We've evidende to nail Saraki - FG

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2—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17—2015

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 3

Alleged false declaration of assets: We’ve enough evidence against Saraki – FG •It’s politically motivated witch-hunt – Saraki •Appeal court to deliver judgement Monday •El-Rufai, four others to testify at CCT Oct 21

By IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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HE Federal Gov ernment, yesterday, told the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja that it has garnered sufficient evidence to establish that the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, as a public officer, acquired several assets beyond his legitimate earnings.

The prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, equally told the appellate court that five witnesses lined-up against the Senate President, have all expressed their readiness to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on October 21, to testify and tender exhibits against Saraki.

It will be recalled that among those that the Federal Government billed to give oral testimony against Saraki are former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and current governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai is expected to testify that he was the one who sold one of the assets that Saraki bought in Abuja which the government alleged he failed to list among the assets he acquired while in office as the governor of Kwara State.

The prosecution also told the court that Saraki has already been furnished with all the proofs of evidence against him, including copies of four separate assets declaration forms that he earlier submitted before the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB. Jacobs urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal that Saraki lodged before it and order him to go to the CCT and clear his name.

He is also alleged to have owned and operated foreign bank accounts while being a public officer.

Saraki, in his appeal, has challenged the legal propriety of the 13-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Protect me from politically motivated witch-hunt, Saraki begs Appeal Court

However, Saraki, aside

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challenging the charges, also queried the constitutionality of the warrant of arrest initially issued against him by Chairman of the CCT, Justice Danladi Umar.

Besides, the Senate President, through his team of lawyers led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. J.B. Daudu, SAN, wants the higher court to ascertain whether or not the Justice Umar-led panel subscribed to the appropriate legal procedure when it ordered him to mount the dock and enter his plea to the charges despite preliminary objections against his trial.

He raised 12 grounds of appeal against the CCT, supported by a 16paragraph affidavit and four exhibits.

Saraki also deposed another 17-paragraphed affidavit of urgency, wherein he urged the higher court to intervene and protect him from what he described as “a politically motivated witch-hunt.”

He specifically urged the appellate court to suspend the proceeding of the tribunal pending the hearing and determination of the substantive appeal against the CCT.

A’Court refuses plea to stop CCT’s proceedings

However, at the resumed sitting yesterday, a three-man panel of judges led by Justice Moore Adumein , struck out Saraki’s application for a stay of further proceedings of the tribunal.

It was the view of the panel that the application has been overtaken by events.

Earlier, Saraki had through his counsel, argued that the CCT erred in law by going ahead with the trial despite that fact that “it was not properly constituted.”

He contended that whereas the Constitution provides for a threeman panel to sit over cases brought before the tribunal, he said that only two judges sat on September 22 when he was docked.

According to him, the composition of the tribunal was in violation of paragraphs 15(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

CCT wrong in assuming jurisdiction over the case – Saraki

Daudu maintained that the tribunal was

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), British Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Affairs and DFID, Mr. Grant Shapps, Special Adviser, Jo Corlett, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ray Kyles and Professor Ademola Abass during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the British Minister of State, at the Lagos House, Marina, recently.

wrong in assuming criminal jurisdiction against the Senate President when it was not listed in the Constitution as a superior court of record.

He described the CCT as an “inferior court”, saying it does not in any way, share concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal High Court.

He therefore urged the Appeal Court to nullify the proceedings of the tribunal against Saraki and also set aside the criminal charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

But the prosecution asked the appellate

court to dismiss Saraki’s arguments as baseless and grossly lacking in merit.

Jacobs, argued that the tribunal was properly constituted and empowered to try the accused person.

He urged the court to invoke the Interpretation Act to resolve the issue on whether the two-man panel had indeed formed a quorum as envisaged by the law.

More so, the prosecuting counsel submitted that the tribunal has criminal jurisdiction hence the use of words like “guilty” and “pun-

ishment” in the law that established it.

“We urge your lordships to dismiss this appeal and order the appellate to go before the CCT and face criminal charges against him. We have gathered enough evidence to prove that he made anticipatory assets declaration”, Rotimi added.

Court of Appeals to deliver verdict Oct 19

After listening to the parties, the court adjourned to Monday for judgement.

Continues on Page 5

Ignore petitions, white paper against me, Amaechi writes Saraki *Says they‘re subjudice, libelous

BY SONI DANIEL & GRACE UDOFIA

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ORMER Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has written Senate President Bukola Saraki, asking him not to take any action on the White Paper issued by Governor Nyesom Wike against him and his administration and the petition sent to the Senate by Livingstone Wechie accusing him of corruption.

Amaechi, who is a ministerial nominee from Rivers State have been having a running battle with the State government and its lawmakers, who are opposed to his nomination and appointment by President Muhamadu Buhari.

The state and the lawmakers want Amaechi to be dropped, accusing him of having made the state to lose huge revenue when he was gover-

nor for eight years.

The opposition against him informed the postponement of his screening twice last week when 18 other nominees were cleared by the upper legislative chamber.

But Amaechi through his lawyer, Edward E. Pepple of Edward and Williams and Co, in the letter made available to Saturday Vanguard, yesterday, said the entirety of the so-called petition and white paper ran foul of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and should not be acted upon pending the hearing and determination of the suits on the matters.

The governor pointed out that while he would not be forced to speak on a matter that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, the petitioner, Livingstone Wechie and Governor Wike’s White paper were deliberately intended to

smear him and expose him to ridicule before the public and should therefore be discarded.

Amaechi contended that the Supreme Court had made adequate pronouncements concerning the constitution of a judicial commission of enquiry and the fact that such pronouncements do not have the effect of a court verdict and asked the Senate to take note of how the Rivers State government was trying to subvert the law.

Quoting copiously from decided cases, the governor said: “This position of the law has been upheld and reaffirmed severally by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In the case of DOHERTY V. BALEWA (19611962) NSCC (page 248) at 257, lines 35-50, the Supreme Court in a similar situation with the instant case held as follows: “The power of the commission to impose imprisonment is clearly

contrary to the provisions of Section 20, and this was not disputed by the Attorney-General. This must also apply to the power to impose a fine, which is enforceable by imprisonment. In these circumstances we would hold that Sections 8, 15 and 18 are invalid to the extent that they purport to empower a Commissioner to inflict a punishment of a fine or imprisonment that the Sections should be “read down” accordingly.”

“Similarly, in the celebrated case in which our client was declared the elected Governor of Rivers State [AMAECHI vs.

INEC & ORS (2008) 5 NWLR (PT 1080), page 227, at 306, para E-F], some political interests acting with the intention of preventing our client from pursuing his Governorship mandate which was in dispute at the time, did set up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry and purported to have indicted him, as is

been repeated at the moment, the Supreme Court held that: “A Judicial Commission of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel is not the same thing as a Court of law or its equivalent.

Because a Court of Law operates within a judicial hierarchy any person wrongly convicted is enabled to contest his conviction to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This is a right granted by the Constitution of Nigeria” “In the case of EGBUNIWE V. FGN (2010), 2 NWLR (PT 1178), page 348, at 368, para C-D, the Court held that: “The Constitution is clear as to who should perform judicial acts.

And since it is the exclusive function of the judiciary to exercise judicial function, any member of the executive who interferes with those functions must be prepared to face the consequences of such interloping conduct by way of an action by a person aggrieved”.

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

I won’t quit if Boko Haram isn’t defeated by Dec –Buhari E

IGHTEEN months after more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram from Chibok, a largely Christian populated remote town in Borno State, North-East Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has for the umpteenth time pledged to defeat the Islamist armed group by December this year, adding that his government is willing to negotiate to secure the girls’ release.

Buhari, who spoke to Al Jazeera’s Mehdi Hasan on the TV’s flagship current affairs show: ‘UpFront’, reiterated his pledge to defeat Boko Haram by December, but also acknowledged he would be willing to negotiate with the group to secure the release of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.

The President in the interview said: “They (Boko Haram) have to prove to us that they (Chibok grils) are alive, they are well, and then we can…negotiate with

them... We said it and we meant it. If we are satisfied that the girls are alive.”

When asked whether he would offer financial payments or prisoners release to Boko Haram in return for the girls, Buhari did not rule out either option. “Well it depends on the negotiations with the leadership of Boko Haram.”

The President pledged to defeat Boko Haram by the end of 2015 and told Hasan: “As soon as the rainy season comes to an end, which is by the end of the year […] Boko Haram will virtually be out of their main stronghold and that will be the end of it [….] Attacks by Boko Haram on townships, on military installations, will certainly stop.”

If Boko Haram isn’t defeated by December, however, Buhari said he “will not resign”.

“I will be determined to stay and fight it out.”

The President claimed not to have seen the

Amnesty International report from June 2015, ‘Nigeria: Stars on their shoulders: Blood on their hands’, in which the human rights group documented abuses, torture and unlawful killings by the Nigerian armed forces and urged the government to prosecute a group of officers and senior commanders.

“I haven’t received that report personally,” said Buhari, “If I get those documents… I assure you that I will take action as Commander in Chief.”

In the past, Buhari has been quoted as saying he supports “the total implementation of the sharia in the country” but he told ‘UpFront’ that “Nigerian law does not allow for” so-called sharia punishments, such as stonings and amputations, adding, “I cannot change it. I haven’t been voted by [a] majority of Nigerians to change Nigerian constitution.”

Asked about his record as a military dictator in

the mid-1980s, and the alleged human-rights abuses which occurred on his watch, Buhari said: “If there is any injustice that can be proved against me when I was there, I will gladly apologize.”

The president refused, however, to concede that his now-notorious ‘ war

Gas supply debt: Ghana pays $10m to Nigeria

By Michael Eboh

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HE Ghanaian gov ernment, yesterday, settled part of its debt to the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) and Nigeria Gas Association, NGA, following the first round of talks with the Nigeri-

Tokyo warns NURTW leadership over new exco in Oyo that his teeming memBy OLA AJAYI

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S the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers led by Alhaji Najeem Yasin prepares for the swearing-in of the executive members of the union in Oyo State on Monday, an embattled Chairman of the union, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola aka Tokyo has called on the leadership to exercise caution considering the fact that various court judgments that authenticated his chairmanship are still subsisting.

Tokyo, who spoke with newsmen at his Akobo residence in Ibadan said until the judgment of the National Industrial Court, which was also revalidated by a Federal High Court and a Court of Appeal is upturned, it would be a futile exercise for the national leadership to swear in the executive of Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde aka Fele after a four year tenure without any election.

Alhaji Akinsola who was flanked by scores of his supporters warned

bers in the union who have been pushed out of motor parks by the current leadership of the union and have suffered all sorts of harassment, intimidation and threats to their lives would not fold their arms and allow this illegality to take place in their domains.

While calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to stop the said swearing in on Monday, which he said, would be tantamount to contempt of court, he asked them to use their good offices to ensure the implementation of the court order and reinstate him as the chairman.

He noted further that the Oyo State government in a suit marked CA/1/38/13 appealed the judgment of the NIC but the Appeal Court dismissed their appeal asking the government to go and implement the order of reinstatement and up to now, the government is still dilly dallying on the implementation of the court order.

an authorities.

The negotiations, it was learned, will continue as yesterday’s payment of $10 million buys Ghana some time to conclude negotiations to curtail the cut in gas supply from Nigeria. WAPCo had threatened to cut gas supply to Ghana on Friday, over $180 million debt owed NGA, but it suspended the decision after the deadline for payment elapsed last night.

Harriet Wereko Brobbey, Corporate Affairs Director for the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, told a Ghanaian news outfit that the company is still transporting natural gas to Ghana.

Sources in Nigeria told the news medium that Ghana has committed first payment of close to 10 million dollars to NGA. This agreement was reached with some conditions. The partners are expected to meet over the weekend to structure out a payment plan which will be agreed on by other partners.

Though the negotiation was confidential, reports indicate that some of the key issues discussed included the fact that Ghana is one of the biggest customers of WAPCO for gas supply because of its strategic role in the West African sub region in the supply of electricity.

Nigeria in the past had not been honoring its agreement in the amount of gas it must contractually supply Ghana which became a major talking point from late 2014 into early this year.

NAHCO gets ground handling rights at Osubi Airport perience within our borders.

“Using this partnership

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

From L-R: Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Senator Adamu Abdullahi and other guests praying during the wedding fatiha of Abdullahi's daughter in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

I smoke Indian hemp to assimilate lectures rounded us up.

–undergraduate suspect “I am studying Banking

By Evelyn Usman

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PERATIVES of the RapidResponseSquad, RRS have arrested five students of the Yaba College of Technology , Lagos, at a black spot in Jibowu area of Lagos, recovering dangerous objects such as knives , broken bottles and wrapped weeds suspected to be marijuana from them.

The black spot said to be used as meeting point for robbers, during and after

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operation was reportedly raided by the operatives following a tip-off.

However during investigation, one of the students, Ezem Harrison, 18, denied being member of a robbery gang. He admitted however that he usually visited the spot to smoke.

According to the indigene of Orunba-North Local Government of Anambra State, “I was at the joint with my colleagues smoking India-hemp when the Police

and Finance at Yaba College of Technology, I was lured into smoking hard drugs such as Marijuana by my friends in the higher institution. If I don’t smoke, I won’t be able to assimilate any lecture in the class”, Ezem said.

On his part, Richard Peters, who resides in Pedro area of Gbagada, stated “ I take pleasure in smoking Marijuana . If I don’t smoke a day, I will not be myself. I enjoy smoking Indianhemp.

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AHCO aviance, a ground handling services provider, has won the exclusive handling operations for operators at the Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State. The airport is owned by the Shoreline Group.

The Company, which is implementing the letters of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Shoreline Group recently, would provide ground handling services at the Osubi Airport. The agreement gives nahco aviance exclusive right for ground handling services at the airport including Pax, ramp, and cargo operation (RFS for now).

Presently, some carriers operating in Osubi include

Aero, Arik, and Escravos (operated by Aero). The MoU provides for NAHCO aviance to negotiate separate agreements with the other operators using the Airport.

Expressing his delight over the new deal, the Chief Commercial Officer of the company, Mr. Seyi Adewale said that there had been relatively good successes through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and FGN’s concessionaire initiatives in the Aviation Subsector is a good example.

“Airports within the country now have opportunities for new capital (investments) to improve airport infrastructure and also improve the overall airport architecture that helps facilitate excellent Passenger ex-

model, we are currently witnessing concessioned airport terminals outperforming the publicly managed airport terminals and many of these concessioned airports rely on NAHCO inpart to achieve this feat.

“Specific to Osubi Airport, we would be bringing over 35years Aviation Ground Handling capabilities to further accentuate the excellent passenger experience through passenger handling competences, skilled manpower, up-to-date (Airport) technology, tools & equipment, world class management structure and its competence to make Osubi Airport a reference point for efficient and effective Aviation Ground Handling Services,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 5

SEC, NSE, CIBN, others eulogise Onosode

By Peter Egwuatu

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ORPORATE Nigeria and individuals, yesterday, bid farewell to late Gamaliel Onosode, who they described as a disciplined technocrat and genius.

Speaking at Onosode’s tribute and service of songs at Civic Centre, Lagos, Mrs. Mary Udoka, director, Collective Investment Scheme, CIS of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, who represented the Director General of the commission, Mr. Mounir Gwazor, said: “Onosode was a colossus advocate of the capital market. He was a doyen of the Nigerian capital market. Director of directors and described as all rounder. His support and contributions to the capital market regulations cannot be quantified. He helped to sharpen policy direction in the market . He played regulatory roles, his robust intellect and visionary mind positioned SEC to strategic direction that conforms to global standards. The 10-year master plan of the Nigerian Capital Market was pioneered by him. His role as chairman of quoted

companies has been highly referenced. He was the founding father of corporate governance , transparency and accountability. We wish him well wherever he is.”

He was exceptional – Onyema Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said: “It is a singular honour to celebrate the life of an exceptional man, who personifies integrity, radiates simplistic elegance and exudes patriotism even to his last breath. Dr. Onosode is a man like no other. He is man’s man, a leader of leaders and it is not surprising that he has attracted several sincere tributes across religions, professions, and globally.

All these accolades, he so rightly earned. ‘’It can be extremely difficult to describe the life of a man in words; words that are limited by allocated time at a ceremony like this.

You can then appreciate my grief in doing so for a humble husband, a faithful father, ethical corporate czar, genteel gentleman, ‘marvel of God’s grace’ who impacted many lives

that he came in contact with.

“The great foundation for the life we are celebrating today were laid by his parents, who led by examples and instilled strong life principles in him. In his life time, he paid affectionate tributes to his parents for gifting him the essential qualities that stood him out. From his father he learned humility and servant leadership. He said of him “my father could be caught several times a day sweeping the floor of the sitting room and it was not just a first thing in the morning affair, because sweeping is meant to keep the floor clean. It means that any time the floor is not clean, resort should be made to the broom. And quite often when he did that, when you tried to take the broom from him he never agreed, he just said thank you’. ‘’Speaking about his mother, he said ‘She also taught me and reinforced my belief in not yielding to intellectual blackmail. You cannot force me to say what I do not believe in, no matter the price to pay. My mother would rather I stood and fight than give in to oppression but she

Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers holds Service of Songs for late Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

was a non-violent woman.’ ‘’What foundations are we laying for our children who are going to be leaders of tomorrow?

Talking of foundation, Dr. Onosode helped the Nigerian Stock Exchange to lay a strong foundation for the NSE’s Investors’ Protection Fund (IPF) as the chairman of the Board of Trustees. The NSE IPF fund was established to compensate investors for pecuniary losses which was as a result of wrong doing by certain dealing member firms of The Exchange. ‘’He was the best man for the job and we will sorely miss him. However, we take solace in his laudable achievements, which will remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history...Given the scope of his accomplishments, the unison of opinion on his integrity, passion for Nigeria and consistent pursuit of excellence, it is hard today to find many men of Dr. Onosode’s ilk

and we may see fewer of his likes in the future.”

CIBN pay tributes President/Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, said in her tribute:” Onosode’s was a friend and member of council of the institute. He would be remembered for his contribution. He is a man of integrity in business and religious life. Only a man close to a God could perform so much. He is a board room master as many would say. He was a common man referred as Mr integrity.’’

Why UNILAG honoured him – VC University of Lagos, UNILAG, Vice Chancellor, Rahamon Bello, on his part said: “UNILAG conferred him honourary degree in letters due to his immense contributions to education and quality of life in Nigeria. Gamaliel Onosode, front line

industrialist, skillful boardroom player, financial consultant and renowned administrator, died at 82. He was our former Pro Chancellor and did well in lifting up the school. ‘’Onosode when he was alive had said that one of the problems with the society is that we don’t have enough people who are willing to say to the boss, whether the boss is the chairman or managing director, but Sir, ‘have you considered this?’ The absence of such by subordinates, he stated, automatically leads to lowering standards and at the end of the day what you have is corruption.

“The period he spent with us has reshaped the way the university operates. We would miss his experience. He introduced zero budget and monitoring in the university. He made us to benchmark our standard with top universities in the world. We want to remember him for what he did for the university too many to mention. May his soul rest in peace.”

Confusion as disabled man scales fence into Warri police station

By Akpokona Omafuaire

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HERE was pandemonium at the B Division Police Station Warri as a physically challenged man, Samson Akpofure scaled the over 10 feet fence into the station.

According to the source, “I was in a popular brothel in Ginuwa street to carry out investigation and Police raided the place and arrested all of us. At the station I introduce myself as a

journalist and my mission and the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Eyoh Anietie who led the operation set me free.

“When I was about leaving at about 11pm, I saw the station guard barking orders and other police who partook in the night raid rushed there and the disabled man was arrested after scaling the high fence.

“The police were shocked how a one legged man can jump that height. On interrogation

he confessed to come from Essi Layout area of Warri.”

A police source who confirmed the incident said that the suspect could not explain his mission to the newly fenced police station.

He added that the suspect could be a member of criminal gang who may have planned to invade the police using the disabled man for the attack as was in the case in the recent Kwara State commercial bank attack.

‘We’ve enough evidence against Saraki’ Continued from Page 3

L- R Mrs Mary Uduak , Sec CIS Mr Oluwaseyi Abe , President CIS Mr Oscar Onyema , CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange and Chief Atedo Peterside at the Service of Songs and Night of Tributes for Late Deacon ( Dr) Gamaliel Onosode organised by Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Lagos Photo By Diran Oshe.

Cross Section of the Onosode’s children at the Service of Songs and Night of Tributes for late Deacon ( Dr) Gamaliel Onosode organised by Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Lagos.

Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutional requirement.

He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets.

The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki was governor. He was also accused of breaching section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the

1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Federal Government alleged that Saraki claimed that he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actually sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000, 00.

He was alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company

from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325, 000, 000, 00.

Similarly, Saraki was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu.

Some of his alleged offence while in office as governor, which are said to be punishable under section 15(1) and (2) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, were allegedly committed between October 2006 and May 2007.

His actions were classified as a gross violation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Under 17 World Cup:

Bring cup home — Buhari urges Golden Eaglets

Two siblings burnt to death in Lagos fire

•as team plays USA in opening match

BY EBERE AHAM & LUCKY NWANEKWU

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

S the Under 17 FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off today in Chile, President Muhammadu Buhari has wished the defending champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, a fruitful outing and urged them to bring the cup back home for the fifth time.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu yesterday quoted Buhari as urging the team to do their “utmost best to match the outstanding performance of their victorious predecessors who have won the competition four times including the inaugural edition in 1985 and the last tournament in 2013.”

Optimistic that the Golden Eaglets would defeat United States of America, USA, in their opening match today, Buhari also assured them and their handlers of the full support of the Federal Government.

The President said he “ will follow the team’s progress through the tournament in Chile with keen interest and high expectation in the belief that the boys have the skills, dedication and determination required to make Nigeria world champions at the youth level once again.”

He therefore called on the “players to stay focused, avoid all

distractions and put their globally acknowledged skills, ability and doggedness on display against the USA

tomorrow (today), Chile on October 20, Croatia on October 23 and in all their subsequent matches to win the tournament

and give millions of soccer-loving Nigerians the perfect end-of-theyear gift.”

Ambode swears in commissioners Monday

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will on Monday, swear in 23 Commissioners and 14 Special Advisers, as members of the State Executive Council.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the ceremony will hold at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat by 10am.

According to him, “the House of Assembly has just officially informed His Excellency that they have completed the screening and confirmation of all the 23 Commissioner Designates and 14 Special

Adviser Designates which he had sent to the House on September 21. So what is left is for him to conduct the swearing in ceremony so as to enable them resume the task of governance”.

Governor Ambode had named six former cabinet members from the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration including former commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, former Special Adviser, Central Business District, Folarin Coker, former Special Adviser Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo, former Special Adviser Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu

Isoko communities marginalized by Delta, Federal govts — IDU Chairman

BY TINA AKANNAM

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HE President General of Isoko Development Union, Kano/ Jigawa Branch, Evangelist Prosper Akete, has observed that Isoko oilproducing communities in Delta State are allegedly being marginalized by the state and the Federal governments.

Evangelist Akete who made this assertion while speaking with newsmen as part of activities marking the 2015 Isoko Day held in Kano said both present and previous Delta State

governments have neglected and treated the Isoko nation unfairly by refusing to cede relevant political positions to indigenes of the rich-oil communities in Isoko land.

He also alledged that the Delta State government deliberately by-pass people from Isoko nation while considering political appointments, which is why according to him, Isoko communities are not taken into confidence when crucial issues pertaining to the development of the state are deliberated upon.

Johnson and former Special Adviser Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe.

He also named a relatively young cabinet with the likes of Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Fela Bank-Olemoh, Akinyemi Ashade, a partner in KPMG, former Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, a pharmacist, Kehinde Joseph and Prof. Ademola Abass, a Professor of Law, whose ages range between 39 and 47 years.

Other names include Dr. Akintola Benson, former Special Adviser Political and Legislative Powers Bureau, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem AbdulLateef, Dr. Mohammed Akinkunmi, former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Dr. Femi Onanuga, CEO of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Arch. Wasiu Anifowoshe, former member House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande, Agboola Dabiri, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Anofi Elegushi, Rotimi Ogunleye, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, Adeniji Kazeem, Adeyemi Labinjo, Toyin Suarau, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Deji Tinubu, Mrs. Mudirat Giwanson, Mr. Wale Oluwo and former Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan.

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N early morning fire yesterday, engulfed the Navy officers quarters , Camp site, in Kirikiri area of Lagos, burning two siblings of ages six and nine to death.

The fire was said to have been caused by an electrical surge.

Owner of the apartment,a Navy Captain with an undisclosed identity , was said to be out of town , while their mother left for a church vigil, Thursday night, leaving their three children in the care of their maid, one Patience.

Tragedy reportedly struck at about 3.30am after smoke was noticed from the apartment. The incident was said to have jolted some occupants in the officers quarters who raised the alarm.

In the process, Patience was said to have managed to escape with one of the children. The charred remains of the boys were reportedly discovered after the fire was put out at about 4:30am, by a combined team of Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and policemen from the Kirikiri division.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “ Patience was able to escape with the eldest child, Ayomide who is about 13 years old. But she could not go back inside because of the balls of fire”.

LASEMA’s General Manager, Micheal Akindele, hinted that the remains of the deceased were taken to Navy hospital in the area, while the other two occupants of the flats were treated by LASAMBUS before they were taken to Navy hospital for further examination and treatment.

Centre mobilizes support for devt of LGAs

BY AGAJU MADUGBA

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HE Centre for Promotion of Non-Oil Exports in West Africa has started a nationwide mobilization of financial institutions designed to attract funding from foreign and local banks and other financial institutions, for critically important projects in the 774 local government areas across the country.

According to a press statement from the Centre, the highpoint of the mobilization process will be an exhibition which will hold in Abuja in December designed to enable the local government councils to propose and raise funds for execution of some projects in their areas. The statement by the Centre’s Executive Director, Udenna Orji, listed some of the expected areas of intervention to include projects on agriculture, solid minerals, housing, water, roads, health, rural and urban electrification, dams, education, industry and industrial estates, oil and gas, environment and sanitation, science and technology, among others.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 7

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Why EFCC picked up Akpabio •Allegations against me are lies from the pit of hell—Akpabio

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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HE arrest of former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday might not be unconnected with his refusal to honour an earlier invitation to appear before them on August 27, 2015.

Findings by Saturday Vanguard revealed that Akpabio incurred the wrath of the anti-graft agency for not turning up on the said date after he had been duly served with the summons to appear and answer questions relating to series of petitions written against him bordering on the abuse of office, diversion of funds and abuse of public office.

The petitions were sent in by an Abuja-based lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong, of the Oro Youth Movement, one of the socio-political groups in Akwa Ibom State, alleging massive looting of the state funds by the Akpabio administration.

As a prelude to bringing the former governor to justice, the EFCC summoned and interrogated top officials of the administration who worked with him, including the former Finance Commissioner, who is now a Senator, like Akpabio.

However, Akpabio, who was summoned by the agency to appear on August 27, 2015, did not do so having moved against the invitation of the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, by the Senate over unremitted funds. Akpabio hadwrittenalettertotheSenate leadership disassociating himself and other PDP members in the Senate from supporting the probe of Lamorde, claiming that it was ‘inappropriate’ at this time.

Based on that subtle support for the EFCC boss, he jetted out of the country a few days after without responding to the EFCC’s summon.

However, Saturday Vanguard learned from competent sources that most of the officials who served under Akpabio who were invited by the EFCC to state what they knew about the diversion of funds of the state, made incriminating remarks against the former governor, who is now the Minority Leader in the Senate.

It was gathered that the EFCC moved against him apparently because of his initial refusal to honour its invitation and the statements made by officials of his administration, claiming that it was the governor who approved whatever expenditure they incurred while in office and that they had no reason to disobey him.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that Mr. Akpabio, accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. Ricky Tarfa, was taken in

by EFCC operatives at about 5.20 pm. He was immediately interrogated by a crack team of EFCC, who did not free him

Vanguard Photojournalist bags Rotary Excellence Award

By Perez Brisibe

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ANGUARD’s photo journalist, Mr. Akpokona Omafuaire has bagged an excellence in journalism award from the Rotary Club of Ughelli metropolises.

Mr. Omafuaire in company of five others, were rewarded by the club during the installation ceremony of the third President of the club for their contributions in their various fields of endeavour.

Earlier in his speech, Mr. Omafuaire who was also the guest speaker at the event spoke on the role of social media in the building of youths and the nation.

According to him, “the social media if used responsibly can be an effective tool for the promotion of human dignity, sustainable development and a vital avenue of disseminating information with the capacity of bringing about freedom to a greater number of persons.”

In his remark, the club’s President, Mr. Ibebe Rufus, while listed projects to be carried out by the club to include; organizing of quiz competitions for secondary schools in the area and free diabetes and blood pressure test.

Ambode seeks UK partnership to boost power supply in rural areas L-R: Director, Consumer Affairs, Abdullahi Maikano; Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska, both of Nigerian Communications Communication; Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko and Director, Spectrum Administration, NCC Austin Nwaulunne at the just concluded International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary.

as at the time of filing the report, but there were indications he would be freed before the end of the day.

An EFCC operative said: ‘’Akpabio was brought in at about 5.20 pm accompanied by a few aides and Mr. Rickey Tarfa. It is not yet known whether he will be allowed to go this night. It depends on how the interrogation goes.”

Mr. Ekpenyong had on June 8 petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC, calling for Mr. Akpabio’s probe and accusing himoflootingAkwaIbomstate treasury.

To confirm the genuineness of the petition against Akpabio, the EFCC had summoned the author, Mr. Ekpenyong, on June 17, to adopt his petition and provide more details to some of the allegations he made against Mr. Akpabio.

But the former governor denied all the allegations against him through his former Information Commissioner, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who is now the current Commissioner for Information in Akawa Ibom.

Umana described the contents of the petition by Mr. Ekpenyong as falsehood taken too far, adding that the petition betrayed a lack of understanding of the

workings of government.

Umanah said:”Every sum withdrawn from a government account is tied to a subhead and there must be a budgetary provision. To attribute fraud to withdrawals which had the full sanction of Government and was accommodated in the budget is strange, mischievous and untenable, more so, when one understands that there are checks and balances which guide all aspects of government financial administration,” he said.

He claimed that the allegation that the State Government spent N50 billion on the March 2015 General Elections falls flat on its face based on his explanations of the workings of government as regards financial transactions.

“There was no such provision in the budget of this yearandsuchanamountcould not have been paid as an extrabudgetary expenditure and yet salaries and other commitments were met. We challenge the petitioners to provide proof to support this wild allegation. Who was it paid to? How was it paid?

Where was it paid? And when was it paid?

“Senator Akpabio does not own a 25-storey building in Victoria Island or in any part of the world, as alleged by the

petitioner. It is also a patent falsehood that the house at 22 Probyn Road, Ikoyi belongs to Senator Akpabio.

It is a rented building which ownership can be verified from Lagos State Lands Registry.

“Senator Akpabio does not own the properties mentioned in the petition to belong to him. You can verify the ownership of the properties (5 Okokosi Close, Maitama and Plot 28 Colorado Close, Maitama) from the land registry in Abuja,” he said.

He also denied the state received over N2 trillion as oil allocation.

“Please do note that the idea that the Akwa Ibom State Government received over N2.5 trillion in the eight years of the Akpabio administration is an outrageous lie. What this suggests is that the State Government received an average of N26 billion monthly for the period. What a lie! From published accounts Akwa Ibom State never received up to N26 billion in any month throughout the period,” Umanah said.

EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments on the story as at the time of going to the press.

Fayose arrests FRSC officer over traffic offence

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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N officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps got more than he bargained for yesterday at Ikere Ekiti, as he was apprehended by Governor Ayodele Fayose for flouting traffic rule.

The officer, identified as Mr Alabi ran into trouble when he was caught driving against the traffic, and the governor had to stop his convoy at Oke –Ikere area of the town and ordered that the man be stopped and his car, a Peugeot 505 be seized and taken to the office of the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency in Ado Ekiti.

Fayose was in Ikere-Ekiti

to flag off the completion of the Ado-Ikere-Iju dualisation and the commissioning of the downtown market stall in the town, when he noticed the traffic offender.

While performing the flagoff, Fayose declared that paucity of funds will not deter him from embarking on projects that will lead to the development of the state.

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday played host to the British Minister of State for Foreign Commonwealth Affairs and DFID, Mr. Grant Shapps and the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ray Kyles, where he expressed the readiness of the state to explore the opportunities for partnership in the area of power supply. Governor Ambode who spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, lauded the intervention of the UK DFID through solar related energy in the state, expressing optimism that it would prove a viable energy alternative to more rural areas in the state.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to partner with willing investors to take power supply to communities in need of it.

“I will like you to also know that other areas where we believe that we can partner together is in the area of energy, that’s something that is also of utmost interest to us here, we would like to thank you for what we’ve done together in terms of solar related energy and am happy that we’re going into the phase two of that project.

“Why we formed Egba Economic Summit”

By Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta

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HAIRMAN, Board of Directors, Egba Economic Summit, Dr. Mrs. Anuolwapo Bankole, has explained the rationale behind the formation of the project.

Bankole who spoke during the official opening of new secretariat, induction of new members and investiture of patrons held in Abeokuta, described the summit as a non-partisan group that is dedicated to promoting economic research, promoting economic literacy and intellectual pursuit in Egbaland.

She also explained that the establishment of the Summit, was to ensure economic well- being of Egba people and promote development of economic infrastructure in Egbaland.

“It is also formed to foster unity amongst the people of Egba and ensure oneness of Egbas at home and in the Diaspora as well as preserve and promote the unique privilege, honour, opportunities, wealth and blessings placed on us as Egbas by Almighty God”.

While sharing its vision and mission , the President of the Egba Economic Summit, Chief Ayo Biobaku said it was aimed at being a leading think-thank committed to the development of Egbaland and her people.

Retrenched bank workers demand entitlement, petition mgt

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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ETRENCHED staff of Unity Bank Plc numbering over 300 have petitioned the management of the bank on its alleged failure to pay them their entitlements five months after their disengagement.

In a petition addressed to the managing director of the bank through their lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, the discharged staff alleged that moment their appointment were terminated, “your manage-ment deliberately for unjustifiable reasons refused to pay their exit benefit and entitlements, including all previously accrued entitlements prior to the termination of their employment without offering any explanation for the delay till date, in flagrant disobedience to the extant labour laws.”

The petition signed Dare Falana on behalf of the retirees, dated September 11, 2015, threatened legal action against the bank if it failed to fulfil its obligations to the ex bankers.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Enugu residents, ECCIMA, hail Ugwuanyi’s road maintenance culture R ESIDENTS of Enugu have hailed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s development initiatives and his firm commitment to the wellbeing of the people of the state through his peopleoriented programmes and policies.

Some residents who spoke on the matter expressed delight over the manner in which the governor has been piloting the affairs of the state, describing him as a visionary governor with a human face.

They commended the governor for his quick response towards the maintenance of some major roads in Enugu metropolis which have been in bad state due to potholes, adding that it was an indication that he is sensitive to the plight of the people.

The residents said that the governor’s vision to repair the roads which were constructed during the past administration also showed that he was committed to the principle of seamless continuity and consolidation which he had promised the people of the state.

This came as the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(ECCIMA) commended the governor for his timely intervention in suspending the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu metropolis for a period of one month.

The body through its Director General, Emeka

Okereke, noted that the governor’s compassionate approach towards addressing the issue of exorbitant fines for traffic offenders has “endeared him to the people of the state” and will pave the

way for an enhanced investment and business growth in the state.

It urged the State Government to use the period of the suspension to adequately review the operations of the traffic

L-R:Vice-President, Ndokwa Daughters and Wives Association (NDAWA), Tecola Okoro; Chairman, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Benedicta Osakunih; Publicity Secretary (NDAWA), Meg Aipoh; Former Commissioner, Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, Ken Okolugbo and President (NDAWA), Phil Egwuenu, during the 5th biennial award ceremony of NDAWA held in Lagos recently.

Tension in Anambra community over selection of ruler of law and order.

BY LUCKY NWANEKWURU

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ENSION is building up in Azia community, Anambra state, following claims by a section of the indigenes that a former Anambra State Independent

Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, boss was made their traditional ruler. It was learned that already, security agencies are on alert following reports that the announcement has caused anger and tension within the community and may lead to a breakdown

Guinness celebrates black heroes in Enugu ...thrills consumers in style

BY FRANCIS IGATA

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UINNESS has celebrated the unsung heroes doing ordinary things in extra ordinary ways in Enugu State. Dancers, singers, drivers, barmen, mechanics, teachers were all united by their shared black attitude, injected by Guinness black hero.

Following several weeks of nomination and voting for the best stories in cities, Enugu State was selected for celebration of winning heroes held at Toscana Niteclub in Enugu.

It was an evening of fun and positive energy with family, friends and Guinness lovers celebrating the real people, those who believed in their dreams and dared to follow it. The party was all about the real heroes

regulatory agencies with a view to streamlining their activities and come up with a more civil approach and reasonable fines that would not incur undue hardship to the offenders.

and they were awarded and treated like stars.

The experience was exciting as fans gathered to celebrate their chosen, made-of-black heroes.

Nominees from the coal city includes: Yellow man, a policeman, Engr. Kelvin Igwu, a lecturer, MC 4 God, Uche, Ifeanyi and Nneka Anieze whose stories show resilience and the true definition of black.

To make the events memorable and create the Guinness experience, Olamide and Phyno thrilled heroes and guests to a spectacular experience, in celebration of the chosen black heroes.

Slow Dog came out of the kitchen to spice up the occasion. The party also featured Sexy Steel, DJ Toxic, among others.

Speaking at the event, Portfolio Marketing Manager, Guinness, Ms. Liz Ashdown, said the made-of-black campaign celebrated individuals who were made, bold and determined to achieve whatever they set their minds to accomplish.

“MADE OF BLACK is more than an ad campaign, it is a movement. It’s about the people making bold choices, those who ask ‘why not... those doing things their way and carving a path for themselves. This year, Guinness is turning the camera around to focus on the real ‘Made of Black’ heroes from various strata of life across Nigeria. This is our own way of taking the made of black experience to the streets and making Nigerians a part of it”, she said.

A prominent indigene of the community who simply identified himself as Ejiofor told Saturday Vanguard that the recent announcement of ANSIEC boss was misleading and a calculated attempt to not only misinform members of the public but to cause a breach of peace.

According to him, this is because, it was one Chief Felix Ifeanyi Muo that was unanimously elected by Umudiokpala Village, Azia to succeed the departed Igwe of the Community in line with the Azia Chieftaincy Constitution of 1976.

“However, the succession to the vacant throne of the Traditional ruler’s stool of the Azia Community has been a subject of civil litigations and both suits are pending before Ihiala High Court in Anambra State. The Government of Anambra State has also issued a statement ordering for a stay of action in the matters relating to the election and installation of the traditional ruler of the Community.

“Therefore, any purported installation, recognition or installation of any group of persons as high Chiefs amounts to contempt of court as the matter is Uspendis,” he stated.

US Congressman, Davis honours Nigeria’s Ola Sanni as Realtor of the Year

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ANAGING Broker from Centurion Realty and Estates, Nigeria’s Ola Sanni has been honoured as “Realtor of the Year” at the 5th Annual Awards Gala hosted by US Congressman, Danny Davis.

The ceremony was organised by the 7th Congressional District’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Chicago.

“Relator of the Year Award is given to an individual who has excelled in his field and made a difference in people’s lives,” says Chairperson, Dr. Tapas Dasgupta.

“The Annual Gala showcases our community heroes and reinforces that the various ethnic communities play a significant and integral role in the progress of our society”.

Centurion Realty & Estates has over 20 years of experience helping those looking to buy, sell or rent a house in the Chicagoland and suburbs.

Established in 2010, the Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force allowed for a platform to acknowledge and give thanks to those leaders who are giving back in their respective communities.

Ola Sanni, who is the father of Olayinka Sanni, a member of the victorious Nigerian basketball team to the just concluded Afrobasket champions in Cameroon was born in Lagos, Nigeria.

His early ambition was to be a diplomat, hence his education in political science and public administration. But the pressure of life in America and entrepreneurship in him tilted him towards real estate in 1994 after his university education at Truman College and University of Illinois, Chicago.

He went on to take the real estate class and soon joined Century 21. Within a year, he became the magnet of buyers and even rookies in Century 21 ran to him for orientation and advice. In July 1995, he won the top listing award and ranked among the top sales agents out of 750 sales associates.

In April 1997, he broke into the million rank and earned a million dollar month certificate as part of Mattz Group.

Sanni hopes to return to his home state, Lagos to play a part in the socio economic development of the state.

“America is blessed with talents, and I believe I can better utilize all my trainings and expertise to help my people. The problem with Nigeria is not corruption but leadership. If you eradicate corruption without good leaders, you are just scratching the surface. My generation has what it takes to move Nigeria to the next level,” he said.

B-R-I-E-F-S Onitsha importers embrace Access Bank’s FLOW for importation made-easy

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

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MPORTERS in Onitsha, Anambra state have restated their determination to embrace Access Bank’s offer to assist them in solving all the bottlenecks associated with their importation businesses.

They said that anything that will guarantee cheaper, safer and faster delivery of their goods to their warehouses would be generally accepted.

Onitsha-based importer, Chief Maduka Adimora who disclosed this shortly after a one-day seminar organized by Access Bank Plc to introduce its newly innovated Logistics Worldwide Scheme, FLOWS product to the traders, said importers go through hell to deliver their imported goods.

Adimora identified bank and government policies, freight discrepancies, customs clearance and other bottlenecks as some of policies militating against importation in the country.

Earlier, Access Bank management had organized the seminar to sensitize them on the need to embrace the new FLOW product for easier and cheaper importation of their goods, adding that the product was formulated by the bank in partnership with GMT Nigeria Limited, a world-wide logistics providers for fast clearance and delivery of their imported goods.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 9

Nigeria must return to strict tax policy — Oshiomhole

By Henry Umoru

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said Nigeria must return to its strict tax policy which was applicable before the oil boom of the 70s, as a way of getting out of the present crisis caused by a crash in the price of crude oil.

The Governor, who said nobody is above taxation as even the president and governors pay their taxes, said states and the Federal Government must deepen their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base as this is what was obtainable in developed countries of the world.

Speaking during a visit to his office by Course 24 participants of the National Defence College, on a study tour of Edo State, yesterday, Oshiomhole said, “central to every debate in every country with mature democracy is the issue of tax payment. We have to find the courage to be firm and just and we have to give commensurate service.

“When I was growing up, the only thing we had was the Local Government Authority Primary School and everybody who was up to 18 years and above paid a fixed tax. When villagers met at the village square to discuss and you made a bold statement, another villager would challenge you to shut up because you had not paid your tax. He would ask you, not to talk where men were talking because you had not paid your tax.

“Villagers used to recognize that not to pay tax was not an option. And for you not to pay tax, you must show a certificate or evidence that you were ill

or bed-ridden, and therefore you could not work.

“So even villagers were paying tax. The school in my village, under

Awolowo’s Free Education programme, was free to the people, but funded by adults who paid tax. And when the tax man was coming, if you had not paid

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ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Bayelsa State Government and the Alamieyeseigha family of his commitment to efforts geared towards giving the departed foremost Ijaw leader a befitting state burial.

Dr. Jonathan gave the assurance, yesterday, when he paid a condolence visit to the deceased family at Opolo in Yenagoa.

The former President, who is scheduled to travel to Tanzania, where he is expected to spend about 12 days, promised to be fully involved in the burial arrangements,

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By Simon Ebegbulem

HE Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State, Mr. Louis Odion, has resigned his appointment citing family challenges as part of the reasons for his decision.

Louis was first appointed in 2011 and got reappointed after the re-election of Governor Oshiomhole.

It was learned that Governor Oshiomhole has accepted the resignation which is expected to take effect from the end of this month.

Saturday Vanguard learned that the Governor earlier rejected his resignation but after pressure from Odion who told Saturday Vanguard that he missed his family in Lagos, the governor accepted his resignation and had planned a befitting send-off party for Odion before the end of the month.

When contacted, Odion confirmed his resignation, saying “you know I have always been a professional and not a core politician. I missed my family and I need to be with them in Lagos, I have stayed away for four years now and that is not too good for me. My children need my attention, they are still too young.”

Akpeki’s exit, a plus to Delta PDP —Onuesoke

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(L-R) Iretiola Doyle, Nigerian Actress; Mo Abudu, Executive Producer; Biyi Bandele, Director; Omoni Oboli, Nigerian Actress and Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Nigerian Actress, cast and crew EbonyLife’s Film ‘FIFTY’ hosted at a Pre-Premiere Cocktail by the British Council ahead of the London Film Festival Premiere of EbonyLife’s film ‘FIFTY’ in London on Thursday.

Alamieyeseigha was a victim of be another Governorpolitical travail —Clark never General like him in Ijaw •His death, a heavy wind of calamity

By Henry Umoru

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ORMER Federal Com missioner for Information and Ijaw leader has described the late erstwhile governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as a victim of political travail whose death is a monumental loss not only to his family, but also the South South and Nigeria as a whole.

The Elder statesman described Alamieyeseigha’s death as a heavy wind of

calamity in Ijaw land.

In a condolence message he made available to Journalists in Abuja yesterday, Chief Clark stressed that Ijaw nation has never been so hit like this, just as he said he was still in shock and did not believe until he called Alamieyeseigha’s wife yesterday, adding that he has not been able to recover from the shock.

According to the South South leader, the death of the former governor has left a great vacuum as there will

Ex-President Jonathan consoles Alamieyeseigha’s family

By Samuel Oyadongha

your tax, you just found your way into the bush and once you were arrested , they took you to the barracks and you were charged appropriately.’’

B-R-I-E-F-S I resigned as Commissioner to be with my family—Odion

as soon as he returns to the country.

Accompanied by Governor Seriake Dickson, his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) and other dignitaries, Dr. Jonathan said, he received the death of Chief Alamieyeseigha with a rude shook, stressing that the deceased leader stood firmly for Bayelsa, the Ijaw people and the South-South geo-political region.

Dr. Jonathan traced his relationship with Alamieyeseigha to the days of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), one of the five political parties formed during the administration of Late General Sani Abacha as Nigeria’s Head of State.

Assuring the Alamieyeseighas’ especially the widow and children of his continued support, Dr. Jonathan acknowledged that without the role the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation played in his life, he would not have risen to become President of Nigeria.

According to him, “I knew Alamieyeseigha during the UNCP days, when we were working for him. I never knew I was going to be his Deputy Governor because that was not my interest then.

“From that time, the political evolution in the country and the state brought me to run with him. From 1999, we’ve been together.

nation, adding, “there can never be another GovernorGeneral like him in Ijaw Nation. Chief Alamieyeseigha was no doubt, a victim of political travail, but this is not the time to cry.

His death is a monumental loss, not only to his family, but the South South and Nigeria as a whole.”

Chief Clark further said:”the news of the sudden deat of the Ijaw Governor- General, D.S.P. Alamiyeseigha came to me as a rude shock which I have not been able to recover from. I could not believe it until I spoke to his wife, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha this morning(yesterday).

The Ijaw Nation, across all divides, has never been hit by such a heavy wind of calamity. We called him Governor- General because of his love for the Ijaw Nation and preparedness to die for it. He was very close to his people, and the place of the Ijaw people under a united Nigeria was foremost in his thoughts. His Ijawness was unsurpassed.

“The Ijaw National Congress(INC) and the Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC were the umbrellas that cover the Ijaw Nation and he saw to it, when he was Governor of Bayelsa State, that they were well nurtured, funded and that the leadership of the Organisations were at all times courageous and the patriotic men of integrity and respectability.

ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting Spokesman, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has reiterated that the exit of Mr. Paulinus Akpeki, the state Commissioner for Housing in the immediate past administration, and others from Delta State PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is of great benefit to the party in the state.

Onuesoke who made the statement while reacting to a newspaper publication titled, “PDP nervous over Akpeki’s exit to APC – Jaro Egbo”, told newsmen in Warri, Delta State that instead of being nervous, the party had become more focused and stabilized.

Describing the defection of Akpeki from PDP to APC as good riddance, Onuesoke recalled that Akpeki and his likes were responsible for giving Delta PDP a bad name, adding that his exist from the party was celebrated by all and sundry.

Amnesty Office to collaborate with NDDC on peace building

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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HE Office of Presidential Amnesty Office has sealed an accord to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on peace building and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta region.

The accord was revealed when the NDDC boss led officials of the commission on a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd) in Abuja.

Abia said his commission considered the Amnesty Office as a dependable ally and had concluded plans to collaborate with the office for a lasting peace in the region.

He also said that his office would partner with the Amnesty Programme (PAP) office in building the capacity of unemployed youth in the region with a view to engaging them in meaningful activities.

Abia, who emphasized the importance of the youth in the socio-economic and political development of any country, assured that the Commission would continue to initiate programmes that would equip the youth for future engagements.

Flood claims two pregnant women in Niger

By Wole Mosadomi

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EVERE flooding has been reported in Koro District of Borgu Local Council of Niger state leading to the death of two pregnant women.

The duo lost their lives while struggling to cross from the other side of their area to a safer ground but lost control as the flood eventually washed them away. Nobody could rescue them because of the severity of the flood that kept most residents indoors while those around were said to be helpless as the two pregnant women were being washed away.

Spokesman of the State’s Emergency Management Agency{NSEMA} Mr. Ibrahim Audu Huein who confirmed the development said 16 Local Governments areas out of the 25 have been affected by this year’s flood which include Mokwa, Lavun, Borgu, Agwara, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Bida, Edati, Gbako and some parts of Bosso, Chanchaga, Shiroro, Munyan and Paikoro Local Governments areas of the state.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17—2015

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—11

By Agaju Madugba, Favour Nnabugwu, Luka Binniyat, Demola Akinyemi,Wole Mosadomi, Marie-Therese Nanlong & Peter Duru

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HE attacks are often vicious just as the death statistics have become even more alarming. From the remotest communities in southern Kaduna State to some other equally rural settlements in parts of Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Niger states, reports indicate that activities of herdsmen may have gone beyond herding and grazing their cattle. And, elsewhere in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, cattle rustling has apparently become such a lucrative

venture that bandits raid unsuspecting communities, slaughtering residents in the process of carrying out their trade.

On March 14, 2014, gunmen reportedly launched midnight attacks on four communities of Manchok in Kaura local government area of Kaduna State and by the time they were done, the relevant authorities confirmed a total of 119 residents killed at Maisankwai, Tyekum, Maikakpang and Angwan Kura in the Bondong district of Manchok. Survivors later fingered herdsmen as responsible for the massacre. And in June 2015, gunmen also suspected to be herdsmen equally attacked the Katsak village of Jema’a local government area of Kaduna killing

nine persons with a similar incident occurring the same night of June 17, at the Ungwan Danborno community of Birnin Gwari local government area where bandits also murdered five other persons while a total of about 15 persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the two incidents.

Similar gory reports have continued to make the rounds in virtually all parts of the North as bandits launch unprovoked attacks on residents, rustling their cattle as well as vandalizing farm lands across the affected states.

In Zamfara State, as at July 2015, 52 residents had been killed due to the activities of cattle rustlers in two communities of Shigama and Kwokeya, according to the member representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Aminu Jaji. Apart from well over 100 others injured and property destroyed, Jaji noted that the rustlers stole some 1000 cattles from the communities. And, in Sokoto, according to the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, soldiers in the area recovered no fewer than 22,378 livestock between July and September 2015, in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states. The Director, Army Public Relations and spokesperson, Operation Restore Peace, Captain Umar Shuaib, who disclosed this in a statement noted that a total of 248 suspects were arrested and that the initiative was part of efforts of the military to restore sanity to the affected areas.

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12—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Continues from page 11

Kaduna: The indigene/settler syndrome

For several years, the predominant Christian southern Kaduna people have consistently held the view that they are the original inhabitants of the area and regard the minority Muslim Hausa and Fulani community as settlers. The development has reportedly been a major source of many years of ethnic and religious conflicts between the two communities. Days after his inauguration, the Senator representing southern Kaduna senatorial zone, Danjuma La’ah, lamented what he described as unrelenting mass murder of villagers in his area and the destruction of their communities by armed men, suspected to be Fulani.

According to him, “the manner in which our people are being killed with impunity still resembles the same fashion of mindless murder of our people under the former government. This has given me much concern and I want to call the attention of the world to this wickedness that has been going on without any seeming solution. I am disturbed that the government of Kaduna state, despite of all its promises to safeguard our lives and property has not done enough.”

On its part, a coalition of southern Kaduna groups led by Vincent Bodam says it has what the group describes as a comprehensive record of the attacks in the area, since 2011.

According to the group, about 50,000 villagers fled their homes in Sanga local government area after four days of continuous attacks in May 2014, by alleged Fulani armed men.

As Bodam puts it, “the latest attack is the invasion of Numana Chiefdom

by Fulani militia in which mainly Ninzo, Nandu, Gwantu and Gwandara natives in Sanga local government area were massacred on the 25th of June. At Fadan Karshi, 37 persons were killed, 55 injured two homes were burnt. The casualties in Ambe include 40 killed, 102 injured, and the whole town of about 400 homes and 50 shops with three churches all burnt. Kobin which was attacked in broad daylight was left to mourn 31 deaths, 92 injured. Sabon Gida recorded 11 deaths and 21 injured.

At Dogon Daji, the Fulani gunmen also left in the wake of their killings, 24 deaths, mostly women and children.”

‘Attacks by bandits not Fulani’ possibly take part in its destruction.

The branch Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Ardo Ahmadu Suleiman, told Saturday Vanguard that the bandits operating in southern Kaduna are, “strange people who also rustle our cows and they do not also spare us, even as Fulani people. We condemn the attacks and those engaged in the killings are not Fulani. They hide under Fulani garb to cause disharmony among us. Our fathers and our great grandfathers were born in southern Kaduna. We are also Southern Kaduna people and we also have farms too. Some people wear our garments in the night to confuse others that we are the ones. Every southern Kaduna person is my brother and sister.”

Another prominent Fulani, Dr. Abdulrazak Durungwa, a former

The manner in which our people are being killed with impunity still resembles the same fashion of mindless murder of our people under the former government

Executive Director of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, also exonerates his people of complicity in the attacks credited to Fulani herdsmen. According to him, “The so-called Fulani carrying out the attacks in southern Kaduna are not part of us. They are evil and very wicked. We suspect that they come from other countries. We are also their victims. They steal our cows and when you challenge them, they kill you. I have lost several cows to them and as I talk, I am yet to recover them. I do not have any home outside southern Kaduna. I consider myself a bona fide native of Kagoro because that is where I was born and raised.

Kamuku Forest

However, in Kaduna State, most of the banditry and cattle rustling take place in communities around the Kamuku Forest located in Birnin Gwari local government area and shares boundaries with Katsina, Niger, Zamfara and Kebbi states. The five governors have had series of meetings in Kaduna and Abuja in a quest to find a solution to their common problems of cattle rustling and armed banditry.

According El-Rufai, “the forest which is in the centre of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kabbi and Zamfara states has been of serious security concern. So, we need to address it because that forest is capable of breeding future

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Attacks by bandits not Fulani

But the Meyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, the panFulani socio-cultural group, has denied the involvement of its members in the killings, describing southern Kaduna as their ancestral home too and that they cannot C M Y

•Gov Sani-Bello

•Gov El-Rufai

•Gov Masari

•Gov Bagudu

•Gov Yari

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—13

Continues from page 12 Boko Haram. So, we meet to brainstorm with a view to fashioning out a coordinated approach in tackling the security challenges in our states.

This is has become necessary to avoid spill over. We meet with security chiefs in charge of our respective states so that we can as quickly as possible, bring an end to the loss of lives, cattle rustling and loss of property. ”

‘Kwara State: The Bororos on rampage’

Kwara State: The Bororos on rampage Attacks by alleged Fulani herdsmen popularly known as “the Bororos” on farmers and residents of Kwara have continued to spread across the three senatorial districts of Kwara South, Kwara North and Kwara Central. In all instances, several lives were lost and property destroyed.

Reports indicate that Oro Ago, in Ifelodun local government area of in the southern part of the state has had its fair share of the attacks with the destructions of their farmlands which led to the death of two persons, earlier in the year.

According to President of Oro-Ago Development Union (ODU), Chief Richard Olaniyi, “criminal activities of the Bororo settlers are not the first of its kind. We have had to bear with their excesses for the sake of peace in times past. Some of their past nefarious acts include constant encroachment into indigenes’ farmlands with their cows thereby destroying agricultural products, intermittent robberies and shooting, indigenes while working on their

Cattle rustling has apparently taken a new dimension in Niger state as the perpetrators are now heavily armed and carry out their attacks from the thick forest in Niger State

farms.”

There have been similar incidents at Patigi local government in the northern part of the state. Reports said that shortly after the Easter celebrations, there was bloody clash between Fulani herdsmen and locals there, said to have been triggered by suspected cattle rustlers who attacked members of the community.

An unspecified number of persons were said to have lost their lives during the incident.

One of the victims of yet another attack, Zainab Yahaya, from Kaiama local government area narrated her experience. “I cried for three months over my loss in the hands of Fulani herdsmen when they chased us away from our farms and allowed their cattle to feed on our crops,” she says.

But Secretary of Miyett Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim, told Saturday Vanguard that, “there has never been any time that our members destroyed farms in the course of rearing their cattle that the victims were not adequately compensated stressing.”

Abuja FCT: Compassionate herdsmen

The growing menace of Fulani herdsmen in Abuja’s rural areas has continued to spark off armed clashes between the communities and the ethnic Fulani herdsmen. Some of the farmers say they no longer leave their harvests and seedlings herdsmen often vandalize such huts and allow their cattle to feed on their products.

A famer who pleaded anonymity lamented that, “we are fed up with the menace of the Fulani herdsmen. Apart from destroying our farms, they take their cattle into our rivers, our only source of drinking water, to

defecate.”

Recounting experiences of some of the farmers, District Head of Kubwa, Chief Adamu Abubarka Waziri, noted however that the Fulani do not waste time in apologizing to farmers whose farms are vandalized. “But if you do not approach them calmly, they can be violent, he said, adding that, “just recently, Fulani cows entered my farm and ate my corns but when l asked why they allowed their cows into my farm, they said the cows were taken out by their children while the adults were busy with other chores.

Last week their children entered and destroyed my bananas. I had to go and report to their leader and asked him why his children entered and destroyed my bananas. He apologized. When such reports come, we call the Fulani elder, that is the Galadima, and we then table the complaint. The person involved will be taken to the farm and everyone will inspect and evaluate the level of damage done and they will decide if the owner of the cows should pay for

the damages or not. The fine normally ranges from N10, 000 to N20, 000 and if the Fulani person cannot afford to pay for the damages, he is made to sell his cows to raise money for the compensation. There has been cordial relationship between the Gbagi and Fulani here. We try as much as possible to maintain peace and unity.”

Niger State: Second position in cattle rustling

Cattle rustling has apparently taken a new dimension in Niger state as the perpetrators are now heavily armed and carry out their attacks from the thick forest in Niger state, to neighbouring states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi. Besides storming different villages especially night, killing, maiming and stealing cows and other domestic animals, they also descend on commuters plying the routes and rob their

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14—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Continues from page 13 unsuspecting victims of their valuables and cash.

Our correspondent reports that these armed rustlers launch their attacks from Lapai, New Bussa, Kagara, Gurara, Kafinkoro forest and thus making Niger state to be second in the number of cattle rustling nationwide, according to statistics from the Niger state branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. The group said that in the past eight months, more 4000 cattle have been stolen while police also confirmed that 1,048 cattle, 135 sheep and goats were recovered out of the 16 cases reported.

Last week, some 30 cattle rustlers reportedly invaded Allawa village in Shiroro local government and embarked on a two-hour late night raid, at the end of which five of the villagers were killed and shops and houses set ablaze before the attackers escaped into the bush.

Based on the extent of damages and incessant occurrence leading to loss of lives and property worth millions of Naira, the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and his counterparts from Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara and Kebbi states have agreed to form a joint patrol team and also carry out raids of the forests harbouring the armed herdsmen.

However speaking in an in an interview, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar, says the crisis goes beyond security surveillance adding that for a lasting solution, government should embark on constant sensitization of the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers on the need to completely shun violence and embrace peace and that this can be achieved by educating kids of the Fulani herdsmen.

Mrs. Chundung Sok of Rim village in Riyom local government area says she and other women are afraid of going to the farms for fear of the Fulani herdsmen who launch indiscriminate attacks on residents.

According to her, “you know for many years now, our community has been under deadly attacks by Fulani.

We cannot go anywhere, farm, market, school or even leisure visits.

Even if you manage to cultivate the land, they will send their cows to eat the crops.

Sometimes, they just come and cut down the crops and kill anyone they see. They always roam these hills with guns and knives. Even a little Fulani boy is dangerous because he has a weapon in his clothes.”

Another farmer, Mark Dachung from Foron community of Barkin Ladi said he left farming for other menial jobs for survival as going to the farm exposes one to a greater risk of being killed by the herdsmen.

According to him, “I used to have few cows and some plots of land where I cultivate crops but for two years now, I have left farming because of the Fulani. I had to sell all my cows because keeping cows in your house is a licence for one to be killed.

Right now, I engage in menial labour, carrying sand, blocks and fetching water for builders but even at that, we always go in a group because going alone, a Fulani man grazing his cow can just kill and leave you by the wayside.

Sometimes they even attack a group but at least, it is a bit safer walking

that way. No one should deceive you, all Fulani roaming the state are armed and that is why they attack and kill people at will and even the Operation Safe Haven does nothing to them.”

But Fulani herdsmen interviewed denied carrying dangerous weapons or attacking people while grazing their cattle. One of them, Dauda Yalo, who resides at Kwok in Barkin Ladi described himself as a Peace Ambassador who is a role model to other youths in the community and does not carry any weapon while grazing his cattle.

He said, “last Saturday, my house was burnt at about 6 am as I just stepped out of the building. I suspect a soldier who may want to pitch the Fulani against the Berom. I am a Peace Ambassador and I know the essence of peace.

However, another Fulani herdsman, Ado Muhammad said, “you know that we are always in the bush, we carry weapons to protect ourselves against attacks. Even the stick we carry is not ordinary and that is why you see a little boy with a stick alone in the bush.

A Fulani man has nothing to fear, that is why we can transverse the length and breadth of the forest to feed our cows. We do not hold weapons to kill but protect ourselves against any attacks either by people or wild animal. A Fulani is a peaceful person.”

Benue State: Peace returns

After last May’s dastardly killing of over 100 persons, including women

Plateau State: Armed herdsmen patrol the hills

The menace of Fulani herdsmen to farmers and other rural dwellers in Plateau state occur almost on daily basis especially in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Langtang South local government areas.

The activities of these supposed herdsmen have sent shivers down the spines of even the urban dwellers as there have been cases of rape, attempted rape, ambush and killings along lonely bush paths.

Survivors most times with machete cuts and in virtually all the cases, victims and eyewitness accounts identify the attackers as Fulani herdsmen wielding dangerous weapons such as AK47, daggers, among others. At other times, the attackers descend on entire communities, killing any residents at sight while in some other cases, isolated attacks and killings occur when victims are at work on their farmlands or passing through lonely footpaths.

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PLATEAU STATE:

n e m s d r e h d e m Ar patrol the hills

The menace of Fulani herdsmen to farmers and other rural dwellers in Plateau state occur almost on daily basis especially

and children by suspected Fulani herdsmen in villages and refugee camps located at Ukura, Gafa, Per and Tse-Gusa in Ukemgbiraghia Twarev ward of Logo local government area, Benue state in the last four months has enjoyed some reprieve from the incursions of the herdsmen.

Before this period, there was hardly any month that the state did not record a bloody clash between the herdsmen and farmers with the attendant high level of casualties.

The clashes also left on its trail, high number of internally displaced persons who fled the conflict zones.

From Makurdi to Agatu and to Logo local government areas, Benue communities were theatres of war between the marauding herdsmen and the locals.

However, in the last four months, there has been a certain level of calm and sustained peace while majority of the displaced persons have also returned to their homes.

Some reports attribute the relative peace to measures put in place by the Governor Samuel Ortom’s administration which includes a programme urging people in possession of illegal arms to return them, for financial reward.

According to the Security Adviser to the Governor, Col. Edwin Jando (rtd.), “the amnesty programme is one of the best things to happen in this state since its creation.

“It has provided a platform for those in possession of illegal arms to surrender them to government and we all know that without such weapons in circulation, incidents of bloody clashes will be reduced to the barest minimum and government took cognizance of that fact.

There is no doubt that the programme remains a model that should be emulated by other states to ensure sustainable peace in their various communities.”

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—15

The secret of Iledi, Yoruba

traditional court

•It's a reliable place for settling disputes — Oba Aromire

F

BY EBUN SESSOU & OGHENE OMONISA

ausat (not her real name) had enjoyed a happy married life with her husband but her delay in conceiving after 10 years of marriage necessitated pressure from her in-laws, especially her mother-inlaw. The old woman was not happy as Fausat could not bear a child for her son, who was also her only male child.

At 40, Fausat was losing all hope of bearing a child. Out of desperation and in order to protect her marriage, she thought perhaps her husband was responsible for her inability to conceive, and decided to seek out a male partner who would impregnate her and her husband would naturally accept the baby. Beautiful and social, finding a man was not difficult for Fausat. Ironically, not only did the man not make her pregnant, her infidelity became not too secretive and a friend of the family caught Fausat on a date with her lover and reported to her mother-in-law. But because Fausat loved her husband and was still very much interested in the marriage, she vehemently denied the allegation when her husband and her mother-in-law confronted her.

Her husband not satisfied, planned to divorce her. The marriage was on the verge of collapse until the matter was taken to Iledi for settlement.

Interestingly, the whole truth was revealed at Iledi effortlessly, but remarkably, the matter was settled amicably and the marriage is still intact.

How it works For the people of Ijora, Lagos State, Iledi is their traditional court which is

very essential in settling rifts between people, communities, villages among others. It is also known as the assembly point for the traditionalists recognized for their veneration of the personified earth (Ilè or Odua).

SaturdayVanguard investigations revealed that Iledi is a superstitious and complex architectural creation.

The structure and the materials used in constructing it are a representation of the forces of the earth. It is also believed that materials used in decorating the place are used to communicate with the gods.

The Oba of Ijora, Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, in his explanation? said Iledi in Yoruba land is an essential aspect of Yoruba culture that must not be neglected.

According to him, "Iledi has been in existence before civilisation. As such, every part of Yoruba land has Iledi. There is no place in Yoruba land that has no Iledi because of its great significance."

He continued: “Iledi has been in existence before civilisation and it is a place where rifts are settled. It serves as Yoruba traditional court.

Whenever there are disputes between individuals, villages or towns, the matter is settled at Iledi.

"For instance, if there is a clash among members of a particular family which has lingered for so long and it is posing problem in the community, the family will be referred to Iledi.

"Today, most people take their cases to the Nigerian courts due to the advent of Western education.

But many Yorubas still believe that Iledi is the right place to settle

disputes. There are lots of issues that are settled at Iledi and series of cases are referred there on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, some cases should be referred to Iledi instead of taking them to court." Oath taking is one of the features of the conventional court, Oath-taking is the major feature at Iledi. All parties take oath to say the truth and nothing but the truth. After hearing the truth from all sides, it is then left for the traditionalists who serve as mediators to arbitrate judiciously.

"It is a place where oath is taken and therefore, it is expedient that you don't tell lies, if not, you will face the consequences", says Oba Aromire. Oba Aromire further explained that different cases are brought to Iledi for settlement, and there are no restrictions on the nature of the cases. Whoever is at fault, he or she must apologise to the other person and promise to desist from such act. Both parties must say the truth in order to get justice and forgiveness. The party at fault will not be stigmatized in the community because he or she was taken to Iledi. So, Iledi is where you get justice”, Oba Aromire said. He stated further, " Iledi is significant in a community because it reveals the truth.

And until you take your case to Iledi, you will continue to suffer in silence. It is a pity that people prefer going to court than taking their cases to Iledi. The tradition at Iledi is sacred. It is forbidden for anyone to be biased.

"It is only traditionalists that use Iledi.

The traditionalists who serve as mediators have taken a sacred oath not to be biased but if anyone violates the

oath, such person will die because it is where justice prevails. The traditionalists know the repercussion of telling lies. "We are losing our culture and it is affecting us. It is better we go back to our culture”.

According to Pa Amuda Aberejo, 93-year-old Baale of Ilasa, Lagos, another name for Iledi is Osugbo.

The language used in communicating at Iledi can only be understood by the people who have been initiated. You cannot understand the language unless you are initiated." Ibrahim, the Baale's son, adds that Iledi is like a secret cult.

“Whatever is done or said there must not be heard in the public domain. You have to go through initiation and oath-taking before entering the place. You cannot enter Iledi if you are not initiated. And once you have entered the place, that is the end. There is no looking back. Both man and woman can be initiated.

•Oba “An ordinary person cannot enter Aromire Iledi. If he or she does, he or she will face the consequences. Another thing is that there are some things that would be required of you before you are initiated. Iledi members wear white attire and hold stick whenever they go out. “Another thing about Iledi is that it is where the Oba-elect (Ipebi) is kept for three months, where he will be initiated and indoctrinated on the traditions and customs of the land. All the sacrifices will be carried out at Iledi before he is crowned.

“The traditionalists who carry out the sacrifices are members of a certain cult.

They are in three categories: Owopa, Osugbo and the Reformed Fraternity, which is comprised of the rich, and they vary in their operations. “The mediators would warn the disputing parties against future occurrences. But if they did not desist from having the same disputes, then Aagan (masquerade) would be consulted. A big goat will be used in the process to appease the gods and the disputing parties will pay for the sacrifices.”

He adds: "Before civilisation, people respected Iledi, but civilisation has taken over."

Continued relevance Explaining the continued relevance of Iledi even in the face of Western civilization, Jamiu who lives at Ijora, told Saturday Vanguard that so many marriages heading for the rock have been restored at Iledi. He also narrated the story of a 35-year-old woman who was wrongly accused of infidelity by her sisterin-law due to hatred. According to him, the matter was also amicably resolved at Iledi.

He confirmed that when Fausat's case was brought to Iledi, and she truthfully narrated her story after taking the oath, the mediators saw that she did it out of genuine love for her husband and to keep the union, the mediators understood her plight and pleaded with her husband and mother-in-law to forgive and accept her back, which they did. "The truth is that you get justice at Iledi as nobody dares tell lies there and go scot-free", Jamiu said.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17—2015

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SATURDAY

OBER 117 7, 2015 — 17 Vanguard, OCT OCTOBER

it was a ceremonial presentation where the Senior Special Assistant (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, did it, accompanied by the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

As the Senate prepared for the screening, President Buhari held a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly and stressed the need for working in unison for the interest of the country and the party.

Before the commencement of the screening, Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Media, Senator Dino Melaye, warned that the tradition of a nominee taking a bow and asked to walk away will not apply.

But in the case of Lai Mohammed, he got that recognition because of his position as National Publicity Secretary of the ruling APC. The Senate is expected to continue the screening on Tuesday to feature Amaechi and Shittu, along with Buhari’s second list of nominees.

The nominees are Khadijah Bukar AbbaIbrahim, Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo State) Professor Anthony Anwuka (Imo State), Geoffrey Onyema, Brig. Gen. Mansur M. Dan Ali (rtd), Zamfara State and Barrister James E. Ocholi, Kogi State.

The others are Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Okechukwu Enelemah, Muhammadu Bello, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Miss Aisha Abubakar, Heneiken Lokpobiri, Adamu Adamu, Professor Isaac Adewole (Osun State), Pastor Usani Usani Uguru and Abubakar Bwari Bawa.

The Senators on Tuesday and Wednesday went into a closed door session where they were said to have sealed it that they would give the nominees soft landing in order not to overheat the polity.

Those already confirmed and awaiting to be assigned portfolios are Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Akwa Ibom, Dr.

MINISTERIAL NOMINEES SCREENING:

The drama, intrigues

BY HENRY UMORU

A

FTER two days of screening, the Senate on Wednesday confirmed 18 of the first batch of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees thus paving the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to form a cabinet, almost five months after its inauguration on May 29, 2015.

Nigerians had waited with apprehension for Buhari to nominate his ministers and expectedly, when he eventually forwarded the first list to the National Assembly on September 30, a cross section of Nigerians reacted in various ways regarding the calibre of the candidates.

However, whatever the applause or misgivings may be, controversy has continued to trail the failure of the Senate to screen one of the nominees, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State.

Also, Buhari withdrew the name of another nominee, Musa Ibeto, from Niger State while reports indicate that the delay in the screening of Adebayo Shittu from Oyo state may not be unconnected with an alleged opposition to his nomination from Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

For Amaechi, recent political developments in his state appear tilted against him especially his former Chief of Staff and former Minister of State (Education), Nyesom Wike, who is the incumbent governor is said to be opposed to Amaechi’s nomination as minister to represent the state. Moreover, reports indicate that Amaechi’s issue may have actually led to a division within the membership of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. It was gathered that some senators elected on the platform of the PDP and members of the Committee are said to be moving against the screening of Amaechi.

Amaechi appeared before the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led committee on Monday where he was told a number of issues were working against his screening especially with alleged court case and petitions before the committee.

According to Anyanwu, it is not feasible for the Committee to look at the petition or probe Amaechi as the issues raised in the petition before the committee were already in court, adding that in line with the Senate Standing Orders, senators will not attend to it.

It was also gathered that soon after Amaechi appeared before the committee, some PDP members of the Committee hosted the petitioner, the Integrity Group, to a meeting.

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According to a source, the Rivers State Governor is said to be working under ground through the Senators from the state to ensure that Amaechi is not screened.

Amaechi’s screening was later slated in the Order Paper for Wednesday but was dropped for the second time because of reported non submission of the report by the Committee.

But with assurances from Senator Anyanwu that the report will be ready before next week, there are indications that Amaechi’s screening along with those of the others will take place on Tuesday.

A number of other issues had come up before the commencement of the screening process as the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said he was worried over the non inclusion of states to the names of the nominees with an attendant confusion about the state of origin of one of the nominees, Amina Ibrahim Mohammed.

There were petitions to the Senate from Kaduna where she was mistaken to have come from until she appeared before the Senator Samuel Anyanwu Committee with a clarification that she hails from Gombe State and not Kaduna.

It was also learned that following complaints from Niger State, Buhari wrote Saraki and withdrew the nomination of the former Deputy Governor, Musa Ibeto.

There were equally complaints of some nominees coming from the same zone as their governors like the nominee from Kaduna who hails from the same area with Governor Ahmed Nasir El- Rufai, as well a complaint from Osun with the nominee from there believed to come from the same Ijesha land as the governor.

Another intrigue that played out is the issue surrounding the nomination from Yobe, Khadijat Bukar Abba. She has been in the House of Representatives while the husband, Ibrahim Bukar Abba, a former governor has been in the Senate, thereby sharing the same National Assembly complex with his wife.

Speaking on the need for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to have a minister, Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, PDP, FCT complained about the omission of the FCT from the ministerial list against the backdrop that the FCT which has the status of a state, ought to so treated arguing that the FCT be considered for a ministerial slot.

With Buhari, it is a departure from the past where the Special Adviser to President submits the list to the Senate President through the Registry, then the Senate President would open it, call the Principal Officers and show them the list. But this time,

Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Benue, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Ebonyi, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Edo, Lt.Gen. Abduulrahman Dambazau, Kano, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Kwara, Amina Ibrahim Mohammed, Gombe, Engr. Suleiman Hussaini Adamu, Jigawa, and Ibrahim Usman Jibril, Nasarawa state.

Also cleared and confirmed by the Senate are former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Delta State, Abubakar Malami, SAN, Kebbi State, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Anambra state, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, Taraba, Barrister Solomon Lalong, Plateau State, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Ogun State and Senator Hadi Sirika, Katsina State.

Trending FFashola’s ashola’s 20 remarkable Quotes at the Senate • “I cannot claim credit for my success in Lagos State” •“Before we increase taxes, we must optimize the capacity to get that which is in the place”.

•“Security is the toughest job a leader has”.

• “I felt responsible for every citizen who was robbed”.

•“We can redress political abuses, but cannot recover a life already lost”.

•“Nigeria has about 500,000 standing policemen. We are underpoliced”.

•“State Police will create employment and curb domestic violence”.

•“We must commend our founding fathers for conceptualising the creation of Abuja”.

•“The concept of loyalty is a very strange one. My prayer is that “may our loyalties never be tested.”

• “As Governor of Lagos I didn’t sign cheques. I’ve never signed cheques, I didn’t fix contract prices.

The only training I have is as a lawyer”.

•“Nobody has alleged that I wrongly enriched myself”.

•‘I have remained loyal to causes I signed to. I stand by my word’.

•“Nobody can fairly accuse me of giving my word and going back on my word”.

• “The unfortunate thing about money is that it raises suspicion, even among brothers”.

•“Government should not get involved in needless disputes”.

• “The choices we make define the result we get”.

•‘This Nation has a lot of money outside its borders.

Nigerians are investing more abroad’.

•“Those who want to benefit from the commonwealth must contribute to the common purse”.

•“The consequence of making promises is the right to accountability

•Saraki

•“The right to freedom is not absolute. It carries responsibility not to be a nuisance”.”

18—SA TURD AY Vanguard , OCTOBER 17—2015 18—SATURD TURDA

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ike Enahoro seemed to treat a football gently when he was on the field. He would stroke it smoothly to bring it under control. He played the guitar the same way too. It was a personal skill, his personal style to apparently take things easy while achieving the desired end. He carried it to an appreciable extent in his association with his friends and acquaintances too. But most of all, it was the hallmark of his professional touch as a broadcaster of the first waters. He did not just read the news; he delivered it.

He was still in school when he featured as a guitarist in one of the most popular bands of the day. Roy Chicago created the band out of his tutelage under Bobby Benson. During which he played both the tenor saxophone and the trumpet. He was a master craftsman who had no time for sloppy musicianship. He found Mike Enahoro a performer after his heart.

Yinka Alakija, an accomplished musician and, in fact, a music guru, recounts a testimony of Mike’s importance to the band as told by Roy himself.

Says Yinka, “Roy Chicago gave a radio interview many years ago: that he was in the recording studio for an album. At the end he still had three minutes to fill.

There and then, this young and talented who was his lead guitarist, Mike Enahoro, stepped forward and composed the song, “Maria”. It was rehearsed and recorded on the spot.

Needless to say, “Maria” became one of the hits of the album. “Maria” is now considered one of the evergreen highlife tunes of all time.”

*My friend Mike * a plea for history

countries, such high qualifications are used to improve the lot of the people, through modern inventions or the improvement of current implements. But Nigeria, with more than just a sprinkling of these supposed geniuses is bruised by their lacerating influences.

What thinking, you would wonder, could have convinced the experts involved in this crime, that Nigeria would be a better place without a living history? It is worse than can be imagined. Go out today and ask any question about the history of Nigeria from a secondary schoolboy. His answer would send you reeling if he has one. These future citizens of our country seem totally unaware of our antecedents. If you want a good laugh, get a group and ask them to tell you who was the second prime minister of this country. Or the former name of the Nigerian army before we became a Republic. Some of them do not even know when we became a republic or its significance.

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ike and I were close friends but we were never buddies in the true sense of that word. He would not allow it. He knew me first as a friend of one of his elder brothers and our association retained that respectful gap in the intimacy between brothers of different ages. And you know, he had several brothers—Tony, Ben, Christian, and others—all of them stars in their chosen firmament. Ben was my close friend, but I really liked “young” Mike who passed on at the age of 76 a few days ago.”

He was the exemplary communicator. He made sure that he got the pronunciation of every word right before he went on the air. It was far from his practice to butcher difficult names with the unprofessional, uncaring, apology of “I hope I got that right”—as is the standard of news-readers on radio and television these days. Mike operated with equal facility on both.

But who remembers all of that, these days? Who remembers the earlier Mike—Mike Olumide? Or Joe Atuona, Kunle Alakija, Emmanuel Bello Fadaka, Sunday Young-Harry, Bode Alalade, or any of those whose performances at the C M Y K

•Late Mike Enahoro, a performer... mike were celebrated while they were with us on earth, but have now joined their voices to the praise of their Creator in celestial climes?

They have indeed all passed away, gone into history, but their memory remains forever young in our heart Like most people who were not at work and were fortunate to have a supply of our still scarce but much improved electricity, or could afford the expense of running their generators at high noon, I was able to watch the screening of the new ministers by the senate on television. I found it impressive. But I was not over the moon enough to agree with another octogenarian friend who was with me that “we are watching history”. Of course, we were watching what should become history, and would become history, if it were recorded. Even then, it might be only to the benefit of only researchers—and cockroaches—if it is thereafter confined to the

If you want a good laugh, get a group and ask them to tell you who was the second prime minister of this country

archives and not released into the fresh and uplifting air of knowledge.

From history, we learn about the events of the past.

But that, it would appear, is not what is happening now in this country. It took me a while to learn that history is no longer taught in our schools. And yet it is offered as a degree course in our universities. And we also have a National Historical Society which is functioning— at promoting itself more than its subject presumably. A society worthy of its name should have done more to prevent such a horrible event.

It would be no less than the handiwork—or “brainy work”— of some academics that had gone astray but found their way into an influential position in the reordering of our development in several directions. They have been responsible creating foul changes on several aspects of our lives.

They have left their marks on far-reaching circumstances of our existence and left us dumb from the din of their doctorate degrees. In other

Y

ou have probably heard about the joke of a secondary schoolboy in the Southwest part of the country, who was asked to name the most famous man called Obafemi, and he promptly mentioned, Obafemi Martins—that is, “Oba-goal” the footballer.

Well, sorry; that really isn’t funny. Neither is the notion that the unification of Nigeria took place in 1960.

History is not just the events, but the records of the events that took place in the past. Shakespeare— remember him?—said: “The past is history; study the past.” The past is indeed to be studied as a store. If inspiration for the present as well as a pointer to the rectification for the past.

How can the oncoming generations derive any pride from the exploits of their forebears if they grow up knowing nothing of their history?

We are indeed in the swirling motion of swift history. A lot of events are racing across the scene and they should be recorded for study, indeed like veritable scriptures, as a guide for the future. May all those who have a part in it reap bountifully from its prospects.

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 17, 2015—19

I

was taught the importance of good hand writing pretty early.

We even had lessons and eventually, a subject on it in my primary school days. We were told that however brilliant you were, your handwriting could be the deciding factor between a good pass and an ordinary pass as an untidy or illegible writing could easily irritate and put a teacher off. Unfortunately, it was a subject I never really got a hold on to my eternal regret. And I have probably put off not only teachers and examiners, but quite a lot of people with my writing.

Later in my adult life, I found out that writing could be used as a window to one’s personality and character as no two handwritings are said to be the same. The way you dot your Is and cross your Ts, the way you elongate your Gs and Ys could be, I learnt, a pointer to whether you are neat and precise, or untidy and sloppy. Also whether your letters slant to the left or right could be read by experts to determine whether you are bold or timid; aggressive or laid back. (How I wish I had listened to those early teachers.)

At some point in my quest to understanding human personality, I came across a book that explained how a man’s personality could be read like an open book, by how his personal office looks. I tried to use this knowledge during my interviewing days to make quick, instant judgements. Are there too many books? Too many memorabilia?

Too much furniture? Does he write on top of old newspapers or old files?

Are there things on every available surface? Or conversely, is the table clean like an old man’s pate? Is the office spare and airy? These are all indicators to those who are trained to read the signs, of a person’s character. As an aside, is it my imagination that many professors’ offices are often too small for the things—books, files, plaques—they cram into them?

What is in your refridgerator?

I have used this observation to assess want to know who a person is. And it is many occupants of houses as well. I not only the content but also the have found that many houses in the arrangement in the fridge that decodes cities in Nigeria don’t ‘breathe’. There the person. Do you have to rummage are too many cars in the compound, too inside to find what you want or are they much furniture in the living room and well laid out like an attractive too many clothes in the bedroom. My supermarket?

An observant but total stranger can conclusion is that we as a nation don’t understand the word ‘enough’ or when often tell what kind of a person his host to let go and pass on. There is only so is by opening the fridge. How much of much a compound, a living room, a yesterday’s food is there? What about bedroom or an office can take before half eaten, decaying food? Does the ice they become cluttered and need thawing? And the fridge cleaning? claustrophobic. Similarly, there is only All these, including the content would so much a soul can take before it help in determining how homely, how becomes cluttered and weighed down thoughtful and how organised he is in by material things. We need his personal life. So what do to ‘free’ our homes, our you have in your fridge? offices and our minds.

Take a second look and then Lately, my understanding look at your lifestyle to see of human beings was taken if there is any correlation. to another dimension by an On a larger scale, things article that said people can Things we take we take for granted about be read by simply countries can often show observing what they have in for granted what the country their refridgerator. A look at about countries represents. A tourist country an average bachelor ’s often has friendly fridge would show a few can often show immigration officers. A canned food and different what the country totalitarian country often kinds of booze while a has the opposite. You could married man’s fridge would represents feel the ambience of a free, probably show more of open country right from the airport. cooked food and less of alcohol. You could also tell a person who often eats And as you step out, the kind of at home from a person who doesn’t from reception you get and the orderliness the contents of the fridge. A vegetarian of transportation should tell you its own can also be easily discernible from the story. So will the roads, whether wide contents of his fridge. If it is true that or narrow, the traffic lights and the we are what we eat, then the custodian drivers’ observance of them. The of what we eat is the fridge. It is buildings, the lawns, the flowers, the therefore, a good place to start if you cleanliness of the streets, the courtesy

S

o much has been written about the great one, Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, since he passed on 19 days ago that it is impossible now to write about him without being repetitive. I, therefore, decided not to do a tribute, especially since I did not know him personally beyond occasionally seeing him at ceremonies. That was before I went with my President, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, trustees and other members of the Urhobo Social Club, to pay a condolence visit to the Onosodes.

I have passed by his residence thousands of times in the last 20 years because it was my regular route, but that was my first time of entering the were hosted) is even simpler than the compound. It is a simple, though outside. The furnishing is simple, no well-maintained, storey building like big screen television and no rug, unless many others along Adelabu Street, it was removed in the wave of heavy Surulere, Lagos. He probably moved human traffic. There is nothing, may in there in the 60s when many other be, except the photographs that adorn landlords built and moved to that the walls, to show that a man of area. I doubted when I learnt for the Onosode’s status lived there. The first time in the early 90s that the outside boasts of two old-model Toyota great Onosode lived there, because, Prado Jeeps and a newer Toyota at that time, many of his fellow “big Landcruiser Jeep. men” had moved to Ikoyi and Victoria He was apparently a man who lived Island. Lekki was still in its infancy. on his own terms. Till date, if you can afford to live in the Island (Ikoyi, Over the years, I have wondered Victoria and Lekki) and you are still the kind of simplicity that would make resident in the mainland, some people Onosode continue to live on Adelabu close to you will put pressure on you to Street. The street has become heavily move. That is the kind of pressure commercialized, busy and very noisy, Onosode resisted for probably 40 years. especially for a man who could afford That takes enormous self assurance and a better alternative accommodation discipline and Onosode had an anywhere in Lagos. When the overdose of both.

He was said to have been chairman/ dualisation of Adelabu started about six years ago, I thought he would run director of over 60 blue chip companies away, but he did not. For the two at various times in his life time. years or thereabout it took to dualise Therefore, he must have been very rich, the road, the traffic was hellish. I was but as intoxicating as wealth is, he was so relieved when I changed my not wealth-drunk. He lived as if the daughter ’s school and did not have money was not there and that is very difficult, if you know what I mean. His to take the route regularly.

The inside of Onosode’s residence life was simplicity personified.

Onosode was purpose-driven and (at least the sitting room where we

Onosode: A great man goes home

C M Y K

had an uncommon discipline. He was married to one wife for 54 years and they have seven children. He actually died exactly one month to his 55 wedding anniversary October 29, 1960—September 29, 2015). He was a core family man.

All his life, he remained a “Mr.” when he could have acquired 100s of chieftaincy titles across Nigeria or used the “Dr ” title because of his numerous honorary doctorate degrees. This has emboldened many people who want to remain “Mr.” His kind of commitment to his Christian faith was uncommon among “big men” of his kind.

O

nosode is a classic case study of “train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows up he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

He was raised by a father who was a Baptist minister and a tough mother who were core disciplinarians. He never departed from the strict discipline that formed his foundation. This is a lesson for all modern-day parents.

In his life time, he won so many battles and succeeded on so many fronts, but politics was a different kettle of fish. He failed in his two attempts at the Nigerian presidency, but it was not much of a personal failing as it was the

of the people all tell stories to those who can hear them.

I recently went to five port cities— from Haiti to the Cayman Islands through Mexico and Jamaica; each city told its own story about the form of governance and leaders it has had.

Interestingly, the countries had similar background in many ways. Yet the development indices are from one end of the spectrum to the other—from extremely poor to extremely rich. And you could tell, from just driving round, which country had money, which ran a stable, orderly government. Haiti is a poor country and poverty is written all over the place and the people. The effect of the hurricane disaster of around 2010 is still everywhere despite the huge sums that poured in from all over the world. The Cayman Islands on the other hand have completely wiped off the effect of their own disaster and it is now a foot note in their history.

In fact, you cannot but be impressed with the beauty, the order and the serenity of the Cayman Islands.

Especially when you realise that they have nothing but tourism and banks.

They have put themselves on the world map by carving a niche for themselves in the financial world through catering to the needs of the superrich. It was a minus for them in the past that they did not care about the source of the wealth of their clients. But they have since cleaned up their acts. Today, they are a country of virtually no unemployment with the lowest wage hovering around six dollars an hour.

(Compare that with Nigeria of two dollars a day).

So what does Lagos tell us as we pass through immigration and enter the city? What story do the roads, the traffic lights, the danfo drivers tell?

What do we read from the street urchins and the physically challenged beggars who peep into every car window? Do we read order and focus in the signs that confront us?

Now I know that Fashola was right in trying to beautify Lagos. An ugly environment will indeed breed ugly people. It also tells ugly stories.

failure of a system that shuts out our brightest minds. Onosode wanted probity and accountability, something that was alien to Nigerian party politics then.

Nigerian politics is intriguing. A prominent politician once said that it is only in politics you know someone is going to dupe you and you still fall for it. A man whose wife has hit menopause will tell you his wife just delivered and needs money to discharge her and the baby and you oblige, knowing full well he is lying.

Somebody approaches you for money to bury his father who just died and you give him. Five years later, the father will “die” again and you will give him money. Why? The man is politically relevant and you need him.

The Nigerian political terrain was strange to Onosode and he struggled.

Some felt he was too rigid and idealistic for Nigerian politics, while people like Frank Kokori felt he was politically naïve. He did make some mistakes. Whatever the case, it was apparent that he was in a wrong place, so he quit.

Former American President, Bill Clinton, said during his inaugural speech in 1993 that “there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”

I make bold to say same for Nigeria; Onosode represents what is right with Nigeria that can be used to cure what is wrong with Nigera: integrity, honesty, discipline, simplicity, orderliness, resourcefulness, hard work, moderation, contentment and genuine service to God and humanity.

He might have died, but his legacies live on for the rest of us to emulate in order to make Nigeria great. Adieu, the Great One.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 interests that are in conflict with the interests of the presidency. The most endangered of species are rebels within any ruling party.

Theirs is complicated by perceived treachery and they are visited with real venom. When constitutional immunity poses a challenge , the EFCC will trample on the law and dislodge immunity. In days gone by ,they would herd state law makers into a van and hold them

Alamieyeseigha’s death and a conflict of emotions

W

C M Y K

•Alamieyeseigha

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hen a man dies eulogies and tears are shed. Some of his enemies will contribute genuine tears from remorse , some friends will tear their dresses in affected grief. Some sympathy must belong to the one who has dropped from contention, death is a resignation. Sins are forgiven or forgotten, good deeds are confessed , professed, exaggerated. In times past , when superstition credited the dead with the capacity for evil or revenge, the living was admonished not to speak ill of the dead. Our culture still respects the dead and generally spares them of accusations partly because they cannot defend themselves.

Men become saints after death because something about living is incompatible with sainthood.

Politicians in Nigeria , however, manage to appropriate some degree of sainthood while alive. They plunder the common heritage , fan divisive embers to generate a smokescreen, and conscript the conscience of the poor who are left to quibble endlessly .

The representatives steal and the represented, doubly victimized, rise to their defence , deflect their guilt and render praise. An identification can sanctify and can enslave. The poor masses embrace the delusion that they owe support to the thieving politician with whom they share a kind of primitive identification or association. “He is one of our own.”

Ethnicities , clans and religions own people in Nigeria, there is little sense of nationhood. It’s a bit more than an exploitation of desperation and hunger because even the elite are not spared by the affliction.

DSP Alamieyeseigha, is dead. I wish he had lived till ripe old age.

Dirges and eulogies have filled the air.

They say he transformed Amassoma and Yenogoa. And they list virtually everything in Bayelsa as his legacy.

He was well loved by his people. A man of the people. Many days of mourning have been declared. Flags, Nigerian flags, will fly at half mast. A state burial , befitting of a governor general , is in the offing. All have sinned and fallen short of glory, that must be the logic that takes away moral pungency from all his conspicuous shortcomings. Politicians say we have no memory, and they may be right. President Buhari has sent his condolence message, he says the governor general was a great man.

Fayose ,typically African, is keen on attributing the death to someone. He says the federal government and the UK government hounded and harassed him to death. And Dickson, the Bayelsa Governor concurs.

Bayelsa elections are due, there will be graveside politics. The UK law enforcement agencies must bear with us. If Lawrence Anini , the one that tormented Benin city in the 80’s , were a politician , many would have pointed to his sense of philanthropy and declared that there is no one like

I can’t pretend I don’t feel that DSP suffered enough.

But it is a feeling that can be checked by thinking about thousands in many horrible cells in our jails who are there because they stole sums comparably insignificant. The fate he suffered it would appear was the most unlikely in the circumstance and that makes him perhaps an unfortunate man

,

him. Who is like unto him that would rob a bank and drive to there nearest market ,where the poor can be found , and distribute half of his booty. It wouldn’t matter if that piece of charity was a stratagem to aid his escape. Because in Nigeria philanthropy, like the struggle for resource control, is often not about charity or communal emancipation .

You can fight for resource control , steal ‘controlled’ funds and find the equanimity to stuff your hand bag with a million pound sterling while setting out to shop in the Queens backyard. What is the Queens business? The money belongs to the Ijaw people, and they are not complaining because Arewa and Igbo governors have been filling their bags too with oil money . But when riverine communities decide to throw a fit , after suffering needless deaths from lack of hospitals, their youths will hold only Chevron and Shell responsible.

I can’t pretend I don’t feel that DSP suffered enough. But it is a feeling that can be checked by thinking about thousands in many horrible cells in our jails who are there because they stole sums comparably insignificant. The fate he suffered it would appear was the most unlikely in the circumstance and that makes him perhaps an unfortunate man.

Was he really any different from the other governors? James Ibori thinks he wasn’t, says DSP had only one house. Perhaps he didn’t have too many. Would he have gone through that travail if he had supported that botched third term project? Those who supported the third term project left with their loots and pretentions to integrity intact. The third term project in any case would weigh 100 times more ,on any corruption scale, than all DSP was accused of. But does this make light of what the self acclaimed governor general did? No, but perhaps now that he is no more we can allow some emotionality to enter our considerations. Why Alams? Why only him? Joshua Dariye is still a distinguished senator. Loved by his people.

The truth is that the story of Alamieyeseigha is the story of the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Looters are the unfortunate, those for whom impunity is not ordained.

Those who must fear serious repercussions are those who have

hostage in a secret location where in response to carrots and sticks they would enlist in the war against corruption.

If Lawrence Anini, the notorious robber, were a politician he could have contributed to the fight against corruption by settling an internecine feud within his gang by exposing some recalcitrant lieutenant and feeding him to the baying public. He could have thrown Monday Osunbor or Ofege our way and would have acquired a reputation of incorruptibility and sainthood in return. The Halliburton and Siemens scandals’ reports have been quarantined indefinitely because saints were implicated .

Anywhere else Alams would have receded into the obscurity that ignominy and opprobrium enforces. But in Nigeria, he should be in the senate. Shame here is for the ordinary people because when a powerful politician engages in a vice he must be understood to be in it for his people. Anyone who comes after him is witch- hunting , and must contend with the various groups whose identifications with he promotes to perpetuate perhaps an assumed messianic status. If Anini were a politician, using pens rather than machine guns, giving to churches as he was giving to markets, some bishops would have protested against his trial as wicked and desperate attempt to persecute Christianity and deny churches of funds needed for evangelism. If it is not selective justice how is it that other robbers have not all been arrested?

But it is difficult not to pity Alamieyeseigha. In a country where former governors have mastered the art of procuring perpetual injunctions to put themselves beyond the reach of the law, how did he fall so easily? How couldn’t he have known that governors don’t move cash themselves. A certain Anambra government house car was arrested somewhere with over two hundred million naira in cash stacked in the booth. What happened ? That somewhere is not London, so nothing happened. That former governor is awaiting sainthood .

So somehow Alamieyeseigha deserves some pity. Politicians use

proxies to run their money laundering networks. They keep no bank accounts. They keep their monies with persons and companies and maintain tidy book keeping.

Once in a while a money manager may go rogue and take what he has been given to keep. But what is that compared to being wanted by the Met police for money laundering?

These days politicians hide billions in housing estates they buy and leave empty.

When Jonathan his ‘boy’ and kinsman became president, Alamieyeseigha was not forgotten.

He was rehabilitated. And that is typical. Some good cause was found and credited to him. “He helped to calm the restiveness of the Niger Delta”. Applause. From money laundering to image laundering, it’s all part of the general laundry business. And before people could raise eye brows about his new found prominence and what it meant for the then flagging fight against corruption, he received a rare presidential pardon. Jonathan, for once, was bold. In your faces, the ‘go and die’ variety! How could he explain such an incestuous pardon given to the poster boy of corruption?

Perhaps presidential prerogatives exist to allow a president save a friend, in furtherance of nepotism.

Since Alamieyeseigha suffered a chronic medical condition , shouldn’t he have been left alone?

After all he had been stripped bare and humiliated? I think so. But the UK persisted in demanding that Alams who escaped their justice be repatriated.

He left Dubai , he had to leave.

Dubai , once thought safe , after Ibori , is no longer so safe. He abandoned his treatment , we are told. I wish Amasoma and Yenogoa had a fully functional tertiary hospital like those in Dubai. I wish Bayelsa had the sort of leaders that Dubai had, leaders who would build and equip hospitals that people crossed deserts to attend. If the ‘harassment and abandonment’ post mortem hypothesis isn’t politics then he may have lived longer had the care at the University of Port Harcourt hospital been like that of the Dubai hospital. He started a teaching hospital . But since tokenism has become traditional, hospital wards are built but never really equipped because once the precocious commissioning takes place, plaque affixed, glory taken, and the women in asoebi ,hired to dance and sing, depart with their fees in their pockets, night falls.

The rich and powerful find it difficult to understand that their lives can easily depend on the functionality of the nearest clinic.

Air ambulances and UK and UAE health facilities aren’t always available options . Why would anyone, laying claims to sanity, stash billions of dollars in Europe and have no good health facility 200 kilometres from where she lives.

Prudence , the sort that encourages wealth accumulation, will dictate otherwise. But the sort of compulsive accumulation disorder that afflicts our politicians is caused by pathological greed rather than prudence.

Perhaps the Ijaws can go ahead and celebrate their own . When shame comes we will all know. Corruption is cultural and that mitigates its immorality. All have sinned, but we won’t shut the prisons and ask thousands of poor inmates to go home. He has not sinned more than his peers. Had he supported third term like others and managed to be in the APC he would be one of the saints. Abacha, despite all, despite the recovered billions, still has monuments named after him. DSP will be immortalized. We will remain impoverished for a while.

Change I believe has come but shame will take a while.

Adieu Governor General.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—21

Many Nigerian artistes are ingrates

By AYO ONIKOYI, Entertainment Editor

K

ehinde Adegbite, popularly known as Mallam Yankee is the chairman, The Bank club, Abuja and Yankee Entertainment.

He is an entertainment entrepreneur who has worked with several Nigerian artistes and has given many a good platform that launched them into reckoning in the music industry. Mallam Yankee is so visible on the entertainment scene that he is being regarded as the man that transformed entertainment and nightlife in Abuja. In this chat the Abuja baron of nightlife talks about his hard-knocks life in the entertainment industry. Excerpts: You have been talking so strongly on the growing activities of entertainment in Abuja;what is the secret of this renaissance?

The secret is simply due to our unyielding effort to revive and bring entertainment in this beautiful city to a level that it can become a point of reference when evaluating other economic activities in Abuja. Mind you, our effort was borne out of the realization that entertainment can transform the economy of a state or a country. This goes to show that our zeal is a selfless one for all and sundry and not really because we want to make so much money. It’s actually for the benefit of the FCT as the nation’s seat of government. One wonders what FCT would have looked like without entertainment. I also think that the resurgence of rich entertainment activities in the city is because of the growing awareness among residents who have now realized that relaxation can actually make them achieve better results in whatever jobs they do in the FCT. This is why today, you now have Abuja nightlife competing favourably with that of Lagos, and we are still working round the clock just to make sure we get to that point.

– Mallam Yankee * Says, “I’m preparing for Akpororo V.S Akpororo show”

So how has the journey been so far, and how did you get to this point?

It has been both rough and smooth. In every job, there are hazards. But comparatively, when the hazards outweigh the positive results, then one needs to have a rethink.

In my own case, we cannot totally discard the hazard, but I think we have continued to fly above those hazards. At some point, it was rough. This is because usually at the cradle, you need to find your feet, you

I have organized well above 20 shows across the country, and I don’t think I have had cause to regret any particular one

need to define yourself, and carve a niche. I think we have now gone beyond that stage.

I started with many people after I graduated from school, but some gave up along the line, because it’s true that the business of entertainment is quite challenging. You need funds to package what can draw people from their homes; you need to package very well to ensure that these show patrons keep patronizing you. You need to give them good content, for them to bring out their money for shows.

These are some of the initial challenges. But if you are able to address all these and build your contacts, you will surely sail through. I think we are already at that point.

Can we talk about your past shows? Would you say all of them were successful?

I have organized well above 20 shows across the country, and I don’t think I have had cause to regret any particular one.

Sometimes, there could be low turnout due to obvious reasons, but we have been able to beat our own record most of the time. Most of the shows we organize in Abuja are oftentimes soldout, glory be to God for that. We have had Charly Boy Show-Live, Dbanj

show, Iyanya first and second album launch, May D’s album launch, 2Face album launch and Eargasm, and a couple of comedy shows. We have also had Wizkid album launch, Owerri-must-laugh and a host of others. I think in all these, we have done incredibly fine.

Which would you now consider as your most successful show?

It’s difficult to say, but I think it is 2Face show of Last November at the Transcorp Hilton, then Iyanya’s album launch and Charlyboy Show-live also did quite fine. I think most of our shows have been extremely good, especially those ones done within our constituencyFCT. What is your relationship with some of the artistes you invite for various shows?

Very cordial.

Entertainment is business, and just like we need them to do the show, they need those shows for their pay and visibility. In any case, through some of my shows I have promoted great artistes. I have contributed greatly to bringing some artistes fame, but unfortunately some of them are not grateful, and have refused to accept that fact.

But on the whole, my relationship with most of them is very cordial. We speak on ideas, and they listen and respect me when it comes to event, because that’s basically my own area. I also respect them when it comes to their creativity, hence it is two-

dimensional.

You just said some of them are not grateful. Can you please be specific?

They know themselves.

You know some up and coming acts can be funny.

When they need you to climb to fame, they will hang around you, begging you to put them in one show or the other. When the fame they seek finally smiles at them, they zoom off. Next time, you are like every other business partner, no appreciation. I think in whichever area you are, you need to appreciate those that pushed you up the ladder, even if it means calling them once in a blue moon.

What is Mallam Yankee up to at the moment?

At the moment, I’m preparing for Akporo V.S Akporo. The event is holding on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. We will have comedians like Akpororo, Seyi Law, Osama, Chuke D’general, Acapella, Yellow Mouth and Shortcut. We will also have musical acts like Timi Dakolo, Wonders J, Henry Soul and DJ GFunk. The hosts shall be Gordons and Helen Paul.

We will roll out more events after this particular one.

What message do you have for young people going into event packaging and entertainment?

Just keep struggling. It won’t come easy, but when it comes, it will stay. Don’t give up on your dreams.

Most importantly, don’t get involved in dirty deals, be clean.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

We are not half-way there in comedy, Ali Baba warns

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Que P eller Peller becomes first Nigerian artiste to perform magic on stage G uests at the ongoing Felabration 2015 got more than they expected at the annual festival of music on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, when a son of the late popular magician, Professor Peller, Que, was ushered on stage to perform.

The music artiste who is signed to his brother, Shina Peller ’s Aquilla Records, was decked in a black shirt, trousers and fez cap, while clutching a green handkerchief.

As he bounded up the stage, he kept waving the handkerchief and urged the audience to dance along with him. However, nobody was expecting what came next.

Que stood in the middle of the stage waving his handkerchief, and in the

twinkle of an eye, it was transformed into a black rod/ wand. There was a collective gasp from the enthralled audience who immediately paid him more attention.

Many of the guests wondered how he was able to pull off the act of magic, while others were not surprised considering his father ’s pedigree.

‘I’ve never seen this type of magic before,’ a bewildered female guest said to her boyfriend who answered,

‘Well, don’t be surprised.

His father used to be a great magician.’

Of course, with this act, Que becomes the first Nigerian artiste to ever perform magic on stage, and undoubtedly, the act has already won him more fans who can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

Meanwhile, Que’s brother, Zeeto Peller is fully into magic as he is set to stage several magic shows across the country soon.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

igeria’s king of comedy, Ali Baba has revealed that though the comedy industry is growing, we are yet to explore all the sectors in the industry. He made this statement in a recent interview.

“The value proposition and the dynamics of the comedy industry right now is still booting. We have not engaged all the sectors in the comedy industry. We are growing .We need to have sitcoms on TV, we need to have a lot of talk shows, we need to create a lot more platforms .This is one reason I started Alibaba’s Spontaneity. I believe with time we will get there. If it were like a computer system, I will say we are 40 percent booting, but we will get there.”

Upcoming singer Dimplez marks ‘No Bra Day’ nude E

arlier this week, awareness was raised about the ills of breast cancer with the celebration of No bra day. This incident trended on Twitter with people talking about breast cancer and also posting their No bra day pictures.

Upcoming artiste, Dimplez who is learning the ropes in the industry dared every one by releasing unclad pictures of herself .She captioned one of the pictures this way: “Watch out for me, yes I am a bad girl.”

The sexy upcoming act may be using the sexy pictures as an ace up her sleeves to promote her yet to be released single titled Bad girl.

Maheeda is known to call herself Nigeria’s bad girl, music lovers are wondering if Dimplez will be treading the Maheeda path

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 23

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

My eexperience xperience working with Seyi Shay Shay,, Cynthia Morgan - Mr. 2Kay

‘Bad Girl’ crooner and Grafton Entertainment signee, Mr. 2Kay has said that working with Seyi Shay and Cynthia Morgan on the song, ‘Bad Girl Remix’ was akin to being with family.

In his words, ‘Working with the two divas especially was quite great; they are simply amazing.

Seyi Shay and Cynthia Morgan are just out of this world. It was more like a family relationship between us, and they put their best into the song. That’s why you could hear what they were actually singing out in the song.

They told me they wanted to work with me on the song because they loved the original version, so they wanted to make the remix better than the original version; and that is what happened.’

On the inspiration behind his trending song, ‘Who No Like Better Thing,’ he quipped, ‘Day to day life is the inspiration behind

TOP 15

TRENDING MUSIC AND VIDEO

1 Qdot - Alhaji Rising artiste, Qdot unveils his new song titled Alhaji. The song is produced by Antras and mixed by Indomix 2. Mr. Stickz – Parkwell Mr Stickz is back with a new track titled Park well. This new song has an Afropop melody that will keep you on the dance floor.

3. CYX – Money don show CYX unveils a new track titled Money don show. The song is produced by Skelly beat.

4. Sean Tizzle – Eruku sa’ ye po Sean Tizzle feted his fans with Abiamo some weeks back, he is back with a new song titled Eruku sa ye po. The song is produced by Black Jerzee the song. It is what happens every day because everybody loves good things. Even though at times, some people want to pretend about it, we all love the good things of life. My producer also added to the concept because he was actually playing around with the keyboard before we began producing the song.’

I still have great relationship with Kennis Music — Capital FEMI

R

nb singer and younger brother to ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, Capital FEMI has said that even though he is no longer signed to Kennis Music, he still maintains a cordial relationship with the foremost label.

When he was asked to talk about his relationship with the label, he said, ‘I don’t

want to talk about that; I’m no longer with the label, but we still have a great relationship. There are no issues at all between us.’

On what inspired his latest song titled ‘Tunbo’ he said, ‘Love inspired the song.

Love means everything to me. I’m always in love.’

Shedding light on what he has been up to recently, he said, ‘I’ve been working on a couple of projects. I recently recorded the soundtrack of a movie titled, ‘Lunchtime Heroes’ among other things. And there are still other things coming as well.’

5. Niyod-Motivation Qatar based Nigerian artiste, Niyod releases his fresh song titled Motivation. It is a song he’s dedicating to everyone that needs motivation when they go about their duties everyday 6 Numero – One for the road Ten months after a successful tongue surgery, Numero is back with another song titled One for the road. The song is produced by Juwhiz 7 Skales – Lo le Lo le is a song off Skales Man of the year album. Ketchup and GGB crew makes a cameo appearance in the video.

8. Tomi Thomas -Not my bae Tomi Thomas releases a new song titled Not my bae. It is a soft and soothing R&B tune, produced by Banky on the beatz 9. Chopstix featuring Reminsice, CDQ and Ceeza -Banging Following the success of his recent releases, music producer Chopstix serves another melody filled tune featuring Reminisce, CDQ and Cezza .

10. Jahborne - Kolo Afropop artiste, Jahborne releases a new track titled Kolo.

The song is off his forth coming movie titled Ghetto Story.

Kolo is a feel good dancehall tune produced by DXL 11. Darey featuring Asa - Inside of you It’s no news that Darey has unveiled his new album. In one of the tracks, he features the talented Asa. The song is titled Inside of you.

12. Timaya featuring Don Jazzy – I Concur Timaya delivers a new song titled I concur. He collaborates with ace producer, Don jazzy on this song. The song is produced by Killer tunes.

13. Phyno – Connect Creative indigenous rapper, Phyno unveils a new video titled Connect. The video was shot on the streets of Enugu. It is directed by Clarence Peters.

Davido, Sean Tizzle make While Davido acted in the movie John Zerebe which also features Gloria Young and Mimi Nollywood debuts Orijikwe, Sean Tizzle appeared in the movie,

The duo of Davido and Sean Tizzle recently proved that they are not just talented when it comes to music, they can also interpret roles in movies. The pop stars recently made their Nollywood debut in different movies.

Astray. The movie is produced by Iyabo Ojo and also stars Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola and others. The artistes have shown that they can stretch their talents beyond the boundaries of music

14. Harrysong - Beta pikin remix Harry song is currently benefiting from the success of his hit song Reggae blues. He unveils the video of his song titled Beta pikin. The video is directed by Frames.

15 Kayswitch - Jaburata Dancehall artiste, Kayswitch releases the visuals of his song Jaburata. The video is directed by Ruff-ikonz films.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Fame is not glamourized in the UK —-Anneka Honor, Londonbased Nigerian actress

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

L

ondon-based Nigerian actress, Anneka Honor, who is putting finishing touches to her new film, a war thriller, has expressed strong desire to bring her worth of experience to bear on the nation’s movie industry.

The multi-talented actress cum dancer is currently in the country where she is collaborating on 3 feature film projects as well as developing a TV series which is being shot in Lagos with other established producers.

She told HVP her mission in the country is to see how she can contribute to the growth of the film sector in Africa.

“I certainly want to contribute to the African market with projects that are fresh and exciting. Apart from acting, I have directing experience having codirected a war movie in Zimbabwe. So I certainly have a few more skills to bring to the table. There are a lot of enviable productions coming out and we must keep supporting the industry. There is a lot of global interest in the Nollywood market and the industry has found a formula that works for it and I am excited for my projects to hit the Nigerian big screens,”she said.

Anneka who has a very strong theatrical background back in London, impressing audiences in Chekov’s adaptation of ‘Ward N06’ and ‘Six Characters in Search of an Author’ by Pirandello has completed co-directing her latest film being sponsored

by Zimbabwean army. She has also featured in other feature films shot in the UK and Nigeria, where she excelled in a variety of roles.

Narrating her journey into the movie industry, the Delta

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State-born actress who incidentally is a trained lawyer said she started acting about 12 years ago. “ I trained both as an actress and a dancer whilst undertaking a legal career so that was tough but worthwhile indeed. Dancing was fun and very competitive. I performed in music videos, world travel shows and festivals. I also taught dance in my spare time and was well remunerated. Acting is my first love so to speak. After training at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Performing Arts London, an agent offered me representation and I took to the stage and did many theatre productions. For example, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Fringe Theatre,

TV commercials for big brands and films,” she narrated.

Speaking further, the actress said she is living her dream. “It is a passion, a deep expression of art and there is no greater satisfaction than to wake up everyday to do what you love doing. I am simply living my dream.”

According to Anneka, fame is rarely celebrated in the United Kingdom.

“No one appears to be idolised in the old fashioned understanding and I guess that’s what’s very

interesting about the UK. The actors here celebrate the art of being a performer."

Interestingly,the actress revealed that back in London, fame is certainly not glamourized the way it is in Asia, Americas or Africa. I guess celebrities from around the globe must find that refreshing about the UK.” As a lawyer, Anneka has worked for major global banks in senior positions and headed her own legal and compliance department.

The war movie, according to her, is a story about the Zimbabwean liberation in the 60s and very close to the hearts of Zimbabweans.

Seven soldiers fought and gave up their lives for the Zimbabwean people who were being oppressed. The project was sponsored by the Zimbabwean army and I was drafted in to play an American girl who left the country and returns after her father’s death during the oppression. I also co-directed the project at the request of the producers and it is set for cinematic release at the end of the year.”

However, for the actress, living outside the shores of the country does not define who she is. “I am very open minded to all cultures. I do not aim at changing anything in the country as I do not have the perception that the Nigerian industry is deficient. I simply want to contribute and add to the value that is already existing.”

Ali Baba, Dayo Amusa mesmerize Helen Paul’s students A

*Ali Baba and Helen Paul

ce stand-up comedian, Ali Baba, Bayo Bankole, and upwardly mobile Yoruba actress cum producer, Dayo Amusa, are some of the personalities that added spice and galamour to the inaugural convocation ceremony of the Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy, HPTFA which held last weekend.

During the event which commenced with a Glo-inspired Green Carpet, students of the institution dazzled the crowd with the scintillating presentation of ‘Life Burial’, a stage play written by Helen Paul.

‘Life Burial,’ according to Helen, is a story of repeated betrayal of love, endless forgiveness and a covetous girl in search of a life of the

society’s high class. “It is only important that theatre is used to correct the ills of the society.

‘Life Burial’, though a little altered from the way it has been written by me, portrays all of those issues. The Bretchian style has been used in the directorial approach with little elements of realism altogether to aid the understanding of the play.”

The cast of the play included Olowofela Johnson, Ntoka Francis, Rafiu Okiri, Mercy Ndubuisi, David Okunola, Obiazi Onyemechi, Aduke Oladapo and Christopher Isibor to mention a few.

Ali Baba, who was thrilled by the performance, promised to sponsor the second public presentation of the play at the Terra Kulture in December, a kind gesture that was greeted with loud cheers from the audience.

Helen said, ‘Life Burial’ is inspired by happenstances at a burial ceremony she was contracted to anchor somewhere in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, some years ago.

The event was heralded by a lot of side attractions, which included a novelty football match between students of HPTFA and their counterparts at the Lagos State University’s Theatre-Arts Department.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 25

Rescuing Nollywood, Eddie Ugbomah set up 15-man c’ttee ...as Lagos reiterates support for industry

W

orried by the unending bickering and factionalization trailing the Nigerian movie industry, veteran film maker, Eddie Ugbomah has initiated a move to restore peace and sanity in the troubled industry.

The veteran film maker has

set up a 15-man committee that cuts across the three major film markets that make up the Nollywood industry; Yoruba movie sector, Kannywood and the English movie sector.

Speaking at the press parley last Thursday,

the veteran film maker who is also the chairman, Board of Trustee of the Association of Movie Practitioners,AMP, frowned at the idea of multiplicity of groups within the industry, stressing that the ugly development has seriously hindered the growth of the industry. He disclosed his plans to form a unified body which would be known as Motion Picture Professionals Council that would represent all the

‘How I handle my male admirers’

F

ast rising actress, Judy Austin, recently revealed to HVP that she handles her male admirers by “showing them God’s love whenever they make advances to me.”

Her revelation, however, has been greeted with shock, bewilderment and surprises. But pretty Judy won’t eat her words as she thundered; “I’m wondering why it should be surprising to most people. Could it be as an actress I can’t be a good Christian with strong family upbringing? My beauty did not affect my lifestyle. So, I manage my male admirers by showing them God’s love.”

When asked about the sex for role issue that is generating a lot of heat in the industry of today, and whether she experienced it, this sensational actress said: “No, I was not. I guess God’s grace led me through, because I’ve not experienced it yet.”

interests within the sector.

‘Nigeria is awash with all manner of names like Kannywood, Yorubawood and I think we should put a stop to this. If we want government to take us seriously in what we do, then we should be seen to be unified and speak with one voice.’ Motion picture covers everything in the industry and we have made extensive contacts concerning the formation of the proposed council,” he said.

“The president has agreed to fight piracy. In what way is he going to fight it? We should tell him because these pirates among us are human beings, not spirits.

We should not attack the regulatory bodies like NFVCB and NFC, blaming them for their inability to rid the industry of the menace of piracy. The main aim of setting up this group is to sanitize the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to call on the Lagos State Government to support the industry by the President of

AMP, Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun said the previous government under Mr. Babatunde Fashola tried for the industry by assisting some of their members and introducing capacity building initiatives where some practitioners had the privilege of being trained by foreign professionals.

Balogun recalled that Governor Ambode had said during his inaugural speech that the focus of his Administration was entertainment and tourism and this position was sufficient to convince the stakeholders in the industry of his determination to develop the sector. He disclosed that the State Government was planning to organize a forum where major players in the industry would have the opportunity of rubbing minds with government and resolutions reached at the forum would dictate policy direction of government in that sector.

Genevieve Nnaji’s Road to 15 estter erda dayy closes AFRIFF 20 201 Yes da

Or ganizer ogr amme ffor or SP ANFES 15 Organizer ganizerss unveil pr progr ogramme SPANFES ANFESTT 20 201

O

rganizers of Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN, have announced that this year’s edition of the festival of arts nd will hold from November7 to 22 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Designed to be held bi-annually, the 2015 event tagged, ‘Voice of the Voiceless’’ promises attendees memorable experiences as international and local artistes will be on ground to make earth-shaking presentations at the well-crafted festival. The first ten days will be for intensive performing art workshops with international professors, followed by four performance nights to showcase diverse cultural heritage and a grand finale with 200 dancers, musicians and actors on one stage.

Briefing the press about the festival during the week, the founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos said, “I

C M Y K

have faith that SPANfest 2015 will also rekindle in our community a desire to invest in performing art education and performances to sustain a vibrant and healthy environment in our Lagos – the city we cherish. Only then will Lagosians live and experience the full potential for which they were created and find purpose as well as a sense of

significance in their city.”

Boulos added that the festival will reveal an understanding and awareness of the historical diversity and cultural context of the people as it crisscrosses the city from SPAN Hub – The Agidigba Community Centre in Lagos Island to the Ocean View Marquee in Victoria Island.

L-R: Creative Director, I-Xtreme, Ice Nweke; Jazz Artist, Helen Isibor; Founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos and Yemi Amusan.

A

s preparation towards this year’s edition of Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, moves towards its peak, organizers have announced two feature film highlights for the festival. They include Jonas Carpignano’s "Mediterranea" as the opening film for the weeklong festival, while “Road To Yesterday”, the highly anticipated feature film debut by Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji has been selected as closing film. th AFRIFF returns with a prospective 5 edition in Lagos from October 8 to 15, with about 180 films screening at three notable cinemas, including Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Genesis Duluxe Cinema, Lekki, and City Mall Cinema, Onikan.

Mediterranea, also a feature film debut by the director, follows Carpignano’s astonishing Short, A Chjana, and was premiered at Cannes International Film Festival earlier this year.

A highly revealing immigrants’ story, Mediterranea tells the story of two men who make the dangerous journey from Africa to Italy in search of greener pasture, but then face hostility and violence in what could be described as a shocking look at the life-and-death struggle of refugees.

Produced by T.E.N (The Entertainment Network), Nnaji’s Road To Yesterday is highly expected by fans who are anxious to see the actress’ first work as a producer. There has been so much buzz around the film ever since promoters released its teasers.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Pearls ...a girl’s best friend P

earls... Through the ages, these fabulous water gems have always been greatly sought after.

Coveted by those in power and fit for royalty: Pearls simply are class and ultimate elegance And it’s clear that timeless beauty never loses its touch. Today, pearls are hotter than ever! No longer are they worn only by queens and brides. Lovely lavender, gorgeous green, sumptuous silver, glittering gold or beautiful black... Perfect pearls with vibrant natural colours and incredible lustre grace the looks of those who dare!

Indulge yourself in lush luxury and find out which type of pearl would suit you best:

•Michelle Obama •Three Strands Pearl

Pearl

White South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings

•RIHANNA

•Earrings With Natural Pearl Pendants

•Seven-strand Natural Pearl

MMS Hall of Fame 2015 recognises women of caliber in Nigeria A

s a way of keying into the federal government’s plan to eradicate corruption in the country, organizers of the annual MMS Plus’ Women of Fortune Hall of Fame are set to honour women of caliber from different sectors of the economy, who have proven their worth and integrity in their various fields of endeavour. With the theme, “Capacity Development: Evolving Viable Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives” this year ’s edition according to The Chief Executive Officer, Kings Communications Limited and convener of the event, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, would be on how to tackle corruption from the grassroots. He said the idea behind this year’s theme is to look at how government Agencies and Corporate organisations should C M Y K

begin to dedicate certain percentage of their Social Responsibility budget to women development especially in the area of entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

Mr Anaroke informed that with that, “those in the Civil Service, especially, would be able to have something to fell back on at retirement. And then it will also reduce the tendency for them perpetuating corruption in their work place.” Explaining further on why corrupt practices abound in workplaces Anaroke says, when one is sure of one’s future, it will be difficult to get involve in pen robbery or any unwholesome activity that will tarnish one’s image.

“Why there is high rate of corruption in the Civil Service is that you may have put in 35 years of your life working for

government, which is as good as saying you have spent your entire life in one particular place, only to come out possibly with peanuts and with no training. So usually before you leave your job you would want to make all the money you can to be able have what to fall back on.” He explained that this was why some people do noxious things to make money, noting however that, if you have a solid plan on ground and then have something in place, you could always have something to fall back on and make your money. So that is why we are bringing people to see how this advocacy of giving a certain percentage of funds for women can go.”

To eradicate corruption from the system, Mr Anaroke asserts that the causes of corruption most first be

attacked. This means that every Nigerian has to be integrity minded and there should be standard for everything we do and that is what this year’s event is set to achieve, using the corporate social responsibility initiative.

Anaroke informs that the MMS Plus’ Women of Fortune Hall of Fame 2015, billed to take place on Tuesday, October 20 at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) premises, National Theatre Igamu Lagos, is a conscious assemblage of role models who are embodiment of hard work, creativity, integrity and professionalism. The hall of famers, he explained are being celebrated because they have impacted positively through their profession, entrepreneurship and leadership in the country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—27

D

ressing up for a first date can be very daunting even for a style savvy man or woman. This is because everyone likes to make a first impression with his or her date. One of the ways to make yourself instantaneously more attractive and more presentable to other people is with your clothing. We are not talking about designer clothes here or wearing trendy outfits but wearing clothes that fit and enhance your looks. People look more confident and more put together in clothes that fit them.

So, what you wear on your first date does matter a lot because your date will surely take notice and this may determine whether or not you will get a second date or eventually get the ring.

Genevieve Nnaji looks all ready for a date

Here are a few tips to help you dress well 1 Dress for comfort: While it is good to dress to impress, the first consideration should be comfort. It may turn out to be a long evening and if you don’t feel comfortable you are likely to act that way and put your date off.

2 Wear high heels: Girls love high heels. Wear a stunning pair of heels but only do so if you are comfortable in them because your back and knee will not thank you for this. Go for a moderate height but heels all the same.

Toke Makinwa

3 Ensure your outfit is neat and fits: Never appear tacky on your first date. Have your outfit nicely pressed and make sure also that they are clean.

N

Brock & Tymeka Lawrence C M Y K

Munachi Abii

igerian women may have to say goodbye to bad hair and breakage if the new multivitamin supplement introduced into the Nigerian market is anything to go by. Hairfinity, was developed by Brock Beauty Incorporated, founded by husband and wife, Brock and Tymeka Lawrence after a research to find a lasting solution to hair breakage and to aid growth.

The new product was recently, officially launched in Lagos at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island.

Speaking at the event, Tymeka Lawrence who said they are happy to be in

4 Don’t pile up accessories.

Don’t pile on accessories because you want to impress.

Accent one accessory at a time. Less they say is more.

5 No heavy make-up: The essence of make-up is to enhance your already good features. Wear make-up but nothing to distract or put off the one whose is going to be staring into your eyes.

Uche Anajemba

6 Show some skin: While it is good to be a bit covered on your first date, there is no harm in bringing on a little sexiness. Do so by showing some skin and nothing more.

A V- neck blouse or dress is excellent to achieve this; nothing plunging.

Nigeria and to help the women here said, she believes beautiful, healthy skin and hair starts from within, using safe, natural ingredients in formulas that are clinically tested and proven to work from the inside and outside. The new product according to Mrs. Lawrence, contains a unique blend of vitamins, nutrients and exclusive capilsana complex. She added that the innovative product also contains ingredients specifically chosen for its role to help create an environment for healthy hair to thrive, also

promotes faster hair growth, increased hair elasticity, improved hair strength and more.

Hairfinity which is currently being distributed in all Medplus outlets in Nigeria is endorsed by entertainment big wigs such as Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Rap Sensation, Eudoxie Bridges, Stephanie Linus, Oge Okoye and many others.

Tyra Smith,Brock&Tymeka Lawrence, Amber Mcgowan

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Mide Martins speaks of her lov

My husband has nev against me — M

By ADERONKE ADEYERI

I

n 2002, the Yoruba movie industry lost one of it’s most vibrant actresses, Funmi Martins who died of cardiac arrest. Her daughter, Mide stepped into her shoes and has since become one of the most sought after names in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood.

The popular Yoruba movie star, Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun who is married to producer/ actor, Afeez Abiodun is our celebrity guest for the weekend.

In this interview with Aderonke Adeyeri, the happily married mum of two beautiful girls, opens up on her marital, sex life, her mother’s death and how it played a great part in her movie career, fashion etc.

How do you cope being a wife, mother and career woman?

I don’t know how I manage not to fail in these capacities. However, I try to put God first in all my endeavours. I do my best when I am with my husband and kids. Naturally, women are not supposed to work, so I see any woman working as a man. In fact, she has more responsibilities than a man whose duty is mainly to provide for the family. However, I advice every career woman to set their priorities right and always remember that a woman is meant to support her husband.

•Mide Martins

Considering you are often on set with your husband, how do you think this has affected the children?

My kids are wonderful. Though very young but understanding, they know the nature of my job. My first child is ten and the other one, seven. I’m yet to trace any negative effect of my career on my kids. On my part, I try to fill the gap my staying outdoor may have on my children.

I take them out, create time to talk with them. I relate with them like their elder sister.

Why do you think many celebrity marriages collapse?

I believe such marriages lack trust and understanding. Many men can’t tolerate seeing their wives playing sexual roles. Also, many people believe that we (actors) practice what we act in the films. Another factor responsible for marriage collapse is that many women try to change their husbands after marriage, this brings disarray into the home. Women needs to be more cautious.

Could that be the secret of your successful marriage?

Yes, we trust and understand each other.

Some people wonder why you and your husband have not been cast as spouses in a film

?

That is not true. That means they do not watch some of my films.

Could you mention some of those films?

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•Says sex is grea I can’t remember the names now, but one of such film will hit the market soon with the title Aiye Foreign.

Some say it is because both of you don’t suit each other as spouses on set?

It is not possible for two adults to live under the same roof for over ten years if they are not compatible. I am happily married. He loves me for who I am and I love him too.

Some of your fans are also of the opinion that you don’t go to public places with your husband, how true is this?

This means this group of fans are not watching us closely. We attend some functions together especially when it involves our colleagues. I agree that my husband doesn’t really socialise, he is more of an introvert.

And you seem to be the opposite of that, how do you manage?

(Laughs) I am a woman and needs to be seen. Some frustrated husbands try to hide their wives but my husband is beyond that.

Is it true that you left your matrimonial home sometime ago?

That rumour has been on for two years now and I don’t know what engineered it. Even when people see us together, they still don’t believe we aren’t separated. We went to

Things have really changed that the missionary sex style has become a thing of the past

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 29

ve for hubby, Afeez Abiodun

ver raised his hand Mide Martins

at between them shoot a movie around Ijebu, Ogun state sometimes ago and immediately some guys sighted us, they started arguing.

One was happy seeing us together while others said we were only pretending and were mere colleagues. I don’t know how to convince some people. I am happily married and still lives under the same roof with my husband.

It went viral that your husband batters you regularly, how true is this?

I have been married for 12 years and my husband has never raised his hand against me for any reason. We have differences as couples and I believe that is normal. My husband is a very strong man who is so conscious of himself. What he does most times is to walk out when I get on his nerves.

You also mentioned that you do doggy sex style with your husband, is that his favourite or yours?

(Laughing so hard)Yes, I said we do doggy styles and I don’t think it’s offensive. I won’t disclose whose favourites it is because that is a family issue. At the same time, sex is a normal thing, it is a necessity in marriage.

Things have really changed that the missionary sex style has become a thing of the past. Every married woman should learn to follow the new styles.

Some married women believe because they are married or have kids it is out of place to do things out of the ordinary to satisfy their husbands in bed but they are very wrong. If we don’t learn to do these things, somebody out there is willing to do more for them.

What would you have been doing if you weren’t acting?

A designer I guess because I love fashion.

What is acting to you?

Acting is a natural gift from God. It is a talent that can’t be forced on anyone or bought by anyone.

Acting comes naturally, it is like a spirit that comes on you when you are on set.

How did you come about this perception?

Seeing myself interpreting some characters that don’t depict my personalty gave me the idea.

What’s your view after 13 years of acting?

It has been fun, I love my job. And that has kept me going.

Do you think your late mother would have supported your choice of career and would you have thought of acting?

I would not have thought of acting if my mum didn’t die at that time but she would’ve have supported my choice if she were alive. I could remember that I had featured in one or two films before her demise.

Did you take major roles then?

No, it was just what we call waka pass. Her death made me joined the industry. Her sudden demise came as a shock to everyone. However, I wanted to immortalise her in the minds of her fans and that was why I decided to step into her shoes. And that is the reason I have a long name, Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun.

What’s new in your plate?

My soon to be released film titled “Abike”. It comes in parts with over ninety scenes. The story is about a possessive wife who is ready to fight everybody with her last breath . She went as far as climbing ladders to keep a tab on her man.

Did you take the lead role in the film?

Yes, I took the lead role,Abike. The film was very challenging. I shouted from the first scene to the last scene.

In fact, my husband was scared and was even begging me to take a break or visit the hospital.

Why have you not featured in any English movie?

The Igbos have dominated our English movies unless for few Yorubas who have been able to break that jinx.

I look forward to such invitations too.

•Mide Martins

•Mide Martins with her husband C M Y K

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

08 1 1 6759 759 081 6759759

Amber R ose br ok ear Rose brok okee down in ttear earss las lastt month

during her slut walk against men like Kanye West

A

mber Rose broke down in tears on Saturday, 3rd October, as she gave an impassioned speech at her inaugural slut walk in Los Angeles.

‘I’ve decided to have this slut walk for women who have been through sh*t,’ the model told her audience of women and men who wanted to fight back against abuse and sexism.

Amber added: ‘Even though I am up here crying I want to be the strong person you all

look up to and do apologise for all guys.’

Supporting Amber was her mother, who wore a T-shirt which read ‘Just because I’m a SEXUAL BEING doesn’t mean I want to have sex with YOU’ and carried a sign which said: ”F*** YO 30 showers!’

The sign was a reference to a remark made by Amber’s exboyfriend Kanye West earlier in the year when he spoke about their relationship on national radio.

‘It’s very hard for a woman to want to be with someone that’s been with Amber Rose,’ said Kanye.

‘I had to take 30 showers before I got with Kim [Kardashian].’

Amber later replied to Kanye’s hurtful comments, telling Entertainment Tonight: ‘We were happy when we were together.

‘And now all of the sudden, I’m getting slut-shamed because we’re not together anymore and it’s not fair.’

Slut walks started in Toronto in 2011 after a local police

officer recommended female college students stop dressing ‘like sluts’ if they didn’t want to be raped.

Now a worldwide phenomenon, people who take part, and women in particular, wear provocative or often no clothing at all in order to protest the idea that what a women wears can somehow be an excuse for the act of rape.

Amber‘s ex Wiz had a part in Juicy J‘s “For Everybody,” where he apparently calls her a stripper.

“He came out with this song that really hurt me, because all

I did was ever love him. I loved him so much and gave him a beautiful son, and to be told that I was nothing but a stripper. It hurt,”

Desperate Chinese woman offers to give away her three sons to strangers for free after being abandoned by her husband

Italian wife, 84, applied for a divorce from 88-year-old man because they were only having sex twice a month

A

woman in China is reportedly trying to give away her three sons to strangers in a busy city.

The unidentified woman was seen loitering outside an underground station in Guangzhou, southern China, reported People's Daily Online.

Her husband was said to have recently abandoned her, after which her family home collapsed. Strapped to her with ropes were three boys, all half naked and under three years old.

The woman attracted a lot of attention because under China's one-child policy, most parents are seen with one offspring.

Therefore it was very unusual to see three children of different ages with one parent. Her actions soon caught the attention of the local police.

The woman was said to have showed the police her identity card and the birth certificates of the boys to prove that she wasn't a human trafficker.

According to reports, the woman claimed she was originally from Hunan, central China.

She was only 25 while her children were three, two and eight months old.

With no where to go and no money to C M Y K

A

care for her children, she decided to give them away.

One of the children was said to be sick, which made the young mother even more desperate. She exclaimed: 'I will give my child to whoever takes care of them.'

However, when local police tried to persuade her to go to a shelter, she refused. The woman later left with the three children.

At present, it's not clear whether the incident is a hoax as the woman was seen receiving donations from strangers.

It's also unknown whether the case is being investigated by local authorities.

n Italian octogenarian has taken to drastic measure to get her husband to pay more attention to her in the bedroom - she tried to divorce him.

The 84-year-old woman from Scafati in Campania, southern Italy, filed for divorce from her 88year-old husband on the grounds of sexual unfulfillment.

She told her lawyer that her elderly husband only wants to have sex with her twice a month, which is not enough for her.

The woman, who has outlived two husbands, then added insult to injury, by claiming that her late partners had been better in bed than her third spouse, The Local.it reports.

When asked if she could not possibly find any other activity which could keep her happy and satisfied, the retired teacher said she could not see why she should

have to give up sex just because of her age.

During mediation the 84-yearold admitted that the divorce proceedings had been an 'elaborate rouse' to get her 88year-old husband to take Viagra.

Italian media reports that when her husband, a retired bank clerk, refused to take the erectile aid due to a heart condition, she shouted: 'Rubbish!

You just have palpitations from time to time.'

Her husband is then said to have admitted to the lawyer that he prefers 'playing boules with my friends' to having sex with his elderly wife.

In response, the woman allegedly pledged to find herself 'a new lover'.

It is not known if the couple has gone through with the divorce.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 —31

(Text Only)

The Crane, Plough and the Eagle The Crane Technique: quat on the hundles with the feet close together. Let the soles and heels rest on the floor. Raise the buttocks up and move the trunk forward.

Breathing out, wrap the arms around the bent legs, and place the palms on the floor.

Bend the elbows and raise the heels from the floor, move the trunk a bit more forward and rest the chin on the back of the upper arms close to the armpits. Stretch the arms straight and balance the whole body on the hands.

Benefits: The Crane strengthens the arms. With the contacting of the abdomen,the organs there are massaged and toned.

S

The Plough Technique: ie on your back with the legs stretched out and hands placed along the sides. Take in a deep breath and drawing up the knees swing back the legs while breathing out and let the toes come to rest on the floor behind your head. Keep the knees straight and stiffen up the muscles of legs. Keep the breathing normal as you retain the posture for about 10 seconds. To come out of the posture simply bend the knees and just roll down the back and straight out the legs flat on the floor again.

You may rest a little and repeat.

Benefits: The plough improves the elasticity of the spine. It tones the leg muscles and helps to rid constipation.

L

1

The Crane

The Eagle Technique: tanding with feet together bend the elbows and place the sight on the top, the left one and bring the palms together while you raise and bend the left leg and rap it around the right lower leg with the foot sticking out. The left leg must be slightly bent at the knee to make this possible.

Benefits: The Eagle instills a sense of balance and also banishes varicose veins.

S

3

Yoga Classes STARTED

2 C M Y K

The Plough

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

The Eagle

32—SA TURD AY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 32—SATURD TURDA

Double celebrations for Ademiluyis of Ife Oba Karunmi Kings praise in Abeokuta

L

ast Sunday was definitely a day to remember for Prince Bambo Ademiluyi and his household as he was celebrated on his 60th birthday. Also as part of the celebration, the family and friends marked the 10th anniversary of Ademiluyi Church Music Foundation. The double celebrations held at Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos. Photos

by Sola Oyelese

L-R: Prince Bambo Ademiluyi, celebrant, Master Ayomide Olajide, Olori Folake Ademiluyi, Jocelyn Ademiluyi carrying her baby, Prof Adetunji Ademiluyi and Prince Adegoke Ademiluyi

L-R:Prof Tokunbo Fabanwo of Yoruba Tennis Club presenting card gift to Prince Bambo Ademiluyi and wife, Olori Folake Ademiluyi

L-R: Mrs Bimbola Durojaiye, Prince Bambo Ademiluyi with Adeola Fadairo.

L-R:Mr Anjola Aboderin, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, GM /Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard and Prince Adeyimika Ademiluyi .

THE 12th edition of Oba Karunmi third Evangelical Movement Kings Day of Praise held at Bishop’s court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta on 8th October, 2015 Photos by WUNMI AKINOLA

Oba Dapo Tejuoso, Mrs Bimbo Akerelolu in a group photograph with royal fathers from the Northern part of Nigeria.

Oba Dapo Tejuoso in handshake with Evang.

Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, while Evang. Mrs Funmi Aragbaye watches.

L-R:Mr Emmuel John, Prince Bambo Ademiluyi, celebrant, Mr Akinola Adediran, Mrs Oluchi George and Mrs Mbelu Ijeoma performing Oloris of Oba Dapo Tejuoso in praising mood

F

Cultural da st Assembly Ministr dayy at Fir First Ministryy

irst Assembly Ministry in Ogba, Lagos th celebrated its cultural day to mark Nigerian independence at church’s premises on October 4 . The theme of the day was “One Tribe, One love, One Nation”. Hausa, Yoruba, igbo, though we are many, we are one body in Christ.,....”

The G O and his wife of First Assembly Ministry Pastor Steve Akoni, Pastor Araba Akoni C M Y K

South West cultural group

A staff of West African Seasoning Co. (Ajinomoto) presenting gift to winner of cooking competition

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 17, 2015

he Golden Eaglets T battle USA tonight in their opening Group A

USA

match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. In this interview with USA Soccer, American coach, Richie Williams says it won’t be a stroll in the park for the four-time World Cup winners from west Africa, who he warns to expect an energetic play from the Yankees.

H

ow do you feel about this team you were able to assemble?

Richie Williams: I think it’s a pretty well-rounded roster. When you look over the two-plus years we’ve been together, we’ve had the ability to push forward and score goals with a lot of talented attacking players, but also on the defensive end we’ve had a lot of great games where we’ve defended well. We were able to play a good amount of international matches and domestic matches and we hope through all of those experiences we have a really balanced team of 21 players that comes together and gets positive results.

Were there difficult decisions that had to be made to get to a 21-player roster?

There’s always difficult decisions to be made. There are guys that have been with us the whole time here at residency and didn’t make the roster. It’s difficult because they’re 16 and 17years-old and

We’ll play

Eaglets with energy

•Williams

— USA they put a lot into it and worked extremely hard. To leave players off the roster is definitely always difficult, but I think we had a very fair process and we had the ability through these two years to play many international matches.

C M C Y M K Y K

Everyone has been able to start in international matches, come off the bench and have opportunities to play through training and through games. I think we came up with a really talented and strong group that we think will do

really well for us.

Are there certain qualities that, with your experience, you know are important that players have to be successful in a World Cup? I think you need a group of guys that are willing to compete. For as talented as you are, I think you need to be able to get out there and compete and play as a team. You need players that are willing to play their role and do what it takes for the team to be successful and

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 35

We’ll play Eaglets with energy

and all the games are very important and very competitive and anything could happen, especially if you’re not ready to play. Having a clear four days to train before our game against Nigeria will help us a lot.

In group play you will also go up against the host, Chile. What challenges does playing against the host nation present?

We’ve played them before. We played them in Chile and drew them 2-2. It was a good game and we had more opportunities to score that we didn’t take and we made a couple of errors on defense, but I think we played very well against Chile. We have experience against them, we’re familiar with them and I’m sure they’ve developed like we have and gotten better so we have to be ready. I think games against the host can work in two ways. They’re going to come out with energy so we have to be ready to match their energy, they’ll have the crowd behind them and it’ll be the third group game so there could be a lot on the line and we have to make sure we’re ready to go and be able to absorb their energy from the beginning. But I think also sometimes it can, especially with young players, potentially work the opposite where they could be really

,

The team will play in the opening game of the tournament against Nigeria. Is it a challenge playing in the first game?

I think it’s a great challenge and I think the guys will be excited. It’s a great opportunity to compete against the champions of the last World Cup and I think our guys are going to have a lot of energy, they’re going to be excited and they’re going to be ready to play, so we’re looking forward to it. I think every World Cup game is important. You can’t say one is any more important than the other. You can’t overlook any team. It’s a World Cup game and everybody’s got to be ready to go. Whether you think they’re the strongest opponent or the weakest opponent, it’s the World Cup

I believe so. I think we have an experienced team and I think we have enough games.

We’ve traveled to different parts of the world and we’ve had games here in the United States and we’ve been able to play different teams from different parts of the world

,

Was it helpful to have played against Chile in Chile a year ago?

I believe so. We’re familiar with the country, even though we’ll be in different cities. We’ve taken the flight from Miami and we have the same travel plan. Just being there the year before, I think it helps and definitely benefits us.

Have the last two years prepared the group for the challenge ahead?

I believe so. I think we have an experienced team and I think we have enough games. We’ve traveled to different parts of the world and we’ve had games here in the United States and we’ve been able to play different teams from different parts of the world.

Again, for me, that Chile game that we were able to play was important. We were able to play Turkey in Turkey, France in France, the list goes on. I think we’ve given our guys a ton of experiences through International matches and again in our training here in Residency over the last two years we’ve been able to look at players.

We’ve had some that were right with us in the beginning. We’ve had some that have been added over time, because we know over time with development, things change and guys are going to step up and do a little bit better and some guys might fall off, but I think the process has given them a huge opportunity. It’s really going to benefit them. I think U.S. Soccer has done a really good job of being able to give them these opportunities to play domestic and international games to get them ready for the World Cup. When you informed the 21 players who would be going to Chile, what was your message to them?

First of all to say congratulations and that they should be proud of the fact that they have made the final roster and will get to represent the United States.

We started this process two years ago and want to finish in a very positive way. We still have a couple weeks to train and focus on all the little details, and they need to focus and get ready.

•Golden

that’s not always the guys scoring goals or keeping the goals out of the back of the net, but willing to do whatever it takes to get positive results. Whether you’re starting or coming off the bench, you’re there for the team and I think in any major tournament, with a team in any sport, you’ve got to be competitive and willing to give your best for the team and that’s ultimately the end product to win the World Cup as a team.

excited and feel a little bit of pressure because they’re playing at home and are expected to do well and if that’s the case we have to take advantage of that to and potentially pressure them and get after them right from the beginning of the game.

•Emmanuel

There are two players on the team, Luca de la Torre and Danny Barbir, who have never been in Residency and others who have moved on to professional clubs. How were you able to monitor them and keep them integrated in the group?

Luca and Danny started with our U15’s so they knew the group, and we have been able to keep them in involved from day one in terms of participating in the majority of domestic and international trips. We also monitor them through updates from their clubs. Other guys were here for a year and then signed with professional clubs, which has been a great experience for them. Being around older professionals has helped them mature and develop as players. You can see they are growing, and that’s a positive.”

C M Y K

•Joe Oke Odumakin

giving some of the things that can be done to correct this, and they include;reorientation, increase the awareness of online digitalization. She concluded by saying that the social media are not an addition to our lives, but they are embedded to our lives. Therefore, we must make the internet safer, by moderating the contents being shared on the different platforms of the social media. And doing this, we promote our children, especially the girl child. The executive director of the project alert Josephine EffahChukwuma gave the second speech, emphasizing the importance of the girl child in the society and the high •Josephine Effah Chukumah rate sexual violence is increasing daily. She then said that the internet is a big challenge to the young people today. On the internet today, there are sites that promote rape of young girls. She said that the person who is most likely to sexual assault girls are not strangers to them, they are people they know, people they love and people they trust. She gave examples on how girls are raped by their biological fathers and how democracy gave the first lecture on that has been trending for a while now. creating a safe cyber environment She then concluded by saying girls for girls. She spoke on how the should dress the way they want to be internet advantages and addressed, so that they won’t attract the disadvantages, and how the wrong set of individuals to them. The internet has been abused. She Chief Magistrate Court 1, Mrs K. B. emphasized more on rape, murder Ayeye, informed students about the rights and sex trafficking. She gave an and laws that protect the girl child, and example of how a 17years old girl also the consequences of breaking such was raped by a guy and his friends laws. Some of the laws she made known she met on facebook. Another to the girls was that the law is against the example she gave was about marriage of girls in their teenage age.

Cynthia Osokogwu, who was raped She concluded by giving advising the and murdered. All these she said students on how not to be a victim and are the negative effects of the she also gave the students contact on internet. Shealso said that one of who to call, in case of an emergency, or if the abuses of the internet is that, they want to report a crime pertaining to terrorism has found its channel on rape of a teenage girl. the internet. She concluded by

Int’l day of the Girl Child:

Activists emphasize basic education, cyber-security

By Laju Iren & Favour Anthony

T

he international day of the girl child which was on the 11th of October 2015, was officially celebrated on the 13th of October with students from different schools in Holy Child College, Ikoyi, Lagos. The theme was violence against the girl child in the digital age. The occasion was graced by guest speakers that educated girls on their importance in the society today. They enlightened the girls on rape, and how to escape being a victim of such circumstance. Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, President Campaign for

E IV T C E P S R E P ’S T N UNN: A SSTTUDE

they are ly and electricity and with 24/7 water suppchoice”, while the rest are either popularly called “VCsty without considering the students WUDI

BY AMARACHI CHUK given water or electrici se students paid th the need, and this makes one wonder if thee such treatment. wi s me co s ay alw s” sse what higher school fees and hostel fee to receivhostels need new reat Lions and Lionehre “ e years ago I never knew ool On the part of care and concern, female e the toilets are response “hmm”.T tha sch e on ly on t there is e liz rea I w no t ly toilets to be constructed in hostels becaus d. Ladies are bu t, on an the this me d Lionesses, an ns Lio as to be change nts de stu its that regards no other but the barely manageable and needwi is ich wh ls, hil en thout their notice so there gre varsity that is sited on ,Nsukka. The University of Nigeria prone to contact disease easily dents contacting diseases University of Nigeria own as UNN, is the only school with is need to avert the chances of stu asure needs to be taken Nsukka, popularly kn its relationship with the existence of unknown to them; therefore a mebetter healthcare of all the name that connotesunded the same year Nigeria gained to construct new toilets for thets and recreational centres e till then. ere are series of spo d have fun. There are our country Nigeria. Fo ) and has been in existeancconducive students. Th ng out an de her independence (1960 th es that where stu nts go to ha of learning wi tre cen ble rants but the popular on uta tau ir rep res the a d is nd an pa ies ex nzy, ter UNN d ea Fre an , of s ate /45 lot 11 ulc s, ; Chitti nts to inc environment for studeI never knew that UNN had four students visit on daily basis areima. Also the halls where arl . horizon of learning 0 level when I was told that apart Franco ref, Santa villa, and M , meetings, departmental campuses until my 20ugu campus which I already knew, majority of UNN conferencesplace are; Ekpo convocation from Nsukka and En puses, Ituku Ozalla and Aba.UNN nights and other occasions take po ref, Princess Alexandra d is named Arena popularly known as Ek there were two other cam . Many st library in west Africa an ulty halls and others di fac , am A) Nn .

(PA Dr , um is said to have the largeus ria UNN ori ge gh dit Ni ou of Au president ve passed thr trial after the first indigeno mpus of the university of located in international scholars of repute ha us Ind d ne ow ren a r althy including Professor Nduka Okafo he d an her Azikiwe. The main ca nt fat a asa d ple an ry ist ve art a d enjoys a renowne the town Nsukka andsily Chinua all parts of Nigeria. Microbiologist ,Uche Okekeria e m lat fro . e sm ibl rni ess de acc mo n ea rket in figure in the history of Nige climate and is quite sed from the g facilities and a largeama 12 Achebe a prolific writer that can never be eraSociologist, of al tot s there are modern shoppin ha N UN t”. a gige marke Nzimiro r Nsukka town called “Omale hostels, each of these hostels sand of time, late Ikenna lat e Chimere Ikoku a formeis 4 st, d an cla ls no est ste Ico qu d ho an the t ale gis ed fem tto ad olo mo op rhe ls thr ea oo sp An o sch e wh s Th . heroe who had Vice Chancellor of UNN and othershe were named after thean states and also those ile r mission is to “seek for freedom in Afric on Nigerians, we have: Kwame “to restore the dignity of man” whth”. For students of UNN, meaningful impacts olowo, Alvan Ikoku, Admadu Bello, truth, teach truth and preserve tru“lions and lionesses”, the Mary Slessor, which are popularly known as ia asseta.” this means Nkrumah, Obafemi Aw ka Ita,Tafawa Balewa,ste given story is “aluta continua, victor Nnamdi Azikiwe, Isaon others. Some ho lstare t gs am y is certain.” u kw hu ate ac Aja Nw left to accep wh ver “struggle continues, victor are ers oth ile wh t en atm vided preferential tre three hostels that are pro they are given. There are

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36—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Malala Yousafzai:

“Why are we still waiting?”

By Malala Yousafzai- Nobel Prize laureate and activist for female education Since I began my work as an education activist, I’ve met girls around the world who are denied an education because of war, poverty and discrimination.

Today is International Day of the Girl—and I’d like to introduce you to two of my friends and ask you to join us in our campaign for all girls to have access to 12 years of school.

Amina lives in northern Nigeria where Boko Haram, a terrorist group that opposes girls’ education, is based. While Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds of girls, Amina continued to go to school, graduating from secondary school (high school) last year. In her community, girls rarely attend secondary school after their primary education and many are forced to marry at ages as young as 12.

Today Amina serves a mentor for younger girls, encouraging them to enroll and stay in school. Salam is my friend from Syria. She and her family fled their home in 2013 and settled near a refugee settlement in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. For two years, Salam had nowhere to go to school. She was only able to resume her studies in July, when she enrolled in a school supported by Malala Fund donors and that was opened on my 18th birthday.

Salam says Syrian refugee children must go back to school because “we are the ones who will rebuild all that was destroyed.”Girls can change the world—but only if we can give them the education they need to thrive. As Amina is already proving, educated girls grow into women who can have real impact in their communities for generations to come.

Investing in girls education in developing countries also leads to economic growth, healthier communities, respect for women’s rights and more:? If all women in low and lower middle income countries completed secondary education, deaths of children under the age of five would fall by 49% and early births to teenage mothers would fall by 59%.?

In countries with the highest prevalence of child marriage, girls with no education are six times more likely to marry as children than girls with a secondary education.? A woman with a secondary education will have children who get on average four more years of school than those with less education. Girls like Salam and Amina know education can change their lives and their communities. The facts prove they’re right. Yet in developing countries, the poorest girls, on average, receive only three years of schooling. Why are we still waiting for a world where all girls get 12 years of safe, free education?At the United Nations last month, countries around the world committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, including the goal of giving all children a safe, free, quality education by 2030.

It’s a lofty promise – but we need everyone’s help to make it a reality. We must all raise our voices and tell our leaders to invest in education for all girls. Tell them to invest in education for Salam and all refugee children— so that wars cannot stop them from learning.

Tell them to invest in education for the girls Amina mentors, bring back our sisters abducted by Boko Haram, and ensure all girls can study in safety. Tell them to keep their commitments and invest in our future by giving every child a safe, free, and quality primary and secondary education. The world needs a change. It cannot change itself. It is me, it is you, it is all of us who have to bring that change.

•Malala

SATURDAY

I

Lifeline

N Nigeria and environs, High Blood Pressure, a.k.a. Hypertension, is increasingly becoming a problem. It puts people at risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Already a massive hidden killer, High Blood Pressure is set to sharply rise as Nigerians adopt western diets and sedentary lifestyles.

High blood pressure is twice as high in Nigeria compared with most neighbouring countries and less than 1 in 5 Nigerians are aware that they are hypertensive.

It is estimated that one in-three men and one-in-four women are hypertensive, and this is set to rise to 39 million cases by 2030. It is particularly worrisome that high blood pressure is treated effectively in less than 10 per cent of cases.

As one of the most prevalent Non Communicable diseases worldwide, hypertension is responsible for an estimated 45 percent of deaths due to heart disease and 51 percent of deaths due to stroke globally.

High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which can make it grow weaker. The effects can be felt throughout the body.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure

•Checking the blood pressure

How high blood pressure cripples the body

As the heart beats, it pushes blood through the arteries on its way to the rest of the body. Blood pressure is the amount of force created within the arteries and veins.

Systolic blood pressure is measured as the blood pumps out of the heart.

Diastolic blood pressure is measured between heartbeats.

Blood pressure varies from person to person and can fluctuate throughout the day. Experts say, over time, a reading of 140/90 may require treatment. The top number (systolic) signifies the pressure in the arteries. A normal systolic blood pressure is 120 or below.

The diastolic blood pressure number or the bottom number indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80.

A diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 indicates pre-hypertension.

High blood pressure doesn’t always produce obvious symptoms. However, it causes progressive damage to arteries and veins, which can interfere with blood flow throughout the body. This may lead to stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. Other parts of the body, including the kidneys, limbs, and eyes, also may suffer damage.

Circulatory system The circulatory system transports oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Healthy arteries stretch slightly as blood is pumped through them. High blood pressure may cause the arteries to stretch too much, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Over time, small tears form scar tissue within the arteries.

Narrowed arteries, called atherosclerosis, can trap plaque and cholesterol, causing coronary artery disease. If the left ventricle of the heart thickens, its ability to pump blood can be severely limited. Trapped blood can result in blood clots that narrow or block arteries, causing a stroke or heart attack. Blood clots can also block the C M Y K

Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—37

flow of blood to other vital organs.

Weak or bulging arteries and blood vessels are more likely to rupture.

Chest pain (angina) and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may accompany high blood pressure.

Chronic high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and grow weaker, increasing the likelihood of heart failure.

Any part of the body that doesn’t receive enough oxygenated blood is at risk. Pain or numbness may be a sign of impaired blood flow to your limbs, resulting in peripheral artery disease. This increases the chance of infection or tissue death, called gangrene.

Central Nervous System Your brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygenated blood. Narrowed arteries or a blood clot can briefly block the flow of blood to the brain. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini stroke. People who have a TIA are at increased risk of a full-blown stroke, an event in which the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, causing brain cells to die. Stroke can cause severe, sometimes irreversible damage, depending on the part of the brain involved. The biggest risk for stroke is high blood pressure.

Other potential effects of high blood pressure are mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia, a brain disease caused by an interrupted blood supply to the brain. Symptoms include problems with memory, reasoning, and speaking.

Retinopathy occurs when damage occurs in the small blood vessels that bring blood to the eyes. It can

of the highest risk factors for kidney failure is high blood pressure. If an aneurysm in an artery that leads to the kidney bursts (renal artery aneurysm), the internal bleeding can be life threatening.

Sexual dysfunction High blood pressure can cause sexual dysfunction in men and women. In men, good blood flow to the penis is necessary to achieve andmaintainanerection.Ifchronic high blood pressure affects arteries and blood vessels leading to the penis, it can result in Erectile Dysfunction, ED, painful ejaculation, and impotence.

In women, high blood pressure can affect the blood flow to the external sexual organs. That can cause vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased sexual cause bleeding or a build up of desire, and trouble achieving fluid under the retina, which is orgasm. Sexual dysfunction can called choroidopathy. Damage to cause anxiety in both men in the optic nerve (optic neuropathy) women and potentially lead to can actually kill nerve cells in the eyes. These conditions can result in relationship problems.

Most of the prescription impaired vision or even permanent medications used to treat high vision loss. blood pressure can also cause Excretory system The kidneys filter waste products, sexual problems. These include the skeletal system requires calcium to keeping what you need, and maintain strong, healthy bones. Part discarding what your body can’t of the kidneys’ job is to filter urine. use. The kidneys can’t function When the kidneys don’t function without a good supply of oxygenated blood. Narrowed blood properly, you may excrete too much calcium in your urine. If not vessels restrict the blood supply, enough calcium remains in causing the kidneys to grow less circulation for your bones, bone and less efficient in removing density decreases, increasing your toxins.

Over time, scarring can occur and risk for osteoporosis. Bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to the kidneys may stop functioning completely, signalling the need for fractures and breaks. Fractures in dialysis or a kidney transplant. One the hips, spine, and wrists are the most common.

Chest pain (angina) and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may accompany high blood pressure

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard,OCTOBER 17, 2015 Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 —41

Sex tips for busy executives

Y

OU are a very busy person, so busy you have no time for frivolities like making time out for sex. Good news for you.

Kristina Wright, author of Bedded Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Lust Ever After, has put together a few tips to keep the flame burning even when you have no time to light the candle!

Here they are...

Make any day special You don’t have to wait for anniversaries or birthdays to have so-called special sex. Any day can be special, including the anniversary of the first time you made out, the day you’ve finally potty trained your youngest child, or just because it’s Tuesday. “Whatever it takes, whenever you can manage it, celebrate this crazy, messy, busy life you’ve created together —celebrate any time you can.

Get out of the house It’s tempting to just bunker down and stay in when the weather starts to get chilly, but the problem is that your home has so many things that distract you from alone time: dishes, kids, computers, and even the television. Find a way to physically remove yourself from the things that keep you from making time for each other.

Check into a nearby hotel for a night if you need to.

Shower together Napping baby? Head to the bathroom and get clean (or dirty) together. It doesn’t have to end in sex — all that matters is the time spent alone together, and the re-connection from touch. As a bonus, you can save time and water!

•Any day can be special

SEXUAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

SEXUALA ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS INFECTIONS AND SEX - YEAST INFECTION IN WOMEN (I) YEAST infections are not sexually transmitted diseases but they share almost the same symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning pain and discharge. Yeast infection is caused by a specie of yeast called 'Candida albicans' which is a normal part of microorganism that lives in our gastrointestinal tract.Small amounts of the yeast also live in various warm, moist areas throughout the body, including the mouth, rectum, vagina, and parts of your skin. Its numbers are naturally kept in check by the bacteria and other microorganisms that make up your microbiome, the community of microorganisms that inhabit your body.

However, different factors can throw off your microbial balance, tipping the scales in favor of C.albicans and allowing the fungus to grow out of control and cause a yeast infection called candidiasis. These factors include- Antibiotics, which kill both pathogenic (disease-causing) and beneficial bacteria, Pregnancy, Diabetes etc. An overgrowth of C. albicans (or other Candida species) in the vagina leads to a vaginal yeast infection, which is also known as candida vaginitis or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Hello Viewden, can Volume pills increase the quantity of my semen and also improve fertility in me? -James Yes James, Volume pill is a powerful herbal supplement that helps increase the volume of semen produced and also improve the quantity and quality of sperm produced in men, so it's safe for use at any point in time.

I'm presently using Prosolution to handle the longtime problem of premature ejaculation and not been able togo for the 2nd round that has been troubling me for a long time. I'm in the second week of usage

C M Y K

and I'm starting to stay long on my woman before ejaculating and I can even go for 2 or more rounds if and when I want, but the issue I have is that, I experience slight headache when I use it. Should I stop using it or what do you suggest? -Chris Chris, Prosolution pill is very potent I helping to correct early ejaculation and giving you quick recovery time to go for more than one round if you so wish.

Normally, we advise you take 2 pills of Prosolution daily, but if you experience such headache, I'll advice you reduce to one. This case of headache has been associated to when men take two pills, but when most of them reduce the dose, such headache doesn't come up again, so I'll advice you take just one per day till you complete your treatment for three months.

I'm in the second month of using Vigrx Plus with plump cream and I must confess that the slight increase I have gotten to the length of my penis makes me believe in these products that they are effective, I can't wait to complete the dose for 4 months. I'm so happy. -JJ Hello JJ, just like I keep saying on this platform, to grow an organ takes time and patience and I'm so happy you are ready to wait it out while using the products diligently and already you are starting to reap the benefits. Vigrx plus with Plump cream are very effective in increasing the size of the penis if you can use diligently for 4 to 6 months and not be in a hurry to grow your penis.

I'm a 55 year old diabetic and hypertensive man suffering from nonexistent erection and normally

encounter stress in my eyes, how can you help me? As a friend recommended you guys to me.

-Chief Biloba To handle erectile dysfunction in men with health challenges, the best and safest supplement to use is Vimax with Gingko tea. The Vimax helps combat the root of the erectile problem, while Gingko tea helps lower the blood sugar for diabetic men and reduce blood pressure for the hypertensive. The combo should be taken for about 2 to 3 months to handle both health issue and erectile dysfunction. For the eye stress, I'll suggest you get the Eye massager helps alleviate eye fatigue especially caused by staring at computer screens,Recovery functions of sleep, fighting nervousness and anxiety.

Do you still have the Germany sex drops with the Crazygirl arousal gel?

The last time I got it for my wife and she used it, she was all over me - Biola Yes Mr, Ola, the Germany sex drops and the crazy girl arousal gel are still available and you can place your order at any time as they help put a woman in the mood.

These are all we can take for today.

Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can call us on 08034666358,07059294782 or place your orders at www.viewden.com . For further enquiries, send us an email at vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com Kemi Fawole (MD)

Don’t dismiss the quickie.

Yes, it’s nice to have an entire evening together, but sometimes there just isn’t time for an extended romantic rendezvous. Sex doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing event.

A quickie can remove the pressure. It will also give you something to remember how much you enjoy spending time together.

Schedule sex No, it’s not very romantic to literally make an appointment to get naked with your partner, but is it less romantic than not having the time at all? No matter how busy you are at work or what sort of responsibilities are distracting you at home, you know you’ll have one-on-one time with your love. Turn off your phones, shut the door, and focus on each other.

Constantly kindle the flame Don’t wait until you’re about to have sex to get romantic. This will make each partner excited and eager for the time to be intimate; they will be extremely less likely to skip being intimate.

Don’t forget intimacy It’s hard to get revved up for sex when you’re feeling disconnected from your partner. Don’t forget to work on your intimacy as well, in big and little ways. Send a quick note during the day, or text just to say you’re thinking of your spouse. Make a point of touching more often. Talk about how you’re feeling and where you’re struggling.

Fostering those connections will make it easier to make sex a priority, and remind you why you’re with this person in the first place.

Try out these tips.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—39

Is Lagos falling under Ambode?

•Lagosians gr oan as crime rrat at e, cchaotic haotic tr af sen groan ate, traf afffic wor worsen

By Ishola Balogun, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Evelyn Usman, Ebun Sessou & Oghene Omonisa

T

HESE days, the issues of insecurity and traumatic traffic situation in Lagos metropolis have continued to dominate discussions. Everywhere one goes, in offices, business environments, relaxation centres, motor parks among other places, Lagosians debate these issues with resentment: traffic situation getting worse, crime rate suddenly increasing, and business and commercial activities slowing down.

Now, Lagosians battle with agonising traffic gridlock on the roads daily with the attendant shocks and damage to the body and vehicles. As a result of the roads that are littered with ditches and holes, deteriorating by the day, Lagosians are also exposed to heavy risk of attacks by highwaymen and miscreants. Many a time, in trying to get out of the snarls, commuters are forced into trekking long distances to get to their various destinations; sometimes they are attacked by hoodlums and robbed of their valuables. More worrisome is the nonchalant attitude of many traffic men who apparently contribute to the ignoble role of bus drivers by compounding the already worse

traffic situation on our roads.

This is just as other traffic men take bribes and better still, abandon their duty posts.

Worst hit are the ApapaOshodi Expressway, Cele-Iyana-Itire to Ilasa road, where the state of the roads is worrisome, causing untold hardships to motorists and commuters on daily basis.

Movement around these areas have been most difficult in the last four months. Other roads usually prone to gridlock are Ajah-Lekki Road, Ikoyi, Eko and Carter bridges, Mobolaji Bank Anthony, Ijora, Seven Up, Ikeja/ Oregun axis, Allen Avenue, Agidingbi and Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Crime rate has also suddenly increased. Cultism as well as armed robbery and kidnapping incidents are on the increase, most times claiming lives of innocent residents. The alarming insecurity situation is such that passers-by and those in their various apartments are at risk

their apartment in an adjoining building, were reportedly hit by stray bullets from the rampaging bandits. Both mother and child were killed right in their apartment. Fresh in mind are the Lekki bank robbery, the Ikorodu bank invasion by these bandits among others.

The re-assuring words of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in his inauguration speech on May 29 still resonate with many Lagosians. “We shall practice government by incentives and not government by enforcement”, he had told the crowd at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos.

“We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that will reduce the cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people …. Join hands with me to offer new ideas that will pull more resources to cater for the poor and needy among us. This will be a compassionate government.”

Almost six months after, the same words still resonate; however, going by the complaints by most Lagosians, those words resonate not with the same enthusiasm because the Governor apparently has not been able to come up with the “ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people.” And two critical aspects of the socioeconomic life of Lagosians where the people have clearly not felt these “ideas” are those of traffic management and crime control.

If the Governor’s assurances of making the state conducive for business to thrive is anything to go by, then it is quite unfortunate that the people hardly feel the social development and security plan for the state which are supposed to be paramount among other plans. with no hiding place. Even when distress calls are put through to the police, prompt response has remained only a wish. It is either they do not respond at all or come very late to the scene, usually blaming it on logistics.

Only a few days ago, armed robbers numbering about 40 stormed two banks located on 4th Avenue area of Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin Local Council of the state and carted away unspecified amount of money. The gunmen gained access to the banks through the canal in speed boats, accompanied by sporadic shootings, injuring several residents in the process. During the operation which lasted for several hours, a two-year-old toddler, Mmesoma Ndirika, and her mother, Jane, who were inside

Armed robbers numbering about 40 stormed two banks located on 4th Avenue area of Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin Local Council of the state and carted away unspecified amount of money

What Ambode met A major philosophy of Ambode’s predecessor, Babatunde Fashola, in the management of Lagos traffic was enforcement and penalties.

Fashola empowered the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences which, in turn, used its enforcement arm, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to demolish illegal structures in markets across the state. Hawking and begging were banned across the state and areas such as Obalende and Oshodi began to wear a new look.

Fashola also signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Law of 2012 which saw the restriction of commercial motorcycles on

Continues on pg 40

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

•Operation scene

•The bank

Is Lagos falling under Ambode?

Continues from pg 39 highways and the imposition of huge fines and jail terms for traffic offenders. Any motorist guilty of wrongful overtaking was made to pay N100,000 as fine. For driving against traffic, an offender’s vehicle would be forfeited permanently to the state and the offender would be sentenced to jail for one year while a second-time offender risked a three-year jail term.

According to the traffic law, vehicles that break down on the highway will be fined N50,000.

Motorists plying the route designated for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) were fined N20,000 each while second-time offenders paid N30,000. And from statistics released by the government, the restriction on okada led to 80 per cent reduction in crime and accidents in the state.

However, the traffic law was criticized by many human rights groups and members of the opposition for being draconian and for its harsh method of enforcement which, in some cases, resulted in deaths due to the overzealousness of enforcement officers.

However, mid June, less than a month after he became governor, Governor Ambode toured major traffic black spots in Lagos metropolis to see things for himself and vowed to ensure free-flow of traffic. Lamenting the perennial vehicular traffic gridlock in the state, he revealed that he had directed the relocation of some bus terminals in congested areas to reduce gridlock in the affected places. He also expressed great concern about the traffic gridlock being experienced in the state.

His words: “It’s not enough for us to stay in the office and believe that we can create solutions to the traffic challenge that we have in the state.

So, we decided that we are going to go round ourselves and see how we can improve on the traffic situation in Lagos.

“We have been to 3rd Mainland, Oworonshoki, Ketu, Abule-Egba, Alimosho and then we have gone to Mile 12. That’s not the end of the story. We’re still going to Apapa, Mile 2. The truth is that we must start to bring solutions to our traffic challenges in the state and that’s C M Y K

what we are doing.”

He then assured that residents would start noticing solutions to the traffic challenges being experienced in the state.

Ambode’s policy, leniency taken for granted?

The differences in the style of governance between Fashola and Ambode are becoming more glaring, especially in the area of enforcement of traffic laws and security management.

For instance, Ambode ordered the officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (KAI) officials and Vehicle Inspection Officers not to harass or forcibly take over citizens’ vehicles.

In the light of his compassionate governance philosophy, Ambode said, “I want to make life simpler for every Lagosian. The duty of everybody here, including me, is to make life easier for every Lagosian.

I want you to use technology in arresting those who contravene the law, instead of resorting to harassment or forcibly taking over peoples’ vehicles.

“The same technology that is used in sending reminder messages about vehicle documents could be adopted in tracking down people who commit traffic offences without forcibly seizing their cars.”

He urged KAI officers to go back to the streets and enforce the law against street trading in a civil manner, stating that the agency should also look at the option of adopting the use of social media to achieve effectiveness.

He added: “In addition, I don’t like the practice by VIO officials who impound vehicles for days.

Technology should be adopted to ensure that the practice whereby vehicles are detained for long in the VIO yards is eliminated.”

On September 2, 2015, the Governor stormed the LASTMA headquarters and ordered that all impounded vehicles be released. In the same week, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, was sacked and Mr. Bashir Braimah was appointed in his stead.

Ambode later directed that traffic offenders should no longer be arrested on the spot as was done in the past. Rather, erring motorists would have their licenses or other

relevant documents seized and would be allowed to go with their vehicles as is done in developed countries. However, their documents would be returned to them after they might have paid their fines.

Unfortunately, however, commercial bus drivers, most of whom do not have valid documents, are usually allowed to go scot-free in line with the new directive.

Defending the style of his boss, Mr. Braimah explained that the new policy was in line with Ambode’s directive on nonaccommodation of offenders’ vehicles after booking, and explained that the traffic law had not been rescinded but that only the method of implementation had changed.

On the workability of the new approach, the LASTMA boss explained, “There will be no hiding place for traffic violators as the offenders are expected to make payment of their various fines within seven days and present their tickets at LASTMA offices and upon failure to comply, will be arrested at home after the expiration of the grace period.

“For those without valid documents or not registered in the state, there is a working synergy between the agency and other sister agencies across the federation; therefore, no traffic offender will go unpunished.”

Unfortunately, however, the new method introduced by Ambode has given many motorists, especially commercial bus drivers and commercial motorcycle riders the opportunity to flout the traffic law with impunity. Many are seen taking the BRT lanes while okada riders now ply bridges, dual carriageways and expressways in contravention of the traffic law.

Many even assume that since the Governor has stated that his government shall not be preoccupied with enforcement, they are allowed to take the BRT lanes without consequence.

Now, articulated truck drivers park indiscriminately on busy roads and are not towed because

of the ‘leniency’. The traffic congestion caused by traffic obstructions cannot be totally divorced from the resurgence in traffic robbery. Suddenly, heavy traffic gridlock which had drastically reduced in the last eight years became worse since Ambode came on board.

There appears to be a general consensus among Lagosians that the perennial vehicular traffic gridlock in the state has gone from bad to worse since the advent of Governor Ambode.

The same technology that is used in sending reminder messages about vehicle documents could be adopted in tracking down people who commit traffic offences without forcibly seizing their cars

Insecurity Insecurity, especially armed robbery, cultism, violence are peculiar with mega-cities worldwide, and not restricted to Lagos. It is the management and containment of these crimes that set aside cities in developed countries from those of developing countries.

The average Lagosian will therefore readily admit that as much as former Governor Babatunde Fashola positively managed security in Lagos, the state was not devoid of crimes before the advent of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Of course there had been armed robbery and kidnapping incidents before May 29; some that really shook the nation to its foundation.

Notable among them was the epic Hollywood-scene like armed robbery which played out at the highbrow Lekki area of Lagos State on Thursday, March 12. Some armed men dressed in military fatigue uniforms and wielding AK47 automatic rifles, stormed two banks on the Lekki end of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

The robbers were said to have emerged from the nearby waterway bordering the lagoon along the bridge, announced their arrival with sporadic gun shots and positioned themselves strategically to ward off intruders.

Unfortunately, three policemen in a white coaster bus, who were on escort duty with expatriates, were felled by bullets from the rampaging robbers.

But the policemen identified as Inspector Bethel Agbobu, Sergeant Odehowho George and Corporal Imoise Ikechukwu, were not the only ones sent to an unprepared

Continues on pg 41

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—41

Is Lagos falling under Ambode?

Continues from pg 40 grave by the hoodlums. Life was also snuffed out of a man whose identity was given as Mr. Sowemimo Kabiru and a 15-year-old girl, Sarah Ibikunle, who sold fish close to the bank.

At the end of the operation, the armed robbers reportedly carted away an undisclosed amount, leaving scores of persons injured.

Following startling confessions by some suspected members of the Lekki robbery syndicate arrested by the Lagos State Police Command that those behind recent bank robberies were militants hired from the Niger Delta Region, Lagosians began to wonder if their state is beginning to emerge as a new haven for notorious militants-turned-armed robbers.

It will be recalled that the Police in Lagos, two months after the incident, arrested four suspected members of the 22-man robbery gang that operated at Lekki, and preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects were oil bunkerers recruited from Delta and Ondo states and Arepo in Ogun State.

Unless drastic measures are taken to curb their excesses, Lagos may afterall not be a safe haven for business to thrive, whether locally or internationally.

This is because aside bank robberies, other forms of criminalities such as kidnap, pick pocket, catch-inthe-air, otherwise known as one chance, as well as attacks on motorists in traffic are witnessing a rising turn in the state.

Recently, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Chukwuemeka Okpokpo, was shot dead by gunmen at Apple Junction, in Amuwo Odofin area of the state. The gunmen, said to have driven on a motorcycle, reportedly trailed the deceased from a second generation bank where he had gone to withdraw N3 million for the church. They reportedly fired shots into the air, which sent other road users and passersby scampering for safety.

Reports said Pastor Okpokpo tried to escape when it became obvious that he was the target. But he reportedly slowed down on reaching a bad spot, where the hoodlums shot at the tyres of the church bus he was driving, thereby bringing the vehicle to an abrupt halt, before shooting him at close range.

Vanguard’s Assistant Labour Editor, Mr Victor Ahiuma Young was also shot by robbers, who forcefully collected the money he had gone to withdraw from a second generation bank at Ilasamaja, along Oshodi / Apapa Expressway. While Ahiuma Young is alive to tell his tale, three others who fell victims around Ilamaja were not that lucky as they had life snuffed out of them by these robbers who always operated on motorcycle.

Sadly, whenever incidents which tend to reveal the handicap of any security agency as well as slow response of government occur, the concerned authorities resort to blame game and outright redeployment of the man in charge of the location.

Unfortunately, this measure has not brought about the needed change.

For instance, when the Lekki and Ikorodu twin bank robberies occurred, the then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti was redeployed. Again, the Area Commander in-charge of Area ‘E’ command, Mr Frank Mba, was also redeployed over Tuesday’s banks robbery attacks at Festac Town.

Even though such measure is C M Y K

•Canal considered as one of the ways to make officers more responsible to their constitutional duties, it has also proven to be a wrong approach to addressing insecurity, whether in Lagos State or Nigeria at large.

Lagosians speak A cross section of Lagosians who spoke to Saturday Vanguard agreed that traffic and crime rate which were checked at the twilight of the tenure of Babatunde Fashola have suddenly increased.

Security expert, Ona Ekhomu in a chat with Saturday Vanguard on the issue said, “I think the general statement is that, it could be better.

I think the difficulty the new Governor is having is that he is trying to settle down, and that is why the situation has been so deteriorated. The hoodlums in Lagos are making use of the security lapses in the state as an opportunity to unleash mayhem in the state. And this is the situation whenever there is a new administration.

He continued: “It appeared that the new Governor did not want to adopt the template he met on ground on the issue of security in Lagos, even though the template that the former Governor used was very effective and efficient. It was the step that the Fashola administration took that kept Boko Haram out of Lagos.

“What we are seeing now regarding the increase in cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery in Lagos State is a result of the gap between the past and the present administration. And the hoodlums have taken the advantage of these lapses.”

He however advised the Governor to design a security template for the state. “Ambode is an accountant by training; he needs a lot of advice on security issues. He must appoint an experienced security expert as adviser. He should be proactive when it comes to security issues.

Governor Fashola got it right during his administration, therefore it is expedient that Governor Ambode gets it right too.”

A member of the Lagos State Assembly, Bisi Yusuf said the state government was determined to fix most federal and state roads. “With this development, I believe traffic in Lagos would be a thing of the past and Lagosians would enjoy dividends of democracy. As soon as the rains are over, the state government would engage the services of FERMA to fix federal roads.”

He however blamed the usual traffic congestion in the state on the impatient attitude of road users.

“They cause traffic gridlock because of their impatience and the attitude of parking on the road. There is need for change in their attitudes so that

we can forge ahead. The state Governor is highly proactive especially in addressing traffic gridlock in Lagos. For instance, he has fixed the roads at the Ipaja/ Ayobo axis, noted for traffic congestion. I believe he will fix all the roads in all the 37 local governments to allow for easy road network system in Lagos.”

According to a serving army officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, “the problem is not the Police but some of our politicians who gave these thugs arms before the election. Now the elections are over. But they have not been able to retrieve the weapons from them.

From record, this has always been the case, immediately after election.”

Corroborating his view, a senior police officer who also spoke on condition of anonymity said “Yes, proliferation of arms is one of the major causes of what people describe as re-emergence of crime, not only in Lagos but the country at large. However, the Police are not sleeping. We are doing all we can to mop them out of circulation. We have made tremendous arrests. In no time from now, you will witness a drastic drop.

“We also want to use this opportunity to appeal to the state government to do all it can to support the police just as previous governments have been doing. So far, we have been given assurances of government’s support. On our part, we will use all available equipment at our disposal to ensure that Lagosians sleep with their two eyes closed.

A radical lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who took-on former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola on the Lekki/Epe Toll Gate for the about whole eight years of his tenure said it was too early to judge the present governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode.

According to him, “Judging Ambode’s government at this time will be too hasty. I need to give him six months before accessing his performance in Lagos. Let us all keep our figures crossed; we are watching him.”

Ambode reacts In a swift reaction to the persistent gridlock in parts of Lagos, the Governor of the state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode reiterated his determination to tackle the traffic gridlock in the metropolis by putting in place multi-strategic solutions to address the challenge currently being encountered by motorists in most parts of the state.

Addressing a joint press conference, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, said the Governor has shown deep concern over the persistent traffic gridlock in the state and has therefore directed the agencies concerned to swing into action to decongest traffic in the metropolis.

Adeyemi said: ”This press briefing is initiated at the instance of the Governor who has expressed growing concerns arising from complaints and feedback from members of the public, and from experiences recorded a few days ago by motorists in Lagos. He is greatly concerned from this feedback and as a result of which necessitated we address Lagosians.”

Adeyemi highlighted some of the efforts being put in place by the present administration to ensure that traffic gridlock becomes a thing of the past.

He said apart from new traffic management initiatives involving

Continues on pg 50

42—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 17, 2015 Dear Julie, I have been living in shame and most times, I’m very depressed.

When I was living with my uncle, one of his friends did something very bad to me and I have not been able to say it out until now. I was violently raped and on my own, I went to the hospital. I was told that I need to get a pap test and other tests as there could be damage from the force used. I’m really frightened about the whole idea of it. Do I have to be lying down and what do they do? It’s stressing me out! I’m 23 now but the rape happened when I was 22.

Chimaoke, Enugu

Dear Chimaoke, What happened to you was indeed very sad and I know how

We had sex and I’m itching juliecoker100@yahoo.com

I was raped you feel. Having to have a genital examination, can be stressful for someone who has been raped, and so I think you need to hear, that these feelings you are having regarding the examination are completely normal. Feeling depressed about your experience is to be expected

and you shouldn’t have waited for this long before opening up. You could have spoken to a trusted friend or religious leader about your experience. It is not too late though as you need regular and consistent counselling to get out depression.

Her parents think we’re too young Aunty Julie, My girlfriend and I are both 17.

We met this girl six months ago at a concert I went to with some friends. Before, during and after the gig, we got kind of gusting and poking each other. I added her on Facebook and we started speaking.

I immediately felt that there was an attraction between us.

For sometime, we have been texting and speaking over Facebook and met up a few times. During these meet ups, we held hands, hugged and kissed. We admitted to liking each other, but here is the problem. I think it is ridiculous: her parents think we are too young. I’m almost 18 and she is t 17.

I need some advice on this issue because even though I have not known this girl for too long, I’ve found attraction in her and it’s a pain having to get over someone before moving on to someone else, and I don’t want to move on, I want to fight for what will make me happy because I know she’s worth it.

Kenny, Lekki Lagos

Dear Kenny, Her parents are right about the legal side of things. Both of you are still minors which means her parents are her legal guardians and responsible for her care and well-being. So it’s legal for her to have that kind of relationship and her parents do have the right to have

their views on who she dates and if she is old enough to be with you. It’s common for parents to have worries and concerns when their daughters start dating, regardless of age differences!

If you think this girl is worth the time and effort , offer to hang out with her at her house. Get to know her parents and let them to get to know you. It’s important to be respectful of their boundaries and show them you are willing to follow their rules. It may take some time, but it’ll be worth it to earn their trust and they may become more relaxed. At almost 18 and 17 respectively, I expect both of you to be more focused on your education now and postpone serious relationship even though you can be platonic friends.

My mom is too protective Aunty Julie, I’m worried about my mom and her attitude to my relationships. No lady seems good enough for me and she keeps sending them away. I’m currently dating my girlfriend for a year and a half now.

Recently, my overly protective mother saw me and my girlfriend making out on the couch. And then she separated us and made my girlfriend leave!

My girlfriend later called and told me that if my mom is going to control our relationship, then we may as well just be friends. I told her that it was okay because my mom usually gets weird like that.

After my girl left, my mom got mad and told me that she wasn’t allowed near our house any more. I don’t know what to do! I really love my girlfriend and she really loves me, but my mom keeps getting between us and makes my girlfriend unsure if she still wants to date me! It is not the first time. What should I do about my overly protective mom?

Would I be able to settle down in a married relationship because the way she is going, an angel has to come down from heaven to meet her standard for me. I am 25, a University graduate and I’m working but I live with my mom. I like that setting but she is

Back-seat driver A wife was sitting peacefully in her cozy armchair sewing her husband’s socks. Her husband came in to the room and glanced at what she was doing, and started badgering, “HONEY be more careful! Please watch what you are doing! you don’t wan’t to poke your finger! how many times do i have to tell you! don’t look up when your’e sewing!

There you go now slow and steady, nice even stitches. The wife puts down the needle and thread, looks up at her husband, and says, “What the hell is wrong with you? Do you know how many times I’ve sewn socks before?! “Exactly the point I was trying to get at”, hollered the husband, “do you know how many times I’ve driven a car before!?

It started...

John walks into his 5th floor apartment after a long day of work, he exhaustively sinks into his favorite arm chair, puts up his footrest, turns on the TV, and turns to his wife Hannah, “Honey, please get me a hard drink, I think it’s about to start.” Hannah rolls her eyes, heads to the kitchen, takes out a beer from the fridge, and brings it to John.

C M Y K

encroaching too much into my affairs.

Bobby, Benin

Dear Bobby, While you are living with your mom in her house, you need to stick to her rules I’m afraid! The best advice is to try to compromise with her show her that you are prepared to meet her half way. Maybe you could explain to your mom that you really love your girlfriend and you would really like to have her blessing for you to be together. You could put it to your mom that you invite your girlfriend around to lunch over a weekend. Maybe you could offer to cook so that your mom and girlfriend have a chance to get to know each other. Or, you could invite your mom

C O C K - T A L E S “Honey”, said John, two minutes later, “please get me another one quickly before it starts.” “What the hell is wrong with you, you lazy good for nothing!” Hannah exclaimed, “do you think I’m your personal waiter!? You plop yourself down on your easy chair and expect me to be on your beck and call!? Is that all I’m good for!?

John sighs, and mutters under his breath, “It started….”

Adam and Eve Existence was so tranquil and peaceful for the young couple Adam and Eve, like straight out of a story book, until one unfortunate day when Adam showed up one hour late for supper. By the time Adam finally came home Eve was a nervous wreck, and her imagination was working overtime. “Honey, what happened? Why are you home so late?” Questioned Eve. “Oh I’m sorry! Adam responded with a wave of his hand, “I just lost track of the time.” Now Eve didn’t have a Mother or girlfriend around to calm her fears, after all it was just her and her Husband and despite Adam’s convincing act her overactive imagination could not be calmed. That night after two hours of restlessly turning in her bed, enough was enough.

Dear Aunty Julie, My boyfriend and I had sex and a few weeks later, we discovered we were both itchy in our genital areas. We postponed sex thinking it was just a yeast infection, his symptoms being redness and a bit of bumps, mine being itchy redness.

Two weeks later, we had sex again, thinking it was cleared, because we were symptom free and then it came back again. He has multiple bumps on and under his foreskin along with itchiness and redness. I feel slight itchiness and a little redness.

What might this be?

Kemi, Port-Harcourt

Dear Kemi, It’s really surprising that you are not having protective sex.

There are a few things it might be but I can’t really tell you exactly what it is although it does sound a bit like a yeast infection but you need to treat it to make it get better. You’ll need to see a doctor and explain your symptoms, which is a bit embarrassing but that’s the best thing to do. I recommend going to see a doctor as you two should get a routine test for STIs, especially chlamydia, as well as make sure you’re using a reliable form of birth control. So get in to see a doctor as soon as you can,

and your girlfriend out for lunch somewhere on “neutral ground” so your girlfriend doesn’t feel intimidated by your mom.

Your mom won’t be able to stop you from seeing your girlfriend unless your girlfriend decides she has had enough but she will be able to make life hard for you both. Try to work it out the most diplomatic way you can. If this fails, you may just have to stick to mom’s rules in the house.

Maybe you could spend more time with your girlfriend and her family. Who knows—maybe if you do that, then your mom might miss you and decide to be a bit more hospitable to your girlfriend.

If you are being respectful of your mom’s house rules but encouraging open communication between your mom and your girlfriend, hopefully you will get the outcome you want.

“What in the world are you doing!” Hollered Adam jumping out of bed. “You know darn well what I’m doing” screamed Eve right back, “now you better lay still right now, and let me finish counting those ribs!

Feeling pregnant “Ok everyone,” said the the instructor at the birthing class trying to get everyone’s attention. “We are going to do an exercise now, that’s purpose is to help the men sympathize with their partners.” “We have here what’s called a pregnancy suit,” said the woman instructor, holding up an artificial stomach with a strap. “This imitates the feeling of being pregnant.” Which Husband volunteers to be the first one to try it on?” “I will” said one man, taking the suit and trying it on. “This isn’t too bad said the man walking around. I think I could get used to this.”

“Ok”, said the instructor smiling, “now I would like you to bend down and pick up my pen from the floor.” “You want me to pick it up?” he said hesitantly, “just as I would if I was pregnant?” “Yes!” said the instructor. “Honey,” said the man turning to his spouse “do you mind picking up that pen for me?”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—43

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

She waited long to get away from her abusive monster!

T

he golden advice is when you spot any sign of violence in a potential partner, you should run …. “It’s not as cut and dried as that,” confessed Gloria, a 36-year-old tax consultant who recently escaped from the feisty woman to someone who controlling clutches of a made myself his slave to partner she referred to as a please him and who ‘nasty piece of work.’ eventually walked meekly “I first met my former along-side or behind him as boyfriend Scott, a banker he originally wanted—often through friends six years in flat shoes! I became nervous and I isolated myself ago when we were both in from friends and family our early 30s. He was because they told me to leave smart, extremely charming him only for me to tell them I and I fell for him instantly. couldn’t. Once in a while I At first he seemed the contemplated leaving, but I model, boyfriend; even was convinced I was head when I noticed his over heels in love and would wardrobe held suits, ties never be able to survive and sets of shoes that were without him, I also too meticulously arranged considered calling the police for a man, I just thought he on occasion— usually after a was well organised. I never particularly long and vicious imagined how extreme attack—but felt he had done such perfectionism could nothing criminally wrong— be. The truth emerged a we were just having a lover’s few months into the spat! This is in spite of his relationship when we went often manhandling me into a to Ghana for a wedding. chair to lecture me, and he “We took his car and the once threw a phone at my next day, when we got to head, leaving a gash. And he the venue of the wedding, once put his hands around he yelled at me for getting my throat and almost out of the car first and throttled me because, he said, barked at me to ‘come back he wanted to demonstrate here’. I was mildly shocked what he would do to anyone but quickly went back who ever threatened our inside the car and he relationship. berated that I was never to “I’ve often wondered if he walk ahead of him again— always alongside or behind him. Of course, I marched back to the hotel, disgusted and ready to pack my bags.

As I got the keys from the reception, he begged me to forgive him—he had a bad week at the office. So did I Sadly, this was to set the pattern for endless similar incidents that followed.

“Over the months, his control over me grew—he made me arranged shoes and clothes as meticulously as he did his, checked my text messages to make sure I wasn’t having an affair, and threw me out of his flat one night because a male colleague called while we were having sex! The many incidents of bullying, intimidation and brainwashing are too numerous to list, but he wanted to control every aspect of my life—right down to the clothes I wore—and flew into terrifying rages whenever I went against his will. It was a living hell having to walk on eggshells all the time and the stress changed me beyond recognition.

“I went from being a confident, independent,

It was a living hell having to walk on eggshells all the time and the stress changed me beyond recognition

C M Y K

felt threatened by my career and independence, which is why he set out to diminish and control me. But I was never tempted to see him as a criminal. Several times I

tried to leave him, but I agreed to take him back—it was a miracle there were no pregnancies to complicate things. As an enlightened professional, I felt it was up to

me to leave of my own volition. And eventually, I did tell him that I would not put up with his nonsense any more. I put the phone down after I walked out on him and ignored the torrent of calls and voice mails demanding that we talk.

By standing by my decision, my self-esteem grew back.

“I believe institutions can help by increasing the support available to women in difficult relationship to prevent them from waling’ straight into the arms of other men with the same personality traits. And there are many, many more men out there who behave like my ex.

Abused women should be encouraged to recover from abusive situations by taking control of their lives and leaving destructive situations with help from friends and relatives.”

Stop your marital bed from being a war zone

A

lot of medical research into sleep habits over the past 12 years suggests that couples who share a bed tend to live longer and stay healthier than those who sleep alone. That women in long-term relationships fell asleep faster and woke up less often than single women, leading to them having lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that has been linked to heart disease and depression.

Sharing a bed, claimed another report, boosts emotional well-being. A hard fact to swallow because most married woman attest to trying to get a decent night’s sleep with their husbands can be a real challenge. From stealing the covers to snoring like a pig, a man can turn sleeping by your side into a recipe for insomnia and arguments rather than good health and happiness. So what can you do to make sleeping together more harmonious? The experts advise...

Buy a big bed: With research suggesting that the average person will turn 60 to 70 times in the night, having enough space to stretch out and not be disturbed by your partner’s movements is the first consideration to a good night’s sleep. “One of the main reasons why many couples fail to sleep well is that they are in a bed that’s far too small for them,” says Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, a sleep expert. “A standard 4ft 6in wide double bed gives two adults just 2ft 3in of width each— that’s the same width as the average cot. The easiest way to check if you have enough space in bed is to lie on your back next to your partner on the mattress, with your hands behind your heads, elbows out to either side.

If your elbows touch, the bed is too small.

Use a bolster: Sharing the bed with a restless sleeper is no fun. If you’re fed up with finding an elbow in your ear and a knee in your back in the early hours, but can’t afford a bigger bed or the room is too small for one, creating a physical barrier down the centre of the bed is one solution. “A pillow down the centre will solve the problem, but it takes up a lot of room and is easily shoved

aside,” says the expert. Instead, try a long, slim foam wedge usually used to stop small children from tumbling out of bed.

Get two covers: Another common cause of sleep disturbance is stolen covers. “If you and your partner fight over the cover during the night, then the simplest answer is to get your own set of bed covers,” says the expert.

“Sleeping under separate covers is the one piece of advice that engenders most resistance from couple, but once they try it, they say it’s the tip that has helped the most.

Banish storing: To minimise the likelihood of snoring, the expert suggests sleeping on your side to keep the airways open. Avoid sedatives such as alcohol and antihistamines before bed, as these promote greater airway relaxation and collapse, and therefore more snoring. To drown out the sound, it’s recommended you flood your bedroom with a low-level background sound, which can be anything from the sound of static rain or a cat purring.

Even though it may not seem loud enough, such ‘white noise’ can effectively mask loud snorts and snuffles. Something as simple as the noise of an electric fan running in the bedroom can help a lot.

If trying to drown out the sound fails, invest in a good pair of earplugs. Experiment with different types to get the best fit or go for a silicone pair.

Don’t have sex: Recent research suggests that sex can help a couples fall asleep more quickly. Neurro-scientist Serge Stolere found that after sex, our brains—particularly male brains—are flooded with sleep-inducing chemicals such as serotonin. But Dr. Meadows isn’t convinced that it always works. “For some, sex can have a powerful relaxing—and therefore sleep-inducing—effect caused by release of the hormone prolactin immediately after an orgasm “ he says, “But for others, it can act like a stimulant, waking people up more with a release of adrenaline and a rise in core body temperature.” Maybe on reflection, a cup of cocoa and a good book aren’t such a bad idea after all!

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:

How to detect abuse V

iolence against women has been described as gender-based crime impacting on women's physical, emotional and psychological health.

Because most of these crimes are perpetuated against women by the people known to them and/or are related to them, most recorded violence against women is called domestic violence. Domestic violence is abuse by one person in a relationship, to control or manipulate the other person and it can take very dangerous and unhealthy forms in many cases, including emotional and psychological abuse. Even though people generally think of violence as beating or hitting a partner but according to Helpguide.org, a non profit resource on its website against abuse, emotional and psychological abuse oftentimes pose more danger to the abused partner and may also eventually lead to violence.

Unfortunately, these two forms of abuse are not easily recognized. Most abused partners often do not know they are being abused. Many simply think they are unhappy with their partner's behaviour while some others believe it is a way of life and the accepted practice or societal norm, so they just stay there and bear it out. Often, grave damage might have been done before the abused partner recognizes his/her condition and seeks help. Even then, help might not readily be offered because most people are more concerned about the physical than the other forms of abuse. Questions often asked by potential helpers may include; does he beat you, does he beat the children, does he pay school fees for the kids? If all these are negative, then, there must be no problem. Ironically too, many abusers do not know they are abusers. Abuse or violence in relationship or marriage may destroy a person's self-worth, confidence and well being, causing depression, loneliness and helplessness.

Many abused persons also pass on these feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem and complacency to their offspring, ditto, abuser, making them believe that it is the norm or the socially acceptable way of life. Thus, daughters of an abused woman often grow to find themselves in abused relationships while sons of abusers turn to abusers too. The apple does not fall too far from the tree, the saying goes.

So, how do you know you are in an abusive relationship? Let's check out these few tips and if you can try to answer the questions truthfully, you should be able to tell.

C M Y K

*Do you feel afraid of your partner most of the time? If you have to constantly think of how your partner will react to something? If you have to constantly walk on eggshells around them, minding what you say or do so as to avoid a confrontation, then you are in an abusive relationship. *Do you feel that you can't do anything right for your partner? If you are put down by your partner no matter how much effort you have put into trying to please them or do right by them, then you really need to evaluate yourself or the relationship. In evaluating yourself, you do not have to devalue yourself or your effort if you know you have done your best. If it is a common pattern, then your partner needs to be told. Abusers, especially emotional and mental abusers often do not realize it themselves. It is your duty and right to tell your partner what he/she is doing that you are not favourably disposed to. If there are no positive changes after this, then, there is need for counseling. *Do you believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? Abused persons may sometimes feel responsible for the way their partners treat them, especially when abuse becomes a pattern. The abused person feels guilty and blames herself for the vile treatment. Besides, abusers often tend to blame their actions on the abused, insisting that if they had not done this, then, they would not have reacted in that manner. You might hear excuses such as these; "You see what you have made me done to you"? "Why do you always argue with me when I talk�? "If you don't do this, then I will not have to do that to you." It is a systemic manipulation which the abused might come to accept. *Do you feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Many factors contribute to this. Where there is no support, that is, family, friends and community or law enforcement agents, then victims of abuse may feel there is nothing they can do but adapt and learn to live with the situation.

Pity, this is often the case in many Nigerian families. Marriage is seen as the final exit of a female child from her family. She is expected to do everything to ensure that she remains in

...there is a thin line between being abusive and protective and you will need to figure this out rationally on your own

the marriage, no matter the challenges. Parents often forget that marriage is a partnership or union involving two individuals. Remaining in the union, or determination to make things work, often does not depend on one but two of the partners. Many parents often refuse to offer assistance to their abused daughters, sending them back to their abusers all in a bid to protect themselves from public ridicule. Another common factor is lack of financial independence. Women who lack the financial capability to provide adequately for themselves or their children, or who wish to maintain a particular lifestyle that they will not be able to afford on their own, are more likely to stay with their abusive partners rather than walk out of the relationship. *Does your partner see you as property or a sex object rather than as a person? Sex must be of mutual benefit and enjoyment for the two. If your partner insists on having sex, with or without your consent; is disrespectful about the style and manner of sex and insists on having his way all the time, then you are in a sexually abusive relationship. This is a silent killer on many marital beds. Many wives have devised their own way around this, apply a lavish amount of lubricant and let his ego hump away in oblivion! Unfortunately, this is at the expense of their sexual satisfaction and happiness. *Does your partner ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? Partners must celebrate and help to improve each other in every sphere of their lives. It is not in all situations that a man must be the successful or famous of the partners. Being a man does not also mean that he is more intelligent or has the best answers and solutions to all things. Most times, an abuser will do this out of selfishness, envy, pride and bitterness at their own shortcoming or failure. Unfortunately, some of the blame may perhaps go to the grooming and social orientation that men are given from childhood, men are told that they are the head of the family, they must be providers while their wives must be managers of whatever they provide. Wives must be submissive while husbands must give directives which must be obeyed. Men who find themselves at the other end of the stick may find it difficult to adapt to the situation. Indeed, there has to be a re-orientation in the grooming of young boys in modern times. Partners must learn to lift each other and not play God. *Does your partner treat you so badly that you are humiliated or embarrassed for your friends or family to see? Does he criticize you and put you down?

Does he humiliate or yell at you at every little thing?

In 2014, an Indian lady was granted divorce by a court because her husband raped her in front of her children! Another, finally got the attention of the court to seek permission to drag her husband to court. She was not only seeking divorce but justice from the court against her husband but also a family friend and her brothers-in-law for gang raping her.

For her sharp tongue and disrespect towards him, her husband had invited these other men to their home to help teach his wife a lesson! To help a husband whose ego had been seriously bruised when his wife eloped with another man, the court granted permission that the sisters of the lover be raped! Ridiculous! Sometimes, I wonder what life must have been like for women in the Stone Age era. *Does your partner blame you for their own abusive behaviour? It is one of the strategies abusers use to shift blame and responsibility for their actions or behaviours on their partners. Always remember that you are only responsible for your own actions and not that of your partner. Look at it this way: If someone else does that to him, would he react in the same way? Abusers can behave better and have only picked you out to abuse simply because they can and you have also allowed them to continue doing it to you.

Does your partner have a bad and unpredictable temper? Does he hurt you, or threatens to hurt or kill you? Does he threaten to take your children away or harm them? Does he threaten to commit suicide or harm himself if you leave? Does he destroy your belongings at any opportunity? Does he act excessively jealous and possessive? Does he control where you go or what you do? Does he keep you from seeing your friends or family? Does he limit your access to money, the phone, or the car? Does he constantly check on you? Then, you are systematically being abused and you need to sit down and talk things through. Often, women who find themselves in this type of relationship deceive themselves that these actions are borne out of love for them rather than the insecurity of their partners.

However, do bear in mind that there is a thin line between being abusive and protective and you will need to figure this out rationally on your own. Do have a wonderful weekend!

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—45

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

F

ive out of the six suspected Fulani herdsmen who were arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Squad, IRS, an elite unit of the Nigeria Police, deployed by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to track and apprehend the masterminds of the kidnapping of a former Secretary of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae in his farm, were paraded, during the week before Falae, for identification.

The arrival of Falae was greeted with cheers by officers and men of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad, Department of the Ondo State Police Command, venue of the parade. He identified two of the kidnappers, Umoru Ibrahim and Idris Lawan, as those who spent four days with him in the bush. In an apparent move to further convince the police on the identity of his abductors, Falae explained that Ibrahim once threatened to shoot him during his ordeal while Lawan always shouted at him not to look at the kidnappers in the face.

It was gathered that the three other suspects, Abubakar Auta, Aka Dojijo, Masaudu Moahmmed and Bello Janu, played different roles during the operation. Dojijo, who was described as the leader and coordinator of the gang, was said to have negotiated and collected the ransom money while Mohammed provided the gang with finance. Janu, was said to have provided most of the expertise the gang adopted, as he confessed to have been a seasoned kidnapper who has taken part in three high profile kidnappings in Kogi State.

According to the police, 25 years old Dojijo who has two wives, was arrested when operatives of the IRS, led by CSP, Abba Kyari, trailed him to his mansion in Minna, Niger State. It was gathered that the operatives traced the calls for negotiation of ransom money to a location in Mina Niger State. After a search of his residence, the police recovered the sum of N823, 990, said to be part of the N5 million paid as ransom to the kidnappers. The operatives also discovered that Dojijo had recently purchased the mansion and three other cars, two Toyota Camry and an Avalon. It was further gathered that, the recovered money, in various denominations, still had the stamp of an Akure branch of the bank from where it was withdrawn.

But when Saturday Vanguard interviewed Dojijo, he denied taking part in the operation noting however that one of his friends, Idris, who used his SIM card for four days, brought the money to his house. According to him, “I wasn’t involved in it.

Though my phone number was used for negotiation of the ransom and a large amount of the ransom collected was also found on me. What happened

"How we abducted Olu Falae"

was that, one of my friends known as Idris, who I met two months ago came to my house few days before the last Sallah celebration and took one of my SIM cards. When I came home, my wife told me about it and I called and asked what he was doing with my SIM card and he said he was using it for a job in Abuja. I don’t know where lives or the kind of business he was into but two days after the Sallah, he brought back my SIM card and a bag containing a large sum of money. I wasn’t at home when he brought these items but one of my wives received the items and gave them to me when I returned.

But the moment I reinserted the SIM back into my phone, the police showed up in my house and arrested me. They accused me of organizing the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae and I told them that I rear and sell cattle from where I made the money I used in building my house and also bought the four cars I drive. I inherited over 40 cows from my late father and I have sold all remaining just 10. I explained that I have no hand in the kidnapping and it was my one of friends, Idris, who returned my SIM card after four days with him and that he also brought the money to my house but the police won’t believe me. They asked me to take them to him

and I told them that I do not know his house and they do not believe my story,” Dojijo lamented.

Meanwhile, Umoru Ibrahim, 24, from Kebbi State, one of those who abducted Falae, told Saturday Vanguard that a certain Babaworu, his friend and fellow cattle rearer introduced him into kidnapping. As he put it, “few days before the last Sallah, Babawuro, came to me in Ado Ekiti and borrowed the sum of N20, 000 from me, promising he would pay me the next day. But he called me and asked that I should meet him in Akure, that he had a job for me. I asked what type of job was it and he said it was a lucrative farming job that will pay me enough money. I borrowed the sum of N10, 000 from a woman in Ado Ekiti and I rushed to Owo and met him at a designated spot.

He then took me into the bush and we walked a few distanced before getting to a spot where I met Idris Lawan, waiting for us.

Babawuro, then asked both of us to wait at that spot that he was going to fetch some other people who were going to work with us.

When he left, I asked Idris if he knew the nature of the job we were going for and he told me that he did not know. I asked him if he knows Babawuro very well and he explained that he also rears cattle in Okene and that he had met Babawuro a couple of times when they move their cows but that it

,

Some of the key players in the recent Olu Falae abduction saga, give a graphic account of the plot and successful execution of the project and how the long arm of the law caught up with them.

We got to a stream close to the farm and we waited in the water until we sighted a big vehicle driving into the farm

,

was Babawuro who called him and said he had a job that could fetch him some quick money so he left his cow and rushed down. While we waited, six other people including Babawuro showed up and joined us.

Then, Babawuro looked at me and said that the job we were to execute was robbery. I asked him where will the robbery take place and he told me that we were going to rob a human being. I then asked how we could sell a human being and make enough money for ourselves and he said we were going to make the person pay us some money and if he refuses and that we will let him go after spending some days with us and we will go after another person.

Then he brought out two guns and handed it to Usman and Dogo. He asked me to get a stick, one of us, a Yoruba man, had a cutlass with him.

Then we proceeded to Chief Falae’s farm. We got to a stream close to the farm and we waited in the water until we sighted a big vehicle driving into the farm. Babawuro signaled to us and said that our target was in the farm and we should move in. Then we crawled out of the water and those with the guns were in front, shooting indiscriminately while we followed from behind. When we saw the chief, we arrested him, one of us, with a cutlass, attacked Chief Falae and injured him. We then took him away and we had a very long walk,

Continues on pg 47

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

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rmed robbers, recently, invaded Nru Community in the university town of Nsukka, Enugu State, gunned down a popular palm wine seller, shot and shattered beyond recognition the legs of a choir master of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the parish and brutalized many others before disappearing into air.

Crime Guard gathered that the robbers in their numbers, invaded the community at the wee hours of the night, made straight to the shop of the palm wine seller identified simply as Attah Jude Ikechukwu, a.k.a Warrior, and robbed him of cash after eating his pot of goat meat pepper soup. The bandits then pumped bullets into his body and abandoned him in the pool of his blood. He reportedly died a few minutes later at Nsukka Medical Centre, while the Holy Redeemer choir master had his legs shattered with bullets. He was rushed to an unidentified hospital before being relocated to a bone-setter local clinic at Orba, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

Investigations revealed that the robbers entered the community when the police-assisted neighbourhood watch were yet to settle down for the day’s operations in the community. They reportedly held the community spellbound, robbing with reckless abandon, maiming while ransacking the community from house to house.

A dependable source in the community who would not want his name in print told Crime Guard that the hoodlums came into the community, shooting sporadically into the air to scare people but later aimed at human beings by killing ‘Warrior’ after which they shot the choir master. According to him, the invasion of the robbers has thrown the community into grief, confusion and heightened anxiety as fear of the unknown enveloped the community and its environs following the death of the palm wine seller.

“The palm wine seller who hailed from the community and had run his business for several years in the area, was said to be an epitome of good will to all that came in contact

Bandits lay siege to Enugu community • Kill palm wine seller, shoot choirmaster

•Jude with him”, said the source. “What could warrant the robbers shooting him to death still remains surprising and unbelievable to the residents and inhabitants of the community.”

The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Slyvanus Arumah said that the entire community was still confused over the fate of the victims. He described the palm wine seller as a quiet young man who went

•Emmanuel about his business without hurting a fly, adding that the invasion by the robbers was the first of its kind since the history of the autonomous community.

Igwe Arumah, however, appealed to both the Area Command, Nsukka Urban Police Division and the community neighbourhood watch to extend its dragnets to all the nooks and crannies of the university town of Nsukka and beyond in order to fast track the arrest of the yet-to-be-known

How mother of two, wood seller, were electrocuted in Lagos

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

T

he recently celebrated Eid- Kabir festival was marred at Utuh street,

•The victims

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Araromi Quarters in Ketu Area of Lagos State, after two members of the community were electrocuted in broad day light.

The victims, Bashirat Rauf, a mother of two and Sodiq Saka, met their untimely fate under the same circumstance.

Bashirat Rauf was said to had rushed out from her apartment when she saw fire burning from a cable in a nearby school.

She reportedly decided to quickly pick her children who were playing outside in order to avoid being

caught by the fire when she got electrocuted in the process. On his part, Sodiq Saka, 33, a plank seller, was said to had gone to fetch water to put off the fire in the school premises when he saw flame coming out of their compound and he got electrocuted in the process.

Crime Alert gathered that the incident occurred at about 5pm on September, 24, 2015, when Muslims worldwide were celebrating Sallah festival.

Death while saving lives According to Mr. Saka Imam, The father of late Sodiq, “as a Muslim, I have accepted my fate. There is nothing I could do to bring the dead back to life. “We were to gather on that fateful day. He was the one who slaughtered the Sallah ram he bought for me. After that, he told me he was coming to get something down the Continues on pg 47

•Attah, Chairman of Nru Town Union, Lagos. robbers that threw the community into mournful mood in the past few days.

Disturbed by the ugly development, the President of Nru Town Union in Lagos, Ndubisi Attah lamented: “What happened at Nru is very pathetic. The dare-devils shot this young man on the leg and killed the other one and visited other families. The village onyishi (leader) was beaten mercilessly by these robbers, who took all he had. They also met a widow and took all she had and left the people in sorrow. It is very pathetic and we call on the government to look into this because everybody is now living in fear. No one is safe at Nruand if it continues this way; the place would be vacated and we’ve been having such invasion of robbers without anybody doing anything.”

Reacting to the incident, Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ebere Amarizu, confirmed the incident, saying that full-scale investigations had since commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the invasion, assuring that both the operatives of the Nsukka Area Command of the Nigeria police and the Urban Division with the assistance of the general public, would definitely track down the fleeing suspects responsible for the mayhem.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015—47

How mother of two, wood seller, were electrocuted in Lagos street, only for someone to come and call me that my son had been electrocuted in the neighbourhood. I was told by some witnesses at the scene of the incident that my son only went into the compound of the school premises where it was burning to assist the owner of the house, only for him to be electrocuted by the falling cable. Sodiq was said to had stepped on the naked cable while trying to put off the fire.

What else do I do, I cannot give birth to a grown up boy like him.”

How the woman died The Secretary of Araromi Community Development Association, Mr.Wahab Awoyemi , described the incident as a very sad one for all resident of Araromi community. “It was very sad for us to loose two persons in a day.

The woman was in her apartment that fateful day preparing meal, when information got to her that the school near their apartment was burning. She rushed out to pick her children who were playing outside their compound and stepped on the naked cable.

She was electrocuted immediately.

Futile efforts to save victims “We made serious effort to rescue both of them. We went to Eko distribution company office at mile 12 to switch off the light.

The person who was supposed to switch off the power was said not be on duty. But with providence,

they took off the power. It was after then we were able to remove them from the burning cable and took them to a private hospital in the community where they were later pronounced dead by the medical doctor of the hospital.”

Negligence of duty Awoyemi added: “Before the ugly incident, we called on Eko Disco officials to come fix the cable before it will kill someone in the community. They did not come until two lives were consumed. We want

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Continues from pg 46

Before the ugly incident, we called on Eko Disco officials to come fix the cable before it will kill someone in the community.

They did not come until two lives were consumed

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incident. Assuming the roads were in good shape, they would have survived.”

government to come to our aid in the community. We are suffering.

There is no accessible road to our area and when the incident happened, fire-fighters and the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority who were coming to rescue the victims could not easily get to the scene of the

At the victim’s home When Crime Alert visited Bashirat’s house, it was learned that her husband had gone to welcome the deceased mother who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj programme, while the two children she left behind had been taken to her sister’s house.

P-H-O-T-O S-P-E-A-K

The President of ASIS International, Mr. Dave Tyson (3rd left) poses with renowned Nigerian security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu (3rd right) and other distinguished recipients of the highly coveted ASIS Presidential Award of Merit during the 61st Annual Seminar and Exhibits of the global security body held in Los Angeles, California USA last week (September 28th ). Dr. Ekhomu is the first African so honored by. the global security body.

"How we abducted Olu Falae" then Babawuro, showed up with a bike he and one other mounted the bike and they took Chief away.

Then we trekked all night for 12 hours before we got to the point where they were and we joined them. Babawuro, left us and we stayed behind and watched over Chief Falae. Our job was to look after the Chief but some other

Ekiti to pay off all my debts. I gave N50,000 to a man I was owing N60,000, I then paid N10,000 to the woman who borrowed me money to Owo. I also gave N7, 000 to someone I was indebted to and I spent the rest. After the Sallah, Idris Lawan called me and said, Babawuro was arrested where he was drinking and that everyone arrested with him had been bailed, except him.

I told him where I was and he came with Masaudu Moahmmed and Bello Janu, who were also friends of Babawuro and while we planning on how to raise money for his bail, the police showed up at the restaurant where they arrested the four of us. Before I was arrested, I felt relieved for paying those I was indebted to and my joy was cut short when the police showed up. I didn’t know that this was what I was getting myself into, I wouldn’t have joined them.

But I am still happy that I was able to pay off my debt.”

Saturday Vanguard had a brief interaction with Falae in his residence. He said that he was appreciative of the efforts of the police for being able to arrest his abductors. He called for more support for security agencies to enable them to perform their duties more efficiently. According to him, “I am grateful that the police

,

Continues from pg 45

people were talking with his family over ransom and whenever they wanted us to allow him to talk to his family they would call us and asked us to call his wife’s number. After four days, we got a call that the ransom had been paid and we should let him go. We took him out on the road and we all fled.

Babawuro then called and said all of us should proceed to Abuja for our money. When I got there I got N100, 000 as my share and I quickly went to Ado

We go gott to a stream close to the farm and we waited in the water until we sighted a big vehicle driving into the farm

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responded swiftly in going after those who kidnapped me. This has shown that if given adequate support the police will perform marvelously.

While I was at the police station to identify those who were arrested by the police, I identified two of them easily. One of them, the one at the extremely left, known as Umoru who cocked his gun and pointed it at me and wanted to shoot me but one of them pushed him away. I don’t know what he would have done. He would have pulled the trigger and it would have been a different story. For that reason I will never forget him. The second one was always threatening me in the bush, whenever he looks at me he would say, Baba, Baba, don’t look at us and that if I did, that he would come back for me. When I saw them at the police station, they showed recognition and they managed to smile at me. Those two were absolutely familiar to me and it would seem as if they are the people who felt aggrieved because I stopped them from allowing their cattle to graze in my my maize farm and doing other illegal activities around my farm. As a public officer, I am proud of the security agencies who went all out against these criminals. I am hopeful, if given adequate support and resources the police will live above expectations of all Nigerians. I expect the Judiciary to perform its responsibility and do justice to this case, based on the evidence presented before them,” he said.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

ESTHER ONYEGBULA & EBERE AHAM

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staggering forty-four heavily armed robbers, last Tuesday, stormed two second generation banks in Festac area of Lagos State, and carted away huge sums of money whose estimate is yet to be made public. The bandits who were reportedly dressed in army camouflage uniforms operated freely for over two hours without police intervention.

During the operation, three persons including a woman and her 2-year-old baby were killed by stray bullets from the daredevils who attacked from a nearby waterway and escaped also, through the same canal. Scores including bank officials and their customers were also seriously wounded during the stampede that ensued.

Shockingly, a few minutes after the bandits escaped with their massive loot, a team of policemen arrived the scene and members of the public reacted angrily by booing them for not responding promptly to the distress call while the deadly operation lasted. The Police at Festac were specifically indicted for negligence and lack of commitment to their responsibilities.

Perhaps, in a swift response to the incident, Police authorities re-deployed the Area Commander and former Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba to Oshogbo, Ondo State and quickly drafted a replacement from Ibadan, Oyo State. As at press time, the fate of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area was yet to be known. That notwithstanding, there is still palpable rage over the ugly development. Crime Guard went to town to feel the pulse of Lagosians over the development and crime situation in the state generally.

Excerpts:

Mr. Tola Noibi, Chairman, Aramyde Communications, Lagos he Festac incident was very T unfortunate. I will blame it on electioneering campaigns

where youths were used and dumped irresponsibly. The leaders of the country need to restructure the economy especially with human empowerment backed up with functional and effective recreational training. Security stipend of about N50,000 should be provided for the unemployed monthly. It should, as a matter of urgency, be paid to cushion the effect of mental and fiscal challenges of the jobless. Most crimes in the society often emanate from frustration and nonchalant attitude from leaders who flaunt their ill-gotten wealth

irresponsibly. Our Police also needs to be empowered mentally, physically and financially. Most of them, at the level of rank and file, are not encouraged and disciplined.

The ratio of policemen in the society is below expectations and needs serious improvement.

Comrade Ayodele AdeniyiAdelen, immediate past Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin LGA I don’t have anything to say concerning robbery attacks in Festac because when I was talking about it, you saw what I went through and nobody cared. I forewarned that time, that it would get to this level but nobody cared. I was attacked in my office. I would

Festac robbery: Lagosians react suggest President Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode set up a committee to investigate the criminality and what is happening in Amuwo Odofin LGA, especially Festac.

That is the way forward. They must set up a panel to come up with a white paper where stakeholders would discuss these issues.

Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, National Coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) Government should show greater commitment to police reform. Government should also adequately fund and equip the Police to enhance their morale and operational capability to effectively discharge their functions of providing public safety and security.

Miss Chiamaka Ajeamo, student The crime rate in Lagos now is very high. It is as if the Governor is not doing anything at all about security in Lagos.

That of Festac is so alarming that the residents are scared of their lives and property. How can a robbery attack take place in the same street where a police station is located and they could not do anything?

For crying out loud, there are only three entrances and exits in and out of Festac, and they could not block them before they escaped through the waterway. On the long run, innocent lives were wasted. I think the Lagos State Government should tighten up security.

Mr Chidi Emmanuel, generator technician Instead of the government spending money unnecessarily, they should take care of us and provide for us. Government should set up trust funds for children as soon as they are born, so that they can have somewhere to begin from when they graduate from school. This will reduce crime rate.

Mrs Hilda Fadeyi, teacher

Crime rate in the state is quite alarming. It is sending a message that the citizens should be seriously at alert because they are not safe any more. At any time, you should expect anything to happen.

One of the ways government can help is by properly equipping the Police. The state should get them better equipped than they are already. And citizens should be educated.

Mrs Gloria Egbuji, Executive Director, Crime Victims’ Foundation The Police should put more efforts at building good relationship with the public so that they can provide intelligence to police when necessary.

Mr Chika Okafor, mini-mart ownerThe government needs to be friendly to us and reinforce the Police. A lame man does not go to the battlefield with a wooden spoon. It is not only Festac that is suffering from this. Even Oke-Afa. The IG of Police is trying his best to make sure that there is security. The masses should be encouraged to talk to the Police when they notice anything too.

Mr Isaac Adeniyi Ajayi, commercial motorcyclist (okada-rider) There is nothing the government can do than give us security in this very insecure Lagos. We need better security.

It can help curb the armed robbery attacks. Police should always be around. At least,when armed robbers see police, they will have a change of mind and do something better. The police is good but most times, they do not do their jobs. How could robbers rob banks in broad daylight and police in that area were nowhere to be seen?

in serious military trainings and sophisticated practicals.

Government can also increase the security manpower posted to areas in Lagos.

Mr Elijah Famakin, commercial driver In the past, there was Operation Sweep. Is there no way to bring it back? We are not even safe in our homes. Before going out in the morning, you don’t even know if you will still be alive in the evening after work. The Police that are supposed to save us are nonhalant in their dealings.

James Ojo Adakole, student The recent robbery in Festac has again brought to the fore the fact that it is not only raining woes in our security system; it is pouring. The first, considering a metropolitan city like Lagos which is the hub and epicentre of business activities, religion, investment and a hunting ground for most Nigerians, its security ought to be at the peak. However, the reverse is the case. The government should increase the number of policemen in the state following the UNESCO recommendation of one policeman to 122 people. More so, the security agencies should be given the necessary tools to do the job. It is no gainsaying that our policemen lack the sophisticated weapons to combat such robbery attacks.

Security agencies should be given the orientation, tactics and managerial wherewithal to combat robbery in the state.

According to reports, the Police were alerted about the unfortunate incident when it was taking place but because they lacked the tactical approach, they could not apprehend those robbers.

Mr Nchege Johnson, lecturer Over and over again, it has been suggested that government should equip our uniformed men, engage them •Mr Elijah Famakin

•Mr. Tola Noibi

•Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma

•Mr Chidi Emmanuel

•Mrs Gloria Egbuji

•Miss Chiamaka Ajeamo

•Mr Chika Okafor

•Mr Isaac Adeniyi Ajayi

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17—2015 9, 2015 — 49

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Peaceful tenure: Oracles prescribe sacrifices for Buhari, Ambode

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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embers of the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria (AATREN), thronged the Divination Centre at Iroko-Awe, Eti Osa local government council of Lagos State to offer special prayers for the nation and Lagos State in particular.

The President, Chief Ifasegun Elegushi, who presided over the special prayer session, noted that it has been the usual practice of the association during its monthly meetings to ask the oracle (Ifa), what it has in stock for the rulers both at the local, state and federal levels.

According to him, “after such consultations made through one of the deities, Odus, Ifa Oturugbon, it was revealed that sacrifices should be offered to the gods for a peaceful tenure of our President, Gen Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

“Ifa further instructs us to make sacrifices for the peace, progress and protection of the nation and

I

they reside.

“We believe as traditionalists to always do our bit and ensure that peace reigns supreme in and around where we reside. We have prayed as the oracle commanded, so that our leaders succeed and their tenure peaceful. It is when they have peaceful governance that we also can operate with ease”, Elegushi said.

In her remarks, the Legal Adviser of the Association, Mrs. Adepeju Omotayo, noted that Nigeria remains a secular state and government should not place other religions above the traditional religions.

She said that a petition had been sent to the National Assembly on the discrimination against traditional religion but lamented that nothing has been done about it till date.

Lagos w arns residents on impending fflood lood warns

n appreciating the critical role and contributions played by volunteers during emergencies and disasters in the state, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has called on all the volunteers willing to be involved in the assignment to officially register with the agency.

The LASEMA General Manager, Mr. Michael Akindele, said that people with passion for saving lives and property should send application to lasema@lagosstate.gov.ng for screening and training in First Aid Treatment, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Fire Drills.

According to him, “emergency and disaster management require adequate, proper training and professionalism, this is important because minor injuries if not properly attended to by competent hands can lead to complications, or a rescuer without proper training can turn into victim.”

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for Lagos State in particular.”

The president also appealed for more recognition of his members by the government, adding that despite nonrecognition and assistance from the government, the traditionalists cannot but act and play their role as law abiding citizens to ensure that peace and tranquility reign supreme wherever

Meanwhile, government has reiterated the need for people leaving in floodprone areas to vacate and move to safer places during heavy down pours in order to avoid loss of lives and property. According to Akindele, the warning

becomes necessary as the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) has warned of heavy down pour during this period.

Apart from the NIMET warning, the Nigeria Hydrological Agency has also warned of impending

release of water from a Dam in the neighbouring Republic of Cameroon.

“It is our duty as agencies of government and relevant stakeholders to get our people prepared at all times and we should never be caught napping,” he said.

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50—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Br azilian TTrrade Brazilian Mission visits Ambode

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s part of efforts to attract foreign investment, the Lagos State government has expressed its readiness to partner with investors from Brazil towards the development of the state economy.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, gave the assurance when he received members of the Brazilian Trade Mission who paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, Mrs. Arinola Odulana, assured the visitors of government’s cooperation and described Lagos as the economic hub of Nigeria and choice destination for investment.

The Governor urged the Brazilian Trade Mission not to hesitate in translating the age-long historical and cultural affinity between Nigeria and Brazil into investments especially in key areas such as transportation, power, agriculture, health, infrastructure development and housing.

Ambassador Adamu Emozozo, in his address said that the Brazilian Trade Mission decided to engage the state government for the purpose of investment due to the strategic importance of Lagos as the social and economic nerve centre of Nigeria.

Is Lagos falling under Ambode?

Continues from pg 39 new enforcement methods by LASTMA, government had also put in place an interagency collaboration to unlock traffic across the state.

He said that LASTMA has issued over 500 tickets to traffic offenders in the last one month, warning motorists not to misrepresent the Governor’s directive to LASTMA on the arrest of traffic offenders, noting that the order was meant to make traffic managers more civil in the apprehension of traffic offenders.

“A lot of people have alleged that the gridlock being

experienced in the state has a connection with the announcement of His Excellency about the activities of LASTMA”, Adeyemi said.

“The era where you see a LASTMA official impounding vehicles on the highway or motorist trying to struggle with LASTMA officials is over. We are saying we want to do it in a civilised way. We are not saying we are not going to enforce, but what the state government is saying is that you have to go through some processes where enforcement at the end of the day will be the last resort.”

Reiterating the fact that the

law restricting the movement of articulated vehicles to the hours of 9am and 6pm is still in place, Adeyemi said that only vehicles carrying wet cargo, and long vehicles carrying staff are exempted from the law.

Permanent Secretary Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ajibade Bade-Adebowale, said on-going construction works on over 190 roads being rehabilitated across the state contributed in no small measure to traffic gridlock.

He however assured that the Public Works Corporation and other contractors handling the projects have being issued directives to expedite actions to

ensure that the projects are completed immediately He expressed optimism that the completion of the roads will ensure smooth driving, thereby easing traffic gridlock.

On his part, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr Toyin Onisarotu, said that the law banning street trading within the metropolis is still in force while reiterating the determination of the ministry to ensure a zero tolerance to those who obstruct smooth flow of the traffic by either displaying their wares on medians and walkways or those who trade in the traffic.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 17, 2015—51

FG licenses 23 modular refineries

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he Federal Government has concluded plans to issue 23licences to establish modular mini refineriesto increase local refining capacity, sustainable supplies and to stop importationof petroleum products into the country.

The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Mordecai Danteni Ladanin a telephone chat last Wednesdayhinted that it was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to reposition the petroleum industry to the glorious days ofpetroleum products availability.

According to him,the three licensing stages that must be sequentially and meticulously followed before a process plant can be commissioned for operation are: a licence to establish, a licence to construct the plant, and a licence to operate the plant whether for a petroleum refinery, petrochemicals and gas processing plant.

The validity of the licence to establish a refinery or plant shall be for a period of two years after which it shall lapse.The licensing of 18 private refineries by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 could not

Mini refineries advantages are that they are skid mounted and so faster to construct from 12 to 18 months and so improves engineering quality achieve any result as they eventually constituted themselves into the Association of Private Petroleum Refinery Owners of Nigeria.

President Buhari must have considered the mini plant option for now as a quick win to solving perennial product scarcity. Modular mini refinery are process equipment manufactured in controlled conditions, fully assembled and tested prior to overseas shipment, and installed at client’s site in much less time than traditional construction requires.

Modular mini refineries may be in units from 4000 to 30,000bpd, though some are as low as 1000 bpd

capacity. Lubricating oil, waxes and asphalt may not be produced in a modular mini refinery.Mini refineries are topping units or hydro skimming which viability depends on sites close to petroleum feedstock to reduce logistics and nearness to markets to reduce distribution costs.

Government incentives and generous conditions from credit agencies are required for a profitable investment.

Mini refineries advantages are that they are skid mounted and so faster to construct from 12 to 18 months and so improves engineering quality.

They are flexible to meet demand changes so more modules can easily be added. The negative is that you have more staff per Effective Distillation Capacity (EDC). Complex refineries advantages over mini plants are fewer staff per EDC, scale and operating efficiency is better, and has more volume and high value products. Experts believe that the economics of a topping unit mini refinery are not comparable to full conversion complex refinery.

Liquid fossil fuel process plants management has been the bane of Nigeria for the past two decades as our four refineries were run down. With the confusions and effusions over petroleum products availability, all sorts of heuristics of problem solving have been proffered; some on subsidy, others on refineries.

One remembersthis horrendous moment around March 2015 with election frenzy and acute fuel scarcity. Most Nigerians in bewilderment constituted themselves in search parties and laid siege at petrol stations for drops of PMS from

any benevolent petroleum marketer.

Reason was that there was no refining capacity locally.

As Nigerians laid siege at filling stations for fuel, some privileged petroleum resources managers busied themselves in heteroecism on the people sharing monies of products not imported. An alleged nondelivery of a multi-million dollar booty separated very intimate, capricious, superintendent racketeer and a subordinate that together had been fellow travellers. The subordinate who was slapped for bringing another set of fictive documents for endorsement had a threatof sack that was not executed before President Buhari was sworn in.

Nigeria imports about one million tons of PMS monthly. Now that we are rehabilitating the existing four refineries can we get 926,235.7 metric tons which is optimum capacity in one month? Even at optimum capacity we have a deficit of 73,764.3 metric tons in a month.

But with excess demand for gasoline and distillates in Nigeria options for sustainable suppliesalso lie in refineries rehabilitation to meet installed capacity, upgrading existing process plants to meet shortfall, partners coming in to invest in the existing refineries.

For rehabilitation let us examine the evolution of our existing refineries: Port Harcourt 1 was constructed by Shell-BP in 1965 at a cost of 12 million pounds. It had a capacity of 38,000 barrels per day (bpd). Capacity was upgraded or debottlenecked from 38,000 to 60,000 bpd in 1971 and taken over by the Federal Government.

W

riters are, according to Sir Philip Sidney and many other thinkers, the unacknowledged legislators of the society. I agree with them, because the sharp pen of the writer is capable of tearing into the rubrics of societal norms, mores and even laws. They can construct, reconstruct and also subtly obliterate beliefs and ways of life, generally. They can illuminate and also cast a shadow on existing concepts. Writers are capable of putting some form of checks on the society. We are Africans and skills in modern writing came to meet us only recently, one may say; however, a lot of achievements have been recorded ever since.

I am fascinated by the literary records of an African who did what, for want of a better expression, I join other commentators to regard as pioneering work in African writing. I mentioned him already but I now want to get closer to his dedicated contributions to the development of African writing. He is Leopold Sedar Senghor. First, Senghor’s personality is an expression of both the success and failure of the French colonial policy of Assimilation. Success in that through this policy, he is able to transform into a Frenchman, riding through that to – attain the highest level of education available in a prestigious university – Senghor made a Ph. D (agrege); become a good Catholic Christian – like Christopher Okigbo; become a Professor; become a Senegalese deputy in French National Assembly; attained the position of a Minister in the French Government; and become a member of the Council of Europe. These C M Y K

Great images of the past … "the dead ones who have always refused to die…" achievements are of mutual benefits to both the man and his colonial masters; and also to the man’s African society and his colonial French society. On the other hand, one can identify elements of failure, even though it may appear somehow risky.

On his part, he was turned into a Black Frenchman and almost succumbed to the danger of absolute erasure of his Africanness; in fact he was at the brinks of that before a turn in his consciousness rescued him. On the part of the colonial policy, Senghor appeared to have patiently equipped himself thoroughly with the best of values from his colonial lords, and somehow, turned against his benefactors.

The instruments he gathered from them would be his great arsenal in a successful battle with them because he would later become a writer, philosopher, politician, statesman and the first president of the Republic of Senegal. In other words, he championed the movement that culminated in the independence of

Senegal, a sizeable West African state that came under effective French rule at about 1865.

There is no doubt therefore that Senghor’s fame arrived from many angles. My concern here is his achievements as a writer. He is usually associated with the doctrine and philosophy of Negritude. Just before he returned to champion the political course of his people of Senegal, he had first made a return in his personal and intellectual consciousness… as a writer, in a poem, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” Senghor’s change revealed that the assimilation policy was not quite a successful endeavour that transformed blacks Africans into French citizens but more of a successful socio-political entrenchment that created a gulf between what would development into the civilized and the uncivilized black people. Intellectuals like Senghor who found themselves in France at those early days were exposed to the true nature of Western, or more precisely French civilization.

To them, that civilization was not just cold, but hollow and was not comparable to the warm friendliness and homogeneous riches of the African tradition that nurtured them To them, that civilization was not just cold, but hollow and was not comparable to the warm friendliness and homogeneous riches of the African tradition that nurtured them.

With the benefit of the knowledge of the two worlds of Europe and Africa, the likes of Senghor were able to draw comparisons.

They came with an unequivocal agreement of the superiority of African values and virtue over European ways. They demonstrated this by idolizing and extolling the virtues of Africa. They become advocates, exponents and defenders of the beauty, vibrancy and strength of Africa. Their love for the land, the culture and the peoples of Africa garnished the pages of their literary pieces. First Senghor and his colleagues were quick to address issues that were going to completely complicate the already uncertain personality of the Africa. For instance, Senghor was fast and resolute enough to correct that his ancestors, as an African, were not “Gaulish” but African.

52 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Amnesty Programme: Ex-militants threaten renewed armed struggle if ...

BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

E

X-MILITANTS in Delta State have vowed to pick up arms again if the alleged deduction of their monthly stipends by their leader and a commercial bank was not stopped. The Exmilitants gave the threat Wednesday during a protest in Warri, Delta State.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “FG please pay our money directly to our account” They alleged that their monthly stipends from the Federal Government since it’s inception from 2009 were deducted allegedly by their leader.

The protest leader, Adesi Ebi, accused their leader and a commercial bank of allegedly trading with their monthly stipends, noting that the exmilitants leader operates an account for them without their passport photographs and signatures.

He pointed out that they don’t know their account numbers as they

were only given ATM Cards which they have been using in operating the bank accounts.

According to him, “he opened an account for us without our passports.

In 2011, he brought ATM Cards and give us N35,000 instead of N65,000.”

Ebi also appealed to the Federal Government to open new bank accounts for the ex-militants and

pay their monthly stipends directly to them, pointing out that the stigma they have received in the years past is bigger than the N35,000 they have been receiving from the Federal Government.

He warned that if the deduction of their monthly stipends continues, they maybe tempted to take up arms in renewed bid to liberate themselves.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 17, 2015—53 Diamond bank branch, with any as we have introduced special mobile agent or Diamond targeted draws to reach otherwise promoter and withdraw cash from overlooked groups.” He disclosed any ATM nationwide for free. that the just concluded Season 7 Additionally, they can register for of the scheme saw a total of 1,439 free Diamond Online Banking or customers win various cash prizes Mobile Banking which allows ranging from N250, 000 to N2 customers to carry out million, including the star prize transactions on the move and also of “Salary4Life.”

Speaking further on the reward apply for one of the bank’s VISA credit cards with a credit limit of scheme, Ms. Aishah Ahmad, up to 75 percent of the customer’s Head, Retail Banking Directorate of the bank, explained that in credit balance.

Added to all these benefits, a addition to the regular weekly and customer on the DiamondXtra monthly draws, there are three account stands a chance to earn special draws to commemorate salary for life which entitles the special events or as determined by winner to a monthly payment of a the bank. In each of the special hundred thousand Naira for draws, 25 customers are rewarded twenty years. In its magnanimity, with N1 million each.

All these is as a result of the the bank said it has expended over bank’s awareness that customers are truly kings in the financial services sector and not just pawns in the hands of shylock merchants who only lure them for profit making. Looking ahead, the good times are truly here for the customer who is beginning to assume his true role as the king in transaction relationships.

“We value our relationships with our customers because we believe that the strength of any relationship comes from listening, understanding and responding adequately to the needs of our customers. This is why we commenced the scheme to meet some of the financial goals of our customers,” she emphasized.

“The most exciting thing about the DiamondXtra reward scheme is that everybody has a chance of winning as all you need to do to qualify for the draws is to have a L-R: Etisalat Nigeria’s Director, Enterprise Segment, Lucas Dada; Chief Marketing Officer, Francesco Angelone; a winner, Tomi; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and Director, minimum balance of N5,000 in Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-African University, Peter Bamkole during the Unveil of Winners your DiamondXtra account,”she said. of Etisalat EasyBusiness Millionaire Hunt 2 recently in Lagos.

This manifested in the emergence of Domino Osasere, a earn a competitive interest on the warrants; the customer can also N600 Million to reward its trader at the Ladipo Spare Parts daily balance paid every month use their cheque book to make customers.

Market, who won N500,000 from though this will be forfeited if personal withdrawals at any According to Mr. Uzoma the DiamondXtra end of the more than 3 withdrawals are Diamond bank branch for free.

Dozie, Group Managing Director month draws that took place at made in a month; deposit cheques Continuing, the bank said of the bank, “the DiamondXtra Ladipo market, Lagos. from other banks can be deposited customers on the DiamondXtra reward scheme is unique and will into the account, as well as divided account can bank at any accommodate more stakeholders

How banks grow customers’ wealth through reward schemes T he economic slump has offered bank managers a chance to effectively reward customers through a scheme to grow their economic fortunes. Moses Nosike examines efforts by banks to retain and grow their customer base through reward schemes.

Banks globally are cutting back their financial-incentive programmes but a few have used other incentives like reward systems/promos to inspire their customers. Recent trends in the Nigeria banking sector seem to suggest a changing twist for good as the customer is treated to various forms of incentives to woo them over as investment partner.

At various banking halls across the country, customers now meet a more relaxed and comported smiling Teller ready to attend to them with patience. More than that, banks now connect with customers in various other ways like offering free packages to entice them into saving to shore up their deposit base, especially in this season of high competition.

Progressive-minded banks however understand that the future is very bleak for the person that does not save and that is why they have integrated rewards as an incentive to help their customers. In fact, some banks that were hitherto not very visible in the retail segment are now making a foray there, indicating they are keen to attract and retain existing and potential customer (s).

For transparency sake, the draws for the rewards are conducted through an electronic process approved by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Consumer Protection Council. It is also verified by the renowned auditing firm, KPMG Professional Services. A good example is the ongoing DiamondXtra account reward scheme for existing and new customers, embarked upon by Diamond Bank Plc. According to the bank, the account is designed for individuals who want to build up their savings gradually. It is an interest-yielding savings account, which allows the deposit of both cash and third party cheques. In addition, cash can be withdrawn from any ATM, and over the counter using your DiamondXtracheque book from any of its branches.

The bank says that the reward system is a deliberate effort to rewarding existing and new customers for their patronage. It is also a continuation of the bank’s efforts to further penetrate the retail banking space and deliver added value to its growing customer and deposit base. The DiamondXtra reward scheme represents a unique offering in the banking industry where customers can win big simply by maintaining the savings account.

The bank says its takes just N5, 000 minimum opening balance for any person to start banking operations with the bank, and the following benefits will accrue to the customer: the customer will

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More Nigerians receive empowerment from Etisalat EasyBusiness Millionaire hunt

C

onsidering the challenges of business operation in Nigeria today, every sector of the economy needs mental and capital empowerment, especially SMEs to remain in business and drive innovation which is major key to business development globally.

Etisalat, Nigeria’s most innovative and SME-friendly telecommunications operator conceived this dream years ago and today it has become a reality in the business transactions in Nigeria.

Beyond millions of Naira the company gives out to boost businesses across the country,

knowledge acquired during the process of this competition not only makes every participant a winner but they are transformed to transform their businesses because knowledge is power.

However, Etisalat on Tuesday in Lagos unveiled the winners of the season of two of the EasyBusiness Millionaires Hunt in which it awarded a N2 Million grant and office equipment to each of the 10 winners along with a six-month expert support to help them actualise their business ideas.

The winners include, Hauwa Liman,Ukamaka Ugwuoju, Oluwaseyi Dada,Toby Jejephilip, Abigail Adewumi

and Oyeboade Makinde.

Others are Yewande Towobola, Franke Okoye, Tunji Akande and Tomi Adegbenro.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said the company is well positioned to help people make the transition from informal to formal businesses built on viable structures. “One of the challenges we face is helping people make the transition from start up businesses to structured businesses. Transformation is one thing that affects us in business. Today, we are celebrating the emergence of a new crop of entrepreneurs with

a difference. These are a group of young men and women whose brilliant minds have set them apart from their equals.”

The Etisalat CEO also urged the winners to prioritise customer satisfaction, noting that keeping fate with this principle will guarantee growth for their businesses.

Director, Enterprise Development Centre, PanAtlantic University,Lagos, Peter Bamkole, “It is very difficult in our environment today for young people to have opportunities given to them. I congratulate the Etisalat team on its holistic commitment to SMEs development.

Global Handwashing Day: Unigloves, partners take campaigns to schools, hospitals many selected schools and campaign is dedicated to raising

BY OSA AMADI

nscribed on the wall of the lobby of Hygeia Lagoon I Hospital, Lagos, are these words:

“Clean hands save lives.”

Whichever way one may look it whether socially, spiritually, or hygienically - the truth of those words are incontrovertible.

It is for this reason that some caring firms like Unigloves Medical, in collaboration with other European partners carried the hygiene campaign to schools and hospitals in Nigeria as its own contribution to the celebration of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2015. It did this by installing dispensing machines in

hospitals all over the country where students and workers would have the opportunity to wash their hands with disinfectants and quality solutions produced by the company.

According to the Managing Director, Unigloves Medical, Mr. Kevin Emeka Onah, this is a way of promoting hygiene among Nigerian children, thereby preventing infections and other diseases.

Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is a campaign to motivate and mobilize people around the world to improve their handwashing habits by washing their hands with soap at critical moments each day. “The

awareness of handwashing with soap as a key approach to disease prevention, and to reduce childhood mortality rates related respiratory and diarrheal diseases by introducing simple behavioral changes like handwashing with soap. This simple, accessible action can, according to research, reduce the rate of mortality from these diseases by almost 25 and 50 per cent, respectively”.

In view of this, Uniglove Medicals, a market-leading manufacturer of premium quality, multi-purpose disposable gloves, in conjunction with two German companies; B Braun Melsugen and OP Hardt and two French companies; Holtex and Novomed

and Frontier Medical Group, are set to improve healthcare deliveries especially in the area of hygiene and infection prevention and control in hospitals, hospitality and manufacturing sectors in Nigeria. Unigloves Medical Healthcare Limited is a subsidiary of UG Healthcare Corporation which is a multinational organization and manufacturers of medical gloves and global healthcare providers.

They also manufacture high quality multi-purpose medical and healthcare disposables. They are currently in 10 countries worldwide including Singapore, United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, China and Nigeria.

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17—2015

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 17, 2015 — 55

Ighalo set to shoot down Arsenal S

uper Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo is in lframe to star for Watford in today's Premer League match against Arsenal.

Ighalo has been the star of Watford's campaign this season, scoring three goals in three games for the Hornets last month, including a match-winning double during the excellent 2-1 away win over Newcastle United.

Ighalo’s other goal was his memorable strike against Swansea City at Vi c a r a g e Ro a d , w h i c h helped to secure the Golden Boys' first three points of the season.

It is this chart-buursting form that Ighalo, who scored in Eagles 3-0 victory over Cameroon in Sunday's international friendly takes into today's home match against the Gunners.

“It will be nice to score against Arsenal and I hope that the team will get the maximum points in front of our fans”, Ighalo tweeted yesterday.

ARRIVAL: FIFA U-17 World Cup defending champions, Golden Eaglets arrive Santiago, Chile ahead of their match with the USA on Saturday.

Eaglets chase history in Chile

By John Egbokhan

F

or the Golden Eaglets, the chance to ink their names in football history knocks on their door as they chase an unprecedented and historic fifth ttle at the FIFA U-17 World Cup kicking off today in Chile.

Eaglets, winners of the maiden edition in 1985 in China have lifted the title four times, more than any other nation and head into the tournament as the favourites..

The Nigerians won the last ediition held in the United Arab Emirates and will be the focus of all attention today when they play USA in a Group A game at the Estadio National Julio Martinez Prádanos in Santiago. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Nigerian coach and former AFCON and FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, Emmanuel Amuneke said “we are here to defend the trophy. We are here with new players who want to write their own history and we are looking forward to our first game against the United States of America, which is very important for us." Also speaking, the team's leading scorer with 39 goals in as many matches, Victor Osimhen promised that they will surmount the tough challenges that await them in Chile.

“We are here to win. Like our coach said, we are here to write our own story as a team and players." said Osimhen

Moses returns home to face Palace igerian striker, Victor Moses faces an emotional N return today when West Ham

travel to face Crystal Palace in south London.

Moses gewy up and went to school just a few streets away from Selhurst Park and was given his breakthrough into the professional game by Palace after becoming one of the star performers at the Club's Academy.

He first played for Palace in 2007 and spent three-years at Palace before making a move to Wigan in 2010 but has stressed the importance of ensuring that the Hammers maintain their impressive unbeaten run against his boyhood club today.

Moses said: “I remember playing at Palace for Liverpool and the fans gave me a great reception. I grew up there and spent most of my years at Palace. I C M Y K

really enjoyed my time there and it is good to see them in the Premier League.

“They have done really well this season and they will be a hard team to beat away from home. I am a West Ham player now and I j u s t want to enjoy my football and help us get the three points.

“The West Ham fans always stick with the players and it is amazing how they support you all the time. I am very pleased to be here and enjoying m y football.

Alan Pardew has been at West Ham before and he is now doing very well at Palace. He organises the team very well, but we are working hard in training to make sure we go there and get the three points. I think we are going to surprise a lot of teams this season and will be up there.”

Klopp starts Liverpool reign at Tottenham

J

urgen Klopp wants to see a brave Liverpool team willing to risk making mistakes in his first game in

charge against Tottenham today.

Klopp is keen to banish the air of negativity that surrounded Anfield during the final weeks of Rodgers' reign and has called for plenty of ambition from his new players.

"The bravery is to make mistakes," the German said. "This is a fantastic game, football. We all love it because it can be spectacular, fast, hard. But it doesn't work without faults. We all, as human

beings, think about them, but it's not important to think about how many mistakes you make.

"You can always get better, if you accept that mistakes will happen. It's not the biggest thing in the world.

We have to be compact, close together tactically, and if you are close then you have options to play with. You don't always have to try the most risky ball if you are compact. You have to run, to fight, until the moment, and then… bang, you take it."

Nadal: My axiety is disappearing R

•Nadal

afael Nadal has said that his anxiety on the court was disappearing.

Speaking after beating Milos Raonic 6-3, 7-6, the former world number one said ''winning a match 7-6 in the third and winning another match in the tiebreak of a second set, two tiebreaks without losing a point with my serve, it’s impossible if you don't have control of your emotions.

“That's something that, a couple of months ago, would have been impossible for me. I hit some passing shot winners in the important moments and that's why my anxiety is disappearing. I'm earning tranquility and confidence”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Eaglets

•Gold

chase history in Chile >>55

We’ll play

Eaglets •Emmanuel

with energy — USA

•Williams

>>34/35

Today’s Fixtures FIFA U-17 World Cup England v Guinea 8pm Golden Eaglets v USA 9pm v Korea Republic 11pm Brazil Chile v Croatia Midnight EPL Tottenham v Chelsea v Crystal Palace v Everton v Man City v Southampton v West Brom v Watford v

Liverpool 12:45pm Aston Villa 3pm West Ham 3pm Man Utd 3pm Bournemouth 3pm Leicester 3pm Sunderland 3pm Arsenal 5:30pm

LA LIGA Real Madrid Eibar Barcelona Valencia Real Betis

Levante 3pm Sevilla 5:15pm Rayo Vallecano 7:30pm Malaga 9pm Espanyol 9:05pm

v v v v v

BUNDESLIGA Augsburg v Darmstadt 2:30pm v Leverkusen 2:30pm Hamburg Schalke v Hertha Berlin 2:30pm Werder Bremen v Bayern Munich 2:30pm Wolfsburg v Hoffenheim 2:20pm Frankfurt v M’gladbach 7:30pm SERIE A 5pm Roma v Empoli Torino v AC Milan 7:45pm

•Eagles,

•Adeniji

Eagles

battle Burkina Faso for CHAN ticket >>33

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)Director of Media, Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wilson_(9) 6)Vehicle (3) 8)Female Rabbit (3) 9)Country in Asia (5) 11)Reverend Sister (3) 12)Super Eagles Defender, Umar_(5) 13)Ethnic Group in Uganda (5) 15)Country in Asia (5) 17)Cry of a Cat (3) 19)Egypt’s First President, Muhammad_(6) 20)State in Nigeria known as “The Salt of the Nation”? (6) 21)Recess (3) 23)Muslim Religion (5) 26)L.G.A in Edo State (5) 28)Hebrew Alphabet (5) 29)State in Nigeria known as “The Pacesetter State”? (3) 30)Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Issa_(5) 33)Chairman, Economic & Financial Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ekpo_(3) 34)Frozen Water (3) 35)Former Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Azubuike_(9) DOWN

1)Period of Twenty-Four Hours (3) 2)Adult Male Sheep (3) 3)Former Zambia “Chipolopolos” Coach, Honor_(5) 4)L.G.A in Ondo State (6) 5)Super Eagles Striker, Emem_(5) 6)Edo State Capital (5) 7)Country in Europe (3,6) 10)Common Name for “Garri”? (3) 13)Italian Foreign Minister, Mr. Paolo_(9) 14)Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Mohammed_(5) 16)Former Abia State Governor, Temi_(5) 17)Igbo Word for “Tortoise”?

(3) 18)Connection (3) 22)Insect (6) 24)Sierra-Leone Currency (5) 25)Ethnic Group in Kenya (5) 26)L.G.A in Imo State (5) 27)Barrier (3) 31)Super Falcons Defender, Onome_(3) 32)L.G.A in Borno State (3)

Solution on page 52

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