Saturday telegraph saturday, february 27, 2016

Ireti Osayemi

My husband encourages me to play romantic roles Pg.34

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Biafra: Uwazuruike ‘planning’ to sabotage Ndigbo, says MASSOB

Pg.50

Buhari behind my ordeal –Dasuki Pg.7

Uwazuruike

SATURDAY Saturday, February 27, 2016

Vol. 3 No. 738

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Supreme Court:

N150

Rev KING must die by hanging

Pgs.5,9-14

...as Kirikiri gets new hangman

l’Preacher was worshipped, had sex in prison’ lNeighbours jubilate, Lagos hails verdict

New Telegraph Achievers’ Awards 2019:

L-R: Senator Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Managing Director, The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Eric Osagie; ViceChairman, New Telegraph, Revd Emeka Abone; Chairman, Alhaji Idi Faruq; Awardee/Chairman, Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro; Managing Director/Editorin-Chief, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Okiro’s daughter, Yvonne Victor-Olomu and Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, during ‘An Evening with Sir Mike Okiro’ in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI See story on page 4

Sheriff, Fayose mull joint PDP ticket Pg.6

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

AN EVENING WITH SIR MIKE OKIRO The New Telegraph Achievers' Award held last night at the Civic Centre, in Lagos.

PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI AND GODWIN IREKHE

The awardee, retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief Mike Okiro (left) and IGP Solomon Arase, at the event

L-R: Ken Ugbechie; SP Dolapo Badmus; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Managing Editor, Business and Strategy, Mr. Yemi Ajayi

L-R: Acting Secretary, Police Service Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Ibe; Okiro and Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode

L-R: Mr. Oyatunde Majekodunmi; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; CP Adefemi Opadokun and CP Dorothy Garuba

L-R: CSP Johnson Adenola; ACP Patrick Atayero and SP Dolapo Badmus

L-R: Okiro, Arase and former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala

L-R: Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade; Steve Olu and AIG Bala Hassan

L-R: Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Oladele Aluko; Dipo Kehinde; Mr. Olayinka Balogun; General Manager, Raypower FM, Yewande Iwuoha and Mr. Ben Okezie

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

AN EVENING WITH SIR MIKE OKIRO

L-R: Managing Director, The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Eric Osagie; Mr Emeka Abone; Mrs. Victora Ekhomu and her husband, Dr. Ona Ekhomu

L-R: Mr. Owolabi Ogunbanwo; Mr. Ezekwe Chinonye and Mrs. Ngozi Okiro

Mrs. Toyin Nwosu (second left), Oyin Onime (fourth left) with some senior police officers

L-R: Editor, Saturday Telegraph, Mr. Waheed Bakare; Editor, Daily Telegraph, Mr. Ayodele Ojo and Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Ben Memuletiwon

Managing Editor, North and Abuja, New Telegraph, Mr. Laurence Ani and Advert Manager, Mr. Taiwo Ahmed

Managing Editor, Publication and Operations, New Telegraph, Mr. Emeka Obasi and Sales and Circulation Manager, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji

L-R: DMD, The Sun, Mr. Steve Nwosu; Editor, Sunday Telegraph, Mrs. Juliet Bumah and Mrs. Toyin Nwosu

Deputy Editor/Group Head, Newsroom, Daily Telegraph, Goeffery Ekenna; Stella Sawyer of the Tell Magazine and Production Editor, New Telegraph, Mr. Pade Olapoju

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Amnesty has been abused, says Okiro Temitope Ogunbanke, Camilus Nnaji and Taiwo Jimoh

A

former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sir Mike Okiro, yesterday said the request for amnesty by different segments of the Nigerian society was an abuse of the original intention of the programme, when it was created for the Niger Delta.

He said those who have no faces or even any grievances in the country, are now seeking for amnesty, contrary to those of the Niger Delta, which was done to solve a pressing national problem.

Okiro spoke yesterday in Lagos, at the occasion of the inaugural edition of the New Telegraph Achievers Award.

The former IGP, who is the chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), said some Nigerians who had no business with a serious programme such as the amnesty were now demanding for it.

He said: “For the Niger Deltans, they had grievances.

Their farms, water were destroyed and polluted. Their women and children had no means of livelihood again.

For other people, what do they want?”

Okiro, who superintended the amnesty programme when it started, said in actual fact, the programme was not within his purview as a police officer but saw that he saw the acts of vandalism and brigandage of the Niger Delta militants as an act that needed to be stopped.

He said when he sold the programme to the then late President Umaru Yar’ Adua, the first obstacle was about funding of the programme, since the country was then bleeding with issues of revenue losses, as a result of sabotage of oil pipelines and vandalism.

“What actually prompted me was the cause of an average woman, who sells biscuit and food to some of the engineers, who work with oil companies, who are now (then) relocating to Lagos.

The engineers were only flown in when they had work to do,” he said.

He, however, said when the programme was to be initiated, some officials of the government did not see anything good in it.

Arase: Okiro, a thoroughbred Also speaking at the event, the IGP, who was the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Solomon Arase, said the conferment of the award on Okiro was a loud and clear statement on the enviable record of service, impeccable integrity and the rich profile of the former IGP. He said: “He has been a part of my professional evolution. Many may not know

Ex-IGP bags New Telegraph Achievers’ Award

that I served under him as Principal Staff Officer during l his tenure as Inspector-General of Police in the course of which he moulded me and prepared me for the leadership of the Force which fate has today beL-R: Former stowed on me. From my Inspector-General long-drawn personal and of Police, Sir Mike professional association Okiro; Managing with Okiro, I can boldly Director, Daily sum up his personality Telegraph as ‘benevolent but tough Publishing cop.’

Company “He is a man with vast Limited, Mrs. literary acumen who has Funke Egbemode author several books of and the IGP, Mr. different genre including Solomon Arase...

‘Peace and the Nation,’ at the event ...

‘Surviving the cities,’ ‘The yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN Legal implications of the HUSAINI Mismanagement of Public Funds in Nigeria,” and ‘Overcoming Security challenges.’ Although he retired honourably and mony to your demonstrated meritoriously on July 24, 2009 patriotism, trade mark courfrom the Nigeria Police Force, age and intellectual excelyears on, the entire Nigeria lence. The conferment of this Police Force and indeed the award is evidence to your country still continue to eu- record of enviable selfless logise, appreciate and give service and dedication to naample reasons to remember tional development as well as him for all that he enacted a call to sustain your passion and stood for, and his inher- for service with impeccable integrity. ent principles.

“Over the years, one of “Beyond these, even in his current capacity as the the things I have gleaned Chairman of PSC, Sir Okiro from you is your robust pubhas demonstrated his passion lic relations, sense of humility for an efficient Police Force and accessibility. You answer and has been displaying ex- all phone calls and corresponceptional leadership skills in dence regardless of class and complementing the efforts above all you are an ardent of the leadership f the Nige- Catholic who never misses ria Police Force in the drive his morning communion towards restoring police pri- with God. These are unique qualities that continue to macy.

“Aside being a well- explain the success story of deserved recognition of his your life just as they justify track record as a leader per this award,” he said. excellence, the Achievers’ Award is a clear testimony Okiro remains a reference and deserved reward for point –Egbemode the patriotism, trademark In her opening remark, the courage and intellectual ex- Managing Director of Daily cellence which Sir Okiro has Telegraph Publishing Comconsistently epitomised. The pany, Mrs Funke Egbemode, conferment of the Award is said the Achievers’ Awards also a loud and clear state- was designed to celebrate ment on the enviable record of service, impeccable integrity and rich profile of Sir IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase Okiro. AIG Zone 2, Bala Hassan “I feel proud to lead the Okiro’s daughter, Princess entire Nigeria Police Family Sandra to join the New Telegraph CP Lagos, Fatai Owoseni Newspaper and indeed Ni- Former governor of Oyo gerians locally and in the State, Chief Adebayo AlaoDiaspora to celebrate this Akala icon christened Sir Mike Former Senate Minority Mboma Okiro. The award Whip, Senator Ganiyu Sologoes beyond him. As one of mon our own, the pride is shared Chairman, Creative Zone by all members of the Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Bayo Makanjuola Police Family most of whom MD, Creative Zone Ltd, Mr. he mentored and most of Doyin Adewunmi whom see him as epitome of Managing Director, The Sun professionalism and leader- Newspaper, Mr. Eric Osagie ship.”

New Telegraph staff Earlier in his congratulatory message to Okiro, Arase Managing Director, Mrs Funke Egbemode showered encomium on his Managing Editor (Busiboss for his contribution to ness and Strategy), Mr. Yemi the growth and development Ajayi of the Force. Managing Editor (Publi“Aside being a well-de- cation and Operations), Mr. served recognition of your Emeka Obasi track record as a leader per Managing Editor (South), excellence, it is also a testi- Mr. Emeka Madunagu

consistency and long track record of contribution to different sectors of the economy.

She said the award was bestowed on Okiro because of his contribution to the Nigeria Police Force, adding that Okiro’s welfare initiatives in the Police Force will remain reference points in years to come.

“The New Telegraph Achievers Awards is designed and birthed to remind us the positives about us. We are not a people without role models. Yes, we have plenty of rough edges and there are things we need to improve on immediately but we need to encourage one another and work on our national minds before negative thoughts take over.

“The award will celebrate consistency, long track record of contribution to different sectors of the economy.

Our first awardee, Sir. Mike Mbama Okiro, chose to become a policeman even when he had offers to be a lecturer, Assistant Secretary in the Rivers State Government, Features Editor of the Tide

Newspaper and Graduate Assistant in the University of Port Harcourt. He rose through the ranks, gave a good account of himself and retired as the Number One cop.

“Sir Mike Okiro was the IGP who brought the AK 47 rifle into the Nigerian Police.

He was the IGP that built a Mobile Police Training School in Ila-Orangun, Osun State and two Police Secondary Schools with boarding facilities in Katsina and Akwa Ibom states. His welfare initiatives in the Police Force will remain reference points in years to come. I must not forget to stress the point that Sir Okiro is one of the few Nigerians cleared by the ICPC after being accused and investigated of all a long list of sins that didn’t stick,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of New Telegraph, Dr. Idi Farouk, said that the award was just the beginning of the long list of what the company would do to identify Nigerians of note, who have contributed to the development of the

Deputy Managing Director, The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Steve Nwosu and wife, Toyin Prof. Amaobi CP Olayinka Balogun (rtd) DCP Fave Samali Uwaleke DSP Alhassan Kabir, Force CIID, Ikoyi ACP Vincent Ade-Eko, Force CIID, Ikoyi Elder Vincent Iwobi (Chopper) Chairman, New Telegraph Board, Dr. Idi Farouk Member, New Telegraph Board, Revd. Emeka Abone Former Managing Director

of New Telegraph Newspaper and Publisher of Freedom online, Mr. Gabriel Akindewo Editor, Daily Times Newspaper, Mr. Biodun Durojaye Publisher, Eagle Online, Mr. Dotun Oladipo DCP M.A Yusuf AIG Yerima Acting Press Secretary, Police Service Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Mr. Oyeleye Oyebande Publisher, The Source Magazine, Comfort Obi Representatives of Plateau State governor

Managing Editor (North and Abuja), Mr. Laurence ni Editor, Mr. Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday Telegraph, Mrs Juliet Bumah  Editor, Saturday Telegraph, Mr. Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor (Daily), Mr. Geofrey Ekenna Deputy Editor (Business),

Ayo Aminu  Business Development Manager, Mr. Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager, Mr. Oyebanji Abiodun  Head, Administration, Robinson Ezeh Group Political Editor, Mr. Felix Nwaneri

Roll call

country.

Ex-IGP hails New Telegraph Responding to the award bestowed on him, Okiro commended the New Telegraph for coming up with the Achievers’ Award, which according to him, was a distinctive and worthwhile means of galvanising and motivating elite Nigerians to thrive for excellence.

He said: “In 2010, General Godwin Abe, former Minister of Interior and later Defence told me that one day, Nigerians will honour and celebrate me for what I did for them. That day is today (yesterday).

“Our country has suffered due to dearth of institutional development, social cohesion and political malady, which stunted our march to greatness in spite of the awesome human and natural resources at our disposal.

“The Achievers’ Award event is a unique way of celebrating high achievers and projects a sublime innovation. Such have the propensity to push more Nigerians to add the needed impetus in their work, knowing that the society through the media would one day recognise and applaud their worthy and selfless deeds.

“The management of the New Telegraph Newspapers deserves commendation, first for their professional ethical standard, which is legendary.

This has earned the great respect from many discerning Nigerians for always avoiding sensationalising issues and going the extra mile to thoroughly investigate facts before going to press. I urge you to maintain the tempo, as it would continue to project you in good light and win you more admirers.

“The organisers must be commended for coming up with this distinctive and worthwhile means of galvanising and motivating elite Nigerians to thrive for excellence.”

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

News 5

Supreme Court: Rev King must die by hanging Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T

he Supreme Court yesterday affirmed the concurrent judgments of a High Court of Lagos State and the Court of Appeal which slammed a death sentence on the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (a.k.a Rev. King).

In a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, the apex court held that the two lower courts were right to have sentenced Ezeugo to death by hanging for the murder of a member of his church.

The court, which resolved all the 12 issues raised by Ezeugo in his appeal, also said the first five- count against Ezeugo was for attempted murder, with a penalty of 20 years imprisonment, while the six-count was for murder, which attracted a death sentence by hanging.

Justice Ngwuta, in the judgement, held that the 20 years imprisonment for attempted murder was no longer necessary, adding: “From the fact of the case, the scene could have been taken from a horror movie.”

Justice Ngwuta held in the unanimous judgement that: “Having considered the arguments of parties in this matter, I am of the view that the appeal has no merit.

“The appeal is hereby dismissed and the judgement of the Lagos State High Court, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal is hereby affirmed.”

Ezeugo was sentenced to death by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on January 11, 2007 for the murder of one of his church members, Ann Uzoh.

He was arraigned on September 26, 2006 on a sixcount charge of attempted murder and murder but he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The prosecutor had said that the convict poured petrol on the deceased and five other persons and that Uzoh died on August 2, 2006; 11 days after the act was perpetrated on her.

Counsel to Ezeugo had filed a notice of appeal on January 16, 2007, containing 16 grounds of appeal against the judgment.

On June 10, 2008, the Court of Appeal granted him leave to argue the additional 16 grounds of appeal through an amended notice of appeal filed on June 15, 2008.

In a unanimous judgement read by Justice Akinbami, the Appeal Court dismissed the appellant’s claim that the case of the prosecution was clustered with doubt and held that all the issues raised by the appellant failed, and resolved same in

…says the appeal lacks merit

favour of the prosecution.

On the issue of the dying declaration by Miss Uzoh, the Justice Akinbami said there should be the belief in the danger of approaching death, and this belief is subjective rather objective and upheld the view of the lower court and held that the declaration of the deceased cannot be admitted as a dying declaration, since there was no immediate apprehension or fear of approaching death.

On the defence of alibi raised by appellant counsel, Justice Akinbami ruled that the evidences adduced by prosecution witness (Pw) 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10, clearly pinned the appellant to the scene of the crime.

“The import of alibi is to show that the accused was elsewhere other than the purported place of crime. It is the duty of prosecution to investigate such claims,” adding that “in the case of State vs Fatai Azeez, the evidence of the prosecution witnesses linked the appellant to the scene of the offence.”

According to Justice Akinbami, “even the evidence of a tainted witness is admissible once it is material to the case. A tainted witness is one who may not be an accomplice, but whose evidence may be admissible without the necessity of administering any special warning. The prosecution witness in this case is an eye

witness and so the evidence is material to the case.”

Justice Akinbami further held that all evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses were unanimous, saying that they all pointed to the fact that the appellant actually used matches and petrol to set the deceased ablaze.

“Each of the prosecution witness gave evidence as to how the victim was beaten and burnt by the appellant.

To my mind, there is no contradiction whatsoever and even if there were, it is immaterial, since all the witnesses are unanimous,” he said.

On the style used by the lower court in arriving at

its judgement, the appelate court said the trial judge was at liberty to write his judgment in his own style, provided he or she set out the issue for determination, thus showing a clear understanding of the facts as stated.

While pointing out that the evidence adduced especially by Pw 6, who performed the post mortem examination, revealing that the deceased died as a result of loss of fluid arising from the burning, Justice Akinbami said that the evidence of Pw 5, 8, 6 and 7, (doctors) all showed that the deceased died as a result of the burns.

The judge stressed that the evidence of pw 2, who was the Investigating Police

Officer (IPO) also revealed the items used in carrying out the dastardly act on the victim, pointing out that the burden of proof in a criminal trial lied on the prosecution, and this was done beyond reasonable doubt.

“Proof does not mean proof beyond scientific certainty or beyond any shadow of doubt, but only beyond reasonable doubt,” the Judge added.

Condemning the attitude of some pastors towards their congregation, the judge said that the circumstance surrounding the death of the deceased was so bizarre, adding: “The ingredient of this case is so bizarre. It is so devastating how some men of God will give out to their congregation, scorpion instead of fish, and stone instead of bread.It is indeed sad and unfortunate.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, coming out from the inner room of Holy Ka'abah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia… yesterday PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

...Neighbours jubilate as apex court affirms sentence •Lagos hails verdict Makoji Deborah

T

he Supreme Court on Friday upheld the judgement of a Lagos High Court which condemned the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, popularly known as Rev. King, to death by hanging.

In its lead verdict delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, the Supreme Court dismissed the convicted clergyman’s appeal. Justice Ngwuta who noted that “the facts of the case could have been lifted from horror film,” resolved all the 12 issues Ezeugo raised in his appeal.

“This appeal has no merit.

The judgement of the court of appeal is hereby affirmed.

The prison sentence that was earlier handed to the appellant is no longer relevant in view of the death sentence passed on him,” Justice Ngwuta held.

Immediately after the

judgement, Ugo Nnabuife Street, Ajao Estate along Oshodi-Airport Road, Lagos, where Rev. King has his church erupted in jubilation.

Those who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of attack by King’s followers told our correspondent that the acclaimed “Jesus” of our time deserves to die for his many atrocities.

One of them who sells food stuffs directly opposite the church building said, “that man is a devil and he has hypnotised so many people; many people that go to that occult enclave don’t return to their homes.

“There is a gate at the back of the building and he dumped corpses of those killed through the gate.

There is also a link between the gate and the canal. He even arranged marriages for his members; he matched tall girls with short men, aged ones with younger

ones and all sort of things.

“But there is something peculiar with those they arranged for marriages. They are never happy; I have one of them on this street that always go around with a frown on his face.”

Another said, “King is evil. I am very happy with the Supreme Court judgement. It’s good for him to die in that manner. After that he would meet God for His own judgement. That devil incarnate can’t escape God’s punishment for using His name in vain.”

Chris, who lives in an uncompleted building beside the church, claims to know the convicted man of God intimately. He also expressed satisfaction over the ruling of the court. “I know everything about this people and I hate them so much. The person next to Rev. King then is my in-law but he is now a bornagain Christian. He is today

the head of Crowd Control Unit (CCU) in Cannan land.

“My in-law told me that King started CPA after his return from India where he got the power from. He confirmed also that the clergyman hypnotised so many people during their unending vigils every Thursday. I am glad he is going to die by hanging.”

Yet, another person described CPA as devil domain where all sort of devilish acts take place. “I don't see CPA as a church, its devils headquarter; a lot of evil takes place there. They don't worship God; it is a shrine where they worship their leader, Rev. King.

“My sister, I don't have much to say for now but in summary, my joy knows no bound. I will throw party today (Friday) and I will mount projectors to read all the papers online tomorrow (Saturday). Today is one of my best days. That man is a cultist and he doesn’t deserve to live,” he said.

Meanwhile, the prem-

ises of CPA which is usually alive, was curiously quiet on this day. Aside one member who identified himself simply as Tayo but refused to comment on the judgement, no other member of the boisterous church was seen near the street where the CPA is located.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Government yesterday hailed the verdict of the Supreme Court which upheld the judgment of a Lagos High Court sentencing to death by hanging the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (popularly known as Rev. King).

Reacting to the verdict, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the judgment was another confirmation of the commitment of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to decisiveness in fighting crime in the state.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

2019: Sheriff, Fayose mull joint PDP ticket •Ruling party jittery, plans counter strategy T •APC orders Tinubu, Atiku to woo or cripple Sheriff, Fayose Olalekan Osiade

he major organs of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have recently been enmeshed in a battle of wits over the control of the party’s hierarchy, after the appointment of a former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as the party’s national chairman.

Though the players might have temporarily sheath their swords, what many did not see was the undercurrent that led to the power-play, which first appeared as a rumour, later seen as a rude joke. But now, it is gradually leaving the realm of speculation and has become an issue that is being discussed in high level political gatherings.

Even the craftiest of politicians wouldn’t have believed that the idea would fly; the new chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and the Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose are planning a joint ticket towards the 2019 presidential election, the Saturday Telegraph has learnt.

The duo are not just teaming up to fight for the PDP ticket, they are battle-ready to slog it out with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the general election in 2019, a move that is quietly destabilising both the erstwhile ruling party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Insiders within the PDP confided in Saturday Telegraph that the move from Sheriff and Fayose accounts for the latest crisis in the PDP, saying that was why Fayose galvanised the PDP governors to support the emergence of Sheriff as the chairman of the party.

Even Sheriff himself did not leave anybody in doubt that this is about 2019, when, after mounting the saddle, at his maiden press conference, he told the world that he did not know when his tenure would end, and that the PDP is battle-ready for 2019, promising to return PDP to power in the next three years.

Though Sheriff was brought on board to complete the tenure of the former chairman, Adamu Muazu, who resigned after the 2015 election, he shocked even his closest supporters when he told the gathering that his exit would be determined by the party leaders.

One of the party’s top players in the South West, who claimed to be at a meeting where the issue was discussed, said Sher-

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Olu of Warri, King Godfrey Ikenwoli Emilo and a member of the Olu Advisory Council, during the governor’s visit to the monarch at his palace in Warri, Delta State… recently.

iff believed that a combination of his own popularity in the North and Fayose’s rising profile in the South West might give the duo an edge if they team up.

According to the PDP insider, the APC might be at a crossroads because the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari is not suggestive of a definite action, noting that Sheriff’s idea is to capitalise on the inaction of Buhari to his own advantage.

Though, he believed that the new PDP helmsman might have been tainted with speculations about his alleged link with Boko Haram, he was of the opinion that the Northerners are not seeing him in that light, while noting that all that would have been quelled before 2019.

“We are not sure whether Buhari will run for second term or not, but feelers from the APC suggest that they are in a dilemma, because the president is not talking to them about his future. So, they are not sure.

“If PDP wants to win in 2019, we have to start the game plan now. Sheriff has his people in the APC, he knows what is going on and he is a smart politician. Even though, people in the South don’t like him because of the Boko Haram stain, the Northerners don’t think of him like that.

“In politics, you need people that are strong willed. Sheriff and Fayose are both controversial politicians, but they believe that the masses are with them. They are sure of the South-South and SouthEast votes, they only need to work on the North and South West, and that is why they came up with

the choice of Fayose “If Sheriff can stick with the present arrangement adopted by the APC, he has a good chance, because he is very popular in the North.

They will surely go with him, but Fayose would have to continue his inroad into other South West states to firm up his popularity.

However, sources close to both players are not totally denying the move, while some say it is their constitutional right to run, if they so desire, others believe that it is an idea being sponsored by some bigwigs in the APC, so as to discredit the PDP. A PDP member, who was among those opposed to the emergence of Sheriff as the PDP chairman, said the idea is just unthinkable, he said it is something that can never happen in the PDP. “How do you think that can fly? It is absolute falsehood, how on earth will anybody even think of that? As ordinary party chairman, Sheriff was rejected by virtually all organs of the PDP, especially the decision-making groups.

“He was only given a soft landing to remain in office till May. The man is badly tainted. How could such a person lead the country? It is absolute nonsense; it is just an imagination that can never see the light of day.

What do you take PDP for?

Misfits and charlatans can’t rule over us, it is totally impossible.

“That is a wicked rumour.

The day that happens will be the day the PDP folds up, that I can bet with my life. How can you pair two tainted individuals? We all know how Fayose is seen in Sheriff the South West, if not for immunity,

he wouldn’t even be a governor by now”, he said.

Regardless of the stance of some opposition within the party, those who believe that the idea was a possibility in 2019, said fingers remain crossed.

In response, Lere Olayinka, who is the Special Adviser on Media to Fayose, said, though he was not aware of the arrangement, "Fayose is qualified not just as VP, but the president of Nigeria."

But the APC is leaving nothing to chance, as it hurriedly conveyed a meeting of its leaders during the week to fashion a way to respond to the latest move by the PDP. In the absence of Buhari, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday met with party leaders, including, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; APC national leader, Bola Tinubu and a host of others.

Saturday Telegraph learnt that the meeting was not only convened to address urgent happenings within the party, it also dwelled on the emergence of Sheriff as the n e w PDP chair-

Fayose

man. It was gathered that the APC stalwarts are concerned that the new helmsman of the PDP is extremely popular and has a large followership in the North coupled with a financial might that can bring about a change in the political fortune of the PDP. At the meeting, the APC leaders were said to have been given an immediate task to close ranks, put aside all bickering within their caucuses and look for a way to shore up the popularity of the party, especially in the southern part of the country.

Saturday Telegraph’s sources also informed that the party leaders, Abubakar and Tinubu, were specifically mandated to ensure that the duo of Sheriff and Fayose were wooed to jump ship and return home, because they were hitherto with the ‘progressives’, or cripple their wings and curtail their rising profiles if the other option is not achievable.

In the same vein, the APC had earlier in a statement said it was wishful thinking for the PDP to think of ‘conquering’ the presidency again.

The party said it was baffling how the PDP expects Nigerians to abandon APC’s smooth sailing ship for a sinking and rudderless one.

The National Secretary of APC, Mai Mala Buni, said Nigerians were aware that

Fayose

the current economic hardship and institutional rot was caused by the PDP’s 16-year misrule and pillage, while noting that Buhari has been working assiduously to correct the PDP’s years of damage and bring about people-centric governance.

According to him; “The 2015 elections has been won and lost. The priority of the present APC administration is to deliver on election promises made by the party to Nigerians who have long desired change of political leadership at the federal level and in many states.

“The APC is reluctant to join issues with Ali Modu Sheriff’s idle 2019 postulations and would rather pursue issues that will bring about all-inclusive development in the country.

“Happily, Nigerians can look back with relief and attest that since the APC-led administration took over governance, Nigeria is back on the right track - economically and security-wise and has taken its right of place among the comity of progressive nations.

“The widely-acclaimed job creation, social welfare and inclusion programmes proposed by the Buhari administration has been well received. The full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the present administration has greatly plugged revenue leakages. The presidential directive to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components has‎ resulted in a more efficient and realistic pricing system for petroleum products and also brought about constant availability of fuel nationwide.

“Nigeria is winning the war against insurgency. In spite of desperate attempts to discredit ongoing anticorruption efforts, the war against graft is being won.

“In reiterating the recent submission of the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for the first time in many years, Nigeria now has a solidly positive international image and the president is trying to cash in on this image to help rescue our nation from the throes, the economic morass which the PDP 16-year misrule has plunged it.

“These are clear indicators showing that the APC and the Buhari administration is on the right track to delivering on its Change Agenda,” he said.

News

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

CBN effects minor shake up, redeploys directors Tony Chukwunyem

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the redeployment of some of its directors, the Saturday Telegraph has learnt.

According to sources at the apex bank, the deployment exercise saw the Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Muazu, moved to the Strategy Management Department (SMD), and Edward Adamu appointed the new Director of the Human Resources Department (HRD).

Also, Olasukanmi Gbadamosi is the new Director of

the Legal Department, while Chizoba Mojekwu heads the International Training Institute (ITI) Learning Centre and some offices that were formerly in HRD. Dr. Alvan Ikoku is the new Director for Trade & Exchange Department (TED).

Industry watchers said that as the most senior official in Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor currently heads that department.

Shortly after he assumed office in June 2014, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, approved the redeployment of deputy governors in the bank.

Supreme Court flays INEC’s role in election petitions

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he Supreme Court yesterday condemned what it described as recent partisan roles played by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in election petition cases.

A seven-man bench of the apex court led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, made this observation while giving reasons for its earlier judgment affirming the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

The Supreme Court had upheld the three separate appeals by Ikpeazu, his party, the Peoples Democratic Party; and INEC, in its judgments delivered on February

3, 2016, and fixed yesterday to give the reasons for its decision.

The three appellants were all challenging the judgment of the Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal delivered on December 31, 2015, which removed Ikpeazu as governor and declared the All Progressive Grand Alliance’s governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, as the rightful winner of the April 11, 2015 poll.

Justice Suleiman Galadima, who read the lead judgments in the three separate appeals, upturned the verdict of the Court of Appeal, but took a swipe at INEC while considering the commission’s appeal.

'UK ready to repatriate looted funds'

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Ndubuisi Ugah n what appears as a major boost to the ongoing war against corruption by the Federal Government, the United Kingdom yesterday said it was ready to repatriate looted Nigerian funds in the UK banks.

Disclosing this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, said the UK Government had no intention of holding

onto the money.

The envoy explained that the reason why the loot had not been repatriated was because there were certain legal requirements which Nigeria had not met to facilitate the repatriation of the funds.

He said: “We (UK) have no intention of holding onto Nigerian funds, they belong to the Nigerian people and they should be returned to the Nigerian people.

“Clearly, there are legal requirements that we have to meet. We are working with the Nigerian Government to see what we can do

to return those funds. They (money) will be returned, there is absolutely no doubt about it.”

Arkwright said it was untrue that the UK was not ready to repatriate the money back to the Federal Government but that issues around the process were being discussed.

Arkwright, who refused to disclose the exact amount to be repatriated, said everything was being done to fast-track the repatriation process.

“The Prime Minister’s anti-corruption summit will be held in May; we

Abuja

T

he Nigerian Army yesterday said its troops had rescued 1,890 people from Boko Haram captivity, in the last two weeks.

A statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the number included 800 Nigerian refugees that were brought back by troops of 21 Brigade.

The statement reads: “In continuation of the clearance operations by troops to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, troops have rescued 1890 persons held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at various locations within the last two weeks.

“Troops of 121 Task Force conducted joint patrols with Cameroonian forces at Mararraba, Angwan Fada, Dale and Wizha Bokko Timit, Bokko Nasanu and Bokko Hidde up to Ngoshe in which they rescued 17

women and 28 children.

“Similarly, troops of 7 Division Garrison, in a joint operations with 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and Armed Forces Special Forces at Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare, Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja, and Marya in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas rescued 350 people including five Cameroonian girls that were held hostages by the Boko Haram terrists in those areas.

“In a similar operation, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, and Armed Forces Special Forces on 17th February 2016, conducted clearance operations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas in which they rescued 195 persons held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists.”

are hoping that President Muhammadu Buhari will attend that anti-corruption summit in London.

“We expect that there will be some further news on how we can accelerate that process of repatriating the funds. I think we have no intention of holding onto this money, despite some of the reports in the press,” he said.

The envoy, however, said there was the need to extract the commitment of the Federal Government that the money would be judiciously spent when repatriated.

Buhari behind my ordeal, Dasuki tells court Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, yesterday told an Abuja High Court that President Buhari was behind his unlawful arrest and detention without trial since December 29, 2015.

Dasuki, who spoke through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), claimed

that President Buhari unjustly instigated his arrest and detention by the Department of the State Service (DSS) against the bail granted him by three different courts in various criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

He claimed that the President through his comment during the Presidential Media Chat in December 2015 confirmed that he

was “behind his ordeal”.

In a further and better affidavit filed in support of his application before the court, the former NSA claimed that the president betrayed his emotion during the chat when he openly told Nigerians that he (Dasuki) and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the detained director of Radio Biafra would not be allowed on bail because they would jump bail.

Dasuki claimed he had

since been held incommunicado since his re-arrest on December 29 when he perfected the third bail granted him by Justice Peter Affen.

Daudu said: “It is a fact that on December 29, Dasuki perfected his bail conditions and was released from Kuje prison in Abuja but was immediately rearrested and taken to an unknown destination. Up till now, they have not filed fresh charges against him.''

L-R: Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Barnabas Bantex; Governor Nasir el-Rufai and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Shagali, during the signing of the Pension Reform Bill and Task Consolidation/ Codification Bill into Law…yesterday.

Troops rescued 1,890 captives in two weeks – Army Emmanuel Onani

7

PHOTO: NAN.

APC: Nobody knows when economy will pick Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

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he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday said nobody could state precisely when the present economic situation would pick up.

Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke to journalists on the impact of President Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign trip on the economy, said: “I do not think that anybody can give you a date, but

very, very soon. I have no doubt, at all. The President knows what our national issues are; he knows what our problems are, he knows that a lot of it has international connotations.

“A group of the world is fighting to have the most highly industrialised, cheap oil. China want cheap oil because its a manufacturing hub, India want cheap oil and a lot of other countries want cheap oil, which of course is contrary to our own interest because we want good prices for oil so

that we can carry on with our own national development plan.

“So, that is only the tip of the iceberg of what Mr. President is doing trying to talk to those who have an impact in rearranging the international economic realities to change some of the current dynamics that is making the price of oil collapse in such a precipitate manner.”

The APC national chairman, who also spoke on his planned 10-day vacation, debunked the rumours that the meeting held by some

heads of government of the party at the Presidential Villa was for him to proceed on leave for the termination of the office as national chairman of APC. He also stated that for the 16 years the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power, they never fought corruption.

The APC national chairman dismissed the allegations that APC government was interested in decimating the opposition political party by arresting its members on allegations of corruption.

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Man murdered by wife buried

L-R: Hussaini Monguno, Usman Danmallam and Nura Lawal, after they were paraded by the Department of State Service (DSS) over alleged plan to blackmail the Director General of the Services, in Abuja…yesterday

Osogbo

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PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Army arrests 16 kidnappers in Aba

l Suspects comprise teenagers, students and artisans

Victor Mba

T Aba

he Nigeria Army yesterday said it had arrested a16member gang of suspected kidnappers who have been terrorising the commercial city of Aba, in Abia State.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the arrests were made at various locations and forests around the city namely Obuzu, Akpa, Obingwa and Asa from where they launch attack on the residents of the city.

The military recovered from the gang various rifles and ammunitions ranging from shot guns and other sophisticated guns, which they use for their operations.

It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers were

made up of teenagers, students and artisans.

Two of the suspects, Messrs Ekema Nwaya and Temple Okechukwu, allegedly confessed that they were students of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State and Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, Imo State respectively.

According to them, they were lured into the criminal act by friends who allegedly enticed them with the proceeds from kidnapping.

The leader of the gang, Ikemba Okechukwu (alias last minute), said the gang abducted a woman and kept her until her relatives paid handsome ransomed, which he shared to his members according to job done during

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME NWAJAGU: I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE OGECHUKWU IMMACULATA CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAJAGU OGECHUKWU IMMACULATA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. The public should please take note.

AROME I formerly known as IBRAHIM AROME now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON JOSHUA AROME. All former documents remain valid. Julius Berger and the general public to take note.

BOTIMI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS HAPPINESS OMIELA NEVERDIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HAPPINESS BOTIMI. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

OMOLAYO

AGBO

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS OGODO NKEMDIRIM LYNDA now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. AGBO NKEMDIRIM LYNDA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. Access bank Plc, UBAbank Plc, Ecobank Plc, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Ezza South Local Government Area and the general public please take note.

EBILAMBO I, GBOUN EBILAMBONUMUGHA do hereby confirm that the name GBOUN EBILAMBO refers to one and same me.

I now wish to be known and addressed as Gboun Ebilambonumugha. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

the operation.

Okechukwu, who said aside from been involved in kidnapping that he also sells hard drugs, prayed that God forgives him while also requesting that security agents give him the last chance to repent from his sins.

The gang leader, who was identified as a native of Ekeapkara, was said to have terrorised the area for a long time and when it became obvious that all eyes were on him, relocated to a forest near Asa.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONI OLAJUWON CHRISTIANAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MOOREOLUWA OLAJUWON CHRISTIANAH All former documents remain valid. General public take note .

ADELEYE

YOUNG I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDO ELO HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. YOUNG ELO HELEN. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT Munazzimatul hikmatil Islamiyyah, Nigeria presents her trustee members as follows:1, Shonubi Dauda Olalekan of 10 Ademosu Street Sabo Sag. Ogun state.

2, Ayorinde Moshood Abolaji of 4, Alli Street Sabo Sag Ogun State 3, Kehinde Tesleem Alimi of E50 Dantagira street sabo Sag Ogun state 4,Ajadi Jamiu Morenikeji of 3, Eleyele street Sagamu Ogun state.Complaints should be sent to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within seven days of this publication

According to him, as a member of the SeventhDay Adventist Church, he decided to confess for God to forgive and grant him full repentance.

Other members of the suspected kidnapping gang include Ekeoma Nwagu, Nnanna Onyebuchi, Akas Aro, Sundat Peters, Obinna Uzodimma, Destiny Ogbonna, Emenike Nwokocha, Chimezie ugomba, Okechukwu Iwejuru, Andrew Emma, Chimere Enyinna and Munachinso Amanna.

he remains of late Mr. Adebayo Oyelowo Ajanaku, who was allegedly stabbed to death by his lawyer wife, Yewande, in Ibadan on February 2 was yesterday buried amid tears as relatives, who graced the ceremony wept uncontrollably where he was entombed.

The deceased who was committed to the mother earth in his country home at 10.45am in Gbongan of Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State threw many sympathisers and close associates into mourning when his corpse arrived St. Paul’s Cathedral Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Oke Osun Diocese of the town in a white casket.

Sighting his casket brought in by pallbearers, relatives and kinsmen of the deceased were cried uncontrollably.

In his sermon, the officiating clergy, Venerable Paul Farotimi, who is the Dean of the Cathedral, said: “Since this unfortunate incident, we have asked the question why did his wife killed him.

Budget defence: Reps c’ttee closes collation of report Philip Nyam Abuja

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he House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation yesterday said it had closed all activities on collation of budget reports from chairmen of sub-committees.

It, however, threatened to take decisions on allocation of funds to Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on which committees failed to present their reports before the Friday deadline.

Chairman of the committee, Abdulmumin Ji-

brin (APC, Kano), who disclosed this while briefing journalists, at the closing of the report collation exercise in Abuja, said since the March deadline remains sacrosanct, the committee must also stick to the Friday ultimatum for presentation of reports.

He explained that committees, which failed to present and submit their report by Friday would have the decision to appropriate for MDAS under their oversight taken for them by the Appropriation Committee which would in turn present same to the House for

£23m

The amount of money spent by Sunderland in the summer 2015 transfer window.

Source: 101greatgoals.com

MOOREOLUWA

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OYEKANMI OJO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARY OMOLAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MUSIBAU ADENEYE now wish to be known and addressed as MUSIBAU ADELEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Why did he go back and sleep in the house after the quarrel had been settled?”

The clergyman charged all and sundry at the occasion to move closer to God and worship him with sincerity of heart.

He said the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is at hand and admonished them not to defer their salvation till tomorrow.

“Life is a stage, we all play our part and leave the stage. Lowo left the stage when the ovation was the loudest. He left as a hero. There are many whys in this life that remained unanswered.

“The death of Ajanaku tells us that we can die at anytime, anywhere and anyhow. We have to prepare to meet our saviour.

Situations like this should make us think about our lives,” he said.

Farotimi, however, appealed to the family of the deceased to “immortalise the name of Oyelowo so that generations yet unborn would know him and his far reaching impacts.”

The remains of the deceased however were interred at the church cemetery after the church service.

Adeolu Adeyemo

final passage.

Jibrin said: “If not that the Senate delayed us for a week, we would have been done with this process before now, and I expected our colleagues to take advantage of that delay by expediting action on their reports, but as it stands, we are likely to take that decision for them.”

Meanwhile, several committees made presentations yesterday including Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness, whose Deputy Chairman, Ali Isah, told the harmonisation committee that they took the initiative of increasing

4%

The percentage increase of Bayern Munich’s brand value of 2015 from 2014.

Source: Goal.com

the budget for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) from N1.3 billion to over N2billion.

He said the increase was necessary due to the agency's cry for adequate fund and therefore appealed for improving appropriation.

He said: “After exhaustive deliberation and harmonisation with the Senate committee, it was agreed that over N900 million be added to the agency due to the peculiarity of its mandate and to enable it meet its responsibility of mitigating disaster and enhance preparedness.”

4.5%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Mauritania in 2011.

Source: Itu.int

Fayose sacks IRS Board, arrests two for racketeering Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

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kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has sacked the state’s Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mr. Isola Akingbade, for alleged fraud running into millions of naira.

The governor, alongside the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Etop James, yes-

terday paraded two racketeers, who had forged the receipts for the collection of the newly introduced Tippers’ Haulage fee.

The two, Omotayo Ojo, a staff of the IRS, and a printer, Mr Akinniyi Akinsola, confessed to perpetrating the act upon interrogation.

They also disclosed some staff of the board were part of the syndicate.

While being interrogat-

ed, Ojo disclosed he had made a profit of N250,000, which he had been doing with “the backing of some powerful few in the board.”

He explained he printed 10 parcels of receipts through which he had been duping the government while collecting N500 rate per trip from tipper owners.

Meanwhile, Fayose has warned that citizens without Permanent Voter Cards

(PVCs) would be denied certain privileges at the point of need.

The governor, who spoke in Aramoko Ekiti, while inaugurating a water reticulation project, said being 18 years and above and not having PVC meant that such citizen offered no civic responsibility to government and would be deemed as unqualified to enjoy from government.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Rev. King returns ‘home’ to die Olalekan Osiade and Juliana Francis

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n what appears to be a preparation for the return of Reverend King to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos, where he is likely to be executed as ordered by the Supreme Court, the gaol now has a new hangman, who might be saddled with the responsibility of putting the halter on the clergyman’s neck.

The new hangman, Saturday Telegraph learnt, is not a warder as the case used to be, but a prison official that was drafted from another de-

King

9

…as Kirikiri Prison gets new hangman ‘Preacher worshipped by inmates, had sex in prison’ partment.

This is as prison officials revealed to Saturday Telegraph how the condemned preacher lived a splendid life despite being incarcerated, how he was worshipped by inmates and also had sex in confinement.

“King did a lot of things in Kirikiri that made them remove him and he was relocated. But his last act was that he had sex

Inmates put photos of Reverend King in their cell and they were worshipping him. We later got to know that they were financially induced

in prison. Some prison officials were accused while some were even punished. You know King had a wife and a kid, so they hid under that pretext that his wife was visiting.

A lady came and visited him in prison; they arranged a special room for him and the lady to have sex.

“He had sex in prison and prisoners worshipped him; he turned a lot of them into his disciples, because they were influenced and cajoled with money and material things, especially those that were living meagrely.

Even some warders were cajoled.

“Despite the fact that pictures were not allowed in prison, inmates put photos of Reverend King in their cell and they were worshipping him. We later got to know that they were financially induced. He enticed members in prison, paying them, in order to cajole the rich and the powerful.

Investigations by Saturday Telegraph revealed that prior to the appointment of the new executioner, there had been a dearth of hangmen in maximum prisons across the country, as people now shy away from the job, which many see as ungodly.

It was gathered that the last executioner in Kirikiri, rather than been allowed to retire, was relieved of his job, because he became alcoholic, apparently due to resentment for the job.

“The man turned to alcohol as his companion; he became a drunkard and was removed from the job. He was sent away, he did not retire,” a prison source said.

When queried on the age of the new hangman, and whether he is a warder that would be made to move across prisons due to the scarcity of hangmen, the source said: “We don’t use young men for the job, it is an emotional thing. And the new man is not a warder, he is an official, but not in uniform, he is classified. You know, we have other departments where they don’t wear uniforms; some classified people, and those in special departments do not wear uniforms.

However, a retired prison official further explained the role of the hangmen and what brought about the scarcity of people doing the job.

“Every maximum prison, where they perform execution is supposed to have its own hangman. There are other maximum prisons in the country, including that of Maiduguri. In my time, we had about six maximum prisons. The reason is that we don’t inform them ahead of execution, for security reasons, because they are human beings too and they can be influenced.

“They will only be informed a few hours to the execution. You cannot take a hangman from Lagos and transport him to Maiduguri, spending two or three days on the road.

That is dangerous, they can also be influenced, and they can plan with prisoners, you know they are hu-

man beings.

“So, that is why each maxi, as we call the prisons, must have its own hangman. These are classified information, anybody can be bought, and anybody can be used. That was how it was in our time, which is the law.

We cannot inform them ahead, and that is why they were well paid,” the retired official said.

Saturday Telegraph also gathered that senior prison warders were hitherto made to do the job in addition to their primary responsibilities, but in the recent past, the majority of them had rejected the dual role, saying it is emotional and tormenting.

More so, people of the older generation, who were used to carrying out the job, are declining the offer, despite the handsome reward attached to it. While some are opting out because of religious belief, others are of the opinion that death by hanging is no longer fashionable across the globe.

One of the children of a retired hangman, who is now a serving a military officer, told Saturday Telegraph of his late father’s harrowing experience.

“It is not a job for people that have the fear of God. This is a job you do and go home unfulfilled. Every time my father returned home, he was always lamenting, cursing himself, and he eventually died from the trauma.

“How can you put a rope around a fellow man’s neck and you watch him fighting for his life before giving up the ghost. It doesn’t matter whether it is a court ruling or not, it is barbaric, even the United Nations is canvassing for the abolition of capital punishment. Even if he has killed, put him behind bars and let him regret his action for the rest of his life.

“In any case, we have seen many cases of judgements that were later found to be faulty after execution, but the deed can’t be undone because the person is dead. I read in your paper the story of the late Colonel Abdul Wya who was wrongly executed for complicity in the coup against Murtala Muhammed, and a former president later apologised.

How do you placate such family?

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying don’t kill, I am a soldier, I am trained in the art of warfare, but if you must kill, kill decently. Why not just kill him by shooting? Tie him to the stake and shoot or better still, give him poisonous injection or use the electric chair. Those methods are not as torturous as hanging.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have such facilities and we need to change our laws to accommodate the modern trends in the security world. Even in the United States, where they so much love to kill themselves on the streets, most of their states have stopped giving death sentences. And those that are still killing are using less dehumanising methods,” said the son of the retired hangman who craved anonymity.

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Feature

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

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KING

Melodrama from ‘hell’

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo is more popular as Rev. King. His brutal nature was common knowledge. Former members of his Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) affirmed this in their numerous testimonies against him. ISIOMA MADIKE in this report attempts to recapture some of his weird performances that turned him into a tragic jester of sort

R

ev.

King, who at a time called himself Jesus Christ, came to a climax when he was handed a death penalty six years ago. His fate now dangles between the hangman’s nooses. The holy book had predicted the emergence of those who would profess to be “God” themselves. King, also known as “His Holiness,” “Most Honourable”, Rev. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, perfectly fits into this prophecy.

The bearded General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) has his church at Ajao Estate.

He is controversial. Some call him tragic comedian.

Others believe he is much more than that. However, his journey to perdition started on July 22, 2006, when he allegedly set seven of his followers on fire after bathing them with petrol for unproven sin of fornication.

His victims were Ann Uzor, Olisa Chiejina, Onuorah Chizoba, Vivian Ezeocha, Uchechukwu Iwoba, Kosisochukwu Henry and Nwere Jessica. Many, including pathologists, who linked the death of one of the victims, Ann, few days after the horror to the unkind gesture of King, were and are still in shock over such a weird behaviour from a supposed man of God. Jesus, the Christ, could not have done that in His days. The Bible recalled that Christ granted prerogative of mercy to an adulterous woman. It could have been worse in Christ’s time as penalty for such was death by stoning.

King was first detained at the Ikoyi Prisons from where he was moved to Kuje and later transferred to Sokoto Prisons. His trial was as comical as the man himself. Prosecution witnesses, who were mostly his church members, revealed what was never in public domain. They narrated how King turned them to sex toys.

Kelechi, who was the principal witness in the matter, recounted what appalled even the presiding judge. It was a disgusting account, to say the very least. “I aborted four pregnancies for the selfacclaimed ‘god’,” she told the court.

She did not stop there. Kelechi said she denounced her family and attended to King naked while performing her function as his maid. Other witnesses equally painted gory pictures of what transpired in the “kingdom” of hell. They confirmed the fact that King actually set them on fire by pouring fuel on them.

“King gathered us together in his house following allegations that we were committing fornication, a crime we never committed,” they chorused.

Another, Chiejina, told the court how King operated a “Lord Army”, an outfit he said the CPA G.O. used to intimidate and harass members of his church. He took this bravado to the prison. He was said to have conducted church service at a point through telephone from his prison abode.

Little wonder, he was treated specially.

Indeed, King enjoyed privileges as a condemned prisoner, according to prison sources. This may be why other prisoners were angered and revolted against the authorities; they even protested.

There was an unconfirmed report also that he was moved to Kastina Prisons for organising prayer sessions for devotees and causing undue tension while at the Kaduna Prisons. Another unverified source claimed that “the man is just too influential among his adherents. We see different people, both high and low class, visit him for prayers. The prison officials became uncomfortable with this and decided to move King to where nobody can see him.”

While still at the custody of the anti-robbery squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti in Lagos, King, according to the police, exuded the arrogance of an emperor.

Some of his church members scrambled to touch him. Showing no evidence of remorse, the man was once spotted inside Panti Police Station at the time in company with a female member of his church.

This, however, led to a mild drama same day outside the station when he was brought out of his cell for a brief moment. Vivian, one of the victims that escaped the fire was seen crying while walking hand-in-hand with the bearded pastor. The scene attracted prompt condemnation from relations and friends of the fire victims as well as other members of the church who thronged the station in solidarity with the victims. When asked why she had to shed tears for the pastor who set them on fire, Vivian said: “I was shocked and still can’t explain.”

Also at the police station, an army of protesting church members who alleged all manner of abuse by the controversial pastor swamped the premises of the SCID, Panti. They volunteered statements to the police on past injustices suffered in the hands of King. They equally disclosed that King had commit-

Burnt hand of one of the fire victims

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

ted many atrocities in the past.

“The fire case only exposed the whole secret. King is an epitome of all the evil acts he preached for members. We did not know what was happening then.

In fact, we commenced church service from seven in the morning till sometimes eight in the night. And you will be carried away by his preaching,” one of them said.

Yet, there are some diehard followers of King who never saw anything wrong in his actions. Chidozie King is one of such people. He is the one who claimed that it was the media that condemned their “Jesus”. According to him, journalists never looked at the other side of King’s story to establish the truth.

He traced King’s troubles to a man, who, he claimed was a cult member whose wife did not want to follow his evil ways. “She decided to stick to the church that had delivered her from bondage. From that time the man left the church, he started hatching evil plot against Rev. King and the church. He secretly started recruiting some members in the church and promised to give them N2 million each as well as send them to South Africa,” Chidozie affirmed.

He continued: “Long before the incident, one Sunday, in the course of his message, G.O. said, there were some people plotting evil against him and advised them not to waste their time because there is no movement they would

The fire case only exposed the whole secret. King is an epitome of all the evil acts he preached for members

make that he would not know.”

Rev King, Chidozie said, is beyond human. “That is what people failed to understand. What caused the problem was that most people don’t know who Rev. King is. When Jesus came and said He was the Messiah, people started hating Him as they are doing to Rev. King.

They were looking for ways to nail them, and in a way to please the people.

“Nostradamus mentioned Rev. King in his prophesies, and according to Ian Wilson in the Biography of Nostradamus in Century 10, pages 72 to 74 (Century is like a chapter), it reads the year 1999, seven months, from sky will come a great king to bring back to life to the great Mongols… to reign by goodluck.

“Then in the analysis, the Nostradamus scholars said, from the sky will come a great appeaser king, and the year is 1999.

He gave the prophesies about 500 years ago. We, the CPA members know that extraordinary thing happened in 1999 and exactly the seventh month was when the ministry of Rev. King came into existence; CPA as a church was born in July 1999. We now match it with what the book says about the great King and appeaser King.”

In like manner, another loyalist of King, Emeka Dimaka King, also claimed that Rev. King is the Christ that has come for the second time.

According to him, the church is not disturbed over the ordeal of their leader as he would come out glorious.

“The church has not for one day prayed for him.

How can you pray for God? The only thing we do is thank God for his life. Nobody has prayed for him. On February 26, Supreme Court judgement, God knows what to do and no human being will take the glory, it is God,” they both declared.

But now that King’s death sentence has been affirmed, how would these CPA fanatics explained their “Jesus” ending?

Many faces of Rev. King

The church has not for one day prayed for him. How can you pray for God?

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A visit to Christian Praying Assembly

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he Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) is located at 1, CPA Base off Bishop Ojo Drive by Ugo Nnabuife Street, Ajao Estate along OshodiAirport Road, Lagos. The premises locate on a near rough, sandy terrain, adjoining the almost ghetto-like street that is freshly rehabilitated.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting sight to any visitor any day. A lot of such interesting things greeted Saturday Telegraph when its crew visited the church on Friday, February 19. It was just to survey the environment.

When the reporters returned to the church on Sunday, February 21, members were seen around the canal within the neighbourhood in groups, cladding casual robes; others, in very expensive attires stood in circle formation, going through motion of holy ecstasy.

In the centre was a tall bearded man with a Bible in one hand, and a rod in the other. He looked like one of the ancient day’s prophets.

The man was quoting passage after passage of the Holy Bible, posting verbal punches, and casting out lecherous evil spirits, knocking them senseless into the green bowels of the canal besides the street where the church is located.

As he reeled off the word of God with an incredible speed, the devotees encircling him responded with shouts of ‘Amen, Holiness, and Alleluia’, much in the manner of those caught in the terminal throes of death. Some were muttering unintelligible, perhaps, celestial words.

The man, as Saturday Telegraph learnt latter, is one of the elders of the church holding forth in the absence of their pastor, His Holiness, Most Honourable, Rev. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Ezeugo King, who is currently cooling off with the prison officials in Kastina. He is waiting to be hanged having been condemned to death a few months back.

As this was going on, other members of the CPA were conducting their normal service inside the church which occupies a large expanse of land in the area. To avoid being spied, neighbours said, the troubled pastor bought over two uncompleted duplex close to the main church. These were latter converted and currently being used for church activities.

Nothing, however, seemed to suggest that the pastor of this controversial church was in any form of problem. The surging crowd, which neighbours said is a common sight, is suggestive of the large followership the church enjoys.

Generous use of water feature prominently during the church’s miracle service which holds every third Sunday of the month. Sick members and non-members

Christian Praying Assembly PHOTO: DEBORAH MAKOJI

The General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, better known as Rev. King, has been on death row over the alleged murder of one of his church members, Ann Uzor. King, who was reportedly transferred from Kuje Prisons, Abuja, to Kaduna Prisons and later to Kastina Prisons over purported mobilisation of inmates against prisons authorities, waits for the hangman’s noose. ISIOMA MADIKE and DEBORAH MAKOJI, who recently visited his church, report

CPA tantalise their adherents with promises, not of a spiritual cleansing and salvation only but material improvement

King

alike who came for prayers were asked to purchase a bottle of table water each with their names labelled on it.

As the first step preceding the miracle, the sick ones awaiting cleansing were taken to the nearby canal where some invocations were made. Other members were clapping their hands and dancing around in a circular formation for about seven times before dispersing back to the church with their water. This, according to some members, was necessary for the sick person to receive total healing.

Quoting the Bible, another member explained that the use of water for healing has been a practice from the Bible days.

He cited the baptism of Jesus in the water and said that Jesus performed most of His miracles using water.

Another striking feature of the church is the sight of bearded male members looking exactly like Rev. King. All the worshippers wear aprons, which displayed King’s portrait as a mark of identity.

But people in the neighbourhood described King as evil rather than a true man of God. “It’s everyday process of supplica-

tion, praying and worshipping by members. What they worship we do not know.

But, it looks more like a cultic gathering,” the neighbours said.

Some former members, who spoke to Saturday Telegraph on condition of anonymity, appear to have become very confused following the incidents that led to the arrest of King. Such members corroborated the position of the neighbours when they told these reporters that their former pastor was demonic.

“The man is not God-send. He is evil, period!” they chorused.

Rev. King has been convicted of murder.

He was said to have ordered the setting ablaze of seven members of his church who were accused of fornication but would neither confess nor admit doing same. The action was said to have been taken in order to exorcise the demonic powers from them.

One of such former member who gave his name simply as Okafor said that King hypnotised members with his evil powers by making them go through some form of initiation or the other in the name of baptism. Okafor confirmed that members were

Members at King's church PHOTO: WWW.AKPOS.NET

flogged in most instances to force them to confess of their fornication and adulterous habits.

A female past worshipper added: “He was Alpha and Omega in the church. He behaved as he pleased and nobody could question his authority. Daddy G.O. as many called him flogged us like schoolchildren and made us go through untold hardship in the name of cleansing of the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immuno Virus (HIV).”

The supposed cleansing of AIDS and HIV, she said, was a popular slogan among members who used it to entice newcomers.

Other neighbours in Ajao Estate described King as evil incarnate. One said, anytime there was a programme in the church, CPA members terrorised residents and attacked them at will before taking them to the church with force in the name of cleansing them of evil powers.

“But, they no longer do that since the man was demystified,” another added.

Part of the fascination with CPA may be due to their mode of worship. Common is the fact that CPA tantalise their adherents with promises, not of a spiritual cleansing and salvation only but material improvement and physical protection from the myriad evil forces stalking the world.

Yet, many are of the opinion that the things happening in King’s church can only be tolerated in a society stretched on the rack of ignorance, disease and poverty.

These are common characteristics of today Nigeria, they say.

The self-styled “Jesus of our time” was arrested following reports that he set some followers – Ann Uzor, Olisa Chiejina, Onuorah Chizoba, Vivian Ezeocha, Uchechukwu Iwoba, Kosisochukwu Henry and Nwere Jessica ablaze about 11pm on July 22, 2006. He allegedly perpetrated the act with fuel obtained from a 25-litre jerry can brought by an unidentified house staff. Ann was later reported to have died from the incident. Incidentally, Saturday Telegraph could not get any of the victims or their families for comments.

On the streets of Lagos, particularly the Ajao Estate area, bearded faces and skin cuts which were the traditional appearance of CPA members when King was in charge, appears to be disappearing rapidly. Though, some diehard supporters of the pastor still go about wearing such look. They see the present situation in the church as an evil persecution that would soon go away.

However, mainstream Christian groups in the country have condemned the troubled CPA leader as a false minister of God. For instance, former national secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Joseph Ojo, described CPA as “a demonic enclave and not a church.”

He said that King “is not a member of PFN and that place is not a church; it is a demonic enclave. Those things they did there were not of God. The Bible does not support such acts. The Bible is very clear on how we need to serve God and that is through Jesus Christ.”

To Ojo, “what happened there is barbaric, satanic, and demonic. It is a true picture of what people who are looking for unqualified miracles can get. Many Nigerians do not care where they go to get miracles; they desire miracles by all means. They do not care what is involved; all they care about is getting miracles.”

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Of masters and devotees B

making efforts to win souls. They don’t also believe in creating earlobes to distinguish men from efore his travails Pastor Chukwuewomen on account that the accessories used to meka Ezeugo’s (Rev. King) influappear glamorous are mostly if not totally idolatry. ence on his devotees was overridIt’s the reason Christians from this denomination ing. Even after he was incarcerated are hardly ever confused with others- they remain and convicted for murder, his control did distinct in the way they dress and speak. not wane or show signs of doing so; at National Missioner, Al- Fathi Quareeb, Sheik some point he was even reputed to be Sulaimon Adangba, a Building Technology graduconducting services from prison. ate, believes unequivocally that clerics must not This influence has manifested in make their faith a livelihood. He preaches that they various forms, for instance the conmust be skilled in other vocations from where they gregants not only spot beards like can earn a blissful financial life. Religious tolerance their revered leader, they also fais prime in the belief of devotees of this sect and vour his well-known bald pate. their dressing isn’t dissimilar from what obtains This underlines the power and around. control such ‘men of God’ This cult-like adulation is however not restricthave over their congregations, ed to religious leaders, it cuts across all spheres of sometimes with devastating existence. consequences.

Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a leader in the Rev. King, the founder of ruling party, All Progressives Congress, boasts Christian Praying Assembly of massive influence in politics. His phenomenal (CPA), has such a gripping sway rise has endeared him to a host of politicians who on his congregants so much that idolise and look up to him for political guidance. in ‘casting out demons’, members Interestingly, before his second term in office as the purportedly submit themselves Lagos State governor, Tinubu’s designer came up to some tortuwith signature embroidery that etched ous flogging.

‘8’ indicating the former governor’s Some of his resolve to spend a coveted eight-year church memminimum in office. Amidst political This cult-like adulation bers have been turmoil, it eventually came to pass. is however not restricted quoted to have All his triumphs made the vast majorto religious leaders, it said; “We don’t ity of his followers to adopt the ‘cap care what many design’. It remains so till date. cuts across all spheres of people think, he Veteran sports analyst, Larry existence is Christ to us.”

Izamoje, is another enigma in this Even in prison, regard. The debonair Izamoje would he’s revered. He later establish one of Nigeria’s most often times sends audio-recorded well-known sports radio stations, Brilla FM and sermon played in the church for his some of his ardent followers with similar talents devotees. It takes such a startling swarmed the organisation to work with Izamoje. influence to keep a congregation who Nearly all his employees on the radio today sound kneels down as punishment for arriving exactly like him. This replication is so intense that church late nearly 10 years outside the pulpit except one is discerning, one would never be able especially in a country where some ministry’s to spot the difference. Such is the influence Izamoje vigorously intensify efforts to woo potential wields. members to churches, even the A-list ones.

Late Yoruba sage, Obafemi Awolowo, still has Of course, a death sentence is hanging on a startling sway on South-West politicians and the the cleric, his devotees after the 2007 verdict feat has been sustained for long. ‘Awoists’ believe believe it’s his own time to face persecution in his political ideology, poise, dress sense and even as Christ did, but that he’d come out of it trigesticulations and even now, nearly 30 years after umphant. Such is the might of a staggering his demise, they still apply this. It’s the same reason physical, spiritual and emotional influence his signature cap, his ‘double-finger gesture’ and on a people. One area of this manifestation as his political styles have refused to go out of fashion. alluded is the desire to emulate the leader in His is the true expression of the power of influence. virtually everything.

Sheik Ibraheem Zakzaky, the leader of Shi’ite, Also, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi Founder of a an Islamic sect, also wields so much influence church, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has among people of his faith. This played out in the most of the ministry’s congregants preach just face-off his devotees had the army recently with like him. Pastors and evangelists from the church devastating consequences. He controls his sphere mimic his intonation and whether you’re home or of influence in such a manner that suggests he’s got abroad; preachers from this church are easily reca caliphate under his control. And for him and the ognised by how they deliver their sermons when faith, Shi’ite would sacrifice their lives.

Lanre Odukoya

King

Awolowo

Tinubu

Zakzaky

Izamoje

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F

Biyi Adegoroye our many weeks prior to May 27, 2006, the Christian Praying Assembly,(CPA), a novel church with weird pattern of worship located within Ajao Estate in Lagos, was in the news – albeit for the wrong reasons. First was a litany accusation of high handedness by its leader, charismatic Rev Emeka Ezeugo, also known as Rev. King. Then some of his members and residents of the host community raised alarm over what they described as a culture of adultery and violence.

To residents and landlords in the area, rather being peaceful neigbours, members of the church and their iconoclastic leader have created for themselves knowingly or unknowingly the image of civil disturbance, violence, fear and alleged bloodletting. Their leader, Rev King, a native of Achina in Anambra State is a Psychology graduate of the …

University, is highly revered and deified by all members. The bearded, athletic man with charming smile mesmerizes his followers who described himself as the Jesus Christ of our time.

He commanded unmatched cult loyalty and followership among his converts, such that they consider their lives of no consequence as far as His Holiness, Rev. King is concerned. Usually very vociferous, the sect’s members deify their leader, dressing like him, keeping their beards long and sometimes bushy and shaving their head to the skull in the fashion of the pastor-even as they paste his posters on their cars. Some have even adopted ‘King’ as their surnames. Former members of the church said he told them he is God, he is invincible. “We served him as God, because he told us he was God.” His passion for affluence is manifested in his exotic cars surrounded in most cases by a convoy of heavily built security men dressed in suit who trail him as he made his daily drive out of the community to his office. Such occasions were not without some skirmishes as violence often broke out as the highly deified leader, His Holiness, Rev. King’s outriders sometimes inflicted injuries on unfortunate passers-by who have the misfortune of crossing the road at the same time with ‘His Holiness.’ One of the guards said such other road users should have exhibited some reverence by doing some form of obeisance often accorded some monarchs. Incidentally, most times the leader who is always hidden behind the wall tinted glasses and security aides, is said not to even know what is happening on the road.

Residents of the Ajao Estate base of the church have upped the complaints.

They now alleged that when church members are not throwing corpses from the church into the canal, they are inflicting bodily harm on passers-by. They cited the case of a woman who attended her daughter’s wedding there once and who said she was shoved and confined to her city for hours for daring to use the lavatory when the pastor had already mounted the pulpit for his sermon which sometimes, last for nine hours! . The apprehension reached a disturbing level in December last year when land lords and residents of Ajao Estate wrote a petition to the police to address problem. In a petition to Zone II command of the police, Onikan, they sought police intervention in calling Rev King to order and warning him seriously over, alleged ‘’killing, maiming, harassment and punishment of innocent people in the neighbourhood.

The petition dated December 7, 2005, also complained of the carefree attitude to neighourhood sanitation and general disregard for constituted authority, including the local police formation. The community’s petition noted that a complain have been lodged against King and

When church members are not throwing corpses from the church into the canal, they are inflicting bodily harm on passers-by tered – particularly the top notches.

A wife of a former member of the House of Representatives from Orlu area of Imo State once told this writer about an ugly sight she saw in the church. She narrated how a young lady was almost stripped naked on the orders of the men of God sometime last year. The woman who attended the church service said trouble started when the officiating priest mentioned right from the pulpit that the young lady was involved in a damaging gossip about him.

“I have forgiven her. But she has to leave the church this minute,” he was quoted as saying. While on her way out, the Priest who seemed to be experiencing a mood swing at that point was said to have asked: “Will you allow the person who spread that kind of gossip about your Pastor to leave like that?”

That was all that was need for the irate church members to descend heavily on the lady, tearing her dress into shreds.

Reverend King

The story of a sex god his sect at Ajao Estate Police Station on several occasions and at Zone II and the SCID, Panti, and that nothing came out of it.

“We are pleading with all lawful authorities in Lagos State to treat as a matter of urgency, and invite this man and warn him seriously. We are tired of his members’ hooliganism, killing, maiming, and every other bad things they engage in. We have resolved to spit fire for fire, but we will not like to put laws into our hands. But if the authorities fail to handle the matter, then we shall chase him and his followers away from the neighbourhood,” the petition said.

Beating and corporal punishment Sometime last year, a senior church authority allegedly ordered the beating of a pregnant woman. Her offence is yet to be ascertained, but few days later, the woman died.

A food vendor near the church was said to another victim. She was beaten black and blue and pushed out of the church naked for allegedly speaking ill of the GO sometimes later. She was sent packing from her shop by the GO’s loyal-

ists, whether that was with the express permission of the GO remained to be ascertained. Many people in the area now live in the fear suffering the same fate.

Four persons were beaten up along Bishop Ojo Street, near Chivita Food Drinks sometime last year over their failure to clear off the road while the GO’s convoy was moving. The GO’s goons were allegedly baffled that the young men failed keep off or at best do obeisance when they sighted the GO’s convoy. The matter was said to have been reported at Ajao Police Division but nothing came out of police investigations. The church leaders invited shunned police invitation To confirm our reports, you can detail some security men to the church vicinity, particularly when the service is going on.

The men to be drafted to the church must be armed to avoid another case of killing.

But rather than check the excesses of his members, the church leader and the sect are said to have become even deadlier. They court the friendship and allegedly enjoyed the romance with the local law enforcement people that mat-

Kidnap and adultery cases But if the residents’ petition is the only evidence of a relationship gone sour between CPA and its host community, other proofs abound to the existence of other allegations. Two cases of adultery and kidnap are hanging on Reverend King in two courts in Lagos. As early as March 2006, a businessman, Edwin Akaugbe, told a Lagos High Court that King was having an affair with his wife, Ebele. One was not miffed that the allegation came from Edwin, who is also a leader of Grace Ministry in the church.

In an affidavit, Edwin, who had resigned his membership of the church, said trouble started in her 13 years old marriage when Rev King started having an adulterous affair with his wife.

He even instructed her to abscond from the house. “I had to protest against that before the self-styled man of God.” The case of the kidnap of his five children against King and one Pastor Eze is pending before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate Court. Instead of responding to the allegations, his wife has opted for the dissolution of their marriage.

A former General Manager in the NNPC, had a similar experience is one man who would not forgive King. In an encounter with me at the office of the deputy commissioner of police, SCID, Panti in 2006, the man looking a ghost of his old self said: “Editor, that Bastard destroyed my marriage. He brainwashed my wife, made her a pastor and mesmerized her to leave me. My wife left with two of my cars.”

Another former minster in the church, who served there for upwards of five years, Uche, a native Aguata local government of Anambra State, had a worse experience. He said his slept with not only his wife, but also his sister in-law, Kelechi whom the Pastor made a reverend. King was said to have had sex with the married woman feigning divine direction.

Sometimes, he told them any child emanating from such intercourse would be like Christ, asking the women- “or don’t you want to have a child like Christ? Expectedly, they acquiesced in their gullibility.

Earlier published in 2006.

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N O P U E S O L CNOAKU ANYADIKE U OST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA, 2015 M

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At some point, I wanted to sell tomatoes on the streets

Despite having no boys, the father of Unoaku Anyadike must be so proud of his five beautiful daughters. Unoaku, the last child, is the current Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN). Though adding Miss World Beauty pageant to her honours would have engendered an out of this world feeling, the 21-year-old lady is not bothered by the setback. In an encounter with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, the adorable beauty queen shares her experience at the world stage, motivation in life and desire to live a meaningful life.

How did you feel winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant?

It was a happy moment for me because it was like a dream come true. I have always wanted to be part of it.

What particular qualities gave you the crown?

Aside from my beauty, being smart, intelligent and having God on my side basically gave me the crown.

Without God, I would not be near winning the crown no matter how beautiful I am.

Your parents and loved ones must be very proud of your accomplishment?

Yes they are Why did you put in for the pageant?

Nobody influenced me; the truth is that I have always wanted to do it at some point. I have been involved in pageants right from my secondary school days. I took part in a pageant while I was in Queens College, Yaba, Lagos and I emerged as the second runner-up. At the University of Ibadan too where I studied psychology, I took part in Miss UI competition in my 100 level and I was the first runner-up. So, having the experience I decided to take it to the next level, which was going for MBGN. I even put in for MBGN in 2014 and I was selected to be part of the 36 ladies to contest for the crown, but my examination clashed with the pageant so I didn’t go to the camp with them. I was supposed to represent Lagos State in 2014, but I opted

Instyle Sexy in Lingerie © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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out and decided to try again last year.

It was a tough decision, but you see every disappointment is a blessing. If I had gone in 2014, it is possible I wouldn’t have won. God’s time is the best, this is my belief. I went last year and I got the crown.

Being the most beautiful in Nigeria is massive and I want to believe certain things must have changed about you. Has the crown changed anything?

I am more self-conscious now because everyone is looking at me and I have a lot of people who see me as their role model. Right now, I am trying to be a better person; I meet different people every day and I have interactions with different people too. It is a whole new life for me, it has put me above my normal self. I need to keep up with that and I need to get the best out of it. It is not just about wearing the crown; you need to give back to the society. Though it is a new life for me, I am loving every bit of challenge that comes with it.

How do you intend to impact the society?

You do that in whatever way you want to do it. My pet project is on edometriosis, a disease that a lot of people don’t know about. I am trying to create awareness so that young girls who are affected get to know about it. I am also helping the less continued on page 16

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'I’m enjoying the challenge of being Most Beautiful Girl' C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 5

privileged in my own little way; I have always been involved in that even before MBGN. I did a lot of charity during my undergraduate days.

You once visited the Ooni of Ife, how do you view the young king?

He is a great person everyone should want to meet. He is intelligent and you would enjoy having a conversation with him. He can inspire you and motivate you to be a better person.

I visited him on a courtesy call.

Do you intend to work with your degree at all?

Nothing happens to my course of study. I graduated from school last December and I am going for the compulsory National Youth Service this year. I plan to continue with my masters afterwards. I use psychology in my everyday life. As the most beautiful girl, studying psychology has been helpful because it is not something you just need while in school or working; it is your life and everything you set out to do.

Given your beauty, you should be tired of advances from men?

I come from a very good family, we are upright and focused. My father is very supportive and once you come from the right background, you do what is right no matter the advances you get from men. So even though a billion men are chasing me, it changes nothing in me or how I relate since my foundation is solid. I have nothing to worry about.

Who do you look up to among the exbeauty queens?

I look up to Agbani Darego; she is one of my role models. She is my role model not because of her beauty alone, but because I think she handled her position very well. You would agree with me that people still reckon with her till date.

cause I still want to be a global brand. I want people to be able to say I had a positive impact on lives and the society at large. I want to be known as a renowned psychologist and I want to help children improve their lives. I definitely still have a lot of things I desire to achieve. There is a path and I am following the path.

People shouldn’t get tired of me because they would still hear a lot about me.

It must be disappointing you didn’t win?

I wasn’t disappointed I didn’t win Miss World, it was an event that only one girl could win. You shouldn’t expect over 100 people to collect one crown. I was not disappointed at all, I took it in good fate and I was elated I had the chance to represent my country.

Most ladies are fond of using their English names; why did you stick with your native name?

Since I was born, my name had always been Unoaku Anyadike so I don’t see reasons I should change it because I am going for a pageant or because I am the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. My name will always be Unoaku Anyadike; it can only change when I get married and my surname changes. My parents had always called me that, my friends and loved ones call me Unoaku. I am an Igbo girl; I am proud of my native name and where I am from. However, I have English and Yoruba names because my mother is Yoruba. My Yoruba name is Temitope.

Do you have a major cooking blunder?

What would I say is my cooking blunder? Nobody is perfect I agree but I am trying hard to think. I sincerely cannot think of anyone right now.

What would you settle for if you were not a psychologist or a model?

I’d probably be a medical doctor.

How is your boyfriend handling the attention you are receiving?

What makes you think I have a boyfriend? There is no boyfriend; I am waiting for God’s time.

Was being a doctor your childhood dream?

No, it wasn’t my childhood dream.

To be honest with you, as a child I just wanted to do buying and selling; I wanted to go into trade. I was always fascinated by all those women that sell tomatoes on the streets; at some point I wanted to sell tomatoes too. That is what I wanted to do as a child, I still remember that very well. But as I grew up I got interested in psychology and I decided to study it.

Were you born and raised in Lagos?

No, I was born and raised in Ile Ife, Osun State. That is where I live, that is where my parents stay.

What are the qualities your ideal man must possess?

Once you are God fearing, understanding and hardworking, I am cool with you.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is when you reach the peak of whatever you set out to do, when you get to the top.

Where will you like to have your honeymoon?

Why my honeymoon? Why not a vacation? A place I would like to visit for my vacation would probably be Paris or Israel. I am cool with any of the two places. These are places I would love to see; I believe they are beautiful places because I have seen pictures and I have

You are not mindful of his look?

He should be handsome obviously but being handsome is not the number one criterion. God, understanding and hardworking all come first even though I want a good-looking man.

You must be familiar with Senator Ben Murray-Bruce being the founder of MBGN, what do you think of him?

I said it on stage during his 60th birthday celebration at Eko Hotel and Suites recently that he is a great man. He inspires you to go beyond your limit and he knows how to motivate people to keep working hard to reach their goals.

Are your siblings as beautiful as you?

Yes they are very beautiful; we are five girls, I don’t have a brother. I am the last child, two of my sisters are married while the other two are still single. One of my elder sisters was into modelling at some point but not anymore.

Anyadike

heard a lot about them. I’d love to visit the places and experience what they have.

What are your aspirations in life?

This is just the starting point for me be-

You represented Nigeria at the world pageant; how did that make you feel?

It was a great feeling. It is an opportunity that every girl who is involved in pageantry would want to have and it was a great experience for me. It was held in China in December 2015. Even though I arrived China late, I still had a good time.

What did you learn at the Miss World?

Everyone came from different countries and backgrounds so you had to appreciate what the other girl had to offer. You needed not to look down on anybody and you had to embrace the cultures and beliefs of others basically.

Once you come from the right background, you do what is right no matter the advances you get from men. So even though a billion men are chasing me, it changes nothing in me or how I relate since my foundation is solid The Anyadikes

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Instyle 17

Sexy in lingerie

Deborah Makoji

T

he first ever Nigerian lingerie designer Felix Aaron hosted 2016 Feron Lingerie Fashion Show recently in Lagos. This exclusively VIP event tagged the art of seduction had all strappings of glamour and was attended by some of Nigerian hottest celebrities, OAP and beautiful models.

It is amazing how certain fashion tradition goes out of vogues, before now it was a nighttime tradition for many ladies to don their lingerie before heading to bed especially the newly married ones, but overtime this tradition that many held in high esteem gradually disappeared.

Nigerians relax and get ready for bed in just anything they can lay hands on these days, you easily find wives sleeping in shorts, wrapper, singlet,

boxers, and many even prefer going to bed naked for the fact that they find it the most comfortable.

When you find your husband paying little or no attention to you, then you should sense that there is something you are not doing right.

Always remember there are different clothes to wear for different activities and of course, sexy lingerie is the perfect choice for sleep, swim, love and sex. The lingerie collection consists of night gowns, bikinis, swimsuits, pants and bra. Just rush to the nearest shop and stock your wardrobe with some sexy lingerie and watch that special man in your life coming back. Lingerie are magical apparel with the ability to spice up romance effortlessly. The more colourful and transparent they are the more romantic. Many ladies make statements with them and they have been proven

to spice up romance in the bedroom.

Tips •Night wears are special clothes to wear to bed, they make you sleep comfortably but ensure you opt for loose form and size that will relax the body.

•Lingeries either in pant, swim suits, night wears or bra come in different fabric such as cotton, linen, flannel, silk, satin, yoga, sponge, nylon and fishnet opt for the fabrics you find most comfy but don’t be afraid to play with colours.

•They are designed in different shapes and sizes to suit different weather conditions; this apparel is worn by different people for diverse reasons, choose the design that defines your style.

18 Instyle

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

Acc e s s o r i e s to l i v e f o r

Keep it trendy with nude sandals Deborah Makoji

T

here is nothing more comfortable than wearing sandals. Many women feel that this will make them look frumpy and less elegant but that is not true because nude sandals are often more elegant and can be flattering for your overall appearance. It is very smart and hip when properly paired, and one good thing about women sandals is that it can be combined with almost all outfits. They come in a variety of styles and colours and there is no limit to what you can achieve with nude hue sandals. It is simply classy and elegant as it pampers your feet while keeping you trendy.

Nude hue heels sandals have been in vogue for long and have r e -

fused to go out of trend because of its ability to effortlessly transform an ordinary outfit to a stunning one. You can use them as a neutral background to a bright, patterned outfit.

Call it a royal seal of approval if you wish, but nude sandals haven’t gained sell-out status for nothing. They create an extra-long leg lengthening effect and make for an instant refresh on already black courts.

However, it’s important that you buy the right kind and size of shoes that define your style as wrong shoes size can make you look sloppy.

Tips •More is not more when it comes to shoes. Invest in quality shoes and stick to good quality leather whenever possible.

•It can be paired with every outfit but make sure you buy nude sandals that are comfy enough for you to walk in.

•When your outfit is very basic and simple, opt for trendier shoes to give the outfit a bit more of a young and hip vibe.

•Although you will often match your shoes with one of the colours of your clothes, such rule is not applicable when dealing with nude hue. As the name implies, it is a new black that can be paired with any outfits.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

MY STYLE Big Brother Africa’s (BBA) star Melvin Oduah speaks with Deborah Makoji about his special chain and more.

Instyle 19

My special chain is indispensable –Melvin

You appear so unique in style, what will you say is your fashion sense?

Like I always say, I love to hit that thin line between simplicity and being fashionable. My style is simple but fashionable.

Who is your best designer?

Nike and Yomi Casual.

What will you never be caught wearing?

Skirts

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

I am someone who loves appearing simple, you will find more of casual outfits in there.

Which accessories appeal to you the most?

Chains and watches

Do you consider any fashion item indispensable?

Yeah, a special chain I got as a gift from someone special, that's my indispensable fashion item.

How easily do you get your fashion items in Nigeria?

Quite easily. I have specific places where I go for shopping in Nigeria.

What determines the kind of outfits you wear?

My mood at that particular point in time and the occasion that I am going for.

What is your ready to go outfits?

Shirts and Jeans When it comes to fashion, will you say your physique works to your advantage?

Yeah, to some extent, it does.

How do you love your shoes?

I love a nice range of shoes. Shoes I can wear with my outfits. Corporate shoes, casual shoes, designer shoes among others. I love timberland boots a lot.

What is your signature perfume?

I can't say specifically, but I love a lot of them.

While shopping, which fashion item catches your fancy?

Nice shoes catch my fancy easily.

If given the opportunity to change one part of your body, what will that be?

No part. I love every part of my body the way they are.

What was the feeling like representing Nigeria at the Big Brothers?

It was an awesome feeling. The fact that you represented your country outside is a very good thing and I’m glad I did.

Looking at the entertainment in Nigeria, would you say the government has done enough for the industry?

I really think the government can do more. Entertainment has helped our economy to a reasonable extent and I believe it can help even more. Look at how entertainment (Hollywood especially) helps the USA. That too can happen here.

Beauty

Lemon juice remedy for itchy scalp Deborah Makoji

D

o you often have to scratch your itchy scalp? This can be embarrassing in public, and cause a lot of discomfort and even hair loss.

An itchy scalp not only causes discomfort, but can also be embarrassing. It is caused by dandruff, dry scalp, unhygienic hair conditions, improper diet, stress, sebaceous cysts, lice fungal and vital infections.

Treating itchy scalp can be as easy as picking up a bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo from your grocery store or pharmacy.

But many of these shampoos contain potentially harmful ingredients and don’t necessarily treat the underlying cause of the dandruff.

There are many ways you can treat an itchy scalp without spending a lot of money. You can use lemon juice to treat it. Lemons can do all sorts of magical things including helping heal your scalp. The antiseptic properties in lemon juice can help ease itchy scalp, it is

particularly useful when dealing with dandruff.

Tips •Try pouring or spraying some fresh lemon juice on your scalp, you can dilute it with water if the problem is mild. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse it out. You can use this remedy daily.

•You can simply apply fresh lemon juice thoroughly on the scalp. Leave it on for five minutes and then shampoo your hair. If you do not have dandruff, dilute the lemon juice in water.

•Alternately, you can mix lemon juice with yogurt and apply it on your scalp for a few minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat at least daily until itchiness and dryness disappears.

Melvin

Facts After its modern debut, the bikini was banned in Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Australia, and it was declared a sin by the Vatican.

Up until the 19th century, children were dressed as miniature adults.

Up until the 19th century, children were dressed as miniature adults.

A woman was arrested in Boston in 1907 for wearing a formfitting one-piece on the beach.

20 Interiors

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

Create a focal point with traditional area rug Deborah Makoji

E

veryone wants a beautiful room, and using creativity to change decor to make it look new and comfortable is important for every house. Floor covered with rug as complementary accessories with traditional area rug is an easy way to give your room a new and beautiful look.

The easiest way to keep your home warm and cosy is to add decorative rugs on your spaces. But like any interior designer will tell you, not all rugs will make your home cosy, warm and welcoming.

Rugs help enhance the beauty of rooms where they are set up and this fact is known to all’; be it the sitting room, the bathroom, or the office, these woven rugs help to enhance the place they are put up in.

Area rugs are kind of simple rug design which is put on the middle of the room; they are generally available in small sizes and are not large enough to cover up large areas of floor space. They are available in different shapes such as square, rectangular and circle.

They have the ability to make a room look more luxurious and cosy. They come in different patterns such as braided, hand knotted, tufted and woven to make plain floor look beautiful.

Area rugs are designed to be the focal point in the room while others are made to be the accent piece. Area rugs are often used to decorate the rooms and add a touch of life to the floor. It is an interior fashion statement that banks on the theory of layering to add a

dash of colour and warmth to homes. They have the potential to deck up all the types of floorings and aside from cushioning, comfort and artistic values, they are great for soundproofing and insulation as well.

Tips Machine washable area rugs are best suited for spaces which receive high traffic, moisture and pollution.

For square shaped rooms, round shaped rugs help in softening the space; round rugs does not need large space in the room; it will look even elegant when it is put in the living room.

The look of a round room is accentuated with a round rug. Placing rectangular rugs alongside the bedroom furniture is a great way to make the room feel cosy and full of life in addition to being the focal point.

Experimenting with shapes and textures that are inspired by nature is a novel idea to brighten up the outdoor area, for example a yellow area rug can light up the hard floors polished black or white, walnut, oak, maple or birch.

Rugs should be used as the focal point of a room.

Bold patterns with lots of layers on small rugs make the room appear larger.

Rugs can be chosen in solids, patterns and textures in sync with the dĂŠcor.

The quality and price depends on the material, construction time and the talent of the weaver.

Spills should be cleaned immediately by blotting.

They should be vacuumed regularly.

The washable rugs should be washed regularly.

An annual professional cleaning is a must to prevent microbial growth and molds.

Choose dark colours over brighter ones

or blend both bright and light hues to avoid colour blocking and too much light.

Always remember that with woolly area rugs, you will have to maintain high hygiene standards. You will have to air the area rug at least twice every month and vacuum it every week to chase out fleas and other pests that hide in it.

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

Seun Ajayi:

I’ve gone a full year without jobs

p.23

Showbiz

Psquare risks losing N240m Globacom deal

21

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9ice: 4 kids aren’t enough for me Abolore Akande a.k.a. 9ice in this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA speaks about what he’s been doing with his career, children, politics and why it took him so long to clear the air on the controversy surrounding his song, Once Beaten, Twice Shy. Recently you celebrated your birthday, will you say at that age you have achieved a lot career wise?

Well at that age I will say I have not even started at all, if success means been the president of Nigeria, if success means having even N1 billion in your account, if success means having a hundred albums, if success means having Grammies, if success means been a grandfather. You know success can mean so many things to so many people so I will say I have not really started at all.

You said something about coming home with the Grammy, do you still bear that hope?

Hope ‘93 still exists till date even though the guy that carried the hope is dead people still carry after it him and that is why we celebrate June 12. I am very much hopeful that by the special grace of Allah, I will definitely bring home the Grammy.

What is this thing about you been proverbial with your choice of words in most of your songs?

You know Nigerians like one thing, once they like one formula don’t change it, if you change it you are in trouble, if they like garri, they can drink that garri from January to December, but once they don’t have the garri, they complain.

So for me, probably if it is in America you can see someone who is a R&B artiste who raps, he will do this; he will do that, people will appreciate him more but in this part of the world once they know you with a particular thing you stick to it, and they will love you for it.

What really inspired your kind of lyrics?

I have listened to songs from talented acts like King Sunny Ade, Pasuma, Wasiu Ayinde, 2Face Idibia amongst others and all kind of music and you phantom that there is one thing lacking, generation stems toward our own era and you found out that all generations don’t want to listen to them, you will be wondering what is the meaning of all this nonsense songs they listen to. Why don’t they try and listen to the kind of music they sing? So, I try and formulate that into the kind of music I do, to attract them and glory be to God today, old papa and old mama like our music and they dance to it.

Which would you regard as the best of all your songs?

That will be ‘’ANYTIME’’ because it’s a personal experience, is a song that describes my life experience in five or three minutes and is a song that I try as much as possible to touch every part of my life, every experience that have had in just a bit and pieces, to me it makes a lot of sense and that’s the song I tag as the best.

What was growing up like for you?

It was difficult, it was hard, it was almost impossible to live, when we ‘chop eba’ in the morning, drank garri in the afternoon, we didn’t ask for dinner; we just went to bed like that. There are parents, but there was no much they could do.

You know you can’t even blame them even if you do, when you are a father or a parent you will realise or understand what it is to be a parent. You can imagine sometimes I pay my children’s fees late and sometimes I call the school and plead with them till next term. So, it’s challenging to be a father or a parent. It’s when you wear the shoes that you’ll know where they hurt. So, I can say thanks to my mum and dad for them to have been able to do the little they did. Life was very hard, but today I say glory be to God almighty.

You sound deeply passionate about your mum; do you have some uncommon experiences with her?

Actually, she is my stepmum but she is the one that I

know as my mum, she was the one that if you talked about food, if you talked about how to provide shelter, she was the one to beat, when our dad went out in the morning and came at night and sometimes he came home with nothing, I would have eaten breakfast and lunch, it would be up to her for dinner. She was a role model and more than a mother to me. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

How are you enjoying fatherhood?

If I want to live tomorrow I think that is the only thing that will make me to stay alive till another day, I think there is nothing else, but when you have kids you want to be there for them to go through their school, to go through the trouble, to get married, and to start raising their family.

But sometimes because of the situation, some persons will not want to raise chil- 9ice and family dren. However, when you think about the joy and so many other things surrounding it you will have a second thought.

What is the lesson you learnt in combining music with politics?

One of the things I learnt is to stay humble, to be true to oneself and believe that what one does today determines one’s tomorrow. There are some artistes that cannot contest for an election, it’s not that they don’t want to, but they won’t and this is not because they are not popular. But they will not dare come for an election because of the kind of music they do, probably because of what they stand for. I for instance never thought of running for an election, I just saw myself contesting for an election. All I wanted was to go to school and be a lawyer, settle down with my family and raise my kids and also fight for the less privileged. But what really prompted the politics in me was that we had seen professors who failed woefully and academics- some who schooled in Cambridge University, Harvard University and with first class degree, but they still later failed. I have realised that it is not the academic background that matters, it’s not the exposure that matters, you can be there (in politics) as a farmer who doesn’t have more than WAEC certificate and that is why you have advisors on politics, on trade, entertainment, you pay them because they went to school for it. If the people in Bariga are complaining of water, I would call one of my advisers who was trained in that area to have a brainstorm on possible solutions. What I need to have as a credential is good conscience that on behalf of my people I will deliver, the money in my care will be used accordingly, on behalf of my people I will do what they want. That is the man we need, we don’t need an academic, all we just need is a man with the good conscience. The best bet for politics is to make it unattractive and make it less financially rewarding.

What major lesson did you pick from your last political

race?

My perspective is this; don’t promise what you cannot do. If you are running for the post of the president don’t come out and promise I will give you light, water, good road, agriculture will be wonderful, food will be plentiful; don’t do that. If you know you are going to be the president of Nigeria from January to December and you are going to fix the roads, if the amount is more than what is needed to provide water, do the roads and you will win. Run your manifesto well, set priority right, and come in and tell them road is my paramount aim and after the four year, there will be road everywhere but water might not be that feasible.

What makes Fashola popular is good road. Water wasn’t that available; security was average.

Are you going to rerun in the next election?

Definitely When do we get to see another album from you?

We are planning another album very soon, but what we are concentrating on right now is single after single because the market has changed, gone are those days when you make money from albums, now you make money from singles, you can release one single and get endorsed with this bar, just one single, through the one song you can get shows.

So, why do you want to release an album that people can go on the internet and download on their own? It is like waste of energy, resources, and talent. Now people work on singles and after making money on them, they pack them together and process them into an album, that way, you won’t lose.

So why do I want to release a new album whereby instead of people to buy (people want to buy, don’t get me wrong), there will be one boy in the corner with a laptop sharing the song to the world at the detriment of my own career. That

Continues on page 20

22 Showbiz

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9ice: 4 kids aren’t enough for me C o n t i n u e s f r o m pa g e 1 9

is why you don’t see artistes release album rather they do singles.

So are you tilting towards releasing an EP? Am not doing EPs, I will just be doing singles promotion, shoot the video, let people be aware of the song then when the time comes, maybe when I have gathered like 20 singles, I will package them and release as an album.

A lot of your colleagues have delved into acting and one will believe an act like you who is rich in African culture would have featured in one or produce one, are you thinking towards that direction too?

I have about 10 scripts for a movie that I wrote myself, but that industry is a different ball game for someone coming from music to acting. It is so easy for someone coming from movie to music. If I’m doing movie now, first I will look at how much I’m investing, how much will I get back, what would I have conquered at the end of it. Now, I think it is even getting better now, I think most of the movies now are not done on CDs anymore. Movies are being taken to cinema and you go there to see them. After taking a movie to every cinema, how much will I realise then? Am I getting a Grammy or Oscar for it? Why will I want to go through that stress?

The end of 2015 rounded off with industry ‘beef’ then 2016 opened up with lots of it in the entertainment industry, will you say beef is good for the industry?

From my angle beef is meat, it is just if you want to eat it or not. It is a tool which

people can use either to drag attention to another person, or bring attention to themselves, so it has been a game for a long time.

What is your reaction when you read negative stories about yourself?

Before now, I used to feel terrible, I used to feel like let me just see the person and beat him. But after a while, I think now if one week goes by and nobody talks negative about me, I will check myself. It has become a part of me. So, now when people say bad thing about me I will just listen to what they are saying. (If it is on social media platform), what angle he is from, did he create the account because of me, how many people is he following? You check so many things and you phantom it and consider if it is worth replying or not. Someone might say something that will change you negatively, so you check the circumstance and weigh it before you decide on what to do or not to do.

Do you watch your own musical video?

I would have watched it one million times before I released it, I don’t fail to watch any of my songs before you get to criticise me.

I must have watched it over again, so what you are talking about I know already. If I leave some flaws, it is either there is no money to start correcting it. I hope and wish you don’t see it but if you see it, there is nothing I can do about it.

Why did it take you so long to clear the mess caused by one of your singles, Once Beaten, Twice Shy? A lot of people said so many things but I realise the angle and where they are coming from, but they should see it from my own perspectives too. The rumour was not even

A FAN DID TO ME –Afeez Oyetoro (Saka)

I

am a very shy person, so I always avoid attention. I have experienced many things. There was a time a fan removed my cap and ran, though my boys were able to get the cap from him. I avoid people a lot, which explains why some people think I am a snub. Whenever I am out and people start to notice me, I become very shy and uncomfortable.

I prefer to stay in my car most cases, but when I am in the school, I am very comfortable with the students and people around me.

I try to avoid 'area boys' as much as I can, but whenever I am caught I give them money and leave.

9ice

the truth and it was propagated by the media, if you reply and try to correct it at that moment, how many media houses do you want to go to? And mind you, media will sell whatever they want to sell, so I needed time for it to die down.

You know if you quench fire, some flames go still be around. Even as at that time I was granted some interviews and I denied the insinuation. Now is the best time, I am sorry if it has affected a lot of people and businesses. I’m so sorry about that. There is nothing I could have done, I think now is the right time for me to come out and let it die.

You have four kids and two wives, how are you handling your relationship?

I think the kids are one of the most joyous things I have ever witnessed in my life. Where they are coming from is secondary, the most important thing is that I have my kids, they are healthy, and they are my joy. So, it gives me so much joy and strength that I have those four kids and I am not slowing down.

I still want to have more, for me I don’t see my children as defects or as a deficiencies, rather I see them as a plus as valued members of my family, so, I’m happy.

Do you still communicate with Zion, your first son with your ex-wife, Toni Paybe and how have you been able to do that?

Of course, because we communicate through watsapp, email and sometimes I call him just to know how he’s schooling, what he is studying and how he is doing with the ‘Oyinbo’ and all that.

Technologies make it is easy to see them and to communicate with them.

Do you see any of your kids taking after you in music?

I have three already, one can dance without getting tired, one can pick any song and there is another one that can play keyboard, drums, so we have a band. I am just waiting for them to grow so that we can just start a band

together.

What is your current relationship like with ID Cabasa?

‘Ayefemilete’ was produced by Cabasa which was the second single that I released. ‘Agba wa bura’ was produced

by Cabasa which was the third single I released aside from that we are working on so many songs. Obviously, you will be seeing so many singles and they will be produced by Cabasa’s production.

Are you a designer freak?

I’m not particular about designer, I think my mood depicts what I wear, if I am happy, I wear agbada, so that I will have so many pockets. If you give me money I can put it inside.

Where is your best fun spot?

I haven’t been there yet and it is Bahamas. I hope you can buy my ticket What is your favourite drink?

Orange juice What is your best quote, maybe from the Quran?

That will be Ayatul Qurisiyu because it is a quote that you can use for so many things; it is a quote that depicts so many things and it is very resourceful.

What is your dream car?

That will be the latest Benz. I am saving towards buying it. You can also contribute to make it complete quickly.

I love Mercedes and I’m hoping to buy it. It’s called GLE X63 What kind of phone do you like?

I like IPhone but they are very troublesome and almost incompatible with other phone. Android makes it easier.

When was the last time you read a motivational book, and what is the tittle?

Last week titled Voice of The Black Man.

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Showbiz 23

Seun Ajayi: I’ve gone a full year without jobs It won’t be out of place to say all eyes are now on Seun Ajayi after playing a lead role in the highly acclaimed romantic comedy, ‘Sure L’ere.’ He tells OLUSHOLA RICKETTS about his sojourn in Nollywood.

How did you get to play in Suru L’ere?

My relationship with the producer of the film (Mildred Okpo) started in 2010. She called for an audition which I attended and she said there was a project of hers I would fit into.

We’ve been interacting since the day of the audition in 2010 till last year when she called me that she was ready to produce the movie.

Were you still expecting Mildred’s call after waiting for so long?

There was a relationship between us, so I knew the things she was working on. But at a point, I said no problem since she was not ready and then she called me that it was time.

How long have you been in the industry?

I started acting professionally in 2007. I see the way I look as a gift from God; I am not as young as I look.

You must have experienced a lot within this time?

I have learnt a lot these past years, I mean lessons on how to stay in the game. I am really grateful, I am happy that I am here today. I am really cool with where I am now and looking forward to the future.

Acting sometimes can be a harsh business and it can also be very welcoming; it’s two sides of a coin. When the industry loves you it is a wonderful feeling but when the industry doesn’t recognise you, then you have to deal with it. This is also how it is globally, but as an actor I believe you must not dwell on that. The best way is to keep doing your best because you don’t know who is watching.

What kind of actor are you?

I am a listener and I like to be the easiest person to work with. I like to be an actor who comes as a gift to the director. I want to be that person everyone wants to work with.

Is ‘Suru L’ere’ your biggest movie so far?

I would say yes because it is bigger than anything I had done and it is viewed across the country. Concerning the feedback we’ve received so far, ‘Suru L’ere’ is obviously my biggest. It is my first major feature film; though I did another feature film last year, it is yet to hit the cinema.

directors because they would always want to cast me. Of course I want to put out much works as possible, but I must be careful. Between myself and my management team, we are going to have a discussion and decide on how to handle some of these things.

Was there a time you got tired of acting?

Sometimes you could stay a long period without roles or you get rejected whenever you go for auditions. 2009 was a very tough year for me, but I survived it. I got some works after that, which later gave me the conviction that I still had a future in the movie industry.

How long have you gone without a role?

I think I have I gone a whole year without a role. I did just a job in 2009.

Is acting hereditary for you?

I am the first to be doing this in my family. I am the last of five children and my parents are still alive. My father told me he did some Shakespeare’s but he ended up in a laboratory.

When did you graduate?

I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos and I finished in 2010 Are there other things you’re working on?

I would just keep working; there are works to do. I have productions coming up and I am reading the scripts. I need to take the right decisions and move forward. I can’t talk much about the jobs I am working on at present.

How does it feel working closely with Rita Dominic?

She is very thorough. Since everyone came on set with their best, I had to be on my toes too. The director won’t even allow anyone to laze about on set; you must get the job done. Rita Dominic created a good environment for expression; it wasn’t a tense situation where people were afraid to express themselves. She opened up really nicely and was easy to relate with.

The director is a listener; she listens to people’s opinion before acting. Working on the set of ‘Suru L’ere’ was a very interesting and rewarding experience.

You must really respect Rita Dominic?

Yes of course. Showing her respect was easy because she accorded respect as well to the characters. Though I am way younger than her and I started just like yesterday, she respected my role. It was easy for me to work and interact with her.

What does this mean to you?

It means a lot. It means that it is a very crucial time for me, and the next set of decisions I make as an actor are very important. I must carefully guide my next jobs and project my image as actor because I am in a place where the media wants to know who I am. I basically try to control what the media say about me.

Are you not disturbed that you could be stereotyped as a lover boy for your role in ‘Suru L’ere’?

I am concerned about not getting varieties in the roles I play, but it is totally up to me. It is not up to the

Seun Ajayi

So how does it feel playing romantic scenes with Beverly Naya?

It was just work and you have to be professional about it. She was on set as an actor who played my girlfriend and I was on set to play her boyfriend too.

As long as we both understood our roles, it was easy; there was nothing special to it. Of course she is pretty because the character must be pretty.

O u t &A b o u t

An evening with African China African China will be performing his hit songs at the One Nite: Live & Unplugged today at the LOTUS, Victoria Island, Lagos. One Nite: Live & Unplugged takes place every last Saturday of the month.

Black Akeeb Kareem again!

After thrilling the audience at the Afropolitan Vibes, Black Akeeb Kareem will perform once again at Jazzhole before returning to the United Kingdom. The Afro-Folk vocal legend will be live today at the third edition of a smaller acoustic gigs tagged Urban Sessions in partnership with Jazzhole.

Affordable Art Auction Arthouse Contemporary, West Africa’s leading auction house, holds the inaugural edition of the Affordable Art Auction tomorrow at the Kia Showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Arthouse Contemporary particularly aims to focus on the network of local collectors to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient market. The Affordable Art Auction includes works of art by seasoned professionals including Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Twins Seven Seven, Rom Isichei, Peju Alatise, Ben Osawe and Lemi Ghariokwu.

The aim of the Affordable Art Auction is to encourage first time buyers to take the leap into their first art acquisition and for more seasoned collectors to expand their repertoire.

The ‘music’ seminar A media production company that specialises in music videos, commercials and promos, MKN, has announced its first ever Music Video Director's seminar in Lagos on March 12.

The MKN Seminar is expected to hold before a capacity crowd of 1,000 people and they have announced the presence of Director X who has directed musical videos for the likes Rihanna, Drake, Sean Paul and Jay Z to name a few. Sesan who has worked with artistes such as Wizkid, Wande Coal, Davido and Moe Musa will be available for the programme too.

The conference tagged "Inside the Mind of a Successful Video Director" will take place at The Summit on NERDC Road in Ikeja, Lagos.

Young and aspiring video directors will get an opportunity to gain firsthand experience from some of the best directors in the entertainment industry.

24

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Social Media Craze

Trending

Gist

Photos Controversies

With Olushola Ricketts

UNILAG’s golden boy

U

niversity of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate Ayodele Daniel Dada, who finished from the Department of Psychology with 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average, has continued to attract attention and reaction of Nigerian social media users.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Bello, had disclosed the feat to newsmen, during a pre-convocation media briefing held at the university’s Senate Chamber.

According to the VC, the university was glad to break another academic ground, saying the candidate showed exceptional academic prowess. He said that this means Ayodele scored ‘excellent’ in all courses he took while in school.

With this feat, Ayodele has set an unprecedented record at the higher institution which is reputed as one of the best in the country.

Since the news broke, reactions on Twitter have continued to come in. @idibia_ “Lol. Straight As for 5yrs. But let us pause small first. How did someone get a 5.0 CGPA? How???"

@Sir Adebanks “If I should bring 5.0 CGPA home, I trust my Dad he's going to school with me the next day. I'm too sure this is not your result.” @breezyees “If you graduate with a 5.0 CGPA from Obafemi Awolowo University, It’s equivalent to becoming a professor in Covenant University.” @Iam_DaGeneral “With 5.0 CGPA and Interviewer still have the liver to ask you: why do you think we should employ you?” @4eyedmonk “If you score a CGPA of 5.0, you will not look for work, heavy punchers from Accenture, KPMG, Deloitte, Chevron, name it, will hunt you down!” @OmoMamaTeacher “You don't seem to understand what a 5.0 CGPA is. That's the perfect score.That's the Holy Grail. That's the Oscar, Ballon d'or and Grammy.

Bello said that 10,907 students will be graduating at the convocation ceremony slated for March 3.

“Out of the first degree graduating students, a total of 178 passed in the

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Dada

first class division, while 1,617 passed in the second class upper division.”

“Also, 2,496 are in second class lower degree, 884 in third class, 274 in unclassified degrees in Medical Sciences and Pharmacy,

Season of celebration for Femi Adebayo

I

A United States-based pastor, Francis Van-Lare, broke the internet with new photos of himself with his Nigerian wife and it generated lots of controversies.

He posted pictures of him grabbing the boobs of his wife, Amara, on his Facebook page. According to him, ‘there is nothing wrong in kissing your wife in public’. He also posted another set of photos where he said: "Sunday blessings to you all. When last did you play with your wife? Grab her!"

just as 50 students had pass degree. Besides, the University will graduate a total of 71 students with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in various disciplines.”

t is no longer news that Yoruba actor Femi Adebayo is the new Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on arts, culture and tourism.

He wrote on his Instagram wall, “Today I was appointed as special Assistant (SA) to the Kwara State Governor on arts, culture and tourism. Thank God for an opportunity 2 transform my state in a foremost tourist state that will attract foreign and domestic tourists.

My fans I need ur support. Leave me not.”

He called for the support of his fans and they answered. Three days after he dropped the post, fans were still sending in congratulatory messages.

With over 600 comments, this is obviously a sign that a lot is expected from the actor and all eyes are on him. Below are some of the feedbacks • kemisolaashiru – Amen, may God assist all our leaders in Kwara State. Congrat sir.

• Sweetmotehr80 – A big congrats to you. May God give you the strength and the grace to be a good ambassador.

• kofoapatira – I can see future Kwara State governor in shaa Allah Aamen • adeleke_saidu – U really worth am guy cos ur movie has always sensible. D Sky is your beginning.

• mike_globals – I jst kw say u go do politics ni sha. Good luck n congrats.

• kofoapatire – Congratulations!!!

I have not read your post as SA before I wrote my comment. More blessin in shaa Allah • oluwamojisola_ SA sir, greater height from here on. Will u still be able to act?

Omg so happy for u.

More grease to yur elbow.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

News

Nigeria vs Egypt: Omeruo not afraid of Arsenal, Roma stars p.27

Sport Splash

Feature

25

20 years after: Olympics '96 heroes...where are they now?p.30

Revealed!

Show of shame in Rwanda Ibenegbu

•How hotel detained eagles over money •Team secretary held as collateral Ajibade Olusesan and Charles Ogundiya

M

The Team

Ajibade Olusesan l Co-ordinator

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ore revelations are emerging as regard the debacle that befell the Super Eagles at the last African Nations Championship which took place in Rwanda as our correspondent learnt that the team was detained by officials of the hotel where they were lodged due to non-payment of bills.

Confusion and controversies have trailed the national team since the home-based Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the tournament they were expected to dominate.

Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, lambasted the Nigeria Football Federation whom he claimed failed in its duties to adequately support the team which led to their early ouster from the competition.

Our correspondent reliably learnt that what transpired in Rwanda was more than what is already in the public domain with sources informing about how the team was exposed to ridicule due to inability of the federation to offset the hotel bill after their elimination.

The organisers of the competition were statutorily required to take care of any team until a day after it is eliminated from the competition after which responsibility of continued stay falls on the concerned country.

A lot of things happened in Rwanda and you cannot entirely blame the coach for his comments after his team crashed out of CHAN

Saturday Telegraph learnt that the Eagles stayed a day longer than expected due to flight schedule but the federation had no money to settle the hotel bill and the management of Hotel Des Mille Collines had to stop the team from checking out despite pleas from the NFF chieftains.

“A lot of things happened in Rwanda and you cannot entirely blame the coach for his comments after his team crashed out of CHAN because they went through a lot. Can you imagine that there was no money to the extent that players and officials of the team were practically detained by the management of the hotel they stayed in after the competition? “ a source told our correspondent “The NFF could not pay for the extra night the team spent at the hotel and the management of the facility refused to allow them go.

“Despite all the assurances from the NFF chiefs on ground that the money would be paid in a few days as they were expecting funds from Nigeria, the hotel officials did not bulge.

“But after a long deliberation, a deal was struck. The management of the hotel allowed the Nigerian contingent to leave except the Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi Anchor, who was used as collateral until the expected funds arrived. Enebi spent about four days in Rwanda before they got the money, that is how hard the cash crunch that has hit the federation is biting.”

Sport

26

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Interesting start to the new season T Stories: Charles Ogundiya

MATCHDAY 3

Nasarawa Utd vs Giwa (PP) Rivers Utd vs Ifeanyi Ubah Shootings vs MFM FC Sunshine vs Enyimba (PP) Ikorodu Utd vs Lobi El-Kanemei vs Akwa Utd (PP) Heartland vs Abia Warriors Kano Pillars vs Wikki Plateau Utd vs Warri Wolves Rangers vs Tornadoes

Rivers United's Bernard Ovoke (left) vying with Enyimba's Emmanuel Anyanwu in one of the NPFL Week One games

he results of the first weekend in the Nigeria Professional Football League came as a big surprise to the followers of the league.

It is unprecedented in the history of the league for four teams to record away wins; the biggest before then was three away victories last season.

Newly promoted MFM FC ended Nasarawa United’s 61-game unbeaten home run with a 2-1 victory in Lafia while Lobi Stars, IfeanyiUbah FC and Wikki Tourists also picked the maximum points away from home.

Not forgetting Akwa United, Warri Wolves and Abia Warriors who picked valuable draws away

MFM to play entertaining football – Enakhena

C

hairman of the newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League side, MFM FC, Godwin Enakhena, has said the target of his team would be to play entertaining football as they continue their journey in the elite division.

Speaking exclusively to League Rendezvous after his team recorded their second victory of the season against Rivers United on Wednesday, Enakhena said more should be expected from his outfit.

The Olukoya Boys as the team is popularly called took the league by storm when they defeated CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Nasarawa United, 2-1 away from home in their first ever Premier League game, before midweek victory as they shot to the top of the league table with a 100 percent result in two games.

“All we want to do is to continue to play an entertaining brand of football devoid of violence,” he said.

“We know what we can do; we know what we have done before. I am not boasting, but MFM is a team to watch out for.

“This is the result of six years of hard work, we didn’t just start today.

We are taking the league by storm and people should watch out.”

MFM will be taking on neighbours Shooting Stars of Ibadan who pipped them to the promotion ticket two seasons ago when both were still campaigning in the Nigeria National League.

According to the journalist turned club administrator, the club will be ready for the Oluyole Warriors on Saturday in Ibadan.

Shooting Stars are yet to win a

NPFL LEAGUE TABLE Team

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1 MFM FC

2

2

0

0

4

2

2

6

2 Lobi Stars FC

2

2

0

0

3

1

2

6

3 Abia Warriors

2

1

1

0

3

2

1

4

4 Warri Wolves

2

1

1

0

1

0

1

4

5 Wikki

2

1

1

0

1

0

1

4 3

6 Rangers FC

2

1

0

1

4

3

1

7 IfeanyiUbah

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

3

8 Kano Pillars

2

1

0

1

2

2

0

3

9 Rivers Utd

2

1

0

1

2

2

0

3

10 Plateau Utd

2

1

0

1

3

4

-1

3

11 Heartland

2

0

2

0

0

0

0

2

12 Akwa Utd

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

13 Ikorodu Utd

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

14 Tornadoes

2

0

1

1

2

3

-1

1

15 Sunshine

2

0

1

1

2

3

-1

1

16 Giwa FC

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

17 Nasarawa

1

0

0

1

1

2

-1

0

18 Enyimba

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

19 Shooting

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

20 El-Kanemi

2

0

0

2

1

3

-2

0

game despite employing one of the most successful coaches in the NPFL, Kadiri Ikhana, at the beginning of the season.

Enakhena said: “If we must do well in the league, we must be ready for all the teams, it’s about what you can do on the field of play and like I said earlier, we are ready for all the teams.”

Enakhena

Fans to enjoy two live games F ollowers of the Nigeria Professional Football League will have the opportunity of watching two live games this weekend as the 2016 league season enters Week Three.

The battle between Shooting Stars of Ibadan and table toppers, MFM FC will be shown live on Super Sports 9 on Saturday, likewise the game involving Ikorodu United and Lobi Stars, which will be played on Sunday.

Shooting Stars are searching for their first victory while MFM are currently riding high after two wins from two matches.

Lobi Stars are currently occupying the second position on the league table after a 100 percent results from victories against Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars.

It will be their third game against a South-West team in a space of one week and they will be looking forward to a

favourable result in Lagos.

Newly promoted Ikorodu United drew their first game at home and will be hopeful of getting the maximum points at stake.

In some of the other matches this weekend, Rivers United will play host to IfeanyiUbah FC while Enugu Rangers welcome Niger Tornadoes.

Heartland take on Abia Warriors in Owerri as Warri Wolves travel to Jos for a date with newly promoted Plateau United.

It will be battle of Northern rivals in Kano as former league champions, Kano Pillars, face Wikki Tourists of Bauchi who are yet to lose a game.

Three other matches involving the teams playing on the continent, Enyimba, Akwa United and Nasarawa United were postponed due to their continental assignment this weekend.

from home with only three teams winning in front of their fans.

There have been conflicting feelings among football fans; while some are happy about the development and hoped such a good start would continue, others are pessimistic about its sustainability, citing results of Week Two matches as example.

A fan at the Agege Stadium, Samson Ogudu, who spoke with our correspondent said he was surprised with the level of play from the game he watched (MFM FC versus Rivers United).

“My belief was you cannot enjoy good football in the Nigerian league,” he said.

“With what I saw on Wednesday, it showed that the league has improved and hopefully it will get better.”

Our experience will count against IfeanyiUbah, says Eguma

C

oach of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma, has said that the experience of his team will be the deciding factor when they face IfeanyiUbah this weekend in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League Week Three games.

Speaking with League Rendezvous, Eguma said they had what it takes to get the victory as they had already played two big games this season unlike their opponents who had played just a game.

“We played Enyimba in the first weekend and also MFM FC in a midweek game,” he said.

“I know IfeanyiUbah are a good team, they won their first game of the season away from home against Giwa, but we have a lot of experience which will surely give us the edge.

“I am sure we would have registered some of our players before the game, so we are going to be ready for them this weekend.”

“I want people to know that we have good players in the team apart from the attack, where we are lacking and that will be corrected before weekend.

“We already have some players and what is delaying them from playing for the team is their registration, and by the time we unleash them on any team, they will be surprised.”

IfeanyiUbah started the new season with a 1-0 away win over Giwa FC at the weekend while their Week Two game against Nasarawa United was postponed due to the club’s involvement on the continent, while Rivers United defeated Enyimba 1-0 in their first game of the season but lost 2-1 to MFM on Wednesday.

Eguma

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

27

Paris Marathon excites Nigerian athletes on April 3, as part of the company’s launch of its brand and business campaign called Life Is On. Sharubutu was the first Nigerian to cross the finishing line at the Marathon while Donatu, despite finishing behind, Olamide Oluwaseun, as the first Nigerian female, was picked after Olamide was left out on age grounds. She is not up to the required 19 years yet.

While praising the sponsors, Sharubutu said he would prepare well for the race as he did not want to just make up the number.

“I really want to thank

Charles Ogundiya

T

wo Nigerian long distance runners, Philibus Sharubutu and Yohanna Donatu, were full of praises for Schneider Electric after the two were handed their customised running bibs ahead of the 40th edition of the Paris Marathon.

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and title sponsor of Paris Marathon, decided to bankroll the Nigerian male and female winners of a recently organised marathon in the country to the 2016 edition of the race scheduled to hold in Paris, France,

Omeruo (right) challeging for the ball with Bosnia's Edin Dzeko

Nigeria vs Egypt

Omeruo not afraid of Arsenal, Roma stars

S

Ajibade Olusesan uper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has dismissed Egyptian coach Hector Cuper’s threat that his two strikers, Muhammed Elnery and Muhammed Salah, would wreck Nigeria when the two teams meet in the 2017 AFCON back-to-back clash next month.

Elnery and Salah have been the key figures in the Egyptian team; they are the most experienced individuals in the squad and the Argentine manager said they were capable of damaging Nigeria’s chances of picking the ticket from Group F. In an interview, Omeruo said it was normal for the coach to highlight the importance of his players but the Eagles

From left to Right: Yohanna Dinatu, Philibus Sharubutu and Director, Field Marketing and Access to Energy, Schneider Electric Nigeria, Mrs. Anne Ezeh, during the press conference for the official ticket presentation to the winning athletes to participate in the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, France.

would not be intimidated.

He said Salah and Elnery were good players but the Eagles squad was also packed with top professionals who ply their trade in big club sides in Europe.

“Elnery is an Arsenal player like you mentioned and Salah plays for Roma.

These are big clubs in Europe but we are up to the task, they are not going to be the only players in that Egyptian team, we are focussed as a team, we are not going to look at individual players.

“They have a good team now and after missing out of the last three editions, Egypt will be desperate to qualify this time but we are also very hungry to go to Gabon. You will recall that we also did not go to the last edition and we want to make it this time around,” he said.

Akwa United, Enyimba bank on home support Charles Ogundiya

A

kwa United, against all odds, recorded a heart-warming victory away to Vita Mokanda of Congo in their first ever game on the continent and will be hoping to finish the job this weekend inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Women table tennis team out of Rio Games Ajibade Olusesan

N

igerian women team will not feature at the Rio 2016 Olympics as they failed to travel for Perfect 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships taking place in Malaysia.

The Malaysia tournament which serves as qualifiers for the Rio Games starts this weekend in Kualar Lumpur with only Nigerian men’s team featuring in the competition.

Our correspondent learnt that the women’s team could not make the trip to the country due to lack of funds.

As usual, the Ministry of Youth and Sports

Oshonaike

said there was no money to give to the Nigeraia Table Tennis Federation for the trip and while some male players decided to sponsor their way to the tournament, Funke Oshonaike was the only female player who could afford to do so, our correspondent learnt.

“Oshionaike cannot be the only one to go because it is a team event not singles,” the source.

When contacted the NTTF President Enitan Oshodi confirmed to our correspondent that the women’s team might not feature.

“There was nothing much we could do when they told us there was no money. Aruna Quadri is on his way to Malaysia,” Oshodi told Saturday Telegraph on Thursday. “Segun Toriola is going, we are likely going to have the men participating but I cannot say so for the women’s team because like I said there is no money.”

Nigeria’s men team will feature in Group F of the second division at the tournament alongside India, Slovak Republic, Vi e t n a m , Switzerland and Turkey.

Schneider Electric for their support because I was not expecting such an opportunity, but I am ready to take it with open arms,” Sharubutu said.

Speaking on the sponsorship, the Country President, Schneider Electric Nigeria, Walid Sheta, said: “We are excited to support and sponsor two Nigerian athletes to this year’s Paris Marathon because the experience will further motivate our athletes and spur them to greater achievements.

“We want the two of them to go for the experience and come back to impact it on their colleagues at home.”

Akwa United's striker Kufre Ebong (right)

Campaigning in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the Federation Cup, the Promise Keepers as the team is called have been perfecting strategy ahead of the game according to their media officer, Uwem Ekoh.

“We are approaching the game as if we are playing the first leg because for us to score against them, they can do the same here if we are not very careful. Our target is to finish the job here,” he said.

Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Enyimba lost their first leg game in the CAF Champions League away to Uganda Champions, Vipers FC, and will be hoping to turn the table around in the second leg.

Enyimba FC chairman, Felix AnyansiAgwu, has assured that the People’s Elephant have what it takes to turn the fixture around at the Adokiye Amiesiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Similarly, Nasarawa United FC chairman, Isaac Danladi, was full of confidence ahead of the Solid Miners’ showdown with AS Academie Generation Foot in a CAF Confederation Cup first round, second leg encounter on Sunday.

Nasarawa United could only win the first leg 2-1 in Abuja, however, Danladi assured fans that it would be Nasarawa United and not Generation Foot facing Constantinos of Algeria in the second round next month.

Ambode Intl' wrestling tourney gets May 15 to 30 date

T

he Local Organising Committee of an international professional wrestling championship to honour Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has chosen May 15 to 30 for the competition to be staged across 15 centres in Lagos State.

The LOC of the competition tagged A+A Intercontinental Wrestle Force is headed by Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo.

Coordinator of the tournament, Prince Olanrewaju Mohammed, said that the competi-

tion, which will see professional wrestlers across the world converging on Lagos, would be organised to celebrate the first anniversary of Governor Ambode in office. He said all arrangement to host the world wrestling stars in Lagos had begun.

According to Prince Mohammed, the first day of the bout has been scheduled for Epe where the Governor himself comes from.

"We are taking the wrestling championship across different

areas in the state to let the people at the grassroots be part of the action as we celebrate the good governance and service to the people of our dear Governor in his first year in office.

"The opening day action will hold in Epe, after which we will move the action to Alimosho, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Eti Osa, Ifako , etc.

The grand finale will be staged at the Agege Stadium, the home town of our dear Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Obasa," he said.

Bremen vs Darmstadt3:30pm

Stuttgart vs Hannover 3:30pm

B

ayern Munich strikers Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller have combined for a record 39 goals so far this season, more than the entire team of Wolfsburg.

That's enough to give Wolfsburg plenty to worry about ahead of their match Saturday in the Bundesliga.

Lewandowski in particular brings back harrowing memories for Wolfsburg. In their match in Munich in the fall, the Poland striker netted all five goals in a 5-1 win — and he only played in the second half. He scored the five inside a nineminute spell, breaking a Bundesliga record that also included the fastest

J

Wembley rumble

uventus may have been halted in its tracks in search of another record, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is within touching distance of one — or 184 minutes to

19 16 16 14 14 14

No Clubs P Pts 1 Leicester 26 53 2 Tottenham 26 51 3 Arsenal 26 51 4 Man City 26 47 5 Man United 26 41 6 Southampton 26 40 7 West Ham 26 40 8 Liverpool 26 38 9 Watford 26 36 10 Stoke City 26 36 11 Everton 26 35 12 Chelsea 26 33 13 Palace 26 32

LA LIGA No Clubs 1 Barcelona 2 Atletico 3 Real 4 Villarreal 5 Sevilla 6 Celta Vigo 7 Eibar 8 Bilbao 9 Sociedad 10 Deportivo 11 Valencia 12 Malaga 13 Real Betis

TABLE

P Pts 25 63 25 55 25 54 25 49 25 41 25 38 25 36 25 35 25 33 25 32 25 31 25 31 25 27

Serie A 1 G. Higuaín Napoli 24 2 C. Bacca AC Milan 13 3 P. Dybala Juventus 13 4 Éiber Inter 12 5 L. Pavoletti Genoa 10

La Liga 1 L. Suárez Barcelona 25 2 Ronaldo R/Madrid 22 3 K. Benzema R/Madrid 19 4 Neymar Barcelona 18 5 B. Basten Eibar 16

EPL 1 J. Vardy Leicester 2 H. Kane Tottenham 3 R. Lukakau Everton 4 O. Ighalo Watford 5 S. Aguero Man City 6 R. Mahrez Leicester

TOP SCORERS

Premier league

last Friday's goalless draw at Bologna.

But it was a seventh clean sheet in a row for Buffon, who hasn't conceded a goal in the league in 745 minutes.

Another shutout, against fierce rival Inter on Sunday, would move Buffon up to third on the list of goalkeepers who have gone unbeaten the longest in Serie A. The record is held by Sebastiano Rossi, who kept a clean sheet for 929 consecutive minutes for AC Milan from Dec. 12. 1993 to Feb. 27. 1994, beating the previous mark set by former Juventus goalkeeper Dino Zoff in 1972-73 by 26 minutes.

Mario Da Pozzo (791 minutes), Ivan Pelizzoli (774) and Davide Pinato (758) — who are all retired — are the only other ones above Buffon. arely four months after arriving at Liverpool, Juergen Klopp could turn a season of transition into one of silverware and keep up the club's strong tradition in the English League Cup. The first trophy of the English season is on offer when Liverpool faces Manchester City in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Fueled by cash from Abu Dhabi since 2008, City is starting to make a habit of reaching title matches at Wembley Stadium. That was once the case for Liverpool, too.

But the Reds — England's dominant force in the 1970s and '80s — have fallen on hard times over the past decade, during which time they have collected only one trophy: A recordextending eighth League Cup in 2012.

Four years without a title is too long for a team of Liverpool's heritage but a successful era might just be around the corner under the popular Klopp, who has made a big impression since

B

be precise.

Juve's run of consecutive league victories was ended at 15 — two short of Inter Milan's Serie A record — by

Buffon eyes record in double-header against Inter

As Liverpool, Man City clash in league cup final

hat trick.

Lewandowski has a league-high 22 goals so far this season, while Mueller has contributed 17. Their tally of 39 is the highest after 22 matches in the league's history.

Mueller may be even more talismanic — Bayern has won its last 50 games in which Mueller scored, according to league statistics.

Wolfsburg was the runner-up to Bayern last season in the Bundesliga and won the German Cup, but it is struggling this season after the departure of key players Kevin de Bruyne and Ivan Perisic and the longterm injury of striker Bas Dost.

Bayern head to Wolfsburg, Dortmund host Hoffenheim

Lewandowski

P

er Mertesacker has insisted that Arsenal will take confidence from their FA Cup win at Manchester United last season, ahead of his side’s trip to Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture on Sunday.

The Gunners, who lost 2-0 to Barcelona in a Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, thrashed Manchester United 3-0 in the corresponding Premier League fixture in October.

Arsenal will now look to record a memorable double over their old foes when

they travel to Manchester at the weekend.

And Mertesacker, who admitted that it was a “great experience” to beat Manchester United in their backyard last season, also wants his side to take the positives from their defeat against Barcelona to the Theatre of Dreams.

“It helps we beat United last year in the cup”, the German told the club’s official site.

“I think that was a great experience for us and it is still in our heads sometime when you think about big games and Old Trafford.

Mertesacker confident Arsenal will shock Man United

Sport

3:30pm

Hamburger vs Ingolstadt

3:30pm

Wolfsburg vs Bayern Munich

SATURDAY

Bundesliga

Barcelona vs Sevilla 8:30pm

Deportivo vs Granada 6:15pm

Valencia vs Bilbao 4pm

Villarreal vs Levante 12pm

SUNDAY

Sociedad vs Malaga 10:05pm

Betis vs Rayo 8:30pm

Gijon vs Espanyol 6:15pm

Getafe vs Celta Vigo 6:15pm

Real vs Atletico 4pm

SATURDAY

La Liga

SATURDAY West Ham vs Sunderland1:45pm Leicester vs Norwich 4pm Southampton vs Chelsea 4pm Stoke vs Aston Villa 4pm Watford vs Bournemouth 4pm West Brom vs Crystal Palace 6:30pm SUNDAY Man United vs Arsenal 3:05pm Tottenham vs Swansea 3:05pm

EPL

Juventus vs Inter 18:45pm

Udinese vs Verona 2pm

Chievo vs Genoa 2pm

Sampdoria vs Frosinone 2pm

Carpi vs Atalanta 2pm

Palermo vs Bologna 12:30pm

SUNDAY

AC Milan vs Torino 7:45pm

Empoli vs Roma 6pm

SATURDAY

Serie A

FIXTURES

Global Football Special www.newtelegraphonline.com

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

28 SATURDAY

27 FEBRU

topping Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from scoring is hard enough as it is, let alone with a patched-up defense.

That is the task facing Lyon coach Bruno Genesio, who will be without firstchoice center back Samuel Umtiti and right back Christophe Jallet for the visit of PSG on Sunday.

Umtiti is out after the club lost an appeal to overturn his suspension, and Jallet joins him in the stands after being redcarded in last weekend's 1-0 loss at Lille. Both have been regulars in the side this season.

S

Manny Pacquiao

Ibrahimovic

L

DATE: Sunday, February 28 TIME: 5:30pm VENUE: Wembley Stadium

C

Tiger Woods posted a video of him swinging a 9-iron in a golf simulator on Wednesday to shoot down rumors on social media that suggested his recovery from back surgeries had worsened to the point he could not even sit in a chair.

The 13-second video Woods posted on Twitter shows him dressed in shorts and golf shoes, and he takes a smooth swing on a golf simulator.

"Progressing nicely," Woods wrote.

Tiger Woods

SPORT BRIEFLY

Sports.

Real's superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored at the 33rd minute to open things up, but missed a penalty kick in the first half to allow Los Boquerones defender Raul Albentosa to equalize the count at the 66th.

The draw gave Los Vikingos just one point in the standings that allowed Barça to increase their lead on their El Clásico opponents.

Malaga had numerous chances to grab the lead later in the match, but Real's defenses held on to salvage the tie.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid settled for a goalless draw with fellow contending squad Villarreal CF at the Vicente Calderon Stadium also last Sunday, as per Goal.

Los Colchoneros had been in control of the ball most of the time during the match, but their "lack of precision in front of the goal" had once again cost them three points in the league table.

Real, Atletico duel in Bernabéu

eicester City can put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack in the Premier League title race on Saturday when they return to action after apital city derby between Real having a two-week break.

Madrid and Atletico Madrid Victory for Claudio Ranieri's is scheduled on Saturday, side at home to relegation-threatFeb. 27th at the Santiago Bernabéu ened Norwich City would open Stadium as the 2015-2016 La Liga a provisional five-point gap over season continues.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, The two teams are coming off who both play on Sunday having drawn matches as both try to overbeen involved in energy-sapping take current league leaders and demidweek European games. fending champions FC Barcelona in The fixtures could not have the overall standings. worked out better for Los Blancos is at the third spot Leicester, who sufof the Spanish top flight table fered a last-gasp as of the moment, just a 2-1 defeat at point behind Atletico Arsenal in but nine points clear off their previous arch-rival Barcelona. match, cutting Zinedine Zidane's their lead over boys were fortunate the Gunners to to escape with a 1-1 two points before draw in their most Spurs moved into recent match against second spot with a middling squad Malwin at Managa on the road at the chester Vardy La Rosaleda Stadium last City.

Sunday, as reported by Sky-

Leicester aim to extend lead over EPL rivals

replacing Brendan Rodgers in October.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has compared the club's situation to that of Chelsea, which won the League Cup in 2005 — its first season under Jose Mourinho — to spark a decade of success domestically and in Europe.

"I remember for Chelsea a few years back, it was the League Cup they won and after that they managed to win a lot of trophies," Mignolet said. "It gives everybody a confidence boost when you win your first trophy for a long time.

"For this young group of lads, I think it could be something that pushes us on to be even hungrier for trophies."

City is bidding for its fifth trophy since 2011, and first of a possible three this season in manager Manuel Pellegrini's last year before being replaced by Pep Guardiola. City is six points off the lead in the Premier League and took a big step toward the Champions League quarterfinals by beating Dynamo Kiev 3-1 on Wednesday.

P Pts 22 59 22 51 22 36 22 35 22 35 22 34 22 33 22 31 22 29 22 29 22 28 22 27 22 24 22 24 22 22 22 20 22 18 22 14

25 26 25 25 25 25 25 24 25 21 25 20 25 20

Great Britain's Davis Cup captain Leon Smith has revealed that Andy Murray is back in practice ahead of the clash with Japan.

Murray has taken a short time out since losing the 2016 Australian Open final as he welcomed the birth of his first child in February.

"Nobody can underestimate his commitment," he said. "Last year he was absolutely immense.

Andy Murray

Ronaldo

No Clubs 1 Bayern 2 Dortmund 3 Hertha 4 Leverkusen 5 M’gladbach 6 Schalke ` 7 Mainz 8 Wolfsburg 9 FC Cologne 10 Ingolstadt 11 Stuttgart 12 Hamburger 13 Augsburg 14 Darmstadt 15 Frankfurt 16 Bremen 17 Hoffenheim 18 Hannover

BUNDESLIGA

P Pts 26 58 26 57 26 52 26 50 26 48 26 44 26 38 26 37 26 34 26 34 26 32 26 31 26 29 26 28 26 27 26 26 26 25 26 23 26 20 26 18

SERIE A

No Clubs 1 Juventus 2 SSC Napoli 3 Fiorentina 4 Roma 5 Inter 6 AC Milan 7 Sassuolo 8 Lazio 9 Bologna 10 Empoli 11 Torino 12 Chievo 13 Atalanta 14 Genoa 15 Udinese 16 Palermo 17 Sampdoria 18 Frosinone 19 Carpi 20 Hellas

TABLE

14 Getafe 15 Rayo 16 Espanyol 17 Gijon 18 Las Palmas 19 Levante 20 Granada

14 West Brom 26 32 15 Bournemouth26 28 16 Swansea City 26 27 17 Norwich 26 24 18 Newcastle 26 24 19 Sunderland 26 23 20 Aston Villa 26 16

UARY 2016

A Beverly Hills waiter claims the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May never would have happened if he didn’t help set it up, and he wants to be compensated for his alleged role in the negotiations.

In a lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Gabriel Salvador, an aspiring actor, says he waited on Les Moonves at Craig’s restaurant and told the CBS boss that he could set up a meeting between Moonves and Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach.

Lyon battle to stop PSG’s Ibrahimovic

Frankfurt vs Schalke 7:30pm

Mainz vs Leverkusen 5:30pm-

5:30pm

Dortmund vs Hoffenheim

3:30pm

Augsburg vs M.Gladbach

SUNDAY

Y TELEGRAPH

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30

Sport

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

20 years after: Olympics '96

The players that won gold medal at the football event of the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 were part of the golden generation of Nigerian footballers. ADEKUNLE SALAMI looks back at their roles in that feat and what they are doing now.

Dosu Joseph He was in goal in all the games at Atlanta ’96. He travelled to the USA as the number three goalkeeper but surprisingly became number one. He was agile but had little experience. Dosu was not particularly spectacular but he proved to be a good professional during the competition by coordinating his men well and also made decent saves for Nigeria. He graduated into the Super Eagles but fate dealt him a cruel blow as he was involved in an auto accident in December 1996. It was so serious that people felt he won’t be able walk again.

After a couple of years due to intensive treatment, he was alright but till date still walks with the aid of crutches. However, Dosu is into business now and also a FIFA-licensed players’ agent.

Emmanuel Babayaro He was among the three goalies to the event. He was at a point tipped to be number one but somehow became number two in Atlanta. Unlike his younger brother Celestine Babayaro, Emmanuel did not rise to join the big boys in the Super Eagles. It was obvious he had his eyes on many other sectors. Today, he is an actor and a movie producer. After the Olympic Games in Atlanta, he has made more impact in showbiz than in football. He is also into music. Emmanuel launched his debut album, “Best of both worlds,” in Abuja in 2010. The album contains rap, jazz and Hip Hop numbers. Today, he shuttles between Nigeria and abroad for his showbiz appointments among other things.

Mobi Oparaku He was the right back defender for the team and featured in all matches.

Oparaku was reliable and his diminutive stature was not a problem for him on the field of play. After the golden outing in the USA, Oparaku who was at Anderlecht of Belgium at the time continued his football in the European country as he featured for about four other teams in the country. In 2005, he returned to Nigeria and featured for Gateway FC of Abeokuta till 2008 after which he spent two more seasons with Enyimba of Aba. In 2013, he had issues with the police as he was brutalised by six policemen in Owerri, his home town.

Oparaku is currently into business and stays in Owerri.

Celestine Babayaro He was another reliable defender in the golden team. Babayaro also featured in all the matches and scored two goals in the competition. It could have been three but the third attempt was ruled as a deflected goal. That was against Brazil and it was Roberto Carlos who deflected the ball in during the semifinal match against the Samba team.

Celestine became a prominent member of the Super Eagles after the Atlanta ’96 games and he also had a rich pro-career at club level. Babayaro joined Chelsea shortly after the games and was at the Bridge for eight years. He made 132 appearances and scored five goals for

the Blues. He became a senior player in the team and captained the London team in some games. Celestine later played for Newcastle between 2005 and 2008.

He ended his football career in the USA with Los Angeles Galaxy. He is now into business and also involved in some movie production perhaps due to the influence of the elder brother.

Nwankwo Kanu He is the most influential member of the team and also the skipper. He scored three goals in the competition but his brace against Brazil remains memorable.

Kanu levelled up at 3-3 and recorded the winner during extra time for the golden goal. He was in Ajax of Holland during the Olympic Games and due to his exploits at the competition, Inter Milan signed him but he had 12 appearances for the Italian team because of his heart problem. After his operation he started playing again.

He left for Arsenal in 1999 where he recorded 119 caps in his fiveyear stay. He won two FA Cups and two league titles with the Gunners.

Kanu Before he left Ajax, he won the prestigious UEFA Champions League with the Dutch team in 1995 before leading Nigeria to win the Olympic gold in 1996. Kanu was voted African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999.

Kanu later played for West Brom and Portsmouth in England. He again won the FA Cup with Pompey. He scored the only goal in the final against Cardiff C i t y.

He is one of t h e most decorated players in Africa till date. Only Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o can boost of a better one.

Today, he is very successful in business. He has a big hotel, Harvey Suites, in Lagos while he also has a photography outfit, Replica Photos, also in Lagos. Because of his experience with the heart problem, Kanu has a heart foundation that has taken care of the treatment of thousands of children suffering from heart related issues. The former Eagles captain also has other investments in other parts of Nigeria and in the United Kingdom.

Oliseh

of Ranchers Bees and also did very well abroad. Shortly before the Olympic Games, he scored the first ever UEFA Champions League goal in the colours of Club Brugge of Belgium. His overall performance at the Atlanta games was very good and he went on to score 13 goals in 44 appearances for the Super Eagles. He started his coaching career with Nasarawa United in 2006 and later became Enyimba’s coach in 2008. Amokachi was assistant coach in the Super Eagles between 2008 and 2015.

He has a Shopping Mall in Kaduna and only last month was named as the Head Coach of Finnish outfit, JS Hercules.

Austin Okocha He is one of Nigeria’s best players of all times.

He was the engine room Taribo of the team and his creative role was a big asset to the side.

Okocha was voted best Nigerian player a record seven times.

He was unlucky not to have won the African Footballer of the Year but Danemerged BBC African best footballer iel two times. Despite Nigeria’s early exit Amokachi He was one of the three over-aged at France ’98 World Cup, Okocha was players in the team as stipulated by in the reserve of FIFA’s All Stars team.

FIFA. In Atlanta, he scored the crucial He was at Frankfurt during the games equaliser against Argentina in the final but moved to Fernabahce same year. to bring score to 2-2 before Emmanuel He also moved to the EPL where he Amuneke got the winner. He excelled featured for Bolton Wanderers. Today, in the domestic league in the colours he is the Chairman of the Delta State

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31

heroes... where are they now?

Football Federation. He is into many businesses. He has investments in hospitality and he is into importation and exportation of electronic products.

Sunday Oliseh He was the holding midfielder of the team. Oliseh was also prominent and he played a key role all through the competition. He graduated into the Super Eagles and became the captain of the team for many years. He was a player of FC Cologne during the games but also featured for Reggina, Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. He had 52 caps for the Eagles and scored two goals one of which was the remarkable winner against Spain at the France 98 World Cup. Oliseh is a football pundit, he is in FIFA study group currently and is also the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

Victor Ikpeba He played from the left side of the midfield and attack at the Atlanta Games. Ikpeba scored the second Nigerian goal in the remarkable semifinal match against Brazil. He had a decent outing at the games. His exploits in France in the colours of Monaco was the most remarkable for him as he recorded 55 goals in 169 appearances. People call him the Prince of Monaco and after the Olympics, he stepped up his game and won the Africa Footballer of the Year award in 1997. He was in the Nigerian team to the France ’98 World Cup where he recorded Nigeria’s only goal in the 1-0 win against Bulgaria. He went ahead to play for Borussia Dortmund in Germany and Real Betis in Spain. He is currently a board member of the Delta State Football Association and also a Technical Committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation. Ikpeba in the past five years has been a football analyst on Supersport.

Uche Okechukwu The centre defender was another over-aged player. He was easy going on and off the pitch but got the job done neatly and effectively.

Okechukwu was a player of Fenerbahce of Turkey during the Olympic Games.

Nigeria Dream Team

The gentle giant, as he is fondly called also featured for Istanbulspor between 2002 and 2006. He scored eight times in 75 appearances. Okechukwu returned home later to play for Ocean Boys and Bayelsa United. Today, Okechukwu owns a haulage firm in the eastern part of the country and he has investments in Turkey.

he played good role in the qualifiers. He did not make it to the Super Eagles and today he is based in Florida in the United States of America as a businessman.

Abiodun Obafemi He was a defender who came to limelight in the colours of Stationery Stores of Lagos. He was in Germany for the better part of his pro career. He did not feature at the games. He is currently into coaching and he is handling an academy.

Taribo West His hairstyle stood him out in the team.

He had braids in national colours and at club level he also used club colours for Kingsley Obiekwu his braids. For example, he used red and The defender was a standby for West white for AC Milan. He was in Auxerre and Okechukwu. He was very prominent during the Olympic Games but shortly with Rangers of Enugu. Durafter joined Inter Milan. The defender ing the Olympic again moved to AC Milan from Inter in 1999. After a loan spell in Derby County, Taribo moved to Kaiserslautern of Germany. He was a Kanu is the most top Super Eagles player as well with 42 caps. influential member Today, the ex-footballer of the team and also is focused on how to win souls for Christ. He the skipper opened his own church in 2014, the Shelter in the Storm Miracle Church of All Nations, in Abuja.

Taribo also has churches in Lagos and in Italy.

Wilson Oruma He was one of the squad members that did not play a huge role at the games. He was still able to play 19 matches for the Super Eagles with three goals to show for it including the France ’98 World Cup goal against Paraguay. The midfielder spent the better part of his club career in France.

He featured for Lens, Sochaux, Marsseile, Servette, Nimes, Nancy, Samsunspor and Guingamp. Not much was heard about him until 2013 when it was discovered he had a ‘strange illness’ and was taken to a church in Lagos. He battled the problem till late last year when he was taken to France where he is said to be ‘recovering’ fast.

Teslim Fatusi The striker was a player of Stationery Stores where he made his name before joining ASEC of Cote D’Ivoire. He was not a key member of the team at the Olympic Games but

Babayaro

Games, he was with Go Ahead Eagles of Switzerland. He played for Rangers for about five seasons. He is now a coach with Ingas FC of Enugu. He also handled a Benin Republic outfit, USS Krake in 2012.

Tijani Babangida He was most prominent with Roda JC of Holland during the games but after the Olympics he joined Ajax where he recorded 77 appearances between 1996 and 2003 with 20 goals. He scored one of the goals at the games in Atlanta. He stayed in Holland after the Olympics for the better part of his pro career. He was the Chairman of Taraba United Football Club until last year. He is currently the personal assistant to the Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh.

Emmanuel Amuneke He scored the crucial winner for Nigeria against Argentina at the Atlanta Olympics. The score was 2-2 before he made the difference to win the gold for the country. He also scored twice in the 1994 Africa Nations Cup final in Tunisia as the Eagles beat Zambia 2-1 to lift the trophy.

He began his pro career in Zamalek where he scored 26 goals in 71 appearances for the Egyptian team. He was in Sporting of Portugal during the Olympics but shortly after he moved to Barcelona and spent four years with the Spanish giants. In 2008 he spent some time as an assistant coach at Saudi League side, Al Hazm, but left to become a scout for Manchester United. He also handled Julius Berger FC and Ocean Boys.

Amuneke was the assistant coach of the Nigeria U-17 team when the country won the FIFA U-17 trophy in 2013, he also led another Eaglets side to defend the Cup in 2015. Only recently, the NFF named him as the Head Coach of the National U-20 team.

Garba Lawal The midfielder was never a flamboyant player but his efficiency on the pitch was never in doubt.

Lawal was a play breaker. He was with Esperance of Tunisia during the games but moved to Roda FC of Holland shortly after. He recorded 154 appearances and scored 20 goals for the Dutch top division side. Lawal became a regular member of the Super Eagles and attended four consecutive Nations Cup competitions in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 1998, he scored a goal for Nigeria against Spain in a group match. After his pro-career with about five other clubs abroad, he returned to Nigeria and played for Julius Berger in 2007 and later Lobi Stars.

His coaching career stated with Lobi in 2013. He was also the team co-coordinator of the U-17 team in 2009. He is currently a member of the NFF’s Technical committee.

32

Lifestyle of Sportsmen

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27 FEBRUARY 2016

Mikel's girlfriend hits back at online trolls

O

Unveiling Neymar’s new WAG B

arcelona star Neymar is said to be dating stunning Brazilian UFC card girl Jhenny Andrade and judging by this pictures it is clear that he has impeccable taste.

The Octagon host describes herself as an adrenaline junkie and ‘in love with fighting’ and has said to be dating the 23-year-old since before the new year, when she was spotted supporting the forward from the stands at the Nou Camp.

Not only that, she was named as ‘The Perfect Girlfriend’ in a magazine column in Sao Paulo-based VIP Magazine.

She posed for a new photo shoot.

Mikel and girlfriend

lga Diyachenko, who is the girlfriend of Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, has hit back at online trolls who bash her for her looks and marital status.

The Russian beauty and Mikel started dating in 2013 after reportedly meeting him in London where her millionaire father runs a chain of businesses.

In September 2015, she welcomed a set of twin girls with the Chelsea midfielder named, Mia and Ava. It seems she has been receiving some online bashing over her choice to have babies Mikel when they are not married.

In an Instagram post, girlfriend of the 29-year-old midfielder replied the trolls with the message that reads: "If my looks, marital status and my life are your priority, you find you can't hold your opinion in and the urge to comment is so great you can't help yourself, first of all unfollow, second of all get help, it's not healthy to have so much hatred for someone you don't know. Get well soon"

British sprinter shows off incredible body

Andrade

Mayweather falls in love with 19-yr-old British girl

H

e is one of the biggest sports stars in the world with enough money to get most women he wants-models, actresses and popular women.

A 19-year-old sales assistant in the United Kingdom is not the type of girl Floyd Mayweather will be looking that ordinarily.

Mayweather fell in love with Look shop worker from the West Midlands and has flown her with him to the United States of America.

The retired boxer was in the United Kingdom as he toured Europe -as he enjoyed his time off boxing- when he met 19-year-old Ramarni Ball, a budding singer who caught his eye at a fan meetand-greet in Cannock, Staffordshire.

Less than a week after meeting her, Mayweather flew Ball on his private jet to his home country in the United States.

Ball

‘I

want to be like superman,’ says Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, smiling as he looks over the images taken by Sportsmail’s chief sports photographer Andy Hooper.

‘I like wings,’ adds the British sprinter, referring to the tattoo on his back. ‘I want to fly. I have a big Superman comic canvas over my bed which says “This looks like a job for Superman”.’

Every sinew of Aikines-Aryeetey’s sculpted body is geared towards his ‘ultimate aim’: running fast. The circumference of his thighs is 25 inches and his body fat is just three per cent.

Aikines-Aryeetey, 27, can lift more than 31 stone, despite weighing around 13st 5lb, but his main concern is making sure he does not become too bulky.

He must achieve a fine balance between maximising his power but staying lean and only does ‘one or two’ gym sessions every week.

Aikines-Aryeetey

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

Showbiz 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Psquare risks losing N240m Globacom deal

I

s this where it all ends? For Paul, Peter and Jude Okoye, Nigerians have dreamed of producing another enigma that would rival the fame and influence of late Michael Jackson- the unarguable King of Pop. For nearly 17 years, PSquare, the name that shook Africa to its root with its startling talent reigned, prospered (in every sense of the word) and influenced budding singers to aspire greatness in the art. But all of a sudden, the sun set for Africa’s biggest pop group, PSquare for inability to tolerate the excesses of one of the stakeholders.

The end became imminent when the trio lost their mother, Mrs. Josephine Okoye in 2012. The lady had insisted that half of the singing duo, Peter, would only marry, an older lover, Lola Omotayo, over her dead body. And it came to pass. The battle for the heart of Peter between mum and lover was on till the man lost his mother. In 2013, Peter decided to follow his heart, an a wrong move to his brothers, Paul and Jude.

But employed all wiles needed to shield their disapproval from the world. Though Jude’s conspicuous absence would later raise brows.

In 2014, Paul also decided to walk the aisle with a woman of his dream, Anita.

The eldest brother, Jude, ironically became the last to marry. But this man called Engees (Jude) was the one who sacrificed his budding rap talent to develop his twin

brothers, Paul and Peter Okoye (PSquare) and launched their career.

Jude and Paul obviously share similar ideas and beliefs that though Peter got two kids from his marriage to Lola Omotayo, it’s never late to make a detour to better his future. And Peter doesn’t believe his brothers mean well, though he’s got a soft spot for his twin brother, the master composer and vocal power house of PSquare, Jude could just be pushed over without any damning backlash.

So, Peter began to make the cold war public when he failed to curry the favour of his other half. Stakeholders and elders waded in to calm frayed nerves but all to no avail. One of those who remind them of what they stand to lose should they part ways was the renowned writer and journalist, Dele Momodu. The group failed to heed warnings, what could have been managed in-house became a feast for the cynical public and understandably, the dent became too deep for their benefactor, Globacom (who may be considering the termination of a contract worth an estimated 60million annually). The speculated N240millio stake is true, but it spread across four years of their contract with the telecoms giant. Although, our checks revealed that many of the ambassadors’ contracts are due for renewal, an inside source insists there are indications that the embattled group would be dropped for unnecessar-

Paul, Jude and Peter Okoye

ily courting unhealthy scandal.

Peter failed, Paul failed and Jude too, sadly, the consequences signal the end of the best pop era for Nigeria. It’s the same reason Cynthia Morgan, the sign-on of Jude’s Northwest Records cried out that her career is also on the line. Where two or

TURNING P INT Ayo Makun (AY)

Funke Akindele gives love a second chance with a serial monogamist

I

t was the period God led me to meet a vision helper in the person of Ali Baba. That is one of the reasons I am also passionate about younger people in the industry and people who are trying to gain inroad into the business of comedy. If Ali Baba wasn't there to put me through, who knows where I would be right now? I thank God for using him and I am also using that special grace of God to favour those who are also coming up.

The simple parable of givers never lack is something that works like magic, but a lot of people do not understand the psychology behind given and the blessing that comes with given.

My advice to everyone is to try to extend a hand, try to light up a candle and see how much light they would have around them.

There's no love In the industry (comedy) generally. It is very common and I find it discouraging. When a man feels that the other person is climbing or the light shines in the direction of the other person, there is this unnecessary beef and anger. Since some of them don’t have the fear of God, they don’t know when to stop doing certain things until they meet their waterloo.

more elephants clash, the grass bears the grave consequences.

As things stand, only a fraction of music lovers would miss their exodus from the scene where they once held sway. It will be so because more and more good singers are springing up in jaw-dropping succession.

JJC and Funke Akindele

It all started with Monalisa Chinda taking another shot at marriage this year, now another popular actress, Funke Akindele is about taking same bold step.

The actress better known as Jenifa said a resounding ‘Yes’ to multitalented musician, Abdul Ra-

sheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz when he recently popped the big question of marriage.

It was gathered that the overwhelmed actress was moved to tears when her singer lover went down on one knee and presented to her a beautiful ring.

Sources confirmed that the surprise proposal took place a few weeks ago in Lekki on the set of her new TV Comedy Drama, Jenifa’s Diary.

Funke Akindele has remained single after separating from her hubby, Kehinde Almaroof in 2013 under very controversial circumstances. JJC Skillz is a single father of three children, ages 18, 15 and 10 from three different women.

The only fear is if a man who’s got three kids from three women would be able to sustain the fourth shot?

Redeem my phone pledge, fan cries out to Seyi Shay

S

inger, Seyi Shay, is at present in war of words with a fan who won a competition she staged and for which she’d been unable to redeem the grand prize of a mobile phone.

Having borne the pain in secret, the winner came out publicly to query the singer why she’s yet to get her prize, but got a shocking reply. It later happened that the account was being managed by the singer’s PR team but not the actual singer.

She was accused of not attending the party held for the winners and runner-up and was told that Seyi Shay was not in the country and would redeem the pledge upon her return.

The winners woes captured in words read, “it is unfortunate why Nigerians are so wicked.

Seyi Shay, it is more than three weeks I won a phone on this page but you guys have refused to give me my prize. Well, all things work for

good for those that love God. God himself will take care of your case."

But Seyi Shay’s PR team could not hold back the shame as they immediately replied; “The fact that you have chosen to go below the belt on here and even ignore our responses to you and you did not even show up to collect your prize or join the special evening that was prepared for the winners and runners up, we don’t even feel like you should get anything. We have continuously responded to your queries and told you to be patient as Seyi Shay was out of the country and specially wanted to hand you the prize herself when she returns. Is it her fault that you did not show up on the specified day?

No, so you either be patient and stop being silly or you get Jack diddly squat! Everyone else got their prizes in peace, please behave yourself."

34 Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

My husband encourages me to play romantic roles –Ireti Osayemi Ireti Osayemi’s impeccable interpretation of movie roles endears her to a cult-like fan base. The radiant actress in this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA speaks about her career, family and what makes her viewers’ delight. Excerpts…

You’ve maintained this charm for as long as you’ve been a movie star, what’s your beauty secret?

I have no secret, this is just me, and it’s the grace of God

out of the rollercoaster nature of the industry; my son doesn’t like it, my daughter does not mind. Once they get old enough they can choose what they want.

How about your plump stature, what have you done to avoid adding weight?

I have been trying to work on my weight seriously; this is showbiz, you can’t be just a particular size, you have to look different at a particular time. There are different stages in your career and you have to go with the trend, you need to constantly reinvent.

You are a beautiful woman, how do you handle your admirers?

I can’t dispute the fact that I do have admirers, it is normal for a woman to have admirers, I try my best to let my them know that I’m taken and they should try someone else. Some men will tell you that ‘I’m a married man as well, so what is the big deal?’ But you know what you want for yourself and you go for what you want.

What’s your current size and what is your target?

I am working toward a size 12, I am size 14 now.

How have you been able to manage acting?

I cope well. I think it’s just a function of being well organised.

How is life being an actress?

It’s been wonderful, this is the only profession you get to practice every other profession. Being an actress has been wonderful.

As a versatile actress, how many languages can you speak?

I speak Yoruba fluently, I speak English fluently and I speak a bit of Igbo, I speak Liberian English fluentl y , I’m

Many of your colleagues are going into music, are you considering that as well?

I need to think about that.

You are one of the few Yoruba actresses who have been able to stay away from scandals, what have you done differently?

I try my best to stay out of trouble. I think there are some certain things that you will do and you know within yourself you are not doing the right thing. You can censure yourself before the next man does that for you. You may think you are doing the right thing sometimes but the society may interpret it differently and it becomes a scandal. Sometimes, those things peddled around as scandals might not have really happened.

People blow them out of proportion. It is not as if I have any trick, I have just been living my life as quietly as possible.

You’re somewhat inactive on the social media compared to many of your colleagues, is this deliberate?

I have got my hands full in my house, my kids are there. There is no time to go on social media; I love to go online and read then follow the trend, but there is no time to all I would have wished to do. I also hardly ever put my kids’ photos on social media. I try my best to keep my kids

hoping to learn more languages.

‘Oju Apa’ (The Scar) and some others.

If you were to choose your best international actor to work with, who will it be?

A whole lot of them, but I would love to work with Denton Washington more than anyone else.

How many roles have you rejected and what kind of roles will you frown at?

I have rejected a lot of scripts. I have to balance the home and work; so when it is clashing, I have to turn some down. I try my best not to turn down scripts, if the script is not what I want, I try to talk to the producer to balance it. You don’t totally say this is a bad job, I don’t believe that there is a bad script, all you need is to put in some things, take some things out and make it perfect.

Of all Nigerian actors, who have you enjoyed working with the most?

We have amazing actors in Nigeria, very good role interpreters. I have worked with quite a number of them and they are all amazing.

What project are you currently working on?

I have a few works I have done and we are working on getting them out; we have

With a million dollar will you act nude?

No I won’t, I’m an African woman, a proud one at that.

How has your husband reacted to your career choice, especially when he sees you doing romantic roles?

He would say I should not be fake and if I had chosen this profession, I should do it well. He is very supportive.

At what point did you discover you could act?

The truth is that I got into acting by accident. Though I always loved watching people act, I never knew I would one day act until the opportunity came.

Since then, it had been a wonderful experience.

We know you’re a professional now. But what was it like at the outset?

I used to be scared of the camera, but I have outgrown that now. As you rightly said, I’m a professional now.

I thank God for my fans who have been there for me all these years. Now, I can say I’m a star, but the fans are the real stars because they are the ones who make us want to put more effort into what we are doing.

How many movies have you featured in so far?

I have lost count.

It’s over a decade, as you know. I had featured in over 20 English movies before crossing to the Yoruba movie genre. So far, I’ve featured in over 100 movies and TV soaps.

Osayemi

What do you consider before taking up a script?

I consider the depth of the story, the director and the cast.

Showbiz 35

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Celebrity RÈsume

Real name: Abedoh Nana Stage name: DJ Nana

First official/professional job: I don’t know about professional work, but i was an usher and a dancer and used to collect data base for Stand Up Nigeria event, disc-jockeying came and took all that away.

First day as a Disc Jockey: I don’t think I remember because I was learning and realised I could do this. I really do not remember what day exactly that happened you.

First major appearance/ turning point engagement: My first major appearance was opening of a saloon in VI, Lagos.

My Management: Currently I’m not tied to a management.

Earliest musical influence: Jenifer Lopez, Neyo and Jenifer Hudson

Mentors: Dj Jimmy Jatt, Mix Master Tee and DJ Cypha, outside Nigeria are Dj Skrillex, Steve Oike and Tiesco Most wanted to work with: DJ Spyro and DJ Zhyne Ugliest moment on stage: My laptop crashed

Parents’ reaction to career choice: They had little or no choice, they eventually supported me

Most heard songs: Hiphop and Blues.

Ring tone: Drop it like it’s hot by Snoop Dogg Best personal item: Wallet..

Best colour: Black Red and White Best food: It varies

Favourite Holiday Spot: Inagbe Resort

My man crush: Channey Tantum and Omarion State of origin: Kogi State Age: 26 by May 14

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

36

TV&Radio

27 FEBRUARY 2016

with Deborah Makoji

This weekend AIT

Ogunsanwo

S

Sunrise daily: Analysing the 2016 budget

unrise daily is a progarmme that analyses trending news and current affairs and getting behind the stories that make news on political leaders and other eminent Nigerian. It is aired daily on Channels TV (channel 254) at 8am.

Babajide Ogunsanwo, data and information analyst gave an insight into the 2016 budget “medical equipment at the Presidency has the budget of N3.2billion which is more than the capital budget of EFCC; you see a lot of mismatch that till now haven’t being explained”.

Ogunsanwo, said the masses need more explanation: “the budget has been prepared by the executive and scrutinised by the legislative; the leader of the executive is the president so, we need more explanation not just from the president but from the presidency because this is their budget” Speaking on the excuses flying around as regards the budget, Ogunsanwo said: “those stories are only valid if the president hadn’t presented the budget himself. The president took the budget to the house himself; it wasn’t the minister of finance. We need to be able to criticise it thoroughly prior to presentation because once it is presented; the assumption is that it is ready to be approved”.

About the zero budgeting system, Ogunsanwo said those in charge of creating and supervising budget had failed in their responsibility as the definition of zero budgeting seems defeated. “We are expecting more from the narrative of this zero budgeting system; what we have right now in the budget

The challenge is, who really owns the budget? Would it be the legislature or the executive? Someone has to own the budget is N55million for the installation of budget planning software alone and not purchasing it. So, there is a lot of zeros there that shouldn’t be necessary. According to the budget, software acquisition is already a bogus figure of 368million, so it is surprising when you look at the differential between budget acquisition and installation. It defeats or changes the definition of a zero based budgeting system. So those that are responsible for creating and supervising the budget

FACE BEHIND THE VOICE

D

Cool FM’s D.O.2d.T.U.N

otun Kayode Popularly called D.O.2d.T.U.N is an On Air Personality with Cool FM

Programme summary The Dzigbordi show African Magic Family (Channel 154) Tuesday @ 12:300pm

The programme interviews entrepreneurs who are making it across Africa and the rest of the world.

have failed in their responsibilities; they failed because they didn’t critically analyze the budget line by line”.

He identified budget ownership as another challenges. “The challenge is, who really owns the budget? Would it be the legislature or the executive?

Someone has to own the budget. Most times, the budget comes from the person that prepares it, he takes the first line of responsibility and ministries had contributed too.

“If we are not careful, we will be busy pursuing corruption among the big political figures and we will miss those other little things that we should focus on; a lot of emphasis has gone into corruption and we fail to be thorough with other matters. Those behind putting this together should be unmasked for failing in their responsibility. It would have been understood if the budget had been cut or shredded then we could say it was eaten by rats but it had just been presented badly and misrepresented,” he added.

D.O.2d.T.U.N

Lagos, Nigeria. He is the host of one of the most renowned radio shows, Superstar Wednesday. He was nominated for the award of Best on Air Personality at the NEA Awards in New York.

He is a youth friendly On Air Personality that interacts greatly on social media. This talented OAP hosts one of the best shows on radio so, it is safe to say being an On Air Personality is his calling because he is good at what he does.

Dotun is also a television presenter that plays host to the great countdown music show on Sound City. A fact that can’t be left out is that he is married to D’banj’s younger sister, Taiwo.

TELEVISION

TVC

Saturday 8:00 Nickelodeon 9:00 Brights 10:00 Smallvile 11:00 Crack in the Wall 11:30 UAC Soccer Lafflines 12:00 Music Video and More 12:30 Voices 1:00 Indomitable

Saturday 7:30 Business Africa 8:30 Destiny Encounter 9:00 Cartoon 10:00 Super Book 10:30 Sports File 11:30 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Souncity Top Choice Videos 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:35 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:20 Spice Most 7:00 News Headline 7:10 Footprints 8:00 Pulse 234 8:30 Spider 9:00 Spice Specials 9:30 Soundcity Party Mix 10:30 Omnisport Sunday 8:00 Hutos 9:05 Arambara 9:35 Village Square 11:05 Snakes and Lizards 12:00 Soundcity’s Global Countdown 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta

1:30 MBGN Diary 2:00 Adams Apple 3:00 Unspoken 3:30 Boom Town 4:00 Local Movies 5:30 Two Sides of a Coin 7:00 News 7:30 Secrets and Scandal 8:00 My Wedding Story 8:30 Fans Championship 9:00 Local Movies 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 News Sunday 8:30 Brights 9:30 Gospel Rhythms 10:00 St Dominics 11:00 Gospel Symphony 12:00 Walking with God 12:30 Revival in the Land 1:00 The Advantage 1:30 Love Dating and Marriage 2:00 Mountain Top Life 2:30 Impact Today 3:30 Singles and Married 4:00 Chapel of Uncommon Grace 4:30 Elevation Church 5:00 Reel Infotainment 5:30 Gospel Rhythms 6:00 WWTBAM 7:30 Hour of Salvation 8:00 Local Movies 9:00 Entertainment weekly 9:30 Boom Town

2:40 Village Square 4:10 Movie 5:35 Los Rey 6:30 Glam Mamas 7:05 Before 30 7:30 Saints 8:00 Sunday Paparazzi Show 8:30 Spider 9:00 On the Couch 10:25 Omnisports 10:50 Movies

RADIO

Rainbow 74.1 FM Saturday 7:30 You and your Marriage 8:00 Whispers 9:00 Sports Tackle 10:00 Family Life 11:00 Kids on Radio 12:00 Hot Gist and D Sport 4:00 Wazobia Flavour 6:00 Request and Shout 11:30 Icon Saturday

Sunday 8:00 The Word with Interaction 9:00 God Bless Nigeria 10:00 Rainbow Gospel Gig 11:00 Talk your Own 11:30 Story Story 12:00 Classic Music 5: 00 180 Degrees 5:30 House Party Mix 9:00 Akamara 10:30 Afro Classic

Radio continental 102.3 fm Saturday 77:30 Papers Today 8:00 Good Living 10:00 Saturday Sports 12:45 Replay Africa 1:00 Fan Zone 4:00 Me & You 6:00 Entertainment Unscripted 7:30 Afrobeat Tonight 9:00 Single Life 10:30 Old School Groove

Sunday 7:00 Press Report 8:00 Church without Barrier 10:30 Think You Know the Bible 11:00 Country Music 1:00 Chart Busters 2:30 Palaver 5:00 World News 6:00 Youth Connect 8:00 Sunday Evening Groove 10:00 Music

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

37

The Arts

Omuku's brushstrokes explore contemporary themes A Stories: Tony Okuyeme

s the 2016 edition of The Armory Show’s regional focus section titled: Focus: African Perspectives—Global Contemporaries opens March 3, Omenka Gallery will present recent work by fast-rising contemporary artists at the global event.

The four-day show will end March 6, 2016.

Established in 1994 and held annually on Piers 92 & 94, The Armory Show is New York’s premier international art fair, showcasing over 200 galleries from around the world. The Armory Focus: African Perspectives – Spotlighting Artistic Practices of Global Contemporaries is curated by Julia Grosse and Yvette Mutumba, founders of Contemporary And, an online platform for international art from African perspectives. Moving beyond conventional ideas of the African continent and its “counterpart,” “the Western hemisphere,” this year’s focus will provide a glimpse of international artistic production from contemporary African viewpoints: emerging curators, artists, galleries and art spaces that connect scenes and markets through global networks. From Lagos to London to

BHM: Lagos Film Society screens The Black Power Mixtape, Statues Also Die I

n commemoration of Black History Month, Lagos Film Society in partnership with the Musical Society in Nigeria (MUSON) will today Saturday, February 27, screen The Black Power Mixtape (directed by Göran Olsson) and Statues Also Die (directed by Chris Marker and Alain Resnais), at Old Film Unit, Nigerian Film Corporation (Beside VON), Ikoyi, Lagos, at 2pm.

The Black Power Mixtape 1967 to 1975 is a documentary film that examines the evolution of the Black Power Movement in American society from 1967 to 1975.

Statues Also Die is a 1953 French essay film about historical African art and the effects colonialism has had on how it is perceived.

The screening will be followed

by Nneka, Tunde Jegede and Keziah Jones in conversation with Ed Keazor and Didi Cheeka, within the context of the New Horizons 2016: Resistance & Revelation, a weekend of concerts, screenings, symposium and discussions.

Luanda and presented together for the first time in one location. It will also examine the artistic developments and manifold narratives arising from African and African Diasporic artists, Omuku emphasising geographic fluidity and global connections.

What happens when different forms meet? Can human figure be transformed based on the premise that things could be otherwise? These are some of the questions which painter, Nengi Omuku, seeks to explore and interrogate through her work which functions as a metaphor alluding to wider themes of difference, understanding and mutual belonging.

Through colour, she explores the supposition that the human figure can be transformed based on the premise that things could not only look, but also be otherwise.

Significantly, the release from the physical form has led her into a new territory, a moment-by-moment expression of beings that have been transformed from their present reality and reanimated through colour and marks.

Her desire is to convey portraits: presences floating through active spaces, presences that have the aspiration of becoming events in their own right. She also frequently explores the encounter – what happens when different forms meet.

Another element of Omuku’s work is the scape, in particular, the escape the bodies inhabit.

The Phantasmic Middle Creature

Her collection consists of stunning imagery; iridescent landscapes bathed with light from half hidden globes, and populated by clouds and waterfalls; fantastical formations peopled with hybrid beings and floating organic bodies; imaginary vistas of intergalactic fields; and emerging cloud formations.

Also, a close examination shows Omuku’s transiting clouds and waterfalls are representative of different physical states in the process of energy conversion. Consequently, we gain valuable

insight into Omuku’s oeuvre, largely a series of self-portraits that document her strongly personal journey or escape across several energy levels as various expressions, bounded only by the law of energy conservation.

The Port Harcourt-based artist has participated in several solo and group exhibitions, these include “A State of Mind” at Omenka Gallery (2015), “To Figure an Encounter, Open the Gate” (2011) and “Deep Cuts, Last Measures” (2011) both at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery in London.

Top Fliers magazine for launch, holds awards

A

head of the official launching of Top Fliers, a quarterly magazine published by Pysmaco Ltd, the organisers have announced a series of activities that will highlight the event.

The launching of the magazine is scheduled to hold in April this year. It will feature the Top Fliers Award which is geared towards honouring outstanding individuals in the society.

Published quarterly, Top Fliers is an all-gloss magazine that cuts across events - news, fashion, modeling, house warming and pageants, coronation etc.

The CEO of Pysmaco Ltd and Publisher of Topflyers Magazine, Musa Yahaya, in a chat with journalists, stated that the concept of the magazine began in Toronto, Canada, in 2013, where it is being published, but they decided to bring it back home to avail Nigerians the benefit of the content.

“We want the world to embrace the Topflyers magazine because of the quality and its international standard.

“The magazine cuts across all spheres Yahaya - entertainment, inter-

views, fashion, modelling and pageantry.

The quality of materials is interesting, the colour and state of the art materials are amazing. It is not just distributed in Lagos but Abuja, and all over the country as well as abroad including Toronto where the concept came from. It’s already two years in the market. It will be formally launched in Lagos in April,” he said.

Top Fliers Magazine, he further noted, “is also rich in promoting the cultural heritage of Nigeria as portrayed in the fashion pages which showcase local models and traditionally manufactured fabrics representing the diverse ethnic groups in the country”.

On why pageantry was included in the content, Yahaya said: “It was necessary as the management saw the need to take the youths off the streets, by engaging them positively.

The pageantry page is known as Face of Top Fliers Magazine and it comes up annually. We made the inclusion after seeing the need to rewrite stereotypes of the youths.”

According to him, another interesting inclusion in the magazine

is the ‘Top Fliers Award’ which is geared towards honouring outstanding individuals in the society. “The maiden edition of ‘Top Fliers Award’ took place last year.

We are committed to giving Nigerians a value for their money.

“I was inspired to do it differently from the normal thing everyone is doing by just concentrating on events and publishing colourful photographs of celebrators. There are varieties for everyone’s reading pleasure and in spite of who is featured, there is no compromising the quality of the magazine.

“The beauty of it is that it is not being distributed only in Lagos, it’s also done internationally. We started the magazine in 2013 and we are going to launch it this year April. We also organise face of Topflyers magazine, pageantry as part of the new style of the magazine.

“The face of Topflyers is an annual event that usually takes place towards the end of every year. The occasion featured A-list artistes in Nigeria who entertained great elite crowd amongst which were politicians, captains of industries, top public office holders that never stop asking for more as they watch the artistes and pretty models unleash individual prowess,” he also said.

Face of TopFlyers Magazine Beauty Pageant, he explained, is an event where young, elegant, intelligent models are brought together to compete for the much coveted crown.

38

FRED NWAOZOR

W

alking lonely along the lonely street situated in the city of Umuahia, SouthEastern Nigeria about few minutes past six in the evening on Saturday, March 10, 2007, was all Chukwuebuka cared for at the moment. The 36-year-old slim, dark complexioned and about 5-foot tall young man dressed in casual attire thought it wise to take a walk having embarked on his not unusual thinking section all through the day in his humble abode otherwise known as Boys’ Quarters. Chukwuebuka Okere who was definitely headed for an undefined destination was a graduate of English Linguistics from the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, popularly known and addressed as ‘UniCal’. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A) eight years back, 1999 precisely, and since he rounded off his compulsory National Youth Service programme in February 2001, the dude who was actually reckoned as one of the best brains in his department during his school days was still endlessly roaming the streets and major roads of Umuahia – the capital city of Abia State in search of a whitecollar job, which was seemingly not forthcoming. Owing to his unending joblessness, he almost hanged himself few months back in the name of ‘frustration’. As he strolled calmly along the apparently endless street where he resided, so many terrible thoughts dawned on his miserable mind as he was subconsciously observing his fellow passers-by in their to-and-fro movements, though in about five minutes intervals which made the street appeared sparingly lonely.

“Ebuka!” a feminine voice called from behind to no avail.

“Ebuka Okere!!” She reiterated in a higher tone.

He stopped and turned back on hearing the second call, and surprisingly he sighted a female being that seemed a bit familiar standing about half kilometre away from him with car keys in her left hand. He hastily took a few steps backward to meet her.

It was Ogechi. Ogechi Okafor who was a graduate of Marketing happened to be Chukwuebuka’s schoolmate as well as girlfriend way back in the university but he graduated ahead of her because she was two years lower than him in level. Pathetically, Chukwuebuka dumped her in April 2000 during her third year (300 Level) when he was undergoing his youth service programme; the unexpected and unspeakable estrangement from a man she cared so much about, which caused her a severe heartbreak, almost claimed her precious life if not the intervention of her close female friends on campus.

Ogechi who was light-skinned, slim and about 1.5 metres tall was putting on blue trousers, pink top and high-heeled pink foot wears; the high-heel made her appeared taller than Chukwuebuka. Ab ini-

ShortStory

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056 Follow: @mediambassador

Unceremonious step

tio she was unarguably a pretty damsel; and at that very moment she seemed extremely prettier to Chukwuebuka’s greatest amazement.

“Ogechi…Okafor!” He exclaimed, folding his arms while standing about a metre away from her.

“Surprise?” She enquired, smiling.

“Oh my God,” he said. “You are completely different now.”

She smiled.

“What’s the secret?”

“Well, na God oh.”

“So, what are you doing here?”

He inquired. “What brought you to Umuahia?” He added.

“I live here.”

“You mean,” he said. “You are a resident of Umuahia?”

“Of course.”

“It’s a lie.”

“Honestly.”

“You don’t mean it,” he said.

“Since when?”

“Since I finished my NYSC in 2003.”

“Oh my God,” he dished out.

“This is getting more interesting.”

“Actually, I live around here,” she chipped in. “In the neighbouring street, Ekpoma Crescent, to be precise.”

“Ekpoma Crescent?”

“Ya.” Ekpoma Crescent was a residential corner peculiar to notable personalities.

“And you,” she said. “You live around?”

“Ya,” he replied. “This is my street.”

“Are you serious?’

The moment he walked into her magnificent office, he knelt down to seek for unconditional forgiveness with tears on his eyes “Yes,” responded Chukwuebuka amidst a nod. “I reside at the beginning of the street, Number 3 precisely.”

“Since when have you been in Umuahia?”

“Ever since I concluded my youth service.’

“So what has been happening since then?” she curiously enquired.

There was no response.

“Look at you, Ebuka,” she observed, frowning. “You used to be plump.”

“My dear,” he broke the silence. “It’s a long story.”

Since after his NYSC, he had only been occupied with one menial job or the other just to make ends meet.

“Well, I’m actually catching fun here with some of my colleagues,” she abruptly changed the topic. “One of us is marking

her birthday.”

There was a relaxation outlet behind her; the sound coming from the joint was obviously felt by the passers-by. That was where she was seated among her friends before she caught sight of Chukwuebuka in the distance the moment he passed.

“Would you mind joining us?”

She urged.

“Joining you?” He said. “Like this?” He added, pointing at his dress.

The casual wears he was clad in comprised black three-quarter jeans, green polo and brown leather slippers.

“You are okay,” she admitted.

“After all, you are a man.”

“Sure?”

“Of course,” she said. “Besides, this is your street.” She added, paused. “So, you are equally the landlord or the host.” She declared cheerfully.

He smiled. “Okay, if you say so.” He said opening his hands, indicating that he had surrendered.

“So, shall we?” She landed pointing towards the joint with her left arm.

They majestically walked hand in hand to the joint.

She introduced him to the gathering that was made up of various sophisticated ladies and gentlemen as soon as they got to the point before they assumed their seats; they were seated opposite each other at one of the free white plastic tables in the arena.

Initially, he refused to take anything when he was asked to name

what he cared for owing to the enormous guilt his mindset was preoccupied with, until he was profoundly persuaded by Ogechi to do so. Finally having succumbed, he ordered for a plate of pepper soup to be accompanied with a bottle of chilled malt.

The fun lasted till about eight o’clock at night when everyone departed for their respective residences. Ogechi who was the Marketing Manager of one of the renowned firms in the city gave a copy of her complimentary card to Chukwuebuka prior to her departure; she asked him to see her in the office first thing the following Monday.

On the said Monday being March 12, 2007, Chukwuebuka arrived at Ogechi’s office as instructed. The moment he walked into her magnificent office, he knelt down to seek for unconditional forgiveness with tears on his eyes. She made him understand right in the office that she had forgiven him long ago, if not she wouldn’t have asked him to join her at the relaxation outlet let alone inviting him to her place of work; a pronouncement that made the guilty poor man to develop an abrupt high fever.

Two weeks later, she helped him to secure an employment in her company. When her friends and colleagues confronted her for the seemingly silly and unceremonious step she had taken having learnt what the man in question did to her years back, she categorically disclosed to them that she bore him no grudge again, stating that a known devil was far better than an unknown angel.

Ogechi who was still a splinter at 33, unequivocally went further to notify them that she was damn willing and ready to settle down with Chukwuebuka if he eventually proposed to her. Apparently, she couldn’t forget in a hurry the juicy and remarkable moment they shared together, and she was of the view that he could not forget either; thus that remained her motivator.

Amazingly, in about three months later, Chukwuebuka and Ogechi who were now colleagues re-established another intimate emotional affair to the envy of all and sundry that were within. Subsequently, six months on, Saturday September 8, 2007, to be precise, they tied the knot; their ostensibly divine union remained an interesting story headline to their teeming friends, relatives and well-wishers.

Thereafter, they were happily married and have three kids – two males and a female.

• Nwaozor novelist, playwright and poet, is Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Travel & Tourism

Hilarious

CHEF'S CORNER

Common blunders by chefs C hefs are trained professional cooks and are supposed to be perfect in every way as they have mastered the act of cooking, managing the kitchen, the menu, equipment and every other elements that come with the territory. But it is not uncommon to see a number of chefs or cooks commit some errors or blunders, which may not be too obvious to the untrained eye.

Here are some of the five common blunders by chefs, hoping that you would learn from it: How to hold a knife One of the fastest ways to tell a professional chef from the ranks of pretenders is to watch how they hold a chef's knife. The moment that index finger sticks out along the spine of the knife, it's a clear signal the person has never had to chop massive amounts of anything. It gives the illusion of control, but in fact the knife is less steady. Professional chefs hold both sides of the blade with the handle tucked under their wrist, from which vantage point it is impossible to slice one's finger off.

Sadly, this is more common than one would think.

Oil in the pasta water Oil floats on water, even boiling water; if it's floating on top of the water it can't keep the pasta on the bottom from sticking, can it? Even putting the pasta through the oil on the way down won't help. If you want your pasta not to stick together, boil it

in plenty of salted water, then save a bit of the cooking water for when you finish your pasta in the sauce.

Using cold tortillas Tortillas, both corn and flour, have to be warmed before they become pliable. They don't have to be cooked in oil, either the usual method in Mexican kitchens is to heat the tortillas directly on the stove burner. If that skeeves you out, use an ungreased skillet.

Mis-salting large pieces of meat Yes, it's important to salt meat and salt it well; if you're making an enormous roast, however, salting the outside means the outside will be saltier

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Hospitality

Green Valley Hotels and Garden: Luxury at its best

p.41

Destination

Yankari: Nigeria's most treasured national park

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ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Eating baked goods straight from the oven This works perfectly when it's a pasta dish, but baked goods, especially bready baked goods, need to sit and cool nearly completely before the gluten sets. Fruit fillings, too, need to cool to set -the way to spot a switcheroo on the baked.

COOKING BLUNDER

Jollof rice turns eba Deborah Makoji

O

liver Duke, a graduate of business administration, also known as McLinchung is an actor from Cross River State and was once an on air personality (OAP) with Raypower before he decided to pursue his childhood love for acting. He plays the role of Sylvanus, a businessman whose love for money is unqualified in the comic series, ‘DoGood’, running on DSTV. He shares his experience when it comes to cooking blunder.

I committed cooking blunder the first time I cooked jollof rice. I did rubbish that day because the rice turned into eba. It was my first time of cooking rice and it wasn’t funny because my friends have been begging me to cook. So, when I agreed to cook that day they were all happy but unfortunately for me, the rice turned into eba and we couldn't eat it. You need to hear what my friends said to me that day and I couldn't defend myself because the rice was so bad. The next time I offered to cook, they all turned down my offer.

Duke

TRAVEL BEATS

Travel Personality

Eyo Ita: A committed crusader for Cross River tourism

than the inside. That's actually not bad, as long as slices include the salty crust and the less-seasoned insides, but many times, the meat is ‘mis-cut’ as well as ‘mis-salted’. A better option, depending on what the final dish is, may be marinating, which gives the salt time to be absorbed further into the meat.

39

Nigeria Association AHIF: Togo’s prime minister Kenya appoints of Tour Operators confirms attendance Nzioka-Mbithi as KTB elects new leaders As preparation gets underway for this year’s edition of African acting CEO The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) at the close of its 2016 tourism conference and annual general meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, recently elected a new executive council to pilot its affairs for the next two years.

The team is madeup of Nkereuwem Onung of Remlords Tours as president, Olumuyiwa Salami of Dvine Tour Brokers as deputy president, Ime Udo of Leadway Tours as general secretary and Bolaji Mustapha of GETCENTRE as treasurer while the ex-officio members are: Fatima Garbati of Speed Tours, Ladi Jemi-Alade of Jemi-Alade Tours, Ikechi Uko of Akwaaba/ATQ and Chinyere Umuasiegbu of Globallink Travels.

NATOP is the national umbrella body for registered tour operators operating in Nigeria.

Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) billed for Lome, Togo, in April, the Prime Minister of Togo, Komi Sélom Klassou, has confirmed his attendance of the event under the patronage of President of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

Klassou spoke of the limitless opportunities the event offers his country: “Togo has dynamic plans to develop and expand trade and tourism and we are pleased to welcome this important conference to our country. I am confident it will provide an excellent platform to discuss the way ahead.”

The Prime Minister will be joined by African government ministers, tourism experts, international hotel investors and leading business executives.

Matthew Weihs, the Managing Director of Bench Events, organisers of the forum, expressed delight over the development. “We are delighted to welcome the Prime Minister and other ministers to our conference. This is an important time for Togo and for West Africa as it positions itself to become a strategic investment destination. As business and tourism grows, so too will the demand for hotel capacity.”

He continued: “We have a conference programme packed with influential speakers sharing their insights on highly topical issues.

We’re looking forward to some lively and enlightening discussion.”

Industry leaders will highlight developments in the tourism sector and ministers will provide a direct link to the latest government thinking. There will also be numerous opportunities for networking and face-to-face discussion.

Jacinta Nzioka- Mbithi has been named the acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) by the Kenyan government.

The former acting director of marketing replaces Muriithi Ndegwa, whose tenure has expired after serving for two full terms since October, 2009.

Nzioka-Mbithi has over 10 years experience in international tourism destination marketing and she is expected to bring this to bear on her running of the board’s affairs pending a substantive appointment.

Nzioka -Mbithi assured the industry and stakeholders of KTB’s s commitment in driving tourism sector on its recovery path. “A lot of recovery programmes have been put in place and together with the industry players, we are fully committed to their implementations.”

Nzioka-Mbithi is one of the founding Executive Directors of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) and member to the board of Ecotourism Kenya. She holds an MBA in Strategic Management with Marketing and a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Moi University and a post graduate Diploma in Marketing of Services from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.

40 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

Eyo Ita: A committed crusader for Cross River tourism

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Eyo Ita is one of the few investors with a big heart who is living the dream of making Cross River State a truly tourists’ haven with huge investment in the hospitality sector. He speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on his commitment to tourism

Sojourn into the tourism world ta describes his sojourn into the tourism world as coincidental and not intended. He recalls that at the time he was involved with renewing the state’s moribund cement company, the state government was also experimenting with the tourism industry with the carnival Calabar introduced in 2004.

The introduction of the tourism project brought to the fore the vacuum in the bed space available in Calabar and this necessitated investment in more hotel rooms.

Ita saw the window of opportunity and made a move in that direction by turning his private property then into a hotel, which today is known as Green Valley Hotels and Garden on Abasi Obori Street in Ekorinim area of Calabar.

“I had a property then that I was building as a personal house and it was supposed to be a twin duplex. I discovered that if I invest in that just as accommodation for myself it would just be a waste and based on advice as well, I decided to turn it into a hotel,” he tells you of his first tentative step into tourism, which today has become more of a passion for him rather than a mere business venture.

“It became a passion for me beside my cement job. By the hotel we had a piece of land and we decided to create a love garden, which was not very popular in this part of the world with tents where people could seat out.

“It was very welcoming because it was new. That went on until the Municipal Garden idea came up.”

Hoteliers are not having the best of time The euphoria created by the tourism dream got on with many others taking a plunge into the newly found love of the people with hotels and other leisure spots springing up in the city. But close to two decades, the tempo and expectations seem to have waned with Ita insisting that hoteliers are not having the best of time.

bar a true tourist destination for various events and attracts conferences.”

support us and the issue of multiple taxations should be looked into.”

The tourism dream is well and alive “Over the years I think we have done well because we have been able to sustain this and keep it going. Donald Duke’s administration introduced it, Senator Imoke’s administration did a lot to sustain it and I can see Senator Ayade’s government also doing everything to sustain the tempo.

“We saw his first outing last year, it was encouraging and we are happy, personally as a stakeholder in the industry I am happy that he was able to sustain that tempo but we would still want a lot more to be done.

“We have to be optimistic. Ayade has just come on board and it is our duty to support the government. We are optimistic that he would be able to harness the resources. So, let us come together to ensure that what we have achieved over the years as far as tourism is concerned is not reduced to nothing.”

I feel fulfilled No matter what, Ita is quite happy and fulfilled that he is helping to transform not only the tourism scape of the state but its entire economy because he is a major player also in other parts of the economy. Looking at what he has achieved with the Municipal Garden, which three years ago was an abandoned dumpsite, Ita says: “I feel happy and elated that we could transform this once fallow and muddy environment into what we have here and I think also that other Cross Riverians appreciate this coming into this premises to see the amount of money that we have invested here.

“I feel quite fulfilled. The energy comes from the Almighty Father. My wife, family and children support me strongly. I am glad that we have been able to achieve this much, maybe not much really because we could still do more.

“It is our responsibilities as Cross Riverians and as Nigerians to give back to the society, that is the feeling that I have. It is not necessarily the amount of money that you can make out of it because when I look at the amount of money that one has invested when will one recoup it?

“So, it is something that

Government should partner with the private sector “But he can’t do that alone. Definitely not, so I would expect the government to listen to us the stakeholders and take our views to see how best the industry can move forward. Personally, I am very optimistic but I wish government could talk to us, let us work together.

“I think every hotelier, every investor in the tourism industry would definitely want to support government’s effort so as to provide that enabling environment and government should be able to

But why is this so?

“We thought that the government would do something else, additional things not only in December period.

Develop something all year round. But what we have now is seasonal and the industry and hoteliers are not having the best of time because it is only in one month that we witness the inflow of guests and the other months are empty.

“We have to struggle to remain in business and then this is compounded by the poor power supply. So, it is struggling all the way to remain in business and it has not been quite encouraging for us."

But not dampen by this development, he says, “that is why personally, I felt like not relying only on the hotel but let us do something else to support the hotel itself.

So, we have an event centre. If we make Calabar an event destination then we can bring in conferences and the people can now stay in the hotels.

“Fine, it is understandable but government should do more to bring in conferences and other activities that would support the tourism industry,” he insists. Besides, Ita also challenges the hoteliers, as he says that “we should also as hoteliers put on our thinking Ita caps and see how we can make Cala-

the society, the people appreciates, so you feel fulfilled that yes, this is right in Calabar where I was born. This is what Cross River should have.”

I enjoy my Efik traditional food To keep fit and maintain his almost athletics physique, the business mogul undertakes two hours early morning exercise daily. He also spends time hanging out with his friends whenever he can.

Though widely travelled and with a cosmopolitan view and taste, when it comes to food, he is more at home with his Efik traditional food as he speaks glowingly of his knack for afang and edikang ekong among other Efik’s cuisine, which of course he enjoys coming from the kitchen of his dear and lovely wife, whom he greatly adores and speaks warmly of as the best chef in town.

“I have travelled all over the world and have worked in all the five continents but I always go back to Germany and Turkey for holidays,” he says even as he dreams of visiting Jerusalem someday as a pilgrim. Ita is also widely travelled across Nigeria given that his quest for limestone or the cement business has led him to different parts of the country.

However, he says he feels welcome and more at home at Birnin Kebbi.

“I felt so wonderful in the north, in Birnin Kebbi. I was at peace there, you land in Sokoto airport and just drive straight to Birnin Kebbi, the environment and the people are so welcoming.”

BACKGROUND Chief Eyo Ita, an engineer-turned business mogul with massive investment in the hospitality sector – Green Valley Hotels and Garden, all in Calabar, is one of the few highly respected investors in tourism in Calabar and across Cross River State for his large heart and commitment to driving the tourism dream of the state.

Fondly called chief or chairman by friends and admirers, he is soft spoken, unpretentious and dedicated to the good of the community. He is medi a shy as this reporter has been on his trail since last year and getting him to field some questions didn’t come easy.

Though born and bred in Calabar, Ita who hails from Bakassi Local Government Area of the state studied, lived and worked in Germany for about 30 years and has also had the opportunity of travelling to other countries especially in the Middle East such as Turkey, Iraqi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia where he eked out a living too.

He speaks both German and Arabic fluently beside his mother tongue, Efik and English.

A former employee of defunct Calabar Cement Company now UNICEM, Ita who refers to himself simply as cement engineer, was sent on a training course to the Germany School of Mining and Metallurgy where he read process engineering as part of the company’s manpower development programme then.

“On completion I returned to Calabar, Nigeria and found the company closed down,” he recalls. Left with no option, he returned back to Germany where he picked up employment and thus began his close to 30 years romance with Germany and some parts of the Middle East until 1998 when he was invited back to Nigeria by former governor Donald Duke and made a technical adviser to work on the revitalisation of the Calabar Cement Company now UNICEM. He stayed on as a consultant as well to the new and up running company. At different points, he travelled across the country consulting for a number of cement companies, which included Dangote Cement, Sokoto Cement Company and Nkalagu Cement.

Of course has continued with the mining business even though he is now into tourism.

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

HOSPITALITY

HOSPITALITY BITS Jovago launches #MyNigeria campaign

Andrew Iro Okungbowa

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ts location is a naturally pleasing one, a quiet and breezy environment with an undulating valley-like landscape while the hotel structure itself which seats pretty atop this scape presents a perfect fit picture, all green and blending nicely with the Love Garden at the other end, which also wears an all green colour.

Taking in this compelling scenery as you descend into the hotel premises, you begin to understand perhaps while Chief Eyo Ita, the chairman of the hotel, has decided to name this fascinating hospitality home, situated at Abasi Obori Layout in Ekorinim off Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, Green Valley Hotels and Garden.

Metaphorically, it is not a dead valley and as suggested by the green, it is full of life and boast one of the best hospitality outfits in Calabar where nature blend beautifully with array of sophisticated facilities to offer guest the best of luxury.

It is not surprising that the hotel actually prides itself as the home for the discerning traveller.

The hotel atmosphere was calm and peaceful this Saturday afternoon and devoid of the usual high tempo activities that you see in most hotels. Quite a commanding presence it exuded with the reception area warm and welcoming. Sydney Charity Ibritam, who is the general manager of the hotel, describes it as a lovely home where you are treated to the best of hospitality.

With a mixed quality and standard facilities, he says the hotel caters for all categories of people ranging from business to leisure tourists, insisting that it is dedicated to providing the best hospitality service in the city with its location an advantage to its value because of its natural ambience.

“Green Valley Hotel is a choice hotel, it is a lovely place and you can hardly resist the temptation to make it your second home because of its homely ambience as it gives you that comfort and security that you would fine nowhere else,” Ibritam said, adding that “we pamper our guests and treat them as family.”

He says, “We offer the best of services and ensure that guests don’t have anything to complain about because what we advertise is what we offer as we know that what makes a hotel unique is the service and so we offer good services to suit the class and taste of our guests so as to have repeat visit and attract new patronage.”

Hotel's facade

GREEN VALLEY HOTELS AND GARDEN

Luxury at its best Rooms The hotel has on offer 33 rooms of different categories, namely, royal single, queen double, queen deluxe, Imperial standard and diamond suite. All are beautifully and stylishly fitted and apportioned with some of the best hospitality amenities for the comfort and relaxation of the guests such as king size bed, flat screen TV, bath (shower/Jacuzzi) and private lounge for diamond suite and Imperial standard as well as complimentary breakfast.

Its in-room entertainment is also unique as each room is fitted with multiple channel DSTV and a self-service directory that enables you to access all available services without beckoning the hotel staff for assistance.

Dining/wining It has a beautifully laid restaurant where guests are treated to African and continental dishes. Its African dishes are uniquely Efik traditional delicacies

that are not commonly placed. They include special edikang ekong, ukwo afang, abak soup,ekpan nkukwo and ekpan nkukwo ikon.

Love Garden This is uniquely Green Valley Hotel’s play ground of some sorts for people to relax and harvest fun. It has a natural setting with a blend of traditional huts covered with thatched roofs and luxuriating green environment that creates that perfect love or Eden garden, airy, breezy with trees and flowers and spiced with sculpted animal pieces.

Quite a serene and inviting garden.

The bar is well-stocked with drinks, each of the huts is stylishly fitted and has big screen for live games and other entertaining programmes. The meals, according to the general manager, is also on point with its offerings including special isiewu treat and the best seafood ever in the city with fisherman soup and ‘point and kill’ to the bargain.

To enliven and enrich guests’ visit, the hotel offers special leisure and entertainment packages. This includes what the general manager described as every evening breezy where guests savour the best of the natural environment beginning from 6pm daily with a lot to eat and drink.

There is the Friday Green Safari Party -all night party spiced with the best comedy acts among others and also on Sunday is a live band treat till dawn featuring old skool music across all genres.

Other services/facilities 24 hour services, free internet, room service, laundry service, conferencing and banquet services, bulter, airport pick up and drop off.

one of the rooms

Jovago.com has launched a nationwide campaign tagged #MyNigeria, an innovative platform, which offers social media users the opportunity to post pictures of beautiful landmarks from across the country in promotion of the brand image of Nigeria globally.

According to the Managing Director of the African leading online hotel booking platform, Kushal Dutta, the initiative is driven towards promoting the nation’s domestic tourism as well as showcasing Nigeria’s exciting landscape.

“This #MyNigeria campaign is different from all the other initiatives we have launched because it is engaging, social and taps into our sense of patriotism. Through this project, we are able to promote this nation as a tourist destination and show the world the Nigeria media never talks about. When people drive through the streets, they see many wonderful monuments and landmarks but these places are left undiscovered because many do not know they exist. We would like to change that,” he said.

The campaign currently runs on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and to join in the project, participants are to simply take beautiful pictures of any monument or landscape post them on social media using the hashtag #MyNigeria and stand a chance to have them promoted by Jovago around the world.

Since its creation in 2013 and the opening of its first offices in Africa, Jovago has recorded steady growth.

Its large inventory lists 25,000 hotels in over 40 African countries and 200,000 hotels worldwide. With its ongoing success, Jovago aims to drive the innovation of its digital services in the hospitality industry in emerging countries.

Dutta

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

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ABA

FESTAC, LAGOS

LAGOS

Panda Hotel Suites & Lounge

CAPITOL HOTEL, AGEGE

REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

42

Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Yankari: Nigeria's most treasured DESTINATION Yankari National Park is one of Nigeria’s oldest parks and it has a chequered history.

In continuation of his series on the eight national parks, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes on its rich endowment.

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ocated in Bauchi State, Yankari National Park, is one of Nigeria’s oldest national park, a former game reserve, which was created in 1956 and one of the largest then in northern Nigeria. It became a national park in 1991and it presently spans a land mass of 2,244 square kilometres of rich Sudan Savannah consisting of savannah grassland vegetation and patches of woodland as well as a mix of rolling hills with Kariyo hill said to be the highest at 640 metres.

With its main entrance at Mainamaji village, which is about 29 kilometres from Dindima, the park is actually spread across Duguri, Pali and Gwana districts of Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi emirate. It also has a rich watershed provided by the Gaji River, which runs across the park and serves as a natural divider as it has divided the park into two parts.

Of all the eight national parks, Yankari has suffered a chequered history necessitated by some form of political wrangling between the federal and state government, which had affected to some extent its level of development and patronage as well. At some point the state government claimed ownership of the park and it was ceded to it and expunged from the list of the national parks but years later it relinquished its ownership again to the federal government.

But be that as it may, the park remains perhaps one of the most naturally and diversely blessed as it has a rich ecosystem that is populated by abundant flora and fauna resources with some of them rare and endemic to its environment.

Also, it has a rich history having played some critical role in the life of the people of the communities that are domiciled within and around the park’s environment. You would find as you explore the park some of these natural relics, which depicted human existence within certain region of the park over centuries ago. This includes walls and caves of intriguing and awesome nature. Perhaps it is only in the Old Oyo National Park that you would also find same similarity because the park also warehouses a number of the historical relics of the people of the area.

Tourists in the park

Wildlife The park comes rated with rich wildlife, which given its savannah nature makes for enduring and enlivened safari or game viewing with the presence of such wildlife as the African bush elephants, which are rare to come by in Africa today but is one of the signature animals of the park and ought to drive traffic to it yearly from across the globe.

Others include the olive baboon and chimpanzee, which are common sights at the park, especially at the base camp and offices where they come around to play with and excite the people around.

People are often advised to look out for them and not throw food at them or leave their bags opened especially the ladies. They are not harmful and dangerous though.

The endless list include patas monkey, tantalus monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, West African lion, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck

its wildlife. However, the park welcomes visitors all year round especially during the festive and holiday periods as there are always something to look forward to on visit.

Features Beside its rich and vast fauna and flora resources as well as ecosystem, the park is home to some unique features of interest to various people, including its four warm water springs. Perhaps the most popular and heavily patronised of the springs is the Wikki Warm Spring, after which the camp is named and also the state sponsored football team is known as Wikki Tourists Football Club.

The Wikki Warm Spring is the largest spring and is about 13.0 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep. It daily flows 21,000,000 litres of crystal clear, spring water into the Gaji River. The spring has a constant temperature of 31.1 °C through the year during both day and night and has been

developed for recreation. You can enjoy a deep swim and smooching all day here as well as sunbathing. It is very popular with many of the white visitors to the park and guests of the base camp.

The other warm water springs are Dimmil, Gwan, and Nawulgo springs.

A fifth spring, Tungan Naliki, is the only cool spring in the park.

The other special feature of the park, which is also of great interest to people and of archaeological findings are

Chalets in the park

Marshal Caves

and hippopotamus. The Sudan cheetah is believed to have now gone extinct while it also boasts a large and diverse freshwater ecosystem around its freshwater springs and the Raji River.

There are also over 350 species of bird found in the park. Of these, 130 are residents, 50 are palearctic migrants and the rest are intra-African migrants that move locally within Nigeria. These birds include the saddle-billed stork, white-rumped vulture, guinea fowl, grey hornbill, and the cattle egret, all of these make for rich and exciting bird watch at the park.

Game viewing is conducted twice at the park in the morning and evening hours with December to April period noted as the peak and best period to visit the park for a rich exploration of

Beside its rich and vast fauna and flora resources as well as ecosystem, the park is home to some unique features of interest to various people

Elephants on parade

Wikki warm Spring

the historic relics, which are believed to be evidence of human existence at

Travel&Tourism 43

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

national park the park in over a century ago. This includes Dukkey Wells, about 139 of them with interconnecting shafts representing an elaborate water storage system; Marshall Caves, 59 dwelling caves dug into sandstone escarpments, which were discovered by P.J. Marshall in 1980. There are rock paintings and engravings in zig-zag form and in straight lines; Tunga Dutse – a rock formation more elaborate engravings than the Marshall Caves.

Legible writings cover an area on the sandstone rock embankment of about four metres in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible; and Iron Smelting – the shau shau iron smelting works have about 60 standing shaft furnaces, which are believed to be the largest historical industrial complex of its time in the West Africa Sub-region.

While other geographical features of note are the Kalban hill, which means flat place, a flat topped hill, which gives tourists a complete view of the park, Kariyo hill, which is located near the Marshal Caves and is a beautiful picnic ground, Paliyaram hill, a popular camp for poachers, located 10 km from Wikki and the Tonlong Gorge, a scenic gorge with associated hills, buttes and escarpments located in the west of the park.

Tourist facilities The park offers a number of tourist facilities to excite guests especially overnight staying guests. There is the Wikki camp, which is a lodging facility located right at the centre of the park and easily accessible from the main its entrance.

They are all chalets of various sizes and fitted with different facilities and soft furnishing for the comfort of the guest.

One can’t tell the state of these chalets now because it has been a long while one visited.

But one learnt that massive renovation work has been carried out at the park recently. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, conference centre, trophy museum.

SEE THE

WORLD World’s 15 most famous bridges

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ll through ages, the world has witnessed record breaking architectural pieces and icons and one of those are bridges, which exist across the different regions of the world with some of them claiming global status given their intricate engineering and iconic nature.

Here is a list of the 15 most famous world acclaimed bridges. Watch out for any of these in your journeys across the world:

stretches across the Linxi River and it still in heavy use. It is constructed of wood and stone without nails or rivets and is the largest of all the wind and rain bridges. It is 64.4 metres long, 3.4 metres wide and 10.6 metres high.

12. Brooklyn Bridge Completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. At the time it opened, and for several years, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and it has become a famous and iconic landmark of New York. The bridge has a wide pedestrian walkway open to walkers and cyclists. This walkway takes on a special importance in times of difficulty when usual means of crossing the East River have become unavailable as happened during several blackouts and most famously after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

11. Alcántara Bridge Crossing the Tagus River at Alcántara in Spain, the Alcántara Bridge is a masterpiece of ancient Roman bridge building. The bridge was built between 104 and 106 by an order of the Roman Emperor Trajan in 98 AD, who is honoured by a triumphal arch in the centre of the

Great Belt Bridge

Monkey

15. Great Belt Bridge The Great Belt Bridge is actually two bridges – an Eastern and a Western section, split by the small island of Sprogø.

The East Bridge, a 1,624 meter (5,328 feet) long suspension bridge crosses the deepest part of Storebælt between the island of Zealand and Sprogø. It has the third longest main span in the world. At 254 metres (833 feet) above sea level, the East Bridge’s two pylons are the highest points in Denmark. The West Bridge is a 6,611 metres (21,689 feet) long combined rail and road bridge between Sprogø and Funen.

14. Chapel Bridge The Chapel Bridge is a 204 metre (670 foot) long bridge crossing the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne in Switzerland.

It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions. The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century, depicting events from Luzerne’s history. Much of the bridge, and the majority of these paintings, were destroyed in a 1993 fire, though it was quickly rebuilt.

13. Chengyang Bridge Chengyang Bridge (also known as Wind and Rain Bridge) was built in 1916, and it is the most famous among the wind and rain bridges in the Dong Minority Region in China. The bridge

bridge and a small temple at one end.

The Alcántara Bridge has taken more damage from war than from the elements. The Moors destroyed the smallest arch on one side while the second arch on the other side was destroyed by the Spanish to stop the Portuguese.

10. Sydney Harbour Bridge Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world’s largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres (440 feet) above Sydney Harbour. It took eight years to build and opened in March 1932. Because the steel expands or contracts depending on whether it is hot or cold the bridge is not completely stationary and can rise or fall up to 18 cm (7.1 inch).

9. Stari Most Stari Most (“The Old Bridge”) is a famous bridge crossing the river Neretva in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built by the Ottaman Turks in 1566 and stood for 427 years, until the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. Subsequently, a project was set in motion to rebuild it, and the new bridge opened in 2004. It is traditional for the young men of the town to leap from the bridge into the Neretva. As the river is very cold, this is a very risky feat and only the most skilled and best trained divers will attempt it. to be continued

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Young Telegraph with DEBORAH MAKOJI

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Question

44

Will you use your N250,000 to buy hair/ for your girlfriend?

I will never buy it even if I have excess money

I will if I have the money

I will not because I don’t have such money for now but if I have it, I will buy because it will make me look good and classy.

I will never use my money for such because better things can be done with the money other than hair. I will not even if I have the money in excess, some things are just unnecessary extravagance.

ANITA ADA PASCALINE

EMMANUEL UDUKU

I think it’s ridiculous to buy hair for N250, 000

May be I will, when I become the petroleum minister

I think it’s ridiculous to buy hair for N250,000. I am not one of those ladies who get carried away by artificial things.

I prefer braiding my hair to fixing weaves.

More so, I work for every penny I get, so I don't see myself throwing away such huge amount. I could invest it in business or in humanity, so many people are in need.

I call it temptation at this point in time that I am broke. May be I will when I get the position of new petroleum minister in my country but for now, no way.

CHARITY ATTAH

ZULIAT MAWEDO SULEIMAN

Her beauty is my joy so I will buy it

I will buy it if I have the money

f I have the money I will gladly buy it for her because her beauty is my joy and the beauty of a woman starts with her hair. If a man can give his money to his faithful wife for her hair do I don’t thinks it’s such a big deal if he has the money; how much is human hair? Just N250, 000. I can spare it rather than admiring it on other women. If not for the fact that the world has changed, it is natural for a man to take care of his woman and make her stand out.

Why will I not buy it for her if I have the money, I can do anything for her for the sake of love we share. Love conquers all.

ELIAS ENEJO

MAXWELL OTU

Instead, I will invest it in something better

I will rather buy gold

What kind of hair is that one? Is it made in heaven or will I use it forever?

I can never spend N250, 000 on hair; I would rather buy gold that appreciates with time .

I can't do such a thing, I would rather do something better with it. I will invest it in something better because spending it on hair is not worth it all.

ATTAH MIRA

GLORIA ADEJO

She will be mad at me if I do

No, I cannot because she will be very mad at me for even allowing such a thought into my head.

CHUKWUNEKE OZIDANIELS

Only if I don’t want to see the kingdom of God

T Hell no! N250, 000 amounts to 179 bags of cement. Haba! My sister. Do you not want me to see the kingdom of God? The fear of God and the desire to see the kingdom of God will not even allow me to think of such.

EKENE EDWIN

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

27 FEBRUARY 2016

ECOWAS Parliament: After Ekweremadu, Nigeria to wait 60 years p.47

Unending Share, Tsaragi fireworks: Will Kwara wield big stick?

45

p.48

Anambra senatorial rerun

I'm the man to beat because PDP is mourning – Umeh Chief Victor Umeh was the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and now, the party's candidate in the Anambra Central senatorial rerun holding next Saturday. He spoke on the forthcoming election, among other issues. KENECHUKWU OKEGWO brings excerpts.

You have just few days to the rerun, how is your campaign so far?

We, we all know the elections are just days away, and the experience has just been good, and I am fully prepared for the election. My party is ready for the election, and I have been going round to talk to people, visiting people, even in their private homes, and reaching out to major stakeholders. I am talking to people of various groups as well as maintaining communication line with the voters in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

I have also been on radio and television programmes. I have been everywhere dishing out to the electorate, the relevant issues, and making them to get convinced and make up their minds to continue supporting me.

Of course you are aware that this is not entirely a brand new election, we have campaigned very vigorously in 2015 before the March 28 general election which was later annulled by the Court of Appeal. One thing that pleases me is that, any place I go, the places I have gone to and even the places we will go to, the people have made up their minds that I am the candidate they want at this time, to go and represent them. So, I find it very easy talking with them because even before I say anything, they take it over and start reeling my achievements and antecedents that make them properly convinced that, at this time they need my services as a senator. In summary, I will say that the level of enthusiasm on the part of the electorate of Anambra Central Senatorial District is quite high. This can be seen in how the people are yearning for me all by themselves. One Saturday, my phone was ringing repeatedly from one particular number, I did not know the owner of that number, so I did not pick it, after persistent calls, I took it, and a woman identified herself and told me that they were at Methodist Church Amaenyi Awka praying for me for this election, and that they need my physical presence and that they

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will end around 3pm. I received the call about 1pm, so I promised her that I will be there, and when I got there, I saw so many women of the Methodist Church fold, and as soon as I got in there, they started singing, thanking God for me. This is a church I have not had anything to do with, but they prayed for me specially and said they have been following me through my radio and television programmes, reading me in the newspapers and of course knew what I have done in the state since the past 16 years or thereabout, and so they searched through the candidates being paraded in this election and decided that I am the man, and so we are praying for God to see me through, so that I can help them.

On their own they called me, but for someone who is being sought after the way they are searching for me, it makes my job heavier because disappointment can never be an option in my representation for Anambra Central zone, so I am happy seeing such emotions for me here and there, and that is because they believe in what I can do for them. I am just waiting for the day to come and let this elections be over so that I can settle down to work for them.

You have 12 other contestants, don't you see it as a tough battle?

In politics, if you are not humble, you can over shoot your range, but I will like to say without being immodest, we were all part of this election in 2015, including the two others from PDP and APC, and I clearly won the election. Even those that will not participate in the election, that are making a noise, I defeated them in that election last year. I won that election, I got 86,000 recorded for me, and the PDP that was all over the place using Amoured Personnel Carriers, tanks, INEC and security agencies got 93,000 that was recorded for them. 93,000 to 86,000, it was like David having 86,000 and the big Goliath who was everywhere was beaten, so you can see that the result of that election shows that I won. APC got 24,000 with their super candidate, Dr Chris Ngige then.

Coming to the 12 candidates that are in the race now, most of them have been calling me that they want to work for me, they support me. They are candidates of other parties, but they believe in what I can do. I have also heard that those who are disgruntled are ganging up to support even the least of the candidates to see how they can make me

Umeh

lose, but I don’t see how they can achieve that. I am confident that when the votes are counted, I will win. Apart from my acceptability to the electorate, the APGA government in Anambra State is doing exceedingly well, I do not judge the success of a government, based on what armchair critics say, as a member of APGA, and someone who has been in the leadership of APGA for over 13 years now, and someone who has been championing APGA programmes, I can tell you that the government of APGA now is doing very well for the people of the state, so the achievements are being recorded. So the governor being from my party will also act as a boost to me in my election. I can say that Willie Obiano has surpassed my own expectations in less than two years. The level of projects being executed in the state and particularly in Awka capital territory and elsewhere will show you that this government is a very serious government, and the governor is thinking about how to make Anambra State a good state. Security wise, he has tackled the criminals, people thought it was going to be a flash which will stop after

Without being immodest, we were all part of this election in 2015, including the two others from PDP and APC, and I clearly won

one month and criminality will return. Anambra has been very peaceful, no kidnapping, no armed robbery and all that. So I don’t see how people will want a party that is doing all this to go down; what will be the alternative?

We have everything going for us in this election, I have been here for a long time, and I have been a part of the success story, and two, the government I also midwifed into being in place here is also doing very well, all these things combined will give us unassailable victory. Even If PDP and APC are contesting the election with their strong candidates, we would have defeated them. What I insisted on not allowing to happen was to go into this election with illegitimate candidates who are not supposed to be in the election, you go into the election with them and you expose the election to further risk of nullification.

You were expecting the Court of Appeal to declare you the winner of that election, so how do you feel going through the campaign stress again?

Well, I am still grateful to the Court of Appeal because if you remember, the tribunal made a joke of our petition, but the Court of Appeal decided to go deeper into the petition and decided to nullify the election and said that the PDP did not hold any primary to select its candidates and that was what put forward this arrangement of conducting another election. For me it’s very painful, but I have to bear the pain, half a loaf of bread is better than none. That they were able to nullify the election and offer us a second chance is good enough. We will go through it, and there is no cost that I will bear in pursuing justice that I will consider too high. If I had considered CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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CONTINUED from PAGE 45

that charade of 2015 to stand, the psychology of people of Anambra Central Senatorial District would have been so greatly tortured. They were traumatised with the way PDP militarised that election, so many people were badly beaten up, and result sheets were carried away and they said it is this the way to run a society? If they had gone away with that victory, it would have destroyed the interest of people in elections.

For the fact that we were able to get this back, you can see the happiness on the faces of people; that they stole this thing and they could not get away with it, and they have another day, and we are ready for the election to pay them back in their own coin. I ought to have been declared as the winner because there was no need for a repeat of this election. But for the wisdom of the judges of the Court of Appeal that the nullification should suffice, I accept it.

In the 2015 election, your party supported former President Goodluck Jonathan, but you recently said that you are not opposed to Buhari being the president. How do we reconcile this?

Yes, I said it clearly that I was not averse to Buhari becoming president as a person, but we decided to vote the way we voted because of what our party considered very critical to the survival of Nigeria as a nation, and that critical thing was the promise made by Jonathan to implement the report of the National Conference, which he put together in the first place. The report of that National Conference remains a key to the survival of this country as a nation. Anyone who wishes it away is postponing the doomsday. This country cannot continue to be run in an atmosphere of tension, where there are too many grievances from various parts of the nation. Good leadership requires that a nation should be put on a pedestal of sustainable development and peace. That way, Nigeria is configured and structured, if not, tension will continue to pervade this land. There are too many people who have been cheated, the real people of Nigeria have been cheated. I am known to be championing this cause all the time, the structural imbalance is skewed against the Igbo people of Nigeria because of the war. It will not last for ever. Nations have fought wars all over the world, America has fought wars, many nations in Europe fought wars, and they come out of their wars stronger, and things that caused the wars were looked into at the end of the wars, and ways of maintaining sustainable peace became the order of the day, but in Nigeria they refuse to agree that the war has ended. They agree that the war has ended in principle, but the war is still on against the Igbo people of Nigeria. If I have time to state it, there are so many areas begging for attention. So outside the confab reports, the boldest efforts Nigeria has made towards preserving its desired unity was in a dialogue arrangement where there will be give and takes for all parts of Nigeria. The Igbo were given one additional state, increasing their number of state to six, because we presently have five.

The issues about local government were also addressed. Local government funds can no longer be shared to the 774 local governments, money would be shared to the state and you can create 2,000 local governments if you like. These were the things we agreed to at the National Conference. We also saw that who becomes the president of Nigeria was a major action in Nigeria anytime we are going to have an election, everybody wants his own person, or tribes man to become the President of Nigeria, so we said instead of killing one another over who becomes the president, let us have an arrangement where every part of Nigeria will have hope that one day they will ascend the presidency of this country, and it was agreed that the presidency should rotate between the north and south and across the geo-political zones, and with that type

Umeh

I was able to hit them through the Court of Appeal and they left, and since then, they have been mourning

Umeh

'Even PDP senators want me on board' of arrangement, it won’t take time and presidency will reach places where it had not gotten. Since about 50 years now, no Igbo man has been president of Nigeria, a very strong ethnic group in Nigeria, intellectual, business acumen, industry, hard work, everything you are looking for, you will find it in an Igbo man. Exceptional wisdom, knowledge, you can locate it in an Igbo man, but they cannot be president of Nigeria.

What are your proposed programmes as a senator?

When I get to the Senate, we want a Nigeria where there will be equal rights and opportunity for all people of Nigeria, not just for the Igbo people. We will make efforts to close the gap created against the Igbo people. We want equity and fairness.

We can easily achieve that through legislation. Every aspect of Nigerian life, you can use legislation to put things in proper perspective, and it will work for everybody. So if I go to the Senate, I will pay my primary responsibility to Anambra Central Senatorial District, and I will get everything they are entitled to as a federal constituency in Nigeria in any form, be it infrastructural development, be it youth empowerment programmes, be it women empowerment programmes, be it education, anything that is being done at the centre for federal constituencies, that of Anambra Central will come home complete and none will be found wanting. I will be alert to my responsibility.

On a second stanza, I will contribute to nation building, I want to be a part of any group in the senate or the national assembly for that matter that will be championing for a better Nigeria. A Nigeria that every citizen will be proud of. In the senate there are too many progressives from all parts of Nigeria, so the issue of people thinking that the status quo will always remain; even those who think they have the advantage today are aware that it will not be forever. Or if these pressure

and agitations keep building in the land, people will be forced to let go some of the things they are holding, so that there will be peace in the land. At the senate, I know there are people from the North, who are progressive minded and will want Nigeria to move forward. Nigeria of today is not like the Nigeria of 50, 60 years ago.

Even in the North, education has changed things, people have gone to other climes and have seen how things are done, particularly in the area of civic rights, such people are in the Senate now. Let’s work for a great country called Nigeria and people will begin to de-emphasize their ethnic origin, their religious bias and others. There are people who are now thinking about making Nigeria a great country, and these are people I am going to walk my way around, so that we start thinking of a country that everybody will be proud of. There is no need going to America, you go there and you see how the people live in peace. America is a multi-ethnic society, people from all corners of the world are in America. You have Jews, Spaniards, Caucasians, all in America, and their code is equal rights. All these people don’t even think of their country of origin, they work for the common good of America, that is the type of country I have a dream that Nigeria would be.

Thirdly, I want to help in building a more united Nigeria, a Nigeria where everybody will have confidence in. If we do not achieve that, we are wasting our time, and that is why I said we will address the various problems facing the country.

How will you accommodate PDP aspirants that have been edged out, though they are still making efforts through the court to be back in the race?

Well, this is the only senatorial seat that APGA has a very bright prospect of taking now, I think we still need a very strong character in the Senate. They will say that one APGA senator in Chief Sir Victor Umeh is a large slot, but there is

nothing like winner takes all in this matter, the issue of being from one party or the other in the Senate will be drastically reduced. We will begin to see ourselves as brothers and sisters working for the interest of our people. In this election, the APC and PDP are struggling to be a part of the election, but these things are self inflicted. The PDP removed itself from the election, INEC did not remove PDP from the election, PDP removed itself by its own actions. Every time in Anambra State, we have told them to nominate one candidate and they have refused to do that. They want to go to election with three candidates for one position. It has been happening, and I remember the day I filed my petition, I addressed the press and I said one thing I am guaranteeing is that by coming to the tribunal, I want to stop multiple candidates, so that they will sit up. It appeared difficult, but I was able to hit them through the Court of Appeal and they left, and since then, they have been mourning. And to make it worse, the Supreme Court recently ruled on other state leadership, and through it, the PDP has no valid nomination at all. Of the two sides claiming victory now, none is standing on a sound footing.

How does the Supreme Court ruling concerns the rerun?

The national leadership of the PDP sent the names of one group without any primaries, then the state executives that was claiming to be in place sent another list to INEC without authority. A state executive cannot forward the names of candidates to INEC. Go and see section 31 of the Electoral Act. List of candidates can only be forwarded to the commission under the signature of the national chairman and the national secretary, and yet the national leadership must conduct a valid primary through the legitimate state executive committee in any state. They did not want to do that with the legitimate state executive committee, relied on the provision that the national chairman and national secretary are the ones to forward names, that was how one list went in. And the other group relied on the court order that they are the legitimate state executive went and performed an act they are not empowered to perform, that is forwarding names of candidates for PDP to INEC directly. They did it in 2011, it worked for some of them. If you remember, John Emeka who is always going through the state executive committee, went through that in 2011 and Margery Okadigbo who went through the national leadership removed him through the Supreme Court.

So what is happening now in Anambra PDP is not new. What is happening is that these two PDP groups can be described as two cutlasses; one is sharp but has no handle and can not be used, and the other has a handle but is blunt and can as well not be used. So while they sort out their own confusion, you can see that the rerun has been fixed for March 5. The man who is claiming to be the PDP candidate through one state executive committee, is still waiting for Certificate of Return in Abuja for an election that has been nullified. That election no longer exists because the Court of Appeal has nullified it, and he wants a Certificate of Return for an election that is dead, that one is already dead and nothing can resurrect it. I also heard that some people are making efforts through the court t to bring PDP back into the election.

When I hear some of these things, I marvel at the level of ignorance some people who describe themselves as leaders exhibit. Supreme Court has said finally that when an election is nullified, and a repeat election is nullified, only the candidates who took part in the previous elections, who were validly nominated will take part in the election, no new candidate will come into it because the period for nomination of candidates has since elapsed, that is the law, but here, people are still running round.

Politics 47

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ECOWAS Parliament: After Ekweremadu, Nigeria to wait 60 years W Ismail Omipidan

here will the current Nigerian political players and leaders be in 60 years from now? Not even the writer of this piece may likely to still be around then.

Interestingly, that is when Nigeria, as a country, will have the opportunity of producing another Speaker to head the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament. Senator Ike Ekweremadu has just completed his four-year tenure, as the Speaker of the Community Parliament.

Ironically, following Senator Ekweremadu’s emergence as the Deputy President of the Senate in June, last year, one of the strongest points being canvassed by those opposed to his emergence was that he was going to deny the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the opportunity of producing another Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. But if they had done their homework well, they probably would have known that the position would not be available to Nigeria again, at the expiration of the Third Legislature of the Community, which officially lapsed on Thursday, February 4.

Before Ekweremadu’s emergence as the Speaker of the Parliament in 2011, there was a power rotation arrangement, based on alphabetical order of the names of member states. Therefore, the journey, which Ekweremadu started, on behalf of Nigeria, on August 11, 2011, came to an end February 4, 2016. And until about 2076, before any other Nigerian could start another of such journey.

Interestingly, Ekweremadu’s tenure, as the Speaker, ended with the community, marking its 40 years of existence, just as the Fourth Legislature was inaugurated on the same occasion, with Hon. Moustapha Cisse Lo of the Republic of Senegal, emerging as the new Speaker, to lead the Fourth Legislature.

Delivering his valedictory speech, Ekweremadu described his tenure as the Speaker, as one, which repositioned the Parliament. He described the adoption of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, as the greatest achievement of the Third Legislature of the Community Parliament, under his leadership.

This is

Ekweremadu

even as he seized the opportunity to appeal to the authority to have the Act signed into Law in earnest, so as to enable the parliament to exercise legislative powers and also carry out oversight functions.

He said: “By far, the most important objective and success recorded by the Third Legislature of the Community Parliament remains the adoption of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament by the community decision making bodies.

“It is important to note that the Supplementary Act enjoyed the inputs of all necessary organs and institutions of the community. On its part, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government adopted the Act during its 46th Ordinary Session in Abuja on December 15, 2014”.

He was, however, quick to add that his only regret was that the Act was not signed into law during his tenure, adding that it was nevertheless “gratifying that we brought this age long quest from nothing to a point where this institution is just signatures away from evolving into a true parliament.”

According to him, the ECOWAS Parliament remains the only regional parliament in the world, without legislative powers, adding that it was normal for regional legislative bodies to exercise legislative powers and carry out oversight functions.

While emphasising the need for the Act to be signed into law, Ekweremadu further said: “From the European Union Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), which is a year younger than the ECOWAS Parliament, it is normal for regional parliaments to exercise legislative powers and carry out other fundamental functions of a parliament such as over-

sight function.

“For emphasis, today, the ECOWAS Parliament regrettably remains the only regional parliament anywhere in the world without legislative powers. This should be a big embarrassment and reproach to us as a sub-region.”

He also reiterated that the enhancement of the powers of the Community Parliament was in tandem with the fundamental principles of democracy, international best practices, the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, and the New Article 13 of the Supplementary Protocol.

He added: “It is common knowledge that true democratic governance rests on the tripod of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. The enhancement of powers is not for competition, but for the good governance of ECOWAS. It is to build strong institutions necessary for running a balanced and transparent ECOWAS. Importantly, it was the vision of our founding fathers to give expression to voices, challenges, and aspirations of the peoples of West Arica in a true and vibrant parliament.”

Ekweremadu said his regime brought it closer to the people, by delocalising committee meetings in and outside the various capitals of the member states, a thing, that saw the parliament converging, for the first time, in its history, on a venue-Accra, Ghana, in 2012, outside Abuja, the seat of the Parliament, adding that “it was also been replicated in various member states such as Praia and Dakar, taking into cognisance the three lingual blocks of the community.”

Ekweremadu listed other major achievements of the Third Legislature of the Parliament, under his leadership to include the bequeathing of a befitting parliamentary complex, while also handing over a grant of about N1 billion, secured by him, for the construction of an office complex.

He urged the new leadership to ensure that the grant was strictly used for the purpose for which it was received.

Other efforts at repositioning the parliament, he said, included ensuring that the 115 seats of the Community Parliament was fully occupied for the first time, in the history of the parliament, with the coming of Cote d’Ivoire and rejoining by Guinea; elaborate capacity building for members and staff of the parliament; creation of visibility and awareness for the parliament, and revival of the Conference of the Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of West Africa.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described the ECOWAS Parliament, as one that has done “creditably well, in fulfilling its mandate.”

Particularly, he recalled that the parliament blazed the trail in 2006, when it rendered popular opinions on certain issues that have direct bearing on the promotion of the standards of living of

The ECOWAS Parliament regrettably remains the only regional parliament anywhere in the world without legislative powers

citizens of member states, adding that “this is especially noted on infrastructural development, migration, public and investment, to mention but a few.”

He further said: “The role of the parliament was further enhanced when in 2009; the Niger Republic political crisis emerged.

Indeed, it was on record that the parliament’s input largely informed the decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to impose sanctions on Niger Republic over the attempted tenure elongation of the then incumbent President of that country. We can with pride state that this parliament has done creditably well in fulfilling its mandate.”

While reiterating the commitment of the National Assembly under his leadership to support and work with the ECOWAS Parliament, to realise its objective of evolving as a true parliament, with legislative powers, Saraki, commended the Third Legislature of the Community, under the leadership of Ekweremadu, for driving the process of transforming the Parliament from “its current advisory and consultative status,” to one of “co-decision and lawmaking.”

To Ekweremadu, Saraki said: “I want to congratulate you for your eventful leadership of the Parliament. I also congratulate you for the completion of a successful tenure. You have done us proud, and we are proud to be associated with you. We will support the new Speaker, the way we supported our own, Ekweremadu.”

On his part, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, urged the new Speaker of the Parliament to emulate his immediate predecessor, Ekweremadu, and follow in his footsteps, so as to help him (new Speaker) build on the gains recorded by Ekweremadu, especially as it concerns relationship between the Parliament and the Commission.

According to him, the working relationship between the commission and the parliament, under Ekweremadu’s leadership, was such that it made the commission’s tasks seamless.

Speaking shortly after his election as the new Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senegal-born Moustapha Cisse Lo, who paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, Ekweremadu, for laying a good foundation, pledged his commitment to build on the legacies of his immediate past predecessor, just as he promised to preserve the goals and ideals of ECOWAS, adding that as he was taking over from Ekweremadu, he would complete the task started by him.

To his predecessor, Ekweremadu, the new Speaker, said: “We will continue with the work you started, and push it to the end. We are counting on you. We will always consult you; so that we can tap from your experiences, so as to enable us overcome the challenges of the Community and those of our various governments.”

He added that: “I would like to commend the contribution of the members of the Third Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament to the Community’s efforts over years. While agreeing that, just as in other institutions, the conditions have not been easy, but, under your (Ekweremadu) leadership, the Parliamentarians have demonstrated requisite devotion and wisdom, which have enabled them attain the heights, they attained”.

To the Fourth Legislature, Ouedraogo, further said: “I have no doubt that, as in the past, you can count on the positive orientations and active support of our Heads of State and Government, who have high expectations for regional integration.”

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Unending Share, Tsaragi fireworks:

f the Kwara State Government is to go by some of the recommendations of the previous commissions of inquiry, then the traditional rulers of warring communities in the state risk being suspended for a minimum period of six months, going by government’s decision contained in a White Paper published in 2009, after the 2008 clash between the Share and Tsaragi communities was investigated by a commission of inquiry.

However, the last commission headed

by AbdulGafar Mahmud had expressed concern in its report that the state government had been reluctant in implementing the recommendations of various panels and commissions set up to investigate incidences of violent clash between the two communities, arguing that the reluctance has been one of the factors fuelling the regular recurrence of violence between the two neighbours.

According to the commission when discussing remote factors for the incessant conflict, “Another remote cause was the failure by successive governments to implement the reports of previous commissions of inquiry and administrative panels established to investigate past boundary disputes between the two communities.

Justice Nasiru Boundary Adjustment Commission had looked into the boundary and made recommendations and the then Kwara State Government set up a panel which recommended partial implementation of the recommendation of that commission.

“The government accepted but never implemented the commission’s recommendations. Again, following the civil disturbances of 2000, an Administrative Panel was set up, under the chairmanship of the then Deputy Governor, Deacon S.A. Sayomi. However, at the end of the exercise there was no implementation.

“There are several areas in which the boundaries between the communities have not been demarcated, leading to frequent tension between the communities. In fact, apart from the township where the Justice Nasiru Commission observed Beacon 18.19 and 20, there are still several areas where the boundaries are not yet demarcated like Iyana Share junction, Kange, Fenjewe or Fiagawe, Agboba hills and Lepasan bridge.”

According to the documents which are now before the court as part of a case instituted by Professor Abdullahi Idris for himself and the Tsaragi community, the AbdulGafar Mahmud commission said it found out that the two communities were at peace with each other until they were divided into two separate districts with Share now under Ifelodun local government ares in Kwara south senatorial district while Tsaragi falls under Edu local government area in Kwara north senatorial district.

Said the report while discussing its terms of reference (i); to identify other matters contingent to the dispute and make recommendation generally thereon: “Though the division of the districts was done in 1933, it did not portend any difficulties between the two communities immediately. It was not until 1946, when the Native Administration Reforms were introduced, that cracks began to show in the hitherto cordial relationship wall of the communities. Hitherto, the duo had maintained and used a common Jumat Mosque, Id-el-fitr and Id-el-Kabir for prayers.

“But following the reforms which placed the two districts under different divisions the Olupako and the Ndapoto started having differences in collection of taxes. The strange situation resulted in the letter of 8th April, 1950 written by the then Emir of Ilorin. The letter made clarification on collection of taxes and the purport of the demarcation of boundary. It also indicated that cross farming was still allowed.

“The Olupako and his community appeared to have given a different interpretation to the demarcation of the boundary. It

the boundary. The ownership of lands contiguous to boundary cannot derive from the delineation and delimitation of boundary.

“The provision of both the intertribal boundaries settlement law that was in force and the now applicable local boundaries settlement law make it clear by enacting in section 11[2] that determination of boundary shall not affect any person’s rights or interest over land. It is this misapprehension of the purport and essence of boundary demarcation that has made it difficult for the Olupako and his people to accept cross-farming.

“When the Emir of Ilorin stated in his letter earlier referred to that cross-farming was allowed, he was merely stating the obvious, in so many words, the position of the law on boundary demarcation. The allegiance of people is to the government at various levels. So, to insist that the Kanges and the Ankoros must pledge their allegiance to the Olupako is to claim right which Olupako neither has nor can reasonably be expected to claim.”

But in a lengthy letter to this newspaper, an indigene of Share, Abdulwaheed Elemosho said all the clams by from Tsaragi are nonsense. He pointedly accuse the Etsu of Tsaragi, Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa as being allegedly responsible for most of the recent upheavals between the two communities.

Said he: “Share in Kwara State and its people have suffered hatred, aggression, intolerance, and serial attacks in the hands of Tsaragi people and some of their Nupe collaborators; to the extent that Share is now being periodically attacked almost every eight years. Share was attacked twice in year 2000, in 2008 and in 2015. The last invasion and sacking of Share by Tsaragi assailants was between 19th and 20th December, 2015.

However, the few individuals or group of individuals who violently disrupt public peace must be purged for peace to reign.

Orchestrating or carrying out looting, vandalising, burning and destruction of public properties have dangerous inclinations and tendencies. They are a condemnable act and therefore must be nipped in the bud.

Observers say until the government wields the big stick, the round of accusations and allegations will continue and probably result in future clashes between the two communities.

Will Kwara wield big stick?

Despite the efforts of the Kwara State Governement in finding a lasting peace to communal clashes in the state, parties in the Share/Tsaragi face-off have dug deeper into their trenches. BIODUN OYELEYE takes a look at the unabating imbroglio. was from this moment that things were no longer at ease between the communities.

The Olupako could not see the justification for people on “his land” to pay taxes elsewhere.

“It was in an attempt to resolve this dilemma that allegiance elsewhere, it was in an attempt to resolve this dilemma that the two communities appeared before the Mamman Nasir Boundary Adjustment Commission in 1976. The panel decided that if the villages were Nupe Villages, they should be returned to Tsaragi.

“This decision did not go down well with the Share Community.

Not even the partial implementation of the recommendation proposed by the Kwara state Government was acceptable to them. No wonder the Share Community asked the commission to set aside the findings if the 1976 commission.

But the Tsaragi Community understandably supported the decision and prayed the commission to effect its implementation.

“There has been a misapprehension by the Olupako of the purport of the boundary delineation for he appeared to think that result of the exercise was to make him the owner of all the land contiguous to the Share side of the boundary. The Share people regaled the commission with witnesses, including the Olupako himself; to the effect that all the land belong to the Olupako.

“Again, when the commission visited the locus for the 2nd time on 29th December, 2008, the W.I. Gabriel Yemi Jimoh at various points showed the commission one item or the other falling to the Share part of the boundary as a result of the division. This succeeded in supporting the misapprehension that all land contiguous to the other side of stream belongs to the Olupako, from the moment of division and demarcation of boundary.

“Quite apart from the clarification in the Emir’s letter that the boundary exercise was only for tax purposes and did not affect farming, the commission made bold to say that the law on this matter is settled to the effect that the delineation of boundary is an administrative exercise that has nothing to do with the proprietary rights in respect of the land on either side of

Ahmed

Perspective

Let change mantra affect Bureaux de Change Ahmed Nakura

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or almost 15 years, prior to the 2015 general elections, Nigerians have been yearning for the return of President Muhammadu Buhari, and there was no better time for him to return to power than now when our economy has been seriously pillaged and our treasury rendered nearly empty. Buhari’s second coming at this unfortunate moment in our history is God-sent; he is on a divine mission to rescue our country.

Therefore, I must commend Buhari for the various measures he has taken, aimed at reforming the Nigerian economy and ridding our country of the destructive menace of corruption.

Those of us in the Bureaux de Change business in Nigeria are happy with the efforts aimed at sanitising our business and the foreign exchange market by ridding it of impostors who ordinarily have no business in the Bureaux de Change operations.

We were startled by Buhari's sad revelation in London recently that some top staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), owned BDCs and therefore were diverting most of the foreign exchange to their BDCs and depriving those of us who are legitimately in

the business.

It was deeply terrifying to hear that one such CBN directors own as many as 160 BDCs, which shows how low the CBN directors could descend in their efforts to sabotage their country.

No doubt, this serious act of sabotage against Nigerians and their economy must not go unpunished; therefore, we strongly call on the need for a panel to investigate the involvement of CBN top shots in BDCs operations as well as severe punishment for whoever is found guilty of using their public offices to sabotage our dear country.

At this juncture, I will like to call on all fellow members of the Association of Bureaux de Change operators of Nigeria, ABCON, to please exercise patience and restraint concerning the apex bank’s decision not to sell dollars to us, which has, no doubt, brought an untold hardship on our members, and led to the loss of jobs by over 30,000 of our members, mostly youth.

Our dear president has for long been someone who has Nigeria at heart and therefore means well for all Nigerians, irrespective of our North-South and Christian-Muslim divide; he cares not only for our generation but even generations yet unborn, which

explains most of his actions. Therefore we should desist from attacking the person of the president or his lieutenants.

We hope that once investigations into the unfortunate involvement of public officers in the BDC business have been concluded, the CBN will continue to give us foreign exchange so that those of us who have lost their jobs will be able to regain their jobs and therefore help Mr .President’s agenda of creating employment for our teeming youth population.

Mr. President must intervene and ensure our members are refunded the mandatory N35million cautionary deposits the CBN requested us to apply for, following the suspension of FOREX sales to BDCs. As although most ABCON members have properly applied for the refund, which was to be given in two weeks, none of us has yet been refunded after three weeks.

The Buhari governemnt is ours and therefore we undoubtedly believe that the president will not do anything that is tantamount to the survival of our legitimate businesses as law abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

•Nakura wrote from Bompai, Kano

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

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sun State Government yesterday said it has discovered 71 ghost workers during the last screening exercise carried out among agencies of government and secondary schools in the state.

A statement issued in Osogbo by the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Dayo Olaluwoye, said: “Out of the 71 ghost workers, 39 were deceased.”

Olaluwoye, who is also the chairman of Personnel and Job Audit Committee on Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and secondary schools, said 32 of the “ghost workers were collecting salaries without coming to the office.”

In his comment, the Head of Service, Mr. Yinka Owoeye, commended the committee for the discovery and described their job as outstanding.

He said: “You have redeemed the image of the civil service by doing a thorough job while discharging the duty assigned to you.

“The use of civil servants for the screening exercise had saved the government lots of money compared to the use of consultants and I want to assure you that the screening of workers is an on-going process and those that had issues with their certificates should endeavour to clear themselves.”

Meanwhile, Governor

Osun uncovers 71 ghost workers

Appeal to your members, not Buhari, state tells NMA

Rauf Aregbesola yesterday workforce of the state and described as misplaced the so, it was normal that they call made by the Nigerian should also be the ones to Medical Association (NMA) extricate themselves from to President Muhammadu the logjam.

Buhari and the All ProgresThe governor disclosed sives Congress (APC) over that his administration had the abandonment of duty exhausted all avenues to posts following the strike solve the problems through action embarked upon by dialogues and negotiations. some of its members in the He stated that all moves state. to resolve the problem amiNMA had on Thursday cably were turned down by issued a statement appeal- the doctors, who incidening to President Buhari and tally were being paid their APC to call Aregbesola to monthly salaries without order to succumb to the doctors’ demands.

Aregbesola, in a statement by his L-R: Special Adviser Director, Bureau (Media Relations) to of CommunicaBayelsa State Governor, tions and Strategy, Office of the GovMr. Francis Agboh, Governor, Mr. Semiu ernor Seriake Dickson, Okanlawon, said his deputy, Rear Admiral the NMA’s apGboribiogha Jonah (rtd), peal should rather Special Adviser on Sego to its members curity, Mr. Boma Speroin the state, who Jack and his counterpart have abandoned on Treasury, Revenue their duty posts for and Accounts, Mr. about 11 months now.

Timipre Seipulou, during He said the their swearing in at striking doctors Government House, initially created Yenagoa…yesterday the problem themPHOTO: BAYELSA STATE selves by going GOVERNMENT against the accepted modulated salary regulation applying to over 40,000

working up until September 2015.

“The appeal to President Buhari and APC is, to all intents and purposes, misplaced, misdirected and improper in that respect.

“One would have expected the NMA to properly address the situation by forwarding its appeal to the respected quarters it should go - the Osun striking doctors.

“Since the beginning of the strike nine months ago,

Task Force arrests suspects behind Agip, Escarvos pipeline blasts Chris Ejim Yenagoa

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he Joint Military Task Force deployed to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, yesterday said it had arrested suspected vandals, who were behind the recent pipeline blasts in the region.

It would be recalled that a blast on a crude and gas pipeline at Escavos, Delta State resulted to shut down of the

Warri and Port Harcourt refineries and cut in gas supply to some power plants.

Another pipeline blast on Agip’s facility on January 28 resulted to a drop by 16,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily out of Agip’s 40,000 barrels daily export from Brass Oil Export Terminal of Bayelsa coastline.

According to a statement issued by the spokesman for Operation Pulo Shield, Col. Isa Ado, the arrest followed a charge by the Commander of the Joint Force, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, to apprehend those behind the act.

Ado said the suspects were being interrogated to ascertain their degree of involvement and to help in arresting other suspects still at large.

He said surveillance patrols in the region have been intensified to ensure that all the suspected militants behind the pipeline sabotage were brought to book.

“Operation Pulo Shield remains determined to track and arrest perpetrators of the recent multiple attacks and bombing of some oil pipelines and installations across Niger Delta Region.

Minister, FRSC partner on disaster management

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inister of State Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has canvassed for stronger collaboration between the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ministry of Health and other emergency management institutions in the country for effective management of emergencies.

He said Nigerians deserved a better emergency system and must support the present administration to achieve the desired change in healthcare.

Speaking yesterday during a visit to the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, the minister said there was the need for all relevant stakeholders in emergency management institutions to join hands in creating the needed synergy that could provide a world class platform for disaster management in the country.

A statement issued by the Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said the minister added that what

FRSC had done was an indication of the possibilities that exist if all other stakeholders key into the initiative.

Ehanire disclosed that the Ministry of Health was working on strengthening the collaboration with other stakeholders such as Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Air Force to achieve a holistic and efficient system of emergency management that could make it unnecessary for victims of emergencies to seek for assistance outside the country.

He commended the FRSC for laying a sound foundation in matters of emergencies through its investment in technology, promising that with the current effort to build a primary health care in all the political wards across the country, the needs of the Corps’ emergency centres and ambulance points across the areas in terms of training and provision of medicaments would be considered.

government has opened its door for consultations, dialogues and meetings to resolve the matter but all these were frustrated by the doctor who were still drawing their salaries despite having abandoned their duty,” the statement said.

According to him, it amounts to pure hypocrisy on the part of the doctors to demand what is outside the capacity of government, judging from the present economic realities.

FCT

FCT poll: INEC begins PVC distribution NEWS IN BRIEF

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will begin the distribution of permanent voter cards (PVCs) for the March 19 Area Council elections of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja next Friday.

According to INEC bulletin issued on Friday, the seven-day exercise will enable eligible voters who registered in the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to collect their PVCs to be able participate in the elections.

The commission said the distributions will take place at the polling units (PUs) for the first three days of the exercise and later at the ward level for the last four days.

The exercise will begin from 9 am and end at 4 pm each day.

1.72m

The number of fixedtelephone subscriptions of Azerbaijan in 2012. Source: Itu.int

N805m

Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

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ENUGU Enugu partner US on economy The governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has enjoined the United States Government to assist the state in its bid to attract investors and develop some of its natural and human resources to improve the economy of the state.

Ugwuanyi, who spoke of the severe economic situation in Nigeria as he played host to the United State’s Consul General, Francis John Bray and his team, who were on a courtesy visit at Government House, Enugu called for a new phase of relationship between his state and the U.S, especially in the area of mutual economic and general business cooperation.

He said: “As part of efforts to counter this adverse situation, we are now vigorously engaged in a campaign to attract direct foreign investments to our state. We are indeed telling the world that Enugu state is ready for business.”

The amount of money given out by the FG as bailout to rescue Overland from bankruptcy.Source: New Telegraph Newspaper

Accident claims five in Osun o fewer than five persons were yesterday reportedly killed while seven other persons sustained various degrees of injuries in a motor accident that occurred along Ede-Gbongan/Osogbo road of Osun State.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the seven persons were receiving treatments at an undisclosed hospital as at

The government stated that the NMA should remind their colleagues of need to uphold the Hippocratic oath they swore to, which in essence is to protect live and not endanger it.

Whenever the striking doctors tow the path of dignity, sincerity and understanding like other workers in the state, the statement noted, the government is ready to cooperate with them.

€88.3m The estimated transfer value of Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid in 2016. Source: 101greatgoals.com

the time of filing in this report.

It was gathered that the driver of a truck ran into a mini bus carrying passengers and road side hawkers at Akoda junction of Ede after he lost control due to break failure of the vehicle.

Eyewitness account told our reporter that,the driver of the truck was beaten by on-lookers and sympathisers at the scene of the incident before being rescued by some people believed to be plain cloth security men.

The truck was said to be badly damaged while few passengers said to escape unhurt from the mini-bus.

50 News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

NLC condemns abduction of ERA director’s wife Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the abduction of Mrs. Justina Ojo, wife of the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Mr. Godwin Ojo. Ojo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Monday evening.

NLC in a statement issued by its General Secretary, Dr. Peter Oso-Ezon, said the kidnapping of Ojo at her home was not only a “cowardly act by desperate characters that seek to profit from their criminal conduct, but also a sore reminder of the growing resurgence of the kidnapping industry.”

While demanding for the immediate release of the ERA boss wife, NLC urged the Po-

lice and other security agencies to do all that is necessary to secure her release.

“We join friends, family and other well-meaning Nigerians in demanding for her immediate release unharmed.

We urge the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to do all that is necessary to secure her release.

“All Nigerians and all nonNigerians resident in Nigeria (irrespective of their calling) are deserving of protection. Their right to live in peace, and to freely associate and express their views is guaranteed by the constitution.

“We will therefore resist any attempt by any individual or group of persons to instil the culture of terror in the citizenry.

Nigerians shall not be cowed.

“Mr Godwin Ojo, her husband, is a prominent Environmentalist and Human Rights leader who has spoken out against environmental abuses,” the statement said.

EFCC quizzes Diezani’s cousin, Amamgbo, over oil deals

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r. Donald Chidi Amamgbo, a cousin of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, was yesterday quizzed and released later by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His interrogation came barely a week after Diezani’s husband, Admiral Alison Madueke (retd), was also invited by the anti-graft agency.

Amamgbo, who was believed to have played a pivotal role in oil lifting while Alison-Madueke held sway as Petroleum Minister, was arrested in Lagos at about 4.20p.m. yesterday.

It was gathered that Amamgbo is the chief executive of Mezcor Oil and Gas limited, Tridax Oil and Gas Limited, Lynear Energy Limited and Bulk Strategic Reserves Limited.

Operatives also searched

his Abuja office and premises at 5, Sannar Street, Wuse 2.

A source in the agency disclosed that sensitive documents, showing how the firm bought choice property, were retrieved during the search. Amamgbo allegedly got approval to lift Nigerian crude oil without any requisite experience.

Through his companies, Amamgbo was said to have lifted crude oil and gas worth billions of dollars over a period of four years.

Sources at the commission said investigation into the case was continuing. At press time, it was not clear if he would be granted administrative bail.

The arrest of Amamgbo comes barely a week after the EFCC quizzed Diezani’s husband over some cash found in his accounts.

He was, however, released after making statement to the operatives.

Biafra: Uwazuruike ‘planning’ to sabotage Ndigbo, says MASSOB Okegwo kenechukwu Onitsha

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he Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday said it would soon make public desperate moves

by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike to nail Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A statement signed by the factional leader of the group, Mr. Uchenna Madu, alleged that the major reason why the Federal Government initially planned to “mask the witnesses” was because the leading witness is a former popular Ndigbo, who had thrown caution to the wind for the sake of money, wealth and mundane things.

The statement said it had strong evidence to but-

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member of the Senate, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has asked all users of new media to share progressive ideas with each other and strive for the cultural and social integration of Nigeria on those platforms.

He said social media should be seen as an enjoyable and uniting factor, and not for causing disaffection, adding that his constant use of Facebook and Twitter has increased his level of engagement with his constituents and help him get news faster.

Ashafa in a statement is-

sued yesterday to announce the verification of his facebook page, said the page, https://www.facebook. com/gbengaashafa/, is now the only authentic profile belonging to him, on the facebook, which according to him is the world’s largest social media site with 1.44 billion monthly users.

“Our youth owe it to each other to use social media responsibly. Great ideas, which can save our economy and create jobs, can be shared, analysed and executed through social media. It is borderless, fast and effective. Let us use it to unite our country at all times."

Uwazurike who worked for President Goodluck Jonathan’s continuation of Nigeria’s domination of Biafra made himself a willing tool of destabilisation to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration against Kanu.”

MASSOB also alleged that through Uwazurike, the Federal Government had contracted one Mr. Benjamin Onuegbu, who is believed to be Uwazurike’s BIM Coordinator in Lagos State; Mr. Solomon Chukwu, BIM’s administrator, Port Harcourt, whom Uwazurike also allegedly instigated to claim as a factional MASSOB leader and Mr. Sunny Okoroafor, BIM’s Information Officer in Aba, to frustrate all efforts towards Igbo agenda.

It would be recalled that the DSS had told the court that their witnesses were residents of Lagos,

Port Harcourt and Owerri among others, despite the fact that the court’s refusal to grant the DSS its request of masking the face of its witnesses against Kanu has been seen as a major setback.

Madu also claimed that: “As a former National Director of Information under Uwazurike’s MASSOB and a very close national officer of MASSOB, who spent two years in detention with Uwazurike in DSS headquarters, Abuja, Suleja and Keffi prisons before his release and numerous other things that hold us together, I know Uwazurike more than Okoroafor, who was my commissioner of information Aba region. I challenge Uwazurike to an open debate on all of our activities involving Biafra and Igbo course anywhere in Igbo land.”

L-R: Former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), his wife, Victoria; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, taking hymns, during the funeral service for Dame Obafunmilayo Oluyemisi Johnson, at the Hoarse Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba...yesterday

IBADAN Oyo Assembly tasks LG nominees on devt

Social media’ll enhance progressive ideas –Ashafa Temitope Ogunbanke

tress its argument that the leading witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) against Kanu was Uwazurike, who was a former MASSOB leader.

“We have all the evidence to prove our points on Uwazurike’s romance with the oppressors of Ndigbo.

“Uwazurike is jittery and not comfortable with the emergence of Nnamdi Kanu as the leading figure and hero of genuine Biafra struggle. He will sponsor, support, participate and execute any evil plan or move that will tarnish, blackmail, jail or even kill Kanu just for people to see him as over all Biafra leader which Biafrans are now fully aware,” the statement added.

The statement added that: “Initially, the DSS had no witness or evidence against Kanu until

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Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters has charged the nominees into the Caretaker Committees of the 33 local government council areas in the state on meaningful development and revenue generation.

The Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Bolaji Badmus (Akinyele II/APC), said this yesterday after the conclusion of the screening of the nominees which started on Tuesday. NAN reported that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had on February 16 submitted a list of the nominees to the Assembly for screening and approval.

“Many of the nominees are seasoned politicians and they have the experiences to steer the affairs of their councils and contribute to meaningful development there,” Badmus said.

£792m

The estimated brand value of Manchester United in 2015.

Source: Goal.com

LAFIA Nasarawa keys into TSA

Nasarawa State Government yesterday announced its decision to navigate to Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) which is being operated by the Federal Government.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Dominic Bako, disclosed this at a press briefing shortly after a meeting with heads of the state-owned tertiary institutions at the Government House, Lafia.

Bako said the meeting presided over

by Governor Tanko Al-Makura had set up a technical committee to workout modalities towards smooth implementation of the new policy.

He said the technical committee to be headed by himself also have commissioners of education, planning among others as members.

55%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Morocco in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

ADO-EKITI Ali Modu’s emergence strategic –Rep. Adekola

A member of the House of Representatives, Segun Adekola, has described the choice of the former Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as right and strategic for the party’s progress.

A statement issued yesterday to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Adekola said the emergence of Sheriff as a grassroots politician would assist the party in its repositioning drive.

He said: “What is important in PDP now, is a collective rescue mission with all hands on deck towards the actualisation and rejuvenation of the party to regain its lost glory of national importance and dominance."

£17.3m

The amount of money spent

by Sunderland in the January 2016 transfer window. Source: 101greatgoals.com

News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

EFCC amends charge against Metuh Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday amended the charge of destruction of document against the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, who is standing trial before an Abuja High Court.

The prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, informed the trial judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, that the added count of mischief contravened Section 326 punishable under Section 327 of the Penal Code.

However, testifying in the case an EFCC witness, Junaid Said, told the court that Metuh tore the commission’s document.

He further told the court that the team received a pe-

tition in January this year from the Office of the former National Security Adviser (ONSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), which alleged that he transferred N400 million to Destra Investment Limited, a company owned by Metuh.

The EFCC witness said investigations revealed that the transfer was done without any contract approval.

He further added that the team visited the resident of Metuh at Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, on January 5 and invited him to the commission and that Metuh honoured the invitation and was interrogated

by Ibrahim Musa, Michael Wetkas, Bello Umar, David Nkpe, Bello Adama and Eucharia Ibrahim.

The EFCC witness said the defendant volunteered a statement to the commission.

OSOGBO

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FCT

Sokoto varsity commercialises JAMB: Lagos cancels Feb solar panel production sanitation exercise

NEWS IN BRIEF

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Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) has registered its solar plant with the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) in order to start commercial production of solar panels, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, has said.

Zuru made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of UDUS Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter Dinner in Abuja on Thursday.

The dinner was for Inauguration of newly elected members of the chapter executive.

He said UDUS initiated research on solar energy in 1982 and subsequently became a TETFund Centre of Excellence for solar energy.

“We have registered our solar production plant with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to start producing solar panels in commercial quantities,” he said.

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The Lagos State Government yesterday lifted the restriction order on human and vehicular movements during this month’s environmental sanitation slated for today.

The order was to allow students, invigilators and other stakeholders participate effectively in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Information Officer, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Tunde Awobiyi, in a statement he signed, said the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, had directed residents of the state to still observe the day by cleaning their homes and environments.

ALGON charges residents to pay tax

Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Mr. Soji Ajayi, yesterday charged people of the state to always be prompt in the payment of their taxes to the government purse.

Ajayi, who said this in an interview with journalists in Osogbo, said whoever runs away from performing his civic right like the payment of tax was a criminal and should not be allowed to go scot free.

He argued that, if the payment was done by every citizen in the state, it would be a panacea to the battered economy of the country that has negatively affected the rapid growth of the state.

“Economic challenges had become a global threat and with prompt payment of tax, it could be partially tackled," he said.

Runsewe lauds NATOP for promoting tourism Andrew Iro Okungbowa

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he former Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Olusegun Runsewe, has commended the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) for its commitment in promoting Nigeria as a tourism destination.

He also called on the government, stakeholders and operators in the sector to renew their drive for tourism, following the economic crunch in the country.

Speaking for the first time since he was removed from office over two years ago, Runsewe said the association continued devotion to promoting Nigeria tourism should be commended and emulated by other tourism associations.

While calling on the government and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of developing and promoting tourism in the country, Runsewe expressed sadness over the poor attention to tourism in the past two years by the government and private sector and wondered why some stakeholders could not challenge and correct the ugly draw back.

The former NTDC boss, who was one of the awardees honoured at the recently held 2016 tourism conference and annual general meeting by NATOP, urged Nigerians to focus on tourism by rebranding the sector and appreciate the fact that tourism is better than oil because it is the highest employer of labour in the world.

'At 40, Ondo’s future is bright' A s Ondo State marks its 40 years of existence, the National Coordinator of Rights Monitoring Group (RMG), Olufemi Aduwo, has hailed the contributions of both the past and current leaders in the state, stating that the future of the Sunshine State is bright.

Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, Aduwo said the state was blessed with all the past governors and the incumbent contributing their bits to its development.

“It is a wonderful 40 years for the sunshine state compared to other states.

Most especially the almost seven years of Governor Olusegun Mimiko has added spice to the level of

development in the state.

“For example, the resident smartcard introduced by the governor is an unprecedented way to ensure that our lean resources are properly planned and allocated.

“The card allow the holder have access to government health and agricultural facilities at subsidized rates with many others benefits.

Look at the improvement in education, health and road infrastructure in the state, it's looking up amid the dwindling revenue.

“I commend Mimiko for keeping the legacy of the founding fathers of the state and we know that those who will take over will also continue to bear the torch of progress."

L-R: Chairman, Alpine Investment Limited, Mallam Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clay Neff and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Aret Adams Foundation, Mr. Egbert Momoh, at the foundation’s 13th annual lecture on: “Low Oil Prices: Challenges and Opportunities”, held in Lagos… recently PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

UK spends £1.35m on scholarship for 45 Nigerian scholars SCHOLARSHIP

More Nigerians benefit from UK School

Ndubuisi Ugah

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with agency reports

he United Kingdom (UK) yesterday said it has spent approximately £1,350,000 (approximately 400 million naira) in sponsoring 45 Nigerian Chevening scholars currently in the UK universities for the 2015/2016 session.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at a welcome reception for the 2014/2015 Chevening scholars who just returned from UK. NAN reported that applications for Chevening Scholarships open between

1.72m

The number of fixedtelephone subscriptions of Azerbaijan in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

August and November every year.

Speaking on the scholarship, Arkwright said over 1,000 Nigerians had benefitted from the scholarship since its inception in 1984.

He said: “The average cost of an award is £30,000.

The UK spent approximately £1,350,000 in sending the 45 scholars currently in the UK universities for the 2015/2016 cycle.

“Chevening boasts of an alumni network exceeding 43,000 members of which over 1,000 are Nigerians.”

He said as an important element of Britain’s public diplomacy effort, Chevening Scholarships are structured to create lasting positive relationships with Nigeria.

The UK envoy explained that the Chevening scholarship slot for Nigerians has increased from 12 to 45 currently in the 2016/2017 session.

He said over the years, scholars had attended top

UK universities such as the Imperial College, London; University of Oxford; University of Cambridge; Kings College, London and many more.

“This year, we have had a very significant increase in the number of Nigerians who are studying in the UK. We have increased it now from 12 to 45, which is a very big increase.

It shows the commitment of the British Government to Nigeria; it shows the commitment of the British Government to young talented Nigerians.

“We want to promote young people in Nigeria; we want to help them to achieve their aims, ambitions and goals. We want to provide some of the very best education that this world has to offer in some of the very best universities in the world,” he said.

According to the high commissioner, I am really pleased that we have expand-

£46.4m

The total amount realized from commercial revenue of Manchester United for the second quarter of the 2014 fiscal year.

Source: Goal.com

ed the programme, that we have increased the numbers of young talented Nigerians.

Arkwright said Nigeria recorded the highest number of applications globally, with 3,375 applications out of the 43,000 applicants from 114 countries for the current 2016/2017 cycle.

He said to further meet the increase Nigerian demands, the High Commission entered into an agreement with partner organisations to co-fund specific Chevening awards through Chevening Local Partnerships.

He said Nigeria was very strategic to the UK, saying that the two countries had traditional ties, historical links and deep friendship.

He said some notable Nigerian Chevening scholars are John Momoh, Managing Director, Channels Television; Sanusi Lamido, the Emir of Kano; and Simon Kolawole, the publisher of The Cable.

N271.7m

The amount of money given out by the FG as bailout to rescue First Nation from bankruptcy.

Source: New Telegraph Newspaper

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Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

And the man of God conspires with the Queen of the coast (Part 2)

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fter putting up a little resistance, the mighty queen of the coast staggered a bit and suddenly fell into sleep as commanded by the prophet. Much to the relief of the passengers, especially those at the rear seat who kept shouting, “Thank you Jesus”. Buoyed by the ingenuousness of the passengers the prophet continued, “The Lord did not lead me into this bus accidentally. I am here to save your souls from this blood sucking demon from hell”. Pointing at the queen of the coast, he continued. Her plan was to cause a fatal accident and subsequently remit blood to her insatiable kingdom, but the Lord has a counter plan.” Praise the Lord” he thundered in heavily Edo accent.

But people responded pragmatically.

In fact, the passengers’ subservience to this prophet was so nauseating to say the least. The fact that almost everyone acted as if they were under spell made me quiver with anger. I shook my head in disbelief; does this mean that Nigerians go to church in vain? I mumbled to myself rhetorically.

At least the bible is replete with compendious information about God and his modus operandi. No wonder the bible says “my people perished because of lack of knowledge”. I concluded frustratingly.

After some abracadabra and fake spiritual demonstrations, the prophet cleared his throat and began to prophesy, this time in outdated English language reminiscent of the King James Version. “There is a man in this bus, who loves everything and anything in skirt. Repent ye son of man for the anger of God is come upon ye and your end shall be worst than your beginning”. He warned repeatedly. With

C

BANTERS with Don Norman iamdonnorman@gmail.com his eyes firmly closed and arms fidgety he continued, “There is a young lady in this bus whose plan is to spend this weekend with a man who is not her husband. Thou shall try it not as ye may not be alive to tell the story”. But before he could conclude the statement; the gullible had shouted, “It is not my portion in Jesus name”.

My frustration grew further at this point; how can people be so dumb? Of course a man having so many bed partners or a lady planning to spend weekend in a man’s house on a Friday are commonly acceptable social activities in Lagos; albeit religious people who will argue on the contrary. So it is expected that a bus carrying approximately 23 passengers will have all manner of people on board. I was so disappointed that people could not figure out that this man was psychologically manipulating them in the name of God. As I sat still pondering the matter with my eyes fixed on the so called prophet, he sneaked a surreptitious glance at me. Absolutely noticing my slightly protruded stomach, he continued. “Thank you Jesus. Oh! There is a young man here with a pot-belly,

hummmmm! How long shall thou continue to imbibe alcohol? I see death coming like a whirled wind. But thank God your deliverance has come. It shall not be your portion, in the mighty name of Jesus” he shouted.

The chorus of Amen like a thunder rented the bus once again to my sheer trepidation.

At this point I was indignant and was almost stirred to protest, but quickly subjected my temperament under control. Apparently aware of my disposition, the so called prophet threw a light-hearted banter just to placate me and also ameliorate the almost tensed atmosphere in the bus.

Noticing that he was running out of time, he hurriedly asked everyone to bow down their heads for prayer. After the prayer, he afterward brought out a large quantity of brown envelops and cajoled passengers to give cheerfully to the Lord of harvest who is seeking for that faithful person to bless abundantly according to his riches in Christ Jesus.

Absolutely astonished by the passengers’ response, he tactically admonished them on the power of seed. And thereafter challenge them to try God with their seeds. He men-

tioned all kinds of seed and their ripple effects and encouraged the passengers not to miss this wonderful opportunity with the Lord for a last minute miracle. Of course the acquiescence was amazing. Smiling, he asked everybody to lift their hands up for benediction.

As he shouted in the name of Jesus, behold there was a heavy sneeze; alas, the queen of the coast is back to consciousness again staring at everyone to the consternation of the passengers. As he turned his attention towards her, he amorously asked, “Are you ready for your salvation now”?

Humbly the queen of the coast nodded in affirmative. “Are you ready to abjure marine spirit and accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour”? The prophet asked, this time more intimately. Yes, she replied covering her face with her palm.” Do you desire a total deliverance from the marine world”?

He asked yet again, encouraging her to speak up. Crying, she replied “yes”. “In that case you will follow me to my church immediately” he ordered the lady.

At this point, the prophet leapt for joy and ordered everybody to put their hands together for the Lord. As this was going on, he beckoned the queen of the coast to rise onto her feet and follow him. He gleefully thanked everybody in the bus for granting him audience. And the next thing we heard was, “driver owa oooO! 7up mo ti fe bole. I could not help but laugh uncontrollably as the queen of the coast hurriedly alighted from the bus with her man.

Did I hear someone say ‘a perfect drama filled with contrivances of plot?’ Lagos na waa!

Dealing With Cybersex Bondage (Part 2)

ybersex is one of Satan’s initiatives to achieve marital failures. This is not God’s will. If you have already committed yourself to following Jesus Christ and the devil is cheating you with temptation of immorality through cybersex, do not let your sin cause you to doubt your salvation. Instead, deal with your sin. Confess it. This will help you. Then, rededicate your life to Christ. Accept your own failure and inadequacy and admit that you cannot overcome sin on your own. The Apostle Paul understood the frustration and terrible hold that our inherited sin has on all descendants of Adam and Eve. “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing. Now, if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So, I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:15-24 NIV).

Addiction to pornography and other sexual sins are particularly similar to a seductive and powerful drug. Once it has a hold on you, it is very difficult to resist. In fact, it is virtually impossible to overcome on your own. You need God’s help.

“Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1st Peter 5:6-7).

The Holy spirit will be the most powerful in your life when you are the most humble-when you get your own interests and desires out of the way. Then, he can produce in you the fruits He promised: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good-

Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com ness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Secrecy is often the biggest enemy of Christians. Confession brings freedom and release from the bondage of an overwhelming sense of shame. If no one knows of your personal moral failures, there is no one to be accountable to, or to help lift you up in prayer or encourage you. Don’t let your pride destroy you. (Proverbs 29:23, Mark 7:21, 2nd Chronicles 32:26). In an accountability relationship, you choose a confidant that you can be honest and open up to concerning your addiction. Confess your sin (James 5:16). Be sure to choose someone of the same sex, older spiritually and by age. Preferably, select a discrete person with spiritual maturity; someone who has a helpful non-condemning spirit.

If your addiction involves viewing internet pornography, there is an internet web service that can assist you. CovenantEyes. net is an example of online accountability service. The programme removes the secrecy and privacy of using the internet. It works by logging the address of each web site visited, then, compiling a list of visited sites that can be viewed online by your accountability partner. It reduces the temptation of users, who often leave it altogether when they know that someone is monitoring their web usage.

There are internet filters that can help you block internet pornography. They in-

clude AFAfilter.com, Hedge.org, etc. Guard your heart and avoid danger zones.

“Guard your heart with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). If you give yourself to sinful fantasies and pursuits, you will become their slave (Romans 6:16).

A simple change of habit can help you.

If you are most tempted when you spend time on computer after people have gone to bed, then, make commitment to stay off computer during that time. Your spouse can help you too. If you know that a certain street you drive down causes you to lust due to certain establishments on it, or prostitutes that hang around, or alluring billboards, it will be wise to travel a different route.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your words” (Psalm 119:37).

Destroy all pornographic materials in your possession (Magazines, books, videos and computer files). Get rid of pornographic channels, internet and cable stations. Drop friends that encourage your temptation.

Besides, it is natural to have sexual urge at unexpected times, once you attain the age of accountability. However, sex is more of a thing of the mind. This is why the Bible says “Keep thy heart with all diligence;...”

(Proverbs 4:23). Unfortunately, many people today feed their minds with trash. By the time you spend several hours on the internet browsing pictures of nude people and

spend time reading pornographic books and magazines and watch pornographic films, the only thoughts that will occupy your mind are thoughts of having sex with someone. The implication is that you end up defiling your body with masturbation.

From there, you start doing foolish things like lusting after every lady or guy that comes around you. You foolishly engage yourself in precious time wastage, charting with such people. All these are done unconsciously. And then, you graduate into imagining rape. You could even think of sleeping with a mad woman or guy on the streets and so on. Whenever someone says something reasonable, you try to link it to sex. You imagine sexual intercourse all the time. By the time you get to this level, you are on your way to destruction. In fact, you are no longer in the list of people that will achieve God’s purpose for you in life. This is because you have refused to guard your thoughts.

Are you in this condition? You are under bondage. But you are a major part of solution to this problem. Your deliverance is very possible. If you develop love for the word of God, the things of God and the people of God, all you would think about is how to please God all the time. You would imagine godly things, develop godly desires and above all, enjoy the peace of God. When you attain this level in Christianity, you would get close to what the Bible means when it talks about being dead to sin (Romans 6:11).

For questions, prayers, personal counselling, seminars, wedding ministration, etc, CONTACT: The Coordinator, MARRIAGE CAN WORK MINISTRY Mobile: +234-8038117704 E-mail: marriagecanwork@yahoo.com; marriagethings@gmail.com P. O. Box, 13188, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

53

Before ‘unknown soldiers’ kill ‘bloody civilians’

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ometime last year on Acme Road, Ogba in Ikeja area of Lagos, two men were involved in an altercation after their vehicles had a very minor crash. One of the men, who was obviously elderly, was the epitome of aggression and brusqueness. He used so many expletive words on the other man and had no apology about his egregious behaviour. Even pleas made by other motorists that the issue could be amicably resolved did not assuage his belligerence.

When the other motorist could no longer stomach his insults, he responded in like manner and the elderly man became more enraged. He quickly dashed into his car, brought out a horsewhip which was on his dashboard and wanted to use it on the other man. Other motorists were shocked by the savagery of the attack. The elderly man was a retired military officer. He saw the need to teach a ‘bloody civilian’ some lessons and did not want to miss the opportunity. I wondered what the retired military man would have done, if he were still in service as at the time of the incident.

The fate that would have befallen the man could be imagined if it were to be during military era.

I was told that in the ‘60s and up to early 70s, you hardly see military men on the streets except and if necessary. They lived on the outskirts of town. Discipline was high in the military then. This was at a time when civilians did not attract odium from military men.

The nihilism of the military started in the mid ‘80s. They destroyed our social and political institutions and they had no apologies about it. The situation worsened in the ‘90s when the military completely lost their sense of discipline. A Major could choose not to salute a General and the heavens would not fall. Such aberrant behaviours

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Waheed Bakare on Saturday

09056089320 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com where discipline has lost its value is utterly abhorrent and should be nipped in the bud as they now affect the lives of ‘bloody civilians.’

Except for divine providence and the timely intervention of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, would have perhaps become history late last year. ‘Bloody civilian’ Lawal was locked up in the trunk of a Chrysler Stratus car with number plate KRD 267 DV. His offence was that he broke the windscreen of the said car driven by two sinister Air Force cadets –Peters Solomon and Abdullahi Fahad.

As far as Solomon and Fahad were concerned, the only option was to force Lawal into the booth of the car at Mile 12 on Ikorodu Road. I have no doubt that their plan was to take Lawal from that end to their Air Force base in Ikeja. One could imagine the harrowing experience the man would have passed through if these cadets from hell had succeeded with their evil machinations.

After they locked the poor boy in the booth of their car, it was learnt that some policemen pleaded with these cadets but such entreaties coming from the police, who the military usually hold in contempt, did not deter these mere military trainees. By the time Lawal was brought out of the booth after the governor’s in-

tervention, he was already gasping for breath.

If Lawal had survived and made it to the base, the ‘bloody civilian’ would have been so battered and would be lucky to remember his name after these animals in human skin would have dealt with him on the Nigerian Air Force base premises.

While Lawal was lucky, another young man, Amari Sunday, was not so lucky.

Sunday was the victim in the video that went viral early this month of a man being tortured by some cadet officers including two females. Except if the rule of law is ignored, the treatment meted to Sunday in that video cannot be rationalised even if the young man was a suspected thief.

Whereas, his ‘offences’ were that he did not meet up with the five seconds he was given to walk between the distance he was and where those cadets stood when they beckoned him and his complimentary remarks about how beautiful one of the female cadets was.

It was appalling that even females took part in torturing Sunday and one begins to wonder the kind of orientation and training these cadets receive in their academy.

The general belief is that milk of kindness flows more in women than men. It was pathetic seeing Sunday on television narrating his traumatic experience in the hands of these cadets. These ‘unknown

soldiers’ must be known.

Yet again on Thursday, a lawyer, Adeyemi Akintoye, was brutalised by two soldiers in the Yaba area of Lagos just because he did not walk fast on the road. The soldiers, who could not fathom why a ‘bloody civilian’ did not have springs in his legs, descended on Akintoye for ‘obstructing their movement.’ One of the soldiers was identified as Uko Obasi of the Tailoring Department of the Ordinance Barracks, Yaba.

Apart from the injuries he sustained, the lawyer also lost N350, 000 he just collected from his client shortly before the incident.

Although the other soldier fled from the scene, it should not be difficult to find him.

Obasi should tell the authority who is this fiendish soldier.

The rate at which military men and even women are terrorising civilians is irksome. By their training and constitutional role, they are expected to protect our lives and ensure the safety of our country. If it is about releasing their pent-up emotion, they should channel their grievances to the bosses, especially those who live above their means as being revealed in the ongoing arms deal scandal.

It is high time, they erased the lexemes: ‘bloody civilians’ from their memories. The earlier this is done, the better for us so that we don’t see blood any time there is altercation between a civilian and a military personnel. There is nothing bloody about civilians and it is practically impossible for every civilian to join the military. The level of impunity should be checked so as to redeem the image of the military. Culprits who tortured civilians should be dealt with and must appear to have been dealt with in the eyes of the public. Esprit de corps cannot be relevant in this contest. We don’t have to wait until civilians are killed by these rampaging military.

Rio 2016: Another sightseeing trip for Team Nigeria, or...

n just over six months time Team Nigeria is scheduled to join their counterparts from over 200 countries to take part in the largest and most prestigious multi-sports in the world, the Olympics taking part in Brazil.

Unfortunately while many other nations are seriously preparing to give it their best in South America over the summer the same cannot be said of Team Nigeria!

Although one expects the sports authorities to vehemently deny this as is their usual position, but from all indications Nigeria is heading to Brazil for ‘sightseeing’ and not seriously test their athletic prowess against their fellow track and field stars.

Yes one must acknowledge that President Muhammadu Buhari a few months ago showed government’s gratification to the sportsmen and women who have done the nation proud at major international competitions by showing naira on them; but the fact remains that once again the nation is failing to adequately prepare for a sporting event.

Sadly just like a broken record this has been the norm for many of the competitions we have taken part in. Although once in awhile ‘mother luck’ does smile our way and one of our athletes sneaks a medal of whatever colour. But on the whole we only give lip service to long term planning to achieve success.

Experts while tell you that one needs at least four years to groom a potential Olympic medallist and even then the person in question must have abundant potential and natural talent.

But in Nigeria it appears the authorities in charge of sports don’t believe in

TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com this principal and instead love the fire brigade approach whereby we leave the athletes to their own devices and only invite them to camp a few months to a major event like the Commonwealth or All Africa Games and expect them to perform magic.

After our last humiliating outing at the London 2012 Olympics where Nigeria performed woefully, our sports officials mumbled the usual words to assuage the feelings of the angry public promising to ensure that such an outing will not be repeated at the next Olympics (Rio 2016) because they had learnt their lessons and would ensure early preparations.

Alas as many of us have become used to from our officials – it was all talk and nothing but talk!

The said games are virtually on us and nothing in place to indicate that this outing will be different from the last one.

And one suspects that once we fumble in Brazil we will hear the usual talk about it ‘will not happen again’.

As far back as Seoul’88 when our contingent came back from South Korea

empty handed and full of scandals have we been hearing that things will change.

‘Unfortunately’ at the next two Olympic Games Barcelona’92 and Atlanta’96 Nigeria punched above her weight and rather than using the triumphs to build and put proper structures in place to ensure preparations for major competition will go on smoothly; we once again fell back to our old ways of not preparing.

Thus by the time of the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Games our star had began to wane and our outings were not as impressive (although we did win a gold medal at Sydney after our men’s relay team was upgraded following the disqualification to Team USA).

However, our trip to China in 2008 for the Beijing Games once again brought some succour when we won four medals – one silver and three bronze.

And once again rather than build on this we went to sleep which manifest in the woeful outing at London 2012. However, while it looks like a Herculean task to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat in view of the nearness of the Rio Games, two athletes may yet still turn out to be

Team Nigeria’s saviours in South America – Blessing Okagbare and Haruna Quadri; while the Dream Team might be able to once again shine in the team event.

Although Okagbare often bottles it on the big occasion (like she unfortunately did in London four years ago), she is still our best athlete (both female and male) by a mile and with proper psychological grooming might still be able to finally break this jinx in Rio and secure the individual sprint medal she so much deserves.

It was Okagbare’s magnificent leap in Beijing that helped Team Nigeria add to their medals’ haul although she has since shifted her attention more to the sprints.

On his part, although a long shot, Quadri’s historic 7th appearance at the Olympics could finally see him leaving with a medal. He has already beaten virtually all the top table tennis players on the circuit and with proper motivation might be able to cause some waves in Rio. Under Samson Siasia our footballers were on the verge of emulating their Atlanta’96 predecessors when a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina truncated their dreams in the final at Beijing 2008. The same combination could once again see the Dream Team ruffling feathers in South America.

He has already landed a major honour by becoming the first Nigerian handler to guide a team to the African U23 title, which he did in Senegal last year.

Thus although it looks like another ‘sightseeing trip’ for Team Nigeria, who knows perhaps once again ‘Mother luck’ and these three aforementioned will ensure that this time around they are able to make their countrymen and women proud!

54 News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

One feared killed as herdsmen sack Suswam’s village Cephas Iorhemen

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with agency reports

xactly four days after suspected Fulani herdsmen killed scores of people in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, the herders on Thursday extended the attack to the village of the state’s former governor, Gabriel Suswam, leaving one person dead and many others displaced.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the cattle rearers invaded Ukemberagya community in Logo Local Government Area on Wednesday and drove their cattle to a cassava farm belonging to one Mr. Uhembe Iyordye, who had approached the herders to complain of how the cattle had destroyed his farm.

Saturday Telegraph also gathered that instead of amicably resolving the destruction caused by the cattle, the herdsmen allegedly swooped on the farmer and butchered him, dumping him in his pool of blood in the bush, while his corpse was later discovered the next day (Thursday).

A victim of the attack and former Senior Special Assistant on Media to Suswam, Chief Joseph Anawah, told our corre-

l Police arrest 16 suspects in Cross River

spondent that the decomposed body was later recovered by the Gaambe-Tiev Civilian Joint Task Force and taken to the police station at Anyiin, the village of the former governor.

Anawa said, as a result of the fresh attack, scores of people, including women and children had fled the area in droves and are taking refuge in neighbouring settlements and villages.

Anawah urged both the state and federal governments to urgently come to the aid of the people and to check the incident from escalating, while perpetrators should be arrested and brought to book.

“The ugly situation, if not checked by relevant security agencies in order to bring the perpetrators to book, may mark yet another hostility between the Tiv farmers and Fulani cattle rearers in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cross River State Police Command yesterday said it had arrested 14 suspected cultists, one suspected armed robber and a suspected car snatcher between January 1 and February 25.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo, said this in Calabar

yesterday, while briefing journalists on the successes of the command from January till date.

Fadairo said the arrest was made possible following

the command’s announcement that it was going to clampdown on criminals in the state this year.

“Since the present clampdown on criminals in the

state commenced, no fewer than 16 suspects have been arrested for various criminal offences in the state.

“This clampdown has yielded positive results as

most notorious areas in the state now have their peace.

“We will sustain this effort in making sure that Cross Riverians, business men, tourists and others go about their normal businesses without fear of insecurity,” he said.

Rivers, 3 others: Daura didn’t collect N4bn to influence S’Court verdict, says DSS Emmanuel Onani

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he Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, yesterday denied collecting N4 billion to influence the recent judgements of the Supreme Court validating the electoral victories of Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Darius Ishaku of Taraba State.

The DSS, at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, made the rebuttal in response to what it said were allegations by a three-man gang, designed to blackmail the DG. Addressing journalists yesterday at the Secret Services’ headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Abdullahi Garba, presented the trio of Usman Ahmed DanMallam, Nura Shehu Lawal, as well

as Hussaini A. Monguno, as the suspects that had perfected plans to peddle the falsehood about Daura.

The DSS further disclosed that the suspects were planning to "misinform" President Muhammadu Buhari, about the purchase of choice property in the Maitama and Asokoro Districts of Abuja, which it said is false and should be disregarded.

Though, the DSS said the suspects had confessed to the crime, the trio denied any involvement in the alleged offences of “scaremongering, social climbing and name dropping.”

Interestingly, the Secret Police said Monguno, who claimed to be a Colonel, later confessed to have been recruited and trained as a “Body Guard” towards the end of the regime of former Military President, General

Ibrahim Babangida (rtd).

He was also said to have “averred” that he was hired as a "Civilian Body Guard, shortly after his outing with the defunct National Guard.

The suspect, who the DSS said claimed to have received training on closebody security in the country and Libya, said he served Late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha (rtd), whom he said addressed him as Colonel.

The statement reads: “The DSS wishes to draw the attention of the public to the infamous activities of some unscrupulous elements who have resorted to condemnable tactics aimed at blackmailing and extorting money from unsuspecting and innocent people. The group uses scaremongering, social climbing and name dropping to hoodwink their victims into parting with money to avoid such victims' names being tarnished.

The activities of this group have become widespread that the DSS have decided to alert law abiding Nigerians and residents.

“A pertinent fact that investigations have revealed is that this group, in order to further their illegal act, is taking advantage of the clear and sustained anti-corruption war being waged by this administration. A method used by the group is to tell lies against their victims and also plant rumours about them in certain government circles so as to create the impression that the targets are corrupt and have breached legal procedures in the discharge of their responsibilities. The aim is usually to make these targets seek their attention and invariably sort out with them based on negotiated sums of money or they will threaten to “report the matter to the President.”

Sport Extra 55

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

27 FEBRUARY 2016

Five reasons Oliseh resigned …as NFF orders hotel to impound coach’s car

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Adekunle Salami ore facts emerged have emerged over why Sunday Oliseh suddenly resigned his appointment as a Super Eagles coach in the early hours of Friday. The former international threw in the towel after seven months on the job and with about three weeks to a crucial AFCON qualifier against Egypt.

Oliseh, it was learnt only recently realized that the players were against him. The players are still unhappy the way Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike left the team.

Some of the players, revealed to the NFF that the coach was asking them to protest the non-payment of their allowances and that they should threaten not to honour the match against Egypt.

It was learnt that Oliseh was aware his ‘coup’ against the federation not only failed, it leaked to some officials.

He was no longer comfortable and when his N20m salary for four months was received on Wednesday, he felt the best thing to do was to quit.

The backroom staff members of the former Eagles skipper are also not hap-

py especially with allegation that they were using ‘juju on him.’

Again, because of his ego, Oliseh is not ready to face the technical committee of the federation and the NFF insisted he must defend his list for the forthcoming back-to-back match against Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday ordered an Abuja hotel to impound the car of former Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, who quit the job in the early hours of Friday.

Authoritative sources told Saturday Telegraph that the football body took the decision following a tip-off that there were plans to move the car from the hotel by some people close to the former international.

It was learnt that the Nissan SUV car with registration number 27f-15fg is always parked at the Wuse Zone 7

NFF re-appoints Siasia Eagles coach

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igeria on Friday re-appointed Samson Siasia as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

He will work with Salisu Yusuf, FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, Emmanuel Amuneke and Alloy Agu for the upcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.

The combination was recommended by the NFF Technical and Development Committee following Sunday Oliseh’s resignation on twitter in the early hours of Friday.

Siasia served as Super Eagles’ Head Coach between December 2010 and October 2011.

Amuneke led the Nigeria U-17 boys to a fifth FIFA World Cup title in Chile last year and was hailed for his excellent comportment and maturity, as well as the tremendous

skills of his players.

Salisu Yusuf and Alloy Agu were in the immediate past crew led by Oliseh and will serve as the bridge with the new team as Nigeria gets set for a potentially –explosive back-to-back date with the Pharaohs in March.

Siasia steered the Nigeria U-20 team to the African title in 2005 and led the team to runner-up spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in The Netherlands the same year. He also led the U-23 to silver medal in the men’s football tournament of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and two months ago, led the U-23 to win the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal, in the process qualifying the team to this year’s Olympics.

Infantino voted FIFA President

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witzerland's Gianni Infantino has succeeded countryman Sepp Blatter as FIFA President.

The UEFA Secretary General polled 115 votes in round two, 27 more than closest rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein was third with four, while Jerome Champagne failed to get any. Tokyo Sexwale with-

drew before voting began in Zurich.

The first round of voting had failed to determine an outright winner.

"I accept the result of this election, thank you," said Infantino.

"I went through an exceptional journey, met many fantastic people who love football, who breathe football.

"I want to be the president of all of you, of all 209 nations.''

Man United, Liverpool clash in Europa

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Rooney

iverpool will face rivals Manchester United in the Europa League last 16, while Tottenham have been drawn against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The games will be played on Thursday, March 10 and 17.

Liverpool's home leg will kick-off at 20:05 GMT with the

second game at Old Trafford starting at 18:00 GMT. Valencia, managed

by Gary Neville, face fellow Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, while Sevilla - the winners of the last two Europa League titles - play Basel.

The Swiss side's St Jakob-Park ground will host the final.

hotel anytime Oliseh is out of Nigeria.

“On Friday morning after the resignation of the coach, officials of the hotel called the NFF asking if the car could be moved by another person. NFF quickly gave a directive that the hotel must not allow anyone to move the car,” our source revealed.

If the relationship between Oliseh and his employers was cordial, he could have been allowed to go with the car.

Former Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, went away with his official car.

Oliseh in his letter of resignation said: “Little help is being rendered me in getting the players to give their best and very vital conditions and advantages to the team play are also being sacrificed …“These unconducive working conditions that my coaching crew and myself have to live with, your contractual violations and the interest of the nation necessitates that I tender my resignation and recourse to the termination of our working Oliseh agreement.”

Oliseh’s resignation shocks Onigbinde, Ekpo

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ormer Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has expressed shock following the resignation of SundayOliseh as coach of the Super Eagles.

Onigbinde said it was so bad that such happened with a crucial match ahead of the Super Eagles.

“We did not see his contract and so it is difficult to blame somebody. The timing is very bad and something must be done urgently to safe the situation,’' Onigbinde said.

A former international, Friday Ekpo, also described the resignation of the Super Eagles handler,Sunday Oliseh, as shocking.

Oliseh in the early hours of Friday announced his resignation, citing violations of his contract terms .

The former Super Eagles midfielder was appointed on July 15, 2015. He took over from Stephen Keshi whose appointment was terminated by the NFF. Ekpo said that the resignation came at a crucial time when the nation was preparing for a major qualifying match against Egypt on March 26. ``Honestly, I don't know where we are heading to with this latest development of Oliseh’s resignation. ``I hope this won't affect our chances of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ekpo, also urged the leadership of the NFF to get things right in order to avert such recurrence in the future. ``The NFF should always do things the right way, that is the only way we can avoid things like this," he said.

Onigbinde

Sport Slaming Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Amazing league kick off and the continental reps

T

he Nigerian domestic league is becoming increasingly interesting. There are improvements in two major areas that were crucial deficiencies of the Nigeria Premier Professional League. They are the win at all cost syndrome in home games and the poor attendance of fans at major stadia.

The win at all cost syndrome is fast becoming a thing of the past. Last weekend the 2016 season kicked off with four away victories recorded in 10 matches. Nasarawa United, a team that halted the home invincibility of Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars last season lost 2-1 at home to newcomers, MFM FC. Highly motivated Lobi Stars went to Ibadan to pip Shooting Stars 1-0 while Wikki Tourists and Ifeanyi Ubah recorded the same victory margins away to El-Kanemi Warriors and Giwa FC respectively. On Wednesday, two away draws were also recorded as Giwa held Tornadoes 1-1 in Minna while Heartland held Wikki to a goalless draw in Bauchi. Overall, this is a good take off for this season’s campaign. It was learnt that Lobi management gave its players N100,000 each for the away win in Ibadan. One hope this will continue all through the season. With two in in two games, each player of the team is N200,000 each richer apart from their salaries.

On fans’ attendance, there is improvement but we are not yet there. It was impressive to see a huge crowd at the Sani Abacha Stadium for the Pillars, Rangers encounter. Former Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, also commended the crowd after watching on television.

Not all the centres enjoyed such turn out. Lagos fans are yet to embrace the return of elite domestic football in the city. On Wednesday, response to the MFM, Rivers United match at the Agege Stadium was just a little above average. That of Ikorodu United and Akwa United match on Sunday was below average.

The League Management Committee deserves commendation for the positive changes but they have to work more on other areas. Bringing crowd to the stadia is a huge task that must be done. It is also important to have tougher measures that will make the clubs respect the welfare of players. The process of punishing clubs that default in paying salaries as enumerated last season is too cumbersome and no team will fall for it.

Players could again suffer this term. The pathetic story of Taraba United players and some other teams that had salary issues remain fresh in my memory.

For now the league has no sponsor and the experience of the LMC with the former sponsor is enough for the body to go for a more flexible sponsorship arrangement that will allow more organisations to come in as co-sponsors. The more the sponsors are, the better for the league and ultimately, Nigeria.

The league is seemingly on a good path and this is something I want the teams representing Nigeria in continental competitions to replicate. However, keen followers of the league argued that it has little or nothing to do with continental performance. The management of these teams playing in CAF events are expected to double efforts for the new season following the task before them. The LMC and the NFF can only provide platform for the teams to be ready for the continent.

The Super Four was staged in Uyo and Kaduna as part of preparations for the top teams. The management is expected to provide all the logistics and motivation to get the results. In the EPL, the Champions League teams will not rely on the English FA or the league body for the continental games.

I was so thrilled about the 1-0 away victory of Akwa United two weeks ago in Congo. Enyimba will have to work extra hard to cancel the one goal conceded against Viper in Uganda. Same goes for Nasarawa that recorded slim 2-1 win against their Senegalese opponent in Abuja. It’s been long we had teams in the group stage of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup. The respective managements of theses teams should motivate the players not only to get to the group stage but to go all the way.

SATURDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2016

SATURDAY

DESTINATION

Sanctity of Truth

N150

PERSPECTIVE

- QUOTE OF THE DAY A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on

YANKARI: NIGERIA'S MOST TREASURED NATIONAL PARK

Before ‘unknown soldiers’ kill ‘bloody civilians’

- Sir Winston Churchill

p.42

Ajibade Olusesan

J

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s e y e p p o l K y h p o r t t s fir s d e R with

ust four months at the saddle; Jurgen Klopp could pick

his first trophy as the manager of Liverpool if they beat underperforming Manchester City in the final of Capital One Cup at Wembley on Sunday (tomorrow).

Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers who was sacked last October, and although the Reds are yet to catch up with the rest of the big sides, the coach has been able to reinvigorate a side that lost the confidence that made them launch a spirited title challenge two seasons ago.

Tomorrow’s battle could be a straight fight between Klopp and his City counterparts, Manuel Pellegrini, but the German will be desperate to emulate the Chilean and Jose Mourinho as managers who won something in their first season in charge.

Pellegrini will be replaced in the summer by Pep Guardiola but the Chilean will be desperate to take a pound of flesh from Klopp who inflicted a 4-1 thrashing on his side at the Etihad Stadium in an EPL tie. Klopp was also in charge of a Dortmund side that eliminated City in the UEFA Champions League in 2013.

There is a reason for vengeance.

The German is keen to ‘kill’ this match and Brazilians, Coutinho and Firmino, are going to play a key role.

There are a lot of sub plots in the match though, with James Milner expected to receive a warm reception from City fans while Liverpool fans are likely going to give Raheem Sterling a hostile welcome.

There is also not going to be brotherly affections between Liverpool’s Kolo Toure and his Man City brother, Yaya, until after the clash.

Daniel Sturridge also spent the early part of his career at the Etihad and he may prove capable of inflicting pain on his old teammates if he stays fit for the tie.

The German coach will be certainly happy that they are heading to Wembley with a qualification into the next round of Europa Cup following a 1-0 win over Augsburg on Thursday.

Klopp's ambitions to start a dynasty at Liverpool would be greatly helped by collecting an early piece of silverware and the 'Normal One' may not allow the opportunity to pass him by.

SPORTS WORD SEARCH Foreign Famous Football Clubs the World Over

Note: You are to search for their names forward, backward and horizontally.

Kilmarnock Montpellier Hull City Dynamo Kyiv Levante Fenerbahce Guangzhou Villarreal CF Chelsea FC Bromwich Spartak Blackburn Carrarese Millwall

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