TRAGEDY: Scores die as Synagogue building collapses

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TRAGEDY: Scores die as Synagogue church building collapses •Church members frustrated rescue efforts—NEMA •Police hostile to journalists •Building had no approval —Lagos govt

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL, EVELYN USMAN, MONSUR OLOWOPEJO & YINKA LATONA RAGEDY struck yesterday following the collapse of a part of a multiple storey building inside the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, leaving many worshipers dead, while others were critically injured. The incident at the Lagos based church, reportedly happened at 12: 45 pm. Vanguard gathered that the structure served as a guest house for foreigners, who troop to the church in search of miracles. There were different accounts as to how the building located at the New Land area of the church caved in. It was further gathered that the structure was initially a two storey building before it was converted to a five storey edifice. Those who were trapped under the debris included foreigners, some kitchen staff and construction workers. Ambulances were seen at the scene conveying the injured and dead to Igando General Hospital, Primex Hospital Igando and Isolo General Hospital. Some of the victims were allegedly rejected by some private hospitals, which could not accommodate them because they had many victims, they were taken to the Isolo General Hospital. Some SCOAN workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity toldV anguard that the severely injured victims had their legs and hands cut off. At the scene, there was pandemonium, as confused relatives of some of the lodgers were seen asking questions about their whereabouts. A large crowd of sympathisers thronged the premises of the popular church, leading to traffic gridlock in the area. Men of the Lagos State Fire Service and Nigeria Police Force , were around to provide emergency services. Some policemen were hostile to journalists, as a Corporalshotintotheairwhen the crowd queried their hostility to journalists. A Nigerian Television Authority,NTA, journalist, had his camera seized by a policeman. Some worshipers were heard raining curses on whoever masterminded the incident, as they claimed that it was not a mere building collapse. Therewerealsoclaims that the incident happened shortly after a plane was sighted hoovering round SCOAN. Meanwhile, Lagos State Building and Control Agency, LASBCA, Mrs Abimbola Animashaun yesterday said the state government could not confirm trace of any document stating that the building was approved. Animashaun who led her team to the scene of the incident said none of the church members could provide evidence of approval for the collapsed building. According to her, “We have been here challenging them on the building approval but they haven’t said anything convincing. They claimed to have approval but we could not confirm it. They were told to bring the building approval authorised by the state government but none of them could provide it.” anguard WhenSaturdayV visited Isolo General Hospital at about 6pm, eight of the rescued victims were sighted at the emergency ward. About seven others were admitted at the Intensive Care Unit. When the South-West Spokesperson for National Emergency Agency, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye was contacted, he noted that three persons died. But unconfirmed reports put the figure at 15. Farinloyesaid:“Thecollapsed building was a five storey building which was initially a two storey building. The additional three were being constructedwhenitcollapsed. ‘’The church members have been very aggressive and tried attacking

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•Sympathisers at the Synagogue collapsed building in Ikotun, Lagos, yesterday. Photo:Akeem Salau

emergency responders. Before emergency responders’ arrival, about 15 persons were said to have been rescued. On arrival, we rescued three persons and a child, while three dead bodies were also recovered . Many are said to still be trapped under.” The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Miss Ngozi Braide, could not give the exact number of casualties.

Braide said: “Officers are already on rescue mission. I can not confirm the number of casualties now as rescue operation is ongoing and the injured have also been taken to the hospital for treatment. Police have condoned off the area in order to prevent any breakdown of law.” The SCOAN that is famed for signs and wonders had embarked on an expansion drive over the last few months.

The Guardian Newspaper in the United Kingdom,UK, had reported that the SCOANattractsmoreweekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the T ower of London. At the time of filing this report, many were still trapped under rubble, even as the founder of SCOAN Pastor T emitope Joshua, was yet to make an official statement on the matter.

Ali Modu Sheriff: Presidency is being economical with the truth — APC

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the presidency of being economical with the truth in its response to the widespread condemnation of

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President Goodluck Jonathan for hobnobbing with the accused Boko Haram sponsor, Ali Modu Sheriff. In a statement issued in Dubai yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the presidency ’s

stout defence of Sheriff ’s presence at President Jonathan’s meeting with host President Idris Deby of Chad, and the fact that the presidency ’s statement was coordinated with the one by Sheriff ’s spokesman, has shown that the APC is right to have called for the trial of Sheriff and

Oil theft: No oil minister or Presidential aide linked with Tenebe probe — EFCC

BY SONI DANIEL HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, made spirited efforts to clear its name of allegation that it was under pressure to free a crude oil theft suspect because of the personalities named by him. An online medium, had alleged on Thursday that a People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jarret Tenebe, who was arrested for oil theft had implicated top government officials, among them, a former Chief of Staff to President Jonathan and a serving female minister. But the commission in a statement in Abuja yesterday, denied that it was being teleguided by any group or individual to shield the suspect from investigation and prosecution. The Head of Media and Public Affairs of the

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commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, admitted that though the suspect was under investigation for oil theft, there was no evidence that he was being promoted by the top officials named by the online medium.

The commission said, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a report entitled, Crude Oil Theft: PDP Governorship Candidate Jarret Tenebe Arrested,

Implicates Jonathan’s former Chief of Staff, Anenih and Petroleum Minister, which appeared on Saharareporters, an online news service, on Thursday, September 11, 2014.

Anglican Bishops defy heavy rain, protest against destruction of church in Onitsha

BY CHIMAOBI NWAIWU, Nnewi NGLICAN Bishops of the Province of the Niger have dismissed the six man panel of inquiry set up by Anambra State Government to unravel the circumstances that led to the demolition of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Oyeolu Oze, Oyi Local Government Area of the state fearing that it may not be just. Archbishop of Province of the Niger and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, His Grace Most Rev. Christian Efobi who led eight Bishops of the Province to

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visit the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo to protest against the demolition of its church building, said whatever report the panel will come up with will not be binding on the Anglican communion because its constitution was faulty. Some of the Bishops who defied the heavy down pour in Onitsha and its environs to join in the protest arrived the church compound at exactly 3.30 pm. With Archbishop Efobi were Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese, Bishop Godwin Okpala of Nnewi

Diocese, Bishop Alex Ibezim of Awka Diocese, Bishop Samuel Ezeofor of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Anthony Nkwoka of Niger West Diocese, Bishop Henry Okeke of Mbamili Diocese and Bishop Ralph Okeke of Ihiala Diocese. The Bishops stayed under the heavy rain without accepting any umbrella from the faithful who offered them, sang praises to God and prayed for the state and it leaders to have sense of good judgment and directions in handling issues that concern the state.

other alleged Boko Haram sponsors by the International Criminal Court (ICC), instead of the Nigerian security agencies which are under the Jonathan spell. It said President Jonathan has not got the liver to investigate and prosecute the accused, who are his friends, adding: ‘’How can you prosecute a person who accompanies you on a high level security meeting to a foreign head of state?’’ ‘’The presidency said the security agencies are investigating Sheriff and that the President will not interfere, but what message was the President sending to the security agencies by circulating the picture of the accused with himself? Is that a subtle message to the security agencies that the accused is a friend of the President hence he is untouchable? ‘’The presidency said Sheriff has a long standing business in Chad. Is the presidency not aware of the memo sent home by the Nigerian Defence Adviser in Chad concerning Sheriff? Why didn’t the presidency tell Nigerians whether or not the investigation recommended by the Defence Adviser over Sheriff ’s alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram was ever carried out, and if so what was the outcome? APC queried.

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BOKO HARAM: Military repels attack on Maiduguri, kills Unease as Force suspends annual leave, pilgrimage for officers 80 insurgents • •Recalls those already on vacation

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja PECIAL Forces of the Nigerian Army yesterday routed hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists including foreign mercenaries who invaded Konduga town about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri with a view to setting up a camp and planning to attack Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. This resulted in the killing of more than 80 insurgents, the military

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said. Also, indications have emerged that there was unease and grumbling in the military over a new directive said to be issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh suspending all military personnel from proceeding on annual leave, pass (excuse duty) and pilgrimages to either Mecca or Jerusalem. However, Saturday Vanguard reliably gathered that scores of the insur-

gents who were taken aback that Nigerian soldiers stood their ground and returned heavy fire for same including artillery fire, took to their heels with many sustaining bullet wounds as shown by blood stains leading to the bush around the town. After the fighting between the insurgents and troops, several dangerous weapons including AntiAircraft Guns, GPMGs, Global Positioning Systems, and 30 AK 47 rifles

Presidency sets up C’ttee to monitor activities of pro-Jonathan groups

BY HENRY UMORU S part of moves to check and curtail the activities of all ProJonathan groups presently rooting for President Goodluck Jonathan’s second bid, the presidency disclosed yesterday that it has set up a committee to do content analysis of all the groups. According to the presidency, the move was

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among others designed to monitor their activities. This was coming on the heels of activities of one of the groups, which few days ago, incurred the anger of President Goodluck Jonathan and he ordered that the Billboards with the inscription, #Bring back Jonathan be removed. Addressing Journalists yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof.

Rufai Ahmed Alkali explained that information gathered by the committee will help his office to put into check the activities of groups campaigning for him Prof. Alkali who is also the National Coordinator, Goodluck Support Group (GSG) said he had earlier set up a Screening and Verification Committee of all support groups rooting for the re-election of the president in 2015.

were recovered from the camp. Three Hilux jeeps mounted with automatic technical weapons were also recovered. Confirming the development in a statement signed by Colonel Timothy Antigha, Army headquarters said, “ At about 5.30 am today (yesterday), Boko Haram terrorists launched a massive attack on Konduga town, about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri. “ After about three hours of fierce fighting, Nigerian troops routed the Boko Haram fighting force of over a hundred terrorists. “Further to the staggering loss of men, Boko Haram also suffered extensive losses in equipment. “Specifically, three Hilux and one Buffalo vehicles with mounted Anti-aircraft guns, three General Purpose Machine guns, over 30 AK 47 rifles and two global positioning systems have been recovered”. “Four Nigerian soldiers were wounded in action. The entire area is still being combed for terrorists who may have escaped with bullet wounds”. Morale of troops remains very high”.

pilgrimage for officers

APC mourns death of scribe in Kwara

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI HOUSANDS of members of the ruling party in Kwara State, All Progressives Congress APC were suddenly thrown into mourning yesterday following the death of their secretary,Prince Yemi

Unease as military suspends annual leave,

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Afolayan in the wee hours. Prince Yemi Afolayan a political colossus was elected as the chairman of his local government,Isin, then elected member of the state house of assembly and later appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters during the last

four years administration of Dr Bukola Saraki as the governor before he was drafted into the party administration as the secretary of the state PDP before the government and the party moved to APC where he was also reappointed as the state’s scribe of the party. He was over 60 years old.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the suspension of annual leave and pilgrimage for officers were aimed primarily at dissuading officers and soldiers of the three forces of the Army, Navy and Air force from abdicating their duty post especially now that the war against terrorists in the North East is assuming frightening dimensions. It was gathered further that new and unforeseen happenings in the ongoing insurgency battle like desertions by soldiers, and those who resort to escapist tactics of all sorts to avoid deployment to the theater of battle necessitated the directive. The source revealed that the directive which was communicated to all the services, army, navy and air force takes immediate effect. Noting that the signal issuing the directive gave the date of commencement as ‘immediate effect’, the source said the signal cancelled all initially approved leave, passes and request for pilgrimages while those already enjoying any vacation have been recalled to their duty posts. “Failure to heed the directive, of course, will be

met with appropriate sanctions in line with the terms and conditions of service of armed forces statutes” Saturday Vanguard was told. The directive according to Vanguard’s finding has however received flaks from a lot of officers and soldiers who see no correlation between the fighting in the North East and a lawful part of the job of proceeding on annual leave after such hectic devotion to duty. Also, stopping officers from traveling to holy lands to perform their religious obligations and in the process pray for peace in the nation is seen as discouraging and an affront on the fundamental rights of those who so wish to do so. Wondering if the Presidency was aware of such a decision and its implication on the morale of troops and their families, officers noted however that if the decision was a common one between the CDS and the Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air force, there would be little personnel could do other than to obey. Saturday Vanguard learnt that about 300 military officers both Muslims and Christians go on pilgrimages annually.

Nigeria’s judicial system gives criminals escape routes — APC Chieftain

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Tolulope Odebiyi has called for review of the nation’s judicial system saying, it may continue to provide escape routes for criminals . Odebiyi also decried the monthly jumbo allowances of members of National Assembly as unreasonable. Odebiyi stated this while speaking with newsmen in Ayetoro, the headquater of Yewa North local government area shortly after he submitted his letter of intent to contest the Senatorial seat of the Ogun West under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

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“We have to look at a system that will discourage all Tom, Dick and Harry from going to the National Assembly. To me, it’s nauseating. “While I am not calling for the total abrogation of the federal system, the truth of the matter is that it is something that must be seriously looked at. The legislature cannot continue to administer their duties the way it is going. Nigeria cannot afford it. If you look at the cost of running our legislative offices: if you look at all the wherewithal that comes with it, it is not sustainable. “We cannot from Abuja be making policies that people can’t even relate with. I think more have to be given to the state government to enable it administer and to run their states, as well as for the local government to enable them get closer to

the people at the grassroots”. As a panacea to sanitising the nation’s judicial system, Odebiyi also canvassed that judges should rise up and defend the constitutions which they swore to protect. “It is a high time the judges, the people in power both at the political offices and others that have taken the oath to defend the Constitution of Nigeria to execute the work judiciously and be seen to be doing that. “Where you have the son of a minister being kidnapped and police just round off innocent people on the streets, parade and lock them up as criminals responsible for the kidnap, that is unfair! Things like that is not fair just because they don’t have the means to defend themselves.”

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Why President Jonathan couldn’t avoid Modu Sheriff in Chad — Aide

BY BEN AGANDE FTER the dilemma the presidential delegation was allegedly thrown into when they arrived the Chadian capital and found that the former Borno State governor was not only in Chad but was also part of the Chadian President’s delegation that came to receive the president at the airport, more facts have emerged on why Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the former governor of Borno State was in Ndjamena, Chad during the visit of President Jonathan to the country recently. According to Saturday V a n g u a r d ’ s investigations, Senator Modu Sheriff is deeply entrenched in the affairs of Nigeria’s north eastern neighbour more than it is publicly known to most Nigerians. According to a senior government official who was privy to the president’s trip to Chad, Senator Modu Sheriff is not only entrenched in the economic and political

Expert tasks NAFDAC, SON on food quality assurance

BY WILLIAM JIMOH Professor of Microbiology University of Lagos, Olusimbo Olugbo-Aboaba has called on the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control(NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to deepen efforts on enforcing microbiological standards in Nigeria’s food and drug products. Prof Aboaba who made this call while delivering an inaugural lecture at the university, on a theme: “Unseen Guests at Table: Unsung Heroes of our Environment, recently in Lagos, noted that just as micro organism contribute positively to human existence and sustenance, mismanaging them can result in countless health disarray of citizens. According to her, ensuring adequate safety measures regarding microbiological criteria in food manufacturing and usage; will place the stakeholders including the food industries, and government at all levels in a better position to safeguard well-being of the masses.

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• Vice President Namadi Sambo(R) being received by Gov. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State while arriving at Kaduna Airport for the wedding Fatiha of the daughters of Alhaji Sani Dauda (Habiba and Amira) at Almanar Jumat Mosque in Kaduna State on Friday. affairs of Chad he also exerts influence in the highest office of the land. According to the official who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, ‘what many Nigerians do not know is that Senator Modu Sheriff is a personal friend of the Chadian president for over ten years. He is a regular visitor to the presidential Villa in N’Djamena who does not need any special security clearance to go into the official residence of the president of Chad. He was in Chad several days before the president went and he was not only part of President Idriss Deby’s delegation to receive the president but was also allowed access to the tarmac as any other top officials of that country. Saturday Vanguard’s investigation revealed that Senator Sheriff’s influence in Chad stems from the fact that he has extensive investment in Chad and he is also treated with respect with the government and the people of Chad because of his popularity. “What Nigerians don’t know is the fact that the decision to allow the former Borno governor to the airport and to the presidential waiting room at the airport was entirely that of the Chadian Government and its security services. The Nigerian delegation had nothing to do with that. He came with Chadian president as a friend who happened to be a Nigerian. President Jonathan needed the cooperation of the Chadian Government to block Boko Haram terrorists from using Chad as a launch base to attack Nigeria or as a route to bring in illegal weapons.

Superbike speed queen on African Voices HE exciting story of South Africa’s superbike speed queen, Janine Davies, will be told during this weekend’s edition of CNN International’s African Voices, a 30-minute magazine programme sponsored by Globacom. The show runs on CNN International at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday and at 4.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Viewers can also watch the repeat broadcast on Monday at 3:30 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. and on Tuesday at 5.30 a.m. Davies,25, is South Africa’s first female superbike racer to compete on a national level. She is one of only nine women in the county who compete in motorbike racing on a national level, one of only three who race 600cc bikes and soon she will be the only woman in the country to be racing a 1000cc bike in the South African National Championships.

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Why we are after Amosun’s job — Ogun PDP guber aspirants

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta OUR governorship aspirants under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State have explained why they want to unseat the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in the coming election in the state. The aspirants are:a member of House of Representatives from Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, Abiodun Akinlade, former member of House of Representatives from Odeda/Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode federal constituency, Kayode Amusan, former commissioner for environment, Asiwaju Anthony Ojesina and the National Secretary of Board of Trustees Jonathan Mandate Group,Segun Adewale. The aspirants disclosed this at the party Secretariat in Abeokuta, shortly after they obtained the intention form having paid a sum of N2.5 million each to run for governorship seat in the coming election in the state . According to Amusan, he was propelled to seek the governorship seat in the state because of the complaints he reportedly received daily from residents of the state. He said the intention to contest for the

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governorship seat was borne out of the fact that there had been complaints from the people as regards the collapsing economy of the state. In his remarks, Akinlade said the incumbent governor had deviated from what he promised the people of the state, saying, he showed the interest so as to correct what he called irregularity. “If you look at our manifesto, you will realize that governance is about people and that is what is not happening in the state BY DAPO AKINREFON HE lawmaker repre senting Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday in Lagos, called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh who she said “gave sterling example of due diligence and professionalism in a grave situation and thereby saved the lives of thousands of Nigerians from the Ebola virus.” Adadevoh, a physician and endocrinologist with First Consultants Hospital in Lagos State died after contact with Liberian Ebola victim, Patrick Sawyer. Tinubu said this during the 12th T own Hall meeting with constituents of Lagos

today, the Government has deviated from the reason for which he was elected and the people who elected them are not happy,” he said Also explaining why he obtained the form of intention to run for governorship in the state, former commissioner for environment, Anthony Ojesina said, he would embark on industrial, energy, agricultural and infrastructural revolution. According to him, human capital development would be taken seriously. Central Senatorial District and presentation of N16.250m cash empowerment to 650 widows in Lagos. Senator Tinubu, who advocated for Adadevoh’s immortalisation, commended her for commitment and sacrifice to curb the disease. She, however, urged Nigerians and Lagosians in particular to assist in the prevention of the disease noting that Adadevoh paid a high price by her act of professionalism and patriotism. She said: “In recent weeks, the scourge of Ebola Virus Disease has become a major concern across the world and there is need for all citizens to adhere to warnings as prevention is always better than cure. In Nigeria and other

Nigeria has potentials to rule the World — Lafarge boss

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta HE Managing Director, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Joe Hudson has said Nigeria is blessed with vibrant and talented youths who have the skills to turn the country to an industrial giant. Hudson further stated that Nigeria has the potential to rule the world given the abundance of human resources and talents abound in this country. He disclosed this at the graduation of the young men and women who have undergone 18 months intensive training at Isofin, Ewekoro Local Government area of Ogun State. He also noted that having visited a number of host communities and travelled to some parts of the country, he had discovered that Nigeria “is blessed with vibrant and talented youths who if given the necessary support would turn the country to an industrial giant.

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Ebola: We must immortalize Adadevoh — Sen Tinubu

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West African countries, we must salute the genuine commitment and supreme sacrifice made by many health workers to curb the disease. Particular mention must be made of late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh who knew what to look for in compliance with global health standards and stood firmly to save Nigeria from what could have been utter devastation from the disease.” Speaking further, the lawmaker said:“I wholeheartedly endorse calls for the government of Nigeria to immortalise Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh who gave such sterling example of diligence and professionalism in a grave situation and thereby saved the lives of thousands of Nigerians.’’

EBOLA: Resumption of schools still uncertain — Fashola

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola, has said that resumption of schools in the state would be determined after the results of those still under surveillance for Ebola Virus Disease would have been known by next week Thursday. Speaking after yesterday’s Jumaat prayer at the state secretariat mosque in Alausa, Fashola explained that there were still about 19 people under surveillance, adding that the 21 days set aside for the surveillance would end on September 18, 2014. His words: “Even though the number of Ebola cases has reduced and most of the contacts are out of the 21day quarantine, we should avoid any complacency. Until the last case is over and surveillance completed, we should not relent in the effort at tackling the disease.” Fashola added that members of the State Executive Council, SEC, and other stakeholders’ held a crucial meeting on how to contain the virus and the feasibility of September 22, resumption date set by the Federal Government .

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Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 13 13, 2014

Oshiomhole commends work on hospital project

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

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Rivers South East press for governorship G slot in 2015

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT: People of Rivers south east senatorial district are set to press home their demand for the governorship slot of the state with a 50, 000-man road show in Port Harcourt. Coordinator, Rivers south East Renaissance Movement, Mr Dormu Nwinang who spoke in Port Harcourt on the proposed road show said various ethnic groups in the state have offered to be part of the exercise. “Solidarity messages from other socio-political groups that share the same aspirations with Rivers South East Renaissance Movement will be part of the campaign show. Already not fewer than five of such groups from Rivers East and Rivers West senatorial districts have indicated what can be described as “courageous interest to align with the agitation of people of Rivers south east senatorial district”, he said. According to him Rivers south east is the only senatorial district that has not produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1967.While appealing to other senatorial districts to concede the governorship to Rivers south east in 2015 Mr Nwinang said the senatorial area is also home to several upland and riverine communities in the state. “If you talk of the riverine people of the state you also find them in the Rivers south east senatorial district. The people of Opobo are riverine and Ijaw. If you talk of upland you find them in Oyigbo, Ogoni, Eleme. So the Rivers south east senatorial district has all the natural divide of the state”, he said.

Dakuku Peterside “The 50, 000-man road show is one of the organisation’s many programmes earmarked to demand for equitable and fair power sharing among the three senatorial dis-

Gov Rotimi Amaechi tricts that make up Rivers state”, he added. Rivers South East senatorial district has the following local government areas: Eleme, Oyigbo, Tai, Khana, Gokhana,

Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni. Continuing, the group said they had procured over 80, 000 signatures, noting that they would still get more to press home their agitation for the next governor to come from the senatorial district. On power rotation, the body said the governorship position should rotate among the senatorial districts, stressing that it would be more realistic than saying power should rotate among ethnic nationalities. “For us in Rivers south east senatorial district , we are prepared and willing to take it not minding the particular ethnic group in the district”, the group said.

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the on going Central Hospital project Benin City. The Governor stated this yesterday, when he paid an unscheduled inspection visit to assess the level of work at Central Hospital. While addressing the contractor and staff of the hospital, Oshiomhole said “You know this hospital suffered a setback arising from certain structural defects which have now been corrected with the combination of steel reinforcement and in some cases, completely new concrete reinforcement and from the quality of the job that I have seen, both through the eyes of a layman like me and the eyes of expert engineers, I believe that you guys are doing a fantastic job.”

Abia sets up committee on N2b MSMEDF fund

BY ANAYO OKOLI. OVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has inaugurated the state’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF) Technical Steering Committee to manage the N2 billion state fund. The committee would firm up the processes of management and disbursement of the fund in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines. Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Orji said that he would sponsor an executive bill to the House of Assembly for prompt action.The fund is to be managed under the office of the Governor by the State Special Purpose Vehicle (S-SPV) GEMAEXPOL2G and the State Technical Steering Committee headed by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Mercy Orji as directed in sub- section1.6 of the MSMEDF guideline.

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Bayelsa govt threatens to blacklist three contractors

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

SUMMIT: Cross section of Anioma participants seated during the 2014 Ani oma Economic Summit held in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini

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Ijaw/Itsekiri youth feud settled — Police •Say nobody is missing,

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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OLICE authorities in Delta State, yesterday, said the fresh hostility between Ijaw and Itsekri youths in Warri, had been resolved and nobody was missing.Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, told Saturday Vanguard, that the Area Commander, Warri, called a peace meeting between the leadership of Ogbe-Ijaw and UgboMefa (Itsekiri) youths over the face-off , where they buried the hatchet. Itsekiri and Ijaw youths reportedly clashed in front of the gate of an oil servicing firm, SAIPEN, near the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Warri, some days ago. Her words, “ A peaceful meeting of the two communities was called by the

2015: Group calls for Hon. ...Police, youth force robbers Isenah’s re-election BY GABRIEL EWEPU to abandon operation in Warri

Area Commander, Warri, where the youths under the leadership of Chief P .D. Yalaju for Ugbe –Mefa and Hon. Lucky Oromoni for Ogbe-Ijaw discussed the issues amicably and they came up with a re-

port that nobody was missing as alleged.” “They have agreed to maintain peace and also go to the press to debunk the earlier publication that five persons were missing,” she stated.

AYELSA government has threatened to black list three contractors undertaking the construction of hostel blocks at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Kaiama in Kolokuma-Opokuma local government area of the state over slow pace of work. Though the names of the contractors were not disclosed, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ehwrudjakpor made the threat yesterday at Kaiama during his weekly inspection tour of ongoing projects in the state. Ehwrudjakpor expressed disappointment with the slow pace and quality of work done by the contractors, warning that government may be compelled to revoke the contracts.

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OLICE at ‘B’ Divi sion, Warri, Delta State and some youths pursued and stopped a robbery gang from their operation at Okumagba Avenue in Warri at the weekend. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, in a statement, yesterday, said, “On 10/9/2014, at about 1300hrs, the DPO ‘B’ Division Warri, SP Imade Ghraham while in his office heard gun

shots around Okumagba Avenue, Warri. Consequently, he quickly mobilized patrol teams to the scene.” “The patrol team, assisted by some youths in the area chased the hoodlums into Okere-Urhobo community. During the pursuit and exchange of fire the hoodlums were forced by the superior fire power of the Police to abandon their operational weapons and flee with bullet wounds.

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non-governmental organisation called House2House for Democracy has appreciated the achievements of Bayelsa House of Assembly member, Hon. Tonye Isenah, urging him to recontest the 2015 election. The Director General of the group, Hon. Ogidi Ben Bara said: “We in House2House have always said we are supporters of good governance, and advocates of democracy. We commend those in government when we discover that they had done what is worthy of recognition and carried out their statutory functions. “We are using this opportunity to call on him officially to throw his hat into the ring for re-election into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in 2015. We have seen that Hon. Isenah will do better than what he has achieved so far.”

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Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 13 13, 2014 — 9

Lamido, Suswam, other PDP bigwigs absent as Muazu inaugurates committee

BY HENRY UMORU

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OVERNORS Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Gabriel Suswam, Jonah Jang of Plateau, Muazu Babangida of Niger were yesterday absent at the inauguration of Integration Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP . Also absent were Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, his Gombe counterpart and prominent northern politicians like Prof. Jerry Gana, Amb. Hassan Adamu. Iya Abubakar, Ahmed Makarfi Wilberforce Juta Bello Halilu Gen. AB Mamman and Umar Ghali Naaba. Meanwhile, ahead of 2015 presidential election, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu yesterday urged members of the party to unite and reposition the PDP to ensure that it wins the election. According to Muazu, if members of PDP agree to

turn the fortunes of the party around, it will not only remain the party to beat, but it will also become the “toast of Nigerian people on a sustainable basis”. Addressing members of the National Integration Committee of the party at the formal inauguration at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Mu’azu stressed that it was aimed at refocusing the party. He said: “We should therefore, go beyond being a reformed party to a reform-minded institution that is pro-actively committed to mid-wifing the accelerated transformation of our dear country. “You have been assembled as great party leaders with great party spirit; men and women of high strength of character who, by your wealth of experience, are wellequipped and disposed to create value, add value and protect values within the PDP family”. Terms of reference of the committee include, to

reach out to all estranged members of the party and resolve issues affecting them work out a harmonious re-union between subsisting members and new or estranged members in a synergic engagement mobilise new members to join the party as well as obtain the buy-in and commitment of old members to become advocates of the party’s vision. Responding, the Chairman, North West zone of the committee, and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih called on members to see their assignment as a call to service. The committee has three weeks to submit its report. Other Chairmen include: Senator David Mark (South West); Sen. Ahmadu Alli (South East); Prof. Iya Abubakar (South South); Dr Bello Aliero (North Central) and Sen. Ken Nnamani (North East).

•A Trailer with Container fall at Toyota Bus stop along Oshodi Apapa Express Road with Reg Number U488JJJ in Lagos.PHOTO.;AKEEM SALAU

First Lady joins fight against Ebola

BY TONY NWANKWO and GABRIEL EWEPU

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Delta LG polls: Nwabueze hails Uduaghan over Osakwe’s emergence as PDP candidate

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO gence of an illustrious son of the area, Mr. Ifeanyi Osakwe as the party’s candidate for the forth coming local council elections. A spokesman and chieftain of the party in the area, Chief Johnson Nwabueze who made the commendation in Onitsha, Anamnra State, yesterday, while speaking to newsmen, described Osakwe’s emergence and his landslide victory at the primaries as a clear indication that he is the choice of the people and the party.

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cross section of Peo ples Democratic Party, PDP leaders and their members in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State have commended the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring peaceful conduct of the just concluded local government primaries which saw the emer-

Abuja ODU endorses Adigwe

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA THE Abuja branch of Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (O.D.U) has unanimously endorsed the senatorial aspiration of an illustrious son of the community, Hon Pascal Adigwe to represent Delta North Senatorial District in the 2015 senatorial election. Speaking at a civic reception held in honour of Hon Adigwe, which attracted a large turn-out of Ogwashi-Uku indigenes and their well wishers, the President of the Union, Chief Austin Esedebe said that the decision to honour the senatorial aspirant was as a result of his past track records during his tenure as House of Representatives member representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency.

IGERIA’S First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has joined the fight against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, as she embarks on nationwide sensitisation campaign on the killer virus. Mrs. Jonathan said this at a public health education organised by the Women for Change and Development Initiative, W4CDI, with the theme, ‘One Day Sensitisation on Empowering Women for Better Health Through Public Health Education and Enlightenment on Ebola Virus Disease’. The First Lady, who is initiator and grand patron of W4CDI, was represented by the National Coordinator, W4CDI, Princess Rabi Ibrahim, expressed concern and commitment to create awareness of EVD, saying that women should be at the vanguard

of enlightening their families and communities about the disease. Ibrahim said: “The First Lady is very serious and committed when it comes to health matters, and that

is why she introduced this monthly health talks. We are not just having this health talk because of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, it is something we have been doing before.

Anioma youths honour Babayaro, Ned Nwoko

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philanthropist and former member of the House of Representatives, Prince Ned Nwoko and a former Supper Eagles player, Mr. Celestine Babayaro have being honoured with the award of Excellence in Leadership by the the Anioma Youth Forum. Presenting the award to Prince Ned Nwoko at his IdumujeUgboko Castle, the National President, AYF, Mr. Akaji Felix Ifejiokwu, said the two distinguished Nigerians were carefully selected based on their

contributions to the Nigerian growth. According to Ifejiokwu, “Hon. Ned Nwoko is a philanthropist par excellence. By his altruistic nature, he has given succour to the needy, hope to the hopeless and dignity to the fatherless irrespective of gender or tribe.” On the other hand, Mr. Celestine Babayaro, former ace footballer who was the first none Anioma indigene to receive the award set the records as the youngest player to make an appearance in UEFA Championship league.

Shun materialism, imbibe discipline, Priest admonishes Christians

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ROMAN Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Aloysius Udo, has urged Christians, especially youths, to shun desperation for wealth and other forms of materialism that can affect their relationship with God. Udo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja . He spoke on the sideline of the presentation and launch of his book titled “The Valuable Hands” authored to

mark the 30th anniversary of his priesthood. The clergyman charged Christians to imbibe the virtues of discipline, selfcontrol and perseverance in the service of God. “Christians often play down on discipline and hard work as some even think some of us are old school; but I tell you that God still rewards such virtues. “Discipline, hard work and dedication should be your focus as Christians and make sure you shun materialism and

desperation for wealth. “Some youths do not want to suffer to achieve something; they want the easy way and that is not the attitude you should carry to serving God.” Udo said the greatest challenge he encountered was lack of support from his parishioners whenever he had any inspiring project. He, however, said that all the challenges had strengthened him to pull through in the last 30 years.

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

HORROR Egypt Air wrongly flew me to another country, tore my passport, locked me up in Cairo and deported me to Nigeria A Nigerian medical student returning to school in Ukraine tells the story of how he nearly died at the hands of Egypt Air officials who wrongly routed him to Moldova, never gave him food for days and called him bloody Nigerian before deporting him back to Lagos We serve you the story as written by JOSHUA KUNLE ABDULAZEEZ, the student who is lucky to be alive and whose ordeal should interest Nigerians.

On Friday, August 15, 2014 my mother and I went to Egypt Air head office at 22B Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos to book a return ticket for me to go back to school to continue my studies at Dnepropetrovsk Medical Academy, Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine. This was about 11:15 am. On entering the Egypt air office we met Mr. Tony Nzan on counter 1 to attend to us and we asked to book a ticket to Kiev, Ukraine. Mr. Tony Continues on page 11 C M Y K

Instead, she handed me over to Egyptian police officers, who locked me up in a deportation cell without explanation

JOSHUA KUNLE ABDUL-AZEEZ

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 —11

Dnepropetrovsk Medical Academy, Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine. Inset. ABDUL-AZEEZ to the right. Continues from page 10 Nzan explained to us the itinerary for the flight going to Ukraine after which we went to the bank to withdraw money and returned to pay for the ticket and obtained two printouts, so that my mother could have my return itinerary from Kiev next year. We reviewed the ticket itinerary before leaving Egypt air ’s office and immediately observed that the airport code indicated on it was different from what we were familiar with, having traveled to Kiev before. The ticket indicated an unfamiliar airport code. We immediately brought this discovery to another ticketing officer’s attention who was seated at Counter 2, as we were informed that his colleague, Mr. Nzan, had stepped out of the office. This ticketing officer restated that the ticket was full economy and for Kiev, Ukraine with all the segments confirmed. However, we remained unconvinced, given that our prior experience indicated that the airport code for Kiev, Ukraine would usually read “KBP”. On my scheduled date of departure (18th August, 2014) my mother and I arrived for check-in at 10.30am. Given our apprehension, we once again mentioned our concern to the agent at the check-in counter and requested that she reconfirm the final travel destination indicated on my ticket. She confirmed that the ticket indicated “KIV” and was C M Y K

‘Egypt Air official tore my passport, saying bloody Nigerians’ bound for Kiev, Ukraine. My mother then told her it should read Borispol International Airport KBP not KIV or Chisinahu as was indicated on the ticket. Given our insistence over this and the fact that there was now a queue building up behind us she called her supervisor, one Mr Lucas to check the ticket. He asked us what the matter was and we explained to him that we believed the routing on my ticket was wrong. We also told him we had complained about this, the day the ticket was purchased but that we were repeatedly told that the routing was to Kiev. We also mentioned to him that we went back to Egypt Air’s Victoria Island office on Saturday morning (16th August ) still very concerned about the ticket. The place was closed for business. My mum then asked that I show Mr. Lucas and his colleague my residence and study permits for Ukraine and reaffirm my intended destination to be Kiev in

Another Egypt airline official joined us and to my utter shock and dismay, picked up my passport and tore it, saying “these bloody Nigerians

Ukraine and not the place indicated on the ticket, which appeared to be “Chisinahu.” Mr. Lucas proceeded to telephone Mr. Tony who issued the ticket to reconfirm routing but Mr. Tony insisted that the code (KIV) was Egypt air ’s code for Ukraine. Mr. Tony also became nonchalant and abusive and said that my mother “ was just being troublesome”. My mother then directed that I get the boarding passes which had earlier been printed for me since they were insisting it was Egypt Air ’s code for Ukraine and that they were representatives of the airline. She warned Mr. Lucas that for the airline’s sake, she hoped that they were right and we were wrong. I checked in my two suit cases with a total weight of 47.5kg and went to the departure gate and boarded the flight. I arrived Cairo shortly after 10pm same day and was compelled to remain in the

transit area for 14 hours, without feeding. No accommodation was provided by the airline. I presented myself for boarding at the boarding gate at 9am the following morning (August 19th) and was the third passenger on queue for boarding to Istanbul. When it was my turn, the Egypt air boarding staff insisted that I present my Ukrainian visa before processing my boarding pass. She did not ask same of the passengers ahead of me. I explained that I had a permit because I school there and presented the permit stamp on my passport, whilst explaining that the document was in my hand luggage. Still, she insisted that I moved aside and present the original document. I then retrieved it from the luggage. Having seen my permit, the staff still refused to allow me through and insisted I remain at the corner I was in. I complied

Continues on page 12

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Continues from page 11 and watched closely to see if she would follow the same procedure for all other passengers boarding, but to my surprise, not once did she do so. I remained there until everyone else had boarded before she came round to scrutinise the original permit and eventually allowed me to board the flight. We departed Cairo for Istanbul at 10.50am. We arrived at Istanbul at 2pm on 19th August and I was again compelled to remain in transit for another 17 hours, without accommodation, food or water. At 7am on 20th August, I boarded the flight in Istanbul, expecting to arrive Ukraine at 6am local time. Once onboard the flight, I slept off due to fatigue and hunger - having been deprived of good sleep and food for 2 days at the time. When I woke up, the flight hostesses had already served refreshment and passed me by. I then requested for my meal but was told it was too late to be served. Once we landed, believing I was in Ukraine, I proceeded to immigration and presented my travel documents. The immigration officer asked that I wait at his desk, left and then returned with a local police officer. Both officers then explained to me in Russian language that I was not in Ukraine but in Moldova (a distinct country) and that the best they could do was to send me back to Istanbul, where I could then buy a new ticket to Kiev. My passport was then handed over to the pilot of the next flight to Istanbul and I was given my baggage tags for my two suit cases that had by now been placed in the main cabin of the plane. When I boarded the plane and sat on seat (23E) assigned to me, a male member of the cabin crew ordered me to stand up, sent me to the back of the plane and told me not to move. Another member of the cabin crew sat with me for the entire duration of the flight. I felt so degraded at being treated like a criminal. I was given neither food nor drink throughout the flight back to Istanbul. This was now my third day without food or water. I had now developed a cough and my gums were all swollen. We arrived at Istanbul and I was immediately taken to the deportation office, where my passport was handed to the officer on duty. The officer interrogated me on what happened and I explained to him how the airline had ticketed me to a wrong destination. I asked if I could be allowed to buy a ticket to Ukraine from there (with my school fees in my possession), which was my intended destination all

‘I was immediately taken to the deportation office, where my passport was handed to the officer on duty’

ABDUL-AZEEZ, 1st right at school with a lecturer and classmates

along. The officer agreed to my purchasing a new ticket to Kiev and I was placed in a room for over four hours. After two hours of not knowing what was going on or what was being done with my documents, I requested to use the toilet, in the hope that I would find a cell phone to borrow and call my family to inform them of what was happening, but the officer posted outside the room refused and ordered me to sit down. I continued asking to use the toilet for over 10 minutes until she finally allowed me to go and answer the call of nature. I eventually found a telephone and then called my elder sister in Nigeria, explained the situation to her and asked her to inform my mother. Once my mother was informed, she contacted my university and her Ukrainian liaison agent in Kiev and requested that they assist by purchasing a ticket on my behalf for Kiev, which would enable me to leave for Ukraine from Istanbul. The ticket was swiftly purchased and I was forwarded the “PNR

At this point I was very weak physically, developed sores all over my mouth, my gum was painfully swollen all round, and I had begun coughing terribly, with thick yellow discharges

number ” by phone. I then proceeded to Egypt air ’s transit desk and explained what had happened. I gave the lady on duty the PNR number for new ticket and requested her to assist me check-in for the flight to Ukraine. She refused to entertain my explanation and told me they would send me back to Nigeria, no matter what I did. Another Egypt airline official joined us and to my utter shock and dismay, picked up my passport and tore it, saying “these bloody Nigerians”. I looked at the man expecting an apology, but got none. He ordered me to stand up, saying that I was getting on a flight to Cairo. At about 6pm I was taken to the boarding gate for the flight to Cairo and my documents were handed over to the cabin crew. I was once again treated like a criminal and taken to the back of the plane. A cabin crew member gave me some water and handed me only one baggage tag and informed me that one had gotten missing. I arrived Cairo at 8pm on

20thAugust 2014. My documents were again passed from the cabin crew of the Egypt Air flight I arrived with to another Egypt air ground official. Yet again, I tried to explain the situation and my grueling ordeal over the past last three days to her. I went as far as showing her my school papers and residence permit for Ukraine expecting some understanding and empathy, whilst hoping against hope that she may be different from the others and finally listen and hopefully help me get on a flight to school. Instead, she handed me over to Egyptian police officers, who locked me up in a deportation cell without explanation. I waited in there for about one hour and then knocked on the door to inquire why I was locked-up in the cell like a common criminal. However, I was kept there for over 12 hours, till the following morning (21st August), degraded, dehumanised and with no food or water for three full days. At this point I was

Continues on page 13 C M Y K

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Egypt Air

Continues from page 12 very weak physically, developed sores all over my mouth, my gum was painfully swollen all round, and I had begun coughing terribly, with thick yellow discharges. When I felt like using the toilet I knocked on the cell door and an Egyptian policeman came to open the cell from outside. I told the Egyptian policeman that I needed to use the toilet but he declined and forcefully shoved me back into the cell and locked the door again. After few minutes, I, again, repeated the plea to be allowed to use the toilet, and the same officer came to the door. I explained that I was severely pressed and needed to use the toilet. Yet again, he pushed me back into the cell before I could finish pleading and locked the door. Here I was, 17 years of age, so far away from home with no family communication, hungry, weak, very tired and being treated like a common criminal without any human consideration whatsoever; I became desperately terrified and wondered if I would live through this ordeal or die hopelessly and forgotten in a strange land. I was eventually deported from Cairo and arrived back in Lagos, after four traumatic days, on 21st August 2014. My luggage which contained all my books, newly acquired clothes, birthday gifts (including a brand new PS4 game console), money to last me through the new semester, and other valuables, remains missing till date – with no explanation whatsoever from the airline, regarding its whereabouts. The luggage that did arrive with me was visibly damaged, and I later discovered when I checked through, that it had been vandalized as several items packed into it before I left home were discovered missing. On arrival in Lagos, I was

‘I wondered if I would die hopelessly and forgotten in a strange land’ straightway rushed off to Rivet Specialist Hospital at Ajao Estate, Lagos, for medical attention as my health had visibly deteriorated substantially and, as the hospital would later confirm my body had become critically emaciated. I was immediately placed on critical watch, administered intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other prescriptive drugs. A man who was later identified as Khaled El Rafie (General Manager Lagos, Egypt Air), came along with my mother to meet me at the airport on arrival. He showed little sympathy for what his staff and organization had put a 17year old passenger through. He displayed extreme arrogance and perfunctory remorse about my plight and, to my total dismay, added more insult to injury by saying that his own boss in Egypt commented that “I may have been locked up in a cell in Cairo because of Ebola virus”. When my mum got very angry at his general approach and utterances, he told her “why are you shouting…..?” He wasn’t going to assist on the matter anymore, and then he walked away”. This was all before I was taken to the hospital for medical attention. Joshua has since returned to school in Ukraine. He flew on KLM flight. The immigration helped in procuring him with another passport in one day.

Egypt Air reacts

By LAWANI MIKAIRU anguard investigations at Egypt Air Head office where Mr Kunle AbdulAzeez purchased his ticket revealed that there has been palpable fear about what Abdulazeez’s guardians would do next after the visit of his uncle, Mr Toju Gbenebichie, to Egypt Air office. Vanguard sought to speak with Mr Khaled El Rafie, General Manager, Lagos, Egypt Air, but was told that he traveled and will be back later in the day. But members of staff of Egypt Air told Vanguard that the entire organization was very remorseful about the incident especially as it involved a 17 year old boy. One of them who begged Vanguard for anonymity , as they have not been mandated to speak on the issue, said it was actually “a mix up” on the part of Egypt Air ticket officer, Mr Tony Nzan. The officer also said Mr Nzan has been very sober after the incident and he went the extra mile of trying to arrange an alternative ticket through a friend in Turkish Airline to convey Mr Kunle AbdulAzeez to Ukraine. The officer added that the arrangement to compensate AbdulAzeez with alternative ticket was put on hold after the visit of his uncle to Egypt Air office and after “ raising hell”, and threatened to take Egypt Air to court. Efforts to speak with Mr Tony Nzan proved abortive as he insisted that he has been made to write a report on what actually happened and this has been submitted to the General Manager who now has the authority to address the issue.

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I told the Egyptian policeman that I needed to use the toilet but he declined and forcefully shoved me back into the cell and locked the door again

NCAA begins investigation he Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has be gun investigation into the matter. The authority is already in receipt of the official complaint lodged by Toju Gbenebichie, the uncle of Joshua. They have asked for the copies of the ticket, the boarding pass and other relevant documents that could help their case. A letter signed by Abdulmalik Ifueko for the AGM Flight Operations/Adjudication Unit in the Consumer Protection Directorate yesterday confirmed this. A source said that among other things "tearing the Nigerian passport is a direct affront on the government and people of Nigeria and will be taken seriously depending on the outcome of the investigations."

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Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

*A Nigerian soldier in Borno reveals why the insurgents may continue to have upper hand and suggests a way out Nigerian soldier fighting the Boko Har em insurgents in Maiduguri, Bornu State, (name withheld) has given rea sons while the insurgents may continue to have the upper hands in the battle. He equally warned that more soldiers will continue to desert the army due to low morale, lack of modern equipment, saboteurs among others. He emailed to us an account of their battles and challenges fighting Boko Haram: “I am a Nigerian Soldier attached to the Multinational Joint Task Force located in KauKirie Section 3 Baga. I joined the Army less than three years ago with the aim of helping to defend Nigerian territory and sovereignty against both external and internal aggressions. After six months training, we were drafted to Maiduguri, Bornu state to fight the Boko Haram insurgency. I looked forward with enthusiasm to fighting against this sect that has been inflicting pains on innocent Nigerians without just. Hardly

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had we settled down in Bornu State did my colleagues and I realize that we were in an army different from what made us to join. It has been highly politicised, demoralised, lacking discipline and above all, without tools to fight. Well, I just want to use this medium to bring to the fore some of the major challenges hindering our operations, and they are lack of intelligence gathering and increasing cases of saboteurs in our operations among others. Just to mention few cases. I recall a particular operation, when our driver refused to take a particular route that we were directed to take. We did not argue with him. That was our saving grace. The following day, we learnt that militants laid ambush waiting for us and as we did not come, they killed every civilian that passed that route. Another case was in the wee hours of July 31, our camp was attacked for several hours while two of our colleagues were confirmed dead, 19 were declared missing after we ran for our dear

On several occasions, when we go for operations and come under heavy attacks, when we call for reinforcement, there will not be any, and if they decide to send, it takes several hours if not days

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Day Boko Haram killed our soldiers, set our camp ablaze before Chadian soldiers rescued us

lives and our camp was set ablaze. We were rescued by Chadian soldiers. Later seven returned to base while 12 were confirmed dead. As I write this, their corpses have not been recovered. In fact, they were left unburied and left to decompose like animals. This has further dampened the morale of soldiers. We are now experiencing deserters every day. Those of us that have not yet deserted, we are still surviving by the grace of Almighty God. Besides the fact that we are poorly equipped, bullets are rationed to us to go and confront highly equipped militants with state of the art weapons. There was a day when we came under attack, my gun failed to function. It just locked. I’m not the only one this has happened to. The truth of the matter is that our political leaders and Military hierarchy are gambling with our lives. They are just sacrificing our lives for nothing. On several occasions, when we go for operations and come under heavy attacks, when we call for reinforcement, there will not be any, and if they decide to send, it takes several hours if not days. We have been having problem with intelligence gathering since we came here. It is absolutely difficult to use non-Northerner for intelligence gathering because of unwillingness of the indigenes to cooperate. Again, it has been equally difficult to use indigenes for intelligence gathering. In many cases, information from indigenes led to fatal situations because many of them have been found to be false and unreliable. Some of our colleagues from this area (North-east) are sympathetic to the insurgents. Sadly, the insurgents may continue to have the upper hand in the war because of the operational problems of lack of modern equipment, use of inexperienced combatants who have not spent more than five years in the military, low morale and other things I have mentioned earlier. There are lot of saboteurs in the force who are very sympathetic to the cause of the insurgents. The war requires deployment of fresh combatants, with high discipline and motivation. Those fighting the insurgents at present, unfortunately, including me, have lost the zeal and motivation to continue.

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t was nothing short of war from the beginning, but we seemed reluctant to admit it to ourselves. Boko Haram must been laughing their heads off. They were obviously toying with us while we kept playing games with ourselves, and they joined us. They bombed and killed and committed all manner of mayhem on the people almost at will, until at last a state of emergency was imposed on the three States which had borne the brunt of the onslaught from the enemy. That was what, as far back as February this year, (on the 22nd, to be precise) prompted this page to come out with the comment reproduced hereunder: The Passing Scene (February 22nd, 2014)

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SA TURD AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—15 SATURD TURDA

*this is war Are we then at war? Can we admit it at last? The proclamation that slapped a state of emergency on three States—Yobe, Adamawa and Borno—would seem to suggest that much especially from the launching of all-out hostilities on certain areas of the region. It did not appear that we were really sure of what was going on these past three to four years during which we had borne the scourge of the Boko Haram. Some of course called it “terrorism” which is, in fact, a measure of war. Others described it as “insurgency”, which is also a vibrant variant of warfare. But call it what you may, whenever a group takes up arms and uses them to harm and destroy the life and welfare of another group with the set purpose of eliminating it or subjugating it, the situation is one of war. f course, that is an ugly word, a word associated with horror and darkness, brutality and wickedness, and which no one with any sense of decency wishes to be linked with. And so we seem to have been fighting shy of it. Only one voice was raised in pertly identifying it for what it was. After one of the brazen attacks of the Boko Haram, the Senate President, David Mark, once could not help blurting out:”This is war!” His distinguished audience mostly pretended not to appreciate the gravity of his words. The situation was adopted as an inadvertent development and that tone was laid to rest. Not many other instances of the truth being allowed to show its naked face could be cited afterwards. A convenient consensus of mild reactions to the fiery situation was welcome to mask the flames, with all kinds of meetings of security officials, following other harrowing destructions of lives, and then properly rounded off by “condemnations” of the “dastardly” acts whose “perpetrators” would be “fished out and made to face the full rigour of the of a rapist; or the stifled cry law”. And then would start of a child in the last throes another woeful cycle of of strangulation. This is destruction, bombings and what has been happening. killings, followed by some And it is war. skirmishes in which the It should be pointed out “enemy” did not always come that the above was out second best. published before the ome would have made catastrophe of the the President sue for abduction of the Chibok peace under the ruse of Girls. That is now on the “dialogue”, but throughout way to assuming the the strife this nation has had awesome dimension of a to face so far, and despite the national tragedy. What low marks he has been hope of a healthy, consistently awarded by many worthwhile, survival can people it is, and will ever be, we nurse for the hapless to his credit that he refused to young girls in the hands of be made to eat humble pie at those monsters after all a table with those he rightly these days? But the referred to as “ghosts”. Yet comment continued: other pacifists proffered a Every war is a “crime virtual capitulation ploy clothed in the dazzling hue of against humanity”. No war “amnesty ”, for people who is won with fancy gloves. themselves declared that they Soldiers are trained to kill did not deserve such humanitarian consideration, since forgiveness had no place where there had been no offence. They pleaded not guilty to any crime. But the President bore that humiliation just as he shrugged off the insult of the by not being killed. We demand that he should should not condone change his religion. While extreme cruelty in a some of us wondered who situation that rides, in on extreme really the guilty party was, itself, anyway—the men who were prejudice, but that is creating massive mayhem, or difficult. It is therefore not the man whose position as the very realistic to make leader of the victims made him flaring headlines out of the to bear the brunt of the fact that populations are being displaced. That is an atrocities? But some of those who have aspect of a war situation always held back the mighty that can only be minimized hand of the government with by firm control. In the same their “ode to dialogue” or vein, one feels left in a snit “hymns of amnesty” may have by the hypocrites in the meant well after all. I wonder, United States whose first tough, if they had lost any of reaction about the present their sons to a sudden, situation in Nigeria is cosenseless murderous attack mingled with strident from nowhere; or witnessed warnings about “crimes the anguish of an inconsolable against humanity.” They daughter at the vicious hands can be assured that we shall not attain the

*It is all out war at last This is war. It has to be total in its operational commitment. You cannot pummel a man’s body while massaging his back. The rules of engagement already put in place are adequate and will be effective in taking care of a humane conduct of the conflict. There will always be complaint on both sides, of course, but we must trust our forces to be a disciplined body of armed men. We cannot afford to be too mild now, for we are face-to-face with a foe that will not walk away, but must be driven—chased—away. We are no longer offending anyone by linking them to the religion under whose aegis they profess to commit these atrocities. Even the religion, Islam, openly forbids their methods of operation. It should not all be strange to us. This country witnessed the exploits of Maitatsene and brought them down. The JTF must not relent in its continued swoop on the marauders until they are squelched. e are at war. And this is why we would recommend that a serious look be made to bear on our Budget which was prepared in almost a total negligence of the seriousness of a war situation. It is hard to bear the fact, as testified to by so many responsible people over and over again, that the so-called insurgents carry “sophisticated weapons” and are “better armed” than our soldiers. That in a country that can afford, or acquire a couple of bullet proof cars for 255 million mazumas and no one sheds a tear? Where trillions of naira leak away in stolen petroleum products and no one winces? Where billions of revenue funds miss their way to the Federation Account and only create a mild discussion as to their proper destination? We cannot arm our security forces with the best weaponry available anywhere? We are at war. It echoes from the North to the South. We are at war, and we are not really winning.

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•Lt. Col. Adeboye Obasanjo dizzying heights of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before this campaign is over. It has to be sharp and short. In any case, the human rights aspects and civil rights protection of the situation had been properly taken care of by the National Assembly. That is why one was uncomfortable at the reported release of some imprisoned members of the Boko Haram. A case may be made for some of the womenfolk who might not be fully involved in the fighting. But women are swift conduits of information even in times of war. They are not all harmless. With regard to the men, however, we find it difficult to subscribe to such an open-ended gesture. These are warriors who are committed to a cause and, as we know, many us realise that the Boko Haram had even carved out an enclave for itself where a foreign flag had been implanted on Nigerian soil. Of course, it was that routed. The Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation on whose advice this decision was taken to release the captured Boko Haram forces could hardly furnish any sensible reason for it. They may claim to know what is hidden from the rest of us, to come to an apparently cheerless initiative like that, which takes little of a war situation into consideration. The measure, we were assured, was in line with “ P r e s i d e n t i a l magnanimity ”, but who was impressed? Who could have been appreciative of such a gesture? In respect of those who even nonchalantly shunned the offer of an amnesty? This is all about human lives, about security in the community and about resultant social progress— and some people think they could float all of that by some kind of “magnanimity ”? One wonders how much input the members of the JTF, the men who put their lives on the line, were asked to offer with regard to freeing the Boko Haram “prisoners of war ”. Though professionally isolated from political decisions, they are the actors on the terrain and a vibrant, in fact the only, arm of security here. It is not clear that they were considered for any role in the decision.

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This is war. It has to be total in its operational commitment

of them are committed to the death. One would find it extremely unlikely that they would not make straight for their weapons the moment they were set free. One would imagine that it would be a celebration as they rejoined their units. In fact there were reports that the routed elements of the Boko Haram troops were regrouping in parts of the Adamawa mountains. Recent harrowing events tend to support these reports. We are really at war. The Joint Military Force has done credit to themselves and this nation, but how far have we gone in eliminating the menace of the Boko Haram from our midst? Not until this campaign started did many of

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It must be re-stated that the above comment appeared on this page in February this year. Only the re-capture of the towns reported to have been run over by Boko Haram has significantly affected the situation. But that, by itself, makes a re-appraisal of the situation inviting. The determination and enthusiasm of Lt. Colonel Boye Obasanjo, the wounded look-alike son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to return to the war-front after his injury, counteracts the impression given earlier of low morale among the Nigerian troops, and speaks of a commendable demonstration of patriotism and devotion to duty. Let us now proceed to wipe out the murderous miscreants who are veritable terrorists and nothing less. Yes, it has to be all-out war from now on. Time out

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 Vanguard, his article is not on the Ebola fever about which much has been written. It is about a different kind of fever; the type that gripped the world (World Cup) about the time Ebola gripped West Africa. This is the season of soccer. The English Premier League (EPL) starts in earnest today with the close of the transfer window, much to the consternation and bemusement of several wives and girlfriends who have to contend with distracted attention and halfhearted services of their men in the next six months. Many women—and a few These days, the twenty-two men—simply can’t young men who do the understand what the chasing are usually multiexcitement is all about. Why millionaires and the game would 22 young men run itself has spun into a multiround a restricted pitch billion dollar industry that chasing, and hoping to catch, employs millions of people all a small, round, leather ball not over the world. Welcome to our with their hands, but with sport. their legs. As if that is not I could talk about the crazy enough, an odd man different aspects of soccer; with a whistle cuts a comic from the kids who are spotted figure as he chases the men and groomed at an age when who chase the ball but makes they are barely taller than the sure neither the ball nor its ball itself; to the academies pursuer touches him. that sift and sift until only the An impartial observer—and many women are—cannot understand the ridiculous poses of her husband/ boyfriend/brother as he twists and turns on the coach or the legs that kick and jab in response to whatever is happening on the TV. She has finest talents pass through; to also learnt to gauge the the young men who are left moods. A sullen, irritable disillusioned and broken mood means his team has lost, because they never made it; to while an exuberant, elated the mental and technical mood means his team has won. conditioning that hone the For many, the mood lasts for a talents into human machines; couple of hours, then they can to the agents and men on the who promote, talk about it. For some, it goes fringes manipulate and sometimes on until the next game whenever that might be, destroy their wards; to the putting everybody in the administrators, the fat cats who lord it over the rest of us; to house—or office—on edge. the fans who give time, money ave you ever been to a place of no return? A place where, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel? You have turned everywhere you can think of, but still no solution. And you are wondering what next to do, whom do you run to and who can help you. The answer is looking above to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Only Jesus can turn around the impossible situations in your life and make them possible. What is impossible with man is possible with God. Put your trust in Him and dry land or wilderness will become a fruitful land and forest. Today, we shall be looking at a case study of a woman. She was getting ready to eat her last meal and die. She was in an impossible situation, but, see how the Lord turned her case around. st In 1 kings 17:8-15 “ And the word of the Lord came unto him saying arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there; behold I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city behold, the widow woman was gathering sticks: And he called her and said, fetch me I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink and as she was going to fetch it, he called unto her and said, bring me I pray thee a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake but a little oil in a cruise: And behold I am getting two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son that we may eat it and die…. And Elijah said unto her, fear not, go and do as thou hast said: But C M Y K

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Mourinho vs Wenger: as the fever begins and energy to follow their teams all over the world. But much has been written about these people while little is known about those who sit in the dug house biting nails and chewing gums. They never get into the pitch—in fact—it is an infringement if they do- but are every inch as involved as the players while the game is on and more involved when the game is over. They are the ones who share the joy of victory with the players, the club and the fans typical, frenetic last minute shopping. Wenger was active until the last minute while Mourinho was done with his shopping long before then. Does the person who waits till Xmas eve to do his shopping get the best deal or the rejects? While this is subject to debate, it is an indication of a contrasting personality trait which will reflect on their management styles. But first the similarities. Both are polyglots—each speaks at least four different languages fluently. Neither played football to any significant level. Both are bad losers. Wenger sulks and can be incommunicado for hours while Mourinho rants and charges at everyone. Both are technically proficient and obsessed with details. Both have been known to study tapes for hours on end looking for strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. But it is in the area of human management that the differences begin to show. Mourinho is openly demonstrative; when he is not hugging or back slapping his players, he is ticking their ears. He gives carrots via weekend breaks etc but lets them know were able to help his mother, he would have been the one looking for the sticks or going to search for a solution. For a period of time, all her savings and foodstuffs was carrying her and her household but sooner than she thought, she ran out of everything she had but her very last meal after which she was ready to die. She had come to an impossible situation. Are you in such a situation as well? Where all doors seem shut against you and as such you would rather die than live? Listen, God can still change your case in your favour. The widow, despite her predicament, obeyed the voice of the Lord through the prophet and the Lord turned her impossible situation around. God can do the same to you even right now. We are trusting God to make a way for us to go on radio and television with the O L M E R T A J L A L O K O L W I N G U E M A K P R R E A B E L S I S I W L O O N G E R M B

But first the similarities. Both are polyglots—each speaks at least four different languages fluently

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but carry the burden of defeat virtually alone. They symbolise the modern game which is now sometimes lost and won in the dressing room. I am talking about the people we call managers or gaffers. And two people in the EPL today—Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger—represent the contrasting styles of modern football management. The transfer window ended just a fortnight ago, with the

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the stick is not too far away. Wenger is reserved and acts like an aloof father. He deeply cares about his players and their families but has an invincible line they don’t cross. Unlike Mourinho, he hardly enters into spats with his player past or present. But the biggest difference in my opinion is their approach to winning which is reflected in the way they build their teams. Mourinho looks for competent, hard working players who must track back to defend. After all, you can’t lose a game if you don’t concede goals. So he goes for ready-made players who are proven in their positions. Wenger on the other hand looks for flair and doesn’t believe in winning ugly. He picks players young and nurtures them and is perhaps guilty of holding on too long to some of them. Mourinho is somewhat ruthless; he sucks an orange and can throw it away immediately without compulsion if he is not satisfied with the juice. The difference can therefore be summarised as that between a pragmatist and an idealist. I believe they both would be better managers if they could learn from each other. The fans want to be entertained; but they also want their teams to win. But it is this contrasting style plus the fact that they don’t even like each other that adds to the excitement and heightens the fever around our beautiful game. It also makes it more difficult to predict the eventual winner of the EPL same message of His reality and we count on your financial support in bringing this vision and mission to pass. You can call us on phone to discuss with us or you can send your donations in cheques and cash to our contacts at the end of this message. The mission is estimated to cost about N7.5m (Seven million, five hundred thousand naira). As you support our vision to take His reality to the world, the Lord will supernaturally turn around every impossible situation in your life and family. God bless you, our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan. Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour? If not, but you desire to do so. Then pray this prayer out loud and believe. Father in heaven, I have heard your word, I give you my life; cleanse me of my sins with the blood of Jesus. Make me a new person, Jesus come into my life and be my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you for saving me in Jesus Name, E G U M A W A G B B W H I T E E A R U P E E K P A N I A A S A B A N N A J I A I G H A L O T M W N G K P E B O N Y I K I D I S H A K U L Y I D A N R E

make me thereof a little cake first and bring it unto me and after make for thee and thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruise of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth, and she went and did according to the saying of Elijah. And she and he, and her house did eat and the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of oil waste, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke be Elijah”. From our text, the period that this widow was in was the time of severe famine. There was drought all over the land. A time when people were desperately looking for a way out of the hard nail biting situation that they were

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

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

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The impossible place (5) Put your trust in Him and dry land or wilderness will become a fruitful land and forest

in What may have made this woman’s case worse, was the fact that she was a widow who had a boy to cater for also. If this boy

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 — 17

Did late Dr Enemou know that his patient had Ebola and treated him secretly?

His friend speaks on the life and times of the fallen Ebola victim from his university days to his passing. It’s another revealing Saturday Vanguard EXCLUSIVE BY LAJU ARENYEKA ntil a few weeks ago, Dr. Sam Ikechukwu Enemuo was a relatively unknown name. But today, the very mention of his name and everyone is quick to identify him as the doctor who knowingly treated an Ebola patient in a hotel in Port Harcourt, contracted the disease and died of the illness after infecting others he had close contact with. An elderly woman who shared hospital room with him also died of the disease. Enemou was treating Olu Koye, the ECOWAS official who contracted the disease from Patrick Sawyer, the American-Liberian who brought the disease to Nigeria. Nigeria has never been the same since Mr Sawyer who knew he had the disease wickedly brought it here. Nigerians have been expressing disappointment that Dr. Enemuou knew his patient had Ebola but decided to treat him secretly, endangering his life possibly because of money. However, Mr. Tochukwu Agha, a Lagos business man who knew Emenuo from their university days vehemently disagrees that his friend who spent more than a decade in the tertiary institution to be a medical doctor would knowingly court death the way he has been portrayed. Tochukwu was Enemou’s friend for 23 years and we caught up with him at the National Stadium in Lagos where he plays tennis. In this interview, Tochukwu reveals another side of Emenuo. How did you become friends with the late doctor? I met the late doctor at the University of Jos in 1992. He was already a student there. I think he got in 1989/1990. He was in his third year studying Laboratory Technology. I was doing my diploma at the time. We met through my older cousin; he and Iyke (Ikechukwu) were friends. After my cousin left school, we became close. He finished studying Labtech before he enrolled again to study medicine at UNIJOS. So when I finished my degree in 1999, he was still in school studying Medicine because he had this burning passion to be a medical doctor. He finally graduated from medical school in 2001. He was in the higher institution for over a decade; he had his OND from Anambara State Polytechnic, Oko, before coming to UNIJOS to do his BSC, and then MBBS. He did his houseman-ship in Bauchi before going to port Harcourt for his NYSC. After NYSC, he stayed on in Port Harcourt. What sort of a person was he? His friends called him Iyke-tall or Lala. He was a very strong willed guy, he was very nice. He had always been an enterprising person; very ambitious, always wanting to succeed, and always wanting to help others. Olu-Ibukun Koye escaped a quarantine centre in Lagos where he was sick with Ebola and came to Port-Harcourt for treatment. Dr. Enemuo allegedly knew that he had the illness but did not report it and he kept treating him secretly at the hotel in Port-

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harcourt. Why do you think he did such a thing? It’s unbelievable that Iyke could do such a thing; I have heard a lot of stories. That it was out of greed, but I seriously doubt it. From a close source, one of the doctors that worked with him told me that he never knew the patient. He had never met him before; he did not know him from Adam. It was a staff of the hotel that called him and said that someone at their hotel, a friend, had diarrhea; you know that diarrhea and Ebola have similar symptoms. Iyke usually makes house calls, so it was when the hotel staff called him to come and check on the patient, that was the first time Iyke met Koye. He had a relationship with the staff before then. He attended to the patient. I don’t believe it was about the money; I don’t think he knew before hand that the illness was Ebola. He wouldn’t have risked his life for money; they couldn’t have paid more than N20, 000. This was a big boy that had his own hospital with three doctors working under him. It is a not a small hospital, very well known in Port-Harcourt. I did not get the chance to speak to him about it, but the Iyke I knew would not stoop so low and intentionally endanger his life and the lives of others. “I think he treated the patient out of the goodness of his heart; just to save the patient. He was a very adventurous guy. Perhaps he was genuinely interested in finding out what the problem was and how he could help. I don’t think he knew about the nature of the illness until later. The reason why he did not send the patient to the quarantine centre when he found out, I cannot say. It is just too bad that he is not here to tell us what really happened. Iyke is not the kind of person that would hide such a thing. People have been calling for Koye to be penalized for escaping quarantine in Lagos and endangering the lives of others? What do you think about this? Koye is the one who messed up. He was supposed to be quarantined in Lagos but he sneaked out to Port Harcourt. He knew he had the illness, but he knowingly travelled with it and infected others. I think he should be sanctioned. It is very bad. Iyke never knew that guy. It was when he got to Port-Harcourt that he got in contact with Iyke through the hotel staff. Doctors were on strike at that time, so the hotel staffr just kept making calls to find a doctor that could help. Because iyke had his own clinic, they got in touch with him and he agreed to see the patient. How did you hear about his passing? I was not in touch with him during the illness. I did not even know. It was my friends who told me. After his passing, we started making calls to one another. On the news, I heard about a doctor who died in Port-Harcourt, it did not even occur to me that it was my friend. It was when a friend of mine called me and asked me whether I heard about the doctor that died. He said: ‘Na Lala o,’ because that was what we called Iyke. Initially, I thought it was not Ebola, that the media was trying to manipulate

Patrick Sawyer...the man who brought Ebola to Nigeria the whole thing. But later I heard from reliable sources that it was actually Ebola that killed him. Are you in touch with his family? Do you know the state of their health? I was closer to his first wife; his long time school girlfriend, Stella whom he married. They had a pair of twins before they divorced a few years ago. He got married to this his new wife recently; last year I think. I don’t really know her well, but I know that they just had a baby about six weeks ago. I know of three children that he had. When he became ill, why did he not tell the doctor that he had the illness? I still cannot understand why. It’s difficult to say. Who is sure he knew? When we were in school, he would go out of his way to help others, he would counsel students on the best course of action to take when they were going through challenges; he would show new students the ropes, and help aspiring students get admission. I wish he was alive. I’m sure he would have learned from his mistakes and handled the case differently. It is really terrible. He just bought a piece of property worth a lot of money. His wife just had a new baby. Why did this have to happen at this time? All I can say is that maybe that is how God wants it. Because I cannot understand why Iyke would die and the person who he contracted the sickness from is alive and well.

I don’t believe it was about the money; I don’t think he knew before hand that the illness was Ebola. He wouldn’t have risked his life for money; they couldn’t have paid more than N20, 000

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18—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

RIVER 2015:

The big tussle for PDP ticket

Barrister Nyesom Wike

Hon Gabriel Pidomson

Barrister Nimi Walson-Jack, Barrister

BY LEKAN ADEKOYA HE matter of who will be the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , in the gubernatorial election in Rivers state in 2015 is certainly going to be a major headache for the party because any mistake in this critical exercise can be catastrophic, given the fact that the state is currently under the rule of the All Progressives Congress, APC, with all the advantages that go with incumbency. Thus, the candidate to fly the party’s flag must be be someone acceptable to the majority of the electorate at the general election, must not carry any ‘baggage’ or, in any way, be associated with any skeleton in whatever form or shape.

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Currently, there are 14 aspirants in the race to the Brick House, Port Harcourt. They include Barrister Nimi Walson-Jack, Barrister Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, Senator Lee Maeba, Hon. Gabriel Pidomson, Chief Barrister Lulu Briggs, Professor Don Baridam, Major Lancelot Anyanya, Engr Beks Dagogo-Jack, Engr Sampson Ngerigbara, Hon. Pawariso Samuel-Horsfall, Mrs Abie

The aspirants

In the case of Wike, the Minister of State for Education, a lawyer by profession, who went into politics in 1998. His starting point was as the chairman of his Obio/ Akpo Local Government Area of the state, and from there he became the Chief of Staff to

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Bob Abbey-Hart, Hon. Tonye Princewill, Hon. Georgewill, Brigadier-General Remeo Obene (rtd), Comrade Ateke Tom, Dr. Silva Opusunju, Captain Nwankwo, Hon. Bennard Mikko and Hon. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja. Among these qualified aspirants, sampled opinion from all shades of persons in the state showed that two aspirants are prominently chasing each other in the race for their party’s ticket and ultimately for the Government House. They are Hon. (Engr.) Gabriel Pidomson and Barrister Nyesom Wike. What then are the factors going for the aspirants, what are the odds that are in their favour or against and who is likely to blink? Some of the factors that will determine who bears the flag in the multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic state may include the old zoning arrangement between upland and riverine sections of the state, influences external to the state, party loyalty, etc.

the Rivers State Government, from where he was nominated by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to become a minister of the Federal Republic. Barrister Wike has been minister since 2011. Another important portion of

the State House of Assembly (1999 to 2003), has a Master’s degree in Programme and Project Management. Prior to studying at Warwick in the United Kingdom, Hon Pidomson, a quantity surveyor, had obtained two other masters degrees in Engineer-

Pidomson is said to be favoured by the zoning arrangement because he is from Ogoni that has four local councils in Rivers South East Senatorial District that has not produced governor

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Wike’s credential is that he wrestled and snatched the PDP structure in the state from Governor Rotimi Amaechi, when an Abuja High Court, ruled that Mr Felix Obuah is the state chairman of the party. He is expected to benefit from the PDP structure in the primaries. He is also said to enjoy the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who ‘appears’ to tacitly prefer the minister as the next governor of the state. Hon Gabriel Pidomson, a former secretary to Rivers State Government and a former lawmaker elected into

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ing Management (Civil) from the University of Port Harcourt as well as another Masters degree in International Management from the University of Liverpool. He also has a Diploma in National Security from Galilee International Institute, Israel in 2013. Recently, members of Rivers Vanguard for Good Governance travelled to Bodo City, the home town of Hon Pidomson, to request the young and dynamic politician to deploy his wealth of experience in political engineering and management for service to fatherland. Hon Pidomson is currently a doctoral student of the Walden University USA

where he is concluding his programme for a PHD in Management Information System. Pidomson is said to be favoured by the zoning arrangement because he is from Ogoni that has four local councils in Rivers South East Senatorial District that has not produced governor. The Ogonis have not produced Deputy Governor or Speaker of the House of Assembly or Chief Judge of the State since the creation of the state in 1967, and the return of the present democratic dispensation in 1999. While Wike is swimming against the strong tide of unfavourable zoning arrangement, Pidomson enjoys a smooth sail because his senatorial district, Rivers South-East, is the bride of all the political parties in the State because it is the only zone or district whose turn it is to produce the next governor for Rivers state in 2015. Hon Pidomson’s ethnic group of Ken Saro Wiwa’s Ogoni people, are united in their determination to actualize their dream of producing the next Rivers State governor in 2015. * Mr. Adekoya, a current affairs analyst, wrote from Port Harcourt.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—19

Any hope for Delta beyond Oil Initiative?

Onoriode, Ethiope East boss answers Chief Sunday Eromedoghene Onoriode is the Transition Committee Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government. In this interview with journalists, he spoke on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative, the just concluded PDP primaries in Ethiope East and other issues.Excerpts without any form of interest to ensure that Deltans are self employed. Testimonies are everywhere. But a lot of people still think that the governor has not performed? I cannot subscribe to such unscrupulous allegations that are false and malicious. We should understand one principle in life - that no matter how good you are, some persons must be out destroy you. The are people who do not see any good in people. They must always be around. There is no way the governor can please everybody at the same time. In my own candid assess-

BY FESTUS AHON on

Governor Udu aghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative? Do you see it taking the people of the State anywhere? The Delta Beyond Oil initiative of our Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is aimed at redirecting the minds of Deltans to other spheres of life but as l speak with you, other state governors across the country are already keying into the programme because of the ideology behind it, so it is becoming a national issue. Those saying it cannot work know nothing about the initiative. Before now we had rubber trees, palm trees and others. When you compare the kilogram of rubber and barrel of oil, the oil price outweighs that of rubber but if you allocate large piece of land to agriculture and it is well harnessed, it will bring double of what the oil brings and as I speak, the Governor is working hard to achieve that. If you have been abreast with Uduaghan’s administration on this Delta Beyond Oil , you would have heard of about five thousand acres of cassava farm in Abraka. And am sure the farm will be a model to other farms in Delta State and this is being put together by the Delta State Government, Ministry of Agriculture and the Host community. I know when the project eventually kicks off, it is going to provide employment for about six thousand people and it will also attract different companies to the community. The governor is so passionate about the project and he personally visited the site about two Sundays ago and he spent about seven hours going round the farm. He is doing all that is possible to see that the project

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office as Transition Committee Chairman for about two years now, how would you say the journey has been so far?It has been sweet and bitter. Sweet in the sense that it is a very rare opportunity given to me by the Executive Governor of Delta State to serve in his government and to serve my people and it also gives me an ample opportunity to learn a lot of lesson in the course of serving. It is equally bitter because of the enormous task and the challenges in the course of my service but I am happy today because the challenges are over and I have served my people well to the best of my knowledge. About few months from today, you will be out of office, what would you say are some of your achievements? The relative peace that we now enjoy in Ethiope East, youths empowerment and some positive changes that I have made in the local government area. How would you react to

hat is your take

If you have been abreast with Uduaghan’s administration on this Delta Beyond Oil , you would have heard of about five thousand acres of cassava farm in Abraka

*Sunday Eromedoghene Onoriode

works. He has also invited private farmers and provided farm tools to aide them in their Poultry, Cassava, Fish, Rubber and Palm farms. Those who know what the state government is doing in the state have always described him as inspirational leader with wealth of experience. What does the the empowerment exercise in Eku community in Ethiope East signify As I speak with you a lot of the beneficiaries of the empowerment exercise held in Eku are making progress because those that were empowered have started putting up one business or the other and others are also planning on what to do with their money, so that tells you the government is redirecting the focus from oil to other

sectors. You sing the name of the Governor to a fault. Why? He has executed several projects that are geared towards his three- point agenda and he never deviated in carrying out any of the agenda in spite of the many problems he was going through, court cases, party issues and the so many detractors. He was determined to succeed and today you could see for yourself that he is finishing strong. The governor has given Delta a new face and has also brought governance closer to the people unlike before when one saw governance from a distance. Let us look at the micro credit scheme that thousands of Deltans now enjoy freely

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ment, l would say he is a quiet achiever; an excellent and a proactive governor. Free maternal health care, free health care for children up to five years, more enrollment of students into primary and secondary schools, his scholarship scheme for Deltans at home and abroad, skill acquisition programmes etc. On Infrastructure and Human Capital Development, the state has done well. If you were familiar with Enerhen Junction and you have not been there recently, just go there and see for yourself. The dualization of the Ughelli-Asaba Road, EkuAsaba dualization, the Asaba Airport, the Eku Bridge to link Oghara, Edo state and a lot of road work that the state government has embarked upon in Asaba and other major cities of the state apart from the ones being carried out by the Direct Labour Agency are there for all to see. You have been in the

the recent adoption of candidates for the forthcoming Local Government election without primaries by your party? . There is no difference between adoption and consensus when all leaders of the party have accepted a candidate. This is done in all political parties in Nigeria and it is not peculiar to PDP since it is a process that is in line with party decision. A lot of people see you as someone who played a major role in the adoption of Chief Majemite, what have you to say? Well, everybody is entitled to his or her opinion but I would say as the Chairman of the council that the field was open to all the contestants and while some were going for consultation, canvassing for support and votes, some were busy making publications in the newspapers to either blackmail leaders or castigate fellow aspirants.

20 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—21

Male celebrity I dream a onenight-stand with — Ine Aju

By ANOZIE EGOLE

By JULIET EBIRIM

There have been cases of old artistes fading away, how do you intend to stay very relevant in the industry for a long time? To stay relevant in the industry for a very long time, all I need is God first. I intend to always be consistent, focused and work harder to make very good music always. What is unknown about you? A lot of people tend to see me as wild and carefree but I’m very homely and domesticated. What has stardom robbed you of? Stardom has robbed me of small freedom. Before, if I am stuck in the traffic anywhere, I can easily jump on any available motorcycle to get to where I am going in time. But now, I can’t do all that again, all in the name of stardom. But it’s all good because everything has its advantages and disadvantages. What does sex mean to you? Sex to me is the sweetest and most beautiful thing that could ever happen to anyone. If you have it with the right person, it is just pleasurable. Which part of your body do you consider as you selling point? My waist and booty are my selling points. I know how to move and shake them. Among all the male celebrities in the industry, which one would you love to have a one-night stand with? The male celebrity I would love to have a one-night stand with, unfortunately, isn’t a Nigerian. Usher Raymond is that man I’ve been crushing on practically all my life. I wouldn’t want just a one- night stand with him but more. I’m I greedy? Yes! When it comes to Usher, I am greedy. I am also crushing on Chris Brown, Jason Derulo.

As you can see, my entire crushes are not Nigerians. Before you call me Oliver Twist, Usher is my main crush. Most females now make use of sex toys, what is you take on that? Those that use sex toys are really missing out a lot. It is very weird to believe that females still use sex toys in this generation with all these cute and sexy dudes around. The question that I normally ask myself when I hear about this sex toy of a thing is, are all these sexy, fine guys God created for decoration? As for me, no amount of sex toys can give me the satisfaction I need. Until I get that touch of a real strong man I can never be satisfied Who is an ideal man to you? An ideal man to me must be Godfearing, hardworking, loving and respectful. As for other areas, I don’t mind, I can always improvise and shape my man into who I want him to be. Are you in any relationship now? Yes, I’m in a relationship now. What puts you off in the opposite sex? I can’t stand mouth and body odour.

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eisty and sexy Nollywood actress, Ine Lizzy Aju is moving from one field of entertainment to another. The actress currently tastes the juicy waters of music and seems to be doing well by herself. The second child in a family of five confessed she never thought she would do music professionally until she has seen many music stars and got convinced she has what it takes too. Here, she talks about her music career, her kind of man and other things that make her tick.

Why music now? s a child I loved music a whole lot, but I never really thought I would do it professionally. My love for music grows stronger each time I watch music stars on TV. What attracts me most about them is the way they dress. I also love the way they speak and how they carry themselves. At some point I found myself emulating them. I mimed their songs and tried to write mine. Each time I mimed people’s songs, I was always told I had a good voice. One of the dudes who really admired my singing took me to a studio to help him with the chorus of his song. At first, I was very nervous but after doing it, it came all out really nice and I was so happy. This encouraged me to hit the studio these top and record mine. female artistes Aside music, what else do you like Tiwa think you can do well? Savage, Waje, Aside music there are other things I among others can do but all still fall under enterin the industainment. Like acting, modeling and try? maybe presenting but outside all The only these, I don t think I can do any competitor I other thing. have is I. I try to get better Why did you dump acting for every day as singing? an artiste and as a person. I do what I would not say that I have comI know how to do and what I love pletely quit acting; I can still act if I doing. As for other female artistes, I see a good script. I would say that I am soft-peddling on acting for now admire and love them because they are good at what they do and they because I have not been seeing make me proud. I hope to see more good scripts. Besides, demand for good female artistes in the industry sex for roles hasn’t helped my so we can take over from the men acting career much either. Many who have been on top for a long producers wanted sex from me time now. before they could give me roles. Besides, I make more money now as What is it about yourself that you a singer than interpreting a role as don’t like? an actress. What I don’t like about myself is How do you intend to compete with that, I cry when I can’t get my way.

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22—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you marry someone who used to be a homosexual? eing “married for life” means that you are having a great relationship with the person you are married to, because you and your spouse take the vows of the marriage covenant seriously and preserve the joy and happiness of the union. But in a situation where you suddenly realised on the eve of your wedding that the man or woman you are about to exchange marriage vows with was once a homosexual, what would be passing through your mind? Quit or damn the consequences and continue with the marriage? Here are some of the responses of celebrities on the issue.

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Imoh, Actress Mike

Probably, because sin is sin! — Ijeoma

I would, she has changed — Mike Godson, Actor

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es, I would. The fact that she used to be, means she has changed. Since she is now straight, I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t marry her. I believe all that (Homosexuality) was in her past.

here are two major reasons why I might not want to marry a homosexual. First, there is the fear that he might infect me with diseases, because it is believed that they (homosexuals) contract it easily. Secondly, there is also the fear that he might still go back to his former lifestyle. But, it’s all under probability because he may have truly changed. To me, there’s really no difference in either your husband cheating on you, keeping late nights or staying away from home with another woman and a BI-. SIN is SIN! Cheating is cheating!

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Ijeoma

No, it’s too irritating — Ene Ochu, Actress he truth is I can’tcontinue with the marriage. The thought of him once being a homosexual will be too irritating for me to love him. It’s cool if he has decided to leave that life and become a real man again. I know I can’t judge him either, but just imagining him once being a ‘homosexual’ won’t make me want to settle down with him. Kissing him would be a problem, how much more loving him. Granted, he has changed and I’m happy for him, but marrying? No!

It’s difficult for him to become straight — Peggy Ovire, Actress

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don’t think I would marry someone who used to be a homosexual. Truth be told, it’s very difficult and impossible for someone like that to change and become straight, because he would still crave for it someday. It’s a bad habit which is not easy to give up. Unless I wasn’t aware he was once a homosexual.

Seun

Marraige is about love — Seun Akindele, Actor

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arraige is first and foremost, about love. And love is to continually be with or follow someone or something, whatever the case may be. But that means, I still would mind.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 — 23

BY IYABO AINA 08184172548

Miley Cyrus bares it all at New York fashion week!!

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Joan Rivers reportedly died as a result of unplanned throat biopsy ivers died Sept. 4 after what was to be a routine procedure As latest report unveiled that she had an unplanned throat biopsy that caused her to stop breathing and ultimately led to her death. Rivers had originally gone to Yorkville Endoscopy to undergo a routine vocal cord surgery. The Daily News source says a doctor, who was part of Rivers’ entourage, volunteered to perform the biopsy after another doctor spotted something on Rivers’ vocal chords. According to the source, Rivers’ vocal chords seized during the biopsy and she stopped breathing. The source adds such procedures are generally only performed at hospitals, and Rivers might have recovered had she been in a hospital when it occurred. Meanwhile, Joan Rivers’s journey to her final resting place has ended as she was laid to rest on Saturday, 6th of September 2014 at the Temple Emanu-El in New Jersey. As the Fashion police star ’s body was transported to a crematorium, and a red carpet farewell which was her funeral wish.

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iley Cyrus seems to be up to her old tricks again, as the 21-year-old pop star is taking a step further in her raunchy act. She appeared topless at designer Alexander Wang’s after party last weekend wearing ice cream coneshaped sequin pasties with tassels over her nipples with black pants. The musical star known for her sexual social media posts appeared “busted and naked,” in a recent photos and even a video of herself at a party on her Instagram page. She clarified in one of the captions that she does not “have some weird rash” but rather “got pink glitter rubbed all over me on the party bus.”

Justin Bieber strips during Fashion Rocks ustin Bieber made himself right at home on the Fashion Rocks stage on Tuesday 9th September 2014, by stripping down to his underwear on live TV! The 20-year-old pop star made a surprise appearance at the show, which features top designers from the fashion world as well as live musical performances. Thinking fast on his feet, Bieber began to take off his clothes until he was standing in only his Calvin Klein boxer briefs, which seemed to put the crowd back on his side.

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Jessica Alba quit church over homophobia A ctress Jessica Alba turned her back on the Christian church she attended as a teen because elders didn’t approve of her crush on a bisexual dancer. The Sin City beauty was raised a Catholic but converted to Evangelicalism, where she quickly realised she didn’t agree with the Church’s firm stance on homosexuality and premarital sex. In a new interview with The Daily Beast, Alba recalls upsetting her friends and leaders in the Christian youth group she was involved in as a teenager. She reveals, “It was very twisted. I fell in love when I was 16 and had this major crush on him. I guess he was a drag queen. He was bisexual and a ballerina and this was while I was at the Atlantic Theater Company

in Vermont. “We used to go to this gay club and I’d dance with him four nights a week. I was so in love with him and thought, ‘There’s no way this guy’s going to hell,’ because in my church, it was, ‘Anybody who’s gay is going to hell’ and ‘Premarital sex is evil’, and I thought, ‘There’s no chance. This guy is amazing so that went right out the window.” Alba has previously stated that her experience in both churches led her to abandon organised religion all together in favour of a more spiritual experience.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA

email: daise4000@yahoo.com

08061644307

•I go dye's mansion in Benin

t is no doubt that ‘I Go Dye’ is living a fabulous dream of wealth, fame and splendour. His story to glory is that of someone who had a beautiful dream, but didn’t leave it at the dream stage. He woke up to make the dream a reality by being consistent and persistent at what he knew how to do best. His stage name was derived from his surname, ‘AGODA’ and even though he is not the most amazingly looking guy in the industry, he is a wealthy man and earns millions of naira per show. I Go Dye has made so much money as a comedian and from his with his life knowing that Construction Engineering travelling abroad at that age Outfit. At a very young age, he may not be the best decision. invented A Flying Helicopter, a He eventually ended up in Hover craft ship, A Radio comedy as he had always transmitter and battery table dreamed of. Today, he is living Fan. These inventions earned a dream-come-true life by him a scholarship to study making people laugh while structural engineering at a raking millions into the banks. New York university, but he In this edition, we present to declined the scholarship. you, I Go Dye who despite Despite the fact that the every odd became what he had decision was frowned at by his dreamt of becoming. parents, I Go Dye moved on Enjoy!

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•His cars

rancis Agoda was born more than 35 years ago to Mr and Mrs Fredrick Agoda on April 4, 1979 in Abraka, Ethiope East local Government Area of Delta State. He is Urhobo by tribe. He completed his Primary Education at Ighogbadu Primary School, Warri, while his secondary education was at College of Commerce, Warri Metropolis. I Go Dye was the zonal project manager of Junior Engineering Technical Society known as JET Club at College of Commerce. He later joined the Press Literary Debating and Drama Society as he was their Programme director at PLADDS. His

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love for stage comedy started at that time, even though it was alien to his friends and class mates. His stage comedy was a wonder to his mates which was one of the reasons he was asked to join PLADDS in the first place. So it was during this period that he perfected the craft of stand-up comedy as his was in-born. The star took his stage comedy to different schools for fun as the case may be until he became the master of his art. Go Dye actually started streaming comedy life in Delta TV in 1991 on a DTV Top Show with a popular veteran Journalist known as Tunde Omonode, who is also a musician. I Go Dye was a

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 — 25

•Playing golf with wife and kid

•His uncompleted property

Laughs with him and he jumped at the idea and went for the audition. I Go Dye was rejected 4 times by the organizers of the show. Subsequently, he got a deal from Opa Williams himself to perform at a PreReel award just to see his performance that wooed the audience. He was signed on to perform at the next year’s Nite of Thousand Laughs. In the same Nite of a Thousand Laughs, he was presented a special award as the most outstanding comedian that has featured in the show. I GO Dye has transformed the comedy business and he isn’t stopping any time soon. His kind of comedy couldn’t be bottled as he has taken it around the world while raking in millions of naira. Today, there is no way African comedy can be written without establishing the fact that I Go Dye was there. He has featured in all the biggest comedy shows in Nigeria, including MTV Base and more. He has also featured in the opening and closing shows for world renowned Artists. I Go Dye won the best Niger-Delta Comedian and many other awards. hrough his Engineering Construction firm, I Go Dye has received contracts from some states which has fetched him millions of naira profit. He is also hosting shows for the very rich and mighty in the society raking in million of naira per each show. He charges over a million naira per show and these shows come frequently. hen it comes to houses, I Go Dye dreamt of living in mansions and castles. It is not a surprising that he is building castles all over the place. He has one outof-this-world mansion in Benin City and another on the way to completion.

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Cars •His interior in Benin is love for expensive cars is evident in the choice of cars he drives. In his large garage, the likes of the Rose Royce Phantom, Range Rovers sports, the Bentley and the BMW, are found there. There is no doubt that this star loves what money can buy.

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co-host presenter of the program called Mock News. The segment was so exceptional that it became the best show on TV every Saturday and it remains a milestone till date. Go Dye got into the business of comedy after he finished from Secondary school. He got a contract to perform at the first comedy club in Nigeria at Prest Motel, Benin City, Edo state where he was paid one thousand naira per show. Subsequently, he got hyped on TV and when he performed in shows at the University of Benin, where he met a certain famous comedian known as Baba Kome. Baba Kome shared the idea of performing at the Nite of a Thousand

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Go Dye is a freak of good, expensive shoes, this is evident in his wardrobe. He loves flashy, expensive suits. There is never a dull moment each time he steps on the red carpet. e may not have a foundation, but he gives a helping hand when he sees a brother in need.

Clothes, shoes, perfumes

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Charity

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•His shoes' closet

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

*Omawunmi

ottom Belle sensation Omawunmi is engaged to her heartthrob and the father of her daughter Tosin Yussuf. In the course of the week her best friend Waje broke the news via Instagram. It should be noted that Omawunmi gave a hint about her soon-to -change single status during a TV interview when she declared that she would probably get married next year. Responding to the criticism that she has been secretive about her relationship and the father of her daughter, she took to twitter to explain. “I’m of the opinion that I don’t owe anyone any explanation. Just as I’m not prompted by pressure to reveal, I’m also not prompted by pressure to be discreet… I’m just me, and right now I’m deliriously happy to (officially) share my world with the ones I love…. Thank you to those who loved me nonetheless and thank you my loves,” she said in her tweet.

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Omawunmi ‘deliriously happy’ to wed soon

*Asa

Asa drops new album, says

Mago Mago was inspired by lies men tell to date women —Annette Cookey t is common knowledge that men can go to any length to get any lady they desire. They can even resort to telling lies. At least that is the opinion of the voluptuous songstress Annette Cookey who addressed the issue in a Mago Mago album. The video of the song was recently released and it has already garnered several downloads online .In a chat with Showtime the curvy vocal power house opens up on the inspiration behind the song. “I was inspired by men who can tell any lie just to get a woman. I haven’t been a victim of such lies. It’s every lady’s experience and I decided to sing about it. It’s not only peculiar to ladies, guys experience it too. It’s not a song to attack men at all. It’s sweet to say nice things to a lady but it is better when you show it. It’s a song that will not only excite my fans but will also educate them”

“I’ve matured” ailer crooner, Busola Elemide popularly known as Asa has dropped a new album titled ‘Bed of Stones’. The Album ‘Bed of Stones’ which released days ago on Deluxe CD’s, Vinyl and Vendors Worldwide has been available for pre-order on iTunes.com since 25th of August Songs in the album were born from her life and the shock she felt coming off the road in 2012, after an incredibly long tour. “I needed time to pull myself together. I toured for 2 years, gave everything I had every single night. I had been the girl that was full of life, force and energy that people looked at for 2 hours on stage, and then congratulated backstage after the show. But I was going home alone, never really realizing how exhausting all that actually is…”. Said Asa After her last tour, she just couldn’t stay home, so she traveled and she wrote. Lagos, Berlin, the USA, London, Paris...” I wanted to feel human again. Meet new people and do everything I always wanted to do before I hit 30. I wanted to learn to swim, rent a car and drive from Nashville to New York and from New York to Los Angeles and I wanted to learn to skateboard and drive a motorcycle”. Asa’s life is part of her songs as much as our life is part of her songs; the inexhaustible subject that is love, the spiritual calling, the need to party or to simply share a cup of tea with two friends. “These experiences didn’t necessarily make it into my songs, but they served a purpose. It’s all there! But “I’ve matured,” says the soon to be 32 year-old artist as the world enjoys her new offering.

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*Annette

*Jeffrey

Lace storms music scene with Aiye Miami ozage Records signee and ‘Turn by Turn’ crooner, Lace (real name Taiwo Agbohunsa) has just dropped a hot new single titled ‘Aiye Miami’. The song is an energetic and fun- filled sound. According to Lace ‘Aiye Miami’ is a song that makes you want to move your body. It is a party, happy song, “the song is fun-filled, and the beat is like a call to party. Looking at the stress that people go through every day, Aiye Miami is just the song that would help you to unwind, let go of the stress and help *Lace people to relax. It is also the kind of song that would enliven any event” he said. Aiye Miami was produced by ace producer, Bazetu Beats and was mixed and mastered by renowned music Engineer, Suka Sounds.

Jeffrey Page returns for Maltina Dance All, says “Nigeria has a magnetic energy that draws me back” ward-winning choreographer Jeffrey Page is excited to be in Lagos, returning once more to the judging panel for Season 8 of the long running reality television series, Maltina Dance All. “Nigeria has a magnetic energy that continuously draws me back. As an African American who has been blessed to travel frequently to this pulsating, cultural country, the genetic memory of drumbeats always guides my steps back here.” Page said. Although this may only be his second year on the Maltina Dance All show, Page is no stranger to Lagos or indeed West Africa. As an original cast member of the Tony and ACCA Award-winning Fela! On Broadway musical show, he also travelled on tour with the show to Lagos and remembers this time as an exciting experience in a career devoted to the study of the various dance genres of the West African sub region.

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By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Tracy Ogbonna features in Method Man’s new video anada based Nigerian actress and model, Tracy Ogbonna is clearly swimming her way to the upper reef of the ocean as her career as a video model seems to be on the up and up. Just few months ago she landed a juicy role in a Nigerian movie shot in New York, starring alongside Mama G, whom she said had been her age-long idol in the Nigerian movie industry. Now the curvaceous beauty who holds a Masters degree has just featured in Method Man’s new video as the leading video vixen. Method Man is a Def Jam rapper who is part of the popular Wutang Clang. Working with him and his crew must have been a thing of joy for the ‘Nigerian Bombshell’ as she is called on account of her killer curves. Tracy however expressed her joy when she told Showtime of her experience on location of the shoot. “”I had a fabulous time filming with Method man. He is a great person to work with. I would like to say thanks to Kenny Williams for making it all possible” she gushed. The video was shot in New York City and had the setting of a junkyard with Tracy lightening up the scene in a swimsuit, shaking and wriggling her luscious hips and backside.

*GT Da Guitarman

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Why I produce my own songs G — Gt Da Guitarman benro Tokunbo popularly known as GT Da Guitarman man burst into the entertainment scene with the soulful rendition of his hit track Dreamer .The versatile artiste and guitarist who recently celebrated his 30th birthday releasing two singles No Wishes and Coolu Down has revealed that he produces his own songs going by the name De Freq. In an exclusive phone interview with Showtime, the singer opened up on what he has been up to lately and why he has chosen to produce his own songs. His words:”I haven’t been off the music scene, in fact I have been working and ‘baking’ my soon-to-be released album. I have always wanted to be a complete musician so I decided to learn the art of music production, mixing and mastering. I am a student of selfreliance. I believe in doing things by myself and also leveraging on the strengths of other professionals. No one is an island. I look at someone like Don jazzy and I am inspired by the amount of work he puts in his craft. I believe as artistes there must be something that should sustain you and keep you relevant” The suave artiste also revealed that he has up to 200 songs yet to be released and his album will be dropping November 2014.

*Tracy

*Halle Mordu

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My performances are like that of Beyonce or Rihanna —Halle Mordu

ven though she is yet to be a top gun in the Nigerian music terrain, Halle Mordu is a self-assured dancer and singer who aren’t afraid to pursue her passion. But the Freaky Love singer has more than her talent going for her, she is beautiful and well endowed and isn’t ashamed to flaunt it. In a recent chat with Showtime she said she is a total package and that her performances can be likened to that of Beyonce or Rihanna. “I am a total package of talent and beauty. My performances can be likened to that of Rihanna and Beyonce. One of my strong points isn’t just that I can sing, I am also a dancer. I am not intimidated by the likes of Tiwa Savage and Chidinma.

Only true talent sustains, not just a pretty face —Krystn Enem

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*Krystn Enem

alk-show host Krystn Enem who was based in England for years before relocating to Nigeria recently has told Showtime that even though sex sells, only true talent sustains in the industry. In her words: “Yes sex sells, but only true talent will sustain anyone in the media world. Nowadays, people are seriously gravitating towards the substance. Now, he or she has to be more than just a pretty face or a sexy body. People eventually look for the real deal - talent. They want to know what you can offer apart from your sex appeals. Only true talent and hardwork sustains anyone in the industry. Sooner or later people will lose interest in the superficial drama”. The Krystn Enem show is a TV programme that showcases young people making a difference in their chosen field of human endeavours.

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t has been rumoured before now that Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke has broke up with his Ghanaian girl friend, Nadia Buari. But recent events indicate that the lovebirds are still very much like an item. During the week, Nadia posted a romantic picture of herself and her lover boy,Jim, where they were lying on the floor in a cosy position on her Instagram account. She captioned it ‘ Skitt’ while in the video she is seen playing a guitar before Jim Iyke interrupted her. Nadia posted the picture a week after she was spotted with a strange man. The actress laughed off the speculation that she has broke up with Jim Iyke by posting the picture and accompanying video which she released to prove those who thought Jim Iyke has dumped her wrong.

Jim Iyke and Nadia still an item?

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ce n a r u s In d r a s n a M compensates ss Nollywood actre OPULAR Tinsel actress, Nkiru Kiki Omeili, has openly commended the efficiency of Mansard Insurance. The awardswinning actress whose repertory includes Lekki Wives, Married But Living Single and Footprints among others, posted a slew of tweets to this effect. “I’m really impressed with Mansard Insurance. I received my claims within three working days. They really are as good as they say they are. Kudos.” When one of her followers on the micro-blogging site asked whether she was paid for the unsolicited publicity, Omeili replied, “I don’t have to be paid to commend good service my esteemed colleague, (because) good service is so difficult to come by these days.” Narrating her experience with the foremost insurance company, Omeili, listed as one of the 25 Hottest New Talents in Nollywood by the Nigerian Entertainment Today, said, “I went to see a friend and parked my car outside which was not unusual. When I returned later, I noticed that my trunk was partly opened which was not the way I left it. Dazed, I went into the car and discovered that it had been ransacked and my glove compartment cleaned out. That was when I realised that the brainbox of my car had been removed.” One of the stars of Tinsel, the hugely popular MNET series, Omeili said that promptly, she got across to the friend who had introduced her to Mansard.

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AFRIFF to sponsor 10 students for film training in America S part of its developmental agenda for the film sector, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is planning to take 10 students to the United States for practical training in various aspects of filmmaking. Founder/CEO of the festival, Ms Chioma Ude, revealed that the top 10 students who show the most aptitude during the AFRIFF organized training workshops which will hold during this year’s festival will be eligible for the sponsorship. This disclosure was made at her Victoria Island office recently, where

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she said that the training in America is planned as a reward scheme for these meritorious film students. According to her, the scholarship will be to attend a short film course at a prestigious American university, and is a collaborative effort with a key AFRIFF partner. The aspects of filmmaking to be taught at the workshops this year will be Acting; Scriptwriting; Directing and Cinematography. This year’s edition of the festival will hold from November 9 to November 16, 2014 at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

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Tears of joy as Mayowa,Ndigwe win Aquafina Elite model contest INNER of the Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria 2014 female category,Mayowa Nicholas has described her victory as challenging, saying that winning the contest remains the happiest moment of her life. “This is the happiest moment of my life, I feel so great. The journey to winning this contest was very challenging but it was fun because I learnt a lot; how to smile, pose but when I heard my name I didn’t believe it at first. I thank Aquafina for this opportunity, believe me, you don’t know what winning the Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria contest means to me,”Mayowa said, while shedding tears of joy. She was not the only winner as Victor Ndigwe won the male category. Ndigwe, commended Aquafina for giving him a new story in life: “Take it from me, Aquafina is purity guaranteed and the brand together with

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Elite Model Look proved that true Manager of PepsiCo International, Mr. beauty is indeed from within. It Shakeel Akram. Speaking at the event, the Managing wasn’t easy, from thousands to 20 contestants, I couldn’t hold back Director of Seven Up Bottling Company, Mr. my tears even as a man because Sunil Sawhney said: This is the second year the joy was too great to suppress” that Aquafina is getting associated with Elite The grand finale was held amid Model Look Nigeria because we believe that beauty comes from within. gaiety last Saturday in Lagos. The winners won for themselves $5,000 and will represent Nigeria in the global edition of the contest with the chance of winning $150,000. The team of judges for the event comprised of well known fashion personalities such as Agabani Darego, Taofeek Okoya, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Winner of the Aquafina EMLN male category, Victor Ndigwe, Declan Eytan, Lola Managing Director, SBC, Mr. Sunil Sawhney, winner of the Maja, Bola Aquafina EMLN female category, Mayowa Nicholas,at the grand Balogun and the finale of Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria that took place in Senior Marketing Lagos, recently.

Nigeria wooes Trindad and Tobago filmmakers IGERIA has indica te pr om ot in g ac tiv e d interest in an d cr ed ib le linkages with Trinid ad and Tobago in th movie sector. e It has therefore aske authorities in the Ca d movie makers and ribbean Island natio to av ai l th em se lv n es of th e en or m ou advantages the Nige s offer. Director–Gene rian movie industry ra movie industry regu l of Nigeria’s Apex lator, the National Fi lm and Video Censors Bo Patricia Bala gave th ard (NFVCB) Ms. is Spain, Trinidad and To indication in Port of th at co un try ’s an bago’s capital, during nu al em an ci pa tio celebration. n Addressing the 14th Annual Trans-Atlant ic Trade and Investm ent Symposium at the Hilton Trinidad and Co nference Cent Bala noted: “ At the NFVCB, we re, Ms. have our eyes on a win – wi credible interests in n partnership with Tri deepen our bond an nidad and Tobago to d ou r ch er ish ed em nurture the gains of an ci pa tio n an d se determination with lf ou equally vital need t loosing grip on the to within the global scen be relevant players e”.

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Thelma O’khaz declares!

I have no apologies being a light-skinned lady ollywood actress-turned-singer, Thelma O’Khaz who was once accused of bleaching her skin has again refuted the allegation, saying she has no apology whatsoever for being a light-skinned lady. In an online chat with HVP, Thelma said, “I never bleached my skin and ever won’t. Am a light-skinned person and I’m happy the way I am. I have no apologies for the way I look and will continue to enjoy my skin.” Sometimes ago, Thelma was in the news for the wrong reason after her supposedly ‘before and after’ picture hit the internet, which was in sharp contrast to her dazzling colour. Her critics,however, lambasted her for that act, as many thought she may have used a bleaching cream to change her colour from chocolate to ‘white’. But speaking on the matter, the actress explained that the picture in question was taken with a lot of light, adding “because the film producer insisted he wanted it lighter than

NCC D-G speaks on piracy at BON’s summit HE Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, Afam Ezekude, will deliver a keynote address with theme, “Piracy: Reality Check and The Way Forward,” at the Talents Meet Class, a Best of Nollywood initiative. The event holds Sunday, September 21, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos. A foremost intellectual copyright advocate, Ezekude said, “While we celebrate the achievement of Nollywood, we must equally underscore the need to ensure that the gains of this cultural revolution is sustained through a system that acknowledges and rewards the creative inputs of participants in the movie industry. This is because the various inputs are all products of creative genius of people whose basic resource is their intellectual abilities. The intellectual property system remains critical to the development of the creative industries.” Panelists at the TMC include veteran actor, Jide Kosoko; President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima; filmmaker, Zik Zulu Okafor and foremost Nollywood marketers, Aina Kusoro and Abdul Rasaq. Celebrated film critic, Shuaibu Hussein, is the moderator. According to Seun Oloketuyi, executive producer, Best of Nollywood Awards, “The Talents Meet Class is a major component of our annual awards ceremony where we provide a platform for the stars and stakeholders of Nollywood to interact with the movers and shakers of Corporate Nigeria while exploring areas of mutual interests between them.” He said further that this year’s TMC is being hosted by the youthful chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph.

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I look. So, that was why I took the picture and gave him a copy. And if am asked to take another one in pink, blue or whatever colour, I will definitely do it again as my job is very important to me.” Also, asked if she would subscribe to operating a joint account with her partner, Thelma frowned at the poser. “I can’t have a joint account because people change. You may have a joint account for a purpose and then your partner will later have a different opinion about the whole idea then change and remove d money without telling u. This may cause a problem. Joint account brings in a lot of conflict and that’s why I can’t do it,”she replied.

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Burna Boy, Phyno thrill fans at Orijin launch ip-hop stars, Burna Boy and Phyno last weekend held fans to spectacular renditions as Orijin, the iconic drink from the stables of Guinness Nigeria officially berth in Cannan City of Calabar and South East commercial hub of Akwa in Anambra States. The train of the launch had earlier stopped at different cities across Nigeria and consumers come on board to experience the Orijin vibes. The Coal City of Enugu recently got into the groove as Limpopo crooner, Kingsley Okonkwo, (K-Cee) herald the

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official launch of the Orijin in the city. Guests and fun seekers at Tru Lounge and 2nite Club in Enugu were left asking for more as the Opekete master thrilled everyone with his scintillating performance. At the ancient city of Asaba, Egberi Papa 1, Timaya held the audience while rave of the moment Orezi ensured guests at Benin and Warri clamoured for his Shoki dance as they both delivered the best of their musical hit to the delight of ecstatic guests all night. On hand to deliver the best of music was Afro-American DJ Sosse. The Orijin launch across major cities in Nigeria is

Omoni Oboli wages war against malaria in Ajegunle FTER premiering her much talked about movie, “Being Mrs. Elliot” recently in Lagos, top actress Omoni Oboli has taken yet another bold step as she wages war against malaria parasite in the ghetto city of Ajegunle in Lagos. The actress took to her facebook page to announce her new movie project. “But I love bit! Assisting the director in prepping the kids. I have had to steal some time in my super tight schedule right now to be part of a short film on malaria and self-medication. Shooting in the slums of Ajegunle. The camaraderie and togetherness here even in the midst of obvious poverty and lack is refreshing. We should all make time to give back,” she wrote.

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a continuation of what has become one of the biggest product launch ever witness in Nigeria taking place across 14 cities. In a way only Guinness can, fun seekers and esteemed consumers of the iconic drink have enjoyed the best of music and entertainment as the train Orijin national launch party moves around the states. The Garden City of Port Harcourt and commercial nerve centre of Onitsha were not left out penultimate weekend when they got a feel of the Orijin vibes when the iconic drink fetes its consumers to lots of music and entertainment at a party held simultaneously in both cities.

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•Afam Ezekude

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Rita Dominic OLLYWOOD super diva, Rita Dominic, has shown that it is not only interpreting roles she knows about. The actress cum producer has shown the motivational speaker inside her. The fair-skinned beauty recently took to the social media to dole out tips to her teeming fans how to be successful in life. “Much must be done by people in order to get out of their comfort zone in the quest to acquire knowledge which will eventually lead them to success. In order for us to be better, we must force ourselves to learn by stepping out of the box,” she advised. No doubt, she is one of the respected actresses in Nigeria who has won many awards.

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People no longer do good music — Dailet OMING on the heels of the release of his much played single, Authority , Morgan Entertainment artiste, Emeka Otuoke, aka Dailet, has opened up on his take on the Nigerian music industry, describing most songs that go into the market as lacking in message. When asked to assess the Nigerian music industry, the Nnamdi Azikiwe graduate of Sociology said that most Nigerian musicians do not do good music. “Most songs that are being pushed into the market by some top celebrities lack message. They are just pushing them into the market only for monetary gain without being conscious of their impact on the society. Good music is gradually dying off in the industry. People no longer do good music. All they do is produce music with lots of money and force the music to be accepted. The music is so much played by radio stations that people have no other choice than to accept the music,” he said. The talented singer has concluded plans for the musical video of a single expected to hit the market later in the year.

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Basketmouth floats Barons World Records HAT started like a rumour that the humour merchant, Basketmouth, whose first love was music, has floated a music record label, Barons World Record, has indeed turned out to be true as the ace comedian has finally officially unveiled the record label. And he couldn’t have started on a better note had he not signed his own brother, Play, as his first musical act. Bright Okpocha, famously known as Basketmouth, started his journey into entertainment as a rapper.

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14 contestants march to Aguleri jungle for GUS 11 HE much awaited list of contestants that will embark on ‘The Mission’ to the Aguleri jungle for the 11th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) has been released. The contestants emerged amidst drama, suspense, and fanfare at the Final Selection Party, held on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Ocean View, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the August event. The grand revelation of the evening saw the increase in the number of contestants for this year’s edition to 14. The past editions featured 10 contestants, with the last edition featuring 12 contestants. A total of 18 contestants who had survived previous GUS elimination exercises were called up to the stage by Darey ‘ Art’ Alade, the event compere. Four of them were asked to leave the stage, leaving 14 contestants. This left the audience thinking that four of the contestants would still be eliminated, as Darey had earlier announced that only 10 contestants would proceed to the

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Aguleri jungle. There was, however, an uproar when the duo of Walter Drenth and Hubert Eze, the Marketing Director and Sales Director, both of Nigerian Breweries Plc., jointly delivered a scroll message from the ‘Council of Elders’ to the audience, which read: “ All 14 contestants on stage are to proceed to the Aguleri jungle for

Gulder Ultimate Search 11.” The Aguleri-bound contestants are: Iwuoha Ikenna, Nwagboso Joshua, Emedike Ikenna, Nne Cosy Joe, Ubachukwu Chinedu, Otto Canon Chimenem, Afolabi Emmanuel Olusegun, Iroh Noela, Appi Samantha, Erijakpor Loretta, Robinson Sharon, Eriata Blessing Ese, Addoh Evi and Nwagbagiro Sandra. The

past champions who succeeded in retrieving the cube are: Ezego Egwuagwu (GUS 1 winner), Lucan Chambliss (GUS 2 winner), Hector Joberteh (GUS 3 winner), Dominic Mudabai (GUS 4 winner), Michael Nwachukwu (GUS 5 winner), Uche Nwaezeapu (GUS 6 winner), Oyekunle Oluwaremi (GUS 7 winner), Christopher Okagbue (GUS 8 winner), Paschal Eronmose (GUS 9 winner) and Dennis Okike (GUS 10 winner).

•The 14 contestants with Chidi Mokeme

HINEDU Justin, aka Ned, who has five tracks to his credit has revealed why he dropped out of school to do music and his plans for the future. “I would be going to study Cinematography outside the country with the support of my record label. You know, entertainment is very big. I already know how to make beats. I also want •Ned to learn how to shoot videos, movies and all that. I want to go full time into entertainment. On what inspires his music, he said, “Everything I see inspires my music. My single, This is Love, talks about showing your woman the kind of love that she deserves. I dropped out of school because of music. What happened was that, there was no finance for me to go to school following the death of my father. I was signed to a record label then, so, I decided to leave L.A.S.U to face my music squarely,” he said

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Fascinators complete a woman’s wardrobe — Oluwagbon Oshinowo luwagbon Oshinowo is the Creative Head of Carpe Diem Designs; a company that specializes in fascinators, hats and headpiece. She is also a facilitator at Zaris Fashion and Style Academy, where she teaches fundamental theories of fashion design. She is renowned for her beautifully crafted headpieces, tailored to complete an outfit. Her work has graced a number of bridal parties; fashion shows, fashion exhibitions and numerous private commissions. When the curtain raises in Port Harcourt later this month for the second edition of the Native and Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week, the amiable Oluwagbon will be putting some of her works on the runway. In this chat with Esther Onyegbula, she talks about the place of fascinators in a woman’s wardrobe and more.

What is the place of fascinators in a woman’s wardrobe ? Everywoman should have many things that are staples in their wardrobe. As much as we know fashion evolves, there are things that have stood the test of time. The Little Black Dress has stood the test of time for decades. Everywoman should have a Little Black Dress in her wardrobe. The same way you have a good pair of leather shoes and hand bag, is the same way a woman should have a good fascinator or head piece to adorn her hair with when attending social events. You can have the pillbox hat, you can have something that has a little feather and gemstones and a little net. I have a lot of Muslim clients, who tie their Hijab and also have fascinators with bold clips that they adorn on their hair. So the way women invest in LBD is the way they should invest in a head piece or fascinator. You may never know when you will need it. How well are Nigerian women embracing this piece of fashion? I think Nigerian women are one of the most fashionable in Africa but, it is about time we took our fashion to the next level. For a long time people saw fascinators as a church thing. It’s not true. They are not only worn to church, they can be worn to social gatherings as well. Sometimes people imagine fascinators are too expensive and so shy away from getting one. Instead they invest in shoes, bags and jewellery. But I tell you, every woman would have a more complete wardrobe if she invests in fascinators. There is a fascinator for every occasion. Some can be as small as the size of my palm or as large as both arms stretched out together but the end justifies the means. Being the cynosure of all eyes, make statements and be outstanding is the ultimate goal. We have a lot of hat and fascinator patrons who wear these pieces to every occasion and they look elegant doing so. We also manipulate the traditional gele to create fascinators which is still appropriate for the occasion. Usually the event determines what kind of fascinators to use. What materials do you use for your works? The materials we use are actually very delicate, because the delicate ones are more beautiful. We use feathers, silk flowers, straws, crystals, stones, lace;

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Sometimes people imagine fascinators are too expensive and so shy away from getting one. Instead they invest in shoes, bags and jewellery. But I tell you, every woman would have a more complete wardrobe if she invests in fascinators

Oluwagbon Oshinowo Yes and no, because sometimes, I just want to over dress that is when I feel like getting in touch with my vintage side. I wear fascinators to most events to sell my brand and also to start conversations. Wearing a stunning head piece is a conversation starter anytime.

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What should people expect from you at the Native and Vogue exhibition? Well not to give all away, people should expect something different and fresh. There is a new concept I am working on that I know our patrons and our new clients will be fascinated about. I am hoping that the good long as women will continue to wear things on their hair, they will continue to have fascinators to wear. My Nigerian clients have been awesome. But the brand is doing better in the international market. Although there is a lot of work to do, the future is very bright.

Russian window net gives a very vintage appeal. We also use exotic materials like leather and aso-oke. . There is a vast array of straw that we normally bring in when I travel. Most of these materials are actually very delicate. Sometimes I paint on them, if clients want the material to bleed. Our fascinators are handled with care because they are very delicate.

people of Port Harcourt will love and appreciate what they will see because a lot of hard work and sleepless nights have gone into it.

Does your fashion sense represent you?

What is the future of fascinators? Fascinators have come to stay, for as

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My kind of nudity must not be undignified —Saeon er real name is Seun Oni but she has chosen to go by Saeon as her stage name. Delectable, seductive and a bit of a liberated woman, Saeon is showing the attitude and the right talent to remain for long in the music industry. At least, her Boogie Down number is a s t r o n g attestation to that. In this encounter as our Showtime celebrity, Saeon is as explosive as she could be, showing the attitude that has launched her into the consciousness of music lovers, talking about her music, her relationships, love, nudity and more. What prompted the name Saeon? I didn’t want to go by my real name which is Seun Oni, so we picked the letters from my names; Seun Eva Omolara and added the first two letters of my surname, to come up with the name ‘Saeon’ What was your state of mind before you were signed on to a record label? I wanted to get grounded in the Nigerian music industry and also understand the business side of it .I did that for about three years and when I was ready to get signed on the label

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approached me. It was at the right time. Before you got signed to Baseline what were the challenges you faced as an artiste? Some of them were financial because I had to fund myself. With the help of my family who came handy I was able to get on but it was a bit difficult. Then another challenge was having a team to work with. I didn’t have a huge team to work with. So, it was kind of difficult. But I am glad I went through that process because now I know the basics of how to survive in the industry. With your hits Boogie Down and Awada Erekere, are you still trying to find your sound? No, I have my own sound already. I am just a very versatile artiste. Whatever genre you see me do I can make it work .I am primarily an R n B artiste but when I got into the Nigerian music industry, I discovered there was a particular sound to Nigerian music, so I decided to dabble into different genres. What I

Seun Oni

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By KEHINDE AJOSE

You know nudity is not always about going naked. You can be nude and still be covered up. So, as long as it’s not indignifying I am fine

do now is a fusion. I fuse R n B with afro-beat and pop. Those two songs just show my diversity as an artiste. I will love to believe I came correct on those songs regardless of how different they are. Are you developing your sound to suit the trend of music in the industry? Absolutely. I have to think of the market and what the fans want to hear. In as much as I have my own sound which is very international, I believe if I want to break into the Nigerian music industry mainstream I need to do songs that will make them pay attention to me.

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What has music done for you? First and foremost, it has given me freedom to be who I want to be. Music has given me freedom, freedom to express myself. It has gotten me a fan base and media attention What drives you? What drives me is a mix of passion, fame and hard work. Don’t you want to make money? Fame comes with money, it’s like my 9-5 kind of job. Obviously I am making money from it. Have you ever experienced any wardrobe malfunction? I went for an event where I wasn’t supposed to perform but was supposed to honor the invitation. I sat on a raffia chair that put a hole on my dress. It wasn’t that obvious though

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Was it obvious to the audience or not? When I stood up it wasn’t really obvious but I noticed it. It was obvious to me and I am very selfconscious, so I was embarrassed. What has music not done for you? I think there is nothing music hasn’t done for me because the three things that drive me are music, kids and international relations. And it’s obvious that music helps you to relate well with people you get to meet people from different age brackets What price have you paid for your music career? I have had to miss a lot of family events. Thank God for my family, they understand and I have had to make them proud by completing my education first. When it was time for me to start music professionally they were on board with me. Any opportunity I have, I try to go see them and try to speak with them because family matters to me. It has prevented me from being with my family as much as I would love to. What is that one thing people hardly know about you? I am a fitness junkie. I live to work out

How long did it take you to record Boogie Down? It took me like 20 minutes besides the mixing What did it cost you to feature Wizkid in the song? We just expressed it to his camp, and I guess he did some researches on me, came back to say yes and that was it. Did you have to pay? I am just going to laugh. That will be my answer Can you go nude in a music video? You know nudity is not always about going naked. You can be nude and still be covered up. So, as long as it’s not in-dignifying, I am fine. My family supports my music career and I won’t do anything to disappoint them. If it is for a good cause, I should be able to as long as it’s not compromising. You can go nude and create awareness for a cause. There are ways it can be worked out, you can go nude and have a long hair covering the necessary parts. Can you quit music for your relationship? No, I will never quit music for my relationship. Such a person is never going to be my man. I will never tell anyone not to do what they are passionate about as long as it’s legitimate and music for me is legitimate enough. If anyone will be with me they have to understand I have priorities. I am not going to ask someone to stop what they are d o i n g .Even

if I get married and have babies I am not going to stop music although my priorities may change. I still see myself doing music at the age of sixty, seventy, by God’s grace. What is the craziest thing a fan has ever done to you? I was mobbed at a COPA event in Lagos. I had gotten off stage when it happened. While I was on stage they were singing my song ‘Burst My Brain’ with me, it was very heart-warming. It was amazing to know people actually know the lyrics of the song and they were calling my name Omobadan while I performing. When I got off the stage, I wanted to go and say ‘Hi’ to a friend and while I was talking to him, a bunch of guys ran towards me and jumped on me. I was actually scared. They mobbed me. How do you to maintain your voice texture, because some musicians drink chilled water and still have a melodious voice? I actually chew ice but it’s a case of different strokes for different folks. I try to do voice lessons and I just started it this year. It has made me to understand my voice better and it helps me to control my vocal chords. If there is any musical note I can’t hit, it’s because I haven’t practiced it. Can you clear the air about your alleged relationship with Uti? He is my friend, a very good friend. I have known him for a couple of years. He supports me, I support him Are you in a relationship with him? I have a friendship relationship with him. We are very good friends. What are your favorite qualities in a man? I have to be attracted to him physically, mentally and emotionally. A body-building kind of guy because I love to keep fit. I want someone who is passionate about what he does and a man after God’s heart. What do you consider as the sexiest part of your body? I think it must be my eyes. After my eyes, it should definitely be my legs. I used to be called ‘Leggy ‘ What is your definition of a sexy woman? A sexy woman is a woman that is confident in her skin; someone that has a voice and not afraid to speak regardless of whom is she talking to.

Oni: Standing tall with legs crossed

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If anyone will be with me they have to understand I have priorities. I am not going to ask someone to stop what they are doing Even

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Indian girl,18,weds dog to obey tribal ritual

n 18-year-old Indian girl has mar ried a stray dog as part of a tribal ritual designed to ward off an evil spell. Mangli Munda, from a remote village in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, wed the canine in a lavish ceremony. The wedding was hastily organised by village elders after a local guru led Mangli’s parents to believe that the teenager possessed ill-luck and that marrying a man would bring destruction to the family and her community. The baffled dog, Sheru, a stray found by the

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girl’s father, was brought to the wedding in a chauffeur driven car and welcomed by revellers. Mangli, who has not been to school, said she was not happy to wed a dog, but insisted that it will help change her fortunes. The hesitant bride said: ‘I am marrying a dog because the village elders believe that my evil spell will be passed on to the dog. ‘After that is done, the man I will marry will have a long life.’ Mangli’s father Sri

Amnmunda agreed. He said: ‘The village elders told us that we should organise the wedding as soon as we can. We had to make sure that the evil spell is destroyed. ‘ And marrying a dog is the only way to get rid of the bad luck.’ According to the village’s customs, the marriage will not affect Mangli’s life, and she will be free to marry again later without divorcing the dog. ‘My villagers say that many girls like me have followed this ritual and they have gotten rid of their evil spells and are living happy lives now,’ said Mangli. ‘I will also be free to marry a man of my dreams after after the evil spell is over.’ At the wedding ceremony, people danced to

traditional drumming, while around 70 relatives and local villagers attended the wedding. ‘Apart from the fact that the groom is a dog, we followed all customs. We respect the dog as much as we would respect a normal groom,’ said Mangli’s mother Seems Devi. ‘We had to spend money on this wedding in the same way as we would in a normal wedding. But that is the only way we can get rid of her bad luck and ensure the benevolence of the village.’ Now with the marriage ceremony over, Mangli has to take care of the dog and raise him as a pet for the next few months. Mangli added: ‘I will marry a man one day. It is the dream of every girl to marry a prince charming. So I am also waiting for my prince.’

my girlfriend, ve my love s 'I lo ars r wear ve er Lo Lov t' rt -Shir T-S e other girls T te I hat

ossessive girlfriend is making her boy friend wear humiliating T-shirt while he’s on holiday without her. A possessive girlfriend made her partner of six years wear a T-shirt covered in pictures of the two of them together. Abbie Bartlett, 20, had the shirt custom-made for her boyfriend Leon Connolly, 24. It bears the uncompromising message: ‘I love my girlfriend Abbie, I hate the girls in Ibiza, so please stay away from me’. Miss Bartlett told how she produced the shirt as a surprise as he was packing his bags to leave. Pictures of Mr Connolly wearing the Tshirt were then posted online and received large amounts of attention—leading Miss Bartlett to worry it could have the opposite effect and attract girls who ‘like a challenge’. But the couple, who have a five-year-old daughter and live together in Newcastle, have laughed off the publicity and are treating the incident as a joke. Miss Bartlett said:‘When I took it in to the printing shop and explained what I wanted I swear they must have thought I was a psycho. ‘Leon wasn’t expecting it, I had mentioned that I would make him a t-shirt but didn’t think I actually would. ‘He saw the funny side of it because it is really just a joke, he and I have a really similar sense of humour. ‘He ended up laughing about it and even

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posed for pictures wearing it.’ Abbie, a criminology student at Northumbria University, said: ‘Leon said he definitely will wear it in Ibiza now because he’s practically famous, but I think it might have the opposite effect. ‘Now that everyone has seen it online I think it might just attract loads of girls... some girls like a challenge.’ ‘I have absolutely no reason to be jealous or possessive because I know Leon would never cheat on me. ‘We met when we were really young and have been together ever since. I trust him completely and we’ve been on separate holidays before, that’s just how our relationship works, we do our own thing.’ Mr Bartlett, who is in a band called Good Friend and works in a warehouse, left Newcastle on three days ago for a festival in Ireland and flies out to Ibiza this Friday. He said: ‘At first I thought is she serious? She wanted me to wear it to all the big clubs like Pacha etc. ‘But now I get that it’s a joke I’m happy enough to go along with it, that’s just how our relationship is it’s just silly. ‘People have been saying that wearing the t-shirt might attract girls, some girls will definitely take it as some sort off challenge. ‘I just have to laugh about it, Abbie is the only girl for me an we both know that!’

They put five or six units in me and after about five days I started to feel a little better and now I feel great and now I take blood every morning. It does not hurt.’ Two years ago Moore, a father of three, disclosed how he suffered domestic violence at the hands of two of his former wives. In a candid television interview, the 84 year-old claimed his first wife, Doorn Van Steyn, whom he married in 1946 aged 19, repeatedly punched and scratched him and also threw a teapot at him. The ice skater, real name was Lucy Woodard who died in 2010, also left him with scars and also punched his doctor as he treated him for a slashed hand, he said. The actor also claimed that his second wife, Dorothy Squires whom he married shortly after divorcing Van Steyn in 1953 – was also violent and attacked him after learning he had been unfaithful. During his marriage to Squires, whom he divorced in 1968, he also claimed she hit him over the head with a guitar.

lesbian couple in their nine ties have finally tied the knot after 72 years together. Vivian Boyack and Alice ‘Nonie’ Dubes married on Saturday at First Christian Church in Davenport. Miss Boyack, 91, and Miss Dubes, 90, sat next to each other in wheelchairs during the ceremony. ‘This is a celebration of something that should have happened a very long time ago,’ the Rev. Linda Hunsaker told the small group of close friends and family who attended. The women met in their hometown of Yale, Iowa, while growing up. Then they moved to Davenport in 1947 where Miss Boyack taught school and Miss Dubes did payroll work. Miss Dubes said the two h a v e enjoyed their life together and over the years they have traveled to all 50 states, all the provinces of Canada, and to England twice.‘We’ve had a

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Lesbian lovers,91/90 yrs, turn couple after 72 years I once tried Viagra, says Sir Roger ames Bond actor ad J mits he took the treatment - but it didn’t work good time,’ Miss Dubes said. Boyack said it takes a lot of love and work to keep a relationship going for 72 years. Longtime friend Jerry Yeast, 73, said he got to know the couple when he worked in their yard as a teenager. ‘I’ve known these two women all my life, and I can tell you, they are special,’ Yeast said. Iowa began allowing gay marriage in 2009. The two women say it is never too late for a new chapter in life.

As James Bond he rarely encountered problems satisfying his conquests in bed. But off-screen it appears Sir Roger Moore needed help to ensure he was able to perform between the sheets. The 007 star has confessed he once tried Viagra – but it did not work. Moore, 86, made the admission during a radio interview as he was asked about his diabetes. He appeared to confuse the blue pills for prescription tablets for his condition. The presenter clarifies the error to Moore who then replies: ‘I once took one [referring to Viagra] it did not work.’ He added the problem had ‘gone’ as he had ‘fixed’ it. Moore was speaking on LBC on Sunday ahead of his new UK tour during which he will promote his latest book Last Man Standing: Tales from Tinseltown. Moore was the longest-serving 007, starring in seven films between 1973 and 1985. He also appeared in TV series such as The Saint and The Persuaders! He retired from acting in 2009. Elaborating about his illness and the near-death drama he encountered which led to his diagnosis, Moore told the radio station he now takes ‘blood every morning’: ‘Last November my wife Kristina said to me “You are not well”.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—45 ended in pain? One might say you have had enough heartbreak to last you a lifetime. Yet, what is the price of blocking off men and the possibility of love? Your family is seeing some sort of price you are paying, which is why they are bugging you about it. Are you sure this is the price you want to pay? Finally, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being picky and wanting what you want from a man and from a relationship. However, there is this sneaking suspicion that you have decided that the kind of man you want does not exist or won’t be interested in you, and so you have resigned yourself to being busy and focusing on other things. Or perhaps you have decided that all men are cheaters, liars, users or will die on you? If you were to get into a relationship again, and if you were to find the relationship of great benefit to your life, what kind of a man would the relationship have to be with, do you know? You still get to have love, if you can allow it, even at this “late” stage of the game of life. You could be around for another 30 or 40 years, do you really want to be single through the best years of your life?Somewhere out there, perhaps around the corner is a great man looking for a woman just like you.

How do I deal with his insecurity?

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

Is it wrong to be picky?

Aunty Julie, I have been divorced for about six years. I am a Nigerian living in Britain and I come home from time to time. My ex and I lived like two people sharing the same house and that was my third marriage. One thing was different though after that divorce: I didn’t feel “alone” after he left. Most of my life, I have been a “Care Giver,” taking care of others. I worked in an orphanage and at my spare time I took care of others around me mostly elderly neighbours and everyone else that needed help, everyone but me! This is the first time I have concentrated on my needs and what I want out of life. I wish I knew some of this 30 years ago . I’m now 50. My question is: most of my family and friends keep trying to set me up with men. I work two jobs and do not have time for a relationship with anyone. They think I need a man to take care of me in my old age??? I’m working two jobs so I will be debt free before I retire . For the most part, I am happy with my life. But nothing I say seems to get through to them. It’s not that I want to spend the rest of my life alone, but I have found that I am very picky about who I would want to spend the rest of my life with. Am I wrong for being so picky this late in life? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, The short answer is you get to choose how you live your life. And you are to be applauded for taking full responsibility for your retirement and taking care of yourself by hav-

ing two jobs instead of falling victim to your ex’s bad behaviour. But when people who love us unanimously yet independently give us the same feedback about our life and relationship choices, it would behoove us to listen. Why? Because most of us can’t see ourselves as clearly as our loved ones and friends can. Perhaps they are not exactly articulating what they are seeing. Perhaps they don’t mean that you need to find a man to take care of you in your old age. After all, you are taking care of yourself just fine and will probably continue to be just fine in terms of being taken care of. I am going to venture a guess that what they are actually saying is that you have closed off to men and relationships, and with that, have perhaps locked up a part of yourself that they wish would come back. And who could blame you, after three long marriages, all of which

Dear Julie, I am 33 and have been dating someone who seems to be a very insecure guy. He is very jealous, and is always accusing me of wanting to break up with him or of having another man. I thought maybe he was trying to tell me that he indeed wanted to break up, but when I confronted him, he said he never wanted to break up with me. I am a little tired of all of it, but I really like this guy. Can you give me any advice on how to stop this game he plays? Adia, Owerri

Hello Adia, Your guy has one of two things going on. Either he is very insecure indeed and is asking for reassurance, or he is trying to build up his self-esteem by demanding that you declare your faithfulness and affection for him on a regular basis. To find out which one of these two things is going on, take a

Should I be his friend or more?

Aunty Julie, Please come to my rescue before I ruin things. I’m a single 25 year old looking for love. I’ve been burnt badly before, especially by getting my hopes up that a close friendship could turn into something more, so I’ve vowed never to get involved with a mixed signal kind of guy again and instead go for people who directly say they ’re interested in dating. My problem is that I’ve been getting closer to a guy friend I’ve known for a long time, and I can’t help having some feelings for him. I’m afraid to get any closer because frankly, I cannot stand the thought of another heartbreak but at the same time, I don’t want to put the damper on our correspondence in case I unknowingly close the door on what could be the best relationship I’ve ever had. What should I do? Bisola, Ife Hi Bisola, There are indeed no easy answers to your difficult question, but with a bit of work, you can get clear about where this relationship is headed or what you want to do with it. But first, get clear on whether he is the right person for you, whether he is compatible with you in the right ways that will prevent more heartbreak for you. Moreover, you need to get clear on how he views your relationship. To get clear on how he views the relationship, you will need to ask him some important and direct questions. You must know also that guys do not respond well to being put on the spot, so you will have to find an easy breezy way of asking him just where his head is at.

look at the rest of his life. If he is timid and hesitant, needing lots of reassurance in general, then he really is just insecure. Insecurity is annoying to deal with, but there are worse things, and it can get better with time and some help. On the other hand, if he seems more self-centered and selfish in the rest of his life, then he is using you to build up or keep up his self-esteem. This is more problematic, but it can still be dealt with effectively. But be rest assured that he is not playing a game – he is trying to get his emotional needs met in a relationship, same as everyone else. Meeting emotional needs is why people get into relationships. He is just going about it the wrong way. Also examine how you may be contributing to the problem. Do you flirt with others? Do you do things to make him jealous? Do you ignore him or his needs when he tries to talk to you about them? Clean your side of the street and make sure you give him no reason to distrust you. Let him know that you are not willing to fix his insecurity and fulfill his need for reassurance, since his need seems to go far beyond the norm. Let him know you would be happy to talk about how he feels, as long as he knows that what he feels are his feelings and have nothing to do with your action or your character. Guys, the same thing applies to relationships where the woman is insecure and the man is on the receiving end of the insecurity game. Check your side of the street to make sure you are doing nothing to trigger her insecurity. If you are, stop and put in more loving actions towards her. If she’s still insecure, ask her to take a look at her feelings and where they are coming from.

The love game

C O C K - T A L E S Pregnant maid The following conversation ensued between Akpos and his wife: Wife: Our maid is pregnant….“Akpos: That’s her problem“Wife: Neighbours are talking…“Akpos: That’s their problem..“Wife: I’m worried“Akpos: That’s your problem“Wife: They say it’s yours“Akpos: That’s my problem..!!!

A group of men gathered at a church conference on how to live in a loving relationship with their wives. The men were asked, “How many of you love your wife ?” All the men raised their hands. Then they were asked, “When was the last time you told your wife you love her ?” Some men answered“today, some yesterday, majority didn’t remember. The men were then told to take their cell phones and send the following text to their respective wives: I love you, sweetheart…“Then the men were told to exchange their phones so one can read the other wife’s reply to the love message.“Here are some of the replies:Have you impregnated someone again; That was then, not now;You wan borrow money abi?; What did you do again? I won’t forgive you this time; Meaning?; Is that a new song?; Am I dreaming?; If you don’t tell me who this message is actually for, you will die today!; You this man!! I asked you to stop drinking; and Abeg na who be this?

Fence of love A couple celebrates their 30th anniversary by visiting fence against which they first made love. The husband says, "Come on, for old times' sake." The wife agrees and they both undress. Afterward, the husband says, "You're even better than you were 30 years ago." His wife replies, "That fence wasn't electrified 30 years ago!"

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13 , 2014 13,

UST how much pain can a person in love put up with? You think you have your priorities sorted out, your principles just so. Then it happens. You fall in love and your partner turns out to be this stranger you never knew you’d get with their package. “I’ve been with Pious for a year and a half now, and I know deep in my heart he’s my soul mate,” Segi bared her mind recently. “He loves me and treats me like a princess. The only problem is, he’s very jealous. I daren’t even keep in touch with male friends now as it’s just not worth the interrogation. Socialising with men, even in a group, is a total no-no. I hardly ever go out without him, yet he knows, I’d never cheat on him. I need to prove he can trust me ... “ I looked at her in evening out with a group amazement. There she was that include male friends asking how she could prove without her ‘ADC’ right her trustworthiness as if she behind her! was the one at fault and my This won’t be easy. Pious is blood boiled. She was not the bound to get more anxious one at fault here. By the and insecure, and Segi may sound of it, she wasn’t to well be tempted to back down blame for anything and was so as to avoid friction. But bending over backwards so as giving in would be disastrous not to make waves. Yet the and she needs to convince problem wasn’t hers, it was him love should be built on her boyfriend. He may be her trust rather than jealousy. soul mate, but he’s jealous Whilst assuring her man she when he has no reason to be. loves him, she shouldn’t limit It might have been acceptable her own life just to make the for him to have his doubts at relationship work. the start of the relationship. Phillo, a mother of three But after 18 months together, and 14 years married he ought to be feeling secure. believed she’s finally put her Segi might believe Pious loves her—but it’s a possessive type of love. She’s cut off her friends and given him far too much control over her life, all in an effort to make him happy and the fact she’s worried about all she was doing to please her jealous husband’s fear of control freak, shows she being let down at bay when knows it’s not healthy. The she got the shock of her life. answer is not to carry, on “After assuring me he would tiptoeing round him. It’s to be the last one to let me make him realise the reasons down by cheating, I began to he gets so edgy have nothing suspect he was having an to do with her or her actions. affair when he started to get Perhaps in the past other calls and text messages at all people have let him down—it hours. It told me it was to do may be his family, friends or with his office. I later found previous partners have betrayed him—so he’s wary in relationships. Or could it be he doesn’t ome popular beliefs feel he’s good enough for him about water are now as he’s scared she’ll find being sent down the drain by someone better, so he’s overly scientists. anxious all the time. What Myth:Drinking water with this man needs is to really meals interferes with believe Segi won’t betray digestion. him—and she can help by telling him lovingly but Fact:Water does not dilute firmly, that he’s seeing the digestive juices, nor does it whole picture wrong. It was rush undigested food other people who let him through your system. In fact, down in the past, not her. digestive juices work best in Then fight for a bit more a semi-fluid environment. freedom for herself. What water can do is take up Contacting good male friends stomach space and give you she’d shunned all because of a feeling of fullness before love is a start. For his peace you have eaten much. If you of mind, she could show him are a weight watcher, you texts and e-mails she’s can use this to your sending. As his trust Wows, advantage. she can then work her way up Myth: . Drinking too much to being able to work her way water makes you fat or gives up to being able to spend an you a punch.

Can you cope with who your partner J turns out to be? a supermarket receipt in his pocket for a bottle of champagne, some readymade supermarket foods and a box of chocolates. He told me they were for a colleague in the office who was leaving. intuition. I asked if the baby she was carrying was his and she nodded. I left the mall in a daze. I’ve always told my to my husband that if he cheated on me, our marriage would and I don’t want to put our children through the pain and upheaval of divorce. But will I ever trust him again? Never! Can I ever really be sure he won’t cheat a second time? If he could cheat once, he’d do it again knowing he could get away with it...” Chioma believes living with a cheating partner destroys your self-esteem, your pride and even your health. “I first discovered that my husband was cheating shortly after we married. I confronted him and he told me he was sorry and that he would never do it again. While pregnant with our fourth child, I discovered that three other women were expecting babies around the same time—all fathered by my super-stud husband! I should have left him there and then but I was too emotionally drained by my pregnancy to have the strength. “Over the next five years, he cheated on me repeatedly. I became hugely depressed and my children suffered because of it. In the end, lie moved into another house with one of his floosies. I wish I had throw him out the first time he cheated. At least then I would have felt proud of myself for taking a stand. If you married into a polygamous family, you expect to live with other wives. But when you swear before God and man to ‘forsake all others’ one would have thought you would stick by that vow ... “

After assuring me he would be the last one to let me down by cheating, I began to suspect he was having an affair

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Do you really need that much water?

Truth: If your diet is high in salt, your body may temporarily retain water and feel bloated. Drinking large quantities of water may make you weigh more for a few hours. Otherwise, there is no connection at all between water and fat. In fact, serious dieters need to drink extra water to wash out the toxins produced by breakdown of body fat. Myth: Any drink is as good as water.

“Not long after, I was at a shopping mall when a pregnant woman came over to me. She knew my name and the names of my children. I asked if we’d met before but she shook her head. She told me she knew my husband. As she said it, something just clicked. Call it a woman’s

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be over. Now that it’s happened, I’m not sure what to think. I thought I could never stay with him knowing he had made another woman pregnant but now I needed to take a stand, I dithered. “He was seemingly contrite when I confronted him. He said the affair was over but could he wish away his unborn baby? I still love the rat and I know l couldn’t cope as a single parent. After all these years, I can’t imagine life without him

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Fact: Not really.1’ea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol make the kidneys work overtime and may even expel more fluids from the body than provide. Besides, they have unwelcome ingredients which are far from soothing.

reaking up a relationship is never easy, no matter how much you want it to be painless. At one point in time, we’ve all had to say goodbye to someone who loves us. We’ve also had to be given the push by someone we though was ours for keep$. There are good and bad ways of saying goodbye. But there are ways that experts agree are real Judas kisses when it comes to being heartless. The three bad ways to end a relationship with a loved one are: Letting your partner find out through the gossip mill that you’ve lost your feeling for him or her. If you don’t make the effort to tell your partner about it yourself, he or she will feel unworthy of being treated with

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Heartless ways to say goodbye respect - and this can really hurt. Keeping your ex-lover on “hold’, just in case any new relationship that you might have doesn’t work-out very well. You are being really selfish in letting your partner cling to false hopes, and it means that he or she won’t be able to enter into new relationships with an open heart and mind. Being so nice that your partner can’t feel angry towards you. Some bitterness is necessary to end a love relationship. So don’t try to be overly nice and too concerned for your partner ’s feelings when you say it is over, because then, he or she won’t be able to get angry with you.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—47

YETUNDE AREBI

What’s age got to do with it?

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Hi, Surfing through the internet, early Thursday morning, I came across this story that informed my decision on today’s article. It is the story of newlywed couple, Edith Hill, 96 and Eddie Harrison, 95, from Alexandria, Virginia, USA which is currently causing ripples among family and even the court. According to the story, Edith and Eddie met over a decade ago while standing in line for lottery tickets, struck up a conversation and have remained together ever since. Perhaps, to prove that mother nature approved of the relationship, one of their tickets was a $2,500 winner. Now, over ten years down the line, the duo decided to formalise their relationship before God and man by tying the knots and making their relationship legal in a ceremony presided over by a 95 year old church elder, held earlier this year. It is this decision that has sparked off mixed feelings, especially among Edith’s relatives. Now, the couple’s future and continued happiness is very much uncertain. On one hand is Rebecca and Robin Wright, daughter and granddaughter of Edith, who see the whole affair as a romantic, fairytale or Hollywood come true love story and see nothing wrong in the two lovers getting married if it is what they want and would make them happy. On the other is Rebecca’s sister, Patricia Barber who disagrees with the whole love theory and has even taken the matter to court. Her grouse is that the wedding occurred without the knowledge of other family members and that it will complicate the matter of how to eventually distribute their mother’s estate, which includes a property worth about $475, 000 according to recent real estate assessments. By this marriage, Eddie Harrison has a right to a portion of Edith’s estate at her demise. The third leg to the reaction is the court which insists that Rebecca who shares co-guardianship of her mother with her sister Patricia, acted improperly by taking her mother to get married without the court’s permission. This is because Edith had been declared legally incapacitated for several years. But while the judge, James Clark has reservations, he is also worried that breaking up the couple could create a circumstance in Edith’s life that she does not deserve. After all, no matter the age, everyone deserves to love, be loved and be happy. Disclosing in an interview on why she got married, Edith said she needed the company. “I wanted somebody I could help, and they could help me. ... We were both single. My husband was gone. His wife was gone. We became the best of friends.” While Eddie also insists that they both understand what getting married would mean and that they never fight, unlike in his first marriage. Rebecca and Robin Wright who have been caring for the lovers insist they are in love and have positively impacted on the lives of each other as they can be seen laughing together, kissing and holding hands, going for walks and even sharing stories and jokes no one else have heard about before. Now the court has removed the two sisters as guardians and appointed a lawyer instead, who is also mandated to investigate the marriage and take “all actions appropriate and reasonable to protect the best interests of Edith Hill.” The first thing that caught my attention in the story

Children of widowers may easily confirm how much emotional and physical trauma an old man, once used to the love and care of a woman often has to endure

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was no doubt the age of the couple. It is instructive that at 95 and 96 years of age, this couple can still muster within them the zeal and courage to take such a bold step to formalise their over ten years old relationship. It probably was not an easy decision to make considering all the noise that has been revved up by stakeholders in the matter. If a friendship of over a decade went without as much as a raised eyebrow, why should it matter now that it has merely been legally formalised? My take here is that it is not the impropriety of the circumstance of the wedding that is causing sleepless nights for Patricia and those in her camp, but rather the financial implication of the wedding in legal terms. Perhaps, the disagreements might not have reared its head if Eddie Harrison were of equal financial status or better still, has more than Edith to bring to the table. As things are, the poor guy has been made to look somewhat like a gold digger. But at 95, how much of gold can this guy dig before he is embraced by mother earth? Who is to determine who of the duo will go first despite the one year age difference? Even if he decides to engage in some foul play, it is very likely that he would not enjoy the gains, what with the eagle eyes and sophistication of the American homicide investigation system. For the sake of love, so sweet, so rear, I am interested in how this story will play out in the next few weeks. Fast track this to our Nigerian situation and three classic cases I know spring to my mind which I hope space will allow me share with you. About 25 years ago in the Isolo area of Lagos, a widow and widower both in their 60s met and decided to take another shot at love and marriage. To the neighbours, they were a disgusting, shameless pair, carrying on in such a manner openly, though to the amusement and envy of many in their age bracket. The widower’s children considered the relationship a blessing for their father as it would help them kill several birds with one stone. Care and attention for their father who obviously could still hold up the torch pretty well and they would not have to worry about him getting entangled with a young girl who will likely take advantage of the situation by getting herself pregnant and becoming a wife and rearing children for them to take care of after their father’s demise. However, the widow’s two sons resident abroad did not share in their mother’s new found love life and happiness and decided it was time she came to join them. Obviously, it was her idleness that allowed her get such thoughts into her head thereby constituting a public nuisance of herself and their dear father’s memory. They could do with a nanny for their children and share her between their homes. But as soon as the threats of their separation became real, the lovers decided to make the relationship legal and announced a wedding plan. Surprisingly, it was the turn of the guy’s children to disapprove of the relationship, wondering what their father, closing on 70 years of age, wanted to do with marriage, while the woman’s children grudgingly gave their consent. They eventually got married and lived together for close to 15 years before the man finally died and the woman relocated back to her own home. The other two stories are more recent. Children of widowers may easily confirm how much emotional

and physical trauma an old man, once used to the love and care of a woman often has to endure. I have watched with keen interest the rapid deterioration of an elderly widower in my neighbourhood whose wife died about five years ago. Most of the time, you are likely to see him sitting at the balcony of his onestorey home, bent over a newspaper. Many say he has other ulterior motives for sitting there every evening as there are several stories of how he tries to lure young girls and willing ladies into his bed. He initially used to live alone with a houseboy until armed men who invaded the house were traced back to the boy. Then the children got a couple of young girls who all went away after stories of sexual molestation by the old man. He was left to fend for himself for a while until he injured himself in a domestic accident. So the children employed the services of an elderly retired matron on the same street to pop in and see to his welfare. It was through the women he finally met a young divorcee with two children who now takes care of his needs. The story is that the children have agreed to accept the woman and help with the education of her children for as long as she does not assume the position of a wife by getting pregnant. A win-win situation here, as far as I am concerned. However, the third scenario currently playing out for another two elderly lovers may not pan out so amicably in the end. The children on both sides have sworn daggers should they catch them together. The two of them were teenage sweethearts and even believed to have had an off and on relationship while each of their partners were alive. Perhaps, this is the root of the children’s disapproval. So what should happen to the love life of the elderly, especially when their original partners leave? Most of the time, selfish interest, greed and fear often contribute to how we perceive matters of this nature. Sometimes, our culture and morality also steal a part of our conscience, rational thoughts and judgment. Indeed, many of us would find it rather nauseating to imagine someone other than our fathers balling our mothers! Forgetting that sex is a natural part of human existence. But if I may ask, does age determine our ability to love and care for another? Or does age prevent one from being loved and cared for by the opposite sex? Growing old in this part of the world is a process that has continued to be shrouded in so much negativity in this culture. Except perhaps for the rich and famous, the average old woman is often regarded as a potential witch, especially if she has to depend on others besides herself for her welfare. The story of the man is not much different and can even be worse considering the fact that he has no maternal instinct to offer in the care of his children growing young family. It is a fact that things are not always very rosy when an elderly in-law has to live under the same roof with a young couple and their children. If a daughter-in-law is not nasty, a son-in-law can be rude or not so respectful. Would it not be fair to allow them carry on with each other as long as they are not bugging anyone? Just asking! Do have a wonderful weekend! If you wish that your reaction to articles on this page be published, please send to my email address: yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Overhaul Nigerian educational system system—Egbokhare

BY RICHARD UDOFIA A Professor of Linguistic and African Languages, Francis Egbokhare, at the 3rd Institute of Education International Conference, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, theme: ‘’Creative education for the development of the Sub-Sahara Africa,” has said that the only way forward for Nigerian education is a total overhaul of the educational system. Egbokhare said the current curriculum is outdated and needs to be designed to meet the needs of the current environment. He added that the educational system in many developing countries encourages creativity, but in Nigeria it is different. His words: “Our system of education discourages risk taking at all levels. Until Africa addresses the problem of quality of teachers, obsolete infrastructures, access to content, revamping medium to instruction among others, the decline in Sub-Sahara Africa will continue.” Director of the Institute, Prof. Adenike Emeke said that the rot in the primary level has finally caught up with students’ performance in our institutions. Emeke attributed lack of creativity in Nigerian schools to lack of adequate instructional materials and conducive learning environment.”

Adult class

The giant of Africa and her 35 million illiterate adults ‘10.5 million’ is a figure people are familiar with. It is the number of Out of School Children in Nigeria-the highest in the world. However, Nigeria is not only notorious for the illiteracy level among children. According to a 2013 report, there are about 35 million adults in Nigeria who cannot read or write. This is no surprise as the rot in the country’s education sector has been on for years. Its failure at the basic level in the recent past is now translating to adult illiteracy at a 40% rate. Every year on Sept. 8, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reiterates its call to governments and international organizations on the importance of ensuring all people have the opportunity to read and write. Last Monday, UNESCO’s World Literacy Day themed: ‘Literacy and Sustainable Development’ served as a pointer to remind Nigeria of the indispensability of an educated populace to the development of any economy. As the United Nation Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon put it: “Literacy provides tools for men and women to better understand the world and shape it to meet their aspirations.” The statistics emphasize the import of the situation. According to UNESCO, 171 million people would be out of poverty if all students in all low income countries left school with the ability to read and write. Each additional year of schooling means a 10% increase in yearly income; 2.5 million under five were saved between 1999 and 2009 because of improvements in girl-child education. If all mothers had primary education, there would be 8%

There must be policies put in place to encourage adult learning, finances must be devoted to the case, and there must be a lot of motivation to create interest

less cases of child diarrhea and 15% less infant mortality. However, despite the release of N1 billion by the Minister of State for Education, Nyeson Wike, in 2013 as part of efforts to boost Adults and Non-Formal Education in the country, there hasn’t been much change in the sector. Mr. Giwa Abdullahi, who runs Giwa Adult Literacy tutorials in Lagos, told Saturday School Life: “Adult Literacy Centres set up by the government are almost non-existent. The only snippets of such centres are by individual professionals. A lot of the students we get are business

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BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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men who did not have the chance to be educated when they were younger but now have a lot of literate people around them and feel that they need to get educated so they are not cheated in business. But we rarely get people who are not already successful in business. I guess it is beyond the monetary implications; the will power to acquire knowledge when people are older is just not there. It does not augur well for our country that we have such a high rate of illiteracy. Adult literacy and continuous education cannot be over emphasized. There must be policies put in place to encourage adult learning, finances must be devoted to the case, and there must be a lot of motivation to create interest.” Mr. David Apeh, the spokesperson of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, believes that the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the large number of out of school children now, will in the long run translate to improvements in adult literacy. He said: “The Federal Government, through UBEC has built a total number of 152 Almajiri schools to deal with the challenge of boy-child education in the north. There are also similar attempts to improve both boy-child and girl-child education in different parts of the country.” Nineteen year old Joseph Idienumah (not real name), is one of the 35 million who cannot read or write. When Saturday School Life, SSL, came in contact with him, he had lost both parents and could not keep a job because of his lack of education. There are millions like him around the country; young enough to be part of the country’s labour force, but too old to go back to primary school.

OOU students demand reversal of fee hike

BY FAVOUR ANTHONY Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU Student Union has called on the State Governor, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun to reduce students’ tuition fee to not more than N50, 000 or risk losing the 2015 elections. Recall that the Ogun State Government recently increased the students’ fees by 50% before the resumption of the 2013/2014 academic session. At a press conference in Lagos recently, the Student Union President, Mr. Ifade Olusegun, said: “Since 2011 more than 3,000 students have dropped out from school because of exorbitant fees. More than 2,000 have applied for leave of absence and to come back when they have the money. Unfortunately, many left without coming back, coupled with poor funding of the University. Why then should the students fold their hands when the Government systematically denies us access to affordable tertiary Education?”

SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—49 SATURD TURDA

Former SSS direct or’s daught er w eds f ormer CNS’ son director’s daughter weds former t was indeed a day of panache spruced with glamour and glitz when Aderonke Are, daughter of Colonel Kayode Are (Rtd), former director at the State Security Service, SSS, now Department of State Security, DSS, signed off her maiden to Olabode Adekeye, son of Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, former Chief of Naval Staff, CNS. The traditional wedding held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island on Thursday, September 4 th while reception took place at Lagos Oriental Hotel on Saturday, September 6th. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

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From left, Colonel Kayode Are, former Director of SSS, bride's father; Mrs Fatimo Adekeye, groom's mother; Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, former Chief of Naval Staff, groom's father and Mrs Ngozi Are.

The couple, coutting their wedding cake.

Jo y and P aul Joy Paul

A L-R: Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos and Gov Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state From left; Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State; Chief Rasak Okoya; Chief Gbenga Obasa and Justice George Oguntade (Rtd) .

laba Paul Oyewumi of the accounts department, Vanguard Media Limited wedded Bolanle Joy at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Lagos recently. Their families and friends graced the occasion. Photos by Diran Oshe

L-R; Mr.Thomas Oyewumi ,groom’s dad, Mrs D. O. Oladele, bride’s mum, the couple, Mr & Mrs Alaba Paul Oyewumi , Mrs D. O. Oladele, bride’s dad and Mrs Esther Oyewumi, groom’s mum.

From left; Vice Admiral Taiwo Odedina (rtd); Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande and Otunba Tunde Adelaja

From left; Mrs Sade Okoya; Mrs Modupe Oguntade; Mrs Sena Anthony and Olori Kemi Adetona.

Civil war veterans’ association endorsed

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Some of the executive members of the association with the chairman and secretary, displaying the certificate C M Y K

eterans of the Nigerian civil war of 1967-70 under the aegis of CAREFIRST for the Aged Welfare D e v e l o p m e n t Association of Nigeria led by National chairman, Veteran Dr. Ubi Okoi and the National secretary, Veteran Engr. Ray Chime recently received their certificate of recognition from Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja

L- R: Ms Titi Jolaoso,Financial Controller, Vanguard and Mr Sunday Oguomere , IT Manager, Vanguard

The couple, Mr & Mrs Alaba Paul Oyewumi in a group photograph with their Families

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Not every fever is Ebola igeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Senegal are currently contending with the world’s deadliest Ebola epidemic, so it is hardly surprising that in recent times, dozens of people have been isolated and tested on suspicion of potential Ebola infection, based on elevated body temperature. Typical Ebola-like symptoms include fever, gastrointestinal distress, headache, etc. These days, if anyone complains of fever, what immediately comes to mind is “Ebola”. The reason for this is not farfetched. Fever is one of the earliest symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease (formerly Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever), but a fever, also termed pyrexia, is a higher-than-normal body temperature. It is a symptom caused by a variety of illnesses not just Ebola.

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temperature above 101°F (38.3°C) is considered a fever. A child with a fever when rectal temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher also has fever. Normal body temperature can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather. For most people, a temperature of 98.6 F (37 C) is baseline. Temperature is usually controlled by the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like a thermostat for the body. It maintains normal temperature through heating mechanisms, such as shivering and increased metabolism, and cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and dilating (opening) blood vessels close to the skin. Rectal temperature Rectal temperatures, when compared to oral temperatures taken at the same time, are about 1.8 F (0.6 C) higher. Consequently, an accurate measurement of body temperature (best is rectal core temperature) of 100.4 F (38 C) or above is considered to be a “fever.”

•Fever patient occurs, then the person needs to be encouraged to drink fluids. If fluids are not staying down, then medical care should be sought. Viral illnesses can last as long as one to two weeks. Bacterial fever Bacterial illnesses causing fever can affect almost any organ system in the body. They can be treated with antibiotics. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) infections can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, or confusion. A person may feel lethargic and irritable, and light may irritate the eyes. This could represent meningitis or a brain infection, so the person should go immediately to the doctor. Also, lower respiratory system infections including pneumonia and bronchitis can cause fever. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, thick mucus production, and sometimes chest pain. Fungal fever Fungal infections can affect any organ system. Often a physician can identify these infections through a physical examination. Sometimes further testing is required and in rare instances, fungal fevers may require a biopsy to diagnose the infection.

What is normal? A fever rarely comes without other symptoms. It is often accompanied by specific complaints, which may help to identify the illness causing the fever. In most adults, an oral temperature above 100°F (37.8°C) or a rectal or ear

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Causes There are several causes of a fever. A reaction to infection is the most common cause of a fever. Infections may affect the whole body or a specific body part (localized infection). Certain medicines, such as antibiotics or narcotics cause what is known as drug fevers. Antibiotics, raise the body temperature directly. Others interfere with the body’s ability to readjust its temperature when other factors cause the temperature to rise. Severe trauma or injury, such as a heart attack, stroke, heat exhaustion or burns also cause fevers. Medical conditions, such as arthritis and hyperthyroidism and even some cancers, such as leukaemia and liver and lung cancer are also known causes. Every one of us has experienced the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever causes. Fever usually occurs in response to an infection as with the flu virus or inflammation that occurs with tissue injury or disease. However, many other causes of fever are possible, including drugs, poisons, cancer, heat exposure, injuries or abnormalities to the brain, or disease of the endocrine (hormonal or glandular) system.

Pyrogens Fever occurs when the body’s immune response is triggered by pyrogens (fever-producing substances). Pyrogens usually come from a source outside the body and, in turn, stimulate the production of additional pyrogens inside the body. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point. In response, our body begins to shiver; our blood vessels constrict (close); we get under the covers in an attempt to reach the new temperature that is higher than our baseline. Low grade fever Low-grade fevers range from about 100 F-101 F while highgrade fevers range from about 103 F-104 F. Dangerous temperatures are high-grade

•Chronic fever lasts longer ...

A prolonged fever is fever lasting longer than about 1014 days. Constant fever is also termed continuous fever; it is usually low-grade fever and does not change by much (by about 1 degree F over 24 hours). Chronic fever lasts longer than three to four

Every one of us has experienced the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever causes

fevers that range from over 104 F-107 F or higher (extremely high fevers are also termed hyperpyrexia). The preceding fever values may vary somewhat according to different clinicians and the condition and age of the patient, but they offer a reader a way to judge the terms “low,” “high,” and “dangerous” when they are used in reference to fever in the medical literature.

Fever types

days; some researchers consider intermittent fevers that recur over months to years as “chronic” fevers. The temperature either varies from normal to fever levels during a single day or fever may occur one day and recur in about one to three days. Remittent fevers come and go at regular intervals Hyperpyrexias are fevers that are equal to or above 106.7 F that constitute a medical emergency.

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In addition, there are well over 40 diseases that have “fever” as part of the disease name (eg. Rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, Lassa fever Animal exposure fever and many more). Each Certain people who work disease has fever as one of its symptoms; countless with animals can be other conditions may have exposed to rare bacteria that can cause fevers. In fever as a symptom. addition to the fever, the person may have chills, Viral fever Illnesses caused by headache, and muscle and viruses are among the most joint aches. These bacteria frequent causes of fever in can exist in livestock, in dairy adults. Symptoms can unpasteurized include a runny nose, sore products, and in the urine throat, cough, hoarseness, of infected animals. and muscle aches. Viruses also may cause diarrhoea, When to call or see the vomitting, or an upset doctor A fever has many possible stomach. Viral illnesses will causes. Most commonly, a improve simply with time. fever is part of a viral that will go away Antibiotics will not treat a infection on its own. However, there virus. Symptoms can be are some reasons to be treated using decongestants concerned or worried about and anti-fever medications a fever; do not hesitate to call bought over the counter. If or see a doctor for any high diarrhoea or vomiting fevers.

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—51

10 superfoods for babies and toddlers abies and toddlers do not eat much food because their tummies are tiny. That is why it is important to feed them foods that are packed with nutrients. Superfoods are natural foods that are high in nutrients and antioxidants packed with health giving properties. They are easily digestible and keep the body and mind healthy and working great. These superfoods are essential for babies’ and toddlers’ growing bodies:

•Baby helping herself with fruits

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Avocado

Avocados are the best first food for your baby. They are a perfect consistency and they contain an abundance of nutrients including high levels of omega-3s. You can simply slice open an avocado and feed it straight into your little one’s mouth. If you would like a smoother consistency, add a little breast milk or substitute and mash.

Beans Beans are super nutritious. They are very high in antioxidants containing 10 times the amount of antioxidants as oranges. They are high in fiber, which prevents your baby from becoming constipated. They are high in iron, protein and vitamin B. They should be soaked overnight before preparing to decrease cooking time.

Blueberries Blueberries are super nutritious. They are higher in antioxidants than any other fresh fruit and very beneficial to your baby’s brain, urinary and nervous systems as well as their heart and eyes. They are also high in fiber, and vitamins A and C.

Coconut Coconuts contain medium chain fatty acids which have significant health benefits and are similar to the ones found in human breast milk. They help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and balance the blood sugar.

Baby enjoying his choice food because they contain large amounts of vitamins C, and K as well as calcium. Vitamin K and calcium are great bonebuilders. antioxidant lutein and many minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium, a great immune booster. and add your own toppings such as nuts, seeds or fruit.

Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are among the most nutritious vegetables available. They are rich in phyto-nutrients and high in vitamins A and C. They have a naturally sweet flavour and creamy texture making these vegetables appealing to babies and toddlers.

Eggs Eggs are full of high quality nutrients for your baby. They contain choline, a Bvitamin that plays an important role in the development and function of the baby’s brain. Eggs are full of protein and omega-3s as well as vitamin D, folate, the

Oats Oats are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre and they are also rich in phytochemicals, vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium and selenium. Oats are a good source of protein and a great way to start the morning. Use plain oats

Dark leafy greens These leafy greens are rich in antioxidants and high in iron and folate. They are a top superfood

52 — SATURDAY V anguard , SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 Vanguard anguard, refused to tell Mba about the birth of Oghenemega and instead requested for the envelope I gave him to keep for me. He thought it contained some important documents and had diligently hidden it far away. By the time he retrieved it, another mutual friend, Christian Ogbodo, was around and I told Ogbodo to open the envelope and read. By the time Ogbodo was midway through the note, his hands were shaking. After he finished reading the note, both of them congratulated me on Three years later we the birth of Oghenemega, were blessed with but Mba, typically, will not another daughter. Her give up. He told me that I conception followed the only allowed him to know pattern of my first the content of the envelope daughter. That was a gift (which he thought were my wife reluctantly gave receipts for machines I me because she knew I bought) because my yearned for another “gamble” paid off. I went daughter, but did not home and told my wife and want to put pressure on we agreed to try and win her because the last him over on this issue with pregnancy was difficult. our third son. Less than a year later, oreover, our preduring ovulation, my third n u p t i a l son was conceived. On agreement is four May 15, on our wedding children. In this case, I anniversary, about nine did not participate in the months later, my wife gave planning; only the birth to Oghenemine. I execution, albeit went to Mba and asked unknowingly. In my inner him if he needed any recesses, I remembered, further proof. Mba finally three weeks earlier, her became a believer in the feeble resistance and natural pre-selection. [I admonition that I wanted ran into Mba after losing a second daughter by contact for over six years hook or crook, but you on March 30, this year. know how it is sometimes Luckily my two younger when a man crosses the sons were with me and I Rubicon. I had mixed reminded him that they feelings about the are the ones I used to pregnancy because of the convince him about trauma she might go natural pre-selection. We through again. My only laughed over it]. consolation was a second daughter.

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Bab y's se x pre-selection:My st or y(2) Baby's sex stor ory(2) My last daughter is my “take away,” my St. Paul: not among the original 12 apostles, nevertheless a very useful addition to the fold. The other children call me “daddy;” she is the only one who calls me “my daddy ” and I just love the appropriation, or is it indeed given us powers to naturally pre-select the sexes of our children, if we so wish. Consequently, the sex of children does not need to cause tension in, or breakup of, marriages as we currently see. It is all within your power and if it matters to you, exercise that power. If it does not, just go ahead

when the couple practice natural family planning as against the use of artificial contraceptives, because artificial contraceptives disrupt the cycle of women, stopping ovulation or making ovulation unpredictable. In addition, the couple needs to stay off intercourse for at least five days before ovulation, if they are planning for a son. his is to ensure that residue semen does not interfere with, and create identity crisis in, the woman’s vaginal discharge (for those who rely on vaginal discharge to track ovulation). There are three main natural ways women know when they are ovulating: First is the thin, clear, egg white-like vaginal discharge (mucus). Second, some women feel a sharp pain or cramp on the side or lower abdomen when the egg is released and three, rise in basal body temperature. There are minor signs like tender breasts, mood swings or increased sexual urge. Three, the woman especially needs to thoroughly master her cycle and body while the husband should cooperate with the wife to achieve desired results.

Four, this intimate information is shared with the kind permission of my wife for the sole purpose of educating young couples and encouraging discouraged and troubled married couples who desire to have either genders or one gender. Without such couples I would never have published this article because my story is actually a personal matter. ive, if you are a doubting Thomas, like Mba, simply go and try it out. A family friend who had three daughters and was looking for boys has given birth to three boys over the last eight years using natural preselection. She doubted initially when my wife told her. Come to think of it, animals, which are much lower beings, know when their females are in season. Shouldn’t we, the all-conquering human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, have this simple knowledge? Six, naturally preselection is one of the rare occasions in life when you can have your cake and eat it: having a good time with your spouse and also having your desired end product. That is God’s awesomeness.

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Head-to-Knee (Standing) Technique: Stand straight up with t h e f e e t together. Gently lower the trunk till the forehead is touching or almost touching the knees and make a ring with your forefingers and thumbs around the big toes. Stay in the position for about 10 seconds.Return to the upright position, rest a while and repeat. Benefits: •Lengthens the spine, making it supple and elastic.Can even give a little extra “growth”. •Mobilizes the joints. •Invigorates the entire

Physical Relief Trunk Raise Technique: Lie flat on your belly with hands along the sides. Now, breathe in deeply and raise feet, hands, head and chest off the floor. Hold the position for 3 to M a i n B e n e f i t : T h e 7 seconds, rest a Standing Forward Bend while and gives a complete stretch to repeat. the entire posterior of the body, from the back of the Benefits: The scalp to the back of the T r u n k - R a i s e heels. The position strengthens the enables the body to take muscles of the advantage of the force of back, buttocks and gravity. If the head and shoulders. It helps neck are kept relaxed, their weight will aid the body.In stretching a bit nervous system. •Stretches the hamstrings and muscles of the back of the legs and the lower body. • Stretches all the muscles on the posterior side of the body. •Rectifies shortening of the legs resulting from fractures, and can correct inequalities in the length of the legs. • Increases the blood supply to the brain. further, provided that the knees are not allowed to bend.

•Head-to-Knee

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God has indeed given us powers to naturally pre-select the sexes of our children

privatisation or personalisation? In conclusion, I want us to note the following: One, my story is not meant to prove the importance of one gender over another. As I did when the copy of the note I gave to Gabriel Uche was read during a Church harvest dinner for 500 friends and parishioners in 2004, I just want to confirm and share the good news that God has

and have your children; the result can only be two ways: boy or girl. On the choice of boys to convince my friend, it was in tandem with the prenuptial understanding of three boys I reached with my wife. In addition, it is generally believed (I do not share this belief) that it is more difficult to have boys than girls. Two, you need discipline if you want to naturally pre-select. For a start, pre-selection is easier

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bend the trunk down and with the fore finger and thump form a ring around the big toes with the improve a double chin. corresponding fingers of Standing Forward Bend both hands. Keep the Technique: knees straight and flatter Stand with the feet the back with the head t o g e t h e r , hold up. Benefits:This posture tones the digestive organs.Add flexibility to t h e spine

and tones the hamstring(muscles of the back of the legs). Inclined Plane Technique: Sit down with legs extended,place the hands behind you and raise your body up such that you are on just your hands and feet. Retain the pose for some 20 seconds, rest and repeat. Benefits: This posture strengthens the hands and abdominal muscles.

•Inclined Plane

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

•Trunk Raise

•Standing Forward Bend

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—53

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & GABRIEL OLAWALE n accosting the late AmericanLiberian, Patrick Sawyer, who was the index (first) case of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country, the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh prevented a national catastrophe, left a permanent mark on society, and solidified her legacy as a courageous and patriotic heroine. On Thursday September 11, 2014, she was honoured for her heroic actions at a Night of Tribute held in Lagos and will be remembered in gratitude for paying the ultimate price with her life. Ameyo who died on Tuesday, 19th August 2014 from the EVD contracted from Sawyer, was born Saturday, 27th October 1956 in Lagos, Nigeria, to Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (deceased) of the Adadevoh family of Anyako Royal House, Ghana and the Crowther/Macaulay family of Lagos, Nigeria and Deborah Regina Mclntosh of the Nnamdi Azikwe family (President of Nigeria 1963-1966) and Smith/Wilkey families of Lagos, Nigeria. The first of four children, Ameyo began her academic career at Mainland Preparatory Primary School in Yaba, Lagos in 1961. In 1962, her parents temporarily relocated to Boston, Massachusetts in the United States of America where Ameyo spent two years in school. Upon the family’s return to Nigeria in 1964, she continued her education at Corona school Yaba in Lagos, Nigeria until 1968 and then began secondary school at Queens School Ibadan, Nigeria where she finished in 1974 with a distinction of honors in her West African Examinations

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More on the life and times of late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Council, WAEC, Exams. Following her secondary school education, Ameyo completed one year of preliminary programme studies at the University of Lagos. In 1980, at the age of 24, Ameyo qualified as a medical doctor with a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) degree from the University of Lagos College of Medicine. Upon graduation, she finished a one year mandatory housemanship at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and subsequently completed her National Youth Service Corps assignment in 1982 at the Eti-Osa Health centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Her professional career began with a residency at LUTH from 1983 to 1988 after which she earned the West African College of Physicians and Surgeons creden-

Late Adadevoh

tial. The late Ameyo married Afolabi Emmanuel Cardoso on 26th April 1986 and their union was blessed with a son, Bankole Cardoso on 17th August 1988. Following her residency, Ameyo worked as a consultant at LUTH until 1991 when she earned a prestigious British Council Scholarship to continue her education abroad. From 1991 to 1993, Ameyo completed her fellowship in Endocrinology at Hammersmith Hospital of the Imperial College in London, in the UK. Upon completion of her education, she worked for more than two decades doing what she loved best - healing the sick. She joined the First Consultants Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, Nigeria where she worked for 21 years and became the Lead Consultant Physician and endocrinologist. Ameyo was a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, BritishNigerian Association, and National Postgraduate Medical College. She served as a non-executive Director of Learn Africa PLC and a writer for the first-ever “Ask the Doc” column in Today’s Women Magazine, among other accomplishments. She was an extremely dedicated, compassionate, and Godfearing individual. She was a diligent doctor, wife, mother , daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who committed her life to serving humanity.

Requiem mass for late Stella Adadevoh

From left; Mr Sola Cardoso, Ms Sayo Cardoso, Mr Seun Cardoso, Mr Bankole Cardoso and Mr Afolabi Cardoso, husband, during a requiem mass for late Stella Adadevoh at Holly Cross Cathedral,Lagos yesterday. Photos: Shola Oyelese

From left; Seun Cardoso, Mr Bankole Cardoso Son , Mr Afolabi Cardoso husband, Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health, Dr Alex Ekwueme former vice President and wife Mrs Hellen Ekwueme and Mama Mrs Deborah Adadevoh mother of the deacesed

From left; Nkiru A., Ifeoluwa Isijola, Bola Fagboyegun and Chief Supo Shonibare

From left; Chief Mrs Marlies Allan, Ms Fiona Hecksher, Mr Kelvin Hecksher, Ms Tara Hecksher and Ms Natalie Allan

54—SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 54—SATURD TURDA

“There was no silver bullet that could have prevented the 11 September attacks. There was nothing demonstrating or showing that something was coming in the United States. If there had been something, we would have acted on it.” - Condoleezza Rice

By Chimdi Maduagwu eptember 11, 2001 will not be easily forgotten by Ameri cans and the entire world. It marked the longest most tragic day in the history of mankind (as at then), with a recorded death of about 3,000 people. This kind of tragedy was new in the entire human history. 13 years after, we still remember it and still analyse it and still believe that there are useful lessons there for humanity. But essentially, what could be the lesson for us, in Africa and particularly, Nigeria. We may begin by asking how that could happen in a country like America, with all the sophistication in military wares and security. While it happened, everyone was unaware of any such development. Later, the air was going to get cleared, literally, cleared. 13 militants, linked with an Islamic extremist organization, alQaeda had hijacked four commercial airplanes and flown two of the four into the twin towers of the world trade center in New York, causing massive damage to lives, property and conscience; the next plane crashed into the Pentagon military base, but the third

Remembering September 11, 2001: Lesson from chaos in New York S

Chimdi Maduagwu was intercepted by patriotic passengers who preferred to die than have another part of the massive American structure earmarked for destruction suffer that. All these, introduced another phase of human history and the world would never be the same again. We now speak in terms of post 9/11 ( September 11, 2001 is generally referred to as 9/ 11). 9/11 is a landmark in world’s conception and perception of “terrorism.” Because of the extensive death and destruction that trailed 9/11, the government of USA and many other

September 11 is particularly important to a country like Nigeria today because it presents useful lessons on how to confront insurgency and terrorism

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countries became aware of the monumental threat that terrorism poses to the peace of the world. September 11 is particularly important to a country like Nigeria today because it presents useful lessons on how to confront insurgency and terrorism. It is therefore worth revisiting, especially 13 years after. In the midst of the confusion that engulfed the whole America, President George Bush summoned courage to address the country. Although I am not an admirer of George Bush, nevertheless, I think it is important for us today to rethink his statements. At 9:00 P .M. on the same September 11, 2011, he made this comment: “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” This statement seemed to have galvanized Americans, who would put up collective efforts in combating terrorism. Well for us in Nigeria,

we are just beginning to experience the dark sides of organized insurgency. We have had a fair demonstration of bombings and suicide killings and more recently, the abduction of legal residents and citizens of the country with the crowning attempt at the declaration and establishment of an independent Caliphate in the country. One would ask, are these not capable of “shaking the foundations of our country?” We could say destruction of churches, mosques, public buildings, diplomatic building and military bases may not translate into the destruction of our country, but tearing into our territorial integrity and destroying the future (like Chibok girls) certainly need not be handled with levity. What was the reaction of America – both the leaders and the led? In the same broadcast, President George Bush further said in case there is going to be an eventual U.S. Continues on page 55

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SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—55 SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 54 military response: “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” This explains a decisive position of government on terrorism. America went ahead to convince the international community on the need to combat terrorism and in less than one month, precisely on October 7, 2001, “Operation Enduring Freedom” was launched against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the purpose of which is to destabilize and possibly track down Osama bin Ladin, the notorious leader of al Qaeda. Although this war would be protracted, eventually, on May 2, 2011, US troupes finally tracked down and killed Osama bin Ladin in Abbottabad, Pakistan, bringing to an end, the efforts of a people towards a common cause and like President Barak Obama explained, Justice has been done. I will like to identify few important issues about 9/11. Let me start by going forward a little from September 2001 to May, 2004 when the entire America was informed of the deep issues of the terrorist attack through a commission of inquiry into the incident. Testimonies were taken from stake-holders and some interesting testifiers included

The formation of a civil defense group in Borno is a loud and bold collective response that will definitely succeed. What may not augur well for us is trading blames

The real lesson now for us is to see through the American success so far and improve on it. Ms Rice developed a

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the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Condoleezza Rice, who was going to become the Secretary of State. At this time, it had became clear that the attach was masterminded by a Saudi Arabian fugitive, Osama bin Ladin through his terrorist network, al Qaeda. The first point raised by observers and commentators made everyone curious: did US know that there was an impending attack of that magnitude? Ms Rice was unequivocal in her reply as the NSA, and I quote her: “There was no silver bullet that could have prevented the 11 September attacks. There was nothing demonstrating or showing that something was coming in the United States. If there had been something, we would have acted on it.” That comment immediately established the nature of terrorism in the 21st. century. It is delicate, deep and dangerous. Many Americans believed that there was neglect, on the part of government because it was insinuated that a warning that al Qaeda could strike was ignored by the Bush administration, but NSA was clear about the absence of such as she maintained that if government knew, they would have “moved heaven to stop it.”

Remembering September 11, 2001: Lesson from chaos in New York theoretical framework for the identification of the aim and objectives of insurgency and terrorism as follows: “ A band of vicious terrorists tried to decapitate our government, destroy our financial system and break the spirit of America.” In clear terms, terrorists operate a three point agenda, namely: destroy government, destroy financial system and shatter the collective resolve of a people. In our case, these points are clear and the terrorists are holding fast to them. It is now up to us to rise to the occasion by adopting strategies that are peculiar to us. We must protect all these issues threatened by insurgency and terrorism. Intelligence services may fail us, but our common resolve will hardly do so. For instance, the formation of a civil defense group in Borno is a loud and bold collective response that will definitely succeed. What may not augur well for us is trading blames. There has been a lot of that already but we can overcome it, after all it happened in US

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and it, in fact, got to a stage when much opposition alleged that the war against terrorism was a cover for war for oil. In all, the integrity of America remained central in the argument. We need to sensitize government on the need to fund the military and other security outfits adequately, but making frivolous allegations may not be steps in the right direction. Security agencies may have to upgrade their operations and become a little more open, I mean educate the masses on important issues. We recognize the safety and security alerts, but they are too general. We expect them to be a little more specific like the US security would use colours to indicate the level of risk in violation alerts. We need to know the zones that are most vulnerable and the times that are most dangerous. I believe that with intensified enlightenment, a lot of progress will be made against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

CHIMDI MADUAGWU (Ph. D.) chimdimaduagwu@gmail.com

56—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

BRIEF

he Nigerian T National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,

NNPC, Nigerian Air Force Partner to Enhance Chad Basin Explorat or y Explorator ory Activities

Dr David Ige, Group Executive Director, Gas & Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

ecently, the media was agog with news that NNPC and some of its JV partners have been fined over a breach in gas supply to Ghana through the West African Gas Pipeline. In this statement NNPC’s Group Executive Director, Gas & Power, Dr. David Ige, clarifies the situation and throws more light on efforts being made to expand gas supply infrastructure to boost gas supply to meet domestic needs and international obligations. “Nigerian suppliers (NNPC, Chevron and NPDC) have a contractual obligation to supply about 130mmcf/d of gas to customers across West Africa. This transaction is governed by a supply agreement which recognizes various operational and commercial situations. “Since 2013, there have been some unfortunate supply disruptions affecting gas shipped through the West African Gas Pipeline. These have been largely due to Force Majeure (FM) events like the outage of the Escravos-Lagos pipeline and other secondary pipelines such as the TransForcados pipeline. Many of the disruptions have been addressed and where net

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shortages existed as in 2013, these were remedied according to terms of the agreement through penalty payment of $10m. “The outstanding force majeure situation is being addressed by NGC and should be lifted very shortly. Beyond this, major interventions are being implemented to grow supply to meet the full requirements of both WAGP and the domestic power market. It is expected that much of the net supply shortages beyond the FM induced reduction, will be addressed within the next 4-5 months. “Nigeria remains committed to supplying the West African region. The current supply challenge is being addressed aggressively and full contractual supply should be attained within a few months. In addition, new independent suppliers are also looking to develop supplies to WAGP beyond the base volume. The medium term projection is very positive.

Calabar-Kano AKK Project to gulp $5b “The Abuja Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline is going to be the first gas pipeline that would be built on a Public-Private-Partnership basis in Nigeria. The total pipeline project between Calabar to Kano is estimated to cost of about $5 billion. As you bring private investors to partake in this kind of project, there is a more rigorous demand in terms of bank-ability, before the investors can come in to fund the project. This entails that we have to close in on all engineering designs and all that, the right of way has to be mapped out, environmental impact assessment, all of these are critical requirements before you access international funds. But more importantly also is assurance on revenues because the investors want to be sure that if they put in such amount of money, they would recoup it at the end of the day. So getting all of these done actually takes a lot longer than normal unlike when the project is being funded 100 percent by government.

“So over the last year or so we have been working diligently, we have done the right of way survey for the entire pipeline length, we have progressed with the engineering and we hope to cross a major threshold by the end of September. “We have done our initial bank ability assessment and we continue to review this because of the dynamic nature of the gas supply situation. We know that in order to secure bankability we need to be very firm on the gas supply so all of these things are being done or were being done to put the project in place to attract the right investment. So I think all the work being done is very relevant to the project going forward. Essentially the committee would have to look at how to ascertain what can be adapted incrementally to get the project going, so they would be looking at options now and all that work that has been done in the past would now manifest.

Relevance of AKK Project to Gas Master Plan “The intention of the gas master plan is to grow the economy with natural gas. Currently half of the entire country is not connected to gas infrastructure so by the time we open up the northern part of Nigeria to gas, we would begin to see significant boost in the cost effectiveness of energy sources that has an immediate impact on the industrialization of the north and job creation. “So the real intent of the gas master plan is brought to light with a project like this. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project is essentially designed to function as a backbone into the heart of the North and from there we will begin to build eastward and westward.

“Nigeria remains committed to supplying the West African region. The current supply challenge is being addressed aggressively and full contractual supply should be attained within a few months

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and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have pledged to work hand-inhand to promote the ongoing acquisition of seismic data in the Chad Basin and to curb crude oil theft in the creeks of the Niger Delta. At a courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph T. Dawha said the visit was to foster closer cooperation and collaboration between NNPC and NAF for the socio-economic growth, peace, security and stability of the country. D r. Dawha noted that the Nigerian Air Force has provided invaluable services to the Oil and Gas Industry through the Joint Task Force tagged ‘ Operation Pulo Shield’ where the NAF is one of the key players. The GMD said that the support to the industry from the 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin and 97 Special Operations Group in Port Harcourt has always been an additional layer of security for the Corporation’s assets in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. D r. Dawha observed that security of personnel, crude and product lines have become a major challenge requiring c o n t i n u o u s collaboration and intervention by the Government Security Agencies. Responding, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amosu expressed the readiness of the Nigerian Air Force to collaborate with the NNPC to check the incidences of crude oil theft in the creek of the Niger Delta. He noted that the Air Force has a crew of robust and capable men who are ready to contain the tide of insurgents in the North East which covers the Chad Basin exploratory activities of the NNPC and crude oil thieves in the creeks of the Niger Delta adding that with the rapid response aerial surveillance platform of NAF, the days of indiscriminate crude oil and products theft are over. The GMD of NNPC was accompanied on the visit by some members of his top management.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 — 57

58—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 At the same time, we are taking the stress off the guests from having to carry gifts to the event venue and thirdly we are re-orienting the mind frame of people believing in voodoo or witchcraft which has always been the case. What is your company doing to promote the economic activity in Nigeria? I would rather you say what is the company doing rather than my company. Between when the idea was conceived and now some other people have come on board and they too are contributing to the growth of the business. One of such persons is our Executive Director, C o r p o r a t e Communications, Mr. Francis Chilaka, my sister Sandra Imazenobe, etc. We are creating e m p l o y m e n t opportunities as well as educating and encouraging young graduates on the need to pursue their passions and equally become employers of labour rather than waiting for white collar jobs that are not even there. How far have you gone in creating awareness? Publicity as you know is quite expensive, but we are doing our best. For now we are concentrating and taking advantage of the social media, referrals and reaching out to couples who are getting married especially, through churches. But with time and as the business grows, we will take advantage of other avenues for publicizing the business.

We are creating employment, educating and encouraging young graduates— IMAZENOBE ynthia Omozabieh Imazenobe is Chief Operating officer, Amadea Pandora Limited, a Lagosbased indigenous corporate event coordinating, packaging and management company. It specialises in bridging the gap between the gift needs of celebrants and their guests. Excerpts: How did it all start? I have always had passion for owning a business but the whole idea of Amadea Pandora Limited came up while discussing with friends while on holiday in the United Kingdom. You know how we ladies talk and gossip as people would call it. It was during such talks that some of my friends expressed fears about coming to Nigeria for their weddings and their main concern was based on the fear that people bewitch gifts given to couples during such celebrations and this got me thinking, that it will actually make sense having a business concern that bridges this gap. Knowing full well that ours is a different culture and people always like to come to events armed with their gifts. I spent close to a year studying and strategising on how best to enter the Nigerian market. Then in August 2012 I finally decided to take the bull by the horn and got the business duly registered. Even then I still could not get myself to get it off the ground because of pressures and fear of uncertainties.

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My parents initially were not supportive not because they did not want me to get busy, but for fear that it might affect my settling down in the near future. But when they saw it was a passion and I was not ready to let go, they had no choice but to back me up. I would therefore say that we officially commenced business in October 2013. It has not been easy but the future looks very bright. What services does your company render? We offer quite a number of services just like any other event company, drawing road map for intending couples, and those planning one celebration or the other. Over time, we have found out that the major problem especially with intending couples is making out the time to actually kickstart the planning of their weddings. So we come in, work out the road map and after which they are free to ask us to continue or disengage. We also

Every new concept and idea takes time to gain acceptability, but in the long run, people will come to appreciate the nature of our services

Imazenobe innovation? Nigeria is a lovely country with diverse culture as well as imported cultures, this is why we strongly believe that this business will thrive. Every new concept and idea takes time to gain acceptability, but in the long run, people will come to appreciate the nature of our services. The gift registry I tell you is meant to ensure that celebrants are actually presented with only those gifts they need.

provide a gift registry service. It’s new and unique. Basically what we do is to sit with the couples and come up with a list of what they would want their guests to give them as gifts and we open a page for them on our website with all the items uploaded, then the link is given to them which they in turn send to their friends and guests who log on and make purchases, at the end of the day, the goods so purchased are delivered to them with the list showing who bought what. We are partnering with Park n Shop and SPAR on this. Is the Nigerian environment a good place for this new

CSR: Air tel Touching Liv es, T ouc hing Dreams Airt Lives, Touc ouching ecently in Lagos, l e a d i n g telecommunica-tions operator, Airtel Nigeria unveiled Touch-ing Lives, a revolutionary CSR intervention initia-tive that runs under its Corporate Citizenship Programme with a major focus on enriching Nigerians and providing succour to the underprivileged members of the society. The programme seeks to identify underprivileged persons with specific challenges, pains and struggles with the ultimate objective of providing the needed

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help to empower and enrich the lives of these individuals. In 2011, the Bharti Airtel group commenced telecommunications operations in the country having acquired the then Zain networks. The coming of the company was a timely intervention in the telecommunications sector which had come reeling under the heavy weight of high tariffs, poor quality of service and suffocating competition imposed on it by the then operators. Subsequently, and almost predictably, it effected a major overhaul-

ing of the telecommunications landscape with the introduction of trademark pocket-friendly tariffs and a bouquet of innovative products and services creatively designed to serve various segments of the populace. Beside this, Airtel brought alongside its expertise in telecoms an enviable educational project under its Adopt-ASchool programme that offers underprivileged children access to quality education in environments conducive for learning whilst also providing them with all

(L-R) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, Mrs.Azizat Tijani representing Lagos State First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola and Jibril Saba, HR Director, Airtel Nigeria sharing a moment of laughter during the unveiling of Airtel Touching Lives CSR programme held in Lagos on Wednesday.

the materials for learning and study. To enhance the quality of teaching and knowledge in-take, the company holds various capacity building programmes for teachers in the concerned schools. Presently, Lagos, Imo, Ogun, Cross River and the FCT are the beneficiaries of this initiative. These feats have not gone unnoticed even in the high quarters of government. Mrs. Olufunke Amosun, wife of the Governor of Ogun State had this to say at the commissioning of one of the adopted schools in Ogun State, St. John’s Primary School, OkeAgbo, Ijebu-Igbo. “I feel really overwhelmed by Airtel’s Adopt-ASchool programme. Airtel came here unsolicited and is already doing so much. If only all of us can reach out the way Airtel has done, our society and, indeed, the world will be a better place. Airtel is not here today to market its products but to give back to our society”. While these other interventions may have set the standard for the transformation of public primary education in the above mentioned states, the touching of lives initiative is a rather bigger

The coming of the company was a timely intervention in the telecommunica-tions sector which had come reeling under the heavy weight of high tariffs stage for all the prospects it holds. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Airtel has recorded huge successes with its many CSR interventions in the past, but this initiative marks a significant milestone in our company’s history of CSR interventions in the country. Indeed, Airtel Touching Lives is our major pillar for giving. It is not money for exposure. It is not a publicity drive. It is borne out of our genuine desire to build an equitable society; a society where the strong supports the weak.” The touching lives initiative is a good presage of the improved quality of life the needy Nigerian looks forward to. If there were initial doubts about this assertion, all must have been rested by now”. Indications of this were rife less than 18 hours after the launch as more than five thousand entries were received across the country. There are over 90,000 valid entries recorded via emails, sms and voice. Mr. Ogunsanya described this response as a responsibility the company is well-primed to take on . “If you are big, the society places some obligations on you. It is an obligation which we accept willingly. This is a new beginning and a new dawn as we join our hands at Airtel to uplift underprivileged Nigerians. It is a responsibility which I am very proud of.” Airtel Touching Lives is strongly perceived as a tailor-fit independent response to the myriads of challenges the common man faces in his quest for a better life.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—59

TRIBUTE

A Tribute to a great soccer legend

BY TONY AMADI was holidaying in Port Harcourt in 1962 when I had the rarest of opportunities to meet the great soccer legend, Albert Onyeanwuna at the Port Harcourt City stadium. This was my second year at the Ibo Union Grammar School, Kano at the elite college which the Igbo merchants of Kano had established and modeled on Britain’s Eton College primarily for their children to attain the highest levels of education in those days. The college was special enough for the Premier of Northern Nigeria the late Sir Ahmadu Bello to send one of his relatives, Sani to attend the college. We were both in Class 2B. Staying just across the road from the stadium at No. 10 Takoradi Street, Port Harcourt with my in-law, Francis Uzoenyi,

ALBERT ONYEANWUNA:

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hang around his No 30 house hoping to see and adore him. A few kids like me used to loiter around as well to see the famous man and he used to honour us with his presence by coming out, his trademark haircut which he wore with a pattern that had a straight line cut on the left side of the massive hair was copied by many soccer buffs in the area. On the national stage, Onyeanwuna was a sensation and proved a continental threat to defenders of his generation. He always found a way to wriggle through the massed defence, whether it was Lagos teams or international teams clashing with the Nigerian sides that he played for. In the days of their clashes with Black Stars of Ghana, Onyeanwuna was one of the few strikers that were an antidote to the deadly defenders of the Black Stars. On a major soccer date against the Ghanaians, Lagos used to freeze when

The passion exhibited in those days by players was certainly greater even with the general state of penury that marked the fate of footballers of the fifties and sixties

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I was not necessarily a soccer addict but as an avid newspaper reader, I knew by their names all the soccer stars of that generation such as Thunder Balogun, Albert Onyeanwuna, Elkanah Onyeali, Dejo Fayemi, Godwin Achebe, Fabian Duru, Augustine Oduah and others. I had never watched a major football match before this one and I was very excited. The Red Devils of NPA, Port Harcourt were playing ECN of Lagos and the three Onye’s – Onyeador (Green Eagles captain in the early sixties) Onyali and Onyeanwuna were on the team list. The Red Devils were in action and Onyeanwuna scored a brace and the excitement I had was simply too much for me to put up with that I had to write a report of the match and send to the Eastern Nigerian Guardian newspaper of Port Harcourt which had its offices close to Takoradi Street on Bathurst Street. I had no inkling that the report would be published until the Monday after the match when the Editor ran the report under my byline Anthony Amadi. It was my first ever printed article and it felt like owning a million dollars. Onyeanwuna lived at Lagos Street, Port Harcourt, just a stone throw from my Takoradi street residence and I used to

they touched down at the Ikeja airport as it was known in those days. They came with their deadly strikers like Agreey Finn, Gyamfi and the rest of them that I cannot remember their name. But Onyeanwuna and the Nigerian side were always going to give a good account of themselves, even though there were days that Ghana gave us a good thrashing. Looking back, I doubt if Nigeria could ever produce great players like those of that generation. The passion exhibited in those days by players was certainly greater even with the general state of penury that marked the fate of footballers of the fifties and sixties. Onyeanwuna and his generation served Nigeria with more zeal. They still maintained their day jobs at NPA (Nigeria Ports Authority) or ECN (Electricity Corporation of Nigeria) unlike footballers these days that play professionally. If Onyeanwuna were a British citizen, the premiership we all adore today would hold a series of events in his honour. A minute silence would be observed in all match venues on his passing and his name would have become Sir Albert Onyeanwuna MBE (Member of the British Empire). What is the Federal Minister of Sports Dr Tamuno Danagogo waiting to send Onyeanwuna’s

name as well as other great footballers that brought immense glory to Nigeria to the National Merit Award for appropriate posthumous honour? What is Rotimi Amaechi waiting to rename one of the stadiums in Port Harcourt after Onyeanwuna? Or can’t they, in his honour, build a monument at No 30 Lagos Street, Port Harcourt or even rename that street after this great man who lived most of his life there in the Garden City to the glory of Nigerian sports? Thank God that Anambra State is doing something about honouring Onyeanwuna by the string of events penciled down for his burial programme on 19th September at Abatete, his home town by the Action Governor Willie Obiano and his vibrant Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Chief Tony Nnachetta who is a guru himself in the arena of Nigerian Sports. What makes the new governor tick is simply that he is fixing round pegs in round holes and not placing dummies around him to confuse him the more. In a News Agency of Nigeria report on Sept. 5, 2014, the Anambra Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Tony Nnacheta, confirmed that the state would immortalize the late football legend, Albert Onyeanwuna, who died on April 22 in Lagos. Nnachetta inaugurated a 15-member burial committee in Awka to plan and execute the burial, and promised that Onyeanwuna would be buried on Sept. 19 at Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state in recognition of his contribution to Nigerian football. He said the state gov-

ernment had also constituted a 30-man national committee comprising top football personalities across the country, assuring that the late soccer hero would be given a befitting state funeral. According to the Commissioner, “This is in remembrance of his contributions to the growth and development of the game in Nigeria.” He described the late footballer as an illustrious son of the state, and added that the Anambra State government would continue to appreciate any son or daughter that brought the state to limelight. He said that burial activities for the football legend would hold in four Nigerian cities — Lagos, Port Harcourt, Awka and Abatete. Nnacheta said the Port Harcourt All Stars would also play a friendly with Port Harcourt ex-professionals at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt,

on Sept. 13. The commissioner said the final football match on Sept. 18 would be played at the home town of the legend between Enugu All Stars and Onitsha All Stars, at Notre Dame College pitch, Abatete. The late Onyeanwuna would lie in state at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka on Sept. 18 and would be laid to rest after a funeral mass at the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Agbaja, Abatete on Sept. 19. Onyeanwuna was one of the biggest players of his era, a master dribbler who debuted for the Red Devils, as the Nigerian senior football team was then known, on Oct. 30, 1955. He was a member of the Eastern Region’s Spartans Football Club that won the National Golden Cup for keeps in the 60s.

May the soul of Albert Onyeanwuna rest in perfect peace!

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*Albert Onyeanwuna

60—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

By: ADERONKE ADEYERI AND JULIET EBIRIM

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

EBOLA

Nigerians want E diplomat ja

Section 247 (b) of the criminal code of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria provides that:” any person who does any act which is, and which he knows or has reasons to believe to likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life whether human or animal; is guilty of misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for six months.”

HOW KOYE’S ACTION LED TO TWO DEATHS lu-Ibukun Koye, an official of the Economic Com munity of West African States (ECOWAS), had primary contact with Patrick Sawyer, the AmericanLiberian who brought Ebola Virus Disease to Nigeria. He was subsequently placed under HOME OBSERVATION during which officials of Lagos State Government were visiting him in the morning and in the evening to check his temperature and to see if he was developing the EVD symptoms. On the third day of the inspection, Koye disappeared from his house, switched off his phone and escaped to Port Hacourt. Officials of the Department of State Security mounted a search for him. He was only found after more than two weeks after he had infected Dr Iyke Enemou who was treating him in a hotel in Port Hacourt. Koye had developed the symptoms and rather than report himself to the authorities he escaped to another city. The doctor that treated him died of Ebola and an elderly woman who shared the same hospital room with Dr Enemou also died of Ebola disease, all as a result of his unreasonable action. He survived the disease. We asked Nigerians if the law quoted above should be invoked on Koye. Read their comments:

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Ifunnaya

Madam Mercy Ndubiri

Evelyn

Jennifer

Odunukwe

Blessing

The criminal code should be reviewed Barrister Jones

That criminal code under offences against public health section 247 ought to have been reviewed in the light of new developments so that the punishment will be commensurate to the severity of the offence. What is 6 months imprisonment compared to all the people that carrier might kill? Regarding the spread of Ebola, the law should be extended to all

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NIGERIANS REACT:

It’s a criminal act and the law should take its course to serve as a deterrent to other people, not just on Ebola, but for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases

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Lanre the accomplices - those who helped the carrier of the disease to escape from monitoring.

Princewill

Olubukun Koye commit-

Olubukun Koye is a learned person who knew the aftermath of his actions. His action was criminal but I

ted a crime – Ifunnaya Nwadinobi, Trader

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—61

level of incompetence on the path of the present administration. The best thing is just to leave him alone to face the wrath of God in judgment.

To leave him to live is inhuman – Madam Mercy Ndubiri, Trader

He should face the law Ichie Akajiugo, Village Head

Ichie

That man should be killed for killing others intentionally. I know the law says he is liable to six months imprisonment but I think that is too lenient for a wicked being like him. To leave this man to live is inhuman. But with the provision of the law, he should spend a year in jail.

Since there are provisions in the law for such offences, he should be made to face the law, since it’s a criminal offence.

Our judiciary is weak in passing judgment - Mr. Anele Kelvin, Businessman

His act can be likened to that of a wizard – Jennifer Nwachukwu, Student Let us leave Olubukun Okoye to God for judgment but humanly speaking, Koye is not worthy to live. That act can be likened to that of a wizard and a witch or wizard should be killed as the bible commands.

He was aware that he had the virus and didn’t want to die alone. As a country, there are laws guiding us, so I believe the law should take its course, though our judicial system is usually weak in delivering judgment.

The law should take its course - Okey Uju, Freight Forwarder

Mr. Anele

Koye is wicked and self centered – Odunukwe, Trader

I think Olubukun Okoye should be dealt with, although I don’t pray for any other epidemic in Nigeria but he should be made to pay for people like him are wicked and self centered. He should be arrested and made to face the music squarely within the six months imprisonment according to the law of the federation.

It’s a criminal act and the law should take its course to serve as a deterrent to other people, not just on Ebola, but for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. There should be more awareness on these infections. In a way Ebola has helped us to be more hygiene conscious.

He should be jailed for a year - Princewill Hillary, Businessman

Our security system is porous Evelyn, Businesswoman Koye at the time of taking this decision was not thinking right. He was probably confused and so should not be blamed at all. I really blame the government for this mishap. If the government can not secure such people then we should all know this country is now a shadow of itself.. This act also shows that our security system is porous. My advice to the government is to ensure that the isolation centers

Personally, I would say he should be jailed for one year, because if not for him, the virus would not spread to Port harcourt. But because of God, he should be left alone.

He should be charged with murder - Mr. Lanre Martins, Trader

Okey will also blame the Nigerian government for the way he escaped. The primary focus of any government should be the safety of her citizenry but that is not the case in Nigeria. Olubukun Okoye’s case shows the

For intentionally spreading that deadly virus, he should face the music. He should be apprehended and charged with murder. If he wasn’t aware that he had the virus, it would be a different issue. But he was aware and he escaped only to end up infecting another person. He should be apprehended.

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ECOWAS iled!

That man should be killed for killing others intentionally

remain secure in other to achieve the reason for which it was created. Every Nigerian should remain conscious.

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Six months not enough Blessing Okeke, Hair Stylist

He should be jailed. I don’t think six months are even enough. People have lost their lives as a result of his actions, so he should also die. I think a life imprisonment is a better punishment for him.

For intentionally spreading that deadly virus, he should face the music. He should be apprehended and charged with murder. If he wasn’t aware that he had the virus, it would be a different issue. But he was aware and he escaped only to end up infecting another person. He should be apprehended

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62 —SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Tennis Clinic breeds new players in Abuja HE 2014 Setraco/ Zenith bank junior tennis clinic in Abuja has recorded tremendous feat

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Ghana sack Appiah HE Ghana Football As sociation has confirmed parting ways with Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah have agreed to mutually part ways. Appiah met with officials on Friday and both reached an agreement for both parties to go either way. A statement on the Ghana FA official website read: “The two parties met on Friday morning to reach the agreement on the departure of Mr. Appiah. “The lawyers of the two parties will meet next week to decide on the severance package for Mr. Appiah based on the contract of his appointment. “The GFA wishes to thank Mr Appiah for his diligent

with some greenhorns showing good skills. According to former national coach, Rotimi Akinloye “this year ’s clinic have shown that it is better to catch them young, the level of enthusiasm is always high among the

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Gabon refuse Eaglets flight into Libreville •NFF protests to CAF HE Nigeria Football Federation has sent a strong letter of protest to the Confederation of African Football over Friday’s unsavoury incident in Lome, which saw Gabonese authorities disembark members of the U-17 National Team delegation from a Gabon –bound ASKY Airline flight. Having flown from their base in Calabar to Lagos and travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou as a result of the cancellation of all Gabon –bound flights from Lagos, the delegation members were issued boarding passes on the ASKY Airline flight from Cotonou to Libreville, via Lome, only to be subjected to the harsh treatment after landing in the Togolese capital. The protest letter signed by NFF General Secretary, Barrister

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•Appiah service to the country as the coach of the Black Stars for the past two years We wish him every success for the future.”

Mayweather vows to KO Maidana F LOYD Mayweather has vowed to knock out Argentine brawler Marcos Maidana in tonight’s welterweight clash. Mayweather, who won a majority decision over Maidana in May, will battle the South American again for the World Boxing Association/World Boxing Council welterweight crowns. “I know that I am almost 40 but I am still going strong,” the 37-year-old Mayweather said “I am coming to make a statement.” Mayweather, 46-0 with 26 knockouts, will need to get off to a better start against Maidana than he did in their first fight in order to keep his perfect record intact. Maidana will be trying to pace himself so that he doesn’t run out of steam in the later rounds. “I don’t have to make any adjustments. He do,” Mayweather said. “I won. He has to make adjustments.” Maidana, 35-4 with 31 knockouts, landed 51 percent of his punches with Mayweather on the ropes. His aggressive game plan worked for the first six rounds as he landed 221 punches on Mayweather, the most of any opponent.

Musa Amadu, read inter alia: “On getting to Lome, our delegation Members were disembarked and their luggage brought out of the aircraft, and told that they would no longer be flown to Libreville, on the orders of Gabonese Authorities. “We strongly protest this harsh, unkind and unfair treatment of players below the age of 17, who have had to go through this arduous and tiring journey only to further their career in football. We are very much aware that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stated clearly that football matches should not to take place in only three countries, namely Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, as a result of the Ebola Virus Disease pandemic.”

•Amuneke

teenagers but most new entrants this year are exhibiting so much interest and are learning fast. “”They showed that they really want to learn, improve their skills, play better and be part of the tournament and I am happy with their performance level so far”. One of the promising players Isah Jibril, who came to the clinic for the first time in this years’ edition said he had always admired players on television and have looked forward to handling the racket. He said the coaches have been good by being patient with them in the under 10 category. Osi Oshame “I have been playing table tennis with my Dad and so this new experience is good for me, I now know how to handle the racket and hit the ball hard to my fellow player”.

•Coach Rotimi Akinloye with the tennis kids in Abuja.

OSING US Open finalists Caroline Wozniacki has spoken on the qualities she looks out for in her man. ‘I would like a taller guy so I can wear my heels. Someone who is fun to be around who doesn’t take himself too seriously.’ It is not the first time she has joked about the fact that at 5ft10 she is taller than McIlroy. She revealed that golf champion Rory McIlroy dumped her over the phone just days after they sent out their wedding invitations. Speaking about the split for the first time, she said had been left her in shock when McIlroy then issued a statement to the

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I can now wear high heels Ultimate Commander after breaking up with Rory dreams big — Wozniacki C world’s media after their conversation. In an interview on American TV the 24-year-old Danish tennis star said: ‘It was very hard because he made it very public from the start. He put out a press release so I didn’t have a choice, you know, it just got put in my face. ‘Oh I was shocked. I thought at least, you know, I would get a face to face or something. But there was nothing – it was just a phone call and I did not hear from him again. ‘I don’t think you expect to find yourself in a situation like that, you can’t prepare yourself or your body for anything like that so I think I was in a bit of a shocked phase there for a while.’ OMMONWEALTH wrestling champion Ultimate Commander has set his sights on conquering America and become the undisputed wrestling king of the world. Speaking in Lagos, the Ultimate Commander said that having won everything in Nigeria, Africa, Commonwealth, that the icing on the cake for him would be “to conquer America, which makes me the helmsman of all both within the Common Wealth nations and America’. Looking ahead to the novelty wrestling fight in honour of the late Nelson Mandela, scheduled to hold in South Africa, Ultimate Commander said he was honoured to be listed among the wrestlers set to fight on that night.

•Wozniacki

“Sometimes, in the game of wrestling, you could try and try without luck and you might win. Just like what is happening now, we are just among the lucky ones selected by South Africa to honour some great legends like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jnr and the Queen of England. It promises to be a great event. I am willing to do my best to rekindle the spirit of wrestling in Nigeria. It is a pity that for many years I have been fighting as a wrestler, I have never been accorded the honour with the Nigerian flag or colour but this time, we took it upon ourselves. Bringing top wrestlers is not an easy task.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 continued from B/P absolutely wonderful match-up between two of the league’s top sides, Arsenal and Manchester at the Emirates Stadium.. The Gunners are pinning plenty of hope on new signing Danny Welbeck, who came over from Manchester United on Transfer Deadline Day and scored a brace for England against Switzerland during the

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Arsenal

Eagles: Uduaghan calls for reflection HURSDAY was a sports day in Asaba. The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye was there to extol the virtues of sports development and to thumb up for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for his huge investment in sports that he said has made Delta the number one state in sports. The commissioning of Delta Football Association House named after Patrick Okpomo, the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association, attracted Elegbeleye and many other teeming football technocrats to Asaba. Aminu Maigari, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, his Vice Mike Umeh, Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green and some members of his Executive Board. FA Chairmen from different parts of the country graced the occasion. “This is beautiful, it is better than what we have in Abuja as the FA house,” Elegbeleye said while commending Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as a pillar of sports, not only in Delta State but also in Nigeria. Elegbeleye told the Governor that the NSC was full of appreciation for the national athletes produced by Delta ,whose sports programmes he highly commended. He said that with such support from Delta, it would be a surprise if Nigeria “does not win medals at the next Olympic Games in Rio.” Chairman of the Delta Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick had enumerated the number of medals Delta athletes won at the Commonwealth Games and in the African Athletics Championships and was proud of the performance of Delta athletes in international events. Uduaghan in his brief remark said that the results Nigeria was reaping now were the fall-out of the sports summit Delta held in Asaba, after the failure in the London Olympics. He told

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continued from B/P He said the players need to forget the famous victory at Manchester City and build on the achievement. “Everyone is buzzing following that win away at Manchester City,” Nigeria international Victor Moses told his club’s official website. “It was a fantastic win, but we need to put it behind us and keep that momentum going into this weekend, but we know it’s going to be a difficult game. “It can be hard going into a game after the international break, but everyone who hasn’t been away has worked incredibly hard and

break. Frank Lampard could make his debut against Arsenal today, manager Manuel Pellegrini has said French defender Eliaquim Mangala, who signed from Porto for 32 million pounds ($51.98 million) in August, is also in contention as City face a busy week of fixtures against Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. “Frank is ready,” Pellegrini told a news conference. “He has worked for about one month and he doesn’t have any problems. Mangala is working normally and is in the squad list also. “We have to play three games in a week so we will see if they play in these games. Both of them are ready to do it but I can’t say which games they will play or if they will play.” City will be without midfielder Fernando and in-form striker Stevan Jovetic, who picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty for Montenegro, for the trip to The Emirates but captain Vincent Kompany has recovered from a calf problem. With Jovetic sidelined and striker Alvaro Negredo departing for Valencia, City’s attacking options are limited but Pellegrini said letting Negredo was the right decision. “We had a restriction on the ALL FOR DELTA— Delta FA Chairman Pinnick Amaju (c) explains a point to NFF bosss number of players we can use in Aminu Maigairi (r), NSC D.G. Gbenga Elegbeleye (l), Chris Green and Mike Umeh at the the Champions League, we had commissioning of the Patrick Okpomo House in Asaba. Photo: Henry Unimi. one player more and in this case Elegbeleye and Maigari not to be expose and they still don’t get it,” Bassey of CAF and FIFA were Alvaro was injured so he was not shy to ask for his assistance as far Otubu said. Dominic Oneya, the among the top football men going to be on the list,” the Chilean said. former NFA chairman, Paul around. as sports was concerned. “ Anything you want me to do for Nigerian sports, don’t hesitate to approach me. I’ll do it for you.” Ovation followed. And facing Maigari and his men, Uduaghan ARLO Ancelotti has said, “the future of Nigerian poured cold water over football is in this room. Y ou all have fears that Cristiano Ronaldo is a challenge to raise the game. The suffering from a chronic knee two results Eagles have had in injury and says Real Madrid’s the ongoing Nations Cup talisman is at “100 per cent” for LYMPIC and Paralympic track star qualifiers should be a wake-up today’s big derby clash Atlético Oscar Pistorius was convicted of call for everybody. I hope that the Madrid at the Bernabeu. manslaughter yesterday, escaping the more results are enough for you to serious charge of murder for the killing of “Cristiano has worked great, his girlfriend, and will now battle to avoid reflect on what happened and he’s at 100 per cent,” he said. “He going to prison. plan to turn the tide.” plays when he’s alright, when The 27-year-old double amputee, who Earlier, at the commissioning of he’s not tired or risking injuries. became one of the biggest names in world the Okpomo House, John I don’t think he played too much athletics, stood impassively in the dock, his Oganwu, an ex international, last season, he played those hands folded in front of him, as Judge described the event as historic and games in which he wasn’t risking Thokozile Masipa delivered her verdict. commended the vision of the Delta anything. We handled him well, Pistorius was also convicted of firing a pistol FA. Special tribute was paid to he scored a lot of goals. He under the table of a packed Johannesburg Dere Otubu, the man who trained doesn’t have a chronic injury.” restaurant but cleared of two other firearms Amaju Pinick in football charges – illegal possession of ammunition Some reports suggested and firing a pistol out of the sun-roof of a administration and whom Amaju officials inside the club were car. served as Vice Chairman before concerned at Ronaldo’s longMasipa based her decision of culpable he assumed the mantle of term fitness after pushing himself homicide on the reasoning that Pistorius had leadership in Delta football. “I’m to the limit with Los Blancos last acted negligently when he fired four shots happy that Amaju learned well. term but Ancelotti has brushed from a 9mm pistol into a toilet door in his There are those who we will those fears aside. luxury Pretoria home, killing Steenkamp, who was behind it, almost instantly. He said it was a tragic error, and that he had believed he was shooting at an intruder. positive attitude because we know Steenkamp’s mother June was we are unconvinced, saying: “Justice was not “It’s not going to be easy, but we we are good enough to get the served.” need to go into the game with a three points.”

Ronaldo is ‘100%’ for derby C Pistorius guilty of manslaughter O

Moses

continued from B/P automatic qualification ticket to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The race to AFCON 2015 is heating up, with the reigning kings, Nigeria heightening fears amongst their fans, after picking up a solitary point from an available six, to now sit precariously in the third position in Group A, comprising Congo, South Africa and Sudan. Congo top with six points,

Mashaba followed by Bafana Bafana, with four points while Sudan remain the whipping team, with no point from two games played. With only two teams guaranteed automatic slots to Morocco 2015, Eagles are in grave danger of missing out of the biggest soccer showpiece on the continent. A clear picture of Eagles fate will emerge next month when they travel to face Sudan on October 10, followed by the return leg in Calabar on October 15. On these same dates, Congo and South Africa will be locked in a battle for supremacy, with the Congolese playing hosts first before traveling to the Rainbow nation for their reverse fixture. And speaking in an interview with the Cape Times, Mashaba said the Eagles were not in control of their destiny. “Having lost to Congo in Calabar, Nigeria no longer have

control of their fate. Losing at home is a big deal in this qualifying campaign. It is not going to be easy for a team that lost at home to qualify. “So I feel that Nigeria have lost their chance but it is not entirely over for them as they still have four match to play. But the points dropped at home might count against them at last”, added Mashaba, who is having his second stint as coach of the Bafana Bafana.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Today’s EPL Fixtures Arsenal Chelsea Crystal Palace Southampton Stoke Sunderland West Brom Liverpool v v v v v v v v Man City Swansea Burnley Newcastle Leicester Tottenham Everton Aston Villa 12.45 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 5.30 p.m.

ARSENAL VS MAN CITY Emirates Stadium 12:45 pm

REAL VS ATLETICO 7 PM

Ronaldo is ‘100%’ for derby •Pg.63

Arsenal, City in royal rumble HE Premier League returns from international break with an

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•Ronaldo

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Nations Cup race:

•Ramsey

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Eagles have lost their chance — Mashaba AFANA Bafana coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes” Mashaba has taunted that Super Eagle have spurned their opportunity to secure an

STOKE VS LEICESTER

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Moses eyes win ICTOR Moses has said he looks forward to Stoke City beating Leicester City on Saturday to sustain the momentum after a big win at Manchester City. Continues on Page 63 ACROSS 1.President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kayode – (6) 4.Heartland FC Goalkeeper, Daniel – (6) 7.Vapour – (3) 8.Lesotho Capital City – (6) 9.Country in Africa – (6) 10.Senator for Yobe North,Ahmed – (5) 13.Former Super Eagles Right Full-back, Taiye – (5) 15.Former Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom – (5) 17.L.G.A in Bayelsa State – (5) 18.Fabric – (5) 20.Former Tunisia ‘’Carthage Eagles’’ Defender, Radhi – (5) 23.Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (5) 26.Imo State Capital – (6) 27.Country in South America – (6) 28.Golf Peg – (3) DOWN

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Ghana sack Appiah — Pg.62 •Keshi 1.Former Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud – (6) 2.Egyptian President, Mr. Abdelfatah – (6) 3.Dolphins FC Coach, Stanley – (5) 4.Delta State Capital – (5) 5.State in Nigeria – (6) 6.L.G.A in Ondo State – (6) 10.Singapore Prime Minister, Lee – (5) 11.President, Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU), Mr. Ayuba – (5) 12.Former Minister of Power, Mr. Bartholomew – (5) 14.Former Head of Civil Service of Nigeria, Alhaji Bukar Goni – (3) 16.Young Goat – (3) 18.Director, Pepsi Football Academy, Mr. Kashimawo – (6) 21.Former Super Eagles Striker, Odion – (6) 22.Minister of Niger DeltaAffairs, Mr. Darius – (6) 24.Super Falconets (U-21) Goalkeeper, Ibubeleye – (5) 25.Indian Currency – (5)

•Mashaba

•Moses

Eagles: Uduaghan calls for reflection •Speaks on Asaba Spor ts Summit — Pg.63 Albert Onyeanwuna: A tribute to a great soccer legend — Pg.59

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SOLUTION on page 16

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