Dana Air resumes flight operations

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Dana Air resumes flight operations

By LAWANI MIKAIRU with agency reports

L

AGOS — Dana Air lines resumed flight operations yesterday, about seven months after one of its aicraft crashed into a building in Lagos, killing 163 people in the country’s worst airline disaster in about two decades with an inaugural flight to Abuja.

The government lifted a ban on the airline in September but an investigation is ongoing and there is still no official explanation of the crash.

The airline’s five remaining McDonnell Douglas MD-83’s operating in Nigeria have a capacity of 140.

The aircraft M083 with number 7VC9QZ and piloted by Captain Ola Olukayode departed from domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at exactly 10.10am and landed smoothly at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at exactly 11.08 am.

Airline spokesman Tony Usidamen said 67 passengers were on board the resumed Lagos-Abuja flight yesterday and 82 on the return journey.

The flight, had on board passengers who came early in the morning to buy their tickets, journalists, showbiz personalities, and comedians like Bright Okpocha, a.k.a Basket Mouth.

The take off was smooth, even as passengers on board the aircraft did not show any apprehension during take off. Passengers gave a standing ovation to the pilot on touch down.

“There was a round of applause for the very smooth landing,” Usidamen said on telephone.

Tickets were sold for as little as N14,400 ($92) one way, around half what some airlines are charging. Dana Air will only be flying the Lagos-Abuja route for the time being.

The MD-83 crashed in a Lagos suburb on June 3, killing everyone on board and 10 people on the ground. ”We won’t know the cause until the investigation has been completed,” Aviation Ministry spokesman Joe Obi said. “A thorough audit of the airline has been done and the remaining fleet is airworthy.”

Speaking with aviation reporters after a safe return to Lagos at exactly 1.29 pm., the pilot, Captain Olukayode commended the Federal Government for allowing the Dana Airline to resume

flight operations.

On intending passengers apprehension about the state of the airline fleet of aircraft and safety of passengers, Captain Olukayode said Dana’s aircraft have been certified fit adding that safety of passengers was of utmost priority to the management. He emphasized that the flight crew, which include the pilots, were family men and women who would want to return home after each working day to their respective families, stressing that they would not compromise on safety.

President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, Mr. Benjamin Okewu who was also on board the flight expressed satisfaction with both the inaugural flight and the resumption of flight operations by Dana Airlines.

Okewu said ‘’ I had no fear; that was why I decided to embark on this

inaugural flight. We had always argued in the aviation industry as professional and labour leaders that the fact that an aircraft had an accident does not mean the airline should be grounded. The aircraft are machines.

They could have faults anytime and basically we believe in NCAA, and NCAA is carrying out its responsibility well. They have told the world that they have conducted their various test checks and the aircraft in their fleet are airworthy. That is what is important to me. I leave the rest to God. The take-off and landing were wonderful.’’

Also during the ceremony, one of the passengers, Mr Bright Okpocha, aka Basket Mouth said he •Dana Air resumes Lagos -Abuja-Lagos flight operations yesterday. Pix shows was satisfied with the ex- passengers on arrival from Abuja. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele perience he had on the flight and would not hesitate to patronize the air- curred. I cannot force you ing is still the safest way from their mistakes and I to come and fly Dana. I to travel. If you want to know it is not going to line anytime.

Okpocha said ‘’As we can only speak for myself. travel fast and safe, try happen again. The flight speak now, there is a road Sailing and driving are Dana. They are back and was smooth, not turbuaccident that has just oc- even more dangerous, fly- better. They have learnt lent.’’

...0ver 70 yet to be compensated

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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ET to be compen sated families of the ill-fated Dana Airplane that crashed on the 3rd of June 2012 in Lagos killing all 153 people on board as well as some ground victims have described the re-issuance of Dana operational license by the federal government as malicious and wicked.

The families also lamented that the management of Dana has deliberately and maliciously refused its insurers to pay the statutory compensation to them.

Out of the 153 victims on board as well as the unconfirmed number on ground, the insurers of Dana air fleet have only paid the statutory $30,000 compensation to about 80 families of the victims.

The deliberate refusal, according to the families, is as a result of the wicked machinations of Dana Airline and its representatives. It will be recalled that Section 48(3) of the Civil Aviation Act provides “In any case of aircraft accident resulting in death or injury of passengers, the carrier shall make advance payments of at least US $30,000(Thirty thousand United States dollars) within 30 days from the date of such accident, to the natural person or such natural persons who are entitled to claim compen-

sation in order to meet the immediate economic needs of such persons and such advance payments shall not constitute recognition of liability and may be offset against any amounts subsequently paid as damages by the carrier.”

Legal practitioners and consultants, representing 40 families of the victims, M.O Awoniyi & Co, said that all efforts to get the claims to be paid thus far have proved abortive.

Awoyemi said, “We have tried severally and in vain, via written and oral communication(s) to get the Airline and its insurer’s solicitors, particularly the law firm of Yomi Oshikoya & Co. (who are responsible for giving the cheques to the families of the victims) to pay our clients their monies as stipulated in the Act, but all our efforts have not produced the desired result.

They have only through, deceitful and deliberate measures prevented our clients from meeting their immediate and economic needs occasioned by the death of their loved ones in the plane crash. The name of two of our clients Ahmad Dukawa and Femi Shobowale were fraudulently listed by Dana Airlines, its local and international insurers, Prestige Assurance Plc and Pritchard Insurance/Lloyd’s of London as having been paid $30,000 each.

“It beats our imagination as to why five months after the plane crash which killed the families of our clients, thus rendering some of them widows, widowers, fatherless, and motherless, they (families of the victims) would still be subjected to such a painful, saddening and wicked manipulations by the Airline and its representatives, knowing fully well that they are still in grief and much sorrow, not only because they have lost their loved ones, but because they were killed in such circumstances. This is in direct disregard to the provision of the Civil Aviation Act which clearly states that compensation ought to have been paid within 30 days of the plane crash regardless of any prevailing circumstances.”

Also, Barr. Gbenga Eguntola who is representing the ground victims said that quite unlike some families of the deceased crews that have benefited from the interim compensation of USD30,000 per victim’s family, none of the families of ground casualties have received any compensation.

“Equally worrisome are the plights of ground survivors, on whose behalf we have filed claims since 20th June, 2012. We have also forwarded various documents to Dana Airlines Solicitors, Yomi Oshikoya and company.

The deliberate tardiness and reluctance of the aircraft insurers to settle the claims of the ground claimants are indeed worrisome,” Eguntola said.

Eguntola added that some ground victim’s have lost their means of livelihood , while some have sent their wives and children back to their various towns and villages as their hope of quick settlement are waning by the day.

Citing the present condition of some of the families of the victims, Eguntola said “The mother of late Habibat Yusuf, Alhaja Modinat Sanni, who depended totally on her daughter for her daily sustenance, is helpless.

Hunger, deprivation, and poverty have been her constant companions.

“Modinat is presently ill with no one to take care of her, and her only daughter whom she depended on was one of the ground victims who died during the crash.”

Eguntola said, while the identities of late passengers and crews aboard the ill-fated air craft are already known, this is not so for ground victims.

How many people died on the ground? A clearer picture of ground casualties are just emerging after the accident.

He stated that the firm had filed insurance claims for 18 ground survivors on June 20 this year, forwarding various copies to

Yomi Oshikoya, the solicitor to the airline and its insurers.

“The deliberate delay and reluctance of the Aircraft Insurers to settle the claims of the ground claimants are indeed worrisome”, he stated Meanwhile, the management of Prestige Assurance Plc and Dana Management said that payment of compensation to all the families of the victims was being delayed due to multiple claims from some families.

However, the families have responded that the allegation is unfounded and totally false.

The families rebuffed the allegation saying that the insurance company and Dana Management are only playing hankypanky games to avoid paying compensation.

According to the families, there has never been any incident of multiple claims from families of the victims, because all necessary documentations have been done and sent to Dana which were proved to be accurate.

Dana Management is only buck-passing the blame for their inefficiency and outright refusal to pay compensation to the suffering families, they said.

The families accused Dana Management of taking some steps which their insurance company, Prestige and solicitors are not aware of.

6 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

SARS attack fallout: IGP orders decentralisation of federal, states SARS •DIG FCID takes over federal SARS •CPS take over states SARS

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

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FTERMATH of last November 2012 deadly attack by gunmen on the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the FCT, resulting in the death of some Police officers and some of the gunmen, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has ordered the decentralization of SARS all over the country.

Consequently, the Inspector General has directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Investigations Department at Force headquarters, to take over the operations of the Federal SARS (Adeniji Adele) in Lagos .

Also, the Special AntiRobbery Squad headquarters in the States, are to be taken over by the Commissioners of police in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja . Saturday Vanguard was told that the IG’s directive takes immediate effect.

In addition, it was gathered that the IG directed that henceforth, all operatives of SARS in any part of the country, be they federal SARS or

SARS in the states, are to stop putting on plain cloths. They are to revert to wearing their Police uniforms, to avert a situation whereby civilians with ulterior motives can mix freely and pretend to be personnel of SARS as was discovered in the Abuja attack.

Recall that there was a public outcry over the attack by the gunmen at the most secured Police facility in the FCT and the fact that some suspects were freed, resulting in the Police boss instructing the setting up of an investigation team to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the early morning attack.

During an assessment visit to the headquarters of the FCT Command to ascertain things for himself after the attack, the IG had warned that heads will roll over the incident after the investigation report had been submitted to Force headquarters.

Before the new directive of the IGP decentralizing the operations of SARS, the outfit which had some level of independence, was controlled at the federal level, by a Senior Commissioner of Police with office in Adeniji Adele, Lagos while those

in the states were controlled by senior Chief Superintendents of Police and in some cases, Assistant Commissioners of Police. Under the new dispensation, Saturday Vanguard was told that allegations of human rights abuses, illegal detention, and other unlawful actions which the IGP has been preaching against, would be checkmated because he will be directly in tune with what happens in SARS.

L-R: Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ranti Adebisi; Speaker, House Assembly, Dr. Adewale Ominrin; and Secretary to State Government, Alhaji (Dr) Ganiyu Owolabi, during the Swearingin of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission (EKHSC) and Local Government Service Commission Board in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

Church of England drops gay bishop opposition

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BBC report said yesterday that the Church of England has dropped its prohibition on gay clergy in civil partnerships becoming bishops.

The announcement, from the Church’s House of Bishops, would allow gay clergy to become bishops if they promise to be celibate.

Conservative evangelical Anglicans say they will fiercely resist the development in the synod.

The issue has split the church since 2003 amid a row over gay cleric Jeffrey John becoming Bishop of Reading.

However, John, now Dean of St Albans, was forced to step down from

the role after protests from traditionalists.

He was also a candidate for Bishop of Southwark in 2010 but was rejected.

Evidence emerged that this was because of his sexual orientation.

Evangelicals have warned they would be willing to bring in bishops from overseas to avoid serving under a gay

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S the world continued to battle with efforts aimed at finding cure to

HIV/AIDS, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced another breakthrough in the treatment of the disease with the

Tears as Bisi Komolafe goes home

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

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EARS flowed freely in Ibadan as the remains of an actress, Bisi Komolafe were interred. She died on Tuesday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Before the corpse was brought from the mortuary.

The burial was well attended by members of the Association of Nigeria Theatre arts practitioners who were at the University College Hospital mortuary

to collect the corpse.

Actors and actresses who paid their last respect to the deceased actress whose age was put at 27 included Taiwo Hassan, Toyosi Arigbabuwo, Toyin Adegbola, Muyiwa Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Fathia Balogun, the Governor, ANTP, Lagos State, Akeem Alimi (a.k.a Ajala Jalingo), Bolaji Amusan, Jibola Dabo, Ireti Osayemi, Sunny Alli, Bukky, Tinuke, and many others.

Crofelemer.

The new drug is the second botanical, and an orally administered drug to be approved by FDA since 2006.

The latest breakthrough owes its success to a pioneering research carried out in the United States by a team of scientists including Nigeria’s Professor

bishops.

BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said given the tension surrounding the issue of sexuality, the Church’s decision to allow men in civil partnerships to become bishops represented a major concession and one with considerable symbolic significance.

Internet scam lands two undergraduates, six others in EFCC net

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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FTER defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners for many years, two

Nigeria’s Maurice Iwu, others record breakthrough in discovery of an oral Maurice HIV/AIDS treatment Iwu, an botanical drug,

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

bishop.

The Church has already agreed to allow people in civil partnerships to become clergy, provided they promised they would remain celibate, and repent for active homosexuality in the past. Those conditions are now to be extended to clergy becoming

acclaimed pharmacologist and tropical medicine expert.

The first botanical drug to be approved in the United States was a topical green tea extract, Veregen, in 2006. Both botanical drugs meet all US pharmaceutical requirements and can be dispensed only by prescription.

Nigerian undergraduates and six others yesterday ran out of luck, as they were hauled into the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

They are to tell EFCC operatives all they know about using the Internet to fleece innocent members of the public and thereafter face the long arm of the law for their crimes over the years.They were all picked up from their operational base at the highbrow 1004 Housing Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos.

One of the undergraduates, Hope Olusegun, a 25 year-old indigene of Okene, Kogi

State, who claimed to be a student of Computer Science at the Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University, Malaysia, was arrested by operatives of EFCC over allegations of fraud and internet scam.

The arrest of the scammers followed a petition to the EFCC over the nefarious activities of Olusegun and his accomplices who have been using the 1004 base to engage in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false pretences and forgery.

The EFCC said yesterday that following the petition, its operatives swooped on Olusegun’ s apartment and discovered various items which were being used for the fraud.

Agbar ho monarc h gets ssttaf fice gbarho monarch afff of of office

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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GBARHO in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State is expected to play host to several eminent dignitaries on Tuesday as the new traditional ruler of

the kingdom; His Royal Majesty Adjerhore Onome Okpalefe III receives his staff of office from the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The ceremony which was initially fixed for Monday, January 7 to coincide with the official opening

ceremony of the annual Agbarho conference has to be shifted till Tuesday.

Ajuwe Okpalefe III was crowned the 18th Osuivie of Agharho on June 23, 2012 following the passage of his predecessor, Ogheneruemu Arubi Omamohwo II (JP).

A statement signed by the chairman of publicity committee, Chief Ochuko Sakpaide stated that the ceremony will take place at the Osuivie Palace in Agbarho at 10.00 a.m. with several Urhobo traditional rulers in attendance.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 7

Assets seizure: Sylva begs Court to stop EFCC •As Judge declines to vacate restraining order •Remits case-file back to CJ for re-assignment der against the anti-graft agency.

Consequently, both the EFCC and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, yesterday, entered preliminary objections querying the legal propriety of the subsequent order that was is-

IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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PIRITED efforts by the embattled former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, to invoke the powers of a Federal High Court in Abuja with a view to stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from taking possession of his 48 choice properties in Abuja, failed yesterday.

Sequel to resolve of the anti-graft agency on Thursday to take possession of his properties pending the determination of the six-count criminal charge it preferred against him, Sylva, yesterday, ran before the High Court, begging it to restrain the EFCC from seizing his assets.

This was even as the Commission yesterday accused the ex-Governor of deliberately attempting to subject the judiciary to ridicule by approaching the High Court for a restraining order despite being aware that another High Court of the same coordinate jurisdiction had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order against him.

Whereas Justice A.R

Leadership tussle rocks Itsekiri youth group •As Tonwe, Newuwumi in leadership tussle BISI KOMOLAFE RELATIONS: From left Taiwo Komolafe, Bukky Johnson, Tinuke Abusi and Bola Komolafe at the funeral church service for late Miss Veronica Olabisi Komolafe held at St. Mary Catheral Church, Oke-Padre, Ibadan on Thursday. Photo: Shola Oyelese

Mohammed had on December 21, 2012, granted the EFCC leave to seize

the properties, however, Justice M.M Kolo while sitting as a vacation judge,

on December 27, following an application by Sylva, granted a restraining or-

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HREE days after he was discharged from the Cedar-crest Orthopedic Hospital, Abuja where he was hospitalised following an auto crash, Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, rtd, has expressed gratitude to God for the close shave he had with death as well as his speedy recovery.

Wada however, commiserated with the people of his state over another fatal accident that took the life of a security aide to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Lawal Jimoh.

The governor who returned to the hospital in Garki 2, Abuja for his first post-surgery medical examination also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to President

BY EMMA AMAIZE Warri

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HE Itsekiri National Youth Council, INYC, the umbrella body of Youths of Itsekiri ethnic nationality

Police kill three suspected kidnappers, arrest three others in Delta napped in the early

BY FESTUS AHON Ughelli

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T least three suspect ed kidnappers have been shot dead, while three others were arrested by men of the Nigerian Police Force at

Eboh-Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the police, who stormed the hideout of the suspected kidnappers at about 4am in the early hours of yesterday, rescued the Trea-

surer of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, Delta State University, Abraka chapter, Mr Martins Denedo.

Mr Martins Denedo, a Principal Accountant in the Delta State University, Abraka was kid-

I am grateful to God, President Jonathan and Nigerians — Gov Wada

BY ABAYOMI ADESIDA, Abuja

sued in favour of the exGovernor.

Arguing in court yesterday, counsel to the EFCC and AGF, Mr Oghenovo Otemu and B.A Saheed, respectively, further challenged the jurisdiction of the High Court presided by Justice Kolo to entertain Sylva’s suit.

Goodluck Jonathan for his visit and constant contact with him while still on admission in the hospital.

Furthermore, Wada expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers for his survival and quick recovery.

Answering reporters questions shortly before his departure after keeping the medical appointment, Captain Wada beaming with smiles said,”I thank God almighty and all Nigerians, especially Mr. President and all the people who have been praying for me.’’

He however, described as “unfortunate,’’ the auto crash which claimed the life of a security detail to the Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, saying that he received the sad news with shock.

The Governor, clad in a

white caftan with a multicoloured cap to match, was driven into the premises of the hospital in a metallic grey Toyota caravan few minutes after 10 am in a convoy of three vehicles.

In the hospital, he had collected his two crutches from his security aide and walked to the reception of the hospital where he was warmly greeted by some patients who smiled back as he waived at them.

Security aides and protocol officials who accompanied him on the visit later withdrew to join journalists at the reception of the hospital for him to undergo the medical checks that lasted for about 43 minutes. Wada drove off just at about 11 am.

Meanwhile, the Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon in the hospital, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe has revealed

that Governor Wada’s speedy recovery was not miraculous as same medical treatment had worked for other patients brought to the hospital for similar attention.

hours of Tuesday at Abraka while returning from Newyear midnight service and was whisked away in his Nissan Pathfinder Jeep.

According to a dependable source, the three suspected kidnappers were killed during a hot exchange of gun duel between the suspected kidnappers at the police.

The family source, who pleaded anonymity said corpses of the three suspected laid in front of the Abraka Police station, adding that no ransom was paid and thanked the Nigerian Police for coming to the rescue of their brother.

in Delta state is presently embroiled in a leadership tussle.

The struggle is between the suspended President, Hon David Tonwe and the acting President, Comrade Omolubi Newuwumi.

The council allegedly suspended Hon Tonwe, some months ago, because of the leadership crisis in Ugborodo community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, between him and Hon Thomas Ereyitomi, chair of the Ugborodo Community Trust, which led to the death of some youths.

Reacting to the news of the suspension, Hon. Tonwe told Saturday Vanguard that he was not suspended and that he remained the de facto president of the INYC. However, Newuwumi in a statement, yesterday, countered Tonwe, saying, “My attention has been drawn to a news report in Vanguard newspaper of Thursday, December 27th , page 12, captioned, ‘Itsekiri Youth urged to be peaceful’.

Demolition: Fasten our compensation exercise, Lotebeyebiri community urges Uduaghan

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HE People of Lote beyebiri Community in Warri Urban Area of Delta State have appealed to the State Government to fasten the compensation exercise to enable them move out of the community, saying that over 4000 thousand persons have being displaced following the sudden demolition of their community recently. In a

statement signed by the community Chairman, Mr Bossman Azazi they said that since the New Year celebration, the community people have being living in abject poverty.

The statement reads: “ we thank the state government led by Governor Emmanuel Ugduaghan for accepting to pay compensation to us before

constructing the Warri industrial park. We are suffering and have being traumatized following the sudden demolition of our community. So, we are calling on our governor to quickly come to our aid before we die of starvation as we have nowhere esle to go as we have been rendered homeless”.

8— Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

280 killed in road crashes during Xmas and Ne wY ear New Year celebrations — FRSC

BY CHRIS OCHAYI, Abuja

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TOTAL of 280 people have been reported dead from various road traffic crashes that occurred in the nation’s highways between December 19 2012 and January 4, 2013.

Corps Marshall and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka who disclosed this to journalists at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his arrival from the final air surveillance of the traffic situation under the Operation Zero, said about 1,600 people were also injured from over 480 road traffic crashes recorded within the period.

Mr. Chidoka who noted there was improvement in rate of road crashes during this year ’s Christmas and New Year celebrations compared to the previous year, attributed the success recorded to improved monitoring mechanism and current strength of the staff in the Corps.

According to him, “from December 19, 2013 till today, we had over 480 road traffic crashes. It was an improvement over last year. We had about 1,600 people injured and we had about 280 dead arising from these crashes, between

December 19th and today, so compared to last year there is a slight improvement and we hope this improving trend will continue.”

He said, “this is my final surveillance of the Operation Zero that we had from December 19, 2012 to date. The operation continues, it will terminate in another four days there about. So what I have done is to take a look from the Eastern part of the country. We went through Enugu-9th MileLokoja-Gwawgalada and then the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. And the traffic is moving freely.

Our efforts in managing the traffic have been very successful in this year’s Operation Zero, coupled with the fact that the roads condition is virtually improved. So it was a very good outing for us.

On how would the air surveillance really help to check movement on the roads, he said, “well, for those of the journalists who joined us on the air surveillance, they will explain that better to you because there was no way I could have monitored five locations in one day.

With those that I went with, of course,we land in Onitsha, we land in Lokoja and we were able to give them the ideas of what was happening because we can get the best eye view of the road and then advise them appropriately on what to do.

He said: “in the last ten years, the FRSC has suc-

cessfully brought down crashes within the December period year . And this is another year that we have successfully brought down crashes rate. In terms of our enforcement activities, over thirty six thousand vehicles were stopped and only about thirteen thousand were booked for various road traffic offences, the rest twenty six thousand were cautioned and allowed to proceed on their journey.

“About thirteen thousand were booked and one person was sent to prison by a mobile court and about three hundred and seventy were fined for various offences. Twenty five were discharged and acquitted by the mobile court. So all in all this has been a very good outing. In terms of travel times for those who travelled this year, many of them are commending the activities of the FRSC and praising that we have made it possible for them to get to their destination in time.’’

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HE deplorable roads in Otukpo Local Government area of Benue State will soon be a thing of the past as the Chairman of the council, Dr. Innocent Onu yesterday flagged off rehabilitation work on over 20km of Otukpo township roads.

Otukpo, the political and traditional headquaters of the Benue South district had over the years suffered neglect by successive administrations leading to dilapidated

infrastures in the town.

Performing the flag off , the chairman appealed to the people of the area, particularly those plying the routes being rehabilitated to cooperate with the workers at the various sites to ensure quality job.

Onu assured that his administration was carrying out the repair work in keeping with his campaign promises, stressing, “We will deliver on our promises to make life better for our people, we also seek your cooperation and support to enable us realise these promises

20 inmates escape in Sagamu ...Several killed

By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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O fewer than 20 inmates of the Sagamu Prison in Ogun State on Wednesday have escaped while several

others were reported to have been shot in the melee.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that during the attempted jailbreak which occurred around 3.00am, some of the

Zamfara Govt arranges husbands for 2000 widows

BY EMEKA MAMAH with agency report

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HE Zamfara State government is planning to ‘’arrange husbands’’ for about 2,000 widows in the

Council Chairman flags off rehabilitation work on township roads

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

From left: Mr. Emmanuel Ossai, General Retail Manager Nokia West Africa; Miss. Sowunmi Kabirat, Winner of One Million Naira and Mr. Ita U. Callx, National Lottory Regulatory Commission representative, during the presentation of prizes to the winner of Nokia Asha Christmas Millionaire promo in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

without hitches”. ”On our part we will not relent in ensuring that our people enjoy the tangible dividends of democracy in line with their wishes and aspiration”, he said.

state.

This was made known by the state Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Balkisu Bungudu.

In May last year, the Kano State governmentowned Sharia police (Hisbah Borad), arranged marriages for about 100 out of an estimated 1,000 widows and divorcees in a grand ceremony witnessed by guests and spectators from the state and beyond in a scheme aimed at assisting widows, divorcees and

spinsters to get married.

However, Bungudu said that as a result of this the state government had already registered 1,998 widows preparatory to marrying them off, adding that the mass wedding would be sponsored by the government.

She did not disclose the amount budgeted by the government for the marriage jamboree.

The Commissioner who spoke to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital expressed concern over the increase in the number of widows in the state.

Federal Govt. cautions against diversion of relief materials flood victims in

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

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HE Federal Government has warned that it would not take kindly to cases of diversion of relief materials made available for distribution to persons effected by the recent flood disaster

that ravaged parts of the country recently.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Tunde Lemo stated this yesterday while donating relief materials on behalf of his committee to Benue State

Makurdi. Lemo said the Federal Government had set aside adequate funds and materials for distribution to the victims of the deluge considering the magnitude of the disaster in parts of the country.

inmates as well as prison officials were seriously injured in the melee.

Sources who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that some of the prisoners might have been killed during the attempted jailbreak following the heavy gunfire booming from inside the prison while the violence lasted.

According to the source, the aggrieved prisoners used all sorts of materials as weapons to facilitate their escape before the members of the Armed Squad of the Prison Service contained them.

Findings showed that the run-away prisoners were said to have dug a large hole on the wall at the back of the prison through which they escaped .

Saturday Vanguard gathered that some of the prison officials were already being interrogated by the police over the attempted jailbreak at the facility located on Prisons Street, IsaleOko, Sagamu.

The Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr. Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim confirmed the attempted jailbreak at the facility during an inspection of the Sagamu Prison on Friday.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 9

Electoral officer, 20 others injured in community election fracas

BY EMMA AMAIZE Warri

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ORE than 20 vil lagers, including an electoral officer, were injured, weekend, at Bolou Ndoro community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta state, following an attack by suspected mercenaries in a botched election for the community’s chair.

Our source said, “The electoral officer for the community was beating to coma and is presently hospitalized as a result of his refusal to declare one of the chairmanship aspirants as winner of the poll”.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that soldiers were deployed in the community, yesterday, to maintain peace, as tension mounted among the warring parties.

A community leader, Deacon Arebe Ebeinene, who confirmed the deployment of soldiers in Bolou Ndoro said the crisis was instigated by one of the chair aspirants that wanted to foist himself on the community.

An activist and coordinator of the National Council of Ijaw activists, Mallam Yusuf Eregbene, in an interview, called on the Delta state government to wade into the matter to avoid killing and destruction of property of innocent citizens.

It was learnt that one of the factions, which recruited mercenaries from Bayelsa state to cow the villagers, placed the incumbent chair of the community, Mr. Afesuku

Waidirimo, under house arrest.

Ebeinene said out of the 30 delegates that were supposed to vote in the election, only 10 were accredited and the three chairmanship aspirants agreed the election should go ahead.

He, however, said that trouble erupted when the aspirants insisted that they must be allowed to vote, which is against the constitution of the community.

According to him, “Attempt to force the electoral officer to bend the rules resulted in a free – for-all in which guns were freely used by mercenaries recruited from Bayelsa state by one of the chairmanship aspirants”.

•Soldiers deployed in Bolou Ndoro

Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada flanked by his aides as he was departing after his first medical check up after his discharge from Cedarcrest Orthopaedic Hospital, Garki 2, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Akpabio inaugurates commissions, boards, agencies

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OVERNOR Godswill O. Akpabio has inaugurated 36 governmentowned commissions, boards and agencies with a charge on the chairmen and members to take collective action to reposition the state for greatness.

Judicial Service Commission is headed by Hon. Justice Idongesit NtemIsua; Akwa Ibom Civil Service Commission by Obong Jacob J. Obot; Akwa Ibom Local Government Service Commission- Arc. Otu Ita Toyo; Akwa Ibom State Independent Election CommissionMrs. Gloria Ukpong; Assembly Service Commission- Chief Simon Etim;

Law Reform CommissionBarr. Essien Essien; Ethical and Attitudinal Re-orientation CommissionMrs. Christy Obot.

State Secondary Education Board is headed by Dr. Mercy Ibok; State Universal Basic Education BoardObonganwan Grace Ekong; State Technical Education Board- Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; Akwa Ibom Scholarship BoardDr. (Mrs) Usen Ikpe; Environmental Protection and Waste Management Board- Richard Asikpo; Agricultural Loans BoardBarr. Grace Ulaeto and Akwa Ibom Hotels Management and Tourism Board- Mr. Mike Enyong;

Deportation of Monarch’s wife: Human Rights group threatens court action

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA Asaba

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HE face-off between the traditional ruler of Igbodo kingdom in Ika North East local government area of Delta State, Obi Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume I, and his subjects over his insistence to marry a non-indigene has taken another dimension as a human rights group has threatened to challenge the action of the community in court of law.

National Co-ordinator

of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHD), Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, who was first to condemn the action has said that his group “is seriously considering filing a public interest fundamental rights suit in the Delta State High Court of Justice for a declaration that the above Igbodo custom is repugnant to natural law, equity and good conscience”.

Ikimi, in a press statement made available to Saturday Vanguard said,

“gentlemen of the press, the attention of members of the Forum for Justice & Human Rights Defence, (fjhd) has been drawn to the recent cynical press statement credited to Dr Joseph Unomah the Iyasere of Igbodo Kingdom to the effect that the Igbodo people did the right thing in sacking the wife of the Obi of Igbodo from her husband’s palace and abode on the pretext that she is not a native of the Kingdom.

Bishop Samuel Akpan is the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Roads Maintenance Agency; State Agency Committee on Acquired Disease Syndrome is headed by Dr. Francis Udoikpong; Uyo Capital City Development Author-

ity- Rt. Hon. Ignatius Edet; Akwa Ibom Hospitals Management Board- Dr. Val Attah; College of Education, Afaha Nsit- Prof.

Lawrence Etuk and Akwa Ibom Rural Water and Sanitation Agency- Engr.

Iboro Ekanem.

Transporter raises alarm over death threats DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

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transport company operating in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Akmode Nigeria Limited on Thursday raised the alarm that there are threats to the lives of its staff by the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Akeem Adeosun.

The Director of the transport company, Mr. Oluwole Odesipe at a news conference in Abeokuta alleged that Adeosun, popularly called Jango had directed the members of the ACCOMORAN and AMORAN to henceforth attack and “kill” its workers who also operate commercial motorcycles in Abeokuta anytime they came across in the state.

Vanguard however gathered that the members of the two unions had violently clashed with some

staff of the company on Wednesday in Obantoko area.

It was also learnt that the union members and the staff of the transport company sustained various degrees of injury during the clash, resulting in the arrest of about seven suspects by the police.

Odesipe claimed that the NURTW boss had been boasting round the town that Governor Ibikunle Amosunn administration had given his union the authority to stop the staff of the transport company from operating in Ogun State.

He claimed that in 2009 his company secured a court judgment and N1million cost against ACCOMORAN over the matter, adding that the law did not support a situation where anyone or organization would be compelled to join the commercial motorcycle riders associations.

Anambra Civil Servants Pledge Support for Obi Anambra State Civil Servants yesterday pledged their support for the Government of Mr. Peter Obi, saying that his Government has remained the best since Anambra State was created. This was expressed by the Head of Service of the State, Sir Chidi Ezeoke during an interactive session between workers and Governor Peter Obi at the Old Secretariat of the State yesterday.

Ezeoke said not only had the Governor taken care of basic needs of workers, but that he has continued to show great attributes of leadership by his constant and persistent demonstration of love even when people paid him back with hatred. “From increase in salary of workers for the record five times, he has paid all the arrears of leave, pension and gratuity. He has also, more than anybody, provided basic infrastructure for workers such as the twin secretariat. Under him, Anambra now trains and retrains her civil servants. Just shortly before Christmas, he presented official vehicles to the Permanent Secretaries as well as all the judges in the State. He does all this amidst greater things he is doing in other sectors.

Just two days ago, he presented 3 armoured vehicles to the police as well as 50 patrol vehicles. This is not all, you and I are witnesses to the great support the Government is rendering to the missionaries to enable them rebuild the schools handed over to them”, Ezeoke said.

In his own remarks, Governor Obi said the routine interaction with workers for him is to demonstrate to them their importance to governance as well as listen and dialogue with them on the progress and development of the State.

He reminded them that as stakeholders,they should always realize that the future of the state should be uppermost in their minds.

Amidst thunderous applause and cheers from workers, he announced that each worker would receive extra 3000 in his Jaunary salary as additional charismas package.

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

2013: Our great expectations •Tackle insecurity, power problem—Okorie, Yerima, Esele, Others •Nigerians deserve a better deal—Tinubu •Expect more disappointments—Junaid Mohammed With two years to 2015 elections , many Nigerians wonder what the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan will present as its feats for four years going by the current indices of development. To help the government, eminent Nigerians in this edtion give clues on what the government should do this year to win the confidence of the masses. Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS in this report compiles the demands.

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is campaign in 2011 Presidential elec tions was laden with promises of hope and transformation. He promised not to let Nigerians down. But one year down the line after he won the Presidential election and assumed office, President Goodluck Jonathan, in the estimation of many keen analysts, is yet to convince Nigerians that the nation is on the path of greatness. Although his allies can quickly refute this assertion, his critics are also wont to say that the administration is snail-pacing and therefore, slow in giving the country the needed face-lift. Alas, the country’s social infrastructures have remained in comatose.

There is much hunger in the land. Unemployment rate has remained high. Corruption has become pervasive. Insecurity dots the country and the standard of living has continued to declined .

Indeed, the out gone year, 2012, started on a very challenging note. The removal of the fuel subsidy and the unprecedented nation-wide protests that followed suit prompted some ill feelings towards the present administration.

And since then, the country has had to grapple with the severe economic challenges that stare the nation in the face with little effort from the government to ameliorate the situation. Meanwhile, it is a new year and Nigerians are making various demands from the government who pledged never to disappoint them.

Amongst these demands is the decision of the government to tackle head on, the pervasive insecurity. Job creation and proper national budget implementation are also part of these demands.

Corruption is yet another issue the people would want the government of Dr. Jonathan to develop the fiber to fight and eradicate com-

•Bola Ahmed Tinubu

•Chief Chekwas Okorie

of fighting corruption especially in high places. Because even criminals, when you read their confession, they seem to think they are deriving their motivation from what the people at the top are doing. That is one. Again is the sincerity in the implementation of the national budget which is one area that government after government has failed in Nigeria. Even the presidency has started giving pedestrian experience on why his government is slow. So, my take is that if there is an estimate that comes by way of budget, you follow it faithfully and aim at 100 percent implementation. If it is not entirely 100 percent because it is a human factor, you would have met most of the requirements for that particular year. The issue of being slow will not arise. Budget implementation is important and if it is done, then you can be rest assured that jobs will be created; other things will be in place.

Tackle insecurity and corruption

— Alhaji Shetima Yerima, President Arewa Youth Consultative Forum he major issues the gov ernment must have to look at critically are corruption and insecurity. But I know the major case here is corruption because, we have been in this over and over again. I think the government at this time must have to be seen to be up and doing, be committed to fight corruption. But I think the government also; being a product of corruption cannot also completely erase corruption. But at least, to some extent, this administration can do something about it because it is getting out of hand and the issue of corruption now is not

T

•Alhaji Shetima Yerima pletely or be brought to the barest minimum. With the array of demands from the government by Nigerians, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has surely got more work in his hands.

The opinions below summed up the aspirations of most Nigerians from the government as 2013 dawns.

Nigerians deserve a better deal in 2013

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Former Lagos State Gov-

•Yinka

Odumakin

ernor n the face of many oppor tunities to actualize her potentials to the benefit of the people, Nigeria is held down by a leadership that is indecisive, insensitive and clearly incapable. Nigerians deserve a better deal than they are now getting. Nigerians deserve better roads, better health delivery services, better security, better jobs and better power supply. Unless the government of President Jonathan

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steps up and applies itself to the challenge of running the country properly, Nigeria will remain lost at sea.

Fight corruption

— Chief Chekwas Okorie, National Chairman of United Progressive Party (UPP) wo major things: one is to fight corruption with every sincerity and every fiber in the President because the buck stops on this table. He has never played that leadership role

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Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013—11

Continued from page 10

Nothing is working in Nigeria

—-Yinka Odumakin, Public analyst and social crusader

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here is nothing that is working at the moment.

Is it power that we want to talk about? It is a shame that Labaran Maku (Minister of Information) is celebrating 4000 megawatts for a country of 150 million people. And people live in virtual darkness. Business cannot function. The question of the other sector that is very critical is our infrastructures. Year in, year out, billions of Naira are voted to do roads that are not done and people are dying like fowls on these roads. Look at the state of our education. It is in shambles. We are almost getting to a point where graduates will not write their names correctly. And yet we vote so much money for education. Look at the hospitals. As it is right now, some of our governors are in hospitals abroad. So, what are we doing with net budget? The most frightening now is the security situation. Most people sleep with one eye open. They don’t know where the next bomb will come from and government continues to say we are looking into it. So, government has to sit up. The President has said that Nigerians are going to applaud him in 2013, let us see that happen.

T

•Abdulwaheed Omar

•Balarabe Musa

•Junaid

Mohammed

2013: Our great expectations Other Nigerians who spoke to Saturday Vanguard also submitted that the government needs to sit up and take governance seriously.

Improve on power generation

—Peter Eselu, National President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

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ur expectations are clear. We need to improve our energy generation and distribution because power is pivotal to any meaningful planning. Steady power supply if guaranteed in 2013, would enhance investment and it would make employers and manufacturers to invest more. Without improved power supply, all the talk about foreign investment would amount to a mirage. Nobody will invest in a state of war like we have in areas that are experiencing high rate of insecurity.

Nigerians should pray harder

—Balarabe Musa, former Governor of old Kaduna State

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am not expecting anything good from a government that has appeared incapable of addressing the state of the nation. This is a government that cannot cope, so I am not expecting anything from them.

As it is now, Nigerians should

,

just only the government but also the masses. Most of them are so corrupt- minded. So, the entire system has a serious problem that the government will have to do its best.

I think we still have a long way to go in fighting corruption.

That is one side of it. The second side is insecurity. The issue of insecurity must be seen to be fought tooth and nail by this government. The issue of government compromising the primary responsibility of protection of lives and property shouldn’t be. And if that fails, it shows clearly it has become a defeat on the part of the government. So, I think, this government of the day must be willing to deal decisively with anybody who is found wanting, who in any way wants to threaten the coexistence of this nation or who wants to cause certain misgivings no matter how highly placed the person is.

Those are the two key issues I want the government to look into thoroughly.

The President speaks

I am not expecting anything good from a government that has appeared incapable of addressing the state of the nation.

,

rather keep praying for the nation in 2013 because the government cannot do anything. People should resort to prayers.

Jonathan’s government is a disappointment

— Junaid Mohammed

My expectations from this Jonathan government are disappointments upon disappointments because there is hardly anything they prom-

ised at the beginning of their term that they have achieved.

In the first place, President Jonathan is not a presidential material, so Nigerians should not actually expect anything extraordinary from him.

Implement the new minimum wage

—Abdulwaheed Omar, President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)

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omrade Abdulwaheed Omar, national president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) says his greatest desire this year is to see the government at all level implement the full minimum wage. “It is rather sad that a National Minimum Wage, which was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the President since March 2011 is being observed in the breach by some state governments. More worrying is the position of the Federal Government, which should defend its law, allowing state governments to use its security forces against protesting workers, who are only standing up for their rights as protected by the law.

Such unprecedented impunity is not only malicious but anachronistic to cherished democratic values. The much touted social dialogue, which should be the basis for resolving industrial disputes, has no meaning to some governments and most employers”.

he President in his ad dress to mark the New Year admitted that Nigeria faced challenges in the previous year.

But he promised that 2013 will be a better year.

“I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for bringing us and our beloved nation safely through the past year to the beginning of 2013 which,

by His Grace, will be a better year for us and our country. In keeping with tradition, it is usual for individuals, institutions and organizations to make resolutions and set agenda as a new year begins to guide their actions in the coming months. Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life.

“We have in the last year achieved a lot in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors of our national life such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development. We will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that our efforts in these areas are carried forward to fruition in fulfillment of our promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.

“We will give priority attention in the coming year to flood and erosion control, the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads, improved power supply, as well as the continued rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the national rail network.

“Employment generation and wealth creation will also remain a primary objective of our socio-economic agenda for 2013.

“Creating more employment opportunities for our youth and graduates of our universities is an imperative that will continue to underpin our drive for massive economic growth, the rapid expansion of our manufacturing and industrial base, and the productive diversification of our national economy. In this regard, we will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.”

12 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013—13

2013: The personalities to watch in Jonathan’s Government It is no news that Nigerians voted for Dr. Goodluck in 2011 as their President. But what could be news now are the unseen hands that wield so much influence within the corridors of power in Jonathan’s administration.

From the national assembly to the cabinet, down to the Presidency, there are individuals whose names ring bells.

These personalities have so far played significant roles in the 19 months of Jonathan’s regime. In this special report, Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS x-rays the roles of some of these individuals vis-à-vis the avalanche of promises of taking the country to glory in 2013.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala

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he is the Minister of Fi nance and doubles as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Her pedigree goes without questions as she has worked on both national and international scenes. The last of her assignment was at the World Bank where she worked as the Vice President. Prior to the time, she had also served the previous Government of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as Finance Minister and later Foreign Affairs before her controversial resignation. She has the brain. She has knack and the resilience to stimulate national development and economic growth. Recall the subsidy removal saga in January 2012. She was mainly at the centre of the controversy.

In fact, many dubbed her as the de facto President just as many said she ill-advised President Jonathan on the matter. By virtue of her experience and position, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala remains a key figure in Jonathan’s administration and as such, very influential. On several occasions, she has spurred up controversy between the Presidency and the national assembly to which she stood her ground based on her conviction to prompt a virile economy. For instance, Dr. Iweala during the presentation of the 2013 national budget in October last year canvassed the need for the national assembly to approve the $75 per barrel oil benchmark.

Just recently, the Economist dropped a bombshell that her octogenarian mother who was kidnapped and later released in December was abducted by oil marketers consequent upon her position in oil subsidy matter.

No doubt, she is a force and personality to reckon with in the present administration especially in 2013.

Deziani Allison Madueke

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old and beautiful, she is the “powerful” Minister of Petroleum Resources. She presides over the Nigeria’s gold

will remember the physical blows that members in the previous assembly led by the former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole exchanged. Though he is young, he has matured so fast in politics that he has assumed a leadership position in northern Nigerian. Tambuwal also wields significant influence at the national stage.

Dr. Doyin Okupe

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is is the Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs. By profession, he is a medical doctor but prefers politics. To some analysts, Okupe is the attack dog of the presidency. And to justify his pay, Okupe goes on to confront whosoever or whatsoever that challenges the presidency of Jonathan. He does not see anything wrong in whatever decision that is taken by the President. With that, he has earned himself a place in the heart of President which has made him a force to reckon with.

Mike Oghiadomhe

•Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

•Aminu Waziri Tambuwal mine. About 90 percent of Nigeria’s revenue comes through her Ministry. She was not far from the oil subsidy controversy that engulfed the nation especially during the scary revelations that came to light on the heels of House of Representatives Adhoc Committees investigations that at a time. Many had to call for her sack. She hails from Bayelsa State as President Jonathan and shares an affinity with him. Mrs. Madueke is undoubtedly a personality in the Jonathan’s administration. To many people, she remains untouchable as long as President Jonathan remains in power.

David Mark

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e is a retired Army Gen eral turned politician.

He has been in the Senate representing Benue South since the return of Democracy in 1999.

DezianiAllison Madueke

•Doyin Okupe Mark is currently the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he has occupied since 2007. He wields much influence both in the national assembly and in the Presidency. That the gale of impeachments that defined the Senate prior to his ascendancy to the position of number three citizen in the country stopped was to the credit of Mark. It may not be out of place to state, as it was widely acknowledged, that David Mark provided the thick skin for the Presidency during the Boko Haram insurgency last year. In several quarters, he was seen as the backbone of President Goodluck Jonathan. Mark speaks tough when the integrity of the Senate is undermined by anyone. Recall his stern rebuke to Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku when he (Maku) said that resolutions of the national assembly are not bind-

•David Mark

•Mike Oghiadomhe ing on the President.

Recall also, another rebuke to the Senior Special assistant to President Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe in the wake of the 2013 budget presentation where Okupe said that Mark’s speech at the presentation was both dictatorial and authoritative. Again, David Mark is a strategist who knows when to employ the tool of diplomacy.

He is a must watch in 2013.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

He is the Speaker, House of Representatives. A Lawyer by profession, he hails from Sokoto and joined politics in 1999.

He was elected the Speaker of the House in 2011 by his colleagues. He appears gentle, calculative and intelligent. He has brought stability in the hitherto rancorous House of Representatives. Many Nigerians

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e is President Jonathan’s Chief of Staff. Though very little is known about the man in the public sphere, he is a very powerful hand in the Jonathan’s presidency. In some places, he is the dogged leader of “Edo cabal” in the presidency. He was the deputy Governor of Edo State during Lucky Igbinedion’s administration.

He wields so much power that he determines who sees the President and at what time.

However, several controversies surround him. Speculations are rife that he was part of the reasons for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loss in the last gubernatorial elections in Edo state as he is said to be one of the godfathers behind the PDP’s candidate, Ihembvorarre.

Oronto Douglas

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e is Jonathan’s Assistant on Documentation. He hails from Bayelsa State. Douglas may be an Assistant but many believe that he is more powerful in the presidency that most Ministers. Little wonder Governors and Generals trooped recently to Bayelsa State for his late father’s burial which unfortunately claimed the lives former Governor of Kaduna State, Late Mr. Patrick Yakowa and the former national Security Adviser (NSA), late Owoeye Andrew Azazi. By this, Douglas is said to command influence in many respects that even the military would allow its aircrafts to be used for his private ceremonies.

Continues on page 45

14 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 15

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16 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 —17

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

My girlfriend cheated on me and regrets it Dear Julie, am 34 years old and my girlfriend recently admitted that she had cheated on me. She said, and I believe her, that she really loves me and that this was a mistake she regrets. However, I can’t take it out of my mind and forget about it. I am angry that she ruined the purity of our love story. It feels like it’s no longer “a dream come true” merely a watered down version of it because it is no longer “flawless.” I feel like a pushover for not doing anything about it.

I’m really in love with her and I can’t bring myself to break up just for that. How can I forgive her? Will I always keep this poisonous thought inside? How can I prevent this from shadowing every aspect of our relationship? Am I “selling short” and blind to her untrustworthiness? How can I trust her again?

Franklyn, Benin

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Dear Franklyn

You are torn between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, you love your girlfriend and want to forgive and trust her; on the other, your feelings were hurt, your perspective of your relationship has been changed, and you don’t want to feel taken advantage of.

The way you described your relationship prior to the cheating, as ”flawless” and pure, while it sounds wonderful, might be a clue into your expectations of relationships in general. Should a relationship be flawless? Cheating aside, did you ever notice other flaws or have concerns about your relationship? Flaws, concerns, problems, issues, whatever you call them are common in relationships, maybe even universal. In a long distance relationship, it can be easy to ignore or overlook flaws for awhile. Because we don’t see our loved ones as frequently, we can idealize our relationship and those few precious inperson visits. Expecting or

d w e l l i n g on relationship perfection of the past may hinder your healing process. Instead, you might approach your situation as a chance to strengthen the bond you two once shared.

Perhaps you could sit down with your girlfriend and each make a list of all of the qualities you love about one another and another list about things that need improving in your relationship. You could discuss your expecations regarding fidelity, open communication, and honesty, and listen to her expectations. How can you achieve the improvements you’ve both listed? Are they reasonable? What are you willing to compromise on?

Another possibility may be to explore your feelings by agreeing with your girlfriend to allow yourselves to see other people. Dating helps pose two options: first, it may help you realize partners who are better suited for you, allowing you to cut your losses and move on; or second, realize you truly love your girlfriend and believe her regrets are legitimate, thus enabling you both to work through your past problems and move forward as a couple.

Before you make your final decision, you can weigh out the pros and cons of staying with your girlfriend. If the “pro” list outweighs the “con” one, your answer may be evident. If, however, the situation is reversed, you may want to take some time to figure out your options with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor.

We’re not on speaking terms M

Dear Julie, y best friend and I got into a fight. It’s been a month and he won’t speak to me. He says that he needs time, but that’s the one thing I can’t give him. I feel so hopeless and I’ve gone back to smoking after being clean for 11 months. I’m just so sad all the time and it just hurts so much more than I know how to describe. And I know I shouldn’t allow my happiness to be dependent on another person, but it is because he was the only one that actually cared. And I just don’t know what to do. I can’t bring myself to go to speak to friends about it but I just can’t go through with it. I’m trying to move on, but I just want the pain to stop. I miss him so much. And I apologized profusely, but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care and I can’t handle it. I’m just so upset and I just need help. I don’t know what to do.

Ansa, Lagos Dear Ansa The ending of a friendship can be very difficult, and the silent treatment can feel worse than any unkind words.

Finding closure and moving on is hard when someone gives you the cold shoulder. However, just because he isn’t speaking to you, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. People respond very differently when they are angry or upset. While your friend might need time, you deserve to feel better without hurting yourself now. Don’t emotionally exhaust yourself by continually reaching out. It sounds like you’ve done your part apologizing and attempting to communicate, but without his cooperation, the friendship may have run its course.

Seeking out advice or support during this hard time may help you clear your mind. Talking with a counselor may be difficult at first, but expressing your emotions and talking about how to deal with your emotions in a more positive way may help you avoid smoking again in the future.

If you aren’t up for speaking with anybody about it, you could also speak with a trusted friend, teacher, family member, or clergy member. You don’t necessarily have to choose someone you are close to.

It’s difficult for me to find Miss Right

Dear Julie, ’m a guy who can’t seem to find the right person. I’m not unattractive or lousy, but for the longest time, I’ve had trouble starting a relationship with anyone. The problem is that when I meet a woman, I can’t seem to progress past the friendship stage.

Many of these women become my good friends, but they just don’t seem interested in starting a physical relationship.

My bad luck has left me feeling unattracboyfriend. In order to make the retive and unconfident. I get frustrated lationship work, both you and your when I hear about my friends falling in partner’s needs should be considered. Are you are both willing to and out of relationships. How can I imwork towards those ever-changing prove my relationship status? I know it’s goals together? If not, you may devague, but it’s been troubling me for a cide it is time to cut your losses and long time. move on.

Fabian, Calabar You mentioned that you are worried about being devastated , why Dear Fabian do you expect to feel this way? Are Luck often doesn’t have a lot to do with there any positive feelings that romantic relationships. It seems you must could come from ending the relaknow that because of the strong feelings tionship? Do you have the support of friends or family to help you duryou’re having about not being in a physiing this potentially challenging cal relationship. When potential intimate time? You could also consider seekrelationships are not progressing as anticing the support of a counselor; ipated, someone’s frustration with this may someone who is not closely tied to cause her/him to just give up rather than the situation and can offer an obspend time fostering that potential connecjective point of view. tion with a possible partner. If you feel roIdentifying your needs may help mantic about someone, flirt and clearly comyou to make important decisions, municate that you are interested in pursuas well as encourage future healthy ing the relationship past friendship so that relationships, with or without your ex-boyfriend the other person knows of your interest.

I

My former boyfriend wants me back!?

Aunty Julie, y ex-boyfriend recently pro fessed his undying love for me. It had been a year since we broke up and he told me it was one of the biggest mistakes he made in his life. In the year that we were “broken up,” I struggled to let go of the past, to let go of losing him after he picked up a new girl in that time.

So, of course I jumped at the offer of “getting back together.” It has been a couple of months that we have been trying to rekindle our lost love, and it seems to me that he has made little effort to keep the flame burning or to light the candle for that matter.

I fight day and night with the idea of moving on with my life because these were the very same problems that ended our relationship the first time, but after waiting and dreaming for a year that I could have his true love back, I am very afraid that throwing it away will only devastate me. HELP!!!!

M

Rose, Port-Harcourt Dear Rose, Taking the time to reflect on your relationship and your personal needs is a great way to clarify how best to move forward, as an individual or as a couple. Have you considered making a list of what you want from a relationship i.e., respect, daily phone calls, regular sex, romantic gestures, compassion, etc.? While it is important to consider the needs and wants of your partner, try to focus on yourself during this activity.

How well do the qualities of your current and ex-boyfriend match your list? Is he presently meeting your needs? Is he capable of meeting your needs? What are you willing to give up or overlook? Where are you not willing to compromise? Can you discuss this with him and see where he is willing to accommodate and where he isn’t? Are his needs being met in this relationship? Self-exploration and honest communication can help you make choices about whether or not to stay with your ex-

C O C K - T A L E S • A wealthy merchant of 84 married a 25year-old fashion model. They had a wonderful honeymoon in Switzerland but, unfortunately, the old boy suffered a coronary and was hospitalised. When his young wife came to see him, the old man said, “Sweetheart, your future has been taken care of regardless of what happens to me. You will have an income of $250,000 a year, my home in Palm Springs, my ranch in Texas, and my Mercedes. You’ll never need to worry about money.” “Oh, sweetheart, please don’t talk that way,” his young wife exclaimed.

“You’ve been so good to me already. If you go, I’ll be devastated. Oh, there must be something I can do to help you. Please... tell me what I can do?” “Well,” the old man gasped, “ you can quit pinching the inlet tube to my oxygen supply for starters.

•An aged farmer and his wife were leaning against the edge of their pig-pen when the old woman wistfully recalled that the next week would mark their golden wedding anniversary. “Let’s have a party, Homer,” she suggested. “Let’s kill a pig.” The farmer scratched his grizzled head. “Gee, Ethel,” he finally answered, “I don’t see why the pig should take

the blame for something that happened fifty years ago.

•A young man looking to get married asked his friend. “Every woman I bring home to meet my parents, my mother doesn’t like.” “Oh, that’s easy,” his pal replied, “All you have to do is find someone who is just like your mother.” “I did that already,” he said, “and that one my father didn’t like.”

•A husband asks his wife, “Will you marry after I die?” The wife responds, “No, I will live with my sister.” The wife asks him back, “Will you marry after I die?” The husband responds, “No, I will also live with your sister.”

SATURDAY

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he went through some course of chemotherapy but even with that, her health deteriorated rapidly in the first few months. Then she started losing weight and was a shadow of her bubbly self.

The pain she had to endure was so much that it was almost a relief when she passed on. That was when it dawned on me that I would never see her again. A chapter in my life had ended and I had four lovely children to look after.

“After my wife’s funeral, a girlfriend I recently met when Wemi was very ill and I was feeling sorry for myself and in dire need of consolation, told me she was four months pregnant. That she didn’t want to tell me earlier because of the trauma I was going through. She told me she’d intended to have the baby as she’d longed for one for years. Moreover, she wasn’t getting any younger.”I was very confused by the news. I still missed my wife terribly but the stress of looking after four lively and bewildered “

Taking back your life af ter mourning your spouse kids was taking its toll on me.

My wife’s relatives who offered to help were like parasites—snooping among her things and actually carting away some of her personal effects. It was really disgusting. Even my own relatives, who offered to keep house for us were fleecing me.

“In the meantime, Franka, my girlfriend, had met my children and they actually got on well with her. So, when she was about eight months gone, I simply asked her to move in—it was five months after my wife died! Naturally, a lot of my friends and relatives were shocked and scandalized by my decision. They accused me of being heartless and ruthless. Eventually, they met Franka, saw how she dotted

family.

I’ll will never forget Wemi, the wife who gave me 15 years of happiness.

She was the love of my life

Panic rose in my stomach as I sat, shaking at what I was confronted with

,

not only on her child but all the children and they agreed she was a Godsent. We didn’t get married until her child was a year old and she’s since had another one. We have both agreed that six children are more than enough in the

couple of miscarriages. I’d been treated for a blood related ailment which was responsible for the miscarriages I had but my husband was no more to benefit from the expensive treatments we both paid through the nose for. His family knew about my problem and the efforts we made. Now I’m pregnant— but for another man. Would I have another miscarriage? Should I have an abortion? I quickly ruled out the last option. I’d gone through a lot of anger and frustration trying to have a baby to now throwaway my chances because of a husband who would never come back.

“I’d met my new partner at a friend’s house and never even thought he ‘was single. But he was, and after being messed around by girls who often took him to the cleaners, he was more than ready to settle down. Now that both our prayers have been answered, my in-laws could be the spanner in the works.

but I care for Franka too in a different way. You can’t live in the ashes of dead happiness and I believe it is a tribute to my dead wife that I remarried quickly after her death. If I’d had a bad marriage with her, I

wouldn’t have been eager to give it a go a second time... “ Sessi was already certain she was pregnant when she submitted her urine for a pregnancy test. When the result was positive, she realized she was faced with the hardest decision of her life.

“What would my in-law say about this?”, she asked. “They would hate me, never want to see me again. Panic rose in my stomach as I sat, shaking at what I was confronted with.

The father of my baby was already on to my mobile. I confirmed the news and he yelled with joy.

Unfortunately, my husband of five years was in his grave in his home town—a victim of a fatal car accident! He died barely a year ago.

“Unfortunately too, is the fact that there was no child of the marriage as I’d had a

M

Y parents too were mildly shocked to say the least and decided I shouldn’t say a word about the pregnancy until after the first anniversary of my husband’s death which was a month away. But you’ll be amazed at how news like that leaks out.

The cold stares that greeted me at the church memorial service were so intense I wish I could just disappear. His parents tried to be civil about it all and stayed a few hours at the reception, before hurriedly departing the venue. “It was inevitable that I went abroad to have my baby—and I’m proud of the healthy son that God finally blessed me with. I wish that things would have worked out differently with regards to the time lapse, but what could I do when God said it was time for me, to be fulfilled? My husband will always have a special place in my heart and I’m sure he too would have been happy for me wherever he is...” “

,

he year,2012 definitely had its share of tragic incidents and deaths associated with a leap Year.

It’s with a huge relief to see its back and occasionally reflect on its causalities.

Six years ago, Albert watched his wife of 15 years quietly slip away after a protracted battle with ovarian cancer. “The day Wemi, my wife, died was the most traumatic day of my life”, recalled Albert. “We’d been married 14 years when she started feeling unwell.

After a couple of visits to the doctors and the pain she felt didn’t subside, it was suggested that she went through some tests, and we were shattered when the tests revealed she had ovarian cancer—and it was terminal as the illness had eaten into other organs.

Vanguard JANUARY 5, 2013—19

You don’t need tto o ha fair! havve that af affair!

A

fter 20 years of marriage, my husband deserted me for a younger woman and caused me deep hurt”, wrote in Davina from Lagos.

“He’d given me a big lovely card on our 20 th Wedding Anniversary saying how much he loved me and how he was looking forward to the next 20 years with me. Yet, seven months after that, his torrid affair with a fresh graduate who didn’t want to be an ‘Outside’ wife was blown open. I later discovered that my husband had been unfaithful even at the time he sent me that card. Within months of his affair being blown into the open he’d abandoned his matrimonial home to set up home with his new woman in one of his houses. He had to use the help of the Police to eject the tenants! As to be expected, I felt betrayed and dejected and sometimes alone in spite of our five children.

“Because of the deep pain this desertion caused me, I have vowed that I will never put any woman through such pain if I eventually remarry (though I don’t think this is likely with five kids). If I am lucky to find a

,

“

the importance and sanctity of the marriage vows and it grieves me that my husband, who is also a Catholic, caused me to break those vows against my will.

“I don’t like to see people get

Any union built on the ruins of a marriage and at the cost of a spurned husband or wife is weakened by nagging guilt

man, I would make sure he is unmarried before entering into any relationship with him.

“As I write this, I still hurt terribly.

But that doesn’t give me the right— should a man comes my way— to enter into his life without ensuring that he has no ties. As a Catholic, I believe in

,

hurt.A triangle of love and passion damages everyone —the betrayed wife, the cheating husband and the willing other woman. Any union built on the ruins of a marriage and at the cost of a spurned husband or wife is weakened by nagging guilt.”A lonely or needy person may be

desperate enough to jump into an affair with a partner who is married; yet who amongst us would believe that it is satisfactory or preferable, to a relationship with a man who is also single?

“Women are sometimes tempted into having an affair with a married man precisely because he has proved his willingness to become a provider and having an affair with her, the man also clearly demonstrates his unfaithfulness and ability to deceive.”A wedding ceremony invites us all — and not just the happy pair — to respect a couple’s sacred vows of fidelity. We find self-respect by acting with integrity and protecting the marriage of others.

When a loving woman hears the word: “The truth is, I’m married”, she needs to respond instantly and firmly by saying to the man: “In that case, get out of my life and leave me alone!

C M Y K

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5 5, 2013 aja and Omasan got married five years ago and their marriage was the talk of the town. But Omasan had an issue with her husband which which many of their admirers didn’t know. Omasan complained to her closest pals about her husband’s insatiable desire for sex. “He’s a maniac,” she told her friends who on the contrary wished their husbands had a high libido like Omasan’s. Most nights, Omasan found herself pleading head-ache so her husband would forget about love-making but because she also feared losing him to other women, she would comply.

According to her, she endures sex while her husband enjoys it.

Sexuality is not defined the same for men and women. As the hormones differ, as the genetic elements differ, sexuality too differs for both men and women. Both the partners look for sexual satisfaction in every sexual act; but, the ways men prefer to reach the peak are very much different from that of women.

Men, of course, live in a dissimilar realm of fantasy and carvings when it comes to lovemaking. The reason for disgruntled sexual lives, most often, is the lack of understanding and unshared desires among the couple.

Sharing the wishes and passions about sexual activities can resold the issues a larger extent and render happy and satisfied bed hours to each couple.

It is a biological or psychological fact that man turns himself on much faster than a woman does. Male genetic mechanism turns on itself when it the activity. Certain positions, certain comes to sexuality but female sexual practices etc., are wished by every man drives need a bit of time and efforts while on sex. Exploring varieties is from the male counterpart to activate. loved by men. The only solution to find This slow revved process is not liked the funniest and satisfying ways is to by many men. It is a fact that a large talk on sexual interests and desires. group of men like women who turn on Women fantasize much but men want themselves on bed; also women who to actualize the fantasies. take initiative themselves are liked all Suppressing the sexual wishes is the the more by men. not the manly way of sexuality. They Lovemaking is no more just the want it to be talked out. Psychologists activity of procreation for men. They reveal the fact that men always love to look for more fun and maximum be guided in lovemaking. If the female possible pleasure and satisfaction in counterpart can guide him through the

J

What men look for in love-making

action, expressing the pleasing ways to her, men achieve the highest peaks.

Many couple becomes failure on bed as they hesitate to express themselves or talk the sexual passions, being afraid of the reaction of the partner.

Talking, discussing, and expressing the loved positions, desired practices and wished ways help men to fulfill his sexual needs in the most satisfactory way.

Men always look for variety in sexuality. The routine lovemaking with the same emotion, same position and

same mood will make him ruin the spirit of the action. When you feel that your sexual life is growing dry, try to discuss each other and bring variety in the act. The mindset of men is much different from that of women. A typical woman may satisfy herself with the action and possibilities men suggest.

But men can get bored soon with the same type sex every day.

Changes in speed, position, pressure etc., will make him feel variety. There are no unrestricted areas in sexuality; thus trespass wherever you want to enjoy the act to the maximum. It is a misconception that bed is the only platform for sexuality. Once in a while you can try it in the bathroom, kitchen and even in the swimming pool if you have enough privacy there.

Most men do not tolerate women dominating over them, at least, in sexuality. Though, he likes getting guided and expressed of the counterpart’s desires, he wants to be the boss of the action always. Sexuality is a realm where men seek fulfillment of his fantasies, ambitions and passions in the way he likes it. Though many men compromise on this part considering the partner ’s desires, if surrendered to his domination, he will enjoy sexuality more fruitfully.

It is the emotional heights that satisfy him more than physical climaxes. Though sex is incomplete with a physical climax of ejaculation for men, emotional elements will make him more involved in the act.

Massages, talks, various positions etc., will make him more satisfied. If men feel that each of his action is loved and enjoyed by the partner, he may grow more active in the action of sex.

Let him get the hint that you enjoy

the actions by talking or through physical gestures. This will make him more emotionally satisfied. Sex, basically, is the act of sharing your love and emotions; thus expressing and exploring it in the maximum possible ways will make the action ever fresh and satisfying.

She dumped me because I’m a virgin

I

’m a twenty-year-old male. I grew up in a very conservative household and community and never really dated much in secondary school. Now I’ve been in the University for a couple years, I'm much more confident and have matured a lot. I’d feel perfectly comfortable having sex now, but everyone assumes I already have. How do I approach this topic with a girl? When the last girl I dated found out I was a virgin, she dumped me because she said she didn’t want to be the one to devirginize me.

Bunmi, Sapele Ans: There is nothing wrong with being a virgin or not having had intercourse at all or yet. Everyone is different and has his/ her own path. Having said that, you are also in good company. Both men and women in secondary school and even in the university act “as if” they have had

intercourse, when in fact they have not.

Understandably, people want to save face. They foolishly believe that not having had intercourse means they are not popular enough, attractive enough, mature enough, or smart enough to get someone. Clearly, you are still a man, even if you have not had intercourse.

You feel burned by the last woman you dated. You trusted her, and she dropped you. It’s not clear what she thought was the matter with “being the one to devirginize you.” Some women would consider it an honour to be chosen.

So for some reason, this woman didn’t want to continue dating you. You signed your letter as being “annoyed.” What is annoying you? That you were dumped when this woman found out that you were a virgin? That she didn’t want the “responsibility” to be with the virgin you?

What if you tried on another word? How about “hurt”? Your feelings were probably hurt, but the other side of hurt is usually anger, and it’s important to deal with your

hurt and angry feelings before you venture out and about again in the social/dating world.

Whenever you reveal something about your personal or sexual life, it’s a risk. As a result, it’s important to be judicious about when and how you disclose, and to whom, as well as to identify your expectation(s) as a result.

All that aside, sometimes you are just going to be hurt. You’ll hurt for a while and then you won’t.

When someone rejects you, or chooses not to see you again, s/he is giving you a gift , the gift of time. You don’t have to waste one more minute of your precious time on this particular person who, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to be with you.”

You are free to move on, if you see it that way, to get closer to the person who you want to be with, and who wants to be with you, regardless of your sexual experience or inexperience.

So the best thing to do, and the only thing you can do, is to be yourself. If you are, you can be certain that whomever you eventually have sex with will want to be with the real you, and not with the someone you are pretending to be. And that is the part that’s emotionally fulfilling.

In fact, your sexual experiences or the lack of them are part of who you are, yet they are only one part of who you are. People are virgins at University for a number of reasons, and the reasons really don’t matter.

Remember, the more you get to know and trust a person, or a potential sexual partner, someone with whom you can talk openly about yourself and your sexuality, about sex and all the feelings that accompany it , what you are afraid of, embarrassed about, curious or excited about , the more vulnerable the two of you can be with each other, and the more satisfying and pleasurable the sex will be.

from any part of the country aged 18-45

on 08121444610 *John, 47, male, from Edo State, Christian, based •Ikenna, 26, tall and fair, lives in Enugu in Lagos, needs a God-fearing lady of 23-35 for a and a graduate needs a mature lady from serious relationship on 07061222055 *Don Bee, 55,divorced, self-employed, wants to to hook up with a wealthy lady of 28-37 for a any part of Nigeria 08068817116 •Emmanuael,36, from Akwa-Ibom, meet a financially comfortable lady of 40-60 for a serious relationshipon 08074450030 based in Lagos an employed lady who is •Fada, 33, from Calabar, wants a good woman love and business relationship that would benefit well-behaved as his the wto of us on 07056719966 wife on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08109870454 • Daniel, male, in his 20s wants a love relationshipwith a woman of 20-30 on •Tasha, 23, fat, beautiful, busty, from 07067976792 Do you want to be linked?

•Obinna, male, from Enugu, wants a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting Delta State, needs a to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- relationship that can lady of 20-28 for a marital relationship tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for lead to marriage on on 08103602490 07058641454 •KC, 32, single,tall and handsome, wants C M Y K

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 21

Good posture through the years y Yoga teacher was of the opinion that old age sets in when one throws away good posture to the winds. He would say: “Do your exercise regularly to avoid that sort of stiffness which starts from the nape of the neck down to the heels of the feet.

I have found out through the years of teaching Yoga to others that even a little boy of less than six years could be incapable of the

doing the head-to-knee posture, whereas, someone of 30 who exercises regularly has no with the same posture. That fact drives home the point that deterioration of the tone of the muscles can occur even while a child is growing up.

Loss of muscle tone will not wait till you have attained the same age as Methuselah.

This means that we owe it to ourselves to start to keep the body healthy very early

in life.

P a r e n t s s h o u l d therefore realise the importance of fitness not only for themselves but also for those that they bring into the world to delight their days on earth!

Parents do not have to breathe down the necks of their children to get them to exercise. Children almost always learn by example.

Seeing their parents exercise will in most cases inspire them to follow suit.

Typical of this situation was what existed between my own Yoga teacher and his children. He would tell me that because his children, thought most of the exercises were funny, they would want to join in the fun by doing them too.

The end result being that his children of both genders became very good at doing the exercises, enjoying all the therapeutic benefits of the practices.

He would tell me, for instance, that none of his

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t a k e paracetamol for some time now during my periods. I see,” I want the reader to know that this was an honest-to-God incidence.

Loss of muscle tone will not wait till you have attained the same age as Methuselah daughters suffered from period pains or had problems at child delivery. And he would put all that down to their practice 0f Yoga.

After a few weeks of Yoga classes, I once told a group of ladies that one of the benefits of the head-to-knee posture was that of painless periods and one of them said; “no wonder, I have not had to

,

For a good posture, which means an absence of a round back, the practise of the Camel, The Twist, The Warrior Pose and The writer’s Pose will help greatly.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

Why D’banj and Genevieve Nnaji broke up T

HE internet was awash during the week with tales of D’banj’s past relationship with top Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

According to online reports, the sexy stars dated off and on between 2009 and early 2012.

D’banj recently opened up to Toolz on the Juice about his past relationship with Genevieve and said he doesn’t know who dumped who.

“Genevieve was a friend but now, I haven’t seen her. I don’t know who dumped who,” D’banj replied in an interview.

Observers believed that it was Genevieve who dumped D’banj, not necessarily because she wanted to. But certainly because she had no choice. There were just too many women around D’banj.

It seemed at a point, a lot of women wanted a piece of the Kokomaster, including a close friend of the actress who allegedly began an affair with D’banj behind her back. Genny decided she’d had enough and ended the relationship in late 2011.

However, the lovebirds briefly reconciled in early

2012, but broke up again after D’banj started flaunting his relationship with Ghanian actress, Nadia Buhari. The relationship which began in late 2009 after the two met at the airport, became public when D’banj granted an exclusive interview in March, 2010, expressing his feelings for Miss Nnaji.

According to D’banj, “We have been trying to keep this quiet but yes, I am dating Genevieve Nnaji. I am in love with her. It’s been long I felt this •D’banj and Genny way about anyone. I don’t know what other words to use to qualify my feelings. She’s my allegedly dated another popubaby, she’s my everything and lar Nigerian singer.

D’banj’s romance with I love her.” People in the know Genevieve caught fire after claim that it wasn’t only the other women in D’banj’s life that the actress featured in his “Fall ended their relationship but that in Love” video where they Genevieve was not committed shared a kiss in 2010. Things to the relationship. D’banj was got heated up when D’baj flew said to have been hurt after he to the UK to attend her 32nd heard that Genevieve had also birthday party.

Olu Maintain drops 2 new-year singles

By OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

F

ew days after winning Best Reggae Video of the Year at the just concluded Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) with the artistic NAWTI video, Olumide Adegbulu popularly known as Olu Maintain has released two new songs featuring two popular America artistes, Olivia and Fatman Scoop.

Olu indeed had an eventful 2012.

His last single, NAWTI was one of the most popular songs of 2012. The song won him several a w a r d s including Best Video of The Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in NewYork and Best R e g g a e / Dancehall Video of the year at Nigeria Music Video Awards.

And now, Olu is sure ready for greater exploits •Olu Maintain in 2013 with the release of two songs in the beginning of 2013.

The two songs are titled, Hypnotize and Oya Dancia. Hyp-

Enebeli Elebuwa’s final journey begins

T

he burial programmes of late Nollywood actor, Enebeli Elebuwa who died in India early last month has been released by the family.

According to the programmes, Enebeli’s final journey will begin with a candle light procession and Night of Tribute, holding at the celebrity hangout, O’jez, National Stadium, Surulere, on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. It’s scheduled for 5 pm-9pm.

On Thursday, January 10, there will be Wake keep at NTA Channel 10 ground, Tejuosho, Yaba, Lagos. The requiem Mass is fixed for Friday, January 11, at St Micheal’s Catholic Church.

Internment follows immediately at Victoria Court Cemetery, Ajah. unday, Jan. 13.

Thanksgiving Service is scheduled to hold at

Micheal’s Catholic Church, Lafiaji, Lagos.

Enebeli died on December 5, 2012, at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Fridabad, Haryana, New Delhi, India. His remains arrived the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja , on the 15th of December, 2012 and was received by the children and few members of the family.

Elebuwa was well known for the role he played as Andrew in a campaign by the Federal Government in the 80s to discourage Nigerians from fleeing the country.

The veteran actor had suffered from several health challenges which required extensive hospital stays in the country before he was finally flown to India, courtesy of the Delta State Government. He died on December 5.

notize is a well crafted melodious song with well arranged strings and horns that will mesmerize first listeners. The smooth vocal delivery of Olu and Olivia on the song makes it a classic collaboration and one of the songs that will rule the airwaves in 2013. Oya Dancia is a party starter and definitely one of the songs to rule the parties in 2013. The DJs definitely can’t resist the influenece of Fatman Scoop on the song.

With these new songs, Olu is ready to start his career in 2013 on a very high note.

Speaking on the new songs, Olu said it is high time he dropped something new. “It is public knowledge that NAWTI was well accepted and even till now, the song is still in high demand. I’ve been getting lots of calls and messages from friends and fans asking me when am I releasing my next singles and I thank them all for the love. The two songs I’m releasing now are part of the songs on my album titled, Choosen One and I’m very sure a lot of people will enjoy it as much as they enjoyed NAWTI. It is a great way to start 2013.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 23

Police on the trail of Iyanya, manager arrested

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

R

EIGNING Afro hip hop act, Iyanya is allegedly wanted by the Nigerian Police,in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, in connection with the case of fraud brought against him by popular show organiser, Opa Williams.

Already, Iyanya’s manager, UbiFranklin Ekpong is said to be currently under arrest at Mile 3 Police Division,in the Garden city.

Opa Williams,the producer of Nigeria’s foremost comedy show, ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ reported Iyanya to the police for allegedly collecting N1.7 million from him being payment for the singer’s performance at ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ shows which held in Benin and Port Harcourt few days ago. Unfortunately,the Kukere crooner never showed up at any of the shows.

According to our sources, what

•Iyanya

infuriated Williams was the fact that Iyanya actually arrived Port Harcourt ahead of the show on that fateful day(Monday)only for him to disappear minutes later with his cell phones permanently switched off.

“He has caused me a lot of embarrassment, as people who paid to come and watch him went home disappointed. For 17 years, we have been organizing Nite of A Thousand Laughs and we have built a large followership, I will not allow anybody to destroy the credibility we have as people who deliver on their promises. That’ why we are going to pursue this case (legally) to a logical conclusion and ensure this is the last time Iyanya would do this to anybody.” Williams stated.

Adding, he said ,“When Iyanya failed to show up at Benin edition, which held on December 26, he called to apologise, promising however to make it up with the Port-

ke Abuja big boy, Otunba O bounces back in style

Why we honoured NAFDAC boss

BY IYABO AINA

O

TUNBA Kayode Oke needs no introduction as one of the “big boys” who are painting the federal capital territory red in recent times.

— NMVA organisers

T

he NMVA alliance with NAFDAC finally climaxed with a special recognition award bestowed on the agency’s Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii at the 6th edition of the Nigeria Music Video Awards held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The reasons for the honours according to the organizers, was Dr. Orhii’s consistent use of the entertainment platform for the advancement of the anti counterfeiting and fake drugs campaign.

Cally Ikpe, the awards CEO revealed that Dr. Orhii has privately always supported the NMVA financially and otherwise. ‘’for me, he has been more than a mentor, he has been a big pillar. Such a man deserves to be supported to succeed abundantly in his national efforts at sanitizing his sector ” Cally explained.

Curiously, the DG was absent at the function due to a sudden summon from the Presidency, but he was ably represented by the deputy

director of Public Relations, Alhaji Abubakar Jimoh who profusely apologised for his bosses unavoidable absence. He pledged NAFDAC’s continuous support for the entertainment industry and reckoned that his boss is pleased with the honour.

Massive branding at the cocktail arena, a detailed documentary extolling the virtues of Dr. Orhii were on display to buttress the significance of the honouree.

It will be recalled that in 2010, It was Dr. Orhii that conducted the induction of Mr. Ben Bruce into the NMVA hall of fame.

The NMVA 2012 witnessed performances from wave making artistes including, Iyanya, ChuddyK , Olamide, Chidinma amongst others. The legend himself 2face Idibia was at hand to give the closing performance of the night which got a standing ovation from everyone present.

Harcourt and Bonny shows. But again, he did not keep to his word.”

Showtime gathered that Iyanya shunned Opa Williams’ event, but performed earlier at another show which held the same day in PortHarcourt and featured Timaya.

Confirming the buzz, Williams’ media Company, Media Image Managers, said, “We are aware of the issue between Opa Williams and hip hop act, Iyanya. The parties are at the moment at Mile 3 Police Division in Port Harcourt.

Our client has informed us he is seeking redress in court. However, there are moves to resolve the matter amicably. It is sad that Iyanya would behave in such an unprofessional manner, but then, the police are handling the matter well.”

However, when contacted on the phone, Iyanya denied that the police are looking for him, muttering “Don’t mind them, I am in Abuja.”

The dashing business mogul who has been scarce in the social circuit lately, has bounced back in style.

The Softess boss, said that he made what he called a “tactical retreat” for some strategic reasons. “It’s true that I haven’t been as visible as be-

How 2face thrilled fans with “Ife na eme”

I

•Tuface

By ANOZIE EGOLE

T all happened at the Lagos Countdown, held to usher in the new year. The night could be said to belong to 2face Idibia.

He certainly, cemented his reputation as the Nigeria’s biggest artiste when he made the audience stand up from their seats just to catch glimpse of the action. The Benue State born, award winning super star, 2face Idibia, threw the fans off their feet when he mounted the stage with one of his hit tracks, “ife na eme”. The fans had no choice but to join the sensational musician in singing the chorus. The crowd couldn’t get enough of him.

fore in the political and social circuit, but it’s not out of frustration or disillusionment as alleged by some detractors. I just opted to make a tactical withdrawal of sort, mainly to take my business to another level and do more for my people in terms of philantrophy.”

It was learnt that he is making arrangement to launch a foundation called Otunba Kayode Oke Foundation soon.

“The idea behind the foundation is to give back to the society,” he enthused. “To empower the youths, widows and the less privileged in general, so that they would be able to stand on their own feet economically. As you know, I have a passion for charity and helping humanity in general.

It is not about politics but about giving back to the society.”

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

I've opened a new page of healthy lifestyle—Dada

A

t 71, Chief Dr. Olusola Dada looks younger than his age. This Economist has taken healthy living as a discipline from his youthful age. He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he speaks on his new page of healthy lifestyle in the new year. Excerpt What is the secret of your good looks?

My strength is in God. Whatever you consider as strength is given to you by God whether it is good health, regular exercise, not allowing things to bother you is only made possible by God. I thank God for giving me good health.

Chief Dr. Olusola Dada

Today's Menu

My mother used to give us fresh foods including vegetables.

Nowadays, people store meat in the fridge for one month. There are many other things out of affleunce that can affect our health as well.

Taking food in moderation is the best. I do my exercises regularly. I jog four times in a week. I used to play lawn tennis and golf too.

I take fruits a lot. I take blended melon prepared by my wife. I also take pawpaw.

There is no food I take in my house that is not caped with fruit. During mango season, she blends mango for me too.

I don’t eat fruits that are adulterated with sugar. I pick fresh fruits and drink fresh

...Starting the new year with healthy food

T

he best way to start the new year is indulging in a healthy diet which is the basis for a well-function-

ing body. It is important to know that you and your family can only make the difference this year by eating healthy foods and staying out of junk foods. However, a

healthy diet is important because it prevents diseases, maintains healthy weight and quality of life.

juice.

How would you compare your feeding as a child to your p resent status?

As a child, I used to eat three times a day. In Osogbo where I grew up, carbohydrate inclined food predominated the diet either in the morning, afternoon or evening. It is only on few occasions that I eat beans which was on Sundays.

But now, my diet is balanced and I eat twice in a day; morning and evening. I skip lunch except I have a lunch date. And once I take lunch, there is no dinner for that day and that is how I discipline myself.

TUMMY PALAVAR

Rihanna’s chicken thumb

RnB singer , Rihanna has no regrets eating chicken and licking her fingers in the public. Just an appreciation to the chicken world. Well done girl.

Rihanna

...New life with healthy juice

C M Y K

Y ou can start the new year with a new page of fruits and juice varieties to make a diference. A combination of fruits can make a healthy fruits smoothie that are delicious. A well-balanced smoothie can contain potassium, magnesium and calcium, vitamins A, C, E and K and powerful antioxidants.

Pear plus banana regulate sugar content.

Carrot plus apple with pear and mango clear body heat, counteract toxicity, decrease blood pressure and fight oxidisation.

Honey dew plus grape plus watermelon with milk rich in Vitamin C, B2 increase cell ac-

Carrot plus apple boost can cleanse your system Apple plus cucumber plus celery prevents cancer, reduces cholesterol and eliminates stomach upset and headache.

Tomatoes plus carrot and apple improves skin complexion and and eliminate bad breath.

Butter gourd plus apple and milk prevent bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange, ginger and cucumber improve skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat Pineapple, apple and watermelon dispel excess salt, nourish the bladder and kidney.

Apple , cucumber and Kiwi improve skin complexion.

Healthy Tips

itivity and strenghten body immunity.

Papaya plus pineapple with milk rich in Vitamin C, E, and iron improve skin complexion and metabolism.

Banana plus pineapple with milk rich in vitamins with nutrients prevent constipation.

Visceral Fat...

D

o you know that a big stomach is showing you have visceral fat? This fat causes dangerous health conditions. But, you can get your visceral fat under control beginning with a smart exercise and diet.

Eat your greens: Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables to the tune of seven to nine servings per day for men. Berries are among the best things you can eat. Packed with antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries are particularly great choices.

Focus on fiber: Choose whole grains and high fiber foods. Whole grains and fiber have been proven to reduce inflammation. That means whole wheat pastas; brown rice; Quinoa; beans; lentils; whole wheat breads; and whole grain breads.

Skip saturated foods: Reduce your saturated fat consumption. This is the fat found in fatty meats, like red meats, as well as bacon, sausage, cheeses, whole dairy milk, and full-fat yogurt. Choose instead chicken,

turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef.

Go Omega: Eat more omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids, and powerful anti-inflammatory agents. The best way to get your Omega-3 intake is to eat three or four ounces of fish like salmon or trout two times per week. Other great sources include flax seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.

Add some spice (and other antioxidants): Eat antioxidant rich foods. Many spices, such as oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger, are rich in antioxidants. Stay away from processed soy, eat tofu or less processed soy. Drink green tea. And treat yourself to some dark chocolate, as

long as it’s at least 70 percent cacao. Red wine is also seriously good for you in moderation.

Think whole foods and smaller plates: Eliminate as much possible highly processed foods, especially those with high fructose corn syrup and trans fats. Even when eating whole foods, resist excess calorie consumption. Only eat

enough calories to maintain weight and optimum metabolic needs.

Drink less booze: Practice moderation with alcohol intake, as alcohol is highly caloric and leads to fat gain.

SATURDAY Vanguard JANUARY 5, 2013 — 25

How to exercise and lose belly fat!

W

ho doesn’t want flat abs? People desperate to lose weight will willingly starve themselves, take expensive supplements or do the latest fad diet that promises to give them that flawless figure in 30 days. But belly fat is metabolically active and easier to lose. However, if proper nutrition is not observed and the resort is made to low calorie diets, weight loss may not happen within the desired time frame.

Hunger and calorie deprivation will eventually kick in and dieters confronted with that favourite food they have been avoiding will have the tendency to binge at the first opportunity.

The likelihood of gaining more weight than they originally lost is not far-fetched.

An expert says eating a calorie-controlled diet and 60 minutes of daily moderate exercise activity will result to weight loss and can even help with the desired weight maintenance. Intense aerobic exercise will result to being leaner around the abdomen.

It is important to remember that keeping the body’s metabolism up and running so that the body continuously burns calories prevents it from going into the fat-storing mode that causes unnecessary weight gain.

•Fat belly

r e p e t i t i o n s .

Exercise Ball Crunch —For this exercise, an exercise ball is necessary. In this routine, the abdomen does more exerting but will still need the entire body to stabilize it throughout the routine. To do this exercise, lie on the ball with your lower back fully supported.

Place hands behind the head. To lift the torso off the ball, contract the abs to pull the bottom of the rib cage towards the hips. Keep ball stable as you curl up, then lower back down to stretch the abs. Do 1 to 3 sets with 12 to 16 repetitions.

Why exercise is necessary Most people involved in weight loss believe that it’s all about the calories.

If you burn calories more than you take in, you lose weight. If you take in more calories than you can burn, the body gains fat. While this piece of logic may make sense, it is only partly true.

W

hat burns calories • Kitchen sponge nonstop is actually the lean muscle mass underneath body fat that allows more intake of goals can help in building the calories without weight gain. confidence needed to make The body actually adapts to the the necessary leap for the changes it undergoes. Losing achievement of a desired weight without exercising weight. A ranking of popular increases the risk of losing lean abdominal exercises revealed body mass, slowing the that exercises that require abdominal metabolism and putting the constant stabilization and body body into fat-storing mode.

People who have lost body fat rotation resulted in the most and muscle mass may notice muscle activity in the that they don’t have the muscle abdomen. Here are the top mass they once had. Worse yet, five belly exercises as ranked once they overeat even a little by the study: bit, they start filling up on body The Bicycle Exercise— best fat once again. for targeting the six pack muscles and the obliques. To Building up muscle mass An important thing to do this exercise, get into a remember when undergoing a supine position with hands at weight loss programme is to the back of your head. Bring understand what needs to be knees to the chest while lifting done. Realistic and achievable shoulders off the floor. Slowly

bring your right elbow towards your left knee as you straighten your right leg. Switch sides and continue in a pedaling motion. Do 1 to 3 sets with 12 to 16 repetitions.

The Captain’s Chair Leg Raise — This exercise requires a captain’s chair, a rack with padded arms allowing for the legs to hang free that is commonly found in gyms or health clubs. To do this exercise, stand on the chair and grip hand holds. Press back against the pad then raise knees to the chest to contract the abs then lower them back down. Do 1 to 3 sets with 12 to 16

V

ertical Leg Crunch—Performing this exercise is similar to doing a leg crunch except that the legs are straight up, forcing the abs to work and adding intensity to the routine. To do this, lie on the floor with the legs straight up, knees crossed, and place the hands beneath the head for support. Contract abs lifting the shoulders off the floor and keep legs in a fixed position to crunch. Do 1 to 3 sets with 12 to 16 repetitions.

Long Arm Crunch—This is a variant of the traditional floor crunch where the arms are held straight behind you, adding a lever to the move and making for a challenging exercise. To do this, lie on the floor or a mat

then extend arms straight behind, keeping them clasped and next to the ears. Slowly contract abs and lift shoulders off the floor carefully to keep the arms straight. Do 1 to 3 sets with 12 to 16 repetitions. The best strategy to weight loss is to observe a healthy diet coupled with exercise of at least an hour a day. Although there is no sure fire way to deal with belly fat, there are a number of activities from which to choose and enjoy. As long as you’re having fun, you can lose weight without realizing it. It is important to look for an exercise you enjoy. If the suggested exercises above do not suit your taste, taking a hike, swimming or biking are just as effective in burning fat and toning muscles.

Change kitchen weekly!

your sponge

Many people use the same sponge for weeks, even months at a time. That’s a problem, since sponges, which are moist and have lots of pockets, are bacteria magnets. In addition, these products smear bacteria that can be potentially harmful (like salmonella) around rather than removing it from a surface.

To keep your sponges clean and safe, soak them in a disinfectant solution daily for at least a few minutes.

Microwaving them for 20 seconds daily will also zap bugs; just make sure the sponge is moist.

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

Nse Ikperr-ieEdt?im getting ma

N

ollywood actress, Nse Ikpe Etim may be saying ‘I Do’ in no distant time.

Social media have been buzzing since the news of her engagement broke out during the week.

A reliable source confirmed that the fast rising actress is on the verge of walking down the aisle soon. Though,Nse has not confirmed her marriage plans to the media, HVP, however, learnt that the leggy actress was in her best mood recently as she was caught hugging her friends and flaunting her engagement ring.

The identity of the lucky man is yet to be disclosed, but from all indications, Nse is said to be in love and she’s definitely heading for the alter soon.

HVP gathered that the actress who is in her late 30s

W

hile year 2013 has started off in earnest, leading actress and Glo ambassador, Monalisa Chinda is poised to move at the same pace with the year.

Aside wowing fans and colleagues with her dancing prowess at the maiden edition of the Dance For Life, a M o n a l i s a C o d e Productions, which held recently at the upscale Oriental Hotels, Lekki, Lagos.

The faircomplexioned actress has also floated a foundation alongside a multimillion range of beauty products.

Well attended by Nollywood stars and hosted by the talented duo of Segun Arinze and Bimbo Akintola, the big-budget event was painstakingly powered by Project Help, a benefit initiative of the Arise Monalisa Foundation.

The foundation, in the words of the pretty and cerebral actress is aimed at reaching out to the lessprivileged and special people in the society.

“A Dance For Life, is an enactment of a contemporary dance event, which was proudly powered by my foundation, Project Help, which is a benefit initiative of the Arise Monalisa Foundation, through which

•Mercy Johnson

Fans flood facebook with congratulatory messages for

Mercy Johnson

•Nse Ikpe Etim ‘got engaged’ during the Christmas holidays and she's very much pleased with herself. ‘This has been my best Christmas ever! The fool says there is no God! Ha!’, she tweeted on December 29.

Nse Ikpe Etim has starred in over a dozen of movies including, Emem Isong produced ‘Reloaded’ Guilty Pleasures, as well as Kunle Afolayan’s award-winning movie, Phone Swap.

Monalisa Chinda unveils multimillion naira beauty products, floats foundation

•Monalisa Chinda

we will embark on several charity projects this 2013.”

The novel Christmas dance production featured an interesting array of movie stars including, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Bovi and several other stars who delivered electrifying performances, Christmas recitals and breathtaking surprises that held audience spellbound for hours.

As if that is not enough, the top flight entertainer recently unveiled M-CODE, her long awaited and multimillion Naira range of exclusive beauty products, for both men and women of style.

F

ans of actress, Mercy Johnson over the weekend flooded her facebook page with congratulatory messages.

Mercy gave birth to a bouncing baby girl in far away America. Their bundle of joy arrived few

days ago at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA. Reports say that mother and child are doing fine.

Some of her fans who were happy for the actress sent their congratulatory messages via her facebook page.

The messages read thus; “Congratulation! and God bless you”, “ How is your baby? Hope all is well and if so, glory be to God,” “I thank God for remembering you.

God has bless you with a bouncing baby girl, glory be to God”, “God who saw you through delivery will see you and your baby through in life. Congratulations once more.”

Mercy got married in August 2011, to her husband, Prince Odi Okogie. She has been in the United States for over a month now. She reportedly featured in a movie while she was heavily pregnant.

Her publicist, Bigsam Media said that the actress and her baby will relax in America for a few weeks before returning to the country.

Foluke Daramola, Toka McBaror collaborate for ‘’Cobweb”

BY AYO ONIKOYI

T

op Nollywood actresst u r n e d - p r o d u c e r, Foluke Daramola entered the new year with a bang as she has ready hit the cinemas with her new flick, “Cobweb”, which she coproduced with a tasted hand in the film industry, Toka McBaror.

According to Foluke, “Cobweb” is a story of passion and pain. It attempts to show the divide in Africa between self discovery and parents imposed desires. Shot on various locations across West Africa around July

My Life My Damage begins cinema run at Ozone T he much awaited blockbuster movie, My Life My Damage, produced by Nollywood sensation and award winning actress cum producer Uche Jombo Rodriguez will on the 1st of February 2013 premiere at the Ozone Cinemas, Lagos.

My Life My Damage, a flick from the trilogy of Damage movies features Tonto Dike, Bukky Wright, Kalu Ikeagwu, biola Williams, James Tucker, Bobby Obobo and others. The Damage trilogy is a movie collection of three distinct but interwoven stories aimed at advocacy for social issues; each story addresses important problems affecting individuals, families and societies at large. The storyline revolves round a young lady

•Uche Jombo

•Foluke Daramola

2012, the movie has a team of passionate and professional film makers on its crew and one of such is Olukayode Salako as the executive producer.

whose reckless lifestyle got her caught up in the web of HIV/AIDS. The producer Uche Jumbo has been in the Nigerian movie industry for more than a decade and has written a quite a few blockbuster movies. She has also co-written several movies such as: The Celebrity, Games Men Play, Holding Hope, Girls in the Hood, A Time to Love, Be My Wife, Perfect Planner, Price of Fame and many more.

The movie set to give Tonto Dike her first box office litmus test was shot both in Nigeria and the United States of America and is directed by Moses Inwang.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 27

I—Pete amEdochie alive N

•Zik Zulu, AMP President

ollywood actor, Pete Edochie has dispelled his rumoured death, saying that he is hale and hearty.

It was widely reported over the weekend, that the respected actor died, while shooting a movie in Kitzbühel, Austria.

But reacting to the story, the bearded actor described the development as the handiwork of some idle people, adding that “I am hale and hearty.”

A statement by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima, reads that Edochie is hale and hearty, urging his fans to ignore the malicious rumour.

Edochie’s actor son, Yul, in his reaction said “people please, I’m tired of all the messages, questions and broadcast. My father, Chief Pete Edochie is alive and well, not dead. Please spread the word.” The rumour came as a shock to Edochie’s colleagues, who were still mourning the death of prominent practitioners in the industry.

Edochie is currently in his hometown, Enugu.

•Alex Eyengho, ANCOP President

Nollywood at '20 show' enmeshed in controversy

N

ollywood is poised to begin the new season with another round of controversy as the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) has described as “a grand game of deceit the attempt by the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to railroad stakeholders and Nigerians into believing that the planned “Nollywood at 20” event was a product of consensus by all Nollywood associations, guilds and practitioners.”

President of ANCOP, Comrade Alex Eyengho made this declaration in a statement made available to movie journalists recently.

According to him, ANCOP, AMP, ANTP, MOPAN and indeed other Nollywood guilds, associations, organizations or individuals have the inalienable right to celebrate Nollywood at 20 in whatever way.

“Let me make it manifestly clear that neither ANCOP nor several other guilds, associations and organizations not oscillating in Surulere, Lagos have any problem with this Zik Zulu idea, which in the first place is not novel nor innovative. The problem is that we will not be part of a deceptive plot by a few to deceive Nigerians particularly highly placed individuals and corporate bodies into believing that Nollywood was organizing this event under one imaginary umbrella. " "This would only amount to turning truth upside-down and posterity will not forgive some of us if we sit by and watch this misinformation go uncorrected. What happened to Eco Bank’s so-called ‘Project Nollywood’ is still fresh in our memories. Ditto for Nu Metro, Dove Media etc who all got their

•Pete Edochie

Funke Akindele

fingers burnt because some selfish guys came under the guise of Nollywood.

This is a warning to corporate Nigeria and respected Nigerians to shine their eyes”, the ANCOP leader stated.

“All members of the so-called thinkthank for the proposed Nollywood at 20 show are all political members of AMP. These guys should just stop being jokers and come out plain to state that it is an AMP programme. After all, ANCOP, last October held a hugely successful international forum on copyright with participation across guilds and associations. We did not pretend that the entire Nollywood was organizing it. Though Zik Zulu and his AMP made failed attempts to discourage stakeholders from attending the event, testimonies after the event shows that it is one of the best valueadding forum ever put together in Nollywood in the recent past”, Eyengho added.

signs endor sement endorsement deal with Jobberman

2

•Funke Akindele

Rita Dominic’s new year’s pool party

I

•Rita Dominic

t was fun all the way for Actress,Rita Dominic as she threw caution to the wind and held a pool party at her Lagos home .

The party held on the new year day was graced by her colleagues and friends including actress, Nse Ikpe Etim, Banky W, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Jacob’s Cross actress, Kendra Etufunwa and model, Ify Jones. Guess what! Rita was visibly on top of the world, as she was caught spreading her winds on the back of Kendra Etufunwa.

013 is already looking promising for actress, Funke Akindele as she has signed an endorsement deal with Nigeria’s top jobs search website Jobberman.

HVP gathered that the deal was signed last December and would last for one year.

Funke, popularly called Jenifa will act as brand ambassador for the IT company.

It was not immediately ascertained how much she was paid, but those who were in the know said, it was a mouth-watering deal.

‘Being Nigeria’s number one Jobs website, we realised that there is a need to reach out to a set of people that are not aware of the existence and usefulness of Jobberman’, said an official of the company.

‘With over 500,000 registered users, a large number of active users of the internet are aware of Jobberman but the set of people we are targeting now basically visit Facebook and check mails only’.

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

No I didn’t. I have natural nice breasts. And when it goes down with age, I will let it go like that. I am not going to work on anything. I will age gracefully. So, I do not have problem with that.

Dating married men can be juicy

What a bout your hair?

I actually wear a bright hair style. I can experiment on my hair because I like doing that.

— Amaka Anioji

So who is the man?

Let us not talk about the man.

He is not interested in this talk.

Let us just leave the man out of this. I cannot have my relationship on the pages of newspaper, it is so annoying. I lost a relationship that means a lot to me some couple of years ago.

We misunderstood ourselves and we went so far as if there was no room for reconciliation.

After sometime, I sat down and pondered over what happened between us and discovered that it was something we could have settled amicably. Really, that relationship meant a lot to me.

Each time, I remember how compatible we were then, I feel bad. I still miss my ex... But that’s is a forgone issue, I still count myself as being lucky because life has to go on.

Can you date a married man?

D

espite her nine years staunt in the industry, Amaka Anioji cannot be described as a popu lar face in Nollywood mainly because of her inconsistency . But last year, she took many by surprise when she won the Most Outstanding Actress award at the 9th edition of the Abuja international film festival, beating established actresses like Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Nse Etim-Ikpe, Uche Jombo among others. In this interview , she speaks on a number of issues concerning her personal life, career and her role in the award winning short film, “ Till Death Do Us Part” which shot her into the limelight.

By ANOZIE EGOLE

Role played in the movie.

I was the female lead. I played the role of a woman who was beaten and battered by her husband.

Is this the first movie you are playing lead?

No, this is not the first movie I played the lead character. I have played lead in several movies such as ‘Young Heritage’, and ‘Broken’ that will soon be released. I also played lead in ‘Married,in ‘Close Friends, Game Player in ‘Tinsel’.

When did you join the in-

dustry?

I joined the industry in 2004, but I later disappeared and reappeared in 2006, when I landed a role in a new movie. I finally returned in 2010 and since then, I have been consistent.

Among all the films you have featured in, which do you consider most challenging?

I think the most challenging is, ‘Till Death Do us Part’ because it is a short feature film.I have to go through many emotions at the same time. It was really a lot of work for me. I think it is very challenging

W

•Amaka

,

What is the big deal about the movie,’Till Death Do Us Part’?

It is a 15-minute film that was nominated for an award.

People are sleeping their way to get what they want. They sleep their way to become Executive Assistants and Managing Directors of blue chip companies. It is not only in Nollywood that such things happen.

,

as well as exciting such that people talked about it.

Did your acting as a battered wife affects your attitude towards life ?

It has nothing to do with my true life situation, after all, I am not married yet. And I have been lucky with my relationships. I think what happened in the movie was what the script spoke to me.

When I was called by the director, Tope Ogun, who once directed me on the set of Tinsel. She called me and said ‘Amaka, I want you to play the lead role in the movie. I used to be crazy about her as a director before C M Y K

she got married.Later, she sent the script and asked me to go through it and tell her what I think about it. But while reading through the script, I started crying because, it was really emotional.However, after going through teh script, I informed that I would be interested to be part of the movie.

What is outstanding about you?

I think understanding the role I am going to play at any point in time is the secret behind that. Because every story and role is very unique and being able to understand those differences is what I feel is outstanding. Because when I was playing a Doctor in Tinsel is different from when I played a battered wife. The

same thing was applicable to the much loved wife as Allen in Married. As a matter of fact, I have some respects for the roles I played in movies because I see them as individuals. I tried to understand them, who they are and what they are really about. I take my time to communicate to myself.

After acting a particular role, it will take some people days to get off the character, does it happen to you?

Yes, of course, it happened to me in ‘’Till Death Do Us Part.’

That’s why I said it was very challenging. When we were shooting the movie, the atmosphere was very moody. So, after a period of time, I was so frustrated, feeling so much like the role I played in the movie.

After sometime, I sat on a place and I couldn’t talk to anybody.

I was crying. Even when I was not crying, tears were still running down my cheeks. I was really feeling that bad. Just like when you have to play the happy role, you will be happy throughout.

Did you work on your boobs?

ell, it is frustrating. It can be tempting sometimes when you meet married men who are really very charming especially, when you have dated a single guy who is very annoying. You run into a married man who is good looking and experienced, you would be tempted to fall in love with him. But for me, I will always think of how dating a married man will affect people’s perception about me. Afterall, I am not going to marry the person but I’m more concerned about what people are going to say. I also considered how that thing will affect my relationship with God. Though it can be very juicy, I consider all that. I like to work and earn my living, it gives me joy.

Would you do a toy boy?

I wouldn’t. I cannot have a toy boy. But I will have a valued friend.

There are so many people in Nollywood who sleep their ways to the top, what do you have to say about that?

I don’t have much to say about that because it is common everywhere, people sleeping their way to get what they want.

They sleep their way to become Executive Assistants and Managing Directors of blue chip companies. It is not only in Nollywood that such things happen.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 29

people on the label for a while so we have developed a friendship over a long time.

We used to work on music together a few years ago. From there, it just evolved and they have taken me under their wings. So yes, it stems from friendship and our love for music together.

Music is an integral part of my being —Deola

Are you collaborating with any Nigerian artiste at the moment?

I don’t want to say anything yet but definitely, it will happen. Soon, I will be doing collaborations with some local artistes.

A

DEOLA OSOSAMI a.k.a Deola is a UK based

Nigerian female singer whose single, Beremole is currently ruling the airwaves both in the UK and Nigeria. In this chat with ANOZIE EGOLE, she talks about her music and her plans to do collaborations with home based artistes.

P

Plans for this new year I will be releasing about six new songs to show the stuff Iam made of. Hopefully, I will be releasing one of them in the first quarter of the year.

Source of inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from everyday life and from what I experience or observe as well.

Inspirations just come on a normal basis.

How soon are we to expect your album?

Hopefully, that will happen in future.

Are you considering relocating to Nigeria soon to showcase your talent?

There are always plans to come down to Nigeria and hopefully I will be in the country this year.

Why are you putting your album release on hold?

I wouldn’t say I am putting

,

The lyrics of the song?

There are a variety of topics in there and a range of love songs, inspirational songs and fun songs as well. My next release is almost ready. It is called ‘ N e v e r Leave.’ That will be the next song from the mix . It is a love song. It is just me saying I will never leave you.

Do you write your songs yourself?

Yes, I do

In the UK, people are receptive to afrobeat style of music. I would say it has been good. It is very encouraging to see what the likes of D’banj and Wizkid are doing over here.

•Deola it away. I am a new artiste. So, at the moment, I am still trying to get people to know who I am than focusing on releasing a new album. Though, I am working on releasing a few mixtapes. They would definitely contain a number of songs.

The music is still coming out definitely.

How many songs are we to expect in the mix tape?

I can’t give you any numbers but definitely, there will be enough for people to get a good feeling of what I am about to do.

Your single, Beremole is currently rocking the airwaves. What is the story behind the song?

Beremole is just a fun song and it is coming from the point of view of the confident girl.

When she is out, she sees a

,

guy and they both like each other and the girl decides that she will be the one to make the first move so she asks him for a dance. That is where the song comes from.

How did you end up in the music scene?

Music has really been in my blood since I was a child. My earliest memory was probably when I was 10, I was doing some singing in church and little bits of performances.

Since then, I have really loved music. That was when music became an integral part of my life.

What informs your style of music?

My style of music is afro hip hop with a tint of soul and jazz.

I have a range of fast songs like Beremole. Also, I have

done •Deola some slower songs as well which springs out more of the jazz style in my voice.

As a UK based Nigerian singer, how much of your culture is still in you?

It is hard to run away from your culture. Most of my family members always visit us from Nigeria in the UK and most of my friends are Nigerians. You can’t really take the culture away. It is within me.

It is not something one can lose, so the Nigerian culture is still part of me.

How much of it reflects in your music?

Definitely, there are traces of afrobeat style in my music. I think one of the things that make me unique is the fact that I try to blend different styles of music. All my songs will definitely have that afrobeat edge and style to it. I like to sing in a mixture of English and Yoruba most of the time but once every while, there might be a song that is fully English.

Definitely, I am trying to give a nice blend with the languages as well.

What record label are you signed on?

I am signed on an independent label called, Lunakidz Music based in the UK. But the label is planning to expand. They are already building some collaboration with some Nigerian artistes as well. It is an upcoming label.

What drew you to Lunakidz?

I know quite a few of the

B ut you are currently studying Dentistry. How do you relate that with music?

Like I said, from a young age, I have always loved music and I have always known that music would be a part of my life in some ways. It wasn’t always clear to me how but I think over the last few years, that has formed the basis of the conclusions for me. I love my academic but music is really my passion.

How receptive are your parents to your career especially given the fact that music is a far cry from your field of study?

My parents are very supportive. They have always been encouraging me right from when I was young. They are very supportive. Obviously, they want me to complete my degree programme and I am definitely going to do just that.

Then I would be able to focus more on my music.

How much enthusiasm do people over there show to your music?

People are very receptive to new styles and new ways of expressing creativity especially through music. In the UK, people are receptive to afrobeat style of music. So, I would say it has been good. It is very encouraging to see what the likes of D’banj and Wizkid are doing over here.

They are paving the way for afrobeat right now.

How would you describe growing up in the UK? Growing up in the UK is memorable. The UK is mixed with people of different races.

Growing up in the UK was fun.

Do you miss home?

Definitely, I do.

Would you want to relocate to Nigeria some time in future?

Let us see what the future

holds.

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

Biggest football matches to watch in Januar y 2013

T

he world of football has no time to rest. As we enter the depths of January 2013, it’s time to gear up for plenty of important matches.

We have scoured fixture lists from across the globe to outline some of the biggest games throughout the month. We’ve got Premier League crackers, Spanish relegation battles and a smattering of Italian cup football to name a few.

Serie A:

La Liga:

Date: January 6, 2013 Location: Stadium San Paolo, Naples Details: Napoli and Roma are both searching for a Champions League place.

The rivals are separated by two points and meet in early January, ensuring any result is hugely important for the remainder of the season.

A victory for the home side would create a comfortable gap of six points.

Whoever takes the spoils should be considered for a push toward second place.

Valencia vs. Sevilla Date: January 12, 2013 Location: Mestalla, Valencia Details: It’s time Valencia and Sevilla get their acts together. Both sides linger in disappointing league positions. Although Valencia occupy ninth, it appears an extended stay in the Champions League is harming the club’s La Liga form.

Sevilla have problems of their own. Michel Gonzalez’s side are four points away from entering the bottom three. A loss here will give many teams the opportunity to suck Sevilla further into trouble

Napoli vs. Roma

La Liga: Barcelona vs.

Espanyol

Date: January 6, 2013 Location: Camp Nou, Barcelona Details: A local derby always excites. Throw in extreme importance at both ends of the table and you have yourself a real humdinger of a fixture.

Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona will be looking to extend their lead at the top of La Liga.

They host an Espanyol side that seemingly has no chance of snatching a vital result.

Goal difference currently place the visitors in the bottom three. Surely, they can’t nick something at Spain’s ultimate fortress?

Coppa Italia: Juventus vs.

AC Milan

Date: January 9, 2013 Location: Juventus Stadium, Turin Details: Two titans of Italian football clash in the domestic cup early this year.

Milan’s stuttering season has gained pace recently, even if Massimiliano Allegri’s side remain 17 points behind their rivals.

With this in mind, the San Siro squad will be motivated to crush Juve’s tag as favourites for all domestic trophies.

English Premier League:

Manchester United vs.

Liverpool Date: January 13, 2013 Location: Old Trafford, Manchester Details: English football’s most bitter rivalry resumes on January 13. Manchester United go into the clash seven points clear of Manchester City and will need a win to keep the pressure on their rivals. As we’ve already seen, an away trip to Tottenham follows this game for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

Three points is absolutely vital.

Brendan Rodgers will take his team to Old Trafford with confidence. The reverse fixture was predictably close at 2-1 earlier in the season, as was the corresponding score last year. Expect lunging tackles, relentless attacking play and plenty of drama.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 31

Gael Monfils: Too good for his own good?

W

e all know or knew that one student during our high school years who had all the brains but absolutely zero drive to effectively manage their intellectual prowess.

It was the student who would never study for a test,

not even know there was a test on the day of the test, but of course, without fail, would ace the test and do so before most even got a chance to write their names.

The target of incessant envy and despise, this type of student made heads turn and eyes roll.

But as any high school

TENNIS teacher will tell you, intelligence will not provide just compensation in college where the door shuts on those not willing to put in meaningful time and effort toward their studies.

In the tennis world, this lazy genius archetype is realized in Gael Monfils.

“La Monf ” as the Frenchman has been nicknamed has it all but has been unable to find the point where talent and expectation meet.

Off The Pitch

Star arss se sett ttoo explode in 20 13 201 O

ver the course of the 2012 calendar year, there were multiple stars who exploded onto the international scene due to some strong performances.

Players like Radamel Falcao and Stephan El Shaarawy used 2012 to become globally recognized players. In 2013, there will be other players who will burst onto the scene in the same way.

Some of them will be youth players who will get a chance with their senior club. Others will use an appearance to promote their talents and gain recognition.

This list will primarily cover these youth players in their quest to become globally recognized stars or to become an integral part of their club. There are other players on this list who have not been able to show their skill due to their squad ranking.

Here are some players who could “explode” to a higher standing in 2013.

Lucas Piazon

J

GOLF NEWS.

A

t the opener of the 2013 PGA Tour season at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the last time it will be the season opener, there are many big-name no-shows.

Absent are Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose—Nos. 1 through 4—as well as Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, guys at the top don’t start the year in Hawaii. However, you can bet they are getting psyched up to finish as well in 2013 as they did in 2012.

With most of them being world players, not just U.S.

When is $1 Million not enough? Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson pass players, they are saving up energy for weeks when they can get foreign-appearance money, even if that means adding a regular PGA Tour event to the schedule this year or next, if required, to play abroad when there’s a PGA Tour event.

The purse at Hyundai is $5.7 million, and $1.14 million goes to the winner.

Only 30 players are currently in the field with last place being assured of something close to $70,000.

So, it does beg the question:

ust like Barcelona, Chelsea have an established squad that features many young stars and is hard to break into.

However, Lucas Piazon could secure a spot in the Blues squad in 2013.

Although he is still a teenager, Piazon made his Premier League debut at the end of 2012, and it appears he will play an expanded role for Chelsea in the new year.

With Chelsea in the Europa League, expect Piazon to get playing time in European competition and improve his chances of becoming a part of the Brazilian national team.

Xherdan Shaqiri

When is this much money not enough?

This week, apparently, it’s not enough for some.

Like many of us, many golf families are still in the postChristmas fog, trying to shake out cobwebs, get up for getting on planes and flying three or four (or more) thousand miles to what most would consider a golf paradise. Some are just not ready to stare at suitcases again. They are still resting and getting family time.

W

hen Bayern Munich purchased Xherdan Shaqiri from FC Basel last winter, it was widely expected he would become a star with the famous German side.

So far this season, the Swiss winger has only scored one goal in the Bundesliga, which came in the team’s final match before the winter break. He has also scored just once in the Champions League.

These goal totals are not a true indication of Shaqiri’s influence on this squad, though. He is among the leaders in the squad in key passes per match with 1.8 and has been a key substitute.

Gerard Deulofeu

B

arcelona have arguably the most complete lineup in football and is filled with stars. It is rare to see a teenager break into such an established squad, but Gerard Deulofeu is not like most teenagers.

Deulofeu, who was named the top player at the UEFA under-19 championship in 2012, has barely played for Barcelona’s squad over the past two years.

However, it is unlikely he will continue to remain with Barcelona B, the club’s reserve side.

32 —SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

Signs she’s on her way out I

t’s happened to the best of us: You are happily meandering along in a relationship, con vinced that everything is moving forward. Then, without warning, you’re dumped and you wonder, “Where were the signs?”

Well, like it or not, there are always signs of an impending breakup; we sometimes just choose to ignore them.

But knowing the warning signs can have a plus side for you: If you recognize them early enough, you can take the upper hand by trying to make reparations to the relationship or by canning her first.

Below are nine indications that she’s losing interest and withdrawing from you. If she displays one of the indicators below, she might be losing some interest. If she displays two of the indicators below, she is definitely having doubts about you. Three or more?

Prepare yourself for a breakup. * She calls you and/or returns your calls less frequently.

A woman who is in a happy relationship almost always calls back. So if you notice her phone calls are becoming sparse or she consistently takes a long time to call you back, she might be trying to put some distance between you.

Do not make the mistake of thinking she’s playing phone games. A woman sometimes plays games in the early stages of dating, but generally not once she’s in a relationship. * She prefers to go out with her girlfriends.

I’m not referring to a girls’ night out here. But if she consistently leaves you at home to gallivant in nightclubs with her girlfriends, then she is definitely losing interest in you. It may be that she wants time away from you, or that she is actually out perusing her options. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for your relationship. *She thwarts your attempts at public show of love If she once allowed you to kiss her and hold her hand in public, but now squirms away from that, she is definitely having her doubts about you. If

C M Y K

she does this, she actually doesn’t want other people to know you are together, which is the first step toward an actual breakup. * She avoids referring to you as her boyfriend.

If she went from introducing you as her boyfriend to just using your first name, you can be pretty certain something has changed in her mindset. It may even be on a subconscious level, but this definitely means you have been demoted from boyfriend status in her mind * Her career suddenly becomes a priority.

Has she started working late every night? Does she disappear to the office on the weekend? Everyone can have a busy day, week or even month.

But if she is serious about you, she’ll make time for you. Enough said. * She draws attention to the views you don’t have in common.

A woman in love is usually willing

to overlook a man’s differing political or social views. So if you find that she’s constantly bringing up your incompatible views, pay attention. She is probably starting to question your longterm compatibility, so note that a breakup may be impending. * She highlights mismatched longterm expectations.

Does she constantly mention your conflicting plans of where to live and how many children to have (if any)?

Maybe she does actually see your long-term expectations as different, and this is definitely something to consider before moving forward. But this could also be her way of preparing you for a breakup . *She loses interest in sex.

Yes, you could blame work-induced fatigue or general routine for her lack of interest in sex, but you’d probably be kidding yourself. When a woman pulls away from sex, especially in the early stages of a relationship (we’re

PERT X E S E H T ASK

le. I have sex with my I am a 25-year-old ma my stamina is low and but a girlfriend twice a week le of minutes. Is there up co a n thi I climax wi ? solution to this problem emature ejaculation. If pr m Ans: You suffer fro daily is low, start exercising your physical stamina y to Tr . et di us nu tri tio an d ha ve a go od x. vin g a go od se lea rn mo re ab ou t ha ve d man. Whenever I ha I am a newly-marrie ns lai mp co e sh fe wi th my nsexual intercourse wi ge ry ve to penetrate ve of pain. As a result, I ha : does oral sex cause ow tly. Also, I want to kn disease if my wife cony an e us AIDS? Will it ca sp er m ? my su m es x is a ten to your wife as se What is the hurry? Lis perhy alt he al sex between shared experience. Or se. sons causes no disea d y girlfriend is 20. I ha I am 21 years old. M

not talking about marriage here), she is often also pulling away from you emotionally. Take notice. *She picks fights with you.

If she unleashes her wrath on you just for leaving a couple of dirty dishes in the sink or for leaving the toilet seat up, listen closely. She is clearly bottling up some serious anger toward you, and that’s why the littlest thing can set her off. If she does this often, she may even be hoping you’ll take the bait and break up with her first. Consider your options.

Read the signs When it comes to evaluating the demise of a relationship in its aftermath, hindsight is always 20/20. But by then, it’s useless. So take the time to learn and recognize the signs above so you won’t be taken by surprise. You might not be able to change the course of the relationship, but isn’t it always a little easier when you see it coming?

t her her. She had also go unprotected sex with a ch an ce of pr eg na nc y? e pe rio ds th en . Is th er rse has ble door after the ho sta You’re closing the emist ch the m fro kit egnancy bolted! Get a urine pr ncy. and check for pregna I talk ars old and I am 21. If and My girlfriend is 28 ye ic top the s ge an quickly ch to her about sex, she n’t like thing else, which I do me so ng ssi cu r unbegins dis he ke ma rmal? How can I lp. he at all. Is she really no se ea Pl n? ng sex is fu t no is derstand that discussi e sh ly, us vio ob al. But a tch Of course, she is norm Wa s. ur amorous demand yet ready to meet yo behaviour al xu se the t ou ab k movie together and tal of people in the story. tes, but fe’s breasts and priva I want to suck my wi ? hat should I do she doesn’t allow it. W rs ua siv e m an ne r is to o pe ur Ob vi ou sly , yo ar d. Un ke s he r fe el aw kw de sp er at e an d ma u ca n al ec t he r wi sh es . Yo de rs ta nd an d re sp r. he in g to co nv in ce wa ys co nt in ue try

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 , 2013 — 33

Developing fantastic friendships A

Tips for talking to women and attracting them

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

M

any men are never taught how to talk to women.

Because of this, many guys go through life without the ability to attract a woman.

Here are tips to help make sure you aren’t making mistakes with the women you’d like to attract: * You should talk about “emotional” topics like childhood memories, future ambitions, or her passions.

These conversation topics will open up her emotional floodgates. * Women want a guy who is not afraid to lead her . While talking to a woman, take control of the conversation. Never wait for her to dictate what you’ll be talking about. * Pay attention to the non verbal cues a woman is giving you. If you’re standing too close to her, accidentally spitting when you talk, or making her feel uncomfortable in any way, she will send you hints. Pay attention to them. * Remember this motto “Fun not Funny.” Women are attracted to men who allow them to have fun. Don’t concentrate on having the funniest jokes. Concentrate on showing them excitement and enjoyment. * Tease women. One of the easiest ways to take a conversation to a fun and flirty level is to begin to tease women. Think back to your time on the playground. In the world of dating, what worked on the playground is effective all over again. * Get intimate with her. Women are turned on by men who are not afraid to take a conversation to a personal, intimate level. * Use things like “cold reads” to turn women on. Women love to hear opinions about themselves. Tell her what you observe about her. * Avoid complimenting a woman too much. Women are turned off by

men who come across as “needy.” If you are complimenting a woman too much, she will think you’re trying to impress her which will have the opposite effect. * If you want to know how to talk to women in a way that doesn’t bore them … Avoid asking too many “interview” style questions. Instead state your opinion about things. * Remember: Statements over questions. Instead of saying “where did you grow up?” Say “You don’t look like you grew up around here.”

This allows you to make observations about her and express your personality. * Don’t hide your identity. Don’t be afraid to talk about whatever you’re passionate about. * Never compliment her on her eyes, looks, or body . * Say something that lets her know

that you view her in a “sexual” way.

If you don’t, you run the risk of winding up in the “friend zone”. * Use conversation “games” to keep the mood fun and flirtatious.

Games can be anything like “truth or dare” or to less extreme games like the “5 questions game”. *Don’t give away your hand so fast : Women like men who are a challenge. If you want to keep a woman’s interest, she has to feel like she is slowly winning you over.

If she thinks you’re too easy, she’ll lose interest.

The best way to think about how to talk to women is to think about what kind of fun, playful, and sexual conversation you would most enjoy. Talking to a woman doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to be aware of what they are turned on by and what turns them off. Follow the list above and you’ll do just fine.

n anonymous writer put it this way: “Friends in your life are like pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up and sometimes they lean on you. Sometimes it’s just enough to know they’re standing by.”

Writer Elisabeth Foley points out that friendship doubles your joy and divides your grief, and that the most beautiful discovery that true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.

Easily the most important place to have a friend is in marriage. For that reason, marriage counselors continually advise husbands and wives to be friends, pointing out that you may divorce your spouse, but you don’t divorce your friend Friendship stabilizes relationships in the business and social worlds as well. A friendship is priceless and should be cherished, cultivated, and nurtured.

Remembering the golden rule Without a doubt, the greatest human relations principle is to treat other people like you want to be treated.

Friendship requires many qualities — unselfishness, genuine care for the other person, and the ability to listen when the other person needs to talk, to name a few. When you show respect for your friends and gratitude for their friendship, you’ll be blessed in untold ways.

Sometimes just being there , particularly in times of grief can make a difference. Not knowing what to say doesn’t matter; your presence speaks volumes and says everything that needs to be said. People need to share their grief and love to share their joy.

If friends were there only for those two occasions, they would still be invaluable.

Although the way you treat others affects the way they treat you, the way another person treats you shouldn’t determine the way you treat that person. Respond to rude behaviour with the utmost kindness.

Giving more, getting more

H

ere’s a story that communicates a great mes sage about friendship.

A city man bought a farm. When he went out to look at the line fence, which had been the source of much quarreling for the previous owner, the neighbouring farmer said, “That fence is a full foot over on my side.” “Very well,” said the new owner, “we will set the fence two feet over on my side.” “Oh, but that’s more than I claim,” stammered the surprised farmer.

“Never mind about that. I would much rather have peace with my neighbour than two feet of earth,” said the man. “That’s surely fine of you, sir,” replied the farmer, “but I couldn’t let you do a thing like that.

That fence just won’t be moved at all.”

Most people seldom think through each situation completely and consider the other person’s point of view. If you take the time and effort to do this, you’ll end up with more friends.

Considering foes as friends

A friend looks after your own good, is attached to you by affection, and entertains other sentiments of esteem.

On the other hand, a foe is someone who isn’t interested in your well-being.

Yet some students view their teachers as enemies. However, a student’s success in school partly depends on the teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom. Instead of being an enemy, a teacher who corrects you and helps you to achieve can be the best friend you ever had.

When you receive criticism, in many cases the critic turns out to be more of a friend than a person who praises, because the criticism prompts you to improve. If you properly evaluate each piece of criticism you receive, odds are that you realize that those people really are friends.

This kind of thinking, along with a little attitude adjustment, helps you to convert foes to friends, and both of you are better off.

Making friends by being an optimist Do you enjoy being around a pessimist, someone who is generally described as being able to brighten up a room just by leaving it? The answer is obvious. Most people prefer to be around people who believe that tomorrow is going to be better than today, rather than people who believe that today is even worse than yesterday. Optimists spread cheer wherever they go and make others feel good about themselves.

34 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2012

By IYABO AINA

F

ragrance Tsema Kayoh is a skilled N i g e r i a n songstress and performer. She hit the Nigerian music scene five years ago with the release of her debut album “So Lovely”, an album packed full of vibrant, groovy tracks, which nabbed her two nominations for Best New Artiste (Female) and Best Vocalist RnB in the Award for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN).

With a unique, mellow sultry voice, Fragrance brings absolute vibrancy into her music and the stage. She has worked with megastars like 2face Idibia and Faze, with her most recent album being ‘Now and Forever ’.

The Warri, Delta State born beauty is one female musician who knows what she wants and goes for it. Here, she talks about her hair and how she feels about her it .Enjoy

My hair makes me feel pretty —Fragrance

How does your hair look like and who did you take after?

My hair is brownish and curly.

My mother is an half cast so I got my hair from her.

What hairstyle are you used to?

I like all back flowing hair because I think it brings out my face. I really don’t like hair dropping on my face- such hairstyles stress me so much because I’ll be trying to push it back all the time. My natural hair also soothe me well, so I like wearing it too. Besides, my natural hair is long. So what I do to it add some extension to it so looks fuller.

Have you cut your hair before ,why and for how long ?

Of course I’d cut my hair before.

I cut my hair because I got tired of wearing a long hair and I just wanted to look different and it worked. I wore the low cut hairdo for over a year before I started re-growing it.

How do you describe people that wear dreadlocks?

I think its cool. For those I’ve met, I think it looks good on them and it makes them stand out.

Can you be caught wearing it ?

I’m not really a fan of dreadlocks, so I don’t think so (laughs)

How often do you retouch your hair ?

I really don’t have a specific time I retouch my hair. My hair is really soft and doesn’t really need to be retouched. But sometimes, I do it for the fun of it because other people are doing i t Are you hairy?

No, I’m not hairy.

Do you wear local hairstyles on a normal day?

Yes I do wear local hairstyles. There are times I feel I’ve stressed my hair so I just weave it and don’t add any extension. Weaving it allows me to be free and I don’t have to comb it- I just allow it to rest during that time.

What does your hair mean to you ?

I like my hair a lot and it makes me feel pretty Have you ever tried wigs and how does it make you feel?

Yes I have. Wigs save you a lot of stress, especially when it’ s really urgent that you need to go out- it’ s a quick solution. I feel very comfortable wearing wigs.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY, 2013—35

36 — SATURDAY,

Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2012

When Okpotse daughter wedded Afejuku’s son Tola Animashaun’s

T

he erudite Professor of English and Literature, University of Benin, Prof. Anthony Afejuku hosted family, friends and colleagues when his son, Barrister Olu Afejuku took for wife, Barrister Uwale Okpotse, daughter of Mr. Wilfred Okpotse. The couple, who are both Barristers at Law took the oaths of marriage before cheering family members and friends at the Edo Hotels, Benin City, Edo State.

Photos by Barnabas Uzosike

The couple, Barr. & Barr.(Mrs.) Afejuku

daughter bags degree

L

agos State People’s Democratic Party’s stalwart and former Senatorial candidate, Tolagbe Animashaun ended 2012 on high note as the family travelled to the United Kingdom to felicitate with one of his daughters, Tolulope Karimat Animashaun who bagged a Masters of Arts Degree in International Management from Edgehill University, Ormskirk Lancashire, United Kingdom. The event took place at the University’s auditorium on December 8, 2012.

Prof. & Mrs. Tony Afejuku, groom’s parent.

L-R: Charles Ekundayo, Tolagbe Animashaun, Tolulope Karimat Animashaun and Temitola Kafeelat Animashaun

Mr & Mrs. Wilfred Okpotse, bride's parents

L-R: Prof. Afejuku, Mr. Steve Onwueme, Mr. Tony Obolo, and Mr.Wilfred Okpotse.

L-R: Prof. Tony Afejuku and Hon. Sunny Omatseye

Groom’s dad, Prof. Tony with Happy Sisters Social Club of Sapele

L-R:the graduand, Tolulope Animashaun, her dad, Tolagbe Animashaun and sister, Temitola Animashaun

Night of honour honourss at Glor Gloryy Christian Ministries

M

embers of Glory Christian Ministries in Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos State had a glorious night when they had their night of awards where some members of the Church were recognised for their

Pastor Zebulon Uduma(2nd left) receives the prize for the Most Outstanding Departmental Head from General Overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, Pastor Iroufagha James(left)

outstanding achievement during the year 2012. Several families had course to smile as they celebrated with their loved ones who were honoured with different categories of awards.

Minister Mike Eko(3rd left), Most Outstanding Worker of the Year with Dr. Iroufagha James, G. O., GCM,(2nd left), Pastor Feyi Ojugo( left) and family

Chukwuebuka Nnadi, winner of the Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Prize (3rd right), with members of his family

Saturday Vanguard, JANURY 5, 2013—37

Omamwumi stirs fans with 'Bottom Belle'

J

UST four days after the flopped Koko concert, on the 31st December 2012, top Nigerian musicians gathered at the Atlantic City of Lagos, venue of Lagos countdown. The event which was held to usher in the new year, can best be described as a parade of stars . The venue of the event was beseiged with the likes of Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Iyanya, Davido, Banky W, Olamide, Brymo, Omawumi , amongst others.

The most surprising thing is, upon the high

I

T was really a fun i l l e d performance at an event recently in VI as sultry songstress, Omawumi held the fans high with a b r e a t h t a k i n g performance of her f

song with Flavour title, “Bottom Belle”. Not only did she mesmerise the audience with her romantic voice, she also complemented it with her sexy dance steps which made the fans to scream for more. Her sexy wear, got the attention of most dudes in the show.

Banke Olutimehin set to wed

F

OR every young lady of a marriageable, age, one of her dreams is to get hooked to the man of her dream. Banke Olutimehin, is one of those who would soon say 'I Do' to the person she loves. The beauty queen, who is also, former Miss Telecom, is now engaged to be married to her long standing lover.

The stunning model, who has appeared in product adverts,

D’Banj,Wizkid,others missing at the Lagos countdown.

billboards, magazine covers and on runways, is happy about the new development in her life. The leggy queen recently announced her new status formally on Facebook and has been receiving congratulatory messages from her friends, colleagues and well-wishers. For her, this is the best year ever and it's worth celebrating.

turn up of these stars, award w i n n i n g s u p e r s t a r, D’Banj, and Wizkid were nowhere to be found. Wizkid’s was reported to be sick, but the question is, why was Koko m a s t e r missing, could it be as a result of the flopped Koko concert?

•D’Banj

Tiwa Savage's stage dance steps

e •Tiwa Savag

S

Banke Olutimehin

HE didn’t just climb the stage to sing, she also danced her songs at an event in VI recently. The most captivating part of the whole story was the way she dressed and the manner by which she was wriggling her waist while dancing. The sexy songstress, who took the fans into the new year, attracted the attention of the fans with her mesmerising dance steps which correspond with her sexy costume.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2012

By IYABO AINA

B

ELIEVE it or not, this is the bloke who played the cute mischievous kid in Home Alone.

Macaulay Culkin cut a worryingly emaciated figure as he stepped out recently in New York.

Sporting messy hair and facial fluff around his mouth, the actor appeared to be wasting away as he posed in a recent picture.

It was still unmistakably the lad who played cheeky Kevin McCallister in the 1990 classic family flick, but his puny frame and gaunt face are bound to spark fears for his health.

Macaulay endured troubled times following his success as a child star.

He became embroiled in a bitter dispute with his own parents, ‘divorcing’ and suing them for not handling his movie earnings correctly.

The actor who is now 31 won the case in 1998, with the judge firing his dad Christopher Culkin and mum Patricia Brentup and assigning the family ’s accountant to take charge of his fortune until he turned 18.

That same year, Macaulay married his childhood sweetheart Rachel Miner but the couple divorced four years later. In 2002, he embarked on a relationship with actress Mila Kunis which lasted eight years.

Two years later he was arrested in Oklahoma City for possession of marijuana and two controlled substances.

Having initially denied the charges in court, Macaulay eventually reversed the plea to guilty and received three suspended prison terms, forced enrolment into a drug treatment programme and a small fine.

He also testified at Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial in 2005, having befriended the pop icon when he was hired to star in his video to Black Or White.

Macaulay claimed he had slept in Jacko’s bedroom on multiple occasions, but insisted nothing untoward happened and referred to the charges against the star as “absolutely ridiculous”.

In 2008, Macaulay’s sister

•Marculay, before Dakota was killed when she was run down by a car in Los Angeles after stepping out into its path.

Now living in the Queens area of New York, the actor has made little impact in

Hollywood since his child star days.

However, he’s rumoured to have signed up to British flick Service Man, alongside Martin Clunes, singer Plan B and Colin Salmon.

•Marculay, now

I’m “so blessed and lucky” to be pregnant ...Kim Kardashian A

FTER her boyfriend of nine months Kenye West confirmed the couple will give birth to their first child in the new year ,the pregnant Kourtney & Kim Take Miami star took to her blog to gush about their happy news.

Saying “It’s true Kanye and I are expecting a baby.

We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us,” Also Kardashian, who is presently 32, wrote on her Celebuzz blog early Dec. 31, referring to her late father Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer in 2003 and West’s mother, Donda,

who passed away four years later. Wrote “Looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a family.

West confirmed the couple’s pregnancy during a Sunday night concert in Atlantic City.

The “Heard Em’ Say” rapper, 35, told the crowd to “stop the music and make noise for my baby mama,” referring to his girlfriend, who was in the audience.

And shortly after West’s big announcement, his girlfriend’s family took to Twitter to express their joy.

Tweeted Khloe KardashianOdom, “Keeping secrets is hard with so many family members! Especially when you are so freaking excited! Love is everything!”

•Kim and Kenye West

SATURDAY Vanguard JANUARY 5, 2013 — 39

40 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

f a v o u r e d polygamy in those days does not exist anymore.

F

emi Mokikan, is the Executive Director of Seven-Up Bottling Plc. He is a seasoned Human Resource executive who has lived all his professional life managing people. He hails from Akutupakiri, in Kababunu local government of Kogi State. He is also in the Human Resource Department of 7up Bottling Company Plc. He was born into a polygamous family. His father was a farmer while his mother a petty trader. He started his career as a teacher in a polytechnic but today, he is the Director and member of Audit Committee of the 7up Bottling Company.

He is our ICON in this edition of Past Perfect. Excerpt

Lessons deduced from all those punishments?

One of them is endurance.

They taught me endurance principles. Even when people advised my father to take me out of the place, he refused and said, I will be the one to tell him that I was suffering but he had his own agenda.

He took me out of the place the following week. The

* Femi Mokikan environment was so cruel such that I started losing confidence in myself but I survived it.

When I look back at those hard times, I thank God that I went through them. Today, there is nothing I cannot live with. As a child, I was always beaten with horse whip, (Koboko). As a young boy, I lived in fear throughout my formative years.

The foundation my father gave to me when I was with him made a huge difference.

My father’s many wives He had six wives and ten children. He didn’t go to school but he could read the Bible. When I asked why he married six wives, he said, as a farmer, they wanted women that would be useful in the farm. He was about getting the seventh wife but I objected to it. He told he was looking for three things in a woman: firstly, a woman who will be able to take care of him, take care of visitors and cook very well. My father was a farmer all through his life.

Why he sent me out of his house According to him, he was afraid that I was going to die

too. At that time, there were only four children. One of us died and it became imperative that the rest of the children should be fully secured so as not to lose the rest of the children.

For me, that development helped to re-shape my life. If not, I would have been a farmer.

Challenges of a polygamous family?

into transportation system where he hired out his cars to market women and men who were into business. He was involved in that business and became a capitalist and I also became a capitalist among my peer group too.

My University education There are no regrets whatsoever. I got admission at the University of Lagos. My first examination paved way

,

Growing up?

The circumstances that led to my living without my parents started when my elder brother died. I was only six years old. My father was a polygamist and my mother was the first wife. They were afraid that I could die as well.

So, my father decided to hide me. He took me to a man, Lawrence Igboye in a place called Oyin Akoko, Ondo State. There were other children from other parents living with that man. He was a a bachelor.

The man took care of me. He was the neatest human being in town and by implication, we became the neatest boys in the school. We were always receiving awards every week and the man was nice to us before he got married. After his marriage, he became a different being. Some of the things he would probably have overlooked as a bachelor were things he was holding against us. His attitude changed and so, we were exposed to all kinds of maltreatment. I thought he was punishing me but everything worked in my favour. After my primary education, my father took me to another man whom I lived with so as to continue my education. I stayed there for a year but, it was a year of punishment. I thought all the punishments were evil but God turned it to good for me.

Today, I am a better person.

What motivated me to become a successful man It was difficult to talk about success in an environment that is full of uneducated p e o p l e .

Everybody was a farmer.

What saved people like us from that circle was the fact that my father traveled to the then Western Region.

I also had an encounter with two fresh graduates. One as an Economist and the other studied B u s i n e s s Administration.

The one that studied Business Administration had a car while the one that read Economics had nothing. So, I was convinced that B u s i n e s s Administration would be the best choice for me.

Besides that, my father ventured

When I look back at those hard times, I thank God that I went through them. Today, there is nothing I cannot live with. As a child, I was always beaten with horse whip, (Koboko)

,

I have made a commitment that as long as I am alive, my children will not live outside my home especially as they are growing up. And I deduced this from my experience. I will not recommend polygamy for anybody. The condition that

for me. I was afraid the first time my name was mentioned.

I didn’t know it was a congratulatory message. Then, I was told that the Federal Government gave me scholarship to complete my education and that became a turning point in my life.

Unfortunately, the era of “Ali Must Go” shattered all the dreams. The school was closed down and people went their different directions. I went back to farm but the environment was not conducive for reading. Today, I thank God that I was able to meet up with the standard that I set for myself. I graduated and was posted to Maiduguri and served in Central Bank of Nigeria.

And I was employed immediately after the service but I rejected the offer because I was instructed to always be on tie everyday. Even, when I was serving, my tie was always in the office because I never liked tie all my life.

But, I became addicted to tie many years after. Perhaps, if I had taken up the Central Bank job, I would have been a retiree but God has a way of perfecting His will in people’s life.

As a youth, I liked teaching, I wanted to impact knowledge into the lives of people and I believed that putting on tie will not allow me to demonstrate as much as I wanted. My first job was in a polytechnic where I taught for years until my father died. My father died the day one of my siblings finished her WASCE. At this juncture, I took up the challenge to take care of my siblings. Unfortunately, my salary was three hundred naira, N300.00 and couldn’t meet up with the challenge of taking care of my siblings. I picked a job in the private sector and to the glory of God things have been falling in place. I have also worked in other private sectors until I got to 7up bottling company.I have been in the organisation for the past nineteen years.

Challenges of life generally My father sponsored my education. I finished my Youth Service in 1979 and started work the same year. I bought my first car in January 1981 and took it home twice. He rode in it the first time and the second time, he was sick.

My father died in June 1981.

I have always wanted to pay a price for his death. I knew the sacrifices he made because of me. He went through hardship, physical deprivation, only for him to die without eating the fruits of his labour. The only joy I have is that I am able to train his last born who was six months old when he died.

He is now working in a bank. If not for me, I might not be able to pay for the death of my father. I wouldn’t have been a happy man if I’d not paid back all he did in my life.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 41

42 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 43

44—SA TURD AY Vanguard , JANU ARY 5, 2013 44—SATURD TURDA JANUARY

ODD NEWS Tallest girl our love is lifting Y me higher: World's tallest teen

girl towers over boyfriend as they take trip to Brazilian beach..

The world's tallest teenage girl walks hands in hands with her boyfriend, the picture of young love despite a staggering 1ft 4in height difference.

Elisany da Cruz Silva, 17, measures an unbelievable 6ft 8in tall and has to bend down to plant a kiss on her 5ft 4in lover Francinaldo da Silva Carvalho, 22.

The youngster, The height of passion: Brazil's tallest teen, Elisany da Cruz Silva with her boyfriend, Francinaldo da Silva Carvalho in Salinopolis, Brazil

Compiled Richard Okotie

Acid attack victim cid attack victim scarred for life in attack by students becomes a millionaire on India's Amost-watched quiz show. Sonali Mukherjee, 27, was left completely disfigured by the attack which happened when she was just 17-years-old. She won the jackpot on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Sonali, pictured right and on the show (main picture) who was attacked by a spurned suitor and his friends, won Rs 25 lakhs - the equivalent of almost £30,000 - as she appeared on show with Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta.

I want to be a model

I'm not going to teach young girls how to die':Frightening words of 4st anorexic who gets FAN MAIL because she's so thin. Valeria Levitin, originally from Russia, is thought to be the thinnest woman in the world. She says her malnourished figure should serve as a stark warning about the dangers of eating disorders. The 39-year-old, pictured by the beach near her Monaco home, strolling round town, and in her teenage years when she harboured ambitions to be a model, believes the roots of her condition lie with her mother, who was terrified Valeria would grow up obese

Fat man orld’s former fattest man loses an incredible 45 stone - but now W needs an operation to shed eight stone of excess SKIN...

Paul Mason, 51, once weighed 70 stone but has lost almost two thirds

of his size after NHS surgery. The former postman from Ipswich, Suffolk, says he now wants an operation to remove excess skin which is hampering his efforts to walk. He says he has been told he cannot have it until his weight remains at a ‘stable level’ for at least two years.

Chimp and Mother M

y Christmas miracle: Grieving gorilla mother who lost baby when he accidentally hanged himself cuddles newborn Western lowland gorilla Kijivu gave birth to her fourth infant on Friday It comes just months after her second infant died at Prague Zoo Five-year-old Tatu accidentally hanged himself using climbing rope in july.

Iceomething building more than your garden variety snowman! Workers put S finishing touches on eye-popping ice sculptures in China....

Huge churches and sprawling palaces are painstakingly crafted out of

tons of snow for the annual Jingyue Snow World festival in Jingyuetan National Forest in China’s Jilin Province.

You can't eat me now Y

ou're not eating me yet: Snake coils itself around heron's beak as it tries to avoid becoming bird's lunch. Mortal coil: The snake put up a fight when a hungry heron struckYou're not eating me yet: Snake coils itself around heron's beak as it tries to avoid becoming bird's lunch. Mortal coil: The snake put up a fight when a hungry heron struck

SATURDAY Vanguard,JANUARY 5, 2013—45

By EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

A

•Goodluck

Jonathan

•Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen

2013:Demand for massive road maintenance, Construction to check carnage irrelevant projects that cannot add value to our lives,” Aderemi Advised.

A banker, Stephen Temisan, laments the horrible state of Nigerian roads and the need to take urgent actions to redress the situation.

“I just returned with my family from Warri, Delta State where I spent the Christmas period. The road from Sagamu to Benin City is still not completely free from hold-ups caused by numerous bad spots.

I’ve noticed that construction is not ever finished on this road.

Workers are always there, traffic diverted for construction, causing untold delay to travell4ers. Many accidents occur between Sagamu and Benin City leading to loss of human lives, especially headon-collision of vehicles.”

Temisan added: “I am appealing to all the state governments involved and the federal government to ensure the completion of the road in 2013. Some of the bridges have broken down without railings anymore making it easier for

,

FTER electricity and security, a major challenge on which many Nigerians have reached consensus is the need to fix our roads that are absolutely in utter state of neglect, disrepair, decay and rot.

Nigerian roads have been described as “slaughter slabs” because of the incessant automobile accidents recorded in which thousands of people lost their lives yearly.

Often, both federal and state governments seemed to be at a loss and overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem as most major roads and highways across the country have collapsed completely.

While intra-city or town roads are afflicted by traffic gridlocks due to potholes, causing huge loss of manpower hours and unnecessary delays in meeting up with appointments socioeconomic and business engagements, the crosscountry roads and highways are riddled with several failed portions crippling vehicular movements, sometimes to a standstill. Trips that could ordinarily take three or four hours end up lasting for nine hours or more.

Saturday Vanguard sampled the views of some Nigerians as to what they want done in 2013, their responses were the need for government prioritise road projects in the country.

Mr. Timothy Aderemi is a saw miller and plank dealer in Ebute Metta, Lagos who shuttles between Laos and Ife often believes government is not doing enough to give our roads the desired face lift to ensure safety of users.

“I begin to wonder why the roads are left dilapidated and abandoned for so long. May be the reason is that our leaders are not used to travelling by road. If they go by road and experience what average Nigerians passed through, their attitude to road rehabilitation and construction will be positive. All the governments in the federation should review their priorities this new year and pay adequate attention to the roads.”

He said with the amount of financial resources available, modern roads and expressways should be constructed to facilitate easy movements of people and goods from one point to another.

“Nigeria is blessed and we should use our abundant resources to build more roads for use of the people and not waste these resources on

Nigeria is blessed and we should use our abundant resources to build more roads for use of the people and not waste these resources on irrelevant projects

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cars, buses to plunge directly into the river. They should do something to save the lives of travellers. I think President Goodluck Jonathan can come to the rescue.”

A woman trader, Mrs. Agnes Ayingba who travels from Lagos to Makurdi to buy yams and tomatoes for sale in Iddo market told Saturday Vanguard that the road network is so bad that her business trip has become a nightmare.

“I want the government to look seriously at our roads and take action urgently to save the situation. Many accidents have happened involving traders.

Many have died on the roads while goods worth millions of naira have also perished along as the roads are not good and should be put right for God’s sake.”

I hope something will be done in this new year by government towards better and safe roads. We, traders carrying goods through these bad roads know what we’re suffering hence government should help in fixing the roads for commerce to boom,” she pleaded.

According to her, government is trying because there are other projects and ventures which are also attracting attention. “I pray that the government should do more and focus on the roads in this 2013. \When the roads are well built, smooth and good, transportation will flow and robbers won’t be able to attack travellers.”

An accountant, Mr. David Eni, while appealing for construction of some major roads to be finished like the East/West highway, the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway and some other roads linking major cities and towns in the North, and most of the six geo-political zones,. The issue of availability of funds to execute important road projects could be challenging.

He endorsed the idea of concession of road projects.

Paucity of funds which has made rehabilitation and construction of roads largely impossible can be addressed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“Introducing concessionaire system in building of roads after which such roads would be handed over to private ownership until funds expended are recovered may be a viable option, in having an effective, efficient, modern road network.

Our investigation has shown that the federal government is reviewing road projects and funding to bring in concessionaire in order to save cost. Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen was reported saying that there are certain criteria which would drive road projects and topmost on the criteria is the prioritisation of projects based on availability of funds.

Vanguard ARY 5, 2013 anguard,, JANU JANUARY

An e xemplar e;tribut e tto o ex emplaryy lif life;tribut e;tribute Dr K Kolade olade

L

ast week, Dr Christopher Kolade, the Pro Chancellor of Pan African University, turned 80. About a month ago, I had asked him what his birthday plans were. I really was not surprised when he said he wanted to make it as low key as possible.

His reason for wanting a low key celebration had nothing to do with security or the economy. Even if the economy was buoyant and security up to scratch, it still would not be in his character to do anything that would focus on his person. This is a conviction that he has consistently maintained since he graduated top of his class at Fourah Bay College,Sierra Leone over 55 years ago when he promised himself that nothing about his person or mien should change because of personal achievements.

A

nd this is the very reason I am in a bit of a dilemma. I am aware of his desire for privacy and that he probably would not thank me for writing this article. Yet, I have learnt so much from him in the past 15 or so years, it seems selfish not to share. So my resolve, or compromise if you like, is to limit this article to issues only as they relate to me Dr Kolade’s role in my writing again, is indirect but important. He had just returned from the UK where he had served as the High Commissioner for about five years, and I was having my first meeting with him at the Lagos Business School in Victoria Island. When he was about 15 minutes late, I was –as anybody who knows him will be – a bit worried. Had he forgotten?

Again, that would be out of character.

He walked in briskly soon after and apologised profusely blaming the traffic at Ajah where the University is. So I took him up on it. He had just returned from a hectic tour of duty and plunged himself straight into teaching. Shouldn’t he take a rest?

Hadn’t he earned the rest? (The right to put his feet on the coffee table was how I put it.) He looked at me for a full minute before saying ‘you have earned nothing. The good Lord who keeps you alive has his plans for you.

And who are you to decide what that plan is?’

His answer threw me. Here was I about 20 years younger, thinking I had paid my dues to journalism not knowing that I was just ‘burying’ a talent. I resolved there and then, to ‘unearth’ whatever had been ‘interred’ I first met Dr Kolade over 30 years ago when I interviewed him as the Director General of NBC (now FRCN) for my column at the Punch. He was the second Nigerian to occupy that post. It was a memorable encounter for me because I met a man who thought so quickly on his feet, that he parried my questions easily and

almost made them look routine. I was better prepared when I interviewed him the second time. This time, he was the CEO of Cadbury and I, as the Vanguard Editor, had invited him to be interviewed by the line editors. We met again about six years after this when he became the first President of the Ikeja Business Club ( to really understand why he ends up heading whatever organisation or association he gets involved in, is to know him — but that is a subject for another day) and I was one of the early members.

It was there I saw a consummate administrator at work. It was there I saw the quantum of respect he commanded among his peers and juniors in the business circle. It was there that I got closer to him. It was there that I invited him to be the chairman of the board of the media company I was putting together.

I learnt a lot from him as my chairman. Actually, it was like going back to school. Only the case studies were not far away. They were his life experiences – in human management, board management and financial management.

Always accessible, and not only to me,( ‘if a young man can walk up to me to discuss a problem, then the least I can do is listen to him’ he says ) Dr Kolade would not pontificate. He would skilfully guide you towards an answer by helping to eliminate some options but leaves the final decision to you.

And once he has assessed you to be trustworthy, he tends to be implicit in his trust.

Another thing is loyalty – to his protégées and few friends. One of them, Professor Akinkugbe, is so like him you are not surprised they have been close friends for more than 60 years. The other, retired General Obasanjo, is so unlike him that you wonder. I sometimes ask him about this friend.

But the truth is, they go back a long way and the respect – as well the loyalty – is mutual. In any case, Dr Kolade will never criticise his friends and protégées in public, even if they let him down as one or two have done.

The good Lord who keeps you alive has his plans for you

T

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he glasses would have been clinking these last two weeks with many toasts and words of advice being offered. But one piece of advice I am sure he will not accept is to slow down. In fact, I will not be surprised to learn he is back to the circuit – teaching, giving speeches and chairing seminars. One tribute described him as one of the ‘genteel generation’. I agree; but will also add that in opening himself early to God, he has been rewarded with a life of ‘grace’. He has provided an oasis of sanity and integrity to an otherwise chaotic and corrupt environment.

An exemplary life.

God shall fulfill His promise Welcome to another glorious year 2013.

God will Fulfill Promises more than ever before this year. Amazing testimonies will be the portion of all that will do His will willingly. Absolute obedience is the master key. God has many surprises this year for our enemies. All who know your root will soon see and hear of you making history. Unusual favour and helpers will locate you this year. Stay strong in the word, strong in faith and keep the commandment of love in every facet of your life. Miracles that will wipe away every insults in your life will happen to you soon. Please let holiness be your lifestyle.

God is a God of integrity. He can never lie. I tell people always that even if God tries to lie, he cannot lie. It is not His nature. The one that lies is Satan.

The bible calls Satan the father of all liars (John 8:44).

Since Satan is the father of all liars, it obviously means that Satan cannot be the father of truth. So you can see now that the enemy has been lying to you and not God. Don’t let him lie to you that 2013 will be worse than 2012.

Yesterday is gone and behold God will do a new thing that is glorious. The glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former. You are not getting worse rather you are getting closer to your miracle that will shut up the mouth of your enemies. I see you celebrating. Great grace upon you will cause its fulfillment in your life.

The book of John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”. Can you hear this in your spirit?

God’s word is truth. What word are you holding unto? Is it the lie of the devil that says it is not possible, for it is too late or is it the truth of God that says all things are possible to him that believeth, for that which is impossible with man is possible with God. You see, with God it is never too late.

Satan lied to Abraham and Sarah that it was not possible for them to have the promised child and that it was already too late. But God showed that it was pos-

,

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

sible for them to have His promised child even at old age. It was not too late. At the end of the day, who told the truth? It is God. Who lied? It is the devil. What about Mary and Martha? Satan lied to them that their brother was dead and could not be raised up again so that they can give up in life. But again the truth manifested His glory to destroy the lies of Satan by raising up Lazarus who was dead. This same God will raise you up this year. Multitudes will gather together to rejoice with you.

I pray that the power of Satan’s lies be broken in your life in Jesus name.

Receive the light of God’s word in your life that will enable you break free and enter into God’s rest in Jesus name.

Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent: hath He said, and shall he not do it? Or hath He spoken and shall He not make it good?” Anything that God has said or spoken can be trusted. He will always fulfill it. There is no power that can stop its manifestation. Let’s look at Genesis 28:1215; “And he dreamed and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father and the God of Isaac; the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

And behold I am with thee and will keep the in all places wither thou goest and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of”.

From the text, I want you to know that God was not just talking rather he was declaring what he was going to do. He fulfilled His promise to Jacob and would also fulfill His promise concerning you. Please know that God is Alpha and Omega. He knows the end from the beginning. This means that He knows about all the things that will contend with you but still He says “For I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of ”. God is not moved by battles.

You will overcome the enemy through his son Jesus Christ who causes us to triumph always.

Anything that God has said or spoken can be trusted. He will always fulfill it

,

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 07029235279, 07029235280. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

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

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013—47

Group celebrates Obioma Imoke @ 50

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Friends of Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, wife of the Governor of Cross River State organized a birthday party in Calabar, to commemorate her golden jubilee.

Born January 3, 1963, Mrs. Imoke who is currently in the United States of America with the husband, was honoured in a colourful birthday bash that was well attended by friends and well-wishers of the family in recognition of her laudable contributions to the development of the State.

Speaking on behalf of the friends, Mr. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, disclosed that the group decided to honour Obioma though in absentia, because she is a virtuous woman, a compendium of every good thing whose life has impacted positively on Cross Riverians in so many ways through her various pet projects.

He pointed out that in the last five years as the wife of the governor, Obioma has dedicated her life in joining her

She is a virtuous woman, a compendium of every good thing whose life has impacted positively on Cross Riverians in so many ways through her various pet projects

,

husband to take governance to those who need it most, as can be attested to by some of her lofty initiatives under the auspices of Partnership Opportunity for Women Economic Realization (POWER) to improve and protect lives of vulnerable women and children.

The State President, National Council of Women Society, Rev (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem, who also extolled Mrs. Imoke,

said that her presence in the state has given the group its desired recognition that hitherto did not exist and placed her as the best Patron it has ever had.

Rev Ekanem maintained that just as her name implies, “Obioma, the full heart”, she is admirable, caring and understanding whose humanitarian works have brought life to many irrespective of their background, her good virtues attracted members of the society to join other well-wishers in celebrating the quintessential woman leader.

A Commissioner in the Local Government Service Commission, Pastor (Mrs.) Eno Oqua, who described her as a strong advocate of women and children rights which culminated in the early passage of Child Right Act in the state among other laudable initiatives, said they have attracted commendations and awards notable among which is Africa’s Most Impactful First Lady Award, Humanitarian Award

for the year 2011 by the Safari Group and Munjeres Entre Mundos Award in recognition of her hospitality in hosting volunteers from Spain in 2011.

She described her has a woman with a golden heart who does not believe that orphanages are the best places for abandoned children but picks them up and takes them to her home and nurtures them through a very transparent and organized legal system with the Ministry of Social Welfare at no cost to the beneficiaries.

She maintained that her care for teenage pregnant girls that have been rejected and thrown out of their homes,has been fostered and taken to safe haven known as the Refuge where they are catered for, counseled against vices, and are taught some skills to help.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, who described her as “the Mother Theresa” of our time, said she has devoted her

Her Excellency, Mrs Imoke time and life for the upliftment and growth of the less privileged in the society and wished her more fruitful years of selfless services.

The pastor of the Church at Hephzibah, Pastor Mike Ahua, who commanded the blessing of God to the celebrant and her family, stated that Mrs. Obioma is an extraordinary person who is very sensitive to the plight of others and always seeking ways to improve and actualized their dreams.

Police promote 1,994 officers T

HE Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubabar, has approved the promotion of 1,944 junior police officers to their next ranks, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said yesterday.

Mba said in a statement in Abuja that all the promotions were with effect from January 1.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 204 Sergeants were promoted to the rank of Inspectors, 303 Corporals to Sergeants and 1,437 Constables to Corporals.

The statement tagged the elevation as “New Year Gift”, adding that it was in line with the ongoing reforms in the police. It said that all the beneficiaries had attended the four police colleges spread across the country and passed a special promotion course organised for them.

“The beneficiaries of the new promotion are spread across all police commands and formations within the country, including the Force Headquarters, Abuja,” it said, pointing out that Abubakar had already

congratulated the officers and charged them to see their elevation as a call to duty as they would be saddled with greater responsibilities. Abubakar described the inspectorate, rank and file officers as the “foot soldiers” of the force and reiterated his commitment

to their welfare.

Mba did not state when the backlog of promotions of superior officers from Assistant Superintendents to Chief Superintendents would be carried out even as most of those affected had spent between eight to 11 years on their ranks

Obi grants amnesty to 10 prisoners released from Aguata PrisBY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

G

OVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State ,has granted amnesty to 10 prisoners in the state as part of activities to mark the New Year celebration . A statement signed by the secretary of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, M r. M.C. Anyaorah said it was in obedience to Nigerian Constitution.The beneficiaries were serving terms at the Onitsha and Aguata Prisons . The breakdown of the affected persons shows that nine of them were pardoned from Onitsha Prison, while one person was

on.

Those freed from Onitsha Prison are Gabriel Onwuana, Abulmajeed Babalola, Daniel Chukwurah, Romanus Nwabueze and Adolphus Nwosu . Others are Okwudili Odife, Chidiebere Echefu, Joseph Akpan and Chikodi Nwoye .

Mmaduabuchukwu Umechukwu, the 10th person who was pardoned came from Aguata Prison.The paper containing the list of these lucky fellows was signed

by Barr. Peter Afuba who is the AttorneyGeneral/ Chairman of the Anambra State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

Re m e m b e r i n g Tunji Oseni @ 70 T

oday, Tunji Oseni would have been 70.

Being in the celestial realm, he is not around to celebrate the event with family, friends and associates. As we join his family to offer prayers for the continued repose of his soul, let us spare a thought for some of those qualities that stood Oseni out as a distinguished journalist and quintessential gentleman. By so doing, we will be sustaining a conversation between the past with the present to guide the future.

Tunji Oseni was an educated mind who symbolised the best in us.

Educated at Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, he showed early interest in journalism by writing for his school magazine, “The Trumpeter”. He later studied Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, transferring to University of Lagos when the civil war made Nsukka too hot for academic life. He earned a postgraduate diploma in International Relations at the University of Ife and a Master’s in Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota.

Armed with these credentials he gave a cumulative service of 36 years to the media, working in print (Daily Sketch, Sunday Times, The Comet and Anchor), news agency (OPECNA) and broadcasting (Voice of Nigeria) as a reporter, writer, columnist, editor, editor-inchief, administrator (Daily Times) and trainer (Tosen Associates). His last job was as a reputation manager (Senior Special Assistant, Media) to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In all these roles, he came across as committed and principled. There was no denying that in his heart, he breathed journalism, lived journalism and died with the best interests of the profession in his heart. This commitment is best remembered through his work, “Media All the Way”, which he was working on when his earthly journey ended on November 29, 2004. In fulfillment of his wish, that 577 page book, a great testament to his

professional versatility, was posthumously presented on January 5, 2005, his 62nd birthday, by Diamond Publications. His other published works included his 1998 work, “The Media, Transition and Nigeria” being proceedings of a seminar of the same title organized by him and Hosting 140th Anniversary of the Nigerian Press (2000), which he co-edited with Lanre Idowu. He was one of the earliest people to promote media criticism as a genre of Nigerian journalism through the creation of “Caught Out: A critical look at the Nigerian Press”, a well followed column in the Sunday Times written by Lade Bonuola when Oseni edited the paper in the 70s.

O

seni has been

unethical,or demean the standing of journalists.

He didn’t just talk about it. He worked to remove temptations that propelled it by initiating a scheme which later became known as the Nigerian Media Foundation Endowment Fund. His idea in 1991, was to “start a scheme under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Journalists into which all practising journalists will contribute an agreed sum….Journalists will have to demonstrate by their own total involvement, and contribution that they want the scheme to succeed.”

The Fund was launched on October 13, 1992. N33 million was collected at the launch. To date, there is no satisfactory explanation of how the money realised was utilised despite Mr. Oseni’s

,

BY LANRE IDOWU

A believer in the Press as a strong pillar of democracy and development, he argued that a vigilant press should uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people

celebrated as one of Africa’s renowned public intellectuals. An intellectual is someone who brings rigour to thought, who is fastidious about facts, and whose analysis is grounded in facts.

The challenge of that is to ensure that knowledge underpins everything journalists put out as communicators. As his own story shows, he believed in formal education but also supported continuous selfimprovement through reading and research to play the role of a public watchdog creditably.

A believer in the Press as a strong pillar of democracy and development, he argued that a vigilant press should uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

He rightly understood that for journalism to attract and retain bright and young entrants it must foster a sense of future hope among them and develop a sense of self-reliance among veterans. He frowned at any attempt to glorify the

,

regular exhortations to the Sani Zorro administration to do so. Succeeding NUJ administrations have not shown enough sincerity to educate members and indeed, the public on why journalists should be trusted in future with similarschemes. The real need for having the Fund remains sadly unmet. That is a tragic disservice to the memory of Oseni who dreamt the need for it. It is important to come to terms with the past so that we can forge ahead with the future with journalists’ interests being uppermost in our hearts. Oseni’s decency and modesty are loud reminders that journalists are no more than mediators of reality for the public. Journalists are not newsmakers; just interpreters of the world around us. Their strength then should be in the respect their work commands; in expanding frontiers of understanding, in having a healthy regard for the other person’s point of view. Not in unnecessary self

Tunji Oseni receiving an award importance.

A life of commitment, decency and principles is one that stands out the giant from the Lilliputian. Oseni struck the press as a giant because he approximated the best in us. He said the right things on our behalf. In asking us to carry ourselves with dignity he knew that impressions open the lock into the mind. A shabbily dressed and hungry-looking journalist conveys the impression of a untidy mind, who cannot be trusted with information and who would put stomach considerations above everything else. In being decent, we pay tribute to our persons as to the other person.

I

n his last newspaper article, “Let’s set Nigeria a-GOG”, published October 1, 2004, Oseni captured the attributes of a gentleman: decency, integrity, selflessness, non-violence, strength of character, respect for principle, fairmindedness, dependence on hard work, keeping to one’s words and quiet disposition as opposed to unrestrained noise making. He called for the emergence of more of such tribesmen. “Oftentimes, the gentleman is mistakenly perceived in Nigeria as a weak person given to not forcing his way through in a situation in which only force yields results. To believe in the non persuasive approach is itself a weakness, especially in the democratic era which we have been operating. It is no weakness to be respectful of the other human being who has as much stake in the country as the leader and who put the democratically elected leader in place in the first instance.” Adding: “I am so

convinced that in every state of Nigeria, we have gentlemen of merit. They may have been pushed aside by what the on-going “carrygo” requires that they have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. But now we have seen enough of the damage done by the non-gentlemen that we have to whittle their number or cause such improvements on them that they retrace their steps.”

Tragically, ungentlemanly conduct still reigns in the land.

The garrulous strut as if they own the land; the meek and humble are trampled upon in clear disregard for what the holy books say. In still thinking about Nigeria on his sick bed, barely two months to his transition,Oseni demonstrated his concern for the future, his abiding interest in public affairs— where it was and where it ought to be. Without principles, without decency and without people of honour and valour to promote them, society will hardly renew itself. Oseni demonstrated that he was a man who lived to assure a better tomorrow.

Until we learn to respect due process, and accord primacy of place to the time-tested values of decency, diligence, honour and integrity, progress will elude the land.

In a land with few authentic heroes, the nation needs to celebrate the exploits of our good ambassadors such as Tunji Oseni. May his soul continue to rest in peace!

*Lanre Idowu is CEO/ Editor-in-Chief, Diamond Publications Ltd. Portions of this article were previously published in a tribute to Oseni in January 2005

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

A

glimpse of Dickxin gives you an impression he is in his 30s but you will be shocked to find out that this gentle man with a rich content is only 25 years old. Dickxin hawked several food items including pepper, mango and smoked fish in order to pay up his school fees and settle some family debts. The first twelve years of his life he only ate chicken every Christmas.

Against all odds, today, Dickxin Ola pastors a Church at Sango Otta and he is the Founder of Paradigm-Shift Institute, a human and capital hub firm with distinct knowledge on building workplace productivity, business innovation and efficient management training services. With so much excitement, he takes Youthful Vibes on a ride through his journey so far.

Excerpt.

P

lease tell us about your background?

I am the fourth child in a family of five, born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Okosun. But I had to change my surname from Okosun to Ola, based on ‘revelation’. I was born on 1st November 1987 in Agege, Lagos.

An Edo Indigene.

I attended Ayanleye Primary School, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos state.

I then moved to Sonmori Comprehensive High school in the same area. Thereafter, I obtained a Diploma in Business Administration from University of Lagos. I have the privilege of taking on courses at Daystar leadership Academy. I am a student member of Chartered Institute of Personnel management of Nigeria, Graduate of TL Entrepreneurial Academy, Liz logic Institute Of Information Technology and at present a student of Transatlantic negotiation school of business, the first Negotiation school in Africa and a partner of Harvard Business School.

I was tagged a failure 10 years ago from my High school teachers due to my inactive flow on academic excellence on a particular subject and that same subject has now become my greatest strength in business today. The breakeven point came when I spent 28 hours alone in a friend’s room to paint a picture

of my destiny and there I found out again by God’s revelation who I am and what I am here to do. I am not in this world to occupy space but to create more space for people to live in. I sat down one evening after a personal and business retreat to redefine the phase and shape of my life. I knew I have capacity to touch millions of lives and build multinational businesses as a tool for change.

One experience I can’t forget was during one Christmas period like this, I told my parents not to buy me any Christmas clothes because I needed the cash to buy three Books that changed my life: Rich dad, Poor Dad; Who moved my cheese and The richest man in Babylon.

I receive lots of invitation to speak in youth conferences and churches, and I spoke in over 50 conferences pro bono before age 20 which include NGO’s, schools and small scale enterprise.

What has been the motivation and drive for impacting other young Nigerians?

Contact and encounter is the secret to capturing a dynamic vision and drive for success. I am a product of impact, the blood flow of change was injected into me by my dear loving father and mentor, Pastor Sam Oluwatoye (senior pastor TLC) in 2003 when he touched my shoulder

after a church service and said emphatically: Dickxin you are a star, shine on. I’m sure he can’t remember. No one has ever said that to me. Great words are stimulant to change and exploits.

The passion and drive to influence about 230 million youths in Africa and the rest of the world started burning in me . I hate poverty, lack of excellence, mediocrity, low self esteem and I hate to see people suffer and taken for granted because there is a seed of global influence in every Nigerian youth. I started a motivational outfit at age 16 with almost 200 people in attendance every month. We used a friend’s house decking and without sponsorship from any organization I used my salary as a school teacher which was 2,200 naira monthly to run the program and lots of lives were transformed. Hence, the catalyst for change also started from there.

I am sure I have not started because we need to get to all parts of Africa; I have deep passion for the Nigeria and Africa. White is not always right.

Natural and intellectual resources find their depth in Africa but were not refined due to Bad leadership and other factors Was it why you founded Paradigm Shift Institute (P.S.I.)?

I had worked for top class consulting firms, research firms and financial institutions where my directorate and senior managers had challenges with High level productivity, performance, leadership, team formation and clients retention, and I knew I had passion for solving workplace or corporate problems, so I dedicated and invested intellectual resources, time, money, energy, risk and my life into these issues and that was what gave birth to Paradigm Shift institute. On first running capital for P.S.I was 150 naira as cash to print out a training manual in a business center. When we started the fear of failure gripped me because we had benchmark and competitors whose profile can intimidate a new investor, but we are moving with speed. By God’s grace we will be hosting the first Lagos sate Customer service Conference in 2013, a huge project that will host John C Maxwell, the press briefing will hold in February P.S.I. has invested immeasurable resources on research across Africa, Europe, United States of America and USSR communities on captivating market place insight from top class firms in the world (the Forbes 500 companies). Our business is benchmarked on Philips Consulting, KPMG, Harvard Business School and Forbes magazine Our Clients’ base and training platform have ranked amongst blue ocean industries such as Oil and Gas, Banking, information Technology, Health, Education and Telecommunications. While our bus

Vanguard, JANU ARY 5, 2013—49 JANUARY

D

o you have other mentors other than Pastor Sam Oluwatoye?

Yes I do. Fela Durotoye, Folunsho Philips, Donald Trumps, Aliko Dangote, John C. Maxwell and Michael .E. Potter (Harvard celebrity Professor).

So what Change projects are you working on?

We are presently running a FBS (Free Business Speed) project in Sango Otta, Abule Egba and Ogba. We train over 30 youth entrepreneurs for free every fortnight tagged: Free Business Speed pro. It has been a huge success with an average running cost of 400 dollars monthly.

Another project is Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (BEC) project with a goal to serve as life and career link for students within the age bracket of 11 to 18 with a view to developing career intelligence, entrepreneurial intelligence and skill capacity. Prior to this time we had trained for free over 1700 public students in Lagos between September to November 2012 on the BEC project. We are working as partners with Gist Africa, 5star Oil and Gas, Prestige Merit Oil, TL Consult, elevation resource center and Solucop Nigeria in spreading and activating life, career and business excellence in Nigeria.

We also have the Effective school Administration (ESA).

This is a special training

K

platform that helps to stimulate workplace productivity and performance for class room teachers, principals and CEOs of schools. Lots of schools on the island and mainland are fast responding to this project.

Pastoring is a major call for me while business is the platform for attracting and building wealth to propagate the kingdom of God. I Pastor a branch of our church THE LORD’S CREW (TLC) in Toll Gate, Sango Otta, and lots of teenagers, youths and adults are enjoying and building supernatural capacity to take over the world for God. My greatest plan in life is to distribute billions of dollars to nations of the world to propagate the Gospel. I can’t live without serving God. Any final words for young Nigerians out there, reading this?

You don’t become big to do big things, you do big things to become Big, Nigeria is fast becoming like China, a rich and enterprise economy where individual innovations and inventions are the catalyst for economic boom. Don’t wait for the government because the government (the people) is waiting for you. Spur up your creative ability, take new challenges, study hard, leverage on relationships and take the lead. There is no limit at all. This is a green economy; there are opportunities to create multibillion dollar companies. Africa needs you. Please let’s represent.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

unle Egbedun CEO, Gist Afrika, is at it again changing the face of professionalism as he brought together young professionals and business executives with other great dignitaries including some senior citizens. On Boxing day (Dec. 26, 2012), Vanguard Youthful Vibes was honoured with a medal for an outstanding leadership.

Senator Babajide Omoworare (L)and Victor Gotevbe were both recipients of the medal .

Victor Gotevbe gave the Key note address.

Victor being presented with his medal by Mr. Charles Egbedun of Lagos Ministry of Health while Mr. Kunle Egbedun looks on .

Victor autographs the LMN banner following the launch of the Birth of a dream -Lagos Mainland Network

50— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

Who’s after the ‘Bride’?

•Property worth N3billion destroyed as churches go to “ war’ ...hoodlums carted away over N15million offering, tithes money

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

F

or a moment, it looked as though the demoli tion of the altar and the entire building that housed over 20,000 worshipers of the Bride Assembly was a joke unfolding in a manner that insulted the sensibilities of the onlookers, but it turned out to be real as members watched helplessly how the sacred house of God was cruelly demolished.

The Church which was located on Endeavour Crescent, Odofin, Park Estate, Off Ijesha, Bus-stop, a stone throw to the Lord Chosen Church, Lagos, was demolished early December, by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the place, members were seen packing and sorting through the debris. A few of them however who managed to utter a few words said: “Who could have ordered this assault on God’s altar? Why would the demolition be so maliciously done? Why would you demolish a place of worship or any other place without notice, especially when the matter concerning the property is still pending in court?” they queried.

But the leader and General overseer, Pastor Moses Alu including the members appeared to be set for a legal battle to seek redress on the injustice perceived to have been done on them by those who according to them, illegally orchestrated and carried out demolition of the church and properties worth over N3billion.

According to the Public Relation Officer of the Church, Deacon A . Eric, “at about 9am, what could be likened to an army of occupation invaded the church. They came in a convoy of cars, buses, hiluxes and a black maria (from Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development). They were given protection by about 40 armed policemen and when we asked if there was any notice, they said they have sent a notice a copy which they could not produce.”

He said over N3billion property were destroyed while about N15million cash which was realised from offerings and tithes were carted away by hoodlums who took advantage

member was violent, even in the face of a sudden attack by about forty hoodlums who unleashed mayhem on a helpless congregation on the third day of the programme, before the timely intervention of the police who arrested some of the hoodlums. They showed oneness and resilience. This exemplary conduct is no doubt, due largely to the peace message churned out weekly from the pulpit.”

H

General Overseer, Pastor Moses Alu of the situation shortly after the demolition. “They came with about forty policemen in a convoy or cars, with a trailer carrying a caterpillar which they used for the demolition. They rushed to the General overseer’s office and that was the first place they demolished.

All the bullet proof doors were destroyed, including 20 other offices. We watched helplessly, as there was no prior notice to take away our properties. Most of our equipments, television, monitors among those things we used in our broadcast were destroyed.”

H

e disclosed that the church had petitioned Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola while the Church lawyer, Barrister Ozoan was preparing for a legal battle.

Narrating how the church acquired the land, Deacon Eric said: “In 2005, we paid N50million to acquire this place from the Onitire family represented by Oloto who is well known here.

“When we came here, it was not habitable because there were different kinds of reptiles here. Besides, all the roads leading to this place were done

The demolished church by the church. Sometime in 2009, we were told that this place had been allocated by the government to one Alhaji Kamorudeen Bolarinwa. We were suprised and so we went to court. Since that time, the mater has been in court, until that Wednesday, December, 5.”

He continued: “Leading the assault was a bulldozer which a trailer in their convoy had conveyed to the place. Before the church security men could ask any question, some frightening and armed youths, who were part of the demolition squad headed straight for the block which housed the offices of the Overseer, Deputy Overseer and their personal assistants.

“These young men who were on a mission and who seemed to know what they were instructed to do, in a commando style brought down the bulletproof doors to the office, destroying everything in sight.

“They were quickly followed by the bulldozer which tore down other offices including the administration office. The next action was to start knocking down the pillars of the auditorium (an auditorium that seats over 20,000 people), and

the auditorium fell. Not satisfied and under further instructions, the bulldozer went ahead to smash and destroy everything of importance - roofing sheets, chairs, Plasma and flat screen television sets, ceiling and standing-fans, computers, laptops, printers, water dispensers,among others.

Twenty other offices, which included the children’s auditorium, the Ministers’, IT/ TV, choir, Library, medical and press offices were also destroyed.

“At the end of the invasion, what was once a beautiful environment lay in ruins and the demolition squad left the way they came.”

He stated that while this was going on, the members most of whom had finished a vigil prayer watched helplessly while the whole place where they congregated to worship went down in ruins. He attributed the calmness of the members present during the demotion as reflection of the peace message of the General Overseer on a weekly basis.

“If there was anything worth commending, it is the spirit exhibited by members of the church. Though painful, no

e continued: “We began the evacuation and clearing of the debris. This was completed the following day, Thursday, preparing the ground for the Friday vigil which was held under the tent. And as if to shame the enemy, an unprecedented crowd turned up for the vigil.

“It was believed that the intention of the enemy was to frustrate the camp and they were doing all they could to stop the programme, ‘but to God be the glory’; church members declared ‘the plans of the enemy frustrated’. Since then, the annual December camp (6 nights of vigils) opened on Monday,10th December and other programmes have witnessed very large turnout of worshippers with the Lord visiting His children with miracles, signs and wonders.

How else could God manifest Himself when a larger crowd turned out on the 3rd day of the camp which was held in the open (without tents).

But who are the enemies whether real or imaginary? He stressed that it was surprising that while most of men of God Christians alike, far and near came, and called to commiserate with the church, “our brothers at Lord Chosen here who are very close to us did not show up neither did they call to express sympathy.”

All attempts to get the reaction of Lord Chosen church, proved abortive. The Public Relation Unit of the church declined comment while attempt to speak with the General Overseer also failed. Saturday Vanguard was told that only one pastor Chidi could facilitate a chat with the Overseer just as the telephone number made available to the reporter remained switched off.

As members of the Bride Assembly defied the discouraging situation and yet congregate under tents and canopies day and nights for worship, a member who had apparently spent more than 24 hours repairing some of the damaged ceiling fans and clearing some debris, was prompted by Saturday Vanguard to comment on the perceived enemies, he enthused: “what else can I say, but certainly, the bride will triumph and the Lord’s name will be exalted.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013—51

Singapore, Malaysia provide mass housing for 95%, 80% of their citizens — OMEIFE I

N pursuit of standardisation and reform necessary in the Nigerian construction industry for the benefit of all and sundry, Chuks Omeife, President, Nigerian Institute of Building, recently led a delegation of past and present industry operators to a trip in Singapore and Malaysia where mass housing is made easy for citizenry. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, Omeife revealed that same thing can be done in Nigeria with workable policies in place. Excerpts: Recently you led a delegation of Nigerian Institute of Building to Malaysia and Singapore, why such trip to the two countries?

The Nigerian Institute of Building recently went on a study tour of the Construction Industry in Malaysia and Singapore to appraise new technologies in housing and infrastructural development. The purpose of the study was to carry out a detailed study of the construction industry existing regulatory agencies and their operational framework and other laws that impact on the industry and to see how the issue of mass housing is being handled and executed.

The delegation was over 50 participants who are members of the Institute, some developers and some individuals sponsored by corporate organizations involved in the built environment. The trip was jointly packaged by the Nigerian Investment and Promotion Council (NIPC) and the FCT-Abuja chapter of the Institute.

Amongst members of the Institute in the contingent was the immediate past president of the Institute Bldr. D.D. Jambol, the Chairman of FCT Chapter of the Institute Bldr. Musa Yakubu and the Chapter Secretary Bldr.

Abalaka and many others.

The visit was initiated in line with the Institute’s 5 year strategic plan which sets out as one of its objectives to seek and engage in international collaboration so as to bring in best global practice that will impact on the Nigerian Construction Industry bearing in mind that Nigerian Construction industry is part of the global Construction Industry and as such there must be cross fertilization of ideas, technology and knowledge exchange to grow the local industry to meet global standard.

Are the challenges of mass housing in FCT, Abuja and other places in the country, the same with Malaysia and Singapore?

The issue of mass housing was one of the major objectives amongst many others why the trip was embarked upon.

The two countries visited, Singapore and Malaysia have done very well in this area by providing housing for majority of their citizens by putting in place effective and working regulatory framework that covers construction methodology for fast housing delivery,quality and robust housing mortgage for their people.

Despite the low population and limited land mass it was instructive that Singapore with no natural resources to their advantage provides housing for 95% of the population and also Malaysia over 80%.

It was in view of the above that the Institute felt that a study tour of this countries was necessary to see, study and learn on how they have done it especially their regulatory agencies and operational framework for the construction industry that makes it possible.

What particular government agencies did you visit in the two countries?

Amongst the agencies visited in Malaysia were Construction Industry

Development B o a r d (CIDB), M a s t e r Builders Association, National Housing Authority, The WESTPOINT Harbour portone of the largest sea port in the world etc. In Singapore, we visited, The Chartered Institute of Building, (CIB), Singapore, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Singapore Institute of Building, (SIB), Institute of Engineers Singapore (IES), Marina Bay Sands – the world biggest outstanding project and a lot more.

What lessons did you and the delegation learn from the trip and how can it be implemented into the Nigerian system?

The trip was very educative and lots of lesson learnt. The interaction with professional associations and regulatory agencies was very resourceful. They made us realise that they have a free hand with government ‘support to put in place various regulations and policies that will continue to sanitise the Industry to make it vibrant, professionalised and efficient in service delivery.

There was observed and confirmed unity of purpose amongst the professionals in the built environment in these places unlike in Nigeria. Their governments are willing and ready to fund and encourage best practice while supporting export of professional

CFAO NIPEN Increases performance, expands plastics manufacturing NIGERIAN Ball-point Pen Industries Plc (NIPEN), a manufacturing subsidiary of the CFAO GROUP has announced 124 per cent growth in performance in 2011 over the same peri-

od of the preceding year.

Chairman, Board of Directors and Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Steve Faderin said this while reviewing the company’s operational performance for the year ended

December 31, 2011 at the company’s 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Best Western Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr. Faderin who is also the Group Managing Director of CFAO in Nige-

L_R: Mr. Gabriel Omitogun, General Manager (NIPEN); Mr. Tim Maguire, Director; Mrs. Omoniyi Ayeni, CFAO Group Company Secretary and Legal Adviser; Mr. Steve Faderin, Managing Director CFAO Group and NIPEN, Alh. Ibrahim Sanusi, Director; and Pastor Ajidagba, Director, duringtheir last AGM, Lagos.

ria said the company has continued to make progress in spite of the country’s economic and operational challenges, which the company faced during the year.

He said he was impressed by the company’s showing as the turnover of the company also improved by 18 per cent during the period under review.

He said the company has commissioned new production lines for plastics during the period under review just as he expressed confidence that “the line would impact positively on business both in the current year and the years ahead.”

Appraising the performance of each of the products of the company, Mr. Faderin applauded the performance of BiC Pens which he said “have continued to experience growth every year with strong demand witnessed in all key markets in the country.

He said that BiC Razors continued to assume greater prominence in the company”s profile and that significant resources have been deployed to combat the scourge of imitation.

Omeife: We need policies that would quarantee mass housing in Nigeria

services based on business prospectus with financial backing anywhere in the world.

What are the major policy differences in these countries as compared to Nigeria?

Comparatively, the Nigerian construction industry has more institutional professional regulation but inadequate government regulatory agencies to manage the different aspects of the Industry. Obviously there is the absence of leading government entity with a regulatory and developmental focus that promotes construction industry delivery capability as well as promote the transformation of the industry to deliver to global standard of performance. The Construction Industry Development board oversees, the regulation of all institutional professional associations and their regulatory bodies, the growth of the Industry including the growth of the local stakeholders especially the local contractors, encouraging best industry practice, setting benchmarks for standard and quality, health and safety, skill requirements and initiating continuous development programmes for professionals, artisans and craftsmen etc. This is the one major aspect missing in the Nigerian set up and much more than anything is the insincerity of purpose and dishonesty by government regulators, professional players and non encouragement of local contractors.

How about local professional and contracting firms participation?

In both countries visited, majority of their works are carried out by local contractors whose growth in terms of capacity and capability can be seen to be encouraged through deliberate policies by their government.

This policy which has been put in place so many years ago and its implementation strictly enforced has caused a major impact on the construction industry where the technological development and innovation had been driven by the people due to long years of involvement, practice and empowerment. The unity of purpose and co-operation amongst the built environment professionals and stakeholders in both countries visited was very inspiring and encouraging.

The contingent also visited the umbrella body of major developers in Malaysia and the Housing Development Board of Singapore to understudy the framework for housing delivery. What was most instructive in those interaction was the distinct and availability of robust mortgage system without which the whole housing delivery process would have been compromised.

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

Ba happy to be in Chelsea

D

EMBA Ba has said it was an easy decision to sign for the Champions League winners after his move to Chelsea was confirmed by the club.

The Senegal striker has signed a

three-and-a-half-year contract after his move from Newcastle was completed for an undisclosed fee. The London club had triggered a £7million re-

Eagles step up training in Faro A

FTER the heart-warming performance against a Catalunya selected side on Wednesday night, the Super Eagles with confidence have stepped up their training in Faro, Portugal just other Eurobased players are expected to join the team this weekend.

Feelers from the camp indicated that the Eagles and the coach crew have been buoyed by the 1-1 draw against Catalunya with featuring top FC Barcelona stars and the players are in high spirits as they hope to be in the final list of 23 for the Nations Cup. “Yes the players are in high spirits. Everyone is working hard,” said team spokesman Ben Alaiya.

The Eagles returned to Faro, from Barcelona on Thursday and yesterday they trained twice in.

Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo and other foreign based professionals yet to join the Super Eagles camp.

Only Villareal of Spain’s forward Ikechukwu Uche has and extended 24-hours grace from the National team handlers.

“We are expecting a full complement of the players this weekend.” added Alaiya.

League sponsorship: Total Promotions won deal—Minister TUSSLE... Catalonia’s Joan Verdu (C) vies with Nigeria’s Emenike Emmanuel (R) during the friendly football match between both sides at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on Wednesday. Photo: AFP He stated that the Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi will not entertain call from any club

side asking to keep any player for an extra hour or day as the FIFA Rules on the release

of players for major tournament like the AFCON is clear.

Keshi stirs up controversy over white coaches S

UPER Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has strongly criticised the role of some white coaches in African football just weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations.

Frenchman Herve Renard coached Zambia to the 2012 title but Keshi has concerns about some who work on the continent. “The white guys are coming to Africa just for the money,” he said. “They are not doing anything that we cannot do.

I am not racist but that’s just the way it is.”

However, Uganda’s Scottish coach Bobby Williamson does not agree. He told BBC Sport: “I never came here for the money. I came here for the job, for a new experience and a new working place. I’ve never regretted it.

•Keshi

lease clause in his Magpies contract.

Ba, 27, who will be eligible for selection for today’s FA Cup third-round match at Southampton, will wear the number 29 shirt.

He told Chelsea’s official website: “It feels good to be here, I’m very happy and very proud.

“When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy.

This club is massive and that’s something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one.

“It was important for me, and for Newcastle, to get my future sorted and now we can move on. Now they have the whole month to buy someone and for me as well, the sooner the better. Now I am here I just need to get settled in.”

Ba is joint-third in the Premier League scorers table this season with 13 goals so far.

Chelsea will not lose his services for the African Nations Cup later this month as Senegal have not qualified.

“When I first came here, the money I was being paid was just enough to pay the mortgage. It has improved because I have been relatively successful; at the regional African Cecafa tournaments and I’ve also get close to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We are all professionals, if he [Keshi] could get a better job in Europe and earn better money, then I’m sure he would be off like a shot.

“It’s just like most African players who are playing in Britain: they’re not just there for the love of football, they are there to make money - they are professionals.”

Keshi, who won the Nations Cup as a player in 1994, was also critical of the attitude taken by some of the continent’s governing bodies.

The former Togo coach feels that there is a substantial difference in the way that local and foreign coaches are treated by football associations across Africa.

“African coaches - when [federations] employ them, [the federations] want them to win the World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations and every game,” said a man who has steered Nigeria into this month’s finals in South Africa.

“Meanwhile, if you give a

white person the same job, you tell the white person they need one year to adapt, to know the country and the players - they are told ‘don’t worry, take your time’.

“That is unprofessional and is one thing that is killing African football.” But Williamson believes it is up to African coaches to improve their standards.

“It is not about being black or white, it is about having the qualifications,” he added. “I’ve got them. My Uefa licence doesn’t expire until until 2016 and I’ll be doing what I need to in the meantime to keep it up.

“I’m not sure that many African coaches have that qualification and that is the biggest problem. They have Confeder-

ation of African Football qualifications but I don’t think they match the level of the European qualifications.”

Of the 16 coaches who will be leading out sides at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, nine hail from either Europe or South America while seven are from the Africa.

Foreign, mainly-European, coaches have long had an influence on African football.

A Hungarian coach - Pal Titkos - led Egypt to Nations Cup glory in only the second edition of the tournament in 1959.

In all, Africa’s premier football event has been won by a local coach on 13 occasions, with foreign coaches triumphing 15 times.

T

HE truth has finally emerged on the botched sponsorship of the Nigeria Premier League won by Total Promotions on behalf of telecommunication firm, MTN but was scuttled by the Rumson Baribote-led Board which succeeded Davidson Owumi.

Sports minister and Chairman National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi revealed this much in an interview he granted supersport.com denying allegations leveled against him by the ousted NPL Chairman.

“Honestly, it was Total Promotions that won the sponsorship deal, but when the crisis started I had to call Glo for discussion. But unfortunately, it was as a result of Baribote’s selfish interest in the Glo’s N650 Million bid that made me order Glo to hold on,”he revealed.

Continuing, the minister said, “Glo said in their report that the Nigerian league is worthless, and I was mad.

Eagles ‘ll meet Nations Cup target, says Howard

By EDDIE AKALONU

D

ESPITE the furore over Coach Stephen Keshi’s exclusion of certain category of players from the provisional squad for the Africa Cup Nations in South Africa, ex- national U-20 captain, Franklin Howard has predicted the team will meet the competition’s target of

reaching the semi final and above. Like other ex players who have commented on the list particularly the exclusion of the likes of Obafemi Martins and Osaze Odemwingie, Howard said that Keshi has the final say about who goes to South Africa.

“Though Osaze and Martins are doing well in their clubs, Keshi has now brought in

players to make up for areas of deficiency and I think he has moved to make sure there is a team he is sure would deliver the goods.

My take is that the semi final target is achievable because if he concentrates effort on building the team to play as one whole unit, we will have cause to be happy with the Eagles,” he said.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 53

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013

Don’t neglect our throwers, Toblow tells AFN CELEBRATED athletics grassroots coach, Tobias Igwe has called on the

sports governing body in Nigeria to pay more attention to the field

‘You got to be starting something’, Egbunike sings for Nigeria

N

IGERIA’S athletics chief coach to the London 2012 Olympics, Innocent Egbunike has called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN and the National Sports Commission, NSC to close ranks and begin to kick start an enduring programme that will put Nigeria’s name on the medals table at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Egbunike, who was

speaking from his base in Atlanta, USA, stated that he has already put down a road map that will lead Nigeria to achieving glory, but he added that the country must have to start something now.

“I am still at the service of this great nation. I am only just praying and waiting for the authorities to give me the goahead for us to run these programmes. We have to

start something now, otherwise four years will roll by and then, there we go again.

“There is the world champi-onships next year. We need to put everything together as soon as possible,” said the former African 400m champion and Nigeria’s record holder for 25 years running.

He added that Nigeria has talents and what is left to be done was for

the relevant authorities to put down policy guidelines that will guarantee results in international competitions.

“I have spoken to the sports minister and the AFN president. They mean very well for the country’s athletics and so it is time for everyone of us to come together and make things work for the good of Nigeria,”he said.

Egbunike was drafted

into the Nigerian team four months to the Olympics. He led the Nigeria team to victory for the first time in 10 years at the African Championships in Porto Novo, Benin Republic in June, 2012.

But he had warned that the success wasn’t enough for the Nigerian team to do well at the London 2012 Olympics since Nigeria had started preparations late.

events rather than continue in the tradition of cushioning the sprints.

The coach, fondly called Toblow by his admirers, urged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to take a holistic approach as it attempts to re-engineer athletics in 2013. He noted that at the last national festival in Lagos, the throwing events revealed a bunch of talents that could be trained to do well in the fields dominated by South Africa and Egypt on the continental level.

“There are abundant throwing talents here.

What we only have to do is to create competitions for them.

For instance at Eko 2012, there is one boy I brought from Abia, Eze Kalu. We only trained for four months and he was able to pick up silver. He was denied the gold by Austin Nwoye, the boy that went with the Nigerian team to the world juniors in Barcelona, Spain last July.

This is why I am so sure that we can raise African and World Champions if we begin to look inwards.

In fact if we can create competitions for these boys and girls, coupled with the right coaching and equipment, I don’t see why we cannot compete favorably with other countries who are also making in-roads into our traditional stronghold, the sprints,” said coach Toblow.

He posited that he would have loved to renew his vigour in discovering grassroots talents, but he has been left desperately hopeless, after he was thrown out of job by Abia.

“For months I have not been paid my entitlements. I am being ravaged by poverty and I find it so amazing that a country I have served so well would let me degenerate like this,” Toblow lamented.

•Regina George

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 5, 2013 — 55

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 5, 2013

FA Cup third-round fixtures 1:30 Brighton Vs Newcastle

4:00 Man City Vs Watford

4:00 Aston Villa Vs Ipswich 4:00 Bolton Vs Sunderland

4:00 QPR Vs West Brom 4:00 Southampton Vs Chelsea

4:00 Crawley Vs Reading 4:00 Crystal Palace Vs Stoke

4:00 Tottenham Vs Coventry 4:00 Wigan Vs Bournemouth

4:00 Fulham Vs Blackpool

6:15 West Ham V Man Utd

ECSTACY.... Super Eagles striker, Bright Dike (right) yells after hitting the equalising goal against Catalonia on Wednesday.

Victor Ezeji is however, doubting the scoring prowess of the Eagles.

Nations Cup 2013

Ezeji doubts Eagles strike force

By EDDIEAKALONU

F

ORMER Sharks, Enyimba and Dolphins hitman, Victor Ezeji has said that the Super Eagles lack the strikeforce to score goals in the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa going by the provisional list released by coach Stephen Keshi. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard sports on telephone, Ezeji said “there is no way a

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde – (7) 5 Greek Alphabet – (4) 7 Mexican Currency – (4) 8 CBN Deputy Governor, Mr. Tunde – (4) 9 Deputy Senate President, Ike – (10) 13 Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom – (4) 14 Legendary Queen of Zaria – (5) 16 Switzerland Capital City – (4) 17 L.G.A in Nasarawa State – (4) 19 Country in Asia – (5) 20 Hebrew Alphabet – (4) 21 Country in Africa – (10) 26 Mother’s Sister – (4) 27 Musical Instrument – (4) 28 Land Measurement Unit – (4) 29 Honduras Currency – (7)

I feel we need players who will get the goals, specifically, (Obafemi) Martins and Osaze (Odemwingie) are not there.

May be Keshi has something up his sleeves, that’s why I won’t blame him for the decision now.” Asked if he does not believe in players like Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu Uche and Victor Moses as good scorers in the absence of

team would go to a competition of such magnitude without quality strikers to achieve good results,” adding, “only the coach has exclusive idea of the players he has chosen and I have no problem with that.”

Continuing he said, “He has chosen our best and he knows why certain quality strikers, in my opinion, have been left out.

Down 1 L.G.A in Yobe State – (4) 2 Gravvy – (4) 3 Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Abdulwaheed – (4) 4 Super Eagles Defender, Onyekachi – (4) 5 L.G.A in Osun State – (10) 6 Former Abia State Governor, Frank – (7) 10 Former Niger State Governor, Abdullahi – (4) 11 L.G.A in Imo State – (10) 12 African Antelope – (5) 15 Country in Europe – (5) 16 L.G.A in Cross River State – (7) 18 Solar Planet – (4) 22 Brazillian Currency – (4) 23 Shellfish – (4) 24 Against – (4) 25 Bangladesh Currency – (4)

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Eagles don’t scare us Z

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his assistants. The team has engaged in good tune up matches. The coach has been articulate in handling preparations but like I said earlier, it’s the strike force I’m worried about. So, like any well meaning Nigerian, I wish them the best of luck because I believe that our team need to do well in the competition,” he stressed.

— Zambia coach

8 9

Osaze and Martins, Ezeji said “Keshi has the final say. May be he wants to play a formation that would throw up other players as his jokers.”

The former national U-23 striker however said “I do sincerely expect our team to do well in South Africa no matter the opposition because our preparations have been well handled by the NFF, Keshi and

29

SOLUTION on page 46

25

AMBIA coach Herve Renard says his term is not under any pressure after watching the Super Eagles put up a brave performance against Catalunya on Wednesday night.

“There is no pressure on us.

If we do not retain the title it simply means another team was better than us, but it will be very difficult to beat this team in South Africa, which is like a second ‘home’ for us,” said the coach.

The Zambians will play their first game against Ethiopia on January 21, while Nigeria take

on Burkina Faso in the other group C pairing.

“The first game against Ethiopia is very important — it is crucial to start the tournament well,” Renard told reporters.

“Our aim is to finish first in the group.”

The defending champions are busy preparing for the South Africa showpiece and continue their warm-up against Morocco in a friendly international on Tuesday evening, followed by matches against Norway and Namibia in the days leading up to the January 19 kick-off.

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