touch on those things crucial to Nigeria’s unity vis-à-vis the role expected of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

Amosun, who was visibly happy to be host of the maiden edition of media summit, said the theme was "key and apt", while noting that participants were at home in Abeokuta, since, historically, journalism had roots in the ancient town, with the advent of Iwe Irohin, the first newspaper published in Nigeria.

He also recalled that two emi-

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

When journalists critique Amosun's works

Journalists from across Nigeria recently gathered in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to brainstorm on the challenges facing the country and proffer solutions. KUNLE OLAYENI examines the three-day event.

Amosun

nent journalists – late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba – had once served as governors in the state.

“Indeed, our greatness is in our diversity. The earlier we all come to the conclusion, the better. Yes, there may be differences.

We should dwell more on those things that bind us together as against things that divide us. We are better as a united, indivisible nation,” he said.

Describing journalism as “a very important profession,” Amosun challenged journalists to channel their energies and resources towards promoting the cause of unity and fighting corrupt practices in the country. He said journalists should always be on their guard against forces that seek to take advantage of their profession for selfish ends.

Obasanjo who delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony, was represented by a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola; he charged journalists to place emphasis on investigative journalism and always set good, altruistic agenda for the nation.

“One of the greatest countries of the world is the United States of America. It is also one of the most diverse in ethnicity, race and religion. Its greatness is rooted in its diversity which is being utilised to advantage and actively promoted by the American press. I believe we can learn a lot from them in this regard,” Obasanjo added.

While expressing concern that the nation’s unity was under threat, Odusile said in his address that the media could not afford to be silent and watch as agents of destruction attempt daily to tear

Odusile

Our vision is to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people which will linger in their minds even beyond our administration

the country apart.

“We are bothered because we have a stake in this country as patriots, and considering the role the Nigerian press played in securing independence from our colonial masters, championed the cause of unity when we were threatened by civil war and enthroning the democracy that all are now enjoying, keeping quiet would amount to a disservice to the labour of our heroes past,” he said.

The NUJ president, however, used the occasion to draw attention to the challenges and constraints facing Nigerian journalists, noting that the earlier such problems are addressed, the better for the country.

Odusile said: “The media industry in Nigeria is in crisis. As I speak many media houses are on their knees and struggling to continue as business concerns.

The operating environment is so hostile.

“Just as the media houses are struggling, the fortune of journalists is not improving either. Many media owners are defaulting in the payment of salaries to their workers with some in arrears of one year and above.

“A journalist not paid by his employer for months is hungry and vulnerable to corruption and therefore, is a danger to the society. He could call black ‘white,’ depending on what is on offer. Make no mistake about it, this is unethical and the NUJ as a responsible professional body frowns at it but our jobs are being made difficult by these debtor employers.”

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, led the team that toured projects in Ogun West Senatorial District. Places

visited include the Ilo Awela Road, Iganmode Road, Oju Ore Roundabout, proposed flyover at Sango, Ahmadiyya Road and the newly refurbished Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government secretariat.

Ojuko, while conducting journalists round, also took the media practitioners to the second storeybuilding in Nigeria, where the first African Bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, stayed while translating some parts of the Holy Bible from English to Yoruba language.

The commissioner later took the team to the ultra-modern shopping complex facilitated by the state government in Ota. He stated that the complex named “The Palms” would be commissioned in October. When operational, he said, The Palms would house frontline retail outlet, Shoprite, and other retail outlets.

NUJ National Vice President (Zone B), Comrade Cosmas Oni, who was among the tourists, said the state government’s investment in infrastructural development and urban renewal was superlative. He said if other state governors had emulated Amosun, the country would have been positively transformed.

The projects visited in the two other senatorial zones include model schools, housing estates, flyover bridges, roads and shopping malls.

At the Valley View Auditorium, Government House, Abeokuta, a closing gala/dinner was the icing on the cake for the media summit.

Spiced with delightful goodwill messages and sumptuous meals, the closing formalities were remarkable show of hospitality in the estimation of many delegates.

The Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, who represented the governor, appreciated the kind words poured on Amosun and his administration by various speakers during the summit.

According to him, the commendation is like tonic for the state government to deliver dividends of democracy more than before.

Adeoluwa said experience had shown that many second term governors often do not perform, stressing that his principal believes in continuous service to humanity and had vowed to work till his last day in office as governor.

“Our vision is to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people which will linger in their minds even beyond our administration,” he said, just as he praised the spirit of comradeship that existed among the journalists.

On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, stressed that the media remained a major stakeholder in nation building with significant role to play towards sustaining democracy in the country.

Perspective 49

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

What is President Buhari doing with the economy?

L

Garba Shehu et me start by asking an important question: who wants to kill racy introspection?

There is a cacophony of voices telling the Muhammadu Buhari administration to close its eyes to the past; that given the enormous tasks that lie ahead, history and its consequences for our nation should be the least of the government's preoccupation at this juncture.

I disagree. Let us keep a fiery memory of the past so that we don't repeat its mistakes.

Look back, look ahead. The future must of necessity be built on the foundations of the past.

The Conservative Party took power in Britain six years ago from Labour. Check the British press, they are talking about Labour 24/7, is anyone complaining?

Japheth Omojuwa, one of Nigeria's top three influencers seemed tasked in his patience reacting to calls that we must stop talking about the immediate past administration in this country. "People are still talking about who ran governments in 1865 you want us to forget those who left government last year?

(Expletive)" Music icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who many agree was a philosopher disguised as Afro-musician taught in one of his songs that without knowing where you are coming from, you won't know where you are going.

Wise men say that the empty can doesn't disappear by simply kicking it down the road.

To avoid repeating the past mistakes, Nigerians must come to terms with what went wrong with the past, how bad were things, what was done wrongly, what the past government should have done, before we come to what needs to be done to right those wrongs. Believe me, episodes from the Jonathan era can fill books, and other possibilities such as courtroom drama thriller.

Against this backdrop, I sought to hear our erudite Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun on where we are coming from, vis-a-vis the administration's chosen path to recovery and accelerated growth. What is the administration doing to revitalize the economy? She spoke at length on the many measures being put in place, many of which are not glamorous. They of necessity come with pain. Why should Nigerians be asked to endure pains?

Why should they be asked to make adjustments?

The simple explanation is that the economy was broken, and just as they do the broken leg, you must bear the pain of fixing it.

The current situation was caused by years of mismanagement and corruption.

As explained by President Buhari again and again, trumpeted by Madam Adeosun and other senior officials, we solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as US$140 per barrel. Government simply reticulated oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries. This was done rather than investing in what would grow the economy. Economies grow due to capital investment in assets like seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing. Nigeria has not recorded a single major infrastructural project in the last 10 years. In short the money was mismanaged.

In addition to failing to spend money on what was needed, no savings were made

by Government unlike other countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Norway.

To compound the problem, the previous government was borrowing heavily and owed contractors, and international oil companies. When this government took over we had accumulated debt back to the level it was before the Paris Club Debt Forgiveness.

All these factors were building up to Nigeria heading for a major crisis if the price of oil fell. Nigeria did not have fiscal buffers to withstand an oil shock.

Buhari

The oil shock should and could have been foreseen. These are matters that both the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Professor Chukwuma Soludo, both of them eminent former Central Bank Governors had occasions to warn the government of the day about, but they were clobbered. The dire warning was written all over the wall, but they were ignored by Nigeria’s economic managers.

What should they have done?

They should have had the courage and vision to do as the present administration is doing through the Economic Team, the Ministry of Finance under Madam Adeosun and the various agencies of the state to envision a better future by first of all fighting corruption. Look at what a civilian administration is today doing to the military, investigating their finance and accounts that the military could not do to themselves.

See what the current administration is doing sanitize the huge salary bill by eliminating payroll fraud. So far, the federal payroll has been rid of about 40,000 ghost workers.

More than eight billion Naira stolen monthly has been saved.

We are also saving on wasteful expenses like First Class Travel and Private jets for official trips.

The federal government is not limiting the reforms to the centre but forcing State Governments to reform their spending and build savings or investments.

Government is also increasing spending on capital projects especially on infrastructure needed to make Nigerian businesses competitive and create jobs. The administration is at the same time blocking leakages that allowed government revenues to be siphoned into private hands.

Currently, there is focus on key sectors (apart from oil) that can create jobs and or generate revenue such as Agriculture, Solid Minerals and Manufacturing. If these things had been done when the oil price was as high as US$140 per barrel, Nigeria would not be in the current predicament. We would not be suffering now if we had no cash reserves but we had regular supply of power, a good rail system, good roads and good housing.

Now that the oil has fallen as low as US$28 per barrel, it is very difficult to do what is needed but they must be done to save Nigeria. There is no other way if we want to be honest.

If PDP were still in power they would have continued deceiving people, by borrowing to fund stealing and wastage and the problem would have simply been postponed for future generations to face.

There are many who say that this Government’s economic strategy is unclear whereas

the previous government seemed well co-ordinated. I will make the confession that we, the officials hired to communicate government policies, that includes myself, have not done as well as we should have.

The truth is that more than any other time before, there is a clear direction and strategy for achieving growth and development. Revisionists may not agree, but the truth of the matter is that the previous administration only had one issue, which was how to spend money (oil revenues and borrowed money). As mentioned earlier this spending was focussed on the wrong things and even though the economy seemed to be growing it was not sustainable, it was, as described by Minister Adeosun, a classic “boom and bust”’ driven solely by the oil price.

Unemployment was and remained high (never forget the NIS jobs that exploited thousands of desperate graduates in a scam that was used to fund house purchases in high brow areas and claimed so many lives) Inequalities were growing (our then President boasted about the highest number of private jets when most Nigerians could barely afford to eat).Terrorism and social unrest were growing. Real development was lacking. As soon as the oil price fell, these vulnerabilities were exposed.

From its records so far, this administration is trying to reset the Nigerian economy and ensure that it attains its potential and is diverse and resilient. We are doing this at a time when the global economy is in crisis due to the oil price collapse. Even rich nations like Saudi Arabia are experiencing problems The Government is people-focussed and wants the economy to grow in a way that will create a more stable future which is not dictated by world oil prices (over which we have no control). No more boom and bust (thanks Minister Adeosun).

Nigeria wants to take responsibility for its own destiny, therefore our policies will ensure that Nigeria returns to growth in a sustainable manner. No more dependence on oil. Every part of Nigeria has a role to play in contributing to our growth. We will create an environment where people can thrive and where business can grow.

To this effect, all relevant agencies have been reoriented to: ·Focus government spending on infrastructure which will create jobs and opportunities for Nigerians across a number of sectors (not just oil). · Ensure that we reduce our reliance on oil by developing other revenue streams such as taxes, efficient customs collections and other government revenues. ·Develop key sectors in which we have comparative advantage. · Encourage development of agriculture to ensure food security for our huge population. · Develop petro-chemical industry on the back of the oil industry. · Develop solid mineral extraction and · Develop light manufacturing to provide locally made basic needs and reduce importation.

If you are an official of this administration and a mixer, that is someone who mingles with citizens high and low, a charge you are forced to defend is that this Government seems to be bringing austerity and suffering to the people. Blame not, Buhari.

The current pain is due to the mismanagement of the past. What Nigeria is currently experiencing was inevitable. This government is simply being honest with the people instead of piling up debts and concealing the truth by pretending all was rosy. This government believes that Nigerians deserve to

know the truth.

People stole unbelievable amounts of money. The kind of money some of these ex-officials hold is itself a threat to the security of the state. Since it is not money earned, they feel no pain deploying just anyhow to thwart genuine and well-intentioned government efforts.

Sadly, even that which was not stolen was wasted. Government coffers were left empty, with huge debts unpaid and unrecorded (this government is working to quantify the amount owed). Even the current high food prices can be traced to past deceit. For example, the previous government purchased fertiliser in 2014, worth N65Bn and left the bill unpaid. In 2015 the suppliers could not supply fertiliser which resulted in a low harvest, shortages and high food prices. This government had to pay off the debt so that the suppliers could begin to supply fertiliser again. Across Nigeria a green revolution is occurring as Nigerians are going back to the farms, from rice in Kebbi and Ebonyi to Soya and Sesame in Jigawa and Kano. At the same time Nigerians are looking inwards to identify commercial opportunities from agri-businesses.

Most of our road contractors had not been paid since 2012, many of them had sent their workers away adding to the unemployment problem. This government has released capital allocations in the last three months that is more than the whole of 2015. In 2015 Nigeria spent a paltry N19Bn on roads, in three months we have spent N74Bn and we are already releasing more.

In the transport sector in 2015, government spent just N4.2Bn; we have spent N26Bn with more to follow. We are starting a concession that will revive our old rail system for freight, whilst we build a new high speed rail system. Moving heavy goods by rail will reduce our transport costs which will reduce food prices and will save our roads from damage from heavy loads. Government will embrace the private sector through PPP, concessions and other collaborations to deliver services and infrastructure efficiently.

Nigerians expected a lot from President Buhari and are right to have done so. Many feel disappointed. While much of this warranted, a lot more is arising from opposition politics.

A man who has promised good things is being accused of failing to use the palm to cover the sun or that he is unable to stop the rain. Nigerians are right to be disappointed but they must direct their anger at the right quarters. The bad management and corruption of the past are firmly to blame.

This government is fighting corruption.

It is working hard to do things right and do them in a manner that will endure. No government has ever considered the poor like this one. Under the current budget, the administration devoted N500Bn for social intervention programmes for those who need and deserve support.

There are also programmes for affordable housing with mortgages which will transform thousands from tenant status to homeownership.

Any process that will endure, must involve some pain but things will begin to improve. There is always a time lag between policy and effect. That is why the bad effects of past policies are manifesting now. Similarly, the positive impact of the work being undertaken to fix Nigeria’s problems will soon begin to show and we will emerge from this period stronger, wiser and more prosperous.

There is hope for Nigeria, a hope that was previously clouded by corruption, greed and lack of focus.

Nigeria is starting over and everyone has a role to play. Look back, look ahead.

•Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity)

50

Interview

What gave birth to De Jewels Apartments and Three O’s Nig. Ltd? Three O’s was established in 1991 while I was working at SolelBoneh Group of Companies; Three O’s was invented from my name Oyedeji Olasunkanmi Olajubu. My aim is to compete with foreign companies in the construction industry and make a great difference in that sector in so doing clients will get their return of investment. And I thank God year in-year-out our clients are happy for the jobs we have done for them and our business relationship is healthy.

De Jewels Apartments on its own was as a result of not having quality hospitality facilities in Ekiti State and I thought I should make a difference that is how De Jewels Apartments came up. And really De Jewels Apartments is making waves in Ekiti state; the ambience is homily and always leaves a remarkable mark in our customers mind.

As an hotelier in Nigeria, what do you think can be done to improve on the hotel client services as this also helps to boost Nigeria’s image putting tourism as a consideration?

A lot of hotels have been formed without having adequate staff training which not the case in De Jewels Apartments is, we do a lot of training to make our guests feel like royalty. We have major trainings in De Jewels Apartments on a weekly and yearly basis.

There is a need for commitment on the part of the workers, it’s one thing to train them and it’s another for them to carry out the training guide to the latter. Training for competency is a key to having an excellent service in the any business in the world.

Do you believe in this saying “employ a character and train for success but sack competent ones with bad manners; what does De Jewels Apartments look out for when employing staffers?

This has been our watch word in De Jewels Apartments we, look for trainable people with good characters and train them. After which we evaluate if they are qualified to work with us. In the organization, there is zero tolerance for indiscipline and this is well known to all staff and

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Having impact on people, measure of success – Olajubu Engr. Oyedeji Olasunkanmi Olajubu is the Chairman/CEO of THREE ‘O’S NIGERIA LIMITED; a Civil Engineering Company, and currently the President of Ado Metropolitan Lions Club. In this interview, he talks about leadership skills amongst other sundry issues guests of the hotel. This has maintained our good standard in our nearly four years in the industry.

What are your business philosophy and unique marketing selling points?

In our organization, we strive to give the best at all-times without taking undue advantage of our client and guests.

Do you believe in competition, if yes; what is/ are your competitive edge?

Yes, competition makes you better and put you on your toes. Our competitive edge is our prompt delivery of quality service; improving daily on our customer service so to serve our customers and guest professionally with good attitude to a greater altitude Now, let’s talk about your involvement in the development of Ilare Kingdom in Ede, Osun State.?

What do you want me to tell you, is it that I was lucky to be born from Ilare or what Ilare kingdom was when I was born. Development in Ilare Kingdom has mostly been by self-effort right from the time when I was a small boy going to village farms and constructing roads with cutlasses and hoes to various developments t h a t

have taken now. Also being involved in the Bi-Annual Ilare Day Festival for the past fifteen (15) years and contributions made there are used for various developments in town which include: the opening of a new road, development of civic centre, re-construction of postal agencies, renovation of corper’s lodge and Oba’s Palace, Provision of Furniture to our secondary schools, and recently there was a provision of bore holes and generators to the community just to mention few.

So as the Asiwaju of Ilare Kingdom, the development of the Kingdom is my priority assignment.

What do you think are the major challenges we face as a nation especially as a business man?

The major challenges Nigeria is facing are corruption and incompetent people who don’t care of where and how journey began but are interested in arriving at where you are, that is why people put their money in banks rather than employing competent staff to work and add value to their company.

What in your opinion are the factors that lead to successful business?

God’s Grace, Persistence and perseverance, professionalism, hard-work, Value added people who believe in your vision and mission, friends and family members who will make your business grow instead of marring it go a long way in determining the success of one’s’ success of business.

How do you measure success?

Success is a journey and not a destination.

It’s also a relative word that has a lot to do with contentment but to me Success is measured by how many people you are able to impact on positively.

Olajubu

What is your managerial styles?

My managerial style is building a competent team for an end result; I equally operate an open door policy, I love the employee and employer rela-

tionship and I apply the listening techniques to achieve an organizational goal or goals as the case maybe.

In your opinion, what are the basics of leadership?

Well a leader must be intelligent and knowledgeable; I keep telling people that you have to be on top of your game because gone are the days when you want to valve the intellect of others to rise to the top. A leader is the driver who drives or leads others to a rightful path.

How do you unwind?

I love American Movies, Comedy, so I unwind by seeing movies and I also love traveling to rejuvenate.

What lesson has life taught you?

Life has taught me to be truthful to myself and sincere to people I come in contact with because human beings are like river that flows to every part of the world.

Who is a Lion?

Let me start like this; Lions means Liberty Intelligence Our Nation Safety. It also means Loving Individual Offering Needed Services.

In answering your question, I will say a Lion member is that person who devotes his or her time, talent and treasure passionately without asking for personal reward to touch others lives and to impact positively on our community.

As the current president of Ado Metropolitan Lions Club, what legacies do you hope to leave behind?

Apart from executing several monthly activities in line with the centennial projects, my club under my leadership will be building three classroom blocks in the Nursery/ Primary school section of Ado Grammar school and one of the rooms would serve as library while the remaining two would be additional classrooms for the school by special grace of God.

News Extra

Community speaks on executed Nigerian drug trafficker Okegwo Kenechukwu

U Onitsha

neasy calm still pervades the sleepy community of Ezigbo village, Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, since the death of Felix Izuchukwu Ezimoha, who was executed alongside three other Nigerians for drug trafficking in Indonesia on July 28.

Following the display of Ezimoha’s burial pictures in his mansion at Ezigbo on social media, a lot of commentators have condemned the community for giving a ‘befitting’ burial to a man executed for drug trafficking.

Our correspondent who

visited the community reported that Ezimoha was born in 1981 and lived quietly in Orsumoghu till he went to Nnewi the industrial commercial hub of Anambra State to trade.

A reliable source close to the family who wants to be identified simply as Mrs. Nwaokoroafor told Saturday Telegraph yesterday that the 35-year-old Ezimoha was a humble, quiet and a gift to the entire community and beyond, whose passion for the poor and the needy knew no bound.

“I don’t want to remember the death of Izuchkwu, We cannot recover from the shock in this village in the next five decades,” she said.

“The father died so many

years ago. The mother is not here and his only brother is an okada man. There is nobody in their place; they all left immediately after the burial. That is all I know.

“I don’t know whether he collapsed before he was killed but all I am saying is that the boy was a good boy and was generous to the community and other neighbouring communities. We cannot count the number of houses he built for widows and indigents in the town. All we are praying to God is for Him to revenge for us and Izuchukwu,” Nwaokoroafor said.

Meanwhile, his new mansion and his father’s compound were under lock and key as at the time our

correspondent visited the community.

But when contacted the President General of the community, Ezefunamba Hyginus, also spoke about Ezimoha.

He said: “What I am telling was what I heard. I was not there in Indonesia. The fact was that the boy was trading at Nnewi before he left the shores of Nigeria in 2003. After a while, we didn’t hear about him. We later heard that he was apprehended by the Indonesia security operatives and was put in the prison.

“On enquiry, we were told that he was arrested and nothing was found on him and in his house after the security operatives conducted

their search. We heard also that it was a conspiracy and the person who named him as a member of the drug cartel was from Anambra State, who was squatting in Izuchukwu’s house. They said they were tried and convicted but he insisted that he was not a drug born”.

He added: “While he was in prison, he got married to an Indonesia woman and wedded in prison. He also had three children while in prisons, two boys and a girl.”

Hyginus said it was through the help of his Indonesian wife that the community started getting hint about him again. “We also learnt he continued appealing against the judgment of

the lower court, who convicted him but because the witness who accused him had died, he was trapped in the prison custody until he was wasted.”

The president general said Ezimoha consistently told the Indonesia court that he knew nothing about drug business, but there was no witness to corroborate his claim.

“In fact it was painful that the Federal Government of Nigeria could not intervene despite the global attention the trial attracted. What his kinsmen were now asking was that if he was found guilty of drug trafficking as they claimed, why should they allow his corpse to be buried in Nigeria?

News Extra

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3 September 2016

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Edo guber: Civil defence deploys 10,000 personnel l DCG, 2 ACGs, 5 commandants to supervise operation Emmanuel Onani Abuja

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he CommandantGeneral (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Abdullahi Muhammadu, has approved the deployment of 10,000 personnel of the corps for the September 10 gubernatorial elec-

KADUNA Kaduna, UNFPA rehabilitate, empower 100 VVF patients

tion in Edo State.

The CG has also directed the Acting Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Mr. Hillary Madu, to relocate to the state, with a view to coordinating security arrangements.

The disclosure was made yesterday in a statement by the corps's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Okeh, an Assistant Commandant of

Corps (ACC).

Okeh disclosed that two Assistant Commandant-Generals, and five Commandants drawn from contiguous states, will join the DCG, even as he noted that personnel will be deployed from Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Kogi and Ondo states, to complement the Edo command.

According to the statement, sniffer dogs, and Special Forces will also be on

AWKA Anambra CP warns officers against rascality

Kaduna State Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had been commended for collaborating to rehabilitate and empower 100 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients.

The state governor's wife, Hajiya A'isha el-Rufa'I, applauded the collaboration at the graduation ceremony for the patients held at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, yesterday.

She described the continued recurrence of obstetric fistula as ``a human rights tragedy’’, reflecting the marginalisation of those affected.

“Their isolation means they often go unnoticed by policy makers, and as a result, little action is taken to address or prevent their condition,’’ she said.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr. Sam Okaula, yesterday warned officers and men of the command against rascality.

Okaula, who gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, urged them to exhibit professionalism at all times in the discharge of their duty.

Reacting to the report of sporadic shooting by some police officers on Aug. 29, at Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area, Okaula said that the officers found guilty of unprofessional conduct had been detained.

He said the police had waded into the crisis in Nando and had restored peace in the community, adding that anyone found culpable would face the wrath of the law.

ground, during the election.

“The CommandantGeneral of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has directed the immediate deployment of 10,000 personnel for the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial poll of the September 9.

“The CG has charged the Acting Deputy Commandant-General, Operations, Hillary Kelechi Madu, to re-

DUTSE FG begins sale of fertilisers to farmers in Jigawa

The federal government yesterday commenced the sales of assorted fertilisers to farmers in Jigawa for the 2016 wet season.

NEWS IN The state director, Agricultural Transformation BRIE F Agenda (ATA), Malam Ahmad Labaran, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria ST (NAN) in Dutse.

Labaran said the exercise, which commenced on Aug. 29, was being conducted under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme.

He said the sale was being conducted in four centres across the state namely: Ringim, Gujungu, Dakayawa and Hadejia II. He said two bags of fertilisers - one NPK and one Urea (50 kg), are being sold at a subsidised rate of N10, 500.

“A farmer will pay only 75 per cent while the federal government is to pay 25 per cent of the fertiliser,’’ he said.

Front row: L-R: Victoria EmahEmah (State CoordinatorC.R.S), Joy Ada Onyesoh (National Coordinator WSRN), CP Chris Ezike (C.O.P Edo State), Doris Onyeneke (Zonal Coordinator-South South), Beatrice Arheghan (State Coordinator-Edo State), at an event…recently

Tambuwal, Kwara Speaker, others to parley at budget colloquium

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peaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ali Ahmad and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Kingsley Chinda, have confirmed participation as panelists at this month’s budget colloquium to chart paths of reform for Nigeria’s budgetary process.

The colloquium will be chaired by Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, while the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is among other top dignitaries from the National and State Assemblies as well as Executive arm of government confirmed to attend the event.

The colloquium is conceived by OrderPaper. ng, Nigeria’s premier independent parliamentary reporting portal to address

contentious issues on the budget and will bring together top government officials from both arms of government to share ideas, perspectives and experiences on the Appropriation process as dictated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The high-profile event billed to hold on September 26, in Abuja will attract attendance and participation from critical stakeholders in the Executive, Legislature (National and State Assemblies), Academia, Media, Nigeria’s Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations, Community-based Organisations, Private Sector, including political operators across partisan divides.

While Speaker Ahmad is billed to speak on ‘Budget and Constituency Projects’ Chinda will join other key stakeholders to discuss the keynote address

to be delivered by Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, whose paper will focus on ‘Budget as a tool for efficient Executive-Legislature relationship.’

According to Mr. Oke

Epia, Publisher/Editorin-Chief of OrderPaper. ng, “the focus on the budget at the Colloquium in September is a deliberate attempt to shift emphasis on the budget towards reforms that will make the process work for the overall benefit of the majority of Nigerians.”

locate his office to Edo State for the purpose of the election in order to guarantee free and fair election without violence, rancour and gerrymandering.

“The Acting DCG is to be assisted by two Assistant Commandant-Generals in Charge of zone G Benin and zone E Owerri with five Commandants drawn from the neighbouring states, while the personnel are to be re-deployed from Kogi, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa and Anambra state Commands respectively to complement the deployment of personnel from Edo State Command in the forthcoming assignment to all nook and cranny of the state.

Accountability, key to North-East devt plan –Saraki Chukwu David

T Abuja

he President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday, insisted that accountability and strict oversight should be adhered to as necessary components in the nation's efforts to rehabilitate the Boko Haram-ravaged North-East zone.

Saraki made the statement in response to the conclusion of the four-day visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Dr. Chaloka Beyani.

The Senate President said he was encouraged to learn that the international community was beginning to pay more attention to the suffering in the troubled region.

He said: “We are hopeful about the increasing international attention being shown toward the North-East.

“On our part, we need to make sure that our accountability mechanisms generate confidence in our ability to absorb and monitor the delivery

ASABA

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elta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has told a delegation from the European Union (EU) to include sustainability plans in the design of programmes to ensure that such projects stand the test of time.

When a delegation from the European Union and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, led by Mr. Albert Achten visited Asaba, the Governor decried a situa-

tion where basic infrastructure provided by the government were neglected because sustainable plans were not put in place.

He said that with the tough economic situation of the country, it was important for facilities to be maintained and protected by the users.

While stating that his administration will partner with individuals, corporate organisations and governments that are committed to the development of the state, the Governor lauded the European Union for choosing Delta State as one of the beneficiaries of its multi-million naira water and sanitation scheme.

of aid materials and resources.”

Saraki noted that Nigeria was heading in the right direction in tackling the NorthEast's humanitarian crisis, pointing out however, that there were still many issues in the areas of accountability, such as sexual abuse, lack of protection and the provision of basic services that need to be addressed.

“Gradually but surely, we are heading in the right direction. However, let us not take our foot off the gas pedal.

“We must make accountability an expectation in Nigeria's humanitarian relief infrastructure. Accountability must be built into all aspects of the relief to rehabilitation effort to promote greater confidence in our capacity,” he said.

He also emphasised that there was the need to focus less on the sensational stories of corruption in the relief effort and instead focus on more transparent systems to root out corruption and profiteering.

The Senate boss further stated that when the 8th Senate resumed sitting later in the month, the humanitarian crisis in the North-East would be a high priority.

Unongo blames delay in appointment of new Tor Tiv on political intrigues Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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ormer Minister of Steel in the Second Republic, Chief Paul Unongo, has linked the delay in the appointment of the new paramount

Okowa to EU: Initiate sustainable programmes Dominic Adewole,

“Gana advised the personnel to work in synergy with other sister security agencies in order to ensure peaceful conduct of election without rancour and any personnel caught or found involving in any act of misconduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law and ethics of the service," the statement said.

Muhammadu, while charging political actors on the need to conduct themselves properly, noted that: “Achieving victory is not a do or die affair, but victory comes from God alone,” saying, “the winner should accept it in humility while the Loser should accept it in magnanimity.”

He said: “I am glad that you are including the water consumers association in the execution of your water scheme,” the governor said, adding: “this will create awareness and sustainability at the rural areas and also help to protect the scheme, maintain and sustain it, as well as enable the consumers to take ownership of the scheme rather than think that government must provide infrastructure, maintain and sustain them.

“It is important that we consider sustainability of projects before providing infrastructure so that they can last and achieve the desired objectives."

ruler for the Tiv nation to political manipulation by politicians in Benue State.

Chief Unongo, who bared his mind during an interactive session with journalists in Makurdi, regretted that over 10 months after the death of the monarch, nothing has been done to select an acceptable person to replace the late Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula.

Torkula died on November 23, last year and was buried on February 4, this year.

The spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) stated that the Tor Tiv stool is not supposed to be vacant for a long period of time.

“It is now becoming a scandal because long after the Tor Tiv died, the Oba of Benin died, and the Ooni of Ife too died.

“Those traditional rulers have already been replaced yet the Tiv has not appointed theirs; it has become a political thing.”

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Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Can Nigeria afford N1.6bn for an Olympic gold medal?

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ust from 32nd Olympic Games in Rio Brazil is just settling down following the successful completion of the Games by the South American country, with Nigerians still smarting from a below par performance from the socalled Giant of Africa.

One bronze medal, delivered by a nation of over 170 million people is definitely a poor return from a multi sporting event that comes just once every four years.

And just like I had predicted in a number of write ups before the Rio Olympics kicked off on August 5 that once the Games end and Nigeria fails to make any significant impact our officials will again begin to mouth promises that the outcome will not be like this in four years’ time!

Sports Minister Solomon Dalong and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, among other officials have already voiced such.

“It takes a minimum plan of four years to prepare for an Olympics. We have seen that the likes of Divine Oduduru, Blessing Okagbare, Aruna Quadri, Efe Ajagba, Ese Brume, Chierika Ukogu and others would have made the desired impact if we had done the needful after the London 2012 misadventure. Success in sports no longer depends on skills and determination,” said Dalong on his return from Rio. “Sports have gone scientific. It is time now to develop sports from the grassroots using sports science. It is not just to compete but we need to be in tune with modern day sports. We can also start to develop other sports like water sports, gymnastics, long distance races, etc.”

The minister also promised to ensure that preparations for the next Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, begin early.

“We are going to put in place a structure that will enable us to start early preparations

M

asturbation, which means having a sexual feeling and orgasm by means of self effort, can be just as habit forming as any drug or alcohol beverage. In a world that has experienced an exponential proliferation of easily accessible pornography, a discussion and lesson on masturbation which many would not like to talk about, becomes very salient.

Although, it is a childish way of reacting to problems, many do it to relieve tension and anxiety. Unfortunately, rather than do that, it creates more. The more you masturbate, the more you desire to do so, except a supernatural force is deliberately invited to take over your mind and spirit.

For some married people, it has been adopted as a substitution for an uncooperative life partner, sexual starvation and denial in marriage. Some married people do it after an unsatisfactory sexual experience with a spouse that just does not know how to do the right thing to do, or knows what to do but refuses to do it for flimsy and ungodly reasons. Long period of abstinence from sex for married people is dangerous.

Living separately for whatever reasons is also a big challenge. Even in situations of illness of your partner, pregnancy, trip or breastfeeding, you still require self control by the grace of God. Masturbation’s dangers are numerous.

This pleasurable experience can condition human behaviour. When you are addicted to pornography and masturbation, after some time, peaking during some “normal” sex becomes difficult. Your brain simply gets so used to it that it can only receive satisfaction just during solo acts. This can make sexual gratification in reality much more difficult and cause marital problems.

Masturbation is selfish. It implies that you are not emotionally connected with someone else in relationship. You prefer self satisfaction. Your marriage life will definitely have sexual problems with this habit.

TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com for the next Olympics which must include provision of equipment and facilities. We must ensure that all stakeholders including the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the sports Federations, zones, state and local government councils are incorporated in our quest to excel in future. The corporate world will also be taken into cognizance.”

And in keeping with the trend of the government in power, the minister also blamed the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan for “the poor handling of logistics and preparations” as being responsible for Nigeria’s lacklustre performance at the games!

On his part Dogara called on authorities in charge of Nigerian sports to begin preparation for Tokyo 2020 Olympics now.

Dogara, who took stock of Nigeria’s outing at the just concluded Rio Olympic Games in Brazil, said the country should embark on early preparations ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

Speaking against the backdrop of happenings in sports and the Nigerian delegation to the Games, Dogara noted that the downturn in the economy affected the team but praised the resilience of the Samson Siasia-tutored Dream Team for braving the odds to come home with a medal.

He congratulated the team for showing true Nigerian spirit and said he would make contacts for possible reward for the

team.

Good talk from two key government officials; but sadly we have heard such talk countless times without the talk translating into concrete action!

After Seoul’88, when Nigeria failed to win a single medal but returned with tons of cargo, officials promised to improve. Luckily despite no concrete effort at grooming athletes for the next games, Nigeria went on to win medals at the next Olympics at Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) to mask this.

However, by the time of the London 2012 Olympics the chicken had come home to roost and finally our poor planning was once again exposed for the whole world to see.

Incidentally when Nigeria had her best ever Olympic outing at Atlanta’96 (two gold, one silver and three bronze medals) which saw her finishing 32nd on the overall medals table, Great Britain, finished four places behind us with a solitary gold medal.

However, 20 years later at Rio, Team GB placed second with 27 gold medals, while Nigeria was a distant 78th courtesy of the lone bronze medal.

So the million naira question is: Are we truly ready as a nation to make a big splash at the next games in Tokyo?

If the answer is yes, then finding out how

Team GB was able to achieve this feat will not be out of place.

British sports officials sat down and decided that they needed to make a statement and promptly increased funding for their athletes. In the end according to reports, Britain spent £4,096,500 (about N1, 672,780,000) on each medal they won in Rio. So Team GB ended up spending a staggering £360, 492,000 (N147,080,736,000) to win the 27 golds, 23 silvers and 38 bronzes it did at the just concluded Rio Olympics!

In these very lean times and with all the contending issues can the nation actually afford to cough out this on just one medal at the Olympics? That is the million naira question that Dogara, whose assembly appropriates money, and the Minister, whose duty it is to ensure the money is spend on the right athletes, will have to answer!

However, while this does look like a huge amount, a breakdown by Sport Industry Research Centre shows that the success in Rio actually cost each individual Briton just £1.09 (about N445.095) per year in public funding – an amount Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport, said: “is worth its weight in gold”.

And the importance of proper funding cannot be understated as it appears to have had a direct bearing on the performance of Team GB. For instance, when just £5million (N2,041,720,000) per year was invested into Olympic sports leading up to Atlanta 1996, Britain won just one gold medal and 15 overall to languish down in 36th place in the medal table, but as funding has increased with each Olympic cycle, so has Team GB’s final position.

So it is clear that our officials will have to decide if they are finally ready to walk the talk or are ready to mouth the same old ‘we’ll prepare properly’ talk again after the Tokyo Games.

Masturbation Bondage Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com Masturbation leads to waste of precious time that could have been used for beneficial meditation, good thinking, productivity and smart work. Guys! Girls! Keep yourself busy, trying to solve existing societal challenges to improve the world.

One major challenge of masturbation is that it can lead to injury of sexual organ in the process. Besides, it leads to adulterated mindset. This is where sin comes in. Sexual urge is a thing of the mind. The urge comes before masturbation. Allowing that ungodly urge to mature towards the act is the sin (Matthew 5:28). So, the act is a product of an unclean, polluted mind, which is not God’s friend (Mathew 5:8). So, while you are doing it, you are actually at the middle of sin. God wants your body, holy (Romans 12:1-2,1st Corinthians 9:27).

Idleness also drives the urge. So, avoid long period idleness. Even if you are jobless (as many youths are today), you can engage yourself in Bible-inspired activities. Also, build up positive activities that keep your mind involved in challenging undertakings, giving it less opportunity to gravitate towards immoral thoughts.

You could also use a replacement therapy. It is natural to have sexual urge once you attain the age of accountability.

However, sex is an issue of the heart. This is why the Bible says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence;…” (Proverbs 4:23). Unfortunately, many teenagers, youths and married people today feed their hearts with trash.

By the time you spend several hours on pornography via the internet, read pornographic books and magazines and watch such films, the only thoughts that will occupy your heart are thoughts of having sex with someone. Then, you defile your body through masturbation. From there, you start doing foolish things like lusting after every opposite sex that comes around you. You idle away, indulge in useless discussions unconsciously. Then, you graduate into imagining rape. At that point, you wouldn’t mind having sex with even a mad woman or guy. Whenever someone says something reasonable, you try to link the discussion to sex, imagining sexual intercourse all the time. By the time you get to this level, you are on your way to destruction.

Are you in this condition? You are under bondage but your deliverance is possible.

Solution is that you develop love for the word of God, things of God and the people of God. Pleasing God always becomes your desire. You would imagine godly things, de-

velop godly desires, drop ungodly friends and associate with godly people. Then, the peace of God flows into your heart. By the time you attain this level in Christianity, you will hate sin with a passion. (6:11). This is obtainable by faith through “the grace of God that brings salvation (which) has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12).

When the urge comes again after you have been heavily loaded with the word and the spirit of God, it is not only your spirit that will be willing to resist it. Your flesh would actually begin the resistance before you know it. Just as computer rejects unwanted input, your heart will reject unwanted thoughts.

Many of us who are Christians, were once guilty, but were delivered by the power of resurrection in Christ Jesus. So, to be free from masturbation, you need to ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST as your Lord and personal saviour. You need PRAYERS with FAITH. Faith without work is dead. So, you need to WORK. Work out your deliverance.

You need the GRACE of God. More importantly, you need the FEAR OF GOD. Each time the urge comes, ask yourself: “What would Jesus do? As I do this right now, is God on break or simply looking at me angrily? I have his nature. I cannot behave like Judas at this point. Satan, Jesus has conquered you many years ago. Get behind me in Jesus name!

If you have made several efforts to conquer this immoral habit (married or unmarried), you can contact us for assistance in prayers and biblical counsel because you need help.

Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

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Buhari, APC, impossible is nothing!

he mesmeric performances of the late Muhammed Ali made a lot of people to become boxing fans. But beyond his boxing skill, the oratorical prowess of Ali is something generations unborn will still talk about. The world is yet to see any boxer that combines immense skill with oratory the way Ali did. In one of his evocative words, the man who brought glitz and glamour to the pugilist trade once said: "Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to CHANGE it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion.

Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare.

Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

This was what reverberated in my mind as I read the boring narrative of Mr. Segun Oni, the national vice chairman, South of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that Nigerians gave the party power to do what is "impossible." He was quoted by an online media platform, Premium Times, which also rely on The Punch newspaper as saying: "Yes, we are elected to do the impossible; we will do our best. I just want to plead that people should give us more realistic expectations."

Oni's pitiable comment is not too different from the past narratives of the Muhammadu Buhari's administration on why we should continue to stoically endure the pain and suffering that have turned us into beggars in a rich and fruitful land. The only difference is that the APC chieftain now wants Nigerians to give the administration "more realistic expectations." Perhaps, Oni should tell us what are the unrealistic expectations that Nigerians have burdened this administration with since it came on board 15 months ago?

Nigerians have never, neither now nor before, demanded from the government anything unrealistic. All they have been asking are the basic things that make life worthwhile and this does not require a magic wand or rocket science if we have a government that is sensitive to plight of the masses who are in the largest percentage.

What is unrealistic in asking the government to formulate policies that can put food on the table of Nigerians without putting holes in their pockets as we now experience due to astronomical prices of foodstuffs?

Now that the government has officially

News Extra

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he National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) yesterday said it had identified and shut down five illegal study centres operating in different parts of Lagos State.

The Director, Media and Information of the institution, Malam Ibrahim Sheme, explained that the decision was taken following reports from some concerned Nigerians.

He said that NOUN had

Waheed Bakare on Saturday

09056089320 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com declared that the country is in recession, if Nigerians are asked to prioritise, the majority of them will likely opt for employment and affordable food. The majority of people who are complaining about this killing economy are bothered by the unprecedented high prices of foodstuffs.

How many Nigerians are now complaining about health or housing policies even though they are also important sectors that should interest any serious government?

Nigerians cannot fathom paying so much to buy food at a time when money is so scarce.

The recession is a disaster in waiting.

It is the price we have to pay years of reliance on only oil as a major revenue driver of our economy. Bad enough, price of oil crashed beyond expectations. And worse that the large chunk of money made from oil in the past ended up in private pockets due to unbridled greed and infinite avarice of a few individuals. While a country like Saudi Arabia has over $700 billion in its foreign reverse and found it convenient to plough back part of it into its economy

Buhari

also affected by the crashed oil price, our grossly inadequate reserve was spent with reckless abandonment. A consuming nation that imports virtually everything is a disaster in waiting and the reality has now dawned on us even though we have pretended for long that all is well.

Past administrations laid the foundation for this peculiar mess we are in. The Goodluck Jonathan's administration cannot be absolved from the unprecedented prolifgacy that hastened the disaster. That the Jonathan administration spent money with reckless abandonment and as if tomorrow will never come is not exoteric to the average Nigerian.

Nigerians knew it will a risky venture and bad business to trust that administration with another four years. We saw in candidate Muhammadu Buhari the opportunity for change and renewal, hence Jonathan was voted out. So, it is no longer about Jonathan but about Buhari. The number of companies that closed shops and the number of Nigerians that lost their jobs in the next four years will be counted against this administration and not the past ones. Inflation is running faster than Usain Bolt, naira is shrinking and the purchasing power of the average Nigerian has whittled like a flower wilts in scorching sun.

There are enormous obstacles before the president and if he is serious about reforms, the best way out is for him to stop struggling with the past. Rather, he should turn it into an advantage. We have had enough of what Jonathan did wrong. It is time to see what Buhari did right or is doing right to correct the wrongs of the past.

The president should realise that he has lost the cult-like adoration of the masses that made the majority of them see him as a viable alternative to the prodigal Jonathan's administration. The frenzied enthusiasm that heralded Buhari as the president

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ice-Chancellor of AlIkmah University, Prof. MohammedTaofeek Ibrahim, said the university had invested over N80 million in farming in the current 2016/2017 fiscal year.

Ibrahim, who gave this hint while addressing jour-

just 15 months ago has faded away like a mirage and that should be irksome to him and his party. Nigerians have lost their patience and will not hesitate to change this change should the opportunity presents itself today. Nigerians want change and know the importance of change but we are irritated by the change that has almost removed food from our tables and has turned us into beggars in our country.

Any change that is not cloaked in comfort and lacking human face cannot be the desire of Nigerians when they voted in this administration. As reckless as the Jonathan's administration was, Nigerians are now yearning for the past. The past where we bought a bag of rice for N8,000 as against the present average N18,000 and a sack of garri was just N4,000 as against the present N8,000. That Nigerians are now showing preference for the past because the present administration has not met their expectation and there is no hope that it is moving in that direction is an indictment on the president and his team.

For me, Buhari did not kill the economy but he is the undertaker who put it in the coffin and buried it in the abyss. His lack of early policy direction is also a causative factor to this peculiar mess. The government cannot claim to be ignorant of the herculean task ahead except perhaps, it did not prepare to do anything about it thinking that Nigerians will stoically endure the impending suffering.

As bad as Adolf Hitler was, he gave Germany political peace and brought the country out of the great depression it was in after the World War 1. He also designed the Volkswagen or 'People's Wagon', a novel idea, meant to give every German the opportunity to own an affordable car, an accomplishment that is still in use in Germany today.

Whereas,Innoson Motor Manufacturing, the only indigenous motor assembly plant in Nigeria, is struggling because of the high exchange rate of naira to dollar.

It is not too late for Buhari to quickly do the needful. For instance, releasing only N400 billion out of N1.7 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure is grossly inadequate more so when the impact of the N400 billion is not being felt. It is good to save for the rainy day but who will do the harvesting if hunger has killed the majority of the people?

NOUN shuts five illegal study centres in Lagos to constitute a committee to monitor the activities of its study centres nationwide in the interest of the general public.

He said: “We will continue to clampdown on the activities of such centres, whose main aim is to defraud Nigerians of their

hard-earned incomes, given the economic situation in the country today.

“We just visited Lagos to monitor our centres and their operations and discovered five illegal study centres operating there.

“Anyone who wants to run a study centre must go

through due process by officially registering with the institution, subject to meeting all the laid down criteria.

“It is not by doing it illegally or by way of fraud.

Those who discuss with NOUN for such purpose are given permission to do that after meeting the prescribed

requirements.”

Sheme said all those found to have been operating the illegal study centres would be made to face legal action.

He also decried the complicity of owners of some major schools who allow operators of such centres to

Al-Hikmah invests N80m on farming

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53

nalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, canvassed for the Federal Government to set up a prototype of the camp to test run the recommendation.

He said the project, which was capable of generating employment in the agric sector, should be supported with funds through agric cooperative societies.

The vice-chancellor add-

ed that the strategy would lift rural people out of poverty and bring development, rural-urban transformation.

The don announced that the faith-based private university produced 21 First Class degree graduates from a total of 874 graduates in its 2015/2016 academic session.

He said the perfor-

mance of the graduates had showed improvement when compared with 2014/2015 academic session.

Ibrahim disclosed that 50 students from post graduate school would be awarded with Master's degree in Islamic and Arabic Studies.

The breakdown of the graduating students across the various colleges include

40 from College of Education, 252 from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, 271 from College of Management Sciences and 311 from College of Natural Sciences.

He also said a total of 207 graduates bagged Second Class Upper Division, 413 in the Second Class Lower Division, 207 with Third Class, while 24 had Pass grade.

locate the centres in their institutions.

Sheme said such school owners would also be prosecuted alongside the operators of the illegal study centres, stressing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

He said: “NOUN’s major mandate is to give access to education to all Nigerians who desire quality education, irrespective of age or social status.

“We will, therefore, not allow anyone or group of persons to infiltrate that mandate and that is why we will continue to monitor the nooks and crannies of the country to keep these people in check.

“We will also do more in sensitising the public concerning the activities of such persons and the existence of their illegal centres.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

Nigerians cry out over tough economy The Federal Government has officially admitted that Nigeria is in recession.

The situation is tough and there doesn’t appear to be a silver lining in the horizon. The people are finding it increasingly difficult coping with the unforgiving times and are forced to adopt various means to keep the wolves from the door. They give vent to their struggles and fears in this piece by OGECHI NDUBUNMA, NIYI ADERUKU and JADESOLA SODEKE.

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Dr Henrietta Udensi - Educationist

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e are in very hard and trying times. The economy is really harsh. The only way to cope is to be very prudent in your spending and that is what I am doing. Thank God for those of us who have investments in terms of landed properties.

We have to tap into those reserves.

Anselm Ogidi -Economist and Business man s a matter of fact the government of Nigeria has accepted that there is recession. There is no two ways about it. The economy is bad for now. Recession has many children, cash crunch,

I

inflation, market stagnation, hunger, tension, etc. These things are very visible in present day Nigeria. I am coping by cutting my coat according to my cloth and making sure all excesses are removed in my day to day spending.

Charles Okei -Legal practitioner

t is really tough. A lot of things are not in place. It is difficult for one to adequately take care of one’s financial needs. The result is that one cannot make projec-

tions and meet them. We look unto God to help us cope and to give the nation’s economic team wisdom to turn things around. For me I will spend on only necessities.

T

Abayomi Babawale

N

igerian economy is very tough these days due to the failure of the past government to prepare for a time like this. The economy is even worse than what we experienced during the term of late

Recession: Buhari’s govt lacks financial discipline –PDP

T Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lashed out at the All Progressives Congress (APC)led Federal Government, saying it lacks financial discipline to take the nation out of the present economic woes.

The party also criticised the statement made by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would focus on fiscal discipline and the diversification of the economy to tackle recession, calling it a mere lip service.

In a statement by its Director of New Media, Deji Adeyanju, the PDP said despite claims of weeding out ghost workers from the payroll and reducing the wage bill, the income of federal civil servants increased from N1.6 trillion in 2014 to N1.83 trillion and N1.71trillion in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

“These figures represent a combined total increase of N240bn from the wage bill in 2014," the party said, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) second quarter economic report showed

that the Federal Government incurred a N1.09 trillion deficit for the quarter.

“This deficit was 96 per cent higher than the N555.49 billion allowed.

Total expenditure for this period stood at N1.76 trillion, surpassing the provisional quarterly budget estimate by 12.8 per cent, representing a 58.1 per cent increase of the first quarter expenditure.

“These figures show an abject lack of fiscal discipline in the management of the nation’s finances by the Buhari administration,” PDP observed.

The party noted that the GDP figures released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday showed that the Buhari administration is doing a significant harm to the nonoil sectors of the economy.

PDP said the NBS report showed that non oil GDP contracted by -0.38 per cent in second quarter of 2016 from -0.18 per cent in first quarter of 2016 and 3.46 per cent in second quarter of 2015.

It added that the CBN figures showed that non-oil export fell by 43.2 per cent to $576.97 million in second quarter of 2016.

“As the data shows, even

t has not been so easy. Since I was born I have never witnessed this type of hard times before. It's not easy buying anything in the market.

Before now, the price of a bag of rice was N5,000 or N6,000 but there has been a quantum increase to about N20,000. So I really don't understand where we are heading to. Last year when I hosted my family meeting, I spent about N25,000 but this time I spent about N45,000 and there is nothing to show for it. I know the man (President Muhammadu Buhari) is working but it has not really affected us, the masses. I believe he'll make things better in the nearest fu-

Michael Afolabi

he global economic situation (crashed oil prices) has practically been very hard on Nigerians. The exchange rate of the naira to the dollar keeps plummeting every passing day consequently resulting in an increase in the prices of goods and services. My strategy for coping with it is to reduce buying goods from abroad.

Onyekachi Eze

I

sectors that experienced growth in second quarter have slowed considerably compared to first quarter of 2016 and second quarter of 2015. As these figures show, the Buhari administration is just paying lip service to the issue of diversification and is in fact worsening the non-oil sectors of the economy.

“These figures also show that Mrs. Adeosun’s comments about fiscal discipline and diversification are empty rhetoric. We reiterate our position that this government is out of depth and is incapable of reversing the economic recession into which they have plunged our nation”.

Pius Oyesanmi –Estate Broker ture.

We don't have any alternative than to pray to almighty God to give us strength, to lead us to the promised land. That notwithstanding, I believe in him (Buhari). But with what I am seeing now I am really disappointed.

If he knew that the country had been dismantled, why would he elect to rule?

Prominent Nigerians are the ones benefiting from this administration. The government ought to train people for mechanised farming. If the government supports mechanised farming, I wouldn't be here in the city. I would have been a successful farmer by now.

President Musa Yar’adua, because what we have now is economic recession and inflation at the same time. The economy is not balanced, therefore businesses are collapsing. How am I coping?

I just need to reduce my expenditure and save more.

Traditional ruler appeals judgement as women end fasting Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

T

he women of Amachara, Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, yesterday ended the six months prayer and fasting embarked upon for the removal of the traditional ruler of the autonomous community, Eze Akpunku Iheuwa.

The League of Amachara Women embarked on the spiritual exercise in March 2016, to seek God’s intervention over in the removal of the traditional ruler who they said was rejected at inception but was imposed on them by the immediate past administration in the state.

It was gathered that following the rejection of the traditional ruler, the four

component villages that make up the autonomous community including Umuabazu, Umuakanaruogu, Umuegolu and Umuimeafo, dragged the royal father to a high court where he lost the bid to retain the seat. He has however gone to the Appeal Court for redress.

Iheuwa became the Odo 1 of Umuokorodo Ancient Kingdom amidst protest and rejection when Theodore Orji was the state governor. During his coronation, truckloads of antiriot police were deployed to forestall possible break down of law and order.

Speaking after the conclusion of the prayer and fasting conducted by the Multipliers Ministry, the chairperson of Amachara Village Council (Women

Wing), Ugwudiya Chidinma Madubuko, said the exercise was aimed at pleading with God to sustain the removal of Eze Akpunku through the court.

She said before embarking on the fasting and prayer over six months ago, “many things have been happening in Amachara”, including locking up of Amachara civic hall, destroying of the destiny of Amachara youths and initiation of people into secret societies.

“It was like dragging issues and fighting over one thing or the other. A time came when the women said they will end the problem following a dream that they should look for God’s intervention to solve the many problems bedeviling the community,” she said.

Maritime illegalities: CNS vows zero tolerance Flora Onwudiwe

T

he Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, has declared zero tolerance for maritime illegalities, in order to defend and sanitise Nigeria’s territorial waters.

Ibas made the declaration yesterday during the graduation ceremony for senior officers held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, in Apapa, Lagos.

The senior officers course had 22 officers of the rank of captains and commanders who participated in a fourweek Command Level Officers' Course.

The CNS who spoke through the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani, while noting that he was delighted to be at the graduation ceremony, recalled that his “mission statement clearly spelt out the need for a well-trained,

organised and highly motivated personnel to fulfill our constitutional roles, professionally and efficiently in the defence of Nigeria for our economic prosperity and well-being of our people.

“This equally resonates with the specific task on human resources management and administration in the CNS' Strategic Directive 2015-1, the command level course that was put in place to deliver on the core objec-

tives therein.”

Ibas also said training must be continually reinvigorated through deliberate innovations to achieve desired goals.

“In this regard, the command level course provided a veritable means to fast track the delivery of a trained and ready force as the important linkage through quality leadership training to achieve command attributes.

Sport Extra 55

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

3 september 2016

LMC insists league will go on

F

Charles Ogundiya

ixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will go on as scheduled, according to a statement released on Friday by the League Management Company.

The LMC said it was, among several other grounds, relying on the motion filed for stay of execution of Justice I.I Kunda's latest order made in disregard of the notice of appeal filed against his first order.

The league body in addition to the stay of execution filed, has also filed a notice of appeal against the order of the Plateau State High Court, Jos, stopping matches of the NPFL until full compliance with the earlier interim order of the Court directing the reinstatement of Giwa FC to the League and rescheduling of matches for the club.

Justice Kunda, the vacation judge of the Plateau State High Court, Jos division, made the earlier order in a fundamental human right suit filed by an individual, Mustapha Abubakar, who claims to be acting for himself and Giwa FC. Mustapha claims that the expulsion of Giwa FC had denied him the right to enjoy matches of the club after he bought season's ticket.

The said tickets were found to have been purchased even when the club was yet to be registered to participate in the NPFL season, thereby violating provisions governing the league.

"We cannot accept that these multifarious and incalculable interests can be held to ransom and subjected to the whim of an individual with no connection, whatsoever, with the operation of the League," the LMC stated.

Toure left out of UCL squad

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anchester City boss Pep Guardiola has left midfielder Yaya Toure out of his 2016-17 Champions League squad.

City could not include more than 17 overseas players in their squad.

And Guardiola still has 18 on his books, despite letting four foreign internationals leave before Wednesday's transfer deadline.

Clubs can change three players after the group stage but Toure, 33, will not be able to play against Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic and Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast international has played a major part in all City's trophy wins since he was bought from Barcelona, then managed by Guardiola, for £24m in 2010.

He has only played once this season, in the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Steaua Bucharest, when City were already 5-0 up from the first game.

It was rumoured Toure might leave the club following Guardiola's arrival, with Inter Milan one of the clubs who were interested.

However, the player never had any desire to leave City and intends to see out his contract, which expires in 2017.

The 17 overseas players Guardiola has chosen include new signings Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan, who are yet to play for the club, skipper Vincent Kompany, who is recovering from groin and thigh operations which kept him out of Euro 2016, and 19-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

...despite court order

The league body also stated said that the decision to continue with the fixtures was part of some urgent steps to preserve the integrity of the NPFL and protect it from irreparable damage.

It continued: “This letter from Giwa FC is a restatement of the written undertaken of the club to abide by the rules and regulations governing the league

and football in general and, not to take football matters to the ordinary court.”

From a business and commercial standpoint, the League body drew attention to several written and informal contracts on which the league is built and that these contracts bind several interests and interrelationships that make for smooth operation of the league.

Sport Slaming Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Rohr and Nigeria’s dwindling fortune in football

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Nasarawa United's Samson Gbadebo (left) vying for the ball with Rangers' Chisom Egbuchulam

Murray in US Open third round

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ndy Murray and Dan Evans joined Kyle Edmund in the third round of the US Open, making it the first time since 1968 that three British men have gone that far into the tournament.

Second seed Murray won 6-4 6-1 6-4 under the new roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium as a storm hit New York.

Evans beat German Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-2 to reach the third round for the first time in three years.

Murray now meets Italian Paolo Lorenzi while Evans faces Stan Wawrinka.

Edmund, 21, reached the third round with a straight-sets win on Wednesday.

Paul Hutchins, Roger Taylor and Peter Curtis were the last three British players to make the third round of the US Open in the same year, in 1968.

Sixth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan beat Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 and Austrian eighth seed Dominic Thiem saw off Ricardas Berankis of

Lithuania 6-4 6-3 6-2.

Rio 2016 Olympic finalist and 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro beat local favourite Steve Johnson 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-2 to reach the third round for the first time since 2012 following a series of injuries.

In the women's draw, Britain's Naomi Broady was beaten 7-6 (11-9) 6-3 by fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland.

Murray

EPL: Man United name Schweinsteiger

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idfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been included in Manchester United's 25-man Premier League squad.

The 32-year-old World Cup winner was told by new United boss Jose Mourinho recently that he was unlikely to play for the Old Trafford club again.

The former Germany captain retired from international football earlier this week after 24 goals and 121 caps.

All 20 top-flight clubs had to submit their 25-man squads to the Premier League by Thursday.

U-21 players - like Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial - are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players per squad.

Schweinsteiger, who signed a three-year contract in July 2015, has trained alone and with the U-23s since Mourinho took charge in the summer.

The former Bayern Munich star said he "will be ready if the team needs me" but Mourinho says Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick are above him in the pecking order.

t’s nice to be back after two weeks break due to my coverage of the 31st Olympiad in Rio, Brazil. It was such a big event with massive turnout. The Brazilians gave it their all. They provided good facilities, warm reception and competed well to win laurels good enough to record best ever results at the Olympics. Neymar also inspired the country’s national team to clinch the elusive gold medal for Brazil. The South American country proved to all that it was a sporting nation.

However, rather than dwell on the poor performance recorded at Rio 2016, I want to discuss the dwindling fortune Nigerian football especially because that is the number one sport in Nigeria and also because it commands huge followership.

Football incidentally gave Nigeria her only medal at the games and it remains the sport that has been boosting the country’s battered image in the comity of nations. It is however very sad that there are more bad news than good in football.

The country is yet to come to terms with Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations which makes it back-to-back absence. The reality of this will manifest when the competition takes place in Gabon next January.

Nigeria’s U-20 team with abundant talents defeated Sudan 2-1 away only to lose 4-3 in Nigeria and thus crash out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for next year.

As if that was not enough, the national U-17 team also defeated Niger 1-0 in Nigeria but lost 2-1 in the return leg to crash out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which the country won only last year.

These results are not good for a footballing nation.

The Nigeria Football Federation should be closer to these teams and they should provide the enabling environment for players to get the desired results. I observed that the federation chieftains when contending with a crucial issue lose focus of other administrative areas.

For example, the recent visit of FIFA President was a big boost to the NFF and the country but that was the period players in the U-20 camp and U-17 were complaining of neglect over unpaid allowances and other issues.

Now that the Olympic team has put smiles back in the faces of football fans, the NFF should monitor the Super Eagles very well so that the new Manager, Gernot Rohr, will succeed in his assignment.

I am not too bothered about the pedigree of Rohr because nobody knew Clemens Westerhof when he first came to Nigeria but somehow he was given the time to reshape the team and he gave Nigeria the golden generation of footballers that won the Nations Cup in 1994, qualified for the first ever World Cup and also won the Olympic gold at Atlanta ’96.

Rohr has told everyone that he was ready to work and not really worried about the money and logistics.

He will however need all the support from the federation and also other stakeholders in the country. Nigeria cannot afford to miss the ticket to the Russia 2018 World Cup. That will be a disaster!

Algeria, Zambia and Cameroon are the teams to contend with to qualify for the Mundial. This won’t be easy at all especially for a new manager. I expect Rohr to fix the defensive issues in the team and bring back a winning mentality to the Eagles. He is expected to judge the players on merit without sentiments unlike what has obtained in the past two years.

Followers of the game in Nigeria have mourned enough. It is imperative to support Rohr to enable him to get it right with the Eagles. The dwindling fortune of the country has to stop. There should be daily monitoring of the situation with the team from today as the country plays Tanzania. To deny Algeria, number one country in Africa, a ticket to Russia won’t be a small job.

The battle must be won on and off the field. Eagles must win away games and consolidate at home. The job is not only for the players and coaches. I hope Amaju Pinnick and other NFF chieftains are ready…

SATURDAY, 3 september 2016

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Rohr faces Eagles' baptism Ajibade Olusesan

N Uyo

igeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, will file out against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania this evening in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State as a new manager, Gernot Rohr, begins his reign as the head coach.

It took the Nigeria Football Federation over six months to settle for the German after the exit of former manager, Sunday Oliseh, who resigned on February 24.

Rohr has his hands full because Nigerians are impatient when it comes to football. The fans want instant result and the federation too has no margin for errors at a time Nigeria has lost strings of matches resulting in the failure to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup. Against Tanzania today, the fixture is a qualifier for the continental showcase but both teams will only play for pride as the Pharaohs of Egypt has won the only ticket at stake in the group.

However, Rohr have the full complement of players and he is expected to begin his reign on a winning note.

Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Brown Ideye, Odion ighalo, and Elderson Echiejile are some of the top players available for this match.

This encounter will afford Rohr the opportunity to know the players under a competitive atmosphere and it is also a rehearsal for the crucial World Cup qualifier opener against Zambia in October.

“We are taking the match seriously to know the players well and to prepare for Zambia. We all want to succeed. I am proud to be working with these big players,” Rohr said on Thursday.

Taifa Stars coach, Charles Mkwasa, is optimistic his players can shock the Eagles in Uyo. He said his players were determined to make a big statement with the encounter.

In the early stage of the qualifiers, both sides played a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam.

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