Edo Gruber: Army depolys 3,500 soldiers

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Catholic church blasts Lagos lawmakers over Cremation Bill•says “it’s against Christianity”

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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HE Catholic Church has asked the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the dead rest in peace by throwing out its proposal to pass a bill legalising voluntary cremation of unclaimed dead bodies in the state-owned mortuaries.

The bill seeking to legalise voluntary cremation of the dead and unclaimed corpses has already scaled the second reading on the floor of the House of Assembly.

Entitled: A bill to legalise voluntary cremation of corpses and unclaimed corpses in Lagos State,’’ the bill was sponsored by the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Health Care Services, Suru Avoseh.

However, in a statement yesterday, the Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, said it was totally against any move to legalize cremation or the desecration of human corpse in any guise as it believes in life after death.

Cremation is the process of burning the human corpse to ashes and sprinkling the ashes into the sea as is practised in India by the adherents of Hindus, which is the predominant religion in the country and some other parts of the Asia.

The statement signed on Okogie’s behalf by the Lagos Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Osu, advised the law makers to quickly jettison the idea of legalizing cremation and instead concentrate on building more modern cemeteries to cater for the growing number of unclaimed corpses in the state hospitals.

Okogie’s statement read in part, “The issue of cremation is a very sensitive one because it bothers on our culture, tradition and religion. As Africans, it is against our culture and as Chris-

tians it is against our religious beliefs. In the Koran, the respect of the dead is very clear. They do not allow the corpse to stay long, not to talk of cremation. We believe after life and the need to give the dead proper burial as prescribed in the Bible.

“I do not see any one who would want his corpse or that of loved ones cremated. Already you can see the response of Lagosians during the public hearing. Most of those who spoke are vehemently opposed to it.

It is not acceptable at all.

My advice is for the law makers to quickly jettison the idea and look for better ways of dealing with unclaimed corpses,” He then urged the government to build more modern and affordable cemeteries in various parts of the state and rehabilitate the old ones that are already in very bad shapes or condition.

According to him, “It is only in Africa that we have no respect for the

dead. Go to Atan and Ikoyi cemeteries, for instance, they have been over-taken by weeds.

Security is another issue entirely.The dead deserves to rest in peace.”

While intimating his colleagues on the need to support the cremation bill, Avoseh said it addressed the pathetic state of public mortuaries and challenges being faced by health officials due to shortage of land for mass burial of unclaimed corpses.

Avoseh decried the present situation in which corpses were abandoned in mortuaries for several months, thereby stretching the capacity of the mortuaries to their limits.

He said: “During our visit to the mortuaries as a member of the ad-hoc committee, I was disturbed to see heaps of corpses that were not claimed by their relatives. So, Lagos should once again take the lead in the introduction of this legislation (cremation) in the country.”

Governor Liyel lmoke of C/River State (middle) commissioning the GLO project office in Calabar recently. Others from left are Speaker of the House of Assembly, Larry Odey and Mrs Obioma lmoke.

FG flags off repair of 3rd Mainland Bridge •as work begins today

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday flagged off the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State , saying that certain joints on it had reached advanced stages of decay.

Consequently, the road which links the Lagos Island with other parts of the state will partially remain closed in the next four months.

Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda who flagged off the N1,055,477,608.16 project after a stakeholders’ meeting said that the ‘’survey and the investigation carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works, on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos in 2007, revealed that 12 expansion joints were in need of repairs with four in very critical condition.’’

According to him, ‘’the joints after inspection

Controversial 76 Oil Wells: Cross River asks S-Court to suspend judgement plication, urged the ties.

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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EGAL tussle over the ownership of 76 disputed oil wells assumed a fresh dimension yesterday, as the Cross River State government, approached the Supreme Court, asking to suspend its judgment in the appeal it lodged against Akwa Ibom State.

The application sought to arrest the judgment of the apex court which was originally fixed for next week Tuesday, July 10.

Cross River State had in its appeal, contended that the controversial 76 oil wells, which it said was transferred to the Akwa Ibom state by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, legally belonged to it.

In a bid to prove its case, the appellant, via a motion it filed through its lead counsel, Chief Yusuf Ali, alleged that a map that was tendered before the apex court by Akwa Ibom state, was doctored, insisting that it did not represent the true position of the NigeriaCameroun boundary.

It noted that the map which is being relied upon by the apex court in resolving the protracted dispute between the two states was fraudulent, even as it has applied that the map be expunged from the list of evidences before the court.

The said map was attached to an affidavit that was deposed to by one Alhaji Bashir Shettima of the National Boundary Commission.

Besides, Cross River state, in its latest ap-

apex court to summon Mr Shettima for cross examination, with a view to ascertaining why, the deponent, being an employee of the Federal Government, tendered false and biased evidence in a matter of such magnitude.

It said that NBC had in several letters affirmed the right of Cross River State to the disputed oil wells, only for Shetima to depose to an affidavit that stated the contrary.

Specifically, Cross River is also praying the court to issue an order to compel former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, to also appear and testify as a witness in order to give evidence on the advice he gave in 2006 which the appellant said was the foundation of a political solution that was agreed upon by the par-

It stressed that it was President Olusegun Obasanjo that harmonized the settlement agreement between the two warring states.

Cross River further sought an order compelling the current AGF, Mohammed Adoke Bello, SAN, to produce in court, the written advice given by Chief Bayo Ojo in his capacity as AGF in 2006, as well as the minutes of the meeting of 27 th October, 2006, which formed the foundation of the political solution agreed upon by the parties.

It said: “Alhaji Bashir Shettima fraudulently concealed the fact that the map attached to his evidence was not an authoritative map but was merely a sketch and proposal made by the NBC and was never approved by the Federal Government.

exhibited advanced decay of the sheer connectors linking adjacent decks and required urgent attention.’’

Yuguda further said that the repair works on the replacement of eight of the joints would last till November 6.

The Minister said work will not commence today, as contractor would use the first day to move equipment to site, but noted that diversion would commence tomorrow, at some strategic points on the bridge.

Yuguda noted that although, the bridge will not be permanently closed throughout the said period, and asked road users not to panic as adequate arrangements had been put in place to cushion the effect of the partial closure.

Meanwhile, he said that all security issues that might arise from the partial closure had been addressed by the inclusion of all the relevant security agencies, just as he said that traffic will be diverted from where work was going on to the other sections which were free and vice versa throughout the period of the repairs.

Traffic Diversion He listed some of the alternative routes to Lagos Island as: Ikorodu RoadYaba-Oyingbo-Iddo-Lagos Island; Ikorodu Road-Western AvenueLagos Island; Agege Motor Road-Oshodi-ApapaLagos Island/Victoria Island and Apapa-Oshodi Expressway-Mile2-OrileLagos Island/Victoria Island.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

EDO GUBER ELECTION Army deploys 3,500 soldiers STORIES BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

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HIEF of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubike Ihejirika has announced the deployment of 3,500 soldiers to Edo State ahead of the July 14 Governorship election in the State.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIG) Zone 5, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, disclosed this press conference held in his office with the commanding officer, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Brigadier General Abel Obi Umahi in attendance.

Brig- Gen, Umahi at the meeting, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubike Ihejirika has approved the deployment of the soldiers to assist the police and other security personnel for the election.

He further disclosed that the Chief of Army

Staff has also approved 60 Hilux buses and some army patrol trucks will be distributed in various local governments and constituencies in Edo State.

While advising the electorate not to be scared of the presence of the military personnel, the Brigade commander said the soldiers would be placed in different locations to monitor the election in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Similarly, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Argungu, said, the police command was fully ready to engage any trouble maker or politician who will be out to derail the election process even as he warned that any person who attempts to hijack electoral materials would be treated as an enemy of the process and would be made to face the wrath of the law.

He also warned those warming up to serve as thugs during the election

to discard their plans as any person who wears a uniform that is not recognised by the law enforcement agency will be treated as an armed robber and political thug, while those planning to use money to lure voters or electoral officers will also be treated as criminals.

While calling on the electorate to come out enmasse to cast their vote, the AIG who assured of adequate security said only those that are with their voter’s card would be allow to move to their voters’ centres during the election, as no vehicle will be allowed into the town, except through the bypass.

He also assured journalists of safety, saying that no journalist with INEC accreditation would be harassed or intimidated by security personnel during the election, advising all journalists to ensure that they are accredited by INEC.

From the left: Governor Babangida Aliyu of NIger State; President Goodluck Jonathan; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Governor Aliyu Dakingari of Kebbi State; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi discussing as they ended a closed-door meeting between the Presidency and State Governors at the Presidential Villa

Edo PDP denies fake document in circulation E DO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the people of the state to disregard a

Oshiomhole breaks silence on alleged N10billion mansion

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HEAD of July 14 2012 governorship election in Edo state, Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has denied the allegation leveled against him by the Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of constructing an alleged N10.8 billion mansion in his home town, Iyamho,Estako West local government area of Edo state.

Oshiomhole while featuring at a live debate programme put together by Nigeria Election Debate Group,(NEDG),in Benin on Thursday, said, contrary to the allegations of PDP, what he was erecting was a mere four bed room guest house.

This is the first time that Governor Oshiomhole is breaking his silence on the alleged construction of a multi billion Naira mansion after the allegation was made by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state under the leadership of Chief Dan Orbih PDP had also led the showcasing of photographs of the alleged mansion reportedly showing

the aerial view of the sprawling estate with multiple swimming pools, fountains, theatres for cinemas and a huge events hall.

According to Governor Oshiomhole, “That is not is not all that they have

said, in 1991, I completed a family building in my village and it’s part of Nigeria culture that anywhere you are, you don’t forget home. I did make my asset declaration even before I became a Governor..

“Is it only the N10 billion estate they said I own?

They also said I own a big estate here in Benin City and another big hotel in Lagos. But the truth is that I’m extending my house in Iyamho which I had built in 1991 with a four-bedroom building which I intend to use as a guest house”.

... CAN prays for his victory

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ITH the countdown to the July 14, gubernatorial election in Edo State, the Christian Association of Nigeria, under the umbrella body of Religious/ Contact Committee yesterday in Benin, rounded up prayer and fasting for Governor Oshiomhole’s victory at the poll.

The prayer and fasting session held at the main auditorium of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium were made up of Christians across various inter-denominations within the three senatorial districts and outside the state.

Special prayers were equally said for the Comrade Governor who was physically present along

with other ACN chieftains and Director General of his campaign Organisation, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Presiding Bishop, Calvary Kingdom Church Inc. Ojo Joseph assured that come rain, come ,Comrade Governor Oshiomhole will be reelected owing to the fact that he has laid series of developmental foundations of projects which must be completed.

In his speech of appreciation, Governor Oshiomhole prayed God to give him the courage not to concede to the forces of darkness, those who want to privatize the resources of the State and their bindings which he said are inimical to the overall interest of Edo

people.

He equally asked God to grant him the spirit to constantly put him in remembrance of those promises, courage and conviction to do what is right in the sight of the Almighty God, adding that the fact that he is alive today is by God’s mercy and infinite power.

document currently in circulation in the state insinuating that the party’s governorship candidate, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) has entered into an agreement with Chief Anthony Anenih to the effect that he would be giving him, (Anenih) the sum of N500billion monthly if elected into office.

A statement by the party signed by Mr. Matthew Urhoghinde described the statement as

being very funny and ludicrous, saying that it was a desperate bid to discredit the party and score cheap political points by its detractors.

“Everything is wrong with the document. Edo PDP believes the forged document surfaced when the ACN got wind of the fact that the PDP was in possession of an agreement document between Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Oshiomhole which she planned to make public”.

...students gives Airhiavbere 7-day ultimatum to apologise for referring to students as armed robbers But reacting in a stateBY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

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TUDENTS of the Edo state owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, yesterday, gave a seven day ultimatum to the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gen.Charles Airhiavbere, to tender apology to the students for referring to them as armed robbers.

Airhiavbere had in a televised governorship debate on AIT Thursday, said the university was breeding armed robbers while trying to emphasize that the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole failed to improve the plight of the university.

ment yesterday in Benin City, the President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the university, Comrade John Ologie, said the comment was a great disservice to the people of the state, particularly when “ we were recently referred to as armed robbers by a man who seek to lead us as governor”. According to the statement, “as representatives of our students, we totally frown at the use of such derogative language to describe our students cum alumni by the PDP candidate who adversely was lacking in ideas to marshal out his points on what he will do if elected as governor of Edo state in the live debate.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012 — 7

S-Court sacks Eyibo, affirms Ewuga’s election …Orders immediate swearing-in of Chief Dan-Abia bly was not conducted in Esit/Onna Federal ConstituBY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

THE Supreme Court yesterday sacked the former spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr Eseme Eyibo, from office. The apex court in its judgment yesterday maintained that he was not the validly elected lawmaker for Eket/Ibeno/ Esit/Onna Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

Consequently, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision read by Justice John Fabiyi, ordered the immediate swearing-in of Chief Dan Bassey Abia, as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It would be recalled that the Abuja Division of the Court ofAppeal had on January 27, ordered Eyibo to vacate the seat on the premise that the primary election that brought him to the National Assem-

strict adherence to the relevant electoral laws. The appellate court had also vacated the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja upon which Eyibo was sworn into office by the leadership of the House of Representatives. Dissatisfied with the verdict of the appellate court, Eyibo proceeded to the apex court where he lost again yesterday. In its judgment, the appellate court presided by Justice Ejembi Eko, held that “the 1st respondent, Eseme Eyibo, by his own showing has not proved that his purported nomination as the candidate of the PDP complied with the mandatory provisions of the PDP Electoral guidelines because no electoral panel attended the venue where his supporters assembled to pass a resolution that he be affirmation and that he was accepted by the PDP as a consensus candidate for the Eket/Ibeno/

ency the mandatory result sheet form code was not filled and none was shown. The Electoral guideline is very clear no result shall be upheld as valid until it has been entered in the appropriate Form PD004/NA designated for it.

“The trial court did not consider all the vital evidential materials before it. The judgment is clearly perverse. The trial court not only closed its eyes to the pieces of evidence constituting admission against interest made by the 1st respondent [Eyibo].

CBN dismisses allegation of operating secret bank account T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed allegations that it is operating secret foreign bank accounts.

In statement issued

Cour oman, Courtt jails pregnant w woman, as man gets 10 years for acid bathing

BY ANAYO OKOLI, Umuahia

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N Umuahia Magis trate Court presided over by Mr. John Ukpai has sentenced a pregnant woman, Ijeoma Amarachi and Johnson Ndubuisi to 10 years imprisonment for attacking Mr. Anyalewechi Onwuchekwa with acid. The court found them guilty of attempt to murder their fellow worker

by pouring acid on him.

Both Ijeoma Amarachi, Johnson Ndubuisi and Anyalewechi were staff of BAWAS Petroleum Ltd,Umuahia.

Ijeoma Amarachi, 25 (F), and Ndubuisi Johnson 27 (M) were charged on two count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder of one Anyalewechi Onwuchekwe, all staff of Bawas Filling Station at Umuabali, Umuokpara in Umuahia

North Local Government Area, Abia state.

The prosecution claimed they committed the offence at Bawas Filling Station on September 13, 2008. Delivering the judgment, Chief Magistrate John Ukpai, said his court after reviewing the submissions by the prosecution and defence counsel was convinced that the accused persons committed the offence as charged.

Ondo Guber: INEC clears parties to commence campaigns

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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OLITICAL parties in Ondo state have been given the go ahead by Independent National Elector-

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al Commission (INEC) to commence campaign activities as from July 21 ahead of the October 20 governorship election in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Akin Orebiyi said in Akure yesterday at a stakeholders’ forum organised by the electoral body to sensitise political parties and other groups.

Orebiyi said that the announcement was in consonance with the provisions of the Electoral Act which stipulate that campaigns for an election should begin

Chairman of PDP; Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Minister of Works; Arc Mike Onolememen; PDP Chieftain ,Prince Matthew Urhoghide and Chief Tony Anenih during the recent PDP rally in Edo State last weekend.

ninety days before Election Day. He pointed out that “INEC has been born again, restructured, refocused and re-engineered and we are ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections because that is the very essence of participatory democracy.”

Orebiyi assured of the impartiality of the umpire in the coming poll “because referees don’t play football, we are to organize the game and make sure that contestants follow the rules and regulations and nothing more.”

yesterday and signed by the Director, Corporate communications department, Ugo A. Okoroafor, the bank said, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to publications in the media over allegations at the public hearing of the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Appropriation and Finance, that the CBN operates a secret foreign bank account.

“As banker and financial adviser to the Federal Government and its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the actions and activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria, fall within the principles of banker-customer relationship.

“The CBN does not and cannot open any account for Government and its agencies, unless and until clear and specific instructions, approvals or mandates are issued by the appropriate authorities. We wish to state c l e a r l y, t h e f o l l o w i n g facts regarding the accounts in question: “That the CBN/NNPC Crude Oil & Gas Account was opened on 16 th May, 2002, on the express instruction of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) vide a mandate ref: No; CS/5385/ S.23/94/DDF, dated 15 th May, 2002.

“That the CBN/NNPC Gas Account was opened on 3rd February, 2009, fol-

lowing a similar instruction from the AccountGeneral of the Federation, vide mandate ref. No.; FD/ 5385/S.71/1/178/DF, dated 28 th January, 2009.

“That the two accounts, which were opened as domiciliary accounts, are backed by the appropriate mandates of the OAGF. “That in operating the said Accounts, the NNPC on monthly basis issues instructions to the CBN on how much should be p a i d a s J o i n t Ve n t u r e Cash Call (JVC) and how much should be monetised and transferred to the Federation Account for distribution to the three tiers of government.

A minimum balance of USD10m is always left in the revenue account.

“That on the CBN/NNPC Gas Account, the NNPC issues monthly mandates to enable the CBN monetise and transfer the

balance in the account to the Federation Account, leaving a minimum balance of USD5 million.

“That all movements of funds out of the accounts are duly authorised by NNPC. “That the role of the CBN, as banker to Government and MDAs, is limited to the following: Ensuring that lodgments/ deposits into the accounts are consistent with their r e q u i s i t e mandates;Providing customers with the statements of accounts. In the case of the accounts in question, NNPC and OAGF are provided the statements of account on a weekly basis; Ensuring that accounts are reconciled regularly. In the case of the said accounts, this is done with with both JP Morgan Chase and NNPC while the OAGF is availed with monthly reconciliation reports on the accounts.

Osanebi promises better life for Ndokwa

BY SIMON ADEWALE

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EMBER represent ing the Ndokwa East Local Government Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, and Chairman House Committee on DESOPADEC Hon. Friday Osanebi, has promised more empowerment and better life for Ndokwa East indigenes, as he empowers youths in the Ndokwa nation.

Briefing newsmen on the

just concluded empowerment programme provided to Ndokwa indigenes in Delta State, Osanebi promises more dividend of democracy as they progress.

He stated that he was overwhelmed by the confidence reposed in him by the electorate and support given to him by the Ndokwa people and advise that they should key into Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan three point agenda and support the his administration.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Ogun NSCDC arrests female robbery suspect at Governor’s office

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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Lagos-based fe male suspected robber identified as Ikechukwu Abigael yesterday caused a stir at Ogun state governor ’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta when she attempted to steal a car parked within the vicinity.

Luck however ran against the middle-aged woman when men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Deference Corp (NSCDC), Ogun state command burst the alleged robbery operation.

Ikechukwu,32, was reported to have attempted to steal money from the car which was parked at the governor’s office before she was apprehended.

The robbery suspect was said to have used a master key to open the door of the Mazda 626 car with registration

number; (Lagos) CV 243 MUS belonging to Alhaji Imran Oke. According to an eye witness who pleaded anonymity, the robbery suspect had stolen a sum of N98, 000 from the car parked at the portion of the governor ’s office which housed the NSCDC and the State Universal Basic Education at around 12:00 pm.

Confirming the incident, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Kareem Olanrewaju, who confirmed the arrest claimed that the suspect trailed her victim, Oke from the Zenith Bank in Oke Ilewo where he had gone for a banking transaction and made withdrawal of the money.

Olanrewaju further explained that temporary investigation carried out on Abigael revealed that she came to operate inAbeokuta from EganIgando in Lagos state.

He said the arrest was made possible due to the eagle eyes of the officers on duty who had earlier thought that Ikechukwu

was the owner of the car owing to the easiness at which she opened the doors of the car.

The NSCDC image maker also said that items found on the robbery suspect included: two Nokia phones, a wallet containing the sum of N3, 610, one wrist watch as well as a waist belt.

Olanrewaju however, stressed that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation, expressing hope that she would be charged to court at the appropriate time.

Fake currency dealers apprehended in Kogi

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

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TATE Security Ser vices (SSS) has arrested some members of a gang who specialize in the making of fake currencies in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The state Director, Mike Fubara who paraded one of them said the suspects were arrested after it was

Cross River accuses National Boundary ir Shettima fraudulently Commission of forgery concealed the fact that

•Files fresh applications in Supreme Court

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ROSS River State on Thursday filed fresh applications in the Supreme Court seeking the re-opening of hearing in the case between it and Akwa Ibom State over the ownership of 76 oil wells. The court is scheduled to give judgment in the case on Tuesday, July 10. But Cross River, through its lawyers, Yusuf Ali, SAN and Paul Erokoro SAN, wants hearing in the case re-opened, saying the map tendered before the court by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) on which the court would rely on for its judgment, is a forgery.

Listing ten grounds on which its application is based, Cross River said the chairman of NBC, “Surveyor Alhaji Basir Shettima fraudulently concealed the fact that Exhibit NBC 1 (map) attached to his affidavit deposed to in this court on 11/05/2012, was not an authoritative map but was merely a sketch and proposal made by the National Boundary Commission and was never approved by the Federal

Government of Nigeria or even the National Boundary Commission itself at a plenary session.

“Surveyor Alhaji Bash-

Gov Peter Obi (middle), flanked by the Minister of National Planning Shamsudeen Usman(right) and the Country representative of UNDP, Douda Toure at the flag- off of the Gross Domestic Product for the South-East at the Women Development Centre, Awka

Exhibit NBC 1 was made without the input of the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the authority empowered to make maps delineating boundaries within Nigeria.”

observed that fake currencies have been in circulation in the state.

According to him, one of the gang members, Ugbeda Samuel Aba was the first to be arrested after depositing N40,000 fake notes into an account in one of the new generation banks .

Fubara further explained that the arrest of Ugbeda was used to lure other members of the gang which led to the arrest of another and one of their conveyors, Dada Gbenga, a graduate of Geology from the University of Ado Ekiti,(UNAD).

Speaking with journalists, Dada who said that he was only used to convey money to their members across the country said one Iya Ibeji” was the one who asked him to give the fake N400, 000 of N1000 notes and $200 fake

dollars to Abdul for onward transfer to Maiduguri. Unknown to Dada, the 31 year old from Isaba, Ekiti state was already in the custody of the DSS and was only used to lure him to the state.

He followed the directive of Abdul to Lokoja which led to his apprehension. Dada, a 2007 Geology graduate who lamented that he met the woman whom he only knows till date as Iya Ibeji while he was still doing cab

Anambra people in USA happy with Obi

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HE President of An ambra State Association in America – ASA USA, Dr. Allison Anadi commended the caliber of experienced and reputable professionals appointed by

Senate yet to clear three FERMA board members •As President Jonathan inaugurates board

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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FTER ten months of careful screening by the police, State Security Service and the National Assembly, the Senate is yet to clear three out of the 14 members of the 4th governing board of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan even as the board was inaugurated yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan at the inauguration of the agency board members that were appointed on September 15, 2011, in Abuja yesterday,

said that the three members would join the board as soon as they are cleared by the Senate.

He explained that arrangements were made to hasten up the inauguration of the board members but added that the inauguration was delayed till yesterday to allow security operatives and the Senate carry out thoroughly screening of the members.

Among the three that are yet to be cleared include representatives of the South-East zone, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Petroleum Products, Pricing & Regulatory Agency, PPPRA. The 11 board members

that were inaugurated yesterday by Mr President who was represented by the Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememen and witnessed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President Jonathan on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak included FERMA managing director, Engr Gabriel Amuchi; Engr Ezekiel Adeniji, as chairman of the board, Barr Ahmadu Maigari, former deputy governor of Taraba state, who is representing the North-East on the board, Mr Otuekong Okon-Nkanga representing South-South, Alhaji Ahmed Gasua, representing North-West, Rtd

service in Suleja said that although he knew they deal in fake currencies , he had to join them to survive .

The SSS State Director who disclosed that the fake naira and dollar notes were very similar to the normal currencies aside the fact that all the N400, 000 and dollars bear the same serial number said those arrested would be prosecuted immediately.

Navy Captain Olatunji Shelle, South-West; Samuel Gwomna, North-Central, Barr Chidi Nwachukwu, representing federal Road Safety Corps, Alhaji Ibrahim Bataiya, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO; Engr Tanko Audu, NAPTHO and Engr Bala Shehu, representing Federal Ministry of Works.

“Soon after your appointment, arrangements were put in place for the speedy inauguration of your board but for the provision to go through the screening and confirmation process of the Senate in line with FERMA Amendment Act, 2007”, he said.

Governor Obi in the new Executive Council.

In a release made available to the press, Dr. Anadi, who is in the State to prepare for the 2012 Medical Mission of the Association to Anambra, said they were impressed with high level of development recorded by Governor Obi’s government and assured the organization would sustain collaboration with the State Government to keep the State ahead.

Recalling how the organisation inspected the projects executed by the Government of Obi, he said they were satisfied with him for his commitment to Anambra State. He expressed happiness at the accreditation of Anambra State Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, which he noted was at construction stage during the inspection.

The ASA – USA helmsman disclosed that they would commence this year’s mission in August with six missions including security mission to support government to promote security across the state.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012 — 9

S’Court confirms Okadigbo’s wife senator-elect T

Ogun State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi Ishola; National President, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Comrade Fatai Jimoh; the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; National Vice President of PASAN, Barrister Hadiza Mohammed; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hadjia Monsurat Sunmonu; and Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa; with other members of PASAN during a courtesy visit by the Association to the Governor’s Office yesterday.

Imo to establish four new universities

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MO State government says it has, in collaboration with four foreign based universities, concluded plans to establish four new universities in the state this year.

Disclosing this cheering news to newsmen in Owerri before he left for Lagos, Governor Rochas Okorocha said the arrangement was in line with the free education programme of his administration for Imo children.

“The measure would help accommodate the overwhelming number of Imo indigenes seeking admission into institutions of higher learning in the country”, Okorocha explained.

Answering a question, the Governor said government has released the sum of N400 million in addition to what he termed “other logistics”, to ensure immediate take off of the projects.

Continuing, the Governor said his administration would in September this year, commence the distribution of free uniforms, sandals, desks and books to all primary and secondary school students, adding that this is part of the plan to encourage education in the state.

He frowned at a situation where parents and guardians engaged their children and wards in economic activities dur-

ing school hours at the detriment of their education.

Governor Okorocha gave an assurance that education would remain a top priority of his ad-

ministration and passionately appealed to parents and guardians to take advantage of the free education policy and educate their children.

HE Supreme Court yesterday in Abuja confirmed the wife of the former Senate President, Mrs Margery Chuba-Okadigbo of the PDP as the winner of the April 2011 National Assembly election for Anambra North Senatorial district.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Rodes Vivour, held that the appeal against the candidacy of the wife of the former and the late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo was frivolous.

Vivour said that the appellant did not contest the party primary that saw the emergence of the respondent.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that Prince John Emeka had appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja that declared the respondent as the winner of the election. ‘`The Electoral Act is very clear on the powers of the political parties to choose their candidates, and the National Executive Committee of the party conducted the primary that elected the respondent as their candidate.

“They went further to say that the appellant (Prince

John Emeka) did not participate in that primary. The law, therefore, forbids Emeka from challenging the candidacy of the respondent. ‘`The appeal is hereby declared a mere academic exercise and therefore, fails, it is dismissed with no cost,” he said.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, had on December 16, 2011 declared ChubaOkadigbo winner of the April 16, 2011 Anambra North Senatorial election.

The appellate court held that Chuba-Okadigbo was the legitimate winner of the senatorial primary for the district conducted by the

Mimiko initiates urban renewal strategies

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N its bid to make the state the best administered in the country and the cynosure of all eyes where justice, fairness and equity shall be the driving force of government actions, the Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s administation in Ondo state is set to launch an Urban Re-

ACN Chair, 300 others defect to LP •As Akoko youths rally for Mimiko’s re-election

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HE chairman of Ac tion Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ward 4, Ondo west Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Adejayan Adebileje, has led 299

other members of the party to the ruling Labour Party even as Akoko youths rally for the Ondo state’s Governor, Dr. OLusegun Mimiko’s return for a second term

in office.

Among the chieftains of the ACN who decamped with the chairman are Mrs Taye Akinsulire and Prophet Elijah Agboola who were

Benue state government guarantees N108million loan to boost transportation in the state

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

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ENUE state gov ernment has guaranteed a N108million loan facility to boost transportation in the state through the state owned transportation outfit, Benue Links Nig Ltd. General Manager of Benue Links, Engr. John Baka who disclosed this yesterday in Makurdi while fielding questions from newsmen said the facility would help the company boost its fleet of

buses and also improve on its services to the people of the state.

Engr. Baka said the transport outfit presently boasts of over 500 buses in its fleet but noted that the “figure would double as soon as the company is availed the loan”. ”We are on the verge of receiving the loan which will entail an increase in our fleet of vehicles and boost in our activities and services to the people of our state and beyond”, Baka said.

He also regretted the inability of the Federal government to provide

mass transit buses to transportation service providers as part of the palliative measures of the fuel subsidy removal despite initial promises to that effect.

PDP. Emeka had claimed to have won the PDP primary election with 1,156 votes as against Igbeke’s 74 votes, adding that ChubaOkadigbo did not contest the primary election.

Igbeke, who later joined as an interested appellant, was earlier declared winner of the primary election by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, the apex court on July 5 fixed Nov 15 for the hearing of Igbeke’s appeal on the matter.

The Anambra North Senatorial Seat has been vacant for more than a year after the election was held.

women leader and welfare officer of the party respectively.

Adebileje, while speaking on behalf of the decampees said the decision to decamp from their former party to the ruling party was due to what he described as the inability of the ACN leaders to adopt due process in electing a flag bearer in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, adding that they were impressed by the preparation of Labour Party in the state towards the coming election.

newal strategies programme to drive the vision even as it establishes a commission of land records bureau.

Described as the pragmatic initiative of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s administration in practice, the government in a statement said the Urban renewal programme is designed to make the town and cities in the state serene for living, work and descent environment for leisure and attractive to investors.

“In practice, the programme is a pragmatic initiative of the Mimiko Administration designed to address the decaying urban infrastructure and services, and respond to the yearnings of the people for improved quality of life,” the statement read in part, adding that along with the Community Development initiatives, the vision encompasses the three levels of human settlements in the state namely the village, the town and the city.

We inherited a heavily indebted state — Amosun ing the executive mem- tions made from salaries of

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GUN State gover nor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has lamented the heavy debt burden inherited by his administration, including backlog of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities.

The governor disclosed this yesterday while receiv-

bers of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Council, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta.

Amosun regretted that people that had served the state meritoriously were denied their pensions and gratuities while deduc-

workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme were not remitted by the last administration. ”A responsible government should do everything possible not to owe workers. By the grace of the Almighty, we pay our workers as and when due.”

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Population Control:

Balancing family size and available resources N

igeria has one of the fastest growing population not only in Africa, but also in the world, with an average growth rate of over 3%.

As at 1994, the population indicators of all countries showed Nigeria had 119.3 million people and would reach 285.8 million in 2025.

In the last 2006 population count, the census figure was given as 140 million, which demographic analysts believed was more than that as it had been “politically doctored,” whereby a part of the country had an edge in population over the other.

Some years after, the figure has now climbed to 167 million, as disclosed by the Nigeria country office of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, but which the National Population Commission (NPC) seemed not to have confirmed, nor properly explained.

To check the country’s growing population, President Goodluck Jonathan has hinted about making a law likely aimed at controlling the population and which some legislators are already discussing informally.

However, making laws to control population anywhere in the world has never worked perfectly well without inherent problems and abuses.

Even China, with a totalitarian, dictatorship system of governance, having mankind’s largest population

To check the country’s growing population, President Goodluck Jonathan has hinted about making a law likely aimed at controlling the population and which some legislators are already discussing informally

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BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

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of about 1.3 billion people, has a onechild official policy that cannot be effectively implemented.

Although it is a criminal offence in China for couples to give birth to more than one child, many citizens of that country are circumventing the law by concealing the extra babies from government enforcement officials who are always on the prowl for offenders.

Families with only female children are using clandestine methods seeking for males relentlessly without minding what the law says and the punishment for violators. In fact, the one-child policy is not working in

China, only giving opportunity to state officials to extort money and be bribed by defaulting families to avoid prosecution.

Sometime ago, during General Ibrahim Babangida’s military presidency, there was attempt to promulgate a decree limiting families to four children. The idea didn’t see the light of day as combined cultural, religions, traditional, polygamous tendencies scuttled the four children concept.

Above all, individual choice in the size and spacing of the family is being seen as a human right, while choice itself is the foundation of development at all strata of society.

There is contention that this is essential to achieving balance between populations and the resources to sustain them. Population experts and researchers have argued that if barriers to free choice to determine size of the family are removed, the results will be smaller families and slower population growth to a rate that is more compatible with sustained and sustainable economic development.

Also, problems of poverty, unemployment, food shortages, lack of clean drinking water, poor electricity, environmental degradation and damage, inadequate housing, decaying medical system, social disharmony, insecurity, illiteracy, political and religious strife are still far from solutions.

In Nigeria as in most developing nations, there is need to address issues of corruption stifling infrastructural development, bad governance, greed and avarice of the political leadership, inefficient public sector, looting, embezzlement of public fund, while accountability, transparency in governance are lacking in both public and private sectors to ensure that dividends and benefits of democracy accrue to a larger percentage of the citizens.

It is estimated that about 70% of Nigeria’s population live below the poverty line. A poor person is one who is under nourished and aging fast, lacking self-confidence, living in filthy environment, who cannot cater for his family, nor able to train his children in the school and unable to pay medical bills.

According to the World Bank, the average income in the world’s richest countries is about thirty seven times that in the poorest nations. This is because poverty in developing nations is not only more prevalent, it is also much deeper.

In a World Heath Organization (WHO) report it was stated that 88% of deaths can be traced to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. Diarrhea is killing about 1.5 million children in developing world and over 200,000 Nigerian children die yearly.

Those living in poverty have a higher prevalence of chronic illness with lower life expectancy than those at higher income levels. Children from poor homes are more affected by infections, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal complaints, general ill-health, anemia and nutritional deficiencies.

Nigeria is among the 24 countries with large number of undernourished children in the world, according to the United Nations Children Fund report.

Poverty is still a very serious problem in Nigeria, a country

Continues on page 12

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—11

By Ishola Balogun, Moses Nosike & Ebun Sessou

lestation,” he stressed.

Ustaz AbdulWaheed Olowo, an Arabic and Islamic teacher disagreed with Rev.Fr. Iloh saying it is at variance with the laws of God. He said: “Religiously, Islam cannot sanction such a law because it amounts to compromising the powers of Allah. Islam does not put a limitation on the number of children one should produce, so, we are supposed to give limitation in that regard.”

He stated that even if Nigeria’s population multiplies many times, she is fully capable of finding a solution. He added that the solution to economic downturn is production.

“Government should concentrate on developing our industries so that we can take care of the massive unemployment and underproduction in the country. There is also strength in our numbers. We can improve economically by developing the human capital base from this growing population instead of thinking to check it.”

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Jonathan’s birth control idea angers Nigerians

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zConcentrate on insecurity, development

zIt shouldn’t be a mandatory policy — Akin Osuntokun, others

The President at a function recently hinted that the government might consider legislation on birth control, triggering another national discourse on the intended policy

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s Nigeria getting more crowded? Perhaps, Pres ident Jonathan feels the growing population is a challenge that must be checked.

The President at a function recently hinted that the government might consider legislation on birth control, triggering another national discourse on the intended policy.

With an annual exponential growth rate of 3.2 per cent, several individuals have helped to achieve the current population growth rate in the country. Remember Maasaba Bello, an Islamic Faith healer in Bida, Niger state with 86 wives and 185 children? The 88 year-old polygamist has solely increased Nigeria’s population more than anyone else, having the largest family in the world and hitting the world record leading Ziona Chana of India who has 39 wives and 95 children. There are other Nigerians who are closely behind Chana’s record.

A close look at your immediate environment will reveal unimaginable number of wives and children, most of whom groan under the painful yoke of poverty. Saka Oyesanmi, 64, who lives at Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos has 13 children from his only one wife. His family of 15 currently lives in a one-room apartment. The same with a guard who has 11 children.

Ironically, his boss who pays him monthly stipend has only two. Most of those with large number of children are being overwhelmed with poverty as they rarely provide the emotional and physiological needs of the children. The children most often than not become a societal burden, turning out to be miscreants and rascals.

The President at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioners of the National Population Commission recently, said Nigeria would not be the first country to make laws on birth control, adding that religious beliefs should not be used as a tool to frustrate the good policy. The president said “we have to plan and manage our population very well to make progress,” he stated.

However, earlier attempt made by the then military government of Gen Ibrahim Babangida in 1988, when Nigeria adopted a National Population Policy which sought to reduce population growth rate through voluntary fertility regulation, and to promote the health and welfare of mothers and children to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

The main thrust of that policy was the recommendation to

young couples not to have more than four children per family (or per woman) and to attain a reduction of the population of women bearing more than four children by 80 per cent by the year 2000. But many believed that it was only an excercise in futility.

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ven as the present gov ernment contemplates birth control, critics see the current attempt of Jonathan’s government to ensure that women have access to contraceptives and promote immorality. Catholic priests, Imams, mothers and other social commentators commented on the issue with divergent opinions.

While some vehemently

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agreed with the policy thrust saying it will help to strengthen the socio-economic condition of Nigeria; others said it is unnecessary as it goes against the law of God. Again, some Nigerians declared that it is not practicable in the country.

The Assistant Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Owode, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Mike Iroh said it is a welcome development. “The cannon law of the church emphasised procreation and education for children. But where we are today is a regeneration of poverty. A man with N15,000 salary should not go home and start procreating endlessly because that will amount to in-

creasing the social burden of the church and the government. If it is well thought out and it tends to promote the education of the people, then it is a welcome development. I submit that instead of giving birth to children you cannot cater for, there should be population control.”

“This will help curb crime in the future. It depends on how focus and systematic we are about it. But another thing is that government policy should be people oriented but today it is not because governments have failed the people. They don’t have confidence in the government.”

He added that people should also make themselves arbiters of moral laws. “You see people doing abortion on daily basis and you see a wide use of contraceptives. The church has always been preaching dignity in the society. Another point is that if you are making provision on birth control, there should be provision for the childless where our system of adoption will work effectively without harassment and mo-

Pastor and motivational speaker, Oluyide Fola Ukachi said: “These days nobody should have children they cannot take cater for. If it’s only one you can conveniently cater for, have one and stop.

It’s not fair to keep having children expecting your relations to come and help with their education or to create burdens for other people to bear, and then turn around and accuse people of not helping you.”

Mrs Bukola Balogun, a businesswoman and a mother of two said “They not only want motherhood to be a conscious and controlled function but the government want parenthood to be something other than the consequences of recklessness and carelessness. Parenthood should be regarded as a fine instrument, a noble trust, a splendid assignment, and it can be so considered when it becomes a conscious responsibility in line with the dictates of God. The freedom of number which God gives should also come into play because He is the supreme being and He knows what we don’t know.

He knows why He did not limit it. So, there should not be limitation.”

Rev. Isaac Afolayan, President, Presbyterian Church sstated: “They just say what they cannot achieve even in the next twenty years. This government should have improved on getting accurate data of all Nigerians. I don’t see it visible. Really speaking, it has no religious implication but the fact is that they will keep satisfying their interest and engage more in corruption so much that it will be difficult to check.”

Continued from page 11

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Balancing family size and available resources Continued from page 10 estimated to have earned about $800 billion US dollars from oil since independence. No doubt, with huge petroleum and gas resources and large reserves, including massive agricultural potentials and solid minerals, the country has the means to build a very prosperous economy for its teeming population which also can be regarded as asset. In spite of this, Nigeria is among the 20 poorest countries in the world, and also among the 13 countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio.

As 2015 beckons, Nigeria is still not listed anywhere near the 10 countries that have made rapid progress to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The Nigerian economy is ranked 99 in the world out of 133 countries assessed.

But as a result of some development efforts, the proportion of people so far in Nigeria living below the level of absolute poverty has minimally declined. There has been considerable progress over recent years including increase in life expectancy to 53 years Population factors interact with health in several ways.

A woman’s health, even from childhood, due to poor nutrition and health care, is further weakened by large numbers of pregnancies. On a community or national level, the demands of a growing population mean that fewer resources are available to improve or maintain a minimal level of health care.

•Typical Lagos market depicting population explosion Women’s life expectancy has not their births are healthier, and so are increased as much as that of men, their children. partly because of gender In our society, early marriage and discrimination in nutrition and child bearing are socially encouraged healthcare from early childhood and and adolescent fertility rates are partly also because pregnancy among the highest anywhere, a represents a markedly enhanced situation that creates “baby boom,” health risk in many developing leading to increase in population. countries including Nigeria.

With increased interaction between Malaria is a major cause of mortality boys and girls, particularly in cities and ill-health in this country, while and urban areas, premarital sexual there seemed a re-emergence of activity is on the increase. epidemic diseases which previously Invariably, more and more young had been controlled, such as cholera, ladies are becoming pregnant, yellow fever, typhoid, to mention a involved in early childbearing and few. Syphilis is on the rise, AIDS, having sexually transmitted diseases. genital herpes, sexually transmitted Sexual initiation plays out diseases, tuberculosis, continue to differently for young women than for spread across the country. Population young men. Young men are often growth and urban over-crowding are likely to take the initiative sexually intertwined. It has been established while young women eager to establish that women who are able to space a relationship are not able to ward off

their advances. Although the girl is likely to be concerned about the risk of pregnancy, the boy enjoys sex and doesn’t bother about it. Compared to boys, girl chidlren’s share of education, food, health care, work options and general welfare is smaller, because they are perceived to be less valuable than boys. Cultural factors and perceptions of economic advantage make families to desire for male children.

Preference for sons is common in many cultures and quite strong in Nigeria. Even if a girl child is also desired, she is seen as less valuable than a boy. After the birth of the first daughter and the sequence continues like that, the man can go on until he gets a son, even if it means marrying more women, not minding he is increasing the population consequently, because subsequent daughters are unwanted.

Marrying several women often led to population explosion with one man having 20, 30, 50 or even over 100 children. While a Muslim can have up to four or more wives, traditional chiefs can get as many wives and concubines as possible, and Christians in single marriage may keep mistresses and other women outside matrimony bearing many children most times unknown to the legitimate wife at home.

Both legitimate and illegitimate children are counted in the population without discrimination whatsoever.

Jonathan’s birth control idea angers Nigerians Continued from page 11 Former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Bashorun Akin Osuntokun said “I’m not abreast of this issue, but I think it is still at the level of opinion yet to evolve into becoming a government policy. I support the notion of encouraging population control directed especially at those whose income level cannot support a large family but not as a mandatory policy.”

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debayo Sokunbi, Operations Di rector, Kidney Consultants International said: “I don’t think such law is going to work because this is a part of the world where we love making children. How is Federal Government going to implement such law? I would advise that government focuses attention on other meaningful bills that would benefit the common man and the entire citizenry.

There are other things government can channel the availability of resources like medication, job creation, education that would promote the country socially and economically. Government should settle a lot of issues on ground before passing a bill on birth rate.”

Olukayode B.A Fabunmi, a lawyer and Nigeria Country Chair, IPFA insisted that for such law to determine how many children a family should have would not be a priority for now. There are other things government should look

•Ukachi

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at now that are more challenging even though I have not seen the bill to look at it critically in order to know what government wants to achieve.

Again, it’s another thing to make law and a different thing to implement it.

But on the whole, there are more challenging issues on ground that government should tackle first.

An expert in skills, science and technological development of youths in Nigeria, Mojisola Omole said: “It will not work because Nigeria is an entity with a culture where giving birth to many children are seen as God’s blessing and any attempt to curtail it is believed that your are depriving them God’s blessing. The CEO of Immersive Solutions Limited who stressed the bible injuction that ‘Your children will surround your table

• Osuntokun and that is one source of their joy in life’; noted that it’s an encroachment on human rights.

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hat government should do is to start encouraging, educating and enlightening people on the value of our children whether male or female.

She butressed her argument on geneder issues saying: “in some cultures where a woman has given birth to female children but has no male child she is not regarded, so keeps expecting and hoping to have a male child. In this regard, government should embark on awareness so that female children should be valued as male children. And more importantly, government should give more seats to the women so that value for the female will go high. So for them to make a law, I think it’s a viola-

•Rev Iroh tion of human rights. How will they implement it?, she querried.

Obiora Madu, Programme Director/ CEO, Multimix Academy, “I think the people will support it because of one fact that we are not making use of our population for anything, unlike China. Government should not go in that direction now because there are several other issues begging for attention. Government needs to pay attention to hunger/poverty in the land while people are suffering in the midst of plenty. They should channell resources on infrastructure, power supply, education, skill acquisition, job creation. Government should rather concentrate its energy on tackling insecurity in the country. The country needs development that can create employment so that our youths will shun criminality.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—13

The Sun on these rubbles When the last Wednesday downpour began, residents in Lagos and Ogun states were gripped in palpable fear. The almost 24-hour rain which recorded in its wake colossal lose of properties, submerged communities and displaced persons. Saturday Vanguard team reports that vestiges of its aftermath populate the affected areas like sand dunes in the Sahara desert.

In Lagos, apart from the usual gridlock which left commuters stranded in various bus-stops, most Lagosians were confined to the four walls of their homes. Yet, others who made bold to venture out of their homes are currently counting their loses in tears. From one end of the city to the other, the story is the same.

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hen the last Wednesday downpour began, residents in Lagos and Ogun states were gripped in palpable fear. The almost 24-hour rain which recorded in its wake colossal lose of properties, submerged communities and displaced persons. Saturday Vanguard team reports that vestiges of its aftermath populate the affected areas like sand dunes in the Sahara desert.

In Lagos, apart from the usual gridlock which left commuters stranded in various bus-stops, most Lagosians were confined to the four walls of their homes. Yet, others who made bold to venture out of their homes are currently counting their loses in tears.

From one end of the city to the other, the story is the same.

Owode Ajegunle

At the end of the downpour, Owode Ajegunle residents have started counting their loses. At Irawo, most lock-up stalls were flooded as perishable items cannot be salvaged. A food item vendor who simply gave her name as Justina, stated that she lost not less than three bags of garri, two big bags of beans and six bags of flour.

“If my own is worse, then you have to go further to find out what other sell-

If my own is worse, then you have to go further to find out what other sellers have lost. I know of a woman who lost almost eight bags of garri and 14 bags of flour in this neighbourhood.

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BY CHARLES ADINGUPU AYO ONIKOYI, EBUN SESSOU

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ers have lost. I know of a woman who lost almost eight bags of garri and 14 bags of flour in this neighbourhood.

Most chemist shops also recorded painful lose,”she said.

A resident in Ajegunle, Mr. James Atada said that virtually all his electronic appliances were lost to the ravaging flood which hit the area on that ill-fated Wednesday as he was said to be out-door.

The flood washed away a part of the rail track which coversThe MTTS op-

erates between Ido in Laos and Ijoko in Ogun State covering 35km distance on each trip.

The Nigerian Rail Corporation District Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Mr. Ademuyiwa Adekanbi said that the trains could not operate due to the damaged track by the flood along the Ikeja/Mushin areas.

Now, over 300 passengers escaped death by whiskers last Wednesday night when a 12-coach Lagos-bound train rammed into a Nissan pick-up at Odo-Era, Lafanwa area of Abeokuta.

The accident which occurred at about 9am did not record casualty as it was saved from plunging into a gully created by flood which had washed away part of the rail track.

Also, a 17 year old boy, identified as an apprenctice tailor was last Thursday reportedly carried away by the surging flood in Mafoluku area of Oshodi while trying to salvage plank he earlier gathered for sale.

A section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway carved in at Ajala Bus-Stop and caused heavy gridlock on both sides of the expressway.

Surulere

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ecounting his ordeal, Dunsin Owoleye who resides at Ola Street, Itire Surulere, described his 16 months sojourn in Lagos as complete waste. Owoleye who recently relocated from Ibadan to Lagos for greener pastures was caught napping as he lost

his six foot refrigerator, television set, DVD player, important documents, shoes and other life essentials to the flood.

Mr. Owoleye who was busy in his place of work when the rain started summarised his loses thus: “When I got to my house, the water was above my waist and could barely move my feet to the ground. When I opened opened, I found everything I had worked for floating in the room.

Even my six-foot refrigerator tucked at a corner of the room was the first thing that greet me when I opened the door.. My television set, DVD player and even the household utensils were scattered on the flood. I could not salvage anything. All my documents, dresses, shoes, everything are all locked up in that room. I just can’t go back. Since that Thursday morning I have been squatting from one place to another ” close to tears, he stated.

Though the house next to Dunsin’s house was not so much affected because it stands on higher ground. The owner of that building recently raised the structure to checkmate the problem of flooding which becomes a ritual. Most people living in Dunsin’s house sought refuge in the building.

For Felix Nwachukwu, a mini supermarket operator, whose shop is located on Lawanson Road, Surulere, as

Continues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

time it rains.

The floods, which affected not less than 1,500 homes in Ajegunle alone last year, has recorded tremendous loss of properties, farmlands and infrastructure, including houses and schools. It was attributed largely to the effects of global warming and its attendant rise in water levels, as well as intense and prolonged rainfalls that year, resulting to overflows from the Ogun River and surrounding tributaries.

The rain has also damaged a canal at the end of Ladoja Street in Oko Oba area of Agege leading to the closure of Ladoja Primary School and Oko Oba Nursery and Primary School in the area. Many houses along the canal were flooded as residents were seen bailing water out of their homes.

The floods took over the bridge along Akute-Alagbole Berge road, thereby cutting off vehicular movement of the Yakoyo area of Ogun State. It also sacked part of the Yokoyo community and displaced some residents.

Apongbon

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The sun on these rubbles he returned to his Twins Street residence, also in Itire, Surulere, said apart from the fact that he was drenched by the rain, the most painful aspect was his books, which he kept on his shelf in the bedroom had soaked in water.” But I was in for more shocker, by the time I got to the sitting room, my settee, television set, home theatre, and other household items were floating in water,” he said.

Thereafter, Felix and his wife embarked on a salvage mission. He, however, blamed the situation on sand that blocked the main water-way in the vicinity, which had left the drainage almost blocked.

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or people living in Itire, Ijeshat edo, Ikate and environs, flooding is not strange to them. Year in year out, they expect it to happen.. Mr. Bola Bolashodun, who lives in No 8 Ola Street said he had been preparing for the rain since the beginning of May. “Everything in my house has a stand.

For people like us, there is no such luxury as expensive settees woven in upholstery of leathers or fine fabrics or lining your floor with rugs. We can afford them but deem it unwise to own them because you will only have to watch them being washed away,” he said.

“I am still dumbfounded and could not believe what had happened. I was still sleeping when I heard a bang on my door and a neighbour shouting asking me to wake up. When I got my leg off the bed to go and open the door I felt the rush of water that almost knocked me off my feet. The water was high up to my torso and immediately I looked around to see most of my things floating round.”

Mr Bolashodun however, blamed the

A landlord on Ijesha Road who will not want his name mentioned said that the recently constructed road by Governor Raji Fashola has left many of the houses on the stretch of the road now sitting below the road.

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Continued from page 13

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flood on a road construction project going on in Ibidunni and Lawani Streets, two streets adjacent to theirs.

The construction process has seen to the blockage of the water channel thereby cutting short drainage of the water-ways. .A landlord on Ijesha Road who will not want his name mentioned, said that the recently constructed road by Governor Raji Fashola has left many of the houses on the stretch of the road now sitting below the road. For many of them who could not raise enough money to re-develop their houses to be on the same plane as the road, a little rainfall could bring misery. To them, flood does not come through the doors, the walls or from the grounds, it comes through the windows. At this time of the year, many of the occupants vacate their homes like migratory birds who leave at the beginning of winter and only return in summer.

From Itire to Ikate, from Aguda to Ijeshatedo, it is the same story of woes as floods sack hundreds people from their homes. People living in Karounwi Street up to Alhaji Otun Streets at the tail end of Nnobi Street Ikate Surulere live under perpetual threat of the canal behind the streets overflowing it banks. And every year, the canal thus overflows its bank, at least twice in a rainy season.

Mr Joe Taye, a single father of Three, working with the Lagos state Water Corporation and living on Alhaji Otun Street has had to evacuate his home more often than he can remember. In his own words: “ Normally, we don’t experience serious flooding in this area except down the street where the land is on a lower ground. But sometimes when the rain is too heavy, we run the risk of this canal here overflowing and washing away our belongings. Believe me my brother, the situation is better imagined than experienced. Every night it rains and when it happened consistently for days we don’t sleep anymore with our two eyes closed.

O

ther flood is the flood-prone ar eas in Surulere were Bishop and Fashoro streets. Here, in the area a canal runs across and whenever it rains, the usually beautiful, neat and serene environment becomes a whirlpool of tempestuous ocean, swallowing everything in its path. Mr. Bamishile who once lived in the area said rainy season to them means suspension of all activities.

For many residents of Ijora, Pedro and Ileje areas of Bariga, Orile-Iganmu and Okota, the rainy season is a reminder of poverty. These areas are densely populated and poorly planned and those factors, according to informed minds, aid the occurrence of flood any-

n okada rider who shared his ex perience with Saturday Vanguard lamented that since the first phase of the heavy downpour that flooded Lagos, he has not been able to return home.

“You will be surprised that my family and I are presently living apart as a result of the flood. I only see my family once in three days. They are putting up with my sister-in-law while I am squatting with a friend.

“As you can see, I am an okada rider, my house has been flooded and I don’t have enough money to get it back. My children cannot go to school right now and we are homeless. I do not understand why the poor would have to go through this pain and agony.

I only use this okada business to put body and soul together. I don’t know what to do because the after effect of the flood has created more sorrows for me than good”, he concluded.

Residents in areas as Apongbon in Lagos Island and Ejigbo, Ikotun areas of Lagos, are also counting their losses as a result of the downpour.

Also, those living in low-line areas, particularly along lagoons, drainage, channels and rivers are yet to come out of the havoc.

It was also learnt that in Anwar-DIIslam Primary School, Apongbon, pupils were forced to vacate their . classrooms, following the massive flooding of their premises on Monday.

T

hey were forced to relocate to an uncompleted building in a junior secondary school, which is scheduled to take off in September.

It was gathered that the rain, which started since Sunday night, had made the classrooms inhabitable for learning.

Teachers and pupils abandoned the flooded five-classroom block as it had become weak, Vanguard learnt.

It was also revealed that a section of the block has been submerged while cracks were noticed on the walls.

The school’s assistant headmaster, Mr Saka Lasisi, said that the school was usually flooded because of its location.

“The school is usually flooded anytime it rains as water from parts of the community flows into the school preContinues on page 15

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—15

Continued from page 14 mises.

“The block is already sinking with cracks on the walls and that is why we were forced to relocate to a new block in the junior secondary school within the premises,” he said.

Lasisi said apart from the flooding which had forced them to abandon their building, the school’s toilet facilities had also become a s.helter for reptiles and dangerous animals.

Also, .residents in Awoyaya area oflbeju-Lekki have continued to groan under the traumatic expenence as a result ofthe flood.

An okada rider, John Anakoaputa who has b en living in the area for the past ten years said the adverse effect of the flood came as a result of improper drainage channels and bad roads.

He said, the problem came as a result of dredgers who ply through the area in their heavy duty trucks.

“They have destroyed our roads and made the road immotorable for the residents, he said.

When asked to comment on the after effect of flood in the area, he lamented that with the flood residents now groan in pain as none of the residents can no longer pass through the area with ease .

Virtually all parts of Lagos State including Victoria Island, Lekki, Abule Egba, Ikeja, Apapa, Oshodi, Ikorodu, Agege, Okokomaiko, Ketu were flooded, forcing residents to stay indoors, while those on the streets battled it out.

A number of houses and vehicles were submerged by the flood, while most motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada riders, are finding it difficult to ply through the roads.

A kiosk owner Sikiru who spoke to Saturday Vanguard said he had to close shop because of the down pour not just because of the intensity of the rain but because his kiosk which was built across a drainage system was covered.

The sun on these rubbles

M

z Gov

Fashola

z Gov

Also,the rain wreaked havoc in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, leaving many buildings, including religious centres submerged. It took the efforts of men of the state fire service to prevent some residents of the flooded areas from being washed away

,

eanwhile when Saturday Van guard visited Ibeju- Lekki local government area chairman for his reaction, he was said to be indisposed.

Only a few women were sighted at the premises. Although, there were about three security guards at the entrance of the gate.

Unfortunately, neither the chairman, Prince Bayo Balogun nor his co-workers were available as at press time.

However, efforts to contact him on phone also proved abortive.

No one can also tell if there was a Public Relation Officer in the local government who is also saddled with the responsibility of giving out information.

In Katsina, another torrential rainfall which lasted for about three hours killed seven persons including a primary school pupil and 120 houses destroyed at the weekend.

According to a witness, Mallam Abdullahi Aliyu, the primary school pupil, Al-Amin Rufa, lost his life in the flood. It was also gathered that over 340 houses were affected by the flood, while 120 of them caved in.

Mallam Abdullahi Aliyu of Kofar Marusa, a suburb of Katsina which was also affected by the flood, said: “One of the deceased, Abdullahi Shitu, a JSS 3 student of Government College Katsina, fell into the culvert while trying

,

to rescue a woman who came out from her house accompanied by her two kids looking for assistance.”

He narrated: “When he fell into the

Amosun

culvert, the water pushed him to a nearby bridge and one of his colleagues, who was around the mosque, jumped into the water with the intention to rescue late Abdullahi, but while heading towards him, a woman shouted for help after she had put her two children on a wall in order to rescue them from being taken away by the water.”

According to him, late Abdullahi’s corpse and that of little Al-Amin were found at Tudun-Katsira in Kofar-Marusa area the following day.

A

liyu added that when they went to Tudun-Katsira in search of late Abdullahi the following day, they also saw four corpses of other victims around Lambun Sarki. The corpses included that of a boy and an aged woman.

Another victim, Alhaji Sani Muhammad, who lost his house, said: “I was among the first settlers in the area, but for the past 20 years, the community has never witnessed a flood disaster like this time around.”

Also,the rain wreaked havoc in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, leaving many buildings, including religious centres submerged. It took the efforts of men of the state fire service to prevent some residents of the flooded areas from being washed away.

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also recorded another flood, few days after the one that destroyed properties, bridges and roads. A petrol station also collapsed in the torrential rain in the city.

A driver of a Starlet taxi car, while trying to avoid a flooded portion at Bode area of Ibadan, was washed off by the flood. The driver could not be seen, when the car was stopped around Soka area of the metropolis.

Meanwhile, the popular SecretariatUniversity of Ibadan and the Iwo Road under bridge, were flooded as a result of the rain.

Lagos State govt

|

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello warned that the Wednesday and Thursday rain will occur many times within the next two weeks.

He disclosed this will be accompanied with severe windstorm. He stated that experts had said the next two weeks were envisaged to be the peak of this year’s raining season.

Consequently, he advised residents living along low line areas of Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode and Agiliti to vacate during this period and move to upland.

He advised against dumping of waste into canals and erecting of structures along drainage channels.

In New Garage in Bariga, a section of a building collapsed leaving one person dead and many others injured.

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

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ll these events swirling around us embodying power outage, poor health delivery, bad roads, dysfunctional so-called amenities, brutal insecurity, stifling corruption and ineffective leadership strike one as a mirror of our society. They express a sad comment about what we are, and who we are. Even if you are not a participant in any of the events, you still feel ashamed because you cannot totally separate yourself from what Nigerians are, since you are a Nigerian.

Though you may not be directly involved in the events, you still cannot avoid being part of what is going on.

Electricity is the blood stream of life in a modern society. So are we not a modern society?

We do claim, at the least, a modicum of civilized existence.

The whole country yearns today for electricity supply to grant us a satisfactory life, we need it for the kitchen, for the bathroom, for ironing our clothes, and all other A friend was recently household chores—to say little fairly elated as he narrated of our industrial life, about how highly respected his which we should say much surgeon son was in the really. And in fact, we have United States. With such probably said everything. But professional skills, I we have done so little. Our suggested, he should have individual lives are sustained tried to come back home largely by courtesy of where he would be needed generating plants of all more than in the US. “Well, dimensions and capacity, he did”, replied my friend, imported from all over the not too happily. “He did world. We appreciate the fact for about two years, but that Ghana, our fellow West then he knew he simply had African State and former British to go back. But that is colonial territory has put this another story.” Yes, and in problem behind her; that the some ways, a typical problem has badly affected our Nigerian story. industries—several of which have even been relocated to e do so well Ghana, though Nigeria. had elsewhere. We are a been the first choice of loud noise in countries “investment destination” from where we have established many foreign economies. oil refineries, having somehow turned our back e are losing out, going on our own native turf in and coming, to nations which the “black gold” that can only be described as flows more abundantly puny beside us, not only in size than in most parts of the but in current wealth and world. The refineries in our patent potentials, but we seem country are mostly owned incapable of doing something by the government—and tangible about it. We wail about like most government

*What next, for goodness’ sake! *For Ayo Francis

W

W

,

“Faroukgate” has dented the shining armour of our knight of the “transparent order”, and it would appear that we can now see more than we were meant to

it; we make promises about it; then we throw money, good money at it—down the drain.

Is it not enough to make one feel really ashamed? Does it not make you want to ask what kind of people we are? We cannot even look after our own health.

We cannot heal ailments in which we have specialists, people who have qualified as experts in treating the diseases and proved their worth overseas. They return home, as they properly should, whilst many of their contemporaries who are also from Nigeria willfully remain abroad. But while those in the Diaspora continue to maintain their high professional practice, those who have returned home somehow inspire no confidence in the populace who continue to send their sick kinsfolk abroad.

nation recently told off his own country. The issue of the declaration of the personal assets of a high government official upon entering office, we thought, had been settled for all time by the late President Umar Yar’ Adua, when he publicly declared both his own and those of his wife. As the VicePresident at that time, the procedure was followed by Goodluck Jonathan. His volte-face , and the language of its expression— that language in particular— when it was time to follow suit, fairly threw sand in our face. He went on to dare the nation. We will not soil this page with a reprise of his ill-chosen words which amounted to nothing less than contempt for those whose votes put him where he is. He would be well advised to re-classify what he meant by that statement. Politicians all over the world do so when it is found necessary. And we are saying it is here and now

necessary.

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nyway, a sober appraisal of what is now mockingly referred to as “Faroukgate” reveals that this type of prank must have been going on for quite a while. In addition to the fiasco at the Stock Exchange hearings, one could sense the emergence of a sordid pattern that may begin to explain some particular events in our legislative procedures—like the proliferation of enquiries initiated by national assembly committees, for instance. Does it not occur to you that they are simply too many? It is a wonder the honourable members have any space to accommodate the real reason for their existence which is, simply put, to make laws.

Of course, they have sweeping laws to effect their authority, especially when it concerns the summoning of citizens to help with investigations, but it is not

likely that they can effectively demand that a witness must speak in camera. It would have been more our expectations that the insistence should be on a public hearing, rather than, the other way around. All in all, “Faroukgate” has dented the shining armour of our knight of the “transparent order”, and it would appear that we can now see more than we were meant to.

We may here touch on the consideration of when to end a “sting” operation. I believe that it is when the arrest is made. A “sting”, of course, takes place only with the knowledge and participation of the police. But a crime has to be committed first before an arrest is made. In the case of a bribe episode, it is not always enough to establish that the gratification has been fulfilled; the favour for which it is paid may also have to have been accomplished.

So while the question has been asked about why an arrest was not immediately executed at the point of the alleged payment of those mouth-watering sums of dollars in the “Faroukgate” saga, one cannot speak for the police but it seems they know what they are doing.

But do we, as a nation, know where we are heading?

Lines for Ayo Francis

,

controlled ventures, they do not work. So we mine our oil and export it in the raw to other countries, where it is refined and sent back to us at a price we can hardly afford, so that the government helps out by offsetting part of the cost.

Yes, that is the “subsidy” that is now tearing us apart .. Did you ever hear such a roundelay even from children’s moonlight tales?

But it is happening here, and from this weird scenario has developed ramifications of such a bizarre hue that people are asking, “ What next, for goodness’ sake ?” The truth is that in such a stifling atmosphere of corruption, anything can happen. Perhaps that is why the President of the

A lovely orchid suddenly drooped and fell The bees that cheered her with their happy buzz Now silently share a calm of grief Because they miss her E l e g a n t butterflies that danced for her Hang their wings too in mournful pain Cause they also miss her Showers that fell in play upon her petals Turn into rains of scalding tears For they too miss her And Pancos, how we all miss you too Time out

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 7, 2012—17

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 7, 2012 Dear Aunty Julie, My fiancee and I have been together for a year and a half. but we have been having problems lately. She says I have been “smothering her” and she needs more space. I agree, we are now together all the time.

It’s hard though, because the only friends that she has made are guys, and all I can think is what most guys want from a beautiful lady.

I get jealous all the time but I know she loves me and she only wants me. She just wants to esDear Pedro, tablish herself . Also, when we At this point in time, you need get into small arguments, I to become proactive. You have don’t know how to stop. I keep asking her if she is okay. I need to prove to her in no uncertain to let it go, but I don’t like that terms that you are willing to change, and that you are takfeeling of her being upset.

At this time, we are taking a ing real steps to do so. You canfew days off to think about what not afford to have her ask you we want. I need some help here. to “give her space” one more time. You simply have to Pedro, Lagos

She is jealous and insecure

Should I move in with him?

Aunty Julie, I’ve been dating a wonderful man for the past five weeks.

We are so in sync with each other and we are planning to share the rest of our lives together. I am 40, he is 45.

I have two children and share joint custody with their father. We each have them a week about. We agreed on a school half way between the towns that we live in.

I recently sold my home with the plan to move to the town where the children go to school. My new boyfriend lives an hour from this town.

His home is exactly the home I’ve always wished to live in. I would never allow him to move for me. I have been staying with him every other week and it has been a dream. The other weeks I have been staying with my parents and my children .

My new boyfriend would love to see me and my kids staying at his home on a permanent basis. And in a perfect world, so would I. Should I go forward with my original plan of buying near school which I made before I met him and continue to see him on a by-weekly basis? Can a long term relationship tolerate this? I would love to spend every day with him but with my joint custody issue, I can’t see how I can swing it. I would never take custody away from my ex. He is a wonderful father.

Can you think of any other options for me?

Alero,Benin Dear Alero,

It is great to find such a wonderful mate and fall in love and have such a strong honeymoon. To keep building on the strength of your honeymoon feelings, realize that all relationships even perfect ones will have phases other than the honeymoon. You will want to know if both parties in the relationship are able to put themselves into resolving all challenges that come up. All important relationships bring up challenges from time to time. It goes in cycles and phases. And two partners who can sustain a lasting strength in love are two people who together can face and resolve challenges in a way that strengthens their love.

Since you can only determine the true nature of your partnership by seeing how the two of you deal with challenges and resolve them, then it is not likely that in five weeks, you have done this yet. It actually takes a few good challenges to shake things out of the tree and let you know how both you and he will show up to overcome problems, issues and inevitable differences.

Right now, your job is to simply enjoy the honeymoon. This is a time of relative bliss, completely removed from challenges. It is a time when you can see each other’s souls fully, uneclipsed by problems or issues.

But enlightenment is a state which eventually gets challenged by world events and daily life. So it would be wise to ac-

knowledge that as of yet, you do not really know how the two of you will show up and resolve chal-

lenges.

At the pub A rather attractive woman goes up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestures alluringly to the barman who comes over immediately. When he arrives, she seductively signals that he should bring his face close to hers.

When he does so, she begins to gently caress his beard which is full and bushy.

“Are you the manager?” she asks, softly stroking his face with both hands.

“Actually, no” he replies.

“Can you get him for me, I need to speak to him?” she asks, running her hands up beyond his beard and into his hair.

“I’m afraid I can’t” breathes the barman, clearly aroused. “Is there anything I can do?”

change what you are doing.

Take control of your jealous feelings.

Show her that she is going to marry a man who is emotionally strong enough to respect her space. Demonstrate you truly want her to be a soulmate, not a cell mate.

Start by committing to learn to soothe your own upset feelings. Until now, you have put too much of your focus outside of yourself, on her and these other guys. Since the feelings of insecurity and jealousy are coming up from within you, that is where you need to put more of your attention.

Usually, people try to change how they feel by focusing on the outside things they believe to “cause” their upsets. They feel jealous and so then they put emotional pressure on their partner. Such pressures are not helpful, as you know. They do not improve anything. But they can ultimately get in the way of her feeling good about being with you.

If you want to get beyond this destructive pattern, you have to change your part of it. These are your feelings. You need to learn to soothe them. Healthy relationships work on the basis of each partner taking care of their own upset feelings , not by putting pressure on the other person to change.

Once you commit to growing emotionally, you have a chance to discuss insecurities with her and not have the entire topic blow up in your face. When you do talk, start by telling her you realize how your fears and insecurities have been working overtime. Tell her you intend to take care of your own feelings , that you realize how you have put subtle pressure on her, and

that it was out of line for you to do so.

There is nothing worse than giving her the impression that a marriage with you would be like going to prison. Find your inner strength and courage. It is there. Admit that you are afraid. Stop seeing the cause of that fear as her. Release her from the sense she somehow needs to take care of you.

You can grow stronger inside. Learn the tools for emotional self-care. This will be the kind of strength that does not make forceful demands.

Instead, it will reveal your true courage and ability to be open with her.

It is time for both of you to get some pre-marital education. See this as an opportunity to learn important skills.

Read books. Take a class. If

you need help learning to soothe your feelings, consider working with a good counselor.

The work you do now will pay off in your marriage. This is a red flag. Take care of it now while it’s still minor.

Fighting and arguments are tearing my marriage apart Dear Aunty Julie, My husband and I have been married for two years now. I truly believe he is my best friend and soulmate. But lately, we’ve been arguing a lot. Even on the phone, we tend to argue about small, petty things. I feel like he takes a lot of anger out on me and I always seem to get my feelings hurt.

He has a real tendency to shut down as I do but then, we end up fighting all over again. Any idea what I should do? How do we bring up issues without getting defensive?

Evangeline, Edo Dear Evangeline, Arguments can erode any relationship, no matter how much love is there. Love is not enough. It is destructive to keep arguing or reacting when trying to communicate.

Sooner or later, things get said or done that cannot be taken back.

You are digging yourselves into a deep hole. People inside that hole are blaming, being critical, condemning each other, getting defensive, shutting

C O C K - T A L E S “Yes there is. I need you to give him a message” she continues huskily, popping a couple of fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently. “Tell him that there is no toilet paper in the ladies room.”

Boys and girls BOYS A heart is not a play thing, a heart is not a toy, but if you want it broken, just give it to a boy. Boys, they like to play with things to see what makes them run, but when it comes to kissing, they do it just for fun. Boys never give their hearts away. They play girls for fools, they wait until they give their hearts and then they play it cool. You will wonder where he is a night, you will wonder if he’s true. One moment, you will be happy, one moment you will

down, or stonewalling. Nothing ever gets resolved in that hole. But most couples act as if they truly believe there is a pile of precious gold at the bottom. They are incorrect.

You can only resolve your issues when you are outside that hole, when you are being resourceful and constructive. So it’s important for you to know rule one for what to do when you find you’re in a deep, dark hole: “Stop digging!”

Whenever you start to get upset, when things are headed towards that hole, it will better serve you to take a time out.

Say, “I am getting a bit overwhelmed right now. I need to take some time out to clear my head. Can we get back together later, once I get more centered? I do want to make positive progress on this issue.”

Use your time out wisely.

Physical activity can be used to burn off the excess energy.

Go for a walk. Meditate.

Breathe. Center yourself. Visualize a positive outcome for your future discussion. Researchers have measured that

be blue. If you get a chance to see him, your heart begins to dance your life revolves around him, there’s nothing like romance. And then it starts to happen, you worry day and night, you see, my friend, you’re losing him. It never turns out right. Boys are great, though immature.

The price you pay is high, he may seem sweet and gorgeous but remember, he’s a guy. Don’t fall in love with just a boy. That takes a lot of nerve. You see, my friend, you need a man to get what you deserve. So when you think that you’re in love, be careful. If you can before you give your heart away, make sure that he’s a man.

it takes at least an hour to calm down and become more resourceful. Do not attempt to discuss a topic again until you know you are ready. Otherwise, things will only escalate further.

Taking time out should not be used as a way to avoid difficult topics. Things will not “just work themselves out” without your participation. You can learn to work through charged topics with greater ease and skill. This takes practice and perhaps courage, at first. The intent of taking time out is to come back with the best of who you are and find a mutually workable resolution.

Research studies have looked for the key difference between couples who happily stay together versus those who split up. This may surprise you. It turns out that couples who stay together had no fewer issues to resolve than couples who split up. The real key is that couples who stay together learn better skills to get through their issues.

If you want a lasting marriage, you will need to upgrade your skills. There’s no way around that. Time out is a first skill. Beyond taking time out, you may want to learn other communication tools and inner skills such as how to better manage your upset feelings so that they don’t take you to the hole.

We suggest you sit down with your partner soon and invite him to join you in learning how to resolve conflicts.

Get a little counseling. You have an incredibly important opportunity here. You can now dramatically increase your chances of beating the odds and enjoying a longterm marriage filled with lasting love and happiness.

SATURDAY

Vanguard JULY 7, 2012—19

R

ose grew up in a devout family h o m e — a n upbringing that had guided every part of her life. When she was in secondary school, her parents joined a religious group that forbade television and radio—the devil’s work the weird-looking-beared leader of the sect roared.

Naturally,all the usual teenage vices — smoking, drinking and illicit gropes with the opposite sex–passed her by. Instead, her teenage years were spent at prayer meetings and monthly vigils.

It was expected that she married a member of the sect and a ‘fiance’ was rammed down her throat when she went to the university. Yomi, her ‘brother’ had already graduated and a part-time pastor. “What’s the point in furthering your studies?”, he wanted to know. “When we are married, you will have to give up whatever job you would be doing so that we could have a family.

Religious differences needn’t alienate you from the children

reflection that stared at me in the mirror after my friends finished dressing me up — especially with my hair fixed and some jewelry adoring my neck and ears. I was trembling with excitement as, heart pounding, I joined a chattering group of very lively party freaks.

“I had never tasted alcohol

in my life, so one of my friends arranged a brandy and coke for me. I tasted lovely and within minutes, I felt relaxed and giddy with booze and happiness. As I watched mates dance, a cute guy pulled out the chair opposite mine and started making small talks.

When he asked if I wanted

to dance, my first reaction was to say no. Instead, I had to confess to him that I wasn’t much of a dancer. But he said I shouldn’t worry —just relax and move with the flow! So it was another girl, certainly not me, that cuddled up to male flesh for the first time in my life and let him run his hands all over me. He wasn’t doing anything the other blokes weren’t, so I relaxed.

A

nd that was how Gordon came into my life. He was a final year student and wasn’t religious at all. He told me he believed in God but that religion has been so politicised to such an extent that he found all the different sects quite confusing. When I told him the name of the religious sect I belong to, he looked shocked.

He had heard a lot of weird “

He was a decent, wellbrought up guy and a delight to fall in love with

,

I

felt no remorse I chucked my ‘fiance’ from church. I told him I wasn’t ready for marriage and was quite amused when he ‘reported’ me to my parents. We had some fierce arguments before they left me alone. I’d started wearing make-up and jewellery which they vehemently opposed, but I didn’t care. I am their first child and they threatened to disown me because they believed I was setting a bad example for my siblings. It was then I opted to stay with my untie—a business woman. My parents were shocked to say the least, but she was family and there was nothing they could do to stop me. I was already 21.

My aunty was the liberal type and left me to my devises. “ Well, that happened some years back. No, I didn’t marry Gordon because he travelled abroad for his masters. I had a couple of relationships before I met and married my current husband. He’s not a religious freak and we go to church because we want to not because we have to. It is a good orthodox church – not one that preaches fire and brimstone!”. “

B

,

ut Rose was determined to explore another world away from the one her parents had brought her up in. “Unknown to my parents’, Rose said, “I had started reading a lot of magazines in my friends’ house and was fascinated by all those lovely clothes I saw in them. I would venture inside a few boutiques but wouldn’t buy anything as I had no money and if I did, where would I wear them to? I was 19, waiting for some sort of adventure, when I got into the university. And I was determined to turn my life around.

“Within months of getting in, I made a couple of wild but decent friends who wore all sorts of outrageous clothes and drank wherever they went on a date. My first grown-up party ever was when one of my mates dragged me to a birthday bash. I had nothing decent to wear but she lent me a slinky black dress. Plunging at the front and clinging to my curves, I didn’t believe the

things going on amongst the sect members and said it was about time I used my own discretion on finding out what was best for me. It didn’t help either that there were so many religious groups on campus. In the end I decided to just relax and enjoy Gordon’s company. He was a decent, well-brought up guy and a delight to fall in love with.

What would it be like making love to him? Wickend, bad thoughts, a voice whispered in my head, but I didn’t care.

It finally happened and thought it wasn’t fantastic at first, it got better and better.

Gordon was the responsible type and took precaution – he didn’t want me to go on the pill in case my parents found it.

The crisis of commitment oth of you have now given away greater and greater chunks of your life rewriting label on your time from “mine” to ours. It’s the beginning of commitment. If this becomes a crisis in your romance, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the romance was wrong, you can have the right romance, feel deep love and commitment yet find yourself in a stage that is paralysing. The opposite is true too. Just because the two of you have no doubts does not necessarily mean that you’ve chosen right.

Poorly matched, ill-suited and immature couples can find it as easy to leap into marriage as two people who’ve learned to love and

accept each other. The crisis of commitment is likely to be a reflection of your true feelings about marriage itself rather than about your partner. If you don’t have at

,

B

your life. Suddenly, the autonomy of being single looks attractive.

A bad first marriage – a bitter divorce battle, poor relationship or

If you don’t have at least some mixed feelings about marriage, you have appreciated its realities

least some mixed feelings about marriage, you have appreciated its realities. The fear of commitment is often the fear of loosing control of

,

images of either parent can all make people fight shy of commitment. There are three different options for coping with a partner’s fear of commitment.

Don’t take no for an answer : A bold strategy will only work if love, which is strong can be seen as separate from ability to make a commitment. The partner pursuing need to remember not to take reaction personally.

Convince, don’t insist: In order to convince, you need to feel what you have is worth fighting for. The man or woman resisting commitment needs endless reassurance and persuasion.

Give an ultimatum: The classic “take control” approach to a relationship is bogged down on the road to marriage, “marry me, or I’m leaving,” is a high risk approach. If you say it, you must have to be prepared to

leave – when your bluff is called.

F

inally, when you do marry, keep one important myth at mind.

Marriage is not an end point, it is a beginning. Your happiness does not depend entirely on your choice of partner life. Rest mainly on what you and your partner create. Like the relief of appreciating that much of the pain involved in forming a relationship is not meant personally, so it helps to know that much of the joy of marriage is also subject to your own influence.

- Adapted from Judith Sills’ the crisis of commitment.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

S

arah and Jerry were friends for over six months and Jerry felt their relationship ought to have moved to the next level but Sarah felt she was okay the way things were. Jerry wanted more intimacy and Sarah felt they were intimate enough. The truth was that their relationship was devoid of cuddling, kissing and sex and Sarah thought that was intimate enough while Jerry wanted much more, believing, Sarah did not understand intimacy because he wanted much more.

Intimacy in a relationship generally refers to the feeling of being in a close personal association and belonging together. It is a familiar and very close affective connection with another as a result of a bond that is formed through knowledge and experience of the other. Genuine intimacy in human relationships requires dialogue, vulnerability and reciprocity. The verb “intimate” means “to state or make known”.

In human relationships, the meaning and level of intimacy varies within and between relationships. Intimacy is considered the product of a successful seduction, a process of rapport building that enables parties to confidently disclose previously hidden thoughts and feelings.

Intimate conversations become the basis for “confidences” (secret knowledge) that bind people together.

To sustain intimacy for any length of time requires welldeveloped emotional and interpersonal awareness. Intimacy requires an ability to be both separate and together participants in an intimate relationship. Murray Bowen called this “self-differentiation”.

It results in a connection in which there is an emotional range involving both robust conflict, and intense loyalty. Lacking the ability to differentiate oneself from the other is a state that is different from intimacy, even if feelings of closeness are similar.

From a centre of self knowledge and self differentiation, intimate behaviour joins family members and close friends as well as those in love. It evolves through reciprocal self-disclosure and candor. Poor skills in developing intimacy can lead to getting too close too quickly; struggling to find the boundary and to sustain connection; being poorly skilled as a friend, rejecting selfdisclosure or even rejecting friendships and those who have them. Psychological consequences of intimacy problems are found in adults who have difficultly in forming and maintaining intimate relationships. Individuals often experience the human limitations of their partners, and develop a fear of adverse consequences of disrupted intimate relationships. Studies show that fear of intimacy is negatively related to comfort with emotional closeness and with relationship satisfaction, and positively related to loneliness and trait anxiety.

There are four different forms

of intimacy, principally: emotional intimacy and physical intimacy. Emotional intimacy, particularly in

Are you intimate enough? sexual relationships, typically develops after physical bonds have been established. “Falling in love”, however, has both a biochemical dimension, driven through reactions in the body stimulated by sexual attraction and a social dimension driven by “talk” that follows from regular physical closeness or sexual union.

The two other forms of intimacy include cognitive and experiential intimacy.

Cognitive or intellectual intimacy takes place when two people exchange thoughts, share ideas and enjoy similarities and differences between their opinions. If they can do this in an open and comfortable way, then can become quite intimate in

an intellectual area.

Experiential intimacy or intimacy activity is when two people get together to actively involve themselves with each other, probably

saying very little to each other, not sharing any thoughts or many

feelings, but being involved in mutual activities with one another. I It is worth distinguishing intimate relationships from strategic relationships.

Physical intimacy occurs in the latter but it is governed by a higherorder strategy, of which the other person may not be aware. One example is getting close to someone in order to get

something from them or give them something.

That “something” might not

be offered so freely if it did not appear to be an intimate exchange and if the ultimate strategy had been visible at the outset.

Strategic relationships are

fragile and easily break down when there is any level of disagreement.

Emotionally intimate relationships are much more robust and can survive c o n s i d e r a b l e disagreements.

Love is an important factor in physical and emotional intimate relationships. Love is qualitatively and quantitatively different to liking, and the difference is not merely in the presence or absence of sexual attraction.

There are two types of love in a relationship; passionate love and companionate love. Companionate love involves diminished potent feelings of attachment, an authentic and enduring bond, a sense of mutual commitment, the profound feeling of mutual, caring, feeling proud of a mate’s accomplishment, and the satisfaction that comes from sharing goals and perspective. In contrast, passionate love is marked by infatuation, intense preoccupation with the partner, throes of ecstasy, and feelings of exhilaration that come from being reunited with the partner.

People who are in an intimate relationship with one another are often called a couple, especially if the members of that couple have placed some degree of permanency to their relationship.

He still habours old grudges

M

y boyfriend has a lot of anger towards me and his family for pain that we caused him. It has been ten years since the day we met and one full year since we have gotten back together after a breakup.

When we have problems small or big, he runs from talking about them and says it’s not working for him and tries to leave me.

Then as we talk more, I hear about the old problems and he blames that on why we have many problems, which have nothing to do with the subject we are arguing about.

What do we need to do?

Esther, Warri Ans: It can be confusing that the past will come up and create problems in the present. Problems that are not even actually that big in the present can be made huge,

boosted up in intenstity only because they somehow remind us of our past.

This is how the past can literally take over our present relationship, and we will say or do things that completely seem to go against supporting happiness even, sometimes, leading someone to threaten to leave.

Your boyfriend running is a part of the “flight or fight” reaction that is coming up subconsciously. It reflects some way in which he was traumatized in his past, and because the trauma has not yet healed, it comes up again now, and it takes over the emotionality of the present moment. And he is trying to flee.

It is obvious by your description of what happens that your boyfriend is getting overwhelmed by a trauma that is still stored and active within his nervous system. He deserves to be relieved of this, so that he can better stay in real time in the relationship, and not get sucked back into his wounded past.

Second, I think that both of you should work together in the healing of old

wounds. We all have them. Maybe his came up first, and because of that, it is more obvious. But that does not mean he is the only one in the relationship who has internal traumas that affect the quality of your relationship.

Relationship is a two-way street.

Usually, and I mean 99% of the time, both partners have past wounds.

Societally, we all have some amount of woundedness from our pasts that limit our present capacities in our adult relationships. Look no further than to our 50% divorce rate for direct evidence of this.

If you are committed to having a great relationship, it is only wise to put aside a period of time to get whatever help is available today toward the healing of old patterns or wounds that emotionally put you in a bind. So I recommend that you both work together to heal old wounds and keep your love alive in the spirit of happiness.

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•Chuma, 32, from Abia,

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—21

Act or-turns-la wy er liv e on AIT ctor-turns-la or-turns-lawy wyer live

H

E may not have dumped his first loveacting, but the handsome ‘Andrew’ of the “Living In Bondage” fame, Kenneth

Okonkwo who was once married to the daughter of a Lagos-based man of God, Reverend Obiora Ezekiel of Christian Pentecostal Mission,

Uche Jombo's Damage, Anchor Baby jostle for Best film award ...as NAFCA announces nominations

U

CHE Jombo's trilogy film, 'Damage” is on the threshold of making history again going by the nominations for the Best film in this year's edition of the prestigious Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards(NAFCA), scheduled to hold on Sunday,

•Uche

September 16, at Carolina Theater, Durham North Carolina, USA. The list of nominations released by the event organisers, show that 'Damage' which has four nominations out of the nine categories will be jostling for the prize alongside such films as “The Professor”, 'Anchor baby', “ Tr e a c h e r o u s Heart” and “Ünge's War.' The film is also nominated for Best Docu-Drama, Best Drama and Best Screenplay.

It was followed by 'Ünge's War' produced by US based Nigerian film maker, GuGu E. Michaels, which has three nominations; Best Traditional film, Best Film, and Best Visual Effects. Lancelot Imasuen's epic film, “Adesuwa' and Lilian Bach's 'Eletan” respectively had two nominations each; Best Traditional film and Best Visual Effects.

Also, “Kajola' is being nominated for the Best Trailer/Short Film just as 'Champion of Our Time' is to jostle for the prize of Best Docu-Drama with “films such as “As I die Slowly ”, Omotola “Wamba”, “Eyes on Hope”and “Damage.”

Nominated for the Best Original Score award nominees are; 'Lost in AbroadKatumbela, Immoral AffairsJoyce Ngimah, “Stolen', Nigerian National Anthem-The Professor and I love AfricaThe Professor.

Meanwhile, organsiers named Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State and President Yahya AJJ Jammeh of the Gambia as among the dignitaries that will be honoured during the event. They will be given the Special NAFCA Life Time Achievement awards.

Others are Olu Jacobs and Pete Edochie who will bag the Special NAFCA Life Time achievement in Cinema awards, Zeb Ejiro and Patience Ozokwor(Special NAFCA Most Influential People), Moses Adejumo Olaiya (Baba Sala) and Zebrudaya Okoigwe Nwogbo (Chika Zerudaya Alias 4:30) who will also receive the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre awards amongst others.

Jonathan’s $200m int er inter ervvention fund!

M

y concern this week is about the very elusive 200 million US Dollars His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan publicly promised the Nigerian entertainment industry, almost two years ago.

Entertainment industry in this sense includes Nollywood, the music industry, comedy, fashion, modeling and other relevant sectors directly linked with Nigeria’s creative industry as a whole.

Lack of funding remains topmost among the myriad of eyeballing the entertainment industry. It was, therefore a big relief and soul lifting for practitioners and other stakeholders when President Jonathan announced a $200 million intervention fund for the country’s entertainment industry. The president made the announcement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Silverbird Group in Lagos. The

,

•Kenneth

Ogechi, is surely spending his valued time in the courtroom than he is ready to return to the movie set again.

The actor has pitched his tent in the legal profession.

This explains why he featured in an interview session on AIT, Tuesday morning, where he took on legal issues that are affecting the Local Government administration in the country.While the programme lasted, Okonkwo gave a good account of hismelf as 'a learned gentleman.' He proved to the panelists that he was equal to the task.

HVP gathered that the Enugu State born actor is based in Abuja, where he is plying his trade. The buzz is that the actor- turnedlawyer may be eyeing politics. Okonkwo who first read Business Administration in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before proceeding to read law, was called to the bar few years ago. He was said to have completed his law programme with flying colours.

Lack of funding remains topmost among the myriad of eyeballing the entertainment industry.

,

thunderous applause, which greeted this presidential pronouncement, almost pulled down the roof of the capacity filled hall. Suffice it to say that this pronouncement came during the thick of political campaigns by various presidential aspirants gunning for the coveted office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria via the April 2011 Presidential elections. President Jonathan was then one of the leading aspirants.

The timing couldn’t have been better. If the pronouncement

•President Jonathan was a campaign gimmick to win over electorate in the entertainment industry, then it was robustly on point. The entire entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood and music industries practically went gaga with different genres of the ‘Jonathan for President’ praise slogans.

Most of our highly rated thespians and music icons became instant clappers and dancers for the amusement of Abuja politicians. At the end, mission was accomplished and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was declared as winner of the election. As the clichérized saying goes, the rest is now history. o date, all we hear about the $200 million is that it would be jointly managed and disbursed by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) bank. I can boldly state here without fear of contradictions that as at today, not a dime or one kobo of the Jonathan’s $200 million has reached either of these financial institutions. I am aware of the heavily publicized disbursement of some funds by BoI and NEXIM bank to London returnee, Kene Mrakpu of ' Film House and USA-based Mr Tony Abulu.

Unsuspecting stakeholders and readers were railroaded into believing that these disbursement came directly from th e mythical Jonathan's $200 million. How far can this be from the truth!

To be continued next week.

T

22—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 7, 2012

How House of God gossips destroyed my marriage, Chris Okotie's ex-wife

Stephanie and chris...when the going was good

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

E

STRANGED wife of onetime pop singer-turned pastor and politician,

Stephanie, has opened up in what caused the crash in her marriage with Chris Okotie.

After Chris Okotie, including members of his Household of

God church, have refused to speak with anyone concerning the matter, Stephanie took to social network, Twitter where she spoke at length, exposing

Timaya rocks GLO Big Friday Show T

HE increasingly popular lifestyle entertainment television programme, The Big Friday Show, last Friday featured Nigeria’s music act, Timaya.

The show produced by MTV Base and sponsored

by Globacom had popularly musician Timaya as celebrity guest on the show Thus Timaya becomes the third musician on the programme which featured Nollywood actress Uche Jombo and music sensation P-Square in the first edition on June 22.

Glo also had on the

show an up-coming artiste E’nelly as well as the weekly V-log segment which presents viewers news on what is going on in the entertainment world.

On every Big Friday Show viewers are also given the chance to suggest celebrities they would like to see interviewed on the show, and to send questions to their favourite celebrity by SMS or MMS to get their questions answered directly on the show.

The Big Friday Show offers viewers an

opportunity to prank their friends by sending in their home videos by MMS or by uploading onto Facebook. The funniest clips will be played on the show.

The overall best prank clip will stand a chance to win a grand prize of US $2000 at the end of the series.

Glo subscribers in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin will additionally have the opportunity to win prizes including weekly recharge cards, Glo high speed internet modems, high-end Blackberry handsets and GLO SIMs.

the truth behind their crashed marriage.

According to her post on the social network, Twitter, Stephanie Adie Henshaw blamed the break up on the lies from members of the Church, saying “until the day Okotie asked me for a separation which led to my packing out of our matrimonial home, there has never for once been an argument between us.

Chris is loving husband who respected and adored me”.

Here is the full text of her post; Today makes it three weeks I was asked for a separation and a week four days I packed out.

Romans:8:28 “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” I am shocked as most people are, as there has not been an argument in my home. In over a year we have been as happy as everyone thought we were. I wait because I know in time, God will make known what has gone wrong. Chris Okotie and I have been friends for twenty years. I have loved and served him until the last minute of our

•Timaya

separation .

According to her she never saw the separation coming and blamed what broke her home to jealousy and lies from those who hated her in the church.

“Twenty years, I have known a man, 15 years, we have been the closest friends. I prepared all his meals for 10 years, including the four years we were married. The day I was asked to leave, I prepared his meal, served it and left. For the four years, he never fell ill but today, I am called all sorts of names, 'witch', and 'mermaid spirit'. I have served Jesus with clean hands and a clean heart.

I have loved all that have come my way and if I do not live through this pain and hurt as sure as Jesus lives, my children will see my vindication.”

She continues in another post: “Lies, not from the world but the church; accusations not from the world, but the church.

Where are the spirit filled Christians, the ones who fear and hear the Lord. My husband loves and adores me; he is not the one saying these things, the enemies from within who hate me. They hate the mercy God had on me. So they come up with all kinds of lies. My going can bring one Mrs.Okotie, but what happens to the rest of you? You bring shame to the body of Christ out of your jealousy and selfish desire and in the process expose your pastor. The work he has to do cost Jesus his life, don't joke with it. Our friendship is not based on marriage. You manipulated things at the expense of God's work and name. It is not about me, it has never been: it is about the will of God.” In another expression, Stephanie asks God to vindicate her in the presence of her accusers.

“Have mercy on me o God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your name until the danger passes by.

Vindicate me Lord. All things are open before you, righteous judge. I remain still, speak on my behalf. I submit to the end.

I did all I was asked to do, Lord. I left the home blameless before you. I have loved but have not been loved. I have given and not received but that is contrary to your word, Lord.

So, today I ask your word be made manifest in my life.”

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 7, 2012—23

Igbokwes remember late Xty Essien O

BA Akinjobi, G.R.A Ikeja-based Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, witnessed a rare crowd last Sunday, July 1 when the Igbokwe family alongside friends, associates and well wishers worshiped at a solemn memorial in honour of the late Chief Mrs Christy Essien-Igbokwe who died June last year.

For the family led by the husband, Chief Edwin Igbokwe, the occasion was another sober moment that was devoid of any celebrations.

And at the well-attended event,the family was called to the altar and given special blessings and admonitions by the Dean of the Cathedral, Venerable James Odedeji who also thanked the family for coming adding that, “I know you came with a heavy heart.

May God give you strength beyond your imagination and stand by you always. Despite the loss, you came to thank God. We pray that He would give you the inner strength to cope…”

The service was graced by the likes of ex-MD of Champions Newspapers,

and busin e s s woman, Chief (Dr) Mrs Christy EssienIgbokwe who died on June 30, 2011, is remembered not only for her exploits in the arena but more for her philanthropic gestures to man-

•Igbokwe’s in Church Emma Agu, Dr Austin Izagbo, MD, Bisi Olatilo Show, Prince Bisi Olatilo, former editor of Sunday Punch, Mr Godwin Nzeakah, Apostle Harford Alile, PMAN members, the media and a host of others.

In an emotionally laden voice, Chief Igbokwe who did not hide his joy over the presence of all and sundry, confessed that her late wife meant and still means a lot to him.

“Yes, she meant a lot to us and that is why we still mourn and miss her greatly. She was

my friend, sister, guardian and spiritual protector. Despite her involvement and popularity in show business, she took quality time to pray for the family”.

After the service, some of the guests accompanied the family to their Omole Phase One residence where they were treated to a low key entertainment.

'“Today is not a day of celebration” Chief Igbokwe tod his guests.

Adding, “We live with the full realization of Christy ’s physical separation from us and the vacuum she created.

So we’re out to reunite with her in faith and spirit rather than celebrate” A successful singer, actress,

kind.

Up till the time of going to press, goodwill and consolatory messages were still pouring into the Igbokwe home.

In one of the messages sent

by Mrs Maryam Abacha, wife the late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, she extolled the virtues of the fallen woman and prayed for the repose of her soul and continuous stability of the family.

•Ego Omalicha

Unveiling Donna Diva, Naija’s first female producer H ER passion for music was defined at the age of 15 when she became a member of the Church choir.

Born originally as Donna Adja and a native of Eku in Delta State, Sexy Donna Diva is a Business Management graduate of the University of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. Today as we unveil Donna Diva as Nigeria’s first female artiste cum producer, we also reveal to you that she started off her professional career as the leader of an in- house band at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, Lagos in 2006. But in 2011 she left the job to go solo as a recording and performing

•Donna

artiste. .

A model, actress and a fashion designer, Donna is also a successful clothing label owner.

With her blend of reggae, pop, soul, r&b, rap and African musical flavour, Donna certainly has a career ahead of her.

Her unmatched voice will sweep you off your feet when you listen to her. Her video and single track song titled “Shut Up” is presently rocking most terrestrial and satellite radio and television stations in the country. The video was shot by one of Nigeria’s most sought after video director, Clearance Peters.

•Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State with select list of top entertainers led by Don Lulu of 2Flame Entertainment after receiving them at State Liason Office Lagos, where he assured them of conducive business climate in Abia.

Red Media celebrates R

ED Media, a communication company launched on July 1, 2011 with a focus on Public Relations, Youth Marketing, Street Activations, and New Media,recently, announced activities to commemorate an impressive year in the industry.

The company’s heritage over the past six years covers services for clients across a wide spectrum including Government, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Technology, Development, Social Services, Entertainment, Fashion & Style, Education, and Celebrity Brands.

Last year, the company formally moved out of its erstwhile company RedSTRAT, with two of its directors coming together to build the brand Red Media, still driven by its spirit of excellence and its heritage of seven years.

“Red Media stands at the cusp of a new direction for media businesses for two reasons: first, we are headlining a new model that combines a strong marketing communication business with media content ownership, and in a new media space defined by ubiquitous new/digital media platforms,” explained

Adebola Williams, a Partner in the firm. “We are one of a very small community that has deep experience with both traditional media and new media and understand how brands should integrate both spaces.”

Red Media has an impressive base of A-list of clients that have included Etisalat, Google the Nigeria LNG, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigerian Idol, amongst others. Other clients have included TRACE Urban, Moet Hennessy, the British Council, the Federal Ministry of Youth, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Kasuwa, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

24— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Nollywood actresses, guests of state CID T

•Cha Cha Eke

•Joyce Kalu

WO Nollywood actresses Cha Cha Eke and Joyce Kalu last week were guests of the state CID, Delta State, following a petition written against them by the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Movies, an Asaba based production outfit.

The film maker has accused the actresses of defrauding his company as well as breach of contract.

HVP gathered that Cha Cha was arrested while relaxing in her car, few minutes after she rounded off the day's shooting by men from the state CID. Eye witness said Cha Cha's

arrest did not go down well with Joyce, a mother of three children who immediately took to her heels,having suspected the men to be kidnappers.

Impeccable source hinted that she reported at the police station the following morning after it became clear to her that the men were not kidnappers.

Our source fuirther stated that the CEO of Diamond Movies petitioned the duo before the state CID following what he described as "the unruly behaviour of the actresses" while on set.

He claimed that the actresses abandoned his set, which led to delay in the completion of his production. "He started shooting the movie in Port-

Heroes and Zeroes Nadia Buari praises self

Nonso Okonkwo bags UNIZIK' UNIZIK'ss Director award given to him by award the students of Nnamdi Azikiwe

P

OPULAR director, Nonso Okonkwo was all smiles last Thursday as he bagged the Nollywood Best Producer/

University, Awka, Anambra State.

Nonso, who is the man behind the Goldfish Productions,bagged the award in recognition of his immense qualities as a distinguished film maker, director and a role model to the Nigerian youths.

Receiving the award at a ceremony, which had the former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukuwemeka Ezeife, as the guest speaker, the director urged students of the institution to imbibe those qualities that made the legendary Zik great during his lifetime.

Some of the flicks produced by Nonso include, 'Mad House', 'Odega', The Legend' and the yet to be released 'The Spirit Girl.'

I

•Nadia Buari

AY, Elenu, Lectura,others for Entertainment Express 1 yr. anniversary

T

•AY

HE Nigerian showbiz indus try will reverberate on Saturday, July 28, as the nation’s fastest selling newspaper, Entertainment Express, celebrates its first anniversary in a grand style.

The evening event, which is already serenading Lagos and its environs, holds at upscale Niteshift Coliseum, the nation’s most revered club and events venue, tucked in the heart of Opebi, Ikeja.

Harcourt, but had to round it off in Asaba.” the source disclosed.

However, those who are used to the producer accused him of not keeping to his own part of the business agreement.

According to fillers, while the producer was inconsistent with his schedule of work, his production was said to have clashed with the ones which the actresses already have been booked for.

At the moment, the police have threatened to charge the case to court if, upon the expiration of one week, should the parties fail to resolve their differences.

The anniversary bash tagged: Express Nite 1, will be specially anchored by sensational comedian, Ayo Makun, famously known as AY. He will be supported by other renowned comedians like, Elenu, D’Lectura, D-Don, Mc Abbey among others.

Also gracing the epoch event are leading stars and entertainers from

Nollywood, music and comedy sectors as well as captains of industry.

Expected also are dignitaries and celebrities across different fields of human endeavours, including diplomats.

Fans, readers and friends of Entertainment Express will be given special considerations at the historic groove.

T is not every time one hears award winning Ghollywood actress, Nadia Buari who has been missing in action for some time now, sings praises of a movie she participated in. But this time around, the fair-skinned actress has done so without any remorse.

The screen goddess who played a lead act in the new flick, “ Heroes and Zeros”, described the film, directed by award-winning film maker, Niji Akanni, as “one of her best movies.”

In Nadia's words, “ Heroes and Zeros” is about the best movie I have done in recent times. It was a great experience to be on set with the likes of Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Akin Lewis and many others. Everybody brought something to the table.”

However, commending Nadia's dexterity on set, the director said “Nadia Buari is a top Ghollywood actress who has won series of awards to show for her talent. She really worked off her socks on set.’’

“Heroes and Zeros” which premiered in Ghana few weeks ago, is expected to hit the Nigerian cinemas next month.

Judging by the storyline and the number of seasoned actors and actresses that featured in this oneof-a-kind flick, it is definitely a movie to look out for.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 7 , 2012 —25

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7,2012

W

Health hazards of obesity hat is obesity?

The definition of obesity varies depending on what one reads. In general, overweight and obesity indicate a weight greater than what is considered healthy. Obesity is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount body fat.

A certain amount of body fat is necessary for storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions.

Obesity is best defined by using the body mass index.

The body mass index is calculated using a person’s height and weight. The body mass index (BMI) equals a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. Since BMI describes body weight relative to height, it is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults. An adult who has a BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, and an adult who has a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

How common is obesity?

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Over two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and one in three Americans is obese. The prevalence of obesity in children has increased markedly, with approximately 20%-25% of children either overweight or obese. Obesity has also been increasing rapidly throughout the world, and the incidence of obesity nearly doubled from 1991 to 1998.

Obesity facts •Obesity means having excess body fat. For adults 35 and older, having a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese.

•Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration. It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, and other chronic illnesses.

•Obesity is difficult to treat and has a high relapse rate.

Greater than 95% of those who lose weight regain the weight within five years.

• Even though

medications and diets can help, the treatment of obesity cannot be a short-term “fix” but has to be a life-long commitment to proper diet habits, increased physical activity, and regular exercise.

•The goal of treatment should be to achieve and maintain a “healthier weight,” not necessarily an ideal weight.

•Even a modest weight loss of 5%-10% of initial weight and the long-term maintenance of that weight loss can bring significant health benefits by lowering blood pressure and lowering the risks of diabetes and heart disease.

•The chances of longterm successful weight loss are enhanced if the doctor works with a team of professionals, including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise professionals.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration; it is a dire dilemma directly harmful to one’s health. In the United States, roughly 300,000 deaths per year are directly related to obesity, and more than 80% of these deaths are in patients with a BMI over 30. For patients with a BMI over 40, life expectancy is reduces significantly (as much as 20 years for men and five years for women). Obesity also increases the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, including the following: •Insulin resistance.

Insulin is necessary for the transport of blood glucose (sugar) into the cells of muscle and fat (which is then used for energy). By transporting glucose into cells, insulin keeps the blood glucose levels in the normal range. Insulin resistance (IR) is the condition whereby the effectiveness of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) into cells is diminished. Fat cells are more insulin resistant than muscle cells; therefore, one important cause of insulin resistance is obesity. The pancreas initially responds to insulin resistance by producing more insulin. As long as the pancreas can produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood glucose levels remain normal. This insulin resistance state (characterized

Try a bowl of whole-grain cereal topped with fruit and low-fat dairy for a quick and nutritious start to your day

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by normal blood glucose levels and high insulin levels) can last for years.

Once the pancreas can no longer keep up with producing high levels of insulin, blood glucose levels begin to rise, resulting in type 2 diabetes, thus insulin resistance is a pre-diabetes condition.

who have lost weight and kept it off is eating breakfast every day. “Many people think skipping breakfast is a great way to cut calories, but they usually end up eating more throughout the day, says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids. “Studies show people who eat breakfast have lower BMIs than breakfastskippers and perform better, whether at school or in the boardroom.” Try a bowl of whole-grain cereal topped with fruit and low-fat dairy for a quick and nutritious start to your day.

2.Close the Kitchen at Night. Establish a time when you will stop eating so you won’t give in to the late-night munchies or mindless snacking while watching television. “Have a cup of tea, suck on a piece of hard candy or enjoy a small bowl of light ice cream or frozen yogurt if you want something sweet after dinner, but then brush your teeth so you will be less likely to eat or drink anything •Essentially, fruits and vegetables constitute a else,” suggests Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, WebMD’s “Recipe healthy diet.

Doctor” and the author of •Type 2 (adult-onset) women. Obesity may also be Comfort Food Makeovers.

3.Choose Liquid Calories diabetes. The risk of type 2 associated with breast diabetes increases with the cancer, particularly in Wisely. Sweetened drinks pile degree and duration of postmenopausal women. Fat on the calories, but don’t obesity. Type 2 diabetes is tissue is important in the reduce hunger like solid foods associated with central production of estrogen, and do. Satisfy your thirst with obesity; a person with prolonged exposure to high water, sparkling water with central obesity has excess levels of estrogen increases citrus, skim or low-fat milk, or small portions of 100% fruit fat around his/her waist, so the risk of breast cancer. juice. Try a glass of nutritious that the body is shaped like an apple.

Ways to lose weight and low-calorie vegetable juice to hold you over if you •High blood pressure without dieting get hungry between meals. Be (hypertension).

Sure, you can lose weight careful of alcohol calories, Hypertension is common among obese adults. A quickly. There are plenty of which add up quickly. If you Norwegian study showed fad diets that work to shed tend to drink a glass or two of that weight gain tended to pounds rapidly — while wine or a cocktail on most increase blood pressure in leaving you feeling hungry days, limiting alcohol to the women more significantly and deprived. But what good weekends can be a huge calorie than in men. The risk of is losing weight only to saver.

4.Eat More Produce. developing high blood regain it? To keep pounds off pressure is also higher in permanently, it’s best to lose Eating lots of low-calorie, highobese people who are weight slowly. And many volume fruits and vegetables apple shaped (central experts say you can do that crowds out other foods that are obesity) than in people without going on a “diet.” higher in fat and calories. Move who are pear shaped (fat Instead, the key is making the meat off the center of your distribution mainly in hips simple tweaks to your plate and pile on the lifestyle. vegetables. Or try starting and thighs).

One pound of fat — is equal lunch or dinner with a •High cholesterol to 3,500 calories. By vegetable salad or bowl of (hypercholesterolemia) •Stroke (cerebrovascular shaving 500 calories a day broth-based soup, suggests through dietary and Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of accident or CVA) exercise modifications, you The Volumetrics Eating Plan.

•Heart attack.

A prospective study found can lose about a pound a Your diet will be enriched with minerals, that the risk of developing week. If you only need to vitamins, coronary artery disease maintain your current phytonutrients, fiber, and if increased three to four weight, shaving 100 calories you fill up on super-nutritious times in women who had a a day is enough to avoid the produce, you won’t be BMI greater than 29. A extra 1-2 pounds most reaching for the cookie jar.”

5.Go for the Grain. By Finnish study showed that adults gain each year.

Adopt one or more of these substituting whole grains for for every 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) increase in body simple, painless strategies to refined grains like white bread, weight, the risk of death help lose weight without going cakes, cookies, and pretzels, you add much-needed fiber from coronary artery on a “diet”: 1.

Eat Breakfast Every and will fill up faster so you’re disease increased by 1%. In patients who have already Day. One habit that’s more likely to eat a reasonable had a heart attack, obesity common to many people portion. is associated with an increased likelihood of a second heart attack.

•Congestive heart failure •Cancer . Obesity has been linked to cancer of the colon in men and women, cancer of the rectum and prostate in men, and cancer of the gallbladder and uterus in

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E

Why couples cheat To deal with the ideas of infidelity, the best option is to communicate your feelings to your partner. Do not state to him or her that you are having thoughts of infidelity

also work to boost the ego of a person as he or she now feels more desirable. This is usually due to lack of spark or mutual appreciation in a relationship.

How to deal with thoughts of infidelity Before you decide to cheat your partner, learn to deal with the thoughts of infidelity by figuring out what is lacking in your relationship and bringing thoughts that could cost you love of your current partner and family.

1.The foremost step to deal with thoughts of infidelity is to figure out the incidences of such thoughts. Daydreaming about someone or getting attracted to someone on the street is perfectly normal, but getting intimate with another person is an indication that your current relationship is lacking something essential. Instead of focussing your attention on the one whom you admire, revaluate your relationship with your partner to know the differences.

2.While having thoughts of cheating on your partner, just give a thought to its dire consequences. Think how it will hurt your partner and everybody else around you. If children are involved, think how it is going to influence their life and their mental development. Infidelity does not involve you and your partner, it impinges on your family ’s mentality and tears them apart.

The best solution is to locate the problems in your relationship that brought you to think of cheating with your partner. Such thoughts can be forced by innumerable reasons such as staying away from your partner for too long or giving a lot of importance to the person you are attracted to.

3.Spend some time for selfanalysis and ask yourself if cheating is worth the risk of hurting everyone you hold dear.

Question yourself as to what is important for you: being intimate with another man or woman or your marital life and family. Be honest to yourself and give a thought to what you are putting at stake by being disloyal to your partner.

4.To deal with the ideas of infidelity, the best option is to

,

communicate your feelings to your partner. Do not state to him or her that you are having thoughts of infidelity, but explain that you are finding some difficulties in your relationship. Tell him or her what is missing in the relationship and try to voice your present feelings. Do it in a way that it does not hurt your partner’s emotions and try to clear your doubts as much as possible so that the two of you can decide an appropriate future action i.e. whether to make things work or take individual ways. Putting an end to a relationship is always better than being unfaithful and disloyal.

5.

Instead of feeling guilty for being unfaithful later, confide in a close friend about your thoughts of indulging in infidelity. Perhaps, your friend can give some fresh ideas to steer your current relationship to a positive direction.

Major effects of extra-marital affairs An extra-marital affair brings negative effects and causes unbearable emotional and mental loss involving a myriad of emotions. Cheating by a spouse is a blow to other spouse’s self-esteem, trust, sense of stability and personality. Some major effects of extra-marital affair on an

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very couple, when entering into an intimate, committed relationship and hopefully before marriage, should have the infidelity conversation.

The understanding of infidelity is quite blurred as some may not consider “emotional infidelity” as a breach of trust but it actually is. Both physical and emotional intimacy with somebody other than your partner is infidelity. Physical intimacy or sexual relations outside an intimate relationship is distrust and betrayal,while emotional intimacy can be emotional dependence where quality time, attention and romantic love is spent with a person with whom you are not in a relationship with. In both cases, the other partner in the relationship is cheated and betrayed accounting to infidelity.

Why people cheat on their partners?

Most people in relationships would agree that commitment means never going astray on sex, and at times even being emotionally intimate to someone else. In a recent survey , it was found that many people admit to being unfaithful at some point of time in their life. It is bemusing that the married lot cheated more than the single.

The reasons for this vary from person to person, but the single factor that is relevant to both the genders is the aversion to commitment.

With the romance coming to an end after marriage, many people cannot reconcile themselves to the mundane life.

They want the same attraction back which is not possible in the partner with whom they have spent their last year together.

A nagging wife or over passionate husband can make the spouses look for another person to get sanity back into their life. That is one of the prime reasons why men and women fall into the arms of a person other than their partner.

In case of some persons, it is the group tendency that drives them to commit adultery. In case a buddy does it and shows it off as something fun, there are many men who cannot resist it. The same goes for women as some friends make their mates cheat just for kicks.

In case of men, it is the starvation of sex that leads them to have it outside of wedlock. If the woman is not willing to have sex as much as the man wants or needs it, he is going to look for it elsewhere. In the same way, an unsatisfied woman would look for someone who can satisfy her.

The craving for new thrill is one of the most important reasons behind cheating. A man has gratified himself with you, and is not likely to feel the same again. That brings out the urge to experiment, in other words, flirting with other women.

If a person is in a state of despair and under great stress, having an affair can fix many problems. It can not only give release from the tension but

Broken trust

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disloyal spouse kills the trust of the other spouse and makes it difficult for him or her to trust anybody in future.

For a victim, getting over from the shock of an extra-marital affair is the toughest thing to do.

Entering into another romantic relationship also becomes hard as the victim is more judgmental and cautious this time. Causes of extra-marital affair by ex-spouse become a baggage for the victim, who cannot forget the devastating experience of infidelity and enters into a self-victimisation mode.

Lost stability Discovering your spouse in an extra-marital affair may turn your world upside down. Life may seem totally shattered and disoriented. Nothing hurts more than a dishonest spouse.

Feeling of parting ways with the person, who was once your support system and who gave you all worldly securities can cause an emotional breakdown.

The victim feels like nobody and loses his or her inner sense of stability.

Emotional breakdown

The major effect of extramarital affair is emotional breakdown of the victim in which he or she finds himself or herself in a traumatised state. At the end of the relationship, the victim usually presses herself or

The worst part of emotional infidelity is that people who are involved in such a form of cheating are more likely to be guilt free because there is no sex involved

honest spouse in relationship include:

the

A blow to self esteem

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—27 she forms a different perception of everything and looks differently at his or her job, friends, family and life choices.

Perception can be positive or negative, but most victims feel utter despair and loneliness in all the areas of their life. Some find solace in their children while others get emotionally detached from their children. causes emotional and mental There can be a number of imbalance that leads to self- reasons for cheating and accusation by victim .i.e. he or usually, the doer does not pay she blames himself or herself for attention to what it can cause to their spouse’s affair. A victim his or her spouse. Certainly, the of extra-marital affair must effects of extra-marital affair are realise that he or she had not devastating and victims take a taken the decision to cheat lot of time to heal from the instead, his or her spouse broke damage caused. To lead a the sacred vows of marriage to normal life after facing an extraindulge in infidelity. marital affair, it is better for the victim to work through them.

n extra-marital affair of your spouse is like a blow to your self-esteem. In such a situation, the sufferer starts questioning himself or herself.

Thoughts such as “What was my mistake?”, “What have I done?” start haunting the sufferer.

Feelings of being cheated

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himself to discover the reasons and causes of cheating. It is at this point that the selfblame-game starts. After facing infidelity, a victim goes through a roller coaster of emotions and feels negativity all around.

Hampers social life

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xtra marital affair destructs victim’s social life and he or she disconnects from the outside world. He or

Emotional Vs physical infidelity

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motional infidelity is when a person begins to invest his/her emotional feelings to someone else but their partner. In emotional infidelity, the person starts receiving companionship from a new relationship and feels closer to the new partner.

The worst part of emotional infidelity is that people who are involved in such a form of cheating are more likely to be guilt free because there is no sex involved, but even if an affair does not involve sex, it is still an affair!

Having an intimate correspondence with someone either through cell phone or online and maintaining a relationship by whatever means is part of emotional infidelity.

Physical infidelity In physical infidelity, the person is sexually involved with a person outside his/her committed relationship. In such a situation, the person starts giving physical attention to someone other than his or her partner.

The main difference between physical and emotional infidelity is physical contact.

In physical infidelity, the person shares a sexual affair outside of his or her existing relationship. On the contrary, in emotional infidelity, people may have met online or known each other over the phone.

For most people, there is no difference between emotional and physical infidelity as both of them involve cheating with the partner. Emotional infidelity has the same behavioural component and a similar end result when compared with physical infidelity.

Emotionally, cheating is not considered as infidelity by some people. The rationale is that since there is no physical contact, the behaviour can’t be considered cheating.

Some people even opine that a physical affair is not infidelity as physical affair sometimes ‘gives you a new rigour in your relationship’.

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 7, 2012

That was a good one, the show I saw you performing at, where was that?

That was in Baltimore, Washington DC. It was a concert marking the anniversary of ‘’Jesus House ministries, Baltimore’’. I was invited from Nigeria, along with one artist from London and another from America to be part of the celebration.

You are always out of the country evangelising right?

Yes I am, but not always. I try as much as possible to be where I am needed to be depending on how much my calendar or schedule can accommodate.

I noticed you do strictly live music and no miming. Did you travel with your band or did you pick guys up somewhere?

They are mine, I call them the ‘’Next Generation Band.

Well, I grew up in an environment where live music was the way to go. First was the junior Choir before I graduated to the senior Choir So basically, I was surrounded by live music.

When I became an artist, that was the only thing I was familiar with and also the proper thing to do. I have never mimed and most likely would never mime. But in a situation where the promoter cannot carry my band along with me, I would try to locate musicians where I am traveling to, rehearse a few times with them and perform.

How convenient is it for you to move around with a band?

It is not entirely up to me most times, rather it is the job of the promoter. They are in charge of the flight, accommodation, feeding and ground transportation.The burden is seldom on my shoulders especially when we have to travel outside the country. The promoter plans for it and makes sure it is at a season where tickets are not extra expensive.

And sometimes, they get sponsorship deals from airlines.

Traveling with a lot of people has its danger sometimes, don’t you worry

C M Y K

Dating beautiful and powerful women gave me fame —Okposo that some of your band members could run away?

I’d speak for my band now.

It has never happened and would never happen. You see, my members have known me for too long and they are aware that I am not desperate about wanting to go over to the Western world to settle.

They have seen me grow and progress in the things I do here in Nigeria. I am the example they see and I have not for once ever believed that the grass is greener on the other side. It is good to travel but with what they have seen me achieve, they know home is the best. It would be totally insane of me to pack my bags and leave the country. I believe they do not have it in their subconscious and there is no place they cannot go to if they wish. They have known and seen how fellow colleagues that ran away from their bands in search of greener pastures live. They do not live a more fantastic life than what they lived back

home in Nigeria. Their attitude to this over the years is, to travel when necessary, do what is expected of them and come back home.

At a point, the industry was dominated by up new artistes who couldn’t perform live on stage, how were you able to survive and scale through the massive treat?

There were a few of us who stuck to our guns because that was the way we started out.

Most people were used to the fact that you cannot invite Sammy Okposo without his band. I tried my best to remain relevant in my field. That way, I was always in demand.

All through that period when things were real tough for some of my colleagues, I was just one artist that was not hindered or disturbed by that trend. But there were exceptional cases where I may decide to play at functions without taking a band. Events like awards ceremony where I am invited to perform the National anthem, I would

take an instrumetals of my songs and sing live to it.

Sometimes, it could even be a theme song without my lead voice, so it has always been my decision.

Generally, how did it affect the industry?

It affected the industry tremendously because up till now, there are a lot of known artistes who are invited for live performances but who would rather give their CD’s to the DJ and sing on top of their songs. And I ask myself, who is performing. My personal opinion is that it is a rip off.

People pay to see a live concert but instead they see you mimming to songs on your CD. It is as good as staying at home and listening to your CD. Is it now a crime to do that?

Yes. I strongly believe it is a rip off because you are singing what people are familiar with already. They need to see and hear a live performance, something that is not on your CD, something they can go home and talk about.

But you weren’t always a gospel artist, were you?

From the very beginning, I have been. Although I did not start off as a musician, I started as a producer. I did a lot of Nigerian home video soundtracks because I was trying to carve a niche for myself under my then boss Kingsley Ogoro who taught me basically everything I know about making jingles, TV commercials, theme songs and album productions. I went through that process because

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Dating beautiful and powerful women gave Sammie Okposo fame but it also brought him pains. In this interview, the Delta State born ace producer, singer and actor shares the gains and pains of stardom. He also discloses why he took his time to settle into marriage.

Enjoy.

By Ogbonna Amadi Entertainment Editor

Okposo ... on stage

professionally but slightly. I went through that process of being an instrumentalist to a producer because of my yearning to know more about music.

My first album ‘’Welluwellu’’ in 2000 was a gospel album. But before people started seeing the artist in Sammy Okposo, I was already well known in the entertainment industry as a producer. I worked with popular names way back like Lekki Sunsplash from the days

I grew up in an environment where live music was the way to go. First was the junior Choir before I graduated to the senior Choir So basically,I was surrounded by live music

I wanted to understand music as an artist.

Today, there are numerous artistes who know nothing about any musical instrument which is wrong. An artist should be able to play at least one instrument, maybe not

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of Alex Zito, Blackky, Tina Onwudiwe, Charly Boy, Chris Mba, Mandy andmany more.

I was very functional in the industry as an instrumentalist and a producer which I thought was a necessary school to pass through.My

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 — 29

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in you?

Unfortunately for me, all the women I had relationships with, were very popular and powerful women way ahead of me in the entertainment industry. I once dated a Miss Nigeria, a very popular actress and a few others. What made me popular was like a mystery.

When people wanted to know who I was and how I got to date those women, they started digging and that was how I became relevant. It was not the awards I received that brought me fame, it was the ladies I was connected to.

Was it something you planned or was it deliberate?

No, it was not planned. My

I have been single for a very long time. I had to rule out getting married in a hurry because I saw too many things happen in the industry

sometimes it could be your own doing.

The kind of fame you got at that point, didn’t worry you?

I came from a good Christian home and my parents were not happy hearing those things back home in Delta.

Most of the time they get

•Okposo

•Okposo and wife first album up until now, has remained gospel.

It is one thing to be a gospel singer and another to be a Christian, where do you belong?

I was born into a Christian home. My father was the founding elder of a Gospel Church’’ and my late mother a deaconess and a choir member. So as children, we all grew up in a home where the fear of God was not compromised. But as we grew up to become teenagers, we decided to experiment. I had my own years of experimenting.

My band and I played all kinds of circular music at all the notable jazz joints Lagos had to offer. We were called the ‘’Treasure Band’’ and we were very popular. But it got to a point when I looked back at all we had achieved and I felt empty. By the time I did an inward search, I realized I had missed my calling and I needed to go back to doing gospel.

You were quite notorious with the women, why was that and what did these women see

band was jamming at Pintos then and the owner Mr Onabolu was one of the organizers of the Miss Nigeria pageant then. As part of the package, the winner of the Miss Nigeria was scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Pintos which was his joint.

She had a fantastic voice and someone mentioned she should try singing with my band and that was how we met. We just struck a chord, got very friendly and that was where it started from.

Your affairs with women made you notorious and you say it also helped you build your career, right?

Of course it did. Like I said, everything works together for good. I tell people that in the midst of all the publicity be it negative and positive, it would eventually make your name known but you have to be able to balance the situation because sometimes, you might be at the wrong place at the wrong time, sometimes you can be misrepresented and

filtered information from here.

People tell them all sort of stories and they were all amplified.

My family was a very quiet and happy one. I brought my surname out. They were very unhappy when rumours filtered in from Lagos down to Delta about me. It was difficult for them to comprehend what was happening because they did not understand much about the entertainment industry.

Could that have contributed to your getting married very late in life?

I have been single for a very long time. I had to rule out getting married in a hurry because I saw too many things happen in the industry.

And as I was growing up, I said to myself that as crazy as the industry is, I would have a sweet and happy home. I didn’t want to have a crazy home and belong to a crazy profession. I saw people who went into things they should not have gone into and all of that made me to see things in a more realistic state and

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calmed down.

What kind of things did you see?

People went into relationships especially marriages and before the blink of an eye, it was shattered. It discouraged me so much that I couldn’t bear seeing myself doing the same thing. I needed to be more careful and so I asked questions. Marriage is not just a fashion that comes and then goes out of style, it is a lifetime agreement, so I decided to discard all forms of pressure.

Talking about your child now, was the baby expected?

Well, what I would say is the baby came and we had to deal with that fact.

How did you react to the news?

I was shocked because that was the last thing on my mind then but I had to brace myself and accept it. I was barely able to find my feet at that time but the good thing is that the baby came and is now a blessing to me. I always say thumbs up to Gloria and her family because the early stages of the life of my daughter was in the hands of her mother and her family. If it were up to me, I had nothing to offer and till tomorrow, if not for who she is, I wonder what would have happened to the lady.

Was there no pressure from her?

Not at all, I must confess it is not easy to find someone with a heart as good as that. I did not get any kind of pressure from her financially or emotionally. She knew the level I was on and how to adapt to it.

I wonder why she chose you when it was obvious you had nothing to offer...

Those are the kind of questions you don’t have answers to. The heart has a mind of its own. I’m thankful to my daughter. She is a wonderful and intelligent, sweet young girl. I must also add that I was never for one day denied access to my daughter by her mother or members of her family.

Currently what is the relationship like between you, your daughter and your new family?

It is a fantastic one. Gloria is not a troublesome person.

She’s exposed, and comes from a good home.

Did you try to make thing work out between the two of

you?

I’m not going to say I tried or not. We had to be civil for the sake of the child and allow her to grow.

My daughter was at my wedding.

I was going to that and how you met your wife...

I met my wife in the United Kingdom and she still lives there. I met her while on one of my trips. Her whole family came to watch my show and when I was signing autographs on my CD’s, they came to buy. It took just one glance and I yearned to meet her again.

I said a little prayer to God that if we were supposed to meet, it should be soon.

I went back to my hotel to prepare to leave the U.K, when I got a call from a friend who wanted to take me out.

We went for an exhibition which happened to be organised by my wife’s sister.

And to my surprise, she walked in and we got chatting, She refused to give me her contact and finally I went back to Nigeria without getting it.

That got me more interested.

But as God would have it, that whole period, I was getting more invitations to perform mostly in the U.K. That gave me more opportunity to interact with her and after some serious chatting, I finally got her number and we were able to communicate easily. I once mentioned to her that the first time I saw her, she looked like the woman I was to marry and she said ‘ well, we’ll see about that. We have been married for two years now and I’m happy with it.

Is it true that you have something to do with an American company?

Yes. The company is called TMG. My new album by the way is going to be released on the 3 rd of August and its currently taking all my time now. The title of the album is “The Statement.’’ And it is coming out six years after my last album No More Drama which was released in 2006.

And since then, I have only released singles just for promotional purposes.

How many singles have you released since so far?

Just about six singles, but the album would have about 26 tracks.

Different inspirations, attitudes and vibes would be in that album.

There would be something for everybody regardless of who you are.

TMG records signed me up for international release. They are waiting for the unveiling of the new album.

And they would be in charge of the distribution and marketing in America and the Caribbeans.

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012

Wimbledon Tennis stars and their Soccer equivalents

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ITH Euro 2012 finished and Wimbledon reaching the final stages of an exciting fortnight, soccer no longer occupies the center of the sporting world’s attention.

No matter. We can still relate Wimbledon

back to soccer.

All of Wimbledon’s biggest stars have a soccer equivalent, if you think hard enough about it.

Here are six soccer equivalents for some of Wimbledon’s biggest stars.

Rafael Nadal is Lionel Messi

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rgentine superstar Lionel Messi did not feature at Euro 2012 this summer because, well, he’s not European.

Still, he’s the best in the world, and few would argue it.

Spanish star Rafael Nadal isn’t ranked No. 1 anymore, but he is a two-time Wimbledon champion and he did defeat Novak Djokovic in the French Open final this year.

Alas, we didn’t see much of Nadal this summer at Wimbledon. He lost his second-round match to the Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol.

Much like Messi, then, Nadal’s talents didn’t play out on the grandest stage this summer. It’s an imperfect comparison, however, because Messi had no chance to play at Euro 2012. Having said that, there’s more.

Like Nadal’s Wimbledon loss, Messi and FC Barcelona suffered a disappointing exit from the Champions League semifinals this past spring, before losing the race for the Spanish league title to Real Madrid as well.

Roger Federer is Cristiano Ronaldo

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t’s all there—the looks, the brilliance, the titles and the current place just behind the world’s best.

Roger Federer used to be the best, just like Ronaldo, but along came Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. In Ronaldo’s case, it was Lionel Messi.

Still, Federer isn’t doing too badly for himself. He’s won a record 16 Grand Slam titles and has advanced to the Wimbledon semis this summer. Of course, when he gets there, it looks like he’ll have to play the favourite in Djokovic—just like Ronaldo did when he and Portugal lost to Spain in the Euro 2012 semifinals.

Maria Sharapova isWesleySneijder

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aria Sharapova always looks good, both on and off the court.

That is, except this summer.

•Rafael Nadal

•Roger Federer

•Maria Sharapova

•Novak Djokovic

Alan Dzagoev, Midfielder, R W

•Andy Murray At Wimbledon, the Russian No. 1 seed lost in the fourth round of the women’s draw.

That’s kind of like Holland’s Wesley Sneijder.

Sneijder is universally considered a great player. He showed it two years ago at the World Cup, when the Netherlands advanced all the way to the final. Having said that, at Euro 2012, Sneijder’s Dutch team crashed and burned.

In an obvious corollary, Sabine Lisicki is thus the entire German national team, which advanced easily from Group B past Holland.

They looked good for a while, but ultimately proved pretenders.

Novak Djokovic is Andres Iniesta

N

ovak Djokovic can

•Serena Williams hardly stop winning. Before that hiccup in the French Open final, the Serbian had won three straight majors.

Yet, after losing to Rafael Nadal in Paris, the doubters remain. Similar doubts were voiced about Spain this summer, but we all know how that turned out.

So, why Andres Iniesta?

UEFA named him the best player of Euro 2012.

Andy Murray is Steven Gerrard

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cotsman Andy Murray has fought his way to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, where he played Spaniard David Ferrer .

No British man has won Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, and everybody knows all about it. Murray has never won a major, but

ITH three goals scored during the group stages, Alan Dzagoev proved himself to be the little man with a big future as his stylish approach to the game paid immediate dividends for Russia. Dzagoev, who plays for CSKA Moscow, hit

as Britain’s greatest hope, he has the weight of a nation upon his shoulders.

England soccer captain Steven Gerrard handled the burden well this summer, leading the Three Lions— who haven’t won a major title since the 1966 World Cup—to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012.

That was as far as Gerrard could take England. Will Murray do better?

Serena Williams is Andrea Pirlo S erena Williams is 30 years old. That’s not at all old in the real world, but in tennis, it’s positively ancient. Williams’ most recent Grand Slam title came two

a brace in the opening day of the tournament as Russia blitzed Czech Republic 4-1.

But, that was as good as it got for the Eastern Europeans, who crashed out of Euro 2012 after taking just one point from their next two matches.

He scored a third against

years ago at Wimbledon, and this summer, she’s suffered the ignominy of being seeded No. 6.

Italian international soccer player Andrea Pirlo is 33, and though he won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006, he suffered the ignominy of being dumped by his club last summer.

Pirlo, however, immediately won the Italian title with Juventus (one of AC Milan’s biggest rivals) and led Italy to the Euro 2012 final this summer at the ripe old age of 33.

Williams is already in the semifinals. Could a run to the final be in the cards?

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 — 31

Euro 20 12: 6 Pla s who in201 Playyer ers creased their transf er vvalue alue transfer

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URO 2012 has come to a glorious finalewell, except if you’re Italian and, after watching 16 nations, 31 matches and 76 goals, Spain were crowned the worthy winners and champions of Europe again.

The likes of Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba won acclaim for their performances throughout the tournament as they featured in every match, but it wasn’t just the Spaniards who shone in Poland and Ukraine.

•Joao Moutinho

Theodore Gebre Selassie, Right-Back, Czech Republic

Attacking ussia Poland in the 1-1 draw and showed plenty of good movement, excellent control and a real eye for a pass in all three of his games.

With just six months left on his contract, his transfer value certainly won’t be sky high at the moment. CSKA will want

to do everything in their power to tie him down to a longer- term deal.

If they do, they’ll have a young player on their hands worth upwards of $12 million.

If they don’t, another team will be signing a real bargain this coming winter.

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zech Republic reached the quarterfinals, despite that 4-1 drubbing by Russia, after bouncing back to beat Greece 2-1 and Poland 1-0.

Part of the reason for their improvement was the fine form of full-back Theodore Gebre Selassie, a Slovan Liberec defender who had, shortly before the tournament, all but agreed on a move to German side Werder Bremen.

It looks to have proved a shrewd move by the Bundesliga side to get the terms of the move sewn up pre-Euro 2012, as they paid a reported $1.6 million for the attack-minded defender.

Andriy Yarmolenko, Winger, Ukraine

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•Theodor Gebre

•Andriy yamolenko

kraine’s tactical system was entirely based, in an attacking sense, on their inverted wingers.

With the left-footed Andriy Yarmolenko playing on the right flank and the rightfooted Yevhen Konoplyanka on the left, Ukraine constantly sought to get these two pacey attackers involved centrally in the final third to create shooting or crossing opportunities.

Whilst the overall lack of on the ball talent hindered Ukraine’s attempts to progress, Yarmolenko, in particular, was an outstanding individual who certainly looked to make things happen. Comfortable cutting

Poland, Russia, Sweden and Denmark all exited the tournament at the group stages, but they had players on display who were the toast of their nation after some fine performances.

With that in mind, and the opening of the transfer window upon us, here are six players—outside of the two finalists—who increased their transfer value during the tournament.

•Nicklas Bendtner inside to shoot or going on the outside to allow support to flood the box, Yarmolenko was brave in possession and was one of the first players his teammates looked to when they desperately needed a piece of creativity.

Joao Moutinho, Central Midfield, Portugal

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ne of the few players at the tournament who could pass the ball as well as the Spanish midfielders, Joao Moutinho was a shining light for Portugal and, should he decide to move on from current club FC Porto, will have done himself no harm in attracting interest from the biggest names in the game.

Unlike some of the others on this list, Moutinho will already have had a large price tag attached to him after years of success in the top flight in his home country.

However, newspaper rumours since the tournament’s beginning show that his price tag while perhaps not ending up as lofty as the $32 million quoted in some outlets will certainly have inflated after his gamecontrolling displays.

Nicklas Bendtner, Striker, Denmark

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ne player who will almost certainly be on the move this summer is Arsenal and Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner.

The Gunners’ forward spent last season out on loan at

•Mat Hummels Premier League club Sunderland, who opted not to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign.

With Arsenal having strengthened their forward line this summer already with the additions of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, there will be no going back for Bendtner.

However, his impressive hold-up play and two goals against Portugal will have seen his stock rise during the tournament—despite Denmark not progressing beyond the group stages.

Mats Hummels, Central Defender, Germany

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inally we come to one of the standout names of the entire tournament at Euro 2012 and Germany’s centreback Mats Hummels.

The Borussia Dortmund defender had an outstanding tournament, for the most part.

He defended with equal parts vigour and class and showed an astute reading of the game—combined with aggression and technique.

As comfortable making a last-ditch challenge or striding into midfield with the ball at his feet, Hummels was a good option for Germany to suddenly change the pace of the game.

Rated at around a $20 million player at present, Hummels has not indicated any desire to leave Dortmund.

Likewise, the club have no particular need to sell.

32—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 7 , 2012

As a child, I never knew life was not a bed of roses —Ojiako Okechukwu The journey hail from Anambra State.

Right from childhood, I was focused and determined to fulfill my dreams in life. I had my first degree in Marketing from Abia State University, Uturu, before I later proceeded to the Imo State University, Owerri, where I did my Masters degree in Management.

While growing up, I had a dream of becoming an employer of labour. I never liked to work for anybody in my life. That was why, when I was doing my Masters degree programme, I wanted to specialise in Finance. But one of my uncles advised me to go in for Marketing.

Actually, it was after my graduation from the university that I realised marketing was all I needed to keep date with destiny. Then, I resolved within myself that I wasn’t going to work for anybody.

In fact, I had the opportunity of working in the bank. But because of my dream of becoming an employer of labour, I rejected the offer.

Meanwhile, in pursuit of my dream, I relocated to Port-Harcourt, after graduation where

I

O-Men

O j i a k o Okechukwu I went into business. But unfortunately, things did not work out for me as expected.

Hence, I was compelled to pick up a job against my wish with the Nigeria Bottling Company. Not too long, I resigned my appointment and I went back to my building material business.

At this point, things were still not rosy. Again, I was compelled to seek for another paid job which I got with the Global Express as one of the company’s branch managers in PortHarcourt/ Aba axis.

But when I could not find fulfillment in the job, I resigned the second time. Lat-

While growing up, I had a dream of becoming an employer of labour. I never liked to work for anybody in my life

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movies. I don’t regret any step I have taken in life. I have passion for what I’m doing today.

Role of destiny ife is all about finding out who you are; if you are able to discover yourself and ascertain your goals, you might not make much mistakes in life. The Bible recorded that the steps of the righteous are being ordered by the Lord.

Early in life, I discovered my destiny and followed it up. I believe in the role of destiny, which I refer to as “a calling.”

What life has taught me Life has taught me how to believe in myself, and in my dreams. It has also taught me

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to learn to exercise some patience and be focused no matter the situation. More over, life has taught me to be helpful and to ensure that I put a smile on someone’s face everyday of my life.

Childhood experience I hail from a large family. My grandfather married 46 wives and he happened to be the Igwe of my town in those days. When I was growing up under the care of my parents, I never realised that life was full of ups and downs. I had everything going for me. But immediately,I graduated from the university, I was made to fend for myself. It was there and then, that I realised that life is not a bed of roses.

My latest project In the next couple of months, two of my films will be released into the market. I intend premiering the movies and thereafter give the right of distribution to my partners based in the United States. I recently signed a contract with Nollywood and African Film Critics and they are going to be handling the distribution of my films in the diaspora. One of the movies is titled “ The Ancestors” and it is shot about 18 months ago, while the second film is titled “ Ifeomimi” which I shot in Igbo language.

Common causes of infertility in men

If you’ve had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without conceiving, you need to see your doctor. Nearly 90 percent of couples with infertility problems can be successfully treated.

There are many common causes of infertility which can be treated and many couples become pregnant with treatment. Keep in mind that success rates may vary, since one couple can have multiple problems.

Blockages

er, I relocated to Lagos in 2004, without knowing what I actually wanted to do there.

While arriving Lagos, one of my cousins, a lawyer advised me to consider the option of joining the movie industry. I did not disregard the advise, hence I went out in search of somebody who would introduce me into the industry.

Luckily, I ran into a notable marketer, who actually introduced me into the production arm of the industry.

For me, belonging to a profession, where I would be seen, heard and believed by the people is what matters.

Honestly, while in Lagos, it didn’t take me a lot of time to find my footing in the industry. In fact, in less than three years of my sojourn, I was already a big name to reckon with. God has been directing my steps.

I remember that I started out as a script writer in 2004, before I later became an Assistant production manager, courtesy of Tochukwu Akoronye, who helped to hone my skill in production.

I produced my first movie in 2006. Today, I’m a proud producer of not less than six

Okechukwu...In the next couple of months, two of my films will be released into the market.

,

Ojiako Okechukwu is a consummate film maker, consultant and script writer, who despite the ups and downs of life did not give up his dream of becoming an employer of labour. He shares his story with BENJAMIN NJOKU

A small percentage of men have a blockage in their ejaculatory duct that prevents sperm from getting into their ejaculate fluid. If your vas deferens or epididymis tubes are blocked or damaged, they can prevent your sperm from getting to your partner’s egg. Infection, injury, congenital defects, or a vasectomy could cause

this blockage.

•Possible symptoms: none •Possible solutions: surgery to repair an obstruction or reverse the vasectomy •Success rates: Depending on the problem and the type of surgery used to treat it, about 50 to 90 percent of men have more sperm in their semen after surgery. About 20 to 65 percent of couples can conceive either through intercourse or with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Varicocele

Varicocele (enlarged veins, similar to varicose veins, in the scrotum) raise the temperature in the testes, which may affect sperm production.

• Possible symptoms: None. (The problem can be detected through a physical exam.)

•Possible solutions: surgery to repair the varico-

cele •Success rates: Up to 43 percent of men impregnate their partner within a year of surgery, and up to 69 percent do so within two years.

Irregular sperm

If you have little to no sperm, poor sperm motility (its ability to move), or abnormally shaped sperm, your sperm may not be able to fertilize your partner’s eggs on its own.

•Possible symptoms: none •Possible solutions: fertility drugs; artificial insemination with donor sperm or with your own if your count, shape, and motility are not too abnormal; or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) • Success rates: When fertility drugs to increase egg production are combined with artificial insemination, the success rate is between 8 and 17 percent per cycle. The success rate is about 30 percent per cycle with ICSI.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—33 women who desire larger bottoms and hips with the production of fake hips and butts which have now flooded the market. These artificial butts and hips are believed to create an impression of sexiness just like padded bras create an impression of fuller breasts.

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viable case of butt surgery gone viral is that of Oneal Ron Morris, a 30-yearold transgender woman in South Florida. Oneal was responsible for performing illegal butt implants in women using dangerous substances like cement and Fix-a-Flat tire sealant.

Morris was arrested after posing as a doctor and providing cheap surgery to women who wanted more body. A woman(name withheld) who fell victim of Oneal’s fake surgery was too embarrassed to tell the doctors what she had done as she continued to go to the hospital with flu-like symptoms and infected sores. According to the woman, she was referred to Oneal by a friend and paid $700 in 2010 for the operation.

•A dealer holding artificial butt

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hen it comes to fashion and beauty, women would stop at nothing to see that they keep in vogue. And since many young girls and women succumb to the pressure of trying to maintain an image and reach an unattainable standard of beauty , the craze for more artificial things to stand as beauty fillers became necessary.

For many young women , having a big butt is synonymous with being overweight and being unattractive. But things have changed; curves are being embraced and celebrated.

Surely, women with natural big butts, hips and breasts are happier as they can now fit into mass media’s definition of beauty. But no matter how much society’s standards of beauty widen, there would always be those who in spite of everything do not measure up.

Surprisingly, the craze for fake butts and hips is not limited to African ladies alone. Studies have shown that non-African women now want what black women have been self-conscious of and ridiculed about for centuries.

But looking through history, black women with larger hips, thighs and bottoms have been symbols of hyper-sexuality and denigration. But now, it has become an essential part of

Women and beauty: artificial butts, hips flood market

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BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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Although Miss Linda doesn’t think it’s wise to wear fake butts and hips, she admits that the society doesn’t have a choice since every woman wants to look good and improve the security of her body

beauty, coveted amongst women of every race.

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he acceptance of big butts and hips in this age began with the Western mainstream success of Beyonce and her single, “Bootylicious”. Other celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian also made large bottoms a beauty asset wanted by all and sundry.

It is similar to the lip injection phenomenon.

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Again, according to history, black men and women have been criticized and ostracized because of their full lips. And suddenly, it became in vogue for women to inject their lips, breasts, hips, butts and other parts with various substances in order to obtain sexier bodies.

But since the discovery of dangers inherent in plastic surgery, pills and injections for beauty sake, producers of fashion items have now invented a way out for those

any people would assume that when it comes to such sensitive body parts like the hips or butts, you either have them or you don’t. But now, production of fake but incredible bottom and hips is a big business. Women are now flocking beauty shops to purchase what you can only call artificial hips and butts because the new fashion belief in town is: if God hasn’t blessed you with natural hips and butt, just buy one.

Artificial hips and butts come as skin-like pads which can be worn underneath any dress or trouser. According to findings, these latest hips and butts are supposed to give that perfect curve much desired by the wearer. They again add flesh and muscles at the right places and give an impression of a perfect body. They come in different sizes; can be worne and removed at will. Also, they fit perfectly on the user that one cannot actually tell whether she’s got a fake butt or hips

or not.

Speaking with women on how much fake things, especially fake butts and hips have crept into the society, one Mr. Olaitan Justice expressed his disdain, saying “I feel bad about it and it doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. Why would a woman not be content with what God has blessed her with?

The idea of wearing fake butts and hips doesn’t sound nice to me. In fact, if I discover such on my fiancee, I will definitely put our wedding arrangement on hold.”

Although Miss Linda doesn’t think it’s wise to wear fake butts and hips, she admits that the society doesn’t have a choice since every woman wants to look good and improve the security of her body. “I’m not trying to support the use of fake body parts by women but that’s what the society has turned us into. Most men love beautiful women so, every woman wants to look good at all cost.

I guess the society doesn’t have a choice than to cope with this development.”

B

en Okoro thinks “everybody should be proud of who they are and how God has created them” hence, he sees no need for an extra butt or hips.

Sociologists say the craze for artificial hips and butts may be traced to something very African. According to them, since an average African man focuses more on the body of a woman , majority of women are now desperate to draw more attention to their hips, butts and breasts respectively.

Even though most people have expressed much concern about fake butts and hips, Grace, a Lagos dealer in these items thinks otherwise.

According to her, “instead of swallowing enhancement pills like Yodi, Lichi, Botcho or taking injections which may be dangerous , it would be safer to buy artificial hips, butts and padded braziers”. She said it posses no danger as the wearer has to just wash and then wear them any time, any day.

To prove the viability of these fake butts and hips in the market, Grace said that since the products flooded the market, sellers in Lagos have been smiling to the banks.

However, religious leaders have condemned the act in all its totality. According to Pastor Emmanuel Chibike and Gloria Odebiyi, it’s another way through which the devil tend to draw more people into his kingdom. Pastor Gloria thinks “the idea of wearing fake butts and hips as a woman is too extreme.

Can’t women just be moderate in their dressing and beautification!?” she wondered.

34 —SATURDAY

Vanguard Vanguard,,

JULY 7, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—35

36 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 7 , 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—37

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She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Care. Organization.

Public Enlightenmen(COPE), which she founded after a cancer scare and loss of her parents to the disease.

She is a graduate of Christian Religious Studies {Humanities} a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Mrs. Anozie later attended the Nigerian Institute of Management {NIM} for a course in Administration and Personnel of which she is a member.

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he is also a member of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and Rotary Club of Ikeja South, district 9110. She was appointed an ASHOKA Fellow in 2002.

ASHOKA Foundation is a global Association of Leading Social Entrepreneurs in Washington DC, United States of America and it cuts across various countries worldwide.

She has so many awards, which include the following: Top Celebrities Female Achievers Award,Indulge Wellness Award for Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2010.

Below, she tells her journey to cancer advocacy, and gives advice on prevention.

It is quite interesting how time flies. Life is rather complicated yet so straight forward. “Why are you doing this”? “What is your motivation”? These are questions people ask me.

1969 was the year when it all began. My mother was battling with colorectal cancer {colon and rectum}. I was just six years old. Much as the entire family was looking forward to her home-coming after being flown to London for better treatment and management, we were extremely shattered at the arrival of “the telegram” on Saturday, February 21, 1970, announcing the inevitable.

Decades have surely rolled by but the vivid memories of that traumatic period can never be forgotten. Every day after school we walked to the

threw tantrums and supported me all the way. I also made sure I attended to their needs.

Late 1995, while on vacation in the United States, I noticed I needed to further examine a slight pain on the left side of my breast.

Thankfully after I watched “ Lifetime Television for Women” on television the following day, the topic of early breast cancer detection was discussed. Once the program concluded, I quickly dashed to Memorial SloanKettering in Manhattan, New York to be more informed and later saw the doctor at Montefiore Medical Center to have my breast examined.

Thankfully, I was given a clean bill of health. However, I also became rather inquisitive about Breast Cancer and made a call to

How I got into cancer awareness

—Ebun Anoziess

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Ebun Anoziess

hospital, which was a short distance, to visit her in the hospital before heading home for lunch.

The sight of my beautiful mother lying helpless covered under the mosquito net with different gadgets fixed to her body seemed so strange.

Gosh! Someone please wake me up was all that ran through my head.

I grew up overnight. I realized I started having mood swings and hardly talked about it because I hated sympathy, I felt I was strong and did not want to appear

American C a n c e r S o c i e t y, Atlanta Georgia {ACS}. I got more than I bargained for when I returned home and found a h u g e package in my mailbox from {ACS}.

I vowed to educate as many that would lend their ears to

Twenty-Five years later, January 2, 1995 to be precise, little did I know that my father would succumb to stomach cancer

weak. Most importantly, I hated having to cry.

I went into my shell. Despite my father ’s reassuring love, we were all hurting. We just couldn’t get over it.

Twenty-Five years later, January 2, 1995 to be precise, little did I know that my father would succumb to stomach cancer. He fought it for three years. It was the most traumatic period of my life. It didn’t help that I was also going through a turbulent marriage while having to run in and out of hospitals to ensure that my father was given adequate health care treatment.

It brought me to my knees. I lost the man I so dearly loved and adored. I was his pet, his “little wife” so everybody acknowledged.

This inexplicable experience brought my siblings together like bread and butter while opening us to the reality of life.

My adorable children, who are the source of my joy, God bless them. As young as they were at that time, they never

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the essence and need for early detection of Breast Cancer. I thought I could do this on a part-time basis realizing that my job in the finance organization was rather demanding.

My passion for this new love grew by the day that I had to follow my dream and quit my job. I have since never looked back.

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ears went by and I began to notice a very tiny lump at the base of my neck that never increased in size. For 5 years, I monitored it after I was told by 4 specialists that it was nothing to worry about.

Unfortunately, in January 2012, I was deeply disturbed emotionally and noticed that the lump/node had grown bigger.

I immediately visited my doctor on a Friday. He examined me and also agreed that it had grown slightly bigger. He quickly referred me to a specialist. Surgery

Continues next week

here are many reasons to consider a Texturizing rather than a Relaxing cream for hair straightening; he benefits are long-term.

Most women wear one form of extensions at least once a month. Most women just do not have the time for the traditional weekly visit to the neighborhood salon. They prefer to sport a look that is ‘zero-maintenance’. So, extensions are convenient for today’s Working Woman.

And if you are in braids or weaves every month, you do not need to have your hair fully

Texturizers are milder

straightened if you aren’t using it. All you need is a product that will take out the kink in the ‘coiled’ Afro hair, just straight enough to blend with any weave you choose and soft enough to not let the weaving process hurt you.

Texturizing creams leave a little ‘body’ in the hair and are idea for fine, ‘thin’ hair.

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f your hair feels flat and lifeless after a c h e m i c a l straightening, try a Texturizing cream for ‘lift’.

Treat hair as if Relaxing cream was applied; use a neutralizing shampoo to cleanse after rinsing out Texturizing product. If hair is fine in texture, apply a ‘body-building’ or thickening Conditioner after shampooing, and leave on for about 15 minutes.

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Texturizing Cream is not a Relaxing cream.

It will tell you on the product if it is for texturizing hair or not.

You may try out any Mild strength ‘Cup’ Relaxer as an alternative. But remember the Mild strength may straighten just a little more than the Texturizer.

Enjoy your Texturized hair for the four to six weeks and then go under Extensions when it’s beginning to look like it’s in need of a touch-up. It is imperative that you do not scrimp on postconditioning Treatments because you think this is a milder product.

Conditioning your hair, whether Natural or Chemically-altered, is the only way to maintain healthy hair and avoid damage.

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

FAVOUR D AK OR U DAK AKOR ORU LAGOS STATE

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com seriously. I quickly realized I was drawn to landscape and long-exposure photography.

Soon, I ventured into photographing people and realised I enjoyed being able to capture a person’s character, beauty and personality in a single frame.

A l t h o u g h photography for me began as a hobby, it is fast becoming a career and the possibility of travelling the world to photograph people and landscape is one that I look forward to with eager anticipation”

Genre of photography

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n the beginning…

I had a pretty normal upbringing and family-life while I was growing up. I was born in Lagos and my family moved to Kaduna when I was two (2) years old. I went to both primary and secondary school in Kaduna, namely, Command Children’s School and Essence International School, respectively. After secondary school, I moved to England to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Computing and Multimedia from the London Metropolitan

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University, and a Masters in Information Technology with Secu rity at the University of Greenwich.

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ource of Inspiration

Two sources of inspiration readily come to my mind. First inspiration was that I really just wanted to preserve memories when I was younger, so I would take photos of and with family and friends every chance I got using any film

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If you are one of those persons who is famous for snapping pictures at events or who enjoys capturing various shades of life through a lens, and or you want to earn a living using your creative side,then Tosin’s story is a must read .

Tosin, in what is largely considered male dominated field is carving a niche for herself in photography against all odds. She possesses a creative eye with visual imagination which is the basic trait required in a photographer. Also with a background in Information Technology she has overtime gained the technical expertise in meeting client’s needs. Her creativity is displayed in the use of her camera and lighting skills, digital imaging skills and knowledge of the technical intricacies of the equipment, and the way she showcases her work in her website, blog, online albums, communities where she regularly gets direct feedback and tips from visitors to her album.She tells her story to Youthful Vibes in the place of her national primary assignment (NYSC).Excerpts.

am a Weddingand Portrait Photographer. I love documenting weddings as it is such a significant milestone of people’s lives and it’s a day that needs to be looked back on for years to come. I started out with landscape and nature photography and I continue to explore other genres of photography. When I began taking photos of people and in the time I’ve been doing this I came to the realization that although it’s a more complex subject, I found it more challenging and interesting taking photos of people and their life events.

H

ow young people can draw inspiration

I am currently working towards bringing live training workshops to anyone who is interested in learning directly from me

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camera I could find. Second inspiration was the City of London. While at university I used to take long walks around the city and I appreciated how beautiful London is and wanted to save some images for myself.

So I began taking photos on my small point and shoot digital camera or my camera phone.

As a matter of fact, at age 14 I got my first camera, a Polaroid as a birthday present from my parents and have been interested in photography ever since then.”During my study for a master’s degree, I bought my first (and as yet, only) DSLR camera and started taking photography a lot more

F

avour is the Chief executive officer of Fruit Planet, a fruit dicing company which he established in 2008 after graduating an ICT entrepreneurial programmefacilited by PIN. At that time, he wasn’t with much knowledge on how to run a business effectively but his passion for economic breakthrough kept him on his toes to tirelessly carry out research until he conceived the idea of setting up a farm shop or mega fruit shop where in all fruits will be sold fresh, hygienically and in a classic environment like that of a grocery store.

Fruit planet provides a distinct and well packaged fruit meals and drinks. With the leadership of Favour, Fruit Planet also provide training and consultation in dieting and the importance of fruit consumption to ourhealth.He began packaging fruits at the corner of his house in Ajegunle and he sold to corporate organizations including banks and several individuals.

In spite of the challenges that he encountered that almost made him to lose his enterprise amidst his already growing client base. It eventually occurred to Favour after his business couldn’t not operate smoothly for a few months that 80% of his business depends onefficient management.

His business bounced back with the support of some of his clients whom have built confidence in his brand. Today, he is doing well with it. He has this to say to several other young people: “most people spend their health gaining wealth and they spend their wealth r e g a i n i n g backtheir health, health is treasure.”

I regularly share tips and tutorials to readers of my online photography blog, as well as on my facebook page. I am currently working towards bringing live training workshops to anyone who is interested in learning directly from me.

Nigeria is filled with so much potential. Dream BIG. Then wake up and work hard towards your dream and strive for excellence. You will get a lot of discouragement from people, including the “this is Nigeria, your idea won’t work” but don’t let that stop you, stay focused and work, work, work.

It is also really easy to settle into the habit of delivering mediocre services or products but if you aim higher for quality, your work will speak for itself and that will get you very far.

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iving in Diaspora

the

Nigerians are hardworking people and are filled with so much potential for greatness, individually and as a nation. Living in the United Kingdom helped me to see the possibility for development and to see how photography of all types can be taken to a higher standard. It has only been less than a year since I moved to Nigeria to undertake my national youth service, so it is a little early to say if and how my work has had an impact on other Nigerians living abroad but I do hope that with time my work in Nigeria through photography will make obvious the endless possibilities Nigeria has.

Saturday Vanguard Youthful Vibes was honoured last weekend in Ibadan.

Victor Gotevbe receiving plaque on behalf of Youthful Vibes over the weekend at the STEMS Talent Quest and Excellence award, Ibadan, Oyo State.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—39

I am divinely called to be a priest of God — Adebiyi Ekiti where I became a patent medicine retailer. I was earning ten shillings per month. And I became a master in the business. Then, I stopped hawking.

Waiting for concession to enter into a University, he was persuaded to seek admission into Emmanuel College of Theology, Ibadan by the late Venerable Joshua Sapaye Oloniiyo of Ilara Mokin who was the Vicar of his church in Aramoko.

From the time he was called, he has spent all his life serving in the vicarage of the church.

He became a Deacon in 1970, a Priest in 1971, a Canon in 1983, an Archdeacon in 1990, and consecrated Bishop of Owo Diocese in 1993. He was translated Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West in November, 1999, the position he is occupying till date. He is our ICON in this edition of Past Perfect as he takes us round his life and his success story as a priest.

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hen my brother graduated from the college, I joined him in Ibadan and there, I was admited at a community school and I spent three years. It was an

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Polygamist in my father’s house was a unique one because the most senior wife of my father prepared food for the rest of the family

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ife as a child started in Ado-Ekiti,formerly known as Ondo State. There was no clinic in the entire town where I lived except for one “Ile abiye”that came years after. Children who were born and survived at that time cheated death because so many children died before seven days. The fact that infant mortality was high at that time didn’t give many children the grace to be alive till date. But, few children who survived are still grateful to God. My mother told me how chicken pox killed my sister, and some other children.

She told me how I was sick at seven months,and they doubted my survival. The fact that I couldn’t suck breast put fear in them.

Fortunately, I grew up in a Christian home although, I didn’t know what Christianity was all about.

I started school early and I enjoyed every bit of it. Life was rough because my parents were poor. I was going to school bare- footed.

Our clothes were made by our mothers on the loom, and we must be careful since it was only one uniform. There was no pressing iron, we used pillow to make gators on our clothes. And we didn’t have comb so our hair was always shaved. Only chewing sticks were available to brush our teeth,and those whose teeth were brown, use charcoal to make it white.

I was under the care of my parents so there was nothing like hunger even during famine. My mother told me how famine raged during the second world war and how

vicar of the church where I was serving as an organist to go to Emmanuel College but I was not interested. Even when I pretended I wasn’t financially buoyant to travel, the vicar gave me money. All he wanted was that I should become a priest. And at a reception that was orgainsed after my graduation as a priest, my brother confirmed that when I was four years old,

Rt. Rev. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi was born on the April 27, 1943 at Osi-Ekiti precisely 69 years ago , to a fairly educated father, Chief Samuel Ogunmola and Madam Alice Fatinuwe Adebiyi both of blessed memory. He enrolled at St. Paul’s Primary School, Osi-Ekiti in 1949 at the age of six and earned a double promotion twice because of his brilliance. Between 1958 and 1960, he could only find solace in community secondary modern school Osi-Ekiti, instead of a standard secondary school because of his parent’s financial constraint. But, he was determined to pursue his education to the zenith. He attended All Saints Teachers’ College, Usi Ekiti between 1963 and 1964 where he bagged a Grade III Teacher’s Certificate, which enabled him to teach as a trained teacher at St. Philips Anglican School, Aramoko-Ekiti where he was also the organist. poverty was the order of the day.

My father was a polygamist and had 13 children. My mother had six children,and I’m the second child. There is none of my father ’s children that can recall a pathetic story of his or her life.

Polygamist in my father’s house was a unique one because the most senior wife of my father prepared food for the rest of the family. But when she died, my mother took over. One can hardly know who is the mother of who and that is unique thing in my family. My father managed his life and his wives properly. We were told that

the first wife had issues with infant mortality and that was the reason why he married another wife. The woman had eleven children but only one survived. My mother had eight children but lost two while the younger wife had six children too. Today, their great grandchildren are close to forty in number. And I have thirteen grandchildren.

My father wasn’t financially bouyant to send me to secondary school. So, I had to embark on an apprenticeship in tailoring in Ibadan. There, I was living with my elder brother who was in teacher’s college. He promised to train me.

Meanwhile, I went to Ikere

innovation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. If not, I would have become a farmer or a tailor. It was an initiative for children of the poor to go to school.

Then, I took a step higher to become a trained teacher in my hometown. I was also trained as an organist, so I became my town’s organist. I put in for General Certificate in Examination, GCE in 1967 and I had five results.

But, I couldn’t go to higher institution. I was advised to proceed on a priesthood call by the Vicar of my church. So, I went to Emmanuel College in Ibadan where I become a priest.

As a priest, I was transferred alongside Bishop Adetiloye in 1985 to Archbishop Vining Memorial in 1987 where I became the vicar. I was also an Arch-deacon and in 1993, I was elected a Bishop to the Diocese of Owo for six years.

Then, I was transferred back to Lagos as the first bishop of the diocese of Lagos West, the position I have been occupying for 12 years.

Priesthood is a God’s given profession. Despite my qualification, I concentrated on the priesthood. The Lord has assisted me in it. I’d never lived anywhere than the vicarage of the church. To me, priesthood is a Godgiven legacy although, I never d r e a m t of becoming a priest. I lived with my brother who was a Catechist but I didn’t like the way they were treated. I wanted to study music as an organist because I was a composer and I was composing music for ceremonies. So, my intention was to go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where music was offered with decency.

But, I was persuaded by the

his father, a renowned Ifa priest said his father foretold what my future holds. In his Ifa divination, he told my grandmother, “Your son will become a priest of a white garment God”.

There, I was advised not to depart from the calling and I thanked God for that today because I am enjoying the presence of God now. I am divinely called to be a priest of God. God has always been with me. I have never managed failure. I have one year more to serve and I know that God will help me through.

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sked on what next after his retirement next year, he said, “I have a couple of things to do. I have some manuscripts to work on. I am also ready to share my priesthood experience with people and how we built our diocese with the sum of five hundred thousand naira only.

Now, we have over three hundred churches.”

On how he met his wife, he said, “I met Caroline after my teacher’s college. She was a member of the choir in my church. She was a quiet person. Whenever the rest of the choir members were discussing, she was always knitting her clothes. I didn’t intend to marry her but God’s plan was different.

In a dream, a man handed Caroline over to my mother and said, “This is the woman that would build your house”.

That was the beginning.

Then, I started concentrating on her and six months later, I made my intention known. We have lived together for fortytwo years and the marriage

has produced eight children.

My wife is a virtuous woman. She is 67 years old.

40— SATURDAY, Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Loud ovations for Nwaoboshi @ 55

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Double celebration for Eze Okoro

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he quiet village of Emii in Imo state, southeastern Nigeria bubbled with activities recently when the people, their chiefs and neighbours stormed the village square to celebrate 30th anniversary of their monarch, Eze Emmanuel Sonde Okoro, Omenyi II, who also turned the age of 70.

The double celebration drew the presence of monarchs from neighbouring villages, eminent sons and daughters of the land as well as a number of government functionaries.

hief Peter Nwaoboshi, the Peoples Demo cratic Party’s chairman in Delta state was a cynosure of all eyes and accolades penultimate Friday when the Ibusa born politician turned 55 years old. From the cities of Delta state to pages of national newspapers, encomiums poured in for the High Chief whose biggest birthday gift must have been his re-election victory some days earlier.

Party bigwigs, including the governor, his deputy, state legislators and many others joined him in his town of Ibusa for thanksgiving mass, to mark the birthday and celebrate his victory as the newly elected PDP chairman of Delta state. Photos by Nath Onojake

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HRH Eze Emmanuel Sonde Okoro, Omenyi II of Emii flanked (L-R) by Eze Ihekwoaba, Eze R.N. Oparachaekwe, Eze D.A. Osuagwu, Chief Agbaso, Hon. Dan Ikpeazu and Chief Pat Akalonu

Prince Nneji Okoro reading the toast of his father, Eze Okoro, Eze Omenyi II of Emii

L-R: Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, celebrant with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Prof. Amos Utuama [SAN] Deputy Governor, Delta state

L-R: Chief & Lolo Martin Agbaso, Chief & Lolo Emeka Onyegbula, Senator Chris Anyanwu and Chief (Mrs) Grace Onyeneke

HRH Eze Sonde Okoro being led into the arena by (L-R) Prof. Achalonu, Chief Ozurumba, Chief G.U. Ekeocha and Chief Pat from Emekuku

Rotary Club’s conference in Abeokuta ABEOKUTA, Ogun state recently hosted top-notch Rotarians from far and wide who converged on the city for the District 9110 annual conference. It was a social atmosphere of cordiality, fun and a bit of merriment.

Rotn. Dipo Bailey presenting Rotn. William Adjekughele

Rotn. Richard Giwa-Osagie receiving award from Rotn. Subhash Sahu.

L-R: Rotn. Somo Omoniyi with Oluwagbemiga Olowu

L-R: Rotn. William Adjekughele, Rotn. Kennedy Ajakpomewhe, Rotn. Deinde Soga and Rotn. Yomi Adewunmi

L-R: Rt. Hon.Victor Ochei, Speaker, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, celebrant, Comrade Ovozuoire Macaulay SSG, Hon. Talib Tebite, Hon. Friday Osanebi and Mr. Pat Mozia

L-R: Senator James Manager, Chief Steve Oru, Vice-Chairman, South-South PDP, Senator Patrick Osakwe and Senator Arthur Okowa

R-L: Chief Peter Nwaboshi, Dr.Issac Akpoveta and Hon.Arthur Akpowowo, PDP Youth Leader

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—41

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012 — 43

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012 — 45

BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, argu ably the nation’s most prominent and most recognizable agency in the fight against wanton graft and economic crimes sure has its hands full. On a daily basis, reporters’ email boxes are clogged with press releases from the Commission, detailing its actions against all sorts of criminals, from its persecution of ‘petty’ internet crooks to prosecution of oil thieves in the creeks.

And a good dose of the releases deal with on-going cases in the law courts against politicians, some of which have been going on for several years due to legal maneuvers by the defendants’ lawyers or poor handling of the cases by the prosecution.

A recent one describes the order by the Court of Appeal in Abuja for the retrial of a former National Coordinator of the Police Equipment Fund (PEF), Chief Kenny Martins and three others in respect of the embezzlement of N7.74 billion belonging to the PEF. This might be considered a ‘victory’ for the Commission given the apparent mishandling of the case in 2008.

But for an agency which earned a reputation for its hard-hitting and ‘overbearing’ stance on the fight against corruption in the past, the daily purge of petty thieves by the EFCC while big-wig corporate and political criminals walk the streets unfettered is akin to a hunter who traps mice while big game stares him in the face.

Not a few Nigerians have deemed as curious the laid-back attitude that currently pervades the whole organization, especially in the face of what may look like the most bizarre explosion of economic and financial crimes at the highest levels of government and the economy.

To this day, the EFCC has remained surprisingly non-committal and mute over the mindboggling allegations of $620,000 bribery presently rocking House of Representatives committee, which had originally set out to investigate the gross mismanagement of oil subsidies by several government agencies and oil and gas companies in the country.

The Commission has assumed a wait-and-see approach even as the drama of the bribe allegation plays out on the political theatre.

Don’t forget also that no action has been taking by the Commission, nor any government agency for that matter, on the report of the House Ad hoc Committee, which revealed that over N1.06 trillion was paid out to companies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under questionable circumstances.

Many commentators believe that the EFCC’s growing apathy over the on-going probe into the fuel subsidy management mile to ‘invite’ representatives and the role played by govern- of the petroleum importers, ment agencies is a reflection of including some of the internathe wider failure by the admin- tional oil and gas companies istration to tackle corruption in operating in the country, to the country. In the wake of the report to the Commission’s nationwide protests that herald- headquarters in Abuja to aned the announcement by gov- swer questions over their roles ernment to remove subsidy in the importation and distrifrom fuel, and in a bid to as- bution of petroleum products. suage angry Nigerians, the he acting Head of Media Goodluck Jonathan administraand Publicity in the Comtion had practically corralled the mission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren EFCC to ‘investigate’ alleged had told this correspondent corruption in the management that the EFCC would also visof the subsidy regime. it other government agencies The Commission’s halfinvolved in the management hearted response involved a raid of the offices of the Petro- of the nation’s oil and gas releum Equalisation Fund sources. “This is only the first (Management) Board step in our investigation. We (PEF(M)B) for files detailing shall also be visiting other products distribution across agencies and corporations that the country. It went the extra manage oil and gas resources on behalf of the country, as

•Farouk

•Otedola

The fuel subsidy imbroglio and EFCC’s nonchalance

,

Many commentators believe that the EFCC’s growing apathy over the ongoing probe into the fuel subsidy management and the role played by government agencies is a reflection of the wider failure by the administration to tackle corruption in the country

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well as the marketers of the petroleum products,” he said.

As part of the outcome of negotiations by the Federal Government and organized labour over the removal of subsidy, the government promised to clamp down on alleged acts of corruption within the petroleum industry. This led to approval by President Goodluck Jonathan for the anti-graft agency to review all payments made in respect of subsidies on PMS and kerosene, and to take all necessary steps prosecute any incidence of malfeasance, fraud, over-invoicing, and related illegalities in an open and transparent manner. However, several months since the investigation was announced, Nigerians remain in the dark over what the outcome is.

of corruption that have been exposed by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee report on the fuel subsidy management, the EFCC would be remiss to sit quietly while politicians sweep the matter under the carpet.

Most of the frustration expressed by Nigerians stem from the apparent inactivity in the Commission: it has to be practically dragged into the on-going mess in the oil and gas industry, even after millions of Nigerians had taken to the streets early in the year to protest the corruption in the management of the subsidy regime, and it appears that Nigerians would wait a while longer to see any further action on the part of the Commission.

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•Lamorde Recently, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations under the name, End Impunity Now (EIN) Campaign, petitioned the EFCC, demanding that it prosecute the ousted Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Engr. Austen Oniwon, and three members of his executive board.

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hey also demanded that the Commission play “a more active role in the investigation of the suspects involved in the mismanagement of over N1 trillion of the nation’s resources in the guise of fuel subsidy.”

The group, which organized a protest rally in front of the NNPC headquarters in Abuja, noted that given the levels

he EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who had garnered a reputation as a no-nonsense police officer, promised upon resumption last year that the Commission under his watch would shock many Nigerians. He swore that the EFCC will be “committed to the pursuit of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes in the Nigerian system. This is a new phase in the life of the EFCC,” he said, adding that, “I will leverage the abundant skills and experience in the Commission and the immense goodwill of Nigerians to move EFCC to a new level. I will be making more demand of every EFCC, far more demand of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct than had ever been made of each and every one of us, and I will not accept any excuse whatever for failure.” He stressed, “I can guarantee that nothing has changed at EFCC; we are still focused on doing our job and going out there to do what is right, to make sure that perpetrators of economic and financial crimes have no place to hide.

46 —SA TURD AY Vanguard —SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 7, 2012 JULY

the press as well as the general public are allowed to be present at the sittings of this committee from the beginning of its investigation to its conclusion,” Otedola declared with equanimity. But the man in the eye of the storm, Farouk, former chairman of the now rested ad-hoc committee that investigated the management of the country’s fuel subsidy regime conducted all its sittings in public glare including present saga which has become a subject of whispering gossip for Nigerians.

Chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Gambo Dan Musa said to hide the committee’s veil under the constitution was only a backwash.

“We did all we can by explaining our powers under the constitution to him but he refused to answer our question,” he said, he would talk only if the hearing was done in public.”

According to the chairman, Otedola went further to insult us and laughed at the threat of the consequences of his action, and simply said Farouk has lied four times on four different occasions over the bribery allegation.”

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

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gain, the tradings of tantrum between Farouk Lawan and oil magnate, Femi Otedola took a different twist this week, as the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges saddled with the tedious task of unraveling the veracity of the $3 million saga was treated to another Nollywood drama.

Farouk’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) who described the exercise as Act one: scene two, said: “I will describe the entire unfolding melodrama as Baba Sala’s Alawada’s historic comedy.

“It is nothing short of comedy. We are dealing with a serious national issue that involves mega money, moral and integrity and how to navigate direction of our democratic experimentation... we are talking about petrol matter that drove many Nigerians to demonstration in January this year over this oil subsidy brouhaha.

“We are talking of matters that has to do with democracy of the stomach and the common man. But unfortunately, we’re restricting it to ordinary theatre,” Ozekhome stated.

But Otedola who was reported to have appeared at Room 349, venue of the investigative hearing at the National Assembly complex twenty minutes ahead of the scheduled time of 2.00 pm, wore the armour of bravery to resist the committee’s tactics of cohesion and stood his ground with truth buckled around his waist, only summarised his mission thus: Eventually, the truth will emerge, nothing done in the dark that will not come to light.”

Although, the odyssey of the fuel subsidy bribery saga has become illusory just as what obtains in the theatre of the absurd. Much as a folk hero is yet to emerge.

According to one of the protagonist, the matter has already generated public interest and controversy and therefore any investigation into it must be done in public.

Lawyer to Otedola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Babajide Koku stated unequivocally why the committee’s hearing should be made in public.

Koku said that Farouk has lied in four separate occasions. First, Farouk initially denied outrightly that he never collected any money but he later on turned around to say that he collected money. Also, Farouk said he gave Adams Jagaba but Adams has said he never collected any money from him. Again, Farouk claimed he discussed the issue with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Yet, the EFCC chairman has

zFaruk

z Otedola

O

z Gambo

z Abubakar

Farouk, Otedola's tango

Who is afraid of people’s court? also denied. More so, he said he collected two hundred and fifty thousand dollars but that was not true.

“The point he, Otedola has made today, is that any discussion on this matter must be held in public.”

But that was the position to the ethics committee which of course its members were unhappy with and bluntly refused to accept.

The crux of the matter

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vailable report shows that prior to the commencement of the committee’s sitting, it agreed that all hear-

ings would be held in public.

The sudden mercurial over its secret hearing has become the whirlwind that will expose the anus of mother hen.

It’s on clean record that no House Representatives committee avalanche of scandal hearings had never been held in closed door. So, why this?

Too many questions over the authenticity of the report that will eventually emerged should he committee stuck to their guns on secret hearing.

Otedola who put up a spirited protest against a close session with the panel in a release issued before the hear-

ing, recalled that “When this issue arose, the House of Representatives Committee on Ethic and Privileges publicly stated that its investigation will be held in public.”

The oil magnate, however, wondered why the committee has made a detour particularly in the light of unfolding events.

“I strongly believe that the interest of the public will not be best served if this investigation is held in camera. I’ve nothing to hide and will only speak on this issue when this investigation is conducted in a very transparent manner and

tedola’s uncompromis ing posture, left the committee members hapless, more so, as it is a matter which deals purely on unethical behavour.

Against this backdrop, Gambo queries, “How do you investigate this kind of case when he (Otedola) refused to substantiate his allegation? All he was doing was to laugh at us. It was very stupid of him and we are not happy.”

But is that the crux of the matter? The fact that the committee has refused to hold its hearing in public has left the public postulating the outcome of its report.

Political pundits are of the opinion that any can of worms that would pose as a threat to the already battered integrity of the House would be doctored if not then why the insistence of the public hearing?

Again, to the chagrin of the Nigerian public, Gambo DanMusa has insisted that despite Otedola’s no comment stance, the committee will still proceed with its secret sitting by calling on others who will be willing to give evidence on the matter and eventually summit its report upon completion of the assignment.

This position of the committee’s chairman has again threw spanner in the works; on what will he, Gambo and others base their report? By extension therefore, Gambo and his team will surely produce half baked report, all because the committee and its honourable members may be too chicken hearted to hold its hearing in public podium.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012 — 47

Jonathan’s visit to Edo:

How the gods of Benin Kingdom stood for Oshiomhole SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

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S campaigns for the July 14, 2012 governorship election hots up in Edo state, the top hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by President Goodluck Jonathan, stormed Benin City last Saturday, July 30, 2012, to drum up support for its governorship candidate in the state, Gen.Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere.

National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, National Woman leader, Kema Chikwe, Chief Tony Anenih, Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, Senator Rowland Owie,Prof.Osarhiemen Osunbor, governors of Kogi, Delta, Bayelsa and Cross River were all in attendance. Prior to the arrival of President Jonathan, there were insinuations that he may shun the state rally due to his relationship with Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole stuck out his neck defending the economic policies of President Jonathan, particularly during the fuel subsidy removal debate.

It was learnt however that Chief Anenih mounted serious pressure on the President to show up for the rally in order to save him from the embarrassment and the debacle that it may cause their governorship campaign in the state.

However, the President arrived the Benin Airport at about 11:45am, proceeded to the palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, with other members in his entourage including the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, Chief Tony Anenih, governorship candidate of the PDP, Gen.Charles Airhiavbere, State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih and others. This was the opportunity the state leadership of the PDP has been

Gov Adams Oshiomhole several occasions appreciated his developmental strides in the past three and half years of his administration.

However, while Mr President met with the Oba in private, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, said prayers to the PDP delegation.

In his prayers,Iyase said, “our son, the President came on a courtesy visit and after his visit, he should have a safe journey home”, without any

The PDP leaders and journalists at the palace were visibly shocked because Oba’s failure to see the PDP leadership and its governorship candidate has sent a signal to the Binis on the mindset of the Oba

,

President Jonathan

craving for, at least to tell the President that their candidate enjoys the support of the palace like Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been enjoying.

However, the palace visit turned out disastrous particularly for the PDP and its candidate Airhiavbere, when a message came that the revered monarch would not be able to see them after the President had waited for about ten minutes, due to what the emissary described as circumstances beyond his control.

However, a second message came from His Majesty, that President Jonathan should see him in his inner chambers while the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe attended to other members of the PDP delegation.

The President met with the Oba in his inner chambers as instructed and they had a private discussion for about five minutes before the President joined others waiting anxiously at the palace ground.

The situation was a big blow

to the PDP particularly when its governorship candidate is a Bini man from the South senatorial district and was expected to enjoy the support of the General Overseer of the great Benin Kingdom.

The PDP leaders and journalists at the palace were visibly shocked because the Oba’s failure to see the PDP leadership and its governorship candidate has sent a signal to the Binis on the mindset of the Oba, ahead the forthcoming election which is less than two weeks.

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t will be recalled that the Oba had not hidden his support for Oshiomhole’s second term bid after he on

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mention of the PDP candidate.

However, few hours after the drama at the palace, the PDP leadership came up with a statement, insisting that the monarch did not snub them.

While giving an insight as to why the Oba may have snubbed the PDP leaders and their candidate, a top Bini Chief told Saturday Vanguard that “the oracle does not speak twice and you know the oracle has spoken.

"The day Oshiomhole came to the palace, the gods accepted him and he received their blessings and you remember that the Esogban of Benin warned that any one who wants to doubt the oracle should wait for the consequences”.

However, the rally which was televised live, proceeded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with the state Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih firing the first salvo. Orbih narrated that “in the past two weeks, we have been traveling around the three senatorial districts of Edo state. The people are tired and disenchanted with fake promises. The people are tired of the embarrassing non implementation of the minimum wage as agreed by the organized labour by the government of Edo state, the embarrassing non-conduct of local government election in Edo state. They are hypocrites, let them preach what they say.

Our people are tired of being orphans in the South South geo political zone and come July 14, we are ready to vote PDP back to power. We thank the President for coming. He has exhibited that he is a true party man."

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he national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who described the rally as a sea of heads, called on Edo state not to be left out in PDP train in the South South as PDP is providing a new agenda in transformation. Tukur presented the PDP governorship candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbare to the rally. He was also handed over the flag of PDP as the gubernatorial candidate. In his address, while commenting on the earlier rumour that the President may not show up for the rally, Chief Anenih said: "I want to thank God for today, today has put paid to the ugly rumour that has been circulating.

"The Vice-President came here few weeks ago, the rumour was that the President refused to come that was why he sent the Vice-President. But today the President is here live. Our presence here is to demonstrate to the people of Edo state that the PDP is ready and committed to winning the election coming up on the 14 of July 2012. We are fully prepared. Mr President, you remember what PDP government has done for Edo state, it was PDP when I was Minister of Works that did the Benin by-pass. Before then, those going for Christmas to the East or to the North will spend Christmas between here and Ore. I also want to say that it was the PDP government that

constructed the dualization of the Benin-Onitsha road, Benin-

Oba Erediauwa Warri road.

"It was during my time that we constructed the Federal Secretariat here and right now, the Esan North Water supply Scheme will be commissioned before the end of this year. Your presence here has raised our hope. We want to put in place a government that will be responsive to the yearnings of the people; medical care delivery; a government that will build roads; a government that will abide by the law. Mr President, your presence here has raised our hope. You have energized us. We need a free and fair election. We want to make sure that on Election Day, all the candidates are given the equal opportunity to vote and go home”.

National Woman Leader of the party , Mrs Kema Chikwe and Governor of Cross River State Liyel Imoke, urged the people of the state to vote for the PDP. On his part, Gen.Airhiavbere told the crowd that he has a three point agenda which he disclosed as security, health care and education. According to him, “when you put me there, the first thing we have to address is security.

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"

here will be peace in Edo

state come July 14.We will declare emergency on security, when you empower our youths, there will be peace. Our women will be empowered and we will ensure free medical care for the elderly people”. Addressing the crowd, President Jonathan assured of the determination of his administration to conduct a free and fair election in the state and promised to ensure tight security during the election. His words: “Let me thank the people of Edo state that my self and the Vice-President Namadi Sambo came here on a campaign and we promised you a lot of things.

You voted for us massively and we are delivering. Let me assure you my good brothers and sisters from Edo state that we will

continue to keep faith with our electoral promises.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

We are in a serious battle with corruption—RT. Hon. Inuwa Garba

By John Bulus

R

May we know how many bills and resolutions that have been passed since you became the Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly in the last one year?

We have successfully initiated or received and passed at least 23 bills and well over 20 resolutions passed into law. We have four to five bills awaiting our attention but the committees working on them will present their reports very soon.

What is Gombe state government doing about the Child Rights Act? The Child Rights Act is a very good initiative and wonderful development. But for us in Gombe state, we want to do something which is modest regarding the Act. We will have to consider our sociocultural diversity and our religious difference in doing something of this nature because we in the northern part of this country thoroughly and truly believe in the norms and ethics of our religion and culture. So we cannot do anything that will plunge our populace into a serious dilemma that there will be problem or disagreement between the children and their parents. So we’ll do something modest so that by the time we come out with the Child Rights Act, even the Federal

Government will realize that it is good to copy from what we’ve produced.

It appears that there is so

RT Hon. Inuwa Garba much cordiality between the Legislature and the Executive in Gombe as opposed to what is obtained else where. What is the secret?

The secret is very simple.

Once you are ready to do the right thing and you are indeed doing the right thing, the three arms, including the judiciary will come to that understanding where there will be smooth running between the executive and the legislature while the judiciary will complement what the other two are doing. That is exactly what we are doing and will continue to do in Gombe state.

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oes that mean that

Gombe is keying into President Jonathan’s remark that we should be celebrating the collaboration between the executive and legislature rather than being at variance?

Well, I cannot speak for the federation; I can only speak for Gombe state. But as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he must know better than I, so I think whatever he says must be based on the reality he sees on ground. I have no reason whatsoever to agree with or disagree with him. But I will rather agree with him because he is our leader and he knows far better than we do as regards the relationship between the National Assembly and the Federal Government.

The Presidency sometime

allegedly accused the Lower House of not complying with most of the resolutions sent by the executive. As the Chairman of Speakers’ Conference, what is your advice on smoothening that kind of legislative

harmony as regards to bills and resolution sent by the executive at the federal and state levels?

I don’t know why people are afraid of disagreement.

Disagreement is part of the ingredients that will strengthen democracy. It is only when and if there is disagreement that stakeholders will come to agree based on reality and the best practices of the separation of power. It is good the executive and the legislature sometimes have fracas on some issues because it is to the advantage of the public who will judge them on the bases of their activities at that very time.

Besides, both the legislature and executive will become cautious because it has become

,

t. Hon. Inuwa Garba is the Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly. He was recently sworn as Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, otherwise called Speakers’ Conference following his election in Abuja . In apparent appraisal of the Legislative Arm of Government and other sundry issues in the polity in the last one year, the young Speaker who granted interview to Journalists in Gombe says that Nigeria must win the corruption war. JOHN BULUS was there for Saturday Vanguard. Excerpts: As the Chairman of the Speakers’ Conference, how would you assess legislation in the country in the recent time?

Generally, legislation has improved in the last couple of years because of the quality of the Honourable members and the quality of legislation. From the National Assembly down to the State Assemblies, we are doing very well in terms of legislation towards developing the economy, security and all endeavours that affect human lives.

or have the attention of both the executive and the legislature diverted. What they are doing will strengthen us all as leaders because it will gear us up to fruitful productivity in democratic governance in which we are privileged to be leaders.

Speculations were rife in the last administration in Gombe state that the legislature was pocketed then by the executive arm. Is that still the case now?

Independence is one very key issue to legislators.

Independence is a relative term, but the most critical is financial independence, which is giving the legislators the power to control and man their affairs financially. We, the state legislators did not have the opportunity to have their independence then. Not only in Gombe state; but in the whole federation. Nevertheless, our own responsibility is very clear – it is just limited to making laws, oversight functions, amendments and checkmating the activities of the executive and to collaborate where there is need, with the judiciary. We tried the best we could do at that time (under the last administration in the state) and where you see improvement, it is because we have the opportunity and enabling environment to improve. So we are improving.

The National Assembly has always been in the news for the bad reasons of corruption. What would you say in that respect over the last one year?

Corruption is a relative term. But

We have successfully initiated or received and passed at least 23 bills and well over 20 resolutions passed into law

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a public issue. So disagreement in democracy is good and better to some extent but it has to be realistic. I don’t see it as a problem because it keeps both arms of government up and doing in their responsibilities.

So, constructive criticism is good because it helps to improve productivity and the quality of leadership we are going to give to Nigerians. But what I will disagree with is to be selfish and to deliberately create unnecessary problems so that the system will be overheated

the definition of the term by me is putting the right thing in the wrong place. If you put sand in pap for example, you’re corrupting that pap, if you have a very tasty and well garnished stew with meat and everything and you are putting sugar, you are corrupting it. In any case, corruption is in Nigerians.

Not only the legislators, the executive, the media, or farmers; everybody is involved in corruption in Nigeria . That is why you cannot point out a particular group and say these are the corrupted ones. We are all

corrupted. If you see a President in Nigeria now, in the last 30 years, he was a nobody; maybe his father cannot feed the house three times a day and from that initial days, gets rotten. So, if he has the opportunity of becoming President, we have an already rotten person as President.

Corruption is everywhere: in politics, economy, social circles, just name it. Ask the farmer, he’ll tell you he hired a labourer to work on his farm only for them to bury the weeds with sand; that is corruption. In school, some go into exam halls with prepared answers or even get leakages from the examination authorities, that is corruption. Corruption is corruption irrespective of the style and it has no bound. If somebody could do this in the classrooms, they would do worse as leaders.

Honestly, we are in serious trouble about this corruption. But we must not give up fighting it.

So what do you think is the way out?

The way out is that we have to give a very serious attention to the youths. We have to start changing things from the grassroots by encouraging the younger ones to become better people. We the old ones are already going. If we say we want to change now, it’s going to be very difficult. Corruption has become part of our tradition, part of our culture, and even part of our lives. So to change it means changing the people entirely. So it’s good to encourage and mobilize the younger ones that are coming up against the dangers of corruption.

Sometime ago, the Senate President spoke about financial autonomy for the State Houses of Assemblies, in your capacity as the Chairman Speakers Forum, how far have you gone with that?

The financial autonomy of state legislators is no longer the issue of the state legislators and the state Governors. It is an issue between Nigeria and the state Governors because financial autonomy is one thing that if achieved will definitely in no small amount strengthen the democracy itself as well as bring transparency and maturity in the polity generally. So if you (the media) will go back and start giving us names like rubber stamps, lame dogs, toothless bulldogs, bootlickers and whatever, I don’t think you are doing justice to the situation.

Sustaining democracy, developing democracy, integrating democracy is supposed to be the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians.

So if that is true, the media has a very significant role to play in that light. We all should strive to pursue the achievement of our financial autonomy. The press as I said has a very important role to play in telling Nigerians the significance and the advantage this will bring to the polity. We the legislators are serious about it, we are on it and we will continue to pursue it until we achieve the autonomy of the legislators, by God’s Grace.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—49

Buhari

Obasanjo

Shagari

The futile war against corruption

Jonathan

Within the Nigeria’s geographical space, corruption manifests in a variety of ways. Some of these designs of corruption include soliciting and accepting bribe before the discharge of law duties, nepotism, appropriation and privatisation of state properties for private ends, abuse of official position, miscarriage of justice, undervaluation of government assets mean for disposal, lower taxes, sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, electoral bribery, inflation of government contracts, examination malpractices.

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or most Nigerians, cor ruption remains an il legal act which involves inducement and or undue influence of people either in the public or the private sphere to act contrary to lay down regulations which ordinarily guide a particular process. In clear terms, corruption perverts and compromises justice. The monster has a multi-dimensional concepts with moral, ethical, religious and legal connotations.

According to the World Bank, corruption thrives when economic policies are poorly designed education suffers and, civil society renaubs under-developed and accountability of public institution become a mirage.

The list of what constitutes corruption in Nigeria is endless as day in day out Nigerians continue to invent new acronymies which are readily accepted. However, such word imply the malignant nature of corruption because the euphemisms of the words are easily understood in a sense legitimizes the practice. Hence, words as public relations otherwise known as “PR” “egunje” “family support,” “settlement,” “SAP relief ” have become acceptable in our lexicon.

The Nigerian police force has creatively devised other corrupt means through dubious courtesies as “oga wetin you bring for us,” “oga your boys are here o” and so on.

The manner these words are applied in everyday language further confirms the impression that corruption has come to stay in Nigeria.

Within the conservative family setting, community leaders are quick to hail and pray for

their children who have looted the national treasury with impunity.

The story was told of a parent who admonished his child upon leaving the village in search of a greener pastures in the city not to steal but never to come back home empty handed. This prayer is predicated on the believe that political office has remain the primary source of gaining access to wealth. Renowned African novelist, Professor Chin-

,

By CHARLES ADINGUPU

was not a collective decision of the people and that the name Nigeria was invented by one of the mistresses of the then Governor General, Florence Shaw. This school of thought stated that this truly kick started corruption in Nigeria.

But upon the exit of the colonial masters from Nigeria’s soil, the first breed of independent Nigerian politicians, though exhibited minimal traits of corruption but still

However, such word is often used to show or imply the malignant nature of corruption because the euphemisms of the words are easily understood in a sense that trivializes, approves or legitimizes the practice

,

ue Achebe captures this scenario when declared “If I cannot go there (Abuja to loot the national treasury) to get my share, my children will go and bring my own.”

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n our churches and mosques, corruption has become a decimal. Corrupt government and official now occupy front seats in the churches and mosques because of their huge donations both in cash and kind during harvest and bazaar. Religious leaders chose to turn a blind eye to the activities of those corrupt agents.

However for most Nigerians, the contraption called Nigeria has been described as fraud.

According to them, the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914

demonstrated commitment towards the building of their fatherland. were neck deep in corruption.

The Second Republic politicians indulged in corruption with impunity. Most of them became lords of corruption.

They perpetrated it with reckless abandon as the government opted to treat party men and officials with levity. The Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s government was indeed engrossed in corruption.

But the Third Republic also recorded monumental cases of corruption in both in the high and low places. The Nigeria nation was adrift as the drum beat by corruption continued unguarded. he military incursion into the troubled fishing wa-

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ter of Nigeria’s politics no doubt legalise corruption.

Ironically, principal reason adduced for coup d’etat by the military was to check the over bloated corruption perpetrated by politicians. But successive military administration battled to over do the other in the corruption game.

Today, the Fourth Republic politicians seem not to have learnt from history as corruption as in the time of the military has been adopted as state policy.

Nigerians who know the nature of their leaders and imbibe the belief that nothing is possible from the state without bribery and corruption have become collaborators. So, the drumbeat of corruption goes on as the beneficiaries dance to the banks while the nation gradually stink into extinction.

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revious efforts to fight corruption Aside extra constitutional measures as the military coups, other legal instruments have been employed by successive government to fight corruption but all to no avail.

The Nigerian statute books adopted from the British legal system is one of the legal instruments meant to fight corruption. Others include the Code of Conduct Bureau for public officials introduced by the 1979 Constitution, the Oaths of Office and Allegiance sworn to by all public officials, the Failed Bank Decree and until recently the Anti-Corruption Act complemented with the inauguration of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). All these

have been described as a mere window dressing by government in tackling corruption in the country.

The once dreaded EFCC has become a shadow of its proud past as each succeeding government seem to use it as a weapon against political opponents.

E

fforts by various govern ment to fight corruption have hit brick wall. Available records show that from the Foster Suttan Commission of 1957 which probed the financial dealing of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe with the African Continental Bank (ACB), the Coker Commission which investigated Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s activities in the Western region to the Scania probe of 1969 and the Belgore cement probe of 1975, the confiscation of the properties of General Gowon’s military governors and super permanent secretaries under the Public Officers Assets and Liabilities Probe of 1975. Others however, include the Festac probe of 1975, the Lockheed probe of 1976, the NNPC N2.8 million probe of 1980, the Leyland probe in addition to the series of tribunal raised by the different military heads of state.

The Journey so far Despite attempts made by successive administration to check the corruption menace, not appreciable success has been recorded.

The Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s civil administration cannot be said to make any significant impact in the war against corruption. Although, his administration institutionalised the ethical revolution programme as its major plank to battle it in public places, yet, his government according to report recorded unimaginable proportion of strong allegations of corruption especially in public establishments.

50 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012

New Zone 2 AIG

By EMMA NNADOZIE and IFEANYI OKOLIE

Plans for Lagos and Ogun states

We are grateful to God that the two states have achieved a lot in crime fighting and prevention when compared to other states in the country. I want to assure you that we will deploy more strategic measures in ensuring that we effectively control crime. More so, we have decided to parley with all other stakeholders in our communities who are actually the owners of their terrain. In that process, we will exploit their knowledge of the terrain, and it will enable us fight crime efficiently within their society. In short, I am talking about community policing, which means we are going to fight crime using the people of that community.

Our policemen are all advised to wake up and face the challenges ahead. If you know you can not move with this resolve, then you better surrender your uniform and leave the force. We are only ready to work with officers who are committed.

Your level of commitment will be constantly assessed and when we find you unfit, we will kick you out of the force and work with those who are ready to work with us.

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embers of the public are fully part of our strategy; we implore them to always avail us with information that will enable us combat crime effectively. Information gathering and dissemination are highly important when fighting crime. I have directed the commissioner of police in Lagos and Ogun States to ensure that they are visible within their states. Surely, visibility policing will be enhanced by way of patrolling, guarding of strategic places and to ensure that policemen reports and leave their duty post at the right time.

Officers found sleeping on duty will be punished because Lagos and Ogun State are no longer comfortable for them. For the criminals, we call on them to

*Reform or be dealt with, warns criminals *CPs, officers to patrol streets *Recruits more officers with credible background *Community policing is here reform, or we will deal with them.

The two states are no longer comfortable for them. The commissioners of police of these states have been directed to conduct constant raiding of black spots and vulnerable areas, while motorized and vehicular patrol will be intensified. I have also decided that I will be personally involved in the patrols myself. Like my Inspector-General of Police who is also a patrol man. So, all police officers of any rank should consider themselves as ‘maiguard or patrollers’. There are no more seating in the office while doing police work. Officers must go out.

All Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders and Commissioners of Police have been asked not to seat in the comfort of their offices while doing the job. They are expected to go out and patrol their streets and cities and ensure that they are visible within the society.

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nd for cases that are being investigated; departments that are investigating any case must be careful of the cases that they are investigating because they have to differentiate between civil and criminal cases. Cases that are civil must be treated as civil and criminal cases must adequately and diligently be investigated. The issue of bail, which has continuously damaged the image of the force must be addressed. I have instructed the CPs to ensure that bail is completely free. And, I also want members of

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HE campaign to reform, transform and repair the damaged image of the Nigeria Police Force, makes it a people’s friendly force which is currently being championed by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, may have gained some footnotes as other senior police officers are beginning to carry on the campaign to their various commands. The new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Charge of Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, AIG Mamman Tsafe, during an interview with Crime Guard recently, said amongst others, that he is set to transform the police in his zone into a community friendly police.

Excerpts:

•Mamman Tsafe - AIG Zone 2, Lagos.

I have also decided that I will be personally involved in the patrols myself. Like my Inspector-General of Police who is also a patrol man, so, all police officers of any rank should consider themselves as ‘maiguards or patrollers

the public to stop giving money, gifts or anything to secure their bails, because when a bail is granted, it is the right of any person who sought for it. We want members of the public to know that there are cases that are bailable and there are

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cases that are not. Members of the public should allow us carry out adequate investigation and charge the case to court. Please do not go and pressurise officers to grant you bail where you know legally that the offense is not bailable,and police

officers who are handling cases should know that arrested suspects should not be detained beyond 24 hours. Any officer found flaunting this law will be dealt with. That’s why I called on all officers to be up and doing, to face the challenges that are coming up and to be part and parcel of the ongoing reform of the police force. Every policeman is a key to this reform. They are expected to conduct themselves in ways that will tell well of the force.

How to carry members of the public along

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will ensure that our service delivery are acceptable by the people. We are going to reach out to the people, even the last citizen of

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012— 51

blows hot

Community policing; breaking the gulf between police and the people

I

will adopt the full Community Policing Philosophy, which includes neighborhood watch, communicating with traditional rulers, market women etc. We are going to organize parleys with them.

Don’t be surprised that the AIG himself will be part of these reachout . We will surely deal with the people. We will organize it in a way that the community will surely know that the police has now become increasingly closer to them. The era when policemen constitute themselves as bosses are gone, we are no more bosses. We are servants of the people.

We are going to be with the people and they will be with us. This we can achieve by organizing various workshops and seminars and we will invite them. Like I said earlier, nobody should seat down in the office; a DPO shouldn’t think because he is a DPO and he has becomes a big man, and he will shut his door from people to come in. The AIG’s office is open, and the commissioner of police office must be open as well.

The DPO who is closer to the grass root has to keep his door open for the public to come in. So, the

Protecting police informants

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•The Assistant Inspector -General of Police, Mamman Tsafe (l), presenting a souvenir to Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu at his Palace in Lagos during his visit recently.

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the state would be reached and we will hear his or her complain and ensure that the person was well attended to. Meanwhile, the IGP has rescinded his stand on road block, and it remains permanently removed. No part of this zone should maintain any form of road block. We have asked the commissioners of police to be concerned with this and ensure that the road blocks are removed everywhere. Members of the public should cooperate with us and ensure that corruption is rooted out from the police and the larger society.

This cankerworm will be fought by all and sundry. I have warned my XSquad to infiltrate every part of the society and ensure that we fight corruption. The N20 syndrome is a thing of the past, no policeman should be found in it, definitely if you are arrested you should know that you are quitting the force, there is no going back on it. Corruption must be fought in totality and we have to go out and fight it. Members of the public equally should not think that we are confining our strategy on the police alone. While we are reforming the police, members of the public who wants to be corrupt should be equally aware that we will come for them because the law has given us the provision to deal decisively with them and I call on members of the public to join us in this crusade in ensuring that Lagos and Ogun States are crime free.

is not to allow it dwindle. And it is not going to be easy. You know when you go to a heroes den you can’t quickly beat the hero. I currently am struggling to ensure that I sustain his standard.

The AIG’s office is open, and the commissioner of police office must be open as well, the DPO who is closer to the grass root has to keep his door open for the public to come in

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tendency of being a boss should be removed now completely. If you cannot create an environment where people will come closer to you, they will be nursing grudges.

Even when you are conducting an investigation, people will not be pleased with you.

Challenges so far

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ince I resumed, I have been faced with very little challenges. You all know the protest that followed the renaming of University Of Lagos, Unilag. In fact, I was to resume in Zone 2 when the students blocked the third mainland bridge, but when I got there, I asked all our men not to shoot and they obeyed me. I appealed to the students and later on they agreed and left the bridge. Also you all know the most recent, which was the Dana air crash at Iju-Ishaga. I was saddled with the duty of controlling the crowd and to create a way for rescue workers at the site, and you know several other cases of armed robbers which is very common in the country. I want to tell you that I was

in Delta State as a commissioner of police and when I came into Lagos, I realized that Lagos is more peaceful than several other states I have worked.

The issue of armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism is common in Delta State, but they are very few in this state. These are some of the challenges I have been faced with since I resumed, but I will relate them as social problems and we will get social solutions to them. One other thing is that the police have been working under serious logistic challenges, especially in the modern time, while most of us are still using Ak47 rifles, armed robbers and kidnappers are using more sophisticated weapons. But that notwithstanding, with our commitment we will ensure that Lagos and Ogun states becomes very peaceful. And also, if you remember, the present IG, was here as an AIG, that means I have inherited a very comfortable atmosphere. So, I have a challenge of beating the IG’s record. Better still maintaining or sustaining it. But my major concern

his issue has often been raised and we have been wandering why people are scared of the police force which was formed by them. We have come to realize that the police have been conducting themselves in manners that are unappealing to the people.

This might be as a result of the selfish interests of some policemen. I can not say all of us are good, there are some very bad eggs who have been promoting their selfish interests and in the cause of achieving their interests, they completely deviate from the norm of the force and then people will be afraid of dealing with them. I want to tell you that it is professionally unethical for a policeman to disclose the identity of his informant. If you could remember, there are some policemen who would, after investigating a case, go back and give the criminal the identity of the person who gave him the information and when the criminal becomes free, he goes after such person.

It is for us now to show the person that his identity will be protected, and you can only achieve that by the way you conduct yourself, by the way you conduct your investigations. And when some people gives out an information, they often seat back and watch how the police work on such information, how they carry out their investigation and when he notices that the policeman has deviated from what he should do and start doing something else, then he would start doubting you. But as it stands now, the police force is currently recruiting, officers with credible background, with no criminal records, sound minds and who would not drag the name of the force on the mud. We hope with the ongoing reform by the IGP, we will repair our strained relationship with members of the public and regain their confidence.

PHOTO SPEAK

The Police bomb disposal unit recently organised basic training course in Explosire Ordinace Disposal (EOD) for it’s Officers and men. Pix shows the participants with CP Foluso Adebanjo during the flagging off the ceremony in Lagos.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

Let’s expose our youths to IT developmental skills —Ofuafor M

r. Lucky Ofuafor is the Chief Executive Officer, Rolof Computers, a company that provides and equips old and young generation of Nigerians with quality training in computer technology. The company with a bigger vision he said is in Nigeria to create awareness much needed in the IT world and at the same time procures its customers genuine IT products thereby saving the customer the risk of purchasing fake ones that you hardly differentiate in the market today. According to the CEO, we want to see quality IT engineers produced by Rolof that can measure up with international standards.

In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, Lucky Ofuafor, a former Chief Engineer of NNPC, revealed that the company is offering a total package to the IT business in Nigeria. Excerpts: Tell us all about Rolof Computers...

Rolof Computers is a business that started small but with a bigger vision to change the way business is being done in Nigeria by offering quality service and products to customers, training, technical support.

We found out that the customer needed a company that can be trusted. The customer has been cheated by opportunists who sold fake products to customers at very high prices. It was even difficult for the customer to source for genuine IT products and services in our environment. So Rolof Computers started computer training in September 1996 in Warri and added business centre services to be able to survive.

Rolof Computers started the IT business with one desktop computer and one electric type writer that was given to us by a friend to use for a while.

The business focus was on the youths who God asked us to reach out with his Word and to change their lives. When the business started growing with also growing competition, I voluntarily retired from NNPC as a Chief Engineer to team up with my wife who has contributed

tremendously to the growth of the company you are seeing today.

Why do you think we need to advance on computer technology?

Nigeria needs to advance on computer technology so as to be able to fit into globalization, be able to communicate and do business with the rest of the world. We also need it to be able to fight crime and generate employment for the idle youths, training and equipping them to face the challenges of life. We also need it to reduce leakages and wastage in government and business.

How do we achieve advancement in computer technology?

There must be a deliberate and conscious policy of government to embrace computer and information technology. The policy must be a long time one say 20 years, consistent and backed up by law enacted by the National Assembly so that subsequent regimes will be bound to implement it. All government ministries, agencies, parastatals and companies at all levels must embrace the policy and key into it.

If Government should invest

into IT, what does Nigeria stands to benefit?

Government investment in Information Technology will change the way things are done in the country. Investment in IT will curb corruption, reduce waste, and improve efficiency in the running of government ministries and parastatals. There will be drastic reduction in recurrent expenditure and money will be saved for capital projects. Skills will also be provided and majority of our unemployed graduates will be engaged. There will be inflow of investments from outside because of the efficiency in the running of government business.

The private sector will be encouraged to also invest in that sector since there will be government patronage. The multiplier effect is a quantum leap in employment generation.

How can we solve unemployment with IT? Virtually every business is now managed with IT. Unfortunately our graduates are not conscious of this fact. The knowledge they acquired from the school cannot give them jobs. They need IT skills to be employable. Not many business owners will be patient enough to train them on IT skills

Ofuafor: We can reduce unemployment with IT skills before they start paying them salaries. Apart from being computer literate, they should acquire IT proficiency skills in their chosen profession.

Accountants should have computer skills in the use of accounting software packages such as Peachtree, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Access etc.

Engineers should have skill in software packages such as AutoCAD and so on.

Most of our graduates and undergraduates have notebooks.

They do not know the value of what they own. If properly exposed, they can make a lot of genuine money online working from home and even employ others to work for them. The internet is a goldmine waiting for our youths to explore to make their lives much better. Unfortunately, this group of people wastes these invaluable asset: notebook and time on playing games, music and watching videos or committing crime with them.

Back to Rolof Computers, what are your products line?

Rolof Computers is involved in

the sale of computers and offering support service for all the products will sell. We also run Rolof Computer Academy that is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Delta State, Asaba to offer computer skills as a tertiary vocational institution.

Rolof Computer Academy runs certificate and diploma courses in Basic and Professional Computer Skill. We prepare students for certification courses organized by CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and Adobe. Rolof Computers sells notebooks, tablets, desktops, servers, digital cameras, projectors, inverters, ups, deep cycle batteries, genuine software such as Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Windows 7 and Servers; Norton and Kaspersky antivirus etc. We have partnership agreements with HP, Dell, Acer, LG, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Western Digital, Cisco, Dlink, Kaspersky, Norton to sell their products in our showroom. What it means is that all the products on display in our showroom come directly from the manufacturers.

More options for consumers as LATINA sugar-free fruit drink enters market C

onsumers now have a choice in the carbonated soft drink segment with the recent introduction of Latina sugar-free fruit drink. La Casera, one of the leading companies in the carbonated soft drink industry has done something different to improve the health system of its consumers and at the same time prove to Nigerians that the company is not here to expose Nigerians to danger through sugar fruit drinks, or maximize profits to the detriment of the environment in which it operates. But always thinks and does good for Nigerians by launching into the carbonated soft drink a new sugar-free fruit drink, Latina that targets to quench the thirst of an average Nigerian consumer without health complications. Like La Casera did years ago when it debuted in the Nigerian business environment, Latina is unveiled to follow the footstep of its mother La Casera and remain outstanding amongst others. It’s said that Latina is a product that comes to stand the test of time with its cherishable fruit flavours, Latina cocktail and Spanish pear fruit flavours. But the big challenge is, can the product compete favour-

ably and still maintain standards like La Casera and not fizzle out like others in town?

Like La Casera, will Latina in its unique nature sustain the tempo at which it was launched as time goes on? Won’t the product change in quality tomorrow as a result of the operational environment challenges in Nigeria?

It was learnt from management sources that before the launch of the product, a lot of factors were considered which includes the long term span of the product without change in taste and quality.

However, describing the nature of this product according to management sources, the new sugar-free fruit drink is a unique product and first of its kind in Nigeria. However, the new brand product innovation exhibits less than 1 calorie per bottle, and a minimum of 5% juice per 50 cl which guarantees comfortability when consuming the product.

According to the sources, Latina is another quality product that breeds from the lineage of La Casera a product that has refused to compromise its quality and standard since inception and

C h i e f Operating Officer, Mr. Prahlad Gangadharan

thereby earned awards both home and abroad for excellent performance.

Affirming the uniqueness of Latina, Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Prahlad Gangadharan described the launch of the sugarfree fruit drink as a new chapter in the carbonated soft drink category in Nigeria offering consumers more options to ensure all consumers have a product that suits their lifestyle.

“Moreso, Latina is a sugar-free fruit drink that contains some real fruit juice. With less than 1 calorie per bottle, and a minimum of 5% juice in every 50cl bottle. It offers consumers a combination of refreshment, well-being and

vivacity,” he said.

Because the management of the company believes and operates within the confine of the rule of law guiding product launch in Nigeria and also believe that at the presence of two or three witnesses the truth will be established, the management did not waste time when it invited trade partners, regulatory agencies, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to see things for themselves and carry out their duties on the product. Seeing the quality of the product, it was approved and certified by NAFDAC and SON. Confirming the quality of the product and strict adherence to set standards and regulations within the purview of the law, representative of the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who is also the Acting Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs of the Agency, Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara disclosed that the regulatory body has certified Latina as a sugar-free fruit drink and as a quality product having verified all the claims by

the manufacturers through series of Laboratory investigations.

Mainasara said, "when we say sugar-free, it means there is no sugar, it contains the real fruit juice but the sugar has been removed and a non-nutritive sweetener is added and when we say non-nutritive, we have checked, we have confirmed, it is good. It has the gras status which means generally recognised as safe”.

The NAFDAC boss then commended The La Casera Company Limited for the introduction of the sugar-free drink.

In addition, Deputy Director, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Engineer Mrs. Oluremi Ayeni stated that Latina sugarfree fruit drink like every other brand from the stable of The La Casera Company Limited is of high quality.

Also speaking on the new product, the General Manager, Marketing, Mr. Dave van Rensburg described LATINA sugar-free fruit drink as a niche brand in the carbonated soft drink and first of its kind in Nigeria offering a whole new unique experience in CSD consumption with fruit juice content and great taste.

SA TURD AY V ANGU ARD, JULY 7, 2012—53 SATURD TURDA VANGU ANGUARD, oo many people murmur and T complain about what they

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are going through but fail to see what God has done for them. Before their eyes are their perceived desires that has not come to pass.

Their situation as they see it has become the yardstick with which they measure what God can do or cannot do. Can you imagine man equating God that created the heavens and the earth with the trait of inability to do all things that are good.

The truth is that no matter how you refer to God, God is still God all by Himself.

Know that what is impossible with man is possible with God. There is absolutely nothing that He cannot do because there is nothing too hard for Him to do. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, think or imagine. Give Him glory always.

When you fail to count your blessings, you start to murmur and complain.

Those that Murmur never enter into the promised land. They die in the wilderness. An ungrateful person can never become great. They end up as underachievers. Their potentials are never accomplished. They are hardly joyful. Listen, until you can see want God has already done for you He will not do any new thing for you.

In Ps 78:17-18&42, the bible says, “and they sinned yet more against Him by provoking the most high in the wilderness.

Count your blessings And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust….they remembered not His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the enemy”. Instead of the people counting their blessings, they were counting their woes. They complained about God’s provision that was free.

They never worked for it.

Remember though, that while they were in Egypt they were slaves and labored with great pain to survive.

Some people are just like them today. We forget about our yesterday miracles and query God about our present situations. David said in Ps 103, “bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me bless His holy

name…… and forget not all His benefits”. David was wise enough to count all his blessings. This positioned him for greater miracles. When you count your testimony as nothing they amount to nothing.

This may just account for the reason why you are not experiencing miracles. So, if you want to provoke God to manifest your miracle, you must consciously count your blessing.

Stop counting your challenges and start praising God for your victories. Prophet Isaiah, said “I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of isreal, which He hath bestowed on them

according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindness” (Isa. 63:7). All around you smell of the goodness of the Lord. Stop complaining about your husband, wife, children, finances and business.

Your family is a blessed family. You and your household are for signs and wonders. Do you not know that your family is not the worst. Yes, your family is better than several families.

Listen to David in Ps 139:17-18. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, o God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I am awake, I am still with thee. This same David was anointed king

Know that what is impossible with man is possible with God

at seventeen years of age but did not see the throne until he was thirty years, yet he did not complain.

No matter how you look at life, count yourself blessed that you are still alive.

Beloved, challenges are stepping stones to testimonies in disguise.

Some of the things that you are complaining about happened for your good.

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and thought that was the end of Joseph.

Joseph did not complain.

At the end of the day, God turned around what Joseph’s brothers meant for evil to good. Start now to count your blessings one by one and it will surprise you to see what the Lord has done. Also, start to

,

celebrate what God has already done and it won’t be long before you begin to enjoy an unending breakthroughs and glorious triumph.

Everything that hell and man have used to mock you will turn to testimonies.

God bless you and God bless Nigeria.

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.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 07029235279, 07029235280. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

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

C M Y K

54 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012

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reduction

or most people over 30 years the abdominal rigion gets to be the least toned set of muscles of the body.

We work with our hands and walk with our feet, therefore, somehow, those parts are almost always in better shape than the abdominal wall.

A trim waistline doesn’t only look impressive aesthetically, it also speaks volumes of the state of health of the individual.

Reduce the girth and presto! You instantly l o o k youthful.

You will begin to digest y o u r food

•The Abdominal Lift

A

,

Belly

Strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, some of these practices can be used for purification purposes along with drinking large quantities of salt water

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and absorb it more efficiently.

Once the belly is shrunk appreciably, we can then learn to perform certain exercises which can help the system achieve better bowel action -a veritable way of eliminating toxins.

As regards exercise there are countless ways to deal with the bulge of the belly. Some get results from practising sit-ups, others from legraises and so on.

But there are some less familiar practices that deal with flabby stomach a lot more thoroughly.

Besides, strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, some of these practices can be used for purification purposes along with drinking large quantities of salt water.

The following exercises will help trim the waist and keep it so, forever.

I have had the same waistline since the past thirty years and I am fifty two now. If yours truly can do it, so can you! All it takes is diligence. Lets consider the Rocking.

Technique: Sit with the knees drawn and the hands placed at the back of the knees. Now, lunge both

ccording to the latest estimates of the World Health Organization, the population of persons with disabilities is 15% of the world popu lation. If you apply this percentage to Nigeria’s population of about 160 million, the population of Nigerians with disabilities will be 24 million.

This population is more than the population of Togo (6.028 million), Sweden (9.378 million), Namibia (2.283 million) and Finland (5.364 million) put together which is 23.05 million. These figures are from the World Bank.

No nation, no matter how well endowed, can achieve any meaningful development without carrying along such a significant population. When we as a nation, build infrastructures, formulate policies and implement them or carry on any developmental effort as if there are no Nigerians with disabilities, we are simply excluding about 24 million citizens socially, economically and politically.

Unfortunately, we cannot wish this population away. This population must eat, live under shelter no matter •Cosmos boarding a how unsuitable, move about if only bus overseas for the sake of moving about, go to hospital etc. they are only excluded disabilities to contribute their quota from contributing their quota to our to national development, thus making national development, thus making the attainment of our development them dependent on the rest of the plans achievable. society. Whereas, if we build a society Despite the level of inaccessibility of that is accessible to all Nigerians, we our society, a good number of persons will make it possible for persons with with disabilities have managed to

legs forwards and quickly draw them back and thrust them forth again. Keep this to and fro movement of the feet going continually. If you break the rhythm by hesitating you will immediately fail to keep going. You may do as few as 5 thrusts and withdrawals of the feet initially and then increase the number of times as you improve.

Benefits: The

•The Rocking

Rocking toughens the upper thigh and abdominal muscles. The exercise is reputed to also improve the soundness of sleep.

The Abdominal Lift Technique: Standing with the feet about a foot apart, breathe in deeply and exhale forcefully. Now, with the breath out, draw in the muscles of the abdomen until you have a hollow forming beneath the ribs. The hands should be placed on the thighs and the knees bent a little. Keep the trunk a bit tipped forward but don’t lower it.

Maintain the retraction of the diaphragm by keeping both hands firmly pressed against the thighs as you lean on them.

Keep the position for as long as can

be without breathing.

Then, ease up, stand erect and begin to breathe normally. Repeat only once more if you’re just stating this exercise. As regards this very exercise, Indra Devi advises gradually bringing it up to seven times adding one time each week.

Warning: People with a weak heart or serious abdominal or circulatory problems should refrain from this exercise.

Yoga Classes

distinguish themselves in their chosen career. Persons like Barr. Danlami Basharu, an accomplished administrator, Cobams Asuquo, a renowned music producer, Barr. Dan Onwe, an astute Lawyer, Dr. (Mrs) Uduak Ikpegbu, a senior registrar at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Alh. Umaru Al-Makura, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Prof.

Chinua Achebe who we have lost to America because of the inaccessibility of our society, to mention but a few, one can then imagine what the contributions of persons with disabilities to our national development would be if we have a

through legislation. This is even more expedient, given the fact that our constitution failed to make any provision to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Our constitution did not even recognize that there are persons with disabilities in Nigeria. How can a nation that is worth its salt, make a constitution with such grievous omission.

Law to protect rights of the disabled critical to national development

society that is accessible to all.

The only way we can ensure that we build a society that is accessible to all and unleash the potentials inherent in persons with disabilities, is to ensure that their rights are protected

@ 32 Ademola Adetokumbo Victoria Island Lagos 9.00am — 10.00am on Satufdays

T

hankfully, with the current constitution review effort, we have an opportunity to correct this unfortunate omission. I am aware that Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, supported by our development partners is making a contribution to the constitution amendment; one can only hope that our input will be favourably considered by the National Assembly.

A country like Uganda, that has a robust legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, also has ample provision in their constitution for persons with disabilities. TheUgandan constitution for instance, has a provision that reserved 5 parliamentary seats for persons with disabilities. This provision has ensured that persons with disabilities are represented in their parliament at all times. Little wonder why Uganda has gone far ahead of Nigeria in mainstreaming issues of disability in their national development.

If Nigeria as a nation is truly desirous of joining the league of developed countries, we must ensure that we mainstream persons with disabilities through constitutional provisions and robust legislation. The Hope and Possibilities Ride will help put these issues and many more in the front burner of national discuss.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 7, 2012—55

3SC go 5th on the log after Akwa defeat *As Ogbeide clamours for goal-line technology

By IME BASSEY

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HOOTING Stars of Ibadan, Wednesday

moved up to 5th position on the log of the Nigerian Premier League following a 2-0 home victory over

visiting Akwa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

The homers shot into the lead through a beautiful play from the midfield before Moses Ogaga fired in a low shot past the Akwa United goalkeeper whom the visitors felt didn’t cross the line. Mutui Adegoke made it two from the spot, sending the Oluyole Warriors fans into high heavens.

Speaking after the tie, Akwa United gaffer, Solomon Ogbeide expressed sadness over the none usage of goal line technology, stating that 3SC’s first goal didn’t cross the goal line.

Sunshine Stars players grumble over unpaid sign-on fees PLAYERS of Sunshine Stars of Akure may boycott this weekend’s CAF Champion’s League encounter with Esperance of Tunisia over this season’s unpaid sign-on fees.

Inside Out Premier League gathered that the management of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), owner of the Akure Gunners is yet to pay the players their current sign-on fees which has resulted into the drop in confidence level of the players.

Ogaga

Heartland players reject Kaduna over security concerns

By IME BASSEY

T

HE directive by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) requesting Heartland FC of Owerri to honour their rescheduled Week 33 match against Kaduna United have been turned by the Owerri side citing the worsening security situation in the city as reason for their refusal.

Making this known to Inside Out Premier League in a letter signed by the Heartland FC players and forwarded to the management of the club during the week shortly before the team’s game against Enyimba FC of Aba, the players stated their fears as touching their personal safety due to the current wave of violence in the state which has claimed many lives. Confirm- ing the letter, media officer of the team, Cajetan Nkwopara said that the management of the club has communicated the development to the NPL. The NPL had on Wednesday instructed

Heartland FC to proceed to Kaduna this weekend for the game and that on arrival, the club should contact the Kaduna State FA for security.

However, the players rejected the idea because

they would have to pass through many volatile and insecure Kaduna towns and cities before gaining access to the metropolis where they can now begin to contact the state FA for security.

Nembe City FC earn promotion without pay Stories by KATE OBODO

NEMBE City Football Club of Bayelsa have earned promotion from the lower cadre to the elite cadre of Nigeria football league, Nigeria Premier League (NPL) with 31 points, after playing a goalless draw with Akwa Starlet in Uyo, without the payment of salaries and sign-on fees to their players for the 2011/2012 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. The team’s General Manager, Meremu Okara, revealed months ago, after the launching of the Bayelsa outfit that “we have the best welfare package”.

Further investigation from a reliable source revealed that the players of the club have not in any way benefited from the supposedly ‘best welfare package’ postulated by the general manager as the players expressed their anguish over the non payment of their salaries and sign-on fees. One of the players who preferred anonymity, told Inside Out Premier League that about 70% of the players were dropped by the management of Bayelsa United without paying them their sign-on fees, three months salaries and match bonuses before they were recruited into Nembe football club.

Morton closes eyes to rumpus in Nigerian camp H

URDLER Amaechi Morton was all smiles after he won the 400m hurdles and 4x400m gold at the 2012 African championships and it seems all the bitter memories of 2009 with the Nigerian team has been banished forever.

Morton made a last dash to the Olympics trials and was able to win his race despite having little rest after he arrived in Calabar at about 1.00am on the day of his event. During the African Championships, he proved that he was an athlete to watch in the future.

Morton said that is main aim was to do well at the Olympics and has decided to close his eyes to the commotion usually associated with the Nigerian camp.

“For me it is going to be focus and focus and nothing else. I know that things are a bit rough with the Nigerian team,

Amaechi Morton but I’ m not going to let that affect me,” said Morton.

Morton first wore the Nigerian colours in 2009 when he was selected as one of the athletes to the

world championships in Berlin, Germany. He had bitter tales and regrets, but his mother talked him out of turning his back on Nigeria.

Nigerian athletics will rise again, says Cuban coach F

OLLOWING the impressive showing made by Nigerian athletes at the just concluded African Championships in Port Novo, Benin Republic, Jorge Diaz, a Cuban coach has predicted that Nigeria will regain its lost glory in world athletics.

Diaz worked in Nigeria as part of a cultural exchange between his country and Nigeria in the mid ’90s and he was instrumental to the rise of athletes like Gloria Alozie and Chioma Ajunwa to Olympics heights. Ajunwa won a long jump gold at the Atlanta’96, while Alozie the 100m hurdles won silver at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Diaz, who is now on IAAF contract working in Senegal, submitted that Nigeria has too many athletics potentials and what is left is for officials to come up with the right programmes. “When I

was here, I saw with my own eyes what Nigeria has. There are potentials everyw-here and it will be very good if they can concentrate of grassroots development of athletes, it will partly solve the problem,” he said.

Diaz, who at one time was Cuban head athletics coach, stated

that he would love to return to Nigeria and help in this regard.

“Well who knows? If my contract is over with the IAAF, I will love to return. I still remember Alozie, Ajunwa, Atede, Moses Oyiki, Ime Akpan, it was a fantastic group,” said Diaz.

Bolt pulls out of Monaco diamond league

O

LYMPIC champion Usain Bolt has pulled out of the Monaco leg of the Diamond League later this month with a “slight problem”.

“Arising from Usain’s participation at the national trials in Kingston last weekend where he had a slight problem ... I’ve had to withdraw him from the Diamond League meeting in Monaco on

July 20 to give him sufficient time for treatment and time to train and prepare for the Olympics in London,” Glen Mills said in a statement.

He did not elaborate on the Jamaican sprinter’s “problem”.

Bolt will defend his 100m, 200 and 4x100 titles at the London Games which start on July 27.

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 7, 2012

London Olympics: Toblow sure Nigerian athletes will soar

BY KATE OBODO

GRASS-ROOTS athletics coach, Tobias Igwe a.k.a

Toblow has said that Nigeria’s athletics contingent in the forthcoming 2012 London Olympics, would spring a lot of sur-

Don’t confuse Keshi, Abigor tells Peterside

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

F

ORMER spokes man of the Eagles and one time international, Idah Peterside, has advised Stephen Keshi not to rely on the local players, saying that they lacked the experience to shoulder the weight of national team.

Idah’s position has strongly been condemned by chairman of Warri Wolves, Godwin Abigor, a keen follower of the national team and global football.

“I’m reacting because Keshi may be confused by the likes of Idah Peterside. Idah has been living in South Africa for long and he has lost touch with the realities on ground,” Abigor said. He was reacting to Idah’s comment on Supersport’s popular programme, Soccer Africa.

Abigor continued: “The best thing that has happened to our football in recent times is Keshi’s attention on the domestic league. The players he has discovered there have not failed. He has used more of them in the defence in the three competitive matches he has played and they did well.

I doubt if Keshi would have survived by now if he were to rely only on the foreign-based players. The domestic league of all countries that are strong in football is strong. Look at Spain, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Portugal etc. Their leagues are strong. Even in Africa here, it is the same. Ghana bounced back when their league improved. Tunisia, Egypt and some other good countries have strong leagues although some political problems are affecting Egypt’s football now. We are talking about general development of football. The focus on our domestic league by Keshi will improve our league and football in general.

We all need to encourage Keshi. Clemens Westerhof came and faced our

SET FOR LONDON... The National Sports Commission, NSC on Thursday, on behalf of the Federal Government, handed over Team Nigeria for the London 2012 Olympics to the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC. From left, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, Director General, NSC, Olympian Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, Minister of Sports and Chairman, NSC and Engr. Sani Ndanusa, President, NOC at the sendforth ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos. Photo by Sylva Eleanya. league. Our football which was down before he came sprung up, although it took him time.

He discovered many players who later moved to Europe and they made our football thick. Keshi saw it all with Westerhof.

Anytime he came back from Europe to play, he played with many local players like Thompson

Oliha, Moses Kpakor, Abdul Sule, Precious Monye etc. They were winning matches.

Westerhof left and since then all coaches that came after him looked the other way. They focused only in Europe and the crash started. It has been a deep plunge since then.

For the first time since Westerhof left in 1994

somebody is trying to address the problem and some people want to drag him back. It’s painful that we are very forgetful. Nobody is saying that Keshi should shut the door on the players in Europe. We are saying that many players at home have what it takes to play for Eagles. They have the strong character and

should be given the chance based on merit. If we don’t have a strong league our football will not grow. And one of the things that will develop our league is what Keshi is doing. He should be encouraged and not discouraged. Peterside may not be current with the realities at home and must not confuse Keshi.”

Federation Cup: Enyimba, Wolves clash in Bauchi

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AST year’s runnersup, Enyimba FC of Aba will tango with Warri Wolves and Lobi Stars of Makurdi in what appears the pick of the group phase following Friday’s 2012 Federation Cup Draw in Abuja.

The three Nigeria Premier League clubs will do battle in Group A at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, alongside the only non-League side remaining in the campaign, Samba FC of E n u g u .

At a colourful event inside the Ekiti Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Cup holders Heartland FC of Owerri also found out they will trade tackles with three northern Nigerian teams - Premier League’s Gombe United and Plateau United as well as second-tier National League’s Nasarawa United FC. These Group D

matches will come up in Port Harcourt.

In Group B, with venue at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Kwara United FC of Ilorin and Pillars

of Kano will contend with Crown FC of Ogbomosho and El-Kanemi Warriors of M a i d u g u r i .

Confluence Stadium, Lokoja will host Group C

matches that will involve Enugu Rangers, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Prime FC of Oshogbo and Dynamite Force of Edo, a Nationwide League club.

prises despite their late preparation for the competition.

Toblow, as he is fondly called, said the team may have prepared for only a few months to the competition but expressed confidence in the team, especially the female relay team, making a positive impact even as he hailed the President of the Athletics Federation,AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba for his tireless effort to lift the game. “First and foremost, I want to thank our tireless AFN President Solomon Ogba for his efforts so far in the sport. I appreciate him for making athletics what it is presently,” Toblow said in Lagos on his way to the World Junior Athletics Championship in Spain.

Continuing he said, “Although, our preparation for the Olympics isn’t fantastic but I’m confident that the athletes we have would make a mark in some of the events. We won’t be a total failure in the competition. Whether we win a gold, silver or bronze, it is welcome because of the late release of funds for preparation.

“Most importantly, the fact remains that we are African champions presently. I think what the athletes need is our(Nigerians) fervent prayers for them to succeed. He added that, “anything can happen as we have strong relay teams, Long Jump Women and Sprint Women.

Blessing Okagbare is one of the athletes that I have confidence in to do well both in the Long Jump and the 100m. I believe she would be a force to be reckoned with in the 100m.”

He said that the series of competitions organised so far have helped the athletes and made them better in their performances.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE cross 1 Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas – (8) 8 Spanish “La Liga” Premiership Side – (6) 9 Nigerian Currency – (5) 10 Precipitation – (4) 11 This Country won the Last Edition of The Africa Nations Cup – (6) 13 Vietnamese Currency – (3) 14 Wales Skipper and Arsenal Midfielder, Aaron – (6) 17 L.G.A in Gombe State – (6) 19 United States Currency – (6) 21 L.G.A in Katsina State – (6) 24 Traditional Ruler of Benin – (3) 25 Bahamas Capital City – (6) 27 Hebrew Alphabet – (4) 28 L.G.A in FCT, Abuja – 5) 29 Stationery – (6) 30 Country in Africa – (8) Down 2 Japan Striker and Borussia

Dortmund Forward, Shinji – (6) 3 France “Ligue 1” Premiership Club – (6) 4 Manchester City Defender, Gael – (6) 5 World’s Largest River – (6) 6 Shelffish – (4) 7 State in Nigeria Known as “Home of Solid Minerals”? – (8) 12 Portuguese Premiership Club-Side – (5) 14 Tottenham Hotspurs Manager, Harry – (8) 15 Rodents – (5) 16 Common Name for “Garri”? – (3) 18 Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Alloy – (3) 20 Russian Currency – (6) 21 Wolfsburg Coach, Felix – (6) 22 Former Minister of Transport, Abiye – (6) 23 Large Deer – (6) 26 Container – (4)

SOLUTION ON PAGE 53

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