FG dissolves PHCN, pays workers N360bn ... still owes N30bn

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2 2, 2013

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—3

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4—SATURDAY

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NOVEMBER 2, 2013

PHOTO NEWS Funer al Ser vice ffor or Late Madam Charity Oba uneral Service

The Funeral Service for Late Madam Charity Oba, mother of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was held yesterday in Okrika, Rivers State. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke

President Goodluck Jonathan(middle), his wife Dame Patience Jonathan(right) and Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo.

R-L; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and wife Roli; Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and his wife, Obioma

L-R: Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and his wife.

L-R:Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada and his wife.

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R-L: Dame Patience Jonathan, President Goodluck Jonathan,Vice President Namadi Sambo and Senate President, David Mark.

L-R: Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio and his wife with their Abia State Counterparts, Governor Theodore Orji and his wife.

L-R:Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State,This space is sponsored by Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli Justice Mary Odili and Dr Peter Odili, fomer Governor of Rivers State.

L-R:Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Chief Victor Umeh, APGA national chairman.

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 5

My greatest worry about holding political office — Jonathan •Gov Amaechi shocks political opponents as dame Jonathan buries mum

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME & EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, Port-Harcourt

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has tasked political office holders to be paying greater attention to leading a public service that would earn the people’s support and honour beyond their tenure in office just as Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state shocked his political opponents as he was at the airport Thursday to receive the President who was in the state for the funeral of his foster mother inlaw, late Madam Charity Oba. Before the President arrived Port Harcourt that Thursday, speculations were rife in several circles that Governor Amaechi would not be around to receive him.

His opponents were apparently shocked when they saw him at the airport among others to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan .

Before the President arrived Port Harcourt that Thursday, speculations were that the governor

was not going to be part of the funeral programme and he might not also be at the airport to receive the President.

Their conviction was further strengthened by the fact that the governor was not even in the state that morning. So, the conclusion was that he deliberately travelled out of the state to avoid being part of the funeral program.

Hundreds of supporters of the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike were mobilised to the airport as early as 8am to wait for President Jonathan who also did not attend the service of songs.

People were in groups discussing the absence of governor Amaechi in the state when suddenly his plane landed at the airport. And he headed straight to the VIP lounge.

What looked like another shocker was when governor Amaechi, his Bayelsa counterpart, Dickson and President Jonathan boarded the same helicopter to Okri-

ka, hometown of the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

While remarking on the life and times of the Late Madam Oba, President Jonathan likened political officeholders exit from office to physical death, adding that the way the people judge a departed soul is the same way they judge a man who has vacated public office in reflection of his deeds while alive or while in office.

Jonathan maintained: “We all must die one day.

So, we should do all we can do to contribute to the good and happiness of mankind. We are here to celebrate my mother-inlaw today because she stood for my wife and today, my wife is a product of the good deeds of Charity Oba. “And for me, the politics of holding political office is almost like death.

What challenges me most is what I will be remembered for when I leave the State House. ”I harbour no ill feelings against criticisms. I will do what is just, right and necessary because I am more

The Presidential Advisory Commitee on National Dialogue South-West Interactive Session meeting held yesterday at NIIA, Kofo Abayomi, V I, Lagos Pix shows (L-R): Dr Akilu Sanni Indabawa; Senator Femi Okurounmu; Senator Khairat AbdulRasaq Gwadabe and Prof Funke Adeboye. Photo: Shola Oyelese

concerned about what posterity will say about me and my efforts in transforming Nigeria.”

In-between sobs in her funeral eulogy on her late Stepmother, the nation’s First Lady, Dame Patience said, “You raised me from a tender age, until I was able to stand on the world’s stage. You taught me the right from wrong, and made me virtuous and strong. You put in my heart God’s own song.

But now that you are gone, you are with your creator who loves you more”.

“Although the pain is

Borno Judge sacked for bribery, corruption

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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JUDGE of the Shar ia High Court in Maiduguri, Borno State capital was yesterday sacked over alleged corruption.

The judge, Alkali Mohammed Suguli of Yerwa Civil Sharia Court I, Maiduguri, was said to have been found guilty of bribery and corruption when he “unlawfully sold inherited property.” by the State Judicial Council, SJC. This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Borno State Judicial Service Commission, Baba Goni Adam.

The SJC’s statement reads in part, “The Borno State Judicial Service Commission met on the October 30 and 31, 2013

and considered the report of the Public Complaints Committee which investigated a petition by one Bukar Karkarma against Alkali Mohammed Suguli of Yerwa Civil Sharia Court I, Maiduguri. ”The Commission accepted the report of the Public Complaint Committee which found Alkali Mohammed Suguli guilty of gross misconduct in the case of Mallam Bukar Karkarma versus Alhaji Bashir Liman.

”The Judge (Suguli) unlawfully sold inherited property. The Commission consequently dismissed the judge, Alkali Mohammed Suguli from service with effect for the October 31, 2013.”

The sack of Suguli came after a fierce legal battle that commenced in 2006 when the petitioner, Bukar Karkarma, wrote to the State Chief Judge seeking redress in the suit before the (now) sacked judge.

The petitioner cried foul as

he suspected that Suguli had been bought over to rule against him in the suit between him and Alhaji Bashir Liman, leading to Suguli selling his inherited property.

It was gathered that, the Chief Judge, upon receiving the petition, directed the Chief Registrar of the High Court “to invite the comments” of the former Sharia Court Judge, before the case was referred to the Public Complaint Committee, PCC, for adjudication.

Group designates Nov 23 “National Day of Outrage Against Impunity”

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HE Stop Impunity Nigeria (S.I.N.) Campaign, a multistakeholder project to check impunity in Nigeria, yesterday called on all Nigerians to observe a national “Day of Outrage Against Impunity” on November 23.

In a statement in Lagos, the campaign coordinator, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, of Human Development Initiatives (HDI), announced that the S.I.N. Campaign proposes to “use the day to bring together all pockets of civil society orga-

nizations and campaigns working separately in a nationally coordinated strategy and synergy for a series of coordinated critical mass of anti impunity activities in a way that government and other perpetrators of impunity cannot ignore.”

still deep and raw, I will forever cherish all your memories and celebrate your life, for you were a mother in a million, who laboured in love to make me what I am today. Fare thee well Mama Sisi as the angels watch over you in heaven”.

In a loud happy mood believing his raging celebrated friction with the President and Nyesom Wike, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, one of the earliest arrived dignitaries at the funeral was full of energy, dancing, singing and clapping to praise worship tunes rendered by an array of Nigerian

Gospel stars.

Roll call of the personalities converged at the funeral include Vice President, Namadi Sambo; Senate President, David Mark; Senate Leader, Senator William Odoma-Egba among other scores of Senators.

Others in attendance were all the South-South governors - Governors Ameachi of Rivers; Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa; Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta; Liyel Imoke of Cross River; Godspower Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Adams Oshiomole of Edo State.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

FG dissolves PHCN, pays workers N360bn •still owes N30bn

BY TAYE OBATERU, TONY EDIKE, SABASTINE OBASI, K U N L E KALEJAIYE,SIMON EBEGBULEM, OLA AJAYI, CHRIS OCHAYI, BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, MARIETHERESE NANLONG AND WILLIAM JIMOH, ABUJA

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday handed over the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, and the 14 successor companies created following the unbundling of the PHCN to their individual new owners across the country in spite of threats by the former workers to cause crises during the ceremony across the country. The handover ceremonies took place in Abuja, Enugu, Egbin, Eko, Ikeja, Benin, Kaduna and Jos simultaneously.

The Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo,

said that yesterday’s handover marked the concluding stage of the transaction for the four generation and 10 distribution companies.

Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, who performed the official physical handover of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company to its new owner, Kann Utility Consortium Nigeria Limited, at a ceremony in Abuja noted that the government had successfully paid most of the former PHCN workers their severance and pension packages.

“Already, N360 billion has been paid out. The remaining N30 billion or so is in the pipeline and all the issues of certification, biometric capture and making sure that clearance is done are being completed,’’ he said.

Nebo explained that the Federal Government and the two key workers’ union leaders in the sector reached an agreement

PHCN HANDOVER :Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; KANN Consortium Utility Company Ltd, Ambassador Shehu Malami ; General Manager Abuja Distribution Company, Engr. Abdulamin Umar, right and other stakeholders during the handover of PHCN in Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

on Thursday to peacefully handover the power firms to their new owners.

According to him, “agreements have been reached. Please never in the history of this country has a government kept its word in issues like this as has been demonstrated by

the present administration.

“Government is on it and the date has been fixed for some as November 15, while November 30 is for others. I have given my word and I am saying that no worker will be short-changed.”

Earlier in his address, Vice President Sambo, had said that the handover marked the concluding stage of the transaction for both the four generation and 10 distribution companies.

Sambo who was represented on the occasion by Professor Nebo said the participation of the private sector would bring about higher generation capacities through the provision of more efficient and cost effective power stations as well as improvements in distribution in the areas of billing, collection and transmission networks among others.

In Jos, the planned protest to disrupt the handing over of the PHCN facilities to investors could not hold as there was a successful handing over of the Jos Distribution company comprising Plateau, Benue, Gombe and Bauchi States to its new owner, Aura Energy limited amidst tight security.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at the Electricity House in Jos yesterday, the VicePresident, Arch Namadi Sambo who is the Chairman of the National Council on Privatization said the exercise is the roadmap to move the economic growth of the nation.

Sambo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information, Mrs. Folashade Esan said the successful privatization of

PHCN indicates that where there is a will, there is a way as the event is “a culmination of 14 years painstaking efforts to liberalize Nigeria’s electricity industry”.

His words, “The reform is a necessary tool for laying a solid foundation for sustainable power generation and service efficiency in the sector and a precondition for the start up of a competitive electricity market in Nigeria. ”The reform and privatization program are rightly focused on the big picture which will impact on the economy as a whole and ultimately, the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians as it will open up the government dominated sectors of the economy to the private sector as well as divestiture of government interest in such sectors”.

Though acknowledging the challenges the sector is going through, Sambo assured the creation of an enabling environment and urged the new owners to ensure that the sector is “transformed to a world class company of reference in terms of quality of service delivery, social corporate responsibility, customers’ satisfaction and profitability” as appropriate agencies will “continually monitor the operations of the successor companies and would not hesitate to sanction any core investor that does not deliver on the performance agreement that was executed with government”.

Earlier in his address, the Acting Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Engr.

Fidelis Obishai urged the investors to engage in training and re-training of staff to change their orientation from the public sector to private sector driven

entity as well as involve in investment in metering.

Obishai further called on the former PHCN staff to “make the best out of the circumstance in which we find ourselves and understand that either in or out, it is a win-win situation for us”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Aura Energy Ltd, Alh. Tukur Modibbo assured the staff not to panic as “staff of PHCN have worked under terrible conditions for long due to lack of investment in the power sector ” hence, “adequate investment through privatization will ensure improved power supply and conducive working environment for staff ”. ”We welcome you on board and assure you that in this new environment, hardwork and initiative will be rewarded and Nigerians will no more suffer from the pollution from generators”, he added.

It was gathered that only about 15 out of the over 200 staff working in the zonal office were able to get their entitlements paid before the handing over.

Also, in Enugu, the Inter State Electrics, took over the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC,with a promise to tackle the problems militating against power supply to the people of the South East states.

Two certificates transferring the control of the 18 business units that make up the EEDC to the new investors .were signed by the Chief Executive Officer of EEDC, Suleiman Yahaya and the Managing Director/CEO of Interstate Electrics Limited , Robert Dickerman.

The new Chief Executive Officer of the EEDC, Dickerman, said that through the change in ownership, “there will be some reshaping of the company’s strategy, goals and objectives.”

Said Dickerman: “We will use integrity to make sure that all information we report internally and externally is correct and accurate. We will manage our operations and financial processes with integrity so that we can and do account for every naira, every piece of equipment and every asset that we are responsible for to the standard of an external audit”

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 —7

Yoruba divided as confab cttee storms Lagos •Rita Lori-Ogbebor drums support for dialogue, begins mobilization •OPC seeks loose federation •Fashola absent

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, Deputy Political Editor

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HE South-West geopolitical zone, yesterday, was divided on how the outcome of the proposed National Conference should become law. While some agreed that the report should be sent to the National Assembly for consideration as declared by President Goodluck Jonathan, others said a referendum of the people is sufficient. However, another opinion said the National Assembly should make a law to back the confab so that the dialogue will not be an exercise in illegality.

This came as Itsekiri leader, Chief Mrs Rita Lori- Ogbebor, who attended the hearing, said the Itsekiri ethnic nationality is in full support of the conference, adding that she will embark on extensive mobilization across the country to drum up support for the exercise.

The event, which was held at the main auditorium of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, was anchored by 11 members of the 13-man committee led by Senator Femi Okurounmu.

The absentees are Professor Anya O. Anya, who is in Umuahia for the Council meeting of the University of Agriculture, Umudike and Col Tony Nyiam, whose continued membership is shrouded in doubt following the ugly incident that happened during the panel’s sitting in Benin.

For over six hours, the packed hall witnessed interesting contributions from the Afenifere, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Campaign for Democracy (CD), Yoruba National Assembly (YNA), Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Southwest Consultative Forum (SCF), AkaIkenga, Igbo Leaders of Thought, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Coalition of Oodua SelfDetermination Groups (COSEG) among others.

Afenifere, represented

by Yinka Odumakin said: “All decisions reached by the conference should be made into a referendum

and the President should take a bill to the National assembly for it to be included in the constitution.

The conference should have equal representation by all the six zones of the country. At least 100 delegates should come from each zone. We should look at the composition of government on whether it should be a federal state or not. We should also insist that every state should generate its own revenue because we are sharing money derived from oil, no one

the powers available to him and ensure that the outcome of the conference is legal.

“Anyone who refuses to endorse what the people have agreed on can go and form their own country” he said.

The Yoruba Unity Forum, which was represented by Bishop Gbonigi said that the ethnic nationalities are the true stakeholders and should be duly represented; political parties should not be allowed to play any role in selecting participants and for the dialogue to receive national acceptance, there should be equal representation from each political zone.

“The socio-cultural organisations should produce delegates to the conference and the size of the delegation should not be more than 400.”

The OPC, in presentation signed by Otunba Gani Adams (national co-ordinator), Lasun Ogunfowokan (general secretary) and Mudashiru Aderibigbe (national treasurer), said the federation should be based on six regions Gov. Obi ( middle), with the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikeakor, arising from the current during the handover of two life- saving Ambulances to the Acting Chief six geo-political zones.

Medical Officer of the Amaku Teaching Hospital,Awka,Dr. Ifeanyi Ezeobi It also called for a (right) for the use of the hospital. federation with a loose wants to work again.”

The Afenifere Renewal Group, which was represented by Chief Wale Oshun, picked holes in the ongoing constitution amendment exercise of the National Assembly, which it described as an exercise in futility. He said: “The time to talk to one another is now. We should talk of the decline in our country in terms of infrastructure, education, health etc.

We should look at the legislative structure, whether it should be full or part time, internal

security and other issues that have become a problem. The ethnic nationalities should be the basis for negotiation and each nationality should have the opportunity of selecting those who will represent them. No interest group like Labour, etc should be involved. It should be strictly in terms of nationalities and the exercise should last for nine months.”

Speaking for YNA, General Alani Akinrinade said that the President should use all

centre and practicable federating units; devolution of powers, abolishing of the power of the Federal Government to declare state of emergency in federating units, and adoption of parliamentary system of government . OPC suggested that the conference should last for four months and should comprise all ethnic nationalities and “once the draft is produced, the constitution should then pass through the same process as the 1963 R e p u b l i c a n Constitution, which would involve passage by the National Assembly and proclamation by the President of Nigeria.”

Dr. Joe Odumakin of CD disagreed with those who say that this is not the time to hold a dialogue. “We disagree with those who say that this is not the time to hold a dialogue. Also, whatever the outcome of the conference should be made into a referendum that will become law instead of giving it to the National Assembly to be ratified” she said.

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FG dissolves PHCN, pays workers N360bn Continued from page 6

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e also assured mem bers of staff that they would be considered as share holders of the company as a way of creating in them a sense of belonging, while calling on all to support the new vision of the company.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Danladi Kefasi, urged the new investors to stick to the rules of engagement.

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the EEDC, Suleiman Yahaya, said that the Enugu Distribution Company was made up of 18 business units covering Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi states and have resourceful workforce that if given the right infrastructure would grow into sustainable and profitable company.

Chairman of the Interstate Electrics, Offor, said, “We want to turn around the place so that the peo-

ple start getting light, start getting value for their money. It is not our duty to determine tariff. But we will provide good and qualitative services for them”, Offor stated.

In another ceremony in Benin, the Federal Government also formally handed over the Benin Electricity Distribution Company to core investors, Vigeo Power Limited. Vigeo Power Ltd with 60 per cent interest, is core investor in the BEDC. Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Power, Mr Beks Dagogo Jack who represented the Vice President Sambo, described the occasion as a milestone, that would not have been possible without the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan as the process of power reform in Nigeria was well-thought out and had been painstakingly pursued.

Chairman of Vigeo Power Limited, Mr. Victor Osibodu, in his address

said that history would “forever remember President Jonathan for this bold step.’’

Speaking at a similar event in Lagos Vice President Sambo, said the Federal Government would monitor as well as punish any of the private core investors that failed to operate in accordance with the agreement signed with it.

Speaking through the Director, Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE Mr. Benjamin Dikki, Sambo said, “Let me state clearly here that both the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission and the BPE will continually monitor the operations of the successor companies and would not hesitate to sanction any core investor that does not deliver on the performance agreement that was executed with the government.

“The participation of the private sector would bring about higher generation capacities through the provision of

more efficient and cost effective power stations and improvements in electric power distribution, in the areas of billing and collection and transmission networks. Such capital injection and efficiency have been inadequate in PHCN over the years, resulting in gross inadequate power supply with the attendant negative effects on the citizenry and the economy at large.

In his address, Abiodun Ajifowobaje, Managing Director, Ikeja Distribution Company, commended the Federal Government for the feat, describing it also as a watershed in the history of development of electricity industry in Nigeria.

Ajifowobaje commended the new owners of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, NEDC/KEPCO consortium for taking over the largest electricity distribution network in the country,” West Power and Gas, WPG, the new owner of Eko Distribution Company, said it will spend over $250

million (about N40 billion) in the next few years to re-position the company.

Chairman of the company, Mr. Charles Momoh, made this known, and explained that the amount would be invested in metering and cleaning up the cables, transformers and making sure that everything was in line with what have been specified.

“We have the responsibility to light up Lagos and keep it lit. This is a task before us which we must do and do it profitably.

“Our homes and businesses deserve the chance to thrive without the added expenses on generators and constant threat of outages. It will take time. It will take solitude. It will take commitment. It will take collaboration. But as with most things, the only difficulty that could arise is within ourselves. We know that this will not happen overnight, but we are optimistic that only success will follow,” he added.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Ignore ASUU’s demands, NASU, NAAT, SSANU tell FG

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU Abuja

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ON Teaching staff in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, have advised the Federal Government to ignore the Memorandum of Understanding it entered into with the striking lecturers on the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, saying its implementation would lead to another round of crisis.

The Non Teaching Staff comprising Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions, NASU, National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, and Senior Staff Association of N i g e r i a n Universities,SSANU rather advised government to implement the 2009 agreements it entered with the unions in tertiary institutions.

In a statement signed by Samson Ugwoke, President of SSANU and spokesperson of NAAT, SSANU and NASU tited, ‘Our stand on the on-going ASUU strike’, the unions sympathised with ASUU but noted that the MoU was not in the best interest of the education sector.

It stated “We sympathise and solidarise with our sister union, ASUU over their long drawn struggle for the welfare of their members. We urged the government to build more confidence in governance, at all times, by respecting agreements it freely enters into with unions. ”However, we caution that any settlement of the

current dispute must take into account the interests of all the university-based unions (NAAT, SSANU, NASU and ASUU). The three Non-Teaching Staff Unions of NAAT, SSANU and NASU are opposed to any extraneous demands by either ASUU or any group in the university which are prejudicial to the welfare of our mem-

bers. ”Our stand is that government should jettison the so called ASUU’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and concentrate on full implementation of the 2009 FGN/ Unions agreements which border on staff conditions of service and welfare, and increased funding to universities.

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middle aged man, Jacob Jume was yesterday arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly raping his sick younger sister (names withheld) who was on admission in a private hospital in Gwer West local government area of the state.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the 30-year old patient who was receiving treatment at Tersoo clinic in Naka, was

in 2009 with the government, it is therefore advised that all contentious issues in all the agreements be settled holistically to avoid a ‘relay race’ in strike actions in the universities. ”The implementation of

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Chief(Maj-Gen.) Patrick Aziza, President General, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) world -wide presenting certificate of office to Chief (Barr.) Emmanuel Okpako Ganiga, President, UPU, United Kingdom

GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has barred state government officials include Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, commissioners and Head of Service in the state from addressing newsmen.

The governor gave the order through a circular with reference number SSG/

Enugu LG elections hold today •as court denies halting polls

BY TONY EDIKE Enugu

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OTERS in Enugu State will go to the polls today (Nov 2, 2013) to elect Chairmen and Councilors of the 17 local government councils in the State.

It will be fourth consecutive local government

elections to be conducted in the state since the inception of the Sullivan Chime administration in 2007.

As in previous exercises, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is once again set to sweep the polls as all of its candidates for the chairmanship positions in the 17 local government councils are running un-

allegedly raped by her brother and staff of the clinic, after having injected her with a substance suspected to be a sedative.

He was said to have taken advantage of his sick sister few minutes after the nurses and doctor on duty at the time had made their routine ward round and gone on break.

At the hearing of the matter, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector James Ingwe told the court that one Julius Aondona had reported to the police in

Naka, Gwer West local government that the accused had forcefully taken advantage of his sister in a hospital. ”One Julius Aondona had few days ago reported to the Police in Naka that the accused, who was a staff of Tersoo clinic in Naka, had sexual intercourse with his sister who was a patient at the hospital after injecting her with a substance which made her loose consciousness.”

opposed while over 97 per cent of the Councilors have already been returned unopposed.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has said it was poised to conduct a free, fair and peaceful exercise adding that all the necessary materials had been assembled.

The State Governor Sullivan Chime who had just completed his campaign tour of local governments in the state ahead of today’s exercise, has been calling on voters to turn out en masse to vote despite the chairmanship candidates were running unopposed. This he said would be in compliance with the requirements of

any union’s MOU should not come in between the period of implementation of signed agreements rather, such items in the MOU should wait to be renegotiated in another agreement(s).”

Amosun bars Speaker, Commissioners, HoS, others from talking to journalists

BY DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

Police arraign man for allegedly raping ailing sister

BY PETER DURU Makurdi

”The MOU being referred to by ASUU is for their selfish end and it is bound to generate more crises in the university sub-sector.

The Non-Teaching Staff Unions in the universities will stoutly resist any attemp t to ‘sell’ the universities to ASUU. ”All university based unions signed agreements

the law for them to vote affirmation.

Meanwhile, an Enugu HIgh Court has denied newspaper reports saying that it granted an order restraining the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) from conducting elections in Ezeagu and Isi-Uzo Local Governments in the Local government elections.

The publications had claimed that the Court presided over by Justice A. O Onovo had given the order following a motion ex-parte filed by the Chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the two councils. However, in a letter dated November 1, 2013 to the Chairman of ENSIEC and copied to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mr D.K Eko declared that no such order was given by the Court.

He said that contrary to reports, Justice Onovo merely granted the applicants leave to apply for an order of judicial review against the respondents.

ADM/22/173 Issued from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa dated October 2, 2013.

In the circular which was obtained by our correspondent yesterday the governor directed that, no public official should disseminate information about the government to the public without “ due clearance from the appropriate quarters”.

According to him, to this end, the governor of Ogun state, His Excellency , Senator Ibikunle Amosun has further instructed that public officers should desist from making statements on matters of policy without due clearance from the office of the Head of Service.

“Furthermore, all speeches to be presented at public functions must be cleared with the speech production unit of the Office of the Governor, at least 24 hours before such functions”, the statement said.

Akhigbe: Nigeria has lost one of her finest men —Okiro

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HE Chairman , Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro has described the death of the former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe who died on Monday October 28 , 2013 as a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but indeed the nation at large.

Okiro said late Akhigbe will remain indelible in the minds of Nigerians for being one of the nation leaders, who voluntarily relinquished power to a democratically elected government.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 9

Anambra 2013: Jega, 21 commissioners, 15 RECs to conduct polls •Idemili leaders screen guber candidates

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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O ensure a credible election on November 16, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, will personally umpire the Anambra governorship election.

He will be assisted by 21 commissioners and 15 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

The INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr Oscarleo Amaechi, who made this known at a stakeholders meeting of Inter-Agency Consultative Security Committee with political parties and candidates, reiterated the preparedness of the commission to conduct free and credible poll.

He urged political parties to submit the names of their agents on time to enable the commission train them on their roles during the election, warning that INEC would not allow substitution of agents on Election Day. He disclosed that INEC would move election materials to registration centres close to polling booths to ensure that the election commenced at exactly 8 a.m.

This came as leaders of Idemili North and South, on the banner of Nzuko Imeobi, a socio-cultural organization, will this weekend continue their meeting with political parties, their candidates and other stakeholders as part of the consultations

that will finally lead to the endorsement of a candidate.

The leaders are expected to hold discussions with at least three political parties tomorrow where the leaders will present them with the expectations of the people. Last week, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by its National Chairman Chief Victor Umeh and the party’s governorship candidate Mr. Willy Obiano had met with the Idemili leaders in Ogidi, where the people’s Charter of Demands was read and presented to them. At the meeting, which was held at the residence of the Leader of the Nzuko Imeobi, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, the APGA national chairman hailed the uniqueness of the document and noted that Idemili had always been a difficult terrain for APGA and that the party was looking forward to a fruitful working relationship with the leaders.

Obiano promised to study the demands as he requested for the endorsement of the body.

Speaking on the move, Okonkwo said: “We can only endorse a candidate at the end of our consultations. We are being careful about the endorsement now because we want to pick someone who will not only deliver on the Charter, but will also be generally acceptable to the people.

We have to go through this process because of what is at stake. We are meeting

the candidates who have indicated interest to see us based on our recognized strengths, values and what will benefit the people. The voting population of the two councils is the largest in the state and we are not unmindful of that.

We appreciate the involvement of even the parties and their candidates in the consultations. This is the hallmark of grassroots and participatory democracy for the benefit of Anambra.”

Shettima orders demolition of schools renovated by federal govt in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

G

OVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno state has yesterday ordered the Commissioner for the Universal Education Board (UBE), Professor Abba Tijjani to immediately demolish all the classroom blocks burnt down by Boko Haram insurgents which were later renovated by the federal government in Abbaganaram primary and junior secondary schools, saying that the renovated structures were executed poorly, which according to him, is not accepted by his present government.

Shettima gave the directive when he visited Abbaganaram primary and junior secondary schools where he officially launched the distribution of free exercise books, uni-

Justice Okunnu admits board resolutions of three companies as exhibits evant to the charge as

BY ONOZURE DANIA

J

USTICE Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday admitted the Board Resolutions of the three companies as exhibits in the trial of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB, now Key stone bank Francis Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth and Ugo Anyanwu a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, over alleged N25.7 billion theft.

The three companies,

are Futureview Financial Services Ltd. Tradjeck Ltd. and Extra Oil Ltd were involved in the transaction that resulted to the charge.

Justice Okunnu had at the last sitting given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) one week to produce some documents that are relevant in the trial.

The defendant’s counsel Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) who led the defence team had told the court last Friday that the documents were rel-

Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (left) and President Macky Sall of Senegal during a visit by the Speaker to the Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal

they relate to the N10.9 billion credit facility Atuche had allegedly granted to the companies, without their knowledge.

He had also informed the court that the original copies of the said documents were in the custody of the EFCC. The EFCC was ordered to produce the documents when they agency failed to comply with a subpoena order of October 2 issued on the antigraft agency to produce the documents before the court on November 1.

forms and other instructional materials to all primary and post primary schools across the state.

“Honestly, those who were given the contract for renovation of these classroom blocks by the federal government assisted programme did a shady job, and we will not allow our students to continue using such structures, because apart from not conducive for learning, the structures have no ventilation.

“We will release money immediately to demolish and reconstruct new classroom blocks in this school fitted with security lights, fans and other facilities that will make the students feel comfortable when learning”. Shettima stated.

The governor who also took time and went round the classrooms felt impressed with the turn out of pupils and therefore directed the rector, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Professor, Babagana Umara to supply the school with 2000 furniture out of those provided to the institution.

While taking the governor round the classrooms to see the turnout of students in the school which was closed for almost a year after it was attacked and razed down two times by Boko Haram insurgents, the Commissioner for Universal Basic Education (Board), Professor Abba Tijjani told the governor that since the burning down of school classroom blocks by terrorists which was estimated at over 800 Blocks of Classrooms, the federal government only assisted the ministry with

N100 million as intervention fund which was used in renovating some of the schools affected, and thanked the state government for giving approval which led to the total renovation/reconstruction of all the schools affected by the crisis.

Briefing the governor on the problem affecting the schools, the Principal Mal-

lam Suleiman Kashim said, apart from lack of borehole which will provide drinking water to students, furnitur and teaching materials, the school premises is dominated by grasses and waste disposal following its long closure which he said, is not hygienic to the health of the students and staff.

EFCC arraigns prisons comptroller, inspector for stealing gas oil kept in their custody

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

T

WO top officials of Ogwashi-Uku prisons in Delta State were yesterday arraigned before an Asaba high court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing gas oil kept in their custody.

Arraigned were a deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Ogwashi-Uku prison, Diete Wure Wisdom and a senior Inspector of Prison, Ayamede Peter.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge which read thus: *Diete Wure Wisdom, male and Ayamede Peter, male, while being a deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of OgwashiUku prison, a senior Inspector of Prison at Ogwashi-Uku prison respectively on or about April 2012 at Ogwashi-Uku in the Ogwashi-Uku judicial division did conspire with each other to commit felony to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence. *Diete Wure Wisdom,

male and Ayamede Peter, male, while being a deptu Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Ogwashi-Uku prison, a senior Inspector of Prison at Ogwashi-Uku prison respectively on or about April 2012 at Ogwashi-Uku did steal 27,000 liters of automatic gas oil (A.G.O) being the content of the 134 drums of 200 liters each loaded in a truck with registration number Enugu XN 789 ENU valued at about N4,020,000.00 property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria kept for safe keeping with the Nigerian Prison Service Ogwashi-Uku which you were in charge and thereby committed an offence.

Diete Wure Wisdom, male and Ayamede Peter, male while being a deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of OgwashiUku prison, a senior Inspector of Prison at Ogwashi-Uku prison respectively.

Read more news on page 48

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Last week, we started our cover on roads across Nigeria. This week, we bring you reports state by state

LAGOS

Ejigbo/Ikotun road, nightmare to users

BY ANOZIE EGOLE, & JULIET EBIRIM

A

re the residents, commuters and motorists of Ifoshi axis, in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos state doomed to suffering as a result of the on-going road construction in the area, which has lasted several without any tangible word on ground?

A few of the residents who spoke to Saturday Vanguard demanded an answer to this poignant question. But residents seemed to have taken their fate in their hands, while some had to relocate to other areas, others have continued to groan in silence hoping to see better days ahead. The impassable condition of the road has however turned the ever busy Iyana Ejigbo market to a shadow of itself as traders complained about low patronage. Unlike other areas like Opebi, Allen Avenue, Adeola Odeku, amongst others which have good road network and people are happy to return home at the close of work everyday; some of them have even taken to returning home late at nights when they believe traffic on the roads would have reduced. Not only is the present state of the road in that area affecting road users, traders are not also spared as some of them have lost their customers because of lack of parking space. Road-side traders in the area in some cases, turn to rescue operatives in cases where any motorist falls into the deep uncovered gutters in the area.

Infact, the present state of the road makes mockery the efforts of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) that sweeps Lagos roads as there is no place to sweep especially after rainfall as the whole area becomes flooded. Residents wonder if Ejigbo/Ikotun is still part of Lagos state as the place looks more like an abandoned area.

For Joshua, a road-side trader, who deals on electronics in the popular Iyana Ejigbo market, they have taken their fate the way they see it as they make little or no sales since the commencement of the so called road construction which began earlier in the year. The trader who should be in his middle 20’s said that in most cases, they rescue motorists who fall into the deep uncovered gutter in the area. “We are experiencing low patronage due to the bad roads. The gutters which were dug and abandoned here are also posing serious danger to the public, because most times especially when it rains, if you are not careful, you might slip and fall into the very deep gutter and we end up bringing the person out from the gutter. It is affecting our business in that most people prefer to go elsewhere to buy their goods instead of coming down here due to the condition of the road,” he lamented. The young man also complained that the workers have abandoned the work and come to the site once in a while to pretend as if they are working while

BAD ROADS (2)

ojeects, Abandoned prroj snail-speed repairirss, osion creattee death erros waays tr traaps on highw they are not doing anything meaningful. Joshua’s major concern is not only to put the road in shape, but also, to cover the gutters in order to save life.

“For sometime now, even the workers have not been doing anything, so I am using this opportunity to call on the government to intervene and at least close the drainage., because it is dangerous the way it is left open,” he decried.

Another road user, Tunde who is a tricyclist along the Ejigbo road, says making money for his schooling now poses a very serious problem for him as his daily income has reduced drastically due to the nature of the road unlike when he just started the business . The undergraduate of

road we are talking about is a major road that connects Idimu, Ikotun and Ejigbo. I wonder why the government is not serious about the road,” Tunde laments.

When contacted as to why the road was in that ugly shape, Mr. Hassan Rabiu,Information Officer, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, said the road will soon be put to shape as the state government is making every possible effort to ensure that residents of the area enjoy a smooth ride. He blamed the general public for being impatient. He also said that there are alternative routes for motorists to ply until the major road is put in shape.

“The members of the public are not patient. The contractors are working

The problem we have with some of the alternative routes is that, most of them are not in good shape as well. The Jakande road has been under construction since 2007. But I can assure you that the project will be completed before the expiration of Governor Fashola’s regime Lagos state University who pays his school fees from the proceeds of his tricycle business said that there is massive reduction in the income he makes on a daily basis compared to when he started the business. To Tunde, the Iyana Ejigbo road is not only the problem in the area but, basically all the roads in Ejigbo are in bad shapes. His income has depreciated from N7000 he used to make half day to N4000 in a whole day. “Most of the roads in this Ejigbo area are very bad and it is really affecting us. When this road was still in good shape, at least, I used to make up to N7000 before it is 3.00 p.m, in a day. But now, I hardly make up to N4000 at the end of the day. In fact, making that amount in a day is by the special grace of God. The road has been in this ugly state for over a year now and there has not been any improvement.

The worst part of the story is that, this

on the drainages, so whatever they dug will not be left open like that, it’s just temporary. There are alternative routes for motorists, for instance, if you’re coming from Cele or Isolo to Ikotun Egbeda, you can take Isheri / Jakande Road, but that one is not also in good condition. The problem we have with some of the alternative routes is that, most of them are not in good shape as well. The Jakande road has been under construction since 2007. But I can assure you that the project will be completed before the expiration of Governor Fashola’s regime,” he said.

According to Hassan, the government has the citizens at heart as they are making all necessary efforts to ensure that everything is under control. “ The local government is working seriously towards creating relief for motorists and residents alike in the way of constructing drainages

around Iyana- Ejigbo. It would have been completed by now, if not for the rain that has been on for a while. I believe that now that the rain is subsiding, work will continue in earnest. The project of constructing drainages is being handled by Mafinco Nig. Ltd and they are working on channeling the flood into the canal, so that each time it rains, that place will not be flooded any longer,”. The Information Officer, Mr. Hassan blamed the poor state of the road on the water coming out from Ifoshi road inside Ejigbo. He said that instead of the water to flow, it stagnates thereby causing a big flood in the area and that is the reason why the government has decided to work on the drainages before constructing the road. “ Actually, the problem emanated due to the water coming from Ifoshi, inside Ejigbo. Instead of the water to flow, it stagnates at the junction there. When the construction firm completes the drainage, another firm will take over laying of Asphalt to make the road smooth. The situation right now is temporary and will be fixed soon”.he disclosed.

BA YELS A: BAYELS YELSA:

The terrain is tamed by road construction

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

R

oad which is taken for granted in some parts of the country is a luxury to the people of the predominantly riverine Bayelsa State.

Though rich in oil and gas, the mainstay of the nation’s economy, the state has the least kilometres of federal roads in the federation, a development blamed on the several failed federal government road projects in the state.

Some of these road projects include, the Ogbia-Nembe road project, a collaborative effort between the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC and the federal government interventionist agency, the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC. There is also the Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge road project, which was

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Continued from page 10 being handled by the NDDC but was later taken over by the Bayelsa State government following the abandonment by construction firm due to alleged non release of funds by the federal government.

Saturday Vanguard investigation revealed that since the state government took over the project, work on the road has improved tremendously.

Communities in the hinterland of the riverside Sagbama council area as far as Toru-Orua, Ofoni and beyond can now be reached by land.

Also, Yenagoa the state capital is today a huge construction yard due to the flurry of on going construction works. New layouts are being opened up and wider roads being constructed as against the narrow roads of the past many of which have gone bad on account of the shoddy jobs done by the indigenous constructors and poor supervision by the ministry of works.

But the resumption of work on the long abandoned Yenagoa- Oporoma road project passing through the vast mangrove stretch of Southern Ijaw council area has ignited fresh hopes for communities far flung in the central senatorial district of the state.

For the first time in over five decades, the people are convinced of accessing their council headquarters, Oporoma and other far flung communities by road in no distant time given the speed of work on the road.

Though the project had been on federal government drawing board since the sixties, nothing tangible was done until the first civilian governor of old Rivers State, Late Melford Okilo an indigene of Bayelsa, mustered the political will and began the sand filling of the road before the Second Republic was terminated by military coup in 1983.

Former Governor Timipre Sylva tried to revive the project in 2008 when he awarded contract for the jinxed road to construction giant, Julius Berger.

It however suffered a setback few months after, as the construction company was forced to pull out of the Niger Delta and by extension the state at the height of youth militancy.

Governor Seriake Dickson has again ignited the hope of the people following the award of contract for the construction of troubled road to a Chinese firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the cost of N31bn.

The project on completion is expected to transform the fortunes of the oil and gas but neglected communities in the central senatorial district of the state, regarded as one of the biggest council areas in the federation which can only be accessed by water.

The area has some of the biggest crude oil clusters in the Niger Delta and is also home to the oil majors, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and other oil servicing companies.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the Ogbogoro starting point of the road in the outskirts of Yenagoa, the once deserted zone was a beehive of activities as heavy duty equipment and personnel were seen going about the task of over coming the difficult terrain.

It was also observed that the construction company had covered over five kilometres of the road project with asphalt less than two months after it commenced operation.

Interestingly, the speed of work and the constant inspection of the project by the governor is an indication that

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—11

Rural roads deplorable in the country

there is light at the end of the tunnel for the road, a development that has further heightened the expectations of the people that soon they would be able to travel to their ancestral homes by road and be saved the trauma of riverine transportation and the attendant risk of being attacked by sea pirates.

Up till the time of this publication the roads have been abandoned by the state government leaving the pot holes that were created by the contractor’s heavy machines as death traps for motorists Taraba: Bad roads hinder harnessing of agricultural products

BY JOHN MKOM

T

araba, the home of agriculture, mineral resources and tourism is without access roads. The process of harnessing the agricultural product, mineral resources and the tourism potentials is being hindered by lack of access roads to the destination where such potentials are lying untapped.

Not only in the rural areas that state had deplorable roads condition.

Jalingo the state capital is also far backward in terms of construction of

access roads and streets that give center of power a befitting outlook.

The administration of Gov. Danbaba Suntai when he assumed duty in 2007 he awarded contract for construction of Marraban Kunini to Abong road for over 7 billion. According to the governor the gesture was to boost agriculture and also to alleviate the sufferings of famers from conveying their farm products in the area.

The governor in the same year contracted the construction of Marraban Baarefi to Karim-Lamido for over 1.5 billion where the state has vast land for Rice cultivation.

The contractors [CUMEX ENGEERING] were mobilized to site on the two major roads immediately and the contract agreement was to end in 24 months.

Up till the time of this publication the roads have been abandoned by the state government leaving the pot holes that were created by the contractor’s heavy machines as death traps for motorists.

Karim Lamido for the past six and a half years has been blessed to produce the deputy governor of the state. Is also an area that is richboth in agriculture and fishing activities but the people of the area can only access Jalingo through Gombe state because of the dilapidated nature of the road that links it from Jalingo.

Peva in Takum local Government area of the state is the largest Yam, Groundnut, Rice and Beans Market in the southern zone. Chanchanji through Demevav to Ayu which are purely agricultural based areas have been completely neglected by the state government.

Zaki Benjamin Tom a crown head from Chanchanji while speaking with our correspondent declared the sufferings and set back which the neglect of the road by the state government is causing on the people of the area is monumental.

He said the area was blessed with good land for agriculture and the famers especially the youths have been engaging themselves in yearly farming activities bad road have hindered the transport of product out of the area.

The Danbaba Suntai administration also contracted Public Work construc-

tion company [PW] for construction of four kilometer roads in all the sixteen local government areas of the state shortly be before he was involved in a plane clash.

The four Kilometer roads are also yet to be completed as most of the local governments are yet to witness the takeoff of the contract in their areas.

Worried by the acting governor of Taraba state Garba Umar over the dilapidated nature of Bali Selti Gyembu road where potentials like Kakara Tea, Gashaka National Gunti Park, and National Hydro Electricity Plant are non-accessible.

The acting governor in the last three months awarded a contract of Bali, Gashaka, Gyembu road for over 17 billion naira to PW construction company and the work has since commenced.

Worst of the roads in the state is Jalingo the state capital where areas like new layout Abuja phace two, Magami, Angwan Kasa, NTA Vilage, Angwan Gaadi, Water Boald village and ATC.

Yobe Snail -speed charactrise road projects

BY BALA AJIYA

D

AMATURU- The administration of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam deserves a pat on the back considering road projects undergoing construction all over the state. However, it will not be a misplace priority in order words taking into considerations the snail-speed at which other roads within and outside the state capital are been handled. The DamaturuMaiduguri high way a dual carriage way is one of the numerous projects been executed at snail-speed. It will be recalled that the Damaturu Maiduguri dual carriage road was awarded to a Chinese company (CCEC) during the era of president Olusegun Obasanjo, but uptill date, half of the 130 km road is not completed.

This dual carriage way that is poorly

Continues from page 12

12—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Continued from page 11 handled is a source of major accidents that occurred on the road due to its dilapidated nature. Potholes, and bumps have over taken the entire road due to its outdated and poorly constructed nature before it was re-awarded to a Chinese firm that is presently carrying out an epileptic services to the detriment of road users.

Worse still, is the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) that is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the roads is still doing another poor job.

Certainly, the movement of heavy duty equipment by FERMA is a source of worry to road users without anything tangible on ground.

There is the urgent need for the federal government intervention in re-awarding this significant road project to a competent company that will execute the contract on schedule in order to cushion the effects of road hazard been experience by road users on this high way.

The Damaturu -Gujba road is another source of head ache to road users considering the bad nature of the road whether this road is state or federal road, the joy of the down trodden masses is to see it in order. This is because some roads are been referred to as federal roads or state roads. What matters to the masses of this country is to see the roads in good shape. Some major roads are been abandoned in the so called syndrome of federal or state roads.

The authorities concerned should as a matter of priority give these major roads the desired attention. The Damaturu-Gujba road of about 50km is another death trap in Yobe state. This road has been in bad shape since the Era of governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the first executive governor of yobe state. Uptill now, nothing has been done in respect of transforming the road.

Ogun: Amosun and the N200 billion roads controversy

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

R

oad is one of the most important social amenities a government can provide , just like a good road network remains a conveyor belt for the delivery of democracy dividend.

Presently, in Ogun State, what is paramount in the mind of the government is road and road, even, other things including education, health among others can wait till after all the poor roads are fixed.

Findings by Saturday

South-East roads are death-traps Vanguard have shown that, the Ibikunle Amosun-led government has budgeted a whooping N200 billion to fix both the Federal and state roads across the state.

Initially, he had budgeted a sum of N130 billion for 14 roads while in recent time, some other roads like a-37 km Sango-Ijoko-AkuteOjodu Road which will gulp N52 billion and Mowe among others have been marked for construction Historically,prior to the emergence of Aremo Olusegun Osoba as a democratically elected governor of Ogun state in 1999, almost all the roads in the state were not only narrow but, also in a deplorable condition . In fact, only few of the roads in the state capital were motorable then.

And those few roads that were motorable prior to Osoba tenure were constructed by successive military administrators and the first democratically elected governor, Late chief Olabisi Onabanjo.

But, when Chief Osoba came on board, he constructed some roads within the state , most especially in the rural areas and till this moment those legacy roads were still intact and motorable.

As they say, government is a continuum, when Otunba Gbenga Daniel took over the mantle of governance from Osoba in 2003, he also did his own best. He opened up the state with some roads across the three Senatorial Districts in the state such as Lalubu-Oke-Ilewo road and a-two billion naira dualisation of 37kms of the Abeokuta /Siun/Kobape road among others with a view to reducing carnage on the ever busy roads.

Daniel administration was

criticised for leaving behind so many roads in deplorable condition while leaving office in 2011 . He was also accused of using substandard materials for the roads he constructed which were said

This is because some roads are been referred to as federal roads or state roads. What matters to the masses of this country is to see the roads in good shape. Some major roads are been abandoned in the so called syndrome of federal or state roads to be peeling shortly after he left.

However, when the incumbent administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun was sworn-in in 2011, he vowed to rebuild the State with his much touted rural and infrastructural development.

And two years after, over N200 bilion have been budgeted on roads construction, yet, many roads in all the three Senatorial Districts are still begging for attention.

Motorists and commuters experience hell whenever they ply those deplorable roads within the state.

In 2012, the governor had signed eight roads contracts out of the 14 that it had earmarked for construction at the sum of N130 billion.

The roads, according to the government are the 25 kilometre Ilisan-Ago Iwoye, 9 kilometre Ejirin-Oluwalogbon Junction, and the Sagamu 7 kilometre Benin Express junction-Oba Erinwole junction in Ogun East senatorial district.Others are the 4.8 kilometre Ilo-Awela Road and 60 kilometre IlaraIjoun-Egua-Oja Odan Road in Ogun West senatorial district.

In the Ogun Central senatorial district, the government said the 6 kilometre MKO Abiola way, 9 kilometre Ojere-Adatan Roundabout, and the 8.7 kilometre Brewery junction-OGTV are also to be constructed.

So far, the only road that has been completed was the six-lane Ibara RoundaboutIta Eko-Totoro Road in Abeokuta which gulped N1.3 billion, with a median with street lights, drainage systems, sidewalk and green belt on either sides.

Recently, a sum of N52 billion was budgeted for a road expansion and reconstruction of 37 km SangoIjoko-Akute-Ojodu Road in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Works, Mr Olalekan Adegbite, who led a government delegation to the area said the project was part of efforts aimed at improving the socio economic development of the area and part of the urban renewal effort of the state government.

The 37 km road, which is estimated to gulp about N52 billion including compensation to affected property

owners, is also expected to be completed in the next 30 months.

IMO Roads have become death traps and erosion sites

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

M

an, from time imme morial, is itinerant by nature. If he is not driven by commerce, he is moved by the quest for greener pastures or marriage. To actualize this quest, the most commonly used means of movement is the road, which carries the bulk of commuters on a daily basis.

Road is so important to any nation’s economic life and that is probably why the egg heads that put together the 1999 Nigerian Constitution opted to place it in the concurrent list with a view to allowing the three levels of government to legislate on it.

The irony is that despite this constitutional provision, most Nigerian roads, particularly in the South East geopolitical zone of the country, have since become death traps since after the Nigeria/ Biafra war, which ended in 1970. These roads are as difficult to motorists as it is to pedestrians!

The precarious state of these roads is sadly multiplied in geometric proportion by threatening gully erosions that dot most communities in the South East. In Imo State for example, there are over 500 identified erosion sites that are begging for serious attention.

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—13

Poor funding stalls Cross River roads’ devt Continued from page 12 COMMUNITIES COMPLAIN Writing on why Ogwa is so neglected by every government in Imo State, Mr. Samuel E. Nwanjoku said the major problem confronting Ogwa people today is a matter of road network.

“There is no road in any part of Ogwa in general. This is not a fairy tale. Ogwa has many a time been declared a disaster area because of bad roads and gully erosion in various parts of Ogwa”, Nwanjoku lamented.

The aggrieved villager lamented that it was during the Ohakim era that the IhoOgwa-Orodo road was reawarded to another contractor after several failures from previous contracting firms.

“The tarring of the road started at Iho junction but terminated a few poles after Iho Comprehensive Secondary School. The rest of the road from that point to Ogwa and then to Orodo, through Idem Ogwa, was left untarred with attendant problems of flood and erosion in many sections of the road”, Nwanjoku said. Continuing, the man fumed that one cannot imagine any part of the state that its roads are as bad as that of Ogwa in Mbaitoli local government area. He then wondered if Ogwa is part of Imo State. For the greater part of this year, people from communities situated along the usually busy NazeNekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road passed through harrowing times occasioned by awful road. Two federal tertiary institutions, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Federal University of Technology, are located along this road.

This road was so horrible that even pedestrians found it difficult to use it. Vehicles broke down with ease on this road. Other got stuck in the muddy water It was never an unusual sight as elegantly dressed artisans, students and workers were often ordered out of vehicles in the middle of the brownish swamp and irrespective of the depth of the smelly stagnant water.

Only recently, Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, declared a state of emergency on this road, describing it as “worse than hell fire”. Okorocha, who made the declaration when he paid on-the-spot assessment of the badly deteriorated road, equally confirmed that he had received several complaints about the bad state of the road.

“I have received several complaints about the bad state of this road. Honestly, I never envisaged that it was as bad as what I am seeing now. It is worse than hell fire”, Okorocha said.

He assured the people that trooped out to welcome him at Nkwo Ukwu Ihiagwa market square that the contractor must start work on the road as soon as the rains stop. “I assure you that the contractor will resume work on this very important road as soon as the rains stop. The suffering of the people of this area must stop”, Okorocha said. He however warned that people must be prepared to make some sacrifice, pointing out that those whose stores, kiosks or buildings were built along the way, which equally obstructed free flow of flood water, will be demolished in the process.

The Governor also warned the people to also resist the temptation of building their houses close to the major roads, adding that such development impedes expansion of the road whenever government was ready to do so.

CROSS RIVER:

So much economic loses due to deplorable roads

BY EMMA UNA

C

alabar, the Cross River State capital, and other major towns in the state, Ogoja, Ugep, Obudu and Ikom are blessed with well paved roads, but Federal Highways in the state, if one could call them roads, are a horrifying nightmare.

Overtime, the numerous villages, hamlets and communities, that dot the nooks and cranny of the expansive state

where rice, gari and yams are produced in large quantities, the several communities there like Wanikade, Wanihem, Ezekwe, Wanokom had no roads to take their produce out. So also are their Aliforkpa, Ijegwu, Gabu neighbours.

In Ogoja the Ibil, Bansara, Ukpe, Aladim and Igodo had access roads. Obudu and Obanlikwu is the same story.

Places like Shekpeche, Ablesang Ukwel, Ohong and Begiaba had no road. The

During Mr. Donald Duke’s years between 1999 and 2007, efforts were piled on rehabilitating urban roads most of which were devastated by many years of neglect leaving those in the rural areas significantly unattended have existed without any good network of roads linking particularly the rural areas where majority of the population reside to the urban centres.

Spanning all the council areas, vehicular roads are almost nonexistent or where such existed, they were decrepit and dilapidated making any form of movement be it on bicycle, motor cycle or even on foot a hazardous experience talk much of driving on them.

During Mr. Donald Duke’s years between 1999 and 2007, efforts were piled on rehabilitating urban roads most of which were devastated by many years of neglect leaving those in the rural areas significantly unattended.

For instance Yala which borders Abakaliki in Ebonyi State and Oju in Benue

story was the same in Obubra and Ikom where communities like Majugha, Osueghui, Ofumbugha and Aton were completely cut off from the rest of the state. The lot of the rural communities was pitiable and lamentable as poverty was rife and widespread. Senator Liyel Imoke on assumption of office in 2007, through several agencies he created frontally confronted the development of rural roads and infrastructure. To achieve the target of opening up the rural areas which he believes would enhance the economic well being of the people, he set out a target of constructing two roads in each of the eighteen local government councils every budgetary year. This approach has since seen the construction of over one thousand five hundred

kilometres of rural roads across the state. To ensure that the job is successfully done, he in 2008 set up the Rural Areas Development Agency (RUDA) and in 2011, the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) and the State Ministry of Works while the RUDA and RAMP concentrate primarily on rural roads, while the Ministry of Works attends to urban roads, significantly continuing where Mr Duke’s Urban Renewal Programme stopped.

However, the current efforts to construct more roads have stalled owing to the poor financial position of the state. Work on most rural roads have stopped or are progressing at a very slow pace. To worsen matters, the several Federal roads in the state are terribly devastated.

The Ikom –Obubra- Calabar highway, the Calabar – Itu highway, the CalabarBakassi road, the Ikom – Obudu road, the Ogoja – Obudu road, the Ogoja – Katsina Ala Highway, and the Mbuk 1 – Okpoma roads are all in terrible state.“Latest information at the disposal of the Cross River State Government on the continued deplorable state of the Calabar-Itu and Calabar-Ikom Federal Highways indicates that sections of these roads around Odukpani and Ekukunela axis have totally collapsed in the last two days” Wrote Mr Akin Ricktetts, the Cross River State Information Commissioner in August, 2013.

This came as a result of the blockage of vehicular movement and disruption of free flow of traffic on those

two highways with commuters spending several hours on snail speed traffic at the different diversions created to ease traffic flow.

The blockades which are a yearly feature lead to excruciating and debilitating pains which commuters face as a result of the unwholesome situation. This is in addition to the huge economic loses that various businesses incur because of the deplorable state of these roads. As a result of the pain inflicted on commuters and economic loses to the state, the Ministry of Works occasionally engages the services of construction companies like, Central Chinese Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, SEMATECH and LEMNA to carry out emergency remedial works on some failed portions to at least ease flow of traffic.

Stating the frustration of the state government on in its inability to get assistance on the repairs or reimbursement from the federal government on money spent on the repairs by the state government. Mr Rickkets, the Information Commissioner told Vanguard that, “The deplorable state of Federal roads in the State which has worsened in the last six years, a result of which the State Government has expended over N 24 billion on remedial maintenance of these roads is taking a toll on our finances as no kobo has been paid back to the State till date by the Federal Government”.

Making an appeal on behalf of the state government, the Information Commissioner said “We therefore appeal to the Federal Government under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to urgently come to the rescue of the State by directing the re-construction and dualization of these Federal roads to bring them to the capacity of the current high volume of heavy duty traffic on these roads as well as make refunds of the over N24 billion already spent on providing remedial maintenance on these Federal road. Mr legor Idagbo, the Works Commissioner for the state told Vanguard that the terrible state of these roads is “pathetic and horrible”, saying that the situation has brought terrible hardship to commuters on these highways. “We are saddened by these horrible sights we are seeing on our roads which are causing unnecessary traffic holdups and accidents that keep commuters for several hours on the road and sometimes for days; It is a huge nightmare. You can feel the pains of the people and the financial losses incurred by businesses as a result of these delays in vehicular movement as well as upturning of goods in road mishaps ”, Idagbo said

Continues on page 46

14—SATURDAY Vanguard , NOVEMBER 2, 2013

I

strongly feel I should bring you all that Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said in Benin City at the meeting of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference/Dialogue, despite the attempts to gag him by a mob of hired hooligans. You might have been aware of it anyway, though I believe some parts of it can bear repeating for a number of reasons..

The former Labour Leader No. 1 was not against discussions on “very serious issues”, he explained. However, “whoever wants to convene a meeting must be clear what the issues are. You don’t assemble people and then ask them, what do we talk? I cannot agree more.

Even the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks — SALT — which was convened between the United States of America and the Soviet Union in the sixties had a clear agenda for the so-called “talks about talks”, It even had a given name right from the outset. But here It would be instructive, however, to mark the fiasco we have so much vacancy in at the Benin Conference as a warning for what might the line-up of the headings for ensue at the Conference proper when it holds — not if the proposed “dialogue” that it holds, because it will definitely be held. The stakes one doesn’t really know are already high even among those who do not believe whether it is a conference, or in the purpose of the confab. Among them are some discussion, or convocation, or who believe that they could turn the scheme round to whatever. The Presidential veer from the purview of the National Assembly’s Advisory Committee on it still eventual decision. That, of course, will not happen. has to give it a proper name. Dear old Goodluck, our amiable President, is not going To Governor Oshiomhole, as it to shoot himself in the foot — twice. There will be appears, it is all about the emotional moments, especially among Nigerians who “politics of sharing: who is cannot accommodate the emergence of an idea, or a getting what, who has this proposal contrary to their own, or detrimental to their natural endowment, who standpoint. The assault led by the stalwart colonel in should do this, or not do this... “ And that he describes as “the act of perfecting poverty “.

The truth is that the man who convened the dialogue ... or whatever ...

President Goodluck Jonathan, probably still needs to convince himself that it is useful beyond the function of diverting the people’s attention from the “very serious issues”.

Governor Oshiomhole went on: “The real challenge is getting Nigeria back to production.

The real challenge is creating industrial base and this cannot be resolved through conferences. “ The Edo State Governor remains one of the few people worth listening to in our nation today. * Governor Oshiomhole He is forthright as behoves a real leader, and speaks from a Benin City would be child’s play in comparison with full tank of experience in social what may be in the offing when the real confrontations, engineering and human as it may all turn out to be, begin. From this distance, it hardly looks like an ideal environment for a talkrelations. shop about anything apart from how to start a bushuming behind a shield of fire. I hope I am wrong, but get your fire-extinguishers ruffians, a member of the ready.

In the meantime, it has been suggested that Col. Advisory Committee, an old Nyiam should resign his membership of the Advisory soldier, Col. Tony Nyiam, proceeded to bring into Committee. The Chairman has indicted that only the disrepute the committee and man who “hired” him could “fire” Mm — and that is the himself by attempting to heckle President. Well don’t hold your breath in expectation the governor. It was perhaps of that eventuality. In the his own way of assuring himself normal course of things, it of his relevance within the may take the birth of a committee. He never seemed committee to investigate to have been possessed of the merits and demerits of anything much to contribute to the Colonel’s standpoint, as seeking, howbeit, a nebulous well as his plain bad solution to an unformulated manners, to decide whether along that equation. But only problem. But as a sometimes he should resign or be seven came out and have 1 held firm, it would appear. military person, one would still allowed to “soldier on’ .

Although some other State expect him to respect what Governors apart from the might be called the “rules of The grandstanding of the PDP did add to that number, engagement” at such a gathering. In the porous so-called G-7 — that is the one expects to see a solid defence he later put up, he seven People Democratic feature, a recognizable claimed that Oshiomhole was Party’s State Governors visage, by now. But only “sarcastic” in a manner who stepped out of the words.

The leadership also seems disrespectful of the President. Party — baffles us. At the That is one of the reasons why beginning of the imbroglio, diffused. The gathering — the entire text of the Edo State when nineteen governors one can hardly call it an Governor’s address should were said to have voted for organization — was often have been published. There the Rivers State Governor referred to as Baraje-led; at was not a breath of anything Amaechi to be the Chairman the initial stage it seemed as derogatory about the President of the Governors’ Forum, former Vice-President Atiku in it. Nyiam,of course, has to any division created by that was going to be the leader, shamefacedly, frame an issue would have been but since he is not a expected to split the POP governor, the Niger State excuse.

*he who hires, fires *the better men losing?

F

Governor, Babangida Aliyu, has claimed the palm. But his absence at only one meeting, recently set tongues wagging that he had withdrawn from the group.

He had to swiftly refute the report as false and state that he was still in the fold, and as the leader at that.

The fact that some credibility was lent to the false story indicated the dwindling support of the faction. That is what they were and that is what they have remained, and that is not a very attractive identity. But from what Governor Aliyu recently indicated, they may be just that, perhaps till they cease to be. The Niger State Governor said they were waiting for the President to make the next move. What other move?

P

resident Jonathan is supported by the Constitution to seek a second term of office, and he intends to do just that unless there is a legal interpretation of his tenure which decides that he is already serving that second term. Whichever direction one looks, there is not even a smudge of that on the clear horizon. We can now all agree that he has given every notice of his decision about 2015, bar the shouting.

And the determination of aborting that project is one of the platforms on which the G-7 rest their return into the fold of the PDP. Another pillar of their conditions for a return to the mainstream of their political base is the removal of the party’s chairman, Bamanga Tukur, a veteran warrior and denizen of

The Edo State Governor remains one of the few people worth listening to in our nation today

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monumental intrigues. He is firmly anchored in the good graces of President Goodluck whom he spares no pains to publicly support wholeheartedly. With a benign outward disposition, he has cunningly employed quality time to dig holes around the legality of the G.7’s existence as a political entity, and watches the dwindling credibility of his fumbling “children”. Thus, at this point, we see Baraje decreasing, while Bamaga with a Father Christmas gusto — is increasing daily.

And yet the G-7 initially seemed to have everything

going for them. May the better men ,,,lose?

If you have had enough of the figures of 255 million naira, and 2 armoured cars, purchsed for just 1 lady minister, you may stop reading this page at this point.

Much as I crave your esteemed readership, I would hesitate to weary you with just another story of corruption in high places.

While we must not keep quiet and allow such stench in our public life to pass muster, we should begin to review weapons available for fighting against this kind of evil in our midst.

What can we rightly do about Stella? She has not misappropriated public funds—only apparently squandered them. She decided, it would also appear, to ride a car — pardon me, two cars— costing more than that of the President of her own country. But then, you may even ask, why two cars? Well, why not? You may write lengthy articles in the newspaper for those who may not have known the details; they will read them, shake their heads, and dump the newspaper out of sight because they can do nothing about it. The people who can do something about it will not read the newspaper because they know what is in it, and know they won’t do anything about it.

A

h! So you take to the streets and begin to demonstrate with placards decrying corruption only to run into another group also carrying placards but decrying your action — and you get arrested by the police, to boot.. On the orders from above. From there also came the order to set up a panel — one of those panels, you know — which consume more funds from the national coffers and submits its report.

And that is that.

Do not ask for Stella to resign.

She will not, anyway. All the facts are now known and you can see that improprieties abound. But there is nothing you can do about it. Only the man who “hired” her can “fire” her. And will he? Time out.

PS I thank all of you who congratulated me in any way on my eightieth birthday. I feel I did not do a good enough job last week. But I could never do it well enough, for the outpouring of love was overwhelming. It feels so good I wish I was eighty all over again. God bless you all.

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SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—15

T

he Moderates Club honoured We used to be like that according to our one of its own last week when history books and folklores. Ascending it hosted Oba Michael the throne of your fore fathers was a Adedotun Gbadebo to a 70th birthday duty and a privilege which was largely lunch. Situated on the third floor of an pre determined. At what time did we unpretentious, nondescript building deviate? At what time did we allow opposite St Gregory’s College — its politicians and military rulers pick our rural setting belies its importance— kings based on expediency? Why did we Moderates Club used to be home to as a people acquiesce when the least in many of Lagos aging socialites and line was fast tracked to the throne businessmen. Now it is re-inventing because his face —and his pockets— itself by bringing younger, middle aged were convenient to the powers that be? executives who I guess, have learnt to At what point did the installation of a wash their hands in order to dine with king even of a hamlet become a battle elders. royale of the fittest? When did the Those at the table last week were crown become cash and carry? When probably not more than 30. But it was did rogues become princes and princes a powerful assemblage of the old and rogues? not so old that included a prominent Just a week before, another Oba was Southwest politician and former celebrating its Ojude Oba which Senator, a former Chief of Naval Staff, traditionally, is an occasion for the Oba a couple of retired ambassadors and to interact with his subjects. Sitting insurance gurus. majestically by the Oba’s side, was the Oba Gbadebo was obviously at home Governor of the state sharing and with the gathering as he spent time with dividing the attention of the subjects. many of the invitees. Although the An indication perhaps, of where the real hosts and guests deferred to him in power lies. How then will a king’s dance words and mannerism, steps not match the tunes gone were the of his piper? sometimes superfluous Despite the largely self The Oba was obeisance and inflicted whittling down of genuflections accorded deified in the past royal influence, the king is the olden day Obas. respected as was an still This set me thinking and witnessed last Friday at about the evolution of absolute ruler the Moderates Club. Is it royalty in Nigeria, still possible to use that especially the who could do and influence as a moral force Southwest of which I undo to promote values that am familiar.The Oba will yield to a better

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was deified in the past and was an absolute ruler who could do and undo.

The caveat to his absolute power however was that he was held accountable for the ills — and good— of the community which included but not limited to famine and harvest, peace and war, epidemic and good health. It meant therefore, that in return for the loyalty and obeisance of his people, he dedicated himself to seeking the good of his fiefdom. Do we find that any more? These days when Obas openly embrace partisan politics and will openly endorse rich politicians whose antecedents are nothing to write home about? These days when the quest for contracts has compromised their independence (we all know the role of a prominent Oba during June 12).

Rare it is these days to find an Oba who would put the interests of his people above his own and defy an unpopular governor. Rare indeed is an Oba who derives his power from his people and not from a State house.

Is it a coincidence that in the week Oba Gbadebo was celebrating his 70 years on earth, another monarchy was celebrating the birth of one of its own?

Prince George, a king in line to the British throne, was being presented to the world after a small, private christening. The iconic picture that was flashed to the world has four lines of British rulers — the Queen, her son Charles, her grandson Andrew, and her great grandson George.

This does set you thinking doesn’t it?

The fact that 40, 50 years on, they already know who their king will be.

C M Y K

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society? Can Obas be trusted to once again lead by example?

‘LETS

GO

MISBEHAVE’ : A

tribute to Yinka Graig

It is, I am told, five years already since Yinka Craig passed on. Yet it seemed like yesterday that the news of his death filtered into our consciousness. Five years that would have entailed many adjustments in the lives of his wife and children. Five years of trying, by his friends and associates, to fill a vacuum left behind by a truly rare breed.

At another time and in another place, I hope to write a full article on him that will detail our relationship from the 70s when our paths first crossed, to that night when I made the last call to him on his hospital bed in the US. Today, I just want to bring a smile to those who truly knew him by relating a brief experience. Yinka and I lived in Festac Town but we had not seen for a while. Then we met at one of those corporate dinners in Victoria Island.

We sat together and shared jokes throughout. At the end of the event, he said ‘Muyiwa, lets go out one weekend soon and misbehave’. This statement comes to mind many times when I think of Yinka because it encapsulated him — his zest for life and love of fun. He was a multi-talented person who was very comfortable with people irrespective of status.

Anyone who knows Yinka, truly knows him, will know it’s the kind of thing he would say; the kind of thing he would do. I hope his close friends will remember that side of him more often.

God will help you G od said in Gen 2:18, “it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him”. Everything that is missing in your life, God will help to put in place for you. Because God knows all things, He knows what is best for you. Whatever is lacking that is relevant to your destiny fulfillment; He will help you with it. Adam was not the one that identified the need; God identified it and did something about it. Before this year will be over God will help you out of the place of hopelessness.

Don’t quit or surrender, help is on its way. There are more glorious paths ahead of you. Your best days are still ahead.

Despite all that David passed through in life, he never gave up. He had multiple reasons to quit but instead he pressed on knowing full well that God will fulfill His plan for his life. He did not trust in his own ability nor in men because he knew that the arm of flesh will fail him, for by strength shall no man prevail. He always trusted God to help him out in every situation. Read what he said in Ps. 121:1-3. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber”. When he confronted goliath, he trusted in God’s help for victory and God helped him to defeat goliath. He was constantly looking up to God for help.

No matter the goliath confronting you right now in the form of huge debts, marital challenges, children hooked in drugs, joblessness etc, know that the goliath is and or are surmountable. It is time to look up to God who created the heavens and the earth to help you. Abraham and Sarah his wife were old and the womb of Sarah was dead. There was no hope of the promised child coming forth. Their situation was very hard. It appears as if there was no way out. But then God said in Gen. 18:14, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, ac-

,

Royalty on my mind

Despite all that David passed through in life, he never gave up. He had multiple reasons to quit but instead he pressed on knowing full well that God will fulfill His plan for his life

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cording to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son”. God was saying then and He is saying to you now that nothing is impossible with Him. He helped Sarah to conceive and gave her strength to deliver at old age. Know that what God did for Sarah, He can and will do for you. He is not a respecter of persons. He will help you to conceive and deliver the long awaited promise and blessing.

Believe me, God will help you.

Heb 13:6 says, “so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me”.

Remember what goliath was doing to the children of Isreal? He was putting fear into them to demoralize them and make them defenseless so that he can defeat them. But then the devil is a liar. God has not given to you the spirit of fear, but the Spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. The threat of goliath appeared real only to those that believe in it. You can be like David and declare against every challenge confronting you that the Lord is your helper.

Do you feel lonely, afraid, burned out, cheated, confused, depressed, hateful, overwhelmed, purposeless, tired, weak and tormented? Well know that there is the God that created the heavens and the earth. He wants to help you overcome all of these and more. He has made you an overcomer and more than conqueror. He causes you to triumph always through His son Jesus Christ and by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Of a truth, He will help you in every area of your life. Remember, He said, He will never leave you nor forsake you till the end of the age. God cannot be with you and not help you. Turn to Him that can help you.

Stop trusting in chariots and horses like pharaoh did and ended up drowning in the red sea and start trusting in the name of the Lord, God Almighty that can never fail, and see Him help you to divide every red sea in your life so that you can have access to the better side of life. Trust Him, God can never disappoint you. God bless and help you and s our great nation Nigeria.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 SOME Nigerians have a w a y o f killing ideas. Anytime any government comes up with an idea, the opposition often take a pessimistic disposition to kill the idea. Even when government means well it is largely misinterpreted or misjudged.

The pessimists always go to any length to destroy whatever is being suggested.

It is becoming apparent that many critics of government talk just for the sake of talking.

They try to kill an idea before it germinates even when such idea will be in the interest of all.

Naturally, what has been going on since President Goodluck Jonathan came up with the National Conference idea is to be expected. The utterances for and against national dialogue is turning the whole thing into a theatre of the absurd. As far as opposition is concerned, the idea is to cause distraction, an avenue to siphon money for 2015 elections or for other things that have nothing to do with the good of Nigeria.

So, it was not a surprise when a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference Col.Tony Nyiam (rtd), had a shouting match with Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the committee’s sitting in Benin, which led to his forced resignation from the committee. Since that incident,the critics of national dialogue have taken the centre stage in support of Oshiomhole and the perceived infringement on freedom of expression.

The opposition went as far as declaring Col Nyiam a persona non grata in Edo State and Oshiomhole’s party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, saw the disruption of Oshiomhole’s presentation before the committee as a vindication the party’s decision not to participate in the proposed conference.

You see what I mean!

Before this time, a large

When silence is golden

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole number of APC members who were members of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, which later became Action Congress and then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, before it merged with three other parties to become APC, were shouting themselves hoarse over the necessity for national dialogue and now, when they are about to have it, their signature tune has changed again. One is beginning to wonder whether being in oppostion simply means to be against any idea being suggested by the government in power whether good or bad!

Col.Tony Nyiam (rtd) Col Nyiam reportedly heckled Oshiomhole while he was making his presentation, which eventually prevented the governor from continuing with his perceived “sarcastic remarks” against the proposed National Dialogue.

But those who know Oshiomhole also know his background.

He is a man who would never keep silent in the face of perceived tyranny by any power or force. He is also a man who could blow hot or cold depending on the situation. He is known to have supported government on certain issues to the

Posers for a first lady

M

arriages are celebrated every day and the dream of every woman in life is to find love and happiness. But what a lot of people don’t seem to understand is why some who are already married are desperate to get out while those who have never been there are desperate to get in.

In spite of the experiences of those who loved and lost, many are aspiring to experience love. The holy book did say that; Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Many advocates of marriage believe it is better to love and lost than not to love at all and it makes sense. The biggest catch any woman can get is the money-man and the Nigerian politician especially one occupying an elected office is the best catch! But when someone occupying an envious position of first lady begins to cry over marital affairs, it becomes worrisome.

Why do fools fall in love? Why shouldn’t one enjoy whatever a relationship has to offer for as long as it lasts and move on? Why would one woman have the ring and another have the man? Why do people marry for the wrong reasons?

When a first lady begins to cry out to an ordinary man about the prison yard she got herself into in the name of marriage,

it nags the mind. Had love ever existed in such a relationship before it became marriage or was it a marriage of convenience as politicians are known to dabble into? What was the lure at the beginning? Love or lust? Is the lucre of office as first lady not enough to sustain a loveless relationship?

It is often said, head or tail, the woman loses.

Were things properly put in their right perspective before getting into the big venture? What was the place of maturity and readiness at the time the big deal marriage was contracted?

“Till death do you part.” That was a death sentence signed many years ago and do ordinary citizens have the right to wade into a private matter which they were not invited to five years ago? Do people often understand the implication of ‘for better for worse’ or do they think marriage is a tea party where they would just waltz in and waltz out at will?

Does a woman have to learn from the school of hard knocks that in marriage, one has to look for sacred values, moral integrity and someone who has demonstrated a lifestyle of commitment,not one who charmed his way into the heart of a woman and then breaks it? Isn’t true love an unconditional love to an imperfect person?

Now, would the human rights groups be the ones to put asunder what God joined together through vows that sentenced the couple to part by death?

When you see a woman who enjoys the LOVE of her husband, you do not need to be told! She glows and exudes great confidence!.

Well, Nigerians are learning by the day. The people have witnessed state burials, state marriages and state christenings and now, they are getting prepared to witness a state divorce and who knows , the celebration of the divorce would be merrier than the marriage witnessed five years ago.

But what then happened to the love, the

atmost shock of many like he did during the nationwide strike that crippled the nation two years ago. Oshiomhole came out openly to make a case for government and took many by surprise which is uncharacteristic of him. Now, the same Oshiomhole turned against the idea of national dialogue and made ‘sarcastic remarks’ but since he didn’t finish what he wanted to say before he was shouted down, one wouldn’t be sure whether his speech would have ended up in support of national dialogue or not.

But come to think of it, would anybody really blame anybody for speaking against this issue?

He wasn’t the only one.

History is fertile with such confabs which outcome amounted to nothing and which suggestions were thrown into the dustbin.

It has happened severally and both past and present regimes were guilty of starting something and after wasting national resources on such, the outcome or the white paper from such proceedings ended up in the dustbin of history.

There was so much hype when Justice Chukwudifu Oputa was appointed to investigate abuses during 15 years of military rule at the instance of General Abacha; which ended when President Obasanjo took office as elect-

grandiose celebration, the glamour, the glitz; the pomp and ceremony that accompanied the marriage?

And who says the next woman is not waiting by the corner to jump in irrespective of whatever and enjoy the state marriage and the glamour of the first ladyship to the fullest?

People sometimes make nonsense of things when they rush in where angels fear to tread!

It’s always advisable that women should always surround themselves with people who make them happy, laugh, help them when they are in need ; people who will never take advantage of them and people who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in their lives because everyone else is just passing through!

Women should keep people in life that truly love them, motivate them, encourage them, inspire them, enhance them and make them happy. Any other person should be allowed to go.When you fully trust a person without any doubt, one or two things would come out of it: a person for life or a lesson for life!

The woman comes from a man’s ribs to be loved; not from his feet, to be walked on; nor from his head to be superior but from the side to be equal; under the arm to be protected and next to the heart to be loved!

But before deleting the doted lines, a first lady should know if she really complied with the rules and regulations of giving him space; being loyal; patient; not asking for things her father couldn’t afford; not nagging; not stalking him; as far as he doesn’t cheat to her face; not complaining and managing it because the next man she meets might be worse! A woman should be proud of her beau, be faithful and pray for him! Nothing good comes easy! There is no relationship made in heaven. So, what will the human rights groups do? Separate a state marriage? Only time will tell!

ed president on 29 May 2007.

The Oputa panel examined human rights abuses when President Obasanjo was in power previously as a military ruler from 1976 to 1979. The panel investigated rights abuses in Nigeria since independence.

But what was the outcome?

Nothing!

The Oputa public sitting was perceived by many as a major national dialogue that brought some recommendations. If that panel report was taken seriously,I doubt if there would be need for another dialogue.

Secondly, it’s been 18 years since General Abacha’s National Constitutional Conference but the Federal Government never considered its report.

In 2011, President Jonathan raised a 22-member committee headed by the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, to review the recommendations of that confab.

Jonathan set up the Belgore Committee then due to what he termed months of careful assessment of the political situation in the country by the government and the desire to create more avenues to promote peace, greater understanding, unity and good governance in the country.

Senator Udoma Udo Udo ma was the Deputy Chairman of the committee, while Mr. Ferdinand Agu in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, served as the Secretary.

That committee also paraded names of who is who in different facets of life but instead of implementing suggestions of past confabs, we are today faced with a new proposal and based on that, one shouldn’t blame the likes of Oshiomhole or others who don’t believe anything good will come out of another confab.

All the same, talking down on people who constitute the current committee shouldn’t have been as their job is strictly to meet with the people and sell government’s position and solicit their advice.

Oshiomhole should have avoided a situation where governors are seen as having penchant for insulting the President or making sarcastic remarks against the sense of judgment of the President since the committee’s role is merely advisory. If he has anything against the idea, he would have spoken to President Jonathan one-on-one.

Governor Mimiko of Ondo State may not believe in national dialogue but wisdom on his part made him to remain silent when the committee visited Ondo State. Maybe, Oshiomhole should have done same! But of course, the dialogue committee should have known the position of APC, the party Oshiomhole belongs to before engaging him in any diatribe. The APC, from the onset, swore not to be part of the proposed conference, accusing government of lacking sincerity of purpose and purporting to use the conference to distract Nigerians from the total absence of governance and sense of direction by the Jonathan Administration.

But I think Jonathan deserves to be allowed to land before crucifying him. We should desist from throwing away the baby with the bath water!

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—17

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18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2 2, 2013

I'd give anything to work with Jesse Jags, 2face -Eva Alordiah

By ANOZIE EGOLE

Barely few years after she ventured into the Nigerian music terrain, this scintillating singer is gradually moving up. The Delta state born, rapper, Eva Alordiah, a.k.a, Eva, in this revealing interview, talks about her love for dogs and rats; her challenges as a female rapper and other personal issues.

My name is Eva Alordiah, I am an Isoko girl from Delta state. I am from a very simple Christian family, I am a lover of animals. I am a Computer Science graduate. I have always loved music and I think doing music now will not be a surprise especially, to my parents. This is something I have always loved. I am also, a professional make- up artiste. I have my own make- up outfit here in Lagos. I am currently doing music and make- up together. I wanted to be an animator because of my love for cartoons. I also love to draw and that was why I studied Computer Science. What I really wanted to do was computer animation but the course was not in any Nigerian University curriculum. So, I decided to start with a first degree in Computer Science,hoping to move on from there to study Computer Animation abroad.

I am still in love with that and it is something I would do at a later stage of my life. Right now, the part of me that likes to draw, I have converted it to make- up artistry. You know it is all about drawing and painting. I have not dropped any album yet but I have dropped a free tape last year because, my fans wanted that. I am seriously working on my first full

Sta ying In taying Being at home with no place to go, is no reason to be bored. As an introvert or a shy person that does not like going out, there are certain things you can do at home.

Tune to a new radio station you have never listened to: You can tune your set to a station that you normally do not listen to and discover something new about the station. You can as well watch something new on your TV set. You can use that opportunity to try something new in the house that you have not done before.

For Eva, "I always like to stay at home to take care of my pets. I love dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, birds and snakes. I love snakes so much because, they are beautiful. I like relaxing so much at home because, it gives me enough time to think and reflect on my self and my music career".

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album.

I just finished working with Femi Kuti and Darey ArtAlade. I chose music because, music is life. Working with Femi Kuti was a wonderful experience. He is an amazing friend. We were friends for a while before we even thought of working together. Connecting with somebody from that lineage is very imperative. I think Femi Kuti is such a great mentor to have.

My going into music could be said to be because of my mother. She was an amazing singer. She used to sing a lot when we were growing up.

She had so many musical tapes. My mother was a good fan of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, amongst others. I would say that my musical life really started from my mother. I am also a writer. When I started writing music, it was just fun. I am currently a writer for a couple of magazines. I am also a fashion designer because my mother taught me how to do so when I was growing up. I know how to draw, I do make up. I love music, I love to dance and perform. I love to do anything that is creative.

Coping with other female artistes in the industry will never be a problem to me because, I am a different person and they are all different people, and we are all called to do different things. I have never felt like I'm competing with any body because everybody has his/her own part to perform. My name and my style are unique. My name is not their name and their names are not my name. I do music my own way , likewise everybody. The fact that I don’t do what they do makes me unique.

Talking about my looks, everything goes to my mother. She is a nurse and she brought us up very healthy. I have always maintained a strict diet and exercise. I work- out and exercise a lot. I drink a lot of water. I don’t stress myself because I don’t think there is any need to worry in life. I also trust in God so much because I know there is nothing too big for God to do. I try as much as possible to maintain a very close relationship with God. You know, once in a while, we fall but I try as much as possible to still maintain a closer relationship with God. I think everything that happened to me in the industry, has a reason. I don’t think there is anything that has happened to me that I regret. Everything that happened helped me to grow up to the person that I am now.

The major challenge in promoting a song I would say is finance. There is no money anywhere. I have to fend for myself for sometime now. Being a woman that wants to survive in the industry has many challenges. I have some personal challenges. There is no inspiration anywhere.

When you let yourself lose focus because of this, then the challenges come in. I have gotten to a point where I felt like, I was not doing music any more. There are some artistes I could 'kill' to work with; like, Jesse Jags and 2face. I will also like to work with Sade Adu because I just feel like we can connect on a bigger level.

That is not just on the barest minimum of music. Music that can grow a new generation. I will like to grow my music.

Going Out When you are so bored at home that you feel like hanging out, there are few things you can do when you hang out.

Go for shopping : If you have not shopped for sometime, that might be a wonderful opportunity for you to do so. You can walk to a supermarket and get some domestic items you need and there, you can meet people who would spice your day up.

Go to stadium: For people that live closer to a stadium, you don't have to worry about where to hang out. There are many sporting activities going on in the stadium in the evening, so you can visit a stadium to find a sporting event you can hook yourself up with. You can as well, visit a gym to keep fit.

For Eva, '"I am not the out-going type. It is my work always. I go out to do my work and immediately I'm done with that, I go home. I like spending time with my family. I don't jump up and down. But occasionally, I visit the gym to work-out"

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—19

My marriage is failing due to my feelings of low self-esteem Dear Julie, My name is Richie and I have been married for 10 years to a wonderful wife but she has finally decided that she wants to end it. We have had a moderately happy life together but it has been ruined by my constant fear of losing her due to my feelings of low self-worth.

These feelings stem from early childhood when I found out that my father was unfaithful to my mother with my godmother. I was also badly bullied at school for many years.

As an adult, I then lost the friendship of my only brother when he cheated me on a business deal. At the time, I also found out that he was being unfaithful to his wife.

I got engaged to the girl of my dreams and she then broke it off. I met my current wife at that time and we fell in love and got engaged. It was only after this that I found out that she had slept with my best friend a few months earlier. Amazingly enough, we still got married and have been until this week, 10 years later.

My experiences in earlier life have shown me that I have a tendency to lose people close to me and that I am of-

ten betrayed by people I trust.

I have therefore always been fearful of losing my wife.

This has made me act in a way that defies belief. I have been inconsiderate, a bully, domineering, controlling and critical of my wife for years. I have been incapable of showing her normal affection, wanting always to have sex instead.

I have been doing the exact opposite of what I should have been doing to keep her and our marriage together. I am told that I have been “testing” her to see how far I can push her before she leaves.

My behaviour towards her has been mainly unconscious and the result of my inner feelings of being bad and having low self-esteem.

I am praying I can change this as I also want to stay with my wife and love her very much.

Richie, P/Harcourt

Dear Richie, It sounds like you have a really good grasp of your situation and know where you need to concentrate your efforts. The areas that stand out to me are trust and and not wanting to lose her whilst setting things up to make her want to leave.

First of all, do not for a second think that you are the only one who has ever done something like this. And you are very right that we do these things because we are compelled on an unconscious/subconscious level. So how do we stop ourselves?

As you might guess, the root of the trust issue goes back to childhood. Since these issues are still playing out in your life, knowing how they were originally created is important.

What situations caused you to believe that people couldn’t

be trusted? How was your trust betrayed when you were a child? How did someone who was supposed to protect you, not? How did you feel when that happened? Did you remember thinking something in particular, did you make a vow or such? What did you say to yourself about it?

What beliefs did you come away from the experience with?

When we feel betrayed by those who are supposed to love us and protect us, we not only learn we can’t trust, we may take on the belief it was our fault, that if we had somehow been better, they would have loved us enough to protect us.

The common bottom line is that we come out of it with

He’s mad at me for sleeping with another man Aunty Julie, This guy and I have been together for three years. We are not steady. We have been off and on. We were very serious but the past few months were rocky. He was acting very uninterested and so we broke up.

Later on, I told him I wanted to be with him and that if he felt the same way, he needed to tell me. I wasn’t going to wait around. Well, he never answered me but would always change the subject. So I realized he really didn’t want me and it hurt but I couldn’t make him want me. So, I started talking to this other guy and we ended up sleeping together. Afterwards, I couldn’t stop crying because I couldn’t stop thinking about my ex. So I stopped seeing the man. My ex’s really been trying to talk to me and so I decided to give him another chance. Apparently, someone told him I slept with another man while we were broken up and he is furi-

ous. He wants absolutely nothing to do with me. I don’t understand because I have put up with all his stuff, him talking to other girls and I forgave him but I have always stuck by his side. But the second I strayed from him, he wants nothing to do with me. Did I do anything wrong? Should he be getting this upset since we weren’t together?

Freda, Abuja Dear Freda, It’s really hard when you care about someone and they don’t return your feelings.

Well, here’s the deal, something needed to change all right, but it wasn’t him, it was you! You need to get over pining for someone who never treated you well or respected you in the first place. And, in order to do that, you have to start respecting yourself first.

All that said, no beating yourself up over it. You should get clear with yourself

on why you did what you did on all counts. Why are you hanging on to this guy? Why did you sleep with another guy? Did you subconsciously hope it would make your ex jealous and he’d come back to you? Did you subconsciously do it because you knew when the ex found out, he’d never want anything to do with you and that would make it easier for you to move on?

I don’t’ know why you did what you did but you do, so

spend some time and get clear on it. It generally isn’t what we do that’s most important, it’s why.

Figure out your whys so you don’t have to repeat them. You deserve a mutually fulfilling, respectful, loving and committed relationship. So, get busy fulfilling, being respectful, loving and committed to yourself!

our self-esteem shattered and a compulsion to find someone or something to make us feel worthy again. And the ways we go about it can be very ingenious and self-defeating.

Sounds rather bleak, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make different choices and change your life dramatically.

It does, however, take conscious effort and determination. The good news is that you obviously want to and that is a huge part of success— wanting to. So, it’s time to get good with yourself. Then start paying close attention to your thoughts and every time you catch yourself playing a limiting belief in your head, stop it, break the pattern and repeat your new belief three times.

Can I love him?

Dear Julie, I have been talking to this guy for four months before we met physically; and before we met, he was already talking of marriage! But each time he brought up the topic, I told him we have to see before we can proceed.

He asked why, I told him I don’t know if we’d be attracted to each other. Before we met, we always have series of hot arguments on the phone. On each occasion, he apologized but repeated the same thing . We met for the first time four months after we started talking.

The first couple of days we were together, I hardly spoke. He did all the talking and I was just listening. Then, he started asking me to provide him with a wedding date.

I told him he was taking things too fast and wished he would be patient for us to get to know each other more.

My reply got him angry and he accused me of having multiple relationships. He wondered why I would delay his proposal if I didn’t have a backup plan.

I have asked him to give me more time to decide, but he doesn’t seem to have that much of time. We spend most of our time together arguing. Honestly speaking, he is a very nice guy, he spoils me with gifts, but I don’t love him that much to want to spend the rest of my life with him. He suspects all my moves. To him, every call I make or receive is from a guy. He doesn’t want me to hang out or talk to my male friends. He feels so insecure. He keeps telling me he will die if he doesn’t marry me. I’m trying hard to like him, but the feeling is not just there. I guess we started on the wrong note and our series of arguments initially has made me exhaustive. Do you think I can grow up to like this guy if we get married?

Tonia, Lagos Hello Tonia, I really don’t know where to begin with your relationship question. I do know one thing, though, that a lot of women reading your question will be angry! So all I’m going to do here is find a suitable inspirational quotation, and then to repeat some of what you’re asking .

Then I think you will be able to answer your question yourself! “All wrong doing is done in the sincere belief that it is the best thing to do.” Think about it. What do you want in a relationship? What are you getting now?

Are you happy? Answer the questions and then take a decision.

C O C K - T A L E S A very desperate marriage

A man really loved a woman, but he was just too shy to propose to her. Now he was up in his years and neither of them had ever been married. Of course, they dated about once a week for the past six years, but he was so timid he just never got around to suggesting marriage much less living together. But one day, he became determined to ask her the question. So he calls her on the phone, “June.” ”Yes, this is June.” ”Will you marry me?” ”Of course I will!

Who’s this?”

Don’t take any chances

A person receives a telegram informing him about his mother-in-law’s death. It also enquires whether she should be buried or burnt.

He replies, “Don’t take chances. Burn the body and bury the ashes.”

The way you say it

It’s not what you say, but the way you say it.

On a blind date, the boy said to the girl: “Time

stands still when I look into your eyes.” The girl was very flattered. What the boy had really meant was, “You have a face that would stop a clock.”

Going to the office

Hubby - You always carry my photo in your handbag to the office. Why? Wife - When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears. Hubby - You see, how miraculous and powerful I am for you? Wife - Yes, I see your picture and say to myself, “What other problem can there be greater than this one?”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2 2, 2013

If you have a partner with a wandering eye and are tired of it, then it is time for communication! There is no shame in letting your partner know that you feel hurt and upset by his or her behaviour

08052201257

Is your partner constantly checking out other people ?

I

t happens all the time they go out.

Jaja's wandering eyes have become an embarrassment to his wife and children. He literally strips every woman he sees naked with his eyes and whenever he is alone, he makes direct moves by trying to have direct contact with the people he strips naked with his eyes. Through his wandering eyes, he has been able to make female friends some of whom he eventually took to bed. He has also met some who thoroughly abused and insulted him.

On many occasions, some of his victims , especially the under-aged girls he philandered with had their parents call up his number and abused him. Some have approached his wife directly and warned her to tell her husband to stay away from their daughters.

It’s no secret that we will all encounter other people we find attractive and we will look. It is only natural to look at someone who appeals to you and there is no need to feel guilty about it, for it is in no way being unfaithful or unloving to your partner.

But what if you have a partner who is constantly checking other people out?

Is there such thing as looking “too much”? Is it disrespectful to you and the relationship?

While finding other people attractive is normal and part of human nature, there is a way to go about it and not go about it. When a person is on his or her own, he or she can feel more free about looking at someone else, without worrying about anyone feeling hurt by it. When one is with their partner however, it would be best to try and be

discreet about checking someone else out. A quick glance is harmless, but if a partner is checking someone out in a way that is in the form of staring, exchanging smiles or undressing them with his or her eyes, it then becomes disrespectful to their partner and the relationship. This can make their partner feel hurt, upset, disrespected and even unattractive which can unnecessarily lower their self-esteem.

Checking other people out is usually

harmless if done casually every now and then. It can become a real problem when it is done constantly though. If your partner is more occupied checking other people out rather than focusing on his or her time with you and admiring you, then it could be a sign that your partner is losing interest in the relationship and you should start paying attention to other signs and behaviours that can help you figure out what is really going on.

If you have a partner with a wandering eye and are tired of it, then it is time for communication! There is no shame in letting your partner know that you feel hurt and upset by his or her behaviour. After all, a relationship is about being open and honest with each other and your partner should care about your feelings and want to make you happy. This is not about you being immaturely jealous either. It is about you claiming the respect you feel you deserve from your partner (the same kind of respect you partner would expect from you). So let your partner know that his or her constant wandering eye is upsetting you and makes you feel disrespected and you are not okay with it. If your partner truly cares, then he or she will make a real effort to stop checking others out in front of you, or at least keep it under real control so you do not feel so disrespected. If the wandering eye continues after you pour your heart out about it, then your partner has shown you how important your feelings are to him or her and you should then decide if you wish to continue putting up with it or not.

How do I get my libido going after baby?

E

ver since I had a baby, nothing seems to get my libido going.

My husband is complaining and has threatened to start a relationship with someone else if I keep denying him. But the truth of the matter is that I don’t feel like sex after having a baby until about two months after or more. I have tried explaining things to my husband but he is not interested. He said he is sexually pressed. Sometimes, I caught him masturbating but I don’t know what to do. This is our second baby and the

second time it is happening. I feel bad when he lies down beside me and masturbate. It embarrasses me. Is it normal for a grown married man to masturbate? What can I do?

Ans: You describe perfectly what many new mums, and some new dads, experience. They ’ve been so overwhelmed with “baby chores” during the day that their minds simply can’t focus. But why make it just your problem? Ask your doctor about postpartum depression because symptoms in mild cases can be a lack of focus and loss of sex drive. Next, if

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your mind is going to wander, let it wander to a fantasy that turns you on.

Another tactic: Ask someone you trust to babysit to simply give the two of you some quality time on your own. Don’t talk about baby things; talk about the things you two enjoy. The little break doesn’t have to be for having sex; use it to go for a walk or to watch a steamy movie. Whatever you do, don’t hide this from your husband. Let him know how much you love him but that you’re a bit mentally or emotionally overwhelmed by all the changes a baby brings.

As for your husband masturbating

besides you, ignore that. What counts is what works for you and him.

What matters is that you’re both experiencing a symptom of your new lifestyle and having to take care of a baby. You clearly realize that you’re not available for sex regularly. As long as he continues to have sexual denials, he will continue to masturbate. So this is an issue and it’s for you two to work on this. What you need to do is sit down together and look at the issues to see if you can afford to make any changes. It’s really up to the two of you to make this choice.

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Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked?

Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

who is also employed for relationship on 08098031332 •Tola, male, needs a Godfearing, neat , employed, humble, and attractive Christian lady aged 28-35 for a serious relationship on 08182175840 •Jay, 25 based in Lagos, needs a sexually active lady in Lagos, for a serious relationship on 07014332822 •Adrian,19, Christian,from Imo State, fair, financially independent, caring , wants a relationship with a lady aged 18-25 on 0816847439

SATURDAY

Vanguard,NOVEMBER 2 2,, 2013—21

Stop feeling sorry for him - Just dump him!

H

O

decided that he’d prefer a total separation. Then he could kid himself that, in the end, he had taken the decision to end it completely rather than you.

“If he still persists with this self-inflicted heart breaks, ignore all further messages from him, hang up on phone calls without ceremony. Make sure his phone numbers are on ‘caller display’ on your mobiles and house phones. Just hope that if you simply ignore him he’ll go away...” Phew! Why should it be such a hassle to just walk away from a relationship? man into the cell for being in love?

Gloria, another friend, had a more humane approach. Asking Tara to be more sympathetic, she dictated a befitting Dear John letter in the line of: “Thank you for the good times you gave me in the past. My feelings, which are of course beyond my control, have now changed, and I no longer want you in my life.

Please let go with good grace, and do not try to contact me again.

Pestering me will only make me feel uncomfortable, and I am sure you would not want that...”

I creased up with laughter whilst she was still dictating her funny letter. Years ago when I sent such a letter to a man I was trying to give the elbow, he charged to my

,

ow many of you readers of this column have been obsessed with the love of a partner that is no longer interested in you? In spite of his indifference, you endlessly want to be in touch, drive past his house and stare, transfixed at the lit windows wondering if you could catch a glimpse of your replacement. Or ring him up and quickly switch off the phone immediately you hear his voice? Any way to be in touch, no matter how crude or undignifying, would be better than being totally forgotten by the love of your life. What brought all this on?

Just a few months ago, Laide, a close friend invited most of her friends over to her house to get rid of the leftover foods from her birthday party. I mean, there is so much meat and friend rice you can eat and she’d quite forgotten to tag most of the wrapped up meals in the freezer. Planning to travel at the end of the month, She preferred to get rid of most of the stuffs in her freezer rather than come home to their imminent ruin — no thanks to sweet man who has helped a PHCN. In the evening, the talk lot with the financial side of centred on the bane of all my business, and 1 don’t women — men! Tara, the want to hurt him. Now, 1 feel youngest of the group, is a threatened by all this divorcee who is rather attention, and would rather enjoying playing the dating move on...” Being much older, a lot of us had different game all over again. advice for her. Laide wasn’t ne of Laide’s sympathetic in the least. ‘distributors’ she’d “The way you sounded”, she been invited so she could, said sharply, “it seems you’re specifically, place her order secretly enjoying this poor of the goods she would buy off man’s misery: if you’re not Laide on her return from her lapping up being pursued by trip.

One of these someone you find or found sophisticated girls who spend attractive, you would have a fortune on being well long since barred him from groomed, she told us (or was your phone and sent him and she bragging?) that she would his yeye gifts parking! The give anything to send the fact remains that, if you’re current man in her life serious in regarding him as a packing! “He’s a married past, you can’t afford to be man,” she said sardonically, kind. Since he refused to get “and we had a fling. Well, I your subtle hints that it’s all thought I was having a fling. over, why not write him a *Problem is, he’s more note saying that you wish interested in me than 1 am in him to stop contacting you him. When he started talking in any way or you’ll lodge a about making me a second complaint of harassment wife, 1 told him I didn’t want with the police...” “The to be anyone’s wife but he’s police?” I cut in, “Isn’t that a now pestering me with texts, bit drastic? And what would calls and gifts. He’s such a the police do? Haul the poor

not even produce the desired result as you risk the man being driven mad with misery, a madness that could turn all too easily into rage and violence, “Why not invent a lover?” offered Clara, another guest.

“While this could help make up his mind quicker, he needs to know there is nothing in a future relationship with him. Be completely honest and tell him you shouldn’t have leapt in quite so quickly, and apologise. You might even let him know that you’d like both of you to cool things for a while

Only a hermit can avoid being hurt as being hurt is part of life

place, pleading I should reconsider. I gave him my get lost glare and he made a grab for my throat! But for the maid who yelled and flew at him, heavens only know what would have happened!

Speaking personally, I said the “cruel to be kind” approach was not as kind as it seemed. It might

,

but that you would not like to stop being friends in the long term, unless he’d prefer to call it a day himself. It’s kinder to give him this option because then he would feel that he had some power over you, and that he was the one who

Trying to lose w eight can mak e yyou ou miserable! weight make

W

hy does some comfort food like milk chocolate make us happy even though they contain ingredients such as sugar and fat that can be bad for us? “A lot of food makes us feel good because the food industry has created it to do so,” explains Kate Neil a, director of the British Centre for Nutrition Education and Life Management* “Food manufacturers have discovered that foods high in fat and sugar feel pleasant in our mouths and send that feel-good factor to our brains. Unfortunately, chances are that your sugar won’t leave you contented for long. Bad food not only makes you feel bad, it creates cravings”.

You ‘ve not eaten lunch, your blood sugar levels have dropped and you’re in a rotten mood - so you self-medicate with food. You’re tired and want energy, so you reach for a chocolate bar or a bun.

It gives you a rush of brain chemical such as dopamine which makes you feel good.

But as the sugar rush leaves your system, you come crashing down. You feel apathetic, guilty and depressed, so you reach for another chocolate bar. It’s a vicious circle.

“If your guts isn’t working property.”

Continues Kate Neil... “It could end up sending particles from food into your blood stream, which could be toxic to your brain, causing disorders such as

depression. But putting yourself on a strict diet isn’t the answer. A recent survey found that one in five of us lasts just a month on a diet. And recent research from the US found that Americans are also fed up with crazy food plans. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they were less likely to try specialized or fad diets today compared with five years ago. Why is this? Could it be that we’re fed up being miserable? Fatty diets throw out your body’s natural balance. If you’re eating nothing but cabbage soup or pineapples, your body will be overdosing on some nutrients and not gelling enough of others.

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en do it all the time without carrying the guilt —if they feel any — for the rest of their lives. Want to hear a male view on all this? “You have to take a bit of responsibility for this poor man’s dilemma,” Laide’s husband admonished.

“You did behave like a bit of a femme fatal yourself - getting too involved before you’d really got to know him, and spending his money freely. He could be forgiven for thinking at the beginning that this was going to be a full blown loveaffair. Try to think how you would feel to be let down by a man with whom you’d had a major obsession and who’d led you on only to change his mind.

Would you rather be cut off completely, or would you rather be given the chance to retrieve something out of the situation, even if it was only a mere friendship? If I were you, I ‘d let him down, not cruelly, but with compassion — making sure that you never say or do anything that might get his hopes up again. Better still, why not go on one more date with him, really let it sink in that that would be your last date together, then give him a mindblowing goodbye bunk?” The mind bugles at some of these male views, I tell you! If you want to get rid of a lover with whom you’d fallen out of love — this is as good a time as any to do the decent thing and pull the plug on your dead relationship.* Only a hermit can avoid being hurt as being hurt is part of life. Move on and do not feel guilty — you’ve done nothing wrong. And if you remember the last time you were dropped with little or no thought being given to now heart-broken you’d be, it wouldn’t be such a hard prospect to withdraw the oxygen supply from a comatose affair!

22—SATURDAY

F

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

rom the moment its conception was publicised, I had looked forward to the realization of the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge with eager anticipation. Not that I had heard anything about its architectural design (although I was of course familiar with the antecedents of the assigned contractor). But the simple prospect of hurdling the lagoon and bypassing the perennially congested Ozumba Mbadiwe en route to or from Lekki was too tantalizing to be casual about. So I watched with impatience over the four long years it took for all the structural ‘i’s and ‘t’s to be dotted and crossed respectively.

Then at long last — the launch, the commissioning, the opening.

Freedom! Unfortunately, at least a thousand other motorists were yelling the same thing in their minds. So after an initial honeymoon period when the bridge could absolutely do no wrong, I settled into (or more accurately, was reminded of) the grim reality that the true population of Lagos State indeed exceeds considerably the official census figures of 8 or 9 million.

For sure, there are certain moments of the day when user experience is maximized; when you can whip across to the mainland with a speed that is sometimes disorienting for an accustomed road-warrior.

The power of Infrastructure But all that’s water under the bridge now (pardon the pun). The responsible authorities must somehow find a way to optimize the asset and improve the commuting experience across what is indisputably a landmark project.

However, for me, the true revelation of the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge transcends merely the time presently taken to get from Point A to Point B. Instead, it lies in the explosion of fitness activity that pulsates across the length of the imposing structure on any given morning. Men and women, young and old, of all shapes and sizes, across all levels of the social spectrum, individually or in groups. Running.

,

Our thoughts and attitudes are shaped by the environments we live in

,

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ut more often than not, the experience, after battling through to access the bridge, is to be confronted with dishearteningly long queues tailing back from the toll booths.

It could be argued that perhaps it was a tactical misstep not to have kicked off operations with an initial ‘e-tag only’ phase. This would have taken advantage of the early enthusiasm to ply the novel infrastructure and ensured that a critical mass of motorists subscribed to this cashless option which would have reduced throughput time at the toll booths where users frequently have to wait for their change before moving on.

Walking. Jumping. Stretching.

Cycling. All done with an infectious abandon.

Who knew Nigerians had it in them?

As a people, I thought we prided ourselves on being too busy and practical for such ‘oyinbo’ frivolities.

But somehow, the physical reality of the bridge seems to have fired the imagination of its host community and unleashed an apparently longsuppressed demand for healthenhancing self-expression.

Actually, this fitness phenomenon is reminiscent of a similarly repressed societal demand that found spectacular expression about 12 years ago. It was no secret during the dark days of NITEL’s monopoly that Nigerians desired to

communicate with each other (and the rest of the world) a whole lot more than the institution’s archaic systems and dysfunctional customer service would permit. But the true scale of this demand only became evident when one of the operators declared an annual profit after tax of over 1 billion dollars after only its second year of operation in the country (which must have been a corporate performance record in Nigeria; even the much-envied oil producing companies endure losses in their infancy during the mandatory exploration and development phases that precede peak production).

Apparently (unknown even to the seasoned industry experts whose customer usage projections were considerably more modest), we just couldn’t get enough of connecting to each other at the slightest justification — a forecast miscalculation that sent the grateful GSM operators smiling quietly all the way to the bank.

But without the political will to create the enabling environment for sectoral reform and new investment, the nation’s commercially lucrative appetite for telecommunicative selfexpression would have remained an unproven hypothesis.

So, more power to the fitness fad colourfully playing out across the Lagos Lagoon. Who knows how many lives are being extended as a result of the physical re-awakening that the presence of the bridge has generated?

Pity the overwhelming majority of their fellow citizens in other parts of the State who are not privileged to reside proximate to a similarly inspirational infrastructural asset (or

even on streets with basic pavements that offer a measure of protection from lawless okadas whilst jogging or walking), and must therefore content themselves with whatever spurts of fitness activity their reserves of selfdiscipline can carve out in the storm of a frequently hostile and potentially life-threatening urban lifestyle.

Yes, infrastructure is indeed, a strange key to the door of national selfdiscovery, as well as an expensive one (consider the hundreds of million dollars spent to build the bridge, not to mention the multiple of billions sunk into creating a telephony alternative to NITEL). But its benefits are as incalculable as they are unpredictable – from the practical and measurable, to the cerebral and spiritual. Our thoughts and attitudes are shaped by the environments we live in; our behaviour is regulated by the circumstances we have created for ourselves. It is no coincidence that comparatively cleaner cities in other countries abroad just happen to have dustbins strategically placed along the walkway and a system for ensuring they are emptied regularly. The presence of that simple infrastructure changes mindsets and regulates potentially unruly behaviour.

It remains to be seen just how differently we could live as a people, just how much the quality of our lives would be improved, just how great the entity called Nigeria could become, if we deliberately harnessed and exploited the transforming power of even basic infrastructural services.

Like the situation in the telecoms sector over a decade ago, it is no secret that Nigerians desire to enjoy access to constant electricity in peace and quiet, without the irritating drone of generators or the pervasive smell of diesel/petrol.

The recent implementation of the privatization programme in the sector suggests we have finally summoned the political will to embark on the long journey to freedom.

Only time will tell the true scale of this repressed demand, the creative and entrepreneurial energies it will unleash, and who will be smiling quietly all the way to the bank.

A tale of 3 ministries: P opularity Popularity opularity,, per perfformance and politics

By SEGUN ALUKO

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heir relentless commitment to getting the job done, their unquestionable dedication to duty, their creative approach to highly complex issues, and most importantly, the fact that they are all women. These are among the many reasons the phrase,‘The Bermuda Triangle’ was coined for the Ministers of Petroleum, Finance and Aviation.

But you can’t blame the name selection approach of the commonfolk, clearly these women have shown a level of paranormal activity that is attributed to extra-terrestrial beings.

Known for being clinically thorough, detailed and energetic, these Ministers have taken huge and bold steps towards building machineries that drive the Nigerian economy. Steps, which are undoubtedly necessary in some ministries, and completely lacking in others.

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ut having clearly put forward the capacity of these women to drive the economy and even do greater things in ministerial appointments, the question which often begs for clarification is which of C M Y K

these ministers is charged with the most complex of tasks and how have they fared.

On Popularity, the highest consideration would go to the Minister of Petroleum, and credit for that goes to the ‘Great March’ of the fuel subsidy scandal in 2012. The Minister of Finance isn’t that popularly un-lucky, though also conveniently shaded by a wall of complex economic yardsticks that fail to inform Nigerians of their effect on bread and butter, her popularity was stained when acting as the Finance Minister in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, she requested full deregulation which would result in the sacking of over 50% of the government work force.

The Aviation Minister is the least of the folk in popularity. Were it not for on her part in the opposing a huge network of self-interest stakeholders in Aviation Business few media houses would no doubt had marvelled at her a p p r o a c h .

On Performance, Finance Minister Okonjo Iweala maintains her argument that Macro-economic stability has been restored in the country. But the consistent delay in payment of government salaries,

budget deficits and dwindling currency rates mocks that stability.

Paper tricks and complex calculations only go further to annoy the teeming hungry masses of people. The Aviation Minister however has exceeded the limits of performance not only in comparison with the performance of past ministers in the same sector, but also with the most basic economic yardstick of ‘believing what you see’.New and renovated airport terminals in over 2/3rd of the country, renovated payment system and reconfigured tariff systems which not only help generate revenue for the government but also meets the standards of rational economic pricing.

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he least lucky in terms of development is the Petroleum Minister. At current calculations, the oil theft rate is 150,000 barrels a month (at least that’s what the Finance Minister says). Diezani is also recorded to have completed a Petroleum Industry Bill with prickly bones and thorns of contention for many. Oil spillages have sky-rocketed and it is still uncertain what the correct figure is as regards number of barrels extracted per day.

In Politics however, the Minister of Petroleum plays a predominantly active role in the affairs of the country, but of course what else would be expected of a minister who heads the leading revenue arm of the country. But compared to Okonjo Iweala, who with Head-tying skills as complex as her financial computations has been appointed in two administration and cashes in on her global advantage as a World Bank contender, it is a difficult tie.

The Aviation Minister is clearly the least political of the lot, her achievements are simply the marks of a technocrat.

There is no question as to whether these ministers have held their turfs, the Nigerian political terrain is undoubtedly unique to all known forms of economic, social and political yardsticks. The Minsters of Petroleum, Aviation and Finance have done great work and shown their commitment to work, and resilience against opposing mechanisms.

Mr. Aluko is a public affairs commentator.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 —23

(Text Only)

•The Crab

• Inclined Plane

•The Bridge

Overweight:

Its genesis and cure The Crab Technique: Stand with the feet and three feet apart. Bend the knees and from the inside, place the hands on the feet.

Benefits: The Crab, the leg and abdominal muscles are relief.

The Boat

Yoga Classes

•The Boat

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Technique: Sit down with the legs extended in front of you. Raise both legs up and touch the toes with the finger tips. Stay in this position for 20 seconds. Rest and repeat.

Benefits: The boat reduces the size of the belly and improves the muscles of the back.

The Bridge

Lie on your back and drawing up the knees, raise the trunk up and support the lower back with the hands.

Retain the pose for 15-to 20 seconds and repeat after a short rest.

Benefits: The Bridge favourably affects the abdomen and the thigh muscles.

Inclined Plane

Technique: Sit down with legs extended, place the hands behind you and raise your body up such that you are on just your hands and feet.

Retain the pose for some 20 seconds, rest and repeat.

Benefits: This posture strengthens the hands and abdominal muscles.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

H

Frequent emails, phone calls, or online messaging with a past love can take away from a current relationship. If you’re talking weekly and your partner is still fully invested in your current relationship, then it’s not a sign of anything

OLDING on to previous ro mantic attachments creates feelings of distrust and can spoil an otherwise promising relationship. So are you wondering if your honey’s heart still rests in the hands of a past love? There’s no way to know for sure without talking to your partner about your concerns. But how do you know when you need to have that talk? Here are 10 signs that it may be time to bring it up. *Talking about the ex too much We all compare our current romance to ones we’ve had in the past, and an occasional reference to an old steady is no cause for alarm. But if it’s happening 24seven, it’s a problem. It’s going to keep both of you from enjoying the new relationship,” says marriage and family therapist Joan Sherman Sherman says if you’re hearing every detail and story about the former relationship, it’s probably a sign that your partner hasn’t moved on. * Not talking about the former love at all Silence about a former lover can indicate lack of closure. Guilty feelings from carrying a secret torch often make a person not want to talk about an ex. If you notice your partner is afraid to bring up the ex or if your partner’s tried and it’s becomes a sore point, it’s time to ask why. * Online stalking Whether it’s with Facebook, a dating profile, or Googling the ex’s name, keeping frequent online tabs can be a red flag.

If you’re spending too much time online following a past partner, it may make you feel neglected. Are you getting what you need from this person, especially when he or she spends two hours on Facebook after dinner? If not, it’s time to speak up.

Too much contact with the ex Frequent emails, phone calls, or online messaging with a past love can take away from a current relationship.

If you’re talking weekly and your partner is still fully invested in your current relationship, then it’s not a sign of anything. But if it’s weekly emails and you partner isn’t devoted, then you have a legit concern. Your partner may not have cut the cord.

A new relationship is all about trust. If you’re not okay with your current partner’s contact with an ex, say so. Your partner and his or her ex should be willing to take a break from each other while you two concentrate on what you have together. It doesn’t have to be a permanent break, but it is the respectful thing to do.

The ex’s name slips out during intimacy Talk about bad timing. During intimacy, the mind is totally uninhibited, making it easier for someone else’s name to slip out. That kind of a mistake usually suggests unresolved feelings for an ex.

Keeping mementos Looking at souvenirs from a relationship is part of the healing process. But it’s time to let go of the reminders when the feelings are resolved. Your partner doesn’t need to set the favourite sweat-

Signs your partner’s still into an ex shirt and all those love letters out on the curb. But they should be out of everyday reach.

As for photos on display, it’s one thing to have a group picture that includes a past partner on the wall. It’s another to erect a shrine for that person or plaster the bedroom with a display of the glory days together. You can gently and tactfully suggest keeping those pretty frames and filling them together with new memories of the two of you.

Hot and cold romance Watch out for a partner who turns affections on and off.

It might be a sign of inner turmoil. Your partner may be cold and pull away when feeling guilty about not having given the same kind of love in the past relationship. Then the passion may get turned up again when your partner feels guilty for withdrawing from you.

Your partner says he or she’s not ready to commit One of the symptoms of not being ready to move on is the ‘I love you, but I’m not in love with you’ talk. Or, ‘I’m into you, but I still want to see others.’ If a longstanding relationship isn’t moving to the next level, then the roadblock could be another person from the past.

When someone is wondering, ‘should I go back? Why didn’t it work?’ It can build a barrier to moving forward.

Trouble in the bedroom Having problems during intimacy can be a symptom

of an emotional hang-up. The guilt can create a sense of unworthiness and hold someone back from fully surrendering to a new partner.

However, there are many other factors that can affect bed-

PERT X E S E H T ASK rri ed an . I ha ve be en ma

room performance, such as depression, high estrogen levels, excessive belly fat, and drug abuse.

You just have a feeling Sometimes when you have this feeling that something’s not right, it’s a good barometer. If you think something just doesn’t feel right, it’s probably worth bringing it out in the open. It could lead to a discovery about your partner’s feelings for someone else.

Also, if you feel a need to snoop around, there’s a good chance your relationship has trust problems. Try to get to the cause of the distrust, and hold off on the detective work.

How to get past it As much heartache and headache as it may cause, couples can survive one partner being stuck on a previous failed relationship. But the longer you wait to speak up, the more likely you’ll be to resent the situation. Start the dialogue with your hung-up honey with a “working together” approach instead of pushing the other person away with angry words. Use phrases like, “I need your help,” and, “I need your reassurance,” and, “I love you and want to work with you on this,” to get the ball rolling.

If you’re having problems addressing the issue but really feel it’s worth working on, it may be time to seek help.

If you want to keep a healthy relationship with the love of your life, be careful about prematurely jumping on the jealousy train and making quick accusations.

Short of a greater context, there’s no reason to hound your partner with a “how dare you” attitude at every little suspicion.Extreme jealousy is worse than having lingering feelings about someone else.

m e th is e ho w I ca n ov er co po rn . Pl ea se te ll m can fulfil habit. oosing a partner who There is no harm in ch the diffibe ll ding such a one wi d as a ibe all your desires. But fin scr de be ms, you will ter al dic me In rt. pa cult tter underon the internet for be up ad Re t’. his oc as ‘m addiction. trist to get rid of your standing. See a psychia

I am a 45 ye ar -ol d-m he alt hy fe an d I en joy ed a for 14 ye ar s. M y wi ac cian th wi t me I be for e air se xu al re lat ion sh ip lch ee s lef t me on a wh t de nt. Th e mi sh ap ha tha me es rri anymore. It wo e and I can’t have sex Th . ds en fri my th affairs wi she might be having tur e. is he r fli rta tio us na on ici sp su my aca us e of ple dis r als o ex pr es se d he y Th e oth er da y, sh e ma e sh l fee ma rri ag e. I a su re wi th me an d the as s rk wo e Sh e. so me tim re ha ve ch ea ted on me the Is tel and is attractive. receptionist at a ho y? lit ide inf r he an yw ay to co nfi rm ll do a ur trouble. You can sti Sorry to hear about yo You x. ma cli a th wi satisfy her lot of foreplay and . Do not to do the right thing must trust your wife tra um ati se yo ur sel f. on ly ma n. I ge t ar ou se d I am a 23 -ye ar -ol d women pictures and clips of when I come across of men es men. I like pictur sexually dominating , an d nts me ar tw ea r, un de rg lic kin g wo me n’s foo intial rm no by ed t get arous body parts. I do no d cte to s, I have been ad di macy. Because of thi

a four-yearmarried man. I have I am a 27-year-old ssed with a ble re we month ago, we old daughter and a ed . Ho w lon g Se cti on wa s pe rfo rm se co nd ch ild . A Cs the ea sie st e ha vin g se x ? Wh at’ sh ou ld we wa it be for bir th co ntr ol? wa y for pe rm an en t sutures have ll tell you if all the The gynaecologist wi . The easiest way u can start having sex healed and when yo undergo nonn tion is for the ma to cep tra con t en an rm to pe procedure after is a simple and safe scalpel vasectomy. It t without sperms. nue to ejaculate, bu which you will conti ur wife can also remains the same. Yo The intimacy drive d your wish to sse . If you had expre ed ck blo es tub r he have the procedure could have performed the gynaecologist, she s open. when the abdomen wa during the C-Section

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 25

...On wasteful spending of public funds by government officials The upsurge of corruption in Nigeria in recent times is alarming. It seems the menace has defied all treatment and the damages it has done to the national life cannot be quantified. The recent controversy trailing the purchasing of two bulltet proof cars worth $1.6million(N255m) for the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah by an agency under her watch at a time when the last air disaster just occurred is a case in point. Since purchasing the cars,Nigerians have continued to condemn the way and manner, those in government are frequently spending public funds without remorse.

Our team went to town to sample the opinions of entertainers on the issue.

A new trend that has to stay —Mary Lazarus, Actress

It has become a statuesque in Nigeria — Clems Ohamaeze

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ell, almost all political office holders are living the same kind of luxurious life style. It has become a statuesque. They should know that the money they are spending at random belongs to the general public. It is amazing how such a huge amount of money was spent just to buy a bullet proof car while many Nigerians are hungry. The government should address this problem because it’s a very big shame to the country. But with time, this issue will be swept under the carpet. Almost all our leaders today live the same kind of lifestyle.

I

think its a trend that has come to stay in the country. Nigerians believe in making proper use of any opportunity given to them to enrich themselves because they may never get it again. But like l always say “ A good name is better than silver and gold.” One question that should always ring bell in our minds is what we will be remembered for, when we have left the stage. Those in government today are well remunerated. One can’t understand why they indulge in corrupt parctices at the detriment of the poor masses.

We must learn to cut our coat according to our pocket, and not necessarily our size.

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t is the depth of corruption in this country that is playing out. Majority of our loeaders are so corrupt that they care less about the welfare of the citizenry. It can never happen in the land of our former colonial masters. If a member of the British parliament earns one pound more than his/ her salary, he/ she will be sacked. It is so bad.

It’s insensitivity—-Anta Laniyan

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t is a case of cheer insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians who are living in abject poverty. It is a very thing bad to have happened to this country.

I am not to judge them —Adokiya

The country needs a revolution — Amaka Obi, Actress

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am not to judge our leaders. But it is clear and disturbing that many Nigerians are suffering while our leaders are living large. I wept for the country when heard that over N255 million was

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e need a fresh start; a revolution.

Emerging leaders, leaders who won’t take orders from the old horses. We cannot continue to watch the ‘thieves’ occupying public offices in this country sqander our national wealth. I’m not against women going into government. But such lucky ones must not only disciplined, they must be watched closely. If you do your work excellently, there will be no need for suspicion.

It shows the height of corruption in the land —Buchi, Comedian

Misappropriating public funds is bad!

— Princess Chineke, Actress

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ur leaders who are living large by misappropriating public funds that are put in their trust is totally unacceptable to us, especially when the poor masses are languishing in abject poverty. But if they are spending their hard earned money to maintain their luxurious lifestyle then there is no problem.

used to purchase two bullet proof cars. But one thing is certain, and it’s the fact that the evil that people do, will always live with them. The good they do, comes back to them as well. We live in cages like birds and in holes like ants with too much security and fear of the unknown simply because, our leaders have lost focus and vision of our nationhood. Today, we know how the hunter has become the hunted.

I leave them to God Almighty.

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—27

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

I am not riding on my father’s name to get fame — — Oge, Ras Kimono’s daughter

By SAM ANOKAM

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ike her father, Oge Kimono, daughter of legendary reggae artiste, Ras Kimono is definitely on course to break new ground in desire to launch herself into the hall of fame.

As a rising reggae artiste, Oge is currently working towards reviving the dying reggae music in the country no matter what it will take her to achieve this dream.

Having honed her skills in Europe , young Oge is back in the country to a statement with her music.

In a recent chat with Showtime Celebrity, the rising female reggae star said, “I thought it was time for me to come back home, having garnered enough experience in the international scene. I decided to return to Nigeria to pay my dues like every other person. I don’t believe in jumping the line, I am not the kind of artiste that rides on my father’s name to get a break. I believe in working hard and I have been putting in all my efforts to make the difference.

Currently, I am not signed on to any label. Whatsoever I am doing now, I am doing it out of my own pocket. I am trying to see how I can revive reggae music in the country.”

Continuing, she said, “In as much as we do expect to get a return from our sweat, money is not the first thing I see when it comes to music. What I see is getting the message across to the people. Coming back home, I realized that reggae was on the lull. Young people like myself are not even ready to identify with the genre because they believed it is not profitable. So, they want to be on the fast lane and make quick money.

Fortunately, I also know a couple of youths who are into reggae music but do not have the platform and push for their music to be heard. That is what Oge Kimono has come to do. I have come to pave the way for those who have been silent for a long time, and of course, to bring reggae music back to where it was previously.

Indeed, Oge is the scion of Kimono, a reggae icon and surely, her influences would stem from her father ’s background. But how wrong was that assumption as she rightly pointed out; “It doesn’t really have to do with my father. Sincerely, growing up, I didn’t really like reggae music. I was more into hip hop, country music, jazz, R n B. I rather found reggae music boring and I didn’t understand Patua

because it was strange to me. I remember when other kids were celebrating their birthdays, they play my dads songs. I tell them, don’t play that on my birthday, I want to listen to hip hop songs and R n B. I actually started connecting to reggae music at the age of 15. I would take out time to listen to the lyrics and said to myself, this is really cool. It is talking about your immediate society and things happening around you. I connected with reggae music one on one and coming from a reggae background also boosted it all.”

Why I’m taking after my father Apart from her discovery, she also talked about other influences that made her delved into reggae music like her father.

“I listen to great reggae artistes like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and other Jamaican born reggae artistes. There is this lady called Queen Africa, she is also a very good reggae artiste. She is one woman who speaks and you feel this is exactly what I am talking about.

Listening to her music influenced me a lot. And of course, the likes of Lauren Hill, anytime I want to do a lovers’ rock tune, I listen to her music. “ Being optimistic, Kimono’s daughter currently managed by Michael Odiong of Premier Music believes that even though reggae is going into extinction in Nigeria, she is ready to pay the price of returning the genre to its lost glory. She explains how she intends to achieve this onerous task. “ I am privileged to be working with Michael Odiong he has had so much belief in the course I am pursuing and he has been giving me all the support that I need.

We are looking at doing big things togther.

Planning a mini-show with my father We are looking at getting a slot at the Felabration and want to put up a mini show with my father, Ras Kimono and try to give other reggae artistes that haven’t had the opportunity to come out in the limelight, an opportunity to perform. It basically going to be a reggae thing. Of course, we are also looking at getting slots at other big shows. It’s a lot of work that we have to do, and I am happy that I have somebody like Odiong backing me up because it can be very challenging to be a female artiste, and not just a female artiste, a reggae artistes. It is like trying to raise up the dead. Reggae music is dead. I have gone to places where I try to sing and they say, you sing well, but it’s reggae, it won’t sell and I tell them, I am not doing reggae for it to sell. I am doing music for people to hear the message. It’s going to take a while but this is something I have taken upon myself and I am ready to bear that load and carry the cross. I don’t think I am going to delve into another genre of music.

I would say my father is my biggest role model because he has stayed through to his dreams all these years. He didn’t try to deviate from what he believed in or delve to any other kind of music because of the material gains. I really admire and that is the legacy I am here to keep.”

Still working on her album, Oge has released a single titled, Drum and Base. The Patua speaking Kimono who is currently an undergraduate of Economics, University of Abuja and working assiduously in making a name for herself in Nigeria is currently working with a genius producer as well as considering collabos with other artistes.

“The guy that produced the ‘Drum and Base’ is a

*Oge Kimono

I don’t think I am going to delve into another genre of music. I would say my father is my biggest role model because he has stayed through to his dreams all these years. He didn’t try to deviate from what he believed in or delve to any other kind of music because of the material gains. I really admire and that is the legacy I am here to keep Nigerian producer called Jizo. I actually did it in Abuja and of course, I am looking at working with a couple of other producers. I have heard a couple of things done by the likes of Cobhams, I would like to work with somebody like that because sound matters a lot.

*Oge Kimono Kimono *Oge

Infusing dancehall with fuji music I definitely would want to bring in my father, if not in my song, probably remixing one of his songs. For the new genertaion of artistes, I admire somebody like Flavour because he is very original. Infusing reggae and highlife is something I would like to do in future because I like doing things that are different. I would like to do something with Omawumi because she is original as well and I have been going crazy with this

Between Nigerian and German music “First of all, what I think is missing in respect of Nigeria’s artistes is soul. I feel like they are not connecting well with the music itself. It’s another thing to sing, but you have to feel music to do music.

It’s not about making money now,but it’s about your music being evergreen. Also, when it comes to concert

organization and shows, it unfortunate that Nigeria has a high rate of manipulation so most things are being lobbied for. When I came back home ,I was quite disappointed at the shows I attended because the sound weren’t excellent. They have a big sound problem. This is not because we don’t have sound engineers but because we have people who have sat there and don’t want to give the younger people a chance to come and show what they have in stock.

They have been running this thing for over a decade and feel, it is their territory. So, they want to sit and die there. If we keep maintaining this ideology, things would never change. Well, it is also understandable that we are still developing when it comes to music.

There is no comparison at all, but there is enough room for growth.” or reggae fans who may want to know the kind of genre she has adopted and whether she would continue with social commentaries as her father has done in the past, the dreadlock carrying artiste replies you; “My kind of music, I do dancehall reggae, lovers rock and conscious music which is the roots reggae. I try to infuse different elements of music.

Sometimes, it would sound a bit puppish because I want to have that dancehall feel that is the party song to catch up with the underaged crowd, but of course, my conscious reggae is where I talk about things that are happening in the society that people are over looking which needs immediate attention and which those in power should try to sort out. And of course, my lovers’ rock is basically dedicated to the lovers.

There are sometimes you want to tell a man something that you really don’t know how to express it. This is where lovers’ rock come in.

Definitely, I actually recorded a song called Injustice and I went all out there to propagate the message.

Sometimes, I go below the belt, we are the people and the ones to speak, its democracy. I would speak my mind and speak for the people. And that’s basically what Oge Kimono is allabout.”

However, if you think her father is behind her financially, then you need to rethink. Oge reveals, “the man does the little that he can. I am a very independent person. In as much as he wants to do more, I try not to let him do it because I am an adult.”

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—29

girl called ‘Omo Ibadan’. She has the kind of energy that I have, the dancehall energy. I am also looking to merging dancehall with fuji music. I don’t know how its going to work out, I cannot even picture how its going to sound. But I know it’s something that I want to do; something different.”

Having lived in Germany for eight years, the rising reggae star expressed her love for the Jamaican language as well as how she was appreciated because of her music performances in Europe .

“My father speaks Patua, so we speak Patua in our house and having lived in Germany for about eight years, most of my friends were Jamaicans. So, we speak Patua all the way.

I started music official at the age of 18, singing with my father ’s band. After which I travelled to Germany where I worked with the likes of Two Clan, Nigerian born two brothers based in Germany , Ade Bantu, Ova Banta, who happened to one of the biggest reggae artistes in Germany . I played a couple of concert in Europe as well, mostly in the Reggae Festivals like the Summer Jam, Reggae, Jam. I did a couple of shows in Switzerland with Ade Bantu, did others in Austria with Rocky Dahoney, a USA based Ghanaian. I have been around in the music industry though not back home. ” However, talking about her love life, this pretty, fair complexioned ‘Tomboy’ said,“For now, my music comes first, the man can wait. Of course, I love men, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t swing that way.”

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

10

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

08023542350

1. Eden Hazard – Chelsea – £185k

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urprisingly, no player in the Premier League is paid more than Chelsea’s young Belgian flyer. Hazard arrived for a mammoth £32m fee in 2012, and despite being only 22-years-old, has shown everyone why he is rated as one of the best players in European football already. Last term he bagged 13 goals, and registered a fantastic 20 assists in all competitions, and has already been involved in six this year. He’s undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s truly world-class operators.

Highest paid premier league players

2. Robin Van Persie – Manchester United – £180k

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•Hazard he consecutive Golden Boot winner is already known he’s still arguably as one of the packet. Torres scored 34 City’s most Premier goals in 132 matches. important player.

League’s But this season the Earlier in the greatest ever Spaniard is showing season Toure strikers. With signs of his former self. produced his finest his penchant display in a City for shirt against archwondergoals, 7. John Terry – Chelsea rivals Manchester and his kraken – £175k United, completely of a left boot, he former England dominating £27m RVP has skipper is the Marouane Fellaini earned his most successful captain in midfield. reputation as in the Blues history, •Yaya the best forward •RVP winning a host of in the country. trophies and regularly 5. Mesut Ozil – In fact, his putting in heroic performances from Arsenal – £180k move to Old Trafford from the centre-back. Jose rsenal smashed their wage Emirates in 2012 is seen by many as Mourinho has structure and the key reason Sir Alex Ferguson brought Terry their transfer managed to wrestle the title back back into the record to bring the from rivals City last season. starting world-class lineup after 3. Wayne German playlosing his Rooney – maker to the place to Gary Manchester Emirates from Real Cahill, and United – Madrid over the the no£180k summer. It is fair to nonsense say he has not he centre-half ’s disappointed. highest partnership Ozil’s wonderful paid •Terry with David creative ability has Englishman •Ozil Luiz looks as totally on the list, good as reinvigorated the Wayne anything in the country right Gunners, who top Rooney has now. both their Champions League group slowly •Rooney and the Premier League table. The started to 8. David Silva – 25-year-old is already looking like find the form Manchester City one of Arsene Wenger’s best ever again at Old Trafford that earned – £160k signings. him a £180k per week contract. He’s scored three goals direct from he freekicks already this term, and is 6. Fernando starting to reform the partnership Spanish Torres – Chelsea – with Robin Van Persie that strikes play£175k fear into most Premier League maker he Spaniard is defences. Rooney’s bagged 202 was still the times in 411 appearances for United, probably •David Silva Premier League’s and could eventually become their the best most expensive highest ever goalscorer. player in player, having the joined Stamford country when City won the Bridge in 2011 for 4. Yaya Toure – Manchester City – league title back in 2011/ •Torres a crazy £50m fee £180k 12, and won games almost from Liverpool, single-handedly with his he giant Ivorian is the central where he established himself as one brilliant intricate passing and hub of City’s midfield, and of the world’s best strikers. Ever unrivalled vision. Last season Silva drives the team forward as well as since though, the striker has failed struggled with injuries, but this year providing an immense physical to live up to his fee, and has by no looks to have reignited his attacking defensive option. At 30-years-old, means earned his astronomical wage

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relationship with Sergio Aguero.

9. Samir Nasri – Manchester City – £140k

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asri is the first, but certainly not the last Manchester City player on this list! The talented Frenchman earned a massive move to the Etihad back in 2011 following a 15 goal season with Arsenal. and helped City win a maiden Premier League title in his first season. Has been criticised at times for drifting in and out of games, but •Samir Nasri is undeniably a force to be reckoned with when at his mercurial best.

10. Frank Lampard – Chelsea – £140k

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he legendary midfielder has no doubt earned his monstrous wage packet throughout his Chelsea career, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and multiple domestic cups. At 35yearsold, Lampard isn’t getting any younger, but is still expected to play a vital role for Jose Mourinho’s new look side this •Lampard season.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 —31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

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FOOTBALL F O O T B A L FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

Balotelli may sign for Chelsea in January, claims agent

mund defensive midfield player Ilkay Gundogan at the end of this current season.

The Germany international has seemingly been attracting the attentions of a whole host of big-name clubs of late, especially from the Premier League, with both Arsenal and top-flight champions Manchester United said to be desperately keen on signing Gundogan next summer.

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C Milan striker Mario Balotelli could be about to be reunited with his former head coach Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge when the winter transfer window opens again in the new year, according to his Italian agent .

Balotelli and the self-styled ‘Special One’ worked together at Inter Milan for two years between 2008 and 2010.

Arsenal eyes £6m Winston Reid

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rsenal are pon dering making a bid for highly rated West Ham United dee fnderWn iston R e i d w h e n the winter transfer window finally opens again for business in the new year.

Monaco consider £34m for Walcott

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rench

giants Monaco are considering a •40million (£34m) January swoop for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The England international has been sidelined with an abdominal strain and has not played since the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Marseille in September..

inho.

Real Madrid prepare £30m bid for Cech

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eal Madrid could be set to make a sensational £30m bid to Chelsea for their long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech, as they look set to offload their unsettled star Iker Casillas this January. The Spanish shot-stopper has long been unhappy at the club after being dropped by previous manager Jose Mour-

Chelsea to offer Alonso 3 year contract

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helsea are ready to offer Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso a three year deal in order to tempt the Spanish international into a Premier League return .The 31 year old is out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.

Liverpool plan move for ‘New Messi’

Gomis hints at Lyon exit

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iverpool are reportedly pushing on with efforts to land highly rated Argentine Juan Iturbe .Brendan Rodgers may well be keen on strengthening his attack despite Liverpool’s excellent start to the season and will no doubt have been impressed by Iturbe’s displays since moving to newly promoted Serie A side Verona. rto on a season-long deal.

Barcelona join race for Gundogan

La Liga champions FC Barcelona are set to join the race for in-demand Borussia Dort-

lympique Lyonnais striker Bafetimbi Gomis has hinted he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.The France international appeared set to end his four-year stint with the club in the summer, but a proposed move to Premier League side Newcastle United fell through.

Anfield best place for Suarez, Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is adamant Anfield is the best place for Luis Suarez.

Arteta disappointed Suarez didn't join Arsenal

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ikel Arteta has revealed his disappointment that Arsenal failed to land transfer target Luis Suarez in the summer. Arsenal launched several bids in an attempt to bring the Uruguayan to the Emirates, peaking at the infamous £40m plus £1 bid that inspired Liverpool owner John W Henry.

Today ’s opponents Arsenal failed with a massive £40,000,001 offer for Suarez in the summer.

Amartey interested in Premier League move

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iverpool target Daniel Amartey has refused to rule out a possible move to the Premier League.

The 18-year-old Ghanaian plies his trade for Swedish side Djurgardens and has attracted the interest of several teams in Europe. When asked about a potential move to England, he said: “I’ve always dream’t of playing in the same league as my hero Michael Essien.”

Chelsea fans excited about Traore Chelsea fans are thrilled with the addition of Bertrand Traore to Jose Mourinho’s squad. The Stamford Bridge club have confirmed the 18-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half year professional contract, ending a two-year wait to tie the talented midfielder down.

Bayern open Alaba contract talks

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avid Alaba has revealed that he is in talks with Bayern Munich over a contract extension, but has stressed that they have yet to reach an agreement. The left-back's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2015 and a number of European giants are closely monitoring the 21year-old's situation.

Moyes leaves Lewandowski to Chelsea Manchester United boss D a v i d Moyes has told club chiefs to end their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

United have been tracking him for 18 months and had an £18m bid rejected when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

But Moyes has told United bosses he doesn’t want another out-and-out striker.

City eye Forster as ‘ Hart replacement’ Manchester City are eyeing Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster as doubts continue to grow over Joe Hart’s future.City boss Manuel Pellegrini was already toying with the idea of buying another shot-stopper in the new year, but that has been boosted with Hart’s recent run of costly errors.

Arsenal to bid for Niang Arsenal are reportedly ready to make an offer for AC M i l a n youngster M ’ B a y e Niang. The 18-year-old has been unable to make an impact at the Rossoneri and reports are linking him with a move away from the club, with the Gunners seemingly the favourites to land him.

Mourinho to reject • 41m bid for Mata

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helsea manager Jose Mourinho will turn down any bids for Paris St Germain transfer target Juan Mata. The report claims Mourinho is adamant Mata will stay at the club, following speculation PSG could be set to launch a •41m bid for the Spaniard in the January transfer window.But the Chelsea boss is not willing to consider any offers.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

BY IYABO AINA

Ultra-famous celebrities homes currently on the market Y

ou can own a piece of a-list real estate as long as you’re able to pay the price. As celebrity’s homes are on the market all the time, with plenty to choose from, and compared to recent billionaire homes, which can also be surprisingly affordable. Some are still plenty expensive. Here is a look at some of the homes of the ultra-famous celebrities currently on the market .

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Elizabe th TTa aylor Elizabeth

lizabeth Taylor became famous for her string of failed marriages as her amazing track record in film, and later became a noted philanthropist and charity superstar. Her longtime Bel Air residence is on the market for the first time since she bought it in 1981.

The 1.3 acre lot overlooks Los Angeles , and has its own guard house fronting the driveway. The home is 7,000-square feet and has numerous suites and an open floor plan, along with a lovely pool of iridescent mosaic tile, with adjoining sauna and shower facilities.

Grounds have extensive formal flowerbeds, a bamboo jungle, rose gardens and walking paths, plus a koi pond and greenhouse for cultivating orchids. And the home is tagged for $8,600,000.

Christina Aguilera

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merican rapper, entrepreneur, investor, and actor. Who rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre has been trying to shed his 48,515-square foot Farmington, Conn. mansion since 2007. Initially priced at $18.5 million, it’s been discounted to $10 million. The hulking Hartford-area home occupies nearly 18 acres and boasts 19 bedrooms, 25 full baths, multiple kitchens, a racquet ball court, indoor and outdoor pools, a shooting range and a 3,500-square-foot night club with lighted dance floor.

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er tween days as a member of the Mickey Mouse Club led to her pop stardom days, where she went from a cute, blonde singer to the dirty Xtina. She cleaned up her act after a few years, but when her marriage to Jordan Bratmen ended, the singer went a little wild and was even arrested for a DUI. Songstress Christina Aguilera is asking $13.5 million for her Beverly Hills abode. Sitting behind private gates on Doheny Road, the pink-hued 10,000-square-foot manse has six bedrooms, nine baths, a gym, a beauty salon, a gift-wrapping area and a pool with water slide in the backyard. The guesthouse, perhaps not surprisingly, has a recording studio.

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Rapper 50

Billy Joel

John Madden

illy Joel is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Since releasing his first hit song, “Piano Man,” in 1973, Joel has become the sixth-best-selling recording artist . And has decided to sell his beach house , which price tag has been reduced at least twice, from a high of $22,500,000 to the current $16,750,000. The legendary rocker immortalized his hometown while cranking out hit song after hit song and famously marrying and divorcing Supermodel Christie Brinkley. His four bedroom “beach house” is more like a mansion in Long Island’s Sagaponack, and has double provenance . It spills onto a sandy beach and has 145 feet of oceanfront, which can be viewed from twin terraces on the upper floor. Recently renovated by an interior designer, the house is turn-key ready with gourmet kitchen and twin master bedroom suites.

Katherine Hepburn

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nown for her headstrong independence and spirited personality, Hepburn was a leading lady in Hollywood for more than 60 years. In her six-decade career, the Katherine Hepburn amassed more Best Actress Oscars than anyone else, ever.

Her home in Old Saybrook, CT, on the shores of Long Island Sound, has been in the Hepburn family since 1913 and can be bought for a cool $28,000,000.

It was rebuilt in 1939 after a hurricane destroyed it, and the star lived there until her death at 96 in 2003. The 8,400-square foot six bedroom home has a private dock and beach, as well as a pond, is very private, features large grand spaces, huge porches, sweeping views and a wonderful gourmet kitchen. It occupies 3 lots spanning 3.5 acres with nearly 700 feet of waterfront.

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ohn Madden is a former NFL Raiders coach and Fox broadcaster. He has won 13 Emmy awards for outstanding sports personality/analyst. John Madden’s classic NYC apartment for $4,395,000. His exceptionally spacious two bedroom Manhattan apartment has added celebrity cache from being located in the classic Dakota . The venue has its own interior courtyard with private entrance, full-time doorman, and even a throwback elevator operator. The classic apartment has high ceilings, elaborate original molding, fireplaces, and loads of built in bookshelves and cabinets.

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ising from grass to grace I’m Pastor Chris Ndidi Ekeh. I hail from NgorOkpala, in Imo State. I was born in Lagos but grew up in Enugu. My father was a cook . He used to cook for the whitemen while we were living in Lagos. We later moved to Enugu where I had my early education. While growing up in Enugu, I joined the Scripture Union as well as the Evangelical Fellowship arm of the Anglican Communion. To God be the glory, Enugu was a good place for me to discover myself as a child. Honestly, I was not born into a rich home. While in Enugu, my father became a cook at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Being uneducated, he did not place much value on education. My siblings and I were left to face the challenges of life. As a child, I found myself struggling to acquire basic education. Due to my love for education, I was able to see myself through my primary education. I had to push wheelbarrow in Enugu main market popularly known as Ogbaete in order to pay my school fees. While I was in school, I was very close to God. At 16, I gave my life to Christ under the Scripture Union. The then Principal of the school, Uguwuaji Secondary School, saw me the first time and was fascinated at my composure. He told my mother who accompanied me to the school that, “This is the kind of child I would want to admit into my school.” I later became the founder of

Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—33 the Christian Fellowship in that school. That was where my ministry started. I was ministering to my fellow students as well as my teachers.

Interestingly, while I was doing the work of God in school, my fellow students were compassionate enough to save their ‘lunch money’ in order to pay my school fees.

Believing in personal development I believe in personal development. While I was pushing wheel barrow, I was determined to make it in life.

I would sit at a corner, imaging myself interacting with the high and the mighty in the society. I didn’t know I would reach where I am today. As a result, I’m never ashamed to talk about the road I have travelled in life.

There are some people who believe that Rome was built in a day. This is my 23 years as a servant of God. The call of God At a very tender age, I loved the things of the Lord.

At 8 years, I had started following my mother to the House of God. Then, I didn’t know what it really meant to

— Chris Ekeh BENJAMIN NJOKU

P astor Chris Ekeh is the founder and General Overseer of the Word and Spirit Assembly, Satellite town, Lagos. He is one servant of God whose story runs like a novel. Born into an average family, Ekeh retells the story of his rise from grass to grace. His belief in personal development, struggles and resolve to live out his dreams are key ingredients that set the tone for the success he has recorded so far in life. work for God. But in 1991, when I gave my life to Christ, I discovered that the call of God was upon my life. I was deriving joy in doing the work of God; preaching, praying and winning souls for Christ.Confirming that the call of God was upon my life, while I was staying with my uncle in Ilorin, Kwara State, a crippled man saw me along the road, and told me that the call of God was upon my life. Equally, a mad man saw me few days later and shouted “ I see God in you, don’t come close to me...”That was when it was clear to me that something was missing in my life.

Following this development, I returned to Enugu after spending two years in Ilorin.

While in Enugu, I was preaching one day when God used a strange woman who was touched by my preaching to open the way for me to attend the Victory International Bible School, in Enugu. After my graduation in 1997, I relocated to Lagos in 1999, in search of fulfillment of God’s purpose for my life.

Pastor Chris

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My rise from grass to grace

Coming to Lagos While in Lagos, I was stranded because I was coming to stay

with my uncle. Unfortunately, I was given a misleading address. So, when I arrived Mazamaza area of Lagos, I heard some people speaking my local dialect, and I approached them. Later, they took me to the Victory Christian Church. I stayed at the church for some time before I returned to Enugu.

Fortunately, I prayed for somebody in Enugu, who later decided to bring me to Lagos again. I stayed around Apapa area before God gave me the vision to set up this ministry. In my church, we believe in the transformation of life. When you step into my Ministry, you can’t remain the same again.

Challenges of setting up a church I was confronted with the challenges of not being able

Interestingly, while I was doing the work of God in school, my fellow students were compassionate enough to save their ‘lunch money’ to pay my school fees. to express what I feel inside of me - the revelation I was having then. I faced the challenges of expressing it. I also faced the challenge of people not being able to understand me. I had a desire to measure with people but I couldn’t for certain reasons. Life itself gave me some serious training. For you to succeed in life, you must be humble and teachable. I learnt a lot from people around me. I don’t criticise people, I try to encourage them. I read a lot beacuse knowledge is power.

What life has taught me

Life has taught me that hardwork coupled with commitment and being faithful to God would always help you to realise your dreams in life. Commitment, sincerity and humility are the key to success in life. In my ministry, people have this perception that it is a reality church. I will tell you nothing but the truth. We neither worship money nor personality. When you are doing the work of God, there are people who will be out to encourage you as well as those who would want to discourage you. But the decision to stand out in life is totally yours.

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

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What to do to avoid cholera infection L

IKE a bolt out of the blues, the Lagos State Govern ment, during the week issued an alert about an outbreak of cholera in the State. Even before the announcement, fatalities had been recorded out of at least a dozen reported cases.

Earlier in the week, a similar outbreak in the Northern part of the country had elicited concern.

In Nigeria, cholera is endemic and outbreaks are not unusual.

Although reports of epidemics have not been consistent, the disease is very dynamic. The emergence of cholera in Nigeria was evident in 1970 and in 1991.

During the last two decades, three major epidemics have occurred in Ibadan that was attributed to contaminated potable water sources.

Street vended water and not washing of hands with soap before eating food were possible reasons for the 1995-1996 cholera outbreaks in Kano state. The 2010 outbreak of cholera was speculated to be directly related with breaches in sanitation and water supply.

What it is Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a universal threat to public health and a key indicator of lack of social development.

An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur

fore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk for becoming ill. In the Lagos outbreak, suspected cases were allegedly contracted from food sources such as the African food salad popularly called ‘Abasha’, contaminated wellwater sources, infected foods from food sellers, and other unhygienic habits. Usually, the source of the contamination is other cholera patients when their untreated diarrhoea discharge is allowed to get into water supplies.

Symptoms According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 20 infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock.

Without treatment, death can occur within hours. It can take anywhere from a few hours to five days for symptoms to appear after infection. Symptoms typically appear in 2-3 days.

Characteristics of Vibrio cholera

Cholera exists as a seasonal disease, occurring mostly during rainy seasons

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each year around the world. In a cholera endemic area, outbreaks usually occur as a result of bad or absent sanitation and/or sewage services.

How does it infect people?

Why do people come down with cholera? It is usually as a result of poor hygiene. People acquire the infection by consuming contaminated water, seafood, or other foods. Once infected, they excrete the bacteria in stool. Thus, the infection can spread rapidly, particularly in areas where human waste is untreated. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; there-

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About 75 percent of people infected with V. cholera do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 7-14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

Among people who develop symptoms, 80 percent have mild or moderate symptoms, while around 20 percent develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. In severe infections, more than one quart of water and salts is lost per hour. The stool looks gray and has flecks of mucus in it— termed “ rice water stools”.

•Drink safe clean water always Within hours, dehydration can become severe, causing intense thirst, muscle cramps, and weakness. Very little urine is produced and the eyes may become sunken, and the skin on the fingers may become much wrinkled. If dehydration is not treated, loss of water and salts can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma, and death. In people who survive, symptoms usually subside in three to six days. Most people are free of the bacteria in two weeks. The bacteria remain in a few people indefinitely without causing symptoms.

Who is most affected Cholera infection rate, sex and age distribution and seasonality are not constant. Children are often the most affected among all age groups. Cholera exists as a seasonal disease, occurring mostly during rainy seasons. Rainfall is a driver of the seasonal cycle of cholera through its waterborne transmission, its dosedependent nature of infection, and the decline of cases during the rainy season.

Risk factors Lack of safe water and poor sanitation are important risk factors. For a cholera outbreak to occur, two conditions have to be met—there must be significant breaches in the water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure used by groups of people, permitting large-scale exposure to food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholera organisms; and cholera must be present in the population. The principal mode of transmission is ingestion of contaminated water or food. If you think you may have cholera, seek

•Avoid contamination of water medical attention immediately.

Dehydration can be rapid so fluid replacement is essential.

Complications Infection with cholera can result in a range of responses, from severe and life threatening diarrhoea to mild or unapparent infections. Sanitation and nutrition are particularly important factors and it has become clear that good sanitation and hygienic practices largely prevent the disease. Vibrio cholera infection is known to be more severe in individuals suffering from malnutrition.

vere cases. However, Vibrio cholera strains from endemic and outbreaks situation within the last decade revealed What you should do to avoid cholera infectioninteresting patterns of antibiotic resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents. Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea. Antibiotics shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness, but they are not as important as receiving rehydration.

Diagnosis To test for cholera, doctors must take a stool sample or a rectal swab and send it to a laboratory to look for the cholera bacterium. Treatment & management The mainstay of the case management of cholera is treatment of dehydration using Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORS) or IV fluids (Ringer lactate) and electrolytes. In cholera management, antibiotic prophylaxis is usually not part of intervention but essential for disease treatment in se-

How to avoid infection There is a clear link to poverty, dirty environment, and lack of social amenities including provision of good water sources. These factors definitely impart much on the frequency and severity of the disease as well as its epidemic potential. The risk for cholera is very low when simple precautions are observed and contracting the disease is unlikely.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—35

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yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

hen it comes to shedding those extra kilos, only exercise won’t do. You also need to follow a balanced and healthy diet with due consideration to what your weight management goals. To help achieve this without so much ado is Mrs. Eniola Karunwi franchise owner of the Cambridge Weight Plan, Nigeria.

Cambridge Weight Plan is all about losing weight in a healthy manner, for them, it is not only about weight loss but it is also about health and improving your health. A beneficiary of the Cambridge Weight Plan herself, Mrs Karunwi who went through the ordeal of trying to loose weight for a very long time before discovering Cambridge, tells her story and reveals how the weight plan works. The University of Lagos Computer Science graduate also talks about her all new amazing fashion and style.

What is Cambridge Weight Plan Nigeria all about?

The Cambridge Weight diet actually originated from the UK, the name came about because that is where it was developed. A medical scientist who used to work for the University of Cambridge developed it about 30 years ago and it has evolved to be what it is now, hence the name Cambridge Weight Plan. It is actually a UK based product and so the Cambridge Weight Plan Nigeria is like a branch of the parent body in the UK and soon we would be name Cambridge Weight Plan, West Africa because we are branching to other parts of West Africa as well. We are establishing our presence in Ghana next year to start with.

How does the Cambridge weight plan work?

The Cambridge Weight Plan is all about losing weight in a healthy manner, here it is not only about weight loss but it is also about health and improving your health. The Cambridge Weight Plan is a very simple and effective way of dieting; it is basically a low calorie diet, which is nutritionally sound. The average

When you are overweight you lose your sense of style — Eniola Karunwi

woman eats 3000 calories a day while the average man eats about 4000 in a day. While you are on the step one of the Cambridge Diet, all you are eating is about 400 to 600 calories a day, heavily fortified with nutrient so that you are not losing out in anything. In effect, the Cambridge Weight Plan is a series of well planned steps that help you to lose weight, manage and also to sustain your weight. So there are different variations of the plan with different steps. We have the step one, where all you do is to stick to the Cambridge Weight Plan meals; you drink a lot of water and you are not allowed anything else. That is a very fast method of losing weight. There are no sinister side effects with the Cambridge diet; it is not like one of these diets where you take drugs, pills or portions that make you to go to the toilet. It is actually food in a very well balanced proportion of all the food groups.

At what point do you know you are overweight?

Your body will tell you that you are overweight; not necessarily when you look fat because it not every over weight person that looks fat. You would start feeling ill and you are tired all the time. It could be that you just need to drop five kilograms and losing 5kg makes a big difference in your system; it has a lot of health implications. We have people that suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes and all the doctor tells them is to lose weight no matter how small

Runway Abuja to hold Nov 8-9

ll is no w set for the mo st gla mo rou s fas hio A Abuja; Runway Abuja 2013. n Ap tly tagged “Runway 4”, the show sho w fourth in the ser wh

in ich is the ies is scheduled to hold Novem ber 8-9, 2013, at the Congress of The Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Hall year is the expansion of the shoAbuja. One of the major changes to the show this w to a 2 day format, which means more des and more entertainment. “It igners and allow more designers useis very important that we can bring more to the show our we ll est abl ished platform to reach new ma and grow their businesses” Og rkets also need to bring the best val wa Iweze, Head of Sponsorship commented. “We ue to our gue sts, and this year, we’re certainly things up a notch!” taking Also new to this year’s show, are a num ber of headline designers; Mai Iconic Invanity, Taibo Bacar and Atafo, feature side by side with up and the timeless Lanre Da Silva. Their collections will com ing des ign ers. Returning designers at Run 4 include Dzyn, Baldon, Res way urr time appearance at Runway Abuection, E4MA, Add Ons and Yutees. Making first ja inc lud e Am ah African Stitches, Belois Co Falke By Aisha, Debbie Africa uture, Prodigy, Rabesque, Tiva Bes n Stitches, Huddaya Couture, La Bellisma, Odeva, pok e, Sid i Bes poke, 1979, Siobhan Fashio and Zarita Couture. “We’re wo n Stalls the life” says Owuno “Mo DIn rking on an incredible set to really bring the show i” Og beh , He ad of PR & Media. “We’ve learnt much of a difference the atm how osp With the success of the previo here makes to the show, and we are all set for it.” us sho ws, Run way Abuja has been endorsed official Fascinating Nigeria as an also feature a number of addevent. In addition to the main show, Runway 4 will on eve nts .

On e of which was Business Xpress Session held during the week, where selectethe Runway Diamond industry shed light on the rea d guests in the fashion funding, marketing, person l business of fashion. Talks covered starting up, nel ma nagement and more. This eve supported by Diamond Ban nt is proudly k. event, which will give exclus There will also be a preparty, much closer to the ive gue sts a chance to mingle with the models.Runway Abuja, is an designers and small and medium sized fas annual show which started in 2010 as a platform for hio n businesses to partake in a wo show. rld class fashion

it is. You don’t necessarily need to go to the gym to lose weight. You can just develop the habit of walking, running around your house, cycling, swimming and being a bit more active.

So how did you discover the Cambridge weight plan?

I needed to lose weight. I have three children and my first daughter is 16, my second is six and my third is four. So I had a 10-year gap due to infertility and it was tough. My last resort was to lose weight. I had tried different diets but nothing was just working for me. I lived in England then, I moved back to Nigeria four years ago. Most of the diets I took then had to do with either I drank something or I had to go to the gym to workout for hours but I just found that they were failing and then I found the Cambridge diet, which was excellent. It did not involve anything; it was a lazy person’s diet. All I had to do was take my powder, pure it in a cup, shake it and drink. When I was told that was all I had to do, I was skeptical about it and then I got into it, did it first and second week, and the result was amazing. I lost about 50kg and it was a complete transformation for me. I was a different person entirely; I became more confident, more outgoing and happier. And then within moths of losing my weight, I got pregnant, that was the icing on the cake. I had my daughter and within another two years, I got pregnant again and had my son. For me, the Cambridge diet was a like an answerer to a lot of questions. It did marvelous things.

After completing a weight plan programme, what happens afterwards?

That is where the maintenance process comes in. Weight maintenance is a lifetime exercise. You cannot lose 20kg and think that is the end of your problem. It is not. You have lost a weight, then you have to work to maintain it and that is where Cambridge Weight Plan (CWP) comes in. CWP is one of the fastest and most effective diets that are around with no side effects. You just keep eating the food we give you and you would see a substantial lost while you lose between 7-10kg every month. After which you go back to eating your regular food but you would have to change your eating habit and lifestyle in the sense that you introduce exercise to your daily routine. You cannot maintain weight without exercising and even for health reasons you have to exercise as well You have had the experience of being overweight in the past. How would you compare life then and now?

I weighed 125kg but I have a lovely husband who just took me for what I was then. He didn’t actually say I was beautiful but he would only tell me you are not fat but friends kept telling

me that I was too fat. I wasn’t exactly unhappy but I am the same person I was then. Now I weigh 80 and I am more confident. It keeps fluctuating; I went down to 75kg and then came back to 80. Now my husband thinks I am stunning. We never used to go out together but now we go out everywhere together and do a lot of things together and there is a big difference and I am a happier person, I do a lot of things with my kids and they are happy showing me off to their friends.

So what is your eating habit like now?

I eat my vegetables efo, but without oil, I just add all the condiments but no oil. I don’t eat rice, I would rather eat yam. If I have to eat bread it has to be brown bread, if I have to eat eba, I would eat it with efo and not okra, because with okro you will eat more eba but with efo you will eat less eba and more efo, which is actually better for your health. I eat a lot of beans, moi moi and drink lots of water. I eat fruits but everything in moderation.

And I exercise.

And how does your new look affect your dress sense?

Very positively I must say. I love to dress up now, I wear anything I want, and these days I wear mostly jeans with my Ankara top or shirts. I am truly enjoying my new look and I love to look at the mirror and just enjoy being who I am now.

What would you advise people on the issue of weight lose?

Not everybody has to diet, you can still lose weight by just making simple changes to your lifestyle like exercise and healthy eating are very important and watching your portion. You don’t have to finish the food in the plate.

And then eat less at night but eat very good food. Starving does not make people lose weight rather a lot of people have weight issues because they would go through periods of not eating and then eventually when you find the food, you would eat everything at your sight. So eating small portions regularly helps you to maintain your weight added to simple exercises like walking, skipping, playing football with the kids in the park, dancing to music in your house and if you can afford it, buy a bicycle and cycle around your area.

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Nollywood @ 20:

The way forward!

A

Susan Peters and Empress

Ibinabo, Genevieve Nnaji and R i t a Dominic

s celebrities from all walks of life, politicians, government officials, diplomats and captains of industry gather today at the magnificent Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, to flag off the celebration of Nollywood at 20 with a grand opening event tagged “Nollywood Celebrity Glam Night”, one thing that is bound to make the difference in the minds of the people is using the event to chart a new direction for the industry.

Over the years, Nollywood as a growing industry is currently acknowledged by many as a veritable alternative to oil in the country has been trailed with a lot of unprecedented challenges; ranging from lack of funding to absence of a formal regulated structure, piracy, internal crisis, retraining and inadequate distribution network among other factors.

However, despite these challenges, the industry in the past 20 years has positioned itself as the most viable information dissemination and image-making tool in Nigeria and Africa at large. It has also transformed into a veritable vehicle for social change, providing jobs for over 300, 000 Nigerians, in all spheres of the production and distribution process.

Given these a p p l i c a b l e achievements, the yearning for government support for the industry finally received a nod three years ago, when President Goodluck Jonathan announced a loan scheme of $200 million (N32 billion) for the entertainment industry which was later plagued by complaints of

inaccessibility. This was also followed by the recently announced N3 billion grant to support the movie industry.

Announcing the grant at a presidential dinner to celebrate the industry at 20, held at State House, Marina, Lagos, in March, President Jonathan had pledged that “his administration would continue to give Nollywood every possible support and assistance to take the Nigerian movie industry to even greater heights of success.”

Mr. President, however, believed that the industry can further be developed with the support of the private sector and corporate

If Nollywood must embrace the next level, after the celebration, the practitioners have a duty to move away from producing pornographic films to telling the Nigerian story.

Nigerians. In the same manner, it is believed that with the government investing in the industry at last, the operators at different levels should embrace the need to live up to their billing. The era of churning out substandard and obscene movies which has become the order of the day, should begin to give way for quality production.

Indeed, one is advocating the return of the days of “Living in Bondage’, ‘Nneka, The Pretty Serpent”, “Deadly Affairs”, “Circle of Doom”, ‘Tears of Love” and “Betrayal”, the early films of the

90s, which were seen as embodiments of moral qualities and lessons of life. These films, which gave birth to what is today known as Nollywood impacted positively on every facets of our lifestyle as a people and were watched across the ethnic groups. They were produced, during the booming era of the insatiable lust for money, needs for cultural re-orientation and eventually, achieved the desired result of dousing the mad urge associated with acquiring wealth through means of blood sacrifice and occultism by Nigerians in the early 90s.

With the passage of time, this purposeful standard raised by the early movies, started disappearing and what seemed to be the bargain of lovers of Nigerian movies in the early 2000, was a quick replacement of an unethical display of nudity, violence, prostitution and overadvertised and unrealistic ritual practices. But today, the practice has taken a new twist as the people are daily confronted with scenes of nudity either on the screen or on the internet- You tube.

While one acknowledges as well, the remarkable impact Nollywood has made on the international scene over the years by becoming regular traffic in Europe, America, Asia and other foreign markets, as world’s second largest film industry, the fact still remains that the practitioners are currently diverting from the storytelling concept of the industry. The production of pornographic movies seem to be taking a toll on the industry in recent times.

Despite efforts by some notable producers to raise the standard, in terms of producing quality films, some backward film makers, driven by the passion to make quick profits, have continued to produce films with lewd scenes, which are often sold in the open market.

From all indications, if Nollywood must embrace the next level, after the celebration, the practitioners have a duty to move away from producing pornographic films to telling the Nigerian stor y. The global attention that the industry has brought to the nation must not be soiled by the bizarre actions of some agents of darkness.

There is no doubt that the industry is facing immense prospects and commercial opportunities provided by the digital revolution. But these prospects can only be actualised where there is a unity of purpose, focus, and an enable enviornment that is devoid of internal crisis. Nollywood needs to re-assess itself, perhaps, strive to put its house in order before it can set out to dream of building a castle in the air.

Today, as the practitioners wine, dine and unwind, engaging in no-holds-barred conversations about yesterday, today, and tomorrow, the chorus must be “united we stand and divided, we fall.”

As rightly pointed out by Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor, the president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), today’s event seeks to build on the gamechanging contributions of key stakeholders to the meteoric rise of Nollywood.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 37

s r e t e k r a Movie m threaten to rcy e M t s i l k c a l b Johnson

T

here is an underground plans by the movie marketers under the aegis of Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, FVPMAN, to blacklist Mercy Johnson Okojie,, in what they call, “ Withdrawing of service from her.”

A highly placed source who disclosed this latest move against the Actress to HVP, said, the association decided to take this action, following the ‘unbecoming attitude of the actress as it affects her work.”

According to our source, members of the association met last Monday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, to fine-tune plans to blacklist the actress who recently returned to Nollywood after months of being away in the United States, where she gave birth to her first

child.

Shedding more light on the reason for blacklisting the Actress, our source disclosed that the marketers accused Mercy Johnson of forming the habit of disappearing

Rita Dominic, Lynn Whitfield named AFRIFF ambassadors

N

ollywood diva, Rita Dominic and Hollywood Actress, Lynn Whitfield have been announced as the Goodwill ambassadors for the Africa

International Film Festival, AFRIFF, holding in Tinapa, Calabar between the 10th and 16th of November.

Announcing the appointment during the week, the Executive Director and Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude said, “Rita Dominic is a consummate actress and indeed an African screen icon,

having won several awards and nominations throughout her career, most recently she became Africa’s Best Actress by winning The 2012 Africa Movies Academy Award (AMAA) for her role in the Kenyan film Shattered. She also has won The Nollywood Movies Award, The Nigeria Entertainment Award and City People’s Face of Nollywood Award. With over one hundred films to her credit, she has played a pivotal role in showcasing Nigerian cinema popularly known as Nollywood.”

while on location after she has been paid for the job. She was also accused of given them difficult conditions.

However, the source further hinted that the marketers have vowed to sanction any member who disregard the decision to blacklist the actress.

He also revealed that the leadership of the association has advised its members to release all the films that Mercy Johnson featured in, on or before January, 2014.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Mercy to react to the allegations proved abortive as her cell-phone was permanently switched-off. Recall, however, that upon her return to Nollywood,Mercy was bombarded with several scripts from different marketers and producers who wanted to get her on their movies.

Break-up with wife: We are still good friends -- Jeta Amata

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

It is no longer news that Jeta Amata’s close to a decade marriage to beautiful Actress, Mbong has crashed like a pack of cards.

Inside source revealed that the marriage crumbled as a result of Mbong’s insistence on towing the path of pursuing her acting career against the decision of her husband.

Even though their union that seemed to be made in heaven is officially over, Jeta still claims that they are still good friends.

According to him, “ Despite the fact that

we are no longer together, we are still good friends.

She even lives close to me here in Los Angeles,” he disclosed.

Omoni Oboli’s letter to her hubby! “

endures all Love conquers all things and and Omoni di am Nn at wh things.” This is the couple mark Oboli seem to be saying as g love in grand their 13 years of everlastin style. er) was their Last Tuesday, (28th of Octob the enchanting wedding anniversary, and age to share Actress took to her Instagram n. ma the love she has for her at today is?

She writes; “Do you know wh ing 13 years of It’s our anniversary! Celebrat .. I might not love. Counting my blessings. e the most hav I but have what others have d it, the mo st am azi ng ma n! Yes , I sai have asked for a Amazing !!! A girl could not my lover, my better man. My best friend, voltron, my my , fan champion, my biggest wings...I my h eat ben d baby daddy, the win love you with all my being.”

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

SAM ANOKAM

I

n a bid to make their wedding the talk of the town, half brother of the singing duo, Psquare, Peter Okoye and his babymama, Lola Omotayo are not leaving anything to chance to make the event a grand one.

Billed for November 17, the roll calls of celebrities slated to play important roles in the fairy tale wedding are beginning to emerge.

Top of the pack is the choice of billionaire business mogul, Chief Mike Adenuga who will chair the occasion while top comedians Gbenga Adeyinka and Helen Paul will anchor the occasion.

Showtime gathered that the strictly by invitation wedding would be attended by few celebrities.

Mike Adenuga to chair Peter Okoye, Lola Omotayo’s

wedding

Motherland Beckons takes AIM festiv al tto ow orld stage estival world

C

OME 2014, the world would be treated to the best of African’s musical and theatrical performances in what is to be the continent’s greatest exportation of cultural product as Africa international Music (AIM) Festival, otherwise known as ‘taking Africa to the world,’ makes its début in Dubai (UAE).

This latest effort from the stable of Motherland Beckons, which is known globally for its box office productions and devotion to tourism development is design to further boost the tourism industry and economy of the continent, as the festival has the potential to expose it tourism products if fully embraced and properly harnessed by the various countries.

The cultural musical fiesta, which is to be promoted as iconic festival of the continent, would feature some of the best and scintillating musical performances ranging from music, dance, percussion, instrumentation to theatre by the 55 countries of the continent, including South Sudan, which is the newest addition to the list of growing Africa countries. Speaking on this new project, the President of Motherland Beckons and Tourism Ambassador of the World Conference of Mayors, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, said AIM festival is out to rekindle the world’s interest in the continent’s greatest export product – culture. Quintessential drummer, Olo is one of the emerging artistes who are expected to headline the project.

Wande Coal out with ‘R otat e’ video ‘Ro tate’ H

*Olo

Iy an Iyan anyya celebrates bir thda birthda thdayy at Ik oyi Iko prisons

*Iyanya with inmate

ip hop sensation, Wande Coal has released the video of his hit song, Rotate. The video shot by ace director Sesan Ogunro was officially released last Monday, and reports indicate that it is enjoying air play on both local and satellite TV stations.

Popularly called The Black Diamond, Wande Coal released the video which was shot in the UK on his label, Black Diamond Entertainment.

Before the release of the Rotate video, the crooner he said, in a statement that he was excited taking his career to a new height as “this is a new dawn for my career and myself and in due course, the public will be in the know as to the new things that are happening to Wande Coal.”

A former member of the famous Mo’ Hits artiste, Wande Coal spent a couple of weeks in the UK doing some new recordings while also shooting the music video. He will be launching his album under his very own label, B l a c k D i a m o n d Entertainment, later this year.

A

fro-pop superstar Iyanya celebrated his birthday last Thursday with inmates at Ikoyi Prisons.

The singer who just turned 27 was welcomed warmly by the DCP Bamidele and the community; he proceeded into the correctional facility where he spoke with the inmates.

Highlights of the visit included his performance with the talented intimates.

Iyanya, reportedly pledged to build a recording studio in the establishment for the musically inclined inmates.

HOTFLASHES! Oleku star, Ice Prince launches clothing line Kehinde Ajose The gifted Panshak Zamani a.k.a seem not to be slowing down in his quest for success. He recently announced the launch of a limited edition clothing line which is meant to commemorate the release of his sophomore album titled:’ The Fire of Zamani’.Audu Maikori , the Chocolate City boss revealed that the products will include Sneakers, snap backs, belts, pants, and t-shirts.

*Wande Coal

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 39

Christy Essien-Igbokwe

lives again!

By IYABO AINA

M

emories of late Christy EssienIgbokwe who died few years ago

will be relived again as her family concludes plans to set up a foundation in her honour.

The launch of the foundation, which takes place on the 17th of November, at Intercontinental hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos,will also witness the release of her latest hit, ‘All of a sudden’ .

Known as Christy Essien-Memorial Foundation, it was originally conceived by the late musician before she passed on.

...as Vict or Olaiy a un Victor Olaiya unvveils video collection

By SAM ANOKAM

I

t was indeed a gathering of the old and emerging musicians recently as Victor Olaiya officially launched the video collection of his old songs which he did with Tuface Idibia.

The event which took place at the prestigious Stadium hotel, Surulere, witnessed a potpourri of musical performances and other activities.

According to Mike Odiong, Project

Disclosing this development at a press parley held penultimate Saturday, at Hilton Hotel, Ikeja, the deceased’s family said, the foundation is being set up as a way of immortalising the name of the departed songstress.

Mr. Romeo Odika, who was Christy ’s manager while she was alive described the late lady of song as ‘a real mother ’ who combined her musical career with taking care of her family on daily basis despite her tight schedules .

Also, speaking at the event, late Christy’s son, Kaka Igbokwe hinted tht they have put plans in motion to use her mother ’s 52nd birthday anniversary, billed for 11 th of November, to launch the foundation as well as her 11th album.

Manager, Premiere Music, the collaboration between Victor Olaiya and Tuface Idibia was basically designed to bring artistes of different generations together to make a statement.“Most of the songs we are hearing today have a short life span. We are working towards producing songs that will not only make sense but such that will outlive the artistes. We will continue to bring the young and old artistes together to create a new understanding between them so that the industry can grow,” he stated.

Tope Odu st eps out with Nivvy G: steps ‘All around the My music se ts me apar sets apartt world’

By ESTHER ONYEGBULA

Q

*Tope

ueen of Afro classic, Tope Odu has unveiled her new single “All around the World.”

This young, enigmatic, Afro-classic singer offers a unique genre of music that redefines Africa sound.

Her music weaving with drums, percussion and conga mixed with a twist of modern Afro hip life tone is already catching fire.

The songbird who has performed in big shows alongside notable artistes like Ade Bantu, Cohbams, Nathaniel, Mid Nite crew and Demola Olota before now had an album titled, “ Make it Work’ to her credit. She also has a hit single ‘Mo He’ which in local parlance means ‘I grab it’.

She was a backup vocalist in Sound Sultan’s classic song, “Mathematics” (Jagbajantis).

With a voice that can be mistaken for a nightingale’s Yinka Davies, Tope is surely stepping out to make a mark for herself in the industry.

F

ast rising RnB and Hip-hop artiste, Gift Munachimso Orji a.k.a Nivvy G has declared that he is not back in the country to rub shoulders with any artiste.

Nivvy G who returned from South Africa recently where he has carved a niche for himself with his style of music told Showtime that he’s

*Nivvy G

back home to establish himself and also, to thrill his fans with breathtaking performances that will launch him into the mainstream music scene.

The Geology graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, who is officially signed to Champagne Music states that his style of music sets him apart from other regular Nigerian tunes.

“Really, I feel I’m not in a competition with anybody because my music portray class and freshness of good music.

Again, I possess the ability to blend into any kind of music as long as the sound speaks to me. Nivvy G is a versatile artist but professionally, I stick to the R&B with a fusion of Afro- beat sound.”

The RnB singer who released his first single “Rock your body ” in 2012, is set to release his new singles “Search for You” and “All she wants” before the end of this year.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Halima Abubakar shines in a black short gown A

n an event last weekend precise ly, the album launch of one of the Nigerian top stand up comedian, M.C Abbey held in Victoria Island, the Kogi born Nollywood screen diva, Halima Abubakar, was spotted in a black short and a little bit transparent gown which showed off the straight sexy legs the

actress is blessed with.

It will also interest you to know that this actress was spotted walking around in the event with a particular guy which hasset tongues wagging in respect to who the guy is. You know how it goes with celebrities, who knows, he might be her love.

Kofi blast pirates T

op Nigerian stand up come dians are not finding it funny this time around with the way up and coming comedians are repeating their jokes without giving credits to them. Recently at a show in Victoria Island, this talented comedian, Kofi vented his anger on some comedians who took to repeating other people’s joke. He said that up and coming comedians are making things difficult for them when they copy their jokes. He however, appealed to them to try as much as possible, to be resourceful in sourcing for their own jokes instead of repeating other people’s joke.

Kofi

How Dennis Okike emerged the 10th Ultimate champion!

T

HE most anticipated answer to who will be the ultimate Champion has been provided for fans of the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show as Dennis Okike last Thursday night emerged the winner of GUS season 10.

Dennis Okike has emerged the 10th Ultimate Champion. He outsmarted Dr.Edmund Umeabuani and Ifunanya Onike in the waters of Usaka River, Akwa-Ibom State where the final battle among the warriors fervently seeking for the 10th symbol took place.

On the final day of the search, the warriors got a message from the Council of Elders ordering them to pack their bags and make their ways to where they draw water.

Chidi awaited them and gave them the next set of i n s t r u c t i o n s .

The final task was to search for the 10th Symbol. To do that, each of them would make use of a clue which would take them to two different locations to retrieve two C M Y K

pieces of the map that would lead to where the 10th Symbol was buried.

For his feat, Dennis will win N10 million and a brand new Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0L GLS AT( full Option) courtesy of CFAO Motors Nigeria, the official automotive partners of Gulder Ultimate Search 10. For emerging the last female contestant standing, Ifunanya is already guaranteed N1 million in addition to her prize money.

Halima Abubakar

MCN @ 20, rewards customers I

n line with appreciating and recog first stage of the awardees today to ennizing efforts of some customers and courage others.,” she said. One of the giving them the full reward of their awardees, Nduka Obiajulu, who was subscription, DSTV, has recently un- rewarded on the “Compact plus bouveiled the first stage of their award- quet” for his constant subscription, ees for the 20th anniversary celebra- expressed gratitude to DSTV for being honoured with a return ticket to tion.

The second stage of the reward will watch NBA football live in United States of America. be held later in the week.

Speaking at the event recently in Lagos, Marketing Manager, DSTV, Chioma Afe, said that, DSTV which has been in many African countries, have been keeping families together for 20 years. “ This brand have been keeping families together for 20 years and have been in different parts of the African continent like, South Africa, Ghana among others.

We also L-R: Mrs. Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv; Mr. and recognize the effort some Mrs. Nnaemeka Francis Ejike , winner of Two Hundred subscribers are making Thousand Naira (N200,000) and Mr. Segun Fayose, Head, to subscribe their DSTV Public Relations, MultiChoice Nigeria during the prize decorders. That is why presentation to winners of the MultiChoice Nigeria 20th we are rewarding the Anniversary Promo held recently, in Lagos.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—41

C M Y K

42— SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

When kings came tto o praise

A

L-R: Oba Dapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adebuji Adesida, Deji of Akure, Oba Kehinde Olugenle, Olu of Ilaro, Chief Olu Odeyemi, State Special Duties Commissioner, Mrs Yewande Amusan, Culture & Tourism Commissioner, and Chief Ebenezer Fabiyi (Obey).

ll roads led to the ancient city of Abeokuta on th October 10 for the annual ‘Kings’ Day of Praise’ put together by Oba Karunwi 111 Evangelical Movement.

The annual event is the gathering of kings across the country to praise the ‘King of Kings’, through high praise.

Oba Dapo Tejuosho hosted this year ’s edition, while chairman of the occasion was Chief Ebenezer Obey.

Photos by Wumi Akinola

L-R:HRH Bokumo O. Amananaowei of Sabagera, Bayelsa State, HRH Tobord A. Godswill, King Epete XI Amananaowei of Ekowe, HRH Emmanuel Karry E. S. Akerede VI, Amananaowei of Obrigbene, and HRH Alexander B. Youbogha, Amananaowei Sagbana, all of Bayelsa State.

L-R: Oba Dr and Olori Joseph Adeyeye Owajomu of Omu-Ekiti and Oba Ibiyinka Timoth Orukun of Ikun-Oba Ekiti.

L-R:Oba Wahab Ogunji Olagunba of Ogunba, Republic of Benin and Chief Titilayo Ajanaku.

L-R:Olori Tayo Olugbenle with Olori Omolara Yetunde and Olabisi Tejuoso.

Diamond Ladies’ relief

Mr & Mr uo yin Mrss TTuo uoyyo Ebierene Ebiereneyin

MEMBERS of Diamond Ladies, Asaba, Delta State, led by their President, Lady Bridget Nwaozomudoh extended a hand of love and goodwill to the children of Lumen Christy Orphanage home Isseleuku, Delta State, where they donated food items and other materials.

TUOYO Ebiereneyin, son of Mr and Mrs John Ebiereneyin on Ocotober 5, 2013 took the daughter of Chjef P.D. Yalaju, the Kenekuniraro, for a wife in Warri. Many important dignitaries graced the occasion.

R-L: Groom’s dad, Mr. John Ebiereneyin, Members of Diamond Ladies, Asaba led byBride’s mum, Mrs Yalaju, the couple, It’s President, Lady Bridget Nwaozomudoh,groom’s mum, Mrs T. Ebiereneyin, Chief presenting the items Francis Omatseye, Edigbe of Warri and bride’s dad, Chief D.D. Yalaju

Members of Diamond Ladies Asaba with L-R: Groom’s mum, Mrs T. Ebiereneyin, the the Spiritual Director of the Lumen Christy couple, groom’s dad, Mr. John Ebiereneyin and Mr Amorighoye Miller Rev. Fr. Mario Dibie and a friend

Soulf ood ber ths in Ik eja Soulfood berths Ikeja THERE is a new restaurant making wave in Ikeja G.R.A right now and the name is Soulfood Restaurant, owned by Mrs Sola Ajidagba, wife of celebrated veteran photographer, Mr Fola Ajidagba. The commissioning of the upscale edifice took place in Lagos recently. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

A group picture of guests during the commissioning of SoulFood Restaurant.

L-R:Mr Fola Ajidagba; Mrs Folake Akinola; Mrs Shola Ajidagba, MD/CEO, Soulfood; Mr Femi Ajidagba; Pastor (Mrs) Ireti Sholola and Mr Peter Nwosu

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—43

My most challenging period as HoS —Ogunlewe PRINCE Adesegun Olusola Ogunlewe, born on October 16, 1953, recently retired from active service. The Igbogbo-born prince formally bowed out of public service as the Lagos State Head of Service. He was made the HoS in May 2010, a position he occupied for three years, when he disengaged on October 10th, 2013.

Ogunlewe, in this interview with Olasunkanmi Akoni, shared his experiences on his 34-year sojourn in the state public service and his plans after retirement: Excerpts

I joined the public service of

Lagos State in 1979 because I was brought up in public administration at the traditional level. I am privileged to be the last child of late Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe, the Adegoruwa of Igbogbo in Ikorodu Division. The post of a traditional ruler in itself is a public service. I witnessed the public administration at the traditional level all through my childhood.

I had my primary and secondary education in Igbogbo, Ikorodu. That gave me opportunity of being at home till about 16 years when I eventually completed my secondary education and got admission into the university.

From my childhood, I learnt that the best place to touch was to work in public service. That was what encouraged me to join the public service of Lagos State after I completed my university education.

The public service career is always challenging. As I have said, there is no end to human needs. As public servants, we were expected to make lives more abundant for all citizens at all time. I joined public service after my university education as a level 8 officer in the administration officer’s cadre in 1979. There are values of public service and once you understand and uphold those values, you will not find it difficult to move up consistently and gradually in your career.

Values

F

irst of those values is, you all went to school to acquire knowledge. You must be able to apply that knowledge appropriately to your duties. Secondly, you must be hardworking because the load of responsibilities of public service career is very huge. Except you are very hardworking, you may not be able to cope with it. Thirdly, you must be honest in the course of discharging your responsibilities. You must be able to endure because the salaries are nothing to write home about, even till date.

Fourthly, you must be able to C M Y K

render selfless service with a mindset that you are rendering service to God and humanity. Then, what is your remuneration will be secondary once what is uppermost on your mind is your belief and readiness to serve the people. These are the principles that guided my intention, and I did not find it difficult progressing in service and getting fulfilled at every point of my career.

Of course, the whole essence of having a good government is to make progress and dynamism. There must be changes. When we started in the public service, there was no computer even though we had type writers or electronic type writers. Some of them were manual type writers to type letters; roll stencils and so on.

But in this age, we have computers that work faster than type writers. We have oracle software that we used to process our human resource management. By mere pressing a button, we get information that would ordinarily take two or three weeks. Before, you could get it

now.You have to be very hard-working to cope with the responsibilities of public service. Once you have an understanding wife who is ready to fill the gap when you were not around, you will find it difficult to manage your family. Let me give an example. I was in Governor’s Office for five and half years, serving as a private secretary to three governors.

Then, before I got back home in thewould have slept. By the time I was leaving in the morning, they would still be sleeping. But then, my wife was there to take care of those gaps. She would prepare them for school. She would also bring them up from schools.

She always made sure they did not feel my absence.

It was during that period that I had three of my children. I have four children. Whenever we wanted to do child christening, I normally pleaded

,

The beginning

Some community leaders could just storm your office; you should be able to compose yourself well and attend to them one after the other. A good public servant should be able to attend to every person and issue with a high level of comportment

,

within twenty minutes.

All these have made the system better than what it used to be. What it used to be was that our communication system was not functioning well. Rather than phoning somebody, you might go and deliver letters. But today, things have changed a lot. You can take advantage of short message service (SMS) or information and communication technology (ICT) through which you can send information out, not just to the public servants, but also to the general public. So, these are things that have made the difference between then and

with the Reverend to be in my house by 7:00 a.m and by 7:30 a.m, we were done with the child christening. By quarter to 8:00 a.m, I would be back on my desk in the office. There was a particular child christening we had then; the governor did not even know about it because I was already in the office before 8:00 a.m. Once you know your responsibilities, you must be able to manage them with your home affairs, as a responsible officer.

Experience as HoS

Within the period I was HoS,

Prince Adesegun Olusola Ogunlewe

our programme with DFID should have moved faster than where we are today. But all said and done, the programme is on stream. I would have loved the programme to move faster.

Some of the policies we were expected to embark upon in implementing the programme are before the State Executive Council for approval. I would have loved the approval obtained before my exit from the public service.

Currently, the state practice human resource management

under general administration.

Our human resource management is subsumed under general administration now. We intend to make it professional and with this, the state can have professional human resource cadre. That is before the council. We are moving towards egovernance. For us to achieve this, we need a policy to guide the use of the electronic equipment. And our plan is to have an ICT centre in place.

This is also before the Council for approval. But I am sure that Governor Fashola will approve it very soon.

Critical moments There are critical moments, especially when the doctors went on strike. Just about the time I became head of service in 2010, we used to have two salary structures in the state.

We had one for the main civil service and the other for the tertiary institutions. But suddenly in 2010, the federal government came up with about five salary structures. I understand that it started in 2009. There is one for the main-

stream civil service. There are two for the health sector. Instead of one for the tertiary institution, there are about two or three. We were not party to how those salary structures evolved.

Suddenly, all the institutions said we should come and implement them. And we said our resources were different from the resources of the federal government. In the military days, we all queue under the federal government to borrow whatever came out as salary structures and we implemented them. There were other states that could implement under the one-line structure of the military, and the federal government would come to the aid of such states.

But under democracy, we are trying to run a proper federation. We decided to have a pay policy in place. So, we initiated the pay policy. We sat down with all the union and said henceforth whatever we would pay as salaries should be evolved within the state and that we should put our resources into consideration.

The unions agreed, from there, the salary structure evolved. We have one for the doctors, one for other medical officers, one for the mainstream civil service and one teaching service. That is what we have been using since then and it has been able to calm all the nerves. The pay policy has not been properly considered and approved by the government. But the committee was able to come out with a recommendation that we are able to use and douse the tension at that point in time.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Himba,the most beautiful people in Africa T

he Himba are a tribe of nomadic pastoralists who inhabit the Kaokoland area of Namibia. The Himba are descendants of a group of Herero herders who fled into the remote north-west after been displaced by the Nama. The Himba have clung to their traditions, and the beautiful Himba women are noted for their intricate hairstyles and traditional jewellery. As Himba men and woman wear few clothes apart from a loin cloth or goat skinned mini-skirt, they rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect themselves from the sun, and also gives their appearance a rich red colour.

Britain’s fattest man

Freebie phone chargers and USB sticks given to G20 world leaders

F

reebie phone chargers and USB sticks given to G20 world leaders by Russian hosts were ‘trojan horses to capture data for the Kremlin’.

America’s NSA spy agency has been under fire from around the

world for its surveillance activity over the past few months.

Now the Russians are facing criticism for some allegedly shady operations too.

It’s claimed that USB drives and phone chargers, given to world leaders at the G20

summit in Russia were ‘Trojan horses’ capable of sending data back to the Kremlin. David Cameron did not receive one of the USB sticks, Downing Street insisted.

But No10 did not rule out the possibility that officials were given one of the pen drives that is said to have contained a Trojan horse programme allowing sensitive documents stored on laptops to be accessed.

German secret services reportedly discovered that the gadgets, given out to all delegates at the meeting of world leaders in St Petersburg last month, were able to retrieve data for use by the Russians.

70st Keith —who can’t sit up, wash himself or go to the loo —gives up his 24-egg breakfasts in a last ditch attempt to lose weight. Keith Martin had a BMI of 155 and was classed as megaobese. He was bedbound for two years, couldn’t sit up for a year, didn’t leave his house for a decade and his care cost the council £40,000 a year. Doctors gave him two years to live unless he lost weight. But was told he couldn’t have weight loss surgery until he could stand up.

Went on a radical diet

and physiotherapy regime and lost 25st.

Once he could stand, he was approved for surgery but it was still very risky.

Would you eat bread made from INSECTS?

Sur geons spend 3 hr ve Surgeons hrss ttoo remo remove knife from Chinese man's head

C

hinese man arrives in hospital with fruit knife sticking out of his head. Mr Lung walked into Yanji hospital’s A&E, in Jilin province in northeast China, after climbing five flights of stairs because the lift was full. With the knife stuck to his skull, he asked to see a doctor. Receptionist was so shocked he had to bend down to prove it was real. Surgeons spent 3 hours removing the knife and he went home. He would only say the injury was caused by a game gone wrong.

The last of China’s women to have her feet bound 102-year-old subjected to ancient custom had her toes broken when she was just two-years old. Han Qiaoni, from Yuxian County in northern China’s Shanxi Province, had her feet broken and bound when she was just two-years old. She says her mother used a long cloth to wrap her toes, minus the big toe, so they were bent pressed against the sole of her foot. According to Han it took six months before she was able to walk properly. Millions of Chinese women bound their feet to turn them into ‘three-inch golden lotuses’ or ‘San Cun Jin Lian’.

Having small feet was seen as beautiful and a status symbol— often the only way for a woman to marry into money. The practice was first banned in 1912 but some families would have children’s feet bound in secret.

W

ith millions of people across the world living in urban slums facing food shortage , students from Montreal have come up with a novel and sustainable food source —flour 0made from insects. Dubbed Flour Power, the team from McGill University plan to farm grasshoppers in poor areas of countries including Mexico, Thailand and Kenya and turn them into flour for bread and other foods. It will provide a sustainable, year-round source of food as well as provide an extra business opportunity for local farmers.

The proposals have now won the 2013 Hult Prize,

and the five students received $1million to turn the plans into reality. Out of 10,000 college and universities, six teams reached the final of The Hult Prize; a socialentrepreneurship award for students presented by former President Bill Clinton.This year’s challenge was to create a ‘ social enterprise that will secure food for the 200 million people who live in urban slums.’

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—45

C M Y K

46—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Continued from page 13

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BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

HE State of roads in Ebonyi state has over the years improved based on the effort of past and present administrations who had invested huge financial resources to ensure its development, reconstruction and usability by both motorists and pedestrians across the state.

But despite the effort by the Ebonyi state government in road construction, some roads both state and federal roads still needed serious intervention, so that they could become motorable especially for the use of future generations.

The first executive Governor of the state, Dr. Sam Egwu contributed his quota towards road construction before he left office in 2007 even as the present administration is also doing same in its own wisdom and policy thrust.

But despite commendations of goodwill from some quarters concerning road construction, what is rather worrisome in the state is the duration within which road constructed in the state often last; it is disturbing and alarming to discover that no road constructed by any administration has ever lasted beyond the administration that constructed it.

Saturday Vanguard investigation has to a large extent revealed that most roads constructed by both past and present administration usually get damaged, destroyed and consequently become impassable and death traps to motorists in the state.

Governor Martin Elechi in his usual mannerism to ensure equilibrium or even distribution of projects across the three senatorial districts of the state decided to use both foreign and indigenous contractors to carry out huge road construction projects in the state but despite his good intentions some of these roads are either poorly constructed or poorly maintained. It is on record however, that the Governor in his magnanimity had embarked on construction and reconstruction of federal roads across the state.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe noted that the state government had embarked on reconstruction of federal roads worth over N9 billion even as the Federal government was yet to refund the money to the state ngovernment. According to him, when the present administration came on board, it began the construction of over 400 km of rural roads which was equally extended to urban roads within the state capital, Abakaliki.

“The state government is poised towards the upgrading and rehabilitation of some federal roads across the state; the reason is because whether the roads are federal or state, it is ultimately for the good people of the State.

Ebonyi: State, federal roads need serious intervention “The state government had equally embarked on the reconstruction and dualization of some parts of EnuguAbakaliki expressway; from the PDP secretariat to Onuebonyi Bridge along a section of the Abakaliki-Ogoja road. It is presently concluding work on the dualization of AbakalikiAfikpo road stretching from the mammy market at Nkwagu with streets lights and other facilities in place.

“Like the 22 km AbakalikiOferegbe federal road was reconstructed by the state government with all the connecting bridges alongside it” But despite the effort of the state government in road construction, some major roads cutting across the state are still in a deplorable state. What the state government has basically done is to create both access and virgin roads especially in the rural areas thereby layingproper foundation for future road construction in the state.

The pertinent question to ask about road construction in the state are: why do we have substandard roads in the state?

Why is it that roads constructed by every administration in the state usually collapse within the tenure of the administration? Are contractors handling these projects not usually mobilized as at when due?

Who in Governor Martin Elechi’s administration is sabotaging the Governor’s effort towards road construction in the state? Why is it that the deliveries of the contractors are usually not of national standards?

For as much we do not want to point fingers at anybody, it is important that these contractors both indigenous and foreign are prosecuted whenever projects given to them failed to meet the required standards for road construction as that may serve as a deterrent

to others in future.

Satuday Vanguard findings further revealed that one of the major factors that had contributed to poor state of roads in the state is as a result of government’s lack of usage of specialized constructors for its road project. For example, Arab contractors, Julius Berger among others to execute its road projects in the state.

Reliably sources close to these contractors in the state had complained about pilfering of their contractor sums by some government officials as soon as road projects are awarded, thereby hindering both governments and other agencies from adequately prosecuting them whenever there is an apparent failure on the part of the contractors.

It no longer news that these

and present administrations collapse even within the lifespan of the administration that awarded the contract.

However, there is no gainsaying that the present administration has done its best to salvage the situation of road construction in the state but much has to be done in the area of its durability, modernization, study of the soil, scientific analysis and use of modern equipments for road construction in the state.

The present administration has its hands on so many projects including the construction of international market, construction of both Oferegbe and Ukawu water schemes, new secretariat and international trade centre among others which most critics are still

The state government is poised towards the upgrading and rehabilitation of some federal roads across the state; the reason is because whether the roads are federal or state, it is ultimately for the good people of the State Contractors are often used as conduit pipes to support the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP launching especially during fund raising for electioneering campaigns.

Apart from that also, it is a proven fact that the reason most roads in the state collapse easily is not only because of the lack of expertise in the construction of the road but also due to the absence of a stone base during road construction in the state.

What baffle both indigenes and foreigners about road construction in the state is the nature, style and the ease with which roads constructed by both past

wondering if they (projects) will be completed before the end of its life span on May 29, 2015.

Many observers believe that these ongoing mega projects had hindered the government from ensuring solid construction of roads in the state even as it described the format for road construction in the state as an act of surface dressing.

One of the roads that is still giving motorists much concern is Ogbaga road which has been under construction before the commencement ofGovernor Martin Elechi’s administration purportedly awarded to M & J Construction Company in the

state as some portions of the road are in a terrible condition Instead of the state government focusing its resources on the construction of durable rural roads that will eternally benefit the rural dwellers, it is presently embarking on surface dressing of internal roads within all the headquarters of the 13 LGAs of the state. The contract was awarded to the tune of N100 million per each LGA amounting to N1.3 billion.

Many opposition political parties has described the action of the government as an act of misplaced priority; instead of roads to be constructed in all the rural areas in the state, the government decided to concentrate tax payers money towards the beautification of road within the headquarters of LGAs. Other deplorable roads include the road leading to Ebonyi state House of Assembly presumably the most peaceful House of Assembly in the country; the state of the road is shocking and alarming as it has remained deplorable since the tenures of all the Speakers that had headed the state House of Assembly since 1999.

The government should work on the road speedily especially as it leads to a popular market within the Nkaliki area of Abakaliki LGA, instead of concentrating on roads without any direct benefit to the rural dwellers who are still finding it difficult to move their farm produce which include rice, yams, vegetable, garri to the market for sale. Government should look away from being selfish to becoming selfless in the interest of the poor masses whose vote did not really count in the last general election in the state.

For instance, the road leading to the Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, FUNAI is also in a very shocking deplorable state as vehiclesoften breaks down as a result of its poor condition. Some students of the institution who spoke to Saturday vanguard called on both federal and state government to come to their aid so that the road could regain its lost glory.

“This is the kind of road that the government is suppose to embark upon instead of surface dressing roads within the headquarters of LGAs” One wonders why the state government could abandon the construction of a major road leading a federal citadel of learning and decided to spend huge resources reconstructing internal roads within LGAs across the entire state.

Another dilapidated roads in the state is the Abakaliki-Afikpo road which has been under construction since the inception of the first executive Governor of the state till date; despite the progress made so far, the section between Onueke in Ezza South LGA and Abomege axis is in a deplorable state as on Tuesday last week motorists were stranded for minutes before

continues on page 47

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—47

Need for serious intervention on Ebonyi roads continued from page 46 traffic improved even as driver had started thinking of alternative routes to the state capital. It would be recalled that the three Senators representing Ebonyi North, South and Central senatorial districts of the Ebonyi state at the National Assembly, recently lambasted the Federal Ministry of Works of its inability to diligently supervise the ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance of Abakaliki-Afikpo expressway which had over the years caused untold hardship to motorists plying the road.

The Lawmakers, who expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition and the slow pace of work on the AbakalikiAfikpo 66-kilometre highway, lamented that despite having invested N4 billion of their constituency intervention fund into the road, nothing remarkable had changed about the road.

Addressing newsmen during an inspection of the federal highway, the leader of the National Assembly caucus,

Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu stated that National Assembly members from the state in the 6th session invested N2 billion into the road while the present 7th session also invested another N2 billion making it a total of N4 billion.

Nwagu, representing Ebonyi Central senatorial district, said

RIVERS: Biting more than can be chewed promissory note and none may ever materialise in the life of this HE case in Rivers State in administration” reacted Franklin relation to state roads is what Anwusonye of the civil society group, Nigerian Democratic many close watchers have Awareness Forum. termed “over ambition”. The In fairness to the State common feeling is that the Government, Anwusonye said, Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s “It is not that this administration administration set for itself an has fared so badly on roads overbearing award of road delivery. The misplaced focus is contracts with a slow pace of that they have taken more than execution. Why some of the roads have been completed, it is they can chew, swelling the state debt profile even to the not happy story for most areas.

On its web portal, the Governor neglect of some of the major attested to “over 170 roads, more roads that should have come top on the bill in the choice of which of which are in the rural areas being built with drainages. Some road project should be delivered first.”One of such neglected of the major roads have been major roads to the chagrin of converted to dual carriageways Port Harcourt residents is the with walkways, streetlights and Iwofe Road which is home to greenery as well as drainages, several residents and major most of them underground.

Others are being converted to six companies including the naval base NNS Pathfinder who suffer lane highways.” untold hardship plying the road The Governor’s web portal every day. Over the prolong report further claimed that a lot abandonment of the Iwofe Road, of other rural roads and internal roads in some Local Government more than 100 residents of Rumuolemini who have Areas amounting to over 70 per found a better alternative is the cent of the Road projects under the Amaechi administration have shorter waterway route between Port Harcourt City to been completed and some still their communities died on the ongoing.

The reality on ground however Rumuolemini Rivers in a boat tragedy a couple of years back. indicates that the most of the In spontaneous response to completion efforts have been the Rumuolemini tragedy, the concentrated on upgrade, State Government declared to specifically, dualisation of award its reconstruction. More existing roads including some flyovers in the state, most of them than two years after, Iwofe concentrated in the Port Harcourt Road remains in ruins and the suffering for the road motorist metropolis and its adjoining localities. and commuters continue as “The interest in delivering six work on the road moves with lane highways and major tardy appeal. projects as the Trans-Kalabari Up in the Town axis, resiRoad, Ogoni/Andoni/Opobo dents in Creek-New Layout Unity Road, and a number of associated bridges to satisfactori- Road and the stretch from Abuja to New Market in ly link Rivers upland to the Borokiri suffer same fate as waterways remains a mere Iwofe’s.

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

T

that the N4 billion invested into the road was outside the contractual agreement between the Federal Ministry of Works and the two contractors handling the rehabilitation and maintenance of the two sections of the expressway.

He noted that while the work on section two of the road from Abaomege to Afikpo was progressing satisfactorily, work on section one of the road from Abakaliki to Abaomege, which is 36 kilometres, was sluggish.

The lawmaker, who was

accompanied by Senator Chris Nwankwo of Ebonyi North Senatorial District and Hon Peter Oge-Ali, representing Ohaukwu-Ebonyi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, lamented that the road contract awarded by the federal government in 2010, was yet to be completed even as several portions of the road had become deplorable thereby subjecting motorists to untold hardship.

“Based on information before us, we are satisfied with the present contractor because of the level of work he has done, considering the time you have resumed work here. And we are also not happy with what happened with the former contractor and we will also urge the Federal Ministry of Works to do everything within its powers to recover that money because that money belongs to Ebonyi state; the money is supposed to be utilized in Ebonyi, they have to recover

EDO: Poor funding hinders road projects

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

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HE Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration in Edo state since its inception on November 12, 2008 has left no one in doubt about its avowed commitment to road construction throughout the three Senatorial zones in the state. A part from the Education Sector which saw the administration building new schools and rehabilitating existing one, road construction and rehabilitation has remained one of the major achievements of the government. Among the major roads reconstructed by the government within Benin metropolis including the Airport Road, Oba Market Road, West Circular Road, Akpakpava Road, Sapele Road up to the Murtala Muhammed Way Junction, Siluko Road, New Lagos Road, and the additional lanes from Dawson Road to Ugbowo- Oluku junction and others . The same achievement in the road construction is replicated in Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial zones.

However, Saturday Vanguard investigation indicated that all is not well in the construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state as poor funding arising from dwindling allocation from the Federation Account and the vagaries of the whether especially the rainy season has affected most road construction sites in the state.

For instance, the Mission and Forestry Roads which are ongoing projects were affected by the rainy season as no major earth work could be undertaken during the rain. The Second East Circular Road, one of the oldest roads in the state has since collapsed and has become a nightmare to motorists. So also are feeder roads in the state capital.

Edo state Commissioner for

Works, Osarodion Ogie, who spoke with Vanguard on the issue, attributed paucity to the rainy season as to why most ongoing projects have been slowed. “We have been working continuously and even now, I will not say works have stopped; it might have slows down in some areas, but at no time works has stopped .The Second East Circular Road you have mentioned has been very bad for long and we have just completed designs on it and other roads. They are awaiting contract awards and awarding contracts depends on availability of funds” “You also know that all over the country, especially in the last three to four months, there has been a shortfall in revenue allocation from the Federation Accounts to the States. One of the governors in the country recently disclosed that States have suffered almost 40 percent fall in their revenue. So, we have a lot of roads including the Second East Circular Road and others that have been designed and we are very anxious to award contracts for their rehabilitation and reconstruction if the funds are available”.

Continuing he said, “During the rainy season you cannot do any earth work and if you know the state of our roads before the inception of this administration, there is no road we are going to construct or rehabilitate without doing serious earth work. However, throughout the rainy season, contractors were working on the drainage aspects of the roads and the good news is that the rainy season is fast receding and contactors have step up their activities” “I was at Orhionmwon local government area of the State yesterday to inspect the UgoEvboeghae Road and the contractors are already there,

working on the stone base and at the end of this interview; I will be on my way to Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial zones to see how the contractors have been mobilized to sites and how they are going about their works there”.

The Commissioner disclosed that in the last two weeks, a lot of roads in the state capital, Benin have been undergoing rehabilitations and repairs under the Rapid Response Agency and these included: Ihama Road, Boundary road, Aigbuobasimwin Road, Reservation Road etc, adding that in the case of Mission and Forestry Road, they are ongoing projects in which works have not stopped.

“At the Upper Mission end of the Mission road, especially by New Era College area, work is on-going; the contractors are on site working daily. Even though the Ring Road and New Nigerian Bank axis of the road is bad, people should show some understanding and be patient because we will get there”, he said.

On how the state has been funding the various road contracts in spite of the short fall of revenue from the federation account, Mr. Ogie attributed it to ingenuity of the State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who does things based on serious thinking and reflection.

“During the first year in office, people grumbled that there was nothing on ground, yet he was planning on how to put things together. Somehow, he has been able to fix some leaking holes in the system and in that way, saved money to do some of the jobs we are seeing today in the state. It is not magic, it is just as results of serious thinking and planning that has given him the benefit of being able to fix the bad roads”, he said.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

National Confab: You must listen to all views, Fashola tells committee back to the disputed areas later because at the end of the day in my own view, and I have argued it before, it seems that we sometimes approximate the expectations of our people for a desire for a new constitution. And I have made the point and I would repeat it that our people do not want a better document, they want a better life and a constitution by itself will not give a better life.”

OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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OVERNOR Baba tunde Fashola of Lagos state yesterday tasked the Presidential Advisory Committee on National conference/Dialogue to desist from shunning the opinion of Nigerians who believe that the conference wouldn’t do the country any good, saying “We must expect to hear from those that we like and from those that we don’t like.”

This came barely a week after the outburst between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and a member of the committee, Col Tony Nyiam (rtd), during the panel’s sitting in Benin, Edo State.

Fashola, who made the appeal when the committee paid him a courtesy visit further advised the committee to adopt the report submitted on the 2005 National Political Reform Conference under the Obasanjo’s administration but should remove the tenure elongation agenda in it.

The governor said “When we held a constitutional conference in 2006, many areas were vigorously and passionately defended, compromised and agreed.I knew the negotiations and compromises that were made there; there were some things that were agreed, and there were some things that were not agreed, but everything

Speaking earlier, Okurounmu said: “This is what the citi-

Gov Kayode Fayemi to host this year’s Ekiti-Parapo President Goodluck Jonathan (left) being presented with staff of office by King Emmanuel Tamunoigbeiribia Ibiagolika the 5th; the Amanayabo of BY ANOZIE EGOLE Ogoloma shortly after the conferment as Se -lo-lia (Star of the Nation) during the courtesy visit to the King on the burial of the First Lady's mother , HE Executive Madam Fynface Oba in Okirika , Rivers state yesterday Governor of Ekiti was going down with a at a legal framework; you state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, very disagreeable matter you know those places that have a learned team, let has been selected as the of tenure elongation came we have agreed, we can us implement the agree- host for this year’s edition of Ekiti- Parapo schedup. So if let us go back and put those forward and look ment first, we can come

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Yoruba divided as confab cttee storms Lagos Continued from page 7

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he also suggested that international organisations should be invited to attend the national conference as observers.

Dr Joe Odumakin, told NAN) on the sidelines of an interactive session of the National Conference Advisory Committee that observer status for such bodies should be considered.

“We urge the committee to also extend observer

Remains of Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe arrives tomorrow

•To be given national burial BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI Abuja

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UTHORITIES of the Nigerian Navy yesterday confirmed that the remains of the former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe who died of throat cancer in an American hospital during the week, will arrive the Murtala Mohammed International Airport , Lagos tomorrow aboard a chartered aircraft direct from the USA. Saturday Vanguard gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan directed officials of the Nigerian Embassy in

zens of the South West of the country had been agitating for in the last few years. And we are happy with the response we have received from the public.

From our visit to the zones, it showed that Nigerians are interested in discussing issues that affect them. And they did this by expressing themselves during all the stakeholders’ forum we have held. I can assure Nigerians that we will not let them down.”

Washington to ensure that the former number two citizen, who along with former Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar midwived the current democratic dispensation, was accorded the honour of a nationalist.

The former Chief of Naval Staff and former Military Governor of Lagos and Ondo States, who hailed from Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government area of Edo state, on arrival in Lagos, is expected to be flown to Edo state where he will be laid in state before a ceremonial national burial befitting of a national hero will be carried out for him.

status to other international human rights organisations and international media. This is to give more credibility and authenticity to the dialogue,” she said, adding that the dialogue was the only option to save the country Elder statesman, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, while speaking for the Southwest Consultative, said that the conference would not fail and urged the Yoruba to embrace it.

“I can say with certainty that this conference would not fail. The fact that Obasanjo’s conference failed does not mean that this one would fail. This is a lifetime opportunity for us to decide on the future of the country and I want all ethnic nationality to be represented,” he said Speaking in like manner, Chief LoriOgbebor, told reporters that impressions that the confab is not real are wrong.

Insisting that something must come out of the dialogue, which she promised to tour round the country to mobilize and convince people on the necessity, she said she has no doubt that the proposed conference will be a success.

While expressing delight, that most of the

groups are in agreement that participation at the conference should be based on the ethnic nationalities, LoriOgbebor suggested politicians and political parties should have nothing to do with the selection of delegates.

The Itsekiri leader said the outcome of the conference should not be sent to the National Assembly for consideration, rather, resolutions arrived at the conference should become law without any alteration or ratification by the National Assembly or anybody.

Elder Uma Elaizu, in a presentation for Igbo leaders of thought, suggested a 360-delegate conference with each of the six geo-political zones contributing 60 delegates.

At the confab, he said a series of questions should be answered. “Do we want to stay together as a country? If no, that marks the end of the conference and then people can go and form their own republics. If yes, other issues should be discussed. And the issues to be discussed include the system of government, presidential or parliamentary, security, sanctity of life, armed forces, etc.”

Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, who spoke for some patriots, identified with the submission of the YUF and partly with that of Afenifere.

He opposed the prevailing unitary system of government and suggested that Yoruba delegates should also include Yoruba people in Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta apart from those in South-West.

He said the outcome of the dialogue should be subjected to a referendum and should become law through a simple majority.

Barrister Onyekachi Ubani of Ikeja NBA suggested that the conference should be backed by an Act of the National Assembly so that it will not be an exercise that will end in the dustbin.

Thereafter, he suggested that the outcome of the confab should become through a plebiscite.

On his part, Dr Goody Uwazurike of Aka-Ikenga noted that most Nigerian cities are dominated by non-indigenes, whom he suggested should also form part of the delegates from the affected cities.

According to him, 60 per cent of the 17 million inhabitants of Lagos are non-indigenes and a similar scenario obtains in Kano.

uled to hold on Saturday, 9 th of November.

Ekiti- Parapo Lagos is a non political association of all Ekiti sons and daughters residing in Lagos. The association whose objective is to promote and facilitate the economic and social-cultural development of Ekiti state, is organizing a celebration aimed at raising funds to complete their project of installing a cassava processing machinery in Ekiti state. This year ’s edition also intends to honour distinguished Ekiti sons and daughters who have done something spectacular towards the development of the state. Speaking at the event in Lagos, the president of the association, Chief Kola Akomolede, said the

award is intended to honour Ekiti sons and daughters who have done something spectacular in their fields.

This is a yearly event aimed at raising funds for the development of the state. The idea of the award is to let people see those who has done something to encourage others. The state Gov, Kayode Fayemi, will be the chief host for this year ’s edition,” he said.

Among the people to be honoured this year are: Otunba Kunle Olasope, Chief Deji Fasuan, Chief Sam Bolarinde, among others.

Among the dignitaries to grace the event are, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubaklar, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Chief Alex Duduyemi among others.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—49

CENTENARY CELEBRATION!!!

Kufuor calls for good governance at centenary of District Grand Lodge T he former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, has called on members of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria to ensure that good governance, rule of law, freedom of expression and association is entrenched within the Nigerian society.

Kufuor, who made this call while delivering a speech at the Centenary Anniversary of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria, held at Eko Hotel Lagos, entitled: “Freemasonry and Governance” urged the members to dedicate all their efforts to positively affect lives of others within and outside their immediate community.

He stressed that Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives, its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities.

According to him, “members of the order should commit and dedicate all their efforts to positively affect the lives of others”. “The best practice seems to emerge to defined good governance, the rule of law, equality before the law, freedom of expression and association to all humanity.”

The high point of the event was the

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Dirstrict Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nigeria, Olorogun Moses Taiga religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organizations. It is a benevolent, social and charitable universal organization whose members focus on lessons that help them achieve moral and spiritual enlightenment. We are religious and patriotic, but our Lodges are non-sectarian and non-political, we search for truth, we support justice, show tolerance and act charitably. Thus, the three cardinal principles of Brotherly love, Relief and truth, and the three prime virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity are highly treasured in the heart of a Mason. It is therefore our sincere desire to leave this world better than we met it. This is our life as Freemasons – true and trusty.

The series of activities which started with the call to order of brethren by the District Grand Director, W. Bro Busola Holloway attracted prominent personalities from all walks of life to mark this

epoch celebration, they include: HRM Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, representative of the HRM Oba Akenzua, Oba of Benin, among others.

A presentation of N7 million was made to the Sickle Cell Foundation to buttress Freemasonry commitment to charity. “ This is important because we regard charity as one of those great virtues which give as much joy to the giver as it does to the receiver.

We are encouraged not only to be happy but to spread happiness” The District Grand Director of Ceremonies said. Receiving the donation on behalf of the foundation for the purchase of 150kv generator were Prof. Akinyaju and Akindele, who appreciated the kind gesture of members of District Grand Lodge in Nigeria. Wives of departed members of the district grand lodge were not left out of the celebrations as they received donations for upkeep.

When Stella Oduah touched the untouchables in Aviation sector

henthe unconventional happens, the aftermath is the undesirable.

However, there are a few exceptions to the rule of getting punished for challenging the status quo, and as rare as these exceptions are, they still exist in the face of unyielding opposition to change. Most spared change agents obtained their legitimacy from the masses whose cause they fight and cross they bear.

Stella Oduah in her capacity as the Aviation minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is saddled with the responsibility of transforming a dying sector that would support economic growth and national development. The tasks before her are very clear and the routes to accomplishing them are equally visible but not without making enemies and crossing established paths in the aviation sector except she would just go and be remembered as a minister like many who had passed through the sector.

Stella would rather not be a number but a person of impact. This choice threw into the battle field peopled by individuals and institutions with capacity to fight in the murky water of Nigerian politics.The delectable felineeyed lady of accomplishment certainly could not guess how dirty the battle could get until a fortnight ago.

Perhaps she might have been warned and given insights into what could happen if she rolls the wheel of change

that will move the tide against the perceived untouchables in the Aviation sector but her resolve for would not allow warnings to deter her.

Before Stella, there were no perishable agro-cargo terminals that could enhance farm-to-market distribution chain, guarantee food security and facilitate economic development in the rural areas through easy exchange of farm produce for foreign exchange. Then, these services were within the remit of a group of individuals charging exorbitantly for facilitating trade between rural farmers and the international market.

Analysts with deep knowledge of the sector had opined that she would not go without any bruise because her achievements which are receiving resounding commendations home and abroad are detested by the ‘special class’ whose monopoly her transformation has broken.

In her Aviation Road Map, Stella Oduah highlighted the need for rural farmers who may not have the opportunity of flying on a plane to reap the benefits of existence of facilities such as airports in our country.

Consequently, she aggressively designated Perishable Agro-Cargo Terminals in Jos, Yola, Asaba, Enugu, Akure, Makurdi and Lagos. The spread of these terminals will continue to Akure, Bauchi, Ibadan,Jalingo, Kano and Owerri.

Stella Oduah is resolute in her

resolve to transform the aviation sector in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the clogs on her path to achieving the highlighted agenda, Stella had bentbackwards and surpassed herself in driving the developmental initiatives which sap as much energy as brain. In the pipeline are schemes that would support the establishment of free trade and export processing zones at the four major airports in Nigeria namely Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt and Kano.

She executes the initiative effortlessly,and she has achieved so

,

By HAROLD SONIBARE

presentation of the centenary awards by the District Grand lodge of Nigeria, Grand Master Olorogun Moses Taiga to members who have distinguished themselves in the service of humanity.

In his own address he emphasized that Masonry has no other mission than to exalt and ennoble humanity, to bring light out of darkness, beauty out of ugliness and make every life more radiant, in pursuit of this principles, the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria and its several Lodges would continue to practice this important Masonic injunction. “We may never be able to count all that we have done. They are truly numerous and it is uncharitable to count all that we have done for others. Suffice it however, to say that at the District Grand Lodge level, we have done a lot. Above all, as an individual, a Mason’s daily life is never complete until that Masonic hand of friendship is extended to relieve the one in want whether a member or not. As thousands of us live this life daily in Nigeria, we would continue to pour little drops of warmth on a society that needs friendship and love”.

The District Grand Master, Olorogun Taiga disclosed, as he welcomes the delegates that Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest, non-

affected by the simplification of the Nigerian aviation processes are at daggers’ drawn with the Aviation Minister framed for her seeming disregard for the untouchables in her revolutionary development of the sector.

Under Stella’s watch, there are have been remodeling of 19 airports and reconstruction of control towers, runways resurfacing and installation of new weather systems, with the activation of the Aerotropolis in the waiting for the use of Nigerians.

Stella Oduah is resolute in her resolve to transform the aviation sector in Nigeria

much within a short period in the sector in a manner fans the embers of envy.

Still, her determination and body language are unequivocal on the fact that there are greater days ahead for the sector under her continued watch.

She envisioned the need for nine Pilgrims Terminal Buidlings at Minna, Ilorin, Ibadan, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Katsina, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Lagos as well as the relocation of the domestic passenger airport terminal in Abuja to the B&D wings of the NAIA international airport for greater convenience and service. These initiatives are not without their oppositions, individuals who are

,

Expectedly, there must be a fight back by the untouchables have waged a vindictive war against the Minister.

Her efforts appear to have angered the self-loving group but Stella Oduah, does not seem worried by the ploys of this aggrieved cabal to scuttle her developmental agenda for the Aviation sector. The pace at which she recreates most of the facilities in the aviation sector which have almost become artifacts signals her firm believe in the pronouncement of posterity and divine reward for change agents.

Sonibare,a public commentator writes from Kano

50— Saturday

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

By UJU MBANUSI AND ANGELA OKPE

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he popular and ever-busy Mile 2 in Amuwo-Odofin L.G.A., Lagos State, has turned into a hot crime spot. The area which serves as both entry and exit points to several major suburbs and even neighbouring countries like Cotonour, Seme etc, has turned into a nightmare to motorists and passersbye. In fact, it is now a magnet for all kinds of criminal activities. The situation has gotten so bad to the extent that some aggrieved youths now arm themselves with dangerous weapons like cutlasses and jackknives with a view to defending themselves when the hoodlums strike. Worse still, the reconstruction of roads currently going on in the area has created traffick gridlocks which make it easier for criminals to have a field day by unleashing terror on motorists stuck in the traffick.

*Chilling accounts

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nvestigations carried out by Crime Guard revealled that some commercial motorists and street traders also connive with the hoodlums to carry out their nefarious activities both in daylight and at nights. This is in spite of the heavy presence of combined teams of armed policemen, men of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Soldiers attached to OP Messa, operatives from the Surveillance unit of the Nigeria Police and State Security Service, SSS including even uniformed men from Lagos State Traffick Management Authority, LASTMA. Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums who always come in groups of five, seven and even more, usually waylay motorists in hold-ups and threaten them with dangerous weapons including guns after which the helpless victims will either part with their money and valuables or end up being wounded if they failed to obey them. Some were even fatally shot.

Commuters who ply the Apapa/ Oshodi, and Orile/ Barracks route gave chilling accounts of their encounter with the hoodlums to Crime Guard . A construction worker with Julius Berger stated that the rate at which robbers operate on the Mile 2 axis is alarmingly on the increase. According to him, “No day passes without a robbery incident being recorded. In early October, a colleague of mine closed from work, as he crossed over to board a bus to Orile, some men pursued and caught up with him. They stole all the money he had on him including his handset. As if that was not enough, they beat him up. Also, I noticed that some animals that look like bush dogs comes out from the bush between auto-Warf bus-stop and the mile 2 bridge. They attack and kill dogs and other animals. I think this should be looked into because when I saw the animals one night after my night shift, I knew they were not dogs, they pose a danger to unsuspecting passersby.”

A trader at Auto-Warf simply identified as C.J who spoke with Crime Guard lamented the alarming increase in robbery operations in the area. He narrated how his wife narrowly escaped being a victim. “Robbery incidents take place on a daily basis around here,

*Otowarf road block

* Hoodlums attack motorists, commuters

*Security operatives,commercial drivers, hawkers implicated

though I have not witnessed such, my wife was attacked about two months ago on her way to purchase newspapers for sales; she had some money which she wanted to use for the purchase and her hand sets. That morning, around 5:30am, she boarded a bus at Ochakpo-Ajegunle and alighted at Oto-warf, as she made to cross over, she noticed some men walking towards her, at that point she said to her self, that she’d rather die with the men than loose her money and hand set. But before the men could get her, she also thought it wise to run for her life, and that saved the day.”

*Complaints galore

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motorist who gave his name as Andy lamented that he has suffered untold hardship in the hands of armed robbers who have been attacking motorists stuck in traffic hold-up in the area. “I have suffered a lot. They go in groups of five to seven or more and besiege motorists. Woe betide you if your glass is not rolled up. They will not hesitate to dispossess you of all your valuables and beat you

The situation has made it difficult for them to adequately police that area. Robbery incidents in Mile 2, will continue except something is done urgently. Some of which are joint patrol from these divisions or a new division created to police the entire mile 2 area up. But if your glass is rolled up, atimes they will block you in between those heavy trucks where people will not notice what they were doing. They will then continue to hit on your car ordering you to roll down or they will break the glass. In most cases, they break the glass with heavy metal and cart away all your money and valaubles. They target posh cars and SUVs especially those driven by women. They avoid cars with large nuymber of passengers but if they decide to strike, they will simply raise up their dirty shirt, show up a gun stuck in their waist and go ahead to rob everybody.

A hawker in the area also told Crime Guard that the activities of hoodlums at the bus stops have affected their trade as most private car owners and other

commuters don’t wind down their glasses to purchase anything from them anymore for fear of not knowing who is a genuine hawker or a rogue in disguise.

“The hoodlums normally harass motorists to wind down by showing them guns to rob them. Sometimes, we witness these things but how can we defend the helpless motorists unarmed?

We would just think it’s wise to let them be for fear of our own lives should we try to stop them. No reasonable man will fight an armed robber. The annoying aspect of it is that you will see armed policemen arresting commercial motorcyclists on top of the bridge while robbers are having a field day a stone throw from them. Also, some uniformed policemen on foot and on top of bikes

Saturday Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 51

Commuters react ...

usually station themselves strategically on the stretch of road descending into Mile 2 bus stop from the express, they will be busy extorting money from motorists while people are being robbed in the hold-up. Some bus drivers connive with them and create artificial hold-up on the service lane that connects Mile two from the express way and you will not see officials of LASTMA clearing the road.

Thats how they create opportunity for these miscreants to attack people. I don’t know what the police at Mile 2 station are doing.”

When approached, a driver with one of the transport companies identified as Shedrack said, “I have not witnessed such but I do hear people complain of how they have been robbed around here.

You know this is an open place; people come around, both business people and touts so, this sort of thing is bound to happen. I think the state government should engage Security Officers to check activities going on around here especially the local gin (kparaga) and cigarette sellers, because after taking these things, the hoodlums are easily lured into committing such acts. The security officers need to have a uniform code of conduct and map out strategies to operate if they want to achieve success in curbing robbery activities around here. They don’t just patrol or raid, but they should always base their

whereas they were not well armed to match them. On one occasion, the robbers met their match, when they came to operate as usual not knowing that some SARS officers were around. They took them on and at the end, 3 of the robbers laid dead. So, I strongly feel that if the Police men were adequately trained and equipped, they will be able to put a check on the hoodlums’ menace. It is not only the Mile 2 area that should be focused on, activities on accurate information so they also operate along Barracks/ that they can be effective. Some of Volkwagen road as from 6 - 7pm, that these hoodlums operate under route can be dangerous.” much organised system, they have informants as well.”

A private car owner who spoke rime Guard learnt that based on the with Crime Guard anonymously incessant attacks on both motorists, revealed that he witnessed a lot of commuters and passersby, youths robbery activities during peak working in private companies around the periods, but there was nothing the commuters could do to save the area and those selling cars at the popular situation as they were not armed to Berger yard car depot, have now resorted confront the hoodlums who rather to taking laws into their hands by arming operated with sophisticated themselves with cutlasses and attacking weapons. “A lot of robbery activities the hoodlums anytime any of their do go on here mostly at peak periods colleagues falls victim. It was gatherd when there is heavy traffic, that last week, their colleague from one of irrespective of the time of the day. I the newspaper houses in the area was ply this route daily and witness some attacked and wounded by the robbers as of these operations. There was a day he was going home around 10pm. He ran a man was robbed at the bridge top, back and mobilized his colleagues and, as if that was not enough, he was armed with cutlasses, they moved dragged down and beating after towards Mile 2 through Otto Warf. They which they ordered him to lie on the reportedly paraded the highway up to the ground; the hoodlums had a field bridge without seeing any of the day stepping on him. Everyone else miscreants. However, as they were came out of their vehicles and heading back towards Beger Yard, they scampered for safety while those saw three of them robbing a motorist. who could not run hid in their Without wasting time, they went after vehicles. That very day, some Police them with their cutlasses, succeeded in Officers were down the bridge, at catching one of them. It was also learnt the Orile road axis but they acted as that two soldiers that met them dealing if they were not aware of the with the hoodlum, hailed their action and incident. Do you blame them? When advised that they should continue with a they have noticed the sophisticated view to eliminating the rest of the weapons the robbers came with, members of the gang.

*Jungle justice

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A retired SSS officials who lives at Mile 2 Estate, very close to the hot spot, told Crime Guard that the only solution to the menace of these hoodlums is for plain cloth security operatives to be permanently positioned at strategic areas leading into the area so that they can easily intervene whenever there is a hold up. “Anything short of this is a waste of time because they have informants who alert them on seeing security men on uniform.

*Police swings into action

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rime Guard also gathered that following this development and based on reports, police authorities in Lagos have swung into action with a view to dealing ruthlessly with the criminals that terrorize people in the area. In fact, it was authoritatively learnt that security operatives have been directed to shoot on sight anytime they see them in operation.

A police source intimated that proactive measures have been put in place and the State Police boss, Umaru Manko has given matching orders to all the Area Commanders and Divisonal Police Officers incharge of the areas under Mile 2, to put a stop to this increasing attacks or be thrown out. According to the source, “The duty of policing mile 2 was made difficult due to the complex nature of the area. The responsibility was given to six police divisions across the state. These divisions includes; Orile, Festac, Satellite, Kirikiri, Trinity and Ajegunle Divisions. Based on this, policemen from these divisions find it difficult crossing over areas that are not under their jurisdiction. This situation has made it difficult for them to adequately police that area. Robbery incidents in Mile 2, will continue except something is done urgently like joint patrol from these divisions or a new division created to police the entire Mile 2 area.”

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

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n economies like Nigeria where consumers are often on the go, it is hardly surprising that the noodles market is thriving and might remain so for a long time to come. For one, noodles are suitable alternatives to prolonged meals that do not suit the busy lifestyles of the average student or worker, besides being very affordable and easy to cook. That is perhaps why Euromonitor International, in its study of the global noodles market, noted that “the comparatively affordable positioning of noodles has helped to sustain robust demand,” adding that it is viewed as a convenient meal for mobile citizens.

Today, Indomie Instant Noodles commands a large share in the noodles segment of the Nigerian market amidst fierce competition from existing and emerging brands. Produced by Dufil Prima Foods Plc, it has become a household name among children, youths and adults; providing business opportunities for many who prepare it for public consumption at large/medium-sized eateries and even on busy sidewalks.

That said, Dufil Prima Foods, rather than rest on its laurels, is continually building on its tradition of giving back to the society that sustains its business by rewarding its teeming consumers – many of whom are children. That explains why it developed a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative tagged ‘The Indomie Independence Day Awards’ (IIDA) which celebrates children between the ages of 5 and 15 that have demonstrated acts of heroism in difficult situations. The foremost noodles brand says it believes that in every child lies what it takes to be great in an environment where brave children doing extraordinary things are hardly noticed, recognized or celebrated.

“Bravery is a scarce quality and the voice of bravery reverberates, but only the discerning responds to its call for recognition,” say those connected with the brand.

We ’ll always celebrate, empower heroic children —Indomie Boss

L-R: Mr Haresh Aswani, Chairman, Dufil Prima Food Pls; Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashiola, First Lady, Lagos State and Mr Deepak Singhal, CEO, Dufil Prima Foods Plce. at the 6th Indomie Independence Day Awards, recently in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the initiative, created six years ago, does more than just strengthen the relationship between the brand and children. It is also an avenue to develop courageous children fond of easy-to-prepare meals that get them started for the day’s studies in record time.

Hear 8-year-old David Adekunle, who came third at the 6th edition of the yearly event which held in Lagos October 5, 2013 declare, “I advise children to continue to eat Indomie because Indomie is good.”

Adekunle from Minna, got robbers arrested through his ingenuity for which he earned a

CSR: Red Star Express empowers community

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n the spirit of Corporate So cial Responsibility, Red Star Express Foundation has shared part of its profit to empower community in which it operates through scholarship awards to schools to further boost their education. Red Star Express is one of the leading courier companies in Nigeria that delivers quality at your door post through its seasoned and tested management team to compete globally.

Speaking at the event of the scholarship award, Mrs Margret Charles, a mother of one of the beneficiaries of the nine recipients said in Lagos, “Red Star through this scholarship programme did not only change the story of our children but parents as well. The programme has helped our children believe more in their ability, that they can be useful in life through hard work and dedication”.

The excited mother, whose son, Victor Charles was one-day Lagos state governor 2013 for winning Lagos State annual Spelling Bee, attributed her son’s recent academic performance to Red Star

Foundation Scholarship. She said, “ever since my son won the scholarship, he has continued to win one competition after another.

“It is not about the money, which I consider the least of the benefits, but the confidence and motivation it gives our children.”

The Executive Director, Red Star Express, Mr Muyiwa Olumekun, commended the students for their exceptional academic excellence, urging them to always remember that they are the future leaders of tomorrow.

Mr Olumekun also restated the commitment of Red Star Express to remain true to its promises. “As a company, we believe in giving back to our host community and the larger society. The Red Star Foundation is the platform through which we express our corporate social responsibility and we are excited that our little effort is having such amazing impact on the lives of young people.”

The company also reintroduced the Red Star Scholarship mentor-mentee relationship by appointing some of its key managers to mentor each of the nine awardees.

N500,000 cash prize.

For Divine Toruemi, and Mohammed Kenubu who placed first and second respectively, the awards could not have come at a better time since they never knew their acts of bravery would someday be rewarded. They were picked by a distinguished panel of judges from an initial shortlist comprising 14 children for this year ’s edition of the event.

Toruemi who resides in Port Harcourt rescued a drowning boy; while Kenubu from Kano rescued a baby from a bomb

blast. They got N1 million and N750,000 respectively.

Haresh Aswani, Chairman, Dufil Prima Foods, during the presentation of the awards in Lagos, said it was targeted at identifying and rewarding children whose heroic acts touched lives but were often ignored due to their age.

“This event is significant because it is rooted in the recognition of those whose best efforts are very often overlooked by the society. On a daily basis, our beloved Nigerian children perform thousands of heroic

acts at great personal risk to themselves, but the reality is that such acts of bravery often pass by unsung because the players involved are minors. In 2008, we decided to take up the challenge by not only recognising these young heroes, but also providing them scholarship opportunities since their actions have touched lives in their immediate communities and beyond,” he noted.

Also speaking at the event, the CEO, Deepak Singhal, assured that the company would always celebrate children who serve as change agents in their respective communities.

With a documentary tagged ‘IIDA: The Journey So Far,’ he treated guests to the step-by-step trajectory the initiative had witnessed over the years with very bright prospects for the future.

For human rights activist, Joe Odumakin, initiatives of this nature could not have come at a better time since children always crave the recognition of their best efforts. In her keynote address at the Indomie Independence Day Awards tagged ‘Children as Agents of National Transformation’ she said, “I would like to commend Dufil Prima Foods Plc for rekindling the hope of the Nigerian child with this enviable initiative which rewards unique acts of bravery and heroism in our children, thereby inspiring them to aspire to greater heights.”

The yearly award, which has produced a total of 18 winners with cash prizes worth over N13 million from Indomie, is meant to help build the self esteem of the recipients and positively impact their lives.

Most importantly, the organizers, through the IIDA initiative, are building a smart generation in the mould of Kenubu, Adekunle and Touremi for whom easy-to-prepare and tasty meals like Indomie represent the best of the culinary arts and bravery in the face of adversity.

R-L:Nadezhda Sotirova, Marketing & Communiciation Manager, Renault,Sub-Saharan Africa & French Overseas Territories; Bernard Horrocks, Managing Director, Bukkehave Nigeria Ltd,;Morakinyo Adeniyi, Sales Manager, Bukkehave Nigeria Ltd, and two other senior staff members, during the companies meeting to in Lagos.

L-R: Secretary General of NigeriaBenin Inter-border Security Committee, Mr. Bonny AbisogunBotoku,Controller of Customs, Igolor Command in Benin Republic, Mr. Guy Landry Kiki and Area Controller of Customs, Ogun State, Prince Ade Dosunmu during the opening ceremony of Nigeria-Benin Interborder Security Office in Idiroko, Ogun State on Wednesday.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013—53

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54 —SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

2014 Commonwealth: AFN replaces stay away athletes

Dubai Diary

by John Egbokhan

Lagos on my mind A

FTER spending over 12 days covering the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Dubai, I have started to feel home-sick. Yes, I mean it. I am thinking of Lagos, the self-acclaimed mega-city, according to amiable Governor Babatunde Fashola, who has been trying to reshape Lagos, albeit with little or no success, depending on which side of the divide you belong.

Lagos is a beautiful city, at least that is the vibe you get from government officials and their likes, who pride the city as an emerging mega-city. But if they think so, then what

does one make of Dubai or the other emirates in the United Arab Emirates, where the word mega-city is no longer fit for this beautiful paradise on earth.

I can’t stop thinking of Lagos, where filth, bad roads, corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, poor electricity and many other negatives rule the air, because in some few days from now, I will be boarding the flight back home to face the harsh realities of a mega-slum. Yes that is what Lagos really is. They can think what they want to think but anybody who has seen what a real city looks like will quickly tag Lagos

Hold your Piss

A

NIETIE Iyoho writes Sports for The Nigerian Pilot. He is covering UAE 2013. He is a fun person to be with. Always quick to bear his mind on itching issues. Anietie has made my stay a pleasurable one.

We have gone round four cities in the United Arab Emirates and it has been eventful. The last time that we went to Al Ain City to cover the press conference ahead of Eaglets match against Iran, Anietie caused a mild scene in the

Judokas in action during a Championship

a beautiful slum. From Oshodi to Okoko to Ikorodu to Orile to Ikeja to Mainland and even to the almighty Lekki and Ikoyi areas, the story is not different. Filth stares you in the face. Night-time turns the city to a ghost town. Not here in the UAE, where the cities come alive at night.

You can get a burger at 4am here. But as I enjoy the moment here, I can’t help but think of Lagos, where city-life has turned into a nightmare. But home I must return next week to team up with my Sports Editor, Tony Ubani and the rest of the crew, as we continue our journey in the slum tagged mega-city by our copy-cat and docile leaders

car conveying us back to Dubai. As the Indian driver sped off on the beautiful and well-laid out highway, my good friend from the Pilot told me that he wanted to urinate. I reminded him that we were in the UAE and on the highway for that matter, not the Benin-Ore road but he would not have it. He told the driver his predicament but was told bluntly that we were on the highway at night and there was no place to stop for such call of nature.

As Anietie got agitated, he was quietly told to hold his piss by Tunde of the Nation, who reminded him that we were not on the Maraba-Yanya highway.

He had no option than to comply because since we have been here, we have not seen people urinating in the open.

Judokas celebrate international week … Suleiman, Gbayi task ‘em

T

HE Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF has joined the international community in celebrating the International Judo Week.

Chairman of the NJF finance committee, Alhaji Danusa Suleiman and Athletes representative on the board, Segun Gbayi were on hand to flag off the celebration on Monday at the Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

Suleiman admonished the Judokas to be proud of their profession and be disciplined at all time, promising that the present board will motivate and mobilize the judo stars and their coaches towards winning laurels locally and internationally.

Meanwhile, Gbayi has once again appealed to the C M Y K

National Sport Commission, NSC to reinstate Judo in the forthcoming National Youth Sport Festival, NYSF holding in December while also congratulating the athletes as they celebrate their International

Judo week.

Gbayi, a former judo star said the celebration is featuring seminars and demonstrations in different parts of the country while adding that the reinstatement of Judo in the NYSF is bound to boost the game in the country.

First Deepwater coach promises good outing in Morocco

F

RESH from the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier of the 2013 Africa Champions Cup, coach of First Deepwater Basketball club of Nigeria, Lateef Erinfolami promised Nigerians that the team would do the country proud in the competition tentatively scheduled for November 20-30 in Morocco.

The Oil & Gas ladies who also have Shola Ogunade-

Shomala as an assistant coach, have stepped up their trainingt at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos in readiness for the final round where they will compete among other top clubs from across the continent.

The Nigerian Zenith Bank Women league champions will be searching for her first continental title after hosting and finishing third in 2011 in Lagos.

N

IGERIAN athletes invited to the ‘conditioning camp’ opened by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN have settled down to do some work, but some top athletes have opted out preferring to be with their coaches.

The camp opened last weekend in Abuja with the AFN technical committee nursing the ambition of putting the invited athletes in top shape for the 2014 season campaigns.

However, some of them have applied to stay away, while others like Obinna Metu as at Thursday have not reported to camp well outside the deadline set by the AFN technical committee director, Omatseye Nesiama.

Metu’s coach, Uchenna Emedolu however, confirmed that the lanky

sprinter will join the camp later . Speaking on the athletes that wanted to stay back, Navy Commodore Nesiama stated that he indeed received application from hammer thrower, Queen Obisesan, Sarah Malagu and others.

“If these athletes are better off training with their coaches, that is okay with us.

I will equate them with those who are overseas training with their coaches. So we have resolved that those who want to stay away will be replaced by others who want to be in the programme,”said Commodore Nesiama.

“We have also taken into consideration those who are in school. The coaches have reached a resolution that should there be need for them to go back to school when the ASUU strike is called off; they will be given

a programme they can be training with. The basic thing is that they should be in camp for at least two weeks so that they can be accessed and also benefit from the camping.

Also speaking on the dust raised by athletes who are in the top ten AFN ranking yet did not make the camp, Nigeria Track and Field coaches Association president, Gabriel Okon, explained that the ranking was not necessarily a yardstick for the selection.

“There are some athletes outside the top ten whom the technical committee felt have better prospects. There are others who are younger and have more to gain than the older ones. We are just looking at the athletes for now. The coaches are ready to work and by the end of the exercise, we hope to see the effect,” Okon said.

RACING... Folaade Abugan, Magaret Etim and Bukky Abogunloko during a race.

Saudis snatch Nigeria’s No.1 throws coach

O

NE of Nigeria’s best known throws coaches, Michael Lati Obisesan has been snatched by the Saudi Athletics Federation. He joins the ever growing list of Nigerian coaches who are working in the middle East, much to the detriment of Nigerian track and field.

Obisesan, an experienced and well traveled coach, joined the Middle East bandwagon in July and have settled well in Saudi Arabia, where another Nigerian coach Taiwo Ariyo has been doing remarkably well.

“We have no choice than to move to a country, which is ready to spend money to develop its athletes.

In Nigeria we have the money, but when everyone is just thinking that it is all about oil and political power and nothing else; then our youths and those who will teach them will continue to suffer,” said Obisesan who is on break from his duties in Saudi Arabia.

He said that it was a hard choice leaving the shores of this country. This is be-

cause of the athletes under his tutelage, some of whom are just cutting their teeth in track and field.

“When I was leaving I thought about the athletes I was coaching, most especially the juniors. They have been working really hard and made some improvements. “It was a hard choice, not just because of the money, but I had to leave because I was going to work with people who know what they are doing and are ready to spend to achieve goals. As a professional, I have to go because I want to be able to enjoy what I am doing,”

said the coach.

However, he has not forgotten Nigerian athletics.

“Me and other coaches who have left we are always thinking about how to help the country. When my sojourn in Saudi is over, I hope to raise funds and open a centre where I will be coaching Nigerian athletes and indeed others from elsewhere. We can only pray that we get our acts right in this country, because we are a great people and we have talents everywhere it is just that we as a country we have lost our focus and priority.”

Doping: Wada targets Kenya after Jamaica probe

T

HREE high-ranking WADA officials arrived in Jamaica this week to look into the country’s anti-doping programmes after weeks of criticism following positive tests from several highprofile athletes including former world 100 metres record holder Asafa Powell, twice 200 metres Olympic

champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and London Games 4x100 relay silver medallist Sherone Simpson According to a report in the Guardian, WADA is now ‘closely scrutinising’ Kenya, after they failed to satisfactorily investigate a number of failed tests.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013 — 55

Golf: Woods tips McIlroy to win

T

IGER Woods believes Rory McIlroy is slowly getting his golf game back on track and predicted that the former world number one would claim a breakthrough first victory of the year by the end of December.

McIlroy was on top of the world at the end of 2012, having won the orders of merit on both sides of the Atlantic, but he has had a turbulent season this year on and off the course.

Q/Final Cracker: Ukadike tips Eaglets to win I’m fit as a fiddle for Uruguay — Iheanacho

BY EDDIE AKALONU

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

E

X - I N T E R N AT I O N AL, Nicholas Ukadike has said he expects the Golden Eaglets to stretch their winning streak in the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates by overcoming their Uruguayan opponents in today’s quarter final in Sharjah.

“I expect them to win because, so far, they have given us a good competition. The team that scores goals is the better team. Our boys have shown ability to score goals and I only look forward to coach Manu Garba getting the midfielders to be more creative from this stage as the way to better their performance,” adding “right now other teams are interested in Nigeria because we have been champions many times and that means that our boys must be thorough. I have no doubt they will win and then go all the way to the final. Anything can happen although, I know that Uruguay will be very difficult,” the former Spartans, Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Abiola Babes attacker said.

Before this stage, the Eaglets walloped Mexico 6-1, drew 33 with Sweden, pounded Iraq 5-0 and trashed Iran 4-1 for a total 18 goals for and 5 against.

Uruguay on their part beat New Zealand 7-0, dew 1-1 with Ivory Coast and yet 1-1 with Italy before beating Slovakia 42 for a total 12 goals in favour and against.

R

AVE of the moment at the FIFA U-17 World Cup here in the United Arab Emirates, Kelechi Iheanacho has said that he was in the mood to propel the Golden Eaglets to victory against Uruguay in today’s quarterfinal duel in Sharjah.

Having found the back of the net five times in four appearances for the Nigerians, , Iheanacho, who is in the running for the top scorer award, said that he was fit and raring to contribute his quota to Eaglets championship push here.

“I’m okay now and by the grace of God, I will be ready to play against Uruguay. Our prayer is that God shall help us achieve victory and it is not important who scores the goals in as much as we win. I would be happy to do the best I can and I’m looking forward to play against Uruguay.”

Iheanacho

Tennis: Murray hints he may opt out of Aussie Open

A

NDY Murray has warned that he could skip the Australian Open if he does not feel fit enough to win it.

Murray became Britain’s first male Wimbledon singles winner for 77 years in the summer but a back injury has cast a shadow over his season.

He was forced to miss the French Open, went under the knife in September after a frustrating US Open defence and has pulled out of November’s ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The 26-year-old is making

steady progress in his rehabilitation and could even return at an exhibition tournament in Barbados next month, but insisted he would not travel to Melbourne in January without the expectation of reward. “I would be disappointed to miss the Australian Open because it’s a grand slam,” he said. “It is a tournament all the players want to play at.

“But when you start setting targets - especially when you are coming back from having surgery on your back - it’s a serious thing

NFF pays Keshi two months salary S

UPER Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has received two months out of the seven months salary owed him by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Keshi had cried out about the outstanding payments and yesterday NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire confirmed that the coach has been part paid. The NFF is owing Keshi who won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and on the verge of leading Nigeria to the 2014 World Cup about N35m being seven months salary.

“We have made a quick effort to sort part of his arrears. We are working extremely hard to pay the coach the rest as soon as possible.”

Olajire added that the NFF had put in measures to “help minimise the risk of delays in the future”.

“The financial situation of the NFF caused the delay. It is not an excuse; it is a consequence of the financial reality,” he said.

Keshi did not confirm or deny

The Northern Irishman changed his clubs in January, a switch that was criticised by several pundits. He is also in the middle of a bitter court dispute with his former management team and, according to media reports, has split from girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki.

“He is playing better and swinging a lot better,” 14-times major champion Woods told Reuters in an interview. “You can see that some of the stuff he and his coach are working on are starting to come together.

“He’s starting to put together a few good rounds, now he just has to make a few more putts. I can definitely see him winning sometime this year because his game has come around.”

World number one Woods had a close-up view of McIlroy when he lost to the twice major winner in a lucrative head-tohead exhibition match on China’s Hainan Island on Monday.

The two golfers are both based in Florida and the 37-year-old American said he and world number six McIlroy had formed an excellent relationship.

“Rory has become a good friend of mine over probably the past year, year and a half,” explained Woods. “It seems like every tournament we’re paired together, we’re also playing practice rounds together and we have really hit it off.

receiving the pay yesterday. But in the heat of the crisis he had said: “I don’t like discussing money issues and if there is any NFF member who said we can work for free, then I will want to speak with him face to face.

“If they say we can work for free and that they are not going to pay, so be it.

“I can’t have my family abroad and I will be in debt because I have not been paid for seven months and somebody is saying we should not complain.”

From Left, Mr Babatunde Onadeko,Branch Manager Sagamu Branch First City Monument Bank Plc, Chief Mrs Falilat Ogunkoya, Badewa Funmilayo, winner of the 400 metres Meet with Mrs Favour Olu-Asorona, Branch Manager Ijebu-Ode FCMB and Mr Rafiu Mohammed, Marketing and Communication Department FCMB at the 3rd Falilat Ogunkoya National 400 metres Meet held at the Dipo Dina Stadium in IjeOde. Photo by AKEEM SALAU

to have done - you don’t come back just to play a match at the Australian Open.

“If I come back, I want to be in shape to win it. I can look at this in a lot of positive ways and if I do get myself ready for it I will have had a long lead-up and training block, really, to get myself in the best possible shape.

“Whether I make it or not depends on how things go once I get back on the tennis court. I haven’t been on the tennis court yet, so I’m not

•Murray

FIFA U-20 Women World Cup: Falconets coach wants more improvement have been training hard for tie

BY BENEDICTA ADEGBOYEGA

D

ESPITE the 10-0 thrashing of their SierraLeonian counter-parts in the first leg of the FIFA Under-20 Women World Cup qualifier in Abuja, Falconets coach Peter Dedevbo has said he is unimpressed with the quality of his team. The Falconnets are billed to travel on Thursday next week to Freetown for the second leg of the encounter that will be played on November 9, but according to coach Dedevbo, he is working hard with the players to improve on their play. ‘’I was not impressed with their game, I mean the way they played in the first leg.

Agreed that we scored a lot of goals, it was a against a team that is not as good as us. I want my players to raise their game, there has to be an improvement, because we will be meeting tougher teams along the line,” said the coach.

He added that the Falconets

in Freetown the result in Abuja notwithstanding, stating that the ultimate ambition was not just to qualify for the world cup billed for August 19 to September 8 in Canada, but also to win the trophy. The Falconets coach by Edwin Okon finished forth in the 2012 tournament in Japan.

Dedevbo said he was aiming to improve on that outing. Most of the girls in the team are members of the Under-17 squad that the coach took to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan. They were stopped in the quarter-finals by France that eventually won the tournament. In that tournament, Nigeria was accused of fielding overage players, however the coach stated that his current Under-20 squad has no overage player.

The African qualifiers for Canada 2014 will be played on a home-and-away basis between September 2013 and 24 January 2014. Two spots at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup are up for grabs.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

U-17 World Cup: Eaglets won’t fall like Eagles — Garba ….says no escape route for Uruguay

T

HE dice is cast for to night’s crunch quar-

terfinal match between the Golden Eaglets and

Good selection, secret of Eaglets’ strength — Amuneke A

SSISTANT Coach of the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke has said that no sentiments were used in selecting the Nigerian side bidding for a record fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in the United Arab Emirates.

The Eaglets have been the team to toast to given their impressive run so far in the competition, where they have scored 18 goals in four matches.

As the team tackle Uruguay today, Amuneke, a former African player of the year winner, told Saturday Sports Vanguard that the coaching crew selected only the best and young players to represent Nigeria in a competition that the country has won three times.

Amuneke said that the technical crew wanted to leave a lasting legacy of trust and quality, which in turn would see the current set progressing to do the nation proud in the Flying Eagles, Olympic Eagles and Super Eagles.

“The secret of our little success here is that we

WE DID IT... The Golden Eaglets have been on fire, scoring goals with effortless ease. They are set to do same against Uruguay in a quarter-final match today. have stuck to giving Ni- picking them. that the only way to make for the country geria only the best team. “We have come to a real- a mark is to give the in the future. We were The boys you see here ize that serving the coun- country only the best honest in the selection of were carefully selected, try is a job that must be and we are happy that the players and that is devoid of sentiments. done with the utmost in- these players are living why you see that they are They were the best avail- tegrity and sincerity be- up to expectations. all doing well. able and no cause today we are here “The truth is that we all “The beauty of this team interest was used in but we would not be here must give our best to en- is that any of the players tomorrow, so we do not sure that the legacies of can score. They are conwant to leave a bad foun- this team would tran- scious of the team’s obdation for others to build scend to the Flying Ea- jective and we are proud gles and up to the Super of what they have done on.

“Having all played for Eagles, where we see thus far ”, added our country, we know them doing great things Amuneke.

Uruguay in Sharjar, with Coach Manu Garba saying that it is now or never for his boys to deliver the goods to show that they here to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a fourth record time.

With the Nigerians and Brazil sharing the record of lifting the Cup on three occasions, the Africans would strengthen their stake for another bite of the cherry if they beat Uruguay, who Garba has lots of respects for.

Speaking at the prematch conference yesterday in Sharjar, an upbeat Manu said that there would not be any escape route for the South Americans, whose senior team defeated the Super Eagles at the last Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“The Golden Eaglets are different from the Super Eagles and even if you bring a Uruguayan team with Diego Forlan, we would try our best to win the match.

“As I said earlier, the knockout stage is the most difficult stage of any competition but we are ready to beat Uruguay on Saturday because our only aim of being here is to win the trophy”, added Garba.

•Ukadike

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

RESULT

FIFA U-17 World Cup Sweden Brazil Argentina Nigeria Newcastle Fulham Man City Arsenal

2 1

Honduras Mexico

Today’s Matches vs vs

v v v v

Cote’d Ivoire Uruguay

EPL

Chelsea Man Utd Norwich Liverpool

1 1(10-11Pen) 2.00pm 5.00pm 1:45 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:30 pm

Across 1 Tanzanian National President, Dr. Jakaya – (7) 5 England and Real madrid Midfielder, Gareth – (4) 7 Greek Alphabet – (4) 8 Container – (4) 9 Former Osun State Governor, Olabade – (10) 13 Hausa Word For “Ten” – (4) 14 Country in Europe – (7) 16 State in Nigeria Known as the “Gateway State”? – (4) 17 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Club-Side – (4) 19 L.G.A in Oyo State – (7) 20 Switzerland Capital City – (4) 21 Ukraine Currency – (10) 26 Former Delta State governor, Felix – (4) 27 Musical Instrument – (4) 28 Traditional Ruler of Nupe – (4) 29 MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, Mrs.

Bola – (7) Down 1 L.G.A in Borno State – (4) 2 State in Nigeria Known as “The Confluence State”? – (4) 3 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker and Chelsea Forward, Samuel – (4) 4 Former Cross-River State Governor, Mr. Clement – (4) 5 L.G.A in Katsina State – (10) 6 Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent – (7) 10 Plateau State Governor, Jonah – (4) 11 L.G.A in Jigawa State – (5) 12 Brazilian Dance – (5) 15 Former Enugu State Governor, Mr. Okwesilieze – (5) 18 Female Horse – (4) 22 L.G.A in Borno State – (4) 25 Rodent – (4) 24 Nasarawa United Striker, Victor – (4) 25 Bangladesh Currency – (4)

SOLUTION on page 15

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