Outrage as Jonathan aborts Chibok trip

C M Y K

2—SA TURD AY 2—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 3

CHIBOK: Ezekwesili to lead protest march on Aso Rock

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR AND EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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AMPAIGNERS hop ing to bring public pressure on the Federal Government to return the 276 girls kidnapped from the Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State are to march on the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The decision was conveyed at the 18th day sitin of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign in Abuja yesterday.

The notice of the campaign which has been conveyed to the police came as one of the leaders of the campaign, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili vowed that intimidation and harassment from high quarters against her involvement in the campaign would not stop her participation. Ezekwesili told

the gathering in Abuja yesterday that she was unmoved by the insults and other abuses directed against her.

At the sit-in yesterday, several Abuja residents including lecturers, doctors and civil society activists reviewed strategies to press the authorities to realise the return of the girls presently in the custody of the Boko Haram Islamic sect. Among those at the gathering was a member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Sokonte Davies, Degema/Bonny, Rivers State Federal Constituency.

Yesterday, it was agreed that the campaigners would on Tuesday convey to the president their concern that little effort had been made in the war against terrorism despite over N3 trillion spent on security in the last three years. The protesters would also demand answers from the president on what the administration has done to trace and cut off the sources of funding for those

waging the terror against the land.

Giving her resolve to forge ahead with the struggle until the girls are safely returned, Ezekwesili said that she was not moved by innuendoes and insults now being directed against her.

She said that she and others involved in the campaign had legitimate businesses to do, but that their revulsion at the kidnap of the girls stirred them to set aside personal business and comfort to project the interest of the girls.

L-R Comrade Isa Aremu Vice President NLC, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin of the Women Arise for change Initiative and Alhaji Balarabe Musa Former Governor Kaduna State at the North-West zonal rally against terror held at Murtala Mohammed Square Kaduna on Thursday. PHOTO:OLU AJAYI.

Delta pensioners demand implementation of pacts

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE, WARRI

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HE Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, (Electricity Sector), Delta

State chapter has asked the Federal Government to transfer their pension fund to recurrent expenditure and pay same to them on monthly basis even as it also requested the implementation of all agreements signed between government and labour unions in the power s e c t o r .

Furthermore, the NUP appealed for payment of all outstanding pensions and arrears without further delay, saying that this was necessary as its members were dying on a daily basis due to hardship.

Chairman of the union, Akpotaghware Benson and the Auditor, Uyovwiare London, made this known in a ststement in Warri

y e s t e r d a y .

The retirees lamented that the failure of the government to meet up with these demands led to their recent protest across the country.

They described as antilabour, the privatization of PHCN, as according to them, the process violated established conditions of service and the International Labour Organization conventions to which Nigeria was s i g n a t o r y .

“As at today, available records show that over 5000 PHCN employees who retired or died are still being owed their terminal b e n e f i t s .

“Agreements signed with NUP in 2012 have not been honoured by

government. Whereas most disengaged former workers of PHCN who retired with effect from May 1, 2013 have been paid their entitlements, those that retired earlier, who are our members have not been paid.

“Death benefits of most former deceased staff, dating back to 1999 have not been paid, thereby subjecting the bereaved families to untold hardship,” the statement added, and blamed successive managements of PHCN over the alleged mismanagement and ‘’failure to remit agreed allocations to the superannuation funds’’ for caring for retired employees.

Aviation sector reforms to generate over 500,000 jobs — Aviation Minister

BY PETER DURU, MAKURDI

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INISTER of State for Trade and Investments and Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom has stated that the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector would be able to generate over 500,000 jobs in the nation’s economy.

He said the aviation roadmap as encapsulated in the reform agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan led administration “has already started yielding monumental results.”

The Minister who made this known yesterday

while fielding questions from Journalists in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, said the aviation sector had become a huge construction site due to government’s determination to uplift and upgrade infrastructure and facilities in the sector.

His words, “the aviation roadmap has given rise to the upgrading of all 22 federal airports, the building of five brand new modern international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, PortHarcourt and Enugu.

Already work on the terminals have started and will be completed by 2015.

“Same roadmap also identified the future of

perishable goods cargo in Nigeria; at the moment, 16 of those terminals are under construction and will also be completed by 2015 Ortom continued, “ This administration has also introduced the concept of aerotropolis which is intended to turn our airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and PortHarcourt into business hub offering world class businesses in travel tourism, entertainment, commerce and industries and lots more.

“Today the aviation sector contributes over N200billion to the country’s annual GDP but the industry can contribute over N500billion annually if developed further.

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

Revealed: Why soldiers attacked GOC in Maiduguri

BY EMEKA MAMAH N Acting General O f f i c e r A Commanding, GOC, has

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN receiving a souvenir from Director, Information and Technology, Department of Finance, Government of Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hazem Turki Al Khatib (m) while the Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun (r) looks on

Outrage as Jonathan aborts Chibok trip

BY BEN AGANDE, ADEKUNLE ALIYU and NDAHI MARAMA

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NGRY reactions yes terday trailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s last minute cancellation of a trip to Chibok, where over 200 female students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, GGSS, were abducted last month

by Boko Haram insurg e n t s .

Parents of the abducted girls who had lined up waiting to receive President Jonathan on his sympathy visit to Chibok, ended up frustrated, as their ‘’August visitor ’’ never turned up.

Although there was no official reaction from the Borno State Government over the development, a close associate of Governor Kashim Shettima who pleaded anonymity said that although there was no official communication between the state government and the presidency that Jonathan would visit Borno or Chibok yesterday, the state government had made preparations about the aborted visit of Mr. President, aware of the trip which the presidency was said to have wanted unannounced.

Apart from the parents of the abducted schoolgirls, traditional rulers and other officials of state government had gathered in Chibok in the morning to welcome the President, but were frustrated after waiting for some hours under the hot sun. They were later informed that the visit had been canc e l l e d .

One of the parents, Mr. Amos Pagu said in a telephone interview with Saturday Vanguard that, “we

are not disappointed by the cancellation of the visit, because, already we parents of the missing school girls have lost confidence in the government of the day for not rescuing our innocent daughters who were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists over a month ago.

“We have now put our faith in God whom we believe is the only one that will rescue our d a u g h t e r s . ’ ’ However, the trip was said to have been cancelled due to concerns about unfavourable security reports.

The president was billed to travel to the troubled town where the female students were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists, triggering international outrage.

Though no official statement was issued on either the proposed visit or its cancellation, the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who was out of the country flew back to Borno State in the early morning of yesterday, apparently to receive Jonathan in Maiduguri.

An ‘’advance team’’ from the Presidency made up mainly security details had left Abuja for both Maiduguri and Chibok before the abrupt cancellation of the trip.

Jonathan has been under severe criticism for failing to visit the community one month after the students were abducted.

But, Jonathan’s Spokesman, Reuben Abati, however said that the president never planned to visit Chibok yesterday.

Abati, said in a series of tweets on his twitter handle @abati1990 that the planned visit was a hoax. ’’Every official trip by the

President is preannounced. There was no announcement of the president’s trip to Chibok.

Please ignore the rumour,” he wrote.

His tweets came several minutes after a presidency source told the BBC that the trip was shelved for security reasons. Sources, however said that Mr. Abati, was just trying to ‘’save face.’’

Also, the Special Adviser to the President, Dr. Doyin Okupe, told the CNN yesterday that Nigeria had taken a decision to rescue the over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014. Okupe spoke in an interview with CNN Reporter, Isha Sassey late y e s t e r d a y .

He denied that the President aborted the trip for security reasons and said that Jonathan could still visit Chibok on his return from France.

The aborted trip appeared an outrage in the international media, and Doyin Okupe was almost in a shouting match with CNN’s Isha Sassey while denying that insecurity in Chibok was the reason for the cancellation of the t r i p . ”If, as the commander-inchief of the armed forces, he is afraid to visit Chibok because of security fears, he is simply telling the hapless people in the northeast that he cannot protect them and they should resign themselves to their fate,” said Debo Adeniran, of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders pressure group.

Lai Mohammed, spokesman for the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, said Jonathan

continues on page 6

been appointed for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State. He is Brigadier General M. Y. Ibrahim.

Ibrahim takes over from Major General Ahmed Mohammed who was removed from his position, after being attacked by soldiers under his command in Maiduguri Thursday.

This was even as more facts have emerged on why soldiers attacked their former GOC, Maj. Gen. Mohammed.

Director Of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Chris Olukolade, Chief Of Staff, 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Enobong Udoh and Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Mohammed Dole, had confirmed the removal of Mohammed during a news conference on the attack of GOC. 7 Division.

The DDI, General Olukolade, at the briefing in Maiduguri said: “The GOC has been redeployed based on the decision of the headquarters.”

It was said that the soldiers who attacked Mohammed were grieving over the heavy casualty recorded in the last few days following two incidences of ambush.

Those who lost their lives included a Lt Colonel, a Captain and a Lieutenant. The first set of soldiers were ambushed at Ganda Musa while the second group encountered theirs at Dalwa area, while returning from Chibok.

Those who were ambushed at Dalwa had sought the approval of the former GOC for them to pass the night in a friendly village following security reports that the route back to their division was unsafe at night but Mohammed reportedly insisted that they should return to the headquarters same night.

According to sources, it was in an attempt to obey the order that the soldiers were ambushed, with only few of them reportedly surviving the attack. Among those who lost their lives are one Lieutenant who would have wedded in October this year. The officer (names withheld) was said to have done his traditional marriage and was waiting for church wedding before the tragedy befell him.

Among others reportedly

killed include a lieutenant colonel, a captain and at leiutenant.

Military sources also told Saturday Vanguard that before the latest attack, troops from the same Divison had suffered another agonising incident when they lost another set of officers following alleged insensitivity of their Brigade Commander (names withheld).

The said Brigade Commander reportedly ordered the Commanding Officer, CO, in the area to carry out an operation at Ganda Musa, despite objections from the CO that the ill-fated operation required several days of planning.

It was said that the operation later turned disastrous as the soldiers invaded the forest at Ganda Musa without seeing any of the insurgents.

However, on their way back to Adamawa State where they were based, the insurgents reportedly waylaid the troops, inflicting heavy casualties on them.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that some of the survivors later returned to their base in Adamawa, after three days in the bush, while many of them were still to be accounted f o r .

According to sources, the mutineers were reportedly said to have resolved to attack the former GOC, based on the heavy but aviodable casualties the troops suffered in the two separate operations.

Anger fuelled their a c t i o n .

Reacting to the story on telephone yesterday, Maj. General Olukolade said, ‘’I do not know of it. You should be wary of this type of information.

It is the duty of a courageous Commander to say his troops should get moving even if they are dying...’’

Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, CAAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu has said that the Nigerian military will not compromise the nation’s sovereignty following the international support for the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the country.

Amosu spoke with the media shortly after the decoration of 12 newly promoted Air Warrant Officers at NAF headquarters in Abuja y e s t e r d a y .

Several foreign countries including the United States of America, USA, United Kingdom, China, Israel and France had

offered to assist Nigeria unravel the c i r c u m s t a n c e s surrounding the whereabouts of the over 200 female students abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok by terrorists over 30 days now.

However, Amosu said, “What you have to know first and foremost about multinationals coming to our aid is that it is not strange because nations don’t fight alone again especially against terrorism. You have to fight as a coalition of states.

“But when they come in like that for assistance, we have to put in place, a working arrangement.

We are talking of something like a memorandum of understanding. There will be guidelines. There will be other things that I do not think we should say in the open; it is confidential.

“It is not an arrangement that will compromise our sovereignty. We are still working as a nation and we have made it very clear we will provide the information. If you want extra, you should ask for it, and I think they will be ready to give all.

“During the operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, nations were working together. It is not the first time. We got assistance in terms of information from the West...

“In addition to that, partnerships and alliances bring to you those capabilities that you never had before. It’s cheap and it’s credible.

Thank God we are going for it”.

Advising the officers, the CAS further said, “This is a big responsibility we are conferring on you.

This is a period of great military challenge to the nation. As the link between the airman cadre and the commissioned officers, we expect you to be tough, courageous and proactive. “We expect more sacrifices, more dedication from you and there will be rewards. No disrespect to commissioned officers will be accepted. We will not be reluctant to down grade any of you if we discover you are performing below expectation”. Among the officers decorated are Olagunju Solomon, Abadimu Abayomi, Benjamin Bassey, Okparachi Lawrence, Eze Patrick Ifeanyichukwu, Joshua Barnabas, Jato Mahe, Awana Benson and Shittu Moji Adetunji.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 5

NASS adamant on N53b budget distortion •May confront Jonathan over delayed assent

BY SONI DANIEL Regional Editor, North

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HERE were indications last night that the House of Representatives might not agree to re-adjust the 2014 budget, which it passed last month, as requested by the Presidency.

The House insists that no significant adjustment was made by the lawmakers to warrant further adjustment, saying that the allegation by the Presidency that there were major distortions in the budget was unfortunate.

A top source in the National Assembly told Saturday Vanguard that the NASS leadership was not ready to rework the 2014 budget, which had almost been overtaken by events.

The source, who is a member of the NASS leadership, pointed out that the President had no justification to withhold his assent to the fiscal bill, which was merely adjusted with the addition of N53 billion.

The source said that it was wrong for the President to delay his assent to the bill, which has far-reaching consequences for the country and its people.

“The source said: “I don’t think that lawmakers are in the mood to listen to the President on the alleged distortions in the budget. This has always been the pattern used by the Executive to delay the budget every year, thereby stalling its implementation for the progress of this country.

“What the President considers as distortion is nothing more than the sum of

N53 billion, which the NASS in its wisdom added to some very strategic institutions of government such as the police and other security agencies because of

the exigencies of the time.

“Let me say that the additional money does not go to any individual or group but to where it is most needed in the wisdom of the law-

makers,” the lawmaker said.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan had late last year sent a budget of N4.642 trillion to the NASS for approval but the legis-

Bulldozer demolishing one of the houses owned by kidnappers in Anambra State

Anambra task force demolishes houses of kidnappers

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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HREE houses belong ing to dreaded kidnappers in Anambra State, including a N17 million bungalow, were yesterday demolished at Aguleri in Anambra East local government area under the supervision of the joint task force set up by Governor Willie

Obiano to fight crime in the state.

The state commissioner of police, Mr. Usman Gwary led the commanders of the army and the navy during the operation that lasted several hours. Gwary said they decided to demolish the houses as directed by Governor Willie Obiano, who has shown zero tolerance to crime.

Three leaders of the kidnap gang contributed money to build the houses to serve as a depot for their victims.

A leader of the gang, Mr. Ogochukwu Ngwueche (aka Nwa Jesus) from Oghe in Enugu State, who has been providing security operatives with information on kidnapping activities in Anambra State since his arrest, told reporters at Aguleri that

Uyo varsity V-C raises alarm over gunmen

BY TOM MOSES, Uyo

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ARELY 24 hours af ter the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Comfort Ekpo, drew the attention of security operatives and members of the public to threats by gunmen to unleash terror on the university, her residence was attacked by gunmen.

The vice chancellor raised the alarm of the attack on her residence by gunmen in a statement entitled, “Gunmen Attack Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r ’ s Lodge,” signed by the UNIUYO Registrar, Mrs. Edak Umondak, and

lators ‘padded’ the President’s submission with N53 billion before passing the bill.

Although the fiscal bill has since been sent to President by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Jonathan is said to have complained that there were distortions in the budget, which he wanted sorted out before assenting to it.

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, confirmed the position of the President to state House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting last Wednesday.

Maku said, “The Minister of Finance briefed us today at the FEC relating to the progress on the budget.

It is very sad that we have almost entered the middle of the year and we don’t have a budget.

“This indeed is sad that the budget has taken so long in coming and practically we have less than seven months to execute the budget.

made available to the Vanguard, on Friday, in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital.

The police in the state, however, said the shooting occurred at a birthday ceremony close to the vice chancellor’s dwelling and that she was not the target.

Authorities of UNIUYO on their part said the vice chancellor’s residence, located along Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, was attacked, last Wednesday, at about 11.30 pm by gunmen, who stormed her house and fired gun shots sporadically into the building.

According to university, “The gunmen who were

spotted by the fence had a gun duel with the policemen on duty and later zoomed off in their parked vehicle”.

It would be recalled that Professor Comfort Ekpo, the UNIUYO Vice-Chancellor had, Tuesday, in a memo endorsed by the institution’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), advised members of the university community to take security precautions in all the campuses including the UNIUYO annex and the town campuses, saying intelligence reports at her disposal indicated that the university was earmarked, as one of the major targets

by Boko Haram in the event of an attack in AkwaIbom state.

But the Akwa-Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Etim Dickson, said the gun shots at Ewet Housing were not targeted at Professor Comfort Ekpo , explaining that the gun shots emanated from a nearby compound, where some youths were celebrating the birthday of one of their friends.

Dickson said upon hearing the gunshots, gallant policemen were detailed to the scene and those behind the gunshots apprehended.

himself, Onyeka and Chigozie, (aka 30) from Ogidi in Anambra State decided to build the six- bedroom N17 million house with proceeds from various kidnappings to serve as depot for their human cargo (victims) when former Governor Peter Obi decided to be demolishing houses of kidnappers in the state.

The house, he said, was built by a contractor and member of the gang whose name he gave as Winer and who is still at large.

“We decided that it was a big risk to build houses in our compounds and that was why we bought land and built the houses sorely for keeping our victims,” he said.

He said that among high profile victims that were kept in the N17 million house at various times while negotiation for their release lasted included a foreigner whose company paid N165 million, a sister to the managing director of Orange Drugs whose family paid N50 million, a younger brother of Chief G.U.O. Okeke, chairman of GUO Group whose family paid N35 million and another top businessman whose family paid N45 million.

We will do everything possible to reconcile the few differences that emerged in what was transmitted to the government by the National Assembly.

Ibori heads to Supreme Court

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM Benin City

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ORMER Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori says he will head to the Supreme Court over the ruling of Appeal Court on Thursday which declared that he had a case to answer over an alleged missing N140 million during his tenure.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had in a case it filed in 2007, accused the former governor of allegedly embezzling the said missing fund. The lower court had struck off the case against Ibori but the Appeal Court on Thursday, dismissed the ruling.

But reacting to the decision in a press statement signed by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, Ibori said that despite his travails, he had remained an unfailing believer in the rule of law, especially the courts.

According to him, “the decision of the Federal High Court in Asaba, which the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin has just reversed, was perhaps the most politicized in Nigerian history, with crass politicians not hiding their interests and sundry opinions on otherwise purely matters of law – yet refusing to refer to the judgement while pouring out their sectarian creeds.

“Yet, Ibori, a believer in the rule of law and freedom of the courts, will not stoop as low as those who frown at judges whose decisions they do not like, openly or through innuendos, impute any misdeeds on the part of the panel of Justices who decided the case. In pursuit of this undying belief, he has instructed his lawyers to, without delay, take the next legal step by referring the matter to the apex court in the land”.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

1,000 women to get MWAN’s free cervix cancer vaccines in Enugu

BY TONY EDIKE

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HE Medical Wom en’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Enugu State chapter has announced plans to provide free vaccines to 1,000 women as part of efforts to reduce cases of cervix cancer disease among women in the state, The project is to gulp N27 million, according to the new President of MWAN Enugu chapter, Dr. Mrs Olive Obienu, who explained that it would cost N27,000 to vaccinate one beneficiary.

Speaking during the inauguration of the association’s new executive at the Universal Hotel, Enugu, Dr. Obienu, said that the medical women were committed to the reduction of cervix cancer prevalence among women in the state.

She said that the association was committed to improving the standard of health of the community by education, public enlightenment and screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as the pink cancer (cancer of the breast and cervix).

According to her, the focus of the association in the biennium was “Cancer of the Cervix...Preventable and Curable,” explaining that cancer of the cervix “has a near 100 percent cure rate if detected early.” “It is also preventable as one major causative factor Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) infection has been identified and now there is an effective vaccine,” Dr Obienu stated.

Urging public-spirited individuals to support the health programme, the MWAN president pointed out that in countries where screening for cervix cancer had been robust the death rate had been reduced to less than two persons per 100,000. “Our prayer is that as you partner with us we can work towards the reduction of the high prevalence in our country which is 23 persons per 100,000 population per year,” she said.

To achieve the target, Dr Obienu said that the association needed among other things a mammog-

L-R: Mr. Nwabufo Richard Obienu, Dr Olive Obienu, President MWAN Enugu State branch and Dr Echendu Adinma, President Elect, MWAN, who represented the President MWAN (National), Dr Valerie Obot at the Presidential Inauguration of MWAN, Enugu State branch.

Obtain govt’s approval before setting up masts, Chime tells Telecom firms

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU State Gover nor, Sullivan Chime, has advised telecommunications firms to first obtain the approval of the government before setting up their masts in order to avoid defacing of the state’s master plan.

Chime gave the advice when the Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu.

The governor, who reacted to concerns raised by the NCC delegation especially on the challenges faced by telecoms service providers in expanding their networks, advised the firms to collaborate with the government in the establishment

Outrage as Jonathan aborts Chibok trip Continues from page 4 had “lost all direction” and the cancellation was “a good example of his government’s policy indecision”. ”He has clearly abandoned the Nigerian people and Nigerians are conscious of this. Obama went to Afghanistan, so did Bush. I think Jonathan lacks good advisers.” Jonathan would have used the opporunity of the visit to the troubled Borno State, particularly the Chibok town, to see things for himself, the level of carnage carried out by the insurgents and hear from eye witnesses.

His working visit to Paris, France was said to be in connection with finding lasting solutions to the problems of insurgents in Nigeria. He is scheduled to meet with his counter-

raphy machine estimated at N14 million to be installed at the mammography centre which a philanthropist has already pledged to build for the association.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, who was a special guest at the occasion, urged the association not to relent in its vision and commitment to save lives just as he called on well-meaning Nigerians to support programmes that would improve the health of the masses.

parts from Benin Republic, Chad, Niger and Cameroon for talks on how to intensify collaboration against Boko Haram and other security challenges. Britain, the United States of America and the European Union will be represented at the talks which will give special attention to the coordination and intensification of efforts to curtail the destabilising activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Following local and international outrage over the abduction, the international community including the U.S, U.K, Israel, China and France among others are assisting the government in the search for the teenage girls.

of telecommunications infrastructure.

He said, “The network providers don’t go to the

government. Maybe they feel it is cheaper or more convenient for them - they just go to the landlords not

knowing that government owns most of the land.

“Sometimes you find the masts erected dangerously close to where people live.

These issues can be easily managed if they (service providers) talk to the government.

“They can be given places where they can erect their masts - you can’t just go to a

city and set up a mast like that. So I advise the network providers to talk more to the government. “If you want to lay your pipes or cables, you should talk to the relevant agencies of government. That will help the network providers and also help the government when we work on roads.” The governor,

however, commended the NCC for the fast revolution in the telecommunications sector, assuring that his government would collaborate with the commission in the area of Emergency

Call Services as part of its efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the state.

Jega laments voters’ apathy in Nigeria

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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hairman of the In dependent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday lamented over the apathetic attitude of Nigerians toward elections.

The INEC chairman stated this while inaugurating the National InterAgency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP), which was established to ensure proper coordination and monitoring of voter education nation wide and to ensure participation of marginalised groups.

Jega further linked the hurdle of conducting elections in Nigeria to the attitude of both the electorate and political class adding that the low level of awareness by citizens was a major reason for voter apathy.

The INEC boss while emphasizing the relevance of the committee said although democracy has come to stay in Nigeria , the majority of Nigerians seem apathetic to elections, going by statistics available from voter turnout at various polls conducted during the period.

According to him: “One of the major reasons for apathy and resultant low participation in elections can be attrib-

uted to the low level of awareness on electoral matters by citizens. Elections are guided by rules and regulations which stake holders are expected to comply with. It is therefore necessary to promote positive attitudes and responses among the citizenry, encourage compliance with the regulations as well as discourage apathy, violence and all forms of malpractices.”

Jega stressed that the purpose of the committee was to educate people, and enlighten them not only about the specifics and mechanisms of the electoral process but to also inform and empower them on their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.

He said that establishment of the committee was one of the several events listed in the commission’s Strategic Plan of 2012-2016 to ensure free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2015 adding that it will also help INEC fulfill its statutory mandate as specified in sections two and 154 of the Electoral Act 2010 which empowers the commission to conduct civic education and promote knowledge of sound democratic practices.

Among the terms of reference of the committee are review of the frame-

work and advising the commission on areas of improvement, proffering advice on effective strategies for public enlightenment and voter education. In his own remarks at the occasion, Iyimoga admitted that the committee has its work cut out for it beginning with next week’s commencement of the distribution

of Permanent Voters Cards in 10 states. This would be followed by the national roll out of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) between May 28 and June 1, 2014.

He also stated that the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun are scheduled for June 21 and August 9 2014, respectively.

Court restrains IG from arresting two Italians

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n Abuja Federal High Court yesterday granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the I-G from arresting two Italians accused of issuing 10 dud cheques valued at N100 million. Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave the order after listening to the submission of Ahmed Raji (SAN), Counsel to the Italians, and granting all the reliefs sought.

The plaintiffs, Piero Allafranchino and Taglioretti Roberto, had, through their counsel, approached the court with an exparte application, seeking to stop their arrest by the police.In the application, the plaintiffs joined Zenith Bank Plc as co-defendants and the police.

According to Raji, New Technics Construction

Ltd, Allafranchino’s company had entered into a construction contract valued at N5.3 billion with Delta Mall Development Company in 2013. He said that his client approached his bankers, Zenith Bank Plc, which provided an advanced payment guarantee of 20 per cent (1.05bn) construction cost of the contract.

Raji said that there was an alleged dispute between the parties to the contract which made Delta Mall to unilaterally terminate the contract.

He said that Zenith Bank then wrote a false petition to the police against the first plaintiff,, alleging fraud following which he was arrested and detained on May 1 at the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, Lagos.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 7

We’ll challenge the world with Made-in-Nigeria cars – Innoson

BY ABEL KOLAWOLE

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L-R: Mr Femi Falana (SAN) guest lecturer and Mr Chris Ugorji at the 18th National Delegates conference of Academic Staff of Union of Universities (ASUU) with the Theme "Nigerias Crises Corruption, Impunity and Paradox of Development and Democracy held in Ibadan on Friday.Pic by Dare Fasube

HAIRMAN and Chief Executive of Innoson Group - manufacturers of Innoson brands of vehicles in the country, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, OFR, has said his Made-in-Nigeria vehicles were being manufactured according to the best international practices.

Chukwuma spoke to

National Confab Report: Northern, southern delegates differ on voting pattern …Attah, Southwest lawyer clash over attempt to reintroduce oil dichotomy

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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S the 20 commit tees of the National Conference get set to submit their reports for debate on Monday, there has been a sharp division between the North and the South on the pattern of voting to be adopted for deciding contentious issues.

Saturday Vanguard learnt from competent conference sources that most of the chairmen of committees from the North were in support of open balloting on issues that cannot be resolved by consensus to ensure transparency and credibility of the process.

But their Southern counterparts, reportedly kicked against open balloting preferring a secret voting system so as to protect the delegates from any backlash.

The northern chairmen tabled their position during a meeting called by the Chairman of the National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, to agree on modalities for the voting.

Majority of the committee leaders from the South were said to have insisted that secret bal-

loting was the most credible method of election worldwide.

But a Northern delegate, who attended the meeting, told our correspondent that it was in the best interest of the conference secretariat to ensure that the election was carried out transparently.

The delegate, who did not want to be quoted, said that as a result of the disagreement on between the north and south on the matter, the issue of voting pattern would first be resolved by the delegates before voting on any contentious issue takes place.

The committees are expected to turn in their reports on Monday for plenary to resume.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Devolution Committee and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, is said to have clashed with a Southwest delegate over the latter’s attempt to resuscitate onshore/offshore dichotomy during the committee’s sitting.

The former governor, it was learnt, had made it clear to all the members of his committee that as far as he was concerned there was no need to re-

visit the oil dichotomy, which had since been rested but remains a subject of interest to the North.

However, a top source said that the Southwest delegate, who is a legal practitioner, repeatedly ignored the position of the committee’s chairman and made spirited effort to bring back the oil dichotomy for adoption and inclusion in the report by the members, a development that infuriated Attah and led to a shouting match.

“Sit down and don’t mention the issue of oil dichotomy again,” Attah reportedly ordered the

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. Delegates from the South were said to have expressed concern over the action of the lawyer, whose motive, they said remained unclear.

But apparently to douse the tension over the oil dichotomy issue, the committee reached a compromise by agreeing to approve a new derivation principle of 4.5 percent on solid minerals for the North, which in turn backed down on its earlier demand for a downward review of 13 percent to five percent for oil-bearing states in the South.

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HE Diocesan Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji has called on the Federal Government to equip the nation’s security outfits in order to meet

the country s current security challenges and restore the confidence of the people in the present administrative government.

The bishop said this yesterday in his presidential address delivered at the diocese 3rd Session of the 5th synod, theme: “We will serve the Lord” held at the Archbishop Vining

ans and keep Nigeria’s money in Nigeria.

According to him, the continued importations of all shades of goods into the country, was creating jobs for foreigners and developing their economy for them while “our ’s suffered.’’

He commended government’s support for the manufacturers, saying that they were succeeding because of government’s ample s u p p o r t .

He said the plant utilised 60 per cent of local content which encompasses body, tyres seats, batteries, rubber, plastic and other polymer products, light fittings among others for the production of its vehicles.

Clark, others condole FCT Minister

BY HENRY UMORU

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ORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday Condoled with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed over the death of his mother, Hajiya Aisha Jummare Mohammed. Chief Clark who asked that God would grant him and members of his family the fortitude to bear the loss, stressed that

he would like to come for good things the next time, adding that nobody could question the will of God. Also at the official residence of the FCTA Minister to sympathise with him yesterday were Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Nicholas D. Okoh, a delegation of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Acting National Coordinator of Goodluck Support Group, Dr. Eddy Olafeso.

Wike broke an oath taken in the names of his children, Amaechi alleges

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT: GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has again alleged that the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike betrayed him, saying that the Minister like some politicians can allegedly betray trust at will.

Amaechi who spoke when Ikwerre traditional rulers visited him in Gov-

ernment House, Port Harcourt recalled thst before he nominated Mr Wike for ministerial appointment he ( the Minister) allegedly swore by the names of his children that he would never dump him when he becomes a Minister.

“I told my friends who are Governors, I said when you will be betrayed at the end of 2015, you will almost be in a state of coma because you have not ex-

Insurgency: Anglican Bishop tasks FG on security

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

journalists after their facility tour of his vehicle manufacturing plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, weekend.

Chukwuma also said that Innoson Motors would continue to produce high quality products to make the world stand challenged that Nigeria, nay Africa “can do it”.

Brands rolled out of the plant include jeeps, patrol trucks, luxury, midi and mini buses.

The manufacturer who started business by importing spare parts and motorcycles said he ventured into manufacturing to create jobs for Nigeri-

Memorial Church Cathedral.

Calling on various authorities to stop politicising the nation’s security situation but rather come up with proactive measures to make Nigeria a safe place to live, Odedeji emphasis that there is need for the federal government to look inward

and fish out collaborators of Boko Haram group.

In his words: “There cannot be smoke without fire. The latest news has it that helicopters were used to supply arms and ammunitions to the Boko Haram group while road block mounted by the military were dismantled shortly before they struck.

perienced it. Your speech did mention the former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives (Austin Opara), your speech also mentioned the Minister of State for Education (Nyesom Wike). The Minister of State for Education swore with the names of his children that he would never betray me, that I should put his name forward for minister. I say, swore with the names of his children”,he said.

Amaechi who said he would never swear with the names of his children not to betray anybody quickly added that if he was ever tempted to do he would keep faith with the oath.

“No matter the condition, I will never swear with the names of my children, nothing will make me swear with the names of my children. But if I make the mistake of swearing with the names of my children,

nothing outside God will make me betray you. Not because any harm will befall the children... It is the honour you bestow on those children that should make you not to betray whatever word you have given to anybody”, he said.

Amaechi further recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan made it clear to a delegation from the state some years ago that he ( Amaechi) was the one who made the President to appoint Wike as a Minister.

Continuing, the governor said he had also been betrayed by some of his Ikwerre kinsmen in the past, adding that history would judge those whose actions negated their promise.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Blessing Wagor (JP), said he was aware the governor had been betrayed several times.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

Travel agents nabbed for drug trafficking

BY EVELYN USMAN

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From Left: Princess Teni Aofiyebi, Director, TKM Essentials, Mrs Adebisi George, Mr Mayokun Aofiyebi, and Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State, during the Opening of TKM Essentials Limited, held On Friday 16-5-2014, at 25, Raufu Williams Street, Off Adelabu Street, Surulere, Lagos PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has smashed a syndicate that operates under the cover of travel agency to smuggle hard drugs out of the country, arresting two suspected members of the syndicate.

The suspects, were reportedly apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with 4.660kg of substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The duo of Gwacham Emmanuel Orakwe, 25, and Alhaji Ayila Kolawole, 47, according to

the Agency’s head, Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, concealed the recovered drugs in five parcels .

During interrogation by the airport commander ,Hamza Umar, Ofoyeju said it was discovered that “Gwacham Emmanuel Orakwe’s role was to smuggle the drug to India while Alhaji Ayila Kolawole was the one coordinating his movement.

“Both of them were apprehended at the car park with 4.660kg of methamphetamine. The drug was packed in five parcels in the bag of Gwacham who had a valid Emirate ticket to In-

SW delegate to Jonathan: Beware, north is after your seat

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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South-West dele gate at the National Conference, Salvador Adegoke Moshood, has accused the north of trying to use insurgent attacks to derail President Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency so as to pave the way for the region to grab the post.

Moshood in an exclusive interview with Vanguard pointed out that the declaration by certain northern leaders to make the Jonathan Presidency ungovernable was almost being realised with the incessant attacks being unleashed by the north’s Boko Haram insurgents.

Moshood however regretted that the Presidency was treating the rising wave of insurgency from the North with kid gloves thereby emboldening the perpetrators and sponsors of the terrorist organisation.

To get out of the woods, the former House of Representatives member from Lagos State, advised President Jonathan to take concrete and decisive steps to punish the financiers and collaborators in the administration as well as the members of the malevolent group to serve as a deterrent.

The delegate, who represents Ethnic Nationalities at the confab, warned Jonathan not to bank on the core north for his re-election in 2015 but to work harder

for the votes in the South and North-Central Nigeria as well as those of some Northern Christian communities.

Moshood said: “If he thinks the northerners are going to get him 2015 Presidency, I would tell Mr. President that he is making a bid mistake.

“Even if President Jonathan gives the north all the appointments in Nigeria, they would still not back him because they are looking for his seat. So he should know that for now.

“All the President’s political strength is in the South and North Central. He has to work hard on that and think of how to get more support from the remaining Christian parts of the north. There is nothing, I repeat; there is nothing the North can do for him: the north cannot stop him from getting to where God had designed for him.

“So, why is Jonathan wasting his time and allowing sacred cows to flourish in the midst of Boko Haram assault?

Why would known financiers of Boko Haram be left to go unpunished?

“Why should we allow Boko Haram supporters and sympathisers who have infiltrated the administration to go free and exert negative impact on the security?” the delegate queried.

Moshood said that Jonathan would even earn the support and votes of more Nigerians by taking drastic action

to end the evil being perpetuated by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

He said: “What I am saying is that the President does not want to step on toes; he does not want to hurt anybody. But he can-

not get to the root of this problem if he does not step on toes. They had said that they would make his administration ungovernable and they have done so.

“Therefore, let Mr. Pres-

ident stand firm and confront the monster staring Nigeria on its face. It is even the courageous action of Mr. President that will even endear him more to the people of Nigeria,” Moshood said.

CHIBOK: African Apostles, writers call for immediate release of abducted girls

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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N assembly of em inent church leaders from across sub-Sahara Africa, the Council of African Apostles has called for the immediate release of more than 230 school girls of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State abducted by BokoHaram, describing the abduction as a deplorable act of terrorism that is affecting innocent lives who had no role whatsoever in the conflict or grievances that the Islamic militant group has against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Worried by the prolonged search for the 276 schoolgirls abducted

by Boko Haram from their Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State on April 14, the Women’s Wing of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared Tuesday next week as a day of fasting and prayer.

In a joint press statement signed by the President of the Council of African Apostles, Bishop

Tudor Bismark of Zimbabwe, Bishop Mike Okonkwo of Nigeria and Dr. Mensa Otabil of Ghana, the Council stated that, “the abduction and other related callous acts of terror that have been undertaken

by Boko Haram in the recent past should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

“The reports that they are being sold off into marriage for $12.00 and that others have died of snake bites only serve to make the call for their urgent return, they should not have been touched by this conflict in the first place,” the document stated.

According to the Council none of the ab-

ducted girls have any role in whatever conflict that Boko Haram has against the Federal Government of Nigeria and that, “as a body of believers we uphold and recommit to the principle of diversity, but that diversity cannot lead to divergence that overtakes the sanity of human life”.

It therefore became necessary for the Council of Africa Apostles to join hand with community leaders in Northern Nigeria and other concerned parties to strongly call for the immediate return of the more than 230 girls of Government Girls’ Secondary, Chibok, Borno State in Northern Nigeria.

dia.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Ayila contracted Gwacham Emmanuel Orakwe to traffic drugs to India for a fee. He also bought return ticket and promised to facilitate the safe departure of Gwacham thus making him the brain behind the attempted illicit exportation of 4.660kg of methamphetamine to Mumbai, India”, Ofoyeju said.

In his statement to narcotic investigators, Orakwe said he was smuggling drugs to make ends meet.

The Anambra stateborn suspect said: “I attended De Apex Creative Minds Academy Ogbunike, Anambra State ,where I had my O levels in 2005. Thereafter, I travelled to Libya in search of greener pastures but came back with multiplied pains. At present I do casual jobs to feed myself. That was the reason I accepted to smuggle the drugs for two thousand five hundred dollars ( N400,000)” .

On his part, Kolawole, a father of three stated that : “I bought the return ticket for Orakwe and promised to assist him travel with the drug without being arrested”.

Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, reinstated the Agency’s commitment to unmask members of drug syndicates boasting that, “whatever trick drug barons apply, we shall expose them.

“This arrest is important for the Agency because we have moved beyond the courier to the mastermind of the illicit exportation. Investigation is on-going and more arrests shall be made,” Giade stated, adding that the suspects would be charged to court soon”.

Gunmen abduct two Delta youth leaders

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RESIDENT of the Urhobo Progressive Youth Association, Comrade Marcus Ekure and a female associate, Miss Antonia Okpor have been kidnapped by yet to be identified gunmen.

It was learnt that the duo were kidnapped on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 between Okurekpo and

Okufuoma communities along the Effurun-Eku express way, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State.

Sources said that Ekure who was driving a black Camry saloon car was returning from a family meeting to discuss his father ’s funeral at Eku when the car was inter-

cepted by their abductors.

According to a dependable source, the kidnappers dragged Ekure and Okpor out of the Camry car at gun point and forced them into their own car and zoomed off in a commando style to an unknown destination and none of them had been seen since then.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 9

2015 Lagos Governorship race: Group dismisses Akiolu’s endorsement of Ambode

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

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HE Visioners For New Lagos,VFNL, have dismissed the endorsement of an All Progressive Congress,APC, governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu as a non-issue.

A statement by Leader of the group, Mr. Bambo Akin-Johnson, said VFNL had no problem with Ambode aspiring to be governor of the state, adding that he should emerge through a credible process.

The statement reads: “ Since Ambode merits the job because he is the best accountant they have ever seen, why not redeploy him to Alpha Beta, where he could help manage the extension of Lagos wealth which is being diverted.

“We will fight Lagos elders and put a final stop to their extremism. We would not honour them

by offering a covering. At their level and status, they should be left to face the consequences of their greed. We insist, Lagos is not the property of anyone person or group but

a collective heritage that we will all protect with our very last.”

Akiolu had Thursday at a book launch said Ambode had been anointed a successor to Fashola in

2015.

“I will not lie to you. The elders of Lagos have met and they have said that Ambode should be governor. The elders have said Ambode should be the

next governor of Lagos State. Other aspirants have the right to aspire too.

But I will not open my

Funsho Williams murder: Witness tenders rope, knife, others from crime scene

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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L-R: Bishop Dapo Asaju, Bishop Babatunde Adeyemi, Bishop Daniel Olinya; Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revrend James Olusola Odedeji; Bishop Samuel Ogundeji, Bishop Johnson Atere, Bishop Sunday Adewole and Bishop Amos Fagbamile at the Opening Service of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. on Thursday

prosecution witness in the trial of suspected murderers of late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Funsho Williams, yesterday presented as evidence, before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere, a rope, knife, mattress and cushion allegedly recovered from the crime scene.

The witness, CSP Shehu Sanni Wazo, who came in-

October 1 bombing: FG seeks accelerated trial of Charles Okah •Denies giving him epilepsy drug •As court rules on his fitness for trial June 9

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday, applied for an accelerated trial of the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bomb blast that killed twelve persons at the Eagle Square in Abuja, Mr. Charles Okah.

Charles, who is a younger brother to ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Mr. Henry Okah, who had since been convicted by a South African Court, is facing terrorism charges alongside one Obi Nwabueze.

FG made the application after it denied an allegation by the accused person that a medication called Epilim Sodium Valproate (ESV), which is meant for epilepsy, was forcefully administered on him at the Kuje Prisons where he was remanded in by the court.

Consequently, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Alex

Iziyon, SAN, opposed Okah’s request that a private medical practitioner be allowed to examine him with a view to producing a medical report on the side effect of the said epilepsy drug on him.

“My Lord, the accused person is bent on frustrating this trial. His fresh application to be evaluated by an independent medical practitioner is very frivolous and wasteful of the precious time of this court. The state is irritated by this application.

“It is a clear ploy by the accused person to further delay this matter after four years. Justice is threeway traffic and my Lord should consider the interest of the larger society.

People lost their dear ones in that explosion which led to the instant death of four children who came to watch the Independence Day celebration.

“They are certainly crying out for justice, this is why we want this trial to be expedited. This is a

matter of serious nature that involves treason”, Iziyon added.

FG equally maintained that Okah who is currently confined to a wheel chair, is mentally fit to stand his trial, “he doesn’t need to stand in the dock.

He can be tried in his wheel chair, after all former Egyptian president was brought to court in a cage and tried on a bed,” the government lawyer argued.

Besides, FG told the court that the exhibit Okah relied on to allege that he was given an epilepsy medication was produced in January, saying there was nothing to show that the drug was still being administered on him.

“We do not agree that the drug was even given to him. The document was cooked up to whip-up sentiment of this court”, Iziyon insisted.

He said FG has the liberty to transfer Okah to a mental home should he maintain that he is not mentally fit.

Meanwhile, Okah’s lawyer, Mr. John Anieto, yesterday, urged the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole to look at the en-

tire circumstances of the case impartially and without sentiment to public opinion.

NIS arrests wandering foreigner in Abeokuta

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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OLLOWING the fear of possible incursion of Boko Haram sect into Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service yesterday arrested a Chinese national for wandering.

The incident which was observed by Saturday Vanguard occurred at MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Two of the Immigration officers, having spotted the Chinese man clutching on to a cellophane bag containing some unknown items and walking aimlessly around the place, apprehended the man.

During his arrest, the

eyes and allow the son of the Oba of Ewekoro to be the governor. But all things are in the hand of God Almighty,” he said.

Immigration officials accosted him, inquired about his mission which he could not explain apparently due to his inability to express himself in English language.

Rather than cooperating with the immigration personnel after flashing their identity card the obviously fraustrated Chinese put up a stiffer resistance, beat one of the officials and attempted to run away for fear of being arrested.

The development, which drew the attention of members of the public in the area however, provoked the Immigration officials who put up a call across to their Oke - Mosan, Abeokuta office from where other officers came and whisked the man away for further interrogation.

stead of Mr Agbo Beneth that the trial judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, at the last sitting (Wednesday) summoned to come and tender the evidence, told the court that they could not get access to the bloodstained shirt recovered from the scene due to the short time the court gave them.

At the resumed hearing, the state counsel, Mrs E. I. Alakija, apologised for the absence of Beneth (from the forensic department) and applied that Wazo, also from the forensic department be permitted to tender the evidence, as the prosecution closed its case.

The judge admitted the exhibits recovered from crime scene as evidence and Alakija subsequently applied that the exhibits should be returned to the forensic lab to prevent contamination.

Defence counsel, Mr Agbara Okezie, while objecting to the prosecution’s application, argued that the evidence should be left in care of the court since it has already been tendered.

However, the judge overruled Okezie’s objection and ordered that the exhibits be returned to the lab, after which he adjourned the case to June 9 for adoption of written address.

The accused are, Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie, all male.

It will be recalled that the accused were first arraigned on March 1, 2013 before Justice Adebajo on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

According to the charge, the accused on or about July 27, 2006, at 34A, Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, conspired to murder Williams.

The offence contravenes Sections 316 and 324 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , MA Y 17 MAY 17, 2014

By ISHOLA BALOGUN

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s many unemployed Nigeri ans come face to face with the reality of high rate of unemployment, a few others have considered waste as a veritable source of income generation and employment and so, rather than gnashing their teeth, they resort to making a living out of waste managment.

In most parts of the country, especially in the major cities, scavenging is a common phenomenon. Unemployed youths comb the streets in the urban areas where there is high level of waste disposal to pick what had been consigned to the bin, sell them to recycling companies and return home happy with a token usually less than N400.

From what we gathered, most recycling companies pay not more than N20 for a kilogramme of rubbish in plastic or iron form.

Many of the scavengers we ecountered in Lagos who are mainly youths said, “ we have to put food on the table, we have to live and care for our families.” That is the situation they found themselves.

A visit to Oke-Afa dump site reveals a sodid sight of scavengers who throng the place for garbage. In fact, they play all sorts of tricks on co-scavengers in order to outsmart one another to pick better items that will attract more money. They visit the dumpsites early enough struggling to out pick one another as though it was a market place for normal business.

One of them who identified himself as Sulaiman said, “ we monitor dumps at the site and personally, I come as early as possible to see if there are items that could fetch me more money. I don’t have to tell

s te a u d ra rg e d n u n a ri e ig N How live on scavenging others because they will outsmart me,” he said.

In Ikorodu, Sulaiman who has upward of five years experience in scavenging said: “I know what the recycling companies want and I don’t pick just anything. I even go to houses to ask for their dumps and sometimes buy from them. I comb the streets and call them out to bring their abandoned items such as irons, plastics, etc.

“After buying from them, I gather whatever I have bought and take them to a company which buys them

at Ikorodu. This company also sells to recycling centres. They pay us N20 per kilogramme but I don’t know how they sell to recycling companies,” Sulaiman said.

He noted that he had been using the proceeds from the business to feed and take care of his wife and four children since he started the business. He maintained that, although the profit is meagre, he sometimes engages in other things to make ends meet.

A medical expert, Seyi Adebambi noted that the development could

*scavengers

Unemployed youths comb the streets in the urban areas where there is high level of waste disposal to pick what had been consigned to the bin, sell them to recycling companies and return home happy with a token usully less than N400 lead to typhoid, diarrhea and other ailments if those who engage in the business are not well protected.

“Many patients in major hospital beds suffer from typhoid and diarrhea and other diseases associated with poor sanitation and water quality.

Do you remember the recent outbreak of cholera in parts of Lagos? These are some of the issues and we should observe safety precautions if we must do the business,” he said.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

BY EBUN SESSOU, OLAYINKA AJAYI, ADERONKE ADEYERI & AUGUSTINA ANYAEGBU

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hirty-one year old Ade Ogun bowale, a graduate of Me chanical Engineering from one of the universities in the country shared his success story as a scavenger with EBUN SESSOU in a 30minute interactive session in Oko-Afa area of Isolo, Lagos State recently.

Ogunbowale could not secure a job after his B.Sc degree and joined the legion of unemployed graduates three years ago. According to him, he carved a niche for himself and became a scavenger at a dump site in OkoAfa. Narrating the success story of how he makes a living for himself and sponsors his siblings, he said, “I pick up plastic bottles that litter the streets along my way as well as metals to make a living. Although, most people see the job as dirty, I am feeding my family from it”.

According to him, “There are several people the trade helps.

“Waste recycling is a business that if you decide to go into it today, you are sure of making money. The fun of it is that you might even decide to start now with nothing and still make more money from the business,” Ogunbowale said.

He explained that, “most of the scavengers pick used materials at various dump sites and elsewhere.

They look out for objects that include glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles and electronics.

“The materials are then taken to a collection centre where they are sorted, cleaned and reprocessed into materials bound for manufacturing”, he added.

His words: “Recycling of such materials would produce fresh supply of the same material. For example, used office paper can be converted into making a new office paper just as used polystyrene can be converted into making new polystyrene.

“But recycling of waste is just picking up in the country as a new business model and it surely offers lots of opportunity. For instance, one benefit of recycling is that it saves resources. Also, to recycle waste is to simply reduce pollution. By recycling plastic material we can reduce air pollution as well as water pollution”, he said.

An Environmentalist, Michael Simire explained that turning waste to wealth is a very viable area common in other countries. According to him, “waste needs to be managed effectively and it can also be a source of wealth if well handled. A lot of projects have been embarked upon by these countries and they are using waste to wealth programme as their programmes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCC’s theme development mechanism programmes.

“The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, known as the Earth Summit. I also understand that Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has something similar that it is working on”.

He was hopeful that the country will soon join other developed countries in the area of turning waste to wealth.

“I think, we will start from somewhere but I don’t think we have done so much in Nigeria. There is a project in Ikorodu whereby waste is turned to fertilizer by a particular company. The company seems to be doing some-

Ade Ogun bowale

How I turn waste to wealth —Graduate scavenger

zI scavenge to feed my wife, six children thing when it comes to recycling of waste,” Simire said.

He continued: “Our challenges could be how committed we are in handling such things. The question of sincerity should be put forward as regard such project. The technical know-how is another pressing issue to be addressed. We should also be determined to make this project work.

Discarded materials can contribute to local revenue, job creation, business expansion and the local economic growth.

“Recycling business generates employment and adds value to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country that wants to create wealth for its citizens.

“Benefits of recycling include the following: prevents waste of potentially useful materials,reduces energy usage, reduces air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from land fill sites). Conserves natural resources, such as timber, water and minerals and prevents habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion associated with logging and mining.

“The collection of waste starts from the general waste stream through curbside collections by purposebuilt waste collection vehicles which moves the waste to the LAWMA Waste Bank. The waste is then sorted appropriately, for instance, plastic bank to contain a wide range of plastic waste.

“Once the sorting is complete, the waste is moved into the recycling plant to be crushed and screened for substances that are unsuitable for processing. Once cleared of unsuitable substances, the waste is then transferred by conveyor to the initial treatment vessel.

“As the business of recycling soars in Nigeria with more research going into the available materials for

recycling in the country, some individuals and organisations are trying as much as possible to encourage Nigerians to ensure that recyclable wastes do not end up on the floor, fields, drainages and canals through indiscriminate disposal but contribute in generating incomes and adding value to people’s lives. For example, organisations like Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) are collaborating to create awareness on waste recycling and its economic benefits”, he added.

I scavenge to feed my wife, six children

According to another scavenger, Abubakar Abdul, “ The reason why I delved into the business is because I don’t have a job. As a poor man, there was no help from anywhere. I started scavenging since I was a bachelor and from the little money I’m making, I feed my family. It is not good if I sit at home doing nothing and allow

Vanguard , MA Y 17 MAY 17, 2014—11

hunger to destroy my family. I’m appealing to government to help us improve our living condition. Hunger is striking so hard despite all my efforts. I’ve a wife and six children and it is only from this picking of waste products that we feed.

Sometimes, we will not have food to eat just because there is no money.” he said.

Inspite of their resolve to make ends meet through this garbage business, the operators yet face societal stigmatisation amidst other unfriendly attitudes. Narrating his ordeal, Abdul said people sometimes look at them as insane.

Wale Olofin, 30 said: “I started this business when I was 15 years old and since then, I’ve not recorded any tangible gain from it other than to feed. I desperately need a wife but no woman has ever agreed to marry me because of the nature of my job. I impregnated a girl with the aim of marrying her but she ran away with the notion that she can’t marry a scavenger. She even said we are not different from pigs,”Olofin lamented.

Narrating some of the hazards of the job, Olofin said: “ On many occasions, I have been bitten by snakes, scorpions including ants; I have also sustained injuries on my legs at dumpsites caused by sharp objects but I do not relent because I have to feed to live.”

Festac dump-sites A visit to a dump site in Festac town reveals another hidden market where people earn a living from garbage business. When Saturday Vanguard visited the site, cars parked for sale could be mistaken as the only business going on in that vicinity, but walking straight behind these cars reveals another rendevous where scavengers meet with merchants that patronises them on a regular basis.

The stench oozing out from the refuse dumpsite opposite 202 Road at FESTAC town clearly explains that they deal in garbage. Scavengers were seen pushing their carts one after the other happily with noiseless haggle as money exchanged hands.

The initiative for buying iron scraps from scavengers all over dump sites and selling them to those who need them for recycling purposes spurred Ahmed Ojo into the business. The 45 year old auto mechanic said the need to make a living and fend for his family led him into the business since there is no job available.

He maintained that he earns more money than people think from the business. “I don’t see myself doing any other business than this. I am a trained auto-mechanic with over six years experience but I ventured into buying iron scraps at dump-sites by coincidence. My take home pay weekly is far better than that of many civil servants that look down on us.

It’s a business I have been doing for over five years and I find it very lucrative raising my family and sending my children to good schools as well.”

According to another merchant, Madam Kehinde fondly called Iya Fatiah by the scavengers, she has been dealing with scavengers at dump-sites for over 20 years conveniently. She added, “It’s a profitable business that I earn a living from. I live comfortably in my own house, training my daughter up to the level of higher institution.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

They are holding Oshiomhole hostage zPastor Ize-Iyamu explains ultimatum to Edo Governor and the resignation of top APC members Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was Secretary to the State Government, SSG in the Lucky Igbinedion government in Edo State, leader of the GRACE group, the political structure that was believed to have pushed forward the Adams Oshiomhole phenomenon on the Edo political turf. Ize-Iyamu, was subsequently the National Vice-Chairman, (South-South) of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He recently resigned from the APC upon simmering differences with other top chieftains of the party in Edo State. He spoke in an interview on his odyssey in the APC. Excerpts:

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

T

he APC in Edo State said you resigned due to your obses sion for the governorship of Edo state in 2016, what is your take on that?

The issues are more than Pastor Ize-Iyamu. If they say that those who have resigned from the party are just a handful of Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s friends, then let me thank him (APC interim chairman) for giving me a lot of political accolade because those he called handful of my friends are actually the key players that ensured that APC won the election in this state in 2007 and 2012. Prince Tony Omoaghe was the pioneer state chairman of the party when we adopted Comrade Oshiomhole as our governorship candidate. Alhaji Usman Shagadi was also the pioneer deputy chairman of the party and also a leader of the party in Edo North. We also have Chief Amos Osunbor the Eson of Benin Kingdom. Hon. Philip Olumese was also

they are chasing shadows. The congresses and the registrations that took place are the key issues.

And if actually as Osaro Idah said it was due to Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s governorship fixation, why did they cancel the first congresses that took place? The governor came out on TV to lambast the process and admitted that it was flawed. If the second process was credible why have they not proceeded with others? In many places they have not done Local Government Congresses. Two weeks ultimatum that was given by the Etsako leaders of the party. At the expiration of that ultimatum what happened? And those who attended our first meeting at Wesley hotel which again was well attended, the mandate that was given was quite clear. One, we gave the governor who is the leader of the party ultimatum to address the issues we were complaining about. Secondly, explore other opportunities and up till now nothing has been done. I don’t want to join issues with the

It is regrettable that a party that we laboured to build is going this way. Unfortunately, the governor is being held hostage by people who have no idea on how a party is run and how a party is managed and their utterances have confirmed that

,,

the senatorial Vice Chairman of Edo Central. Frank Erewele pioneer organizing secretary of the party, Chief Alemo is a leader of the party in Etsako Central. These were all leaders that pulled out. So for anybody to say only ‘Osagie IzeIyamu and his handful of friends pulled out ’ is laughable. It was also mentioned that many of those who attended the meeting assumed it was a regular party event. Is it Pastor Ize-Iyamu that calls for regular party meetings, when the party events held at Wesley hotel? You acknowledged that an ultimatum was given and rather than wait for the ultimatum to expire we are taking an action. It was clear that the press statement was hastily put together, it is not logical and it does not address what apparently is a very serious issue. For people who founded the party, major key players in the 18 Local Governments on one day resigned from the party. Not only that, even those holding government positions, Special Advisers, Executive Directors, Board chairmen all resigned, it shows that there is a fundamental problem in the party.

Rather than address these issues

governor, we worked together for some time, no matter what, I don’t want to join issues with him. But I think he should advise his appointees because Osaro Idah even though he claims to be the interim APC chairman, he is an appointee of government, he should get his facts right. There is nowhere in the whole ultimatum that we gave the governor that the issue of governorship came up. Rather, Osaro Idah’s own statement clearly shows that some of them have a pathological fixation, again to use his word, about IzeIyamu’s rumoured intention to the extent that they will not even allow a credible process to take place. The registration that we did, you might ask them, how the names of those who conducted the exercise emerged. The first congresses that we conducted, how did the names of the people that conducted it emerge?

Under the party’s constitution it was quite clear that a stakeholders’ meeting should have been held where the names will emerge. So they should not open the can of worms because they themselves know that the process in Edo State cannot even pass any single test of

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Gov Oshiomhole credibility. And for a government that prides itself as one man one vote, let the people lead, what we have seen is a very sad reflection.

So I advise them to address their problems and not to think any how because if they want to say that it was Pastor Ize-Iyamu and his friends, it means they should concede that Pastor Ize-Iyamu and his friends constituted 80 per cent of APC leadership because those that left are over 80 per cent. The man that decamped to APC in Egor, was it because of Ize-Iyamu’s ambition?

Abubakar Momoh who is a member of House of Reps, was it Ize-Iyamu’s governorship ambition that made them leave the APC? The problem in Edo North that warranted Alhaji Shagadi to resign, was it Ize-Iyamu’s ambition that caused that? There are fundamental problems in the party.

But you were accused of going to Abuja to meet with the President while the appeal panel was still meeting?

I read they also said that those of us who left were actually cancer in the party, by this confession they are trying to say that the party is terminally ill and if they think that the cancer has left because we have left, let me say that they will now realize that the cancer has not left because when you have cancer which is a terminal illness, what it means is that the party is set to die. In the next

few days you will see more people leaving the party. It is regrettable that a party that we laboured to build is going this way. Unfortunately, the governor is being held hostage by people who have no idea on how a party is run and how a party is managed and their utterances have confirmed that. So the press statement is nonsense, it does not address the issues. And what makes you think that because I am in APC I don’t have a right to see the President, it is a joy, it is a privilege. And there is nothing wrong in interacting with people in other parties. I am not detained in APC, my membership of APC cannot reduce the freedom that the constitution has given to me, to interact and to associate. So for him to say that even going to see the PDP leaders and the President amounts to anti party activity tells you how shallow they are. Nobody forced us into APC and nobody can detain us in APC. So I sympathise with some persons in APC but it is clear to me that as long as they have the present leadership they have at the state level the party is doomed. And for some us who have little political experience we rather not be there when the party sinks.

What effort did you make to meet with the national leadership of the party before you resigned?

Well the national leadership of the party was fully aware of the problem but I think that they had hoped that the governor will be able to resolve it. I am sure they were hesitant, they don’t want to be accused of undue interference, so they thought that the governor will reach out to those aggrieved.

For many of us we just wanted to give our support to the governor so that he would not be distracted.

When things are not going well we talk to him in private so that the public will not know what is happening. This matter from registration to the congresses was done in a manner that some of us don’t understand. After the two ward congresses I complained about many issues that came up during the ward congresses, it took my personal observation

Continues on page 13

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Ize - Iyamu should exercise patience

Benin man.

From which of the party?

We are talking of APC now because I can’t speak for PDP. As far as I am concerned, Oshiomhole is from Edo North, we have given them 8 years of leadership, rulership, that is all. And it is the turn of Edo south, the Benin people to produce the governor. And who becomes a governor is the exclusive preserve of the Benin people. No one person is going to impose any candidate on the other. We are going to go round and determine who becomes the next governor by collectively going to weigh and measure those we believe are capable of leading the group, if not as good as Oshiomhole or not better, but it should not go under.

— Isekhure, chief priest of Benin Kingdom Says Oshiomhole’s successor must be Bini Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC is the Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom. He is presently a delegate at the on- going National Conference on the platform of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and a member of Committee on Land Tenure and National Boundaries.

In this interview, Isekhure bares his mind on the present political quagmire rocking the APC in Edo State, the way forward, and what Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his antagonists must do. Excepts

BY HENRY UMORU, Assistant political editor

W

hat is your take on the developments in your party in Edo State?

About a year and half ago, I had the courtesy of hosting some very prominent members of APC in my house and there was a serious problem between the deputy governor and IzeIyamu and we sat down and looked at the grievances, looked at issues raised by those who were aggrieved and we rightfully resolved then that the deputy governor should go and reconcile with Ize- Iyamu because they have been on the same political boat over the past few years, so that at the end of the day there will be peace and harmony and everything will work well.

But it appears now that political agreement in Nigeria is usually not something that is binding as people breach it. I think the new dimension is that, oh government has imposed candidates during the elections. And to my greatest surprise, even those who were appointed as officials of state parastatals, also resigned and they all trooped to PDP. And they are accusing the governor of being dictatorial, that the governor does everything.

I think, in totality both sides ought to sit down. You draw out all the grievances and also ensure that there is an arbiter, somebody who is fearless, people who can sit down and look at the faces of both the governor and all the complainants and say a normal procedure for doing things, we believe that these are what ought to be in place. Right now, it is unfortunate to say that (of) all the political parties no one has a credible structure.

Do you think Ize -Iyamu is taking a good decision for himself, having left PDP for ACN and now going back to PDP? Ize-Iyamu is more like my son. I know the father very well. I think he should have exercised some patience.

C M Y K

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—13

Going to join the Chief Nosakhare other party, to me Isekhure whether it is a political choice, but to me that is not the best choice. Because tomorrow for example let’s look at a scenario, if Ize Iyamu not because APC is a saintly party.

Oshiomhole himself has performed. also seeks to become something in PDP tomorrow and he is denied, what You have to draw a distinction between party will he go to? That is the issue.

Oshiomhole and the party. Most people voted for Oshiomhole not It was because of unfair treatment that you left PDP and you are also because he is in APC, it is because complaining of the same unfair they found him as a man who had met treatment back to PDP. So the question the aspirations of the general Edo now is, because the people at PDP are people, with regards to physical not perfect human beings, they are not development you could see on ground in schools and in hospitals, in roads some divine entity. They are going to be prone to errors one day or the other and all that. that may even affect his political Not necessarily because he believes in the manifestoes of the APC or PDP future, will he now say he wants to return to APC because some defaults whatever. So that is why when you are have also arisen from PDP.? talking about Edo State, you look at external and extraneous forces. What How will their departure affect the difference will anybody make now if APC? for example Oshiomhole leaves office Well political mobilisation is a matter and another man steps in. Would the of number. But if the reason for man perform as good or better than leaving is defective and it’s not Oshimhole? This is the question mark.

Where will the person come from. effective and they are not able to carry the core membership of the party, then Definitely now, the political structure the whole essence of leaving will be of Edo State, the Benin people just to narrow down, will produce the next wasted, because you must be able to withstand the storm, for example. It is governor. The candidate must be a

What if APC has its candidate from Edo Central, what will be the position of the Binis?

No, there cannot be anyone from there because the zoning is very clear. The zoning as internally agreed. I am not talking of political parties now.

We have our own structure.

When we were going to elect Oshiomhole, we asked him to come and contest the election and our people stood 101% behind him. Elected first and second time and so he knows even when his own people were not 100% behind him, so we did. We also cautioned ourselves that Oshiomhole will rule for the ultimate 8 years then a Benin man will come in and also rule for another 8 years. We are equitable people, we give opportunity to everybody. Now that Edo North has ruled, Edo south is the one that must produce the next governor and we are in the position to determine that. Who the person is going to be is not one I can guess right now. Definitely all those aspiring to be governor right now, are people who have been subjected to the ultimate decision of our Benin people that is Edo south.

Is it late now to tell Ize - Iyamu and others to remain in APC? If he wants to listen to my advice.

My advice to him is that there is already a crisis that has not been properly managed, definitely we can see that. However, but for me I think it will be better not to fragment the party and then hope that you are going to reap from a windfall from somewhere else, it doesn’t happen that way.

They are holding oshiomhole hostage Continues from page 12

and appeal for that appeal panel to be constituted.

It may interest you to know that today nobody has heard anything from that panel. In Orhiomwon where I come from no proper congress was held. Quite honestly it has all been talk and talk but no action. We cannot operate like that. For some of us it became clear that the party was not ready to do any thing about the situation the best they wanted was to make little concession here and there and that was not acceptable.

Do you think that your movement to the PDP is the best option for you given your past actions against the party?

I have great emotions. On one hand I regret that a party that one laboured so hard to build has come to this kind of situation, a lot of regrets in that direction.

On the other hand there is some relief that one is leaving a troubled house. I tell you the truth, the night

I announced my resignation I slept very well, I felt better because when you stay in a system that is built on deceit and ingratitude. When we formed APC we were united and committed but today a lot of hungry fellows have come into the party and what they are interested in is blackmail and all kinds of lies that will enable them get things from the governor. And those of us who do not believe in telling lies and blackmail there is no way we can get Comrade’s attention. So the situation we found ourselves in the past two years has been a painful one. So I also feel a sense of relief. So in the months and years ahead we will see. There are a lot of jokers who think they can blackmail us. I heard some said he heard that we were given one million dollars to come and destroy APC, I laughed because if it was money we would not have formed APC. It is a matter of principle.

14 — SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

Boko Haram:

United States may cause more confusion — Abubakar Tsav Alhaji Abubakar Tsav is a respected Nigerian who left the police force as a commissioner of Police.

In the dark days of Abacha when bombs were flying over Nigeria and killing democratic forces, Tsav stood on the side of truth and ordered investigations into some killings. He was about to unmask some killers when he was removed and retired from the Force.

Tsav gracefully took his fate in his hands and refused to be silenced. He joined the multitude demanding that Abiola be released from jail and allowed to take his mandate having glaringly won the presidential election of 1993. He has not shied away from lending his voice to popular opinions, In this encounter he speaks on the insurgency in the North East and the abducted girls.

W

hat is your view about the proposed extension of emergency rule

by GEJ in the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe?

There was emergency rule in Bornu State but the Boko Harram sect came and abducted these innocent girls, passed through the road where there were supposed to be road blocks without any hindrance. Our borders are suppose to be guarded by customs, police, including soldiers. nobody saw anything and these people went free. So what is the essence of the state of emergency or is the government aiding the scourge of insurgency?

Don•ft be surprised that

many officials and politicians are making serious money out of the insurgency and would not like the situation to come to an end. When Admiral Nyako and Gov Shettima raised alarm over the situation in their States, they were called names.Are they not vindicated now?

You would recall when the insurgency started, Nigerians pleaded with Jonathan to hold dialogue with Boko Harram and consider amnesty as Yar’Adua did to Niger Delta Militants, but he said he wouldn’t dialogue with ghosts, tormenting the country. Now the nation is in trouble and where do we go from here?

What do you say of the video of those girls released by the BokoHaram sect leader?

The law says that it is

better to release an accused person than to punish an innocent person. These girls were held because these people want to have their men in police custody released. Under normal circumstances it is not right because they committed so many crimes against humanity. They killed and maimed people, burnt houses. So it is not proper to release them. But in a situation like this, the aim of

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BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

the government is to save these innocent girls. They should negotiate with the sect. The United States and Great Britain as professional as they are in containing terrorism had done the same in one way or the other in the past swapping prisoners.

But in the case of these girls.

They are not criminals. They are just innocent people who were just taken from their parents. If the government says they want

Nigerians have no concrete evidence about neighbouring countries harbouring Boko Haram. If our borders were well secured, this issue would not come up

to use the military force to rescue these girls forcefully they may get them killed by the sect.

Do you buy the idea of the Federal Government negotiating with Boko Haram sect based on this threat?

For the sake of the girls, I absolutely agree with that school of thought that the Federal Government should negotiate with the sect.

But don’t you foresee another attack if the Federal Government succumbs to these terms?

If the Federal Government refuses to negotiate with this sect, then how do they plan to release these girls? If there is any other option the federal government has to rescue these girls without hurting them let them apply it. If they use force, it may cost these girls their lives.

How best can insurgency be curtailed?

If these girl were not abducted, I would have suggested that the best way was to sacrifice everything by going into their base and wipe them out but since these innocent girls are involved force may not work.

But since the International community is now involved do you think releasing jailed Boko Haram members is the best solution?

Let us wait to see the intelligence countries like the United State and Britain will bring on deck .

Eminent Nigerians are of the view that neighboring countries are the ones harboring this insurgent group?

Nigerians have no concrete evidence about neighbouring countries harbouring Boko Haram. If our borders were well secured, this issue would not come up.

Is it proper to link this insurgent group with foreign elements?

We have observed that countries where Americans interferred in like Afghanistan , Iraq and even Libya, they still suffer crises till today because they are oil rich States. If we allow America to interfere in our matters, something similar may happen to us. If you recall vividly, they predicted come 2015 that Nigeria will disintegrate. Their coming into this matter may cause more confusion because they are most times interested in crude oil.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014—15

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he whole world focused on Nigeria last week. It started with the sudden realisation— as if woken from a deep slumber— that the over two hundred girls abducted had not been traced, let alone rescued, and ended with the World’s Economic Forum where the potentials of Nigeria— and Africa were highlighted. In between were the demonstrations that gathered momentum and enlisted high profile Nigerian and international personalities. In between were the offers of help from the usual countries— U.S.A, U.K, France and Canada and even some unusual ones— China and Israel. In between were the security challenges of hosting the Forum itself when barely a week earlier, Nyaya, a suburb in Abuja, had been bombed, the second time in as many weeks. In between was the sudden but almost complete shut down of social and economic activities in the nation’s capital for a whole week! — an indication of the 19th century type of security we are still practicing.

A

BBC correspondent described the media attention between the economic forum and the abducted girls as 50/50. Our President, elated that over 13 Heads of government, and many international business men defiled the security challenges to make their presence felt, declared the week an unqualified success. But he knew, just as we all knew, that the spectre of the 230 abducted girls would not go away, because he made allusions to the girls— after two weeks of nothing—during his international press conference on the economic forum. Our President seemed so upbeat by the offers of assistance especially from the U.S and U.K that he proclaimed, almost from the proverbial roof top, that the offers marked the beginning of the end of Boko Haram.

The relief on his face and in his body language was palpable. But it was a relief that any self respecting leader should have tried to mask for a couple of reasons. You are opening up your security books for foreigners to scrutinise and possibly exploit because they will in the end, know more than you want them to know about your internal security. You are also admitting the tardiness and ineptitude of your military and security institutions. Also, by admitting that you are unable to contain the insurgency on your own, you are inadvertently conceding to those who say the insurgents are better armed and better motivated than our men. Finally, and the most worrisome point, is that you are allowing foreign powers to set up bases on your soil. So, invite them if you must but don’t preen about it as every invitation has its repercussions.

But I do agree that the events of last week could mark a turning point, or as the president put it, the beginning of the end in certain areas of our

nationhood. It might include, but might not be limited to the area the President had in mind.

To start with, the events of the week have exposed the rot in the system for the world to see. More will be exposed as the world continues to beam its search light on Nigeria. Moreover, the advocacy groups that sprang up and mobilised eminent people are not likely to go away quietly once the girls are recovered. They will mobilise again in one form or another, to address the fundamental flaws in the system. Some were highlighted by the New York Post when it criticised the lack of leadership in the country and described as ‘stunningly callous’, the attitude of our First Lady towards the abducted girls.

It also commented on the ‘deep corruption’ in the country.

To win the battle— and the war— against insurgency, issues of leadership, poverty, social inequality and corruption will have to be addressed. The advocacy groups know that now. Secondly, the noises that came out of the economic forum were good to the ears. Although many of the things that came out were not unknown to us, it was still good to hear the assurances of experts regarding our potentials and capacity to explode economically. That they defiled the security odds to come to Nigeria at that particular time shows that commerce always knows where good money is. Many, from the sound bytes, are willing to invest in the potentials which abound in almost every sector of the country.

This could be a turning point— or the beginning of the end— to economic stagnation and unemployment in the country. But there is a caveat; the educational sector according to the forum, has to be improved upon. The Forum was also worried about the security challenges and the cost of doing business in our dear country.

In other words, our infrastructure, attitude to work and the ever recurring issue of corruption will have to be addressed if we truly desire the economic take-off that is due us.

It seems to me that the President wants a quick end to insurgency without addressing the root causes of the insurgency. He wants a rapid transformation of the country without addressing corruption, rule of law and the need for inclusive governance. He wants a large, burgeoning middle class; he wants a responsive civil service but he is unwilling or unable to do away with the way we have been doing business. It is like a man who loves omelette but hates to break eggs.

Yes, the events of the past week can mark the beginning of the end of our irresponsible past if someone courageous can seize leadership and turn the ship of state into the right waters. That person can be the President himself. It can be the advocacy group. Or it can be an entirely new group. Most of us long for a new beginning; something tells me it is not that far away any more.

,

You are opening up your security books for foreigners to scrutinise and possibly exploit because they will in the end, know more than you want them

C M Y K

,

No situation is hopeless with God T

his message will strengthen you and devil has said; what the doctors have encourage you to continue living for said, what your bankers or creditors have God, no matter the challenges you face said. God is in the business of turning or are facing in life. You don’t need to things around and He will surely turn it give up, rather you need to rise up and around for you. Remember, He is the begin to shine. This is because the word Almighty God. Everything bows before of God for your shining is already settled His presence. Your own case will surely in heaven and has come to establish you bow before Him. here on earth.

Genesis 1:1-3 says, No situation is hopeless with God. Your In the beginning God created the case therefore is not a hopeless case. No heaven and the earth and the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was matter how difficult it may have been, or how far you upon the face of the deep have travelled or gone with and the spirit of God it, it has a final bus stop, it moved upon the face of When a has an answer, and it has a the waters. And God said, permanent solution. The let there be light. situation looks reason why your case seems This means that impossible, hopeless is because you have somewhere in the been trying hard to do it by turn it over to beginning the condition yourself. When a situation of the earth was hopeless; God, He is the looks impossible, turn it over it was without form, it was specialist in to God. He is the specialist void. It was so bad that in handling impossibilities. there was nothing to work handling The Bible says categorically with. To make matters impossibilities that what is impossible with worse, there was men is possible with God. darkness over the entire God begins where your place. strength ends and when God You and I know very starts a matter; He always completes it. well that with darkness, success and With God, there is no abandon project. breakthrough would be farfetched. But Remember what Jesus said to His God was not moved by the situation. disciples; “my meat is to do the will of Rather, He moved the situation from Him that sent me and to finish His work”. being formless, from being void and from So you see, God never starts a job being dark to light and fruitfulness. Hear without finishing it. He told Eli through me and hear me very well: Key into the Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:12 that once He word of the Lord and everything in your began, He would also make an utter end. life that is null, void and formless will He does not begin a thing and ends receive shape and form, and every halfway. In fact, I want you to know that darkness will receive the light of God. God has seen your end and that is why Just as the Lord moved away He keeps you alive to continue in life. formlessness and darkness by He has seen your good and glorious end commanding light to shine, even so will (Jeremiah 29:11).

He by His word remove every darkness In the name of Jesus, I prophesy into from your life, your family, your business your life that you will overcome your and your ministry in Jesus name. problems and your enemies. From today I dare to declare to you that your case that miracle job, that wife, that financial is not hopeless. There is still hope for breakthrough that you have so earnestly you in Christ. You can still make it to the desired will come to you. Your failures in top. That family or ancestral curse cannot the past will turn to favor and success this stop you anymore; it cannot continue to season, in Jesus name. You will never operate in your life. I curse it and break it remain the same way you have been in Jesus name. Now arise and begin to because your change has come. Receive shine in Jesus name. Your season to be it now in Jesus mighty name, Amen! established has come. Move forward in With God, it does not matter what the the power and might of His name. There is victory for you right now.

Receive it in Jesus , Amen. God bless you, bless our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan.

You can only find the way to God’s solution for the situation by first accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you have not already done so. Pray this simple prayer. Father, you said that whosoever shall call on the name of Jesus, shall be saved.

I call on the name Jesus. Please forgive my sin and cleanse me from every form of unrighteousness. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for saving me and giving me the gift of eternal life.

I praise you and give you all the glory.

,

The beginning of the end?

,

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

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

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

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA.

D

zEgbu road

Owerri turns filthy as residents raise epidemic alert they have been forced to live with the decomposing refuse for more two weeks.

“Officials of ENTRACO have refused to do anything about the refuse for over two weeks. The stench oozing out from the refuse has impaired our health but nobody seems to care”, one of the traders who simply identified himself as Emeka said.

,,

uring the Second Republic, when visionary Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe was Governor of Imo State, he set up a beautiful refuse disposal strategy. Until he was sacked by political adventurists in military garb, Imo remained a reference point on how to keep the environment clean.

Subsequent civilian administrations, except the Ikedi Ohakim government, merely scratched the huge problem at the periphery. Ohakim tagged his serious pursuit of environmental cleanliness, “Clean and Green Initiative”.

He pursued this programme as if his entire life depended on it. Again, through an Act of Parliament, Ohakim established the Environmental Transformation Commission, ENTRACO. Chief Willy Amadi headed and did a good job on the assignment.

All cities in the state became very clean and Ohakim’s administration received several accolades for this singular feat. People openly told whoever cared that if Ohakim had faults in other areas of governance, nobody could fault him in environmental cleanliness.

This achievement has become history since the downturn of events in the 2011 gubernatorial election in the state, which hoisted Chief Rochas Okorocha.

The personnel, including the female street sweepers hired by the Ohakim administration, were fired! A new crop of incompetent people were charged to take care of the environment. The monthly clean-up exercise was inexplicably stopped by Okorocha. So, for nearly four years, government has not ordered any clean-up of the environment.

What has been happening is that each time the environment gets messy, Owerri youths order their tenants to close shop and clean the environment.

In a bid to show their anger about the poor sanitary condition of the municipality, they drop the rubbish on the roads. This blocks free flow of vehicular traffic. In all cases, the refuse would remain there for days and weeks before it was evacuated.

Today, Owerri, Imo State capital and some of the adjoining communities now stink, following the inability or refusal of the government’s waste management agency to clean the environment.

Saturday Vanguard who went round the city yesterday, observed that as at the time of filing this report, heaps of refuse had taken over Mbaise Road, Douglas Road, Chukwuma Nwaoha Road, Aladinma Housing Estate, the municipal markets and many other streets within the municipality.

The story was also the same in World Bank Housing Estate, Akwakuma, Amakohia, Egbu, Naze, Nekede and some other adjoining communities.

It was also observed that faced with this ugly scenario some ENTRACO workers resorted to burning the mountains of refuse instead of carting the smelly heaps away. The resultant pollution chokes residents Some motor spare parts dealers along Mbaise Road, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the issue, lamented that

Today, Owerri, Imo State capital and some of the adjoining communities now stink, following the inability or refusal of the government’s waste management agency to clean the environment When Saturday Vanguard visited Afor Egbu Market area, it was noticed that aggrieved villagers had resorted to self help in their bid to save themselves from possible epidemic. Their effort has not achieved the desired aim as people still dump their wastes at the site.

“We decided to buy some corrugated iron sheets to cover the dump site. This will prevent people from dumping refuse in the place, especially now that ENTRACO has refused to clear the refuse”, Mr. Njoku said.

He recalled that, “each time it rained, flood usually moved the

wastes into people’s living rooms”.

A columnist in one of the local tabloid, Immaculate Amadi, described the situation in Owerri as “Dining and wining on refuse”.

He said: “A trip round Owerri metropolis would assault one’s eyesight with heaps of refuse dotted everywhere as if refuse is an item of beauty. The government of the day should not give the impression that the dirty profile of the state is the nature of the pilots of this administration. No amount of money spent genuinely on clearing the capital city is a waste when compared to its attendant benefits. Policies of the previous administration should not be sacrificed on the altar of political hatred”.

Reacting to the growing filthy situation of the major cities in the state, a medical practitioner, Dr. Goderick Anosike, warned that it was capable of igniting epidemic of unimaginable proportion.

“A dirty environment can breed all manner of sicknesses.

Those who said that cleanliness is next to Godliness were not mistaken. Those who maintain that health is wealth are equally correct. A clean environment will save the citizenry from a lot of medical distress”, Anosike said.

The fiery medical practitioner further warned that “except the

zAfor Egbu market

zAladinma

zMadona model schools government and people of Imo State take the issue of environmental cleanliness seriously, we would be courting epidemic in grand style”.

Efforts made to reach the General Manager of ENTRACO failed as he was severally said to be out of the office “on official assignments”.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014—17

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18—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

P.R.E David Kosowei Etete a.k.a P.R.E is a rising music star who wants to take the Nigerian music scene by storm. The Bayelsa State born singer talks about his foray into music as well as his intention to reflect his root in his music.

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

I

’m planning to release my new single soon. I went through a processof rebranding. This is my first work since then. I have been in the industry for over five years now. I was with a musical group before we broke up after two years. Later, I disappeared from the scene and bounced back after a year to begin my solo career. Actually, I started recording my songs while I was sojourning in London. The first time MI performed in London, I was the one that opened the stage for him. I also met a lot of artistes in London.

Even though I had my childhood in Nigeria, I spent some time in London. My mother was half-British I moved to London when I was 9 years, to continue my education. But one thing about my childhood was that I saw the two sides of the spectrum. I was born in Surulere, while I spent the first seven years of my life in FESTAC where I had my early education. I later moved to the Lagos island. I have a very strict parents. But my childhood was full of memories. I could recall that I started listening to music while I was in form six. There was a song that came out then. When I heard the song, I developed the passion to go into music. I immediately knew I wanted to become a performer. But my passion for music developed while I was in secondary school.

That was when I knew I wanted to go into music. I am based here, but most times, I am either in the United Kingdom or in America recording my songs. The first time, I performed on stage, I was very nervous. I didn’t know how the audience would react to my performance; whether they would

C M Y K

appreciate it or not. At a point, I didn’t have a recorded song. Most times, I would perform some of my unrecorded songs, such that nobody could identify with the songs. It was a terrible experience for me.

Talking about the Nigerian music scene, I would say that I am impressed with the way the industry is growing. A few years ago, if you were a musician in Nigeria, you would be considered a failure. But today, the perception has changed.

Artistes are doing well and people are applauding them. I’m happy that we are being recognised at the international level. Emerging music stars are steadily reaping the rewards of their creativity. I just returned from the United States, and they are applauding our music there.

We have the likes of 2face, Davido and Flavour’s songs being played in the clubs in New York. That’s a big breakthrough for the Nigerian music industry. I think I know I have what it takes to hold my own in the industry. I was born to be a musician. This what I do for a living, and this is who I am. I like to call my kind of music, Afro-hip hop and RnB with reggae infusion.

Memorable outing: I have done quite a number of shows.I per-

I’m happy that we are being recognised at the international level. Emerging music stars are steadily reaping the rewards of their creativity formed at Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria,MBGN, grand finale about two years ago. I also performed at the Calabar carnival, Rhythm Unplugged among other shows. I performed at Burna Boy’s show in Port-Harcourt. I have had international exposure. So, I know how to blend a foreign stuff with that of a local stuff to make it appealing to Nigerian music lovers. I am definitely introducing my own kind of flavour into the industry. Yes, I have actually worked with 2face as well as Burna Boy. I have also worked with Dami Krane. I have done other collaborations. I did something recently with Phyno. On my outlook, this is my signature. Even if I am singing soul music, I will still dress the way I am. I

STAYING IN

W

hen it’s freezing outside there could be plenty of fun inside.

Just pick some instruments and play something as it pleases you or watch some films. You can devise your own drinking game based on the film you’re watching.

have carried my dreadlocks for about three and half years now. I’m not tried of carrying them, and I don’t think I would be tired in the next five years.

My stage craft is something I have been working on for a while now. I attended a training in the UK where I learnt my stagecraft. I leanrt the art of moving around on stage; working with my choregraphers, my band and at the same time, holding on to my audience. However, if I werent doing music, I probably would have gone into acting. I will still delve into acting in future.

I like to portray other people’s character. I have always said to myself that regardless of my exposure, I’m going to stay true to my roots. So, in my music, I always try to put some Ijo, Bayesla State influences in it so that my people can relate with it.

GOING OUT

W

hen you are so bored at home

and you feel like hanging out, you may consider going for shopping.

There, you can meet people who could spice your day up.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 19

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20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

08111813050

Nigeria’s female superstars who are making it big!

By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

Believe it or not, their passion has not only brought them fame and accolades, but importantly, it has also brought them riches. Meet the top female Nigerian singers who are having their glorious time with combination of their talents, beauty, voice and high level rocking performances.

ASA When it comes to the field of music, Asa is an amazing personality. She's a Nigerian-French singer,songwriter and recording artist who is blessed with a rare talent. Over the years, Asa has proved herself to be an entertaining figure for her fans across the world consistently by producing worthy and admirable tracks. A brand ambassador of Guarantee Trust Bank; she is one of the most sought after female musicians within and outside the shores of Nigeria. She won the prestigious French Costantin award in 2008 as “Best Fresh Talent” as well as the "Female Artist of the Year" at the French Music Awards.

Asa who has always given something new to her fans charges between N10 million and N15million per show. Recently, she was invited for a presentation in Calabar, Cross River State capital, where she was paid about N20 million for the deal. Today, she lives in France and has an all white band.

She has been one of the leading female singers with more than 100 million copies of her albums sold worldwide. She performs regularly in France and other European countries. Asa is not a flamboyant dresser, but her outfilts are cool and very expensive. With a humble beginning, Asa ranks among the most successful female singers in Nigeria who are living large.

•Omawumi’s car

OMAWUMI

O

mawumi rose to prominence as a con testant on Idol West Africa Reality TV show. With her strong voice and out-going personality, she was voted the 1st runner-up of the competition when it ended in May, 2007. Since then, she has had numerous performances on the stage with musicians such as P-Square, 2face Idibia, D' banj, Banky W, M.I, Sasha, 9ice, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Carl Thomas, Angie Stone and Donell Jones among others. Today, she is arguably one of the highest paid musicians. She has earned too much that makes her secure top position in the list of richest female singers in Nigeria. She won the Hip-Pop World Next Rated award after the Nigerian Idol; which came with 2009 model of Kia Optima car. She was subsequently paid about N25 million by GLO for brand endorsement deal, and she is today the face of Mortein, where she participated in the malaria campaign across Africa.

Owing to her endorsement deal with Guinness, Omawumi could not feature in this year's Nigeria Breweries sponsored Star Trek. She signed a multi-million naira deal with Guinness as a face of Malta Guinness, Africa. She was unveiled recently as Konga.com ambassador. Omawumi is also a part of the Rise With The Energy of Africa and Project Alert Society.

The single mother of one recently completed and moved into her Lekki

mansion that took her a whooping sum of N100 million to complete. Those who are close to her hinted that Omawumi charges between N5 million and N10 million depending on the show and she's booked for shows virtually every weekend.

She charged about N500,000 per seat at her last year's musical concert. She was among the 19 African artistes invited for one.org agricultural campaign called Do Agric, It Pays, with one of the continent’s biggest musical collaborations ever, titled "Cocoa Na Chocolate." Among her numerous cars include the 2012 ML 350 Mercedes worth about N12.5 million and a brand new Gold Mercedes Benz 450GL SUV, a 7 seater family car.

TIWA SAVAGE

D

espite being in the music business for some years now, it's only in recent times that Tiwa Savage has achieved commercial success, hitting the big time on the back of her debut single " Kele Kele Love" and now her collabo with Don Jazzy, " Eminado." Joining Don Jazzy's Mavin Records in 2012, after the label she co-owns teamed up with the executive producer marked the beginning of her success story in the industry.

Interestingly, Savage became the first African female artist to be associated with the Pepsi brand after signing an endorsement deal with the company. She also signed an endorsement deals with MTN Nigeria, said to worth N30 million, Forte Oil,and Maggi.

Savage who recently got married to her manager, TJ Billz reportedly spent millions of naira organising her wedding in Dubai.

Aside the 2014 Prado Jeep which she got as a wedding gift from Don Jazzy, she also paints the town red with her brand new Volkswagen EOS -US convertble, 2011 model and white Roll Royce.

Tiwa Savage

•Tiwa Savage second car

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 21

T

SEYI SHAY R

elatively new in the Nigerian music scene but not many could accomplish what Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua otherwise known as Seyi Shay has done for herself and the music industry since her entry two years ago. One cannot also argue with the fact that this talented rap artiste is one of the most exciting artistes in the country today.Born and raised in the UK, the thoroughbred singer, songwriter, producer and entertainer, Shay who started off in 2006 as the lead singer of the British Pop/RnB girl group, ‘Boadicea’ and ‘From Above’ The graduate of Bussiness Mangement from the University of East, London has collaborated with the likes of Sound Sultan, Olamide, Timaya among others in churning out scintillating songs.

Though simple, she is living out her dream and is currently one of the few female artistes making a statement in the music industry.

TY BELLO

S

imply known as TY Bello, the name is synonymous with excellence and quality. Her dark eyes, raspy alto voice and her big hair are unmistakable. Right from when she was a member of the defunct but celebrated urban gospel group, Kush, she has always distinguished herself. She further proved her creativity when she went solo and dazzled Nigerians with her solo album-Green Land.

TY spared no expense with Green Land.

Each song contained in the album is the uninhibited expression of an artist in an otherwise inhibiting environment. From love, to family to nation, TY bore her soul in words that are bound to capture the hearts of all who listen.

Apart from music, TY is also an internationally acclaimed portrait photographer. She covers high profile events for individuals, groups, corporate bodies, among others. Her clients include, the Nigerian First Family, top government officials as well as multinationals and others. Of course, she charges millions for her services. She also has one of the most sophisticated studios anywhere in the world. She has also graced countless covers of magazines. Her current album, ‘The Future’ is currently enjoying rave reviews across the country and beyond.

WAJE

wo-time Headies winner, Waje is known for her golden voice. As one of Globacom’s ambassadors, she is living out her dreams.Those in the know once hinted that apart from endorsements, “So Inspired” singer charges between N2 million and N3 million for shows and regularly performs within and outside the shores of the country. She's not only a singer, but also, a tremendous actress. Last year, Waje debuted in Nollywood where she was paid hugely to star in the movie titled, ‘Tunnel", starring alongside notable actors including Nse-Ikpe Etim, Patrick Doyle and Femi Jacobs.

Waje's garage is adorned with such cars as a brand new navy blue Honda (CRV) SUV among others. She is a freak with shoes, bags and jewlries. In an interview, Waje was quoted as saying that she was already having “orgasm with so many shoes and bags”.

•Waje’s car

Chindinma C

hidinma is young, attractive and a talented singer. She's one of Nigeria's most "wellliked" female singers. The petite beauty rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN's Project Fame West Africa in 2010. After releasing the music video for her "Emi Ni Baller' single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base official Naija top 10 chart.

Chidinma also released her first single "Jankoliko" featuring Sound Sultan. She made history at the 2012 KORAA awards when she emerged the Best female West African act" Chidinma reportedly charges between N2 million and N5 million per show, and those who are close to her say that she's regularly going for shows.

Recently, she stormed the UK with Ill Bliss and Clanrence Peters to shoot her multi-million naira video. Since Chidinma began her career, she has never r looked back as she's living a luxurious life. Her size, however, has never hindedher from making fashion statements at social gatherings.

•Chidinma

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Chidinma lands N5M MTN deal

Phyno reacts on gay taunts

By IYABO AINA

F

ast rising rapper, Phyno, may not be in the best of moods now. He needs not be, afterall the net is abuzz with speculations that the Enugu-born rapper is gay.

It all started with a photo on instagram showing him in a compromising pose with another man.

The photo was meant to suggest that Phyno was kissing the other guy who is yet to be identified.

However, Phyno has also chosen the online platform to address his perceived detractors. On his instagram page Phyno could only have this answer to those peddling the rumour : “Nice camera angle, paparazzi keep it up,” the rapper posted.

He further wrote, “I said it before it happened. On a normal day, I would have ignored this, but for the sake of my fans, let me address this. Like seriously, I am too straight for this.

“Na God go punish the photographer and the photoshopper, but for now, #BringBackOurGirls.”

Asa set to drop new album Bed of Stone

By KEHINDE AJOSE

M

ultiple award winning singer and guitarist, Bulola Elemide popularly known as Asa who has been silent for a while is set to release something from her stable titled, Bed Of Stone.

She shared a photo on her Instagram with caption “September 17, album showcase, #bedofstone”.

She finally disclosed that the album launch will hold at Lacigale in France on the 17th of September.

The story of Asa begins in Lagos, Nigeria where she found a home in her father’s extensive and eclectic collection of records from soul classics to traditional Nigerian music. She started singing at a young age, inspired by the sounds and messages of artistes such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey who served as touchstones when she later began crafting her own songs.

By IYABO AINA

T

op telecommunications company, MTN, has been splashing the cash in recent weeks, either to bring new music stars into their fold or renew old contracts of their brand ambassadors. The latest singer to have her contract renewed is the Kedike crooner, Chindinma Ekile.

Chidinma joins the likes of Don Jazzy and Wizkid who had their contracts renewed. The new entrants into the MTN brand family include Banky W, Timaya, Harrysong, D’Prince and Dr Sid. While it is still unclear what the deals are worth for others, a source revealed to Showtime that Chidinma’s contract was reviewed upward from N3M to N5M

P-Square bags Star beer deal

By IYABO AINA

I

t seems the split rumour about the musical duo, P-Square, has finally turned out to be a blessing to the musicians.

A reliable source has it that Paul and Peter Okoye of P-Square are now brand ambassadors of STAR beer.

Latest information indicate that Star brand was motivated to choose the duo to represent the brand based on their influence on youths and great musical accomplishements.

Although the announcement is yet to be made public by the compnay, it was gathered that the deal is worth several millions of dollars.

“It’s a good thing P-Square didn’t finally split,” says the source, “if they had split, surely this mouth-watering deal wouldn’t have come their way. I’m happy for them because Star is a well known brand all over the world. P-Square is also very popular and influential. So it’s a privilege to have both parties work together.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 23

*Tosin Pedro

*Cynthia Ezekiel

*Mimi Ubini

*Mercy Isop

Highest paid video vixens in Nigeria

By AYO ONIKOYI

V

ixens are supposed to be female foxes - bad-tempered female foxes.

But this collection of girls who make a living from dancing in musical videos are anything but female foxes.

They are beautiful, sexy, and probably endowed with enough skills to provide the audience with entertainment.

As often as they are seen, and as raunchy and passionate as they appear, they do not rank in the same category as the music stars for whom they dance, at least, not by their bank account balances.

Showtime investigations show that an average video vixen or music video model earns a paltry 20-50 thousand naira. Those that are on the upper scale of the trade might come off with about N100,000, after a scrappy haggling.

Still, there are those that rate higher, whose fees even run into millions. But those ones are not professional video vixens. They are established stars who have made names from other areas of entertainment. They are called guest stars, not video vixens as many think.

Some of these big stars are:

*CYNTHIA CINCI EZEKIELS:

S

he has done musical videos with virtually all the top artistes, both locally and internationally. She has worked with Brandy, Mario, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, Fat Joe, Tuface Idibia, D’banj, P-

square, J. Martins, Iyanya, Timaya, Terry G ,VIP of Ghana, Omawumi, May D, Samklef, Burna Boy, Olamide, and so many others. She was the luscious face in Tuface Idibia’s ‘Iheneme’. She rates between N50,000 and N100,000.

*MIMI UBINI

T

his is a top rated video vixen who has done everything from modelling to acting.

She now owns her blog, ‘Mimi Ubini Blog,’ fast becoming a reference point in entertainment blogging. Beautiful, with a forget-me-not eyes, she featured in Brymo’s ‘Ara’ and ‘Playboy’ by Playboy. She rates between N50,000 and N100,000.

*TOSIN PEDRO

S

he is sassy and classy. She is a wellknown video vixen locally and internationally. One will remember her enchanting presence in ‘Feel Alright’, a video

by Ice Prince featuring Davido. She rates between N50,000 and N100,000.

*BEVERLY OSU

T

his Big Brother Africa Housemate girl has been a video vixen long before she tried her hand in the Big Brother Africa. Liberated and free-spirited, we have all seen what Beverly can do. She was the vixen in Ice Prince’s ‘Oleku’. She rates just a little higher, between N50,000 and N120,000.

*CARPHEE AZEEZ

C

arphee has a beauty that oozes sexiness that could get a priest in a twist. Lively and luxuriantly effervescent, Carphee dazzled

*Beverly Osu

in Durella’s ‘Club Rock’. She rates between N50,000 and N80,000.

*LOVETTE SHADE AWODE

L

ovette is beautiful, chic and sophisticated. One of her prominent videos include Wande Coal’s ‘Bumber to Bumber ’, and Duncan Mighty’s ‘Obianuju and Adanma’ video. She rates between N50,000 and N80,000.

*VEEZEE BAYBEY

H

er name is Venita Akpofure, also known as Veezee Baybey. She brought her beauty and style to bare in Skales’ Mukulu video, IceBerg Slim’s ‘Too Much money’, Hakeen da Dream’s ‘Scoobi Doo.’ She charges between N50,000 and N80,000.

*MERCY ISOP

M

ercy Isop is a pretty face that has brought her knock-out effect on many videos. She is a face that could simply lure any man to watch a video. She was the face of love in Olamide’s ‘Stupid Love.’ Her fee is between N40,000 and N80,000.

*SOBOLA ANTHONIA:

S

exy and endowed Anthonia has done a number of videos. One of her most prominent ones are Artquake’s ‘Oti ganpa.’

She rates between N40,000 and N80,000.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014

08111813022

More troubles as Ibinabo fires back at Clarion Chukwurah

‘You are spreading falsehood’ T

he ongoing feud between Clarion Chukwurah and the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Ms Ibinabo Fiberesima has deepened with Ibinabo firing back at Clarion, accusing her of spreading falsehood, deceit, and not properly informed in respect of the achievements recorded by her administration in the past nineteen months.

Clarion Chukwurah recently expressed her disappointment over the performance of the leadership of the actors’ body, as she accused its President of using the guild to pursue her personal interest. But reacting to the allegation in a three-page open letter which she wrote to her, Ibinabo frowned at Chukwurah’s allegation. She accused her of spreading falsehood to achieve her “inordinate ambition to become the next president of the Guild.”

The letter reads in part: “I didn’t ask Mr. President for ‘a political appointment’ as you have been mouthing. I thanked Mr. President for the few consideration he has made in appointing some practitioners into key government positions and requested for more of such appointments in line with our expressed desire to have more of our creative people in government and in politics so we can have people that will influence legislation for the betterment of the industry.

“Well it may interest you to note that the appointment was in my personal capacity and it is a part-time appointment as we are only expected to sit four times in a year, maximum. “However, It was only a coincidence that the appointment was announced days after the visit to the Villa.

But I had been intimated long before the inauguration of the board that I have been nominated to serve on the board of one of the agencies in the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism. If the other artistes that have been appointed on merit into part time positions have not stopped acting as it were, why should I resign?

AGN is governed by a constitution and not by the words of mouth fashioned to destroy a constituted authority.

“I was away on a short vacation when my attention was drawn to two publications (one an open letter and the other an interview) credited to your very respected self, where you cast a lot of aspersions on myself and where you resorted, because of your inordinate ambition to become president of the guild, to feeding the general public with deceit and falsehood.

“Ordinarily I would not have replied you openly, because I personally do not join issues with my colleagues - whether junior or senior, on the pages of the

Clarion Chukwurah

Ibinabo papers or social media. Besides, as president, I should be seen to be uniting members and not causing disaffection in the guild as your unfortunate outburst set out to do.

However, it is for the purposes of correcting the falsehood and erroneous impression that your very unfortunate and jaundiced views might create in the minds of members of the guild, stakeholders, and the public, that I

decided to write to you. I gleaned from your incoherent attacks that your grouse with me was that I didn’t ask President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for support on issue of legislation that, quoting you now ‘could bring all the screen actors in Nigeria under one single body so that an enabling environment could be put in place for casting agencies for jobs for actors.’ Your other grouse was that

Nnenna joins “Bring our Girls’ campaign

N

nenna, face of the Nnenna and Friends Brand, has joined the worldwide campaign for the safe return of the girls who were kidnapped on 15 April 2014 from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State in Nigeria.

The teenage girls, who number over 200 and were forcefully taken by armed gunmen during the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations period, are believed to be in terrified conditions.

Nnenna, well known as a Youth Ambassador with great passion for the well-being and uplifting of children everywhere, has lent her voice to the campaign by pleading with Nigerians across the country to join hands with the government at all levels in facilitating the safe rescue and return of the girls to their families and loved ones.

Nnenna’s campaign is currently Nnenna

I also asked for ‘a political appointment’ (did you say ‘a political appointment’) and a national secretariat in Abuja? You were also bellyaching because you said I led a delegation that didn’t include veterans. Thankfully, you commended me for succeeding, quoting you now, ‘in a very commendable field which is accessing an appointment to see Mr. President at a time like this when the president is engaged in all fronts.

AMAA 2014 gathers momentum

* KOK, Kenneth Okonkwo and Norbert Ajaegbu at last year’s AMAA

C

orporate Organisations in Nigeria led by Globacom telecommunication, Sterling Bank, MRS Oil & Gas, and First City Monument Bank, have thrown their weights behind the 10th anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy awards through sponsorship of the pan-Africa awards.

According to the Director of Administration of the awards organization, Mr. Tony Anih, other private businesses sponsoring the continental showbiz fiesta scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State include Skye bank, Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Dan Etete Foundation, Julius Berger, Skymit Autos, CCECC, BUA Group of companies, among others.

Speaking on the preparation for the awards, Mr. Anih said the organisers are working with the Bayelsa State government to make sure that the state hosts a very successful and glamorous event that will excite all and leave a very good memory in the minds of the guests who will converge at Yenagoa from 48 countries of the world.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014 — 25

08111813022

Chief Ugbomah(MON)

first person to raise alarm.

At the end of the day, his attrocities were exposed but the powers that be would not allow him to face the full wrath of the law as he was left off the hook.”

The film is part of series of events lined up to celebrate Ugbomah’s 50 years as an entertainer as well as his 73rd birthday anniversary.

The event will also witness the official presentation of his autobiography as well as a musical concert tagged “Niger Delta stars and their

Omotola, Mercy Johnson, others unite for Eddie Ugbomah ...as he celebrates 50 years as entertainer

C

hief Eddie Ugbomah, veteran film maker and Chairman, Board of Trustee of Association of Movie Producers (AMP) has set plans in motion to shoot his very last film, “Cover Up.” And already, a galaxy of A-list actresses are jostling to be part of cast of the movie.

Those who have already confirmed their readiness to star in the movie include Omotola JaladeEkeinde, Franca Brown, Ngozi Nwosu, Liz Benson, Mercy Johnson among others.

Ugbomah said the actresses willingly agreed to star in the big-

budget film without charging any fee as their own little way of saying “Thank You” to him, for the role he played in their careers. Disclosing further, Ugbomah said, the film which will be shot in Lekki, Ajegunle, Abuja and Asaba respectively will commence in the first week of June and ends after nine weeks.

“I am going to direct the film myself. It revolves around an influential Nigerian who committed a crime and happened to be the

friends.

Ahead of the historic event, Ugbomah met with the press during the week to intimate them in respect of the progress recorded so far. “I am still expecting my ‘Governor friends’ to throw their weights behind the celebration. The governors of Delta State, Lagos State and Edo State. I want them to celebrate me while I am still alive. I want to be celebrated now that I’m still alive and not when I’m dead and gone,” said the movie legend.

Plans to build film village in Asaba gets underway It is a welcome development for Nollywood as plans are currently on top gear to build a multi-million naira film village in the capital city of Asaba, Delta State.

Chief Eddie Ugommah dropped this hint during the week, saying that the film village which will be fashioned after Hollywood will be constructed by a United Statesbased Nigerian company, Califco Corp Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed project, which is expected to last for five years has already received the nod of the Delta State government.

The project commences before the end of the year.

Already, the state government has promised to make available a parcel of land for the project.

Disclosing further, Ugommah who is facilitating the project said, the investors were in Nigeria few months back and spent about 90 days in the country. “Initially, they were considering three states of Lagos, Abuja and Bayelsa. But when other states were not ready to welcome the idea, I

quickly approached Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who welcomed the idea with open arms.

Ugommah, however, said the investors, while in Nigeria, discovered that the country needs a film village that will meet the world standard. If we

Film makers on location

are talking of Film village, we are talking of hotels, guest houses, golf course, swimming pools, a holiday resort, and about six sound studios. The idea of building the film village is to make production cheap in Nigeria.

He said, Delta State governor has a strong desire to turn the state into a film city in Nigeria.

Ini Edo bags scholarship!

BY IYABO AINA

N

ollywood actress, Ini Edo is not returning to the classroom again.

The actress recently disclosed on her Instagram page that she has been offered a scholarship to study Law at the National Open University of Nigeria. “I have been offered scholarship to study law in the National Open University Of Nigeria. I just got my admission letter and I am excited.

It’s a dream come true... Awesome God,” she wrote. Ini Edo, a graduate of Theatre Arts of University of Calabar began her acting career about 14 years ago. She has featured in over 50 movies and still counting.

26— SARTURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

I’ve a guide victims– Uru

BY ABEL OSHEVIRE

B

ritish-born Nigerian actress, Uru Eke, after having left an IT career in the UK to pursue a career in Nollywood, has appeared in several movies including Last Flight to Abuja, Strive, The Return of Ogidi among others. Her venture into the movie industry has seen her earn movie award nominations. It is Eke’s passion for acting that she is using to fuel her passion for social reform through her foundation, Chime for Art Foundation. In this conversation, the very down-to-earth Eke, gives us some insight into her career, foundation and other things.

Y

ou were born in the UK before moving to Nigeria, and then back to the UK again and then back here. Any plans of relocating again?

Well, I shuttle. But I do spend a lot of time here and then go back, and chill out for a couple of months and then back here. I have still got my home in London, and I have got a home here as well, so I have to use both. I don’t know if I will go back to live in London, I probably might move to America, eventually.

You went from a career in the IT industry to a career in Nollywood, and it seems so far so good. Have you had any regrets about the profession change?

Actually, I have no regrets whatsoever. They are completely different career paths, completely different industries and they both have their perks. So far so good; there’s really nothing to regret at all.

So if you could do it over again, would you?

My job as an IT consultant is still open. My boss just recently got back from London, and he was still asking me if I could come back because he had a position for me, and it was very tempting. But I thought there is no way I could take six months or a year out of acting because I think it would disturb other things I am trying to sort out.

You were nominated for the Best of Nollywood awards for Best Upcoming Actress in 2011. Would you say that has been the highlight of your career, or is there something else that tops that?

No, it wasn’t necessarily the highlight. It was nice to be nominated. I have been nominated at the Golden Icons Awards; I was nominated last year, and that one felt nice as well. I don’t think I have had a highlight as at now.

My highlight is yet to come.

You appeared in some movies like Finding Love, Dark Side, Weekend Getaway and Last Flight to Abuja.

Which of these movies was your best ; which did you enjoy the most?

They were all very nice; they all had their peculiar experiences. I was working with different people and I wouldn’t say there is a best one. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They all did well. Finding Love isn’t out yet; I hope it does well. But they were all fabulous experiences.

You said Finding Love is not out yet, so is that what you are currently working on at the moment or is there something else?

Finding Love is not in the cinemas or on DVD yet, but that is not what I am working on now. I have a foundation called Chime for Art Foundation. The premise of that is to produce advocacy films and social message based films, and it is going to cover various subjects from rape to domestic violence to child abuse and corruption. I know people like to see glamour; they like to see glare and all of that, but it is really important that

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 27

W

hen people fall sick, they go to the hospital to get better because hospitals are meant to make sick people get well. But your hospital can just as well make you become unwell. These days, hospital admission isn’t only costly and inconvenient, but potentially hazardous. Hospitals are gaining notoriety for spreading lethal infections and making sick people to become even sicker than they already are.

Medical records show that the risk of acquiring a deadly hospitalacquired infection is about 1 in 25 once you step inside a hospital premises. No cause for celebration.

Caution should be the word. Every patient or visitor must insist on basic, simple, hygienic measures such as hand washing and use of protective equipment.

Are you seeking elective surgery? Pray not to be booked for a Friday afternoon. Opting for surgery at night, the weekend, or holiday period can be equally ill advised. Records show that patients with critical issues are more likely to develop avoidable complications and even die in the night, on a Saturday, a Sunday or public holiday compared to those treated in the day time on weekdays. At those times, staffing tends to be lighter and getting lab results takes almost forever.

Reason: healthcare providers on-call are more easily distracted.

If you are admitted into hospital today, it would be in your interest to be “hospitalsmart”. With infection lurking everywhere in a hospital, every patient and potential patient needs to be fully aware of the risks. Do you have an allergy? Are you immune-compromised? You may have been routinely screened; but have you doublechecked with your doctor to ensure your personal risks have been adequately assessed and documented?

Don’t go it alone. It’s helpful to have a relative or friend with you to act as extra eyes and ears for you, keep track of your treatment and prevent errors that would otherwise go unnoticed.

A minute in the Emergency Room, 30 minutes in the Operating Room, one hour in the open ward or a day in the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, could be all that is required to make you come down with one or more of the potentially lethal in-hospital contagions that kill thousands of patients every year. Among the most common are bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and surgical site infection to mention a few.

•Hospitals are gaining notoriety for spreading lethal infections

Now, hospitals make people sick

•Every patient or visitor must insist on basic, simple, hygienic measures

People are literally becoming sick of hospital environments that are presenting as increasing safety risk made worse by the fast ending age of antibiotic efficacy. Antibiotic overuse and inappropriate use are creating the so-called “super bug crisis”. In fact, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are taking over, and unfortunately, hospital settings are among the most dangerous of places when it comes to contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection.

Who can forget the menace of one of the most dreaded hospital infections known as MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus, better known as MRSA? Who has not heard that the 18 most-dangerous pathogens identified as “urgent, serious and concerning threats” to humankind can be transmitted from the hospital setting? These pathogens are extremely resistant to immune response and some forms

Pray not to be booked for a Friday afternoon.

Opting for surgery at night, the weekend, or holiday period can be equally ill advised

are now exhibiting resistance to absolutely every known antibiotic in existence.

When visiting the hospital ward, or as an outpatient or inpatient, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of sanitary gel and dispenser handy If you’re not sure that the nurse— or the next person—has sterile hands, offer them your gel. While demanding clean hands from health care personnel may appear overbearing, it could be a life saver when it matters most.

Countless cases of acquired infections that could easily have been prevented regularly occur after checking into a hospital.

Ideally, it is expected that hospital rooms are cleaned and washed down between patients, but don’t take chances. Beware of frequently touched areas such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, water faucets and bed rails. All these have high probability of contamination with dangerous bacteria.

To stay safe from the typical hospital-bred pathogen, use a disposable tissue when handling hospital paraphernalia. Hospital smart individuals know it pays to check their hospital’s safety history as well as cross infection rates.

If you are going in for surgery, choose your hospital carefully and get the facts right.

You need to know how experienced your health practitioners are. Are they board certified? What is the hospital’s cross infection protection record? It doesn’t hurt to ask questions and demand answers.

28—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

By Sola Ogundipe, 08056180112, solazed@live.com

Lifeline

Glasses to glare E

yeglasses have transformed from mere visual enhancements into stylish fashion accessories. As technology advances so, too, do eyeglass lenses. Eyeglass lenses used to be made exclusively of glass. Today, most eyeglasses are made of lighter, thinner, more scratchresistant and efficient high-tech plastics. Here are practical considerations to consider when choosing eyewear.

When do you need new glasses?

Getting the newest lens technology starts with an eye test.

Have a test at least every two years — to be sure your glasses are the right prescription and to look for medical issues. An examination can find cataracts and glaucoma and signs of disease may be visible in, on, or around the eyes long before symptoms appear What type of glasses do you need?

The type of vision problem that you have determines the shape and type of the eyeglass lens. A cocave lens (curves inward) is used to correct nearsightedness, while a lens that is convex (curves outward) is used to correct farsightedness. To correct astigmatism, which is caused by distortions in the shape of the cornea, a cylinder shaped lens is frequently used. Simply put, the eyeglass lens is a tool to focus light appropriately onto your retina.

Bifocals You’re a candidate for multifocal lenses if you need different glasses to watch TV and to read. Bifocals have an area at the bottom for reading. The rest is for distance.

Trifocals add a middle zone for vision 18 to 24 inches away, handy for computers. Progressive lenses, or “no-line bifocals,” offer a gradual shift in strength — invisible to your younger co-workers.

•The eyeglass lens is a tool to focus light appropriately onto your retina

lens.

Have a test at least every two years — to be sure your glasses are the right prescription and to look for medical issues

Polycarbonate Impact-resistant and a good choice for people who regularly participate in sports, work in an environment in which their eyeglasses may be easily scratched or broken, and for children who may easily drop and scratch their eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses also provide ultraviolet protection.

polycarbonate lenses for some people.

Trivex Made from a newer plastic with similar characteristics of polycarbonate lenses; are lightweight, thin, and impactresistant and may result in better vision correction than the

High index plastic Designed for people who require strong prescriptions, these eyeglass lenses are lighter and thinner than the standard, thick “coke bottle” lenses that may otherwise be needed.

Aspheric These eyeglass lenses are unlike typical lenses, which are spherical in shape. Aspheric lenses are made up of differing degrees of curvature over its surface, which allows the lens to be thinner and flatter than other lenses. This also creates an eyeglass lens with a much larger usable portion than the standard

Photochromic Made from either glass or plastic, these eyeglasses change from clear to tinted when exposed to sunlight. This eliminates the need for prescription sunglasses. These eyeglass lenses may not darken in a car because the windshield could block the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Polarized Light reflected from water or a flat surface can cause unwanted glare. Polarized lenses reduce glare and are useful for sports and driving.

These lenses may cause the liquid crystal displays on the dashboard of cars to appear invisible.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—29

Mother & Child

When your baby’s about to walk

By CHIOMA OBINNA

A

untie, I am confused.

Chibuzo will be a year old in two days time,and he has refused to walk.My mother says we should take him to a traditional healer.In fact, I am tired. Two of my children began to walk at eight months. Why should his be different?

Children born the same period in my neighbourhood are walking.

Mama Ada, is that all? Yes. Does he roll around, crab walk, scoot or climb with his hands? Yes, she responded.

Then, you have no problem. If he is doing all of these, walking is not far off.

Most babies take their first steps around their first birthday, but the age ranges from nine to 18 months.

Don’t worry if your baby takes a few detours along the way. Some children never crawl— they go straight from standing to walking— and that’s perfectly normal. What is important at this stage is that your child is becoming mobile.

Walking is a major developmental leap for babies, and parents are often anxious about when it will happen.

Every baby learns to walk at his own pace, however, so just because your friend’s child is already toddling doesn’t mean yours should be, too.

However, it is also important to monitor your child’s progress. Is he doing more this month than last month? Is he getting a little bit more of his body off the ground? If so, you’ve got nothing to worry about. If by the end of his first year he doesn’t make any effort to get around somehow, talk to your doctor.

Encouraging walking It takes most babies about 1,000 hours of practice from the time they pull themselves upright to the time they can walk alone. From birth, the single most important requirement for walking is strong back muscles, which babies develop by lifting their heads while lying on their tummies.

So make sure yours gets plenty of tummy time while awake. Place interesting toys and objects just out of reach for motivation.

Walking basics From 4 -15 months, your baby goes from learning to sit up to walking around the house. During this exciting time you can help baby gain confidence steps through simple games and words of praise.

Sitting When baby starts sitting that are the first phase of gaining mobility.

Sitting will help your little one strengthen the muscles required for

standing.

4-7 months During play time, roll a ball back and forth or play stacking games to help her enhance her little muscles.

Crawling The most important thing for baby to do at the crawling stage is to practice moving arms and legs at the same time (even if he does a belly crawl or a scoot). He will need these skills when it comes time to walk.

7-10 months Help baby crawl from one side of the room to the other. Then give praise for the effort.

Once baby can stand Let baby walk in front of you while you hold baby’s hands. Periodically let go off one hand to enable balance. Or stand a few feet away from baby and cheer when baby is standing unaided. Offer lots of encouragement and praise.

Next Saturday: Making your home safe for baby’s first steps.

•Walking is a major developmental leap...

Food As Medicine

Eat your fruits, juice and vegetables W

e eat whole fruits and vegetables but when it comes to juicing, predominantly juice veggies. It is not advisable to juice fruits because when fruit is eaten whole, the fibre is eaten along with the fruit juice and it acts as a buffer helping to slowly introduce the sugar into the blood stream. Juicing can help meet the recommended daily allowance for fruits and vegetables.

The general rule is to juice your vegetables and eat your fruit.

Whole fruit, a better choice It is best to eat fruits in their “ whole” forms since juicing separates the fruit juice from the fruit pulp, which contains most of the fibre that may be beneficial for health. Juicing increases the glycemic index of the food since the fruit sugars are more readily available, so whole fruit is a better choice.Whole fruits are easier to digest than vegetables and a good source of fibre, as well as cleaning and revitalising the body. In general, whole fruits are easier and tastier to eat than whole vegetables.

High sugar High sugar in the blood can be

damaging to the organs and can actually damage the blood system itself. Pasteurized, processed fruit juices are not advisable because they are void of fibre and much of the nutritional content of the juice has been removed by processing. If you must buy bottled juice, try adding some fibre to it Juicing There is much to be said to include more fruits and

vegetables in diet, and juicing is a relatively easy way to do it. You can choose any vegetable juice, but all juices are created equal.

When most people buy a juicer they immediately start extracting juice from fruits. This is partly because of the conditioning to drinking fruit juice. Juice tastes good. However, but the best choice is this: eat your fruits and juice your vegetables!

Vegetable juice Vegetables are harder to digest when eaten together, they tend to be larger and decay more slowly than fruit does. When you juice your vegetables, your body absorbs nutrients available immediately.

Juicing dark green leafy, cruciferous vegetables and provide beta carotene, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help you achieve optimal health. Adding a fresh apple, carrot, ginger or lemon juice to taste bitter greens makes it very palatable and delicious.

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

Actresses hit markets for women

•Skales

T •Joke Silva

OP actresses are set to hit the stage in celebrat ing the potential of the Nigerian woman in a play tagged, ‘Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True’.

The show will run in two theatres and a popular market place in Lagos like, at the Muson Centre, the National Art Theatre and the very popular Mushin market. The likes of acclaimed actress Joke Silva, veteran Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett and Iretiola Doyle, amongst others, are bringing the everyday issues of the Naija woman to the front-burner.

Mrs. IfeomaFafunwa, the Director and Producer of the stage play, disclosed this information recently in Lagos. She noted that the show is an exhilarating art production that showcases true stories from 20 different Nigerian women. “ The aim, of this show is to highlight the relevant issues and unity of Nigerian women across all strata. That is the reason why the play is being staged in theaters as well as a market places,”.

She said

Wh e Whyy w we cant separat e separate — El-Phlex

U

P and coming duo, Ariyo Adeniyi Emmanuel and

Oluwa Seun Ariyo who go by the stage name, El-Phlex, has opened up on the

reasons why they cannot be sepearted. The sensational singers

whose hit single, Low Waist, has been every DJ’s favorite said that they cannot separate as they are not just friends but also brothers of the same parents.

The Ogun state born talented singers, who have been in the industry for 10 years now, said that they are going to drop their first album before the end of the year. “People talk about splitting but I don’t think anything can come between us.

I so much believe in the saying that blood is thicker than water, we are biological brothers from the same parents and we will always be together.

s e l a k S rd o c e r floats label!

BY IYABO AINA

F

AST rising star Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, a.k.a, Skales is now the newest record label CEO in town following the birth of OHK Music, his own record label.

According to the 23-year-old fashionable musician who graciously joins the lists of businessmen in the entertainment industry, OHK music will cater to music production, songwriting, music promotions, as well as music publishing for all acts signed to the label. To wrap it all , the hitmaker also released a new single titled “ Shake Body” produced by Jay Pizzle .

Speaking further Skales said that the track, “Shake Body” is a big dance track that is sure to find its way into the clubs in no time.

The celebrated musician started his journey in 2000 as a rapper and songwriter; since then he has collaborated with a long list of artists and producers.

Kaf fy se or dance concer A affy sett ffor concertt ‘Ijoda 9ja in US USA

BY IYABO AINA

A

S if conquering the world of dance in Nigeria and making the profession more desirable wasn’t enough, dancing queen, Kaffy has set up higher goals as she is set to take her dance workshop to New York soon.

The workshop which was open to dancers, fitness enthusiasts and good timers of all ages combined fitness and dancing as a way to free the mind, body and spirit. Recall Kaffy

recently held one in London last month where she said, “I’m not doing this because I’m trying to get my brand out there. Let me tell you something, I started dancing in a country at a time when no young person could go home and tell their parents that they wanted to take to dancing as a profession.

I’ve taken the cross for a lot of dancers; I’ve nailed myself to the cross for a lot of dancers. I’ve made some sacrifices. I’ve been called everything.

I’ve been called a prostitute. I studied civil engineering. I’m a maths freak.

My desire is to change the world.

I’m now applying what I learned into what I do right now, there is a lot of what I learned at school that applies right now.

I’m not saying education is anything to toy with but just learn to apply what you learn at school.

Don’t just go to school because of mummy and daddy. I took the challenge because I wanted to prove to my parents that anything you do in this world you can be somebody from it,” she said.

•kaffy

SARTURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 31

for rape

nice person. I don’t think how you talk makes a difference. It is only in Nigeria here that people have an issue with accents. They need to be a bit more open to people because we have a lot of foreigners here, so you need to be open to however people speak. I know that some Nigerians have an issue with people who have accents.

u Eke

It’s a bit strange that we would share the bill when you are taking me out on a date we talk about some of the things that are accepted as a people, and that is really what I am going to do. We do not talk about it enough. It is going to serve as a platform to expose some of the things that some people are going through and probably maybe help them seek the help from organisations and location centers around the country that are aided in assisting in such situations that not many of the victims are aware of.

For instance, like the subject of rape, when somebody is raped; where do they go to, who do they talk to? And you know rape is a very sensitive subject? Sometimes it is peculiar to the case because some people could argue that she brought it upon herself, but nobody ever wants to go out there and be raped. So I want to tell a story about that, and how the victims, despite the circumstances in which they became victims, how they can get help and move on. Some people who went through this ordeal have not fully recovered from what they went through; it is just maybe a guide. I don’t have all the answers, but I would like to say maybe this is one of them.

What kind of support have you been getting for the foundation?

So far I am in the process of getting a grant from a company who are very passionate about the subject. I am dealing with two subjects; I am going to be producing two films – one on rape and one on corruption, because both of them eat very deep into our country. I have got a lot of support from a lot of people who are close to me who share the same passion, who kind of buy into the vision and support the cause. I can’t talk about the sponsors until we actually go into production and then we launch the film.

How do you deal with the everyday pressures that come with being an actress?

I am probably one of the simplest people you would ever come across. I am not the most glamorous. I am not flashy, no craziness, and I am not controversial; there is no scandal or anything. I try and keep it simple, as simple as possible. I take the day as it comes. I try not to get upset about anything anymore.

If you could work with a Hollywood actor or actress, who would it be?

Leonardo DiCaprio. He is an amazing actor; he is a phenomenal actor. Who wouldn’t want to work with Leonardo? He is top-notch. He is one, and then Meryl Streep. I don’t even know who else to compare her with. She just stands alone; she’s amazing. Those two people without a shadow of doubt, you know dreams do come through; so you never know.

You have a British accent, and for you, would you say that draws people closer to you or distance them?

I think what will draw people to you is your personality. It doesn’t matter if you speak like Obama or the Queen, if you are horrible, you are horrible, and if you are a nice person, you are a

In Nigeria, when you go out on a date with a woman, you have to pay for the date.

With you growing up in the UK, that culture is quite different, you know you have women going out on dates and paying, is this something you would do or do you stick to the Nigerian culture?

I’m very traditional. In England, it’s slightly different because you go somewhere and sometimes share the bill; some people do that. There are still some English men that you would go out, and they would gladly foot the bill. I’m not saying I wouldn’t like to share the bill, but I just think it’s a bit strange that we would share the bill when you are taking me out on a date.

Would you kiss a guy on the first date?

It has never really happened, but I think it goes down to chemistry and how the two people get on. Maybe! I mean there’s no harm in that, absolutely no harm. I think it is just down to the two people.

Off the top of your head, what is the craziest thing you have ever done, that you feel like hands down, that was just crazy?

Go on a rollercoaster. It’s the worst thing you could ever do. Oh, my gosh! I went, everyone had their hands up, and I was holding onto the bar. I was holding on for dear life. I have only been on it once, and I don’t think I will ever go on a rollercoaster again. When I got off, I couldn’t walk straight, my hair was in a mess, water was dripping out of my eyes because I was screaming and then probably crying at the same time.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t be caught dead without?

My rings. I always have rings on because I just feel my fingers are bare. And I am a leggings lover. I have probably got like 30 pairs of leggings in different colours and patterns. Yes, so rings and leggings. It doesn’t matter where I am and how cold it is.

32— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

Customised

Suits that separate you from the crowd

I

n a world where most markets are saturated with substandard mass production of men’s wear, trendy men who cherish quality and style have decided to move ahead of the crowd to scout for innovative Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs of international acclaim.

Amongst various Nigerian fashion designers who have proven their worth in the fashion industry are: Peter Prance, Ohimai Atafo, Godwin Mekwuye and a host of others. Peter Prance is a fashion entrepreneur with a unique approach to his craft that has endeared his works to top-notch personalities and the celebs alike.

P.Prance Klodin is a promising fashion powerhouse that prides herself in the rendition of unique and amazing glamorous clothing. Having worked with celebrities like Steve Onu(Yaw), Sound Sultan, Tuface Idibia, Bunmi Davies, Wale Adebayo, Omotunde Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, and reinventing the brand, P.Prance Klodin is poised to change the face of the West African fashion landscape.

From his customized suits to his creatively made native attires, P.Prance Klodin has stepped up his game making sure his service to well cultured men remains exquisite.

Of Prancein r e t e P • e Klod Ppranc C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—33

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

M

adam Annkio Briggs is an environmental activist from the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. She is a federal government delegate and member, Committee on Devolution of Power in the ongoing national conference in Abuja. In this interview, she told Saturday Vanguard that Niger-Delta people will never accept a reduction from the current 13 percent derivation on oil resources, submitting that they are craving for more. Excerpts: How would you assess your committee works so far?

Our work is not easy because of the terms of reference, the type of work we have to do in our committee. It is where the real issues are: the fiscal federalism, resource ownership, derivation, sharing formula. These are the things that we are discussing. These are the things that the north talks about, the things that the south talks about. So, it is hectic.

It does appear that you have not really reached any agreement on any major issue?

Well, these are very controversial issues and the people sitting around the table discussing them are Nigerians but from different parts of Nigeria. We have different passions for the region that we come from and we want different things. The north thinks that the south south, for instance, is getting too much and of course, the south south thinks that we are not getting enough because we want 100 percent resource ownership. We want to take our resources back because the federal government took our resources from us. The 1999 constitution has seen to that where all the resources of gas and oil found in the Niger-Delta mainly is what this country is using to sustain itself though there are different resources: solid minerals and all that in other parts of Nigeria that are yet to be explored and exploited. So, we have discussed along those lines. We have called on the federal government on, for instance, the issue of item 39 in the constitution which refers to the minerals, oil and gas, solid and all that. Though we couldn’t get that item into the concurrent list, we have suggested and have agreed that the states that own the resources should be involved in the activities of the exploraNow, on the heels of these issues tion and the exploitation of those came the demand from the north resources that are in their states. That that there should be a reduction of means that in the not too distant the current 13 percent derivation future, when the other resources from to 5 percent. How do you take that? other parts of the country will begin to Well, that statement is in the document be exploited in the north and in so that circulated last week or so at the many other places, the states that own conference where the north has a docuthose resources will be involved in the ment for its delegates in the conference decisions that need to be made to and the map of Nigeria was on front of explore and exploit them. So, the states that document, the north is claiming to will have first choices. The states should own 80 percent land mass of Nigeria be involved, the states should be able to and the south west, south east and bring in partners that will partner with south south are in 20 percent of the them on their own share of the involveland mass. They also said northern ment to explore and exploit.For over 30 Nigeria is the back bone and strength of years going to 50, we didn’t have and Nigeria. When I looked at it, I laughed still don’t have those opportunities and and I said, if we produce 90 something yet we are fighting for other states that percent of the wealth of Nigeria and the will exploit their resources in the north will call itself the strength and future. That’s one aspect of it. Then we backbone of Nigeria, then we that are also went further to compel the federal producing 98 percent of what is government to create funds that they sustaining Nigeria, what should we call will use to explore and exploit. So, we ourselves? Therefore, that document haven’t just said that they should do that says between 0 to 5 percent is just something about exploring the resomething they have said. But it can sources in other states, we want to never be reduced from 13 percent.We commit them to do so. We want to are definitely going to expect more. compel the federal government to do so.

Don’t forget that we have demanded for Even though we have not been able to 100 percent resource ownership so that get item 39 out into the concurrent list, we can pay tax to the federal governI want to believe that when what we ment. I do not believe that we have have done goes to plenary, that people agreed to move away from that will see the sense in it and support it. position. Now, all of us even at plenary Then it will become law while we also have stated that we have been asked to hope that out of this conference, we will look for 100 percent resource ownership be able to get a new constitution. If we and pay tax to the federal government. do, then it will be written into the new So, I know that Niger-Delta people will constitution. But the important and never accept a reduction on the 13 critical thing is that the states should be percent. We all know too definitely that able to have access to their resources we will not accept the status quo to and have a right to explore them. Now, remain. We will not leave the confersome people have assumed; I have been ence agreeing to that. That is to say asked for instance that you people have that we will walk away with nothing reached consensus on resource control, less than 13 percent. And I think that but no, we not have reached consensus every reasonable person in Nigeria on resource control. whether you are from the north or

Niger-Delta ‘ll never accept reduction of 13 percent derivation

—Annkio Briggs

south also knows that we are not going to walk away from there with 13 percent. There must be an increase and that increase must be at a percentage that is going to be acceptable to the Niger-Delta people.

Before the conference began, there was a presidential order of no- go areas. In your own reckoning so far, would say that there are

So when you look at all of those things and you hear people say we are getting too much, my reaction is “leave the oil where it is. Leave the gas. Don’t explore so that we can have a chance to recover. Go and do something else. So, there is no no-go area as afar as I am concerned because we are not going there to break up Nigeria.

So, should we expect a new Nigeria after the conference?

That is the hope. But then, you really cannot predict what a new Nigeria would be until we go back to the plenary, until we know what we are willing to live with and what we are willing to live without.

As a mother, can you share your feelings on the abduction of Chibok girls who have been away for about three weeks now?

I have four children and by the grace of God, they have all, at some point, taken their WAEC exams. I know the ages of my children when they took their exams. They were like about 16 years.

But for people who may not have started school the age of 5 or something,

There must be an increase and that increase must be at a percentage that is going to be acceptable to the Niger-Delta people places the conference has not touched?

There is only one place that the president said should not take place at the conference. You can’t come in and say I want to break away from Nigeria.That is what we were told but apart from that, we are allowed to go into any direction, into any area that we want.

But then, that is not too much of a hardship because I genuinely believe that majority of Nigerians will not want Nigeria to break up. When people say that, it is out of frustration and anger. It is hitting your head against a brick wall in certain instances. Like when you look at the issue of resource ownership, when you look at the argument that the Niger-Delta people are getting too much and then if you compare the sacrifice that the NigerDelta region has made and is continuing to make, we don’t have any hope of being able to feed ourselves, to farm.

Our means of livelihood is been ripped away from us. The pollution we suffer, the degradation in the Niger-Delta is the worst seen anywhere in the world.

if you started school at the age of 8 or 10, maybe you are 18 or something like that. But whatever the age, if even it is 16, to me, I knew what my children looked like at the age of 16. Even at the age of 16, I couldn’t let them out of my sight without knowing where they were per time.

So, as a mother, I don’t think that any mother will do any less knowing that girls who were at that age of 15 and 16, while they were in bed, in their pajamas, night gowns, that men came in and began taking them away from about 9 pm. And this went down till about 3am. Of course, the parents will be highly traumatized. If you are looking for your child, if a child is dead, God forbids, at least, there is a finality about it. Then you can sit down and mourn that child in one spot. But if the child is missing, it is traumatic. I am in no way or position to say that these children were not taken as being speculated. So, I join everybody in saying that we want these children back in Nigeria from wherever they have been taken to.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

oseji16@yahoo.com 07032769933

United chasing Strootman Manchester United have already identified several top priority targets for the summer transfer plans of new manager Louis Van Gaal. One of the primary signings in his sights is believed to be Dutch midfielder and AS Roma star Kevin Strootman.

United are set to offer Roma £25 million in order to take the Dutchman to Old Trafford, and with him technically only playing a bit part role at Roma this past season, the Wolves are likely to accept if the offer holds true.

JAMES’ TRANSFERS 1992 Liverpool £1.25m 1999 Aston Villa £1.8m 2001 West Ham £3.5m 2004 Manchester City £2m 2006 Portsmouth £1m

David James bankrupt!

Blues eye Hazard Everton FC are lining up a bid for Chelsea forward Hazard - Thorgan Hazard, brother of Eden. The 21year-old is being monitored by the Blues after two impressive seasons on loan at Zulte Waregem. But Hazard would likely come in as a replacement for Gerard Deulofeu if the Spaniard decides against another year on loan at Goodison Park.

Townsend targeted Roberto Martinez will swoop for Tottenham winger Andros Townsend.

Martinez was keen to take the 22-year-old on loan last summer but was rebuffed

by Spurs. But he will have to battle Alan Pardew and Newcastle for the England international.

Bony lined up The Blues are also looking to replace Romelu Lukaku if he doesn’t stay at the club, with Wilfried Bony top of the wishlist.

Bony, 25, has impressed for the Swans in his debut Premier League season, after making a £12m move from Vitesse Arnhem last summer. He scored 26 goals in all competitions and admits he would be tempted to move to a ‘big club’.

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ormer England keeper David James has declared himself bankrupt.

James earned around £20million during a playing career that took in spells at Liverpool and Manchester City but, built up debts after divorce from his wife Tanya in

2005. James filed a debtor ’s petition at Hertford County Court last Friday, making his bankruptcy ruling official.

Documents state that the 43year-old, who has been working as a pundit for BT Sport this season and has also modelled for Armani, will be au-

Shop girl suspended af err aftter calling John TTerr erryy a ‘pig’ and a ‘disgr ace’ ‘disgrace’

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shop assistant was suspended from work and forced to apologise after calling Chelsea defender John Terry ‘a pig’ and ‘a disgrace’.

Elisha Ram, 23, was working at a department store concession when the former England captain and his wife Toni walked in - and overheard her telling a colleague ‘he is quite good looking in real life - but he’s a pig.’

A tearful Miss Ram said she was sorry, but the defender demanded to see her manager at Bentalls in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, to complain about her conduct.

Miss Ram was then suspended from her job at the store’s All Saints concession, pending an investigation by her bosses.

Miss Ram said she had greeted Terry, 33, as he walked into the shop on , before turning to her workmate and told them her feelings on the footballer, describing him as a pig.

The worried colleague told Miss Ram to be quiet, and she then realised the conversation had been overheard by Mrs Terry.

The footballer, then reportedly marched towards Miss Ram, and told her she should not have called him a pig while his wife was present. ‘I said I was really really sorry. Then I just snapped, got defensive and retaliated, saying, ‘ you’re a disgrace,’ Miss Ram’s friend told said.

Nigeria international

tomatically discharged from bankruptcy in a year.

His split from Tanya is believed to have cost him £3m plus a share of future earnings. The ex-Liverpool stopper could appear on BT Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Hull on today.

Kroos could complete United move before World Cup

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nited are confident of signing both Luke Shaw and Toni Kroos before next month’s World Cup in Brazil.

The two deals could be completed in the next few weeks after Louis van Gaal agreed that they would be welcome additions to Manchester United’s squad.

Manchester United are expected to increase their offer to £30million if Southampton do decide to shun their opening offer.

Manchester City to complete Sagna deal today

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anchester City are aiming to complete a deal for Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna, with his contract set to run out this summer, following the FA Cup final on Saturday evening.

Sagna has shown no signs that he will sign a new deal at the Emirates and has admitted he will probably find himself at another club before the start of next season. The French defender has rejected three offers from Arsenal and is now being heavily linked with a move with the Premier League champions as well as Chelsea.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—35

Newcastle plotting move for Berahino N

ewcastle are rumoured to be lining up a summer swoop for West Brom’s Saido Berahino. It was confirmed earlier this week that we wouldn’t be retaining Loic Remy or Luuk De Jong once their loan deals at St James’ Park expire, while we know that Shola Ameobi will be released, and reports in the Daily Mail indicate that Berahino, an England under-21 international, is a target for Alan Pardew.The 20-year-old faces an uncertain future at the Hawthorns following a dressing room scuffle with team-mate James Morrison following a 3-3 draw against Cardiff towards the end of the season and that could work to our advantage.

Mik el Ar Mikel Artteta criticises Ar senal contr act policy Arsenal contract A rsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has criticised the club’s stance when it comes to contract renewals for players aged over 30, and concedes he is unsure about his future at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta, aged 32, will see his current deal expire next summer and will sit down with the club at the end of the season to assess his position.

The Gunners have a policy whereby players of 30-years-old and over are offered only one-year contract extensions when their respective agreements expire - something that has led to the premature departures of a number of stars.

Real Madrid to launch £9 7m bid ffor or Suarez £97m

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eal Madrid are ready to register a massive •110m (£97m) bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and will table the world transfer record bid prior to the World Cup finals.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will pull out all the stops to bring in the 27 year old Uruguayan and has instructed boss Carlo Ancelotti to offload a number of his first team squad in order to balance the books should such an offer be accepted by the Anfield outfit.

Van Gaal ttoo rraid aid Bayern for Robben L

OUIS VAN GAAL has identified Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben as one of his top targets at Manchester United.

Van Gaal is not expected to be confirmed as United's next manager until early next week after Ryan Giggs takes the weekend to consider his position under the Dutchman.

But the Holland coach is pressing ahead with potential signings after liaising with the Red Devils' executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

United have already tabled a £27million bid for Southampton's Luke Shaw, with Marco Reus, Toni Kroos and Matt Hummels and Bruno Martins Indi also on their transfer radar.

Blatter admits FIFA decision to award Qatar 2022 World Cup was a ‘mistake’

Messi agrees •385,000 a week deal

Sepp Blatter has admitted that it was ‘a mistake’ to choose Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. Blatter said that the technical report into Qatar’s bid had warned that it was too hot but despite that, FIFA’s executive committee had voted for the Middle Eastern country.

The FIFA president said it was now ‘probable’ that it would be played in the winter rather than the summer due to the heat.

Blatter told Swiss TV station RTS: ‘Yes, it was a mistake of course, but one makes lots of mistakes in life.

Juventus encouraged to sell Vidal

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arcelona star Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract worth •385,000 a week after tax, the Camp Nou club have confirmed.

Messi extended his stay with the Catalan club until 2018 last year, but has long been anticipated to sign an improved deal to make him the highest paid player in world football.

The Argentinian was involved in a war of words with Javier Faus in December after the club’s vice-president said he saw no reason

T why Barca should improve Messi’s contract “every six months.” Messi hit back by branding Faus as a businessman “who knows nothing about football.”

And, after a season that has seen Messi reach the 40-goal mark for the fifth straight year, the 26-year-old has now been rewarded with a new contract. He is expected to sign the deal in the coming days.

Arsenal will A need £45m to sign Di Maria

rsenal will have to spend at least £45 million if they hope to sign Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria.

This is according to reports from Spain, which claim that the La Liga giants are demanding an extra £13 million for the Argentine international after the Gunners lodged a £32 million offer earlier this week.

However, any hopes of landing Di Maria for a reasonable fee appear unlikely, not least because the 26-year-old's current deal in Spain is not due to expire for another four years.

FANS ZONE Are you a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona fan and would like to meet fans, male or female from other parts of the country. Then send your name, age, where you live and the club you support to 0802354-2350. sms only.

zFemi, 35, Benin City, Arsenal needs both male and female fan as friends. 07019065464 zSolaceb, 21, Abuja, Arsenal, needs female fan as friend. 08092895304 zPrince Law, 58, Agbor, Chelsea need friends.08033190467 zIyere, 43, UNIBEN, Arsenal fan needs both male and female fan as friends.08075895950 zAdam Onawale, 17, Sodeke, Chelsea need friends.08189273207 zValentine, 19, Benin, Chelsea need friends.07031635847 zDaniel, 35, PH, Chelsea, need friends. 08110160343 zEngr Alphonsus Odo, 37, Abuja, Chelsea fan need friends.08032907319 zGodswill, 18, Warri, Man United need friends.08138839501

QUIZ

of the week Which team will win the Champions League final in Lisbon? Send your answers to 08023542350 sms only.

Note.

The first correct prediction will receive N1,000 recharge card.

he possibility of Juventus selling Arturo Vidal has gathered pace this week following Sir Alex Ferguson‘s conversations with Antonio Conte at the Europa League final.

Reports from Italy suggested United had submitted a •32 million offer for Vidal and although he has been a central figure in Juventus’ consecutive trio of Serie A titles, there is speculation that Vidal could leave. Now, respected Italian journalist Roberto Beccantini has had his say on the situation – if one of Vidal or Pogba has to leave, Vidal should be sacrificed. “Pogba is 21 years old, Vidal turns 27 on May 22. He should be sacrificed as a matter of age,” he said.

Berbatov pens new Monaco deal

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imitar Berbatov has signed a oneyear contract extension with Monaco, keeping him at the club until June 2015.Monaco have decided to secure his services for the 2014-15 campaign. "AS Monaco is delighted to announce the club has agreed a oneyear contract extension with Dimitar Berbatov," an official club statement read. "Berbatov is now tied to AS Monaco until June 2015.

Stoke eyeing up free agent Sidwell

S

toke City are the first club to show a strong interest in Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell. The centremidfielder is out of contract in the summer and, despite offering his services to help get the west-London club back in the top-flight, he will be moved on during the close season.

Mark Hughes is a big fan of the former Arsenal man, while Steve Bruce at Hull and Harry Redknapp at QPR are also understood to be admirers.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014—37

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

By Esther Onyegbula -list Nollywood star, Ini Edo is one beautiful actress who knows how to look her best at all times. Apart from been very talented when it comes to interpreting movie characters, she is also fashionable. Ini definitely knows her onions when it comes to hairstyles —that suit every occasion; proving beyond reasonable doubt that she is a lady of many parts. This week Saturday Vanguard features few hairstyles of Nollywood queen.

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frica Fashion Week Nigeria is set to add to Nigeria’s events landscape with the first International Fashion Runway Show that has special focus on upcoming designers in the country.

Themed: “The People’s Runway” the event is coming with the objective of illuminating the creative exploits of the real talents in the Nigerian Fashion turf, especially the relatively undiscovered ones, to help them build sustainable careers for themselves. It will also showcase the achievements of the established designers and celebrate the veteran icons of the Nigerian fashion sector.

Happening on the May 18,at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island Lagos, the Catwalk shows at AFWN 2014, will feature veteran designer Princess Abba Folawiyo, the doyenne of Nigerian fashion sector, since pre-independence days, and 15 established designers as well as 40 new designers. AFWN season one, it will be open to all Nigerian, African and international media houses, for global dissemination.

Some of the established designers who have been showcasing at the London Version of the event (ie Africa Fashion Week London) since 2011, will also be on ground to participate at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. Designers such as Yutees, Zarita, Didi Creations, Dzyn, Meg Alabi, will be coming from Africa Fashion Week London to take advantage of the C M Y K

Catwalk Shows at AFWN 2014 opportunity and display their talented creations to Nigerian fashion connoisseurs and general public.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria Season one is divided into two events happening on the same day. The first show will be in the afternoon while the gala show will be later in the evening. The afternoon pre- Gala show will be showcasing a cross section of brands including Isi Atagamen, Buchiver, Dé Laurels, YCR, Evelyn -Rose di omimi, IJC collections, Afrikanus by Rui Lopes, AAMAA a la Mode, Elikem The Tailor,Magnetic Elegance[ME], Long feet boutique, Faerens, Jazz

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria

Effect,Yon Seno, Belois Couture, Mademoiselle Anglaia, Meg Alabi.

These designers will be showcasing their full collections at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria on a sponsored show, funded by AFWN’s sponsors.

The evening Gala fashion showcase will feature designers Elegante by Tiannahs styling, Yutees, Zarita Couture, Dyzn ,House of Marie, Emos Ejiro, Didi Creations, Big Ben, Raymona, Queen E collection, Awe Dzyn, AFT, Lines by Chaab,Style by Adesuwa,BA’AN WURE,St Eves.

The climax of the evening will be a special inspiring showcase by Veteran Designer Princess Abba Folawiyo of Labanella Couture which will end the runway show.

38—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014 Dear Julie, I’m an athlete with very muscular legs. I play soccer and also do weight-lifting but I don’t want that masculine structure anymore. How can I slim down my thighs? I know it’s possible because I have seen female body builders and then I’ve seen them a while later and they have a feminine body type. Please help. I’m too masculine for a lady.

Euphemia, Edo Dear Euphemia Many female athletes, once they end competitive play, work on reducing the size of their muscles in different parts of their bodies. As both a weight-lifter and soccer player, you are most likely performing power movements in order to train your legs. These power movements probably involve lifting very heavy loads for a few repetitions while weight training and performing explosive movements, such as pressing off of your pivot leg when sprinting.

The amount of muscle in your thighs can be reduced, but it may hamper your athletic performance if you are still active in athletics and soccer. As a power athlete, you probably have a larger proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers than slow-twitch fibers found predominantly in endurance athletes. Most of your muscle type will not change, as the type of muscle fibers do not predominantly change over the course of one’s life. Basically, you are born with the primary type of muscle fiber that you will always have; however, a small amount may adapt to changes in your workout regimen.

If you are no longer playing or simply have a strong desire to decrease the muscle size in your quadriceps and hamstrings that make up your thighs, consider cutting back on lifting heavy weights while strength training. As opposed to performing one to four sets for three to five repetitions at a very heavy weight (85 to 100 percent of your one-lift maximum, which is the most you can lift for only one repetition, after which, you cannot repeat the exercise), begin doing three sets for 15 to 20 repeti-

She broke up with me for no reason

How do I slim down bulky, muscular thighs? tions at a low weight (approximately 50 to 70 percent of your one-lift maximum). Below are some leg exercises to include in your training:squats, leg press, leg curls, leg extensions ,etc.

Another option to lessen the size of your thigh muscles is to introduce distance running into

your training regimen, as long as you do not have or are not prone to any joint pain in your legs. This activity can transform the size and structure of your legs. This is because distance runners adapt to this form of endurance training by developing leaner muscular legs . You may consider starting with one

mile and then build up to five to ten miles during a training session.

The bottom line will be deciding whether it’s more important to you to have strong muscles that serve you athletically, or smaller muscles and less athletic prowess (or power). If you desire both, and you cannot change what is in your genes, then you may be able to change how you view your powerful, capable body.

She makes too many demands Aunty Julie, I have a problem with my girlfriend of one year. She feels more than I do in our relationship and thus has decided that she needs to break off our relationship. I feel very comfortable with the relationship but I understand that to be supportive, I must do everything I can to make her happy. I know it’s not my responsibility, but as her boyfriend I want her to be happy regardless. If she tells me to leave, I know I must, but what do I do about our relationship after that? How do I react to this situation?

Efosa, Benin Dear Efosa, This must be a very difficult situation for both of you. You feel comfortable with the relationship and it sounds as though you would like for it to continue, while she feels like something is missing and thus seems to want to break it off.

You said that she has decided she needs to end the relationship and you also say you’d like to know what to do “if she tells me to leave.” Has she already ended the relationship?

Do you feel like she is still open

to talking things through with you? If she is willing to continue talking about the relationship or willing to try to work things out, it may be worth getting some clarity about what she is wanting that she feels she is not getting.

When you have a clear picture of this, you can decide if you can give her what she is wanting.

In relationships, both people have wants and needs they hope will be met by their partner. Both people may not always be on the same page about these needs, however.

People differ on how much commitment they want to offer, how quickly they want to move, how intimate they want to be physically and/or emotionally, how they want to spend their time together, how they want to communicate, and many other aspects of being in a relationship. So when these needs and wants come into conflict, both couple must decide if it makes the most sense to try to work it out, or to call it quits. And you are correct: If one of the couple decides it’s over, then by definition, it’s over. It takes

C O C K - T A L E S Love and money A husband and wife drove for miles in silence after a terrible argument in which neither would budge. The husband pointed to a mule in a pasture.

“Relative of yours?” he asked.“Yes,” she replied. “By marriage.”

in bed either!” he shouted and stormed off to work. By mid morning, he decided he’d better make amends and phoned home.

After many rings, his wife picked up the phone. ”What took you so long to answer?”

“I was in bed.”“What were you doing in bed this late?”“Getting a second opinion.”

Old woman and ice cream A little girl asked her mother for two dollars to give to an old lady in the park. Her mother was touched by the child’s kindness and gave her the required sum. “There you are my dear,” said the mother. “I guess, she is too old to work?”“Oh no,” came the reply. “She sells ice cream.”

Mother-in-law I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.

She answered the phone to hear a repentant voice. “I’m sorry, darling,” he said. “I have thought things over and you can have the Rolls-Royce as a wedding present, we will move to the Gold Coast, and your mother can stay with us. Now will you marry me?”

“Of course I will,” she said. “And who is this speaking?”

A second opinion A doctor and his wife were having a big argument at breakfast. “You aren’t so good

both people wanting to make it work in order to make it work.

If you feel content in the relationship, it may be worth expressing to her, if she is open to hearing it, what about the relationship, and what about her, pleases you. If you feel strongly you would like to try to provide whatever is missing, it may be worth expressing this to her as well. Perhaps you have done this already, and it still has not worked out.

This is not easy, but ultimately, it is better for both people if an unhappy person walks away from a relationship rather than stay in one that’s not working.

Dear Julie, I don’t know what I did wrong.

My girlfriend of one and a half years broke up with me out of the blues. We never fought or argued. I asked her why, she said she doesn’t know. I asked her what did I do wrong and she said “nothing.” She was my first ever girlfriend and I was planning to ask her to marry me. I don’t understand what I did wrong.

There has to be a reason. Why won’t she tell me?

Ubong, Calabar Dear Ubong, Breaking up is hard to do, especially when you are the one left wondering what went wrong.

This must be a tough time for you, especially considering that you were planning on proposing.

It can appear challenging to start over when you thought you had your life all squared away. But start over you must! Have faith and believe in yourself — it will become easier with time.

What really matters is that you realize you did nothing wrong and that you couldn’t have prevented the break up. In order to heal, it may help to have a sense of closure. Why it ended needs to be clear to you; otherwise, you may have doubts about the relationship and yourself for a long time. Do you feel comfortable letting your ex-girlfriend know that an explanation, or one reason, for breaking up with you will help you to go on with your life? Even if it has nothing to do with you, you deserve to know at least part of the reason why. It is possible that she may not even know why she broke up with you. Have you considered the possibility that your ex-girlfriend may not be willing to speak to you? Perhaps she needs some personal space and time to reflect on her needs and desires. While unpleasant to think about, it is always good to

have a back-up plan in case she won’t give you an answer.Your family and friends may help you to reaffirm your self-confidence and move forward in life.

I can’t control cravings for sweets

Aunty Julie, I try to eat a piece of fruit for dessert after a meal; however, when I have substituted aftermeal sweet cravings with fruit, I still end up craving some other type of sweets, i.e., candy, chocolate, ice cream. It seems that after every meal, I can’t feel satisfied until I have eaten something of this food category.

Ice cream and chocolate are permanent in the house. I do try to listen to my body and this appears to be programmed into my mind telling my body it is wanting this food consistently. Can you provide any explanation as I am trying to lose weight and this type of food is empty calories and unhealthy?

I work out six days a week and have recently given up smoking. I am 27.

Tim, Ikoyi Lagos Hello Tim, The frustration you feel in controlling your sweet tooth is understandable. There are many facets to this issue, so no one answer applies to everyone. Based on your situation described here, you can consider the following possibilities and see how they play a role for you. Some eat what they think they should eat, without

enjoying their food. Do any of these situations sound familiar to you? If your meal is satisfying, you may be able to handle the craving and let it pass, or not experience the craving at all. Try to incorporate sensory appeal — different tastes, textures, colors, and food temperatures into your meals. You’ll be surprised as to what a difference these factors can make.Second, you wrote that you recently quit smoking. Congratulations!

That’s the healthiest change you can make. Everything tastes better when you become a non-smoker. With smoking cessation, however, some people experience variations in appetite and increased cravings for sweets to compensate for the lack of nicotine. These are generally temporary. Realize that you have already overcome a difficult obstacle.

Third, restriction can lead to overindulgence. Some people find that the more they try to stop eating something, such as sweets, the more they want or the more out of control they become when they finally succumb. Allowing yourself one treat each day is a way to finding some middle ground. This can be difficult to work through at first, but the potential is there if you stick with it.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MA Y 17 MAY 17,, 2014—39

Why women are naturally promiscuous W

hat do women who relish hopping from one bed to the other have in common? They all enjoy the company of men and know how to get it too! They see a man they fancy and they go for him, with no messing around. But they’re not after a lasting relationship—their goal is sex. Ladies like these often get a reputation. But experts now believe that, far from being abnormal or out of control, they are doing what nature intended!

It’s women, not men, who are naturally promiscuous, the new research suggests.

But unlike the obviously promiscuous ones, most of us have been keeping our urges under control. Or have we? In a recent survey, 100 women were questioned about their sexual behaviour. More than twothirds admitted they ’d had one-night stand at least once, and more than half had cheated on their men. Despite this kind of evidence, we’ve all come to accept the notion that men who play around simply can’t help it —that they’re biologically programmed in some way to be unfaithful.

It’s an excuse men have been using for

, years. Ever since the days of Casanova, serial philanderers have been explaining away their behaviour by saying that it’s just the way men are, that it’s part of their nature to make conquest after conquest. Scientists

have always believed males were eager to mate with as many partners as possible because they’d have more chances of reproducing.

The female, on the other hand, needed just one good male to

Are you getting your wish in that relationship?

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had the common sense to kick her ill the average person wayward husband out of their experiencing problems in matrimonial home when she realized he their relationship know the right was a bum despite the fact that he was a time to walk away? It goes without medical doctor. •gI had a very shrewd saying that divorce now is quick father who believed in putting a bit by and with little rancour, single for the rainy day”, she said, “When I was parenthood is on the increase and working after my training in England, he more men opt for the single life was always urging me to save and send despite the fact that eligible women whatever I could home so he could buy are two a penny (seemingly). Yet, me some property. His letter bothered on never before has there been that an irritation at times but his insistence fear of uncertainty in abandoning goaded me into doing temporary jobs— a relationship that was obviously and petty-trading along with my regular going nowhere than now. A few job so I could send him money. He always months ago, I ran into a friend’s made up for the balance and thanks to daughter and asked after her him, when we came back, I had a few mother. Sheepishly, she told me it plots of land here and there. was a long time she saw her mother “My husband went into one of the last as she was now living with her armed forces and there was a house fiance. That would have been thrown in with his job, I got a good job perfectly in order if it was what she wanted too. “I would have preferred for us to get married”, she shrugged, “but he doesn’t want to commit himself until I’m pregnant”.

What happens if she gets pregnant, gets married, and later has a miscarriage? Will the man abandon her some two years later if she can’t conceive again? These too as an industrial nurse, and thanks questions and lots more ran through my to my family connections; I was able mind but I didn’t want to make the poor to get quite impressive contracts. In girl more miserable than she already was. no times at all, I had developed the She is currently hopping from one two plots I had in choice areas then gynecologist to the other and when I asked sold the other plots to build another her if the love of her life had gone for a house on Victoria Island. My darling test too, she said it wasn’t necessary as he’d husband, in the meantime, was having already fathered a child. I wanted to tell the time of his life sampling the delight her that was no proof. That I knew a few of the dames around him. It would ‘surrogate’ fathers who’d made a few have been alright if he hadn’t been ‘barren’ women mothers. The legal fathers obsessively jealous. Any man I talked are none the wiser and the mothers are with was a potential lover and he was now free of criticisms and jibes from their often violent with whoever he in-laws. Their marriage seems to be on an suspected. I’ve lost count of the black eyes he gave me, the disdain with even keel.

The situation that gives a lot of concern which he’d marched me out of parties is where the couples know that their because he believed I was too friendly marriage is lying on its back with its hooves with men. There had been occasions, virtually in the air but sit tight and hope he’d come to our official clinic to rough-handle senior colleagues I was that things will get better.

Unfortunately, they seldom do. Boma, a attending to because he thought retired industrial nurse in her 60s now sits they’d come under the guise of being alone in her lovely house, wishing she’d ill so they could have quickies with

me in my office! The man’s imagination was dangerously fertile.

“I was often regarded with pity and the children too were fearful of him. But as long as he had his Cognac and Benson, he was alright until he got drunk—then it was bedlam. When I left regular employment, I started travelling and he would pinch shoes, costume jewelry or any fanciful female things I had to sell and give them to his girlfriends.

I actually saw one of them wearing a set of jewelry and exclusive shoes that I’d earlier imported, but found missing, at a party and challenged him. He called the lady over and boomed for everyone to hear that she should tell me where she got her shoes from as I thought they were mine. You can imagine the type of re-actions we got from other guests.

•gI had a few flings of my own, of course who wouldn’t under the circumstance? But I never had peace of mind and my kids didn’t

These days, I look at my married children and marvel at the ease with which they communicate with their spouses

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have much respect for him.

When he died suddenly five years ago, I couldn’t believe the number of women that showed up as mothers of his children!

There was even one sporting an advanced pregnancy! It was

hard convincing them that the love of their lives was so busy enjoying life he didn’t even bother to buy a piece of land not-totalk of building a house in spite of his connections. Tongues are now wagging more furiously than ever before that I’d sat on the property my husband acquired in my name when he was a public officer, that I was denying his other children fund out of spite.

Whereas, if I’d left when common sense dictated I should, all these wouldn’t have happened. How many accusers would I show documents to as proof?

“These days, I look at my married children and marvel at the ease with which they communicate with their spouses. I’m glad they’ve learnt from the harsh treatment I received from their father. Whenever any of their friends tell of any ill-treatment they receive in their matrimonial homes and I tell them not to stick any abuse that could rob them of their pride, they look at me in wonder, believing old people like me should defend matrimony at all cost.“

Ever since the days of Casanova, s e r i a l philanderers have been explaining away their behaviour

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reproduce successfully—so she was choosy, saving herself for the strongest suitor. This explained why men like to sleep around and women stayed faithful—and the notion of the ardent male and coy female was born. But that idea has now been turned on its head. Women who go for variety may be doing what comes naturally.

Researchers have uncovered many examples in both the animal world and in human societies where the female is a sexual go-getter. “You only have to look at chimps or baboons. A female of these species will mate with many males over a short period of time,” says Professor Hardy of the University of California. “Female prairie dogs, sand lizards and field crickets also mate many times.

In addition, biologists have discovered that in species where the females are larger, more brightly coloured, and more aggressive than males, the females are in charge breeding with harems of males. A similar picture has been discovered among humans. Many societies such as the Ban people of South America believe that several men can share in a child’s parentage and will help in rearing such a boy or girl. So when a woman gets pregnant, she has sex with as many men as possible in order to maximize the number who can share in parenthood and provide for the child. There is nothing particularly coy about her behaviour.

“There are also clues that men aren’t designed to put it about. In species in which the males are known to be highly promiscuous they develop very large testes to maximize sperm production; explains the professor.

40—SA TURD AY 40—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MA Y 17 MAY 17, 2014

Grand w edding of Ot obo’s son in Y enogoa wedding Otobo’s Yenogoa

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hief Mathias Ewariakpo Ujuri Otobo, Chairman of Michel International Group of Companies and a former accountant with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc held Yenogoa to a near stand still when his son, Christian Otobo took to the altar, his sweetheart.

The couple took their nuptial vows at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Agudama-Epie Bayelsa State followed by a reception at Matho Crystal Hotel. Photos by Nwankpa Chijioke

L-R: Hon. Ovuzorie Macaulay, SSG, Delta State; the couple, Engr. and Mrs Christian and Sandra Otobo, Mrs Mary Otobo, groom’s mum and Chief Mathias Otobo, groom’s dad.

The couple, Engr. and Mrs Christian and Sandra Otobo.

Madam Oritsebinomi Chukwurah laid to rest

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he burial ceremony of late Madam Comfort Oritsebinomi Chukwurah (nee Erewa Meggison) was laid to rest during a colourful ceremony which took place at Immanuel anglican Church, Onitsha.

L-R: Revd. Fr. Kevin O’Hara, officiating Minister with Mr and Mrs Chris Nwodoh, Sponsors.

R-L: Maxwell Otobo, Michel Otobo; Martin Otobo and Jade Renshaw.

L-R: Ezennia Ifechi with Helen Chukwurah, Deaconess Uzoamaka Ananenu and Deaconess Ndidi Awani.

L-R Hon. Tonye Isenah, Dep. Majority Leader, Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Rear Admiral Godwill Owubo (RTD).

L-R Prince Basil Udo-Utem, former Branch Controller CBN Yenagoa; Mrs Ebizi Ndioma-Brown, DG, Bayelsa Tourism Dev. Agency and Dr Parkinson Markmanuel, Immediate past Commissioner for Science,Technology and Manpower Bayelsa State.

Mr and Mrs Harold Asinge Emmanuel and Sharon

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r and Mrs Harold Asinge were united as husband and wife before family and friends in Asaba, Delta State

Mr and Mrs Harrold Azinge C M Y K

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olemnization of Holy matrimony between Emmanuel and Sharon held at St. Agnes Catholic L-R: Richard Ogona,Elder C.O.G Awani and Church, Maryland penultimate Saturday in Alex Awani.

Lagos.

From left: groom's parents, Mr. Moses and Mrs. Grace Enete, couple, Mr. Emmanuel Enete and his newly Wedded wife, former Miss Sharon Ogbanje, bride's parents, Mrs. Pauline and Mr. Mike Ogbanje

The daughters and some grand-children of Late Nwabunie Oritsebinumi Chukwurah

SATURDAY

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hursday,May 15,was my 15th wedding anniversary. My civil marriage and traditional marriage predate my church wedding, but I prefer the church wedding as my milestone.

As I reflected, my mind went back to January 18, 1998, the first time I met my wife. I had prayed to God to show me the young lady I was travelling home (Delta State) to meet. God answered my prayers by revealing her to me at the Blessed Sacrament on the altar of God in Lagos. I then told God that if actually the young lady my brother, Pius Ewherido (RIP; I miss you sorely), invited me to check out at home is the same person I saw in the vision, I have found my wife.

I still remember vividly how goose pimples took over my whole body when Parents should support their married I saw her seated in my brother•fs house children with love, prayers and under(She was tricked into visiting that day). standing instead of interfering in their It was not that I doubted God, but when marriages. These can just be the definGod•fs faithfulness manifests so dra- ing factors in the survival and success matically and in favour of an unworthy of your children•fs marriages.

Fourth lesson, money is good, necesperson like me, there can only be one sary and very important in oiling relaoutcome: awe.

The Bible says we should put every tionships; it may also make the world spirit to test, so I asked God to confirm go round, but money should not be the if she is indeed the one, and I got two confirmations within a week. Eight days after our first meeting, I took a leap of faith and proposed to her. Subsequently our lives merged into one. prime factor in deciding on a future Since then I have learnt some valuspouse. I am of the opinion that since able lessons about marriage. The first marriage is a marathon, and not a lesson is that truly, only God (man is sprint, prospects (and other critical cononly an instrument) can give you a sensiderations, some listed here) should sible spouse (Proverbs 19:14). I have take precedence over money. also learnt that the fact that your spouse is God-given does not mean your sain Bolt is the fastest man of all union will be an all-smooth flight. You time. He is the current Olympic will have turbulence, but God will dechampion in 100 and 200 metres. Yet liver you from it all (Psalm 34:19). he is slow off the mark in races. That is Our early years had bouts of inexpethe lot of many married people, finanrience and there were times when I felt cially speaking. Tragically, money, for pushed to the wall and wanted to fight many young people, is the main deterback (not physically), but I would reminant in who to marry. The marital member my mother-in-law and relent. journey and how it ends are more imShe was very nice, considerate and portant than how it started. Young supportive during those early times. adults need to imbibe the right values

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 —41

Wedding anniversary reflections

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prone on the ground with your forehand touching the ground. Place the palms down, on the floor below the shoulders. Keep the elbows lose to the body. Keep the knees together. Extend the toes back, pointing them to the rear. Pressing the palms hard against the floor, inhale and slowly raise the upper part of the body. Draw the head far back feeling the vertebrae bend one by one, until the body from the navel downwards alone touches the floor. Feel that the entire

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Parents should support their married children with love, prayers and understanding

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Technique:

and get their priorities right.

Five, in marriage you do not force your spouse to change his/her ways; that is outside your control. You either change yours or allow the status quo to reign, and then learn to manage your differences.

Six, you have heard of patience, commitment, perseverance, sacrifice,

mutual respect, apologies, forgiveness, love, etc., as necessary ingredients to make a marriage work, so I will not bore you with these. But, as I said before in this column, marriage is an extreme sport; it is also a cage.

Sometimes you need to take extreme measures to make your marriage work and these include blocking all escape routes and facing head-on challenges that must inevitably come.

To my wife, I say happy anniversary. What binds us has definitely triumphed over what could have torn us apart. Sometimes our differences have been sharp and have caused us occasional and momentary dis-

tress, but we live daily by our core and shared values not trivialities. Like good wine, our marriage just got better and better as the years rolled by. But it can be a lot better. I feel that we need to count our blessings more often and appreciate each other a lot more than we currently do.

Thank you for broadening my horizon on •gthey are no longer two but one.•h(Genesis 2:18).

We have shared thoughts, dreams, chores, beds, towels, boxers, clothes, cars, office, money, ATM cards and many other things. But sometimes I feel you take this oneness too far; that is when the rebel in me manifests.

Thank God for using you to show me that I can sustain a long-term relationship. Sixteen years on since we met and you still hold me spellbound, more now than in the beginning.

Jesus told Martha that she worried about too many things that only one thing is important (Luke 10:40-42).

Jesus could just have been talking about marriage; only one thing matters: peace of mind. That is the greatest gift of marriage; that is what God has used you to give to me. Our marriage has been largely stress-free and effortless. You are God•fs gift, a real treasure.

As we move into another marital year, I pray for God•fs continued grace. I have always loved and honoured you and I will continue to do that with more intensity in the years ahead. Happy anniversary, my one and only peacock, •fRuuuum(e).

The Cobra weight of the body is resting on the legs and hip (rear end of the spine). No weight of the body should be on the palms.

Retain the pose as long as possible (from 20 to 30 seconds). Concentrate on the abdomen and the rear end of the spine. Slowly lower the body and exhale. Release the entire body to rest on the floor and relax with deep breathing.

Repeat the posture three times.

Benefits: This Asana tones up the spine and expands the chest.

It also helps to set right minor spinal disorders.

The abdominal and back muscles get themselves well stretched, thereby effecting proper circulation of blood into the regions of the spinal column, stomach and back. It helps to increase the body-heat, promotes good appetite, removes constipation and increases the digestive power.

This Asana specially renders the spine supple and elastic.

This provides good health, vitality and juvenility to the individual.

This Asana is particularly helpful for ladies in toning up the ovaries and uterus.

Main Benefits: The cobra is always practised as the first in a series of backward bending movements. Its effect is to arch the spine back gently, promoting flexibility of the lower back in particular. The gentle pressure that the pose brings to bear on the abdomen also has a beneficial massaging effect on the internal organs.

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

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42—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

THE PROFILE OF NLNG CEO/MD

Nigeria in the eyes of Babs Omotowa

BY DONU KOGBARA

I

am a committed tourist. I rarely shop when I travel to foreign locations. I mostly focus on sightseeing because I absolutely love historic buildings and distinguished cultural institutions; and it had always been my intention to one day visit the world-famous Harvard University campus in the United States.

The perfect opportunity to tick this item on my wish-list arose earlier on this year, when I got wind of the fact that an illustrious Nigerian mover and shaker - Babs Omotowa – had been invited to address a Harvard gathering.

Figuring that there could be no better time to finally provide myself with the experience of strolling through Harvard’s hallowed halls, I raided my piggy bank, purchased an airline ticket and hopped on a Boston-bound plane.

The trip was worth every penny.

The atmosphere was sublime. The architecture was beautiful. The libraries were enviable. The Harvard denizens (students as well as academics) I encountered were friendly, informative and impressively intelli-

eventually became a Director and Vice-President.

Omotowa has now worked in the oil/ gas industry for over 20 years and is currently the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)…and the Vice President of Bonny Gas Transport Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary that handles NLNG’s shipping requirements).

NLNG has four shareholders – one indigenous, 3 foreign: The Federal Government via NNPC (49%), Shell (25.6%), Total LNG Nigeria Ltd (15%) and Eni (10.4%).

It was incorporated as a limited liability company on May 17th 1989 and is therefore celebrating its 25th anniversary as a company this month and its 15th anniversary of from first production.

And what a stellar two-and-a-half decades it has been!

NLNG, which was founded to harness our vast gas reserves and produce Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) for the export market, is also celebrating Nigeria’s 3000th LNG export cargo in 2014.

It has progressed from being a smallish two-train plant to being a substantial six-train industrial

Modesty is an attractive trait, but there are times when it is not called for! If I were in Mr President’s shoes, I would blow the NLNG trumpet very loudly indeed gent. And – the icing on an already delicious cake - Mr Omotowa’s presentation, titled “Nigeria: In Need Of Dreamers Of A Certain Kind,” was truly inspiring.

Babs Omotowa, who hails from Kogi State and studied at the universities of Ilorin and Leicester (in the UK), has a first degree in Industrial Chemistry and two postgraduate Masters of Business Administration qualifications that enabled him to specialise in Operations Research and Supply Chain Management.

He started his career as a teacher (at Bishop Smith College in Ilorin) and joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1993 as a management trainee and quickly, through hard work and cleverness, earned the confidence of his new bosses.

A rapid rise through the ranks followed; and after completing several senior-level assignments for Shell, both at home and abroad (Britain, Holland and Norway), he

complex…and was one of the fastest growing LNG projects on the planet and is the largest industrial complex in sub-Saharan Africa.

The combined annual output of its 6 trains is 22 million metric tonnes of LNG, which amounts to roughly 7% of the world’s LNG supply.

It has acquired a 23-vessel fleet that transports its products across the globe, to various countries, including America, Spain, France, Japan, South Korea, Portugal and Turkey (which gets nearly 25% of its LNG imports from NLNG).

NLNG’s management team is 100% Nigerian and it employs thousands of people (95% of whom are Nigerian) and has delivered cumulative revenues of $80 billion since 1999 and contributes about 4% of our Gross Domestic Product and has eliminated 40% of the environmental evil that is gas-flaring (four trillion cubic feet of Associated Natural Gas has been captured)… …and pays more company income

Babs Omotowa

tax – a whopping N220 billion per annum – than any other African commercial entity south of the Mahgreb region.

Wow! Not bad at all for a Naija-run company that was launched with a Nigerian contribution of only $2.5 billion initial capital and is hidden away on a little island in Rivers State!

Mr Omotowa, his management team and their predecessors have shown us what Nigerian professionals and workers can achieve when they put their minds to it and embrace integrity, diligence and international standards.

Frankly, I’m surprised that President Goodluck Jonathan has not made more noise about NLNG’s considerable triumphs, especially in this very special Centenary year, because the Government he heads is the biggest single NLNG partner; and NLNG is one of his – and this country’s - major success stories.

Omotowa himself acknowledges the support he has received from the Government, so the Government is entitled to claim some of the credit.

Modesty is an attractive trait, but there are times when it is not called for! If I were in Mr President’s shoes, I would blow the NLNG trumpet very loudly indeed, if only to drown out the voices that keep describing Nigeria as a totally failed state and insisting that nothing positive is happening within our shores.

Which brings me back to Omo-

towa’s eloquent and thoughtprovoking Harvard lecture, in which he reminded his audience of Nigerian victories – establishing the first African TV station and producing the first African Nobel Laureate, for example – and waxed lyrical and patriotic about our enormous potential.

Unfortunately, there is insufficient space to publish everything he said on that occasion, so I’ll settle for quoting the most poignant and uplifting excerpts:“…Every country has self-serving (or self-destructive) myths…For the United States, it is American exceptionalism…a myth that iconic historian, Richard Hofstadter, celebrated when he wrote that America is the only nation in history that believes it was born perfect and strives for improvement… …“The American, you could say, is a dreamer who holds steadfastly to a myth that has not only made America the richest nation in the world, but has also sired other myths [such as] American perfectionism at home and exceptionalism in the world. Good myths beget good destiny…” “…[In Nigeria], we have some pernicious myths that even our people have elevated to orthodoxies.

The prime one is that Nigeria was a ‘mistake -, a mere geographical expression’ [that was forced on us by colonialists]…

Continues on page 43

SATURDAY

Continues from page 42 “…[Other myths include the beliefs] that nothing works in Nigeria, that we make great plans, but always have problems with execution…that we’re individually brilliant but unable to produce good leaders…” “….Nigeria has had a chequered history, but which country hasn’t?..[Besides] defiance and resilience are also hallmarks of our history…and Nigeria with its can-do spirit and specialness is waiting for the right environment to flower…” “[All we need to excel] is dreamers of a certain type and quality: nationbuilders who will respond to the yearnings of the citizenry for a platform to make a mark on the world…leaders willing to put national aspirations above personal, religious or tribal interests…men and women who believe in Nigeria’s specialness, if only because Nigeria is the biggest black nation on earth…” “[and as we contemplate the future with cautious optimism, we earnestly pray that] one day all its controversies, all its contradictions and all its contrarian impulses will resolve nicely, even if miraculously, and that [Nigeria] will rise like the mythical phoenix and take its rightful place in the comity of nations…”

THE PROFILE OF NLNG CEO/MD

Nigeria in the eyes of Babs Omotowa

new indigenous oil companies to becoming oil producers. Also, even before the Nigeria Content Act was enacted, Shell in Nigeria had a local content policy and was at the forefront of developing local contractors…

“The IOCs have stayed with us through thick and thin, at times when many foreign companies abandoned Nigeria. They held onto the Nigeria relationship during the civil war, when oil prices dived, during the Niger Delta militancy crisis, etc… …“And I don’t know of any other company in Nigeria that genuinely cares as much as Shell does.

Mistakes have been made because nobody is perfect. But whenever there is any complaint relating to ethical, environmental, human rights or other societal issues, attention is paid to resolving and preventing conflicts, both in Shell’s head office in the Hague and in local offices in Nigeria…

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was deeply moved, emotion ally – and psychologically energised - by Omotowa’s cheerful outlook and dogged faith in the Nigerian project, which often comes across as depressingly doomed.

I’m also unapologetically wedded to the capitalist idea that societies need entrepreneurial personalities like Omotowa to push them forwards.

But it has to be said that not everyone shares my view…and that Omotowa (despite his bluechip CV) and NLNG (despite its income generation talents) have attracted strongly-worded criticisms – from Bonny natives, for example.

Since I am a journalist, it is my duty to be objective; and I felt obliged to corner Omotowa after his Harvard outing, to direct some awkward questions at him.

I asked him why a significant number of Bonny residents routinely accuse NLNG of adopting an arrogant approach towards community relations issues.

He answered thus: “The relationship between us and Bonny has been one of partnership. We have done fairly well during the time we’ve been here and have the zeal to do more. Only recently the King of Bonny visited the President with his Council of Chiefs and spoke glowing of the support the community has received from NLNG. “At the beginning of the partnership in the 1990s, we and other

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—43

development partners signed an MOU with the community to deliver power, water and roads to the Bonny Kingdom. It is worthy of note that the promise has been kept, and that all the agreed projects have either been delivered or are nearing completion.

“Last year, led by the King, a Sustainable Development Confer-

ence was convened with the community and NLNG support and facilitation, to launch a post-MOU era with a refreshed Bonny Master Plan that would enable the Kingdom – quite rightly – to take the lead and claim ownership of future projects and business initiatives for reasons of sustainability…These MOUs and the Sustainability Conference show clearly that we listen respectfully to our host communities.

“Maybe we have not satisfied individual interests, but I would like to clarify that we have focused on meeting communal needs and provided roads, hospitals, vocational learning centres, round-the-clock electricity, pipe-borne water, microcredits, scholarships and many other benefits to 250,000 Bonny inhabitants.”

Many Nigerians are intensely suspicious of the international oil companies (IOCs) that adopted Omotowa and own the lion’s share of NLNG. There is a widespread view, particularly within Niger Delta host communities, that IOCs do not have Nigeria’s best interests at heart; and I sought Omotowa’s reaction to this constantly simmering tension and lack of trust.

“These assertions are simply untrue…Let me use Shell as an example. I am not aware of any other company in Nigeria that has spent as much money to train Nigerians locally and expose them worldwide to the latest technologies… …Such exposure and transfer of technology is now enabling several

ecently, particularly during the ongoing discussions about the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), there has been a lot of hostile media coverage around IOC earnings.

But Nigeria gets over 85% of upstream Joint Venture proceeds and more than 60%, of offshore proceeds. And IOCs are not even arguing against Nigeria increasing its take, but have cautioned against increasing it to the point where investing in Nigeria will become so unprofitable that Nigeria will suffer…”

Finally, I asked Omotowa about the greatest challenge he had faced. His response should send a shiver down the spine of every law-abiding Nigerian.

“An incident that occurred in 2013 made me sad. A government agency – NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) - blocked our operations for several days, despite a court injunction. This action led to financial losses ($1billion across the value chain) and undermined NLNG’s reputation with international customers and financial institutions…

“Worst of all was the fact that Nigeria incurred 70% of the financial losses during a period of high unemployment when funds were needed for infrastructural development and poverty alleviation and efforts were being made to promote the country as a good foreign direct investment destination.” Thankfully, NLNG was not subjected to disruptive piracy for long; and Omotowa, who doesn’t know the meaning of complacency and has no intention of resting on his laurels, is concentrating on moving onwards, soaring upwards and taking the organization he regards as a mission as far as it can go. For him, the sky is the limit. For Nigeria, his presence is a huge bonus.

44—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014

By Princewill Ekwujuru and Moses Nosike

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kiti State youths have been advised to look beyond the prospects of the white collar jobs, but to tap into the Entertainment, Agriculture and Technology, EAT initiative embarked upon by Arise Networks in collaboration with MTN Nigeria in the state.

Arise N ks, MTN seeks yyouth outh Neetwor tworks, empowerment via EA EATT initiative

The campaign which is currently being pushed to give a creative mind to the youths with intension to generate self employment opportunities.

The move that prompted the initiators is the fact that many Nigerian youths that counts over 100 million coupled with abundant natural resources, are not seen to be catching up with the global trend of innovations in Entertainment, Agriculture and Technology sectors, where Nigeria, going by its young population is expected to have comparative advantage.

However, April 26, 2014, was not like any other day in the history of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, but for the need to create awareness for the diversification of the Nigerian economy, giving the students a resounding lecture on how they can transform their economic life.

Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, EiE , Yemi Adamolekun; CEO of Inspiro Consulting, Jimi Tewe; Editor in Chief of TechCabal.com, Bankole Oluwafemi and one time gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, and CEO of Sodium Brand Solutions Limited,

Abisoye Fagade, among several others were on hand to lecture the students.

The forum commenced with the University’s Vice Chan-

cellor, Professor Patrick Oladipo Aina, giving his welcome address, whilst thanking sponsors of the event MTN, for choosing Ekiti State University, EKSU, as the host for the forum.

Not left out is Akin Oyebode, a banker, taking the lead with motivational speeches drawn from experiences and shared robust knowledge with the youths delivery his lecture, the Editor in Chief of TechCabal.com, Oluwafemi, a law graduate of EKSU, spoke on how he utilized the opportunity presented by the incessant ASUU strikes, to start a technology based business on campus. Bankole also narrated how he ended up as an Infor-

L-R: DG NACCIMA, Dr John Isemede, DG Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Muda Yusuf; Standard Chartered, Mrs Ebehijie Momoh; Hon Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Lagos State, Mrs Sola Oworu; VP Purchasing at Dealdey.com, Ms Nwamaka Ofili; Consular General of the People’s Republic of China, Lagos, Mr Liu Khan and Regional Director Middle East and Africa for the HKTDC. Mr Perry Fung, at the recent Nigerian/Honk Kong trade partnership sermina, Lagos

mation technology professional, after investing six years of his young life, in the study of law. Such was the motivation the students derived from his speech.

Speaking, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Mrs. Modupe Adelabu encouraged the students to ensure they take steps towards the actualisation of whatever they learnt for the forum, while encouraging the students to take on their challenges by thinking outside the box and proffer tailor made solutions to some of the challenges currently plaguing the Nigerian youth.

For Adamolekun,she took her speech from a diverse angle, enlightening the students, and insisting on a culture of good governance and public accountability in the country.

While giving her vote of thanks, CEO of Arise Networks Toyosi Akerele, enjoined the students to ensure they tap into the EAT initiative which the organisation is currently pushing, to become creative minds that will generate employment opportunities, rather than wait to be employed.

The EAT campaign and the rise Networks National Youths Forum, is already being seen by observers, as a right step in the right direction.

How ttoo augment yyour our income frfrom om animal ffarming arming—Onnebuna T

oday, it is becoming a serious chal lenge in Nigeria with the growing population of about 160 million from 6.5 billion of the world’s population, that less than 20 percent of the growing population is rich while the rest are

poor. People need to ask themselves, which of these categories they belong. Are you frustrated with your levels of earning, tired of being bossed around or afraid of being sacked anytime? Do you want to be self-employed? Do you need extra or parttime business that would increase your income?

Then plan yourself out of employment.

Recently, the Nigeria Immigration Service in March 2014 exposed the high rate of unemployment in the 36 state capitals of the country with FCT Abuja 52,000 applicants applying for 4,556 job opportunities in NIS. With this situation on ground, it is a high time to embrace agriculture to reduce unemployment and also grow the economy bearing in mind that

government can’t create all jobs needed in the system and that is why government is encouraging citizens on self-employment.

According to animal farm consultant and Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Onebunne, you can make use little space in your backyard for animal farming. Many, who are into it, are making millions quietly and boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“At Jovana Farms, we encourage people to start small-scale farming because of its enormous capacity to touch lives. Large scale farming has also its own advantage, but it’s capital intensive and the risk aversion nature of our people has made it difficult for entrepreneurs to venture into it hence the high cost of food.

Onnebunne said, those who started it have achieved tremendous financial success from this relatively

Onebunne: Mushroom farming makes you rich

low-profile but forward thinking venture. Many of these small scale animal farming businesses have emerged because of the country’s sluggish economy that has compelled unemployed persons to look inwards.

Furthermore, “if one has any available space at the backyard, then you don’t have problem starting a small-scale farming.

From mushroom, vermiculture and duck farming to raising grasscutter and snail; all these are passive money spinners.

Nigerians can augment their income from backyard farming.

He said, currently, there is a wide gap in the food supply chain; the demand for vegetables and bush-meat in cities is high and growing as fast as the urban population. Besides, one can start raising mushroom, grasscutter and vermiculture for profit. Developed countries like USA, UK, and Russia, as well as other developing countries like China, Mexico, and Brazil etc., earthworm culture, popularly called vermiculture is being widely practiced in small-scale and commercialized manner.

Earthworms are very essential to agricultural development.

Daily household waste are either left or disposed together with all other wastes. If households can actually manage their waste well. They can make lots of money through the sale of worms to fish and poultry farms and production of marketable organic fertilizers to crop farmers”.

“Other opportunities are in mushrooms and antelope farm-

ing, it has become imperative to adopt mushroom cultivation for sustainable agricultural production and for the economic prosperity of the farmers. This stemmed from the fact that Nigerians are becoming health conscious by avoiding the consumption of red meat that is loaded with cholesterol. Mushroom is medicinal and very cheap to produce, the demand for healthy mushrooms are high within the region.

What investors need, is the knowledge to maximize the potential and tap into the market. Besides, rearing grasscutter, snail and earthworm is one of the most practical and versatile animals one can raise. They are cheap and easy to handle. To raise grasscutter, one requires at least N60,000. These include the cost of 1-male and 4-females grasscutters and their cage.

You don’t buy food for them as in fish, poultry and pig farming because they feed mainly on grass. Snail farming is sustainable when done in an integrative system; snails eat wide varieties of food making them inexpensive to rear. One snail can breed up to 120-300 snails in a year depending on the specie. Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box in this page.

Visit us at www.jovanafarm.com,Email:jovanafarms@gmail.com.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014—45

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Inside the world’s original free love community

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slanders change spouses whenever they want, have dedicated ‘love huts’ and settle their differences over a game of cricket.

It’s the original free love community where women rule the roost: Welcome to the gorgeous Trobriand Islands in the South Pacific where the ladies can have as many lovers as they please and marriages are sealed with a gift of yams and polished stone.

And as you’d expect from a place where free love rules the roost, conflicts on the islands, which are officially part of Papua New Guinea, are set-

tled over marathon games of cricket in which even girls can take part.

But, as photographer Eric Lafforgue reveals, their easygoing attitude to sex has come at a price. ‘Trobiand Islanders have a relaxed approach to sex before and even after marriage,’ he explains. ‘Girls learn about contraception very early and virginity has no value at all.

‘If a girl gets pregnant, her family keeps the baby, be-

cause, according to the local custom, men just help to open up the woman to pregnancy the real father is a Baloma or spirit.’ Although more and more islanders are attending school, attitudes to sex remain the same. ‘Western education changed some islander ’s point of view, but not all of them,’ explains Lafforgue.

Most villages have a special hut called a bukumatula which is used for extramarital encounters. Babies are thought to be the result of magic with no link between sex and pregnancy. Their romantic customs don’t extend to outsiders: They consider white skin and hair ugly. Other customs include using yams and banana leaves as currency—£1 is equivalent to 50 leaves.

Trobriand Islanders were forbidden from fighting by colonial authorities so ‘war’ is now cricket. Discovered by the West in 1793, the islands were named after Denis de Trobriand, a lieutenant on the French ship, Espérance, but remained untouched until a Methodist missionary moved in in 1894.

He was followed in the 1930s by a Catholic Mission but the islanders, although ruled by first the British and then the Australians, clung firm to their traditional ways.

er who go omen driver gott w women Runner, 104, sets a new European Taxi driv centenarian record wet in cab arrest ed in Japan arrested R

unner, 104, sets a new E u r o p e a n centenarian record after running 100m in a speedy 32.79 seconds and claims the secret to his fitness is ‘doing everything I want’.

A grandfather who has spent his life ‘doing everything he wants’ has smashed a European record after completing a 100m race in just 32.79 seconds — at the ripe old age of 104.

Stanislaw Kowalski, who was born in 1910, has become the oldest person in Europe to run a 100m race —smashing the record previously held by a 96year-old.

Mr Kowalski, from Swidnica, Poland, finished the Men’s 100m Centenarians Race at an athletics event held at the country’s Wroclaw Stadium in a speedy 32.79 seconds.

Despite never having had any professional training, he smashed his previous personal best of 34 seconds.

The centenarian puts his good health and incredible stamina down to doing ‘everything I want’ and ‘never going to the doctors’.

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He said he spent most of his working life walking or cycling the 10km journey to work and only took up running as a hobby when he was 92. Mr Kowalski, who now aims to compete in the Senior World Championships in Torun, said eating moderately contributed to his good health.

Asked for advice on how to live longer, he told Poland’s Gazeta Wyborcza: ‘Do not overfeed and do not eat at night. Sometimes you can drink 50 grams, but not

every day.’ His grandson, Mark Baszak, added: ‘My grandfather always says “so as not to stress”. He is a very quiet man.’

axi driver who got sexual thrills from watching women trying not to wet themselves is arrested for giving female passengers biscuits laced with diuretics.

A Japanese taxi driver with a fetish for women on the verge of wetting themselves has been arrested for plying female customers with biscuits laced with diuretics, then watching them squirm in his rearview mirror. Toshihiko Nishi, 41, got sexual thrills from watching women desperate to urinate and found his job as a cab driver the perfect way to feed his fixation, police in the city of Osaka claim.

He allegedly lured women into long rides in his cab— sometimes with the offer of a half-price fare—and then offered them crackers covered in

a substance that would make them want to go to the toilet, AFP reported.

‘I got excited by watching women trying to withstand the urge to urinate,’ the driver told investigators.‘I bought diuretics through the Internet, and crushed them to mix with crackers.’

When police raided his home, they even found videos of around 50

women wetting themselves on his back seat that he had covertly recorded with the security camera fitted in his cab.

One alleged victim told police she had got into Nishi’s taxi in Osaka, western Japan, in October last year, and been given a small paper cup containing water biscuits.

A short time after eating the snack, she began to need the toilet. But when she told the driver to let her out of the car so she could relieve herself, he refused and instead passed back an absorbent sheet on which he encouraged her to urinate. Nishi has been arrested on suspicion of committing a violent act, a police officer said.

Rare identical twin girls born, holding hands

n Ohio woman gave birth to identical twin girls on Friday— who in an extremely rare event happened to have shared the same amniotic sac and placenta.

Jenna and Jillian were delivered by Caesarean section at 2:41pm at Akron General Medical Center, the Akron Beacon Journal reports, and were holding hands when presented to parents Sarah and Bill Thistlethwaite in the delivery room. ‘They’re already best friends,’

Sarah told the paper. ‘I can’t believe they were holding hands. That’s amazing.’

Dr. Melissa Mancuso, who delivered the monoamniotic girls along with Dr. Katherine Wolfe, told the paper that something like this normally ‘happens in about 1 in 10,000 pregnancies and 1 to 5 percent of all twins.’

Monoamniotic twins are the rarest type, Mancuso told the paper, with risks including birth defects and tangled umbilical cords that might kill a twin.

Jenna and Jillian, born

premature at 33 weeks and 2 days, will probably spend two to four weeks in the nursery, the paper says.

Mother Sarah Thistlethwaite, a middle school maths teacher, delivered the twins after spending 57 days in bed, according to the Beacon Journal. Once told she would be unlikely to have children, her 15-month-old son Jaxon was looked after by family and friends while she waited to give birth. A hospital press release noted that Sarah, who took leave from her teaching position, was visited by husband Bill who visited her every day after work.

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

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n terms of crime, Ogun State could be compared with Lagos State because of proximity to the bor ders and other countries. In fact, police authorities go extra length in making a choice of their officers that man these states. Today, Ogun, just like Lagos State, can boast of a capable hand as their Police helmsman. The Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has, arguably, done well and can say, the state is ‘a no-go-area’ for criminals. He spoke with Emma Nnadozie in Abeokuta. Excerpts:

Facing the challenges hen I assumed duty here, I knew that each command has its peculiarity.

For instance, when I came here, some financial institutions were not operating probably for security reasons.

Within one week all of them opened and up till today they are still functioning very well, because security is there for them to operate.

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Ritual killings, cultism and cross border banditry We are tackling them seriously. We have achieved a lot in that regard. In fact, the other time we were able to arrest somebody with about 18 human skulls. We arrested him at Adeota. The other time, we heard of a pastor that lured somebody to go to a grave to dig out another skull. They did not know that our satellite was on them. We arrested that person and even the pastor.

All of them were charged to court. Though the issue of cultism is almost every where but in Ogun State, whenever it comes up, we tackle the issue decisively and charge them to court. On the vexed issue of cross border banditry, you should know that we

beings and society and politiciansknow that. I have already told them, you should play politics without bitterness because you are there for human beings. The people, you want to be either a Governor, Senator, or honorable member of the House of Representative, you are there for the people.

Therefore, you must do that without bitterness, so that people will love you and you love them, because politics is about what you have, what you don’t have and sharing everything professionally for everybody to be happy. said he was operating in Oyo, Kwara, Ogun and Bayelsa states. In fact, Lagos command searched for him up to Bayelsa, they did not get him.

Coping with the challenges

Boosting morale of policemen in Ogun Their morale is high. I don’t even want to say anything on that, just go and ask any of them, go round any person you see, just ask, I won’t boast on that. They will tell you.

Effect of IGP’s reforma-

are very close to Benin Republic.

The good news is that we Though the issue of cultism is are equal to the task almost every where but in Ogun because state, whenever it comes up, we we have enough tackle the issue decisively and patrol charge them to court vehicles and our men Actually in this comincluding tions mand the crime rate is the border e are the disciples of down compared with what patrol team the Inspector- Generwas obtainable before I are battle CP in. You can see that we al of police. We are doing came ready to face what he told us to do and we should give God the glory Ikethem. In are following his footsteps. of what we are m because efact,we have For instance, if you come into experiencing now. So, crime been able to arrest a Okoye lot of funa this compound, look around rate here is relatively low. notorious criminals on that and you will see that it is We have achieved a lot and road. That was where we very clean. That is what he people are appreciative of arrested the notorious armed wants. On the issue of our efforts. The government robber called Goke. He was visibility policing, we are not is doing a lot in terms of in the same gang with leaving any stone unturned. logistics because they have Godogodo. He is even more My directives on this are provided a lot of patrol vans deadly than Godogodo. He very clear. The IGP taught for us. We also have a large never knew we would arrest us how to be visible twenty number of APC’s, no other him. He was coming from four hours and this is what state has the number we Benin Republic, we just we are doing. In Ogun state, have in the country. Yes, I arrested him with other all Area Commanders, DPO’s may not tell you the number members of his gang. and their men are always for security reasons. They Though he tried to be funny seen on the field because I expect us to perform and we by trying to lure us to their also go out on patrols. There are performing because the den but we were able to face was a time I was on patrol, I instruments to work are them with counter firing. met a family, the wife, After the arrest, he confessed already there. husband and children along that he had lost count of the that Shagamu -Benin express Coping with politicians number of people including in the night. They had a Politics is about human policemen that he killed. He

,

Crime Situation Ogun State command is fully prepared to fight criminals. In fact, when I came to this command in 2012, based on information I gathered, I knew what to do and I strategized immediately without wasting time. We have to ensure that criminals do not use this state as a launching pad for their nefarious activities. So, we have been checking them and today, the state is a nogo- area for criminals because they find it very hot here. Ogun State is no area for criminals, as far as I am concerned because we are fully prepared for them, to face any challenges they will bring up. Basically, what we did was to strategize with all the neighbouring states. We have the patrol team from Lagos command coming over to us, our own going over to their own. At the Zonal command level, they interface with us so they have their own patrol team coming over to our own. We have that synergy, that collaboration and cooperation among us because policing is everybody’s business. All of us work in synergy to achieve that safety and security.

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problem with tyre of their car.

What if I didn’t stop, and something happened to them? What will I tell GOD? So, I stopped with my men, we had to put head light, they started working on that vehicle, after changing the tyre I then told them to follow us. I piloted them from that Shagamu to their destination- Ijebu -Ode and they thanked me. Then one day, somebody called to say, CP thank you for assisting my people, they told me. It happened that the family I assisted was equally a police family. I never knew, I just did it because I saw people we are supposed to protect, I did my job as a police man.

So, there should be presence of police everywhere and that beats down crime.

Assessment of IGP MD Abubakar Fantastic, unparallelled as far as I am concerned. I keep on saying it, unparallelled, because a lot of changes have been introduced into the police. Fantastic changes, positive changes, so I don’t know how to qualify him.

Checking the excesses of policemen We do a lot to checkmate their activities . Our men in x-squad are unrelenting over this issue. If you go against our directives or abuse your office, you face the music and we monitor them. Even the issue of improper dressing is taken seriously here.

Perception of the Policeman today Today, we have a police force that we have been crying for. Today, the police are more civil to members of the public. They are more polite. They have shown that they are there to serve members of the public. And that is why we have what we call community policing. It means let the people, the community know that the issue of security is not only police business, it is everybody’s business. Everybody has a stake in policing, that

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014 — 47

Fear grips Enugu community over killings by neighbourhood watch

By CHINENYE OZOR, Nsukka

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is why we have community policing and it has assisted us a lot. Members of the public will now have total confidence in us and are ready to supply information that help in combating crime.

Synergy with other security agencies We have been collaborating and cooperating mutually.

We meet regularly to review events and issues.

Stemming clashes between herdsmen and the people We have a way to make sure the clash is not as in other places. We have meetings with them. I mean the Fulanis. We have their phone numbers and we interact regularly with both

their leaders and their men so that if there is any problem, we quickly thrash it out.

I always visit them at Yawa and Aiyetoro and they are always happy to see me.

These Fulanis, they have the right to be in any part of the country and community.

We should see ourselves as brothers and sisters.

alpable fear has gripped residents of Aji Community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, over the alleged killing of a middle-aged man, Obinna Onoja, by people suspected to be members of the village neighbourhood watch. The incident which has heightened tension in the community took place barely one week after another indigene of the town, Itodo Oforma was allegedly hacked to death, four days after he buried his mother.

Crime Guard gathered that the deceased, Obinna was allegedly butchered to death on a mere flimsy reason that he stole an unidentified item from the compound of a top Enugu State Government Official who hails from the community.

Man arrested for blackmailing women with their nude videos zPoses as agent of Adenuga, Tambuwal, Pius Anyim

BY EVELYN USMAN

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his is largely for you, women.

Have you been invited via social network for contracts or for job interviews?

Then, you have to be careful because you could be a victim of fraudsters who use such means to blackmail women.

This admonition is coming on the heels of the arrest of a 32-year-old man who allegedly impersonates prominent Nigerians on facebook, using the medium as adverts for business transactions.

So far , he has allegedly succeeded in using eminent personalities like: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, business mogul Mike Adenuga, and Ghanaian actor Van Vicker among others, to woo his unsuspecting victims.

His targets, are reportedly females; both married and single.

His modus opearandi as gathered, included opening email addresses and facebook accounts where he allegedly impersonates these big shots, calling for bidders for contracts. Sometimes, he would reportedly place adverts for models ,where the unsuspecting job seekers usually fill in their profiles.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that thereafter, the suspect identified as Iweka Nnamdi, would invite only

•Suspect the female applicants to a hotel where the purported interview would hold. There, he would pose as personal assistant to the prominent Nigerian that has a job. He would then allegedly demand for sex in order for him to facilitate the contract.

Some of the females most of whom were said to be married, fell to his trap. And unknown to them, the suspect would place a camp coder in a section of the room where he records the video of his suspects

nudity or sexual action.

He would thereafter, use the video to blackmail his victims threatening to paste it in the internet if they failed to part with the requested amount of money.

Luck ran out on the Enugu State born suspect after he pasted one of his female victims nude on the internet over her refusal to pay him N20,000.

Said Police sources in Area ‘J’ Ajah : “ The suspect met a female banker (names withheld)on facebook where he posed as one of the big shots in Nigeria. After chatting with her for sometime, he invited her to a hotel in Ajah on March 14, 2014, where he slept with her. Unknown to the lady, a camp coder was placed in a corner of the hotel room, where all that transpired was recorded. He later abandoned the lady while she was sleeping. Next day, the lady called him on the phone, saying she was no longer interested in the relationship. But Iweka would not agree. Rather, he sent her his GTB account details asking her to pay in some money which she refused.

“But to her chagrin, Iweka posted her nude picture on internet , on April 15, 2014,which prompted her to report the case to the Police. We used the lady as a bait to get him by asking her to call him on the phone and book for an appointment with him in a hotel at Ikota in order to settle the case. And when he came

A competent source told Crime Guard that the deceased was an unemployed young man who survived on menial jobs, adding that he was never known as a bad egg in the community adding that what informed the action of his assailants were yet to be known and made public.

“He was allegedly killed on trumped up charges by a group who parades themselves as Aji neighbourhood watch. Two members of the group simply identified as hunchback and Otiyo were allegedly fingered to have played key roles in the gruesome murder of Oforma Itodo,” he disclosed.

Our investigation revealed that the assailants of Obinna Onoja used axe to cut off his toes, tortured him severely and before Police from Enugu State Special Anti- Robbery Squad ,SARS, could arrive, he had given up the ghost.

Contacted on phone for

we apprehended him. “ During investigation, we discovered he is not in any way related to any of these persons he claimed to represent. When we conducted a search in an apartment at Road 34, Ikota villa estate in Ajah, where he squats with his elder sister’s husband, we found the laptop he uses for these atrocities. Stored in, were video of several women in their nude, including that of the banker.

We also found Black berry phones with same pictures stored in.

“During interrogation, he said he only used such means to get beautiful ladies and also make some money. His victims included bankers, students in the different universities and married women. For the married women, he tells them to bid for contracts. From our acount, he has destroyed about 14 marriages, by posting pictures of the women who turned down his blackmail, on the internet”, police sources said.

The suspect who claimed to be a graduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, has been charged to court on an eight-count charge ranging from impersonation, publication of provocative pictures, threat to life, conduct likely to cause the breach of peace, obtaining under false pretense and threat with intent to extort.

The case was called for mentioning at the District Court 6, Tinubu, Lagos , on April 28, 2014 where Iweka pleaded not guilty. He was however granted bail with an amount of N200,000 and two sureties in like sum. As at the time of leaving the court, it could not be ascertained whether he was able to meet the bail condition. The case was adjourned to May 26, 2014.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

omikun Omoyiola, earss old and NiAy omik un Omo yiola, 111 1 yyear ear geria’s Youngest Peace Ambassador speaks on the abduction of the Chibok girls in her painting titled ‘stolen dreams’

INVESTING IN CHILD’S POTENTIAL:

How 11-year-old girl won Centenary award

BY MOSES NOSIKE

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here is a saying in the Bible that: “Show me a man diligent in his work, for he shall eat with kings”. That was the case of Omeyiola Ayomikun Eunice, a 10year-old primary six school girl, who was presented with, ‘Ambassador for Peace’ Award, at the just concluded Centenary Award in Abuja, for her creativity and distinctive paintings captioned: “Peace in the midst of the storm” and , “United we stand”.

Ayomikun sat and dined with leaders of different countries for being diligent in her painting and that earned exposure to her family.

Parents should learn from this and invest in their children’s future.

Here, she tells her stories about how

mals, fruits etc. So,when I left my former school to join Queensland, the passion increased because it has a good art teacher, Mr. Adewale Olakunle Joel, who started teaching me deep things about art. And sometimes, he would come to our home to have classes with me on weekends. As time went on, I started gaining inspiration from God and that has helped me a lot to caption my paintings after drawing. Sometimes my teachers assist in suggesting captions.

My journey to Abuja for the Centenary Award was interesting. I went there with my parents and teacher. I was happy and excited to have met President Jonathan for the first time in my life even though I was a bit nervous. I went there to present my

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I hereby encourage my friends and Nigerian kids out there to be courageous in their studies and should not lose hope in any situation but trust and have faith in God to help them achieve whatever thing they want to achieve in life

she started drawing that brought her to the lime light at the Centenary Award.

My names are Ayomikun Omeyiola Eunice. I’m from Kwara State. I came to Queensland Academy in 2010 because I believed the school has a better platform for me in the area of Art and again my siblings are there.

Before I came to the school, I had started drawing at the age of four.

Then I used to draw figures, ani-

drawings to the President through SGF, Senator Anyim Pius who commissioned my paintings and recommended me to the President as the youngest Nigerian kid to receive an award at the time when Nigeria is celebrating 100 years. Before the centenary award, however I participated in art competitions, among them was Indian Language Art Competition 2012. I’m still participating in more because painting is

challenge to pupils here and outside.

Concerning the Centenary Award, last year, she was invited by the Federal Government based on her paintings, advocating peace in Nigeria. Looking at the crisis in Nigeria, she did a painting captioned: “Peace in the midst of the storm”, depicting a flying dove, scrabble red and black colours, indicating challenges of Nigeria, but in spite of that, she sees a beautiful Nigeria, peace in the country. There was a programme the FG came up with, “Thank God it’s Centenary”.

That programme was youth-focused, to discover talents in youths. So different youths within and outside the country were invited. Those that distinguished themselves were invited last year July by the FG for an award. Ayomikun was invited, then she was10. There she presented her painting to the SGF, Pius Anyim and they were impressed by her painting, and after that she was presented with an award. Senator Pius Anyim said, you have made our country proud. Based on that, she was given an award as the youngest Peace Ambassador of Nigeria. On February 28, she was invited to make her art presentation which she did during the award dinner night at the banquet hall in Abuja. There she presented her painting, titled: “United we stand”. She was able to use her work to advocate unity that could usher in peaceful coexistence.

Impressed by her excellent creative work that earned her the centenary award, the school authority of Queensland Academy has granted Ayomikun scholarship award, even she uses her painting above titled: "Stolen Dreams" to advocate freedom for the abducted school girls in Yobe.

my hubby, even though I would love to be an engineer.

Mr. Oni K. I hereby encourage G, Principal, my friends and NigeriQueensland an kids out there to be Academy courageous in their said: studies and should not We have lose hope in any a mission, situation but trust and which is have faith in God to to offer a help them achieve distincwhatever thing they tive allwant to achieve in life. round I believe there is hope educafor the Nigerian tion child. I thank disQueensland Acadepensed my teachers for by top Ayomikun their efforts that probrought me to this feslevel today. Many sionals in a most conducive environthanks to my parents who are always ment for the preparation of exemplathere for me, providing the school ry and meticulously mentored future requirements to position me well in leaders. my painting.

In addition, Adewale, Ayomikun’s Mrs. Ogunkoya C.A, Head of art teacher, said, her success was School Primary responded thus: tied to the conducive environment I must first and foremost say that and required resources provided by the school. So, we have enough whatever achievements and performmaterials and a good studio to work. ance we are making our efforts to When I came into this school two position our students for a better years ago, one of the things I had in future are tied to our vision, to mind was to discover the creative provide top world class education. ability of kids and I discovered many of them and she is one of them. She The school put in place entrepredevoted more time and as well neurial schemes, where the children hardworking. There was a time she in addition learn fashion designing, was invited to Voice of Nigeria with photography etc. in order to equip five pupils from the school in Januthemselves so that they would have ary last year, and she did very well experience of all these skills so on art platform after displaying their paintings. I believe these assimilawherever they found themselves tions led to the award she received. they would be able to stand on their As a matter of fact, she has been a own.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , MA Y 17 MAY 17, 2014—49

Canoes, boats, ferries get boost on waterways safety z1.6m passengers now zPassenger Insurance

use Lagos waterways Scheme underway

Governor Babatunde Fashola

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

The governor warned against overloading the ferries or boats simply because life jackets had been provided, recalling that the recent ferry mishap that was recorded in South Korea resulted from overloading

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s part of efforts to reduce to the barest minimum various boat mishaps in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola, recently, flagged off the state’s Water Transport Safety Awareness Programme with distribution of 2,000 life jackets to operators in the water transportation sector.

He appealed to operators and patrons of water transportation to always insist on the use of life jackets when on board.

Fashola, who spoke at Ebute Ojo in Ojo Local Government Area, venue of the flag-off, added that all passengers who intend to board a canoe, ferry or outboard motorboat must insist that the operator provides them with a life jacket before they board the ferries.

He said in the same vein, an operator should disembark any passenger who refuses to use the life jacket.

While taking time to explain the need for safety consciousness at all times, the governor warned against overloading the ferries or boats simply because life jackets had been provided, recalling that the recent ferry mishap that was recorded in South Korea resulted from overloading.

Fashola said: “All those who overspeed on the waterways and pilot the boats and ferries under the influence of drugs should desist as such acts only endanger the lives of innocent passengers on the boats.

“I urge all the operators who are

beneficiaries of these life jackets not to keep them at home but keep them inside their boats or ferries always so that they can be useful to the passengers.”

According to the him, though in some other areas it is the operators that buy the jackets themselves, and because most of the operators are peasant businessmen who are operating on small scale basis, the state government decided to assist them.

The governor, therefore, gave a commitment that the present administration would also provide life jackets to all operators across all the water transportation points across the state just as it had started with Ojo area which is a riverine area.

The governor, noting that boats

and ferries being mechanical devices, are prone to accidents and when such an accident happens and the passengers put on life jackets those involved could be rescued.

According to Fashola, “As at today, the water transportation capacity of Lagos is improving as it now accounts for moving between 1.5 to 1.6 million passengers monthly compared to 200,000 passengers that used the mode of transportation some seven years ago.

“Very soon, the state government would complete work on the concessioning of the other ferry terminals in the state and we expect that as this is done passengers who patronize the waterways will increase.”

He added that the state had completed the dredging of the Ojo waterways down to Lagos Island and has installed lifebuoys and navigational signs for boat operators in the state, noting however, that he had just been informed that one of the lifebuoys had been stolen by unknown persons.

“If the government has provided such facilities for water transportation and they get stolen, it means the community where such acts took place also owe it a duty to expose those who did it.” Fashola maintained.

Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said the provision of the life jackets underscores the determination of the

state government to make the waterways safer for both the operators and the passengers.

Opeifa had earlier restated that government was committed to ensuring zero death and zero incidence on the waterways.

Opeifa who said this while receiving the report submitted by the 11-man inter –ministerial Committee on Ikorodu Boat Mishap, added that to further ensure the safety of Lagosians who daily travel on the road, water and rail the state would soon launch the Passenger Insurance Scheme .

The commissioner assured the Committee that the State Government would implement the necessary recommendations .

It will be recalled that Opeifa, constituted the committee on boat mishap on Friday, 11th April, 2014 with the charge to ascertain and determine the immediate and remote cause of April 2nd, 2014 boat mishap at Ikorodu and such other incidents including the roles of all concerned as well as make necessary recommendations to avoid reoccurrence.

In his vote of assurance, the ViceChairman of the State Water Operators, Hon Lawal Babatunde Saheed commended the governor for the support given to the water operators in ensuring that there is safety on all waterways in Lagos.

He assured government that the operators would make very good use of the life jackets and ensure that all the passengers take the issue of the usage very seriously so that there would be safety on the waterways.

50—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 17, 2014

By Tony UBANI

Pregnant woman to be hanged for converting from Islam to Christianity A

Woman dies after having sex with dog

C

according to AFP. The defendant replied: ”I am a heavily pregnant woman has Christian and I never committed apostasy.” The sentence is not going been sentenced to death by to be carried out until two years after hanging by a Sudanese court for converting from Islam to Christianity. the defendant has given birth to her Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag was child. Amnesty International condemned the sentencing, saying that also sentenced to 100 lashes after being convicted of adultery, since her Meriam is currently heavily pregnant and should be released immemarriage to a Christian man was diately. “Amnesty International deemed invalid under Islamic law.

The renunciation of Islam in favour believes that Meriam is a prisoner of of another religious belief, formally conscience, convicted solely because of her religious beliefs and identity, known as apostasy, is illegal in and must be released immediately Sudan where a majority Muslim and unconditionally,” said Manar population is governed by Islamic Idriss, Amnesty’s Sudan researcher. law.

Amnesty added that Meriam was “We gave you three days to recant raised an Orthodox Christian by her but you insist on not returning to Islam. I sentence you to be hanged mother because her Muslim father was absent during her childhood. to death,” the judge told Meriam,

OUNTY LIMERICK, Ireland — A man ar ranged for his dog to have sex with a woman after they met on an internet chat room, a court heard yesterday. The woman - a 48-year-old separated mother from Co Limerick who was not named in court died in hospital hours after engaging in an act of bestiality with the animal, gardai said.

Man-eating Crocodile captured in Uganda

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TERROR ALERT: Confusion on London Street

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he heart of London’s fi nancial district has been shut down amid a massive security alert outside the Bank of England.

An abandoned Vauxhall saloon left on Threadneedle Street in the City of London has sparked fears of a possible terrorist attack.

Thousands of office workers in the area have been ordered to evacuate the surrounding buildings. All roads leading

up the busy junction outside the Bank - Poultry, Cornhill, Threadneedle Street, King William Street and Princes’s Street - home to some of the world’s top banks and financial insitutions have been cordoned off. Eyewitnesses described seeing the driver of the car “sprinting away” after running a red light and abandoning the vehicle. In a statement to reassure the markets, the Bank of England con-

firmed that all essential finanical operations were unaffected by the alert.

Transport for London (TFL) said all buses would be temporarily diverted while police dealt with the situation. A spokesperson advised travellers to seek alternative routes and to expect delays. Bank underground station was partially closed. “We are dealing with a suspect vehicle at Bank Junction, all roads leading from the junction have been closed while we deal with the incident,” City of London police said on Twitter.

ne of the world’s largest crocodiles, suspected of eating six people, has been caught in Lake Victoria, Uganda.Terrified locals demanded officials hunt the reptile after it devoured its most recent victim, father-of-two Bosco Nyansi. Friends of the fisherman said he was mauled by the beast. They only found remnants of his clothes, which were floating in the river. The 1,000kg crocodile is also thought to have seriously injured other fishermen.

Officials in Uganda believe the reptile is 80-yearsold and weighs only 47kg less than the largest crocodile held in captivity – a 21ft saltwater crocodile captured in the Philippines.

Boy eaten alive by Crocodile

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n 11-year-old boy has been eaten alive by a huge crocodile in Papua New Guinea.The boy, named as Melas Mero, was fishing with his parents on the Siloura River in Gulf province when he was grabbed by the four-metre (13ft) reptile.Police commander Lincoln Gerari told the National newspaper: “The crocodile swept the boy with its tail and then attacked the defenceless child.” Officers found two hands, two legs and a hipbone inside the crocodile after they found and killed it. The boy’s head was discovered nearby.

Police arrest 3 Tricycle association officials against court order EMMA AMAIZE, ABRAKA

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OLICE in Abraka, Delta State, have arrested the chairman and two members of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Riders Association in the state against the subsisting order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting at Calabar, now in Enugu, on the police and other parties to maintain the status quo.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Ikolo, Olumide and two of his members, Christopher and Godwin Oyovwikigho, were said to have lodged a complaint at the Divisional Police Station, Abraka, over constant harassment of their members by the executives and task force members of a rival Delta State Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Union, Abraka chapter, compelling them to illicitly pay union dues.

Their lawyer, Oghenejabor Ikimi, in a petition, dated May 15, to the Inspector General of Police, said, “Rather than investigate the above complaint, the Divisional Police Officer ordered the arrest and detention of our clients despite the subsisting suit between both unions at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting at Calabar ,now in Enugu.”

He said the subsisting order directed all the parties in the suit, including the Delta State Commissioner of Police, to maintain status quo ante, pending the determination of the said suit in Suit No: NICN/PHC/85/ 2013, The Registered Trustees of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association and Another vs. Mr Obi Ezete and 4 others.”

Ikimi asserted, “The Divisional Police Officer in Abraka refused to grant our clients bail after taking their statements, but

rather transferred our clients to the Area Commander’s Office in Warri, under the pretext that our clients had a case to answer at

the said Area Commander’s Office, despite the fact that our clients informed the said police boss that they have at no time

received any invitation from the Area Commander’s Office over any complaint lodged against them.”

Imo police arrest colleagues for extorting money from motorists

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI

I

MO State Police Command says it has arrested a number of its personnel found to have extorted varying sums of money from motorists on the highway.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, made this known in Owerri, following complaints by motorists over the level of extortion being experienced in the state since the command reintroduced the stopand-search operation.

“The Command has received a number of complaints

from motorists that the stop and search operation had turned to extortion centres. I must also confirm that the special team set up by the Commissioner of Police, CP, to monitor what our men do on the road, arrested some police-

men for varying offences. ”Those picked up by the CP’s special team are currently explaining their roles to the command,” he said, while appealing to motorists to report all acts of extortion to his office for commensurate action.

Mrs Isabella goes home

T

HE Umunna family of Ag bonta quarters Ubulu-uku, Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State has announced the burial of their mother and grandmother, Mrs Isabella Ogomebgunem Umunna (nee Onwuegbuzie).The Christian

wake keep was held Thursday,while the interment took place yersterday at her Umunna’s compound, Agbonta quarters Ubulu-uku.

Left to mourn her include many children and grand children, including Emmanual Umunna, a logistics expert in Lagos.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014—51

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52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014

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hola Ameobi could be heading to this summer’s World Cup, less than two years after winning his first cap for Nigeria. And the long-ser ving Newcastle United striker sat down for a chat about an Italian inspiration and expectation levels for the African champions in Brazil.

How excited are you about the forthcoming World Cup? First and foremost, the prospect of being at a World Cup is incredible.

It’s something that you dream of doing as a kid, and I remember watching the 1990 tournament, imagining myself one day doing playing in something like that.

So to hopefully get the chance this summer, and not in just any World Cup but one in Brazil, would be unbelievable.

It’s something that I never really thought

•Shola Ameobi

Ameobi tips Argentina to top Eagles would happen, coming into the latter stages of my career, but I’m just excited and hopeful of a

spot.

It was always a dream back then, pretending that you were those

players and that you were performing at the highest level.

So you wouldn’t mind

having a similar impact to Schillaci this summer then?

Yes, and you know what, anything is possible. I know that with God, anything can happen, especially in football.

Out in Brazil, with the climate as it is, there are definitely going to be some shock results - no question about it.

Hopefully the smaller teams can take advantage of it, and we will be trying to do just that.

A couple of years ago you were still uncapped

by Nigeria, so the position you currently find yourself in must have seemed a million miles away When FIFA changed the rules it was something I tried to explore, but for one reason or another it never quite happened.

I may have played for England at under-21 level, but Nigeria is my birthplace, my motherland.

My parents always wanted me to represent Nigeria and it is something I also wanted to do for a long time.

It never quite worked out until the previous manager stepped in. He came and asked me what I thought, I committed to

e Eagles str ong in Brazil Kanu: What will mak make strong African football legend Nkwankwo Kanu in this interview with KickOff.com, talks about Super Eagles chances at the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil..

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e have the World Cup coming up, so what are Nigeria’s chances and the other African teams that will represent the continent?

Kanu: Luckily we are in a good group and if you ask me, I think it is the easiest group. (Nigeria are in Group F with Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iran). I think our chances are 80% and if we can pass that group, and I know we are going to do that, then we will have more confidence. I know immediately we pass that group, the Nigerian people are going to be behind the team from the president to ordinary people. Maybe we can go to the semifinals, who knows? I think Africa has a good chance, because we also have Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana and Algeria. As for us, we have experienced players who are playing in some top Leagues so we can reach that level.

Nigeria could be seen as Africa’s biggest hope, do you agree?

Yes, because we don’t put our hopes on individual players. The strength of the team is

unity and the spirit in the camp is very strong.

Also, having the ‘Big Boss’ (Stephen Keshi) is good for us, because the players listen to him and that is something very important. He pushes them to the limit and if you put those together, we are strong. We don’t rely on one man.

But having said that, aren’t there specific players that you feel will play a pivotal role for Nigeria?

Mikel Obi is a man who controls the team and coming from a big club Chelsea, all eyes will be on him. We also

•Kanu have Emmanuel Emenike, who I reckon wants to make his mark in the World Cup. He did that in the 2013 Africa Cup of

Nations and I have no doubt he can do it on a world stage as well. We also have a very good goalkeeper Vincent En-

yeama, who is one of the best goalkeepers in France.

As Africans, are we ever going to see one of our countries in the final of the World Cup? The answer is yes, because I can tell you every year that passes the Leagues and managements in Africa are changing. Not that we are perfect, but we are improving as a continent. So I believe that the time will come when an African country will win the World Cup, but first and foremost, I think the target should be the semi-finals and take it from there.

them.

I was so proud making my debut against Venezuela (in November 2012). That was one of the most special moments in my career.

Would it be topped by pulling on the national jersey at a World Cup? Definitely. Without a doubt.

That’s the ultimate, and as a professional you strive to reach the very highest level you can.

There’s no greater level in our sport than the World Cup. I’ve dreamed about this all my life, and for it to potentially become reality would definitely go above and beyond anything I’ve ever done in my career.

How do you think Nigeria can fare in Group F, alongside Argentina, BosniaHerzegovina and Iran?

Argentina will be favourites to win the group, if not the whole tournament, so in my mind it is all about how we get on against Bosnia and Iran.

Fortunately for us we play those two first and don’t have to worry about Argentina until the final game.

If we could get off to a winning start and then pick something up in the second match as well, that could be enough.

The worst thing we can do is be complacent but I do think we have the tools to beat Iran and Bosnia.

What’s the mood like in Nigeria ahead of the World Cup? There is massive expectations, having won the Africa Cup of Nations last year and been undefeated throughout the whole of last season.

When you have that sort of success, expectation levels rise, and there is a real sense that we can progress in this tournament.

And that extends to the players as well, as we feel we should be getting out of the group.

That would be an achievement in itself and then you go into one-off games, where anything can happen.

Taiwo: I’m better than Keshi’s defenders

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AYE Taiwo talks about his disappointment over his national team snub, but makes it clear he will not be benched by any of Stephen Keshi’s current crop.

Despite enjoying a revival in Turkey, Taiwo has been locked out of Keshi’s Nigeria squad for nearly two years.

Lets come to nigeria now.

Are you disappointed that despite being so consistent for bursaspor, you’ve not been in the nigeria team?

I’m really disappointed because I’m a Nigerian player. But I can’t say I want to stop playing for the national team. Life is all about understanding. Maybe this period our coach doesn’t want me. But that is not a problem for me. There are people who have played there before who are not there anymore. If they call me, I will come.

You played under the new coach but then you have not

been invited. Did something happen?

I don’t really know. But even in Europe when they bring a new coach, there is a lot of changes sometimes. Sometimes the new coach doesn’t have you in his plans.

Everywhere, even in Europe, the coach has his own players that he wants. If the coach doesn’t believe in you, no matter how you train, you can’t do anything about it.

So as far as you are concerned you had no issues.

Are you surprised you haven’t been in the team since?

Continues on Page 53

Taye Taiwo

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014—53

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014

Players fault officiating at CBN tennis

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OME players taking part in the ongoing 36th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Championships yesterday expressed mixed feelings over the organisation of the tour-

African Youth Games:

Danagogo puts Nigerian athletes to task S

PORTS Minister, Tammy Danagogo, has urged Nigeria’s contingent to the 2014 African Youth Games to be committed and dedicated in their quest to win gold medals.

This is contained in a statement signed by Taye Akinyemi, Deputy Director of Press, National Sports Commission (NSC), on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the second edition of the continental sports festival is scheduled for Gaborone, Botswana, from May 22 to May 31.

According to the statement, the minister spoke with the athletes during an unscheduled visit to the training camps of Team Nigeria to deter-

mine their level of preparedness for the Games The statement quoted the minister, who is also the Chairman of NSC, as saying that winning gold medals at the championship was the minimum that Nigerians expected from them. ‘’The President and all Nigerians are behind you;

if you win gold, you will bring glory to yourselves in addition to the incentives you will receive from Mr President. ‘’NSC will do its part by ensuring that all logistics and funding needs of the team are met.

“It is therefore expected that you put everything together and bring gold

medals to the country,” Danagogo was quoted as saying.

nament.

Some players who spoke to NAN, hailed players’ performances but said that there had not been an improvement in officiating.

Thomas Otu, tournament Number Seven seed, said that more efforts should be made to ensure better officiating.

“For me, it is the same lapses we experienced in the previous editions; I will really like to see a lot of changes in the competition.“The umpires also have to improve be-

Van Persie to be United skipper R

obin van Persie is expected to be named as Manchester United's new captain when Louis van Gaal is

confirmed as the club's new manager, according to leading Dutch journalist Pascal Kamperman.

The 62-year-old named

Bok o Haram tak es shine of tial ar ts ffestiv estiv al Boko takes offf mar martial arts estival

A

FTER three days of pulsating action, the first Agoma Martial Arts Festival comes to an end in Benin City, Edo State today, even as the event was robbed of international representation due to the activities of the the Boko Haram terror group in the northeastern part of the country.

The organising committee chairman, Oghenejobo Peters disclosed that despite the absence of the the African countries that were expected, the

cause it is unbelievable how wrong they could be at times in their decisions,” Otu said.

He, however, commended the players for good performances in spite of challenges.

Samuel Omoile, a Number Five seed, also said that there had not been an improvement in officiating.

“There has not been any remarkable improvement in officiating; this is not good for the development of the game in this country,” Omoile said.

competition was keen and the finals bouts today promises to throw up more revelations.

“Everything has gone on well and we expect a fitting final on Saturday(today). Though the tough competition we expected from other African countries wasn’t there, our athletes were able to give out their best.

“Some of the countries that registered to participate did not come. They cited the Boko Haram crises as reason. Despite all the assurance of their safety, they failed to show up,” said the former Olympian.

van Persie as the permanent skipper of the Dutch side 11 months ago and Kamperman expects the former Arsenal striker to succeed Inter Milanbound Nemanja Vidic as United skipper.

"Yeah I think so because they do have a good relationship," Kamperman said’ when asked if he thought van Persie would captain United next season. "At the beginning when van Gaal took over as the head coach of the Dutch national team they had to find their position a little bit.

Okagbare, Felix, Fraser-Pryce in Shanghai showdown

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n Sunday, Nigeria’s sprint sen sation will continue in her quest to establish herself in world athletics as she race against Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Allyson Felix in the

Shanghai Diamond League in China.

Okagbare with a personal best of 22.31 seconds will be running her second race of the season,

World Relays: Nigerian teams’ form worry officials A

S countries round up preparations for the IAAF World Relays, the form of the Nigerian men 4x100m and 4x400m continue to irritate Nigerian athletics enthusiasts, but the inclusion of junior athletes Akerele Omezia, Divine Oduduru in the estimation of Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials, offers a hope that the team will farewell in Nassua, Bahamas. The team is expected to arrive the Caribbean Island nation on May 22 for the event, which will run from May 24-25.

Some of the team members have been in Houston, Texas. They will be met by other home-based athletes like Omezia and Oduduru who have been doing well at the AFN golden league.

AFN technical director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama said yesterday that Nigeria will be entering athletes in the 4x100m, 4x200m and the 4x400m, adding that the federation’s target was to see all the teams making the semi-finals and any

FIGHTING TO FINISH... (from right) Allyson Felix, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Blessing Okagbare digging it out in a contest. The trio will be on the stage on Sunday to slug it out. final appearance will be an added advantage.

However, he singled out the women 4x400m as a sure bet for a medal.

“Our chances are bright.

But we wish that we could have two days of training so that the home-based and those in the US to practice. We don’t have

much problem with the 4x400m, the women are okay, they are our best chance for a medal.

“Out major worries are the men 4x100 and 4x400m. Hopefully the inclusion of Omezia and Oduduru will make a difference. We can only wish

that we have the team compete in a meet or two so that they can have a perfect team work in Bahamas,” said Commodore Nesiama.

The Nigerian team include Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu, Dominique Omajuwa Duncan, Francesca Okwara, Peace

Uko and Endurance Abinuwa who will compete in the 4×100 and 4x200m.

Regina George, Patience Okon George, Omolara Omotosho, Bukola Abogunloko, Folashade Abugan and Amaka Ogoegbunam are in the women for the 4x400m.

while Felix who pulled up during the final of last year’s World Championships is making her first appearance after recovering from injury.

At the Doha Diamond league meet last week, Okagbare posted 11.18 playing second fiddle to Fraser-Pryce who ran 11.13 seconds in the women 100m. Perhaps, Okabgbare will out run the Jamaican ‘pocket rocket’ and also Felix who is regarded as one of the best in the 200m.

Felix won three Olympic golds at London 2012 to go with her eight outdoor world titles and one Olympic relay gold from Beijing 2008. She won the Diamond Race for 200m and 400m in 2010, but triumphed at only one DL meeting in 2013.

The 28-year-old will be keen to make a winning start to her 2014 campaign on what will be her Shanghai debut when she races over 400m in an enticing head-to-head against 2011 world champion Amantle Montsho.

The Botswana athlete missed out on retaining her world title in Moscow by four thousandths of a second when she was pipped on the line by Britain’s Christine Ohuruogu after an impressive season in which she broke 50 seconds six times and lowered her national record to 49.33.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 17, 2014—55

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 17, 2014

Okagbare, Felix, Pryce in Shanghai showdown •Okagbare

PAGE 54

•Frayser

Saturday Interview Pg 52

Kanu: I’m be tt er bett tter than K eshi’s Keshi’s defenders Pg 52 —Taiwo FA Cup final

Ar senal gun ffor or ffir ir st title in 9 yyear ear Arsenal irst earss

TODAY’S MATCHES FA Cup final Arsenal

LA LIGA:

Real Madrid Barcelona Valencia

v

Hull

v v v

Espanyol 3pm Atletico Madrid 5pm Celta Vigo 9pm

FRENCH LIGUE 1:

Bastia Lorient Marseille Monaco Nice PSG Reims Sochaux St Etenne Toulouse

SERIE A: Udinese

v v v v v v v v v v

Nantes Lille Guingamp Bordeaux Lyon Montpellier Rennes Evan Gaillar Ajaccio Valencienes

v Sampdoria

What will mak e make Eagles strong in Brazil Pg 52

5pm

8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 7:45pm

Across 1 Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed – (8) 5 Togolese Capital City – (4) 7 Minister of The Interior, Mr. Abba – (4) 8 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Emmanuel – (6) 11 Connection – (3) 12 Flamingoes (U-17) Striker, Uchenna – (4) 13 L.G.A in Rivers State – (4) 15 Former Minister of Housing & Environment, Mrs. Halimat – (4) 16 Flamingoes (U-17) Assistant Coach, Ann – (8) 19 Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri – (8) 22 Real Madrid Striker, Gareth – (4) 24 Constellation – (4) 25 L.G.A in Jigawa State – (4) 27 Greek Alphabet – (3) 29 Traditional Ruler of Oyo – (6) 31 Nigerian Currency Unit – (4) 32 CBN Director of Currency Operations, Shamsudeen – (4) 33 Super Eagles Left-full Back, Godfrey – (8) Down 1 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (4) 2 L.G.A in Borno State – (6)

Barca, Atletico rumble for La Liga title Pg 53 Pg 53

3 Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Daniel – (8) 4 Former Ugandan President, Idi – (4) 5 Circuit – (3) 6 CBN Governor-Elect, Mr. Godwin – (8) 9 Former Niger State Governor, Abdulkadir – (4) 10 Former Cross-River State Governor, Mr. Clement – (4) 14 Hausa Word for “Ten” – (4) 15 Golden Eaglets (U-17) Goalkeeper, Dele – (8) 17 Senator for Bayelsa East Constituency, Hon. Clever – (8) 18 L.G.A in Kaduna State – (4) 20 Yoruba Word for “Three” – (4) 21 Maldives Currency Unit – (4) 23 Former Philippines President, Gloria – (6) 26 State in Nigerian Known as “Sunshine State”? – (4) 28 L.G.A in Edo State – (4) 30 Distant – (3)

SOLUTION on page 15

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