It's judgement day

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2— SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012—3

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4— SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 5

Ondo Guber: It’s D-Day today *1,546,081 people vote

*Police deploy 11,000, Army draft 8,000 *Tension over suspected cultists invasion

BY LEKE ADESERI, KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja, DAYO JOHNSON, CHARLES KUMOLU, Akure

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HEAD of the governorship elections holding in Ondo State today, and following allegations of planned violence, rigging and other electoral malpractices by contestants, Inspector General of police, Mohammed Abubakar has warned trouble makers, ballot box snatchers or riggers that they would have themselves to blame if the prevalent peace is not allowed to reign as his men are fully prepared for any eventuality.

To this end, IGP Abubakar has deployed over 11,000 policemen to the state to maintain law and order in today ’s election across the 18 council areas of the state.

The Police headquarters in Abuja has also deployed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge ‘Operations’, Mr. Philemon Leha to over see the conduct of a violence, free elections in the state.

Aside the deployment of DIG Leha who has relocated to Akure, four Commissioners of Police were also deployed to Ondo State to provide supervision both at the State level and Senatorial levels while all the Area Commanders in the State were also redeployed out.

Towards this end, Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Indabawa was redeployed to Ondo State to supervise the elections. He takes over from CP Bala Nassarawa who moves to Force headquarters. CP Foluso Adebanjo, the CP in charge Police Bomb Disposal Unit is deployed to Ondo Central Senatorial district to provide security,CP Mohammed Ibrahim, the CP in charge ‘Special Protection Unit’, Force headquarters is to ensure

security for the Ondo South Senatorial district.

CP Olufemi Ogunbayode, the CP in charge Counter Terrorism Unit is to take charge of security in Ondo North Senatorial district.

Confirming the deployments, Force Spokesman, CSP Frank Mba said enough police personnel which Saturday Vanguard gathered were about 13, 000 including Special Unit Police dogs, Antiterrorism personnel and Mobile Police personnel, have been deployed to Ondo state for the exercise.

He explained that while the Police is not INEC that will conduct the election, it will ensure and provide the conducive atmosphere for it to take place as well as provide adequate protection for voters, election officials and prevent election malpractices.

Also three new police Commissioners have been deployed to the state to man the three senatorial areas of the state, while sensitive materials to be used by INEC for the election have been distributed across the state ahead of the today’s election to avoid late arrival.

They were moved from the CBN in the state on Thursday to the INEC office in Akure for onward distribution to council areas of the state in the presence of the 13 political parties and stakeholders.

Materials for the riverine areas of Ilaje and Ese Odo were distributed on Thursday while those for the remaining 16 councils left the state INEC office yesterday.

Addressing newsmen in Akure on their preparedness, the newly posted Police Commissioner Muhammed Indabawa said that the police will deal ruthlessly with those out to disrupt the governorship election.”

Indabawa added that police orderlies have been withdrawn from political office holders to avoid intimidation during the

conduct of the poll.

The Spokesperson of the Army deployed to the state, Lt Emmanuel Onoja declined to give the number of soldiers deployed to the state adding that more soldiers were deployed to the state yesterday.

An unconfirmed report however put the number of soldiers deployed to forestall any security challenge at over 8,000.

The Police Commissioner however said that he will not tolerate hooliganism, loitering or violence during the election adding that the state is bigger than any individual.

“The election is not only about Ondo state, it is about the integrity of the country and we will not allow anybody to tarnish the image of the country.”

According to him, the election is going to be better than that of Edo state just as he advised the electorate to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Indabawa advised those who have no business at the polling booths not to show their faces there adding that selling and wearing of any party symbol are prohibited at the voting centres.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, the three major political parties have commended the preparedness of the electoral body.

Residents across the state trooped to the market yesterday following the restriction order during the election.

The motor parks across the state were filled as people who registered outside the state travelled to exercise their civic right.

It will be recalled that Chairman of INEC Prof Attahiru Jega during his visit to the state assured that all the votes cast in today’s election will count and that the results will be announced within 12 hours.

Jega said that the Ondo state elections will be a tremendous improvement on the one in Edo state.

*President Goodluck Jonathan with the Prime Minister of Mali, Mr.Cheick Modibo Diarra during the visit of President Jonathan to Mali yesterday.

According to him, 18 Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC ,from states outside the South West will function as Electoral Officers across the council areas of the state.

Prof. Jega said that the election will be free, fair and credible and that the electoral body will create an enabling atmosphere for all political parties without any bias.

He pleaded with all the political parties to come into the election with appropriate moral ethics to ensure full compliance with the electoral process.

Jega said the commission has done its best in discharging its responsibilities as far as the electoral system is concerned and has improved on the nation’s electoral process.

GOC Abubakar addresses soldiers Also, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Mohammed Abubakar while speaking with soldiers deployed to the state for the election ordered the soldiers to shoot any trouble maker who resists arrest.

Abubakar also warned trouble makers to steer clear of the State during the election.

The GOC while addressing Soldiers deployed to the state for the election at the 32 Artillery Brigade Akure declared that nobody would be allowed to carry arms to the polling stations while directing them to arrest anybody who violates the order.

According to him, “No movement on election time except for those on essential duties and those on election duty. No hunting on the election Day. “I am happy that the IG has said that there would be no fishing during the poll. I don’t want to hear that I am going to the bush to hunt. Anybody with arm must be arrested. If he resists arrest, shoot him. I give you the order.”

Abubakar said that movements would be restricted from 6pm to 6am but he explained that motorists travelling across the state to other parts of the country would be allowed passage after they must have proved that they are not going into the state.

The GOC said that he had received petition from a political party that one of the contestants had bribed some soldiers to allow his party to rig during the election.

He pointed out that he was not a member of any party and warned any soldier who is a member of any political party to say it.

According to him” any soldier found colluding with any party would be severely dealt with. No amount of money they promise you will turn you to Abiola or Dangote.

These people worked for their money. So be satisfied with the Nigerian Army pay you”.

He said that there would be dress code for the troops saying it would be easy for real soldiers to identify fake ones.

Warning that thuggery,

snatching of ballot boxes, stuffing of ballot boxes and ambush of electoral materials will not be tolerated by the Police, the spokesman said, “We have enough personnel, we have provided intelligence personnel as undercover agents, counter terrorism, special units as well”.

Recalling that Ondo state is also a littoral state, CSP Mba said, “We have also deployed Marine Police personnel to work in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to provide adequate security in the waterways”.

Parties hail INEC’s preparation Meanwhile, the three major political partiesPeoples Democratic Party PDP, Labour Party LP and the Action Congress of Nigeria A C N, contesting in today’s governorship election in Ondo State were yesterday optimistic of winning the election.

Other ten parties are not serious about the election as they neither have posters or offices.

They equally expressed satisfaction in the preparation of INEC to conduct a free and fair election.

The parties assured that the election will be peaceful, having educated their supporters on the need for a violentfree poll.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard in Akure, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Mimiko Campaign Organisation

*Continued on page 46 More news on Page 46

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Bakassi indigenes mo o ssttop demarcation, sue FG movve tto for N200 billion

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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TILL aggrieved over the refusal of the Federal Government to call for the review of the judgment ceding them to Cameroun, Bakassi natives on Thursday approached a Federal High Court Abuja to stop the final demarcation of the boundary between Nigeria and its neighbour. The suit, which was filed by Save Bakassi Group, on behalf of the natives, seeks among other things, to compel the Federal Government to take immediate steps to place before the International Court of Justice and the United Nations General Assembly, a case for the enforcement of their right to self determination as stipulated in the UN and African Charters on Human Rights.

The Bakassi people are represented by Chief Emmanuel Etene, Thomas Archibong, Aniekpe Offiong, Chief Archibong Esin and Mrs. Victoria Cobham on behalf of themselves and all the communities and people in the defunct Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State ceded to Cameroon on October 10, 2002 by the ICJ under the Green Tree Agreement.

Among the reliefs being sought by the people are, a declaration that by virtue of Articles 1 and 20 (1) (2) & (3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification & Enforcement) Act Cap., Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article 50 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 8th December, 1948, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a legal and bounden duty to immediately and promptly place before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands, and the General Assembly of the United Nations and ensure diligent and conscientious prosecution of the claim/entitlement of the People of the Bakassi Peninsula affected by the enforcement of the Judgment of the International Court of Justice in the Land and Maritime Boundary Case between the Republic of Cameroon and the Federal Republic

of Nigeria (with Equatorial Guinea Intervening) delivered on the 10th October, 2002, and the subsequent Green Tree Agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon dated the 12th June, 2006, which led to transfer of the sovereignty of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon without the Self Determination of the Bakassi People as a distinct People/Nation (in view of the expression of desire of the People of Bakassi not to be part of the Republic of Cameroon).

The natives are also seeking an order compelling the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately and promptly place before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands, and the General Assembly of the United Nations and ensure diligent and conscientious prosecution of the claim/entitlement of the People of the Bakassi Peninsula affected by the enforcement of the Judgment of the International Court of Justice in the Land and Maritime Boundary Case between the Republic of Cameroon and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (with Equatorial Guinea Intervening) delivered on the 10th October, 2002, and the subsequent Green Tree Agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon dated the 12th June, 2006, which led to the transfer of the sovereignty of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon without the right to Self Determination of the People of Bakassi as a distinctive People/Nation.

They are also seeking a declaration that the Identification and Demarcation exercise or Pillar Site Assessment of the Boundary of the Thalweg from Pillar V in the Lake Chad in Borno State to the Upstream Sector of River Akwayafe in

Cross River State of the Maritime Boundary by the Joint Technical Team of the Sub-Commission on Demarcation Correspondence to some Sectors in Cross River State is premature, ought to be stayed, and should be stayed in view of the fact that the right to Self Determination of the People of Bakassi cognisable by Article 20 (1) (2) and (3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Enforcement and Ratification) Act, supra, is yet to be determined by the appropriate Organs of the United Nations such as the General Assembly and the International Court of Justice.

The Managing Director Dufil Prima Foods Plc Makers of Indomie, Mr. Deepak Singhal, First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, the 1st Prize Winner of the 5TH Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria Miss Olufunmilayo Bello, the Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Ashiwaju and Senator Femi Lanlehin during the presentation of the awards at the weekend. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Reinstatement: Salami in dilemma over NJC’s conditions day, the Chief Justice of It was further gathered meeting, the much I can

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE National Judicial Council, NJC, may have unwittingly raised and dashed hopes of the embattled President of the Court of Appeal, PCA,Justice Isa Ayo Salami, to reclaim the office he was forced to vacate last year August.

Saturday Vanguard, learnt that the legal body, despite lifting the suspension it slammed on Salami over alleged judicial misconduct, has however refused to give him the nod to resume work, insisting it would only do so, should the PCA agree to withdraw the legal action he instituted against the council before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

It was gathered that as an aftermath of the 2-day crucial meeting the council held in Abuja on Wednesday and Thurs-

Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, yesterday, conveyed the position of the NJC, to Salami.

Though the duo reportedly met in camera, but, a source close to the PCA, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on ground of anonymity, disclosed that Salami declined to take any definite position saying he needed time to consider the proposal.

that Justice Mukhtar, aside expressing her desire to reconcile the suspended PCA and the erstwhile CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, equally vowed to ensure that Salami is paid his accumulated salary and entitlements, should he agree to the conditions.

According to the source, “though I cannot tell you everything that transpired in the course of the

33 feared dead in Ogun as Coaster bus plunges into River

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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O fewer than 33 pas sengers were feared dead yesterday when a coaster bus loaded with passengers skiddedoff a dual carriage bridge and plunged into a river at J4, Ogbere -Ijebu stretch of the Sagamu Ore expressway, in Ijebu

East Local government area of Ogun state.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the bus got drowned immediately it plunged into the river and was reportedly swept away from the point of entry to the river.

It was learnt that, there were three survivors who include a pregnant

Adamawa Crisis: Nyako storms PDP House, begs Tukur

BY HENRY UMORU

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ORTY-eight hours after the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP sacked the Adamawa State Executive Committee and inaugurated a Caretaker Committee, the embattled governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako rtd, has begged the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to forgive him over

the unfolding political logjam in the state.

Nyako who on Thursday stormed the Legacy House, PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Maitama, Abuja, met with the National Chairman and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC. Answering questions from Journalists shortly after his meeting with the leadership of the party, Adamawa State governor who

tell you, is that the ball is now on Justice Salami’s court. The council has realized its mistakes and is willing to make amends.

This CJN is really out to do the right thing, she stressed that her priority was not to flex muscle or entertain unnecessary squabbles within the judicial hierarchy, but to move the nation’s Judiciary forward.

noted that there was nothing wrong if he begs Bamanga Tukur to forgive him if he erred, said, ‘’There is nothing wrong in begging, PDP is a very large family, it has elder brothers and younger brothers. In our own situation, we have the National Headquarters, we have state chapter of the party, we have local government chapter of the party, we have the ward, we

have the unit leadership so if there is anything we observe as shortcomings of one or the other, obviously, we should express regrets that this has happened and find ways to resolve our problems. Brothers are brought together where the elder brother sits at the head of the chair and say this is what has happened and we tell the elder brother our own version of the story.

woman who were said to have been hung between a tree branch.

Confirming the incident, the Unit Commander, Ijebu - Ode Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Seidu Isah Osilama, said the FRSC operatives arrived at the scene of the accident few minutes after it occurred.

He however said that they were able to rescue the three survivors because,according to him, they fell off the bus and landed on a tree.

According to him, the rescue effort would require crane and divers to ascertain the location of the bus and the passengers inside the water.

He said no one knows the exact number of passengers in the bus or the casualty figure as they are still in the water.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 7

Chinese construction worker, 19 others killed, Church burnt down in Maiduguri, Potiskum attacks

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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Chinese nationale who is an engineer with CGC construction firm handling the dualization of Lagos street and three others were yesterday shot dead in separate attacks by gunmen in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. This brings to two Chinese nationals that were shot dead in Maiduguri, the other one was shot dead in Gubio council area two weeks ago.

The incident is coming barely 24 hours when some gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked Potiskum town on Thursday which led to the killing of one policeman including 10 others after the multiple explosion and shootings between terrorists and men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) where scores were killed while others sustained various degree of injuries.

Also at about 11am, there was an exchange of gun fire on Thursday around 505 Abbagana Terab Housing Estate in Ruwan Zafi along Maiduguri- Gamboru Ngala road between men of the JTF and some gunmen which led to the killing of over six people whose identities could not be ascertained as at the time of going to Press, while two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries, even as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeted at the JTF personnel exploded in Hausari ward a minutes after Juma’at prayer.

Although it will not be officially confirmed on whether their is a casualty after the blast which later followed with sporadic gunshots in some nearby wards of Gwange, Shehuri, Post office and Bullabulin of Maiduguri metropolis, an eye witness who does not want his name mentioned in the print said he saw one of the JTF patrol vehicle with over 5 dead bodies being conveyed to an undisclosed hospital.

In a separate attack, some gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked EYN Church (Church of Brethren in Nigeria) in Atagara village of Gwoza council area of Borno.

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and set the entire church ablaze.

The killing of the Chinese nationals our Correspondent gathered took place at about 10am when the gunmen trailed him and shot him dead at his duty post in Gidan Madara Lagos street.

Our Correspondent who visited the area along Lagos street saw that all the construction equipement and heavy duty machines along the street have been evacuated to their camp (CGC Camp) along Damaturu- Maiduguri road.

Confirming the killing of the Lagos street construction engineer, the Information Officer, Borno state Ministry of Works and

Transport, Alhaji Babakura Bukar told newsmen that one of the Chinese Construction workers handling the busy Lagos street was shot dead by suspected g u n m e n .

He said, the remains of the Chinese national have been deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Also, Confirming the separate attacks and killings in Potiskum town of Yobe state, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Patrick Egbunewe said that some suspected Boko Haram sect members again launched an attack on Potiskum town at about 4pm on Thursday.

Protesting Idjerhe women as Jesse kingdom banishes over 50 for revolting against monarch

Boko Haram, insecurity: Obasanjo, Ahmadu Ali created them — Senator Owie •Says Ali’s tenure as PDP National Chairman was a disaster

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

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ORMER Chief Whip of the Senate and a founding member

of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Rowland Owie has slammed the ex-National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadi Ali, alleging that his tenure

created the present security challenge in the country where members of the Boko Haram have killed many and property destroyed.

Senator Owie who

was replying to Ahmadu who had during the week castigated the Goodluck Jonathan led government as a failure, stressed that Ali as PDP National Chairman and

Fashola disburses N77m for scholarship award to qualified indigenes awardees that have been Local Scholarship Award for

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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OVERNOR Baba tunde Fashola of Lagos state has approved the release of N77, 536,621.20 as scholarship award to 337 qualified state indigenes in various tertiary institutions throughout the country for 2011/2012 session.

According to the Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Yetunde Jegede, who disclosed this Thursday, the concerned awardees are the 223 undergraduate students with 3.5 Grade Point and above and 74 Post Graduate students who took part in the last conducted Local Scholarship interview in January 2012.

“The list also includes 40 undergraduate students who automatically qualified for Merit Award having got 4.0 Grade Point and above”. Jegede stated.

She explained that documentation exercise in readiness for the presen-

tation of award to this category of awardees will commence on Monday October 22, 2012 at the Board premises, Agege.

Thereafter, ATM Cards would be released to

cleared.

The award value ranges betweenN200,000.00,N300, 000.00 and N400, 000.00 for Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctorate students respectively.

Meantime, online sale of

2012/2013 Session will also commence on Monday October 22, 2012. Interested applicants are expected to pay and obtain receipt of N2, 000.00 at the Office of Special Adviser on Education, Block 5, Secretariat, Alausa.

Sokoto airlifts last batch of intending pilgrims

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HE last batch of in tending pilgrims from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states was, Thursday airlifted from the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.

Manager of the Airport, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal Musawa told Vanguard that the last batch of intending pilgrims numbering 404 departed Sokoto for Saudi Arabia at about 2pm, Thursday.

He explained that 200 of the pilgrims were from Sokoto, 203 from Zamfara and one person from Kebbi State, stressing that the 568 earlier deported female pilgrims had also landed at the Holy land.

Musawa confirmed that “494 of the deported women were from Sokoto, 52 from Zamfara and 22 from Kebbi State, respectively,”

adding that in all, “no fewer than 18,660 intending pilgrims have been airlifted from Sultan Abubakar Airport, Sokoto.”

Church holds awards ceremony

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ORD of Victory In ternational Bible School, WOVIBS would tomorrow hold her 28th graduation awards ceremony where awards would be conferred on distinguished personalities who have made impact and exploits in the church community.

The occasion would be chaired by Archbishop Blessing O.Okugo and award of Excellence in

Christian service and leadership would be conferred on Pastor Barrister (Mrs) Joy O. Nzube.

The Host pastor is Dr. John Nzube and the guest speakers are Rev Dr and Pastor Mrs A.C. Achusim. The award ceremony commences by 2.00pm at WOPEM CHURCH INT’L, Wonders Cathedral at 6, Kekere-Ekun Street, Orile, Lagos.

former President Olusegun Obasanjo as President of the country created all these problems, adding that the present administration inherited them.

Senator Ali spoke on Tuesday at the Celebration of for mer Vice President Alex Ekwueme at 80 and at an International Colloquium organised in his honour at the Thisday Dome, Abuja. The former PDP National Chairman had said, ‘’This idea of six zones was an artificial creation by late Sanni Abacha to find a way of ruling the country and those crying about marginalization are just being smart. Those really marginalized are the West. The clamour for restructuring of the six zones is not relevant and amending the constitution is not the issue, but good governance.”

Senator Owie in a text message to Vanguard said, ‘’I was amused when I read the comments credited to Col. Amadu Ali, that if government was up and doing, that there would have been no cases of massacre in Mubi etc.

How could Col. Ali say that when the problems today both in government and our party the PDP were created by the Obasanjo government that forced Col. Ali on the PDP as national Chairman.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012

Privatisation: DISCO’s sale was transparent, FG insists

BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI, Abuja

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Security men frisking an NYSC member at the gate of INEC’s office, Akure yesterday ahead of today’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Picture: Dare Fasube.

HE Federal Government has insisted that there was no corruption or any underhand dealing in its recent privatisation of the successor distribution companies (DISCOs) created for the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Six firms including Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, which is being promoted by former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar,

Detainee beaten to death in Benue police cell •Army arrest two with arms in Yogbo after Tiv/Fulani clash ceased was declared

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

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middle aged man and detainee at the detention cell of the Be-

nue State Police Command Headquaters in Makurdi, Terkula Chaka has been allegedly beaten to death by fellow inmates.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the de-

dead by doctors at the Makurdi Federal Medical where he was taken to by Police authorities for medical attention.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Be-

Man arrested for defiling 8 year old girl in Bayelsa sioner, Mr. Kingsley Ariwelo, an adult was arBY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yebagoa

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HE police have arrested a middle aged man, identified as Ben Ariwelo for allegedly defiling an 8-year-old girl in Bayelsa State.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred last week at the riverside town of Otuoke in Ogbia local government area of the state.

It was gathered that the under aged girl said to be an imbecile was lured to a public toilet where the suspect had canal knowledge of her.

A neighbour who noticed the unusual movement around the public convenience reportedly raised an alarm which attracted other natives to the scene.

The randy man according to witnesses was caught pants down by the community folks and handed to the police.

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Omire confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.

He said, “yes one Ben

rested for defiling an imbecile teenage girl of 8 years in a public toilet at Otuoke community in Ogbia local government Area.”

Uniport four: VC calls for police post in Aluu

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ICE Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Joseph Ajienka has called for a police post to be set up in Aluu to protect lives of students and other residents in the area.

It would be recalled that four students of the university were brutally murdered in Omuokiri, one of the communities in Aluu pen ultimate Friday.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Ajienka who spoke yesterday at the main campus of the university said a Police post would help curb incidents of crime in the area.

Professor Ajienka also broke his silence on the recent suspension of Dr Andrew Efemini as Acting Head of Department

of Philosophy.

The Vice Chancellor explained that Dr Efemini was not suspended because he joined a protest by students against the killing of four of their colleagues but for his alleged statements that “further infuriated an already angry mob protesting the mindless killing of the four students at Omuokiri community in Aluu clan”.

According to the VC, the suspension was to protect Dr Efemini and the image of the university.

“You will agree with me that Dr Efemini’s ill advised action on that day infuriated an already tense situation that we were battling on all fronts to contain.”

nue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Daniel Ezeala disclosed that the deceased was allegedly arrested in Makurdi for robbery and was about to face trial before his sudden demise.

According to the PPRO, “He engaged his fellow cell inmates in a fight for undisclosed reasons and thereafter slumped. His fellow inmates drew the attention of the Police to his condition and he was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Center where he eventually gave up the ghost.

Seven of the inmates have been taken in for questioning”, Ezeala said.

On last weekend’s Tiv farmers/Fulani clash at Yogbo in Guma local Government area of the state, the PPRO disclosed that the command had recorded only one death, stressing that security has also been beefed up in the area just as peace has returned to the community.

According to Ezeala, “investigations by the command revealed that one man was killed in the Yogbo crisis contrary to what was reported in the newspapers. Peace has also returned to the community; we also gathered that the army arrested two persons with arms in the area, though, they are yet to hand them over to us”, the PPRO added.

Interstate Electrics Limited fronted by Sir Emeka Offor, and Vigeo Power Consortium which has Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu as its major shareholder, won the bids to operate 10 electricity distribution companies across the country.

The sale of the distribution companies has been panned in several quarters, and three Governors whose consortium, Southern Electricity Distribution Company Limited lost out in the bids, having gone public to denounce the bidding process as fraught with corruption and fraudulent dealings.

But the Minister of State for Power, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, who spoke in an interview with our correspondent at the background of the ground-breaking ceremony for the development of the permanent site of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Abuja, dismissed the allegation of corruption but insisted that there was no fraud involved in the privatization process.

According to Ishaku, “The bidding process for the sale of the DISCOs was very transparent and credible. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) have overtime put together a process that is highly fraud-proof, reliable and efficient, and I can guarantee that the process was free, fair and transparent.”

He added, “The government has always made it a point to ensure that the whole process of privatization of the PHCN is done publicly and with accountability.

There were a lot of consultants working throughout the time to make sure that everyone involved was given a fair shot at winning the bids.”

According to the Minister, the broad objectives of the electricity sector reform include to attract and encourage private sector participation; attract capital to fund the

sector; and ensure a level-playing ground for all investors.

He noted that, “We all know that the electricity sector is very capitalintensive, necessitating the entry of private capital and capable management to ensure efficient deployment of the greater physical and financial resources that will come into the sector.

“Investment in the generation sector will bring about greater generation capacity and energy available component of the reform and is one of the preconditions for the startup of a competitive electricity market in Nigeria.”

The Federal Government is expected to yield about N197.25 billion as proceeds from the sale of 60 percent of the 10 DISCOs, according to the National Council on Privatisation, which is headed by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

On his own part, the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside, noted that all the prequalified bidders were given access to the virtual data room from September 1, 2011 to the proposal submission date of 31st July, 2012.

He noted that, “Prequalified bidders were also allowed to visit the distribution companies and physical data rooms that were located within the franchise area of each distribution company. By the bid submission deadline of 5pm on 31st July 2012, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) received 54 proposals from pre-qualified bidders.

He added that three committees were formed to evaluate the bids that were received.

According to him, the preferred bidders were selected on the basis of efficiency improvements, that is, the reduction of Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses that they can achieve over a five-year period.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 9

Rage of The floods Onolememen donat es ffood, ood, cash gif ts tto o Illushi flood victims donates gifts F LOOD victims all over the country have been assured that government will not abandon them in their condition as plans to tackle their problems were at the fore burner of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The Minister of Works; Arc Mike Onolememen stated this when he visited the two camps of the flood victims in Illushi, Edo State.

The Minister who was

received by the leaders and victims of the flood disaster in the two camps, urged the people to be patient as President Jonathan has mapped out plans to address their problems in Illushi, Edo State and other victims across the country.

‘Some of the plans, government has for you will be rolled out soon. As we speak, President Jonathan has a lot for you and he will not disappoint

you,’ said Onolememen who also donated 20 bags of rice and other items including Cow, gallons of oil and food stuff to the victims.

The Minister who sympathised with the victims also added cash gifts and advised them to be mindful about their health condition while cooperating with government officials who were around to monitor the camps.

ANAMBRA: MDG to the rescue as bishop commends Obi success recorded in pover-

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HE Millennium De velopment Goals office, Abuja is to scale up it conditional cash transfer scheme to cushion the effect of flooding on the people. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol announced this while presenting relief materials worth over seven million naira to internally displaced persons at Father Joseph Memorial High School resettlement camp, Aguleri. Some of the materials donated include 300 bags of rice, 200 cartoons of tomatoes and twenty five

cartoons of milk among others.

Dr. Gbeneol who said the materials were to alleviate the burden of those displaced by the flood expressed concern that the

Pix shows: (3rd Left) Managing Director/CEO, Mouka Limited, Mrs. Peju Adebajo, Commissioner for Special Duties, Delta State, Dr. Tony Nwaka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ann ChalokwuOrumade, Special Adviser to the Governor, Health issues, Mrs Angela Nwaka and Head of Commercial, Mouka Limited, Mr. Jude Abonu during the donation of mattresses and pillows by Mouka Limited to the flood victims in St. Patrick College Camp in Asaba, Delta State.

NGO rescues 12,300 trapped flood victims

BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

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NON-governmental organisation, DICKENS Sanomi foundation, yesterday, rescued 12,300 persons trapped in the ravaging flood in six local government areas in Delta State under its Project ‘Rescue 10,000 Flood victims in Delta and Bayelsa States’.

The displaced persons were rescued in 500 seater engine and speed boats

BY EMMA AMAIZE, from communities in Warri Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Isoko North, NAKES have invad Isoko South and Burutu ed Yayoregbene and Local Government Areas of Ekorogbene communities in Ngbelebiri kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

BY TAYE OBATERU, The snakes, which Jos were running away from the ravaging flood found OVERNOR of the the swamped homes of Central Bank of Nithe villagers to be more geria (CBN), Mallam Sahabitable and occupied nusi Lamido Sanusi has them. disagreed with advocates of As at yesterday, the vil- a return of power to the lagers had killed over 10 Northern part of the counsnakes and reports from try in 2015 saying leaderthe area said the people ship should no longer be were no longer contend- based on ethnic or regioning with flood alone, but al considerations. snakes and acute hunDelivering a lecture yesger. terday to commemorate Meantime, a 45-year- the 78th birthday of former old woman, Mrs. Shaka Head of State, General Felix, who allegedly lost Yakubu Gowon (RTD), SaN2 million to the ravag- nusi said basing leadership ing flood in the commu- of the country on ethnic or nity attempted to commit sectional considerations suicide, during the promotes mediocrity and week, but was rescued. slows down the progress of the country.

Snakes invade Delta communities

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ty reduction, improvement in the health of children and mothers, access to water, sanitation and environmental sustainability may be impeded if proactive measures were not taken.

Delta State and were subsequently taken to some government designated camps.

He disclosed that a whooping sum of N100million had been earmarked by the foundation as part of its contribution towards alleviating the sufferings of victims of the ravaging flood, whom, he said were being subjected to serious psychological trauma.

He said of the N100m, N50m each would be spent on the displaced persons in Delta and Bayelsa States, assuring that the donations would be organized in two phases.

He added that the situations in the camps would on a daily basis be monitored so as to replenish the food items as they were running out.

On their part, Secretary and Treasurer of the Project Rescue 10,000 Flood victims in Delta and Bayelsa States, Mr. Great Sanomi and Mr. Michael Onyenadjo, respectively, further disclosed that cash donations would also be made to the camps to cater for some of the basic needs of the flood victims.

While disclosing that the source of funding for the project was from amongst

N alleged student of the University of Port Harcourt, a corps member and one other were reportedly shot dead by unknown gun men at Rumuotakara in Choba area of Rivers state.

Choba is part of the host communities of the Univer-

The lecture held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru was entitled, “Nigeria’s Economic Development Aspiration and the Leadership Question: Is there a Nexus?”

According to him, “If we believe in turn by turn or a president should come from a particular section of the country, it means we are promoting mediocrity .

This is the time for us to retrace our steps and ask ourselves fundamental questions as to what kind of leaders we want. We need to promote transparency and credible election; it is not just free and fair voting but also free and fair election”.

He came down hard on

the political class whom he said cling to ethnic and tribal sentiments to further their political interest adding, “It is irresponsible to frame election on ethnicity but the political class has failed to realize the consequences of this”. ”The ethnic and socio cultural associations like Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum South-South Forum, Christian Association of Nigeria, Jamatul Nasir Islam among others are created by the political class to champion their interests. ”How do you grow a nation on ethnicity and expect it grow without problems, cultural organizations have become political institutions, I am of the opinion that they should be abol-

ished, if it is not possible, there should be law banning public office holders from being part of such organizations. The activities of such cultural organisations are diversionary”, he said.

Sanusi added that any nation wishing to catch up with the rest of the world in development should not be bogged down by which section of the country should produce the next president at a time many nations choose their best to lead them.

He advocated the strengthening of civil society groups to move for change and task those in government to be more responsive to the needs of the people.

family members of the late Dickens Sanomi in whose honor, they said, the foundation was founded, they

UNIPORT student, corps member, one other shot dead in Choba

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, P/Harcourt

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Sanusi faults rotational presidency

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stated that no fewer than 218 students are currently under the scholarship scheme of the foundation.

sity of Port Harcourt. This incident came barely three weeks four students of the university were brutally murdered in OmuokiriAluu community. Saturday Vanguard gathered that some guys in a jeep opened fire on the three among whom was girl, killing them on the spot. The lady was allegedly a girl friend to one of the deceased. The corps member reportedly graduated from the University of Port Harcourt. And was among corps members that passed out on Thursday from the National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC. The state Police Public relations officer, DSP Ben Ugwuegbulam confirmed the killing, but quickly added that details were hazy.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

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here are fears among many people that the country is most likely to witness food shortage soon after the crippling floods which destroyed several farmlands and submerged many communities across the country. As a result many lives were lost, severable people injured and an unestimated number of people were rendered homeless, as their houses have been destroyed.

Food is a basic necessity of life, without which man cannot survive. In a country like Nigeria with an estimated population of about 165 milC M Y K

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By Emmanuel Edukugho

lion people, high level of unemployment, weak agricultural base, while the ordinary Nigerian can be described as “poor ” because he cannot afford a daily consumption of up to one US dollar.

Even before the flood disaster that adversely affected food production, poverty which is already widespread in the country, is inextricably linked with food insufficiency (not having enough to eat some or all the time) and food insecurity (not having enough to eat).

Under nutrition undermines the survival growth and development of not only children but adults also as it diminishes the strength and capacity of the nation. Inadequate nutrition undermines the ability of individuals to develop to their full potentials and contribute meaningfully to nation building.

Technically, food is an Agrobased product. All Foods are of plant or animal origin, and are produced through agricultural works.

Transregional transportation will be seriously threatened and so food prices and production will be affected

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How To Tackle Food Shortage – Prof Ogunmoyela

Saturday Vanguard sought the reaction of Professor Gbenga Ogunmoyela of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State on the perceived food shortage and likely high prices of food in the wake of the flooding which swept away farms in parts of the North, South West, South East, Delta, Edo and even south-south.

How do you see the ravaging flood?

First, the flood is destroying crops, animals, especially with

the excessive rain, crops have been seriously affected. If there is lack of rainfall, with irrigation, the water levels can be controlled. But the rainfall we are having now has not been seen before.

Ordinarily, we don’t have enough food. So we depend on importation. Food import is basic especially in coastal places. Transregional transportation will be seriously threatened and so food prices and production will be affected.

What are the implications?

Traditionally when such things happen, there will be higher prices of food. People must brace up to this challenge. It’s going to be serious as there will be higher food prices in the country.

Are people likely to survive the flood?

It this trend (of rainfall/ flooding) continues, there will be need to look at food processing. People can go for processed, food, that is to say canned food. This is where food science and technology can come in. Canned food is

as good as the fresh ones. The question is getting the mindset of the people to accept processed food. Most people are used to fresh tomatoes, pepper, etc.

People should be properly enlightened to accept canned food as alternative to fresh food products. Canned food still have rich nutrients. We just have to change the mindset of the people.

Any other options?

Flood resistance varieties of food crops can also be grown.

We should look for flood resistant crops and seeds.

There are maize variety which can mature quickly after planting and also flood resistant rice variety. This is specialised area for agronomists to look into.

This trend which involves flooding and rainfall will be with us for a long time to come.

Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard check showed that the World Food Day was marked on 16th of October, 2012. Food has been described as a basic human right. The theme for this year ’s World Food Day was: “Agricultural Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—11

Why Nigeria may escape food scarcity —Lawal, Lagos State Agric Commissioner

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By Emmanuel Edukugho

Massive food importation is underway while rice seeds are given free to farmers and the cost of fertilizer reduced by 50%

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ith resilient spirit, Nigeria can escape the looming food scarcity, this is the contention of Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture.

He assured that the Lagos State government and the Federal Government have put in place plans to mitigate the effects of food scarcity likely to happen after the flood.

Massive food importation is underway while rice seeds are given free to farmers and the cost of fertilizer reduced by 50%. The fear of major food scarcity was dispelled.

Speaking on Ray Power Radio – Fact File programme re-

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Gov Fashola cently, Lawal said that because agriculture has no border, the state is working in unison with others. He acknowledged that acquaculture (fish farming) has been affected by the

floods. The state is already assisting fish farmers.

Youths have been brought into agriculture to reduce unemployment and enhance food security.

He explained that youths

are trained for six months and six months internship. Most of them are university graduates, while University of Jerusalem is the major facilitator of the project.

According to Lawal, this will reduce poverty and increase youth empowerment. On availability of land, he debunked the belief of hike in land price in Lagos State, calling it “a misconception.”

“We have land for acquaculture, piggery, poultry, rice which production can be technologically-driven, growing of vegetables, tomatoes, etc.

Only 35% of the land had so far been used. We are engaged in intensive farming and not extensive farming.”

He disclosed that Lagos State produces 200,000 pigs yearly which is the highest in the country. There are also several poultry estates.

“Those who are producing (farmers) are given services and subsidised inputs. There is processing time for poultry.”

Lawal added: “We are collaborating with other states like Oyo, Osun in agricultur-

al activities, doing research and giving information to farming families.”

He stated that there are several farm settlements in Lagos State, and over 400 youths in a particular settlement. Specifically there are nine farm settlements and several estates.

Government is creating other status, providing knowledge and ensuring quality farmers.

“It’s faster to train people with education because people with knowledge can do much.”

He called on people with financial means to invest in agriculture, saying that the budget has been increased by 1,500% to take care of needed infrastructure and cautioned that food importation should stop.

Any nation that cannot produce its own food will be vulnerable.

He appealed to those who are interested in farming to come down to Lagos. It is lamentable that over N600 billion is spent yearly for food importation by Nigeria.

Looming food scarcity afer devasting floods Continued from page 10

Fruits... the price of foodstuffs may go up

Rice farmers

Cooperatives: Key to Feeding the World.” It was reported that one person dies every three seconds in the world from hunger.

That 70% of the hungry people lives in rural areas. Internationally, 50% of children are malnourished (versus less than 5% in wealthier nations).

In the Nigerian food consumption and nutrition survey carried out few years ago, 42% of Nigerian children were stunted while 25% were underweight. According to a report of UN children fund, Nigeria is among 24 nations in which there are 80% of chronically undernourished children.

Results from analyses of dietary data in the form of ethnographic research studies, confirm differneces in food choices between the poor and the rich. The poor tend to consume more starches, fats and sugar but less of foods associated with good health, like

fruits and vegetables, high-fibre grains and low-fat dairy products.

Studies have shown lower intakes of several nutrients among men, women and children who experience food insufficiency and food insecurity. Hunger and malnutrition are the gravest threats to the world’s public health and malnutrition is by far the biggest contributor to child mortality as already thousands of Nigerians go to bed hungry every night.

Prof Isaac Adeyemi, VC Bells Tech University

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

By EBUN SESSOU

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Tough times await Nigerians as food scarcity looms — Experts

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lthough Nigerians have been assured that the country will not be plunged into food crisis.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, made this declaration.

But the receding inflation was interrupted by the immediate impact of the flood which saw food prices rose to 1.1 per cent between August and September this year.

The impact of the flooding in some parts of the country and the attendant destruction of farmland is already becoming evident as recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows marked increase in inflation which jumped to 10.2 per cent in September 2012, compared to 9.9 per cent in August.

The data shows that the rise in the Food Index was mainly due to higher food prices in various classes led by potatoes, yams and other tubers, fruits, beans, bread and cereals (including rice) as well as other foods.

According to the bureau, the higher food prices reflected partially the impact of the floods on the production of certain crops as well as movement of food products to markets across the country.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that, due to the effect of flood on some of the farmlands across the country, there is no doubt that Nigerians will not experience food shortage before the end of the year.

Prince Wale Oyekoya, Head of Agriculture Group of Lagos Chambers of Commerce lamented that the ugly policies of the government at all levels have continued to affect agriculture negatively.

According to him, “The people that are into agriculture profession are those who have retired from their various civil service and unfortunately, the environment is not favourable in terms of capital investment. You must have enough capital to go into agriculture in this country.

Right now, the inconsistent policy of the government has ruined the system.

“Recently, the President of this countr y, Dr. Ebele Jonathan instructed the Malawi government to be importing rice into the countr y. And what this means is that the local farmers in this country do not have the ability to produce rice.

“The same government that proposed the ban of importation of rice into the country, is the same that is

“In most of the markets in Nigeria, there is increase in prices of foodstuffs. Now vegetables and fruits in the markets are costly. In Lagos, an orange ranges between N20 and N50

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Prince Wale Oyekoya inviting another country to import rice into Nigeria. The truth is that the leadership of Nigeria is not encouraging agricultural sector.

“Most of the monies that are supposed to be spent on real farmers have been shifted to the political farmers. Most of the funds have been shifted to the political farmers. It is only in this country that farming is done on television.

“For instance, there was a N200 billion intervention fund that the federal government was able to release to the commercial farmers, which I challenged the CBN governor and the minster of agriculture on.

And both of them admitted that no real farmer has benefited from the funds.

“You cannot have access to any loan in some of the

commercial banks because the funds have been exhausted.

“Right now, agriculture loan is on 30 percent in any commercial bank. While the policy is not communicated to the commercial bank and this is what I called in-consistence of our government. There have been so many lies and deceit by the government and I believe it is the responsibility of the government to rise up to the challenge, if not this country will go angry. And the looming food crisis is imminent.

“In most of the markets in Nigeria, there is increase in prices of foodstuffs. Now vegetables and fruits in the markets are costly. In Lagos, an orange cost between N20 and N50. Most of the agriculture sector in the country have been taken over by the foreigners including the Lebanese, Indian, Israeli.

“Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation.

It is a way of taking our foreign reserves out of the country. There is huge disconnection between the Federal Government and real farmers. Central Bank of Nigeria cannot regulate commercial banks.

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sked if agriculturists in the country have access to loans or funds through cooperative society, he said, cooperative society in this country is not working. There are local and indigenous farmers that are capable of handling agriculture projects in this country but the Nigerian policy has killed all of them. Most of the people in the rural areas that practice subsistence farming have died natural death.

Over, 90 percent of farmers in Lagos State have invested into livestock farming, this is due to the unfavourable conditions in the country. The environment is not conducive because there is no funds for farmers. There is no adequate

infrastructure in most of the farmlands in this country.

Another thing is that any money that is earmarked for farmers does not come directly to them. It will first go through the State government, the commissioners and the civil servants before it gets to the real farmers.

The government know the real farmers but they are not ready to recognise them.

Government is only concerned on what would benefit them and unfortunately, none of the commercial farmers can give them what they want. There are series of challenges that the farmers experience on a daily basis. The fact that they are not given the free hand to work. Failure by the government to give the farmers C of O of their lands.

Most business owners have been relocating to Ghana. If money is properly channeled to agriculture, there will not be problem of any kind. With what is happening in other parts of Nigeria especially in the North, it is imminent that there will be food scarcity by December and January because there is no storage facility.

I will advise that government should go into irrigation practise during dry season. I am expecting the government to invest into irrigation so that there won’t be shortage of food. Right now, there will be food scarcity because we never prepared for any emergency in this country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—13

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

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Up! Up!! goes price of staple food items N7,500 a bag but not good enough. Although, it was sold at N6,700 in the near past.

“Also other brands of rice still maintain a price range of N8,000 and some hundreds of naira but the most preferred and better brand of rice is the Mama Gold and Royal Umbrella which were sold at a price range of N9,280 but its current price is N10,000.

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bucket of rice goes for between N700 and N750 depending on the brand,” Dorathy further disclosed.

Yet another trader, Isa, who deals on Onions, Irish potatoes and salad condiments told the Vanguard that onions is the most affected of his sales.

“Just few weeks ago, we bought a bag of onions for N6,000, to N6,500. But today,

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ARELY three weeks ago when wild flood ravaged some states in Nigeria, prices of staple food items as garri, rice, beans and yam are beginning to soar high. A random survey conducted by Saturday Vanguard at the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos, shows that the sudden increase in prices of these essential food items is predicated mainly on the recent flood which rendered millions of Nigerians homeless and destroyed many farmlands across the nation.

A staple food dealer at the popular Mile 12 market, Mrs. Augusta Nwabudike said that within a span of two weeks most of the essential food items had witnessed sharp increase price.

According to her, ‘Yellow’ garri which is common with people from the Niger Delta region in the near past was sold for N6,500 a bag but today it goes for N9,000. Conversely, the white garri otherwise known as “Ijebu” garri was sold for N5,500 a bag but the recent price is N8,000. A bucket of ‘Yellow’ garri was sold at N350 but it sells now for N450 to N500. The white garri, a bucket previously cost N300 but it is currently sells for between N400 and N450.

Another staple food dealer at the Mile 12 market who gave her name simply as Dorathy, blamed the sudden jerk currently being experienced in these staple food on the surging flood which threatened the extinction of most states across the state.

The increase in price in garri which is an essential food in virtually every family household just started only this week. I went to buy from the travellers bringing garri and we were told that the price is no more the same,” Dorathy said.

Mrs. Nwabudike also disclosed that a bag of beans which ordinarily goes for between N6,500 to N7,000 is now N14,000.

“Just about few weeks ago, we sold a paint bucket of beans “Oloyin” brand goes for N180, but it is now N1,600 a bucket while the other lower brand otherwise known as “Olotu” sells for N750, but it’s now N1,500. A cup of beans commonly referred to as Derrica is now N250. There are indications that the price may go up further,” Mrs Nwabudike said.

Another essential staple food virtually in every family menu, rice, Dorathy said has equally experienced slight increase in price.

“Rice is yet to effect increase in price as such. The cheap one is the Agric rice which is

The increase in price of garri which is an essential food in virtually every family household just started only this week. I went to buy from the travellers bringing garri and we were told that the price is no more the same

ITEMS Yellow garri (bag) White garri (Ijebu) A Basket of garri (Yellow) A Basket of White garri A bag of beans A bucket of beans (Oloyin) A bucket of Olotu beans A bag of Mama Gold rice A bag of Royal Umbrella rice A bag of Agric rice A bag of Onions A 25 litres gallon of oil A tuba of New yam A carton of Super Pack Indomie A carton of small Indomie A carton of Golden Penny Spag

,

PREVIOUSLY N6,500 N5,500 N3,500 N300 N7,00 N6,500 N600 N500 N9,00 N9,000 N6,700 N6,500 N5,800 N100 N1,700 N1,200 N1,900

CURRENTLY N9,000 N8,000 N5,000 N450 N14,000 N1,600 N1,500 N10,000 N10,000 N7,500 N25,000 NN7,300 N200 N2,050 N1,300 N2,100

a bag of onions is now N25,000. Now tell me how I can sell it to maximise profit because people can still prepare their meals without onions, Isa lamented.

A lorry driver, named Ahmed whose main pre-occupation is to convey fresh tomatoes, pepper and onions from up north of Nigeria to Lagos, blamed the astronomical increase in prices of these essential food items on the flood.

Ahmed the driver warned that the situation may even deteriorate beyond what Nigerians are currently experiencing because the flood truly uprooted a lot of farm produce.

“What we are currently bringing in were reserved, stored. I feared that when we exhaust these reserves, what happens?

There won’t be any replenishment because water has taken over the farmland. Besides, getting to the interland to get these products have become a herculean task because water has invariably washed away most of

the roads. They were not tarred but only graded,” Ahmed said.

The lorry driver who declined to disclose the cost of a lorry load of onions, predicted hardship, adding that Nigeria will only have to depend on neighbouring country as Niger for some of these products.

Madam Nwankwo who trades on gallons of palm and groundnut oil, said that a 25 litre of palm oil which sells for N5,500 to N5,800 is currently sold at between N7,000 and N7,300.

“It is not only oil that has suffered sudden increase in price.

This is suppose to be a season of new yam. In other words, yam would be in abundance.

Initially, in a season like this, you can get a reasonable proportion tube size of yam at N100, this is new yam. This will serve for a meal in a family of five. But today, such tuba of yam now goes for N250 to N300,” Madam Nwankwo said.

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ollaborating her claim, Iya Oloja who sells yam at the Mile 12 market said that five tuba of yams were sold at N1,200 to N1,350 but today, the same proportion of yam is now N2,000 and above depending on the species.

“Nobody will sell yam tuba at N100 except if the trader stole the yam. There is nothing like New ya. Although, the old yam are still more expensive. The dealer told us that water has carried their farmland. We, too, are in business to survive. Next year may be worse,” Iya Oloja said.

Mrs. Nwabudike said that the sharp prices in these staple food has impacted on noodles as well. She disclosed that a carton of Indomie super pack which initially goes for N1,750 is currently being sold at N2,050 and N3,000 respectively.

Golden Penny Spaghetti which contains 20 pieces in a carton was initially sold at N1,900 but today is N2,100.

Similarly, a small indomie carton was previously sold at N1,200 but it is now N1,300,” she said.

Mrs. Nwabudike however, pointed out that prices of noodles may even go further higher, when it will be revealed next year that these essential food items will not be reached.

The price of items at a glance.

14—SA TURD AY Vanguard , OCTOBER 20, 2012 14—SATURD TURDA ot many people knew anything about Aluu until two weeks ago. And then, on the 5th of this month, the sleepy suburb of Port Harcourt began to make headlines for the wrongest of reasons.

That gruesome incident of four undergraduates who were lynched in Aluu on that day must make anyone sad; it was really pathetic. But in a wider context, it would make one tremble — what if any of them were your brother, or nephew or son? How would you feel? And one of them could indeed have been your relation. “Ask not for whom the bell tolls ... “ The barbaric act of lynching offers no trial of its indicted victim, but turns a blind eye and a deaf ear on any concept of justice to achieve its wicked end. In doing so, it defies the judicial process and disdains all legal proceedings along with their authority, thus establishing its own brief rule outside the law.

In fact, one can only imagine its emergence as a signal of the armed robbers, when they were total breakdown of law and really his creditors and were order. there only to demand the And yet, by all accounts, the money owed to one of them. wanton killing of those boys That gives the idea that they happened in a surrounding were probably on familiar where there was a police terrain in that neighbourhood, presence, even if not so near and yet nobody seemed to have but prominent enough to make recognized them, though they the people aware of its were paraded around. existence. They knew there Curiouser and curiouser,. was a law enforcement The whole incident sums up establishment and what it unfortunately to be no more stood for. There was a crowd than the wanton killing of these around too, but apparently not young men by a group that is brave enough, nor motivated so inflated by its own enough, to halt the murderous importance as to have forgotten mob who beat, and battered and eventually burned those innocent souls to death. No one seemed able, or willing to save them, even when they were paraded naked round the area.But who were the members of this mob? They were said to be vigilantes, that is, a semi-official volunteer corps established in a community to help in the enforcement of law and order.

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*the sublime principle been arrested up till now. But, thank goodness, several of them have been arraigned in court. Many are still not certain that justice would be fully done even now. It is a natural reaction to the treatment of recent cases. But we have to hope that there will be a transformation even here, as in other realms of our nation building. We must embrace the sublime principle of justice which is “to make the punishment fit the crime”, no matter who has got his finger in the pie. The

stead, the Muslim preacher man was the object of myriads of threats. But Apalara was undaunted. He continued to heap imprecations on the “unbelievers” until they could no longer tolerate his assaults on their secret practices which he denigrated as “rubbish”, and the “works of darkness” in a world that had become ennobled with light. At last, the members of the most powerful among the cults could stand it no longer. In the midst of one of his public outings they swooped on him and took him

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*Nana Rawlings about the sanctity of human life. It reeks with the rancid odour of the sense of immunity which has insidiously spread its evil insensitivity to the rule of law through the fabric of the society. The Aluu occurrence is a manifestation of the rotten core of what our values have become in many ways, in many places. Armed robbery, once almost totally subdued, has reared its ugly head once again in bristling form. It is now accompanied with rape which, of course, is never loath to stand on its own.

Meanwhile, whole communities are cut down by bullets with religious zeal, and promising lives are snuffed out routinely from day to day. The bestiality, the callousness, is absorbed by a society that no longer seems capable of protecting itself by its own resources, and hardly denies it any longer.

This nation today needs justice no less than integrity.

It would not have surprised many people if none of those who committed the heinous homicide in Aluu had not

*The Aluu 4

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ike lynching which came on the heels of armed robbery in Nigeria, this ancillary to peacekeeping is an aspect of the aftermath of the civil war. The war introduced the use of dangerous weapons into our lives on a massive scale, and made the idea of killing people a commonplace affair. The sight of people being killed was no longer very strange from the experience of the battles which were witnessed as openly as never before, and that emboldened the people to defend themselves with extreme abandon in the face of ruthless killers. Lynching was, in fact, adopted less as a reprisal for armed robbery than as a deterrent for violent crimes since the law enforcement provisions were deficient in safeguarding the people. That brought in the vigilante groups, many of which were sponsored, or at least recognized by the government. They are created to work with the police, and usually do. But, on that fateful day in Aluu, something went wrong.

The police were said to be alerted but they failed to prevent the course of the tragic event. They claimed to have been overwhelmed by the size of the mob—which was made up of their own alter ego? The murdered boys were also reported to have had dealings with the man who set them up by shouting that they were

The Aluu occurrence is a manifestation of the rotten core of what our values have become in many ways, in many places

Aluu monstrous murders are however too sticky for anyone to allow his finger to be caught in any aspect of them.

The quality of justice it demands must be seen to be higher than mere reprisal. It must make people shudder and serve as a watershed for the society’s response to any crime of this nature in future.

What readily comes to mind is the full measure of what the law prescribes in such cases.

It happened no less than some six decades ago, in the celebrated case of Alfa Apalara.

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e was a Muslim cleric, a fierce preacher who condemned secret societies in his public utterances. He invited their members to an open debate, which of course went without any response. In

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away. It was later revealed that they carried him into the middle of the lagoon and drowned him.

The story of the crime and the trial was circulated swiftly as it unfolded. Popular musicians even composed songs about it.

There were no less than eleven of them accused of the offence.

Eventually, a verdict of guilty sent each and every one of them to the gallows. It has turned out to be an abiding lesson to hoodlums, thugs and mayhem merchants in the Lagos area, at least.

It is a season of elections all over the world. In nearby Ghana, Nana Rawlings, the wife of former President Rawlings, has opted to contest

for the presidency in December.

In far away America, Barak Obama is all set to “defend his title” against someone who is turning out to be a fearsome challenger, Mitt Romney. The bout is scheduled for next month. In Ondo State here with us, today is the day.

The world is growing old. In the past, a lot of premium was placed on ideology. There was democracy which did not need to be proclaimed beyond Abraham Lincoln’s description that has, in time, matured into the hackneyed definition, to wit, “a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

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hen came socialism which was aligned with Communism, and virtually compelled the proponents of democracy to sharpen their act by priming socialism with a pronounced intellectual content.

So the world had been split by the promulgation and promotion of the two concepts since the middle of the last century. But the emphasis on ideology seems to be undergoing a reversal these days. In Ghana, they are talking of more jobs, and peace.

In America, they are concerned with the economy and jobs. In Ondo, they are projecting the need of maternal care, good roads, education - development, generally. But no ideology any more? Where, by the way, are the manifestos? That was in what the ideologies were published. And what, by the way, is the precise meaning of ideology?

In his book, “Positive Expressionism”, my late brother, Olatunde Lawrence, founder of Gaskiya College, Lagos, expatiates, in describing his theme as an “ethno-political ideology for Nigeria, “an ideology may be described as a maxim, the honest practice of whose tenets fulfills the faith, expectations and aspirations of a People by eliminating the decadence of their society and leading the people to egalitarianism. A Perfect society does not require or need an ideology. It is Utopian. “ Well, maybe the world is becoming perfect. But this age has seen the erosion of ideals almost to extinction? With military involvements allover Asia, America knows no peace.

With fresh divisions mounting over fresh ones, the quest of Ghana is for peace. With anxieties mounting for the past several months, we should pray to God: “let there be peace in Ondo State today.” It is high time we brought back the ideal of peace.

Time out

SATURDAY

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t was the morning after. Literal ly. I got into the U.K on a cold September morning after a mild storm had wrecked havoc in some areas of London the night before.

The area I was to stay in was one of the areas affected and I found myself having to navigate around fallen trees and leafy branches that had covered the walkway. It was hardly a warm welcome as electricity was also affected. I was, as it were, leaving Nepa for Nepa.

But within 48 hours, a semblance of normalcy had been restored.

Electricity had been restored, and the roads had become navigable again.

But the Press didn’t let go. It was irate to put it mildly. It wanted blood. I remember one national newspaper screamed ‘Why didn’t they warn us?’, referring to their meteorological department. I didn’t stay in England long enough to know how many heads rolled as a result of the ‘inadequate’ warning but investigations had begun before I left and certain ‘lapses’ I was sure,would never be allowed to happen again.

This was 24 years ago,and weather forecasts have since become more accurate and commonplace. Anybody, and I mean anybody, can access weather information if they so wish. So why were we caught so flat footed as if we are not part of the information age?

I watched how some State Governors were running helterskelter like headless chickens,and I wondered. This thing, like pregnancy, gave notice. I saw one or two governors wading through some shallow water in a show of solidarity and I almost laughed. It would have been comical if it was not so, so, tragic. The real affected areas needed boats to wade through. And even with that, you needed to be careful not to be attacked by snakes and crocodiles which would not distinguish a governor from a peasant. One governor,that of Benue State, was not even around when his state was flooded. He was in the U.S rubbing shoulders with world leaders. I hope somebody there told him what it takes to be a leader.

The images one saw on TV were so touching.

Images of people watching their lifelong belongings float away from them. Some of them will not know the extent of their loss until weeks, months after.

Certificates, diplomas cherished letters, not to talk of valuables gone for ever. Most have lost their means of livelihood. Most, after the adrenalin of survival has subsided, will realize that there is really nothing to live for. Except faith.

And hope.

Of all the images I saw, one that touched me the most, it was that of a middle aged woman who was pounding what looked like yam virtually inside water. The water was almost up to her waist. The mortar was on a makeshift stool. So was the stove. She was, like the widow of Zarephath, preparing a meal for herself and her family. The last supper? Who knows. What I do know is that in preparing this meal, she was risking her health. Apart from the dangerous reptiles that could bite her, she was exposing herself to water borne diseases. She was also making herself a candidate for pneumonia. So were the two ladies I saw in another scene who were trying to catch ‘fish’ in the dirty ‘river’

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W h a t about the poor who have no safety net?

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hat I find more indefensible is that we were officially warned by the meteorological department. I don’t usually bother with weather forecasts because, for me, it is either raining or it is not raining, and neither will influence my activities for the day. Yet, for some strange reasons, I pored over that official warning. I remember commenting to myself how weird it was that a low sea level area like Lagos was not included. Such was my naivete that I doubted the fact that ‘desert areas’ would be flooded while water logged areas would be spared.

So if I, as uninformed as I am, as uninterested as I am, could take some time to note the warning, why didn’t those saddled with the job take the warning serious? The weather people claimed it followed up with warning letters. Why were the letters ignored?

And if they were not, what exactly did the minister for environment do?

What exactly did the respective commissioners for environment in the affected areas do? We need to know.

Were those residing near the Niger/ Benue rivers warned to relocate? Was transportation provided for those who wanted to take that offer? Were transit camps set up in advance? Were health centres set up in advance? And equipped to handle the fall out? They were warned. What did they do? We must not allow this incompetence to be swept under the carpet.

C M Y K

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e who feels, knows as they say.

You never really feel the effect of something until it happens close to home. I saw the photograph of what the flood did to Chief Audu Ogbe’s home and farm in Markurdi and I winced. What I saw was a small lake where the farm and houses had been. I could barely see the roof of a house where I had had many happy moments. Seeing that picture, I wondered if it would ever be the same again. And what would be the cost that would bring it back. Audu Ogbe has always been passionate about agriculture. Will this affect his passion? But at least, he and the other high profile Nigerians who have lost so much to the flood have alternative places to lay their heads. What about the poor who have no safety net?

Those who have nothing, absolutely nothing left? What is their fate in a country like Nigeria?

Law makers as law breakers in Kogi Assembly

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he reported impeachment of the Speaker of the Kogi State Assembly this week has further exposed the unreadiness of all of us to tailor the essential ingredients of democracy. That it is coming from those who were said to be elected to make laws for the good people of Kogi State makes the thought even more painful.

How can one rationalize the idea of using 12 members of a 25-member assembly to impeach the Speaker and yet expect the world to take us serious? What democratic manners are we exposing to the world? Is 12 the two-third of 25?

Dubious arithmetics from overambitious few desperate to please the inner recesses of a Governor that is as clueless as the election that brought him in the first place. I am pained that as much as we continue to exhibit this barbarian approach to politics thus undermining the very essence of democratic principles, the farther we dig deeper into the abyss of uncivilized conduct.

We are just not serious about our lawmaking process, making the whole world laugh at our follies.

I do not want to believe that those 12 members that were reported to have impeached the Speaker, his deputy, majority leader, minority leader and other ten principal officers actually went to school. I want to believe that they were just branded into the Assembly by default, just to represent their people.

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Why didn’t we heed the warning?

Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 20, 2012—15

by that behaviour? Trying to prevent breakdown of law and order? Where was he when the 12 members illegally reconvened a House that was on recess to carry out the impeachment? I think the Commissioner of Police is a bad egg to the transformational initiative of the Inspector General of Police that is already yielding positive fruit. Why would the Police Commissioner reportedly withdraw the security aides and details attached to the authentic Speaker and accord all paraphernalia of office to the socalled new Speaker Jimoh Lawal? This is a slap on democracy. It portends danger by every material particular to the survival of democracy and sound democratic etiquette.

The President must immediately call the House to order since they are members of the same leprous hand called the PDP. He must act fast before the situation gets out of hand. There are more serious things to do in the face of flooding than mooting an impeachment that exposes the laziness and lack of intellect on the part of those who are expected to make laws for the good of s o c i e t y .

We are just not serious about our lawmaking process

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do not think they also know the import of lawmaking or the integrity that follows the doctrine of lawmaking.

To be called a law maker is as heavy a responsibility as to be called a Pope, but to be a lawbreaker is as serious as to be called an armed robber. Why twist the law simply to impress your paymaster that you are loyal? Why bend the process simply to make an impression about how crude power can be? Why wash your dirty linen outside in a manner that exposes your inadequacies both in intellect and capacity? To be called a distinguished Honourable member of any Assembly carries a heavier import than to be called a President. Law is what governs the society.

A lawless society is one proned to anarchy. A lawless society is one meant for barbarians and idiots. It is one meant for over-ambitious and desperate politicians behaving like famished baboons let loose into banana plantation.

I find it curious that the Kogi State Police Commissioner appears to have been compromised on this matter.

Why was the Assembly padlocked when the 13 members were to resume on Thursday, 18th October, 2012?

Who is the Commissioner of Police trying to impress on this matter and

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Why is the Governor maintaining mum as if he was not the architect?

The impeachment move has been on the political radar in the State for sometime now. The muscle flexing and ego showmanship have been on parade from the Governor,s end.

Political leaders have cautioned him overtly to sheath his sword in the interest of democracy but the Governor would not listen to any of that. He was determined to do away with the Speaker, Honourable Abdullahi Bello, but in a manner that now undermines democracy and good reason.

What were the reasons adduced for the so-called impeachment?

Ridiculous and ribaldrous reasons, thus reminding us of the days of Chimaroke Nnamani Enugu State when lawmakers were forced to be making laws from Abuja. I thought we had gone past the Nnamani era but the latest display of crude politics in Kogi State has brought us several miles backward.

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onourable Abdullahi Bello as far as any reasonably minded person is concerned, still remains the Speaker of the Kogi Assembly. For sure 12 members cannot preside over 13 members in a game of majority rule. That would be over stretching the principles of democracy beyond any rational appraisal of situation.

The Attorney General of the Federation must also speak out. All rational minds must speak out. All reasonable people must speak out. It is not about Kogi State alone, it is about us as a people desirous of making the right impact for democratic survival.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

By ISHOLA BALOGUN

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C M Y K

•Alhaji Usman Shehu

Food crisis imminent unless ...

— Shehu Usman ... We disbursed over N3billion to farmers last year

we are in for a food shortage if urgent steps are not taken immediately.”

Shehu stressed that most of our foods come from the North which is now submerged in flood. He noted that what comes from Odo-Oba, Ilaro, Osun, and other few places in the south are not enough.

According to him, “the majority of food items come from the north.

The major occupation of people affected by this flood is farming. Imagine that all what

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HE recent yet-to-be receded flood in most parts of the county to say the least, is enough sign for impending food shortage in the country. The flood which ravaged twenty states with farmlands destroyed, couple with the unmitigated crisis of Boko Haram, ethnic killings, unchecked soaring food prices have undoubtedly left Nigerians vulnerable to massive food shortage.

Farmers have been sacked from their villages; their crops have been washed away by flood, while they wait patiently for the next farming season only if they were encouraged to go back to it.

Inspite of the level of poverty most Nigerians fight on a daily basis to eke out a living with much less than one dollar per day, the situation may grow from bad to worse especially in a country where there is no government’s agriculture effort to serve as a buffer to unexpected food shortage in the system.

Interestingly, our farming population has been on the decline because people are not encouraged, even younger generation is not attracted to agriculture. But however, few hours after the marking the World Food Day, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, gave the assurance that the country will not experience any food shortage next year as a result of the flood ravaging the country.

According to him, plans are in place for a flood insurance policy for all farmers. The Minister also announced plans to setup a flood recovery food programme to accelerate food production across the affected states. Even as many have praised the government for responding to the disaster, many still doubt the government approach, suggesting that government should not only ensure that money meant for the displaced farmers and residents are given to them but also that government as a matter of policy should encourage massive food production in the country to avert the imminent shortage.

One of those who spoke to Saturday Vanguard is the financial secretary of the popular Mile 12 market, Lagos, Alhaji Usman Shehu.

Speaking on behalf of the association of Agric business and traders in the market, Alhaji Shehu said: “Food crisis is imminent in Nigeria as a result of the flooding. It is very obvious, it is not a matter of prophesy but a reality. If you consider the number of states this flood affected and the farmers whose properties and farmlands have been swept away, you will only agree that

farm produce here for sale immediately they harvest them in large quantities.

Every trader in the market knows we give farmers money to farm at the beginning of every farming season. We even give out money to farmers outside the market because we believe it will increase food supply.

That is what we do here.

When they bring in their goods, we recoup our money.

That is why sometimes; you find some food items cheaper

Every trader in the market knows we give farmers money to farm at the beginning of every farming season. We even give out money to farmers outside the market because we believe it will increase food supply

they have done and their harvest have been swept away by the flood.”

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e hinted that that the Mile 12 market which used to receive about 100 trailers of various types of food items daily is now getting 20 trailers or little more in the past few days.

This represents about 20 per cent of the usual supply.

According to him, “this market supplies not only the country, but other markets in West Africa. People come from far and near to buy tomatoes, pepper, yam and other food items.

We are the one financing the farmers and they bring their

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here than in other places. We support our members who are farmers from different states.

They bring their harvest here, sell them and pay back our money. It is bigger than what most people think. It supplies other Nigerian markets and other markets in West Africa. People come from Togo, Cotonou, and other countries.”

Alhaji Shehu who is the financial secretary of the association disclosed that the association last year gave out over N3billion to various farmers to farm. “We have farmers all over the federation that supplied food items here.

We gave out huge money for the season, Last year alone, we

gave out N3billion and right now, we have lost so much money because majority of our farmers are affected by the flooding. We don’t even know how they will pay back the money; in fact, we can’t even ask them because we know they have lost everything.

Since the incidence, a dime has not come to the purse. It is a huge loss.”

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xplaining the areas of supply that were adversely affected, he said: “Tomatoes, pepper, corn, onions, millet are grossly affected. Rice is not really affected because as you know the federal government supported the importation of rice, we consume mostly foreign rice, so, there is no problem on rice supply. For beans, two things happened to the short supply of beans.

One is that the issue of insecurity. Maiduguri is largely, the source of beans supply and the insecurity in that state has impeded supply.

It is difficult going into that state to bring beans; rather, people go to Kano, Niger and other states to bring beans.

Secondly, is the flooding, other areas that have been supplying beans have been affected by the flood.”

He added that Yam although comes from Benue but it is not seriously affected because it is a root crop. “Except those ones harvested and kept in the barn waiting for supply might have been swept away by the flood, otherwise, we are not likely to experience shortage in the supply of yam.” But for carrot, tatashe, pepper, tomatoes and other vegetables, he said, we

might have shortage because they would have been swept away by the flood.

On the steps taken against this development, he noted that the association has written a letter to the Lagos State government soliciting for assistance to nip the impending shortage in the bud. “We have written a letter to the state government for assistance either by giving us a loan or any other support towards reducing the burden and we hope the federal government will also come to our aid. The state government knows us and they know how we operate here and we believe they will assist us so that our farmers can go back to farm immediately the flood receded,” Shehu stated.

The fear now is that would the money meant for the real victims and farmers get to them? Judging from the various attempts by government to offer assistance to the Nigerians, most of the people concerned usually do not have access to these palliative measures.

The SMEs fund is a case in point where several billions of naira was released. How many of these people were able to access this fund. How has government monitored the exercise to ensure those who really needed the money got it? These are the fears of Alhaji Shehu on the issue of fund being mobilised for the victims of flood in the country. He asked sarcastically, will this money get to the real farmers and those who actually lost properties in the flood? Will it not end in the pockets of politicians and their cronies?

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 20, 2012—17

C M Y K

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 20, 2012 Dear Julie, I’m a young woman of 29 and I have issues I need to discuss about sex. I am sexually active but my fiance and I have disagreements whenever it comes to sex and I always seek to clarify things with other ladies. But my female friends are conservative and feel embarrassed whenever I broach sex topics for discussion. My fiance and his friends have no problems about discussing sex and sometimes, I overhear them. Is it wrong for women to talk about sex as much or in the same manner as guys do?

Bunmi, Jos Dear Bunmi, Every person has a different amount of experience, comfort level, and interest in talking about sex.

In truth men talk about sex more frequently than women and when talking about sex,

I’m attracted to another

They won’t discuss sex with me men and women may have differences in communication style, use of language, and comprehension.

Such differences may be less reflective of gender differences, and more based on individual differences in experiences and perspectives.

Therefore, the amount of sex talk that men and women participate in is likely

influenced by their upbringing, conditioned gender roles, exposure to media, and societal values. In addition, with changing attitudes and norms surrounding sexuality, gender roles, sexual harassment, and gender equality, gender differences in rates of conversations about sex is likely shrinking even more.

Dear Julie, I have been dating a guy for well over a year-and-a-half, and we really enjoy each other’s companionship. We have a great friendship and a great sex life. The problem is that I am finding myself attracted to another person. I think this other person has a girlfriend.

Furthermore, I don’t want to have a relationship with this other person — it’s just that I find myself dreaming about kissing him because he is so attractive. I know I’m crazy because everything is great in my relationship and people envy the relationship I have with my boyfriend. I just can’t get this guy off my mind. What should I do?

Adia, Abuja

My friends keep dumping their problems on me Aunty Julie, I’m the peacemaker among my friends, the introverted listener. But lately, I find myself dealing with my friends and their problems more than ever.

The problems drift from abuse in their homes, relationship problems and MORE! It seems like I’m walking around with the weight of the world on my shoulders — literally, and its making me dive headfirst into depression.

Don’t get me wrong, I like being trusted and thought wise for advice I give, but sometimes I know I’m just being used, and all I need to do is listen. But I also feel helpless towards many of the situations, example, violence in their homes.

They’re expecting my help most of the time! I can’t suggest counselors, because it’s un-thought of here.

Our school counselors are bogus, teachers really don’t listen, and I’m a young man who can’t necessarily take on the world. On top of trying to help friends of mine, I’ve got my own problems too! It’s insane.

Fredrick, Enugu Dear Fredrick, Someone once said that you cannot help others if you cannot help yourself. This downto-earth advice may seem difficult to heed when a friend

comes calling, however taking care of yourself is the surest way to be the best friend you can be.

By venting, unloading, complaining, crying, and sharing feelings, humans are able to process emotions and relieve ourselves from some of the weight of day-to-day problems.

It’s wonderful that your opinion, advice, or sometimes just your listening skills, are so needed and appreciated by others.

However, while you are providing your friends with a critical service, you have limits, and as you point out, you may also need someone to vent/cry/ complain to from time to time.

When the weight of friends’ woes starts to drag you down, it may be time to try saying no.

The simplest solution would be to gently let your friend know that it is not a good time for you to talk and suggest another friend for them to turn to.

Something like, “I really am concerned about your problem, but it’s not a good time to talk, I’m not able to focus on this conversation right now. Can you call .”

If you find it difficult to draw the line at first, you might consider presenting an excuse, such as having homework you need to get done. Alternatively, if the situation permits, when your friend is through

* Her husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she stayed by his bedside every single day. When he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he said, “You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me.When my business fell, you were there.

When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you gave me support. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. When I think about it now. ....I think you bring me bad luck!

*A woman rushed home from work and exclaimed to her husband, “pack your bags, I’ve C M Y K

unloading, you could turn the tables a bit and start telling them about your own problems. After all, a good friendship is a reciprocal one, and your friend might feel better knowing s/he is able to help you.

While you are no doubt a great listener, the problems your friends describe , drug abuse, violence, and depression , are serious enough to require the attention of a professional.

Teachers and counselors are often a good starting place, but since you haven’t had much luck so far at your school you may want to speak with

other adults, such as a dean, a trusted coach, or other administrators. What’s more, if you are feeling like a guy who needs to de-stress you could make a counseling appointment for yourself to strategize ways to avoid overloading your own plate with friends’ problems.

Other organizations including your church, mosque or local community center may have resources your friends can pursue. Don’t beat yourself up too much: you’ve done all that you can for your friends, making you worth infinitely more than your weight in gold.

Dear Adia, It is completely natural to think and even dream about people other than your primary partner. All you need to remember is that there is a difference between fantasy and reality. Attractions to others are one of the many joys of life.

What people imagine related to their attraction allows them to experience and even learn about themselves, their feelings, and their behaviours.

People are in control of their behaviours and may make choices and decisions concerning what they may or may not actually want to try. Fortunately, fantasies may create a safe, healthy way to explore the many different aspects of sexuality and attraction.

Many people are content to leave their feelings of attraction in the realm of fantasy, safe to enjoy privately, or perhaps with a partner. However, if you find yourself wanting to move forward with your attraction, it could prove useful to examine your current relationship. You may assess its strengths and weaknesses and think about how the two of you may grow within the relationship. Thinking creatively about ways to achieve what’s lacking in your primary relationship may be beneficial.

You may then choose not to follow through on your impulses so that you may strengthen the bonds of trust you’ve built over time.

Remember, you are ultimately in control of what role this fantasy plays in your life and in your current relationship.

My room-mate masturbates Dear Julie, I’m a fresh undergraduate and I have a problem. I have a roommate who masturbates every night and it makes me sick. He waits until he thinks I’m asleep and then really goes at it. One night, he even woke me up after I was asleep. I find it disgusting to hear his moans of passion as he plays with himself. Should I tell him to stop or should I just find

another roommate?

Steve, Lagos Dear Steve, A good rule when someone is doing something that bothers, annoys, or irritates you is to let him know of your irritation and give him a chance to change. You may always take more drastic measures later. Of course, sex may be much harder to talk about because it’s

C O C K - T A L E S

personal and private. To his credit, your roommate does wait until he thinks you’re asleep before he goes at it.

People sometimes masturbate as a way to release tension or fall asleep. Maybe you could first try a simple facesaving tactic like rolling over and asking, “Are you okay?” when he starts to moan.

If dropping hints doesn’t

won the lottery!” The husband excitedly asks, “Should I pack clothes for cold or warm weather?”

She says, “Pack’em all, you’re leaving!” * A couple came upon a wishing well. The wife leaned over, made a wish and threw in a penny. The husband decided to make a wish, too but he leaned over too much, fell into the well, and drowned. The wife was stunned for a moment but then smiled, “It really works!”

haven’t seen each other for years. As they are talking, one women notices that her friend has a five carat diamond ring, and says, “My, what a magnificent ring.”

Her friend relies, “Yes, it is, but unfortunately it comes with a curse. It comes with my husband! * A husband visited a marriage counsellor and said, “When we were first married, I would come home from the office, my wife would bring my slippers and our cute little dog would run around barking. Now after ten years it’s all different, I come home, the dog brings the slippers and my wife runs around barking.”

* Two women friends meet on the street, but they

* A woman was complaining to the neighbour that

SATURDAY

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HEN a relationship breaks, and all the accusations have subsided, you might feel some sort of relief. For one thing, it would now be obvious your ex is no longer the love of your life nor is he your soul-mate.

For another, you no longer have to put up with his spending hours in front of the telly watching boring football whilst you get infuriated to the point of throttling him.

Peace at last, you sigh.. No more tantrums in restaurant and no petty rows at parties because other men flirt with you. You’re basking in this euphoria when you get a big jolt—you find yourself face-toface with your replacement.

All the good work you’ve done over the months trying to get over him is now out of the window. He might not be good enough for you, but why is he attracted to someone else?

Gladys didn’t meet her replacement at a party as most do—she met her at the bank. She’d gone to cash a cheque and the lady was ahead of her, explaining to the cashier why she didn’t have her ID with her, but could the cashier phone her fiancé to confirm the authenticity of the cheque?

She then proudly reeled off his phone number and name.

“I was dumbfounded,” Gladys said “I really experienced what going cold means. I’ve heard he’s gotten hooked to another woman barely months after our separation, but to have to come face-to-face with her at the bank of all places was a cruel coincidence I never envisaged. I took a critical

When your ex nets a better lover than you! suggested, mentioning her name and the whopping amount on the cheque. She got the money. As she walked towards me, I had this crazy urge to trip her. She didn’t know who I was of course, and I wondered what she needed all that money for. Was she a gold-digger already milking Haruna, my ex who is always over-generous? ‘ when I got to the office, I put a call through to Haruna’s best friend who I’ve remained good friends with. He confirmed knowing my replacement and told me that they would soon get married.

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hen I bombarded him with questions about her, Haruna’s friend was surprised at my sudden interest seeing I was the one who virtually gave Haruna the push. Did I expect Haruna to pine for me forever? He confirmed that Haruna was in love with the girl who was a lecturer at a polytechnic. She

When we had our last tiff, I really held back determined to make him see how indispensable I was in his life

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look at her. I gave myself a satisfactory pass-mark. I was prettier, taller and more sophisticated than she looked.

What on earth did he see in this one? Where did they meet? What does she do ... ?

“All of a sudden, the man I’d thought I’d completely put at the back of my mind became larger than life. The bank clerk did phone as she

Vanguard OCTOBER 20, 2012—19

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was not a gold-digger, he assured me and gave me the name of her well-known parents.

“I was surprised at how depressed I felt at being so successfully replaced so soon.

So I was the one who gave Haruna the push. But I’d done that a couple of times before and he had come crawling back. The making up

was always something to look forward to, though he’d warned me several times he had no stomach for the emotional roller-coaster I was always putting him through. He’d threatened to call my bluff one of these days. When we had our last tiff, I really held back determined to make him see how indispensable I was in his life. Seems I’d gone too far this time and I have been replaced. I tried to talk myself into believing I wasn’t that obsessed with him. Still it hurts. Would it have hurt this much if I hadn’t found out he had a new lover? Or was it the indecent haste with which he did it that rankled ... ?”

For about three years, Gbemi, a divorced mother of two, was in love with an industrialist who was married to a woman who had resigned herself to her husband’s philandering.

She had her children to

think of. “In spite of this, Kenny was absolutely honest with me about his marriage. He made it plain that he would never leave his wife and that he was not the polygamous type,” Gbemi said. “All he wanted was someone to have a relationship, without the bother of a marriage. In other words, a mistress. I’d had a bad marriage and the type of package he offered was good —decent accommodation and generous monthly allowance.

At first I accepted the fact that I had to remain on the periphery of his life. We never went out together and I met only a handful of his friends.

As time went on, however, I became bored being a bit-onthe side. I wanted more than he was offering.

It was inevitable that my resentment boiled over into a rage when we had our last argument. I told him coldly that although I agreed to go into the relationship with my eyes wide open. I found not being seen

Your mum can re our future holds revveal what yyour If you believe you’ve inherited your mother’s looks, do you know what else her genes will pass on to you? Check out these tell-tale health signs given by a genealogy: How young is your skin? Your mother’s skin condition is a better indicator than your father’s of how your own skin will age—men’s skin is thicker and tougher because of the male hormone, testosterone. If your mother’s face has escaped wrinkling, yours should too, but protecting yourself from the sun will help to keep your skin at its best.

Has she stayed slim? Being overweight tends to run in families. If you discover your mother put on a lot of weight in her 20s or 30s, make m6lre effort to include regular exercise in your life.

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You needn’t go for punishing workouts, start by walking briskly for 20 minutes a day.

Has her family been cancer free? A strong family history of breast, ovarian or bowel cancer increases your risk of these diseases. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist for a blood test to see if you’re carrying one of the culprit genes.

Has she had a cholesterol test? If your mum has very high cholesterol, check yours. Inherited conditions can push your cholesterol up to dangerous levels. Ask your doctor for a test but make sure it is one that shows HDL (healthy cholesterol) and LDl (unhealthy cholesterol) separately. An inherited condition can be treated with drugs (stains) to reduce your risk of heart attack.

If your mother’s face has escaped wrinkling, yours should too

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in public with him very humiliating.

That our relationship over the years had been conducted only within the four walls of my room. He was furious. He told me arrogantly that I knew what I was letting myself in for when I decided to start the relationship, that he never for once told me that stupid story most men tell about their wives not understanding them. I said a few hot words back and we parted not very amicably. “We made up a few weeks later but it was obvious I could no longer take him on his terms. I wanted to settle down again, wanted more than two kids. “

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was lucky to meet a widower shortly after we finally called off the affair, and we got married. Kenny simply disappeared as soon as he knew of my new relationship.

He never let on whether or not he was hurt. A year after I remarried, the grapevine was agog with Kenny ’s new mistress being pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. I was told she ran one of these fancy outfits you suspect are fronts for drug peddlers. A few days later, I deliberately went into the shop pretending to want a facial. As I was being attended to, she came in. Her pregnancy was obvious and she looked as if she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. She was a typical courtesan—you could smell her sort a mile off. It was obvious she would have used all the tricks in the book to make him agree to let her have the baby.

Her sort are usually that way .. “

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o are you currently suffering from what is commonly referred to as next lover syndrome? To help you get over this stressful emotion, you are advised to remember these facts: You are still fab; secretly, we will like to believe we are irreplaceable. But your ex meeting his next lover does not mean you’re not special. It just means life is moving on for him as it will for you. Seeing your ex with someone else is certain to bring back the good time you shared and the things you miss about him. Remind yourself that your relationship was a mix of good and bad. Be realistic.

Okay, so you may hear through the grapevine that your replacement is ravishingly beautiful with a degree in something unpronounceable and generosity of Mother Theresa. But let’s face it, your ex is not going to tell people she snores like a banshees.

Add a pinch of salt to everything you’re told about her (unless it is bad, of course, and you take pleasure in believing it). Don’t ever compare your replacement with you. It will only make you feel dreadful and if they ’re less attractive than you, you will just end up asking: what does he see in her? In truth, you can win. Take time to get over an ex. Don’t rush into something new just to make a point to your ex.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20 20, 2012 ikky looked gorgeous in her beautiful wedding dress and her hubby Kenny, looked handsome and dashing, and the marriage ceremony was a fairy tale that had come true. When she tossed her bouquet of flowers into the crowd after the wedding, a mad scramble ensued to determine who the next lucky bride would be. All was well with the world.

Weddings are so much fun!

The memories of such a joyous moment will linger in the minds of most who witnessed it for a lifetime. The photos of the wedding will hang on the wall of their new home, be stored in the photo albums of many, and fill up digital space in their iPhoto collection on their computer hard-drive. For the majority of those getting married, the recall of this significant moment in their lives together will occur frequently and exist in their repertoire of positive reflections “Until death do us part.”

Getting married is, however, the easy part for most couples.

Being married is when the difficult work begins. And all too of doing the simple things often, married couples find it day in and day out of your difficult to get beyond the wed- marriage. ding in their relationship with Always endeavour to lay it each other. When the luster of all on the table. What are the fairy tale starts to wear off your collective and individand the difficult part of making ual expectations for the mara marriage work begins, many riage? How does each want newly married couples flounder to be treated by your spouse?

– they stumble – and sometimes, Are there housekeeping isthey fall. Knowing what makes sues that need to be admarriage work can be simple to dressed? What are the demunderstand. One has to just do ocratic values you bring to the simple things required to the marriage? What about make marriage work. Success- your individual educational ful marriage is an accumulation plans? Where do you want to

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So, what happened to this perfect wedding?

call home now and in the foreseeable future? And the list goes on. The point is, issues like these must be addressed early in the marriage and they must be addressed directly.

Questions cannot usually be answered if the questions are not asked. Issues cannot be dealt with if you don’t know what the issues are.

It is important early on in a marriage to commit each other to the “core values” you want in your marriage. For example, successfully married cou-

ples are committed to the notion that they always put their spouse first in their relationship with each other. Marriage is not a “me” experience. Marriage is a ”we” experience. Putting your needs before that of your partner is not a core value either of you should commit to. Rather, putting each other first lays the foundation upon which your new marriage can build.

In addition, committing to caring and unconditional love for each other strengthens the foundation of your marriage.

Being mutually responsible, trustworthy, and respectable towards each other adds to the fullness and richness of your relationship. Commitment to these core values will serve your marriage well over the years.

Recognize and accept the fact that good sex is not the heart of your marriage. This is the hardest lesson to learn after the honeymoon is over and the realities of everyday living in a marital relationship begin to take over. Sex can be a wonderful way to establish intimacy with the one you love. There is no debate about that.But on the other hand, if you set sexual expectations high on your list of things that will make your marriage fulfilling, you will quickly discover that sex alone will not make it so. Your marriage will make it for a whole bunch of reasons, but healthy sex is the only one of them. Husbands and wives should hug each other often.

They should kiss, touch each other while talking, sit cheek

I feel oversexed

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y name is Rocky. I’m a 25 yearold guy, average looking, and I think I have a normal personality. I met this very nice and pretty girl some months ago. Almost since the beginning, all she wants to do is go to bed and make love. This was great in the beginning, but, you and some guys out there may think I am crazy, I am starting to get worn out. I like her very much and we get along great in bed, but I want to date her just like my friends date their girlfriends, although my friends tell me they wish they had my problem.

Anyway, when I suggest going out, she shrugs her shoulders and says that she

likes to be in bed with me. I’m sure that you get a lot of inquiries about how to move a friendship over to bed. Can you give me some advice about how to move the bed over to a friendship?

Rocky, Sapele Ans: Balancing the needs and expectations of your partner with those of your own may be challenging, but open communication may go a long way in resolving relationship concerns. It sounds like you would like to nurture the relationship and give it time to grow and develop outside the bedroom. Have you spoken with her about what you want in a relationship?

Consider telling her that you’d like to

develop a friendship, both in and out of bed. Try using “I” statements, such as “I have noticed we have been spending a lot of time inside, and I think it would be nice to get to know you better over dinner.” You may mention things you like to do , go to the movies, take long walks, play chess, etc. Additionally, try to find out what your partner ’s expectations are for the relationship, and what your partner likes to do. Perhaps you may plan a date involving one of these favourite activities. Asking questions about your partner ’s needs and interests may help you to determine if you will be compatible

as friends, a romantic relationship, or purely physical.

If your partner isn’t interested in developing a relationship outside of the bedroom, you may want to evaluate if the relationship you have now is worth staying in. Are you comfortable staying with your partner for the sex? Would continuing to have sex with this partner keep you from finding someone else with whom you might be more compatible? Can you stay in this relationship for what it’s worth without getting emotionally involved ? Although you perceive your concern to be different from many others, it’s not unusual. It’s good that you’re thinking about what qualities would fulfill your needs in a relationship.

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Imo State, businessman, C M Y K

to cheek on the couch while having a conversation, curl around each other when they sleep and yes, they have sex from time to time – when it’s right for them. Keep sexual intimacy in perspective in your marriage. Commit to that notion from Day 1.

Remember this important rule – actions speak louder than words! Early in your marriage, you must commit to the simple truth that you will be judged by your actions and deeds, not by your words.

When you commit to something with your words, your actions must follow. You cannot just talk about “sharing burdens” – you must actually share burdens. You cannot tell your spouse you love him or her while you treat him or her with disrespect. Kindness, respect, the sharing of life’s burdens, and being a person of integrity will be reciprocated in ways that will add to the richness and fullness of your marriage.

And finally, all newlyweds must understand this very simple lesson – your marriage will not always be fair, just, and beautiful! All of the best marriages have gone through tough times. All marriages have their challenges.All marriages go through seasons - much like the seasons of nature. Marriage is born in the Spring, blossoms over the Summer, grows to maturity in the Fall, and settles in over the Winter. When we find true love, most of us find it for a lifetime.

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SATURDAY

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ometimes, when certain things occur and people react in a certain way, I wonder if it’s peculiar to us as Nigerians, or if it’s just basic human nature period. Four students lose their lives; and that is just one incidence, one drop in the recent flood of such events; in the most gruesome way conceivable…

Students in justifiable righteous indignation take to the streets and demonstrate their displeasure… a lecturer, a Head of Department no less, perhaps fired by the senselessness of it all joins in on the protest and his just reward for standing up against injustice is to be relieved of his duties… wow!

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ow diligent of the VC! I am sure that was his attempt at ‘damage control’. Of course, if never occurred to him his action did more damage and spoke volumes about his leadership style than anything the kids could have done.

If not for the need for leadership to show restraint in heated situations ideally shouldn’t it be the VC leading such a rally, ensuring that while his students went about their protest, and things didn’t turn

On God's side of the worshippers is a sight to behold.

Hundreds of hands lifted up, dancing and singing with such a frenzy that no devil worth his salt would attempt to go close.

We would put the Pharisees to shame.

At the end of the service, all will drive out or walk out as the case maybe into another world and continue in their

drive like a banshee, whose side are you on? When you knowingly deprive your people of their basic needs, the same people who came out in droves to vote you into power and decide to usurp the monies allocated to make their lives better, turn a deaf ear to their cries, whose side are you on?

When you steal, kill and destroy

When you steal, kill and destroy without feeling an iota of remorse, whose side are you on? When there are different laws to suit different people, who are we fooling?

deception and wicked ways! Whose side are we on? Who do we think we are fooling?

When you are in a position to award contracts and you inflate the amount just so that you get a hefty cut, whose side are you on? When you refuse to obey the traffic signs and decide to

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without feeling an iota of remorse, whose side are you on? When there are different laws to suit different people, who are we fooling? The Bible says that our holiness is like filthy rags before God. He is not fooled. Our lips speak all the right words but our hearts are far from Him because truly if we

The nature of man ugly? Or doesn’t he see the brutal killing of the four boys as an indictment on his ability to ensure the safety of lives entrusted in his care?

We always get the wrong end of the stick. All he could think of (obviously) was how the HOD’s action made the school (and by

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e was not trying to fit in with n y particular group of people. That in itself set the tone for his music which raised the consciousness of all who listened to it. His lyrics had deep messages that spoke about life in general, government dealings andlove.

Nigeria has been described as the only country that has churches and mosques on virtually every street corner. This is no lie. Every Sunday and Friday, these places of worship are filled to the brim and parking spaces also. Songs of praise can be heard from the loudspeakers, and if you live near a church or mosque, you could be part of the service without stepping out of your residence. The piety on the faces a

info@katehenshaw.com

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henever I am on board an airline flying out of the country, I love to watch the in-flight entertainment. My favorites are thrillers and romantic comedies. A friend on board the same flight with me to the Uk recommended that I watch the documentary on The renowned reggae star, Bob Marley. I am not really a fan of reggae music; not that I hated it but my curiosity was piqued and I decided to give it a try.

It was interesting to find out that his father was a Caucasian and the legend was treated as an outcast while growing up back then. He could not really be placed in Jamaica his homeland as he was neither accepted as black nor white!

There was his quagmire. Speaking to the interviewer on film many years ago in one if his many interviews, he stated that he was neither on the black side nor the white side ,but that he was on God’s side, the One who created him.

That spoke volumes to me.

Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—21

airing ones grievances and yes; one expects a certain decorum attached to certain positions of authority, but in the face of extreme provocation all bets are off. If there was ever a case of extreme provocation, this is it.

What did the inhabitants of Aluu community think would happen as

If the students were to show as much intolerance and mindlessness as the mob that lynched those four innocent boys I dare say that not one building in Aluu community should be left standing

extension) himself look bad.

Don’t get me wrong. Two wrongs do not make a right, and I do not condone the wanton destruction of lives and property as a means of

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they sat back and watched and did nothing to stop the serial killing of people in their prime who as it turns out are not guilty of theft? That the world should understand and

were on God’s side, Nigeria would be a place where the people need not suffer untold hardship as is the case.

It is a land flowing with milk and honey but greed has taken a grip over this nation like a strong vice. If you disagree, tell me why each person is a local government unto herself providing her own water, security, electricity, health and even roads?

It is not that hard to do the right thing but it is a lot easier to do wrong. Most of our leaders and even some of us travel outside of our shores and see how things operate elsewhere; we even adjust ourselves accordingly and are law abiding but when we return home, it seems we are taken over by a bad spirit, we fall back into our mould and say “ you know now, it’s Nigeria”.

It was interesting to see how we stood in line on the escalator heading into Terminal 3 at Heathrow, those standing on the right and those wanting to walk past on the left. In stark contrast, the reverse is the case when we arrive home; orderliness is thrown out the door, some people even get out of their seats before the seat belt signs go off when the plane has landed; others go underneath the ropes heading to immigration just to get ahead.

Until we develop our homeland and take ourselves seriously, no one else w i l l !

Let us take a moment and think about our actions. Let us get back to the place where we were once our brother ’s keeper. Let us ponder on this question; whose side are we on, our side or God’s side?

applaud them? That the victim’s immediate constituency will not exact some sort of revenge for the unforgivable act? That they would not receive a firm message that that sort of behaviour is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated? They should be grateful that the carnage was contained quickly. If the students were to show as much intolerance and mindlessness as the mob that lynched those four innocent boys I dare say that not one building in Aluu community should be left standing.

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said it last week; the massacre of the Aluu 4, is a blemish that won’t go away. And until justice is done it will continue to claim casualties. One day, very soon, this nation will have no space left for all the ‘half buried bodies’ we’ve left scattered all about.

Mr VC should stop the knee-jerk reactions, do the right thing and reinstate the sacked HOD. Let’s not further exacerbate an already terrible situation. He should stop window dressing and begin to look for real and lasting measures to ensure that such a travesty of ‘justice’ never occurs under his watch again.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20,, 2012 f men made love the way most women prefer, both sexes would feel more sexually fulfilled and many relationships would improve out of bed as well as between the sheets.

If men made love the way most women prefer, women would receive the leisurely, playful, massage-inspired, whole-body sensuality every intimacy survey shows they value.

Meanwhile, if men made love the way most women prefer, men would enjoy more aroused, more enthusiastic lovers, and more reliable intimacy and better ejaculatory control.

All men have to do is listen to what women say about intimacy, and let go of the idea that intimacy should proceed like it does in pornography.

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So young men fall back on the only resources available to them other clueless young men, and the sex media, which largely ignore sensuality. It’s a classic case of the blind leading the blind.

When it comes to intimacy, women know best

Women’s biggest complaint about men as lovers In survey after survey, women, especially young women, complain that men, especially young men, make love in a manner that’s too rushed, too mechanical, and too narrowly focused on women’s breasts and genitals.

In many women’s experience, too many men view intimacy as a headlong plunge into intercourse. It can be summed up by the phrase, “ wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.”

The private parts should certainly be included in lovemaking, but every major intimacy survey agrees that most women prefer a shift away from genital fixation toward lovemaking based on slow, playful, whole-body massage for at least 30 minutes before any attempt at intercourse. Most women consider the entire body, every square inch, one big erogenous zone, and can’t understand why so many men explore only a few corners and so briefly. Many women resent men for rushing through intimacy, and as a result, get turned off to lovemaking.

Men’s biggest complaint about the way women make love Menwhile, men’s biggest complaint about the female lovestyle is that many women simply aren’t interested. They

need to be wined, dined, and coaxed into bed, and when they get there, they take little or no initiative, and fight men’s advances, which men resent.

Many men also feel deep sexual self-doubt. The women on TV, in the movies, are all very interested in intimacy and participate in it enthusiastically.

Men think: If the woman in my life isn’t interested, there must be something wrong with me.

But instead of asking women what’s wrong, men often i draw their own conclusions.

Surveys show that most men are convinced their equipment doesn’t measure up. Many men also worry about coming too soon, or erection problems, or not coming at all.

A truce in the battle of the sexes Since the mid-1960s when a

research led to the development of modern sex therapy, it has become abundantly clear why so many couples’ love lives are more agony than ecstacy. The rushed, mechanical, all-genital lovestyle most men learn at the curbside, in the locker room, and from pornography ignores women’s real need for gentle, sensual extended erotic touch, and contributes significantly to men’s intimacy problems. Men learn that except for a few quick romance, the only part of the body that counts is between her legs. Men should listen to women: The whole body is one big erogenous zone.

In fact, after mutual attraction, leisurely, playful, wholebody, massage-inspired caressing is the single most important ingredient of highquality lovemaking. So are

foot massage, back rubs, finger and earlobe sucking, scalp, face, and back-of-the-knee caresses, and gently kneading the flesh from head to toe. In addition, the wham-bam approach not only confounds women, it also hurts men. It’s a major contributor to erection problems, premature ejaculation, and problems with ejaculation.

Men’s sexual miseducation is not their fault. Young men feel tremendous pressure to know the ins and outs of intimacy, as it were, so they’ll be able to lead their young and presumably sexually naive partners in intimate explorations.

Even the best school-based sex-ed programs communicate not one iota of information about the critical importance of whole-body sensual caressing.

The key to great intimacy It’s also why intimacy therapists need not fear unemployment. Sexological research has made many startling discoveries, but none more important than this: The key to great intimacy is leisurely, playful, whole-body caressing. How leisurely? Very. Song lyrics endlessly gush about making it last “all night long,” but for many men, all intimacy is a “quickie.” Sex therapists spend a good deal of their time urging men to slow down, then slow down more, and learn that the best intimacy is an extension of whole-body mutual massage. Singersongwriter Michelle Shocked put it well: “If love is a train, I think I’ll ride me a slow one.

Let’s ride all through the night making every stop.”

When men drop the whambam attitude and begin to appreciate the pleasure potential of such secret pleasure spots as their calves, shoulders, chests, and ears, along with everyplace else—some amazing things begin to happen.

Women start to enjoy lovemaking because they’re getting what they wanted all a l o n g — c r e a t i v e , nonmechanical, whole-body intimate sharing. And because lovemaking unfolds more slowly, there’s plenty of time for women to become truly aroused and take some sexual initiative.

A slower, more sensual style of lovemaking is also a major ingredient in intimacy therapy for many male problems. When men adopt the sensual lovemaking style most women prefer, they find it much easier to learn voluntary control over ejaculation. Many erection problems clear up.

And those who have difficulty ejaculating are more likely to enjoy an easy one.

Dude, when it comes to sex, women know best. They want you to slow down, so slow down already. Forget genital preoccupation, and learn to appriciate whole-body caress-

Ask the sexpert

Am I wrong to expect this?

I’m pregnant and my husband doesn’t want to have sex. Am I wrong to expect it?

Ans: In an ideal world, you’re absolutely right.

There should be compromise in the bedroom just as there should be compromise in every other aspect of a relationship. But because we’re living in the real world and this is a temporary situation, you may have to take things slower than you want to.

While it’s perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy, some men get anxious about potentially hurting the baby or you! Reassure him that nothing bad will happen, and eventually he may warm up to the idea.

If he still shies away from it, ask him to pleasure you with his hands to stimulate you to orgasm.

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Every day, it seems like there’s a report about a man cheating on his wife , or worse , seeing a prostitute. Are men hardwired to cheat? What’s the deal?

is to be honest about what rocks your world when it comes to sex.

Ans: No, men aren’t hardwired to cheat! Statistics vary, but on average, they find between 30 to 40 percent of people (both men and women) admit to cheating in one relationship at some time in their relationship history. So this includes people that cheated in college, were posted overseas through work, or at some other point in their life but not necessarily with their present partner.

There are two common profiles of cheaters. The first is insecure people who cheat because even love isn’t enough to boost their confidence. They’re risk-takers and feed off the adrenaline rush. Then there are those who cheat because they’re bored at home or their partner won’t give them the type of sex they want, so they look elsewhere.

Are you worried about your own relationship? Have you had a difficult patch? Has your sex life diminished? Do you worry that your husband isn’t a faithful guy? Consider bringing these issues into the open. It’s also a good idea to make sure you don’t always say “no” to sex because you’re tired and stressed. And a surefire way to keep you both interested

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Before we got married, I noticed that my husband started to put on some weight. Now, he says he can’t stand the way his body looks and that it’s just too much work for him to get aroused. Do you have any suggestions?

Ans: Your husband has ended up in a vicious cycle: The less desirable he feels, the more likely he is to feel better, which is causing him to put on extra weight and feel less desirable.

The good news is that this cycle can be broken. Start with going for walks , then take up an active hobby together, like dancing, swimming, tennis, ...you get the picture. After you’ve got some activity built into your regular schedule, tackle your cupboards! Stop buying fatty or sugary items, and make sure your fridge and cupboards are stocked with healthy foods instead.

Saturday Vanguard, October 20, 2012—23

Stella Damascus, drops albums

Tiwa Savage in another romance allegation

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ith the high influx of Nollywood practitioners into music industry, the Delta State born screen queen, Stella Damascus has stormed the music industry with the release of her new single titled, “Love me Quick”. Stella Damascus has never hidden her love for music as she has been performing live in some events now.

Tonto Dike has also released her single which received a huge criticism though it made her more popular.

•Stella damascus

Flavour set to launch new Album, opens Nite Club!

By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

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exy Flavour N’abania is due to open his own night club soon, we have learnt. The nightclub to be named 2Nite Club, will be located in his home town, in Enugu.

The launch date is October 24, 2012.

Meanwhile, it is going to be a double celebration for Flavour because he will also release his new album ‘Blessed’ on that same day. It’s a big one for Flavour and we wish him all the best!

•Flavour C M Y K

Dream Team Africa storms Tinapa

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S the scenic city of Crossriver is preparing towards the formal unvailing of Tinapa as the African’s entertainment center goes on, Dream Team Africa, a new media and content company has taken over the running of studio Tinapa the tourism and commercial resort in Cross River State.

Reports have it that Tinapa is becoming a huge bee-hive of activities as the new company has commenced the search for and recruitment of the best hands in entertainment and lifestyle program production as it assembles the dream team that will redefine entertainment in Africa. ‘’Dream Team Africa” will consist of the best hands from across the continent, who would produce and disseminate world class programs in entertainment, film, TV and Radio production to the teeming millions of Africa’s youth. Dream Team Africa is on a mission to excite Africa like never before.

•Tiwa Savage

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he song stress who is enjoying her fame and wealth in the world with her new lease of life, Tiwa Savage, was spotted recently with Tee Billz at Elite Model Look 2012 event in

Lagos in an uncompromising position.

Tiwa has never confessed to be dating a particular man but the last event, according to an eye-witness, proved her wrong as the two didn’t spend any moment away from each other during the event.

24— SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Lizzy Anjorin bags Best Actress award …plans big for special kids

L *Jimmy Jean-Louis, Tony Abulu & Genevieve Nnaji

Tony Abulu brings Doctor Bello to Lagos

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fter a star-studded premiere at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington DC, United States, filmmaker Tony Abulu and his crew are perfecting plans to bring his latest movie, “Doctor Bello” back home.

Billed for November 25, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the premiere is expected to attract stars from both Hollywood and Nollywood, especially those featured in the movie.

Sponsored by MTN, with AfricaMagic as partner, the

movie, which was produced through the NEXIM Bank loan, also got support from Sovereign Trust Insurance.

Aside top celebrities and stakeholder in the showbiz industry billed for the evening, delectable Nollywood queens, Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke-Linus, who were present at the Washington premiere, will be attending the Lagos event, alongside other leading stars such as Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean Louis, Victor Browne, Ebby Bassey, Bern Cohen and others.

St Lauren Nollywood buzz hits airwaves

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brand new programme, St. Lauren Nollywood Buzz, which presents top-notch Nollywood actors and actresses in exciting and revealing interviews, has hit the airwaves.

The 30-minute programme, anchored by highly innovative

*Joe Benjamin

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on-air personality, Bukky Babalola, showcases very successful Nollywood artistes, like never before.

The programme, sponsored

by Grand Oak Limited, Lagos and aired weekly on several radio stations across the country, features interactive sessions with the cream of Nollywood, including wave-making actor, Joseph Benjamin; Bimbo Akintola, movie director, Teco Benson, among others.

According to Mr. Jide Akinsomiro, the Group Head, First Marketing Services Limited, Lagos, (the marketing consultants to Grand Oak Limited), the programme was developed to inform, educate and entertain the audience, by engaging the wave making Nollywood artistes in very interesting topical discussions, while celebrating their life experiences, with a view to giving the listeners a quality time on radio.

agos-born actress, Elizabeth Ibukunoluwa Anjorin recently added another feather to cap when she won the Best Actress at this year ’s edition of the Young Achievers Awards night held penultimate Sunday, at the exquisite Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Lagos.

The light skinned actress who produced the comedy flick, “Kofo Tinubu” was honoured alongside other young leading lights in different fields of endeavour.

After receiving the award,the actress assured her fans that she would not disappoint them, adding that, “ I will always do my best to make you people proud.”

Anjorin who was dressed in a black gown at the glamorous ceremony dedicated her award to her late parents. “As the only child, I wish they were alive to share in the joy of a beautiful moment such as this with me.

This award also goes to all my numerous fans from far and near places who voted for

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easler auditorium of the Marquette University located at Milwaukee; W.I in the United States will come alive on October 28th as Nollywood actress, Juliet Uzoma Aguwa stages her fashion show tagged, ‘Fashion for the Cure.’

According to the mother of two and the founder of the Courage to Dare Foundation, the show will feature African and western designs while also serving as a platform to further give succour to women living with breast cancer.

“The ‘Fashion for the Cure’ show is aimed at helping the African woman cope with the numerous challenges they face in the quest to cure and manage the dreaded disease. It is also geared towards giving hope to those affected by Breast Cancer and women in countries that lack the resources to diagnose and manage the disease.” She said.

The beautiful actress who herself survived the pangs of the disease when she was diagnosed of aggressive breast cancer

me. To say that I am overwhelmed, is to state the obvious. I h a v e w o r k e d hard in my career as an actress and I am glad that s o m e people out there are appreciating what I do.”

Anjorin h a s continued to e a r n accolades following the sterling role she played in her comedy flick which centres on the life of an imbecile daughter of a rich man. The film hits the cinemas two months ago. *Lizzy Anjorin

Nollywood actress stages breast cancer fashion show stage 3c in 2008, also revealed that she is driven by the need to provide access to information about the disease which is posing a serious threat to mankind. “ M o s t

*Juliet UzomaAguawu

people think breast cancer is a disease suffered only by women. It will interest most people to know that men are also prone to the disease.

Through Courage to Dare Foundation, I am determined to ensure that individuals of African descent have access to information about breast cancer and also have access to preventive m a m m o g r a m screenings.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—25

MURDER OF 4 UNIPORT STUDENTS

Stephanie Okereke reacts against Aluu attacks

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ollywood actress, Stephanie OkerekeLinus has reacted against the recent attack on the Aluu community in solidarity with the four UNIPORT students gruesomely murdered by members of the community.

In a message posted on her website, Okereke condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and uncalled for.

According to her, the judicial system should be given the opportunity to bring those who committed that hideous crime to book, since not all members of the community participated in killing of the students. This is her reaction; ‘As we seek for what is right, let death not procure more deaths. We do not need to burn down Aluu community. We do not need to shed more blood.

Not every child, mother and father in the community killed or endorsed the killing of the young men. They too deserve to be protected from the brutality that has ensued from all of

these.’

Since the story of the ugly incident made headlines in the national dailies two weeks ago, a lot of celebrities including M.I and D’banj have added their voices to the call for justice on behalf of the families of the slaughtered students.

“I have been in shock since the news broke out in respect of the students slaughtered like chickens in a community called Aluu. At what point did we lose compassion for our fellow human beings?

Death is inevitable for every life, but no one deserves to die like the way those young men died – no one! Death dishonoured them.

Even in justice, there should be civility and modesty. That is why we are humans, and not beasts grovelling in the jungle. That is why we are made in God’s likeness so that we can be like Him – kind, merciful

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Van Vicker and wife celebrate 9th wedding anniversary

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hallywood actor,Van Vicker celebrated 9th wedding anniversary with his wife last week. He dated his lovely wife, Adoja for 10 years before they eventually tied the knot in 2003.

The handsome actor who’s a Nollywood favourite wrote romantic note to his wife on his Facebook page.

Its being 19 years with you. 10 years of boy friend, girl friend affair

and 9 years of marriage. Where I fall short you strengthen me and I become your strength when you are weak. Today I thx God for u and for us and all He’s done for us over the years. He is seeing us thru. Let’s gun for 25yrs next. Thx for accepting to marry me 9yrs ago. I love lovin u, my wife. Muah. The couple have three kids; two daughters, J’dyl, Jian and a son Vj.

*Van vicker and wife

ANCOP, FIAPF holds confab on copyright

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he Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) in recent times has been in the forefront of canvassing for the protection of intellectual property in the country.

Only recently, the body was registered as a member of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations(FIAPF) with an aim to protect the interest of Nigerian film producers as regards to copyright issues.

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However, in the light of this development, the body in collaboration with FIAPF is poised to hold a one-day international forum on copyright next week Tuesday, October 23rd , at Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Meanwhile, ahead of the one-day event, the body has implored the government to give urgent attention to the allied industries’ demands for strong copyright protection, especially in their approach to debates at the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organisation

Between copyright and ‘copyleft’ (2)

(WIPO), where key decisions are made about the future of the international copyright framework.

Making the call through its president, Mr Alex Eyengho, the body said “ we call on our government to re-emphasize the primacy of copyright and exclusive rights as the engine of growth for film and other creative industries, to commit fully to maintaining the international copyright framework and updating Nigeria’s copyright law accordingly.

There is no Development Agenda without strong copyright.”s to world markets.

his week, I’ll just bring to a close the discussion I started last week on the above subject matter. It is important that intellectual property owners in the creative industries like Nollywood know, understand and act on the two schools of thoughts regarding the protection of rights – copy right and development agenda otherwise known as copyleft.

Information at my disposal indicates that there was a manifest and marked hardening of Nigeria’s position at a recent Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). One of Nigeria’s delegates to the forum, Prof. Ruth Okedeji who works for the US University of Minnesota, was said to be developing copyleft arguments with a lot of talents. Nigeria seem to have taken the leadership role in asking for mandatory exceptions outside the boundaries of the Three-Steps-Test that is enshrined in the existing copyright framework and ensures, in particular, that exceptions should only be introduced if they would not demonstrably damage the economic interests of rights owners. This is surprising and worrying because Nigeria agreed to support more moderate language in the Audiovisual Performances Treaty concluded last June in Beijing, China.

Whatever happens, Nigeria and indeed the African group is pivotal in the power play between the proponents of copyright and copyleft by contributing with a firm but balanced voice over the past years. Any curious move, radicalism or a little to the left by this group at this stage might make the job of fighters for IP rights at WIPO more challenging than it is today.

Intellectual Property owners in Nollywood want copyright and not copyleft. This is one message Prof.

Okedeji, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and other Nigerian delegates at international copyright fora should always keep in mind at all times.

Copyright is about us – protection of the creative industry against criminal and unauthorized exploitation of our intellectual property.

This is why the international copyright forum being put together by the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) and the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF), on October 23, 2012 in Lagos is a good platform for the creative industries in Nigeria to jaw-jaw with a view to shooting down this dangerous trend called copyleft.

26— Vanguard, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 20, 2012

D’banj named Best African Act at 2012 MTV EMA! K oko master, D’banj was announced as the ‘Best African Act’ for the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards, having received the highest votes from fans across sub-Saharan Africa.

Hosted by supermodel, TV host and entrepreneur, Heidi Klum, the 19th annual awards show was broadcast live from Frankfurt last Sunday.

The DB Records boss beat four other African nominees; Camp Mulla from Kenya, Sarkodie form Ghana and South Africa’s Mi Casa as well as his Nigerian counterpart, Wizkid to come tops. Wizkid who was nominated last year lost to 25year-old Moroccan, Abdelfattah Grini.

D’banj had previously won Best African Act at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards, Artist of the Year at both the 2008 and 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, and Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards.

He will now vie against India’s Alobo Naga and the Band and Ahmed Soultan from the Middle East for the chance to represent the region in the Worldwide Act category, which celebrates all the music that MTV has to offer by showcasing artists from all parts of the world.

The representative for the Africa/India/Middle East

*D’banj region will be announced on Tuesday, October 30, along with the other regional winners from Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia Pacific. These five regional nominees will then battle for votes for the “Worldwide Act” distinction, and the winner will be named

at the show in Frankfurt, on November 11, 2012.

Fans can vote for Europe Music Awards categories, including Best New, Best Live and more by visiting www.mtvbase.com. Voting for EMA categories is open until Friday 9 November 2012.

Dvahyu takes gospel to prisons

By IYABO AINA

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ross Rivers state born, gospel singer, Michael Dvahyu, is definitely stirring up the music industry. The Togo -bred musician on Independence Day, did the unusual when he seized the day to take his music to enliven the body and soul of inmates at Kirikiri Female Prisons in Lagos.

The singer pulled the big reach-out crusade titled “Shelter of Praise” under the aegis of his record label, G. Nation and in collaboration with Nigerian Prisons services. “ We believe that if prisoners are expected to behave like responsible citizens upon release, it would make sense

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to begin this process within.

Also,you can’t just take away someone’s freedom and what they really care for and expect them to behave well without a positive substitute. Unless something is put in the vacuum created, the prisoners will go back to their old ways and might become worse off ” said Michael Dvahyu, who got his second name from his adopted father in Togo.

“The programme is aimed at bringing the good news to the inmates, teaching them how to become Godly and patriotic citizens of Nigeria and also assist them acquire useful skills that will help them upon release. We intend to make this a yearly programme, our own way to help in reformation of the inmates” he said.

Lara George is African queen of gospel music T

he high flying Nigerian Gospel artistes, Lara George, Mike Aremu, Frank Edwards, Wole Oni, Sammie Okposo and Rooftop MCS were deservedly honoured for their pacesetting roles for African Gospel music scene worldwide, as they were crowned with the prestigious African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) UK recently in London.

The award winning Nigerian gospel acts were led by popular ‘Ijoba Orun’ exponent, Lara George. She won the coveted Best African Female Gospel Artiste Award, despite a very tough competition from outstanding African female gospel music icons, who made up the challenging nominees.

George defeated African gospel music ‘goliaths’ such as Emmy Kosgei of Kenya, (who won the award last year), Ghanaian Gift Osei, UK – based icon, Diana Hamilton, celebrated Ntokozo Mbambo of South Africa to mention but a few.

President, African Gospel Music Writers and Critics Network, Isaac Daniel, who monitored the award, said that it was a miracle that Lara George won in that ‘zone of death’ category. “this is because when the nominees were announced she was not among the favorites. In fact she was an underdog as everybody expected the likes of red – hot Emmy Kosegei or Diana Hamilton, or Gift Osei and Ntokozo Mbambo to clinch the award ahead of the Nigerian multiple award winning songstress.

Apart from Lara George, other celebrate Nigerian

Gospel artistes that made the country proud at the event included, Midas touch producer, Wole Oni. He recorded an unprecedented feat for Nigeria as the only double award winner in Africa. The Ondo State born prolific music producer bagged two distinct awards in the “Best Music Producer ” and “Best Contribution to the promotion of African Gospel Music” categories. Rooftop MCS won the “Afro Gospel RAP (Solo/Group) of the year., Frank Edward, winner “Best West African Artiste”, Mike Aremu, winner “Best Afro Jazz/instrumental Musician while Sammie Okoposo and Muyiwa Olarewaju were honoured with the AGMA Trailblazer Award.

Speaking on the award, Lara George expressed surprise that she was chosen for the award among other African Gospel Music giants.

But she attributed her success to the wonderful works of God. “This award makes me very, very elated. Honestly, I am very happy that I won the award. I wasn’t even expecting it. The award was very keenly contested; I really thank God that I won this prestigious award. Like my newly released album titled “Higher ”, I see myself moving higher and higher with my music. I will continue to make quality music and videos to remain on top. I will also move from conquering the African scene to other parts of the world. In fact, like every progressive artiste, I have my eyes on winning the Grammy Awards very soon.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 27

Revelations of a bereaved mother •Amadi was not born with asthma •He was a prince—cousin

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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motion was very high last Friday, when the remains of Ogbonna Amadi were laid to eternal rest in a crypt fit for a king.

But besides the grief and numbness that rented the air, late Amadi’s aging mother, Grace Amadi in this brief conversation with Showtime, relives memories of her last moments with her late son and what his death meant to her. The story...

On Amadi’s state of health

Speaking in Igbo , she made a startling revelation that Ogbonna was not born with the sickness.

According to her, “my son was not born with asthma.He was already matured before he was diagnosed with asthma. And it wasn’t all that bad at the initial stage.

While he lived, he never took his health for granted because he was always with his inhaler to void complication. That’s why I said he died a natural death. It was time for him to return to his maker.

He was already an adult before he started suffering from asthma. I know that my son suffered asthma and I also know that he died a natural death. I have been reading all that friends and well wishers have written about him and I am happy. I am no longer crying because my son lived a fulfilled life both professionally and as a family man. I urge you, the colleagues, not to abandon the children and the family he left behind.”

My closeness with him

I wouldn’t tell you that I knew the kind of person he was going to become in life. Rather, he happened

to be the one who unlocked my womb after four years I gave birth to his elder brother.

He was my only son that I had in Yorubaland. That was why he was called Oluremi loku (meaning my God heard my cry). If you visit where we were living in Lagos in those days, our neigbours used to call me Iya remi. That could explain why he married a Yoruba woman. I give God all the glory for the good life he lived here on earth. I also put my trust in Him that He will console me through his wife and three children. I want them to be very close to me as Ogbonna was.

Our last meeting

Recalling Amadi’s last days with her, she said “my problem was that he hardly come home, but not quite a month ago, he came home and everybody was happy and there was wild celebration in the family. I prayed fervently for God to bring him home and He answered my prayer.

He renovated the entire house, bought things for people. He also settled his friends and brothers’ request and promised that he will now be coming home more frequently. I did not know that it was going to be the last

time I would see him. But I take solace in the fact that he became born again before his death.”

Amadi prince

was

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For the deceased’s first cousin, Professor A.N Amadi, of the Department of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri(FUTO), the late Amadi was born a prince. “He was born a Prince. His late father Osidua Eke was the founder of this community.

So, that actually gave him the ego to see every other person in the kingdom as his subject.

Though, he wasn’t visiting home regularly because of the nature of his work, every festive period, he was always in touch with us. He was a grassroot man. And that’s why you could see his age grade, the development union and the kindred represented at the burial rites.

He was a young man.He was yet to do some of the rituals a man should undertake in Ohafia and anytime we see his age mate we remember him. Ogbonna died as a boy, that’s the tradition of our people. As a Prince, he was expected to take all the titles as tradition allows no matter the level he attained in the society.

Okposo, Ayefele, Ekiye for Oritsejafor’s triple jubilee

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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T will be a period of gospel music explosion as Sammie Okposo, Yinka Ayefele, Aso Ekiye join forces with resident Milk and Honey Choir to bring down the glory of God in Warri, Delta State.

These gospel heavyweights are expected to be headline acts at the proposed triple jubilee celebration at the Word of Life Bible Church in Warri to mark the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s birthday, 25 years of his church and 40 years in evangelisation.

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Sources close to the church say that the event which will flagged off on Saturday, November 3 with a novelty match featuring members of Nigeria’s Dream Team that mesmerised the world at Atlanta in 1997 by winning Africa’s first World Cup. After the match which will pitch the Dream Team against the highflying Warri Wolves, the events proper will run from November 9-18. Venue: Word of Life Bible Church’s International Gospel Centre, Ajamimogha in Warri.

The source told our reporter that the gospel musicians have all confirmed their willingness to be part of the church’s 25th Jubilee Word Festival and have actually begun rehearsals for the programme.

Apart from the artistes, the martriach of the church and wife of the CAN president, Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oritsejafor,

said preparations for the epoch event had reached high pitch as different traditional dance troupes are busy perfecting their dance steps for the event expected to change the history of the nation for good.

Okposo

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012

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se Ikpe-Etim is one of the mostsought-after actresses in Nollywood at the moment. Recently, she starred in the latest flick, The Meeting, produced by Rita Dominic which premiered yesterday in Lagos. In this interview, she shares her fantasies, acting career and the challenges of the industry among other issues.

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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hat is the secret behind your wonderful performances on screen?

Well, you can see the smile on my face. It is really a very big honour for my name to be mentioned as a nice actress. I own the gratitude to Almighty God who is using my directors to bring out the best in me. It takes a highly talented director to bring out the best in an actor/actress. I strongly believe that people are still doing their work as expected of them.

How do you feel when they appreciate your performances?

(Laughs) I feel so honoured. It is not easy for one to be appreciated for doing what I’m doing on screen. It means you did something good.

What is it that you are doing right when you are on set with these well-established actors/ actresses?

You know I used to say that people should never rest on their oil. If a woman hears that she cooks well, she should not relax because she has been praised that she cooks well.

What I am saying in essence is that, we learn every day. Is not that people cannot do something right, but they need to be empowered. The best of me is yet to be seen.

I want a man I can feel safe with —Nse Ikpe-Etim C M Y K

What is the difference between you and other actresses?

I don’t know what to say, and I cannot run away from the fact that God has been on my side. Sometimes, I sit down and look at what I have done in the past, and where I have gone wrong.

So I try every day to improve. I also work on my co characters in other to make something different. Well, everybody is different Even if they are living the same life. No matter what, even when they are born of the same mother, one thing will always make the difference in the person. I believe so much that for every role you play in a movie, you must find one little thing that you connects. Like in The Meeting , you see how Bolarenwa connected. They really brought out the funny part of me in my character as Bolarenwa in The Meeting.

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hat do you say about Bolarenwa in The Meeting?

In movies, there are romantic comedy, there are comedy but this one, The Meeting , is a satirical comedy. Now, there is no character in the movie that one cannot identify with.

Because, there is always a Makinde in someone’s office. There is always an Ijora, that girl that walks around the office pretending as if she does not know anything but she knows what she wants. There is always a Bolarenwa in every office.

There is also a Clara Ikemba the receptionist that will neither block or mare your life. There is also a gateman, that person that opens the gate at every sound of horn at the gate. You see, that the characters connected.

Talking about characters like, Makinde and Ijora, they are upcoming actors, has your perception about them changed after acting with them?

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 29

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f Makinde never had the platform to perform in Tinsel like other upcoming actors, do you think he would have impressed you?

One thing I strongly believe is that, you can never lock up talent no matter what. Talent will surely rise above everything.

What now makes it shine is the attitude. But you can never lock up talent. Even if he has never acted before, there would have been another avenue for him to perform.

As for Linda, she is willing to learn. She does not think that she knows it all. I am actually more happy than they are for what they have. So, I know what it is like. When it comes to acting, I was burning up. And then, there on the stage, you will have the support of the cast, the director and the producer, you find out that the sky is your limit.

How soon do you intend to bounce into TV programmes since that is what most people prefer these days?

May be one day, you will get to see more of me; you will get to see more Nse. I strongly believe that when the time comes, you will see me there.

What are your thoughts about the movie?

In the movie, you know in school, C M Y K

there are these kind of girls, who are local but feel they know everything.

They have acquired a degree, but still local. They have a sense of pride in them because, they feel they have got something. They claim they are very wise but they do not know anything that was exactly the role Mary played.

So when she was exposed, she went out of hands.

Can you recall in any movie

were what you intended to act was not what you acted?

I can’t really recall now but I remember there was a scene in reloaded where FEMI, walked into the living room with a girl and my character dropped for like a second or two. People outside might not notice it, but I did. When I was watching the movie, I was asking myself, why did I dropped? So, these are the kind of things am working against. You know sometimes, we all have to learn how to control our emotions.

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hich of the movies do you think was extremely challenging?

Well, each movie has its challenges, but the most challenging is the one I shoot recently in Abuja, it is called, BROKEN. The movie actually broke me. The film made me see the strength of a woman from different point of view. Having a family, yet not having one. The movie was something else. There was a

,

I will be very honest with you, I saw Ijora, different from the role he plays in Tinsel. And he played the lawyer and I saw he plays a different funny man here. He walked in a funny way, he reacted in a funny way then I was surprised, I said where did you learn all these things from? I was pleased with the way he acted and I said yes, our industry needs this. As a new Nollywood, we need new more entrants into the industry than we have already. I know we have talent here in Nigeria.

People are highly talented in this country to be honest. But the problem is, do they have the platform to be recognized? I am very happy for their talents. I was given a chance in Reloaded . I was supported by all the elites in the industry and I came out with that movie. In that movie, you find out that I acted amidst established actors/ actresses . The movie was amazing.

I am praying that the generation after me will train their children on how to cultivate reading habit

,

meeting point in that movie.

Meanwhile, I always give myself sometime to rest. I do not jump from one stage to the other. If I have a script, I dedicate everything I have and when I am done, I will give myself some rest.

Do you have the intention of going into some other branches of art?

As I always say, I am comfortable with where I am in acting I want it that way. For now, I am in love with my work. In terms of loving the people I am working with like the directors, producers and others. I love putting a smile on people’s faces.

We need to remind people that things have happened and it is only acting that reveals that. It is a concept reminder.

How do you react to the ALUUUNIPORT killing?

We should be made to know the value of life in this country. In this country, as far as it didn’t concern us, we are not bordered.

We have reduced ourselves to nothing that we do not appreciate the value of life. I was asking myself if it were to be my brother, how would I have felt?

I ask, was gun pointed at anybody and they said no so, why did they kill those guys?

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n those days when you are stressed up, what calms you?

Cooking calms me more. I like cooking so much. If I can’t cook, I read because, I think that there is no knowledge that is a waste and reading gives knowledge. If you read constantly, you can never lack.

What I am praying for is that the generation after me will train their children well on how to develop reading habit. That is why sometimes when I speak, people will be asking themselves, where did this person come from?

I want to tell them that it is what I learnt from my parents through constant reading. Sometimes, I hang out with my friends then I mingle my fears and foes with my friends.

I can also decide to be alone. I will just lie on the bed for something and will not get up.

What would make someone earn your friendship?

Honestly, for you to be able to be my friend, it means we must not judge each other.

Even if you offend me, I will understand the reason from your own point of view because, you explained to me.

Sometimes, I don’t see you all the time but we are very close. Some people will take offense and the friendship will end.

I also have friends I don’t see all the time, the day we see, we greet. So, even if when somebody tells you that I have not seen you for a long time, just have it in mind that she is busy.

I can’t judge. If there is anything you feel I didn’t do right, don’t judge, call me and ask me why did you do a thing like this and I will explain it in the context that I did it.

That is what we own ourselves. I can laugh with everybody at the same time; it is not all the time that I laugh.

What are the things you want in your man?

I have answered this question over and over again but I think I have to streamline it into one word, I want a man I can feel safe with. It is not about money or whatever, somebody you can look back at and feel safe.

He will watch your back and you watch his. Not somebody who doesn’t respect your feelings and want you to respect his.

It doesn’t work like that.

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012

•Wayne Rooney

•Jose Fonte

• Adel Taarabt

• Aaron lennon

Five players to watch in this weekend’s English Premier League fixtures The English Premier League resumes this weekend following the international break. In the past 10 or so days, fans have seen some outstanding World Cup Qualifying matches from around the world, but now, we return to the domestic fixtures.

In the Premier League, there are some great games to watch this weekend. Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in what should be a pulsating tie, while sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion host Manchester City.

This is a list of five players to watch in the Premier League this weekend.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs. Stoke City)

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n the past three weeks, Wayne Rooney has been absolutely tremendous.

Against CFR Club in the Champions League, the Englishman was put on the wing and assisted twice. When United faced Newcastle United a few days later, Rooney played right behind Van Persie and once again set up two goals.

And, in England’s 5-0 win at home to San Marino, the 26-year-old scored a brace.

Rooney is in top form and has showed how strong he can be in midfield.

Manchester United will be huge favourites to win against Stoke City and you would expect Wayne Rooney to be at his best.

Jose Fonte (West Ham United vs. Southampton)

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outhampton currently have the worst defense in the English Premier League, conceding 20 goals in just seven matches. They may not be in the relegation zone anymore but will C M Y K

certainly need to improve over the course of the season.

Jose Fonte has played in every Southampton league match so far this season and has been guilty of poor defending on few occasions.

Against Fulham in the Saints’ most recent match, Fonte scored two goals for his club, including a 90th-minute equalizer.

The Portuguese had a very strong game on both offense and defense and will want to do the same against West Ham United today.

Adel Taarabt (QPR vs. Everton)

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n his three Premier League appearances this campaign, Adel Taarabt has already equalled his 2011/ 2012 goal tally. The Moroccan midfielder had a tough first season in the Premier League last year but played well near the end of the campaign.

After being out of the starting lineup for much of this season, Taarabt has returned to QPR’s midfield with back-to-back goals.

Mark Hughes’ side are bottom of the league but have looked more threatening with Taarabt back in the squad and will be hoping for a good

result against Everton.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea)

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aron Lennon’s inconsistency prevents him from being labelled as one of Europe’s top wingers.

The English player can be

superb one game and poor the next. Lennon has been fairly good so far this season but really proved how good he was in Tottenham’s game against Aston Villa. The winger was clearly man of the match, with great attacking play and a wonderful goal.

Aaron Lennon continued his good form in World Cup

•Olivier Giroud

qualifying with two assists against San Marino at Wembley.

Olivier Giroud

(Norwich City vs. Arsenal)

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livier Giroud is beginning to justify his £12 million transfer fee. The Frenchman moved from Montpellier to Arsenal over the summer but hasn’t looked like the striker who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season.

Against West Ham United, Giroud scored his first league goal for his new club and set up Arsenal’s late winning goal. He then came off the bench in the 86th minute for France against Spain and scored the equalizing goal.

Arsenal fans will hope that Giroud’s reversal in form is permanent.

John Terry: Chelsea star won’t appeal FA racism decision, will miss four matches C HELSEA defender John Terry has decided not to ap peal the Football Association’s four-match ban that he was given for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in the English Premier League last season. Terry was found guilty for calling Ferdinand a “f****** black c***” and banned for four matches,a decision that it seemed the England international would appeal.

However, the Blues defender will not appeal the decision, nor the £220,000 fine that he was issued, apologizing for the incident and his actions in a statement.

"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.Although I’m disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.

"As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight, my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position. My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again..."

•Chelsea defender John Terry

Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012 — 31

Off The Pitch

GOLF NEWS

Will Dustin Webb, Keegan, Bubba, or Rickie Fowler seek Euro Tour slot in 2013?

Will big purses lure Rickie Fowler to the European Tour?

The European Tour announced this week the addition of the new $7 million Turkish Open to be played in early November next year. Will this induce more PGA Tour members to be tempted to try dual membership on the European Tour?Several European Tour members currently reside in the U.S. and play on both the PGA and European Tours. Most notable of that group is Luke Donald, who won the money titles for both the PGA and the European Tours in 2011.

Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson could earn some extra money on the European Tour Players can earn eight official appearances for both tours in the four majors plus the four WGC events. Add to that one appearance for an international team event, a player is at nine official appearances for the European Tour as well as the PGA Tour. Most top golfers travel to the Middle East in January for appearance fee money. They can also pick up a European Tour appearance in one of the co-sponsored events on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

Big purse hunters will want to add the new Turkish Open to their bank account, which adds another European Tour event to the list.

Will Tiger join Rory on the European Tour?

Can a true World Golf Tour be far behind? Maybe the “Silly Season” won’t be so silly after all.

Will we see Bubba, Hunter, Rickie, Dustin, Webb, or Keegan jumping on private jets and hopping across the ocean to hit golf balls in more European Tour events? I am not much of a betting man, but I would definitely bet on that. They tell me that Euros spend just as well as U.S. dollars

Nani, Paulinho, Wilfried Zaha, Federico Macheda

T

he racism controversy involving Serbia and England is dominating the news, but meanwhile the rumor mill rumbles on.

While UEFA sorts out matters between those two associations, there’s another team interested in Nani and a new figure for the potential sale of Wilfried Zaha to a Premier League club.

All that and more are in this edition of Off the Pitch. Read on for all the details.

England, Serbia Charged in U-21 Incident UEFA has brought charges against both the English and Serbian associations following a violent incident at the end of Tuesday’s Under-21 match in Krusevac, Serbia.

The Serbian association has been charged with alleged racial chants from fans. Both associations have been charged with failing to control their players after the final whistle.

England won the match 1-0 on a late goal

by Connor Wickham. The victory sent England to the 2013 UEFA U-21 European Championship.

The case will be reviewed on Nov. 22.

According to media reports, the Serbian association has blamed Danny Rose, who was sent off following the final whistle, for the incident. Rose allegedly endured racist chants throughout the match.

Juventus join Nani Race

•Rickie Fowler

•Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson

•Tiger and Rory

TENNIS

Roger Federer believes he can finish the year at No. 1 T

HIS week, Roger Federer celebrates his unprecedented 300th week as the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player. 2012 has been a great success for the 31-year-old Swiss, and with a few months left, he intends to finish it out as strong as ever.

Despite another Grand Slam title to his name and a silver medal at the Olympics, Federer ’s hunger has not been sated. In a press conference at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, Federer expressed his resolve to finish out the year at No. 1, stating, “I would love to finish No. 1 as well for the end of the year.

For that, it’s going to take a great stretch again, winning Basel, Paris and London. I assume to give myself a chance…I’ll give it everything I can.”

Any other player who believed he could win three tournaments to secure the top spot would seem overly optimistic. But Federer has C M Y K

proved time and time again that when he sets a goal for himself he is fully capable; his 2012 results speak for themselves. So far this year, Federer has accrued six titles—the most of any male singles player (Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal each have five).

While Federer seems confident (and rightly so), closing the year as No. 1 is far easier said than done.

The Swiss leads, according to the South African Airways ATP Rankings, with 12,165 points to Djokovic’s 11,970. But Federer trails Djokovic according to the Race to London standings at 9,255 to the Serb’s 11,410. As Federer himself mentioned, he will have to defend titles at three tournaments in order to overtake Djokovic—no easy feat.

At the Swiss Indoors, which takes place in Federer’s hometown of Basel, he has been crowned champion five times and reached the finals eight times.

J

uventus have joined the race to sign Portuguese winger Nani from Manchester United .

Nani, 25, joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. He has fallen out of favour this season and Zenit St. Petersburg reportedly almost signed him in the summer.

AC Milan are also thought to be interested, though the Rossoneri reportedly want a cutprice deal of about •12 million.

Corinthians want to keep Paulinho

C

orinthians want to keep midfielder Paulinho in Brazil, denying reports they would field a big-money offer from Chelsea.

Paulinho, 24, has won six senior caps for Brazil, scoring twice.

Wilfried Zaha to cost at least £20 Million?

C

rystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish says Wilfried Zaha will not leave the club for less than £20 million.

Zaha, 19, is an England Under-21 international midfielder. He has reportedly drawn interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

“I said at the start of the season that keeping hold of Wilf would be like spending a lot of money on a transfer,” said Parish.

“Other sides can fly their kites but it would take £20m before we even got interested.”

Federico Macheda to leave Manchester United?

I

talian striker Federico Macheda could

* Federer

leave Manchester United if he does not receive more playing time. Macheda, 21, has not played in a competitive first-team match since Dec. 26, 2011. He has spent time on loan with Sampdoria and Queens Park Rangers.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard,OCTOBER 20, 2012

Family members react to BobbiNick Gordon’s engagement R

UMOR that Bobbi Kristina Brown engaged to Nick Gordon is true after all. In a new sneak peek to Lifetime’s new reality TV show “The Houston on our own”, the daughter of late Whitney Houston confirmed that her adopted brother indeed had proposed to her.

The news caught the family off guard. Bobbi’s aunt Patricia called the engagement “unacceptable.”

Gary Houston, Whitney’s brother and husband to Pat Houston, was equally surprised as telling Gary, “No one knew that from a godson you would turn into a boyfriend. No one knew that.”

Commenting on the negative reactions they got from the family, Gary said, “The family has me out to be a bad person.” Bobbi was determined to prove them wrong as saying to the camera, “They want to see us fail ...

We won’t.”

The reality TV series will premiere on October 24.

Talking about her late mother, Bobbi gushed, “I didn’t see her as an idol. The glam and glitz ... I didn’t see that. I saw a mom.”

Bobbi and Nick got close after Whitney passed away

•Bricklin and Susan

Famous female celebrities who romanced much younger men

•Bobbie &Nick early this year. “We’re just close — just going through her mom’s passing and grieving together,” he once tweeted. They first sparked

engagement rumor when she was spotted wearing a large diamond ring during a PDA filled outing. They vehemently denied it back then.

J. Lo and Casper Smart

S

USAN Sarandon, who turns 66 on October 4, have dated 12-years-younger actor Tim Robbins for 23 years.

After they split in 2009, she once again ended up with another younger man, this one more than 30 years her junior: Jonathan Bricklin, 33, who also happens to be her partner in

J

•Lopez and Smart

ENNIFER Lopez, 43, is never a single lady for long She’s had high-profile relationships with celebs such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, and the husband she split with in July 2011, Marc Anthony. When she moved on to a new guy last November, the lucky man was 18 years her junior Dancer Casper Smart, who’s now the choreographer of J.Lo’s current world tour with Enrique Iglesias, is just 24. Still, Lopez insisted recently in an interview with Katie Couric that it’s not something she and her boy toy spend a lot of time discussing. “Until somebody brings it up, I don’t think we really think about it. We’re just two people who have similar interests and love a lot of the same things and who get along.”

Madonna and Brahim Zaibat M

ADONNA who’s known for flings with men of all ages is currently cozied up to a French break dancer in his mid-20s. The 54-year-old “Vogue” singer’s boyfriend, Brahim Zaibat, talked a little about his famous girlfriend in an interview published on Socialite Life just three months after they began dating in September 2010. When asked if he was a big fan of Madge’s music C M Y K

when he growing up, Zaibat said, “It wasn’t the kind of sound I had on my iPod but I knew her tracks,” he said.

“I’ve since pretty much listened to all she has done.

She has put lots of break dance and hip-hop in her last tracks and she’s passionate about dance. Her dream as a child was to become a dancer. That’s another thing we have in common

•Carey and Cannon

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey

I •Madonna and Brahim

T may seem like media staples Nick Cannon, 31, and Mariah Carey, 42, have

her ping-pong club chain, Spin. However, Sarandon has explained that she doesn’t intentionally look for less mature men. “I don’t go by age,” she said , “I go by the soul of a person. I think that when you really love a person, the age thing, the gender, the color, none of that matters. been together forever, but they surprised the world when they tied the knot in a secret ceremony in the Bahamas on April 30, 2008, before anyone could even confirm they were dating, much less dating (though Carey was spotted wearing a giant engagement ring in late April 2008, which prompted rumors).

Three years to the day after the couple wed, Carey gave birth to their boy-girl twins, Moroccan and Monroe, at age 41.

“I’m just happy to be in love and to be here,” she told Barbara Walters last year.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—33

How good is your personal hygiene?

has a small quantity of urea, salt and some other compounds. If the body perspires more, in hot weather, a slight increase in the intake of common salt is advised, to make good what is lost through perspiration.

Excessive perspiration can lead to the scaling of the skin or inflammation (Dermatitis).

Usually this is no cause for worry. Some people sweat more, some less due to hereditary and body composition factors. Excessive perspiration is also a symptom of diabetes, anaemia and h y p e r t h y r o i d i s m .

Head Lice ice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp,and suck blood to nourish themselves. Lice make a pinprick like puncture on the scalp, emit an anti clotting substance and feed on the blood. Lice also thrive on unclean hair,and Children are especially prone to lice infestation. Lice spread from one head to another when there is close contact as in school environments. Lice eggs are wrapped in a shiny white sheath,and these show up on the upper layers of hair as the infestation increases. They make the scalp itchy and are a cause of annoyance and embarrassment. In infants, they may cause disturbed sleep and bouts of crying. Unchecked, they can produce scalp infection. Anti lice lotions are available in the market, but in persistent cases a doctor’s advice can be sought.

Nit picking is painstaking and requires patience. A fine toothed comb and regular monitoring can get rid of the problem. Usually when a child is given an anti lice shampoo, all members of the family are advised to use it too.

Dandruff Dead skin on the scalp comes off in tiny flakes.

This is associated with some disturbance in the tiny glands of the skin called the sebaceous glands. They excrete oil, or sebum.

When there is too little oil the skin becomes flaky and dry. When there is too much oil also dandruff is possible. It may have a slight yellow colour.

L

*Teach them personal hygiene early..

H

air wash twice or thrice a week might be necessary.

Combs and brushes must be washed as well. Hair should be brushed regularly.

A wholesome diet and overall cleanliness will help. Massage the scalp everyday to improve circulation.

A shampoo with selenium sulfide or salicylic acid helps.

sweat. Diet influences the odour too.

Two baths a day, with liberal lathering and change of clothes in close contact with the body should take care of the problem. Talcum powders, of the non medicated kind, can be used under the armpits.

Deodorants or antiperspirants can be used.

Most commercial skin deodorants contain an antiperspirant, such as aluminum chloride, which reduces sweating by forming a hydroxide gel in the sweat ducts. But sweat suppressed in one area, comes out in another. The addition of perfumes masks the odour.

Deodorant soaps do not interfere with sweat secretion, but contain

Bad Breath Poor oral hygiene and infection of gums often results in a bad odour emanating from the mouth. This is called halitosis. Smoking can make this worse. Proper brushing of the teeth and oral care can get rid of bad breath.

There can be other reasons for bad breath. Colds, sinuses, throat infections or tonsils can cause bad breath.

Ear wax Cerumen or ear wax accumulates in the ear canal that leads from the outer ear to the ear drum. As the secretion comes out of the ear it collects dust particles which might have got in from outside. Daily wash with soap and water is enough to keep the outer ear clean. Do not reach farther than you can with your little finger into your ear. Nature has not provided for C M Y K

*Pinworm it. Putting in hairpins, safety pins or blunt edged things for cleaning purposes might harm the ear. If you feel wax has accumulated and is plugging your ears and interfering with hearing, consult your doctor.

Body odour The body has nearly two million sweat glands. These glands produce three quarts to one pint of sweat in a day.

In tropical countries, naturally, more sweat is produced. The perspiration level increases with an increase in physical exertion or nervous tension.

,

D

iseases of the stomach, liver, intestines or uncontrolled diabetes are also possible causes. Therefore, if bad breath persists despite good dental care, you need to see a doctor.

Pinworms are about a quarter of an inch long. And they can cause plenty of discomfort

Fresh perspiration, when allowed to evaporate does not cause body odour. An offensive smell is caused when bacteria that are present on the skin get to work on the sweat and decompose it. This is specially so in the groin, underarms, feet or in clothing that has absorbed

,

hexachlorophene which destroys the bacteria that causes body odour.If daily cleanliness routines do not reduce body odour, check with a doctor.

Perspiration The body perspires to keep the body temperature from rising. Sweat is 99% water. It

Urinary infection Women are especially prone to this infection. This happens when bacteria travel up the urethra and start breeding there. Chances of urinary infection are higher during pregnancy and after major surgery. This infection causes pain or a burning sensation during urination. Sometimes the urine is discoloured. Itching, frequent urination, fever and chills can also result from urinary infection. Though not a serious problem it can be rather an irritating and an awkward one. It is easy to catch this infection when toilets are not clean or when too many people share toilet facilities.

T

o avoid this infection improve overall standards of hygiene: both, regarding toilets and personal parts. Wash or wipe front to back after urinating or defecating.

Remember this when wiping or washing babies too, as a general rule. Do not wear tight fitting synthetic underwear. Drink plenty of water. Do not hold back when you have the tendency to urinate. If the condition persists consult a doctor.

Pinworms Pinworms are about a quarter of an inch long. And they can cause plenty of discomfort. The worms come out of the anal opening to lay eggs at night. This leads to intense itching in the area. Disturbed sleep, mild pain and diarrhoea are possible consequences.

Children are especially prone to this complaint. The urge is to scratch this area. When scratching, eggs stick to the hand, and under the nails and infect anything the person touches. The eggs can pass through air, or by contact with infected food or bed linen to others who share the premises.

The eggs are not affected by disinfectants and remain active in the dust for a long period.

A doctor has to be consulted to rid the worm infestation.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

at. That is why gender mainstreaming comes in. The solution to this starts from the homes. And we are telling parents that if they must prepare slots in order to send their children to school, they should share it equally among the boys and girls so as to give all of them education. Do you know that in the Nigerian home, when anyone falls ill, it is the girl child that must be pulled out of school to nurse that sick person. It is that bad in this country. We are only praying that these things will change in our life time.

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

n this interview, Benue State First Lady, Arc. Mrs. Dooshima Yemisi Suswam spoke about Nigerian women in positions of responsibility, inter tribal marriages and lots more.

Excerpt: I

Your Church donation to the Anyii community, your husband’s village Well, the church donation was in fulfillment of my secret promise to God. I made a request of Him with a promise that I will build Him a place of worship. And to His glory, He fulfilled my requests and I had to build the church to show appreciation and also in fulfillment of my promise to Him. He has been faithful as always. And what else is a better way to say thanks but to build a sanctuary for Him. It gives me innermost joy to feel that He is still there for me and my family despite our shortcomings because no man is perfect. That is simply why I embarked on that project and I thank God that he saw me through and I thank God for the worshippers and members of that community because they have put the sanctuary to good use. It’s all to the glory of God and not any man Coping with inter cultural marriage It has not been very easy, but I give thanks to God. You know, God is a God of purpose. He does nothing by mistake, He does everything for a purpose.

As He made it possible for me to marry from a different tribe that I grew up , shows that He had a purpose for it in the first place. And when you look back, there is no cause for regrets.

,

Involvement in humanitarian service The motivation is simple, Almighty God. He instructed that we reach out to the poor and needy. And as First Lady of the state and one who has a firm grip on the omnipotent God, I am compelled to reach out to the needy and I do it with so much joy because it gives me much pleasure when I do that.

For me that is one way of saying thank you to the Almighty for his mercies and goodness. After all His banner over us is love.

And when you reach out, you are demonstrating the love of God which He gave us freely.If He can give us freely why not replicate same by reaching out.

That is the philosophy. And I also encourage well-to-do Nigerians to do same. Because if you do that, so many would be saved from treading the part of destruction which the bible abhors. That is the motivation.

Maternal mortality in the

You know generally that the African culture is a bit hostile to women. Benue is not an exception

, . Mrs. Dooshima Yemisi Suswam...My motivator is

Almighty God

It’s not easy coping with inter-cultural marriage —Yemisi Suswan

What is important is that you must realize that it is not an easy part to tread. You need God. Without God you can’t achieve it. God has been faithful.

Impact of Benue culture and tradition on the lives of women You know generally that the African culture is a bit hostile to women. Benue is not an exception. In a situation where a community is discussing an issue of importance,women are not allowed to talk in such gatherings. The culture is such that it is always the first male child that has the right to speak.

Even if you are the oldest, as a woman you cannot speak. So, if that is fair, I leave that to you to discern.

On violence against women When it comes to widows

rights and other things, it doesn’t happen here. When you talk about violence against women, it’s not different from what happens elsewhere. Here, the culture is such that it is the woman who goes to the farm.

She does the tilling of the ground, plants and when it is time to harvest, she does it and hands over everything to the husband who does whatever he likes with the farm yield. That is the culture here.

Girl child education in Benue You know, in the eastern part of the country, you see a lot of girls in school while majority of the boys are traders. But here in Benue State, it is different and better. But generally, the girl child is still the one that will be the last to go to school if the economy of the family is bad.

That is what we are all frowning

State Maternal mortality cannot reduce until all our health facilities are in place and functional. Maternal mortality, shamefully and painfully are still high in Nigeria. We should start from training our traditional birth attendants to develop. Here in Benue, you find out that majority of the people live in the rural communities and are still using traditional birth attendants. As I am talking to you now, so many people are still delivering their babies in their homes. So a lot of advocacy needs to be done. But if you want to know what the state government is doing through the ministry of health; I can say that all of our health facilities are being renovated and stocked with drugs.

The primary healthcare centers are also undergoing same.

The Governor has also equipped some of them. So why am I talking about this?

Because if you want maternal mortality to reduce, people must start antenatal as soon as they discover they are pregnant.

Because birth complications start from pregnancy . If you have a healthy pregnancy, you’ll have a healthy baby and you will be alive to see your baby grow up a normal baby and into an adult . But if you don’t attend antenatal, you are already endangering yourself and your baby. So, if that is the foundation for resolving the issue of maternal mortality, the institutions that will cater for the pregnant people must be put in order because if you don’t

do that, the pregnant women will have no where to consult during pregnancy thereby endangering their lives and that of their unborn babies.

Now we are also trying to sponsor a bill to the Benue State House of Assembly through my office to ensure that maternity is free in Benue State.

But we cannot present that bill until the hospitals have been fully renovated, equipped and fully operational, although some of the hospitals have been completed. We’ll definitely put the bill forward to see how it can fly.

As for my office, maternal mortality and issues of HIV/ AIDS remain paramount. In our clinics, we have wards for delivery services, etc. You know there are lots of complications arising from HIV/AIDS in pregnant women. It is also aimed at curbing maternal mortality rates. We also have two ambulances which phone numbers have been published and circulated for use by the public. We are still creating awareness for people to come out to be attended to at the right time. Some say I am not feeling any headache and pains nor fever but it is beyond that.

It was pathetic to note when I visited the Federal Medical Center on the 1st of January, the first baby of the year 2012 in this state was not a normal baby. It was very painful; the second child, the same thing.There was one that the mother died at birth. My advice to everyone who will read this is,once you are pregnant as a woman, please start antenatal care. And for the husbands, please ensure that your wives do not fail to attend antenatal the moment they become pregnant. It is important. Everyone should join their voices with us in this outcry.

Performance of Nigerian women in positions of authority You see, there is no perfection anywhere in the world but the most important thing is that we have started . And we just want to thank the leadership of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan because today in the federal cabinet, we have about 13 women and they are not doing badly at all. If you put them side by side with the men and score them accordingly, you will see that they are not doing badly at all. So we are coming up. I believe that with the representations we have been able to make at both the state and federal levels, especially in my state for example, it is quite encouraging. I can vividly tell you those who are doing well and those who are not. I think it is worthy of exultation.

Nigerian women have done us proud because they are not doing badly. I have trust in the Nigerian woman. But when we say women, it is not every woman but those with integrity, professionals who can stand their own anytime.

Those who can do the country very proud if given the opportunity.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—35

eating right, thinking right and drinking right are the best ways to guarantee excellent health.

W

P

ETER Ogudoro, is a Communication, Innovation, Education & Development Consultant and Career Strategist. He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he speaks on his healthy lifestyle.

Excerpt: Growing, tell us your food ?

I was brought up in a typical rural community in Imo State, Nigeria where we were used to eating fruits and vegetables. My mother was a specialist in fresh foods but the lifestyle changed during my secondary school days in the city. We were used to eating foods from the factory.

Later, I was introduced to junk foods. Eventually, I discovered that such lifestyle wasn’t too good. So, I modified my diet and minimised the in-take of food from restuarants as well as

Suya...All the way

S

uya is a West African kebab or roast meat also known as chichinga in Ghana. This is a very popular barbeque street food in many West African countries. The use of roasted peanut in marinating the meat gives it a wonderful flavour. Suya can be made with beef, chicken, goat meat or any meat.

Recipes

•Suya

synthetic liquid and switched to taking water. At a point, I developed ulcer as diagnosed by doctors. With the doctor’s advice, I started eating regularly. I was also eating biscuits. I never knew that, the doctors that I trusted were not well informed about food and nutrition. The pain compounded and complications set in.

Immediately, I knew my problem was as a result of bad eating habit. So, I worked on my lifestyle and reduced pressures around me. I also eliminated diary products including milk, eggs from my nutrition. I desist from eating beef, chicken, turkey as well.

Exercises became my daily routine and I engage myself in it between 30 and 60 minutes. I also engaged in drinking water and eating fruits.

I advised my wife to

•Peter Ogudoro minimise cooking.

So, we have learnt to eat most of our fruits fresh, cook less and eat fresh fruits. In three months, I have lost weight of about 13 kilos and I acquired the equipment for monitoring my blood pressure and temperature and everything became normal. Right now, I am healthier and fit. My blood pressure is excellent.

So, what has changed in you?

I have superior stamina compared to what was obtainable in the past. My intellectual acumen is sharper and I remember things better. In every respect, I can confirm that

Today’s Menu Meat, cut into small pieces Roasted peanut Cayenne pepper or to taste Paprika powder Garlic powder Grated ginger or ginger powder Maggi Salt to Taste Preparations Start by grinding the roasted peanut until you get a fine powder, you can use a food processor or a mortar and pestle.

Next, on the p e a n u t powder add all the spices and grind again to mix the spices with the p e a n u t powder really well.

T h e n , marinate the meat with the peanut; spice

•Ginger

and m a k e sure that the meat is really coat with it. Let marinate it in your refrigerator for at least one hour.

Place the meat on your skewers of choice. Meanwhile preheat the grill and lightly oil the grill plate.

Then grill them on medium heat until done. Serve hot with some sliced onion and tomatoes.

h a t

kind of fruits do you take?

I take watermelon, cucumber and citrus in its minimal proportion.

People should know that indigestion can develop into health issues including cancer.

People should quit diary products, meat products, cook less and take more fruits. For me, I can walk long distances, run and jog. I hardly complain of sickness and I don’t patronise hospitals anymore.

...exercises I jog to exercise my heart and every other part of my body. I walk to promote creativity within myself.

When I walk in the morning, I discover that, I am at my best in terms of idea generation.

What is your idea of eating right?

People should focus on foods that are directly from the farm.

Our emphasis should be on fruits , vegetables and water as much as possible. We don’t need synthetic liquid. It is recipe for disaster when it comes to health management.

Anyone who would incur cancer, high blood pressure, persistent headache, migraine, stomach ache and all kinds of health problems that afflict people at the age of 40 should indulge in unhealthy foods. If not, people should settle for things that are naturally healthy.

Fruits of the da dayy Watermelon uicy watermelons are sweet and juicy,and i n d e e d , c o n t a i n antioxidants.It could be an alternative to quench thirst where there is no water. It has been discovered that they are good for cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer and diabetes too.

J

Do you know that?

Watermelon is rich in potassium, and also helps the kidney to dispose all the toxic materials properly and aids urination thereby cleansing the kidney and blood.

Watermelon is a very good

supplement of potassium and magnesium, and may be prescribed by physicians for the people who are suffering from high blood pressure.

Ninty nine percent of this fruit is composed of roughage and water, and will not increase blood sugar level,but will help insulin to function properly and keep the blood sugar level in control. Beta carotene present in watermelon acts as antioxidant and will keep the heart muscles young, energetic and healthy.

•Watermelon-with-lemon

Your food and your health SORE THROAT This is the inflammation of the back of throat causing sore.

Grind the back of mango and extract the fluid and use as gargle. Mix 10ml of the fluid with 125ml of water.

Grind ginger to get the juice and use to gargle.

•Mango C M Y K

36—SA TURD AY 36—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

mix up my age for reason I still can’t understand.

For my education, I attended Estate Primary School, a public primary school in Lagos and proceeded to secondary school in FGGC, a boarding school in Benin, Edo State.

The boarding school experience enabled me grow into an independent little girl.

But I only spent three years there.

I came back to

Your first encounter with Jennifer leaves you with a strong impression that she is cut out for a career in journalism.

Jennifer who is only 28 years old has travelled far and wide using her pen to inspire positive change around the world. She started her pursuit in Nigeria.

Recently, she was referred to as one of next generation's of communicators by George Washington University.

Jennifer is currently working with Global Press Institute (GPI) as a media trainer (and reporter), a job she started out as a freelancer while in college (Nigerian Institute of Journalism); she is also serving as a trainer in Ethiopia, working on a unique project focusing on recruiting, training and managing a group of girl journalists in three communities in Ethiopia. She also writes research papers, articles, poems. She has two published books—“In Days to Come” and “Preserve my Saltiness” and presently dreaming up a third book. In this interview, Jennifer tells Youthful Vibes her inspiring journey from career confusion to career choicejournalism. ennifer’s childhood and education J I was born in Edo State but

relocated to Lagos State with my family when I was about five years old. My mum is an educator, although she is now retired. My dad was an entrepreneur , a businessman.

Bless his memory. I have five siblings—I’m the youngest. I also grew up in a kind of opendoor policy environment- with cousins and lots of extended families around. I am only just learning the culture of leading a quiet life. And yes, I am 28 years old, not 23.People often

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“...a society that cuts itself from its youth severs its lifeline, but a society that engages their interests, enlists their talents and liberates their energies, brings hope to the entire world.”—Kofi Anan, former UN Sec-General

I was contacted by a PR firm working with Rolex to report live on the first Rolex Young Laureates Awards in Geneva, Switzerland

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towards development work and journalism.

Volunteering at Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) and Serving as a presenter/ researcher at PRTV Jos Plateau State gave me an insight into what media for development was all about. That moment I knew I had to pursue a career in Journalism. So, I eventually had to make a conscious decision to study Mass Communication at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Lagos. The school provided hands-on learning experience.

Also, Church played an interesting role in my formative years.

Books played an empowering role in my life. I spent a lot of money on books instead of clothes. Trust me, I am still reading and have also expanded the types of books I read. wesome experience on A I n t e r n a t i o n a l Journalism

I actually started out freelancing with a National Newspaper in Nigeria. In 2007, I was presented with the opportunity to serve as a weekly youth columnist. The Sunday Editor then, Mr Lekan Otunfodunrin is a nurturer. He helped mentored my journalism career. I also used to contribute features stories on different youth issues to the newspaper, aside the weekly column. As I grew in the field, I maximized the opportunity by reporting whenever I travelled abroad. While in D.C I heard that President Obama was Meeting with Young African Leaders. So I contacted the organisers and requested for a press pass. I was told I needed to contact the White House directly. I actually did and I got the pass.

I really wanted to ensure I was able to report the event in a way young people, who were not among the some 45 selected participants, were able to understand and connect with. In 2010, I was contacted by a PR firm working with Rolex to report live on the first Rolex Young Laureates Awards in Geneva, Switzerland. By this time I was freelancing as a Features Editor at Celebrating Progress Africa CP-Africa.com.

Lagos for my senior secondary school education in Ikeja High School, a public governmentfunded school. I was appointed as the Senior Head Girl of the school.

After high school, I wrote JAMB a couple of times. But my highest score was 204 (Two hundred and four) and that was not good enough mark to be admitted into the University of Lagos to study Law. I flirted with the idea of studying Mass Communication or Creative Writing. I was a bit confused with what I really wanted to do.

I love the idea of just writing and being an academia like Prof Wole Soyinka. But that passion was not strong enough.

I took a year off to work some more with the hope that the experience will give me a clearer vision for what I wanted to do with my youth. I ended up spending a good part of my formative youth volunteering in different organizations locally and internationally.

I felt the experience was part of my education.

During that period, I realized I did not want to study law or creative writing.

I had a natural talent for writing and Victor Gotevbe and Jennifer at nosing around meeting at a Youth Parley in Lagos so I was swayed

I also served as a speaker during the 2011 World Press Freedom Day event in D.C. I spoke on youth consumption of the New Media, its challenges and opportunities, under the theme “Digital Native: The New Media Generation. I recently served as a reporter and blogger at the UNESCO Youth forum that held in Paris. I worked with Doudou, from DRC, Hend, from Egypt to cover the African region. We were a team of 10 journalists/ bloggers from different countries covering Europe, Asia, North and South America as well as Africa, during the UNESCO event. ennifer named one of the Next generation J communicators by George

Washington University Between 2009 and 2010, I was recommended to participate in a one-year Atlas Corps Fellowship program by One World Youth Project (OWYP), a youth led organization I volunteered for while in school.

While I was working or volunteering as Communications and School Partnership Director in Washington D.C., I was contacted by Georgetown University’s GAIN & Center for Social Impact Communication to serve on a panel focused on how technology and social media can better shape the way Africans tell their stories, beyond the typical hunger, disease and war torn continent that is often communicated. er Counsel to Nigerian youths H I’ll tell young people, never

underestimate God’s ability to show you your purpose in life.

The first step is to ask. If you are feeling depressed and discouraged right now, it is time you go back to God and ask Him to direct you right. Don’t be afraid to start from scratch and don’t work with another man’s timing. We all have our unique race to run. Don’t use other people’s lives to limit your uniqueness.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Comrade Obinna Nwoke with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence SOUTH AFRICA

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Obinna Nwoke

binna is an indigene of Atta Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. He believes strongly that his passion for active youth participation in shaping a country dates back to childhood.

He is a graduate of University of PortHarcourt and later proceeded to University of Rhode Island where he studied Martin Luther King’s Non-Violence Methodology. He got certification from the Center for Non-Violence and Peace Studies in the same University as a non-violence practitioner. His passion for advancing non-violence and Peace building initiated the start up of Safe Community, an NGO with a mandate to work towards achieving a safe environment in various countries.

In October 2011, Obinna had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the Pan African parliament members in South Africa with the theme: Dialogue on Youth Empowerment in Africa for a Sustainable Development.

At the end of the meeting, young persons in attendance decided to have an African youth forum – Pan African Youth Council- through which they can bring all African Youths living in Africa and the Diaspora to form a more unified and virile African Youth body with a view to developing African Continent to advance other continents and to also contact Africa’s relevant institutions. He emerged the continental president, seeking with other leaders to set up a frame work which shall encourage active participation in building African Youth Policy (AYP), non violence and discouraging corruption in the African Continent through partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The Council has other executives, namely, Najma AbdiAhmed as 1stVice President (Somalia, East Africa); Gloria Mwelwa Liwindi as 2ndVice President (Zambia, Southern Africa); Eyenet Arnault, 3 rd Vice President (Congo Brazzaville, East Africa) and Ibrahim Sileck as 4thVice President (Central African Republic). The Council also have Rtn. Quintin Dogubo Gibson Mologe (Nigeria, West Africa) as Chief of Staff to the Continental President.

Vanguard, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 20, 2012—37

Object of beauty fair is a celeberation of creativity

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op designer Nikki Khiran is the brain behind the much talked about object of beauty fair coming up in November. In this interview with femme flair, she talks about the objectives of the fair and why it is going to be a yearly event.

WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF BEAUTY FAIR ALL ABOUT .Objects of Beauty, is a fair that’s about fashion, lifestyle, wellness, beauty and art!

It’s a celebration of the creativity and vast resources of Nigeria, in this challenging environment, with it’s everyday hassle, individuals are still able to create beautiful things, with very little backing and few resources.

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE FAIR The fair is a platform for branded businesses and emerging ones, to showcase their unique products and services to potential clientele and media representatives, all under one roof. Customers can get the best of seasonal shopping.

WHEN IS THE FAIR AND WHERE WILL IT HOLD .Objects of Beauty Fair, is at the Protea,Westwood Awolowo Road,Ikoyi Lagos. I t will hold on the 17and 18 of November, from 10am to 7pm daily.

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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE We want vendors ,both creative and retailers with interesting and unusual products.

WHO ARE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE .Our audience is the discerning clientele, who appreciates beautiful things.

There is something for everyone!

Expect to see innovative products, creativity at it’s best, and great prices! It’s going to be a lot of fun!

WILL THERE BE A FASHION SHOW? WHO ARE THE DESIGNERS SHOWCASING We are looking at 30 vendors!

We are working on putting a fashion show together as a finale to the event, it’s still under wraps!

WILL THE FAIR BE A YEARLY EVENT Our intention is to have Objects of Beauty twice a year, around Easter and before the year end. We need collaboration from more creative people, and we need to celebrate the creative industry!

TELL US ABOUT THE NIKKY KHIRAN BRAND My brand is Nikki Khiran Couture, I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 20 odd years !I’m a graduate of the London College of Fashion, where I majored in Fashion Design Technology.

Nikki Khiran started of in

Nigeria 11years ago with couture women swear line, a prêt- a- porter line, and also furniture accessories. My aim is to promote African arts, crafts, fashion, culture and creative genius through Objects of Beauty.

HEALTH TIPS:

Take care of your lips by applying sugar peeling if they are dry.

Apply it on your lips and lightly massage it with your toothbrush for one minute. This way, they will become softer and bigger. Do not apply a thick layer of lipstick or lipgloss, because your lips will look unnatural. Remove the excessive amount by pressing lightly a tissue to your lips.

You cannot forget about proper hygiene of oral cavity.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. You can always have a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag and use it whenever you feel that your breath is not fresh, especially after meals with garlic or onion.

Use dental floss to get rid of little bits of food that get stuck between your teeth.

Finally, chew a mint-flavoured chewing gum. It kills bacteria in your oral cavity and protects you teeth from dangerous acids.

In order to strengthen your skin, you should eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits.

They are a great source of vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed by your body. Eat raw fruits and peel off your vegetables thinly, because many vitamins are just below the peel.

Steam your vegetables or eat them raw, as salads, so they won’t lose their nutritional value.

38—SA TURD AY V anguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 38—SATURD TURDA Vanguard,

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SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—39 water) can dry your hair out, no matter what your hair type. If you’re exposed to sun, wind, or other elements, you may want to use a shampoo designed for dry hair or use a conditioner. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat to protect your hair when you’re outdoors.

Wear your hair with a smile mile, they say complements. It adds value to you and makes you adorable to the eyes.

According to research, you exact more muscles when frowning than when you smile.

Many ladies simply think a good hairstyle is all they need to look stunning. But beauty analysts say wearing a smile all the time, plus an outstanding hairdo, is capable of making you stand out.

Hey you single lady, have you ever wondered why your dream man hasn’t approached you yet? Maybe it’s because you haven’t learnt the trick of attraction yet. You are probably among those who think putting on a smile doesn’t matter as long as you have your expensive human hair and makeup on.

Well, that notion is wrong. So, why don’t you try complement your good looks with a smile and see whether things won’t actually change for the best for you. Wear your hair with a smile.

Taking care of your hair

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e have about 100,000 hairs on our heads. Each hair shaft has three layers, with the cuticle, or outside layer, protecting the two inner layers.

Shiny hair is a sign of health because the layers of the cuticle lie flat and reflect light. When the scales of the cuticle lie flat they overlap tightly, so the inner layers are well protected from heat, sun, chlorine, and all the other hazards that can come from living in our C M Y K

environment.

When hair is damaged, though, the scales may separate and hair can become dry. Because the scales on dry hair don’t protect the inner two layers as well, hair can break and look dull.

The type of hair a person has — whether it’s straight or curly — can also affect how shiny it is.

Sebum, which is the natural oil on the hair, covers straight hair better than curly hair, which is why straight hair can appear shinier.

Depending how long a person’s hair is or how fast it grows, the end of

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S

Your hairstyle

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hair needs to be treated gently, especially when it’s wet. Wet hair can stretch, making it more vulnerable to breakage or cuticle damage.

That’s why using a hot blow-dryer (or other heat styling products)

As long as you treat your hair gently when it’s wet, frequent washing shouldn’t harm it. If you have acne, it’s a good idea to keep the hair around your face clean so that hair oils don’t clog your pores

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each hair shaft can be a couple of years old. So the hair at the end of the shaft could have survived a few summers of scorching sun and saltwater and winters of cold, dry air. How well you care for your hair from the time it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks.

Caring for Hair

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ow you take care of your hair depends on the type of hair you have, your lifestyle, and how you style your hair.

Your hair type. People with dry, curly hair have different hair care needs than people with straight, fine hair. But all

on very wet hair can damage it. Long, high heat causes bubbles to form in the hair shaft, which causes them to break easily.

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ome people find that their hair gets oily in their teen years. That’s because the hair follicles contain sebaceous glands that make sebum, which moisturizes the hair and skin.

During adolescence, the sebaceous glands may become overactive due to hormone changes during puberty, producing more oil than needed. As with acne, oily hair is usually a temporary part of

puberty.

Many teens care for oily hair by washing it once a day — or more if they’re active. As long as you treat your hair gently when it’s wet, frequent washing shouldn’t harm it. If you have acne, it’s a good idea to keep the hair around your face clean so hair oils don’t clog your pores.

If you’re washing your hair every day or more, it may be better to choose a mild shampoo instead of a shampoo designed for oily hair. For some people — especially people with fine, fragile, or combination hair (hair that’s oily at the crown but dry on the ends) — shampoos for oily hair can be too harsh. If you have oily hair and want to use a conditioner, choose one that’s made for oily hair.

If your hair is dry, it’s a good idea to wash it less frequently. Some people only need to wash their hair once a week — and that’s fine. Many people who have curly hair also have dry hair. Curly and dry hair types are usually more fragile than straight hair, so you’ll need to be especially careful about using heat styling products.

Shampoos made for dry hair and hair conditioners can help.

Your activity level and interests

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o you play sports or spend a lot of time at the beach? These kinds of things can affect your hair. For example, if you’re an athlete with oily hair, you may want to wash your hair after working up a sweat during practice and games. But if you’re a lifeguard or a swimmer, sun and saltwater (or the chlorine in pool

eat styling products like curling and straightening irons can dry out even oily hair if they’re used too much.

Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t use them on wet hair or high settings, and give your hair a vacation from styling once in a while.

Ask your hair stylist or dermatologist for advice on using heat styling products.

Chemical treatments can also harm hair if they’re not used properly. If you decide you want a chemical treatment to color, straighten, or curl your hair, it’s best to trust the job to professionals.

Stylists who are trained in applying chemicals to hair will be able to evaluate your hair type and decide which chemicals will work best for you.

Here are some things to be aware of when getting chemical treatments: •Relaxers: Relaxers (straighteners) work by breaking chemical bonds in curly hair. Relaxers containing lye can cause skin irritation and hair breakage. Although “no lye” relaxers may cause less irritation, both types of relaxers can cause problems if they are used in the wrong way (for example, if they’re mixed incorrectly or left on the hair for too long).

HAIRSTYLE OF THE WEEK

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

I

saw myself in a very wealthy family. My father was the inventor of motor spare-parts trading in Nigeria in the 40s, and so, he became very rich in his early 40s. He had deals with the Colonial Masters to be bringing cargoes and luxurious cars for sales as well as maintenance of spare-parts. And he was into the purchase of crashed helicopters as well. I was the second son and the fourth child. I was sixteen years and in my third month in secondary school when my father died. And his younger brother inherited his wives and properties by tradition.

That was when I was exposed to the ill of our tradition. My mother rejected the tradition and was denied all her inheritance as the first wife.

She was only given a room from the entire properties.

I was sixteen years old, I could not intervene and when I thought of doing that, it was too late. But, I gave her the comfort she needed.

My mother told me that, she did that out of her sincere love for her late husband and that she had vowed not to allow any other man go to bed with her. She was a widow for 35 years before she passed on.

The problem was much and I had to join the army. When the war ended, I had no other job. At that time, late Ojukwu founded what was called Biafra Youth Force and so I became a member. After six months, retired General

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Gowon started arrest of the members of the group. Some of the members became victims including myself but I escaped and went to Ghana.

There, some Nigerians contributed money for me to go to Poland.

I

didn’t know Poland was a communist country and after a while, I was stranded.

I had a girlfriend who advised me to go to Germany and pick up the pieces of my life. When I got there, I had no home until one Nigerian, Shola came to my rescue. He took me to his hostel and there, I got the first job.

I was introduced to grade 11 dresses popularly known as second hand clothes. I started making money from the business. I went back to school. It was at the University that I met a seventeen old girl and I proposed to her one year after. But, the father insisted that I will not marry her. That gave me another opportunity to gain entrance to United States Army. From there, I became a man and so I studied the State Policing Policy in Germany. It is my involvement that gave me the experiences I am using now.

Foundation.

With my experience, I have been able to define the vision and mission of the foundation.

Now, we are operating on what is called Societal Rebranding.

(In tears).

Polygamy is a horrible issue.

Let’s not talk about it. I weep each moment I remember this passage of my life.

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Dr. Kingsley Ezeatakwulu Osakwe was born in Aba, Abia State on June 5, 1946 into the family of late Mr and Mrs Osakwe. His father Francis Egwuenu Osakwe was a businessman who acquired so much wealth at his tender age and his mother, Bernice Iyenuwa Osakwe was a petty trader .

He spent the first sixteen years of his life as a prince in his father’s house in Nigeria, while, another sixteen years of his life was spent as a pauper on the streets of Germany and Poland.

At 32, he picked up the pieces of his life again. He ventured into a business in Germany where he was trading on grade II clothes popularly known as second hand clothes. Although, he passed through ups and downs in life, he was able to surmount his problems.

Today, he is founder of a Crisis Control Foundation, an organisation that promotes human rights. He is our guest in this edition of Past Perfect as he takes us round the challenges of his life and how he overcome. Excerpts

The news of my breakthrough was published in the Concord Newspapers of October 10, 1982 with my products. And in 1983, there was a change in politics and Zik was denied access to contest. As an Igbo man, I felt cheated and so I took up the challenge to contest in Lagos

I

came back to Nigeria as an Industrial Engineer and Machine Builder which helped in setting up my industry. The news of my breakthrough was published in the Concord Newspapers of October 10, 1982 with my products. And in 1983, there was a change in politics and Zik was denied access to contest. As an Igbo man, I felt cheated and so I took up the challenge to contest in Lagos. We fought and Zik was cleared. I was denied and went back to my business. But, the another challenge set in. There was power failure, increment of foreign exchange rate and the business collapsed. I then went back to Lagos. There, I had a partnership contract with Nigerian Airforce and the business blossomed such that I acquired so much wealth.

But soldiers fought me and threw me out. I went to court and I was vindicated. I was given a ransom of about N3.5million which was a reasonable money. I started another life. And I joined late Ambassador Segun Olusola on his African Refugees Foundation and from there I founded Crisis Control

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I have been fighting the course of this terrible tradition.

Some of these traditions are evil. When a woman loses her husband, she automatically became a victim. She is accused of having poisoned the husband and then, she is given an oath to swear, given water used in washing the dead body to drink and only in a rare case would such a woman survive. Through this tradition, lots of women have died.

I

was the second son and the fourth child in the family.

My mother was unable to give birth to a male child and so, it became necessary for my father to take another wife.

She had a son for him out of wedlock. The child was brought to my mother and she accepted him as her son. Two months after, she was pregnant and was delivered of a male child. And the

second woman was brought to the house. My mother was living like a queen, such that she married the third wife for my father in appreciation.

Things were moving on well.

But, life changed after my father’s death.

My mother was selling ogi just to send her children to school. Paying school fees was tough. Attempts were made to stop me but I forged ahead.

Polygamy is a dangerous tradition. It is not healthy to be polygamous. God’s creation didn’t permit that with all sense of sincerity.

After my father ’s death, I couldn’t feed. I had to depend on friends. I left Ghana with the only 15 dollars given to me by a friend. I was sleeping in a train station both in Germany and Poland. Life was worse than what it is now.

The only inheritance I could get was the one I saved from the bank and the house built

for my mother. I went through these challenges for 29 years. I wouldn’t say I suffered. I was begging for fruits on the streets of Germany because there was nobody to help. I ran away with a visa to Poland, but I was stranded. I went to Nigerian Embassy and pleaded to be repatriated and I was refused. But, I was opportuned to meet some Nigerians on the streets of Poland. And for the first time, I saw two Africans and I pursued them and told them my story.

They accommodated me and gave me food. And so, it became my regular base where I eat every day. After a while, I met another Polish girl who I proposed to and we became companions. She arranged for me to go to Germany and I started a new life.

The business of selling second class clothes was lucrative such that, I became very rich. I was making one naira per day. I was living comfortably. I also invested in importing second hand tyres to Nigeria and I became a very rich young man at 32 years of age. I built a house at Shangisha estate which was later demolished during Idiagbon’s regime. I was frustrated but later moved all my equipments to Nnewi.

My marriage with a German girl exposed me to join the United Nations Army.The marriage produced one son.

We were officially divorced.

She couldn’t live in Nigeria and I never wanted to live in Germany either. It was a gradual separation based on understanding.

Right now, I have discovered another reason for my existence and I must establish it. I am expected to assist people who are passing through hard-times.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 —41

Nigerians flay daily increase in food prices

By ANOZIE EGOLE Prices are increasing every day— Micheal Chukwuemeka.

The prices are increasing on a daily basis because of the flood. For instance, we use to buy a bag of white garri at the rate of N3,000 before the flood.

But now, the price has gone up to N6,000 . Likewise beans.

A bag of beans before the flood was sold at the rate of N 30,000 but now, you cannot get the same bag unless you have from N35,000 and above. The price increase is general to all the food stuffs there is no exception. Talking about how we maintain our customers with the sudden increase in the prices of the commodities, it is really very difficult to convince them to buy. But as a business man, we use to persuade them to see reasons Micheal Chukwuemeka why there was an increase.

Most times, we end up not being able to convince some of them to buy. Sometimes when you tell them about the increase, they will not believe they will like to check other places to make sure that they are not being cheated after confirming that it is a general increase, they will come back and buy.

I do not see the possibilities of the price coming down with the situation things are going in this disaster, but some flood country. I will advise the government to work on problems within some our drainage system. Though this flood is a natural states are caused by poor drainage system in the country. So I will advise the government to work more on that area.

Chinedu Eze

There are also serious indications that the price of rice will be on the increase

It is really affecting our goods—— Chinedu Eze Well, why I am still selling at the rate of N400 for a painter of garri is because, I am selling based on the old price I bought the it. For some people, they sell

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N600. Some sell above and it also depend on how much they buy. In this our market, there is no uniform prices of commodities. While others sell higher, some sell lower but the problem is that there is a general increase in the prices of these commodities and it is all as a result of the flood.

In a normal sense, this is the time garri especially use to be very cheap. Garri adds

money around January after Christmas. So, I do not know the reason why the commodity is becoming so costly this time when it is supposed to be very cheap. But no matter how costly garri is, on a very normal day, it is not supposed to be sold above N180. You find out now that it is going above N600.

Talking about other commodities like beans, it is not that costly. We still have some for N230 or N250. There are also serious indications that the price of rice will be on the increase. The ordinary local rice that we all know sell for N7, 500 as to what we use to buy it before. The worst of it is that, we still sell at the normal price it was sold before. Because, if we try to add a little money to make our gains, our customers would not come again.

Though we do not add much money to the change, we still could not maintain our customers because, some of them when you tell them the new price change, and they will go back. Some do buy after much persuasion. It is so painful to see your customers leaving your store all because there is a change in the price which is beyond your control.

Prices change every second—— Achunike John I went to market last two week in the place we

use to buy the commodities, they sold to me at a very higher price I decided not to buy with the hope that the price will come down a bit if I come back some other time. When I went back to the same place a week after, to my greatest surprise, I found that the same commodity has added N1, 500 to the price they sold it to me the other time I came. I had no choice than to buy it at that the price. Even on Friday, garri was sold at the price of N6, 000 for a bag. When we try to ask why, they told us that the flood washed away many farmlands where some of these food stuff grow. We have no choice than to add little to the selling price in other to cover some inevitable expenses.

The worst is that, we use to buy beans at the price of N12, 000 before, but the same beans now sells for N35, 000 and it has tremendously increased after this flood problem. The type of beans we buy at the rate of N8,000 now sells at N11,000. All the said is caused by the flood. We all know how things go in this country. When things have started going up here, there is no coming down. My customers are not patronizing me as before. As you can see, I have been talking to this woman here for a long time now to convince her to buy some paints of garri, she ended up buying only one paint.

There is no much hope on the price coming down. It adds almost every second. I am please calling on the government to come to our rescue.

There is no much problem here in Lagos because of the flood. If you go to the main affected states like Delta, Bayelsa and some other places, they are really passing through famine period. Some people send food stuffs down to them there because they have nowhere to get the stuff and if there is any place it is sold, it is normally very costly. If you go to maza-maza park, you will see food stuffs being sent down to south-south and south-east just for them to survive.

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42—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

“Nigeria should rely on neighbouring countries for sur vival” The aftermath of the ravaging flood witnessed in most parts of the country is gradually taking its toll on Nigerians as price of staple food continue to rise in each pasting day. A Lagos based farmer, Jude Ogwu said Nigeria has no choice but to rely more on neighbouring countries and developed nations for our survival till the flood water which had washed away many farmland dries up. But he warned that Nigeria should be weary of genetic maize, meant for animal fattening in developed nations as well as guarding against repeating the tragic incidence of killer beans.

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hat should Nigeri ans expect after the flood?

Well, looking it from the perspective of food production, one will not say that staple food will not do well in flood affected areas. Right now, most of the crops planted by the farmers have been swept away by the flood. Most of these arable crops like yams, cassava, rice, maize have all been swept away by the raging flood, making the farmer to run at a lose because they invested in it, hoping that if there wasn’t this flood, they would have reap something from it. At the same time, making provision for food. Most of these crops mentioned are staple food people consumed every now and then.

They are basically meant for the poor man because you can easily buy a tuber of yam and use it to serve a meal for family of four or five.

Apart from the fact that it may lead to starvation or famine which we are looking at now, because the way things are at the movement, there will definitely be famine in few months from now because there is no crop.

Apart from this, we also look at the implications to production. Look at arable crop in terms of animal production.

Maize is one of the ingredients used in making poultry feeds. So, now, we are expecting it to go higher. We talk in terms of groundnuts, that too will experience increase in price. So, what it will translate to by December is that a chicken may be sold for between N3,000 and N4,000 for Broiler or Layer because no maize to produce feeds so we need to go to neighbourng country like Niger Republic where we can now start importing these essential food stuffs we have earlier mentioned.

Implication to the farmers Definitely the farmer has nothing again to rely upon.

Therefore, his ability to fulfill his responsibility in the house

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will be affected. How will he pay the school fees of his children by January when school will be reopened again for another academic session? Unfortunately in Nigeria, the people doing the farming are the ageing ones. Agriculture in Nigeria is still at the subsistence level. In other words, it is still on small scale. Very few farmers in Nigeria are operating on large scale and it belongs to the influential people who parade themselves as

plication is that the roof will be too heavy for the blocks or planks that have already been weaken by flood water, so most of them will collapse. Therefore, it is not advisable for any farmer now to go on using the erected poultry stand, or pig sty because it is very risky on till after the flood, moreso, that the rains are still falling. We have to relax after the flood water is completely drained away.

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BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

Most of these crops mentioned are staple food people consumed every now and then. They are basically meant for the poor man because you can easily buy a tuber of yam and use it to serve meal for family of four or five

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practising commercial agriculture. Nigeria presently, or mostly in West Africa, we can attribute it that we are still at subsistent level.

Though, food may be abundant again in the next planting season if Cameroun fails to release water from their dam so that the soil will be able to drain off the high quantity of water it is currently holding.

Secondly, we look at places where there are doing crop production, we take the poultry house and pig sty. The im-

Livestock too suffer lose

Most of the fishing ponds will not be able to crop or harvest any fish for now because they have been moved away from the pond. You could find instances where nobody is even cultivating the fish. Yet you just find them moving about now and nothing to show for the farmers’ effort. That’s why we are looking at the implication of flood. One, it will lead to famine which is starvation. Secondly, it will affect the income of the farmer. Also, it will affect agricultural re-

Jude Ogwu... sources, those that use such crop as maize as their livestock ingredients, they will not have enough livestock which means that it will translate to high cost of agricultural produce as much as these festivity period is fast approaching. Again, we look at it that the flood will affect the income of the nation.

There are some crops that are being exported, we will not be able to export enough this year again because the farm have been ravaged by this flood.

Raw material for industry

Most industries in Nigeria largely depend on farm produce as raw materials such as the Beverage industries like Cadbury, Nestle. They will not have cocoa in large quantity as they usually do in the past.

The groundnut which usually comes from the North and use for the making of pea nuts should not be expected. Invariably, this will lead to lose of jobs because some of these factories may be forced to close down pending when the condition will be favourable for production.

Also, those engage in production of can foods as tomato purie. In the north now, we are not finding it easy. If you go to Mile 12 market to find what they are now beginning to sell may be ten seeds of tomatoes for N400 or more. It means that in this season of Christmas, we should zero our minds into using more of the artificial tomato purie we are using.

Brewery industries

It will affect the brewery industries as Cocoa-Cola and production of beer. That means

that Moqua farm in Niger State will be affected, because there will not be enough maize for the breweries to brew their products. The Wheat too will be scarce because people are now more knowledgeable of the implications, health benefits of eating wheat – it is very nutritious, helping to control diabetic and aid digestive stability. It means we won’t have enough of it.

However, we can trace all these problems to the Niger Delta region, people living within the Benue River. The Benue, we see it as the food basket of Nigeria and it has been ravaged already by this flood. We should again zero our minds that we are not expecting much food down here in the south.

The way out

The only option now is for the federal government to look into their reserve to see how they can bring out the grains they have in the reserve. Government should also look at possible ways to compensate the farmers because they don’t have any land to farm on now.

Also people living along the coastal or River Basin should be evacuated immediately as the federal government has already budgetted a whooping sum of N17 billion to cushion the effect of flood base on NEMA’s report.

Epidemic outbreak

There will be outbreak of different types of diseases because people are now forced to stay together in different camps across the flood affected areas.

SATURDAY Vanguard,OCTOBER 20, 2012—43

Yetunde’s mother was impregnated at the age of 17 while she was still in secondary school; and after delivery , decided to drop Yetunde at the age of two with her sister and headed to Ilorin for greener pasture where she later got married. However, the autopsy carried out revealed that the late girl was actually killed; maybe, for rituals.

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Yetunde Rachael Samuel...killed in the night

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OKOJA - IF only, 13-year old Yetunde, Racheal Sam uel had known what fate had in store for her on 5 TH October, she would have changed her mind about staying home and followed her family to the wedding of the day. But life played a fast one on her and kept her in the dark about the evil that lurked at the corner . She had no premonition whatsoever, that on that particular day, she would bid the world goodbye in a gruesome manner.

On that day, the serene town of Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government of Kogi State was thrown into tumoil following the gruesome murder of Yetunde, whose body was deposited inside a medium size freezer after being strangled to death by yet to be identified killers.

Yetunde Rachael Samuel, a JSS 2 student of Oluyori Comprehensive College, Isanlu was killed in the night of October 5th and neatly deposited inside a medium size freezer to create impression that she fell into the freezer and was subsequently jamlocked and frozen to death without any body knowing; which shows that her death was preplanned

and carried out with an ulterior motive.

What has remained a mystery is who actually murdered her and for what.

Aside that, the question on the lips of people is why was she the only one left in the house that particular day and why she was hurriedly buried in

it. Maybe Yetunde’s blood is seeking for justice as no one knows how the Police heard about it.

The state commissioner of Police, Alh Mohammed Musa Katsina who got wind of the dastardly act, suspected foul play, arrested the guardians of the girl and ordered that the

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BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

Kogi State was thrown into tumoil following the gruesome murder of Yetunde, a 13- year old girl whose body was deposited inside a medium size freezer after being strangled to death by yet to be identified killers

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the cover of the night? Why did the parents or the guardians fail to report her mysterious death to the police before she was committed to mother earth? Only the police or perhaps, the late Yetunde herself could actually reveal who killed her and how she died.

The perpetrators of the henious crime would have gotten away with it if the police had not gotten wind of

corpse be exhumed for a thorough autopsy to confirm whether the girl actually jumped inside the freezer and got frozen or she was killed.

I

t was a hectic time for our correspondent and detectives led by the deputy commissioner of police, Alh Zannah Mohammed who travelled to the community with a pathologist from Federal Medical Centre to exhume the

decompsing corpse for autopsy.

The guardian of the girl who is at the centre of the mysterious death, Mrs Deborah Motunrayo Jaiyeoba claimed that she left the girl who was the daughter of her younger sister at home that Saturday morning for a marriage ceremony along with all her children.

According to her, when she got back from the wedding ceremony and did not see Yetunde, she thought she had gone to play. She said she was thirsty and raced to the deep freezer to get a satchet of water to quench her thirst when she suddenly discovered that Yetunde was stone dead in the freezer and she immediately raised alarm.

Mrs jaiyeoba, a sanitary inspector at the local government claimed Yetunde wanted to clean the deep freezer in her small retail shop when she fell into the deep freezer and must have frozen to death.

Saturday Vanguard also gathered that the father of the desceased was said to have felt indiferrent about the death of her daughter as he hurriedly consented that she should be buried immediately.

Saturday Vanguard’s investigation revealed that

reliminary doctor ’s report confirmed that the girl died as result of neorogenic shock secondary to multiple skeletal injuries most likely sustained from blunt force trauma .

The doctor’s report also said two of the girl’s teeth were removed with some vital parts while the entire head region was battered with blunt instrument.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Kastina said the whole episode was a case of culpable homicide. He said the innocent girl was brutally murdered but expressed shock that the biological father of the girl did not show concern but instead, he brought a letter to his office along with somebody who claimed to be a judicial officer that the case be withdrawn.

The CP said when he interrogated the father, he could not even read nor comprehend the contents of the letter which gave suspicion that some people were behind the murder. He therefore called on members of the public to be more vigilant with their children and to know who they give their children to for upkeeping but vowed to pursue the case to a logical conclusion .

If truly Yetunde’s guardian was behind the gruesome murder, why and what could be the reason behind it after sucessefully nuturing her for the past 13 years? What does she stand to gain? All these questions seem unanswarable as the peoples wait patiently for the police to unravel the case and make their submission known on time.

Those arrested along with the 43 year- old Mrs Jaiyeoba Deborah who was the guardian are three of her children namely: Jaiyeoba Titilayo, 20 years old; Tunmininu Jaiyeoba 23 years old and Jaiyeoba Femi 18 years old. Others are Shade Jimoh, Chief J I Owolabi, Raphael Owolabi, Raphael Abiodun and Tolulope Sunday.

44— SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012

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Saturday Vanguard, October 20, 2012 — 45

Onuh (chairman , Igbo Eze-North local government)

* Tony Ogidi

*Vandalised filling station *Vandalised car

ETTE ANACHY

Villagers flee, as group invades community over border war

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tte community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State is currently a shadow of its old self,following the violent dimension the agitation by a section of Igalla speaking people of the community to be merged with Kogi State, has assumed.

The community which used to be a beehive of activities, particularly on its market days,where traders from the three major tribes ; Igbo, Igalla and Idoma and others from neighboring villages bring their farm produce to sell and at the same time exchange banters, is no longer at ease, as most of the Igbo speaking tribe have abandoned their homes for neighboring villages, for fear of being maimed by the rampaging group.

The rampaging group known as Pro -Kogi youths, have allegedly unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens, particularly on the Igbo, Igalla and idoma speaking community , destroying property worth several million of naira.

Precisely on August 13, 2012, the group’s target was the home of a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Ogidi, who representsIgbo Eze North II Constituency, where they destoryed property worth hundreds of thousands. The youths , extended their brutality to Ogidi’s filling station and supermarket. They were also alleged to have taken over the collection of market tolls and further stopped contractors handling MCC-Ette road which was awarded by the Enugu state government.

Following this worrisome development, public schools and health centres were forcefully closed down since

March this year.

The clamour by the youths to be merged with Kogi State as gathered, dates back to 1980, when Chief Jim Nwobodo was governor of the old Anambra State. But it was reportedly rejected by the Igbo and Idoma speaking people of the community.

When Crime Guard visited the community, the expressions of the faces of the helpless villagers depicted that of fear.

Reports said that the agitation had defiled all political and domestic solutions. It was also gathared that the case was charged to the Supreme Court for adjudication but was thrown out on February 8, 2007 for lack of jurisdiction.

The court in its ruling read by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius

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BY CHINENYEH OZOR

of impending trouble reared its ugly head during the last National Population Census (NPC) and Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) exercise when some of the youths reportedly prevented officials of the National Population Census (NPC) and Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) from carrying out their statutory duty in the area throughout the two exercises.

Police accussed During the visit,the worrisome development was attributed to the inability of the state Police Command to curb the youths excesses. For instance, two police stations exist in Ette.

Surprisingly, one of the stations is said to belong to Enugu State while Kogi State lays claim to

The provocation is too much, but our governor has continued to caution us to avoid any reaction that could lead to blood shed

Kastina-Alu stated that it was the duty of the National Boundary Commission to delineate boundary between Enugu and Kofgi states, thereby prompting the Commission to visit the disputed areas about two years ago. Members of the panel who handled the matter at the Supreme Court included Justice Umaru Kalgo, Justice Mahmood Mohammed, Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, Justice Francis Talba and Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed. It was however not ascertained whether the boundary commission had made the demarcation. Signs

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the other. But it was observed that while that of the Kogi State had policemen working there, those posted to the acclaimed Enugu station have long been withdrawn over an unknown reason Causes of the crisis: If the findings of Crime Guard is anything to go by, then, solution to the crisis-torn community may not be far fetched. First, investigation revealed that the hallmark of the Pro-Kogi youths’ demand was the request for the immidiate release of one of them who had been in detention for long. The detained youth whose identity could not be immediately

ascertained was alleged to have been arrested over an undisclosed criminal offenses,with accusing fingers pointed to Hon. Tony Ogidi for allegedly having hand in the continued detention of their member.

Another possible reason was discovered to be the magnanimity of Enugu state government car gift “Hyundai Elentra” to some recognized traditional rulers in the state.

But some disgruntled traditional rulers who did not benefit from the state government gesture, were alleged to be fueling the crisis.

About 15 of the traditional rulers(names withheld) were fingered as sponsors of the ProKogi group.

When contacted on the ongoing crisis in his constituency, Hon. Tony Ogidi expressed worry over the development and lamented that it had stalled the on -going Ogugu road project awarded by the Enugu State Government, following the invasion of the place by the Pro-Kogi group. “They vandalised the contractors propriety and chased them out.

Consequently,Primary and secondary schools in the area were forcefully closed, together with Igbo Eze North health centres and customary court, while government revenue officers at Ette were chased out with the youths taking over collection of market tolls” Continuing, he decried : I do not travel to my village any longer. My parents are old and are being threatened almost on daily basis. Where else will they run to? My property have been vandalized the second time in one year. Ette community where I hail from has an unbalanced security situation. Because of this, I traveled to Abuja with the

governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime to meet with the governor of Kogi State over the border issue affecting the two states. We resolved at Abuja that a committee be set up to ensure that social institutions closed down since March this year be re-opened. The committee is also expected to prepare ground for the two governors to visit Ette and address the people to give peace a chance, pending the outcome of the report of national boundary commission. I was made a member of the committee with other members comprising the advisers to the two governors on security matters, chairman of the boarder local government areas, Igbo Eze North LGA and Olamaboro, the two state security services (SSS) and policemen from both states.

The committee had its inaugural meeting in Abuja and another meeting was held in Lokoja, while the third meeting was held in Enugu. At the Enugu meeting useful discussions were deliberated upon and we even issued a communique and passed resolutions. We resolved that each of the two local governments, Igbo Eze North and Olamaboro Councils should go and talk with the people so that peace will reign in the area, pending the boundary adjustment commission report.

We then scheduled another meeting to hold at Ette , my community on August 13, 2012 by 10 am,where we resolved that governors of Enugu and Kogi states should as a matter of urgency and necessity intimate commissioners of police in the two states to provide adequate security in Ette. Immediately we rose from the meeting, the traditional ruler of Efoda was attacked and his car vandalized, We called the chairman of Olamboro LGA, who arrived at the scene and offered to repair the vandalized car.

About 1.30 am on August 14, 2012 that is the next day after the meeting, I received a phone call from home that my filling station had been damaged again. After causing much damage to the filling station and my supermarket at the station,the hoodlums, proKogi youths, proceeded to my house and wreaked serious damage to my property. They vandalized virtually every house hold item in my compound, smashed all the alumaco glasses, windows and doors, power generators, water plastics tanks and others. They had before then burnt my Mercedes Benz which was parked at my house together with some items. They are now *Continues on Page 46

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Fitch affirms Nigeria at ‘BB-’, outlook is stable

BY TOHEEB IDRIS, With Agency Reporting

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ITCH Ratings has affirmed Nigeria’s Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’ respectively with a Stable Outlook.

The agency has also affirmed Nigeria’s Shortterm foreign currency IDR at ‘B’. The Country Ceiling has been affirmed at ‘BB-’.

Fitch affirmation reflects progress on a number of fronts including a tighter fiscal stance, an improvement in electricity supply, increased agricultural output which has helped reduce imports, and an increase in international reserves. Nonetheless, the reinvigoration of structural reforms has yet to feed through to a higher

growth rate and weaknesses including a vulnerability to oil price shocks, high inflation and governance challenges weigh on the rating.

The partial elimination of the petroleum subsidy in January sent a strong message about the government’s reformist intentions. Although the move did not go as far as originally planned, it is an important step in the right direction.

Moreover, the political furore it prompted paved the way for a clean-up of the subsidy payment system and crack down on the inefficiencies and fraud that have been uncovered. This has brought important gains to government revenues and international reserves, including the Excess Crude Account (ECA) which has

risen to USD8bn this year.

The reforms have yet to have a noticeable impact on GDP growth. Growth has slowed this year, averaging 6.2% in H112, compared to an average 7.4% in 2009-2011. Fitch believes the slowdown is temporary, affected by security and weather problems which have particularly affected agriculture.

A recovery to 7% or more should be possible next year. However, there is no sign yet that growth is moving to a higher plain, which should happen as the reforms take hold. The banking system is also still convalescing, with credit growth barely positive in real terms due to high interest rates, limited lending opportunities and improved risk management.

Executive Director, Junior Achievement, Nigeria, Mrs Kunbi Wuraola; Founder, Christianah Fate Foundation, Mrs Christianah Akindolie; Former Vice President, Young Pix from left Women's Christain Association (YWCA), Worldwide, Lady Comfort Ani; Founder, Going Active UK, Mrs Cleopatra Agoro and Program Manager, Idea builders Initiative, Dr Gloria Ibegbu during the International Girls' Day organised by Junior Achievement, Nigeria at Coral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ondo Guber 15 persons held over illegal voting

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TLEAST 15 persons were held yesterday in Akure, Ondo State capital over illegal voting ahead of today’s governorship election.

They were caught stuffing ballot boxes with thumb-printed ballotpapers.

Sources told Saturday Vanguard yesterday that the suspects were caught in the residence of an Afenifere chieftain who

recently endorsed one of the gubernatorial candidates in today’s election.

The Police got wind of the illegal voting and stormed the residence of the Afenifere chief and arrested the suspects.

It was discovered that the retrieved voting materials were the leftover of those that were used in the 2011 elections.

The intention of the

suspects, it was learnt, was to swap the fake ballot boxes with the original ones on the way to the counting centres.

The suspects are allegedly being detained in police custody.

Saturday Vanguard also gathered that a similar illegal voting exercise is taking place in many other places in the state.

Villagers flee, as group invades community over border war Chairman Igbo Eze*Continued from Page 45

threatening to come back to set it ablaze. I am waiting for that evil day.

Prominent citizens of Ette are behind all the atrocious acts in the community, they are known. Definitely one day the law will take its cause and catch up with them. As I speak with you, the police have not arrested anybody in connection with the incident.

No Police Arrest:

“ We have an unbalance security situation. Enugu state House of Assembly committee on security had met with the Commissioner of Police of the state thrice to post policemen to Ette but up till now, nothing has happened to that effect, no attention has so far been given. In fact, I am surprised that as I speak with you, no arrest has been made. It is like Ette is a lawless community.

No single arrest has been made since the incident.

I reported the incident on August 14, 2012, at the divisional police station, Enugu-Ezike police station, Ogrute. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) informed me that he had gone to Ette and saw the damages. I also learnt that the Area Commander, Nsukka Police command visited the scene to see the damages himself but yet, no arrest has been made.

My constituency Igbo Eze-North II is made up of 10 wards, three in Ette my community and seven in Igbo Eze-North II. I am in harmony with the rest of my constituency and the wards. But my own people have no respect for me because they want to go to Kogi” Asked what he knew about athe detention of a member of the group, Ogidi bluntly stated that he was not responsible for the arrest.

Also contacted, was the

North local government council, Mr. Bonaveture Onuh. He told Crime Guard that the Ette crisis had created problems for the counciland had also detracts developmental projects in the community. “We have executed a very good number of developmentalprojects in Ette, yet few people of the community are agitating for merger with Kogi states”.

Mr. Onuh told Crime Guard that the matter would have taken a terrible dimension but for the intervention of governor Sullivan Chime. “ But for the governor, the border war would have broken out between my people and Ette. The provocation is too much, but our governor has continued to caution us to avoid any reaction that could lead to blood shed”, expressing optimism that the Ette issue would soon be resolved .

*Continued from page 5 MCO, Kolawole Olabisi said the party is fully prepared and is confident of a landslide victory in the election.

Olabisi added that the party is fully prepared and have done all is required and “we have faith in God that victory is ours in the governorship election.

He added that all the political office holders who are members of the LP have relocated to their localities to mobilise their supporters for the election.

According to him the governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko has returned to Ondo his home town ahead of the election.

The Publicity Secretary of the A C N Rotimi Agbede said that all is set for the LP to vacate the government house as the party is on the path of coming on board.

Agbede added that the party has campaigned and is certain that change is imminent tomorrow.

He called for a free and fair election that will be acceptable not only by all parties in the state but across the country.

1,546,081 voters for Ondo election The breakdown of the registered voters in the Southern area of the state according to INEC include: Ilaje is 114,235, Ese Odo 57,255, Ile Oluji 64, 219, Irele 55, 231, Okitipupa 102,044, Odigbo 120,014 totalling 511,998 which represents 33.12 percent In the Northern area of the state the registered

It’s D-Day today voters show that Akoko North West 68,061, Akoko North East 62,451,Akoko South East 29,773, Akoko South West86,155, Owo 110,100 and Ose 62,386 totalling 418,926 which represents 27.10 percent.

The central senatorial areas has the highest number of registered voters in the state 615,157 representing 39.78 percent. The breakdown shows that Akure south has 248,953 registered voters, Akure North 53,935, Ifedore 63,242,Ondo West 150,838,Ondo East 37,469 and Idanre 60,720.

Registered voters in today’s election is put at 1,546,081

Tension over suspected cultists invasion Four speed boats allegedly occupied by suspected cultists are allegedly terrorising the people of the Riverine communities in the state.

Consequently, tension has heightened in Arogbo Ijaw in the riverrine area of Ondo state few hours to the election.

Report had it that the boats have been impounded by the people of the community and handed over to the Naval authorities in the area.

It was alleged that at least 20 suspected cult members have been terrorising the people and damaging campaign materials of those opposed to their

candidate.

The suspected cultists were said to be moving round the communities with red head tie and red beret cap.

It was alleged that the suspects were being groomed by a political office holder from the local government.

However, some people in the community led by the leader of the ex militant in the area, High Chief Bibopri Ajube were said to have chased the boys which made them to abandon their speed boats and ran away.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the speed boats were later confiscated and handed over to the Navy in Ukparamo town.

The tension in the area was however said to have been worsened by the activities of some security operatives attached to a senior political office holder from the area.

It was further learnt that some soldiers were seen terrorising the boat operators in Arogbo.

Two Hilux vans with federal government plate number were allegedly ferried across the Arogbo water.

The spokesman of the soldiers deployed to the state, Lieutenant Emmanuel Onoja said that he will investigate the incident.

Onoja added that in the interim, he will move some soldiers to the area in a bid to check the alleged incident .

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012 —47

2013 BUDGET:

Unending fireworks between the Presidency and the National Assembly

David Mark, Senate President

President Goodluck Jonathan

Aminu Tambuwal , Speaker, House of Representatives

The Presidency, the Senate and the House of Representative appear locked in a battle of figure and superior reasoning over the 2013 budget. While the Presidency proposed $75 benchmark, both chambers of the National Assembly vehemently rejected the figure. Instead, they came up with their respective benchmarks. The Senate opts for $78 while the House of Representatives firmly pegs it at $80. Expectedly, this has generated a lot of controversies within the three institutions. Finding a common ground appears difficult at the moment as Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS in this special report analyses the effects of the fireworks.

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ven without any foreboding, one could have fathomed the brouhaha presently brewing between the Presidency and the National Assembly over the N4.92 trillion 2013 national budget presented to the joint session of the federal legislature by President Goodluck Jonathan last week, precisely on October 10, 2012.

This is predicated upon some unhealthy developments that almost heralded an impeachment process on the President by especially, a vexing House of Representatives in August this year.

The lower arm of the legislature was conspicuously dissatisfied with the performance of the 2012 budget and asked the executive to tell Nigerians how far the budget has impacted on Nigerians.

The issue later assumed a critical dimension that for weeks, the media was awash

Not a few Nigerians would argue the fact that since the advent of democratic rule in 1999, no attempt has been made by Jonathan’s predecessors to present the national budget in October. The culture has always been in December

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with impeachment threats against President Jonathan.

But like the proverbial cat with nine lives, President Jonathan wriggled himself out of the odds. But not without learning some lessons. And to some analysts, the lessons learnt by the President may have translated in the timing, preparation and presentation of the 2013 federal budget.

Indeed, not a few Nigerians would argue the fact that since the advent of democratic rule in 1999, no attempt has been made by Jonathan’s

predecessors to present the national budget in October.

The culture has always been in December.

But in a controversial stance that has elicited cacophonic reactions, President Jonathan made bold, took a detour from the status quo and presented the 2013 federal budget to the National Assembly last week.

Even at that, one had expected that Jonathan’s pleas to the National Assembly in their usual manner accord the Budget accelerated consideration without much

ado. But no. That may be farfetched as there appears to be this disturbing discrepancy between the presidency and both Houses of the National Assembly.

Rather than abating, the “ war ” is assuming a very critical dimension that may prompt a greater face-off between the three institutions.

Perhaps, in the estimation of most analysts, this may be better understood in the reenactment of the scenarios that may have prompted the current development.

The July impeachment threat It all started when a motion supported by over 21 members was presented to the floor of the House by Hon Albert Sám Tsokwa from Taraba State was adopted. Tagged ‘the nonimplementation of the 2012 budget’, the motion sought to access the performance and implementation of 2012

budget by the Executive. Sam Tsokwa, who led the debate on the floor of the house, noted that the 2012 budget was passed with an aggregate expenditure figure of N4.8 trillion including the N180 billion Subsidy Re-investment (SURE) programme.

According to Tsokwa, the budget which was passed and signed into law by the President reflected the application of the highest degree of fiscal responsibility by the National Assembly. He expressed worries that seven months into the 2012 fiscal year, capital budget implementation by various MDAs was far behind expectations and wondered that in spite of the fact that the MDAs had reached advanced stages in the implementation of the procurement process, they were unable to release contract award letters because

Continues on page 48

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Unending fireworks between the Presidency and the National Assembly Continued from page 47

Pre and post Budget Presentation Speeches Perhaps, the speeches made

Chief Chekwas Okorie

Doyin Okupe

The speeches indeed provoked the presidency and elicited some fireworks. The presidency through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe said that it was “dictatorial and over authoritative in over ruling the P r e s i d e n t . ” In a swift succession, both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House also replied the Presidential aide.

Through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said: “It is common knowledge that budgets are estimates of revenues and expenditures of the Federation for the next financial year. Section 81 of the1999 Constitution (as amended) is very explicit. The position of the Senate which was expressed by the President of the Senate is that in line with constitutional provisions, the legislature has a right of appropriation. Okupe as a public affairs manager has a responsibility to make friends and create a harmonious working relationship between the executive and other arms of government. His job is not to make enemies and create unfavorable atmosphere for Mr. President. We take exception to such unwarranted attack on the Office of the President of the Senate and we urge Dr. Okupe to know his limits.”

S

Victor Ogene

Hon Femi Gbajabiamila

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of insufficient funds.

Essentially, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila representing Surulere in Lagos State who initiated the debate on budget implementation, suggested that if the economy is not properly greased by September, then the House may not have any option than to start impeachment process against the President.

Gbajabiamila in his argument stated that “the President had come to the floor of the House with a budget which he called transformation budget but it is a budget of abracadabra and voodoo.”

Gbajabiamila continued: “The President is not doing anybody any favour as constituency projects are done all over the world. I have met the President, he is a fine man, I like him but I like my country more because when the budget is not implemented, our constituents suffer and it leads to lack of infrastructure; so come September, if the budget is not 100 per cent implemented, we will start to throw articles of impeachment at the President.”

Some quarters believe that the threats of impeachment to President Jonathan may have jolted him to present the 2013 budget as against the previous ones. They asked, for instance, why the 2011 and 2012 budgets were not presented in October.

But the founding National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie thinks differently on the timing. He said “the presentation of the 2013 budget to the national assembly in October is a welcome development and a radical departure from what used to be the case. The commendable intention of Government is to allow the national assembly adequate and reasonable time to debate it and make its input in the budget and pass it in good time for the President to assent to it early in the budget year, commencing January 2013. I expect the national assembly to be dispassionate, reasonable and patriotic in dealing with the issues involved and avoid undue grandstanding in order not to scuttle government’s intention”.

Reactions

Some quarters believe that the threats of impeachment to President Jonathan may have jolted him to present the 2013 budget in October as against the previous ones.

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by Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal may have created controversial impressions to some people and as such somewhat foretold the face-off between the Presidency and the National Assembly. The addresses of the

duo were perceived to have angered the Presidency which described it as dictatorial, over authoritative and mere grandstanding.

Hear David Mark: “As to whether the National Assembly has the power to make inputs to Appropriation Bills laid before it, our stand

is that the parliament is constitutionally empowered to make inputs. What the constitution enjoins Mr. President to lay before the National Assembly are mere estimates, not immutable figures.” He therefore warned against seeing the National Assembly as “a mere mechanical rubber-stamp that must robotically pass budget estimates as presented.”

He insisted that the National Assembly would continue to make input to Appropriation Bills as constitutionally provided. “Once the estimates are so laid, their consideration becomes subject to the constitutionally prescribed modes of exercising legislative p o w e r . ”

imilarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam said: “It is apparent that Okupe is dabbling into areas where he is totally ignorant about.

“The uncouth manner in which he replied elected representatives showed his apparent lack of respect to the legislature as an institution.

The entire remarks he made gave him out as an overzealous official doing a hatchet job in order to be relevant in the scheme of things. The Speaker and the House of Representatives will always stand by the tenets of good governance and true representation at all times.”

Lending his voice in defense of the Speaker’s statement, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Victor Ogene,

Continues on page 49

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—49

Continued from page 48

Assistant (Media) to the minister, Paul Nwabiukwu, the Minister said ““this is a standard technique commonly used by commodity dependent countries to protect them against the volatilities of oil as well as consensual position of key stakeholders.”

said the executive arm of government was chasing shadows rather than s u b s t a n c e .

“Tambuwal embodies the wishes and aspiration of the Nigerian people, and expresses, at every point, only the position of the 360member House of Representatives.

“For a time-worm political jobber like Dr. Okupe, whose antecedents in government is all too familiar, to attempt, therefore, to seek relevance by taking ill – considered potshots at the House only bespeak the tragedy which has befallen governance, whereby shadows are chased, instead of substance”.

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The statistics of 2013 budget

The Crude oil benchmark debate and controversy There is a controversial clause in the budget which has pinned the legislature and the Presidency against each other.

This is on the bench mark for oil export. The Presidency has proposed a benchmark of $75 per barrel next year. But in sharp contrast, the House of Representatives shot it up to $80 pb while the Senate

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala

Unending fireworks between the Presidency and the National Assembly

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President Goodluck Jonathan estimated a total of N4.92 trillion as the 2013 budget. At the presentation, he said: “An aggregate expenditure of N4.92 trillion is proposed for the main budget of the 2013 f i s c a l year, representing a modest increase of about 5% over the N4.7 trillion appropriated for 2012. This is made up of N380.02 billion for Statutory Transfers, N591.76 billion for Debt Service, N2.41 trillion for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure and N1.54 trillion for Capital Expenditure. Based on the above, the fiscal deficit is projected to improve to about 2.17% of GDP in the 2013 Budget compared to 2.85% in 2012.

This is well within the threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and clearly highlights our commitment to fiscal prudence.

We are determined to further rein in domestic borrowing, and this way, ensure that our debt stock remains at a sustainable level”.

Statistics of the budget shows that allocations to some key sectors of the economy are tabulated as follows: Works – N183.5 billion; Power N74.26 billion; Education – N426.53 billion; Health – N279.23 billion; Defence – N348.91billion; Police – N319.65 billion; and Agriculture & Rural Development – N8.1.41 b i l l i o n .

Government arrived at the $75 because it was below the current world market price and was based on moving averages of the world oil price

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considers $78 pb. The discrepancy has in no small measure set the various institutions on war path.

The Defenses Hear President Jonathan: “The 2013 Budget is underpinned by the following parameters which reflect Government’s prudent

economic policies in an uncertain global economic e n v i r o n m e n t : •Oil production of 2.53 million barrels per day, up from 2.48 million barrels per day for 2012.

•Benchmark oil price of US$75/barrel, a modest increase from the US$7?/barrel approved in the 2012 Budget.

This benchmark price is based on a well established economic met pd of estimating oil price moving averages.

•Projected GDP growth rate which is now estimated at 6.5% compared to 6.85°/q in the Fiscal Strategy Paper. The revision is underpinned by the fact that the severe floods experienced over large parts of the country are expected to impact on economic activity in 2013, especially agriculture”.

Explaining while it has to be $75 benchmark, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said that government arrived at the $75 because it was below the current world market price and was based on moving averages of the world oil price and government’s simulations allowing for uncertainty in world oil price movements. In a statement signed by the Senior Special

n why the $80 benchmark demanded by the House of Representatives is not tenable, the Minister amassed a barrage of reasons: “First, it would lead to an increase in liquidity, and be harmful for many of the government’s macroeconomic forecasts.

Based on our estimates, inflation rates would certainly rise significantly. The exchange rate would come under severe pressure, leading to a depreciation of the Naira.

“High inflation would result in higher interest rates. A combination of high inflation, interest rate and an unstable exchange rate is bad for economic planning, both for the government and for private businesses.

“Overall, we know that macro economic volatility is bad for growth. Second, the legislature’s proposal is premised on an overlyoptimistic outlook of global oil prices. The current world oil price is not based on actual economic fundamentals, but rather on uncertainties due to conflict in the Middle East.

Nigeria cannot base its plan simply on the expected misfortunes of others.

“Third, in our view, current global oil prices are not sustainable. There are two reasons for this: (a) possible reduction in global oil demand, due to recession in the Eurozone, low growth in the US, and economic s l o w d o w n in China and India, (b) increased global oil supply as new discoveries in Africa and elsewhere come on stream. In addition, with the end of the Libyan crises, approximately 1.6m barrels per day would be returned to the world market.

“Fourth, the legislature’s proposal would result in much lower savings in the ECA. To be precise, it would deny the ECA of significant additional inflow.

“These savings are necessary to cushion the impact on the Nigerian economy, in the event of a global economic recession or a slump in world oil prices. Recall that, in 2008, oil prices collapsed from about $147/barrel to $38/barrel in a few months. And at that time, Nigeria turned to its savings in the Excess Crude Account, rather than asking for humiliating sovereign bailouts from the IMF.”

Continues on page 50

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Continued from page 49

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ear the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmed Maccido who briefed Journalists in Abuja: “I believe even the Executive would agree with the fact that the budget has not reached more than 30 per cent implementation. The figure came from documents given to us from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation. We all have them because there were releases, there are cash-backings, there is the actual budget itself and based on all these, that was where we got the 30 per cent budget implementation figure from. So, based on those figures, we made our deductions and arrived at that figure.

The onus rests on the Senate to verify that because, as it is now, we are going on oversight functions to the MDAs and not just sitting in the Minister ’s office and bringing documents for us to look at. No, we will go out to the field to see what is happening.

The implications

The house in session

Unending fireworks between the Presidency and the National Assembly

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Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe who addressed Journalists in Abuja on the issue recently said “the projection of the budget on $75 was to address the increasing question of budget deficit,” arguing that there would be no bottleneck in the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in the release of capital votes, insisting that “it is aimed to check contract inflation and over invoicing and therefore national revenue should not be squandered on the altar of speedy release of funds. The process of releasing funds to MDAS will not be abridged.”

He further stated that the $75 per barrel was meant to avert the danger of crash in the global price of crude oil.

But much as the Presidency pushes for the $75 benchmark consideration, the Senate obviously appears reluctant to pinch tent with the Presidency on the figure. In any case, the upper chamber of the National Assembly has rather opted for $78 bench mark. In fact, it appears that the Senate has never been more angered by the poor implementation of the 2012 budget than now as it has appeared more determined to inspect the level of works on ground and also match figures with actions before heading for the consideration of the 2013 budget. In fact, the Senate got vexed during the week by the bogus claim of the Presidency which said it has implemented the 2012 budget far above 40 percent.

responsibility.”

Chief Chekwas Okorie, former APGA Chairman told Saturday Vanguard that “I agree with the national Assembly for querrying the constitutionality of government’s handling of the excess crude oil account. But I have a very strong reservation on whether they have all the tools, data and expertise to insist on $80 benchmark for crude oil revenue. Government should be more forthcoming on this issue with more convincing details while the national assembly should also apply understanding in the interest of all”.

We will make our own deductions and conclusions and pass them to the Senate. From there, we will know what to do. As I said earlier, it is not a matter of agreeing with the House or the Executive but actually, we have the same stand

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“If, for instance, N1 billion has been earmarked for a particular project, say, a road, we want to go to site to see for ourselves the level of work that has been done on that particular road. Is the work on that road commensurate with the N1 billion budgeted? If not, we will come back and report to Senate that, that road is not up to the amount earmarked for it. We will make our own deductions and conclusions and pass them to the Senate.

From there, we will know what to do. As I said earlier, it is not a matter of agreeing with the House or the Executive but actually, we have the same stand.

“All we are going to do is to debate the budget estimates and after that, we will not touch the budget again until such a time when we have finished with our oversight functions.

“These are issues we need to

take up with the executive this year. As we go on, we make improvements on issues of our workings on the budget, not just on gas. There are issues such as the way the Sovereign Wealth Fund and the Excess Crude Account are being managed.

“All these issues will be raised with the President this year. We are going to sit down, deliberate on these issues as we go on working on the budget. So, we are going to raise the issue when we meet with the Executive and we are going to insist on genuine and real answers so that we can tell Nigerians what is happening to their money.”

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n the same vein, the House of Representatives also appears firm in his $80 benchmark.

The Speaker, Waziri Tambuwal told Journalists in

Irun-Akoko in Akoko NorthWest Local Government Area of Ondo State while on a condolence visit to one of the House members, Hon. Ganiyu Dauda, over the death of his wife that “We are not against the President. We are only demanding from Mr. President what is right. If he gets it right, it is for his own benefit because the credit will go to him. We are all in government to achieve the same goal. When a co-traveler is demanding that a proper thing should be done, nobody should see that as being antagonistic. We are not at loggerheads with the Presidency.

“The Presidency has submitted the budget estimate and we are looking at it. The executive wanted the budget to be implemented at $75 per barrel with deficit, but since we know that we will get up to $80 per barrel, we want it to be pegged at $80 so that we will not go and be borrowing from banks. It is better to reduce the deficit and allow our entrepreneurs the opportunity to make use of the bank loans to develop the economy. It will not be in our own interest for our leaders to be borrowing.”

Just when some quarters might be thinking, it would the usual PDP affair, Tambuwal thundered: “There is nothing like family affairs in governance. We are not there on our own. We are there to represent our people and discharge our constitutional

With these fireworks, analysts say that the passage of the 2013 budget may delay a little longer. The implication of Senate’s decision might be that until the 56 Outstanding Committees of the Senate conclude their oversight functions on MDAs, the 2013 budget might not get the nod of the senators for passage.

The same goes to the House of Representatives which may have overriding influence on both the senate and the presidency consequent upon its numerical strength of 360 members.

To some keen followers of the national developments, the debate is healthy for the nation’s democracy as it will strengthen the institutions and fundamentally, clearly defines the concept of separation of powers and checks and balances.

With the development, it appears that gone were those days the national assembly would hastily pass the budget without raising some significant questions that aim at protecting the ordinary Nigerian and also curtail the excesses of the executive arm which almost, always appears power intoxicated. But as to what will become the outcome of the present debate over the budget, only time will time.

Senator Ahmed Maccido

SATURDAY

Vanguard Vanguard,,

OCTOBER 20, 2012—51

, How many SMEs access credit facilities to grow economy?

— Ubaiji E

ke U. Ubaiji, is the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he points out government's efforts to proffer suggestions on how government can resuscitating the dwindling fortune of the economy as well as lamented slow pace of development generally and also reasons while the economy is not developing as expected. Excerpts: Nigeria at 52, what is your accessment of the economy from the angle of SMEs? The Nigerian economy is still in the doldrums, that is the truth of the matter. Though, there has been some steps taken by government to improve it, yet, we are still behind. In the area of power which has been the major challenge of almost all the sector of the economy, there has been some improvement and we hope government would sustain it.

Recently, the final bidding for the power plants was concluded. Aside this, we all saw what happened in June in the aviation sector, that is signal that aviation sector needs serious

attention. At the moment only few airlines are plying. Few weeks ago, Arik airline was grounded and that caused locomotion for air travellers in the country. At that same week, only one airline was operational, Euro Contractors.

It is not a good development while we have a good volume of air travellers domestically stranded.

However, there has been government's initiative in terms of access to credit facility for SMEs where we belong.

Also the CBN recently was coming up with a credit facility that targets on women because the bank feels that women don’t really have access to credit facility. So the issue of gender sensitive came in. The policy is still in the works and the feelers we are getting is that is going to be a good one.

Unemployment is still high even though government has been talking about job creation and all that.

At the same time, all the blames should not be directed at FG because it is saddled with a lot of challenges. All tiers of government should play their roles. We have FG’s 36 state structures and 724

Until the SMEs are well empowered unemployment will not reduce

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that they have a huge population of people to cater for.

Nigeria is a good market - investors' destination but the security challenges in the country is part of the problems. Investors are scared to invest in an environment that would not guarantee returns on investment. With kidnapping, Boko Haram and others, I know it’s age-longed endemic problem in the country.

Even the unemployment we are talking about did not start Ubaiji: Let’s contribute to build our today. economy So far, local governments. If they all has there been any play their roles as expected, improvement in SMEs? at least within some years,we Globally, it’s an accepted should be out of the wood. norm that SMEs constitute an Also, we should not be igno- engine of economic growth. rant that presently, the econo- Unfortunately in Nigeria, the mies of the world is dwin- economic situation has dling, in the United States, affected the sector. We have a Europe and Asia. Notwith- situation where people have standing, Nigeria should sit been relying on their own up, government should realise power generation to do business. As the name implies, SME, it’s not like Guinness, Cadbury or all other big players in the economy that can afford to buy L-R:MD/ CEO BOWILL 250 to 500KV generator and ERRAND run for 24 hours. If power is Siyanbola A. working at the optimum, the Oladapo and huge amount spent on diesel Commissioner could be channeled into f o r creating job opportunities. You Transportation,Kayode Opeifa having chats during 4th Bowill E r r a n d Annual public Lecture held recently in Lagos. he Federal Government (FG) has revealed plans to partner with the European Union (EU) on a new power project tagged: ‘Energy for all Initiative’. The programme is designed to help the Nigeria government meet the energy the NCIS to convene the needs of the country – General Meeting for the provision of uninterrupted purpose of electing a new power supply. Improved Board.

The NCIS which acts as power supply would enhance insurers for co-operative business activities for small bodies and their dependants and medium-scale enterprises is regulated by the and create additional Department of Co-operatives employment opportunities in the Federal Ministry of while impacting on economic Agriculture. growth positively.

EU to partner Nigeria on new power project

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New President emerges for NCIS

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new President has been elected for the National Co-operative Insurance Society of Nigeria. He is Chief Isaac Uchenna Onyia who until assumption of office, was a member of the group’s Board of Directors.

At the Special General Meeting of the group which held in Owerri, Imo state, Mr

Emmanuel Oleka was also elected first Vice President while Chief Mike Ayamele and Chief Byron Ogoke were elected second Vice-President and Treasurer, respectively.

The Federal Director of Cooperatives, Mr. Jonathan Dangwaram had in a letter dated 5th July, 2012 directed

now talk of SMEs that are striving to survive. So the challenges are much. That is why I’m saying that if the power sector is improved on tremendously, it would be good for SMEs. Some of them has gone moribund, and the issue of access to credit facility, the CBN has tried to come up with some intervention fund but how many of them (SMEs) are accessing the fund? There have been SMEs' fund, financing scheme fund, business sector fund etc. How many SMEs are accessing these funds?

If you look at the statistics release by the National Bureau of Statistics, we have over 20 million SMEs in the country. How many of them assess these credit facilities?

Interest rates in banks are not helping matters. You go to a bank they asked to pay twenty something percent interest rate, how do you survive with that. Those are the challenges.

The SMEs have not faired well as expected in the country.

And we’re talking about unemployment in the country.

Until the SMEs are well empowered unemployment will not reduce. How many people can government employ? But if SMEs are empowered, 1000 of them employing just two persons each, will remove many unemployed from the streets?

There is nowhere in the world government employs everybody. But when it creates enabling environments, jobs will be created. So, SMEs in Nigeria has a long way to go.

And I think government should make effort to come up with more initiatives. These are the issue of access to credit, infrastructure etc.

Have your group be discussing with government on the way forward?

We have been having some interface with government in different ways. Sometimes when they want to introduce new policies, they do invite stakeholders and that is where we come in. May be NASME as a body would be invited to make its input, or the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria (OPS). For instance the issue of the budget 2013, the OPS had met and agreed on what could be given to the Federal Government as input and it concerns infrastructure, interest rate, access to credit facility, marketing of product of Nigerian companies etc. So, we do talk with them, depending on the issue.

What is your advice to government?

My advice to government is that this country has great potentials and our leaders should have listening ears and look more inward and come up with innovative ideas that would help and address our challenges.

No country can say they have not passed through difficulties.

Our own will not be the first or the last. But if we are determined to address the challenges, we will overcome them.

52—SA TURD AY 52—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

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HE approach of yoga is one of moderation. You are hardly ever required to exercise to a high heart rate as is the case with aerobics for cardiovascular fitness. This has led to people, some fitness instructors included assuming that for a balanced workout, there’s the need to include aerobic activities such as walking or cycling, alongside Yoga.

Godfrey Devereux, who teaches Yoga at The Life Centre in London is not convinced, “who says that a cardiovascular workout is the only way to get those benefits? These classes will give you stamina, improve oxygenation of your blood and help circulation and the efficient discharge of toxins—without your having to sustain a high heart rate for the optimum”.

John Douillard, a former athlete, fitness teacher and author of Body, Mind and Sport agrees. Yoga is clearly not aerobic in the conventional sense, but it can certainly produce an extraordinary state of health and fitness. Douillard found that applying Yoga postures (in particular, a series known as the Sun Salute), and specific breathing techniques, could aid people achieve maximum fitness

Fitness and wellness with Yoga without the pain of hard aerobic training.

Now, the techniques of Yoga are the linchpin of his programme which help athletes keep in top condition. Yoga offers them a way of entering ‘the zone’ to achieve a higher level of performance, greater endurance and increased level of aerobic fitness.

These benefits are produced sideby-side with lowered heart and breathing rates.

T h e breathing exercises directly affect the nervous system, bringing about the ‘ relaxation

response’ in which the parasympathetic nervous system takes over from. The sympathetic nervous system. ‘You’re not just working on the anatomical body but on the nervous system

as well, says Devereux”.

“You might feel a little tired when you come out of a class but within a few minutes, you should have lots of energy. Yoga poses are designed to refresh your body while calming your mind”.

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nd in India, Yoga guru B.S.K Iyengar, has worked with medical patients to help reduce their need for insulin and to stimulate underactive thyroid glands. Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is certain Yoga can help stave off osteoporosis. “My patients who do Yoga regularly seem to show the least height loss; she says, I believe that is because Yoga tend to keep the disc spaces between the vertebrae more supple and open.

The Cosmetic effects of Yoga are quitestwming too. ‘ Dawn Lister says “I was quite bulky when I was teaching aerobics and doing weights and I had a lot of injuries. Now, I look a lot slimmer and in much nicer shape.”

Yoga Classes

Yoga does every body good pic: Courtesy Yoga Journal

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

ODD WORLD World's oldest father

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orld’s oldest father does it again at the age of 96...

An Indian man has become the world’s oldest father for the second time at the age of 96.

Ramjit Raghav was awarded the title two years ago when he had his first born son Karamjit aged 94.

Although he swore one was enough, the pensioner and his wife Shakuntala, 54, welcomed another son Ranjit, last month. Speaking at his home in the state of Haryana, 31 miles from Delhi, Ramjit said: “What can I do? This is all God’s wish. “He wanted me to have another son.”

When Shakuntala gave birth to the healthy boy earlier this month at the Government hospital in Haryana, the doctors laughed when Ramjit said he was the father.

--with Richard Okotie, Mofid Islam, Zhozokho Cmu and 40 others

World’s oldest father

Double-Header Talk about a double-header! Amazing photograph shows peculiar pelican with TWO HEADS in flight...

The image of the odd bird was taken by Ukrainian photographer Vladimir Kucherenko in the Danube Delta, but it wasn’t until the shutterbug returned home that he noticed something off about the picture. The development of two heads in an animal could be the result of random chance, exposure to chemicals or a complication during the gestation period that prevents a pair of embryos from splitting.

– with Jeeni Rohman, Izafa Ahmed, Kofil Ahmed and 43 others

Twin baby crocodiles

Snap! Twin baby crocodiles hatch from single egg in China...

Surprise Xiao Zeng, from the crocodile garden in China, said it was the first time he had witnessed two of the creatures hatch from the same egg.

– with El Levite Sanctified Reggae, Jerin Rahman, Lily Ale Mero and 37 others C M Y K

Peculiar pelican with TWO HEADS in flight

Twin baby crocodiles

SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 20 , 2012—53

C M Y K

54— SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 20, 2012

London Olympics: AFN, please spare us the rhetoric momentum, the jumper on the other hand concentrates on speed build-up as he/she progresses in the race.

This speed build-up is needed to have a powerful take-off from the long jump board. You need the speed to propel you into the air to be able to cover a considerable distance.

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•Ogba

BY VICTOR OMOREGIE

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did this statistics translate to? Not even a WOODEN MEDAL, even if there is any such thing. He said “I promised that Nigeria would qualify for the semi-finals and from there anything could happen. Therefore there was no reason absolutely to blame the athletes.

They (athletes) did well but as a nation, we did not provide all we needed for the athletes”.

Is President Ogba contradicting the Minister of Sports, who in faraway London held a press briefing along with top Sports Ministry Officials to x-ray Nigeria’s performances and openly admitted that Nigeria performed woefully. Even President Goodluck Jonathan along with millions of Nigerians were unanimous in their views

ut in two words, the performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2012 London Olympics can be summed up as TOTALLY DISAPPOINTING. I was thus taken aback recently to read the response of Solomon Ogba, the President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) regarding the performance of Nigeria’s Track and Field team. He went ahead to reel out some statistics which, to him, could be said to be a relatively good outing for the AFN athletes. He was quoted as saying that Nigerian athletes improved on their performances by meeting their targets. To him, it was amazing that Nigerian athletes qualified for ten semifinals and five finals of the Olympics. I ask, what O

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that Team Nigeria to the London Olympics has been the worst sporting outing since the country started attending the Olympics. Instead of putting excuses, the AFN should pull up ‘its trousers and get into the trenches’.

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ll those blowing hot-air (including a majority of Sports Writers) over what Nigeria puts up for its sports, should go and find out what other countries that are winning laurels are

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•Okagbare Olympic Games attended

by Mr. Metu, he has never reached any of the finals of his specialities (100m & 200m). Mr. Metu before going to the London Olympics had boasted to Nigerians that, as he had gone to train with Usain Bolt in Jamaica, he would challenge him for the gold medal at the final. What was the result? The true training partner of Bolt in the person of Yohan ‘the Beast’ Blake came a close second behind Bolt at the final. Where was our beloved Metu? He was

In our preparation for the London Olympics, it was the first in the history of the country that it hinged its medals hope on ONLY ONE ATHLETE – Blessing Okagbare.

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If our sports administrators could be like the politicians, Nigeria could have been winning medals from all the Olympic Games we had attended. Just a few months into the first term of the average Nigerian politician, plans are already in the pipeline to secure a second term. It is this strategy that our sports administrators lack. They wait until it is a few months in the year of the Olympics before they start preparation. Countries that excelled in the last Olympics in London were already preparing for the next Olympics in Rio, Brazil as they were competing in London. That is how to be in reckoning.

doing that we are not doing. All you hear in Nigeria is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, as if the medals are for sale.

Give Obinna Metu (Nigeria’s 100 meters men entrant) all the proceeds from the nation’s crude oil sales, he would not have made it to the finals of the 100 meters. In fact in all the

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beaten roundly and could not even qualify for the final. Everywhere you turn to these days, all you hear from the “vultures” in the corridors of sports is that more money should be doled out to motivate athletes, as if that is what is most important.

You must have a sporting policy or programme that the athlete can key into

and then he/she would perform. A good sporting policy or programme would cater for the training as well as the welfare of the athletes.

Those advocating that athletes should be given money do not really know anything about sports development.

What president Ogba has failed to tell Nigerians are what are his immediate plans and programmes for the next athletics dispensation? Nigerians are fed up with time-worn excuses of no money to prosecute its sporting programmes. To be in contention, a country must produce a defined sporting policy/ programmes targeted towards achieving results from regional, continental and world competitions.

In our preparation for the London Olympics, it was the first in the history of the country that it hinged its medals hope on ONLY ONE ATHLETE – Blessing Okagbare. At the end of the day, “Okagbare et al” were woeful in all departments.

The AFN should have known that Okagbare is basically a long jumper and not a sprinter per se.

As a former long and triple jumper, I know that both sprinters and jumpers have the same sprint regime. While the sprinter places emphasis on a quick take-off from the blocks and maintenance of the

he only athlete to have been able to combine both features of a sprinter and a long jumper is the legendary Carl Lewis of the USA. The flaw of the average jumper is often noticed in the very slow start of Okagbare in every race, only for her to pick up as the race progresses. The AFN should have left her to concentrate on her area of speciality and join in the relays if it was necessary. She could have at least picked up a medal. It’s all about precision and planning, which the AFN failed to achieve, despite the last minute employment of Innocent Egbunike as National coach. Every discerning mind knew that his employment was just a publicity stunt. It was too late in the day to appoint a national coach just a few weeks to the Olympics.

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he unnecessary attention given to Okagbare created badblood among the other athletes, who felt neglected.

Every member of the AFN team should have been treated equally, and not having State Governors and some members of the National Assembly have the impression that all was well and that Okagbare carried the magic wand.

So it was too late in the day for the Sporting Press who later went to town writing and speaking about the ‘pressure’ placed on Okagbare, due to the undue attention.

Ironically it is the same Sporting Press that had earlier gone to town praising her to high heavens when she managed to beat some top-rated athletes from Jamaica and the USA at an IAAF meet, who were just using the competition to ‘ warm up’ for the Olympics.

Continues tomorrow.

Omoregie, former national athlete wrote in from Lagos

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012—55

Mikel, Osaze, Ike Uche battle for award

By JACOB AJOM

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Ibadan hosts Odu’a cycling championships

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badan, the capital of Oyo State is expected to host the first Odu’a Cycling Championships on Sunday, October 28, 2012 with the six South West States of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekti and host, Oyo in attendance.

President of the Commissiares Association f Nigeria, Chif Alfred Ale who disclosed this said the oneday race will see participating cyclists ride 17 laps of abut 7.3 kilometers, totalling about 120 kilometers round some major streets of Ibadan The race which will flag-off at Eleyele-Sango road, will go through Bodija-Awolowo-Bodija Market- University of Ibadan junction-Sango junction to Poly road, Eleyele Water Works Roundabout and back through the same route.

According to Chief Ale, the cycling competition will be rotated among the South West States yearly.

CRUNCHY …

Lone Star captain and defender Gebro Duncan (right) in a hard tackle on Mikel Obi during the Nations Cup qualifier at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar which the Eagles won 6-1.

Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

Scrabble Continued from BP undertaking with the NSF on arrival.”

The other invited players include 10 and two female namely Rex Ogbakpa, Nsikak Etim, Olaiya Kabir, Eta Karo, Paul Sodje, Tayo Saheed, Edewor Bobor, Oshevire Avwenagha, Wale Ilori and Prince Omosefe for the male while the two female players are Tuoyo Mayuku and Afolayan Bukunmi.

Each of the players, Eakyns said, are to bring along to camp their travelling documents such as International/Ecowas passport, yellow card and four passport photographs each.

President of the NSF, Chief Toke Aka said the team “are looking at leaving (for Zambia) on the 19th of November and return on the 26th of November in time for the National Sports Festival (which begins three days later in Lagos.)”

Unity is our strength – Igiebor *Dreams Nations Cup debut

BY JACOB AJOM

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he euphoria was still high as Nigerians who had been starved of a near flawless performance by the Super Eagles in recent times besieged the Metropolitan Hotel camp of t h e t e a m i n C a l a b a r, Saturday evening. Although players and coaches were in their rooms, the hotel lobby was brimming with human traffic.

The waiters,

Red Bull Stratos: Mission accomplished

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ustria’s Felix Baumgartner earned his place in the history books on Sunday after overcoming concerns with the power for his visor heater that impaired his vision and nearly jeopardized the mission.

Baumgartner reached an estimated speed of 1,342.8 km (Mach 1.24) jumping from the stratosphere, which when certified will make him the first man to break the speed of sound in freefall and set several other records while delivering valuable data for future space exploration.

After flying to an altitude of 39,045 meters (128,100 feet) in a helium-filled balloon, Felix Baumgartner completed a record breaking jump for the ages from the edge of space, exactly 65 years after Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier flying in an experimental rocket-powered airplane. The 43-year-old Austrian skydiving expert also broke two other world records (highest freefall, highest manned balloon flight), leaving the one for the longest free-fall to project mentor Col. Joe Kittinger.

reinforced with uniformed soldiers had a tough time manning the main entrance to the hotel as journalists, relatives and fans of the players turned out in droves to either have a glimpse of their heroes and perhaps, touch or simply gawk at them.

For the reporters, the situation was made tougher as the Eagles were reluctant to grant any interviews and preferred talking to their relatives or fans. One of them, Emmanuel Emenike bluntly told this reporter, “You know I can’t talk to you now, I have to talk to my manager first.”

Real Betis new boy, Nosa I g i e b o r w a s , h o w e v e r, different.

We a r i n g a s m i l e t h a t encapsulated the mood of the evening, Igiebor said he was ready to talk and he spoke on his joy and the prospects of making it to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in his fledgling career. Excerpts: How do you see your performance and contributions to the team’s success this evening?

I think for me, it is like a dream come true. For a

young player like me to be at the Nations Cup for the first time, it will be wonderful and Nigerians are happy with the team and I am happy, I’m excited too.

Everybody contributed to the success of the team; the players, the coaches, the NFF and all Nigerians who trooped out to encourage us and support is throughout the campaign.

What do you think the team has as a source of strength going forward, especially with the Nations Cup coming?

You all saw it today, the unity and the love among us.

We go out there and work together. The strength in this team is the unity that prevails among us. We have no small boys or big boys as everybody sees the other as equal. Unity is our strength.

Which department of the present squad do you believe could be improved upon before the nations Cup? Right now, I can’t say it is this or that department of the team. We played so well this evening and that has made it even more difficult for me to do a proper assessment.

igeria and Chelsea of England midfielder, John Obi Mikel has been shortlisted for the Footballer of the Year (male) category by the Nigerian Sports Award panel. Mikel will have to battle his international team mates, Osaze Odemwinge of Westbromwich Albion also of England and Ikechukwu Uche of Spanish second division club Villareal for the prestigious award which comes up on November 29 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

According to the secretary of the panel and chief executive officer of Unmissable incentives, Kayode Idowu, the award panel which is headed by the Chairman of the Vanguard Editorial Board, Ikeddy Isiguzo also shortlisted Perpetua Nkwocha, Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega in the female category.

Mikel is also gunning for the Sportsman of the Year award. He has Osaze Odemwinge and Paralympic gold medalist, Yakubu Adesokan to contend with.

Three Paralympians, Grace Anozie, Yakubu Adesokan and Folashade Oluwafemiayo are vying for the Special Sports Personality of the year award.

Other categories with shortlisted nominees include Team of the year which is being contested by the national U-17 Women football team, the Falconets, the national basketball team, D’Tigers and Federation Cup winners, Heartland of Owerr.

In coach of the Year category Okon Edwin of the Falconets, Feyisetan Are, Head coach of the Powerlifters (Paralympians) and Ayo Bakare of D’Tigers are the front runners.

The most contentious was the sports manager of the year category which has AFN President Solomon Ogba, Cross River State Commissioner for Sports, Patrick Ugbe and his Oyo State counterpart Dapo Lam Adesina as nominees.

Chairman of the award panel, Ikeddy Isiguzo stated that the panel which has ace sportscaster, Fabio Lanipekun, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Obajimi, Ejiro Omonode and Fred Edoreh arrived at the shortlisted names from the nominations sent in by members of the public. “Only the first three nominees with the highest number of votes in each category were shortlisted,” Ikkedy said, adding that “the nominees must meet the criteria set by panel to be able to receive the awards.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 20, 2012

Champions League:

Ahly helpless without their fans, says Sunshine coach

BY BEN EFE

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CONTEST... Super Eagles twogoal hero, Victor Moses contesting the ball with Keita Ai Seny of Liberia at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Super Eagles won 6-1. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

unshine of Akure coach, Gbenga Ogunbote revealed that his team’s confidence has been hiked by the fact that their opponents for Sunday ’s CAF Champions League second leg semi-final clash, Al Ahly of Egypt will be playing the match without their fanatical fans.

Ahly have been playing all their games behind closed doors following a ban on the stadium, because of crowd trouble, which left several people dead early in the year.

“We know how intimidating their fans could be. But they wont be there when we play and that itself is a minus for them, it will be like playing on neutral ground and for us that is an advantage,” said the coach before the them left for Cairo on Thursday.

He noted that Sunshine will do their best to get a good result that will put them in the final of the Champions League for the first time.

Ahly ’s Senegalese

Howard confident Eagles can sustain momentum

BY EDDIE AKALONU

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x-international, Franklin Howard is confident the Super Eagles can carry their current winning form into the African Cup of Nations proper in 2013, just as he has called on the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to line up tough friendly matches to keep the team in top shape.

“I’m greatly delighted the team qualified (for the Nations Cup). It has put to rest fears expressed in certain quarters about the team.

It shows we can always bring out our mind to perform whenever doubts linger about our team. Winning the ticket was a sheer case of gratitude by the players to Nigerians for rising up in support of their cause,” he said.

Howard, a former Flying Eagles captain, harped on the need for

the team to be kept busy by playing top grade matches, saying, “there is now the need for the NFF to make good use of the FIFA international match days by planning friendly matches against top countries to keep the team in top shape. Let us not sit back and relax because we have a ticket but utilise the time on our hands very well. We need those friendlies to keep the team busy,” he said.

The former coach of Union Bank and Shooting Stars was quick to point out personal observations about the Eagles during the qualifiers.

“They are not too serious flaws but I think they should not be overlooked. I have been talking to Keshi about individuality and about poor finishing in front of goal. These are areas that a coach needs not overlook especially when

you are planning to go into a major competition as big as the Nations Cup.

I

commend the team for picking the ticket

and it is my hope that they keep the momentum going. And to be honest, my personal view is that Keshi and his assistants need to continue working on the team and

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Minister of State for Trade & Investment, Dr. Samuel (6) 4.CBN Governor, Lamido (6) 7.Monkey (3) 8.Imo State Capital (6) 9.L.G.A. in Gombe State (6) 11.Netherlands “Eredivise” Premiership Clubside (7) 14.Super Eagles Striker, Ifeanyi (3) 16.Fruit (5) 18.L.G.A. in Niger State (5) 19.Town in Delta State (5) 21.Lubricant (3) 23.World’s Highest Mountain (7) 25.Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude (6) 27.Super Falcons Coach, Kadiri (6) 28.Japanese Currency (3) 29.Former Cote D’Ivoire President, Mr. Laurent (6) 30.African Textile (6)

DOWN 1.Enugu Rangers International Striker, Chikeluba (6) 2.Dozen (6) 3.Cereal Crop (5) 4.Malaysian Currency Unit (3) 5.African Country (6) 6.L.G.A. in Ondo State (6) 10.3SC Shooting Stars Defender, Mutiu (7) 12.Female Tiger (7) 13.Farm Tool (5) 15.Excavate (3) 17.Greek Alphabet (3) 19.Ethnic Group in Nigeria (6) 20.Panama Currency (6) 21.Canadian Capital City (6) 22.Zambian Capital City (6) 24. Spain and Liverpool Goalkeeper, Jose (5) 26. State in Nigeria Known as “Pacesetter”? (3)

look critically into the areas I have pointed out.

However, I do realise that he has a deeper insight about the team than any one of us.”

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striker, Dominique Da Silva acknowledged that the match will not be an easy game for the Egyptian giants, adding that Sunshine were not a push over team.

“It’s not going to be an easy game as some people may think.

Sunshine Stars is a good team and we saw that ourselves in the first leg.

We will do our best to achieve victory and qualify for the final,” he

Scrabble gives 6 Wild Cards for African Championship

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HE Nigeria Scrabble Federation, NSF has extended wild cards to six of its players for the camping exercise preparatory to the Africa Scrabble Championship scheduled to hold in Zambia November 2225, 2012.

Secretary of the NSF, James Eakyns said in a press statement forwarded to Saturday Vanguard sports that the wild card players include former African champion Dennis Ikekeregor, Azu Ogboru, Sunday Oshodi, Akpome Oghenemere, Bright Idahosa and Quickpen Ben. He said that the camp would run November 1119 in Abuja as he added that “please be informed that invited wild card players will be responsible for themselves while in camp (and) all invited players are to sign an

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