Tears, tributes as Agagu is buried

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Ibori: Prosecution’s last-minute ambush fails •It’s unfair on the defence, I am against it — Judge

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S the assets confiscation hearing of the former Delta State Governor entered its final day, the Judge, His Honour Anthony Pitts, has rebuffed attempts by the British Crown prosecution to change the case upon which the confiscation proceedings have been built from the onset.

Crown Prosecutor, Sasha Wass, in her legal submission had inserted a totally different legal argument which according to the Judge in his ruling on the attempted new insertion by the prosecution said, “the goal-posts have been moved not just offside but off the pitch all together”.

The prosecution’s attempted legal argument which the judge ruled against is known as Assumption 72AA 1995, that amended the Criminal Justice Act 1998. It was a total departure from the legal arguments with which the confiscation proceedings have been approached from the start of the confiscation proceedings, and would have moved the burden of proof to the defendant as against the original case which put the burden of proof on the prosecution.

James Ibori’s lead counsel Mr. Ivan Krolic in condemning the attempted move by the Prosecution to suddenly change their case after the defence and the prosecution have all made their final submissions and closed their cases said, “the crown has effectively ambushed the defence by the inclusion of the “Assumption”: “this is not how to go about litigation, I cannot recall a case where this has happened in the past”.

Admitting to the ambush as claimed by Krolic, the lead crown prosecutor, Sasha Wass said, “I agree it was something that was never raised or enquired about....but what your honour has to decide now, today is what, if any, the prejudice the defendant has suffered and if he has suffered any prejudice, how can it be redressed”.

While submitting on the sudden inclusion of the assumption of 72AA by the prosecution which the judge described as “a game changer ”, Kroilc said, “this case has been

closed, the crown’s inclusion should not be allowed”.

Ruling against the Crown prosecution, Judge Anthony Pitts further said, “the casual introduction at this stage is a game changer....I think It will be unfair to allow the prosecution to include the assumption and I agree with Krolic tht it will be unfair and unjust to begin the proceedings again, I am not prepared to adjourn this hearing till 2014 or 2015. I do agree with Krolic”.

These proceedings all along have been based on Criminal Justice Act 1998 which places the burden of proof of the allegation against Ibori on the

prosecution and this is the manner the hearing has been approached.

However, the sudden inclusion of assumption 72AA by the prosecution in the last minute after the defence has made their submission in the case fundamentally changed the case. Assumption 72AA puts the burden of proof on the defendant.

Meanwhile, the defendant has chosen not to appear personally in court to give evidence and allowing the Assumption 72AA to be effective will have put the case against the defendant, Ibori. for choosing not give evidence in the case.

L-R: Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, her Delta State counterpart, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan and her husband, Dr. Uduaghan during the commissioning of the Nelson Mandela Garden of 95 Trees/Unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Statue in Asaba...Thursday (October 3)

Three feared dead as suspected Fulani mercenaries invade This fresh attack came local government several houses and gathered that the on the heels of the last BBy Peter Duruy

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O fewer than three persons were feared dead yesterday when suspected Fulani

mercenaries attacked Ejima community in Agatu local government area of Benue state.

The fresh attack also left

farmland destroyed while many of the natives have reportedly fled their homes for fear of being killed by the marauders.

Saturday Vanguard

invaders who laid siege on the community, marched into the villages in their hundreds from neighboring Nasarawa state.

Why I slept with my two daughters — Father arrested over incest sistance anytime he ap- husband saying though

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

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OGI State Police command has paraded a 53-year old man,Yusuf Alabi for allegedly having carnal Knowledge of his two daughters.

Parading the suspect, the Acting police commissioner, Austine Evbakhabokun said, Alabi was apprehended following a complaint by one of his sons, Abdulmalik to the state investigation and intelligence bureau, alleging that his father was having sexual intercourse with two of his younger sisters.

The CP said when the boy challenged his father for committing the act, the suspect threatened to kill him if the news got to the public, cajoling the son that he was protecting his sisters.

Austine said the suspect has also confessed to the crime with an explanation that he committed the illicit acts in order to save his children from premature death.

The suspect also made a

shocking statement while being questioned by journalists that none of his daughters offered re-

proached them for sexual intercourse. In a shocking twist, the wife of the suspect has called on the police not to prosecute her

he might have committed the crime but the issue is a ‘family matter ’ and should be allowed to be settled in the family way.

Rivers lawmaker, Tonye Ezekiel Harry dies •Governor Amaechi shocked

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

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FORMER Speak er of the Rivers state House of Assembly, Hon Tonye Ezekiel Harry is dead.

Governor Amaechi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary David Iyofor described Harry’s death as deeply shocking and traumatic for him.

He recalled with nostalgia and fond memories the life and times of Tonye Harry.

“I am still traumatize by the sad news of the death of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry. I still find it impossible to come to terms that Tonye is no more. I was with him, by his hospital bed shortly after he fell ill and everyone was very hopeful that he was going to come out of the

health crisis, stronger and better. Sadly, he couldn’t make it but God knows best.”

Until his death Hon Harry represented Degema constituency in the state House of Assembly.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Lii Kwane confirmed the painful de-

velopment to newsmen in Port Harcourt on phone. Kwane said he was told that Harry died in the early hours of yesterday.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the lawmaker died in a flight heading to France from Algeria after an alleged heart attack.

bloody fighting between the herdsmen and natives where over 33 lives were reportedly lost.

Confirming the renewed crisis, the member representing Agatu state constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Alhaji Audu Sule told journalists in Makurdi that the fresh attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday when the villagers were preparing to go to their farms.”

According to the lawmaker, “hundreds of Fulani mercenaries were hired by the Fulani invaders who have been attacking several communities in my local government area and we hear that they are planning to launch further attacks from neighboring Nasarawa state.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Agagu’s burial.... Agagu’s burial ....Agagu’s burial ...

Ex-Gov Agagu buried amidst tears and tributes

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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HE sleepy Iju-Odo, Osooro community in Okitipupa council area of Ondo state yesterday witnessed an unprecedented number of dignitaries who came from all walks of life to bid one of their illustrious sons, late Dr Olusegun Agagu, farewell.

Agagu,65, who was the former governor of Ondo State, died on September 13.

Apart from other visitors, thousands of people, both high and low trooped from across the 18 council areas of the state to witness his burial.

This was even as his family has condoled the families of 13 persons who died in the plane crash conveying Agagu’s corpse to the state Thursday.

A Commissioner in the State Deji Falae, a protocol officer Daji Bernard and two other liaison officers in the Ondo State government’s Lagos Laison office were among the 13 persons that died in the crash .The accident led to the scaling down of funeral activities ‘’to its barest and basic minimum,” as it was made a ‘’private family affairs devoid of pomp and pageantry.”

However, Agagu’s body was transferred into a new casket before being buried as the old one with which it was involved in a plane crash had cracks contrary to the belief that it was intact.

Agagu’s family made a stop-over in Ondo town yesterday to purchase a new purple -coloured casket from BELL with which the body was conveyed for the funeral ser-

Pix shows Dr Tokunboh Ajasin, Dr Mrs Adesomoju Victor and Mrs Ajasin.

Pix by Dare Fasube vice at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Iju-Odo, Osooro.

Sources also said that apart from the purchase of a new casket, the MIC Undertakers which provided the first casket

held onto the corpse for hours before releasing same following alleged intervention of a top security chief.

Dignitaries at the funeral service included the Minister Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade who led the Federal G o v e r n m e n t d e l e g a t i o n ; Communication Technology Minister, Omobola Johnson; former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo, rtd; former governors of Oyo and Ekiti States, Adebayo Akala and Segun Oni; Osun’s ex governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ogun State’s ex governor Gbenga Daniel.

Also present were business Mogul Jimoh

Ibrahim; former Deputy governor of the late governor Omolade Oluwateru; as well as the former Managing Director of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Joseph Makoju.

There were also rights activist Tunji Abayomi; Senator Boluwaji Kunlere; wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola; former Speaker, State House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan; Senator Gbenga Ogunniya; Sola Oke; Eddy Olafeso; Otunba Solomon Oladunni; Princess Oladunni Odu; Dr Tayo Dairo and Taofiq Olawale Abdusalam among others.

Most of the mourners wore customized Ankara

fabric with the picture of the deceased in the colour of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, with the inscription, ‘’Dr Olusegun Agagu, 19482013”, boldly written on it.

At exactly 1;45pm a motorcade and BELL hearse bearing the corpse of the former governor drove into St Paul’s Anglican Church for the service earlier fixed for 11am.

The church was filled to the brim just as canopies were used to provide shelter for well wishers outside the church building.

His remains were finally lowered into the grave at exactly 3:35pm.His final resting place which is at the right hand side while going into the Church through the main entrance, had earlier been completed. The tomb was constructed with marble.

Jonathan, others eulogize Agagu Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday eulogized the late former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, describing him as an intellectual and a man of honour.

Speaking through the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, rtd, Jonathan said that Nigerians would miss the former governor “very dearly.”

Agagu’s family condoles families of victims of plane crash

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HE condolence letter read, “The family of the late Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, even in its own bereavement, deeply mourns the death of all those who lost their lives in the ill-fated plane crash which occured when Dr. Agagu’s body was being taken home for burial. ”In deference to all the families who are in bereavement, and out of respect for the memory of the departed, the Agagu family has decided to scale down the details of the funeral to its

barest and basic minimum. Accordingly, the funeral will now be a private family affair, shorn of all the pomp and pageantry of a State funeral. ”It is also instructive to note that the traditional Christian wake was entirely cancelled yesterday. ”The Agagu family deeply commiserates with all the bereaved families and prays fervently for the repose of the souls of all the departed, even as the family continues to remain in close contact with all the families affected by this

tragedy.’’

Others who condoled the families included the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, the Edo State State Governor, Adams Oshiohmole, his predecessor, Lucky Igbinedion, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of Fresh Party, Rev Chris Okotie, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the All Progressive Congress, APC, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, United Progressive Party, UPP, among others.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013— 7

Agagu’s burial.... Agagu’s burial ....Agagu’s burial ...

Agagu tragedy: Tinubu returns today, cancels reception •APC condoles with victims’ families

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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EADER of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has cancelled a grand reception planned for him at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, today, in sympathy with the families that lost their loved ones in the air crash of last Thursday.

Tinubu will arrive from the United States of America today after a successful knee surgery.

He left the shores of Nigeria, exactly two months ago.

This is coming as the APC expressed shock and deep sorrow at the double tragedy, considering that the crash involved the remains of the late Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, as well as his family and friends.

Tinubu, according to a statement by Funso Ologunde of the Lagos State APC reception committee, would however address a press conference on the state of the nation

at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, on arrival.

Condoling with the families of all those who died in Thursday’s plane crash in Lagos and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured, the APC, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, prayed that God will give Dr. Agagu’s family and the families of all the victims the grace and strength to tide over the calamitous occurrence and the difficult days ahead.

APC said the crash, coming about 15 months af-

ter the air disaster involving Dana Air, has shown that in spite of the progress so far made in ensuring that the country’s airspace is safe for the traveling public, the government must not relent until total success has been achieved. ’’It is the responsibility of the government to make our airspace safe, and all those involved, especially the regulatory agencies, must not relent until that safety has been achieved. This is the best way to immortalize all those who have lost their lives in avoidable plane crashes over the years,’’ the party said.

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Many people paid condolence visit to M I C CEO office in Lagos just as Mr Tunji Okusanya; his Son Olatunji Okusanya died in plane crash.Pix from left shows :Alh Ramos Olaiya with Mr Sanusi Ayinde signing the condolence register . Photo by Shola Oyelese

Oritsejafor, Martins, Okotie commiserate with Ondo State government

BY SAM EYOBOKA, ISHOLA BALOGUN & CALEB AYANSINA, Abuja

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OMING barely 16 months after the crash of a Dana Airline in which

NGF condoles Ondo Governor, people on plane crash prompt and thorough inBY HENRY UMORU, vestigation of this incident Abuja as that is the only way of HAIRMAN, Nigeria assuring the Nigerian peoGovernors’ Forum, ple that their airspace is safe NGF, Governor Chibuike for flying. ”The remote and Amaechi of Rivers state immediate causes of the acsaid, “We hereby commis- cident should be estaberate with the government lished while anyone found and people of Ondo state guilty of any recklessness and the families of all those or dereliction of duty who died in Thursday, Oc- should be brought to book.’’ tober 3, Associated Airline’s crash in Lagos as the body of late Governor Agagu was being conveyed for

BY DAYO JOHNSON, burial. The incident is Akure shocking and devastating given that the initial sudHE Speaker of the den death of Dr. Agagu House of Representahimself was a huge tragetives, Rt Hon. Aminu Tamdy in itself. buwal yesterday paid a con”We pray the Almighty dolence visit to GovernorGod to give Governor Olu- Mimiko following the illsegun Mimiko, the people fated plane crash which led and government of Ondo to the death of 13 mournstate and everyone who lost ers of the former Governor, loved ones in the crash the Olusegun Agagu of the fortitude to bear their loss- state.Tambuwal, who was es. May God heal the in- accompanied by Senator jured and restore them to George Akume, Hon. Yemi Arokodare and Hon Kashperfect health. im Imam, described the ”We also demand a

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about 150 passengers died, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos and founder of Household of God Church yesterday, said the news of the death of 13 persons aboard the ill-fated Associated Airline, “portends a bad omen for the aviation sector in Nigeria.”

President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Most Rev. Adewale Martins and Rev. Chris Okotie, in separate messages, said it is of a great importance for the Federal Government to take a practical step to address all forms of shortcomings militating against the sector.

Pastor Oritsejafor said: “Again, CAN restates that

Speaker House of Reps visits Mimiko on plane crash

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death of Mr Deji Falae, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism as a national tragedy.

He said the House received the news of the incident with a great shock as they were about to commence the proceedings of the day. According to Tambuwal, the late Falae sent a text message to him on September 29, at about 10.25 am on how to move Nigeria forward, saying that words alone can not express what happened on that fateful day.

the frequent air crashes in the Nigerian aviation sector is the result of the Nigerian factor which receives strident denunciation in policies, passionate homilies of the clergy and tirades of well-meaning Nigerians, yet nothing works.

It shows that take-off and landing remain the most dangerous aspects of flying in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“We call on the Federal Government to come up with practical measures that would reduce the margin of errors in traffic air signals, mechanical faults and bad weather.

“It should also undertake periodic investigations of the financial base and repair history of the Airlines operating in Nigeria in order to ensure that they do not adopt short-cut policies that would endanger air travelers,” the CAN president said.

Oritsejafor, however, sympathized with the families of victims of the ill-fated aircraft, the government and people of Ondo State, adding, “CAN offered its deepest condolences to the families of victims of the illfated aircraft, the government and people of Ondo State and prays that God, in His infinite mercy, should give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Our thoughts go to the bereaved Agagu fam-

ily as we continue prayers for protection of those the late former governor Olusegun Agagu left behind.

The Catholic Archbishop, His Grace Martins, in a statement signed by the Director of Social Communication, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, prayed God to give Agagu and the 13 other families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He described the plane crash as most unfortunate, especially coming at a period when the country was yet to recover from the shock of the several loss of lives recorded in multiple attacks spearheaded by members of the Boko Haram sect at the eve of the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary.

Martins urged all well meaning Nigerians to intensify their prayers to avert

more bloodshed in the country, even as he called on the Minister of Aviation, Stella Odua, to speed up efforts towards making air travelling in the country safer and in conformity with acceptable international standard.

In his message, Okotie said he was horrified at the scale of the tragedy; “What a tragedy! My heart goes out to his family at this sad moment and I pray that God comforts the survivors of the victims over this unfortunate incident. The death of the late Governor was painful enough; what a great irony that mourners accompanying his body would also lose their lives in this way. I pray for the repose of these souls, Amen”, the pastor added.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Kokori: Kidnap kingpin Kelvin’s boys lay siege to palace •Hold PDP candidate, Aguariavwodo, Oyovbaire, others hostage •Raze, smash windscreens of about 10 vehicles •Situation under control —Gov Uduaghan, Aduba, Police Commissioner

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Regional Editor, SouthSouth and FESTUS AHON, Kokori

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UNMEN, armed with AK 47 rifles, suspected to be lieutenants of seized kidnap kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah, Friday, laid siege to the palace of the traditional Ovie of Agbon kingdom, HRM Ogurime-Rime, Ukori I, in Kokori on Friday and held the visiting Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the October 12 bye-election in Delta Central senatorial district, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, former Minister of Information, Prof Sam Oyovbaire, and other members of the party’s Campaign Council, hostage, for more than one hour.

Also held hostage were two traditional rulers, chiefs and others, who thronged the palace to receive the campaign team.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was alerted about the situation contacted heads of the security agencies in the state. He told Saturday Vanguard that the army and police were immediately deployed. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, also said the situation was under control when he spoke to Saturday Vanguard, adding, “the police received a distress call that hoodlums swooped on PDP people on campaign.”

He, however, said the police were supposed to have been appropriately notified about the rally for a good security arrangement to be put in place, saying, “This was not done, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area told me he only informed this (Friday) morning.”

Saturday Vanguard, nevertheless, learnt the few anti-riot policemen in the entourage of Chief Aguariavwodo were outnumbered, and they took cover when the attacking Kelvin

boys arrived. According to a source, “the few mobile policemen were no match for the armed boys and they also fled to safety with their guns. We were all locked in the palace.”

It was gathered that the youths reportedly stormed the palace of the monarch in a commando style and shot at motor tyres and windscreens. They also shot sporadically apparently to scare those being held hostage.

The traditional ruler, Ukori I and his guests, including Prof Oyovbaire, Hon Fred Majemite, Bernard Okumagba and other PDP chieftains had their hearts in their mouths while the shooting was on.

Prof Oyovbaire confirmed to Saturday Vanguard on phone at about 12.49 pm, when the coast was clear that they were relatively held hostage by some gunwielding youths, who attacked the palace of the monarch, while party leaders were there to pay homage.

When Saturday Vanguard first called Prof Oyovbaire at12.15 pm, he said, “Give me five to 10 minutes, I will be in the position to speak to you.”

At the time, soldiers had taken over the palace, but the party chieftains were told to remain inside until they were sure there would be no danger to their lives.

Soldiers were supposed to be on “internal operation” in the community, but a journalist told Saturday Vanguard, “As at 10.00 am when I came into the community on Friday, I did not see any soldier on the street, we were driving into town, I and a colleague, to see what was going on when some youths stopped us.”

‘They asked me who I am, I told them I am a journalist, they asked for my identity card and permitted us to go inside and see what soldiers have done in the community,” he said.

He added, “It was when the boys started shooting at the palace, after more than

one hour that soldiers came to the palace, they were not there when we came.”

An eyewitness said, “The grouse of the Kelvin boys is not against PDP, but against the monarch and elites of Kokori, who they alleged betrayed the community over the arrest of Kelvin. They are also angry at the militarization of the town” He disclosed, “They did not come to harm or kill anybody, but just to make a statement that even if Kelvin is arrested; there are more than 1000 Kelvins in Kokori. If their aim was to harm anybody, they had all the opportunity to enter inside and shoot people, but they did not do that.”

“They searched the vehicles for valuables before destroying or setting them ablaze and while it lasted, we were all held hostage.

We were inside the palace when we heard gunshots, mobile policemen, who were supposed to provide security, were all running into the palace, which was when I knew that there was trouble,” he added.

He lamented that the youths took advantage of the absence of the security men in the community, which had been under tight security watch, to attack the PDP campaign team, adding, ‘We have been here for over an hour now without rescue coming our way.

Although we hear soldiers have been contacted, we are yet to see them.”

President-general of

One of the smashed vehicles during the siege.

Kokori community, Barrister G.S. Avbunudiogba, told Saturday Vanguard when contacted, yesterday, that he was in Asaba and did not know about the incident in his community.

The senatorial flag bearer, Chief Aguariavwodo, did not pick the calls to his phone, Friday afternoon.

However, one the politicians, who was held hostage, told Saturday Vanguard at about 12.00 pm, “I am not too sure when we will leave, but we are still held up inside the palace, but soldiers are combing outside for the boys.”

“Really, what we are facing right now is like a hostage situation, but the boys are not here to kill, I think they are protesting against their monarch and leaders and the whole thing is over the kidnapper, Kelvin, that was arrested.

“They are not happy with the role their leaders played and the few mobile policemen that came with us, could not stand them, they ran for cover, they destroyed up to 10 cars and they were searching and looting them too,” he added.

“The traditional ruler, Ogurime-Rime and one

other royal father, I don’t know his name, were already seated and the preliminary talks were on when gunshots exploded,” he said.

Prof Oyovbaire, who is the chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for the Delta Central senatorial bye-election confirmed that the campaign in Isiokolo had to be suspended because of the incident.

He said that according to the campaign itinerary, the next stop was Okpe and the council would move to Okpe.

Prof Oyovbaire said the council knew about the security situation in Kokori, but as at Thursday night, they were told there was no cause for alarm and they proceeded to the palace, yesterday.

“We were about to start when we heard gun shots and the palace was as if it was being attacked. Everybody ran for cover. While it was embarrassing to everybody, including the traditional rulers, I want to tell you there was no injury, no harm to anybody, except for one or two cars that were destroyed,” he said.

Oyovbaire said, “We

have just finished paying homage, we are supposed to leave Kokori for Isiokolo, but the next point according to our itinerary is Okpe, so we are suspending Kokori rally for now.”

As at the time of filing this report, men of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, who arrived the community in over 20 Hilux pickup patrol vans, had rescued the politicians.

They were seen combing the nearby bushes with a view to tracking down the suspected hoodlums.

The army officer who does not want his name in print said; “We have set the PDP campaign team that was held hostage free. Security of lives and property is our concern.”

Commissioner Aduba also told Saturday Vanguard, “The situation is calm now, about four vehicles were burnt.”

The PDP candidate flagged off his campaign on Thursday in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State after which the campaign train began its movement to neighbouring local government. Kokori was their next point of call on Friday.

Obi presents cheque and ambulance to hospital

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OVERNOR Peter Obi has presented a brand new, fully equipped Life Ambulance valued at over twenty-five million naira to the Immaculate Heart Hospital and Maternity, Nkpor.

Governor Obi who presented the vehicle at the hospital premises also gave the hospital a cheque for fifty million naira for continuation of work on its building projects.

The building projects include the School of Medical Laboratory Hostel at Umuoji, the rebuilding and renovation of the Mmiata Comprehensive facility recently handed over to the Congregation by the State Government and expansion of existing facilities at the Hospital, Nkpor.

He explained that the intervention was in line with the present efforts of his administration to re-

build, re equip and reposition hospitals and health facilities across the State in the drive to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

According to the Governor, the ambulance would enable the hospital to respond promptly and efficiently to emergency health situations especially in remote areas.

The Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Mary Claude Oguh

expressed gratitude to the Governor for his various interventions across all sectors in the State.

She noted that the Governor ’s administration has impacted positively on all strata of the society through its policy of fairness and equitable distribution of development projects and urged people of the State to vote in a credible candidate that would ensure continuity.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 9

23 ex-police officers petition PSC over wrongful dismissal

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

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BOUT 23 police officers who were recently dismissed from the police have taken their problems to the Public Complaint Commission, PCC, to intervene on their behalf over their alleged wrongful dismissal from the force.

Meantime, the Commis-sioner, Public Complaint Commission, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Hon. Obunike Ohaegbu has taken the complaints to the Chairman, Police Service Commission and former retired InspectorGeneral of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro for investigation over the dismissal allegations.

While presenting the

Gov. Peter Obi, (2nd left), with special adviser on MDG, Vivian Nwandu (1st left) and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna (1st right), after handing over keys of the ultra modern life ambulance to the Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Mary Claude Oguh (2nd right) for the use of the congregation across the State yesterday.

petitions of the aggrieved police officers yesterday, Hon. Ohaegbu appealed to

the Chairman of PSC to intervene so as to ensure that the dismissed officers.

Delta DPP suspends House leader, six others over alleged anti-party activities

BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

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HE Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Odjedi Ward 4 Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State, has slammed indefinite suspension order on the minority leader of the State House of Assembly, Mr Julius Okpoko and six others over their alleged romance with the All Progressive Congress, APC. Also suspended are; Ambrose Odey, former youth leader, Freeborn Omonena, PRO, Jonal Otorakpo, ward leader, Emmanuel Ubido, Organizing Secretary, Lucky Onoyeti, councillorship aspirant and Daniel Iyamu. Mr Julius Okpoko was

elected into the State House of Assembly on the platform of the DPP. The party in a statement by the ward Chairman, Mr. Obasodje Silver and Secretary, Mr. Elvis Oreh and other leaders of the party in the ward said “the suspension of Mr Julius Okpoko, minority leader, Delta State House of Assembly and six others was in line with article 30, section (iii) of the party constitution.”

According to the statement, “the party resolved after several hours of deliberations on the activities of the minority leader of the State House of Assembly, representing Okpe State constituency, Mr Julius Okpoko and six others over their anti party

activities that they should be suspended indefinite.”

The statement alleged that; “Mr. Okpoko and the six others have been having romance with the All Progressive Congress, APC, and had attended its meeting at Asaba and the recent APC primary election held in Ughelli North Local Government area on 25th Sept., 2013.”

It further alleged that; “no party member have benefited from his (Okpoko) empowerment programme, whereas members of other parties are benefitting from it.”

As at the time of filing this report, effort was still being made to reach Mr Julius Okpoko for comment on the matter.

Amosun’s wife hails Mandela, describes him as Africa’s Icon of Hope

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IFE of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has described the former South African President, Dr. Nelson Mandela as one of the greatest Africa’s icons of hope, saying his exemplary life is worthy of celebration

by Africans.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Nelson Mandela Garden of 95 Trees/Unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Statue at the Asaba International Airport in

Asaba, Delta State, Mrs. Amosun said she was very happy to identify with a worthy project like this in honour of the Madiba.

She said: “Your aspirations on this project have given us hope to continue to teach our youths on how to sustain our environment.

It has also given hope to my philosophy of Green Empathy - teaching our youths to be more sympathetic to our environment. We would continue to teach them

not to be wasteful in order to protect the earth,” she said.

To commemorate the 95th birthday celebration of Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Garden of 95 Trees was established.

The Phase One of the project involves the creation of the garden which has been designed in the shape of the map of Africa, using 95 trees with the maps of Nigeria and South Africa clearly delineated with trees.

He also appealed to the police commission to set up a desk office that would be working with the PCC in order to quickly address the complaints that would be coming from the aggrieved police officers

instead of following the long journey of litigations in court.

While welcoming the Commissioner of the FCT Public Complaints Commission and his officials, Chairman of Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro expressed happiness that the federal government created the commission where citizens who felt not properly treated in their places of work could take their matter to, so that the public would hear their cases.

The retired Inspector General of Police said that when the commission came on board, there were lots of

Two alleged rapists escape lynching in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

T

WO young men between the ages

Delta refutes online claim on salary fraud

T

HE Delta State government has described the rumour making the rounds and a certain online publication that one of the governor ’s aide was arrested over a purported salary fraud as false.

It stated in statement that: “The above story is a complete distortion of the facts and it is imperative to state the facts here.

“His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, had identified the burgeoning state wage bill as a source of concern and constituted a committee to address it. The committee

which had Dr.(Mrs.) Beatrice Omeni, a former Secretary to the (Delta) State Government (SSG), swung into action on February 12, 2012 by designing a threepronged model to verify the wage bill and qualify only bona fide members of staff for the state’s payroll.

“The first part of the exercise was for all staff to physically present themselves for capture of their

complains, stressing that it had been able to discharge some of the complaints. He promised to create a desk office in order to handle complaints from the Public Complaints Commission, adding that it would help people with grievances to feel a sense of belonging, instead of them taking laws into their hands.

According to him, PCC served the psychological gap for people that were maltreated even as he noted that there could be some person that were dismissed without being given the reasons why they were dismissed and that with the commission, the aggrieved would know the reasons for their ordeal.

fingerprints and photographs which are stored in a biometric database.

The second stage is for staff to present their original letters of employment, birth certificates/age declaration, letter of promotion and academic credentials which are scanned into a document management system database.”

“The third step is to implement a biometric time and attendance system to compliment the other two parts.

Right now, the biometrics and documents phases have been successfully completed with documented savings of over N362 million to date and over 400 “ghost workers” have been removed from the state’s payroll.

“The final phase which is the biometric time and attendance system will deliver even greater savings to the state. Contract for its execution has been awarded to a competent vendor who has a track record of success in a sister state.”

of 25 and 35 yesterday escaped being lynched by an angry mob at Amaeme play ground in Ozziza community in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State for allegedly defiling a 7 year old girl (name withheld) in the area.

The rape incident which occurred at different locations in the community provoked the angry youths who apprehended the suspects, Ugwu Uro and Ndubusis Nnaya Nnachi and unleashed mayhem on them. An eye witness who pleaded anonymity alleged that one of the suspects, Ugwu Uro had forcefully defiled the girl when she went to a nearby bush to pick oranges while the second suspect,

Ndubusis Nnaya Nnachi allegedly confessed that he lured her to his house where he later had carnal knowledge of the girl.

He said: “I ran into this group of youths at Amaeme as they were trying to flog these two young guys and on getting closer, I found out that they had raped a little girl in primary school who is about 5 years old. The angry youths

were trying to give them a deterrent punishment by flogging them; they were beating them because nobody will hear a rape case and let go the offence.

Read more news on page 50

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

THE AGAGU TRAGEDY:

How Feyi Agagu,others boarded ill-fated aircraft

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL; DAYO JOHNSON; DAPO AKINREFON; EBUN SESSOU; ANOZIE EGOLE; ADERONKE ADEYERI; OLAYINKA AJAYI & KOSISO UDEMBA Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

—William Shakespeare

H

OW else will you describe the disaster that befell the Agagu family, their friends and relations and indeed Nigeria on Thursaday when Associated Airline plane conveying Dr Agagu’s remains to Akure for burial crashed near a fuel dump located at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, killing thirteen out of twenty people on board? Is there ever any compensation for life?

How will you compensate a woman who not only lost her husband in the crash but also the opportunity to say a final goodbye?

What story would calm a woman who had waited with anticipation for her husband to conclude the business of the day and return home to her warm embrace only to be told he had gone forever?

Would a young man who drove his own brother to the airport and watched him board the flight only to hear a big crash that claimed the life of his brother feel the same ever again?

Questions, questions, questions! These were some of numerous questions that demanded answers as relations of people that perished in the ill-fated Associated Airline flight trooped to the crash site; LASUTH or at the Airline’s office at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

It was, indeed, heart-rending as emotions ran high for hours . Some came crying, others regis-

tering their protests as they all demanded answers from the officials of the airline and airport officials concerning their beloved ones who were in the Akure-bound flight that Thursday morning. The tears, the pains, the expression of anger, the visible apprehension, the feelings of hopelessness were all natural expectations from people so anguished by the cruel tragedy.

Who do you calm? The widow, the widower and the orphans whose circumstances were created by the crash? Would some relations of these victims ever get over the agony, the psychological trauma of losing their loved ones? How would parents who lost their sons or daughters ever recover from the reality that their wards whom they waited for at the Akure end of the airport would never land to their embrace? Could anything have saved the pilot from embarking on that ill-fated journey?

Indeed, there are no answers. Only questions and more questions. It was a pitiful sight at the corporate headquarters of Associated Airline and the crash site as relatives of the dead got nothing but words of consolation coming from the airline’s of-

It would be an understatement to say that what happened on October 3 in Ondo state was a twin tragedy and unprecedented in the history of the state since its creation 37 years ago

ficials who were also mourning because even their beloved ones also died in the crash.

Saturday Vanguard was there and at the airport and came face-to-face with the bereaved families, friends and associates.There was this feeling of emptiness by the distinct families that they did not get the opportunity for the last goodbye. We bring to you the grief, agonies and views of the affected families:

Twin tragedy

IT would be an understatement to say that what happened on October 3 in Ondo state was a twin tragedy and unprecedented in the history of the state since its creation 37 years ago. The immediate former governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu who died on September 13 in Lagos while attending a Political meeting was to be given a State burial to be preceded by a Lying- in- State in Akure, the State capital.

But the Lying- in- state organised by the state government was abruptly aborted following an ugly incident. The 20 passenger chartered Associated Airline engaged by the family of the deceased family crashed few minutes after taking off from the airport. The Associated Airlines charter flight took off at about 9:30 am on Thursday from the domestic terminal at Lagos’s Murtala Mohammed International Airport. It was going to Akure but few minutes after taking off the engine reportedly failed and it crash-landed and burst into flames,”.

Those on board the ill fated aircraft include the corpse of the former governor, a delegation of the state government led by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Deji Falae, a Protocol officer Bernard Daji and two other officials in the state lia-

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—11

THE AGAGU TRAGEDY: Continued from page 10 son office in Lagos. Others include the first son of the deceased governor Feyi Agagu, a son-inlaw Femi Akinsanya amongst others. The Akure airport was jampacked with both Chieftains of the ruling Labour Party led by the Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko while the ‘celebrants,’ the PDP were present to receive the corpse of their leader.

Another private plane owned by the business mogul Jimoh Ibrahim had earlier brought the wife of the former governor Olufunke and her two daughters Solape and Omowunmi from Ibadan to Akure that morning. Leaders of the two political parties threw banters and the joyful mood at the airport was however aborted abruptly via an unpalatable news that the plane conveying the corpse of the leader and family members had crashed.

It started like a rumour but within some minutes, it became a reality and the joyous mood at airport turned into sorrow.

Governor Mimiko who was waiting to receive the corpse got the information from his Chief of Staff Dr Kola Ademujimi and he wept profusely. He was immediately rushed into his car and was driven back to the government House. He wept through the 15 minutes drive from the airport to the government house.

The family of Agagu led by the wife was equally rushed away from the airport when the situation was becoming unbearable as tears flowed freely. The venue of the lying in state became rowdy as guests already seated got wind of the development and there was stampede. Within 30 minutes, the guests had dispersed while musicians and other people invited to add colour to the ceremony left the venue with long faces while both the young and old could not control their emotions. Leaders of the two parties gathered in groups to discuss the unfortunate incident.

For over two hours, it was evident that leaders of the two political parties were totally confused not knowing the next line of action.

It was like a dream that should never come true. Immediately the news of those that died in the crash filtered out, the journey to their families houses started as hundreds of people from both political divides visited to sympathise with them.

The 76 year old father of the Culture and Tourism Commissioner Deji Falae, Chief Olu Falae who is a Leader of Afenifere and former Secretary to the Federal Government and Presidential candidate of AD/APP in 1999 witnessed an unprecedented number of visitors including the Governor, Dr Mimiko. Chief Falae who could not utter a word was being consoled by clergymen including the new Bishop Simeon Borokini, former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, Rt Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Korede Duyile, top government functionaries, some Pastors from his Church- St David’s Anglican Church. Also said to have visited include Afenifere Leader, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, Sehinde Arogbofa and other leaders of the Yoruba socio political group.

Leaders of Akure, mostly traditional title holders were seen surrounding Chief Falae late Thursday, consoling him.

He however remained speechless throughout just as he gazed aimlessly at nobody in particular. Some members of the Saint David’s Anglican Church were also present at his residence. The women group of the Church concentrated on the wife of Chief Falae who was shaking her head and praying.

Olu Falae speechless over son’s death His Obaile residence was jampacked with political associates who revealed that the old man was short of words.

His deceased son,Deji was a lawyer.

He was married with three children and was in his early 40s before his death.

He was a product of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. He was appointed Commissioner after his ambition to go the House of Representatives was not achieved.

His re-appointment as Commissioner

by Mimiko during the second term in office is a manifestation of the confidence the governor reposed in him during his first two years of steering the ship of the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

His former staff in the Ministry wailed and rolled on the floor when the news that he did not survive the plane crash came.

His colleagues in the State Executive Council described him as easy going, loving and unassuming.

However, report had it that the family of the deceased governor insisted that the burial plans would not be altered despite the death of many passengers in the ill-fated plane. The wife of the former governor Mrs Olufunke Agagu according to report approved that the burial should still hold as scheduled.

Consequently, the corpse of the former governor was after the crash conveyed by road to Iju-Odo, his country home last night. A solemn wake keep was organised on the day of the crash at his country home.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard on the plan to continue with the burial despite the casualties and grief the death of the other passengers had caused their families, the PDP state Chairman Hon Ebenezer Alabi confirmed that the burial plan would not be altered.

Alabi said: “the decision to go ahead with the burial was taken after a meet-

ing with the members of the family.

“We just consulted with the family and the family has decided to go ahead with the burial moreso that the son of the former governor survived, the son-in-law survived and the son of Olusegun Obasanjo survived and the casket was not scratched at all.

“So, while the family sympathised with the those that lost their lives and the their loved ones, they have decided to go ahead with the burial as was initially planned”.

The PDP in the state described the plane crash as shocking and called for sober reflection.

In a statement by Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka said, “We received with absolute shock the news of the crash involving the corpse of Dr Olusegun Agagu and prominent citizens of the State.

“This development to say the least is incomprehensible and unprece-

vors of this unfortunate crash. We are however still expecting more information.

“No doubt, this is an unfortunate disaster in the life of our dear State. We can only pray that God will visit the State with mercy and give us all the strength to bear these unfortunate losses.

“We ask all residents to be in a sober and prayerful mood at these trying times as God is indeed the only person we should call upon in this period.

“Government assures that further and better information will be released as soon as they are available.

The burial programme

The burial event announced by the burial committe in conjuction with the family members of the former governor led by his brother Femi Agagu and first child Feyi Agagu is a 3-day programme.

It kicked off at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan being a tribute Day. On the 3rd of October, the body of the late politician would leave Lagos to arrive the Akure Airport by 9am in the morning, while he would lie in state at the Democracy Park Akure. Another lying in state cum wake-keep was scheduled to take place on the same day begining from 5pm at the Civic Centre Iju-Odo, Okitipupa Local Government.

A burial service was scheduled for the deceased on the Friday, 4th of October at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Iju-Odo also in Okitipupa Local Government by 11 am while the remains of the Late Dr Agagu would be interred at the same venue and reception follows at Manuwa Memorial Continues on page 12

The wife of the former governor Mrs Olufunke Agagu according to report approved that the burial should still hold as scheduled dented in the annals of our history as a State.

“In view of the development, we appeal to our party members and the people of Ondo State to remain calm”.

The state government in a statement signed by Governor Mimiko’s Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola said that “A commissioner, family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash.

Information available indicates that there were casualties and a few survi-

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5 2013

THE AGAGU TRAGEDY: How I narrowly escaped the crash —MIC staff

Continued from page 11 Grammar School in the same town.

Speaking with Anglican Bishop of the Diocese On the Coast, Rt. Revd.

J.E. Ogunele, he described the late Dr Agagu as a highly principled, disciplined , dilligent and intelligent leader.

“The death is shocking and devastating. Agagu’s death is a colossal loss to Nigeria, Ondo State and the Ikales.

“He will be greatly missed by everybody including his political rivals who know him to be an intellectual and Administrator per excellence.

“He proved to us that one can be in a position and serve the people rightly without cheating or defrauding them.

“He proved that one can serve the people sacrificially without looking for immediate reward.

“His political opponents only opposed him to win election and not to prove him wrong. God will reward his generations for good and grant his family and the entire Diocese the fortitude to bear this colossal loss.

“He did his very best for the Church where he was born as he raised fund for the Diocese on two different ocassions.”

Governor Mimiko who had earlier declared a 7-Day of mourning in honour of the late Agagu described the late Agagu whose demise he said is an irreparable loss to the people of the state and Nigeria, as a colossus of intellectual and political capabilities, who achieved so much greatness in his life time.

The deceased he stressed contributed immensely to the state and national development during his tenure as minister, deputy governor and governor of the State.

Also prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and religious leaders paid tributes to the

late Dr Agagu, describing him as the best that ever happened to the state.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni described Agagu as a person who used his intellect to develop both the PDP and the country while he served as Minister of Aviation, Power and Steel and governor of the state.

The Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Revd. Simeon Borokini said people should prepare for death as nobody can stop it when it is time.

He advised the people to always live according to God’s will and shun evil ways as death would come when they are least prepared for it.

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Akure,

ment had left him before his death.

The Director General of National Sports Commission, Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye described the late Agagu as a sport’s man who represented the old Ondo state in lawn tennis in the mid 60s.

Former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, governorship candidate of the party in the last governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke and others said the tenure of Agagu as governor would not be forgotten in a hurry as he would continue to live in the minds of the people who loved him. The State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Ebenezer Alabi, his predecessors Dr Gbakinro and Dr Tayo Dairo described the late Agagu as a gift to the state and the country. They advised the followers to uphold the legacy of the former governor.

Even as passengers and crew members of the aircraft were terribly affected, it was gathered that late Agagu’s corpse was not touched or burnt Alhaji Yayi Akorede said it was Agagu who helped in the building of Central Mosque in Akure, the state capital and he never failed in his promise to the people.

He described the tenure of Late Agagu as one that brought peace, growth and development to both Christian and Muslim communities in the state.

The Chairman of Amnesty programme of the Federal government, Mr. Kingsley Kuku said it was Agagu that brought the Ijaw who are clearly the minority in the state to the mainstream of the state politics.

However, Kuku said Agagu was the most betrayed among the governors that ever ruled the state as most of those who benefited from his govern-

Tense atmosphere at LASUTH

It was just as the song of

late Fela Anikulapo which says, “double wahala for dead body and the owner of body, double wahala for dead body, dead body get accident yepa, double wahala for dead body”.

But, about seven people including Feyisayo Agagu, Akinsanya Femi, Akintunde Akeem, Akintunde Taiwo, Samson Hassan, one Felix and one unknown male survived. They are critically injured and presently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Gbagada Hospital and Nigeria Airforce Base Hospital, Ikeja.

Even as passengers and crew members of the aircraft were terribly affected, it was gathered that late Agagu’s corpse was not touched or burnt by any

means. The corpse as learnt was placed in a safe cabin in the plane.

Officials of the Associated Airline took to their heels as efforts to get them to address journalists or members of the affected victims proved abortive.

The atmosphere at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Thursday was tense as family members, friends and well wishers besieged the Emergency Surgery department of the hospital. They came from far and near wanting to know the next line of action.

As at Thursday, 13 bodies were confirmed dead and their corpses deposited at the Lekan Olusola Mortuary at LASUTH while seven others are receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Gbagada Hospital and Nigeria Airforce Base Hospital, Ikeja.

On how to identify the victims who were burnt beyond recognition, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa said a forensic autopsy examination would be carried out to determine the cause of death and assist with the identification of the victims.

He explained that the Coroner has given the go-head to carry out the autopsy and assured that the result would be ready within the next 72 hours.

He advised those who have relations on board the ill-fated plane to come forward for the identification. Those required are either the parents of the deceased, their children or siblings.

“We will take some samples from their mouth. It is not a difficult process; we are not putting needles on them. We will compare it with the DNA of the victims,” he said and assured that the process would be hastened because “we appreciate the urgency and feelings of the various individuals”

I narrowly escaped death — Wasiu (M.I.C staff)

—as he describes Tunji Okusanya as an easy going man The once quiet but busy Odunlami Street, beside CSS Bookshop, Obalende area of Lagos was on Thursday thrown into pandemonium following the death of the Chief Executive officer, M.I.C undertakers, Mr. Tunji Okusanya who was involved in the Agagu family aircrash.

Passers-by who knew how busy the street used to be had no option than to stop and ask what the problem was.

Tears couldn’t stop flowing as some of his workers described him as an easy going fellow with a large heart. If Tunji had the premonition that his intention of joining the entourage of the late former Ondo Governor would lead to his death, he would have taken another decision. Perhaps, he would have waited for them at Akure, Ondo state as he used to do for other clients but as the saying goes, man proposes and God disposes. He never knew that his journey to Ondo state was a journey of no return. The most painful part of the story was not only that Tunji was involved but as a loving father, he went along with his only son who recently assumed the posi-

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

THE AGAGU TRAGEDY:

the “houseboy that informed me what had happened to Oga.” Efforts by Saturday Vanguard to get information from the gateman proved abortive as he “does not want to get into trouble.” But a family member, who spoke under anonmity, at the Ikoyi residence, told Saturday Vanguard that Agagu’s eldest son, Feyi, had left home Thursday morning to ensure “their journey to Akure was hitch-free”.

The source added that “Feyi left home, in company of his friend and a mobile policeman to the airport but we later heard of the unfortunate incident. I have spoken with one of my elder brothers who has since gotten in touch with him.

We thank God that he is okay but it is a pity that Chief Falae’s son, among others, did not make it.”

Continued from page 12 tion of the Managing Director of the company and four members of his staff.

According to a staff named Wasiu, he was so grateful to God for sparing his life as the earlier scheduled flight with his boss to Akure which was later cancelled by the boss, has spared his life. “ I am so thankful to God that I was not part of the team that was assigned to travel with the corpse.

“I was selected by my boss earlier in the morning for the travel but he later sent me to another assignment which I reluctantly carried out, not knowing that I would have been a dead man if I had followed them. I must tell you the truth, a night before this incident, my boss was behaving funny. His mood was very gloomy which surprised all of us. It was so unlike him.

“He was acting as if he had the premonition that something strange was going to happen the next day (Thursday). He spoke so much parable about death. He was an easy going man with a brave heart,” Wasiu said.

He went further to say that what happened on Thursday morning was very strange as their boss never followed the clients on such an event.

“Instead, he would prefer to wait for them at the burial scene.

“On a very good day, my boss would not embark on this kind of journey but I think the reason he followed was because of the personality that was involved. If my boss had known, he would not have followed the corpse.

What he used to do before was to arrange for us to follow and he would join us in another vehicle. It was so unusual for our boss to follow the corpse along with the family members. All the same, whatever God has said, nobody can stop it. The most painful part of the whole story is that, his only son, who he has handed over the management of M.I.C undertakers to, was in the flight with him alongside four other of my colleagues. They all died,” he said.

A minor drama ensued at the office when a female passerby who would not want her name in print said that Mr. Okusanya has not officially been confirmed dead but that the ring he wore to the airport was found somewhere close to the crash scene. But another woman refuted that saying that the man died alongside his son and some of his staff.

“He got burnt to ashes, he is dead,” she said.

Only Feyi was asked to travel with the corpse

—Iron (Agagu security man) The atmosphere at the Lagos residence of the former Ondo state Governor, Late Agagu at Glover Road, Ikoyi, still retained its normal serenity and quietness. It was as if nothing happened as the Suya seller who operates in front of the gate went about his normal business on Thursday evening when Saturday Vanguard visited. If you were not told, you would hardly believe that another tragedy had befallen the family. When the gateman who was the only person in

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—13

It’s a rude shock —Afenifere

MIC boss had premonition of death —Staff the house was approached, he said the family members all travelled weeks back waiting to receive the corpse at Akure and that only Feyi Agagu came back Lagos to accompany the remains.

According to Iron, Agagu’s maiguard,

When Saturday Vanguard visited Chief Olu Falae’s Lagos residence in Victoria Island, there was no relation in the house. The security man told Saturday Vanguard that Chief Falae

I was selected by my boss earlier for the travel but he later sent me to another assignment which I reluctantly carried out, not knowing that, I would have been a dead man if I had followed them “They have all travelled home for the burial. It was only the first son, Feyi, that was asked to travel with the corpse to the village for burial. He was the only person that travelled with the corpse. His mother, wife and children are in the village. Right now, he is not dead, he was rushed to the hospital for proper medication and I pray he recovers quickly,” Iron said.

When the news first broke, it was reported that the entire Agagu family were in the plane but that information posted online by some online media was false.

I have no idea any member of Falae family died in the crash

—Falae’s Lagos Security man

and the family has not been staying in the house for more than five years and have rented it out to other people. Talking about the crash, the security guard said he had no idea that any member of the family was involved in the crash. “ I am not aware of anything like that, I know Oga has not been staying here for quiet a long time now,” he said.

Afenifere, Adebanjo express shock THE Ikoyi residence of late former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu wore a gloomy look on Thursday when the news went round that the aircraft conveying his corpse, his first son, Feyi and others crashed at the Murtala Mohammed international Airport in Lagos.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the Agagu residence, visitors including journalists were prevented from entering the compound as according to the gateman, “that was the instruction given to us.”

When Saturday Vanguard probed further to know how he got wind of the plane crash, the gateman said it was

In it’s reaction to the plane crash, Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere expressed shock.

Afenifere’s national publicity secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, tearfully told Saturday Vanguard that “It is a terrible tragedy that such a bubbling young son of Chief Falae died in the crash. Words are not enough to console him because this is their first promising child, with such energy and zeal. For him to have died in the plane crash is shocking to the Olu Falae at this point. One can only pray that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the soul of the young man rest in perfect peace.”

It is unfortunate —Adebanjo

Another Afenifere topnotch, Chief Ayo Adebanjo expressed sadness saying “it’s unfortunate, it’s a big tragedy to the country. Only God can console the bereaved.”

Also, Afenifere Renewal Group condoled with the Agagu family and others involved in the crash.

ARG’s publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo said that “Agagu’s burial rite does not deserve such a terrible ill-fate occasioned by nothing other than the rot and corruption that has bedevilled our nation in an un-restrained manner.”ARG, however, condemned the spreading rumours, which aim to attribute the obnoxious incident to some unfounded fetishism. Such barbaric utterances could affect the atmosphere needed to ensure the immediate and remote causes of the crash. We therefore urge all Nigerians to replace such rumour with the clamour for transparency and uncompromised upholding of aviation standards and policies.”

It added that “when previous errors are not decisively and wholesomely corrected, there is bound to be a repeat. We cannot confidently say that plane crashes have been handled in such a way that will forestall it, judging from the frequency of occurrence. ”Our heart grieve and we condole with the Agagu family and families of other victims of the plane crash, the government and people of Ondo State, the entire Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole”, it stated.

Continues on page 45

14 — SA TURD AY Vanguard , OCTOBER 5, 2013 SATURD TURDA

H

appy Independence Anniversary. Maybe I should have said that last week, but then there were many things I should have said last week that I didn’t. And perhaps there were a few things that I shouldn’t have said, but did. We are now celebrating our main annual occasion as a nation but virtually behind closed doors. You are probably not old enough to know how it was at Independence and several years thereafter. Fifty-three years is not yesterday.

I was a broadcaster in those days. I worked in the Outside Broadcasts Department of the Nigerian Broadcasting were sworn to defend. That Corporation, enjoying myself. might be why President It was the section responsible Goodluck Jonathan, as did for sports and “ceremonials”, his civilian predecessors, which meant where you had all indulged in appearing in the thrills. As a broadcaster, military uniforms. The you were already endowed parade calls for the with a sharp descriptive cuddling of total ability, but you still underwent identification. special training especially for It is said that the decision the appropriate terms of was to hold a “low-key” description in the various branches of sports, or ceremonial occasions which included religious services, or military parades which is my main focus right here.

* i love my country military and Para-military company, but also the moving step-out of the schoolchildren in their uniforms. And I daresay the youthful ones love that parade too, It is their first taste of participation in a national activity. But this year, it is said that the “lowkey” affair was to create a

O

T

hey hold that parade in a courtyard these days.

They go through all the motions, but it is not the same as holding it on an open parade ground, with the various columns, and formations; with the stirring sound of the bugles and the drum; the crack of the parade commander’s voice and the sharp response of the soldiers to the orders which came rolling out like thunder.

I remember them all, and I miss them all. All that colour, all that pomp and pageantry, and the atmosphere of flamboyance with which we marked it all for our very own was by itself no mean assertion that we had a nation whose merits we were determined to uphold, and whose pride we C M Y K

T

•President Jonathan observance this year, as it was done last year. It was understandable, to some extent, last year although it was hardly acceptable.

The reason was said to be in relation to the “security situation” in the country.

That, of course, was not unconnected with the Boko Haram scourge. It had aspects that we were not prepared for at that time, that is, two years go.

Nigeria was not prepared for that scale of insurgency and we might have been hard put to devise a ready answer to the ruthless attacks. It was a fairly strange experience, we can appreciate. But after two years, we ought to be able to come out of hiding, as it were.

Some backyard in the Aso Rock simply does not fill the bill for the expression of our appreciation of ourselves.

We simply have to be able to secure Eagle Square to show off the confidence we display in our march past on these occasions.

And it is not only the inspiring turnout of the

desirable pause before the “jamboree” of next year’s “Centenary Anniversary”.

Should that really have robbed us of this year’s festivities?

Y

ou see, a host of Nigerians, the preponderant majority of us really do love this country.

It is not merely because we have none other to call our own— because some of us really could — but because of what it means to us as human beings. We therefore deserve to commemorate all the important moments of our nation as nationals. It is not that we enjoy unstable supply of electricity; we do not. We do not condone such hefty amounts being stolen from our wealth every day by several arch-criminals.

We rue the pall of insecurity which has fallen on our lives and those of our relations throughout the length and breadth of this country today. We cry out against the ‘incompetent style of governance that we are committed to suffer in almost every sphere of administration, and we

he military took us over and used us as a doormat on which to wipe the iron heel of their jackboot. But we endured it for some two-thirds of our national life, waiting for the sunshiny days when we would enjoy our right to the good life, with our destiny in our own hands. But look at us now. *We are prisoners in the grip of a system of diversionary shackles in the ordering of events in our lives. We are constantly sold the dummy. Do you realize that it is now over a year since we declared total war

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ur bosses in those days were expatriates imported from the BBC, the British Broadcasting Corporation. Of course, they were very good at their business in the area of elocution and voice modulation and projection, and that sort of thing. But when it came to military parades, they quickly yielded to the experts — the men in khaki. They actually took us to the parade grounds during rehearsals, and handed us over to the men in charge, who were also expatriates and insisted on passing on the required information, without holding back a generous measure of the discipline that made it what it has always been —military.

You were proud to imbibe it all and you openly displayed it to your less favoured colleagues who were for ever stuck in front of a microphone in the studio, or behind a panel in the control room. You could not wait for a military ceremonial occasion to come around, and it did not come around enough, but it was there on October 1— every October 1, rain or shine.

declare our repudiation of it by demonstrations and industrial disputes in various industries. We do not enjoy the sight of our nation sprawled before the rising tide of such massive resentment without any decisive measure of relief.

Notable citizens have thus thrown back the offer of national honours into the face of officialdom for all these reasons of political mismanagement; not because they do not love their fatherland but they are constrained to do so in rejection of the deplorable manner in which it is being run.

that is merely a red-herring ploy. But, in any case, Nigeria did not become a nation in 1914, and we all know it. The counterfeit celebrations are a means of diverting our attention from screaming issues of national importance, mostly connected with the disruption within the polity, abutting on the projected fortunes of the 1915 presidential election. Believe it.

And then you will have no reason to doubt that the sudden romance with a “National Dialogue” or “National Conference” is another dummy. It means nothing, and will achieve nothing except to distract the attention from the real issues of the moment. It is also disingenuous in an almost offensive manner since it is well known that if it is not “sovereign”, it cannot solve anything. It might only lead to a towering disagreement at the end, since the indications are that there are areas of disagreement on which some particular participators are unlikely to shift grounds. Thus it might only succeed in exacerbating extant resentments and awaken old conflicts. Those who have been appointed to serve on the panel to organize the jamboree are the lucky ones. I too have often wondered when it would be my turn to “chop” from the national cake with the support of headlines exculpating me from any wrong-doing. Let us pray fervently, that, like its two predecessors, nothing comes out of it since it cannot produce anything good.

All the same, “I love my country, 1 no go lie; na inside am, 1 go live and die

We are prisoners in the grip of a system of diversionary shackles in the ordering of events in our lives

on those we accused to stealing the payments on the oil subsidies? Those who were brought to trial are still on trial. We have even almost forgotten the case of the great knight who got his shining armour bespattered by the mud of proven corruption to the tune of thousands of naira — beg your pardon, dollars. A careful look into each case will reveal the intrusion of an event which diverted attention to other issues, allowing the matter at hand to cool down, if not cool off.

A case in point is the “Centenary” celebrations.

We are supposed to accept that they account for the low-key celebration of our fifty-third Independence. As we have observed above,

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... “ Echoes ( OBF. 08051478438): Reading your piece of Sept 28 turned out to be rewarding. The comment

by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Nwaela that the nation is suffering from financial asphyxia is both a political talk and a huge joke. It is intended to get the states to support the return ticket of GEJ. We are too docile in this nation We need to rescue our nation.

From now on, everything begins and ends with the effort to bring Goodluck back, or kick Jonathan out. It is the only game on the board— the only politics in town. Happy Independence Day celebrations. Carry go!

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 5, 2013—15

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inally, the final piece in a jigsaw has fallen into place. Sev eral years ago, over 30 to be exact, I had done an extensive tour of some Southern African countries that included Mozambique, Angola, Zambia and Rhodesia. These countries were at different stages of political and economic independence, and I found the trip quite enlightening and interesting. I was particularly impressed with Rhodesia and Mozambique— they seemed a cut apart— and I told some friends that I found Rhodesia the most beautiful country I had ever been to. (I had by that time, seen quite a bit of the world).

My friends, mostly diplomats, told me to withhold my final assessment until I had visited South Africa.

Unfortunately, I am a Nigerian journalist and apartheid and Nigerian journalism, didn’t quite mix. So my South African trip didn’t take place.

Not too long after, I moved into administration and that, as they say, was that.

A fortnight ago, an opportunity presented itself courtesy of Forever Living Products (FLP). My missus, ever the one to take up new challenges, had been persuaded to sign on for the marketing of the products. She came home excited by the prospects of dream holidays— she loves travelling—bonuses, and an income that could run into millions of naira. I tried my best not to dampen her enthusiasm by not voicing my misgivings. After all, it wasn’t my time or my money that would be expended. But it did not stop me from resenting the way the house was swamped by FLP products.

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other side. And if you chose not to venture out immediately, there were seats to take the weight off your feet. I compared that to the way passengers are treated in Nigeria— before and after a trip. And to the four rowdy hours I went through between checking-in and boarding when we left for South Africa. Four agonising hours during which I was virtually on my feet.

Outside, their airport had multi level car parks stretching almost to a street.

Our apology of a park in Lagos has craters all over and nobody is noticing because our ogas at the top don’t use it.

The trip was for five days. It started with a four-hour trip into the Limpopo County to visit one of the game reserves and some of the farms. We also visited Mandela’s home in Soweto and went through Pretoria, the country’s capital before spending a night in Johannesburg. This means we got to travel extensively on the roads. They were, in the main, wide, eight lane roads with no pot hole to my knowledge.( I later learnt that local governments guard the state of the roads jealously).

We also took advantage of the highway parks to stretch our legs and have a bite. I was particularly taken in by a restaurant that was built as an over head bridge while opposite sides had petrol stations. Johannesburg itself is a beauty. This is a town that was planned with six million trees at inception! So you can imagine what it now looks like. Yet it has no stream or a natural source of water.

Our leaders come to South Africa. Is it that they have eyes and can not see?

Someone commented that the whites built South Africa for themselves. I think that statement should be seen as an insult to every black man. Who are we building Nigeria for if not for ourselves?

As we mark yet another National Independence, we should let South Africa be a yardstick and not an excuse.

How did a country that depended so much on us about 30 years ago get to loom so large?

r the way I was being black mailed—you know how women blackmail—into giving up my favourite toiletries. My time tested soap, after shave, tooth paste and body lotion soon gave way to FLP products. Even my vitamins! The argument, difficult to fault, is that the products are natural products and thus friendly to the body.

A couple of months ago, she came home to say she was now entitled to a car and a trip abroad. Guess what? It was a trip to South Africa.

In the intervening years between my trip to the South African countries and today, South Africa had gained ascendancy over other African countries including Nigeria and Egypt.

She had become the decided economic if not political leader of Africa.

We know she controls the entertainment industry in Africa never mind our much vaunted Nollywood.

We have allowed her unlimited access into our homes and given her a blank cheque to cultivate the minds of our children. South African shopping malls, like her fast food joints, are springing up in urban centres and stocking her products. My medical friends tell me that South African medical personnel are planning to set

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up hospitals in Nigeria to stem medical tourism to India.

How did a country that depended so much on us about 30 years ago get to loom so large? What do they have that we don’t have in excess? Name it; in education, population, natural resources, human resources, Nigeria has an edge. So why is she the one running the show?

We flew in to Oliver Thambo Airport, Johannesburg and like I said, a final piece fell into place. I didn’t know when Fela’s song, ‘Me and you no dey for the same category’ came to my lips. I am not proud, in fact, I am shame-faced when I say that you do not get the impression you are in an African country because we know what African airports tend to look like.

This airport was big and impressively neat with every gadget working. The lines, demarcated by chrome stands, were orderly. The officers were brisk and very professional. At the end of it all, your luggage was waiting at the

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Oh God, arise thou ffor or m myy help (II) od is your shield, glory and the lifter up of your head. Stop walking with G your head bowed. The vision is still

accomplishable. Yes you may have suffered major losses but you can still rise again. The righteous falleth seven times and seven times they rise again. Don’t give up on yourself when God has not given up on you. The challenges of life are real but more real are the plan that God has for you.

Know for a surety that you are not a failure and that where you are now is not your end. There is still a better future ahead for you. Stop those suicide thoughts. Forget about the divorce. There is help for you in God. Know that with God there is no dead end. What you call an end may just be what the Lord calls the beginning. There is always a way out of every situation when God is involved.

He has never failed and will never fail.

He is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He should repent.

Has He said and shall He not do it, has He spoken and shall He not make it good.

God is ever dependable and too faithful to fail.

God’s help is available to all that desires it. Remember that God is not a respecter of persons. If you draw nigh to Him He will draw nigh to you and make you exceedingly fruitful. God is so eager to help you than you can imagine. Your messed up past or life is not a barrier. In John 11, Mary and Martha’s brother called Lazarus was sick and they sent for Jesus to come and heal him. When Jesus got into the town, Lazarus was already dead and buried. D biblical record says he was already stinking but that did not stop Jesus. What mattered was that they called for help.

Know for a surety that there is nothing too hard for God to do. What is impossible with man is possible with God. For with God nothing shall be impossible. The situation confronting you may be so bad that it stinks and you cannot discuss it with anyone, hear me, God already knows about it. Jesus did not come for the good situation rather He came to wipe away the stink in your life. You may be ashamed of it but He takes pleasure in it. If you can cry out to Him to help you, He will arise for your help and make your life beautiful.

Don’t hesitate. Don’t allow what people will say to stop you. The truth is that

people will always talk but you can shut their mouth with the awesome help that you can receive from God. Jesus helped Mary and Martha by raising up Lazarus from the grave thereby shutting up the mouth of their mockers.

This same Jesus will do likewise for you if you will ask Him. Cry to Him right now because He is waiting to show you great and mighty things that you do not know exists.

The love of God for your life is so great it is beyond understanding. No wonder the scripture says what manner of love is this that a man should lay down His life for someone as useless as me. Lord, am forever thankful. The scripture went on to say, if God did not hold back His only begotten Son, what is it then that He will not freely give to you. Beloved, take advantage of it quickly. He has giving you a blank cheque. Use it now.

I challenge you in Jesus name, to lift up your eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh your help. Your help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and

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Five days in another country

earth. He will not suffer thy Know for a surety foot to be moved: He that there is that keepeth nothing too hard thee will not s l u m b e r. for God to do.

Behold, He What is impossible that keepeth with man is Isreal shall n e i t h e r possible with God. slumber nor For with God sleep. The nothing shall be LORD is thy keeper: impossible the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (Ps 121).

Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit.

Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

Your prayer request and praise reports will be welcome. Our contact details are below. You can also partner with us by supporting us financially.

The above text was written by a man that fought more battles probably than anyone else in the bible and yet he trusted God as his helper at all times. I counsel that you look up to Him and He will tremendously help you and put all your enemies to shame.

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

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

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

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

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don’t know if Nigeria will survive this but I hope and pray she does.

The impunity of gunmen is getting more scary. Could it be that our leaders are running out of ideas on how to go about it? Is President Jonathan losing the battle against the menace of terrorism? Are all the contractors and henchmen of Jonathan administration running out of ideas on how to tackle the issue? As it were, gunmen have taken over our dear country.

‘Gun attacks’ have become a regular cliché in our dailies.

The political parties don’t seem to be aware that gunmen have successfully hatched and executed a ‘coup’ and they are now in ‘power’. Political parties and the leadership of the day are busy throwing stones at one another and gunmen are consolidating their ‘government’.

All we do is condemn these attacks and killings and move on to continue politicking and then, it happens again and we condemn and move on. But the problem persists.

Ofcourse it’s a security situation and laymen like us shouldn’t comment but the truth is that those being killed are our relations, husbands, wives, children, siblings, and friends and that’s worrisome.

I have a dream that one day, PDP, APC and nPDP will get serious and realistic; forget their differences and join hands to build a secured Nigeria.

If things continue like this, one shouldn’t be surprised if an association or political party under the aegis of ‘Gunmen Political Association of Nigeria’( that includes Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, extra judicial killers, armed robbers ,stray-bullet operators, kidnappers, assasins and ombatse cult members) one day gets registered by INEC. They have gone haywire and waxing stronger by the day.

What is happening in government today is working up the fireworks. Our leaders have become like Emperor Nero of Ancient Rome, who was busy playing the fiddle while Rome was on fire! They are busy fighting on who contests 2015 elections while Nigeria is under explosion by gunmen! Are we sleeping? Government has quoted millions voted to tackle the security issues confronting the country but all the money being spent seem to be going down the drain. It’s like using baskets to contain water.

It’s more worrisome when it appears the combined efforts of the police, the army, the Department of State Security, DSS, and the civilian vigilante are failing.

Recently, gunmen attacked a Kenyan Mall, sending many to an early grave.That should send signals to Nigeria that our markets and shopping malls should be more secured.

Just last Sunday, innocent students of the College of Agriculture, Gujba, were massacred at 3a.m. as they slept in their hostels by gunmen who later moved to other houses C M Y K

Reign of gunmen

and killed residents. This attack came only two months after a similar one on students of a boarding secondary school in Mamudo, near Potiskum, claimed the lives of about 29

school children.

What have innocent students got to do with the problems besieging the country? Are they not victims too?

Is there nothing to be done to

pacify the fury of the gunmen?

Nigerians were made ab initio to think the killings started because of the perceived extra judicial killing of Boko Haram founder and leader, Mohammed Yusuf, but now, one is not sure what to think again.

Thousands have been killed since Boko Haram launched its uprising in 2009, turning itself from a clerical movement opposed to Western culture into an armed militia with growing links to al Qaeda.

From all indications, the state of emergency in three North-eastern states declared

by President Jonathan in May and the military offensive ordered to crush Boko Haram’s insurgency has not tackled the problem.

The initial lull in the violence after the declaration of state of

emergency is over and the militants are back with full force and revenge attacks on schools, security forces and civilians.

Nigerians are tired of hearing of huge sums of money being quoted in a bid to tackle a problem that is swallowing up the polity.

Shouldn’t our President call a spade by the name and ask himself some crucial questions? What is he not doing right? What do they want? Who are the men behind the masks?

Since these gunmen now operate under the cover of darkness, government has to come up with something to be done under the cover of darkness too.

The other day, JTF celebrated the ‘death’ of Shekau and claimed victory for defeating a ‘strongman’. Newspaper headlines eleborated on the last days of Shekau but just recently, Shekau resurfaced looking healthier than ever, claiming responsibility for recent attacks and making JTF look almost stupid.

Recent developments should also serve as a pointer to schools to secure their premises and protect the lives of students in their care. The next generation should be protected and if we have to make allies with other countries to combat this menace, why not? The future is threatened and we should wake up to this reality.

In favour of ‘Dialogue or National Conference’

President Goodluck Jonathan’s acceptance to conduct a national dialogue on issues affecting the country took many unawares, especially after many protagonists have shouted themselves hoarse to no avail and rested their case. He has since been receiving kudos and knocks and also generating a fresh controversy over what it should be: dialogue or national conference? But that shouldn’t be an issue.

Indeed, the people of Nigeria have never had the opportunity to make inputs into, accept or reject any constitutional framework through a referendum. Consequently, the masses have always been treated as aliens in all constitutional processes since 1914 as all constitutional frame-works have always been imposed on them whether or not they like them.

This issue has taken the centre stage in our newspapers recently with many recommendations coming in. Everybody who counted himself somebody wanted to be heard but there were those who think Jonathan has succeeded in creating another political distraction so that issues arising from PDP and nPDP crises will die a natural death.

The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi believed that the primary duty of a National Conference is to address and find solutions to the key problems afflicting Nigeria since 1914. The concern, according to him, is to remove all obstacles which have prevented the country from establishing political justice, economic justice, social justice, cultural justice, religious justice and to construct a new constitutional frame-work in terms of the system of government-structurally, politically, economically, socially, culturally and religiously.

National Conference, he believed will give ethnic nationalities an opportunity to examine the questions that have made Nigeria such a disaster and come up with some answers such as the right of every nationality to have greater control over their resources.

Fawehinmi acknowledged that the root cause of our national tragedies is the fundamental defects that have always afflicted the process of determining every constitutional frame-work of the polity.

Our constitutional arrangements since 1914, according to him, have never truly reflected the political, economic, social, cultural and religious realities of the country.

National conference at this time is very crucial. The polity is on fire and there is need for stakeholders to come together and discuss the way forward for our nation.

Unfortunately, there are many who see it as a conference of ‘come-and-chop’ for pseudo elected “ethnic” representatives; giving a boost to the on-going greed and inordinate desire by our leaders to wittingly blast Nigeria into smithereens. That shouldn’t be.

It should be an avenue for the regions to speak their minds and resolve issues at once; an opportunity to review approaches to our mutual co-existence. It should be a forum to choose for ourselves whether to continue with the marriage of administrative convenience foisted on us by the British colonialist or to dissolve it; a forum for us to decide whether the Yoruba should go with the Ports; whether the Niger Delta should go with their oil; the Igbo with their erosions and Hausa with their desert.

At present, History, as a subject, has been abolished in schools and our children are being deprived the knowledge of hindsight.

But for the benefit of those who should know, long before 1914 when Nigeria was amalgamated, the present space called Nigeria was not a void . People, empires and modes of production existed.

The far North was ruled by Hausa Habes which was the home of many tribes, Hausa Magajiya, Abyssinian or of coptic stock until 900 to 1500 AD when the Hausaland was besieged by political forces from Bornu, the Berbes, Tuyaregs and Arabs. The most formidable being the Jihad in 1804 which swept the Habeland, imposed an oligarchy, seized the people and the land until the advent of British rule.

The Yorubaland had the Oyo empire which triumphed until about 200 years ago.

There were also the Igbo, Bachama, Birom, Angas, Tiv, Kaje, Nupe, Ijaw and numerous others.

British rule was not forged on negotiations with Nigerians, but negotiations with ethnic nationalities. So, there was no “Nigerian position,” but ethnic nationality positions.

The 1960 independence, was preceded by a curious finding conducted by Henry Willink supported by Gordon Hardow, Philip Mason, and JB Shearer which compiled a report on July 30 1958 known as the Willink Commission of Enquiry. It is of note that every nationality in the space called Nigeria had a position and there was not and will never be a ‘Nigerian position’ except that imposed by the few people in power.

Those who think Nigeria does not need a national conference are missing the point. These people believe that each time the National Assembly meets, a National Conference is going on; that the Assembly has all the elements of a National conference.

This school of thought opines we cannot have a National Assembly and also have another National Conference going on.

There are still others who think national conference will bring to the fore the problems of the people and break up Nigeria faster than we think.

But how many ethnic nationalities do you have in the National Assembly? There’s also the possibilty that if we go ahead with Jonathan’s proposal, we may discover to our pleasant surprise that we have more ties that bind us and Nigeria will not break up as these people think.

And what if we break up? Do we have to stay together in misery?

If the national conference or dialogue or whatever name it is called was the only tool to employ to break up this country, and Nigeria was not meant to be, delaying the conference is just delaying the EvilDay. So, let the conference roll on. Let Jonathan’s Committee go to work. It is only a fool that joins a union that doesn’t profit him.

One hopes, though, that this will not be another endless circus show because, in the days of General Abacha, there was a national confab to discuss the corporate existence of Nigeria.What was the outcome of the confab?Nothing. Obasanjo’s administration also hosted a national confab. What was the outcome?

Jonathan Administration should not engage in a fruitless exercise that will not change the status quo. This should not be an agenda borne out of insincerity to perpetuate himself in power.He should accept the outcome of the confab if one of the decisions is for him to step down for a restructuring of the whole system to take place!

He should be ready to demonstrate true statesmanship and that hanging to power at all cost is not the only way to move Nigeria forward.

Nigeria will surely be greater if we can put our acts together and do what is right.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 17

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18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 5, 2013 Dear Aunty Julie, Is something wrong with me?

Am I normal? Will I ever fall in love? The truth is, I don’t know what love is. I was brought up to think it’s a kind of trade, or reciprocity. If they do for me, they demand “love” in return. I’m pretty sure that isn’t love. I’m an adult now, and have no desire to be indebted to anyone, hence I don’t pursue relationships.

But I’m sure love isn’t reciprocity, and I know I’ve never felt love. For how long will this continue. I’m 28 years?

Benita, Lagos Dear Benita, You are not alone in your quest to understand the meaning of love. You say also that you’ve never felt love and that you’d like to learn how to love.

In this, too, you are not alone.Why should love be work? Truly loving someone requires a willingness to open oneself up , to be vulnerable with another person. This feat is tough for most, if not all of people, but it has likely been made harder for you if you’ve been given the message that love doesn’t come free. What’s

I find it difficult to love the consequence if you don’t pay it back? It’s understandable that you might want to avoid relationships as an adult if you did not experience unconditional, “debt-free” love from your family. However, keep in mind that any loving, healthy relationship also involves some give-and-take.

There are many kinds of love.

Even romantic love comes in many varieties. There’s the “crush” for example, a feeling of really enjoying another person’s company. A crush is sort of like “pre-love.” You may feel a sexual attraction but also there is usually a feeling of

connection beyond the sexual realm.Infatuation has a sexual component as well as an emotional component, though this phase of love is usually just a phase. Often, it is stems from an over-idealization of another. It can result in feelings of the most profound joy if such love is returned and can become the source of deep despair if it is not.

Here perhaps originates the term “broken heart.” This form of love, which sometimes characterizes the early stages of a relationship (when it’s reciprocal), has an addictive quality.

People often describe a variety of feelings that go into

the experience of loving: profound joy upon seeing the other person, a desire to be in physical contact, a feeling of calm or comfort in the presence of the loved one, a desire to nurture, and/or be nurtured by the other person. In a longterm relationship, feelings of love and affection can ebb and flow, as can feelings of sexual attraction, but there remain baseline feelings of closeness and attachment, often described as companionate love.

Have you considered talking with another adult about your feelings of lovelessness? It sounds like you already have a great deal of insight about your own emotions and how your history has shaped your experience. Sharing your emotions with someone in a relationship may help you gain an even deeper understanding and can help you work through some of those deep seated thoughts and feelings about love. This can be immensely helpful because it can help break isolation, provide a venue for you to give and receive help. Look for couples that are happy and seem genuinely in love.

Will he get abusive in future?

Dear Yemi, First off, congratulations for standing up for yourself. Your

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Aunty Julie, My husband has never struck me or injured me, but he is constantly poking, tickling, flicking me, etc. When I tell him to stop, he usually says, “Why should I?” and continues a little bit more. It’s like a kid tormenting a little sister. He gets right in my face and sometimes pokes me in the chest while he’s telling me something. There’s never any anger until I get mad at him for doing it, and then he tells me he’s just playing. One night, when I told him to stop poking me, he said, “I’ll do whatever I want.” That really bothered me. When he does get angry, he usually just ignores me, but occasionally he’ll throw something (but not at me). What do you think? How can I make him understand that his “playing” is upsetting?

Is this type of behaviour a precursor of actual violence?

Yemisi, Ibadan

It is very difficult to say whether or not this type of behaviour is a precursor to physical violence. His behaviour is already inappropriate and throwing things, even if not at you, is not a good sign

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husband’s behaviour is inappropriate and it is not your fault.

He seems to think that bullying you is playful and harmless. However, unwanted teasing that causes you to feel angry and tormented can certainly constitute abuse and many would classify his behaviour as a form of intimate partner vi-

• A couple came upon a wishing well. The husband leaned over, made a wish and threw in a penny. The wife made a wish too, but she leaned over too much, fell into the well, and drowned. The husband was stunned for a moment but then smiled, “It really works!”

• A husband and wife were golfing when suddenly the wife asked, “Honey, if I died would you get married again?” The husband said, “No sweetie.” The woman said, “I’m sure you would.” So the man said, “Okay, I C M Y K

olence.

To put an end to your husband’s harassment, you can try talking to him about his behaviour. Even if his taunts do not lead to physical violence, you deserve a partner who treats you with respect.

Obviously, you have made several attempts to talk with your husband about his behaviour, but to no avail. Have you tried approaching your husband when he is not teasing and the two of you are more relaxed? It can often be helpful to have a conversation that is not “in the moment” as each person is less likely to be on the defensive.

The focus of this type of conversation is to tell him what you notice about his behaviour and how it makes you feel. Hearing from you that his actions are disrespectful and hurtful may persuade your husband to be more considerate. You can also discuss ways to share with your husband that he has crossed the line so that he can develop an under-

standing of what you consider playful and what is an inappropriate form of intimiate partner violence.

It is very difficult to say whether or not this type of behaviour is a precursor to physical violence. His behaviour is already inappropriate and throwing things, even if not at you, is not a good sign. It seems that emotional abuse already exists in your relationship.

Playful teasing can be a normal part of many relationships and may be one way some people show affection and build intimacy. However, it sounds as if your husband’s unwanted taunting goes too far, causing hurt, not harmony.

Through frank conversations , hopefully he will realize that “pushing your buttons” is damaging to your feelings and your marriage. Stay strong as this is not your fault. You deserve to be treated with respect! All the best as you find a solution that works for both of you.

C O C K - T A L E S would” Then the woman asked, “Would you let her sleep in our bed?” And the man replied, “Ya, I guess so.” Then the wife asked, “Would you let her use my golf clubs?” And the husband replied, “No, she’s left handed.”

•A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted excitedly, “Honey, pack your bags.

I’m attracted to another guy Dear Julie, I have been dating a guy for well over a year-and-ahalf, and we really enjoy each other ’s companionship. We have a great friendship and a great sex life. The problem is that I am finding myself attracted to another person. I think this other person has a girlfriend. Furthermore, I don’t want to have a relationship with this other person . It’s just that I find myself dreaming about kissing him because he is so attractive. I know I’m crazy because everything is great in my relationship and people envy the relationship I have with my boyfriend. I just can’t get this guy off my mind. What should I do?

Labake, Akure Dear Labake, It is completely natural to think and even dream about people other than your primary partner. All you need to remember is that there is a difference between fantasy (imagining) and reality.

Attractions to others are one of the many joys of life. What people imagine related to their attraction allows them to experience and even learn about themselves, their feelings, and their behaviours. People are in control of their behaviours and may make choices and decisions concerning what they may or may not actually want to try. Fortunately, fantasies may create a safe, healthy way to explore the many different aspects of sexuality and attraction.

Many people are content to leave their feelings of attraction in the realm of fantasy, safe to enjoy privately, or perhaps with a partner.

However, if you find yourself wanting to move forward with your attraction, it could prove useful to examine your current relationship.

You may assess its strengths and weaknesses and think about how the two of you may grow within the relationship.

Thinking creatively about ways to achieve what’s lacking in your primary relationship may be beneficial. You may then choose not to follow through on your impulses so that you may strengthen the bonds of trust you’ve built over time.

I won the lottery!” The husband said, “Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?”

“Doesn’t matter,” she said, “Just get out.”

•A bus full of housewives going on a picnic crashed with no survivors. Each husband cried for a week, but one husband continued for more than two weeks. When asked he replied miserably... “My wife missed the bus” •A man inserted an ‘ad’ in the classifieds: “Wife wanted.” Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5 5,, 2013—19

‘Chop-and- wipe-mouth’ sex?!

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ome years back, Bassey was sitting quietly in his office, a bit bored when one of his girlfriends was shown in.

“My goodness”, she said in mock exasperation. “The heat is so intense, it’s making me horny!” Bassey arched his brow.

A man of-the world, in his own estimation, at least, he’d never seen such brazenness. “It is all these under-garment you ladies insist on wearing”, he said, trying to match her flippancy. “I don’t wear them”, she answered boldly.

“I beg your pardon”! “I don’t

clung more tightly to me, breathing very heavily. My friend virtually fled from the room. Later, when I finally found him, he was standing behind my car. Looking very disapproving.

“How can a married woman carry on that way?” he asked as if she’d just strangled an infant. “It is one thing to have a discrete affair but to put on that kind of shameless show in front of a spectator? And she calls herself mother;9f ~hat type of children, would that one raise?~ I told him to stop being a prude. If we are in the so called jet age and womarn want to make the most of emancipation, I want to be first in line reaping all the benefits.” wear any undergarments, I never do”, assured the girlfriend. “Show me,” Bassey challenged. She then sat on his table facing him and did exactly that. “I was shocked.” Bassey admitted. I was in an office for goodness sake. I quickly rushed to the door and turned the key. It was up to me to take up her challenge, and I didn’t let her down. Sex was written all over her face. That was one of the most memorable screws I’d had in my life. In fact, she was the best girl I ever had, all things considered.”

Guess who came smirking to me

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HAT is sexual fantasy if not pornography? Not only is the scenario one plays in one’s head porn, it is also the finest tailor-made filth you will ever find. And what is pornography if not sexual fantasy made flesh? If both sexes have sexual fantasies, then should they not have a right to their own enhancers too?”

These relevant questions were recently raised by a sexologist and recent actions by women in the society seem to lend credence to her reasoning.* Over the years, men have gone from soft porn to hard porn to revolting porn. It is their prerogative, you see. “How conveniently comforting it has been for men to believe that female sexuality has so little to do with the juicy, dirty actual sex —that we often get turned on by nothing more than a sense of humour and caring attention to detail in restaurants,” continued the logical analyst. “Pah! It may be true that awareness of these things is a vital cog in the machinery of female arousal but it is lies, all lies, that there is no place for porn as explicit as the stuff men get”. ‘

“What has that got to do with it”?

The lady wanted to know. “It implores God to deal with your detractors”, Bassey told her. “In this case, male detractors who might want to lead you astray.” “From then on”, continued Bassey, “ whenever she called or phoned, I jokingly reminded her of the Psalm. Then came this late afternoon when she called in my office after closing hours.

“I was alone in the office with a very close friend. As soon as she got in, she started complaining about how frustrated lack of sex was mak-

Over the years, men have gone from soft porn to hard porn to revolting porn

quite recently? Bassey who else! He holds one of these plum jobs that exposes him to all kinds of men wealthy men with financial baits, and sizzlingly pretty women with sexual baits. Again, his latest escapade took place in his office. If only walls could talk~ This married lady had casually let it drop that her husband would be away for months and she was lonely.

“Read Psalm 35,” Bassey joked.

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ing her to be. I gave her what I told her would be a sympathy kiss but to my surprise, she clung to me hungrily. “Well. I like challenges! I kissed her some more, running my hands all over her body, she ignored my friend and was rummaging in my pants. I stole a glance at my friend.

His eyes were on stalks. Feeling more daring. I raised up her skirts and pulled down her pants. She

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ne of nature’s imperfe,ctions is that by the time the average woman reaches her sexual peak in her mid-thirties, her male counterpart’s sexual drive is draining away like used bath water. As a result, most of her sexual fantasies remain unfulfilled and she becomes thoroughly frustrated. The moire eXDosed men are to the most sophisticated pornography and sexual gadgets the more women too become aware of what they are capable of sexually, and how to go about it. It is no secret that quite a number of executive women pack highly sensitive vibrators into their suitcases when they go on business trips.

An industrialist once confessed that he felt humiliated after finally succeeding in making love to one of such women only for her to reach for her vibrator to finish things off: so she could attain an orgasm - a slight on his prowess!

He snorted, “she told me I’d only succeeded in arousing her, not in letting her reach orgasm. Animal!

That’s the set of women we are raising now. They are nothing more than sex maniacs.” Touch !

Stop w orr ying and reduce yyour our risk of a hear ac k worr orrying heartt att attac ack

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ust thinking about being stressed can make you seriously ill, a study has revealed, and it is believed the increased perception of stress almost doubles the risk of suffering a heart attack. It is the first time a link has been discovered between heart disease and people’s own view on how stressed is affecting their health. The research suggests doctors should take a patients’ perspective into account when managing

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stress-related complaints. It could also mean that helping patients to unwind can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study followed more than 7,000 civil servants over a period of up to 18 years. Participants, who had an average age of 49.5, were asked to what extent they felt day-to-day stress had affected their health.

They were also asked about lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consump-

tion, diet, and exercise, and their medical background was taken into account. Medical records were monitored to see how many fatal or non-fatal heart attacks occurred. Participants who felt stress was harming their health ‘a lot or extremely’— eight per cent of the group — were found to have double the risk of a heart attack compared to those who said it had no significant effects.

After taking account of other factors that could have affected the result, the team still found

a 49 per cent greater risk if a person worried about stress. Lead author Dr. Hermann Nabi, from the Inserm Medical Research Institute in Villejuif, France, said: ‘We found that the association we observed between an individual’s perception of the impact of stress on their health and their risk of a heart attack was independent of biological factors, unhealthy behaviours and other psychological factors. One of the important

messages from our findings is that people’s perceptions about the impact of stress on their health are likely to be correct. This current analysis allows us to take account of individual differences in response to stress. Our findings show that responses to stress or abilities to cope with stress differ greatly between individuals, depending on the resources available to them, such as social support, social activities and previous experiences of stress.’

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

cares for his things, manages appointments etc..

-When you start to think you know what‘s better for him and become his keeper.

- Making him an exten-

Are you a mother or a lover?

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ne of the biggest mistakes that wome n can make to drain the romance, desire, and fun out of their relationship is to mother their man and treat him like a child. It is the fundamental reason that men end up resenting and eventually rebelling against women, and a sure way to deaden a happy love life.

As women, we are programmed to nurture and feel responsible for the care and needs of others.

It’s somewhat in our DNA to takeover when things fall apart or to anticipate a problem and try to prevent what looks like a “hazard to our harmony”.

The dilemma is that the more you treat your man like a boy, the more he will act like one and it will drive you both crazy.

lists of things he needs to do on his own.

- Scolding him as if he is a child and giving him the “I told you so” attitude to prove you were right.

- Telling him what to do or suggesting “improvements” when he doesn’t ask for help.

Solution: Set non-negotiable rules for yourself to prevent overstepping your boundaries.

- Remind yourself that he’s a grown man and he has managed to get this far without you. Stop doing things for your man that he

Beware of the man who lives with his mother or looks to you for the kind of care his mother gives

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Learn the symptoms and solutions to prevent this hidden romance killer from taking over your relationship and enjoy creating love that lasts.

Symptoms: - Taking over: Thinking you are responsible for everything: what he eats, how he takes his vitamins, wears his clothes,

sion of yourself: Stains on his shirt affect your selfimage. Feeling that everything your man does is a reflection of you and you become over nurturing and try to fix him or his ways.

- Assuming he’ll forget: Reminding him or making

can do for himself. Treat him like a confident capable person. Don’t speak to him in disciplinary tones and once you agree on what his responsibilities are, don’t take over even if he makes a mistake.

Most importantly, respect his decisions. If you have issues with his decisions, tell him how you feel (without nagging) as well as how it affects your love for him or your relationship. Let him volunteer a solution or make a non-demanding request for what you want. Have the intention to be heard and understood but not an

agenda to try to change him.

Pay attention if you are in the dating stage – is this is a person whose decisions you don’t respect? Do you mistrust his judgement and disagree with the way he lives his life? If this is the case, it will only get worst with time. If you choose to stay in the relationship, it will be easy for you to become a “mother” and cause problems in the long term. The bottom line is; if you are convinced you need to change a man; this is your warning sign to get out of the relationship because he is not the “one” for you.

Beware of the man who lives with his mother or looks to you for the kind of care his mother gives. Men often marry women who display “mother” characteristics because they want a caregiver who will assume responsibility for every detail in the household, only to look outside of their marriage to satisfy their sexual needs.

Remember, when you are his “mother”, you are no longer his lover. Every time you cross the healthy boundaries of letting him be his own man, you are compromising your love life. Take a deep breath and courageously remind yourself that he is capable of taking care of himself. With this newfound freedom to feel like a woman, you will have more time and energy to create and enjoy a richer love life.

Should I have no- strings- attached affair with my ex ?

Ques: I met my ex last year. We had quite an intense and good relationship that felt comfortable from the start... apart from one area, the bedroom. He had issues that got worse through our six month relationship, and although the problems never concerned me that much, I tried to be supportive and was happy to work on it, but he was embarrassed and decided that although the relationship was perfect in every other aspect, we should split up so this problem didn’t get worse and we ended up resenting each other. So we split up; tried to be just friends but it was too hard for both of us.

I kept wanting more and for him to see his decision was a mistake, but he wouldn’t change his mind. So, we made the decision to go ‘no contact’ again. This I found hard to stick to, and would

occasionally contact him and he always replied, but never initiated it! This year, I moved on and started dating someone else and very early days into it, I heard from my ex asking if I would like a nostrings- attached one evening. The offer was tempting so I spent a night with him. Things had improved in the bedroom area, but we didn’t discuss our relationship, and I simply left in the morning. Now, I’m just not sure if I should get my hopes up over this one evening together? Or move on and accept it hasn’t changed his mind. I am avoiding contacting him as to give him space, but it is doing my head in!..

Philomena, Abuja Ans: You have officially called it quits.

Then, one night, your ex just called and invited you. You accepted the invitation, telling yourself it was a good

idea. But, if truth be told, you really accepted the invitation because you’re feeling lonely. When you arrived at his house, it felt good to be back in familiar territory: food, wine, and conversation flows and before you knew it, you found yourself having a passionate interlude with your ex.

Having sex with an ex is a common phenomenon. It happens more often than you would think, even with those couples who had contemptuous break-ups. People have sex with their ex for a variety of reasons, including the desire to feel connected to someone familiar; an attempt to manipulate the other person into getting back together; gain back the power they lost in the relationship; to meet sexual needs, without looking for someone new and to boost self-esteem and get

reassurance that they are still desirable. Having sex with an ex is not a good idea. It blurs the boundaries, delays the process of letting go and moving on, gives one or both parties false hope, and keeps you entrenched in a relationship that ended for good reasons. The intentions and expectations usually differ between both parties involved.One spouse may want to get his sexual needs met, while the other may want to get back together. Once these differences are fully transparent, one person will usually say “no thanks.”What’s the point in having sex with your ex knowing it could cause more heartache or simply prolong the inevitable. Move on except if you two agree to get back together for good.

• James, 40, businessman, single, from Abia, needs a mature working class lady of 36 years and above who is ready to settle down before the end of the year on 07064629543 Nurse, needs a responsible man that is ready to settle down and take good •Dare, 47, civil servant, from Osun State, desires a Godcare of her, aged between 32-38 on 08032638739 fearing lady of 27-46 for a serious relationship on •Omowumi, student, sexy desires a man who is financially capable on 08164557898 •Inkheart, male, 26, based in Lagos, needs a sexually starved lady in lagos of 24-45 on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08170096900 to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com •Kunle,39,fair, businessman, Christian, needs a working class lady for a serious Do you want to be linked? relationship on 08098028613 Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting •Chris, 25, based in Delta State, wants to link up with a Godly lady for a relationship on to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for 08034132503 disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

•Angel, 28, slim, tall, Catholic, student

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08113443989 •Michael, 34, from Benue State, needs a woman from any part of the world, for a marriagebound relationship on 08181769109 •Ruky, 26, male, graduate, from Delta State, needs a caring lady of 29-40 for relationship on 08167862392 •Imoh, 37, from Akwa Ibom, resident in Lagos, is searching for a working class lady from any part of Nigeria on 07085742190 •Bose, widow with kids, 40, needs an honest man for marriage on 07056802262

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—21

Continued from last week

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Nollywood goes to school (2)

Some of the fundamental examples include: interesting example of the radically different mindsets that seems to exist between these two important and influential pillars of the entertainment sector. Perhaps the musicians and their producers have an unfair advantage —they generally tend to be younger than their film counterparts and are not saddled with the mental baggage of ‘the way we have always been doing things before’ since the Afro Pop phenomenon is still in its infancy

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roduction Quality: Contemporary Afro Pop music videos are among the most edgy visual content you could hope to see. From their flamboyant costumes and dance steps, to the props, set design and special effects, the creative effort that has been invested to achieve a product of international calibre can be clearly seen. Combined with professionally mixed soundtracks, it’s no mystery that doors are opening left, right and centre around the world for our artistes. They have studied the competition, identified exactly what is required technically and artistically to mix it with the best, and are leaving no stone unturned to do just that.

Kudos.

In fairness to Nollywood, the value chain for its end product is considerably more challenging. From story to script, casting to locations, funding, preproduction, principal photography, post-production, distribution, etc, there are several elements that are all required to be absolutely on point (or at least as close as possible) in order to deliver the requisite quality. And, by inference, several things that can go very wrong. Ignore them at your own peril. The process is unforgiving; it accepts neither excuse nor complaint.

So greater diligence is required to excel. To do things properly, professionally, requires patience, skill and effort. But a dishearteningly large proportion of the industry appears content to cut corners and compromise technical values for various individual reasons, thereby forever consigning their end-products to the mediocre status of guilty pleasures.

Budget: I was intrigued, upon a little research, to discover that several of the top end Nigerian music videos could cost upwards of 7 million naira to produce. Wow! For a mere three or four minutes of gyrating up and down?? How many full-length local films (including parts 1, 2 & 3) have been shot and edited for half of that amount! But here you have an

continue to enjoy it in the future.

But there’s a specific reason why it is, at this point in time, going mainstream internationally. And that’s because of the design and packaging of the product. Our music in its purest traditional form has historically found limited acceptance and patronage beyond the shores of our continent. But a common denominator of the modern-day exports presently making waves around the world is

Our local modes of self-expression (including acting style and sensibilities) are not instant world travellers

relative to Nollywood. They are therefore more flexible in adapting to the modern professional (and financial) requirements of their craft, whilst their counterparts on the other side of the fence are perhaps still struggling to revamp longstanding habits that brought them through the wilderness to the edge of Canaan but definitely cannot take them further.

Obviously, film budgets are dependent on the specific story to be realized, but there is definitely a minimum financial commitment required to achieve a product of international grade.

Product Design: Nigerian music has been around for as long as any of us can remember. Domestically, we have enjoyed it in times past, and will

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their clever (deliberate or accidental, who knows?) and powerfully effective fusion of local and western contemporary hip hop beats (in effect, a redefinition of Nigerian music) whose outcome is a product that resonates aesthetically and commercially with global audience.

Domestically, we have enjoyed Nigerian films in times past. And we will continue to enjoy them in the future. And if that is the ultimate ambition of our industry, then no further action is needed. But if we also seek acceptance by a global audience, then a redefinition of our exports is required. If we desire to penetrate a market beyond our diasporites, black Africa and the

Caribbeans, then a design recalibration is mandatory. Because what may crack ribs in Umuahia and Yaba (or even Nassau) often fails to crack even the barest of smiles in Leicester Square, Berlin, Manhattan, Paris or Toronto.

Which, like it or not, is where the global industry’s power and prestige currently resides. Our local modes of self-expression (including acting style and sensibilities) are not instant world travellers. Invariably they get apprehended at the industry ‘border controls’ abroad (i.e. by the overseas film distributors and cinema houses) and advised (politely but firmly) to return from whence they came. As a famous management guru once said: Adapt or die.

So whether it’s in terms of the composition of the cast & crew, the complexion of the story, the choice of locations, or all of the above (but especially in adherence to international film production values), our movies need to achieve the right blend of local flair and global aesthetic appeal in order to command the universal attention and respect we strongly believe we are entitled to.

The two standing ovations recently accorded to the premiere of Half of a Yellow Sun at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival is a telling example of the reward for success on this point.

Marketing: To put it baldly, Nollywood comes nowhere close to the music industry’s acumen in engaging its target audience. From Facebook to Twitter to Blackberry Messenger to bulk SMS to blogs to whatever. Our artistes and their promoters are new media specialists (perhaps because they are active users themselves); they know exactly where to find their market, what makes it tick, and adapt their publicity strategies accordingly to fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. Words like ‘viral’ and ‘trending’ are the Holy Grail of their quest; they rely heavily on multiple social networks and word of mouth to compensate for limited marketing budgets.

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ndeed, a lot of the things that currently define us are not positive at all; many of them downright stupid, shameful and embarrassing; but if a man says his house is not in order who is to blame? Who is to take the responsibility?

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ifty three and counting….

Make I talk true ehn, warts and all; I am PROUDLY Nigerian, where else in the world will you find such an eclectic mix of the good, the bad and the ugly? Where else in the world does obscene opulence reside side by side and comfortably so, with abject poverty?

Where else does utter stupidity thrive in the midst of such brilliance… Where? This is home. Good or bad, this is our country, our fatherland, the home of my ancestors.

Nigeria we hail thee!!

The older we get as a nation the more cohesive we should be. Not only do we have immense resources we have the benefit of history

Not to de owner of de house?

Na so. Besides, as the Yoruba would say, (you just have to love them, they have a proverb for every situation). “Omo ale tin fi owoosijuiweile…” the literal meaning being that it is only

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a bastard that is disrespectful of his home.So, let the true sons and daughters of this land stand up and be counted. Let us ALL take responsibility for the decay and therefore its restoration.

Of course, there will be the bastards; cowards, who steal, kill, maim and destroy often times for no other reason than sheer greed and avarice.

Shame on them, one day very soon their reign will be over. . .

Ehn!! Hold on… what??

Dead body get accident??

Fathers …. AND sons??!!

Chaaaaaiiii!!!!

MOOORRIIRREE OOO!!! I remain prostrate, mentally, emotionally and spiritually…. My breasts ache with that familiar throb known to every

To be continued

mother at the loss of a child… lynching of innocent children in our streets, sleeping children slaughtered in their beds in the dead of night, flying objects falling from our skies killing generations in one fell swoop… it is relentless… Hmm! Yet, in the face of all of this I repeat; let the true sons and daughters of this great land stand up and be counted.

Though we may feel despair we too must remain relentless.

Who takes responsibility for this? We all do. The enabled and the enablers…. To say that we cannot continue this way is moot.

Another famous Yoruba saying is “abgantara..”. Age weighs on you. *The older we get as a nation the more cohesive we should be. Not only do we have immense resources we have the benefit of history … learning from the mistakes and successes of other great nations. There is really no reason for this rigmarole… 53 and counting… MERCY LORD!!

MERCY LORD!!

NIGERIA… WE HAIL THEE!!!

22— SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

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his situation usually affects other children in the family, who may begin to see their sibling with disability as the cause of their parents’ misunderstanding and thus will not treat the child as well as they should.

In this situation, the disability of the child brings about rancour and acrimony in the family and the child with disability suffers utter neglect and abandonment.Consequently,the

The care of a child with disability child’s future is bleak, and the child might end up as a beggar.

On the other hand, some parents understand that disability of the child could not be blamed on either of the parents nor the child, and thus love and care for the child. However in some cases, the child is over

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o have a child with disability in a family is very challenging.

It affects the life of everyone in the family one way of the other. It could bring the family closer or tear it apart, it could inspire the siblings or depress them, whichever way it goes, depends on the way the family treats or handles the child’s disability.

From my research and experience, a child with disability could be over pampered, utterly neglected and abandoned or treated like every other child in the family. When a child with disability is over pampered or utterly neglected, the result is negative but when a child is treated like every other child in the family, the result is positive.

The disability of a child could bring about blame, where the parents blame each other for the child’s disability. In most cases, the women are blamed for the child’s disability.

Once any of the parents is being blamed for the disability of the child, the child is likely to suffer neglect from either of the parents or both as they blame each other,and usually the disabled child’s care suffers.

skills he/she needs to become independent in future. This kind of care is not sustainable, and when the parents are no longer able to provide for the needs of the disabled child at any point, the child feels helpless,abandoned and becomes predisposed to seeking for

The best way to care for a child with disability is to treat the child like every other child in the family

pampered. The parents tend to do too much for the child, sometimes to the detriment of the other children who could become jealous and see their sibling with disability as robbing them of the care and affection of their parents. The child with disability tends to become too dependent on the parents and fails to develop the

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the kind of care he/she is used to and might end up as a beggar.

The best way to care for a child with disability is to treat the child like every other child in the family, but mindful of the special needs of the child, like mobility aids and appliances the child needs to move about independently with dignity. In

this circumstance, the child with disability sees him/herself as normal and able to do or become what any other child can do or become in life.

He or She develops self esteem and skills needed to succeed in life. Such child with disability will become an inspiration to the siblings and other children who see his/her ability to cope with difficult circumstances as a challenge.

Each time I look back, I cannot but be grateful to God for the way my parents and siblings treated me as a child with disability, which helped me develop the self esteem and the skills that helped me tremendously in life.

I was made to do everything my siblings did.

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e took turns to do house hold chores in the family...the dishes were gathered and water fetched for me to wash the dishes which I must do as thoroughly as every other sibling or get spanked as they would if they did a bad job. So I grew up seeing myself as able to do all things like every other person and indeed as I grew older and became conscious of some limitations imposed on me by manmade architectural and attitudinal barriers, I worked harder to overcome those barriers rather than allow them to stop me. Finally, In the words of Eileen Kennedy-Moore, “The path of development is a journey of discovery that is clear only in retrospect, and it’s rarely a straight l i n e . ”

(Text Only)

The right attitude towards fitness Supine Deep knee bend Technique: Bend your knees and sit on the heels. Bend backwards as you place your left elbow on the floor followed by the right elbow. Move the arms forward and slowly lower your trunk till your entire back is flat on the floor with the feet on the outside of upper part sides of the legs.

Stay in the posture for some 5 seconds and gradually increase the duration for as much as half a minute or a bit longer.

Benefits: The supine Deep knee Bend tones the gudriceps—the muscles of the front upper thighs, the knee and Angkle joints are made supple.

Upright Bent knee forward Bend Technique: Sit down with both legs extended in front. Bend the left knee upright place the hands at the back and hold a wrist with the other hand with the upright bent knee between the left hand and the side of the trunk.

Benefits: The posture tones the muscles of the legs strengthens the arms. It

also gives an effective massage to the abdominal organs getting rid of constipation.

Leg over knee Forward Bend Technique:

Sit with both legs extended in front of you, grab hold of the left leg with both hands and bending forward place it on the back of the head and as you put the right hand on the leg and slide it as far down the leg as it will go. Retain the pose for some 5 to 15 seconds and repeat changing legs.

Benefits: The hamstrings are made flexible and the legs rendered powerfully strong.

The fish Technique: Sit on the heels and dropping on one elbow after the other arch the back and place the top of the head down on the floor. Arrange the hands as if in prayer on the chest, stay in this position from 5 to 20 seconds.

Benefits: The knee and ankle joints and the nape of the neck are favourably affected. It is a counter-pose to the shoulderstand.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—23

A man who is emotionally available Too often, we are afraid of being alone, so we pick the first man that comes by and don’t pay attention to his underlying emotional state. If a man is still reeling in pain from a past experience and he’s too afraid to fully engage in a relationship, you are setting yourself up for a heart ache. How do you know if a man is emotionally available? If you pay attention, you will know whether he is connecting because he has a genuine interest in a fulfilling relationship with you…or not. If his interests are fueled by a shallow need for sex or to avoid being alone, there are signs, like: not being present with you when you are together, being insensitive, cancelling often on dates, making sure that activities are the least demanding on him and his time, etc.

Sometimes we are so afraid and needy that we choose to overlook the hunch, that knowing inside, like a warning.

Instead, we hope that we can change a man into what we would like him to be.

The price to pay is that we get hurt and then develop “relationship phobia” where we are now the ones who are emotionally unavailable.

A man who shares similar core values: If you are thinking about a life mate, it makes sense to wait for someone who has similar values to yours. You can have

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qualities to look for in a man

the best guy in the world but if you want different things in life, it is going to be very challenging in the long run. For example: you want monogamy but your guy is into being polygamous; you want three children and your man doesn’t want any; he likes to travel and you want to be near your family in your hometown; you like gentle lovemaking and he wants rough sex. Ultimately, both of you will feel more and more frustrated.

A man who is your best friend, inspired and content with his life When we are in a relationship, we don’t

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ou hear about it every day at work and in your circle of friends; someone went on a date with a man she met online two months ago and now she is ‘heart -broken’ because it is not going the way she wants it to. The man is not texting back anymore or just sporadically and your friend has the sinking feeling that the relationship is going down the drain.

In today’s fast paced online and offline worlds, we have so many choices when it comes to exploring romantic possibilities ( think social media, dating sites, speed dating events, friends, work, etc.) which makes it really easy to meet people. How do you choose the right person? Do you pick the first one that comes in your Inbox? Do you go with the luck of the draw because you are too lonely and can’t wait to be in a relationship?

Many people fall in infatuation (not love) with a person’s outside shell and end up paying the price of being with someone who is not long term material. Naturally, it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you only want a short term fling, there is nothing wrong with going for the outside wrapping. Just don’t get entangled in it or you’re guaranteed to acquire emotional bruises. If, however, you are looking for a long term relationship, the real gift is to be found inside the wrapping.

Just like everything else in life, it is wise to know some of the fundamental rules if we want to succeed. Relationships are not any different‘…and they lived happily ever after’ only happens in fairy tales, not in real life. To help you avoid being swayed by your emotions and illusions about romantic love, it is wise to know what qualities to look for if you want a good, long-term relationship.

Here are top qualities to look for in a man and the rationale behind them: *A man who is emotionally available *A man who shares similar core values *An inspiring best friend content with his life *A man who is ready to participate consciously in making the relationship work *A man with whom you share the right sexual chemistry.

veil preventing you from shutting out the dark side of your partner. To prevent some shocking reality check, make sure to see how your man treats others as he will most likely be the same with you eventually. Is he a good friend, son, brother?

When you are unhappy with your life, how fun is it to be with you? When your romantic partner is not happy with their life, it’s not fun either. This is why striving to have a fulfilling life and finding a partner who is also proactive with their life is a key point for a successful relationship.

By fulfilling the other areas of our life, we don’t put so much pressure on our relationship. When we are busy following our dreams and aspirations, whether big

If you are thinking about a life mate, it makes sense to wait for someone who has similar values to yours. You can have the best guy in the world but if you want different things in life, it is going to be very challenging in the long run

only get the benefits that come with our partner, we also get the drawbacks. When we are younger and inexperienced with romantic relationships, we often buy into the story that we’ll find that charming prince or princess who will make everything better. The reality is otherwise.

Once the fairy dust settles down after the infatuation period, you are left with the basic personality. There is no more

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or small, it is stimulating and inspiring for those around us and less demanding on them. It’s not that your partner will not face challenges and have ups and downs: it’s more about how he deals with them. There is nothing more inspiring than watching people go through challenging situations with gusto.

A man ready to

ASK THE SEXPERT I have been having a protected physical relationship for more than a year with my partner. Every time we make love, it hurts. I have been using Lox 2% gel for the past one year, in and around my vagina 15 minutes before intercourse. Does prolonged use of Lox have any side effects? Will I be able to conceive in future? Please advise.

Increase your foreplay so as to generate natural lubrication. Using LOX usually has no side effects and it will not interfere with conception.

I saw a bull with three testicles. I wonder if a man can be born with three testicles. If yes, what can be the consequences?

Ask God to make you that bull in next life so that you can experience what it feels like. Even if you have three testicles as a human being, I doubt if you can hide the third one in your jeans.

My husband is 66 years old and I am 60. He needs to have sex once a week but I am not interested in it at all. I have not had sex for the last five years. During this period, my husband satisfied himself by shaking his penis. How

participate consciously in making the relationship work Every relationship has its ups and downs. Life is made of both support and challenge and no one escapes that reality. ‘And they live happily ever after’ is the biggest illusion out there and it’s the reason for most of our lessons about love.

If you are not willing to explore yourself and your relationship, you will slowly but surely build a wall between you and your partner. Brick by brick it will become stronger over the years. The wall separating you both will become so thick that you may have no choice but to end it and start all over again. At least you will have learned something about relationships.

Often, couples are afraid of facing the truth about their relationship for fear that there might not be a solution. Some of the most beautiful moments in relationships are when we have the courage to face what is there because we want to have more intimacy.

A man with whom you share the right sexual chemistry Everyone has different ideas about what it means to have good sexual chemistry, yet it’s very important to see if we are compatible on that level. Having sexual intimacy is what differentiates friends from romantic lovers and this is why it has a special place. Great love-making strengthens the bond between lovers and makes it easier to smooth over misunderstandings and weather the storms that each relationship faces. The best love making is exactly that: love making made of love and a pure connection. The sexual act itself is satisfying but when you add the openness and vulnerability necessary for a great connection, it helps to cement the relationship. Using sex as a weapon or control tactic is unwise. It is important to respect each others’ needs equally.

can I convince him to avoid such activity?

Why deprive him of the pleasure of ‘shaking’? In fact, as a goodwill gesture, you should shake it for him.

I am 26 years old. In the past, I had a girlfriend and we had sex almost every day for more than two years. She even went through two abortions. Now, she is getting married to another man. Will her husband find out about her abortions with the help of a doctor?

Why are you concerned after you have been callous in the past? Although the husband may not be suspicious, she’s the only one who’ll have to find a way to be happy with him.

My wife is 59 years old. The hair around her genitals has turned white, and her vagina does not get wet even after foreplay. She stopped indulging in sex more than six years ago. Is that the reason why her pubic hair has turned white and she has lost her desire for sex? Is there a herbal medicine that will bring her libido back?

There’s no connection between the white hair around her genitals and her sex drive. If she lost interest in sex, why did you not pursue the matter earlier? If she is willing, try giving her one Vivadona capsule twice a day, for one month before meals.

24—SA TURD AY 24—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Did a woman have to learn from the school of hard knocks that in marriage, one had to look for sacred values,moral integrity and someone who had demonstated a lifestyle of commitment, not one who charmed his way into the heart of a woman and then break it

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL “I want a divorce”, Duke said carefully as I made to settle over the breakfast table.

“A divorce? That would be going too far.” I suggested.

“I met someone else” “That can’t be. We just got married.

Couples fight and reconcile”, I reasoned.

But there was a tightness around his mouth that meant he had made up his mind.

“I’m tired of this game.”

A game? Was that what our marriage meant to him? Agreed, Duke and I had lived like cat and dog since we got married. We fought over inconsequential things but it was too early to talk about divorce. We already had a child between us. Besides, I couldn’t handle a divorce. I’d never thought of it. It had never happened to anybody in my family throughout generations. Divorce is alien to our culture. Our people considered it an abomination and a female victim is almost ostracised. And then there was our baby. Was she going to bear that tag of ‘child from a broken home’ like some children, many of whom were known to constitute menace to society because they ended up as juvenile delinquents, drug addicts, destitutes, armed robbers and prostitutes. My child deserved a good life.

She was barely three months and we should not be denied a good life. She didn’t ask to be born. “ You have to consider the child”, I pleaded with Duke. “ The child”, he repeated shaking his head, “it is her destiny.”

“Her destiny?” I began to weep.

So my mama was right. She had been shocked when I brought Duke home and announced we were getting married. Mama’s face had dropped, her mouth hanging open. Then after Duke had gone,mama had begun to counsel me. Mama had said Duke and I were getting married for the wrong reasons. It wasn’t long we met and were already talking marriage.But no

I Do, Don’t I one could stop us. I had fallen head over heels in love. A love that was both blind, deaf and dumb. Mama said I had fallen for Duke’s drop-dead good looks and macho built and that was a wrong basis for a marital relationship. Did a woman have to learn from the school of hard knocks that in marriage, one had to look for sacred values,moral integrity and someone who had demonstated a lifestyle of commitment, not one who charmed his way into the heart of a woman and

then break it? Isn’t true love an unconditional love to an imperfect person? I recalled the emptiness I felt after we exchanged the marital vows.

I felt like I co-signed a death sentence,’until death do you part’.

I was three months pregnant already and lived -in with Duke until our wedding after which he had carried on as a bachelor, eating his cake and having it. Why did Duke and I became live-in strangers immediately after marriage? We never planned

ahead and never planned together?

Could I have married Duke for the wrong reasons like mama suggested?

Could things have been different if we had courted longer, if I hadn’t got pregnant? Could my marriage have been be saved? How? I made up my mind that either in or outside marriage, my child would get a good life. It was a promise I had to keep.

O-Men

Signs it is just sex, not a relationship

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t’s common to hear friends talk ing about how they met a guy and had wonderful sex and then the guy only calls or comes by when he wants sex. OK, honey what you need to know is that what you had with him was a physical attraction that magnified feelings of a deeper nature. Now, get it clear that he is not a bad guy, for the most part, he was simply thinking ‘it’s just sex, what’s the harm in that’. So here are some super signs to look for to see if it is just sex: *Every time you see each other, it’s only to have sex. So many women and men are having this type of relationship thinking that it’s more and it’s not. It’s just sex. *Only comes over at night. They call

you around 10 pm or later asking if you can come over or if they can come over around midnight. A lot of people think “oh they are just really busy,” no they are making a booty call. It’s just sex. * Doesn’t want to go out anywhere.

Yes staying at home is nice sometimes but there is a whole world outside of the bedroom. It’s just sex. * Never talks about family and friends. Think, do you even know if their parents are alive, do they have siblings. If you don’t know, it might just be sex. * Doesn’t want to hear about your family and friends. Are you bummed out about your family and want to talk about it and they don’t want to hear

about it. It could be just sex. *Phone conversations or text messages are only in a sexual nature.

Some relationships are like this but others are just sex. *You only meet at places where sex can occur. Only going to their house/ apartment or vice verse might just be sex. *No sleepovers. They come over at midnight, have sex and then in the early morning, they want to go home or send you home. Oh yeah, it’s just sex. *You don’t eat together. Ever hear that old saying “a couple that eats together stays together ”. *They take a shower right after sex and send you on your way. Normal-

ly you want to rest a bit and maybe talk when they all of a sudden, they want you to leave. It’s probably just sex. *Never talk about life outside the bedroom. There are so many other things going on that you could talk about. *You only have a cell phone or beeper number. It could be just sex. *When you talk, it’s only to setup a sex time. He only calls to setup a time to meet and you end up having sex.

It’s just sex. *They avoid you in public. You see them and you know they saw you and they turn away. It’s just sex. *Only spends a couple of hours with you. Only spend enough time with you to have sex. Then it’s just sex.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Ini Edo for Miss Black UK!

•Kaffy

Between Kaf fy and affy skelewu dance

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EEKS after screen diva, Ini Edo acted as a judge at the just concluded Miss Earth Beauty pageant, she has again been named one of the judges for Miss Black UK, holding tonight at Royal Regency Hall London.

Other judges for the show include Designer Adebayo Jones, Sporah Njau, Jenni Steele and Chris Zang.

The show will be choreographed by the UK’s leading Model trainer Mr Fierce also known as the Catwalk Professor. At least, thirty models will be battling for the crown which is currently held by Angolan model and the face of Flori Roberts cosmetics , Samaia Tchapesseka. The event which will be graced by the crème de la crème in the UK entertainment industry promises to be a night of entertainment and celebration of African culture.

By IYABO AINA

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•Ini Edo

Koga Open House unveils 26 contestants

•Kopga

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he panel of judges for the second audition of the Konga open house, recently unveiled the top 26 contestants who will move into the main show. At the end of the competitive auditions, the judges Masterkraft, Dj Klem and Liciouscrackit selected twenty six out of the hundreds of contestants that participated.

These contestants would perform popular songs in their own way as required by the judges once every week. The selection of the top 26 contestants was based solely C M Y K

on impressive talents and performances displayed during the auditions.

According to Amaka Emorele, Project Manager of Koga Entertainment, the show is all about fun, excitement and bonding experience between the contestants and the producers who are also the judges. “Koga Open House has always been about discovering the next music superstar, and this season,

our second judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom and personality,” she added.

Following the successful auditions in Lagos, the stage is now set for the contestants to wow the judges who have been saddled with the responsibility of unveiling three winners come October 26, 2013.

Ftune drops The centre

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ince the release of his single, “Invade Your Space” in May 2013, UK-based Nigerian rising star Fortune Akaleme, a.k.a, FTNUES finally took a giant step by returning hom , e last weekend to start up his music career. Not only that he returned home, he has also, dropped a hit single, titled, “The Centre”.

Presently signed to KZ Mogaji Entertainmen F tune collaborates with Shaydee who joine t, Banky W’s led Empire Mates Entertainmend recently to release an excellent remix of thet track “The Center (Remix). Fliptyce who has previously worked with P-Square, Dammy Krane and Yemi Alade among others produced both songs. “It feels so good coming back

home, I am enjoying the acceptance, the media and everyone have given to me. I have been away for so long, and I feels good coming back to see the state of the Nigerian mus ic scen e” Ftun e says . Driv en by thum ping bass drum s and lush synt h arrangements, the smooth mid-tempo dance backdrop sees F Tune display his versatility and artistic flair as he delivers a captivating rap/vocal flow all over the song which makes for an infectious listen. The hugely talented and sought after E.M.E recording artist Shaydee then brings “The Center (Remix)” further to life with his buttery smooth vocal display and amazing harmonies.

igeria’s dance queen, Kaffy Ameh was at her best last weekend at the grand finale of MTN project fame when she took it up with the Skelewu dance with a rigorous dance steps.

The dance which kicked off with Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, followed by Smoothn Criminal, saw the pregnant dancer, Kaffy moon-walked to the center of the stage to do what she knows how to do best.

Kaffy and her group, Imagento, later changed to break dance after Pappy J changed the beat of the drums to Davido’s much played high life and Fuji music, Skelewu.

Though five months pregnant, the songstress showed that being pregnant cannot stop her from dancing which gave her fame and fortune.

In fact, she made many forget that she is pregnant as she moved her body in a manner that generated fear among the audience over the safety of the unborn baby.

Like someone put it, Kaffy has dance DNA in her blood.

•Ftnues

26 — SARTURDAY, Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

My romance with Fireman

—Angela Phillips ‘He‘s ‘He is my spiritual father’

By SAM ANOKAM

I nfluenced by a character better known as ‘Efe’ in the now rested soap, Behind the Clouds in the late 80’s, Nollywood actress, Angela Phillips did not hit the limelight until she starred in the blockbuster movie, Osofiason which heralded an era of comedy in the movie industry. Though in her teens then, she acted in other movies which made her face a regular feature on screen, till she decided to step aside which was not helped by the lull in the industry. Blunt and beautiful, Phillips has returned with a bang and has since shot many movies and soap operas. In this interview, the busty role interpreter who is more concerned about her relationship with her creator spoke about issues that borders on her career, love life, the industry, among others.

minds of people.

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t has been long since you disappeared from the scene. Have you abandoned acting?

It is not possible to abandon acting. I just finished three productions in Abuja . They are- Life in Abuja , Beyond the Scar, Joshua of Our Time and I will be returning there again to shoot more films. Remarkable Night among others is in the market. I did some films last year and early this year. I have done about six films, soap operas, Igbo films, and many others that are yet to be released.

Actually, I went back to school and there was a point in time when the industry was going through a phase. It affected everybody, so, I occupied myself with other things like buying and selling, going back to school as well as working for God. I studied Public Administration in Lagos State University , LASU, but acting is my passion. It is something I love doing. If the scripts come my way, I will hit the set, but if they don’t, I engage myself in other things.

When you started acting, you were almost everywhere, what happened?

Then I was still quite young, I was not thinking of many things. I was looking for fame. I wanted my face to be in every film. So, I was not choosy as I was featuring in every film that comes my way just for me to be known because the more work you do, the more you are being recognised.

But then, if you are not working, your face would not be registered in the

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Who were your contemporaries?

There are many of them. But the fact is that when they came into the industry and discovered that it was not as easy as it appeared,they left the scene and I cannot really say these are the people who are still in the industry with me.

Actress Oluchi Phillips is the only person I can remember now.

There was a time when I spent a lot of time shooting a soap opera, Domino.

Once you are shooting TV series, the home video producers would not give you jobs. One, you are always busy and Domino was a huge project.

Sometimes, I do get scripts from the home video producers, but because I was on the set of Domino I turned down such offers.

Angela Phillips

Till date which is the most challenging movie you have done?

All my films were challenging.

Is it Domino where I played the role of a 40 year old woman, or Pure Love where I acted as a blind person or Peacemaker where I played the role of a wicked married woman or is it Imabong where I had to act like a demonic Princess. Each film comes with its own challenge.

What actually influenced your decision to go into acting?

It was Efe, a character in the now rested soap opera, Behind the Clouds that influenced me. At a very tender age, each time I watched her, I wish to act like her and as providence would have it, I found myself in the industry. I was supposed to be working with one Mr. Clement and we went to Enugu with Emma Oguguo and others for a job. When we got there, the lady who speaks Owerri dialet fluently is supposed to have a bar tender and they asked me if I could speak the dialect and I replied in the affirmative. I acted as her younger sister. That was my first outing.

I will like to marry a Godfearing man, a trustworthy person, a friend who will be like my brother, father and husband.

I was encouraged by late Sam Loco Efe, Mr. Ibu. When I came back, I felt like doing it again but the industry was very hot. It was not a place that I can

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really fit in. I left and came back again. I shot, Acceptance, Presidential Pardon, Pure Love, among others.

I disappeared from the screen not because I was sexually harassed. I am a blunt person and I am not the type that somebody would say he wants to sleep with me. No, I am not desperate to go on set. Acting is something I want to do. It is not a do or die affair for me.

Then I was naïve. I felt since I am not sociable and a shy person, I should stay off the screen for a while.

What’s your favourite books?

I like reading the book written by my dad in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Sign Fireman, The Greatest Revelation. I love the book because it contains a lot of information about life and how to be at peace with your God after you are being saved as a Christian.

How did you meet Fireman?

I came to church like every other person. Before then, I was not a Christian. I decided not to go to church for some personal reasons. I used to watch Fireman whenever he was organising his crusade and I knew that some day, I would attend his church. So, I was at home one day when suddenly I decided to be closer to God. Not too long after this sudden feeling, I went to his church and everything changed. I became interested in the way he teaches the Word as well as he handles life issues. Since then, I have been here.

When did you become born again?

All the while, I have been a Christian and I have given my life to Christ. The only thing is that I was just floating not until I met Fireman. I now know the difference between being saved, being born again and what follows thereafter.

Every church I go to would always say if you want to give your life to Christ, come out.

Then I was still keeping relationships and all that. But when I came to Fireman’s Church, it was a different ball game. You cannot be fooling yourself and the same time say you are a born again Christian. I had to give up a lot of things for the sake of making heaven.

There was this rumour that you dated Fireman before he got married?

It is a very big lie! Please, I wouldn’t want to talk about it. There is no iota of truth in it at all. It is just a father daughter relationship. He is my spiritual father. People do not understand this thing we call father

I used to watch Fireman whenever he was organising his crusade and I knew that some day, I would attend his church.

So, I was at home one day when suddenly I decided to be closer to God. Not too long after this sudden feeling, I attended to his church and everything changed. figure. A father figure is somebody who corrects you. A father is who you listen to, who impacts good things into your life. There are some rubbish things you may want to do but because of that person, you just have to stop it. It is not all about age.

As a philanthropist, what have you benefited from him?

My main purpose of coming to church is to seek God first. The Bible says, seek ye first the kingdom of God and every other things shall be added unto you. I am not here to benefit material things from him.

Most churches make Christianity very boring but my reason for being here is that I am enjoying the Bible very much. I am knowing more about God and my destiny. Dr. Fireman is grounded in the word. You cannot come to his church for one to two months and remain the same.

Do you hope to become a minister of the word someday?

I am a minister now. Inasmuch as you preach the word, you encourage people, you are a minister. I am an Assistant Pastor in Apapa but I am still under somebody as a trainee.

Hobby Reading , quiet time, cooking.

What is your comment on Nollywood so far?

A lot has been happening. It is not what it used to be. I started in the mid 90s. Then, it used to be fun. People appreciated us. A lot has changed like the quality of film we used to do then.

When you are on set and you are leaving, some people would be crying just because you are done and travelling back to your station. But these days, you just hit the set, do your stuff and take your leave.

I am not impressed with the situation. Then, when you come into the industry, you don’t just start acting, you have to undergo training in acting.

Have you ever been sexually harassed?

Not at all. I have not been sexually harassed because I have never been desperate about the job. When some actresses say they are sexually harassed, you look at them, purse and then, you ask yourself if you have done anything that would want a man to sexually harass you. Sometimes, you see some of these girls half

naked. What do you expect?

What do you want to change about yourself?

I love the way I am. My problem is that I trust people easily and I get hurt when I find out that people are not what they say they really are. Some people are so fake that it would be oozing out of them.

How many times have you been heart broken?

I will never allow my heart to be broken. Then, when I was dating, I knew when to end a relationship when it is not going my way. Sometimes, people come into your life for one reason or the other and when they fulfil it, they automatically stage a walk out. That is the way I see relationship, whether platonic or not.

Any plan of producing a movie?

I have one script. I was supposed to produce a movie last year but something happened, so, it is pending. But we are still working on it.

It is going to be of quality standard.

Advice My advice to up and coming actresses is to be less desperate but humble because humility is what would retain you.

Where are you from?

I am from Lagos State while my mother is from Imo. I do speak Yoruba and I have done a couple of Yoruba movies like Igbako, Adun, Irapada, among others. I grew up in Lagos . I had so many wonderful childhood memories.

I could be very naughty in the sense that I make noise a lot, play with kids.

Are you not thinking of settling down?

If any good man comes to marry me and I like the person, why not? Maybe the ones coming are the wrong ones. I will like to marry a God fearing man, a trustworthy person, a friend who will be like my brother, father and husband. Everything rolled in one.

How do you see life?

I see life as give and take. Try to be yourself. Live and let live.

Any Regrets!

No regrets, it’s been all good.

Sometime ago you were also romantically linked with Chico Ejiro?

There is nothing like that. I was close to many people. I just shot a film with him last year and I played a lead role. It is a lie. So, have I also dated Fidelis Duker who has featured me in many of his films? I prefer men being my friends than ladies because they don’t have problem. Ladies gossip a lot. Men tell you how it is.

If you are not an actress, what would you be doing?

Maybe what I am doing today. I love encouraging people. All the while it is being there, it is all about ministering.

It is not something I woke up one morning and decided to do. Destiny cannot be removed.

Angela Phillips

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30 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

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Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Strike a pose: Ronaldo fronts the new advertising campaign for Jacob & Co. watches

If you’ve got it... Cristiano Ronaldo rocks up in his Lamborghini Aventador wearing a jewel encrusted watch

Diamond wrist watch is worth £100,000 and Lamborghini Aventador car $441,600

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mage is everything for football’s ‘King of Bling’ Cristiano Ronaldo who has been spotted about town flashing a jewel encrusted timepiece that would likely put a dent into even in his substantial wallet.

The watch is a Jacob and Company Limited edition H24 with a total diamond weight of 15.25 cts and an retail price of nearly £100,000.

However, despite being able to afford the ostentatious accessory following the renewal of his Real Madrid contract earning him around £288,000 per week, the world’s most image conscious player is unlikely to have paid the full price—since he is the new face of the luxury watchmakers.

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he Portuguese was seen leaving a Madrid restaurant wearing a watch that costs more than most cars before stepping into his Lamborghini Aventador $441,600 — a car worth more than most houses.

‘I’ve been a customer and fan of the brand for a long time so it is a natural fit. I always used Jacob watches, even before I knew Jacob,” said Ronaldo, referring to Jacob Arabo, the founder of the company.

The Portuguese recently starred in a high-profile advertising campaign to complete the relaunch of the company.

Ronaldo who has also fronted campaigns for Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans, Nike and Pepe Jeans said he was comfortable in front of the camera — to the surprise of absolutely no one.

King of bling:1 The Portuguese superstar flashes his diamond encrusted watch C M Y K

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Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 31

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Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Fenerbahce keen on Ahmed Musa Russian newspaper Izvestia has learned that Fenerbahce are preparing an assault on CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa.

The Turkish giants have been watching the Nigerian for a while now and they see him as an ideal long-term replacement for veteran Dirk Kuyt.

CSKA Moscow officials plan to get the 20-year-old reunited with international teammate Emmanuel Emenike, who joined from Spartak Moscow in the summer.

Musa has a contract until June 2016 with his current employers and his value is estimated at •12 million.

Barcelona plot £10m move for Fraser Forster Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster is attracting interest from European giants Barcelona. Barcelona are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper as their current number one Victor Valdes will leave the Camp Nou next summer and his deputy Jose Manuel Pinto is out of contract at the end of the season.

Chelsea complete Otamendi deal

Chelsea have reportedly ‘beaten’ Barcelona and AC Milan in the race to sign Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi . Reports in the Spanish media state that Jose Mourinho has already won the race to sign the FC Porto defender and that the 25 year old will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Efe Ambrose agrees new four-year deal CELTIC defender Efe Ambrose has signed a new four-year deal, the Parkhead club has confirmed.

The Nigeria international signed from Israeli side FC Ashdod on transfer deadline day in August last year and his new contract will keep him with the Scottish champions until 2017.

Ambrose was a central figure as Neil Lennon's men celebrated a league and cup double during his first season in Glasgow.

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Radamel Falcao's wife wants Monaco exit R adamel Falcao is set to leave AS Monaco at the end of the season - because his wife has failed to settle in the principality.

According to reports, Falcao's partner is unhappy in Monaco, which could lead the £50 million man to ask for a summer transfer.

Chelsea and Real Madrid were both heavily linked with a move for the ex-Atletico Madrid man prior to his Monaco switch, and would likely reignite their interest in the Colombian hitman should he become available once again.

The 27-year-old forward has been forced to deny he was set for a quick exit just weeks after signing for Monaco, with reports emerging that Real Madrid were preparing a bigmoney move for the prolific striker.

But reports linking Falcao with a swift exit continue to resurface, with these latest rumours adding yet more weight to the argument that Monaco's no.9 wants out.

Chelsea had made Falcao one of their top summer transfer targets, with Jose Mourinho keen to add the powerful frontman to his Stamford Bridge forward line.

But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was unwilling to pay the whole of the Colombian's release fee, allowing the mega-rich Ligue 1 outfit to nip in and sign Falcao unopposed.

any have been con fused by the 20year-old’s absence in the wake of the poor form displayed by United’s other wide men Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. When a player is mysteriously overlooked on a consistent basis, rumours are always rife and it’s difficult to know what to

Former club Dortmund are leading the chase to re-sign him, with Jurgen Klopp already making the 24-yearold his top January transfer target. Dortmund fans have launched a ‘bring back Kagawa’ campaign to persuade the player, and Klopp has been promised funds to make the deal happen. It’s thought that United would want at least £15million to do business.

zFalcao and his wife... unsettle in the principality

actually believe. However, in this case, there has been some rather significant gossip and speculation that the exPalace man has been left out because he was caught red handed hopping into bed with the daughter of manager David Moyes according to caughtoffside.com

Cantona goes blue! United legend's next film is an 'erotic comedy'

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anchester United legend Eric Cantona's next film is an erotic comedy, in which he plays a character named 'The Stallion.' Les Rencontres d'apres minuit - The Meetings After Midnight - is out in November and sees the former Old Trafford star engage in an orgy. However, Cantona insisted the film, which is directed by Yann Gonzalez is 'not foolishly voyeuristic but elegant and unique.'

The 26-year-old Liverpool front man Luis Suarez is said to still be desperate to quit the Merseyside giants and join Liga outfit Real Madrid for £41m in January.

However,Chelsea could launch a surprise move for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema in January according to reports in Portugal.

The Frenchman was the subject of interest from Arsenal in the summer, but a move didn't materialise

Dortmund line up January move to re-sign Kagawa

Zaha caught in bed with David Moyes' daughter M

Suarez eyes £41m Madrid move to replace Benzema

Cantona

•Zaha

Sessegnon banned for 20 months Stephane Sessegnon has been banned from the roads for 20 months after admitting drink driving while more than double the limit.

The West Brom striker also pleaded guilty to two counts of driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Appearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, the Benin forward received three points on his licence and was ordered to pay a total of £7,605.

Arsenal considering move for Jackson Martinez in January Arsenal are weighing up a January bid for FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez.

The Colombia international is one of the most in-form frontmen in all of Europe at the moment, having netted 37 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions, since arriving at Estádio do Dragão last summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen his front line, to provide support for Olivier Giroud, and sees Martinez as a viable option to bring to the Emirates Stadium in the New Year.

•Wenger

32 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Nigeria @ 53: Entertainers verdict

By Florence Amagiya and Anozie Egole

Nigeria celebrated its 53rd anniversary as a sovereign nation last Tuesday. But drums were not rolled out to mark the independence day. Across the country, the popular opinion of the citizenry is that there is nothing to celebrate in a country where the people are bogged-down by several inadequacies ranging from insecurity, failing infrastruture, poverty to unemployment, corruption, and the uncontrollable menace of Boko Haram among other national tragedies. Our team sought the verdict of the entertainers as teh nation turned 53...

Okey Bakassi, Comedian nal country igeria is a dysfunctio it

. As as se en by al l of us private N e in th stands today, those

Yetunde Omo Ibadan, Artiste

r than those sector are doing bette are proud We in the public sector.

As a country, of the private sector. to where we we have not gotten d willing we ought to be. But Go t’s pr ay th e sh al l so m e da y. Le the country problems confronting the past. of will soon be a thing

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e all have reasons to be sad as well as the right to be happy about our country. Yes, Nigeria has come a long way at 53. But it will be good to choose happiness. Listening and talking about all the bad things that are happening in this country today will hinder us from moving forward.

Mimi Orjiekwe, Actress

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s Nigeria turned 53, last Tues day, I enjoin Nigerians to rise in support of the ongoing crusade to reinvent and transform the country. What will see us through is hope, courage, perseverance, prayer, reconciliation, peaceful co-existence, and patriotism to build a new Nigeria of our dreams where everyone will live in peace and harmony.

Dayo Amusa, Actress

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ven though the Nigerian entertainment industry is not 53, it has not exonerated us from our challenges. We also have our problems, but we are working hard on tackling the problems. We are trying to interpret our roles better than we did in the past years. At 53, we have covered a lot of grounds as a nation.

Buchi,

Uche Benjamin, Actress

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he truth is that we should pray for our leaders no matter the situation. Nigeria is a blessed country, we don’t experience a lot of natural disasters like as it is the case in most countries. We are only facing challenges of the moment which I think and believe would soon be a thing of the past. I have faith in Nigeria.

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Comedian

A man or woman who has survived at 53, would eventually survive every other huddle he or she is faced with. Nigeria is 53 years, and some of us would feel that all hope is lost for this country. But there is still hope. We shall get there

by God’s grace.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 33

Margnee takes Nigerian music scene by storm

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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UN seekers and lovers of contemporary R&B, hip-hop and soul music were last Friday treated to an unforgettable night of music and dance when American Queen of ‘Hip-hop soul’, Mary J. Blige stormed Lagos for the Etisalat and Baileys’ sponsored ‘Sisters with Soul’ concert at the Expo Centre of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island. It was indeed, an experience that cannot be forgotten in a hurry, as fans were yelling for more when the America music idol mounted the stage.

Clad in a mid-riff baring turtle neck top, leather shorts and knee-length gladiator heels, the multiple award winner and multi-platinum selling artiste took the audience back in time, dolling out her most loved songs from the 90s up until her most recent releases. The singer-songwriter who was excited to be in Lagos, kept thanking the crowd for their love and support and expressed her delight when members of the audience sang along as she performed.

The climax of the show could be said to be when Mary J. Blige while thanking the fans, spotted Tiwa Savage in the crown and invited her to the stage to perform. Tiwa after greeting the singer and her crew, did a short christian song were she thanked God for everything. She also defined Mary J. Blige as her idol and model who contributed in making her what she is today.

She said she used to perform with Mary back then in USA. Speaking at the concert, Mr. Felix Enwemadu, General Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria, said Mary J. Blige is a

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•Mary J. Blige

•Baileys Sisters

How Mary J. Blige rocked Lagos highly respected singer who represents the spec for Baileys target consumers, the stylish and trendy woman.

Also excited was the Chief Commercial Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, who expressed the brand’s delight being associated with the show. “It is exciting for us

as a company to be part of the ‘Sisters with Soul’ concert that featured for the first time in Lagos, Nigeria Mary J.Blige alongside other talented female artistes in the country. Mary J, Blige is undoubtedly one of the biggest music icons whose songs cut across generations and we are really glad we experienced her music live here

Gulder Ultimate Search 10 Review:

in Lagos. As a brand, we consider ourselves uniquely different, innovative and dynamic as you can see in the products and services we offer.

Music is a huge platform and that is why we lend our support to promoting and celebrating music talent, both foreign and local. Like we always say, Etisalat is much more than just a network!” he narrated.

Haven Homes celebrates 2face

Of Dashed Dreams, Die-Hards and the determined…

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HE 10th instalment of Gulder Ultimate Search, Nigeria’s first 100 per cent local content reality TV show has gotten underway. Just as Chidi Mokeme returns as the Anchorman, the Usaka jungle also remains the location where this year’s searchers would have to unearth ‘The 10th Symbol.

Mokeme took viewers through the regional audition exercises which held in Owerri, Benin and Lagos. A record 40,000 registrants applied to be part of the

programme.

Each potential Gulder Ultimate Searcher is subjected to physical, mental and medical tests to qualify for the search.

The sprinting and squatting exercises have over the years proven to be the most potent process of separating the unfit from the fit. Thousands fall by the wayside while hundreds more are eliminated after being unsuccessful in picking balls in the ‘ball dash’ games.

As usual, all contestants answer in the affirmative when asked if they can swim. For

igerian-born Italian rapper, Idaeho Craig popularly known as Margnee is finally back home to make a statement with his own kind of music.

Margnee who is signed to CEO Entertainment says, he’s back in the country not just to rule the airwaves, but also, to popularise his kind of music in the country.

The sensational rapper and singer-songwriter who started his musical career in 2004 as part of the Italian based rap/ hip hop group, Realgees says, he understands the country’s entertainment industry, and such, he has what it takes to make the difference in the industry.

According to him, “I don’t just rap for the flow, rather I try pass a message across to the people with my rap.”

He revealed that most of his lyrics are basically about what he has passed through in life.

On what will give him an edge over the local artistes, Margnee whose Realgees group produced a couple of mixtapes before going their separate ways in 2008, said, apart from possessing the skill and flow, he also has the lyrics which will definitely stand him out in the industry. He hinted that the music video of his latest single, “Double V.I.P” will drop next month.

Margnee Afrodanceinfluenced single, “Your Love”, received Italian radio airplay, charting on the internet and free downloads in 2009.

many however, when it’s time to prove it, they suddenly forget how to paddle their bodies from one end of the pool to the other.

If the tale of a harrowing experience was a criterion, Akwa Ibom’s Felicia Ukoh would have earned a spot in this year’s search. Her narration of how she had to sleep in a fast food joint in Owerri, after leaving her Akwa Ibom base late in the evening, still earned her an ‘eviction’ from this year’s search. She did not make it past the interview stage.

After four successive attempts at getting a spot on Gulder

Ultimate Search, Rivers State born Samson Woka broke his arm during the swimming test. Even with a broken arm and a broken Gulder Ultimate Search 10 dream, the saddened Samson still remained upbeat. He vowed to attempt to get into Gulder Ultimate Search 11.

This year ’s Ultimate Champion will drive home a brand new Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0L GLS AT (full Option) courtesy of CFAO Motors Nigeria, the official automotive partners of Gulder Ultimate Search 10.

•Margnee

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Dinning Out What Walnuts can do for you 08111813025

I spur my weekend with wines and good food — Afolayan Actor, film maker and director, Kunle Afolayan is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he speaks on his love for beans as a child and how situation has turned his life around; from the regular beans eater to a spaghetti freak. Enjoy What goes on an artiste’s menu list on a daily routine? s much as food is important, I still make sure that eat ing moderately is the order of the day. Due to my tight schedule, I find it difficult to eat three square meal as expected. But, if caught in a corner, I do spaghetti and sauce garnished with lots of fishes. But as much as possible, I make sure that my weekends are excellent. I spur my weekend with wines and good food.

What kind of good food are we talking about?

Food that contains balanced diet. Not necessarily what everyone likes to eat but definitely, what supplies my body with good nutrients. Most importantly, my dinner must be well prepared. I appreciate any food that goes with assorted meat and vegetable soup.

What was growing up like?

I know all the rudiments and accompaniments of beans. I can eat beans with yam, dodo, garri, and bread. Growing up was fun because I was eating enough beans .

Any pranks to get beans at all cost?

Well, the only pranks I remember was sitting with sellers for hours.

And the metamorphosis to spaghetti?

I still eat beans but not as regular as it was then.

Eating spaghetti makes me feel good especially if well prepared.

Your exercise...

Doing exercise is a good for every individual. I am on a regular routine including aerobics.

Drinking...

I drink water on a daily basis. And if I want to take wine ,it must be moderate.

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Now, I eat it’s well do walking spur myself, I

Kunle Afolayan

Weekend Treat Plantain Porridge

Recipes Semi Ripe Plantains Onions Pepper and Tomatoes Palm oil Seasoning Salt (to taste) Shredded smoked fish (any kind) Blended crayfish or prawns Chicken gizzard (Optional) Preparations Set a large pot on medium heat; add in water, some salt and the plantain. Boil for some minutes. Add other ingredients. Set on medium heat and boil for 10minutes

or until gizzard is tender.

Add the palm oil to another large pot, set on medium heat, add in the chopped onion, saute for 2minutes, add the blended pepper. Cover and leave to cook for 12minutes( turning occasionally) Add seasoning and salt, smoked fish, crayfish, cooked gizzard, plantain, and water.

Leave to cook on below medium heat for sometime. Stir, taste and adjust for seasoning.

Add the chopped cilantro and remove from heat Note: Plantain porridge is rich in iron, protein as well as vitamins.

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o you know that eating walnuts could help you get a better night’s sleep and lower risk of weight gain? Nuts have gotten a bad rap for being too high in fat, but the truth about nuts is that nuts, especially walnuts, are a powerhouse of nutrition. Here are some healthy reasons to get more walnuts into your diet.

Improve sleep: Do you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Walnuts can help; the body’s pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin that induces sleep and helps regulate and improve your sleep.

Dieter-friendly: The fats in walnuts are healthier. And walnuts are a great source of fiber and protein. As a result, eating walnuts helps you feel full and feel satisfied.

Provide antioxidant defense: It's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant defense protects healthy cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Lower risks: Eating as little as one to two handful of walnuts a week can lower your risk of gallstones and lower your bad cholesterol.

Improve blood vessel health: The essential amino acid, helps blood vessels relax and remain smooth, improving the elasticity of the blood vessel. This means improved mental function and protection against heart disease and stroke.

Eat Walnuts instead of saturated fat: Eating walnuts reduces your risk of coronary heart disease. You need to replace foods containing high amounts of saturated fat with walnuts.Improve your health the delicious way. Grab a handful of walnuts today, and help improve your cardiovascular health, help protect yourself from damaging free radicals, improve your sleep, and so much more.

Tummyzone 4 Kid & Teen Healthy steps for your kids A

decline in p h y s i c a l activity, coupled with eating too much, too often is the simple explanation for the rise in childhood obesity. Prevention is easier than cure. So here are some feeding rules which will help you raise healthy children, for life.

Step 1: Parents should teach children how to eat for life.

If you want your children to eat nutritious food, you need to set a good example. That means no hidden treats, soft drink in the fridge or different food rules for parents - the whole family needs to eat well, including dad.

Step 2: Activity is just as important as food intake.

If children move for at least an hour each day, not

only do they have less time to eat, they are also less likely to have weight issues.

Step 3: There is a time to eat and a time not to.

Remember, the body needs at least 2-3 hours inbetween meals to allow for digestion and to allow the sensations of hunger and fullness to work. At home, try and keep r e l a t i v e l y structured meal times so that children learn that there are times to eat during the day and times not to.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2012 — 35

Charles Idahosa celebrat es 60 in style celebrates

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Celebrant, Charles Idahosa, cutting birthday cake with family members and friends, including the Chief of Staff to Edo State Government, Patrick Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo).

a t u r d a y , S ethp t e m b e r 21 was a day to behold in Benin City, Edo State when political power brokers, irrespective of political leanings put their schedules on hold to celebrate with Chief Charles Idahosa, the Political Adviser to the Edo State Governor who turned 60.

The birthday c e l e b r a t i o n , commenced with a church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Benin City and had in attendance who’s who in the society.

Celebrant with family members and Rasaq Bello Osagie (House of Reps member)

Celebrant and mother, Madam Akakasiaka

L-R: Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe and the celebrant Charles Idahosa, in white.

Behind is the Minority Whip of the Federal House of Reps,Samson Osagie and friends.

Celebrant and family members at St Peter's Anglican Church Benin City.

From Right: Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu and wife, Endurance Odubu, celebrant and other guests.

Reception in honour of Ola wale FFapohunda apohunda Olaw Sendf or th ffor or Oluw ole Sendfor orth Oluwole John eception in honour of Mr Olawale

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From left: Mr Wale Fapounda, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Kemi Balogun and Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard.

From left: Adetutu Oluwaseyi, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba and Mrs. Edida Nwolisa C M Y K

Fapohunda held on Saturday at Zen Chinese Restaurant in Ikeja, Lagos. The reception was organised by his friends in recognition of his appointment as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Ekiti state. The event was attended by dignitaries from different walks of life.

Photos by Bunmi Azeez

SENDFORTH ceremony was held by top police officers in honour of SP Oluwole John (Rtd), former Divisional Police Officer of Ogere-Remo Division on August 21, 2013.

From left: Abidemi Soneye, Mr. Fajuyigbe Oluwasola and Mr. Nonrison Quakers[SAN]

R-L: ACP S. Bakare, Area Commander, Sagamu, presenting a gift to former DPO, SP Oluwole John (Rtd) of Ogere-Remo Division.

36—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 5, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—37

BY IYABO AINA

Billy Connolly finally free from cancer

•Rihanna

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Rihanna

omic and actor Billy Connolly has confirmed he has been given the all-clear from cancer, and is okay.The star was revealed last month to have undergone surgery for prostate cancer, and was also being treated for the “initial symptoms” of Parkinson’s disease.

But after an operation in America for his cancer, the 70-year-old disclosed that he had now made a full recovery. “My health, I got the clearance on Wednesday for my cancer, so I am okay” he said.

Connolly, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will now continue to work in TV and on stage. Also popularly known as the Big Yin, the Glaswegian star began his working life in the Clyde shipyards, but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on •Billy Connolly Michael Parkinson’s chatshow made him a household name and helped launch a career that saw him perform sell-out and stand-up shows around the world, and became an in-demand character actor.

He is one of around 127,000 Britons with Parkinson’s disease, which is caused by a loss of brain cells that produce a chemical messenger called dopamine. Other possible symptoms can include memory loss.

Earlier this year, Connolly admitted he had started to forget his lines during performances. He said at the time: “This is terrifying. I feel like I’m going out of my mind.” Connolly was made a CBE in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours and awarded the freedom of his home city in 2010.

gets pole dancing lessons

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•Kim •Lady Gaga

•Eminem

Lady Gaga, Eminem to headline YouTube Music Awards also perform at the awards show. The show op singer Lady Gaga and rapper will be hosted by actor-musician Jason P Eminem has been appointed to be Schwartzman while film and music video headline performers at the first YouTube Music Awards . The November 3 award show in New York, which will be live-streamed, honours the top songs and artists that were viewed on the website in the past year.

We learn that nominees will be announced later this month and voting by the public will determine winners, YouTube said.

Also , canadian rock band Arcade Fire will C M Y K

director Spike Jonze will serve as creative director .

The video streaming website has become a crucial way for musical acts to share music in recent years and has also helped launch the careers of little-known artists such as Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen and South Korean pop star Psy.

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here may be no end to Rihanna’s talents as the sultry Diamonds star has decided to take up pole dancing and kindly decided to share the steamy pictures.

In a series of green steamy snaps shared on Instagram, Bag Girl RiRi looks demure as she takes to the pole with her bikini clad teacher.

“My first pole lesson, pour it up”, Rihanna wrote.

Pop princess R i h a n n a replaced her blonde wig and pink eyebrows seen earlier in the week with a jewelled bra, kinky heels, chastity belt and a pair of denim shorts that would make Miley Cyrus blush.

Kim flaunts boobs and bods

im Kardashian gets pulses racing by showing off her post baby body as she steps out in a barely plunging dress.

The 32-year-old reality star certainly made an impression as she stepped out last night during Paris Fashion Week in an extremely low cut dress.

While the neckline, which nearly reached her naval, provided next to no coverage of her breasts, Kim flashed further flesh thanks to other sections of the dress around her waist being cut out.

Clearly not content with being simply papped in the eye catching dress, Kim made sure that everyone got a chance to see her at her boob baring best by posting a snap on Instagram.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Much ado about Jim Iyke’s T.B Joshua ‘deliverance’

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ixed-reactions have continued to trail last Sunday’s incident where Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke was delivered from the ‘evil spirit’ that has been tormenting him for years by Prophet TB Joshua of Synagogue Church of All Nations.

Jim Iyke last Sunday stormed Ikotun, Lagos based Synagogue Church, where the general overseer of the church, TB Joshua conducted deliverance on him. A video clip of the actor in a deliverance session at the Church has since gone viral on the internet.

While some of his colleagues in Nollywood have described the incident as ‘an embarrassment to the industry’, others have commended Jim Iyke’s courage to seek for solution to his spiritual problem.

For Actor Segun Arinze and movie producer, Charles Novia, the incident was stage managed.

Arinze reportedly sent out a Blackberry broadcast early in the week calling the incident “an embarrassment.”

‘This Jim Iyke’s deliverance video at the Synagogue trending looks too contrived. It’s a big embarrassment.

Has anyone ever seen demons come out live and speak? How much did he get paid? I’m just wondering. You people should stop all these nonsense play. Haba. Stranger than fiction!”, Arinze stated.

On his own, Charles Novia tweeted, ‘So, Jim Iyke got ‘delivered’ of an evil demon in a popular church recently?

Strange things happen. And after Jim Iyke’s deliverance, the ‘new’ Jim Iyke barked at his PA about getting his

Rukky Sandra’s

Keeping m myy Man

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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shoes off his legs? All I can say is that ‘ whatever floats your boat, brother.’ Better send those poor women you have dated to same church for same purpose’, Novia wrote on his Twitter account.

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o sooner Novia made this comment than Jim Iyke’s fans lambasted him. But Novia maintained his stand, saying “For those sending me hateful tweets over this deliverance issue, you know the way to the church for yours. I’m unfazed.

My tweets are my personal opinions on a topic. Jim has my best wishes.

Good actor, he is. We go through a

mid-life crisis one time or the other.’

Okey Bakassa who did not see anything wrong with Jim Iyke seeking for deliverance reacted this way; “ I’m fed up with all the noise about my actor colleague who gained independence from ‘demonic influence or deliverance at the Synagogue. I respect him for seeking spiritual help when others are shying away from the reality of the situation.”

Meanwhile, fighting back, embattled Jim Iyke reportedly stated that many celebrities today are suffering secretly and do not want to seek spiritual solution to their problems because of what people would say about them.

ultry actress, Rukky Sanda has recorded yet another feat with the dinner-like premiere of her latest movie, Keeping My Man which held at Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos during the week.

The actress who was also the Executive Producer of the movie was on hand to receive her guests who were wowed by the touch of rare class she gave the event. Among the celebrities that graced the red-carpet were Ayo Adesanya, Uche Jombo, Tonto Dike, AY, Denrele Edun, Kenneth Okoli, Alex Ekubo, Monalisa Chinda, Isio Wanogo, Daniel Lloyd, Yolanda Okere, Dammy Krane, Oge Okeye, Beverly Osu, Ebube Nwagbo and many others. Guests were ushered into the buffet area immediately after the red carpet.

‘Keeping My Man’ which tells the story of three women, Rukky, Ini Edo and Monalisa who strive against all odds to keep the sparks in their marriages. The movie is expected to be one of the comeback movies for leading Nollywood star, Ramsey Nouah who has disappeared from the scene for a long time now.

According to Rukky, “Keeping My Man” is one of my best movies, the response in the hall after the premiere showed that I was not far from the truth.

This is a movie every couple should watch, it touches the heart and soul of marriages and keeping the fire of romance ablaze as much as possible. I am confident this movie will do well in the box office.” The movie starred the likes of Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo, Alex

NIGERIA @ 53: Stella Damasus lambasts sy cophants sycophants N

ollywood diva, Stella Damasus has shown that apart from acting, she is also a good social crusader. Following the celebration of the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary last Tuesday, the actress descended heavily on sycophants and boot-lickers who are giving false impression that all is well with the country after 53 years of achieving self rule.

Reacting to series of ‘deceiving comments’ that preceded the independence anniversary,the actress bemoaned the deteriorating state of things in the country.

Writing on her facebook page, Damasus said “I have been reading different versions of congratulatory messages to celebrate Nigeria. Even from people who a few days ago wrote negative and derogatory things about our dear country. These same folks have been pissed off about the A S U U strike, the

C M Y K

almost six hundred people who came into America as entourage with the presidency for the United Nations conference and how much was spent, the unresolved Boko Haram issue, the underage marriage and the deliberate silence from the senate and so many other things they are unhappy about.

But as the hypocrites we all are, we find the need to go on social media just to be seen as relevant. We start to use different apps to create beautiful pictures of Nigeria including our pictures to say happy independence. If it ended there I will not mind because we cannot change the event nor the date. But when some people who want to sound intelligent start to say things like Nigeria is the most industrious, courageous and safest country, Nigeria is an example to the whole world because we are the giants and so many other things I personally consider to be *Rukky Sanda eye service, it baffles me.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 39

Mike Ezuruonye’s tales by moonlight!

By PATRICK OMORODION

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ollywood star, Mike Ezuruonye acknowledged recently when he was a guest of another superstar and captain of the nation’s senior men’s basketball team, Olumide Oyedeji at the Lagos State Sports Council Indoor Hall at Rowe Park in Yaba, Lagos’ that it pays to be humble.

It was Oyedeji’s annual basketball camp for young school children where they are taught the rudiments of the game of basketball.

Ezuruonye’s involvement was Oyedeji’s way of motivating the children through talks from some role models because “It is not all about basketball. Not all of them will end up playing basketball hence we also talk to them about education and its importance”.

Both Ezuruonye and Oyedeji have been childhood friends and the Nollywood actor confessed that Olumide was one of those he looked up to in life considering the way he rose from nothingness to the star he is today.

He arrived Rowe Park in his black Range Rover Sport with a Rivers State registration number AJ 01 KHE. The moment he was ushered into the hall, the children and some of their

instructors who were seeing the actor at a very close range for the first went into wild jubilation, shouting and clapping at the same time.

Ezuruonye was humbled by it all and just smiled and bowed intermittently in appreciation of their gesture. He started his motivational speech by telling the children that they should aim to be greater than Olumide but that it must come with discipline, determination and hard work. He then digressed by telling a story on how his humility made him a land owner in Abuja.

According to him, most Nigerian stars including Nollywood stars have been accused of being snubs.

“There was this day I was travelling to Abuja to shoot a movie and I got into the aircraft and met this woman, she was older than my mother. As I made to put my bag in the overhead compartment, I greeted her but she didn’t answer me. I just ignored her and sat down.

On arrival in Abuja, the woman was struggling to get her luggage from the compartment and I just stretched my hand and helped her to get it. She asked for it without a thank you but I refused to give it to her, offering to help her take it down. On getting out of the aircraft, she again requested for her

luggage but I said, madam I’ll take it to the arrival hall for you and she looked at me with bewilderment.”

“When we got to the arrival hall I turned to the woman and handed her luggage to her and as I made to leave, she called me by my name.

I was surprised and retorted, so madam you even know my name. But why did you not answer me when I greeted you on board the aircraft.

She then said, “Mike, I’ve come across a lot of your Nollywood mates and they seem to be pigheaded so that is why I always want to distant myself from them.” I just smiled and told her I’m not like that.”

She asked where I was going and I felt she wanted me to ride with her into town.

I told her I was in Abuja to shoot a movie.

I then turned to leave but some four or five policemen who must have come to pick her told me to wait. I said what’s my own, I’ve helped her to this place and I want to go. They however insisted that I should wait. I didn’t really know who the woman was but the long and short of it all was that she ended up giving me three plots of land in Abuja.” This story elicited a loud applause from everyone who listened to him including Oyedeji.

Da o cinema Dayyo Amusa’s Unforgivable goes tto

By EKPENBOR GRACE

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ayo Amusa who is leading the list of this year ’s nominees for the Best Of Nollywood (BON) Award with the role she played in her latest film, ‘Unforgivable’ has concluded plans to hit the big screen with the flick.

The beautiful actress bagged eleven award nominations for the yet to be released film ‘Unforgivable’ in the BON award list which was recently released by the organisers.

The highly educative and emotion-laden film stars the likes of Mike Ezuruonye, Bukky

Wright, Desmond Elliot, Dayo Amusa, Niyi Johnson, Fathia Balogun, Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Thomas among others.

The film which premieres at Silverbird Cinemas nationwide on 27 October, will start showing from November 3.

According to Dayo, she intends to use the film as a means of not only telling people what domestic violence is all about, but also, to provides insight in respect of what goes on in most homes in our society. Described as a film that evokes “emotion, pity, love and regret”, Unforgivable promises to be the next bus stop for Nollywood.

Tony Umez loses mum

Top Nollywood actor, Tony Umez is currently in deep sorrow. The actor who is best know for playing a particular role in movies lost his mum to the cold hands of death last Tuesday, same the day Nigerians celebrated the nation’s 53 rd independence anniversary. Umez announced the sad news on his facebook page last Wednesday night. ‘’I lost my dearest mum, five minutes to midnight, on the 1st of October, 2013. Adieu Mum. Rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord...With a heavy

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heart, I say, Adieu to the best mum ever,’ Umez announced on his facebook page.’ However, since announcing the sad news, his fans and colleagues have continued to flood his facebook page with condolence messages.

Debuted in Nollywood, in 1994, after starring in that blockbuster movie, “Died Wretched: Buried in N2.3m Casket,” Tony Umez is one of the outstanding actors that have made their marks in the industry.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

GTB Lagos FFashion ashion & Design W eek Week holds this Oct

Collection from ow h s n o i h s a f u d o Ikorro

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korodu town came to life recently as the 5th edition of the Ikorodu fashion show took centre stage. Organised by Mrs. Grace Dogubo, of Gravido Fashions, the aim she says is to promote the indigenous designers in Ikorodu, as well as projecting, their creativity beyond Ikorodu and Nigeria. The designers who showcased their works include, Belle Signature, Hat2Heart, Mubella, Taggz and Gravido fashions.

The show which held at Moye Hotel, Graceland Ikorodu, featured a collection of very romantic and girlish take on African couture, from the designers who worked with prints, chiffon, and batik, silk and satin. Floral patterns made up day dresses and ball dresses comprised of Ankara and organza layers. It was all very tidy and pretty with queenly hand fans to complete the look.

To add to this girlishness and primness were head ribbons and shoes and bags in the same fabric as the dresses worn above. There were also hats and bags of matching colour and fabric for special occasion.

The event had in attendance Nollywood stars Ngozi Nwosu, Sola Onayiga and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ikorodu land.

*Gravido designs

*Belle Signture

*Gravido C M Y K

*Mubella

*Hat2Heart

ifferent activities have already begun in Lagos to commence the Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion & Design Week.

Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week in partnership with British Council recently concluded a fashion film work shop for film makers as well as master classes on the business of fashion for the 20 shortlisted young designers from the ages of 21 to 30; who were selected from a vigorous screening process across Nigeria.

These 20 shortlisted young designers will all compete to create a collection for the MTN Young Designer Awards 2013 where the winner will receive a cash prize of N4, 000,000 courtesy MTN. Commenting on the sponsorship, General Manager, Communication & External Affairs, GTBank; Lola Odedina said ‘As the headline sponsor of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013, we recognize the importance of the fashion industry to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and The Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013 will act as a catalyst to ensure that fashion can become a sustainable business model which can drive commerce in Nigeria’.

Omoyemi Akerele founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week stated ‘For 2013, as part of our vision to build from within, we are exploring retail partnerships for our designers across Nigeria. With garment manufacturing becoming more accessible within the country, this is feasible.’ She further added The LFDW Platform is also unique for its ability to provide opportunities for both young and established designers. As established designers in the industry seek expansion into new markets, we have created opportunities for retail within the continent and internationally. Akerele also added ‘our by-line for this year is “building from within” and the key word here is “building”. As we work towards positioning the platform as the hub for commerce and creativity on the continent, we are also aware of the need to contribute to creating structures in place for the industry to grow and thrive’ Also speaking on the sponsorship, Kola Oyeyemi, GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN said, ‘we are delighted to be part of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week as platinum sponsors, having participated in its growth from inception till today, we remain committed to supporting the Lagos Fashion and Design Week goal of growing the Nigerian fashion industry especially its young talent via the MTN Young Designer of The Year Prize.’

The Guaranty Trust Bank Fashion and Design Week 2013 scheduled to take place on the 23rd of October to the 26th October 2013 at Eko Hotel’s Ocean View in Lagos, Nigeria is a multi day premiere fashion event platform that aims to drive the Nigerian fashion industry and lift its profile by bringing together buyers, consumers and the media to view the current collections of designers in the fashion capital of Lagos, Nigeria. It will feature both local and international designers and showcase the best of African talents.

The Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013 is co-sponsored by MTN Nigeria, British Council, Maybelline New York and Wings Magazine the In-flight Magazine for Arik Air.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—41

'A child will soon be born, Catholic priest stuns parishioners with confession

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child will soon be born, and I am the baby... father’. Catholic priest stuns parishioners with confession Chaste and holy, Catholic priests are supposed to set an example to their communities by forgoing certain pleasures. But one community in California have been left stunned by the resignation their spiritual leader made after he was lead into temptation.

Father Daniel — known as DeanMcFalls, from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stockton, has voluntarily quit his

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post after admitting he had got a woman pregnant. In a letter sent to the church and read to his congregation, McFalls said: ‘A child will soon be born, and I am the baby’s father. I know this comes as a shock to you, and to many a disappointment.

‘I assume full responsibility for my actions and will do all that I can so that my child receives the care and love that he deserves.

As St. Paul told the “Romans: ‘God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him,

The baby factory

he world’s first baby factory is being built in India to house hundreds of poor women paid to have children for Western couples unable to conceive.Potential parents – including Britons – will be able to send sperm or embryos to the one-stop surrogacy shop, before visiting to pick up their new child. The multi-million-pound clinic will have self-catering apartments

08116759759 who have been called according to his decree,’ and though the Lord never decreed that I sin, he does command

for visiting Western couples, a floor for surrogate mothers, offices, delivery rooms, an IVF department and even restaurants and a gift shop.

The doctor behind the stateof-the-art centre is Nayna Patel, who runs a back-street clinic that accommodates around 100 pregnant women in a single house. She pays each surrogate around £4,950 and receives £17,250 from hopeful parents.

She dismissed suggestions that she was exploiting the surrogates. These woman are doing a job’ she said. It’s a physical job they are paid for that job.These women know there is no gain without pain.

Surrogate mother Papiya, who is expecting twins for a couple in America, said she planned to spend her payment on a new house for her family.

Want to be richer, more successful and live longer?

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almistry is the an cient art of predicting the future through the reading of palm lines. The art is popular in Japan where palm readers charge optimistic customers upwards of £50 a session to tell them what the future could hold, simply by looking at the markings on their hands. But for those not content with the fortune lines that nature gave them there is a drastic new way of trying to be master of their own destiny: by altering their palm lines through cosmetic surgery. The surgery, which has also been known to be carried out in Korea, is performed with an electric scalpel which burns the flesh leaving a semi-

permanent scar. A report on The Daily Beast found that between January 2011 and May this year, 37

palm plastic surgeries have been performed at one clinic in Japan.

Shonan Beauty Clinic offers the surgery for

£662 but no longer advertises the treatment because they couldn’t keep up with demand.

Drunk Chinese nearly shipped to U.S. after mistaking 60ft container at port for a B&B

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man who wandered drunk enly into a shipping crate thinking it was his hotel woke up to find he’d been sealed in ready for a two-week journey to Los Angeles. Jiang Wu had been enjoying a night out in Qingdao, Shandong province, when he thought it was time to return to his B&B for the night. After one too many, he staggered into what he believed to be his lodgings and fell fast asleep, only to wake up the next day and realise his mistake.

that all life be respected and nurtured.’

McFalls’ was given an indefinite leave of absence by Bishop

Stephen E. Blaire, head of the Diocese of Stockton, and will now have to decide if he wants to remain a priest.

Drug traffickers or beauty queens?

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n Bogota Columbia’s Buen Pastor prison, age is not an obstacle to a beauty queen crown.

Maria Cristina Villareal, 56, was among six women competing on Friday in this year’s pageant for the title of ‘Reina Madre’ or ‘Queen Mother.’ There is a separate category for unmarried women.

The 2,222-inmate women’s prison in Colombia’s capital has hosted pageants for 18 years, with TV and musical celebrities serving as judges. Most of the inmates have been convicted of drug trafficking or are awaiting trial. They include 50 foreigners, none of whom took part in this year’s pageant. Villareal, a mother of three with nine grandchildren, is serving time for drug trafficking.

She wouldn’t disclose the length of her sentence.

The pageant is held yearly on the feast of the Virgin of Mercy, patron saint of prisoners. ‘Even though they are in prison, they have not lost the essence of being women,’ said prisons bureau employee Maria Virginia Camacho, who organized this year’s pageant. This year’s contest included two runway walks, one in fokloric garb, the other in elegant gowns.

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

The final burial of former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu was held at his country home Iju-Odo, after a funeral service at St Paul's Anglican Church Iju-Odo yesterday. Photos by Dare Fasube show eminent persons who attended the funeral service

Casket bearing the remains of the late former governor From left: Mrs Bola Obasanjo; Mrs Solape Hammond, daughter; Mrs Bose Ajayi and Mrs Funke Agagu, widow

From left: Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (Rtd), Minister of Police Affairs; Mrs Bola Ayodele; Mutiat Ladoja and Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication and Technology Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his wife Funke

From left: Dr Tunji Abayomi, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, Engr.Segun Oni, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Mr Femi Agagu

Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and his wife Kemi

From left; Chief Bisi Ogunjobi, Mr Francis Iruobe, Mr Joseph Makoju and Dr Funsho Onofowokan

From left: Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, his wife Shade and Prince Yemi Adefulu

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—43

Nuptial bliss in traditional splendour

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t was another unforgettable day of pomp, panache and pizzazz in Lagos last Saturday when the son of retired General T.Y. Danjuma and his delectable wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Yuki Ehime Danjuma took for wife daughter of Alhaji and Alhaja Rotimi Adamson- Bamisedun, Moriam Omobolanle Adamson- Bamisedun.

The wedding, which was a traditional affair took place at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island and as expected the roll call of guests includes strictly the top echelon of the society. Photos by Kehinde Gbadamosi

The couple, Mr and Mrs Yuki Ehime Danjuma

From Left; Chief Tessy Ikimi, Chief Derin Awosika, Chief (Mrs) Maiden Ibru, and Senator Daisy Danjuma.

L-R:Senator David Mark, Senate President , Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Chief of Staff to the President

R-L:Parents of couple, General T.Y Danjuma (Rtd), Senator Daisy Danjuma, Alhaja Ganiat Olaseni Adamson- Bamisedun, and Alhaji Rotimi Adamson- Bamisedun

L-R:Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos, Mrs Funsho Amosun, First Lady of Ogun State, and Chief Mrs Adebisi Sosan , former Dep.Gov of Lagos State.

L-R: Chief Timipre Sylva, former Gov of Baylsa State, Dr Umar Ad and Cdre I.M Mankilik

L-R: Senator Sanusi Daggash, Chief Alabo Graham-Douglas, and Chief Bayo Ojo.

L-R: Chief Kemi Nelson, Chief Bisi Abiola, and Alhaja Bintu Tinubu

L-R: Senator Demola Seriki, greeting Mr. Sam Amuka, publisher, Vanguard, with Mr Peter Arigbe.

From Right; Alhaji Aliko Dangote with Otunba Niyi Adebayo

L-R:Senator Isaiah Balat, Gov Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Gov Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State C M Y K

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5,, 2013

POPULATION:

How many are we in Nigeria? *Search for accurate headcount continues

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE Dep Political Editor

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S Nigeria marks 53 years of independence, one question that has defied answer is what the actually number of Nigerians is. This question, as simple as it appears, has been difficult to answer in the last 150 years.

Few weeks to the country’s 53rd independence anniversary, five months to100 years of the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorates to create Nigeria and three years to the 2016 scheduled population census, the issue of how many we are was flung to the front burner of raging issues, recently.

National Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Festus Odimegwu stirred the hornet’s nest when he said, in an interview with journalists in Abuja late August that the country had not had any credible census since 1816.

Blaming the irregularity on distortion and falsification of figures for selfish and political reasons by politicians, he said: “No census has been credible in Nigeria since 1863. Even the one conducted in 2006 is not credible. I have the records and evidence produced by scholars and professors of repute. This is not my report. If the current laws are not amended, the planned 2016 census will not succeed.”

Odimegwu’s comments raised a quantum of dust in the polity with the presidency firing him a query. He also received an avalanche of attacks from many northerners especially, Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who during a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, called for Odimegwu’s sack over his denigration of the 2006 Nigeria census.

150 years of controversial headcounts

The question of how many Nigerians are there has been popping up long before the people evolved into a nation through amalgamation in 1914.

The first recorded headcount was at the Colony of Lagos in 1863. Another one was held at the then colony in 1871. It was, thereafter, conducted every 10 years.

The first national census was in 1911. Of the 16.054 million persons counted, the Northern Protectorate had 8.12 million, about 50.1 per cent of the total population.

After the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, another exercise was held in 1921. The population was put at 18.7 million with the South having 48 per cent of it.

Other exercises were conducted in 1931, 1953,

1962/63, 1973, 1991 and 2006. Except in the 1962 exercise, the North has always maintained an edge over the South, thus affirming the 1911 projections.

The 1952-53 exercises put the nation’s population figure at 31.6 million. This census was considered an undercount for a number of reasons: apprehension that the headcount was related to tax collection; political tension at the time in eastern Nigeria; inability to reach many remote areas; and inadequate training of enumerators in some areas. The undercounting was estimated at 10 percent or less.

The 1962 and 1973 censuses were most controversial and were subsequently cancelled by the governments in power.

The mid-1962 exercise was canceled after much controversy and allegations of over-counting in many areas. Of the 45 million Nigerians counted in 1962, the South had 24 million, thereby “overtaking” the North, which was allegedly favoured in past exercises.

A second attempt in 1963, which was officially accepted, was also encumbered with charges of inaccuracy and manipulation for regional and local political purposes. Indeed, the official 1963 figure of 55.6 million was inconsistent with the census of a decade earlier because it implied a virtually impossible annual growth rate of 5.8 percent.

The equally controversial 1991 census posted a figure of 88.9 million people with a projected growth rate of 2.9 per cent Before the 2006 headcount, intense bickering arose regarding the proposal to include ethnicity and religion in the questionnaires to generate the statistics of the various ethnic and religious groups in the country given claims and counterclaims regarding their relative strengths. The North threatened to mobilize its people to work against the exercise should these two indices appear in the questionnaire. There was equally a counter threat from the South-east to boycott the exercise if they were not included. In the long run, the North had the upper hand and religion and ethnic group was excluded to the chagrin of Southeasterners.

Consequently, population figures had always been a subject of mudslinging between Southern and Northern politicians. For Southerners, the belief is that the population of the North had been “over-counted”.

They argue that going by simple demographic distribution pattern across the globe, population increases as one move from the hinterland (desert or Savannah regions) to the coast. They wondered why in the case of Nigeria, the North which lies in the arid zone, is more populous than the coastal South.

For Northerners, their extensive landmass and population must not be taken for granted, facts that several head counts had confirmed. And the controversy continues.

Odumegwu’s comments belie Nigeria’s topsy-turvy experience with population census. Acclaimed as the most populous nation in Africa, the true number of Nigerians has always remained a matter of estimates. Currently, Nigeria’s population is between 160 – 167 million based on projections from the 2006 census that put the nation’s population at 140 million with the North accounting for 73.6 million and the South having 64.9 million.

Lagos complaints

One state that strongly disputed the 2006 census was Lagos, which promptly filed a petition at the Census Tribunal and got a favourable judgment. At the 1991 headcount, Lagos had 5.686 million inhabitants while Kano had 5.632. However, in 2006, Lagos recorded 9.014 million people compared to Kano’s 9.384 million.

The state government, whose parallel headcount recorded 17,553,924 people, described the NPC’s figure as too low. It prayed the tribunal to order a repeat headcount in 14 Local Councils, namely, Alimosho, Ojo, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Apapa, Lagos-Island, Lagos Mainland, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Mushin, Badagry, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu and Surulere and the prayer was answered.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, said: “In the final analysis, the official national census results for the 14 old Local Government Councils (now 40 LGAs and LCDAs) in Lagos State have been nullified. This vindicates the resolve of the government to base its physical and economic plans on a projected population of 17,553,924 in 2006 and over 21,000,000 currently. We now expect that the National Population Commission will urgently announce plans for a recount as ordered by the tribunal,” he said.

However, Lagos may not have a repeat headcount in the affected areas until 2016 when another nationwide census would be carried out. Feelers from the NPC indicate that the commission lacked the basic benchmark and requirements to conduct a census now.

Paucity of funds has always hindered scheduled censuses. That was one of the major reasons it took 15 years to hold the 2006 census after the 1991 exercise.

N600 billion budget

Last year, President Goodluck Jonathan approved a budget of N600 billion to the NPC for the 2016 census exercise. The amount is to take care of the activities of the commission for the period of five years at the rate of N120 billion per year.

Population is a major asset; as resource for development, and is also the prime beneficiary of development in society. It constitutes the bulk of the producers and consumers of goods and services. Having a fair estimate of the population of a country enables the government to plan effectively for the betterment of the citizenry. Otherwise, economy planners will be groping in the dark.

In Nigeria, population has been a rather sensitive and controversial issue because of its implications for shaping geopolitical regions, state and ethnic relations and balance of power. It is the attitude towards the population question, in terms of its absolute size, as it concerns election, the states and the sub-regions that constitute the background to census controversies.

Given the controversies stoked by Odimegwu’s comments, his assurances and the hefty budget approved by the government, it is to be seen if the 2016 census will live to expectation.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 45

years after the country secured FAA Cat1 certification. “This incident has offered opportunity to award contracts now; we don’t do the right thing at the right time but wait for things to degenerate before we start scrambling to award contracts,” he lamented.

Beyond just creating the opportunity for Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights into U.S. destinations, the certification also serves as a blank cheque for local airlines to source for necessary foreign capital to upgrade their operations but be-

Aviation development:

A rehash of old tunes

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

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n average watcher of recent de velopments in the aviation sector in the country may be tempted to say Nigeria has never had it so good in terms of paying attention to upgrade in infrastructure and key navigational facilities at the nation’s airports since most of them were built decades ago. For instance, the nation’s flagship, the Murtala Muhammed Airport was commissioned in 1979 and ever since, no efforts had been made to renew it until the recent re-modelling embarked upon by the present administration. However, the re-modelling of physical infrastructure of airports is where the transformation of the industry stops as policy flip-flops still trail developments in the sector. Even the re-modelling appears not holistic, what with the cooling system of Lagos airport which performance remains epileptic as the chillers are as old as the airport itself. Talks of replacing them had been mere lipservice, even by the present dispensation. What is the essence of exotic physical structures without comfort for the travelling public. The functionality of an airport goes beyond beautiful terminal buildings as exemplified by Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport in Dakar, Senegal, for instance.

That airport is not presentable in terms of physical beauty but is functional 24 hours of the day without power failures, stuffy terminal building and epileptic navigational aids. Where Nigeria is struggling to position the Murtala Muhammed Airport as a hub in West Africa without success, the airport in Dakar remains a natural hub due to its functionality.

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he stowaway incident at Benin air port weeks ago is symptomatic of the rot still prevalent in the aviation sector, in spite of the semblance of transformation in the industry. Without necessarily instilling fears in the public, there may yet be more incidents of stowaway at the nation’s airports. This is because aside from the airport in Benin, several others in the country, including the international airports, lack airport fencing, let alone perimeter fencing as prescribed by global aviation regulator, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO.

Nigeria has never had it so good in terms of paying attention to upgrade in infrastructure and key navigational facilities at the nation’s airports since most of them were built decades ago When a herd of cattle strayed onto the runway of Port Harcourt International Airport about a decade ago, the promise was that within that period, all airports in the country would be equipped with perimeter fencing. Because nothing was done, a cab rammed into an Arik airliner ready for taxiing at Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, which an airport fencing could have averted. “ All we have at some of our airports at present are airport fencing, no security fencing to satisfy Annex 17 of ICAO. I think government ought to have done this a long time ago. It is unfortunate that nothing had been done about this currently,” said Capt. Dele Ore, a stakeholder. Although these lapses were present when Nigeria got U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, category 1 certification on August 23, 2010, the expectation was that all issues relating to airport safety and security would be addressed shortly after.

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owever, things seem to be degen erating further, four years after. At the moment, no Nigeria airport is certified by the regulatory agency, not even the international airports. The fear is Nigeria may lose the certification unless practical steps are taken to redress the present situation. The infractions that made Mexico lose its certification a few years ago are not as serious as the stowaway incident at Benin airport, which gave the impression that the nation’s airports unsafe for passengers and investments.Another stakeholder, Capt Tito Omaghomi, is only concerned about the embarrassment the country had been subjected by the stowaway story, wondering why airports in Nigeria had been left with perimeter fencing, almost four

cause government is not interested in the development and growth of local airlines, this aspect of FAA category 1 certification does not appeal to those in government. Otherwise, how else does one describe recent hoopla that greeted Ethiopian Airlines’, ET, foray into Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, two weeks ago.

It should be noted that any government serious about the development of its aviation sector would not celebrates multiple entries for foreign airlines into its territories as doing that sets the tone for death of local airlines. And for an aviation sector that is as fledgling as Nigeria’s, the multiple entries granted foreign airlines by officials of the Aviation Ministry can best be described as debilitating for a struggling economy.

The implication of this is capital flight which, before now, had been put at close to N100 billion annually. So, the wild celebration that greeted ET flight into Enugu demonstrated the lack of capacity on the part of those drawing up policies for the aviation industry. Enugu now makes Ethiopian Airlines’ third entry point into the country, after Lagos and Abuja.

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ther foreign airlines enjoy same approvals from the Aviation Ministry. This makes the aviation industry the worst bleeding spot for the country in terms of capital flight. Ideally, local airlines are positioned to feed passengers for foreign airlines but now that the international airlines are indirectly carrying passengers to virtually every corner of the country, government’s talk about assisting domestic airlines to grow amounts to policy somersault. No sane country does it.

The entry of Ethiopian Airlines into Enugu is a negative development for domestic airlines. All we have done is to give way to kill the domestic carriers; we are killing the industry gradually.

They have also succeeded in killing operations into Port Harcourt, Owerri and Asaba, as the domestic airlines are supposed to feed passengers for foreign airlines to these airports. Politically, we have scored some good points but on the other hand, we are damaging the economy,” said Capt. Dele Ore, an expilot.

In the past one year, there had been so much agitation by stakeholders against infiltration of the sector by non-aviators, people with little or no knowledge about aviation. Although the practice did not start today, close watchers of the industry expected that for a government that expressed so much passion about changing things for good, it would have been a thing of the past. Because aviation is a technical sector which revolves around human lives, critical sections of the industry should be driven by people with sound knowledge of aviation matters. Unfortunately, political considerations had been the main criteria in employing and deploying personnel in the sector. In the past, a minister had flooded the regulatory agency with recruits from village of origin, qualified or not, and this accounted for the rot that culminated in series of crashes in the industry. However, when another minister came in, who also recruited his kinsmen into critical sections of the sector, they were all swept away. The tragedy of the whole thing is that the practice is still prevalent. Aviation is too sensitive to be placed at the altar of ethnicity, nepotism and jingoism. What the practice had engendered in the sector is low moral of personnel as those imposed from outside the industry are often placed in management positions to boss others around.

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viation regulation is one area stake holders and observers of the industry expected the present administration to build on the foundation laid by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government. Suffice to say that prior to December 2005, aviation regulation was nonexistent as airline operators and other critical players in the industry carried with business as usual. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, at the time had no autonomy to properly regulate the industry and had every of its programmes, from staff recruitment to airlines’ regulation, dictated by officials of the Aviation Ministry whose interest were self-serving. Consequently, their action and inaction led to the series of aviation accidents recorded between 2005 and 2006. It was the same ministry officials who in 2003 enslaved the sector to the U.S. and its allies through the Open Skies Agreement, which resolutions were completely skewed against Nigeria’s interest. That tactless move is partly responsible for dominance of the industry by foreign airlines at present. However, with the close collaboration of the Presidency and National Assembly, the country came up with the new Civil Act 2006 which granted the NCAA autonomy, even though the Aviation Ministry still reared its head occasionally. That brought some sanity into the sector and culminated in the U.S. FAA category 1 certification the country attained in 2010. Can NCAA still be said to be autonomous now? Certainly not, what with the new aviation policy the Aviation Ministry churned out earlier this year. There again lies another threat to FAA Cat1.

Observers contend that the Ministry of Aviation should put into enthronement and sustenance of aviation safety and security the same level of zeal deployed into airports’ re-modelling.

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Rapists invade Anambra community

“Target-harden schools in ..kill four teenagers within three North-East”, Ekhomu months as police arrest 2 advises

BY OKONKWO EZE,

By KINGSLEY NDIMELE

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renowned security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has advised the Federal and state governments to urgently target-harden schools in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in order to forestall future terrorist attacks on schools in the states under emergency rule. He also advised that schools in the border states of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba should receive enhanced physical security measures as displaced Boko Haram terrorists might select those targets and mount spectacular attacks.

Reacting to the killing of 40 students of the College of Education Gujba, Yobe State on September 29, Ekhomu who is President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, AISSON, described the attack as “an unacceptable and unfortunate active-shooter incident carried out by a bunch of cowards.”

He urged the government to stop lamenting over the intentional attacks on schools which are “soft targets” by Boko Haram stating that schools should be strengthened against surprise terrorist attacks by improved physical security measures. He advised that multiple layers of concentric security measures should be deployed to protect each school in the states under emergency rule.

Ekhomu advised the government to adopt reliable preventative physical security measures in order to safeguard schools and students, such as school lockdown protocols, metal doors in dormitories and classrooms, skill drills for students, faculty and staff in reacting to active-shooter/ terrorist incident, use of security dogs to patrol and detect imminent terrorist attacks, installation of air raid sirens in schools which may be activated when a school is under attack—to alert the students about the emergency and attract military patrols to the school in distress.

Ekhomu, who is the first chartered security professional in West Africa advised politicians to be patriotic and reduce internal tensions in the country by guarding against inflammatory utterances and bellicose posturing.

Onitsha

T

HE Police in Obosi, Anambra State during the week, arrested two persons in connection with last Saturday's raping of a teenage girl (names witheld) to death at Odume Layout, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The two suspects whose names are being withheld by the police are currently helping detectives to round up all the culprits, for appropriate action.

Sources hinted that the incident was the fourth of its kind at Odume Layout, Obosi within three months which has so far claimed two lives, hence some rapists now use the area as their safe haven for their nefarious activities.

Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer at Obosi, J. O. Dimale (CSP) told Crime Guard investigations into the ugly incident were in progress.He,however, declined further comments on the matter.

The incident, according to the source, occurred at about 9 p.m. on Saturday night when the deceased's father who was simply identified as Mr. Mbaka returned from work he sent his daughter, to go out and buy garri for their dinner.

It was gathered that the Mbaka family who hails from Ogboji Ezzagu in Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi State but residing at MINAJ village, Odume Layout, Obosi were later thrown into mourning when the deceased did not come back home as expected and they later discovered that she had been raped to death by unknown persons suspected to be artisans resident in the neighbourhood.

It was learnt that one of their male family friends, aged 20 years (names also withheld) who is among the two suspects presently helping the police in their investigations, had allegedly visited the deceased before they went out together to escort her to buy garri. It was further gathered that as they went out to buy the garri within the neighbourhood, hoodlums allegedly dragged her to an uncompleted building where they violently raped her to death and disapered.

Commenting on the incident amidst tears, the father of the deceased, Mbaka regretted that if he had known that sending his daughter out to buy food for his family could bring about people laying ambush for her, he should have preferred the entire family going to bed without dinner.

Mbaka said he was

suspecting t h a t s o m e artisans from Okposi community also in Ebonyi State who are residing very close to their own compound might have masterminded the barbaric

act, following t h e alleged regular sexual advances they had made to his daughter in the past which she usually turned down.

Crisis brews at Alaba International market

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

C

RISIS is currently brewing at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, following an alleged fraud in the recent

•Alaba traders

chairmanship election conducted at the electrical section of the market. There are fears in the market following the result of the purported election which many traders alleged was

hijacked and conducted in a manner that was far from the constitutional requirements of the General Electrical Dealers Association, Alaba.

Aggrieved members of the association and a candidate, Joseph Emeziem, who contested election, are currently taking steps to ensure that normalcy was restored and a new e l e c t i o n conducted.

Emeziem also has asked the Chief Magistrate Court, Badagry to stop the electoral committee of the General Electrical Dealers Association from

recognizing or swearing in Felis Nwagu as the Association’s chairman. According to the legal action brought under sections 349(1), (2) and 35 of the Administration of Criminal Justice law of Lagos State, against Messrs Felis Nwagu,Chinedu Arinze,Obiora Olikagu and Nwune David Nweke filed by O.A Henry, the claimant told the court that the purported kangaroo election conducted by the defendants and said to have been won by Nwagu was contrary to the proviso of the association’s constitution, and undemocratic.

E

meziem, contended that the said choice of chairman elect, Nwagu,via election that is unacceptable if sworn in as threatened by the defendants, would portend chaos and breach of peace.

Contending the position of chairman

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 47

Attempted murder of octogenarian

•Police in Enugu swing into action, arrest suspects

By CHINENYE OZOR, Nsukka

D

ETECTIVES in Enugu State command of the Nigeria police force are trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the attempted murder of one Aba Eya aged about 80. It was gathered that Aba Eya, a chief priest of Abonyi shrine, Ogwu-Obolloafor in Udenu Local Government area of Enugu State, was allegedly attacked alongside other worshippers of the shrine when the shrine was invaded by

assailants with dangerous weapons like iron, matchets, shortgun and sticks.

Crime Guard learnt that the suspects used the iron and broke the left leg of the chief priest and went ahead also to fracture the hand of one chief Clement Ugwu as well as the left hand of another worshipper identified as Adonu Eze. The alleged assailants reportedly left the scene believing that the chief priest had died. The chief priest was later rescued along with other victims and taken to

Prince Eze's hospital, ObolloAfor for treatment.

Four of the alleged hoodlums namely; Vincent Odo-Ugwu, Atama,Solomon Ugwu,Cyprian Ezeme and Okafor Ugwu also known as Oka Dada have been arrested and they are now helping the police in their investigations.

In another development, two suspects who gave their names as Agu Felix of Ngbo village, Udi in Enugu state and Osita Anikputa also of Ngbo village, Udi, Enugu State have been

nabbed by operatives of the police mobile force No3 squadron Enugu along Enugu- Onitsha express road.

This followed a distress call received that hoodlums were attacking people with dangerous weapons and also robbing them of their valuables having barricaded the road. Two of the suspects were arrested and three handsets recovered from them.They are also helping the police in their investigations.

MD Abubakar, IGP

PCRC donates office blocks to police in Lagos

By IFEANYI

OKOLIE

M

EMBERS of the Police C o m m u n i t y Relations Committee, PCRC, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, during the week, reiterated it’s commitment to assist the police in battling crime and criminality in the state, as they donated 11 office blocks to Trade Fair Police Division.

Chairman of the PCRC, Hon Ogbonnia Leonard, who presented keys of the offices to the police, said the PCRC thought it necessary to assist the police in erecting new office blocks to enhance their performance in the discharge of their duties.

The chairman, who is also the President of the Balogun Business Association at the Trade Fair Complex also said: “As members of the PCRC, we can not leave the duty of policing to the police alone.

We have a duty as members of the PCRC to always come to the aid of the police who are saddled with the duty of protecting lives and properties in the country. That is what we have demonstrated by constructing these office blocks to enable policemen serving in this division have access to a comfortable environment to discharge their duties.

“Before we commenced this

project, policemen in this division do not have offices to do their job and the divisional police officer, Robinson Eregare had laid foundation for the office complex but he does not have the required funds to complete the project.

We organized ourselves as PCRC members and put up a befitting structure for policemen in the division. I want to make it clear that the

PCRC will not stop at this project, we are still going to do more to assist the police in this division,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Area E Commander, Festac, Dan Okoro, who was present at the opening ceremony thanked the PCRC members for coming to the aid of the police at the time of need. Okoro added that the police will reciprocate the gesture. “

You have supported us in our time of need and we will also come to you in your time of need. I want to say a big thank you all and I want to urge you all to be law abiding and be peaceful as you go about your businesses. The police will always support you and provide security for your complex and the adjoing communities,” he assured.

over alleged fraud elect by general consensus of the forum members, Emeziem alerted the court of threats to his life by the defendants. “l strongly believe that the defendants and their agents have the capability to carry out the threat to eliminate me and other aggrieved members of our association unless this honourable court restrains them, ”Emeziem said.

Emeziem prayed the court for an order of injunction restraining the electoral committee under the auspices of the association from recognising or swearing-in Nwagu as the association’s chairman. He further urged the court for an order to restrain the purported chairman elect, Nwagu from parading himself as a chairman of the association.

Joining Arinze ,Olikagu and Nweke ,he asked the court to stop them from parading or super

imposing their chairmanship candidate on him or other aggrieved members of the General Electrical Dealers Association, Alaba International Market, Lagos.

As at press time, the defendants were said to have been served with the court processes but no appearance has been entered on their behalf. In his affidafit of urgency,the complainant deposed to an oath attaching documents marked as exhibits, where he posited among other things that he paid the sum of N150,000.00 for the electoral forms and was duly qualified to stand for the Association’s election.

R-L: Divisional Police Officer, Trade Fair Complex, SP, Robinson Eregare; Area ‘E’ Commander, ACP Dan Okoro; President, Balogun Business Association, Trade Fair Complex, Hon. Ogbonnia Leonard and Oba Lateef Olayinka, the Alado of Ado Kingdom during the opening ceremony of the 11 office blocks donated by members of Police Community Relations Committee at the Trade Fair Police Station.

•Some of the office blocks.

48—SA TURD AY 48—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

National Dialogue is manifestation of gross incompetence and leadership failure — Dr Bugaje

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

H

e veered off his practice in Pharmacy and joined politics. And like a determined politician, he has continued to grow. Between 1999 and 2003, he was Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Between 2003 and 2007, he was elected into the Federal House of Representatives. Afterwards, he became the National Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In this exclusive interview with Saturday Vanguard, Dr. Usman Bugaje speaks on the backwardness of Nigeria after 53 years of existence,submitting that President Goodluck Jonathan has failed woefully.He therefore says that the move to convene a National Dialogue by the present administration is an indication that Jonathan is grossly incompetent. He warns him not to dare contest the 2015 elections. Excerpts: It’s been 53 years of Nigeria’s existence. In your own view, how has the journey been?

Well, it is been tough but this is what you expect in nationbuilding. Look at the history of big nations, successful nations; they have all gone through different types of difficulties. Nation-building by its very nature is a very tedious, slow process and nations come about in different shapes, forms and paths but at the end of the day what is most important is where they end up. I think it is normal path of nation-building. It is difficult. Some go through wars.

We have gone through a civil war, at least once and we succeeded because of the determination of the people to come together and resolve the issues that face their nation.

We have had our own fair share of that kind of struggle and I think that spirit of working to make Nigeria one and working makes Nigeria to work; I think it’s still there. It is consistent with the history of other nations. In fact, other nations had gone through some other experiences than we have seen so far and therefore, it is not anything too different.

We are on the path that we need to become far more determined, far more resilient to be able to overcome these difficulties. Yes,

we can overcome and we shall overcome.

With the clamouring for this and that by the North, the South…

I will rather start this way: the issue of identity has been properly resolved in this country.

If anything, at some stage, it has been aggravated by a number of other factors. That was, in a way, what led to the civil war; our inability to resolve some of the issues. After the war, there were efforts made, policies to bring the country together and to actually create a kind of foundation for the unity of the country. The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) is one of those.

The Unity Schools are one of those. So, we have identified some of the problems. There are policies taken to resolve some of these problems and that is the way to go. These issues of identity, ethnicity, religion and a mixture of a lot of these things are too often in the hands of the elites that compete for power and the benefits that power often bring. So, it is not as real as it is often made up.

Yes, people are conscious of their identity but if you go to the market, any market, you will find people of different ethnic groups, sitting together, transacting business together. They don’t fight or quarrel.

Some of them are the best of friends. So on the whole, it is the elite that often magnify and use the issues of identity especially ethnic and religion to get access to power. So, I appreciate that there are identity problems which only a gradual process of nationbuilding where policies are put in place to bring about cohesion and national sense of belonging to the nation which comes up gradually in all nations of the world. But here, we have not done it with the same consistency as many nations had done and too often we have allowed the elites to hijack that process to their own benefits and too often they slowed down the process of national cohesion and nation building. These issues that you hear about the West, the North and the East have a touch of reality but on the whole they are magnified

by and often appropriated by the elites who use it to gain access to power. But we realize that even for the elites, it may give them a very short term gain because what it does is to delay development and take the attention that the nation should focus on those real issues of economic development into self-serving elites’ interests and that tends to slow down development and of course, when you slow down development, you create con-

You see, in the first republic, I was in school at that time when the coup that terminated the first republic took place. I was in the secondary school. I may not have been a participant as such but of course, we were old enough to watch and listen. You see, the very foundation of what happened had a lot of values, honesty, dedication, hardwork, contentment that have been inherited from the indigenous values of the people not mind-

Nation-building by its very nature is a very tedious, slow process and nations come about in different shapes, forms and paths but at the end of the day what is most important is where they end up flicts and a lot of the conflicts you see today in Nigeria are conflicts arising from those kinds of games of exclusion that the elites play, that one group grabs power and excludes the other. You discover that every conflict in the world today, you discover one form of exclusion or another.

That will perhaps lead us to comparing the characters of the leaders in the first and second republics and the ones we have now. Looking back, how would you compare them with the crop of politicians we have now?

Well, I will avoid the kind of run-off- the-mill analysis that must be made to say that, yes, the people in the first and second republics were better in character than the ones at the h e l m of affairs at the moment. I would rather look at it in terms of the kind of unfolding interplay of values.

ing whether the people were from the East, West or North.

There were some inherent intrinsic values that have to do with honesty, dedication and hardwork. With time, these values became eroded. Now, you may argue that the erosion of these values came through the attempt by the colonial masters to continue even after Independence to impose western values in a wide society where the socio-culture environment were essentially non-western, I mean African whether it is a Muslim or non Muslim, it was essentially African kind of values. Basically, what that means is value of sharing. In Africa, as you know too well, sharing what little you have is a very important thing.

Any traveller will be welcome in any home. You will be given food to eat. You will be given full hospitality.

People take pride in sharing.

Our families are large families where people spread what they have and because, everyone

shares, there is some level of social insurance that comes with that. But with western economic values which is geared towards accumulation, these values were eroded and we have come to a point where people see themselves as the focus of their lives and therefore they want to have the biggest cars, the biggest houses and the fattest bank account. I think that kind of shift or the gradual westernization of our values may have been responsible. But there are other views.

But there is need for us to identify those values that re-energize our society and bring the kind of peace and development that is required. That is one of the responsibilities of those who govern us.

Was there so much corruption then? ell, I think in terms of comparison, I will use the popular phrase, “the difference is clear.” It is very clear to many people who have lived through and seen what was before and now. I think what should be helpful and more useful is to understand why these differences are there and what we need to do to correct the situation. Young people were nurtured. So, it is not entirely their responsibility to be what they are. Those who are older and who are responsible for nurturing them; who they look up to, it is what they see the people do that will inform their values and behavior. So, I don’t think that it is by their own fault they are behaving the way they are behaving now. We as fathers, people of my age especially the elites who had the opportunity to reorder the society and to tell them the right kind of values and to demonstrate them,because the thing about

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Continues on page 49

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continued from page 48 values is not something that you discuss or give lectures on, you have to live it. It is in living it that you demonstrate it, that people around you who are nurtured by that environment now acquire those kinds of values.

There was a prediction by CIA that Nigeria risks disintegration by 2015 and contemporary events points to that.

What is your view on that?

First, it was not a prediction

by CIA. CIA doesn’t do this.

It’s a particular institution, a think thank in the United States that does this future analysis not only with Nigeria but other societies and it helps planning.

When You look at societies that you do business with, you look at what they are likely to become in the next 20 to 30 years.

You extrapolate them in the context of a dynamic world and then when you see this kind of thing, it allows you to think to see how we can avert some of the problems. So, it allows you to prepare for some of the consequences that might come. So, I think it is useful but it is not like to say, well, this must happen. Basically, it is to alert Nigeria and its own development and business partners that there is a time things can go this way and it is important that you push back and see how you can resolve it. So, it is not like a prediction, not somebody wishing Nigeria bad. I think it is important to correct that particular context. Now when you come to the issue itself that had been raised, they look at issues: the level of violence associated with our elections, the level of violence associated with so many other things in our society and they look at the corruption that had engulfed the nation, it is actually suffocating governance. They look at competence or lack of it of our leaders, they look at a number of factors and they now extrapolate them and realize that no society can sustain development, peace in this kind of circumstance for a long period of

‘We have to ensure equitable distribution of wealth’ We have to open the political space for others to come in. We have to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth. We have also got to ensure that level of literacy, education is much higher than it is now. All these are some of the things they identified and the key thing is accountability to fight corruption. But if you don’t have accountability, then you really cannot run government efficiently. And if you can not run government efficiently, you cannot be equitable, you are bound to exclude people and conflict will grow because you are not resolving it.It doesn’t matter the number of soldiers you put in place. It doesn’t matter the number of people you kill. Infact, the more you

,,

I think it is irresponsible of Jonathan or anybody who is encouraging him to encourage him to run. It is not about whether he comes from wherever.

No. Look at his own records

time. The value of that study is for us as Nigerians not to insult those who have done it. We should actually appreciate those who have done this. We should actually thank them. We should now ask ourselves what is it that we need to do to now stop the disaster from taking place. In that particular report, they identified some specific areas where we need to improve. One of the areas, I remember correctly is that we have got to tame corruption. We have got to find a way of including everybody to stop exclusion. Exclusion can be economic, political or social.

kill, oppress, the more the conflict grows. The deeper it becomes. So, these are the i s s u e s .

How would you assess Nigeria’s general development in the last 53 years?

I can tell you straight away that Nigeria made tremendous progress between Independence up to 1966. Even after the coup and the eventual civil war, Nigeria still made a lot of progress because it helped development plans and we executed them diligently. The politicians in those days were people who lived modestly. They

lived within the community.

They interacted.

They were part of the society.

They were contented with what little they had. They were conscious of their responsibility to society. They were far more dedicated to their work. You look at their lives,these things are documented,they were far , far responsible. But of course, at some stage especially during the military, situations started getting out of hand. Leaders became very greedy. They started accumulating. They started abusing their offices.

They started being ethnical and started excluding others, that was how we came to the point where, may be you can say, up till 1999. The country was really in bad shape.

Luckily, democracy came back.

And that would have given us the opportunity to rearrange and redesign and recover from the losses that we went through during those years of the military. But unfortunately, all these hopes and dreams became shattered. n 1999, we had may be about 2,000 to 4,000 megawatts of electricity. Fifteen years after, with the huge amount of investment, in my time in the parliament, we calculated 15 billion US dollars, there was no a single increase in the mgwts. We are still between 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts and since then more money had gone into power and yet we have not increased our generation, distribution. We are still where we were. Now, that in itself has a lot to tell you about the quality and type of politicians we have in this country.

This is just one small area, of course, it is key to development. Now, when you look at the very important area of poverty because you measure the progress of government by looking at the quality of human lives, what is called the human

I

Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—49

development indices. You look at, for example, maternal- mortality, you find that in 1999, it was far better that what it is today.

Today, we are in the class of Afghanistan, Pakistan and these other war-ravaged countries, meaning that all the resources that we have acquired have not been deployed in the direction they ought to. It has actually ended up in their pockets. The point is, you look at all these indices, you find out that we have actually deteriorated. Poverty has more than doubled during this period.

Polio is being eradicated everywhere in the world except in Nigeria. Now, when you count these terrible things, it is commentary to the incompetence of the political leadership that we have had during this period starting from Obasanjo himself.

Even after a year it has doubled, he still wanted to continue for third term. And to be fair, you don’t blame just President Obasanjo because there are people around that tend to give him legitimacy, that tend to give him the kind of cover, laundering. So, this is where we are.

And of course, every body is suffering now from Boko Haram, from so many things.

We created them.

Some people are of the view that President Jonathan should not run in 2015. What is your take on this?

Well, I wished President Jonathan has a mind of his own. And I wished he really has the courage to come out and say exactly what he wants.

For me let me say, I recognize that by law any Nigerian can contest. So, you can’t really say, there is a legal barrier. But it is not just by law. Common sense suggests that Jonathan should apologize and simply leave because ask him, if you ever have the opportunity, what is it that he has achieved since he came to power? Recently a group of 21 civil society organizations dealing with issues of corruption reacted to only one of the claims he made that he is working hard to stem corruption.

They gave a lot of different reports of corruption that are waiting to be acted upon but nobody acted on them: the subsidy report, the Malabo Oil business, the Arunma Oteh case, they gave a list of concrete cases. The reports are there. All you needed to do was to implement them or take them to court, let the courts deal with them. But none has been done. Now tell me, you have not done this and you still want to continue. Continue to do what? What is it that you have solved. You have not been able to solve the Boko Haram issue.

Things have deteriorated beyond measure even after you have acquired one trillion of Nigeria’s money, nothing to show for it, then you want to contest. Contest to do what again? Kill the country completely? I think it is irresponsible of Jonathan or anybody who is encouraging him to encourage him to run. It is not about whether he comes from wherever. No. Look at his own records.

They are there for everybody to see. What is it in there that he can take and say, yes, I have done this correctly, therefore let me run? And corruption is only one out of many issues. Security, the economy itself. They have talked about SURE-P, they have talked about this and that.

But look, they have not been able to address the 300billion at the NNPC. When people are languishing in poverty. So, it is so difficult for me to understand. What does Jonathan want to do again?

The President on Tuesday decided to call for National Dialogue. So many people are saying it is not going to solve the country’s numerous problems. What is your take on that?

If you want to be fair to Jonathan, you will say that he has done these things to divert attention from his gross incompetence. He is totally incompetent.

He has failed to achieve a single thing. And he wants to take peoples attention away to get them to start talking about these issues of who gets what, what ethnic group do you belong to?

But these issues have always been there. People have been clamouring even before Jonathan.

No. These issues are always accentuated by bad governance. Go back and check starting from Babangida through Abacha, Obasanjo now Jonathan. Consistently, any time this issue comes up, the President is in trouble. Check your human indices, you find they are the worst. Leaders take away attention. These inequalities they are creating accentuate these feelings of equality. But the ordinary Nigerian is not asking Jonathan to correct it. Give people good education. You can’t settle the issue of ASUU, now, the doctors are on strike. Others are going on strike and you tell me you are contesting?

What are you going to do again that you cannot do before? If you want to be fair to him, if you want to be more critical which I think we should be, I think he is realizing that the enormity of the opposition is so much that he cannot contest unless he wants to set this country on fire.

Let’s look at the events around the opposition parties, the new PDP and the old PDP so to speak. What do you make out of the whole thing with regards to 2015?

Well, it is up to the PDP people.

I don’t really know what they are doing. I can’t comment on what they are doing about 2015. It is their business if they decide that they are going to allow Jonathan or whoever. For me, PDP is not a party. It is a rigging machine.

If Nigerians allow them to continue rigging, fair enough. They are the ones to suffer.

But for APC, it is a new party, it is crystallizing. It is an opposition party. It is made up of governments that have shown commitment to the delivery of the real democratic dividends, meaning that we have governments like Lagos, Edo, Imo, Osun States. They are really delivering.

50 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Agagu’s burial.... Agagu’s burial ....Agagu’s burial ...

Don’t be deterred, PDP tells Aviation Minister •Assures Nigerians of competence of Aviation Authorities

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

T

HE Peoples Democrat ic Party, PDP also reacted to the plane crash and asked the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah not to be deterred in her efforts in the aviation sector following the incident.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh the party however assured Nigerians of Oduah’s competence to handle the matter. ”We expect the aviation authorities to live up to their billing and not be deterred by the accident.

The safety of Nigerians must be paramount at all times and must not be compromised in any way.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has thanked Nigeri-

ans for their outpouring of grief and concerns over Thursday’s Lagos plane crash which affected the family, friends and well wishers of former minister and PDP governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu. ”This is even as the party expressed confidence in the ability of the aviation authority as presently constituted to unravel the cause of the accident and ensure maximum safety in the nation’s airspace.

“We earnestly thank Nigerians for the outpouring of grief, prayers and concerns since the occurrence of this accident. It is a devastating tragedy that calls for soul searching and fervent prayers to the Almighty God.

“A lot of advancements have been made in the aviation sector under this administration and we are confident that this accident will not constitute a set-back to the progress so far achieved.

“While it is noted that air crashes occur all over the world, the party expect the aviation authorities to maximize the innovations so far initiated and implemented in the sector to ensure that we achieved maximum safety rate in the industry.”

Mimiko declares 3 days fasting, prayer O

NDO State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has declared a 3-day of fasting and Prayer in the state following the death of officials of the state in the Thursday morning ill-fated

Lagos to begin DNA today

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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ARELY 24 hours after the ill-fated Associated Airline plane crashed at the Joint User Hydrant Installation, JUHI, Muritala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos state government is set to commence the Deoxyribonucleic Acid, DNA test today.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the capturing exercise for the children and siblings of the victims to identify the dead will hold at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH and will end tomorrow October 6, 2013.The exercise which is expected to commence at about 10am and end 6pm on both days will assist the state government identify bodies that were burnt beyond recognition.Effort to speak with the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris and the Chief Pathologist, Professor John Obafunwa proved abortive.

Street urchins however, yesterday invaded the crash site to scavenge for iron and aluminum parts of the plane.Though nonstaff including pressmen were barred from gaining

access to the site, the scavengers, Saturday Vanguard gathered, scaled the fence to gain access into the

premises at the early hours of the day to search for items that could be sold.

Bishop warns against acquisition of ill-gotten wealth Bishop of the Diocese of the Coast, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Bishop Ebunoluwa Ogunele has warned against acquisition of ill-gotten wealth by politicians in the country.

Ogunele spoke during a funeral service for Dr Agagu at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Iju-Odo in Okitipupa Council Area of the state, noting that nobody takes any of the ill gotten wealth along with him when dying.

The Bishop said that Agagu lived a modest life without any ill-gotten wealth in Akure , Lagos or Abuja just like two of his predecessors, the late Adebayo Adefarati and Bamidele Olomilua. ”If Agagu had acquired wealth illegally, none of his properties would have been buried with him today. What remains

From left: Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Special Adviser, Special Duties to the Speaker, Hon Yemi Arokodare and Senator George Akume, during the Speaker’s condolence visit to the Governor, at the Government House, in Akure, yesterday.

with him is his faith in Jesus Christ. Our politicians should stop stealing public funds because the day they die, their certificates expire.

Whatever you have would be lost when you are dead.

”God does not recognise title or wealth. We do not know when death will come. If you do not have time to serve God but you have time to acquire wealth illegally, you will die one day and you will have to face your maker,’’ he said.

plane crash which had the body of the former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Agagu and 20 others on board.

In a state broadcast yesterday evening, Dr Mimiko said the Associated Airline plane crash that happened on Thursday morning in Lagos has further thrown the state into sadness and mourning adding that certainly”this is trying time in the history of our beloved state”.

He narrated that “a few weeks ago, when the news filtered in that our former governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu had passed on, we were shocked and completely devastated. “in grief, we declared seven days of mourning and

T

tling” Dr Mimiko said “ It is particularly saddening that not only did this turn of events alter our original plan for the burial, it also caused us additional losses with the death of four top officials of the State and some other Nigerians who were on board the aircraft.

Stressing that the government commiserate with the bereaved families over the untimely death of their loved ones the Governor assured that the bereaved families are not alone in this moment of grief and gloom.

Consequently, he said, ”we have declared 3 Days of fasting and prayers in the state, commencing , Saturday 5th of October, 2013.”

Agagu’s profile

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R Agagu was born February 16, 1948 at Iju-Odo in Okipipupa Local Government Area of the Ondo State.

He commenced his elementary education at St. Luke’s Anglican School, now known as St. Paul’s Anglican School Okitipupa, in 1954. In January 1958, he moved to live with his cousin, Edward Fagbohun

Director General, National Sports Commission also mourns HE Director-General of the NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye in his own condolence sympathised with the state government and the people of Ondo State who are experiencing a harrowing time as a result of the

praying. We also set up a burial planning committee to work in conjunction with the family, with a view to giving our departed former Governor a befitting state burial.

The committee which comprised top officials of our government and key family members left no stone unturned in giving the deceased a worthy burial. In line with the burial plans, we waited anxiously to receive the corpse in Akure, when we heard the sad news that the aircraft bearing his corpse with other top government officials, some eminent Nigerians and close family members had crash-landed in Lagos shortly after takeoff. It was shocking and very unset-

demise of Agagu.

He lamented that the state lost brilliant and enterprising citizens in the last few weeks and prayed the Almighty God to console the bereaved families and grant them the fortitude to bear the losses.

in Ibadan, Oyo state where he continued his primary education at Ebenezer African Church School, OkeAdo, Ibadan.

In 1959 he was transferred to Kano where he studied at the Ebenezer Methodist School and Baptist Primary School SabonGari. He then moved back to Ebenezer African Church School, Ibadan where he completed his primary education in 1960.

Thereafter, he was in Ibadan Grammar School between January 1961 and 1967 where he passed his West African School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate examinations.

He was admitted to the University of Ibadan in 1968 to study Botany but later

changed to Geology. He graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Second Class Upper Division, in 1971. As an undergraduate, his academic record was replete with laurels and prizes.

Agagu went to the University of Texas between 1973 and 1974 for his Masters degree in Geology. Returning to Nigeria, he obtained a Ph.D degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Ibadan in 1978.

Agagu was appointed first Aviation Minister by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. He served as the governor from May 29, 2003 to February 2009 under the umbrella of the PDP.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013—51

Bomb scare at PDP National Secretariat •As staff run for safety

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

N

ATIONAL secre tariat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was yesterday thrown into pandemonium and state of total confusion as both senior and junior staff ran for safety following fear of planted bomb by an undisclosed group.

As the news went round the Wadata Plaza, the PDP National Secretariat, top party officials were scampering to leave the secretariat, just as some directors hurriedly discharged their Staff for the week end.

It was also difficult for staff to drive out of the premises because of the tight nature of the available packing space and middle and junior level officials without cars who were apparently disturbed especially as the news broke out barely twenty four hours after the Lagos Plane crash were seen in groups discussing the matter.

Some principal officials like the National Auditor, Chief Adewole Adeyanju, departmental directors , among others who got wind of the

news had to rush out of the premises, even as PDP national chairman,Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the new National Secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo were not in the office.

Moves by anxious journalists to get to the top of the story, however revealed that a report was relayed to the party secretariat Thursday night disclosing a verified report of a credible threat

to attack the secretariat starting from Friday.

A director of the party was said to have received the report and then informed all the necessary directors and officials within the leadership and this was later leaked to the general Staff who took the news and reacted very fast yesterday.

A top security official of the party who confirmed the development, said, “ yes, the threat is real and we are all aware of the situation”

L-R shows the Provost, College of Medicine, Imo State University, Prof. Theodore Okeahialam welcoming the guest Speaker Prof. Olusola Oyemade to the delight of a Specialist Consultant, Prof. Ayo Olowu to the 2013 Faculty of Paedriatrics, National Post-Graduate College of Nigeria Lecture held at the LASUTH Auditorium Ikeja, Lagos.

Amaechi petitions National Human Rights Commission over Rivers police ‘’There are on-going ground breaking person and office as the Chief Security Officer of

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

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OVERNOR C h i b u i k e Amaechi has called on the National Human Rights Commission to urgently intervene in what he termed the deteriorating human rights situation in the state.

The governor, in a petition addressed to the Director General of the Commission, accused the state Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu of rights violation, saying there was

urgent need for the commission to look into the issues with a view to redressing them “I Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, 48, male, Christian, married, presently residing in Port Harcourt. In my capacity as the governor of Rivers state, compelled by the duty I owe to Rivers people as their chief Security Officer ... request for the urgent exercise of the powers and functions conferred on the NHRC towards addressing a grave and deteriorating human rights situation in the state.

human rights violations in Rivers state falling within the investigative and other duties of the National Human Rights Commission. ‘’Abuses which need the independent and human rights competences and capabilities of the National Human Rights Commission as ably demonstrated in your

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

A

S the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, intensifies effort to weed out corrupt elements from the judiciary, a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Stanley Shenko Alagoa, yesterday, admitted that some judges collect bribe from politicians and traditional rulers to pervert the course of justice.

Speaking at a valedictory court session that was held in his honour at the apex court yesterday, Alagoa who is bowing out of

active judicial service after clocking the 70 years mandatory retirement age, disclosed that politicians often resort to intimidation and harassment in their uncanny bid “to influence judges to depart from their sacred oath of office and the path of honour and rectitude.”

According to him, “I will be failing in my duty especially at this time if I do not say a word or two about allegations of corruption in the judiciary. Time was when this canker worm was confined to the Magistracy and Customary or Native

said to have spread and has now gained ground in the High and some say appellate Courts.

This trend must be worrisome to any discerning person as some highly placed persons including distinguished and respected retired Justices of the Supreme Court and other legal luminaries have expressed grave concern over this ugly trend.

“The greatest challenges to the judiciary are politicians followed by businessmen.

Traditional rulers must also share in the blame.

It is this class of persons that bribe, intimidate, harass or influence judges to depart from

the state. Court orders are being obeyed in the breach by the leadership of the police in Rivers state.

While security communications or directives from the state government are treated with even greater contempt as they are no longer even acknowledged”, he said

EFCC sets to tackle fraud on stock exchange

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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HAIRMAN, Economic and Financial Crimes

Politicians, traditional rulers offer us bribe, says retiring S-Court Justice Courts. With time it is their sacred oath of office •As body of SANs insists on review of criteria for appointment of apex court justices

engagement of the Baga incident and the situation in North East Nigeria, which interim report bears many striking resemblance to the situation in Rivers state,” he said. “The Nigeria Police force, Rivers state command under its present Commissioner has become inaccessible and actively antagonistic to my

and the path of honour and rectitude.

“A judge who hobnobs with this group may well be unwittingly allowing his position to be compromised and possibly jeopardized. A judge must hold fast to his faith in God and be bold.

This done, these class of persons, like bees can only buzz around but must certainly lack the power and ability to sting.

“A necessary first step is the selection process.

Only men and women of proven integrity and courage should be picked to sit on the bench,” he added.

His revelation came on a day the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, warned against frequent change of headship of the apex court.

Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday promised that hell will be let loose on stockbrokers and other stakeholders who use their positions to defraud clients.

Also, the EFCC boss promised that the antigraft agency will not relent or shy away from exposing corporate entities and individuals that engage in fraudulent practices.

Lamorde made this statement at the Memorandum of Understanding and Bell ringing ceremony between the EFCC and the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday, in a bid to guard against infractions on extant rules by players on the exchange, Lamorde stated that the MoU signing ceremony and Bell Ringing that took place on the floor of the Exchange is an acknowledgement of the importance of the NSE. ”It is an acknowledgement of the obvious significance of the NSE in the lives of millions of Nigerians and

the nation as a corporate entity”.

According to him, the MoU basically seeks to promote cooperation between the Exchange and the commission, adding that the EFCC will meet its obligations in order to help achieve the highest levels of transparency and accountability in the operations of the NSE and take the stock market to the next level.

He further stated that though he “may not have physically come to the Exchange in the past, the activities of certain individuals and organisations had made the crossing of our paths inevitable”.

The EFCC head added that the stock exchange of any nation is the window on the economy of that nation and the snapshots it provides on a daily basis, mirrors the nation’s economic essence. ”When the stock exchange is healthy or perceived to be sick, the nation is concurrently healthy or perceptibly sick.”

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 5, 2013

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r. Johnny Esike, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Sykes, Energiprojekts Nigeria Limited. He is an articulate engineering icon who has made the difference in the profession without being biased. In this interview with Moses Nosike of Saturday Vanguard Business, he and the company’s engineers reveal that giving clients the best is part of the company’s principles. He also identified key areas of the economy that need government direct funding as Small and Medium Enterprises, Science and Technology etc. saying if we must create employment ,develop the country and attract foreign investors serious attention must be paid to these directions. Excerpts: Since 1990 when Sykes Energiprojekts Limited was first incorporated, what has been your major achievements?

Well, since 1996 when we restructured the company in two places, engineering and manufacturing, we have achieved so much in terms of service delivery, constructing of some tank farms along the line and also delivery of our individual projects such as developing a complete oxygen plant presently functional in Delta State.

However, in the course of project delivery, we have delivered on Turnkey basis, Matrix Oil and Gas which we built in 2007 and also Masters Energy, Port Harcourt in 2009. Also we have delivered 8500mtons and 7200mtons oil storage tanks at IBAFON OIL Ltd, in the same 2009; construction of petroleum pipelines for SAHARA Energy, Apapa. And we also have done most recently, Matrix Energy, and this month we have completed the management construction of A &E Energy Tank farm in Warri. These are our major micro projects. We also have other

Science and Technology, SMEs need govt direct funding—ESIKE maintenance project for companies like Sahara Energy at the Aviation terminal of the Presidential Air fleet, Nigeria Air Force Base, Abuja and Honey Well Flour Mills five years ago, just to mention but a few.

What are your business principles that have kept the company moving forward despite challenges in the operating environment?

Actually, what has really kept us in business overtime is integrity in our business and delivery of quality service. We deliver projects as at and when due.

We satisfy our clients by delivering quality projects.

Again, we aim at building a business based on sound engineering, construction values and principles that have continued to evolve and adapt to global changes. We keep moving forward and achieving results despite challenges because our approach to solving engineering problems includes extensive and farreaching consultations with our clients/associates, in-depth analysis of the task, challenges and the cost effective technical options with a view to rendering quality service to our valued clients.

What are those things that stand Sykes out in the engineering sector in Nigeria?

As a matter of fact, we have done so much in tank farm areas. We are performing credibly. We keep to time anywhere we handle projects. Most projects that should last for one year, sometimes, we deliver them at the eleventh month. We don’t compromise with standard. This is one of the things that make us unique. Our clients are satisfied with the kind of service we render to them because we deliver quality within stipulated time. And more to that, most depots we have built are of international standard and have kept us in business today despite competition.

services. As a matter of fact, they refer and recognise us when they are facing challenges.

What are your strategies of winning clients?

As it is said: “A good product sells itself”. We have never tried to change our quality services we render to our clients. And this has been our major winning strategy in this industry and that is helping us also to compete favourably.

Sir, do you think with your experience in the industry that government has a role to play in the engineering sector in Nigeria?

Government has a role to play in the engineering sector in so many ways. In the area of manpower development the country is l a c k i n g enough. There is a collapse in our technical schools and they don’t get the best. Our youths in the school are after certificate and they don’t acquire skills. So manpower development in this country is one of the major challenges government has to do something about. Also much emphasis on certificate without skills is not helping matters.

Most of our freshers Asike: Science and technology is the today can’t defend those way forward certificates they are carrying about. As a We keep good working relationship result, when you employ with our clients because they are satisfied them, you start training with our service delivery. For instance them afresh. Moreso, IBAFON OIL project have called us for government can be of value the maintenance of their depot and so in developing micro also is Rahamaniyya’s depot because of industries, that is the small the way we handle maintenance and medium scale

Centur oup appoints Centuryy Gr Group Obasohan, K osuo wei ne w e es Kosuo osuow new exxecutiv ecutives

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s part of efforts to further improve commercial effectiveness across the diverse industries in which it operates, Century Group recently appointed new executives to manage operations and administration across the group. Therefore, Mr. Harold Obasohan has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Operations & Strategy, while Mr. Maclaren Kosuowei has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Administration. Both appointments are with effect from August 1, 2013.

Mr Obasohan has been with Century Group for 8 years, during which he has applied his extensive experience in diagnosing and resolving opportunity

and performance gaps, as well as strategy and innovation gaps in the company ’s business development strategies.

He has over 20 years experience in the upstream E & P sector and this includes international energy business development across West African oil and gas producing nations in the last 4 years. As COO, Strategy, he will be responsible for strategy and operations management; integration, planning and monitoring of company ’s systems toward the fulfillment of the company’s vision.

The new COO Administration, Mr Maclaren Kosuowei, has over two decades of experience in banking management, corporate

Government claimed to have disbursed millions of Naira soft loans for SME in the country, but unfortunately those who really need the loans don’t have access to it

finance and risk management. He has been pivotal to the development of Century’s internal operational activities since inception and has applied his wealth of experience from the public and private sectors to give direction to the company’s operations and support services. He had previously held the position of Managing Director of Century Bumi Limited (CBL). Mr Kosuowei will now direct, administer and coordinate the internal operations of the company for good corporate governance and the continuous development and strengthening of the company ’s systems in accordance with international best practices.

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industries that can provide jobs for Nigerians if developed. Before now, government claimed to have disbursed millions of Naira soft loans for SME in but the country, unfortunately those who really need the loans don’t have access to it. Therefore, government has to devise a means or strategy to ensure that loans meant for SMEs go directly to those that need it as that is another means we can develop our economy.

Many indigenous companies are dead today for lack of government support. For instance, fifteen to twenty years ago, a company owned by Ezekiel Izuogwu who developed the first Nigeria car. Government went there to launch it and promised to support him, but as we speak I don’t think government has given him any support. These are things that kill ingenuity and innovation in Nigeria.

When you want to innovate and create things to compete with the outside world you need government support. I have mentioned Izuogwu who needed government support to develop automobile and other areas of engineering but was completely neglected, and we have the so called Science and Technology. I don’t know whether the ministry is sleeping, they go to Abuja and support those imaginary projects that people don’t see. So we need direct government involvement in innovative projects. Government should go to Polytechnics, Universities and support students that have innovative projects, create direct funding through the ministries involved and not through the schools.

Red Star Express records 5% rise in turnover

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ollowing the successful financial year, Red Star Express Plc, a leading courier and logistics company, has recorded a 5% growth in its turnover at its 20th annual general meeting which took place in Lagos recently. The company announced a 5% growth in revenue despite obvious challenges not only in the Nigeria business ecosystem but also in the global economic environment.

Chairman, Red Star Express Plc, Dr. Mohammed Koguna, at the Annual General Meeting, noted that, business environment in 2012 was quite

challenging and harsh for most businesses, however, Red Star Express was able to withstand this and steer the company on the path of profitability. The company recorded a 5% growth in revenue moving from N 5.03billion in 2011/2012 to N 5.29billion in 2012/2013.

“Based on the financial performance of the Red Star Express Plc, the Board of Directors recommended a gross cash dividend of 32kobo each for every 50kobo share issued, making a total dividend for the year amounting to N189 million, representing an increase of 6.66% com-

pared to last year.” Dr. Mohammed added.The Chairman also pointed out that, “in the new financial year, the company will be focused on expanding the activities of our subsidiaries. Through Red Star Logistics Limited, we will venture into haulage business for some major manufacturers.

The company has acquired land along Lagos/Ibadan with the aim of constructing a warehouse to expand and strengthen our supply chain solution capabilities. We will take advantage and increase strategic synergies among the subsidiaries to improve economies of scale while improving shared service capabilities.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 53

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54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 5, 2013

C M Y K

C M Y K

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 5, 2013 — 55

Give Eto’o more time, Mourinho pleads

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AMUEL Eto’o has yet to adjust fully to life in the Premier League with Chelsea, Blues boss Jose Mourinho said Friday.

Eto’o is still looking for his first goal for the London club follow-

Eagles bonus: Maigari passes buck to sports minister

BY BEN EFE

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IGERIA Football Federation, NFF president, Aminu Maigari refused to put a finger on the amount that will be paid the Super Eagles as match bonus as the team prepares to face Ethiopia in the crucial two-legged World Cup qualifier.

Maigari who was speaking in Abuja stated that the bonus issue was out of the table of the NFF as it was now a matter for the sports minister, Bolaji Abdulahi to resolve having set up a ministerial committee to look into the bonus palaver that almost marred the Super Eagles participation at the FIFA Confederations Cup last June in Brazil.

After their World Cup qualifier against Namibia the players had embarked on a sit-tight action in their hotel rooms rather than fly on schedule to Brazil. They had demanded the payment of their 10,000 dollar wining bonus even as the NFF was willing to pay 5,000 dollars.

“It will appear improper for me to comment on the issue of match bonus when the report of the committee is still lying on the minister’s table,” Maigari declared.

I work harder than Messi, Ronaldo — Ribery

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AYERN Munich winger Franck Ribery believes he works harder on the pitch than his main rivals for the Fifa Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The France international played a key role in Bayern’s historic treble win in 2012-13 and has been an impressive form in the opening months of the new season, making him one of the favourites to dethrone the Barcelona star. ”Compared to them, I work much harder. I do a lot more defending than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and provide more assists,” Ribery told Kicker. ”It would be fantastic to actually win the Fifa Ballon d’Or when you have a shot at winning it. ”I have even more confidence in myself than before and that shows on the pitch. I am on top of my game and score a lot of goals.

I am really enjoying myself on the pitch.”

Messi has won the Ballon d’Or three times in a row since the award merged with the Fifa World Player of the Year accolade in 2010.

He added that the focus was on how the Eagles will qualify for the World Cup. The first leg of the encounter will come on October 13 in Addis Ababa. Maigari said the NFF was doing everything to make the Eagles have a good result in Ethiopia and make their qualification good for the 2014 World Cup. Meanwhile, Maigari punctuated reports that the Presi-

dency has made arrangements for chartered flights in and out of Ethiopia.

“I have not come across such information, even though I will thank President Jonathan for such magnanimity. I know he is concerned about the goals of Nigerian football. So, if that assurance of two chartered planes carrying Nigerians to Addis Ababa is true, then it is fine,” he said.

ing his August move from Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Cameroon striker, 32, is expected to lead Chelsea’s attack at Norwich this weekend in place of Fernando Torres, set to be sidelined for three weeks with a knee ligament injury.

If Eto’o is involved from the kick-off at Carrow Road on Sunday, it will be his third league start and his fifth appearance for Chelsea in all competitions Mourinho, speaking to reporters at London club Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Friday, said the forward had lost sharpness as a result of playing in Russia.

“The player I know, the professional I know...what happened in Russia in last two-anda-half years I didn’t know,” added the Portuguese who had Eto’o in his Inter Milan side that won the 2010 Champions League.

“Normally when top player is one of the top players in Eu-

•Mourinho rope and then goes to Anzhi the pressure goes down, the motivation and physical condition and sharpness goes down.

“Now he’s back in top European football and needs a bit of time to find that sharpness.

He’s playing a lot. He played 80 minutes this week and he is getting his form and an understanding of where he is.

“But the Premier League is a different picture. So give him a little bit of time.”

TUSSLE.... Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi (r) in a tussle for the ball with an Ethiopian player, Minyahile Teshome Beyene. NFF President, Aminu Maigari says the Eagles bonus issue is not a matter for him.

Qatar 2022: FIFA sets up task force on new dates F

IFA has agreed to set up a taskforce to look into alternative dates for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But a final decision on when the tournament could be played will not take place be-

Fifa President, Sepp Blatter.

fore the 2014 World Cup. Fears that Qatar ’s hot summer temperatures could pose a heath risk to players and fans forced football’s world governing body to act.

The taskforce will consult with medical experts, broadcasters, sponsors and influential European leagues.

“We need to carry out very deep consultations and investigations and show some diplomacy and wisdom,” said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

At the climax of a two-day meeting in Zurich, Blatter also confirmed Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa would head the taskforce.

The BBC understands that Fifa is considering inviting English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore to be a member of the working group.

He has been an outspoken opponent of plans to stage a World Cup in the northern

hemisphere winter, claiming it would lead to disruption in many domestic leagues.

MTN Street Soccer: Defining moments for street gladiators

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T is definitely a defining moment for the respective streets that are participating in this year’s MTN/Lagos Street Soccer as the tournament enters the round of 16 this weekend. The 24 centres across the Lagos Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas where the championship is taken place will witness electrifying football atmosphere.

Out of the over 800 teams that registered in July this year for the Season 6 of the glamorous MTN Lagos Street Soccer, interestingly, the defending champions, Koilo Street of Lagos Island,2011 winners, Lawal Akapo street of Apapa and the last

year’s runner up, Ajao Jimoh Street of Igando-Ikotun are still in the race.

The teams will tackle other teams in the tournament at Elegbata Sports Centre, Apongbon, Lagos in the male category of the tournament this weekend. While Koilo Street will trade tackles with street-gladiators from Ireoluwa, Oshodi-Isolo, AgboElegba, Apapa, Local Governments, The 2011 winners, Akapo Lawal will engage players from Amudalat Jokomba, Bariga and the last years’ runnerup, Ajao Jimoh of Ikotun-Igando Local Government Council Area in a battle to decide the qualifiers for the round of 16.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 5, 2013

TODAY’S MATCHES Man City Cardiff City Fulham Hull City Liverpool Sunderland

v v v v v v

Everton 12.45pm Newcastle 3 pm Stoke City 3 pm Aston Villa 3 pm Crystal Palace 3 pm Man Utd 5.30 pm

U-17 World Cup: Spain’s Nigeria’99 hero tips Eaglets P

GETTING FIT... Super Eagles forward, Shola Ameobi picked up an injury last month and his club, Newcastle said he would be out for severak weeks. Coach Stephen Keshi is however optimistic he’ll be fit for the battle against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa next week.

Battle of Addis Ababa:

We’ll put in 100 % against Nigeria — Ethiopian defender E

THIOPIAN players are working hard to have a psychological advantage over the Super Eagles when they clash in the first leg of the World Cup qualifier in Addis Ababa next weekend.

The Walya Antelopes full back, Agebaw Butako disclosed that they are practicing hard to have a solid team, where every player will give 100 percent in the two legged encounter, adding that all what the Ethiopian players were thinking was creating an upset and make history.

“Our minds are on the upcoming match against Nigeria whom we have played before. Though we respect them as the African champions, we are all chasing the same dream of qualifying for the World Cup and at this point the

history will not be useful.

I am happy with our training both tactically and technically and what remains is the belief that we can make it since everyone in the team has worked very hard to reach this point.

We cannot afford to be complacent at this moment. The secret will be for each player to give 100 percent in both matches,” he added.

The Ethiopians are planing a warm-up match against Zambia with hope of being on top of their game when they face the Eagles. Ethiopian Football Federation Vice Chairman, Teka Asfaw also disclosed that some key players like Shemelse Bekele, Addis Hintsa and Getanhe Kebede will be joining the rest of the squad in Addis Ababa this weekend.

ABLO Coira, a member of the 1999 FIFA- Under-20 World Cup-winning team hosted by Nigeria, has tipped the Golden Eaglets for success at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE. Now working with legendary Michael Salgado at the Spanish Coaching Centre in Dubai, Coira watched the last moments of the Golden Eaglets trainning on Wednesday at the practice pitch of the Dubai Higher College of Technology and even wished the team success.

“I’m sentimentally attached to Nigeria since when we won the U-20 World Cup in 1999 and I was part of the team,” said the defender who played along with striker Pablo Couñago,the competition’s top scorer as well as Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas and Xavi of Barcelona.

The 34-year-old Coira said there was nothing as sweet as winning the World Cup at any level and has pledged his support to the Golden Eaglets since Spanish youngsters failed to qualify for the 15th edition of the U-17 championship.

“I hope you guys would be able to win the World Cup here. For me, it has to be Nigeria and I wish you all the best.”

The Golden Eaglets have caught the admiration of many football fans here on a daily basis. A Chinese couple who are lecturers at the Dubai Higher College of Technology brought their kid in tow during one of the team’s sessions. ”It is nice to see you guys here and we wish you well during your competition,”they chorused.

The story is not different at the team’s Al-Jawhara Hotel camp where fans and lodgers expressively requested for photo sessions. Of particular mention is that of Mr. Sanusi Ibrahim Tunde, Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area in Lagos who was excited like a kid on meeting the team at their camp. ”I must take picture with you guys,” he said as the camera clicked away. “I’m happy to see you people and wish you well at the Under-17 World Cup.” Meanwhile, the anticipated match between the Golden Eaglets and the American University in Dubai slated for Saturday has been postponed till next week.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.L.G.A in Niger State (4) 3.Syrian Capital City (8) 7 . Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Outfit in Nigeria (3) 8.Country in North America (4) 9.Africa’s Longest River (4) 10.Citrus Fruit (5) 12.L.G.A in Abia State (9) 16.Ghanaian Textile (5) 19.Mobile Light (5) 20.Chairman, UACN Plc, Mr. Udo (6) 22.President Enugu Chamber of Commence, Industry, Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr. Okechukwu, (9) 25.United States Secretary of State, Mr. John (5) 27.Associate (4) 28.L.G.A in Akwa Ibom State (4) 29.Albanian Currency (3) 30.Kenya “Harambee Stars” Coach, Adel (8)

DOWN 1.Gombe United Striker, Linus (8) 2.Former Ondo State Governor, Chief Olusegun (5) 3.L.G.A in Sokoto State (5) 5.Shellfish (4) 6.Hebrew Alphabet (4) 11.Cereal (3) 13.Dolphins FC Goalkeeper, Owazuoke (4) 14.Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin (9) 15.Golden Eaglets (U-17) Coach, Manu (5) 17.Nasarawa United Striker, Victor (4) 18.Country in Africa (8) 21.Female Rabbit (3) 23.Ireland “Green Army” Striker, Kevin (5) 24.Former Heartland Coach, Ndubuisi (5) 25.Croatian currency (4) 26.Cry of a Lion (4)

SOLUTION on page 15

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