Tension as ACN, PDP Battle for Edo

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2— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 — 3

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4— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

D-DAY FOR EDO ELECTION

Tension in Edo, as ACN, PDP mobilize for support B

ENIN CITY-POLITICAL tension heightened in Edo state, as leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), relocate to their villages ahead today’s governorship election in the state.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the ACN will be slugging it out with Gen.Charles Airhiavbere of the PDP and Solomon Edebiri of the ANPP. But a public opinion poll on the Edo State governorship election conducted by an Abujabased Centre for Public opinion and Media Research has placed Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the ACN ahead with 75.8 per cent.

The straw poll in which 2, 920 respondents who are registered voters were sampled in 30 towns and villages across the three Senatorial Districts in the State, placed the PDP and its candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) second with 14.1 percent.

The ANPP and its candidate, Chief Solomon Edebiri came third with 1.2 percent while the CPC candidate, Elder Roland Izevbuwa who has already stepped down for Governor Oshiomhole, came fourth with 0.3 percent.

Voters who could not make up their minds were 8.1 percent or 236 of the population sampled.Of the total figure sampled, 532 were from Edo North, 247 from Edo Central and 1,433 were from Edo South.

Analysis of the figure shows that 58.7 of those sampled were males while 40.8 percent were females. Besides, 77.3 percent of the respondents believe that INEC will conduct free and fair election while 22.7 said no. Also, 63.3 percent of the respondents said they have no reason to fear violence at the election, while 36.7 percent entertain fear at the election.

In order of preference, the respondents considered health issues first with a percentage of 30.9, Education followed with 23:1, Job creation, 20.3; security 8.2, Roads, 14.1 and others 3.4 percent.

According to the project consultant, Mr. Tony Abolo 118 interviewers drawn from the University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and Auchi Polytechnic carried out the straw poll.

Managing Director of Agama Environment and Energy Services Limited, the firm that carried out the poll, Mr. Peter Ritchie explained that the poll has an error margin of between 10 – 15 percent.

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zSecurity tight in 192 wards, ACN youth leaders go under ground, zArmed soldiers take over streets day Vanguard that “the oppozNSCDC DEPLOYS 7,000 PERSONNEL sition brought their Federal zNo curfew—Edo govt might to arrest some of us so

•Adams Oshiomhole

•Gen Airhiavbere

,

SIMON EBEGBULEM

They threw up charges against us but we insisted that it will not happen; they held me for few hours before I was left alone

,

•Solomon Edebiri However, some ACN youth leaders have gone under ground following threats that they will be arrested and flown to Abuja few hours to the election. The opposition see those youth leaders as troublesome and decided to get ride of

them to ensure that they are caged before the election.

There was a reported clash at the early hours of yesterday at Owan West Local Government Council of the state following attempts by some security agents to arrest some

ACN youths. One of the youth leaders (names withheld) who was detained but later released after the ACN youths in the area vowed to engage the security agents in a physical fight if the youth leader was not released, told Satur-

that we will not be around for the election.

“They threw up charges against us but we insisted that it will not happen. They held me for few hours before I was left alone”.

Meanwhile, some people involved in the buying and selling of voters cards in Edo Central were arrested Thursday night. However, the national leader of one of the contending parties fought doggedly for their release.

Saturday Vanguard observed that the camps of Oshiomhole and Airhiavbere are mobilizing their men both financially and otherwise to ensure victory for their respective camps. It was observed that the two political parties screened their agents carefully in order to avoid any form of sabotage.

But the ACN is seriously being threatened in Oredo and Ovia North East, due to the presence of the Business mogul, Captan Hosa Okunbor and the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion respectively in those councils.

However, information available to Saturday Vanguard indicates that the leadership of the ACN are aware of the problem and are making frantic efforts to ensure they defeat the PDP in these areas.

Oredo is the heart of the city but it has always been an ACN territory. But the PDP governorship candidate, Gen Airhiavbere will vote here today in his ward one.

As the people of Edo state go to the polls today, Oshiomhole is expected to cast his vote in his village in Iyamo while the ANPP candidate Edebiri will be voting in his Igbogbe ward in Uhunmwonde.

IGP bans vigilante, neighbourhood groups from monitoring election

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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OLLOWING allegations and counter allegations by governorship candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his PDP counterpart, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) over alleged recruitment of political thugs for today’s election, Inspector- General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has banned all vigilante and neighbourhood groups from

monitoring the election in the state.

The ban on the local security groups was announced by the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting held in Benin.

At the meeting, the PDP governorship candidate, Charles Airhiavbere frowned at the alleged invasion of the state ahead of the election by AsariDokunbo led Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF) as well as the constitution of neighbourhood watch by the state governor a week to the elec-

tion.

The PDP candidate also alleged that Asari- Dokunbo led group has trained political thugs to intimidate and molest voters especially those in the Edo Central Senatorial district.

He alleged that men of the neighbourhood watch were on a N60, 000 monthly salary, adding that the government employed local vigilante groups which have been positioned in all neighbouring borders in the state.

He therefore urged the au-

thorities of the Nigeria Police and the military to nip in the bud, the likely unwholesome activities of the groups.

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole on his part also accused the PDP leadership in the state of recruiting and sewing security agencies uniform for thugs in the state with a view to use them to rig the election.

Banning the local security groups, the IG said the groups though recognized by law

Continues on page 5

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 — 5

INEC moves to LGAs

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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S Edo people goes to the polls today to elect a governor of their choice, the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has began movement of electoral materials within Benin City and the 18 local governments of the state amidst tight security.

The Electoral materials were received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Mr. Kassim Gaidam from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the presence of participating political parties represented by their agents as well as officials of the electoral body who witnessed the movement of the materials that started as early as 6am yesterday.

According to the Resident

D-DAY FOR EDO ELECTION deployes 7,000 sensitive electoral materials NSCDC personnel

He said materials for 13 local government areas were already on their way to the council areas where they would further be distributed to 192 wards in the state.

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HE authorities of the Uni versity of Benin (UNIBEN), yesterday, said it has concluded arrangements to deploy biometric data capturing technology for both staff and students of the institution.

The fingerprint capture exercise, according to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Godwin Oshodin, the first of its kind by any Nigerian university, was put in place

by UNIBEN to monitor numerical strength of staff and students of the institution and to resolve the issue of paying wages to non-existing workers.

According to him, staff and students of the university will automatically receive transaction information on their phones or special e-mail addresses, at the completion of registration.

The VC described as an exercise in futility, making plans for the needs of a large population without certainty of figure as an exercise in futility, saying the biometric exercise was a conception of his administration, as a means of addressing identified problems.

He said, “The implication of this is that the exercise will no doubt enhance our presence in the international scene, bearing in mind that

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•Prof-Attahiru-Jega-INEC-Bos1

20 Residents Electoral Commissioners (RECs) deployed for the election.

ALSO deployed were eight National Commis-

UNIBEN set to deploy biometric data capturing machine SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY EVELYN USMAN

Electoral Commissioner from Ondo State, Mr. Akin Orebiyii who spoke to newsmen at about 2pm yesterday, the movement of the materials has been hitch-free.

“As at this moment, everything is well under control.

Materials have been distributed to the various local government electoral officers and as I am speaking now, they are on their way to the council areas across the state,” he said.

at the last webometrics ranking of universities in the world, UNIBEN was ranked number one in Nigeria and 20 in the Africa.

“Other benefits of the exercise include elimination of ghost workers, as perpetrated in some departments, culminating in the flushing out of bad eggs in the salaries and wages unit.

“It will also help to generate accurate statistics of students which will help eliminate the issue of fake students, and by extension, ameliorate impersonation among students at examinations.”

sioners while 18 INEC top officials would be incharge of each of the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking on the preparedness of the commission, Orebiyi explained that the electoral body was poised for a free, fair and credible election in Edo State just as he said that

adequate security measures have been put in place to mitigate any untoward behaviour.

He however added that most of the trouble-shooting incidents would be security inclined and advised parents and guardians to caution their children or wards against fomenting trouble.

HEAD of today’s gubernatorial election in Edo state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps has deployed 7,000 personnel to work with other security agents with a view to ensuring a violence- free election.

Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ade Abolurin in a statement signed by spokesman for the Corps,Mr Okeh Emmanuel, advised indigenes of the state to shun threat of violence on election day, describing it as a calculated attempt to prevent them from coming out to vote.

Rather, he assured them of their safety, warning anyone or group that might be preparing to cause mayhem or be used as mercenaries “ to jeopardize the credibility or fairness of the election process to know that they will be faced with the full force of the law”.

Considering the political tension in the state, he explained that the personnel deployed comprised the Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency unit; the Nuclear, Bio-chemical and Radioactive Team, Technical and Operational staff , as well as Dog

section for crowd control and orderliness. The personnel he said, “ have since been deployed to monitor both pre and post election situations with a view to nipping in the bud any act that could jeopardize the smooth running of the election or any act capable of causing election malpractices or post election crises.

No curfew —Govt

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HE Edo State gov ernment has denied reports of imposition of curfew in the state.

According to a statement signed by Peter Okhiria, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo Governor, the State government debunked the rumour saying “ the Edo State Government wishes to assure all citizens and residents in the state that government has not imposed any curfew in any part of the state.

“Anybody who has any legitimate business to do in any part of the state today is free to do so.

Government warns that anyone caught spreading such rumour with the intent to cause panic or chaos will be prosecuted.”

Armed soldiers take over streets •as NLC President assures of peaceful election

BY EBUN SESSOU with Agency Report

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HEAD of Saturday’s governorship election i n Edo, armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen have taken over major streets in the state.

Saturday Vanguard gath-

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Chief Operating Officer, Anambra State Government Signage and Advertisement Agency, Jude O. Emecheta and Chairman, Senate committee on Information, Senator Ayogu Eze, at the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON 2012 Forum at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

ered that the armed soldiers could be seen strategically positioned along major roads and streets in Benin, Auchi, Uromi, and Ekpoma. The armed soldiers conductstop and search of motor vehicles.

According to reports, the heavy security presence may not be unconnected with various allegations and counter allegations that have greeted the governorship election.

It will be recalled that there have been allegations by political parties of plans to rig the election with fake policemen, Independent National Electoral Commission officials and the use of fake voters’ card.

Meanwhile, journalists are also facing difficulty in getting accreditation for the election.

As at the time of filling this report, several journalists from within and

outside the state are yet to be accredited.

In the same view, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwahed Omar, has assured workers in Edo that there will be a peaceful election in the state today.

Omar advised the workers to turnout in large number to exercise their franchise and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during and after the governorship election.

In an interview with agency news in Abuja yesterday, the NLC President said, the union was keep-

ing a tab on events concerning the election in the state.

He said he was concerned about the increasing spate of deaths arising from political activities in the state and urged the security operatives to check violence during the e l e c t i o n .

Omar urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill his promise by providing adequate security for the people during the e l e c t i o n .

“I want to assure the people that there will be a peaceful and free election in that state.”

IGP bans vigilante continued from page 4 were not recognize for the election.

According to him, ”neighbourhood watch and vigilante groups though were recognised

by law, they were not recognized to oversee the monitoring of elections.

For the election, they are like other citizens whose duty is to cast their votes for their preferred candidates”.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14 , 2012

Man stones girl friend to death

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

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Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, Police Spokesman, Frank Mba and IGP Abubakar going through some documents when he paid him a courtesy visit yesterday

$3m subsidy bribe scandal:

We have made tremendous progress — Police

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N D I C AT I O N S emerged weekend in Abuja, that Police authorities of the Special Task Force investigating the $620,000 subsidy bribe money collected by erstwhile chairman of the House of Reps. Probe Panel, Hon. Farouk Lawan have plugged all the loop holes that had appeared as stumbling blocks in the bribery investigation with sources telling Saturday Vanguard the Police now have a water-tight premise to nail those found wanting.

It was gathered that the invitation of both Hon. Lawan and Hon. Adams Jagaba (Chairman, Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes Committee) to Force headquarters to sit face to face before the Special Task Force detectives and answer questions on the allegation by Farouk that the gave the money to Jagaba, helped a lot in helping the STF decipher who was telling the truth and who lied.

At the face to face meeting, Saturday Vanguard learnt that while Jagaba was forthcoming with answers and information on what he knew regarding the bribery episode, Farouk looked crestfallen, dodgy, and less confident of the positions he took.

Said a Police source, “Investigations has reached advanced stage but it is still going on. However, let me inform you that we have made tremendous and positive progress. Before now, we had concrete and overwhelming evidence that the money was given and taken. With the submission of the two important players in this saga, our job has been made easier”.

Asked if the submission of both Jagaba has finally put to rest where the money was or how it can be recovered, the source said, “ we now have an idea of what happened to the money but that is a card we are keeping close to our chest and we will make it known when the time is right”.

It would be recalled that while Hon. Farouk Lawan has continued to insist that he handed over the bribe money to Hon. Jagaba for safe custody, the Chairman, Committee on Financial Crimes has denied ever collecting such money.

HE relationship between Miss Roseline Ijeoma Christopher, who was 23 years old and her boy friend, one Lawrence Ufan Ette ended in a tragic mood as the boy friend allegedly stoned the pretty Rose to death.

According to the landlady of the deceased Miss Dorothy Bassey who resides at 13 Academy Street, Calabar, Roseline met her untimely death as a result of a brawl with her boy friend who is now on the run.

Bassey said that Roseline and her siblings along with their aged mother had been living together and she had been in a relationship for sometime with Lawrence but his attitude towards her never showed that he loved the deceased.

The attitude, she ex-

plained prompted her mother to stop him from coming to the house to see the girl.

“But even with the instruction from the old woman, Lawrence kept sneaking in to see the girl particularly at night.”

The Arochukwu-born fair girl never knew that last Sunday was her last day on earth when Lawrence sneaked in as usual to see her. It was gathered that there was a misunderstanding between them which led her to tell Lawrence to leave her room.

“Unknown to her, when he left, he took along her phone and after some time, Nne, Ijeoma’s younger sister wanted to chat on ‘to go’ and asked the elder sister for the phone but the phone was nowhere to be found.

“That was when she discovered that the boy had picked the phone and she told Nne that the phone had been taken away by Lawrence

who just left the room.”

Nne, the landlady said, was angry over what Lawrence did and decided to go after him “but while Nne took the main exit and headed towards Target Street , the boy sneaked back to the house through the short cut from Webber Street and they missed each other on the way”.

It was gathered when the boy friend came back to the house, he exchanged words with Roseline and she asked him to give her the phone but he would not and a fight ensued.

“She did not scream while they were struggling because she wanted to send him away quietly without arousing the mother but that was her mistake as Lawrence stepped out of the room and got a stone and went inside and hit her ”. The young landlady said.

When he realized that Roseline was dead, Lawrence allegedly attempted to dispose of the body by throwing it over the fence.

Nigeria needs new funding methodology for education — Okonjo-Iweala

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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OORDINATING Minister for the Economy and Minister for Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for a new method of funding education in Nigeria.

“We need a paradigm shift in the way we fund education in this country,” she said in Lagos yesterday at the 2012 Isaac Moghalu Foundation In a keynote address titled “Reforming Nigeria’s Education System: Paradigm Shift”, “I believe that the allocation of resources to schools should be closely linked to performance to improve learning outcomes, as is the case with the World-Bank assisted Lagos Eko Secondary School Program, which achieved dramatic breakthroughs in the first 3 years of operation.”

Okonjo-Iweala identified inefficient use of resources as one of the five major problems confronting the educational sector in the country. She said that is

why the outcomes of the educational sector is commensurate with the spending on the sector.

She said, “Federal government allocations to the education sector have averaged nearly 8 percent of the total budget between2004 and 2012. The 2012 education budget is N409.5 billion. There is ‘also the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TEFT) - a 2 percent tax on the assessable profits of all registered companies in Nigeria to im-

prove the quality of education in the country. TEFT raised N130.75 billion in 2011.There is also UBEC’s allocation of N63.12 billion.

Yet, the standard of education is not commensurate with this financial outlay.

According to a World Bank study in 2008, federal and state governments aggregate spending on education, as a percent of GDP, is higher than the average of sub-Saharan countries, but on par with South Africa and Kenya. Yet learning

outcomes in Nigeria are weaker than in these two countries, as I mentioned earlier. Much of this inefficiency is the result of weak budget.” “ Other problems confronting education in the country she are; : Unclear existing framework for administering education; Stagnation and inequality in the access to primary and secondary education; poor quality of educational system and associated learning; dearth of qualified teachers; corruption and decay in moral values.”

LG Council of Legislators passes vote of confidence on Igbuya Hon Olojoba said the counBY SIMON ADEWALE

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HE Delta State Council of Local Government Legislators, DCLGL and the council of former and present local government councilors in the state have passed a vote of confidence on the member representing Sapele Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Monday Ovwigho Igbuya.

Convener of the Council’s 2012 bi-annual conference which held in Asaba, the state capital, Honourable Clement Olojoba stated this yesterday in Sapele Local Government Area, saying the vote of confidence was as a result of the performance of the state law maker in the areas of youth empowerment and provision of infrastructure to the people of his constituency, and urged him not to relent.

cil of law makers has observed with keen interest, how Chief Igbuya has dedicated his life and service to his people, urging other law makers in the state to emulate the gesture of Chief Igbuya. Hon Olojoba said Igbuya paid his price to his people as he has often used his private funds to finance socialandinfrastructuralprojects in the constituency just as his constituency could testify to the hard work and tenacity of the state law maker.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 — 7

D/Gov, Cleric escape death as teenage suicide bomber kills 5 in mosque EBUN SESSOU , WITH AGENCY REPORT

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SUICIDE bomber killed five people at the central mosque in M a i d u g u r i yesterday.According to reports, five people were killed while six sustained injuries.

“Five people have been killed and six others were injured in the Maiduguri central mosque suicide bomb attack,” military spokesman Sagir Musa told reporters.

The attack narrowly missed the deputy governor of Borno state, Zanna Umar Mustapha, and Borno’s Shehu (regional religious leader), Abubakar Umar Garbai ElKanemi, who were attending Muslim Friday prayers.

“The suicide bomber, who was about 15 years old, was pushed between me and the Shehu before detonating the bomb.

Fortunately we both escaped unhurt,” Mustapha told reporters.

Boko Haram has killed hundreds of people this year in an insurgency against President Goodluck Jonathan, seeking to carve out an Islamic state in Africa’s

most populous country and biggest oil producer.

The sect often targets government officials, religious figures and places of worship, usually Christian churches.

Security experts believe Boko Haram’s attacks on religious centres in central and northern Nigeria are an attempt to provoke wider religious conflict in the country. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for attacks that killed more than 65 people in volatile central Nigeria last weekend.

Meanwhile,

Senate

President David Mark yesterday condemned the bombing attack on the Mosque of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Umar Kyari, in Maiduguri, Borno State, during which no fewer than five people were killed.

Senator Mark, who described the act as “callous”, said attack on places of worship is not only ungodly but “a huge sacrilege.

”The attack on the Shehu’s Mosque has shown that Boko Haram in itself is not helping to propagate Islam contrary to the messages that had been churned out by the sect.”

Why corruption cases suffered delays under my tenure as CJN—Justice Musdapher

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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HE outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, yesterday, adduced reasons why prosecution of corruption cases involving highly placed individuals, suffered delays under his tenure.

The CJN who made the disclosure in a speech he presented at a valedictory court session held in his

honour at the Supreme Court yesterday, regretted that though he directed that such cases should be heard and concluded within six months, he said “due to identified challenges, the target could not be met.”

According to him, “When I assumed office as the CJN, I was inundated with complaints regarding delays in the prosecution of corruption cases particularly those

Nigeria is gradually descending to anarchy—AGF

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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HE Federal Gov ernment, yesterday, expressed its concern over the increasing spate of violence across the country, saying it is “working hard to stem the gradual descent to anarchy by diligently prosecuting all those indicted for civil disturbances to serve as deterrence.”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, who made this declaration in a speech he presented at a valedictory court session that was organized in honour of the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, yesterday, lamented that “the recent Boko Haram and Jos crises are unfortunate examples that have evoked a lot of emotions and public condemC M Y K

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (left), Minister of Education, Prof Rukayat Rufai (right), National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Dauda Muhammed (2nd left) and Country Representsative of Global Focus International, Abayomi Adebayo (2nd right) , at the NANS-Nigeria Outstanding Leadership Award (NOLA) 2012, where the Governor was conferred with Governor of the Year Award, in Abuja, on Thursday.

nation both in Nigeria and from the international community.”

He said: “may I also use this auspicious occasion to re-iterate government’s commitment to the war against corruption and our collective determination to prosecute the war within the confines of the rule of law. To this end, government has concluded arrangements to commence the prosecution of those recently indicted in the fuel subsidy probe report and the charges arising from the investigation conducted by relevant law enforcement agencies will be filed very soon.

“Efforts are also being made to strengthen our institutions and processes to prevent future occurrence as well as curb corruption.”

Meanwhile, shortly after the AGF finished his speech, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, descended heavily on the

Federal Government, saying it has completely failed in its statutory duties of protecting lives and properties of its citizenry.

The NBA, via an address that was presented by its National President, Chief Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, SAN, maintained that “it is settled law that the state in exchange for the Peoples obedience is enjoined to protect their lives and

involving highly placed individuals. Therefore, I requested the National Judicial Council, NJC, to collect data on all the cases pending before all the courts in Nigeria and their status.

“Subsequently, I directed that these cases should be heard and concluded within six months wherever possible. However, due to identified challenges, the target could not be met. Some of the challenges are; “The sheer volume of cases being handled by individual judges ensures that their cause lists are unduly choked. The prosecuting agencies oft times arrest and charge alleged offenders before concluding investigations and as such they are largely unprepared for trial.

“Considering the report that the British Government spent about £14 million to investigate and prosecute James Ibori, it is not difficult to realise part of the reasons for the

slow pace of investigation and prosecution of such cases in Nigeria.

“Similarly, the number of charges filed, makes it cumbersome to prosecute.

For example it is commonplace to find 50 counts on a single charge sheet.

“Defence lawyers have perfected strategies of stalling the trial process via filing pointless interlocutory appeals. Which situation further underscores the need to hasten our plans to amend the relevant sections of the constitution and other statutory laws calculated

Hajj: FG approves 6 airlines to move pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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IX airlines have been approved by the Federal Government to transport intending Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise. According

Tinubu hails Femi Falana

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SIWAJU Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos, has hailed the elevation of Lagos lawyer and human rights crusader, Femi Falana, to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), saying the elevation was well earned.

“Femi Falana is most deserving of the silk, for which he has just been considered,” Asiwaju Tinubu declared, in

reaction to the announcement. “Despite coming so late in the day, this is one honour well earned.”

Going back history lane, Tinubu said Mr. Falana’s SAN odyssey was no different from that of the late Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, whose denial of silk for a very long time became an embarrassment to everyone. “Incidentally,

to block unjustified invocation of the ‘Right of Appeal’.

“It is hoped that these challenges shall; be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure that the judiciary plays its necessary role in curbing corruption in Nigeria,” he added.

Meantime, the CJN, yesterday, swore in two new judges into the apex court bench.

The two new judges of the Supreme Court are Justices Musa Dantijo Mohammed and Clara Bata Ogunbiyi.

both Gani and Falana belong to the same legal orientation: both are perceived of the people’s lawyers; and both are human rights crusaders, even when it was very costly during the military era. Both also have contributed immensely to the development of the law as an agent of positive social change in Nigeria,” the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader said.

to a statement by Alhaji Uba Mana, the Public Relations Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the airlines are expected to transport the pilgrims from Nigeria to the holy land for the Hajj exercise.

The approved airlines, according to the statement are Med-view, Max Air, Kabo Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Meridian Airlines and Tradecraft Nigeria Ltd. The statement also disclosed that two airlines; Hamsel Air Services Ltd and Aero Aviation Services Ltd would serve as back-up carriers for the operations.

The Federal Government also approved Medview Cargo Ltd, Evergreen and White Aero Ventures to ship the pilgrims’ excess luggage back to the country.

8— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

Nigerian soldier sentenced to death by Makurdi High Court

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

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Gov Obi (middle), flanked by Francis Cardinal Arinze (right) and Bishop Hilary Okeke of Catholic Diocese of Nnewi (left), at the burial service of the late Emeritus Bishop of Okigwe, Anthony Ilonu at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Okigwe, on Wednesday.

Police arrest 20 villagers as Abavo crisis deepens Junction with posters of their new Obi”.

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Abavo

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O fewer than 20 vil lagers were arrested by the police, yesterday, at Abavo in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State following a clash between warring factions in the troubled community over the installation of a new king by a splinter group.

A number of villagers were reportedly injured, but the details could not be confirmed, last night.

However, Delta state police spokesperson, Mr. Charles Muka, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, confirmed that over 20 persons were arrested for carrying out violent acts.

Troubled started, last month, when one of the groups, claiming that the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Uche Irenuma, was not the rightful monarch, announced the enthronement of a new king, but Irenuma in an interview with Saturday Vanguard insisted, “I am the monarch of Abavo, nobody has deposed me”.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, held a peace meeting between the warring groups, last week, and urged aggrieved parties to go to court for determination of the kingship, which appears to be the bone of contention.

However, the opposing faction crowned a new king, His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Sunday Jegbefume III, July 9, and pasted his posters all C M Y K

over the town.

The other group removed the posters on Thursday night and by Friday morning, tempers flared up between both groups, leading to intimidation and attacks on some leaders for their different positions they took on the matter.

Both sides accused each other of drawing the first blood. A leader of one of the group accused the police of taking sides on the matter. His words, “We received a report this morning about the police harassing innocent and defenseless Abavo citizens who were lawfully gathered at the Central

Nigerian soldier, Corporal Moses Olurunfemi has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Makurdi High Court after being found guilty of culpable homicide.

The convict before his conviction was attached to 81 Intelligence Corp of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.

According to the First Information Report, FIR, filed in Court by the Police prosecutor, the convict had on the 19th of September 2009 allegedly strangulated his girl friend Miss Mercy Ajagbonna at her resi-

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HE Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) recently declared that no foreign trained doctor will be allowed to practise in Nigeria from October, 2012 except showing evidence that he or she could have practised in the country of study.

The Acting Registrar of MDCN, Dr. Udugbai Ilevbare disclosed this in Abuja yesterday during the induction ceremony of 103 foreign trained medical and dental graduates.

According to him, they must show evidence from the health regulatory bodies in their countries of training that they are registerable and could have

her showed that Moses actually committed the act as he was the last person seen with the deceased at the time of her death.

She further stated that the Police prosecutor proved his case beyond reasonable doubt insisting that the soldier killed the nurse with whom he kept an intimate relationship.

The judge added that the testimony of Doctor Zuwashi Ugem of the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi who performed a post-mortem on the remains of Mercy showed clearly that her neck was fractured which obviously led to her death.

Kidnappers seize 2 marine workers in Delta •Demand N30 million ransom

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

T

HE supervisor and dredging master of Practical Dredging and Marine Company Limited, Effurun, Delta State, have been kidnapped by gunmen at the company’s project site in Egrangbene, a riverside community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Vanguard learnt, yesterday, that the workers: Robinson Gbakena and Denson

Ojutuiwon, had been held hostage by the kidnappers, who are asking for N30 million ransom for one week.

They were abducted at gunpoint at about 12.00 pm, July 6, while carrying out a dredging job in the community.

It could not be immediately confirmed, but a source said three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Managing director of the company, Barrister Owen Nanakumoh, said when contacted by Vanguard, that

No foreign trained doctor will practise in Nigeria from October

BY VICTORIA OJEME, Abuja

dence for undisclosed reasons.

The late Miss Ajagbonna was until her death a staff of the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi and resided at Kwararafa quarters in Makurdi town.

In the course of the trial however, the convict told the court in evidence that he did not murder Mercy, claiming that he was away in Lagos when the incident happened.

The matter which dragged on for over three years was however rested yesterday when Justice Theresa Igoche ruled that the convict was guilty of the crime.

Justice Igoche noted that the evidence before

worked there.

He also said that such graduates from October 2012 must sit for and pass the MDCN Assessment Examination to be eligible to practise in Nigeria.

He said: “May I at this point inform you all that beginning from October 2012 Assessment Examination, foreign medical graduates must show evidence from the heath regulatory bodies of the countries where they were trained that they are registrable and could have practised in those countries if they had wanted to do so. ”What it means is that if those who trained you as doctors permit or allow you to treat them as patients, we can also allow you to treat us without fear.”

he was concerned about the safety of his workers and appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Commander of the Joint Task Force, JTF, on the Niger-Delta to give necessary directives for their release.

He asserted, “The dredging work we are doing is a self-help project by the community, I am from the area and it is part of our contribution to the development of our area, we contacted the Federal Government, Ministry of Niger-Delta,DeltaStateGovernment, Burutu Local Government and other relevant government agencies before

we embarked on this project, why should they kidnap innocent workers”.

But, the kidnappers in a warning message to him, written in a badly constructed Pidgin English, said, “Mr. we are telling you the bitter truth, somebody give us contract to kill you and your manager , as we met dare, we could not found u and the manager therefore, we take two of your workers and we want to hear from you before the work is done. If you refuse to pay those money that we demand, you will lose your workers. And your reply angrily needed”.

Briefs Health delivery gets boost in Imo

H

EALTH delivery system has received a boost in Imo State, following the commissioning of the multimillion Naira Chest Clinic built in Imo State

University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, Orlu, by Chevron Oil Company.

Addressing IMSUTH community, the Governor ’s wife, Mrs. Nkechi

Youth coalition makes case for political autonomy in LGAs

A

coalition of Nigeri an youth organizations rose from a meeting in Owerri and called for financial and political au-

tonomy of the 774 local government areas in the country. The youths, who made their feelings known in their seven-point com-

Okorocha, who represented the Governor, advocated that “companies involved in oil exploration to show real understanding of the hazards their resence and activities cause the host communities”. muniqué signed by the President, South East Assembly, Mr. Emma Mbanusi, also appealed that the new constitution should abolish the state/ local government joint account.

4.3 million farmers register with FG

O

VER 4.3 million farmers nationwide have been identified and registered by the federal government for the implementation of the

agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Development, Dr. Ezekiel O. Oyemomi, disclosed this at the flag off of Growth Enhancement Support, GES, scheme, in Owerri.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 — 9

3 years jail term awaits one-way traffic offenders in Lagos •Lagos clamps down on bullion van recklessness

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & EBUN SESSOU

L

AGOS State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the road traffic law and to make provisions for road traffic and vehicle inspection in Lagos into law for Governor Babatunde Fashola’s assent.

The new amended traffic law which was passed last Thursday, stipulates that driving in a direction prohibited by the road traffic law, that is driving against traffic, popularly known as one way driving now attracts a 3-year jail term, while a first offender gets one year term and the vehicle forfeited to the state government.

Also, bullion vans are not exempted from the law as any bullion van driven in a direction prohibited by the road traffic law will be forfeited, while abandoned vehicle on highway will be fined N50,000.00 or three years imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment.

The bill which emanated from the executive

arm is aimed at regulating vehicular movement and to impose sanctions on any erring vehicle operator in the state.

Lawmakers had carefully examined the bill in June during a public hearing where all stakeholders were invited and their input and memoranda were considered at the committee stage.

According to schedule (1) section (2) of traffic offences and penalties it stated that riding a motor-cycle against traffic and riding on the kerb, median or road setbacks, 1st time offender will attract N20,000.00, subsequent offender N30,000.00 or the rider’s motor-cycle will be impounded.

Smoking while driving will attract N20,000.00, failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout N20,000.00, disobeying traffic control will be N20,000.00 violation of route by commercial vehicles will attract N20,000.00. Riding motor-cycle without crash helmet for rider and passenger will attract N20,000: 00 or 3years imprisonment or both.

The law also prohibited under aged person,

under 18yrs old, riding a motorcycle with fine of N20,000.00.

Operating a motor-cycle in a restricted area on or prohibited route will be fined N20,000.00 or his motor-cycle impounded.

In schedule II, section (4) or prohibited route for motorcycle and tricycle on major highways in Lagos. The highways are Lagos Ibadan expressway, Apapa Oshodi, Oworonshoki, Lagos Ikorodu, Lagos-Abeokuta, Babangida Boulevarde way, others are Eti-Osa Lekki Epe expressway, Funsho Williams Avenue, Agege motor road and Eti-Osa Lekki coastal road.

Section (4) of the bill stipulates vehicle inspection offences and penalties which includes driving without valid driver’s license. Such offender would have his vehicle impounded. Learner driver without permit will attract N20,000.00, driving with fake number plate 1 st offender N20,000.00 and 6 months imprisonment or both.

Fashola is expected to sign the bill into law soon.

Ace comedian and Globacom ambassador, Basketmouth, (left) and popular musician Shanks on Glo Big Friday Show.

Obi congratulates CJN, IGP and new SANs Mukhtar, including being

A

NAMBRA State Governor, Mr Peter Obi has extended congratulations to the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alooma Mukhtar, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar and the latest batch of 25 senior advocates.

FG approves N330m grants for Lagos farmers

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

F

EDERAL Govern ment has approved N330 million grants to assist 20, 000 farmers in Lagos state, a measure geared towards increasing food production in the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state inaugurated the first co-operative college and 60 refrigerated meat vans to convey wholesome meat from abattoir to different areas in the state.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adewunmi Adeshina who disclosed this yesterday, at the flag-off of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), said that the fund will be devoted to acquire fertilizers for the farmers.

C M Y K

Adeshina added that the fund will cover 50 percent of the cost that would be spent by farm-

ers on fertilizer in the state.

The Minister explained that the cost of

fertilizer and seed valued at N36, 000 will be given to farmers with the farmer paying N18, 000.

In a congratulatory message to Justice Mukhtar, Governor Obi said he was joining Nigerians at home and abroad in welcoming the appointment of the new Chief Judge. He observed that the appointment, coming at a ‘time the Judiciary is faced with critical challenges associated with growing countries, underscored the confidence reposed in your records as a judicial officer.’

Describing her new office as historic, Obi said it was consistent with other trails blazed by

Ayomanor urges PDP chairman to approve training programme for youths

BY GAB EJUWA

N

ATIONAL chair man of Niger Delta People’s Network (NDPN), Comrade Lucky Ayomanor has urged the national chairman of the People Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to approve a training programme for PDP youths in Nigeria.

Ayomanor who made this known during his visit to the national chairman at Abuja Monday, stated that the development of the Niger Delta region, support for good governance and the corporate existence of Nigeria as one

indivisible nation are the major objectives of NDPN. He said, “NDPN played a major role to your victory as national chairman of the party believing in your robust fatherly stature as a unifying factor and a detribalized figure in Nigeria. We vehemently crave your indulgence to approve a training proposal for PDP youths in Nigeria.

“We urge you to set precedence and make a development that is unprecedented in the history of the office of the PDP national chairman, the focus is to train youths in solar energy because the world today is now emphasizing solar energy to the

detriment of oil and gas, smoke and pollution”.

According to Ayomanor, the youth programme if conducted would com-

plement the efforts of the government in ensuring that youths who are leaders of tomorrow can easily gain employment.

the first female to be elevated to the Supreme Court. He expressed the hope that she will introduce salient reforms towards quicker dispensation of justice in our legal system.

Also commending the Inspector General of Police, Governor Obi said his confirmation in that office was not unexpected after six months in acting capacity. ‘Within this period you brought enduring innovations to bear on the comportment of the Force and its crime fighting disposition.’

Noting that there was still much work to be done especially with regard to security challenges facing parts of the country, the Governor urged him to be of ‘good courage as Nigerians will offer you needed support.’

Police rescue man, wife from kidnappers

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

P

OLICE in Delta State, weekend rescued a couple, Mr. Glory Oseveta and Mrs. Love Osevata from kidnappers after a gun battle that left two police officers with bullet wounds.

The kidnappers also sustained bullet wounds in the gun duel, but they

escaped with their weapons when they saw that the police would win the battle, abandoning the husband and wife.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the couple were abducted on July 12 at about 06.50 hours while they were driving out of their residence on Uti Street, Effurun, near Warri, in a Honda SUV with registration number, USL 433 AA, by four gunmen.

The gunmen, who were loitering around the area, ambushed them with a red Audi car, registration number unknown and drove off with them, but were chased by a police patrol team from Ebrumede Police Division to Ughelli.

The team lost track of the kidnappers at Ughelli, but the B Division patrol team encountered them and rescued two of the victims after exchange of gunfire.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

Insecurity – A nation adrift No doubt, the recent killings of over eighty per sons including Senator Gyand Dantang, a House of Assembly member, Gyang Fulani and others in Jos, by the dreaded members of the Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda-awat Wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram has again thrown the nation into mourning. It’s a known fact that the Boko Haramists have unleashed terror in virtually every nook and cranny of the north including the middle belt. Since the enthronement of democratic governance, the much cherished peace and unity on which this nation stands have become shaky.

The people of the Plateau have unfortunately become the rhesus monkey. Each passing day has become a nightmare. They are already weary with moaning as every night, they drenched their beds with endless tears over the slaughter of their loved ones. They are overwhelmed by the mischief of these strange bed fellows who stirred up strife unjustly in their once peaceful community.

Those who were massacred last dark Sunday while leading the procession for the mass burial of 50 people roasted alive represent hundreds of people who had fallen victim of the Boko Haram sword in Kano, Abuja, Taraba and other flashpoints of the north.

It will be recalled that the deployment of soldiers to Maiduguri to tackle members of the terror group

S

ENATOR Gyang Dalyop Dantong may just become the most famous politician from Plateau State, not for reasons many easily think. His new status has a lot to do with how he died, but more to do with his roots, which are firmly found in his Berom kindred.

Nobody has borne the tragedies of Jos, particularly in the past three years, more than he did. As the killings continued, he became a fixed feature at burials. His spare time, moments his colleagues spent in the safety of their Abuja homes, went into consoling the families of the dead. The next visit, most times, was to bury some he had consoled earlier.

The cycle continued as more people were killed.

His roots were deeper. The bonding was from birth to death in some cases. Dantong, 55, a University of Jos trained medical doctor had a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Legon, Ghana.

He remained close to his people. In his close-knit Berom setting where life revolved on farming, church and socials, he knew many. At the Vom Christian Hospital, he was medical director, delivering some who became victims of the wanton killings in Jos. Others were his patients or parents of patients.

At some funerals, he buried people he delivered. At others, he buried patients, who the hospital kept alive, not knowing some marauders would provide death where illnesses failed.

Dantong was a man of peace, who was able to keep his voice even when discussing the imposed tragedies of his people.

Days before his death, he was

initially generated great excitement among the people and residents. However, this was not to be. Since the Joint Task Force (JTF) began its formal operation on July 8, a series of incidents have taken place.

There was unprecedented confusion the very first day of the inauguration of JTF due to stormy clash.

Not done yet, a military vehicle was attacked the next day leaving two people dead and some soldiers injured. There were reported cases of attacks on commercial facilities such as markets, beer parlour and even schools. This development forced the people to remain indoors.

For people of the Plateau and their northern brothers who suffer similar fate, it’s their belief that the federal government was responsible for the massacre of their loved ones. Different panels have been raised to look into the immediate and remote crises of Boko Haram insurgency and particularly the Jos crisis but all to no avail.

On the other hand, Christians see the activities of the Boko Haram as a euphemism for emasculation of Christianity.

In the East- Apart from the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who have sheath their sword for peace to reign in

sa State, armed bandits waylaid unsuspecting Nigerians and dispossessed them of their personal belongings. In Asaba, Delta State, the story is the same. Ibusa has become the flashpoint of armed banditry activities. Although, Oleah, Warri still record daily incidence of armed robbery. It has become obvious that the average Nigerian sleeps with one eye closed in the night. And by the day, they move around with caution.

It has been argued in public parlance that the conscription of soldiers to man internal security will not record any appreciable result. And indeed, events in the last few months seem to have confirmed this.

Many believe the anti-terror squad should be solely manned by the mobile police force, supported by the anti-terrorists bomb units, supported by State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies.

Dantong – Dies, Defeats Death ,

By Ikeddy Isiguzo Chairman Editorial Board

By Charles Adingupu

their enclave, dreadful stories of communal clashes are reported daily.

Kidnapping and armed robbery seem to hold sway.

Despite these threat to human lives, both the federal and state government continued to trade blame over whose responsibility it is to provide security for the people.

South West They opted to live in recluse, waiting as events unfold.

But reported cases of armed robbery and ritual killers in the area still litter the pages of newspapers.

Niger Delta- The Niger Delta militants may have agreed to embrace the olive branch but peace still elude the people in the area due to the poverty which bestrode the entire area. Only recently, about 200 persons were barbecued in petrol tanker fire in River State. In Bayel-

Dantong was a man of peace, who was able to keep his voice even when discussing the imposed tragedies of his people

,

Late Gyang Dalyop Dantong at another funeral for Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Sharubutu Ward of Bachit District of Riyom Local Government Area, John Baren, his wife and child. Fulani herdsmen killed them.

The speech he made then was an appeal to the Special Task

Force, STF, to listen to the people if they wanted to track down the killers. The people, Dantong told STF, said the attackers came from the hills and were stocking arms for more attacks. Dantong urged STF to go after them in the hills. He never had another

chance, though he said enough for action to have commenced.

Repeatedly, the Federal Government responded to the killings with the trite charge to security agencies to find the killers. Will finding the killers stop the violence? Will government have the guts to put them on trial?

Peace in the Plateau and elsewhere in crises, will depend on pre-emptive actions governments take. We do not have to wait for a Dantong to die before going after those making Jos inhabitable.

It is evident that they have

capacity to continue the killings. The STF complain about the sophistication of the herdsmen’s weaponry. It may be important to add that the type of training required to take out two targets in a crowd is uncommon. If we are to believe the Defence Headquarters that only Dantong and Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani died in last Sunday’s raid, we should worry more.

Herdsmen with marksmanship that can pick two targets in a crowd and wound a third require superior force that is hopefully available to the STF. More pressing questions: Who supports these herdsmen?

Who gives them sophisticated weapons, uniforms, bulletproof vests? Who trains them? Why do the STF take hours to respond to distress calls? In this case, it took five hours though the BarkinLadi Local Government chairman called the STF and they promised they were on their way. Why do they always arrive after the attackers are gone?

Dantong was member, House of Representatives (2003-2007), Senator for Plateau North Senatorial District (2007-2011) and re-elected in 2011. He was Chairman, Senate Committee on Health and member of Senate Committees on Aviation, Solid Minerals and Millennium Development Goals.

If death was meant to silence him, Dantong defeated death.

His billboards on the streets of Jos still stare at people as they move around as if asking, “Will I die in vain?” What are you doing about restoring peace in Jos? How many more will die? These questions are more important than Dantong though the search for answers to them claimed his life.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—11

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any have described it as pure act of ter rorism. Others have tagged it a crime against humanity while others still, view it as man’s inhumanity to man.

But how else would one describe what happened at Maseh village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State where over 50 innocent women, children and the aged were literally roasted alive? They had on learning of the attack by assailants on neighbouring villages in Barkin Local Government Area run to the COCIN Church in the village to take refuge.

But unknown to them, their greatest fear, the fear of possible death, came to pass as the men of violence came, surrounded the church and set it ablaze, standing guard to ensure that no one escaped.

The attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen had raided about 12 villages in Gashish District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area leaving over 30 people dead and several houses burnt. They subsequently moved into Riyom LG where they found the women and children holed up in the church and decided to unleash further terror.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that on hearing about the attack in Barkin-Ladi LG, the men in Riyom mobilized to confront the attackers and actually put up a spirited fight to ward them off but for the sheer number and superior fire power of the assailants. When the attackers eventually gave up and disappeared, the fighting men did not know they had sneaked into Maseh village to unleash further terror. It took some time before they knew what happened and by the time they got to the church, what they found was another agonizing sight – the charred remains of wives, children and the aged.

A member of the vigilante group who simply identified himself as Istifanus told Saturday Vanguard that it was a horrifying sight as they found the roasted bodies of the people.

“We thought we had successfully driven them back, but little did we know that they had gone to wreak havoc at Maseh.We got there and found that they had burnt all those who ran to the church for refuge”, he said in an emotion laden voice.

He added that they had encouraged the women and the aged to go with the children to the church for refuge while they went out to confront the attackers but, according to him, the unexpected happened.

Saturday Vanguard further learnt that it was the mass burial of those killed in the church

Blood in the Plateau

For almost three weeks running, residents in Jos have witnessed unprecedented killings by unknown gun-men. Today, they are weary with moaning, they weep every night, drenching their beds with tears as over 50 women and children were barbecued alife

Tsulted in calls for a review of the state of emergenhe recent killings have re

One of those killed in Saturday's attack being picked up by villagers.

,

By Taye Obateru

Gwom added another dimension noting that the fear of going to farm because of the series of attacks was resulting in hardship for villagers in the affected areas. “There is so much hunger in the villages because people do not go to farms any longer due to fear. Those who go to the market end up being killed while those who planted crops had them destroyed by cattle rearers”, she noted.

Gwom, in tears, described the killing of women and children in the church as barbaric, wondering how innocent women and children that have run for their lives would be set ablaze and burned to ashes in the church. She appealed to all good hearted people and patriotic Nigerians to condemn these acts and contribute to finding a solution to the problem in Plateau State.

We are saddened by these acts of evil that is eating our people and country. One wonders if our President and security agents are interested in the well being of the ordinary Nigeria citizen

that Senator Gyang Dantong and Majority Leader of Plateau House of Assembly, Mr. Gyang Fulani went to attend when the gun men again stormed the place shooting sporadically and disrupting the burial ceremony. As a result, decomposing bodies are said to litter various villages in the two local government areas as people have either fled or are afraid to go and give their deceased loved ones a befitting burial for fear of meeting the same fate.

,

lations (NIPR) through its chairman, Haroun Audu condemned in strong terms, the killing of the women and children in the church as well as the death of serving legislators.

In a statement, the body described it as “callous, wicked and deadly” and against common rules of decency to, without any provocative whatsoever, lay siege on people in a church and upon a procession and gathering of mourning community members gathered to bury victims of yet an-

other of their vicious and systematic spate of wanton and provocative slaughter of innocent persons.

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State Chapter also reacted through its President, Mr. Johnson Bistu. According to him, “ we are saddened by these acts of evil that is eating our people and country. One wonders if our President and security agents are interested in the wellbeing of the ordinary Nigeria citizen. Look at how our people are being killed in the church like animals. If one cannot be safe in the church, then where else is safe? If the ruling class do not bring an end to this evil people, then the unity of Nigeria is under threat.” He warned that the Youth CAN may be forced to react if the attacks are not checked.

On her part, a women leader in the state Mrs. Monica

C

ondemnations have meanwhile followed the killing of the innocent women and children. A human rights activist, Gad Peter decried the massacre of women and children in those villages, especially the killing of those that took cover in the church, describing it as failure on the part of the Federal Government and the Special Task Force maintaining security in the state. Similarly, the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Re-

Late Mr. Gyang Fulani speaking before his death

Late Senator Gyang Dantong

cy declared in four local government areas of the state on the ground that it had not achieved anything. An NGO, Christian Foundation for Social Justice and Equity through its Executive Chairman, Joseph Sangosanya said time had come to review the declaration. In his words, “we have no iota of doubt that the Federal Government declared State of Emergency in Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State has no effect and has woefully failed because the rate of violence in the LGAs have grown astronomically since the State of Emergency”.

Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students in a statement signed by the Secretary General, Comrade Garos Dalyop urged the Federal Government to lift the state of emergency in view of its apparent failure to achieve anything. It also called for a thorough investigation into the recent killings with

a view to bringing the perpetrators to book. It said governments at every level must not relent in the fight against terrorists and their sponsors.

Like before, the condemnations will be strident and promises not in short supply from the ‘big men”. What remains to be seen is the answer to the poser of many citizens as to when the killing of innocent people will end. When will people be able to sleep, confident that security men posted to ensure their security would be up and doing or when can they begin to go to their farms without the fear of being shot at and killed.

When?

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

TRIBUTE

By Chidi Nkwopara

T

And a whole family perished Some say the incident was bizarre. Others called it “an unnatural occurrence”.

However, those of us who went there to see things for ourselves can authoritatively say it was a gory sight, indeed a morbid spectacle.

He only went home to bury his mother last Saturday and by Sunday morning we were told that they all died in very mysterious circumstances”, Awuzie recounted with grief.

T

he Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe ObiNjoku, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard at the scene, described the incident as “a huge loss and indeed a calamity but I have advised that a post mortem examination be carried out to ascertain the cause of death”.

The situation however became fully charged when a truck load of youths from yet to be identified town stormed the rural Umuakuru village, started shooting into the air and smashed the windscreens of some cars parked at the scene.

The policemen from Owerri North Police Division, who came to the scene in three patrol vans, quickly beat a retreat on sighting the angry youths.

Some sympathizers lost valuable personal effects in their bid to scamper for safety. Mr. Chinazo Ilechukwu and Chief Jude Ajaero, both of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and our Correspondent did the race of their lives.

Chief Ajaero, a native of the area, had no serious problem getting into the safety of his family home but Mr. Ilechukwu tumbled and fell a couple of times in the bush, as well as lost a few of his personal effects, including his bible, while trying to escape from the invading angry youths. The remains of the dead were still lying in the rooms at about 11.30am when Saturday Vanguard left Umuakuru, Emekuku.

Apparently alarmed by the tragedy that befell the Paschal Njoku family, Imo State Government set up a five-man medical team to critically investigate the cause(s) of deaths of the unfortunate citizens. Announcing this devel-

opment during a press briefing in Owerri, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe ObiNjoku, reasoned that death is a natural phenomenon but it cannot be natural when nine people die at a time.

“The state government was giving the ugly incident a high level of concern. What many people do not know is that one of the dead women was seven months pregnant. What this

,

he news started flying like a fairy tale, Sun day, July 8, 2012. A whole family had perished in very mysterious circumstances after burying their aged mother! Before anybody knew it, the home of Paschal Njoku of Umuakuru, Emekuku, Owerri North local government area of Imo State had become a Mecca of sorts. Many people jettisoned the Sunday services to find out the truth or otherwise of the news.

There was palpable confusion in the community when Saturday Vanguard raced to the scene at about 8.30am. People were seen in groups discussing and bemoaning the tragedy. Others, especially friends and extended relations of the deceased family, wept bitterly, following the unexplained death of the nine persons in their sleep.

Seven of the dead were clustered in one room while the lifeless bodies of the first daughter of the Njoku family and another unidentified woman were found in the second room. In all of the cases, foam was either clearly visible on their mouths or traces of emission close to their mouths.

Saturday Vanguard investigations revealed that the nine dead persons, including the only son of the family, Paschal Njoku, his wife, Juliana and their five children, were home to bury their mother, Felicia Njoku on Saturday, but none survived to tell the story the next day.

Narrating what she could remember to Saturday Vanguard at the scene of the ugly incident, the second daughter of the family, Kate, gave the names of the deceased citizens as Paschal Njoku, Mrs. Juliana Njoku, Ebere Njoku, Jackline Njoku, Ifunanya Njoku, Uchechi Njoku and Chy-boy Njoku.

While saying that Mrs. Christiana Uba and one of her unidentified friends that accompanied her to the funeral died in the incident, Kate also lamented that villagers only woke up Sunday morning to behold a morbid spectacle.

Speaking also, an inlaw to the Njokus, Mr. Ogbonna Awuzie, recalled with grief that Paschal and members of his family went on self exile to Umuodu village, Owerri municipal because of what he termed “the persistent threat to their lives by one of their relations” (names withheld).

“Paschal and members of his family were given sanctuary in Umuodu, Owerri, in the past one year due to serious threat to his life and property.

Death is a natural phenomenon but it cannot be natural when nine people died at a go and in bizarre circumstances

,

means is that we ought to be saying that 10 people died in the ugly incident”, the Commissioner said.

Dr. Obi-Njoku who disclosed that the committee is headed by the Director of Public Health, Dr. John Ihebereme, said the committee will among others work closely with the police, State Security Service and pathologists in the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

According to him, the bodies presented a very ugly spectacle to behold, stressing that government was eager to find out the true cause of death.

“Government is aware of some

stories making the rounds in the state. Death is a natural phenomenon but it cannot be natural when nine people died at a go and in bizarre circumstances”, Obi-Njoku said.

It was the considered opinion of the Commissioner that “there will be a full scale autopsy to ascertain the cause(s) of death and government expects Imo people to remain calm until we get to the root of the sad incident”. On whether government would underwrite the burial expenses of the deceased citizens, the Commissioner said, “our major attention now is to ascertain the cause of death and thereafter, we will think of how to dispose their bodies”.

Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha paid an unscheduled visit to the home of the Njokus where he equally promised that the law would take its full course if any person or group is linked with the disaster. Okorocha equally ordered full investigation to unravel the circumstances behind the mysterious death of members of the family.

He expressed deep shock over the ugly incident and commiserated with the community and the extended families of the Njokus saying: “My visit to the family compound is to demonstrate the deep concern of government and the good people of the state over the tragedy”.

While the bodies of the victims have been deposited in the Holy Rosary Hospital morgue, Emekuku for preservation, the world is awaiting the outcome of the proposed post mortem that would be conducted on bodies of the family members.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—13

Corruption, bane of insecurity

Pastor Rev Chris Okotie

By Ishola Balogun

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difficult to deal with. President Goodluck Jonathan has said in exasperation that his government cannot place a face on Boko Haram. “We don’t know who to deal with”. That’s the major problem.

It may not sound alarmist to say that Nigeria is in a state of emergency. And worse, because of the difficulty in managing the amorphous armed groups around the country, some of which have no clear objectives and command control systems, the security operatives have no choice than to improvise in their strategy of containment of the gangs.

Even this hasn’t achieved any good result.

Now, the Jos tragedy must be seen as a wake-up call for government to think outside the box. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of Sambo Dasuki, the retired Colonel who recently replaced Gen. Owoye Azazi as the National Security Adviser. Although, he is not from an intelligence background, his choice may have been informed by his blue blood lineage, being the son of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki.

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et’s share the thoughts of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. M.D Abubakar: “The problem with Nigeria is that the rich are getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. That kind of relationship is

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he recent killings of two lawmakers, Sen ator Gyang Dantong and Assembly man, Gyang Fulani by Fulani herdsmen in Jos, Plateau state, have heightened fears that the issue of insecurity in our country is far more complex than it appears. The Boko Haram insurgence is just one out of many violent groups threatening the peace and security of the nation.

There is an international dimension to it. The assailants in the Jos massacre are believed to be aliens from Chad and Niger republic. Boko Haram is in league with AlQaeda and Al-Shabab of the world’s first failed state, Somalia.

It is a sad irony that the lawmakers and scores of others met their gruesome, untimely death during a funeral procession in the once peaceful Plateau city. Of much concern is the growing confidence of the perpetrators of this violence.

There’s a palpable feeling of uncertainties on how to tackle this menace. Across the political spectrum, and even from the international community, escalating violence has continued to attract condemnation, and nothing more. The onus is on us to do something drastic about it. Concerned leaders outside government want more action and assurances from the intelligence community that this security challenge can be dealt with decisively.

Pastor-Politician, Rev Chris Okotie could not contain his rage over the Jos killings. In a reaction posted on his Facebook status, he said: “This brazen assault on innocent citizens is unacceptable and we can no longer tolerate it”. Boko Haram, the arrow head of the present state of mayhem, has frustrated every move at securing peace. But the President knows that something must be done. We are not just there yet. And time is running out; people are dying every day.

In the absence of a clear cut leadership, the group is very

The real danger is that the corruption pandemic is growing like a festering sore in the face of executive incapacity to contain it. It is the same story with insecurity. It is easy to blame Boko Haram or other insurgent activities for the nation’s security challenges

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not good for anyone, especially the rich. The poverty level is widening. The implication is that as the poor get poorer the security of the rich is put at risk.” One may not worry if the rich gets richer; but the issue is by what means are they growing richer? If it is by legitimate means, we have no quarrel with that. However, everyone knows that most of our rich people acquired their wealth through corrupt enrichment. That is why Rev. Chris Okotie’s recent statement that corruption is a security threat

should not be taken lightly, especially as the rot in the ranks of the ruling class is being exposed daily in the media. ecause we’re still gov erned by a generation of leaders that sees politics as a commercial business rather than a rare opportunity to serve, the nation is inundated daily with ugly tales of pervasive corruption in high places. Worse, the anti-graft agencies lack the requisite enabling legislation to successfully prosecute the culprits. The headline news today is the subsidy probe corruption saga, after the odious revelation from the capital market probe among others.

The real danger is that the corruption pandemic is growing like a festering sore in the face of executive incapacity to contain it. It is the same story with insecurity. It is easy to blame Boko Haram or other insurgent activities for the nation’s security challenges.

But, the issues are deeper than they seem on the surface.

Such superficial logic can not stand a detailed and dispassionate analysis of the situation. Like Rev Okotie said during the recent tenth year anniversary of FRESH, “The insurgents are not the real cause but the effect of the prevailing general state of insecurity, which in reality, stemmed from the sinful dis-

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play of ill-gotten wealth by corrupt government officials and public office holders; the long neglect of investments in labour-intensive industries, agriculture and quality education”.

He points correctly that corruption and governmental misallocation of resources and the pillaging of the public treasury by a succession of inept, corruption-ridden governments led to neglect of key sectors that could engage the youths for productive microeconomic activities. “Therefore, we must begin to see corruption and bureaucratic incompetence as security challenges”, the prince argued.

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is conclusion is that our people are growing in wisdom and he believes that the electorate should make better choices next time the politicians are seeking new mandates. But meanwhile, the reverend advised that we support his call for a paradigm shift and the need to focus on human capital development as a way to fast track development in our great country. So far, it appears that the economic alienation that gave birth to violence on our streets will continue for a while because the PDP-led Federal Government is yet to fully come to terms with the fact that its Transformation Agenda is yet to fly and cannot get us anywhere.

14—SA TURD A Y Vanguard 14—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

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he usual cold breeze which comes after a heavy downpour was conspicuously absent. Yet ethnic leaders accompanied by their followers defied the early morning rain to attend the recent Nigerian ethnic nationalities summit which seeks to address the upsurge of violence in Nigeria.

Their well starched agbada and flown caftan almost betrayed the essence of the gathering except for troubled looks on their faces which barely explains the enormity of the task ahead of them.

“How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand aside and look,” the Chief Convener of the conference, and leader of the Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Chief Frederick Fasehun questions rhetorically. For a while, the Chairman of the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria (CENN) stared at the audience who only responded in silence by nodding their heads.

“We cannot stand aloof, fold our arms and watch when our beloved country is burning inch-by-inch and day-by-day, our brothers and sisters get blown to pieces,” he said. Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.”

This biblical annotation further give credence to his worries over the lackadaisical attitudes of Nigerian political leaders and statesmen over the current wave of violence which like a sore thumb has become a decimal in Nigeria.

He observed in dismay that “our beloved nation and our hard won democracy face real and inherent danger in an unfolding war of attrition.

“How can we afford the luxury to go dancing when our Rome is exploding and bullets are dismembering the peace of our national Zion to pieces?

Can we go about business as usual when unusual business threatens our personal and corporate existence?,” he said.

The chief convener recalled with pain that in the last thirteen months or thereabout, aggrieved people and groups have fed Nigerians with a weekly and sometimes daily dose of sorrows, tears and blood.

“Violence,” he said, rules unhindered like a ravaging wolf set free upon docile sheep.

And as Christians fall victim, so do Muslims. As men fall by the dozens so do women. As children lose limb and life, so do babies. The old as well as the young are equally getting killed.”

Fasehun who lamented the current abysmal security situation, noted in dismay that the usual security agencies do not only appear to be losing the battle but have actually become victims themselves. He disclosed that the body count of victims of the insurgency of terrorists group has so far tipped the scale of over two thousand, three hundred casualties aside billions of naira lost in bombed buildings and properties.

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Coalition of ethnic nationalities canvass truce

Frederick Fasehun

Garba

Bright Ezeocha

Bola Akinterinwa The chief convener further disclosed that security votes in the region of trillions of naira have been thrown at the uprising, adding that such huge amount of money would have effortlessly build a robust infrastructural superstructure for all time in Nigeria.

But the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa in his submission observed in dismay that some of these organisations such as the Odua Peoples’ Congress

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By Charles Adingupu

JUL Y 14, 2012 JULY

wings of these ethnic groups appear to now pose the greatest threat to democratic nationalism in Nigeria. The Director-General stated that this is the first time in Nigeria’s political history that a Head of State or President is confronted with terrorism – induced insecurity.

Professor Akinterinwa recalled with nostalgia that Nigeria had a civil war in 19671970, adding that the warring parties were known: Ojukwuled Biafra and Gowon-led Ni-

We cannot stand aloof, fold our arms and watch when our beloved country is burning inch-by-inch and day-by-day, our brothers and sisters get blown to pieces

(OPC), the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Movement for the Emancipation of the Nigeria Delta (MEND), and the Arewa Youth Groups among others were initially created during the colonial era but have been policised in contemporary Nigeria and meant to develop political wings that cannot only fly but bite as well.

He lamented that the militant

geria.

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easons for Ojukwu’s breaking policy were predicated on the perception of unfairness to his people. The battle fields were also then known. Today, it is about insecurity induced by terror group which operates in a guerrilla like manner. They do not have any well-articulated objective that can warrant public sympathy. There is no spe-

cific battlefield for their terror.

Every place, everywhere is battle field for attacks on noncombatants,” he said.

The DG disclosed that some PDP politicians promised to make Nigeria ungovernable should Dr. Goodluck Jonathan be elected the party flagbearer, adding that by coincidence or otherwise, Dr. Jonathan was only elected the PDP flagbearer but also emerged winner of the presidential election.

“Since his election, Nigeria has been ungovernable, especially from the perspective of security challenges,” he said.

But Brigadier-General Ibrahim, Alhaji Sabo (rtd) stated that nations develop or disintegrate due to the inter-play of certain factors such as location, history, endowments in terms of national resources and core values arising from its culture and traditions.

According to him, the extent to which the people of a nation are able to manage the interplay of these factors would determine to what extent a nation develops peacefully, without crises or armed conflict.

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he retired army officer noted that usually, the more heterogeneous the various communities, the easier it is for the nation to emerge as the real or perceived injustices are not likely to be as nu-

merous or widespread as would be when very many of the communities are different.

He further observed that virtually all the major religions of the world preach peace and good neighbourliness, adding that they also preach similar tenets with regards to duty to the family, the community and the nation.

Sabo, however, lamented that practitioners of the various religions often lead their followers to paths of deep and often murderous hatred of people who practised religions different from their own.

“Indeed many times, sects of the same religion engage in mortal combats either out of ignorance or rabid fundamentalism. Matters usually get out of hand when the dangerous mix of religions and come into play,” he stated “that merging people in Nigeria with diverse culture and religion into a modern nation state with the globally recognised parameters appears like a tall order indeed as all the factors that may lead to mutual suspicion are in abundance.

He stated that mischief makers are not in short supply, particularly those who are ever ready to manipulate these factors to their own narrow advantage.

Against this backdrop, the President, Nigerian Union of Journalist, Mohammed Garba who was represented stated that societies like Nigeria face a peculiar complex challenge in evolving a collectively agreed pattern for which competing groups will seek self definition or emancipation, given the incidence of our diversity with regards to the struggle for the control of resources, varying interests from political, social-cultural, economic or religions become ingredients for contending forces among actors in the nation space.

“Conflict situations since independent Nigeria have been described as occasioned by resource struggles, harsh economic and social conditions, injustice and ineptitude, and indeed manipulations arising from belief patterns or material inclinations of people prone to finding sympathy in a conflict situation,” Garba declared.

But the President, Igbo Youth Congress, Comrade Bright Ezeocha stated that a new phase of violence which is alien to Nigeria is currently threatening the basic foundation and unity of our country.

The Igbo leader noted that the blood curdling stories of the Islamist group, Boko Haram has become an intractable menace that has reduced Nigeria into a prostrate state brought only ‘insecurity which is extremely frightening.

Comrade Ezeocha further stated that the decision of PDP leaders and its acolytes to jettison the zoning formula in the last election has brought great consequence on the fragile peace the nation once enjoyed.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—15

Insecurity We’re in grave situation, govt must sit up – Prof Oyovbaire

By Emmanuel Edukugho

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ormer Minister of In formation and Culture, Professor Sam Oyovbaire has decried the deteriorating state of insecurity in the country, describing it as a “grave situation.”

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard in Lagos, he urged the Federal Government to sit up and face the challenge squarely, not to see governing just for the fun of it.

Excerpts of the interview: What is your reaction to the prevalent insecurity in the country today considering that you were once a top government functionary?

Common sense should tell us that the nation is in a grave situation today. For 14 years, I was a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and had six children – three born in Zaria and three born abroad. When I looked back, I begin to feel sad because between the period 1972 to 1984 when I left Zaria, things were very normal, moving towards more integration and unity. I helped in the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon. It’s difficult for me to now grandstand. Even my children cannot go to Zaria, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano again.

The situation is so bad.

Whether the nation is alive, failing or failed is difficult to say at the moment. It is the duty of the state to ensure security of our nation and the citizens. Security is not about

Professor Sam Oyovbaire

armoury, tanks and military weaponry, but it’s about confidence and trust between the people and the community.

This is lacking.

How do we restore back this confidence and trust and have renewed sense of security?

As for security, the government should sit up. Those in government should not see governing just for the fun of

it. They’ve got the mandate at federal, state and local levels.

Security is the responsibility of the leadership. I’m not trying to pontificate.

Everybody should be involved – everybody must come to grip with the situation – academics, politicians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, etc, must come together to find solution to the security chal-

lenge. Government must sit up and get to grips with the situation. Not about prayer or praying for the situation to get better and things coming back to normalcy as it used to be in the past.

Are you not worried about what is happening in Jos with the recent massacre in the Plateau?

Yes, the situationin Jos today

is frightening. In those days when travelling through Jos to Kaduna, I used to admire the beauty and serenity of the place. I wished to have property there, but today, the story is completely different. I am grateful I didn’t have anything in that part of the country.

We must get to grip with the situation there. It is worrisome.

I just hope we will get it right.

It is frightening —Onobrakpeya

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Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya C M Y K

orld renowned arts icon and erudite scholar, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya has lament ed the state of insecurity that the country has slipped into, which could likely lead to balkanisation of the largest black nation in the world.

In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, he warned of the country going into bits if the authorities don’t stand up to effectively tackle the situation.

How do you see this problem of insecurity in Nigeria?

It’s frightening. All the authorities concerned should stand up and tackle the situation, because it touches everybody. The thing must be curtailed. If not curtailed and allowed to spread, it will balkanise the country.

What do you me by this?

I mean that if the situation goes on like this, it will

mean inviting the enemies of the country to come in and thus bring the country into bits. Nigeria is a large country and many people are not happy, they are jealous and so want to help to destabilise us.

Is there any solution to the problem?

There could be divine will, supreme intelligence to come to our aid, and remove the plague from the nation.

Let us look at how the Niger Delta crisis was resolved by late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua and use that method in seeking solution to the insecurity issue we are facing today. Dialogue can be an option. We can sit down to discuss how to get over the problem.

Yar’Adua was able to bring peace to the Niger Delta. We can look at how he did and peace returned to the troubled Niger Delta area.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , JULY 14, 2012

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e would have thought that the authorities of the Nigerian Youth Service Corps would naturally take the initiative about the decision to send the young men and women involved in the scheme only to the areas that are not seriously affected by the scourge of the Boko Haram at this time. It is so obvious a sensible action to take that the pleas in its favour appeared unnecessary, until the NYSC declared that postings to different parts of the country would not in anyway be affected by the horrible circumstances of life in those states that seem wide open to attacks by the Islamist terrorists. But an upsurge of protests and additional pleas, made the NYSC to shift its position appreciably, though not to the entire satisfaction of many of the young people’s kith and kin. The House of Representatives also passed a resolution directing that the postings should be done with consideration for the dangerous situation in the embattled states. However, before a sigh of relief could be fully released, the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, overruled those decisions and re-stated the original arrangement.

*the Boko Haram challenge *soldiers for democracy I

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o say the least, this is an obnoxious stance. It typifies the “I don’t give a damn” mold in which the executive mind is cast in the present dispensation, about some grievous issues that concern the populace. A matter on which the House of Representative has passed a resolution definitely deserves less than a cavalier reaction than that. That attitude demonstrates little regard for the deliberations and position of responsibility by the legislative arm of government.

In another vein, Alhaji Inuwa may not be of the same mind if he had a close relation included now among the young people due for deployment. As a father or brother, he would have second thoughts if his relation were to be sent out to any of the terror-stricken states unless, of course, he was desirous of

are open to mass murder? Or does the minister have a better way of describing the massacres that are committed in marked states of the Northern part or ‘this country?

But the situation has now taken on another dimension.

The Boko Haram has now come out of the closet, as it

They have tried to force-feed us with a false hope. The expectation they presented us was hollow. You cannot “dialogue” with an AK 47

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making a point—and there is no telling how far power-inflamed personalities would go to prove a point.

In fact, the gentleman’ is even poised to establish a position right now. His position, he says, “is that of the law”. The law, according to the Constitution, directs the “posting of Corp members to states apart from their own, except in some special circumstances, and must be adhered to.” (I am quoting from the Minister ’s statement.)

What circumstances, then, are more special than a virtual “state of war”, in which innocent and defenceless citizens

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•Inuwa addressing NYSC members in Abuja recently

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were, and disclosed their proper motive. “We do not have any agenda than working to establish Islamic Kingdom like during the time of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) no matter what will happen to us.” We can no longer claim not to know what they want. They want an Islamic State of Nigeria.

That is all—no more, no less.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, we are face-to-face with a “Jihad” ..

The question to ask ourselves is, where is the window for dialogue in this policy statement? If there is none, then let the advocates of “dialogue, dialogue” con-

fess that they had been misled. Let them apologize for almost misleading the country and nearly lulling the rest of us into a fatal assurance.

They have tried to force-feed us with a false hope. The expectation they presented us was hollow. You cannot “dialogue” with an AK 47 . All those who put themselves on the line in this manner may now come out with a new tune, if they wish their voices to be respected any longer. They should now talk about reprisals —to be or not to be? Total confrontation —at once or much later? We have to bring this consistent pain to an end.

We cannot continue to change our high security personnel like dirty underwear. And those who are in charge must now openly accept the challenge of the Boko Haram.

sion that must attend any gubernatorial election anywhere, the events building up to the election have raised not only the normal issues of politics, but also others of general security ad personal safety. There are present fears about “manipulation”, but there tended to be the introduction of incipient assassination also in direct connec-

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do State goes to the polls today. Someone has described the state as a microcosm of the citizenry of Nigeria. There you have elements of almost all the peoples and cultures of the country. Such diversity does not make for easy governance. It calls for a personality as colourful as the terrain, with a massive attraction and appeal as the expanse of the territory itself. Fortunately, the people of that area are not in want of such traits in their character.

More than the normal ten-

t is significant that the two leading political parties in the state, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and the Peoples Democratic Party, the PDP, both welcomed the idea. Of course, it put everyone on a slippery terrain. To oppose it could be factually interpreted, or mischievously defined as an inclination to benefit from what is meant to be a deterrent measure against rigging and other malpractices. Everyone has to be seen to be for a clean, free and transparent election.

All the members of the House of Representatives would also naturally wish to be numbered among those in support of it. However, Mr. Bimbo Daramola from Ekiti State, tried to raise a point against it, relating to a contravention of the Constitution. Since the nation was not war, he took a dim view of soldiers being deployed to take part in the proceedings of an election. He was shouted down. And ensuing voice vote which the Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, ruled to be against Mr. Daramola in the first place, was then later reversed by the Speaker himself. He admitted that he had inadvertently not fully applied the rule on voice votes.

And a new vote by division was then announced for the following day.

•Tambuwal tion with the hustings. These naturally instructed the invitation of the military to participate in the conduct of the elections.

t was a display of democratic observance for that voice vote to be challenged by members of the ACN whose candidate at the Edo polls appeared to have been most supportive of the invitation of the military to take part in the exercise.

They seemed to have raised the issue of compliance with the Constitution above what may be a party advantage.

But beyond that, the Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, once again showed that rare quality of fairness enabled by sterling humility to reverse himself, even from his high seat.

All in all, no one has hinted that the presence of soldiers, some 3,500 of them, would add anything but orderliness and propriety to the proceedings in Edo State today.

Time out.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 14, 2012—17

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18 —

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 14, 2012

Dear Julie, My girlfriend wants us to be just friends and for a long time now, I’ve been severely depressed about it. At first it didn’t bother me but over time when I’d only gotten rejections after rejection, I knew she was really serious.

I started to realize if she thinks I’m such an amazing guy, she won’t want to be just friends ,that she was either lying or I’m still not good enough and it’s broken me down. The only girl that dated me for any length was just waiting for something better and when it showed up, she cheated on me and left. I don’t feel good about myself.

Ben, Lagos Dear Ben, Of course this is painful. You want to get close to people and you keep getting shot down. But you may not be as

He’s not getting erection

She wants to be just friends helpless in the situation as you think. There is something about who you choose that puts you back in the same place again and again. Please take a look at the last several people who told you, however nicely, to back off. See if you can identify what they have in common. Somehow, you are choosing people who aren’t available to you. Once you have that figured out, you’ll know what you need to do differently.

I hope you will then get active and look for places where you can find a different kind of potential partner. If you’re not already involved in something that interests you where you can meet singles who are like yourself, get busy. There must be an organization, a job, or a cause that stirs your soul.

Do things you feel genuinely passionate about and you’re likely to find like-minded people.

My mother and I fight constantly

Dear Aunty Julie, My mother and I are always fighting and I have had enough of it and so has she.

She does not listen to me when I’m trying to tell her how I feel and when she does (which is rare) she doesn’t try to help, she just tells me why I’m wrong and how disappointed she is with me. It’s always okay, but I can’t stand it! I am a very opinionated person, which can be annoying, but so is she. I always say what I think is the right thing when we’re fighting but no matter what, her way is the only way and if I think it shouldn’t be, she screams at me and slaps me! I have tried many times to just talk to her civilly about things but it always leads to a fight. And she never accepts the fact that sometimes she is wrong, even when she is obviously wrong.

Another thing that she always does to me is tell me all these things that are wrong with me but when I tell her things that she needs to try and work on, she says “I am your mother, not your friend, we don’t work things out, you listen to me” which I think is ridiculous because all I am trying to do is be a bigger person and try to balance things out by compromising. I tell her that I am trying so hard to fix things and that she just needs to put in some effort so that things will work and her re-

sponse is “try harder, and do everything I say. Then we won’t need my effort.”

I can’t take it. She’s so stubborn and mean! The biggest problem is that I have all these feelings about everything that I can’t talk about with anyone because I don’t have anyone to tell. It turns out my friends all dislike me and only used me and I can’t tell my sister because my mum forces her to tell her everything I say and I can’t talk to my dad because he just agrees with everything my mum says.

It’s not like they’re bad parents because they give me everything I need and more and I appreciate it, but I’d much rather have a good family relationship than materials! And finally, my mum doesn’t think that anything I tell her about my feelings is true. She just thinks I’m being dramatic and her response is always “I’m not getting sucked into your drama , stop feeling sorry for yourself”.

The whole thing is driving me crazy.

Esther, Warr i Dear Esther, It sounds to me like you and your mum are alike. You both think the other person ought to be doing something about the situation. She’s stubborn. So are you. I do appreciate how hard you are trying to work things out. And I especially appreciate that you would rather

C O C K - T A L E S * Not long after his marriage, Tom and his father met for lunch. “Well son,” asked the dad, “how is married life treating you?” ”Not very well, I’m afraid. It seems that I married a nun.” ”A nun??” his father exclaimed. ”That’s right. None in the morning, none at night and none unless I beg.”

The father nodded knowingly, and patted his son on the back. “Why don’t we all get together for a nice talk tonight?”

Toms face brightened. “Say Dad, that’s a great idea.” ”Fine. I’ll call and tell Mother Superior to set two extra plates.” * A woman told a marriage counselor that

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have a good relationship than material things. That speaks well for your character and heart.

As you’ve already found out, the strategies you’ve been trying aren’t working. So let me make an alternate suggestion.

It’s not new information that your mother gets upset when you try to get her to listen. It’s also not new information that she can’t stand to lose a fight but escalates it instead. The best thing a person can do in that kind of situation is to stop fighting.But another way to win is to let go. The other team can’t win if you’re not playing.

Instead of trying to change your mum, I suggest you focus your energy on learning how to manage your feelings.

Aunty Julie, I have been with my guy for ten months. In that amount of time, he has only been hard maybe five times without needing manual stimulation. We have sex at least once a day, but it’s getting so old for me to have to give him oral hand jobs for 15 minutes before he has an erection. Because as soon as he gets an erection, we have to hurry up and have sex because he will lose it as he also ejaculates very quickly. We have really worked on him holding off on ejaculation and we have some progress. He says he’s always had a hard time getting it up. So is this a medical thing or just the way it is? I am a very good-looking woman. But it makes me feel so un-sexy, and I find myself desiring my sex life before him. I feel horrible even saying that. He is only 37, he’s a great man, but this is a huge issue for me and we have talked about it a lot. I don’t know if he needs to see a doctor. Please help.

Flora, Benin Dear Flora, I know this must be a difficult issue because it has been going on for a while and you are noticing a pattern. There are several possibilities, but the most reasonable way to move forward is to be candid with your boyfriend about how this is affecting you. The goal here isn’t to make him self-conscious or upset, but rather to show your concern for his and your relationship. Following that, the next step for your boyfriend is to go to a urologist for a physical examination. This will rule out any medical issues.These may be tough conversations but they are necessary. If the intention is coming from a place of wanting to improve what you have, then it is likely to have some positive benefit.

I’m too accomodating Dear Julie, One thing that’s difficult for me in relationships is “hanging on to myself.” It seems that once I get close to someone, friend, or lover , I give in and accommodate so much that there’s nothing left of me. What do I do?

Emeka, Enugu Dear Emeka, It’s hard to experience fulfillment in a relationship which is not equal and reciprocal. The best way to avoid giving yourself up in a relationship is to be assertive. Learn how to express your feelings, beliefs, opinions, and needs openly and honestly. Avoid accusatory or blaming-you statements. They usually only result in defensiveness and counter attacks. You have a right to have feelings and to make requests. State them directly and firmly and without apology. Acknowledge the other person’s point of view, but repeat your request as many times as necessary. Learn to say no to unreasonable requests. Offer a reason , not an excuse if you choose, but your feelings are reason enough. Trust them.

We are poles apart Aunty Julie, My partner and I seem to be coming from different worlds .

It’s pretty frustrating. What can we do about it? Sometimes, I feel we don’t communicate. He doesn’t feel me and our interests seem to be poles apart. I don’t want to be seen as nagging or complaining too much because I believe that we can still work things out. What should I do?

Boma, Port-Harcourt Dear Boma, It’s normal for relationship partners to have different needs in at least few areas, such as:

spending time with others vs. spending time with each other; wanting “quality time” together vs. needing time to be alone; going out dancing vs. watching home videos together. Differing needs don’t mean your relationship is coming apart, but it is important to communicate about them to avoid misunderstandings. Tell your partner directly what you want or need (“I would really like to spend time alone with you tonight”), rather than expecting them to know already (“If you really cared for me, you would know what I want”).

Set aside time to discuss unre-

her husband’s complaint that he leads a dog’s life is probably well founded. ”He comes in the house with muddy feet,” she said, “tracks across my clean floors, barks at nothing, growls at his food and makes himself comfortable on my best furniture.” * Soon after marriage, a lady’s husband stopped wearing his wedding ring. She asked, “Why don’t you ever wear your wedding band?” He replied, “It cuts off my circulation.” She answered back, “It’s supposed to!”

• “The thrill is gone from my marriage,” Bill told his friend Doug. ”Why not add some intrigue to your life and have

solved issues. Tell him things you are feeling uncomfortable about and would like to talk about . What time is agreeable to you?” Pouting, sulking, and the ‘silent treatment’ don’t make matters any better.

Inevitably, you and your partner will have conflicts, but they needn’t be nasty. Avoid name calling or intentionally calling attention to known weaknesses or sensitive issues.

Stay in the present, don’t dwell on past grievances. Listen actively , express back to your partner what you understand his/her thoughts and feelings to be. If you are wrong, admit it!

an affair?” Doug suggested. ”But what if my wife finds out?” “Heck, this is a new age we live in, Bill. Go ahead and tell her about it!”

So Bill went home and said, “Dear, I think an affair will bring us closer together.” ”Forget it,” said his wife. “I’ve tried that, it never worked.”

• Love is holding hands in the street Marriage is holding arguments in the street.

• A husband and wife were at a party chatting with some friends when the object of marriage counseling came up. ”Oh, we’ll never need that. My husband and I have a great relationship,” the wife explained. “He was a communications major”.

SATURDAY

J

oyce is a childhood friend I see often.

When I called on her a few months back she looked visibly flustered. I was at a loose end and went to see her for our usual chin-wag. “Am I glad to see you,” she said, ushering me into a chair in the kitchen where she was making up different mouth-watering dishes. I certainly had called at a good time. I patted myself on the back, as I tucked in with relish. “Henrietta is back,” she informed as we ate.

I looked blank. “You haven’t forgotten all about her have you?

Mercy ’s second daughter!” The penny finally dropped. Mercy is Joyce’s first cousin. She’s always been close to Mercy’s mother Louisa who is her big aunty. A womanof-the-world, Louisa is the proud mother of three children from three different fathers.

Nothing unusual these days where couples exchange partner like goods from a super-market, the snag is that the first and last ‘husbands’ were rich while Henrietta’s father couldn’t be described as a silver-spoon kid.

Vanguard JULY 14, 2012—19

Tackling a rebellious teenager!

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rear horse is Mercy’s third child, a longed for son she had for another colleague just before she left for England.

Thankfully, the lad’s father took her in, thanks to his wife’s ‘understanding’ nature, and the poor boy wanted for nothing.

He later went abroad with his dad’s family. Henrietta was the only child left in the

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the ‘Jammo’ boys on the block. “They are nothing better than yobs,” She used to complain. “They wouldn’t go to school if they could get away with it and their parents couldn’t make them!

Henrietta had been caught smoking once or twice, and I’m sure it would be a matter of time before she tries the hard stuff if care is not

How to beat the birthday blues

t’s your birthday and you should be celebrating—but instead you feel stuck in the rut. You feel discontented with the life you’ve had and you can’t see that things are going to be better in the future. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

You can use a period of crisis and uncertainty to review your life and make positive changes. Here’s how: Change the way you think:Hitting special birthday, C M Y K

country, but Mercy promised she could come to stay as soon as she finished secondary school.

“Henrietta, who’d made some friends on her previous annual holidays abroad in the tower block her mum lived in quickly fit in with her old ‘gang’ when she came to England. So for the next couple of years, whilst Henrietta studied for her “A’ Levels in preparation to getting into a university, Joyce regaled me with her escapades with

The horse behind always takes a running cue from the one in front

whether it’s 30, 40, 50 or more - doesn’t mean that the best part of your life is over.

Whatever you’ve done or achieved so far can provide a solid base for the future. See this period of your life as an opportunity not an ending.

Learn from your mistakes:-

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I

other. It was inevitable that the marriage crashed and Mercy relocated abroad, leaving Henrietta in her mum’s care.

“Louisa couldn’t hide her distaste for the poor girl. Any time she put a foot wrong, she shrieked at her. ‘The horse behind always takes a running cue from the one in front’, she used to say. If you are blind to see how fast the front horse is running, shouldn’t you look at the horse behind you in case it catches up with you?” This

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enrietta knew she wasn’t the apple of her mother ’s eyes and she behaved accordingly. “Her nasty father is fetish and must have used juju on my daughter,” Louisa had said any time she had the opportunity. “Why else would Mercy give in to a rough-neck like that? Look at Henrietta’s two siblings. Mercy ’s first daughter, Tina, the daughter of a renowned structural engineer, is a proper lady and her father sent her to the best public school as soon as she finished secondary school here. She’s a real lady, thanks to here dad’s impeccable pedigree. Pity his snooty selfcentred wife refused to even think of taking on Mercy as a second wife ... “When Mercy met Henrietta’s father, Joyce wasn’t exactly shouting for joys. “The only advantage is that he agreed to marry her and be a step-dad to Tina,” Joyce had told me. “But Tina’s dad told him he should forget it—Tina had a dad who was proud of her. Anyway, they got married. He was a divorcee with two children and lived in the seedy part of the city. Still, Mercy, who was then a top personnel manager in a huge firm agreed to come down to his level because of love. In no time at all, the beast showed his claws and by the time Henrietta was only six, it was obvious they hated each

Recognise what has gone wrong in the past and adjust your plans accordingly.

Look after yourself:Taking pride in your appearance, experience, exercising regularly and eating well will make you feel far more positive about

To boost your fruit intake, drink a glass of fruit juice at breakfast time

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taken.” Now, Henrietta was back. So what happened?

“Hump,” Joyce sighed dramatically, “her mother happened to catch her,and one of her rough-necked friends having sex at the bottom of the staircase! She’d come early to get some medical details she left behind to meet this shocker. She was enraged to say the least.

She yelled at the lad who’d quickly scampered, then virtually hauled Henrietta to the flat, nearly beating the daylight out of her in frustrated anger.

The next day, when Mercy came back from work, the police had already been, leaving a message she should call at the station as soon as she could. Mercy was puzzled as to why the police would want a word with her, but she went anyway.

“She told me she thought she wasn’t hearing right when the Police told her Henrietta had lodged a complaint with them that she’d been physically assaulted. ‘We’re talking about my daughter here,’ she napped.

‘How I discipline her is none of your business.’ But what Mercy failed to realise then was that the law in Britain regarding how you deal with your child is different from the law in Nigeria. By British law, a child is owed a duty of care by his parents up to the age of 16. The parents have no right to kick out yourself. To boost your fruit intake, drink a glass of fruit juice at breakfast time. Add some sliced banana or raisins to your breakfast cereal and keep some fruit handy for mid-morning snack. Add vegetables to curries, casseroles and pasta sauces and serve extra vegetable or some salad with a meal.

Do things differently:- Try being more thoughtful about the choices you make, or more attentive to the needs of others.

their children no matter’ how bad their behaviour and if a parent laid their hand on any child, that child had legitimate recourse to the law—and the law would take its course. Which is one of the reasons why teenagers are virtually throwing stones at neighbours and vandalising properties with only their writs slapped by the authority.

“Mercy was lucky, she was seriously cautioned and the caution was recorded. When next she was violent with her own daughter, she would be charged. She came home to find a sullen Henrietta. The fool smirked as the mother said nothing. In the meantime, she raked up all the money she’d managed to save for a rainy day, telling herself the rainy day was here. She then told Henrietta they were going to Nigeria on a short visit during Henrietta’s first-term holiday.

She lied that her grandma had died and they were going for her funeral. When Henrietta arrived Nigeria and saw that her granny was alive and well, she knew she’d walked into a trap. She was over 16, the legal age in Britain where you can walk out on your parents without them making you go back home. If she’d known, she could have run to the authorities who would provide her with temporary accommodation. She could even move in with any man over 16 if she so wishes without anyone insisting she goes back home. Louisa her granny was far from happy at seeing her. ‘Blood would smell,’ she sniffed, ‘ you’re the true daughter of your good-for-nothing father!’

T

he next day, Henrietta

called her father and he promptly came to the house to insist Henrietta spend some of her holiday with him.

Mercy had no choice but to agree as Henrietta clung to her father like an ally. Now the dad is saying that over his dead body would he allow Louisa who never married, and Mercy who’d had three relationships that resulted in three children, raise her only daughter. That Henrietta misbehaved, he said, was due to the bad examples set by these two wayward women. Can you imagine the affront? A man who, never bothered to chip in to Henrietta’s keep abroad, because, according to him he never encouraged her to go!

“Mercy has since gone back, but heaven only knows what Henrietta’s future now holds... I told her things would work out now that Henrietta is with her father and her half-siblings. Things are complicated enough without anybody wanting to rush in with solutions that are not needed at the moment.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 eople are easily fooled by those they love.

Again, people have a very difficult time spotting deception with a complete stranger. People are no better than tossing a coin when trying to detect deception by someone they do not know . A reasonable person might think that it would be easier to tell if a spouse or lover is lying. After all, people are more intimate with their romantic partners. People know their husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and how they typically behave. It should be easy to catch a spouse or lover in a lie by watching their body language. This makes a lot of sense, but unfortunately, the opposite is more likely to be true.

A man or woman in love is blind.

When people are in love, they place a lot of trust in their romantic partners and think they know them well. While this trust provides people with a sense of security and comfort, it creates an opportunity for deception.

Lovers have a very difficult time actually telling when their partners are lying. Even though detecting deception is difficult with complete strangdoubt. More often than not, ers, lovers manage to take this people have a difficult time skill to a new low. imagining that their partner As people become more could be lying. intimate and more emotionally Have you ever had a involved, they also become less friend, who was in love with accurate at detecting their someone, but your friend partner’s deception. People are could not see how his or her too willing to give their romanlover might be lying? Of tic partners the benefit of the

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Deception! Can you tell when your partner is lying?

course, it is always much easier for other people to see the truth.

When we become emotionally involved with someone, it is much harder to spot their lies . Seeing the truth would simply cause too much pain, especially when it

comes to very serious issues.

Ironically, while we have a difficult time spotting our lover’s lies, we do not realize it. Most people think they are really good at telling when their partner is lying, but research shows that thinking you are good at detecting deception does not make it so .

We think we can detect deception because we trust our gut reaction . And while we occasionally catch a lover lying, we probably only catch about 1-5% of the lies we are told. So, based on these few successes, we assume we can detect deception better than we can.

As intimacy increases, people’s confidence at detecting deception increases.

People’s actual ability to detect deception declines. Partners have more reasons to lie .

What does this mean?

More often than not, people place the most trust in the person who is most likely to deceive them.

And unfortunately, people are the most likely to deceive the person who loves and trusts them the most.

How would you know he/ she is deceiving you? The first thing to consider is the body language of the liar.

Physical expression will be limited and stiff, with few arm and hand movements. Hand, arm and leg movement are toward their own body. A person who is lying to you will avoid making eye con-

tact.

A guilty person gets defensive. An innocent person will often go on the offensive. A liar is uncomfortable facing his questioner/accuser and may turn his head or body away. A liar might unconsciously place objects between themselves and you.

Liars sometimes avoid lying by not making direct statements. They imply answers instead of denying something directly. If you believe someone is lying, then change the subject of a conversation quickly, a liar follows along willingly and becomes more relaxed. The guilty wants the subject changed; an innocent person may be confused by the sudden change in topics and will want to go back to the previous subject.

Lovers lie about a lot of things. They lie about the reasons why they can’t spend time together or see each other.

Partners lie about their past level of involvement and their feelings and interest in others.

Lovers lie about their friendships, time spent with others, accidental encounters, phone calls, e-mails, and text messages with others. Lovers conceal having sexual fantasies about someone else . Men, in particular, lie about masturbating or how often it happens. Men also lie about fantasies during masturbation, using pornography. Men lie about having unsafe sex practices with other females and vice-versa.

My father is sexually attracted to me M

y biological father is sexually attracted to me and I feel embarrassed speaking this out. As a child, I was sexually abused by our next door neighbour and it affected me a lot but last year I finally was able to deal with it. I have recently separated from a man I dated for six months and have started seeing a new man but my father has become very weird,jealous and has started being very inappropriate. He touches me in a sexual way and says very explicit and offensive things. He was like this when I was a teenager. I left home because of it. He doesnt accept when I tried to tell him of the abuse I suffered as a child . He says I am making it up, being silly. I now feel like I hate him but I don't know how to deal with this. Do I confront him or do I

simply walk away? My mum died 10 years ago and so I cannot talk to her. I feel very frightened of him and what he will do next. I am 22 and he’s 48. What should I do?

Fejiro, Sapele As a 22year-old lady, you certainly don’t have to put up with this. You don’t need to convince your father of anything. You know what happened to you. It doesn’t matter what he thinks.

Your truth matters, not his.

You ask if you should confront or walk away. I suggest to you that there are more alternatives. There is no point in arguing with him. He isn’t likely to change. Walking away sends the message that what he is doing is okay with you which it isn’t. It also leaves

you feeling ashamed.

I think it would be more helpful if you could make a clear statement to your dad of how it makes you feel and what you will do any time he approaches you inappropriately.

You should let him know that it is entirely inappropriate for him to touch you or say those things to you. He is your father, not your boyfriend. Fathers don’t treat their daughters that way. Let him know he is treating you with disrespect.

Then follow through. The very first time he says or does something that makes you uncomfortable, leave. Don’t talk about it, shout about it, argue

about it, or repeat yourself.

Shouting and talking and arguing send the message that perhaps you can be talked out of your opinion. Taking silent and sure action sends a far more powerful message to him and preserves your dignity as an adult man.

It’s very sad that your father’s behaviour puts a wedge between the two of you. I understand that you have wanted him to be different and hoped that he would be the kind of loving, supportive dad you’ve always wanted. But you can’t make him change. All you can do is hold on to your own self-respect by setting a clear boundary and sticking to it.

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C M Y K

tribe on 08154727449 •Daniel, 25, wants to be linked with a lady on 08072867805 •Chuma, 32, from Abia, wants a Godfearing lady who is educated and Igbo for marriage on 08097391901 •Briggs, from Delta State, businessman, wants a good looking lady of 35-40 for marriage on 08039485989 •Ebuka, 27, based in Abuja, wants a lady of 18-25 that is good looking, tall and fair on 08069514616 •Joseph, 29, from Edo State, graduate, needs a Chrisian lady for a serious relationship on 08166536321

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—21

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n my way home, I took Oregun road, heading towards Ojota and just before the bus stop, one lane was completely overtaken by Okadas and petty traders which made it quite difficult to go through. Someone I gave a ride to commented on the area and said the authorities had chased the people away before but they were now back with a vengeance, daring them to try again to remove them.

You give someone a job to do and he disappears with the funds not caring the outcome but this is the same person that will be in church every Sunday, praying to God for a miracle and open doors! We (I inclusive) criticise our leaders for all sorts of wrong doing but are they not drawn from amongst us? They grew up in this society and went to school with us, grew into

info@katehenshaw.com

Greedy, la wless wicked citizenr y adults witnessing all sorts of shenanigans and when finally elected by us, bring all they carried from within our society, community, into the place of power to rule over us and not serve.

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riving home in the evening on a Wednesday after a long day in the studio recording new episodes of my cooking programme on TV, I saw so much that made me wonder at our mind set as a people and if the change we seek will ever come. People have been provided with a pedestrian bridge yet they choose to cross the express road and the bridge is abandoned or taken over by petty traders. If it was not provided, they would complain and say nothing was being done. We drive with reckless abandon, driving against traffic, speed past when the red light is on ( especially Okadas)as if the traffic lights do not apply to them; cut each other off when we can.

the job and brought in people to work on the project. Halfway through, he could not be reached on the phone any longer. He had bought more materials than was necessary and then put the rest of the cash

Surely there are still a few men/women who can stand as a beacon of hope for the future generation

Only a handful truly serves and become great in our sight.

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hat will it truly take to get back to that place where we are incorruptible? A builder my brother has known for over 8 years and who built him his own home did the most unforgiveable thing. He was given another project because he was deemed trustworthy. He quoted for

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in his pocket. My brother ended up having to pay the workers. This is one who is a deacon in church! If you cannot trust someone whom you have known for that length of time, who then can you trust? Morals are like the Golden Fleece these days, so hard to come by. This was not the case when I was much younger. You would have to explain every new thing you acquired to your family. If you drove into your

and

neighbourhood with a new car for instance, you would explain how you got the money but these days, family members not knowing or caring the source of income, would be full of praise and pride at whatever new acquisition came their way. It is mind boggling. The more I think about this dear country of ours, the more despondent I become. Helplessness and confusion fill me with dread that we may not come out of this sinking sands anytime soon.

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t is so easy to steal from your fellow man/woman, cheat him or her, lie and even kill without remorse; without so much as a backward glance, without affect and it will be ok. Why? Where is the love gone, the milk of human kindness has dried up and there seems to be no way out.

Surely there are still a few men/women who can stand as a beacon of hope for the future generation. I want to believe that all hope is not lost but I am quite sceptical.

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C M Y K

him call a mechanic perhaps, clear a different pathway for the cars behind to pass or at the very least,help him push it out of the way.

Last Saturday, I went to the Ikeja Shopping Mall, and was pleased to see that finally, they had opened up the front entrance.

Great I thought to myself and made a mental note; no need to take the long and convoluted back road that had been the only way into the mall prior to now. Then after like 10-15 minutes of waiting on a queue just to get in, some twit in a uniform and walkie-talkie decides that it should have been a singlelane queue after-all so

therefore all you people on the outer most lane should either drive on and join the other long queue into the new entrance or go through a death struggle trying to merge into the ‘single-file’. Are you crazy??

Of course, it would never

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he President has been having meetings with the various arms of government on corruption and the issue of continued violence in the north, be it by the dreaded sect BH or the herdsmen who suddenly have turned to assassins overnight (really, hmmm). I sincerely hope it yields fruit (there are so many things that are still hanging in the balance e.g. fuel subsidy abracadabra) and that this is not just one big smoke screen because of the level of criticism his government is receiving in every part of the country. The job of raising Nigeria from its knees cannot be left for one person alone; it must be a collective effort for in our diversity, lies our strength. parking tariffs only!)that for whatever asinine reasons they’d come up with at the time it would be just a little more tedious to get into the mall, forget that it is a Sunday afternoon (peak period for that matter!) The moron who held the walkie–talkie did not use it to call for back-up to stem the impending traffic mess, rather he wielded in front of him as if it were a staff of office which by the way did him little or no good made as the many commuters who

Silly is as silly does

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he man was sitting in his car at a major junction furiously fiddling with something.

Obviously there was some sort of vehicular malfunction otherwise which right thinking person would intentionally hold up traffic on a major road long after the lights had turned green?

The traffic warden initially took no notice, the increasing din of the car horns tooting impatiently behind the poor fellow drew his attention to which he languidly waved his hand in the universal sign that means ‘move it’. The car obviously in distress couldn’t, so finally he lumbers over and compounds the problem just like I knew he would.

“Oga see wetin you cause na!” pointing to the traffic that had built up behind his broken down vehicle.

The man promptly wound down his window to explain what the problem was to which the traffic warden spread out his arms helplessly and began to very dramatically whine…

“See me see wahala o, which kind trouble be dis!” he was comical. Of course, the thought would never cross his mind to proffer a solution.Help

Where do we begin? Surely there is a better way to do things. We stand to be constantly seen as that nation that has no scruples; our green passport is already being regarded with disdain wherever we go. Not everyone must be tarred with the same brush is the argument I have had with friends from other countries.

There are still a few good men and women around. Where are they though? Have they been swallowed up in the tide of greed, corruption, ruthless killings and selfish attitudes? It is so easy to do the right thing but we choose the short cut that is bad. We turn a blind eye to everything bad in the society and try to explain it away as the devil’s handiwork. We then offer a paltry word of ‘sorry’ hoping everything will go back to how it was. The harm has however already been done.

occur to him to proffer a solution. Perhaps walk to the top of the road where the queue divides into two and sometimes three lanes and respectfully inform commuters (people who are coming to spend money 0! imagine all that revenue in

Great I thought to myself and made a mental note; no need to take the long and convoluted back road that had been the only way into the mall prior to now

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simply manoeuvred round ‘his royal stupid-ness’ and kept on their merry way.

Perhaps it’s the ‘eye of the needle syndrome’ we instinctively make things difficult. Someone said ‘Nigerian’s can complicate the boiling of an egg’. Worse still are those Government officials, especially those that interact directly with the man on the street.

Reminds me of the Native Police back in the day, the Akodas during the Colonial era, pompous an utterly stupid with whatever minuscule power they believe their occupation and costume confers on them.

Silly is as silly does!

C M Y

22—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 14, 2012

Towase wins Mr. Ideal Nigeria 2012

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

A

SPIRING model, 19 years old Mr. Osun State, Abayomi Towase emerged as Mr. Ideal 2012, after beating 36 other male contestants at the finals.

The competition started with 36 contestants, dropped to 20 with the elimination of four contestants at each stage, until there was left, the last four men standing, while the judges adjudged them based on the answer to the question and performance in the previous rounds.

Towase said, “I’m proud of my accomplishment because I know it would take me on to greater heights. I will like to move on and win Mr. United Nations pageant coming up in December and be the cover model for lots of magazines and brands.”

As winner of the pageantry he automatically becomes the new face of Blue Storm energy drink and Clicloc Nigeria. He also gets a monetary award to start his own business as well as represent Nigeria at the Mr. United Nations finals.

The runner-up from Lagos state, Master Fortune Davids also won for himself a one year contract as the new Ambassador to Blue Storm energy drink and will represent Nigeria at the Mister Tourism International contest in Panama, in November.

Other finalists who made it to the finals include ‘Mr. Akwa Ibom State, second runner up, Mr. Katsina State, third runner up and Mr. Abuja, fourth runner up.

Organiser/ President, House of Twitch, Mr. Ayotunde Fabamwo, said that the primary objective for introducing ‘MR Ideal Nigeria” is to encourage the Nigerian youths, especially young male graduates to come up with their own business ideas without depending on organisations or the government for survival.

Davido breaks out N

EW kid on the block, Davido is set to release his debut album – O.B.O (Omo Baba Olowo) Genesis on Wednesday 18 July 2012 followed by his album launch concert in association with Flytime entertainment on Sunday 22 July at Eko Hotel Expo Hall, Lagos, Nigeria Besides fulfilling his obligations as MTN Brand ambassador and attending

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include collaborations from Nigerian music veteran, TuFace plus surefire hits with Ice Prince, May D, B-Red and K Switch.

The album launch concert is set to wow the audience with state of the art choreography, props and entertainment plus other top Nigerian artistes confirmed to perform at the high profile show that may turn the face of the music industry.

Lock down with Naija celebrities debut T

•Towase

school, Davido has been working hard on his hotly anticipated album, which will feature all of the young singer, writer and producer ’s hit songs that includes “Back When” feat.

Naeto C, pan-African chart topper – “Dami Duro” love song “Ekuro” and his latest single “Overseas” feat. his HKN label mate Sina Rambo. The 16 track O.B.O Genesis Album will also

HE entertainment industry will soon smile as a Saturday celebrity party tagged “Lock Down With Naija Celebrities” makes its debut.

An initiative of BT Ent (Been There Entertainment) the monthly party according to the organisers is aimed at celebrating Naija celebrities who have made the mark in their chosen careers.

The debut edition of the party holds on August 18th 2012 at celebrity hangout The place located on Isaac John street Ikeja, Lagos.

The company’s spokes person Beverly Osu says “Lock Down

With Naija Celebs”, is a new concept that will blow everyone’s mind. The debut edition will be rocked by several artistes like Sound Sultan, Reminisce, Rayce, Chuddy K, YQ, Kcee , Flowsick, W4, DJ Zeez, LKT, Sammie, Sagga Lee, El Plex and Yemi Alade who have confirmed their appearances at the event. Denrele Edun, will compere the event alongside ace comedian, Omo Baba.

With DJ Jimmy Jatt making a special appearance, the party promises all the trapping of an A-list

•Sound Sultan

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 14, 2012—23

Tiwa Savage and Wizkid unveiled as Pepsi ambassadors M

AVIN Records star, Tiwa Savage and EME’s Wizkid made history on Wednesday night as they were officially unveiled as ambassadors of one of the leading soft drinks in Nigeria, Pepsi.

Wizkid recently won the Best International Act (Africa) in the prestigious BET awards held in Los Angeles, United States, just as Tiwa Savage was co-host of the reality TV show ‘Nigerian Idol’ Season Two which was sponsored by Pepsi.

The unveiling ceremony, which was held at the Likwid Lounge had celebrities and fans of the singers, in attendance. An excited Tiwa who arrived the event venue clad in hot pant, expressed gratitude at the decision of the brand to make her an ambassador, adding that she has no idea why she was chosen but will add ‘a proper Naija flavour’ to the brand.

Celebrities who were in attendance included Eku Edewor, K affy, Vector, Tillaman, Dr Sid, Flowsick, Olisa Adibua, DJ Xclusive, Durella, Dr. Sid and a host of

others.

The duo, who have been rocking the entertainment scene both within and outside the shores of the country with their brand of music are the latest additions on the list of Nigerian musicians.

They have been chosen as ambassadors for the brand following Ashionye who was signed as face of Pepsi Lite in 2007, and Lynxxx who represented the brand in 2010.

Speaking at the event, Pepsi manager, Mazen Almasri said”Pepsi is delighted to bring brand these two very talented Nigerian musicians on board. They represent the Pepsi brand essence of inspiring a youthful lifestyle and refreshing the world of our consumers.”

According to Almasri, Pepsi is very passionate about developing talents that abound in Nigeria, whether in football, as the Pepsi Football Academy has been doing for the past 20 years or the newly introduced MBA Harvard Business Scholarship aimed at giving young Nigerians a world class education.

Globally, Pepsi has for many

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S the ancient city of Benin, Edo State prepares to host Amstel Malta Showtime on July 27, 2012, the brand is set to engage followers of the drink with its unique activation via a special radio programme tagged Amstel Malta Showtime Radio Show. According to Mrs. Adedoyin Owotomo, Brand Manager - Amstel Malta, Nigerian Breweries Plc., the programme, which will be aired on two radio stations, Rhythm FM and ITV, both located in Benin, will be dedicated exclusively to Amstel Malta Showtime.

According to her, Amstel Malta Showtime will bring the fun and excitement of the event to its listeners. “It all about bringing the fun and excitement that only Amstel Malta can engender. We have fantastic artistes like Naeto C, Davido, Darey, Buchi and Corporate Dance World performing at the live event on July 27th. We will also have the best of Benin performing in the singing, dancing and comedy competitions with the winner in each category performing live on stage with the listed artistes.

Celebs storm Unilag, preach scholarship, talent

By UDUMA KALU Tiwa Savage years, used soccer and music stars for marketing campaigns.

For the Pepsi boss, the brand will support Tiwa Savage and Wizkid to take their music careers to the next level through promotion within and outside the shores of the country.

D Psalms step out with Rising of the Star Psalm Entertainment which comprises a group of able bodied young men coming together to achieve their vision of creating a platform for a new gospel artists (Talents) on Tuesday unveiled the first ever gospel drama project tagged, “The rising of the Star ”.

The group intends to use the drama as an outstanding platform for grooming gospel singers. They will also teach people to learn the art of stage craft and performance and to know the basic of music in general and be able to write songs.

The project manager, Ifeanyichukwu Charles said that two stage project will start with registration which will be done on the internet through their website.

According to Ifeanyichukwu, the first stage of the project begins with regional audition that would be held in five

Amstel Showtime hit Benin city

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t was fun, music, comedy and dance.

Yet, it was beyond all these. Perhaps, it was the first time that students of the University of Lagos would hear it: that yes, they should work hard to read their books and get their degrees. But the end result is not that degree but the discovery of their talents.

Because it is this talent that will shape their lives and define their career.

And that was where the fun part of it took over in form of dancing competition, students dancing, talent display and all.

Curiously, there was no book and non was read. That was the aim of ‘The rhythm in the book… Knowledge is the rhythm you see’ motivational talk held in the premises of the New Hall of the university.

Presented by the youthful non governmental organization, Youth.com which runs a motivational programme on TVC, the idea, as the oganisers said was that students should also find time to unwind and so discover their talents while not forgetting their books.

locations across the country. be performing at intervals especially, on Fridays Locations like, Abuja for the and Sundays and contestants will be evicted Northern region, Owerri for weekly until the seventh week when they are the South-Eastern region, expected to be only five finalists to battle for the Port-Harcourt for the South- winner ” he said. The winner will emerge from South region, Benin for the who gets the highest voting from the viewers.

Mid-Western States and Lagos And the winner will go home with the sum of for the South- Western States. N2m, a car and a recording contract. Other The regional auditions will be contestants will be giving some consolation divided into three stages. In prizes. each of the stages, there will be judges who will be screening these contestants after each performance.

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI Three finalists are expected to appear S you read this, one of Nigeria’s hottest Fuji artiste, popularly from each region known as Obesere is at the moment a proud owner of a hotel. making up fifteen The hotel gathered this from our source that Obesere has just completed finalists to come to his mega hotel(name not yet revealed).

Lagos for the finals.

We which gulped several millions of Naira and located at the GRA, The final is the most Ado-Ekiti in Ektit State we learnt, is undergoing some finishing touches imperative part of after which it will be opened for users in few weeks time. the TV show. “In According to our source, the hotel would be patronized by high profile the finals, all the business tycoons, artistes like him and important government officials fifteen contestants both resident inside and outside Ekiti State. will be housed and Born Abass Akande, Obesere being his stage name, he is one of the trained for eight top rated lewd lyricist in Nigeria. weeks and they will

Fuji singer, Obesere completes hotel

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•Obesere

24— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

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ward-winning producer, Obi Emelonye whose heart-rendering latest flick, “Last Flight to Abuja”, is serenading the motion picture industry. This movie has transformed the man into a social crusader as he canvasses for a better aviation safety in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Screening the movie to a selected audience at Genesis Deluxe, Lekki, Lagos, last Tuesday, the emotion-laden producer/director decried the degenerating state of the nation’s aviation industry, stressing that the unveiling of the film , which collided with the recent Dana plane crash, remained an eye-opener that the nation’s aviation sector needs an urgent attention.

Emelonye, who explained why he embarked on the project which he claimed took him about five years to complete, said “I feel passionate about the issue of

Last Flight to Abuja:

Obi Emelonye turns social crusader

Obi Emelonye

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fate that put a set of everyday Nigerian travelers on-board a stricken plane teetering on the brink of disaster at 30,000 feet.

The film has inadvertently become relevant and timely due to the uncanny similarities to the recent Dana plane crash that happened in Lagos which resulted in the loss of over 160 lives.

Emelonye belives that now is the time to release this allimportant film as a way of mounting pressure on the relevant agencies to tackle the problem, especially, given the fact that the issue of safety in African aviation sector, has become a source of worry across the globe.

P Lancelot such as “ Private Storm” , “Bent Arrows”, “Issakaba”, “Home in Exile”, “Entanglement”, “Wrong Desire”, “Games Women Play”, “Private Sin” and AMAA winner, “Adesuwa” He thanked friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their commiseration with the family since the painful news of their mother ’s demise was made public.

retty Yoruba actress, Lizzy Anjorin has denied report that she’s dating Funke Akindele’s husband, Kehinde Oloyede.

She described the allegation as “malicious and unfounded, threatening however, to take a legal action against the publications that reported the story.

The media and the internet were two weeks ago awash with report that Liz Anjorin is going out with Funke’s hubby.

Reacting to the report during the week, Anjorin who recently opened a one-stop supermarket at Ogba , Lagos, expressed shock that her foes could fabricate stories just to tarnish her image. “ This is surprising and I wonder why people won’t leave me alone to do my thing quietly. I don’t know Funke’s husband and have ever come near him anywhere. I was not at their recent wedding and I don’t have his Gsm number neither do I have him on my bbm.”

“I will surely take legal action against the publications.

Enough is Enough I want to be left alone, I can’t work so hard to earn a living and people won’t leave me alone. Rather, they keep spreading rumours about me that are not true.’

Big Brother Stargame update:

Keitta tips Goldie as winner

Nollyw ood direct or Nollywood director weds in style

t was a dream come true for gifted Nollywood director, Favour Akakabota on June 30, as he took his sweet heart, Ruth Edibiokpo to the altar.

The stylish and opulence wedding ceremony took place at the Mount Zion Ambassador Ministry Church, Warri, Delta State while the reception followed at the bride’s family

families of victims, we decided to continue with the premiere and dedicated the film to the memory of all those that lost their lives in the two incidents on 3rd of June, 2012. Whether we like it or not, this film has become involved;all of us here have become involved; in the inescapable but long-overdue clamour for better aviation safety in Africa.”

“Last Flight to Abuja” starring some of Africa’s biggest actors including Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Jim Iyke, Jide Kosoko, Ali Nuhu, Celine Loader and others is the very first Nollywood film set on a plane and is a high octane suspense thriller inspired by real life events that unravels the twists, turns and leaps of

Liz Anjorin denies dating FFunk unk e unke Akindele's beau

Lancelot's mum goes home, July 2 7 27

emains of the mother of popular Nollywood producer cum director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 28, at Ugbowo, Benin City, according to information reaching HVP. Lancelot’s mum died in April, at the age of 72.

The father of two, who confirmed the burial plan to HVP, said his late mother would be greatly missed by all her children and the Imasuens at large.

Lancelot has over the years been reputed for directing a long list of blockbuster movies

safety on Nigerian planes and decided, against the grain of opinion to make a film about it."

According to him, in the season of unveiling the film and with uncanny similarities with its narrative, history repeated itself. "The coincidence is unnerving but portends even more.” he stated.

Emelonye said “as we came to terms, along with the whole Africa, with this avoidable loss of precious lives, the first reaction of my team and I was to postpone the premiere and release of this film as a mark of respect to the victims and their families.’ “ However, after extensive consultation, which involved

compound in Ugbokodo town, also in Warri.

The event was filled with fanfare as guests were treated to choice foods and drinks.

The well-attended gig saw the turn-out of friends, family members and well-wishers from far and near. Also movie directors were at the occasion to give their support to one of their own.They were overcome with happiness for

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the newly wed. The wedding was anchored by popular Delta based comedian, MC Emaralo.

hanian Big Brother S t a r g a m e contestant, Keitta has tipped Nigeria’s Goldie as a potential winner of the ongoing reality TV show.

The 22-year-old model said this during a conversation with Watti about who they think would win the highly coveted $ 300,000 star prize. ‘I think the winner will be either Talia,

Wati, Keagan or Goldie’ he said. The Ghanaian model excluded himself in the list and immediately changed the topic after their Kenyan counterpart, Prezzo, came in.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—25

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op actress Bimbo Akintola who has been missing on the big screens in recent times has resurfaced in a new musical flick titled, “Hoodrsuh.”

Bimbo used to be the favourite of most Nollywood producers following her s t u n n i n g appearance in Richard MofeDamijo’s “Out of Bounds”

BIMBO AKINTOLA

Jonathan’s $200m resurfaces int er inter ervvention fund:

before she eventually went underground.

By starring in this new flick, which also paraded other emerging stars such as O.C Ukeje, Gabriel Afolayan, Chelsea Eze, Ijeoma Agu and Lilian Byoma amongst others, the thoroughbred actress undoubtedly gives her s a g g i n g career a big lift.

Produced by Flipsyde Studios, “Hoodrush” was directed by Dimeji Ajibola, a relatively new comer in the area of feature film who has done a bo couple of

production, including short films to his credit.

For Bimbo Akintola, starring in “Hoodrush” was just another step in the right direction as she has always been known for stellar performances in her roles.

The Theatre Arts graduate of University of Ibadan started her foray into acting when she starred in “Owo Blow”, a movie which launched her into the mainstream acting world. It was therefore not surprising that she was already making money for herself, even before she left the university.

Shortly, after starring in “Owo Blow”, she also distinguished herself in “Out of Bounds”, where she acted alongside prolific actor, RMD. Akintola further cemented her place as a force to reckon with, when she starred in the award winning movie, the “Mourning After”, a movie that highlights the pains of widowhood.

Olu Jacobs th celebrat es 70 celebrates bir thda birthda thdayy in London play, his beautiful wife, Joke Silva, former AGN president Segun Arinze and another veteran actor, Justice Esiri.

Jacobs, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, left Nigeria for England in the 60s to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, England.

After graduating, he worked in various theatres in Britain.

He returned to the country in the early 80s and starred in the TV series ‘Third Eye.” His first ever movie, produced by AA productions, was ‘Vigilante’.

His other movies were “Pirates”, “Eagle’s Bride”, “21 Days With Christ”, “Burning

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ast week, I made it clear that lack of funding takes a leading position among the myriad of challenges eyeballing the Nigerian entertainment industry. It was, therefore a big relief and morale boosting for practitioners and other stakeholders when His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announced a $200m intervention fund for the country’s entertainment industry. Bellow is the concluding part of the discourse.

THE truth, however, is that the funds Kene and Abulu accessed from BoI and NEXIM bank respectively, has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the President Jonathan’s $200m in question. The loan the duo secured came straight from the coffers of the two banks, with stringent conditions and at two-digit interest rate. I know that any stakeholder, who is able to meet the episodic conditions of these two banks, would swell the list

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rums were rolled out in far away London, on Wednesday, as one of Nollywood veteran actors, Olu Jacobs marked his 70th birthday anniversary in grand style.

Olu Jacobs who was born in July 11, 1942, is currently in London, for the theatre play, “King Must Dance Naked” which they are staging to show solidarity for the Nigerian contingents to the 2012 London Olympic games.

Those who were in London to celebrate the occasion with the highly respected actor were the cast and crew of the

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Olu Kingdom”, “Mirror of Beauty”, “ The Return of Ogidi” and more recently “Adesuwa.” A member of the National Theatre of Great Britain, he has featured in over 130 movies.

I am of the view and firmly so too, that the Jonathan $200m intervention fund to the Nigerian entertainment should be released without further delay to BoI and NEXIM bank (or any other competent bank or banks) for proper management and disbursement as loans to interested stakeholders

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YOVIFPMAN talks digital mar keting @ w or kshop mark wor orkshop

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ainland Hotel, Oyingbo Lagos, wore a festive mood when filmmakers, actors, regulatory agencies and the corporateNigeriaconvergedforthe much anticipated workshop organised by the leadership of Yoruba Video Film Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (YOVIFPMAN).

The event, which was organised to train members of the association C M Y K

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on the art of digital marketing of films, was also used as an avenue to discuss other issues bedevilling the Nigerian motion picture industry.

The variety of issues of concern was evident in the number of resource persons slated for discussions at the event. They included ace cinematographer Tunde Kelani (Effect of Movie in Diaspora); Managing Director, RemdelOptimumCommunication,

Biodun Ibitola, (Effect of Piracy on Nigeria Movies); Hope Yongoh, Manager, NEXIM Bank (Finance in Nollywood); Lola Fajana, Mutual Benefit Assurance (Insurance in Nollywood); Seyi Yeroku, Iroko Partners (Digital Marketing, The Challenges); Ayo Sewanu; Silverbird Distribution (Film Distribution); Barrister Tunji Bamisigbin (Effect of Subtitling on IndigenousMovies);AinaKushoro (Distribution Yesterday, Today,

Tomorrow); Pastor Cyprian Orakpo (Technological Development in Nollywood); Barrister Akeem Aponmade(Copyright and You); Edward Odion (Governmental Regulation and You); Jonathan Bruce, MD, Silverbird Cinema, Lagos (Nollywood and the Cinema).The chairman of the association, Alhaji Toyin Uthman noted that his executives have resolved to use teh workshop to overhaul the tradition of movie making in the country.

of beneficiaries of the banks’ intervention loan schemes for the Nigerian entertainment industry or any other industry for that matter. I am aware of a few stakeholders whose applications with the two banks are at advanced stages.

Mrs. Evelyn Oputu and Mr. Robert Orya, MDs of BoI and NEXIM bank respectively, know exactly what I’m talking about. Trying to pigeonhole the Jonathan $200m into the normal loan schemes of these two banks would amount to nothing but the zenith of deceit, to say the very least.

There is no need by these banks, for whatever reason to cover up for anybody, not even for Mr. President! Doing that would amount to playing politics with the entire Nigerian entertainment industry. This is most unacceptable.

I also hope that the $200m Mr. President announced, has nothing to do with a similar but slightly different fund set aside a long time ago by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is to be (being?) disbursed through the tentacles of the World Bank?

This, I must also state without equivocation of any sort, has nothing to do with what President Jonathan announced, which is now gradually drifting into the arena of a failed campaign promise to the Nigerian entertainment industry. Mr. President should speak out now so that stakeholders would stop mooning and know exactly what to do next.

I am of the view and firmly so too, that the Jonathan $200m intervention fund to the Nigerian entertainment should be released without further delay to BoI and NEXIM bank (or any other competent bank or banks) for proper management and disbursement as loans to interested stakeholders. This would reboot and energize the funds-starved Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood.

Disbursement of the loans should be done in tandem with due process, due diligence and best practices.

26—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 14 , 2012

Eddie Murphy not dead A

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wo dogs got married Thursday night at an extravaganza to benefit the Humane Society of New York.

Bride Baby Hope Diamond, a white Coton de Tulear with black-gray markings, was led down the aisle, resplendent in her canine couture gown.

Her poodle groom, a dapper dude named Chilly Pasternak from Richmond, Va., didn’t seem too excited about the whole affair but, nevertheless, went along with the ceremony. Sevenyear itch, anyone?

After they got hitched, the cuddly couple were presented with a Guinness World Record in the category of most expensive pet wedding at $158,187.26.

The luxury goods and services that went into the wedding were all donated.

Guests bought tickets for the Manhattan fundraiser.

Baby Hope was adopted by animal welfare activist Wendy Diamond after her beloved Maltese died of cancer last month. Lucky Diamond, a longtime champion of the underdog, was originally cast as the bride.

The wedding instead served as a celebration of the life of the little Maltese.

Lucky herself held a Guinness Record: The ani-

Dogs from NY, Virginia wed at charity extravaganza mal most photographed with famous people. She posed with more than 300 celebrities, from “Twilight” actress Kristen Stewart to hip-hop star Snoop Dogg.

No expense was spared for

the black-tie gala, held at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel at Central Park. The “dream team” included a celebrity wedding planner, a “lighting guru” with experience at major museums, and highly tout-

ed chefs for the reception, to name just a few.

Since the guests came from more than one species, a company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres provided a pet food buffet.

ccording to rumors ,Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy is the latest subject of death rumors with some claiming he recently died in a snowboarding accident. While the actor is alive and well, the rumors have been traced back to an organization that continually issues false statements about celebrity deaths.

“The actor and novice snowboarder was vacationing at the Zermatt ski resort in Zermatt, Switzerland with family and friends. Witnesses indicate that Eddie Murphy lost control of his snowboard and struck a tree at a high rate of speed,” said a statement by Global Associated News.

Murphy’s agent also issued a statement assuring fans that he is perfectly fine and that the rumors are completely unfounded.

Global Associated News has put out quite a few announcements of celebs’ deaths, which then turned out to be false.

WS78 cultural fiesta rocks Lagos prize of a trip to the United Kingdom to be part of the 2010, London edition of the project due to a denial of UK visa by the British Government, successfully got a visa this year through the concerted efforts of the Zmirage team who provided him with all necessary documents.

In a related development, Zmirage

Multimedia Limited and the Open door Series team, have commiserated with the family of Chief Segun Olusola, the creator of Nigeria’s longest running TV Drama series“The Village Headmaster ”, a veteran broadcaster,

•Eddie Murphy

My music inspires people —TUCI-G A

fter several weeks of in tensive planning and strategizing, participants and crew members of Project WS78 (Wole Soyinka at 78), “The Mind of a Patriot” are currently at the peak of excitement as the prestigious International Cultural Exchange Programme, organized by Zmirage Multimedia Limited and GlobalNewHaven began with a resounding success this week.

Shedding more light on the programme, the organizers stated that the event will feature an essay competition for secondary school students, a stage play, advocacy lecture, courtesy visits to Ogun and Ondo State Governments as well as a celebration of NigeC M Y K

ria and indeed Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka @ 78.

The week-long event, which kicked off yesterday is expected to come to a glorious end on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in three states of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo.

Interestingly, between July 28 and 29, London will definitely be agog and memorable as the organizers have gone the extra mile to ensure that the event holding in the UK, is colourful, exciting, rewarding and hugely beneficial to all those attending.

The winner of the 2010 WS76-“Pre-emptive Seven” essay competition, Gbenga Adeniji of Punch Newspapers who could not redeem his

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ighteen yearold , Demola Igbalajobi is a 200 level Philosophy student of the University of Lagos.

But already he has taken to music as a career.

The young talented soloist whose goes by the stage name Tuci- G ( Tu s h i ) d e s c r i b e s himself as a one man MOPOL. His hip-gospel brand was released on August 30 , 2011 to motivate and inspire the life of people.

“I’m all by myself, I’m not a band . Yea,

combining education and music isn’t easy at all. This has been one of the challenges I’m really facing but I think I do most of my song when sessions in school are over.

“Presently I have five tracks including, Bless me, Celebrate, Champion, God’s luv and Koma roll. “ Oh yes, I plan to make music my permanent thing and I am picking music as my permanent career.

“To my upcoming fans, I expect the unexpected things to come. Baba God noni no be me jare.I am so friendly and love everybody that comes my way. I have a favourite quote that God is great,the greatest thing you can ever have is love and God is love”

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hysical and psychological effects of rape Some common physical in juries from a rape C M Y K

Rape as a means to an end include pain, bruises, irritation and tenderness in the vaginal area, vaginal and anal bleeding, and sometimes tears in the vaginal-rectal area. If the victim has been thrown to the ground, there may also be other injuries such as skin insults and contusions.

The victim often suffers intense emotional reactions immediately after a rape.

These can be described as

As a survival technique, it provides a feeling of “leaving” one’s body, making the trauma harder to remember, especially the details.

Defense mechanisms like these may affect the victim’s ability and motivation to talk about the abuse they suffered. This is something which must be considered by professionals during questioning, by health care personnel, researchers as well

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ape is defined as one person forcing anoth er, without this person’s consent and using violence or threatening violence, to have intercourse or other forms of sexual activity. The same definition applies if the person is violated while in a vulnerable state such as sleep, unconsciousness, intoxication, physical or mental disability. Any present or previous relationship between the parties is irrelevant.

The majority of victims of sexual assault are women, and the perpetrators are almost always men. Rape can be categorized in different types: The man and the woman may know each other fairly well or only casually. This often happens in connection with or after a party or date.

It may occur as an attack or during private parties. Gang rapes may be pre-planned to varied degrees, but some planning always takes place.

Rapemay have a motive of revenge, for example to put an independent woman in her place. It can also occur in war as a calculated strategy.

Rape is also when the husband refers to his “marital right” to sex, threatens violence or divorce or demand sex after being abusive, when she does not dare say no. He may also simply force himself on her, despite her resistance and protests.

There are also two types of hidden sexual assaults: •The victim acknowledges to herself and perhaps also to others that she has been raped, but refuses to press charges for different reasons.

•The situation matches the legal definition of rape, but the victim, for different reasons, does not see it as such.

It is difficult to accurately determine how many rapes occur because the number of unreported rapes are presumed to be very high (especially rapes where the perpetrator is an acquaintance). Rape is often associated with strangers, when in fact, research shows that in most cases, the victim and the assailant know each other. A considerable number of rapes are presumed to occur within marriages. However, marital rape is still a subject very much taboo and is most likely the least recognized type of sexual assault.

The function of suppression is to block out the strong emotions and thereby escape the painful feelings for a short time which can be psychologically very exhausting

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personal crises where the victim relives the fear, agony or anxiety, mixed with emotional numbness. For most rape victims, the reactions begin days or weeks after the rape and decrease after two to six months. However, disturbing emotions combined with low self-respect and sexual dysfunction may last for a year or more for some.

Defense mechanisms such as denial, suppression and dissociation are common among rape victims.

The function of suppression is to block out the strong emotions and thereby escape the painful feelings for a short time which can be psychologically very exhausting.

Denying or putting the worst parts of the assault out of the memory allow the victim to avoid the immediate distress.

Dissociation is a defense mechanism which can be employed during painful physical or psychological abuse impossible to escape.

as when evaluating research results.

Other long-lasting traumatic reactions following rape may be hyper-vigilance, avoidance of certain thoughts, feelings and situations that remind the victim of the abuse, and strong reactions to sudden mental images. Avoidance behaviours serve as a psychological defense against severe anxiety and tend to be long-lasting. Research shows that a person’s normal workcapacity may be disrupted for as long as eight months after the rape.

One of the most common effects of rape is depression, which can last for months.

Attempts to commit suicide occur, and sleep disturbances are common, especially if the victim was assaulted in her own bed.

Some examples of how a victim’s lifestyle may change after rape are that she may stop opening the door if alone at home, stop using the laundromat, avoid going out after dark, and avoid social

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—27 Another reason is that placing blame on the victim relieves oneself of the responsibility to take action interactions, especially with and help. men.

The consequences of Who rapes and who spousal rape are longeris raped? lasting than stranger rape Rapists come from all areas because it is perpetrated by of society. Many times, they a trusted individual whose live in normal relationships trust is now also damaged. with other women. Research Ongoing violence and rape has been done to find within a close relationship specific biological and/or may result in effects personal reasons to why men comparable to those of rape, but the results vary. torture and war.

Therefore, it is difficult to Due to the repeated determine a particular violence, the effects become biological reason or even more difficult to work personality trait of the through, leading to yet typical rapist. deeper wounds. Many times, It is not, generally, the marital rape involves a practice to look to the victim combination of several types for reasons for a crime, of crimes, such as physical except when it comes to harm, threats and property sexual assaults against damage. All this often women where it is common. intensify the trauma.

Women who are raped should not be considered How to recover psychologically different. after rape Instead, they risk being The recovery process after regarded as having poor a rape largely depends judgment and/or character. on reactions by family, It is difficult to find a basis friends and professionals. It for such assumptions in any is important for the victim to research, and the only effect be able to talk about the is that the blame and assault without being responsibility are placed on interrupted, questioned as a the woman, making it harder person, and that the trauma for her to work through the is not minimized or trauma. explained away. Therapy Victims of rape are found may be necessary to help the in all classes of society and victim work through the are of all ages. However, one traumatic experience. It is common factor emerges: important that the woman is women who have been raped not made to feel guilt or were more often sexually responsibility after a sexual abused as children. assault (which harms instead Here, the childhood of helps) and to help her trauma is presumed to have understand the real reasons impaired the instinct of selffor rape. preservation, which in turn The immediate care by may affect their ability to health care professionals avoid dangerous situations. and doctors is also very Overall, however, rape important. Some important victims do not seem to differ points to cover are: from women who have not •The patient must be been raped, so it is difficult informed about to determine the importance examinations and tests that of this connection. will be done and why.

•The patient must never be Sexuality and rape left alone in the waiting area, The attitude toward rape and the waiting time should changes over time and be kept as short as possible. vary in different cultures.

•The patient must be The view on male and female informed that certain sexuality in one society at a questions have to be asked, certain period has always and why it is necessary to ask been and still is directly them. related to the attitude toward •The immediate social rape. When speaking about situation must be evaluated. sexuality and rape, it is very Does the patient have important to consider the someone to stay with her way men and women are over night? Does she wish to portrayed in media, be admitted to the hospital or advertising, movies and need to stay home from music videos, in work? Was a police report pornography and violent filed? pornography. It is also Unfortunately, reactions important to remain critical from society often involve toward myths of sexuality, some blame of the victim’s such that a man’s sexual drive own behaviour. It is not is an uncontrollable natural unusual that the victim force, or that women say no blames herself for the rape, but mean yes. and the public’s attitude may Society’s attitude toward increase this feeling. sexuality and rape is Blame and doubt by the reflected in its laws, but public most likely stem from perhaps for the most part in their own psychological the legal process itself. Even defense system rather than though the law considers from an uncaring attitude. intoxication a vulnerable This mind-set is partly a condition, research indicates result of an unconscious that women are commonly conviction that those who regarded as less believable, behave appropriately will both in social and legal escape trouble, which also respects, if they were strengthens our own sense of intoxicated when the rape security and control. occurred.

28—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

having friends. My siblings and cousins were my only friends then. I havent changed much since then. But I am trying to break away from it. At least, you can see me at events now.

Do you think the environment you grew up affect your approach to life?

Of course. When I relocated from Kano to Lagos, every thing about me changed and I became more realistic and made new friends. In Kano, you can’t hug a man outside your house. It was unheard of.

We were all natural introverts in my house but we’ve broken away from it.

So, living in the north really shut you out of the world right?

It didn’t shut me out of the world per say. I was just naive to a lot of things. When I was still in school, I heard a lot of stuff like homosexuality, Bi-sexuality and other social vices . But I just did not understand them until I came to Lagos. And I saw things for myself.

You have stayed just three years in the industry and your name is all over the place.

How were you able to do that?

I honestly don’t know. I have asked myself the same question over and over again. But I just could not come up with

H

ot and daring, Chelsea Ada Ezerioha strikes you as an actress who is all-out to conquer the screen despite the odds in the Nigerian motion picture industry. Since hitting the limelight after starring in that Vivian Ejike’s “Silent Scandal” movie alongside top A-list actors like Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jumbo and many others, three years ago, Chelsea has remained on top of her game, striving to hit it big in the industry. She shares her dreams and fantasies with Showtime celebrity.

The ring on your finger suggests that you are engaged, are you engaged to someone?

This is not an engagement ring. (frowning) And I’m not engaged at the moment.

So, it merely compliments your dressing?

Yes. Every woman should be fashionable in my opinion.

We learnt you are also into modeling...

Yes, I contested for Miss Taraba in 2006 and emerged as the first runner-up.

What actually attracted you to pageantry?

It’s a funny story. After I emerged Miss NASEL (National Association Students of English language and Linguistic) in my department during my university days, I was encouraged by my course mates to participate in the Miss Taraba beauty pageant.. At the end of the day, I emerged as a first runner-up.

I was a Tomboy at that time, so, I contested just to catch some fun.

Are saying that the attempt encouraged you into modeling?

Yes, it did. I knew a little about those things because people would see me and asked if I was a model. But because I grew up in the North, I was not exposed to that kind of life. I was also very naive and a very shy person.

After the beauty pageant, I realized the need to open myself up to opportunites and give modeling a chance. I didnt do much then because I was still an undergraduate.

Now, how do you find the world of modeling?

Crazy and more chaotic the movie industry.

Then when you go for screening, you’d be shocked at the number of girls that would show up. Perhaps only two or three may be chosen from among the crowd. It was stressful and fun at the same time. I enjoyed the ‘madness’ especially when it was time for photo shoot. I love being in the front of the camera.

You were brand ambassador to a couple of products right?

Yes. I did a campaign for Liverpool. I also did a job for close-up and one other company which I can’t remember. It was a calendar project.

Would you say it was modeling that gave birth to your acting career?

No. I wouldn’t say so. Honestly, I did not go into the acting world rather, it found role in the movie, I realized I me. I once did an audition for wanted to be a professional Emem Isong in 2007, then as actress. I found passion in actan undergraduate at ing.

But it did not seem like it University of Maiduguri. I come from a family where was your debut movie, did it?

It was not easy because my education comes first. I didn’t name was all over the place. go into acting properly until Making a good movie does not 2009, when Emem recommended me to Vivian Ejike just require professional castwhen she was casting her ‘’Si- ing alone, it involves good lent Scandal’’ movie. It was a team work. The producers, di-

,

C M Y K

I wear mini skirts to show-off my long legs

I did not go looking for the acting world rather, it found me

,

rectors, crew members and actors were awesome. Before I faced the camera, my director made sure he rehearsed me to ensure that I rightly played the character he wanted me to portray in the movie. I found myself relating very well with others and that was the push I needed to break into the industry.

Between when you entered

—Chelsea Ezerioha the industry and now, what would you say has changed about your acting career?

A lot of things have changed my perception about certain things. In the past three years, I matured mentally.

This is because one has learnt to deal with a lot of issues.

Though nothing has changed about me, I’m still same Chelsea. I’m not a diva per se.

Are you saying you are an introvert?

Yes, I’m an introvert. Like I said earlier, I grew up not

an answer. There are lots of beautiful actresses out there.

But the fact remains that we do not have more than one beautiful ‘Chelsea the actress’.

Every one has his or her unique factor which makes one stand out. And I guess mine stood out well with God on my side.

Tell us about your latest movie ‘Hood Rush’.

‘Hood Rush’ is a musical movie and I played the role of

Continues on page

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 14, 2012 — 29

‘Selaria’, a girl who grew up in the hood but was not a hood girl. You could not tell the kind of person she was judging by the environment she found herself. She had her fears and reservations and there was so much going on but she wanted to stay true to her dream.

In the process, she met ‘Charles’ and they started a relationship. One could see the conflict between family members, friends and loved ones. The moral lesson to be learnt in the movie is for one to stay true to who you are, regardless of pressures around you.

‘I don’t have anything against those that tattoo their bodies’

H

ow easy was it for you to blend into the character you were portraying?

I wouldn’t say it was easy but it was a character I was familiar with. I took it as ‘Chelsea’ in a ‘Selaria’ body.

Chelsea came from a small neighborhood in Kano just as Selaria came from somewhere and whatever happened around her was strange but she kept her head up. I could relate well to the character because I saw her as a human being.

As an actress, do you have an issue with being a social butterfly because you need to always make an appearance?

I prefer to be seen only where I am supposed to be seen. If I have to be at an event, I would most likely be present.

What is your definition of an ideal woman?

An ideal woman is someone who knows herself. In my opinion, you cannot know or understand what another person wants if you do not understand yourself first.

But you can tell who your ideal man is?

My ideal man is that man who loves and respects me because of the kind of job I do. When I say ‘love’ and ‘respect’, I mean, accepting the fact that I am ‘me’ and my perception on certain issues.

He has to respect who I am and try not to change me.

Have you found him yet?

Yes, I have. All I can say is that he is a wonderful being.

He may not be perfect to others, but he is perfect for me.

Was it easy meeting someone like that?

It wasn’t at all. You don’t meet a ‘ rare-gem’ while walking the street. I’m happy he came into my life at the time.

You called him a ‘ raregem’, that signifies you are truly in love.

Of course, I am.

If you are so much in love, why are you not wearing an engagement ring?

I think a lot about getting married and having my own

children. But I am not the kind of person that rushes into things, no matter how tiny the decision is. I prefer to take my time.

Are you not afraid of the unexpected?

I have my fears but I’m a very strong person. People that know me very well can testify to the claim. One could mix up that trait for stubbornness but it is not. I know what I want and I get it at my own time.

Any man that wants to be with me must understand what I want for myself and support me. When he came into my life, he loved what I’m doing for a living and he supported me from the beginning. We are taking things easy without any rush. We are having fun because a relationship without fun is dead.Every woman likes to be pampered.

I love to have my meals in bed and I love ice cream.

How have you been able to overcome the temptations that is associated with the kind of job you do?

I have God and my parents to thank for that. God gave me wisdom and my parents gave me the best legacy which is education. I combine wisdom and intellect when dealing with the challenges that come my way as a result of what I do for a living.

It is good to be appreciated but sometimes, I understand that there are certain conversations that I shouldn’t allow to take place. If you like my personality and admire me, I am very grateful for that but I’m sorry I do not wish to compromise my standard.

Did you find love after relocating from the North?

I didn’t find love when I left the North. But now, I can say I have.

You had y o u r childhood a n d university education in Kano and Maiduguri.

Are you disturbed with the kind of crisis going on in these two cities?

Hearing about all these killings in the north is very devastating. The Kano I grew up, was peaceful and a home to strangers. So, it is heart break-

,

Continued from page28

that one’s skin will start having problems as soon as it is dry. So, I use mostly Elizabeth Alden combined with Aloe Vera.

If one should have access to your wardrobe, what would he or she find?

(Laughs)A lot of things, trust me; You will find plenty of shoes, jackets and mini-skirts to compliment my long legs.

People say I have long legs.

And I think if you’ve got it, flaunt it always.

And you don’t like tattoos like Tonto Dikeh and others?

I don’t have anything against those that tattoo their bodies. But I love my body so much that I can’t afford to do any injurious thing to it.

Do you think women are fairly treated in Nollywood?

Any man that wants to be with me must understand what I want for myself and must be able to understand and support me

ing to watch the mayhem being unleashed in the city now. Kano was a home for me.

I used to be scared because my parents resided there. I called almost every minute to enquire about their state but now, they have relocated to the eastern part of the country.

It is a very sad situation and the last time, I paid a visit to the place, I wept.

,

I think women have more advantages over their male counterparts in the industry. If that’s my opinion, I do not

have any other reason not to believe that they have been treated well. As a child, I used to look up to Genevieve Nnaji. She’s as successful in her acting career as every other actress. I believe the women are outshining the men on screen.

W

hat was the experience like being on the set of Vivian Ejike’s ‘Silent Scandal’ with Genevieve?

The experience was awesome. After the shoot, she complimented my acting prowess and since then, the statement rings in my head ever yday.

I thought Genevieve is an angel. I didn’t know she is a human being. I grew up watching her on screen. In my wildest dream, I never thought I’d ever get close to her.

Any low moments?

Before her demise, I promised visiting her towards the end of June. But she died two weeks before I could make the trip to my village. I wasn’t myself when I heard of her death. It was one of my saddest moments in life.

Also, there was this particular audition I attended. I performed very well and looked forward to acting in the movie, but unfortunately, I didn’t make the cast. I was devasted.

W

ould you be glad to serve as a peace ambassador in the North?

Yes, of course, I would gladly do it. I’m very passionate about Kano because my life started there and even if I get killed fighting for peace, I would gladly die.

How long did your parents sojourn in Kano?

They were in Kano long before they even got married. My parents got married in 1987, the same year I was born. My dad had been in Kano six years before he met my mother. He speaks and understands Hausa fluently.

He is an introvert. I realized we all got our character from him. He keeps to himself while my mum on the other hand is an extrovert.

Your skin radiates, what kind of cream do you apply on it ?

I use moisturizers. I realised C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012

The most abrasive personalities in football W

e all have them: the player, manager or otherwise football-related person who we just can’t stand, who has that unbearable personality, makes your teeth grate and fists clench every time they speak. Whether because they are intentionally causing aggravation on the pitch or the sidelines, get peoples’ backs up with their post-match comments or just generally seem to have some sort of personality disorder which makes them hard to deal with but impossible to keep out of the papers, some football individuals are simply spiky and unpleasant. Here are some of the most irritating and abrasive personalities in world football, in no particular order, starting with Jose Mourinho.

•Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho

L

•Joey Barton

ove him or hate him, there’s no getting away from the fact that Jose Mourinho is one of the very best coaches in world football.

However his habit of protecting his players by frequently abusing or blaming officials, rival managers, opposition players or the general governing bodies of the game just can’t help but get peoples’ backs up. The Real Madrid manager is, in terms of personality, the complete opposite to former Barcelona adversary Pep Guardiola.

Joey Barton

D

• John Terry

• Arsene Wenger

o we really need to go over this player?

Barton is currently facing a 12-match suspension for his end-of-season dismissal which saw him elbow Carlos Tevez, chop down Sergio Aguero and attempt a headbutt on a third Manchester City player.

His former misdemeanours are well documented and include stubbing a cigar in a teammate’s eye, attacking former City midfielder Ousmane Dabo on the training field and spending over two months in prison after attacking a man outside a bar.

Not the nicest of guys and certainly an abrasive personality.

John Terry

N

•El-Hadji Diouf

•Roy Keane

ot overly sure that much needs repeating about Chelsea captain John Terry.

He was sent off in the Champions League semifinal for kneeing an opponent off the ball, frequently involved in verbal assaults on referees and currently standing trial for alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.

He also supposedly had an

•Michel Platini

extra-marital affair with a former teammate’s partner .

And that’s just last season!

There’s possibly more to dislike than like about Terry ’s character.

Arsene Wenger

I

s it his constant berating of the fourth official? Is it his never-failing inability to see a dodgy challenge by one of his own players, yet remonstrate by wildly flapping whenever someone scythes down a Gunner?

Is it his blame-game, postmatch interviews which deride any style of football remotely different from his own when Arsenal lose? Or is it his ridiculously shapeless coat?

Whatever the reason, Arsene Wenger just rubs people up the wrong way.

El-Hadji Diouf

W

hilst some of the previous slides featured players who were as thuggish as they are irritating at times, El-Hadji Diouf fits the latter description far more.

He has had his share of controversies—spitting at a Celtic fan whilst playing for Liverpool, for one—but is generally a disliked player by opposition fans because of his demeanour and attitude.

Spiky and dislikeable, Diouf revels in being the bad boy of the team though he doesn’t actually have one at the moment, having been released

by Doncaster Rovers.

Roy Keane

R

oy Keane may not be involved in the game in a playing capacity any more and is currently between management jobs, but has still got the capacity to cause a stir because of his own abrasive

• Carlos Tevez

personality.

Commentating for English TV station ITV, Keane caused consternation in his home country after attacking the mentality of some players and supporters.

Undoubtedly a fine player, and his own fully-focussed way of doing things was a big part of that, but Keane has views on the game which rubs people up the wrong way by the words and tones he uses to impart them.

Paolo Di Canio

A

nother manager now and Swindon Town’s own Paolo di Canio. When not busy informing us how he is still a better footballer than most current professionals, Di Canio is full of disdain and contempt for the Football League and those in power, earning himself suspensions in the process.

Obviously not too concerned with appealing to the masses or tempering his egocentric attitude, Di Canio, after being banished to the stands for the

third time last season ranted:They can send me off every week if they want, I don’t care, we will still win the league.

Michel Platini

M

ichel Platini, head of UEFA, is full of ideas and proposals, statements and betterments.

Who exactly, these schemes purport to better is up for debate.

Quite aside from any other failing, Platini has a dislikeable character merely because he is in charge of an organisation who despite backing the “say no to racism” slogan,fined Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner 100.000 € for exposing his underpants with an “unauthorised sponsorship advert” on them.

The fine itself was not what people had a problem with; it was that the fine was ludicrously higher than nations were being fined for racist behaviour from fans, violent fan misbehaviour and sectarianism.

Carlos Tevez

H

aving spent half a dozen years in England without bothering to learn the language in the slightest, the stocky forward took it upon himself last season to head off on a mid-season, four-month jolly to his native Argentina.

The cause of this holiday?

He apparently “misunderstood” an instruction from his manager to come on as a substitute in a Champions League game, and evidently refused

WIMBLEDON 2012 :

Andy Murray says ‘I lost to the greatest of all time’

T

HE United Kingdom celebrated history after 74 years as Andy Murray reached the finals of the Wimbledon 2012 but lost to Roger Federer.

The Britain number one lost to the world number two Roger Federer 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 on the Centre Court of the Wimbledon 2012. After a thrilling rampage, Murray repeated history after 74 years to become the first Brit to reach the finals of the Wimbledon.

The Centre Court crowded with 15,00 fans saw history in creation while the Scot still lost a great match he lead in the first set. Murray said, “I’m getting closer. Can I just take a second? Right, I’m going to try this and it’s not going to be easy,” and broke into tears

after the match.

On the other hand, Roger Federer was congratulated by Murray on his seventh Wimbledon title , equalling Pete Sampras’ record. Murray said, “Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon and how tough it is,” he said. “It’s not the people watching, they make it so much easier to play. The support has been incredible. So, thank you.”

However, Murray considers Roger as the best tennis player of all times and did not hold himself back to congratulate his idol.

Murray said, “You know, it was good to get there. I lost to a guy that’s now won this tournament seven times and is No 1 in the world. So if that’s your best chance, then we’re talking about one of the greatest athletes of all time here, like we’re saying. Got to put it in context a little bit.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 — 31

to warm up.

That he made a comeback for City and aided their trophy-winning end to the season does not cloud the fact that Tevez has a deplorable personality from a footballing point of view.

Alex Ferguson

W

ith all the arrogance and abrasive nature of Jose Mourinho and the argumentative nature and one-sidedness of Arsene Wenger, and far more media manipulation than either of those two, Alex Ferguson is perhaps the most disliked managerial personality in English football.

Not that he’ll care one bit; he’s also won far more trophies over the length of his career than Mourinho and Wenger have won combined.

He still rules the roost at Manchester United, having seen off the Portuguese manager’s brief stint in the country and will likely still be in his Old Trafford dugout seat after Wenger has vacated his one at the Emirates. Ferguson is one of the best all-time managers and has one of the most abrasive personalities.

• Iker Muniain

• Julian Draxler

Julian Draxler, Germany, 18

Germany have a fine young crop of players coming through, and several of them were involved in Euro 2012.

One who wasn’t, though he made the provisional squad, but will surely form a big part of the national team going forward is Schalke’s Julian Draxler. Just 18 years of age, he has played once for his nation already and has nine caps at youth level. Draxler has played most often from a deep central midfield role but can also play further forward, as well as on either flank. His technical ability outstrips even his versatility and his almost 70 appearances at club level, despite his tender years.

Juan Manuel Iturbe, Argentina, 19

•Andy Murray... lost in the Wimbledon 2012 final against Roger Federer!

•Alex OxladeChamberlain

THE European Championships are over and fans all around Europe are turning their attentions back to their club sides as the major top flights prepare to kick off all over again.

But, international team managers will now be casting their minds forward two years to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

For those managers, the preparation work starts now as they bid to plot their route to the finals. Two years and as few as eight or as many as 18 games could stand between nations and a place at the finals right now. But, tentative team plans may be drawn up as bosses phase out the experienced pros and look to a new generation of talented youngsters to lead the team on. Here are some teenagers who, in two years time, could be tearing up the FIFA World Cup in the full national team colours of their countries.

Barring unfortunate injury or a loss of form at the wrong time, there should be little doubt that Iker Muniain will be in the Spain squad in two years time for the 2014 World Cup. Already capped once, the athletic Bilbao forward is a fantastic prospect. Playing either from the left side of a front three or behind a striker, Muniain offers pace, dribbling ability and a willingness to shoot, allied to a prodigious work rate.

•Paolo Di Canio

• Lucas Moura

• Juan Agudelo

Teenagers who could rise to rule the 2014 world cup in Brazil

Iker Muniain, Spain, 19

• Alex Ferguson

•Juan Manuel

A player already tipped to make the very top of the game, Juan Manuel Iturbe has scored wonder goals for Argentina’s youth teams. He has also formed part of their under-20 team for the past two seasons. Iturbe played in Paraguay when he made his first team debut, but soon moved back to Argentina before FC Porto signed him at 18.

A year without making the breakthrough at the Portuguese side seems to have halted his development a little as he adapts to life outside of South America, but he has the raw talent to make a big impact at the club still.

He may the biggest beneficiary of any pending transfer from Hulk.

Skillful, strong for his size and fleet of foot, Iturbe has won obvious and predictable comparisons with Leo Messi.

While he is years behind that particular player in terms of talent, he still has enough about him to make it at the club and international level over the coming two years.

Juan Agudelo, USA, 19 USA forward Juan Agudelo is making his way into the first team picture of the national team having made 15 appearances already.

He has also already scored two goals against South Africa and Argentina— neither of which are mugs in the international game.

Whilst he has not yet been prolific at club level, scoring only six times for NY Red Bulls in around 40 games, he has signed this season for Chivas USA where he has improved his goal ratio already by scoring two in his first four games.

Lucas Moura, Brazil, 19

Sao Paolo trickster Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva is one of the next big hopes for a Brazilian national team, who many believe to be lacking in individual flair as the teams of old.

Playing mostly from the left side in attack, Lucas has great pace and dribbling ability as well as possessing a real goal threat.

He currently has a strike rate of around one in four games for his team, having completed already more than a century of games for the first team before even reaching 20 years of age. Lucas Moura is already in demand from some of the biggest sides in Europe and will probably be playing for one of the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid by the time the World Cup comes to his home country.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, England, 18

England’s best chance for success in the 2014 World Cup might come from Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He has already had a small impact at international level, having been featured in Euro 2012.

•El Shaarawy

• Alan Dzagoev

Oxlade-Chamberlain is a pacey, skillful and fearless attacking midfielder, equally comfortable and effective at this stage of his career either through the centre or out wide.

Stephan El Shaarawy, Italy, 19

The fourth-youngest ever player in Italy’s top-flight when he made his debut at barely 16 years of age, AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy is quickly making strides towards being an important component for his club. Should he maintain his form, improvement and upward career trajectory, national team recognition will surely follow suit.

El Shaarawy has only been featured in a handful of times for Milan having signed a year ago from Genoa, scoring four goals, but his talent on the ball marks him out as a genuinely exciting prospect.

Raphael Varane, France, 19

France’s Raphael Varane didn’t make the Euro 2012 squad after having a season on the fringes of the Real Madrid first team but, already, the talented defender has shown he has more than enough to become a big part of the French squad going forward. Varane is most comfortable at centre-back but can also play in midfield. He is calm on the ball, capable of picking a pass instead of looking to simply launch the ball. He is also composed and reads the game well, negating the need to constantly tackle.

Jetro Willems, Holland, 18

Jetro Willems received some criticism for his displays at Euro 2012 for Holland but, in fairness, the young left-back was merely one part of a disappointing and dysfunctional Dutch side. Going forward, he is a talented player, looking always to link up with his midfielders and be a danger in the final third.

32 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

A return to a youthful proportions

Standing Forward Bend

T

he hope of a return to better health and fitness can be anybody’s. All what it takes is the commitment to help oneself.

You have not exercised in years, suddenly you look in the mirror and you find fat has assailed your body. The pot belly you carry in front is adversely affecting your body and posture.

You look older and less energetic. But then you have resolved to do something about all that.

Your magic tools are going to be physical exercise the body requires and breathing exercise to throw out all the

stale air in the lungs and introduce sufficient oxygen to enrich the blood.Of course, when you take up a regimen to improve the body, it must include a sensible eating habit.

Observing these points, the body is bound to respond beautifully. In as little as three months, you will be on your way to a totally new you.

The first to go willl be your depression overa physique you don’t love. Your selfconfidence will return as your body takes on a better shape. You will find your power for work

The body will toned on a daily basis.

The beautiful thing about a resolution to live a healthier life is that, all the negative habits you once had will be dropping off of themselves.

If you smoke

The Triangle (A variant)

and play improving. Oh yes, you find a new zest for life.

The new life will make you wonder how you manage to live at the low energy level that you’d been used to for all those years.

The advice here is that get started don’t let up or you’ll find the body returning to ruination.

Just as you can not store sleep, so you can't not store exercise.

and drink, you will soon find that you don’t need to indulge as much as before.

In fact, it’s not surprising that a lot of people manage to quit these two terrible habits completely, after a few months of living a healthconscious life.

The following are some use

Accessible physical environment crucial to national development

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c c e s s i b l e environment is one that all people, both individuals with and without disabilities can use freely without hindrance. This includes people with vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive and other impairments, as well as anyone who might be experiencing a temporary disability due to an illness or accident.

Accessible environment should also accommodate the elderly population, which is generally characterized by a gradual loss of ability of some sort.

In designing and construction of buildings, roads, and indeed every infrastructure and facilities as well as provision of services, every effort should be made to ensure that as much as possible, no one is left out. The physical C M Y K

environment can be made accessible to the greatest number of people with facilities like lift ramp where there is a step or steps, covering of drainages, Braille prints on lift control panels, display of routes on taxis, buses and trains, clear street names and directions, clear road signs and markings, low counters for the wheelchair users and dwarfs in banks and other public places, ensuring that entrance to banks and other public places are wide enough and that where metal detector doors are used, it must be manned by competent personnel who can temporally disable the metal detectors for disabled people or the elderly who use ironbased mobility aids/appliances to pass through without delay or hindrance.

If accessible facilities are incorporated at the design and construction stage of infrastructures, there is usually

very little additional cost and sometimes costs could be saved. On the other hand, where these accessible facilities are not provided for at the design and construction stage, it is usually very expensive and sometimes difficult to incorporate after design and construction.

to improve the body.

The Triangle Technique: Standing with feet wide apart, turn to the left a s you bend the left knee. Keep the right knee locked with the whole leg in a diagonal position to the trunk.

Keep the hands over head with the palms together. The neck and head must be straight.

Maintain the posture for some 10 to 15 seconds.

Repeat on the other side.

Benefit: The posture The posture tones up the leg muscles shedding excess fat there. This exercise also helps you hold the body in a straighter posture.

The Triangle (A variant) Techique: Stand with one foot about three feet apart. | Yoga Classes @ 32 Ademola Adetokumbo Victoria Island Lagos 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

The physical environment in Nigeria is inaccessible to persons with disabilities and the elderly and new developments still do not incorporate accessible facilities.

The most worrisome part of it all is that new public buildings and infrastructures are still being built without provision of accessibility facilities. The banks are daily becoming more inaccessible to persons with disabilities as they do not take the interest of persons with disabilities into consideration in their efforts to provide more security. As a result, the doors with metal detectors they are installing are too narrow and screen out persons with disabilities that use metal based mobility aids.

The recent convention on the rights of persons with disabilities clearly states the minimum standards to be met by m e m b e r Nations. It is disheartening to note that a lot of smaller and less endowed A f r i c a n countries have gone a long way to create a level playing field for persons with disabilities to function well

The Triangle

Bend the right knee while keeping the left leg diagonal to the trunk. Bring the trunk lower towards the right tigh. Keep the left hand stretched out on the side of j the head as you drop the right hand next to the right foot. Hold this position for 10 — 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Benefits: This asana or posture improves the legs like the previous Triangle. The difference being that with this pose the flanks also get a good in their countries. Countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic, Ghana etc all have either entrenched in their constitution ample provision to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, or have passed laws that ensure that their rights are protected, thus ensuring a conducive environment for their full integration into the mainstream society.

An accessible environment will ensure that the potentials of persons with disabilities are developed and channeled towards economic, social and political activities that engender holistic development of the nation.

These hitherto marginalized citizens who were wasting away will become productive, employers of labour and leaders, contributing their quotas to the national development of our country. There will be only very few beggars with disabilities or even none roaming the streets and criminals will no longer see willing tools to hide their weapons for their nefarious activities. Drug barons will be denied hungry and vulnerable persons with disability who could be easily recruited for their illicit trade. Indeed, the benefit of making our environment accessible is huge. Hope and possibilities Ride will help create the awareness that will help make our environment accessible to all.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2012—33

Aloma Mariam Mukhtar

, r r, a t ta h k u M a m lo Jussttice A

: N J C e l a m e F t s r rs i F a e k a m n a m o w a Will difffference?

W

hen President Jonathan nominat ed Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, 68, as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, many were surprised. It was indeed a breaking away from the norm of an office which had been occupied by strictly the male folk since 1958. This makes her the First Female Chief Justice of Nigeria since her admission to the Nigerian Bar in 1967 .

Below is a summary of the occupants of the office and their terms since 1958:

she is the first woman Justice of the Supreme Court. She was also the first woman to be appointed into Nigeria’s second highest court, the Appeal Court.

So, it was no wonder, when with a sense of pride, Senate President, David Mark, read out the nomination letter dated July 30 to the House at the plenary session held recently. Titled “Appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria,” Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s letter said the appointment is in conformity with Section 231 Sub-

Chief Justice Adetokunbo Ademola Taslim Olawale Elias Darnley Arthur Alexander Atanda Fatai Williams George Sodeinde Sowemimo Ayo Gabriel Irikefe Mohammed Bello Muhammad Lawal Uwais Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore Idris Legbo Kutigi Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu Dahiru Musdapher She succeeds Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who’s retirement is already knocking on the door. In a letter addressed to the Senate by the President, her name as the new CJN alongside those of Justice Clara Ogunbiyi and Justice Musa Mohammed as Justices of the Supreme Court, were forwarded.

Tracing her profile, Her Lordship, Justice Muhktar, is no stranger when it comes to Nigeria’s judicial history as

Term 1958–1972 1972–1975 1975–1979 1979–1983 1983–1985 1985–1987 1987–1995 1995–2006 2006–2007 2007–2009 2009–2011 2011- July 2012

section (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.” Section 231 Sub-section (1) of the 1999 constitution empowers the President to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria acting on recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, CON, CFR for

H

owever, before she fi nally got this far, Justice Mukhtar has had her own fair share of oppositions. In 2005, the confirmation of her appointment to the Supreme Court made analysts wonder if her promotion would initiate a trend for more female justices of the Supreme Court against the norm. Their number has since grown to three with Olufunlola Adeyeye and Mary Odili joining the Bench.

When Muhktar first joined the men at the Apex court, Mary Odili, wife of ex-Rivers State Governor, paid tribute to her indomitable spirit in a “Testament of Hope” saluting the valiant struggle of women to gain respect in a male dominated world.

In 2000, when she served in the Court of Appeal, Muhktar ranked third in seniority behind Musdapher and the President of the Court of Appeal.

Even now, as Muhktar waits to lead her fellow ‘brothers and sisters’ on the struggle for justice, some analysts believe she’s the right choice judging from her experience, expertise and fair play, while others think otherwise.

Since her appointment by the President, reactions have been pouring in as to whether she deserves the office and how capable she is for such an elevated post. Some said Mukhtar would definitely inherit bag-logs of judicial headaches and wondered

how she would go about solving them on a field which has become a ‘nightmare’ for even the past male occupants.

Carol Ajie, a Constitutional And Human Rights Lawyer thinks the appointment of Justice Muhktar is a step in the right direction. According to her, “taking into consideration seniority, Muhktar is the most senior of all the Justices and therefore worthy of the office”. Again, Carol Ajie says Mukhtar has paid her dues, having served at all levels of court. Ajie de-

,

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria,” Jonathan wrote to the Senate.

“These appointments have been necessitated by the impending retirement from service of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Hon. Justice F.F. Tabai,” he said.

The nomination alongside those of Justices Clara Bata Ogunbiyi (Northeast) and Musa Dattijo Muhammed (Northcentral), as Justices of the Supreme Court were referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

She is the most senior, so sidelining her and appointing others would have been incongruous.

Thankfully, NJC and Mr President did the right thing

,

scribes her as a woman of integrity greatly admired by her colleagues.

“The nomination of Hon. Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, JSC, as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, is a most welcomed development, following an extraordinary journey, one could say, similar to the nomination by President Obama of the first female Hispanic, Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the United States’ Supreme Court, albeit a less comprehensive process.

Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended required President Jonathan to make this historic appointment upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), sub-

ject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.

NJC made the recommendation following precedents on seniority. She is the most senior, so sidelining her and appointing others would have been incongruous.

Thankfully, NJC and Mr President did the right thing.

She has worked at every hierarchy of court before she was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in June 2005, a measure that wholly prepares her for the challenging task ahead. She is of impeccable integrity and has earned monumental respect from members of the Bench and Bar in a way that is unprecedented. She is greatly admired by those of us who look upon her as our mentor. We look forward to her excellent leadership.”

Expressing his view about Justice Muhktar ’s appointment, Justice Odunowo says she deserves it because she has the right judicial training and carriage. He also describes her as a woman of integrity with no time for frivolities.

S

he deserves it because she has the correct judicial comportment and she carries herself well all the time.

She’s been on the Bench since ’67, so I think she deserves everything she’s got. She has integrity and does her work well. Muhktar is a woman who doesn’t have time to attend frivolous parties unlike others. I don’t think she’ll be part of those kind of scandal you find in the judiciary. She’ll do things in the way and manner they ought to be done. I’m very happy because she’s someone I know personally,” he said.

And when asked about what he thinks will be the fate of justice in Nigeria during her reign, Justice Odunowo says “I’m sure she’ll make a good difference. You can’t measure justice by taperule. So apart from few problems she would inherit, I’m sure she’ll want to make a difference and set an example for other female Justices in the country.” “

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

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tudents from various schools in OyoState displaying their inventions at the recent STEMS talent hunt and award of excellence programme.

ADEDOKUN AMINAT

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

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he is a student of Olubadan Junior High School 1, Aperin, Ibadan.

She stood out amongst her mates to build a toy car. The car was able to move with the principle of Magnetism. She aspires to become an Engineer in the future.

I will remain an advocate of science and technology education—Oladeji Oluseye

POPOOLA BLESSING

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Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. in Science Technology Interest

and

What really motivated me was the challenge I faced from my elder sister who never believed I could cope in science. I remember how I yelled at her that I will succeed in science. However, the journey was not that easy because of the fear of large science text books (smiles) they used to carry in science class.

I later realized that what mattered most is the understanding of the content of the book. otivation to help young Mpeople

•Oladeji Oluseye

B ackground: My upbringing has been very eventful, and has immensely inspired me to work very hard. I recall while I was in primary school, my parents told me : ‘’Come first in your class and be the first to drink seven up (7UP)”. Though I didn’t want to study, the dream of drinking 7Up would ginger me to study. I got to know early in life that there is always a reward for hard labour.I was born into the family of Mr&Mrs AbelOlalekanOladeji. I attended Christ Church School Mapo 2 and Olubadan High School both in Ibadan. My love for teaching and impacting lives motivated me to enroll for Teacher’s Grade II Training (NTI TC II By DLS) even while I was in High School. I became a subject of ridicule to many people who

•Oladeji Oluseye presenting Catalyst, their quarterly Magazine to Marketing Manager, SOSACO NIGERIA LIMITED (MAKERS OF JAGO MILK) Ibadan branch

,

A few years ago, the Jet club programme was aired on network television which showcased several creations or inventions from several young people ,but its sudden disappearance still remains a surprise to its numerous viewers when other countries are encouraging young people to discover careers in science and technology.

However, all hope is not lost as Nigeria’s own OladejiOluseye has been advancing the campaign for young people to explore the benefits of a career in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. The result would be to ensure future economic growth, and ability to create new jobs. He shares his passion for science& technology with Saturday Youthful Vibes.

I will forever be an advocate of science and technology education

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believed that the programmewas meant for adults and old people, they called me several names like ‘Small Teacher', but I knew what I wanted and I went for it. After my secondary school education, I moved to Federal University of Technology, Akure to study for a Diploma Programme in Science, Laboratory Technology. I also did a professional course: NISLT (Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technologists)and I went to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba,Akoko to study for

My motivation came from my inability to ‘pass WAEC examination’ until I sat for it seven (7) times because of English language. I recognized that I was very good in science subjects,but I lacked the ability to express my knowledge of some are as publicly as I had a fixation centered on ‘Scientists don’t need too much grammar’.

Today, I have created a platform for you to explore and exploit the world of FAILURE. As a Scientist, you cannot invent or create something without learning from your past mistakes. I believe that ‘failure is not a waste, but a raw material for a better tomorrow’. If a student built a table-fan, and he brought it for an exhibition but he saw another young boy like him that built a steam-boat, then his failure to come first in the exhibition will be a lesson for him to go the extra mile next time.

I also have passion for creativity, I love doing my things in a special way. I could remember the first time I taught during my service year at James Welch Grammar School, Emevor in Delta State. I was to teach the students the topic called ‘DENSITY’, so I had to look for a way of making the teaching full of fun; I went into the classroom with an egg and a cup full of water, so when I put the egg into the cup it sank. So I kept adding salt to the water until the raw egg floated. It suddenly made me become a magician in the school (smile). The students were motivated to do research on what made the egg to float and that was when we started STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Simplified) Club in the school. One of the students was able to build a solar heater with ordinary umbrella. I later introduced it in 25 schools where I had about 150 students as members. My labour was actually rewarded when I was awarded the best corps member

e is a creative student from Patimo College International, Adesola, Ibadan. He is one of young Nigerians who aspire to become an engineer. He was one of the students who performed so well in STEMS talent hunt with his project, ‘Electric cooker ’ he built the electric cooker with cheap and junk materials.

JOEL JOSHUA

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e is a student of Precious Model College Adekile, Ibadan who built and designed a table fan and he was able to tell the audience that, he will be motivated to do better if the opportunity is given to him to do so.

ONIPEDE EMMANUEL

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student of Apel Model College Adesola who took his time to build an electric fan and he was able to explain the principles behind it.

ADEYEMI DUNSI

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n interesting young studentl of Periscope College, Adesola, Ibadan.

She manufactured both body and hair cream. She advised the youths present at the meeting on how to imbibe creative mindset to profer solution to the problem of job opportunity in our society.

in Delta State during my service year, 2010 Batch ‘C’. y position on young Nigerians who are M embracing Science and Technology

I will forever be an advocate of science and technology education. There is no where scientists cannot function. I have seen a medical doctor who later went back to school to read law, and he was able to perform well but a lawyer will come back to tell the story if he decides to study medicine after his first degree. The only advice I will give to young people is that, they should discover themselves if they can actually cope before they choose career in the field of STEM. Our government should also see reasons why science education should be taught in more practical terms than theoretically.

Teachers should use what students SEE to stimulate what they THINK. he Future of STEMS Amidst the challenges that T confront us, we maintain our focus as executing our initiative is capital intensive and there is a limit to what my personal money can

do, so we are looking forward to partnering with both individuals and corporate bodies that will be ready to resuscitate the dying spirit of teaching and learning of science education in Nigeria.Support has taken a new turn following the last event we organized in Oyo State that gained the sponsorship of various multinational companies like Zans Drink, Evans Publishers, University Press, Rashmed Publishers and so on. We still look forward to the very near future of scientific development in Nigeria and Africa in general.

STEMS has come to stay in Nigeria. After my NYSC programme, I decided to make it a non-governmental organization that will hunt for young talents in the field of STEM. Today, STEMS has discovered several creative youths across the country and the recent STEMS Talent Quest in Oyo State is an acid test of what STEMS stand for. We are currently working on a programmetagged “Mobile Science’ through which we teach pupils in various schools basic practicals in science.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY14, 2012—35

Ugly truth about toothbrushes What is on your toothbrush? What does your toothbrush habour? Do you know your toothbrush is loaded with germs? To be exact, one uncovered toothbrush can harbour more than 100 million bacteria, including E. coli bacteria, which can cause diarrhoea, and staphylococci (“staph”) bacteria that cause skin infections.But your mouth is actually full of bacteria, and isn’t exactly sterile to begin with. There are hundreds of microorganisms in our mouths every day. But according to experts, this is no big deal.

Problems only start when there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.

A dentist says it’s important to remember that plaque—the stuff you’re removing from your teeth —is bacteria.

So you’re putting bacteria on your

as germ-free as possible: ?Keep it rinsed. Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it. ?Keep it dry. Bacteria love a moist environment.

Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings. Avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria. ? Keep it upright.

Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down. ?Keep it to yourself.

No matter how close you are to your sister, brother, spouse, or roommate, don’t ever use their toothbrush. Don’t even store your toothbrush side-by-side in the same cup with other people’s brushes.

Whenever toothbrushes touch, they can swap germs.

•Your toothbrush could make you sick

toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. Could your toothbrush be making you sick?

The answer is probably not.

Regardless of how many bacteria live in your mouth, or have gotten in there via your toothbrush, your body’s natural defences make it highly unlikely that you’re

itself from bacteria. So we aren’t aware of any real evidence that sitting the toothbrush in your bathroom in the toothbrush holder is causing any real damage or harm. We don’t know that the bacteria on there are translating into infections.Still, you should

In many homes, the toilet is quite close to the bathroom sink where you keep your toothbrush. Every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air

,

going to catch an infection simply from brushing your teeth. Fortunately, the human body is usually able to defend

,

exercise some common sense about storing your toothbrush, including how close it is to the toilet.

Don’t brush your teeth where you flush Most bathrooms are small.

And in many homes, the toilet is quite close to the bathroom sink where you keep your toothbrush. Every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air. And you don’t want the toilet spray anywhere near your open toothbrush. It’s just common sense to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. You also wouldn’t eat after going to the bathroom without first washing your hands. The same advice applies before brushing your teeth.

Toothbrush storage tips Once you’ve moved your toothbrush away from the toilet, here are a few other storage tips to keep your brush

Do toothbrush sanitizers really work?

Various products pledge to sanitize your toothbrush. Some say they kill bacteria with heat or ultraviolet light, germ-killing sprays, or rinses. Others have builtin antibacterial bristles.

There’s evidence that at least some of these products do effectively kill germs. But there’s no real proof that using any toothbrush sanitizer will reduce your risk of getting sick.

If you choose to use one of these products, make sure that it has been reviewed and approved which checks the validity of consumer health product marketing

When to discard your toothbrush The best way to limit the bacteria on your toothbrush is to replace it on a regular basis.

Most dental associations recommend throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you’re sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out even more often. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you’d discard a disposable toothbrush.

Every time you’re tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember how many bacteria lurk in your mouth – and what they can do. It’s bacteria that cause gum disease, and decay, and bad breath. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing as often as possible to eliminate some of those bacteria.” Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before or after brushing can also help reduce plaquecausing bacteria that can lead to gingivitis, an early, mild form of gum disease.

Is your perfume toxic?

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ure, you scrutinize the tiny print on your favourite face cream to pinpoint any potentially harmful ingredients, but you also need to know what’s lurking in your go-to eau de toilette.

You’ve heard this a million times before but it’s worth repeating: Your skin is your largest organ, so what you put on it will without a doubt end up inside your body.

That’s why it’s not only important to be conscious of what you’re splashing on, but also what you’re spraying on your skin every day.

F

Fragrance could be nice but...Apply wisdom.

claims.Remember that even the best products won’t kill all the germs on your toothbrush. At best, they’ll kill 99.9 percent of the germs.

That means if you have one million bacteria on your toothbrush to start, you’ll still have about 1,000 remaining when you’re finished sanitizing. Some people recommend putting your toothbrush into the microwave oven or dishwasher to sanitize it.

Although these methods will kill some of the bacteria, they will probably damage your toothbrush in the process. It’s better to just buy disposable brushes and throw them out.

ragrance enters your body through your skin but also through your nose and lungs, so it has three points of entry— and the lungs give direct access to the blood stream. The trouble is, it’s not always super-obvious what’s really inside that

pretty glass bottle of perfume.

Since fragrance formulas are considered a “secret recipe” and top-secret information, the regulatory agencies don not make companies list every single ingredient individually. A laundry list of possibly toxic chemicals can read as just “fragrance” on the box.Some of the common lingo and terms associated with perfume ingredients are :3-Ps, parabens, polycyclic/Nitro Musk. When phthalates and parabens are in perfume, as well as other beauty goods such as skincare products and nail polish, their main purpose is to preserve a product’s lasting power on your skin, as well as its shelf life, while synthetic (polycyclic/nitro) musk is added to some fine fragrances.These three P’s have all been shown to have hormone disrupting activity.

36—SA TURD A Y Vanguard 36—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 14, 2012 JULY

Polo Lounge opens

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shop totally dedicated to the sale of Polo Ralph brands has opened in Ikeja Lagos but this time, it is a lounge. Polo Ralph Lounge (PRL) as it is called is aimed at creating a luxurious and stylish lifestyle for men and women as well as re introducing the brand to discerning clientele.

Boss of Polo Ralph Lounge Tunde Allison, a lawyer turned clothier explaining why he chose to set up a lounge rather than the regular boutique says, “I did not want a boutique feel where everything is cramped up. I wanted a place where you can move with ease and be able to view the products you want to buy”. He added that through this shop, he hopes to show to Nigerians that there is more to this brand than the classic t shirt.

The new lounge, parades an array of all products carried by the brand which includes, under wears, sleep wears, bet sets, shoes, flip flops, mugs, frames etc.

A heavy casual dresser himself, Mr Allison who comes from a long line of traders says, selling polo brand fits his lifestyle as it gives him the flexibility to do that which he likes.

Clients and Journalists who were present at this preview, were educated by Mr Allison on how to identify the original from the fake which currently dots the market.

•Models wearing Polo Ralph Lounge outfits

Shoes to covet

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simple outfit could be lifted with a pair of great shoes. You can add a spot of colour to a dull outfit with a bright pair of shoes. The higher the heel, the more exciting the shoes is. It gives gait and height. These five pairs of shoe will really want to make you dress up this weekend. And why not?

•LouboutinDéjà-vu Slingback creative women shoes

•Jeffrey-Campbell beigeBrown-Python shoe •Guiseppe-zanottiblue-suede-shoe

•Beautiful-blackfendi-platform-shoe •Beautiful Aperlai shoe C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—37

— CEO Needle Point

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ecently Needle Point a fashion brand that specializes in embellishment of garments and ready-to-wear pieces unveiled its summer collection tagged the Fusion Collection at its flagship store in Lagos. ESTHER ONYEGBULA who was at the event had a chat with CEO of the fashion brand, Theresa Onwuka and she shares how she took a bold step to pursue her God given talent after attending “Women of worth Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed sisters Hangout in October 2010. This banker turned designer reveals her experiences and passion for making women look amazing in her timeless pieces.

Why is this collection tagged the fusion collection?

It is tagged fusion collection because it is a fusion of fabrics and colours, we have lots of bright colours mix, different fabric texture fussed together.

We have the silk, chiffon, satin and the beautiful Nigerian Ankara fabric and other African prints coming together to form a collection.

How long have you been in fashion?

I would say almost all my life because my mum was a fashion designer during the 80’s she actually got trained at the London school of Fashion.

When she wanted to quit she asked me if I was interested I said no and she sold everything. Latter I decided to follow my passion, which is making clothes.

When was that?

I established needle point in 2006, but I stopped for a while because of motherhood, I started again in 2010 after attending “Women of worth Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed sisters Hangout in October 2010 to follow my God given talent, take a bold step, that event was what spurred me on.

So, how has it been?

It has been awesome, it is just one day at a time for me, I believe in God and God is taking me to great heights, I can’t complain because God has been faithful.

In terms of challenges how C M Y K

has it been?

Other than constantly running a designing outfit on Diesel, I don’t have any challenges because I have a God who takes care of my challenges. I have been blessed with good staff and all my staffs are Nigerians.

As a designer what is your definition of style?

Each person has their own style; style is something that defines you. Style should be comfortable, like second nature it should be easy at all times.

Is fashion all about clothes?

No! It could be about shoes, make up accessories, jewelries but I am just facing my core competence which is on clothes. Generally fashion is what is in vogue, what is trendy; fashion comes and goes.

What inspires your designs?

God and things I see around ,I love easy things, which is why I do ready-to-wear clothes. I design what outfits that I love to see different body types wear.

Don’t you think the fashion industry is already saturated?

No! The market is large and can accommodate more people; Nigerians have a high sense of fashion. There is a niche for everybody, there is so much untapped talent out there, and Nigerian fashion industry is awesome.

So what is needlepoint niche?

That will be selling my trade secret to you.

With so many designers churning out creative pieces what would make me settle for needle point?

Each piece designed by needle point is unique to the owner of that piece in every sense of the word. In terms of fabrics, texture and accessories used on that piece, each piece is classic, unique and affordable.

Before you established this outfit what were you doing?

I was a banker, I worked with Merchant Bank which was called Banker Trust, after that I worked with First Atlantic Bank now First Inland Bank and then I worked in Liberty bank, before I quit in 2004.

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Style is something that defines you

Why did you leave a certain career for designing clothes?

After banking I became a house wife and looked after my kids, the transition was from banking to motherhood and designing.

Looking backwards now do you have any regrets quitting banking and setting up a fashion outfit?

None what so ever, I believe God has plans for everybody. You know you are in the right place when you are in tune with God. Although when you are a house wife with a master’s degree, it feels as if you are not doing enough. I have no regrets; my kids are well behaved and are doing extremely well in school, and I think that is because I had time to be there when they are still very little and it made a difference.

How do you take care of yourself, do you exercise?

I work out and eat healthy.

How do you love your make up?

I love my make up very simple What is your favourite makeup product?

I use Delor and Zaron both are natural products.

Where would be your best holiday spot?

I have a lot of things on my wish list; the next place I would love to go is Singapore or Malaysia because it looks so nice and green.

How would you rate the Nigerian fashion industry?

We are tops, on the scale of one to ten we are number nine, soon we will be ten. The pioneers of the industries have made us so proud internationally and locally.

How has the response to your designs been?

It has been very good, I am grateful I thank God. Why do you work more with African prints?

It is beautiful and I love the Ankara fabric because it has different patterns to it so there are different things you can create with it. I love to embellish and interpret Ankara prints using different fabric and colours.

I have a lot of things on my wish list; the next place I would love to go is Singapore or Malaysia because it looks so nice and green.

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vent E le a S n e id a M 9 io d tu S The I

•Theresa Onwuka

ht occasion. tims of the nig N Jewelry stocked distinctively crafted vic d ce pla dis t sis as IO n a bid to crystals h to pick up the piece costume jewelries; pearls, gold and Dana Air Plane Cras ourably y fav ur d lux an d a Lagos base de in Nigeria of their lives together, re, the Studio 9 has jewelries ma international durability and sto compete with specialty concession the proceeds of e ag nt rce pe a ted quality standards. decided dona man stocked office le ev en t at its sa n de ai m its The stand of Scuup wo m t m ad e fro s, colourful en ev e lere, Lagos. Th rpet dress, chiffon top headquarters in Suru d by fashionistas who skirts, red ca n, peach, ow br , ite de in yellow, wh en s att uit ly ps ge hu jum s wa ich . wh les ands recorded high sa pink. identified with the br t, black and d exclusive an vis Ra : re we ds an d beautifully displaye br ha n lat io ec sh O’ fa Available N t, bags in IO en , ev carpet o Woods Clothing clutch purse for red t Undergarment, Tosh pink. Also lve e, Ve blu n, e, ma ng , Scuup wo uring colours like ora all Jewelry, Oeclat Bags re hybrid the O’eclat stand we , and many more. chocolate (Remy hair) had all the colours of available at kara bags for office and other Tosho Woods Clothing in her collections of leather and An o artistically designed office ted ts, als summer fully represen , blouses, skirts and social even laptop bags. ics d ton an folders t evening dresses, os m d smart, stylish e th en be llo w ant undergarment ha vis Ra s ju m ps ui ts, wi th ye od ts in varying special eness of the Tosho Wo d sexy undergarmen an prominent. The uniqu ce pie a as discounted rate. nsitional effects colours and sizes at a fashion brand is the tra o als d an t en rn for day ev of clothing can be wo

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

Aisha and Ahme; A profile on two Nigeria leading bag designer s Nichole By Haguaana & Ahme Couture

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n Exhibition of Exotic Handmade Leather Handbags, Neck Pieces Cut Out Of Precious Crystals, Corals, Pearls & Stones All At The Launch Of Nichole By Haguaana & Ahme Couture On Sunday, 8th July 2012 at The Avenue Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, two individual handbag and accessories designers -Aisha Ugah Igbinovia of Nichole By Haguaana and Amen Bazunu of Amen Couture gathered family, friends and other spe-

cial guests for the official launch and exhibition of their handbags and accessories labels.

The classy shopping event saw guests admire the work of both talented designers. They were also treated to champagne, cocktails and canapés.

PR UNO, a Public relations agency with innovative solutions in Fashion and Lifestyle and OnoBello.com a digital magazine that covers the latest news in Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, Celebrity and Parties were supporters of this event.

Nichole By Haguanna was established in Lagos, Nigeria in 2011. As Nigeria’s emerging handbags, leather goods and accessories label, Creative Director Aisha Ugah Igbinovia has worked tirelessly to make it popular with its distinctive personality, at- tention to detail, intricate materials and

Aisha Ugah Igbinovia- Creative Director of Nichole By Haguanna

unseasoned style.

Since the label’s inception in 2011, Nichole By Haguanna continues to create iconic one of a kind products that is fast making it become a best-seller in the Nigerian market and beyond.

Aisha Ugah Igbinovia’s inspiration behind every piece is born out of the raw passion and quest to show talent in the creation of well finished handmade exquisite pieces of jewellery and leather goods.

Nichole By Haguanna pieces are handmade and tailored to each individual’s taste with all designs remaining true to the label’s aesthetics, influence and inspiration.

Handbags, leathers goods and bold necklace accessories are intricately cut out from real Crocodile, Alligator, Buffalo, Calf and Snake skin. They are further embellished with Swarovski crystals, Corals, Pearls and Precious stones.

All materials are sourced and produced in Africa making Nichole By Haguanna a truly African fashion accessories label.

Ahme Couture on the other hand was established in 2009

by Head Designer Amen Bazunu who decided to go into the production of leather goods out of her love and passion for creating beautiful clutch bags.

Ahme Couture is a modern, luxurious and sophisticated brand with a specialty in designing en-

Nichole By Haguaana

velope clutch purses in genuine leather and animal skin (faux and real). All our bags are handmade in Nigeria by professional craftsmen. We pride ourselves in designing purses to the highest standards, our attention to detail has made our brand a favourite amongst the elite in Nigeria.

The brand’s vision is to expand products and sales to the global market and build a brand that will be known internationally. To this effect, we have identified Browns as one of the foremost and stylish boutiques in the heart of London’s fashion district.

Ahme Couture has mastered various leather-weaving techniques that have come to make the label stand out in a competitive market.

In a short space of time, Ahme Couture has grown thanks to the quality of its craftsmanship.

Ahme Couture is known for its chic clutch bags that can go from day to evening, there is a piece for every woman as handbags are made from 100% leather and skin. Ahme Couture is sourced and produced locally in Nigeria and is aimed at being a leader in fashion accessories.

For more details on Nichole

By Haguanna, contact Aisha Ugah Igbinovia on: Mobile: +234 (0) 706 801 7362 Email: haguanna@yahoo.com Like on Facebook: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / Nicholebyhaguanna Follow on Twitter: www.twitter/Nichole by Haguanna

E m a i l : amenbazz@homail.co.uk Like on Facebook: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / amen.bazunu

About Ahme Couture For more details on Ahme Couture, contact Amen Bazunu on: Mobile: +234 (0) 0852022621 Address: 6A Abimbola Awoniyi Close, Off Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Islane, Lagos, Nigeria

Ahme Couture bags

Amen Bazunu- Creative Director of Ahme Couture

Guar anty TTrus rus ar tner ffor or Africa Guaranty rustt Bank Announced as an Of Offf icial PPar artner Fashion Week London T

Ronke Ademiluyi C M Y K

he organizers of Africa Fash ion Week London announced Guaranty Trust Bank as one of this year’s official partners for London’s premier fashion event scheduled to take place on 3-4 August 2012 at London Spitalfields.

Guaranty Trust Bank, one of Africa’s largest financial services providers, is once again set to reinforce its position as a foremost African financial brand and a proudly African, truly international institution with its support of the biggest African fashion event out of Africa to take place in London in under a month.

“We are proud to have on board such a reputable fi-

nancial institution which has time and time again proved their support of various art and design initiatives in Nigeria and beyond. GTB will not only lend their support to AFWL but also to three of our designers who will be designing a design each in collaboration with GTB and take part in an GTB sponsored fashion show,” said Ronke Ademiluyi, founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London.

Established 20 years ago in 1990 and with subsidiaries in all Anglophone West African Countries and the United Kingdom, Guaranty Trust Bank has over the years, keenly supported artistic expressions es-

pecially those of African origins in various parts of the world.

In what is set to be the biggest fashion extravaganza of the Olympic summer, London’s hip Spitalfields Market will play host to over 60 African and African inspired designers with back to back runway shows and exhibitions.

With stellar names of African fashion such as Adebayo Jones, George Adesegun and Anita Quansah, high profile partners such as Mizani and MoneyGram alongside GTB, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Erelu Bisi Fayemi as a patron, and leading media sponsors such as FAB Magazine and

OH TV, Africa Fashion Week London is set to be the finest fashion event of this summer.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

Guaranty Trust Bank plc is a foremost Nigerian financial institution with vast business outlays spanning Anglophone West Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank presently has an Asset Base of over 2 trillion Naira, shareholders funds of over 230 Billion Naira and employs over 5,000 people in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

SATURDAY, Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—39

Muslims Speak marks 15th year

High society cheers as Ogufere scores 80

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L-R: Chief Ben Ogeragbaje Apollo; Chief Dick Gberevbie JP; Chief Sunny Odogwu, Ide of Ahaba; Chief Jonathan Ogufere, celebrant and his wife, Christiana

L-R: Moses Agbobasa, Chairman of the occasion; Mrs Elizabeth Nweze and Chief Israel Ogbue

L-R: Prince Wale Oladunjoye, Chief Fabio Lanipekun and Mr. Dudu Orume

H

hief Jonathan Ogufere, National President of Association of Sports Veterans of Nigeria and former President, West African Football Union, is not a man totally strange to glamour and glitz that comes with the allure of being a celebrity, he has lived most parts of his life in the public glare, so when friends and associates turned on the tempo again to celebrate th birthday the sport his :icon80 could only but revelled in the moment.

The celebration held in Surulere, Lagos in June and it was graced by many notable personalities.

Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

L-R: Prof. Egerton Uvieghara; Mr Peter Arigbe, Chief Ajijala Rone Orugbo and Chief Ben Ogeragbaje Apollo

L-R:t Biola Aderibigbe, Mrs Mojisola Oloniniyi and Mrs Cindy Ogufere

T

op Muslim leaders and notable Islamic scholars gathered in Abeokuta recently to mark the 15 th year anniversary of an Islamic publication known as Muslims Speak at Oke Ilewo Secretariat Mosque. After a highly interactive sessions on various issues some notable Islamic leaders were recognised for their contribution to the propagation of the religion.

Photos by Wumi Akinola

Omoba Bola Ajibola, Presenting Award to Alhaji Dr. Lateef Adegbite, Secretary-General SCIA

Alhaji M. Ola Yusuf Baba, Tijaniyat Society of Nigeria (m) Presents Award to Omoba Bola Ajibola (l) while Sheik Saobana Aly Ilori looks on

L-R:Sheik Saobana Aly Ilori, Alhaji Mustapha Balogun and Alhaji Salisu Adenekan, President General, Tijaniyat Society of Nigeria

Justice Adeyonba Agu celebrates 75

onourable Justice Anthony Adeyonba Agu, a retired Judge of the High Court of Justice, Benin celebrated his 75th birthday some weeks ago and it was an occasion for his family and friends to come together for jolly goodtime. Most of the friends of the retired judge made the party and brought on again memories that were dear to them in the old days

The celebrant with Sir and Lady E. Ekhitor (2nd rt) and the members of St. Peter Catholic Church Benin City C M Y K

The celebrant with Prof and Dr E.P. Kubeyinge, Provost, College of Medicine, UNIBEN

The celebrant with retired Judges and Justice Aluyi Chairman (2nd Left)

40 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 your husband as well, let him know your weaknesses even before the marriage.

Marriage takes pain and perseverance. You can only scale through with God. The Bible says the couple must submit to one another; keep away from people who give wrong advice.

Y

By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

O

luyide Fola Ukachi worked with the Lagos State Government after her national youth service in 1980. She later moved to the Central Bank School in Lagos State and subsequently emerged the headteacher. Some years after, she was redeployed to the Central Bank headquarters.

She,however, retired from active service in 2002 to begin her much cherished dream known today as New Fountain International School. The co-pastor of He’s Alive Chapel who also doubles as motivational speaker explains how she combines marriage, career and school administration all together.

The beginning I did my youth service in 1979 and worked with Lagos state government. I worked with them from to 1992.

Later, I joined the Central bank school in Lagos and rose to become the headteacher. I later moved to the Central Bank Headquarters. However, Immediately after my voluntary retirement from the Central bank in 2002, my friends advised me to start a school.

While l was with Lagos state l wanted to have a school of my own. I had the passion because l wanted to set a standard. I am not saying we do not have standard in schools today, but there were certain standards l wanted to add to what we had already.

The challenges...

I wanted to build a private school, but did not have enough money. I made serues Christian and a minister of God of efforts, which include so I don’t believe in cheating soliciting loans from friends people. We are still trying to and banks but to no avail. bring out the Primary school; Meanwhile, the urge was still it is a gradual process and we very strong. I wanted to retire strive to improve daily. On a to Church business, run regular basis, I meet with the programs for women like leaders and we try to evaluate Marriage counseling or better what we do; right now, we still open up a complex to help have ‘in-house inspectors’ that me generate income but my play the role of watch-dog. friends insisted and my They check both the teachers passion persisted. I felt I had and students for lived all my life serving myself appropriateness. Also on and I really wanted to spend Morals, we make sure the the rest serving God by helping children are well brought up. others. I prayed about it then When they are set to attend God ministered to my husband events, we make sure they that educating people was show decent manners. Even in what He wanted me to do. At family gatherings, churches or one point when my daughter mosques, we train them to was still in School, I saw stand out. excellence in that school and I said to myself that if I were to The wife, mother, teacher start up a school, it would and the pastor depict a very high standard of od’s Grace has been education. I once took the sufficient and would older born of my daughters to always be. I believe that you South Africa for an operation, don’t have to do what other my husband got to find out people can do for you rather, that some certain persons do for yourself what others wanted to sell their school. He cannot do for you. For instance, bought it before I came back to I don’t go to the market myself, Nigeria, I didn’t have any I send people because I trust other choice than to help them and I can use that time refurnish the school and put it to the benefit other things. In in order. It was then it dawned other words, I delegate instead on me that this was the will of of running after frivolities. You God. That was how we got the have to ask God for guidance motto of the school ’Fountain and letting you know your of Excellence’. I always purpose in life. I believe you remind the teachers of the should not discard your talent. school’s motto and advise them to strive to bring out excellence he most challenging in the students. issues I faced as a young mothWhen we started the school, er raising her children was we put a lot into it; I am a true getting the right person to

My vision, mission and the ministry...

T

look after my babies when the maternity leaves were over. I did not like the idea of taking an infant to the day care; I think day care centres are more appropriate for toddlers. Children are precious and you don’t want a complete stranger in your home or even at the day care looking after your little one. My second mum (my husband’s mum) did not live too long after my wedding but for the few

,

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— Oluyide Fola Ukachi then I would have to really pray for God’s way out and God always made a way.

My being in the teaching profession helped me a great deal when I was raising children. My husband was so wonderful. He assisted me in virtually everytying around the house.

Men who want to show love to their wives and set good examples for their children need to come away from that covering of “It’s not our

There is too much ungodliness and lack of fear of God in our society we need to change our ways and turn to God to enjoy His blessings the way we

years she lived she was a wonderful mum and of great help with the children. Thank God that my own mum was there to help for a few months each time a baby was born and she did this with all our children, but whenever it was time for her to go I would have to make do with whoever was staying with me at that time. If the girl had the right spirit then there was no cause for fear but if the girl had a contrary spirit

,

tradition.” Mothers of young children need all the help they can get.

My marriage is 31 years old today and still counting.

My advice to younger women Marriage takes three. It takes God, your partner and yourself to make your marriage work. Do not deceive yourself by saying you are a Christian and engage in extra marital affairs, it would not work. You have to be honest with God and

oung parents raising children these days need to discuss how their children will be cared for and by whom. They also need to place their priorities well. During my time as a young mother and teacher, I had colleagues who started off as bankers for instance and had to drop the job at some point to look after their children. Right now I know a top lady banker who taken a whole year out of her job to be a mum. That is commendable. Where the wife volunteers to do this, the husband should appreciate it and not make her beg for money to have her needs met or to assist with extended family needs on her side. It is a wise husband that would take very good care of his wife including the most significant people in her extended family such as her mum and dad. That is not to say that he will now bear unnecessary burden.

These days people should have children they cannot take care of. If it’s only one you can conveniently take care of just have that one and stop. It’s not fair to keep having children expecting your relations to come and help with their education or to create burden for other people to bear, and then turn around and accuse people of not helping you.

Above all, we all need to be prayerful and people that fear God. When we call upon God, He hears and answers. There is too much ungodliness in our society we need to change our ways and turn to God to enjoy His way we should.

The church started as a ‘Christian Students Social Movement’ then we changed it to ‘Christian Evangelical Social Movement because we found out that most of us who started the ministry were already m a r r i e d . We o r g a n i z e prayers and we are known for the ‘National Prayers Conference’. Out of CESM, other Ministries sprang up.

I love wearing good clothes that suits and covers my body.

I run on thread mill, take long walk and dance a lot in church. I plan joining an aerobics class soon.

I do not have any special beauty treatment other than compulsory washing of my face every night before going to bed. I think l would have been looking unhealthy and worn out if l do not have this routine.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—41

My biggest regret —Ribadu

By Oscarline Onwuemenyi

A

former Chairman of the Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has said he regrets his inability to bring about a wider ethical transformation in the Nigeria Police force during his time as the anti-corruption czar in the country.

Ribadu, who was speaking in a special Visitors’ Forum, a lecture organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, in Abuja, said his forays as the head of the EFCC were aimed at giving pride, prestige and respect to the law enforcement profession, adding that he wanted to prove that there were honest police officers within the force.

He noted that, “For decades, Nigeria has lacked leadership that is able to set an example for others to follow. I’ve seen it happen in the EFCC: the first set of people that we worked with at the Commission were policemen from the same Nigeria Police that people talk about derisively and say all sorts of things about.

“They were just about 14 officers that we picked, and we decided from the very beginning that we are going to do things differently. We said to ourselves: this is perhaps the only opportunity in a lifetime for us to set a standard and set an example. We will be the ones who are going to make it; we will be the ones who are going to, hopefully, change the Nigeria Police force.

“That is one of my biggest regrets in life: our inability to accomplish that, because we worked very hard for four years to set an example. And we thought that doing that, others in the Nigerian police force will copy. We thought that young men in the force will look at us and say these people were honest officers who did their best and got results, and we want to be like them.

Ribadu added that, “Sadly, everything changed from 2007 when some people came from nowhere and said honesty and hardwork does not pay, and they reversed it and brought in people who do not know anything other than making something for their own pockets, and it changed the psyche of the Nigerian police men. It is very sad indeed.”

Harping on the impact of forthright leadership in any culture, the former Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, stressed that he has no regrets joining politics, adding that he will seek any opportunity to the country and to contrib-

Says he has no regret joining politics

, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

,

Nigeria has lacked leadership that is able to set an example for others to follow.

I’ve seen it happen in the EFCC: the first set of people that we worked with at the Commission were policemen from the same Nigeria Police that people talk about derisively and say all sorts of things about.

,

ute to national development.

According to him, honest and courageous leadership was central to the growth and development of any organization, and by extension, any country.

“Nothing works unless you have a leadership that is ready to set an example and bring out the vision and direction for others to follow. Leadership means setting a standard, being a model in honesty, competence, justice and equity, and courage.”

He further noted that the pi-

oneers at NERC “had suffered similar fate in the hands of selfish people in government, who treated the professionals with contempt and sought to ridicule them.”

R

ibadu charged that “self ish, primitive, crude and narrow-minded people, who ought not to be anywhere near government in the first place, found themselves in power and authority and misused and abused it. Every Nigerian knew what happened then. Few people who because

they were close to government wanted to be everywhere, and because they believed there was money to be made in energy, they flooded the place.

“Even in my present role as head of the Special Petroleum Revenue Task Force, I’ve seen such people; they are all over the place: for instance, you see an adviser who has no qualification or competence about gas, writing memos about gas.

That is what they are doing to the system, which has affected the proper take-off of some of these agencies.”

The former anti-corruption czar, therefore, challenged the officials of NERC to be professional, independent and not allow self-interest dictate their pursuit of their responsibility, pointing out that none of them should ever plan to own independent power plants or distribution companies, or even encourage their wards or relations to operate businesses that may come into conflict with the performance of their jobs.

“The starting point for effective and transparent leadership is that you must learn to fight your own selfish interest, and take yourself out of any

decision that you will have to take. Make sure that you have no interest in what you are doing as a regulator. The moment you have an interest, you have defeated yourself.

“I won’t want to see you, even after you leave this place, that you are an owner of an IPP or you have a distribution company, or you have a relation that owns any of these businesses. In life, you have to make choices; you can’t have everything.

There are things you simply have to forego if you are given certain responsibilities.”

A

ccording to Ribadu, the price for compromise on the part of any regulator is the failure of the industry over which the regulator oversees.

“That is the crises we face today in Nigeria: you see certain individuals who have been part of so-called ‘reform’ of any sector, going back to play a part in the sector. Somebody serves as a regulator in the telecommunications industry, and goes on to own a telecommunications company.

“I mean, why would someone who oversaw the failure of our educational system attempt to go back and establish his or her own school, supposedly to provide the excellence in education that he or she squandered as Minister or Director in charge of education? You are a Minister, a Vice President or the President who couldn’t run our universities very well, and after you come out you end up having the best university in the land. It is a shame.”

C M Y K

42—SA TURD AY Vanguard 42—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 14, 2012 JULY

*Airhiavbere

C M Y K

*Edebiri

Who wins Edo Guber?

•Let the electorate determine—ANPP •Our chances are bright—PDP

By Simon Ebegbulem in the state. While Oshiomhole has been campaigning based on what he has achieved in the past three years, the Airhiavbere is telling the people of the state that he represents a new PDP and will right the wrongs of the past, therefore they should give him their votes. Edebiri through out his campaign, was very

well that they have the majority in the state. But Oshiomhole have often countered that, saying that the ethnic campaign being embarked upon by the PDP will crash since it is a known fact that all Edo people are from the Benin ethnic nationality.

The camps of the two candidates have heated up the system and hardly any day passed by without one

,

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he die is cast. The much awaited governorship election in Edo state holds today amidst tight security. Initially, seven political parties fielded candidates for the election but as it seems, only the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), are battling it out today. The candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC),Elder Rowland Izevbuwa withdrew from the race last Wednesday, to back the candidature of Adams Oshiomhole of the ACN. Gen.Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere is flying the PDP flag while Solomon Edebiri is flying that of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Oshiomhole emerged as the sole candidate of his party in the governorship primaries of the party March this year.

Gen.Airhiavbere emerged after a stormy governorship primary, where he emerged as the party ’s anointed candidate. Other aspirants that ran with him included the former governor of the state, Prof.Osarhiemen Osunbor, former Special Adviser to the President, Prof.Julius Ihonvbere, Barr.Ken Imasuagbon (Rice Man) and the former state representative in the Board of the NDDC, Mathew Iduoriyekenwen. Mr Edebiri emerged as the consensus candidate of the Coalition of Progressive Political Parties in the state and later adopted the ANPP as the umbrella to achieve his ambition.

The candidates have campaigned vigorously for the election and as matter fact, were equally drained during the recent governorship debate

*Oshiomhole

We have urged our people to be very vigilant and the people who are coming to conduct the election are very credible people who were carefully selected

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passionate about the state of industries in the state and the agricultural sector, which Oshiomhole was quick to remind him that the comatose state of industries in the state was as a result of the bad policies of the past PDP led government in the state.

Edebiri and the Airhiavbere are both from Edo South senatorial district, the Binis, while Oshiomhole is from the North district (Afemai).

Airhiavbere has stressed the need for his Bini people to support him knowing fully

hearing one allegation and a counter allegation. Due to the tension in the state, 3,500 soldiers were deployed for the election while over five thousand armed mobile policemen were drafted from the neighboring states to come and beef up security. As at the time of filling this report, security operatives have flooded the three senatorial districts.

Wor ried by the security reports emanating from the state, the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar

and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Attahiru Jega, stormed the state last Tuesday for a stakeholders meeting ahead the election. The IGP expressed worries over security reports emanating from the state and warned politicians against violence.

Oshiomhole, Airhiavbere, Edebiri and Frank Ukoga of the SMDP, Andrew Igwemoh of the Labour Party were all at the pally. Oshiomhole complained that the PDP had been purchasing voters cards and sowing both police and army uniform with a view to use it to rig the election. He consequently tendered a fake INEC ID card and fake voters cards.

H

e also faulted the instruction by INEC that voters should not be seen 300meters outside the voting centers and urged the Commission to reverse the decision since the people have the right to defend their votes.

On his part, Airhiavbere accused Oshiomhole of erecting bill boards in all the polling centers, just as he equally accused Oshiomhole of purchasing fake voters card.

Edebiri expressed worries over the ability of unarmed policemen at polling units to protect the votes of the people.

He therefore stressed the

need for security operatives to be alert on the day of the election.

While addressing all their complains, Jega doused all their fears and assured that the Commission was determined to conduct a free, fair and credible election for Edo people and Nigerians in general. His words, “ we have urged our people to be very vigilant and the people who are coming to conduct the election are very credible people who were carefully selected. Nobody is expected to move money on the day of election. I have addressed our staff that they must not do any thing to rubbish the image of the Commission.The voters also must not sell their cards because it is an offence and any body caught will be prosecuted. We have ensured that we put in place the best security arrangement. We are determined to make this Edo election the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria. We may be appointed by the Federal Government but we are here to serve our people. Our actions on the field will vindicate us that day” he stated.

On the comment made by Airhiavbere as regards posters on polling units, Jega stated that “all posters and bill boards around polling units must be removed or else, it will be an offense. People without voters cards should stay away from polling centers. Only INEC has the right to announce results and we are warning state TV stations and the media to be careful as regards what they report”. On his part, the IGP asserted that, “security officers will challenge the movement

Continues on page 44

SA TURD AY Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 14, 2012—43 JULY

THE CANDIDATES

*Airhiavbere

*Edebiri

*Oshiomhole

*Ukoga

How Edo people will vote today

After several months of painstaken campaigns by the different political parties, the die is cast as the people of Edo will today through the ballot box decide who their governor will be.

GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE writes that one factor that cannot be ignored is that of ethnic politics which has become a corner stone in Edo politics.

B

ARRING last minute hitches, Edo people go to the poll today to elect the governor of their choice who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years. The race to the Chief Denis Osadebe Avenue, seat of the Edo state Government House is expected to be a three-horse affair.

The candidates for the election are the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) , the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candiate, Major – General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Solomon Edebiri. However, with the withdrawal of the candidate of the CPC, Mr. Roland Izevbuwa from the race, six political parties will contest the election for the most coveted seat in the state.

Judging from events in the state since the famous Court of Appeal judgment which restored Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s mandate coupled with his performance in office and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeing itself as a party merely on leave from absence from the Government House, which it had occupied for over 10 years, a titanic battle is certainly underway as pundits see it as a straight battle between Oshiomhole and the PDP candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere.

It is the believe of some observers of political events in C M Y K

Edo state that since the creation of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel state and now Edo state, no governor has been able to make any meaningful impact in the governance of the state than the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, except the era of Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, a retired Brigadier – General and Prof. Ambrose Alli of blessed memory during the Second Republic. .

T herefore, there is no doubt that the non-performance of the PDP government during its ten years at the helm of affairs in the state

and the performance of the Oshiomhole in his three and half years in office has become the campaign issue ahead of today ’s election.

T he opposition Peoples Democratic Party believes that the Comrade Governor’s performance could at best be described as cosmetic and a scratch on the surface and had accused him of financial recklessness and inflicting pains on the people of the state through the imposition of levies and taxation and the destruction of their houses. Comrade Oshiomhole on the other hand, has continued to thumb up his chest like the

proverbial lizard who praises himself after falling from an iroko tree. He has continued to tell the citizens of the state and the world at large that he met Edo state in a sorry state when he took over in 2008 and has since turned the fortunes of the state around.

He has cited the construction of roads across the state, hospitals and health centres, construction and renovation of schools, water, and employment of over 11,000 youths under its Youth Employment Scheme (YES), transportation and human capacity buildings as some of his greatest achievements in office.

Against this backdrop, who carries the day in today ’s election? Will the pendulum swing once again in Oshiomhole’s favour or the PDP candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere or will the dark horse in the race, Chief Solomon Edebiri of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) spring a surprise?

However, going into memory lane, the first acid test between the opposition PDP and the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the Akoko-Edo state constituency 1 re-run election in which the A C N defeated the PDP to increase its strength in the State House of Assembly. This was followed by various court verdicts which diminished the solid majority of the PDP with 16 memberships until both parties were put at par with 12 members each until the defection of Hon, Bright

*ORUMWENSE Omokhodion of the PDP to the A C N. This happened in 2010.

During the 2011 general elections in the state, the A C N won overwhelmingly in the State House of Assembly garnering 19 of the 24 seats.

The party also won two of the senate seats and seven of the Federal House of Representatives seats allocated to the state.

In that election, A C N won overwhelmingly in Edo North and Edo South Senatorial zones while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won five of the State House of Assembly seats, the Senatorial seat and the two House of Representatives seats, obviously due to the towering influence of the Iyasele of Esanland and former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP. The lost of the Edo Central Senatorial zone cost Esanland the position of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly now occupied by Mr. Uyi Igbe who comes from zone with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu,Edo South.

One of thing to expect in today ’s election is the role of ethnicity in the contest. Vanguard investigation showed that the politics of ethnicity has been let loose, as some tribal demagogues believe that the Bini, with their numerical strength in population and land mass should produce the next governor of the state.

Their claim is that while the PDP years of Chief Lucky should be forgotten as the new PDP will re-produce the magic of Dr. Sam Ogbemudia (Bini) and Prof. Ambrose Alli (Esan) during the Second Republic.

Continues on page 44

44—SA TURD AY Vanguard 44—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 14, 2012 JULY

Who wins Edo Guber?

Continues from page 42 of any body on the day of the election. To tell you how serious we intend to police the state during this period, I have detailed my Commissioner of Police incharge of Operations here, we have the Commissioner of Police incharge of Terrorism, we have a full investigation team from Abuja”.

Reacting to the fears raised by Governor Adams Oshiomhole that the PDP is in possession of fake Army and Police uniforms with a view to use it rig the election, he said: “ we have some thing to differentiate between real police and Army officers on duty.

T

he Army will be deployed on each of the senatorial districts to support the police. I want to warn that our responsibility is to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible. It is you politicians that use thugs and I will advise that you talk to your supporters because we are prepared to deal ruthlessly with any one trying to forment trouble” he declared. On the suggestion made by

Oshiomhole that people should be allowed to stay around until the votes are counted rather than asking them to stay 300 meters of the polling units, Abubakar explained that “those who voted have a right to wait as long as they behave themselves. But those who have no business there must not be seen around. We have done every thing in terms of training to caution our officers.

They must not allow themselves to be used by any politician. This is not the time we allow ourselves to be used by any body, people must not take us for granted”. On the issue raised about security men carrying arms to protect the votes, the IGP said that “the law prohibits us from doing that. But we will ensure that no body messes with us that day”.

As the people of the state go to polls today, all the parties expressed optimism of victory.

Goodluck Imoukhuede Eguaoje, the ANPP Publicity Secretary, told Saturday Vanguard that “the electorate have to determine. We have done all we have to do, our agent are on ground. We have

mobilized our people. Our people are fully ready, every thing that we need to do as a political party we have done that. What we have told the people is that there is need to industrialize the state and that is what we want to come and achieve. If people are employed, there will be no security challenge. We want to see how we can bring up agriculture in this state. We want to revive our agricultural potentials instead of depending on oil alone.

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ike you heard our candidate we want to create more wealth and give gainful employment for our people. We don’t care about what other parties are doing, what we are doing is concentrating on our own party and programmes.

On his part, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Pharm.Matthew Urhoghide stated: “Our chances are very bright, we have done all that we needed to do. We have been able to traverse all the nook and cranny of the state.

We have gone through the 192 wards, the 18 LGAs, we have gone from house to house. We

are very optimistic that we have a better chance than every other party. Edo people are tired of this circus, they want integrated development, job creation, empowerment of youths and women, development of agriculture, reviving our moribund industries, security, and guaranteeing qualitative education at all levels, health care delivery at primary, tertiary levels. And because Edo people can project to see that a PDP government will be more beneficial to them, they have therefore chosen the PDP candidate as the next governor of the state as they are all anxiously waiting to express that through the ballot box. We have no fear at all about what the outcome will be, because the PDP platform had very seasoned politicians who are always able to read the political barometer and draw conclusion as to who will come out victorious. My appeal to all our opponents is that they must understand that politics is a sport whose outcome will definitely be either a win or a loss, therefore there should be no desperation as to what the

outcome will be. One thing that is definite is that Edo people will be ultimate decider. So to threaten fire and brim stone if one party does not win, only bothers on misunderstanding the dynamics of present day politics and naivety and self delusion.

A lot of these people are going to be shocked at the outcome of the governorship poll in Edo state and it is going to serve as a lesson that elections are not only won on perceived self popularity on the screens of television and on the pages of newspapers. But more on the quality of interaction between a party and the people who are the voters”.

across the state.

On the overall, Analysts posited that the incumbency factor may play a major role in the outcome of today ’s election. They argued that the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with enormous political will, influence, reach and financial resources will carry the day.

They also look at the antecedent of the performance of the previous administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vis-a-vis the performance of the Oshiomhole administration within its three and half years in office.

Those who spoke with Vanguard said that the governor should be given a second chance to complete on-going projects that he has initiated.

initiated by its predecessor in office. This is what is responsible for the numbers of white elephant projects scattered through the length and breadth of the country. I therefore advised that the Edo people should vote in Oshimhole to enable him complete the numerous projects that he has initiated”.

H

owever, all the opinion polls released so far have favoured the ACN candidate. But will those assessments materialize to votes today? The winner will definite emerge within the next 48 hours. To ensure that the people of the state are well prepared for the election, the state government declared yesterday July 13, 2012 a half working day, with a view to enable workers of the state prepare for today’s election.

How Edo will vote today Continued from page 43 They also recalled that despite the acclaimed performance of Prof. Alli. He was defeated by Dr. Ogbemudia of the NPN in 1983 Governorship election. While both the Chief Priest to the Benin Monarch and Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin have noted that performance in office do not have to depend on tribe of tongue, saying that Oshiomhole has done far more for the Bini people through his giant developmental strides compared to other Bini people that have occupied positions of authorities in the state.

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n the other hand, the PDP has accused Oshiomhole of fanning the ember of tribalism when in one of , his political rallies, he listed some key political positions which his kinsmen have denied of in the past and would be redressed if reelected. The party also took exception to the remark by the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji

Hailru Momoh, Ikelebe 111 remark that Edo North will not accept anything short of the governorship position in the state. To them, that marks the introduction of ethnicity in Edo politics.

I

t is being envisioned that with the emergence of Bini governorship candidate in the camp of the PDP, what ordinarily looks as a comfortable ride for Governor Oshiomhole is now on the edge because of the voting strength of Edo South which stood at about 58 percent against 32 percent from the North and 16 percent from the Edo Central Senatorial zone,just as pundits say that with the Central zone being a strong PDP strong hold, a sway of votes from Edo South in favour of the PDP candicdate may spell trouble for Oshiomhole. But others quickly pointed out that Benin- City which holds the population is a cosmopolitan city with no ethnic tribe dominating and would vote according to their conscience.

Another candidate who many said was the acclaimed winner of the governorship debate is Chief Solomon Edebiri, the ANPP governorship candidate. Although, he was the candidate of the PPP, he became the adopted candidate of the Coalition of political Parties in the state comprising the ANPP, CPC, CPP, LP,PPP and CPP. Edebiri who ran for the governorship race in 2007 under the banner of PPP, said that he decided to join the race because of his passion to serve and would revive all the moribund industries in the state as well as tuning its fortune around if voted into office.

H

owever, many observers are on the opinion that Edebiri is a future governorship material for Edo state and that his effort at winning the race may just be a flash in the pan.

They reasoned that the coalitions are just feather weight with most of having no structures on ground

A

ccording to Mr. Ehimehen Amhande, a Political analyst and public commentator, “one of the greatest problem facing governance in Nigeria, is the attitude of a succeeding government to complete projects

A

gain, there are those who say that it will be too early to access the character of the true Oshiomhole and what becomes of the A C N until the outcome of the July 14, election. According to Mr. Charles Oghuza, “the issue of who succeeds Oshiomhole should be left for now until after the governorship election. We may be putting the cart before the horse for now. That discourse can only come up if he is ere-elected for a second tenure in office”.

However, there are those who believe that the PDP should be overlooked as it also has the federal might and a huge financial chest to do battle with the A C N in the election.

SA TURD A Y Vanguard SATURD TURDA anguard,,

Benin City

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo had often times said that the people who ruined the party in its ten years reign in the state were current members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). And each time they make that accusation, the first name usually on their list is Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who was Secretary to Government during the administration of Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

He is currently the South South Vice-Chairman of the ACN and the Campaign Director of the Oshiomhole Campaign Organization. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, Ize-Iyamu who popularized the slogan ‘No Man is God’ when he fought the PDP machinery led by Chief Tony Anenih during the administration of Igbinedion, explained why he and others formed the Grace Group, which comprised mainly of aggrieved PDP members then who were de-registered in the party.

As he expressed that PDP in the state failed due to the domineering nature of a god father, hence, according to him, God brought in Oshiomhole as Governor of to wipe the tears, hardship and shame the PDP inflicted on the people of Edo state.

Excerpts: Sir, each time the PDP talk about those who ruined Edo state under its government, your name is often mentioned, how do you feel about that?

All of us come from some where. There is no doubt that many of us were in PDP at the very beginning. But when we saw the rottenness, lack of direction, it did not take us too long to say that look, remaining in this place will not bring the desired changes that people are yearning for and we all pulled out. I was one of the first to rebel against the leadership of the PDP in Edo state. We formed the Grace Group to resist what we saw as autocracy. We created an alternative. I have told people that we formed the ACN in Edo state for two reasons, one was to check the excesses of PDP. The second one, was the believe that a new platform will offer better governance.

That again we have been able to proof. So yes we were in PDP before but PDP was not performing and we left. Those who still remained in PDP, what is their justification? They said, oh, it is a new PDP, what has changed when the leadership has remained the same. It is the leadership that determines how the party will

Why Oshiomhole is fighting godfatherism—Ize-Iyamu Says Airhiavbere is no match to Oshiomhole

You see, every race or ethnic group has a right to set up an agenda for itself because the Bible says where there is no vision, people perish. When people talk about Bini agenda, many of them don’t even know what they are talking about. Bini agenda has never been that a Bini man must always be governor. Bini agenda means the development of Edo land, development of Edo people.

H

z Ize-Iyamu

be. And the leadership of the PDP still remains the same old persons who dictate every thing that goes on in that party,. And I am very proud that I left the place as I did.

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re you saying that the PDP failed in the state due to politics of god fatherism?

There is no doubt that that was a major cause. Like I said leadership is what determines and dictates how these things go. Oshiomhole is offering credible and purposeful leadership. That is why you see progress today in the state.

Let me give you an example, Oshiomhole came in in 2008 and he prepared the budget that he felt that will address the fundamental problems of Edo state.

The PDP led House of Assembly at that time, told him they could not pass the budget unless they got clearance from their god father. Their god father was not the Speaker. He was not the governor. The god father was an unelected leader of the party and they humiliated the governor by aking a pre-condition for the passing of that budget that the governor must follow them to

go and get the approval from their god father.

And when they got to Abuja, the god father who is unknown in terms of the governance of Edo state actually brought out his pen and began to mutilate the budget that the governor elected by the people of Edo has prepared. He cancelled the Mass Transit project, the

,

SIMON EBEGBULEM,

JUL Y 14, 2012—45 JULY

ow has the campaign been so far?

So far so good. We have been able to go round almost every part of the state. We started with the three senatorial districts, senatorial eadquarters staring with Edo South, Benin City. From there we moved to Edo Central, starting with Irrua and we also went to Edo North Auchi.

We have also gone round the 18 Local Governments. We have also started community rallies but apart from the one we have been doing generally, the Deputy Governor and other party leaders have also been going round all the wards and villages. I think as at today, there is practically no place we ave not gone to. We have gone round all the ward, what we are doing now is door to door campaign. And the response has been over whelming.

But the PDP recently accused you of bribing an INEC official?

Well I just think the PDP is trying to be mischievous. I on’t think that Nigerians or do

The PDP led House of Assembly at that time, told him they could not pass the budget unless they got clearance from their god father

,

schools, he reduced road construction to 50 per cent, making it impossible for the governor to do any thing. He more or less mutilated the budget and he told his people, go and pass the budget. They got to Benin and passed the budget immediately.

You are a Bini man and there is this talk about Bini agenda to oust Oshiomhole by the PDP, are you not bothered about that?

people can be deceived. We know those who have the history for rigging elections. ACN has never been indicted for election rigging and on the contrary, ACN won this state and the PDP rigged the results.

It took the intervention of he court to take that mandate back from the PDP. But of course they cannot change, until we began to more or less question them, they have no intension

of campaigning, all they were doing was boasting about Federal Might, and some times they use undemocratic words like we will capture Edo state, we will seize power. So they are the ones who have been plotting on how to rig the elections and when they realize that we are exposing them, they have to counter it by accusing us. But the reality is that we know those who have the history of rigging elections. And what we are saying is clear, if we conduct a free and fair election in Edo state today, the winner is obvious because you cannot compare, when you look at the ten years of PDP and you look at the three and half years of ACN, the difference is clear.

It is like darkness and light.

So we have exposed them constantly. When we are talking about voters registration, ideally this is not some thing we should have queried at all, but we found out that the PDP was doing secret registration under the guise of having a volunteer group, they were busy carrying laptops all over the place. Inducing people with money and then taking them photographs, doing biometrics, the same thing you need for registration. We got people who have gone through this exercise ignorantly, we put them on tape and we took this thing to Abuja and that were how the whole exercise was stopped.

We have clear cut example, people are buying voters card to deprive the owners from using them. Who is doing it, they are PDP members we have some of them in court.

Recently, I saw online a story that one INEC man, Engr Chidi was being offered bribe by the ACN. That is ridiculous because the same Chidi they are talking about, is a man we have constantly accused of working with the PDP with a view to rig the elections for them. So the reality is that PDP has been plotting to rig the election while we have been campaigning and showing our score card to the people of Edo State. and we are telling them that it is no longer business as usual, there is no way the result of Edo state election can be written, there is no way we will allow any false result to be announced.

There is no way we will allow ballot boxes to be stolen. So they need to realize that that era is gone and we will resist any attempt to rig the election.

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

Post-UTME:

Travails of admission seekers A

nother season for ad mission of candidates seeking placements into tertiary institutions, particularly universities, has come, with the uncertainty, frustration, disappointment, anxiety inherent.

Over 1.4 million candidates sat for the 2012 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which is the primary entrance examination into all the institutions of higher learning in the country – universities, polytechnics (or colleges of technology) and colleges of education.

But most of the candidates preferred admission into universities which are about 123, owned by federal, state and private individuals and religious organisations.

After the initial UTME, the next stage of the admission process is the Post-UTME screening test conducted by individual institutions according to their respective stipulations, mode of test/interview, examination and the required scores for the different academic programmes and courses. This test has become an integral part and most crucial in the admission process into Nigerian universities.

No matter the score obtained in UTME which should however not be less than 180, can-

One thing not pleasing to me is the way some universities conduct their tests. It has become a source of money to them, instead of a source of standardising the procedures, but not all of them.”

,

By Emmanuel Edukugho

didates must still undergo the screening test.

JAMB Registrar and chief Executive, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde had noted quite recently the way some universities conduct their Post-JAMB or UTME test, saying he was disappointed.

“One thing not pleasing to me is the way some universities conduct their tests. It has become a source of money to them, instead of a source of standardising the procedures, but not all of them.”

He gave a typical example of a university that needed just 500 students, but called 105,000 for the test in which each candidate was charged N3,000 which translated to N300 million. “Now you’ve raised the hope of 105,000 candidates and you dashed the hope of at least 104,500 candidates. It looks disgusting,” Ojerinde said in a newspaper interview sometime ago.

Beyond this unfortunate revenue generating aspect of the

,

test, there other travails, some fatal, that trailed the exercise.

Mrs. Chinwe Dike, a Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, with her son, Chike, that she was taking to sit for the Post-UTME test for admission into Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, died in the Dana Flight from Abuja to Lagos which crashed in IjuIshage on 3rd June, Sunday.

Other admission seekers are believed to have died either on that flight or in road accidents while going to sit for PostUTME tests in some other universities which are yet to be ascertained. So many candidates chasing very few spaces in some preferred universities are frustrating to prospective students. Only a very small proportion of candidates who sat for UTME will likely be admitted. This year alone, over 1.4 million did the entrance examination in which the bulk of them want to enter the university system that can only admit

barely 20% of this number.

Preferred universities of first choice like University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Benin, Benin City, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, cannot even offer admission to between 5 – 10% of qualified candidates because of inadequate carrying capacity. For example, over 90,000 candidates chose University of Lagos, but only less than 4,000 can be admitted. That is the predicament of young men and women seeking university admission.

Meanwhile, places in polytechnics and colleges of education are usually under-subscribed because most of the candidates want to go to the university. Also there are several universities that are not attracting patronage and are advertising everywhere for students to come for admission. Therefore, it’s a question of choice, and ability of parents to pay the fees which are seen as prohibitive.

Most private universities charged between N700,000 and N1 million per session which the average Nigerian parents cannot afford. Even some stateowned universities have hiked their fees beyond the reach of many parents. Only the federal government-owned universities are charging reasonable fees, hence the massive rush to

Prof. Dibu Ojerinde those institutions.

Now that the Post-UTME tests are going on till October, some private universities charged N5,000, others N7,000 to sit for the test, even when candidates did not choose them in the first place.

Recently, the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) announced it had barred 262 institutions of higher learning from admitting students in the 2013 academic session over non-compliance with admission guidelines.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ojerinde had explained the guidelines as 70:30 technology/nontechnology ratio for National Diploma programmes and 60:40 Science/Arts for Universities and colleges of education.

He also asked the tertiary institutions to follow strictly the government guidelines on 45% merit, 35% catchment and 20% educationally less developed in offering admission to candidates.

Ojerinde, speaking at the third combined policy committee meeting on admission to degree programmes for 2012/ 2013, warned that JAMB expected every university to include in the admission print-

Continues on page 47

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—47

Varied reactions on Post-UTME exercise

Many Nigerians are of the opinion that the Post University Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (Post-UTME) has come to stay. Amidst inconveniencies candidates suffer in the course of taking this particular examination, they still believe that it is the best way to test the true performance of any intending undergraduate as there are several malpractices assciated with the conduct of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. These are some of their opinions compiled by ANOZIE EGOLE

There is less malpractice in it than in JAMB —Esewata Joy (Student)

F

or me, Post-UTME is great. It is easier to cheat in JAMB than in PostUTME because,the questions there were set by the school so they know how to control malpractice in the examination. I can’t deny the fact that Joint Admission and Matriculation Board is a very organized and tough examination. But because of the rate of malpractice in the examination in recent times, it makes it lose quality and I am sure that was one of the reasons for the introduction of the Post UTME at least, for Universities to know the quality of undergraduates they want to admit into their institutions. I am sure that is the reason why schools organize the examination themselves. Like in my own school, Delta State University, (DELSU), I didn’t witness any malpractice. Although there is no way an examination can be conducted without cases of examination malpractice. If there was anything like that in my school, it is at a much reduced rate.

Talking about the uniformity in the examination fee, there is no way you will expect all the schools to pay the same amount. Since not all the schools follow the same procedure for the examination, there is no way they will pay the same amount there must be differences. Some pay directly to the school while others like UNILORIN pay with their ATM cards which to me, is more stressful. I am still speaking for my own school (DELSU), the examination was so tough to the extent that my question paper is different from that of my neighbor who is offering the same course with me. In this case, you will find it very difficult to cheat.

If you insist on cheating, you will end up copying the wrong answer. To me, I see that as the best way to test intending undergraduates. Because, you will see somebody who scored 260 in JAMB

but cannot be able to score up to 40 in Post-UTME in this case, you will asking yourself how did this person score this high mark in JAMB but cannot prove it in Post-UTME? People are saying that even after passing the Post-UTME, they still find it difficult to gain admission even after lobbying.We cannot deny the fact that there are some evil ones in the school that gives admission to who didn’t pass the examination.

The problem is corruption and it is not only there in Post- UTME it is everywhere in the country. Some people who didn’t score high will use money to upgrade their marks. Those people who passed very well stand the chances of losing their admissions to those corrupt candidates which is not good. The government should find a way of eradicating such a thing.

There should be a uniform fee for the exam—Zaineb Obidola (Student)

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think it will be better if the or ganizers of this examination do it in such a way that there will be a uniform payment for the examination fee instead of schools fixing the fees at their own will. Because, I don’t think there is any need for schools to be paying different amount. There are several challenges I encountered in the course of writing the examinations.

I wrote my own examination in University of Ilorin. On that day, we supposed to start the examination by 1:pm, but we started around 4:pm and we were left under a very hot sun for more than three hours. The same thing happened when I went to write my examination at University of Abeokuta. We supposed to write the examination by 10:am but they started the examina-

tion around 4:pm leaving everybody under the sun.

In this same Post UTME, there is no assurance that when you pass the examination, you will be given admission. I have a friend, Sherrif who wrote the examination last year in University of Ilorin, he passed the exam very well.

In JAMB, he scored 265, Post UTME, he got 65 and the school’s cot-off mark was 55 but he was denied of the admission. The cause of all these things is corruption. You find out that after the examination, lists will be coming from different places. The Vice-chancellor, lecturers, professors, politicians, permanent secretaries, everybody will bring his or her own list and at the end of the day, people that passed will be screened out just to please these peo-

ple. Last year in UNILORIN, their new Vice-chancellor canceled the admission list that was there before he came in and brought his own list. I see that as the height of corruption.

Amidst all these problems, I still advise the government to allow the PostUTME to continue but they should look more into it and amend some certain things that are not straight in the system.

I will also advise the organizers to reduce the procedures for this examination.

Like in my school, (UNILORIN), you pay with ATM. You do not pay direct. After paying with your ATM, you will now bring your pin number to the school for registration. They should make it in such a way that you go to the bank and pay direct instead of going through all these processes.

There can’t be zero malpractice in the examination—-Ezeabasili Boniface (Industrialist)

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o me, I don’t think there is any need to abolish the examination because; it is the best way to test students. We are all human beings and therefore, we should take into cognizance the human factor as well. As a parent, I will advise fellow parents to look at their

Continued from page 46 out, the criteria used in admitting the candidates and that all admissions must come to an end by October 31st, 2012.

Another unfortunate aspect of the Post-UTME test is the leakage of the question paper during the exercise at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, leading to the cancellation of the test midway by the management of the institution.

C M Y K

pocket in making choices for their children’s school.

They should go for the cheap ones and do not think about abolishing the examination. Talking about the malpractice level of the examination, it can’t be completely ruled out. In as much as we are all human beings, there are possibilities that there supposed

to be challenges in the process of carrying out a task.

What we should be looking at is, how to tackle the challenges . As we all can see, the introduction of that examination has given quality and value to our graduates. I strongly advise the government to make policies that will improve the test. If you think that education is costly, try ignorance.

Travails of admission seekers It was reported that candidates for admission into the Faculties of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences had written the test late into the night previous to the last Monday, while those for Social Sciences were to write on the following day.

But the candidates got a rude shock when a directive came

from the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Batho Okolo, that they should leave the hall as the test had been suspended.

There was leakage. But for the quick response of the security operatives, the candidates who were angry threatened a show down, as they lamented the indefinite postponement of the test.

An angry candidate was reported as saying: “Why should such a thing (leakage) be allowed to happen in a university like this?” An unidentified staff of the university was alleged to have leaked the question papers to some students.

From the Kwara State University, Ilorin, came the unconfirmed report that candidates

complained the late start of the Post-UTME test which went into the night. After the exercise, many candidates experienced difficulty in getting back to their respective places.

When contacted for his reaction, the Vice-Chancellor, asked Saturday Vanguard to come down for a proper interview so as the clarify the true position of things in respect of what really happened.

48 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012

Adultery

VICTIM: Yemi

ACCUSED: Mrs. Ruka Amoha

Angry wife chops off neighbour’s nose for allegedly having affair with hubby

By EVELYN USMAN Residents of Adealu street in Dopemu area of Lagos recently watched with dismay the shameful fight between two house wives over accusation and counter accusation of adultery.

Both women identified as Mrs Ruka Amoha and MadamYemi were residents of House Number 13 on the said street and had lived happily together until one of them started suspecting the other of having illicit affairs with her husband.

For some residents of the area, the fight did not come to them as a surprise because of their assumption that Madam Yemi was allegedly seeing Mr. Wasiu Amoha, husband to Mrs Ruka, secretly. But for lack of concrete evidence to substantiate the claim,as both Wasiu and Yemi had not been caught pants down, Mrs Ruka could not confront her openly.

Instead, she reportedly resorted to passing uncomplimentary comments whenever she sees Yemi. It was therefore, on the strength of this that Madam Yemi reportedly challenged Mrs. Amoha over unprintable comments about her and demanded an explanation.

And like a keg of gun powder

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waiting to explode at the slightest touch, Mrs Amoha went wild and soon, both were locked in a fight. Mid-way into the show of shame, Madam Yemi reportedly yelled, “Yeh, she has chopped off my nose, she has chopped off my nose!”

Neighbours who were attracted to the scene struggled to free Madam Yemi from Mrs Amoha’s grips but were taken aback on sighting blood gushing out from her nose. She was reportedly rushed to the General Hospital, Orile Agege where doctors battled to stop the bleeding. But as you read this piece, the mother of four according to doctors, would be needing a plastic surgery.

Policemen from Oke-Odo Division who were contacted, stormed the area and arrested Mrs Ruka Amoha,where she reportedly confirmed the rumour that Yemi was having an affair with her husband, Wasiu. At the station, Ruka attributed the endless quarrel in her home to the clandestine relationship existing between her husband and Yemi, a development she said led to her husband denying her of his matrimonial obligation.

However, Yemi on her part , denied Ruka’s claim,

wondering why she could go into any extra-marital affair with a neighbour when she has her own husband .

According to Yemi , “ Let her tell the world why she attacked me. I am not into any relationship with her

husband. Why would I, when I am married . How is that even possible when my husband and I live in the same compound with them? I believe she is merely jealous of my marriage because I am living peacefully with my husband. But that is not the same with hers, as they are always engaged in quarrels which usually resulted in fights. She ambushed me . I was not aware she was lurking in a corner ”, Yemi said with difficulty. Effort to get her talk more failed as she apparently tried to adjust to her present condition. Ruka’s husband who could not hide his disappointment, corroborated Yemi’s claim, denying having an affair with a married woman. Rather, he said the incessant quarrel in the home was caused by what he described as his wife’s ill manner. Ruka was thereafter charged before an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting at Abule Egba , last Friday for assault and inflicting injury on Yemi. She pleaded not guilty to the offense which runs contrary to Section 244 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum with a condition that one of them must be her blood relation.

She was however, remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when she would fulfill her bail condition. The matter has been adjourned to August, 24 2012 for mention.

Of k tto o spend six Offfice cler clerk ... months in jail or or...

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former office clerk with the World Wide C o m m e r c i a l Ventures limited Lagos, George Imemba would have to spend six months in prison or pay a certain amount of money for allegedly forging and altering documents belonging to the company with the intent to defraud. A court sitting in Eziama, Abia state has sentenced a former clerical officer with a Lagos based company,George Imemba to six months jail term for altering and forging the company’s documents to wit fraud.

Delivering judgement in Eziama, Abia state in a 37_ count -charge of forgery, stealing and other fraudulent activities, the Magistrate Michael Okogbue said the convict was found guilty of forgery and altering various

documents.

He however said there was no tangible evidence to jail him for the allegation of stealing the sum of over N5 Million as alleged by the company.

The Magistrate further noted that due to the allocutus plea of mercy by the convict’s lawyer, the court has no option than to tamper justice with mercy and therefore ordered the convict to pay monetary fine or serve the six months jail terms.

Continuing, he said, “I have heard the plea in mitigation by the convict’s counsel. The charge against him carries punishment of 2 to 7 years imprisonment. Nevertheless, the court is prepared to tamper justice with mercy in this case.

We discharged and cautioned in counts, 20 to 37 of the charge but in counts 3 to 19, the accused is sentenced to pay a fine of

N3.000 per count and in default, will serve six months jail term.

He said ‘The two counts of stealing are accordingly dismissed. Counts 3 to 13 Forgery- Accused person is found guilty as charged. Count 20 to 36 Altering documentsAccused is found guilty and in count 37; fraudulent false accounting- The accused found is guilty as charged’’ Explaining how he arrived at the judgement, the Magistrate said the convict was brought to the court by the Commissioner of Police, since the case of forgery and fraud as well as stealing are crimes against the state. He noted that the company, World Wide Commercial Ventures Limited reported the cases of stealing, forgery, altering documents and falsification of other company documents at the Eziama police station which led to their journey to court.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 —49

TRIBUTE

The Anyenes buried in Anambra

The six members of the Anyene family who died in the Dana Airline crash last month in Lagos, were yesterday buried at their home town, Ndiowu in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State. Pixs from the burial below

Onyeka's sisters crying their hearts out

Senators Andy and Ugochukwu Uba

Edith and Ikechukwu Anyene

Dr. Alex Ekwueme and wife, Ifeoma

L-r Ekwueme, Hon. Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) and Anambra Dep Gov, Emeka Sibeudu

Gov Peter Obi and Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Representatives

Dana Airline crash: 6 Anyenes buried amidst wailings, tributes

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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HE six members of the Anyene family – On yeka (44), his wife Maimuna (33) and four children namely Kamsiyonna, (3) Kainetochi, (2) Kaimarachi (2) and Kobichimee, (five months), who died in the Dana Airline crash last month in Lagos, were yesterday buried at their home town, Ndiowu in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State amidst wailings and tribute by thousands of mourners who gathered for the emotion –laden ceremony.

Two ambulances carrying the six caskets arrived at Ndiowu at 10 am, but only the coffin bearing the body of the head of the family, Onyeka, was taken into the magnificent house he built few years ago for people to file past, after which they were taken to St. Lawrence Anglican Church for the funeral service.

Many people sobbed uncontrollably on sighting the coffins and wondered why such calamity should befall the young Onyeka’s family who many testified as being a great philanthropist and kind person.

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Five Bishops - Maxwell Anikwenwa,rtd, Sam Ezeofor of Ogbaru, Henry Oke ke of Mbamili, Christian Efobi of Aguata and Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi -and 82 priests conducted the funeral service that lasted for about two hours, after which the bodies were interred in six graves prepared beside Onyeka’s house.

Bishop of Amichi Anglican Diocese, Rt Rev Ephraim Ikeakor, who delivered the sermon said there were no adequate words to use in comforting the Anyene family, but noted that the only consolation was that God who created everything, knew why the family of six had to depart the world one day.

The Bishop said: “Some of the questions that should be agitating people’s minds are, why should all members of the family die one day?; why should they even board the same aircraft? Only God knows why this had to happen because He knows everything.

“Life is a mystery because Onyeka, with all his magnanimity and philanthropies, had to end up this way. Onyeka came, he saw and he conquered because for him to achieve all that he achieved at

the age of 44, was an indication that the hand of God was in his life.

“This was a young man who took people’s problems as his.

He made many poor people have a sense of belonging by awarding them scholarships to study in the universities without publicizing it.

“It appeared that from the day he was born, he had a premonition and his death gave somebody like me food for thought. He had fought the fight, finished the race and had gone home.”

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ccording to Bishop Ikeakor, even the names of Onyeka’s children showed the belief he had in God because all the names had to do with praising God, looking up to Him and asking him to do His wish. God, the Bishop said, knows the purpose for allowing this to happen and urged those living not to weep because the family prepared itself for the eternal journey, having worshipped at the Church in Abuja in the morning of the incident before traveling to Lagos later that day.

He reminded the audience that everybody lives at the mercy of God and urged the

people to always be conscious of how they respond to the mercy of God, noting that those who cursed the airline operators when they missed the flight, did not know that they were living at the mercy of God. Governor Peter Obi, who arrived at the ceremony late due to flight delays in Abuja, called on Nigerians to pray that such calamities do not happen in the country to enable those in authority concentrate in their service to the fatherland.

While praying for God to accept the souls of the Anyenes, he urged the people not to question God because He created everything.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, who was a very close friend of the late Onyeka Anyene said it was unfortunate that he had to visit his friend’s house for his burial when two of them had been planning to visit his village for a long time, adding that man proposes and God disposes.

According to him, the only consolation was that Onyeka Anyene lived an eventful life,

Onyeka's twin sister Odinaka

describing him as a great man who many people would want to associate with.

He said: “Onyeka was a brilliant, industrious and forthright fellow who exuded confidence and drive ceaselessly in all things that he put his hands on. An incurable optimist and goal getter, compulsive workaholic, Collins would not go to sleep while his task remained unaccomplished.

Indeed, he was a bundle of talent.”

Among those that attended the burial ceremony included Senator Andy Uba representing Anambra South in the senate, Senator Joy Emodi who is the presidential adviser on national assembly matters, former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme who is an in-law to the Anyenes, members of the national and state assemblies, as well as traditional rulers from Anambra State.

50—SA TURD AY Vanguard 50—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

JUL Y 14, 2012 JULY

Onomeregbor: Let government employ right people for the right position for things to work in this country.

We need 50% equity to develop projects into world class standard — WGR Boss

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r.

Felix A.O Onomeregbor, Chief Executive Officer, World Green Resources Ltd., is into Oil and Gas, consultancy and business generally.

World Green Resources is into partnership with foreign developers with world class standard. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, Onomeregbor reveals that all the company needs is just 50% equity of the total project the FG or states will offer and the job will be done to their satisfaction. He also states why industries are dying in Nigeria. Excerpts: How can you describe the oil and gas business in Nigeria?

It’s ups and down. Nigeria is blessed with oil and gas but the people in the forefront have not been able to deliver what it takes for Oil and Gas in the Nigerian market.

What do you think government should do to remedy this situation of mismanagement of resourses ?

I think what government should begin to do now especially in the area of commerce and industry, is to look for honest people that can deliver. They are in the country but because of the level of corruption that has weakened the system you now find it difficult to get them, but there are many of them.

Now that you are in the system, what does your company intend to do?

The company is born by vision under divinity. I have compassion for souls in remote areas and in the less privileged society. So as I was praying, I asked God how I can help out these set of people

suffering, the Lord told me that He would give me a company.

And as many who will give you a job, ten per cent of that profit will go to the less privileged.

Therefore, World Green Resources are in to build capacity building and also industrialise the society both at state and federal levels under BOT, BOOT and PPP system.

Are you operation alone or are you into partnership with any local or foreign partners?

Yes because of the levitical level people trust me and they want to entrust their companies and whatever it is. So, we have partner in Europe, US. We have people who can develop this country on BOT and BOOT levels as long as any state or federal government can give them the equity of 50% of the total sum of money and we can also use our 85% to develop anything in the country both at state and federal levels. I think that this is what Nigeria needs and what we are praying for. The door is open, so I’m advising the federal government to consider what World Green Resources are into.

We can develop mega projects for the country which Mr. President is looking for. We can do it under BOT and BOOT if we are permitted.

In the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria, it seems like the whites are the occupants in major areas, why is it so?

The truth remains that, we Africans don’t really value ourselves. The whites that are coming to dominate our resources if you look into history , you would discover it is blacks that are also heading them. They make use of

their potentials but we here suffer inconsistence of what we are doing. And so many us have this perception that as far as the colour is white they can do better than us. That is the human philosophy.

Even Nigerian blacks are clever, if they are given chances they perform and that is why the local content issue is taken seriously because it allows Nigerian blacks to occupy certain positions and they are performing. That is why we are encouraging Nigerian companies so that they can help in different fields thereby any foreign company that enters Nigeria to operate will make do with our local content.

With your experience in Shell, the state of our refineries had been a great challenge even with our resources that can make them 100% functional, and build more new ones, yet it is not working, what do you think is responsible?

The challenge is leadership.

When the leaders are greedy and self-centred; they don’t have the interest of the poor at heart. They don’t think how people are suffering in this country. Most of them who are at the helm of affairs are not following their discipline and that is why they are not performing and cannot deliver. For instance, somebody who is a teacher and is given the appointment of an Agricultural minister, what would the person do? The truth remains that Nigeria has what it takes in this country for even an unborn baby to be rejoicing that he is a citizen of this country.

What measure do you suggest government takes at least on our refineries to begin to function at

Imo citizens laud Okorocha’s development strategy in the State

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ollowing the tremendous development in Imo State within the short time in office, citizens of the state have lauded governor Okorocha for his tremendous perform-ance since he assumed office as the governor of the state.

The citizens doff their caps for him for changes that are taking place in Imo, ranging from road construction, free education that has given every Imo child the privilege to basic education in the state and more things that are taking place in the state.

The citizens have reiterated their support for the governor for changing the face of Imo from what it used to be and therefore described him as a leader with vision.

Scoring the governor high is another citizen, Chief Offor Matta Onyekaba, Chief Executive Officer of an Engineering Construction

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company and one of the biggest haulage companies in the state, Greenlight Motors Nig. Ltd., confirmed this to newmen in his office when asked of his assessment of the governor ’s performance in Imo State.

Onyekaba without mincing words, said, “I knew from day one that Anayo Rochas Okorocha will do well. He has made money and he is not a hungry man. I’m not even surprised of what he is doing. If it’s possible he would convert Otamiri river in Owerri into money because he wants to make Owerri better than London”.

According to him, he has started changing every nook and cranny in Imo State in terms of development, the face of Imo state is drastically changing in that a blind man can feel it, in just one year because he is capable. If you give leadership to a 419er he will

not manage it well. You give leadership to somebody who has not managed his company well or somebody who cannot manage a company how can he lead a state. You give leadership to somebody who has managed companies successfully and retain it up there.

Adding to that, Onyekaba said, I advise him to look for more rightful people that would help him deliver along side his mission and vision for Imo state, from the local government level to the state level. Speaking further, he said those who are not supporting him is because they don’t understand the good direction he is leading Imo people. These are people who want to collect contracts from him and will not execute them. Everybody wants to go to government and collect but they don’t want to do the work.

least 80% ?

Government should look into the issue of discipline, it is very important if things must work well in this country. Appoint reasonable people in government that have the mind of the society and poor in the land. Employ people that are well trained in their various disciplines. For instance, in World Green Resources, we have those who can make refineries get working.

We don’t even want federal government to put in their money, just say, World Green Resources, we want your technical partner to come on equity of 50% we can even build new refineries and make it work more than what we have. We can even maintain this one on BOT if government would allow us.

How can your company partner with state and federal

governments to achieve results?

I often travel around, especially in Delta State. We have a lot of resources and the youths are suffering from unemployment.

There are a lot of things government can do to reduce unemployment in the society. If state government can partner World Green Resources and like I told somebody that N1 billion invested to build more industries can remove kidnappers and unemployed youths in Delta state, because the machinery on ground for us if the state can partner with us on BOT and BOOT we can build industries and of course what helps any state is industry. But with our technical partners we can build any industry you can think of. Just give them equity of 50% of the total sum of the project.

Tehila, Master-Audio partnership brings sound business to Nigeria

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f the drive for quality be hind Tehila Integrated Services and the 40-year experience of Master-Audio are anything to go by, poor sound production in Nigeria might just be silenced. Both firms have forged a partnership that is focused on providing quality sound and audio services for movie makers, the music industry, commercials, voiceovers and open-air events.

Their services are, according to Mr. Tim Ogboruche, Tehila’s Chief Executive Officer, CEO, “ world-class in audio and sound with state-of-the-art equipment for room acoustic designs, 3D acoustic modelling, digital audio mixing,” and so on. He said their business is offering quality sound and audio services and equipment.

Tehila has been associated with lots of high profile music-audio events. Some of them are: Inspiration FM Praise Jam, Kingdom Africa’s TV Anniversary and Awards, African International Film Festival, Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, Inspiration FM Children’s Day Carnival and Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International Summit.

Ogboruche told newsmen in Lagos, Wednesday, that with Tehila and Master-Audio partnership, their projects are executed with the latest technology in sound reinforcement,

which is a sharp and efficient deviation from the run-of-themill public address system. In Nigeria, he said, Tehila is the sole representative of MasterAudio, a Spanish sound engineering and equipment firm.

With both firms, says Ogboruche, “Hearing is believing.”

Mr. Pagay Mchotet, Tehila’s Chief Engineer and representative of Master-Audio, gave an insight into the quality and grades of possible production.

He said one of the main product of the partnership is Line Array, which reduces numbness of speakers. He said it comes in three grades: high, mid and low. All are designed to suit customers’ need and event type.

Come July 20, Tehila/Mastre-Audio will organise a sound summit at Sheraton Hotel and Towers to celebrate the partnership, hold a seminar for audio-sound practitioners and experts in Nigeria and presentation of award to individuals who have distinguished themselves in quality audiosound production. The event will be concluded by practical sound demonstration at the Police College grounds.

Other drivers on this push for sound business in Nigeria are: Ms. Beryl Ehundo, Customer Relations Officer, and Mr. Emeka Nwodo, Executive Director.

SA TURD AY VANGU ARD , JUL Y 14, 2012—51 SATURD TURDA VANGUARD JULY

Honda siblings top Parents’ Best Family Cars

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HEN the staff at Parents magazine was putting together their list of “Best Family Cars for 2012,” they naturally turned to some experts for help. And those experts—from Edmunds.com—turned to Honda for three standout choices for families of all sizes: The Honda CR-V, Odyssey and Civic Hybrid.

For bigger families, Honda also offers the CRV as a “Best Family Car” solution from the Crossover class, featuring a cabin that’s “ reminiscent of a minivan, with a slew of cup holders and a gear shifter situated on the dashboard.”

The best-selling crossover in America is packed with standard features, too, with Parents calling out its “backup camera, a rear armrest to keep warring siblings apart, and rear seats that fold flat with a single touch.” Helpful as well: For the first time ever, the CR-V offers an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

Finally, in addition to the CR-V, an actual SUV from Honda made the roster in the Large Vehicle segment. and finish and Regarding the Odyssey, ergonomically correct Parents praised its carappointments in the like cornering abilities Elantra’s interior, which and stable ride, and they say exceed singled out advantages expectations in the like its “endless storage compact segment. compartments and Couple with this is second-row captain’s Elantra’s enormous chairs that slide forward strides in powertrain (to get closer to you) and engineering which sideways (to put extra incorporates 110kw 1,8- real estate between litre naturally aspirated siblings or make room for petrol engine with slick three car seats in the six-speed manual row)” along with an transmi-ssion or manual “optional middle seat in gearbox that delivers the second row [that] crisp smooth shifts with transforms into a cool optimal ratios for beverage and snack tray impressive fuel economy. when no one’s using it.”

Elantra dethrones Corolla as Car Of The Year H

YUNDAI’S new sensation, the Elantra has dethroned the Toyota Corolla as the car of the year in Nigeria.

The Toyota Corolla has reigned as car of the year in Nigeria for some many years.The Nigerian Auto Awards organised by Onwheel Magazines as well as the Nigeria Auto Media Awards organsied by the Nigeria Motoring Journalists had consistently awarded the Corolla Car of the Year in the last three years.

The Elantra was crowned ‘Car of the Year 2011’ by the Nigerian Auto Awards at the seventh edition of the annual event held recently at the Civic Centre Lagos.

Elantra defeated arch rivals Kia Optima, Toyota Avensis, Audi A6 and Land Rover HSE to cart away the coveted plaque.

The board of adjudicators says Elantra’s fluidic sculpture, styling and driving dynamics played out among indices that distinguished the fifth generation Hyundai Elantra. Coming barely five months after it emerged ‘Car of the Year’ for 2012 in a similar competition by South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and West Bank, the Hyundai Elantra could undoubtedly be the car to beat. The Elantra was

also recently named ‘Best compact saloon’ by South Africa’s CAR Magazine in its Top 12 Best Buys edition for 2012 and rated North American Car of the Year 2012.

A comparatively familiar sedan, Hyundai Elantra made its foray into the global marketplace between 1990 and 1995 when the first generation Elantra debuted. Now sharpened to perfection, the latest Elantra is everything and more you would expect from Hyundai, The Nigerian Auto

Awards’ jury affirmed.

Presenting the commemorative plaque to Hyundai Motors Limited, custodian of the brand in Nigeria, the judges said the Elantra is renowned for its windcraft design language, which is in sync with the car ’s daring fluidic sculpture and harmonious styling that consent with Hyundai’s recent product line-up.

The judges also applauded the relatively low roofline and stylish, sleek curves that not only project a sporty and

dynamic style, but improves aerodynamics and lowers air resistance to contribute to Elantra’s outstanding fuel economy and quiet cabin space. Elantra’s relaxed interior also scored high points, particularly the silver garnish that starts from the crash pad and leads to the console featuring a windblown shape that exudes the overall refined and dynamic image.

The judges were also blown away by the quality of design and materials with refined fit

Okoya Thomas commends Nigeria Auto Media Guide A LL is now set for the launch of Nigeria Auto Market Guide, a compilation of authorized auto and allied businesses in Nigeria, under the chairmanship of frontline businessman, philanthropist and Chairman of CFAO Group, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas.

Chief Okoya Thomas commended the editors of the book for their contributions to the auto industry by coming up with a handbook that could guide buyers on the place and location of their choice automobiles. He described the book as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Already, the book, which has its forward written by Ntufam Fidel Ugbo, Secretary of the

National Planning Commission, is to be officially launched on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at the premises of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) 2, Channel 5, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Mr. Frank Kintum one of the editors of the book, the launch will be attended by important dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, and would be used to specially recognize some personalities for their contributions to the development of the auto industry.

Speaking during the Media Launch of the Book recently in Lagos, Kintum, said “the need

to to publish a comprehensive hand book for the Nigerian Auto market, which has been lacking over the years, necessitated the publication, adding that the Nigerian public would find the book very vital in making decisions concerning their auto needs.

“Because of the important roles played by the press in the socioeconomic development of the country, we resolved to present the book first to your constituency before the formal public presentation which is billed for the next three weeks in Lagos”.

According to him, “the book, consists mainly of

•Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas. these sections-The Corporate ProfileEnlists the profile of the main auto distributing comp-anies in the country, with emphasizes

on their mission and corporate contacts in terms of physical addresses nation-wide, telephone numbers, email addresses etc.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 14, 2012

Petrol fire: Victims get mass burial

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME, patients were rushed in with one hundred percent degree burns, adding that they were losing OST of the water. The sources furcasualties of ther explained that most the Okogbe of the patients were on petrol fire disaster have drip because it was necdischarged themselves essary to replace the waagainst medical advice ter they were losing. at the Ahoada General Some doctors and nurshospital. es were redeployed from Some medical person- other government hospinel who spoke to the tals around to assist in Saturday Vanguard at managing the patients at the hospital under con- the hospital. Saturday dition of strict anonymi- Vanguard also gathered ty said they could not that some of the patients understand why patients were transferred to Port acted the way they did in Harcourt when it became spite of a subsisting state clear to the hospital mangovernment directive agement that their conthat they should be given dition were too critical to adequate medicare. be handled at the hospiWhen Saturday tal.

Vanguard visited the A community source hospital only six of the who also spoke to us said patients were being at- he was aware that some tended to at the male families pulled their ward. Our Correspon- patients from the hospital dent could not gain ac- to give them traditional cess to the female ward medical attention, because it was not visit- adding that most of the ing time. Some worried patients were disappointrelatives were at the hos- ed when the state Compital for information. missioner for Health, Dr Those who could not Sampson Parker visited identify their relatives in and did not distribute the wards were politely money among them. referred to the mortuary “Relatives of most of the attendant. patients were disappointSaturday Vanguard ed that the Commissiongathered that about four er of Health came and of the casualties died in just left like that. He did the early hours of yester- not share money to the day at the hospital while patients. Another thing several others died at is that we in this environother hospitals they were ment believe in traditionrushed to. According to al medical treatment some of the hospital much. So relatives withsources virtually all the

draw their patients from the hospital”, the source said.

It would be recalled that the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Parker was at the scene where he assisted in supervising movement of casualties to the General Hospital. The Commissioner who was visibly shaken by the sight of the painful incident at the hospital that Thursday ensured that the patients got speedy medical attention.

Mass Burial The charred remains of those who roasted to death at the scene of the accident were given mass

Medical Centre, Yenagoa with first degree burns could not survive the trauma and gave up the ghost few hours after they were brought in due to what a source described the inability of the centre to cope with such situation.

This development, Saturday Vanguard learnt is causing some of the families of the survivors concern because of their delicate condition.

According to a staff, eight of the survivors rushed to the Federal Medical Centre had been referred to the Already eight of the victims at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, had been referred to the University Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo State and in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The source said, “The victims suffered first de-

gree burns which can not be handled by the hospital due to the unavailability of a machine used in the treatment of such high degree burns. ”When they were brought in, we tried and administer first aid and treatment to stabilise their conditions and referred them to UPTH or the UBTH in Port Harcourt Rivers State and Edo State respectively.”

Saturday Vanguard also sighted some families of the victims at medical facility in Yenagoa making effort to relocate their relations to Port Harcourt.

One of the victims at the Federal Medical Centre, Collins Efejiro, in his mid thirties at the FMC, relieved his close shave with death on the fateful day saying it was providence that spared his life.

Efejiro who hails from Delta State said he was looking forward to his

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•Scores of people roasted

burial in the early hours of yesterday. Those who spoke to Saturday Vanguard by the side of the grave said a crane was used to evacuate them into a grave that was dug by a caterpillar.

A sympathiser, Segun Oluwatoyin who works at

How it happened

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA & EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, Yenagoa

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ENAGOA Some victims of the Thursday dawn deadly fuel tanker blaze at Okogbe community in Ahoada West local government area of Rivers State on the border flank with Bayelsa State who were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa yesterday relived their harrowing experiences and miraculous escape from the jaws of death.

Over 100 persons, including pregnant women, youths and children were sent to their untimely death when a petrol tanker from which they were scooping fuel exploded.

Sadly, twelve out of the twenty victims that were rushed to the Federal

the lubrication section of Mobil filling station in Ahoada East local government area lamented the painful incident. He said he was among those who rushed to the scene when the tanker exploded.

It would be recalled that a petrol tanker spilled its content at about 7am at

•Helpless residents watch as people were burnt Okogbe, Ahoada West, Rivers state end of the East West road.

Mr Oluwatoyin told Saturday Vanguard that the driver of the tanker reportedly appealed to locals not to go close to

•Fighting the fire effortlessly traditional marriage ceremony to his heartthrob on July 21, 2012 at Ughelli.

The Delta born Efejiro, whose skin was badly burnt said he earned his daily bread as a commercial motorcyclist otherwise known as Okada rider in the area.

According to him, he was called by a friend to come and get free fuel from the ill-fated tanker that was spilling petrol after skidding off the East West road in an attempt to avoid ramming into a bus on the ailing

narrow route.

Recalling his near kiss with death, he said, ”When I got to the scene, I met a rowdy situation and struggled to get closer but no way. At the end, one of my friends that had a 50 litre jerry can filled with scooped product offered to fill my empty 10 litres for me.

“As he was pouring the fuel, we hear a very loud explosion. As we looked up to the direction of the fallen tanker, we saw some bodies of people we know being flung all around us.”

the tanker after he had managed to escape from it. But they ignored his advice. Most of the locals rushed to the tanker with jerrycans, buckets and other household utensils to scoop fuel.

Motorcycle riders were also seen at the spot trying to fill their tank.

Nobody could say what triggered of the fire but the tanker suddenly burst into flames consuming over a hundred persons.

At the General Hospital, some officials of NEMA were seen collating information on the incident. One of them who volunteered comments said it was a presidential directive that they should go to assemble data on the incident.

A youth Secretary of Ekpeye Youth, Oketu Oliver who spoke to Saturday Vanguard linked the accident to a robbery incident on the road. He said robbers blocked the road so there was no room for the trailer when it swerved avoiding a Toyota corolla car that also lost control on the road due to a commercial bus that hit it from the rear.

Meanwhile, governor Chibuike Amaechi has ordered full investigation into the cause of the sad incident.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012 — 53

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54 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012

Olympic Series: Top US stars to watch

David Tyavkase of Lobi Stars been challenged by Emeka Eze and Nnamdi Anyasodo of Rangers

Rangers up for double challenge STORIES BY KATE OBODO

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ANGERS of Enugu believe they can step up the gear in their bid to win a double this season. They aim to win

the Premier League title and the Federation Cup, which enters into another round in the coming week The People’s Antelope have been magnificent in their performance of late, topping the NPL table

ABS boost players with cash

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BUBAKAR Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin have boosted the morale of their players with the payment of 30 per cent sign-on-fees as they promise to end the NPL season on a good note.

Team Manager, Alloy Chukwuemeka, while confirming the payment, further promised to clear

the balance fee before the season runs out.

“We have paid them 30% and we also assured them that they would get the balance before the season finishes. We are mindful of the welfare of our players and hope that this payment would serve as a boost in our bid to finish well in the league”, saod Chukwuemeka.

with 58 points while their closest rivals, Lobi Star have 53 points . Media officer of the team, Foster Chime said they were set for the challenges that lie ahead, stressing that they have players capable of executing the master-plan of a two titles.

“It would be our dream to win both the league and the Federation Cup titles. That is our target and we feel that our players are committed to the project.. The boys have been well motivated.

We have paid about four match bonuses. Having come this far in the league and the Federation’s Cup, we will not relent as we hope to achieve the double”, he said.

Dolphins’ Olawale sure of continental slot

By IME BASSEY

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OLPHINS midfielder, Isiaka Olawale has expressed confidence that the club will clinch a ticket to play continental football next season The former Kwara United captain, while disclosing this midweek after his Port Harcourt base side lost 1-0 to Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, stressed that the wealth of experience of his team-mates will count in the concluding four matches of the Nigerian Premier League.

“We may not be among the top three teams now, but we are poised to return to the continent next season. We want to C M Y K

prove our critics wrong by getting a continental slot.

We will continue to work hard and learn from every game bearing in mind the saying, ‘you learn more from defeats than victories.

“We have two home

Isiaka Olawale

games and two away games and our target is to win our home games while hoping not to lose away. We have learnt from our loss in Owerri. We will continue fighting hard to finish in the top 3”, added Olawale.

Track and field competition lies at the heart of the Olympics’ origins. Competitors from across the globe have spent their entire lives preparing for the action that awaits at the 2012 Summer Games in London.

As usual, America features a fine crop of runners, jumpers, hurdlers, throwers and everything in between.

However, not all worldclass athletes are created equal.

Some of the stars from the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials won’t make it past preliminary rounds in London. Others will wind up on top of the winner’s podium with a gold medal dangling across their chest.

Who leads the way this summer for Team USA? It’s time to size up the U.S. roster and examine which athletes are primed for greatness at the 2012 Olympic Games, ranking America’s top 5 contenders.

1. Carmelita Jeter (100 and 200m) pics/jeter Jeter is another incredibly impressive Olympic first-timer. At 32 years old, she seems to be peaking at the right time The 2011 World Outdoor 100-meter dash champion and 200-meter silver medalist will compete alongside talented teammate (and featured member of this list) Allyson Felix in both events at the 2012 Olympics.

Staying true to form, Jeter took top honors in the 100 at the U.S. Trials and was runner-up to Felix in 200-meter competition. In 2009, she clocked 10.64 seconds in the 100, making her the secondfastest woman ever behind the late Florence Griffith-Joyner, who ran a renowned 10.49.

Given Jeter ’s recent dominance, it’s almost a shock to think that she has never participated in an Olympic race. This summer, she plans to make the most out of her l o n g - a w a i t e d opportunity.

“I have to win medals,” she told USA Today last summer, prior to the

Carmelita Jeter World Outdoor Championships. “That’s the No. 1 thing. Usain Bolt did win the Olympics and did win worlds.”

The stage is set for the world’s clear favorite in the 100-meter dash.

Expect her to seize glory in London. Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare and Gloria Asomu take note 2. Ashton Eaton (Decathlon) pics/eaton This 24-year-old ranks up there with Missy Franklin and Jordyn Wieber as Team USA’s top Olympic newcomers.

After placing fifth in the U.S. decathlon trials in 2008, Eaton emerged as world record holder in the event during the 2012 Trials.

Competing in his hometown of Eugene, Eaten topped the alltime decathlon mark.

If that’s not a preOlympic statement, then what is?

The popularity of the decathlon has waned over the years, but Eaten could be the man to inject some excitement

Brittney Reese

back into the longstanding Olympic staple. How will he prepare for London after such a superb performance?

“Going into London, I’m not going to change a thing,” Eaton told the Associated Press.

“Clearly.”

Sounds like a solid game plan.

3. Brittney Reese (Long Jump) pics/ breese Reese set a new American record at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, where she earned the world long jump title. Her leap of 23 feet, 8 3/4 inches is uncharted territory in the U.S and makes her the event favorite in London.

Reese is the nation’s best Olympic long jump threat since Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a threetime Summer Games gold medalist in the event.

“She’s something we haven’t seen in the States in many, many years,” Joyner-Kersee told Rick Maese of the Washington Post.

That’s high praise from an all-time great.

Reese, a four-time defending world champion in the long jump, owns consecutive titles both indoors (2010, 2012) and outdoors (2009, 2011). There’s no reason to think her reign won’t continue at the 2012 Games.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 14, 2012—55

Amike believes in Team Nigeria

BY KATE OBODO

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RESIDENT of Nigeria Olympic Association,NOA, Henry Amike has said that Team Nigeria stand a better chance of winning medals as well as making the country proud when the 2012 London Olympics begins on July 27.

“As far as I am concerned, we have done our bit to have come this far. Honestly speaking, the training has been great, the athletes have worked hard, going by their achievements at the Africa Athletics Championships in Port Novo “There is no doubt that we have the athletes who

can make us proud in London and also compete for medals with the best stars. Our chances are bright because the athletes are in good spirit which is the most important thing for a competition like the Olympic games.

“It is obvious that the female athletes are doing better than the male team. They seem more capable of winning medals. But we must appreciate and encourage them to do well in their various events”, added Amike.

G O L D E N L E A P. . . . . . To s i n Oke,takes a leap to claim the triple jump gold at the Nigerian Olympic Trials in Calabar.

Nations Cup: Liberia not pushovers —Shorunmu

BY IME BASSEY

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AGLES goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu has said that the Lone Stars of Liberia would not be easy pickings when both teams clash in the final qualification match for the 2013 Nations Cup. Speaking to Saturday

Vanguard Sports , Shorunmu said that the Eagles were going to fight with their lives to pick the ticket to play at South Africa 2013.

“We will fight more than we fought against Rwanda. We hope to get it right from the first leg so that the return leg would be a mere

Racial Abuse: Terry not guilty

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HELSEA captain John Terry has been found not guilty of using a racist obscenity about Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry had been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence following a Premier League game between the two clubs at Loftus Road on 23rd October last year.

Chief magistrate Howard Riddle cleared the 31-year-old of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Giving his verdict, Mr Riddle said the case was W

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defending his men’s chances during an interview with Saturday Sports Vanguard , Egbunike, said that any athlete can win the 100m gold in London.

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Bolt is beatable — Egbunike

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not about “whether Mr Terry is a racist in the broadest sense of the word”.

He said he had heard a great deal of evidence to show that he is not.

formality. But we know that the Liberians are no push overs, consequently, we are focused on fighting for this ticket “I don't believe that Liberia are minnows. In fact, I think that there are no longer minnows in football. Look at how Central Africa Republic knocked Egypt out of the tournament which nobody thought would have been possible but it happened. This shows that football has gone beyond ranking and playing style.. All I know is that, we are focused on clinching the ticket,” Shorunmu added.

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race. Our target is to make the final and from there, anything can happen. Bolt can be beaten in London. It has already happened this year and I believe that he can be beaten again at the Olympics.

“Our athletes are in the right frame of mind. They

would not be intimidated

by Bolt because we have former Olympians in the team, who are working on their mentality. We are doing so much to get these athletes into the best shape for the battle in London”, added Egbunike.

Nigeria’s AYC warm-up cancelled

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OMORROW’s game to test the readiness of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles for a 2013 AYC qualifier against Benin has been called off.

The decision of the Benin team to pull out of the game was in the interest of Nigeria, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed.

NFF general secretary Musa Amadu who confirmed the cancellation to MTNFootball.com said, “The Benin Republic FA,

in the early hours of today (Friday) informed that they could not honour the game as they are under a sanction from FIFA.” He added that were the friendly to go ahead, Nigeria would suffer a sanction from world football governing body FIFA. The friendly, which would have been played in Lagos, was to have served as a tune-up game for both countries ahead of the AYC qualifiers at the end of this month.

Republic national team, allowing just 59 points en route to a dominant 11359 victory.

John Calipari’s Dominican team had virtually no breathing room against a USA team that were far and away faster and more intense than their opponent.

Team USA certainly were not at their collective best , but if they continue to play the same defense that

was saw throughout this game, there aren’t going to be many teams that stand a chance at coming close to competing, let alone getting a win.

The Dominican Republic had a really hard time getting the ball inside the three-point line, and it was clear that this game was going to be a laughter from the beginning.

Gold, former cycling champion, loses wife

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ORMER national cycling champion, Mr Gabriel Gold has lost his wife, Mrs Eunice Adesuwa Gold, aged 51.She was reported to have died in her sleep on June 29, 2012 at her residence in Ibadan.

According to Mr Gold, now a cycling commissaire, equivalent of a football referee, Mrs Gold who was born Uregben in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State will be buried today in Ibadan.

She is survived by her husband, children,

grand-children and sisters among whom Mrs. Mercy Gold-Ezome,Mr. Timothy Gold, Mrs. Sarah Osunnuga, Mr. Jeremiah Gold, Mr. Osamuyime Gold and Miss.

Rachael Gold.

•Late Adesua Gold

SATURDAY Vanguard, July 14, 2012

OL YMPICS: OLYMPICS:

Odegbami tips Okagbare to repeat Ajunwa’s feat

By JACOB AJOM

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n 1996, Chioma Ajunwa surprised the world when she made a record 7.12 meter leap to win gold in the women’s long jump event of the Atlanta Olympics. The Police woman did not only create history for winning the Nigeria her first individual Olympic gold medal, it was also the country ’s first Olympic gold medal.

The man who stood by her, groomed and

managed her progress to that historic feat, Chief Segun Odegbami has declared that Nigeria’s latest track and field sensation, Blessing Okagbare appears to be Nigeria’s brightest medal prospect in the forthcoming London Olympic Games.

Okagbare, he said, was going the way of Chioma who was not even as popular as Okagbare is now, before the Olympics, but went there to stun the athletics world with her feat. He said he would personally

be in London to support the Delta State-born athlete.

“Yes, I will be there to support Blessing. She is following the path of Chioma and I see her doing well at the Games,” Odegbami said. He recalled, “when Chioma left for the Atlanta Games, not many gave her a chance in the long jump event as the main target was for her to run the 100 meters race. She surprised all by winning gold,” adding succinctly, “Blessing can repeat Chioma’s feat.”

•Okagbare

•Ajunwa

Bolt is beatable — Egbunike

By John EGBOKHAN

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e may the fastest man of all time but Jamaican 100m Olympics Games gold medalist, Usain Bolt holds no fear for the Team Nigeria athletics team going for the Games of the XXX Olympiad, Chief coach of Team Nigeria’, Innocent Egbunike, who won a 4x400m bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles

Games, has said that given the current trend in the sprints world that Bolt was not going to have his way in London as he did four years back in Beijing.

Bolt was recently beaten twice by protege and reigning world champion Johan Blake in the 100m and 200m finals at the Jamaican Olympics trials in Kingston, a development which Egbunike insists

will boost the confidence of other sprinters to unseat Bolt as the Olympic champion.

Nigeria will be fielding Obinna Metu, Ogho Oghene Egwero and Peter Emelieze in the Men’s 100m but fears have been raised of their chances to win medals given their performances in meets and IAAF Grand Prix events but

Continues on page 55

Terry found not guilty— Pg 55

•Egbunike

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

•Bolt

Across 1 Largest Sea Animal – (5) 4 Aston Villa Goalkeeper, Brad – (7) 8 CBN Director of Currency Operations, Muhammad – (3) 9 Zodiac Sign – (3) 10 Cameroun Capital City – (7) 11 Untruth – (3) 12 Director General, National Sports Commission, Chief Patrick – (5) 13 Guinea “Syli Nationale” Fullback, Fode – (7) 17 Rotate – (4) 19 Zambia Currency – (6) 22 Former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed – (6) 26 Bird – (4) 28 L.G.A in Osun State – (7) 31 Former South African President, Mr. Thabo – (5) 32 Venomous Snake – (3) 33 Super Eagles Defender, Dele – (7) 34 Frozen Water – (3) 35 Fulham FC Manager, Martin – (3) 36 Kogi West PDP Senator, Smart – (7) 37 Picture – (5)

Down 1 England Striker and Manchester United Forward, Danny – (7) 2 Former Abia State Governor, Frank – (7) 3 Official Language Spoken in Nigeria – (7) 4 Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Kayode – (6) 5 Former Minister of Science & Technology, Prof. Turner – (5) 6 L.G.A in Katsina State – (5) 7 Belgium “Jupiler League” Premiership Side – (5) 14 Against – (4) 15 Major Energy Source – (3) 16 Erase – (3) 18 Bucket – (4) 20 Battle – (3) 21 Female Cattle – (3) 23 Egyptian Premier League Clubside – (7) 24 Sunshine Stars Striker, Akombo – (7) 25 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Club – (7) 27 L.G.A in Kano State – (6) 28 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (5) 29 Trade Union Congress (TUC) National Chairman, Mr. Peter – (5) 30 L.G.A in Kogi State – (5)

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