CHIBOK: Another crisis looms

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Budget 2014 FG sets aside N968bn to fight Boko Haram To spend N4.964trn

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE Federal Government is to spend N968 billion or one qauarter of its 2014 budget, estimated at N4.964 trillion to fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the country, according to the provisions of the budget signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan,Wednesday but made public yesterday.

Altogether, about N10.

88 trillion has been estimated as revenue accruing to the three tiers of government within the same period.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance , Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, hence, the fiscal deficit of the Federal Government budget would be about N1.2 trillion or two per cent of the old Gross Domestic Product, GDP before the rebasing exercise.

Non-debt recurrent took the lion share of the budget with a total of N2.455 trillion, while N712 billion was earmarked for debt servicing.

Capital was left with N1.119 trillion, while N408. 69 billion would go into statutory transfers.

According to the minister, the National Assembly padded the executive budget with N53 billion which she said was spread across several sectors’ capital and recurrent e x p e n d i t u r e .

Highlights of the budget included a crude oil price benchmark of $77.5 per barrel which was a modest outlook when compared with last year ’s benchmark of $79 per barrel.

Crude oil production target has been put at 2.38 million barrels per day, also an indication of a reduction in estimate when compared with last year’s figure of 2.5 million bpd.

The Naira exchange rate was retained at N160= $1 as was the case last year. The GDP growth rate was equally retained

at 6.75 percent.

Security takes one-quarter of budget Okonjo-Iweala said that the Jonathan administration placed premium on security, especially at a time the nation was battling terrorists adding that, as such one-quarter of the entire 2014 budget has been allocated to the security sector which includes the military, police and other security outfits in the country.

“We are in close touch with the defence sector. I have just finished talking not long ago with the Chief of Defence Staff and others. We have to be very supportive of our men and women in uniform because they are laying down their lives for us and they are involved in a very difficult endeavour; the war on terror which we have never had before, so we want to be very supportive of them. In that light,

President Goodluck Jonathan with the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan arriving Pretoria South Africa on Friday for a high level discussions with other African Heads of State and government on combating terrorism in Africa. ment, this is a new type of war. They will always Budget highlights: need things that will help them. So we have to adAggregate Federation Revenue N10.88 trillion mit that.”

Expenditure N4.965 trillion Apparently referring to Federal Revenue N3.73 trillion Deficit 2% of GDP N1.2 trillion the statement credited to GDP growth rate 6.75% the military that they Oil revenue benchmark $77.5 pbl were not properly fundOil production 2.38 mbpd ed in the face of the inseExchange rate N160 = $1 curity brought about by Capital expenditure N1.119 trillion the Boko Haram war, the Minister further said, ‘’I do not think that the NiI think the defence ment that I know of in the gerian Army or Air Force spending is treated expeworld which is engaged is different from any othd i t i o u s l y . in a war that always has er one we know of in the ’’I want to say that there enough. They will al- world. No amount of is no military establishways need more equip- budget can be enough. In that context the com-

ments you have heard may be in that context.

But in terms of the budget itself the defence sector takes almost a quarter of the budget. ’’This year, we have disbursed to them the money they needed. We have disbursed N130.7 billion of which N85.9 b is for personnel cost. All their salaries and payments are made as at when due.

There are other requirements that required extra funds. The Joint Task Force Special Assignement and sometimes the requirements come from Mr. President’s contingency fund and we have to scramble to meet that.

So we have really worked hard and we really need to be supportive of them.’’

Deficit financing

She further said that the Federal Government would borrow money to fund the deficit but that the administration would maintain its stance on reducing domestic debts.

According to her, the government planned to borrow about N 571 billion, originally before the new N53 billion addition by the National Assembly.

Boko Haram kills 43 in separate attacks •Presidential Committee scared of Chibok

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri with Agency report

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HE Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls is yet to visit Chibok, six days after arrival in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Committee led by Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, rtd, arrived the state last Sunday.

Sources told Saturday Vanguard that the committee postponed its visit to Chibok yesterday, following security reports that the road leading to the area was not safe.

One of the major reasons why the government set up the panel was due to alleged reports that the Borno State government was not giving correct information on Boko

Haram activities to the military in the area.

This is even as some suspected Boko Haram terrorists shot dead 30 farm workers as they tilled their fields in remote northeast Nigeria, a police source said on Thursday, amid a mounting insurgency increasingly targeting civilians. Three people being treated in hospitals for wounds they sustained in earlier attacks were also shot dead in hospitals, bringing to 43, the number of those killed by Boko Haram in the last three days in the state.

The gunmen had ealier attacked Kuburvwi and Kimba villages in Damboa and Biu Local Government Areas yesterday morning, killing over 10 people and setting houses and shops ablaze.

Kuburvwi is about seven kilometres away from Chibok, while Kimba also south of Borno is about 140 kilometres drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Thursady’s attack led to the destruction of the village of Chukku Nguddoa, said the police source in Borno state, the heart the revolt that is piling political pressure on the government.

The Committee’s terms of reference are: to liaise with the Borno State Government and establish the circumstances leading to the Chibok school remaining open for boarding students when others were closed; to liaise with relevant authorities and parents of the missing girls to establish their actual number and identities; to

interface with the security services and ascertain how many of the missing girls have returned; to mobilise the s u r r o u n d i n g communities and the

general public on citizens’ support for a rescue strategy and operation; to articulate a framework for moving out of their houses for safety.”

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Two pupils, three others burnt to death

Boko Haram shoots patients in hospital

•On Ibadan-Ife expressway

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE, Oshogbo

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IVE persons including two pupils were yesterday roasted to death when two fuel tankers collided at Asejire area on Ibadan-Ife expressway which caught fire instantly.

Six other persons sustained varied degrees of injuries and are now receiving treatment in the hospital.

One of the dead pupils was said to be waiting for a bus along the road when the raging inferno consumed him.

Several buildings, shops, mechanic workshops and market stalls were completely razed by the fire, which emanated from the spilled content of the fallen trailer.

When our correspondent got to the scene, mangled body of the burnt public school pupil, whose identity could not be ascertained was spotted, just as

men of the fire brigade service, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC and policemen were busy managing the chaotic situation.

The accident according to eye witnesses caused traffic gridlock along the expressway as the section from Ibadan end was closed to traffic while the evacuation of the burnt vehicles was ongoing.

A victim, identified as Tajudeen Bakare, whose residence was completely burnt told newsmen at the scene of the accident that “the tankers while attempting to overtake each other on the hill hit themselves and one of them, carrying petrol spilled its contents into gutters and small stream and suddenly we heard a loud bang and there was fire everywhere”.

The unit commander of the FRSC, Egbeda, Commander Abiodun Akinlade who confirmed the accident explained that “around 7.30am, we received a call that there

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Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife protesting hike in school fees in Ile-Ife. Photo Lamidi Kazeem was an accident and on coming down we discovered one of the articulated vehicles had skidded off the road and burst into flames”.

According to him, “It is like they were doing competition on the highway, trying to overtake each other. I also understand that a school

bus was also trying to pick a child and the fallen tanker affected the bus and we lost two people there.

We also lost two people from the articulated vehicle”

Ajudua: Judge orders EFCC to produce witnesses

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KEJA —An Ikeja High Court has ordered the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission, EFCC, to produce its witnesses in the trial of a one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua.

Justice Kudirat Jose made the order on Friday after the EFCC failed to produce the witnesses to testify against Ajudua, over an alleged $1.69 million (N252.8 million) fraud.

Jose directed that the witnesses should appear before the court on June 6, for commencement of the trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Ajudua is standing trial alongside one Charles Orie.

They are being prosecut-

ed for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen – Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen - of the sum between July 1999 and September 2000.

Earlier at the proceedings, the EFCC counsel, Mrs E.A. Sanusi, said their witnesses were absent due to two applications filed by Ajudua at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.

Sanusi said Ajudua had filed an appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the Lagos High Court to entertain his case.

She said the first defendant (Ajudua) had also filed an application for stay of proceedings of the matter by the lower court.

Man, 50, arraigned for obtaining N2.7m car by trick

BY ONOZURE DANIA, Lagos

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HE police, yesterday, arraigned a car dealer, Vincent Omelebele, 50, before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Igbosere, for allegedly obtaining a car worth N2.7million under false pretence.

Omelebele, who resides at 71 Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos, is standing trial before Magistrate Joy Ugbomoiko.

The defendant, is facing a three-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence

and stealing, preferred against him, by the police. The prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the defendant conspired with one other person at large, to commit the offences in December 2011, at Aguda Surulere area of the state.

Molo, said that Omelebele obtained a Toyota Camry Car 2008 Model with Engine/ Chassis n u m b e r ATIBE46K88U224319 worth N2.7 million under the pretext of selling it and remitting the proceed of the car, to the owner, Maria Nobel.

IMBA town in Gur ward of Biu local government area of Borno State has been attacked by gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram on Thursday evening. The attackers burnt down almost half of the town and shot three people who were receiving treatment at Biu General hospital.

A local, Mallam Umar Kimba, told our reporter in Maiduguri, that many people in the village fled to Sabon Gari while others fled to Mandara Girau and Biu. According to him, the attackers,who came on motorcycles on Thursday night started firing sporadically before setting the town ablazed.

MASSOB raises alarm

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HE Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday raised an alarm over what it called a plot by members of the Boko Haram sect to bomb the popular Onitsha main market and some other markets in the SouthEast geo-political zone.

It therefore warned that MASSOB would resist any attempt to perpetrate such terrorism in any part of Igbo land which is also regarded as Biafra land, by all means and with the last drop of their blood.

JAMB

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AGOS—The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, yesterday urged the Lagos State Government to shelve the monthly sanitation exercise in May so that candidates writing its examination would be able to move freely.

Alhaji Kamaldeen Adedeji, the Lagos Coordinator of JAMB, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

The next monthly sanitation exercise is scheduled for May 31.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

Nullify Anambra guber election for irregularities, APC, PDP, Ngige, Nwoye tell Tribunal •Obiano: Petitioners have no substantial evidence to prove their cases

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, Onitsha

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HE All Progressives Congress, APC and its Governorship candidate in Anambra State during the November 16 and 30 governorship elections in the state, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige yesterday told the Ishaq Bello-led Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka to nullify the election.

Others who asked the tribunal to declare fresh elections as a result of irregularities that marred the entire exercise included the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate in the election, Chief Tony Nwoye and the All Progressives Congress, APC. They furthermore called on the tribunal to declare fresh election and to disqualify the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance , APGA, Chief Willie Obiano as the sitting governor of the state in the interest of democracy.

Addressing the tribunal yesterday shortly before it adjourned sine-die to write its judgement, APC, Ngige, PDP and Nwoye insisted that the only option left to correct the anomalies was to conduct a fresh election and declare the rightful winner to become the authentic governor of the state.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, APGA, and Obiano who was sworn in on

The cross-section of Imo State women, during the prayer and fasting session for the nation and President Goodluck Jonathan, held yesterday at the premises of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE) in Owerri.

March 17, urged the tribunal to uphold the election because the petitioners had not provided substantial evidence to prove their cases that the election was marred by irregularities, as they alleged.

Addressing the tribunal, Counsel for Ngige, Emeka Ngige, SANsubmitted that the defence of the third respondent in the matter (Obiano) ‘’failed totally,’’ adding that the only person who could have established whether Obiano was culpable on the issue of multiple registration as well as giving false information to INEC in the course of his nomination, was INEC. He, however, contended INEC, having failed to call any witness, abandoned Obiano to his fate and

allowed his defence to collapse, arguing that that being the case, the INEC –certified evidence before the courtand the pleading of the petitioners on EPT/ AN/GOV/02/2013 and as well as the ‘’evidence adduced by our witnesses on the matter remain unchallenged, unresponded to and

uncontradicted, which are conclusive proof for Obiano to be disqualified and a fresh election conducted in Anambra State.

Ngige who also, responded to the submission of Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, representing Obiano in the matter urged the

tribunal to hold that the accusation of substance before the tribunal against his client was that ‘’he submitted a forged document to INEC for the election,’’ insisting that since INEC’s- certified true copies in evidence in the tribunal successfully established that Obiano, in addition to the registration card which number ended in 332 also registered and got another voters’ card with the numbers ending with 1172 as attached to Obiano’s Form CF 001, which INEC certified as a true copy, meaning that the earlier card ending with number 332 remained a forged document.

Buttressing Ngige’s argument, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, urged the tribunal to take a second look at Exhibit RR431 tendered by Obiano, which he claimed was a transfer form for his voters registration particulars and discover that the title of the document was merely an application form.

Exhibitors show more interest in rebased economy, says LCCI

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HE recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which makes Nigeria the largest economy in Africa, has generated increased interest in the Lagos International Trade Fair, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has disclosed.

In a statement, Vice President of the Chamber and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board,

organisers of the Fair, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole said LCCI had been receiving requests for participation from both regular and new foreign exhibitors since the rebasing outcome was made public. The rebasing had put the country ’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at $510bn, the highest on the continent.

Olawale-Cole stated that the exhibitors expressed

the desire to take advantage of the benefits offered by Africa’s biggest economy, adding that they were eager to enter into business relationship with prospective local partners.

“This becomes particularly germane with the reinforcement of the new status of Nigeria by her classification by Ernst and Young as one of the top three economies in Africa to invest in,” he affirmed.

June burial date for Amaka Igwe

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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OLLYWOOD Icon and filmmaker, Amaka Igwe who died on the 28th of April will be laid to rest on Friday, June 13 , at her marital home in Ndiuche Arondizuogu , in Imo State.

According to a statement by a media consultant, BHM,various events preceding her funeral as announced by the family include; A tribute evening and Lagos Service of

Songs at Haven Gardens G.R.A Ikeja on the 9th of June, and Enugu Service of Songs at Okpara Square, Enugu on the 12th of June, 2014.

Also, the statement said that a tribute website,www.amakaigwe.ng, has been created for goodwill messages and pictures to celebrate Amaka Igwe.

Amaka Igwe, who is survived by her husband of 21 years Charles Igwe, three children, an aged mother and siblings, died from complications from

asthma at the age of 51.

She contributed immensely to the development of indigenous television drama and Nollywood over the past 25 years, for which His Excellency, Mr. President graciously awarded her an MFR in 2011.

She is the founder of BoBTV Film and Television Programmes Expo, founder and CEO of Top Radio 90.9FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly launched Q Entertainment Network.

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Kano expands free antenatal care

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

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HE Kano State Govern ment has extended free ante-natal care to all state hospitals and primary healthcare units in the 44 local councils to boost healthcare in the state.

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso stated this during the Launching of Maternal Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHW) and the Celebration of the World Malaria Day at Government House, Kano on Thursday.

Ekiti 2014: Kudirat Initiative tasks residents On active participation

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

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HEAD of the coming governorship election billed for June 21 in Ekiti state, the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy KIND, has enjoined residents of Ikere, Emure and Ekiti West Local Governments of Ekiti State to foster interaction between themselves and their elected officials, in order to make joint decision on issues bothering community developments.

The resolution was made recently at town hall meetings held at Ikere, Emure and Ekiti West local government halls, after reviewing the community scorecard of each of the council areas.

FG flags off N56b project to address unemployment

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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E D E R A L Government yesterday launched the State Employment and Expenditure for Results SEEFOR project worth about $350 million (N56/ 7b). The pilot project is to be financed through a credit of $200 million from the World Bank with additional financial support of about 80 million Euro from the European Union, EU. The fund from the World Bank is expected to be spent in a period of five years in four SEEFOR participating states of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers.

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CHIBOK:

Where Life F Is Fear

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Chibok

EAR of the known pervades any mention of Chibok. It is gripping, unspoken fear, with expected consequences that when I piled inside a bus for the 130-kilometre drive to uncertainty, the only thing I knew was that death could be a part of the trip.

I dared not tell anyone I was going to Chibok.

zHunger

Continues on page 10

looms zOur daughters were in Government custody zTeachers abandoned our girls to terrorists zWhy Chibok girls don’t speak English zWe’re expecting Mr. President

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CHIBOK:

Examination Council examinations.

Details of how they were taken vary from who is telling the stories, which no longer interest the parents.

All they want is to have their children back.

Mallam Chiroma Usman Chibok, seven of his relations were abducted said, “My brother, Chibok is a shadow of itself as most parents stay indoors to mourn their abducted children. Government is not helping matters. We keep getting assurance our abducted would be girls.

“It is the farming season, but nobody is going to the farm. The trauma is too much for us.”

Mr. James Yama said, “We are suffering in silence, one of my brothers, Mr. Mutai Hona, whose two daughters were among those abducted, died last Sunday from heart attack. He developed high blood pressure after the abduction.”

‘We Want Our Girls, Not Relief’

Continues from page 9 How could I have mentioned that I would embark on a journey that included travelling beside the dreaded Sambisa Forest? What was I searching for in Chibok where fear is life and insurgents could strike at anytime?

Monday was the best day to make the trip. It was Damboa Market Day. It meant that traffic on the risky Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu Road would be busy with many heading to the market. There was assurance that the heavy traffic could deter the attackers, it was a thin hope, but where fear rules, one holds to any strains of hope.

Chibok shows early signs of its bareness. The road from Damboa, where I boarded a taxi to Chibok, is barely motorable. Seven of us squeezed into the small car, three in front, four at the back seat. Nobody appeared to care about the discomfort. We arrived Chibok at 12:25 pm due to the heavy security checks on the way. They checked all parts of the car. Each check point bore its own nightmare. With stories of people in uniform turning insurgents, one could never tell whether it was a check point or a death point.

As we passed by Sambisa Forest, I knew all I needed to cause a scare was to ask the driver to stop. Who else could make such a request? I pondered the idea but discarded it, there were already enough risks on this journey to think up more. I was even grateful the vehicle passed there without an incident.

Everyone kept his thoughts to himself throughout the journey.

Everyone seemed to suspect that the other could be an insurgent. If one of us was, and intended to attack the vehicle, how would we know?

Hunger looms in Chibok Security in Chibok was heavier.

Whole area remained deserted as parents and relations of the abducted school girls were indoors mourning their calamity. Chibok is draped in fear and mourning that would not disperse until the kidnapped students return.

HUNGER LOOMS IN CHIBOK

Chibok, a farming community runs the risk of hunger. People are not going to the farms for two reasons – they are mourning their missing daughters and fears of further attacks persist. Their neighbours in Damboa were attacked at home and then in their farms. They too have stopped farming. Where would their food come from without farming this year?

The journey to infamy started for Chibok on 14 April when some gunmen attacked a government secondary school occupied by girls who were writing their West Africa

“It will interest you to note that on Sunday, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA came to Chibok to distribute relief materials to the victims, but none of the parents collected even soap. They protested to NEMA officials that they want their abducted daughters back. Those who benefited from the relief materials were people whose daughters were not among the abducted,” Mr. Yama said. “If we had seen the corpses of our girls, we would have forgotten about them. We do not know what is happening, it is unfortunate”.

‘Our Daughters Were In Government Custody’

Mrs. Saratu Pagu Mdurmbula, mother of one of abducted girls said, “Our daughters were at school writing their final year examinations. We believed our daughters were in the custody of the state government being a public school.

They were not abducted from our homes, but from the school. It is unfortunate that after abducting our innocent daughters, government and security operatives are yet to rescue them. We are disappointed. It

Continues on page 11

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CHIBOK: Continues from page 10 is not one school girl, but over 200 of them. It would be more appreciated if security agencies rescued our daughters. We were fed up with stories about our daughters, the trauma is increasing”.

‘Teachers Abandoned Our Girls To Terrorists’

Why Chibok girls don’t speak English

Simon Watila, the father of Godiya, one of the girls who escaped from the Sambisa Games Reserve camp of the sect, said he was out of town during the incident, but immediately called his daughter and she told him the school was safe.

“I called this my daughter in the school, asking where she was. She told me she was in the hostel. I told her they were attacking the town, they have started burning houses.

“I asked if soldiers were with them in school. She said no. I asked about the police she said they were no policemen, but that the school was safe.

“The insurgents were still attacking the town. My daughter told me all the teachers had left; there were no guardians with them.

“It was in the realisation that there

Over 95 per cent of students in public schools in the State cannot express themselves in English, although, their written English is reportedly better was no one guiding the school that I told my daughter to run if she had the opportunity. I told her the insurgents would turn to them when they finish with the people in the town.

“When the shooting started in the town, the teachers were still with them but they took to their heels, and locked our daughters . There are teachers’ quarters within the school premises, the teachers left before the attack.

“She even told me that the teachers instructed them not to run away.

One of the teachers locked the gate, there was no way for our daughters to escape. When the attackers finished with the town, they came to the school.

“They told the girls they were soldiers and the girls believed them because they were in uniform. They promised to protect the girls from the insurgents who were attacking town.

The girls happily came out to them and they seized all their mobile phones. I knew my daughter was in trouble when I called and she was not taking the call. The next day I

learnt our daughters were abducted.”

He was happy that God answered his prayers for the return of his daughter. If there were enough soldiers around, he said, girls would not have been abducted.

Why Chibok Girls Don’t Speak English

People have been concerned that the abducted girls did not communicate in English, in the interviews they granted. They mostly spoke in Hausa. Over 95 per cent of students in public schools in the State cannot express themselves in English, although, their written English is reportedly better.

Some reasons were adduced for the situation, the major one being the poor standard of education and the quality of teachers in public schools across the state. Teaching Service

Board officials tend to favour their kinsmen over qualified applicants.

Most teachers in the rural areas and the students prefer speaking their own dialect either in the classrooms or during school hours, making English language secondary.

Governor Kashim Shettima admitted in an interview that, “In 2011 WAEC examinations, only three students at one of the government secondary schools in Northern Borno Senatorial District had five credits, One of the Chibok girls adressing a including mathematics and English gathering after her escape language. The Three students were not from the State as their fathers school, admitting male students as were serving soldiers at Monguno non-residents.

Military Barracks”.

The Chibok girls reflected the quality of teachers in public schools in Borno State. Chibok, a local A teacher in the school, Mr. Amos government headquarter, has only Dawi said, “Apart from the poor one secondary school, which also quality of teaching materials and serves people from neighbouring unqualified teachers, the students local government areas. Recently, themselves are not helping matters, the school, which used to be only for girls, was converted to a mixed Continues on page 12

Who’s To Blame

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CHIBOK: Continues from page 11 as most of them devote their interest to farming.

“Chibok and other schools in the state have no English or Mathematics teachers. Rarely would students from JSS I to SS III have these teachers throughout their stay in school. In fact, most of these students are not taught English properly from year one to their final year”. An educationist, Dr. James John attributed the problem to lack of training and retraining of teachers by the Borno State Teaching Service Board. The board does not organise workshops for its teachers, especially those in rural areas.

Yakubu Iliya, a student, blamed the teachers. “Where the teachers are qualified, they do not take their work serious because ministry officials hardly supervise them.

Most teachers prefer being posted to schools in Maiduguri. The unqualified ones are posted to rural areas, where they abandon their profession for farming and businesses”.

‘We Don’t Want To Speak English’

One of the freed schoolgirls, who did not give her name, for security reasons explained their dilemma in the matter. “Another major reason we are not speaking English is the trauma we are undergoing. It is not because we cannot speak English. Each time we want to speak English to journalists, we feel the terrorists are still watching us, so we quickly switch to Hausa, which is our dominant language in the North without realising it. Only those who have been through what we suffered can understand this. Boko Haram hates anything to do with Western education and the ability to speak the English language is an indication to them that one has Western education”.

Expecting Mr President

‘We’re expecting Mr. President’

ducted, we thought government would act swiftly, but it is unfortunate that after a month, their whereabouts remain unknown.

“It is really sad, disheartening and disappointing to all of us as parents.

This is beyond politics, it is between life and death, so we want our girls and that is what we are after at this trying moment, nothing else”.

Shettima Sheds

We were happy when we heard Mr. President was coming to Chibok. We expected his visit to Chibok would bring relief to everybody

We’re Expecting Mr. President

Yaga Yarakawa spoke on his disappointment on President Goodluck Jonathan’ s widely publicised visit to Chibok, which was postponed, though the Presidency had denied that a visit was planned.

“We were happy when we heard Mr. President was coming to Chibok. We expected his visit to Chibok would bring relief to everybody. When the girls were ab-

Tears Again

Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima shed tears again on Tuesday as he told the Presidential Fact Finding Committee on the abduction, in Maiduguri, that doubts over the abduction of the Chibok school girls and the theory that the kidnap was staged-managed by his government was as painful as the actual abduction.

The governor said it was a sad tale that Nigeria pays more emphasis on politics than finding solutions to the nation’s numerous problems.

Responding to the address of the

Chairman Brig, Gen. Ibrahim Sabo (rtd), Shettima said, “Borno has seen evil times. Our people have suffered.

The Chibok incident, for me, has grossly exposed our weighty weakness as leaders in terms of assuming our shared responsibilities.

“Doubts over that abduction pained me far more than the childish theory that as Government, we staged that abduction in order to create basis to stop the extension of emergency rule in Borno.

“Then, there was the issue of saying Chibok was not safe and we went ahead to open the school.

Majority of these students are from Chibok axis, if the school was considered unsafe, I don’t think any right thinking parent would allow his or her child to study in an atmosphere of high risk.

“To every other Muslim, worldwide, these men that kill, destroy and abduct, insult Islam by calling themselves Muslims. They have contradicted every single tenet of the Islamic religion. They have in some cases, tried to change the ordained translation of verses in the Holy Quran.

“To every Muslim, a verse of the Holy Quran has clearly said that there is no compulsion in religion.

But to these men of violence, there is compulsion not only in religion but even in Islamic ideology. To these men, any human who doesn’t share their ideology deserves to be brutally killed. A Muslim that is of not of the sect is condemned to death and so is Christian. To them, the human race should go into extinction for their doctrine to thrive.”

The governor had approved N150 million for the rehabilitation of the 53

girls who escaped, and for assistance to the traumatised parents whose daughters were still held.

“Unfortunately, we had to hold what we should have done for Chibok because of the politics brought in. If we had released some material support earlier, some bad elements would have said we tried to buy the people of Chibok.

“The Borno State Government is committed to sincere and active collaboration with the Federal Government and all other support groups in our collective fight against insurgency.

“I see misconception about those behind the insurgency as one major hindrance to fighting it. So long we continue to look the wrong way, there would be lack of focus on the part of most stakeholders and in which case, the victims would remain the accused.”

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Sabo assured that the committee was ready to carry on with the task with absolute patriotism and fear of God. He condoled the people and government of Borno state who have been traumatised as a result of the attacks.

Back To Base

By sunset, Chibok residents abandon every activity to seek refuge in their homes. I left Chibok at 2:15 pm, to a repeat of the security checks that marked the earlier journey, through the same route. I arrived Maiduguri at 5:30 pm to joy that I never knew I could muster. I heaved a sigh of relief, having gone through the most dangerous route in Nigeria and survived the trauma of anticipating an attack that never came.

As I went on my knees to thank God Almighty for seeing me through this assignment, I realised that another trip to Chibok would be necessary – hopefully in happier circumstances, to welcome the girls.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , MA Y 24 MAY 24, 2014—13

By EVELYN USMAN

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N unkind fate like a bull in a China shop recently attacked popular sports broadcaster and member of the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, Aisha Folade, following the gruesome murder of her 19 year-old son , Oluwadamilola Oloruntoba, in far away Dubai, the United Arab Emirates,UAE three months ago.

The late Toba , as he was popularly called, was said to have left London where he was with his sister, for Dubai , after he gained admission to study Audio Production at the SAE Institute,sometime in October, 2013.

But four months into his studies, an incident that changed the course for the family occurred , following a telephone call received by his mother in Nigeria, at the wee hours of February 15, 2014, that her once bubbling son had fallen from the balcony of his apartment located on the 17th floor of Manchester Towers, Dubai Marina, where he lived!.

One death too many Unfortunately, the tragic incident which no doubt, has dealt the mother of two a devastating blow, leaving her to wallow in grief, pain and sorrow, is not the first time the lives of Nigerian students have been cut short in their prime.

•The tower... where the deceased was thrown from.

•Late Toba

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n Ghana for instance, a 300 level student of Social Sciences at the University of Cape Coast , Godwin Ayogu, was murdered in cold blood on February 20, 2014, with his killers yet to be brought to book.

Record at Saturday Vanguard disposal showed that Godwin Awogbo was the fourth Nigerian student to lose his life in the space of four months in Ghana. The first death case was that of a 15 year-old Senior Secondary School Student of Ideal college, Community 5, in Tema, Master Austine Chukwuebuka Ogukwe, on October 2013.Barely one month later, two Nigerian students identified as Eddy and Charles of KNUSFORD University, Accra , died under mysterious circumstance when they went for an excursion at the Volta region.

Continues on page 14

•Aisha and late son

14—SA TURD AY 14—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , MA Y 24 MAY 24, 2014

Continues from page 13 Another Nigerian student in the northern city of Arkhangelsk , Russia, Akinola Olufemi, was reportedly stabbed to death in southern Moscow, with his ears cut off.

Again, one Kelvin Chibueze ,17, a student in London, was stabbed to death at a birthday party in East London in August 2011 by one Lerone Boye , 27.

Also in London, a 22-year-old Nigerian student, Baba femi Junaid was reportedly stabbed in the chest and in his bid to apparently rush to the nearest hospital, his car collided with a bus in Clapham Road, near Stockwell Tube station, south London, resulting in his death..

One of the most recent was that of 17-year-old Forester Samson, in far away Moscow, capital of Russia, on March 4, 2014, by yet-to-be-identified Russian gangsters. The late Forester who hailed from Igbekhue in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, only completed her secondary school education in 2013, before leaving for Moscow, with the hope of furthering her studies.

Unfortunately, she did not live to see her dream come true , as she was reportedly stabbed to death . As if that was not enough , the perpetrators reportedly locked her body in a room and set it ablaze.

It has almost become a routine to hear that Nigerians, particularly students, are gruesomely killed, often by citizens of their host countries. But more worrisome is the role played by the Nigeria government in ensuring that these cases are not only swept under the carpet by policemen in the countries the crime is committed but its seeming lackadaisical attitude towards ensuring that justice is done.

Twist

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case at hand is that of late Toba, whose death the Dubai Police reportedly claimed was an accident. But tell tale signs and evidence reportedly showed that it was a clear case of murder, which allegedly involved the son of a Dubai billionaire.

The Dubai Police said it had concluded its investigation and arrived at the conclusion that on that fateful day, Toba was drunk.

They told the bereaved family that information gathered from those who were with the late Toba showed that Toba was seen sitting on the railing of the balcony with his feet off the floor, and was swinging back and forward in this position, adding that he could have fallen down from the balcony railing.

But the deceased’s family has described this claim as false and an attempt to shield perpetrators of the murder. These followed what were described as contradictory reports between what the police gave and those of the eye witnesses.

Senate president petitioned

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n a petition to the Senate President, David Mark , Lawyer

Cries out for Justice

•President Jonathan

•David Mark

The summary of the accounts of these friends were totally different from what the police report indicated and this has revealed a most shameful and disgraceful attempt by the authorities in Dubai to shield obvious murder suspects from the long arms of the law

posed girlfriend) out of Toba’s apartment, accusing her of having an affair with Toba Falode. b. That a fight was to have ensued from this confrontation, but for the intervention of other mutual friends.

Since then, there was no love lost between Toba and Faisal Aldakmary Al-Nasser. c.That in the evening of the 14th of February, 2014, Toba with his three friends went to a club in Dubai ,where they met the said Faisal Aldakmary Al-Nasser and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans . e.That again an argument started between Faisal and his supposed girlfriend and this quarrel continued till both of them left the club. f. That the quarrel was to the effect that Faisal was still accusing her of dating Toba. g. That shortly after the two left the club, Toba and his friends also left the club. h. That on getting to his apartment, Toba again met Faisal and Miss Olivia who was crying in front of his door, waiting for him. i .That Toba let them into his apartment. j. That after they all got into the apartment, Toba, Faisal and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans entered his room “to sort things out”. k. That shortly after, the three of them exited the room and went on to the balcony of the apartment on the 17th floor (though the account of who first went to the balcony and who joined thereafter slightly varied). l. That a serious argument with raised voices and raised hands went on at the balcony. m. That about twenty seconds later, Faisal and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans came back into the room and announced that Toba had fallen off the railings. However, Faisal had blood spatter all over his shirt and bloody knuckles. There was also a noticeable cut on his finger.

At this point they all rushed downstairs to see Toba’s dead body lying several meters away from the building (approximately twelve to fifteen meters). n. That the position of Toba’s body (which can still be verified today) was not consistent with someone

to the bereaved family, Festus Keyamo, said: “ Because of the various inconsistencies in the Police report given to the family of our client, Mrs. Aisha Falode, our Head of Chambers, Mr. Festus Keyamo and another family member with Aisha Falode traveled to Dubai in the UAE on Friday, the 18th day of April, 2014 to see and hear things for themselves. Whilst in the country, the three of them met with the friends of lateToba Falode who were present in the apartment on that fateful day.

“The summary of the accounts of these friends were totally different from what the police report indicated and this has revealed a most shameful and disgraceful attempt by the authorities in Dubai to shield obvious murder suspects from the long arms of the law.

“The friends and witnesses in question volunteered written statements to us and we summarize their account as follows: a. That sometime in December, 2013, the said Faisal Aldakmary AlNasser stormed the apartment of the deceased, Oluwadamilola Oloruntoba Falode and ordered Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans (his sup-

dropping from the balcony but was consistent with someone that was violently pushed or thrown from the balcony. o.That the police arrived thereafter and arrested all of them to the station. p. That before and during the journey to the station, Faisal kept repeating to the hearing of everyone that the maximum punishment for him would be twenty-five (25) years in jail and that the other boys should not worry. Meanwhile, Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans was hysterical and did not say anything. q.That at a point, one of them had to shut Faisal up when this repetition of “at least 25 years in jail” kept going on and on. r..That at the station, Faisal and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans were kept away from the rest and were interviewed separately, whereas the other three were kept at a separate room and interviewed separately. Later that night, Faisal and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans were released to go home without taking the blood stained dress from Faisal. Meanwhile, the other three were charged with drinking and other sundry offences and are facing these charges in court at present”..., the petition stated in part

My son was a perfect person

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escribing his son as an amiable fellow, devastated Aisha said in a tears: “ Life cannot be the same again for me. May this not happen to any body, not even my enemy. I can’t wipe away the sorrow. My son was a lovely boy. He was a gentle, humble, respectful, innocent and very generous boy. In fact he was a perfect boy.

All I want is not just for justice to prevail but to prevent a reoccurrence of such on another family.

This is is the best time for the Nigeria government to act by prevailing on the authorities in the UAE to re-open the investigation into the murder of my son and to bring to book Mr. Faisal Aldakmary AlNasser and Miss Olivia Melanie Richards Evans both of whom murdered him in cold blood”, she stated .

Tambuwal charges UAE

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n an apparent response to this call, Speaker of the House of Representatives , Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Tuesday, urged authorities of the UAE to find the killers of Toba Falode. He made the call when he received the outgoing UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Rasheed Aldhaheri, in his office.

Unless urgent steps are taken by the Nigeria government to place a premium on the lives of Nigerians living abroad, cases of hostilities and murder of Nigerians elsewhere in the globe will no doubt continue unabated.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014 — 15

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

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ou had to be strong not to be moved by some of the pictures Sky News Television beamed to the world last weekend. They were pictures of young and not so young faces contorted by pain and anguish.

They were pictures that revealed dashed hopes and despair. And, as the moving camera rolled on, they were pictures that depicted poverty amidst widespread destruction in the nooks and crannies of the village. They were pictures of mothers longing to see their abducted daughters. They were pictures of Chibok. And in more ways than one, they were pictures of Nigeria.

The young women spoke in their native language and the interpreters could have made a better job of it. Yet, in spite of that, they eloquently conveyed their message. The message that they were grieving for their children who had been abducted over a month ago; children whose abductors they know, whose whereabouts they can guess but are powerless to do anything about. The message that their country which they once regarded as mighty and powerful now lies prostrate and demystified, unable or unwilling to rescue their girls. The message that these children, innocent till about a month ago, are now going through untold horrors and being forced ‘to grow up’ by their ruthless abductors.

The words they uttered didn’t need to be interpreted. The free flowing tears came from deep their grieving souls.

They didn’t hide under expensive glasses and didn’t need fanciful handkerchiefs to dab. A mother ’s anguish is a mother ’s anguish whether you are a peasant or a princess, a Dame Patience of Nigeria or a Queen Victoria of U.K. As the camera rolled on to show the devastation in the village, you were shown other things you would rather not see because of the embarrassment.

You were shown poverty, you were shown neglect, you were shown a complete absence of facilitiesrecreational or commercial. And you wondered at the quality of life of these villagers. Even a rural village life doesn’t have to be this forlorn. We who live in the cities, we who have fancy restaurants, cinemas, and night clubs to relieve our stress, we who have chrome finished offices and mahogany desks where we work, we who guzzle champagne and fly executive jets, and moan at NEPA but have powerful generators to provide light, we who live in state- of- the-art homes and send our children to state-of-the-art schools, should be highly embarrassed at the pictures of Chibok and the many Chiboks that are dotted all over the country. What are the State Governments doing? What are indigenous elites who have made good doing to help their kith and kin? Poverty leads to desperation and idle hands soon become the devil’s workshop.

Chibok people need help. First and

foremost, they need to have their daughters back alive. Then they need security and a better quality of life.

Right now, they need sympathy; they need empathy. These, along with presidential assurances, are what Mr President would have provided had he been courageous and humane enough to visit the grieving souls. He needed the courage to confront the plethora of bad advisers who surround him and who told him it was unnecessary and unsafe to go to Chibok. General Gowon once said there are no bad leaders but bad advisers. Our President has them aplenty; people who will strip him with words and fawning adulation and push him naked to the market place to dance.

One of them was quoted as saying Chibok is a war zone forgetting that those who live there are Nigerians who have allegiances to the country and are owed obligations by the government.

Besides, what manner of a CommanderIn- Chief would shy away from a war zone?

The President did not help matters when he said what was important was to rescue the girls and his visiting Chibok would not bring the girls back.

Mr President; soothing, caring words are always important. When you visit your bereaved cronies in different parts of the country, it is not to bring the dead back but to identify with the bereaved. We alleviate pain when we show that we care. This is a lesson I don’t think any body who puts himself up for public service needs to be taught.

It is your duty as President to visit Chibok and console your people. It is the duty of your security outfit to protect you. It is that simple. Unfortunately, we lionise our leaders to the extent that they don’t feel obliged to us. An ex President once shouted in a fit characteristic anger; ‘shut up. I don’t have to be here’ in answer to an uncomfortable question when he visited the poor victims of the Ikeja cantonment explosion. We should not have allowed him to get away with that kind of attitude. We should not have given President Jonathan a precedent.

The whole Chibok affair has been badly handled by the presidency from the beginning. First, they doubted if any abduction really took place. Then they could not, even independently, ascertain the exact number of the abducted girls. Then we heard nothing from the Presidency for two weeks until the world cried out and put pressure on them. The final blow was the President’s refusal to visit the over 200 anguished parents and the many more displaced families; even as a public relations gesture.

The rest of the world can see that the President needs help. The place to start is from the members of his inner caucus who are leading him along the undesirable path of isolation and disgrace. His public image at home and abroad is in tatters. His leadership qualities are being questioned everyday. And it is largely down to his team.

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The rest of the world can see that the President needs help

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No situation is hopeless with God (II)

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our case is not hopeless and God will definitely do something about it.

My brother, sister, friend, open your arms and receive help from God today.

He is a very present help in time of trouble. Wipe away your tears and forget about the pains of yesteryears for your change has come through the word of the Lord. Say it, believe it, act it and you will soon testify it. It will not be long and you will start singing sweet songs of praise and worship to Him. You are not the only person who sometimes feels as if your case is the worst, as if things can never get any better. Friends and family members who seem to care may have taken you to so many places; maybe to native doctors, false prophets, this bank or that financial institution.

But instead of things getting better, they get worse. From human standpoint, a person who has done all these but got no solution should likely surrender to fate and sing the popular tune, what is gonna be gonna be. You may be so pressed and defeated that you would begin to think that it is your destiny and that it may be how God wants things to be. This is not true. Your present challenge or situation is not your destiny. It is not your end. It is not how God has designed your life to be.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

So, you can now see clearly the devil has been deceiving you. God has a good plan for you. This is why I am confident to tell you that you are coming out from whatsoever predicament you may be into right now.

If you look closely at 3 John 1:2, you will discover that it is the will of God for you to “…prosper, and be in health, even as your soul prospereth”. If this is not happening in your life, you have every right to reject it right now. How do you reject it? Submit yourself under the mighty hand of God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Plug into God’s will and

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The visit that wasn’t

see His mighty hand in your life. His hands are not shortened that they cannot save. Stop complaining that there is no remedy for your situation. There is a dependable solution. No matter how bad your case may look or how impossible it may seem, God has appeared on the scene. Absolutely, nothing is too hard for God to do. Now, hear the word of the Lord: You shall break forth in the North, in the South, in the East and in the West. In the seats of powers, doors will be opened unto you because your season of favour has come. I sense it strong in my spirit that the word of the Lord has come to you, to change your situation for good In Mark 5, you will find different people whose cases were special and hopeless. There was no physical help for them.

There was absolutely no way they could come out of their situation with the help of men but Sovereign God turned their situation around.

First, we have the case of the man who was demonized with legions of demons.

No one could come near him or bring deliverance to him. Men were afraid of him and none could get close to him. He could not help himself and no man could help him. But when Jesus came into the scene, the man’s hopeless condition changed. According to the bible, when the people came to Jesus, they saw the man that was possessed with the devil, the man demonized with legions of demons, the man that people were afraid to go near to, sitting down, clothed, and in his right mind. They were afraid.

Let me prophesy to you that from henceforth, the divine deliverance and restoration that God is bringing across to you will cause your enemies to be afraid, in Jesus name.

The second case was that of the woman with issue of blood for twelve years.

Having spent all she had, she grew worse instead of better. All her efforts to get well proved abortive, her wealth were spent and yet no solution was in sight. But when she heard of Jesus, something inside her rose up and she knew that her solution has come.

When she came in contact with Jesus by touching the helm of His garment, her hopeless situation changed, her life threatening sickness dried up and she received life. I curse that terminal sickness in your body, in the body of your child or your loved ones to dry up in Jesus name, for by the stripes of Jesus you were healed.

Therefore rise up from that bed and walk. The spirit of God is available to quicken your mortal body. For every movement you make, for every step you take, the supernatural power and the grace of God will be imparted into you until wholeness is fully restored in your life and body.

Our present challenge or situation is not your destiny. It is not your end. It is not how God has designed your life to be

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

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

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:15-11:30am.

Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014—17

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

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exy upcoming actress and ex-beauty queen, Peggy Enoho Ovire talks about her life as an actress, model, fashionista and much more.

My name is Ovire Peggy Enoho.

I’m a Nollywood actress, model and fashion enterpreneur from Delta state, Urhobo precisely. I won Miss Galaxy International Nigeria pageant in 2007 and I’m also an ex Miss Tourism Delta. I run a fashion business, Hugs Couture. I joined Nollywood in 2013. So far, I’ve done eight movies namely ‘Best of Enemies’ ‘Troubled King’, ‘Unknown’, ‘Worst of Friends’, ‘Worst Sin’ and so on. My first movie was ‘Best of Enemies’.

My experience in the industry so far has been fun, though I just got back from the New York Film Academy. I decided to go into acting because I’ve always loved acting and I was given a platform to act and I did. I got into Nollywood through a friend, a very good friend of mine who is into acting. She’s been there for a couple of years and so she told someone about me and that was how I started.

My first time on stage was different .It was strange acting with people who were good at it, but I knew it was what I wanted. I was bit on the edge, but after one scene, I felt more relaxed and everything went well. I haven’t had any challenging role yet . I’m still waiting for it. I

have worked with top actresses like Mercy Johnson, Tonto Dike and many others.

Basically, I just hope that the Nigerian movie industry gets bigger and better, because we are still growing.

I’ve heard a lot about sexual harassment in Nollywood, though I haven’t witnessed it. In Nollywood, I look up to Rita Dominic, I want to be like her. I also like Uche Jombo.

I love the male actors in the industry, they are very talented. As long as the actor is good, I’d want to work with him, but that’s the limit for me, I wouldn’t date any of them.

As regards my childhood, every moment of my life spent while growing up was beautiful and very memorable I’m a friendly and calm person, though sometimes I like to stay indoors, keep to myself and if I’m out, I go out with friends, have drinks and watch movies.

Personally, I feel fashion is how you feel and how you want to be addressed. I love fashion and people

I don’t want to be the girl with the pretty face who can’t do anything. I just want to impact in people’s lives. know that they can’t catch me not getting it right. Fashion is not a display of wealth, it’s just another way to express how you feel and how you want people to see you. One fashion accessory I love so much is shoes.

I studied Banking and Finance at Ambrose Alli University. I left banking for acting because I’m an entertainer. I love

STAYING IN Cook: We all got to eat. Look up some recipes online. There are plenty of things you can cook which are much easier than you think. Try bannock, it’s the easiest bread you can bake: 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, add enough water to make a thick dough. Chuck the whole lot into a frying pan over low heat. Flip it when the base is done. All-in-all it takes about 40 minutes. You can make it more interesting by adding fruit to the mix.

the entertainment industry, I don’t want to work in a bank.

Few years from now, I hope to see myself up there, be a better actress and be able to touch lives with what I do. I don’t want to be the girl with the pretty face who can’t do anything. I just want to impact in people’s lives.

Though I’m still single, I’m fine with my male admirers.

We get along, we’re friends.

Even if they come with an ulterior motive, by the time, they meet me, they change their minds because I make everybody my friend. It has never been a problem for me.

When I want to relax, I travel.

I love to travel to see the world as much as I can. I love to watch movies too, so I go to see movies at cinemas and most times at home. Though I don’t drink alcohol, I go out with my friends and we just gist.

GOING OUT

Volunteer: Volunteer to help in your local area. There are always organizations that need an extra pair of hands to help out with something. Not only does it feel great to invest energy into helping other people, you get to meet and work with other fantastic, helpful people like yourself!

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 — 19

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

With Florence Amagiya

08061644307

Untold J

ust like the glamour associated in her videos, Tiwa Savage and husband Tunji Balogun spared no cost in setting tongues wagging with their classy wedding that took place in Dubai. It had all the trappings of an A-class wedding anywhere in the world.

Personalities that graced the occasion and the general razzmatazz were a sight to behold. It was indeed an event that would remain indelible not only in the minds of the quests but also the entertainment industry for a long time to come.

Tiwa Savage

story of Tiwa Savage multimillion S naira wedding!

GOWN DESIGNER avage wedding gown was designed by popular New York based American designer and former figure skater, Vera Wang. She is known for her wide range of haute couture bridesmaid gowns, perfumes and wedding gown collections, as well.

The least price of her bridal gowns goes for about $1500-$2500. She designs for the rich and mighty around the world.

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4 years old, Tiwatope Savage Balogun is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, recording artist, performer and model. She is currently signed to Sony ATV Music Publishing and Mavin Records. She sings in English and Yoruba.

The graduate of Business Administration from the University of Kent has performed on stage with Sting, 50 cent, Black Eyes Peas, Eminem, Robbie Williams and Destiny’s Child, to name a few.

Recently, the ‘Eminado’ held a high society wedding in far away Dubai, the United Arab Emirate. The wedding is still being talked about as it was held in the most expensive hotel in the emirates.

Tiwa’s white wedding was done on the 26th of April, 2014; on her wedding day, she and her beau came out in beautiful, flamboyant wedding attires as they exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony, which was followed by a lavish reception and an after-party at the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa in Dubai where the couple lodged.

BURJ KHALIFA

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urj Khalifa is a 7 star hotel and about the most expensive hotel in Dubai. The hotel has some other hotels in it like the Armani hotel where the couple lodged. The lowest room per night is the deluxe double room and its price is between seventy five thousand, four hundred and eighty nine naira and eighty thousand naira vat excluded (N75, 489- N80, 000); the double classic is between N80, 000- N90, 000 vat excluded, the premier suit is between N110, 000-N120, 000 per night vat excluded. The fountain suit room in the hotel goes for N140, 000-N150, 000 vat excluded.

CAKES

The couple spent N2m for the making and designing of the cakes

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 — 21

GROOM’S DESIGNER

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ai Atafo custom made Tunji Balogun’s (TeeBillz) wedding suit. He also designed Banky W best man’s suit. Mai Atafo is one of the most recognized and sought after designers in the industry today; he goes by the name of Mai Atafo. He specializes in suits for men and glamorous red carpet dresses for ladies.

DON JAZZY’S GIFT

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nd one of the highlights of this fabulous wedding was when MAVIN Records CEO, Don Jazzy gave the couple a brand new Prado SUV which cost him a whooping sum of $100,000 as their wedding gift! Don Jazzy blue suit was designed by Taryor Gabriel. He sampled one of the original pieces of Giorgio Armani shoes. A Rolls Royce took the show man to the wedding venue.

WEDDING INVITATION CARD

The Fuchsia and gold coloured invitation card came with small access cards for entry into the venue, all packed in a beautifully designed paper bag. There were 500 pieces in the whole costing an average of N5000 per card and pack.

VENUE The event was planned by Private events planner known as Elblion Aisiem which cost the couple a whooping sum of N6m, the event venue cost the couple about N3.5m.

ENGAGEMENT Her engagement band alone is $2,000.

DECORATION The decoration for the venue is N2m.

MUSICIAN King Sunny Ade’s performance fee was N5m.

MC The MC was paid N1m.

SECURITY FOR THE WEDDING Security fee cost the couple the sum of N500, 000.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENT Food and refreshment cost the couple about N5m.

ROLL CALL Present at Tiwa Savage’s wedding in Dubai were Nigerian super stars including the Mavin Records crew led by Don Jazzy, Eku Edewor, Toke Makinwa, Toolz, DJ Xclusive, Kaffy, N6, Designers Bridget Awosika, BBA house mate, Vina, Toju Foyeh, Eme Boss, Banky W who was also the best man, Tunde Demuren, Seyi Shay, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, Tiwa’s chic friends, Millen Magese, Remi Fagbohun, Joyce Jacob, Tania Omotayo and Rita Dominic and others.

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Bob Marley’s daughter Sharon, marries Ghanaian singer

*YAW

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haron Marley, daughter of late reggae legend, Bob Marley has married Ghanaian musician, Ekow Alabi Savage. The couple were joined as man and wife penultimate Tuesday in Accra, Ghana.

Present at the occasion were Dr. Erica Bennet, Ambassador for the Diasporan African Forum (DAF), who represented the bride’s mother, Rita Marley, Daddy Bosco, administrator of Music Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). It would be the first time any of the Marley descendants would be marrying anyone from Africa.

KWAM 1 features children, Olamide in new album

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ing Wasiu Ayinde Mashal has released a new album State of the Nation, in which major part of the album was dedicated to the Awujale of Ijebu land who celebrated his 80th birthday a couple of weeks ago.

The new album produced by his new music company, Fuji Repete features his children; Honey B and Musty, Alhaja Salawa Abeni, Musiliu Haruna-Ishola and hot rapper, King Badoo himself, Olamide.

*I GO DYE

*TEE-A:

*BASKETMOUTH

10 Richest Nigerian com and their sources of wea C

omedians are meant to be funny, right? Yes, the stand-up comedians dominating Nigeria’s humour business landscape are funny quite alright on stage, but very serious in business. With assets running into billions of naira, they are light years apart from the past crops of old comedians who wait on people for meager rations of life. They may look funny and unserious, but they are cavorting to the bank and living their dreams. Ali Baba, the father of stand-up comedians in Nigeria, aptly captured in words, the profitability of comedy business when he said: “comedy is a funny business, a very big business.”

After a careful study of the careers of these successful comedians, Showtime came to the conclusion that a number of them are outstanding. Here are the top 10 in this branch of entertainment in terms of their assets, the money they charge per show, the various products or corporate endorsements they did, and their established brands from which they make steady income.

ALIBABA:

With over thirty years of performing on stage and hosting events for almost all Nigeria’s former presidents and the present one, Ali Baba sits at the apex. Even President Olusegun Obasanjo once jokingly accused him of being overpaid for his performance. His Lekki mansion where he lives is said to be worth more than N300 million alone.

Alibaba makes his money through a chain of businesses in Lagos: as a reputed motivational speaker, a professional comedian patronised by almost all the big brands and political bigwigs in the country. His net worth is estimated to be over 3 billion naira. It is estimated that he performs in a minimum of two events weekly at an average rate of 4 to 4.5million naira per event. That would add up to about 400 million naira per annum!

BASKETMOUTH:

He has been associated with many companies, signing different en-

dorsement contracts in the last six years. He also has an impressive list of branding deals with Amstel Malta, Globacom Ltd. and a host of others. With his sold-out shows in South African, London, and even in far away America, and on his Basketmouth Uncensored platform, the comedian has been so consistent since he came to limelight. His assets are estimated to be worth 2 billion naira. His annual income may be in excess of 192 million, while endorsement deals run into over 120 million annually. His international show, Basketmouth Uncensored, rakes in an estimated 100million naira.

This artiste makes over 360 million annually.

I GO DYE:

United Nations Millennium Developmental Goal Ambassador, Amb. Francis Agoda, fondly called I Go Dye is the C.E.O of Revamp Construction Company, a property, real estate and road

Construction Company. An estimate of his annual income stands between 350 and 500million naira, while his net worth is valued at over 2 billion naira. With properties in choice areas across Nigeria, and fleet of luxury cars, he is the man to beat. He also has a special performing relationship with almost all the governors in the country. His business empire is increasing every day. Presently, he is constructing a bottle water company, Franstel Natural Bottle Water.

JULIUS AGWU:

He made over 20 million naira alone from the launch of his book when he turned 40.

He has properties scattered all over the country, a state-of-theart audio and video studio, and more political affiliates than any other comedian.

For over a decade now, Julius Agwu has been organising two

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 — 23

Jude Okoye’s fiancée, bags new deal!

By IYABO AINA

I

*JULIUS AGWU *ALIBABA *AY

*GBENGA ADEYINKA:

Manager debunks clash between Omowumi and Flavour

edians lth events: Crack Your Ribs and Laugh for Christ Sake. He is reputed to own properties in 3 states in Nigeria, and is also the C.E.O of Real Laff Entertainment Company which is an event management firm. His performance fee is between 2 to 3million naira per event, and his annual take-home is estimated at 180million while his personally organised events are estimated to be about 140 million annually. His net worth is valued to be 1.5 billion naira.

AY: Since his foray into this money making business, he has risen faster than anticipated with a performance fee that is between 1 and 2 million naira per event, while his A.Y Live events organised annually rakes in 160 million annually. He is said to be earning 280 million naira annually. His net worth is put at 800 million naira.

He is also working on his MVP club and also runs an event company. He also has fleets of cars and properties at Lekki area in Lagos.

Gbenga Adeyinka : No comedian anchors more events than him presently. He is constantly busy and a top choice with politicians.

He has properties and several business interests besides his Laffmattaz which is always a sold-

feoma Umeokeke, fiancée of Jude Okoye, elder brother of the P-Square music duo, has grabbed an endorsement with a cream company.

The model-cum-beauty queen will appear in a television commercial of Soul Mate hair cream alongside Hafiz ‘Saka’ Oyetoro and Ure Scott Kalu.

By IYABO AINA

T

*BOVI

*OKEY BAKAASI:

out show with more than 5000 people in attendance every year.

GBENGA ADEYINKA:

No comedian anchors more events than him presently. He is constantly busy and a top choice with politicians.He has properties and several business interests besides his Laffmattaz which is always a sold out show with more than 5000 people in attendance every year

OKEY BAKAASI:

He anchors upscale events steadily and must have made huge money from politics too as Senior Special Assistant on entertainment in Imo State. He has a mansion in Imo State and Canada.

TEE-A:

A highly gifted wedding MC, he has equipment and an events company. He anchors mainly heightened events and also does private businesses

BOVI:

He has made a lot of money lately from events, adverts and tours. He is probably the hottest kid right now.

YAW:

Yaw is into the big league with a choice property in Lagos. He also makes money from MTN adverts, radio presentations, radio hypes, anchoring events, equipment leasing and other businesses.

he raging rumour that Omowumi Megbele and Flavour don’t see eye to eye any longer, has been put to bed by Omowumi’s manager, Sunday Are, who said the two Glo ambassadors are as close to each other as before. According to him the rumour has been peddled by people who wanted to break the close bond between the singers.

The rumour had it that Omowumi had stopped Flavour from performing her song “Bottom Belle” which offended Flavour and made him taunt Omowumi of not being the original singer of the song.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014

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Battle for AMAA’s trophies

...as movie stars invade Yenagoa today

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HE sleepy, but oil-rich city of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital is bound to reverberate this evening as African film makers and stars gather there again for this year ’s edition of the prestigious Africa Movie and Academy Award, AMAA. Already, the city is bubbling with life even as tension, anxiety and expectations are thick in the air.

This year ’s AMAA,which attracts a galaxy of celebrities and stars in the African movie industry, unlike the previous editions, promises to be exciting and superlative. The event is also packaged to mark the academy ’s 10th year of celebrating African cultural heritage and creativity in grand style.

As remarked by Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, Director General, Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, this year ’s awards night will be unique and special in several ways because the agency intends to use the occasion to showcase the rich cultural heritage and promote the tourism and investment opportunities in the state.

“This is the tenth year Bayelsa State is hosting AMAA, and that means we will go the extra mile to ensure that we put together a grand ceremony which will remain a reference point in the entertainment industry in Nigeria,” Brown said.

Brown also reiterated the fact that this year’s event is being bankrolled by the public sector and some individuals who share in the vision of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in transforming Bayelsa State into a tourism haven .

Interestingly, top contenders for this year’s awards are two South African films, “Of Good Report” and “The Forgotten Kingdom”,which showed strength of dominance, as evident in the academy ’s nomination list released last month. The two films would contend with Nigeria’s “Accident”, “Potomanto” (Ghana), and “Children of Troumaron” (Mauritius) for the Best Film diadem at a ceremony, which holds at the newly

refurbished Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

But besides these top contenders, some important awards that would make the difference in this year ’s AMAA because of the quality of the nominees include the *Uche Jombo Best Actor *Joselyn Dumas and Actress in a leading role; Best Director, Best African film, Best will be contesting for the award South Africa’s “Of Good Report” Cinematography and Best with their counterparts from Mothusi Magano, Ghana’s achievement in Visual award.

Ghana, Joselyn Majid Michel(Brothers In the Best Actress category, Dumas(Northern Affair) and Keeper), Adjatey Nigeria has four nominees Linda Sokhulu (Felix) from Annan(Potomanto) and Zengo including Chioma Chukwuka South Africa.

Ngqobe(Forgotten Kingdom) to Akpotha(Accident), Clarion A lso, in the Best Actor beat. Interestingly, Emem Chukwura(Apaye), Uche category, Kanayo O. Isong’s three movies, ‘Apaye’, Jombo, Rodriquez, Monalisa Kanayo(Apaye), Joseph ‘Lagos Cougars’ and ‘After The Chinda and Daniella Benjamin(Murder At Prime Proposal’ are expected to do Okeke(Lagos Cougar) and Suites), will have the star of Nollywood proud at this year’s Uche Nnadili(B for Boy)who

Nollywood storms PH for Children’s Day S

•Joseph Benjamin

TAR actor and host of popular reality TV show, MTN Project Fame, Joseph Benjamin will lead other Nollywood stars including OC Ukeje, Mercy Aigbe, Tamara Eteimo, Alex Ekubo and Yomi Fash Lanso to Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Tuesday, May 27, being Children’s Day, for a reading and mentoring session as part of activities lined up for the 2014 Best of Nollywood(BON)awards which will be hosted by the Rivers State government.

Also, on the train are President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Dayo Amusa, Laitan Ogungbile and Sylva Oluchi.

The executive producer, BON awards, Seun Oloketuyi said, “The celebrity reading session with secondary school students is part of activities preceding the BON awards billed to hold in October. The chosen celebrities are past winners and nominees of the BON awards with the exception of Ms Fiberesima who is the President of AGN. We look forward to an exciting time with the kids in Port Harcourt on Children’s Day.” According to Joseph Benjamin, “I am a beneficiary of mentorship from people that I admire in the industry and beyond. So, at any point in time that I am called upon to mentor young ones or impart my success nuggets on those who look up to me, I do so. For me, the BON awards’ reading and mentoring session are a veritable platform to continue in my selfappointed mission to be a role model to the young ones.

*Chioma Chukwura

AMAA. With six nominations, in the following categories; Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Achievement in Make Up and Best Nigerian film, “Apaye” will be the Nigerian film to watch at the awards ceremony.

Meanwhile, organisers yesterday released list of musical stars who are billed to perform at the continental event. They include, Fally Ipupa, Afro hip-hop superstar from the Democratic Republic of Congo,Nigerian contemporary higlife sensation, Flavour, Ghanaian 4x4 musical group and JMartins.

Announcing the stars, Mr Tony Anih, Director of Administration of AMAA said, “’As an African brand, AMAA always parade the best of our musical stars and celebrities to perform and host the awards. We are continuing in that tradition again.” The awards which is being sponsored by Glo, MRS oil, Sterling Bank, BUA Group and FCMB, according to Mr. Anih, will be hosted by former AGN President, Segun Arinze, Nigerian-born British actor, LIoyd Nathaniel and Ghana’s Nana Asokor.

Also, while the highlights of the continental event will be aired on CNN,BBC,Al Jazeera and Fox News, the Red carpet event, it has been revealed will be anchored by Kenya’s Mariam Kaptuiya, Igantius Annor from Ghana and Nigeria’s John Mike Nwadibie among others.

Indeed, Yenagoa is literally wearing a green look as major roads leading to the event venue have been heavily branded by the telecommunictaions giant,Globacom ahead of this evening’s show.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014 — 25

08111813022

Franca Brown laments Chike Bryan’s illness ‘It’s a big shame that his kinsmen are not showing concern’

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INCE the National President of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria, SWGN, Chike Bryan was diagnosed with kidneyrelated disease about six months ago, Franca Brown and some of her colleagues have taken it upon themselves to solicit financial assistance for the ailing script writer.

But the veteran actress, who hit the limelight after the role she played in the popular soap opera, “Behind the Cloud”, is not totally happy as she laments the indifferent attitude displayed by Bryan’s relatives towards his health condition.

“It’s a big shame that while Bryan hails from somewhere, his relatives are doing nothing to assist him financially,” she said, while in chat with HVP recently.

The actress commended the efforts of some of her colleagues who have been supporting the ailing script writer financially.

“Our pray is that God should continue to keep him alive.

That young man deserves to live. Wherever I am, I always tell people that they should not forget him. I commend the efforts of some of my colleagues who have been supporting him financially.

South African Gay festival holds!

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Franca Brown He’s been sustained in one way or the other. But it’s a big shame that he hails from somewhere and up till now, his kinsmen are doing nothing to assist him. We are not happy about their attitude,” the actress lamented.

Byran who has written the scripts of so many Nollywood films has been down with kideny related ailment for about six months now. His two kidneys reportedly have packed up, and he needs about N10 million to go for transplant in India.

outh African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Out In Africa (OIA), returns this year after it was closed down last year due to financial woes. It will hold from Wednesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 1, at Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank, Johannesburg and The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The festival, which celebrates the fight against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, is supported by the country’s National Film and Video Foundation, the Goethe-Institute and Graton Guest House, 6 Spin Street Restaurant as well as 8333 members and 700 MySchool contributors.

HVP gathered that German Director, Jan Soldat will be in attendance to present his documentaries, “Weekend in Germany” and “The Incomplete.” Soldat invites audiences to venture behind closed doors with a touching documentary double-bill which explores people’s deepest fears and desires.

“Kill Your Darlings” is slated to open the festival. It’s a biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the gay Beat poet Allen Ginsberg. Directed by John Krokidas, the film follows the story of a murder investigation involving Ginsberg, his classmate Lucien Carr and fellow poet William S. Burroughs.

Wh on’t marr Whyy I w won’t marryy an act or–Ella, Rising actress actor

L

Ella

ike controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh, emerging actress Ugochi Daniels a.k.a Ella doesn’t think she could ever marry an actor because she wouldn’t want to be “heart-broken.”

The pretty actress who worked as an assistant to a costume designer in Jeta Amata’s award-winning film, “Amazing Grace” as an undergraduate at University of Calabar has declared that she would never settle down with a fellow thespian because she likes to save her drama for the big screen.

“I cannot befriend or marry an actor because of my kind of person. I am a very emotional person. I don’t need any drama at home, only on screen. I am

human and I have feelings too. I wonder the kind of future I’m going to have with my male colleague,” she said. According to her, a lot of things happen on a movie set. “If the handsome actors do not run after the actresses, the actresses themselves would run after them,” she revealed.

The actress who is based in Abuja, has featured in some of Nollywood’s biggest films in the last three years. The films include, “Jealous War ’ directed by Iyke Odife, “Cry of a Maiden”, “Nkasi de Village Fighter ”, and ‘Woman Police” which gave her a breakthrough in the industry among others.

Ella studied Geology, at the University of Calabar but had to follow her dream which is acting. She credits talented film maker,Iyke Odife with giving her the big break and inspiring her career.

Oritsefemi

Oritsefemi, Nnenna for Children’s Day show

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his year ’s Children’s Day promises to be an amazing experience for children and their families as Oritsefemi, the spectacular award-winning artiste behind the Number One hit single in the country ‘Double Wahala’, will be performing at the eagerly-

anticipated Nnenna and Friends Children’s Day show.

The expected 5,000 guests would also be treated to musical performances from the exceptional Oshadipe Twins and wonderful N-Stars.

There will be rib-cracking comedy by the hilarious MC Prince, MC Shakara, Aje Baba and Nigeria’s youngest comedian, Desmond Osarobe. Dancers from the electrifying Universal Crew are expected to thrill guests; and of course, Papa Ajasco & Company, Nigeria’s Number One Comedy Group will be on hand to spice up the event.

Every member of the family is sure to go home with unforgettable memories as well as attractive prizes and gifts, courtesy of numerous corporate bodies, including Indomie Noodles, Stanbic IBTC, Bobo Drinks, StarTimes Decoders, Beloxxi Biscuits, Aquarite Water, Bigi Sausage Roll, Toasties Bread Chips and others, who have partnered with the organisers which holds on Tuesday, May 27, at the National Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos.

26— SARTURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

I know when to when to shut up

By FLORENCEAMAGIYA

U

wale Okoro needs no introduction in the Nigerian music scene. She is a graduate of Performing Arts from Delta State University, Abraka. Wale Adenuga soundtrack “This is Super Story” launched her into limelight. Essence as she is fondly known by her fans and colleagues has used her sonorous voice to dazzle her fans and put smiles on their faces as well. In this chat, she talks about her latest R n B single, her pasttime as events compere, her ushering outfit and perhaps her launch into standup comedy and many more.

Excerpts How did you come into music?

My foray into music was borne out of passion and not for the fame and glory.

W

hat is your advice to up and coming artistes who see your consistency as a source of inspiration?My advice to them is to first ascertain what they really want and if they are convinced it is music, they must go after it with all their hearts. It is not about your being sexy or about your looks. The most important thing in this trade is the talent. This is not a career you can pursue without talent. You can dazzle for a while but if you don’t have the real talent you can’t last for very long.

How did you come about doing the theme song “This is Super Story” for the Wale Adenuga’s sitcom ‘Super Story’?

I was contracted to sing the song for the sitcom when it was about coming out. I had always been a fan of the comic book so when it was adapted for television I was thrilled to be part of it. The song becoming a hit was due to the popularity of the sitcom, more than anything, I think, and it was something that came at the time, as a breath of new life and thank God it is now a classic.

Music is much like breathing to me and even when the low times come, because they always do, passion and love for music sustain me.

You have strong vocals. What do you do to manage your voice?

My voice is a gift and I treat it as such. I have over the years, by trial and error, come to know when to sing and when to shut up!

Has there ever been a time when your voice failed you when you needed it most?

Oh gosh, yes, my voice has failed me once or twice due to overwork but nowadays when my voice is not in good condition I simply don’t sing.

You seem to be one of the oldest artistes in the Kennis Music label who has stayed put. What is the magic?

Having been part of the industry in the capacity of backup singer to Kenny Saint-Brown and a few others, I was priviledged to see first hand the follies of artistes before me. If your aim is to get money or fame at all cost then you will be a rolling stone that will gather no moss, so I advised myself when I finally got signed on, not to make the same mistake. Many who left, left because of greed and impatience.

Who is essence on stage and in the music terrain?

Essence in the Nigerian music terrain is an artiste

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—27

Why I dumped acting for music-- Miss Independent

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he resolve of Cross River State-born

sexy actress cum singer, Ine Aju, a.k.a Miss Independent to change the face of hip-hop music in Nigeria seems to be looking good. With the release of her hit single, “ No forming”, which is grad- ually becoming every DJ’s favourite, Miss Independent certainly has an ace to play.

Speaking on the single and why she has decided to dump acting for music, the Diploma graduate from Benue State University said, “Music has always been what I had in mind while growing up. My new track, No forming is a very interesting dance hall music which talks about how I pay my bills. I chose the title because it explains my kind of person, I do not form, I do my things in my own way. I quit acting for music because I was not getting the kind of roles I wanted and also the

Nadia Buari breaks up with Jim Iyke?

I

constant sexual abuse from producers. I still have plans to go back to acting in a bigger way. My fans should expect more singles and nice videos from me”.

f rumour running wild is anything to go by, the highly publicised romance set to hit the altar, between Nigerian born Nollywood bad boy, Jim Iyke and his Ghanian lover, Nadia Buari may have hit the rocks. In the last couple of days rumour has been rife that the celebrated lovebirds have gone their separate ways after the mulatto actress, reportedly couldn’t cope with Jim Iyke’s temper tantrums.

There have been ecleptic stories about the lovebirds in the past and rumours of Nadia Buari their separation are not new to their fans who have heard them many times rescind and reaffirm their love. The latest nuptial some months ago when he proposed to rumour could be like the past. the actress with a 6-carat gold ring, which the Jim Iyke looked set to tie the actress gleefully accepted.

Sammie Okposo drops single

A

fter the successful release of his last single, ‘Who Tell You Say’ which found its way to the top music stations in Nigeria like Soundcity Top 10, among others, awardwinning gospel act and Glo ambassador, Sammie Okposo has dropped another hit single titled ‘No Worries, Just Halleluya’.

Produced by Charles Duke.

The new single is an urban

Davido, Tiwa Savage go for “BET Awards”

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KN Boss cum singer, Davido has been nominated for this year’s edition of BET award alongside Mavin’s First lady, Tiwa Savage. The two talented artistes will go head to head with other African acts for the award of Best International Act Africa category.

BET has announced the nominations for the “BET Awards” 2014. Nominations were announced in 20 categories, selected by BET’s Voting Academy, comprising of a group of respected entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, creative arts and fans.

The award has been billed for June this year at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California. The show will be premiered on BET International in Africa in July. “This year’s nominees represent the best of the culture.It’s great to see our talented new artiste’s right alongside our more beloved ones with long careers,” said Stephen Hill.

gospel sound that possesses lots of heavy beats and horns.

Despite the enormous groove in the song, it still did not fail to pass the strong message of giving God praise all the time irrespective of any situation one finds himself. Ever since the release of the new single few days ago, it has generated more than 47, 000 downloads.

The UN ambassador, Sammie, continues to raise the bar of the gospel music in Nigeria .

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he Reggae Rocker crooner, Gidd Majipp who was very popular in Nigerian reggae music scene between 2006-2007, is not only back in the country after his musical tour in far away South Africa, but also set to reintroduce himself into the industry with his latest album, Pretty Lady which will soon hit the market.

“I am back for good. I went on a sojourn to learn more about music. Now, I believe I know all that I need to know about the kind of music I do. My album, Pretty Lady, eulogises the beauty of an African woman and I believe it will be welcomed everywhere in Africa as it focuses on the beauty of Africa as a continent ” he said.

Gidd Majipp returns with Pretty Lady

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

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C M Y K

SARTURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 — 31

sing and p - Essence that is gaining steady momentum and is getting better like fine wine.

What are your dreams and aspirations?

My dreams and aspiration are to, by God’s grace, be relevant in my chosen profession in many years to come and of course make more money.

Let’s talk about your new hit, ‘Facebook Love’. How did you come about that song? ’Facebook Love’ was a song gifted to me

by God Himself. I prayed for a song that would impact on my environment positively and God gave it to me.

Having been in the music industry for a long time now, what do you wish could be changed in the industry to make it better?

What I wish changed is the lackadaisical attitude towards female artistes. We need level playing grounds. Women should be given same opportunities and accorded same rights as men because we work as hard as the menfolk, if not harder.

Are you cooking up anything for your fans soon? What should they be expecting from the Essence collections?

I’m working on a reloaded album of my second album ‘Essential’. It will feature new songs and remixes like ‘Facebook Love’ where I featured Neato C and also a reply to Goldie’s ‘You Know It’.

What is the next big thing for the Essence brand?

The next big thing for Essence is not what I can say. Only God knows the ‘big thing’ He has in store. I always say “You don’t force what is not broken”.

What is music to you as a person?

Music is much like breathing to me and even when the low times come, because they always do, passion and love for music sustain me.

Most artistes are coming up with new stage names; do you wish to change your stage name anytime soon?

I have worked very hard to build the brand name ‘Essence’ and I don’t know of any Nigerian artiste laying claim to that name except myself. Anyone with knowledge of branding knows that it is foolhardy to change names, especially, when that name has become a brand. Of course, I have right to explore as an artiste, but I do not plan to change my name.

You were an outstanding R n B artiste; especially when you did the awardwinning soundtrack for Wale Adenuga’s Super Story; why are you doing more of Hip- hop these days?

If a person is afraid to try new things then that person would remain a failure or that person would be missing out on the growing processes that are expedient to holistic growth.

Nevertheless, I am still going back to R n B. At the moment l have a new single ‘See Love’ , an R n B track; R n B is my true love so l haven’t left it as most of my fans are thinking.

You are so downto-earth. Tell us a little bit about your family and educational background.

I keep hearing I’m down-to-earth. Is there another way to behave? Well, I’m just being me. That’s all. No fuss, no fight! I’m a graduate of Performing Arts from Delta State University, Abraka and the last of seven children from Delta State. Itsekiri by tribe and a true Niger Deltan!

Naturally, as an entertainer it is expected that you diversify into other areas of the trade, are we expecting anything like that soon from you?

Diversification is necessary in any industry and the entertainment industry is no exception. Watch out for different facets of the brand Essence. I do have an ushering outfit, I compere events, I have a proposed television show in the works, aside the fashion show I was working on which is currently on hold. As for comedy, I think l infuse that into my MC thing, which is only pastime thing for me now, but there is no saying I might not take it up full time sometime soon.

Do you think you are using your strong vocal to the best effect?

I honestly think everybody has more to them than they are offering and my prayer is for God to grant me the grace to keep doing what I do and evolve as music evolves and thereby give more and more of myself as the years go by.

You have been long in this industry although you are very young; how would you score the Nigerian entertainment industry as against other music industries across the world?

As a stakeholder in the entertainment industry I hope for every branch to exhibit a high standard of professionalism and not as a ‘molue’ that everyone sees as a free vehicle

to hang on to, without paying their fares to get to their destination. If we don’t take ourselves seriously no one will.

What is your favourite food and drink?

My favourite food is fried rice and chicken plus salad and of course, a bottle of CocaCola!

32—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

You deserve the best fertility treatment

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n some circles, fertility reatment is perceived as waste of money.

However, this argument, which is usually based on the belief that the business bearing children is a fundamental human right, will not stand the test of time.

Fertility treatment should be available on public-oriented health insurance schemes just like in the advanced countries. The kind of scheme would be one that is not only more equitable, but more widely applicable.

The underlying principle of health insurance is that people should not have to pay in order to enjoy good health. The argument then shifts to whether infertility is an illness or merely an obstacle to a lifestyle choice.

Although the initial emphasis of health insurance was aimed at taking care of the more serious lifethreatening conditions, the service has long since moved beyond the socalled narrow a definition of health.

Admittedly, the original idea should retain the higher priority as we cannot overlook the recognition that good health is much more than the mere avoidance of illness. Much preventive medicine, these days, is a matter of encouraging people to follow certain lifestyles rather than others. For instance, mental health may have a lower priority in the health insurance scheme than it deserves because of the often unspoken prejudice that mental illnesses are “all in the mind”, but no one would now argue that psychiatry should be available only to those who can afford it privately.

It is difficult to draw an easily demarcated line between making people healthier and making them happier. For most purposes, a healthy individual should be a happy individual. So why should something like assisted conception initiatives not be approved on the health insurance scheme if the misery occasioned by it on an individual is great enough?

It is understandable how the problem of defining wellbeing, and therefore the legitimate objectives of the health scheme, could tempt policy-makers to restrict the health insurance scheme to dealing with killer diseases and accidents and emergencies, while looking to private insurance for the so-called lifestyle treatments, of which fertility would always be described as one.

For many couples facing infertility; time is already not on their side. This coupled with the extended and prolonged waiting period for fertility treatments has left many couples frustrated and searching for answers.

In that amount of time you might as well try your luck the old fashion way.

Even then, unlike in the UK for instance where the Human Embryo Fertilisation Authority is the main body which oversees and regulates fertility clinics and also provides information on licensed clinics, in this country, there are no government funded initiatives for infertility treatment, only private fertility clinics are available to provide the required service, and they can be pricey.

Assisted fertility treatment does not

•Fertility treatment should be available on publicoriented health insurance schemes..

Infertility may not be lifethreatening, but it is a malfunction that can be rectified come cheap, but even this should not deny anyone its benefits. In practice, private clinics can provide more options and less waiting before treatment is initiated. Often a consultation appointment can be scheduled within the week and treatment initiated soon there after. The usual advice is that when deciding to go private, it is a good idea to get a cost analysis from numerous fertility clinics. It is also important to ask if the cost of drugs is included in the price.

If some prices seem much lower than others, it may be due to this discrepancy.

The bottom line is that waiting for fertility treatment is one of the biggest problems facing the health care system. For many couples especially that with limited funding in underserved

areas, deciding on fertility treatment is extremely difficult. Although fertility tourism offers a cheaper alternative, the quality of care may be compromised.

Weighing the cost of care against the time to hold your precious baby, is an unfortunate reality in this world.

With this in mind, it cannot be right to say that only the rich are entitled to fertility treatment or that if you cannot have the treatment that is right for you because you are unable to pay for it.

Infertility may not be lifethreatening, but it is a malfunction that can be rectified. It is wrong to exclude people from the means to fulfillment on the basis of physical difference.

This is not to argue that IVF treatment should be available on demand.

Rather, we could say argument should be that, much more needs to be

done in spreading the best practice of cheaper treatments that ought to be tried before procedures like IVF or ICSI. Of course, there will always be pressure on resources earmarked for health in this country, and there will always be the complex and infinitely contestable ranking of priorities in health treatments. But this can not be enough argument for abandoning a huge area of health care like infertility treatment to the private sector alone to handle.

SATURDAY

Celebrity

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—33

L

ionel Messi symbolises the best of the art of football around the world today. At the age of 25, he attained status of the most expensive footballer, and prestigious awards like The Footballer of the Year, UEFA Best Player in Europe and others. It takes doggedness, ruggedness and dedication to attain such lofty potential. Messi’s diet and workout plan blend with his rigorous football training to present the phenomenon he is. His workout involves a series of stretching, which is a combination of flexibility and strength building process. This includes squat jumps, rope skipping, hopping hurdles. After stretching, a few rounds of short sprint are done by him in order to increase the stamina and then a fiveminute run. These exercises provide quick movement of feet in linear direction with varying situations and patterns in the field.

Lionel begins with exercises focusing on movement preparation.

These are the pillar skip, forward lunge and multidirectional lunge. Pillar skip is an exercise of running ahead while raising the feet high in the air. After this, he does a final run of 10 minutes before the end.

Lionel Messi

Minimum fuss, maximum force

•Messi’s sumptious diet

•The most expensive footballer doing what he knows best The above workout plan helps to deal with enhanced and quick movement of feet and help in building up core

with vegetable soup before every meal. The soup contains a high amount of turmeric, chili, coriander and ginger. A day to the

match, in the afternoon Messi takes fish/prawn/ chicken with boiled potatoes plus green vegetables and an orange.

Six hours before the match, he takes a nap, avoiding wheat-related products that can slow him down. He savours porridge or combined egg white for ideal balance of proteins and carbohydrates. Ninety minutes before the match, Messi prefers to have seasonal fruits including banana, mango, apple, and others rich in fibre and low sugar content.

Health Advisory

Spicy

No food poisoning with garlic While garlic is a common flavouring in food, scientists have suggested that it might have a role as a food additive to prevent food poisoning. There is some evidence that fresh garlic, but not aged garlic, can kill certain bacteria such as E. coli, antibioticresistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis in the laboratory.

Garlic produces a chemical called allicin which makes it work for certain conditions and also to smell.

Best known as a flavouring for food, over the years, garlic has been used as a medicine to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. It is used for many conditions

strength of a professional footballer.

Ten days before a football match, Messi cuts down on

carbohydrates allowing his body to maximizes the blood sugar available. The low carb protein diet, which includes protein shakes three times a day, 7-8 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. Five days before a football match, the diet is replenished

related to the heart and blood system. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronaty heart disease, heart attack, and hardening of the arteries.

Some people use garlic to prevent cancers. Garlic has been tried for treating an enlarged prostate cancer, and preventing and treating bacterial and fungal infections. There are those who apply garlic oil to their skin to treat fungal infections, warts, and corns.

There is some evidence supporting the topical use of garlic for fungal infections like ringworm.

Not tonight, dear!

New research shows that there is actually a thing such as a sex headache. More women than men do indeed suffer from “exertional headaches” or “pre-orgasmic headaches,” also known as sex headaches. For the women afflicted, a dull ache starts building on both sides of the head and eyes and intensifies as foreplay continues, or sharp pains can suddenly occur during the buildup to orgasm. The aches can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Although undoubtedly a turnoff, sex headaches are usually harmless. However, women prone to them can pop an analgesic 30 minutes before and slow down their sexual activity at the onset of the headache, or stick to a more passive position or try a less sexy solution. So when next she says: “Not tonight dear, I have a headache,” believe her!

Unmistakable kidney stones symptoms Frequent urge to urinate accompanied by waves of sharp pain in the back and side or lower abdomen is suspicious of kidney stones.

The pain may move toward the groin or testicles. Nausea and vomiting with ongoing flank pain and blood in the urine are other symptoms that confirm the diagnosis.

Sometimes an infection is also present, and may cause fever and chills, painful urination and/or cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Small kidney stones are able to pass out of the body in the urine - and may go completely unnoticed. But larger stones can irritate. Often there are no symptoms of a kidney stone until it starts to move and blocks the flow of urine.

You don’t need a daily bowel movement What’s “normal” varies from person to person.

Some people go three times a day; others, three times a week. Although having a bowel movement once a day is common, it’s fine to go a few days without one. Constipation means

having fewer than three bowel movements per week. You’re considered severely constipated if you have fewer than one movement a week. Seek medical help for sudden constipation or constipation that lasts more than two weeks.

Walking helps kidney patients live longer A minimal amount of walking - just once a week for less than 30 minutes is beneficial for kidney disease patients.

Walking regularly as a common form of exercise helps kidney disease patients live longer, and also cuts the odds they need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Studies show that the more patients walk, the greater the benefits. The difference is due to walkers being healthier than the nonwalkers, but even with other health issues, many kidney patients able to walk for exercise, are associated with improved patient survival and a lower risk of dialysis.

Alcohol is a tonic and a poison Alcohol can be either a tonic or a poison.

The difference lies in the type of alcohol being consumed (e.g. red wine versus liquor), the amount and frequency of consumption, and the genetic predisposition of the person drinking it. No matter the type, moderation is key. Alcohol is unique in the list of worst drinks for the body because excessive alcohol consumption not only leads to physical problems, it can cause mental and emotional health issues as well. The physical health effects alone include liver disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, impotence, dementia, and more. Any health benefit received from drinking alcohol, such as the heart-healthy benefits of consuming red wine, can be achieved by substituting grape juice, pomegranate juice, or other healthy fruits in the diet. So, it is best to skip the alcohol altogether.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Jeans for all body type J

eans are an essential in every woman’s wardrobe. But with jeans being so popular, there are so many different cuts and styles of denim on the market that shopping for your perfect pair can feel like an overwhelming exercise. If you’re confused by all the choices out there, it’s time to narrow down the choices and get back to basics. Once you know which cuts and styles

suit your body type, it’s easier to shop for the jean that’s perfect for you. We’ve got your go-to guide to the best jeans for every body type, plus suggestions for brands and styles to try.

*Long-length skinny jean for Hourglass figure

*Rectangle-low-rise

PLUS SIZE cropped styles can make your legs look stumpy, so pay attention to pant length; you need jeans that skim the floor, to give your legs a longer look. When it comes to fit, avoid both low-rise jeans that give you a muffin top, and high-waisted styles that accentuate your belly. A classic, mid-rise style will work best on you.

TALL BODY You may want to skip super skinny denim styles, as well as relaxed boyfriends. A straight or bootcut silhouette is really the most flattering to bring attention to your long legs. If you wear cropped jeans in warmer weather, avoid ankle-length pairs — these can look like you bought the wrong length of jean — and go for a mid-calf length.

L

BOY SHAPE If your body is straight up and down, stay away from styles with wider hems.

Watch the rise, too, you’ll want to shop for a lower rise jean to add curves to your hips and behind, and stay away from toohigh waists that your body can get lost in.

PETITE BODY SHAPE While slimfitting jeans are flattering on you, do stay away from skinny jeans or any style with super-tapered hems. Also avoid cropped jeans (cut at the ankle or above), which make petite legs look even shorter.

*Mid-rise skinny jeans for Plus size

S

PEAR SHAPE BODY ighter denim washes draw attention to your larger lower body.

Stick to slimming dark wash jeans instead. Also keep an eye on back pocket size.

Larger pockets flatter an ample behind, while smaller ones make your rear look bigger.

*Skinny slim fit casual jeans

*HOURGLASS BODY tay away from jeans without stretch, you need it to help jeans follow your curves and avoid gapping at the waist. If you love the look of skinny jeans, go ahead and try them, but look for a style that’s slimfitting rather than tight, and avoid any with whiskering or fading at the hips (this can widen your body visually).

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Breast sucking good for you?

T

he female breasts, also known as “the twins” or “the girls”, have remained the most conspicuous and attractive feature of the female sexual organ. Perhaps, its strategic positioning and function adds to its importance in the life of a woman. Besides the age long biological function of the breasts as a source of food and nourishment for babies, the breast is also a major source of sexual attraction for the male specie, just as it is also a key sexual organ for the woman, highly sensitive to stimulation. The fact that they come in various shapes and sizes, further add to their uniqueness and endearing place in our hearts as humans.

As a sexual organ, the breasts have been known to give immense pleasure to both men and women during sexual encounters. In fact, some women have reportedly disclosed that they are capable of achieving orgasm even when thoroughly stimulated through sucking and caressing of the breasts alone. Though, because of this highly sensitive nature, some women find it very uncomfortable or even painful to submit their twin girls to constant sexual manipulation of any kind.

Interestingly, men are constantly

drawn to the breasts. A lot of this attraction has been attributed to psychological composition, perception and beliefs. For, pray, why would a full grown man be obsessed with sucking some mounds of milkless breasts? I don’t often get logical answers to this question when I ask. The function of the breasts in sexual behaviour has been

rounds for a couple of years now.

Purportedly attributed to the BBC as source, this message usually springs out during the cancer awareness months and in support of cancer prevention campaign. As expected, it elicits a wide range of controversies from both men and women, from humour to disdain and sexual innuendoes, while some others believe the content hook, line and sinker. The purported message is claimed to have been issued by the Ministry of Health in the fight against breast cancer. One of the versions I have received read thus: Very soon, women will be paying men to have their breasts sucked! According to a report on BBC website, Doctors recommend that women reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by having their breasts sucked thoroughly and vigorously. It is said that regular sucking of the breast lowers the risk level that tends to build up lumps leading to breast cancer. The breast must be sucked as often as possible. Help women fight breast cancer today. Men, please do your part and suck a breast now! And women, please endeavour to make it available regularly...... This message is from the Ministry of Health in the

Doctors recommend that women reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by having their breasts sucked thoroughly and vigorously attributed to human Face -to -Face copulation that is unusual among other mammals. Since the breast already serves the function of mother-infant bonding, then it is also excellent for male -female bonding, says an argument. After all, it is just within reach.

For those familiar with some of the social media platforms, you would have come across a particular message that has been making the

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—35

fight against breast cancer.

I have tried several times without success to get a confirmation for this story on the mentioned websites including cancer.org and some others in related fields. But perhaps, someone out there knows the original and authentic source of this message? Please share it with us!

As interesting as this message may be, as well as the different responses it receives anytime it is being passed around, depending on which side of the divide you find yourself, I am more worried about the health implications attached. Cancer is not something to make jokes out of as it claims millions of lives across the world every year. Again, some frightened lady who hitherto was not in favour of breast sucking may easily submit herself to torture with the belief that she is suffering for a good reason. Please, let us not confuse issues. Breast feeding is not the same as breast sucking. Breast feeding is the process of feeding new born and infants with breast milk. It is this that has been medically proven to be of immense benefit to both mother and child and can prevent breast cancer. There are no scientifically proven studies indicating that breast sucking is of any medical benefit to the the woman whose breast is being sucked or the person doing the sucking.

However, what has been scientifically proven is the fact that breast sucking when properly performed is of immense pleasure to the woman and may sometime on its own lead to orgasm or when combined with some other forms of sexual stimulation will help a woman to achieve orgasm quicker. Again, neither has any research shown that breast sucking can give a woman cancer.

So ladies, please relax and allow your guys do the job for you. if you are not enjoying the way he is doing it, tell him. I can assure you, it’s a win-win situation.

36—SA TURD AY 36—SATURD TURDA

I

Vanguard, MA Y 24 MAY 24,, 2014

When the wife fights back!

was pleasantly surprised when I recently had a phone call from Akin, a happy-go-lucky ‘senior boy’ friend, quite early on Monday morning. “Wots up?” I shouted excitedly down the phone. I was on my way to a book launch and was already running late. This had better be good, I muttered. Akin has always loved a good gossip and Fd expected him to top up on current gossips when he asked as unexpected question.

“Is anything wrong with your friend? You don’t think she’s flipped, do you?” I knew who he was referring to. He’d once had a torrid aflair with Joke, a long term friend. Fresh from a bitter divorce from her irresponsible husband, she’d seen the trappings of wealth around Akin and decided the gods wanted to compensate her for the rough experience she just came out of. Humph! I warned her that if all she wanted was a regular shag until she found a more grounded suitor, then Akin was it. A committed lover he certainly wasn’t.

The man was already married and wasn’t actually on the prowl for a second wife. But Joke, ever the one to want to tame the most recalcitrant of men, went into the affair with the greatest determination - a typical female conceit believing the wildest of men could be tamed if you played your cards right.

Akin, a typical man quick to spot a woman’s ‘ reformatory ’ schemes, played along with her for a while-up to the point of going public with the relationship until Akin’s wife got a whiff of it and brought out her fangs. Akin beat a quick retreat and it took Joke months and a lot of counselling on my part to be civil to the man. “I saw embarrassing to say the least. her at an engagement party What’s with her? Is she alright? on Saturday, greeted her Could she be on drugs?” I warmly but she just assured him she was ok the last blanked me” Akin who was time I saw her but promised to visibly miffed continued find out from Joke what the with his moaning. matter was. What with work and “When I called out to her everything else on my plate, I thinking she hadn’t seen didn’t have the opportunity until me, she was rude and the following day. Joke hooted obnoxious.

It was with laughter when I recounted

My chance came when I saw him at the engagement party on his own

,

what Akin said. ‘He felt slighted, did he?” she asked, elated. “Now he knows how painful it is to be snubbed.

“I ran into him at a funeral reception about a month before and greeted him warmly only for him to grunt an answer, with guests around him looking at me as if I were some nuisance embarrassing a poor man. It was then I saw this overmade-up woman scowling at me and sitting next to him - his wife. I quickly left the scene but vowed on revenge. My chance came when I saw him at the engagement party on his own. He had a huge welcoming grin on his face but I simply walked past him. The shock on his face was a pleasing sight. He thought I didn’t see him and called after me. I turned and gave him one of my if-lookscould-kill glare, and he

skulked off. Let him have a taste of the medicine he earlier dished out to me!”

Reminds me of another wedding party I attended with Bopo a close friend. One of her boyfriends, whose daughter was getting married had insisted she came in spite of the fact his wife knew of their relationship.

H

e assured her nothing untoward would happen to her, afterall, the mother-of-the-bride was one of three wives. As carefree as Bopo is, she makes it a policy not to cause controversy and she would be the last one to dare a lion in his den. But her lover wanted her around and she begged me to come with her for moral support. The man was a generous and considerate gentleman and, knowing me to like little intrigues no matter how complicated, I went with her.

,

Is she sending you a message through her meals?! an you imagine how many matrimonial battles have been won through good food and lost through the lack of it? Are the number of deaths through food poisoning by bitter lovers or just vindictive enemies? If you are a lover of food, don’t feel guilty about it.

According to a report on a recent survey on eating, you can even measure the love your wife has for you by the type of food she puts on the dinner table.

Here are some of the

findings of the report:* Does the way you feel about food reveal how you feel about yourself? * Yes, psychological studies show that the more foods you don’t like, the more dissatisfied you are with yourself. * Can lack of enjoying food cause a nervous breakdown?

Yes. Particularly for high strung people or those people who are under a lot of stress. Do people who really enjoy food make the best lovers. Yes, they are much more ardent, sentimental and romantic minded. * If you enjoy chewing on things like chicken bones for

,

C

Scientific studies show that a wife who adores her husband does everything she can to make his meals pleasant

instance, does that mean you are low born? No. In a recent study, people who said they enjoyed chewing things were sensitive people with cultivated tastes. Is it true that the more a wife lavishes on her husband’s meal, the more she loves

,

him? Yes. Scientific studies show that a wife who adores her husband does everything she can to make his meals pleasant and takes pains to prepare his favourite meals.

So, there you are. A lot of men still believe that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

The wife spotted us as soon as we came in dressed to kill, but her husband beat her to where we stood, greeted us warmly and sat us on a table where members of his social club were. The wife later came along and greeted everybody, thanking us as she introduced the newly wedded couple. As she happily collected some stuffed envelopes from guests, I hurriedly rummaged in my bag and gave her some money. She was sweetness itself as she collected Bopo’s too, thanking us and praying we would one day have the same ceremony for our own children. She was really nice considering Bopo’s relationship with her husband.

A

bout an hour later, she showed up to tell us some new caterers just brought in amala and fresh fish stew, did anybody want any? Most of us did and she came back with two waiters, their trays laden with plateful of the stuff. She personally handed each guest a plate but ‘accidentally’ tripped when she got to Bopo’s side, expertedly dropping a whole plate of hot amala and stew on her lap! She shrieked as the hot stuff soaked into her expensive clothes and she quickly jumped up in pain. We all gaped at her lovely clothes with rivulets of ewedu running down the front, she looked as if she would burst into tears. Her rival was very apologetic as she tried to wipe away the mess but succeeded in making a greater mess of everything.

Bopo’s boyfriend couldn’t believe the spectacle that greeted him when he rushed to where the commotion was. We all knew it was a wellplanned *coup’ by his wife but it would be foolish to create a scene - so we beat a hasty retreat. Bopo raved and ranted on the way home and had to stop over at mine to have a good bath and a change of clothing before the soup had the chance to seep into her bits and wreak another havoc

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—37

Y

vonne Nkekere Ebbi is the Senior Con sultant of The Etiquette Place and the Executive Secretary of the United World Colleges, Nigeria. She is also an Author, speaker and Performance Poet. A Graduate of the Coaching Academy UK, Yvonne worked as a Consultant in Nigeria’s pioneer Finishing School – Certified by the Protocol School of Washingtonand has trained thousands of Executives in the

Success in business is gender blind — Ebbi

art of savoire-faire and Executive Presentation. Excerpts: As a Social Intelligence Consultant, Etiquette Expert, and Executive Coach, can you describe your experience … as a woman?

It’s been very interesting to see executives, professionals and everyday individuals put their best foot forward in their daily conversations because they have become socially intelligent and understand the connection between attitude and success.

Once people realise they are responsible for their own success, it changes everything. They become more deliberate in their actions and show more consideration for others.

In my opinion, success in business is gender blind. The key to success is knowledge.

First, know yourself. Who are you?

Be brutally frank with yourself and tell yourself the truth. Self-awareness will prevent you from playing in many waters and help you determine your inner strength and innate abilities.

What is your vision? What do you really want to achieve? Dream big, but be smart enough to start small. Give it your all and GO for it!

Be curious and observant. Play smart. Understand how business works. Observe the attitude of the big players and commit yourself to achieving the ultimate.

I’m liberal and unconventional and that’s how I lead. However, I expect you to think, be initiative and responsible. I am firm, but fair and have zero tolerance for excuses. I don’t micromanage.

When recruiting, I look out for five things: Passion/enthusiasm, courtesy, initiative, ‘learnability’ and common sense. Your real interview is your first assignment. When I give a task, I give you the liberty to create, innovate and remodel. I believe in my team and believe that they have all it takes to exceed expectations.

I believe I have what it takes to win.

I concentrate on that and go for breaks.

It works all the time. Success is gender blind!

What was the focus when you initially started Consulting?

My focus in The Etiquette Place has been to revolutionise the Nigerian community in matters relating to social intelligence, professional behavior, work ethics, executive etiquette and public speaking manners. We have positioned ourselves to brand Nigeria as a cultured, well-mannered and civil society. We are poised to make her the C M Y K

MOSES NOSIKE envy of the continent…one organisation at a time.

To what extent has Etiquette Consulting impacted positively on the average executive and professional in corporate Nigeria?

The bedrock of Etiquette is consideration for the next person. The indicators of a civilized society are summed up in the actions and attitudes of the people who constitute such a society.

The Etiquette Place has trained thousands of executives and professionals in corporate Nigeria.

Our in-house sessions and open programmes in Sheraton, Lagos, have been hugely successful. We have exposed corporate executives and professionals to executive intelligence, professional manners and social intelligence. We have shown them how to play in the global market by always putting their best foot forward. As a result of the exposure, they have gained confidence and have made progress in their corporate responsibilities and personal endeavours.

They now know that the best business etiquette calls for treating people cordially and that to behave cordially

Once people realise they are responsible for their own success, it changes everything, they become more deliberate in their actions and show more consideration for others is to behave with sincerity and empathy…from the heart.

How did you develop the passion to groom, develop and tutor people from all lifestyles?

My personal mission is to help people find their purpose. To jolt them out of their comfort zones and inspire them to become all that they were made capable of being. I am interested in helping people discover who they really are so as to maximise their potentials. I’m excited about helping them

Ebbi: Women can achieve more than men if they are determined find their true worth. I started by leading small groups as a teenager and challenging young people to discover and maximise their potentials. By identifying the need to help people live fulfilled lives, I found out early that when people found out the ‘why’ of their existence…their essence…their purpose…their core, they had more reasons to live meaningful lives. They lived with a sense of purpose and were happy and fulfilled.

There was a direct proportion between finding purpose and being fulfilled. I found this truth applicable at home and abroad. I am passionate about helping people define their personal brands and consciously projecting panache, élan and flair. You define your brand and your brand determines how far you’ll go.

How do you manage the many challenges you face in business…as a woman?

Challenges are inevitable. Challenges make you think and make you strong. They make you realise your core strength as an organisation.

The main duty of a chief executive is to think strategically and identify the market. Knowing your market determines how you position your brand, appeal to your customers and sell your product. It also helps you cut off nonessentials.

Your team must understand your leadership style and connect with it.

When employees are engaged, they’ll run with the vision and bring results.

The common challenges have been: access to funds for business expansion, human capital and power. Running a business in Nigeria is particularly expensive, so you have to be creative, innovative and flexible. Be observant and play smart. These challenges are

not exclusive to women.

Do you think that Nigerian women are doing enough to position themselves in the society?

We have started the process but we need to do more. The Nigerian woman must realise that nobody will give her the chance she truly deserves. She must take it. It all starts in the mind.

We must believe that we can. We must think that we can and we must create opportunities to prove it.

Get involved. P-a-r-t-i-c-i-p-a-t-e.

Resist the temptation to be a spectator! Be a crucial part of your home, community, organisation and society and large. Don’t just work – get involved. Manage, lead, and own the business. Develop an ownership mentality and exceed expectations. Get results.

You are so endowed! There’s much more in you than you think.

No more excuses and no more passing the buck. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Arguably, women have more content than men. But we wait too long trying to be perfect to even begin. The men start with less content and get perfect on the job. They understand the game.

It’s a mind game…and they understand it.

Don’t let the fear of failing overwhelm you. Failure is a crucial part of success. So what if you fail? Get up and try again. We must not only equip ourselves with content, we must learn courage. We must dare! Brush off sentiments. Grow up. This is it. This is your life and there is no replay. Give it your best shot. Cultivate the spirit of excellence and dare to excel. Leadership, like authority, is assumed…not granted.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

oseji16@yahoo.com 07032769933

PSG to seal £50m Luiz deal

Barcelona keen on Brannagan Barcelona are keen on signing Liverpool youngster Cameron Brannagan this summer. The 18-year-old, who joined the Reds at the age of seven, featured for Liverpool’s first team as an attacking midfielder in a 40 friendly win over Shamrock Rovers earlier this month.

D

avid Luiz could be the world’s most expensive defender within the next 48 hours, with Paris-Saint Germain reportedly close to sealing a £50m deal for the Chelsea player.

The fee for the 27-year-old would surpass the previous highest deal for a defender, which was £35m for Luiz’s fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva from Milan in 2011.

According to reports, once a fee is agreed, PSG will seek approval from Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to fly to their World Cup base to carry out a medical.

PSG reportedly had to strike fast to secure the deal, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also interested in the defender, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for £20m in 2007.

The £50m fee will assist Chelsea in their £32m pursuit for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who they are reportedly on the brink of signing after Atletico take on local rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final today.

Chelsea to hijack Cabella Chelsea are said to be weighing up a move for highly-rated Montpellier playmaker Remy Cabella this summer as they look to hijack the deal that would see him j o i n Newcastle.

The 24-year-old knows his game time would be limited at Chelsea but the opportunity to work with Jose Mourinho is tempting.Both sides have reportedly already offered Montpellier £7m, but Chelsea have upped their wage offer to £90,000 per week.

Arsenal consider move for Juanfran Arsenal are considering a move for Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran as an alternative to Toulouse’s Serge Aurier.

The Gunners have made a new right-back one of their main priorities as they target a replacement for Manchester City-bound Bacary Sagna.

Abidal hints at MLS move Monaco defender Eric Abidal is believed to be pondering a switch to the United States as he continues to be linked with a summer exit.

The 34-year-old has played an important role in helping the Principality club secure Champions League qualification, but it appears the club officials do not think he can continue playing at the highest level for much longer.

Though he has another year left on his contract, chances are he will be leaving the French giants as early as this summer.

C M Y K

Vieira could succeed Pellegrini

M

anchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admits Patrick Vieira could eventually succeed Manuel Pellegrini as manager. Vieira is currently in charge of the club’s elite development squad. “I have a lot of confidence in, and the highest regard for Patrick,” said Khaldoon.“ He has been an incredible player and is becoming an incredible coach and I am very proud of him.

Rooney wants United armband E

ngland striker Wayne Rooney hopes to be the Manchester United skipper but insists he wouldn’t have a problem if Robin van Persie got the nod.

One of the biggest tasks for the recently-appointed Louis van Gaal when he takes over at Old Trafford after the World Cup is to appoint a new captain. Nemanja Vidic, who was skipper since 2010, left

the club to join Inter Milan at the end of last season while his vice-captain Patrice Evra also looks set to depart when his contract expires. Many United fans want Rooney, who has been at the club for 10 years, to succeed Vidic, and the 28-year-old says he would be honoured to take on the role.

“I am interested in the captaincy,” Rooney said.

Ronaldo’s great but so am I —Courtois

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted he does not fear Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of today’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.

The Portugal international has been in sublime form in Europe so far this season, netting 16 goals in 10 appearances, but Courtois is confident he has what it takes to deny the prolific attacker in this weekend’s showpiece in Lisbon. ”I will not prepare in some special way for Ronaldo. I do not have any fear for him,” Courtois was quoted as saying.”Of course, he is a great player, but I am a great goalkeeper as well...”

Guangzhou’s Elkeson on Inter radar Inter Milan are keeping close tabs on Guangzhou Evergrande forward Elkeson. It is no secret the Nerazzurri are looking to improve their attacking options and they have been offered a chance to sign the Brazilian footballer. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has taken notice and he is seriously thinking about luring the player to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The 24-year-old can cover a number of positions up front, but the problem is he would occupy a non-EU spot in the squad.

Mourinho intensify Mangala pursuit Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to make as many as five big-money transfer deals this summer, according to the Daily Star.

And the report claims Chelsea have intensified their efforts to sign Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala in the wake of the deal to bring David Luiz to PSG. The Stamford Bridge side have reportedly reached an agreement to send the Brazilian international to the Parc des Princes for around £50m, and they want to use £40m of it on Mangala as a direct replacement.The next deal lined up is the £32m transfer of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea and Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Munich.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—39

Monaco to let Falcao leave for £35m

Arsenal have buy-back option for Fabregas Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is keen on a return to Arsenal.

The midfielder’s future at Barcelona is uncertain following the arrival of new manager Luis Enrique, a situation the Gunners have been made aware of. Arsenal secured a buy-back option on Fabregas upon selling him to Barcelona in 2011, a stipulation which leaves them in pole position to sign the midfielder.

M

Kroos expects Bayern stay Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos is expecting to still be at the Allianz Arena next season and understands the club’s stance regarding a new contract.

Kroos only has a further season to run on his existing deal with the Bundesliga champions and he has been offered an extension by Bayern. “I am expecting to play for Bayern Munich next season,” said Kroos

Arsenal get serious about Griezmann

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is chasing Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann, 23, has earned rave reviews among Gunners scouts and the club are seriously considering a move for the Frenchman, who has been named in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad. Speaking in March, manager Arsene Wenger said: “We are following him [Griezmann] in great detail. He attracts other clubs as well but we follow him, he is a known commodity.”

Chelsea linked with Yaya Toure

ONACO are ready to let Radamel Falcao leave this summer and have slapped a £35m asking price on the Colombian striker.

Falcao cost Monaco £50m when he signed from Atletico Madrid last summer but the Principality club reportedly don’t believe he has lived up to expectations and are worried about how he will return from a serious knee injury.

Indeed, the club are disappointed that Falcao has not showed greater enthusiasm about the project and has failed to act as a positive influence on the squad.

While a return to Madrid with Real has been mooted, Chelsea have also been alerted to the situation and could launch a move for the 28-year-old if they encounter difficulties trying to sign Diego Costa from Atletico, with Manchester Unite d and Manchester City both also interested in the player.

C

helsea boss Jose Mourinho is being linked with a shock move for Manchester City’s birthday moaner Yaya Toure. His representative Dimitri Seluk claims his client is upset that City bosses didn’t acknowledge his birthday in the proper way, before adding that he could quit the Etihad Stadium.

Reports in Spain have linked Toure with a sensational switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Spanish sources claim a return to Barca has been ruled out by his agent as impossible, with the Toure’s only viable options being the Blues, or Champions League finalists Real Madrid.

eal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has rejected suggestions that he was offered the opportunity to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager last year. The

experienced Italian manager, who is preparing for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final as his Real Madrid side tackle city rivals Atletico in Lisbon, moved to the Spanish capital after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Tottenham to rival United and Liverpool for Song

T

ottenham have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Are you a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona fan and would like to meet fans, male or Barcelona midfielder Alex Song. female from other parts of the country. Then send your name, age, where you live and the club you support to Spurs and big-spending Ligue 0802354-2350. sms only.

1 side Monaco have both indicated zFemi, 35, Benin City, Arsenal needs both male and female fan as friends. 07019065464 they are ready to rival the Old Trafford club and Brendan zSolaceb, 21, Abuja, Arsenal, needs female fan as friend. 08092895304 Rodgers' side for the former zPrince Law, 58, Agbor, Chelsea need friends.08033190467 Arsenal star.It was learned last zIyere, 43, UNIBEN, Arsenal fan needs both male and female fan as friends.08075895950 month that United had made a zAdam Onawale, 17, Sodeke, Chelsea need friends.08189273207 shock move for the Cameroon zValentine, 19, Benin, Chelsea need friends.07031635847 international, while there is also zDaniel, 35, PH, Chelsea, need friends. 08110160343 strong interest in the player from zEngr Alphonsus Odo, 37, Abuja, Chelsea fan need friends.08032907319 Anfield boss Rodgers. zGodswill, 18, Warri, Man United need friends.08138839501

FAN ZONE

Voetbal International has learned that Lazio have all but agreed to sign Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij from Feyenoord.

The Biancocelesti recently had a €5 million bid rejected for the talented centre-back, but it has been reported their latest offer of €7.5 million has been accepted by the Eredivisie side.

Leicester announce Upson deal Newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester City have announced on their official website that they have agreed to sign English defender Matthew Upson from Brighton.

The 35-year-old will join the Foxes on a oneyear deal on 1 July when his current contract with the Seagulls comes to an end.

Upson rejected a new contract offer from the Championship side and instead jumped at the opportunity to return to English Premier League.

The former England international joined Brighton from Stoke City on a free transfer two years ago and has since made 64 Championship appearances for the club.

Ba intends to stay at Chelsea

Ancelotti - N Noo Man Utd of offfer

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Lazio agree to sign de Vrij

Chelsea striker Demba Ba has claimed that Jose Mourinho has asked him to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.

Ba’s future with Chelsea has been the subject of speculation after the Senegal international started only six games in all competitions this season.

“Jose Mourinho has asked me to stay at Chelsea next season,” Ba is quoted in the Daily Star. “He assured me that my situation wouldn’t change.

Wenger ponders bid for Milner

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is eyeing Manchester City midfielder James Milner.

Wenger is considering Milner as a surprise replacement right-back for Bacary Sagna.

40—SA TURD AY 40—SATURD TURDA

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Vanguard, MA Y 24, 2014 MAY

arents bring children into the world, nurture them, see them through school and then there comes a time when they must let go of their children to chart their own future. What that time should be is still a matter of opinion.

The second strand of the matter is how do you let go? Do you leave your grown-up and married children to take all their decisions and make mistakes or get involved when you see them make mistakes that can be detrimental to their future?

Or should parents mind their business until the children specifically ask for help? Do some parents even know

Letting go, interference, intervention is wrong and parents who do it are those who do not know when to let go and those who failed in their parental duties during the children’s pre-teen and adolescent years and want to make amends for their failings at the wrong time. Others are downright self-centred parents. Sometimes it is just parental love and concern taken too far.

Whatever, it is late; you do not look for

,

when and how to let go in the first place?

There are no straightforward answers or universally-accepted solutions.

Last year, news broke of a 40-year-old widow in Zimbabwe on the verge of marrying her 23-year-old son she singlehandedly brought up from age 11 because she did not want to labour and another woman will enjoy the fruits of her labour. At the time the news broke, she was six months pregnant for her son! For this woman, letting go is non-existent in her vocabulary.

One point when letting go has become imperative is when our children get married. Parental and family intrusions are tearing marriages apart and creating problems. Marriage is no place for many cooks; they simply spoil the broth. On December 1, 2013, in this column, I made a distinction between interference and intervention: “Couples must note the little but significant difference between interference and intervention.

Interference means ‘to meddle,’ ‘to obstruct a process,’ ‘be a hindrance.’

Intervention, on the other hand, means ‘mediation,’ ‘to come in as an extraneous factor.’” Intervention here should be seen as positive while interference is negative. In English it is not strictly so, but call it poetic license.

Interference in children’s marriages

in children’s marriages.

While intervention is positive and I do not have issues with it, I will not get involved except my children and their spouses; especially, specifically request me to intervene.

I will intervene in my children’s marriage, even without invitation, on only one condition: if my son’s/ daughter’s life were to be at risk from

Parental and family intrusions are tearing marriages apart and creating problems

a black goat at night.

Since 1988 — long before I got married —when I left home till date, my mother (my only surviving parent) has never interfered in my affairs. I know I am always in her thoughts and prayers and that is enough. I am the one who calls her for advice once in a while because of her enormous experience and wisdom.

Your adult and married children are no longer in the kindergarten. You are living your lives; allow them to live theirs. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the children who invite this interference. But parents must resist such invitations.

They must advise their children to grow up and take charge of their marital lives.

I am totally against parental interference

,

their spouses. I would rather save the life of my child than lose him/ her. Parents who are predeceased by their children suffer a great deal and agonise over the loss throughout their life time. Marriage should not be the cause of such agonies.

I grew up seeing some violenceinfested marriages where the victims stayed back; a couple of them died in the process, many more died psychologically and emotionally.

There was always this helplessness from the victims and their families because “they are wedded (more like welded) in the church.”

Any day, I am an apostle of the indissolubility of marriage, especially Christian marriages; but

as my children are growing and getting to the age of marriage, I am beginning to empathise with the parents of victims of abusive marriages.

The case of Titilayo Arowolo, the banker, who was brutally stabbed about 76 times on June 24, 2011, and whose husband was recently sentenced to death for the murder, readily comes to mind. I sympathise with the

deceased’s father, but I am of the opinion that parents who find themselves in a similar situation should help end the marriage before tragedy strikes.

For Catholics, the religious obligation of the sacrament of matrimony is usually the biggest obstacle in attempts to end such marriages. But the Catholic Church, other churches and religious groups do not teach that people should be abused or killed in marriages. Also such life-threatening experiences rob a marriage of its true nature, flavour, goals, value and identity as a covenant.

The Catholic Church needs to isolate and review such lifethreatening marriages critically with a view to intervening in order to save the life of one or both parties. I am not a Church expert on these matters, but I believe that a good pastoral approach to such irredeemable situations will be to treat them just like marriages where there is prior deceit or misrepresentation. The marriages should be annulled and the victims allowed to remarry, if they so wish, without any encumbrance. Even with the Church’s strict, scripturallybased rules on matrimony, marriage is still a sacrament, not a death sentence.

(Text Only)

Body P ower:Floor Pla Po Playy

Spread Eagle

P ostures Postures

Technique: Sit down and spread the legs as far wide apart as possible and keeping the trunk very upright place the hands on the shin and breath normally for 10 to 15 seconds. Rest and repeat.

•Spread Eagle(lying)

Benefits: The Spread Eagle stretches both the harmstrings and inner thigh muscles.

It helps tone up the muscles of the abdomen and also impoves the posture.

•Spread Eagle (seated) The locust

•The Locust

Technique: Lie flat on your belly with hands behind you with the intertwined. Now, breathe in deeply and raise the chest with hands as high up as you can get them to go, head and chest off the floor. Hold the position for 3 to 7 seconds, rest awhile and repeat.

Benefits:

The TrunkRaise strengthens the muscles of the back, C M Y K

buttock and shoulders. It helps improve a double chin.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Oba TTejuoso ejuoso mar ks 25th anniv er sar marks anniver ersar saryy

T

he activities marking the 2 5 t h anniversary of coronation of Osile OkeOna, Egba, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, was rounded off with a special thanksgiving service held at ST. James Cathedral Church, Idi-Ape, on Tuesday. Many highprofile dignitaries graced the occasion.

Photos by Wumi Akinola

R-L: Oba Fatai Aromire, Ojora of Ijora, Oba Dapo Tejuoso celebrant, Chief Rasaq Okoya, Prince Lanre Tejuoso and Bishop Tom Samson.

L-R: Olori Bisi Tejuosho,Olori Yetunde Tejuosho, Princess Kanyinsola Aina, grandchild, and Olori Omolara Tejuoso.

L-R: Hon Tola Banjo, Dep. Speaker, General Dipo Diya (Rtd) and Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu, State Information Commissioner.

L-R: Mrs. Funso Amosun, First Lady, Ogun State, Iyalode Alaba Lawson “ Iyajo” and Chief J.A Ewuoso, Babajo

Vanguard, MA Y 24 MAY 24, 2014—41

Osat o Osato Knighted

Aren a Arenyyek eka

INVESTITURE of Mrs Osato Arenyeka as a Knight of the Sacred Order of Saint Mary took place on March 23, 2014 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Benin City. Reception followed thereafter at her residence, also in Benin City.

R-L: Mrs D.O. Asante, Ven. Onowhuke, Ven. Ugbotor, Barr. (Mrs) Iyasere, Dame Arenyeka, celebrant, Mr. Arenyeka, Dr. G.O. Iyasere and Dame Helen Uzebu

Dame Osato Arenyeka, celebrant, with husband, Mr. O. Arenyeka.

L-R: Arc. Okemwan, Dir, NDDC, Edo State, R-L: Mrs Bose Adeboye, Chief Mrs. A. Apata Sir Dan Abia, MD/CEO, NDDC, Dame Osato Arenyeka, Hon. Matt Iduorioyekenwen and Mrs. Titi Abubarka. and Dr. P. Ekanem

Facility inspection of Delta Br oadcasting Ser vice Broadcasting Service INSPECTION of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba, Delta State new digital equipment by consultants led by Dr. Tony Iredia took place during the week in Asaba. Photos by Nath Onojake

L-R: Dr.Tony Iredia, Consultant, Barr.

Theodora Azinge, Chairman DBS, Board and Mr.Godwin Erubaga, Ag. Manager, DBS, Asaba.

R-L: Dr.Tony Iredia and Barr. Theodora Azinge, Chairman DBS Board.

L-R: Dr.Tony Iredia , Barr. Theodora Azinge, Chairman, DBD and Mr. Godwin Erubaga, Ag. G.M. DBS, Asaba

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014—43

ATTENTION: GOV BABATUNDE FASHOLA

This Ago Road is in Lagos

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

By Tony UBANI

Pique forgets Barca failure with pop star wife Shakira B

BRIEFS World’s ‘most expensive divorce’ set to halve oligarch’s fortune

arcelona defender Gerard Pique may have missed out on the La Liga title but was all smiles on Sunday as he attended the 2014 Billboard Music Awards with partner Shakira.

Having played in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid which saw Diego Simeone’s side win the league on Saturday, the centre back later flew to Las Vegas with his pop star girlfriend.

Shakira, who sang at the awards ceremony, celebrated the performance by leaping into Pique’s arms and giving him a lingering kiss. The pair will have enjoyed spending time together before Pique jets off to Brazil with fellow Barcelona stars Jordi Albia, Xavi, Andres Iniesta as part of the Spain squad for this summer’s World Cup. The current world champions will face Chile, Australia and Louis van Gaal’s Holland in Group B. Pique met Shakira in Spring 2010 when the former Manchester United defender appeared in the video for the Colombian singer’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’, which was the official song of the World Cup held four years ago.

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Gerard Pique shares a kiss with girlfriend Shakira

Scolari bans Brazil World Cup stars from ‘acrobatic sex’ B

Scolari

razil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned his players he will not tolerate anything too energetic in the bedroom during this summer ’s World Cup finals.

The former Chelsea boss insists while he is happy for his squad to indulge in a little lov-

ing away from the pressures of attempting to win the trophy on home soil, he will be watching out for anything ‘too acrobatic’.

Asked during a press conference whether he planned to issue a ban on his players enjoying pleasures of the flesh

during the tournament, Scolari said: ‘The players can have normal sex during the World Cup. ‘Usually normal sex is done in a balanced way but some like to perform acrobatics. We will put limits and survey the players.’

Being a Liverpool fan ‘ll help me get over Rory heartbreak C

aroline Wozniacki, the Danish tennis player, has spoken of her pain after her fiance, golfer Rory McIlroy, cancelled their wedding just days after they sent out the invitations.

Miss Wozniacki, 23, said on Twitter: “It’s a hard time for me right now. Thanks for all the sweet messages!”

The Liverpool football supporter, who lives in Monaco, added: “Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I’ll never walk alone” in a reference to the club’s anthem, You’ll never walk alone.

Tennis player Serena Williams, the world number one, then sent her support to Miss Wozniacki, tweeting: “I’ll always walk with you.#friendsforever.”

Meanwhile, Chris Evert, the former world number one tennis player, said she was not surprised by the couple’s separation.

Evert, the 18-time grand

Terry... Sealing it with a kiss

Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki slam winner, was engaged to fellow American tennis champion Jimmy Connors in 1974, the year both won the Wimbledon title. They also cancelled their wedding.

McIlroy, 25, issued a statement on Wednesday ending his relationship with Wozniacki.

He said: “There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people.

Terr ts erryy ge gets per sonal with personal a Dolphin A

s some of his erstwhile England team-mates do shuttle runs dressed for winter ahead of the World Cup, John Terry is basking in the sunshine, swimming with dolphins.

The Chelsea defender is someone the national team could really do with this summer, but Terry, who has retired from international football, won’t be anywhere near Brazil when the tournament kicks off next month.

There had been calls for Roy Hodgson to attempt to lure the former skipper back, but the 33-year-old appears content at his choice to swerve international football.

Terry posed for pictures with the mammals while at Discovery Cove in Florida on Wednesday at the same time England were taking a break from training in Portugal by relaxing on the golf course.

There didn’t seem to be a care in the world for Terry as he had his photo taken particularly after he penned a new one-year with Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge last week.

And while he has been sunning himself for pleasure, old England teammates haven’t quite been afforded the same luxury.

ussian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev is set to lose half his wealth after being ordered to pay his former wife $4.5 billion in a settlement dubbed the “most expensive divorce in history.”

Elena Rybolovleva’s lawyer Marc Bonnant said the order from a Geneva court was unprecedented, and “this record judgment is a complete victory.”

However, Rybolovlev ’s spokesman Sergey Chernitsyn said the divorce was still a “win” for the oligarch.

Rybolovlev’s total wealth is estimated at $8.8 billion, according to the 2014 Forbes list of billionaires.

Stolen van driven wrong way for 50 miles along M11

A

stolen van was driv en for 50 miles (80km) down the wrong way of a motorway and dual carriageway before it crashed into a lorry in a bid to evade police.About 100 vehicles managed to avoid hitting the transit van on the M11 in Essex and A14 in Cambridgeshire during the early hours. A 19-year-old man, from Romford, is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of aggravated taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, having no insurance and licence and failing to stop for police.

Woman found 10 years after disappearance

A

man has been arrest ed following the reappearance of a woman who disappeared as a teenager in 2004. The victim, aged 15, was kidnapped by Isidro Garcia in 2004, according to Santa Ana Police, with Garcia now facing charges on suspicion of abduction, rape, lewd acts with a minor, and false imprisonment Garcia had been dating the victim’s mother in 2004, when he allegedly drugged and and kidnapped the victim after a domestic violence issue.

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Mo ve oover ver Julia R ober ts!

Move Rober oberts!

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—45 260lb-woman stripped down to a bikini and strutted down Holly wood Boulevard in a bid to promote body confidence.

Amani Terrell, 20, was filmed in action

by Fox News as she catwalked along the famous block, generating a mix of positive and negative comments from bystanders.

One man yelled out that he had lost his appetite, while another exclaimed ‘that’s sexy right there’, and a young woman Miss Terrell spoke with said: ‘I think it’s fantastic, I had issues with self-esteem, I give you credit.’ Miss Terrell says that she lives in a city where ‘thin’ is fashionable and weight. Her message is more there’s a ‘mass hysteria of that she loves herself regardless. perfection.’

‘So many people preach “self However, she wants to love”, however they never wear show that beauty applies bathing suits’ ‘You have to love to any size or shape. The yourself from a size 25 until you California native wrote on get to your desired weight,’ she Facebook: ‘There are a lot continues. ‘You can’t seek validaof women that I’ve met tion from others, it has to come who have low self-esteem. from within.’

‘There are kids who are Miss Terrell advises people to bullied because of their switch off from what’s happening weight. So many people around them and to concentrate preach “self-love”, how- on themselves instead. ‘You canever they never wear not seek validation from other bathing suits.’ Miss Ter- people. ‘This world is very cruel. rell highlights that she is You must seek validation within not promoting obesity and yourself and be kind to yourself.’ realizes she needs to lose

A

World’s largest ever lawsuit in New York seeking $2,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000 damages over a dog bite

A

New York man has filed a lawsuit de manding what is believed to be the larg est amount of compensation ever after he was bitten by a dog. Anton Purisima, 62, is suing a long list of defendants including the City of New York, Au Bon Pain and Kmart, for $2,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Purisima filed his hand-written lawsuit in a Manhattan Federal Court on April 11, and is representing himself, reports Lowering The Bar. Over the course of his 22-page lawsuit, Purisima claims that his middle finger was

bitten off by a ‘rabies-infected’ dog on a city bus; before a ‘Chinese couple’ took unauthorized photos of him as he was being treated at a local hospital.

Also in the rambling and often incoherent lawsuit, Purisima complains that he is routinely overcharged for coffee at LaGuardia Airport.

The suit claims the pain and other additional damages he suffered ‘cannot be repaired by money’ and are ‘therefore priceless.’ Included in the suit as evidence is a photo of his bloodied finger.

During his ordeal, Purisim claims he suffered civil rights violations, personal injury, discrimination on

national origin, retaliation, harassment, fraud, attempted murder, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and conspiracy to defraud.

The full list of defendants in the case include Au Bon Pain, Carepoint Health, Hoboken University Medical Center, Kmart Store 7749, St. Luke’s Emergency Dept., New York City Transit Authority, City of New York, NYC MTA, LaGuardia Airport Administration, Amy Caggiula and Does 1-1000 which refers to a thousand ‘John Does’.

The amount, which can also be referred to as two undecillion dollars - or the number two with 36 zeroes behind it —is more money than currently exists on the planet.

‘Even if Au Bon Pain conquers the planet and puts everyone to work for them from now until the stars die, they wouldn’t make a dent in the bill,’ reports What If?

SEX disrupts cour courtt session

A

judge suspended a murder trial after spotting two court staff hav ing sex during the hearing.

Stunned Anna Ivaldi asked the prosecutor to stop speaking after she looked up and spotted the couple writhing in ecstasy in an office beside the court.

They had thought the smoked glass they were behind would mask their steamy antics, but the eagle-eyed judge could still see them.

One of the two is thought to be married, another member of staff said.Judge Ivaldi ordered the trial in Genoa to be stopped while the two employees had their passion brought to an abrupt halt.

Witnesses said prosecutor Sabrina Mon-

teverde had just begun their summing up in the case of Moroccan born Yassin Mahmod who is accused of murdering a tramp in the Italian port city last year. A court source said:’The summing up had just begun when the judge heard strange noises, looked up and saw the outline of two naked bodies.

‘When everyone looked it was quite clear what was going on—they were having sex. ‘They obviously thought because the glass was dark they would not be seen. ‘The judge suspended the case and had the two people clawed away. ‘They are both court admin staff but they have not been named. It’s a bit delicate as one of them is married.’ A spokesman for the court in Genoa said:’Proceedings in a murder case were temporarily halted after the judge noted a disturbance. ‘The matter was dealt with and an investigation has been launched so as a result it would not be appropriate to comment further.’

'Ge ger y?

'Gett sur surger gery?

I'd rather beg'

I

ndia’s ‘Elephant man’ has turned down the opportunity to get a new face so he can pay for his daughter ’s wedding.

Mannan Mondal, who is also known as the ‘melted man’ of Delhi, has refused radical reconstructive surgery so he can continue begging. The 50-year old, who suffers from neurofibromatosis — which means he has a high risk of growing tumours — relies on his appearance to make a living.

So he has rejected the offer from surgeons in a bid to fund 20-year-old Rasheeda’s big day.

‘I will have to buy a lot of things —beds, cabinets, rings, watches and a cycle for the groom,’ said Mannan, who is missing an eye, an ear and most of his teeth.

‘The money I earn while begging is barely enough to feed my family. But I have no other way to help my daughter. I have to continue like this. I have to think about feeding my family

first.’ Mannan was born to an impoverished family in Kolkata, West Bengal, and opportunities were already limited.

But he was further shunned because of his appearance and banned from school — leaving begging as his only option. Despite his condition he found love at 18 and now has two sons and two daughters to provide for.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014

Effurun market women sweeping during the sanitation

Effurun market women sweeping during the sanitation

Delta Task Force demolishes Uduaghan’s fence Warri residents clearing waste

zI won’t surrender,

the governor vows on war against filth zCheers and jeers as bulldozers clear illegal structures in Warri EMMA AMAIZE, Regional Editor, South-South Photos by AkPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

T

HE conviction of anyone visiting Warri, the celebrated oil city in Del ta State, is that the folks in the city must be living lavishly and in healthy environs. Regrettably, by what has become the melancholy of oil communities in the Niger-Delta, this is mere illusion. The filth in some areas of the oil city, Effurun and other satellite cities in Warri South, Warri SouthWest, Uvwie and Udu Local Government Areas of the state offends the visitor. And the indifference attitude of the people to the dirty environment only baffles one, as Warri turns into a shanty town Chief Frank Omare, Commissioner for Environment showing Effurun market women how to do it

Angry Uduaghan

Outraged by this and propelled by the determination to finish strong, the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, while unveiling the renovated Cavegina Primary School and Olodi Primary School, both in Warri, in February, bewailed the pitiable sanitary habits of the city dwellers and asked them to gear up to shed the dirty city image of Warri. His verses: “They refer to Warri as a dirty city. This has got to stop. And it must start with proper guidance of our children on basic hygiene from our homes and in our schools.” But as the saying goes, “old habits die hard.” The poor waste disposal among residents increased. However, the governor, is determined to change Warri and other cities .

Task force

He started the battle with the constitution of a 25-man Special Sanitation Task Force, headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, to clean up Warri within one week. The tenure of the task force expired with the work half-done and a special Environmental Sanitation Task Force shepherded by the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, was reconstituted this month.

Pains and gains

U

Payloader bringing down an illegal structure in Ovwian C M Y K

nquestionably, the war has not been without casualties. At the very be ginning with Utuama as team leader, a tragedy occurred in Warri when the driver of a bulldozer engaged by government accidentally crushed some persons to death. Also, over 500 persons might have lost their do-it-yourself shops and other illegal structures as a result of the exercise.

For Mr. Kingsley Urhobo, a trader on Okubor Street, Effurun, who was forced to dismantle his shop, one of the unlawful structures that defaced the city: “Uduaghan and PDP have killed us, I do not know where to turn to now, where do I get money to train my children.”

Many others are raining curses. But Mrs. Joan Akinlugbe, whose shop at Sokoh Estate Road, Effurun, was also affected in the exercise is different: “What the governor is doing is for the good of all of us. People dispose waste inside the drains as if we are pigs. Can you imagine Continues on page 47

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 24, 2014—47

Delta Task Force demolishes Uduaghan’s fence Continued from page 46 that a man channeled the waste disposal pipe from the toilet in his compound into a drain in this Sokoh Estate Road?.”

“Nobody could challenge him and people knew what he was doing. They are waiting for Uduaghan to come and talk to him. Some landlords in Warri convert their car parks, bathing rooms and toilets into rooms and rent them to people. In such compounds, there is no sewage system and nobody is

talking. Is this the kind of thing that should be allowed in a decent society? She asked.

No vendetta

Chief Omare told Saturday Vanguard that there was no vindictiveness on the part of government in the exercise, adding: “People are complaining, but this exercise is not intended to victimize anybody. The Governor of the state who instituted the committee has no influence over our mandate. His fence on Okunu Road was brought down. My own fence and

those of other top government functionaries have been brought down in course of our removal of illegal structures, so no one can say we are v i c t i m i z i n g anybody.” Uduaghan is fanatical about purging Warri of its dirty look. Some weeks ago, he had come down from an Abuja flight to Asaba when he stormed the Ogbegonogo market in the state capital with his commissioners, talking to market women on the need to keep their environment clean. He had carried out similar campaigns in Warri and Effurun,

saying, “I know what I am talking about when I tell you to keep your environment clean, I am a medical doctor.”

Environmental scars

Weeks into the re-energized war, a semblance of sanity is returning to Warri, Effurun and Udu, but it has also left mutilations on the city. Secretary of the Task Force, Mr. O.P Origho, in a statement, last week, said, “It has come to the notice of the Special Environmental Sanitation Task Force that most premises

are now in a deplorable condition following the removal of illegal structures that were attached to them.”

"In view of this, the Special Environmental Sanitation Task Force hereby directs the immediate removal of the debris and the painting of all premises particularly along the major roads in Warri South, Uwvie and Udu Local Government Areas. “Owners and occupiers of such premises have two weeks, starting Wednesday May 14, 2014 within which their houses must be painted and

their environment thoroughly cleaned up. Premises where sewage is discharged into the public drains, those with rough fences and unsightly environment should correct such observed lapses while those still using containers as well as similar structures to display wares should remove them immediately,” he added.

According to the task force, “All premises, estates, plazas, shops, places of worship, eateries and other business centers in the area are to also make arrangements to use the waste collectors assigned to their respective areas as all forms of illegal dumping of waste is not allowed.”

The committee stated that Mobile Courts has been put in place to try those who contravene sanitation laws, while environmental health officers would intensify house to house inspection.

167 suspected o f f e n d e r s arraigned

t least, 167 suspected A offenders were prosecuted and fined

various sums of money by designated courts.

Between 7.00 am -12.00 pm that the clean-up lasted, Warri, Effurun and Udu were like apparition towns, as vehicles were totally off the road. Residents, who spoke to our reporters, commended government’s efforts at ensuring that the three localities were rescued from dirt.

At the Effurun market, Chief Omare frowned at the market women, who pile refuse on the road sides despite knowledge of designated evacuation points. He ordered a closure of the market till the traders signed undertaking not to display their wares on the road again.

“Continuous display of goods on the road by the traders in the three local governments has caused a lot of embarrassment to the state government. This will no longer be tolerated and anyone found wanting will face the wrath of the law,” he warned.

I won’t surrender – Uduaghan During the week at Agbor, where he inspected some on-going projects, Uduaghan disclosed that removal of illegal structures in Warri and its environs was a project that would be implemented in all parts of the state, and urged Deltans to imbibe good attitude towards the environment by eradicating shanties, planting trees and flowers. He said he would not relent on the war against filth, as it is a battle that must me won.

C M Y K

48—SA TURD AY 48—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

Political Notes

By Emmanuel Aziken

PDP: Where is Olisa Metuh?

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu

Akinwumi Ambode

LAGOS 2015:

Mixed reactions to Akiolu’s endorsement of Ambode

BY AKONI OLASUNKONMI, DAPO AKINREFON, CHARLES KUMOLU AND GBENGA OKE

I

t was an unusually bold utterance from a traditional rul er on the political direction of the state.

Speaking at the launch of a book written on the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode penultimate Thursday, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu said the elders in Lagos State had met and endorsed the immediate past Accountant-General of the state as the next governor of the state.

“I will not lie to you. The elders of Lagos have met and they have said that Ambode should be governor,” Oba Akiolu was quoted as saying.

“Although Lagos State belongs to all Nigerians and the state will continue to offer opportunities to every Nigerian to actualise the Nigerian dream, Ambode remains the best man with the required pedigree and character to take Lagos to the next level,” the monarch said.

He, however, added that the resolution of the Lagos elders did not mean that others would be stopped from contesting the election.

Once the oba expressed his view, he was immediately flayed by a group, Visioners for a New Lagos who accused the monarch of teaming with his friend, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to foist their personal wish on the people of the state.

The VNL it is believed was piqued by the endorsement given speculations that the group is itself working for one of the governorship aspirants believed to be estranged from Tinubu.

Coordinator of the group, Mr. Bambo Akin-Johnson in rejecting the endorsement said that while it had no issue with Ambode as a person, but that it was seriously concerned at what it claimed as the apparent bias by the leadership of the party and the monarchy in Lagos to favour the aspirant.

“The monarch has clearly out-stepped his bounds; he has bitten more than he can chew and has taken more than he really can contain. He has stepped on the sensibilities of the electorate by usurping their rights to choose through their votes, their choice governor.

The endorsement was also flayed by some other stakeholders including the founder of the Odua Peoples Congress, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun, APC chieftain, Alhaji Ganiyu Oseni, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Lagos State chapter among others.

The endorsement was, however, strongly backed by the APC, Protectors of Lagos’ Legacy, PLL, Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora, APC chieftain, Alhaji Ganiyu Oseni, in his opinion, urged Akiolu to stay away from politics for now. According to Oseni, the Lagos monarch has no right to dabble into politics, being a public servant paid by the tax payers of the state. “All Obas are public officers because the government is paying their salaries. They are precluded from dabbling into political matters which affect the tax payers”, he said.

Oseni who had earlier kicked against imposition of any candidate in the contest for the governorship position of Lagos State in 2015, reminded the party of the late Femi Agbalajobi,/Dapo Sarumi saga which produced an opposition candidate in the late Sir Michael Otedola as the democratically elected governor of the state in 1991. Oseni, who stated that the political parties have their procedure for picking their torch bearers, called for a level playing ground for the aspirants. “Whoever emerged the party’s candidate in the primary will be supported as its torch bearer at the polls. “What is currently going on in the state are political shenanigans, tricks and manipulations.“There is a clear cut difference between the church and the state.

Can anybody go to Abia, Imo, Anambra, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and say they want a Muslim candidate? Democracy is a government of the people by the people and for the people. You can’t go to Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa states and say you must have a Christian governor,” he asserted.

“I am very, very, very disturbed that people are bringing

Ambode remains the best man with the required pedigree and character to take Lagos to the next level

Continues on page 49

Few would doubt that the election of Chief Olisa Metuh as the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP helped to revive what was before then, the relatively laid back publicity machine of the ruling party.

Before Metuh’s advent, the opposition parties in the shape of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC took up much of the media space in haranguing the ruling party.

However, the advent of Metuh seemed to have reshaped the media space as the PDP for once took the initiative in poking the opposition parties.

Undoubtedly one of the longest surviving elements in the PDP power matrix since 1999, Metuh has moved from one position to the other, and as national vice chairman of the party, Southeast, fought of the Uba brothers in the supremacy battle for Anambra.

Metuh, however, came to national reckoning with his fervent pitches against the All Progressives Congress, APC and its legacy parties. In no time he became a thorn in the flesh of the APC with his researched lobs on the opposition party. But did Metuh go overboard with some statements. Perhaps so.

These days, Metuh has been unusually somber perhaps in the mood of the nation. If you phone him with a tricky question what you would hear from him is bad network, bad network and pronto, the line turns dead!

PDP turns the mockery on APC When on April 14 operatives of the Boko Haram Islamic sect bombed the Nyanya bus park in Abuja and followed up that night with the repulsive abduction of more than 276 school girls in Chibok, Borno State, the nation was set on edge. A compassionate President Goodluck Jonathan in an unusual departure arrived the scene of the bombing within hours taking his place as consoler-in-chief. But then, within hours, the consoler-in-chief turned into celebrant-inchief as he led party members and associates in a reveling spree from Ibadan to Kano for a birthday bash and then a PDP rally.

Even close associates of the president were not amused as the nation and international community chided the president for being insensitive. Sources claim that the rally had initially been cancelled and a message sent out until it was put back on schedule.

So given newspaper publications that the president was expected last Thursday for the flag-off of the PDP gubernatorial campaign in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, two days after the Jos bombing that killed over 200 persons, critics had been waiting to see whether the president would really attend the rally. On Tuesday night the party shifted the rally by one week.

But not so the APC which went ahead with its own flag-off on Wednesday albeit with the observation of a one minute silence in memory of the dead.

The PDP did not waste time in chiding the APC for what it called the party’s insensitivity to the mood of the nation!

Where is the other APC? All Patriotic Citizens also rushed to the commission aiming to also bask in the limelight. It was at that time generally believed that the political rivals of the APC, to wit, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was behind the two other APCs. Since July 31, 2013 when INEC registered the All Progressives Congress, APC the other two APCs have largely been forgotten and the fanfare that shadowed their brief appearance gone.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

True Federalism: Our only condition to remain in Nigeria — —Yoruba groups

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

eadership of the Yoruba Assembly in Lagos has made a passionate demand for regional autonomy, saying it is the minimum condition for Yourubas to remain in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They also reiterated demand on special status for Lagos, which they said would continue to be the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and the West Africa, hence, there should be appropriate budgetary provision that is part of the First Line Charge in the federation account.

The groups include Afenifere Renewal Group, O’dua Foundation, O’dua Nationalist Coalition, Afenifere Youth Forum, Atayese, Agbekoya Reformed Society and Coalition for O’dua Self-determination Group, among others.

The ethnic group made the demands at a joint news conference addressed at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos on Monday.

National Secretary, Chief Ayo Afolabi and Chairman of Atayese Yoruba Group, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, who read the text of the conference theme: “Regional Autonomy... or Nothing” on behalf of other ethnic groups, acknowledged that it was inconceivable that northern leaders “are the ones leading the campaign against devolution of power and restructuring of government.”

The ethnic group said it was baffled at the take-it-or-leave-it attitude of delegates from other ethnic nationalities, particularly the Northern delegates at the on-going National Conference, who circulated a document full of fallacies few weeks ago claiming that the North “has about 80 percent of Nigerian population and that its resources

were used to develop oil sectors.”

It therefore said, if any region in the federation “needs a stronger federating unit with greater capacity to provide education, health, security, wealth creation and other social amenities, it is the North where strong links exist between the level

of poverty and conscription of innocent youths into extremist tendencies.”

According to the ethnic group, it appears Northern leaders were not concerned, and indeed have no plan for the teeming youth from the region, as long as they are able to

Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—49

continue clinging to their hold on power.

Canvassing regional autonomy, the group stressed, was the most viable instrument for a stronger and united Nigeria, noting that the Yoruba People of Nigeria would not accept anything less than what it called minimum demands.

They demanded that states in Yoruba land “ want a regional government with its own constitution and unfettered political and fiscal autonomy, except on issues it agrees to cede to the federal government.”

The ethnic group also declared that the South-west geopolitical region “must include all Yoruba people outside the imposed artificial boundaries in Edo, Delta, Kogi and Kwara States.”

Part of its demands includes; a negotiated legislative, exclusive, concurrent and residual list; unicameral legislature at the center; details of the Regional legislature shall be clearly set out in the constitution; parliamentary form of government at the center; and the right to self-determination on and up to the right to secede.

Other demands include a just and equitable taxation system that “ will treat the federating units with equality and better coordination at the federal level in order to eliminate the current rentier syndrome and fiscal federalism and resource control.

“A system whereby a substantial part of the proceeds accrueable from every federating unit will be retained and an agreed percentage contributed to the center by the federating units for the responsibility of the Federal government.”

The group demanded establishment of regional police and a new people’s constitution, which the resolutions and conclusions of the 2014 National Conference shall lead “to an autonomous constitution that is a home-grown and all inclusive draft that shall be submitted to the Nigerian electorate voting in a Referendum.

They, however, said: “We are not enforcing our demands on others.

They are free to explore whatever suits them while we should be free to organise our governance the way it suits us.”

Mixed Reactions to Akiolu’s endorsement of Ambode Continues from page 48 religion into politics. They know the beginning of the issues but nobody knows the end. Deep down in me, I don’t believe in imposition. The choice must be for the people.”

1.Lagos state is not a state of a particular religion, we have both Muslims, Christians and traditional religion worshipers and all we need is a good leadership that will lead us to our Promise Land,” he said.

Lagos PDP rebukes Oba Akiolu

T

he Lagos State chapter of the PDP, ?said it will not be distracted by the endorsement by the traditional ruler.The state publicity secretary, Mr Taofik Gani said “on the one hand, we are not going to be distracted because we believe this might be a decoy. We have the history of the emergence of the Lagos State governor?. They

will usually send out a false thing but the candidate will emerge at the last minute. We are not bothered that an Ambode has been mentioned but we are disturbed because the Oba of Lagos, who should be a father figure for us, has descended into the murky waters of politics by affirming what ordinarily should be a rumour that Akin Ambode will be the next governor.”

He said “We think that this is very unbecoming, it is unfortunate of an oba and we want to say that it is also a vindication that our accusations that the Oba’s palace and some other palaces have indeed been used to rig elections for the APC. What we will admonish the Oba, at this point in time, to do is to know that the stool is a stool representing the integrity and credibility of Lagos indigenes and he should not desecrate that stool. We are also saying that if the palace will compromise free and fair elections, we will mobilise Lagosians and make that palace uninhabitable for anybody who does that.”

OBA HAS HIS BACKERS PLL backs Akiolu

T

he Protectors of Lagos’ Legacy, PLL, welcoming Akiolu’s endorsement of Ambode as a worthy successor to Fashola in a statement by it’s coordinator, Barr. Olatunji Williams, PLL recalled that when the Oba of Benin endorsed Comrade Oshiomhole in the last governorship election in Edo State, nobody in Benin Kingdom and the entire Edo State insulted him. It also cited the several endorsements received by President Goodluck Jonathan from traditional rulers. “Oba Akiolu has only exercised his constitutional right as is the case all over the world.

This should not attract butt of uncultured vituperation by some faceless people in the name of politics. The revered Oba only aired his opinion”, PLL noted.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

SPELLING BEE:

12-yr-old daughter of a mechanic heads for US

O

Agony of a LASU student

Emmanuel Gbesemehane

z 'Why

I'm dropping out of school'

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

U

ntil 2011, Lagos State University, LASU was a place to get affordable tertiary education in Nigeria. Even then, mothers sold their wrappers, fathers took loans, and students did odd jobs to meet up with the N25, 000 average fee.

Emmanuel Gbesemehane hoped to be one of such students. After waiting years to get admission into the University, the twenty-eight year old finally had the opportunity to study Physics at LASU. His joy was short lived however, when he heard that he would pay N258, 000 per annum. ‘ Before I wrote my Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME,’ he told Saturday Vanguard, ‘the school fees stood at N25, 000. But after I got admission, the fees were increased. But I hoped that with all the noise students were making, the state government would revert to the former fees.’

LASU fees were increased by as much as 750 per cent with medical students being charged up to N345, 750.

Because many could not afford it, admission in 2011/ 2012 session fell by about 30 per cent. In the 2011 postUTME exercise, students seeking admission to LASU sharply dropped. The over 2,000 students who merited admission having passed post-UTME had to forfeit their admissions because they could not afford the fees.’

But Emmanuel did not forfeit the space he had waited so long to occupy, at least not immeiately. He said: ‘My father took a loan of N250, 000 from his cooperative

society to pay for my first year, and I borrowed N8, 000 from my friends. But when we got into the 2013/2014 academic session, the situation remained the same.’

Emmanuel had resigned his job as a teacher in a small private school because he had to make a long commute from Badagry to LASU, Ojo every day to attend lectures. He couldn’t afford to live on campus. His father, a retired Local Government official had not finished paying back the first loan, when the second year came along. Emmanuel could not pay his fees and missed out on the entire 2013/2014 session.‘I have been advised to withdraw from school,’ he said worriedly, ‘my counterparts are now in 300 level. But because the school management requires that anyone who misses exams in first and second semester must withdraw, I cannot continue my career here. I was not allowed to write any examinations because I had not paid my fees. I would like to plead with the state government to have mercy, and revert to the old fees.’

The LASU Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, LASU-ASUU is currently on strike to demand, among other things, for a reversal of the fee hike.

This is not the first time the body is striking for that purpose. There have been a number of protests by students and other well meaning Nigerians to demand same from the state government. Despite all these, Emmanuel remains at home, unable to get the University degree he worked towards for so long.

His father, a retired Local Government official had not finished paying back the first loan, when the second year came along

lawale Zainab, a Junior Secondary School 2 student of Unity Middle School, Osun State, will be part of this year’s edition of Scripps National Spelling Bee competition holding in the United States of America, USA. The 12 years old girl, whose father is an automobile mechanic and mother a trader, emerged the overall winner in a spelling bee that involved 40 schools and 200 students. The competition was put together by Ghana-based Young Education Foundation, YEF, in collaboration with Sherry Care Foundation, SCARF, Osun State First lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola’s non-governmental organisation, with support from Dufil Prima Foods, manufacturers of Indomie.

Zainab told newsmen in Lagos, Thursday, that “listening to my tutors, reading, confidence and composure” have seen her through.

Manpreet Singh, Head, Marketing, Dufil, said Zainab would not be competing in this year ’s Scripps spelling bee, but would be there as an ambassador of the country. He said the necessary things were being done to make her compete in the next edition.

Akinloye Philips, the Project Coordinator, said the aim of the competition is to build a complete child. Mr. Rotimi Ade, Programme manager for SCARF, dded that spelling competitions promote reading and understanding of other cultures as etymology was part of the training.

Bobnel to construct World Class Foundation

By Tare Youdeowei

U

pon regular visits to and sup port rendered to schools like; Modupe Cole Memorial Handicapped School, Akoka, Junior Boys Approved School, Yaba, Wesley School of the Deaf, Surulere, National Orthopedic Special school, Igbobi and other homes like Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, Adekunle Iyaba and Spinal Cord Injuries Home, Amuo Odofin, for the past 15 years, Bobnel Child Support Foundation, a humanitarian non-governmental organisation is set to construct its World Class Center.

The center which is to accommodate 100 children is aimed at assuaging the plight of physically challenged and less privileged children in Nigeria through transitional relief programmes.

Etisalat, Alibaba, for NIJ students’ week

BY IYABO AINA

N

igerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Forth students week comes up on June,2,2014. Comedian Ali Baba and other celebrities will grace the occasion at the institution.

According to the Chairman, Students’ Representative Council and Organizing Committee, Ojebola Matthew, the event is meant to help discover new potentials aside the regular academics .

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014—51

By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

I

n recent times, Ogun State seems to be under attacks by ritualists who were on the loose in some parts of the state. The recent discovery of their dens and subsequent arrest of the suspected operators and their accomplices reveal that both the dead and the living are not safe in the hands of the ritualists.

Many cemeteries in Ogun State have been reportedly visited by these wicked souls who do not only exhume the contents, but, also dismember the remains of the dead and sell them. Bizarre.

This development has forced many families in the state to avoid porous cemeteries for the secured ones.

So far, more than 20 human heads including that of atwo-year-old boy as well as other parts of human bodies including tongues, intestines among others have been severed by the ritualists who have been on the prowl in the state.

Sequel to this development, palpable fear has gripped residents of the state over the incessant reports of kidnapping by ritualists.

Many of them succeed while nemesis catch up with some of them.

O

n March 11,2014, a-38-year-old man, Adelani Ayomide was caught with a bag allegedly containing 18 human skulls. The suspected ritualist was arrested at 6:48am during a stop-andsearch operation along AdoOdo, Owode road by Policemen attached to a division in Ado-Odo in Ado-Odo-Ota local government area of the state.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi , Policemen attached to AdoOdo division, while on stopand -search along Ado-Odo Owode road, sighted a pedestrian, Adelani Ayomide, 38, of Ilaro, Ogun State with a bag containing 18 human heads. “The suspect will be transferred to the State Department Of Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye has assured the general public of a thorough investigation and will make sure the suspect face the wrath of the law and assist in getting other suspects in connection with the crime,” he said .

On April 2, the Ogun State

Ritualist rapes woman, kills her son

•Police recover 20 human heads, arrest 7 suspects

Police command discovered a ritualists’ den in IyanaEgbado village in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state. The Police subsequently arrested a suspected ritualist simply identified as Gbenga who would have been lynched if not for the prompt intervention of the Police that stopped the irate mob.

Adejobi disclosed that some human parts including decomposing intestines were found with him before he was whisked away.

Other items found at the ritualists’ den include; knives, various non - functioning electronic parts, assorted soft drinks suggesting that the suspect and other ritualists were indeed living under the bridge.

The suspect reportedly confessed to have come from Ado- Ekiti in Ekiti state.

A week after, another five suspected ritualists including two women, were nabbed with some human heads and other human parts in Joju area of Ota Ado-Odo-Ota local government . Adejobi in a statement said the suspects were arrested in a joint operation between men of the state Police command and the Special Anti Robbery Squad Lagos Command. The suspects who included Kubura Salami, Tantolorun Abimbola, Kafaya Popoola, Wahid Ibrahim and Adamu Rafiu were reportedly caught following a tip- off from the people of the area .

According to the PPRO , the Divisional Police Officer

in charge Otta Division of the command, CSP Gabreal Idibie, led a team of operatives to assist policemen from the Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos, who got the first hand information on Joju area where the five suspects were arrested and the exhibits recovered for further investigation and prosecution.

“The suspects arrested include; Kubura Salami, Tantolorun Abimbola, Kafaya Popoola, Wahid Ibrahim and Adamu Rafiu. The exhibits recovered from them were; one complete human head and pieces of human flesh in a container stained with liquid substance suspected to be human blood.”

M

ore shocking was the story of a two-yearold boy who was beheaded in the presence of his mother after the same man raped his mother. The suspect, Ma-

modu Bashir Ibrahim, in his 30s, wrecked the havoc at Mowe area of the state. He reportedly killed the boy and then severed his head and sold it afterwards.

According to the PPRO, on Saturday 12th April at about 9: 30 pm , the suspect who had earlier raped the mother of the deceased, fled the scene immediately he killed the boy and cut off his head.

“Police operatives deployed to the area placed him under surveillance with the help of the members of the community before he was arrested at Mowe where he was hiding. The suspect has confessed to the crime and he is assisting the police in their investigation.

In the same vein, no fewer than six pupils of a private school in Obantoko area, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital escaped from the vehicle in which they were kept by suspected kidnapers. It was

gathered that, the suspected kidnapers, after a failed attempt the previous day, went back the following day to the same spot in the morning to kidnap the school children.

A

n eye witness told Crime Guard that the pupils were returning from their holiday lesson in the school when four men in a tinted glass SUV allegedly kidnapped the victims one after the other and tied their hands and legs and put them in the vehicle.

The source further explained that one of the victims whose hands were not properly tied removed the twine and untied his colleagues who later escaped and alerted the people in the area.

Narrating their ordeal, one of the lucky pupils Oreoluwa Adebayo explained that one of the kidnapers, dressed like a religious man, begged for water to pour into the radiator of their vehicle which he claimed was overheating. He said, “as we were making efforts to get them water, we were grabbed and bundled into their vehicle and they tied all of us. Mine was not tight due to the lack of enough twine, so, I was able to untie others and we ran away because they were not there.”

Meanwhile, one of the teachers in the school, Gabriel Adesoga, has assured that some suspected kidnapers had beckoned on a pupil, Adebayo, who screamed and alerted the school and the neighborhood.

In his reaction, the state commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye assure the general public that the police would not condone any act of criminality within the state.

Okoye said that the command was ready to harness all available resources to have robust intelligence- driven policing.

Couple operating illegal petrol depot nabbed

By DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

N

emesis has caught up with a couple, who ran an illegal petroleum depot at Lukosi village, Ogijo in Sagamu local council of Ogun State where Premium Motor Spirit and diesel are received , stored and supplied to their customers.

The couple, Raymond Yusuf, 37, his wife, Sekinat Yusuf, 32, as well as their accomplice, Nwoke Chi were accused of vandalizing pipelines belonging to the Nigeria National Petro-

leum Corporation, NNPC, siphoning the contents and selling the products.

They were caught red-handed at their residence which they converted to a petroleum ‘depot’ for supplying products at a cheap rate to their customers who included commercial motorcyclists.

The suspects met their waterloo when men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ogun, on a tip off stormed the house and caught the three suspects who were in possession of large volumes of petroleum products.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014

Fashola doles out N4.6bn for olice pension, gratuity Arms trafficking: Rtd P Police

of ed with driv er offficer arrest arrested driver •Another Police Corporal escapes

By CHINENYEH OZOR, Nsukka ECURITY agents stationed along the ever-busy Enugu – Makurdi Expressway recently, apprehended a retired deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a commercial driver who were conveying live ammunitions to the northern part of the country. The retired police officer whose name was simply given as Abu Aruna, hails from Kogi State and resides at Ikom, Cross River State while the driver was identified as Onuwa Attaka. The suspects were allegedly conveying ammunitions to Taraba State from Ikot Ekpene, Cross River State when the military men on duty along Orba axis at the EnuguMarkudi express way intercepted them. It was learnt that the soldiers wanted to know the contents of the bags loaded in their vehicle especially as they were seen on the road late in the night.

S

How they were arrested

Crime Guard gathered that as soon as the

soldiers led by one staff Sergeant Maurice opened the baggage inside the vehicle, they sighted four boxes of Ak 47 live bullets of 7.62mm special and they quickly ordered the four occupants of the vehicle to alight. One of the occupants who was dressed in full police uniform as a corporal reportedly came down and pretended as if he was going to ease himself. He took to his heels and disappeared into a nearby bush together with another occupant.

Security sources intimated Crime Guard that after their arrest, the retired police officer gave the name of the fleeing police corporal simply as Solomon but could not disclose the identity of the second person. The sources further alleged that the retired DSP has been into the arms deal since his retirement from the police force till his apprehension, adding that their unaccomplished mission to Taraba State was to supply the last batch of their consignment, after the buyers in Taraba sate paid them.

During interrogation,

retired DSP Aruna reportedly admitted having supplied the first batch but the buyer complained that they did not supply in full hence they were on their way to Taraba State when the military men intercepted them around 11pm, last Saturday. He said that the fleeing corporal was a serving police officer but bluntly refused to disclose where he serves. However, the driver of the vehicle said he was merely hired from Owerri to Taraba State at the cost of N30.000 adding that he never knew they were conveying ammunitions to Taraba hence he did not question the content of their luggages.

Items recovered

It was gathered that 100 live cartridges, 40 pieces of Ak- 47 magazines, charms and Denny mopol uniform neatly wrapped in a suit case bag, four boxes of the Ak- 47 live ammunition containing 2,500 bullets making a total of 10,000 bullets, were recovered from the suspects. When Crime Guard visited the scene of the crime, the two alleged arms traffickers were seen being driven away by the military men with their hands tied at the back for further interrogation.

Police react

•The driver after

The recovered items

The suspect

In his comment over the arrest, the Area commander, Nigeria Police Command, Nsukka, Ros-Amson Musa Haladu (ACP), commended the efforts of the military men that apprehended the alleged suspected arms dealers, stating that both the military and police share one common interest in crime detection and prevention in the University town of Nsukka and its environs.

ACP Haladu appealed to the general public to assist the police by giving useful information as security of the nation is the business of everybody, not just the police and military, especially now that Boko Haram insurgency is terrifying the entire public in the country.

*Sets up c’ttee on LASU strike

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

F

OLLOWING the indefinite strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Lagos State U n i v e r s i t y , LASU,Governor Babatunde Fashola has set up an Executive Committee to address the demands of the striking lecturers.

Meanwhile, the state government said, N4.6 billion was paid in the last 12 months, as pensions and gratuity to retired civil servants in the state.

Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Flor e n c e Oguntuase, disclosed these yesterday, at a press briefing in Ikeja.

On LASU,

Oguntuase recalled that the lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike last Tuesday, due to failure of the institution’s management to meet their demands.

Though, the commissioner who did not give the number of the members of the committee, said, “At the moment, the executive council led by

How Surveyors can help fight terror —Adeaga SIMON EBEGBULEM

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HE President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Mr Bode Adeaga, has expressed the readiness of the surveyors in the country to collaborate with security agencies in fighting terrorism in the Northern part of the country. This, he said, can be

Bizman in court over N5.6m fraud He said that the defenBY ONOZURE DANIA

A

37 years old busi nessman, Chukwuka Okubalu, was on Friday, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly obtaining goods worth N5.646million, under false pretence of remitting the proceeds, after sales to the owner.

Okubalu, who has no fixed address, is standing trial, on a three count charge of obtaining, stealing and issuing of a dud cheque, preferred against him, by the police.

The Prosecutor, Corporal Emmanuel Ajayi, told the court that the defendant, committed the offences sometimes in the month of March 2012, at Lagos Island.

Governor Babatunde Fashola has set up an executive committee to look into the demands of the striking lecturers.”

The commissioner added that the committee would later meet with the aim of looking into the demands of the striking lecturers and proffer necessary solutions.

dant, stole the sum of N5,646 million, belonging to one Okwuchukwu Francis-Akaegbusi.

Ajayi, also said that Okubalu, fraudulently issued a Diamond Bank cheque to the tune of N1million to Bill Franco Ltd, to upset the goods he collected on credit, from the complainant in December 2012.

done through proper survey and mapping of the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 49th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the NIS, Adeaga said in order to tackle the growing insecurity in the country, “we must build a foundation that would be able to erect the infrastructures and structures that would guarantee a sustainable developed safe society”.

According to him “a society that plays down the value and importance of maps and mapping will only succeed in enmeshing itself in a quagmire of failures. It is sad to note that the last meaningful mapping exercise done in this country was done in the days of the Ordnance Survey of the colonial period.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala addressing Pressmen on 2014 Budget passed by President Jonathan while Director General , Budget office, Bright Okogu looks on in Abuja. Photo

by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Ehime-Mbano Indigenes in Lagos endorse Hon. Kingsley Dimaku

T

HE Ehime-Mbano Indigenes Association, Lagos Chapter last weekend at their executive meeting in Lagos endorsed Honourable Chief Kingsley Dimaku representing Ehime-Mbano constituency in Imo State House of Assembly for another term. The Association is a registered group with strong voice, charting a course in installing good governance in their constituency and the nation at large.

Making reference to good governance, the association said that dividends of democracy are one visible thing that can be felt by anybody within the land. Under this guise, the group expresses their vote of confidence and endorsement of Honourable Chief Kingsley Dimaku, for re-election. They appealed to sons and daughters from the constituency to rest their hope on him because his antecedents speak volume. According

to the association, Hon. Kingsley Dimaku is a principled man of integrity, tested and trusted.

Within his three legislative years so far, numerous achievements were recorded; over 66 widows were empowered in various entrepreneurial skills, 15 kilometer roads were constructed in EhimeMbano Local Government Area and many schools were remodeled to key into Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s school refurbishing agenda.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 24, 2014 — 53

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 24, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 24, 2014 —55

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 24, 2014

SATURDAY

INTERVIEW:

I won’t let Eagles down in Brazil — Agbim

PAGE 53

...says criticisms don’t bother me

Nigeria guaranteed $8m from World Cup

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or participating at the World Cup, the NFF will receive a guaranteed sum of USD 8million from Fifa.

This sum will go to the federation even if the Super Eagles lose out in the First Round.

The amount is the minimum sum of the graduated prize structure by Fifa for all 32 participating teams at the World Cup. An additional $1-million comes with progress to the round of 16, but from then on, the figures take on dizzying heights. Quarter-final appearance is rewarded with $1-million, and the World Cup winners get $35-million.

PAGE 53

Across 1 Enyimba FC Defender, Uwa – (9) 5 Japanese Currency Unit – (3) 8 President, Nigerian Women’s Football League, Mrs. Dilichukwu – (9) 10 Country in Asia – (5) 11 Italy “Azzuris” National coach, Cesare – (9) 15 minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab – (5) 17 L.G.A. In Kano State – (5) 18 Borno State Capital – (9) 21 Zambian Currency Unit -0- (5) 23 Nigerian Premiership Clubside – (9) 26 Organ of Hearing – (3) 27 African Deciduous Tree – (3) 28 Super Eagles Left-back and AS Monaco Defender, Elderson – (9)

Down 1 Akwa-Ibom State Capital – (3) 2 Female Rabbit – (3) 3 Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Austin – (5) 4 Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ben – (9) 5 Cease – (4) 6 Ghana Football Association President, Mr. Kwesi – (9) 9 Neither – (3) 11 Benin Republic Capital City – (9) 12 L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom State – (4) 13 Linear Measurement Unit – (9) 14 L.G.A in Lagos State – (5) 16 Former Delta State Governor, Mr. Felix – (4) 19 L.G.A in Kebbi State – (5) 20 Cereal – (3) 22 Period of Seven Days – (4) 24 Anambra State Governor, Dr. Peter – (3) 25 Prosecute – (3)

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

SOLUTION on page 16

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