Port Harcourt Microscope Edition 18

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scope ...let your business be found June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

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Inside: Welcome to the “Golden Age” Page 13

His Royal Majesty King Dr.

FRANK A. EKE Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land, Eze Oha Evo II Nyerisi Eli Woji, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo

10 Ways To Manage Stress Page 6 Eze's Middle Name Was Controversy – “Chief Hon. (Dr.) Tony A. Chuku”

1931 - 2013

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Vox Populi: The People’s Opinion of King Dr. Frank A. Eke Page 12

Goldsmith House Church Elimgbu Court Estate Church Road, Opposite RCCG, Port Harcourt.

Vision Statement:

Apostle

Justin Chinondo 07061345244

To preach, teach and propagate the total gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ bot within and outside the country.

Our Weekly Activities/Services: Tuesday: Wednesday:

Thursday: To take the responsibility of educating and teaching the members of the Friday: body of Christ to be law abiding and to respect constituted authority. Sunday:

Mission Statement:

Breakthrough Service

6pm - 8pm

Impartation and counseling

9am

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Healing and prophecy night vigil

10pm - 3am

Super Sunday Service

9am - 2am


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Life’s Wall We Invite You To Share With Us Your Most Profound Thoughts! Last Edition Question:

If you are to be the president, What will you to do stop insurgency in Nigeria? If I am the president I will declare a state of emergency. and reinforce the army.

If it happens that I am the president, I will just pen down my resignation l e t t e r .

Happiness, Artilery. Emeka, Rumuola.

I will fast and pray and meet with all the big anointed men of God and also fast and pray with them as well. Chidera, Trans-amadi

I will make sure I meet with them formerly or informal and negotiate for peace to reign. Nancy, Ogbunabali.

If I am the president I will find a means of going secret to dialogue using all the secret service a g e n t s . Maxwell, Borokiri.

I will spray their location with a gas that can make all living things sleep for hours. And then invade the place. Promise, Ada-george

If I am the president I will declare a war on the terrorist and wipe off the whole region where they are located. Emmanuel.

I will ensure that all the Nigeria military forces are reinforced and well equipped and work with all local v i g i l a n t e s . Kelvin

The best thing I think I will do is to tighten up securities in affected area and advised some people to leave the region for a while. Anonymous

I will conduct a t h o r o u g h investigation and oversee it myself to ensure that the truth is revealed and acted upon immediately. Omar.

Question For Next Edition: What willFor youNext write? Question Edition:

Make it short: Max 160 characters

Mention three things you will like to be remembered for?

Please write on our wall...SMS your thought to 08060917396 or mail: wall@ph-microscope.com. You can put your name if you want to. We will publish your thoughts in the next edition.Write to sponsor a question, call or text or sms: 08060917396.

Last Edition Solution

Can you Crack this

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SUDOKU GAME? Sudoku is a very popular number puzzle game. The rulers are simple and the games can range from very easy to very hard. The Sudoku puzzle is a 9x9 grid that starts with some numbers filled in. The object is to fill the entire grid such that the numbers 1 through 9 appear uniquely in each row, column, and 3x3 block. It sounds complicated until you give it a try but the rules are simple to understand once you have played one Sudoku puzzle.

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Sudoku helps your

8 4

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logical thinking!

Give it a try today!

Do you have an eye/ear for hot news, city gossips and entertainment? You stand a chance of becoming one of our contributors. E-mail Boma (boma.west@ph-microscope.com) or Call: 08165235098


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Editorial

The demise of Woji's King! A brief Biography His Royal Majesty , Eze Dr. Frank Adele Eke ,Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze oha Evo of Evo Kingdom was a man with many parts, He was a successful Medical Practitioner, Educational Administrator, Politician, Businessman, Philanthropist and Reverend Evangelist. His Parentage and traits HRM Eze (Dr) Frank Eke was born 82 years ago into the family of HRM Eze Jonathan w. Eke (Eze Ovo 1) and Her Majesty, Queen Lydia Eke, Nee Nwanevu of blessed memory. He was a child advanced for his age mentally and very forward. He had a curious mind that absorbed information like a sponge and his learning abilities was way above his peers. He was a brilliant student and this was evidenced in the schools that he attended in later life. Education The Eze began his early education briefly at the Methodist Central School, Ndoro in 1937, but following the outbreak of the First World War in 1939 with its worldwide adverse effect, his father retired from his teaching job and returned with his family to Woji his home town. Young Frank thus continued his primary education at the All Saints School, Rumukurusi in today's Obio Akpor local government Port Harcourt. He flew on the wings of government scholarship to Kings College for his secondary education and was fortunate enough to secure another full government scholarship for his university education at University College, Ibadan. Being an egghead in the making, he sat for the senior Cambridge certificate in 1952 and higher school Cambridge certificate in 1954 and his results were outstanding. In 1972, he secured a Ford Foundation Scholarship for post-graduate studies in Medicine at the prestigious Harvard University in USA. Politics We saw Dr Frank Adele Eke get actively involved in politics when the political embargo was lifted by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo's military administration . He was elected the first civilian deputy governor of Rivers State from 1979 to 1983 with Chief Melford Okilo as the first Executive Governor and together, they governed Rivers State for four years. They won the election in 1983 for a second 4 year tenor in office, but this time, their tenure was cut short by a military coup that happened on the 31st December 1983. His Workinng Life In 1966, he started his working life employed as a medical officer at the General Hospital, Lagos. Later, he moved to the Island Maternity in Lagos and from there to the Randle Avenue Health Centre, Surelere. In 1967, he transferred his services to the Rivers State Government where he was elevated to the position of Medical Superintendent, Etche joint Hospital, Okomoko, in Rivers State. In 1970, he was promoted to the position of Senior Medical Officer, General Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He left for the USA for a post graduate degree in Medicine at the Harvard University, Boston Massachusetts. Upon his return from Harvard University in 1973, Dr. Frank Eke was appointed as the principal health officer with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt. In 1974, he was elevated to the position of Medical Director of the Rivers State College of Science and Technology. In 1976, he was appointed chairman, Governing council of the Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt. His Reign Dr. Frank Eke was installed on the 22nd day of December 1987 as the Eze Oha II of Evo kingdom. He reigned for 26years. His father, who was the HRM King Eze 1 before him died in 1987, but before he died, he had made the Eze Frank Eke a chief. Thereafter when he died, HRM Eke Jr was promptly installed as Eze Frank Eke the second by his father's allegiances. His Death Eze Dr. Frank Adele Eke ,Eze Gbakagbaka died on the 22nd of December 2013 after an eventful rule. Ironically, he died on the same date he was crowned the Eze oha Evo of Evo Kingdom. While this may be a coincidence, it can also be seen as something that shows that he had exactly completed his mission on earth.

O

n Dec 22, 2013, HRM (Prof) Frank Eke breathed his last. He had spent exactly 82 years on the surface of the earth. Up till the time of his death, he was the Eze Gbaka Gbaka the seond, paramount ruler of the Evo Kingdom. The kingdom, a collection of 9 communities, has its headquarters in Woji. He was a titled chief in the years preceding the demise of his father who was the king before him, and he ruled for 26 years most of which was spent in litigation with kinsmen who contested his right to be the Eze. The publisher's first abode in Po rt Ha rc ou rt , ev en though it was not an apartment rented by him, was in Woji, in 1997. A few years earlier, in the very early nineties, Woji started to witness an upsurge of housing development led mostly the then modern

army of Shell employees. Its proximity to the industrial layout of Trans Amadi, and the Shell Offices made a prominent attraction to these new elites of PHC. At the time, Rumuomasi, Rumuobiakani, and Oginigba also enjoyed attention, but they were probably at that time more developed than Woji was, and so people were moving into the almost pristine Woji at this time. Oginigba was hosting a section of Trans Amadi Industrial Layout so was already receiving developmental attention. All this is history now, as Woji is now an overbuilt sprawling community with as many as 5 banks, and a lot of businesses. From having just one entry and exit (not counting the Rumuibekwe exit near the railway line), there are now multiple entry points, and the community is now been linked to other

communities along that axis of the city. With these opening up, one can see Woji really becoming a suburban location, close enough to the industrial and commercial areas but still re ta in in g it s re si de nt ia l nature. Can we attribute some of these developments to the reign of the departed king? While we may say that he didn't quite single handedly influence these developments, it should be noted that the reception of the Woji people and their disposition to allowing foreigners to live amongst then also contributed to the eventual gains that accrued to the community. This we can attribute to the King and his council. There are other communities within the Port Harcourt Me tr op ol it an ar ea th at didn't exhibit this disposition and consequently they didn't

enjoy this early mass influx into their communities. This edition of our newspaper showcases the life of Eze (Prof) Frank A d e l e E k e , h i s achievements, his reigns, his personality and sentiments. We also spoke to people in the community, his chiefs, his sons and grandsons.

Please pray for Dora!

Professor Dora Akinyili

F

orme r Ministe r of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, is said to

have been flown to India for further treatment of a

PH Microscope welcomes Anuli Nzewi and Ebenezer Wikina

W

e are excited to announce yet another addition to our editorial team. Anuli Adaobi Nzewi joins us as a staff writer. She writes poetry and fiction, and is working on her first novel. Ebenezer is the anchor of the popular online blog, The Stroll. The Stroll is a series of interviews with entrepreneurs, achieves and pioneers all over the world who has said no to discouragement and early

life disadvantages. A young man of many talents, he also co-host a radio show and is a compere. He will now anchor The Stroll also on the PH Microscope, focusing on people within our environment who have made their marks and can be role-modeled. The promise from these additions is that our teeming readers will enjoy an even more amazing literary content.

still undisclosed medical condition. A family source revealed that the the former director-general of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has fallen seriously ill again after returning from a trip to France. The professor of pharmacy is a member of the National Conference. Her appearance at the early session of the confab was the first time the public was seeing her current physical

state. She has lost weight dramatically, but she said in a statement at the time that her doctors had given her the all clear to return to normal activities. Akunyili is regarded as one of the most distinguished public officers Nigeria has ever had, given her track record at NA FD AC wh er e sh e fought the scourge of fake and substandard drugs courageously, earning local and international accolades.

Editorial Team Publisher Managing Editor PR Executive

Folarin O. Phillips Anita B. West Nengi Charles Halliday

Circulation/Operations

Adeniran Adekola

Graphics Editor

Olawale Olaogun

Reporter

Faleye Ayodeji

PH Microscope is a freely distributed fortnightly publication, dedicated to showcasing PH businesses, info, events, & offers affordable and effective advert platform to all. We do PR inserts, and help businesses, organise connect with their immediate environment. Even though we have our convictions, and we express these convictions in a generally objective manner, we pride ourselves as being nonpartisan and we are not affiliated to any brand or organisation, we simply strive to provide an equal platform for opinion sharing, and information dissemination. For more information on how you or your business, ideas, events and whatever else you do can be discovered by more than 2 million Rivers residence (and Yenagoa, Uyo, Aba and Onitsha too), contact us with the details below.

Office: 25, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt Email: publisher@ph-microscope.com Internet: www.ph-microscope.com Phone: 08060917396, 08077788772, Facebook: www.facebook.com/phmicroscope Twitter: @phmicroscope


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Port Harcourt News! Party 4 Dead in All Set For Tidal 21 Caretaker Chairmen Expulsion Dare-Devil Battle heats Erosion Checkmate - RSG Sworn in by Amaechi Commissioner for government will continue Rt.Hon.Chibuike Amaechi of the caretaker Committee Robbery Raid Environment, up to Dr. Nyema to sensitise the people on has sworn in 21 caretaker Chairmen were former Suspected armed robbers Weli has said the solution to the importance of tree chairmen for all the local council chairmen. Supreme shot two policemen and climate change lies on tree planting. Also, the Acting government areas asides They are those of two bank officials on the planting and conservation State Director of the D e g e m a a n d Abua/Odual, Ogu/Bolo, 28th of May 2014 at of natural resources. Court National Orientation Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Gokana, Asari-Tor u and Igwuruta, Rivers State. The commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin said the sad incident happened as the bankers tried carting money to the airport. “Our anti-robbery unit and other units are on the trail of the robbers. The command has launched a serious manhunt for the robbers to bring them to book,” he said. Ogunsakin said that the command, however, could not ascertain the actual amount of money carted away by the fleeing robbery suspects during the attack.

Agency, Mr. Oliver Wolugbo condemned the construction of buildings on water right of way, and called for a change of attitude Nationwide Medical Workers' STrike Takes Toll on PH

Speaking at a tree planting exercise in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the World Environmental Day celebration, the Commissioner said that the theme of this year's celebration which is: “small islands developing states” is apt in view of the devastating effect of climate change, particularly tidal erosion on the state. He said that there was need to compensate nature through the planting of trees. According to him, trees will help to check erosion and flooding in the state, stressing that the

Judge, especially the assignment of cases.“The Rivers State Government wonders what special interest the Chief Justice of Nigeria (Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar) in person and the NJC in general, have in Rivers State and its Judiciary, as to contemplate such obviously unconstitutional and illegal act against the state judiciary, which act is also contemptuous of a Federal High Court’s judgment, which has v o i d e d N J C ’ s recommendation of Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha for appointment as Chief Judge of Rivers State. “The contraption and contrivance known as ‘Administrative Judge’ to perform the functions of a State Chief Judge is unknown to both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Rivers State’s High Court Law.” The Amaechi’s administration also stated that it held the NJC, as a body, in high esteem, especially because its

Ubima Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State are numbering their losses, running into millions of naira following the heavy destruction of properties in the area by rainstorm in recent weeks. Residential apartments were not the only affected, places of worship and government amenities were not spared. Similarly, numerous water tanks were pulled down in

the rampaging storm as well as electric poles. Some of the aged who tried to recollect events in past, said that apart from the similar lone storm incident in 2002,the community had never recorded such calamity.Going by the words of the residents, a huge throng of people been rendered homeless, while some have lost their means of livelihood.

UPTH: Doctors go on strike

A visit to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital saw a throng of distraught patients locked out of the clinics and labour wards with no single doctor in sight to administer treatment to them. Speaking to the President, NARD, UPTH Chapter, Dr Prince Dan-Jumbo stated the strike stemmed from

issues like lack of funding and policy framework for training of resident doctors, and general poor funding of the health sector.According DanJumbo, since 2013, most doctors had been receiving only 90 per cent of their salaries in addition to late payment of salaries and allowances, which he said, could no longer be condoned.He added that at the expiration of the threeday warning strike, if nothing tangible is done, they would have no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike by July 1, 2014.

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Ex Rivers State PDP chairman, G.U Ake and Adokiye Oruwari have rejected their expulsion from the PDP on the grounds of anti- party practices by Felix Obuah and are heading to the Supreme Court after being floored at the Court of Appeal.

Eleme local government a r e a s . Governor Amaechi, lauded the caretaker chairmen on their appointment, urging them to make judicious use of council funds to benefit the people in their areas.

Ubima in Pandemonium Amaechi I as Storm Lashes Out

NJC, mind your business! – Gov. Amaechi The Rotimi Amaechi led administration has accused the Nigerian Judicial Council of repeated meddling with the administration of justice in Rivers state. The Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari implored Nigerians to hold the NJC and its leadership solely responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the state. Daisy is the immediate elder sister of a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, who is a member of the NJC. Amaechi had inaugurated the most senior judge of Rivers judiciary, Justice Peter Agumagu, as the CJ. Rivers government said: “The NJC, to disguise its disrespect for the law and give the impression that it is acting within the law, has planned to christen Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha as an ‘Administrative Judge’ with powers to perform the functions of the Chief

council chairmen whose tenures are yet to elapse. At the brief swearing-in ceremony held at Government House, Port Harcourt, the caretaker chairmen took their oath of office and allegiance. Five

Dare You!.. Then I will forgive your sins - Wike Nyesom Wike has ch al le ng ed Ri ve r St at e Governor, Chibuike Amaechi to run for Senate come 2015 if he thinks he is by the slimmest of chances popular within the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. Speaking to elder statesmen of Ikwerre who paid him a courtesy call.” The only good thing Amaechi can do for me, if he thinks he is popular within Ikwerre ethnic nationality, let him run for senate seat," said Wike. "If he does that for me, I will forgive his sins. I dare him to show his popularity within Ikwerre ethnic nationality to run for senate, come 2015, for Rivers East Senatorial District. We shall make sure he fails and fails woefully. Some people are deceiving him, running around him. He doesn't know that there's nobody. He has to stand firm and tell people that we will stand with our brother, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

Amaechi Picks Up Diplomatic Passport, Award. Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has been credited with the United Nations (UN) Diplomatic Passport for his contributions to human capital development as an ambassador of the UN. The award which was doled out to him was distinctly for his contributions to the Education Sector,thereby placing Rivers as the best state in Nigeria with 21st century education facility. The award, coupled with a diplomatic passport, authorises Amaechi to a UN certificate that confers immunity whenever on any UN Assignment.The award was given to the governor for his contributions in the Education sector by placing Rivers State as the best state in Nigeria with 21st Century Educational facilities. Also for his exceptional input to United Nations Institute for Tr aining and Research Programmes in Nigeria, and for promoting overall United Nations activities in the South-South geopolitical zone of the country by alloying the body an outstanding facility with the capacity of housing over 15 UN agencies in Port Harcourt.

Call us now:

08180245926 07014226274 E-mail: victoria@all-errands.com Website: www.all-errands.com


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Port Harcourt News!

Gunners Fans Celebrate FA Cup Title in Grand Style By Nzewi Anulika Adaobi It was a joyful evening as Arsenal fans partied like champions to celebrate their Arsenal FA Cup Title victory after almost a decade without any trophy. The event which took place at the Airforce Base in Port Harcourt on Sunday the 25th May, 2014 attracted diehard Arsenal fans from far and wide. Different shapes, sizes and colors of Arsenal jerseys were visible in the hall; the turnout was amazing as overjoyed Arsenal fans partied through the evening. They

roared shouts of victory to show they are not after all 'Specialists in Failure' like many refer them as, especially Chelsea's coach, Jose Mourinho. Dayo Ilusakin of Nigeria Info 92.3 FM was the brain behind the party. He organized the party for all Arsenal fans like himself to celebrate the clinching of the English FA Cup title by Arsenal FC. Ben Wakama of Wazobi FM aka Ben 10 was also at the party. We asked him what he has to say about Jose

Mourinho's comment that Arsene Wenger is a specialist in failure; he said “Nothing to say other than Wenger won the FA Cup while Mourinho was trophiless at the end of the season”. He described the FA Cup title as a “morale booster and an opportunity for Arsenal to prove to their fans they are not sleeping”. The party ended on a good note as Arsenal fans left the party all highly elated over their FA Cup win.

Cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

Cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

Cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

Cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

Dayo and Ben 10

3rd Edition of My Pocket If you flout this order, you will be sacked – Book of Fashion Come 7th June, 2014 all roads will lead to the Crib lifestyle hotel, 17B William Jumbo Street, Old GRA for the 3rd edition of My Pocket Book of Fashion- a platform for grooming and showcasing pretty faces and well built bodies into real models. Interested participants should pay the

2,500 into the account name and number is: House of Bo Ventures, 0124553124 at the nearest GTBank nearby.

“GEJ be careful whom you shake” - Chief Anabs An Ijaw leader, Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, in Abuja urged government to change its tactics as the insurgency in the nation was spurning out of control. “Mr President should be careful of whom he shakes. He should use

gloves, mostly at public functions where he will be shaking people. The terrorists will come and will shake him with the chemical weapon. As soon as they shake him, two days after, you'll see his hand getting rotten.”

Rivers State Government The Rivers State Government has issued a statement warning all state judiciary staff to desist from any form of official liaison with Justice Daisy Okocha as the Chief Justice of the state .As the governor, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Amaechi was the only person with such powers to appoint a chief

judge of the state. Anyone found working with her does that at the risk of losing his or her job. The Nigerian Judicial Council was accused by the state government of making moves to swear-in Justice Daisy Okocha as Acting Chief Judge through the back door.

Ben 10 with cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

Dayo Elusakin of CoolFM with Anuli of PH Microscope

Cross section of Arsenal Fans PH

PDP expels traitors THE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has officially announced the expulsion of two top members of the party, Godspower Ake and Adokiye Oruwari, over alleged "anti party" ac ti vi ti es. Ibi bi a Walt er Pelebo, the party secretary said the duo were expelled f o l l o w i n g t h e recommendations of the State Disciplinary

Committee after they were found guilty of individually and collectively engaging in conduct that revealed their complete disloyalty to the party, as they have consistently aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the PDP in Rivers State.

Aluta I will NOT vacate my office! - SARMA'S Opulent Finale Continua - CAS Obio Akpor LG Chairman The students of the Rivers Timothy Nsirim has protested the leave of office of all local government chairmen made by the state governor, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to be replaced by a set of caretaker committees. He firmly

stated his intention not to vacate his position as local government chairman. In a statement, he said he will serve his eight month period of absentia, stemming from a suspension.

Children's' Day brought the Star Kids and Role Models Award to an exciting crescendo at the Silverbird Showtime, Port-Harcourt, with dignitaries like Hilda Dokubo and Commissioner of Education, Lawrence Nemi handing out medals and prizes to the successful pupils.

State College of Arts and Science marched to school authorities on the 3rd of June,2014 to bitterly protest the poor shabby treatment being meted on them. The school authorities as at the time of this publication couldn't be reached o give a statement.


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Health/Relationship

Health Nuggets By Nengi Charles Halliday

10 Ways To Manage Stress

Stress Management Techniques 1. Organize Yourself. Take better control of the way you spend your time and energy so you can handle stress more effectively. 2. Control Your Environment by controlling who and what is surrounding you.

Last edition, we provided an insight into the various health issues that can be brought about or aggravated by stress. This edition we will be taking a look at vital antidotes to stress and foods that help s to de-stress our body.

Heart

2

Heart

By

Ayodeji Faleye E-mail: ayductdejiro@gmail.com Tel: 07034636125, 08079694583 QUESTION: I'm afraid of another break up! Please help it's been up to 10 months that we separated. She left me confused, wondering what the problem is. About 6 months ago, I called to ask her if I've done something wrong, but she said I've done nothing wrong, just that she wants to have time for her studies, so she's not interested any more, and I decided to let go of her. About 3 weeks ago, she flashed me and I declined to call back. Just a day before yesterday, she flashed me again and I still didn't call back. I'm just wondering why she would be flashing me when she's supposed to call. I don't want to believe that she doesn't have money to call because I know that is a lie. Would it be a good idea for

me to call her back? I'm just confused. I still have feelings for her though, but I'm afraid of another break up. Please help. RESPONSES:

Joy

Don't call her yet...I'm certain she'll call you back. Make her wonder too. It feels so good to watch one's Ex seek for attention especially the ones that initiated the break up. Just ignore the flashes! Yes o! CallJames her back and ask her what she has forgotten at your place or in your heart that she wants to collect back. Trust me she will stop calling or flashing you.

In this way, you can either get rid of stress or get support for yourself. 3. Love Yourself by giving yourself positive feedback. Remember, you are a unique individual who is doing the best you can. 4. Reward Yo urself by planning leisure activities into your life.

Nkechi The person she left you for is done with her, she has gotten sense and now realizes that you were good for her, she wants to eat her cake and have it. Don't let her. I w a s i Tunde n your shoe sometimes back, well I don't subscribe to re-dating an ex! Play matured, call her and play friendly. Let her understand you appreciate her place in your life. But don't make the mistake of re-dating her! You know Obi this girl more than we do. Do not make the mistake of calling her back until she calls you. When she does, find out why she is calling you and what she wants. If she wants you back, fine. That is her business. Now the question is DO YOU WANT HER BACK? If you don't then jejely move on and lock up. If you still have feelings for her and genuinely love her, why not give her another go? Just make sure that you lay down your terms and conditions and iron out the issues that led to the two of you breaking in the first place to YOUR satisfaction. No point being so focused on hurting her when you may also be hurting yourself in the process too.

It re al ly he lp s to ha ve something to look forward to. 5. Exercise Your Body Since your health and productivity depends upon your body's ability to take in oxygen and food into its cells, you thus need to exercise your heart and lungs regularly, a minimum of three days per week for 15-30 minutes. Activities that can help here include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc. 6. Relax. Take your mind off known stress and concentrating on breathing and positive thoughts. Dreaming counts, along with meditation, progressive relaxation, exercise, listening to relaxing music, communicating with friends

Life is too short and you deserve whatever makes you happy.

OlaDo me I do u, Flash her back. God no go vex. If she calls, then, try to know what she wants... On the contrary, she probably didn't enjoy the new guy as much as she used to enjoy you. Break-up inTayo relationship is not a big deal, because everything works according to destiny. Call her if the love is still there. I re-dated Tasha an ex and trust me; things were never the way it was when we formerly dated. The quarrels were like hell. It didn't even get up to a month, we broke up again. Once an ex will always be an ex. We are just good with our friendship now. Whether she finally decides to call or you decide to call, just make up your mind on one thing which is, never go back to her, if you do, then you both will be wasting each other's time, because it will never be the way it used to be .

Love is like trust, once Benita gone, forever gone! That's the bitter truth. By the way, are you trying to say a

and loved ones, etc. 7. Re st as re gu la rl y as possible. Sleep 7-8 hours a night. Take study breaks. There is only so much your mind can absorb at one time. It needs time to process and integrate information. A general rule of thumb: take a ten minute break every hour. Rest your eyes as well as your mind. 8. Understand yourself. Be aware of distress signals such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, st om ac h up se t, lo ss of concentration, colds/flu, excessive fatigue, etc. These can be signs of potentially more serious disorders (i.e., ulcers, hypertension, heart disease). 9. Feed Yourself, Not Poison

Yourself. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid high calorie foods that are high in fats and sugar. Don't depend on drugs and/or alcohol. Caffeine will keep you awake, but it also makes it harder for some to concentrate. Remember, a twenty minute walk has been proven to be a better tranquilizer than some prescription drugs. 10. Enjoy Yourself. It has been discovered that happier people tend to live longer, have less physical problems, and are more productive. Look for the humor in life when things don't make sense. Remember, you are very special and deserve only the best treatment from yourself.

"reasonable" guy saw you, dated you and broke-up?

friends and probably just checking you out! Let her be!! Give her some outstanding space...! more importantly, move on... If you are meant for each other, it will happen.

Tony remain as If two ex could friends, it is either they still love each or they never were in love. In my own opinion, let her call, don't call her but if she wants to come back; give her conditions; no double dating, no nagging, no incessant complaint etc.

Ann

I don't understand all this 'she is your ex' talk. Is it that ex' don't deserve a second chance? Let's be reasonable and flexible please. If your heart still yearns for her and she is genuinely sorry and Titi re mo rs ef ul th en by al l Ummmmnnn....I have a means, give her another go. feeling she just Life is too short and remembered you and everybody deserves a wanted to see if you still second chance. Most think about her... or, she's importantly, na u know as d talking about you with her tin dey pinch u. I don't want to die! What can I do apart from abortion? I'm a polytechnic student and I am pregnant for my cousin for the third time. My cousin and I are age mates in our early twenties; we've been secretly dating for 2 years now. I don't have a boyfriend neither does he have a girlfriend. We started having sex 2 years ago and this is my third pregnancy for him, we've previously aborted two pregnancies that almost took my life. It all started when I gained admission in his school, I was told to live with him for some period be fo re I wo ul d ge t my ow n accommodation because he was a year senior to me and he was living alone in one room on campus. I accepted to live with him because we are cousins and I see nothing bad in it, to cut the story short we started having sex due to the fact that I'm always careless with my

body. I broke up with my boyfriend and he also did the same thing to his girlfriend, we fell in love with each other, we were behaving like couples to the extent that neighbours were suspecting, we had sex almost every time until my mother separated us because she wasn't comfortable with the way w e w e r e l i v i n g t o g e t h e r. Now, I am pregnant again and I am really scared of abortion because the last one I did almost took my life, it's not like we don't use condoms but we can be careless sometimes. Our parents must not hear about it, I'm 6 weeks gone now, my cousin is begging to go for an abortion but I am so scared. I don't know what to do, I'm even considering informing our parents because I don't want to die, what can I do apart from abortion?

Text us your advice/suggestions to the number above. Your contributions will be published in our next edition.


June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

7

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS MOVIE SCHEDULE


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

HRM FRANK A. EKE Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land, Eze Oha Evo II Nyerisi Eli Woji, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo

1931 - 2013

Eze's Middle Name Was Controversy – “Chief Hon. (Dr.) Tony A. Chuku”

The Eze Through Our Eyes He gave us all equal love & Opportunities Prince Graham Ezebunwo Eke (Eze's 2nd Son) Q - Who is your father to you? I will say he is my biological father but I don't take him as a personal father because he is a father to all. He is my hero and a man of many parts. Q - Any Remarkable personal experience with your dad? Actually our Father gave us a good education and upbringing. We had the fear of God. Growing up he will go the extra mile for other than us his children, not

because he didn’t want to or being selfish. He could give people a letter for employment or admission but will tell us to go and do it ourselves. He was a disciplinarian and wanted credibility for his children not favours - training us to be independent. Q - How did he relate with your other siblings? He loved us all, no special love for any one. There was no daddy's favorite. He gave us equal love and opportunities

Q - What will you miss most about your dad? His advices, he is a man full of wisdom, any time you meet him he had a Godly wisdom nugget. He was a very approachable and hands-on dad I could always relate to at any time of the day making his absence deeply felt. Q - One word to qualify your dad He is a colossus of tradition and a God fearing man.

You can't help but feel intimidated upon meeting the Regent to the royal stool of Woji Kingdom, but spending five minutes with him in conversation, you can't help but admire his sound deductive prowess on any topic. He was courteous and pleased to sit and chat with the PHM crew on the late celebrated Eze. Enjoy. Q: Thank you for having PHM. Our readers would like to meet you. A: My name is Chief Tony A. Chuku PHD. The Regent to the stool of Eze Oha Evo Eze Onu-Mbam 1 of Woji Eze Oro-Chuku- Eze Orochuku Woji. Chairman Woji Council of Chiefs and Elders. No t as cr ib ed ti tl es bu t achieved titles. Q: What was your relationship with the late Eze, HRM Dr Frank Eke.

He was our go-to guy Chijioke David Eke (Eze's Grandson) Q - Do you miss your grand pa? Yes Q - Did you have a personal relationship with him Yes I did, especially me and my siblings. Growing up we were staying in the same compound. He is the go- to guy. My parents go out in the morning and come back in the evening, he was always around. We come back from school and we are off to his room to make noise. Q - Personally who will you

describe your grand dad to be? He was a very intelligent man, he could talk on a wide range of topics. He was cool for someone his age considering his love for technology. He could connect with us, using the latest phones and gadgets. We could have a conversation on them and it will surprise you to know that Grandpa was on BBM. Q - One word that befits his person “Great”, My grandpa was a

great man. Q - Any lessons or advice you have learnt from him, you hope to keep on I have learnt that you could achieve whatever you want to achieve because looking at his biography and when he talks to you. He has achieved a lot and it was not like everything was in his favour, he just had the drive and the passion to get what he wanted. That's a big lesson for me.

I wish I worked with him Eng. Kennneth CHIZI OWHOR (Woji Youth President) Q - How do you feel about the death of the Eze? I feel bad because of the irreplaceable loss. Q What was the relationship between the youth body and the Eze? The relationship was a cordial one with past presidents and he worked well with all of them. For me it was rather unfortunate I didn't have the opportunity to work with him. When I won my election, I came to pledge my loyalty to him as

the king and father of our community. But on the verge of doing this, we lost him to the cold hands of death. Q - Before you became President what's your opinion of the Eze? He was a great man indeed, He carried most of our burdens and we have lost a hero and the shield covering us in this community is no longer there. Q -As President what can you say considering the short time you had with

him before his demise? I had a nice time with him because he promised to work with me to lift the youth body high for the growth of the community and I believe because he is a man of his words he would have done it. Q - From your perspective, one word to qualify the Eze He was a Philanthropist.

A: We had relationships on all levels- but for HRM King Amb. Prof. Dr Frank Adele Eke. CON. JP. Knight of St. Christopher. The Eze Gb ak ag ba ka of Ik we rr e land, Eze Oha Evo the 2nd. 8 years before his demise, I served as his Vice Chairman, Woji Council of Chiefs and Elders and the Traditional Prime Minister. That of course, brought about some form of relationship we related as friends, confidantes and on official levels; politically and otherwise. I was a welcome guest to his home at all times not just on all official basis. He treated me like a son, an adopted son. With

some of his private matters, he would go further to seek my counsel, which was held in strict confidence. In the administration of the community, he carried along all segments – the women's group led by Mrs. Emeka Ihunwo, the Community Development Committee led by Chief Brain, the Youth association led by Engr. Kenneth and the Council of Chiefs. Q: Give us your personal insight on the late Eze. A: Eze Frank Eke was an institution; an icon, he was a wise man. HRM was a man small in stature, in pride and arrogance but very large in humility and achievements. He was very thorough in handling issues – it would take you time to convince hi m be ca us e yo u mu st present reasonable argum ents to make h i m agree with you, he w a s never carried away b y numbe rs. As people would s a y , democ racy is a game o f numbe rs and in most cases, h e didn't believe in that in handling some issues. Democratic majority most times isn't well informed and are gullible and docile, so how do you then say majority carries the vote?!! Look at the society, get some eggheads, run with them and drive the engine of society and achieve reasonable development in society. Eze behaved like Italian Benito Mussolini and like he always said, “ you don't need everyone to support you, as long as you are on the right track”. Eze was well educated; sufficiently enlightened, you could term him a lucky man but that didn't imply he was

born with a silver spoon, he passed through life's trying 'fires' and survived. He attended Kings College, Lagos in the 50's, then onto the University of Ibadan. He was also lucky to attend the Harvard University, USA and happened to be the first medical doctor of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationalitythere has been this argument that there was an Elele man who contested the Eze's claim of being the first medical doctor –he qualified but didn't go for housemanship, just like in law, you cant say you are a lawyer till you've been called to the bar. So it is correct to say the late Eze was the 1st Ikwerre medical doctor after all. He was the former deputy governor of the old Rivers State, onetime chairman governing council of now Rivers State University of Education; he made his debut in the public service, rose to the position of director before he dabbled into politics. Thereafter, his ascent to the royal stool. To a reasonable extent, Eze was a man of integrity, caring, loving but of high ethical standards not forgetting as a human being, we all have our diverse flaws. That was Eze for you. Q: As the traditional prime minister, what would you say were his major challenges as the paramount ruler? A: You rarely can have any society that is strife or conflict free and I also know that you don't expect everyone in the society to operate at the same wavelength, which is why it calls for a vox populi to get different shades of opinions from all quarters. On his reign, he ascended the throne at a 'crisis period' and the crisis didn't end even after he died. The Eze was one of those who contested for the stool in court and won, the man who lost to him and his allies in the community constituted themselves as opposition. The remnants of that man's group sprouted issues one way or the other, although on a very small scale but they didn't dare to make it bold as the Eze had already become a recognized traditional ruler and was in charge and there was nothing they could do. But


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

HRM FRANK A. EKE Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land, Eze Oha Evo II Nyerisi Eli Woji, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo

1931 - 2013

Eze's Middle Name Was Controversy – “Chief Hon. (Dr.) Tony A. Chuku”

the truth is that he didn't have the support of all and sundry, those people still murmured and clamored for a better this and that. He still tried his best possible to see that the community was intact, made progress and was developed. Then again, one would have expected from the Eze - having climbed and ascended the throne through such a difficult pr oc es s to ha ve ta ke n some practical steps to placate the opposing side, in fact make the first move to broker peace then let them rebuff, if they choose… But I'm not sure he thrashed it out. Whether the opposing faction agreed or not, Eze was in charge and we recorded the successes he made. Q: How long exactly was his reign as we were briefed of a dispute that left the throne vacant for some years after his father's demise? A: Let me correct that misinformation you got, whether they like it or not, HRH Eze Jonathan Eke, the father of Eze Dr Frank Eke died in 1987, before he died, his son, HRM Eze Dr Frank Eke was already a chief, so on the death of his father, he, the son, was crowned by his father's allegiances the Eze the 2nd, while his father was Eze the 1st. One other group went somewhere and crowned one G.C Ogbonda. Q: What claim does the 'Ogbondas' have to the throne if the preceding king was an Eke and it's supposedly kingship by hereditary? Fine. I will come to that. He (Ogbonda) also had a claim to the stool. The stool is vacant now. I'm one of HRM was a man small in stature, in pride and arrogance but very large in humility and achievements.

those who could make claim to the throne and you might ask what claim does Chukwu have to the throne… some cohorts installed G.C Ogbonda after which he then went to court to challenge the Eze. But the fact that you went to court to challenge

doesn't keep the stool vacant all that time. If you say for a period of seven years the stool was vacant. I wouldn't agree, it 's just that the State Government accorded nobody recognition. Eze was in charge running the affairs his own way. G.C Ogbonda, then, would always present himself as the Eze or whatever. I recall back then whenever government would come pay Woji a visit, it would be to the Eze they would come to and whoever G.C Ogbonda could corner to himself, he cornered. Eze Dr Frank Eke was in charge from when his father died in 1987,until the late 90's when government then gave him full recognition, but the recognition given him was in retrospect that dated back to 1987. But I know if you interview someone in this community, say for instance on the opposing side, he'll tell you – No, the stool was vacant. Now some people in the community will tell you since Eze died on the 22nd of December 2013 till today, the stool is vacant. Nature itself abhors vacuum. Since his demise last year, as the regent, governance of this community has been on my shoulders, therefore making it impossible to write the history of Woji without mentioning my name. Now, someone will say from when Eze died 22nd December, 2013 till when a new Eze is installed, nobody was there, that's impossible! Somebody was there managing the affairs of the community. Whether they like it or not, records is there that Eze was recognized as the king, the year his father died in 1987. Now talking about the claim the Ogbonda person has- when the original memo for filling the vacant stool of the Eze was prepared, it was clearly stated that the stool of Eze Evo is hereditary to Woji alone but rotates among Eke, Ogbonda and Chukwu. The authors of that do cu me nt we re se lf is h because by that arrangement they recognized the fact that these three families were

descendants of the direct sons of Woji but they left out two families namely Worgu and Ogbor . These are the five male children of Woji; what argument will they put forward to exclude the other two families, just because they didn't have prominent men? As at when this document was prepared, my brother Chief Ade Wosu Chukwu, G.C Ogbonda and Dr.Frank Eke and his father were present, so they were able to push their own families but it boomeranged. When they came up with the a r g u m e n t s o n entitlement to the throne, what then happens to these two families? It was difficult for them to proffer answers but somehow while Eze Frank Eke was on the stool, he tried to define or interpret this memo to mean that the hereditary clause was confined to Eke's family alone, strengthening his argument with Eke being the first family/son of Woji. He went further to say it was the principle of first son that made Woji to have it (custodian of the paramount royal stool of Ikwerre) as Woji is a member of the eight communities that make up of Oro Evo . The other seven villages said the royal stool should remain in Woji, so within Woji why can't Woji people let it remain in Eke's Family? Still that Eze's argument can be flawed because in Eke's family- where the late Eze was from, their own unit called the Agbaraka unit isn't the first son of Eke but you cannot change the goal post midway into the match. Be that as it may, he was very charismatic. I supported, respected and believed in him, I ga ve hi m al l th e co operation because he was a man whose backing could take you places. He was a dogged fighter. He was a foremost traditional ruler and a distinguishing factor for him from other traditional rulers was his passion for building bridges across ethnic

boundaries. Yo u are relatively young (Chief Tony addressing PHM editor) but there is this imaginary dichotomy in Rivers state – the riverine and upland wahala .. and God come dey punish all of us . It's either you are marrying from the riverine or the upland. You cant have your children without riverine names e.g Chimenem soibi chukwu. So Eze tried to build bridges – erasing all these barriers. On that level he did extremely well. Q: What area do you think he didn't harness properly during his reign? There is no public school – primary, secondary or above in Woji. Meanwhile we have educated leaders. His father was a headmaster, he took over in 1958 -from 1958 to 1987 when he died, he didn't either harness resources, attract or provide for a primary or post –primary school. The late Eze from 1987 also did not also do itwhether we like it or not. It's a negative taint. More so, one might see it as a collective community responsibility, that I too speaking should share in the blame, as I was part of the administration. So it was failure of the entire administration but we had a leader. Q: How did he command loyalty from his subjects? A: On a scale, his command of loyalty was 75-80%, because he still had some resenting elements, even when he did his best, ready to give out his life, yet there some still unhappy with him. They believed he wasn't the right person to be there, loyalty from such wasn't there but a large chunk of the community gave their loyalty willingly –believing in him. At the council level, when meetings were held to allocate resources, including allotment of land by the Eze even those whose loyalty co ul d be qu es ti on ed , would partake, they won't reject. If there were monies to be shared on a family basis, they would collect. If they fell on bad times, you would hear “Eze come oh! Wahala dey oh!” He was a man of charisma, the belief that the man there can stand for me anytime, anywhere. There were cases where even the core Ogbonda people who opposed him had issues with the government or police and he stepped in to calm the troubled waters. These actions led to a strong backing of loyalty

from the majority of the people. Q: Can you say the late Eze be termed an asset to the government during his reign? A: Ye s he was. The government at various levels invited him to seek his counsel, sometimes they'd even say “Eze we want you to lead this delegation”, he was head of an inter-religious committee during OBJ's administration. During the face-off between the state governor Chibuike Amaechi and the president Goodluck Jonathan, he was one of those who went to Abuja to dialog with Mr. President. Don't ask me the outcome (laughter). He was also a member of the South South Traditional rulers Council and South South Oil producing Zone, if it was a case of state government trying to push their matter to the federal level, he was called upon to either join or lead and when they see him, they know that Rivers people have come, as a Harvard graduate, Eze was very fluent in English language and very outspoken. At any point in time, he spoke his mind irrespective of whose ox was gored. To some people, his middle

Eze behaved like Italian Benito Mussolini and like he always said, “ you don't need everyone to support you, as

name was controversy. So he could be rightly termed as an asset indeed to the government, while alive. Q: How did he approach conflict resolution within the community? That's an area I think wasn't a forte for him, though he put in effort, I must confess. I started earlier by telling you his failure in reaching out to the opposing faction when he ascended the stool, there were no practical steps to that effect. Most of the cases that came before us in the council were heard once and no final closure was done on them and at some point, some complainants got frustrated and some others became uninterested in even bringing their cases to be tabled before him. In my opinion, he wasn't quick in dispersing justice, he would stall over a period of time and the people in question will become frustrated. But still there were cases that got fair hearing and judgment. Q: How active were the youth groups, women

groups and any other minor groups asides his council of chiefs in the community's governance? If you look at our organogram - you have the elders, the youths, the women, the CDC and then the families. In terms of managing them all, Eze and the council of chiefs all shared responsibility. But the rascality in this part of the country, rising from the youth's viewpoint – violence, intimidation and harassment, being the tools employed by them to achiever their desires. To th em , me ri t ha s be en thrown to the dogs and the Machiavellian theory takes supreme- The end justifies the means. And society doesn't seem to be helping matters as it seems to accept and promote such ill gotten wealth by bestowing chieftaincy titles, accord them high positions in the society and all of that. For us, he believed that the yo ut hs ar e le ad er s of tomorrow and doesn't rule them out of today's governance. I started this campaign of youths must be heard as far back as 1983- to be an active part of the decision making. Eze gave them a voice but in recent times, it seemed to be abused and at a point the youth exco led by one Azubuike O. had to be dissolved! You may ask what led to it – one of their members came to the palace and had previously committed a crime (God knows what he did in one of the companies – demonstration and the likes including some fire power, once Eze got wind of the demonstration, he sent word for them to back down and return to the palace- they blatantly disobeyed and carried on), the company involved had been looking for him for a long period of time and on that fateful day they got wind of his presence in the pa la ce an d th e po li ce swooned in and picked him up, he started screaming “ Eze will you allow me follow them?”. Eze kept quiet. Some youths then gathered, clamoring on why the police will come into the palace and pick up their own and all of that. They went back, regrouped and came back and said Eze has done the worst thing on this earth, they went to his house, shook his gate so violently, even assaulted his son. And that was the height of this rubbish, he summoned them, they came up with a weak defense, he then suspended the exco and later dissolved them. They went to court and challenged our king, we rose to the occasion and at the end of the day, they

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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

10

Lifestyle

Glorious Exit

of a Legend Sir Chief(Dr.)

Emeka G. Ihunwo (Eze Oganuruwhu 1 of Woji Community) and Family

Commiserates with the entire Woji community on the journey to the great beyond of our king. His Royal Majesty

King Dr.

FRANK A. EKE Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land, Eze Oha Evo II Nyerisi Eli Woji, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo

1931 - 2013

Ayu Meka o! Chief (Dr.) Emeka G. Ihunwo

May his gentle soul rest in peace.


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June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Lifestyle

THE TOWNSHIP GIRL Diary of a PH Chick A vibrating buzz from his IPhone had me looking at his screen, and there it was – the most spine chilling message was disp la yed , my ra ving appetite was gone, my throat was altogether parched and dry , my entire body went limp .

S

till stupefied by this strange dreadful shock, I didn't notice the ice-cream bowl was steadily tilting out of my hands onto my beddings and the contents also spilling out. A million voices were frantically screaming in my head yearning for answers What had he tested positive to? Just then, he walked in and seeing the look on my face, his pleasant disposition was instantly gone. “ Babes what's the matter? Did you see a celestial being? Why is your ice cream spilling all over the bed right in front of you?” All I did was gape at him, tongue tied and heartbroken. Unrelenting, he kept probing, nudging me for answers on my sharp mood shift. “You should check your phone, I'm sure you have some unfinished business” I finally blurted out dryly, waving my hand to the phone lying few inches away from me on the bed and fixing my gaze on some invisible sight I alone could see. He picked it up and one glance at the screen told him all he needed to know, he smiled a knowing smile “Madmoiselle I do not have some dreaded virus or something sinister in my system, I might be ill quite alright but calm down please, it's not what you think. I just tested positive for diabetes: he replied in a sad dejected tone. All the feelings of hatred, betrayal and anger just ebbed out in split seconds and were replaced wiith deep compassion for this vibrant, young, lively chap, who might just be stuck with the needle all his life in the name of insulin. “I'm so sorry for jumping into conclusions honey, I shouldn't have such one way traffic mind” I replied bowing my head in shame. “ I keep telling you woman, life isn't just black and white, you should see things in technicolors” he playfully chided

“But wait oh! So if I was actually HIV positive, na so you for react? Women! Chai!! I fear una oooh, fair weather beings indeed” he continued “ You are not serious! What do you mean by that? I snarled at him “ Put yourself in my shoes, how would you feel ? Tell me! Finding out that the love of your life has some dark shady secret!” My eyes were getting watery by now. “ So in essence are you by any chance trying to imply I'm the love of your life?” he questioned in a stern voice. The blow was just beginning to set it in, when he chipped in “ So where does that place Jesus”. I swiftly caught his gaze, just in time to catch the spark of mischief in his eyes and we both burst out in laughter. I rushed into his warm embrace and hugged him so tight “ I'm sorry for being so irrational. I'm sorry too for not filling you in on my plans, he replied. It won't happen again. I truly just didn't want to get you worked up. You know how you women get now?” rolling his eyes at me teasingly. “Shey you can hear yourself, young man” I was hands akimbo by now, “so I shouldn't worry abi? This is your own way of being protective? Making my blood pressure skyrocket unnecessarily!! No be your fault, I blame myself for..” And my ringtone was blaring Tuface's African Queen; I angrily snatched it to see who it was, “Oh God! This woman again! Haba? What is it now? Did I tell her I'd forgotten the night vigil ehn? Kai!! Na wetin ?” I grudgingly picked. “Auntie, I haven't forgotten now? I'll still come…I know, I know, no trousers..yes I wont forget my head tie…yes ma! Bible, notebook and Bic are intact… I have heard ma, yes ma, I have stopped listening to worldly music ma. Nothing is biting me. i 'm perfectly fine ma, maybe I'm just hungry. ok bye”. I hung up as I rolled my eyes with such dark rage. Just what I needed me to infuriate me further, Chinda's stunt I'd yet to recover from. If at that point anyone had ventured utter the phrase 'family is everything', I would have beaten the person black and blue in maddening

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Eze's Middle Name Was Controversy – “Chief Hon. (Dr.) Tony A. Chuku”

B-WEST (abwspectrum@gmail.com) Excerpts from last edition

anger. Chinda knew better than dare utter a word to me in this situation. I buried my he ad in my palm s, already close to tears when I felt this soothing, gentle, cozy, warm embrace. “I know the feeling hun, momsi is like that too at times-very pushy and overbearing, just chill biko, I'm here for you okay?” He cooed into my ears. That exactly was what I needed. “You should lie down a bit to cool off”, still wrapped in his arms, he proceeded to gently prod me towards the bed, “and we will continue our bickering later.” “Ouchh!!! “I screamed as my body made contact with some cold slippery substance on the bed, it was the ice cream that had spilled earlier,well no longer ice cream, s it was now in it's liquid state completely. “ Which kain double wahala be this one now? Ehn? So who will now wash this bed sheet? Did my village witches remember me or what?” I asked frustratingly, arms akimbo, my forehead ripped into many sections from my frown. “I'll wash it okay? I really don't like seeing you this worked up” he answered “ You have an all-night to attend, try and rest now? Dearie please, may be I should just go. I need to discuss my test's results with my mom” he added tiredly. It took all the restraint in me to curb the screaming plea in me to beg him to stay but of course I had to keep my pride intact. “It's fine by me, you should run along now, mommy's boy before you get smacked” I retorted. To my surprise, he burst out in laughter “ All women are truly the same! My dad was right!! Is that jealousy I sensed few seconds back?” He said as he made to give me a bear hug, biting my ears at the same time. I don't mind sharing myself in two for you both, because this battle ehn from the way I'm seeing it. Odikwa easy o!” “Abeg go! Who is jealous? Me ke? I don't have your time oh! You can do as you like, after all she is your Mom oh ,I cant come between you both” I said rolling my eyes at him. My mouth said one thing and my heart another. Oh! How much I loved him…

lost. Sometimes this opportunity to contribute is abused, however, we still carry them along. Some of the meetings held at the council level still saw some of them – the youth president, CDC chairman and exco to join us in taking some certain decisions. As for the women, unfortunately, you and I know in this part of the world, we still are very backward in carrying women along – we still see them as playing that Martha's role in the bible. Q: Serving with the Eze for over 10 years, could you tell us what his pet peeves were? A: 1. Lies –if you lie to Eze, he would be highly offended. 2. Inconsistency – if your handling of issues turned out to be an unreliable one, it pisses him off. if he gives you a piece of assignment and you are unable to deliver, he writes you off. Eze was a very humorous person but if he discovers you are unreliable, inconsistent and

you lie so much – he won't be happy with you. Q: Special likes? A: I'm not saying Eze chased everything in skirts but he enjoyed female company– just having them around, seeing their happy, bubbly faces made him very glad , he'll go ;“ oh! very beautiful girl, you are from where ? ..ohh! Your father used to be this and that” and just smile away his sorrows and he also, particularly liked young enterprising men. Q: What character trait did you greatly admire in the late Eze and put into practice? A: Although I haven't lived up to it but I greatly admired it in him- he was a dogged fighter. In fact one of the sustenance of his life was his Spartan like lifestyle. He would tell you “look oh! You better follow me, I don't believe in majority, you don't need them to succeed, be yourself, have confidence in yourself and have faith in God ” that was Eze for you. Unfortunately I'm not

dogged neither I'm I so much Spartan. He was also a very thorough man and even at an age well over 80, he would always come out looking very decent and well dressed. I must give it to him. Q: What legacy did he leave behind after over 25 years on the stool of power for Woji? A: He was a bridge builder. He helped us love and c e l e b r a t e t h e consciousness and awareness of the ancient nature of Woji – the traditional headquarters of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. Driving it home always to us, the need to tenaciously hold on to that positions of our fathers bequeathed to us. He never compromised anything. Defend your community; uphold your integrity and the pride of Woji.


12

June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Vox Populi: The People’s Opinion of King Dr. Frank A. Eke Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land From the moment you entered the world, since you inhaled your first breath, spoke your first word, or took your first step, you have been building a legacy you'll leave behind for those who follow after. You may not realize it -- most of us don't think that far down the road -- but your actions or inactions have lead you further down the path towards your D.A.T.E. with destiny, your opportunity to change things for the better. Ultimately, the legacy you leave behind won't be determined by the type of car you drive, how much money you make or by the number people who called you a friend. It will be determined by how you reacted when it came time for your D.A.T.E. (Desire, Attitude, Teamwork and Excellence) with destiny. Below are glowing anecdotes from the people within Woji community on their demised beloved King -

Mrs. Ijeoma Ayodeji

Mr. Herrick Don

Mrs. Felicia Okon

A Trader

Woji Youths' Member

A Trader

He was a leader indeed, he ruled well and always encouraged the 'Woji Youths' to live right.

especia lly in t h e aspect o f electrici t y . Everyb ody enjoyed him, including strangers who are residents of Woji Community. May his soul,

Mrs. Nancy Community Woman

Mr. Morrison Piegbe A Tenant The late Eze Gbakagbaka was a very good man, he cared for his people even when he was in government.

Mrs. Onyechi Gift Egbula Community woman Since the departure of Eze Gbakagbaka, we've not been having light regularly, which wasn't so when he was alive.

He was my father, mentor and king. He was a man of honour, dignity, his leadership was exceptional and he did according to his ability. The little he knew, he contributed to the community, State and Nation at large. He brought peace to the community, made us have road and light.

Miss Ebere Student He was a cheerful giver (He gave me money sometimes ago). He's always there for people when they are in need.

He was a good man, he helped a lot of people, most especially the aged and widows, encourages the youth and provides them jobs.

Mr. Moses Egbula Community man

Madam Charity Eke

The man was a nice man. Since his demise, things have been very difficult in the neighbourhood, most

He always say nothing but the truth, good at gathering women together

Aged

so as to advise, encourage and give gifts to them. Leaving a legacy sounds like something only for the well-known and other important people who has something of great value to leave behind. But don't you think we'll all leave behind a legacy of some kind? A legacy is really a reflection of what was important to you. No one is perfect and the legacy you leave behind will speak more about you. What will people say about you after you might have passed away? What kind of legacy will you leave behind? Eze Gbakagbaka has fought the good fight. He is no more today, yet his good works are speaking for him. We all, while still alive, should do our very best to influence our generation and impact the society positively.

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13

June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

Lifestyle VIEWPOINT BY TIMI DOKUBO

Welcome to the

“Golden Age”

PORTHARCOURT

micr

A

friend of mine, referring to the emergent phenomenon of how well people are living longer, while staying younger for longer recently remarked that “50 is now the new 40”. Not too long ago marking the '40th birthday' along with compliments of “you don't look it” was an achievement worth celebrating with friends and family. Some persons may disagree, but despite all the horrors reported daily in the news, we are living in a time of expanding possibilities. For example, given the u n p r e c e d e n t e d opportunities and extended human capabilities which we now enjoy in Nigeria, no one ever remembers that there were periods in the past when we lived without mobile telephones, the in te rn et , ai rl in e tr av el s, motor transport and even electricity just to mention a few of such comforts. And with improving living standards, modern medical care, and positive optimism

of keeping hope alive, many more persons in their mid sixties to seventies are leading healthy active lives. Even as most people are made to romanticise the past with the notion of the 'good old days' when modern lifestyle related stress was unknown or less prevalent - the vast majority of the people lived lives of hard labour on the edge of subsistence. And there were no feasible socio-economic options for change to alter this situation. For us in this part of the world, it was only Colonisation, which was more like a trickledown effect of the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment that preceded it that the idea of a new reality seemed achievable. With trade in raw materials in exchange for goods that promote modern lifestyle; coupled with the introduction of Christianity, the novel idea of progress as the natural tendency of human affairs

even in Af ri ca wa s inevitable. We bought into the argument of B r i t i s h Economist, J o h n Maynard Keynes that improveme nts in living standards based on a combinatio n o f technologic al progress and capital accumulatio n might be expected to continue indefinitely. T h e demonstrati o n b y developed countries that the ever present threat that people might be reduced to poverty by unemployment, illness, and old age can be made to disappear further encouraged Africans to adopt similar social democratic welfare states 50 ye ar s ag o fo ll ow in g independence from colonial rule. The promise that in another 50 years of technological progress and modest efforts to aid the poorest could push them onto the path of rapid progress already being followed by most of Asia is also prompting Africa to believe that poverty could be eliminated; with the vast majority of the continent's population enjoying a living standard comparable, in material terms to that of the global middle class today. Meanwhile, this level of economic progress is coming at a price for the society in Nigeria. First is the two-income families of economically successful households in which both

Oginigba First Bank, Oginigba

Viontel Hotel Charlies Gym

Ada - George Peperroni Auntie Titi’s Place (3, Ejike Wike Str., off Ada - George Rd.)

Elekahia/ Okporo

UTC Road

Auntie Titi’s Place

Access Bank

G.R.A.

Unity Bank Zenith Bank

Genesis Deluxe Cinema Ecobank UBA (Elelenwo Rd.) Golden Tulip Hotel

Trans - Amadi

Best Bite

Tantalizer (Waja) Sterling Bank UBA Waja

(Elelenwo Str.) Palomino Body Shop (Elelenwo Street) MAAS Central Hotel

Eliozu

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Living Water Int’l Christian Centre, Rukpokwu Charcoal & Spice, GRA Sterling Bank Marriot Hotel

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Jevinik Restaurant,

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Stadium Road partners work full-time or more; with child rearing seemingly contracted to nannies at home and schools. Second, is the market liberalization-centric economic policies that were fostered on African nations by the World Bank and its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since the previous economic downturn of the continent in the 1980s that have created a very unequal societies. With countries like Nigeria topping the list of consumption of luxury goods and where skyscrapers lie side by side with urban slums, those at the bottom of the income pyramid, especially the youths, have started to react violently against a system they consider to be very unfair. Nevertheless, as more and more people continue working and enjoying good health well past the traditional retirement age of 65, what used to be known as the 'middle age' (35 - 45) has turned out to be a time when people are now taking a 'second chance' at life. Many are trying out new careers and starting families, while others with material comfort, financial security and enhanced social status are positively impacting on their communities through charity and voluntary work. Most importantly people who have achieved this level of comfort are also finding spiritual harmony too. And apart from the menopause for women, the middle age years are now beginning to be seen as the prime of life rather than the start of old age. This in my opinion is the natural progression of mankind in this age of abundance.

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14

June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

The Management and staff of

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Commiserates with

Woji Town Council His Royal Majesty

on the demise of our king

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Signed

King Dr.

FRANK A. EKE Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre Land, Eze Oha Evo II Nyerisi Eli Woji, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo

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15

June 6, 2014 - June 20, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 18

HRM Dr. Frank A. Eke: Lawyers almost kept him in the red - Chief (Dr.) Emeka G. Ihunwo (Palace Secretary) without any judicial or state dethronement – there was no injunction restraining him in whatever capacity. Be that as it may, legal expenses ate deep into his pockets. Some cases even dragging well over his demise , they never allowed HRM enjoy all the stipends that trickled in from government monthly – he was always offsetting one legal bill or the other. This was the major challenged faced on that stool.

HRM Chief (Dr.) Frank A. Eke After a number of days of trying to pin him to a schedule, we were finally able to get the very busy Palace Secretary to the Late Eze Gbaka Gbaka, Chief Emeka Ihunwo – a quite remarkable man with a calm and pleasant disposition, to sit down for a light hearted interview to discuss the late Eze through his eyes till HRM's demise. Enjoy! Q: Good morning sir. Thank you for having us. Could you formally introduce yourself for the benefit of our readers? A: My name is Sir Chief (Dr.) Emeka G. Ihunwo by the grace of God I'm the Eze Oganuruwhu1 of Woji, as it pleases God to any other higher ladder he'll want me to attain. I'm from Woji community. I have been the palace secretary to the late HRM Eze (Dr.) Frank Eke; I still remain the secretary of Woji Council of Chiefs and Elders. Q: Can we get to meet the late Eze through your eyes? A: Eze before his demise was my king, my mentor, my brother and friend. It's been over ten years since the day he crowned me a titled chief in Woji community, he also pronounced me palace secretary from that day henceforth – a position that no bo dy ta ke s fr om me other than death or until he

dies. Within the period I got to know him, I found him a noble man, I found a lot of good qualities in him. In few wo rd s, he is a le ge nd ; sometimes I call him an embodiment of institution, where those who tap from that sea of wisdom can do well. His hands were hands of blessings .I am a living witness because I'm a partaker of such blessings. He was a God fearing man. He quickly forgives as quickly as he gets angry when offended. In fact one of his good ideologies was Live and let leave. Q: What were the major challenges he faced as a paramount ruler? A: We all know that after creation, the most arduous specie for God from time immemorial to manage is man. Let it not be heard that I assumed the role of God's mouthpiece, but from physical experiences I think his greatest challenge was man as he rebelled so much against his creator. So, Eze's major challenge faced was the agitation from certain quarters for the stool he occupied, he suffered crisis on that stool. He was able to survive it by the grace of God, he had litigations in court over that stool, but thankfully, up until his demise, he remained the paramount ruler of this community Eze Oha Ovo the 2nd, a position he occupied

Q: So how will you say he overcame them? A: As the man I knew him to be- well committed to the things of God -by prayers, his legal team (assembled by him solely) who did their best possible to see to it he didn't suffer any shame .God saw him through it all by his grace. It sounds pretty easy coming out from my mouth now but if he were alive to paint a rather more graphic picture for you in detail, as the one wearing the shoes, it wasn't easy for him at all as a king. Q: How many chiefs make up Woji Council of Elders and C h i e fs ? W h a t w a s h i s relationship with them like? A: We were quite above 16 i.e. Woji council of Chiefs, there were elders too. He had a very cordial re la ti on sh ip wi th th em , some ti me s, an outs id er seeing us - the council and the king playing will never fathom it was a king-subject relationship, we had such good rapport. There are some areas you go to, tradition doesn't let them get along rather freely with their king, even the chiefs find it tasking to see their king. But it wasn't the case with Eze Dr. Frank Eke and his council of chiefs – we had express access to him, we saw him at will without passing through anyone. We told some very hilarious jokes, drank, and ate together! It was a beautiful relationship.

chiefs genuinely asides his position. What drove it? A: He was a man that encountered a lot of exposure long before his chiefs and elders, the man in question was one time deputy governor of Rivers State, he was the first medical practitioner in the whole of old Ahoada province. He has held so many positions of trust, a commander of the Order of Niger (CON), a Justice of Peace, a Knight of Christopher, a member Rivers state council of traditional rulers and most of all a king. Based on all mentioned – you can't but respect him. Q: How best can you describe his involvement w i t h d i f f e r e n t administrations on a state and federal level? A: He was an asset to the government on all levels – he le d se ri es of pe ac e entreaties in the state and to the federal government. His northern counterparts used to call him the bridge between the north and the south-south region. He has introduced things through which government has made a lot of revenue from.

Q: What commanded loyalty from his cabinet? A: Well, it's obvious as a king to expect absolute loyalty from his subjects.

Q: For someone who was a crusader of peace on the external front, how did he approach peace brokering at home? A: During the militant insurgency in Rivers State under the Peter Odili administration, he was one of the paramount rulers who dia lo ge d wit h th e restive youths. When government asked they lay down their arms – hundreds ca me ou t to th e Ez e's palace, their names were taken, he interacted with them, and their names were forwarded to the Government House asking the Governor to rehabilitate them. He told government the people needed a better means of livelihood to eradicate the gun-wielding siege. He made a communiqué, which he even passed to the Federal Government, thereby contributing extensively to the amnesty programme.

Q: Some people might be loyal because of his position but from what you aforementioned it was clear there was loyalty from his

Q: How did he run the community on a daily basis? A: He truly practiced the live and let live principle he always voiced; when the

people of Woji rebelled against constituted authority, he still rallied around them, dialoged to find out what was the bone of contention. Dialog was his modus operandi of governance and ministering peace to the people. As a king, he had absolute power to ostracize anyone he chose, irrespective of your status in the community, once you go against the rules and regulations of the land, if he so pleases, but NEVER used it. That doesn't mean people didn't falter at different points but he never exerted his powers on anyone. Q: What projects did he embark on that brought about a better well-being of the people? A: The electricity in Woji saw a serious upgrade. There are well above five banks in Woji – Access Bank, Ecobank, UBA, First Bank, Unity Bank. Fidelity and Zenith are on their way. A community with such a number of banks portrays one thing for sure – business oriented people. That is to tell you the people are progressing! When the leadership is bad, development finds it impossible to enter. One of the structures he has kept here is a peaceful environment for people to

Let it not be heard that I assumed the role of God's mouthpiece, but from physical experiences I think his greatest challenge was man as he rebelled so much against his creator.

operate in. HRM also made SHELL to duly recognize Woji as one of it's host communities and in GMOU (Global Memorandum of Understanding), Woji is one of the nine communities that make up Greater Port Harcourt development cluster and its through this that we've been able to build the edifice which is the Woji Town Hall as against what we used to have before. Within that period – 2005, about 16 of our children got admissions and today they are graduates. The companies leasing our lands have our sons as staff;

we also recommended some to positions they occupy today. Q: For someone so learned and with a handfu l of cabinet members also quite learned and exposed, isn't it ironical on the 'school-less' state of Woji? A: As regards a state school, we do not have land per se for that, when government acquired Federal Housing Estate, Woji, there was a spot earmarked for a school but it was sold by people, it wasn't sold by Woji people, mind you but by the same federal housing ministry! There was a government blue print plan for a school, market, motor park, filling station and hospital – the same ministry workers sold them all off. Overtime the Eze wrote petitions endlessly but when your petition happens to land on the table of the culprit, do you expect him to indict himself? He tears it and throws it out. These are the problems, so how do we do it? How do we go about it? Q: What were his turn offs? A: Lies. Disobedience to constituted authority. Indecent dressing. For instance, a chief wearing knickers-shirt and canvas to the palace – you pay a fine. It can be worn to any other pace but not to the palace. Q: Any special character traits you'd love to emulate? A: Being vocal, saying the truth and standing by the truth is one trait I saw in him and I would not let go of it by the grace of God. Q: What legacy did he leave behind? A: They are too numerous. Most importantly! He has established the stool, made it more pronounced than it used to be. It becomes a piece of cake to know his successor; it doesn't then mean it must be hereditary from papa to son oh! But if nature says so, I am nobody to oppose. I'm using this medium to call on all Woji citizens to live and let live. Let peace reign and not begin to witch hunt one another. All have sinned. PHM: We want to thank you precious time spent with us .


Sports Extra By ‘Wale Olaogun with contribution from Adekola Adeniran

Did you

Know?

BRASIL 2014 WORLD CUP FIXTURES Thur 12th June

Friday 13th June

Group A

The poorest president in the whole world is José Alberto "Pepe" Mujica Cordano, President of Uruguay since 2010. He has been described as "the world's 'poorest' president", due to his austere lifestyle and his donation of around 90 percent of his $12,000 (N 1,950,119.21) monthly salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.

Did you know that the longest serving President in Africa is President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equitorial Guinea, since 1979 till date.

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets became the first team from Africa to win a FIFA competition when they won the U16 (now U17) World Cup in China in 1985.

Nigeria is the first African nation to have won the football gold medal of an Olympics achieving this feat at Atlanta'96.

Mexico vs vs Cameroon Netherlands 13:00 16:00

13:00

Belgium vs Russia 13:00

South Korea

vs Greece 19:00

13:00

vs Portugal 18:00

Nigeria vs Argentina 13:00

vs

13:00

13:00

Winner A vs Second B 13:00

Winner C

vs Second D 17:00

vs Mexico 17:00

Group G

France 17:00

Portugal vs Ghana

Winner 51

vs Winner 52 17:00

vs Second C 17:00

13:00

13:00

Winner 57 vs Winner 58 17:00

Mascherano: Messi still the best in the world

A rge ntina s tar Javie r Mascherano has backed compatriot Lionel Messi to

Italy vs Uruguay 13:00

vs Germany 13:00

Winner G

vs Second H 17:00

Winner 59 vs Winner 60 17:00

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal expects Robin van Persie to hit peak fitness for the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Manchester United striker Van Persie is hoping to get back to his best in Brazil after a frustrating and injury-hit season at Old Trafford. The 30-year-old has scored in friendlies against Ecuador and Ghana in recent weeks as he steps up his recovery from a knee problem.

deliver at the World Cup, amid criticism over his form. Messi endured a frustrating season with club side Barcelona last term as he struggled with injuries, while his team failed to defend its Liga title. Despite his injury-hit campaign, though, Messi still scored 41 goals in all competitions for the

vs Bosnia 18:00

Costa Rica

Group C

Japan

Greece

vs

vs

vs

England 13:00

Colombia 16:00

Ivory Coast 17:00

vs Belgium 17:00

Group H Algeria

vs Russia 17:00

Tuesday 1st July Round of 16 Winner F vs Second E 13:00

Full Squad Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

Winner H

vs Second G 17:00

Sat. 12th July Third Place

Sun. 13th July Final

Loser 61 vs

Winner 61 vs

Loser 62 17:00

Nigeria announce 23-man World Cup squad Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has named his 23man squad players for the Fifa World Cup in Brazil. The reigning African champions will be making their fifth appearance at world football's major showpiece and have been drawn in the same group with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia.

Nigeria

vs Ghana 16:00

Thursday 26th June Group G Group H

Tue. 8th July Wed. 9th July Semi-Finals Semi-Finals

Portugal Fret Van Gaal: Over Ronaldo Van Persie Fitness will be at full speed With the World Cup looming, the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner as best footballer of last year, had some bad news about his recent aches and pains. Ronaldo has a "muscle injury on the back of his left thigh as well as left-leg patellar tendinitis," the Portuguese Football Association said in a report on his medical issues and those of stars Raul Meireles, Pepe and Beto.

13:00

Germany

United States South Korea

Winner E vs Second F

Winner D

vs Croatia 18:00

Tuesday 24th June Group D Group D Group C

Croatia

vs Brasil 17:00

Monday 30th June Round of 16

13:00

Winner 55 vs Winner 56 13:00

Argentina vs Iran

Sunday 29th June Round of 16

Winner 53 vs Winner 54

vs

Cameroon

vs Bosnia 19:00

Cameroon

vs Chile 16:00

Saturday 21st June Group F Group G Group F

Winner B vs Second A

Saturday 5th July Quarter Finals

Winner 50 17:00

vs

13:00

Argentina

vs

Spain

13:00

Ecuador 19:00

Ecuador

Honduras 16:00

Group F

France

Wednesday 18th June Group B Group B Group A

vs

vs

Switzerland 16:00

Friday 4th July Quarter Finals

Winner 49

vs Japan 22:00

France 16:00

Group E

Group E

Australia vs Netherlands

Honduras

Switzerland

Netherlands Australia vs vs Chile Spain

Honduras

vs

Iran 13:00

Saturday 28th June Round of 16

vs South Korea 19:00

Italy vs Costa Rica

Wednesday 25th June Group F Group E Bosnia

vs Italy 18:00

vs Mexico 16:00

Friday 20th June Group D Group E Group E

Monday 23rd June Group B Group B Group A Group A

United States

vs Algeria 16:00

Group F

Ivory Coast

Russia

Brasil

Belgium vs Algeria

Japan

vs England 16:00

Sunday 19th June Group H Group H Group G

Colombia vs vs Greece Costa Rica 13:00 16:00

vs

vs United States 19:00

Uruguay

Colombia vs Ivory Coast

England

Tuesday 17th June Group H Group A Group H

vs Nigeria 16:00

Thursday 19th June Group C Group D Group C

Group E Switzerland vs Ecuador 13:00

Group D Group C

Uruguay

Australia 18:00

Ghana

Iran

13:00

Group C Group D

Chile

Monday 16th June Group G Group F Group G Germany vs Portugal

Sunday 15th June

Saturday 14th June

Group B

Spain

Brasil vs Croatia 13:00

13:00

Did you know that the Niger Delta in Nigeria is the second largest Delta on the planet.

Group A Group B

Winner 62 16:00

Strikers: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

Croatia and Bosnia builds Australia the Iran land in steam with win first team to Brazil for the over Mexico arrive in Brazil FIFA World Cup™

After Australia, the first of the 31 teams to land in Brazilian territory for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ last week, Croatia and Iran arrived in the country on Tuesday, 3 June. Brazil's rival in the opening match on 12 June at the Arena de Sao Paulo, the Cr oa ti an na ti on al te am arrived at the Salvador International Airport at 4:15pm (local time). From there, the delegation went straight to the Team Base Camp in Praia do Forte, Mata de Sao Joao, in the me tr op ol it an re gi on of Salvador .

Blaugrana and will captain Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.Mascherano, who also plays alongside Messi at Barcelona, has been baffled by criticism of the star, saying he is the best footballer in the world and can lead the national side to glory in Brazil.

Bosnia-Herzegovina boosted their confidence ahead of their first FIFA World Cup™ with a 1-0 friendly victory over Mexico on Tuesday that left El Tri looking for answers. Galatasaray midfielder Izet Hajrovic scored the lone goal of the match in the 41st minute after a strong fi rs t ha lf fr om Bo sn ia . Senad Lulic tracked the ball down in Mexico's area and slipped it through to Sejad Salihovic, who cut back to set Hajrovic up for the onetime finish. "It's a good win for us," said Bosnia and Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko. "Now I think we're prepared for the World Cup.”

Ballack blasts Arsenal flop Ozil: He has regressed The former Germany captain says that the playmaker is "not the same player" he was at Real Madrid and is worrie d about his performances heading into the World Cup

Australia has become the first of the total 31 teams to land in Brazil for the FIFA Worl d Cu p 20 14 ™. Th e Socceroos reached Brazilian soil on Wednesday 28 May at around 6pm local when they arrived at the Curitiba International Airport. “We are the underdogs. It will be a good opportunity for the Australian team to surprise, so this is all very exciting. And being in the 'soccer country' is an extra motivation, of course”, said midfielder Tommy Oar before the team boarded another flight - to Vitoria, in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo, where Australia's Team Base Camp is located. “We've been training for the last few days and things have gone well. We still have some two more weeks to keep on training, so I think we will be wellprepared for the World Cup.”


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