02122017 - Its Nigeria, Argentina again

2—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Gov Obiano will do more in his 2nd term —Obigwe

World AIDS Day: Nigeria second largest AIDS epidemic in the world •Over 700,000 on anti-retroviral drug •Over 300,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Benue – AHF

By Sam Eyoboka, Johnbosco Agbakwuru and Peter Duru, Makurdi

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S Nigeria joined the world in celebrating the World AIDS Day, the country still remains second largest AIDS epidemic in the world and with shortage of testing kits and anti retroviral drugs.

The Country Director of One Campaign, an international advocacy group, Serah Makka-Ugbabe said this in Abuja yesterday on a workshop on the role of Primary Healthcare facilities in addressing the HIV/AIDS Epidemic.

She lamented that most people that were willing to test to know their status often times became disappointed as a result of lack of test kits and the drugs for those that are living with the virus.

However, The Country Director, Serah Makka-Ugbabe said as a global member based advocacy organisation that get people to join them and advocate for causes, the primary aim of One Campaign was to eliminate poverty and that the organization was looking at the health sector in Nigeria.

She said, “We want to find out what it takes to ensure that every Nigeria that is living with HIV/ Aids or that gets the disease is treated. Nigeria has the second largest Aids epidemic in the world and also has the worst treatment in the world.

“When you can have your drugs for HIV/Aids, you reduce your virus load and the disease can become dormant but the problem is that many people don’t get access to the treatment especially those in the rural communities because the primary healthcare is not

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HE national co-ordinator of APGA Media Warriors, Evang Chinedu Obigwe has assured that the re-elected governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Obigwe, in a statement yesterday also urged former governor of Anambra state, Mr Peter Obi to congratulate the incumbent governor on his re-election.

Obigwe said Mr Peter Obi should see Obiano’s reelection as a vote for his 2013 first choice. He also asserted that “Governor Obiano by his nature was not a vindictive person and that he would carry everybody along in running the affairs of the State in the next four years”.

He said that “the 2nd term mandate given to the Governor by Anambra electorates was a renewal of his social contract with the people of the State and that the Governor’s priority in his 2nd term would be the continuous delivery of dividends of good governance in the State”. Obigwe assured Anambra electorates that Governor Obiano will justify the confidence they reposed in him and advised them to keep supporting his administration.

Neither Omo-Agege nor Oboro established FUPRE, says Gbagi From left: Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and the event Guest Speaker, His Lordship, Most Reverend Hassan Kukah; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs Toyin Awoseyi who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Reverend Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Deputy Supreme Knight, Sir Diamond Ovueraye and Prof. Pat Utomi during the opening ceremony of the 38th Supreme Council Convention of the Order of th Knights of St. Mulumba held at St. Leo's Catholic Church on Friday in Lagos working.

“We have to put pressure on the government to make sure that they work so that people can have access to care and treatments because the fewer the people have access, the more it spreads, so it is a dangerous situation.”

Over 300,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Benue – AHF Meanwhile, no fewer than 300,000 persons are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS in Benue state, representing 15.4 percent prevalent rate.

Of the said number, not more than 160,000 are yet to access treatment for the virus while close to 140,000 are currently undergoing treatment.

Acting Director, Aids Healthcare Foundation, AHF, Dr. Greg Abiaziam who made this known yesterday on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2017 World AIDS Day held in Makurdi noted that the most vulnerable among those currently living with the virus in the state were girls in their adolescence.

Dr. Abiaziam said “In Benue state where we are working and with the current national survey carried in 2014, the state is the highest with 15.4 percent prevalence, which is unacceptably high and that is why we are working hard as stakeholders to bring the figure down.”

The AHF representative said “We have over 300, 000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Benue.

Out of this number, 140, 000 HIV patients are currently undergoing treatment in the state.”

“Of the number the adolescent girl are the most vulnerable and we need to reach out to them, that is why government must put more funds into HIV projects to keep the service going to reduce the prevalence.”

Continuing he said “the statistic we have currently shows that over one million deaths have been recorded globally as a result of HIV/AIDS as at 2016. We have about 2million persons that are newly infected with HIV, while 20 million persons are currently without treatment.”

Dr. Abiaziam explained that the reason for the World AIDS Day celebration was to create awareness and to launch a fast track initiatives on testing and counseling which was an avenue to reach out to the populace to enable them come out for testing in order to know their status.

According to him “Statistically, we have not really done well in terms of testing and treatment services. We therefore advocate that people come out for testing so as to receive counselling and early treatment.

“We want to see how we

can bridge the gap. We must hold our government accountable to see that they keep their promises that more funds are committed to HIV/ AIDS activities.”

“We simply have to keep the promise on AIDS by ensuring that everyone needing HIV/ AIDS services, irrespective of ability to pay has access to it.” The acting Director stated.

WCC urges focus on children The World Council of Churches in partnership with Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (WCC-EAA) also marked World AIDS Day yesterday bringing together representatives of faith-based organizations as well as public sector and inter-governmental organiz-ations at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.

The event saw a commemorative prayer service, an interactive art exhibition, and a roundtable discussion on how to improve access to testing and treatment for children and adolescents living with HIV, particularly by means of education.

“The World Council of Churches engages in issues of HIV and AIDS through two ecumenical initiatives,” explained WCC deputy general secretary, Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri.

“But for many of us, we do not just engage in these issues because it is our job, but because of who we are, and where we come from. The challenges of HIV and AIDS are issues that touch and affect us personally,” the deputy secretary-general said.

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By Emma Amaize

ORMERMinisterofStateforEducation,OlorogunKenneth Gbagi, has chided Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District and Hon Evelyn Oboro, Member,HouseofRepresentatives,representingOkpe/Sapele/ Uvwie Federal Constituencies, fighting over who established theFederalUniversityofPetroleum,FUPRE,Ugbomro,Effurun, Delta State. “A Senator or Member of the House of Representativesisnotvestedwiththeresponsibilityandcannot, therefore, take credit for the creation of the Federal University of Petroleum, FUPRE. “It is the responsibility of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to establish a university on the presentation of a memo to the council by the Minister of Education,” Gbagi asserted in a statement. His words, “The university for which the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo released money to commence as a College through the great effort of late Senator Fred Ayo-Brume had no legal backing or any form of documentation for a long while.”

2019: I’m in governorship race to rescue Deltans—Okotie

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governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Osiobe Okotie, has disclosed that he was in the governorship race to raise the standard of living of the citizens of the state. Chief Okotie disclosed this when he played host to the state working committee of the party led by its chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue at his Effurun, Delta State residence.

He expressed gratitude over the honour done on him

by SWC, and solicited their support towards his ambition ,saying that, the battle to uproot PDP from the state was a collective one.

Osiobe then promised to tackle unemployment in the state if he succeeds in his ambition just as he charged the party ward chairmen to reach out to prospective party delegates to enable him clinch the party ticket at the primary election.

In his remarks, Prophet Jones Erhue said Chief Okotie was the first person to inform the party of his ambition to contest the governorship election on the platform of the party in the state and urged him to work hard in order to realise his ambition.

O-SECUL donate items to 4 health care centres in Delta

By Perez Brisibe OUR selected communities in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have received power generating set s, drugs and numerous medical items from O-SECUL Nigeri Limited, in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility policy.

Advising the communities namely; Aladja, Emadadja, Ogbe-Udu and Ekete-Inland to make judicious use of the items, Chairman/CEO of the company, Engr. Michael Orugbo who handed over the facilities to the communities in a brief ceremony at the Udu Council Secretariat, said the gesture was borne out of the company’s desire to touch lives and to make sure that the people around have access to medical facilities.

Giving his remark at the event, Engr. Orugbo said, “Our motivating factor for embarking on this gesture was based on the fact that we are passing through a difficult period and most of our people do not have access to drug s . What we are doing today is just to ensure that we ameliorate the sufferings of the people by making sure that they have access to drugs at subsidized price.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—3

Delta House of Assembly passes N308.8bn 2018 Budget T HE Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2018 budget in a record time of one month and ten days, signposting the diligence and hardwork of the legislators.

In passing the appropriation bill, which was initially pegged by the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, at N298 billion, the lawmakers raised the budget to N308 billion with an increase of N10 billion.

This development has marked out Delta State as among the first to

have a budget for 2018.

It would be recalled that the state governor presented the budget estimates to the House on 19 October, 2017.

The budget, according to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was passed following the consideration of the report by Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Speaking while presenting th e r e p o r t , Hon. Nwaobi said that

his committee received and collated inputs, observations and recommendations from the various sub-committees and diligently considered them one after the other.

The lawmaker disclosed that appropriation bill was tied to well defined and specific projects meant for the welfare of the electorate.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon.Tim Owhefere, thereafter moved that the House accept the report and

was seconded by Hon. Uviejitobor.

The Speaker, after the passage of the ap-

propriation bill, commended all the members for their hardwork and diligence, saying

that all of them will continue to be on the same page for growth and development of the state.

‘Unsual Praise’ holds December 9

By Tolulope Abereoje

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NNUAL music c o n c e r t , ‘Unusual Praise’, which th is currently in its 7 year will take place on th the 9 of December 2017 at the Atrium Event Center, beside

Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki Phase 1.

The event will feasture Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach, Chioma Jesus, Joe Praise, Frank Edwards, Sammie Okposo, Chikah Jee, Chukwuemeka and a host of other gospel

musicians as over 20,000 worshippers are expected to attend the 12hours praise concert.

According to the organisers, buses will be made available at strategic points in Lagos to convey people to the venue.

Speaking to newsmen, Sammie Okposo revealed that his ministration will be unusual.

Education: The way out of poverty in Nigeria — Ubong King

By Rotimi Agbana

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HAIRMAN, Ubong King Foundation, Mr. Ubong King, has suggested that positive thinking and education can be wielded as the most viable weapons in eradicating poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the maiden edition of ‘Thinkation’, a symposium scheduled to hold on Friday, January 19, 2018, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, King noted that if only Nigerians can infuse positive thinking into their level of education, poverty will become history in Nigeria.

“Africans all over the world are celebrated for excellence in education but a lot of her communities remain impoverished and underdeveloped.

Although Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, she has had to depend on the expertise of and influence of the western world”, he said.

He added, “We must infuse thinking into education; we need to exercise ‘THINKATION’ (Thinking + Education); it is imperative that we develop our minds and know what to do with what we have in order to live in a better system.”

“Thinkation2018 is a forum that will be intimate, including leadershipdriven conversations with quick-hitting expert presentations. It will feature leaders and great speakers such as former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings, business men among others.”

4—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

UPU 2017 CULTURAL DAY LAGOS READY FOR STREET CARNIVAL

Olamide, Osupa, Humble Smith, Salawa Abeni, others to thrill Lagosians

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LL is now set for the second edition of the Lagos Street Cardinal scheduled to hold on Sunday 3rd December, 2017, along the entire stretch of the Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja from 12noon.

The 12 hours Carnival, consisting of Parade of Colours and Music is packaged by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with HEAT Entertainment outfit, as a private sector initiative is expected to set the tone for the Christmas and New Year Celebration.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi in a statement said the 2017 Lagos Street Party, which has now been rebranded and transformed into Street Carnival, is a private sector initiative with the support of the Lagos State Government packaged to provide fun and Entertainment for the entire family as well as set the stage for the One Lagos

Fiesta which is to come up in all the five divisions of the State at a later date in December.

He said the Carnival will witness a parade of colours by representatives of all the 57 Local Government Councils and Council Development Areas and Organized Private Sector participation from Lagos Island and other parts of the State.

The Carnival according to him, will provide fun and entertainment to the family, and would have Kiddies section with variety of over 18 games to take care of their needs, while the adult section will be thrilled with carnival procession and musical performance by “A” list Artistes like Olamide, Terry G, Saheed Osupa, Li Kesh,, 9ice, Humble smith, Salawa Abeni, MC Arole, Malaika, Olu Maintain,, YCee, Reminisce, Big Shef, etc.

Adeyemi said the entire stretch of the Oba Akran Avenue would be closed to

vehicular traffic from Ikeja under bridge to Sapara Street and all adjoining roads.

He, however, said that alternative routes have been provided through Ile Zik to connect Ikeja, while motorists can also navigate through Akani Doherty through Ladipo Oluwole, Adeniyi Jones and Aromire road to connect Obafemi Awolowo way.

“The Entire Ikeja Axis and adjoining roads would be strategically manned by traffic managers for seamless flow of traffic. Motorists are therefore advised to avoid these roads and if need be, follow directional signs and obey traffic officials along this route,” he said.

He also said that designated car packs have also been provided at Ikeja Local Government, Old Secretariat Compound, Ikeja, Women Development Centre, Agege and Education District 1 compound.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) being welcomed by the President General of Urhobo Progresive Union, Chief Moses Taiga to the 2017 Urhobo Cultural Day celebration at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, UvwiamugeAgbarho, Ughelli North LGA.

Don't frustrate devt in your area, Gov Emmanuel begs A'Ibom youths

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HE Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has begged youths in the state to desist from harassing contractors handling road construction projects in the state, saying such acts were capable of sabotaging government’s effort in addressing the infrastructural needs of the people of the state.

The governor, who spoke, recently, through the commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang-eyen, while inspecting on-going road construction projects in Uruan Local Government Area of the state, said the youths should not give the government the impression that they are enemies of development.

Addressing youths of the area after inspecting, the Anua-Mbak-Eshiet, 19.3 Kilometers road construction executed by the state government, the governor urged the youths to stop harassing contractor handling developmental projects in the state.

He enjoined them to cooperate with the state government in it’s commitment in providing infrastructural development that would stimulate the economy and transform rural communities to semi urban cities.

According to Governor Emmanuel, “the roads are executed to enhance the movement of goods and services from the rural communities to the urban centres. The government

is determined to transform villages into towns to curtail the excessive movement of youths from the villages to urban cities. This is one way of making you feel the impact of the dividend of democracy in the state.

“The state government has already compiled

names of those whose properties are affected by the massive road construction in the state.

We will pay compensation as soon as funds are available but you must allow the contractors to work”.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd left) and former Governor Chief James Ibori (1st left) exchanging pleasatries with Urhobo traditional rulers at the event.

Excess blood in the body dangerous to health — Experts tell Nigerians

By Simon Ebegbulem

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EDICAL experts in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday raised alarm that excess blood in the body is dangerous to health, urging Nigerians, particularly the rich to do blood donations every six months to save the lives of those in need of blood.

This was disclosed at the free blood donation Initiative held at the Benin Central Hospital, organized by the Edo State government in collaboration with the Women´s Health and Action Research Center (WHARC) and the Tom Obaseki Foundation.

Declaring the free blood donation open, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, who stressed the need for Nigerians to donate blood to the needy, lamented that ¨as a con-

sultant paediatrician, one of the greatest challenges I face when I am operating a patient is bleeding. You sent for blood and they tell you there is no blood and the patient passes away. And you also know that ordinary malaria fever is still killing our children because they are short of blood and there is no blood to transfuse them and this could lead to death. ¨Or because the parents could not afford blood, a pint of blood is about N6,000 and they can´t afford it and they just watch helplessly and agonizingly to see their child dieing. We felt that should not happen at this time.

We may not be able to transform our health institution to a standard that is attained abroad, but the little things we can do to save our people´s life, we felt we should do that.

From left: Former Governor, Chief James Ibori; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; President General of UPU, Chief Moses Tiger and HRM, Dr. R.L.Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro I, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom at the event.

A cross section of Urhobo Chiefs at the event.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017 — 5

Jonathan dares critics to show records to match his *Challenges Gov Shettima to account for N60 billion he inherited from Sheriff achievements *Says Nigeria was in 2015 set to have world’s 3rd fastest growing economy

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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ORMER President Good luck Jonathan yesterday launched out at critics of his person and administration daring any of them to match his achievements in government with contemporary indices of governance.

In a riposte to recent criticisms of his person, the former president cited his achievements in raising the Nigerian economy to continental reckoning, in infrastructure notably on roads and railways; in harnessing good talents and in electoral reforms which he said have remained unmatched.

Noting a CNN Money Report just before he left office that projected that the Nigerian economy would become the third fastest growing economy in the world, President Jonathan also reported that life expectancy in Nigeria jumped from 47 years in 2010 to 54 by the time he was leaving office.

Jonathan’s assertions were in response to comments made about his perceived incompetence in governance at the launch of a book written by a former minister in his administration, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The president in the statement issued by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, particularly charged one of his critics, Governor Kashim Shettima to give account of the N60 billion he inherited from his predecessor even as he lampooned the governor for endangering students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok by refusing to relocate them despite security warnings. He also put the governor to task to explain why he promoted the principal of the school to a commissioner despite insinuations of conspiracy arising from the principal’s absence from the school the night the Boko Haram terrorists struck.

Dr. Jonathan also affirmed that he would not comment on Abdullahi’s book “On a Platter of Gold- How Jonathan won and lost Nigeria” which he described as a book lacking in rigour, in-depth investigations and laced with hearsay.

President Jonathan noting Governor Shettima’s comments said: “We didn’t expect anything less from Governor Shettima, knowing the ignoble roles he played in frustrating the war waged by the past administration against Boko Haram, even in his own Borno State.

“He should be able to tell us if it was Jonathan’s poor choices that led the Governor to expose students of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok to avoidable danger, in total disregard of a Federal Government directive to the Governors in the three states most affected by Boko Haram to relocate their students writing the West African School Certificate Examinations to safe

zones.

“The governor is now denying that he had no hand in the kidnap of the Chibok girls even before anybody accused him of culpability. However, we share the view of those who insist that the governor had other things up his sleeve when he promised the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that he would secure the girls, and ended up doing the very opposite, by deliberately abandoning them to their fate, without any security presence in their school.

“It is instructive that while other governors in the zone heeded the security advice, Shettima remained the only one that flagrantly flouted it.

Should we also fail to point out that his decision to reward the principal of Chibok Secondary School, who was uncharacteristically absent on the night terrorists stormed the school, with the post of a commissioner, did throw up more questions than answers?

“Talking about accountability, perhaps, Shettima should also do well to explain to the good people of Borno State and Nigerians what he did with the over N60 billion Local Governments fund, left by his predecessor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

Noting his achievements in government, Jonathan noted: * Nigeria’s Gross domestic Product rose to $503 billion in 2013 and became Africa’s largest economy and 26th in the world; from 3rd and 4th respectively. * Nigeria became the number one destination for Foreign Direct Investment in Africa under former President Jonathan, with the numbers rising from $24.9 million as at 2007 to over $35 billion in 2014. * Jonathan Government delivered over 25,000 kilometres of motorable federal roads from just a quarter of that number in 2011. * The Jonathan Administration resuscitated the railways in the country after about 30years of hiatus *Jonathan’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda ended fertilizer racketeering, encouraged more young Nigerians to take to farming, boosted local food production and took the country closer to self-sufficiency in food production by recording more than 50% reduction in food imports. It was as a result of this that the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, for the first time, voted Nigeria the largest producer of Cassava in the world. * Power generation under Jonathan was boosted to about 5,000 megawatts in 2014 up from 2,000 megawatts in 2011. * Prices of food and other household items remained stable and inflationary pres-

From left: Mr. Nasir Agbalaya; Mr. Lai Omotola, Publisher of The Politico; Mr Malawi Emmanuel, Editor-in-chief and Mr Nduka Uzuokpundu, Editor, of the online specialised political medium during a press conference on the 2019 General Elections Countdown held at Maryland, Lagos yesterday. sure was down to a single digit. *Under Jonathan, Nigeria controlled clinically Ebola outbreak to the admiration of the whole world, became Guinea-worm-free and also eradicated polio, with United States billionaire and renowned philanthropist Bill Gates, praising Nigeria’s successes against polio as one of the great world

achievements of 2014. Sadly polio has returned to the country with the likes of Shettima in charge of the endemic states. *Under Jonathan Life expectancy in Nigeria rose from 47 years in 2010 to 54 years in 2015. *Just before Jonathan left office, CNN Money projected that Nigeria’s economy in 2015 would become the third

fastest growing economy in the world at 7 per cent behind China at 7.3 per cent and Qatar at 7.1 per cent.

“Was it bad governance and poor choices that reformed the political and electoral processes to the extent that the United Nations is now pleading with the government of the day to strive to maintain the standards established by Jonathan?

Six policemen feared killed, as Numan in Adamawa boils

By Umar Yusuf ,YOLA

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UNMEN have shot dead six police officers drafted to maintain peace in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Confirming the incidence, the state PPRO, SP Othman Abubakar, said four police

men who lost their lives were drafted to maintain law and order in the war ravaging area. But, sources said the six police officers lost their lives, while many others were missing.

According to him, the perpetrators were unknown while investigation was still

Buhari congratulates Wizkid, Davido on their awards

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, WizKid, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido, on their awards at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

President Buhari in a statement yesterday in Abuja signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said he joined the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recog-

nition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse” award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act”.

The President affirmed that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

President Buhari also called on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.

on going.

Conflicting reports from the area said that, unknown gunmen in the early hours of Friday stormed Gbolon Communities in Numan killing many people It was gathered that the Fulanis had gathered in the villages to mourn their dead kinsmen in the previous attacks and a detachment of policemen were sent to to the area to maintain peace when the incident occurred.

The reports added that heavy casualties were also recorded on the side of the attackers and the natives.

Another reports had it that the fulanis were on a revenge mission over the recent attack on three Fulani communities resulting in the attack of over 55 people.

Meanwhile there has been mass exodus of people, especially non natives from Numan. Shops and other businesses were hurriedly shut for fear of hoodlums taking advantage of the situation to loot.

6 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 , 2017

Residents protest Ikorodu/Sagamu bad road

6 KWASU students Kidnapped, 1 released

By Demola Akinyemi gang of kidnappers A struck at kwara state university malete in Moro

local government area of the state Thursday afternoon and kidnapped six students.

One of the victims, a 200 Level student of the department of Mass CommunicationattheKwara State University, (KWASU) Malete, Dorcas Oluwatimilehin Olanrewaju was however lucky as she was released Friday morning by the abductors .

Father of the victim, Mr Layiwola Olanrewaju, journalist and state correspondent of the Sun Newspapers who confirmed this development with Saturday Vanguard said her daughter was released by the abductors in Omuaran his hometown.

The kidnappers while conveying the students through the town were said to have inquired of her town and dropped her off and left with other students.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that Dorcas and others were abducted on Thursday afternoon on their way to the campus in Malete.

It was also gathered that the victims had left offcampus residence to write an examination and boarded one of the campus shuttle vehicles when they were eventually driven to an unknown destination.

Apparentlysensingdanger in the circumstances she had found herself, it was learnt that Dorcas the lucky one, quickly sent a text message to one of her friends to inform her that she had been taken away by some unidentified persons suspected to be ritualists. Dorcas narrated her ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers.

How I escaped “WhileinthetaxiIboarded, a woman in the vehicle complained of feeling cold, so the glass windows were closed up. I then lost consciousness immediately.

I later found my self among some people in the night.

“We were about 13 in the place as at Thursday night but the ritualists have taken six victims away. They told us that they were heading to Ekiti state. I was kept inside the booth of the vehicle.

When we got to Offa, they asked of my hometown and I told them that I was from Omu Aran. So, when they wanted to take water for the faulty radiator of the vehicle at Omu Aran, I was dropped and set free, unknown to them, that it was in front of my father’s house”, she said.

Speaking on the development, the Director, university relations, Dr. Isiaka Aliagan, said that security had been beefed up on Malete route, around the campus and Malete environ to keep criminals at bay, adding that armed police

patrol had been deployed on the route and regular checking of vehicles intensified since yesterday.

According to him, “A 200 Level MassCommunication female student of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete was reportedly kidnapped by unknown person(s) yesterday but later dropped at Omuaran where she was found.

He said, “ Preliminary information available to us indicated that she reportedly left the premises of ongoing examination to her offcampus hostel to pick her course registration form, after which she went missing.

‘The university learnt that she sent a distress call through her mobile phone indicating that she could not identify the location at which she had been dropped. “ Immediately they were alerted, officials of KWASU Safety unit swung into action by contacting the security operatives and telecommunicationagencies to track the phone”.

Ahagan added, “the

female student had been picked up by the police.

Officials of KWASU Safety unit and her parents were invited to the Omuaran police station to pick her up.

“KWASU management would like to stress that all efforts were made to secure the lives of its students staying on both campus and off-campus hostels, while all commercial transport operators were duly registered with the university to ensure proper monitoring of their activities”.

Speaking on the development, the police public relations officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said that the command had commencedinvestigationon the matter, adding that the report had been circulated to police formations within and outside the state towards possible arrest of the suspected hoodlums and safe return of the victims. ‘’We are very hopeful that others will be recovered alive andwill be united with their families,‘’ police spokesman assured.

By Bose Adelaka

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UNDREDS of protesters from Ita Sanni, Gbaga, Ogijo, Odogunyan, Agbede, 1st Gate, Okegbegun and Ikorodu in Lagos and Ogun states, yesterday, trooped to the streets protesting the deplorable condition of Ikorodu/Sagamu road which they claimed has recorded many untimely deaths.

The protesters have therefore given Lagos, Ogun and Federal Governments an ultimatum of January 2018 to fix the road or incur the wrath of residents.

The Trunk A Road constructed in 1928 is the major road linking Ikorodu, Lagos State to places like Simawa, Sagamu in Ogun State as well as Lagos/Ibadan Expressway but the protesters claimed its deplorable condition has made many car owners to abandon their cars.

The peaceful protest was led by some concerned residents like Alaba Peters, Alhaja Owolewa Abolore popularlly called “Alhaja Chicago” and representatives of Road Transport and Employees Association R.T.E.A.N as they assembled at Odogunyan and trekked to Ogijo up to Sawmill, LASPOTECH and First Gate carrying placards.

In his address, Alaba Peters said over 100 tax paying companies were making use of the road and called on government to use the proceeds on road maintenance.

He said, “Fares from Ikorodu Roundabout to Odogunyan, First Gate and Ogijo have been jerked up from N100 and N150 to N300 and N400”. He then called on Lagos, Ogun and Federal Governments to come to the plight of residents,” Also, Alhaja Abolore said over 50 lives were lost to various auto crashes occasioned by the deplorable condition of the road. She said, “Three years ago, the Caretaker Committee in Ogijo and Ikorodu Divisions wrote former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to fix Ikorodu to Odogunyan axis of the road but there was no response and the road kept deteriorating till date which has affected commercial activities in the area,”

Saraki felicitates with Muslims at eid-el Maulud Christmas: Okotie’s church set for

By Henry Umoru

S

ENATE President, Bukola Saraki yesterday congratulated all Muslim faithful on the celebration of Eid El Maulud which is principally to commemorate the birthday of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki who is the Baba Adinni of Ansar-ul-Islam

World-wide, thanked all Muslims across the country for their steadfastness and prayers for the peace and unity of the country.

The Senate President who urged them to use the solemn moment afforded by this holiday to visit their neighbours and donate valuable gifts to the needy, said, “I rejoice with all muslims on this auspicious day which marks a significant epoch in the annals of humanity.

On this day, the great Prophet of Allah was

born,” Saraki said. “To me, there is no better way to make this day memorable in our families and communities, than for us to embrace one another with love as brothers and sisters.

“While I acknowledge your prayers so far, I want to enjoin us not to rest on oars. With prayers we can count on Allah’s divine intervention to help us surmount any kind of difficulty we may be experiencing in our lives as individuals and as a country.

annual love feast

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S Christmas is a few weeks away, the Household of God0, Oregun, Lagos, is already in celebration mood with trees on both sides of the streets fully adorned with the Christmas lights, preparing for its annual love – feast.

The Grace programme which will hold on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the church auditorium will also impact the lives of the less Privileged. It was gathered that no fewer than five major charities will receive two million naira each.

Among them are Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Strong Tower Mission, Sunshine Foundation, and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association.

The programme will also feature Queen Esther costume pageant. The contestant, we gathered will display the creative biblical costumes believed to be worn in those days.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017 — 7

NAFDAC DG vows to eliminate substandard products

By Chioma Obinna

HIV: 2.4m Nigerians lack access to treatment •As Nigeria contributes 10% of HIV burden globally •FG appeals to Governors to dedicate 1% allocation to HIV

By Chioma Obinna, Gabriel Olawale and Oluwaseyi Adeshina

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S the world marked World AIDS Day yesterday, former Lagos Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Ibrahim Umoru, has raised alarm of an impending doom over treatments of people with HIV/AIDS in the country, saying no fewer than 2.4 million Nigerians lacked access to Antiretroviral, (ARV) drugs.

Umoru who also disclosed that Nigeria contributes not less than 10 per cent of the global burden of HIV regretted that as at July 2017, out of the one million and fifty Nigerians (1,0000,050) on treatment, Nigeria government was catering for only 58,000 people leaving the rest to donor agencies.

Umoru who is also the Executive Director, Good Health Educator Initiative, GHEI, also demanded accountability in the funds allocated to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

“Globally, 3.4 billion people are living with HIV and Nigeria accounts for 10 percent which means that for every 100 people that live with HIV in the world, 10 are Nigerians. Also, 3.4 million Nigerian are living with HIV. The big challenge is that Nigeria has a gap of 2.4 million people who are not on treatment. The Federal government has signed on the test and treat programme. “ Lamenting the current situation of HIV treatment in Nigeria, he said the government abandoned the bulk of treatment to donor agencies who may decide to leave any time. “Nigeria is next to South Africa in terms of burden of HIV but South Africa government catering for over 85 percent of treatment locally. In Nigeria, out of the 1000,050 on treatment, American Agency, President

Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR is catering 763, 050 (76%), Global Fund supports 179, 000 while Nigeria who should be on the driver’s seat cater for only 58,000 people.

Is that responsibility? With cost of third –line drugs at N80, 000 and these are not available in our public hospitals; the danger is rife especially among children and adolescents.

“Nigeria is still the highest in terms of Paediatric

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his Oyo and Osun states counterpartsAlhajiIsiakaAjimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will lead other dignitaries to today’s 34th Triennial National Conference of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The conference holds at MAN School in Surulere, Lagos.

Other guests expected at theevent,accordingtoMAN President, Alhaji Suleimon Yusuf are Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, Minister of Power, Works andHousingBabatundeRaji Fashola (SAN) and former Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu (SAN).

government has appealed to State Governors to commit at least 0.5 to 1 percent of their monthly federal allocation to address the unmet needs for HIV/AIDS in their respective states.

Making the appeal in Abuja, the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Sani Aliyu said “It is time for greater state ownership of the HIV/AIDS programmes as this is the key to sustainability in the long run.

HE new Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye yesterday resumed duties with a commitment to lead the Agency toward eliminating substandard foods and drugs in the country.

Adeyeye who disclosed this in Abuja at the Agency’s corporate headquarters while addressing staff on her resumption of duty, said although NAFDAC has over the years, made steady progress in protecting the health of the nation, the Agency under her administration will continue to ensure the health of all Nigerians and foreigners residing in Nigeria are not jeopardized by the use of substandard or counterfeit regulated products.

She lamented that while majority of Nigerians have concerns over safety of drugs, food, medical devices and water, little do they know that chemicals can also kill people easily, which is why she has come to ensure that NAFDAC lives up to her responsibility of eliminating falsified and unsafe drugs, medical devices, foods and water in Nigeria.

Buhari mourns AVM Martins death

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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From left: General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority, Ilorin, Hajia Kande Abdullahi; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chairman of DigiTeam Nigeria, Mr. Edward Amana; Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu and General Manager, Integrated Television Services, (ITS), Mr. Rotimi Salami, during the inspection of facilities at the ITS Transmission Station in Ilorin yesterday in readiness of the launch of the Digital Switch Over in Kwara State.

All set for launch of Digital Switch Over in Kwara The Minister led a team confidently say the whole of

By Demola Akinyemi

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HE stage is set for the rollout of the Digitial SwitchOver(DSO)inKwara State, following the inspection visit to the facilities of the Integrated Television Services (ITS), a Signal Distributor, in Ilorin on Friday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Ambode, Aregbesola, Ajimobi, others for MAN conference today

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HIV, so we are indeed in crisis as the cost of these drugs are going up. We had some form of local production a few years back and Nigerian government was supposed to support the manufacturing outfits to get WHO pre-qualification certification but nothing has happened since. Nigeria needs to wake up because it can really produce the drugs and be the hub for West Africa Meanwhile, the Federal

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Alhaji Yusuf said the threeday events that commenced yesterday with Special Jumu’at Service and Prayer for the nation, will feature lecture by Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf of the Faculty of Science of the University of Lagos, election of new executive, “Elders’ Forum, Luncheon and Awards.

“There are other social activities during the conference to afford delegates and guests the opportunity to engage in the cross-fertilisation of ideas, interact, socialise and relax in a convivial atmosphere. There are also visitations and tours to different parts of Lagos by delegates who are non-residents,” he said.

that included the DirectorGeneral of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, and the ChairmanofDigiteamNigeria,Mr. Edward Amana, to the ITS’ facilities to assess the readiness for the rollout.

Following the inspection, the chairman of Digiteam said: “We are ready to take off in Ilorin. We have seen the installation and what was lacking before has been rectified. There is some level of redundancy now built into the transmission system.”

Mr. Amana said at the moment there are 27 channels in the bouquet and that anyone with a Set-Top Box could access the channels within the coverage area of the transmitter in Ilorin.

He said the Digiteam was working with the Signal Distributortoconstructtransmission stations, similar to the one in Ilorin, in Patigi and Kaiama in order to have a total signal coverage of the whole of Kwara State.

According to him, “we require a total of three sites to be able to effectively cover Kwara State and the plan is that structures similar to the one we have in Ilorin will be replicated in Patigi and Kaiama. When Patigi and Kaiama are up, then we can

Kwara State will be covered and there will be spillover to the neighbouring state of Niger,”theDigiteamChairman said In his remarks, the Minister said the visit was to ascertain the level of preparedness for the launch of the DSO in Kwara State and the quality of facilities on the ground.

“We are here to have a firsthand inspection of the level of readiness for the Digital Switch Over for Kwara State.

I am sure you have heard, overthelastcoupleofmonths, the cacophony of voices as to the readiness or otherwise and the standard or otherwise of the equipment in Ilorin. So I have come here with the Chairman of Digiteam, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission and the General Manager of ITS to see for ourselves whether this station is ready for commissioning or not,” he said.

Earlier, the General Manager of ITS, Mr. Rotimi Salami,hadconductedtheMinister and his delegation round the transmission station and the control room.

The DSO was launched in Jos, Plateau State, in April 2016 and was also rolled out in the Federal Capital Territory in December 2016.

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of the late Air Vice Marshal Olufunsho Martins (rtd), whose passing away left the nation deprived of a very illustrious citizen.

President Buhari in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina commiserated with all the professional, business and political associates of the valiant air officer, who served meritoriously in the military, and retired to continue serving the nation through advocacy, counselling and philanthropy.

The President urged Martins’ family to find comfort in the legacies of integrity, discipline and charity that he left behind, and the many lives he touched while on earth. As a former ally, President Buhari commended the unalloyed patriotism of the late Air Vice Marshal, who worked assiduously to ensure that only men of integrity got into leadership positions.

The President prayed that God will grant the soul of the departed rest, and comfort the family he left behind.

Delta does not owe workers, says Ukah

By Julius Oweh, Asaba

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HE Delta State government does not owe her work ers salaries. The State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah made this clarification while reacting to a national newspaper report that the government owed her workers salaries.

Ukah said: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, Delta State Government does not owe its workers. We have paid all our workers to date and we have also consistently given financial support to the Local Government Councils to enable them pay the salaries of their workers.‘ The state chief image maker stated that the report was malicious and a figment of imagination of the reporters, urging journalists to always cross check their facts before publishing, adding that his doors were wide open for any journalist seeking information about the activities of the state government.

EXPERIENCE 2017: Experience now significant contributor to nation building — Adefarasin *Merit-driven culture’ll bring real change

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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ENIOR Pastor of House on the Rock Church and Convener of The Experience gospel concert, Pastor Paul Adeferasin has said that the international concert has become a viable contributor to nation building since it birthed 12 years ago.

He also said the concert had encouraged the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise sector, adding that it was ranked as one of the 10 most attended global concerts.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, Adeferasin said the change Nigerians yearn for, would only manifest through the institutionalisation of a meritdriven culture. He said: ‘’Our singular objective and overreaching purpose for The Experience remains that each and every participant will have a close-up and personal life-changing and enduring encounter with the creator."

8—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

2018 World Cup: It’s Nigeria, Argentina again

SSANU, NASU, NAAT resume strike F Monday •Say FG’s N23bn was for ASUU N

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ON teaching staff unions in the universities under the umbrella of Joint Action Committee, JAC, have directed all their branches nationwide to resume strike on Monday.

The three unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions, NASU and National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT. A letter to all branch Chairmen with the title, “Directives to immediately resume the suspended strike” was signed by Comrades Samson Chijioke Ugwoke, SSANU, Chris Ani, NASU and Sani Suleiman, NAAT. The strike according to the unions was necess-itated as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to clarify the criteria for the disbursement of the N23 billion released by the governmenttotheuniversity unions which SSANU, NASU and NAAT claimed was meant for the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU while only “pittance” was allocated to the three non teaching staff unions.

According to the letter, “Please recall our last correspondence to you in which we informed you of the letter written to the Honourable Minister of Education rejecting the allocation made by the office of the Permanent Secretary and signed by the PS himself.

“In the said letter, the Federal Government was given seven (7) days to explain the criteria for the said allocation and do the needful. The deadline has elapsed without any response from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

NNEOMA OKOROCHA 50TH BIRTHDAY: From left: Mrs Yakubu Dogara.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo commissioning an ultra-modern WELLNESS & DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE for Women and Children built by the Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) a pet project of Nneoma Okorocha (right ) as part of the programme to mark Mrs. Okorocha’s 50th Birthday yesterday, December 1, 2017 at Owerri.

“In view of the above November14, 2017, withthe where allocations to Federal therefore, you are hereby title, “Re:Forwarding of Universities on Earned directed to resume the Verified Submission from Allowances were contained.

The unions claimed that suspended indefinite strike Universities on Earned action as from 12 midnight, Allowance”, observed that about N15.10 billion was Sunday December 3, 2017. the N23 billion government allocated to ASUU, while During this period, the strike released recently before they about N7.929 billion was shall be total and suspended strike was for allocatedtothenonteaching staff unions comprising comprehensive.

ASUU. “Further to this, all our It said it had sighted a SSANU, NAAT and NASU. “In view of the obviously branches are to convene a document dated October congress of Joint Action 24,2017, released from the skewed and disproportionCommittee by 8:00am on Office of the Permanent ate allocation, the Joint Monday December 4,2017, Secretary,FederalMinistryof Action Committee (JAC) of to commence the strike Education and signed NAAT, NASU and SSANU immediately.” personally by the Permanent hereby sundry and roundly JAC had in a letter to the Secretary which was reject the said allocation and Minister of Education, addressed to the Accountant demands the criteria used Mallam Adamu Adamu on General of the Federation to arrive at the allocations.

Govs, Saraki, others hail Sen Uzodinma over Southern Senators Forum •Say forum viable platform for conflict resolution

By Charles Kumolu

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MINENT Nigerians including the Senate President, Sen Bukola Saraki, and some state governors, have said that the Southern Senators Forum initiated by Sen

Hope Uzodinma was capable of resolving the divergent positions on restructuring.

They also described the forum as a viable platform that could be explored for conflict resolutions in the country, noting that

In my government, Imo has a special place—Buhari the government House,

By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri

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RESIDENT Mohammadu Buhari, yesterday assured Imo people that in termsofgovernanceunderhis leadership that he has a special place in his heart for

the citizens of the state.

Buhari represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr Boss Gida Mustapha, deliveredthismessage,atthe 50thbirthdaycelebrationofthe wife of Imo state governor, Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, at

Owerri. Hebrieflysaid:“While I was coming to Imo state, President Buhari specifically directed me to tell Imo people that they have a special place in his heart. We have come to celebrate with you as well as share in the joy. So, we should seewhatishappeningasGod’s grace in our lives.”

Also speaking at the occasion,the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, said “I am always fascinated with the quality of philanthropy of Mrs NkechiOkorocha.

In his remark, the Bayalsa state Governor Seriakin Dickson, and Chairman of the occasion, said: “ With the wonderful job she is doing in thisstateaswellascoordinating the wifes’ of Southern governors she has done a lot.

Uzodinma deserved commendations for convening it. These observations were made at a three-day retreat by the forum in Calabar which was attended by eminent personalities and erudite scholars, who presented papers on various subjects bordering on restructuring and national unity.

Those at the event include Cross Rivers State governor, Prof Ben Ayade; Bayelsa State governor,Mr. Seriake Dickson; Ondo State governor, Mr. Rotimi.

Akeredolu, SAN; Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Senator David Mark, and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; among others.

Speaking at the event, Dickson said the forum was a credible legislative platform that can trigger the process for a legislative resolution of the restructuring issue, adding that the NASS would cooperate with the forum on the issue.

OR the fifth time, Nigeria was yesterday drawn against Argentina in a group for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. They will also face Iceland and Croatia in Group D. There are some intriguing stories coming out of the Final Draw after its conclusion with Nigeria facing Argentina yet again.

There seems to be no easy group, checking with Groups A – H, each group is equipped with top teams from all across the continents.

Argentina and Nigeria meet again in the group stages, as they did in 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014. The only time Nigeria avoided Argentina in the World Cup was in 1998 in France.

In 1994, Nigeria was pitted against Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece. The opening match was against Bulgaria which the Super Eagles won 3-0 with late Rashidi Yekini scoring the country’s first ever World Cup goal.

They topped the group despite losing 1-0 to Argentina because they also beat Greece 2-0 to garner six points. In 1998, they were drawn again against Bulgaria,Spain and Paraguay, winning two matches, 3-2 against Spain, 1-0 against Bulgaria and lost 1-3 to Paraguay. They however, lost woefully in the round of 16, 1-4 to Paraguay.

In 2002, the Eagles were for the second time drawn against Argentina who beat them 1-0, they lost to Sweden 1-2 and drew 0-0 against England. They failed to go beyond the group stage like it happened in 2010 in South Africa were they got their third pairing with Argentina alongside South Korean and Greece. They lost 0-1 to Argentina, 1-2 to Greece and drew 2-2 with South Korea.

The experience in the 2014 edition in Brazil was like 1994 and 1998 were they were able to get out of the group but failed to go beyond the round of 16. That year they were drawn again against Argentina, the fourth time in the World Cup, Bosnia Herzegovina and Iran.

They lost 2-3 to Argentina, drew 0-0 with Iran and beat Bosnia Herzegovina 1-0 to move into the round of 16.

Following the protest on match bonuses, the team lost concentration in the round of 16 and lost to France 0-2.

Nigeria will play first against Croatia in the first ever Senior international match, while the smallest Nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, Iceland will play against Nigeria also in Group D. The Icelanders, the only newcomers, will play twotime winners Argentina in their first World Cup finals match. The Eagles last group match will be against Argentina who have turned their World Cup nemesis.

•See more stories on page 47

Invest in vocational training to curb unemployment, Ekweremadu urges states, FG

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HE Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has asked the federal and state governments to invest in vocational training and skill acquisition programmes in order to meaningfully engage the youths.

Speaking at the inauguration of a vocational training institute, Learn and Work European Vocational School in Enugu at the weekend, Ekweremadu observed that the unemployment rate had soared because of the failure of government to come up with practical and workable strategies to resolving the problem.

The institute, which has Ekweremadu as its promoter, is being managed by the CEPU Education Group, Italy.

The European Vocational School is designed to train young people in different skills, such as web design, tailoring/dress making, plumbing, gardening, food services and hospitality, agriculture, among others. The training is packaged to last for six months or 320 hours after which graduates are presented with graduation certificates.

Ekweremadu expressed concern that the nation’s tertiary institutions churn out graduates, without any prospects of employment, noting that the vocational training school had been packaged to fill the yawning gap in the system.

“It’s really unfortunate that we have engineers that can’t construct anything; we have technicians that can’t fix anything; we have plumbers who are just disasters,” he lamented.

He expressed optimism that the institution would in the next five years effectively address the problem of unemployment as those who pass through the school would not only be meaningfully engaged, but would also have their minds taken away from crimes and unnecessary agitations.

“We must come to terms with the fact that government alone cannot solve our problems. Civil and public services cannot provide jobs for the entire populace. We must invest in vocational training, otherwise in the next 50 years, the nation will be in a serious problem,” he said.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017 — 9

NDDC: N-Delta youths urge Buhari to ignore calls to dissolve board

By Charles Kumolu

PDP Chairmanship: Mark, Ali, Gana, Suswam back South-West as Northern Youths revolt

By Dirisu Yakubu, Abuja

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ITH barely a week to the elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stakeholders of the party from the north under the auspices of the Northern Elders and Leaders Forum have thrown their weight behind the South-West geo-political zone to produce the national chairman.

In a communique signed at the end of its meeting which ended in the early hours of yesterday, the forum called on all geo-political zones to put in place measures that would reconcile those not disposed to the contentious micro zoning arrangement.

Among Northern leaders present at the meeting were Senator David Mark, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Ambassador Aminu Wali, Professor Jerry Gana and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau. Also present were Senator Jonah Jang, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Mallam Adamu Maina Waziri, Mr. Gabriel Suswam among others.

Their assertions were

immediately rebuffed at a press conference addressed by a group, Northern Youths Politicians of PDP like-minds who flayed the elders for their decision to back the SouthWest as they claimed that at no time was the office of national chairman microzoned to the Southwest.

The statement of the Northern elders was signed by the former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and the erstwhile Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the Rt. (Hon.) Margret Icheen.

In their communiqué the elders called on Northern delegates to support the South-West chairmanship bid, even as it enjoined the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) to conduct a free fair and credible convention slated for Saturday.

“In line with our resolve to rebuild and reposition the PDP, we urge delegates from all the Northern states to abide by this decision and vote for only aspirants from the SouthWest geo-political zone in the forth coming national convention, in the best interest of the party. This is

without prejudice to the right of aspirants from other geo-political zones to contest.

“The forum received reports from the three geopolitical zones of the region, regarding the microzoning of positions zoned to them, in line with the spirit of rotation and resolved that capable and competent aspirants should be identified and supported,” the communiqué read in part.

Meanwhile, a youth group “The Northern Youths Politicians of PDP like-minds” has taken a swipe at the Northern Elders and Leaders Forum for choosing to back the South-West for the chairmanship position.

In a press conference yesterday, the group faulted the communiqué issued by the Elders Forum, stating that at no

point was the issue of which geo-political zone to support for the South-West came up at the meeting.

Spokesperson of the group, Honourable Sanni Kutigi said the group condemned the communiqué as it portends dangers for the party and democracy. “ The latest most obnoxious and objectionable plot is by some party members from the north who have purportedly micro-zoned the national chairmanship of the South-West in a bid to accord undue advantage to a preferred aspirant.

This is contrary to the agreed arrangement of the party which has at no time been changed. This group of people lacks any authority or voice to speak on behalf of the North as a homogeneous entity and is therefore on its own,” said Hon. Kutigi.

Aero Contractors set to recall more staff

By Lawani Mikairu

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ERO Contractors has said the airline will soon recall more staff who

have been redundant to resume work as there has been remarkable improvement in the operations of the company, especially the Maintenance Repair Facility, MRO, of the organization that has beenrenderingmaintenance services to other airlines.

This development was disclosed Thursday by the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi during an interactive session with Vanguard.

SanusiwhosaidAeroContractors airline has been separated from the Aero Maintenance Organization, whichisnowanautonomous company,disclosedthatabout 120membersofstaffwhohad been placed on redundancy and asked to go home because of the then poor financial state of the airline had been recalled.

He further said these recalled 120 staff were initially placed on contract, but that plans have reached advanced stage to give them permanent employment with Aero Contractors. He also said more staff will soon be recalled.

Captain Sanusi said : “In February 2017, when I took over the management of Aero Contractors, there was crisis and high operational cost.Withonlyoneaircraftflying there was no way we could keep our more than 1000 staff on our pay roll. We had to put 60% of our workers on redundancy, that was long leave without pay, to reduce personnel cost . There was no way only one operational plane could generate revenue to pay more than 1000 workers.

“We have called some of them back on contract. With the improvement in our maintenance services to other airlines, there are plans to make their employment

Y

OUTH Initiative for Education, Development, and Empowerment of Niger Delta has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore calls to dissolve the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. It also accused a former governor of Bayelsa State and an ex-member of the National Assembly, NASS, who is a serving minister as being responsible for such calls.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, President of the group, Ambassador Agbonkpolor Splendour, said the argument being used to justify the pressure to dissolve the board, was capable of disturbing the relative peace in the region.

He said: “It is reprehensible, the group said, that they would continue to insist that the tenure of the present NDDC board should expire this December 2017 on the basis of their claim that the said board was appointed to complete the tenure of the board it succeeded.

“That argument is a wasteful attempt to unilaterally rewrite the enabling law that set up the commission. Even the section 5, sub-section 3 which they are relying on is irrelevant as it clearly applies to situations in which there is a substantive board in place and a vacancy or indeed a number of vacancies happen to occur therein."

You can't tell govs how to spend Paris Club re-fund, Onuesoke raps FG

By Ephraim Oseji

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EOPLE'S Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has said that the Federal Government does not have the constitutional right to tell state governors how to spend the Paris Club refund.

Onuesoke made the statement while reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari‘s order to the governors that they must direct the expected Paris Club refund to payment of salary arrears. He argued that the state governors have exclusive control over their revenue and expenditure.

He maintained that the Accountant General of the Federation cannot order any tier of government, on how to spend the Paris Club refund.

“Nigerians should not forget that the Paris Club refund is the constitutional right of the governors.

The Federal Government does not have any control over them on how to dispense the fund", Onuesoke, a former Delta State Governorship aspirant argued.

Aviation expert harps on capacity building

By Lawani Mikairu

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HE Chief Executive Officer of Mama J Aviation Consult Limited, Joy Ogbebo has advised government, agencies, airlines, corporate organisations and other aviation stakeholders to join in the search for a knowledge based society and improve on Career Guidance, particularly in aviation, right from the secondary school levels.

Ogbebo contended that it was through such means that the inherent career opportunities hidden in the sector would be unveiled to aspiring youths who she said, are the future of tomorrow.

She gave the advice at the weekend during the Aviation Careers Conference organised by Mama J Aviation Consult Limited in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the conference with the theme: "Capacity Building Through Career Guidance”, Ogbebo who is also the Convener of the conference stated that the event was to "introduce and mentor aspiring youths; open up channels of discussion that would help harness career opportunities in the industry and also to honor outstanding aviation professionals and stakeholders who have contributed immensely to human capital development in the aviation industry in Nigeria”. In her welcome address, Ogbebo disclosed that with Airbus, Boeing and experts’ prediction of an increase in aircraft fleet size in Africa, and shortage of aviation personnel, there is need for more trained airline pilots and technicians. permanent. We have built the capacity of the MRO facility to C level. We can now render C Checks services to airlines. We have been carrying out C Checks on our grounded aircraft which would soon be back to flight operations. In the next 10 days, one of the aircraft will be rolled out and ready to commence flight operations.

“With increase in the demand of MRO services from airlines, including those from neigbouring countries like Ghana, we will soon recall more staff placed on re-

dundancy. With increase in our operational aircraft and return to more routes earlier operated by the airline, we can recall all redundant staff and even employ more staff to meet our operational needs.”

The Aero CEO further disclosed that the outstanding salary and entitlement of staff have been addressed and salary arrears reduced to 4 months. He commended the workers unions for their understanding and added that the unions have shown maturity.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , DECEMBER 2, 2017

FRESH ANXIETY IN UGBORODO OIL COMMUNITY:

Gangsters establish militant camps, terrorize residents

•Oborogbeyi-led mgt c’ttee should come home and evict hoodlums – Ojogor • We‘re on ground- Alex Eyengho, member, mgt c’ttee

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South and Egufe Yafugborhi

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HEN the Police declared wanted notable indigenes of Ugborodo, an Itsekiri oil community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, over the August 23 ambush on the Warri waterways of the Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee, UCMC, Chief Austin Oborogbeyi and his members, many thought that peace would soon return to the creek neighborhood.

Protracted power struggle The unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of Pa Benson Okoturo and Samuel Mayomi was a case of brothers fighting and killing themselves over who controls power in the community. A community source, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, said the violence was sparked by an attempt by some factional leaders to stop the Chief Austin Oborogbeyiled UCMC from exercising authority on the people.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, asserted in a statement then, “On August 23, 2017, at about 1000 hours, the Secretary of Ugborodo Community Management Committee reported that 12 indigenes of the community, who left Warri to participate in a meeting, were ambushed by four speed boats on the waterways, which rammed into their boat and it sunk.”

“It resulted to one Omayomi Samuel missing and his corpse was later recovered.

11 others reportedly swam to safety. The Marine Police and Nigeria Navy Service, NNS Delta mobilized,” he said.

The state police boss later identified five leaders of the Ugborodo National Youth Movement, UNYM, as masterminds of the attack and subsequently declared them wanted for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Police had arraigned some of the suspects in court already while about 23 persons were reportedly at large.

However, the instigators and their boys, who beat a retreat, following the manhunt for them by security agents, have continued to hold the community hostage.

The attack was to prevent the Oborogbeyi-led UCMC, which had been re-energized by the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in May, from gaining access to Ugborodo. Oborogbeyi and other UCMC members had embarked on the journey to their hometown to attend a congress, apparently called by the Eghara-Aja (oldest man), Pa Wellington Ojogor, to address the community on how the committee intended to execute its task.

A source revealed, “There has been a long drawn conflict on who should constitute the local

authority over the community. A group led by the community’s Olaja-Orori (spiritual head), Benson Omadeli, spurned what they viewed as a plot by non-resident elite of the community and the state government to foist the then Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Interface Committee on them.

It was to quiet the tension in the oil-rich community that Governor Okowa inaugurated the new committee, which included the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, committee and representatives from the community, but there is still animosity among the indigenes, which culminated in the August attack and fresh tension in the area.

Law enforcement agents have been hunting the ringleaders, but so far, the instrumentality of the law has not cowed the rival faction, which seemed to hold sway in Ugborodo, inflicting a reign of terror on the people.

Militant/bunkering camps Villagers said the overconfidence of the boys opposed to the Oborogbeyi-led committee that has the imprimatur of the state government and the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ikenwoli in establishing militant and bunkering camps at the outskirts of the community, from where they unleash terror on the people, have become another source of concern to the people.

“Security agents are in Warri and Asaba saying they are hunting for them but they are here in Ugborodo going about their illegal activities. They are presently recruiting boys to prepare for a second war against Oborogbeyi. They do not want his committee to step into Ugborodo and that is what is disquieting to villagers.

“Why should Oborgbeyi not come and take charge, they are in Warri pursuing court cases against those that attacked them and killed Mayomi, which is good and also traveling to Lagos and other places to meet Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL. There is nothing wrong with that, but the criminals run affairs in the community. That is our problem,” one of the villagers said.

“As I speak to you, they are holding the people hostage and nobody can freely speak his mind.

They are also involved in oil bunkering. Though some of us are in support of Oborogbeyi committee, but we cannot come out openly because we do not see them around, we see the bad boys, who keep intimidating us,” he added.

Raw display of power

•Okowa

According to a source, “On the day Mayomi was killed, the government – approved committee was coming to Ode-Ugborodo with police escorts for a meeting, but suddenly, there was sporadic shooting between Kpokpo and Madangho. Mayomi, who was about to join a boat from the Madangho jetty to OdeUgborodo, was hit by a stray bullet.”

“He collapsed on the spot and was rushed to a Warri hospital where he died. The armed boys told the police they would not allow the committee to come down to convene the meeting.

They openly fired their guns in the air in the presence of the police. They also rammed one of their boats into one of our boats, which sank and resulted in drowning of Mayoma.

“They were wielding guns a n d

•Alex Eyengho

the community. They want the community to remain inaccessible to protect their oil crimes.

It is difficult to explain that with a naval base and army post in the area, these criminals still go about to steal oil, kill and destroy with impunity,” he said.

Our source added that the attackers almost hijacked the remains of Samuel Mayomi apparently to destroy evidence.

Come home and take charge – Ojogor Son of the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo, Mr. Cyril Ojogor, who spoke the mind of worried villagers, urged the •Chevron facilities overlook Oboroegbeyi committee to Ugborodo community come home and cease administering the community from another domain.

His words, “The present executives of Ugborodo Management Committee, led

by Barr Austin Oborogbeyi are other dangerous not on ground in the community, weapons and the only response of the the people want the executives to leader of the police security team was that be on ground, they should sit up and face they had no mandate to use extreme force. the community where their obligation belong.

“In fact, he advised the committee members “There are lots of people in the community to retreat. The police complacency gave the hoping and waiting for the Oborogbeyi-led criminals liberty to abduct five UCMC government to surface in order to salvage the members, tortured them mercilessly before community from the state of anarchy that has releasing them through the Nigerian Navy faced it for a while. I find it difficult to Service, NNS. The criminals in the community understand why a management committee are not faceless. “Those sponsoring this unending violence are the same community Continues on pg 11 criminals engaged in ceaseless bunkering in

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , DECEMBER 2, 2017—11

PDP Convention:

a position of weakness? Don’t forget that we will be coming into that election as an opposition.

“Why is it that now that we are trying to put our house in order, we are creating artificial problems to make things difficult for the party? What has happened to the gentleman agreement that has worked so well for us for so many years now, as far as the chairmanship of the party is concerned?”,he asked. regions, Makarfi said Be that as it the development may, Senator was a product of Makarfi has the political continued to arrangement by insist that those stakeholders who want in the states certain positions involved. should be F o r prepared to •Chief Ike Ekweremadu instance, it work for same, w a s saying nothing gathered good comes that the easy. Party politics, it must be stated comes office of the National Secretary which was with a lot of negotiations and interface, the zoned to Katsina, was a political arrangement end of which may birth a common ground. by the North even as the NCC didn’t preclude How the party fares in the forthcoming interested aspirants outside Katsina, from convention is left to be seen. vying for the office. It was for this reason that Just as it is with Kaduna and Katsina States, two prominent chieftains of the party, Senator the position of the National Publicity Umar Ibrahim Tsauri ( Katsina) and Alhaji Secretary (NPS) has birthed a feud between Abubakar Mustapha (Kaduna) are set to slug Kwara and Kogi States, with each state bent it out in December for the plum seat of the on producing a successor for Prince Dayo party’s national scribe.

Adeyeye.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard on the While Kogi has Mr Mohammed Kabir controversial micro-zoning on Thursday, Usman, the former PDP zonal legal adviser Makarfi said, “Micro zoning is a political (North Central) and Kola Ologbodiyon (extool which the North or South and indeed any media aide to immediate past Senate of the six geo-political zones are at liberty to President, David Mark, Kwara parades deploy to build as much consensus of likeProfessor Abubakar Sulaiman, the former minds as possible. The NCC which I lead will Minister of National Planning who served in not oppose such arrangement but will equally the President Goodluck Jonathan not enforce it, being a political arrangement administration. and not a decision of convention or the As it were, it is only at the convention that National Executive Committee (NEC) the matter is expected to be settled in spite of meeting of the party.” the North giving its nod of approval for Kogi Clear and simplistic as the arrangement State to produce the party’s next spokesperson. appears, allegations of a lack of will to do the Sources claimed that Barrister Usman was right thing is getting louder by the day. A being backed by the former Kogi State contender for one of the key offices of the party governor, Ibrahim Idris following the zoning in the forthcoming convention insisted that of the position to Kogi State. the leadership of the party had not handled That has neither stopped Senator Mark’s the micro-zoning issue very well. desire for his onetime protégée nor dissuaded In a chat with Vanguard, the aspirant who Professor Sulaiman from testing his pleaded anonymity said: “I pray that we will popularity amongst the delegates at the be able to manage the outcome of the convention. convention because to say the truth, we have It was in that light that the Deputy Senate not done the right thing. The party has always President, Ike Ekweremadu, the party’s highest done micro-zoning, and that was why at elected political office holder has counselled inception, we had the late Chief Solomon Lar, those who would not be fortunate to realise Engineer Barnabas Gemade, and Chief Audu the ambition of serving the party at one level Ogbeh, all from the North Central zone. It or the other to embrace peace and work in the was the same when it got to the turn of the interest of the party. He said micro-zoning or South-East. So, why do you now have to make the lack of it should not be allowed to sink a it an all-comer affair, more so now that we are party just rising from the ashes of a shock defeat coming into the 2019 general elections from in 2015.

PDP members fight over zoning of party positions

Makarfi made it a point of duty to throw more light on the zoning arrangement reached by the party ahead of the 2019 general elections. s the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) While noting that micro-zoning was not inches closer to its December 9 national contemplated at the Port-Harcourt elective convention; one issue that has convention, Makarfi regularly insisted that been bothering the mind of party stakeholders, the leadership of the party would recognise a particularly those seeking elective offices at consensus arrangement reached by the convention is micro-zoning. stakeholders of particular zones on any The PDP once famed for its omnivorous elective position. presence at all tiers of government across In the last couple of weeks, Makarfi again almost all States of the federation for about drew the attention of party members to the 16 years suddenly witnessed a reversal of limited powers of the NCC, arguing that some fortunes following its defeat by the hurriedlyforces wanted the committee to wield the put-together All Progressives Congress (APC) powers not vested on it by the constitution of in the 2015 general elections. As if the defeat the party. Of particular concern to the was not enough, the party for more than a caretaker committee was the national year was engulfed in a leadership tussle that chairmanship of the party, which in the posed an existential threat until the Supreme reasoning of some analysts ought to go the Court judgment on July 12, 2017.

South-West, owing largely to the fact that the For party chieftains, members and zone had never occupied the office in acting supporters across the land, the only way to or substantive capacity since the inception of reposition the party as the major opposition the party in 1998. platform ahead of 2019 was to avoid a repeat However, that argument was rebutted by of the mistakes that cost the party the 2015 other party stakeholders who contended that Presidential seat. Not surprisingly, the postthe South-South had also election committee never occupied the empanelled by the PDP and position in a substantive headed by the Deputy Senate capacity given the fact President, Ike Ekweremadu that Prince Uche recommended the zoning of Secondus from Rivers the Office of the President to State only served in an the North and the National acting capacity.

Chairmanship to the South.

In the words of This, according to the party Makarfi, it was left for the was to avoid a similar Micro zoning is a South-West to intensify conundrum which led to the of the other two emergence of Dr. Goodluck political tool which the lobby zones in the South to quit Jonathan as the party’s North or South and the race and pave the way Presidential flag bearer in for one of its own to 2015, as against a candidate indeed any of the six emerge victorious at the of Northern extraction. geo-political zones December convention.

With just a little over a The recommendations of are at liberty to deploy week to the big event, the the Ekweremadu Committee two South-South to build as much were subsequently adopted by chairmanship aspirants, the National Executive consensus of likeUche Secondus and Committee (NEC) of the party Raymond Dokpesi are as and ratified by the non-elective minds as possible. consistent in the race as convention which held on The NCC which I lead they have been; thus August 12, 2017, in Abuja. giving credence that the At various fora and press will not oppose such matter would be resolved conferences of the party, the arrangement but will at the convention.

National Caretaker On why some positions Committee (NCC) led by equally not enforce it were micro zoned in other Senator Ahmed Mohammed

By Dirisu Yakubu

A

Gangsters establish militant camps, terrorize residents Continues from pg 10 approved by the Eghare-Aja and Chairman of Ugborodo Council of Elders would shy away from the people and the community where they hold power.

“You cannot because of some few persons, who have been holding the community hostage, resist the entire people for either fear or favour because the people are beginning to lose faith over the procrastination.

“This is a committee that gained recognitions from the Olu of Warri and Delta state government. What is happening now is quite unimaginable. Ugborodo needs security, sufficient water supply, empowerment and awareness and the committee must be on ground to tackle the challenges,” he said.

Security agents should arrest culprits “We understand that innocent lives were lost during the course of the struggle, we applaud the committee, police force and court for looking out for the culprits in order to get justice. But let us remind the committee that these same culprits are in the community where they keep attacking supporters of the committee and sending them out of the communities on daily basis,” Ojogor asserted.

He added, “I think the committee should go back to the communities with the security agencies to apprehend the culprits where they have camps, rather than waiting for them to submit themselves. I am using this medium to urge the Austin Oborogbeyi administration to see the end of the year as an opportunity to fix a congress at Ode-Ugborodo to harmonize all the indigenous people of Ugborodo community, both at home and in Diaspora, to create awareness and acquaint them of what his administration has in stock.” he appealed.

Ode-Ugbordo, fertile Island for criminalsEyengho Saturday Vanguard could not reach the UCMC, Oboroegbeyi, for comment, but an executive member, Mr. Alex Eyengho, said, “That is not the issue. Those are mere distractions by the criminal elements and their sponsors. The real issue is that this community is very desirous of, first, flushing out all the criminal elements in Ode-Ugborodo (Aruton) because that is where the problem lies. And we have already started doing that by arraigning some of them in court. In addition, you are aware that the Nigerian Police had declared some persons wanted, 23 of them

are at large. The police have officially declared the masterminds wanted for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.

“So, there is no way any meaningful project or development can go on, particularly in OdeUgborodo. In the other four communities, there is no problem. It is in Ode-Ugborodo that you have the criminal elements because of its peculiarity of location. It is an Island’s island, hidden inside, where criminal elements can hide in their activities and it is more so because there is no government presence there in terms of security,” he said.

Eyengho disclosed, “Until we deal with the Ode-Ugborodo security situation headlong, and that is what we are doing, the conspiracy of blame game against the management committee makes no sense, we are however getting results.”

Committee strongly on ground Eyengho dismissed the charge that the committee was not on ground, saying, “As to whether we are on ground, of course we are robustly on

ground. We have been engaging with folks in Ogidigben, Ajudaibo, Madangho and Ijaghalla. These communities are in touch with us and we must get it clear that five communities make up Ugborodo.”

“Only recently, we went with Shell to Ogidigben to sort out the water problem and it is from there that supply flows to Ode-Ugborodo and the other communities. We went with Shell, they took samples and that issue had been resolved, same with electricity issue. It had been resolved, quote me,” he asserted.

The UCMC member stated, “So, the propaganda that we are not on ground is just to distract the committee in desperation to make us back down on the fight for justice, sanity, peace and tranquility in OdeUgborodo, where you have all the criminal elements. We are going to flush them out. None of them can be more powerful than government, which has declared them wanted.”

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Why Edo people are complaining – Igbinovia

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, BENIN

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R Efe Igbinovia is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. In this interview he reviews the activities of the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate in Edo State and returns a negative verdict on the one year old administration.

Excerpts:

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hat is your assessment of Governor Obaseki after one year in

office?

It has been an abysmal performance. If we want to assess him in key sectors like Agriculture, transport, technology, employment, roads, housing, security, etc you would have absolutely nothing to talk about. The only talking point is road but most of the roads are badly done and without drainage. Is it not amusing how a government will reconstruct roads in the 21st century without drains in a state excessively prone to erosion?

The insecurity in the State is worrisome. From high profile kidnapping to robbery to rape and assassination, the governor has clearly shown that he has no solution in tackling the issues. Job creation is zero even though Mr. Obaseki promised to give Edo people 200,000 jobs. After one year in office, he has not created a thousand jobs The government is full of motion but no progress. It is another ineffective government after Oshiomhole’s wasted years and it is bad for the growth and development of our state. We are lagging behind and we need serious minded people who are service oriented and driven by the love of the people.

But there are others who seriously disagree with your assessment?

Quite honestly if you do a performance poll you would be shocked by the negative reactions that you would receive. Go and meet the pensioners that are protesting daily and tell them he is performing, what about the market women and business men that are in open rebellion to his tax policies, meet the transporters that ply the roads

everyday and rush their vehicles to the mechanics in order to avoid total break down because of the dilapidated roads, and hear harsh judgment of this government, meet the youths fleeing their state to take the arduous journey on foot abroad for lack of opportunities and tell them he is performing. My drycleaner has just closed shop

•Efe Igbinovia

who celebrate mediocrity.

What is your response to the pensioners’ protest in Benin?

You have agreed with me that our fathers and mothers who

Edo state got a total N12, 182, 253, 184.99 and you can see that despite this huge amount of money pensioners are still protesting daily and local government workers are still being owed more than 10 months because he couldn’t afford the arbitrary tax of the government.

We must measure performance by the improvement of the economic lives of the people and not hearsay. Performance does not exist in a vacuum.

Government should be seen supporting business growth and development not crippling them. Look, let’s be honest with ourselves for posterity sake. So far the only people praising the government albeit without statistics are a section of his party men and women while the other sections are in hibernation. Like I said, he has no concrete performance to point to and I know you would agree with me as a journalist who keeps record and not those

have served this state meritoriously are protesting daily for their entitlements .

Take note, it is not a gift but what is rightly theirs. It is note worthy to say that Obaseki inherited this from Oshiomhole. However, Mr. Obaseki has not managed it well because promises made to them even by him has not been fulfilled and they have now lost patience in the government’s many promises, hence their daily protest. At the moment the government has no plan for them, they are struggling to pay salaries not to talk of pensioners. The pensioners have no assurances from the government to allay their fears.

I mean no satisfactory

agreement with the government how their money will be paid so they felt abandoned and disenchanted.

Don’t forget that the pensioners are aware of the Paris Club refund and what ought to go to them but at the moment nothing whatsoever and they are now asking questions which the government is unable to answer. We have never had it this bad where pensioners protest daily without end in sight. These are our parents and they ought to be the priority.

Comment on the state indebtedness and the management of the Paris club refund fund.

Edo State is the 4th most indebted state in Nigeria according to the Debt Management Office.

That statistics from the DMO is sad and unbelievable owing to the fact that there is no commensurate work on ground to justify such humongous debt.

The World Bank loan alone is $225million, which is over 78bilion naira now.

Oshiomhole also took N30billion bond for a project he called storm water project.

We are also aware that 25billion was obtained in the capital market in

December 2010 by Oshiomhole at 14% interest rate for a construction of a power plant and road project. Again the House of Assembly in 2015 approved 3.1billion and in 2016 against all entreaties not to do so approved another 11billion loan bailout request from the federal government.

Almost 20% of the State total budget is used for debt servicing which underscores why the State is not viable and crippled as a result. Edo state total debt is more than 200billion if you add the unknown ones owed to companies working for the government.

The press and civil society groups in the state have asked the government on s e v e r a l occasions to publish its debt profile for the people to see but government refused. This secrecy in government service was actually institutionalised b y Oshiomhole and carried over by Obaseki. Don’t forget that the hand over note of Oshiomhole to Obaseki was never published to the public despite the pressures again from the press and civil society groups.

The Paris club refund fund is another sad testimony in the life of this government. Don’t forget that the releases were conditional upon a minimum of 50 per cent being applied to the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. Edo state got a total N12, 182, 253, 184.99 and you can see that despite this huge amount of money pensioners are still protesting daily and local government workers are still being owed more than 10 months.

In what area do you think the government has done well?

The government has done very well in issuing press releases. We must give them credit for that. And the manner and tone of their press releases are just unbelievable. They speak to the public as though they are still campaigning and you hear statement like “The government is set to” “The government will” .

One would have expected them to stop promissory releases and hit the ground running since it’s a government of continuity.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—13

SUSPICION OF BEING AVENGERS’ SPOKESPERSON:

facilities that constitute a university. People d e l i b e r a t e l y orchestrated lies to discredit Tompolo before President President Buhari and Nigerians,” he asserted.

DSS seizes, detains activist, Daniel in 18ft cell for 15 months •They offered me N50m to implicate Tompolo —Daniel, IPDI spokesperson •How blood-sucking Boko-Haram members tried to kill me in the cell •Betrayers take over N’Delta struggle

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South

S

POKESPERSON of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, an Ijaw ethnic nationality rights group, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel, seized by Department of State Services, DSS, operatives August 3, 2016, on the suspicion of being the mouthpiece of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, a militant group, gained his freedom, November 26, after spending 15 months in detention on unsubstantiated charges.

Ezekiel, who hails from Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, said that in detention, he was offered N50 million bribe to indict ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who his accusers desperately wanted to link to the NDA and the bombing in the creeks at the time.

The activist, who narrated his several ordeals in detention, said he rejected the offer and gave a vivid account of how, following suffocating pressure by IPDI and national president of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Mr. Eric Omare, the Director General of DSS set up a highpowered panel to look into his case, leading to his eventual release.

How they arrested, blindfolded me “My name is Comrade Ezekiel Daniel; I hail from Egbema kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta state. I am an activist and the spokesperson of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, lPDI, who at all time objectively cried out to the world about the oppression, slavery and second- class treatment the people of Niger Delta region faced daily in the hands of Nigerian government. This is despite the fact that the oil that runs the wheel of this country’s vehicle comes from our land.

“They held me captive for about 15 months, after my arrest on 3rd August 2016.

Security men trailed me to a hospital where I was attending to a family sister awaiting admission at a hospital on Ginuwa Road in Warri. DSS arrested me in Warri like a wanted man and took me to the Effurun Barracks, near Warri, after blindfolding me “I was severely beaten up at the hospital. After I received a hit at my spinal cord, I became unconscious. I didn’t know why they arrested me until I was taken to Effurun Barracks. They interrogated me on whether I was the spokesperson for the Niger Delta Avengers and I responded aggressively. When I asked them whether that was what they told them, they were irritated and I was severely beaten up for mentioning those names that orchestrated my arrest.

Interrogation in Effurun Barracks “At Effurun barracks where I was interrogated, I was asked to tell them my connection with Niger Delta Avengers. I told them that I was not Avengers’ spokesperson and I didn’t know members of Avengers. They asked me my connection with former Niger Delta agitator, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, I told them, I did not have any connection with Tompolo, and that I only knew him as a former freedom fighter. They asked me of several other persons that I did not know.

“Meanwhile, I asked them to leave me and let me go as I knew nothing about the allegations leveled against me. They checked my Face book account and found out that I have been a social activist for years. However, they said they were told that I was a militant.

•Ezekiel Daniel

offered N50 million to rubbish Tompolo by those, who orchestrated my arrest. I however turned down the offer. I told them I could not betray Tompolo and that I didn’t know the offence he had committed to betray him. I told them that it was not my style to rope people for personal interest. Since then, they promised to deal with me. Also, when Simon Bebenimibo was arrested, I called him and he narrated how soldiers pulled off the roof of his house to effect his arrest. When I exposed the identities of those who orchestrated his

My arrest was a sad one; I wasted one year and 3 months in prison unjustly. I fell sick and got healed without medication. Several persons died in my presence in the cell. I experienced severe cold in the cell. I thought I would die but God saved my life They kept me in Effurun Barracks for about two hours, thereafter, they told me, I would be going with them to Abuja.

Bundled to Abuja “I asked them to allow me inform my president, Comrade Ozobo Austin and my next of kin, but they refused. They asked me to give them the two numbers, which I did but they never called them. They forcefully dragged me into one of the presidential jets and taken to Abuja.

“At the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), they kept me in an underground cell of 18-feet below the earth. There, they interrogated me on several subject matters that had to do with Niger Delta. Not satisfied with my response, after two weeks , I was shipped away like a slave with chains on my hands and legs to the DSS, where I met a lot of Ijaw youths, who informed me that a petition was written against me by Okerenkoko APC youth leader and others.

N50 m to implicate Tompolo “I perceived that my arrest was orchestrated by our Okerenkoko betrayers. I was

arrest, the APC Okerenkoko youth leader and Tompolo’s former commander in Abeam, who were close to security agents, were angry and ordered for my arrest,” Daniel disclosed.

I was arrested falsely after being tagged as Niger Delta Avengers’ spokesman. My enemies did it to suit their personal interest. I know nothing about this allegation. I suffered for something I know nothing about.

Many died in my presence “My arrest was a sad one; I wasted one year and 3 months in prison unjustly. I fell sick and got healed without medication. Several persons died in my presence in the cell. I experienced severe cold in the cell. I thought I would die but God saved my life,” he said.

My wrongdoing Daniel declared, “My resolve to protect my mother land and caution against those, who were peddling falsehood against Tompolo was my sin. Betrayers within and outside the region want Government Ekemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, dead at all cost through all manners of evil imaginations including issues related to Nigeria Maritime University.

This I see as vindictiveness and pull-him down syndrome under the cover of calling for accountability. ” “I was told that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo,visited Gbaramatu Kingdom in January, this year, he saw with his two eyes magnificent buildings and other

Experience in custody He said, “My experience in Nigerian g o v e r n m e n t incarceration was terrible, full of agony that I found no word to describe it.

I encountered a lot of pains. But one experience that keeps ringing in my head was being kept in the same cell with blood -sucking Boko haram terrorists, who tried all they could to kill me due to their hatred for my region and religion.

They treated me like a prisoner of war and subjected me to heavy beating. God used many people to bring me out from detention.”

Freedom “Several persons intervened to secure my release. I was told about the efforts of my group, IPDI, my family, Barr Eric Omare ,IYC president and others. They wrote several petitions, publications and bail applications.

They filed suits at Warri and Abuja Federal High Courts and I think these efforts pressured DSS to set up a panel to re-examine my case.

“I was brought out to face the panel. They interrogated me again and after that interview, the DSS director ordered that I should be released unconditionally. Immediately, I was flown to DSS office at Asaba on Saturday 25th November, 2017. From there, I was released to my family without any charge on Sunday 26th November 2017,” he said. .

Betrayers have hijacked N’Delta struggle The activist told Saturday Vanguard, “My new resolve in life was the lesson I have learned. My detention made me to know my real friends. What I encountered in the prison cell made me to know God more. I have to start all over again. One year and three months were wasted. I have come to realize that the genuine activists are the most hated.

It makes me understand that betrayal has taken the centre place of Niger-Delta struggle for self-determination and restructuring.

“I got to understand that informants are most celebrated in Ijaw and Niger Delta region. My incarceration made me to understand that the earth is like a land of many holes and man needs to tread carefully.

I‘m now a graduate of school of life “I strongly believe that we are in the days of locusts, but God will restore the good ones. I will bounce back very strong. They made me to undergo the school of life. I have graduated from it and I am better experienced than before,” he asserted.

He added, “I am not deterred by my unlawful detention, it only makes me more brave and strong. I will not abandon the intellectual struggle for restructuring of this country. I remain what you know me for, dogged and pragmatic. “ Appeal to N’Delta leaders The activist, who lamented the plight of several other Niger Delta youths still in detention, said, “I am using this medium to call on the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, led by Chief Edwin Clark, to ensure that the over 50 Niger Delta youths in DSS custody are released.”

“Part of the reasons why my release was delayed was because Papa Clark dialogue team failed to demand the release of all those arrested in the region in relationship with the struggle,” he said.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

GSS@50:

A golden celebration

By Otunba Jide Adebayo

A

ncient city Omu-Aran, the headquarter of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was agog with galaxial activities from Nov. 8 – 12, 2017 when Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) rolled out the drums for the Golden Jubilee anniversary of their Alma Mater.

The five-day event served as a re-union platform for many products of the school who, probably, had not met since they graduated from the college decades ago.

The ‘’old boys”, with different belly shapes and sizes, adorned the white-on-brown school uniform at the grand finale.

Top among them was the world-acclaimed Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) and Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State and Landmark University, OmuAran.

The old boys radiantly distinguished themselves from the current students with their red ties, black belts and black shoes.

Their roll call also included the first Head Boy of the school, Engr. Abdulkadir Abdulgafar; Chairman of PANAT Group and MACADAMS Baking Systems, Prince Toyese Oyinlola; former Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps and ECOMOG (UN) Sector Commander, MajGen. Yemi Abidoye (Rtd); former Director of Nigerian Naval Medical Services, retired Rear Admiral Bayo Afolayan and a retired Permanent Secretary in the Kwara State civil service, Prince Ayo Fagbemi.

Others included retired Group Capt. Femi Oyinloye; former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Otunba Jide Adebayo; former banking executive and Chairman MUCENTY Hotels, Alhaji Bisi Salami; Managing Director, Harmony Securities, Alhaji Adeola Balogun; Nasiru Ibrahim and Jubril Haruna, both serving permanent secretaries in the Kwara State service.

Also on parade were Alhaji Idris Musa, a director in the Federal Ministry of Environment; the Chief Whip, Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Gunu; Alhaji Isa Adeboye, Alhaji Babatunde Olojoku, Engr. Muibi Yusuf, Engr. Bisi Gbadamosi of Landmark University and Engr.

Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman, Fadesh Integrated Engineering Services Ltd. The celebrations kicked off with a courtesy call on the Olomu of OmuAran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, Adogbajale bi Ileke II and a road show around the town by the Old Boys, many of who expressed surprise at the phenomenal changes in the development of the town.

Before holding its annual general meeting the following day, the Old Boys went on a facility tour of Landmark University and its farms.

The university, which is reputed for agricultural sciences, has a commercial poultry and many other agro-allied ventures.

There was also the anniversary lecture at the commemorative speech and prize-giving day. It was

delivered by prominent Ibadan legal luminary, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

In his lecture, titled “Functional education: An imperative for a rapid socioeconomic development in Nigeria”, Prince Fagbemi urged the federal government to transform the education sector through bigger budgetary allocations to education.

If the federal government could not meet the 26% annual budget allocation prescribed by the United Nation, he said, it must not go too far below it.

The SAN identified corruption as the greatest impediment to our national development, adding that corruption was not only about gratification and treasury looting but also about our weird value system.

Prince Fagbemi stressed the need for greater emphasis on vocational education to arrest the menace of mass unemployment and endemic crime wave.

In his own remarks at the lecture, Bishop Oyedepo said that quality education was a prerequisite to socio-economic development of any nation.

“Where there is education, there goes civilization,” the renowned cleric said, noting that China became, arguably, the world number one economic power today through massive investment in the education of its citizens in European and American universities in the last few decades.

Oyedepo lamented the decay of infrastructure in most public schools, including universities in Nigeria and the unjustifiable budgetary allocations to nebulous projects and electioneering campaigns.

He warned that the future of the nation would be in jeopardy if proper attention was not paid to the quality education of the youths whom, he described, as the leaders of tomorrow.

On the economy, the chancellor urged Nigerians to look more critically inwards to tap all available opportunities, especially in the agricultural sector.

“We need to be more creative and innovative in our business plans and investments if we must break the shackles of poverty around us as a people,” he declared.

One of the highlights of the celebrations was the commissioning of the N300

Special Adviser to Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed on Agriculture, Mr Anu Ibiwoye cutting the tape to inaugurate the projects built by the old boys assisted by the National President of OGSSOBA, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, left and Bishop David Oyedepo

•Fourth from left, founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo and other old boys adorning the school uniform.

million renovation projects executed by the Old Boys association.

They included comprehensive renovation of all classrooms, laboratories, staff rooms, administrative blocks, building of new toilets, tarring of one kilometer access road into the school assembly ground and its perimeter fencing.

A few years ago, the Old Boys had donated a 2000-seat Hall of Fame to the school.

“We give God all the glory for giving us the spirit to give back to the school which had impacted so much on our lives,” Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, a chartered accountant and President of OGSSOBA, said at the occasion.

Adeniyi, who is also an oil magnate and chairman of Safetrip Transport Company, lauded the sacrifices of his colleagues to give the school a befitting face-lift.

“It could have been a shame to be celebrating this Golden Jubilee in a completely run-down environment,” he said.

Commissioning the projects, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Anu Ibiwoye, said that the achievements of the Old Boys was unprecedented not only in Kwara State but in the whole Nigeria.

“No where have I seen this type of massive project executed by any old boys association in Nigeria,” he said, unequivocally.

Ibiwoye, who represented the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, urged other old boys associations to take a cue from OGSSOBA by looking at the needs of their schools and intervening meaningfully.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the school principal, also an old boy, Mr. Segun Abifarin, commended the massive upgrading of the school facilities by the old boys which, he added, included former Attorney-General and

Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Lebanon, Amb. Oluwole Idowu.

He noted the transformation which the school had witnessed through the old boys and assured that it would propel its students and staff to higher academic performance.

Chronicling the achievements of the school, the principal said that its students won the one million Naira Star Prize of the state’s Tax Club Quiz competition sponsored by the State Internal Revenue Services on Dec. 1, 2016.

In the field of sports, Abifarin, who is also the National Vice-Chairman of the Association of Nigerian College Principals (ANCOPSS), said the school won the maiden State Governor Soccer Cup while it remained the team to beat in relay race in the last decade.

Among dignitaries at the grand finale were members of the Olomu-in-Council led by Petu Atayero, Chief Festus Awoniyi and the fourth principal of the school, Mr. Folorunsho Aguda.

The ceremony also witnessed presentation of merit awards to the state Governor Ahmed and the first Military Governor of the state, retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye, who was represented by his younger brother and former military administrator of Bauchi and Osun states, Col. Theophilus Bamigboye (Rtd).

Other awardees were Bishop David Oyedepo and front-line industrialist in the state and Chairman, KAM Industries Ltd, Engr. Kamarudeen Yusuf, who launched the OGSSOBA Anniversary Magazine with one million Naira.

There were also cultural displays by many cultural troupes to add to colour to the ceremony.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—15

establishment of ranches.

•Herdsmen

According to Gusa, “herdsmen in Benue are willing and ready to ranch their cattle, at the moment over 100 have already applied for land for that purpose, so whoever is kicking against the law is obviously against the wellbeing of the people who for several years lost loved ones to the persistent crisis between Benue farmers and herders.

“If you have been following developments in Benue especially as it relates to farmers/herdsmen crisis you will agree with me that the law was not enacted for political gains as being claimed

by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore but in line with the dictates and wishes of the generality of Benue people.

Reacting to the outburst by Miyetti Allah denouncing the law, the leaders of the three major tribes in Benue state under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv, Idoma National Forum and Omi Ny’Igede, maintained that the people of Benue state were prepared and determined to ensure its success “despite the ill will of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and its insidious attempt to truncate it.”

Speaking on behalf of the tribal leaders, elder statesman and President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege reiterated that the magnitude of the killings and destruction of property in the state Benue and any other state governments propelled the people to compel the prohibiting open grazing, of a deliberate government to enact the law. plan to frustrate their age long grazing “Over 2,000 men, women and children were pattern and business. killed in 40 bloody attacks carried out However, while the Miyetti Allah by suspected herdsmen in 14 out of was busy crying foul, the Fulani the 23 local government areas of communities across Benue Benue State between 2013 and state have been indicating 2016. interest to establish “Till date over 500 persons personal ranches to avert are still missing while over contravening the 500,000 people were provisions of the new law. displaced and the future of In Otukpo Local almost a million youths Government Area truncated. specifically, Fulani “Over nine thousand herdsmen in the area households were affected by only recently expressed the various attacks carried their solidarity and out by the herdsmen while readiness to comply with property worth N95billion the provisions of the new was destroyed in 2014 law. alone.

After making their “The anti open grazing position known when they law is therefore the paid a courtesy call on the outcome of the Chairman of Otukpo local yearnings of the government area, Mr. people of the state George Alli, the who desire peace herdsmen also •Governor and want lasting appealed to the Samuel Ortom solutions to the government to incessant herdsmen/ urgently avail farmers clashes them land to which had often led to the pillage of our enable them build ranches in Otukpo. communities, the massacre of our men, The leader of the delegation, Alhaji Aminu women and children as well as destruction of Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani our farms, homes, raping of our women and community noted that they were indigenes of children and excessive unrest.

Otukpo either by reason of birth or long stay “This struggle therefore is for the in the area and they would not be part of any emancipation of our people from slave drivers act of lawlessness in the state. and preservation of lives and properties as Abdullahi said, “most of us were born and well as freedom from suppression which our bred in Otukpo and we therefore consider people have suffered over the years which is Otukpo our home, so we see no reason why still-unabated. we should constitute a threat to the security of “Our cry has nothing to do with political Otukpo and Benue where we have been campaign but the survival of the people which residing for decades. we seek before Nigerians and the world. The “We are therefore here on behalf of the Fulani anti-open grazing law will not die because it community in Otukpo to pledge our support provides the panacea for our peoples’ survival for the grazing law and solicit for land to and for peace. enable us ranch our cattle.

“We must also state that Section 100 of the In his response, the Council Chairman 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of disabused the mind of members of the Nigeria as amended empowers the State delegation that the law was targeted at Houses of Assembly to make laws for the state. herdsmen stressing that it was to also check “Our State Governor, Samuel Ortom has rustling in line with global best practices and been given the mandate by his people to stand urged them to volunteer information and firm on this position and the emancipation of report any strange herdsman found in their our people for which we see victory already in mist. sight.

The traditional ruler of Otukpo, “We also want to state categorically that the Och’Otukpo Chief John Eimonye who anti-open grazing law does not restrict the assured the delegation of the safety of Fulani movement of pastoralists or any livestock and herdsmen in the area urged them to breeder for that matter but dictates the mode remain law abiding. of movement of their livestock.

Speaking further on the willingness of “Section 19 (4) of the law prohibits herdsmen to strictly apply themselves to the movement of livestock on foot from one law, the Benue State Attorney General and destination to another and directs such Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Mike Gusa, movements to be done by rail wagon, truck or recently told newsmen that the government pickup wagon. The law does not prohibit had already received over 100 applications grazing but restricts such actions to within from herdsmen seeking land for the ranches.”

Benue Grazing Law: Herdsmen ready to ranch their cattle —State Govt

BY PETER DURU, MAKURDI

D

espite alleged subterranean moves by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a factional socio-cultural organisation of herdsmen in the country, to frustrate the implementation of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition law which was signed into law by Governor Samuel Ortom last May, the law finally came into effect on November 1.

The new law which was a product of the wishes and desires of the people of the state who craved, yearned and pleaded with the government to have it enacted was welcomed with wild jubilation from the people of the state.

Since the commencement of full implementation of the grazing law, Benue state Government House has become a beehive of activities with all sections of the Benue’s society queuing to have their turn to congratulate and show solitary with the Ortom led administration for aligning with the people and not succumbing to external intimidation.

From the youths to women groups, diaspora groups, non governmental organisations and the various socio-cultural organisations from the 23 local government areas of the state, half nude women and the disabled have all been taking turns to besiege the seat of power to drum support for the administration and to assure the government that the ordinary people who bore the brunt of the merciless herdsmen would stand with the administration to ensure the success of the law.

The excited Benue populace also went as far as assuring the Governor of their unflinching commitment to the success of the administration and to rally support for the Governor’s future political ambition.

Undoubtedly, the popularity of the present Benue state government has soared as the people of the state now regard the Governor as their hero.

This has clearly shown that the decision of the administration to forge ahead with the implementation of the law despite alleged threats on the Governor and resistance by external forces was indeed a step in the right direction.

With the law coming into full force, the Governor went ahead to inaugurate the state’s Livestock Guards and the Vigilante group who were also provided with working tools, vehicles and motorbikes to ensure effective enforcement of the law.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ortom maintained that the grazing law was intended to

ensure the safety and protection of farmers and livestock breeders alike.

“I have always maintained that the grazing law is not intended to chase herdsmen out of Benue but enacted to ensure that herdsmen carried out their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation.

“Aside providing for the ranching of cattle and all livestock in the state, the law is out to check cases of cattle and livestock rustling because it adequately provides stringent punishments for anyone caught in the illicit act.

“Besides, government has also made provision to avail herdsmen and livestock farmers land to enable then set up their private ranches as practiced globally without hinderances because the available land in Benue can no longer support wild grazing”, he stressed.

While fielding questions from newsmen recently in Makurdi, the Governor acknowledged that some herdsmen were yet to comply fully with the law. The governor said, “we said from the onset that the law will be implemented with a human face, that is why some of them are still engaged in that practice. It’s a new regime all together, so I expect that they would gradually get used to the new order. But we expect everyone to abide by the dictates of the law so as not to be found liable of contravening the law.

“Generally we are happy that our effort at checking the persistent bloody clashes in our communities has ushered in peace and it’s also gaining international recognition.

“The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria has commended our government for the step we have taken and also informed us that the world body was mustering five million Dollars to assist us ensure the successful implementation of the new law. That goes to show that we are not alone in what we are doing.”

“No fewer than 11 state governments have formally requested for the piece of legislation to help them as guide as they also make efforts to put a similar law in place in their respective states.”

Meantime while Benue people continue to bask in the euphoria of having a law that would finally bring about peace in the hinterlands where farmers and herdsmen persistently engage in violent confrontations, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore has on its part continued to kick against the law insisting that it was not in their interest to have the law in place.

The leadership of the group who had threatened to resist the law, only recently in a media briefing said the law was enacted for political exigencies accusing

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Dividends of Delta Economic Summit

By Julius Oweh

S

trategic thinking and clear-cut policy implementation are the hallmarks of responsive governance and this perhaps informed the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in Asaba last year.

The summit saw the presence of the vice president of the country, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, former governor of Central Bank, Prof Charles Soludo, chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia and governor of Sokoto State, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal.

The state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa explained the underpin philosophy behind the summit: ‘From the onset of this administration, we were determined to diversify the economy and make it more resilient to external shocks. We have set a target of 10 percent annual growth rate in our agricultural sector, especially in commodity where we have comparative advantage, particularly cassava, oil palm and aquaculture. .. Ultimately, our goal is to vigorously develop the non-oil sector of the economy such that they overtake oil and gas as growth drivers. The framework and guidelines of the agenda have been articulated in our Delta State Medium Development Plan.... From preliminary analysis, the total private investment to be realized in the next two or three years from the various PPP projects is about 500,000 million dollars‘ The vice president who was impressed by the convocation of the summit praised the state government for the initiative, adding that government alone cannot provide enabling and fertile environment to fire the growth of the economy. Listen to him: ‘The governor of Delta State in his speech said his administration is partnering with the private sector to develop the state. There is no way we can create prosperity without the private sector because the public sector does not have the resources to ensure speedy development‘.

More than a year since that August 2016 summit, many Deltans are reaping the benefits of that summit. Investigation carried out by this reporter revealed that the ‘smart agenda‘ and the job creation office had empowered

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa more than 3,000 people with starter packs to start their own businesses. And that about 7,000 indirect jobs have been created as part of the prosperity agenda of the government. It is also revealed that the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources had changed the lives of farmers and fishermen.

Speaking recently in Abraka on the benefits of the economic summit, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Kingsley Emu disclosed that so far about 539 cooperatives societies comprising 6,252 beneficiaries in the 25 local council areas have benefitted from huge sum of money made available by the Okowa administration. He also maintained that financial support was given to micro and small enterprises – traders, market women, artisans and small time farmers.

Emu lauded the benefits of the summit: ‘We do not owe salaries to date and have supported local governments in their constitutional role of payment of salaries in excess of N3 billion despite our tight financial position. We have also consistently made provision of N470 million monthly towards payment of the state obligation to the contributory pension scheme‘.

The development of the three agroindustrial areas in Uzere in Delta South senatorial district, Abraka -Umutu in Delta Central senatorial district and OgwashiUku in Delta North Senatorial districts are part of the deliberate efforts of the government to diversify the economy and wean it off dependence on crude oil. This was the theme worked on by the state Commissioner of Information, Mr Patrick Ukah recently. Ukah explained the predicate of the economic and investment summit. His observation :‘Our agriculture policy directive is moderated more by the developed world aggressive climate induced engineering targeting the complete elimination of fossil fuel by 2025

and more importantly mobilising Deltans into mechanised agriculture and agrobusiness driven industries. The agroindustrial park will also promote economic diversification and growth of the state including creating more than 5,000 jobs along the agriculture value chain. It will provide a common dedicated infrastructure and facilities for agroprocessing, value addition and agro business as a means of improving the ease of doing business.‘ Thus the common sentiment in Delta State is that the economic and investment summit is beginning to yield dividends to peak the welfare and standard of living of Deltans. It is also very instructive to note that the micro credit programme of the government has lifted a lot of urban and rural poor from the nadir of poverty, placing them on the laps of economic empowerment by engaging them in small businesses rather than depending on handouts from paid employment.

It will be recalled that during the summit, Governor Okowa explained to the outside world and investors the size of Delta state economy and the need to make the place an investment haven. He also harped on the need for strategic thinking that has the signature of foresight, careful planning, innovation and creativity. Okowa wore the robe of the greatest salesman of the state: ‘With the size of Delta State economy standing at approximately 24.6 billion dollars, Delta is the fourth largest economy in the country. Delta state is perhaps the only state in the federation with multiple urban centres numbering as many as 12.

As a coastal state, it has four seaports in Warri, Koko, Burutu and Sapele. Indeed it is fair to say that the Nigerian business and corporate arena would not be the same without the solid contributions of illustrious Deltans who are excelling in a facet of human endeavour‘. Today the tree of that summit are bearing fruits of economic activities by majority of people actively engaged in business and the economic climate of the state shall never be the same again.

Nurturing young entrepreneurs as next generation of hunger fighters in Africa

By Bunmi Oloruntoba The World Food Prize which could be regarded as the “Nobel Prize for Agriculture” is awarded each year for a specific and exceptionally significant contribution to the production or distribution of food.

This year, the prize was awarded to Akinwumi Adesina, immediate past Minister of Agriculture and currently the president of the African Development Bank - for his contributions to increasing productivity in the nation’s agricultural sector.

A list of Adesina’s achievements as minister of agriculture from 2010 to 2015 spans several pages. But for the World Food Prize, the focal point was his introduction of the Electronic Wallet (E-Wallet) platform to Nigeria’s food production and distribution chain.

Through the E-Wallet, Adesina pioneered a new way for the Nigerian government to deliver subsidized farm inputs, such as fertilizer and seeds, to local farmers through private agro-dealers.

The farmers, in turn, are able to redeem these subsidised inputs from the agrodealers using e-vouchers, which they can access through their mobile phones.

To implement the platform, Adesina initiated a Growth and Enhancement Support Scheme (GES). He powered the scheme by orchestrating the successful registration of more than 15 million Nigerian farmers, whose information and mobile phone numbers were added to the GES database. The database, coupled with the E-Wallet, now allows Nigerian farmers to receive directly from the government everything from fertilizer to high-yield rice seeds and palm oil seedlings.

In the past, such subsidised inputs would have bypassed the farmers and fallen into the hands of middlemen who would have sold the inputs on the open market or in neighboring countries.

According to the organizers of the World Food Prize, Adesina, through the E-wallet, succeeded in breaking the “back of corrupt elements that had controlled the fertilizer distribution system for 40 years.”

The platform also helped to solve other previously intractable problems in the way of commercial large scale food production in Nigeria.

For example, the country’s paddy rice farmers, through the E-Wallet, were able to receive from the government awardwinning, high yield NERICA rice varieties, which saw their output rise

from five to six tons per hectare.

Thousands of paddy farmers producing a consistent grade of rice soon created the opportunity for several agro-based companies to switch from rice importation to local rice production, and standardisation of the country’s rice output led to large private sector investments in rice milling.

The World Food Prize compares the spread of Adesina’s efforts in scale to the “Green Revolution” work of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug. In the 1970s and 1980s, Borlaug introduced high-yield dwarf wheat to Latin America and Asia, spawning “Green Revolutions” on two continents.

As other African countries start to adopt E-Wallet platforms to get subsidised inputs - and even financial services - directly to their farmers, the World Food Prize claims Adesina’s E-Wallet is “sparking a Borlaugian ‘Take It to the Farmer ’ revolution across Africa.”

Farming creates jobs for young people In his more recent job as president of Africa’s premier multilateral development finance institution, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Adesina embraces the continent’s “youth bulge” both as an opportunity and a resource in working for economic transformation.

Africa’s labor market is expected to absorb 11 million youths every year for the next decade. Despite rapid growth in formal wage sector jobs, the World Bank estimates that most of the continent’s young people “are likely to work on family farms and in household enterprises, often with very low incomes.”

Adesina wants to drive Africa’s economic transformation by empowering the continent’s youth population and making agriculture the hottest startup sector for young people. To achieve this goal, he wants to change the perception of agriculture in Africa from being a survival activity to a vehicle for wealth creation; from a hobby to a business.

It therefore, came as no surprise when Adesina, halfway through his acceptance speech for the World Food Prize, declared to the crowded room in the American Midwestern city of Des Moines that “there will be no rest for me until Africa feeds itself, and for that we need the youth.

“Even though I don’t have the check in my hand right now,” he continued, “I hereby commit my quarter of a million dollars... prize award to set up a fund fully dedicated to providing grants, fellowships and financing for the youth of Africa in agriculture as a business.”

Adesina’s vision for Africa’s youth and “The reality,” he said, “is that agroagriculture becomes prescient as the world’s industrialization has greatest potential for geopolitical winds shift the focus of Africa to achieve more rapid and inclusive policymakers. growth - and create jobs... If you want Creating jobs for young people in agriculture industrialization of Africa, and massive job can both help Africa’s economic creation, focus on industrializing the transformation and offer a solution to some agriculture sector.” of the challenges facing the continent and the He went on to add, “to rapidly modernize world agriculture, we must get the youth engaged in On Youth Unemployment and Illegal the sector. We must change the perception of Migration to Europe the youths of agriculture - they must see Adesina, in remarks leading up to the agriculture as a business.”

2015 Action Plan for African Agricultural On radicalization and terrorism Transformation conference in Dakar, pointed The Africa Center for Strategic Studies has out that “the agricultural sector [in Africa] warned that one of the “key effect of ISIS’s has four times the power to create jobs and continued loss of territory and operational reduce poverty than any other sector. capacity in Iraq and Syria will be an increase “That is why we make the claim that we can in the number of ISIS fighters returning to diminish the migrant crisis in Europe by regions in Africa already facing a threat from supporting agricultural transformation in violent Islamists.”

Africa,” he said.

In his opening remarks at the In remarks at the 2017 G7 Summit in West African Ministerial Taormina, Italy, back in May, Adesina Conference in October 2016, expanded on this vision when he said that Adesina observed that “today, “the future of Africa’s youth does not lie in across Africa, unemployed migration to Europe” nor should it be “at youths are turning into gangs, the bottom of the Mediterranean.” He getting into kidnappings for a proposed rather that an agribusinessliving, getting recruited to join driven economy could be one of the terrorist groups. And those are economic reasons Africa’s youth choose the wrong kind of jobs.” to remain on the continent.

At his speech at the 2017 G7 “We must turn rural areas conference in Italy, Adesina from zones of referred to the deadly economic combination of misery to extreme rural zones of poverty, high economic y o u t h prosperity,” unemployment Adesina a n d s a i d . environmental “This climate Akinwumi Adesina requires degradation n e w as the agricultural “triangle innovations of disaster. and transforming agriculture into a sector for Where these factors are found, they provide creating wealth. We must make agriculture a rich recruitment zones for terrorists.” really cool choice for young people. The future In Adesina’s view, agribusiness - more than millionaires and billionaires of Africa will any other economic sector - has the power to come initially from agriculture.” bring wealth to the rural parts of Africa On Africa’s Industrialization “I believe that the future millionaires of Industrialization has been referred to as the Africa will come from agriculture, not from most effective driver of structural poverty the oil and gas industry. Agriculture will reduction. Experts remind us that no become Africa’s new oil.” developing country has transitioned into a Adesina has also announced that his World developed country without industrializing.

Food Prize money will be used to establish a Adesina, in his opening speech at the Dakar World Food Prize Global Youth Institute for conference, questioned the theory that assumes Africa, an organization he said will support a labour must move from the agricultural sector new generation of agricultural scientists and to the industrial sector. Rather, Adesina innovators across Africa. This organization suggested an economic theory of will nurture and produce graduates known as industrialization that sees Africa’s Borlaug-Adesina Fellows, who will become industrialization starting from the the next generation of hunger fighters. agricultural sector.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—17

How I’m tackling jailbreak, restoring discipline to Nigerian prisons — NPS CG, Ahmed •Reveals how Koton-Karfe prison inmates perfected their escape •Boasts NPS’ll soon be self sufficient in food production

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

M

r Ja’afaru Ahmed is a thoroughbred officer, who has held strategic positions in the Nigerian Prisons Service until May 2016 when President Muhammadu Buhari found him most qualified to be appointed as the Controller General of the Nigerian Prisons Service, an organisation he joined in 1989. Among the posts Mr. Ahmed had held before his appointment as the NPS CG are: Officer in charge, Birnin Kebbi Old Prison; Officer in charge Kano Central Prison; Controller of Prisons, Sokoto State Command; Controller of Prisons, Kebbi State Command; Assistant Controller General of Prisons (Admin) at the National Headquarters; Zonal Coordinator, Zone A Headquarters, Lagos and Deputy Controller General of Prisons (Admin) at the National Headquarters, Abuja.

In this interview, the CG spoke on what he was doing to uplift the Nigerian prisons, make it more humane and end the embarrassing episodes of jailbreak in Nigeria. Excerpts:

•Ja'afaru Ahmed CG of NPS

H

aving taken over the leadership of the Nigerian Prisons Service since May 2016, what have you been able to do differently to breathe life into the system?

To be precise, when I assumed duties as the Controller General of Prisons on the 21st of May 2016, there were a lot of challenges confronting the system. One of the challenges had to do with the laxity on the part of the workers leading to various problems confronting the service. There were logistic problems, overcrowded prisons, infrastructural decay, lack of medicines, poor motivation for the workers and a myriad of other challenges inhibiting productivity.

Confronted with these challenges therefore, I therefore presented them to the Federal Government for necessary assistance. Luckily for us, we have a listening government, a government of change that has come to do things differently and therefore, this government intervened by giving the NPS a capital budget that it had never had for some years.

With this, we were able to intervene in the infrastructural decay. If you go around the country you will find a lot of projects going on, some of them have been completed because we have been able to pay the contractors while others are ongoing and in advanced stage of completion. The completion of these projects had drastically changed the environment and the way we house inmates. I can tell you that a more humane custody of inmates has come into being and I thank God for this administration under President Buhari, which has responded positively to our financial needs to fix the prisons.

The issue of logistics was another problem; our inability to take prisoners to court had often been a source of tension in the various prisons and a serious setback to our C M Y K

ability to give quick access to justice.

But with the government financial support, we have been able to procure about 217 vehicles at once and have distributed them across the nation. We also got a large financial outlay to purchase a large consignment of medicine to take care of inmates in our various prisons nationwide. In fact only last week we distributed medicines to the various state commands and many of them confessed that they had never seen these medicines for years and that is true. As a sign of our proactive measures, the last time an outbreak of meningitis was reported, we were able to intervene urgently and not a single soul was lost throughout the period of the epidemic.

In terms of welfare of workers, we

not

by new recruits as others would want to say but by our existing staff who are going for small courses. These include orderlies and drivers, chief warders, intelligence gathering officials and record officers.

I can tell you that these small courses matter because they are routine and are targeted to increase the efficiency of the staff at the work place. So, that was what changed the image of the Nigerian Prison Service. And when I came on board, there were a lot of escapes of inmates and jail breaks.

How did you stop the rampant jailbreaks?

We took action in the sense that some staff had in the past committed serious offences but were never punished. We said it should no longer be the case, and that anyone who committed any offence must be promptly brought to book to serve

If you go around the country you will find a lot of projects going on, some of them have been completed because we have been able to pay the contractors while others are ongoing and in advanced stage of completion have been able to promote stagnated inspectors who had stayed in that rank for over 15years. In this regard, no fewer than 11,000 were promoted by the board and others that were within my powers were also promoted within one year.

We were also able to intervene in terms of barracks accommodation, as well as schools and training of inmates. In fact the trainings we have had this year, we have never had it for some years. As I speak to you, our training schools are full,

as a deterrent to others in accordance with the law. From all the reports of jail breaks and escape of inmates, it was clear to us that there were many cases of laxity on the part of our staff and we had to move immediately to deal with it in order to save the system from further exploitation. We punished the offenders adequately.

We further discovered that we needed more hands to work in the prisons. We also intervened in the structures of our prisons. If you look at the Koton Karfe Prison, you will

discover that the inmates simply made a hole because of the nature of the materials used in building the walls. That episode has now taught us to change the pattern in constructing the prison cells nationwide which will last for a generation.

And finally, we moved to check the rate of trafficking in the prisons and punished those who were involved in passing information to and from the prisons, thereby compromising the safety of the prisons.

What do you mean by trafficking in the prisons?

Trafficking is passing information or unauthorized items such as cell phones and other things into and out of the prisons without authority thereby compromising standards of operations.

Let me cite an example, the Koton Karfe episode happened because the prisoners were able to enter the cell with a 2x4 timber which they used in hitting the wall repeatedly before it collapsed because the wall was made of hollow blocks. As the prisoners were hitting the wall, they were drumming as if one of them was about to leave the cell the following day. It is traditional for inmates to ‘organise a party’ for one of them who is to be discharged the next day. And because it was raining heavily, the officers on duty thought it was the normal drumming with bowls and other items for those leaving the following day, not suspecting that the inmates were actually opening the walls with a plank. In the end, they were able to break open the walls through which 13 of the prisoners escaped. So, far, we have recaptured six of them but we have taken concrete steps to change the situation.

What opportunities and facilities are available in the prisons for inmates who are willing to acquire further education to do so?

Part of our mandate is to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners back into the society as law abiding citizens. In the prisons under my administration, we have a set of prisoners who have no formal education and can therefore not read or write and what they simply need is skills. We have given them the opportunity to acquire such skills that will help them to live meaningfully. We are currently equipping our workshops and constructing new ones for carpentry and welding fabrication as well as training facilities for any skills the inmates can learn while in the prisons. At the end of their programme, we have what we call aftercare services where we purchase the necessary tools for each of the trades they have been able to acquire and be certified in order to start off their chosen business and I am happy to say that some of them are successful employers of labour today.

For those who want to acquire formal education, we first provide the opportunity for adult education, then junior secondary school, NECO and WAEC. I am happy to report that no fewer than 149 of the inmates from Kuje Prisons who sat for NECO/WAEC had five credits including Mathematics and English.

We have a centre for registration in Kuje Prisons and 13 centres for inmates to learn under the National Open University of Nigerian, NOUN. In 2014, one of the best graduating

Continues on pg 18

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMMBER 2, 2017

H

ow we started We started as a very small company when security issues were not taken seriously. Then, we could count the number of security companies around. We were not having so many of them, but the vision of the founding members kept us going and since then, it has been growing. Although we faced some challenges but we have been able to overcome them. If you are talking about three major security companies in Nigeria, Kings Guard will be one of them. At the risk of being immodest, everybody is trying to find out how we do what we do all the time. Again, we are blessed with people and staff who are very loyal and committed to the vision of the company. The workforce of any company is actually its greatest asset. .

Challenges The industry is about managing human beings, so, the workforce is the major focus of our activity. We train them and deploy them to various areas. Managing them against the backdrop that most of them are not happy doing the job, makes it more difficult. For most of them, security job comes as a last resort. Ordinarily, it was not a job they had preferred to do. They feel the society has not been fair to them by not providing them a better job of their choice, coupled with the fact that it is not a job that the society really respects.

We have many of them who are university graduates and training and deploying them to various areas to do what they really don’t like is a challenge. To make them happy, adapt to the system and encourage them to make a career in the industry is therefore a major challenge.

Overtime, we overcome that because we make them realise that they can fulfill their dreams on the job no matter what. A new staff can rise to become the General Manager. He can get scholarship to further his studies, because we provide local and international training for

Challenges of private security companies — Olaniran, Kings Guards’ boss

•Calls for synergy between private security firms, government security agencies

By Ishola Balogun

S

am Olaniran is the Managing Director, CEO, Kings Guards Nigeria Limited, a well-known private industrial security firm in Nigeria that has Chief Dele Fajemirokun as chairman. With strong presence in all the 36 states of the country including Abuja, the top security firm which specialises in special investigation, personal protection, maritime security services, escort services, security equipment sales, training consultancy among others celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. In this interview, Olaniran calls for cooperation between private security operators and the government security operatives in the country.

Excerpts: our staff. We believe, human beings can be turned around to become what they never imagined they could be. This can be done when they see love, care and honesty. This was how we have been able to overcome the challenge of the workforce who ordinarily did not like doing the job.

Another challenge is that the society does not care about security.

Human beings don’t value security.

It does not make any meaning to them, they are not ready to pay for it, instead, they look for somebody to open and shut the gate. So, if they are not interested in it, they cannot pay for it. That is why the monthly wage is low in the industry. What we pay the guards is a reflection of what the clients pay us.

Now, with the proliferation of security companies, there is stiff competition with some trying to engage in some unhealthy practices to stay in business. In spite of these challenges however, we have continued to be motivated by the ideals and vision of the founders which are service, humility and integrity.

We care so much about service. Our customers are treated as Kings.

They always want to be pampered, honoured.

We humble ourselves as the loyal slaves to our clients. What gladdens me is the comment of most of our clients who always say that our performance has been

our staying power, placing us above others. We have clients in all the 36 states of the federation including Abuja. We have been with the United Nation for over ten years now, we have been with the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN for over 20 years, with NNPC for 20 years as well as some other notable corporate organisations, including both government and private universities. We are also working with some of the international agencies in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Graduates as Guards Like I said earlier, some percentage of our workforce do not like doing this job. The graduates fall under this category. No parent also will be happy that after sending their children to Universities and after graduation, they come out to be security guards. But the reality stares us in the face, with the notion of taking any job to survive.

Some clients sometimes prefer university graduates, but we tell them, the graduates have to be well paid, the attraction must be good. When they apply for the job, it is not that they love the job, the fact is, they are not happy applying for the job. So what we do when they come in is to reorientate them and show them the abundant opportunities in the security industry, train them on the core values and put before them opportunities to achieve greatness in the industry. We have built a staff

•Sam Olaniran who left here and became a General Manager somewhere, and a staff who became a branch manager of another security company and today he works as a top government security operative. The percentage of graduates coming in to apply for security guard jobs is however low, about 10 percent, but we do our best to ensure that they thrive on the job.

Tackling insecurity in the

country The government must be sincere to tackle the menace. I know government is about people, so , the sincerity must trickle down to everybody in government offices and parastatals fighting insecurity.

Once the leaders and followers show absolute sincerity, then the fight against insecurity will be successful.

We have a situation where the followers do not trust the leaders just as the leaders look down at the followers with contempt on security issue.

On collaboration with other agencies There is a whole lot the private security can do to support the government security agencies, but there is no encouragement to do this.

In my view, extending the hand of fellowship to private security agencies will be a wonderful way of tackling national insecurity.

The police don’t have enough men to police the country, but there are more private security guards all over the country. It is just to create a platform where they can work together and through which they can share intelligence. When the Boko Haram bombing started, some of our men got wind of some information which they shared it with some people. So, we need sincerity on the part of the leaders to fight insecurity. Right now, there is no regulated strategy of sharing intelligence with the security operatives in the country, what we do is based on personal relationship. But if there is a platform for this synergy, it will be better. This was what we have been advocating for, before now.

Celebrating 25th anniversary This is the time we have to do more than what we have been doing in the last 25 years. We will continue to reappraise and improve all our services to our clients as we want to remain excellent in service delivery. As part of the activities lined up for the celebration of 25 years anniversary of this company starting on December 7, we will visit the less privileged and touch their lives. We will also reward our staff with various awards for long service and excellent performance.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Reveals how Koton-Karfe prison inmates perfected their escape Continues from pg 17 students from NOUN came from Enugu Prisons. As at today, no fewer than 300 inmates have matriculated into various universities and are pursuing various courses nationwide.

So we are making efforts to reposition and make the prison a better place for the unfortunate Nigerians who happen to be there so that their lives are not wasted. We try as much as possible to reform them and reintegrate them back into the society as law abiding citizens.

What has happened to the prison farms we used to see flourishing across the country in the past?

The farms are still there. We have what we call market gardens close to the prisons and 17 farm centres nationwide. We want to use these centres and produce enough food realizing the enormous burden of feeding prisoners. We also want to ensure that we look inward and see what we can do so that in a few years time the prison will be able to feed and be able to reduce its dependence on government.

To achieve our set goal, we have

chosen three big farm centres namely: Kujama prison in Kaduna state which has about 1,200 hectares for maize production; Ozala in Edo state which has about 1,650 hectares for palm oil production and Lakushi in Plateau state which has also about 1,100 hectares for rice production. Once we are through with these three, we will add other ones until we raise enough money to complete the 17 farm centres nationwide. We have been able to buy a total of 22 tractors in the last one year and distributed them to the prisons nationwide for serious farming and food production. This year we intend to purchase combined harvesters, planters and the rest of them for these farm centres from the money provided in 2017 budget so that by 2018 when they start, they will start their farming season early and we will be able to achieve what we have set for ourselves. The 22 tractors that we bought for farming purposes were the first set of tractors that would be procured since 1976 when the farms were established.

What are you doing to ensure quick dispensation of justice for inmates so that they don’t remain on awaiting trial list forever?

I have already laid out my plans in that regard and gave instructions to my officers to take all necessary steps to reduce prison congestion across the country. I made it clear to them that there is no justification for anyone to stay in the prison for up to five years and above awaiting trial.

I have made it clear to them that the prison is for convicts and not persons awaiting trial. I have asked them to engage more with their various commissioners of police, the chief judges and the attorneys general of their respective states and see how best this challenge can be managed. Beyond that, we have also made a case to the Minister of Interior, who in turn has presented a strong position on the matter to the Federal Executive Council on how best to tackle the matter once and for all.

We have called for review of all those prisoners who have been in prison custody for five years and above and also make the prerogative of mercy of the respective

states to be more functional as well as the construction of more prisons.

Our ultimate plan was to have a 3,000 capacity prison in the six geopolitical zones and we have started with the 3000-capacity ultra modern prison in Kano. When that one is completed, we will then put more of such structures in other places nationwide.

What would you like to be remembered for when you are done as the CG of NPS? When I look back after leaving this seat, I want to leave a prison service that is truly performing its mandate of secured and humane custody with functional facilities, a dedicated, well trained and highly motivated workforce and a prison service that will be a pride to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

So, can you say that you have prepared the ground for these lofty ideals to thrive?

I said I have been able to intervene in barracks

accommodation. If you saw the barracks before we intervened, you would agree that human beings were not supposed to stay there but we have made it more comfortable for the staff. We are going to provide uniforms free for junior staff, something they have been paying for in the past. I am kitting them from beret to their shoes to make them work with a sense of pride and confidence. We are making promotions more regular for those who are due. They have just taken the examination for the 2017 promotions and I am sure very soon the result will be out. I have given them the opportunity of training and retraining and we have been prompt in paying them their welfare allowances as well as prisons insurance. We have also taken steps to pay those who have retired, their Prisons Welfare and Insurance Scheme, PRISCO. The overall objective of what we are trying to do is to create a conducive environment for all the prison workers and I am happy that with what I have put in place so far, the workers are becoming more comfortable now and the bad eggs have been booted out to ensure that those who are doing their work are also doing it to the best of their ability.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

I

have been waiting for this with bated breath and now it is official: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged and they will be married in May 2018.

My dominant thought has always been positive it would happen, against all odds, because they seemed to be genuinely in love. In addition, Prince Harry set out from the beginning to protect his future wife from unwanted attention. But beyond that, being older and being already in the limelight probably helped Markle succeed in staying in the relationship, unlike two previous girlfriends of Prince Harry, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas.

As little children growing up, Prince Harry always looked carefree and more adventurous than his elder brother, Prince Williams. May be it was just natural or he knew quite early that he is unlikely to be a future king, being the second child of their parents. But I feel he was just being himself. Even though he is royalty, he refused to be trapped in the royal “prison.” This reflected in his romantic adventures as he grew older. He just seemed to follow his heart. He has previously dated a rock star, a model and an actress from far and near before ending up with Markle, an actress and a black American. There is nothing wrong with any of these ladies, but they are not the typical girls you expect a British Royal to date. And Africa seems to have a special place in Harry ’s heart. Davy is Zimbabwean, Botswana is his favourite holiday destination and now he is engaged to an African American.

From the wild partying prince, Harry has become a very mature man, who knows what he wants. Even though he had to get royal approval from the grandmother, Queen Elizabeth and his father, Prince Charles, he is engaged and about to be married on his own terms, not papa’s or grandmother ’s terms. The way Prince Charles enthusiastically announced the engagement, I get the feeling that this is the kind of freedom he would have preferred to choose his own

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—19

Let the wedding bells toll wife, not the “arrangee” marriage he had with Princess Diana. Ultimately, though, he is now with the love of his life, Camilla, but there were just too many dents along the way.

There are some big lessons for many parents to learn here. Today, many marriages-to-be are on hold because of ethnic, religious and other sentiments.

The truth is, we all want our children to

Sometimes, people court for five years only to hit a dead end. At other times, people date for years only to find out they are on a wrong road marry into circumstances and environments we are already used to and comfortable with. But the bigger truth is that we cannot live our children’s lives for them. They must chart their own paths. After all, they are not going to come to us to rent our manhood to impregnate their wives or their mothers’ wombs to carry the pregnancies.

Prince Harry and Markle are also

personally planning the wedding, not Buckingham Palace. These days, especially among the high and mighty, parents plan and execute their children’s weddings to massage their egos and suit their personalities, not that of the couple.

And please spare me this foolish class consciousness. The nitty-gritty of marriage knows no class. That is why marriages across board flourish or fail. Prince Harry already seems to know this.

This engagement also teaches us another lesson in this part of the world. The kind of money some people in public offices steal in Nigeria shows they are not only stealing for themselves, but generations unborn. We worry about our generations we will not live long enough to see. But not Harry and Markle; they just want to live for the moment and enjoy their union. They are in love and so are getting married.

They are going to give birth to children who will be categorized as blacks (even though they are threequarters white and only one-quarter black) in a society that has not entirely weaned itself from racism. It is going to a novelty in the British Royalty. Markle is also going to be the first British Black Royal. How is the British society going to handle Markle? That is their problem. Prince Harry has found love and vowed to

protect Markle with utmost vigour.

That is all that matters. The seemingly carefree, but focused and strongwilled, Harry just wants to have a happy marriage; can blame him?

Didn’t he grow up watching his mother trapped in an unhappy marriage? Why should thunder strike one position twice? As for the black royals they will beget, they will have to grow up, chart their paths and sort out themselves. If they are strongwilled and self-assured, like their parents, they will be defined by the content of their character and not the colour of their skin. But that too is not for Harry to worry about, unlike our aimless thieving lot.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met only July 2016. A little over a year later, they announced their engagement. Harry dated Davy for about seven years, but the relationship did not culminate in marriage.

Sometimes, people ask how long should courtship last. While it should not be for eternity, it is difficult to put a categorical timeline. Sometimes, the stars align when people meet and hit it off as Harry said of himself and Markle. Sometimes, two hearts simply melt into and beat as one and marriage becomes a formality. Again sometimes, people court for five years only to hit a dead end. At other times, people date for years only to find out they are on a wrong road. Time and circumstances sometimes play major roles. But I have always believed that the divine hand of God is the ultimate decider because marriage is of divine creation. Where Harry and Markle fall into in all of these is in the belly of time. But for now the Bible says,we should rejoice with those who rejoice.

I am genuinely happy for the newly engaged and I wish them success in the beautiful but treacherous terrain called matrimony.

(Text Only)

Retain your Fitness The Crab Technique:

Stand with the feet apart. Bend the knees and from the inside, place the hands on the feet.You can retain the position for 20 seconds.

Benefits:

The Crab, the leg and abdominal muscles are relieved.

The Boat

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.

The Bridge

Benefits:

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

The Bridge Technique:

The Crab

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.

The Boat

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

A

lex Ekwueme is dead. A wasteful nation rues his passing. When politicians die, people mourn. Often, they mourn unthinkingly. The Nigerian poor are especially sentimental. They will mourn those who dispossessed them. They will mourn those who stoked fires that burnt them. They will mourn pimps and scoundrels. Africans always have good things to say about the dead. And wonderful things to say about dead big politicians. But the public grief for Ekwueme is different. No one mourns him because he was his ethnic champion. No one mourns him because he ever designed ‘stomach infrastructure’ and distributed gifts in ‘ notice me’ philanthropy at Christmas. No one mourns him because he championed intoxicating puritanical religious fundamentalism.

Ekwueme’s exist is mourned because Ekwueme infused Nigerian politics with thought. And many wonder what could have been, if he had been president.

Eulogies have been pouring in. In 1979 he was selected by Shehu Shagari as his running mate. The NPP was the party of Igbo land. Nnamdi Azikiwe was NPP’s presidential candidate. Ekwueme was therefore an Igbo traitor. The war and its telling aftermath was fresh on Igbo minds.

Ekwueme was branded a HausaFulani stooge. His intellectual capacity was not important. Ethnic passions held sway. Ojukwu returned from exile following the pardon granted by President Shagari. He inserted himself into the troubled waters of Igbo politics then. His campaign vehicle, the IKEMBA FRONT, had a reputation for reflexive violence.

Ekwueme and Igbo leaders in the NPN took the blame. They were accused of bringing back the ‘Ogboso 1’ of Igbo land. They were accused of importing banished violence back to Igbo land.

Ekwueme served Shagari diligently and with humility. Insiders spoke of his clarity of thought and painstaking thoroughness. Outsiders saw a docile, pliable, aloof vice president. Adisa Akinloye, Joseph Wayas, Umaru Dikko, Uba Ahmed, Saraki were the noisy and so, the all important ones.

The ruling NPN had no ideology and

Alex Ekwueme : A great man that lived in a mad countr countryy

scant regards for moral principles. So we all thought they were all thieves. The 1983 elections were massively rigged.

The elections created the impression in many Igbos that Ekwueme was a slavish enabler of rampant and oppressive Hausa Fulani hegemony.

Ekwueme was thrown into a common jail in Kirikiri. He had no political clout.

Shagari was treated with residual dignity. Hundreds of other politicians were found guilty of embezzlement of public funds. Nothing was found on Ekwueme. The vice president of an infinitely corrupt NPN government was

Obasanjo remained president after 2003 election and turned over the country to political fixers in Anenih and Mantu and Uba. What followed was a Nigeria run by efficient economic hands but dubious political minds whistle clean. The trial judge attested that Ekwueme, who was a multimillionaire prior to his incursion into politics, left the government house poorer than he had entered.

Everyone says Ekwueme was different from the others. He wasn’t given to compulsive theft of public funds. He was wealthy but abhorred frivolity and exhibitionism. He stayed away from rancor and left bitterness for thugs. When

others howled and threw tantrums, Ekwueme furnished objective reasons and proffered solutions. Past vice presidents in Nigeria they spend the rest of their years idling and collecting political rents. But after 1983, after being vice president, he spent his later years accumulating degrees in law, philosophy and sociology and charting courses for sustainable democracy.

Ekwueme’s intellectual footprints litter the Nigerian political space. Everywhere he stepped foot he stood for equity and social justice. He stood against Abacha at home. He championed the formation of the PDP. The political class yielded to his intellectual leadership. He was set to be president. But the military had other ideas. Ethnic considerations, suspicions and narrow interests crept in.

Obasanjo was dusted up. And power was handed to him.

Ekwueme was still available. But Obasanjo chose pettiness and vindictiveness. He seized the structures of the PDP in Ekwueme’s Anambra state and handed it over to touts. An Igbo crude oil trader who had made significant financial contributions to Ekwueme’s PDP presidential primaries campaign had his oil lifting contracts terminated the very day Obasanjo was sworn in 1999.

Everyone loved Ekwueme. He told the truth. He had clarity of thought. The PDP government he midwifed had no active role for him. In the run up to the 2003

elcome to Lagos! A first time visit is always greeted with this W sufficiently unpleasant and frustrating

traffic as one arrives by land, air or sea to Lagos. Metropolitan Lagos on a 999.6 square kilometres, has the highest population density and highest traffic in Nigeria. Lagos is unique in so many ways that it commands influence in Nigeria and Africa. It is Nigeria’s commercial capital as well as the former political capital of Nigeria. Lagos was ‘created’ by the British to suit their interest.

Lagos was annexed on 6th August 1861. Under the threat of severe force

by Commander Norman Beddingfield of HMS Prometheus who was accompanied by the Acting British Consul, William McCoskry the Treaty of Cession was signed between Britain and Oba Dosunmu.

Lagos was declared a colony on March 5,1862 and by 1872 Lagos was a cosmopolitan trading center with a population over 60,000. Since the late 1800s Lagos was believed to be largely unplanned and when the issues of malaria became rampant, ten governor, William Macgregor launched a campaign by draining the swamps, and destroying the mosquitoes that spread the disease.

Lagos is now a metropolis of over 9 million; a city that hardly says goodnight. Lagos as the centre of excellence in Nigeria is an apt slogan.

The extravaganzas in Nollywood, music and comedies that have taken the entertainment world by storm were all hatched in Lagos.

Have we identified the cause of the perennial Apapa gridlock? There is no doubt that the deplorable situation of C M Y K

Lagos ttank ank ffarms arms and tr af traf afffic jams

roads in Lagos including the Apapa/ Oshodi Expressway and the Ijora/Apapa roads are begging for attention. But the greater problem is the number of tank farms and oil depots and Jetties numbering over 20 within the Apapa axis.

One was privileged to undergo a stress management proramme last week to discover that the stress of going through the harrowing Apapa axis has attendant health challenges and contributes to low productivity.

The numerous tank farms; Jetties as well as the Apapa Quays (Port complex) significantly contribute to traffic jams in Lagos. The early 1970s oil boom relatively improved Nigerian living standards.

Congestion also crept in with many vehicles on the roads. The then military administrations introduced the odd and even number system to decongest the roads. The cement armada of that time was reasonably decongested with another port constructed in Tin Can Island in 1981. With congestion, the relocation of Nigeria’s Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja was to decongest Lagos.

All that did not stop the problem because the Lagos extended land area into the hinterland is not more than 3,345 sq. km.

The issue of traffic congestion in the city of Lagos should be a holistic approach.

Lagos spreads along more than 30km of the lagoon’s southwestern shoreline out of Nigeria’s coastline of 853 km. So congestion is the order of the day even with reclamations from the lagoon. The Dangote 650,000 barrels per day refinery is coming on stream in 2018 in Lagos. It is good the present NNPC management is rehabilitating the petroleum products depots that are linked

The regulatory authorities should stop issuing licences for the construction of tank farms in the Lagos area if they cannot be linked to existing pipelines to evacuate products

elections the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku ruptured. Atiku revved Ekwueme up. He wanted him to become the PDP candidate. Ekwueme with hesitation accepted to run after he was given guarantees of Northern support. Political intrigues followed. Atiku caved in at night. And betrayed Ekwueme. Everyone loved. Yes, he was such a gifted man.

Ekwueme was urbane and philosophical. He wouldn’t hunt political enemies. He wont tell necessary lies. He didn’t want to be known as a messiah.

But the nation said it wanted a strong man. It wanted a brute. Ekwueme was deemed too philosophical, too weak to rein in the widespread madness.

Obasanjo remained president after 2003 election and turned over the country to political fixers in Anenih and Mantu and Uba. What followed was a Nigeria run by efficient economic hands but dubious political minds. Obasanjo now says he didn’t want to be president for life. The reign of politics of opportunism meant that an Ekwueme was only good for the benches. The madness was too much for him.

When ethnic fervor returned to the Southeast it enthroned with Ojukwu.

APGA became the new PDP. Ekwueme’s PDP had fallen in the hands of money bags whom he could not identify with in public without being sullied. So Ekwueme became a retired politician.

Everyone loved Ekwueme. But Ekwueme didn’t love money politics and thuggery.

So the sort of politics that the third republic fell in love with was the very sort of politics Ekwueme did not accumulate degrees, polish and refinement for.

I don’t know what his regrets were. He had lamented the bastardization of the PDP. Like many of the others, he died in London. A country that has earned hundreds of billions of dollars has no one good hospital. He would not be accused of choosing the easy path. He wasn’t a mere armchair political intellectual. He was right in the middle of things. And they all loved him. But the perverted system had a way of distancing itself from merit. When it was not ethno-religious and sectional passions dictating choices , it was money and brigandage running the show. So when democracy returned, Ekwueme didn’t get his chance.

He was a great man, in a mad country . with 5100 km. multi products pipelines nationwide. It would go a long way in decongesting heavy duty traffic of products in Lagos. The regulatory authorities should stop issuing licences for the construction of tank farms in the Lagos area if they cannot be linked to existing pipelines to evacuate products. Of course products imports by Nigeria is contributing to congestion as roads lead to Apapa to lift petroleum products.

But why Apapa when there are other coastal settlements with Ports? Most Nigeria ports along the Atlantic coastline are not strong in merchant shipping so need restructuring.

Apart from the Lagos ports and Onne others are not effectively functional. Delta ports in Warri, Burutu, Sapele, Koko and petroleum terminals in Escravos and Forcados as well as the Port Harcourt port survive on captive cargo; not generating their own cargoes. The proposed multi billion dollars rail project from Lagos to Calabar initiated by Yar ’adua and now to be executed by the Buhari administration is commendable. The Calabar Port Complex has the Old Port, the New Port and the Dockyard; and has jurisdiction over Crude Oil Terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho, Qua Iboe; and other jetties at NIWA, NNPC, ALSCON, Dozzy and Northwest.

Concerted efforts should be made to put other ports to good use. Business activities should move to other ports in Nigeria and not to Benin Republic. Along the LagosCalabar coastal corridor building refineries and petrochemical plants can merge development areas into conurbations’ to stimulate growth and development in the Delta and Nigeria. This area is similar to the Gulf coastline in the southern tip of Texas to the southern reaches of Florida, a distance of 2625 km. The intra-coastal waterway connects 9 of the 15 largest ports in the United States to boost commerce. Lagos should be made to be more functional if it must retain its Centre of Excellence status.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, DECEMBER 2, 2017—21

I

am a judge in DAME. I have been for over a decade. DAME is a pseudonym for Diamond Award for Media Excellence. It was started some 26 years ago by a colleague and friend who felt strongly that the media needed some form of a self-regulatory mechanism. Lanre Idowu has devoted the bulk of his professional and productive life to ensuring a higher standard for the media through awards, publications, workshops and seminars. A year before DAME, he had established Media Review. It was a publication which was wholly devoted to the professional practice of the media and one in which, no matter how proficient you were, you learnt something. Unfortunately, Media Review couldn’t survive the vicissitudes of magazine publishing in Nigeria coupled with the reluctance of the media to support its own. But DAME has survived; albeit through thick and thin. It is largely a labour of love to which some of us have subscribed. Journalism has been good to me in many respects and if sacrificing a couple of weeks a year helps in upholding its standards. So be it.

Much of the weekend and the early part of this week were devoted to assessing some of this year’s entries.

This process serves two purposes for me. It updates my knowledge of the major happenings during the year while helping me to gauge the quality of journalism out there. The two categories I had to assess this year were Investigative Reporting and Judicial Reporting. Many of the entries left me sad and depressed. It was not because of their quality. On the contrary, they exposed the quality of leadership, the level of greed, the extent of incompetence, the depth of rot in the country. You think you have seen it all. Then….

Let’s start with the Judiciary; the hope of the common man and the bastion of democracy. The only hope really is for that common man not to be on the wrong side of the law because the poor have very little hope when it comes to justice in Nigeria.

They are sometimes routinely picked up on crowded streets and charged with whatever catches the fancy of the policemen if they are unable to bail

How does our countr countryy compare with Sodom and Gomorrah? themselves. There was the case of a young man who was charged with murder because he could not afford to bail himself when his area was raided. And because he could not afford the services of a lawyer, found himself on a death row. There was also the case of a 14-year old, and a 16year old—are there no minors in our statutes? —who found themselves on the death row for offences they claimed not to know anything about.

They were only released last year after their entire adult lives had been spent anticipating death. According to one of them ‘ you die everyday when you are on the death row.’ Then there is the justice system which allows convictions based solely on confessions and these confessions are obtained by the police largely through torture. Meanwhile, the rich literally get away with murder. They get a slap on the wrist after looting the treasury.

An entry detailed public servants who were asked by the courts to pay just a couple of millions after they were proven to have amassed stolen wealth to the tune of billions. Cases especially for the rich, are decided more on antiquated procedures and technicalities than on substance. And if you are rich and powerful enough, you can keep rejecting judges until you get a favourable one. ‘Straight as a judge’ is a phrase some of us grew up with which depicts the uprightness of judges. They now seem to be in the minority. An entry detailed the malfeasance of some bent judges who have sat on the hallowed bench. One female judge was alleged to have threatened a ‘difficult’ accused person by saying he would

come to his senses ‘ when he eats watery beans for a couple of weeks.’

Yet, without an honest judiciary there cannot be justice and without justice, there cannot be equity and we cannot forge a society without the two.

Some of the entries under Investigative Reporting were either on greed, impunity, administrative

Can we yield the minimum number of righteous people that would stave off God’s wrath or are we slated for destruction? incompetence or in some cases, all of the above. We complain on the quality of our graduates for example. Yet it is an open secret that the grades of our graduates are not necessary a reflection of their aptitude but of inducements and gratifications. An entry stood out because it focused on a particular Federal Polytechnic. The report was graphic. It mentioned the department where lecturers demanded sex for grades with impunity and even described some of the lecturers. These lecturers boasted that they didn’t need money because they were richer than the students. What they wanted was sex.

So the male students had to get their girlfriends, sisters, sympathisers or even prostitutes if they wanted decent grades. Sex for two was when a female student offered her body for herself and a male student often for money in an attempt to kill two birds with a stone.

These low-life lecturers who are ruining lives, the system and therefore the country have daughters, nieces and sisters. Fortunately, the report got a reaction from the authorities which got rid of some of them. Still on education, the shortage of medical doctors in Nigeria is well documented. It is about 1 to 3500 and getting worse as doctors are leaving the country in droves. One would therefore expect a thinking government to try to accelerate the process of qualification. Yet the reverse is the case. Many students graduate but cannot find a place for their internship. So after six, seven years of hard study, they still find themselves a liability to their families and society.

The equally confounding logic is that they lose a chance for automatic placement if they cannot find a place in two years. One frustrated victim who has spent a year and a half searching for a hospital regretted the day she decided to take up medicine. The story doesn’t end here. Doctors who want to become specialists also have problems securing residency. Yet we spend billions on medical tourism. Makes you wonder what our priorities are as a country.

Another entry is about the colossal waste in our community projects. Over 200billion naira was said to have been lost in the South-West alone through dud projects. My heart bled as I mentally followed the writer through a bush path that was to lead to a project a community badly needed. What he found was an uncompleted building.

Even the cleared grass had grown. Yet the project was deemed completed and money paid. I could go on about different depressing stories. The story of NigComStat. The story of Primary Health Care. And you ask yourself; are we really better than Sodom and Gomorrah, that little country that God destroyed in the Bible?

In vain God searched for just ten righteous people. Can we yield the minimum number of righteous people that would stave off God’s wrath or are we slated for destruction?

T

he captivating picture of President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside two governors on Tuesday in the luxurious comfort of the presidential jet on the way to Abidjan sent a message to discerning Nigerians.

The president’s message was clearly outlined in a meeting with the Nigerian community in Abidjan that night.

Noting the presence of the two governors, the president said: “I came along with them so that...when you are going to meet the rest of Nigerians if you tell them that their governors were in the company of the president, I think that will be another vote for me in the future.”

It was as such not surprising that the following day that newspapers were saturated with the report that President Buhari had made up his mind to again seek our votes in 2019.

As with a politician desperate for votes, the president’s words and actions in Abidjan were couched in political undertones especially as he genuflected towards Tinubu.

Flaunting a new rapport with Tinubu, President Buhari said: “I also thank our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has brought me a very beautiful piece of information, which I was not aware of until I sat down and read it this evening (Tuesday night).

The president did not tell us what message Tinubu conveyed to him. But his coy comport characteristic of a young man who has suddenly received a positive response from a lady he is C M Y K

Buhari and TTinubu inubu switc switchh ttoo campaign mood stalking has sent tongues wagging.

Whatever the message, Buhari’s description of Tinubu as “Our Leader” is ingenious.

Many would remember the first major interaction between All Progressives Congress, APC leaders in government with the president in June 2016 during which President Buhari was quoted as having asserted that Tinubu should not be referred to as the National Leader of the APC. The Senate President had on that occasion reportedly addressed Tinubu as the National Leader of the APC, a phrase that nearly all had used in addressing Tinubu. Buhari had in response to the shock of many present retorted thus: “Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though the Senate President addressed you as the National Leader of APC, you are not the national leader of the party.

You are one of the national leaders of the APC.” Following that occasion, even newspapers associated with Tinubu took the cue by not referring to Tinubu as National Leader of the APC.

So what could have caused Buhari’s new attitude to Tinubu, a man that was besides God, the primary factor in the realisation of his presidential dream?

Days before the Abidjan trip, a move to redesign Buhari’s political matrix by shoring up the APC base in the Southeast was rebuffed after the APC lost the governorship election in Anambra State.

The APC’s loss of Anambra despite the acclaimed popularity of its candidate, Dr. Tony Nwoye, would have driven home to Buhari that his 2019 permutations best remained through an alignment with Tinubu.

Even more frustrating for the Buhari camp was that days before the Anambra election the president again for the first time since the 2015 elections again wore an Ibo attire, and that still did not move the heart of Ndigbo for his party.

However, the question for many is whether Buhari and Tinubu can still work together. Indeed, days before the Abidjan trip, Tinubu had on his part made a public reconciliation with

The question for many is whether Buhari and Tinubu can still work together. Indeed, days before the Abidjan trip, Tinubu had on his part made a public reconciliation with Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-cultural group that he distanced himself from about 15 years ago Afenifere, the apex Yoruba sociocultural group that he distanced himself from about 15 years ago.

In reconciling with Afenifere, what Tinubu has done is to solidify his base and strengthen his hands in whatever engagement he subsequently may have with Buhari.

Using his support for the election of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina as president of African Development Bank, ADB, Buhari while meeting the Nigerian community in Abidjan said it was demonstrative of his May 29, 2015, popular declaration that he is for everybody and does not belong to anybody.

But for the many Nigerians who have seen the actions and inactions of President Muhammadu Buhari that time is long, long gone! The taste of the pudding is in the eating!

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Let’s go back to Shagari years

resident Muhammadu Buhari P does not owe me explanations on why the Beret Boys forced

President Shehu Shagari out of power in 1983.He was in Jos commanding a division before young officers crowned him Head-of-State.

What I owe him today as President is to tell him that it does appear we all should have allowed Alhaji Shagari and the Second Republic to grow.

Indeed, it was a huge mistake to have sacked the Sokoto gentleman from office. I do not know what we have gained as a country ever since.

My reasons are clear. I dare say Nigeria collapsed the day the Second Republic was pulled down. We had more experienced leaders then than we have today. In fact, we have not had statesmen since December 31, 1983. We enjoyed relative peace.

Nigerians were not divided. And we did not scavenge for food.

Let me start with President Shagari.

Seasoned politician, he was a parliamentarian in the last years of imperialism, a minister in the First Republic, a Local Government chairman in the early years of military administration and later a Minister in the Yakubu Gowon administration.

When Shagari became President in October 1979, he knew national unity was the key to peace and stability and he worked towards it. With Dr. Alex Ekwueme , from the South-East as the Vice President, the boss weighed his options especially after the Supreme

E

ver since a CNN investigation produced footage of West Africans being sold at slave markets sometime in November, human trafficking in Libya has become a burning topic. Stories coming out of Libya have been gruesome, highly unbelievable.

What has been playing out in Libya, a sovereign state in the Maghreb region of North Africa, has been so pathetic, dehumanizing to say the least. Indeed, it is one story that should actually belong to the dark ages.

Libya, it would be recalled, descended into a civil war in 2014, and is widely considered a failed state. Incidentally, the chaos-ridden country has long been a major transit hub for people trying to reach Europe.

And many have fallen prey to serious abuse in the North African country at the hands of traffickers among other heartless beings.

So today, all over the media, pictures are being splashed of young African men, especially, and women in their very productive years undergoing one form of torture or the other in the hands of Libyan officials.

The women are in addition molested, sexually, and oftentimes, forced to drink the urine of their captors, who directly do that right into their mouths.

The men among them are mostly tied to walls, iron rods and often times beaten to death. Or even roasted alive! They are sold into slavery, also, where they are murdered, mutilated, tortured or worked to death.

C M Y K

Court relied on technicalities to validate his victory.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria[UPN] went to court. Shagari’s party, the National Party of Nigeria [NPN], courted Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party [NPP]. An accord was struck and the Second Republic took off.

Under the NPN/NPP accord, the Senate President was Dr. Joseph Wayas, representing Ogoja/ Obudu/ Obubra/ Ikom in the South–South State of Cross River.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Edwin Umezeoke, of Nnewi, Anambra was from the South–East.

The South-West was well taken care of. The Chief Justice of Nigeria [CJN], Atanda Fatai Williams was Yoruba. The chairmen of the accord Parties, Chiefs Adisa Akinloye[NPN] and Adeniran Ogunsanya [NPP] were from the zone too. In those years, the party was supreme, in other words, chairmen were powerful.

To further pacify the Yoruba, Shagari’s military appointments said so much. General Alani Akinrinade, who was never a GOC during the Civil War, was made Chief of Defence Staff over and above Gen. Gibson Jalo, from the North–East. The former became Army chief.

Admiral Akin Aduwo was named Chief of Naval Staff, replacing

fellow Yoruba, Adm. Michael Adelanwa.

In the Air Force, Air Marshal Dominic Bello, from the North-East replaced Air Marshal John Yisa Doko, from the NorthCentral. We should note that all three Northern Service Chiefs were Christians.

For the Police, Sunday Adewusi, a Yoruba succeeded, Adamu Suleiman, from the North. Shagari was a Fulani yet none of his service chiefs was from his ethnic nationality. There was no Igbo. And the Igbo did not shout marginalization because they had the Vice President and the Speaker of the Federal House.

Alhaji Shagari was Executive President, of Hausa-Fulani background. He took Nigeria as his constituency. The HausaFulani got ministerial appointments. And those were sound minds. Ibrahim Gusau[Agriculture], Bello Maitama Yusuf [Internal Affairs], Iya Abubakar [Defence], Mohammed Hassan [Mines and Power], Umaru Dikko [Aviation]. The Kanuri were not ignored. They had Adamu Ciroma [industries] and Ashiek Jarma [Public Works].

The National Assembly was not a place for all comers. There was a lot of maturity.

In the Senate, Wayas defeated Justice Franklin Atake [Bendel Delta] of the UPN by 53 votes to 42. John Wash Pam [NPP, Jos] humbled Sabo Barkin Zuwo [Peoples Redemption Party, Kano] 51-43

we have not had statesmen since December 31, 1983. We enjoyed relative peace.

Nigerians were not divided. And we did not scavenge for food

Lib ade Libyya and modern da dayy slave tr trade One of the victims in a story online, who had opportunity to place a call from where they were being held captive, narrated to a relation back in Nigeria his unimaginable experience.

According to him, he would be dead any moment from the time he was speaking, if no one came to his rescue by providing the amount of dollars being demanded of him for his freedom. A delay, he said, would see him killed by his captors, who would then harvest his organs and sell to willing buyers.

Although this barbaric treatment on migrants has always been there, the very brutal dimension was blown open when a CNN news report showed video evidence of illegal African migrants, among them Nigerians, en route to Europe

Today, all over the media, pictures are being splashed of young African men, especially, and women in their very productive years undergoing one form of torture or the other in the hands of Libyan officials

but captured by Libyan authorities. They were being sold off for various amounts in the range of $400.

Incidentally, Italy, the country where most of the girls end up as prostitutes, is alleged to be paying the same Libyan traffickers more money in order to stop them from sending migrants on boats to their country (Italy).

This EU policy of helping Libyan authorities intercept people trying to cross the Mediterranean and return them to prisons, so to speak, is inhuman and the suffering of the migrants detained in Libya is no doubt an outrage to the conscience of humanity.

The international community therefore, cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the unimaginable horrors endured by migrants in Libya, and pretend that the situation can be remedied only by improving conditions in detention.

As a matter of fact, the situation in Libya is best described as modern day slavery.

With many young Nigerians among the victims, it calls for urgent action from both the government, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as well as other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to sensitise young Nigerians on the dangers of submitting themselves to traffickers in a desperate bid for greener pastures in Europe.

It also calls on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, liaise directly with the government of Libya to free those who have been enslaved with the view of also stopping the slave trade immediately.

A situation where about 27,000

to emerge as Deputy President.

In the House of Representatives, Umezeoke had floored Malam Hamza [ Great Nigeria Peoples Party, Biu] 245-201.The position of Deputy Speaker went to Idris Ibrahim [NPN, Minna North] who polled 245 votes against 201 for Faji Fajobi [UPN Ekiti South].

The Senate was full of wise men. Jaja Anucha Nwachukwu, the country’s First Indigenous Speaker, Ibrahim Jalo Waziri [Bauchi], his successor, David Dafinone, Ephraim Akpata, Abraham Adesanya, Jonathan Odebiyi, Obi Wali, Offia Nwali and Olusola Saraki among many others.

We had vibrant state governors.

For mer Central Bank Governor, Clement Isong, abandoned property lawyer; Sam Mbakwe, Journalist; Bisi Onabanjo, Scholar; Ambrose Alli and the youthful Abubakar Rimi. Some deputy governors were as good as their bosses. Sunday Afolabi, Roy Umenyi and Garba Nadama.

There were equally well grounded State Assembly Speakers and Deputies. Benson Alegbe/Francis Okpozo. Gideon Atuloma/Okechukwu Okibedi and Mokolade Gbolagunte/ Pekun Adesokan.

Shagari showed the way. He did not fight Zik and Awo. He presented Dr. Azikiwe with a Benz car to mark the Owelle’s birthday. Chief Awolowo received a national award. The polity was not as heated as we have had in the Fourth Republic.

Shagari was on the move. He visited many rural areas across the nation. The president visited my community. Till date, the only one to do it officially.

When Dee Sam Mbakwe wept openly about Ndiegoro floods, Shagari was there for him. From Maitatsine to Bulunkutu to Chad, Shagari acted like a Commander -in -Chief.

What I see today is a far cry from what I saw under Shagari. President Buhari could as well go back to Shagari before the light dims.

Nigerians are said to have died in their failed, though illegal bid to cross into Europe, is unacceptable and is the more reason why those still nursing such ideas must be urged to perish the very risky venture.

Thankfully, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to stem the tide of illegal migration by Nigerians, adding that all Nigerians stranded in Tripoli would be brought home.

This is indeed, a welcome development. And the president who said this during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Community in Cote D’Ivoire on the margins of the 5th AU-EU Summit, would add that to reduce the number of Nigerians heading for Europe illegally through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, basic social amenities such as education, healthcare, and food security must be provided at home.

It is hoped that these words would, as a matter of urgency, be matched with action, for when all that is put in place, there would likely be no need for any young Nigerian, a vital segment of the country’s future, will have no need risking their lives for imaginary jobs abroad, even when they are not sure of reaching their destination alive.

Young Nigerians must be encouraged to make demands on their creativity and ingenuity in order to survive the tough times, rather than succumbing to the allure of a false paradise abroad.

In addition, every effort aimed at imposing sanctions on the people involved in the Libya’s slave trade of African refugees and migrants, must be supported.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—23

Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

I don’t have a male celebrity crush – Opeyemi Adetunji

D

ark and lovely Opeyemi Adetunji who has featured in Yoruba blockbuster movies like Omo Alhaja 2, Omo Ijoba, to mention just a few, is a woman fired up to carve a niche for herself in the movie industry. Having produced one movie of her own 'Mopelola', she's poised to rub shoulders with the top guns in the industry. As our guest star, Opeyemi Adesola Adetunji opens up on her journey so far among many other things

By Tolulope Abereoje What caucus do you belong to in the Yor uba movie industry?

I belong to TAMPAN. The likes of Femi Adebayo, Toyosi Adesanya, Toyin Abraham, Adebayo Tijani, Afeez Eniola, Muyiwa Ademola, Dele Odule and a host of others are also members of the caucus.

Do you think belonging to a caucus is healthy for the industry?

Yes, it is. It’s basically for check and balance, you should belong to a family. We come together, talk and share ideas. There are people we look up to in the “family ”, the elderly ones.

You get to know what is expected of you and everyone doesn’t just do as they like.

How did acting start for you?

Well, acting has always been there from childhood. I act anywhere, in the neighborhood, in the church and then at a point I realized that anywhere I go people always want to see me act and that was where I started getting the push to go into

•Opeyemi Adetunji

acting. Acting is fun, it is what I like to do.

Do your parents support you?

Well, my mum supports me, but so far my dad hasn’t said anything about my career How did you get into the industry?

Getting into the industry wasn’t that easy because I didn’t really know how to talk to people and ask for help at that time but there was this sister of mine who was temporarily into acting and worked at the school modern clinic where I was doing my NCE. So I approached her and told her that I had interest in acting, so she gave me the contact of my current boss and he asked me to come down to Oyo. I went to see him and that how it started.

Why the Yoruba Movie Industry?

I’m a Yoruba girl from IleIfe. I’ve always loved the Yoruba movie industry and I’ll always be there. If I get a role from other industries, fine, but I’m not going to leave the Yoruba movie industry for anything. I feel we can come together and promote our culture and if everybody should run to the English industry, who are the people that will remain in the Yoruba industry?.

Who are your mentors in the industry?

I’ve always looked up to Sola Sobowale, I always get inspired whenever I watch her movies and then I really want to do more, that was before I got into the industry though.

Funny enough, I’ve never met her before. So far, I’ve met a lot of people in the industry that makes me want to do more, M e r c y Johnson, T o y i n Abraham, R i t a Dominic and many more, they all look ageless and sometimes make me feel like I’ve d o n e

nothing and then I aspire for greater heights.

How many movies have you featured in so far?

Well, I’ve featured in Omo Alhaja part 2, Asebi, Eni Owo, Omo Ijoba and then my own movie, Mopelola.

Have you ever been sexually harassed in the industry?

No, it has never happened.

People get attracted to each other and it’s left to the lady to say yes or no to a proposal.

Sexual harassment to me is when you are forced to do what you don’t want to do.

Whenever a male colleague comes to me and asks me out and I say no, no is no and if I’m interested and I say yes, good luck to you.

Like my boss normally says, if someone sleeps with you and you are not talented, it won’t make you get roles and if at all it does, it won’t sustain you.

But if you are talented, you’ll be called upon. So far, I’ve not slept with

I was made to know that love is greater than anything. Even when there is no money, I believe love can sustain us anybody for movie roles, I can boldly say it anywhere, anytime.

Why do you think celebrity marriages crash?

Some people don’t reach

•Opeyemi Adetunji

their bus-stop before they stop and compatibility is very important in marriage, you have to be sure if you can cope with your partner’s personality. We actresses are at locations all the time, we spend 3-4 days sometimes and some men might not be able to endure it and this may lead to marital issues So are the wedding bells going to ring soon for you?

Laughs. God’s time is the best.

What is the hardest part of being a celebrity?

I think the hardest part is living up to the fame. It’s really not so easy to cope and sustain that fame. People get to know everything that goes on in your life. For example, I can’t go to Aswani market in Lagos and start picking clothes. We are restricted to a particular lifestyle because of our image.

Do you believe some celebrities live fake lives?

No, I don’t think so. I know a good number of stars that are real, they are themselves and not fake. I’ve worked with Toyin Abraham and I must say that she never fakes it, she’s one of the realest people I know. She can decide to eat anywhere, she plays with everybody and there are a lot of others that are like that also, very real.

What is very crucial to sustain an actor in the industry?

Hardwork and prayer is very important.

There are lots of actors that come up all of a sudden and before you know it, they are nowhere to be found even with all their connections. This is because they are not hardworking. Talent is also very important because no matter how long you keep pushing your luck, the audience will definitely notice that you are not so good, you’ll start losing roles and gradually you’ll fall.

Sex, money, love. Which do you have flair for?

Love is what I’ll always choose because love is the greatest of all. As a Christian, I was made to know that love is greater than anything. Even when there is no money, I believe love can sustain us.

What are the challenges you’ve faced so far?

There is this believe that fairer actresses get more roles than we the dark ones and that has been a major challenge. Also getting close to those you really like and want to work with is another challenge.

When your capability is not known is another one, because no producer will drop money and ask me to take the lead role when he doesn’t know what I am capable of doing. It’s not always easy to get bigger roles, as an upcoming actress, you get 2-4 roles, that is the maximum you can get.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Well, I don’t have a male celebrity crush What was growing up like for you?

Growing up has been rough but I thank God. Life is not a bed of roses as we all know.

I was born into a Christian family, my dad was once an elder in the church and my mum is a good Christian. I’m the second of four children.

We had our fun days too though, I’m very close to my elder sister and mum.

Whenever you come to our house, you’ll think I’m my mum’s younger sister, she calls us aunty Ope, aunty Funmi, it’s funny hearing our mum call us that you know and we all receive a peck from my dad whenever he returns from work.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

By Juliet Ebirim 08137897935 (SMS Only).

Would you turn in your lover to the police for a reward of N50 million?

So the police declared your lover wanted and placed a reward of N50 million on the wanted notice, would you turn him/her in to get the reward? Here are the responses of some celebrities.

•Ella

I won’t lose that money for anything - Ella Mensah, Actress

Yes I will. I wouldn’t lose that money for anything, not even for love. Money comes before love. Love doesn’t pay the bills.

No amount of money can make me betray him — Yetunde Bakare

I’ll never turn in my lover over any amount of money/reward.

He’s my man and I must stand by him in any situation he finds himself, as long as he’s not into any dirty dealings. I’ll ask him and beg him to confide in me about what is going on, then find a way out together. Turning him

in to the police is like not trusting him enough to know what he can do and what he can’t do. What if it’s a set up?

We’ve got a lot of dirty corps and some of them can’t be trusted. When you sincerely love a man, no amount of money will make you betray him.

committed a crime.

I will gladly turn him in if … — Nazareth Bako, Actress

Yes, if it’s a murder case — Grace Johnson

Yes I will, if I confirm a crime has been committed. I have to be sure he is guilty, instead of helping to frame him up. I’m not in support of evil and if my lover turns out to be evil, it means some day he’s also going to harm a member of my family or someone close to me.

Besides, this is Nigeria where money comes before love, these days love is determined by your pocket whether you’re a man or woman. I will gladly turn him in, because he would also do same, if he found out I

It depends — Keira Hewatch, Actress

My lover may be innocent and as soon as I have proof that he is and is being framed in any way, then no money in the world can make me give him up. But if he is guilty and I have confirmed it for myself, as much as it would crush me, his ass is toast. N50 million isn’t even enough consolation.

Chai! That’s tempting o... But it’s not just about the money, I need to know why he’s wanted. I also need to know if it’s a murder case. If it is, then yes I’ll turn him in. It’s not about the money, but justice.

It’s a capital NO! — Deborah, Beauty Queen

I don’t think I would, because I would have to live with it on my conscience forever, especially if he’s later given a capital punishment. Besides it’s just money, compared to what we share. Let’s say we’ve been together for five years, it

means some of •Grace his family members and friends are now my friends as well.

I care about the kind of impression people have about me, especially my friends.

So, it’s a capital NO! I won’t, not even for N100million.

I won’t if I really love him — Ruth Eze,Actress

If I love him very very much, I will not do that. Though I really need that N50million sha (Laughs)

I

If he’s truly guilty, will — Enitan

Odugbemi

There must be a reason why he’s wanted by the police. If he’s truly guilty, I will hand him over to the police. But if he’s not, I won’t do such a thing. No matter the amount of money I won’t do it if he’s innocent.

•Ruth

•Enitan

•Nazareth •Keira

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—25 Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

I can only date an actor but can’t marry one — Inem Peter F

ast-rising Nollywood actress, Inem Peter knows her onions when it comes to doing her job. And beyond her job, the Akwa Ibom Stateborn Computer Science graduate also knows how to attract attention and she does this with some damning gusto on social media. In spite of her outward disposition the curvy actress is an enigma of sort. Showtime Celebrity brings you other side of Inem Peter you never knew. how to act better and that reduces the level of competition for me. In a situation where one goes for an audition or casting and the director has about five amazing actresses to pick from to fit into a character, what stands you out is the ability to interpret the character perfectly. By the grace of God I’m not doing badly and I’ve been able to m a n a g e competition.

•Inem Peter

By ADETUTU ADESOJI Can you remember who gave you your first opportunity in the industry?

I really can’t remember and I don’t want to make a mistake by mentioning the wrong name, I don’t want to get in trouble.

Would you say acting has been financially rewarding for you?

Not really, the pay is not really there but then I’m into acting because of my passion for it and not for the financial benefit. The people making it big in the industry are the A-list actors who get paid millions of naira for a job. For upcoming actors like myself, I would say acting is not financially rewarding, I have other things I do.

Do you think you have what

it takes to be an A-list actress?

Yes I do. It takes not just talent to be an A-list actor but the grace of God and that grace I know is upon me.

What would you consider the high point of your career?

That will be when I get to the point where I don’t have to introduce myself to anyone. I want to go out and people will recognize me. I want to be known for whom I am, I also want to be known by my name and my face. At that point I will think I have gotten to the height of my career, I can’t wait for that time.

How do you deal with competitions in the industry?

There is competition in every occupation and not just in the movie industry. All I do is try to work on improving my skills. I watch videos and tutorials on

To what extent will you go to get a movie role?

All I do to get roles is to keep connections with people. I call constantly to ask if there is a job for me and all, I just push. I go through the right process; I’m not willing to compromise.

Have you ever been propositioned by a director for sex in exchange for a role?

Yes, it has happened a couple of times, but not anymore. I remembered about three years

The comments that people put up on my pictures on social media are crazy, it’s the worst thing that can happen to anyone.

ago when I newly came into the industry, I had people that come to me telling me they had roles for me and I had to do ‘this and that’ before getting the role but I turned them down. It’s a thing of choice, if you like it, you do it and if you don’t you turn them down, and nobody will kill you for it. However, situations like this happen everywhere and not just in our industry.

How do you get into character for a movie role?

First, I study the script and understand what the character is all about. Also I do research about the character I have to portray, for example, if I’m to play the role of a prostitute, I learn how a prostitute behaves, how they walk, talk and all, and once I get on set I put all that I have learnt to play. I basically put myself in the character’s shoes.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love the craziness about it, in the sense that I get to be a different person from time to time. One time I’m a lawyer and then a thief and something else again You are in the habit of flaunting your curves on social media, what is the motive behind this?

The pictures I post on social media are not intentional, trust me. Whenever I post a picture, I don’t do it for any ulterior motive. My curves have been there for a long time, how come people are only just noticing it?

Social media is a platform for showing off, people come on social media to flaunt money, cars, big houses and all. I don’t have money to show off so I just flaunt my curves (laughs). That’s the idea behind the whole thing, everyone shows off what they have.

Would you say your curves stand you out in the industry?

No, I don’t think my curves stand me out. It is my work that stands me out and sells me, my curves are mere additions.

Are you in love?

No I’m not. I’m single and searching.

Can you date an actor?

If love is involved I think I can consider it but financially I don’t think I would want to date an actor, because they don’t really make much. As much as I can date an actor, I can’t marry one because of the nature of our job.

Raising a family will be challenging because we both have to work.

Does that mean love is not as important as money in a relationship?

Love is never enough to make a relationship or marriage work.

Money must be available for things to go smoothly, although I’m not saying money is everything and of course love is needed.

Who is your celebrity crush?

I can’t choose just one, I have a thing for cute guys, and so, I will say I have a crush on all the good looking celebrities.

What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?

The comments that people put up on my pictures on social media are crazy, it’s the worst thing that can happen to anyone.

I can’t even bring myself to read such comments most times.

These are people who don’t know me and haven’t seen my movies; it’s a whole lot for me, and handling such situation is not easy for me.

Have you ever been tempted to lash out at an unruly fan?

I have been tempted to, several times but I have never done it.

There was a time I almost responded because someone said something about me and there was no iota of truth in it, but then I controlled myself. In order to avoid lashing out at people, I stopped reading comments.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

My name is Inem Peters, I’m from Akwa Ibom state. I was born and brought up in Lagos, I’m the last of six children. I was raised by a single mother because I lost my dad at a young age. I’m a graduate of Computer Science from the Houdegbe North American University.

Why did you choose acting as a career?

Acting is something I’m really comfortable doing, that is the major reason I chose it as a career. I believe when one is choosing a career it should be what they are comfortable doing and whenever they are called to do it, there shouldn’t be reasons for excuses, that’s what acting is for me.

Did you undergo any formal training in acting?

Yes I did, a long time ago. I went to Wale Adenuga’s Pefti in 2009. After Pefti I didn’t do much about acting because in 2010 I gained admission into the University. I didn’t have time for acting all through university days until I returned in 2014.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard,

DECEMBER 2, 2017 Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—27

ROTIMI AGBANA 07054964685 Email: rotimiagbana@gmail.com

Rebuilding Motherland more important than releasing album — Lagbaja S

ince his return to Nigeria after a prolonged hiatus, afro-beat maestro, Bisade Ologunde, better known by his stage name, ‘Lagbaja’, has been all about rebuilding Motherlan, an outdoor fun spot in the heart of Ikeja, which was once a hub of night live experiences with live musical performances.

Speaking to Showtime in an exclusive chat, the man behind the mask revealed that as a musician par excellence with a passion for making good music, the only way he can connect with people is by performing on stage, which is why he is dedicated to rebuilding motherlan.

“When I came back about a year ago, I decided to reconstruct motherland

•Burna

and that is my focus right now. But there has been a huge delay on the project and that is why there tends to be some quiet; it’s just a matter of time. As far I’m concerned my vision is to bring Motherlan back because as a musician the way I reach people is by performing. If you see any Instagram or Twitter account with my name, it’s not me, it’s fake, the only social media account I have is one Facebook page which I rarely post on. But I appreciate the impact and importance of social media. But I got into music because I love it; I’m not into music because I must be seen

•Lagbaja

or I must be heard, no. So my only way of reaching people is by performing on stage.

According to Lagbaja, releasing an album for the listening pleasure of his fans is not his major focus at the moment, but rather, bringing Motherlan back to its feet again.

“My album will come after I’ve gotten Motherlan back on its feet again”, he noted.

How I helped Davido get over Tagbo, DJ Olu’s death — Music producer, Fresh VDM

•Davido

Kicking off the year with the production of ‘Prayer’, a Davido Music Worldwide single featuring Davido and Mayorkun, nothing could have prepared ace music producer, Fresh VDM for the massive reception of his latest production, ‘ FIA’ by Davido, to round up 2017.

In an exclusive interview, the Togolese-Nigerian born producer explained how he was inspired by the tragedy that befell the DMW family to produce FIA. According to the fast-rising music-maker who has produced hit songs for the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Mayorkun, Dremo among others, he said God used

him to help Davido get over the unfortunate and devastating death of his friends, Tagbo, DJ Olu and Chime.

“The entire situation surrounding Davido truly inspired my production of his latest song, ‘FIA’; I just wanted to make something he could be able to express himself on. The record took me 24 hours literally, I couldn’t sleep. It was a tough time for the DMW family but I guess God used me as a tool to ease the entire situation”, he said.

Fresh VDM, whose real name is Bello Emmanuel Adeshina also expressed excitementattherapidreceptionthesongwhich debuted on the Itunes US pop charts at no. 38 has garnered including its over 4 million YouTube views.

"It sure feels good to wake up and find out the number one song in the country is produced by you."

Africa descends on Lagos for International Music Festival values, norms, mores and its strong pillars such as language and music are pivots of unity. Music is a he city of Lagos will experience entertainment, potent weapon of intercultural understanding, T glitz and glamour extraordinaire today as it appreciation and miscegenation. Good rhythm is hosts 54 top musicians drawn from all African

countries at the African International Music Festival, taking place at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun Village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

The epoch-making event which is a brilliant initiative of Ambassador Wale Akinboboye, organised and packaged by Motherland Beckons Initiative in conjunction with the Association of African Ambassadors and diplomat, is aimed at ensuring the domestication of the creative industry for the growth, unity and economic brotherhood of Africa, for Africans and by Africans.

Speaking to Showtime about the festival, Prince Adekunle Adeyemo, Executive Assistant to the President, Motherland Beckons Initiative, noted thus; “African International Music Festival is predicated upon the need to sow neatly and tightly the loose intra-cultural tourism relationship in Africa. It is a trite in the concept of nation building that the cultural ingredients of

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sans borders”.

He added, “It’s going to be the best conglomeration of African musical acts in a single event. It is an event which will parade musical icons such as King Sunny Ade, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Shina Peter, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Femi Kuti, Lagbaja, Sunny Nneji, among others who are not performing but making appearances.”

Speaking further, he noted; that ‘there will be unlimited fun, good music, dance, display and cultural stunts as Anu the Lady Ekwe, Olo Omidan bata, Ara-Thunder, Wole Oni, Leslie Molds of •King Cameroon, Don Bra Sunny Don of Kenya, Ade Joseph Chea of Liberia, Ammal of Uganda, Agossou Koffi Alphonse of Togo, Adigun Olohun Iyo, Choni the Cellist from USA, Kola Ogunkoya- Gbedu Master, Kareem Peterson, USA, Akeem Lasisi, Beriola and others are not only ready but on the ground for the event.”

Burna Boy will honour police invitation when he returns in December — Source he last has not been heard of the robbery T and assault saga involving

controversial reggaedancehall singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as ‘Burna Boy’, and Grafton Records music act, Abiye David Jumbo, aka ‘Mr. 2Kay, as Burna Boy has failed to turn himself in for questioning since declared wanted by the police for masterminding the robbery attack and physical assault on his fellow musician, Mr. 2Kay, in his room at Eko Hotel and Suites on October 22nd, after performing at a concert organised by 2baba.

Contrary to suspicions making the rounds that Burna Boy has intentionally refused to honour the invitation because he is guilty of the allegations levelled against him, Showtime’s investigation has revealed that his absence has been as a result of the international commitments, but will return to Nigeria sometime

in December to turn himself in for questioning.

Speaking to Showtime on the grounds of anonymity, a source close to Burna Boy’s management disclosed thus; “Burna Boy is not in the country at the moment, but he’ll definitely be back in December because he has a show in Botswana on the 2nd of December, so he should be around after that date to honour the invitation.”

Meanwhile, Mr. 2Kay’s management has pleaded with his fans and the general public to allow the police continue their investigation because the case is a criminal one and they are confident of the police’s competency to mete out justice and bring the culprits to book.

The management further disclosed that taking legal actions is dependent on the outcome of the talks between their lawyers and Eko Hotel, assuring that the public would be informed as the matter unfolds.

Nigeria would’ve been better if Fela were alive — Dotman Budding Nigerian rapper, Olatunji Oladotun, aka ‘Dotman’, has declared that Nigeria would have been a better nation, politically, economically and otherwise, if the late afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti were still alive.

In a an exclusive chat with Showtime, he confidently notedthatFela,whohas been a great musical influence on him right from his childhood, would have been the perfect leader to steer the political ship of Nigeria because he was a divinely ordained leader.

He said, “I grew •Dotman up listening to Fela, till now I’m still listening to him, his song ‘Teacher no teach me nonsense’ is my favourite song. Morally, politically and otherwise, I just feel Fela was sent to make changes in Nigeria and he actually did make a lot of changes during his lifetime. If he were to be alive he’ll still be making changes till now, so I just respect his legacy because I know he is a great leader”.

28—SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

Falz launches own concert, targets 100 million fans reach

•Falz

N

igerian entertainer Falz, born Folarin Falana is wrapping up a great year with a concert that will shake Nigeria to its roots. The multi-talented lawyer-turned-rapper has announced he’s planning to host a 7-hour live concert that will reach at least 100 million fans real time.

Titled The Falz Experience, the December 20 big-budget concert will have 7,000 fans inside one venue, while millions of others watch live on cable television and on the Internet.

It is the first time the rapidlyrising performer - who is the son of respected lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) - is stepping out for his own exclusive concert.

Speaking on the event, Falz expressed his excitement towards the incoming event:

“Some people are used to seeing my comedy skits on social media. Others are familiar with my music, while those from way back know me as a lawyer. There are those who are familiar with my multiple personalities and career.

The idea behind The Falz Experience is to bring all of these together, for the benefit of all my fans.

It’s a music concert that will incorporate different elements of my art, with support from the many colleagues I have collaborated with”.

Planned as a full multi-media event, the rapper says fans should expect a concert of a lifetime. The Falz Experience will hold at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, with support from friends of the artiste including Simi, YCee amongst others.

Ace sound engineer, Sheyman bags multiple awards, goes into audiovisual production It was indeed another moment of pride for Nigeria few days back as one of the country's entertainment custodians, Sheyman walked tall in the presence of top music stars and industry decisionmakers in America as he smiled home with the Independent Artist of the Year in the Africa category at the recently concluded Hapa music award

•Simi

in California.

As if that wasn't enough, another icing came on Sheyman's cake as he was once again honoured by another international award. At the popular Nigeria Entertainment Awards he was honoured as the ‘2017 Best Sound Engineer. Even at AFRIMA Sheyman won a special recognition award as a trail blazer in the Nigeria entertainment community especially considering his massive contributions in exporting Nigerian sound to the other parts of the world.

Since assuming responsibility as one of the industry's finest music makers, he has shared professional credit with several industry superstars including Wizkid, Psquare, Jaywon, Olamide, Kiss Daniel, Iyanya, Jah Bless, Pasuma, Joe El, Bigiano, Brymo, T,W.O, and several others having attained a certified hit status for songs like Kukere, Woju, Feeling This Feeling, Joor Oh, Don't Touch and Shayo.

•Sound Sultan •Niniola

Sound Sultan, Niniola, Vector sing against hunger I

t was a carnival of music, comedy and food on Friday November 24, 2017 at Queens Park Centre, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, as top Nigerian entertainers teamed up to sing against hunger as well as pronounce the significance of agriculture.

Organised by HEDA Resource Centre in conjunction with Voice for Food Security and Oxfam Nigeria, the “United for Food Concert” was headlined by Naija Ninja sensation and Oxfam ambassador, Sound Sultan. It equally paraded some other popular artistes like Vector Tha Viper, Baba Dee, Niniola, Blackah, Lami and Lawizzy while DJ Spinall was in charge of the wheel of steel.

Kicking off with a star parade on the ‘green carpet’ and anchored by MC Ushbebe, the show opened with a coterie of up and coming acts who used the opportunity to showcase their talents. The concert later began on a high note with Vector Tha Viper coming on stage and rendering a couple of songs including his hit tracks like ‘Lose Myself ’ and ‘King Kong’. Other artistes followed in quick succession.

Commenting on the concert, Sound Sultan said as Oxfam goodwill ambassador, his mission is to utilise his music as a weapon against hunger. While urging Nigerians and governments at all levels to invest in agriculture so as to ensure food security in the country, the musician stated that no Nigerian deserves to go to bed hungry.

Simi, Small Doctors, others to perform at Gotv Boxing Night

By Iyabo Aina

A

ll is finally set for the 13th edition of GOtv Boxing Night scheduled to hold on 26th December, at the Landmark events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the organizers, the event which promises to be the biggest edition ever, will see four of the country’s biggest exciting young entertainers of the day perform. Expected to perform are Small Doctor, Reekado Banks, Falz The Bahd Guy, Simi among others.

Speaking at a press briefing held at ReC M Y K

gent hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos onTuesday, Jenkins Alumona, CEO of Flykite Promotions, explained that GOtv Boxing Night 13th edition seeks to blend music and boxing because they are two most popular strains of entertainment.

In his words: “Boxing and music provide entertainment and that’s why we decided to provide a better rounded entertainment package for fans as end of the year present. Whether it is music you want or boxing or both, you have an unbeatable package from the likes of the four artists; Small Doctor, Reekado Banks, Falz and Simi as well as top class boxing action, including two African Boxing Union (ABU) title fights” .

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—29 Juliet Ebirim 08137897935 juliet.ebirim@gmail.com

The romantic side of Princess Toyin Kolade

Owolabi Salis redefines philanthropy

By Sofowora Oladapo

T

hose who have come in contact with the seasoned business woman and society top shot, Princess Toyin Kolade would attest to the fact that, she is generous to the fault. The head honcho of Fisolak Global Resource, popularly known as ‘IyaAlaje Apapa’, showed her romantic side on the 14th of November, when she hosted the crème de la crème, friends and family to an exclusive surprise birthday shindig, in celebration of her heartthrob, Prince Kolade Kayode, an Assistant Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, who glides into the golden age of 50.

A source close to the celebrant, divulged to Peoples and Places that; ‘Mr Kayode never had the plan to throw an elaborate 50th birthday soiree. All he had in mind was to visit a few orphanage homes and make some quiet donations to the needy. But his delectable wife, Toyin surprised him with a lavish birthday party, with few friends and family members.’

Guests were treated to the best of local and intercontinental dishes. Trust the Airkay Oil and Gas boss, her hospitality is second to none, as there was an endless supply of expensive assorted •Princess drinks.

Toyin Kolade Prince Kayode Kolade in an and her overwhelming mood, husband showered encomium on his wife for supporting him over the years.

H

igh Chief Owolabi Salis shouldn’t have much to do in Nigeria, because the crust of his business is in the United States of America but his love for his people just wouldn’t let him. This year alone, the international lawyer cum businessman has sponsored nothing less than three humanitarian projects for Nigerians, whose progress he’s most passionate about.

The One Nigeria project, which he initiated three years ago was not by accident. The ebullient and indefatigable humanist foresaw the problem and made a move to forestall it.

His One Nigeria Project which is activated in cultural rally and music concert on October 1, of every year has gone a long way in uniting different ethnic groups in Lagos, the most metropolitan State of Nigeria. It is particularly evident in the fact that the leaders of each ethnic group lead their people to partake in the rally every year In the same vein, High Chief Owolabi Salis recently initiated a skill acquisition programme to empower Lagos youths in more than thirty areas of specialisation. In fact this programme which kicked off in October of this year is expected to run till December and hundreds of Lagosians have already acquired skills to be productive in the society.

•Chief Owolabi Silas

Wazobia Fm @ 10: OAPs share amazing stories to stardom

W

•Lolo1 of Wazobia FM

azobia FM had an unforgettable grand ceremony to mark its 10th anniversary penultimate Sunday at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island Lagos. The event pooled celebrities from the media, corporate organisations and entertainment industry. The camaraderie was felt at each stage of the occasion which started with a cocktail meet-andgreet, where fans and friends mingled with their favourite OAPs. Hosted by Omotunde Adebowale fondly known as Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, OAPs of the station shared their working experience with the station and also showcased their other talents. Each of the employees rolled out testimonies of how they help each other. Most of the OAPs attributed their success to YAW, the Head of Presentation.They lauded him for his unflinching belief in their potentials, as well as the management who gave them room to discover and showcase their talents.

As the pioneer of a unique style of radio presentation that appeals to grass-roots through its pidgin-English language format, Wazobia has grown to become a staple in most homes. It started operation in 2007 and is a sister-station to Cool FM. The station is renowned for its humorous approach to news and topical issues. “Our main aim at inception was to convey news to the layman in a language that they can easily understand,” said Tatiana Moussalli Nouri, Deputy Group MD of Wazobia FM. In attendance was Amin Mousalli - owner of the radio station, as well as Serge Noujaim, the new Chief Executive officer. Comic relief was supplied by Funny Bone, Acapella and MC Abbey. In its usual tradition, the radio station awarded their Ogbonge awards to media agencies. Satguru Travels, a travel agency rewarded a couple with a trip to Dubai through a raffle draw. There were also other consolation prizes.

I

WARIF breaks new grounds

n a continued fight to put an end to Gender Based Violence, the Women at Risk International Foundation held a second training session for the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) in Lagos, Nigeria. The Gatekeepers Project was recently launched at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Ikeja with the aim of curbing and eventually eliminating this societal menace of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Through sensitization workshops, e-learning forums and monthly meetings WARIF which was founded by Dr. Kemi Da-Silva Ibru, in collaboration with the ACT Foundation are working towards reducing gender based violence by a minimum of 30% and also increasing the reporting rate from an alarming 0% to 95%. These training sessions focus on

recognizing, managing and collecting data on incidences of sexual assault, rape and other forms of GBV in peri-rural areas.

The Gatekeepers Project, by WARIF and the ACT foundation, was launched with approval of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board. It’s main aim is to empower and equip the TBA’s with the necessary skill set required in providing basic first responder assistance and psycho-social counseling for the GBV survivors who they may come across.

Some of the Local Government Areas present in the training included Alimosho, Ikorodu, Mushin, etc.

•WARIF Founder, Dr. Kemi Da-Silva Ibru

Excitement, as Cocktails & Dresses gather momentum

Face of Amuwo-Odofin kicks off

T

By Oba Michael Soyebo

A

frica’s fashion outlet, Dressmeoutlet has placed the entire socio-political establishment on a red alert for its 4th edition of a special shop, wine, dine and network event tagged Cocktails & Dresses: Africa’s Greatest Retail Experience billed to hold on Sunday, December 10th, 2017 at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Over 50 notable brands across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa will be showcasing the very best of made in Africa fashion, home-goods and beauty products. This black carpet event starts at 12 noon and is open to the public. Cocktails & Dresses will feature live performances, auctions, a fashion runway show, 100 Made in Africa ICONS as VVIPs and free drinks from the great Amarula.

According to the CEO of Dressmeoutlet.com, Olatorera Oniru, the 4th edition of Cocktails and Dresses promises to be the best one yet.

The free event will connect the public with the best, luxurious, highestquality fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands emerging from Africa.

Cocktails & Dresses is one of Africa’s largest Fashion Industry Sales and Exhibition Events where high-quality, luxurious fashion, leathergoods, home-goods and beauty brands gather to showcase products and services to the African market in a super-fun, entertaining and enjoyable environment.

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•Olatorera Oniru, Cocktail & Dresses 1

he Concerned Youth Forum of Amuwo Odofin in conjunction with the Amuwo Odofin Local Government, is excited to hold the second edition of the Face of Amuwo-Odofin beauty pageant. The grand finale of the pageant is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Holy Family Event Centre, Festac Town.

The event which comprises of a talent hunt and beauty pageant is aimed at discovering talents and models who will be absorbed directly or indirectly into the entertainment industry. It also seeks to crown a beauty queen who will promote Amuwo Odofin. Ladies between the ages of 18 – 26 from within and around Amuwo Odofin Local Government who will compete for the title of “Face of Amuwo Odofin”. The talent hunt is a side attraction to enable young people add value to the society with their talents, with the vision to develop people who will become stars worthy of emulation. It comprises comedy, singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.

Fifteen contestants chosen from the various auditions will compete for the crown and the star prize of of a UK tour trip. There will be cash prizes and consolations worth five hundred thousand naira for winners guaranteed with training and •Face of Amuwo Odofin modeling contracts.

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

My journey into gospel music

by Security strategist -turned-singer, Sam Akenye ‘I am fulfilling God’s divine mandate in my life’ A seasoned e-business security strategist and certified information systems auditor,Sam Akenye is the latest gospel singer in Nigeria. But last Sunday when he held an album launch, at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Sam gave everyone the impression that he has been around for a long time.

His approach to the gospel music scene was heralded as a fresh of breath air just as he has taken the fast tempo beat from his new album, ‘Take It” as a best way to spread the gospel.

Akenye said right from childhood, he knew that God gave him a talent in music. But because of his professional life, he has not been able to fulfill the mandate.

“It got to a point in my life, I realized that if I don’t do this, I will have a question to answer before the saviour of mankind.

Today, I my happiness that I am fulfilling God’s divine mandate in my life. I know that good music is lacking and my commitment is to give out what God has given to me,”he said, in a chat with EDaily.

Continuing, he added, “Thorough my music, I want to inspire people. I want to reassure

people that with God in your life, you can do great things. I’m grateful that it is a dream come through. The mandate God gave to me is to go out there and spread the word through music. That’s why I am here today. I have eight tracks in the album with Take It as the hit song.”

The Sam who dedicated the greater part of his Christian service spanning two decades to teaching and mentoring youths to have a closer work with God, said he released his first album about 10 years back. But I didn’t promote the album because of his unreadiness to obey God word to give the world a good music.

The Delta State-born singer, said he had an encounter during the early stage of my life. He is committed to assisting struggling youths surmount obstacles on their way to greatness as he acknowledges the tremendous grace and favour he received from God as a struggling youth.

Sam is a gifted song writer and singer. He believes that God granted him this special gift of writing great songs in order to impact humanity and the troubled world positively. He also believes that music is a powerful tool and he intends to use his

•Akenye gospel and inspirational music to entertain, inspire, give hope, increase the faith of listeners and cause healing across nations.

His album launch, which was anchored by MC Abbey and Gloria Maduka witnessed a series of performances by notable gospel artistes, including Ola Sax, Annie J, Onos, Eben, Ypick, Sax Gold among others.

Sam’s professional work experience of over two decades cut across Manufacturing, Consulting and Banking sector. He started his professional career as a computer programmer and later progressed to various leadership roles such as Head IT Dept in Cybele, Senior Consultant in EDP Audit and Security Associate, Head IT Audit & Control in Standard Trust Bank, Head IT Audit in Equatorial Trust Bank.

Cultur al enthusias ts se or All Cultural enthusiasts sett ttoo gather in Lagos ffor Nigerian festival *Wasiu Pasuma, 9ice, Sani Danja, others performing

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ultural enthusiasts in Lagos are bound to be treated to the best of the country’s foods, fashion, music and dance, as the maiden edition of the All Nigerian Cultural Festival beacons.

The cultural festival, being organized by popular reggae artiste, Kupa Victory in collaboration with the Lagos State government will hold from December 14 through 16, at the main-bowl of Tafawa Bellewa Square, TBS, Lagos.

Kupa, who ruled the airwaves in the late 90s/early 2000s with his albums such as ‘ No Contest’ (1998) and ‘Ashes to Classes’ (2003), said the three-day event will draw participants from 15 states of the federation. There are plans to move the festival round the country in future.

Addressing the press during the week, Kupa said the essence of the festival is to promote the nation’s rich culture and heritage. “The participating states will showcase the diversity of Nigerian food recipes,”he added.

Speaking further, he said the organizers decided to choose Lagos as the host state because C M Y K

•9ice

of its centrality and love for the promotion of the arts, culture and tourism in the country.

Before now, Kupa said promoters have been organizing these cultural festivals in tits bits. “You hear of music meets runway; music meets our foods. It’s been in tit bits. But we are organizing the festival on a large scale. We will be showcasing different types of Nigerian foods, fashion, cultural

dance, art and crafts. We will also have live music and local beverages. That’s what makes all Nigerian festival different from other cultural festivals in the country,” Kupa explained.

“We are also bringing CNN, BBC and Reuters to also promote Nigeria the way we are to the world while working in partnership with our own local media.”

Musical artistes who are billed to thrill fans at the festival, according Kupa include, Wasiu Pasuma, 9ice, Sani Danja,Niola, DJ Lanre and himself who will be performing throughout the three-day event.

Also, speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Ambode and Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola said supporting the organizers of the festival is neither a mistake nor cocoincident, because it’s in line with the promise made by the Lagos State government to always support individuals and organizations are who are interested in promoting arts and culture and tourism related activities in Lagos state.

O’Jez Music unleashes Krazee Legs Physically-challenged musician, Krazee Legs is poised to heat up the music scene with the release of his debut album entitled, Another Level, on the Ojez music imprint.

Speaking, the challenged musician who won a bronze medal in Lawn Tennis at an international event for challenged sportsmen recently said: “I am so glad that at last, my debut album is ready; it is like a dream come true. The album is entitled Another Level and it features songs like Walangolo and Shan Pepe. I want to thank the management of O’Jez and my label CEO, Joseph Odobeatu for giving me this opportunity to express my music talent and excel. May God bless his soul.”

Speaking on why his record label chose to return to the industry, the boss of O’Jez said: “O’Jez Music has groomed big names like Sony Neji and Baba Fryo. However we decided to take a break but now we are back and better hence we decided to give Krazee Legs, a challenged singer an opportunity to be heard. This is just the beginning of greater things to come. Next year we are unveiling Nigeria’s first all-physically-challenged band in Nigeria.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—31

At last, ailing Sadiq Daba begins journey of life to the UK A

iling veteran actor and broadcaster, Sadiq Daba is due to travel to the United Kingdom, on Sunday night for further medical treatment.

Sadiq has been battling leukaemia and prostate cancer for some months now, but lack of funds hampered his treatment.

The story, however, changed recently for the ailing actor who is best known for his awardwinning role as Inspector Waziri in the Kunle Afolayan classic “October 1”, as colleagues, friends and fans rallied around to raise funds for him.

This cheery news was confirmed to HVP, by one of those who are close to the actor. While in the UK, Sadiq will undergo surgery at Wellington Diagnostics Hospital in the North West of London.

“Sadiq leaves for the UK on Sunday night for further medical treatment. He obtained his visa today(Thursday), November 29. The team that assisted and worked effortlessly to obtain his medical visa at the British High Commission, Lagos are ace broadcaster, Soni Irabor, Chief Kenny Martins, veteran producer and broadcaster Mabel Akomu Oboh and human rights activist, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin.

*Hon.Desmond Elliot presenting the cheque to late Obi’s wife, Uju

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*Mabel Oboh, Sadiq Daba and Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin after securing his medical visa at the British High Commission, Lagos, on Thursday.

Speaking further, the source said, Sadiq will be travelling in the company of his wife, Bolaji Daba. Recall that ace broadcaster Soni Irabor, last week, disclosed on his Instagram

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Nigeria,CDGN, which prides itself as the creative powerhouse of Nollywood was in the spotlight recently when it inaugurated its Board of Trustees and patrons. The event also witnessed the election of Sele. O. Sele as the new President of the guild. Others elected were Pastor Sammie Onyeka Osajie ( vice President) , Thelma Ozy Smith ( Sec Gen), Isah Emmanuel Habeeb ( Asst. Sec. Gen), Ogonna Mbonu (PRO), Voke Irabor ( Fin. Sec) and Stanley Orobosa (Provost) Speaking at the convention which held in Surulere, the immediate past President of the Guild, Iyen AgbonifoObaseki, expressed gratitude to God that CDGN has come of age, noting that history was made when she became the first female to be elected C M Y K

president of any Guild in Nigeria’s motion picture industry. According to her, “ The nostalgic thoughts of our beginning gives me a deep sense of fulfillment,that we indeed are all witness to the metamorphosis of CDGN from her embryonic state to a formidable guild in Nollywood.”

While rendering account of her stewardship, Iyen said the guild under her watch is currently present in 15 states of the federation. “While we vigorously pursued an expansionist agenda, we never lost sight of the need for capacity building, this led to several trainings and workshops for CDGN members both within and outside the shores of the country.

These trainings and capacity importation gave our members an enamored feeling and confidence to be able to deliver on innovation, inspiring and creative designs during productions,” she added.

Meanwhile, members of the guild’s BoT include, HRH Olori Peju Sonuga, Alhaji Sheikh Malami Maccido, Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Professor Edmund Ugwu Agbo, im-

mediate past president, Iyen Agbonifo Obaseki with Steve Obigbesan as the chairman. Also, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom was inducted as the grand patron of the guild, alongside HRM Ateke Michael Tom, (Sekuro the first of Niger Delta) Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom.

he Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, has presented one million naira cheque to the immediate family of late actor, Obi Madubogwu.

The cheque was presented by Hon.Desmond Elliot to the late actor’s widow, Uju Ngozi Madubogwu last Thursday.

Present at the presentation was the late filmmaker cum actor’s friend, Nobert Ajaegbu, a popular lawyer and movie marketer. The widow expressed her thanks to the governor and prayed for God’s blessing for him. Hon Elliot also commended the Governor’s magnanimity and

passed the governor’s condolence message to Obi’s family.

Obi Madubogwu, aka King of Musanga was laid to rest on 10th of November, at his country home, Nkwere Ogidi, Anambra state.

Before his death on August 28, 2017, Obi battled diabetes for several years. The condition got chronic that he developed ‘acute diabetics foot ulcers’ and Nigerians had to come to his rescue to help foot his medical bills.

Madubogwu was best known for his role as King of Musanga in the 1996 epic film ,”Battle of Musanga, produced by Igwe Gabosky and Chezkay Films.

page that enough funds had been gathered for the ailing Sadiq and is set to travel to the UK to commence treatment.

CDGN inaugurates BoT, patrons, gets new excos

*Iyen, rep of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion at the event . reative Designers Guild of

Ambode gives late actor’s wife N1m

Saint Obi bombs Nollywood with five new blockbuster movies A

fter several years of disappearing from the big screen, veteran actor Saint Obi is back again. And this time, he’s bombing Nollywood with five new blockbuster movies.

The explosive movies, which are expected to hit cinemas across the country and online platforms soon include, “ After The Vow”, “Mrs. Brown”, “ Big Shot”, “Invaders” and “My Yesterday.”

The first of its kind in the annals of Nollywood, the cerebral actor, said the project is aimed at creating jobs and empowering talented and creative Nigerian youths.

“At Agwhyte International, we have decided to take the bull by the horns. This is our modest contribution to the socio-economic growth of our great country. We have created jobs and empowered youths by bankrolling these five films that were shot simultaneously. We look forward to doing more for Nollywood and Nigeria in general, but funding is a big challenge.”

“We are truly committed to telling the Nigerian story and promoting Nollywood brand to the rest of the world,” disclosed the star of over 100 hit movies.” Interestingly, the five blockbusters were shot by independent producers who were carefully selected by Saint Obi’s Agwhyte International Limited for the big-budget project.

Shielding more light on the project, Saint Obi

*Saint Obi disclosed that over N200m was spent producing the five the blockbusters movie, adding that some of the movies also enjoyed a private screening session that was well attended and hugely applauded by pundits “The good news is that at Agwhyte, we are all about creating a better Nollywood and viewer experience through quality content but also, expand the distribution outlets for Nollywood independent producers.”

According to him, “ Though I have been quiet for many years, my outfit, Agwhyte is fully into Nollywood and strategic media content creation, production, acquisition, aggregation, distribution and steadily heading towards content broadcasting.”

Surprisingly, Saint Obi did not feature in any of the movies. He hinted that he wanted to give young and emerging talents the opportunity to harness their potentials in Nollywood.

Meanwhile, starring: Jibola Dabo, Florence Onuma, Kunle Remi, Ebinabo Poos Johnson and Michael Okon, Mrs Brown” is about a young successful executive, jilted by her high school lover of 11 years, finds solace in the warm arms of an older divorcee, while “After the Vow” tells the thrilling story of three women, three friends and their three unfulfilled dreams.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

08116759759

VLAD’S SECRET WEAPON

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STUNNING brunette has become Rus sia’s latest military asset after being ap pointed as the country’s defence spokeswoman.

And looking like James Bond girl Vespa Lynd, played by Eva Green in the film Casino Royale, the bubbly 26-year-old certainly has a licence to thrill.

A former journalist who reported on the Russian army, Rossiyana Markovskaya likes to tease her fans with saucy pics on Instagram.

In one she is seen supping a cocktail through a straw while showing off her ample cleavage.

In another she is seen posing in a tank top while holding a military firearm in a hand.

She is also a keen musician, playing both drums and guitar.

Working as press spokeswoman for the Russian Defence Ministry, Rossiyana will be directly responsible to the Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, 62, a Putin hardliner who in July 2014 was accused by Ukraine of helping to form illegal military groups in Eastern Ukraine.

Russian dentist posts gross video of him pulling out his own wisdom tooth

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WOOD YOU GO?

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IDDEN away in sombre South Korea is one of the world's most bizarre tourist attractions - a family theme park dedicated to giant WILLIES. Standing proud in the grounds of Haeshindang Park – the Penis Park – are dozens of sculpted willies erected in defiance of an old curse.

The x-rated collection ranges from hanging arrangements to three-meter-tall trunks of wood, sculpted by Korean artists to showcase joy, spirituality and sexuality.

Others show workmen showing off their tools, couples having sex and there is even a huge willy-shaped cannon.

Located on the coast of Sinnam, the park is dedicated to the memory of a young virgin woman whose fisherman lover left her on a rock while he went to sea.

After he perished in a mighty storm she was left high and dry and the "cursed" locals stopped catching any fish. So they did what you have to do in these situations - build a huge park dedicated to titanic todgers.

The legend goes the strategy worked and the villagers soon started catching fish again.

Ever since then, more and more people have carved wangers for the park. Now it is a tourist hotspot loved by South Koreans- and those from overseas.

Some still visit the park in the hope of conceiving but most just go for a good giggle.

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dentist has left friends open mouthed in horror after performing a wisdom tooth extraction on himself .

Rustam Yakhyaev recorded footage of the bloody procedure at his clinic in Russia, and shared the clips online.

In footage which is enough to give anybody nightmares about going to the dentist, he started by injecting himself with a local anaesthetic.

Then after his face went numb he used a combination of surgical clamps and probes to yank the tooth out of his gum in his lower right jaw. His mouth is shown to be bleeding, and Dr Yakhyaev then sews up the gaping hole left behind with a surgical needle.

A dentist has revealed the painful whole tooth about wisdom teeth in a gruesome film of him extracting one from his own mouth.

Dental surgeon Rustam Yakhyaev performed the bloody op at his clinic in Surgut, in central Russia's Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug region.

The explicit clip he shared online starts with the medic injecting himself with a local anaesthetic.

Then, after his face had grown numb, he uses a combination of probes and clamps to lever the tooth out of his gum in his lower right jaw.

The tooth can be seen falling out of Dr Yakhyaev's mouth before he uses a surgical needle to sew up the gaping hole it left behind. As he completes the surgery, a bloody smear is left on his right cheek.

The grim movie is enough to leave anyone who fears a trip to the dentist open mouthed in horror.

But it has already clocked up more than 23,000 views on the surgeon's social media account.

He later said: "I did not think for too long." The DIY dentist said he was in pain from a wisdom tooth that had not fully emerged from the gum.

He explained: "I performed an MRI which made it clear that the tooth should be removed.

"I did not have time and the tooth bothered me. "Without doing too much thinking I decided to remove it myself, turned on the camera on my phone and created all the necessary conditions."

He claims that it was not the first time he has extracted one of his own teeth and had previously pulled one from his upper jaw. One social media watcher named as 'Cheboksari Cheboksari’ said: "Look what condition Russian medicine is in, doctors have no time or money to get a proper treatment."

SA TURD AY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—33 SATURD TURDA

TREM Kingdom Lif eW orld Conf erence 20 17 Life World Conference 201

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he 2017 Kingdom Life World Conference of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) which ended recently was graced by the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Felix Omobude, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Bishop Tudor Bismark and other prominent men of God.

Bishops Mike and Peace Okonkwo, Mrs. Udeme Etibensi, Engr. Babriel Ogbechie, founder of Rainoil LTD with the vocational graduants.

On the closing day a hundred and five members were awarded with the Presiding Bishop’s award for their consistency in the ministry for over 35 years

Mexican & Caribbean Grill opens in Lagos

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opular eatery company, Sumptuous Meals, with locations across Nigeria and the United States and with a sole objective of providing excellent African and Continental dishes recently opened another outfit, named Mexican & Caribbean Grill at the Ikeja Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Grill was officially opened by the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo and was witnessed by other dignitaries.

The outfit, which is a subsidiary of Sumptuous Meals, is owned and managed by Boniface and Lara Imo-Owo, a team of budding entrepreneurs who have been in the catering industry for more than two decades.

The Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, opening the Grill, while others watch.

L-R:The Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo awarding the Presiding Bishop's Award to Bishop Peace Okonkwo.

L-R: Bishops Tudor Bismark, Mike Okonkwo & Peace Okonkwo.

R-L: Owner of the Grill , Boniface Imo-Owo, explaining some points to Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

L-R:Dr. Felix Omobude, President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in a hand shake with Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

Donation

EXCO of Kappa Alpha PSI Club, Ibadan donating food and other items to Little Saints Orphanage Home at Ibadan.

L-R:The Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo awarding the Presiding Bishop Award to Rev. Oluwayomi Uteh, The Group Manager, Operations of TREM.

Nigeria Awards

TTec ec hnology echnology Bishop Mike Okonkwo, admiring facilities of the Grill

Kap Chief Ambassador Sola Onadipe (r) presenting the items to the Orphanage Administrator with Kap Social, Kapite Bayo Dada and Kapite Tola Gbadebo and the children watching

L-R: Social Media Analyst, OLX, Ayomide Eklu; Marketing Manager, OLX, Fifemayo Aiyesimoju; PR & Comms Lead, Uche Nwagboso during the Nigeria Technology Awards over the weekend where OLX won two awards.

L-R: The chairman, Sumptuous Meals,Boniface Imo-Owo, Bishop Mike Okonkwo and staff of the Grill ingroup photo.

34—SATURDAY

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Vanguard,DECEMBER 2, 2017

Lifeline

y name is Sarah. I’m going to tell you a story of my life as an infertility patient. My story will be of interest to you whether or not you are an infertility patient. It is a story of the pros and cons of life, and the fact that as brilliant as nature is, it isn’t perfect.

I wasn’t brought up as a spoiled child, but I have had a great life, and that is not an exaggeration. I’m not ashamed to say it; I had the best upbringing any child could desire in a family that was better than most.

My parents didn’t have deep pockets, but could afford to buy me almost everything and anything I desired. They were able to send me to some of the best schools and I was privileged to live in exclusive neighbourhoods among a host of other choice options.

By the time I was 19; I had lived the near-perfect life of the average teenager and was set to begin a life of my own.

My life had moved along as planned. I studied hard, got perfect grades at school, passed out in flying colours and secured a mouth-watering first job.

As if that was not enough, I met and married the most wonderful man in the world who made me so happy than I imagined I could ever be. He was a medical student when we met and our whirlwind romance led to the altar.

So we got married and expected to start a family as soon as we were more matured, better educated and financially stable.

After a while, I went back to school and obtained a Master’s degree. Not surprisingly, I got another fantastic job with an even bigger pay packet. My husband finished medical school and was in his second year of residency.

Now we were finally ready to start a family. I loved babies and wanted to have many as soon as possible. But things didn’t turn out that way. Little did we know that having a baby was not something we would be able to plan.

A year passed I didn’t get pregnant. What could be wrong?

Keep trying, everyone advised. It’s the anxiety, or the stress, or the weather. I heard all sorts of theories that did little or nothing to help.

Another year passed: same story.

We consulted one specialist after another. I’ll never forget the day that we met with a fertility specialist who invited us for a chat. That was how we got to know about Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos after visiting certainly no guarantees. Were we several other places and engaging in prepared to adopt? Could we live childseries of invasive and particularly free? More questions than answers. painful diagnostic tests.

I returned to work after the It was at Nordica that we learned we appointment and somehow made it might probably never be able to have a through the day. I was still in shock. I baby on our own. The specialist said it went home at the end of the day, locked would be in our interest to try some less myself in the room and cried harder invasive treatments first but that at the than I can remember ever crying. I wept end of the day, if we were to ever get in the realization that I may never have pregnant, it would probably be through a baby. I may never have someone to In-vitro Fertilization (IVF). call me “mummy.” I may never see my The news of the diagnosis and its husband as a “daddy.” I was mourning repercussions hit me hard. I wasn’t for the life I was terrified I would never prepared for this kind of news, not at have. all.

The year that followed was a blur of Although the air-conditioner was on doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, in the room, but I was immediately drenched in my own sweat and could feel my dress sticking to my body.

I looked deeply into the doctor’s eyes, in the hope of finding an answer or at least an explanation for the damning diagnosis, but they only reflected my own dark fears and desperation.

I felt my husband’s hand gripping mine firmly and his touch brought me back to reality. My mind became active.

I began to think again.

Why IVF? Isn’t that the method for older people that can’t have children?

Is IVF not for women who wait too long while they ’re busy pursuing their careers and then change their minds and realize they want to have children after all? I’m 25 for goodness sake! My husband is 27. Our life is just beginning. We are young. We have done everything right. This wasn’t supposed to be our fate.

So many questions ran through my mind. What if IVF failed? There were

”That moment of pure joy will be forever etched in my memory....”

My struggle with infertility

It was hard not to feel jealous. I stopped going to baby celebrations. I stopped going to church where there were babies and pregnant women everywhere

pills, blood tests, needles, injections, hormones, suppositories, speculums, vaginal ultrasounds, sperm tests, painful procedures, operations, bloating, flu-like symptoms, headaches, weight gain and exhaustion.

Month after month, I went through the same vicious cycle; the same physical and emotional roller coaster. I would go through another painful round of procedures and tests, endure all of the side effects that go along with the hormones I was injecting, and get my hopes up until I received the call from the nurses at the clinic with my pregnancy test results. No, I was not pregnant. The treatment failed yet again. Would I like to try again next month? Yes, I guess I would. Hope is a powerful drug.

And so we continued to try. The longer it went on, the more hopeless I became. The more depressed I became and the more I retreated into my own cocoon. I distanced myself from most of my friends because most of them either had babies or were pregnant. It was hard not to feel jealous. I stopped going to baby celebrations. I stopped going to church where there were babies and pregnant women everywhere.

Seeing babies was a painful reminder of the life I thought I may never have. I started making up excuses as to why I couldn’t attend this event or that event—even places where I thought I might encounter

the talk of babies or pregnancy were off limits. The mere mention of babies felt like a physical blow to the abdomen.

All the more so, hearing young mothers complain about their children’s behaviour, their lack of sleep, their inability to go out at night anymore, and so on, and so forth—was enough to make me want to scream.

I couldn’t stand hearing comments like: “You’re so lucky you don’t have kids, you still have your freedom.” To me, these seemingly innocuous comments felt like the most cruel words anyone could ever utter and it took all my self-control not to burst into tears when I heard them. So I avoided them altogether.

While I used to live for the weekends, I now couldn’t wait to get to the office on Monday morning. Work was my escape from all things baby—a place where I could leave the world of infertility behind; where I was judged by my performance and not by my inability to procreate.

The day I finally found out I was pregnant—one year and eight months, two fertility clinics, five intrauterine insemination procedures, two IVF operations and at a huge expense later—I was in absolute shock.

Even though fertility clinics advise against it, I took an at-home pregnancy test. The moment I saw that second pink line, I rushed to call my husband and as soon as he picked up I burst into tears and while forcing out the words: “There are two lines! There are two lines!

I think I might be pregnant.” That moment of pure joy will be forever etched in my memory —second only to the actual birth of my daughter.

And now, one year later, as I look down at my beautiful baby girl and watch her smile up at me and laugh her adorable little laugh, I know that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2 2,, 2017—35

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

What Happens to your relationship when your lover’s wife dies?

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HAT do you do when your lover’s wife dies suddenly? You’ve known her for years, have resigned yourself to be content with the part of him you could have. Then suddenly, there you are, faced with the possibility of being a replacement for his wife.

Sadly, things are not as cut-and-dried as they look when you’re enmeshed in a love triangle as Monica would find out. She tells her story:“For quite a while, it seemed Gboye, my lover of almost two decades wasn’t his usual bubbly self.

He was a bit detached and I put it down to the prostrate cancer he had almost a year now which had been successfully operated on. He’d had to convince himself a bit of his potency was back. But his love life has suffered a bit of a setback too. On top of which age wasn’t on his side.

Enough problems really to make the faint-hearted depressed, albeit slightly.

But Gboye is not the type to be despondent most on the time could he have more on his plate? This question played on my mind as I sat across my dining table with him. I hadn’t seen or heard from him in the past four weeks—which was very unusual. He loves long chats on the phone and for him not to call made me a bit concerned.

“What happened to you? I asked lightly as he finished the light supper he asked for. He’d always drummed it into me never to ask searching questions until he’d settled down and was ready to talk. This first happened when we both worked in the office and I was happily ensconce in the flat he rented for me— our love nest. He was expected for dinner but didn’t show up until almost midnight. I was sick with apprehension—did he have an accident?

Had ‘madam’ prevented him from leaving the house? The last option I dismissed as Gboye’s wife was one of the ‘hear no evil, see no evil” types. When he eventually surfaced, I flew at him, unleashing all my pent-up frustration. “Shut up!” he barked. I was shocked. He’d never spoken to me that way before. “You wouldn’t know what happened to me, or in what frame of mind I am until you’ve made me comfortable and relaxed—instead of adding to my worries by being a shrew!

Well, that was new to me! But he had a point.

So, I sat him down on his favourite chair and gave him a drink. He said I should forget dinner “A group of friends caught up with me unexpectedly at the house and we were entertaining,” he explained: “There was no way I could get in touch with you as the phone was in the living room and the bedroom extension was faulty, that I made it back now is due to my insisting I take one of the guests to his hotel.”

Was that all? I seethed inwardly.

Was I to be grateful that he lied like a school boy just to be here with me for a few minutes whilst madam did the cleaning up? One look at his determined face shut me up. I knew better than to cross-examine him when he had that look. So, now I waited patiently for him to explain his long absence. “I was away,” he sighed again. “I had to take ‘D’ to a hospital abroad.” ‘D’ is his pet-name for his wife. But hospital? Abroad? “What’s the matter with her?” I asked him. “Cancer,” he said resignedly as if he was reporting a slight case of the sniffle. “She has ovarian cancer, but by the time the hospital did the biopsy, it was discovered that it was in its advanced stage and had nymph nodes. All the pains she had in her groin when she was here was treated as something else.

“But later, her consultant discovered a lump and urged me to take her abroad as quickly as I could.

It’s ironic really. This is a woman I married as a virgin, who barely touched alcohol and had always been a health freek now being ravaged by the dreaded ‘C’ disease.” As he lapsed into silence, he looked so shrivelled and old that I wished I could comfort him.

“What were her chances with chemo and all they do to you these days when you have cancer? I

Six things you can put into your mouth-To our diets. Oysters, Brazil give you a boost! nuts and frankfurter Nutrition experts believe that stimulating your tongue and lips with these treats will up the levels of the body’s feel-good chemical, serotomin.

1.Chocolate: Who doesn’t feel a buzz after eating a chocolate?

2.Your lover ’s tongue: A passionate kiss can instantly melt away stress.

3.Alcohol: Small amounts give you a lift. But too much will have the opposite effect.

4.Zinc: An essential element in

sausages are rich sources.

It’s supposed to improve your sex life too.

5.Curry: Not to everyone’s taste, but it does give you a delicious tingling sensation around the lips and tongue.

6.St. John’s Wort: A herbal remedy to beat the blues. It doesn’t work immediately but will help to increase serotonin levels in the longer term. Avoid this if you’re taking the pill or other medication.

asked. He looked sadly at me and said: “Nothing much could be done for her except to make the rest of her life as pain-free as possible.”

What did he mean, the rest of her life? “She has only months left to live.” I felt numb as he told me she was being flown back home soon to be with the family that loved her in her last days. Two of the children were abroad and they would bring their mother back as soon as possible.

“When he left, I felt really sad for Gboye. His wife was a gem, who, in spite of knowing I had a relationship with her husband, still treated me as a friend of the family.

Now she’s being ravaged by ovarian cancer. I hurriedly thumped through my medical hand-book to find out that ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It’s treatable only if discovered early. But, most cases are not diagnosed until it has spread, making survival rates very low. It is known as the silent killer because symptoms are not usually dramatic and can be confused with other illness like irritable bowel Syndrome. According to the handbook: “Symptoms include always feeling full, abdominal and pelvic pain, bloating and increased abdominal size. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, an excessive need to pee, fatigue and a change in bowel habits may also be signs. In some cases, lumps can be felt, but it’s rare....”

“How would the poor woman be feeling with a death sentence hanging on her head? I felt genuinely sorry for her. She had her 60th birthday a couple of years ago. Thank goodness her children are all grown and doing well. Fleetingly, I remembered Buki, Gboye’s secretary of years back who, in spite of being nice and respectful to me, was having an affair with him behind my back. An affair that produced two children!

She now bears his middle name and lives in a flat bought for her by Gboye.

Does she know about ‘D”s fate? If she eventually dies, would Buki be moved in as a replacement wife? Gboye is not the type to live alone, as for me, I doubt if I even want to live permanently with Gboye. His children know of me and his first daughter has

Life is, indeed, a gift.

To wake up every morning and wallow in the joy of life should not be taken lightly. Nobody knows when his number would come up!

always been hostile whenever I run into her.

“But what was I thinking? The poor woman is not dead yet—why was I thinking of a successor?

What happens if ‘D’ beats the doctor’s odds in spite of her diagnosis? When she was eventually brought home Gboye told me she was kept stable by a lot of pain-killers and was floating in and out of consciousness. I was relaxing watching the box the late night Gboye visited to tell me ‘D’ had passed on. He then started crying like a baby and I held him close, trying to comfort him the best I could. Poor thing. He obviously couldn’t break down in front of his children and close relatives who looked to him for strength. “In a way, I’m glad that she didn’t suffer for too long,” he said sadly. Some cancers drag on for such a long time, ravishing their victims’ bodies and reducing them to a ghost of themselves before taking their lives.

‘D’ was a health nut, and I couldn’t begin to imagine how she would have felt being kept alive by drugs and chemicals.”

She was buried in Gboye’s home-town, but there was a commendation service for her at her church which I attended.

The children looked determined to celebrate their mother’s life instead of mourn her. They rallied round Gboye, chatting with him and, sometimes, making him smile wryly.

It was a relief that giving ‘D’ a decent burial wouldn’t be a gloomy affair. She was a very bubbly woman when she was alive.

Fleetingly, I saw Buki skulking into the corner of a pew—thank goodness she didn’t bring the kids!

“For all you know, they might see Gboye and run towards him, squealing ‘daddy!’

What an embarrassment that will be—on top of mourning his dead wife! When I got back from the funeral, I became morbid-recalling friends and relatives who have died. Life is, indeed, a gift. To wake up every morning and wallow in the joy of life should not be taken lightly. Nobody knows when his number would come up!”

36—Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Twitter: @yetundearebi yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk 08054700825 Yetunde Arebi Hi,

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wo weeks ago, When I published the first part of this article which featured accounts by women on their first full sexual experience, I promised to give you the male version of it. The first cut as they say is the deepest. Whether it was good, not so good or downright horrible, it is one experience you are not likely to ever forget. And no matter how long you live, the number of lovers you may have or number of times you have sex after, that one first experience will always have a special place in your heart, good or bad.

I've received a number of responses from readers, including colleagues and even my Chairman, the great Uncle Sam, since the first part was published and I have promised to publish more on the topic soon. Just keep reading the Saturday Vanguard. For today, let's hear it from the men: Gboyega, a dear colleague was 21 when he finally nailed it. He said he was however surprised by the girl's seeming expertise.

I was about 21 years when I actually had my first real experience. It was a girl in the neighbourhood, My friends were aware of my feelings towards the girl, so one day, while we were playing outside our house, one of my friends saw the girl pass by and called her. He told her I wanted to see her privately. She must have felt something for me too because she honoured my appointment that evening and we became friends.

A few days later, I went to visit her at home. There was no one in. She left me in the sitting room and went inside.

When I didn’t see her return, I went after her. She was sitting on her bed and she smiled at me. She didn’t say a word but I got the message and I was really afraid.

I couldn’t tell her I hadn’t done it before.

I must have fumbled a lot as I had little idea of what to do. I had watched several blue movies and learnt a few tricks. I just hadn’t got the opportunity to put it into practice. Watching is not the same as doing, you know. After the show, I had to confess to her that it was my first time. I felt like a jerk! She just laughed at me and said she knew. One thing that surprised me about the whole thing was that she was only 17 years old and I had no idea she was that experienced in the thing. I just couldn’t believe it. In a way, I felt disgusted and that probably contributed to my decision to end the relationship.

For Yemi, an up, mobile, yuppie banker born with a silver spoon, said: The first time I had sex, I was in Primary four, quite young. It was with my cousin. She was a very crazy girl and we were always doing crazy stuff together at the time. So, I can say it was with her that I first learnt the pleasures of being with a female. She used to come on holidays in Nigeria from London and we would sometimes visit them too. She was really wild when we were kids. If you know how kids play the mummy and daddy stuff, you will have an idea of what I am talking about. It was more of having erections and enjoying it, rather than having meaningful sexual intercourse. We were both 11, but she came loaded. Later when I got to Secondary School, my daddy's secretary took an interest in me. She was an adult, I guess in her late 20s or early 30s. I don’t know what she saw in me, but she liked me. She took me beyond the pleasures of just having erections or ordinary sex, to the other side because it was with her that I had my first real orgasm. Compared with her, what I had with my cousin was stupid child's play.

With her it was like diluting education and pleasure together. Till today, I still

Popping the bubbles (2) As a young chap, I was a trouble shooting, talkative and daring guy in thick lensed glasses wonder how no one knew that we were doing such a thing together. Now when I see young boys chasing and dancing around older women, I just laugh. The lady really spoilt me. As I grew up, I became more interested in women. I just wanted to know what made them different from guys. Whenever I saw a lady, I was always fascinated by that thing growing on her chest, why she swayed her hips and bum in a particular manner, and why her things were different from the other girl’s things. I was like a scientist conducting some kind of research on the female specie and boy, I enjoyed it. As time went on, it became a matter of discovering what this girl had to offer that I had not seen or experienced before.

Yemi says all that was in the past as he now knows better and is no longer so besotted with women.

Nnamdi is another nut cracker who says though he contracted an STD on his first experience, he is still not deterred:

My first experience as a young man was with a prostitute. Though at the time, I didn’t know that she was one. As a young chap, I was a trouble shooting, talkative and daring guy in thick lensed glasses. I had a lot of wild friends too and was very smooth with the ladies. For these, most people thought I was already having a swell time with the girls. No one knew that all my hyperactivities ended just there on the surface, as I had never had a sexual relationship with any girl while in Secondary School. After Secondary School, we still trooped around in a group as we were awaiting our results. I was about 19, 20 then. One of the guys had an apartment detached from his family house where we all used as a base of sort. His parents were Bankers and were usually out until very late in the night, so his place was somewhere we could confidently go and do all sorts of things, without being discovered by anyone. To make things even better, his parents got him a job, so he had money and the place just sort of bubbled all the time, if you know what I mean. Everyone could bring their girlfriends there and spend time. But I never did and no one ever asked me

why, if they thought it was strange.

Then one night, we went out clubbing and we returned very late in the night.

We were three, me, my friend who owned the apartment and a girl I’d assumed was his girlfriend. There was only one bed in the room and so the three of us crashed on it. But while I tried to sleep, my friend and the girl went straight to business and had sex.

I turned my back to them and tried to sleep. As soon as they finished, my friend just rolled over and went to sleep. A few minutes after, I was surprised to see the girl, rolling my friend to the other edge of the bed and making a more at me. I told her to stop it as I was not in the mood and secondly because she was supposed to be my friend’s girl. But she just hissed and asked if I was serious with what I said.

At that point, I had no choice but to wake my friend and inform him of what his girlfriend was proposing to me.

But to my surprise again, he too told me to go ahead, did I not see that he had just finished his own, he asked.

Well that was how the girl, led me on and I found myself having sex, for the very first time. I was really scared and she sensed it because she kept asking if it was my first time. I did not want to confess for the fear of my friend hearing it, so I just kept quiet and tried to do the best I could. I enjoyed it because the girl was quite experienced and knew what to do. It was exciting, especially when I ejaculated. After, I laid there for a long time, I could not sleep, thinking that I had done a terrible thing to either my friend or the girl. Surprisingly, the next day, my friend just waved the whole thing aside, he refused to talk about it and the girl too just dressed up and went away. For a few days, I was really filled with guilt. However, something more serious was also happening to me. I discovered I could not pee. It was very painful and I automatically found myself screaming. It was a relief when I could finally do it. I knew I was in serious trouble but did not know what to do. In fact, at that time, I did not know that it was Gonorrhoea, but I knew something was wrong with me which must be connected with what I had done recently because that was the only thing I was doing for the first time. I also did not want to tell my friend, because I did not want to incur more embarrassment from what had already happened. So, I went to the only back up for support and advice I had, my older brother.

He was six years older than me and still remains my back up till now. I ran to him whenever there was a problem I couldn’t fix by myself. Even though he would still call me stupid boy and all that, but he had always been there for me. He asked if I’d had sex and with whom. I confessed to him who it was and how we’d done it. He asked if my friend was also going through the same thing and I said I didn’t know because I didn’t ask and would not like to ask him. My brother then told me that what I’d contracted was Gonorrhoea and that my friend and the girl would have to be treated too. He then proceeded to give me a full lecture on sex. If you must, protect yourself by using a condom. So, the good thing I learnt from the experience was the use of condoms and I have stuck to it ever since. With the help of my brother, I was treated. I don’t know if my friend contracted it also, because he did not tell and I did not ask either.

Pheww!! Do have a wonderful weekend!!

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—37

BY FRED IWENJORA

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any reasons have been proffered as to why there is executive non performance in the local government system in Nigeria.

While some have blamed low funding believed to be caused by the non autonomy of the LGA system which they claim reduces the powers of the Chairman and his officers to whims of the state Chief executive, some others have blamed the ravaging recession as well as other sundry reasons as why life at the local government level is very low.

It has even become a cliché that subventions and allocations to the LGAs are only for payment of salaries only. .

However, rather than join the bandwagon of executive complainants who defend their abject non performance in the Local Government system in Nigeria, Honorable Monsuru Obe, Executive Chairman Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, one of the 57 in Lagos is singing a new and different song and changing the paradigm.

Obe seems to be in a great race to deliver his own dividends of democracy to his constituents than giving excuses and anything else thereby breaking a record in Nigeria’s history. In just about sixty days after his swearing in ceremony, he has constructed three roads, built two health centers and roaring to add three schools to the achievements before he marks his first 100 days in office.

In a chat while supervising one of the numerous road construction projects he spoke on what drives him and why he is in a haste to deliver.

You seem to be in a great haste since your swearing in ceremony? You are hardly in

Lagos Council Chairman breaks record, builds three roads, schools, Health Centre in two months fulfill my promise as soon as possible without delay because time is of great essence. I am not one to give excuses for not keeping promises. So you are correct if you say I am in haste. I must visit the health centers under construction or the schools and the roads daily for personal supervision. I have been running a very tight schedule these days.

•Monsuru Obe the office except for meetings…

Yes, I agree. I am in a haste to deliver on my manifesto. I had told the electorate during my campaign that I would do this and that. It was a promise clearly stated and circulated. I know that a promise is a debt which I must pay.

I also believe that I must begin to

But they say LGA allocations are only for salaries…?

That is what they say but I disagree. My experience as Vice Chairman of Ejigbo under Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan opened my eyes about what leadership at the local government level is all about so I came very prepared and experienced on how to deliver on my manifesto. I see governance as a God given opportunity to serve the people and no time should be wasted while doing the job. The masses have been enduring for long so wasting time on the saddle is uncalled for.

Prudent and strategic management of the so called low

funding is the crux of the matter.

You have to be very prudent in allocating the resources. Again the determination to get things done no matter all the odds is another factor. Where there is a will there must be a way.

What informed your choice of the locations for the roads, the schools and health centers?

It was strategic thinking.

Population of residents keeps increasing that we reasoned that more schools and health centers are necessary so that pupils don’t have to trek so far to school while health care won’t be far to get for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children especially.

For the roads, we thought about the most strategic roads to link up with ease. The stretch of Mosalashi road linking up to the NNPC road is strategic just like the Rafiu Tijani is important to link up with the famous busy Egbe road in the LCDA. We have also done some palliative activities on state roads to make it passable until ongoing work gets there.

Help! Our step mother is holding our sick father hostage – children of septuagenarian

By Esther Onyegbula & Chizobem Eze

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major family crisis was, yesterday, averted by the police in Lagos after the biological children of ailing septuagenarian, Alhaji Shanshudeen Labinjo, made attempts to take him to hospital for treatment but their step mother resisted by locking all exit and entry points to their residence.

The lingering family crisis which reported led to a face off at their Number 18, Bashua Street in Somolu area of the state, yesterday, resulted in both the step mother, children of the septuagenarian and his relatives attacking each other openly.

When all efforts by the children to take their ailing father to hospital were allegedly rebuffed by their step mother who reportedly placed their residence under lock and key, they had to invite the police at Alade division to help them gain access to the h o u s e .

Vanguard learned that when they stormed their father ’s residence, a guard at the gate stopped them from gaining access to the building claiming that nobody was inside. The visibly rattled children of the old man who suspected foul play however, insisted on gaining access but the guard persisted.

It was gathered that Policemen that accompanied them to the house also advised against forceful entry into the house.

•The building

Speaking with Vanguard, one of the sons to the old man, Okiki Labinjo alleged that the whole ugly development was masterminded by their step mother whom he claimed has been holding their sick father hostage without reasons. He said: “My father has been sick for a while now. Each time we made attempt to take him to the hospital, his wife, Funke, would not allow us. Each time we come to the house, we can’t go beyond the gates let alone see our father.

“For months now, none of his children or extended family has been allowed to see him. He has loss of memory. Because of his health issues, there was a time my

father wanted to jump from the second floor of the building. She would bring thugs and policemen from anti-robbery squad to harass and threaten us.

They went ahead and arrested my elder brother, Lukmon who was fighting to take our father to the hospital.

“Right now, all we want is to have access to our father so that we can, at least, take him to the hospital so that he can have access to proper medical care,” he added.

Lamenting, Engineer Kamal Labinjo, the immediate younger brother to ailing Alhaji Labinjo revealed that “we have made arrangement several times to take my brother to the hospital but, his wife has refused any member of the family to see him let alone take him to the hospital.”How can she deny his children and family access to see him •The sick even while he is septuagenarian sick? This is so u n f a i r .

“For goodness sake, she doesn’t have a child for my bother. When she moved in to live with my brother, she came with three children she had from her previous marriage who my brother trained. We don’t understand why she is refusing him medical attention

after all he has done for her and her children. Can you imagine that it is one of her sons from her previous marriage that is controlling my father’s estates and properties located in different places in Lagos, while his biological children are left with n o t h i n g .

“She is using the police force to threaten and harass any family member that comes looking for Alhaji. Even his friends from the central mosque where he worships are forbidden to see him. The police at Alagbon have been compromised, anytime there is an arrangement to take Alhaji to the hospital At a point we had to write a petition to Police Service Commission,PSC, and to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in Abuja after his Muslim brothers pleaded that we should i n t e r v e n e . ” Questioning the motive behind refusing Alhaji Labinjo access to adequate healthcare, the Convener of Jashable Touch, a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Mrs Favour Benson said that it was unjustifiable for a sick person to be locked up. “Why should a sick person be locked up inside the house and not taken to the hospital? How on earth do you prevent the children and relatives of a sick person from having access to him?”

Efforts by Vanguard to speak with their step mother failed as she could not be seen during the period the standoff lasted and the guard refused to give out her telephone number.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

NNPC Assures of Petroleum Products Supply Nationwide

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated its commitment to ensuring copious supply of petroleum products across the country to aid hitch-free movement of motorists during and beyond the Festive Season.

The Corporation noted this following reports of threats by the Lagos Chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to withdraw its services in Lagos and its environs sequel to alleged discrepancies in ex-depot prices,

among others.

In a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the Corporation clarified that the Ejigbo Satellite Depot was fully stocked and carrying out regular loading services.

The Corporation further explained that the Ejigbo Satellite Depot had consistently dispensed premium motor spirit (petrol) at the approved price of N133.28 per litre contrary to allegations that it was sold at a higher price.

It said there was enough petroleum products in the country to last till the end of the year and that 25 vessels laden with petroleum products were also being expected to berth between now and January 2018 to further boost supplies.

The Corporation, therefore, urged members of the public not to entertain any fear or engage in panic buying of petroleum products as there was enough to keep the country well supplied.

It stated that the appropriate government agencies have been contacted to settle the rift between IPMAN and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA).

Hungary Eyes Nigerian Crude Oil, LNG …As NNPC Collaborate on Medicine, Manpower Development t a time that international crude A oil market is getting more competitive, the Hungarian

Government has indicated interest to purchase crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria.

The Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Professor Gabor Ternak, who disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, Tuesday in Abuja, said the decision to import crude oil and LNG from Nigeria was informed by the need to bridge the current supply gap being experienced in Hungary.

“Hungary depends on oil importation to serve its energy needs as the country is non-oil producing.

We want to diversify our sources of crude oil and LNG import and we are considering purchasing these products from Nigeria,” Ambassador Ternak stated.

He said the Nigerian crude oil would be of great help to Hungarian Refineries involved in large scale commercial refining.

The Hungarian envoy stated that Nigeria could also leverage on the bi-lateral relationship with his country by engaging the services of Hungarian firms that specialize in repairs, maintenance and building of refineries as well as medical services.

He said that Hungarian universities with many years of oil and gas engineering expertise, could assist Nigeria in the areas of capacity building of oil workers.

In his remarks, the NNPC GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that the Corporation had commenced tendering process for the selection of the 2018 crude oil off-takers, adding that Hungarian companies

could utilize the opportunity by participating in the exercise to maximize value from direct purchase, rather than going through a third party.

“If you don’t participate in the tendering process, you would have to buy the products from one of the traders. However, if you participate with companies and refineries that meet our requirements, they could be shortlisted as off-takers,” The GMD averred.

He explained that Hungary could purchase LNG through “spot cargo,” an arrangement in which excess production is given to registered off-takers with the Nigerian Liquified Natuaral Gas Limited (LNNG).

“Normally, gas business is a long-term business and NLNG is not different, we already have existing 20-year contract that will expire by 2022. Nevertheless, we have what is called “spot cargoes”, when there is excess production,

and the current contractors have gotten there share as enshrined in the contract, the excess production will be given to registered off-takers in the system,” Dr. Baru averred.

He said Hungarian companies could submit their profile to NLNG for possible engagement as off-takers of spot-cargoes after meeting the standard requirements.

The NNPC GMD stated that works on refurbishment of the Corporation’s refineries through original builders of the plants had commenced and that the Hungarian firms with requisite expertise could be considered through subcontracting by the main contractors.

He said that NNPC through its subsidiary institution, the Nigerian Leadership Academy (NLA), would look into possible areas of collaboration with the Hungarian Universities for in-country capacity building of oil and gas workers.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru (right), in a warm handshake with Hungarian Embassy Hon. Consul, Mr. Endre Deri, as Ambassador, Prof. Gabor Ternak, watches with keen interest during their visit to the NNPC GMD in Abuja recently.

Baru Clinches Forbes Oil & Gas Man of the Year Award contributions to the development of the sector, and have caused sustained stability of the economy in which they operate.

In arriving at the choice of Baru, Forbes noted Baru has added a major laurel to his that it had followed with keen interest the rising growing list of profile and impressive career honours since path of the NNPC GMD assumption of through the years. office following “For these and other his recent landmark achievements nomination as the which you have recorded Forbes Best of throughout your enviable Africa Oil and career, your nomination Gas Man of the for this prestigious Year 2017 Award Forbes 2017 Award has by the New York been approved by Forbes b a s e d Custom’s Award internationally Committee. This Award reputable media will be conferred on you by organization.

Forbe’s Mark Furlong.”

The news of the It also noted that the nomination of Dr. award ceremony Baru for the would be prestigious graced by award was doyens of conveyed to the t h e Corporation via international a letter dated oil and gas October 11, 2017 •Dr. Baru, Last business and signed by week, delivered the community, Mark Furlong, 40th Pre-convocation p o l i c y President, Lecture of ABU makers, C u s t o m s entrepreneurs, Solutions politicians, Media, on behalf opinion leaders, among others. of Forbes Media.

In his 18-month stewardship thus far as chief Forbes, in the document, informed of the NNPC, Dr. Baru has received that the Award was given specially executive awards and accolades affirming his to top oil and gas personalities who many qualities. have made far-reaching and positive leadership These awards include: the PETAN

he Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum T Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti

Appreciation Award for the promotion of the growth of Nigerian Companies and Entrepreneurs in the Petroleum Industry; the PETAN 2017 Oil and Gas Industry Award in recognition of the Corporation’s aggressive exploration campaign in the Benue Trough and the Chad Basin, as well as the Diamond Award in recognition of NNPC’s support and contribution towards the success of SPE’s Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) 2017, among others.

Dr. Baru, a First Class honours graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Mechanical Engineering, who also won Shell BP Petroleum Prize for the Best Final Year Mechanical Engineering Student and the Lever Brothers Prize for the Best Final Year Mechanical Engineering Investigation Project at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1982, is a Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE); Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FNIMechE); Fellow, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSChE); Fellow, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHAssociation) UK; Honourary Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineering Technicians; Honourary Fellow, Nigerian Environmental Society (FNES HON); Honourary Fellow, Nigerian Metallurgical Society; Fellow; Institute of Chartered Mediators and Arbitrators (ICMA).

He is also Member, Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN); Member, Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) and Chairman of the NGA Advisory Board; Member, Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD); Member, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN); and Honourary Member, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), among others.

ATIKU:

Nobody should play God

By Richard Akinnola

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he book of Esther in the Bible is quite instructive of how God changes situations against man’s expectations.

We read how, in a move of divine displacement, Vashti, the Queen, behaved out of character and was replaced by Esther, a foreigner. And we also read of how Haman, who was like the all powerful Chief of Staff to King Ahaeserus had planned to guillotine Mordecai, who was an ordinary gate man because he refused to kowtow to him.

But by a divine orchestration, the King opened the book of remembrance and discovered that Mordecai had previously foiled a coup against him and it was unreported. That was Mordecai’s turning point. He was promoted to the office being occupied

by Haman, who wanted to exterminate him and Haman was hanged with the same guillotine he had prepared for Mordecai.

The lesson of this is that God has a plan for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you were qualified for that position or you have lots of shortcomings.

If God could use a fugitive, stuttering murderer called Moses to liberate His people from Egypt, He can use anyone to accomplish His purpose.

Doyin Okupe said in early 2015, with an air of finality that Buhari would NEVER be president of Nigeria. The rest, as they say, is history.

So, when people like Amosun boast that some people would never be Ogun governor, remind him that Yahaya Bello was not in the equation of who became governor of Kogi. Abubakar Audu was winning, just waiting for the formal announcement of his victory before he suddenly died. You would have thought that his running mate would naturally step in. But it never happened.

When people like Obasanjo begin to play God that someone would never be president when he is alive, remind him that he was about to be killed by Abacha but rather, God took Abacha away, brought in General Abdulsalami who released OBJ from prison. But OBJ, without personal money to his name at that time (though now a billionaire) was brought to the throne Abacha once occupied, just like Mordecai and Haman. It was God at work.

Don’t ever play God by saying never, because your thoughts are not H i s thoughts.

ATIKU

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—39

NULGE Verdict: Council Boss lauds Ugwuanyi on payment of salaries and pensions

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he Transition Committee Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Hon. John Ezeh has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the recent verdict by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), which listed Enugu as one of the few states in the country that are “up-to-date in payment of workers’ salaries and pensions”.

The Committee Chairman said that the verdict demonstrated the governor ’s visionary and innovative approach to governance borne out of his commitment to the welfare of the workers and the need to reactivate the state’s economy for the common good of the people of the state.

A recent media report stated that “according to the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), 23 states of the federation currently owed workers arrears of salaries ranging from one to 24 months, adding that "only states like Lagos, Anambra, Enugu, Bauchi among others are said to be up-to-date in payment of salaries and pensions."

Reacting to the verdict, Hon. Eze added that Gov. Ugwuanyi deserves a wide commendation for his vision, innovation, accountability, fiscal discipline and sheer dexterity in managing the lean resources of the state, which he said made it possible for his administration to be up-to-date in payment of workers’ salaries and

come as a s t i l l surprise. execute This is numerous because massive your well development detailed and projects, peopledespite oriented t h e programmes nation’s anchored on economic Ugwuanyi development, good woes and the glaring fact that Gov.infrastructural governance, economic growth, Enugu State is third from the empowerment, urbanization, rural bottom of the federal allocation expansion, entrepreneurship, etc, chart. speak volume and clearly show that He stated that Gov. Ugwuanyi has governance in Enugu State hasn’t written his name in gold as a great only been seamless but very achiever and visionary leader pragmatic, robust and progressive. whose purposeful and uncommon “We are therefore not in doubt of leadership style has entrenched where we will be tomorrow. In our peace and good governance in the noble state, you have instituted a most state as well as brought enormous dynamic and purposeful leadership, goodwill that has restored Enugu’s creating the Enugu State of our pride of place as the historical dreams; the Enugu State we crave and capital of the South East region. the Enugu State we deserve”, the “Your Excellency, this well Chairman said. deserved verdict by NULGE did not

While appreciating the governor, on behalf of the people of Enugu North L.G.A for “the various developmental legacy projects Your Excellency and his team have executed in the council area”, he added that the ongoing reconstruction of the Ekochin-NgwoMiliken Hill-New Market road, which he said was 65 percent completed, goes a long way to attest to the governor ’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people of the area in particular and the state in general.

“In following your footsteps and leadership style, we in Enugu North have been able to initiate and complete some projects in Enugu North LGA within the short time we have been in office.

“There is the ongoing completion work on the Aguowo Health center, the ultra-modern Park and Shopping Mall at Aria market, the 1km road at IdumeHilltop community, Restoration of Power at Council Headquarters that has been without power for almost two years, Local Government intervention on the New Market-Military cemetery/Civil Defense Road, Local Government intervention at Abakiliki Road, GRA, Enugu, Commencement of supply of drugs to Health centers, among others.

“Thank you His Excellency for the enthusiasm and practicality you brought to bear on governance in Enugu State”, Hon. Ezeh further stated.

Need for OGFZ A to treat INTELS fairly

By Simon Jooda

T

he various measures that have been enunciated in recent times by the Federal Government particularly in the realm of rolling out of Executive Orders to eliminate difficulties in the Easy of Doing Business in all sectors of the economy and as such promote Foreign Direct Investment, FDIs, in Nigeria have undoubtedly, been very laudable and forward looking.

However, increase in the level of inflow of FDIs into the Nigerian economy, which should be the positive outcome of deliberate policies, could be a mirage, unless the agencies of government executing the measures carry out their assignments with sincerity and integrity, backed by the requisite political will. They must be seen to be fair and above board .Some of them have not lived up to this expectation.

For instance, the current unnecessary face off being orchestrated against oil and gas giant, Intels Nigeria Limited, INL, by the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, OGFZA, over various matters is portraying the Ease of Doing Business initiative in negative light and acting as a discouragement to the quest to attract FDI into Nigeria.

C M Y K

For the benefit of hindsight, a major issue of contention between the two parties is the refusal of OGFZA to renew the 2017 Operating License for Intels despite paying the licence renewal fee in full.The Free Zone Authority is insisting that INL has to pay all charges and fees demanded by it for the license to be released to INL. There are also issues of imposition of land charges on INL by OGFZA , nullification of INL’s Industry Wide Standard Tariff, IWST and other port related charges and the OGFZA management’s penchant for conveying to agencies and clients messages that are injurious to INL business interest and reputation and the non-payment for INTELS’ premises occupied by OGFZA at Onne and Heliconia Park Estate.

The consensus in the oil and gas sector is that INTELS 2017 operating license should be released to it in the interest of justice and equity particularly when it has paid the fee while other debts owed it should also be paid so as not to put its business in jeopardy.Lawfully,, since S. 14 of the Free Zone (Tariffs & Other Charges) Order 2015 exempts Concessionaires like INL from OGFZA’s charges , INL should be excluded from the payment

of lease charges.

Needless to mention that this development is quite unfortunate and antithetical to the government’s drive to attract FDIs into the country. It is indeed, a distraction and a source of discouragement to prospective foreign investors and the existing ones, who

Increase in the level of inflow of FDIs into the Nigerian economy, which should be the positive outcome of deliberate policies, could be a mirage, unless the agencies of government executing the measures carry out their assignments with sincerity and integrity, backed by the requisite political will.

have looked up to Intels as a model of a successful FDI. OGFZA being a government agency, its negative measures against INL have indeed been a paradox to the role it is expected to be playing in the implementation of the renewed efforts of the Presidency at attracting and boosting investments in Nigeria particularly in the oil and gas sector which is currently the mainstay of the economy.

It should also be realized that Intels, which founder is an Italian has overtime because of its accomplishments in Nigeria not just in the oil and gas sector but also in estates , concessioning projects and maritime , where it has in an enviable way , set up a model port in the country proved to be a very law abiding corporate entity which prospective and existing FDIs have looked up to.

Therefore, OGFZA and INL should urgently enter into discussions with a view to resolving the matters amicably.

Politics in whatever guise should be removed from the negotiations while fairplay and transparency must prevail for the interest of the country ’s economy. Otherwise, the current actions of OGFZA against INL cannot be said to be encouraging to foreign investors.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

BOOK Serialisation

Mountain of Yesterday embarrassment that Isioma had caused everyone that day.

Amina said she was not ready to face further humiliations from Isioma and it was better she returned to her house with her children rather than participate in the remaining items billed for the funeral. Once again it took pleas from Father Akaduchi to get Amina and her children to accompany them to the interment. ***** Father Akaduchi was summoned the next day by the Bishop of Awka diocese. He arrived at Awka before noon and headed

abomination. The scandal would be unimaginable.

If he opened up to the Bishop, he did not know how he would take it. The Bishop had held him in high esteem all these years and had proudly told anyone who cared to listen that he could leave any amount of money in the custody of Father Akaduchi and go to sleep.

He felt the Bishop would be devastated if he found out the truth. The priest concluded that he would rather keep hope alive— Amina could still get the payment within the next seven days. There was no need opening up the true situation now.

He informed the Bishop that he had been busy attending to the various conflicts arising from the funeral ceremonies in the village. He had hardly had

“Yes, I’ve taken aspirin.”

“The Lord is your strength . . . so, what’s the situation with the supplies?”

“Yes, I’ve given them all the uniforms.”

Father Akaduchi sat up. For the first time in days, his face beamed with optimism. He stretched forth his two hands to the heavens and then made the sign of the cross.

“Oh, glory be to God. . .” He turned back to her. “So, when are they making payment?”

Amina gazed at the floor in deep contemplation. “Honestly I don’t know yet. I haven’t heard from the principal.”

The smile began to disappear from the face of the priest, laying bare the furrows in his naturally broad jaw and forehead. “You don’t think they’ll pay next week?” he asked.

“I just can’t say for sure now until I hear from the principal.

But at least I’ve supplied all the

Amina began to walk out of the church and beckoned her children to follow

•Tony Nwaka Continues from last edition One of the mass servants promptly drew Father Akaduchi’s attention to the commotion that was building up inside the church. The priest stepped off the sanctuary and moved toward Isioma. But when he saw her ferocious outbursts and combative posturing in the hallowed temple of the Almighty, the man of God cringed as though he were standing before an incarnate of Lucifer.

Amina began to walk out of the church and beckoned her children to follow. Amuebie, Nonyelim and Afamefune all filed behind her. Nkiru and Isioma had started shouting at the top of their voices, and it took only the stern intervention of Father Akaduchi to calm frayed nerves. He asked them not to desecrate the spirit of the late Uncle Madu whose body was lying right before them in the casket at the end of the aisle.

After he had quieted the two wives of the deceased, the priest sent for Amina and her children—they had taken seats outside the church building. He apologized and arranged another set of chairs for them inside the church, alongside Nkiru. Although his sermon on that day dwelt extensively on reconciliation and forgiveness, the fiery glances from Isioma confirmed to Amina that the message had little or no meaning to the thick-set woman.

In two hours, the church service was over and as the procession began to make its way to the residence of Uncle Madu for the interment, Nkiru approached Amina and begged her to overlook the

that morning when Amina came calling. The cold glance she threw at Amina as she stepped into her office spoke to the new status of their relationship.

“Good morning, madam,” Amina said.

“Hmmm, good morning,” the principal mumbled. She barely raised her face from the file on her table.

“I’m sorry, madam, for all that has happened.”

The principal closed the file, pushed aside the papers and looked straight at Amina. “My dear, it’s not a question of being sorry. That can’t change anything. Now everybody is in trouble. I’ve been queried for engaging your services. The entire transaction has been suspended. No one knows where this is all heading.”

“God will see us through, ma.”

“Well, you better pray hard to that God because it will be a disaster if my thirty-year career goes up in smoke just like that.”

“God forbid.”

“Aha,” the principal sneered with contempt and looked away.

for the Bishop’s house. When he got there, a furious Bishop Augustine Igwedinoku was frantically pacing about the office in his gold-coloured priestly robe. He was a short, dark-skinned man of burly frame.

“What’s happening, Father Akaduchi?” the Bishop asked.

“Sorry, Your Grace. I have a little challenge.”

“What’s the problem? This is not the Akaduchi I know. I hope you’ve not opened the gates of your life to the devil.”

“No, Your Grace. Never. The mansions of my soul remain as fortified as ever,” Father Akaduchi said and made the sign of cross.

“Then what’s this smoke from the pits of hades I am seeing around you, Father?”

Father Akaduchi was torn between explaining the truth of the situation to his Bishop and continuing to keep the matter under wraps, hoping to buy some time in the process. But he knew that no matter the concession he was able to wring from the Bishop, it could never exceed the end of the month, which was just seven days away.

His mind wandered away.

What if Amina did not come through by then? The Catholic convention was coming up next month. The diocese could not afford to carry over unbalanced accounts into the national ceremony. That would be an

the time to sit and work on his books. He sought the understanding of the Bishop and asked that he be given the next seven days to put his records in order, promising to render the accounts by the end of the month. The Bishop acceded to his request but drew his attention to the implications of exceeding the deadline of month end.

Father Akaduchi returned to Ubo and headed for Amina’s shop. He got there and was told she had left for the house. It’s unlike her to be in the house at this time. I hope she hasn’t gone out of town. He needed some more assurances from her. In fact, not just assurances but stronger commitments to their seven-day target.

Luckily, he met her at home.

As Amina swung the door open to usher him in, she observed that he bore this unusual frown that was gradually settling on his countenance.

“Good afternoon, Father.”

“Afternoon, Amina. What happened? I have been to your shop,” the priest said and went to take a seat.

“Sorry, I had to leave early.

I have this headache that’s been making me feel dizzy,” Amina said. She took the seat next to him.

“Sorry. Hope you’ve had some medication?”

uniforms.”

“I’ve put everything I have on the line, Mrs. Ndukwe. If we don’t raise that money in seven days, then I won’t be worth more than a piece of rag before the world.”

Amina tapped her feet and wiped her eyes. She looked pitifully at Father Akaduchi.

“I’m sure God will make a way before then, Father.”

“Amen.”

Several minutes after Father Akaduchi had left the house, Amina leaned her head on her hand, wondering how to come out of the logjam. She knew the priest had taken a big risk by offering the assistance he did, and she did not want to put him in trouble. But the more she pondered on the situation the more it seemed unlikely that payment would be made in the next seven days.

She understood the processes of the civil service. Officials of the education ministry would have to first audit what she had supplied before the schedule officers would apply for release of funds. Ordinarily, the procedure would take about ten days, that was if all things were to be equal. But she knew that the circumstances surrounding the entire matter had been most unusual. If she was to meet the seven-day ultimatum, then she may as well begin to explore other options. ******************************************************* The principal was at her desk

With the comments of the principal, Amina knew well not to mention the issue of her outstanding payment. The principal had said that everything pertaining to the contract had been suspended pending the outcome of investigation. She knew from experience and the much she had heard that it would almost take eternity for the money to be released. And, realizing she had no godfather in official circles to speak for her, she simply resigned to fate. She made further apologies to the principal and left her office.

All that now bothered her was how to pay back the money she took from Father Akaduchi. As much as the contract with the schools had lifted her beyond the poverty line, she did not wish to delude herself that anything could still be salvaged from the arrangement—it was as good as dead. The only thing that mattered now was how to pay back Father Akaduchi’s money. ********************************************************* Amina got home, locked herself in and began to dwell on how to save Father Akaduchi from embarrassment. She knew that it would be tragic to lose out on both fronts; for, whilst her contract and integrity before the principal were as good as gone, she would not want to bring that same calamity upon the priest.

Continues next week

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—41

BOOK Serialisation

Mountain of Yesterday

Continues from page 40

She had explored all possible avenues for raising the funds and no hope seemed to be in the horizon. She then remembered the family land which they farmed—Udoka’s land that was inherited by Afamefune.

As Amina’s business had grown, she’d hired some men and women to cultivate the land for her. The people operated with little or no interference from her. They harvested, sold the produce and rendered account. They remitted profits to her on an agreed sharing formula of 6040. She allowed them to keep a higher percentage of the sales, having acknowledged the tedious work they did in the farm. Now she would have to sell the land. That was the only option left. In fact, how come the thought of selling the land never occurred to me?

But selling the land was not as simple a matter as it appeared. She remembered that the property was their distinct family identity on the soil of Ubo. To give away the land was like pulling their roots out of the community.

Apart from the embarrassment it would cause her and her children, the consequences on Afamefune’s future relations with his kinsmen could be devastating. The peculiar conservative culture of the people was still evident across the landscape. She was in that pensive mood when Amuebie returned to the house.

“Hiaaa! What’s the matter again, Mummy? You can’t continue like this o. You’re too young to get hypertension.”

“I want to sell the family land.”

“What! Why?” Amina stood and stared out the window, and for a while she was silent. Then she said, “That’s the only way we can raise money now.”

“What about the uniforms you supplied? Are they not paying the balance money?”

“They’ll pay. But nobody knows when.”

Amina narrated the situation to her daughter. She felt it was no longer necessary to continue keeping the truth away from her, for she had come of age and had to be kept abreast of developments within the family. Although Amuebie had expressed some reservations about the idea of selling the land, she too realized that they were left with no option in the circumstance.

They both agreed that it was proper they sold the land.

There would not be a problem convincing Afamefune and Nonyelim. Amina knew that once she and Amuebie agreed on any issue her other children almost always flowed along with them.

But it was not an easy sell when Afamefune and Nonyelim returned from school. Amina saw that the usually pliant Afamefune was resistant to the idea. He was vehement in his objection to selling the land, arguing that it would mean he had no stake in the community.

Nonyelim rose to his defence, stressing that it was important they gave due consideration to Afamefune’s position as a male

member of the family.

The situation was literally deadlocked until their mother reminded them that it was the only way to ensure that even Afamefune and Nonyelim were able to pick up their admission into the university. They had sat for JAMB exam some months back and had both secured admissions into the university that week. They would need to make substantial payments for registration and accommodation. Whilst Afamefune took the exam as a fifth and final year secondary school student, Nonyelim sat and passed the exam from Class Four.

Grudgingly and reluctantly, Afamefune and Nonyelim agreed to the plan to sell their family land and the entire farm produce that had matured for harvesting.

Meanwhile, Nkiru came that evening to visit the family. “My sister, I hope you’re doing fine with the children,” she said.

“Well, God has been faithful,” Amina said.

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I just don’t know how I can repay your kindness,” Nkiru said and folded her hands.

“It’s OK, my sister. To God be the glory.”

“I heard about the difficulty you’re having receiving payment for the school uniforms. God will see you through.”

“Oh, it’s OK. I’ve left the whole thing to God,” Amina said and grinned.

“My sister, the Lord is your strength. I actually over-heard Isioma talking about it. You know she’ll always speak very loud whenever there’s something bad she wants me to hear,” Nkiru said.

“What was she saying this time?”

“Of course she was rejoicing.

Ekwensu! She said she knew that the gods of the land would eventually catch up with you.

But I know that it is she that the God I worship will catch up with and punish.”

“Don’t mind her. My destiny is neither in her hands nor the hands of the gods she worships.

Try to ignore her, my sister.”

“Of course, I’ll always pretend I don’t hear what she’s saying.”

“I hear that some of the

chiefs, too, are mocking me.

Well, it’s OK. But they should know they’re not God.” “I never knew that people could be so heartless. My sister, we just have to be careful with them.” ************************************************ Afamefune and Nonyelim set out for school the following month. He would study history while Nonyelim went for economics, both at the University of Lagos. Amina had duly settled her debts to Father Akaduchi, and used the remaining proceeds from the land sale to offset commitments toward the university admission of her two children.

Nonyelim was given accommodation at the popular Moremi female hostel.

Afamefune was not officially accommodated. Although new students were usually given preference in accommodation slots, he failed to fill the relevant forms for allocation and, therefore, lost the opportunity to secure an official space. He ended up squatting at Mariere Hall, popularly known as Baluba, with one of the boys he had struck a friendship with during registration.

During his first few days in school, Afamefune spoke with their mother virtually every day on phone. She had installed a land line at her shop, and Amuebie had noted

Amina knew that once she and Amuebie agreed on any issue her other children almost always flowed along with them

that if they took an inventory of the calls on the new phone, Afamefune would rank as the most frequent caller.

He had told them that right from the gate to the school bookshop, the apian way with its palm trees looked like the streets of Los Angeles. The senate building stood at the heart of campus like the skyscrapers on Broad Street, Victoria Island. The ambience was further colored by the numerous oyibo students and lecturers bouncing about the place.

Virtually all the affluent Nigerians had their children in the school: the Tejuoshos, Okoyas, Aikhomus, Animashauns, Ransome-Kutis, Mbanefos, Bakares, Danjumas.

Although the spawn of these families were easily distinguished by their Mercedes and BMWs, practically everyone on campus walked with a stuck-up air of importance—even those he later discovered were no better than his relatives in Ubo. Afamefune had called again that day complaining about the boys he was staying with—they were five in the room. He informed his mother that, apart from the fact that they were heavy smokers and always returned to the room drunk, he was beginning to suspect they belonged to one of the secret cults on campus. He also raised issues with the food.

They were not like the native food he enjoyed so much at home.

Nonyelim, in her case, reported that she was settling very well into the routine of the school. She had made new friends, many of who were from wealthy homes. As such she had not spent much from the pocket money her mother gave her.

She said her generous friends were taking care of her feeding; she would be spending her money mostly on books and other instructional materials.

She however raised the issue of the numerous big men who drove into the school at night to hunt for girls. The car park was turned into a market place of sorts at night. She hinted that her hostel, Moremi Hall, was the most notorious of them all.

Amina replied them both and asked that they focus on their

studies and not be distracted by the social life on campus. She implored them particularly to stay away from the numerous beaches and other swimming places in Lagos. Her phobia for swimming had made her to discourage her children from going near water, no matter how shallow the depth. Over the years, she deliberately had not allowed her children to learn to swim. Besides her upland background, she had seen the deaths of many young boys and girls who had gone playing in local streams and ponds.

But Afamefune’s problem was a little peculiar. He could not cook and had not bothered to learn because that duty was discharged at home by his sisters.

“Afam, it means you just have to look out for canteens with better quality food,” his mother had said.

“Mummy, that’s extra cost for me. My allowance will be gone before the month end,” Afamefune replied.

“It’s OK. I’ll see how I can augment your pocket money.”

“As in seriously, Mum?” “Of course, I don’t want you to come home looking like a skeleton.”

“Yeah! That’s my Maama.”

“It’s all right. Let’s talk some other time. I’m rushing to Awka. Today is the second sitting of the panel on the school uniforms.”

“Ewo! What are they saying?”

“Well, I don’t know . . . until I get there. I’ve left everything to God.” “Mummy, God shall see you through. Nothing will happen.”

“It’s OK, my son. We will talk later.” ************************************************* Chief Edordu had gathered with the elders at his residence to begin preparations for the New Yam Festival. Since the death of Chief Obodo a year before, he had become the new head of the council of elders.

“There must be something special about that Hausa woman,” Chief Edordu said.

“How do you mean?” Chief Ikuku asked.

“Nekwa! You didn’t hear how her case with the schools ended? Hmmm . . . they’ve directed the chief inspector of education to pay up all her outstanding claims and also renew her contract. They said she had never failed in doing the contract, and that in spite of the general scarcity of materials, she still supplied the uniforms,” Chief Abala said.

Chief Ikuku flashed a surprised look across the place.

His mind would always go back to his bush meeting with the late Chief Madu. He had continued to wonder why all they had done had not accomplished the desired result. Although the experience was beginning to pale in his daily contemplations, his face would contort any time the name of Amina was mentioned.

“Don’t tell me you’re serious,” he said.

“Is it only that? I hear Senator Ibezim has asked her to come and contest for the chairmanship of the local government council under their party, NLF,” Edordu said and gave a grimace that magnified the deep creases around his mouth and brow.

Continues next week

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

I

By Sufuyan Ojeifo

n a democracy, the relationship between and among the three arms of government are constitutionally circumscribed. The powers of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial arms of government are provided for in sections 4, 5 and 6 respectively of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended 2011). These set the limits to which each arm can go within the ambits of governance process and exercisable powers.

Indeed, interactions and interdependence between and among the arms of government are subject to the principle of checks and balances.

The essence of this is to guard against arbitrariness and/or abuse of powers.

From the outset, the management of the relationship between the executive and the legislative arms has been trickier and more critical than the management of the relationship between these two arms of government on the one hand and the judiciary on the other hand.

Whereas the executive and the legislature, whether at the federal, state or local government levels, interact largely on ad-hoc basis to realise their core mandates, the relationship with the judiciary is guided by and grounded in the letter and spirit of the constitution. Interrelationship is largely legal rather than political.

And, because of the ad-hoc nature of political and governance interactions, the executive at the federal level has traditionally emplaced a machinery of liaising with the legislature in a deliberate effort to ensure strategic linkages, communications and consultations aimed at realising the goals and objectives of public policies.

The appointment of a presidential liaison officer (PLO) in 1999 by President O l u s e g u n Obasanjo was in furtherance of the tradition that began in the second republic. However, the appointment of Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam, strategic as it was, did not quite achieve the ultimate purpose of building synergy between the Executive and the National Assembly.

Kashim-Imam operated at a time that Obasanjo was up in arms against the leadership of the National Assembly.

He was expectedly fingered in the plot to remove Senator Chuba Okadigbo as senate president and for which reason he was declared persona nongrata in and around the premises of the National Assembly. Although, he operated from his home/office on Aso Drive, the essence of his liaising job was defeated as he could not link the executive with the legislature in fraternity.

The era of Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, was somewhat much better.

Having been in the senate before his appointment, Abba-Aji was to deploy his goodwill, legislative experience and connections to maximum effect.

He was on course until his boss, former President Umaru Yar ’Adua took ill and became incapacitated.

Abba-Aji acted in protection of the

Of Presidential Liaison Officers and ExecutiveLegislature Relationship the executive and the legislature in such a way as to build a political culture that would have placed national interest over and above personal interests in the consideration of executive bills by the legislature.

This strategic link has either been missing or weak. Therefore, the executive has always ended up suffering cold shoulders from the legislature due to lack of capacity of the implementing and liaising agency of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters.

The office is not able to properly guide, advise and direct good actions to prevent and eliminate unnecessary frictions, suspicions or even shenanigans.

In the performance of these strategic functions, the

•President Olusegun Obasanjo

strategic political interest of some cabals in the north by not submitting the letter by Yar ’Adua, transmitting power to the vice president (Goodluck Jonathan) to act as president while he (Yar ’Adua) was away. His action might be seen as promoting the overall northern interest in terms of power location, it was clearly against the provisions of the constitution on what should happen in such circumstances.

Perhaps, the best era was Senator Florence Ita-Giwa’s. She was able to deploy her experience and feminine dispositions to bear on interactions between the National Assembly and the Presidency. There were no issues that were too difficult to resolve.

There was mutuality of respect, which was quite evident in the signing of many bills into law by the President.

Relationship between the two arms of government which was hitherto characterised by disagreements became much less frosty.

Whereas, frosty relationship has over the years resulted in delayed consideration and passage of the annual appropriation bills; it has, overall, negatively affected socioeconomic and political development.

Politically, there has been a lack of robust political engineering between

presidential liaison officers are not supposed to throw their weights around, trying to intimidate, bully or force the legislature to accept the whims and caprices of the executive arm. They are not to demonstrate sheer overzealousness in the conduct of their assignments as it seems to be the case, currently, where presidential liaison officers recklessly flaunt their presidential badges at meetings where they make derogatory comments aimed at, perhaps, ridiculing the legislature.

Former membership of the National Assembly should be an asset to strengthen relationship and understanding and not to denigrate the offices of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as the situation now seems to suggest. Besides, they should know that they are no longer members of the National Assembly but employees of the President and therefore, it is not in their

place to disrespect protocol by egregiously attempting to hijack the responsibilities that are outside the purview of their offices.

During the recent budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential liaison officers practically took charge of the protocol, which is the responsibility of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA). The CNA usually takes charge and directs both the ceremony and protocol of budget presentations in joint sessions.

There are feelers that the development did not go down well with the political and administrative wings of the Legislature.

This kind of ill-feelings should not be allowed to fester otherwise the much-sought after peace and harmony between the Executive and the Legislature may suffer some setbacks. It must be stated that the budget presentation is non-partisan but national engagement and the best way to relate with the reality is to allow the non-partisan administrative wing of the legislature under the headship of the CNA to perform its responsibilities at all times.

Presidential Liaison Officers, in the order or protocol, have nothing to do with budget presentation; rather, the CNA receives the President, ushers him into the chamber, introduces the presiding officers and thereafter receives and helps the President to lay the budget document before the joint session of the National Assembly. It was, however, surprising that rather than see the CNA, Prince Mohammed Ataba Omolori stand by President Buhari to lay the budget, it was the overzealous Senator Solomon Ita-Enang that I saw. That was overzealous irresponsibility taken too far and it must not be allowed to repeat itself. After all, when the Appropriation Bill, as well as all other bills, is passed, the CNA will have to sign the clean copy or copies and transmit the same to the President for his assent, not the presidential liaison officer.

Mr Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, contributed this piece from Abuja via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017—43

‘Cake making has become work of art’ he Managing Director, Vienz Flavours, Vivienne Bassey has advised women entrepreneurs in the country to embark on personal development T in order to succeed in business and also compete favourably in a global

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Broll Property Group, Bolaji Edu; Managing Director, Crusader Sterling Pensions Nigeria Ltd, Adeniyi Falade; Managing Partner, Obara Realty Group, Joe Quinones; MD/ CEO, FMDQ Plc, Bola Onadele Koko; and Senior Vice President, Equity & Debt Capital Market, Stanbic IBTC Capital Ltd, Debo Adeosun; at the 2017 West Africa Property Investment Summit in Lagos.

Farmer s, Ar tists, designer armers, Artists, designerss among Orijin’s 100 influencers s part of its empowerment process for those 100 ‘Originals’ A qualified for Origin’s nationwide

online search for empowerment, Origin from the stable of Guinness Nigeria Plc. organised a factory tour for the 100 ‘Originals’ to see for themselves the blending process that gave birth to origin drink made purely from African herbs, even as they were unveiled for the first time.

The 100 ‘Originals’ also joined the brand ambassador, Reminisce as collaborators.

However, this marks the brand’s commitment to connect with consumers like never before in ways that is meaningful to customers by championing the brand’s mantra ‘Live Orijinal’. The factory tour was

designed to further immerse the Orijinals in rich heritage of ‘Orijin’.

Directed the one day-guided factory tour was Senior Brand Manager, Aurora Monyei alongside master herb specialists and blenders.

“The ‘Orijinals’ heralded from a social media campaign which was launched in October 2017 when the brand declared its intentions to collaborate with 100 Nigerians who are in touch with their roots, born in the street, spirited and live Orijinal.

The Orijinal 100 was created to collaborate and celebrate the richness of tradition and an originality that is evolving through time, and we believe that in our roots, our traditions lie in power to

write our story for the future.

In addition, Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Adenike Adebola at the influencers’ induction said, “We’re excited to announce our ‘Orijinal’ 100 and can’t wait to unlock the imagination that lives in these unique individuals. The ‘Orijinals’ are men and women from all works of life – designers, artists, farmers, celebrities, nurses etc. who are proud of their area and are charting a new path for their futures orijinally.

Expertly blended from root to bottle, Orijin was born on the streets inspired by the African tradition of herbal drinks but using the very latest techniques.

Improved Dell EMC PowerEdge sever boosts user operations

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ell EMC has announced its hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) portfolio that received substantial boost with the availability of HCI appliances on its newly designed PowerEdge servers.

With this latest PowerEdge server and its configuration, customers are assured of quality performance with a wide-range Dell EMC VxRail and XC Series appliances.

According to the President, Converged Platforms and Solutions Division, Dell EMC, Chad Sakac, “Customers transforming their IT are increasingly turning to hyperconverged infrastructure as an ideal foundation for simplifying IT today and for the future. With HCI designed as a softwaredefined infrastructure, achieving

ultimate performance and reliability lies on tightly engineering software with optimal hardware and its configurations. “Dell EMC’s turnkey, pre-integrated, tested and validated HCI appliances enable customers to simply stand-up and scale IT infrastructure, backed by trusted dependability and performance, to help IT organisations more easily meet the growing demands of their businesses.

Dell EMC now combines the simplicity, agility and scalability of its industryleading HCI portfolio with the power and flexibility of next generation servers.

The upgraded Dell EMC HCI appliance portfolio offers customers significantly faster access to applications and data

business environment especially in developing countries of Africa where entrepreneurs have to work it out before their business grow.

Vienz Flavours, a confectionery company where cake making has become work of art, competing favourably in the industry despite operational and environmental challenges in Nigeria.

In a chart with media men, Bassey said that the way forward for any business venture in the country is capacity building.

Bassey who had her first degree in English from the University of Uyo, a Masters in managerial psychology from the University of Ibadan as well as being a Chartered Personnel Manager, IPM and Chartered Marketing Manager, found her true calling and job satisfaction in creating very arty pieces of cakes and has created a niche for herself in the confectionery industry.

According to her, capacity building pushed the business the level it is today as history of cake baking in Nigeria is not complete without mentioning Vivienne Bassey.

Bassey who said that foundation helps business to thrive said cake making was not her first choice, but to open a restaurant because cooking had always been a passion for her since she was a kid.

Speaking further on the strength of technology on cake making, she said that cake making has gone away from the traditional way, “there is nothing traditional about cakes anymore, because these days people want you to model things they love, so if you are not embarking on training to deliver desired results you will lose relevance and gradually shake out of business.

“What I’m trying to say is that cake is arts, people can ask during anniversary to make cake to model a church building with a bible on it. Cakes are like architectural pieces which involve research before you can be creative.

Responding to industry challenges, Bassey said epileptic power supply is affecting the business as profit is channeled to diesel while cost of ingredients for baking is also on the high side.

tanks to higher core counts, faster clock frequency, more memory channels, resulting up to 1.7x more processing power and 62 percent higher internal bandwidth.

R-L President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association ( ASPMDA), Chief (Dr) Dainel.C. Offorkansi; Secretary General (ASPMDA), Nnamdi Ebuku; Importers Spokesman, Mr. Onyeka Agbausi, and Mr Paul Agbanusi at a press Conference Organized by Executive Members of (ASPMDA) on the unwanted activities of Chinese Business in the (ASPMDA) Market held in Lagos.

Cowbellpedia commended for demystifying mathematics he National Examination T Council (NECO) has commended Promasidor Nigeria

competition has considerably reduced the phobia for Mathematics among students across the country.

Limited for stimulating the interest “Mathematics, regarded as the of Nigerian students in soul of science, is dreaded by Mathematics through the most students’ declining Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools performance in the subject at the Mathematics TV Quiz Show, examinations conducted by major sponsored by Cowbell, the examining bodies; NECO and company’s flagship brand.

West African Examination Speaking to newsmen at the finals Council (WAEC)”. of the 2017 Cowbellpedia Uwakwe maintained that the Secondary Schools Mathematics Cowbellpedia initiative has Television Quiz Show in Lagos demystified the terror of recently, the Registrar, Professor Bay and Ruts unveils hospitality business Mathematics that has been Charles Uwakwe said that the killing the dreams of many students. He cited eady to offer the best quality service the figure for this year’s delivery among its competitors, Bay & Ruts, qualifying examinations an upscale corporate restaurant has as proof of the renewed commenced operation in Lagos. interest of a lot of students A sneak peek at the restaurant depicts in the subject. quality and class. Bay & Ruts will provide Compared to the services for corporate and outdoor events enrolment figures of combined with arrays of Nigerian traditional 27,000 participants in meals and exotic intercontinental dishes. The 2015 and 46,000 in 2016, restaurant will also provide guests with more 52,000 students intercontinental options and signature dishes participated in the 2017 as time goes on. nationwide examinations, According to the Managing Director, Ada out of which 108 moved to Mgbheahurike, Bay & Ruts hopes to take over the second stage, which is the restaurant and hospitality business by the Television Quiz Show offering impeccable and seamless services to with five of the students clients. having a perfect score of “We are here to revolutionize the business L-R: Marketing Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, 100 percent. of hospitality in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole Meanwhile, in the Mr. Paul Mba; Branch Manager Fouani Nigeria Ltd Abuja providing good foods from top notch chefs in breath-taking finals, Jesse branch,Mr Morhaf Ghazaly; Head of Clinical Services, Kuje Lagos” Uche-Nwichi of Gracel General hospital, Dr. Musa Ishaku; Chief Matron, Kuje General The official launch of the restaurant was well and International School, hospital, Mrs. Ike Okoli and Secretary, Kuje General hospital, attended by the general public and celebrity Rivers State and Munachi Tolulope Ajimobi, during LG Electronics CSR donation to Kuje chef Daniel Olurin.

Ernest-Ezefrom, Loyola General hospital FCT Abuja.

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Jesuit College, Abuja, emerged champions in the Junior and Senior categories respectively. For their feat, they were rewarded with N1 million each and an all-expense paid education excursion outside the country.

Oluwanifise Onafowokan of The Ambassadors College, Ota, Ogun State and Evans Owamoyo of Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, were the first and second runnersup respectively in the Senior category, while Oluwafemi Adeyanju of Jesuit Memorial College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Ezekiel Ekanem of Advanced Breed Group of Schools, Sagamu, Ogun State finished first and second runners-up in the Junior category.

The first and second runners-up for each category won N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Each teacher of the 2017 champions won N400,000, while those of the first and second runnersup received N300,000 and N200,000 respectively. Also, the winning schools won Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.

Speaking to newsmen outside the studio, the Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Anders Einarsson reiterated the commitment of the company towards education and assured that Promasidor will continue to support the academic development of Nigerian children.

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

LMC/La Liga par tner ship ‘ll partner tnership build solid foundation for Nigerian football — Adepoju

Arsenal face face Man Man Utd Utd Arsenal without Lacazette Lacazette without

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rsenal will be without club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette when they welcome Premier League rivals Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The France international was forced off at half-time in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over Huddersfield due to a groin injury and manager Arsene Wenger has ruled him out of the game against the Red Devils.

A hamstring problem also saw Alexis Sanchez substituted in the Huddersfield win but Wenger is more optimistic over his availability while Alex Iwobi (leg) could also be back in contention.

Arsenal have lost just one of their last five Premier League home games against Manchester United, winning each of the last two without conceding a goal.

The Gunners have not won three successive home league games against United since May 1991.

No side has won more Premier League away games at Arsenal than Manchester United (seven, level with Liverpool), while only Chelsea (four) have won more at the Emirates than the Red Devils (three).

Newcastle dare Chelsea at the Bridge

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ewcastle’s tidy start to the season has long since been forgotten now that they’ve only taken one point from the last 15.

They now face a Chelsea side who love nothing better than sending them back up north with their Geordie tails between their legs.

The Blues have beaten the Magpies on 15 occasions in the Premier League and the only team they’ve beaten more is Spurs (16 times).

Newcastle’s only win at Stamford Bridge came in May 2012 when Alan Pardew was in charge and when Papiss Cisse scored that goal.

It could be an historic night for Jonjo Shelvey too (if selected).

•Klopp

•Wenger and Mourinho

Brighton need to hold down Sallah

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hough their position in midtable suggests otherwise, Brighton have been guilty of not banking more points, especially at home.

They haven’t lost at the Amex since the first day of the season against Manchester City, but the Seagulls last win there was against Newcastle in September

and Monday night’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace was their fourth home draw on the spin.

That said, they’d probably take a draw here, not least because Liverpool’s rapid attack will pose the kind of questions they’ve yet to really answer in their inaugural season in the Premier League.

Klopp emerges as leading candidate for Bayern B

ayern Munich are increasingly confident of landing Jurgen Klopp if they decide to pursue the Liverpool boss, according to reports in Germany.

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by the Bundesliga side in October after a poor run of results – for Bayern’s standards – and Jupp Heynckes is currently in charge while they find a suitable replacement.

Bild claims that Klopp has been added to Bayern’s shortlist and is now one of four candidates to replace Ancelotti permanently. Heynckes is believed to be in the running along with Germany boss Joachim Low and ex-Dortmund

Ronaldo earns £308,000 per Ins am phot Instt agr agram photoo

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•Adepoju

he Real Madrid star is the highest-earning male on the planet when it comes to sharing sponsored photos on the social media site Cristiano Ronaldo earns a staggering £308,000 every time he posts a picture on Instagram, according to a new study. The Real Madrid superstar has 116 million followers on the social networking site, which centres on sharing pictures and videos. While Ronaldo’s feed mostly consists of pictures of his ever-growing family, the 32-year-old also shares a number of sponsored photos, promoting everything from a mobile phone and •Cristiano a protective case to a nutritional health drink.

coach Thomas Tuchel.

Liverpool’s defensive woes this season have led to some criticism from the media and fans, with questions being asked over the club’s recruitment.

And the report suggests that Bayern think that the pressure Klopp has come under may work in their favour if they look to land the former Mainz boss.

utiu Adepoju is a household name in Nigeria football. He played for the U-20 and the senior National teams. At club level he once played for 3SC of Ibadan. His trademark, was his aerial prowess which made him a constant danger in the opponents’ box. He scored many goals with his head was was nicknamed ‘ the Headmaster’ by his teeming fans.

After his early days in the local league, he moved to Spain where he retired in the early ’90s. Today, Mutiu Adepoju is the La Liga Ambassador in Nigeria. He spoke with Jacob Ajom. Excerpts: How is it like being a La Liga Ambassador?

Well a lot has happened since then. After one year of partnership between the La Liga and the League Management Company, things have been working quite well since uly last year that the MOU was signed. An office was opened in Abuja at the League Management Company office in Abuja. And since then things have been working. La Liga is here in Nigeria to help Nigerian football to grow. Part of what they have done is to take the NPFL All Stars team to Spain last year August. After that, so many other things like bringing coaches to train our own U-15 coaches and so many other things that are still coming.

The signing of Nigerian players by Spanish teams have been slow. What is responsible?

Yes it’s been slow because

Stat that pr prooves Salah’s impor importtance ttoo Liverpool

formerly, there was no tie between us and there was no league, now there is a league in place I am sure that in the long run a lot of things will be happening like seeing La Liga teams signing Nigerian players.

I believe with the relationship that has been built a lot will come out of it. We have not been able to build a strong youth development culture and with the La Liga coming here and helping us to build a solid youth development programme, our players who pass through this new system will be able to find it easy getting into La Liga teams in future.

Right now we have some Nigerians in the La Liga. Last season Ezekiel Bassey was taken up but he was not so lucky to tie down a shirt with Barcelona. We have another player, the young goalkeeper that has been invited to the Super Eagles, Francis Uzoho with Deportivo Lacoruna and we also have Kayode Olanrewaju with Girona. Things will get better with time.

What are the long-term benefits of this relationship between the LMC and the La Liga?

Part of the long term benefits is in youth development, as I said earlier. As you know the success of Spanish football is built around a robust youth development culture. Spanisah football is the best in the world today. I believe with the involvement of the La Liga in our league today, the sky will be the limit for Nigerian football.

Silva pens new Man City deal

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he Spanish midfielder has penned a new one-year deal at the club, who are •David currently threatening to run away with the Premier League Silva title David Silva has signed a new one-year contract at Manchester City, the club has confirmed.

•Mo Sallah The Egypt The Spain international, who international scored two has been at the Etihad Stadium in Wednesday’s win over since 2010, has put pen to paper Stoke City, maintaining his on a new deal that will keep him impressive form with the at the club until 2020.

Reds this season Silva has been in exceptional Mohammed Salah accentuated form thus far this season, with Pep his significance to Jurgen Klopp’s side after Guardiola’s side threatening to run coming off the bench to net a brace in away with the Premier League title.

Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Stoke City on He has provided eight assists Wednesday. and scored one goal in 14 league It was the third time in four games that the former appearances thus far; City have an AS Roma star found the net twice – all in November, eight-point lead from Manchester as the Reds continue their chase for the Premier United at the top of the table.

League title since 1990.

“I am so happy to have This term, he has been directly involved in 14 goals committed my future to City,” the for the Anfield giants in as many matches - a tally 31-year-old told City’s official that no other player in the Red’s ranks can match. website.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017 — 45

Can 'focused' on Liverpool amid exit speculation E

Griezmann issues Barca ultimatum

Emre Can

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ntoine Griezmann has 'asked' Barcelona to trigger his £87m release clause at Atletico Madrid.

The French forward is looking to resolve his future in a swift and efficient manner, which led him to issue an 'ultimatum' to the Catalan club, according to Don Balon.

Griezmann's preferred destination is the Nou Camp but he is looking for a guarantee of their interest.

If Ernesto Valverde's side are not prepared to stump up the fee, the 26-year-old will then move on to alternative options, including the likes of Manchester United.

Barcelona are thought to have cooled their interest slightly as Griezmann has struggled to match last season's form so far this term.

His return of six goals in 16 matches has coincided with Atletico's underwhelming performances.

The Madrid club trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by eight points and some fans have questioned Griezmann's commitment.

And the Catalan side have alternative options too, retaining a firm interest in Liverpool's Brazilian maestro Philippe Coutinho.

The extent to which Griezmann can return to his brilliant best could make or break Barcelona's willingness to pay his release clause.

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Real give up on De Gea, chase Courtois instead

e was within a whisker of joining Real Madrid in 2015 - and now it seems as though it's next summer or never if Manchester

•Griezmann

Bayelsa wins Gov Wike Wrestling Challenge

By Solomon Nwoke, Port Harcourt

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ayelsa state won the maiden Governor Nyesom Wike Wrestling Challenge which ended Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hallm of the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcout.

Bayelsa state, the home of wrestling in Nigeria dusted their opponents with a total of 17gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze medals to win the event.

Ondo placed second with 13 gold, four silver and five bronze while Delta with seven gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals came third.

Lagos state finished fourth with six gold, a silver and three bronze medals just as the host state Rivers were fifth with five gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

Kelvin Bibo of Bayelsa state, an Africa record holder, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist was a spectacular wrestler to behold as he showed class in his 86 kg weight category bout against Delta state’s Opiated Lucky in the final Five-time freestyle African champion, Amas Daniel (Bayelsa) defeated Ikechukwu (Bauchi) by technical superiority in the final of the 65kg.

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he biggest Athletics showpiece for the 2018 season, the Commonwealth Games, is just four months away, and Nigeria will do well to have a game plan for the quadrennial championship, which is already upon us as it were.

Seeing that 2018 is neither an Olympics nor World Championships year, Nigeria will be looking forward to participating in three championships (at senior level): the World Indoor Championships in March (which will serve as preparation for the Commonwealth Games), the Commonwealth Games, and the African Senior Championships, which will be hosted by Nigeria in August. The biggest of these three for Nigeria is the Commonwealth Games holding in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4 to 15.

The country has competed in 13 editions of the Commonwealth Games, starting with the 1950 Games held in Auckland, and Athletics has played a vital role in Nigeria’s medals haul at the multi-sport competition, even as the only medal won in 1950 was in Track and Field, where Josiah Majekodunmi won a Silver medal in the High Jump, making him Nigeria’s first ever medalist at an international competition across all sports.

It therefore goes without saying that Athletics as a sport ought to hold a revered position in Nigeria, and should enjoy the massive support and backing of the government, especially in terms of

mre Can has insisted that his mains on Liverpool as he is set to sole focus re enter the final six months of his current deal at Anfi eld.

Can, 23, made his 100th Prem ance for Liverpool on Wednesday ier League appearnight during the 3-0 win at Stoke.

However, with the Germany internat ional's contract expiring in June 2018, he has been linked with several European clubs including Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, who coul , Bayern Munich d sign him on a free transfer.

"Of course, I talk to Liverpool," lowing the win at Stoke. "Let's see Can told Spox folfocus is on Liverpool only right what happens. My now, and my agent takes care of the rest."

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Brig two points behind fourth-placed hton, Liverpool sit mier League, and Can hopes theyArsenal in the Prerun of five consecutive league gamcan continue their es without a loss.

"We could do better, but we are still in a good position," Can said. "Our goal is to reac again qualify for the Champions h the top four and Lea However, Can admitted that Live gue." able to catch Pep Guardiola's Man rpool will not be continue their impressive form. chester City if they "That they left it late again [in Wed Southampton], totally fits City righnesday's win over t now," Can said.

"City are just a step ahead.

Making a case for Athletics ahead of 2018 Commonwealth Games funding, considering that the numerous contributions of the sport can be traced to the preindependence era of our nation.

Athletics alone accounts for 66 of the 212 medals Nigeria has won at the Commonwealth Games as a whole, which is more than a quarter of the medals amassed by the country at the Games.

Athletics has won medals in every edition of the Commonwealth Games that Nigeria has participated in, save for the 1970 edition of the Games held in Edinburgh. Consolidating on Majekodunmi’s Silver medal in 1950, the sport produced 6 medals in 1954, won only 1 medal in 1958, and then won six medals again in 1966.

At the 1974 edition of the Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, four medals came from Athletics, then one Gold medal won in the 4x100m relay in 1982.

Track and Field’s biggest medal haul at the Commonwealth Games was recorded in 1990 in

Auckland, following the exploits of the likes of Yussuf Alli (Long Jump), Adewale Olukoju (Discus) and Fatima Yusuf (400m) who won Gold medals in their respective events.

This tally was maintained at the 1994 edition of the Games in

Athletics has won medals in every edition of the Commonwealth Games that Nigeria has participated in

Sinivie Boltic (Bayelsa state) did not have any difficulty in beating Simeon Christopher (Plateau) in the 125kg category.

Soso Tamara (Delta State) beat Wilson Oruwori (Bayelsa) in the 97kg final.

Ondo state’s John Emmanuel maintained his national title by beating Emeka Nwafor (Anambra) in the final of the 70kg category.

Amos Assazi Court (Rivers) beats Delta’s Tinupa Bello in the 74kg to emerge the national champion, while Firstman Victor (Bayelsa state) beat Prince Idabor (Enugu state) in the 61kg category.

Victoria, Canada, where Mary Onyali stormed to a Gold medal in the 100m, Silver in the 200m, before anchoring the 4x100m team to another Gold medal.

Obinna Eregbu won the Long Jump as well. The next time Nigeria came close to meeting this record was in 2006 (having won five medals in 2002) when the Track and Field team returned home with nine medals, and then won six medals at Delhi 2010.

Nigeria’s performance at the 2014 Commonwealth Games was a good one as Blessing Okagbare raced her way into the history books to become only the fourth woman in the history of the Games to win the 100m/200m.

She also set a Championship Record of 10.85s in the 100m, breaking the former Games Record of 10.91s set by Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Ese Brume also won a Gold medal in the women’s Long Jump; Tosin Oke won Silver in the men’s Triple Jump, while the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays teams claimed Silver in their respective events. Both Okagbare and Brume will be hoping for a successful defence of their titles come April, but one has to ask if the pair have received any support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in preparation for the Games.

Brume was Nigeria’s best Athletics performer at the 2016 Rio Olympics as she was the only athlete to qualify for the final of an individual event, finishing 5th

United goalkeeper David De Gea is to move to the Bernabeu.

The Mirror, citing reports in Spain, says Madrid president Florentino Perez "has sounded a warning to De Gea" that his club will move for Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois if a transfer cannot be achieved by then.

Madrid have not lost interest in signing Spain international De Gea despite their narrow failure to do so a couple of summers ago.

And the Mirror says Perez has "put a deadline on next summer to get the deal done," with Courtois firmly in their sights.

Recent reports said Chelsea were set to step up talks over a new deal for Courtois amid continuing Madrid speculation.

The Belgium international has less than two years left on his current contract but has indicated that he is content to leave the talking until the end of the season, sparking renewed interest from Madrid.

with a jump of 6.81m behind USA’s pair of Tianna Bartoletta and Brittney Reese, Ivana Spanovic of Serbia, and Germany’s Malaika Mihambo. All Top 4 finishers aren’t from Commonwealth nations, which means Brume still stands a chance of doing well in Gold Coast with the right support.

However, she would be contending with the likes of Great Britain’s Lorraine Ugen who finished 5th at the 2017 World Championships in London, Australia’s Brooke Stratton who was 6th, Canada’s Christabel Nettey who finished 3rd behind Brume in Glasgow, but now has a Personal Best (PB) of 6.99m and is ranked 5th on the 2017 world rankings, and a host of others.

Brume had an off performance at the World Championships where she was unable to qualify for the final of her event, but one wonders if anyone has bothered to find out the reason(s) for this decline in order to chart the right course ahead of the Games.

Time and time again we have witnessed government officials rushing to take credit when athletes perform well on the global stage, even in situations where little or nothing was invested in these athletes. How much is being invested in Nigerian athletes ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games?

Note: On last week’s piece titled ‘Minding the Gap in Nigerian Track and Field, I forgot to include Glory Alozie as one of Nigeria’s individual Olympic medalists, in the last paragraph of the story. The error is highly regretted.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Declare state of emergency on Nigerian sports •Ogba tells FG

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

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HE chairman of the Sen ate Committee on Sports, Sen. Obinna Ogba has charged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on Nigerian sports, without further delay.

Ogba who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after he led a team of his Committee members on an inspection tour of the facilities at the National Stadium decried what he described as a deplorable condition of the edifice.

He regretted that just few years after the 8th All Africa Games which was staged at the stadium, the entire complex has been left in a state of disrepair, a development he warned does not augur well for the overall development of sports in the country.

“Honestly, I am not impressed with what I have seen of this stadium, everywhere you go you will be greeted with one deplorable sight or the other. The toilet is nothing to write home about, the tartan tracks are completely worn out and the pitch has continued to wither away, the only place that can be managed in the real sense of the word is the dressing room.

“What surprises me is the manner those in charge of

Eagles must avoid 1994 mistake – Okpalla

By Jacob Ajom sports in the country are carrying themselves as if they have achieved so much whereas there is nothing to write home about. I think that time has come for the federal government to, without further delay, declare a state of emergency on Nigerian sports sector as nothing is happening there. And it is unfortunate.”

However, the lawmaker who was also a member of the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the executive and legislative arms of the government must sit down to fashion out ways on how to adequately provide the needed funds to the sports sector since it is obvious that whatever they get from the government cannot be enough to develop the sec-

Insurance FC: Edo govt sacks Ewere, appoints Bazuaye

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he embattled head coach of Bendel Insurance football club of Benin Roland Ewere has finally been sacked by the state government following reorganization of the team to reposition it for the next football season.

The Deputy Governor of the state, comrade Philip Shaibu disclosed this when he paid a visit to the camp of the team.

He said the state was no longer ready to harbour unproductive people, adding that Bendel Insurance is the only state team, and that it was overdue for promotion hence a slight change in the management crew.

“We are happy that we did not go on relegation last season, we needed to do things that will guarantee us a place in the coming season. I’m not saying that the last technical crew headed by Roland Ewere is not good, they really did their best. It is just that their best was not good enough to take us to the next level. It is normal in the game of football for teams to change their coaches when the people are no longer comfortable with their activities, especially an old team like Bendel Insurance.”

“We are poised to making sure that our team get the needed requirement that will make them excel next season.

The decision of the state government to carry out a minor reorganization in the team is

for a positive result. I will advise the new management to get serious because it would not be business as usual. Any person or player that is not ready to work would also be shown the way out. The governor is interested in results, so we must give him the results so that the efforts of the government are not wasted.”

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ormer Super Eagles as sistant coach, Sylvanus Okpalla is confident that, with the right attitude, the current Super Eagles squad could take the world by storm at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Okpalla who spoke with Saturday Vanguard Sport in a chat at his FESTAC Town residence, said “Eagles must avoid the mistake the 1994 squad to the World Cup in USA made. They must go there with the right attitude.

They must be positive in their approach to every match and see themselves as contenders for the trophy.”

The former Nigeria international said, “In 1994, Nigeria had one of the best teams in the world and were ranked 5th by FIFA. That would have given the players enough confidence to see Nigeria lift the trophy if the players saw themselves as potential champions.

“The mistake they made was that they did not believe in themselves and perhaps,

can teams of the past that did well at the world Cup without big name players. “In 1978, a squad of predominantly home-based players from Tunisia went to the World Cup and shook the football world after defeating Mexico 3-1, drew with Germany and lost 1-0 to Poland.

In 1982 the Algerian squad too was impressive just like the Cameroon squad of Italia '90 where they became the first African team to reach the quarter final of the World Cup. “Most of the Cameroon players then were in 2nd and 3rd divisions in France. What is required is good preparations.”

GOtv Boxing Night 13: Joe Boy promises Egyptian opponent hell N

igeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, who is billed to fight Egyptian Abdulrahim

Flamingoes off to Ethiopia

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never believed a black nation could win the World Cup. Their biggest problem was inferiority complex and that is what this present squad must do away with.”

He said he was happy with the level of unity in the team and warned, “this has to be translated on the field of play.

Football is team work. Eleven Messis or Ronaldos who are not playing as a team could be beaten by a team of eleven 'mechanics' who are playing for one another as a team.”

Okpala said with good home work, Nigeria could surprise the world in Russia.

“Coach Rohr must be very sensitive to who he includes in the squad and what role he assigns to each player in the squad. The players must know that sometimes what you play in the club differs from what you find in the national team. In most cases it does not work. The boys must learn to adapt quickly. But I think we have a team.“ He recalled the great Afri-

he U17 Women National Team, Flamin goes, will on Sunday clash with their Ethiopian counterparts in Addis Ababa in their first qualifying match for the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

On Thursday, Coach Bala Nikyu led a team of 18 players, technical crew, backroom staff and a couple of NFF officials out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight to Addis Ababa.

Tomorrow’s match will take place at the Addis Ababa Stadium, in the Ethiopian capital, starting from 4pm Ethiopia time (2pm Nigeria time).

Nigeria, which represented Africa at the world finals in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, drew a bye into the second round, while Ethiopia profited from the withdrawal of first round opponents Kenya.

The return leg will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Saturday, 16th December, with the winner on aggregate to proceed to the final round of qualifiers scheduled for February 2018.

Ahmed for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight title, has vowed to demolish his opponent when they clash at GOtv Boxing Night 13 on 26 December at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event will feature musical performances by Small Doctor, Falz The Bahd Guy, Reekado Banks and Simi.

Using a biblical allusion, Joe Boy said Joseph triumphed in Egypt despite the odds against

•Joe Boy

him. While noting that the fight is not in Egypt, Joe Boy said the triumph of the biblical Joseph is a pointer to the fact that he will have victory over the Egyptian.

“I know he is his country’s champion and also holds the Mediterranean title, but I will beat him to pulp. In the Bible, Joseph became big in Egypt. In Lagos, I will become big by winning the ABU title. I will do Nigeria proud. The Egyptian you will see that day, you will see no more after,” he said doctrinally.

On the same night, Nigeria’s Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi will aim for the ABU light welterweight title when he takes on Michael Odhiambo of Kenya. Another international title bout will see Nigeria’s Abolaji “Afonja Warrior” Rasheed defend his West African Boxing Union (WABU) title against Arye Ayitteh of Ghana.

Also lined up are national lightweight and light welterweight title fights. The latter will see Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde take on Chijioke “Painless” Ngige, while the former will feature Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu against Kehinde “Ijoba’ Badmus.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017 — 47

We can qualify from the group – Ighalo

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uper Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has said it is possible for the Eagles to qualify from the group if the team stick to their game plan.

Speaking on Supersport during the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup draw, the Changchun Yatai of China striker said, “it is possible we qualify from the group. We must stick to our plan and not underrate any team.

He noted that all the teams in the group which also has Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, Ighalo said, “All the teams are good. Iceland, for instance, played very well during the qualifiers. No team is going to be pushovers.

“They have very good players, we are a young team.

They will pick their best and we will pick our best. The better side will win,” Ighalo said, confidently.

However, the former Watford striker warned that Iceland will not be the whipping boys of this group.

“Iceland won’t be pushovers after what they showed at the last Euros, where they shocked out a team like England,” Ighalo warned.

Former Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen also expressed confidence the Eagles will go past the group stage.

“It’s do-able, especially if we could go past Croatia,” he said.

“We can’t afford to lose our first game.

“It will not be easy against Argentina again, but good enough we are not playing against them first.”

2018 World Cup: Eagles can better Argentina in Russia — Echiejile

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•Echiejile

Our opponents should be afraid of us – Chukwu

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ormer Super Eagles coaches, Christian Chukwu has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles have the personnel to see them through the group stage of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria is in Group D, alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland. But Chukwu, who

•Chukwu

AERIAL BATTLE: Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun leaps above his Argentine markers during the recent friendly in Russia, Nigeria beat Argentina 4-2

was part of the Nigeria technical crew to the 1994 World Cup with Nigeria said, “it is a nice group. We have a very good team and I am not afraid. I think, our opponents should be afraid of us.”

Chukwu was reminded that Argentina that lost in a recent friendly to the Eagles would want to come out for vengeance. He said, “The World Cup is a different ball game. They will come out with their full squad. We too will come out with our full squad.

It is not going to be easy for either side. That is not to say the Eagles are inferior to them.

“Football is growing all over the world and there are no more big names to be afraid of. We are equally good,” Chukwu said.

uper Eagles and Sivasspor of Turkey left back, Elderson Echiejile says he’s confident that Nigeria will make it from Group D ahead of Argentina.

The Turkey-based defender, Elderson Echiejile spoke to Brila.net immediately after the final World Cup Draw in Moscow yesterday.

The Super Eagles face off with the South Americans at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018 in both countries final group game.

Nigeria have lost by the odd goal in each of their five different group matches with Argentina at the World Cup, including a 3-2 loss to a team inspired by Lionel Messi in Brazil 2014.

“It is a feasible challenge because of the type of teams.

The Super Eagles in recent times have stepped up in the game, and the Draw was a good one”. Echiejile told brila.net Echiejile further stressed, that “With good preparation,

It’s a tough group – Kojo Williams

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ormer Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Kojo Williams has said Super Eagles World Cup group which pitches the Nigerian representatives against Argentina, Iceland and Croatia is a tough one.

Reacting to the World Cup

Maradona tips Argentina to qualify ahead of Nigeria

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rgentina legend Diego Maradona is confident that Argentina will make it through to the last sixteen of the 2018 World Cup after the two-time world champions were pitted against Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia in Group D. The Super Eagles face off with the South Americans at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018 in both countries final group game.

Nigeria have lost by the odd goal in each of their five group

support and prayers of Nigerians, the team will do well in the group, even above the highly rated Argentina.”

Nigeria qualified for the second round of the World Cup in 1994, 1998, and 2014, and was knocked out in the group stage in 2002 and 2010.

matches with Argentina at the World Cup, including a 3-2 loss to a team inspired by Lionel Messi in Brazil 2014. ‘’It is a feasible challenge because of the type of teams.

Argentina have to step up their game. The first game will be very important,’’ said Maradona during the draw in Moscow on Friday afternoon.

Nigeria qualified for the second round of the World Cup in 1994, 1998, and 2014, and were knocked out in the group stage in 2002 and 2010.

draw held in Russia yesterday, Williams said, “it’s a tough draw for Nigeria. It is a tough group because you can’t write off any of the teams.”

He said what the Nigerian team need do is good preparations and team work.

“They mus work together as a family. They must not listen to side talks and avoid distractions.

“Above all, the team has to be disciplined,” he said. “If they can do all these and provided with all they require to excel then Nigeria will be good to go.”

•Kojo

CAF grants NFF N180m support for Nigerian players react to World Cup Draw World Cup campaign 5:23 PM - Dec 1, 2017 he Draw at the State Kremlin Mutiu Adepoju

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he Nigeria Football Federation, NFF will get $500,000 (about N180m) as support fund for the Super Eagles’ campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. CAF announced on Friday that an ad hoc committee chaired by 1st Vice President recommended financial incentives to all five representatives from the continent to next summer’s world cup.

The committee, which has CAF Executive Committee member Kalusha Bwalya and presidents of the Football Associations of the five qualified countries as

members, met in Moscow, Russia.

“At the meeting, it was decided that CAF will grant a financial subsidy of $500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand dollars) to each of the five African teams.

“The financial package will be used mainly to strengthen and improve the technical supervision of each team.”

“In addition, CAF will provide each African representative with “fieldwiz” equipment, a technological device and physical performance measuring tool for outdoor team sports players,” CAF explained.

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Palace has got Nigerian footballers raving on Twitter after Gernot Rohr ’s men paired La Albiceleste, again Nigeria have been paired with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in the Group D of the 2018 Fifa World Cup. The 2013 African champions begin their quest for glory against Croatia in Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018.

But the Super Eagles will play La Albiceleste for the fifth time in the group stage of the quadrennial showpiece with previous fixtures in the 1994, 2002, 2010, 2014 editions.

@MutiuAdepoju8 Iceland and not Argentina are @NGSuperEagles’ biggest threat.

Fantastic draw and with adequate preparations, we should go as far as the semi-final. Go for gold Nigeria! #WorldCupDraw

Victor Ikpeba —’ @V_Ikpeba Fair World Cup Draw for the Super Eagles John Ogu —’ @ogujohnugo If you want to be the Best,you have to Beat the Best .

IDEYE BROWN (MON) —’ @OfficialIdeye Good Draw=ØÞ 5:05 PM - Dec 1, 2017 Elderson Echiejile —’ @EldersonEch Excited about our group. The Journey wouldn’t be without challenges but with hardwork, preparation and focus we will do our thing #WorldcupDraw # W o r l d C u p 2 0 1 8 #SoarSuperEagles #ProudlyNigerian

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 2, 2017

ACROSS 1 President, International Standards Organisation (ISO), Mr. Kevin – (8) 5 Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Maikanti – (4) 7 L.G.A in Katsina State – (4) 8 Chelsea Wing-Back, Marcos – (6) 11 State in Nigeria known as “The Heartbeat of the Nation” ? – (3) 12 Former Seychelles President, Mr. France-Albert – (4) 13 Inferno – (4) 15 Prophet – (4) 16 Number – (8) 19 Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, training & Pensions,s Mr. Benson Oke – (8) 22 Tunisian Premier League Club – (4) 24 South Korean Currency unit – (4) 25 L.G.A in Ebonyi State – (4) 27 Former Guinea Bissau Prime Minister, Mr. Baciro – (3) 29 Minister of State for Labour & Productivity, Prof. Stephen – (6) 31 Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mr. Kenneth – (4)

CROSS WORD PUZZLE 32 Palestinian Capital City – (4) 33 PRO, Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere – (8) DOWN 1 Senegal “Terenga Lions” Striker; Sadio – (4) 2 L.G.A in Lagos State – (6) 3 Angolan President, Mr. Joao – (8) 4 Chinese Currency – (4) 5 Former Minister of Sports, Mr. Adamu Isa – (3) 6 Chairman Senate Committee on Customs, Excise & Tariff, Senator Hope Odidiaka – (8) 9 L.G.A in Kaduna State – (4) 10 World’s Longest River – (4) 14 Country in Asia – (4) 15 Chinese City – (8) 17 Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Chief Emeka – (8) 18 L.G.A in Bauchi State – (4) 20 Kano Pillars Goalkeeper, Danladi – (4) 21 Kazakhstani Currency – (4) 23 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) 26 Former Burkina-Faso President, Mr. Yacouba – (4) 28 President, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa – (4) 30 Greek Alphabet – (3)

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 2

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