N6.153 Trillion Domestics Debt - Okonjo-Iweala warns Governors

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

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N6.153 trillion domestic debt: Okonjo-Iweala warns Governors

BY EMEKA MAMAH, with agency report

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PPARENTLY worried over the country’s huge domestic debt put at over N6.153 Trillion the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday warned governors against further exessive borrowing to ensure the economic growth of the country.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke in Enugu while delivering a lecture entitled ‘Managing Public Finance for Agricultural and Industrial Growth’ at the 2012 South East Economic Summit.

She said that the mounting domestic debt was as dangerous as the external one, adding that strategies were being put in place to reduce the country’s debt.

“I want to give advice to our governors here.

Those who are taking domestic debt need to watch it because it is as dangerous as or even more so than the external debt.

“When you have domestic debt, you must service it because it is your institutions, your pension funds, your banks who owe this debt and you must have to pay it otherwise it leads to other consequences within the economy.

“I am happy to say that we have put in place a very good strategy to manage the national domestic debt which is to decelerate the rate at which we borrow,” she warned.

On agriculture in the South East, the minister said the zone had a comparative advantage for the production of some food crops but was being hampered by limited land and tremendous gully erosion.

Okonjo-Iweala said the World Bank had provided a credit of $450 million for the South East to decisively deal with gully erosion to promote agriculture.

The minister stressed the need for an increase in the financial mortgage system to create opportunity for youths to own houses.

On his part, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, explained that the zone

would not progress without developing a sound vision.

According to Soludo, developing the vision would help to drive the economy of the zone to greater heights.

He, however, called on the governors of the South East to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive in the zone.

The country’s domestic debt profile rose to N6.153tn in June.

Statistics obtained from the Debt Management Office showed that the domestic debts had increased from N5.966tn ($37.71bn) at the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2012, to N6.153tn ($38.89bn) at the end of the second quarter ended June 30, 2012.

This represents an increase of N187bn or three per cent over the figure recorded in the first quarter.

Details of the domestic debts showed that Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, bonds accounted for N3.71tn or 60.37per cent of the money borrowed by the Federal Government from internal sources as at June ending.

The Nigerian Treasury Bills accounted for N2.08tn or 33.88 per cent, while Treasury Bonds accounted for N353bn or 5.75 per cent.

As at March 31, 2012, the domestic debt component of the total debt profile, which stood at N5.966tn, showed that FGN bonds accounted for N3.67trillion or 61.44 per cent of the money borrowed by the Federal Government.

The Nigerian Treasury Bills accounted for N1.95tn or 32.63 per cent, while Treasury Bonds accounted for N353.73m or 5.93 per cent.

Presenting the 2012 budget proposal to the National Assembly, President Goodluck Jonathan had lamented that the domestic debt had been growing at an alarming rate in recent years with the clearest evidence of this being that in 2012, the Federal Government earmarked N560bn for debt servicing.

Jonathan had spoken of curtailing domestic debts, but ostensibly gave room for the government to accumulate more debts with

a caveat that the debts should not go beyond 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

At the moment, the debt to GDP ratio is slightly less than 20 per cent.

With latitude of 30 per cent debt to GDP ratio, the government can add up to 50 per cent of the current debt level.

The Head of Research and Strategy at BGL Securities Limited, Mr. Olufemi Ademola, recently attributed the increase in domestic debts to a shortfall in revenue and the controversial oil subsidy expenditure.

Pix Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos receiving Imo State Government delegation led by Hon. Lisa Asugha, Special Assistants to the governor of Imo State/Liaison Officer, Lagos (right) and Mr Smart Echefu, Business Development Officer during the courtesy visit to the Palace of Oba of Lagos on Tuesday. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

Dialogue with Boko Haram amounts to ‘abysmal appeasement’ — Soyinka

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North KINGSLEY OMONOBI and ADEKUNLE ALIYU with agency report

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OBEL Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka said Friday that trying to end a deadly insurgency by Islamist extremist group Boko Haram through dialogue would amount to “abysmal appeasement.”

Soyinka spoke just as the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, again yesterday, asked the Presidency and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP to find a way of tackling rising terrorism being visited on the land by the Boko Haram sect and stop linking the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, with it.

CPC maintained that Boko Haram was a creation of the ruling PDP. President Goodluck Jonathan earlier this year encouraged the Islamists, blamed for hundreds of deaths since 2009, to publicly state their demands, and his government has confirmed that “back-channel” talks with the group are ongoing.“When I say, ‘don’t talk to murderers,’ that is exactly what I mean,” Soyinka told foreign media at an international conference in Lagos.“Don’t talk to mass murderers.

Don’t talk to those who have made the killing of innocent people their philosophy,” he added. Soyinka described the violence

blamed on the Islamists, which has included attacks on security forces, government officials and Christians in church, as “completely out of control.”“Then you, the assaulted, say, ‘please, come and talk to us. Please, we don’t know what you want’ … What kind of language is that? That is the language of abysmal appeasement,” he said on the sidelines of the Kuramo Conference on development.Nigerian security forces have so far been unable to stamp out the violence and have themselves been accused of massive abuses in combatting the Islamists.

Amnesty International has charged the military with carrying out summary executions, particularly in the northeast where Boko Haram is based, and Human Rights Watch has said the military could be guilty of crimes against humanity in combating the group.

“There has been the condemnable scorched earth policy of the military,” Soyinka said, adding that he believed that such killings had occurred.

According to him, the insurgency was a “security issue” that posed a new kind of challenge for Nigeria’s military.

Violence linked to Boko Haram is estimated to have claimed 2,800 lives since 2009, with the worst violence concentrated in the mainly Muslim north.

The group has said it wants to create an Islamic state in the north, but its demands

have continuously shifted.

Meanwhile, the CPC has maintained its allegation that Boko Haram was a creation of the PDP and that Buhari had nothing whatsoever to do with the sect.

CPC in a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, condemned the desperate attempt by the Presidency and the PDP to link its leader with Boko Haram, warning them to desist from doing so, forthwith.

The party maintained that it was not in doubt that PDP was the author of the political variant of Boko Haram, since the original founders of the sect had been murdered in 2009.

The party recalled certain statements credited to President Goodluck Jonathan to the effect that he was aware of those behind the Boko Haram in Nigeria and wondered why the administration had not used the security apparatus at its disposal to quell its spread.

Fashakin also said that it was unfair for the PDP to look for a scapegoat in the person of Buhari when the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, had openly accused the party of being responsible for the spread of Boko Haram in Nigeria. The party’s spokesman also wondered why the Presidency and the PDP did not react to the statement in court by a SSS operative that a PDP senator gave the phone number of the Minister of Justice to Boko Haram members all in a bid to in-

fluence the outcome of the Borno State Governorship election in favour of PDP. It noted that since the advent of the fourth republic, the PDP-led government induced Political Boko Haram had inflicted incalculable damage on the nation than any other regime in the nation’s history.

The party noted, “Since the advent of the fourth republic, which effectively started on May 29, 1999, aside the agitation of the Niger Delta militants for resource control, there has not been any s t r u c t u r e d infrastructure for mass attack on innocents and religious institutions as has been seen in the last 25 months.

“In January 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan told a bewildered nation, still smarting from the spate of murderous bombings in the Northern parts of the country, that his government had been infiltrated

by Boko-Haram.

“The cogent questions are: How did the President know this as a fact? With the elaborate surveillance and espionage infrastructure under his watch, why has the Nation not been informed on the unmasking of these fifth columnists in his government?

“Since the preponderance of the cabinet members in his government consist of Party folks, has this challenge been finally resolved in the usual PDP ‘family’ affair?

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Nigeria’s Space Programme in jeopardy •Two parallel FG bodies being created •$200m China loan hanging

BY EMMA UJA, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE nation’s space programme is now in jeopardy, owing to power play which has consumed the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT Limited, from its parent body, the National Space Research and Development Agency , NASRDA with headquarters in Abuja.

The loan that was used in building the ill-fated NigComSat-1 which developed problems in the orbit is yet to be repaid with the interest pilling up even as the Chinese had replaced the object with NigGComSat 111.

Top officials of the agency were reluctant to speak with Saturday Vanguard on the matter as who v o l o u n t e e r e d information prefered anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter.

However, as the rivalry peaks, NIGCOMSAT is currently in the process of transforming itself from its original status as a private limited company to market the nation’s first satellite, NIGCOMSAT 1, bandwidth, into another space agency. The Bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Communications satellite Corporation is currently before the National Assembly.

NASRDA was established as a federal government agency in 2010 to build capacity in space technology development and management thereby strengthening human capital development required for the implementation of Nigeria’s space programmes.

It was, thus, mandated

to build satellite technology in Nigeria for various applications and operationalise indigenous space systems to provide space services, build and launch the nation’s satellites and to promote the coordination of space application programmes, for the purpose of optimizing resources and to develop space technologies of direct relevance to the nation’s socio-economic development objectives.

With the successful launching of NIGCOMSAT 1 into orbit, NASRDA established NIGCOMSAT Ltd as a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to market NIGCOMSAT 1. It was meant to be a commercial arm of NASRDA since the agency could go into commercial activities being a purely government body operating under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, NIGCOMSAT was established in 2006 as limited liability company with a Share capital of N10 million, with NASRDA holding the majority stake of N7 million.

There were five shareholders in all, representing various space research centres.

NASRDA was represented by it’s then Director-General Prof.

Robert Ajayi Boroffice, who signed for N4 million and Mr. Timasaniyu Ahmed Rufai who was the NICOMSAT -1 Project Manager singed for N3 million on behalf of Centre for Satellite Technology Development, the unit of NASRDA directly responsible for the satellite.

The other three centres

were: National Centre for Remote Sensing, represented by its Director, Mr. Jerome Adekunle Ologun, N1 million; Centre for Basic Space Science represented by its Director, Prof. Pius Nwankwo Okeke, N 1 million; and Centre for Geodsey and Geodynamics represented by its Director, Dr. Joseph Akinyede, N1 million.

According to the memorandum of A s s o c i a t i o n , NIGCOMSAT was established “to acquire and take-over the management, property, rights, privileges , assets and liabilities of the N i g e r i a n Communications Satellite Project, NICOMSAT-1.

It was also “to carry on business for profit and pursuant thereto, to set up, establish, work, operate manage and maintain in-orbit communications satellites.”.

Upon the successful incorporation of NICOMSAT, Ahmed Rufai, then an Assistant Director at NASRDA was made its Managing Director.

Shortly thereafter, the relationship between Rufai and his bosses at NASRDA, nosedived and did not improve until Prof. Boroffice left office as the Director General of the agency.

Prof. Boroffice was succeeded by Dr. Seidu Mohammed but the relationship between NICOMSAT and its parent body was yet to improve.

With the mandate to market the bandwidth of the first satellite, NIGCOMSAT 1, which later developed some problems and deorbited, NIGCOMSAT’s mandate was said to have lapsed and therefore should have reverted to its parent agency, NASRDA;but by then, it had acquired its own life.

The first step towards its autonomy from NASRDA was its removal from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Federal Ministry of Communications which was orchestrated by high level lobby.

Pix From Left: Mr Emeka Nkwocha, Advert Manager, Vanguard Media Limited; Dr. Mrs Abia Nzelu, Lagos Coordinator, National Cancer Prevention Programme, [NCPP], during Cancer screening exercise for the staff of Vanguard Media Limited held yesterday at Canal road, Apapa, Lagos . PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

730 students get world mission scholarship

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BOUT 730 indigent students from 16 states across Nigeria have been awarded scholarship by Heal The World Mission Incorporation.

At the event

tagged”World Changers Awards”, the brains behind the gesture, Pastor Babatola Olukilede said: “The foundation aims to uplift the lives of orphans, widows, the aged and the under privileged in

Community commends Shell

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NDIGINES of U g b o d e d community in Warri South Local Government area of Delta State have commended the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company for its development efforts in line with the global MoU signed with Ugbodede community The Olare-Aja (Community head) Ugbodede Pa Overside

Okotie gave the commendation at the commissioning of water project and ultra modern community centre built

by Shell Petroleum Development Company commissioned by the Genral manager.

Members of the community were urged to utilise the facilities provided judiciously in order to attract more development to the area.

the society. Today, we are giving out free scholarship to 730 children in 16 states across Nigeria. We recently inaugurated World Changers Club, as a platform for leadership and career mentoring for students and we are planning to embark on sensitisation tour of natural disaster affected areas”.

Speaking further, he said:” The award ceremony is also to recognize and encourage Nigerians who have contributed to human development in the society through their financial and moral supports.

Some of the recipients are the Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Samson Balogun, Oba of Isiaka Oyero of Ketuland and Chief Cyril Apokaka.

Pepperoni donates relief materials to Bayelsa flood victims Foods and it is particu-

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EPPERONI Foods Limited has donated food items and relief materials to Bayelsa flood victims.

The Audit/ Internal Control Manager of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Essiet who handed the items, which include bags of rice and beans, garri, yams, cartons of water, mattresses, mosquito nets, beverages, toiletries, tinned tomatoes, bread and others, to the Bayelsa State SSG,

Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru, said the gesture was to help in ameliorating the plight of the displaced persons in the state.

He noted that the company was concerned about the well being of its host communities, hence the decision to intervene in the predicament of the state and the people.

“Bayelsa State is the home of Pepperoni

larly painful for us to see the homes and businesses of our customers and staff being ravaged by the storm” he said.

Prof. Allison-Oguru while receiving the items on behalf of the state government commended the company for its prompt response to the plight of the victims.

He said the items would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 7

ACN, Accord parties challenge Ondo guber election *PDP expected before the end of the day

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its candidate Oluwarotimi Akeredolu have challenged the results of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State at the state Election Petition Tribunal.

This is however at variance with the declaration of the National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande who said that the party has put the election behind it.

Also at the time of filing in this report the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and its candidate Chief Olusola Oke are still perfecting papers to also approach the tribunal.

Some eminent lawyers according to sources within the PDP do not want to leave any loop hole in the papers to be presented to the tribunal.

Leaders of the party are still keeping watch at the premises of the state High Court which doubles as the office the Election Pe-

tition Tribunal.

Also, Accord Party ’s governorship candidate, Mr James Olawale has filed a petition at the election tribunal, seeking to nullify the re-election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The ACN filed a 190 paragraph, 403 pages petition against Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko and Labour party LP. ACN prayed for the nullification of October 20 poll on the basis that Dr Mimiko was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes, that the election is invalid by reason of corrupt practices and or non-compliance with provision of the electoral Act. The petition was filed by Twenty Senior lawyers who include Chief Akin Olujimi SAN, Lasun Sanusi SAN, Wole Aina Edward Odugbesan, Kola Olawoye, Charles Titiloye, Victor Olatoyegun, Micheal Lana Esq. The party alleged that the voters register was falsified by INEC to ensure

victory of Dr Mimiko.

It was further alleged in the Petition that some named Political office holder in Ondo state connived with security agents and INEC staff to rig the poll in favour of Labour party.

The ACN further in the petition alleged ballot hijacking, ballot box snuffing, massive multiple thumb printing of Ballot papers by Labour party agents.

Adoke calls for urgent reform of Nigeria’s criminal justice sector

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE Attorney Gener al of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, has called for an urgent reform of the criminal justice sector in Nigeria, insisting that “efficient justice delivery is central to our national economic growth and development.”

The AGF who made the call at the opening cere-

Police kill two robbers, arrest others during gun battle

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

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OGI State Police Command has foiled a robbery operation in one of the new generation banks in Lokoja, the State capital, killing two of the robbers and arresting two others after a gun battle.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the armed robbers numbering six stormed the new generation bank in Lokoja around 11 am but were confronted by the police before they could gain entrance to the bank.

Briefing journalists shortly after the gun duel, the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Musa Katsina said the armed robbery gang came to the premises of the bank attempting to rob customers who came to transact business.

He said the robbers who are from Imo state has already taken positions for

the operation when intelligence report got to the ambush squad of the command, adding that they mobilized and confronted the robbers but on sighting the Police, the robbers engaged them in a gun battle while trying to escape.

According to him, luck ran out of the robbers

*Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Dr. Samuel Adenekan (left) presenting MAGGI Cubes to the National Health Adviser for Nigeria Red Cross Society, Dr. Wilson Imongan (2nd right).

when they ran into the bush where two of them were gunned down, two others arrested while two escaped.

Katsina said the police did not recorded any casualty during the gun battle, saying that they are on the trail of the two escaped suspects and their accomplice.

mony of a 2-day national consultative workshop on the administration of criminal justice bill, in Abuja, stressed that among the issues to be discussed at the seminar, “are the burning issue of access to justice for all irrespective of means, delays in the criminal justice, Pre-trial detention and Awaiting Trial inmates.”

He said: “first, a reformed justice sector is key to achieving the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Secondly, an effective justice sector in the judiciary and other stakeholders that can provide efficient justice delivery is central to our national economic growth and development.

“Thirdly, it is not an overstatement to say that our budding democracy depends heavily on the just resolution of our individual differences through an efficient criminal justice administration. It is on these predicates that I commend the Panel on Implementation of Justice Reform (PIJR) for coming up with this

Apologize to Orubebe, group tells Melaye

BY GAB EJUWA

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group, Rainbow Coalition for Good Governance, has asked the Anti-corruption Network led by Mr. Dino Melaye, to apologize for misleading the nation over its allegation that N29 billion projects were awarded to fictitious firms by the Niger Delta Ministry under Elder Godsday Orubebe.

The three projects, which Melaye claimed were not existing include canalization/River Training of Foupolobulou Ndoro Creek, Canalization at Odoubou, Ogbabagbene and the land rec-

lamation / shore line protection project , all in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement,the group’s national coordinator, Mr. Paul Oruma, said “as stakeholders in the Nigeria Project, we say there is no truth in the allegation by Melaye.

They are all lies. Indeed, Elder Orubebe had said that the projects were existing and verifiable projects awarded in line with extant due process.

“The Federal Government last weekend cleared Orubebe of all the allegations, declaring that the three controver-

sial projects are real, on course and at 65-40 and 18 percent stage of completion.”

The group noted that last weekend, the Special Adviser to the President on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Professor Sylvester Monye, who led reporters to the project sites, debunked the anticorruption group’s claim that the project did not exist. Monye also flayed the allegation by Melaye that N29 billion had been paid to the contractors.

The group declared that the insinuations by Melaye were rather malicious, damaging, false, libellous and actionable.

national workshop.

“The focus of my ministry since the inception of this administration has been to pave the way for the emergence of a transformed justice sector.

Consequently, we have

continued to carry out strategic initiatives aimed at bringing about legal institutional and regulatory reforms within the transformation agenda of this administration.

Stop discriminating against women in the judiciary — AfA

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LLIANCES for Af rica (AfA) strongly condemns the decision of the National Judicial Council (NJC) for suspending the swearing in of Hon. Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo as a judge of the Court of Appeal on the basis of her state of origin. The position that the Hon. Justice cannot be nominated for promotion to the Court of Appeal from her husband’s state because her state of origin is different is discriminatory.

The practice of depriving women appointments, promotions or benefits in the judiciary and other

sectors because of their state of origin or marital status is clearly discriminatory and violates the constitutionally protected right to freedom from discrimination as provided for in Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It also contravenes Nigeria’s obligation under international law to eliminate discrimination against women and protect women from such discrimination (Art 2. Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa; Art 2.

CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women).

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Army Barrack uses toilet as ‘Labour room’

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

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HE gross neglect and collapse of infrastructure in most Nigerian Army Barracks across the country, was highlighted on Thursday when the Commanding Officer, 103 Battallion, Garki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Lt. Col. M.K. Ibrahim told the members of Senate Committee on Defence, that the only medical clinic in the barrack uses toilet as a labour room.

The Commanding Officer disclosed that the 103 Battalion barrack accommodates about 3,000 persons, adding, “Considering the number of officers and soldiers and their families living inside this barrack; this barrack is not accommodating only officers in the 103 Battalion; more than 40 per cent of the soldiers from Headquarter 82 Div, and 82 Div garrison stay here with their families.” ”The station also has one in-pateint ward with ca-

pacity to admit four patients at a time we use toilet in the house as a labour room where I will show you in the course of your inspection of the barrack,” Lt. Col. Ibrahim told the committee that visited to inspect projects and facilities in the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu.

The revelation drew both laughter and expression of surprise from the people inside the commanding officer’s office where he addressed the committee members before they inspected the projects in the barrack.

Although Ibrahim also recalled the efforts of the current administration of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s government and the Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika in rehabilitating the barracks, he outlined some chains of problems still confronting the barrack such as lack of water supply, bad road within the barrack, inadequate healthcare, among others.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, who is also Chairman for Sub-Committee on Oversight functions on Enugu and Owerri, Senator Mohhamed Jubrilla said the purpose of their visit was to examine the 2012 budget implementation and also ascertain the combatreadiness of the 82 Division of Nigerian Army.

Senator Jubrilla expressed happiness about the level of rehabilitation works in the Division so far.

Constitution Review: Fasehun insists on national conference He said “in view of Nithe group. ...Says Buhari cannot be one of mediators over Boko Haram

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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S process for consti tution review kicks off in all senatorial districts across the country today

Solarin buried amidst heavy downpour •Amosun pledges to name model school after her

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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HE remains of wife of late Education icon, Dr. Tai Solarin,Mrs. Sheila Solarin were interred on Friday beside her late husband in their Ikenne home amidst heavy down pour. The funeral service of the Briton who died October 21, 2012 at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, IlishanRemo at the age of 88, commenced at exactly 11:am and was almost disrupted by the heavy rain that few minutes after the programme started.

The heavy down pour prevented the casket bear-

ers who brought the remains of Mrs. Solarin in a wood polished-brown casket to the venue of interdenominational service held within their palatial house from opening it.

The service which was anchored by Methodist Church, Nigeria had many prominent personalties in attendance ; the State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun,his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,wife of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, first son of late legal luminary Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Muhammed, exlocal government chairman of Ikenne, Tiwalade Sobo among others.

Speaking shortly before Sheila’s remains were intered,Amosun announced that, a model School would be named after her,saying that Sheila served the country to deserve to be called a mother in the state.

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IFE of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has tasked on stakeholders in the informal sector which include, traders and artisans on the need to collaborate with the state government in its effort at ensuring sus-

tainable healthy environment for today and the future.

The First Lady, gave the charge at the environmental advocacy campaign organised by the Ministry of the Environment for the operators in the informal sector. The 3 day forum theme: “Sustained sanitation system to protect and promote

(Saturday),President of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun has urged the National Assembly to consider the Sovereign National Conference, SNC being agitated for by majority of Nigerians to produce Nigerian constitution.

The call was coming as the OPC leader said he was only expecting former Head of State, Gen Muhammadu Buhari to accept his selection as one of the mediators between the federal government and Boko Haram group except he confirms his bonafide membership of

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Fasehun said Nigerians will continue to demand for the convocation of the Sovereign National Conference, SNC, adding that the present Constitution, meant for amendment is a handout document from the Military; “therefore no amount of tinkering and panelbeating can reform it into a people’s document.”

Fasehun opined that the efforts by the National Assembly to review the 1999 Constitution amounts to a brazen lack of respect and consideration for the teeming Nigerians, who are looking forward for a constitution they can call their own..

gerians complaining that the presidential system is too expensive and should be jettisoned for the unicameral Parliamentary system Only the people can determine such and other issues and they will do so only in the atmosphere of a Sovereign National Conference.”

Speaking on the proposed dialogue with Boko Haram sect, which formed the basic topic of his briefing, Fasehun said OPC proposed that Boko Haram should expunge General Muhammadu Buhari from its list of delegates, except he confirms his bonafide membership of the group.

Oshiomhole dissolves state exco

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has dissolved the state executive council, thanking them for their selfless service to the state.

At the valedictory exco session held in Benin

Climate change: Fashola tasks traders, artisans on sustainable healthy environment

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

Rep. of the MD, NDDC, Honour able Sirawoo (M), assisted by Bowadua Ngiangia, Capt. of the Squash section (R) and Ibienimi Green of OBGREENY LTD cuts the tape to inaugurate the world class glass-back courts donated to Port Harcourt Club 1928 by NDDC.

human health” held at Alausa, Ikeja.

Fashola who was represented by the wife of the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mrs Rhoda Ayinde, said there was the need for all to demonstrate positive attitude towards the environment.

City on Thursday the governor used the opportunity to say how much he appreciated their efforts.”

In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Oshiomhole said: “four years down the road, working together, arguing, debating, even sometimes disagreeing, we have provided a collective leadership to the people of Edo State . We have served them diligently with all our hearts.

“You are the least paid commissioners in the country, but that did not dampen your morale to put in your best efforts. I want to thank you very much for what God has used you to do for me and your state. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. I thought it wise that having worked so hard, it is right to appre-

ciate you. “On Sunday, I recognize it will be full time for the first tenure of this administration and

when it is full time, no matter how interesting the game is, the referee must blow the whistle and end the game.’’

Uduaghan lauded for approving pocket money for flood victims

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

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HAIRMAN, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Kelly Otuedon, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for approving the immediate disbursement of a token pocket money of N5,000 and N3,000 to every adult and child respectively, affected by the flood disaster in the state. The governor, who gave the order recently in Asaba directed that the

money, totaling N175m be given to the 35,000 registered victims before they depart the various flood relief camps.

The party leader also said the decision of the governor to set up a committee, comprising trustworthy Deltans to manage the N500 million donated by the Federal Government to cushion the hardship faced by flood victims was a wise decision, given the rumour that the money had been spent, even at the time the grant was yet to be released.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 9

Oil subsidy scam: Fashola slams Presidency over delay in investigation •As Collier urge FG to adopt Rwanda system

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOOWOPEJO

Gov. Peter Obi (left), with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, HE, Dr. David MacRae(right), when the Governor visited the EU in Abuja on Thursday

Anambra no longer a pariah State — Obi G

OV. Peter Obi said that part of the programme of his Government was to extricate Anambra State from her pariah status, which she was when he became the Governor of the State. He said this on Thursday while paying working visits to the European Union(EU) and UNICEFnin Abuja.

Obi said that his constant visit to those organizations was due to his personal commitment to reach out, and maintain the friendship of organizations and individuals that are committed to development. “When I became the Governor, Anambra State did not enjoy relationship with i n t e r n a t i o n a l organizations because it was regarded as a pariah State, even among international and donor agencies that all had sour stories to tell, but today, through doing the right things, i n t e r n a t i o n a l organizations are all back to the State.

Because of our performances and experiences with them, others are willing to partner with us” Obi who visited the European Union(EU) and was received by her Ambassador, Dr. David MacRae and U N I C E F, w h e r e t h e C o u n t r y Representative, Ibrahim Falls received C M Y K

him, said he visited the two organizations as part of periodic visits that

allowed him to interact with them, thereby noting how the State is performing and how to continue to improve on that performance.

GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, yesterday, blamed the presidency over the delay in the investigation of oil subsidy scandal, saying that the investigation into the scandal should have come earlier.

Meantime, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and the Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economics, Oxford University, Prof. Paul Collier tasked the Federal Government to adopt the Rwanda system of government administration.

Fashola who made the remarks at the two-day Kuramo Conference, 2012 themed: ‘The Global Common Wealth’

held in Lagos, said that the executive failed to do its job on the fuel subsidy scandal.

He stressed that the legislature should not have been the first to look at the report but rather, the executive has the responsibility to conduct investigation on the scandal.

According to him, “This is because the executive has the responsibility for law enforcement in Nigeria.

And anyone found to be implicated during the investigation should have been dismissed immediately. That was why I said that any public office holder that abuses his office should face severe punishment that is available by law.”

Court bars Dafinone, others from arresting community exco arresting the chairman and

BY GODWIN OGHRE Sapele

A

Sapele High Court, presided over

by Justice G.E Gbemre, has barred foremost chartered Accountant, Chief David Dafinone, and five others, from further intimidating, harassing and frequent arrest of Sapele Okpe

Community Chairman, Mr. Michael Egbejule and his executive committee members, pending the determination of a Motion on Notice before it.

The court which granted the order on Thursday, following a Motion Ex-parte filed by ten members of Mr. Egbejule’s led executive committee, also barred Chief

Dafinone from acting on a purported report of a disciplinary committee which he set up in the community which indicted the chairman of misappropriating community funds, pending the determination of a Motion on Notice before the court.

The court also restrained Chief Dafinone, along with five other defendants from

his committee members, “in relation to anything purportedly done or undone after their unlawful and forceful removal from office as Executive Committee of Sapele Okpe Community but in furtherance of legally regaining or recovering their positions as executives of the community”, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice before it.

CNS calls for stakeholders’ forum to combat illegal bunkering of a stakeholders’ forum to Delivering a paper on organised by the

BY EVELYN USMAN

T

HE Chief of Naval Staff CNS, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba has called for the constitution

formulate strategies to fight illegal bunkering and maritime insecurity in the country which he said had led to the loss of huge revenue accruable to national coffers.

‘Challenges of Crude Oil Theft , illegal bunkering and Piracy: New Strategies For Improved Maritme Security in Nigeria’, at the just-concluded two-day security conference

Swearing in Nov 12: Okpamen calls for peace in Edo State state forward to the next lev- Gov. Adams Oshiomhole

BY SIMON ADEWALE

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HE Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Public Affairs, Hon. Henry Okpamen, has called all aggrieved persons and political parties in the state to drop litigations and come together to join hands with the Governor of the state in order to move the

el and urges the people of Edo to continue to accord support and keep praying for the governor and come out enmass as the Comrade governor takes oath of office for 2nd term.

While inspecting the damages done by flood in the state, Hon. Okpamen said he was overwhelmed by the level of destruction of properties worth millions of naira and commended

for coming to the rescue of the affected victims and quickly urged the governor not to be distracted on the recent election tribunal suit

by Gen. Airhiavbere of the People Democracy Party, PDP, but he should be focused on his development strides in uplifting the state to a greater height and his effort to give the people of the state sense of belonging.

Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria AISSON, in Lagos, titled ‘ Innovative Solutions to Insecurity in Nigeria’, the CNS stated emphatically that such forum was imperative in view of the prevalence of maritime c r i m e s .

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, he disclosed that sea-borne trade accounted for over 80 percent of the nation’s imports and exports, giving an estimation of N12 Billion of crude oil theft annually, an indication he said had made the fight against bunkering imperative and highly disturbing.

The governor emphasised that the oil sector was the most vulnerable sector of the country’s economy, adding, “it is where the major source of revenue of the country comes from.”

On Trade, Fashola advised African countries to engage themselves more in trade in order to fast track the development and prosperity of the continent.

He said that the continent needed to look inwards for answers to some of her economic challenges.

The governor observed that most African countries preferred doing business with the West and Asia, saying the situation had not really helped the economic development of the continent.

Speaking earlier, Collier said that the Federal Government has a huge challenge in managing the country’s oil sector effectively, adding “there are three features lacking in the management of oil sector in the country.”

Soyinka, who chaired the conference, said the downturn in the economies of a number of developed countries should serve as an opportunity for Africa to develop her e c o n o m y .

Transition

T

HE Egho family of Ellu Town, Isoko North LocalGovernmentArea,Delta State, has announced the death of Mrs. Christiana Tiro Egho, who slept in the Lord on August 28, 2012. She was aged 61 years.

Herremainswillbeinterred at her home town on November17,2012.

Left to mourn her are seven childrenand5grandchildren, among whom is Mrs. Gladys Chukwuedo of Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos.

•Mrs. Egho

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard anguard,,

NO VEMBER 10, 2012 NOVEMBER

They cut a picture of a perfect gentleman yet carried the personality of a gay. Always cautious of their physical looks but at the sametime ruthless.Charles Adingupu

T

hey live large in the shadow of rich women who would do anything to have them sometimes as “part-time” lovers and at other times, for keep as husbands. They are no better than deceitful and underhand broods who have sent most unsuspecting rich ladies to untimely grave in a bid to inherit their wealth. Conversely, rich and sometimes older women who are commonly referred to as Sisi Eko or better still, Sugar Mummies still haunt for and engage the services of young good looking men as a social past time.

However, beyond these categories are guys who will be desperate to be recognised as sons in law to a rich man. This report, however, exposed young men and wealthy women who indulged in this romantic escapade and its bloody aftermath. They go about with a unique carriage, that betrayed their appearances which cuts them out from the motley crowd. But their knack for rich and influential women has remained unchecked. In social parlance, they are known as gigolos, hired by wealthy women, usually one who’s infuential or older. They comb the streets in major cities searching for prey to survive on. For sometime now, this group of young men bestrode the social circle like a colossus.

From the eighties, this practice was not so popular until recently, when it assumed an unprecedented dimension leaving on its trail, tales of bitterness and sorrow.

Tell me what?

Men who love wealthy, influential women for money

The masked dudes behind the mirror

A renowned journalist cum actor is adjudged as the Don of gigolos in Nigeria. The dude who was once married to a late female journalist was reputed to have an endless list of rich single/married women in Nigeria. In this case his alluring physical frame, meekness and his humane touch, gentle all combined to make him a lady’s man. For his good looks, every single woman, even the married ones, craved for a slice of this dude.

It was even alleged in some quarters, that this capon match-make younger men with rich single women.

“Go meet bros, he will arrange a rich woman who will take care of you,” ace comedian from the extraction with the Don was quoted as saying.

This god-fly of Nigeria com-

edy was also reported to have frolicked with most rich women in Nigeria until he eventually pitched tent with a seasoned banker who, he’s presently married to till date.

In his two marriages, he also made sure he chose mature wealthy women. His ambiguous adventure into the world of gigolos was evident in the number of his children from different women. Before he eventually tied the nuptial knot with his banker wife, this grandmaster of Nigeria comedy was embroiled in messy controversy with his erstwhile “older” lover, a lawyer.

Both of them threw tantrums at each other. The “mama lover” openly accused the comedian of duping her of some amount of money, and invariably cheating on her with oth-

er women of lower calibre. But “Oga” comedian dismissed all these accusations with a wave of the hand as he was already

A breath of love trapped in a fresh romantic affair with yet another rich single lady.

'Dating rich women has given me connections’, declared popular gospel musician who has been described as a gold digger.

This Delta State born musician whose gospel music rents the air waves was a toast of rich “single” women until he recently got married to this “Igbo” girl.

However, reports from the grapevine had it that old habits die hard as the gospel artist, still maintains a harem of single rich women.

For the renowned pidgin English gospel artist, dating rich women has bailed him out of poverty and placed him in vintage social pedestal.

God help these polygamous bachelors

Ordinarily, they go about searching for a prey to de-

vour. They also maintain a long list of younger girls as part time lovers, yet, still keep wealthy women not just for social pass time but as financial base for their promiscuous misadventure.

A renown Nollywood hunk who got married recently falls into this category. The well nurtured framed actor's romance with a renown female politician was widely reported.

Indeed, this famous actor was “ultimate” in the minds of rich but single older women.

He was reported to be very verse in sex related matters and his romantic escapades with younger girls cannot be easily summarised. But his romance with ‘older’ women paid off. He flaunts his romantic acquired wealth (exotic cars and others) with imperial arrogance.

Also, another fine boy comedian was also reported to have a knack for rich women.

Continues on page 11

Gregg Allman, 64, Getting Married for Seventh Time ... to 24-Year-Old: Sweet or Sick?

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 10

He killed his wife for her money

Face of love....

Despite her N350,000 monthly salary, Esosa still finds it difficult to make ends meet, ostensibly due to her husband’s frugal posture.

Shame kills faster than disease

Esosa could not opt out of the marriage because she had gone midway and the burden of managing the stigma of a divorcee held her down to a man who she later discovered was only after her money. Consequently, she decided to be more tactful in dishing out money to her jobless husband.

Hence, she withheld a leave allowance paid to her. This singular action angered the husband and he plotted her death.

Just like a scene in a Nollywood movie, Esosa was beaten to stupor and eventually, Adewale, the so- called husband used a big stick to smash her fragile skull, leaving her whimpering in the pool of her blood in their bedroom. And suddenly, Esosa died. Today,

the matter is still hanging loosely in a Lagos court.

“He is gold digger”

There was nothing in him to show that Jude was a gold digger. He met his slain wife, Nkiru, a businesswoman in the church. They dated each other for sometime, until about six months after when

they eventually made their marriage intention known to the Pastor. And like a well orchestrated event, one thing led to another, and the marriage was consummated. Nkiru gave her all to keep the marriage, but Jude was never satisfied. Barely three months after, Nkiru discovered her fatal mistake, as Jude was no way worse than a misogynist.

At every slightest provocation, Jude would rage blows on Nkiru.

It was even reported that the once amiable and Godfearing Jude kept younger girls as lovers. Not even the Pastor’s intervention would help to checkmate Jude’s misogynistic attitude. It was however during one of the pounding sprees of his wife who was barely four months pregnant, that Jude knocked his wife to death in their private home in Lagos.

or most Nigerians, romantic rela tionships must be consummated among people of equal standards.

Within the realm of African cosmology, it’s a taboo for a woman to get married to a minor , a man she’s older than . But events in recent times have proven otherwise. Cases of much younger men tying the nuptial knot with older women in Nigeria abound, a situation which many perceive alien to our culture.

Professor Friday Okonofua a gyneacologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital UBTH, in Edo State told Saturday Vanguard that sex has nothing to do with age. “There is nothing wrong in older women engaging minors in responsible

Jude who thought he would inherit his wife’s properties was taken unaware when the wife’s family members engaged him in both physical and spiritual warfare until he abandoned the properties and scampered for safety to an undisclosed destination.

Sisi Eko

These are usually women of substance. They are mostly divorcee or widows but at the same time, wield enormous influence and power. They usually wore exotic make-up and expensive clothes to replace lost youthful age.

They engage the services of younger men to massage their emotional ego.

Although in certain cycles, they may be referred to as Sugar Mummies. For them, age is no barrier to their romantic escapades.

Their undying libido enables them to engage much younger men in bouts of romantic flinks.

Ordinarily, they attend social engagements such as burial ceremonies, birthday parties and other conventional ceremonies. They hate to be addressed as Mama and would not indulge in activities that would expose their age.

Love whispers at dawn

Age has nothing to do with sex –

F

NO VEMBER 10, 2012—11 NOVEMBER

These are usually women of substance.

They are mostly wealthy and single but at the same time wield enormous influence and power

He got married recently but grapevine enthused that the diminutive fine boy comedian maintained a routine of beautiful girls until he became hooked in the warm embrace of his new wife. Although, many people may find it hard to believe this fine boy only has dozens of bow ties to show for his romantic flink, unlike the comedy god father who pounds the streets of Lagos with different exotic cars.

“If only you can see the ten thousand millions bubbles of love in my eyes,” he once confessed to his estranged wife.

Their romance which started like any other affair, eventually blossomed into marriage. Unknown to the female rich banker, her would be husband was a wolf in sheep clothing who was only interested in her fat take home pay.

Esosa (real name withheld) who hails from Edo State met this young good looking man from the South-West in a friend’s party. Like match flare, a relationship evolved.

Their love for each other grew in leaps and bounds and eventually culminated into holy matrimony.

Barely a year into the marriage, the bubble burst, as Adewale (not real name) Esosa’s husband began to act his real self. His once meek attitude changed overnight. His wife became overwhelmed by the husband’s frugal spending despite his jobless state.

Esosa, it was reported abandoned her aged parents just to cater for the husband’s endless request for money. It however soon dawn on her when she discovered to her chagrin that a whooping sum of over N2 million savings had gone down the drain unaccounted for that her man wasn't who she thought.

Vanguard anguard,,

sexual relationship except if the woman keeps more than one partner. Then, the minor may be exposed to the danger of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Otherwise nothing's wrong

There is nothing wrong in older women engaging minors in responsible sexual relationship except if the woman keeps more than one partner

Ok onofua Okonofua

with it.

How true that old women used younger men to revitalise their blood?

Well, I don’t know of any such thing. No research has ever shown that during intercourse with younger men, the blood of the older partner (women) is purified. It's all a misconception erroneously held.

At what age does the libido of man begins to decline?

Well, it varies from one individual to another. But for men generally, a man begins to suffer decline in libido at the age of 50. But the female is not likely to experience such.

So does it explain why older women go for younger men?

It may be. Women have prolonged sexual urge than their male counterparts. Even after menopause, a woman may still be sexually active.

Vanguard VEMBER 10, 2012 anguard,, NO NOVEMBER

GOS SSTTATE OKADA LAGOS OKAD A VS LA 'The baby and the bathwater'

I

t was a public holiday, the second of the two-day Sallah holidays, and I was being driven along Ikorodu road towards Surulere, grateful that the traffic gridlock of the first three days of the week had eased off considerably, when I saw him. A man sprawled at Fadeyi bus stop in a pool of his own blood. I looked away, but not quickly enough that I didn’t see that his head was the source of the blood.

What struck me as odd was that people at the bus stop appeared oblivious to what I had just seen.

There was a bus queue as usual, people selling some wares, as usual, people chatting in twos and three, as usual. A man lay dead in fresh blood, as usual?

Are we so used to death that we have become completely inured?

And that is the crux of the matter.

Okada as a mode of transportation, has made death very familiar on our streets. It has brought sorrow, tears and bloodapologies to Fela—to too many homes. The teaching and orthopaedic hospitals are, as we speak,brimming with victims of okada accidents. It costs, we must remind ourselves, tax payer’s money to keep them there – in doctors, nurses, hospital beds and of course, drugs.

So can we blame any government that wants to put a stop to the haemorrhage of its human and financial resources?

Hence, apparently, the restriction on okada.

I am sure most of us will blame okada riders as the architects of their own misfortune. They have taken road rage—where road users become aggressive as a result of frustration— a notch higher. They have taken lawlessness to the road —most Nigerian drivers are lawless on the road—a notch higher. They have taken mob action, an inclination of the under-privileged, a notch higher. Its not unusual to see an okada rider break someone’s side mirror without stopping to apologise. Its not unusual to see an okada rider scratch or dent someone’s car without the courtesy of an apology.

pass. These areas including those that have inadequate supply of buses, are being bailed out by okada services.

Then many people leave their cars at home during the week because of running cost. To these people, okada is like a ‘chattered car’. Also for many, the last bus stop is along way from home. Without okada, they will be trekking miles to and fro every day.

What I am saying in effect is that okada thrives as a business and as an occupation, because there is a yawning gap to be filled. Mass transportation all over the country, is woeful. That of Lagos State, with its huge revenue, is simply in excusable. We had more mass transportation in the sixties, despite the smaller population than now.

Okada also thrives as a business because of the huge unemployment market in the country. Many graduates, of tertiary and secondary education, find in okada, a means of feeding themselves if not their families. There is also the attraction of its having a low entry point.

You could be introduced to okada in the morning, and by evening, you are on the road. No other trade offers that. For most trades, you need about three years of apprenticeship. And you are still not guaranteed a job at the end!

It is true that okada is a sign of poverty like Governor Babatunde Fashola said. But its not kind, or responsible for a government to throw

,

We can make o k a d a irrelevant, not by banning or restricting it, but by giving people an alternative

B

ut before we say good riddance to bad rubbish, let us remind ourselves that okada drivers are fulfilling a need. They are, in their own way, rendering a service; one that has apparently been ignored by government and society.

There are suburbs and settlements in Lagos State that have lanes and foot paths where motor able roads should be. There are suburbs and settlements in Lagos State that have holes and craters where tyres are supposed to

,

poverty at the face of its people. Who and what made them poor?

I first entered and okada—well, ‘keke marwa’ about 25 years ago, in Bangkok, Thailand. I was amused that it was an acceptable commercial means of transportation for the masses. But for me, it was a tourist’s adventure. I had earlier seen bicycles and okadas in China and some Asian countries. Now, these countries have moved on and transferred the ‘poverty’ to us here.

What I think a responsive government can do is to recognise the ‘needs’ that gave birth to a thriving okada industry and take comprehensive steps to address those needs. We can make okada irrelevant, not by banning or restricting it, but by giving people an alternative.

Is okada desirable? No. Should it be restricted? Yes. Ultimately. But to ban or restrict okada without a viable alternative on the ground, is to increase unemployment, increase violent crimes and increase untold hardship on the citizens of Lagos State. It will, in the end, be like throwing the baby out with the birth water.

Or osan or Orosan osanyye, Ribadu and the Nigerian st stor oryy

O

n Friday, November 2, 2012, we were treated to a well sketched out but poorly delivered drama piece involving two Nigerians who have been privileged to serve in various capacities before now. One of the actors; the antagonist in this laughable drama of the absurd, Mr. Steve Orosanye chose to be on the side of government to remind us that the report ably put together

by Mr. Nuhu Ribadu-led Task Force on Petroleum was fraught with inaccuracies and inadequacies. He went further to input that the report did not carry the weight of a dispassionately concluded assignment as earlier spelt out in the terms of reference handed over to the Committee.

Mr. Orosanye was giving us a situation report as “concocted” by him perhaps inside the plane that conveyed him to Abuja. Ribadu had told us that Mr. Orosanye just returned hurriedly that morning from a trip outside Nigeria to participate in the presentation of a report he had earlier compromised his position on.

T

he drama easily opened a new scene in the entire anecdotal sketches that ended up exposing the rotten underbelly of a nation in search of strong-willed leadership. It was a daylight ridicule that left the President pretentiously askance as if to tell us he was unaware of the script.

Was the President not aware of the appointment of Mr. Orosanye as a member of the NNPC Board? Was he not aware of the fact that Mr. Orosanye had earlier been appointed as a member of the Ribadu-led Committee and that his appointment into the NNPC Board will compromise his position? What about Mr. Otti, who is known to be a very close friend of the President? His appointment as Director of Finance of the NNPC might be a deliberate plan to use him to checkmate whatever moves the Ribadu Committee would want to make. Otherwise, how do you appoint someone to serve in a task force committee that was primarily vested with the powers to look into the activities of NNPC and mid-way into the assignment, you decided to appoint two members of the Task Force into the Board of the concern that is under close scrutiny?

All the pretences and expression of surprise on the face of Mr. President was a punch line to a huge joke. After all, this President does “not give a damn” about assets declaration or making public his declared assets. Why

would any Nigerian take the President’s so-called a vouched commitment to fighting corruption serious, when he has not come to the table with clean hands?

I had stated before now that the whole rot and profligacy in the oil sector could best be explained by President Goodluck Jonathan and his campaign handlers.

Never in the history of Nigeria was money deployed heavily on electioneering campaigns’ like we witnessed during the last general election. All the subsidy claims and no subsidy are a matter of pretentiousness.

Why is it that nobody is asking where all that huge and stupendous expenses came from? Or are we that foolish to think that President Jonathan ran his election with his accumulated salaries even if he had not spent a kobo of it since his days as Deputy Governor up till his ascension to the plum position of a President and expect to enjoy such naira rain?

T

rying to look into the books of the NNPC is going to be a huge task but the Ribadu Committee has given us a thought for food. And the lesson to take away from this whole exercise is that Nigerians now have adequate information about the workings of the NNPC and its ancillary bodies. We are now better equipped with copious facts about how rotten the place has turned out to be. We are told of how many companies owe Nigeria money, and why they have refused to pay. The document that is now in the public domain has exposed for once the conspiracy that surrounds the activities of the NNPC. Thanks to Mr. Nuhu Ribadu who was not carried away by the flight of unreasoning that was careful scripted and acted by Mr. Orosanye. We were told that the report in the public domain was not the authentic until Mallam Ribadu assured us that nothing has changed.

,

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

We are now better equipped with copious facts about how rotten the place has turned out to be

,

If President Jonathan wants Nigerians to take him serious, he should first of all fire the Petroleum Minister and several others who have become economic liabilities to the nation. He should muster enough courage to do so in the interest of his anticorruption crusade.

He should appoint

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Petroleum Minister to help him cleanse the Augean stable which the NNPC and the oil sector have become. If the President can do just that, we would be inching towards the right way of getting rid of corruption. But if all that we get as a pass mark for our anti-corruption is a statement as dubious as “I don’t give a damn”, we should just rest our case and wait for another regime. We must all give Nuhu Ribadu a pat on the back for rising up to the occasion when economic saboteurs went on rampage. This country will not die a premature death, God’s willing. God bless Nigeria.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 13

C M Y K

14—SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER10, 2012

Ho w can I ge How gett m myy husband tto o be wilder in bed?

She has ego problem

M

y best friend re cently graduated from modeling school and now her ego has swelled to a huge size. She acts as though she is the best at everything and her attitude is way out of hand. She says she can mess up anybody. All my friends want me to tell her to leave our group, but she’s my best friend. What should I do? I’m afraid if I tell her how she’s acting or tell her to leave the group, she really will ‘kick me.’

Iphy, Port-Harcourt Dear Iphy, No one likes it when a person’s ego enters a room before s/he even gets there. But how do you express frustration with someone without being rude and running the risk of getting into a confrontation? Good question.

In reality, your friend may have a case of fragile self-esteem. While she may know how to swish her hips, catwalk, and turn on a dime , modeling school probably didn’t teach her that no matter what she looks like, there are other reasons people enjoy her company. Acting like a full-of-herself bully might just be her way of protecting herself from selfdoubt or a fear of rejection.

With that in mind, what will telling her to leave your group accomplish? Your friends may not have to deal with her attitude anymore, but making this choice might leave you, your friend, and possibly your other friends feeling like you’ve been as nasty as she has been arrogant.

Another question is why your circle of friends is insisting that you be the one to break

the news. You say that your modeling-school-graduate is your best friend. Are your other group members jealous?

Are they trying to drive a rift between you two? How would you feel if your friend weren’t welcome around the lunch table or at parties? What is it that makes the two of you such good friends?

It might help to start by talking with the other non-models about the things you like about your friend-turned-model.

She probably had qualities that made her fun to be around and maybe even she needs to be reminded of those. If taking the focus off of her looks doesn’t work, talk to her in private.

Since you’re her best friend, talk with her in private about what your group has been feeling. Ask her whether she is aware of how her words and actions are affecting her friends. Be caring and gen-

tle, so that you don’t elicit a strong response fueled out of self-defense. Also try to avoid ego petting. As a group, agree to ignore selfcentered or swelled-ego comments on the part of your friend. Try to steer clear of the topics that tend to bring these on, and find creative ways of re-directing the conversation. Doing

Dear Julie, I have been married for years and I have two children in my marriage. But I have never really enjoyed sex with my husband who is very conservative in his everyday life and in bed. It is okay for him to be cool headed but how can I get him to let loose for hotter sex?

Thecula, Enugu Dear Thecula, Usually we think men are the ones who are always trying to encourage their women to be a bit more adventurous. But just as often, it’s women who want to cut loose and are worried about upsetting their husband.

The best place to start? Ask yourself why you think he’s conservative and shy in bed. Is it simply low sexual confidence? Or maybe a lack of sexual experience before meeting you? Is it something more complex, like he got burned in a past relationship and that makes him feel he can’t let go fully? Sometimes understanding why a person is shy and conservative in bed helps to change things for the better.

The next tip is to always heap loads of praise on a shy partner when he even starts something new or a little different. The more praise he gets, the more he’ll think to himself, Ooh, this feels good! I’m being told how amazing I am!

So if he begins to touch you in a new place or slightly alter his position, tell him how good it feels!

Next, you can invest in a sex guide and tell him you’d love him to highlight something he might want to try.

something all together that you can focus on as a group

may help , especially if you pick something that someone else in the group is good at or that encourages you to think outside of yourselves.

Maybe spending time with your friend alone will take away the pressure on her to “perform.” People often act more cocky in big groups than they do one-on-one. Also this way, you’ll get to hang out with her while avoiding the frustration your other friends are having.

If nothing seems to be working, you can enlist the help of a teacher, mentor, older friend, or relative. If you do sit down as a group, make sure not to attack your friend. Allow each person time to express her or his views and ideas for how to resolve the frustration.

Sometimes, just getting things out in the open helps to smoothen out the conflict. Your friend may not realize that her behaviour is offending everyone, and the rest of you will then have the opportunity to also hear how she’s feeling. Everyone will benefit if you remember to be honest about any self-doubts your friend’s modeling success may be bringing out in you, too.

Am I wr ong tto oe xpect this? wrong expect Dear Julie, I used to enjoy sex with my husband but anytime I’m pregnanat, sex ceases to exist in our relationship but that appears to be when I need the sex most. I have never bothered making an issue out of this but I’m pregnant again and my husband doesn’t want to have sex. Am I wrong to expect it?

I’m sex-starved and my husband is not helping matters. What do I do?

Maryam, Lagos Dear Maryam, In an ideal world, you’re absolutely right; there should be compromise in the bedroom just as there should be compromise in every other aspect of a relationship. But because we’re living in the real world and this is a temporary situation, you may have to take things slower than you want to.

While it’s perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy, some men get anxious about potentially hurting the baby , or you!

Reassure him that nothing bad will happen, and eventually he may warm up to the idea. If he still shies away from it, ask him to pleasure you with his hands to stimulate you to orgasm. You can enjoy sex, whether pregnant or not.

My friend likes to compete with me Aunty Julie, My best friend of almost three years now has always been competitive, but it’s never been something we’ve discussed. Every time I’m wearing something trendy or saying something new, she will do the same thing. When we were learning driving, she would constantly try to beat my performance. I confronted her about that, but she never seems to learn . She still copies me and competes with ev-

erything from grades to guys.

If I address the problems I’ve had in the past, I will look stupid because usually I would be the type to bring it up, but my life was too hectic at the time.

Should I really waste time talking to her about her competitiveness? Or, is there a way to hint at it or persuade her to do something original? Thanks Tricia, Lagos Hello Tricia, A little competition between

The wife’s birthday A man asked his wife, “ what would you most like for your birthday?”

She said, “I’d love to be ten again.”

On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and they went to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park the death slide, the screaming loop, the wall of fear. She had a go on every ride there was.

She staggered out of the theme park five hours later, her head reeling and her stomach turning.

Then off to a cinema, popcorn, cola and sweets. At last, she staggered home with her

friends is common and healthy, as long as it’s acknowledged, mutual, and energizing to the relationship.

Friendly rivalry can create inspiration, encouragement, and support, spurring friends to do more and be more.

Your friend’s continued unwillingness to ‘do her own thing,’ however, even after confronting her about it, sounds frustrating, and threatening to your friendship. Perhaps your friend’s constant

competitiveness is her way of complementing your strengths in drive and ambition. Maybe, she admires you so much that she wants to mimic your every move. Or her ability to seek out her own aspirations may be affected by low selfesteem. Or, perhaps things are going on in her life that aren’t apparently obvious. The constant competition may be her outlet for coping with personal issues. Your relationship might already be built on a foundation of competitive-

C O C K - T A L E S husband and collapsed into bed.

Her husband leaned over and asked, “ well, dear, what was it like being ten again?”One eye opened and she groaned, “actually, honey, I meant dress size!”

The surgery A married couple was in a terrible accident where the woman’s face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graft any skin from her body because she was too skinny. So the husband offered to donate some of his own skin.

However, the only skin on his body that the doctor

ness. If this is the case, perhaps your friend feels compelled to be ‘the one’ to up the ante just to keep up with you. Sometimes what we despise or find annoying in others is what we dislike in ourselves. You may be experiencing or expressing a clash of similar personalities and traits.

Although it may be uncomfortable and seem unfair, perhaps it is time to revisit a heart to heart with your friend. You need to make sure you are saying exactly what you need to, and expressing all that you need.

felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman’s new beauty. She looked more beautiful than she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went on and on about her youthful beauty! One day, she was alone with her husband, and she was overcome with emotion at his sacrifice. She said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?” “My darling,” he replied, “I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.”

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no has been a nonconformist all her life, so this eventful day, she waited patiently at the VIP lounge of the local airport, fuming at the unnecessary delay in her flight when she noticed this young chap in his late 30s saunter towards her. Eno is in her late 50s. Curiously, she glanced at the seemingly shy man as he perched on a seat next to her. The conversation was stilled at first until Eno let it drop that she had an engagement at the Port Harcourt branch of the motel she ran. “He instantly became interested in what I had to say and was chatting away as if he’d just discovered his tongue,” Eno recalled. When eventually boarded the plane, it was inevitable that we sat together. He was quite helpful really, with my suitcase and making sure I was comfortable.

When we arrived at Port Harcourt, he asked tentatively if he could be put up in any of the rooms in my motel as it was too late to secure any decent accommodation. I would be a fool to pretend I didn’t know where all these was leading to. I was a single woman, twice divorced, and men like Ebere (the man’s name) swarmed around me all the time. Not that I look stunning at over 50, but because they could get compensated for services well rendered.

“At my age, you have to take what is thrown at you and men like Ebere are fit and strong and quite better looking than men my age -— and they appreciate you. Like, a friend aptly puts it, getting involved with younger men is like walking down a wellstocked supermarket with an empty trolley.

Vanguard NO VEMBER 10, 2012—15 NOVEMBER obvious her views had mellowed with years. “At Eno’s age,” she said, “you’ve got to get love anywhere you can find it. Men of her age group are not exactly bursting with testosterone and forty something ‘younger’ men are more discreet than those in their 20s! I’ll tell you what happened to me a few years back. I was on my way to the UK when I ran into Joshua, a younger colleague in the year when I used to work in an office. He was the one who recognized me really. I wouldn’t have believed it was him if he hadn’t approached me. He had filled out a bit, was obviously successful since he was flying first class and he looked really dishy.

At what point do you need consolation of a toyboy?

he goods on display are just begging to be snapped up.”

Would she call it prostitution I asked her. “Call it whatever you like, but there is a clear exchange of cash or gifts for sexual services. The agreement may last an hour, a night or a week. In some cases, it is more informal long-term investment. The toy boy’s aim being to acquire benefits over a period he finds an older woman, get involved and build up a nest-egg for when he gets married. One thing is for sure, as long as you are loaded, you can be plain or fat or a pensioner you will still be made to feel young and beautiful,and there are more than enough of these men to go round with their taut well exercised bodies.

e was a bit irritating when we worked together and I was his boss — always coming to work late and tearing up any query he was given. He was eventually sacked but he showed no remorse and grapevine had it he got a better job, thanks to his influential dad.

“He seemed to have forgotten our little spats as he offered dinner in a very posh restaurant. I was to be in London for only two weeks and he stayed at this cool service apartment.

When I realized he was eating out a lot of the time, I agreed to cook him some meals —his company was fun afterall, and his bar was well-stocked!

Inevitably, we had sex — and it was good. He was a few years younger, experienced and mature— or so I thought! He had to spoil things by blurting out he never imagined in his wildest dreams that he could bed a woman like me —a woman who had been so hoity-toity and seemingly untouchable! There was actually pride in his voice —like he’d tamed a shrew!

“I felt a bit embarrassed but you could see that was how he really felt—and I’m sure he would have boasted to a few of his friends when he got back home. We didn’t even bother to arrange to see each other after I left.

He’d obviously schemed to bed a prospective ‘hot’ woman and proud he’d accomplished the task. This has nothing to do with his being younger —afterall he was a grown man. Some men are quite childish and see bedding different woman as an accomplishment. All I know is that there are a lot of decent and discreet younger men out there and if you could get one— make the most of the meal!”

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the husbands don’t know can’t hurt them.”

Years back, when a group of us discussed the issue of younger lovers, Gladis had been indignant at having “to strip in front of a gangling man.” She said there were far more interesting men around for her to make a fool of herself with an inexperienced braggart! When I now discussed Eno’s case with her, it was

Are you sure you’ve had an orgasm?

hen an Agony Aunt gets a question on variation of orgasms or lack of it, she’s often in a dilemma as to the most satisfactory answer to give. Although most women enjoy sex, how do they know if they’ve reached a climax-or not? Julia Cole, a relationship counsellor says that women often wonder about orgasms.

According to her, “they say they experience feelings of arousal and waves of pleasure but ask, ‘Is that it?’

Others get to a certain point where they feel something stops them and they can’t let go. Sometimes this can be because they are uncertain about relationship. Another reason for failing to reach an orgasm can be that they are not being aroused or stimulated enough.”

She has helped to develop a special range of vibrators designed to work C M Y K

younger men, I might buy the drinks, the gifts and give them a good time, but believe me, it is a bargain for the emotional satisfaction I get.

The married ones amongst my friends use my motels all the time, then go home and resume their normal life with their families. What

I was a single woman, twice divorced, and men swarmed around me all the time

have stupid well-worn lines they use on their victims that never fail.

‘You are my destiny, without you, I would never have made it in life!’

Sloppy words that send their victims reaching for their cheque books. “Life is short”, Eno concluded dreamyeyed. “I’m rich. My two children are happily married, and in a decade or two, I might be history. With those

with a woman’s body. She has also helped devise questions to help women identify the sensations of arousal and orgasm. According to her, every orgasm is different and unique

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“They don’t need all those Viagra stuff unlike a lot of men my age.” It is sad that dating younger men which used to be a rarity now operates on an industrial scale,” observes a social commentator who says she feels disgusted by some older women’s get-laid wherever-you-can-get-it attitude. “What was exciting has turned exploitative.

Passion has been replaced by the predatory and caring has become a con to the opportunistic gigolos.” And they

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to each woman. You may not experience every sensation described here, but these sensations are the most common.

Do you experience tingling, warmth, a sensation or pressure, or a ‘twitching’ sensation in the vaginal lips and the general area between your legs?

These are signs of early arousal and are as a result of the blood flowing into the labia and entrance to the vagina.

Your nipples will also be erect at this time.

Following these sensations, do you notice lubrication and a slight sensation of dampness in the labia?

As arousal increases, your desire to thrust and gyrate your hips and straighten your legs become stronger

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This is the result of the natural release of lubrication in the vagina.

This takes about 30 seconds after the initial arousal signals.

Are you aware of an increased sense of heat and a feeling that your labia has increased in size?

Labia engorgement varies from woman to woman, but also indicates that the clitoris is becoming erect, which is a precursor to orgasm.

Do you notice your heart rate increases, your breathing getting faster and muscles tensing?

Muscle tensions in the thighs and stomach are signs that you are becoming highly aroused, as well as an increased heart rate.

Do you feel the need to move your hips in a thrusting motion and find that your legs become straighter and stiffer?

As arousal increases, your desire to thrust and gyrate your hips and straighten your legs become stronger.

You can still have an orgasm without straight legs, but many woman report this phenomenon as they approach orgasm.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10 10, 2012

There’s always some crisis or some reason why they can’t give the women they “love” the affection and time they need every day. Ladies deserve better. They deserve to be recognized for what they are: a treasure

Is he taking you for granted?

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achael dated Mike for five years but it was five years when she was never appreciated by him. It was five years she found herself begging for his attention, love and companionship. She was sweet, rich and kind and her guy enjoyed from the largeness of her heart. But Mike never appreciated her until she decided she has had it and called it quits with him.

A lot of women are sexual, sweet, affectionate and with BIG hearts.

Sounds good, right? When you’re a woman with a big heart, you tend to give love all day long to everyone around you. It’s natural . On the downside, if you’re not careful, there’s nothing left of you at the end of the day. That means we not only need to refuel but we also need to receive love and affection from those we love. This can’t be a one-sided thing.

Women are supposed to be strong , love themselves and take good care of themselves. And we are. But if you’re also an affectionate, sexual woman, there’s an empty place in your life that can’t be filled by anything other than the affection of the man you love. This is true but sometimes it wasn’t.

Unfortunately, some men tend to take sweet, affectionate, loving women for

granted. I mean, these women are strong. They are always there when needed. They’re forgiving. They’re compassionate. They’re positive.

They’re always in a good mood. And because of this, many times, they’re left behind. Somehow, some way, they end up last place on their men’s daily list of priorities, which means they receive little or no affection in return.

Women deserve better treatment.

There are a lot of women like this: Loving, sexual, sweet, giving women

who are terribly lonely in their relationships, because the men they love have put them last place on their list of priorities. There’s always some crisis or some reason why they can’t give the women they “love” the affection and time they need every day.

Ladies deserve better. They deserve to be recognized for what they are: a treasure. Women deserve a man who will put them first place on his list of priorities NO MATTER WHAT. It

doesn’t matter how busy or crazy his life is. If he truly loves you, he will make room for you every day. And I’m not talking ten minutes of time but all the time you need. Why? Because he loves and values you.

So don’t give up and settle for less.

No more excuses for these guys. You can find the time in your stressful, multi-tasking life for your man. He should be able to do the same for you if he says he loves you.

Do everything you can to make your relationship work. But if it doesn’t, don’t give up on yourself. Don’t settle for less. When this happens, it’s easy to think you failed. You didn’t. The truth is, it takes two to make a relationship work. If he isn’t willing to put in the time and effort, you can’t do this for him.

However, never doubt there are men who will treasure you and spoil you with all the affection you deserve every day. If you’re single, you’ve just got to get out there so they can find you.

Or maybe he’s been in your life for a while, quietly waiting for you to recognize him. It happens.

So sometimes the man of your dreams is someone you already know. And sometimes the man of your dreams is your man who just needs to get a clue. No matter what, it all starts with you. When you stop settling for less than you deserve, everything changes.

I don’t want my parents to know I’ve had sex I recently had sex with a guy, and now I suffer extreme vaginal itching and white cottage cheese-ish discharge. This is driving me crazy!

I’m afraid it might be Cervicitis, but I’m not sure. Also, I can’t ask my parents to take me to a doctor because there is no way I’m telling them I’ve had sex! Is this even sex-related?

PLEASE answer my question because I’m tired of sleepless nights worrying what this is. I’m 16 years.

Anonymous Ans: Talking with your parents about

an urgent health concern that may be connected to sex can be really difficult, no doubt about it. Whatever is causing your symptoms, whether associated with your recent sexual activity or not, getting diagnosed and treated as soon as possible will be best for your overall health .

Considering your family and cultural values, think about what communication approach would be easiest for you, keeping in mind that it’s often challenging for many of us to talk about health concerns when we think or know they’re related to sex.

Maybe you can be direct with your

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parents, letting them know that you’re sure you have a vaginal infection and that you need to see a doctor right away to get treated. If that’s too bold an approach for you, how about, “Something is wrong down there. I don’t know why, but I’m really uncomfortable, and I need to see a doctor right away to take care of it.”

Or you can say, “I’ve been having a lot of vaginal itching. It’s not getting better so I want to see a doctor as soon as possible.”

Even though you are nervous about disclosing intimate details of your life to your parents, most parents want

their children to be healthy at all times, and are likely to be more concerned about seeing you get better than start interrogating you about your sexual history. They may very well have had past experience just like yours and know exactly how to handle your discomfort.

If your parent's route isn’t a road you’ll take, you might try talking with a teacher, an aunt, a friend’s parent, a neighbour, or someone else with whom you feel close.

Whomever you talk to, it’s vital to talk with someone , just think how good it will be to feel comfortable again.

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Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked?

Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

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here were they supposed to go seeing that their homes had been submerged? They decided not to drop their materials but drove further away to another camp being managed by a priest and a teacher which did not have anything and dropped off the materials there. No doubt someone in the government camp will go into the sale of foodstuffs at the end of it all.

Our hearts seem to have been

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HEN you haven’t exercised the body in donkey’s years and you take up the challenge to do so, there’s the necessity to go easy. Too much, too soon, and you might not be able to rise the morning after.

The body always adapts itself to whatever demands or lack of them made on it, i.e if you’re a white collar worker who sits and works at a table or computer and for transportation, you have a motor car, your muscles will have a certain tone. If you decide to introduce say, some walking into the lifestyle, you will notice a change in muscle tone. They will begin to firm up and that will translate as added vim in everyday living.

The idea is to give the body graduated exercise till you achieve appreciable strength, flexibility and youthful proportions.

The breaking in of the body will take different lengths of time for different folks. But the promise is the same. With diligent practice, it becomes amenable to supreme health and well-being.

The aches and pains of the breaking in period is the price to pay for long time neglect of proper care of the body, it can also be interpreted to mean the body’s throwing out toxins it has been habouring.

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info@katehenshaw.com

Be prepared repositioned from the front to the back, rendering us impervious to the plight of those in need of help.

The Federal Government has released money to aid the flooded communities but I can bet that only a quarter of the amount will be used for what it is actually meant for because sooner or later we will begin to hear stories of misappropriation of the funds,

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y heart goes out to those whose homes, villages and businesses have been ravaged by flood. It is being viewed as an act of God but knowing the Nigeria that we live in, I would not blame God for this terrible mishap.

We tend to always leave things till the last minute, don’t we? A stitch in time saves nine, but we are not moved by that phrase. There are quite a few groups agitating for relief materials to be sent to the people in these affected areas. Ministers have done a big show of riding in canoes to the ravaged areas to commiserate with the victims but it will end there!

Reports have indicated that relief materials are being stock piled and access to one of the camps requires a 5-day waiting time after application! Speaking to a staff in one of the humanitarian organisations who volunteered to go to one of the government managed camps with their own relief materials; he said the gates were locked to people who needed shelter. On gaining access, he found relief materials in abundance, stockpiled but those who needed it the most, were told to apply and come back after 5 days.

Vanguard, NO VEMBER 10, 2012—17 NOVEMBER

average sanitary conditions they are exposed to. Just a few people in positions of authority who instead of serving the people are bent on feeding fat off any situation irrespective of the deprivation of their own people.

The reversal however is the case with our counterparts in the United States. We can see the sheer devastation that has happened in

Why does everything had to be so hard and so disorganised when it comes to us in this country?

inability of those affected to get relief and of course, a committee will be set up to investigate these claims and the people will be left in the cold, worse than where they began! No thought is spared for the lives lost, be it man, woman or child; the illnesses that will arise in these communities and in the people as a result of less than below

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the Eastern seaboards of the country because it is receiving full coverage and we can articulate the magnitude of Hurricane Sandy. In New York, New Jersey, there are gas (petrol) shortages and the queues are endless but I must say here that we experience that regularly without a super storm being attributed as the cause; car pool rules have been put

Breaking the body in For some, in as little as three months, enough purification of the body might have taken place to allow for execution of such postures as the lotus and the plough to mention but two. For others, it may take four years or more, but the feeling of accomplishment is the same you did it.

Lets start with the following.

The Camel Technique: Sit down on the heels. Place the hands with the fingers pointing away from the body just next to the toes. Now, raise the body up from the sitting position dropping the head and humping up the chest.

Breathe in normally as you stay in the

posture for 5 to 10 seconds You may return to the seated position, take a little rest and repeat.

Benefits The Camel expands the chest for better aeration of the lungs. The shoulder muscles are toned and double chin reduced.

Head-to-Knee Technique: Sit with the feet stretched out in front of you. Now, slowly lower the trunk till the forehead rests on the knees and with the thumb and forefinger, form a ring around the corresponding big toes, with the elbows touching Ihe floor lightly. Keep the breathing normal. Retain

in place to enable people move around and authorities deliver food and other relief materials to the people! A friend who had travelled to Boston could not travel back home to Nigeria as all flights were cancelled but they were informed at every stage what precautionary measures to take. When they arrived back at their hotel, they were given flashlights just in case the power went out and they needed to move around! That is planning for any eventuality. Can we not borrow a leaf from that? Why does everything have to be so hard and so disorganised when it comes to us in this country? So much motion yet so little movement in the right direction! Yet, those voted in to lead us right give themselves a pat on the back for doing what is expected of them in the first place.

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hey celebrate every minute succour they give the people, expect garlands on their neck and confetti thrown at them.

One day we all will be called to give an account of our time on earth, irrespective of religious inclinations.

There is so much one can amass for themselves. If it does not change the life of the needy, give them hope for tomorrow, it means absolutely nothing and when we shuffle off this earth, we have no control over who will take over this ill-gotten wealth.

There are numerous examples which abound of governors, ministers, bank MDs who cannot move around freely in other countries apart from Nigeria because of their gluttony. A good name they say is far better than riches and when we fail to plan, we inevitably plan to fail.

the pose for 10 to 30 seconds. Release the hold and straighten up the trunk for a bit of rest and repeat.

If you find it impossible to reach far down the legs, it will do to hold the shins and lower the trunk as far down as you can manage.

Benefits The Head-to-Knee stretches the back and hamstring muscles. The digestive organs adequate massage leading to their improved functioning. The posture cures constipation and in the womenfolk eases painful period.

Leg Raise Technique Sit with both legs stretched in front of you. Bend the right knee and draw the leg closer to the body. Now raise the leg up holding it with both hands at the ankle.

Bring the trunk nearer the raised leg such that you can touch the knee with the forehead. Stay in the posture for 5 to 15 seconds and repeat with the leg raised. You may rest a bit and go over again. The right leg up again followed by the ieft.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER10,, 2012 as your sex life gone stale?

Between kids, work, the econ omy and other pressures, intimacy may seem like a fantasy. Are you ready to turn up the heat again?

These 20 tips will help get you in the mood both physically and mentally.

Or are you already having stupendous sex? There’s always room for improvement. Below are the top tips for having the best sex ever.

You’re entitled to fabulous sex So what if you haven’t lost your baby weight, certain body parts are drooping or you have a pimple the size of a volcano. It doesn’t matter. “When you’re in bed and making love, your partner’s not worried about any little imperfections a woman might have.

Besides, his body probably isn’t perfect either. Does a guy ever let a large belly or back hair get in the way of a good time? Follow his lead.

It doesn’t add up Women have an average of four sex partners in their lifetime, according to research. This means many women have field-tested more than four guys.

That may not mean you’re a slut. People make mistakes and learn from them and sometimes, one has to kiss a lot of frogs before meeting ‘Prince Charming’.

3. Make a date Scheduling sexual intimacy might sound too anal to be fun, but sometimes planning is in order. You make time to work out and do errands . So why not for intimacy?

This is important, so you have to make room for it and push it forward. Reconnecting with your partner as a lover , not roommates or parents is a reminder of why you were attracted to him in the first place. And once you’ve made an intimacy appointment, the anticipation can be almost as titillating as the event. Kick it up a notch by trading racy texts or leaving a sultry voicemail on his cell.

Normal? Forget about it!

Do furries float your boat? That doesn’t make you weird or freaky. In countries like the US, studies show that women have sex in lots of ways. But some of these ways are abominable in Africa.

Get squeaky clean Use mouthwash and baby wipes. It keeps everything fresh.

Go fish Fish oil reduces inflammation, blood pressure and dangerous LDL cholesterol. But guess what? It also opens up those teeny blood vessels down there.

Also, fish oils boost the testosterone in your body. Women have this hormone too .So, you notice your arousal more quickly. You can get a hefty dose of fish oil by eating salmon, mackerel, lake trout or sardines . But it may be easier to take supplements.

Trade pleasure for pain Intimacy should feel amazing. If it’s painful, figure out why. It may be a simple matter of changing positions or adding lubricant. But it could also be a yeast infection, an undiagnosed STD, endometriosis, painful bladder syndrome, vulvodynia or even cancer.

Don’t try to diagnose it on your own.

See your gynecologist.

If you’re still hurting and nothing is medically wrong, consider talking with a certified therapist.

There can also be emotional reasons for painful sex, particularly for women who’ve been raised in religious households or who’ve been sexually abused or raped.

Meds can turn you off Some medications like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, even birth control pills can blunt your

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tips for the best sex ever

sex drive.

If you haven’t been feeling as frisky as you want, talk to your doctor about whether your prescriptions could be putting the chill on your libido. You might be able to use a lower dose or switch to a different medication.

Know thyself Only about 30% of women reach climax through penetration alone. That means a whopping 70% need help to cross the finish line. It’s not all up to your partner.

Share the responsibility with your partner for your own sexual pleasure.

Give him instructions He may not want you telling him how

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hand and lead him to the path of your pleasure. Show him specifically where and how (lightly, firmly, slowly, quickly) you like to be touched.

Cultivate a rich fantasy life You’ve heard it before: The most important sex organ is your brain. So stock it with intimacy images to get your motor revved. It’s one more tool to bring to your play. There’s plenty of tasteful stuff out there, so you don’t have to expose yourself to something that’s going to offend you.

Create a sexy space You want your bedroom to feel like a place for good loving’, not an office or

Only about 30% of women reach climax through penetration alone. That means a whopping 70% need help to cross the finish line

to drive, but he’ll appreciate direction about what pleases you.

Just don’t be bossy about it , unless he’s into that. A simple “It drives me wild when you... (fill in the blank)” can work wonders.

Still not getting it? Take him by the

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nursery school.

Remodeling isn’t required. Simply clear out the kids’ toys, put away the work stuff and add small touches like candles or flowers.

Get some comic relief Sex without gaffes only happens in

movies. In real life, something’s bound to happen: One of you farts, you pull a muscle or you fall out of bed. The only thing you can do after checking for broken bones is just laugh and roll with it. The pressure to have “perfect sex” is a definite mood-killer.

Birth control that’s controllable.

It’s impossible to let yourself go if you’re worried about getting pregnant or contracting a disease.

You are married. So, have fun.

Don’t curb your enthusiasm Some physical conditions impact your sex life. Heart disease, hypertension and diabetes “can profoundly affect sexual health and pleasure. What’s the connection? Blood flow, baby.

Sexual arousal is completely dependent on the blood flow to the tiny blood vessels in our genitals which gets erect the same way a man’s penis does. So anything that impedes the rush of blood to your nether regions can substantially curb your enthusiasm.

Catch some zzz’s.

About 67% of women have trouble sleeping, according to research. And, as many working women know, when you’re tired, you’d rather sleep than have sex.

Get fit down there You’ve heard this before, but here’s why you should do your Kegels. If your pelvic floor muscles aren’t very strong, you’re not going to feel much.

How do you do it? Just squeeze and release. Make it more fun by squeezing them in sync to the music while you’re driving.

Take a Pilates class Pilates works a lot of ancillary pelvic floor muscles, like the transverse or higher abdominal muscles. Working your transverse abdominals will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles too, similar to what Kegels accomplish.

ASK THE SEXPERT orr w I tas worr orryy about ho how tastte and smell My husband doesn’t last more than I w a new guy goes down on me. Is five minutes during sex. Is there a when there anything I should do about it? way to make him last longer?

Even if your man thinks you smell amazing, you won’t When the timing is right and you’re cuddled up together, tell him that you’d like to “draw things out.” While holding his hand, show him the sorts of caresses you want. Or suck his finger to show him the pressure you’d like on different parts of your body. When he’s focused on your pleasure, he’ll be less focused on his own. Stroke his hair, his back, his chest but don’t stimulate his package.

Ask him to bring you to climax before you even have penetrative sex. He can use his mouth or his hands. Once you’ve had your first orgasm, you can then start having sex. Try to get him to last longer by changing positions or the things you’re doing without even telling him. This will actually slow him down. Imagine you’re in the missionary position, and then you teasingly tell him how much you’d like to try doggy-style. By simply moving around to behind you, he stops getting immediate stimulation.

Finally, if he learns to strengthen his PC muscles (the ones he uses to stop himself from urinating), he can pulsate those when he’s getting near to his own climax and slow down his release. Let him know it’ll make his orgasm more powerful when he gives into the desire , a great incentive to draw it out.

be able to enjoy his effort if you’re worried about offending him. Your best bet is to wash your below-the-belt region with soap and water before sex. Or, why not take a shower or bath together as part of foreplay? Even if you don’t suds up first, focus on all the sensations of your man’s mouth moves. Because if he voluntarily heads downtown and stays there, he’s most likely not offended by your scent.

My husband thinks things like role-playing are weird. What are some fun ways heat things up without my husband feeluncomfor orttable? ing uncomf or It’s not a surprise that your guy thinks role-playing is silly — many guys do. But it’s important for him to realize that there’s a difference between role-playing and simply telling each other about your fantasies. If you describe to him in detail what you fantasize about, it can be incredibly erotic. You can try wearing super-sexy clothes and giving him a lap dance. Or playing around with a scarf: Just have fun taking turns being loosely tied or blindfolded and letting the other roam around your body. And don’t forget sex toys. Many men get incredibly turned on being pleasured with sex toys.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—19

Resting or sleeping, your mattress makes the difference D

Sleeping position

U

nderstanding the best sleeping position and what is necessary for your body and, how to get the best possible rest, every night, should not be left to chance. The position the spine is in while you sleep is critical to spinal health. The spine naturally curves forwards in the neck, backwards in the mid back and forwards again in the low back. In this position, the spine is relaxed with minimal pressure on nerves, muscles and spinal discs.

•You can sleep,but have a restful night.

,

o you know you spend roughly one-third of your life in bed? This equates to approximately 220,000 hours over the course of a lifetime. Whether it is to rest, or to sleep, a mattress is an indispensable part of your life.

Rest Rest occurs with conscious breathing and allows the autonomic nervous system, ANS, to “rest”. This system controls many organs and muscles in the body. When the energy level goes down and wastes increase, there is tiredness and body needs rest.

When you take rest, energy is restored. Rest and sleep are dependent upon each individual’s ability to relax. If an individual is tensed, he cannot be in the state of rest.

Rest is taken to counteract fatigue. Fatigue gives an indication that body needs rest.

You should not ignore the signal and take rest when the body indicates it.

Sleep Sleep, on the other hand, is a natural state of rest for mind and body. Sleep occurs in a cycle like in four stages. Rest can be anytime you just lie down or be still where you are, while sleep is more deliberate and “organised”. Rest is important for health and sleep is a necessary factor. Both are required for physical and mental activity to create energy. A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and in rejuvenating the body, mind and soul. So it makes a lot of sense to invest in a good mattress and pillow to improve your comfort and overall health. Improving your sleep quality can be as simple as sleeping on a better mattress and pillow.

Doctors used to recommend very firm mattresses. But in reality, people using the medium-firm mattresses report less pain

,

Logically, if you have back pain, bed rest can be useful, especially if you are in severe pain while sitting and standing, according to experts from Harvard Medical School. But it’s best to limit bed rest during the day to a few hours at a time, for no more than a couple of days. Too much time in bed can actually do more harm than good. If you need to be horizontal, lie down on a bed or sofa, in any comfortable position. To ease the strain on your back, try putting pillows under your head and between your knees when lying on your side, under your knees when lying on your back, or under your

hips when lying on your stomach. These positions reduce the forces that sitting or standing impose on the back — especially on the disks, ligaments, and muscles.

Bed rest Bed rest is no longer the go-to treatment for moderate back strain.

Although it does minimise stress on the lower spine, it can also create other problems. Too much time in bed weakens muscles, including those needed to support the back. Some people develop

pulmonary embolism, can be deadly. But there’s another good reason to limit bed rest: welldesigned research trials show that an early return to physical activity or work — with some restrictions or light duty, if necessary — is preferable to bed rest and staying home from work for an extended period.

Type of mattress A good mattress is not simply determined by brand or price, but more by a combination of quality components; correct balance of support and

*A good mattress gives a restful night rest gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation. Inactivity also boosts the chances of developing a blood clot in the veins of your pelvis and legs. This can hurt, and damage the affected vein. If a piece of the clot breaks away, it can lodge in the lungs. This condition, called

comfort and; having a qualified health care professional assess your support needs. From research, a mattress should be replaced every five to seven years. This is to ensure our changing bodies have appropriate support. It is important to seek the best advice when changing your mattress.

Even though there hasn’t been a great deal of research on the topic, studies do offer some guidance. Doctors used to recommend very firm mattresses. But in reality, people using the medium-firm mattresses report less pain when lying in bed as well as less painrelated disability compared with those with the firm mattresses.

Back pain

P

eople with low back pain who sleep on orthopaedic (very firm) mattresses have the poorest sleep quality, while there is generally no difference in sleep quality between medium and firm mattresses.

While a softer mattress that conforms to your body’s natural curves may help your joints align favorably, you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night. One way to find your dream mattress is to try out different ones. If you spend a night at a hotel or in someone else’s house, make note of how you feel after sleeping on the “new” bed. You can also try putting a plywood board under your current mattress (which will dampen any movement from bedsprings) or sleep for a few nights with your mattress on the floor (which simulates the feeling of a firm bed).

20—Saturday Vanguard, November 10, 2012

07088551416

Uche Jombo caught by dress error

•Dr Jazz

Dr Jazz: The new R n B kid on the block

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che Jombo is an actress who storms most red carpets with her homework dress. For some time now, she has really not be caught by fashion police for errors done to her dresses at events.

But few weeks ago, the talented actress cum movie producer was caught red handed with a dress malfunction at an event. Just like other beautiful ladies that turned the movie premiere of Hoodrush at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos, Uche came well dressed.

But unfortunately, the button of her dress messed her up big time as it first slightly exposed her tummy. Thereafter, it further exposed more of her tummy. Realising the harm the dress button may have done to her, she quickly adjusted it.

But she was not smart enough as the sharp lens of a photographer has already kept the picture in the memory of his camera.

By Esther Onyegbula

T

•Uche Jombo

Queen Ure releases album F

ew yea rs afte r her cra she d ma rria ge to singer, Soul E, the beautiful lady Queen Ure, who is in her 30s did not find love in any of the male admirers who ma de the ir inte res ts kno to her.

However, Queen has now found love wn and wishes to make it known to everyone who cares to liste n. She recently disclosed in a chat at an event, that her music is her new love.

Disclosing why she ventured into mus ic as a career, the lightskinned beautiful lady stated, “mu sic has always been part of me from childhood. I didn’t just take it seriously because I was doi ng oth er thin gs. But now , I am doi ng it professionally. It is not a new field to me and I am out to showcase it to the world. I started music professionally in 2012.” She also disclosed she wou ld release her 15- track album titled, Popori very soon.

•Queen Ure

Sasha P drops new single N

igeria’s First Lady of rap, Yetunde Alabi better known as Sasha P, has dropped a new single titled Authentic, produced by DJ Klem for Knighthouse.

Authentic features an anthemic, upbeat and rhythmic offering complimented by the catchy sing-along lyrics to present an airy fresh sound.

According to Sasha, music is her first love and this is just a tip of what she has coming.

“I took time out to develop my retail brand Eclectic and the support has been amazing! However, music is my first Love and with all my C M Y K

new experiences, its only natural I’m back to the music! Authentic is a glimpse into what my fans can expect from the new body of work and all the projects I have been working on .There is so much in store and I look forward to sharing them all with you, “ the beautiful female rapper said.

Sasha first tasted fame in 2001 when she came second at a Girls Night Out talent search. She has since remained consistent and stamped her authority in Nigeria's and Africa’s hip hop scene.

he Nigerian music scene is about to witness the birth of a new star who has all it takes to become the new king of RnB in Nigeria.Seyi Johnson 20, aka Dr Jazz is a new star who sees RnB as his only type of music.

Apart from singing, he also plays a wide variety of musical instruments like the piano and guitar.

The Ogun state born musician cum producer has collaborated with several other artistes within the music industry like, Samklef, Patoranking, St. Lee, D’Money, among others.

For the young lad, his musical future is bright and there is no better way to start than to involve in a tour that would see him collaborating with foreign artistes within the UK and beyond. He has dropped his first single titled “Hey Baby” earlier this month and the music has been highly applauded.

Disclosing his source of inspiration, Dr Jazz says American RnB superstar Chris Brown happens to be his idol, while other range of musicians also gives him the drive to move further. He is certainly a star for the future.

I like taking dirty roles—Rita Dominic.

T

he pretty and sexy but still single actress , Rita Dominic said she would want to be dirty in her acting. Meaning?

She would want to remain playing a role of a character the society looks at as nuisance. ‘’I just want to keep doing dirty characters. I want to keep dirtying myself as an actress. I want to keep pushing the box. When I say dirty, I advise you watch the movie Shattered, and you will understand. I’m talking about the characters people in the society look at with a feeling of disgust” .

•Sasha Her numerous performances have seen her share the stage with the likes of Boyz II Men, Rihanna, Dru Hill, P.Diddu , John Legend and even Rihanna. Some of the accolades under her belt include, Channel O, Best Female Artist, MTV MAMAS, Best Female Artist and KORA Awards for most Promising New Act.

•Rita Dominic

Vanguard, SATURDAY , NOVEMBER 10, 2012—21

I

Ice Prince

BY KATHERINE USEH

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ising hip-hop artiste, Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice Prince has said that his vision for the music industry is to see it grow and get to the point where his name will be mentioned all over the world.

He said his vision was to make African music attractive to international artistes where they will not be able to resist it.

n a chat with Showtime, Ice Prince noted that the industry is fast growing with the likes of D’banj whose music is being played on London radio. He said that as artistes, their primary duty is to create and produce quality music for their fans According to him, the industry is sensitive and therefore, it is important that everybody strives to make a different by taking the dream to the next level in years to come.

On how he rose to the top, he said, “It was a long journey of hustle and bustle. A journey that took me out of Jos where I grew up to Lagos wasn’t a easy one. It was hard for me to settle down. I hustled, I had to sleep on the carpet for one year.

“At a point I stayed with Gini and squatted with MI. It was pretty rough but I thank God for what and who I am today. Those challenges I see as molecules that formed me.

“Every year is a blessing for me and to add another year makes me great. Although, I am feeling like I am getting older but I’m blessed because all my birthdays have been amazing.

“When I was a kid, my parents used to celebrate my birthday and now that I am mature my friends always do something special for me on my birthday. Last year, it was celebrated in Abuja with the likes of 2face and this year, we are celebrating it in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt”, he said.

•Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti flags off campaign to legalize ‘marijuana’

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

S

on of Afro-beat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who died 15 years ago, Seun, has condemned the ban of marijuana and cigarette, addinmg that the position of

Mo’ Cheddah ready to go for gold at MVA

A

S the voting for this year’s edition of the Channel O Music Video Award, holding on Saturday, November 17, in South Africa, ended last Thursday, Nigeria’s Modupe Oreoluwa Oyeyemi otherwise known as Mo’ Cheddah is certainly ready to go for gold again.

Mo’ Cheddah was nominated for her ‘See Me’ video featuring Phenom which has put her back in the running for this year ’s Most Gifted Female Video after she took it in 2010.

In fact, until last Thursday night, the ‘Ko Maa Roll’ crooner was busy tweeting, and appealing to her fans to vote for her. Even before then, the social media was awash with an earful of ‘vote for Mo’ Cheddah’.

The songstress, who is expected to add fire to the live performances at the glamorous event is contesting with the likes of Zahara Loliwe (South Africa), Lizha James ft Perola: Leva Boy (Mozambique), Keko ft Madtraxx: Make you Dance (Kenya/Uganda) and our own Tiwa Savage: Love me x 3.

This year,a lot of African artistes who have been lined-up were urged to turn the event, brought to you by DStv, into the biggest celebration of

•Mo'cheddah

African music. All the artistes billed to perform at the event, holding at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, have promised to make the event a historic one. It would be broadcast live on DStv Channel 320.

Some of the stars billed to perform at the event include, last Year ’s Best Newcomer winner, Ice Prince, who is also, one of the contenders in the Most Gifted Hip-hop Video for ‘Superstar ’ as well as Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video.

Blazing the stage as well, would be South African Hip-hop head Pro and a number of South African Kwaito music legends in the form of Alaska and Thebe along with Dr Malinga.

Another highly anticipated performance is from hotshot Nigerian star, Davido, who is also running for the Most Gifted Newcomer Video as well as Most Gifted Dance Video and is tapped to set the stage ablaze with his performance.

the law on the two products was illogical.

According to Seun, the favoured cigarette has lethal consequences, while the legally opposed marijuana was medicinal and good for human consumption. But, Seun said, the lethal cigarette was favored simply because it was to the white man’s profit, stressing that marijuana would make black countries richer than the white if legalized.

Seun damned black politicians for taking the white’s advice against its own natural produce of ‘ weed’ which he said was good after all and accepting the white’s product which truncates lives.

“Marijuana is medical, and I feel Cigarette is selling legally because it is white man’s business. It is killing millions of people every day.

‘Igbo’ is not killing anybody… Marijuana is not only for smoking. It’s used for a lot of things; you can make clothes, you can drink tea, it is good, it is medicinal, it helps your appetite, they give it to cancer patients.. a lot of benefits”, he said in a tone of finality.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—23

Omotola emerges box office Actress of the Year •Omotola

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he year 2012 will be one in which actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and film maker, Obi Emelonye won’t forget in a hurry. The duo made the headlines in spectacular way judging by the quality of jobs they both

accomplished during this year.

The movie, ‘Last Flight to Abuja’ produced and directed by award winning Obi Emelonye, first grabbed the headlines when it reportedly sold more than N8 million in its first week at the cinema.

Omotola’s popularity in the box-office was put to test when the movie opened at the cinema.

The movie, starring the likes of Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Jim Iyke, Jide Kosoko and others, is still showing at the cinema and it has already grossed not less than N24 million, to

break the record of ebing the highest box office earner this year.

For Omosexy, this year has been one of her busiest moments in the industry.

She has not only starred in umpteenth big-budget movies, she has equally taken her talent beyond the shores of this country. At the last count, she starred in Ties That Bind alongside Hollywood’s Kimberley Elise, Kofi Adjorlolo, Ama K, Khareemar Aguiar among others. She was also in Tarila Thompson’s “Up Creek “, Teco Benson’s “Blood on the Lagoon” which is currently in post production and “Amina”, starring alongside British actor Wil Johnson and Vincent Regan.

As icing on the cake, the actress was recently honored as the first ever African BEFFTA Film Icon for her contribution to the film industry in Africa, Europe and globally. BEFF TA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) award is Europe’s biggest award ceremony celebrating achievements of black and ethnic personalities in showbiz globally.

AGN reunites Fred Amata with Ibinabo F

or those who were at the upscale Rumors Night Club in Lagos recently for the inauguration of the newly elected president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fibresima, one thing sprang up a surprise.

And it was the rekindling of the romance between the ex-beauty Queen and renowned actor-cum producer Fred Amata.

The ace-producer who decked in black suit stormed the event venue, bubbling with life and ever willing to give his support to the mother of his beautiful daughter. Interestingly, upon sighting Ibinabo, who was looking hot in her minis, Fred could not resist her glamorous appearance as he immediately stretched out his hands and hugged her ceaselessly. It was an eternity...

Fred, it was learnt was at the event, to give his support to the half caste actress and also, to show her love again.

However, it would be called that during the electioneering campaigns, the renowned actor was strongly involved in campaigning for Ibinabo.

It was no surprise therefore that he showed up at the event in support of Ibinabo’s victory at the polls.

By her inauguration, Ibinabo has made history as the first female president of the guild. The event was well attended and the official handing

over was observed in a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The turn-out signalled an end to the internal squabbles and controversies which had almost reduced the integrity of the AGN. Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji, led others to publicly declare their support for the new boss of the AGN. Fiberesima wasted no time in outlining her agenda.“We are starting with a health insurance and pension scheme for actors and actresses.

It has never been done before. The motive is to put an end to the situation where actors go capin-hand to beg for money in times of difficulty.

“By the time we clock 100 days in office, the health insurance and the pension scheme would have been in place. As I speak, I’m just waiting for the data to ascertain how many actors and actresses who are members of the AGN.," she stated.

Nollywood actor, Alex Usifo blasts govt over insincerity

...says he was supposed to be a catholic priest

By Dotun Ibiwoye ollywood Actor, Alex Usifo, has accused government of insincerity with its policies as regards the welfare of Nigerians.

He made this assertion during his conferment with the award of excellence in artistic creativity by the Achievers International University and Seminary, Spain at its bi-annual international summit and award held in Festac, Lagos last weekend.

Usifo also disclosed he was supposed to be a catholic priest but could not finish finish at the seminary promised to always assist others who want to actualize their potentials in their career and service to God. He stated that he had never depended on government because of its inability to fulfill whatever promises it makes to its citizenry.

According to him: “I do not believe that the government is sincere with all they say. All my life I have never depended on government, for instance government did not play any part in bringing me to this level. I have never really bothered to know what the government is doing. I only know they make political promises.

“To me , I see awards as when you are being acknowledged. I also feel challenged to do better. It is an opportunity for me to also extend hand of friendship, especially to those who want to be part of Nollywood to actualize their •Alex Usifo potentials.

N

Joseph Benjamin shines at African Film Awards T

he 17th edition of The African Film Awards formerly known as The Afro Hollywood Awards took place last weekend at the historic Stratford Town Hall in London.

Main winners at this year ’s event included Joseph Benjamin, Muka Ray Eyiwumi, Olufemi Adebayo, Kiki Omeili, Hafiz Oyetoro, Bidemi Alaran, Christain Ashiaku and Helen Paul. A special recognition award went to Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon for his outstanding contribution to arts and culture in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

The glittering evening hosted diplomats, influential personalities, celebrities and the crème de la crème of British communities. Ace director Tunde Kelani, producer Tunji Bamishigbin and the CEO of FilmHouse, Kene Mkparu were among special guests in attendance. Nollywood UK and British African film and television practitioners were also well represented.

In his speech, event organiser Prince Mike Abiola paid a glowing tribute to the growing African film industry and urged investors to start to look at the industry as a new platform to partner for growth.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

When Eniola Badmus got a dose of super storm Sandy

BY AYO ONIKOYI

E

Kunle Afolayan romances MTN ...says Glo did not fire him

BY Ayo Onikoyi eeks after the wave-making film maker, Kunle Afolayan and Globacom, the telecommunications giant, parted ways over what seemed like irreconcilable differences the actor may be back again on a fresh endorsement deal with another telecommunications giant.

This time around, the telecommunications company on the radar of the actor is MTN and this revelation came to the fore at the launch of Afrinolly Short film competition held Thursday at the Southern Sun Hotel , Ikoyi, Lagos. The Afrinolly Short Film Competition is powered by MTN with Kunle Afolayan and Stephanie Linus on the bill as collaborators to support a power pack of judges led by by the likes of Tunde, Kelani, Obi Emenloye, Emem Isong and a host of other international movie makers.

Kunle who spoke at the event started his speech with his fall-out with Globacom, insisting he was not fired by Glo contrary to reports in various media. He said he took the decision to leave Glo for reasons best known to him and looking at the logo of MTN boldly displayed behind him on the podium he said “They said I left Glo because this ‘People’ (MTN) wanted me. Well, If you want me, I am available”.

Though this was met with laughter from the audience but the note of seriousness of the matter was left hanging in the air and Kunle once again opened a can of worms when he said he is working on a project that needs funding and once again, looking longingly at the MTN’s Logo he said “I hope they can help”. There were a couple of top MTN bigwigs at the event and Kunle’s intentions obviously, were not lost on them and of course, that may be Kunle’s plan all along.

W

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niola Badmus a.k.a. Gbogbo Bigs Girl who shot into the limelight in Funke Akindele’s ‘Jenifa’ is one highly free-spirited female who could discuss any subject under the sky.

To her, smoking and smooching, and even talking about it is as good a topic to talk about as the weather talk. She’s as kinky and fearless as they come and she even calls herself ‘Badosky’ and if you ask her why, she would tell you “because I am the baddest babe there is” But this ‘baddest babe there is’, who is currently holidaying in New York City, U.S.A, wasn’t so cocky and talking tough as she used to do some days ago when super storm Sandy calling, ravaging some Eastern Coast of the country. In fact the ‘I don’t care what the devil’ big, bold and beautiful Eniola was reduced to nervous wreck, but give her the thumps up for the nerve to reach

to twitter, even though she was rattled out of her senses. “I can’t even focus right now am scared...Pray 4 mi nigga, sandy getting bloody, I can’t even open the windows , “This is unimaginable........mighty roof falling,heavy wind blowing,heavy rain falling,thunder strike,water everywhere,transformer exploding... I can’t even sleep......what a storm........ehhhhh home calling oooo “ she tweeted.

So, don’t be surprise if you run into her in the the next available flight back to Nigeria!

Nollywood in the eye of Charles Novia O

NE of Nollywood’s pioneer filmmakers, Charles Novia has decided to tell the story of the nation’s film industry as it is, no holds barred.

Titled Nollywood Till November…Memoirs of a Nollywood Insider, the book billed for launch later this month, tells the insightful and exciting true story of Charles Novia, “from his trudging days as a struggling filmmaker in the then cabal-styled Nollywood, to his eventual triumph and success as a major force in Africa’s biggest film industry. My memoirs reveal a personal perspective of the monumental struggles each of the now-famous personalities in Nollywood must have faced on their road to fame. It is a brilliant and inspiring tale of succeeding against the odds in an industry that has been termed ‘the third largest film industry in the world’”, Novia said in a statement released by his publicist.

Published by Authorhouse books in the United States of America, the book has already generated good sales in the Western hemisphere where it has been on the shelves and on the e-book platform for a couple of months.

It took the filmmaker a year to pen down the explosive book.

“The book took me a year to write as it was a chronological memoir and I had to search my memory bank for accurate details as well as do a lot of research for true events I wrote about. The launch is scheduled for this November.

Funke Akindele returns in A Wish

alented Nollywood actress and Brand Ambassador, Funke Akindele-Oloyede returns in this romantic comedy, “A Wish” directed and produced by award winning actor cum filmmaker, Elvis Chucks.

The talented actress before now starred in two blockbusters, The Return of Jenifa which has been the highest grossing movie of all time making N35m at the cinema and in Maami, a movie produced by highly respected filmmaker, Tunde Kelani which also recorded N19m.

The movie, ‘A Wish” has also been tipped to record high numbers when it eventually hits the cinemas on Friday, December 7, 2012.

Funke Akindele starred in A Wish as a banker who fell in love with an average man who later jilted her when he heard she has been diagnosed with cancer.

A Wish is a hilarious comedy which features Chris Okagbue (Gulder Ultimate Search 8 winner), Helen Paul (Tatafo), Bishop Imeh, Kola Olaiya and others.

Producer, Elvis Chucks who once took part in the award winning family sitcom, Super Story and also starred in several Nollywood movies before going into film making. He has two movies under his belt as a filmmaker; True Citizens which featured Uti Nwachukwu and Victims of the Society, an advocacy flick which featured veteran actress, Joke Silva.

24 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 41

I grew up in a neighbourhood where people could not afford the basic necessities of life. I saw my mother helping them when they needed help.

I saw a lot of kids being exposed to violence, child abuse, peer pressure. So I learnt from my mother’s generosity to the kids and her gestures towards caring for others. I was close to them and I could feel their pain. Since then, I told myself, ‘if I’m going to set up a foundation, it has to be one that has to do with kids. That is my passion.

U

N Ambassador and Nolly wood actress, Chika Ike knows her onions when it comes to interpreting her roles in movies as well as engaging in buying and selling. Having featured in several movies since debuting in the industry nearly a decade ago, her dexterity in the interpretation of roles has endeared her to most movie directors. Recently, the 27 yearold actress showed her stuff in a multi-million naira flick, ‘A Minute Silence’, where she was meant to pose for a shot with a live python. In this encounter, she recounts the horrible experience and explains why she prefers to keep her private life out of her acting career.

•Chika Ike

Some of your colleagues have taken the initiative to premiere some movies. Are you thinking in that direction?

Yeah! It is good to be ambitious, and anybody that is ambitious will think of doing something special and worth-

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

W h a t frightening experience have you had in the course of your acting career?

Basically, every job has its own hazards. Acting also has its own challenges too. I have had a lot of experiences. As an actress, you have to be at different locations. I shot a film recently that I was in the forest for seven days. You know, the sight of reptiles and animals can be very frightening.

There could be scorpions, monkeys and other dangerous animals hidden in the bush but

C M Y K

What was going through y o u r mind when you were carrying the python?

A lot of things went through my mind. I felt anything could happen because animals are not easy to control. You can only try your best, human being sometimes might not be able to control wild animals. I felt the python was going to turn against me. Even when a colleague was encouraging me to carry the snake,I was praying it didn’t to attack me.

It was frightening; very scary.

It took me a while before I could carry it. People were like telling me not to be scared. I was like running away but they kept telling me Chika, No! No, it won’t attack you. Later, I agreed to carry it with one hand but the director insisted I must hang it around my neck.

I screamed and screamed , but I finally did it.

It means you can do any-

thing for money?

No, I will never kill for money.

What if you have a Hollywood script that you’ve got to act nude for a whooping sum of money?

I will not take the job.

A big sum of money in dollars sometimes is irresistible?

Honestly, I won’t do it. I will not go naked for any movie.

A

lot of rumours are making the rounds about your crashed marriage, could you please put the records straight?

You see, human beings are terrible, but the issue is that as long as you are breathing, people will continue to talk about you. Even if you are dead, people will still talk about you whether positively or negatively. Rumours will always come up, especially when one is in the limelight.

So, let them continue to talk about me, I don’t want to talk about it.

But that will not help the situation either; is it not better to put the records straight, or you have decided to move on without a man in your life?

Basically, it is my private life

My ‘romance’ with a python – Chika Ike and I don’t want to talk about it. I think private matters are handled privately. So, issues about marriages, relationships, friendships are personal, people are entitled to handle their own issues their own way. So, I like to keep my private life private.

Your birthday is around the corner.What are the arrangements?

I’m going to celebrate my birthday in Enugu this weekend. I will be giving out a discount of 50% to all the customers of Fancy Nancy shops. And they will also get a Fancy Nancy free bag. The party will hold at Peekay Gardens, Enugu.

Apart from that, I’m planning to embark on a vacation. I have not had a rest this year. So, in December, I will be going on vacation and I’d be planing to travel to some countries. That will also serve as a birthday

,

Would you ascribe your success in the industry to your excellent interpretation of roles and professionalism?

Yes, that is what I actually mean by hard work. You have to be very professional in whatever you are doing in order to achieve success.

So, it is a combination of spiritualism, favour of God, hard work and professionalism.

as an actress, you’ve got to put that behind you and do the job.

I just finished a movie recently where I had to pose with a live python. It was the most frightening role I have ever played in recent times. Carrying a python that can turn against you at any moment can be very frightening.

I have heard people call you African Sweetheart, why this name?

(Laughs) Of course I’m an Af-

It was frightening; very scary. It took me a while before I could carry it. People were like telling me not to be scared. I was like running away but they kept telling me Chika No! No, it won’t do anything harmful to you

treat for myself. It is going to be a round trip to Paris, London and Dubai.

Apart from acting, what other things do you do?

I have a foundation called Chika Ike Foundation which is geared towards helping children on the streets, giving them hope and encouraging them to become better persons in future. I launched it officially in May 27, this year, where

,

we organised a party for over 3,000 children in Lagos. The party was themed “Educate a Child” and we gave out over 3000 Customized CIF (Chika Ike Foundation) school bags containing school materials, Tshirts, lunchboxes, note books and snacks. It was held at the Light Chapel playing ground.

It was a fun galore. I visited public schools in Enugu and Delta States recently and I’m planing to replicate the same in other states before the end of this year. It has actually been taking my time, but I love it because I’m passionate about it.

Again, my fashion business: Fancy Nancy Collections is another area that takes my time. The Lagos branch is going to be opened soon. So, it has been a handful of activities for me.

What inspired you into setting up the foundation?

I don’t really like looking back at life in such a way because I see everything you do in life as a learning process. I am not somebody that would not try and later start skulking and wishing it had never happened.

while in the industry. Of course, I give them kudos for doing it and I’m assuring you that mine will be out, hopefully very soon.

What are you doing right now then?

I’m currently shooting a movie in Enugu. We will finish the production very soon.

The movie is entitled, Kleptomania. It’s about a girl that has a sensation and spur to steal. This was actually brought about by a curse by her old mother while stealing her money to help her own boyfriend. The old woman cursed her and she started stealing. At a point in the movie and in the story line, she had an accident and her legs were cut off. It was physically challenging.

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rican Sweetheart. I don’t really know why they call me that but I believe I am one. Every African woman should be a sweetheart. But I gadly take the name. Come to think of it, if you look at me, you’ll know that I am a full blown African woman and I am proud about that.

Are you the lead actress in the movie?

Yes I ‘m. I worked with Pete Edochie. It was a beautiful storyline, with lovely casts.

How much did it cost?

I really don’t know, but I know it cost the producers a lot of money. If you put all the casts and cost together, it is huge. It is not easy getting Uncle

CELEBRITY FOOTNOTE

When is it going to be out?

Hopefully in March 2013.

If you look back into your life, would you regret any of your actions?

I don’t really like looking back at life in such a way because I see everything you do in life as a learning process. I am not somebody that would not try and later start skulking and wishing it had never happened. Of course, I will feel bad, but I don’t allow that to weigh me down. I just have to move on and take it as one of the lessons in life. That way, it makes you stronger.

,

You are already a brand after putting in nearly ten years in the industry. What is your staying power?

I can only attribute my success to God because without Him, I’m a nobody. I’m also a sucker for hard work. I believe that in whatever you do, you’ve got to put in your best in it.

In a highly competitive industry with multi-talented actors and actresses, it is not easy. But I give God the glory, I’m a very spiritual person.

Without God, I can’t really do anything. I grew up under the influence of my parents who inculcated the values of discipline, hard work and tolerance in their children.

Pete Edochie and myself in a movie like that.

•Chika Ike

•Stella Damasus

ON DELTA RELIEF

I

was in the United States of America when I saw some scary pictures sent to my BlackBerry phone. These pictures were taken in Delta State, where flood took over about 10 local government areas.

Before the incident, I thought natural disasters like flood, volcanoes, storms, earthquakes etc, only happened overseas and not in Nigeria. As far as I was concerned, that was the only consolation I believed we had about our dear country.

In fact, I used to say ‘all the problems we have in Nigeria are man made’. This statement to me, was so true until few weeks ago when I found out that the state where I hail from ( Delta State) has experienced a natural disaster.

I am not sure how we can handle this disaster. I don’t think we are well prepared to handle this kind of natural disaster because it hardly happens in this part of the world.

The painful part is that it hit major villages with a large concentration of children and women. They lost their homes, schools, hospitals, community centres, churches, mosques, markets, banks, farms and every source of survival.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose everything around me in one day.

Some lives have been lost and the Delta State government has quickly set up relief camps for all the displaced people.

It is time for us to stand up now and help the displaced people, whether you are from Delta State or not. It can happen to any state or community. What I am asking everyone reading this now is to come out and help those that were displaced during the disaster. The same way we came out to help the affected people during Jos crises.

Saturday Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 25

down and tell his own story. "I was preaching in Port Harcourt recently and I told my listen-ers that there are only two things that will make one think that the one is better than others: Favour and Opportunity. There are peo-ple if they have the opport-unity that you have, they will probably be better than you. When you look at yourself, there is no reason why you should be what you are. These are the things that keep me humble. It reminds me constantly that if you take God out of my own equation, I don’t know about others, I am finished!

There won’t be anything left. I am not going to pretend that Ayo can do this or that; no no no!

"It’s just God. As busy as I am, I still answer my calls by myself. I constantly ask myself, am I really better than the person calling me? I don’t think so.

Am I more important that anybody else? I don’t think so! I am probably more favoured than somebody else. I have had an incredible opport-unity but I also recognize that if some other person had same opportunity, he would do probably much more than I had. I am just grateful to God that I had a very painful childhood but God took me out of it," Pastor Oritsejafor stated.

After a stint with the Church of God Mission, CGM, he formed the Word of Life Bible Church. From a very humble beginning of using a class room to a warehouse and then an open field, it now has a 35,000-seater church auditorium known as the International Gospel Centre, Ajamimogha Warri, one of the largest in the world. This structure can seat over 35,000 adults, 17,000 children and a con-ference centre sitting over 5,000 people. This indeed is one of the biggest church building in the world be-cause it has actually sat over a 100,000 people during one of their crusades.

By SAM EYOBOKA and GLADYS ABUGOH

F

OR every purpose of God to be fulfilled on Earth, He raises a man, often from a dungeon of sort, as a partner to carry His vision to a targeted people. Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor is the founding and senior pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri in Delta State, and is currently the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). In July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected as the National President of the apex body of all Christians in Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria. He thus became the first Pentecostal leader to hold the position. In 1972, the Lord saved and mira-culously delivered him during a crusade in Sapele organised by late Prof. Benson Idahosa, the pion-eer Pentecostal archbishop in Nigeria. Almost immed-iately, he felt the call of God upon his life and enrolled in the New Covenant Bible Institute, Benin City. While in college, the Lord showed him a vision of himself preaching to countless thousands of people with great power and authority and he heard the Lord say; “Take my Word to the World". A prolific author of Christian books, the charis-matic preacher has taken the gospel to every contin-ent of the world and organ-ised conferences around the globe.

His anointed messages have brought salvation, deliverance, revival, healing and outstanding miracles to millions across the world as God’s power is demonst-rated with signs and wond-ers. As a keynote speaker, he has ministered in crusad-es with well over 2,000,000 souls in attendance. He has also ministered and still ministers in various intern-ational and local conferen-ces and seminars which has taken him to well over 50 countries and every conti-nent of the world.

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n 1980, Oritsejafor, a dynamic preacher, pastor, evangelist, teacher, prophet, apostle and an author, with a unique anointing of God upon his life and in a bid to carry out God’s divine man-date of bringing the message of salvation, deliverance and healing to the homes of countless millions, he start-ed the regular and popular television programme, Hour of Deliverance, which pre-sently airs in many local and international television and satellite stations. He is also the founder of African Broadcasting Network, ABN. He’s on several Cable Net-works all over the world and preaching through the inter-net via this website. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Ministries was the first to launch a Miracle crusade (Lagos Miracle Crusade) from Africa to world audiences, via satellite, in 1987 with Joe Martins.

He has authored several books amongst which are Walking in Unity, Power through The Church, The Battle is in the Mind, Be an Over-Comer, Power for the Journey, Faith Antidote For Daily Living, A Voice in the Wilderness, A Man amongst Men to mention but a few.

In view of the apostolic call upon Papa Ayo, his ministry acts as a covering to several ministries in Africa, Europe and America. He is happily married and resides in Warri, with his dear wife, Helen and family. Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oritsejafor is the president general of the Daughters of Sarah Fellow-ship and chief host of Family tips on the Daughters of Sarah Kitchen Corner TV programme and Mama Helen and You, a regular talk show on ABN Africa. Together they have been taking the gospel to the nations of the world.

Humble Beginning

H

e was a little boy when his father died and that automatically altered the course of his life voyage because his mother still quite young had to move on with her life. Fortunately for her, she met a man not too long after the husband's death who married her and took her to the UK and in doing that the young Ayo who relocated with the family to Sapele in Delta State had to move back to Lagos. That marked the beginning of a series of very unpleasant experiences for him because he jad no steady place of abode as he was moved from one uncle to another uncle or another auntie. "I became like a pilgrim with my small lagguge always ready. I was never sure of how long I was going to stay in one place. I was always in suspence and I never allowed myself to settle down." It was not an experience any young man would cherish because it easily exposed him to all kinds of strange things and that hardened him and opened him up to a lot of negative things, negative friends. "I am sure you know that teenagers are always after acceptability. Young people want to be accepted, loved and want to feel wanted and I could only feel those things with a certain kind of people. So, I ended up with those kind of people and being like those kind of people. It was an ugly experience for me, because I learnt a lot of things and got involved in all kind of C M Y K

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Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, founding and senior pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri in Delta State, things including drugs and other horrible things at a very tender age….so many things too numerous to mention," he added.

That was the kind of childhood he had. It wasn’t an exciting one, but thank God that He didn’t allow the ugly experience to continue for ever. By his own confession, God was so good to me that He bailed him out of that condition which is why today, he can sit

hey host the yearly inter-national convention, Daugh-ters of Sarah Convention and a two week trade fair where businessmen and women and companies gather to tell the world about their busi-ness.

Helen Oritsejafor is the CEO of Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank, that has been used as a tool to empower so many around their com-munity and beyond. She is an author with several books to her credit.

For being the voice of the countless voiceless Northern Christians, they labelled him Lion of Africa. For his determination to eradicate poverty in the Niger Delta, in particular, through his numerous empowerment projects and his boundless acts of philantropy across the entire nation, they call him, Pastor of Pastors.

It's on record that he has brought a new wave of vibrancy to the two Christian bodies. PFN, before his tenure, had no national secretariat. He took it as a challenge and a foundation had been laid for one. Since his emergence, Oritsejafor had refused any honour from both CAN and PFN, spending his money to pilot the affairs of the bodies.

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TODAY’S MENU

I have been placed on diet —Ice Prince Panshak Zamani a.k.a Ice Prince is one of the artistes that have been making remarkable impact in the entertainment industry. The 2009 winner of Hennessy Artistry Competition and a hip-hop artiste is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. In this interview, he speaks on his healthy living and why he is presently placed on diet. Enjoy

•Ice Prince

BY KATHERINE USEH

W

hen it comes to food, what can you say?

Food is like a friend because it gives satisfaction.

How did you handle your eating habit as a child?

No food appealed to me as a

child. But, my parents tried their best to force me to eat.

As an adult, what has changed in terms of food?

Something has changed and that is the call of nature. I just considered that I picked up interest in food and that was how the story changed. At a point, I started eating but in

YOUR FOOD& YOUR HEALTH

moderation. The truth is that as an artiste, I have been placed on diet and so, I try as much as possible to eat well and eat right.

What kind of fruits and drinks do you take I do not select fruits. I take all kinds of fruits and drinks. I eat fuits including pineapple, banana, apples, pawpaw, and mango. I don’t have a favourite.

What kind of exercise do

Tummy Palaver Obama's Burger

T

Stories BY EBUN SESSOU

DEPRESSION

D

epression is a common emotional disorder. It manifests in various degrees from feeling of slight sickness to utter misery and dejection.

It is a very unpleasant illness.

Anyone who suffers from this health challenge suffers a combination of symptoms that undermine his ability to sleep, study, work, eat, and enjoy activities he used to find pleasurable. Experts say that major depressive disorder can be very disabling, preventing the patient from functioning normally. Some people experience only one episode, while others have recurrences.

But, you can overcome depression by eating apple.

Apple is the most valuable remedy for mental depression. The fruit should be taken with milk and honey twice daily. This will act as a tonic and recharges the nerve with new energy and life.

you indulge in?

I still make up time to exercise because it keeps me fit. I go on the gym, play football and basketball. I also do tredmill and swimming.

What is your opinion on healthy living Healthy living is eating well and eating right. I eat greens and vegetables as well as fruits because it keeps me healthy and lively.

he way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

This principle may also apply to the eating culture of United States President, Barak

Obama who does not play with his stomach.

Investigation has shown that President Obama loves eating burger. culled from www.nydailynews.com

United State President Barak Obama eating ...loves eating burger

Fruit of the day APPLE JUICE

A

pple contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your immune system. A lot of people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

Prevents Heart Diseases: It can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

Prevents Cancers: We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

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Prevents tooth decay: Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80 percent of bacteria.

Protects your brain from brain disease: This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

Healthier Lungs: A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

Culled from www.succeedwiththis.com

POWER PASTA SPAGHETTI WITH CHICKEN Recipes

One whole raw chicken, cut into pieces One pound Power Pasta spaghetti, broken into twoinch pieces Two cans cream of mushroom soup Two and half cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese One quarter cup finely diced green pepper One quarter cup finely diced red pepper One medium onion, finely diced One teaspoon seasoned salt Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparations

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the chicken and two cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make two generous cups Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, one and half cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.

Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining one cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

Pasta Nutrition Pasta is a good source of folic acid, a key nutrient in a woman’s childbearing years.

Folic acid helps to prevent some birth defects (i.e. neural tube) that occur in the early stages of pregnancy.

42 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

English Premier League Week 11 Predictions:

Players sure to land in all EPL Team for this week’s clashes T

he English Premier League’s giants are continuing to battle at the top of the table and Chelsea’s reign over the world’s most popular league has ended.

As always, teams will be looking for fantastic individual performances to help earn favourable results.

Manchester United took over the top spot in the table, as Robin van Persie helped lift his new club over his old one. Later that afternoon, the Blues failed to take full points against Swansea and the balance of power shifted.

Arsenal’s loss to United kept them on the outside looking in at the top four, and the race for Champions League spots will be fascinating. At the bottom of the table, Reading, Queens Park Rangers and Southampton continue to face the impending doom of relegation.

Chelsea will face a surging Liverpool as they try to regain the top spot, while a showdown from Manchester City and Tottenham is the other marquee match.

Here are the players who will be in top form during these matches, and all the other contests this weekend.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart: Manchester City

Only Arsenal has conceded fewer goals than Manchester City this season, and this would not be the case if Joe Hart was not between the posts for the reigning champions.

The Englishman has remarkable instincts and is capable of making incredibly athletic saves. His ability to constantly get his hands on shots that seem destined for the back of the net has helped City win several games throughout his tenure with the team. Against Liverpool this weekend, City will face an impressive group of attacking players when taking on Tottenham. While the Citizens should dictate this match, Hart will be called upon, and as he has done so consistently, he will deliver. Expect to see a sprawling Hart to frustrate Spurs strikers throughout this match.

•Joe Hart

•Phil Jagielka

•Vincent Kompany

Left-Back: Patrice Evra, Manchester United

Only Arsenal has conceded fewer goals than Manchester City this season, and this would not be the case if Joe Hart was not between the posts for the reigning champions.

The Englishman has remarkable instincts and is capable of making incredibly athletic saves.

His ability to constantly get his hands on shots that seem destined for the back of the net has helped City win several games throughout his tenure with the team. Against Liverpool this weekend, City will face an impressive group of attacking players when taking on Tottenham. While the Citizens should dictate this match, Hart will be called upon, and as he has done so consistently, he will deliver.

Expect to see a sprawling Hart to frustrate Spurs strikers throughout this match.

Centre-Back: Phil Jagielka, Everton

Everton have continued to look like one of the Premiership’s best sides, and Phil Jagielka is still doing a

•Lukas Podolski

fine job anchoring the Toffees’ back line. The Englishman’s fine play has earned him a significant amount of attention both from Premier League fans and Roy Hodgson, and his defending has been superb during Everton’s surprisingly successful campaign.

He will go up against a Sunderland attack that has produced just six goals in league matches this season, which is the fewest in the EPL. However, Steven Fletcher is always a threat to find space in dangerous areas if Jagielka loses focus. The Everton centre-back will remain stuck throughout all 90 minutes while his side earns three more points and keeps a clean sheet.

Centre-Back: Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

Tottenham has no shortage of attacking players it can throw at Manchester City this Sunday, and the back line will

•Russell Martin

need to be at its best for Roberto Mancini’s side. Responsibility for leading that defensive effort will fall to Vincent Kompany, and he will not only need to play at a high level himself, but will also have to keep the defense organized and in position to deal with Spurs’ creative forward players. Kompany has remains one of the finest centre-backs in the Premiership, and he is certainly up to this challenge. His top-class tackling and ability to lead his teammates will be a decisive factor in an impressive performance for City this weekend.

Right-Back: Russell Martin, Norwich City

Russell Martin has been an excellent player for Norwich City this season, but he was to miss time due to a back injury. However,media reports noted that he is recovering well and may be on the pitch this weekend. A return to the lineup will be an incredible boost both for Mar-

•Marouane Fellaini

tin and the Canaries as they attempt to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches while also attempting to earn a victory for the third time in this stretch.

Having a talented player like Martin who can contribute on both ends of the pitch will be the boost the Canaries need to take down Reading and continue building a buffer between their place in the table and the relegation spots.

Left Midfielder: Lukas Podolski, Arsenal

Arsenal was certainly not expecting to be tied with Fulham in the table when entering this match, but after 10 fixtures, each team has come away with 15 points.

The Gunners must improve going forward this season, and they will be looking at Lukas Podolski to be an important part of their attacking plans for the remainder of the campaign.

•Patrice Evra

The German international has two goals and two assists this season and was able to record an assist in Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Schalke. He will be looking to make a similar impact against Fulham this weekend.

This London derby will be a test for Arsenal as they try to prove that they are head and shoulders above mid-table teams like the Cottagers, and Podolki’s attacking prowess will help the Gunners pass with flying colors.

Central Midfielder: Marouane Fellaini, Everton

Everton’s success this season has been heavily influenced by Maroune Fellaini’s ability to terrorize opposing defenses. Premier League defenders are accustomed to overpowering attacking players, but there are extremely few back-line players in the EPL who have a size or a strength advantage of the Belgian.

Fellaini has five goals and two assists in league matches this season, and when looking at his height and hair, it is abundantly clear that he is not sneaking by defenders.

He is a constant presence and is drawing increasingly more attention from opposing teams, but still managing to be extremely effective.

Fellaini’s play in the center of the pitch will be far too much for Sunderland to handle this weekend.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 43

Off The Pitch

TENNIS NEWS

Steven Gerrard, Didier Drogba, James Rodriguez Would Steven Gerrard actually leave Liverpool? Could Didier Drogba actually return to England?

Will James Rodriguez really cost £36 million? Those are the burning questions in this Saturday's edition of Off The Pitch. Read on for those stories along with updates on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Roberto Mancini.

Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murr 12 Murraay at 20 201 ATP W orld TTour our World Finals

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ORLD No. 1 Novak

Djokovic rallied not once, but twice inside of London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday, defeating Andy Murray in three sets, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Djokovic dropped the first set, but came storming back to take the second and a quick 4-2 lead in the final set. After an incredible rally from Murray, Djokovic had to once again battle back, winning his service game at 4-5 to avoid defeat.

He would go on to win the final three games of the deciding set.

The 2008 ATP World Tour Finals champion is looking for his second title at the circuit finale.

After an impressive win over reigning U.S. Open champion Murray, it seems that the recently crowned world No. 1 is the

favourite to dethrone two-time defending tourney winner, Roger Federer this November.

Djokovic now has two wins in Group A round-robin action, and has four set wins to just one defeat, meaning that fans will no doubt be seeing him in the semifinals this weekend. He will clinch a semifinal berth if JoWilfried Tsonga beats Tomas Berdych in the second Group A match on Wednesday.

For Murray, the loss means that yesterday’s showdown with Tsonga is absolutely crucial to his hopes of advancing. Murray needed a win over the seventhseeded French player in order to ensure he advances from the Group to Sunday’s semifinals.

The win is Djokovic’s second straight over Murray.

GOLF NEWS Woods, Nicklaus, Hogan, Etc.: Who is the greatest 1860s and early 1870s and was Golfer of all time?

Recently, a friend of mine asked an incredibly broad yet common question: Who is the greatest golfer of all time?

One's mind immediately began racing towards the two obvious choices: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

But, before one could even get the words of out , a brief moment of enlightenment came which is quite rare, leaving one to wonder how one can define the greatest golfer of all time.

If you are looking at a player’s accomplishments over the course of an entire career, then Nicklaus and his 18 major championships would be considered by most to be the greatest.

But if we are looking at players that completely dominated the game for a long period of time (not just a year or two), well, then we would be looking at guys like Woods, Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan. In terms of pure dominance, we could also go back as far as Harry Vardon and even Young Tom Morris.

Morris won four consecutive Open Championships in the late C M Y K

said to have almost never lost a challenge match, prior to his untimely death in 1875 due to a heart attack.

Vardon managed to win seven majors while really only having the opportunity to play in the Open Championship (he played in just three U.S. Opens, winning in 1900). Had Vardon had four major championships to compete in, it’s not unreasonable to assume that he might have won at least 14 majors.

How about Byron Nelson?

Nelson won 52 PGA Tour events and five majors in a span of really just nine years, including his 1945 season, where he won 11 events in a row and 18 in total.

And then we have Walter Hagen. Hagen is credited with winning 11 majors, but during Hagen’s prime, there was no Masters and the Western Open was considered by most to be a major championship. So, if you add in Hagen’s five Western Open victories, it brings his major championship total to 16, two ahead of Woods and just two behind Nicklaus.

Steven Gerrard would like to play for Jose Mourinho?

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard “would like to play for ” manager Jose Mourinho, according to media reports .

Gerrard, a 32-yearold midfielder, was linked heavily with a move to Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004 and 2005. Mourinho, 49, currently manages Real Madrid.

Gerrard was quoted as saying: “I would like to play for Mourinho, the Special One.” Didier Drogba reiterates commitment to Shanghai Shenhua Former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba has affirmed his commitment to Shanghai Shenhua, the Chinese club he joined this summer .

Drogba, 34, led Chelsea to the UEFA Champions League title in May before moving to China.

According to reports, he has earned the nickname “Devil Beast” among Chinese fans.

The Ivorian has been linked with a return to England.

The report cites a foreign tabloid in quoting Drogba: “I hope next season I can start again from the beginning with Shenhua" James Rodriguez to cost £36 Million?

Porto have reportedly raised the price of midfielder James Rodriguez’s release clause to £36 million, according to media reports.

Rodriguez, a 21year-old Colombian international, is thought to be a transfer target of Manchester United.

It was speculated that United could offer Portuguese winger Nani as part of a swap deal.

Tottenham to Target Klaas-Jan

• Steven Gerrard

• Didier Drogba • Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

• James Rodriguez

• Guardiola • Mancini

Huntelaar?

Tottenham Hotspur will target Dutch forward KlaasJan Huntelaar in January, according to reports Huntelaar, 29, is in the final season of his contract with German club Schalke. His transfer fee would reportedly be about £7 million.

Huntelaar scored 48 goals in all competitions for Schalke last season. This season, he scored in both of Schalke’s Champions League matches against Arsenal.

Roberto Mancini will escape UEFA discipline Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will not face disciplinary action after confronting an official 2-2 following City ’s Champions League draw with Ajax on Tuesday .

City erased a 2-0 deficit and appeared to score a winner in the 88th minute through Sergio Aguero. The goal was ruled out for offside during the buildup. Forward Mario Balotelli also had a penalty appeal denied.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, said the incident was not reported by

the referee or the match delegate.

Possible destinations for Pep Guardiola AC Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea are possible destinations for manager Pep Guardiola next season, according to agent Jose Maria Orobitg .

Guardiola, 41, managed Barcelona to 14 trophies in four years before stepping down at the end of last season. He is currently not managing a team but is thought to favour a return to the touchline next season.

“Pep is listening to offers and evaluating them,” Orobitg said.

“But Guardiola will not coach this year. We’ll talk about it in June.”

London Olympic Stadium unused until 2016?

London’s Olympic Stadium will not be ready for use as a football ground until 2016, according to Dennis Hone, the man in charge of the process .

Four clubs have presented bids to move into the stadium. Wes t Ham’s bid is thought to be the favourite.

The renovated stadium will hold about 60,000 people.

44 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

C

oming from a model ing background, Ben son Okonkwo can best be described as a young man with many talents. He is upcoming in Nollywood, yet he has done over thirty movies .

Today, he has a unisex saloon in Enugu and a modeling agency known as Mr. Packaging. In this interview, he talks about his role in a gay movie which has made him controversial and much more.

Enjoy!

The gay rumour about me It started after I played a gay role in movie titled Desperate Hawkers. I must have done a wonderful job interpreting that role to necessitate the issues that generated after that particular movie.

But if I am asked who started the rumour, I would say my male colleagues started it out of envy and jealousy. Perhaps because they feel I am good looking and I get roles in the industry. I didn’t create myself! I didn’t give myself the talent that I have. I thank my producers for working with me and seeing the talent in me. I do not womanize like some of the guys in the industry. Or club or live a hard life. The other controversial movie is Pregnant Hawkers. Acting is a make believe world and it is an actor ’s job to be versatile in it. If an actress plays a part of a prostitute in a movie, it doesn’t make her a prostitute.

I am not saying l do not have gays, bi- sexuals or even lesbians as friends but l am straight.

I am not bi- sexual, neither am l homosexual.I have dated my girl for close to eight years now. So far so good, I would love to take her to the altar some day. Besides, I am from a Christian home. l wasn’t taught a habit like that by my family. And looking for money cannot push me to do such. l am in a relationship but the culture demands that the eldest gets married before the younger ones. Hence l am waiting for my elder brother to tie the knot first before thinking of mine. I am from a family of four guys and no girl. I am the third child out of four.

My movies I have done close to 30 movies in the past. Some of my movies are Veronica; Indian Doctors; A Better Tomorrow; My Wicked Uncle; No man’s Land; The Strippers; World of a Prince; Total Love; War in the Palace and so on.

At the moment, I am in Asaba currently on set for a new movie. Before this movie, I was in Lagos for three weeks doing a big modeling job. It is a TV commercial for Orange Drugs. While l was in Lagos, I modeled for Delta soap commercial and for their Passion Energy drink. I also modeled for Hiar Thermocool

My mum helped to make me what I am today —Benson Okonkwo calendar and a newspaper advert.

Sleeping my way to the top I am not into that.

I am not saying that l cannot date an older woman that l am attracted to. And if she comes loaded with the gift of life, who am l to say no to her gifts, but I wouldn’t date someone because she is taking me to the top. I would date her because I like her. You know, I am from a ver y comfortable barground and my parents deemed it necessary to set me up to their own standard. Hence l am not doing badly as a business person. Most young acts and even the very old ones would feel that dating the right person can take you to the top. It may take you there if that’s God original plan for you. But if that’s not your destiny, then you are doomed because you won’t even get there and you would hate yourself for doing that in the first place. Trust me, talent is the only equipment you need to get to the top in Nollywood! Movie makers and producers are willing to drop you like a piece of garbage when they find out that you are not good for their investments.

Women in my life There is one woman I can die for and that woman is my beautiful mother. She has always been by my side, she promised to be by my side and she has kept her word. She enrolled me into acting and modeling. I love her so much

and she brought me closer to GOD. May God bless and keep her.

People think I’m dating Chita Agwu. Chita Agwu is my colleague in the industry and

also my friend. She is not my girlfriend, besides her boyfriend is a friend of mine. Like l said before, I have a girl friend and I love her so much.

My girlfriend and I plan to tie

the knot when the time is right.

I am from a Christian home and we are six in number. I am also from Anambra state. I have a wonderful father and an amazing mother who wouldn’t mind giving up her life for me to live. Growing up was fun for me as l am filled with nostalgia.

Going into Nollywood I started out as a model. But I have always loved watching Jim Iyke in movies. It went on like that until one day, my mum called me up and gave me twelve thousand naira to register with in the industry. I

am a natural actor and l have always put up shows at home, hence I am known for my acting prowess. I am even popular at church because of my part in Good Friday drama. Usually, l take the part of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. And even at our school drama group.

I am an upcoming actor. I cannot say I have arrived. We learn everyday. Nobody is perfect in the field. GOD has the final say.

We pray that HE would bless the fruit of my labour. I wish to be an A-list actor in the nearest future.

I cannot actually rate myself at the moment because l am also new in the business but my future is very bright. Sometimes, l get blinded by it!

At the moment, I have a unisex saloon in Enugu; I also have a modeling agency known as Mr. Packaging in Enugu.

Sexual harassment in Nollywood I am a guy and I have not been sexually harassed before. My female colleagues sometimes claim they have been harassed, but I do not know if what they are saying is the truth. I believe sexual harassment can only be described as that if you are decently dressed, yet a producer or director harasses you. But if you are not decently dressed and you claim you are sexually harassed, then l am of the opinion that you are the harasser!

Ladies should learn to dress the way they wish to be addressed!

You don’t go for auditions and at the end of it, call on the producers for a part in the movie without thinking you wouldn’t be asked to pay in kind. It’s better you work on yourself, go for your auditions and pray. You would be called when it is your turn.

Hope for the future In the nearest future, I want to have grown my unisex saloon business to the extent of having branches in every big city in Nigeria. I also pray with the help of God to go on with my promotional modeling business and also become one of Nollywood’s finest actor.

I am still struggling and I know that GOD will bless my hustle one day.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—45

BY FEYI BANKOLE

S

he’s one woman not known for mincing words. Her Excellency, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, was a delight to be with. Her eloquence was charming and I would have had this interview run for hours. These traits are however always bellied by her humble and calm disposition. In this interview, she shares her experiences as a First Lady, her regrets and aspirations, and also points at factors inhibiting women’s progress in politics. Enjoy!!

Most feWhat has been your experience, male politiworking with Lagos State women? aspirt’s been eye-opening; coming from cal where I’m coming from and then ants claim seeing what politics is all about. funding is a Initially, it was very difficult for me to always fit in because I’m not used to the char- h i n d r a n c e , acteristics of the women I met on but is that ground. I’m the kind of person who t r u e ?

Money is not a problem as such; the can’t hide myself, so, if anything goes wrong around me, you immediately most important thing is to be relevant know because I show my expression. within your community. When your So, wherever necessary, I try to do cor- community sees that you’re relerection. Some love it; some do not, and vant, they will always be willing to you find that some of them call me support your election in every way!

In fact, they will be the ones to choose ‘principle’.

How have you been able to you, and be canvassing for you! We’ll blend these qualities with the get to a stage where the populace will challenges of being a First Lady? no longer be voting for money but for The strength really has been my credibility and for people they can alupbringing, my husband and God. I’m ways access! Like I tell women, the just myself; I’ve not changed for one Committee of Wives of Lagos State day! Those who know me say they are Officials which I chair, is always ready always able to predict my response or to support any passionate and credible woman who wants to go into polreaction to certain issues.

What’s your opinion on the claim itics. KIND has done such in the past! by many female politicians that I talk to women who are CEOs and women are the ones pulling down one who are in other top leadership positions, like the WIMBIZ women and all, another?

That’s one expression I always warn and I let them know they cannot rewomen against because I believe it is ally make impact unless they go out those that are bad that want to pro- of the box to discover which of them mote that kind of statement. Just like could do well in politics! They must Chief(Mrs.)Oluremi Tinubu will al- leave their comfort zones! It is the ways say, if a fellow woman does not people in government that make poldo anything for you today, tomorrow, icies which affect businesses!

What about you; don’t you she may be the first to do something good for you! That’s why I always tell have your eyes on politics?

I do not have my eye women to ignore on politics, but I have the few bad eggs them only on good govwho might want to ernance. I’m not interspoil whatever I as a person in politics! I have their ambitions would not take a ested an eye in asking our might be. It’s just elected leaders: “What lot of risks belike our country; it’s have you done for us?” a few people that cause I do not I have an eye in quesare doing the bad come from that tioning you and in you things. doing the right things in background of Isn’t this ‘pullwhatever job you’re dodown syndrome’ a taking risks ing. I have an eye in promajor factor milimoting things that tating against would make us forge women in poliahead as one. I have an tics?

I don’t think it is. I think the only eye in building our diversities, and thing is that women have not been able not using it to separate us. I’m one to summon up the courage, and our person who likes progress and who democracy too is not encouraging. This likes organizing people to work colis aside from the nocturnal meetings lectively for progress, instead of doheld by political parties, which is not ing it all by myself. Also, I’m somefavourable to women. Women like the body who doesn’t take a lot of risks Deputy Governor of Lagos State, but would rather sit back, show peoMrs.Adefulire, are however not de- ple the way forward, and then take a terred by such meetings. She would step to ensure that something is done.

But have you noticed that’s a tell you that even when they fix meetings for 2am, she is there! They know major problem affecting wommarried women would always find it en, especially in politics? They difficult, but the fact is that if your hus- don’t want to take risks!

I as a person would not take a lot of band keys into your passion, he would always allow you attend these noctur- risks because I do not come from that background of taking risks. I howevnal meetings.

I

er have a sister that could jump from the sky to the earth, but I’m not like that! She does business, anyway, but I like my 9-5, and I want to do it quietly and successfully, sit at home afterwards to enjoy myself with my children!

How would you rate the achievement of your NGO, the Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network-LEARN? Nobody believed anything good could ever come out of the majority of our beneficiaries, but look at the positive things happening in their lives, especially the children that just finished this year. They were a different breed entirely. Many of them have already started making money with the skills they learnt!

What happens to LEARN after you’ve left the Office of the First Lady?

It continues! LEARN is my personal project. I’m not just the face of LEARN now, but that’s where I’m going into afterwards.

But don’t you fear you might lose out on some privileges, and then LEARN would suffer set-back?

There’s nothing I would lose, and that’s why I don’t do things I cannot continue. I go to individuals for f u n d s !

LEARN has nothing from government.

Only a particular local government supported me two years ago without my asking for it.

I do not use my husband’s office for anything, except maybe photographers or c a m e r a men.

W h e r e

should we be expecting to see you in the next few years?

Back to my house of course! My husband and I wish to go back to our house and then enjoy ourselves with our children. You see, in this journey, the children miss out. They cannot be themselves, cannot play the way they want to play, and they always have to be very watchful and careful. They are my number one job, and that’s why my husband and I would love to go back home to be with them.

What’s that singular thing that you miss doing as a First Lady?

Buying my bolli(roasted plantain) and roasted corn at Alausa, and then walking around with my jeans and shirt; just being myself. Sometimes, I don’t comb my hair. I could just tie my scarf or plait four suku or whatever. I really do not care; I’m like a tomboy. I may not even use powder or earrings. Unfortunately, as a First Lady, I have to dress elegantly with make-up, sit and smile pleasantly, etc.

(Laughs). Now, I get my freedom only when I’m outside the country.

People argue that the Office of the First Lady is not relevant, but what do you think?

There’s no funded Office of the First Lady! I have an office in Marina, and then I was supposed to go to the new building in Alausa; I furnished the Alausa office, but when I looked critically at myself, I said: “Who’s fooling who?” Would I dress up from Marina and be going to Alausa to occupy an office that I’m not paid for?

I ordered that all the furniture be brought to Marina! Even at that, I do not go downstairs to the office at Marina! That office only serves when I have to see or meet people in a decent environment! Aside from this background, when people say they do not like the Office of the First Lady, it’s like asking a man to discard his wife because he’s got a post. If that’s the case, unmarried men should be chosen for such political positions!

This is why we ourselves as First Ladies must understand that our roles are to support our husbands; not for us to be the forerunners. Even though the office is not funded, we spend a lot because people will always come to us for one kind of assistance or another, and we cannot turn them back!

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVENBER 10, 2011

If you feel your friends are not the right type of people, you better quit the friendship than let them influence you.

Always avoid going to places that puts you in harm’s way.

Resist sex till you get married and if you are already involved, you can recommit yourself to abstinence. Boys!

Please do not get yourself involved in any shady deals such as smoking, as it may ruin your life.

Life is like a painting, how well you live it determines how fine the picture will be.

Treasure your life time on earth and make good use of it.

Live responsibly.

Treasure your life

BY NWANKWO KELECHI

M

Hello Jets’,

I

t is November already and God is still on His throne. Last week, a friend uploaded on facebook that he was aware of the new month and so doesn’t need anyone reminding him of it.

He said that he doesn’t want anyone to send a message to his phone! But l am of the opinion that he should be more grateful to be alive than worrying over the messages he gets on the first of every month. After all, dead men do not ping!

In this edition, a wonderful, exciting young dancer in Nigeria’s got talent is showcased, treasure your life is rerun on this page, it was written

by Nwankwo Kelechi, an ex- student of Kings College, Lagos. Happy belated birthday to Rukwve Inikomoshaye, her birthday was celebrated last weekend. Wise sayings! We cannot have enough of them. These and others are on your darling page.

Have a great weekend, more grace and favour in this new month.

I am a hero!

AYOWA, a good friend of mine, died due to complications which arose from the abortion she had.

When I first received the news of her death, I was filled with shock and sorrow. I was sorrowful that she had to die so early. What got me so shocked was the fact that she was pregnant all the while and nobody knew, not even her close family members.

This was a girl that looked very happy and showed much exuberance during the last days of her life. If only we knew the pain, loneliness and depression she hid under the jovial expression she always put on, she would have been alive today.

Just like her, so many girls have lost their lives through abortion. Only few came out of the ordeal alive. But then events do not just happen.

Plans must have been drawn for the events to occur. No young girl would like to be a mum until she is ready, and I am sure no boy would like to be labeled an outlaw. We will

always be faced with challenges in life.

They may be physical or emotional challenges.

We cannot go through some of these challenges alone. Learn to share whatever is bothering you with your parents or guardians. These are people you can count on anytime.

They are always there for you and would accept you as you are no matter the circumstance you find yourself in. Friends are not the best to

share your problems with as they are bound to tale-bear (gossip) which only hurts you the more.

They might even cause you to take drastic actions which might endanger your life.

No one wants to ever live a wasted life which is the main reason we have to be careful in everything we do in this life especially during adolescence.

We have to take precautions in everything we do. Beware of the friends you keep. Mayowa obviously, got the wrong solution to her pregnancy from her friends.

WISE SAYING Do your best Your very best Do it every day Little boys and little girls This is a wise saying!

Almost cannot avail Almost is but to fail Sad, sad the bitter word Almost, but loss.

Kid artiste shines at the Nigeria’s got Talent ESTHER ONYEGBUL A As the excitement conti nues at the Nigeria’s several Nigerian kids have confirmed beyond got talent, doubt that they have go rea t talent. Performing wi sonable set of semi finalists th the first rec Pelumi, a young talen ently in Lagos, Olayemi John ted confidence and swag ex kid act with overwhelming self ceptionally wowed the the audience with his extraordinary feat, perfojudges and of Nigeria’s all time hit rming one rap songs ‘The resurrec tion’, easily stealing the show, the judges described as “so and talented”. Adding original to th e sh ow , Ol ay em a distinctly contemporary touch i contestants to battle it joi ne d th e re st of th e se ve n Nigeria’s most talented out for a chance to be declared grand prize of 10 millio and to also walk away with the n The semi-final round conaira. ntinues next week and still have the power viewers to vote and save the ir favourite contestant weekly.

Kelechi

CHILD OF THE WEEK Name: Rukwve .A. Inikomoshaye

DOB: 4th November, 2006 Class: Primary One Ambition: She wishes to be a medical doctor.

Likes: Loves reading, writing and watching cartoons Dislikes: She hates noise.

SA TURD AY VANGU ARD , NO VEMBER 10, 2012—47 SATURD TURDA VANGUARD NOVEMBER

Audi global sales rise 13.9%...

A

UDI’s global vehicle sales grew by 13.9 percent to 123,600 in October, helped by strong growth in China and the United States.

Audi said growth in

Toyota makes fortune from Hybrids

China, its largest market, was boosted by the locally built A6 L and Q5 models, adding that it expected the recently introduced Q3 SUV, A4 quattro variant and RS 5 Coupe to help the brand to expand in the market.

“China remains one of the major growth drivers for Audi: We already surpassed the record total for the whole of last year during this October, and 2012 will see us set a very good new record,” Luca de Meo, Audi’s head of sales and marketing, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Brand sales in China leapt 29.5 percent last month to 35,899.

Audi’s sales in Europe increased by 4.2 percent to 60,950 vehicles in October, defying a market that is predicted this year to drop to levels not seen for two decades.

Germany was Audi’s biggest European market for the month with sales up 5.1 percent to 23,450, followed by the UK where sales increased 19.8 percent to 9,109.

Audi counts Russia in its European sales numbers and the brand’s volume in the country grew 57.1 percent to 2,946. Sales were down nearly 12 percent in Spain, 14 percent in Italy and remained level in France.

•Sell 1m Hybrids in 10 months

T

OYOTA Motor Corporation (TMC) has sold more than one million hybrids in 2012, resulting in the best sales year on record for Toyota and Lexus hybrids and giving even more credibility to the technology ’s growing popularity.

By the end of October this year, Toyota and Lexus had jointly sold 1,028,900 hybrid vehicles worldwide, which is a significant improvement over the same period last year, when TMC had sold around 630,000.

The result makes Toyota the most popular manufacturer of hybrid vehicles worldwide, as Honda announced last week that it had sold one million hybrids in total since it introduced the technology in 1999.

Nonetheless, hybrid sales still represent a small portion of overall sales with 86 per cent of TMC’s total vehicles sold so far this year still powered by conventional internal combustion engines.

Of the one million hybrids sold so far this year, 316,600 were regular Prius hatches, 259,700 were smaller

Prius C city cars and 159,700 represent the Prius V people-mover.

Another 81,800 Camry Hybrids add to the tally alongside 21,600 Prius Plug-In Hybrids and 102,500 Lexus hybrids, with the rest representing the remainder of Toyota’s hybrid family.

The one million figure represents a massive year for TMC hybrid cars. It took Toyota 14 years to sell 3.5 million hybrids but

just the last 10 months to sell another one million, which means that (if the sales grow at a consistent rate) TMC will sell its 10 millionth hybrid by around 2016.

TMC hybrid sales in Australia represent less than one per cent of the global hybrid sales tally with Japan accounting for 56.7 percent (with the Prius remaining the best selling car). Toyota and Lexus Australia are

expected to sell over 10,000 hybrids this year for the first time on record, which represents a 50 per cent improvement over the same period last year.

“Buyers of passenger cars in Australia are showing a greater move towards hybrids with sales up 50 per cent this year compared with growth of just 4.4 per cent for diesels. In fact, the number of private buyers opting for diesel

passenger cars has actually fallen this year while sales of hybrid passenger cars have doubled among private buyers,” Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said.

Of course, total sales of diesel passenger cars are higher than hybrid cars.

Nonetheless, this year’s growth in passenger-car hybrid sales is higher in actual numbers than for diesels.

Onwheels Truck exhibition, confab set to kick-off

T

HE third edition of Truck Tyre, Logistics, Equipment and Fleet Operations Conference and Exhibition has been scheduled to hold November 27 to 29, 2012.

According to the organisers, On Wheels Magazine, the event which is now in its third series would feature exhibition and special conference session.

The Publisher, On Wheels magazine, Mr. Jabez Aina-Scott, explained in a press statement that the ceremony was designed

as a one-stop-shop for bringing together industry practitioners in the logistics, truck, tyre and fleet operations business under one roof.

He explained that the ceremony supported

by Mobil Oil Plc, would feature a conference and workshop for the haulage and logistics industry just as it would create the right opportunity for participants to network in the industry.

Also expected are brands of trucks, buses, tyres, lubricants and other ancillary products.

Aina-Scott said: “The keynote speaker is

expected to be the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who is also taking advantage of the event to formally meet with operators in this sector and rob minds with them on the new Lagos Traffic Law.” Tagged: “Logistics Support- a catalyst to economic growth in Nigeria”,Aina-Scott is also supported by Tata Africa,Lanre Shittu Motors, Boulus Enterprises, Stallion Auto Group, Richbourn Nigeria, among others Participants according to the organisers are expected to hold

workshops as they break into discussion groups.

Among the proposed speakers are Former Managing Director of Promasedor Mr. Ken Hall, and Etisalat and now a consultant, former General Manager of Dunlop Tyres,Dare Lawal, an engineer among others.

Aina-Scott added that the overriding objective of the event is the coming together of all major players in the industry with the intention of setting agenda for the growth of the industry and how this growth would subsequently be of benefit to the country.

...Mercedes 6%

D

AIMLER’s premium brand, Mercedes-Benz, sold 6 percent more cars globally in October, but endured another weak month in the key growth market of China.

Including the 109,632 vehicles Mercedes sold worldwide last month, volumes rose by 5.1 percent to about 1.07 million cars in the first 10 months of this year.

“We expect a new alltime best for sales in the full year,” said Mercedes sales chief Joachim Schmidt in a statement on Tuesday.

Despite the seemingly positive news, Mercedes continues to trail rival premium brands BMW and Audi, which are growing far more rapidly in China. Each had already sold roughly 1.10 million vehicles before the month of October even began.

Sales in China fell 3.9 percent to 15,895 vehicles last month, a decline which Daimler attributed to the “very strong” sales from October 2011. Sales through October rose 5.5 percent to 160,425.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—49

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

Obama

A

S supporters of the Demo cratic party and President Barack Obama gathered at Times Square on November 6 to support their hero, watchers of United States election night 2012 miles away werenot left out of the drama as they were treated to a cocktail of fun for over 300 people invited to Eko Hotel and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was an eventful all night package that featured mock voting by the guests, made up of politicians, journalists, students, members of civil society and religions group. There were round table discussions by selected youth leaders. Among the guests were the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the wife of Ekiti State Governor and Mrs. Olabisi Fayemi, who made political presentations of the electoral process in Nigeria to spice up the night. There were musical presentations by Yemi Sax, Sound Sultan, Timi Dakolo. Ali Baba and Seyi Ojo who were Masters of Ceremony kept the crowd laughing through the tense wait for the US election results. Their act was complemented by the documentary and explanations of the processes in US political process by the Head of Political and Economic Department, Mr. Rolf Olson.

Mr. Olson took the audience through every bit of US political process with a slide presentation that kept the audience wrapped with attention for over one hour.

US election and Nigeria

For those of us in Nigeria, US election is a political extravaganza, a spectacle of adherence to laid down rules and regulations, an excursion into a political history that has lasted for 235 years and citizens participation in selecting men and women that understands the true meaning of public service.

The American democracy has become a spectacle for global audience, which follows every speech and every debate. The first presidential debate on October 3, became a game changer for Romney as he performed incredibly well, to shock Barack Obama and build momentum for the election. Mr. Rolf Olson, who heads the political and Economic department of the US Consulate in Nigeria, told Vanguard that the concession speech is a sign that the battle is over and the acceptance speech is used to heal all wounds and galvanise Americans to rally round and face the challenges of nation buildings.It was the 57th US presidential election and the incumbent Barack Hussein Obama, is the 45th occupant of such an office. The election night has also become a global

The thrills of Obama’s historic victory culture where the US missions around the world invite citizens of their host countries to participate and learn first hand how democracy works in God’s own country.

Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who was the special guest of the night drew parallels between election in the United States and in Nigeria.

The governor who won his reelection on October 14, 2012 said one critical feature in Nigeria electoral landscape is the attitude of the president of Nigeria.

According to Dr. Mimiko, “one of the fundamental reasons that made a free and fair election possible in Ondo State was the

Mimiko talked about, while in the case of the US has no national electoral body and each state has its own electoral rules and regulations. The states are allocated state elections to the congress, based on the result of the National Census.

According to Mr. Olfson, while states that gain population gain electors, those who demographic grow shrinks, lose the electoral power. The electors are the ones that elect the president through an indirect process.

The security agencies and these are the key players that determines the outcome of elec-

For those of us in Nigeria, US election is a political extravaganza, a spectacle of adherence to laid down rules and regulations, an excursion into a political history that has lasted for 235 years a attitude of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who had earlier vowed to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the ballot. This gave a lot of confidence to the process. We know that the presidency has enormous influence on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).The president kept that promise and his Party , the PDP wasted no time in congratulating the winner.”

According to Dr. Mimiko, it is the attitude of the president that sets the tone for electoral contest in Nigeria.The “do or die” syndrome, to run for public office was another issue that Dr.

tion in Nigeria.

The method of funding elections between Nigeria and US are miles apart and this is one area the electorates in Nigeria must ask themselves some hard questions. In America We see politicians raise funds through friends, supporters and corporate groups, there are limits and close scrutiny of sources of funds. In Nigeria we see political aspirants spend their personal funds and fortunes to aspire for public offices. In both countries the results are different. The political process and practice in Nigeria is riddled with corruption and abuse of power, in America, the citizens

have greater control on their elected public officers.

The Cable News Nework’s (CNN) of the result started around 2A.M when the polls from the East coast, earlier devastated by Hurricane Sandy, began to tumble in. This created anxiety among the watchers as Mitt Romney seemed to have the upper hand at first. In the mock election conducted by the US consulate officials, Obama won over 200 vote against three votes received by Romney.

Jubilation broke out at the Chicago office of Obama/Biden campaign organisation and watchers of the election at home and election watch centres set up by the US embassies and Consulates were filled with instantaneous joy as soon as the results from the West Coast States of California, Colorado, Washington states were declared in favour of Obama giving him over eighty five electoral, but the worse was still to come for the Romney campaign when the result from Wisconsin and Iowa went in favour of the Obama campaign.

Bad Night for Romney The night came to a joyful close for Obama, as he won the elections both on the grounds of the electoral votes and the popular votes putting to rest earlier projections that he might not win the popular votes.The results from Mitt Romney’s state of Massachusetts also went awry as he lost his own state. The Ohio result may be disputed as the aides to Romney said he is delaying his concession speech.

As expected, Ohio proved to be the battleground and the determiner of the winner of the election as both candidates ran a close neck to neck in the voting but Obama won with the early voting in the State. The result from Florida was suspended at the time of this report as the electoral authorities needed time to tally the absentee voting.

Issues that made the difference President Obama won over 40% of whites, although less 3points than he did in 2008 while African American voted 80% in support of President Obama. About 75% of Latinos in America help President Obama cost home to victory just as he got about 55% support from women across board. Also, same sex marriage contributed a lot to Obama’s victory. Votes from each state has shown gay marriage couples gave their votes to President Obama. For example in a state like Maryland, 52% of gay couples supported Obama.

RAPE As expected, women showed their political strength when they punished Republican Party contestant for Missouri U.S. Senate candidate, Todd Akin for saying that women have natural defenses against pregnancy from “legitimate rape.” Another Republican Party candidate for the Senate seat in Indiana, Richard Murdock was stopped from going to the Senate for saying that that pregnancy from rape was “something that God intended to happen.” Tea Party politician John Koster, who is the Republican nominee for a hotly contested congressional seat in Washington state, joined the fray when he said that he opposed abortions, even in cases of “the rape thing,” because it is tantamount to inflicting “more violence onto a woman’s body.” It was as if the Republican Party candidates for the Senate were out to ruin Mitt Romney ‘s shifty stance on pro-life issues.

GAY MARRIAGE Despite earlier fears that President Obama’s stance on the same sex , or civic unions was going to cost Obama valuable votes in the election, it turned out that that most conservatives, Evangelical Christian and African – Americans found highly repulsive and the idea of President Barack Obama signing the bill into a law late last year has continued to cost him some headache. same sex marriage contributed a lot to Obama’s victory.

Race According to Mr. Kunle Adekoya, the election result shows that Americans abhor any attempt to play up racism or to exploit racism for political advantages in contemporary American.

50—SA TURD AY 50—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, NO VEMBER 10, 2012 NOVEMBER

Creativity doesn’t come cheap

you for inspiring them to take action.

—Gloria Aihiobhio

imobhio a.k.a. Smile It is not an overstatement to say it would require some level of creativity or professional competence to turn an interior space into an effective setting for the range of human activities that are to take place there.

Gloria at 25, CEO of Smiley Signature Shopping, an interior Real Home decoration enterprise is making a difference in her community. Her business begins from conceptual development, liaising with the stakeholders of a project and the management, and execution of the design. All the way from Benin, Edo State, she takes us on a journey of how she has been able to emerge as an entrepreneur amidst all odds. Excerpt:

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hat was your g r o w i n g u p like ?

It has been interesting, tough and th rewarding. I was born on January 16, 1987 as the first born of my parents. I attended Nigerian Navy Primary School, Navy Town, Lagos and Prisnoni Comprehensive High School,Ikeja,Lagos. Presently, I am in my final year studying Accounting at the University of Benin. I owe every gratitude to the Almighty God that I do interior and real home design decoration. In addition, I sell clothes and make up kits.My dad is an engineer while my mum is a business woman.Growing up was fun.

We were initially three girls for a long time before we had a brother. My father pampered us so much until he lost it somewhere; hisbusiness encountered a great decline when I was only ten years old in 1997. That was when I began to face the reality of life.

items to my classmates which I picked from my mother’s shop with her consent. I gradually developed interest in colours and materials. Hence, that interest provided an opportunity for learning. I learnt how to combine colours and materials together to make homes look their best. I kept trying as I took these materials to my friends who could create some design with them, and over time I have been able to perfect my skill.

So, I do not have any academic or professional certification for this. It was just a case of interest and passion being fueled by imagination to give life another meaning. Since the jobs weren’t regular come on a daily basis, I had to think of diversification. So,I invested in clothes and make up kits. I am thankful to God for this business idea.

What opportunities abound in this business?

Truly, life is a collection of relationships and these relationships compensate for what you do not have. The business has provided me with the opportunity of meeting people who have helped me to sharpen my creative ability and

Aihiobhio: Youths need to be creative to overcome unemployment my Sales skill. It gives you the interior designer, an opportunity to design and decorate clients’ homes while leaving a lasting smile on their faces. You can make some good money from this so long as you are good at it and your charges are not high.

Creativity doesn’t come cheap, so people will have to pay for it.

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s a single mum, how are you able to thrive amidst stiff competition in your career?

I must confess being a single mother is not an easy road to ply couple with my career but my parents have been very helpful, and I have been able to move on. This doesn’t affect my business rather it is fun to be a mother as you remain thankful to God who has given you a gift that you have to nurture and wish she is better than you. Then you can stand

C M Y K

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Tunde Akint or Akintor orooye a.k .a. TTundey undey a.k.a.

Ibadan

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hat motivated you t o g o into interior decoration business since you have an accounting background?

I encountered great difficulties during my Diploma career as I struggled to pay my fees and bills in school because my parents couldn’t help out that much. So, I had a survival strategy by raising some capital through the sale of

tall to say the training you offered her is indeed something to cherish. The fact that you think you need to fend for her gives you the push to want to work hard as nothing works like work. Above all, God has been there for me.

How do you impact young people positively?

My business has given me the privilege to encourage other young people who are either confused with what they want to do with their lives. I have had to hold talks with some of them and I keep sharing the story of a 25-year old single mother that is not thinking of giving up any time soon. They come back to me to say thank

From left: Saturday Editor, Chioma Gabriel with Admin. Manager,Victor Gotevbe who bagged an international award 2012, African Achiever’s Award for positive reporting on youths and community development.

advice for A ny young people facing similar challenges and are interested in making a difference in their community?

The most challenging moment I have had so far as an emerging entrepreneur was one of the jobs I did in April 2012 in Okpara Island in Delta State, where I gave a quotation; I started the job almost immediately and thought by the time I was done with it, it was going to come out great. But only to my greatest surprise after hanging the day blind and vertical blind, the job experienced a halt for a while due to some personal issues the client was going through at that time. It was not funny at all in view of the resources already invested in getting it done. It was only recently, my client called me back to continue from where I stopped, so I had to supply the sofas, tables and other interior items needed to complete the job.

My advice to young people out there is for them to be persistent and steadfast in whatever walk of life they are involved in. No matter how slow it seems to be in the beginning, one thing is sure that the time to smile is always closer than we can ever imagine. So I urge them to pursue their dreams and never relent in what they do.

undey —real name Tun de Akintoroye—is what tastemakers and critics like to describe as a “360 artist”.

A rapper, singer and songwriter in every sense.Tundey—or Vicar as he is often called has proven to be exceptionally versatile across all genres of music and musical milieu.

Beginning his musical journey as a teenage chorister in church where Tundey was a member of two Gospel groups growing up —Anointed Three and Motivators — and built his performance pedigree on the back of church settings.Tundey has gone on to work with a flurry of mainstream and emerging Nigerian artists such as Skukki, Kazz, Phizzle, Kilt Kranik, and many more.

Making music that is embedded and enriched with deep and meaningful words of wisdom and strong lyrical dexterity, Tundey coveys his message with melodious voice that not only has the power to captivate your soul and leave you speechless but also to move your body and make you dance.

The Chemistry Graduate from O.A.U cites such legends as King Sunny Ade, Michael Jackson, R.Kelly and Lagbaja as his inspiratiors and the influence behind his music. He is currently working on his debut album which is due out before the end of 2012.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—51

PHCN: Pain, agony of getting pre-paid meters S

ome aspects of the pri vatisation process in Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) may be heading towards murky waters as many electricity consumers have been thrown into limbo over how to get the new pre-paid meters that seemed elusive even though few people in some places already are in possession of the equipment.

When the Electricity Power Sector Roadmap was launched, consumers were told to expect increase in tariff and other charges in the wake of the privatisation. Efficiency of operations and uninterrupted supply of power were guaranteed.

Thereafter, power generation rose appreciably but not so steady.

While at the same time not as erratic as it used to be in the recent past.

Initially, the sum of N25,000.00 in bank draft was what should be paid for the new meter. But it is no longer the case as such payment has been put on hold. According to a reliable PHCN source, no fee is charged for the new meter.

“As long as your house or premises had been metered and you’ve been paying bills regularly, the customer is not required to pay any amount in order to get the new pre-paid meter. Anyone asking for any amount to accompany the submission of the application for electricity supply and agreement form is only trying to ripoff the customer. Any such thing should be reported to the appropriate quarters for sanction,” our source said.

A consumer must show evidence through bills paid and machined to authenticate payment, otherwise such will be deemed as illegally using power without paying to PHCN. It has been discovered that some consumers don’t pay because when corrupt PHCN officials come around, they are offered money which goes into their C M Y K

private pockets, denying PHCN legitimate revenue.

Many customers have been parading several PHCN offices seeking to collect the new meters but to no avail. A lot of the customers have even paid for the meters which are not available for commercial distribution to people.

For Lagos metropolis, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) is supplying electricity to customers subject to some terms and conditions as contained in the application form.

EKEDC supplies Alternating current at a frequency of 50 Hertz. The medium voltage

,

By EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

shall give EKEDC all reasonable and necessary access to the customer’s premises for the purpose of connecting, disconnecting, inspecting, testing, altering, replacing, maintaining or removing any service line, meter, or other apparatus or any part thereto and for reading the meter. The customer shall pay a fee for each special meter reading made on request.

On Testing and Accuracy of Meters it was stated that should the customer or EKEDC give notice disputing the accuracy of a meter, such meter will be tested by EKEDC. If the customer feels his meter

Many customers have been parading several PHCN offices seeking to collect the new meters but to no avail; a lot of the customers have even paid for the meters which are not available for commercial distribution to people.

supply is either 230 volts single phase or 400 volts three phase.

Wiring installation should be done to the approval of EKEDC which will inspect and test the installation free of charge at first instance. For all subsequent tests, a fee per test is payable in advance. The nature and location of service lines and other supply facilities are determined by EKEDC. It was stipulated in the agreement that the customer

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is inaccurate, his notice to that effect should be accompanied by an amount of money or desposit to cover the cost of the test. In the event of the meter having an error exceeding the limits of error as may be allowed by the regulations in force, the amount payable for electricity charges for the period for which the customer is charged on the last invoice rendered prior to the notice of dispute will be determined by correcting the registration in question by reference to the

degree of inaccuracy shown by the test and the deposit returned to the customer.

If the meter has ceased to register, the customer will pay to EKEDC such amount as may be estimated by EKEDC to be payable for that period.

As regards to payment for electricity, the agreement stipulated that from the date of supply, the customer shall pay monthly for all electricity supplied in accordance with a tariff in force. Official receipts are issued by EKEDC for all payments made to it. Customers are advised to check at each occasion that the amount machine-printed in their receipted bills correspond to the sum paid by them.

However, the question bothering the minds of many customers is why are pre-paid meters not available generally or nationwide in the first place.

When Saturday Vanguard went to some PHCN offices, customers were seen complaining about outrageous and unacceptable bills coming from the power company some cases showing over 200% increase over previous bills.

“There is considerable improvement and stability in electricity supply for now, but that does not mean we should be exploited through highly excessive bills”, bemoaned Dayo Yusuf, a victim of “crazy ” PHCN bills.

He said that PHCN should make pre-paid meters available so as to address this problem of outrageous bills. “You can actually know what you’ve consumed and pay according-

ly if we have the meters.”

At the PHCN Agbarah/ Badagry District Office, the Manager, Public Affairs, A.K. Ibrahim said he was not in the position to answer questions on the pre-paid meters but directed me to his boss at the corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

“This is a policy issue and I cannot say anything on it. Go to my superior officers in Marina who can grant you interview. There is hierarchy in public service/ I can’t speak on this issue.”

But Ibrahim explained that no customer is expected to pay for the pre-paid meters and if there are PHCN officials demanding money for the new meters, such should be reported and disciplinary actions will be taken against them.

On “crazy” bills, he said that there are also “crazy” customers who don’t pay electricity bills.

If there are 10 consumers in a premises and only three pay their bills regularly, it means that they are paying for the other seven.

“The ideal thing is for all customers to pay their bills and when payment is spread evenly to all customers, then it will come down and therefore not too much.” The energy is purchased from somewhere and must be paid for. If some people are not paying, there will be too much burden for the ones paying hence everyone using PHCN electricity should pay.

He pointed out that the rea

Continued from page 53

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Uncertainty, confusion trail non availability of Pre-paid meters

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN & EBUN SESSOU ost Nigerian energy consumers, irrespective of lo cation and classes are lamenting over what they called unfair billing system used by Power Holding Company of Nigeria. In spite of the perennial darkness occaPHCN workers anxious about their future sioned by incessant power outages, charges and billings have continued to soar with officials offering excuses and alibis to justify their actions.

Saturday Vanguard asked rheVarious studies have repeatedly indicated that Nigeria is a torically, “go house-to-house nation where rising and proin Ikorodu and tell me where hibitive energy costs pose a you will see the prepaid meter. serious threat to industrializaHow many houses are using tion. With less than 10 per cent the pre-paid meter in the state, dependence on PHCN, many you press men should go do firms have collapsed under the the statistics and publish it. It unbearable burden of the risis not available and they know ing cost of fueling generating what they are doing. They sets. can’t give the light, they can At the PHCN office in Ikogive the meter yet they bring rodu, a fight ensued between outrageous bills,” he stated. a consumer and a PHCN offiMeanwhile, a visit to the cial as a result of unsatisfactoPHCN office at Abidjan branch ry explanation for over-billing in Ajah area of Lagos by the system. The customer who had reporter revealed that unavailcome to complain was enraged witnessed inexplicable bill- don’t have to pay for it while ability of pre-paid meter can by the reasons adduced for the ings, an increase that is not others say the official amount only be attributed to the Fedcharges even when he stated justified as there was no regu- for the meter is N10,000. We eral Government’s proposed there was no electricity in the lar electricity to prove that we don’t know which is the truth. policy to be giving it out freeBut what I gather is that the area for some time to prove he used such amount.” ly. meter is not even available.”

“We used to receive between actually used what he was An official of the oganisation Nigerians have accepted the N2000 to N2500 before now, billed. revealed to Saturday Vanguard introduction of the pre-paid but for the past six months, it In the same vein, a staff of even though he is not allowed Lagos State University, Epe is now hovering between meters with open arms but to speak with the press said, Campus hinted Saturday Van- N7000 to N8000 even when have had to gasp and groan “As a friend, I will confirm to guard of the disagreement be- there is no regular light to show when they could only see it you that we do not have pretween the school authority and we have used up to that and could not have it. The paid meter at the moment. the PHCN over billing system. amount. This is unfair.” he management of PHCN made “The FG has stopped the various announcements that The staff who preferred ano- said. sales of pre-paid presently the equipment is available but Oduntayo said when he went nymity told the reporter that therefore those who want to yet many consumers have cried to PHCN to lodge a complaint, despite the fact that the school purchase it are not guaranteed authority run on generator on the officials admitted there was out that they still could not pro- except for those who have paid daily basis, the PHCN recent- a problem and advised that he cure them after having paid before now. ly brought a bill of N1million. should get a prepaid meter. the statutory fee of N25,000 for The fact is that sales of preAccording to him, “the school “Thereafter they asked me to single phase and N55,000 for paid meter have been suswas enraged knowing what bring N25,000 for the prepaid three-phase as the case may pended until further notice. they spend on generator to en- meter. I have been making in- be.

A consumer who spoke to Those who are hoping to buy sure the campus was lit, it de- quiries; some people say you now are not guaranteed.” cided to challenge the billing Asked what has prompted this, and take on the PHCN.” he said, “I don’t know. We only Saturday Vanguard investicarry out guided instruction gation showed that the school and orders from the Federal had not only called for the deGovernment. They are the tails of the charges but has inones that increased tarrif; they sisted never to pay the bill. Acare the ones that ordered the cording to our source, the matsale of pre-paid meter to be put ter is yet to be resolved. on hold. I am sure if you go to Adebola Oduntayo, a conMarina where the PHCN sumer who lives in Ikorodu, headquarters is, you will be Lagos said his home has been told what happened.” receiving high bills that even Investigation at the customer staffers of PHCN could not care service Marina revealed give vivid explanation on that, pre-paid meter is not in charges monthly. According to circulation at the moment. him, “the last six months have One of the staff who attendPHCN staff waiting for next action.

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We used to receive between N2000 to N2500 before now, but for the past six months, it is now hovering between N7000 to N8000

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ed to the reporter directed her to the 13th floor of the PHCN head office where she might likely have an answer to her request. The reporter requested to know the procedures to take to get a pre-paid meter.

In a reluctant manner, he answered, “I don’t think you are in the right place but all the same, go to the 13th floor and meet the AGM customer service. Here, we only combine names of the people who have booked for the meter. We don’t give customer form or submit their document and that is why we don’t deal with them directly. So, you should go to the AGM customer service office and find out how to go about it. But, the fact is that you are not supposed to come to this place.”

At the 13th floor of the Marina headquarters which is the AGM customers care service, one of the officials explained that, the unavailability of prepaid meter can only be attributed to the Federal Government.

The reporter who requested to purchase the new meter was told that, it is no longer in circulation. His words: “Sorry, we are no longer collecting money. You have to go to our office at Ibeju-Lekki to collect form.

You should have been directed to fill application form attached with your passport photograph and submit it with them.

“Therefore you have to go and apply if you want meter.

It is the form that will be forwarded to us in Marina”.

Asked how long it will take for the application to be processed, he said,” the truth is that there is no meter at the moment. “We are acting on the Federal Government’s instruction that meter should be free and we are expecting them to act accordingly.

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58— Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

P-I-P-E-L-I-N-E V-A-N-D-A-L-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N

We have declared total war— •Target big oil companies Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Anti-Pipeline Vandalization, Friday Toyin Ibadin, over the week, came out spitting fire. He disclosed that Police task force on antivandalism which he heads was all out to wield the big stick in tracking pipeline vandals all over the country vowing that ‘enough was enough’. He said his main target were big companies that adulterated petroleum and other products both in the creeks and around channels of oil pipelines that dot the country stating, that their time was up. He spoke with our Crime Editor, Emma Nnadozie, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Excerpts:

hat anti-vandalism is all about It is a negation of vandalism. That is everything that has to do with vandalization, we are against it especially public utilities such as oil pipeline, telephone, NEPA transformers, Post and Telecom, Telephone cables etc.

We are a squad mandated to handle such responsibilities in the country.

Steps forward We have done a lot in terms of arrests, investigation and prosecution of pipeline vandals especially, the oil pipelines, in some instances, though not very rampant, vandalisation of NEPA transformers and cables because of the economic gains. Most of the cases are in the Federal High Court because it is the only court that has jurisdiction to try such cases.

Trend of cases We have tried and charged over 20 such cases in the past three months to court across the country. We have cases in Kaduna, Asaba, Benin, Port-Harcourt, Lagos, Lokoja etc.

In fact, we have challenges in every part of the country especially in those areas where we have NNPC channels. Such areas are really prone to pipeline vandalism.

Equipment Security is evolving. The logistics is not enough. We always call for more to achieve positive results. However, we are making good and efficient use of the limited ones we have. The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar places priority

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We advise these companies to desist, forthwith, from getting involved in such illegal activities because we are poised to cleanse the rot in the system no matter whose ox is gored.

attention to this canker-worm that is plaguing our society and he directed us to go all out to achieve results. In the same vein, he has been giving us maximum support and attention.

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reakthrough at Ibafo What happened was that on the 6th of September, some management staff of NNPC were detailed to go and effect repairs on the pipeline at Arekpo, a boundary town between Ogun and Lagos States. At that place, the major movement of petroleum products was having problem.

Incidentally, the place is not motorable, it is swampy and a very difficult terrain because of river Arekpo. In the process of effecting the repairs, some vandals who do not want that place repaired because of what they make out of the spillage attacked and killed five of them. They later buried them in shallow graves inside the swampy area of the forest which is very difficult to penetrate. When we were invited, everybody was scared to go ahead with the

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maintenance of the broken pipelines. Everybody was afraid. I personally led a team to fish out the bodies inside the swampy creeks. We carried out intensive patrol using even helicopters and all that. After some days of intensive search and thorough patrol, we were able to discover the shallow graves where the vandals buried the NNPC staff. We had to bring in Pathologists to do the exhumation after which we took the bodies to the hospital in Abeokuta where autopsy was carried out. Right now, we are carrying out DNA tests.

Some of the corpses were identified because their dresses and personal effects were seen. We are also trying to reach out to the families because you cannot do the DNA without them and they have been responding. We have arrested two suspects and we have authentic evidence pointing to the fact that they were behind the killing. We have filed our suit and the date for trial will be known soon.

Other successes recorded

We have recovered about 17 trucks on the line along Okene and Adogo where some group of vandals from different places came to vandalize pipelines. We found the trucks loading petrol and some crude oil and we made an arrest and as I speak with you, the case is in Lokoja Federal High Court. We had another arrest of some trucks in Lagos. They were coming from Auchi with oil to sell to some of these well known companies. These companies find it cheap and convenient to power their generating sets since the Power Holding Company and Nigeria, PHCN, has failed in supplying power and this made us to tighten our searchlights on most of these companies whenever these trucks are coming to sell oils to them and we arrest them.

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ow we succeeded in spite of shortage of logistics We collaborate with the communities where these crimes are carried out. No matter how tiny their information is, my numbers are everywhere for people to call and give us vital information and when an information is given to us,we accept them and work things out. Our telephones are open.

We try to find out if they are false or real,we try our best to work things out with the information.

Role of big companies and the way out There is a law against adulteration and it is backed with 14 years imprisonment with hard labor without an option of fine.

If you adulterate anything food, petroleum, whatsoever, you will be tried under federal high court. Since there is scarcity in these products, people tend to use anything available. kerosine somethings get cheaper than petrol and when such happens, people try to maximize the quality of AGO and they will buy few quantity of AGO and large quantity of

•Task Force Boss - ACP Friday Ibadin

Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012—59

Onitsha market crisis-

—Police Task Force kerosine and mix them together and when a consumer who is not careful will buy the adulterated petrol, that will get their engines knocked. These are one of the major problems we are fighting against. We advise these companies to desist from getting involved in such illegal activities because we are poised to cleanse the rot in the system no matter whose ox is gored.

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anacea to vandalization in the country.

We should make use of youth empowerment programme to fight against vandalism, and Nigerians should appeal to most of these big oil companies so as to create awareness because vandalism is creating big problems in our economy. It is also to the detriment of our lives and properties because during the process of vandalisation, the unlucky vandals may be set ablaze by fire and thousands of people might be caught up by these accidents. We are all aware of the Abule Agba fire break, Ilaje/Ijegun disaster and many others in which so many youths lost their lives.

We all know that these are Federal Government’s utilities that we are meant to preserve for the future, we all will gain from it, because it will benefit all of us if well preserved but these vandals will go and drill it and leave it open and it becomes a great loss for the government. We all suffer both ways. Both from the stolen ones and the one still underground.

Advise to Nigerians Pipeline vandalism is a crime and the offense is stringent.

Nigerians should imbibe the spirit of Godliness and also be contented with what they have and when this is done, you will witness the abatement of criminality in terms of pipeline vandalisation and the youths should look for something lucrative to do, so many believe that it is only through pipeline vandalism they will be rich. I say it is not true.

Support from Police Management team One of our greatest motivating factors is the massive support we get from the Inspector-General of Police and his Management team.

He has encouraged us to work harder and go extra miles towards achieving results. In fact, he has been our major driving force.

• Caught in the act - Vandals arrested at Adogo in Ajeokuta, Kogi State

Police probe attempted murder of spare parts market boss

BY DANIEL ADEWALE

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OLICE detectives attached to the Zonal Criminal Investigations Department, ZCID, of the Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State, are working round the clock to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted murder of Chief Emmanuel Onyeharam, Chairman of Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts market, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Already, two suspects have been arrested, charged to court and remanded in the prison custody at Onitsha, in connection with the attempted murder, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, robbery and sundry crimes against Onyeharam and one other person, Emmanuel Umeakunne.

This round-the-clock investigation followed a strongly-worded petition tothe Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Zone 9, Umuahia, by Onyeharam’s legal counsel, Barrister Kingsley Awuka, which the AIG assigned to the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of the Zonal CID, Umuahia, for thorough investigations.

• Battered chief Emmanuel In the petition to the AIG, dated October 1, this year, Awuka alleged that Chijioke Okafor (a.k.a. Nanka), Daniel Nwokike, Azubuike Akuana, Emeka Ezeugo (a.k.a.

Bishop), Tochbukwu Eziagu (a.k.a.Topoo), Kalimbo, Nando, Matthew Ejike (a.k.a.

Osisi di naiwu), Chijioke (a.k.a. Ogidi), Ugo Ezinifite, Douglas, Meache and other unknown persons had on September 26, 2012 when the victims and other registered trustees of the spare parts market were holding their meeting at their Elephant House union office, caused commotion inside the market premises.

The petitioner stated that when the second victim, Umeakunne went down stairs to find out what the commotion was all about, he was accosted by Chijioke Okafor, the first suspect who allegedly slapped him with back of a machete, and severally wrecked fist blows on his eyes.

The petitioner further alleged that other suspects mentioned above joined in the beating until he was chased to the office of the first victim and when they saw the first victim, the sixth suspect who was simply identified as Kalimbo, uttered to him: “Chief, today will mark the end of your leadership of the market”. He stated that the victim saw the 12 above listed suspects clearly and they heavily descended on him, inflicting on him several injuries with machetes, gun butts and other dangerous weapons.

According to him, “the beating and assault continued until the two victims became unconscious and suspecting that the two had died, the suspects left them and went to fetch petrol and light to set them ablaze. It was at this juncture that both victims were rescued and driven to a

60—SA TURD AY VANGU ARD , NO VEMBER 10, 2012 NOVEMBER 60—SATURD TURDA VANGUARD

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ne of the keys that will propel your rising is the key of persistent thanksgiving.

Thank God that the devil could not stop you despite all he threw at you. For some it was hardship, sickness, loss of job, loss of fortune, death of member of the family, discouragement.

For others, it was pain, sorrow, barrenness, unprogressiveness, miscarriages, etc. In the midst of it all, God is still God. There can be no other God like Jehovah that reigneth from eternity to eternity. The truth of the matter is that no matter what you may have lost, God’s intervention is the reason why you did not lose everything.

Remember that satan’s ministry is to steal, kill and destroy while Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

I beseech you to join the league of those that constantly thank God in everything (1 Thess.

5:18). That you have life is by grace. You did not make or created yourself. God is your maker.

He made you for a glorious purpose. Remember what He told Jeremiah, “before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee

The power of thanksgiving a prophet unto the nations” (jer. 1:5). No matter the present state of your life, it is not the end. You are on your way to greatness. Thank God that you are alive.

Thank Him for your present status. Know that you are not the worst. You are better than someone else.

When you thank Him, He will lift you higher than your present level.

You are just one step away from your desired goal.

There are three days in a man’s life. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

You can do nothing about yesterday because it is gone but you can do something today and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Refuse to be tied to your negative past. It will rob you of your now and future. It is a killer of joy. When there is no joy there can be no fruitfulness. Thus,

you cannot see any reason to be thankful.

Your attitude is what determines your altitude in life. If you are not grateful to God, you will be grounded. When gratitude becomes your lifestyle, you will continue to gain altitude in life. Thanksgiving will take you to a higher realm in life. Hear me, as you commit to thanking God always, your status will change this year.

Learn to recount God’s benefit in your life and give Him thanks. The Psalmist said in Ps.

103:2, “… and forget not all His benefits”. Never take the happenings in your life for granted.

Nothing is too small to give God thanks for.

When you appreciate Him for that little, much will be added. Don’t let the devil stop you and make you to focus on what you have not received. Stay focused on your future but be totally grateful for your present. Your future is too great compared to where you are now.

Thank Him in advance for where He is taking you.

Beloved, see God as the reason behind every good thing in your life.

Know that, no man can prevail by strength (1 Sam 2:9). Every good gift comes from God (james 1:17). “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7). Know that God is the doer of everything good in your life. It is not by your act of hard work, “for without God ye can do nothing” (john 15:5).

Lift your voice and thank Him for every good thing that has happened to you.

Know that God expects you to thank Him. In Lk 17, He asked the leper who returned to thank Him about the other nine that were cleansed of leprosy. This means that God keeps record of what He has done and He is waiting for you to return the glory to Him.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 07029235279, 07029235280. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

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

The leper that returned to give Him glory was made whole while those who did not return to give Him glory were not made whole. As you thank Him, He will make available what is missing by making your life whole. It is time to make thanksgiving your lifestyle daily and constantly.

To manifest testimonies like never before, you must constantly give Him thanks because it is His will. In doing His will, you will be pleasing Him and in return there shall be restoration in every area of your life because He reigns forever. Keep thanking Him and testimonies shall not cease in your mouth every day, week and month.

God bless you and bless our great nation Nigeria.

Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer.

Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

Your prayer request and praise reports will be welcome.

SA TURD A Y Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

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,

r. Peace Obiajulu, former President General, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and first primary union, Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, she reveals how unemployment in the country is the cause of casualisation in the labour market in spite the efforts of TUC to reduce it. She added that, the inability of government to create policies that could promote employment hampers the future of an average Nigerian worker who has been subjected to strip pen casualisation without future plan, even in the midst of abundant resources, and the lack of sustenance ability to promote indegenous companies. Excerpts: My name is comrade Dr. Peace Obiajulu, former President General, Trade Union Congress and first Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporation.

How do you see the movement of TUC presently?

I’m happy with the movement of the TUC. One thing about trade unionism is that, it depends on the environmental factor prevailing when you were the leader there. There is no much crisis now and you don’t create crisis before you are a Labour person. Labour is all about building and protecting. You help to build your organisation, build your nation and protect the less privileged ones. That is all about Labour. So, right now, government does not really want crisis in their hands so they are doing all they can to manoeuvre unlike our own time, it was crisis ridden because the person in charge of government then wanted action and liked people to shout before doing the right thing, because two to three months passed with crisis, either through anti people’s policy, increasing fuel pump price and things like that,

It’s difficult to eradicate casualisation with unemployment — Obiajulu

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Obiajulu: that would make people be on the streets and make people run to the National Assembly.

But these days, it is not like that.

If and when they do, it’s not as frequent as that time. My point is that for the area TUC to come in, we did out best. I said so because when I took over initially, it was like what is TUC? Except for the people in the Labour circle, most of the time people were thinking that TUC is traders’ union, but before I left, we were able to correct the impression and it came up to the limelight. Now, it is like the man that took over from me has built on it and stabilised it. When you call TUC everybody understands what it is now.

What is your take on the issue of casualisation and contract staffers especially in the financial sectors?

During my tenure, we fought it to a level. But you know unemployment breeds with it so many ills. Because of the high rate of unemployment factor in the country, financial institutions and others capitalise on that.

Even when you say don’t take the job, who wouldn’t want to take the job. We want to unionise them, they are afraid to join union, because by the time you unionise a casual worker you have given him a weapon to fight. It’s no more you are retired at their wills and caprices.

But what is happening is a situation where they can wake up one morning and ask you to go even without your payment.

The only way out is to create employments, other countries, like you heard the Obama’s debate, during his first tenure how many employment he created and reduced un-

NO VEMBER 10, 2012—61 NOVEMBER

We should be able to give whoever that is coming into this country for investment, the number of Nigerians he is going to employ

,

employment, but we don’t have it here. We say it with mouth, we don’t follow it up. The moment we start creating employment and unemployment rate starts reducing, casualisation will go on its own because if I have a job to do I wouldn’t be a casual. But because somebody has spent years doing nothing, what happens, he would decide to take any job with any condition attached to it so that food would be on his table. So, one of the solutions to it is to create employment for the masses.

Secondly, we have to unionise them. We unionise them under the informal sector and once they are unionised, you can’t treat them any how.

But another thing is the fear of being unionised, even causal thing is the main stem of employment. Like some of these tele-communication companies in Nigeria, just a few are permanent staffers, others are casuals. Banks are only the few that are perma-

nent staffers. How did you do it? We fought the usage of women as hawkers to bring in income for the banks and I’m sure that has reduced and even if they still do it, it’s no more open because now the ladies are dressing well unlike when they were going half naked in the name of looking for customers for the banks.

Most of them in the banks whether we like it or not are casuals with acquired skills, but the workers don’t want to listen to you.

That is why there is a lot of fraud because when you don’t have a future where you are working you look for a way to make it. We have talked to them but they are thinking of the gain they are making, they are not seeing the loss or the big risk involved.

Like you asked, what is the solution? The solution is, let there be employment. We have areas of job creations. In this nation, we have a lot, it’s just that people had made up their minds to eat alone. For instance, in the tele-communication sector, there is no country that opens up their telecom sector without having a policy on ground, policy of employment. We should be able to give whoever that is coming into this country for investment, the number of Nigerians he is going to employ. Look at NITEL, a company that was employing 17 to 18 thousand people, now it can’t boast of 400 workers, just because somebody wanted to kill it so that their new imported telecommunication companies could function better and they will make more profits.

Gr oups parley sstt ak eholder Groups akeholder eholderss on ttac ac kling count er ackling counter erffeiting

T

he Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration, Nigeria (ACC) is collaborating with the International Trademark Association (INTA) to parley stakeholders in the country on how counterfeiting could be curbed.

The event, which is the 4th Roundtable of the associations comes up on November 15, 2012, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos, with the theme: ‘Taking the Legislators to The Counterfeiter ’s Doorstep: A Case Study of the IPCOM Bill and the Counterfeit Goods Bill 2011’.

According to a statement from the Organisation, Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Mr. Sylvester Ogbaya, will chair the legislature and regulatory agencies session.

The ACC Chairman, Mr. Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli, said the association stands for quality and that its main aim is to bring awareness to the general public about the dangers of counterfeiting.

“We have been holding capacity building training for regulators, Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Police and other stakeholders about the dangers of counterfeiting”, he said.

The statement added that Nigeria’s status as a favourite destination for foreign direct investment as well as a place where local creative and innovative talent can flourish is in jeopardy due to counterfeiting.

Iseli explained further that experts have highlighted that one major snag to the development of intellectual property in Nigeria is counterfeiting, which is a multi-billion dollar industry with hundreds of billions of dollars of counterfeit products moving to developing economies such as Nigeria thus exposing consumers to health, safety and quality risks.

62 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

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Eagles to play two friendlies in Portugal

BY BEN EFE

N

IGERIA Football Federation is working to get commitments from less busy national teams to play friendly games with the Super Eagles, while they put their acts together in Faro, Portugal for the 2013 Nations Cup starting January in South Africa.

The Eagles are scheduled to play Venezuela on November

14 in Caracas, but according to coach Stephen Keshi, this game will not be enough to gear up his boys for the onerous task of conquering Africa and regain the respect of other teams in the continent.

“We are going to have two games while in Portugal.

Right now I do not have any name, but the federation is working on getting at least one African opposition,” said the coach.

The Eagles will open their Nations Cup account

with Burkina Faso on January 21. Keshi said that his team will be adequately prepared as Faro, a familiar City with Eagles, offers standard training facilities and a good climate.

Defending champions, Chipolopolo of Zambia are also not leaving any stone unturned in their quest to prove that their win in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon was not a fluke. The Zambia the top team in group C are playing Norway on January 12, while two other friendlies games are been arranged for the Chipolopolo.

“We want the team to be adequately prepared for the tournament and we believe the Chipolopolo will even be better prepared than they were when they went to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea,” Football Association of Zambia spokesman Erick Mwanza disclosed.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 — 63

Eko 2012: Delta set to dethrone Rivers in cycling

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•Stephen Keshi

Falcons were inadequate in attack—Okunwa

BY EDDIE AKALONU

O

NE of the first gen eration female national team players, Okunwa Igunbor has attributed Nigeria’s defeat

by South Africa at the Africa Women Championship to a lack-luster attack.

Okunwa, who was an attacker in her playing days said in Lagos that the inability of the Falcons to convert scoring chances cost the country the game.

“It was a technical problem that should have been sorted out early in the game. While our girls continued wasting scoring opportunities, the South Africans had just one and utilised it. The flow of the game had Nigeria better placed to score goals and win,” she said.

Continuing, Okunwa, now a coach, lamented that “I never saw any of our previous teams that got so many chances in such a competition and wasted them. In the past we were known for scoring big in Africa and looking at that particular game, we were in a pole position to have made it a goal feast but it was as if the South Africans were fantastic.

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ELTA State has vowed to dethrone current cycling champions, River state during the 18th National Sports Festival holding in Lagos.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard sports, coach of the team, Krakite said Delta State is ready to reclaim the number one position in cycling in the Lagos festival.

“We lost our pride of place in Port Harcourt to the host due to some circumstances beyoud our control. We have corrected that now and the sports council is ready to replace our bicycles. We won more than eight gold medals in the Kaduna Festival only to lose them in Port Harcourt. Lagos is no man’s land and we have prepared well to reclaim our pride of place,” he said.

Boxing: Obisia offers panacea for development

BY EDDIE AKALONU

M

Nkwocha...Failed to shine at the AWC in Equatorial Guinea as the Falcons fell to South Africa

Borno to storm Lagos with a bang

BY OSARETIN EMUZE

B

ORNO state is set to storm Lagos for the 18th National Sports Fes-

tival, tagged Eko 2012 scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 27 to December 9 with a bang.

The Technical Director of the Borno State Sports Council, Bashiru Mohammed told Saturday Vanguard sports that Borno State is ready for the Sports Festival as “We are ready for Eko 2012. Our athletes have been in camp since the zonal eliminations two months ago.”

Mohammed, who is also the Technical Director of the Nigeria Cycling Federation, NCF,

stressed that Borno will excel in their strong areas which includes c ycling, long distance races, handball, hockey, and traditional sports.

“Borno will surprise all in cycling during the festival. We have some young boys that will paint the track scarlet. In Port Harcourt we didn’t do to well but Lagos will be a different ball game.

Borno will be the team to beat in Road race, sprint, team pursuit and individual time trials. Ditto other sports mentioned earlier,” he boasted.

ASS failure of Nigeria’s boxing contingent at the London 2012 Olympic Games is still eliciting comments. One of such has come from a national coach sidelined from the team prior to the Games, Obisia Nwakpa.

Nwakpa, has not only expressed anger at the down-turn of boxing in the country but has categorically said there must be a re-orietation and change in the value system for amateur boxing to be revived and sustained to the level it was in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Besides alluding to the National Sports Festival as a tool be used, the former national, African and Commonwealth super-lightweight champion suggested that the country must design and adopt a national system peculiar to Nigeria alone, saying it was the reason Cuba has ruled the world in amateur boxing.

“We shall continue to wallow until we come together and agree on a boxing system to use against the rest of the world. Nigerian coaches

can design it and make it work. Americans have their own way, Russians have theirs, likewise the Kenyans and all those who do well these days in international competitions.

“And we have to put to an end the idea of importing foreigners to handle our boxers because it’s a pure waste of resources. I think there are enough qualified Nigerians to do the work if they have the opportunity with free hand and enough incentives,” he said.

Nwakpa, who had a shot at the world title in the professional rank but fell short of achieving his target said the sports festival should be fully utilised as instrument for recharging the system so as to discover new athletes, harness and groom them for international events.

He also opined that no foreign coach, Cuban or not, can come and revive the country ’s boxing, stressing “it is only Nigerians who can do it if we agree, that is with good funding and support from the authorities who are expected to make available, facilities and equipment”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 Today’s matches Arsenal v Everton v Reading v Southampton v Stoke v Wigan v Aston Villa v

Fulham 4pm Sunderland 4pm Norwich 4pm Swansea 4pm QPR 4pm Westbrom 4pm Man Utd 6.30pm

Moses: Chelsea super stars make me shine

I’m excited over Sidney Sam, Keshi declares

*Urges NFF to begin paper work on him

BY BEN EFE

S

•Sidney Sam, eager to don Eagles jersey

AWC: Blame NFF for Falcons failure — Jossy Lad

By EDDIE AKALONU

F

OLLOWING the defeat of the Super Falcons by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the Africa Women Championship semi final in Equatorial Guinea, a former coach of the team, Joseph Ladipo popularly know as Jossy Lad, has said that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has to take the blame for Nigeria’s loss.

He posited that the players were never motivated going by the media reports he read which could have contributed to what happened.

“When you go into a competition, you prepare for everything. NFF appeared not to have done this as reports have it. But I can say the team played well in this

competition although against South Africa, I did not watch the full 90 minutes due to power outage. However, I realised early enough that something was wrong when Falcons failed to counter the early stunner within the first half of the game. By the second half, I thought they left it too late because the South Africans became more daring, confident and defended well,”he said.

Besides, Ladipo, who was also a former Shooting Stars handler said coach Kadiri Ikhana and the girls should be spared any blame because in his opinion, “they did their best representing the country but were just unlucky.”

Despite the loss, Ladipo, who was assistant coach of the Falcons to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in USA in 2003, described the Falcons as the best Africa still has, stressing that their inability to win the cup two twice out of eight editions does not take away the records from Nigeria.

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to start without delay, the paper work that will enable Sidney Sam to play for Nigeria.

The 24-year-old Sam of Nigerian and German parentage, had indicated his interest to play for his fatherland after representing German at the youth level. He is required to get clearance from the world soccer governing body, before he can switch allegiance.

It is now up to the NFF to start the process just like was done in the case of Victor Moses who also played for the England under 20 team.

“I want the process to start immediately. I’m excited to have such player commit to play for us,” said Keshi.

Coach Keshi had declared his interest to have the player when he took over as Eagles coach, but Sam who is enjoying a rich run of form with Bayer Leverkusen was non committal as he hoped for a call from the German senior team.

Keshi disclosed that he wouldn’t mind having the player for the Nations Cup: “Let us see what happens.

If he is available to play we will take it from there,” added Keshi.

Sam confirmed in an interview with Kicker that he has held talks with the Eagles coach.

“There were intense discussions and I am keen to play for Nigeria,” Kicker quoted Sam as saying.

“The country (Nigeria) has a great football tradition, the team is full of good players.”

S

UPER Eagles and Chelsea attacker, Victor Moses disclosed that his improvement is down to the super stars in the Blues squad.

Moses was speaking against the background of his Champions League heroics last Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, where he stole the show with a late minute header in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over hard fighting Shakhtar Donetsk.

“With the quality of players we’ve got, I learn from them as well and that’s the only way you can improve — playing around good players such as this. There is still a lot more to come from me “As long as I’m out there, I just want to enjoy myself. There are a number of great names here, quality players here, it’s great to be working with them as well.”

Moses stated that he has no regrets playing as a sub: “I have been delighted.

I have had a few chances and been working hard in training. I always said that I wanted to enjoy myself when I get out there, I keep working hard for my team-mates.

“It’s been great for me so far at Chelsea.”

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS

DOWN

1.President, Nigeria Women’s Football League, Mrs. Dilichukwu, (9) 8.Colour (5) 9.Country in Africa (4) 10.LGA in Abia State (4) 11.Gold Measurement Unit (5) 12.Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Dele (9) 16.England Division 2 Premier League Club-side (5) 18.Legendary King of Zulus (5) 19.President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mines & Industry (ECCIMA), Mr. Okechukwu (9) 23.Sporting Event (5) 25.Super Eagles Full-back, Onyekachi (4) 26.Former Delta State Governor, Mr. Felix (4) 27.Cardinal Direction (4) 28.Mongolian Capital City (9)

2.Former Minister of Power, Professor Barth (5) 3.Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Austin (5) 4.LGA in Kogi State (5) 5.Ebonyi State Capital (9) 6.Ethiopian Currency (4) 7.Italian Currency Unit (9) 12.The First Man to walk on the Moon, Neil (9) 13.Adamawa State Capital (4) 14.Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin (9) 15.Egypt “Pharaohs” defender, Wael (5) 17. Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Samuel (4) 20. Devil (5) 21.Nigerian Currency (5) 22.State in Nigeria (5) 24. LGA in Kaduna State (4)

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