EBOLA SPREADS: Nigeria records 2 deaths, 9 cases, 139 under surveillance

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

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4— SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

EBOLA: Two die after drinking salt water in Jos

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

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WO people died last night in Jos, the Plateau State capital after allegedly taking salt in warm water and bathing with same to prevent the dreaded Ebola virus disease.

The deceased whose identities could not be ascertained at the time of this report were said to be hypertension patients.

A resident who worships in the same

church with one of the deceased, Atang Itse said he does not know “much about the woman but she worships at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hwolshe” confirmed she died “this evening as a result of salt she took in the night when everyone was bathing and drinking salt water”.

The source added the other victim was a taxi driver who plied Jos city and neighbouring local government areas.

However, the Perma-

All for Osun Election

nent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Elias Pede who is holding forte for the Commissioner, Dr. Fom Dakwak said “he was not aware of any dead” though he had earlier confirmed to other journalist that “one person died but full details were yet to be received.”

A text message asking Nigerians to prevent Ebola attack by drinking salt water and bathing with it went viral in the country this week.

Policemen ready for the election

MSS deploys mobile app to capture Ebola report online

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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HE Chief Software architect of Mobile Software Solution Limited, Chris Uwaje in response to the Ebola virus spreading and killing people globally has deployed a Team to create Ebola databaseengine, an app to capture the virus report online across the nation.

Uwaje who is the promoter of Malaria Destroyer Game (MDG) app said at the weekend that as concerned IT citizen of Nigeria, his team was challenged to deploy as a matter of national emergency IT

expertise and skills to engage and curtail the Ebola pandemic.

“The app has been developed and can be accessed free of charge at : http://bit.ly/1opksI4.Log on, spread the word and lets avert the waiting catastrophe together ” Uwaje, who was the immediate past President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, said.

According to him, Ebola report centre (ERC) is an app created as an emergency response mechanism to assist in curtailing the Ebola pandemic ravaging the West African region and

now resident in Nigeria.

Due to the monumental challenge presented by the rescue mission to curtail and deliver timeeffective treatment and related solutions to victims of Ebola, he explained that ERC was created as the fastest platform to take advantage of the ubiquitous mobile density in Nigeria to collect relevant Database on Ebola, act as an information centre for Health and Health Care delivery sector and build a history of Ebola occurrence and statistical reference for future generation.

Military tanker stationed for battle

Ogoni people want HYREP scrapped, invite Jonathan F

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E D E R A L government has assured people of Ogoni that it would soon release funds for implementation of the UNEP report in the area.

Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Allison Madueke who gave the assurance yesterday at a one day consultative meeting between the federal government and Ogoni in Bori, heaquarters of Khana local government area said the goverrnment was going to work with United Nation’s body, community and other relevant stakehokders to carry out a thorough clean up of Ogoni communities.

The Minister who was

represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Mr Danladi Kifasi said government would ensure that the fund meant for the remediation exercise was used effectively.

“The federal government is mindful that the funds meant for remediation and restoration activities in Ogoniland are used for that purpose.

The funds are ready.

Soon, we will be working with the UN, Ogoni communities and the relevant Nigerian agencies to pull our our collective knowledge and construct a road map to deliver a comprehensive remediation programme

with a focus on immediate delivery and restitution”, he said.

Meantime, the federal government has been told to declare Ogoni an environmental emergency. President, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Mr Legborsi Pyagbara who read a communique at the end of the meeting also called on President Goodluck Jonathan and his Minister of Petroleum to visit Ogoni to see the level of pollution documented by the UNEP report.

The people also expressed worries with delay in implementation of the report three years after it was released to the federal government.

INEC ad hoc staff getting ready.

INEC officials with ballot papers.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 5

EBOLA ALERT! Ebola spreads: Nigeria records 2 deaths, 9 cases •139 under surveillance •WHO declares global emergency •Jonathan declares national emergency, approves N1.9bn special fund

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

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IKE wild Harmattan fire, the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) continued to spread yesterday across the globe with Nigeria recording two more cases and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring a global health emergency.

Coming on a day President Goodluck Jonathan approved a N1.9 billion special fund to combat the disease, the Federal Government said it has confirmed two more cases of EVD bringing the total number of cases in Nigeria to to nine.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has summoned the ministers of Health and Information to brief him on the EVD situation in the country.

Disclosing this development yesterday during a media briefing in Lagos, Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu said the total of confirmed EVD cases in the country is now nine.

Two of which are deceased while 139 others are under surveillance.

Chukwu who briefed the press in the company of the Minster of Information , Mr Labaran Maku and Director of the National Center for Diseases Control, NCDC, Prof Abdulsalami Nasidi among other top functionaries, said all confirmed cases were being managed in Lagos under quarantine.

Giving the current status of the outbreak, Chukwu said; “Since the last time I addressed you on Tuesday when I

informed the global community that Nigeria has confirmed seven cases of Ebola Virus Disease, between then and today we have additional two confirmed cases.

“The total now is nine confirmed cases of which two are late. They are the same two we told you about earlier, the index case and the health worker who we unfortunately lost some days ago. So as at this morning, total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria stands at nine.

Eight are Nigerian and one was an American Liberian. Seven are alive and receiving treatment in Lagos. “ 28.5% case fertility The Minister affirmed that so far Nigeria’s case fertility rate is 28.6 percent.

“In the ECOWAS region, the case fertility rate stands at 55 percent which means 46 percent of people who have suffered Ebola are alive and living witnesses. I want to reiterate again that in the last 48 hours we have confirmed two additional EVD cases here in Nigeria . They are Nigerians and are people who have had contact with the index case and as at today our fatality is two. “ We do not want anybody to be lost. They are surviving and we are treating them here in Lagos. There are more suspected cases. We will let the media know the result of these suspected cases that we are currently monitoring,” Chukwu remarked.

Assuring Nigerians that having Ebola does not mean being confined

•Ebola victim under intensive care. to death because there are survivors he said almost half of those affected in West Africa are survivors.

“As we talk, we have suspected cases being investigated. But we only announce confirmed cases. Sometimes they turn out to be negative sometimes we have a few who are positive as we experienced between Tuesday and today. All those we have placed under surveillance are 139 now. This is the update in our statistics. “ FG/states joint efforts Chukwu who told the press that he was in Lagos with his team to assess the level of progress on the containment efforts of the Joint Federal and state Task Force on the EVD, said there had been several hours of productive meeting with other officials of the Lagos state involved in the response.

“They have shared experience of how they have been able to contain this disease even with two international experts.”

He said the process was a high risk job but many persons had volunteered to protect the nation. “ We learned about some of their challenges and agreed on what to do right away. We learned about the things they want government to do and we have the

resources.”

On the assessment of outcome of their findings, the minister said: “It has been a good lesson for myself as well as the Minister of Information. We have learned a lot even beyond what they have told us about what they are doing.”

Hot water and salt bath is no cure Chukwu who expressed satisfaction at the current response efforts, however described as unfortunate comments being circulated by some people that hot water with salt will cure Ebola Virus Disease.

“This is a complete lie and total fallacy and a wicked rumour. We want the rumour to be debunked. There is no evidence to support it, there is no truth in it.

Absolutely it is total rubbish, it doesn’t make sense that when you pour water on yourself and add salt, it will stop Ebola. If anything you are going to have other problems.

“Let us manage EVD, do not give us communicable disease please. I’m going to go back and discuss with the appropriate authorities and look at our laws,” he warned.

He said the Federal government needed to fish out and prosecute the people responsible.

“I believe Nigeria has laws against people like

these. If there’s are no laws we would work towards making these laws. People who do not wish us well must be fished out and punished through the law courts.

“It is not right to complicate matters for this country. We have a problem, we had an imported case for which now we are suffering the complications.”

While admitting the grave challenge of tackling the Ebola threat, the minster, however, said government was not resting on its oars. “ Government is doing everything possible with all its development partners. Even while we are here, The US government is being represented by the Consul General, who reiterated the pledge of the US government to give additional assistance to Nigeria to combat the Ebola virus with other partners such as WHO, UNICEF and USAID. “Even President Jonathan is on top of the situation. The first thing he did on his return from Washington was to summon the Minister of Health, who incidentally was in Lagos, So he invited the Minister of state for Health, the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technologists of the Federation since they are in Abuja.

He said Mr President had directed him and his

information counterpart to immediately report to the Presidency the outcome of their findings in Lagos, as soon they returned to Abuja.

“Government is not sparing any effort . He the government had approved money based on the request of the Federal Ministry of Health for the provision of additional materials to wage this battle against Ebola Virus Disease. The money is also to employ more people. One of the challenges is getting volunteers and all manner of health workers. We need doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, those who will do administration, security and all those who can volunteer. We will train you. You will be part of this. The government through the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, yesterday approved a number of new positions empowering the Federal Ministry of Health to do emergency recruitment of necessary personnel to be part of this battle,” he said.

He disclosed that Federal government has declared that all those participating in the care of Ebola Virus Disease patients and those participating in contact tracing should enjoy life insurance provided by government.

More stories on page 52

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SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

EBOLA BRIEFS

EBOLA ALERT

EBOLA Virus: Catholic archbishop alerts priests

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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ATHOLIC Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins has issued guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.

In a statement titled: ‘The outbreak of Ebola Virus—a pastoral approach’, the Lagos archbishop provided the following nuggets to enable his priests to assist health authorities on arresting the

spread of the disease.

They include the following; “Awareness and Sensitization: Priests should enlist the services of Medical Doctors and other health workers in sensitizing the people on Ebola: its symptoms, effects, preventive measures, management of self and how to handle an infected person, etc.

Hand Sanitizer (Personal Hygiene):

Priests should encourage the people to practice frequent washing of hands with suitable anti-bacterial hand-washing liquid and use of hand sanitizers.

Sick Call: Priests should exercise caution when they go for sick calls particularly when they have to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

They should ensure regular hand washing

From left: Lagos Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris and Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Alhaji Hakeem Bello, during a visit to the isolated ward for the treatment of Ebola at Lagos Mainland Hospital, Yaba yesterday. (Inset) Isolated Centre in Lagos

WHO declares Ebola epidemic an international health emergency

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HE World Health Organisation (WHO), said on Friday in Geneva that the Ebola epidemic is an “extraordinary event” and now constitutes an international health risk.

The Geneva-based UN health agency said the possible consequences of a further international spread of the outbreak, which has killed almost 1,000 people in four West African countries, were “particularly serious” in view of the virulence of the virus.

“A coordinated international response is deemed essential to stop and reverse the international spread of Ebola,” the WHO said in a statement after a twoday meeting of its emergency committee on Ebola.

The declaration of an international emergency will have the effect of raising the level of vigilance on the virus.

“The outbreak is moving faster than we can control it,” the WHO’s Director-General Margaret Chan told reporters after a briefing from the WHO’s Geneva headquarters.

“The declaration will galvanise the attention of leaders of all countries at the top level. It cannot be done by the ministries of health alone,” Chan said.

The agency said that while all countries with Ebola transmission, namely Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone should declare a national emergency, there should be no general ban on international travel or trade.

The current outbreak, in which at least 1,711 people have so far been infected, of whom 932 have died, is the most severe in the almost 40 years since Ebola was identified in humans.

The WHO said this was partly because of the

weakness of the health systems in the countries currently affected, which lacked human, financial and material resources.

It also said inexperience in dealing with Ebola outbreaks and misconceptions of the disease, including how it is transmitted, “continue to be a major challenge in some communities”.

after visiting patients in the hospital or homes.

Counting Offerings/ Collection: Priests should encourage the use of gloves.

Distribution of Communion: The Bishops of the Province will be meeting next week to discuss, among other matters, the issue of communion in the hand.

Meanwhile, the traditional means of distributing and receiving communion (Hand to Mouth) should be maintained until we give contrary information.

In doing this, Priests should be cautious and pay attention to ensure that they do not touch the tongue of recipients. If necessary a Purificator should be used while distributing Holy Communion.

The Sign of Peace: Taking into consideration the fact that this rite is optional, we shall henceforth omit it i.e. not invite people to offer the sign of peace. When you get to this rite, skip it.

Note also, that the recent Circular from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments acknowledged this when it stated: “It is completely legitimate to affirm that it is not necessary to invite “mechanistically ” to exchange the sign of peace. This rite is optional” the congregation reminded.

Holy Water Bowls: The use of Holy Water Fonts at the entrance of the Church should be discontinued forthwith until the virus alert is lifted.

This does not preclude private use of Holy Waters in homes and offices.

Confusion in Lagos over salt water antidote

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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HE tension that gripped Lagos residents was not helped by a text message that went viral yesterday asking people to bath and drink salt water to check contracting Ebola virus.

This came a week after similar message was circulated that Bitter Kola

could cure and prevent the contact of the deadly virus which has killed hundreds of people in some African countries.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, visit the Isolation Ward prepared by the state government for patients with symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, saying the facility is now ready for use.

NNPC shuts down clinic in Lagos

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HE Management of the Nigerian National Pe troleum Corporation (NNPC) on Friday announced the indefinite shutdown of its clinic in the Muri Okunola area of Victoria Island, Lagos, following a suspected case of Ebola virus on admission at the clinic. It was discovered that the patient visited the First Consultant Medical Centre during the period the first Ebola case was reported at that clinic. The Corporation in statement explained that the pre-emptive step was taken after the case was duly reported to the Federal Ministry of Health as well as officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Health. “In the meantime, all contacts with this case are being traced and adequate precautionary measures instituted to contain the possible spread of the disease,” the Corporation stated. The medical team has assured that the patient is in stable condition.

States set up isolation centres

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, , AUSTIN OGWUDA, FESTUS AHON, WOLE MOSADOMI

Ogun

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HE Ogun State government said it has created isolation centres for people with Ebola Virus Disease in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly disease in the state.

The Ogun State commissioner for health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka who disclosed this in Abeokuta explained that the state had started training of health officials in some local government areas of the state.

Soyinka who further noted that the state was already collaborating with the federal government agencies in the border areas to prevent carriers of the virus from entering the state,however, denied that, the state had recorded Ebola cases.

According to him, the state had two contacts but they were cleared from the deadly virus disease.

Delta

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ORRIED by the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus, the Delta State Government, Thursday, set up Special Isolation Wards within seven designated hospitals in the State for suspected cases of Ebola virus disease in the State.

Briefing newsmen, chairman of the Committee on Inter-Ministerial Ebola Virus Outbreak Preparedness and Response, Dr. Joseph Otumara named the hospitals to include; Warri Central Hospitals, Ughelli Central Hospital, Sapele Central Hospital and Agbor Central Hospital. Others are Oleh Central Hospital, Eku Baptist Government Hospital and Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara.

Otumara who is also the State Commissioner for Health, said the Ebola Virus which has claimed 932 deaths in a total of 1,203 reported cases, has not yet been reported in the State, adding “the State Government is doing its best to stem what happened in Lagos from happening here in Delta State.

Saying that adequate awareness was being created to educate the residents of the State of the Ebola Virus disease, he said “the State Government is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that any suspected case is promptly contained.

Niger

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OLLOWING the confirmation of Ebola Virus in the country, Niger state government has concluded plans to establish Containment Centres and Qurantine Centres across the state to battle the dreaded Ebola Virus in the country.

The Containment Centres are to be established in each of the three Senatorial Districts of the state while the Ouarantine Centre is to be established in Min a, the state capital.

The state Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Danladi Ndayebo who told Journalists during a Press Conference in Min a yesterday said the Centres will be properly equipped and stocked with drugs for supportive care in case case of eventual Breakout of the disease in the state.

He however made it clear that for now, no case of the Virus has been reported in any part of the state.

The Commissioner said that because the state shares border with Benin Republic, the state government has also taken measures to work hand in hand with Security Agencies particularly the immigration Service to check the inflow of persons at the border posts.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 7

RCCG CONVENTION

How a woman almost seduced me — Adeboye

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Cross section of traditional rulers at the 62nd Annual Convention of Redeemed Christian Church of God. Picture Lamidi Bamidele

Osun guber:Nwagu explains military presence

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

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OLLOWING widespread condemnation of deployment of military and other unconventional security agencies to Osun State ahead of today’s governorship election by the Federal Government, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Paulinus Nwagu, has explained that the action was due to current insurgency ravaging the country.

Nwagu said government’s action was aimed at preventing insurgents from taking advantage of the exercise to launch attacks on the large number of people that will throng the various voting centres to exercise their franchise.

Speaking at a media briefing, Friday, in Abuja,

Senator Nwagu, who represents Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone at the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, said: “The military are deployed when we envisage that there is going to be a

serious crisis in a particular place or state.

They are deployed to a place based on what the government envisages in that particular place.

“If you had heard Mr President during the campaign rally in Osun

State, you would also agree with me that he made a categorical statement based on why the election will be free and fair and I believe that militarilising Nigerians is because of the insurgency.”

...As Police warn miscreants

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ESS than 24 hours to S a t u r d a y ’ s gubernatorial election in Osun, the police have warned miscreants against engaging in unlawful acts.

Folashade Odoro, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Osogbo.

The spokesperson said the constitutional role of the police was well spelt out, adding that it was not a

partisan institution. “ We are not partisan, anybody may say whatever he or she likes.

“The position of the police is clear. The police is duty bound to protect law abiding citizens and to apprehend those who flout the law,” she said.

Odoro also dismissed a report that a journalist, Mr Ayodeji Moradeyo, and a cameraman, Binafia Miebi, all staff of Television Continental, were arrested on Thursday.

The

spokesperson said the duo had gone to a party secretariat where they were refused entrance.

She said the duo were assaulted in the ensuing melee, adding that the police eventually rescued the journalists.

“Actually, the police had to come to their rescue in the process,but they were not arrested. “ They even appreciated the efforts of the police at the end of the day,” she added.

Adamawa: Nyako’s deputy, Ngilari, loses bid to stop bye-election •As court declines to stop INEC

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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HE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, aborted moves by the ousted deputy governor of Adamawa state, Mr. Bala James Ngilari, to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from conducting a bye-election to replace the impeached governor of the state, Admiral .

Murtala Nyako.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ademola Adeniyi rejected Ngilari’s exparte application seeking for an interim order to restrain INEC from going ahead with the planned election, pending the de-

termination of a suit challenging his removal from office.

Ngilari had through his lawyer Mr.

Festus Keyamo, approached the High Court, asking it to declare him governor. He specifically

urged the court to among other things, declare that by virtue of Section 191 (c) of the constitution.

Doctors’ strike: Obembe resigns as NMA president •Says he can’t remain with ‘strike continues’ doctrine

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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OLLOWING the confusion that trailed conflicting statements regarding the suspension of medical doctors’ 40-day strike, Dr Kayode Obembe has resigned as the national president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Obembe issued a statement on Thursday that

the doctors had suspended the strike but he was countered by some officers of the NMA, who insisted that the industrial action was still on.

Reacting to the issue yesterday, Obembe, in a statement he entitled: ‘Clarification,’ said: “There has been a request for clarification about the two postings from NMA secretariat on NMA blog. I

want to make it categorically clear that I stand by every letter of the document I signed-‘that the strike was suspended.’

And since upon my integrity and honour, I cannot continue to drive the doctrine that ‘strike continues,’ I hereby tender my letter of resignation as NMA president. What I have written, I have written.”

HE story of how a Lagos socialite tried to seduce him gives give credence to the saying that the bigger the head, the bigger the headache. This readily formed the nucleus of Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s sermon on Thursday night at the ongoing 62nd annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. It was a deliverance service and almost one million people had converged at the auditorium of the Redemption Camp for the event and they were held spellbound when, their revered General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye started to narrate a ministry-threatening experience he had to the consternation of the crowd.

Preaching a sermon titled; ‘The yoke-destroyer’, the man of God enumerated three different kinds of yoke that truncate one’s dream of nosy future to include; physical yoke, material yoke and spiritual yoke, explaining that the Holy Spirit is the only yoke destroyer who is able to destroy any form of yoke in any man’s life. He further challenged the congregation to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and be agents of God who will be breaking yokes, noting that there were certain forces or challenges of life that human beings cannot solve by their own efforts except through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Drawing inspirations from the Holy Bible, where many persons were said to have undergone several life-threatening challenges, he narrated that a high profile woman who was an executive of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, did everything to seduce him. According to him, the woman came to him and announced to him that God had told her that he would be her husband, and immediately he rebuked her, saying “you know that I am happily married and have children.” That didn’t deter the woman who continued to pester him, and even came to the camp to threaten him, saying “if you stand on my way to marrying this man, I will kill you.”

Continuing, Pastor Adeboye took the matter to then Inspector General of Police who immediately invited the woman and her husband to his office and after a meeting banned the randy woman from entering the Redemption Camp or ever making passes at the man of God. “But that measure didn’t stop her. I travelled to London without telling anybody, to work on the church’s devotional, Open Heaven. As soon as I settled down in the room, the telephone rang and the voice at the other end said: “welcome to London. I am coming in 15 minutes,” the cleric continued, wondering why his audience responded with a laughter.

Continuing, he said he told the voice: “You don’t know anything, you know that the Police in London are very efficient and if you dare come here, I will call the Police for you.” There is a Police station a few meters from where I am staying and she must have known that because she didn’t come but kept calling me.

“I cried to God Who told me ‘You know of the scripture that says, whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven.’ Believe me honestly, unless God helps, there are thongs you cannot handle on your own,” he stated, urging the large crowd to stand and pray with holy anger: “Anyone hindering my progress, before this month is over, Holy Spirit send down Your fire to consume them”. And spontaneously, the huge crowd of worshippers responded with over 15 minutes of violent supplications to the Most High God.

It’s too late to postpone convention — RCCG

BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

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HE Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, yesterday reacted to calls for either total cancellation or postponement of the ongoing 62nd annual convention at the Redemption Camp for fear of a possible outbreak of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), saying the church had taken necessary measures to forestall any outbreak. Callers on a radio station yesterday urged the Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Governments to prevail on the leadership of RCCG to consider postponing the ongoing convention following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease arguing that it would be dangerous to allow the convention to continue. Some of the callers had argued that the nation will be in trouble if an infected Nigerian decided to go to the convention to pray for a miracle.

Responding, the head of the church’s Media & Public Relations, Pastor Segun Adegbiji described the call as too late because the church’s convention which started last Monday had continued and will come to an end tomorrow, adding that RCCG is a responsive organization which has been collaborating with relevant organs of government.

8— SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

BRIEFS Rivers First Lady to build devt centres in 23 LGAs

Delta LG poll: Egbema group P threatens bloodbath in Warri North • Wants Ijaw chairman • Police unaware of threat- DSP Celestina Kalu

BY EMMA AMAIZE and AUSTIN OGWUDA

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HE Egbema Radical Group, ERG, an insurgent Ijaw group in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, has threatened to disrupt the October 25 local government elections in the area, except the Itsekiri ethnic group ceded the chairmanship seat to the Ijaw.

Spokesperson of the group, Mr Amin Dada, told Saturday Vanguard, “Since Warri North was created, Ijaw man had never emerged chairman of the council, which we are all stakeholders. The Itsekiri people have taken the chairmanship as their birthright, so we have vowed that this must stop in 2014.”

“We have made representations at different times and published our stand in the media in the past few years, but the powers that be in Itsekiri land and the Itsekiri government in power in Asaba do not want to hear us, and it is clear that those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable,” he added.

Police warn group Delta State Police Command said it was not aware of the threat by any group to stop the local government elections in Warri North.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, said, “The police wish to warn any person(s) and group(s) in the state that want to cause trouble in Warri North or any part of the state during the forthcoming Local Government elections to desist from it, as adequate policemen will be deployed to deal with such situation.”

Her words: “The police are not aware of any threat to stop the elections in Warri North, we do not know such group and they are warned to stop any planned action forthwith.”

We don’t select candidates for parties– DSIEC boss Chairman of Delta State Independent Electoral

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT: First Lady of Rivers State, Dame Judith Amaechi has concluded arrangement to build development centres in the 23 local councils of the state as part of her empowerment programme.

Dame Amaechi made this known in Emohua local council during her empowerment programme for women of the area.

She said the centres would be built in collaboration with development partners, stressing that they would create robust economy in the various communities.

“These centres are very imperative at this time, we desire a centre that would be built by women, managed by women and utilized by women themselves, it would encourage rural dwellers at the local government to develop their local economy in their area of comparative advantage.”

NEW STATES: Anioma group lauds Jonathan, Uduaghan

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

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Governor Adams Oshiomole inspecting one of the security vehicles donated by MTN Foundation to Edo State recently Commission, DSIEC, Mr. Moses Ogbe, told Saturday Vanguard when contacted on the threat: “We expect that the 26 registered political parties are presently conducting their primaries. We do not interfere in their choice of candidates.”

No talk with criminalsUduaghan Saturday Vanguard learnt that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is from Warri north, had waded into the matter to ensure there was no disturbance to his peace and security agenda.

He had stated clearly in the past that the state government would not succumb to blackmail by criminals, who masquerade as activists, describing the Egbema Radical Group as criminals, who must not be allowed to exist in the state.

Angry students ground activities at FUPRE school gates following at about 8pm on Thursday

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

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CADEMIC activities at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, FUPRE, were yesterday grounded by angry students who shut the

killing of their colleague, Jimoh Lateef Babatunde, a 400 level Computer Science student by gunmen.

Akpomedaye Philip, Governor of the isolated FUPRE Boys Hostel in Ugbomro where the late student resided told Vanguard that the victim had barely left the hostel

Cocoa growers, expor ters protest N5, 000 levy in C-River

BY EMMA UNA

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OCOA farmers and merchants in Ikom and Etung Local Government Areas, Cross -River State, have vehemently kicked against the N5, 000 noncompliance levy on every ton of cocoa exported by the state government.

The placard-carrying cocoa farmers took to the streets of Ikom, about 300 kilometers from Calabar, the state capital, to express their grievances. Some of the placards bore the inscriptions: “Noncompliance levy is

illegal” and “Let the government respect the court judgment, the court has declared the levy null and void.”

Chair, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state, Mr. Alphonsus Nana, said: “The non-compliance levy was introduced by the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr.Sandy Onor, in 2011 and inherited by the current commissioner, Mr. James Aniyom, but we went to court to challenge it and we got a judgment, restraining the government from collecting the money.”

when two deafening gunshots near the hostel jostled students to the reality of the situation. ”It is another case of robbery. Babatunde should have been graduating in the next four months. We were together discussing sports when he excused us to fetch some items outside.

Barely 30 minutes later, he was lying in a pool of his blood, his neck shattered by one of the two gunshots we heard not far from the hostel. ”We have been under ceaseless attacks and molestation from criminals within Ugbomro community. The other day it was another male student who survived a shot to the head. The insecurity being faced by students in FUPRE has become unbearable and management is hardly concerned. Imagine a student brutally murdered and the CSO who has failed to secure the lives of students is passing blame, accusing harmless Babatunde of being a cultist. We don’t know who the next victim might be,” he said.

N Anioma socio-political group has commended members of the constitutional conference for their wisdom in recommending the creation of new states, especially Anioma State which they have been clamouring for a very long time.

In a communiqué issued by its Chairman, Chief Joe Obuseh, the Ikejiani of Igbodo Kingdon in Ika North Local Government of Delta State, the Ukpe Anioma, the Light of Anioma people expressed profound gratitude to the delegates of the National Conference, particularly those who served on the Restructuring Committee.

The group thanked President Dr Goodluck Jonathan for the convocation of the National Conference and doggedness in tackling the challenges of insecurity in the country and urging for a speedy and safe resolution of the Chibok hostage crisis created by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north eastern part of Nigeria.

Politicians must unite to fight terrorism — Agwor

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

OLITICIANS in the country have been told to sink their party differences and unite to end terrorism. Frontline politician in Rivers State, Mr Sam Agwor, who made the call in Port Harcourt said there was urgent need for Nigerians to see the current security challenge posed by the Boko Haram sect as a threat to national security and not the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government at the national level.

Agwor, who said the Adamawa State House of assembly was right on its recent impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako as the governor of of the state because the lawmakers were able to establish cases of monumental fraud against the impeached governor.

DELTA 2015: I’m the bridge, says Oyibode

BY EMMA AMAIZE

P

EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Delta State, Chief Gabriel Oyibode, has described himself as the bridge linking the three senatorial districts of the state.

Oyibode, who hails from Ukwuani local government in Delta North senatorial district, stated this during his consultative visit to a one-time commissioner in the state, Chief Mercy Almona Isei, at her Obiaruku residence.

He said as the bridge connecting Delta North, South and Central senatorial districts, he would operate an open door policy and ensure even spread of life-transforming development projects.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 9

BRIEFS Enugu Impeachment: Panel locks out journalists

Confab: Igbos ‘ll resist any attempt T to change decisions — Umeh •Accepts Ohanaeze youths call to run for Senate

BY TONY EDIKE

N

ATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and a delegate to the National Conference, Chief Victor Umeh, has said that Ndigbo would resist attempts by any section of the country to scuttle the gains made by the National Conference.

He spoke against the backdrop of threats by some radical elements from the northern part of the country to thwart the decisions taken by the conference which they considered to be against northern interests.

The APGA chairman said that the progressive minded members of the confab will resist any plot aimed at preventing “the change coming to Nigeria,” stressing that “anybody who insists on maintaining the status quo ante is an enemy of this country and such hardliners will no longer be allowed to hold the nation to ransom.”

Fielding questions from reporters shortly after the

T

HE people of Ezihe Umucheke, Okwe, Onuimo local council area of Imo State, are passing through untold hardship, following the inaccessibility of their communities. The roads leading to this rural sleepy community are no longer motorable.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the immediate past Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, awarded a road contract to Marcol Engineering and an appreciable job was done before the change of guards in the state administration.

Chief Rochas Okorocha stepped in as Governor.

Soon after and his administration allegedly stopped funding the project and the contracting firm left the site.

Governor Okorocha awarded a fresh contract for the six-kilometer Eziama-Umucheke Okwe-Umuago road.

This stretch of road was expected to connect

HE 7-man impeachment panel probing the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, yesterday, rescinded its decision to allow journalists to cover its proceedings as stern-looking security men stationed at the entrance to the court room denied journalists access.

The Chairman of the panel, Mr. Oraekeyi Uche Franklin had on Thursday asked journalists to leave the court, a move that was opposed by Counsel to the Deputy Gov Onyebuchi, Mr. Chris Aghanwa. The panel later allowed the journalists to witness the proceedings.

2015: I have not endorsed anybody — Orji

BY ANAYO OKOLI

A

Demonstration by Obinofia Ndiuno Town Union Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State over denial of developmental infrastructure (electricity) in Enugu. youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter paid him a solidarity visit at his Enugu residence and urged him to run for the Anambra Central Senate seat in 2015, Umeh said, “anybody, who decides to

stand on the way of progress at the confab will only be shooting himself in the leg because those opposed to progressive change in the way things have been happening in the country are now in the minority.”

Umeh who accepted the

call on him by the youths led by Tony Ezekwelu, explained that he would run for the Senate seat to give Ndigbo a strong footing in the quest to properly partake in Nigeria’s nationhood by getting all that is due to them.

Okorocha orders arrest of contractors

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

BY TONY EDIKE

Onuimo local council area to Ideato South local government area of the state. In his own wisdom, the Governor awarded the road project to two different contracting firms.

The contractors scrapped the top soil and

later left the scene.

Nothing else happened thereafter on the road.

A villager, who simply identified himself as Kelechi, recalled that “the saddest thing one of the two new contractors did was to bulldoze the Udegwu bridge and

abandone the project thereafter”.

Kelechi equally recalled that the contracting firm destroyed two high tension electric poles located near the bridge, in the process of scrapping the top soil of the road.

Police arrest 19yr-old boy for raping a nursing mother in Edo trailed to an undisclosed

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

T

HE Police in Edo State has arrested 19-year old Peter Braimoh who allegedly raped a 24 yearold nursing mother at Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Council of Edo State.

The suspect was said to have gained entrance into the victim’s residence through the window at about 4am, knowing that the husband was not around. On gaining entrance into the house, he ordered the woman to undress and allow him make love to her or her little baby will be shot dead.

But while the victim was pleading to the suspect to take whatever valuable in the room and leave her alone, the suspect was said to have gone for the little baby and turned him upside down, forcing the mother to her kneels as she begged the suspect to spare the life of the baby.

Following the persistent threat, the nursing mother agreed to the suspect’s advances and she was raped by the suspect.

However, after the incident the suspect escaped but the matter was reported to the police Division in Agenebode.

The police swung into action and the suspect was

location where he was arrested. The Police in Agenebode transferred the case to the State Police headquarters in Benin City last Sunday.

The suspect who spoke to newsmen at the state Police Command attributed his action to the handiwork of the devil and appealed for mercy from the government.

He said, “ the devil pushed me to go and make love to her because I have been seeing her. I don’t know when and how it happened, I am only appealing that they should forgive me I will not try such thing again in my life”.

BIA State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has again said that he has not endorsed any person as the candidate of the ruling PDP as the party candidate in next year’s election, insisting that the party will decide on who flies the party’s flag.

Orji also said that he was not in government to build Business Empire but to touch peoples’ lives.

According to him, election period is approaching when all manner of rumours fly around but said that the party and the state have the capacity to handle all the rumours.

Addressing hundreds of Abia people who came to welcome him from his annual holiday, Governor Orji maintained that the candidate of PDP for next year’s election would emerge through a transparent congress.

Anambra: INEC deploys 4600 staff for voters’ registration

BY VINCENT UJUMADU THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is to deploy about 4600 ad-hoc staff for the permanent voters’ card registration and re-validation exercise starting in Anambra State on August 15, 2014.

Briefing reporters during a meeting of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Awka, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu said training of the staff, which include members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for the three –day exercise would commence on Monday.

The Inter Agency Consultative Committee has the state commissioner of police, Mr. Usman Gwary as chairman, with heads of other security operatives, as well as the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and the National Population Commission, NPC, as members.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , A UGUST 9, 2014 AUGUST

THE MAGIC OF CALABAR AND THEIR WOMEN Parks where love is GREEN

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & EMMA UNA

C

ALABAR, the Cross River State capital for some people is an acronym which stands for, Come And Live (Love) And Be At Rest. It is impressive and distinctive in outlook for which even a first time visitor would readily agree stands out among other state capitals in the country.

The hospitality of the people is equal to none in C M Y K

the country, no wonder so many young men who find themselves in the city find it difficult to leave. Sometimes they end up getting married to calabar women.

Cross River State, especially the Efiks, the Efuts and the Quos, have the best cuisine one can think of in the country. What do you think of Afang, Edikaikong, Mkpa nkwukwo, you can name them. And mind you dog meat is a very special delicacy to the people. It is served on special request and the eating is with

Aside their elegance and sexuality, the Efik woman is clean inside and outside and this is romantically alluring

utmost respect. The only snag in the state may be cash liquidity. The state is more or less a civil service state, meaning that majority of the residents are civil servants. About 76 oil wells which abound in the state at the Bakassi Peninsular were recently ceded to the sister state of Akwa Ibom after the Federal Government willingly and effortlessly handed over the disputed oil-rich peninsular to the Cameroon in compliance to the International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment in 2002. But despite this

obvious challenge that adversely affected the resources of the state, it is a place that with little resources, one could explore a lot and enjoy the hospitality of the people, the culture, food, security, serene environments and of course the warmth of their women. It does not end with the people. Part of the culture here is to be clean , maintain clean environment and showcase cleanliness as an enduring culture. It begins with personal hygiene. The Efiks have

Continues on page 11

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , A UGUST 9, 2014—11 AUGUST

‘The Effik women will charm you with love and a life of cleanliness that you simply get attached to their service in all ramifications’ Continues from page 10

They are so clean, neat and so lovely that visitors or nonindigines who fall in love with them end up with them either as life partners or inseparable spouses

C M Y K

raised this culture above bar. They are so clean, neat and so lovely that visitors or non-indigines who fall in love with them end up with them either as life partners or inseparable spouses. Some women from other tribes whose men leave for Afiks claim that their men do not do so in their true senses. They try to accuse Calabar women of fetish acts which lure the men.

But that’s far from the truth. The truth is that Effik women charm you with love and a life of cleanliness that you simply get attached to their service in all ramifications.

Aside their elegance and sexuality, the Efik woman is clean inside and outside and this is romantically alluring.

Generally, Calabar women are a mark of the attribute that makes the city special.

The next is the serene, spik and span environment in the city that is adorable and highly cherished by the residents who delight in showcasing it as part of their existence while the government too flaunts it at every given opportunity to visitors who throng the city to hold seminars, workshops and conferences.

To attain this impressive and outstanding status, painstaking

commitment, enormous resources, and round the clock attention is daily invested into cultivating the lush atmosphere.

Calabar has, for long, been an attractive place to dwell following its rivers and seas that surround it and transport some natural feelings into one. The rainforest gives the city high rainfall which spews forth fresh and cooling air all year round.

Essentially, the first seeds of the clean and green that pervade the entire Calabar landscape today were sown by a veteran journalist, Mr. Clement David Ebri, who during his short- lived administration as governor of Cross River State during the General Ibrahim Babangida transition programme in 1992, imported ornamental trees which he planted along major streets across the city. But it must be on record that before this time Calabar’s culture of cleanliness and natural surrounding had been deep-rooted.

Roundly criticized then for importing plants which “abound in large numbers in our forests rather than establishing industries that can employ people”, Ebri remained undaunted and today those plants have grown to become big trees with large branches which form a canopy over major streets and avenues in the

city. The canopy formed by these trees shade off the sun from pedestrians who walk to offices and other places.

Taking a cue from Ebri, Mr. Donald Duke who became governor in 1999 imported grasses and additional ornamental trees with which he painstakingly cultivated all over the state capital. To make room for aesthetics on lawns and parks, he purposefully pulled down illegal structures and shanties which littered the town and often obstructed a beautiful view of the streets.

Like Ebri, he was pilloried for “pulling down shops and business arcades from which people earned a living”. He was roundly disliked by many for being what they called ‘inhumane and sadistic”, but like most great men and women who have a vision for their states, he doggedly stuck to the master plan to transform the state capital and other urban centres to a cynosure of beauty.

He engaged a horde of women to plant the grasses and sweep designated areas like streets, the Millennium Park, the Jacob Esuene Stadium grounds and

Continues on page 12

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , A UGUST 9, 2014 AUGUST

‘Parks where love is GREEN’

Continues from page 11 surrounding areas, the Margaret Ekpo International Air[port, the grounds of the Old Residency Museum and several other spots across the length and breadth of the city. It is such that Calabar city is so clean today that you hardly see litters, not even sachets of pure water on the streets. To the residents, cleanliness is a culture.

To ensure the maintenance of the beauty of the parks and fields, he established among others, the Waste Management Agency, the Calabar Urban Development Agency, the Ministry of Environment and the Urban Renewal Programme. Each of these agencies had a definite responsibility and task to discharge towards the maintenance of the spik and green environment in the state capital.

The Calabar Urban Development Authority is charged with the responsibility of keeping the streets and parks clean by deploying women each morning to sweep the dust and debris that accumulate on the streets and parks.

The harem of women engaged by CUDA numbering about 3,000 are split into groups of between five to eight and deployed to the streets headed by a supervisor to monitor their activities every morning as they sweep their designated portions assigned to them. One of the street sweepers, Mary Effiom who sweeps a portion along Goldie/Amika Utuk street told Vanguard that she has been sweeping the streets for over six years now and her take home pay has slightly been increased owing to her dedication to duty. “Some of us are paid 6000 while C M Y K

some are paid 5000 Naira every month and the money has been helping to buy food for my family and purchase some petty items that I sell in front of my family house at Palm Street. It is not my main job and I find time to do it and other things.”

She said though the pay is small it helps her meet some basic needs for the upkeep of her family since her husband is late.

“My husband died in 2005 and there is no one to help me but this CUDA work gives me something every month and I have to thank them because it helps” she said in Efik

T

he Waste Management Agency has the responsibility of evacuating the waste from the dustbins which are located at the end of every street. They operate in the mornings and at nights and convey the refuse to the dump site which is located outside the town. The Agency takes charge of the special refuse disposal vans imported for that purpose.

The Ministry of Environment on its part takes responsibility of the ecological needs as well as planting grasses and tress.

Effectively, through this coordinated approach, places that were once deluged with rubbish and weeds were turned to lush relaxation centres. For instance, in the past, outside the runway, the parking lot and the administrative block, the entire surroundings of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport were taken up by over grown weeds and wild

The entire place has become one big revelry spot, particularly at night, as lovers besiege the place for a drink and smooch one another in alluring and comfortable ambiance produced by the lush environment

grasses and nobody ever thought of relaxing in such areas at the time. Today, however, the entire place has become one big revelry spot, particularly at night, as lovers besiege the place for a drink and smooch one another in alluring and comfortable ambiance produced by the lush environment. So is the Millennium Park and the Old Residency Museum where couple from other places, soon after their wedding vows, rush down in their wedding regalia to take photographs in the picturesque environment.

Mr Christopher Egari, the Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Agency told Vanguard that maintaining the lush environment is quite demanding and costs a lot of money, but the benefits outweigh the financial implication as apart from providing a healthy living atmosphere for the people, many areas which were hitherto avoided have been opened up and businesses are thriving in those areas. He said Senator Imoke, the current governor, has sustained and expanded on what his predecessor, Mr Donald Duke started by importing waste disposal trucks and sophisticated gadgets to evacuate refuse from the streets and this has kept the state as a reference point in maintaining a good environment in the country. “Many organisations and international agencies have found Calabar and other cities in the state a perfect centre for events like workshops, seminars, conferences and retreats because the atmosphere is alluring all year round”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—13

OSUN 2014:

Omisore

Aregbesola

Leading candidates’ profile T

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

ODAY’S Governorship election in Osun state is being contested by 20 of the registered political parties but it is very glaring that only three of the candidates are really on ground. These are the incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his main challenger, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade of the Labour Party (LP).

The general belief in the state is that the three candidates are the leading contenders, they control many local councils in the state and their campaign rallies were always crowded. Also, the trio had been in government at one time or the other and have known what it takes to win an election in the state.

Rauf Aregbesola (APC) Rauf Aregbesola, who is the incumbent governor of the state was not known in the politics of the state until 2005 when he came into the state on the banner of Oranmiyan, a socio- political group and eventually emerged the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Aregbesola eventually became the

Governor of his home state. His emergence in November 2010 marked a significant watershed in the twists and turns of the Nigeria’s transition programme.

His strength The strength of Aregbesola include: the power of incumbency which he will deploy to ensure that he remains in power. He hails from Ilesa in Osun East Senatorial District of the state. According to the statistics released by INEC, there are 514,698 registered voters in his Senatorial district. Incidentally, he comes from the same senatorial district with Senator Omisore and both of them are expected to battle fiercely for the upper hand in the zone. However, Aregbesola is likely to win in his council, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun and Oriade.

Osun West Senatorial District may go either way as both Aregbesola and Senator Omisore are fully on ground. The total number of registered voters is 431,921.

The first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke and Elder Peter Babalola are working hard to sway the votes in favour of APC. Osun Central arguably belongs to Aregbesola, who is likely to win in majority of the 10 Local governments. The prominent members of the party that may influence votes for him include: the

immediate past National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and the immediate past governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The councils include: Boluwaduro, Ifelodun, Ila, OdoOtin, Olorunda and Osogbo.

There are 460,603 voters.

Iyiola Omisore (PDP) Omisore today prides himself as the leading candidate in Osun state as he controls the main opposition party in the state, the PDP. An indigene of Ile-Ife in Osun East senatorial district, Omisore was, between 1999 and 2001, the deputy governor of the state. He was the running mate of Chief AdebisI Akande in the 1999 election and it was on record that he sponsored the campaign of the then Alliance for Democracy (AD) that produced Akande. He, however, parted ways with Akande following his alleged intention to take over from the former governor, a situation that did not go down well with Akande, who was also interested in a second term.

It was therefore not surprising when Omisore was impeached by the state House of Assembly in a controversial circumstance and he eventually pitched tent with the PDP. He was detained for months following his alleged complicity in the killing of the late Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief James Ajibola Ige, who was

murdered in his Bodija, Ibadan residence in December, 2001. He was later discharged and acquitted.

Omisore, while in detention, contested the senatorial election of Ife/Ijesha senatorial district and won in 2003. He was reelected into the Senate in 2007. He, however, lost in his bid to return to the Senate in 2011, to Senator Jide Omoworare of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Omisore is a force to reckon with in the state as he has the financial muscle to contest any election and also possesses good connection with the presidency. He has a strong political structure within the PDP in all the 30 local councils of the state and has started strategising on how to take over from the incumbent Aregbesola.

Senator Omisore has been nursing the ambition to govern the state as far back as 1999 when he was set to clinch the AD ticket until a last-minute political maneuvering by late Chief Bola Ige, who drafted Chief Bisi Akande into the race denied him that opportunity. He was however compensated with the post of deputy governor.

Another opportunity for Omisore came again in 2003 after he had fallen out with Akande which led to his impeachment. This time around he had dusted his political machinery and was the lead-

ing aspirant among the 19 aspirants of the PDP until his implication in the murder of Bola Ige. He was however replaced by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola by late Chief Sunday Afolabi. Omisore was later compensated with a seat in the Senate which he won from the prison. In November 2010, when Oyinlola was left with only six months to complete his two terms and Omisore was already waiting to collect the PDP governorship ticket, a judgment from the Appeal Court in Ibadan, which nullified Oyinlola’s election shattered this dream.

After the defection of some Osun PDP members to the ruling APC, Omisore picked up the pieces again and went through the length and breadth of the state mobilizing people and former members to come back to the PDP. His chances Omisore may win in Osun East, his senatorial district. This district also has the highest number of voters in the state. In Ife west senatorial district, he has supporters like the Director General of his campaign organization, Chief Lere Akogun from Ikire and his running mate, Mr. Adejare Bello, the immediate past speaker of the state House of Assembly. In Osun Central, Omisore can only boast of winning in Ifedayo and Orolu as things stand now.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

OSUN 2014: Will campaign of

calumny, bickering win today’s polls?

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & DAPO AKINREFON

I

F the winner of today’s governorship election in Osun State is to be determined by the issues canvassed by the candidates and their parties during the campaigns, which ended yesterday, none of the leading candidates will be elected. Reason: most of the candidates, arguably, have not convincingly articulated any policy on education, healthcare, job creation, agriculture, infrastructure, rural development and road construction among others during the 89 days campaigns, which started on May 11.

Since May 11, the campaigns have been dominated by exchange of brick-bats, campaign of calumny, character assassination, mud-slinging, allegations and counterallegations among the leading candidates. They have said little or nothing on what they would do for Osun State development-thirsty voters and how.

As the campaigns petered out, the candidates did not deem it fit to change the scenario leading observers to wonder what the electorate would base their decision on when they troop out today to exercise their franchise.

A perusal of media reports on Osun 2014 reveals campaigns lacking in issues and ideology but replete with abuses and bickering. For any issue-based campaign, there are on the average five abusive ones.

The major culprits are the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which incidentally are the front-runners in today’s balloting.

The reports were dominated by exchange of brick-bats between APC and PDP. If APC is not accusing PDP of planning to rig the election in connivance with the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP will be accusing of plotting to rig with thugs from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and other APC states.

If APC alleged that PDP was planning to terrorise the citizens with security agencies, PDP would counter that APC was planning mayhem using ‘state boys’ it had armed.

Both parties also bickered and traded words over reli-

gious hate campaigns, desperation to win, inciting residents, plot to cause mayhem, militarizing the election, threat to lives of leaders and plots to win with cash and rice dubbed ‘stomach infrastructure’ among others.

Hold Aregbesola responsible for hate campaigns –Odeyemi Asked who should be held responsible for the acerbic accusations and counter-accusations that trailed the campaigns, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the director of Media and Strategy of the Iyiola Omisore Campaign Organisation, he fingered the APC and its standard bearer, Governor Aregbesola.

His words: ”It will be wrong to accuse PDP of violence because the records are there that no single incidence of violence was recorded in all the places we visited while it was in the news that we were attacked by APC thugs otherwise called “state boys” by Governor Aregbesola. ”We did not campaign in Ilesa East because we were attacked almost immediately we completed our campaign in

Ilesa West and APC felt humiliated with the support we got in a place considered to be Aregbesola’s strong hold.

When he commenced his campaign in Ife, they had a field day with no record of attack anywhere. So who is violent in this case? 187 Osun APC thugs were arrested in Anambra, 200 in Ekiti and one commissioner was arrested in Delta recently with a bullion van loaded with money to recruit militants for the election.

So who is violent? Senator Omisore has replied that his ambition does not worth the blood of anybody in Osun, so who is violent?”

PDP is responsible for chaos in Osun –APC Responding, the Osun chapter of the APC countered that the PDP was responsible and warned the party and its governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore and his supporters to desist from causing chaos in the guise of political campaigns.

In a statement by the Director of Publicity, Strategy and Research, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the party cautioned all agents and promoters of conflicts and

chaos to refrain from such acts or “face the wrath of the law”.

The statement read: “People could still remember that during its tenure, the PDP administration promoted chaos, terror and violence to an unimaginable level. Since PDP’s exit from power however, peace returned to Osun. Our people have from 2010 embraced the peace and harmony that Aregbesola’s government heralded.

“It has been shown to the whole world that this state values, enjoys and promotes harmonious living among its various peoples. This is one of the cardinal programmes of the APC government. Ours is not a government that fans the embers of disquiet, discord and chaos. “Government will do everything humanly possible to sustain the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that have become the state’s hallmark in the last four years. Any attempt by opposition agents to plunge the state back into the state of ‘nature where life is nasty, brutish and short’ will be prevented.”

APC, PDP‘ve failed Nigerians –Okorie

Speaking on the issue, National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said it was time the electorate abandoned the PDP and APC because they had failed the country and embrace alternative parties.

“We see APC and PDP as two sides of the same coin. We see them having equal distribution of the same characters that have kept Nigeria in comatose, politically and economically. So, we see a political battle line that is drawn between the progressive forces and the reactionary forces.

And these two parties, the APC and the PDP belong to the reactionary forces. They are not telling Nigerians anything new. They have not told Nigerians what any of them will do to improve on our situation. Instead, what they are doing is throwing tantrums at each other. Going deep into their repository of vocabulary to find the most acerbic words to attack each other without ever saying what they want to do differently. So, if you leave those two parties just like that without any alternative that means Nigerians are doomed because they have no choice,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—15

Osun 2014:

INEC’s quarter final match before 2015 T

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

he Osun State governorship elec tion which holds today will be the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s, proverbial quarter-final match before next year’s general election scheduled to hold in February 2015.

As usual INEC officials are optimistic it would be an improvement on their performance at last June’s governorship election held in neighboring Ekiti State.

Already the Commission has dismissed fears expressed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the Commission was incapable of delivering a free and credible gubernatorial poll in Osun.

Responding to the allegation by the APC that the ruling PDP had cloned and distributed unclaimed 500,000 permanent voters cards for the purpose of rigging today’s poll, Mr Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega said: “APC has no evidence to buttress its allegation that 500,000 PVCs have been cloned. INEC met with all stakeholders in Oshogbo last Wednesday and the matter has been laid to rest.”

Idowu insisted that with the kind of technological devices the Commission had installed: “anybody who comes to vote with a cloned PVC would be detected and arrested. It is not not possible for that kind of thing to happen in the Osun election.”

Commenting on the allegation that INEC and the PDP had concluded arrangements to appoint a friendly Returning Officer for the election who would be paid N1 billion, Idowu said, : “ We can’t always respond to all sorts of frivolous allegations being made by politicians. The procedure for the appointment of Returning Officers for elections is not susceptible to those kind of things.”

He continued: “It is INEC’s duty to appoint a Returning Officer for the Osun Governorship election and INEC will do that.

But we would never disclose the name of the Returning Officer for the election before the date for the poll because that is not in line with INEC’s tradition. The reason for this approach is to prevent such a person from being subjected to undue pressure by candidates contesting the election.”

Earlier Jega, had said: “ No effort would be spared to make the Osun election scheduled for August 9, 2014, more qualitative in all aspects than the June 21 Ekiti State election which has been widely acclaimed as the best so far by the Commission.”

He spoke last month July when the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China, Gu Xiaojie, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission.

The INEC Chairman had said the present Commission had since 2010 when it came on board been devoted to improving the electoral process in Nigeria, “to make it more participatory and ensure that it is more transparent, that elections are conducted consistent with international best standards and in accordance with our own electoral laws.”

According to him: “Since 2011, we have been doing our best to keep on improving the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. We have cleaned up the Register of Voters, and we have been doing our best to address the challenge of logistics of

deployment, which has been a major obstacle to our conduct of good elections. I am pleased to say there has been progressive improvement in the series of governorship elections that we have conducted since 2011, culminating in the Ekiti election that we conducted recently, and which has been generally acknowledged as perhaps the best election that we have conducted so far. “ Indeed, the Osun poll is one in a series of staggered gubernatorial elections the Commission had conducted since the last general election in 2011.

Earlier in the year, the Commission had projected that today’s poll in Osun would be the last in the series before next year’s general elections. But events in Adamawa State have changed all that.

Following last month’s impeachment of former Governor of Adamawa State, Rear Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), the Commission is expected to organize a governorship bye-election in the State before next February. It would be recalled that the Commission was compelled to resort to the new arrangement of holding staggered governor-

No effort would be spared to make the Osun election scheduled for August 9, 2014, more qualitative in all aspects than the June 21 Ekiti State election which has been widely acclaimed as the best so far by the Commission ship elections in some states as a fall-out of legal actions filed by few state chief executives challenging INEC’s decision to conduct governorship polls in their states as part of the April 2011 polls.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had on February 23, 2011 stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting governorship elections in Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Cross and River states.

Delivering his judgment in the consolidated suits filed by governors Ibrahim Idris (Kogi), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa) and Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers), Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, held that their tenures would not expire until sometime in 2012. Justice

Prof.

Attahiru Jega Adamu Bello ruled that the governors of Adamawa, Sokoto, Rivers, Cross River and Kogi States will witness no governorship elections in their domain.

Among the governors who dragged INEC court over the tenure controversy were those whose electoral victories in 2007 were annulled by the courts after which they were subjected to rerun elections which they still won.

In response to this development, INEC had in August 2011 released a staggered time table for governorship elections in six states, comprising Sokoto, Bayelsa, Edo, Adamawa, Cross River and Kogi.

The first in the series of the post-2011 governorship polls was the Kogi State governorship election which was conducted on December 3, 2011.

Election monitors from different parts of the country who observed the Kogi poll stated that it was conducted in a manner which was similar to the Commission’s handling of general election held earlier in the year.

Undoubtedly, the election was believed to have enjoyed the general goodwill INEC had garnered from the April 2011 poll. Although, Abubakar Audu, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who was the main rival to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s Alhaji Idris Wada complained about the conduct of the poll and challenged its outcome in court, he accepted the final court verdict which upheld the Governor Wada’s emergence.

Several weeks after it conducted the Kogi governorship poll, INEC organised another gubernatorial election in Adamawa State. The Commission was also adjudged to have conducted that poll creditably by election monitors.

Although, the outcome of the election generated a lot of heat, the result was eventually accepted by rival contestants from other political parties and the recently im-

peached Murtala Nyako retained his seat for a second term as chief executive of the state.

At about the same period , the Commission also conducted the Bayelsa State governorship election which produced the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson as winner. Again, election monitors gave the Commission a pat on the back for a job well done. Later that year the Commission conducted more governorship elections in Sokoto, Cross River and Rivers states. In the last one year, INEC also conducted governorship elections in Ondo, Anambra and Ekiti.

Notwithstanding, the protests that have trailed some of these governorship polls, the uproar generated by the conduct of last November’s Anambra State governorship election appeared to to be the loudest so far. In response to the outcry by opposition candidates in that election which was won

by Mr Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, INEC had sacked its Electoral Officer for Idemili Local Government Area - where serious irregularities had occurred -and handed him over to the Police for prosecution.

Despite the encomiums that have so far been showered on the electoral commission, some observers believe that more needs to be done by the commission to nurture the nation’s democracy.

This view was expressed by a Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist Mr. Malachi Ugwumadu while speaking to Vanguard last Wednesday.

He argued that so far, INEC’s performance under Prof Jega which is anchored on the provisions of section two of the Electoral Act 2010 and the 1999 Constitution as amended has witnessed an improvement from the woeful performance of the tenure of the immediate past Leadership of the commission.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, AUGUST 9, 2014

M

y interview with Dr Ukpabi Asika, the late administrator of the then South Eastern State, must be one of my memorable ones if not one of my best.

(His interview was one of the few I did in two parts).

I remember the man for his intellect and sheer verbal prowess. He loved his drink and he loved to debate. My time with him was a contest of both! Many of the Igbos, his people, will probably remember him as a traitor to the Biafran cause. And for quite a while, he was regarded as a man the Igbos loved to hate. His colleagues and students at the University of Ibadan will remember him as an erudite scholar and a Abubakar, the ex Inspector detribalised Nigerian. To an General of Police. (I am sure I average Nigerian however, he will not be the first to refer to was the man who tried to put him as an ex IG) and Andrew Yakubu, the ex GMD of the the great Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe down and earned NNPC to the club.

The first thing these himself the sobriquet, ‘Mr ex this and mr ex that’. For those gentlemen will notice is the who were too young to know strange sound of silence as the story, Dr Asika had more everywhere and everything or less described Dr Azikiwe become unusually quiet. a former President of Nigeria Where is that throng of people as an expired, yesterday ’s that crowded your every step? man to which Dr Azikiwe, an And why is the phone no erudite scholar himself, had replied that we will all be ex this, ex that at some point in life.

When you are in your 20s as I was then, retirement is a distant goal post and the truism of that kind of longer ringing off the hook? statement doesn’t hit you. The few people who call or Reality has however caught come around are so careful up with me. It is now with with words as to be almost increasing regularity that hypocritical. The peace is people introduce me as ‘He welcoming at first until it used to be the Editor of ….. or begins to haunt. Suddenly the Publisher of…..’ My past there is time, too much time, your hands.

Mr has now become my identity on Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, a former card. I am truly and firmly an ex this, ex that. But it is a columnist and ex Editor of the brotherhood that grows by the influential Sunday Times was second. Last week, it added succinct in his observation of two more prominent names in the early ‘delisting’ process. At the persons of Mohammed the height of his writing

need much at that age unless you have a new wife — but the legacy you leave behind.

I wrote at least two articles on Abubakar and warned him that the Force he is leaving behind might not be a better Force. The role of the police during some State elections was worrisome. Clearly, he did not position the Police towards professionalism. Also worrisome were the antics of certain commissioners of police in certain states. Did public confidence in the police improve during his tenure? I doubt it. Glaring cases of incompetent, corrupt and criminally minded officers who were not punished do not foster public confidence. It is also unfortunate that many of the ills inherited by Abubakar are still plaguing the Force today.

Finally, I belong to a small group of professionals which meets every month to ‘pass the time’. Aided by good food, good music and choice drinks, we discuss everything and nothing until the next meeting. In the group are a few ex editors, a couple of ‘retired’ medical doctors, an ex Federal Minister, an ex Ambassador and yes, an ex Police Officer. The newly retired IG might want to give his ‘senior’ a call any time he needs to fill an empty day and join us for a meal. We will give him a few laughs.

Welcome to the club.

As for Abba, his successor, the clock has started ticking and he will become like us soon enough. He should worry about his legacy and not let politicians determine it for him. otherwise. This is why you must never surrender, no matter your predicament. God can still and will work out a miracle for you.

Working miracle in impossible situation is not strange with God. In fact it is daily occurrence. Our seemeth impossible places may not seem impossible after all if we let God handle them. I pray that the miracle worker JESUS will heal your marriage, family,release your promotions, give you the job you so desire in Jesus Name.

Jesus Christ will surprise you and you will experience tremendous joy. Trust Him and do what He says. He can never lie. God bless you, our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan.

We are trusting God to make a way for us to go on radio and television with the same message of His reality and we count on your financial support in bringing this vision and mission to pass.

Welcome tto o the club; Abubak ar Abubakar prowess, Mr Ogunsanwo was a delight to read and his admirers cut across various publics. Of course many wanted to identify with him and his home in Surulere, Lagos was a hive of activities as people dropped by for drinks, conviviality and ideas.

The visits reduced and virtually stopped when he was removed as Editor. One of the ‘depths’ was when he looked out of his window this

,

People had moved on as Ogunsanwo found out and as Abubakar will find out in the coming weeks

Saturday morning and saw a familiar car on his street. The car belonged to a man who was once a regular caller. People had moved on as Ogunsanwo found out and as Abubakar will find out in the coming weeks.

Loyalties will change; negative and hurtful words will be uttered about your tenure and person. It can get worse. Your signature no longer carries any weight. In fact, some of the documents you appended your signature

,

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The impossible place (I) was hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, who would have said for I have born him a son in his old age”.

,

o you know that you are a miracle? Say it loud, I am a miracle and my God is a miracle working God. You will say if I am a miracle then why am I in an impossible situation? The fact that you are alive is a miracle. If the enemy was able to kill you by now, he would have done so but God is using you as a bait to disgrace the devil.

Listen, God is a miracle worker for those who have found themselves in an impossible situation. Maybe you are married and your husband at the onset did not show traits of being a woman beater but today, he has turned your whole body into a punching bag and now you are afraid of being with him alone in the house thinking he might kill you and so you want a divorce or maybe you have been sacked from work and search for a new job has not yielded fruitfulness and yet you are the breadwinner not only for your immediate family but for your parents, brothers and sisters and right now you are confused, you want to give up because you don’t know what to do anymore.

Then you are the one that God wants to work out a miracle for.God likes to operate from the zero factor/level so that all glory is given to Him. In Gen. 21:1-7, the bible says “And the Lord visited Sarah as He said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as He has spoken. For Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God has spoken to him.And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God has commanded him. And Abraham

had actually given up hope because by natural standard, it was impossible for her to be pregnant. Now not only has she past the age of conception, her husband was about ten years older than her, which made their

Know that we can never overcome the devil by our own ingenuity, for it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit, saith the Lord of Host

From the text, we could see that Sarah was in an impossible situation. She was well past the age of bearing a child. In fact, she

,

case even worse.

No wonder she laughed when God visited with her husband – Abraham and told him that by this

to at the last minute could be stopped. Earlier ones could even be revoked. The other stages to insignificance come very slowly as seats are no longer reserved for you at your favourite places and you are no longer recognised for mention at public functions. It can also hurt when things you thought you achieved are being erased by a successor who is keen to plant his own footstep in the sand. Your former ‘boys’— those you helped put in strategic places — suddenly become unavailable. That is when you know you are truly a yesterday ’s man.

Unfortunately, this is when you realise you could have done more.

I have seen many people in and out of power and I can say nothing prepares you for the ‘loneliness’ that descends. The President no longer calls.

President? You will be lucky to get a call from a State Governor after the first month. *One ex big man described it as the closest thing to being dead.

What satisfies at this point is not the amount of money or material possession you have acquired — you really don’t time next year, our wife Sarah would have a child (Gen. 18:9-15). She could not believe it; are you think that you are getting too old and no one would want to marry you; or is it that your mates/juniors have been promoted above you and you are wondering why is it happening to you. The reason why you are in the impossible place right now is because you are a prime target for God’s miracle. I don’t care what kind of situation you are in, if you are a child of God, then there is victory for you.

You have to hang in there because help is on the way.

Know that we can never overcome the devil by our own ingenuity, for it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit, saith the Lord of Host. Who could believe that Abraham C E D I would have M B a son at the A ripe old age of hundred M O R O years, when P K medical reports A N C E L suggest O O A

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

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

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

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18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

I’v had many broken promises — Adebimpe Akintunde Can you bleach your skin?

You will agree with me that toning is quite different from bleaching.

Toning is simply about working and maintaining your skin. If you are a fair person you just try to tone up to make it flawless and beautiful. I go by toning but I detest bleaching. I don’t like bleaching at all. When you bleach you have part of your body looking whitish and the other side being very dark.

Bleaching is out of it for me, toning is still fair.

Toning is good, with the kind of weather we have here in Nigeria it’s not a bad idea to tone up.

•Adebimpe Akintunde

A

debimpe Akintunde gained attention amongst movie buffs with her movie ‘Wasilat Coded’.

The light skinned Nollywood actress and movie producer is becoming an household name with her talent , sex appeal, and versatility. In this interview, she opens up to Kehinde Ajose on how she got the name, Wasilat coded and why she can’t star in a porn movie.

How did you join Nollywood?

My acting career started in 2002 / 2003, while I was in school. I met a dude at Olabisi Onabanjo University during my pre-degree programme who introduced me to his elder sister.

She happens to be a matron to a caucus in the movie industry. I came down to Lagos to meet with the members of the caucus. Later, another friend of mine introduced me to Murphy Afolabi. I registered with his group in 2005 and he mentored me. I was able to produce my own movie during that time.

What are the challenges of being an actress and a movie producer?

The challenges of being an actress is different from being a movie producer. As a movie producer, you are much more concerned about the profit and sales of your movie because you have invested money, your paramount challenge is for the marketers and the audience to love your movie. Being an actress is also challenging too because you always have to be on top of your game. I have never been in a hurry to get to the top, slow and steady wins the race.

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Why do people call you Wasilat Coded?

Wasilat coded happens to be my fourth movie production. It was directed by Murphy Afolabi. Even though the movie was released early this year, the name has stuck to me, even my colleagues refer to me as Wasilat coded.

How far can you go in a romantic movie?

Movie making is make-believe. I can only act a role as far as my director wants me to when it comes to acting a romantic role. If I am given a romantic role to act and let’s say I am dating someone in the movie and I refuse to kiss him, people will start criticizing us that it’s not believable. I love to put in my best in any character I am playing because you don’t know how far the movie will go.

Have you ever been embarrassed as a result of your beauty?

I have never been embarrassed because of my beauty, instead I have been appreciated. There was a day a friend brought me to oshodi area of Lagos to see my uncle. Unfortunately, he left me along the way. I couldn’t find my way, so I decided to wait in one of the eateries around the area.

While I was there, someone walked up to me and complimented my beauty. He asked me if I have a car and I said No. He offered to give me a ride to my uncle’s place. I have been appreciated in so many situations. I have never been embarrassed.

Who is your celebrity crush?

I love John Dumelo. He is my kind of guy. I also love Adekola Tijani, known as Kamilu Kompo. He is my kind of man too. They are my crushes, but I cannot date them. I love handsome guys, but what I do is just to admire them and let go. I have never dated any actor and don’t think I want to do that.

Whose advice has been useful to your career as an actress?

My immediate elder brother and sister have been supportive and advised me from time to time. If not for them, I would have given up. There was a time in my career when I will go to location and return with no money.

They always encourageme to hang on

On what occasion do you lie?

I am a very frank person. I hardly lie because I am an independent lady.

The only time I lie is when I want to be a bit naughty, asides that, I don’t tell lies.

Can you act in a porn movie?

I cannot act in a porn movie because it’s not African. I cannot act in such a movie no matter how good the screen play is, no matter how much they are willing to pay.Our society is yet to embrace that.

What are your favourite qualities in a man?

I am not a very tall person, so I look out for tall guys, huge and handsome and dark. I can’t go for light skinned guys. I prefer tall dark and handsome dudes that are cool. I admire tall guys, not very tall though, huge handsome and dark guys. I am not attracted to light skinned guys. I look out for someone who is reserved and godly.

These days, when you say I want a godly man people may ask you: “you wan marry pastor?” Even if he is not too godly, you have to teach him the ways of God. Those are the traits I look out for in a man.

What is that one thing you cannot do without?

What I can’t do without is my sleep.

Anytime I am not working, all I do is sleep.

Have you ever been heartbroken?

Yes I have been heartbroken many times. I have had many failed relationships, so many broken promises. Right now, I don’t think it can happen again because my heart is so rigid now. You know guys can be funny and relationships can end unplanned. For now, no way. I won’t even give you my heart, so how will it be broken?

I have never been embarrassed because of my beauty, instead I have been appreciated. there and not to give up. They are the ones who God has used to be pillars of support to my career.

What is the craziest thing you have ever heard about yourself?

The challenge people have with me is that they can’t separate between the real me and the character I played, Wasilat coded. They tend to believe that I live my life according to the role I play in a movie. People think I am as weird as the character I played such as Wasilat Coded. It’s a different ball game. I am just an easy going and very emotional lady. I am not what you see in the movies, its makebelieve.

What part of your body do you consider the sexiest?

That will be my face and my boobs. I love them.

Have you ever been a victim of sex for roles?

I am an easy going lady. I won’t beg you for a role, so you don’t start telling me you want something in return. I won’t do that. I haven’t been a victim of sex for movie roles. If I don’t beg you for a role, you won’t approach me with that.

What’s your view about sex?

Sex to me can be compared to an exercise. If you practice some styles it’s like being in a gym.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—19

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you still wed your fiance if you found you are both ‘AS’ in genotype?

K

emi met Wale at the NYSC orientation camp in Enugu. At that time, she thought it wouldn’t take long before they both went their separate ways. But as the days passed, their love waxed stronger. After their service year, Wale proposed to her, and she said yes without hesitating. They began wedding preparations in earnest and informed the elders in the church. They were asked to do series of medical tests which they did. But to their shock, they found out that they are medically incompatible, and the chances of survival of their children would be very slim. They are both AS. They’ve been advised to break up, but they are both confused and have resorted to prayers.

Kemi has been lamenting that she has heard of stories like this in the past, and was really quick to say those involved should never get married, now she’s in such dilemma and doesn’t think she’s ready to let go. Would you go ahead with the wedding and damn the consequences if you were in their shoes?

I can never be in that situation - Frances , Actress

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he genotype status is part of the questions. I ask when getting to know people, that’s prior to dating . So, I can never find myself in that kind of situation of not knowing his genotype and getting engaged to him blindly. That’s what dating and courtship is all about.

I’ll take a walk with out looking back

- Ovo Gabriels, Actre ss/Presenter ruth be to

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ld, pers I’ll fall a victim ofonally, I don’t think comes to genotypeignorance when it incompatibility. don’t date blindl I y’ .

N o ‘lo ve is blind.

Before I get com there’s what I callmitted to any relationship, status’; Genotype, Óperation declare your by chance, I don’ blood group and STDs. If t get to know until day to my wedding even a Israel!” Honestly , it is “to your tent o will take a walk , I’ll call off the wedding. I without looking ba better to be heartb ck. It is engagement, than roken and have a broken offsprings in futu to start burying your re, all in the nam Nobody should ev e of love. married without en contemplate getting determine if theydoing a pre-marital test to are medically co as couple. mpatible

I’ll call off the wedding - Taiwo Arimoro, Actor

I

God will see us through - Buchi, Comedian

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believe in God. If he wants it that way, he will see us through. Love is a powerful thing. But my views are based on my faith in God. For those who have no relationship with God, I think it will be very unfair to their kids.

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’ll call off the wed ding. You know how they say when two elephants fight, the ground suffers. I don’t think I want to be in a world where my child will suffer all his life being anemic. Except we decide not to have kids, but I want to have kids, so I’ll rather call off the wedding than go through a lifetime of headache and stress.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

With Florence Amagiya 08061644307

08061644307

FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA

The $billion queen of Oil bloc T

hat she was born into affluence didn't stop her from a strong drive for greater affluence. Today, she is worth billions of naira and known worldwide. Her humanitarian gestures have been a special trade mark that has endured her in the minds of the poor around her. Through her foundation, she has been able to assist widows going through crisis, as well as young orphans and youths who have the poortunity to work in her numerous companies. We present to you, Folorunsho Alakija; a mother, a sister, an icon, a lover of children, who was named the richest woman in Africa by Forbes Magazine.

Enjoy!

Ageless Folorunsho Alakija, no doubt, is one of the richest women in the Africa.

She was said to worth about $600m and she makes about $1m daily from her oil

business. Alakija is an oil magnate and a publisher.

In addition to her real estate business, she is also a fashion-designer and a philanthropist. She is an Executive Vice Chairman of FAMFA Oil - an indigenous Nigerian oil and gas exploration and Production Company.

She is also the group Managing Director of The Rose of Sharon Group which

$2.5billion as of 2014. She is also listed as the 96th most powerful women in the world by Forbes.

She was born on the 15th of July, 1951, into a large and famous family of 52 children to Chief L.A Ogbara from Ikorodu Lagos. Folorunsho Alakija’s mum was her father’s first wife.

Folorunsho left for the United Kingdom to begin a four year primary school programme at the age of seven. She returned to attend an Islamic School at Sagamu, Ogun state at the age of eleven. Flo, as she was called by her friends at the primary school in Wales, also went further to study fashion designing while in London at an American College of Fashion.

Businesses

consists of the Rose of Sharon Prints and Promotions Limited and Digital Reality Prints Limited. She

She commenced her career in 1974 as an executive Secretary at Sijuade Enter was ranked the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 21 up the ladder to work at the former First National Bank of Chicago, which later became FinBank, and now FCMB. She established her own clothing lines called Supreme Stitches after working with the bank for some years. Her clothe line rose to prominence and gave birth to the brand’s name, Rose of Sharon House of Fashion.

She took a break from her very busy life to tie the nuptial knot; married her heart-throb, Barrister Modupe Alakija in 1976. That union is blessed with four handsome boys.

While building her name as a designer, she applied for an oil prospecting license through her company, FAMFA Oil, which was granted to her in 1993.

Although she didn’t know much about the Oil and Gas business, she ventured into it knowing well that she would get better on the job like she had done in some other businesses she was doing.

It paid off eventually. She has used that platform to build an empire in Oil and Gas, making her one of the biggest names in the sector. Today, she is worth at least $3.3 billion.

Properties and private Jet

Recently, she purchased a

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$102 million property at one Hyde Park in London as well as a private jet ( Bombardier Global Express 6000 jet) which is worth $46 million.

Cars

She recently bought four

SUVs worth N88m for her boys. According to report, she spent a whooping sum of N22m each for a brand new GWagon SUV which was quietly

shipped into the country.

The SUVs were customized for her sons.

Foundation

Her foundation is called

the Rose of Sharon, which specializes in empowering poor orphans and widows by giving them or their children scholarships and business grants.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

T

I ha ow or k havve tto wor ork three times harder as a blind person-Cobhams Asuquo

hat ace Nollywood actress, Jennifer Eliogu, has ventured into the music indus try, is a known fact. However, the talented actress has shown dedication to her craft by releasing the video for her new single titled Fantasy.

Speaking on the Fantasy, her new single and a lover’s rock reggae song, Jennifer says, “Fantasy is a love song with an infusion of rock and reggae. The song is straight from my heart to Jennifer Eliogu fans. It’s a song that touches the romantic in everyone. We may all be like ‘no I can’t be hit by cupid’s arrow,’ but with this song I am telling people to give love the chance to be a part of our daily lives. Love comes in different forms; it is not just loving your spouse or partner that is love, but loving people around you with a pure and selfless love.”

P

rolific music producer, Cobhams Asuquo is known for his creativity, versatility, and unequal delivery, when it comes to music production. The visually impaired music master, who has produced for leading singers in the country, in a recent chat revealed how his blindness has helped sharpened his craft, saying it has been more of a blessing than curse.

“It is how every Nigerian tries to make it work. You have a dream and you keep fighting. Having a dream is like walking on the road, and fulfilling your dream is getting to your destination. I like to think of my destination. For me, God is my comfort and I keep fighting because I see it in my head and I know what it should be. So every time I fight, I come a little closer so that encourages me. Now I have new dreams, so I just pursue them. I have realised that whether or not I like it as a blind person, I have to work three times harder and the sooner you get on with the program, the better. God has helped brought me to a point where sight is no longer the question but whether I can continue to bring value,” he said.

Jennifer Eliogu has through her acting and Non-Governmental organization, Initiative for Development, Empowerment and Absolute Stability (IDEAS) been able to impact on people’s lives positively. She has been a source of inspiration to the up and coming generation. She is also a producer, compere and motivational speaker and has featured in over 50 Nollywood movies before her foray into music.

Jennifer Eliogu releases ‘Fantasy’ video.

Ola wale re Olaw revveals secre secrett behind his lat est singles latest

O

lawale , winner of Project Fame West Africa Season 6, is gradually proving to his fans that he isn’t a fluke when it comes to doing excellent music. The pop sensation who just released two tracks: “Jupa and Follow my lead, opened up to Showtime on what he has been

up to and the secret behind the two new songs, Jupa and Follow My Lead.

“I wrote both songs based on my mood at the time each production was being done. It has been very interesting and hectic at the same time. Getting people to see me as Olawale, and not just another contest winner. With time, people will love how I get to fuse Fuji, pop and R&B all together. ” When he asked if he is intimidated by the previous win-

ners of PFWA, he says: “We are unique in many different

C M Y K

ways. I respect and I get inspired by all the past winners and contestants doing big things like Iyanya, Chidinma and Praiz.

Project Fame put me on a ‘Cheat’ mode I learnt so much being on the show.

I learned patience, perseverance and most importantly many ways to hone and improve my craft as a musician.”

Blac k Magic, P at oraking light up Black Pat atoraking McDowell platinum launch

O

riental Hotel was abuzz on the 25th of July with music, celebrities and lights as McDowell, the acclaimed No. 1 selling whisky franchise launched its premium variant McDowell’s No.1 Platinum Whisky in Nigeria.

According to Ashok Capoor, President, Strategy, United Spirits Limited (USL), “McDowell’s No 1 family is now far ahead in the game with half a million cases sales last year in Nigeria. Global expansion and the premiumization strategy has paid off

significantly for this portfolio especially in creating the largest whisky franchise with the combined strength of McDowell’s No. 1 whisky and McDowell’s No. 1 Platinum whisky. The brand has created new benchmarks, be it in contribution to USL’s top line and bottom line, retail value or, growth viz -a- viz industry performance.

The record breaking performance by McDowell’s No. 1 is a reiteration of great faith affirmed in the brand by consumers and our trade partners.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Being a model is something I can do with e eyyes closed - Munachi Abii

Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeriaturned-rapper, Munachi Abii, isn’t just another former beauty queen with a pretty face, she is a damsel who is in love with music and modelling. However, the drop-dead gorgeous lady told Showtime in a chat how she is coping with both.

According to her, modelling is second nature to her while she is just trying to find her feet on the music scene.

“Being a model is something I can do with my eyes closed. But music is something I have to work on constantly. I ask myself questions like: “What do I want people to hear? Do I want to give myself completely, or do I want to give a little bit or do a little bit of what everybody else is doing .It’s not hard to marry my being a model with being an artiste, one carries the other somehow some way. When one goes down a little bit the other one takes control, either ways, music will always be a part of my life. I may not be all over the place but I will do music that people that loves my brand of music will enjoy,” she said.

sexxyy is more Being se about inner feminiola iyo ty -Niy

N

iyola isn’t another diva with just talent, she also has the revelant sex appeals that come with her showbiz brand. The ‘Toh Bad’ sensation recently bares her mind to Showtime on what she considers sexy. She believes being sexy is more of inner quality than physical.

I think it’s something that is inborn, it could be just the way you talk, your charisma or sometimes just how you workit could be anything. You don’t necessarily have to have

all the endowmemts before you are considered sexy.

It could be the fact that you are soft-spoken, intelligent, it could be anything, To me, I think sexiness is something that is inside and shows feminity without trying too hard. If you are a woman and you are even wearing a sac, you still should be able to show sexiness, if you have it. I believe that everybody has something that makes them sexy not necessarily how they look’ she said.

New Nigerian act, Kuality mak es hist or makes histor oryy on Reverbnation

K

uality, a Nigerian South Africa return ee, who was until a few weeks ago relatively unknown in the music scene shot into prominence after achieving the feat of reaching top ten status in global ranking on Reverbnation internet music portal. Kuality, who is signed to Sustones Recordz did the magic with his hit single ‘Magada’ Speaking about the man named Kuality and how he was able to come up with a song that has gone on to reach the top 10 in global ranking, Baba Leo, the General Manager, Stingomania Entertainment *Waliyah said “Kuality was able to C M Y K

achieve the seemingly impossible feat of being Number 1 in both local and national chats as well as reach top 10 status in global ranking on a respected portal like reverbnation.com by leveraging on our over 500 music internet portals all over the world who all released the song to billions of music lovers on the internet at the same time.

This created an unprecedented curiosity about his music and shot him straight to the top. This song not only became an instant favorite with Radio stations, DJs and radio personalities, it also made history as the first Nigerian artiste song to debut at #1 on reverbnation chart for house music.”

Galaxy of stars for ‘PO The Stage Pla y’ Play’

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t was an evening of glitz and glamour as comedy giants and captains of industry across media, entertainment, fashion and telecoms gathered for the first viewing of PO the stage play.

The event which is expected to hold every Sunday throughout the month of August at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island started last Sunday and was opened by top comedians including Senator, Lafup, Baba K treating guests with hilarious punch lines as well as a poetic rendition by Glory the poet.

Fast rising reggae artiste, Lamboghi-

ni thrilled guests with the performance of his hit track, Loverman.

‘PO The Stage Play,’ written by Femi Branch and directed by Obi M a r t i n s starred comedic duo and Wazobia FM OAPs, Nedu and Ogbolor in a two man satirical piece laced with humor which left guests reelin with laughter from start to finish.

PO was produced by veteran broadcaster Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw, and had notable guests including Kofi, Mudi, Ras Kim o n o , Do2dtun, Azuh Arinze, Mavin Act Korede Bello amongst many others in attendance.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

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Sandra Bullock is Hollywood’s topearning actress O

scar winner, Sandra Bullock is Hollywood’s highest paid actress with estimated earnings of $51 million over 12 months, followed

by Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Aniston, according to Forbes Magazine.

Bullock, 50, had a big hit last year with the space thriller film Gravity, which won seven Academy awards including best director for Alfonso Cuaron, and made more than $716 million worldwide.

The best actress Oscar winner in 2010, for her role in “The Blind Side,” Bullock jumped from seventh place on the previous Forbes earnings list to the top spot between June 2013 and June 2014.

Gravity star didn’t win best actress this year but she did walk away with a ton of money.

“Hunger Games” actress Lawrence, 23, came in second for the second consecutive year with

estimated earnings of $34 million, while Aniston, 45, climbed one spot to number three with $31 million.

Forbes compiled the list by estimating earnings from the actresses’ film work, endorsements, residuals and advertising work, and by talking to agents, managers and lawyers.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 41, who made an estimated $19 million, and Angelina Jolie, with $18 million, rounded out the top five. Jolie, 39, dropped from number one last year.

Scarlett Johansson, the 29-year-old star of the sci-fi action thriller “Lucy,” came in seventh with $17 million, and “Twilight” star Kristen Stewart, 24, fell from number three last year to 10th place with earnings of $12 million. Although all of the actresses pulled in hefty incomes, Forbes said women still earn less then men in Hollywood. While the 10 highest earning actors took home a combined total of $419 million, Hollywood’s 10 best paid actresses made a total of $226 million during the same time period.

Ejike Asiegbu stages comeback to big screen A

fter disappearing from the screen for almost a decade, veteran actor Ejike Asiegbu has finally staged a comeback to action, starring in a big-budget movie titled, “End Game”.

The one time president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria is joining the likes of Desmond Elliot and Ini Edo on set. Popularly called ‘The Godfather ’, Asiegbu was busy, during his long absence, with the Actors Guild of

Nigeria ,AGN politics, a body he headed as its president in an era which saw the then moribund body come to life. He was also appointed Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Entertainment.

Thereafter, he became an Ambassador to an NGO advocating the rights and welfare of premature babies.

The bulky actor has been travelling across Africa and Europe as an ambassador of the NGO. “I have been busy all these years. I missed my primary constituencyNollywood. I missed everything about the industry; that’s why I have decided to stage a comeback because the pressure has been on me from family members, friends and fans across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. No matter how hard I try to make them understand that I have been busy with so many other things, they don’t understand and the expression on their faces is that of betrayal, suggesting that I have robbed them of some inner joy, joy and happiness they often experience, perhaps when they see me in a movie. It makes me feel sad but what can I do? I just had to carry on with the most important things at that point.”

The actor whose acting career dates back to his starring in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s tragic novel,”Things Fall Apart”, said he reflected on the decision to stage a comeback to what he knows how to do best.

Between Jim Iyke and outbreak of Ebola virus

N

ollywood actor, Jim Iyke, has apologized to his fans for his recent comments on the Ebola virus.

The actor fled Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, recently, over the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the country.

“Monrovia, unfinished business; Leaving tonight. Not ashamed to admit. This ish (issue) scares the Jesus outta me. #Ebola!!!!,” he said on Instagram.

In a statement he sent out during the week, following the criticism that trailed his comments, Jim Iyke said, “May I humbly apologize if my comments on Ebola based on fear were taken out of context.

“The last thing I wanted to do was to alarm anyone. My heart goes out to all the families who have been affected by the Ebola virus – those who have lost their lives or loved ones, those who are still bravely fighting the disease and all of the communities who are battling to keep the infection under control.

“You are all in my prayers. As I travel constantly across continents, most recently USA, Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, I have been screened where and when necessary along with the other passengers and I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant and help contain the outbreak by following the advice of the local and international medical professionals and government officials,” he stated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 25

08111813022

S

easoned actress, Clarion Chukwura, who won the Best Actress award at this year’s edition of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards,AMAA, for her role in Emem Isong’s “Apaye” is about to make another history.

The veteran actress has been nominated in the Best Actress category(English) for this year’s Best of Nollywood Awards billed to hold on the 4th of October, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Chukwura who is also nominated for her role in “Apaye” will be battling for the award alongside Omoni Oboli(Mrs Elliot), Ivie Okubaye(Black Silhouette), Mary Lazarus(Don’t Cry for Me) and Ijeoma Grace Agu(Misfit).

Also, nominated in the Best Actress (Yoruba ) category were Bimbo Osin, (Feresisemi), Yewande Adekoya(Kudi Klepo), Bidemi Kosoko(Kori Koto), Sheyi Asekun,(Fifehanmi), and Iyabo Ojo(Silence) The list was released last Friday, at a ceremony held inside the Banquet Hall of the Rivers State Government House.

According to Niran Adedokun, head of the screening committee, “The list came out of the best of productions that have been shot or released in Nigeria within the past 12 months. A total of 150 entries, out of which 23 were shot films were received this year.

Clarion Chukwura set to make another history ..as BON releases nominees’ list

*(Chief Peter Okocha and Fred Amata)

*Bayray Mcnwizu

These movies have produced nominees for 30 of the 32 categories emerged with this list. The two newly introduced categories are Best Television Series and Best Documentary.”

Speaking further, he said that as part of the organisers’ determination to promote indigenous movie productions, a new category in consideration of movies produced in Nigerian’s

three main languages will become a permanent feature of the awards from this year.

In his address, the executive producer, Seun Oloketuyi said, “For the past six years, the Best of Nollywood Awards has been putting a golden seal of excellence on Nigerian movies and the brains behind them. Every year has come with its own drama and surprises. But we have remained steadfast in our set mission to reward creativity, enterprise and excellence in our beloved industry.”

Hosted by beautiful Nollywood star, Bayray Mcnwizu, the event had in attendance the cream of Nigerian entertainment

Ngozi Ezeonu tto o bag ne w new Chief tancy title Chieftancy

R

espected Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu is on the way to add another feather to her cap. Organisers of the forthcoming Nollywood Igbo Film Festival have confirmed that they will be honouring the actress with the title of “Eze Nwanyi in Nollywood”during the festival which holds later this month.

The confirmation is coming two weeks after the organisers also declared their intention to honour the Delta State Commissioner of Arts and Culture, actor Richard Mofe Damijo with a Chieftancy title. This will be the second time in two years that Ngozi Ezeonu would be honoured with a Chieftancy title.

The renowned script interpreter was honoured with a Chieftancy title in her home town, in Ihiteoweri, Imo State in 2012.

Like RMD, the founder of the festival, Chief(Dr)Harris Chuma said, the lightskinned actress deserves the honour, adding that she has paid her dues as one of the most respected actresses in Nollywood. “Yes, we will be honouring her with the title of Eze Nwanyi of Nollywood. She has promised us that she will personally attend the event.

Ezeonu has made her mark as one of the respected actresses in Nollywood,” Chuma remarked.

Ezeonu hit stardom with her role in the movie‘ Glamour Girls’. She was given a supporting lead role in her first movie titled ‘Nneka, The Pretty Serpent.’

media, star actor, Fred Amata and the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State government, Chief Peter Okocha. Okocha, who unveiled the nominees on behalf of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He described the relationship with the BON Awards as mutually beneficial. According to him, “When a lot of people thought there was insecurity in Rivers State and when they thought a situation of self-help had been foisted on us, we said it was not true.

We kept saying there was peace and tranquility in the state. But the organisers of BON had the opportunity of coming here to join us in our programmes. They moved from street to street with us

to the extent that the Governor agreed to the proposal to host a dinner. So, that allayed the fear of people who thought there was no security in the state.

As a result, we were able to regain our lost glory, as nobody was kidnapped or harassed. Therefore, when you (BON) came to our rescue, I don’t see why we should not reciprocate.”

After the announcement of nominees, Kingsley James, Head, Organising Committee, announced plans by the organisers to honour the late filmmaker and director, Amaka Igwe, for her immense contributions to the growth of Nollywood.

David bows out of Project Fame

W

hat seemed like the happiest thing that could happen to anyone suddenly became short-lived for David as he bowed out of the MTN Project Fame competition last weekend.

After performing the same songs that landed them on probation last weekend, Clement, Shola, Emeka and David upped their game this time.

Apart from the tensiongripped atmosphere of who exactly would be first to leave the competition, other contestants not on probation did a beautiful medley of Whitney Houston’s hit tracks; paying tribute to the legend. But the moment of truth came and it was delightful to see that the whole of Ghana stood up for their compatriot. Clement was saved as he got the highest number of votes from viewers. The Faculty in turn saved Shola, leaving David and Emeka’s fate in the hands of their fellow David contestants.

26—SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

A

s at August 7, 2014, there were nine cases (two probable, seven suspect) on Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria and two deaths.All nine cases have been known primary contacts of the index case in Nigeria, Mr Sawyer. At this point therefore, as far as we know, while there has been transmission in Nigeria, it is limited to contacts of the primary case. There is no confirmed community transmission i.e. further transmission from any of the currently infected cases.

This is significant because the rest of this post has to be interpreted in this context. If community transmission occurs —it changes the scenario significantly.

However, given that the contacts of each case will need to be under close observation, and using a conservative estimate of 3 contacts for each case, there will be over 100 people under close observation at the moment. If any of them develops symptoms, this will change the picture dramatically.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu,an infectious disease epidemiologist who has worked on several WHO outbreak responses across the continent including an Ebola outbreak in South Sudan in 2004, shares her experience on the virus.

What can be done to stop the spread of Ebola We are in the middle of the largest Ebola outbreak ever; showing that the virus is adapting fast to the environment and causing more harm. At the same time medical science is making rapid advances, as much as I may have some understanding of the issues at hand, knowledge is expanding rapidly and this post may rapidly become out of date. We will frame the post in line with the questions we have been asked shortly.

Should we be worried?

We should be worried enough to inform ourselves appropriately but we must not panic. The people most at risk at the moment are healthcare workers and family members caring for ill patients that may have been exposed to the index case, or caring for other returned patients from Sierra Leone, Liberia or Guinea. Specific efforts are going at the moment targeting these two groups. They must follow the infection control guidelines that I presume have been issued to them “religiously”. If you do not fall into any of these categories, please keep yourself informed of the general picture; take normal precautions and go about C M Y K

‘W’re in the middle of largest Ebola outbreak ever’ disease?

They are doing the best they can given the circumstances. A lot of support is now being received from the World Health Organisation, the US Centres for Disease Control and other partners. There are many Nigerians and International colleagues working for these organisations that are rapidly scaling up the response. Could we have been better prepared? Maybe — but this is not the appropriate time to discuss this. We must all rally around the incredibly brave colleagues that are on the frontline of the response now.

•Doctors taking care of Ebola victim’s dead body your daily life. If you are caring for anyone with fever, body aches etc, please continue to care for the patient with compassion.

The most important question to ask is if there has been contact with any of the nine known cases or a recent travel history to the three most affected countries: Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone. If this is the case, please call the helpline 0800ebolahelp. Remember to continue to take precautions against other communicable diseases; use a bed net against malaria, condoms to prevent STIs and HIV, boil your water — a cholera outbreak is going on in Plateau State, and if you are coughing for more than 2 weeks, see your doctor; TB killed approximately 27,000 people in Nigeria last year.

Where can you get information on the disease?

An excellent website has been put up— http:// www.ebolaalert.org/. This was initiated by the Lagos State Government with its partners. The information contained there is accurate and informative. The website could have been a lot benefit with some audiovisuals — find here and here links to two good pod casts in pidgin English by Ruona Meyer.

Another aspect missing on

the website is information for health care workers, here the CDC manual will be useful to some extent.

How is the virus spread?

The virus is spread by contact with body fluids (blood, sweat, semen, saliva) of an infected and sick person. There is no evidence that it can be spread by air, water, or vectors such as mosquitoes or flies. People who are

will protect most people from getting the virus. Next time you visit your doctor or nurse and he/she tries to give you an injection without gloves on — insist on their wearing gloves and report him/her to the appropriate medical/nursing council, and change your care provider. The most important thing now is to break the chain of transmission — the first patient in Nigeria infected 8 others, if we continue at that rate of transmission — we are in big trouble. We must ensure that these nine do not infect any more, and the main way to do this is through effective and consistent implementation of infection control measures.

Should we stop eating meat?

Next time you visit The “jump” of the virus from an animal host (we still do not your doctor or know the host animal(s) for nurse and he/she sure) to humans is an rare event. Once tries to give you an extremely this happens, the most likely subsequent source of infection injection without human-to-human gloves on —insist istransmission.

Heating kills the virus so all cooked meat is on their wearing safe; yes, including suya. The gloves and report most important risk at the moment is from humans him/her to the infected with the virus and not appropriate medical/ animals! nursing council Can prayer cure the virus? well cannot transmit Ebola.

So, it is actually not an easily transmissible virus, and proper adherence to infection control principles

No — God has given us brains — He expects us to use them.

Is Government doing enough to contain the

Is the strike by doctors having an impact on the level of preparedness of the clinical response?

Yes. It is a tragedy for the country that doctors and the government have not found a resolution to their differences during this trying period for the country. Our patients need us the most now.

Whatever the issues are, I appeal to my colleagues to suspend the strike and rise to the challenge of today. Our patients need us not only to provide clinical care but to restore confidence in the ethos of our profession. In no other country would the index patient have been taken to a private hospital for care as was the case in Nigeria with Mr. Sawyer. Nigerians need us, now more than ever.

Who is actually leading the Nigerian response?

The response is being led by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, a directorate under the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health. As Nigeria is a Federal Republic, the states also have a leading role to play.

The responsibilities for the provision of care are poorly delineated by the Nigerian constitution.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—27

Human Nature

Wonders of water M

akes you stay slimmer Trying to lose weight? Water revs up metabolism and helps you feel full. Replace calorie-filled beverages with water, and drink a glass before meals to help you feel fuller.

Drinking more water helps amp up metabolism — especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.

Boosts your energy If you’re feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes you feel tired. The right amount of water will help your heart pump your blood more effectively.

And water can help your blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells.

Lowers stress levels About 70-80 percent of your brain tissue is water. If you’re dehydrated, your body and your mind are stressed. If you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already a little dehydrated. To keep stress levels down, keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a sports bottle and sip regularly.

Builds muscle tone Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body. When you’re well hydrated, you can exercise longer and stronger without “hitting the wall.”

Nourishes your skin Fine lines and wrinkles are deeper when

•Boosts your energy and health with water

you’re dehydrated. Water is nature’s own beauty cream. Drinking water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your face look younger.

It also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.

Regular bowel movement Along with fibre, water is important for good digestion. Water helps dissolve waste particles and passes them smoothly through your digestive tract. If you’re dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water, leaving your colon dry and making it more difficult to pass waste.

Flush your bowels regularly with water C M Y K

Reduces kidney stones The rate of painful kidney stones is rising. One of the reasons could be because people — including

Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form the solid crystals known as kidney stones

children— aren’t drinking enough water. Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form the solid crystals known as kidney stones. Kidney stones can’t form in diluted urine, so reduce your risk with plenty of water!

Are you drinking enough water?

Most healthy adults get enough to drink by letting their thirst guide them. But the exact amount you need depends on your size, level of activity, the weather, and your general health. You may need more water if you exercise or sweat heavily.

28 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2014

THE MAHEEDA STORY

What it take Maheeda to

You’ll pay heavily for me to show but you’ll recoup the m

T

his is the concluding part of our exclusive interview with the controversial singer, Maheeda who says sex is like food to her. Read on...

By DAMILOLA SHOLOLA & KEHINDE AJOSE

What’s the difference between Maheeda and Caroline?

Caroline is a mother, a wife and a loving citizen of Nigeria. I’m God-fearing and I don’t mind how people see my lifestyle.

We saw you on BBM yesterday(last week), and you said; ‘There’s a Maheeda in me, there’s a Maheeda in you, there’s a Maheeda in everyone.’ Let’s start with the Maheeda in you?

The Maheeda in me! This is Caroline and sometimes, I change to something else. So, everybody has that moment where they just can’t see it. I was with a lady yesterday at Cool FM and immediately she sighted me, she changed into her bum shorts and high heels and started posing. To me, the Maheeda in her was coming out because seeing me already, I have influenced her dress sense. The urge to look sexy was irresistible in her. That’s the Maheeda in her and there should be a Maheeda in you too.

If you finally achieve your dream as a superstar, what else would you be longing for?

I don’t want to stop there. I really want to be like Oprah later What kind of talk show would you do?

I want to anchor a Talk show that will allow people to be themselves. For instance, if your are addicted to alcohol, you would be able to come out and own up to your addiction. If you are also addicted to admiring married women, you should be able to confirm it. I really C M Y K

want to bring out the Maheeda in a lot of people and let’s see if they want to embrace or quit the Maheeda creation.

Are you addicted to sex?

I love sex, everybody is addicted to sex. Why does everybody just think I’m the only one who loves sex? If there’s no sex, I won’t be normal. Everything will just be sexy to me Do you think there’ll be a time when you’ll stop having sex?

I don’t pray for that time. Even in my old age, I would like to have sex How do you deal with your critics?

They make me strong and what I am today. Five years ago, they dealt with me to the point that I had to cry. But that very moment actually made me strong. I faced a lot of challenges then and my man was by my side. He was trying to make me understand that this is the true nature of showbiz. I thought I was liked by people. Then, I couldn’t sing but now, I’m stronger.

How do you really make your money?

Basically, from shows and modeling. I’ve been doing a lot of shows especially abroad.

What is your greatest fear as a person?

Leaving this world without really touching lives in a positive way.

Do you think you’re a role model?

I don’t know but what is role model? I think people see role model as somebody that is perfect.

But I don’t think so. I think it’s someone whom people learn from his or her mistakes.

When you’re doing your shows, do you go nude on stage?

It depends on how much I am paid for the show. The list is there, do you want Maheeda to go nude on stage? This is your price. The same thing goes to anyone that

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 29

Y (2)

Have you ever been heartbroken?

Yes, I have. I actually left the guy.

Why did you leave him?

He didn’t have money. I broke his heart but my heart was broken too.

es o go nude

Why do you think good girls go bad?

Experience, what has happened to them in the past. I’m talking from my own personal experience.

You say you’re passionate about your country but your actions did not portray so?

It’s always like that.

You can’t even know people who are really passionate about this country.

Whether we like it or not, we are

go nude on your money wants me to go nude in his musical video.

Supposing I want to do a show in Nigeria, and I expect you to expose everything?

You have to pay heavily for it. If you want Maheeda to go nude in your show, it would cost you a lot of money. Do you know how many people that would attend the show? No doubt, you will recoup your money.

If someone insists on private show?

That person would have to pay me. We are talking about business here. I will give the person enough private show.

But you don’t show your breasts?

Oh really? Don’t worry when they pay, I’ll show them. I need that one to make money. Like Rihanna, she recently showed off her boobs. You don’t know how much she was paid to do so. Otherwise, you need to save some kind of things to make good money.

,

They had to touch you?

No, my job was to strike sexy poses with all those sexy bikinis. It was big money.

A lot of artists use drugs to enhance their stagecraft. Do you use drugs for your shows?

I am naturally high. I don’t use drugs. I’ve seen what drugs did to a lot of my friends back then in Port Harcourt, so, I vowed I’ll never take it What is that part of your body that you always like to show off?

I like to show off my ass

Among the female singers, who do you have a lot respect for?

Waje. I respect Waje a lot and I like her person. I met her in a studio, we ate together and worked together.

She’s really a wonderful person.

Mention one female artiste that you would love to work with?

For collabo, I would like to work with Seyi Shay or Tiwa Savage. I love their voices, they are superb and my male fans would love them. So, I long to work with people who are appreciated across board.

Who is your celebrity crush in Nigeria?

Phyno. His sexy eyes turn me on.

How about Olamide?

I just wanted to say Baddo. I want to see how bad he is.

What do you think about the comparison between you and Afrocandy?

I love my people because they are bored and they know how to be entertained themselves. They can even entertain themselves without me and Afrocandy saying anything.

You are very active on social

You have to pay heavily for it. If you want Maheeda to go nude in your show, it would cost you a lot of money. Do you know how many people that would attend the show?

No doubt, you will recoup your money

Have you ever done that before?

Yes, that was in Europe. It was at a birthday party organised by some big shots. I love my job, it was a big thing.

learning from the outside world. So, that’s just how it is.

,

media?

Like I said, I love my people a lot, and I enjoy talking to my fans.

There was a time you were banned on Instagram and you had to open another profile. How did you feel when you woke up that morning?

First, I was really sad. This is because the picture I posted then, I was somewhat dialoguing with my spirit whether to upload the picture or not.

What was the picture like?

One with a guy who was masturbating with my picture on the laptop. I thought it was classic.

I was very proud of it and that was why I uploaded it . But I was very sad because I had to start all over again.

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30—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

BY IYABO AINA 08184172548 aina.iyabo@yahoo.com

Marriage breakup:

Beyonce reacts

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ollowing speculations that Beyonce and Jay Z’s marriage is at the brink of breaking up, Beyonce has come out to debunk the report with a photo she posted on instagram.

News went viral on social media during the week,as Beyonce was said to have been spotted going house-hunting with her man.

As a result of those rumours, Beyonce calmly posted a picture on Instagram of Jay Z and Blue Ivy with caption, “My favorite hue is Jay Z Blue, in an effort to rubbish the reports.

This makes the breakup rumour even harder to believe as there are reports that Jay Z and Beyonce are raking in $4million a night on the “On the Run Tour’, independent of ticket sales, totalling a staggering $84million for them to share.

Micheal Jackson 1s Neverland home

Michael Jackson’s Neverland home on sale!

Late Micheal Jackson’s Neverland home, a replica of fantasy of Peter Pan’s Neverland which he built into a real place in Los Olivos, California, is going up on sale.

Billionaire, Tom Barracks’s Colony Capital has been Neverland ranch’s managing partner since his 2007, deal with Jackson to take over the affiliated $23 million debt. But the investment firm has poured money into the project ever since. Against the wishes of the Jackson estate, according to reports, Barrack has decided it’s time for the King of Pop’s iconic home to change hands. An unnamed family representative shared their disappointment with Forbes: “We are frustrated, bitterly disappointed, and saddened that it has come to this.

Sadly, Michael lost control of Neverland during his life as a result of advice from a former manager.”

As presently, the Jackson estate is facing down, and appealing, a $702 million IRS bill, so buying Neverland back isn’t a likely option.

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Chris Brown

Chris Brown’s greatest regrets!

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fter returning from jail about two months ago, Chris Brown finally breaks silence about his regrets, mistakes and how much he’s grown into a real man.

This was gathered after Chris shared a post on Instgram saying, I have been through a lot in my life. Made a lot of mistakes along the way. But through it all I ve always been true to myself and through God, I ve been able to take care of my family! I should regret some things but I think the lessons learned will shape me into a real man. I m grateful and appreciative! Thank you for life!

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy call it quits

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aytime talk show host Michael Strahan has ended his five-year engagement to fiancée Nicole Murphy.

A source disclosed that reasons behind Micheal and Nicole s divorce were as a result of distance relationship and work schedule.

Strahan, 42, and Murphy, 46, have been dating since 2007 and got engaged in 2009.

Murphy is the exwife of famous funny man Eddie Murphy, with whom she had five children with , while Strahan had two children with his first wife Wanda Hutchins and twin daughters with his second wife, Jean Muggli.

•Michael & Murphy

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 31

08116759764

Davido, Wizkid in “Why I’m cold war upset”

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frica’s leading artiste, Davido, and star boy, Wizkid are currently not the best of friends. News went viral on social media during the week that the two superstars were locked in a war of words on the internet. Fortunately, one of them has come out to clear the air.

Davido during the week denied having any beefing with Wizkid contrary to reports.

Speaking in an interview, the ‘Aye’ crooner said he went on twitter to address the issue concerning ‘beefing’ between him and Wizkid. “It’s not beef at all, but I’m the type of person who believes that if I matter to you, then it is wrong to hit your brother down. The only reason I was upset was because of the New York concert. I was even going to tweet something like: “Everybody, make sure you turn up for my brother, Wiz kid’s concert. But he threw a shade on me like that.”

“That’s why I took to my twitter handle to express my mind. But it’s all cool. At the end of the day, we got to keep it on the music.

Shout out to him. I’m still a big fan…especially when we were on the same •Davido flight earlier,” he explained.

•Wizkid

Chika Ike: Too young to be

pregnant?

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he joy of motherhood is childbearing. But for Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, who walked out of her marriage last year, getting a child of her own has become a tall dream as she recently blamed her inability to carry her own baby on her young age.

According to her, “ I am still very young, even though the impression people have about me is that I am old. My manager once cautioned me to slow down, saying that ‘I am still a young girl.” So, I am still young in a way. Definitely, someday I will have a child of my own. But in the meantime, I see all the street urchins as my kids.”

•Burna Boy

Burna boy gets a new name N

•Chika Ike

Black Wall Street Soldiers drop album

B Adandele

lack Wall Street Soldiers, comprising of young and talented musicians including Klever Jay, D’ Tee, Rhythm, and Yahoo Papi, are set to hit the music scene with a brand new song, . The fast rising artistes, who are signed onto the Black Wall Street’s label, will release the single on Friday, August 8. Produced by Suni Osorun and Rhythm, the single is a mix of Afro-pop, funk and highlife. When released, the song is expected not only set the airwaves ablaze, it would also be a club banger. According to Suni Osorun, CEO, Black Wall Street, young and old Nigerians will fall in love with Adandele because it’s folksy, smooth and laced with comedic hooks. “Adandele is a street hop song compiled by the Black Wall Street Soldiers. It portrays the rich culture and unique nature of the Yoruba language in line with street vibes of the ever-bustling Lagos life. Asides unleashing its talented artistes with this brand new song, Black Wall Street is also offering $1000 to anybody that is capable enough to win the dance competition for this wonderful new song. So get your grooves on, download Adandele, listen to it and win $1000 for yourself,” Osorun stressed.

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•Black Wall

igerian dance-hall singer, Burna Boy, who recently sacked his mother as his manger, has been blessed with a new name.

He is now known as the baddest singer in the Nigerian music scene.

Speaking on the success he has so far recorded in his career, Burna Boy said, “I knew there wasn’t anyone badder than me. So, I just knew it was going to work out. But as far as the album is concerned, I didn’t even expect it to do well. I didn’t really care about it. It sold about 50,000 copies the first day,” he said.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

Ephraim Oseji 07032769933

Everton set to land Christian Atsu

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verton are set to announce the signing of young Chelsea midfielder, Christian Atsu, on loan for the 2014/15 season. Manager Roberto Martinez had feared that he had missed out on the player in recent days after being so confident that a deal could have been reached for the player last month.

Drogba announces retirement from int'l football

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helsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36. Drogba recently joined Chelsea on a free just after the World Cup in Brazil ended. He represented his country and was captain as they exited the group stages for a third tournament in a row, despite finally being drawn in a group where they could have easily escaped from.

Barcelona agree £15m Vermaelen fee B

arcelona have agreed a £15m fee with Arsenal for defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The deal is subject to the defender passing a medical and agreeing to the move to the Nou Camp.

Manchester United ended their interest in Vermaelen earlier on yesterday after refusing to consider Arsenal’s request for a swap deal, with the Gunners unwilling to sell directly to United.

Vermaelen has been at Arsenal since 2009 and will vacate his role as official club captain should the move go through.

United make Angel Di Vidal to earn £182 a week at Maria Old Trafford offer J

uventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has reportedly agreed a deal to join Manchester United and will move to Old Trafford for a fee of £47m.

According to reports, the Chilean is set to sign a fiveyear deal with the Red Devils, and the contract is said to be w o r t h a r o u n d £182,000-aweek.

United's pursuit of Vidal has been one of the longest running sagas of the current transfer window and everyone involved with the Old Trafford club will hope that it comes to a successful conclusion.

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ottenham are one of a number of clubs following the progress of Ajax winger Viktor Fischer after watching him last season.

The Dane is one of the most promising players at the Dutch club and, although his contract runs until June 2017, he is expected to be one of the next high-profile departures.

Inter Milan loan Boateng to Hellas Verona

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hanaian teenager Francis Boateng will stay on at Hellas Verona for a second successive loan spell from Inter Milan, The 18-year-old was with the Primavera squad of the Gialloblu last season and will continue his development there for another year.

Boateng is a towering central defender who can also play at the right side of the back four. Alternatively, he can play in central midfield too.

Wolfsburg to sign Eto'o

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anchester United have made a bid, believed to be in the region of £55m, for Real Madrid attacker Angel Di Maria.According to reports, Manchester United are waiting to hear back from Real Madrid after submitting

their latest offer for the Argentina international.

Citing reports in South America, the newspaper claims that in the wake of PSG's withdrawal of interest in Di Maria, the Premier League club are now favourites.

PSG to bid £40m for Marco Reus

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aris Saint-Germain look set to blow Arsenal out of the water with a £40m bid for Arsene Wenger’s top transfer target Marco Reus, it has emerged.

The big-spending Ligue 1 giants have made the Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder their top target for the summer now, with a move for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria seemingly falling

through due to disagreements over his transfer fee.

Laurent Blanc’s side have been determined to bring in a world class attacking player in this transfer window and are also believed to be looking into the possibility of signing Chelsea wide-man Eden Hazard, though it could be that Reus is available for cheaper than the £50m-rated Stamford Bridge star.

McEachran in talks with Liverpool, AC Milan, Napoli Vitesse Arnhem battle for Lopez helsea midfielder Josh NigeriaC international McEachran is in talks over a iverpool are locked in a three-way battle with AC Milan and Napoli to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers wants to bring in a new goalkeeper to provide competition to Simon Mignolet, with longserving Anfield favourite Pepe Reina preparing to complete his move to Bayern Munich. Lopez has been instructed to find a new club after the capture of Costa Rica World Cup star Keylor Navas from Levante.

Spurs eye Fischer swoop

loan move to Vitesse Arnhem. The youngster has been in Holland to discuss a season-long switch to the Blues’ feeder club. After emerging as one of the brightest talents in the country, McEachran is free to leave Stamford Bridge after falling way down the pecking order.

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olfsburg have entered the running to sign former Chelsea hitman Samuel Eto'o. The Cameroon international, who left Stamford B r i d g e earlier this summer, is still on the hunt for a new club a f t e r declining the chance to join West Ham.

Liverpool make Cavani offer

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iverpool have made an approach for Paris Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani as they look to replace Luis Suarez. The Reds sold the Uruguay international to Barcelona for £75m last month and have already completed the signings of six players.

Napoli to rival Zenit for Javi Garcia

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apoli will rival Zenit Saint Petersburg for the signature of Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia.The Russian giants Zenit were closing in on Garcia, who is surplus to requirements at City after the signing of Brazilian anchorman Fernando from Porto.

Benitez is a long-term admirer of the 27-year-old to move to Naples instead of Saint Petersburg.

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34—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

08 116759 759 081 6759759

‘I’m proof that you don’t have to be a perfect ten to be a beauty queen’

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iss Norfolk wins plus-size pageant to be crowned Britain’s Miss Beauty Curve.

These buxom beauties prove that big really is beautiful as they strut their stuff at the Miss British Beauty Curve competition.

The pageant for plus-size

women saw 30 contestants ranging from a size 14 to a 26 - flaunt their figures in everything from evening gowns to swimsuits.

A dance number opened the show, when the girls burst onto the stage to Chris Brown’s Beautiful People.

And after a close-fought

three rounds, freelance TV presenter and current Miss Norfolk Curve Emily Blake, 24, walked away with the title at the The Lost Theatre, Wandsworth, London, on Sunday night.

She wowed the judges after flaunting her size 16 curves in a daring yellow bikini and a

sexy red dress during the finale. Emily said: ‘I feel like I’m dreaming, and I’ll wake up and it won’t be real.

‘I’m so proud that I’ve won.

I love being plus size, it makes me feel sexy and women who are bigger should be confident with their curves.

‘When most people think of beauty queens they think of perfect bodies, tiny waists and never-ending legs.

‘But I eat healthily and I exercise so I know I’m fit, this is how women should look.

It’s natural. I’m proof that

you don’t have to be a perfect ten to be a beauty queen.’

The annual competition open to women sized 14 and above - was judged by a panel of four including last year’s winner Elena Raouna, 23, a part-time model, who handed winner Emily her crown and sash at the end.

While second judge Rio

Watchorn, 21, who won Miss British Beauty Curve 2012, said the judges were looking for confidence above everything else in the winner.

‘The competition is all about saying, ‘yes it wobbles, get over it,’ she explained. ‘We want everyone competing to be proud of their curvy body, which is sexy and natural.

‘I’m looking for a winner who isn’t scared to flaunt their curves. It isn’t easy to get up on stage in front of a room full of people, never mind when you are wearing a swimsuit, so all of the girls are incredibly brave to take part.

Runners-up at the pageant were Miss South London Curve 2014, Dionne Elliot, 29, and Miss North East London, Victoria Bedford, 27, who were presented with small crowns, sashes and a bouquet of marshmallows.

Speaking after collecting her crown, second runner-up Dionne, a size 16 fashion student, said: ‘I feel amazing, this is the sexiest I’ve ever felt.

‘I love this competition, it’s all about being a powerful woman and showing the world that you can be sexy and not a size 0.

‘I loved every second, especially strutting across the stage in my pink cut-out swimsuit. The crown loved it.’

Kenyan journalist who offered Clinton 20 cows,40 goats for Chelsea’s reporter used the hand in marriage is trampled to death by an elephant lovelorn opportunity to ask America’s top

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Kenyan man who made headlines a decade ago by offering former President Bill Clinton 40 goats and 20 cows for his daughter’s hand in marriage has been killed by a charging elephant.

Dorothy Jebet, editor of the Kass Weekly, said Wednesday journalist Godwin Chepkurgor was attacked by a wild elephant herd while on assignment for the magazine. Jebet says Chepkurgor was

Nice peaches!

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reengrocer dresses his fruit in lingerie to boost sales ahead of China’s version of Valentine’s Day. A Chinese businessman has come up with a rather cheeky way of pushing peaches – by dressing them in lacy ‘knickers’.

Yao Yuan from Nanjing, east China, saw an opportunity to boost his sales ahead of China’s version of Valentine’s Day, when he spotted the similarities between his fruits and a female bottom.

Mr Yao dresses the fruits in miniature versions of women’s lingerie and sells them for a jaw-dropping

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attacked from behind Friday by a bull elephant that scooped him up with its trunk and threw him in the air. Jebet said the journalist landed on sticks that pierced his stomach. Chepkurgor, 45, a married father of four, was out in Oldebes, Baringo County, taking pictures of stray elephants that have been menacing local villagers when one of the jumbos attacked him from behind, AllAfrica.com reported. The freelance

£50 a punnet for nine naughty peaches. The fruits-in-knickers idea has seen sales for Mr Yao’s online fruit business soar, despite the mindboggling price.

‘Well, peaches and women’s bottoms look so similar I thought why not? It’s not something I’ve ever seen anyone else doing. I can’t grow enough of them to keep up with the demand,’ Mr Yao explains. Mr Yao has enlisted a lingerie firm to create the miniature knickers and his fruit pickers in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, dresses each peach by hand.

‘The people who supply our pants make lingerie for some of the most exclusive designer labels in the world.

‘There’s nothing tacky about them at all,’ the businessman adds.

reporter and former city councilman , Chepkurgor was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died. In 2005, Chepkurgor drew international attention after revealing that he had written Clinton to ask for daughter Chelsea’s hand in 2000 during the then-president’s visit to Kenya.

Four years later, Chepkurgor attended a town hall meeting held by then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The

diplomat if the Clintons had made a decision on his generous dowry offer from nine years ago. After a pause, Clinton said, ‘My daughter is her own person, very independent, so I will convey this very kind offer. ‘ Chelsea, 34, married Marc Mezvinsky in 2010.

The couple are currently expecting their first child.

You ma og mayy now kiss the fr frog

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omen in India host frog wedding and send them off on boat made of palm leaves for rain invoking ritual (and showers are on the way!)When it comes to a wedding, the bride’s deepest fear is that the groom may croak at the last minute.

But in the village of Assam, India, it is a common sound during the traditional frog weddings.

The union between the two amphibians is carried

out in a bid to invoke rain for the harvest season and watched by hundreds of people from the surrounding villages.

Two groups of women separately bath the males and female frogs, and then dress them in clothes and jewellery for the wedding.

The bride is even made to wear a handmade necklace during the ritual conducted by a Hindu priest. Weather in the region is expected to remain hot and sunny for the next seven days, with highs of 35C. But then, showers and storms are on their way.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

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Youths, it’s in you government, has been made.

In 1995, I spent N6,000 company money (about N70, 000 today) on airport taxi and return ticket to Port Harcourt from Lagos just to stop our deputy director from a planned trip to Itakpe, Kogi State. Today such a trip will be superfluous because an SMS will convey the message.

In my university days, a course assignment can be stalled for weeks because somebody has gone to the library to borrow and “colonise” the material you need for that assignment. Not anymore; at the punch of a button, you can access the information you need online.

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echnology has flung open the gates of knowledge to all. The digital age is a wonderful time to come of age.

The internet is like an ocean.

The opportunities and possibilities are limitless for focused and purpose-driven youths. It is also a doubleedged sword; it is unbelievable what you see after some youths have used a laptop or computer. The history is one porn site to the other or fraudulent activities (“ yahoo-

yahoo”). The same laptop and time could have been used purposefully.

When they say standard of education has fallen, it is true.

WAEC and JAMB results partly tell the sad story, but you do not have to be part of the mass failure. The school you attend might be an issue, but there are currently so many ways to acquire knowledge that any deficit from the school can easily be bridged. Some

,

ne of my problems with some social commentators is the attempt to tie the destiny of Nigerian youths to bad governance of our leaders. If any critic has issues with politicians and government officials, criticize that official; shred him/her, if you like, but do not dampen the spirit of Nigerian youths. While bad governance, no doubt, slows down the progress of Nigerian youths, it can never stop their march to greatness because, like Jeremiah (1:4), God has already blessed them even before they were conceived and He has handed over their destinies to them, not the government or leaders.

Nigerian youths should ignore the doomsday prophets and the pessimists. Like many other Nigerians, youths “are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”( 1 Corinthians 4:9). Eighty per cent of what will make you great is already in you by divine installation; only 20 per cent is without and that cannot hold you down. God has also deposited many talents in you to make you great. Do not dig and hide them in the ground; nurture them, build a plan around them and you are on your way to greatness. You will find many teachers and mentors along the way who will help you.

Nigeria is going through self-inflicted difficulties, but God in His infinite goodness has ensured that it is not all gloom. Progress, not all of them engineered by

Vanguard, A UGUST 9, 2014 —35 AUGUST

shaky educational foundation did not hold them down why should yours, especially in this age of information avalanche.

In the 70s and 80s many students acquired degrees in computer science without ever setting their eyes on a computer. Today, even threeyear-olds have access to, and know how to operate, computer devices. Financial poverty is not always the real issue because it is not all about money; lack of initiative and poverty of the mind are the real culprits. n spite of the massive I unemployment, there are employed people. They will

not work forever. Some day they will go and others will replace them.

New opportunities will also come for entrepreneurs to exploit and create new employments. Most times, only those who are prepared take advantage of

Eighty per cent of what will make you great is already in you by divine installation

of the movers and shakers of the society you see today attended “backyard” schools.

Forget all the Cambridge, Harvard and Oxford you see on their profiles and bio-data; those were later acquisitions.

Some of them are too embarrassed to acknowledge their humble antecedents or associate with their first alma mater. But the point I am making here is that if their

bluntly that we should pray that: “may my way be rough”.

The gold medal at the end is all that matters; ask Blessing Okagbare and other Nigerian Commonwealth gold medalists.

Bad governance has been with us for a while. It was there when comedians from paupers became very successful, same with musicians, music producers and music labels; actors and other movie industry players; IT specialists, sportsmen and so on; bad governance did not hold them down. Why should your case be different? There are 170 million Nigerians to feed, clothe, house, entertain, educate, inform, titillate and much more. You can do a lot in spite of bad governance.

The fight for good governance is everybody’s, so youths should be part of it. But fight harder to win your biggest battle: the art of selfmastery, which includes keeping your corner clean, because it is hypocritical to come to equity with filthy hands. That is my other problem with many social critics.

Finally, I borrow from former American President, Bill Clinton, by telling Nigerian youths that there is nothing wrong with Nigeria that cannot be cured, rectified, straightened and solved by what is right with Nigeria.

Youths, you are mainly what is right with Nigeria. Go out there and unleash your enormous potentials on humanity. Tuesday, August 12, is International Youth Day. Happy celebrations.

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these openings. Maintain a positive spirit; keep hope alive (what is life without hope?), flee from dream killers. Take advantage of that which is right in your environment, but also take advantage of that which is wrong by becoming a solution provider: That translates to income. Nothing good comes easy. That is why some people (the late Tai Solarin on my mind) put it

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Breaking the body Half-Squat with Raised Hands

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he Spinal twist

Technique: Sitting with legs stretched out in front of you, bend the left knee and place the left foot close to the right buttock. Now bending the right knee, place the right foot on the outside of the left knee. Bring the left hand to clutch the side of the right thigh and place the right hand at the lower back with the hand resting on the left lap.

Now with the head held high, twist the entire trunk, neck and head to the right. Breathe in deeply. Hold the position for

Yoga Classes STARTED @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays C M Y K

•The Leg and Handstand

a slow count to 10 or 15 second and repeat on the otherside.

Benefits: This exercise eases stress along the spinal column. It introduces lateral flexibility to the spine. It massages the kidneys and helps bring improvement to sluggish bowels.

the floor. Raise the right leg up to hip level. Hold the head up.

Stay in this position for 20 seconds and repeat changing side.

The spinal twist.

Benefit:This posture strengthens the legs and tones the buttocks. Good for the folks with wobbly burns. It instils a sense of balance.

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alf-Squat with Raised Hands

Technique:Standing with the feet apart about a foot.

Bend the keens to 90 degrees and raise both hands overhead. Be sure to keep the upper stretched forward.

Retain the posture for some 10-to-15 seconds. Rest a bit and repeat once or twice more.

Benefit: The semi squat strengthens the theigh muscles for better back flow of blood to the heart. It helps troubles of the keens and benefits the posture of the practitioner.

The Leg and Handstand Technique: The leg and handstand is done by standing with feet together bend the upper body down till you can place the left hand on

•The Spinal twist

Leg Raise Technique: Lie flat on your belly and arrange the hands beside the shoulders.

Take in a deep breath and raise the body off the ground with just the hands and toes in contact with the ground.

Retain the breath for a slow count to 5. Then lower the body as you breathe out.

Leg Raise

36—SA TURD AY 36—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, A UGUST 9 AUGUST 9,, 2014

How the menopause could give your sex-life a boost F myself to increase my natural lubrication. At least I’ve realized that because of menopause, I need to stimulate myself to increase my natural lubrication — and this takes time. So we use plenty of lubrication for sex “and it is heartening for me to know that my sex life is now back to normal!”

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hat to expect at menopause: According to experts, most menopausal women will suffer from vaginal dryness to some degree. It is perfectly normal and is due to hormonal changes.

If sexual intercourse becomes painful, then lubricants are a good way forward.

Increased foreplay and masturbation help increase natural lubrication. If sex is still

the difference.

“My partner and I have both since discovered that another way to increase moistness is to place more emphasis on foreplay before sex. Now when we have sex I stimulate

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OR some women, hitting the menopause could kill off their sex life.

“For almost 30 years, I had a great sex life with the man I eventually married,” said Oge, now 54 and a matron in a private hospital. “I’d had beautiful orgasms with him most of the time until two years ago when I reached menopause and my orgasms simply disappeared. My background was a bit strict and I was very naive when I started dating my future husband. I was already in nursing school and had no idea what a naked man looked like so when I first touched a naked man and saw his reaction, I was slightly frightened.

“The few times we tried sex, I was fully dressed in bed.

Then, after we got married, I experienced my first orgasm and I was hooked!

Any sexual inhibitions I had were lost. A couple of years ago, I started to get hot flushes and sweats. I would start feeling tense and found it hard to orgasm. It was really frustrating. I was so used to climaxing every time I had sex—once every two weeks on average—that it wasn’t fun when I couldn’t.

I was so upset that my husband was having all the fun that I unfairly blame him for my anger. I started to think that there was no point brand called Replens — having sex unless I was which is a liquid you apply achieving orgasm. inter nally.

I’ve since “I discussed my plight with switched to a much better one my best friend and she

by Durex called Senselle. It encouraged me to try a is a liquid you squirt up vibrator with a lubricant. She inside you and it’s made all went further than that and got me a rampant rabbit when next she travelled. I had never been that good at pleasuring myself, but with xtensive daylight the vibrator, I could satisfy might harm the myself without the help of a chances of fatherhood, man. With my husband, I claim scientists, but found that I could move drinking and smoking don’t myself on to reaching damage a man’s sperm. A orgasms again. Now my sex study produces surprising drive is back to normal and evidence that while more my orgasms are back!” daylight may affect sperm “For me, the worst side quality, lifestyle factors effect of the menopause was long thought to have an vaginal dryness as sex effect, including obesity, became very uncomfortable,” make no difference. Even confessed Tara, a 60-year-old wearing tight underwear textile merchant. “I’ve been did not have an effect, with my partner for some despite dire warnings eight years now and sex is previously that prospective really important for both of dads should invest in boxer us, but I started avoiding it shorts.

—I guess because of the The only lifestyle choice pain. I felt really guilty I was that had a major impact was short-changing my partner. smoking cannabis, which can reduce a man’s fertility I didn’t confess what was by altering the size and happening to me at first, but shape of his spenn. A when he knew, he was very similar effect was patient because he knew I discovered in the summer, felt more pain than pleasure although experts suggest it when we had sex. My doctor isn’t heat but probably the encouraged me to try some length of the day and lubricants that are wildly hormonal changes that are available, and a friend responsible. When less than recommended KY Jelly and four per cent of a man’s that was fine. This friend sperm has a normal size then got me another KY

painful see your doctor who may prescribe hormone replacement therapy, which might help.

The menopause is the end of a woman’s reproductive life when the ovaries stop producing eggs and periods end. It usually occurs between ages 48 and 54. During ‘the change’ the ovaries produce less of the sex hormones Oestrogen, which can cause vaginal dryness. Other symptoms can include flagging sex drive, hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and headaches. It can also make some women feel that they are past their best or undesirable. Many women, however, can enjoy a healthy sex life well into old age.

At least I’ve realized that because of menopause, I need to stimulate myself to increase my natural lubrication

,

The ef estyle on the quality of a man’s sperm efffects of lif lifestyle

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,

E

and shape, statistics show he will find it harder to futher a child and may need help from fertility techniques, including IVF. Teams from the universities of Sheffield and Manchester carried out the world’s largest study on the effects of

giving a sample. If they were aged under 30, they were also nearly twice as likely to have produced the sample in the summer months. The scientists believe younger men were most affected by cannabis simply because they were more likely to use greater

The only lifestyle choice that had a major impact was smoking cannabis

lifestyle on sperm. Using data from 2,249 men attending fertility clinics around UK, they compared the medical history and personal habits of 318 participants with less than four per cent of normal sperm and 1,652 whose sperm was of higher quality. Men in the first group were nearly twice as likely to have used cannabis in the three months before

,

quantities. Chemicals in the drug itself, not the tobacco used in ‘joints’, were probably responsible since cigarette smoking had little effect on sperm.

One of the team leaders, Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology —the study of male health — at Sheffield University, said habitual cannabis users who wanted to become fathers should kick the habit for at least three months. ‘I can’t

tell you definitively that your sperm will improve, but that’s a reasonable assumption, he said. He said the summer influence was surprising but it did not appear to be linked to heat or significantly alter seasonal conception patterns. ‘We didn’t expect this’ he said. ‘It’s complete conjecture on my part, but it could be a sunlight effect — day length affects our hormones and vitamin D in all sorts of ways.’

He added that men wanting to be fathers should not wait until conjecture weather.

However, the study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, found that abstaining from sexual activity for more than six days improved sperm quality.

It was possible that unmeasured factors, such as the quality of sperm DNA, influenced the results, said the researchers.

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Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—37

YETUNDE AREBI

Re: Is curbing sexual perversion achievable?

Hi! A couple of weeks ago, I published an article on the above topic. It featured the sexual conducts of a young man which caused a lot of concern for other residents in the compound and indeed, the neighbourhood. Every weekend, the young man would bring home a female companion and before dawn, loud cries, weeping and pleading from the lady would wake other tenants. Sometimes, the ladies would abuse and lay curses on him. Concerned for the ladies and worried that whatever was happening in the flat could eventually get them into trouble, they forced the men in the compound to conduct an investigation. What they discovered not only shocked everyone, but the guy’s attitude also put them off. And with the cooperation of the landlord, Mr. Pervert was eventually ejected.

I asked for reactions from readers and below are some of the responses I received through my mail box. It would appear that many readers desire a review of the said article. I am therefore making a pledge that I will revisit some of the specific topics mentioned in some of the contributions. Just keep reading the Saturday Vanguard. Do have a very wonderful weekend!

Yetunde, Greetings. Hope you are doing good? I read your article in Vanguard about curbing sexual perversion. It was awesome. I really just felt the need to appreciate you.

Keep it up.

I hope to discuss with you soon.

Cheers!!!

Musty Dear Yetunde, Thank you for this topic. Sexual perversion is a very serious problem which I believe is now spreading wildly among our people. Just as you mentioned, I believe that the social media and the internet have helped to spread the idea and also broadened people’s knowledge about the practice. While we were growing up, some of the pervert orientations you mentioned were things we never heard about, not alone imagined could happen. But today, it is almost like a foregone conclusion that a man can sleep with his own biological daughter, and even impregnate her. Some of the men I have read their confessions in the newspapers have the

I believe that the social media and the internet has helped to spread the idea and also broadened people’s knowledge about the practice guts to blame their evil acts on their wives, their poor helpless daughters and some other reasons, except themselves. This is really pathetic and I cannot help wondering where this world is heading to. Truly, it is end time as the Bible predicted.

I really enjoyed this topic, but I would like you to talk more about incest. I think it is high time our government did something about it. It is not even safe for humanity.

Think of all the genetic diseases and mutations that could happen as a result of family members impregnating themselves. Thanks.

Josephine A. Hi Yetty, I am really impressed with the subject of your article, and I think it is barbaric engaging in such acts.

Nevertheless, I think such people who engage in such acts will do themselves the greatest favour by seeking help. Engaging in sexual perversion is not only barbaric but also demonic. Hence, the need for spiritual help cum counselling.

I strongly want to say that apart from seeking spiritual

help, you should also help find out where such people can get help. I mean from seasoned counsellors who can really help and let it be published. Most people don’t want to discuss such issues with their pastor or spiritual leader for the fear of condemnation.

I am looking forward to a time when offenders of whatever type of sexual perversion [not limited to rape alone] will be prosecuted. Maybe, this will minimize the act among old and young.

Thank you and God bless.

Kayode Hello Yetunde, I applaud your write up, however below is my encounter with a lady.There is this babe of mine that does refer to me as a lazy guy after thrusting her for 10mins during sex . Lately, a friend of mine introduced me to a natural viagra (cucumber and banana), so I took a lot of it for weeks and my penis becomes bigger. (this is quite interesting!) The last time she visited; after thrusting her for almost 30 minutes without ejaculating, she started crying and begging. I didn’t listen to her until I ejaculated 15 minutes later. (hmm!)

Can this be referred to as sexual perversion? (I think not. Not until making them cry, or ensuring that they cry becomes a habit).

Tosin.

I love your write up in Vanguard (11th July, 2014), may God give you more wisdom. However, I think more research on the subject matter is needed.

Smartty Dear Yetunde, I like this topic and I want to add my views to the issue of rape. This has reached an alarming proportion in our society. It is something that still confounds me as a man. I cannot imagine why anyone will be interested in bedding any woman who has said no. Lovemaking is supposed to be a thing of pleasure and to be enjoyed by the two involved who have given their consent to be together. A sensible and normal man must be willing and patient enough to go through the process of wooing a woman and

gaining her consent before jumping on her. Even if you want to have sex with a prostitute, you must have her

consent first. We men must learn to accept NO as NO and not interpret NO to mean, YES or she is playing hard to get, so let me press on for her to accept.

For me to enjoy sex, the woman must be well lubricated. For her to be lubricated, she must be properly aroused.

If a man applies pressure or force, then there will be no arousal and therefore no lubrication. So, what is the enjoyment in a dry woman? Any man who rapes a woman must be mentally sick.

Besides, he probably does not have a mother or sister.

Thanks Yetunde. I enjoyed this article although I was disgusted by the man in the story. When can we get the update on worried guy? (the guy whose wife was caught with a vibrator) I really want to know what the wife’s excuse for her misconduct was.

Steve from Warri

Dear Yetunde, All I want to say is that sex perverts should be punished. The tenants in that house should not have allowed that wicked banker in the story to just move on like that. He ought to have been reported to the Police even if it is just to scare him a bit so he will know that what he is doing is not good. Now he has gone to another neighbourhood and has continued his evil act. When he cannot find women again, he will advance to innocent children. That is one of our problems in this country. We like to leave things until they get out of hand.

Then we will start complaining. Nigerians need a change of attitude generally.

Concerned woman.

Dear Yetunde, Please, let’s talk about pedophiles, people who rape children. I want to believe that you are a mother. This topic is very important and is on the increase in our society. In fact, it has reached an alarming rate. This is a very serious sickness that is robbing our children of their innocence and joy. Men who rape children should be castrated or killed. Maybe if one or two of them get punished this way, the others will have a rethink.

Lexxy from Abuja

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Vanguard, A UGUST 9 AUGUST 9,, 2014

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Vanguard, A UGUST 9, 2014 —39 AUGUST

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Vanguard, A UGUST 9, 2014 AUGUST

Agbar ha-Ot or monar es cchild hild gbarha-Ot ha-Otor monarcch dedicat dedicates

His Majesty,Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle,Okorefe1,the King of Agbarha - Otor Kingdom and the Queen in a royal dance to the Almighty God, to dedicate their child.

L-R: Chief Khalil Ofomukoro, Chief Francis Ukpedesivwe, Agogo r'ovie of Agbarha -otor Kingdom ,Chief (Prof) S.W.O Ibodje,Chief Alfred Akpobome and the Queen Mother.

HIS Majesty,Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle,Okorefe1,the Ovie of the great Agbarha -Otor Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State and his wife, Queen Elohor Okorefe recently took their newly-born baby, Princess Evangeline Oghenevwoke Okorefe before the Lord for dedication at St Mathias Anglican Church Agbarha -Otor.

The well attended church mass was followed by a grand reception at the palace where guests were treated to deluxe refreshment and entertainment.

Revd. Canon A.O Agberhe JP dedicating the child,Princess Evangeline Oghenevwoke Okorefe to the Almighty God.

Obioru celebrates 80 th ENGR. F.E. Obioru recently celebrated his 80 birthday in Benin city. He was joined by family, friends and children to mark the special occasion.

Celebrant, Engr. F. Obioru, Chief Pessu and others at the church

Celebrant, Engr. F. Obioru, with children, grandchildren and daughters in-law

.

L-R: Dede Obioru, Tsegbemi Obioru, Mrs J. Obioru, Gbugbemi Obioru, celebrant, Mrs S. Obioru, Mr Uti Obioru, Mr and Mrs Obayagbona R-L: Chief Christiana Okorefe,the Queen Mother and two Queen of Ughelli Kingdom.

L-R:Queen Elohor Okorefe and Chief Wanda Oscar Ibru.

Marital bliss for Mr and Mrs Okusonogu

At Nnamdi Nkwopara’s first communion

MR and Mrs Columbus Nduka Okusonogu finalised their matrimonial union on June 14, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Abbi Parish, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. Their families and friends were their to celebrate with them.

Mr & Mrs Okusonogu, Columbus Nduka C M Y K

The couple;Mr & Mrs Okusonogu, Columbus Nduka with groom's family.

Nnamdi Nkwopara flanked by his sisters, Chinagorom and Chinaemeze

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—41

Government technical college holds first valedictory service

Public school in Nigeria

Should our leaders be made to send their children to public schools?

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

I

t is very unlikely that the children of President Goodluck Jonathan will stay out of school for one day on account of strikes.

The American International School where the children are reported to attend is not likely to go strike. With the tuition fee of the institution averaging about N2.35mn per school year, the reasons are not far-fetched; the high-brow private school is probably not lacking in basic infrastructure, teacher remuneration, or sufficient security.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for thousands of schools across the nation.

Primary school students in public schools across Benue state just resumed school after an eight-month old strike due to the failure of the state government to pay teachers the minimum wage. In the south, children in many state public schools are milked by teachers to pay mandatory amounts for examination malpractice. In the North, the fear of terrorist attacks on schools now overshadows reports of under qualified teachers.

The teacher from Edo state who couldn’t read her own certificate a feww months ago tells something of education in the south-south, and majority of the 102 unity schools all over the country simply are a shadow of their former glory. The former Minister for Finance, Okonjo Iweala said in 2006 that she payed N5.6 million ($40,000) annually for each of her three children who were in Universities abroad.

The story is the same for many of our leaders. Needless to say, no prominent politician complained of his children being at home when the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, went on strike for nearly seven months in 2013, or when the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, went on strike for nearly eight months recently, or when the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union went on strike for nearly eleven months. It is no wonder therefore, that a bill in 2013 which sought to ban political office holders and senior public servants from sending their C M Y K

If you look at the decline in Public education, you’ll realize that there is no better place to put the blame for that than at the feet of the Government wards to schools overseas did not fall through. .

So, why aren’t our public schools good enough for children of our public servants? ‘The public education system is not conducive at all;’ said Hassan Soweto, the National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign, ‘the schools are crisis-laden and no one can truly be educated in many of these schools.

The public education system became like this when the Government in the late 1980s began to engage the neo-liberal capitalist philosophy that education is a business. As it is, many public school teachers will not even send their children to the schools where they teach.

How much more the children of our leaders? The

fact that our leaders cannot send their children to public schools might not be the sole determinant of the failure of the public school system, but it is definitely a contributing factor. Our leaders do not have children in public schools so they see no reason why the schools should be adequately funded.’

The ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, however said that leaders do not need to have their children in public schools to pay attention to the sector.

According to him, ‘Public education is the responsibility of government; it is inconsequential whether or not their children attend such schools. If you look at the decline in Public education, you’ll realize that there is no better place to put the blame for that than at the feet of the Government. There is neglect of personnel and infrastructure, and I believe this is closely tied to the business interests of those in authority; you see people who are still in power owning private schools at the primary, secondary and even the tertiary level.' The steady decline of public schools has brought about an upsurge of private schools especially at the primary and secondary levels.’

Dr. Adams Onuka, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, argues that the problem is not the public education system, but the lack of commitment of teachers, inadequate supervision, and lack of infrastructure. He said: ‘I went to public schools all my life, and today, I can compete with anyone in my field of study. If public schools are given more attention, supervision and funding they will do much better.’ It seems that from air-conditioned rooms of Aso rock to the slums of Ajegunle, from ill furnished primary schools to ill equipped university laboratories, there is less and less faith in the public education system. Will the public school survive? In response to this, Asomugha says: ‘The issue is not whether or not the public school system will survive. It must survive; the tragedy of the Nigerian education system is the decline of the public school. It is the only hope for the child of the common man to get a good education.

BY ANINO AGANBI Government Technical College, Ado-Soba, Lagos celebrated its first valedictory service held in honour of 470 graduating students all of whom graduated from the following departments: Plumbing, computer craft, Electrical installation, book keeping, secretarial studies among others.

The out-going Head girl Nnedu Loveth said “Although the road was rough and stressful, it was finally time to leave.

She further said that “the entire authority of the school should be appreciated for their roles in grooming them to a point of satisfaction. There is nothing compared to hard work, determination and perseverance” she said. She advised the upcoming ones to do the best they could academically and morally.

According to the Mr. Isaac Fajemiyo, Head of the Business Department, '’the graduates are expected to go and practice that which they had inculcated." He also said “These graduates still need support from families and well wishers not in the aspect of seeking jobs but to enable them set up their own business”.

AAUA gets IFTRA, AFTRA Associate membership

BY IKENNA ASOMBA The Faculty of Education and the Institute of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, have received the Associate Membership of the International Forum of Teaching Regulatory Authorities, IFTRA, and the African Forum of Teaching Regulatory Authorities.

AFTRA is a subset of IFTRA. Their core aims are to promote the professionalization of teaching globally, set international standards for the profession and facilitate cooperation among member nations for the benefit of the education systems of the various countries. AAUA was granted membership during the 3rd Teaching and Learning in Africa Conference and 5th Roundtable held in, Accra, Ghana from Monday, June 9 to Saturday, June 14, 2014, where the University was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Sunday Amuseghan.

42—SATURDAY

Vanguard , AUGUST 9 9, 2014

BLOODTHIRSTY FAMILY:

Why I killed my lover •Father a cannibal •Brothers killed in robbery

T

he police at Area E, Fes tac, Lagos, recently made a breakthrough by arresting a 33-year-old man, Kelechi Willaims Mojekwu, for strangulating his 39-year-old lover, Njideka Lizzy Nzewe, to death in her apartment at Green Estate, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. The arrest of the suspect within seven days of committing the offence was spectacular going by the fact that he eloped to Ghana soon after killing the mother of four. After his arrest in Cote d' ivoire, he claimed he committed the heinous act because of jealousy. What was not told was the circumstances that led to his arrest, how detectives battled to achieve that seemingly impossible feat and the type of life the suspect lived, his family background and the circumstances that led to the whole ugly scenario.

Our Crime Editor, Emma Nnadozie, dug deeply and was able to unearth startling facts about the murder. His report is revealing.

Excerpts:

REPORT

The relations of the woman came to Festac division to report a case of the murder of their sister, Njideka Lizzy at her residence in Green Estate, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. The incident happened on July 19, 2014, between the hours of 1am and 3am. The suspected killer, Kelechukw Williams Mojekwu is about 33, he reportedly strangulated the woman in the early hours of that day and took her jewelries, four handsets, I-Pad, Gold, Trinkets and thousands of dollars and Naira kept by the woman because she was to pack out of that very house on that fateful day to a new apartment in Festac town. By Thursday, she was supposed to leave for USA on vacation with her family. She has four children and they were in the same building and in their own room when this incident occurred.

The young man settled down after killing her, using a rope and a cloth round her neck, packed all her properties, locked the door, picked up her car key, a Range Rover SUV and drove off.

TRIP TO GHANA He drove confidently with an International passport bearing the woman’s surname that he changed, all for the purpose of making sure that the vehicle was driven into Ghana without any confrontation with law enforcement agencies. He passed through Seme to Benin Republic to Togo to Ghana. When he got into Ghana, he went to a pastor to bless the car and he did and celebrated for having a new car with drinks.

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HOW PHONE CALLS EXPOSED SUSPECT

When he was in Ghana, he did not switch off the phones he collected from the woman and when the complaint came to the Area Commander at Area E, Festac, ACP Okoro, he worked on the phones and discovered that they were open. He made a call, somebody activated the phone but was not talking, invariably, he was listening to the background. He deduced from that and forensic audit that if any criminal suspect had taken away any social media and activated, invariably, the person must be trying to censure what was going on at the end. The police knew that he was trying to get information on what was going on in Lagos.

Equally, detectives got to know from relations of the woman that because of anger, they were sending text messages to him and saying, ‘” you are not picking the phone but you don’t want to talk, God will punish you, you will be caught, we know that you are in Ghana”. That alerted the suspect to know that the family was aware that he was residing in Ghana and because of that, he made a move, packed his things from Ghana and started heading towards Cote d' ivore.

TRACKING HIS ESCAPE VEHICLE

When the family told detectives that the suspect left with the Jeep, the Area Commander asked them if the Jeep was with any devise and they said that a man used to come to them and he

•The suspect, Kelechi Williams detectives can establish the fact in that area was to make an entry.

The Commander then called the relations of the dead woman and asked if they have anybody in Ghana and they sad yes, they gave him his number, he discussed with him and asked him to meet his police friend there and that was how they incidented the case at the International police office. He gave them the coordinates on the tracking code and they were able to open up and follow up.

ARREST

When he got into Ghana, he went to a pastor to bless the car and he did and celebrated for having a new car with drinks handled the first car, that he must have equally handled the second car. I requested to see the man, we saw, discussed and he confirmed that there is a devise in the car. The Commander then opened his system and started tracking the vehicle.

He tracked it and discovered that it was in Ghana. From the tracking coordinates, he was able to deduce that the suspect was not settled from the indicators on the tracking, he was spending ten to 15 minutes in areas he visited.

That indicated that he was making moves, and because of that indication that he was spending less than 20 minutes and knowing that he was already having the information, the commander started monitoring the movement of the vehicle and advised that the vehicle should not be stopped because if the vehicle is stopped, he will have a firm idea that the vehicle was under a devise and was being tracked.

The commander continued monitoring the movement of the vehicle on the chat system. He now contracted one of his friends who is a Ghanaian Police officer that is serving at the intelligence unit of the Ghanaian Police, told him what was happening and he said the only way

That was how they discovered that the suspect was moving towards the border indicating that he was moving into Cote d' ivoire and eventually into Abidjan. That was how they started going into that area to arrange his arrest. The suspect did not know that he was being monitored and when he got into Cote d' ivore, he had a little problem with the vehicle tires. He successfully repaired the tires and decided to continue with the journey. He was all alone in the car and was confidently moving it to his destination.

He was then trapped by the information given to Cote d'ivoire border patrol police whom the Ghanaian officer related with. They accosted him and he was arrested and taken to Cote d'ivoire Interpol office.

CONTACT WITH DETECTIVES IN NIGERIA

They contacted detectives in Nigeria immediately, the Area Commander informed the Commissioner of Police, Lagos, Umaru Manko who directed him to follow up with Nigerian Interpol which he did immediately by contacting them on phone before following up with a letter.

The DCP in-charge of Interpol, Nwobodo quickly made a call to Abidjan and put them on notice that the suspect they arrested is wanted and on our trial.

They now said detectives from Nigeria should come over the next day.

TRIP TO COTE D'IVOIRE

The problem Nigerian detectives had was that Francophone and Anglophone legal systems differ to some extent. The francophone legal system arraigns suspects immediately after arrests. They

don’t detain as long as the Anglophone countries do here in Africa. They didn’t want to keep a suspect for long in Abidjan and for them to hand over to Ghana where the case was incidented they insisted the case must pass through Interpol. And because of that contact made in Ghana earlier, they were able to detain the suspect. As soon as detectives in Nigeria got that information, they got in touch with Ghana Interpol and flew in four detectives into Abidjan the next morning. They moved straight to their Interpol office and after the processes, the man was handed over to them. The suspect was intercepted at a junction called Abuasso in Cote d'ivoire. They eventually handed over to Ghanaian Interpol who moved him into their own area being that the case was incidented there.

IN GHANA

From there, officers from Nigeria proceeded to court in Ghana to endorse a warrant which they did. After that, they searched and recovered some of the properties of the woman in the suspect’s house in Ghana.

Thereafter, the Ghanain interpol handed the suspect over to their counterparts from Nigeria and they came back by road.

INVESTIGATIONS

From investigation, detectives discovered that the suspect was staying in South Africa where reliable information alleged that he equally murdered somebody and decided to flee. That was what made him to be hibernating in Ghana. Further more, they discovered that his eldest brother was killed for armed robbery in

Continued on page 43

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Vanguard , AUGUST 9 9, 2014—43

'How phone calls exposed suspect' tracking device and the indicators. That was how they were able to ascertain where he was at a given time before apprehending him. They achieved this through personal efforts in terms of logistics because the Area Commander is a forensic analyst and in forensic investigation which he mastered when he was in Bosnia and Herzegovina where he was trained in human rights investigation and establishment of coordinates. He equally did administration engineering in forensic analysis. This probably accounted for the success of this case. The Commander was interacting with the team sent to Ghana every 20 minutes and made more than sixty- five calls altogether in getting this case cracked.

ABOUT THE SUSPECT

•The late Njideka Lizzy Nzewe Continued from page 42 discovered that the suspect was staying in South Africa where reliable information alleged that he equally murdered somebody and decided to flee. That was what made him to be hibernating in Ghana. Further more, they discovered that his eldest brother was killed for armed robbery in Anambra. The immediate senior brother was equally killed about two months ago after he got himself involved in a case of kidnapping and the victim was killed after collecting some ransom.

Detectives therefore, deduced from this information that it runs in their blood and this is a family of killers.

They were equally reliably informed that the death of their father was celebrated in their village because he was alleged to be a notoriously cannibalistic person, a terror who was capable of eating fresh chickens alive after sucking their blood. That must account for a young man of 33, seeing such a huge lady with four children, brought her down and strangulated her up to the point of death.

Detectives are equally suspecting that he must have used drug to subdue the lady before strangulating her to death because looking at the lady, you cannot imagine how he was able to bring her down before killing her.

Further more, they suspect a pre-meditated action because of the issue of changing her passport to his own name. It shows he was all prepared prior to the time he was able to execute his action. This was a lady that was well known and she made a mark at Edmark by winning the highest prize of N37 million for her efforts in selling the product. She has a very big edifice in Satellite town, She owns exotic SUVs, She has two edifices at her hometown, Nnewi., Anambra State. She was a successful business woman and the killer is from neighboring Umuoji also in Anambra State.

DIVORCE WITH HUSBAND

Police handled a case between her and the husband over issues concerning marital problems sometime ago.

They have a subsisting divorce issue in court. Divorce had not been granted. They were still undergoing the process.

HOW THE CASE WAS CRACKED

It took detectives about seven days to crack this case.

They were able to accomplish this by having sleepless nights and working on the system because this was completely a forensic investigation and it had to do with tracking. So for you to crack such case, you should be able to know what is tracking and its coordinate’s, getting to know the coordinating signals coming from the C M Y K

The suspect told his life story: “My name is Kenechukwu William Mojekwu from Aguma village, Umuoji, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State. I was born in Umuoji in 1983 and went to primary school at Aguma Primary School in Umoji. I spent two years there before going to Aba where my senior sister was living and got into Good Shepherd primary Schooll in Uratta, Abia State. I finished there, came back to Anambra and started my secondary eduction at Our Ladys Secondary School, Nkpor. After that, I went to Nnewi to start apprenticeship on electrical sales.

After five years, I was freed and I opened my own shop there. I did it for six months before a friend who came back from South Africa encouraged me to seek papers and travel out for greener pastures. I came over to Lagos and was able to get my papers after which I traveled to South Africa in 2005. When I got to South Africa, before I could get engaged in any meaningful venture, the person I was staying in his house had a problem and when the police came for him, he disappeared and I was arrested together with one other friend staying there.

That was how we were deported to Nigeria after two months. We were not told what he did. After coming back to Nigeria, I later traveled to Abidjan, after six months I got there, I went into the sale of second hand clothes. I was coming to Ghana to buy clothes until war broke out in Abidjan and I shifted base to Ghana. After the war, I went back to Abidjan but could not get a place to stay, I

She held my manhood and I tightened the wrapper over her neck, she quickly released me but slumped lost a lot and that made me relocate finally to Ghana where I started loading and offloading goods including selling second-hand clothes. I was homeless and was sleeping in the church until I was able to save enough money to come back home and raised more money from members of my family. I then started taking goods from Nigeria to Ghana for sale.

HOW THEY MET

I got to know Lizzy during this period. I met her the first time at Hotel de Horses in Ghana, where she came to buy shoes. We met one day when I heard her speaking Igbo with some friends and we all exchanged pleasantries. We did not see again until February this year after I returned to Nigeria to see my mother. I went to Nnewi to see my sister whose husband died. I was going to eat when I saw her waiting for commercial motorcyclist, her face was familiar because she had changed a lot. I stopped and

greeted her after which I reminded her where we met and she was happy seeing me. We exchanged numbers after greeting and that evening, she called me to know where I was and I told her the name of the hotel, she came and stayed with me and later went back to their place that night. The next day. I visited her in her hotel and that was how we started serious relationship. She told me from day one that she was married but divorced. She also told me that she divorced because her husband impregnated their maid after all the sacrifices she made to make life comfortable for both of them. Initially, I wanted to know if she had children but she told me to forget that aspect then, that I would know at the right time. It was only when I visited her house in Lagos later that I met her children. I used to visit her each time I came from Ghana and she stayed in my house any time she came to Ghana.

She visited me in my village during one of those trips to Nigeria.

HER TRIPS TO GHANA

She usually spent one or two weeks in my house in Ghana and all my friends knew her as my wife. We never discussed marriage but she used to send messages saying that I was the man of her dream. Even her relations have been telling me to get interested in marrying her because she would take very good care of me, that a lot of people have disappointed her after she helped them. I must say that while the relationship lasted, I noticed that she was very rich. It became open to me the day she visited my village with an exotic SUV. Initially, I taught she was into drugs but later I found out that she worked hard for her money through business ventures. In fact, she was secretive over her business interests to me. The much I got to know was through her brother who was putting pressure on me to marry her. He kept on advising me not to break her heart because a lot of people had broken her heart in the past, that I should try to be a better husband than her former husband. She even encouraged me to expand my sales to Nigeria and went to the extent of opening a shop for me at Festac where I sell shoes bought from Ghana. She wanted to settle down in Ghana but I advised her to rather re-locate to America, that it will be better for her children. She was the one that invited me to Nigeria during this trip that resulted in her death.

•The recovered SUV.

GROWTH

WE are eight in a family, three boys and five girls. All the male issues had died except me. The first issue died when I was very small, I don’t know what killed him. The second died after my family quarreled with one native doctor over land dispute in my village. People believe the native doctor killed that my brother. Whatever they say about my father should be attributed to the olden days when men used to show power. None of my brothers was killed in Enugu over robbery or kidnapping. The rest of my sisters are happily married. Members of my family wanted me to marry one girl from our village but I did not love her. I impregnated a girl from Cote d'ivoire but we quarreled over my relationship with Lizzy after she found out about us. I swear, I did not kill her deliberately. After she came back drunk, because I must tell you, she likes drinks, she was hostile to me when I wanted to know why she stayed out long. She held my manhood and I tightened the wrapper over her neck.

She quickly released me but slumped. I examined her and noticed that she was dead. Perhaps, she died because she was dead drunk. The shock made me to flee. I was restless throughout my stay in Ghana after that. That was why I decided to flee to Cote d' ivoire to stay with that my girlfriend. I know I have done an abominable thing but I plead for mercy. I am the only son of my mother and she would die if she hears this (sobs...) This is the work of devil.

44—SA TURD AY 44—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , AUGUST 9 9, 2014

Words of wisdom

By Anthony Onuchukwu

Life style of some communities in Delta PHOTOS BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

Local kids returning from farm with loads of firewood in Idjerhe town

Nigeria Police packed in a hilux for an assignment

Three kids rowing home at Egwa II

A mobile riverine trader rowing home with her kids near Tsekelewu

Riverine kids enjoying a canoe voyage along Opuama river.

A passenger speed boat along Warri river

Creek dwellers returning home with canoe load of firewood at Chanomi creek

A woman returning from farm in Olomu with loads of cassava on her bicycle

1.He stands best, who kneels most (Lk 18:1) 2.Witnessing is more than what we say; it is what we are (Phil 1:27) 3.Strong drink produces weak character (Prov 20:1) 4.You invite trouble when you remember what you ought to forget 5.Seven days without church and prayer makes one weak 6.Religion will leave you silent but salvation will make you shout (Ps 106:48) 7.Those who fear God need not fear death (Ecc 8:8) 8.any calculation about the Lord’s return is a miscalculation (Matt 24: 32, 44) 9.he who has no money is poor, he who has nothing but wealth and money is even poorer (Prov 15:16) 10.If you want to feel rich, count all the things you have that money cannot buy (Ps 103:2) 11.Backsliding begins when knee bending stops (Deut 6:12) 12.if you don’t want to trade with the devil, stay out of his shop (Prov 16:25) 13.true greatness lies not in trying to be somebody; but in trying to help somebody (Jn 13:14) 14.you may give without loving but you can’t love without giving 15.God does not save us by grace so that we may in disgrace 16.No life is useless unless Christ is ruled out (Jer 18:4) 17.Praying is to the soul what breathing is to the body (Col 4:2) 18.how empty is the life filled with earthly possessions (Lk 12:15) 19.Forget cover up, sin brings fear, confession brings freedom 20.Today a reader, tomorrow a leader 21.to be right with God may cause us to be in trouble with men 22.Instead of giving up on a person, give the person to God 23.He who throws mud gets dirty hands 24.The Bible is bread for daily food, not a cake for a special occasion 25.Faith sees what eyes cannot see 26.Only seers are qualified to be overseers 27.You may serve God without loving him but you cannot love him without serving him 28.our trouble seems smaller when we remember the greatness of the Lord (Ps 118:6) 29.I am not interested, you tale bearer. Don’t tell me about others because one day you may tell others about me (Prov 26:20) 30.

Where no wood is, the fire goeth out, where there is no tale bearer, the strife ceaseth 31.To master this life spend time with the master 32.Only those who have a second birth will escape the second death (Rev 21:8) 33.We learn lessons in the school of suffering that we can learn in no other way 34.No man is poor who has a Godly mother and father (Ps 112:1-3) 35.Joy is by-product of obedience 36.Confession is soil in which forgiveness flourish (1Jn 1:19) 37.Salvation is not turning over a new leaf; it is receiving a new life * Elder Onuchukwu (07034437000), District Pastor, Holiness Evangelistic Church, wrote from Imo.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 — 45

T

to guide and provide oversight to the activities of HYPREP. A Monitoring and Sustainability Group in partnership with organisations from the United Nations (UNEP, UNDP, etc) will enforce compliance and sustainability.

Members of the TWGs are to be drawn from federal and State Agencies, Academia, the Oil Industry, and the communities.

So you can see there is nothing ad hoc or like a contraption about our initiative. This is a serious commitment to resolve a serious issue in a sustainable way.

he Minister of Pe troleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Ali son-Madueke speaks on renewed moves by the Federal Government to rev up environmental restoration work in Ogoni land in a chat with journalists in Abuja.

The issue of environmental degradation in Ogoniland has been a protracted one.

Their crusade for social justice appears to have merely created an intractable stalemate.

It is indeed a protracted challenge dating back several administrations. But I don’t agree that it is an intractable challenge. As with many other long standing unresolved issues in our polity, Mr. President has demonstrated the required political will and has put a road map of actions and engagements in place to move the Ogoniland challenge out of a stalemate situation.

The challenges had been escalated by an initial break down in trust but we have been able to create a broad base stakeholders involvement approach and have put a structure in place which we are presently aggressively fine tuning for the purpose of achieving remediation, restoration and reconciliation.

You may wish to recall that in July 2012, the President approved the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) as a Special Unit under the Ministry Of Petroleum Resources. HYPREP is the vehicle for the implementation of the actionable recommendations of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report on Environmental Restoration in Ogoniland.

I have signed the draft gazette for the establishment of HYPREP and it has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for publication. This document will provide the rule of law guiding the implementation of the UNEP Report.

How is Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) different from other government contraptions over the years?

The use of the word contraption may not reflect a grasp of how government works but the principal difference in our own initiatives is our sincerity of purpose and the solution-focused political will of this administration.

Having said that, you also need to know that the HYPREP intervention is private sector driven with funding from major Oil-Companies operating in Nigeria. Government’s involvement is to the extent of ensuring that funds released are judiciously utilized to fully ensure a robust implementation of the UNEP recommendations.

What are the United Na-

UNEP REPORT:

We’re tackling the Ogoni clean-up challenge with Sincerity of Purpose — Petroleum Minister tions’ pertinent recommendations for the short, medium and long term management of the Ogoniland environmental issue?

The report is in the public domain, I believe. For a start, there are clear suggestions as to institutional structures that will be required to administer remedial actions. The recommendations spread across government, public health, environmental, operational and community issues that need to be addressed. It’s a holistic approach which brings the views of all the stakeholders on board.

In addition, the report suggested eight emergency measures that must be taken during the ‘Transition Phase’ while the institutional framework for implementing the various recommendations is being put in place.

The UNEP initiated a survey of all drinking water wells around those wells where hydrocarbons were observed and arranged measures based on the results. Their recommendation includes: a) Ensure that all drinking water wells where hydrocarbons were detected are marked and

There are clear suggestions as to institutional structures that will be required to administer remedial actions that people are informed of the danger; b) Provide adequate sources of drinking water to those households whose drinking water supply is impacted; c)People in NsisiokenOgale who have been consuming water with benzene over 900 times the WHO guideline are recorded on a medical registry and their health status assessed and followed up; d) Post signs

around all the sites identified as having contamination exceeding intervention values warning the community not to walk through or engage in any other activities at these sites; e) Post signs in areas where hydrocarbons were observed on surface water warning people not to ?sh, swim or bathe in these areas; f) Inform all families whose rainwater samples tested positive for hydrocarbons and advise them not to consume the water; and g) Mount a public awareness campaign to warn the individuals who are undertaking artisanal refining that such activity are damaging their health.

The approved HYPREP structure provides for seven Technical Working Groups (TWGs) which will operate under the supervision of a National Coordinator who shall in turn report to me. I provided overall leadership for the restoration project.

Also, there is an Advisory committee , Chaired by my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Environment composed of Ministers/CEOs of stakeholder MDAs and members from other constituencies

What is the funding structure and time line for implementation?

The UNEP report recommended an initial capital of $1 billion contributed by the oil industry operators with prevailing interests in Ogoniland and the government to fund the remediation project. NNPC and the oil companies have agreed on a sharing ratio which I have approved as follows: a) Joint Venture Partners , - 80% b) The Re?neries - 5% c)Federal Government (through the 15% Ecological intervention Fund) As for timeline, environmental restoration is not an event.

It is a process that involves clean up, building of facilities and planting. Above all that, it involves engaging the communities and other stake holders and getting disparate views into a sustainable alignment before we even get the freedom to implement the remediation.

To this end, I wrote recently to Mr. Erik Solheim, the UNEP appointed special envoy for Ogoni Land on the need for a multi-stakeholder workshop on environmental assessment of Ogoniland UNEP report.

I believe the time has come to inject fresh urgency into this process and address collaboratively and collectively, how this might be progressed as a priority, to restore these lands and waters and to give the Ogoni communities fresh hope and opportunity. We would like the UNEP to facilitate the workshop. We hope to draw on the expertise of the relevant national and international agencies and the communities to construct a robust roadmap to deliver a comprehensive remediation programme. Delivery and restitution will be the focus of the workshop.

At this point, I want to ask about restoration for other Niger-Delta communities who have suffered similar ecological impacts. Are they on the radar?

Naturally, I am expecting that lessons from the Ogoni restoration work can be applied elsewhere in the NigerDelta and, indeed, other regions of the country that at any time face similar environmental degradation problems.

I want all hands on deck.

Please join us. We are counting on your support.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, August 9, 2014

RESCUE OF CAMEROON PRIME MINISTER’S WIFE

Nigerian military has proved impotent Only recently over 200 members of Boko Haram sect were alleged to have moved to one of the nation’s neighbouring countries, Cameroon and kidnapped the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Amadou Ali. Few days after the abduction, the Cameroonian Army in a successful operation, rescued the abducted deputy Prime Minister’s wife. The quick rescue came on the heels of over 200 Female students of Government Secondary Schoool, Chibok, Borno that have been held captive for 110 days now. With no arrest of those behind the kidnap of Chibok girls and no rescue of the girls by our security agencies, Saturday Vanguard sought to know what the action in Cameroun tells of our security agencies.

BY HENRY UMORU, INNOCENT ANABA, BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE, ONUZORE DANIA & JULIET EBIRIM Prof Itse Sagay, SAN I really do not want to draw conclusions on the rescue of wife of Cameroon’s Vice Prime Minister that was kidnapped by the Islamic

militant group Boko Haram because we do not know what was involved.

However, my view has always been that this country has not done the very best it can do about the Chibok girls, regardless of what has happened in Cameroon.

Our military has proved impotent, very impotent, regardless of what happened in Cameroon. Because Boko Haram can move anywhere and attack Chibok 20 times in one month and not one military confrontation with them. So, it is as if the military has given up as far as Boko Haram I am concerned.

And they are more interested in attacking civilians, who are unarmed rather than going to Sambisa forest.

Regardless of what happened in Cameroon, I think our military so far has failed.

What they have done is far from the standard of their training and expenses that we have invested in them.

Former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN It means that the Cameroonians have a clear strategy that is working; and that we should emulate what they are doing. It is quite a while that we have been expecting something to come out of the Chibok issue and nothing has happened.

So, if the Cameroonians can do it, I am sure that we can do it. So, the lesson to we Nigerians is that a small country like Cameroon can deal with the Boko Haram problem. We have always said that Nigeria is the giant of Africa, so there is no reason why we cannot do it.

It is just for us to really determine, with a very clear strategy, on how to deal with this Boko Haram issue without looking at it from religion, ethnic and political

point of view.. We just have to agree that we have to do it because we are all Nigerians and we are fighting for our kidnapped kids.

Chief Morah Ekwunoh No doubt, the cheery news of the Cameroonian military’s storming of Boko Haram’s den, and the prompt, precise, highly successful, commendable and exemplary rescue of their Prime Minister’s wife sends loud, clear and unmistakable message to their Nigeria military counterparts.

Compare that with the kidnap and detention by the same sect of our school girls from Chibok and you will feel for Nigeria.. No wonder we didn’t go to war over Bakassi.

The loud, clear and unmistakable message sent to our military is in clearly multidimensional and multifaceted terms of teaching, if not mocking us about their superior military suzette over and above us; I am shocked as to the overall messages sent to us by that singular display of their military prowess.

Cameroonian woman. In the process of rescuing her, 16 people were killed. The Chibok girls’ situation is different from hers. Do we start shooting? We are talking about over 200 girls here and if anything is going to be done, the girls have to come out live. They did not rescue her in Nigeria; she was rescued in Cameroon, if our Federal Government should use force, a lot of lives would be lost, it’s a gradual process.

Monday Ubani, former chairman of NBA, Ikeja branch The difference is that the Cameroonian government believed that someone was abducted and they swung into action immediately and the result is that within two days, the woman was rescued but in Nigeria, it was alleged

that there was no abduction until after 17 days. May be if the government had taken action, when it first happened, what we are seeing today, would have been a different story. The Cameroonian government put all the machinery that was

Our military has proved impotent, very impotent, regardless of what happened in Cameroon Mr Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa I am concerned that Nigeria has no will or intention to prosecute the war against Boko Haram or rescue our Chibok girls from the grip of the Islamic sect group. When you compare Nigerian Armed Forces with those of Cameroon in terms of resources and equipment available to Nigerian soldiers, there is no reason why Cameroon will overpower Boko Haram better than Nigeria can do.

“I believe that our leaders are just playing politics with the fate and destiny of our girls. As it is now, we need international help from the United States, European Union and United Nations to rescue the Chibok girls.”

Chief Uwazuruike, The situation here is not the same thing with that of the

necessary in place in order to rescue the woman.

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, coordinator lawyers in defense of democracy, has been controversial in issues relating to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP where

Cameroon Deputy Prime Minister, Amadou Ali he fought the then leadership of PDP under the PDP Stakeholders’ Forum which he headed.

The issue of Chibok girls abduction and the worsening security situation is a clear case of a nation that has completely failed in its basic responsibility of protecting lives and property. The insurgents are digging deep and on a daily basis, launching aggressive offensives

while we are on defensive tactics. Nigeria needs to take the upper hand before it gets too late and a sizeable number of our nation’s landmass will be occupied by these insurgents like in Iraq, Somali, etc. The inability of the security agencies to rescue the girls even when they claim that they know their whereabout is a clear indication of lack of the tactical, moral and leadership capacity to rescue the girls they have seen where they are being kept.

John Dara, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Kwara State and one time Presidential Aspirant of the National Transformation Party, NTP, is a delegate at the on going National

Conference.

“Our security agencies have solved many cases of kidnapping and abduction in the past, this one too will be solved. Crimes take time, efforts and resources to get solved, but most will be solved in the end. Our security agencies are not doing badly, given the resources at their disposal.”

Military Officer: A retired military officer who did not want his name mentioned, said, “Is all about intelligence gathering proficiency and operational precision.” . If the security forces should attack them without being tactical, we might lose the girls. It’s a dicey situation, except one expects the girls to be sacrificed. One has to be diplomatic in dealing with these terrorists, so we have to be tactical in order to bring them out safely. Nigeria is in the spotlight and any action or inaction will be commented upon. Remember, it took ten years to pin Osama Bin Laden down. Oliver Uzoma Okafor, Civil Servant.

Wale Adeyemi, Banker: This portrays the current Nigerian government in its real form. A form characterised by gross inefficiency and deceit. It’s a shame that a clique of renegades can be so brazen and powerful in the face of our federal might. The FG should hide their heads in shame for not being able to to rescue these innocents girls from these terrible lunatics after all these days. I admire the Cameroonian government for taking the bull by the horns and tackling this issue head on. -.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 9, 2014—47

BUSIness Flakes

LBS empower ouths empowerss yyouths with ttalent alent pr ogr amme progr ogramme Air tner oEnsure, Corner st one tto o L Airttel par partner tnerss Micr MicroEnsure, Cornerst stone launch free Insurance scheme in Nigeria I

n line with its vision to be the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians, leading telecom-munications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has collaborated with MicroEnsure and Cornerstone Insurance Plc, two prominent insurance providers, to launch a free insurance product which offers Airtel customers life and hospitalisation insurance with increasing benefits based on monthly airtime recharge.

The product, which is tagged Airtel Insurance is packaged to deliver affordable insurance services and encourage insurance culture among Nigerians. It is first of its kind in Nigeria and has been endorsed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). It is open to all Nigerian residents between the ages of 18 and 65 years. All they need to do is dial *259# to register for the service.

All hospitalisations are covered, both for natural and accidental causes, with no medical exclusions, making it the most widely accessible and generous free insurance cover in the country.

Airtel Insurance rewards loyal Airtel customers with a renewable monthly life and hospitalisation

cover based on the amount of monthly airtime recharged.

Customers can qualify for this insurance by recharging as little as N1,000 with Airtel each month, and as they increase their monthly recharge, they earn more insurance cover – with up to N 500,000 and N50,000 of life insurance and hospitalisation cover per month. Airtel Insurance becomes active on the first day of month following registration, and is based on the amount of airtime recharged the previous month, with a minimum monthly recharge of N 1,000 Customers also have a variety of packages to choose from. With a monthly recharge of N1,000 Airtel insurance gives the customer N10,000 hospitalisation and N100,000 life insurance while N5,000 recharge will earn customers as much as N25,000 hospitalisation and N250,000 life insurance. A N10,000 recharge will attract N50,000 hospitalisation and N500,000 life insurance.

Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa explained that majority of Nigerians especially the middle and low income earners in Nigeria

cannot afford most available insurance policies due to income levels and complicated insurance processes. He said the Airtel Insurance plan on the other hand was designed to make affordable insurance available to everyone in a simple manner.

“In line with our vision to enrich the lives of Nigerians and offer them quality services, Airtel Nigeria collaborated with two very reputable insurance organisations to package this innovative product which guarantees our customers quality, affordable and accessible insurance services”.

“MicroEnsure is proud to be leading the world as a mobile insurance provider, and this launch in Nigeria marks a milestone in free mobile insurance offerings,” commented Peter Gross, Regional Director for MicroEnsure Africa. “This combination of insurance products, all offered for free, is unprecedented in the industry here, and we take pride in introducing a cutting edge micro-insurance product here in Nigeria.”

Group MD of Cornerstone Insurance Plc,Mr. Ganiyu Musa, said, “Cornerstone is delighted to be at the forefront of providing truly innovative products and channels combinations that address the Nigerian situation. That we are grossly under-insured as a nation is very well documented; we are glad to be able to provide a platform for millions of financially excluded Nigerians to enjoy the benefits and peace of mind of insurance – for free, he said.

agos Business School recently boosted the ca reer prospects of some of the nation’s brightest youths with the maiden edition of the Young Talent Programme (YTP).

The programme, which will be organized on a yearly basis going forward, is aimed at building a relationship with budding talents in or out of the university and building a pipeline of future LBS faculty.

Dean of LBS, Dr. Enase Okonedo, regaled participants with her experiences as a young research assistant at LBS and how she rose through the ranks over time to assume her current role through hard work and dedication. Highlighting LBS’ aim to positively influence the practice of management in Africa and the world at large, she maintained that the School was a great place to work and encouraged participants to key into its vision as they make their climb up the career ladder.

With slide presentations, Professor Emeritus LBS/ Pan Atlantic University, Albert Alos, traced the history of the School from inception till date. He said the talent programme would empower participants with the skills to excel in their varying fields and enter the labour market well prepared with the tools to succeed.

Participants, on their part, had a guided tour of LBS facilities, case studies, networking opportunities and panel discussions with selected LBS staff on what a career at the School demands.

“I think participants are impressed with the stateof-the-art facilities we have here,” observed Dr. Uchenna Uzo, lead faculty on the YTP. “Conversations and mentoring are already taking place; some people already want to sign up for the MBA and PhD programme. So I’ll say by and large, the objective has been achieved.”

Indeed, participants lost no time eulogising the programme in so many words. Obinna Nnewuihe, a graduate of the UNILAG College of Medicine, observed that only a handful of business schools command as much clout as LBS does.

Signal Alliance par tner or partner tnerss Cisco ffor cust omer care ser vice solution customer service A

s part of efforts in keeping its leadership strides in quality service delivery to its numerous customers in various sectors of the economy, systems integration and solutions Provider Signal Alliance Limited,recently announced the introduction of the Cisco Smart Care Services, a services solution platform that fosters proactive infrastructure support services for customers.

During an industry presentation to announce this, Mr. Kingsley Nnamchi, Signal Alliances’ Presales Manager described the Cisco Smart Care Service as a unique, proactive services platform that allows Cisco products and solutions customers to take advantage of Cisco’s database of networking expertise, methodologies, technical tools, best practices and service infrastructure to create new, personalized and proactive support services for their networks.

According to Kingsley Nnamchi of Signal Alliance, Smart Care Service provides the capabilities needed to offer the network-level insight, proactive maintenance, and proactive network support services that customers require. He continued, “Imagine – as a network administrator with your usual tight work schedules - a situation where you are already aware of a network fault well before it occurs!

Imagine a scenario where you know about the latest updates/ patches needed for your sensitive security equipment that protect your infrastructure and services from unauthorized access and attacks. Clearly, this is a tool that takes the goal of achieving maxiC M Y K

mum infrastructure and services uptime to a whole new level. Smart Care services is miles ahead of the well-known SmartNet services, combining so many of the other Cisco products and services support modules to provide a robust, well-rounded total infrastructure backup for the enterprise business. From the onset of subscribing for the Cisco Smart Care service, the enterprise customer begins to grow and differentiate their businesses in the commercial marketplace.

With Cisco Smart Care Service, Signal Alliance can provide their customers with capabilities such as remote monitoring and repair of Cisco devices and software applications, proactive health checks and periodic assessments of Cisco Network of Data communications, Voice, Wireless and Security Technologies to identify potential issues, need for IOS updates, technical support for all Cisco hardware and software in the network with a single network-wide maintenance contract, new technologies and applications over time, Disaster Recovery services to back up the customer’s active devices. Furthermore, another uniqueness of the solution is in the high Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity capacity regardless of power fluctuations or outage. It is important to note here that this service positions a business much more for Business Continuity than just Disaster Recovery.

Mr. Nnamchi explained that “As we look at changes in the market by setting proactive services as the baseline experience, we always look at defining new and smarter service experiences as leaders in the industry, using the Cisco Customer Care Service as a perfect ground for driving proactive service capabilities which provides trusted visibility into customers business network’s health”. He went further to say that “this model shift will drive new levels of experience/lifetime value and accelerate the business’ ability to compete based on value rather than cost”.

The Smart Care Service that Signal Alliance is bringing into the market is targeted at specific customers. These include businesses that place high value on secure and highly available network, businesses whose network is critical to its operations, and businesses with minimal IT staff working with limited networking expertise.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

Yes! Nigeria can part peacefully •Buba Galadima fumes over derivation

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

E

ngr. Buba Galadima was the national secretary of the defunct Congress for Progress Change, CPC. He is also a member of the ongoing 2014 national conference in Abuja. In this interview with Vanguard, Galadima argued the basis for increment on 13 percent derivation to Niger Delta states, saying the conference would have voted on it than recommending for a

technical committee on the issue.

Excerpts:

Events in the country have instilled fear in the people that the 2015 General elections may not eventually hold, fearing more that Nigeria may disintegrate. Do you share in this fear?

You see, I raised this issue at the national conference. If anybody wants Nigeria to disintegrate, why don’t we sit on the table at the national conference and divide it, let everybody pick his piece and go peacefully.. Why do we have to kill ourselves? Why should anybody want to force himself to be president? Let’s leave it for Nigerians to chose who they want. I have never seen any country in the world where soldiers are deployed during elections except in Nigeria and I have never seen where the police take sides or carry arms during elections.

All these things are happening because those in authority are not sure that the people will willingly, voluntarily vote for them.

Talking about the conference, many people are surprised that the conference couldn’t reach a compromise on derivation. Why recommend the setting up of a technical committee for this when the conference has the mandate solve it?

You see, I do laugh at some Nigerians. When it suits them, they talk of international best practices. When it suits them, you guys talk of what is obtained in America, Europe, in this and that. But if it does not suit them, they now talk of the Nigerian factor because they want to cheat one group. The conference was set up under certain rules which we have all agreed and subscribed to. And the rules of procedure say that as much as possible, all decisions should be arrived at through consensus. And when consensus fails, it should be resolved democratically through voting. And in the elections when you want to change a position, you must obtain 70 percent plus of the delegates for you to actualize that position. So, what stopped Kuitigi who was a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, from following the rules? Does he have any inherent interest into what is happening? Himself and his deputy, What is their interest? Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is an international diplomat and former foreign minister of Nigeria, he should have known better that at the end of everything, that the majority can have their way but the minority must have their say.

Let me come back to the issue of

Buba Galadima derivation. I was a member of the committee on devolution of power and resource control. We arrived at a decision that was acceptable to all.

And there was a reason for arriving at that decision. When I wanted to speak why did Kutigi block me?

Why did Akinyemi block me? It could be because it was a rule that committee members didn’t have the right to speak when their report was being considered at plenary.

Which part of the rules of procedure states that?

It was not there but it was an unwritten convention delegates agreed on. I was there when that decision was taken.

So, why didn’t anyone raise objection on the issue earlier?

Because, it was not part of the rules. If it was part of the rules, we would have objected it and asked that we go for division. It was not.

So, on this one, I am on the right

path more than Kutigi and Professor Akinyemi and they know that. They know that some of us will not fear them as not to speak our minds. Let me go back to the committee. The committee made recommendation to the plenary that we should adopt status quo and thank God you know a lot of members on that committee.

In fact, except for one person, Ankio Briggs and I respect her for that because even at the committee level, she held her guns and refused to sign the report and refused even to participate in the group photograph.

But all these bigs names, Professors, they almost knelt down before us that we should maintain the status quo for the stability, security of the Nigerian nation. And they likened the status quo to this: they said if we change the status quo, it is akin to a mother breast-feeding her two months old baby and she suddenly put off the milk from his mouth, you know that that baby will continue to

cry and cry. Therefore, let’s leave the sleeping dog lie. Because we advanced an argument which they could not faulter and we arrived at a decision as currently constituted in the stauotus quo. The Niger Delta people or the states where we explore oil get about 47% of the revenue generated from oil. And we had put the figures before them.

They benefit from 9 agencies of government that make them get 47 percent. One of the agencies of government is the 13 percent. The second agency of government is the offshore which legally does not belong to them because there is a judgment of the supreme Court.

Kutigi sat on that judgement. That is why I laugh when I look at him and he pretends to be a tough judge. I just laugh when he is posturing. He can’t eat his cake and have it. He ruled at the supreme Court level that these people are not entitled to this and now he wants them to benefit through the back door. What is it that influenced him to change his mind from the day they delivered that judgement till now that he is the chairman of the conference? You people should ask him.

The offshore/onshore was decided by the supreme Court, one, and politically agreed under the chairmanship of chief Anthony Anenih when Obasanjo set up a committee to look into that matter; when pressure became too much on him from Obong Victor Attah who incidentally was also a co-chairman of the devolution and resource control committee. All these people shouting at plenary, they didn’t do one percent over one million percent of what Attah did to obtain onshore/offshore dichotomy abolished. Why did he agree?

So, Anenih and his committee recommended (we have the papers) to Obasanjo that what we should do to tamper with the supreme Court judgement and bring a political solution is that we will allow the litoral states to take 13 percent of the oil up to the depth of 200 meters. If you remove the offshore, it means automatically the offshore contributes 48 percent of the oil money accruing to the nation.

So, the 13 percent could have been calculated on the 52 percent. Then the ministry of Niger Delta where the colossal amount of wealth is been pumped and shared to people. Then, the Amnesty where some of us are even accusing that they are using the amnesty programme to train people in military, air force and naval activities. Colossal amount of money.

Then the PDTF where all the scholarships are given to only people from the Niger Delta and all the their intervention projects are in the Niger delta. Then, you have the local contents where all the oil companies give money to the communities, do projects, employ people from the communities. Then, NDDC where the federal government contributes 10 %, the oil companies contribute 15 percent and the host state contributes 10 percent. So, when you bring all these together, the oil producing states end up getting about 47 percent of the local revenue. When it is hiked up to 18 percent, what will be the losses on other states of the federation? As I am talking to you, some states in the south south have so much money that they don’t don’t know what to use it for. And I want to specifically

Continues on page 49

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014—49

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

lhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo is the leader of Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Force and former National President, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC. In this brief interview, the freedom fighter picks holes with the concessions South South and South delegates to the 2014 national conference made at the conference with regards to resource control and derivation principle. He says, there was no basis for that.

Confab: There is no basis for

negotiation on resource control — Dokubo-Asari

What’s your take on the many decisions of the national conference?

I supported the convocation of a National Conference because it provides an opportunity for us to talk. I find it very difficult to believe the positions and concessions the people from the South-South and South-East made at the conference.

The resources of the people of the South belong to the people of the South and the oil-producing communities. There is no way they can share these resources equally. I believe in the totality of the ownership of the resources by the oil-bearing communities and as such, there is no basis to negotiate it. The scenario is very disgraceful and shameful for those who claim to represent us to negotiate with people who have no locus to talk on those issues.

The conference was deadlocked on derivation and resource control.

What’s your view on the matter?

I don’t believe in resource control.

I believe that in the right of every nation to self-determination and with self-determination, then everything will fall in place. Resource control is just a small fraction of selfdetermination. Many people are independent. They control their destinies; In fact their destinies are in their hands and they can decide what to do with their resources.

Nobody is going to Saudi Arabia to ask of how they manage their resources. We have the 100 per cent right to control our resources and that is not negotiable. The only usefulness of the conference is to discuss, know and see the position held by these people. We thought they have changed, but they haven’t changed. They are looking for war.

The war they are looking for, they will get it and we are watching them. It happened to them in Central African Republic, they want it here and they are pushing the people.

On devolution of power On the issues of devolution of powers as far as I am concerned, the British colonialists who fraudulently conspired and contrived this entity called Nigeria and conscripted all of us into it made it a federation. When they left, there were four constitutions. There was a constitution in Lagos for the Federal Government and constitutions for the three regions. When later Midwestern region was carved out of the then Western region, it had its own constitution. So at the time of the first military coup, we had in operation five constitutions. So for anybody who say the status quo should be maintained, there was no basis

Dokubo

for that. If we are to accept Nigeria as a sovereign state which for me is fraudulent, and has no basis to stand up, for the benefit of living together as people, we must show respect for each other. We know

that Fulanis are not from this part of the world. They are immigrants from Futta D’Jallon, killed while passing through different places and came to commit several genocides against the indigenous people of this part of

the world, against the Hausa, Nupe, Gbagi, Ebira and super-imposed their alien kingdom on the indigenous people of this part of the world.

If there are people condoning and accepting them, there is no basis for us, Ijaw people, Igbo, Ibibio, Efik to accept them. If the Yoruba of Ilorin are accepting them, the Hausa of Kano are accepting them, Nupe of Bida are accepting them, Gbagi are accepting them, there is no basis for us to accept them. It is an affront on all that we hold dear to us that foreigners will be dictating to us how we will be living our lives in our God-given lands.

These people are foreigners. When Usman Dan Fodio commenced the genocide against the Hausa, Gbagi and Nupe, it was just between 18051808. We cannot just forget this bloody history of these people who came to dispossess us our natural patrimony.

Today, the insurgency in the North is premised on the need for power to remain in their hands. Does it sound moral? Does it sound reasonable that a Fulani man will leave wherever he comes from and go to Jos and claim the land of the Berom and insists that he must rule the Berom? How does it sound for the Fulani man to go to Gboko and insist that he must have a grazing reserve? So an Hausa man go to Guinea and Futta D’Jallon to own a farm land? Why should we always condone all these unreasonable issues? Yet, they want grazing reserves in Tiv lands. They want to rule over the Berom and Lantang in Plateau. Why are they over reaching their bounds? Why do they think they have monopoly of violence? I am an Ijaw man and a good Muslim brother. All of us will pray together and do everything together.

Yes! Nigeria can part peacefully Continues from page 48 mention Akwa Ibom where the governor is busy deploying free funds in impeaching Governors all over the nation? And I want to say that the entire money gotten by south East for May is only N20 billion while Akwa Ibom alone got N22 Billion and let me say that Akwa Ibom does not have one single oil well on its soil and people now say the north is against derivation. I want to say no, it is not the north because delegates of Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo; ten states from the south are all against the increase of derivation from 13 percent.

So, for you to erroneously promote the view that the north was against the south south; these are the people we liberated from the Eouth East. They should be told. Is it because they have transient power? They have got mouth? Was it not Edwin Clarke who was lying flat at Benin Airport in the 70s to receive Gowon and that sycophancy made him to be appointed a Minister when Enahoro resigned? Do you think people forget or don’t know?

They have mouth now to abuse the north? What I pity is those

northerners who think they are working in consonant with them so that some sections of the north will be obliterated. They are doing what the Hausa people say chew a stone so that the grain will be afraid. When they finish with those they so promote and castigate, it is the people in the middle belt who they accuse of having killed them during civil war that they will now attack.

How would you have felt if the conference had called for a division, then bring ballot boxes and you were called to queue and cast your votes on an issue? Would that have augured well for Nigeria and her unity?

Ah, ah! You know I will be the first person to queue because we agreed on the committee. Why didn’t Victor Attah who was the co-chairman speak to disown our report? There was a report. They needed 70 percent to jettison that report but I want to assure you that if we voted and those of us, pro-status quo didn’t get 85 percent, then we would concede that they have won in what ever percentage they get.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014

IS THIS A FAIRY-TALE OR REAL?

Orubebe on how he became a minister and how he hopes to govern Delta

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BY EMMA AMAIZE, Regional Editor, South-South

INCE Elder Godsday Orubebe left his job as Minister of Niger Delta, early this year, to pur sue his craving to become the governor of Del ta State in 2015, many controversies have leaped on why he threw in the towel, why he is gunning for the seat, his performance as minister, camaraderie with South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who had publicly kicked against his aspiration. As if clearing the air on the polemics before the state People Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial primaries, Orubebe opened up on these, East-West Road and more in this interview with Saturday Vanguard at his riverside Ogbobagbene country home in Burutu Local Government.

Gossips about contracts I became a Minister in 2007 and for three years, I never had the opportunity of awarding a single contract. I was writing memos, reading files. The over six years that I spent as a Minister, I only had the opportunity to look into contracts for about three years. The three years and three months, I was reading memos and writing things, I had no opportunity of awarding a contract of even N10,000. I had no idea about contracts.

When Chief Ufot Ekaette left as Minister, I became the Minister of State in acting capacity and I became full minister in 2011 and the only programme I had was the East-West Road. The contract had been awarded before I came in.

Obasanjo and the East-West Road It was awarded in 2006 by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo regime, that is a road of over 338 kilometers and the cost is over N340 billion. Now, Obasanjo awarded this project and provided only N1.2 billion. There were no designs, no drawings. You can see the problem of the Ministry of Niger Delta. It is a ministry of sacrifice and it is one project ministry. I went to the drawing board and after looking at things; I went to the President and told him three things we needed to do.

One, we have to complete the drawings and designs of that road, two, we have to look for money outside government, three, we need a framework with the contractors on how to complete the road. The president told me I should go ahead, so the designs and drawings were completed in 2011 and we realized that the road had 42 bridges spanning from 70 meters – 850 meters and over 1,040 culverts and you have to create earth before you do some part of the road. I went to the Africa Development Bank, ADB, to take loan, got some money from SURE-P, called the contractors and told them to work and we started work. When I was leaving, a journalist asked me what is going to happen to East-West Road, I told them East-West road would soon be completed.

Nobody will stop it and that by the end of May, the entire earth work would have been completed.

Well, last month (July), I went through the road, the entire earth work as I said had been completed, what is left is this rainy season, after the rains, you can count few months from November and East-West road will be completed.

Employment Again, as Minister of Niger-Delta, I had the singular opportunity to employ 360 graduates of Niger Delta origin, which means that in the next 15 years, we are going to have some permanent secretaries from Niger Delta that will be supporting affairs of decision making at top levels in this country. It has not been done by any

minister in this country, I did it.

Edge over others As a former Minister of Special Duties at the federal level, I supported the President by clearing his table, so I know what it means to relate with the presidency, I know what it means for a state to relate with federal ministries and bring what is due to a state to the state and Delta will not lack that with me as governor. As Minister of National Planning, I was responsible for planning for Nigeria and had the opportunity of inviting some of the best brains in Nigeria to work on the Vision 2020 document, which is about bringing Nigeria to be one of the 20 top economies in the world. So if I could plan for Nigeria, Delta state is a fragment of Nigeria, I can plan and do better in Delta state.

Delta of my dream The Delta of my dream is a Delta where our people believe in hard work, self-confidence and fear of God to achieve things in life. You do not need to have a godfather to get to the top. I want our young ones, our children to have these three virtues of life, I do not want any young man in the state to feel that I need to be close to Orubebe. I have to be born by Orubebe, I need to be born by Uduaghan, I need to be close to so and so person before he can become something in Delta state. I was the opposition leader in the state before the former governor, Chief James Ibori, made me his Adviser on Urban and Regional Planning. I put put together what is called today in Delta State the Urban Renewal Law. The road map to my development of the state is ready. I invited some of the best brains in the state to Lagos and I spoke to them for three days about my dream for the state, and over the months, we have been working on that document. That document, Orubebe’s Road Map to the development of Delta state will come out between now and December.

How God made me minister God revealed to me that Obasanjo will be president in

Orubebe

God revealed to me that Obasanjo will be president in 1998, He sent three angels to tell me and on that day too, He also told me I was going to be a minister, but I did not know the ministry 1998, He sent three angels to tell me and on that day too, He also told me I was going to be a minister, but I did not know the ministry. The angels showed me a map of the old Niger Delta and a new Niger Delta and one day, a top politician from the northern part of the country came and was taunting me over the map of the Niger-Delta in my office and when he asked me, I told him God is going to create a Ministry of Niger Delta, he laughed the more, but two days after, he was sacked and the then President, Umaru Yar’Adua created the Ministry of Niger-Delta. Indeed, God bypassed protocol in making me a minister after revealing it to me in 1998 as I said earlier. In 2007, He asked me to prophesy at the gates of Abuja that the then President, late Alhaji Umaru Yar’ Adua should make me a minister. Meanwhile, after speaking to

the gates, my friends came and I told them I was going to be a minister and from thenceforth, they should be addressing me as Honourable Minister, they were laughing at me, saying how can? Uduaghan and Ibori will never recommend you. And when the first list came, my name was not there and they were laughing at me and I told them because of me, a special list would be released. So one night, Yar’Adua could not sleep, he woke up in the morning and called the current President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who was his deputy then and told him that he wanted to appoint six Ministers without passing through the governors. He asked him to bring names from the South-South. Goodluck went to his room and was thinking about a young man from Bayelsa state, he heard what God was saying and told him I know one man, his name is Orubebe. That is the journey to my becoming a minister.

People have this impression that you were corrupt while in office, can you tell us what the EFCC has against you?

You know in Nigeria, anyone who has a political appointment is deemed to be a corrupt man, but I told people that politics is not a corrupt activity; it is individuals that are corrupt. It is about governance and what should be given to the people. And I tell people, Orubebe is not corrupt, I went into government as a Christian. I was not influenced by money, and I came out even more fired as a Christian. In Nigeria, people generally believe that once you are close to the president, you can you use the closeness to do all kinds of things. But I refused to be tempted to do anything and I say by 2015, there is a testimony I am going to share. I was minister for six years and I have just told you that for three years, three months, I was just reading newspapers, reading files, reading memos. You remember there was a time somebody made a publication that I awarded contracts of N29 billion, paid all the money and the contracts were not in existence when, in actual fact, the contracts that were awarded were just about N6 billion. Out of the N6 billion, the mobilisation fee that was available for the contractors was about N900 million. I took about 50 journalists to visit all the project sites, gave them all the contract papers, they came and they saw everything and published their reports that the person lied. Ministry of Niger Delta is not a contract-awarding ministry. I can tell you that the EFCC has nothing against me.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , A UGUST 9 AUGUST 9, 2014—51

Omole residents sue Lagos govt over housing project O

n August 4th, 2014, last Mon day to be precise, residents of Omole Phase II Estate, in Ojodu area of the state, staged a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging that the state government was breaking its own laws by erecting high rise structures in the area they had ruled would only be for low density buildings. They accused government of impunity in its action on the erection of four floor buildings expected to accommodate 24 families within Estate.

The building scheme, tagged, Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, Lagos HOMS, is one of the many affordable accommodation projects Lagos State Government has embarked upon to increase housing for Lagos residents.

The residents association in their protest also alleged that government had refused to respond to the issues

raised in their protest letters earlier sent. Spokesman of Omole Phase II Estate, Dr. Nick Idoko, blasted government for its insensitivity, impunity and utter disregard to the residents.

According to him: “Government is acting with impunity by disregarding the extant status of which the estate was established where it was stated that the scheme was for low density area and not the high density structures government is now putting up.”

He recalled that at a time some owners had wanted to erect buildings with floors they were stopped y government which claimed it was against approved plan for the area. “How come same government now erected a four-floor building without considering implications of their action. In a civilised society this can not happen.”

Court case Idoko who added that the matter is

already in court, accused government of haven frustrated the court process as the case had been stalled.

He explained: “Yes, we are in court, we went to court when they started the project but along the line the trial Judge was elevated to the Appeal Court and since then the case is yet to be reassigned by the court.

“At least, as the case is still in court government should maintain status quo. We went to court when all avenues to get the listening hear of relevant authorities failed.

Govt stance However, state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, , Olutoyin Ayinde, at a press briefing, in reaction to the development, said the government had done nothing wrong by constructing the blocks of flats to accommodate 24 families on the abandoned parcel of land within the estate which aimed at enhancing accommodation for the teeming populace of the state.

Greenland Estate residents raise alarm over police harassment STORIES BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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ome residents of Green land Estate located on ki lometer 42 along LagosIbadan Expressway Agbodi, have protested the continued harassment of Police officers from Ibafo Police Division.

A resident of the estate who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, Rapheal Ojo, revealed that the policemen who were always operating in a white Hilux pick-up van with inscription MTN Foundation were in the habit of threatening residents with guns.

He noted that the location of the estate, which is a Lagos/Ogun boundary, exposes residents to the menace of the police and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officers.

According to him, residents who are mostly workers in Lagos are often faced with serious challenges coming into the estate after work.

Another resident, Ade Ajayi, who had also been a victim of the police harassment noted that in most cases the FRSC officials in the axis were even more reasonable than the police.

“You need to see where we usually drive through; we drive off the expressway very close to the bush and it

is often marshy. No motorist will be happy driving through such path because the vehicle could get stuck but we have no choice. We still bear the

cost of damage on our vehicles, yet these officers use the opportunity to extort from us.

Gov Fashola

Fashola approves solar power for Lagos schools

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overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has approved the provision of solar power to all public schools in the state even as 134 junior and senior secondary schools won a total sum of N268 million in this year ’s Governor’s Award under the Lagos Eko Project. Fashola, who announced this at the award ceremony in Ikeja, said the State Executive Council approved a pilot project of providing solar power in all the public schools in the state, adding that 172 schools would benefit in the first phase which will run between August and May next year.

According to him, the first phase of the project, which is broken up into two sub-phases, will see about 35 schools in the riverine and rural areas of the state fully lit up and powered by solar power before the end of this year. Noting that government would be decommissioning over 800 generators in all the public schools by the time the project is finished, Fashola informed that the state Water Corporation is also working to install pipelines for direct water supply to 600 schools in the state “as a first phase of ensuring that all our public schools get direct water supply”.

Fashola explained that his focus on electricity for the up-coming generation as the way forward was based on his belief that if their capacity is developed at this level, they would be able to improve the nation’s power sector adding that it is the lack of electricity that is keeping Nigeria in poverty.

52—SA TURD AY 52—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , A UGUST 9, 2014 AUGUST

Ebola Stricken US missionary staff ‘improving’ after taking experimental serum

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s the health of two Ebolastricken American mis sionaries deteriorated late last month, an international relief organisation backing them hunted for a medical miracle. The clock was ticking, and a sobering fact remained: most people battling the disease do not survive.

Leaders at Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based Christian humanitarian group, asked officials at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) whether any treatment existed – tested or untested – that might help save the lives of Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, who both contracted Ebola while helping patients in Liberia.

The CDC put the group in touch with National Institutes of Health (NIH) workers in West Africa, where staff knew about promising research the US government had funded on a serum that had been tested only in monkeys.

“Our staff in Liberia knew about the research and flagged it for the religious groups,” said Anthony

Fauci, director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Within days, doses of the unproven treatment had made their way in frozen vials across the ocean and were administered to Brantly and Writebol. “This so-called experimental serum is a cocktail of antibodies that have the capability of blocking the virus,” said Mr Fauci.

“The physicians in charge of the patients’ care made a risk-benefit decision. The risk was less than the potential benefit.”

While it is too early to say whether the treatment saved the lives of the two missionaries or slowed the disease’s progression enough to allow them to return to the US for care, some reports have suggested that Brantly and Writebol were “improving” after receiving it.

Palmer Holt, a spokesman for Service in Mission, a Christian relief group that employs Nancy Writebol, said she has had “good days and bad days”. But he added that while her condition was worsening on 30 July, the day before

she first received the treatment, she seemed to stabilise in the days that followed.

Ahead of her arrival at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta today, she had received a second dose of the serum. “She’s showing improvement,” said Mr Holt via

EBOLA ALERT!

Okada riders at risk —MDCAN • Suggests 10 Ways To Contain Spread.

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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HE Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, has raised the alarm that okada riders could be at risk in the spread of the Ebola virus, through body contacts for those who commute in commercial motorcycles.

MDCAN in a statement faulted governments communication on prevention approaches that lays emphasizes only on handshake and contact with body fluid of those already tested positive for the virus, hat has so far claimed over 900 people in the West African sub-region.

MDCAN in the statement signed by the President Dr Steven Oluwole and Assistant Secretary General , DR A Adesokan, made available to journalists in Abuja further put forth ten ways for consideration by government to contain the spread of the virus.

The Statement warned that, “Approach of prevention, which centred on avoidance of handshakes, ignores that the modes of transportation in Nigeria, which include crowded buses and motor bikes

encourage intimate body contacts that exceed handshakes.

MDCAN further highlighted areas it regarded as knowledge and action deficit in dealing with the disease, saying, “Rigorous contact tracing were not instituted after the index case was identified in Lagos; Failure to model that infected health workers in Lagos may

have transmitted to contacts whilst shopping, commuting, or recreating; Failure to model that contacts of Ebola cases in Lagos may have travelled to any other region in the country; No evidence of establishment of Ebola management centres in all regions of the Country; No evidence of procurement and distribution of safety equipments to protect staff;

Cholera claims 11 lives in Borno

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EALTH officials in Borno said yesterday that death toll from suspected cholera outbreak at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Biu, Biu Local Council had risen to 11.

About five people were last week confirmed dead following the outbreak of the disease at the camp. The Principal Medical Officer at Biu General Hospital, Dr Edward Diga, told a team of officials from the Borno State Ministry of Health that the epidemic had claimed more lives. Diga said, “we treated about 325 cases at the hospital, unfortunately, 11 people died out of the number. We still have about 30 people on admission, while the rest have been treated and

discharged.” Diga blamed the rising spread of the disease on the influx of IDPs from camps due to the Boko Haram attacks on the villages.

“Mass movement of displaced persons from surrounding villages to Biu caused by insurgency attack has actually worsened the spread of the disease. I wish to commend the state government for its timely intervention and support toward curtailing the spread,’’ he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Salma Kolo, who was represented by Dr Lawi Mishelia, the director of Public Health, said the team was at the camp to present drugs and other essential items provided by the government.

email. “She is walking with assistance... strength is better... has an appetite.”

There is no approved cure for Ebola and no proven vaccine to prevent the disease. Part of the problem has been a lack of interest from drug companies, given

that Ebola has affected relatively few people.

The drug cocktail the two Americans received, known as “ZMapp”, was developed by the San Diego company, Mapp Biopharmaceutical. It is manufactured in Kentucky using fast-growing tobacco plants, which act as “photocopiers” to produce proteins that are extracted from the plants and processed into the drug, said a spokeswoman for Kentucky BioProcessing, the firm that works with Mapp.

The medication builds on previous efforts to develop anti-Ebola drugs. According to a 2012 study in the journal Science Translational Medicine, four monkeys survived after receiving a precursor of ZMapp a day after being infected with the Zaire strain of the virus, the one that is currently infecting West Africans. In another group, two out of four monkeys survived when given the drug 48 hours after infection.

ZMapp was first identified as a drug candidate in January, and very little of it is available. Mapp said it and its partners “are cooperating with appropriate government agencies to increase production as quickly as possible”.

Last week, federal officials announced that they have fasttracked development of an Ebola vaccine and plan to start formal human trials next month. The potential vaccine has shown encouraging results in primates.

Culled from The Independent

TERRORISM: We will not forgo an inch of Nigerian territory —Jonathan

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GAINST the backdrop of concerns being expressed over the alleged capturing of territories in the North East by the Boko Haram terrorists group and the hoisting of their flags in many ‘conquered’ communities, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed that the country will not compromise its sovereignty forgo any inch of its land in the face of current security challenges.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 22 Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, the President said government had taken a deep look into the fledging position

and environment of terrorism in Nigeria and its extremely destructive and social economic impact, and consequently, government had initiated a number of programmes and dedicated platforms to alleviate the suffering of the people towards recovery.

Represented by Defence Minister, Lt. General Aliyu Gusau, he said, “We have made some gains against the adversary. We face an unspeakable evil and we must confront it with all our national endowment. And as a government, we will not compromise our sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Nigeria”.

Police withdraw politicians security aides

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HE Police, yesterday, withdrew all the police officers attached to political office holders in Osun State, saying no voter would be allowed to go to the poling booth with police orderly or any security aide..

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Osun Governorship election, Mr Augustine Evbakhabokun disclosed this at a press conference in Osogbo.

Evbakhabokun noted that the

Police had concluded arrangements to ensure security of lives and property during and after the election and warned all voters to stay away from the polling centre after exercising their franchise, saying any individual found with implicating material will be dealt with in accordance with the electoral laws.

However, he denied knowledge of any arrest made by the Police in connection with the governorship election.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 9, 2014 —53

C M Y K

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 9, 2014

‘Oh God, what have I done to deserve this treatment’ marked However, Thomas rethat she was not

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ORMER junior athlete, Goodness Thomas has lamented the seeming neglect of local tal-

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LESSING Okag bare might have had her moments at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by winning a sprint double but as the African Championships, starting tomorrow in Marrakesh, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire’s Murielle Ahouré will be keen to outshine Okagbare in the race of who emerges Africa’s fastest runner in Africa.

Ahouré is power packed and she more than anyone can prove to Okabgare, that she is a worthy challenger. Their anticipated clash is undoubtedly the major highlight of the African championships.

At the 2012 edition in Porto Novo, Benin Republic Okagbare was denied the glory by Gabonese Ruddy Zang Milama.

However, in Morocco, bustling with a new found form, Okagbare the African record holder at 10.79 seconds needs to prove that her Glasgow exploit was not a fluke by beating Ahoure who denied her a chance to win a medal in the women 100m and a better placing in the 200m

African championships: It’s Okagbare vs Ahoure! at last year ’s World Championships in Moscow,, Russia.

Okagbare has the second fastest time of 10.85, which she clocked in Glasgow, while Ahoure has 10.98. Other Nigerian athletes are also itch-

ing to go and from all reckoning Athletics Federation of Nigerian officials are expecting another successful run in Morocco. ‘’We are going to Morocco to retain the title. We shall clear the sprints medals and also pick a mini-

mum of two gold medals from the four at stake in the hurdles. I know that the competition will be stiff in the throws with the Egyptians and the Algerians expected to prove difficult but Queen Obisesan and Chinwe Okor can win gold ” said hurdles coach Gad Onumegbu.

Power sprint… Cote d’Ivoire’s Murielle Ahoure and Blessing Okagbare slugging it out

NFF Continues from BP and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo in his Abuja office yesterday.

The case against the re-

tention of the LMC, according to those championing its dissolution is that it was being run like a private business and not in line with the statutes of the

Champions League: Arsenal draw Besiktas T HE draw for the final spots in this year ’s UEFA Champions League group stage took place in Nyon, Switzerland yesterday, which saw a number of Euro-

pean heavyweight sides paired off with each other.

In arguably the biggest match-up, Premier League side Arsenal will need to overcome Turk-

Green, Ahmed

C M Y K

Continues from BP Thursday, suspended by the NFF from football activities for six months and one year respectively for anti-board activities.

According to the appeal letter to the Chairman Appeals Committee, dated 7th August, the duo said that their suspension was unlawfully.

Consequently, they have asked the Appeals Committee to expedite action on their case, arguing that six members do not make up the required number to place a ban on them.

The letter titled “Joint appeal against the decision taken by six members of the NFF 13-member executive Committee” reads

in part: “That these six members Executive Committee erred by not informing the appellants of the said allegation or given notice of meeting to members at least seven clear days before Executive Committee meeting in contravention of article 35(3) of NFF statutes.

“The said allegations were not listed in the agenda for the meeting where the members were suspended.

“The six-man Executive Committee members did not give the said suspended members fair hearing and the decision for the suspension was not based on any evidence before the same body.

ish outfit Besiktas to secure their participation in Europe’s elite club competition this year.

The Istanbul-based team, who recently brought in Chelsea striker Demba

Ba, finished third in the Turkish League last season, and will be hoping for victory against the Gunners, who ended the 2013/14 League campaign in fourth.

Falconets

Continues from BP at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Dedevbo watched his troops come from a goal down to draw Mexico in their opener on Wednesday and ahead of tonight’s crunch game against Korea,w ho were also held to a 1-1 draw

by England, said t only a victory would be good enough for the Falcionets in their bid to progress to the next round of the competition.

Speaking with FIFA.com, Dedevbo said his players must improve in all departments, adding that he they must learn from the mistakes they made

against Mexico.

“There are some matches that, although you expect to win, you can’t manage to do so, and I’m a little bit dissapointed today. But it was a good fight between the two teams. I have to say that Mexico’s goalkeeper, Cecilia Santiago, is impressive and produced a good performance today. Looking ahead to the next match I want to work on every position on the field goalkeeper, defence, midfield, but the most important thing we need to improve on is our finishing. We must be clinical against Korea”, said Dedevbo.

ents in preference of foreign-based athletes by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Thomas, a distinguished junior athlete ,made the team to the Commonwealth Games and the African Championships based on her fifth-placed finish at the trials in Calabar, but was dropped by the AFN. At the Comonwealth Games, Loretta Ozoh who did not participate in the trials in Calabar due to the fact that her drug suspension was yet to expired, was drafted in the place of Thomas. Even at that, the athlete who was sixth, Dominic Duncan, an American, was featured at the Games “I do not know what I have done to be ignored. I made the Commonwealth standard and all of us that came fourth, fifth and sixth in the trials ran almost the same 11.65. I cannot understand why I was dropped from the Commonwealth and the African championships.

“As a growing athlete, I have been representing this country in junior meets.

Missing the Commonwealth and the African Championships is very painful to me ,” said the athlete.

NFF, an argument, which we gathered has been bought by some Executive Committee members of the NFF, who want the Premier League board to take over the affairs of the league.

But it was also learnt that the NFF was considering allowing the LMC to run the league till the end of the season before scrapping it.

“This is another option the NFF is considering and it sounds reasonable since the league is in week 21 and if the LMC is allowed to finish this season, then tit can be dissolved and

perturbed by the development, rather for her it was a challenge to train hard next season.

“I see this as challenge.

What it means for me to train harder and I am ready to do so.

“I can only wish that those at the AFN will encourage us and have more faith in us here at home.”

Goodness Thomas then elections into the board of the NPL can hold afterward”, one source told us on condition of anonymity.

He added that the fate of the LMC will most likely be known on Monday when the Executive Committee meets in Abuja to also decide whether to suspend Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande for antiboard activities, following his presence at an authorised meeting of some State FA chairmen in Abuja, where the impeachment of Aminu Maigari was reportedly quashed.

Ultimate Commander eyes world domination

C

O M M O N WEALTH wrestling champion, Ultimate Commander has set his sights on conquering America and become the undisputed wrestling king of the world.

Speaking during the week in Lagos, the Ultimate Commander said that having won everything in Nigeria, Africa, Commonwealth, that the icing on the cake for him would be “to conquer America, which makes me the helmsman of all both within the Common Wealth nations and America’.

Looking ahead to the nov-

elty wrestling fight in honour of the late Nelson Mandela, scheduled to hold in South Africa, Ultimate Commander said he was honoured to be listed among the wrestlers set to fight on that night.

“Sometimes, in the game of wrestling, you could try and try without luck and you might win. Just like what is happening now, we are just among the lucky ones selected by South Africa to honour some great legends like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jnr and the Queen of England.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2014—55

World Junior

Obisia: I was robbed in world-title fight ...recalls running round stadium 15 times against Mamby before bout F

ORMER national boxing coach Obisia Nwakpa, in this chat with JACOB AJOM, goes down memory lane to recall how he was robbed of victory in a world-title fight against Saoul Mamby in Lagos, insisting that organisers tricked him to overstay in London, where he gained extra weight before the fight.

He also speaks on Nigeria’s boxing scorecard at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and delivers a sucker punch on former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Patrick Ekeji. some are dead or too old to Excerpts: What is your assessment of come out again. Those runNigeria’s performance at the ning the show now have eyes Commonwealth Games in but can’t see. They don’t even have a technical understandGlasgow?

Two bronze medals are not ing of the game. If not, why good enough for Nigeria. This would they go and bring amis the second time we will be ateur boxers to coach our narepeating such poor perform- tional team? Without a certifiance. The last was at the New cate or attending a good instiDelhi Games in 2010. Our tution for coaching?

Boxing has gone scientific. medal prospects have fallen to Six to seven years boxing as this level because there is no seriousness on the part of the an amateur are not enough for officials. Most of the knowl- one to become a coach. Amaedgeable people in boxing are teur athletes are primary atheither dead or too old to come letes who know little about the out and contribute meaning- sport they practice.

But do you think we still fully. Some are ignored by those running the sport. Most have the talents?

Yes. We have talented boxof those running boxing are ignorant and ignorance breeds ers but who will help nurture and train them to stardom? A politics.

Besides, most of the coaches good boxer is one who knows who handled the Nigerian box- the concepts and principles ing team to the Glasgow 2014 guiding the sport. It is what Commonwealth Games are you put into the boxer that the still boxers. We taught them boxer will show in the ring.

Administratively, where do how to box but not how to

TOPSHOTS Australia's Jai Opetaia (l) fights Nigeria's Efetobor Apochi during a Men’s Heavy (91 kg) Quarter-Final boxing match at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 30, 2014. AFP PHOTO. coach. The three coaches who represented Nigeria at the games have no coaching experience. A coach must know the basic principles of the game, not amateur boxers. No amateur boxer can claim he knows boxing.

But Jeremiah Okorodudu, an Olympian was with them?

Okorodudu was not recognised. He was not given his due regard as he had no say.

He was drafted to join them at the last minute because he was complaining.

Officials who know the qualities of a good coach are gone, C M Y K

you think we got it wrong in Glasgow?

The three coaches who went to the last Commonwealth Games cannot really express what boxing is all about. A good coach should empower a boxer but when you have nothing to offer, nothing can happen.

Do you think Nigeria is ignoring you?

I retired last year, but I am not tired. The youths are always anxious about taking over offices but you cannot be there when you don’t have the required experience.

•Obisia You were head coach at some point, so why did you not train a successor?

Who do you bring up to succeed you in government when you are not a politician? It is not a family thing. I only trained boxers. It was not part of my duty to train coaches.

climbed up to the post of Director-General of the NSC. Tell me what his education is all about. His failure is that he could not establish a system for sports. He did not listen and was a proud man.

Another thing is that Nigeria no longer runs good pro-

I was almost frustrated; so when they eventually said the fight was coming up, I did not believe it; I was overweight and needed to shed weight That is a different thing altogether. In boxing you find potential bowers and it is your duty as a coach to bring those potential bowers to capacity.

Training coaches is a different ball game.

Who did you recommend for a coaching course that was turned down by the ministry?

It is difficult to even recommend if they don’t ask you to.

Who do you recommend? Who will listen to you with your recommendations? Is it Patrick Ekeji you want to talk to or who? They won’t listen.

The man that disappointed me most was Ekeji. He was an ex-athlete, went to school and got a PhD in Sports and

grammes. We all were brought up under very solid traditions.

In those days, we ran programmes in phases. First phase, second and third phases before major events. Now they no longer run programmes anymore. They went to Commonwealth Games without a programme in four years, In our days, we had open national championships, invitational championships, camping, training tours before traveling for major championships like the Commonwealth or Olympic Games.

But what they do now is to hand-pick boxers. The coaches only handpicked the boxers they know.

Professional boxing is also experiencing a decline. Why is this so?

The managers of the sport and the promoters in particular have not helped the cause.

Most of the companies that used to sponsor professional boxing have withdrawn because the promoters have killed their interest in the sport. Professional boxing cannot blossom without staging of fights.

We have very good boxers, some of whom have left the country because of lack of fights. Government too need to back boxing because without government backing nothing can work. In Ghana, government is involved in the promotion and staging of fights.

Tell us about your career achievements I was a legend in amateur boxing. I was a national champion, African champion, Commonwealth champion, African/ Latin American champion, Commonwealth/USA Champion. These are four gold medals that I hold so dearly. I was also 1974 and 1975 CISM champion In professional career, I was an African belt holder, West African belt holder and Commonwealth belt holder. I was also WBC top contender, the only African who went for a world elimination bout and came out of it successfully.

What happened the day you fought Saoul Mamby in Lagos, that you had to run several times round the stadium before the bout?

Yes I had a weight problem.

The problem came about because I was in London for a year and three months. I went to London to train for the fight and never knew I would stay that long.

Numerous postponements followed. The initial plan was for me to stay in London for three months but on getting there they postponed the fight three times. It was all part of the politics. I was almost frustrated. So when they eventually said the fight was coming up, I did not believe it. I was overweight and needed to shed weight. I ran round the stadium 15 times and did rope skipping for one and a half hours to shed weight.

I was number one contender for two years and I fought Saoul Mamby for the title in Lagos. I lost to him 2-1 but that surprised me because I thought I won the fight. Soon after the bout, one of the referees told me “congratulations, you won this fight.” But when the time for declaration came Saoul Mamby was declared the winner. I was shocked. It was a big blow for me.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 9, 2014

We must be ruthless against Korea — Falconets coach C

OACH Peter Dedevbo has ordered Nigeria’s U-20 women soccer side to be clin-

Ahoure battles Okagbare for African crown — Pg.54

ical in front of goal when they tackle Korea Republic tonight

Continues on Page 54

Today’s Matches England

v Mexico

6pm

K/Republic v Nigeria 9pm N/Zealand v France 10pm

Green, Ahmed file appeal against ban •Blast NFF

S

USPENDED Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Christopher Green and Yusuf Ahmed have sent a letter of appeal to the NFF Appeals Committee.

Green and Ahmed were on

Continues on Page 54

Interview Obisia: I was robbed in world-title fight against Mamby — Pg.55

FLIGHT.......Ugo Njoku (L) of Nigeria jumps for a header during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup match against Mexico at Moncton Stadium on August 6 in Canada. It ended 1-1. Photo: Getty Images

NFF to decide LMC’s fate next week

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

HE Nigeria Football Fed eration will decide whether to allow he League Management Company (LMC) to continue running the Premier League next week.

According to sources within the NFF, Saturday Sports Vanguard gathered that the Executive Committee of the NFF was considering returning the prganisation of the Nigerian top-flight to the Premier League board.

We learnt that a strong case for the dissolution of the Hon. Nduka Irabor-led LMC board was being spearheaded by the League Owners Association, who incidentally, had a meeting with the Minister of Sports Continues on Page 54

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Ghanaian Currency (4) 3.Scotland National Coach, Gordon (8) 7.Super Eagles Midfielder, Sunday (3) 8.Minister of the Interior, Abba (4) 9.Africa’s Longest River (4) 10.L.G.A in Kebbi State (5) 12.Real Madrid Coach, Carlo (9) 15.Ethnic Group in Kenya (5) 18.State in Nigeria Known as “Jewel of the Savannah”? (5) 19.Former President, Trade Union Congress (TUC, Mr. Peter (5) 21.Quadrilateral (9) 24.African Desert (5) 26.Lad Measurement Unit (4) 27.Kogi State Governor, Idris (4) 28.Golf-peg (3) 29.Ogun State Capital (8) 30.L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom State (4) DOWN 1.Burkina-Faso National Presi-

dent, Mr. Blaise (8) 2.Cross-river State Governor, Liyel (5) 3.Yoruba god of Thunder (5) 4.Director General, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Benedict (9) 5.Ethnic Group in Rwanda (4) 6.Portugal Striker and Manchester United Forward, Luis (4) 11.Former Switzerland President, Michelin Calmy (3) 13.England left-back and Chelsea defender, Ashley (4) 14.Former Super Eagles Coach, Karl (9) 16.L.G.A in Adamawa State (4) 17.L.G.A in Osun State (8) 20.Ocean (3) 22.Greek Alphabet (5) 23.Malawi Currency (5) 24.L.G.A in Abia State (4) 25.Maldives Capital City (4)

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