Northern elders demand trial of killer squad

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6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Group wants Christian as next Lagos Gov

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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non-partisan group, under the aegis of Christian Conscience, has called for a Christian to be elected governor of Lagos in 2015.

However, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, who is also a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, Professor Yemi Osibajo, a social commentator and columnist in Vanguard Newspapers, Dr. Dele Sobowale, former Commissioner for agriculture and Cooperatives, Enoch Ajiboso, Arch Bishop of Methodist Diocese, Mos Rev. Joseph Ajayi among others, maintained that virtue remains the watchword for any candidate aspiring for the office.

They spoke yesterday, at the inaugural seminar of the group, “The Christian Conscience”, held at Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja which was

attended by Christians across different denominations in the State.

Delivering a seminar lecture, titled: “Christianity, Politics, Now and Beyond,” Osinbajo, while supporting the cause of the group, urged the agitators to be mindful of looking for candidate with values rather than just picking someone because he is a Christian.

He said: “Our nation today, stands on the precipice of disaster and if something is not done it will collapse. 70 percent of Nigerians are poor, according to an international record. We must understand the role of God for our nation. The most important thing in this cause is to sell our values or else we won’t go far. In the federal government we have had 11 years of Christians in the saddle who are yet to drive values.

Sobowale, chairman of the Seminar Committee of the group, on his part, said “Today we are all living witnesses to a politi-

cal situation which calls for us, individually and collectively, as followers of our Lord, to re-examine our position, in Nigeria in general and Lagos in particular.

“Since, 1979 when the Presidential system was first adopted till today, we have recorded exactly 164 months of civilian rule out of which only 14 had been headed by one of our own, a Christian.

“I am proud to be associated with the courage and determination which had been demonstrated by all those who have made the seminar possible. Perhaps, at the end of this day, Christians in Lagos State would have accepted the challenge of participating more fully in the governance of the state.”

AWARD: National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Turkur (2nd left), receiving the African Man of the Year Award 2013 from members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Washington DC, United States of America (U.S.A) last weekend. With him (2nd right) is Archbishop Samson Benjamin, General Overseer, Resurrection Praise Ministries international

Court orders PDP, INEC to delete Oyinlola’s name as party’s National Secretary

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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USTICE Abdul Kafa rati of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to delete the name of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from their records as the National Secretary of the PDP. Ruling on a motion on notice that was filed before the court by the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, Justice Kafarati, directed the party and the electoral body to rather recognise one Professor Adewale Oladapo, who it said was duly nominated by the Southwest PDP extra-ordinary zonal congress held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 13 this year.

Besides, Justice Kafarati who noted that the High Court had on January 11, sacked Oyinlola from office and ordered a fresh PDP Zonal Congress in the South-West region of the country, said the order remained valid till July 13.

The Judge maintained that having gone through all the documents tendered before the court by the plaintiffs, led by PDP National Chairman in Ogun State, Mr Adebayo Dayo and the Secretary, Mr Semiu Sodipo, he was

satisfied that Prof Oladipo was validly nominated by the congress to replace Oyinlola in office.

The plaintiffs had listed Oyinlola, PDP and INEC as defendants in the suit.

While granting the plaintiffs’ prayers yesterday, the Judge, dismissed Oyinlola’s argument that the court had become funtus officio on the matter, having earlier delivered a judgment in the case.

Justice Karafati said the plaintiff’s application was neither meant to re-open the case nor effect changes to the earlier judgment, but aimed at regularising the steps taken in compliance with the judgment.

On Oyinlola’s argument that the court could no longer consider the application because he had appealed the judgment, the judge held that the application would have no effect on the judgment and the pending appeal.

He said there was no evidence before the court that the record in respect of Oyinlola’s appeal has been transmitted to the appellate court.

Justice Abdul-Kafarati held that the mere filing of a notice of appeal does not serve as a ground to stay proceedings.

Nevertheless, the judge, yesterday, refused attempt by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr Babs Akinwunmi, to move a motion

ex-parte, seeking leave for substituted service of court documents relating to a pending contempt case on Oyinlola, factional Chairman of PDP, Kawu Baraje and a chieftain of the party, Sam Sam Jaja.

Akinwunmi had told the court that the applicants had made unsuccessful attempts to effect personal service of the documents on the three alleged contemnors.

Consequently, the judge advised the applicants to file fresh affidavit indicating the failed attempts they had made to serve the defendants.

Specifically, the plaintiffs, in their contempt suit, are praying the court to commit Oyinlola to prison over his alleged continuous claim to being the party’s National Secretary despite his sack.

They are equally praying the court to jail Baraje and Jaja for allegedly encouraging Oyinlola to flout a valid court judgment.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 7

No failed bank staff can become PENCOM DG — Senate

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE, Abuja

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Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, tying a blue ribbon round the neck of a dog after it’s given anti-rabies vaccine as part of the activities marking the 2013 World Rabies Day in Abeokuta...yesterday (Sept 27)

HAIRMAN Joint Committee on Pension Act Amendment Bill, Senator Aloysius Etok has said that the committee would not recommend anybody that was involved in any failed financial institution in the country in its consideration for the position of Director-General of National Pension Commission, PENCOM.

Flood claims two school pupils in Ondo

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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HE three-day heavy downpour which resulted in flood in Akure, the Ondo state capital have claimed the lives of two Primary School pupils.

Police in the state said that the two boys Adebori Timilehin (5) and Olugbenga Martins(6) are cousins and were returning from school when the flood swept them away and were drowned.

Their bodies were discovered by men of the State Fire Brigade after three days of intensive search inside the Elegbin river.

Findings showed that they reside with their Grandmother at No 14 Familusi street, A k u r e .

This is coming on the heels of Save Our Soul (SOS) by the state government to the Ecological Department of the presidency over the menace of flood across the state.

Environment Commissioner Sola Ebiseni during an inspection of the havoc wrecked by the rainfall in Ondo town said government had at various times made representations to the ecological funds department of the presidency over the funding of its environmental related projects.

Meanwhile, the Police Image Maker Wole Ogodo said that the proprietress of Newlife Academy,

Idanre road, Akure Mrs Bola Olufemi reported that two pupils of her school have been swept away by the flood. It was discovered that the pupils

were rushing home because of the rain only to be swept away by the flood occasioned by the heavy downpour.

However the Police

Image Maker said detectives are investigating the incident to know if the death of the pupils was as a result of the negligence of the school authorities.

Suspect escapes from court

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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33- year old suspect yesterday escaped from an Ikeja Magistrate court, just before his matter was called for arraignment.

The suspect Ayo Adelaja, was supposed to be arraigned before Magistrate Miss Akinde, over alleged reckless driving and Ilegal U-turn.

It was gathered that Adelaja’s counsel asked the investigating police officer IPO, to let him have a discussion with the defendant, only for him to escape afterwards.

Adelaja, who was the driver of a Honda City Saloon Car with registration number KSF 32 BB, was said to have taken an ilegal Uturn along Kudirat

Abiola way at Oregun area of Lagos, on September 23, 2013 at about 4:30pm.

It was also gathered that he damaged a Tricycle, belonging to one Baba Abba, when he allegedly took the Ilegal U-turn, which made him to be charged to court.

Immediately the suspect escaped, the IPO, held the suspect’s lawyer to produce the suspect.

Senator Etok said the committee would only recommend somebody that had gained on-thejob experience in pension management with good character and reputation.

The position of the Committee on the expected qualifications of aspirants interested in the PENCOM D-G post may have punctured the alleged high-level plot to unseat the acting Director General of the commission Chinelo AnohuAmazu.

The Joint Committee review panel had at the weekend said it might consider the 15 years cognate experience earlier proposed by the presidency in the pension Act amendment bill already with the National Assembly.

Senator Etok while reacting to the years of experience for the wouldbe DG of the commission said that the panel may further consider the reduction in the proposed years of experience to include persons of good character and experience in pension management in the country.

He said, “I will be the last person to consider some body without experience in pension to head PENCOM, even if the executive send your name I will not consider that person, people who have worked in failed institution, what can

they contribute to pension, I will not consider someone like that. We are talking about cognate experience in character and track record.”

According to him the committee could recommend persons or person for the headship of the agency with less than 10 years experience provided he or she had a good track record and expertise to deliver adding that age and post qualification experience should not be the major consideration in the choice of Director General of the PENCOM. The presidency had in the amendment to the pension Act presented to the lawmakers proposed reduction in the post experience qualification from 20 to 15 years.

At a recent public hearing on the bill, stakeholders advised the committee to peg the years of experience at 15 to allow for more energetic and efficient person to run the agency.

The National President of Federal Universities Pensioners Association Dr Ayuba Kura and Representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Kabiru Matazu in their separate submissions to the committee told the lawmakers to disregard the proposed 20 years experience by some persons seeking for change of guard in the agency.

By-pass controversy: Ogbe-Ijoh asks govt to reject Aladja plan

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

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OUTHS of OgbeIjoh in Warri SouthWest Local Government

Area, Delta State, Thursday, urged the Delta State Government not to assent to the scheme by Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area,

to allegedly thwart the construction of a by-pass road from Delta Steel Company, DSC, Complex, Aladja to Ogbe-Ijoh.

The youths, under the

Obi calls for accountability among office holders Governor Obi said peo- needs and aspirations of gov-

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OVERNOR Peter Obi has charged Nigerians to challenge activities of those in positions of authority to promote accountability and good governance.

Governor Obi was delivering a lecture at Emmanuel Anglican Church Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State with the title “Democratic Governance as a tool for Socio-Economic Transformation: the Nigeria Experience”.

ple should equally question the conduct and life styles of the leaders as well as their short-comings to encourage a new social order. He stressed that the masses should take full ownership of government to discourage those elected to different positions of authority from becoming dictators and self serving.

Governor Obi explained that primary role of government was to respond to the

ernment and made clear that the country had enough resourceswhichwhenjudiciously used would uplift the standard of living of the people.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Reverend Chijioke Oti commended the Governor for being a source of hope, for changing the course of governance in the country as well as touching the lives of the people positively while praying for a worthy successor to sustain his good governance.

auspices of Ogbe-Ijoh Governing Council, in a statement by the secretary general, Hon. Friday Deinghan, said, “To accede to the demand of the Aladja youths would be to allow illegalities prevail over law and order. We are not in a banana republic where people take laws into their hands and make all sorts of frivolous demands.”

They said, “We also demand that the selected youths and elders behind the acts of criminalities in Aladja community should be brought to justice,” the council stated.

The Ogbe-Ijoh youths described the opposition to the construction of the said by-pass road on the basis that there is a land dispute between Aladja and

Ogbe-Ijoh communities as “unfortunate and unfounded.”

“The Aladja community has already taken the Ogbe-Ijoh community to the Otor-Udu High Court on the same matter.

Therefore, the issue of land ownership between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja is subjudice.

“In any case, no community or groups of people have the right to oppose developmental project on the basis of a land dispute between communities.

Despite the existence of the land dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities, several developmental projects are going on in Aladja and the Ogbe-Ijoh community has never at anytime opposed them.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Senate moves to strip president of sole power to appoint CAC chairman, secretary, members •Insists on scrutiny, approval of commission’s yearly budget

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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HE Senate has begun a process that will deny the president from unilaterally appointing chairman and secretary of the Corporate Affairs Commission, as a bill to that effect scaled second reading.

The bill which is titled: A Bill for an Act to Amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act and for Other related Matters 2013, sponsored by Senator Odion Ugbesia, PDP, Edo Central, seeks to amend the existing Act, thus making the appointment of the chairman, secretary of the Board and members of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, to be subject to confirmation of the Senate.

Under the existing Act, the president does not need

the confirmation of the Senate in the appointment of chairman, secretary and members of the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Leading a debate on the bill, Senator Ugbesia, noted that the Companies and Allied Matters Act has over the years, been the platform on which business activities are conducted in Nigeria.

While emphasizing that the Corporate Affairs Commission was the gateway to Nigeria’s economic world,Senator Ugbesia disclosed that the bill was to introduce a new amendment to Section 14 and 15 to make the annual estimates of reports of the commission to be subjected to the scrutiny and approval of the National Assembly.

He said such was the right step in the right direction,considering the fact that the Corporate Af-

fairs Commission plays a major role in the evolution and development of the totality of the N igerian economy.

He said Section 14 and 15 of the principal Act empowers the commission to submit its annual reports and estimates through the minister to the president, a development he noted, contravened the Fiscal Responsibility Act. He argued that “in emerging democracy such as ours, this is certainly an aberration.”

Senate President, David Mark, who presided over the session, however, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment which incidentally, is chaired by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Odion Ugbesia, for legislative action.

MHA repeals abortion law

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

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HE controversial abor tion law enacted last year by Imo State House of Assembly, part of which prohibits violence against persons, has been repealed by the lawmakers.

The repeal was sequel to the adoption of the Ikenna Emeh-led Committee Report and subsequent passage of a fresh bill presented by the member representing Orsu State Constituency in the House, Brother Stan Dara.

The repeal of the law which was termed abortion law by critics of the legislation has put to rest weeks of agitation by religious organizations, pro-life groups and many other interest groups in the state.

Acting on the apology tendered to Imo people by Governor Rochas Okoro-

cha, over his role in the signing of the controversial law and subsequent submission of a fresh bill for amendment of Section 40 (g), (h) and (i) of the law that appeared to have legalized abortion the House of Assembly commenced deliberation on the document on September 11, 2013. Apparently worried by the submission made by some women organizations on what he called “the need to legalize termination of pregnancies arising from rape or incest and where the pregnancy endangers the physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of he mother”, the House set up a sevenman committee to review the entire law.

The House equally empowered the Committee to conduct a public hearing before any amendment could be made.

Sunday Vanguard re-

calls that two weeks later, the Committee in its report, observed that “the law did not reflect the yearnings of the people and recommended that the law be abrogated.

Upon the adoption of the report, Stan Dara presented a fresh Bill, on behalf of his co-sponsors, urging the House to repeal the law, which had caused serious embarrassment to the legislature.

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filled as it promises to provide salvation, healing deliverance and, breakthrough to all.

According to the regional overseer, Pastor Toyin Olusanya, the crusade was not just organized for the sake of doing that, but it was born out of God’s inspira-

Trailer crushes five persons in Ibadan

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

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T was a pathetic sight yesterday at Eleyele in Ibadan North West Local Government area of Ibadan when an articulated lorry crushed about five persons.

One young lady was crushed beyond recognition while four other persons sustained serious injuries. The accident happened around 12:25pm some metres away from Eleyele roundabout.

The truck which was marked XA 178 BDG loaded more than one hundred bags of cement and was coming from Dugbe end before the accident happened.

When the driver, who looked like a 23 year old

man could not control the truck, it ran into an 18-seater commercial bus, some motorcyclists and other passersby.

After crushing the victims, it headed to another story building by the road side.

But the locked iron gate of the house prevented it from going inside the building.

The remains of the young lady whose passports and other personal effects scattered on the road were left as people who could not withstand the gory sight ran helter skelter. After a distress call to the Oyo State Mobile ambulance, it came and took the injured ones to the hospital. Though, the two drivers tried to escape, the people in the area chased and got them ar-

rested.

In a related development, another truck that loaded scores of bags of cement also ran into a Church, Save and Serve, Eleyele just some close distance to the spot of the other accident.

An eyewitness said the truck was trying to ascend a hill when its brake developed faults, turned back and broke the fence of the Church. But, there was no reported casualty.

Residents in the area complained that trucks always have accident on daily basis because they carry more than the capacity of the truck.

Policemen were at the scene controlling vehicular movements to prevent traffic snarl.

Tukur bags CBC African Man-of-the-Year award

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ATIONAL Chair man, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Turkur, has been honoured with the African Man of the Year Award 2013 at the 43rd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in Washington D.C, United States of America (U.S.A).

Amazing Grace hosts 3-day crusade HE Amazing Grace re gional headquarters, Abaranje of Mountain of fire and Miracle Ministries, has kicked off a 3 day anointing laced crusade, themed, “Overcoming the storm” which started yesterday.

The crusade according to the organizer, is anointing

President, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates listening to the Chairman Nigerian Centenary Exhibition Committee, HRH Rommel Eric Emenike as he briefed the global philanthropist on the avenues to create massive jobs for Nigerian youths as they both attended one of the meetings of the on-going 68th Assembly of the United Nations, Manhattan, New York. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

tion as he was inspired by the holy spirit to do that.

“The crusade was born out of God’s inspiration not just for the sake of organizing a crusade. Any person who is going to come will witness God and his/her life will never remain the same.

The Congressional Black Caucus is an organisation representing the black members of the United States Congress. Membership is exclusive to AfricanAmericans.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the weekend, Congress Woman, Diane Watson, described Alhaji Tukur as a calm and charismatic leader who has worked assiduously to bridge the gap between Africans and African Americans.

She commended the PDP chairman for making several calls and attempts to get blacks around the world to contribute to the development of Nigeria and the African continent.

Watson urged Africans to work together for the development of the continent, stressing that what matters is not colour but blood, which she said, should unite Africans.

In his speech at the event,

Tukur said that Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, and also the country of origin of the majority of black people, represents one of the largest emerging markets in the world.

Amosun’s wife advocates massive sensitisation on rabies

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IFE of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has called for massive campaign on rabies vaccination to create awareness of rabies to eradicate the disease, protect dogs and save human lives.

Mrs. Amosun said this while flagging-off the Rabies Campaign in Ogun

State public schools as part of activities marking the 2O13 World Rabies Day held at African Church Grammar School, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta. She noted that sensitising school children on prevention of the disease was germane to promoting the prevention within human and animal population.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 9

Apo massacre: Northern elders demand trial of killer squad

BY SONI DANIEL Regional Editor, North

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AST Friday ’s kill ing of ten artisans by security agents at the Gudu District of Abuja on suspicion of being Boko Haram terrorists yesterday drew flasks from the Northern Elders’ Forum, NEF, which described the attack as nothing but a premeditated murder of innocent poverty-stricken Nigerians.

The Secretary General of NEF, Prof Ango Abdullahi, in the first reaction of the group to the killings, said that the Department of State Security Service and all those involved in the shooting and killing of the artisans had committed murder and must be urgently brought to trial to account for the souls.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard in Abuja, the former Ahmadu Bello University Vice Chancellor pointed out that the Federal Government must not allow the culprits to go unpunished for the callous act so as not to set a dangerous precedence for other triggerhappy agents of the administration.

While calling for the probe of the relationship between the house owner and the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Security Service, the NEF scribe warned against sweeping the murder under the carpet because of the influence of the property owner.

Abdullahi said, “All the officers from the Nigerian Army and the DSS, who killed the ten men and left many others with devastating wounds must be arrested and openly tried to show the sincerity and transparency of the government to the rule of law, equity and justice.

“We in the Northern Elders’ Forum will like to see the full disclosure of the details of the owner of the controversial building and why they had to use soldiers and snipers to clear the building of squatters.

“We consider it most callous the infuriating claim, by the DSS spokeswoman that the

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, unveiling the banner of the 2013 Youth Harvest Bazaar of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja at their dinner held in Abuja, last Friday. men they killed that Friday were Boko Haram terrorists, who tried to stop them from dig-

ging for buried arms but they refused to display the recovered arms and the pit from

where the guns were removed from the compound.

“If indeed, as the DSS

has claimed, that the slain men were Boko Haram terrorists, they still needed to arrest them, get evidence from them and prosecute them in the court of law as enshrined in our law.

“To us, mere suspicion of innocent persons does not make them criminals to warrant outright execution. This is totally unacceptable to us. We suspect that those who carried out the extrajudicial killing of the ten men had a hidden motive, which must be equally punished by the government,” NEF insisted.

Apparently rattled by growing public outrage over the killing of the ten men, the Nigerian Army on

Wednesday tried to distance itself from the action, saying that it was carried out by a sister security agency.

It also said it did not have anything to do with the owner of the building said to be related to a former Head of States.

Director of Army Public Relations, BrigGeneral Ibrahim Attahiru told one of our correspondents that the Army was neither aware that the house belonged to a former Head of States’ sister nor any of its officers.

“The Nigerian Army does not have anything to do with the house.

E q u a l l y, t h e s t o r y about the house belonging to a Colonel is unfounded,” Attahiru explained.

NYA gives government five conditions for peace •••Demands sack of DSS Media Director Mustapha said that Ogar

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU, Abuja

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HE Nigerian Youths Assembly (NYA) has asked the Federal Government to

relieve the Media Director of the Department of Security Service (DSS), Mrs. Marilyn Ogar of her job or face an unusual public protest by the Nigerian Youths next week.

The demand was chief among four others marshalled out by the group as a panacea for peace.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the National Chairman of the Assembly, Comrade Nurudeen

goofed in her first statement to the world concerning the shooting that saw 7 persons dead.

He said that such unprofessional error smacked a feeling of compromise on the part

Kokori ‘internal operation’: Kelvin’s foot soldiers resort to rituals to frighten soldiers stopped the police from

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

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OOT soldiers of arrested Delta State kidnap kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah, who are overawed by soldiers, deployed to Kokori, Ethiope-East West Local Government Area, to smoke them out from their stronghold, have resorted to making ritual sacrifices to scare away the security agents.

Saturday Vanguard gathered coffins and sacrifices of dead animals with native chalk and other horrible-looking objects emerged overnight at different junctions on major streets in the town, all in the bid to cause fear.

H o w e v e r, the soldiers, who, Wednesday, arrested the chief priest of Kokori, alleged to have prepared fortification charms for Kelvin and his gang, were not perturbed, as

they continued with their “internal operation”, yesterday.

Kelvin’s comrade-inarms, who thought the chief priest was invulnerable, were stunned when he was seized by soldiers and the shrine destroyed.

Previously, the police had hesitated in destroying the shrine and arresting the chief priest even when they have information that he was the one preparing charms for the gang.

“They believed it was power of the shrine that

arresting the chief priest and burning the shrine when they struck in Kokori between March and April, so they were furious at the beating the chief priest was given when they arrested him,” a source told Saturday Vanguard.

Over 67,000 HIV positive persons receiving free treatment in Benue State

BY PETER DURU, Abuja

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VER 67,000 Peo ple Living with HIV/AIDS, PLWHAS are currently receiving free treatment and care in designated centers established by the Benue state government.

Benue state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Orduen Abunku disclosed this yesterday at the year’s ministerial press briefing, organised by the Benue state council of the Niger-

ia Union of Journalists, NUJ, under the auspices of Benue State Ministry of Information.

Dr. Abunku said, “state government has also scaled up its treatment and care centres for People Living with HIV/AIDS, PLWHAS, from 23 treatment sites in 2011 to 47 as at May, 2013.

This centres are currently reaching out to about 67,000 persons as at May 2013 in the state government’s renewed onslaught against the disease across the state.”

According to the Commissioner, “Benue State Aids

Control Agency, BENSACA has also been charged with the responsibility of coordinating a state wide HIV response as part of efforts to drive down the scourge in Benue. ”Its goal is to reduce HIV and AIDS incidence and prevalence by at least 25 percent and provide equitable prevention, care treatment and support services while mitigating its impact among women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups and the general population in Benue state by 2015.”

of Ogar.

Mustapha hinted that it was in the light of acceptance of these conditions at a meeting with Representatives of Federal Government from the Federal Capital Territory Administration that the Assembly deferred it planned protest on Wednesday.

He said: “these are the conditions that we have set for the government to fulfill so that the Nigerian Youths will not go to the street come next week. ”Marilyn Ogar must be sacked. We believe that her stand on the issue was compromised because immediately after the incident she said these people were Boko Haram members. The first thing she would have done was to investigate the issue. She defended those people that perpetrated the act. With that she has taken sides. ”At the same time,we want the family of the deceased to be compensated adequately and we want the government to provide the bodies of all the squatters be it dead or alive. ”There must be an Independent probe panel consisting of the National Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Activists that would ensure that the perpetrators of Apo Massacre are e xposed and punished.”

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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ere the victims of Apo Shooting on September 20, 2013 really members of Boko Haram as advanced by the Department of State Security Service (DSS) or mere squatters in an uncompleted building allegedly owned by a retired Army General? Was that a case of another extra Judicial killing in the Federal Capital Territory by the operatives of security agencies? Saturday Vanguard in this special report reveals all the sides of the story.

Like almost always, mum is the word. But the rage is on. The anger and the public outcry have reached a crescendo. Questions are flooding the streets. Whodunit? But no one, not even the Department of Security Service (DSS) which is obviously, centrally involved in the controversy could lend a more convincing voice.

And the Army whose men provided military back-up from Guards Brigade, according to reports, is yet to officially tell their role in the development. The whole thing appears highly shrouded in secrecy.

And the result is the festering hearsay in almost every quarter of the society.

On the day of the incident, Friday, September 20, 2013, Marilyn Ogar, Director, Public Relations of the DSS had said a shoot-out occurred between her men and suspected Boko Haram Sect members which unfortunately resulted to the death of some of the ‘insurgents.’ She also said it was a joint operation with the Army. But not many people heard Ogar say the Police was involved. Many Nigerians did not only describe Ogar’s submission as tacit, they also dismissed it with a wave of hand, saying it lacked reasoning and logic.

But then, deaths were recorded. In one fell swoop, seven persons died instantly in what seemed to Ogar as a gun duel. At the last count, the death toll was 10 and other victims whose whereabouts were unknown as at Wednesday were over 26. When Saturday Vanguard called Ogar for more enquires, she conspicuously sounded regimental and swiftly dropped this: “I have no comments. I am the one who gives releases to the press when I have.” And then she ended the call from her end. But hers was better compared to Frank Mba, the Police Force Headquarters Public Relations officer (PRO) who did not respond to the text messages sent to his phone.

Could this be another case of extra judicial killing by security agents whom the law requires to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians and in most cases, arrest and bring to justice, culprits instead of summary killing? Fears and suspicions really abound.

Now, recall the controversial ‘Apo Six’ in June 2005, which claimed the lives of six young traders at the Mechanic Village including a woman who was said to be a fiancée to one of the traders. Recall also the underhand developments which indicted the Police over the shooting. Sadly, till

ABUJA KILLINGS:

The truth, lies and politics

zVictims are Boko Haram Suspects —DSS zNo, they are Keke NAPEP Operators, Water Suppliers- —Musa, Survivor zIt is extra Judicial killing—Sani zSet up a Probe Panel—Odumakin, Yerima, Osigwe, Mustapha Another aspect of the story has it that the building belongs to a retired Army General who became greatly irked upon a knowledge that squatters had taken over his house date, justice is yet to be served on the case after eight years.

Indeed, like the “Apo six”, the incident on September 20 is also another Apo killing. And because of the number of casualties, many have come to tag it “ Apo 10.”

The “Apo 10” happened in an uncompleted building located at the Kyari close, Zone E Apo Legislative Quarters, near the Gudu Cemetery in the Federal Capital Territory , FCT.

The story The story is told in two parallels that prompt discrepancies. While the official position, being Ogar’s preliminary statement that swayed many Nigerians, corroborates the presence of ‘terrorists’ in the uncompleted building and a vexing fire-shot that got the DSS operatives and the soldiers triggered during an operation meant to excavate a cache of arms said to have been buried by the “insurgents” around in the building, counter-arguments from the sorrowstricken survivors of the shooting, eye-witnesses, concerned citizens including a member of the House of Representatives, the neighborhood, Human Rights Activist and sympathetic members of the public vehemently reject the official view.

Agreed that the dead were squatters in the building, they posited that the victims were young Nigerians who engaged in various businesses such as operating commercial tricycles otherwise called “Keke NAPEP”, Mairuwa (water suppling), sachet water selling, amongst other petty trading as means of livelihood. To them,

linking the young chaps to Boko Haram was unacceptable.

Another aspect of the story has it that the building belongs to a retired Army General who became greatly irked upon a knowledge that squatters had taken over his house.

Sources said that a few days before the raid, someone in the toga of the owner of the house had issued stern threats to deal with the squatters without further pre-information. But at the moment, the person’s identity is still not known.

And here a few questions arise.

Why is the identity of the General or the owner of the building not disclosed yet? Why would the security operatives embark on a nocturnal digging of arms without first securing the environment till daylight? Where are the arms now? If the story of nonPolice involvement is worth the salt, why would there be an operation of such nature without the Police? Why were the survivors of the shooting left without police protection even around their sick beds in the hospital since Boko Haram cases are considered high profile? Many questions, less answers.

Many Nigerians including Hon. Amiru Tukur Idris Nadabo, Member representing Bakori/Danja Constituency, Katsina State in the House of Representatives who spoke to Saturday Vanguard explained that such sites with heavy presence of young men who try to eke out a living were common within Abuja

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—11

ABUJA KILLINGS:

Marilyn Ogar, Director, Public Relations, DSS

Shettima Yerima

Shehu Sani

Alhaji Usman Nga

Victims are Boko Haram Suspects —DSS Continued from page 10 and its environs. Nadabo however said that the boys usually enter into an agreement with perhaps, the MaiGuard (local Guard) in and around such buildings which would see them pay a token ranging from N100 to N300 each as accommodation charge per night. He said that was the case with the victims of the shooting of which four of the dead were members of his Constituency in Katsina State .

Hear him: “: “As of now, we have four of my constituents killed and about nine of them are missing. We don’t know where they are. Since Friday, we have been trying to get in touch with those that arrested them.

We are trying to locate where they have been taken them. They are about 26. Some are from Zamfara, two are from Yobe ; two are from Kaduna ; and others from Sokoto and Kebbi States .

“I have visited the scene of the incident. Actually, it’s an uncompleted building. You see similar buildings around Wuse 11, Apo and Asokoro.

You see these buildings being occupied by these hustlers, these Keke Napep drivers; people who push trucks and pure water sellers.”

The rent/threats Nadabo told Saturday Vanguard that his late constituents had brought to his knowledge a threat by the supposedly owner of the uncompleted building who threatened fire and brimstone. He also recalled an earlier disagreement between the boys and the “caretaker” of the facility which was later settled. According to him, he had plans to relocate the boys amid the conflicts but hesitated when apparently, relative peace returned.

His words: “Actually, they have local arrangement with security guys there.

Some used to give N100, some N200, depending on where they are living.

Like in Asokoro, I heard they are giving N300. About four months ago , there was an incidence between these people, the occupants and the security. The Caretaker of the house took them to Apo Police Station. So, some of them came to my house and

met me. They said they were given an ultimatum of one week to pack.

Police came. So, I went to see the DPO but I didn’t see him. I left my card behind. The DPO came and saw my note, went and settled with them because I went back to my constituency. ”So, they continued paying the money. So, three weeks ago, some of them came and said that the landlord asked them to vacate his place. I asked who was the man. They said he is a retired military officer. I asked what the security they paid N200 said. They said they will settle. So, I said if there was anything, they should let me know. I even advised

have heard everything that happened. I called somebody who told me they killed a lot of people. At first, they said they killed more that 50 people.

“I came home and tried to call the Commissioner of Police. But I couldn’t get his line. I called the AIG. He picked and I asked him if he knew about the shootings. He said he knew about it. And with what he told me, I was so surprised that Police didn’t know about the operation. He asked me to go to the Commissioner of Police that he has just spoken to him.

I went straight to the Commissioner.

We entered the office and he asked me to calm down, that his people

We identified the bodies through their ID cards. Some were shot in the head.

There was Nura, Muktahar...they were from my constituency. They were not Boko Haram. The people that did the shooting knew they were not them to get a place in Durumi village, and maybe three or four of them will be sleeping in one room. So, they left.

Before they left, I told them that if there is anything, they should let me know. So, when they didn’t come back, I felt there was nothing. And a day before the incident, somebody came and said, the land had threatened that this time around, he won’t call the Police or anybody. The neighbour said so. And if there is anything, the landlord should have taken action against his own security, not the innocent people that usually pay to sleep there.”

The shooting/ encounter with the Police “But when I finished my prayer on Friday, I saw a text that an incident happened there. I wanted to go there but when I came out, I saw a lot of soldiers, military trucks and Hilux vans. So, I thought, it will be a mistake for me to just go there when I

were there. So, I was in his office when his people called that they were moving the corpses and people that were injured to Asokoro hospital. I immediately rushed to Asokoro. It was horrible. I met with CMD. We discussed.

The unknown Military General/landlord “Later on, somebody came. I didn’t know who he was because I left for the mortuary from the emergency.

Somebody called me and said someone came and offered to pay the medical bills for those that were injured. When I came, I met him entering his car with some soldiers following him. I asked around and was told he offered to pay the bills. I asked to know who he was. Somebody said, it may be the landlord of the House. I said we don’t need anything from him. So, I started calling my colleagues. They came, about four of us and we started to

make arrangements of what to do. I tried to meet with this man. But he had already driven out with a military vehicle following him.”

They were not members of Boko Haram “We identified the bodies through their ID cards. Some were shot in the head. There was Nura and Muktahar...they were from my constituency. They were not Boko Haram members. The people that did the shooting know they were not.

Look, usually, if there is Boko Haram incidence, the government demolishes or takes over the house. They would do this and that. Everyone knows how they operate. We saw how they operated in Kano , Zaria and even in the church; we knew how they operated in Madallah here. Why is it that they didn’t do that in that uncompleted building? Because, the building was owned by a retired General? I want to be sure of the name before saying it. But the name won’t hide. Definitely, it will come out someday.

Journey to DSS Headquarters In a voice ladened with the bitterness, Nadabo recalled how he and his two colleague- lawmakers were also assaulted by the operatives of the DSS during an attempt to meet with the officials in their office for clarifications. But he said he was going to fight to get to unravel the mystery behind the death of his constituents.

The mai-Guard (local guard) “He ran away. We have been trying to get to him. But all we know is that he is from Kaduna .”

The next line of action “We have got most of our lawyers and human rights activists and the Youth Council of Nigeria. We can’t allow this to continue to happen.”

Yusuf Abubakar, A survivor tells his story Saturday Vanguard also went to Asokoro General hospital during the

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

ABUJA KILLINGS:

It is extra judicial killing—Sani

Yinka Odumakin

Atiku Abubakar

Continued from page 11 week. There, Yusuf Abubakar, a survivor in the attack shared a pathetic story.

“I could remember that a human scavenger came into the uncompleted building with his sack over his shoulders, and was vandalizing some electric cables and most of the occupants were not around that time, which was about 8 pm. It was the security guard in the building who caught him and called the owner of the house. The reply of the owner of the building was to order the security guard to inform us that all of us who were occupying the house should leave the place under one week or he would deploy soldiers and to take serious action against us. This order was given on Wednesday last week, and on Friday, the owner of the building deployed armed soldiers at about 12 midnight. After they arrived, they surrounded the building and started shooting right inside the building, and we were over 200 occupants sleeping inside the building at that time.

“We were in total confusion and were running for our dear lives for safety and anyone who ran was gunned down by the soldiers. The soldiers killed 18 of us, and we just lost one of us in the hospital today (Monday) out of the 13 that were brought to Asokoro General Hospital, while one of us was hospitalized at Wuse General Hospital.

Most of us were killed as a result of standing up, like myself, in the process of running out for safety, I fell and was shot in my left hand. I was wearing a white shirt which I removed and hid my myself somewhere. A soldier with his rifle came very close to my side, I thought he saw me, but he rather shot and killed somebody who was running towards my direction. I am very sure it was one of the soldiers who came for the attack but I cannot really tell how many they were.

“I am still carrying the bullet in my hand. The doctor only come to dress

My dead brother was a Keke Napep driver— Suleiman Adamu No one would convince Sulieman Adamu that his brother was a member of the sect. All he knew was that his late brother was a tricycle (Keke Napep) driver. He also shared his experience.“I was at Mabushi, where I received a call that my elder brother, Nasiru Adamu, was shot by some soldiers who came to where he was living, and he was taken along with others injured in the same building at Apo, and brought to Asokoro General Hospital . He was shot in the stomach and died this morning (Monday). He was married and had a one-year old daughter. He was a keke NAPEP driver.”

Also, in a chat with Abuja Keke NAPEP Chairman, Musa Ibrahim revealed that most of the victims were licensed Keke Napep Operators.“This morning, we had to take the remaining two bodies to the mortuary, although one of the bodies has been here in Asokoro Hospital mortuary since Friday. We took seven bodies on the day the attack took place and returned them to their various states of origin. The body that was deposited at the mortuary was as a result of us not being able to get in touch with the family but we have now contacted the family.

Meanwhile, we just lost another victim who was rushed to the hospital that Friday. His name was Nasiru Adamu, and he hails from Zamfara .

“The seven that were killed on that day were all our Keke NAPEP members. We issued identity them the cards they were having. They had lived in that uncompleted building for over two years and were paying N200 weekly to the security guard of the building who is the caretaker of the landlord. Even the owner of the building was aware that these people were living in house. He gave them an earlier notice, which was orally made, to quit the house on Wednesday but that has not expired before the attack.

“After the attack, there were no security operatives around the building. It was our members who even informed the nearest police station to come around. If those who were left in the building were actually Boko Haram, after committing the act they would have ran away, and also security agents who came there would have laid siege till day break.

“As we know, those who lost their lives and the survivors were not Boko Haram members. We want the federal government to thoroughly investigate the matter and punish whoever is behind this dastardly act, because it is not acceptable,” he said.

Victims were mostly our members— Musa Ibrahim, Abuja Keke Napep Chairman

Condemnations Nadabo is not the only Nigerian who is angry with the security

No one would convince Suleiman Adamu that his brother was a member of the sect. All he knew was that his late brother was a tricycle (Keke Napep) driver the injury and give me drugs and injection. One of the House of Representatives members from Zamfara State provides food for us. I am from Zamfara State ; I am a commercial truck pusher at Garki Monday Market. People are just broadcasting that we are Boko Haram members which we are not. Rather, we are into keke NAPEP driving, commercial truck pushing, cobbling and selling of sachet water.”

operatives. Many others expressed their regrets and therefore called for a thorough investigation of the incident.

There should be a probe — Comrade Yinka OdumakinPublic Affairs Analyst There are two conflicting accounts of what happened in that place. The Department of State Security (DSS) has said they are Boko Haram suspects who were hiding arms in the place. And there is another account that says that there was an Army General who was trying to evict squatters from his house that sent soldiers to go and kill those people.

Whichever one it is, I think the lives of people cannot be taken like that without investigations. Extra judicial killing is pure murder and those who committed such acts must be fished out. And we must know the truth even if it’s what the DSS alleged. I think extra judicial killing is not the solution. They should have been arrested, brought before the law and punished. But when you begin to do extra judicial killing, you are abridging the powers of the state and you are taking the lives of citizens. It is only the court that can pronounce a person guilty. Any other thing outside that is extra judicial and therefore, I actually support a probe of what actually transpired; how those people died so that we can know the truth and prevent such from occurring in the future if actually they were innocent citizens who were killed by security agencies.

The security agencies goofed— Afam Osigwe—Ex Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Federal Capital Territory , FCT, Branch The story security agencies told is phony. From the initial media statement issued by the Police and the DSS, they said they got information that Boko Haram buried some arms there and they went to unearth it around 3 am. Now, I found it curious because it’s strange for security agents to want to go and dig up arms by that time of the night. I found that very curious. To my mind, the normal thing would have been to secure the place pending that day break for them to carry out that operation. What I also found very curious in the whole report is that it is reported that the people who survived that attack and are receiving treatment at the hospital have bullet wounds at the back. This is not indicative of people who are exchanging fires with security agents but people who were fleeing from the scene of shooting. When you receive bullet at the back, it means you are fleeing. Thirdly, if these people are really Boko Haram and that they have gunned down some of them, it is also curious that in the first hours of their being evacuated to the hospital, there was no security presence; no security operatives posted to the hospital to ensure that they did not abscond. This collaborates the statement of the surviving victims that they were mere squatters who were paying a token to the security

Continues on page 45

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 13

Adamawa indigenes beg court to stop Gov Nyako from taking N3.7bn loan

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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High Court of Jus tice in Adamawa state has been asked to stop Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State from securing over N3.7billion loan from Islamic Development Bank, IDB. Adamawa State indigenes, through their lawyer, Mr. Dan Kozah, are praying the court for an order restraining the Governor from sourcing for external loans or granting approval for the sourcing of external loans either from the IDB or any other financial institutions pending hearing and determination of their motion on notice.

Whereas three of the indigenes, Engineer Albert Stephen, Dr. Penni Boga and Francis Zira, endorsed the suit on behalf of the others, those listed as defendants

were Governor Nyako; the Adamawa State House of Assembly and the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of the State.

In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs accused Nyako of putting machinery in place to secure a loan to the tune of $24, 113, 417.00 on behalf of the State from IDB. They maintained that considering the statutory allocation, internally generated revenue and the current debt burden, the state, is not in a po-

sition to take a loan from IDB or any bank. They further argued that due to the Debt Management Office report and the state indebtedness, it is not in the interest of the state to seek any loan, domestic or international.

Therefore, they are asking the court to declare that the act of seeking approval to source for an external loan to the tune of $24, 113, 417,.00 from the IDB by the Adamawa state government is unreasonable, unwarranted and unconstitutional.

Church of Annunciation holds harvest dinner

T

HE Catholic Church of Annunciation has concluded plans to host its parishioners to a harvest dinner with a view to creating a bond between members of the fold.

Harvest Committee Chairman, Mr Lawrence

Alu said that the essence of the programme is also to celebrate this year’s thanksgiving and use the occasion to raise fund for the Church.

The event which comes on the 5th of October, will take place at Oriental hotel on Lekki I Lagos.

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UDGES in the Edo State Judiciary may have stopped sitting in courts within the State in protest against the abduction of one of their colleagues, Justice Daniel Okungbowa who was kidnapped by armed men on his way to sit at the Ekpoma Division of the Edo State High Court.

The boycott of sittings by the Judges is coming on the heels of the resolution by the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association to boycott all courts within Edo State until Justice Daniel Okungbowa was released unhurt and unconditionally by his abductors.

Also, Edo State chapter of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSON) yesterday said that they will stage a protest march to the Governor ’s office, DSS and the Commissioner of Police to register their displeasure over the kidnap of the High Court J u d g e .

JUSON at the end of its emergency meeting di-

Judges, NBA, JUSON boycott sittings in Edo over kidnap of Judge Vanguard learnt that

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin rected all its members to stay at home effective from Wednesday, 3 rd September if the Judge was not released for seven days. Saturday

among the courts allegedly shunned by the NBA include; Court of Appeal, Benin Division; Federal High Court; all High Courts of Justice within Edo State; Magistrate Courts; Customary Courts; and District Customary Courts.

Group endorses Dafinone

BY SIMON ADEWALE

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pressure group, the Niger Delta Revolution Movement of the Niger Delta struggle has endorsed Chief Ede Dafinone for Senate in the by-election coming up 5th of October 2013.

In a chat with newsmen, the leader of the group, Comrade Pa t r i c k Akamovba hailed Ede Dafinone over his landslide victory at the primaries held in Ughelli, Tuesday, where Dafinone

polled 872 votes to beat his closest rival, who scored 352 votes and called on the Urhobos to come out en-masse to vote Ede Dafinone for Senate.

“It is clear that Ede Dafinone is the man that can represent Urhobos effectively at the National Assembly and was determined to make life better for the people and also bring development to the Urhobo people”.

Akamovba said that the group was prepared to resist any form of rigging urging INEC to conduct a free and fair election.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 ould it be that Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, is being economical with the truth? One must confess that the people are not fully let into the true state of affairs concerning the health of the nation’s wealth. What appears before us simpleminded citizens is a bewildering account told in contradictory terms. Only astute economists like Henry Boyo, seem to entirely understand the goings-on. Their verdict leaves us with little comfort. What we ourselves actually perceive provides even less . The transformation which is supposed to be set in a programme to be systematically unveiled is not distinguishable except in the vision of its protagonists. Nothing seems to change for the better.

There is a lot of money around that really does not amount to much in value. The Finance Minister boasts that inflation has been repressed to 8 percent but cash liquidity still rages.

And when there is too much money than is needed to acquire goods and services, prices naturally rise to the occasion. But knowledgeable experts, particularly Henry Boyo, have spared no effort to explain that the cash deluge inundates the economy mostly from the unjustifiable process of naira allocations strained out of dollar revenues. Nobody is listening, least of all the Coordinating Minister.

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*with a ffor or ked ttongue ongue ork *ak anbi “ege” fact or factor *akanbi

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the actors, and singers, and comedians, and what-haveyou in the entertainment industry to look in the direction of President Goodluck Jonathan.

We all know that it was by dint of individual and collective hard work and enterprise that the young men and women are emerging as prominent citizens in good number. Now that they are becoming more than just a mere speck on the horizon of our social lives, the generosity of the President can be said to have been well considered. But does that really add up to a diversification of the economy? The Minister of Finance said recently that there were problems to be solved over the disbursement of the fund— it is yet to be used for any real purpose. And, in any case, how far does that amount go? That is what is meant by diversification of the economy?

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he response to both the foreign and domestic debts is also rather tepid. When you are dealing with debts realistically at any level, they have to be juxtaposed with the height of the income. Our Finance Minister would glibly inform you that the domestic debt is this, while the foreign debt is that without aligning them with the projected revenue. That is what would give meaning to the data. But that you don’t get. What you are served with is the bland statement that the nation cannot afford 500 million naira

demanded by ASUU to bring down the rupture in our university education development. That position is clearly untenable if there is nothing wrong with the health of our economy, especially as the Federal Government had earlier committed itself to an agreement that the money would be provided. And I believe that it takes only an Okonjo-Iweala as a Finance Minister, to stare boldly at the nation and spew that out, while saying that the economy is in robust circumstances. She has the fascinating attribute of an accomplished bully who expects or accepts no contrary view. She has spoken. She is right. That settles it ... but does it?

Well, the Sovereign Wealth Fund, for instance, will not go away, though the policy is being actuated. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had breezily announced, right in the heat of deliberations by State Governors about it, that there had been enough said about the matter; and that it was going to happen. And that was it. Period. Well, it really isn’t, since the governors have gone to litigation over it. How could we contemplate such a scheme which proclaims a reserve of acquired revenue at a time when a cabinet minister swears that the entire economy of the nation would collapse over an expenditure covering ASUU demands?

•Dr.Okonjo-Iweala

,

ne sometimes wonders if she actually believes in what she is saying, as she recently plied some British officials and businessmen with the glorious story of that containment of the inflation in a single-digit limit. It was in the exercise of riding her hobby-horse, to wit, the solid situation of the national economy. With great relish, she added that the economy was, as a matter of fact, being diversified right now.

Nigeria no longer restricts her dependence on only the proceeds of her petroleum products, she stated. One of the notable areas, according to the lady, is in entertainment. That, of course, could not but be in connection with any other effort except the offer of 50 million naira which President Goodluck Jonathan offered to Nollywood sometime ago. Nobody was deceived then, and no one is in doubt now, that the money was no more than an “incentive” towards the acceptance of the President’s cause. A polite way would be to say it was to “lobby”

Are we broke or are we not? Or why are we fighting shy of meeting our bills in the midst of declared affluence?

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has to answer that question satisfactorily

But then, the monthly allocations to the States are indeed in a fiasco. The Federal Government appears unwilling ( or is it unable ?) to loosen the purse strings of the Federation Account and pay the States the tidy sum of 336 billion naira the States’ Commissioners of Finance insist they are being owed.

On no less than two occasions in the past week, the commissioners have had to openly turn down all blandishments to make them accept less than they claim is their due from the Federal Government.

S

o you might indeed wonder if there is more than meets the eye in the conflicting statements of Okonjo-Iweala about the nations’ economy. You might begin to ponder on this unedifying shift from one foot to the other about what is and what is not. Are we broke or are we not? Or why are we fighting shy of meeting our bills in the midst of declared affluence?

The Honourable Minister

,

of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has to answer that question satisfactorily, once and for all— and not with a forked tongue, either. No wonder there is a clamour already for her to go, from the people who have also asked her master not to come back.

The largesse that recently fell into the lap of our artistes nudges our minds in the direction of the influence of comedians, musicians, actors and the men and women of the entertainment world on the course of politics. In other parts of the world, specifically in the United States, the involvement of the world of entertainment with politics is of a long-standing tenure, though very famous stars seldom care to be identified with any particular political suasion. Ronald Reagan, however, could not help himself after getting involved in trade union activities in aid of his fellow actors. He never looked back until he

became the US President.

Arnold Schwarznegger, on the other hand, practically stumbled into the governorship of California, the largest US state. Most actors and musicians seem to content themselves with merely endorsing political candidates and keeping their noses dry from elaborate involvement.

That would also appear to be the practice in Nigeria, generally. Popular bands have even been seldom made to perform in the political campaigns of the past two decades. Nigerians are prone to be too personal about public issues and an open alignment with a particular political policy or personality may be a matter of severe consequence to an entertainer. In fact, such was supposed to have happened to Akanbi Wright, a “master guitarist” of the forties.

He was totally committed to the fortunes of the Nigerian National Democratic Party, known for short as the “Demo”.

The only opponent they had was the Action Group which had the Area Council Organization as its subsidiary in the Local Government election of the early forties. The contest was for the Mayoralty and membership of the Lagos Town Council. Against all odds, the “Demo” emerged winners.

Alhaji Ibiyinka Olorunimbe became the Mayor of Lagos, and Mazi Mbonu Ojike was elected the Deputy Mayor. (He was an Igbo man, by the way.

And this was some 60 years ago.) kanbi Wright, aka “Akanbi Ege”, was rapturous. He joyfully came out with a juju musical number in which he derided the losing Area Council and called them, “Area Mosa”. Lagosians took to the streets with it and danced through the night.

Well, Akanbi somehow contacted what was reckoned to be tuberculosis — openly, that is. And he soon died thereafter. But those who professed to know the real cause of his death whispered that it was connected with his political outspokenness. That seemed to have signalled a marked coolness on the part of Lagos musicians towards political matters thereafter.

But some young musicians have welcomed such engagements as legitimate business in recent times. And not a slight cough heard. Yet.

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Echoes: After 53 years of independence, we have nothing to cheer.

Students, pensioners, fathers, mothers, artisans, professionals, youths, etc, still stew in the hellish scourge of irreverent policy. Can Nigerians survive? Have a sober celebration. (Chief Bobson Gbinigie, Mandate Against Poverty, Warri.)

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—15

As our Inspector General finds love again Any notion that the position of the Inspector General of Police is not a very powerful one, must be quickly laid to rest by the turn out, a fortnight ago, at Mohammed Abubakar’s wedding to his heartthrob, Safiya.

It had all the trappings of a Super Star wedding; only more. Both the electronic and print media were generous with pictures an effusive with words. The attendance too could not have been higher classed— from Senators, Generals, to ex-Heads of State. For once, there was no ruling party; neither were there opposition parties.

Everybody wanted to show their face and be counted! Dis man na powerful man o.

Seeing the assemblage of top politicians, past and present security chiefs, and wheeler-dealers, including businessmen who only do government business, a morbid thought came to my mind. What if a Boko Haram bomb blew up the building where they assembled and revelled? Would a better Nigeria emerge from the rubbles? After all, over seventy percent of those responsible for the state of Nigeria today were gathered

environment. But would history favour him when it recalls where he met the Force and where he is leading it?

Especially when it comes to the independence and impartiality of the Force? Probably not.

In the past few months, he has shown how the Force can be used as an instrument of coercion and intimidation by the Federal Government. The heavy police presence at the PDP convention gave the impression that the PDP and the State are one. They are not. The role of the police in the ensuing break up of PDP is not even handed. The role of the police in Rivers State has been most embarrassing; and his refusal to remove a Commissioner of Police who has refused to recognise the State Governor as the number one security officer has laid a bad precedent. So has the blockage of the road to the Government House.

All these—and many more— give the impression that the police can not be trusted as an impartial and unbiased enforcer of the law. This is worrisome and portends a bad omen for 2015.

This new image will eclipse other unsavoury images of corruption,

in that place. But like I said, it was a morbid, even uncharitable thought and I quickly let it pass. Mohammed Abubakah, our handsome Inspector General, deserves his moments of joy.

It’s the way of life however, that just as Abubakah’s family was in full celebration, another family known to many of the attendees, was in sudden mourning at the death of his illustrious son. Dr Olusegun Agagu, a PDP chieftain, former Minister and former Governor of Ondo State, passed away at the weekend.(He probably would have been at the wedding if he was alive).

i n c o m p e t e n c e , unprofessionalism in the police that have led to increased crime in the country. Worse, it will define his tenure as I.G and give ammunition to those advocating for State Police.

So as he enjoys the warmth of his beautiful wife, he should think of what his legacy will be.

Many of those who swarmed around him at his

,

As our Abubakar finds love again, he s h o u l d p o n d e r about the frailty of life

With him went plans on the personal, professional and political fronts. The broken PDP in Ondo State will have to be mended by someone else; not him.

His newly won power project will have to be powered by someone else; not him.

His many personal projects in Oyo and Ondo States will have to be sorted out by someone else; not him. For him, the sun has set and the jury is out. After the generous out pouring of love, and repetitious clichés, the harsh critical assessment of his life and times will begin and the process of what will be the shaping of his legacy as a politician and as a human being, will be out lined.

As our Abubakar finds love again, he should ponder about the frailty of life.

He should remember that he once lost love less than two years ago. There must have been plans his first wife had that were never actualised. That, unfortunately, is what death does to the living. That is why, all of us, including the new bridegroom, should give a thought to how they will be remembered should they drop suddenly like Dr Agagu did.

Ababakar would probably be remembered for his genuine, if unsuccessful attempt, to stop the road blocks that do more harm than good. He probably would be remembered for his half-hearted, again unsuccessful attempt, to reduce corruption in the Police. He probably would be remembered as a personally decent police officer in an indecent C M Y K

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wedding should under no circumstance, be comfortable around a straight police officer.

Let it not be said that he had the opportunity to straighten out the police— and the Nation— and he could not find the steel to rise to the challenge.

P.S. The I.G and his wife, probably on the way to their honeymoon, were escorted to the boarding gate of the Emirate plane going to Dubai on Thursday, September 19, by not less than ten senior police officers including the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

They must have passed the checking— in counter, passed the immigration and Custom control posts, waited at the VIP waiting lounge meant for travellers, before reaching the neck of the plane just before the door was closed. Must custodians of the law flout the laws of the land so openly?

Surely, there must be very few places in the world where this kind of thing can happen?

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16—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

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igeria is a great country and Nigerians are beau tiful people. The average Nigerian is enduring and enterprising and can survive any challenge in life . The Nigerian doesn’t chicken out easily. He never says die.

He never quits.He wears patience and long suffering like a toga. One wonders then why many think they have to travel overseas for greener pastures or succeed in life . Which green pasture overseas can be greener than our national flag and international passport?

If green pastures are not found in Nigeria, why then are the Indians, Chinese,Lebanese and other nationals besieging Nigeria in search of gold and even have the effrontery to tell their siblings back home that Nigeria is a country littered with gold but Nigerians are too blind to see it !

Of course, nobody can blame them after the hype we made about the £3,000 Visa Bond for Nigerians wanting to travel to UK and the exhaustion of the United States Visa Lottery quota for Nigerians. They observe us with suspicion when we visit their embassies to obtain visas and suffer the humiliation of being told point blank, in many cases, that we are not qualified to visit their countries whereas , they are residing in ours! Imagine being told by a miserable foreign embassy worker living in Nigeria who has no nomenclature in his own country that you would not come back to Naija if you travel to his country. Obviously, he thinks you’d prefer to sweep the streets of London or America to keeping a respectful job here in Nigeria!

What are Nigerians looking for overseas? Why would they want to travel and live like slaves in a foreign country doing menial jobs?

What greener pastures are Nigerians looking for that they cannot get here? If there are no green pastures here, why would the Indians, Chinese, Lebanese, Britons and even Americans be living in Nigeria to eke out a living?

Nigeria will be 53 on Tuesday and this should be time for us to reflect deeply about ourselves and the country. We should forget the few challenges we are having and work out ways of moving Nigeria forward.

Come to think of it, Nigeria is not the only country that is having political problems . Other countries too face challenges of leadership and like us too, wash their dirty linen in the public . It is not only in Nigeria that legislators hit themselves with maces or fight during plenary. It is not only in Nigeria that the National Assembly disagrees with the President. It also happens elsewhere.

Just recently, the British Parliament refused to follow Cameron blindly into Syria battle. This in political terms is a major setback for the British Prime Minister David Cameron. The British Parliament voted against military action in Syria, forcing the United States to perhaps go it alone if it chooses to strike Syria over a recent chemical attack that killed hundreds of people.

It is quite obvious that America has also chickened out after the 285-272 British Parliament vote ruled out any military intervention by the United Kingdom and worse , with the votes coming on the day that the Obama administration postponed disclosure of the intelligence that led it to conclude the regime of Bashar Assad was to be blamed for the Aug. 21 chemical attack that killed many in a region North of Damascus. This ‘cough’ by the UK Parliament made Obama of the United States catch ‘cold’!

Last month, Taiwanese MPs exchanged punches and threw water at one another ahead of an expected vote to authorise a national referendum on whether to build a fourth nuclear power plant on the densely populated island of 23 million people.

Nuclear power has long been a contentious issue in Taiwan and be-

than doing more honourable jobs here? Some of those who were washing dead bodies and sweeping streets are already coming back home after they realised

Made in Nigeria dragging members of the GNP away from the podium.

So, what is the big deal about our own National Assembly having disagreements with one another over President Jonathan’s 2015 presidential aspiration or money being shared to impeach some key officers of the House as alleged in some quarters? What is the big deal about hitting one another with the mace in a State Assembly when it is a normal practice all over the world? hemical attacks in the north C of Damascus that killed hundreds of people are not different

Cameron came more so following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011.The fracas pitted the pro-referendum forces of President Ma Ying-jeou’s ruling Nationalist Party against strongly anti-nuclear forces affiliated with the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

In Ukraine, last December, the parliament devolved into an allout brawl between government supporters and opposition lawmakers after the beginning of a parliamentary session when a group from the opposition swarmed the body’s podium. Lawmakers wrestled with one another and some deputies were knocked over as anger over the controversial practice of voting in place of absent peers boiled over. An intrepid photographer captured a government supporter punching a charging opposition lawmaker in the crotch.

Few years ago, a brawl equally erupted in the South Korean parliament after an argument over the provision of free meals for students in public schools turned physical. The

Bashar Assad

If green pastures don’t abound in Nigeria, why then are Indians, Chinese, Lebanese and other nationals besieging Nigeria in search of gold and even have the effrontery to tell their siblings back home that Nigeria is a country littered with gold but Nigerians are too blind to see ! governing Grand National Party (GNP), which was opposed to the bill, invaded the Speaker’s podium during a debate.

The parliament was plunged into chaos, as lawmakers pushed and shoved one another. One man managed to break through the opposition’s barrier and tried to occupy the Speaker’s chair.

The showdown continued until opposition politicians from the Democratic Party succeeded in

from our Boko Haram attacks which have claimed thousands of lives in Nigeria and now the insurgents are inching closer to the seat of power in Abuja.

There is nothing oversea that Nigeria cannot boast of. Why then would we subject themselves to the humiliation of being insulted at foreign embassies and being subjected to terrible security checks at Airports?

It is no longer a secret that Nigerians are not trusted enough to be checked with just scanner . It has gotten that bad. Since the Abdul-Mutallab experience, Nigerians are physically checked at departure and arrival lounges of international airports to the point that a virgin can lose her virginity in the process of being physically and brutally screened by the gloved hands of security experts and a baby in the womb could be shaken out and shaken back into the mother’s womb in a bid to physically feel things.

Do we need all that?

Why should we give these longnosed foreigners the impression that we prefer to wash their dead bodies and sweep their streets

there is indeed gold here in Nigeria, that ours is a country flowing with milk and honey, the Promised Land.

Some of our young musicians who were dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in America and UK are already home smiling to the banks and counting their millions. If in doubt, ask the likes of D’banj, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Banky W. and they will tell you that home is heaven, that the home is where the heart is! If not for their smartness, some of them would have ended up also sweeping the streets of America!

If the lure is technology, I can assure you that there is nothing that you can get in the UK and America that you cannot get in Aba. Anything made in UK, America or China can be well duplicated with maximum certainty in Aba. Or do you want to play tricks with the people who produced the Biafran Red Devil, and the mass killer bomb (Ojukwu’s bucket or Ogbunigwe)?

Entertainment-wise, we have beaten them to it. Is it in terms of comedy? The days of Eddy Murphy and Arsenio Hall’s ‘Coming to America’ are gone. We have Julius the genius, Seyi Law, Yaw and countless others.

(Apologies to Mandy).

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t is not only America that can boast of the likes of Danny De Vito because we have our own

‘Aki and Paw-Paw’ for maximum

entertainment. If it is action movies, we have Jim Iyke both in and off the set to give us the required action. There is nothing to go looking for in America. If you think you have to go to America to smooch a Monica Lewinsky, that is balderdash. In Nigeria, a newly born baby girl is up for grabs! If in doubt, ask the Nigerian legislator!

Nigeria is a beautiful country and we have clearly drawn the line between the poor, the rich and the nouveau rich. The evidence is spread across Asokoro in FCT, Parkview and VGC in Lagos and the various GRAs across Nigeria. The difference between these areas and Mushin or Ajegunle is clear.

Nigeria should be celebrated at 53 because the country has got all it takes.

Hip, Hip, Hip! Hurray!

Anambra guber: When the elephants fight (1)

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hat will happen after the November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra State is best left to the imagina tions. It is going to be the battle of the titans and money-bags as some individual contestants are perceived to be richer than the state. Twenty-three political parties have nominated candidates for the governorship. The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had issues with the authentic candidates for the election. The ruling party in the State, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, parading two national Chairmen; Chief Victor Umeh and Chief Maxi Okwu came up with two gubernatorial candidates, Willy Obiano and Chike Obidigbo. Chief Obiano is the harmonised candidate of Gov Peter Obi and Chief Victor Umeh’s recent reconciliation while Chike Obidigbo was the candidate of Chief Maxi Okwu’s faction.

Okwu lost out in the power game. The INEC listed Willy Obiano as candidate of APGA. One outstanding thing about the APGA candidate and his running mate is their jaw-breaking academic degrees and some have declared them too elitist for a people known to be mainly traders and artisans.

For the PDP, three candidates: Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu, Tony Nwoye and Andy Uba initially emerged but INEC listed Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu in accordance with the latest order as delivered by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/296/2013 – Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu vs. Dr. Tony Nwoye & 3 others.

Chris Nwabueze Ngige, the guberntorial candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, left behind a legacy during the

period he governed the State between 2003-2006. But that legacy died on the floor of the senate where he topped the list of non-performing senators. He is not known to have sponsored any bill or made any impact on the floor of the senate. And that is besides belonging to the ‘wrong’ party as many Anambrarians have continued to link the APC with the ‘deportation’ of Igbos from Lagos and some think APC is the same party with Action Congress, AC; Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and now, the All Progresives Congress, APC, which they perceive as a South-West regional party. And they are right for many reasons.

APC has Chief Akande as it national Chairman and Lai Mohammed as national Secretary just as in AC and ACN. To add insult to injury, Dr Ngige allegedly had pellets of satchet water thrown at him during his campaign at Main Market Onitsha last week. So much for a man who achieved so much in his first attempt as governor.

The Labour Party candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah may be a man of the people and his emergence as Labour Party candidate was not controversial but Ubah does not parade a retinue of degrees like those of the ruling party in the state. If he is not as literate as other candidates, his supporters believe he is ‘literate’ money-wise and that can make things happen for him. But what is this rumour making the rounds that his close ally was pictured in 2003 carrying a keg of fuel to set the State on fire in the regime of Ngige? Something has not been done to douse that rumour and the sooner they do that, the better before it gains ground especially if the rumour mongers have nothing to prove their allegation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28 2013 — 17

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18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

How do I know if I’m o vulating? ovulating?

Dear Julie, I have been married for three years and my husband and I need a baby badly. We have been trying all these while and we are now counting my ovulation to ensure everything is done adequately. How do I know if I am actually ovulating? I have tried the Ovulation Predictor Kits for five months, and only got one positive during my first month of trying.

My cycle has also varied each month between 28 to 25 days.

How long should we try before contacting my gynaecologist?

I am 33 years old.

Emelda, Lagos Dear Emelda, Ordinarily, there are two reasons a woman ‘ll want to know when she is ovulating: she is trying to get pregnant or she is trying to avoid it.

In a normal cycle, you should be ovulating about 14 days before the start of your next period. If you are not sure how long your cycle is, start marking the days of your cycle in your diary, starting with day one on the first day of your period. Once you have established a pattern, you can more or less predict ovulation.

You might get a slight pain over your ovary at the time of ovulation. The cervical mucus changes a few days before you ovulate, making it easier for sperm to get into the uterus and to the egg that was released. The volume of your discharge will increase and it becomes almost elastic. Your temperature also rises with about half a degree.

These work just like pregnancy tests , detecting a surge

He drinks a lot Dear Julie,

of hormones in your urine.

You start using them at the same time of day from about day twelve of your cycle or about 16 days before you think your next period will start. If two lines appear, it means that you will ovulate within the next 24 hours.

But yours is an irregular period and it is possible that you are starting to test too late . If you have a 25 day cycle, you

are ovulating on day 11! So you have to start testing from day nine .

Since you are 33 years old, you do not have to do it your way. You should go to see your gynaecologist or a fertility specialist . The later is a bit more expensive but really worth it. Many couples

looking for the fruit of the womb have tried it and it worked for them. So, if you and your husband can afford a fertility expert, go and see one to enhance your chances of conception. Besides, your husband also needs to undergo some tests as it is not always the woman’s fault when conception is delayed.

I want to remould my son Dear Julie, Is it possible to change my 16 year old son from being angry and negative? He does not take responsibility for his actions; he blames everyone else and tells lies. He also shows little respect for adults when he thinks they don’t respect him. He is getting better, but I really want him to be a changed person before he graduates from high school and goes out in the world.

Anne, Lagos Dear Anne, We cannot change another human being. It is not possible. And, it is not our job to do so.

What is our responsibility, and what we can do is to continue to work on improving our own life. If we will do this, then the improvement we have agreed to in our lives will see to it that whomever is around us will have the chance to make new choices .

This is the only way we can

help those we love , by increasing the presence of love in our hearts. This does not mean we pretend to be different.

Children see our phoniness and resent us for being hypocrites. Instead, we must embrace what we are

given to see within ourselves and in our willingness to be made new, we become a living example of God that changes us. Then, your son, or whomever it may be, has a chance to make a new choice based on seeing its real possibility.

I’m getting more anxious these days Aunty Julie, Anxiety seems to be my lot in life lately. I have a full plate of activities with children, a challenging job, and a few outside interests. I feel like I balance these and keep my priorities straight, yet still, I’m often visited by worry and anxiety. Do you have any suggestions on how I can work through this?

Imona, Calabar Dear Imona, Anxiety is one of the more difficult internal states to work with because of the way it works within us. The key is to begin realizing that the only influence any anxious state can have over us is in what it promises us we will have if we’ll do what the state tells us to do. One of the important aspects of your inner work is to begin deeply learning to recognize these individual states as they invade your system, and in the beginning, if nothing else, to meet these states (especially anxiety) with what you know is true about the situation instead of listening to what the situation tells you is true about you.

I cannot control my anger Dear Aunty Julie, I am a 43 years old man. I am married and have four children. When I look at myself, it seems that my most prevalent emotion is anger. It’s always there, and I feel powerless to stop my raging thoughts. What can I do? I really am weary of my own out-of-control emotions.

It is affecting my life and marriage and on several occasions, I’ve had to vent my spleen on my wife who I feel I

Cake or bed?

don’t deserve. I feel sorry to be married to a humble lady like her and having to hurt her all the while. Can I ever get out of this?

Louis, Edo Dear Louis, You already know that your anger is destroying you. It is and it will. The fact that you are tired of living your life this way means you are ready for a change. you can now start making efforts towards changing for good. So, the next time

A husband is at home watching a football game when his wife interrupts, “honey, could you fix the light in the hallway, it’s been flickering for weeks now.” He looks at her and says angrily, “fix the lights now? Does it look like I have electrician written on my forehead? I don’t think so.”

“Fine,” then the wife asks, “ well then, could you fix the fridge door? It won’t close right,” to which he replied, “fix the fridge door? Does it look like I have fridge repairer written on my

some hostile thoughts take over your mind, either in remembering something someone did to you in the past or in an actual moment of conflict with someone standing before you, take some steps as soon as you can remember yourself to do so.

Start by seeing that something foreign to your true nature has imposed itself on you and taken over your life.

Having done this, do nothing else except realize that while

you may be temporarily powerless to stop your state of mind from possessing you, you are empowered to recognize the negative state as the intruder that it is.

This awareness, this conscious, unself-justifying awareness of your true pained condition, is what it means to put an end to the problem. That’s your job.

God will do His part if you’ll do yours. Persist until you are free!

C O C K - T A L E S forehead?

I don’t think so.” “ Fine”, she says, “then you could at least fix the steps to the front door? They are about to break”. “ I’m not a carpenter and I don’t want to fix steps he says, “does it look like I have carpenter written on my forehead?” “I don’t think so” “I ‘ve had enough of you. I’m going out”. So he goes to drink for a couple of hours. He starts to feel guilty about how he treated his wife, and decides to go home. As he walks into the house, he notices that

My husband drinks too much. The problem I have with that, aside from it being deadly to his health is his mean-spirited attitude toward me after he drinks.

He says negative things about me that he would not normally say while sober. The crazy thing about it is, the next day he is repentant, telling me how much he loves me and how he would be nothing without me. How do I bring myself above circumstances that seem to just take me on one roller coaster ride after another? How do I free myself from negativity about his abuse of me? I want to understand the truth about this situation . Will my husband ever change?

Rita, Aba Dear Rita, Nothing can grow true, strong, and healthy that lives under a shadow, save those creatures that thrive in the dark. Your thoughts, your heart and mind, are not meant to live in this endless shadow of fear. I cannot and would never tell someone what to do with a situation such as yours, other than to say that I would not tolerate it for longer than two heartbeats. If your description is accurate, then so is the prescription for the condition. If one doesn’t become active in helping an addict of any kind, then one is enabling that person, pure and simple. He does not know what he does to himself, or to you. That much is evident. This means he will never know, unless there is an intervention of some sort. And that is up to you to do, or not. It is what you have been unwilling to attend to that is the real problem. Truth, God, never shows us something that needs to be done without providing us with all that we need to succeed with the task, regardless of how intimidating it may seem, but you will have to prove this to yourself.

the steps are already fixed. As he enters the house , he sees the hall light is working. As he goes to get a beer, he notices the fridge door is fixed. “Honey”, he asks, “how’d all these get fixed?”.She said, “well, when you left, I sat outside and cried. Just then, a nice young man asked me what was wrong, and I told him. He offered to do all the repairs, and all I had to do was either go to bed with him or bake a cake. He said, “so what kind of cake did you bake?” She replied, “hellooooo, do you see baker written on my forehead? I don’t think so!”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28 28,, 2013—19

With ffair air -w eather friend, when yyou ou cr air-w -weather cryy alone!

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ven more bruising, scathing articles in papers that once celebrated the couple recalled Geoffrey’s escapades, portraying him as a dangerous criminal, desperate to belong in the society.

His wife was portrayed as a woman of grandeur who drove her husband to crime.

“The reports even went further to label me a pimp and an arms dealer,” recalled Geoffrey. “Yet fighting back was too risky if I had any sort of skeleton in the proverbial cupboard.

However unfair such media poison may be, turning the other cheek was my wisest approach. A particular businessman I met in prison, who lost almost all when he was accused of mammoth fraud counselled me that in a situation such as I found myself, I should learn how to cope with the downward spiral of disaster

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koyo’s pride knew no depth when her husband became a top

and find out who my real friends were, now that I had reached rock bottom. In short, I should be thinking of how to claw my way up from the depths. The challenge, he said, was working out how best to hang on to my mental and emotional equilibrium.

“When I went through the public agonies of defeat, disgrace and jail, I had at the same time to run a gauntlet of agonising private experiences.

words in the English language. If we are honest about it, most of us are fortunate if we can count our close friends on the fingers of both hands - more likely, on one hand. Of course we have wider circles of affable acquaintances, but the majority melt when the proverbial shit starts hitting the fan.

“I was very lucky-every one of my friends stood by me and their

Climbing out of the depth takes tenacity and time. And you need good friends to pull you through for, during the downwardspiral, it is the quality, not the quantity of friendship that counts

These include nights of insomnia, bouts of depression, thoughts of suicide, moods of despair, periods of loneliness and a doomed feeling, as if I were trapped in muddy waters.

Yet, reality had to be faced. I wouldn’t be where I found myself if I wasn’t guilty of what I went to prison for. As for my friends, both at home and abroad, I realized that the word ‘friend’ is one of the most imprecise

,

support was far stronger than I had any right to expect. Thanks to these rock-solid friends, my children completed their education and I was frequently visited in prison. And I had some pleasant surprises too — acquaintances I did not know well, or had almost lost touch with, became part of my inner circle of supporters. Only one

Why worry when you can be happy!

n the average, we spend five years of our life worrying. That is one hour and 46 minutes every day! But, what is it that keeps us tossing and turning in our beds all night?

A recent survey by advice website Really Worried. com found that men and women worry about different things. Women spend more time fretting over money and their partner cheating, while men worry more about sex. But youngsters worry most of C M Y K

nasty specimen of a friend, who I had thought was loyal, dropped me like a hot potato. It was also really saddening to discover that some of the most judgmental journalistic voices who had once been my guests in the days I held lavish parties, now condemn me with glee. This handful of fair-weather free loaders was only out numbered by foul weather loyalists! Naturally, one’s social network changes after a fall from grace.

These days I see fewer old friends and more of my new ones. It’s amazing what you can learn when you are incarcerated. Whilst in prison, the Christian Ministry helped a lot in retaining my sanity”.

,

o matter what your reaction is to the spate of the public display of soiled linen of some fallen public officials and socialites by the powers-that-be; the fact remains that the victims’ feelings are seldom given any serious thoughts by the public. What is it like to lose face, not to mention your friends and fortune in such a spectacular manner?

Years back, Geoffrey and his wife had a fantastic life with houses in choice areas all over the country and a couple of homes abroad.

They held splendid parties and were the toast of softsell magazines.

Then things went horribly wrong. Geoffrey was linked to a sophisticated network of drugs and fraud, popularly tagged 419, and the bubble burst. Some of the property went up for sale as he was clamped into prison abroad. His wife could no longer pay salaries of staff and domestic staff had to go.

all. The research revealed that teenagers are more likely to spend time fretting than their parents or grandparents. One in ten 1619year-olds admitted to worrying for up to 12 hours a day. Surprisingly, they say they are more concerned about getting on the property ladder than about body image or sex.

Whatever you fret about, it can affect your well-being.

Over half of those who took part in the survey said worry caused them

sleepless nights. Many people said that worrying about things made them smoke and drink more.

ReallyWorried.com founder, Richard Rubin, is a chronic worrier. That is one of the reasons he set up the website.

He says: “A problem shared is a problem h a l v e d .

ReallyWorried.com allows people to share their nuggets of wisdom

with one another.” But, what is it that makes some of us fret more than others? According to the British health service provider, BUPA, some psychologists think excessive worrying is linked to personality type. Others think it can be traced back to negative childhood experiences.

And, serious anxiety disorders can be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

gun in the civil service. A couple of years later, he was far away abroad putting finishing touches to some official projects when his retirement was publicly announced.

“It was a nightmare,” she recalled. “No matter what fancy reasons they give to your husband being kicked in the butt, the humiliation is overwhelming.

By the time I got hold of my husband on the phone, a ‘wellmeaning’ friend has already gotten in touch with him. He howled on the phone when he heard my voice. I felt really helpless. The only time I saw him cry in 23 years of marriage was when his mother died.

“Most men lose self-esteem when they are fired because they have no place to go in the morning. It is worse for a public figure. Imagine the press hanging on to your every word for months and then one morning, nobody cares except your family facing you at the breakfast table.

Somehow, you find it difficult to equate the man you once saw on the news and the newspapers with the subdued man who’d suddenly had the props knocked from under his feet. After his humiliation, his pride is all he has to hang on to. “My husband was in his late 40s when he suddenly found himself redundant. We had to leave government accommodation with frightening speed. But survive; we did as my husband swore he would never hold paid employment again. He started his own business that had nothing to do with contracts and the family is now doing well. Climbing out of the depth takes tenacity and time. And you need good friends to pull you through for, during the downward-spiral, it is the quality, not the quantity of friendship that counts.”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

When fear of intimacy begins to take its toll I

n many relationships, couples are frustrated by widely diverse desires to be intimate. Typically, one partner wants to share emotions and thoughts much more often than the other. To try to help these couples, counselors have often harped against the fear of intimacy.

They offer their services to encourage the couple to move toward greater intimacy.

Human needs offer different approaches to the so-called fear of intimacy. This is a conflict of values that has nothing to do with other fears and it is very difficult to resolve because only greater values can motivate resolution of such fears. The answer is understanding of individual differences, tolerance, and compromise.

It is a mistake to try to change one or both partners.

Scientifically, all fears are interrelated, and if they divide into categories, it would be the

closest relationships. Very often, our current reactions, especially our overreactions are based on negative programming from our past.

Although relationships can feel like a tug of war with one of us struggling to pull closer while the other resists, engaging in the blame game is never the solution.

Too often, we build a case against the people we are involved with.

We use their flaws against them, cataloging their shortcomings in our minds until admiration

,

above-average valuation of independence, or personal freedom. It not a symptom of anything.

Those who handle it as a symptom are self-hugging . They are unwittingly

It’s a painful reality that love isn’t always as easy to give and receive as we’d like to think

,

fear of death/injury, the fear of anxiety, and the fear of embarrassment. In other words, there are three fundamental fears that are the psychological foundations of specific fears.

One would not want to classify avoidance of intimacy as a fear, any more than one would consider seeking intimacy as a fear of autonomy.

The “fear of intimacy” isn’t a fear but an expression of an

asserting their own values while thinking they are treating a disorder.

It’s a painful reality that love isn’t always as easy to give and receive as we’d like to think. Many people have developed defenses that make them intolerant of too much love, attention or affection. Our personal limitations and insecurities are regularly acted out in our

slowly erodes into cynicism.

When this transformation occurs, we become highly attuned to our partners’ less desirable traits. We start to filter and distort our view of them, so that they fit into the case we’ve built against them. We fail to see our partners as they really are, with strengths and with weaknesses. When we don’t see all aspects of a person, we become bent out of shape ourselves. We may act out or behave in ways of which we don’t approve.

Conversely, when we interrupt this tendency to build a case, we can focus on ourselves and act in ways that truly represent who we are and how we feel. Staying

vulnerable, open and compassionate toward our partner can make them feel safe and allow them to take a chance on being close. Being our best is the surest way to bring out the best in our relationships.

If we notice our partners pulling away at certain points, it’s helpful to explore ways we might be contributing to the problem or even provoking it.

Be open to the reality that we help create the situations we’re in. A good exercise is to look at what our partner does that we dislike the most, then think about what we do right before that. If a partner is unwilling to open up, do we do anything that might contribute to them shutting down? Do we nag? Get distracted? Do we talk down to them by trying to fix their problems or telling them what to do? Do we complain to them? Do we ever draw them out or just let them vent? We can take a powerful position in making our relationship closer by changing our own behaviour. Feel your feelings, then do the right thing.

When people feel close, they react. Sometimes these reactions are positive, and sometimes they are negative. The reasons for this are complex and have a lot to do with how we’ve learned to see ourselves and the world around us throughout our lives. We respond perversely to positive treatment, because it conflicts with negative ways we’re used to being seen or related to.

Our first time was disappointing I recently had sex with my girlfriend. It was the first time for both of us. Her hymen broke and she bled a little and even cried but she said she loved it. I, on the other hand, felt no pain, but, at the same time, I did not have a lot of pleasure. I expected the first time to be much better, but her entrance seemed to be too relaxed and I did not feel a lot of pressure on me. Virgins are supposed to have tight vaginas to make sex more enjoyable. My girlfriend used to play tennis and she always does the splits and squats. Do you think that made her vaginal muscles relaxed, or is it just that she did not know how to please me? I am really frustrated and lied to her, telling her I loved it, too.

Please help me out.

Tony, P-H

Ans: Just having two people dance together for their first time takes some effort to make it feel natural and fun.

Stepped-on toes and awkward moments happen, but remember, very few things in life are perfect on the first try! First intercourse experiences are often bursting with high expectations, hopes, anxieties, excitement, and fears. For some, it’s important to get “this virginity thing” over with for future, less tense sexual explorations. Often, pressure is a greater factor than pleasure, unfortunately, making many first times disappointing. Don’t be too worried , like subsequent sexual tries are likely to improve with experience, communication, and practice!

What were your expectations for your

first intercourse? Many factors could have shaped what you expected. Perhaps popular media, such as many movies or music, often portray first times as artistic scenes with attractive celebrities and perfectly queued music, lights, and magic. In reality, love-making may be sweaty, sticky, uncomfortable, and not have that mesmerizing climax.

As for the tightness, many rumours falsely portray all female virgins as being tight. Since women are all different, the tightness or grip varies. Some women are naturally tight. When a woman is aroused, the vaginal muscles relax to accommodate her man. If you place

your finger just inside her and asks her to squeeze, you would probably feel her vaginal muscles tighten.

Changing your pattern may help you learn to respond to different stimuli so that you increase your own opportunities for pleasure.

Being a good lover takes time, trust, practice, patience, and communication. Orgasms and pleasure are as much physical as they are emotional. Sexuality and intimacy involve more than gymnastics.Relax a bit. Build confidence in yourself, clarify your expectations and pleasures, and communicate to help make sure that your future encounters will be as good for you as is it was for your partner!

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C M Y K

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—21 Yes, it is. But we can do better.

Much better. And we know it.

After all, aren’t Nigerians among the most ambitious set of people on the face of the earth? Wherever it’s happening, we want to be there. We believe that we belong there. That it’s our right to be there. And our filmmakers are no different.

A

Nollywood goes to school and James Hadley Chase; when our local soap operas like Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, Adio Family and New Masquerade, were ruling the airwaves right in the presence of The Professionals, Dynasty, The Jeffersons, and Different Strokes. When we patronized our local entertainment productions out of pleasure, not pity.

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few days ago, I made my way to the salon for my quarterly ... ehm ... toenail management (three months of hard grinding on the fitness trail had rendered them somewhat unpresentable). I reclined as the thickset attendant went to work.

Gazed up idly at the TV as dazzling Afro Pop music video images of the latest sensation I had never heard of flashed by.

Then glanced down with sudden curiosity as my hitherto taciturn, 30something old attendant began to casually mime the lyrics of the song with unerring accuracy. One of her colleagues wanders in to fetch some object or the other. Does the same thing.

Okaaay. Now my focus returns to the TV with greater interest.

Exactly what is it about our contemporary local artistes that has captured the hearts and minds of the general populace in such unprecedented fashion? After years in the dungeon of subservience to foreign content supplied with ruthless consistency by powerhouses such as MTV and BET, our indigenous music has suddenly found its voice (or swag, as they put it), broken free from the oppressive chains of offshore competition, and is proudly standing shoulder to shoulder with the best the world has to offer.

As a Nigerian ... yes, there was a feeling of pride. Finally, somehow, somewhere, we seemed to have gotten something right. It appeared that the inferiority complex that seemed to have crept into our nation’s entertainment psyche sometime in the late 80s/early 90s had quietly eroded. The glory days were back — when indigenous literature like the Pacesetters series were flying off the store shelves just as fast as Enid Blyton

also travelled? Aren’t our films to be found in the nooks and crannies of the globe, albeit primarily in territories where people of African descent are in the majority? From London to New York, Jamaica to Antigua, Monrovia to Pretoria, will you not find local merchants doing a brisk (albeit illegal) business with film content of Nigerian origin?

If music forged in the shanties of Agege can penetrate upper echelon lifestyles and events globally, why are Nigerian movies missing in action in mainstream cinema theatres around the world?

But as a stakeholder with more than a passing interest in the filmmaking world called Nollywood? Hmmm. My interest had more than a tinge of envy in it. After all, it is no longer news that the phenomenon of contemporary Nigerian music has ‘travelled’, as they say. From upscale high street shops in London to major international tennis tournaments to the ear plugs of Rio Ferdinand’s I-pod, the cocky but seductive strains of Nigerian Afro Pop are being consumed with innocent fascination.

Well, isn’t it true that Nollywood has

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Affirmative. But, unlike in the case of music, consumption for many of the patrons, for the vast majority of our film exports, is a guilty pleasure.

Why guilty?

Well, guilty for the simple reason that the consumers are fully aware that the production quality falls far short of the standard they would ideally like to be publicly associated with watching, but to which, based on sheer entertainment (as opposed to technical) value, they are attracted nonetheless.

Well, that’s something, right?

A

C M Y K

Challenges of the disabled in contesting aspirants were for an election inside the venue campaigning. I made several attempts to go in, to no avail. When I heard that the voting was about to start, I had to do something extraordinary at a great cost. I hired about 4 mobile police officers who escorted me and I was squeezed into the venue with the help

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ssociation for C o m p r e h e n s i v e Empowerment of Nigerians with Disability (ASCEND), a sociopolitical organization of persons with disability, while encouraging her members to participate actively in politics, is mindful that persons with disability face enormous challenges in active participation in politics.

ASCEND has as one of her cardinal objectives, plans to support her members who want to contest elections, financially and ensure that those who face difficulties are able to exercise their right to vote.Focusing on the challenges persons with disability face in contesting for an election, I will reflect on my experience in the 2011 general elections when I contested for the Federal House of Representatives for Amuwo-Odofin Federal constituency in Lagos State.

The most significant challenge I faced was architectural and attitudinal barriers which threatened to slow my movement and limit the places I could visit for campaign. For example, when I was a member of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), during the primaries, it was impossible for me to get to the venue of the primaries as the crowd was too much and the party had no plan to ensure that I had access to the venue.

When I managed to get to about 50 meters to the venue, my car could not get any closer and I parked there; the crowd was much that I could not move with my wheelchair, so I was outside for about 3 hours, while other

going despite all odds and attempt to frustrate me.

There was also an effort by some party elders to frustrate me out of the party when they realized that I was very popular and a threat to their aspirants. There were times when they held clandestine

Things non-disabled take for granted are big issues for us

of my supporters.

The organizers did not see any reason to make special arrangement for me to get to the venue even when they had collected nomination fee from me.

However, I was consoled by the support I got from party members who fell in love with my antecedents and manifesto. It was the support of these ordinary members that kept me

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meetings with other aspirants without inviting me. It was a lady who had not even met me who sought to see me and then asked me if I was aware of the meetings with the aspirants and elders of the party.

I told her I was unaware and she demanded to know who my god father was. I told her that I had non and she was surprised.

I assured her that I had God who

S

o as our counterparts in the music industry schmooze with their international celebrity colleagues on the red carpets of Channel O, MTV, BET or Soul Train Award ceremonies (I suppose the Grammys is the next bus stop), Nollywood looks on with envy and perhaps a hint of frustration. Why aren’t we doing the same at the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, etc?

As the artistic ‘collabos’ thrive between downtown LA and Aguda, where are the same creative partnerships between Hollywood and Ijora/Alaba? If music forged in the shanties of Agege can penetrate upper echelon lifestyles and events globally, why are Nigerian movies missing in action in mainstream cinema theatres around the world?

Our colleagues in music are rubbing shoulder to shoulder with their mates around the world; in the film industry? So far ... well, more like shoulder to ankle.

Why now?

It occurred to me, as I fixated on the hyperactive crooners twitching, scowling, fronting and smirking on screen whilst my toes received a jolly hammering from the business end of multiple sharp objects, that Nollywood could indeed, take a leaf (actually, several leaves) out of the book of our compatriots across the creative wall.

To be continued can do all things,and with the support of people like her, that I would triumph. She became one of my staunch supporters and worked very hard to ensure that I succeeded. Some elders were solidly behind me but they were in the minority and never participated in the clandestine meetings that excluded me. However, when I found out that the primary election was a farce and that the candidates were merely selected, I was disappointed,and I left to join Labour Party, where I won the ticket to contest the election.

The inaccessibility of our environment coupled with the attitudinal and architectural barrier and lack of any welfare system to encourage persons with disability, make election contest more expensive for a person with disability than a nondisabled. For instance, for a candidate with disability to access some area for campaign, he would have to spend money to create access or hire people to lift him across barriers in that environment. Things non-disabled take for granted are big issues for us, for instance, all available podiums for hire for the purposes of campaign, are inaccessible to persons with disability, this prompted me to design and build an accessible mobile podium on a truck for my use—at a relatively huge cost.

However, I wish to appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formulate a policy that will create a level playing field for persons with disability to participate in elections on equal basis.

22 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

(Text Only)

Reclaim proper alignment The rectus

Technique Stand with the feet a little bit apart. Place the hands on the corresponding thighs. Bend the trunk just a bit. Breathe in deeply and out forcefully, then draw in the abdominal muscles and contract them; this should lead to the isolation of the column of muscles known as the rectus. This exercise could last for about 10 minutes.

Benefits The nauli dubbed “India’s gift to the world”, tones the muscles of the abdominal region. It is also an aid to thorough b o w e l movement.

Triangle Pose (1)

Technique: Stand with the feet quite wide apart, with the hands along the sides. Turn the trunk to the right and without bending either knees, lower the trunk till you can bring the forehead to touch the knees while you arrange the hands, as if in prayer, over the right foot.

Stay in the posture for about 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Benefits: The Triangle stretches the hamstrings and back muscles. It massages the abdominal region and helps to burn fat there.

Triangle Pose (2)

Technique: Standing with the feet rather wide apart, turn the trunk to the left and lowering it places the palm of the left hand flat down on the Moor on the outside of the left leg while raising up the right hand and straightening it at the elbow.

Fix your gaze on the palm of me raised hand. Breathe normally and retain the position for

about 10 or I ? seconds.

Benefits The triangle stretches the leg, spine, and trunk muscles.

It promotes flexibility of the hip spine and legs.

It tones the nerves of the spine and the abdominal organs. It reduces pain in the lower back and invigorates the circulation.

THE TREE POSE

Technique: Stand up straight, balancing on the left foot. Bend the right knee ,and with the help of the hand place foot high up on the inside of the left thigh with the knee pointing outward and the hands raised overhead with the palms against each other.

Retain the position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat, changing legs.

Benefits: The tree is reputed to develop to a great degree, the powers of mental concentration and single mindedness of thought and also physical balance.

The rectus: By Self

Triangle Pose (1):

By Gladys

Triangle Pose (2):

By Sam

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Tree Pose:

By Wale

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—23

They think they are good in bed: Men are taught that confidence solves just about anything. You can be making a total mistake, but as long as you’re confident, it will turn out okay. This may explain why they are so clueless at what they are doing in bed, but they act like they know.

Getting too tipsy on a date is a turn-off: Some people turn into a completely different person when they are drunk .

Let the other person learn about you while you’re sober, before you get wasted with them. Alcohol should be introduced into the relationship slowly, but if a drink or two takes the edge off, and wine adds romance, it’s fine. Just don’t push it too far.

Heavy makeup is a turnoff : Some guys appreciate a natural look as it is, and when a girl does her makeup well, the results can be magical. But the one thing that should never happen is excessive application: too much, too many colours, or if it’s just a botched attempt at a good makeup technique. Seems like as time goes by, makeup makes like the earth and erodes and changes with weathering. There is nothing more ghastly than makeup running amuck in the morning after spending the night together.

They put pressure on themselves to get married: Women say that they feel more pressure to settle down because they can’t have children as easily past a certain age. Men don’t feel pressure in that sense, but they do fear that their appearance and their “game” will fade as they get older. It’s fun being one of the few guys in a group of friends who hasn’t yet found love, but at the same time, they wonder what is wrong with them and they’re trying to decide if time is running out.

They want to bail the morning after a one-night stand: Men’re foul when they’re hung over, so they are sure others are too. You can’t contaminate someone’s bed with that.

Do everything you can to get home and fester in your own bed. People have things to do over the weekend.

Give each other a hug, wish each other well, don’t say anything about calling, and don’t believe him when he mutters that he will call you.

Women’ll never understand their sports obsession: Some women love sports . But are they as obsessed with sports like guys are? Women know a lot about school sports where they went to school.

There is no reason women wouldn’t understand or know sports like guys do if they were as obsessed. But guys across the board are more sportsobsessed than women are.

Sex in the shower is overrated: Some men tried this, but the entire time they are trying to contort their bodies so that they could get everything inserted correctly. That “up against the wall” variation is tougher than it sounds. The entire shower apparatus is so slippery, and

20men secrets keep then you have soap all over the place.

It’s a danger zone. Plus, they do their best to keep the bathroom clean, but they don’t think they’d ever want to have sex anywhere near something called “mildew.”

They do think women’re crazy sometimes, but only because it makes things easier for them: It is sometimes accepted that women were “crazy” (many older guys had insisted they were for years), it seemed to take a huge load of pressure off them. No longer were they trying to rationalize moves that women made that got them into crazy analysis cycles.

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Men like to cuddle: Cuddling is all about mood and ambience. It’s peaceful to lie in someone’s arms in the dark with great music or even the low buzz of the TV in the background. It’s nice to hear nothing but your lover’s breath against the backdrop of the evening or early morning. Holding someone close in bed also makes you feel very secure with one another and the relationship.

damage a relationship, so it may be doomed from the outset.

They are afraid of commitment : Commitment means that they’ve decided that the woman they ’re settling down with is perfect and there is no one else out there for them.

Commitment means they’ve found their soul mate, that they’re completely secure with themselves, and that there should be no going back. All of that is pretty heavy. The old adage “Girls mature faster than boys” comes into play here. Commitment is a sign of maturity, and it just takes some guys longer.

Guys are happy to help out their girlfriends with emotional issues. But if the baggage becomes apparent too early in the relationship, then a guy will probably bail

When they just throw it all out of the window and dismiss it as “crazy,” it makes it easier to deal. Men don’t really think women are insane, they just say it so they can be done thinking about their antics and move on.

Leave your baggage at the door: Guys are happy to help out their girlfriends with emotional issues. But if the baggage becomes apparent too early in the relationship, then a guy will probably bail. Also, baggage causes people to put pressure on or

Confidence is key in the bedroom: A guy knows if a girl seems unsure of herself in bed, it gets distracting and starts to feel awkward. The best thing to do is to act like you have some experience, and not question anything. Think back to the advice your dad once gave you and your sisters during his good mood. Just act like you are supposed to be here, and they won’t ask any questions. Sure enough, it works.

They’re insecure about dirty talk : Once a guy has made it into bed with a girl, no way is he going to let any stupid

ASK THE SEXPERT Is there anything change or increase

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you can do to your sex drive?

I have been married for 12 years and used to enjoy sex with my spouse . My wife used to give excuses for not wanting sex but things have changed over the years. My sex drive seem to be decreasing while my wife is now the one asking for more sex. I have taken some aphrodiascs but nothing seems to have changed. What other thing can I do to increase my sex drive?

Willy, P-H Ans: Experts say the answer lies not so much in what your sex drive is, but whether or not it has reached its potential. While everyone’s level of desire is individual, it can also differ with each partner, and vary within a relationship, increasing or decreasing over time.

Age can also alter sex drive in men and women, and is usually linked to a decline in sex hormones.

Moreover, there are a number of emotional and physical conditions, as well as medications, including some antidepressants, that can put a damper on desire.

If a physical problem causes sex drive to plummet , such as erection difficulties in men, or painful intercourse in women and treatment is received,

mouth wreck things. In fact, they’ve most likely made it to this point in spite of his mouth. There are so many incorrect things a guy could say, from weak to gross to just downright bizarre.

Last thing a guy needs is to give this girl some material for a girls’ night conversation.

They get jealous because they ’re insecure: If a guy feels like he does not deserve a woman or is not good enough for her, he will become jealous easily and worried that he’s going to lose her to another guy. On the other hand, some guys admit that they have tried to make girls they’re interested in jealous on purpose before.

They hate when you try too hard to be one of the guys: It’s pretty lame that a guy and his buddies invent words and languages and then giggle over them like schoolchildren.

But what’s even lamer: when some outsider tries to use the language, without the ability to contribute.

They notice what you’re wearing: Make sure you care about what you wear to what you’re doing. Men try not to make a girl walk too much if she’s in heels.

They play hard to get and theyknow it: Sometimes, men just

act like they have no chance, even though they might like a girl. Men openly flirt with other girls in front of the girls they like, and talk about how hot other girls are in front of them.

Men make themselves look really picky and difficult to get to.

They check out other women (Even if they’re in relationships) Sorry, but guys notice a hot girl any time any place. Hopefully, most of them don’t make it obvious, but they check out a cutie when they can.

desire usually increases. If emotions are getting in the way, talking to a sex therapist can help. And sometimes, sex drive will recharge on it’s own, as circumstances in your life change , such as the introduction of a new sex partner.

Can too much masturbation hurt my sex life?

I’m a man of 32 years and I’m in a relationship.

But most nights, I masturbate. I don’t have any side effects afterwards but my friends think masturbation can hurt my sex life in future. I have sex with my fiancee regularly but I must confess, I enjoy climaxing through masturbation more than through sex. Do you think too much masturbation can hurt my sex life?

Anonymous Ans: As long as masturbation doesn’t comprise the whole of your sex life, and does not take precedence over intimate relationships with a partner, then no, it’s not generally believed to be harmful. That said, it’s important to look at what your masturbation activities include.

Is it just a mind fantasy, or are you using pornography, internet videos or photos, or even online or telephone sex to increase your pleasure and does this upset your partner? Also important to consider: How much of your time does masturbation activities occupy and does it keep you from other things in your life, including having sex with a partner? If so, it can be problematic in many respects.

24—SA TURD AY 24—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

The night before Nneka went for her test result, her daughter had convulsion and died before dawn. Although the child had been a burden to Nneka since her birth, she wept all through and refused to be comforted

Race against the future (2)

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

S

ince the revelation about the inces tuous relationship Prince had, and his becoming born again, he started looking for a way to resolve issues with his daughter, Nneka.

“How can you even think of going to beg that God forsaken child of the devil?” Mazi Okechukwu fumed. “I thought you came home to tell your mother and I that you are ready to take another wife”.

“Papa” Prince began, not sure of how to approach his father who despised Nneka right from the outset. “ I don’t know how to say this but you have to pay attention to what I am about to tell you”. After much argument and curses on Nneka, Prince managed to get his father to listen to him and he barely finished his tale of doom when Mazi Okechukwu slumped and passed out for some minutes. He woke up in the village health centre and refused to speak to anyone.

Few days later, when he became himself, Mazi Okechukwu invited his brothers and narrated the sacrilege his son committed. “Tufiakwa!” shouted Nnayi Igwebuike, the eldest surviving member of the entire Okechukwu family. Aru emee... chei aru emee...he kept shouting. “Why, Prince why...what have we done to you that you decided to desecrate our family and bring evil upon us... chei this is a serious taboo. You did not just sleep with your daughter but you actually married and had children with her ...tufiakwa!”

After deliberating on the issue that day, they retired and reconvened three days later to communicate the verdict passed on Prince.

The elders’ decision which was in line with the tradition of the Umunna autonomous Community, entailed that Prince would have to perform the cleansing rites with Nneka or they both would run mad or worse still, face death.

“What cleansing rites papa? Prince questioned his father looking visibly confused. I do not need to go through any other cleansing rites since Christ has already cleansed me from all unrighteousness with the blood he shed on the Cross of Calvary” “Shut up that big mouth of yours right now.” Mrs Okechukwu shouted her son down. “So you still have mouth to argue after the evil you committed all in the name of trying to become rich over night? Look, I can see that you have planned to kill my husband and I before our time but that will not happen.

Now let this sink into your head, the elders have decided that Nneka must be brought back here and both of you will dance around the entire community naked. We are to leave the remaining part of the cleansing rite for them to complete” That was the last humiliating exercise Prince would subject himself and his innocent child to. Besides, that meant never

to ever set foot on his homeland again.

“Why would these villagers not loose grip of ancient traditions that are inimical to community development?”, Prince queried no one in particular.

“And what is the essence of claiming to be Christians when they resort to dirty traditions all in the name of appeasing ...wait a minute, the gods and not God. No! I cannot be part of that. There must be another way.”

After much fruitless argument with his parents, he left for the city only to receive an additional message that he only had one week to submit himself for the sacrifice or be ostracised while his entire family were to be excommunicated.

Apart from the pain of being forced into another round of traumatic experience, Prince became more perturbed knowing he was to set his eyes on Nneka again after she was disgraced and returned to her parents. “Man, I am in a deep mess right now, how do I run away from the consequences of my past mistakes?” Prince cried.

“Just calm down and let us tackle the issues one after the other.” Paschal replied. “Now wipe those tears from your face ...guy, you are a man for crying out loud...First of all, are you ready to submit yourself for the sacrifice?”

“For God sake Paschal, how can I dance around the entire community naked with my own daughter? There must be a way out” “Then, we have to let the disciples know about the development so that everyone would join you and seek the face of God.” Paschal said, trying to pacify his friend.

Knowing he had only one week to appease the gods or face the music, Prince commenced 7 days dry fasting with the disciples.

Meanwhile, another message reached him from Chief and Lolo Emezue who had kept the ugly news about the relationship between their adopted daughter and Prince to themselves. The Emezues refused to accept that Prince was Nneka’s father for the simple fact that most visions or revelations of whatever nature came from fake pastors who they felt have bastardised Christianity. They decided the best way and perhaps the first step towards determining the paternity of Nneka was to go for a DNA test.

Prince welcomed the idea without hesitation but refused to disclose it to Paschal or any of the disciples for fear of being termed a faithless and unbelieving disciple. He however pleaded

with Chief Emezue to let the test be performed on separate days so that he would not come face to face with Nneka.

DNA test?...what is that for? Nneka asked her mother. “Mum you are scaring me, I thought DNA test is conducted to determine someone’s biological parents...mum, is there something you and dad are not telling me?”

“Nne, I am not in the mood for interrogation this afternoon. I can see that all what I have been saying have fallen on deaf ears.” Lolo Emezue said pretending. “Anyway, your father and I are still battling to prove to your husband that you are not to blame for the unfortunate incidences that occurred in your family.” she lied. “So, you better make up your mind, take the test and clear your name.?

After much persuasion, Nneka agreed to go for the test hoping that her meeting with Prince at the hospital, would afford her the opportunity of spiting on the face of the man that turned her into a cheap bowl for the village spit.

Not sure whether he would be able to take in more shocking revelations, Chief Emezue refused to accompany his wife and daughter to the hospital for the test. Lolo came back from the hospital with her daughter who was greatly disappointed that Prince refused to show up, showing signs that she might completely break down if the test proved positive.

The night before Nneka went for her test result, her daughter had convulsion and died before dawn. Although the child had been a burden to Nneka since her birth, she wept all through and refused to be comforted. Chief and Lolo Emezue treated the death of their grandchild with maturity. While not particularly happy that the baby died, they felt God did the right thing by not allowing a child whom the neigbours secretly called a python due to her nature, to live.

The result of the DNA test was like a bomb. Chief and his wife were devastated and caught in the dilemma of how to relate the outcome to Nneka. Once more, lolo lied to her daughter and this time, Nneka was told that the hospital had some problems with their machines. As far as Nneka was concerned, that excuse was too flimsy to believe.

With tears streaming endlessly down to his lips, Prince gazed into the doctor’s report, unconsciously hoping that God would perform a miracle of change. After all he thought, in one of the churches he attended while in

search of solution to his ordeal, people testified about how their genotypes were changed from SS to AA. Also, a sister testified how a scan result showed that she was going to have a female child but she ended up giving birth to a baby boy. “ My God I believe you can do all things...please tell me what to do,” he prayed. The mood in Chief Emezue’s house had remained gloomy since the confirmation that their poor baby whom they had loved so much as they would their biological daughter actually had incestuous relationship. Although they pretended all was well, Nneka on her part, refused to be deceived. She knew something somewhere was wrong. She however did the unexpected by breaking into her father’s safe box and lo and behold, her test result was lying there. At first, she couldn’t understand what the medical terms tried saying especially after considering the fact that her parents never mentioned anything relating to paternity. On a second look, it became clear she was Prince’s daughter having seen her name against his own and a statement confirming their relationship. “My God, my husband, now my father? That cannot be true” she said as she slowly sat on the bare floor. Not even the car horn brought her back from soul traveling as she sat stunned and gazing into the ceiling. Chief walked through the living room and seeing the door to his private room ajar, knew immediately that the worst had happened.

“Why, why daddy... why did you and mummy hide all this from me?”

Baby girl, please keep still and let me explain... whatever you’ve seen there is not true...”

“Stop it dad, there’s no point telling more lies. Just tell me you are not my biological father or are you? “Em.. look...please lets go...” Chief stammered. “Just answer the damn question!” Nneka snapped. “So its true... no God nooooo..” Nneka abandoned her father and ran into her room, took a quick look at her twins who were fast asleep and regrettably felt nothing. She stormed out and went into the guest room to be all by herself. “End it all Nneka, this is too much to take, just end it.” A voice told her.

Chief and his wife became worried the next day when Nneka failed to show up in the kitchen as was usual or even ask after her children. They broke into the room and beheld her dangling body which was fastened to the ceiling fan.

It was already stone cold.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Oby Edozie, Alex O welcome bab babyy bo boyy

a m a r d , y c e i n s Mu he Jour as T ins at Beg on Mus

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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Agwu,

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

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HE Shell Hall Muson Centre will come alive today as the Republic of Xtreme in conjunction with SwiftThink Limited brings to Nigerians a blend of Music, Drama and Dance. This exhilarating broadway and concert tagged “The Journey Begins” promises to be one to always remember.

Speaking on the idea, the CEO of SwiftThink Limited, Ayoola Jolayemi said “If you are looking for education, entertainment and inspiration all in one package, then you do not want to miss “The Journey Begins”.

The star studded casts of Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme, Banky W, Joseph Benjamin, Lepacious Bose, Yaw, Julius

Akpororo are gearing up for this event that promises to be one to remember.

Akpororo who is currently on tour in the United States, when interviewed by our correspondent, said “My friends and I are very excited about “The Journey Begins”. When Tim Godfrey muted the idea to us, we were very impressed at the sheer creativity in the concept of fusing music, drama and dance to address social ills in our country”.

With a smile on his face Banky W said “I’ll be joining my compatriots in delivering a world-class performance on the 28th of September 2013, this is an event you will not want to miss”. This event has been gaining support from across Corporate and religious organisations like Century Energy, Solution Media and Infotech Limited, HoneyGold Resources, X2D, GoldCrest Family Centre, This Present House among others.

...as DST V All DSTV ...as V All DSTV StarsDST Basket Stars Basket ball ber ths in berths ball ber ths in berths Lagos Lagos

Music mee ts run way meets runw 20 13 un 201 unvveiled

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eared toward giving fun seekers and lovers of football another dimension to entertainment, DSTV, a leading pay TV network has unveiled a game show tagged, “All star, game” which featured Nigerian know entertainers competing with non entertainers. The game show which saw the likes of M.I, Sound Sultan, Skales, Melvin, Gbenro, Ikechukwu among others who are players for Channel 0 team, competing with the likes of Darey Alade and radio host Olisa, was unveiled last weekend at the UNILAG sports center.

The talented Orobo crooner, Sound Sultan showed his fans that not only that he sings, he also knows his

ollywood diva, Oby Edozie and her hubby, Alex O who got married amidst criticisms about two years ago are now proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.

After their wedding in 2011, Oby took in but lost the pregnancy along the line. The couple welcomed their first son together in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

Before they eventually tied the knot, Oby who was an actress cum film producer was accused of husband snatching by a woman who claimed she was legally married to Alex O. But despite the allegation, the actress secretly married the very popular 90’s singer at the Ikoyi Registry on December 16, 2011, with just a few family and friends in attendance.

Oby and Alex dated secretly for a while before getting married to each other.

onions when it comes to basket ball when he netted the two goals against their opponent, Beat F.M thereby winning them with 9 points to nothing. There were other side attractions like, an electrifying performance from Olamide which could be said to be the climax of the show as fans stood on their feet to dance along with the singer.

The M.D of Multichoice, Mr. John Ugbe said, “ In line with our 20th anniversary theme of keeping families together, we are hosting the All Stars Basketball Showdown to promote the game of basketball.”

he year ’s edition of model casting for the premier music and fashion show, Music Meets Runway (MMR), which held recently in Lagos, recorded a huge success.

It has a record breaking turn out of young male and female models of over, 3000 against last year ’s outing which paraded 1000 models.

The event which was held last weekend at Eko hotel and Suites was tagged, “The Icons Edition”.

The judges had a very hard time as the turn-out was impressive with ‘good looking angels’ taking the centre stage at the event.

Jennifer Olize, the event’s creative director appreciated the models and informed them to be on the look out for notification in respect of their qualification for the show.

26 — SARTURDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

By Jemi Ekunkunbor

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t was in February on Valentine’s Day when producer, Michelle Bello hit the big screen with her movie Flower Girl. From Lagos, the film was premiered in Enugu and sold out so was also the version in Ghana. Right now it seems the acceptance of the romance comedy film is not restricted to Nigeria and Ghana alone as the movie has taken on a life of its own.

The UK has also opened its doors to Flower Girl and it’s scheduled to hit the screens all over UK on October 4th. The award winning producer spoke to Showtime Celebrity on this exciting experience and how she has fared since the first premier in Lagos.

How has it been since the premiere of your movie, “Flower Girl” in Lagos?

That is a very loaded question. A lot has happened since then. I’m just so thankful. It’s been an incredible experience right from the beginning of developing Flower Girl to seeing it premier on the day before St. Valentine’s Day and repeat nation wide on St Valentine’s Day. So, I just give all glory to God. I am a firm believer that I won’t be here if I didn’t have God directing me each stage in the entire journey. The cast and I had no idea the response that we would have when the film is finally released and even when they saw themselves on the big screen.

They loved it and response was fantastic and so overwhelming that they hit number one on Valentine’s Day. It was an amazing experience.

Then in April, we were in Ghana for the premiere. I didn’t know what to expect because nobody knew me there. But Dami has a huge fan base there. And they know Chris as one of their biggest stars there. We had over 50 press guys, the hall was

My journey with “Flo — Michelle Bello

C M Y K

filled to the brim, we had to book another hall afterwards and it also sold out. The fans were there, the red carpet was fantastic. We were so overwhelmed and the reviews were good. The people were warm and friendly.

entertainment. We are just so thankful because it’s very hard to get an international release. It’s a very small percentage of films that do so in the world let alone, an African film and a Nigerian one at that. So, I just thank God. When we got the news I was just so excited.

Now that you’ve premiered the film in Nigeria and Ghana, where is the next destination?

The UK! It’s time to go international.

“Flower Girl” has a UK release, distributed by Talking Drums

How did this new door open?

It’s all by the grace of God. It all started when I went to Cannes Film Festival. I heard about this distribution company called Talking

I am a firm believer that I won’t be here if I didn’t have God directing me each stage in the entire journey. The cast and I had no idea the response that we would have when the film is finally released and even when they saw themselves on the big screen Drum entertainment. I had contacted them before I shot the film saying I’d be interested in coming to the UK with my film. So, I sent it to them, had a meeting with them and

they just believed in the movie and that the project had a wide market there because there are very few Nigerian films that had been screened there-Mirror Boy which is

SARTURDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 —27

When will this be?

The premier took pace on last Thursday and the release will be on the 4th of October across the UK. And how are the members of the cast reacting to this open door?

They are all very excited about it.

Damilola and Chris have crossed over with their work already. For Chucks, it’s going to be his first time.

When you set out to do this film, did you envisage it was going to be this big?

For me, it was about the story, about love and about getting to know what real love is. Just looking at the heart felt reaction of people in the audience just made the whole thing worth it. When Flower Girl was screened in Enugu, Blossom was there and he walked out of the cinema and he now saw a couple and the guy went down on his knees and proposed to his girlfriend right after watching Flower Girl. It just made everything worth it. For me, touching people’s lives in a positive way and helping them have a rethink on certain issues is what I want to do as a film maker. And this one is about love.

What do you look forward to now?

I look forward to the future. I don’t know what is going to happen next but the next for us will be the USA after the UK which is a huge market that hasn’t been well conquered yet.

It’s a very huge market, very tricky and you have everyone spread out in different cities. But we are looking at different strategies to have Flower Girl being screened out

ower Girl” still the biggest one, Anchor Baby, and Tango With Me which came out last year.

After Cannes festival and a meeting with them in England, I still had to decide if this was the direction I wanted go. I prayed a lot and weighed my options because it was a very big decision to make.

After a while, I just left it in God’s hands and decided to go on and do the international release.

What does this entail in monetary terms?

It entails a lot of money (laughs). It entails having to do a re edit of the whole movie and this has been done

by Mahmud Ali Balogun and it

looks amazing. There were some changes made because every market is different. What they want to see in the UK may not be what they want to see in the USA. So it definitely made the movie shorter and faster. Mr Mahmud Ali Balogun took it over, really fleshed out some of the scenes. And watching it now, it’s another experience altogether.

Many more versions will come later on as the market opens. So there’s going to be different versions of the film. But I’m really very happy with this UK version and I’m just excited to see what the audience reaction will be when they finally see the movie.

there. So, we are just praying that that will happen for us.

Having had your film accepted, what are some of the things that the international buyers look out for in films?

I think for me the biggest factor is prayer. I am so serious. Before I did the casting, I had no idea what to expect. I prayed so much and asked the Lord to send the right people.

On the first day of the audition, all the people who came blew me away.

I was shocked. They all had a range of experiences, some had been trained abroad, some had never been trained, some were known stars, some were unknown. It was a whole mixture of people. I had no idea what to expect and having studied abroad, I had very high standard. So praying and leaving everything in God’s hands helped.

Having said that, nowadays, with available equipment and super cameras coming out, there really is no excuse. It really has to be high quality production. If you have low quality, they are not going to accept it no matter how good you’ve been or how big you are. If it’s not quality that can go internationally, they are not going to accept. So I think universal story, good quality production and also a film has to have commercial success. When I did Small Boy, I knew it wasn’t a commercial film. So this time around, I wanted to do a commercial film, something main stream that could be shown in theatres instead of DVD. When you do a film like Flower Girl that is such a commercial success, expectation soars and people want more. What plans do you have to start work on a new one?

When I did Small Boy and won the award, people kept asking me what next? I felt pressured back then but look how long it took me to develop Flower Girl. I hope it’s not going to take that long to do the next one.

But it does take time, a lot of preparation goes into it but I am already developing the next film.

What is it going to be about this time?

It’s going to be an action thriller.

That is in development right now.

When it’s ready you’d know.

What next after UK? We just got an exciting news that flower girl is officially being accepted into the Hollywood Black Film Festival in Los Angeles, one of the top black film festivals in the USA. We just got the news and we are all so very happy. It’s going to be screened in October around the time the London one will take place.

So everything is just happening from back to back It’s a big festival and a lot of people especially Hollywood stars are going to be there. Funny enough, I went to that festival some years ago for a seminar now I am going back with a film. It’s incredible.

C M Y K

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 29

30 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Bale rents Kaka's old Madrid house for £10,000 per month

Akinfenwa superman

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•George Elokobi of Wolves

•Akinfenwa in action

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DEBAYO Akinfenwa is the strongest play er in the world according to 'FIFA 14'. EA Sports tweeted me last week to let me know the good news, and I’m honoured, he said.

My younger brother, Dele, was more excited than me at first but he sat me down and drummed home that, in it’s own way, it is quite an achieve-

Adebayo Akinfenwa

—The strongest player in the world ment. To be recognised as the best in the whole world at something is an achievement.

People may laugh or whatever, but my strength is something that I have to work on.

It’s not something that just happens overnight, it takes dedication and hard work, and it has a purpose as it helps me every week on the pitch.

I was given a 97 rating out of

Messi, father arrives in court to face £3.4m tax fraud charges

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arcelona forward Lionel Messi and his father have arrived in court to answer charges of tax evasion. The World Player of the Year and his dad Jorge, who both deny wrongdoing, allegedly hid more than €4million (£3.4m) by filing incomplete returns for the years 2006 to 2009. Jorge arrived first to face the charges. They have already made a 'corrective payment' to Spanish authorities of just over €5m (£4.2m) - the unpaid tax plus interest. The Argentine pair will be questioned in a closed-court session in Gava - the district of Barcelona where Messi lives.

100 and third on the list was George Elokobi of Wolves, who got a rating of 95. I remember playing against him twice last year for Northampton and he is a strong boy.

I got the better of him in the first game but the second game was more evenly matched - I think he thought 'I’m not going to let The Beast get the better of me twice.'

•Gareth Bale

Footballer breaks three teeth after going into a tackle

•Messi and father

Mont Blanc climber finds £205,000 worth of jewels

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ARETH Bale will rent Kaka's Madrid home for an eye-watering £10,000 per month.

The Welshman will move into the exclusive Pozuelo de Alarcón part of La Finca where he will be welcomed by fellow Real team-mates, and new neighbours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.

The two-storey, fourbedroom house, valued at £6.5million and designed by renowned architect Joaquin Torres is 1,500 square metres and includes a garage, indoor pool, gym, two utility rooms and several terraces and porches.

According to reports, the club acted as mediator between Bale and Kaka, who has moved back to AC Milan.

The upper floor includes a master bedroom with a large dressing room and suite, plus an office. The ground floor is bigger and includes a double height living room and feature fireplace.

rench mountaineer finds gems believed to belong to passenger on one of two Air India planes that crashed in 1950 and 1966. It was an unexpected find for the young French alpinist as he approached the summit of Mont Blanc. The precious stones, around 100 in total, were neatly packed into sachets, some marked with "Made in India". It soon became clear that the historic haul, which has since been valued by jewellers at up €246,000 (£205,000) The climber carried the treasure down the mountain and straight to local police.

“Gaspar Iniguez was left with three broken teeth when he attempted to tackle an opponent — with his head.

The 19-year-old Argentinos Juniors midfielder lost his footing as he tried to stop Boca Juniors' Cristian Erbes, but instead of pulling out of the tackle launched himself face first at Erbes' feet.

As well as the dental injury Iniguez was booked for a professional foul as the Boca Juniors player raced towards goal two minutes before the end of the 0-0 draw in the Inicial Championship.

•Gaspar Iniguez

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

scoring 3 goals in the process.

Barca eyeing double Tottenham raid

Macheda keen on Serie A return

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ederico Macheda is keen to secure a move back to Serie A, specifically with the club where he began his Macheda career – Lazio.

The 22 year old played for the Rome side’s youth team before securing a move to Manchester United in 2007.

Despite bursting onto the scene with a debut goal that went a long way to securing the Premier League title for United in 2009, the Italy U21 international has racked up just nineteen top flight appearances for the current champions, spending much of the last two years away on loan.

Barcelona are reportedly plotting an audacious attempt to land both Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen from Tottenham either in January or next season, it has emerged.

The Catalan giants are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, with current long-serving goalkeeper Victor Valdes set to leave the Nou Camp at the end of his contract next summer, and doubts remaining over the reliability of Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano at the heart of the club’s defence.

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helsea manager Jose Mourinho is readying a move to raid his former club Real Madrid with the former Bernabeu boss targeting midfield battler Sami Khedira and wing-back Fabio Coentrao.

A move to bring in defensively minded midfielder Khedira may be down to Mourinho feeling that the German international is a better ‘enforcer’ option than John Obi Mikel or Michael Essien

Liverpool to bid for Morata

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eds are already gearing up for life without Suarez.

Liverpool are planning on making an ambitious move for coveted Real Madrid front man Alvaro Morata as soon as the transfer window finally reopens again for business at the turn of the year, with head coach Brendan Rodgers said to be concerned about his lack of striking options up front at Anfield at present.

Wenger keeping tab on Sanchez

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enger has been keeping close tabs on exciting Chile winger ever since he starred for Udinese and tried to land him three years ago, only to see player join Barca instead.

Arsenal will make a move for unsettled FC Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez when the transfer window finally reopens for business once again at the turn of the year as doubts continue to grow over the long-term fitness of a number of the north London club’s attacking players this

Morata

Sanchez

Dortmund keen on Diego Godin

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season.

Chelsea plot move to sign Real Madrid pair

Mourinho

orussia Dortmund have joined chase for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin.

Chelsea and Manchester City had previously expressed interest in the Uruguayan, with the Millionaires ready to battle them for the player’s signature. Diego Godin has less than two years left on his deal at Vicente Calderon and he continues to be linked with a move away from the club.Los Colchoneros are hoping to tie down the defender to a new long-term contract, but it appears the player is ready to explore other options. Digo Godin joined Atletico from Villarreal back in the summer of 2010 and has since featured in 93 La Liga matches for the club,

Chelsea to gazump Arsenal for £25m Imbula

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HELSEA are lining up a £25m move for Marseille midfielder Gianelli Imbula in January. Both Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with a move for Imbula during the most recent transfer window, only for the player to instead sign for Marseille. But reports in France suggest that Imbula, who made a £6.3m move from Guingamp in July, remains near the top of Jose Mourinho’s list of priorities.

FIFA concerned over Qatar

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IFA has said it is “very concerned” at Diego the findings of an investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup. The world governing body will contact World Cup organisers and discuss the findings next week after The Guardian newspaper claimed that Nepalese workers in Qatar “face exploitation and abuses that amount to modern-day slavery”.

FIFA said in a statement: “FIFA is very concerned about the reports presented by the media regarding labour rights’ abuses and the conditions for construction workers in projects at Lusail City, Qatar.

“FIFA will again get in contact with the Qatari authorities and the matter

will also be discussed at the executive committee meeting.”

Gulls agree Azeez deal

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orquay United have agreed to sign Charlton Athletic striker Adebayo Azeez on a one-month youth loan. The England Under19 international has previously enjoyed loan spells with Wycombe and Leyton Orient and will be available for their trip to Newport on today .

Liverpool scouting Lazio starlet

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iverpool are monitoring the progress of Lazio forward Balde Diao Keita. The 18-year-old was handed his first ever start as the Biancocelesti hosted Legia Warsaw in Europa League, and he largely impressed on his full debut.

Balde Diao Keita

United to launch £35m for Hamsik and Porto's Mangala in January

Manchester United are set to launch a sensational bigmoney bid of around £35m to land Napoli star Marek Hamsik and are also interested in signing highly

rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala in January. The in-demand France international has been the subject of much interest from a whole host of big-name clubs from across the Continent

Cole agrees short-term deal at West Ham

West Ham have agreed a short-term deal to bring Carlton Cole back to Upton Park as the Hammers look to bolster a depleted selection of strikers. The contract is believed to be three months long and is expected to be officially announced in the next 24 hours. Cole had been linked with a move to QPR.

32 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Lesbianism in Nollywood!

By FLORENCE AMAGIYAANDANOZIE EGOLE

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igerian entertainment industry has recently become a haven of lesbianism, where homosexuality is no longer seen as an indulgence akin to taboo. But where young entertainers go to any lenght to get roles in order to flaunt their new found celebrity status with the view to attracting the well-heeled in the society. This ugly development has even spread to churches, night clubs and parties. The act which many believe is alien to our culture as Africans has become so acceptable to those are involved in it without any remorse. Our team went to town to sought the opinions of the enterainters on the disturbing issue.

People take closeness to mean lesbianism —Lizzy, Actress

It’s common in Nollywood —Stephanie, Actress

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t is a common thing in the industry and many of them are not even ashamed of being lesbians or bisexual. I don’t hate those who are involved in lesbianism. But l hate the act. I cannot be caught even in my wild dreams involved in lesbianism!

m in out lesbianis have heard abt I can’t actually u hen Nollywood b on anyone. W with d an h y m t place ou g in g u han people spot yofriends or sharing e al m fe eagues; lots of ur female coll ian. yo h it w om ro you are a lesb they assume as an example; I am f Using mysel g girlfriends; I can in p ee k of d n fo in the g her closely ch u h d peck an su e people se public,when assume you are ey th . closeness out evidence lesbians with eople base on what I p I don’t judge be close to you first to e av see; I h w my t before I dra and foremos onestly, I have never conclusion. H lesbian before, or a come across any of their agents. y b ed ss ra har

I

I have hear d about it —Ani Amatosero , Actress

s, I have Y Nollywoo heard there are d but I ca becau n e

lesbians in se n not now. Peopobody has approa accuse anyone especially le gossip a lot andched me before they find when they don’t li assume things one they feout that you are a ke you or when friend to e someI don’t judl is a lesbian. g e p eople by or what oth th people by ers say about that eir appearance pers h o w they tre every twe at or deal on. I judge lv e wit a ccording there is alw to teh Ho h me. In a y s a Judas. Bu ly Bible, I cannot id t th das in que entify the Judas is time around, b ing or w stion has never att ecause the Juo empted to o in g me have neve r experien to evil bed. Hone uchstly, I ced it!

I am not against lesbianism

—Toyin Actress

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don’t discriminate against ‘same sex’ beacuse we are in a free world. We need to treat everybody equal. Even though there are bisexual;gay,lesbians and other things we are not aware of; It is their lives hence; they should decide what works for them. I will be surprised if we have same sex in Nollywood because our culture forbids such practice.

It could be allowed in America and Europe, we understand.But I seriously think, Nigerians should stop imitating bad things from the western world.

C M Y K

It’s a free world —Capital FEMI

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here is any need beating about the bush. We should hit the nail on the head. What ever a man or woman does behind close doors is strictly their business. Your sexuality cannot determine how good you are in your job. I do not think it shoud affect other people’s job. I grew up to know that sex is supposed to be practised between two opposite sex and the otehr way round. It’s their business. I don’t have much to contribute here...

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—33

Women are more committed in leadership — Oyewole Makele

BY MOSES NOSIKE

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hief Mrs Gladys Oluremi Oyewole Makele is Managing Director, Godmijt Investments Limited, Godmijt Educational Consultant.

In this interview with , she relates her numerous experiences about womanhood, challenges of women in leadership and their efforts to give their all both at home and in the office to ensure the most desired results are achieved. Excerpts: Womanhood and its challenges I’m an educationist, a mother, grandmother and a widow. I am not a novice when talking about challenges of womanhood. I have faced it at different stages of my life; in marriage, profession and during my career development etc. I have been informed on how to empower myself and manage my personal, professional, social, domestic and religious life to the level of achieving my own self desire and self esteem as a woman who was created by God to serve a purpose on earth. So, I think I feel fulfilled in that area. However, as I said, it’s not without challenges.

As an educationist, I assist in public and private planning of the educational system in Nigeria. I had my First Degree and Masters Degrees in Educational Administration. I started as a teacher in the secondary school with science subjects: Chemistry and Biology. Thereafter I changed to

University administration, University of Lagos. There I served in all different stages of the administration, as an Administrative Officer, Principal Administrative Officer, Principal Assistant Registrar and Acting Director, Academic Planning for many years before I retired.

Haven directed the academic planning unit of University of Lagos for seven years, it had actually given me the overall bill of planning for higher education and the ability to coordinate in different parts of the University system: the academic and administrative departments and the public to deal with. And so, how to coordinate all and ensure that resources are well managed, harnessed and that adequate staff were provided in the academic and non-teaching staff was a challenge. I had liaised with National University Commission (NUC) on so many issues. I was the first Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Academic Planning of Nigerian Universities in 1996 and 1997.

I was opportuned also to attend the Hipher Feed Fellowship programme sponsored by the Department of FAITH of the United States of America for some years, during which I visited many Universities in the United States to see how they manage and plan Universities. So far, that has been my contribution to secondary and the university system. Right now I’m involved with Private Universities.

As a woman, after my voluntary retirement from the University of Lagos in 1997, I started a consultancy firm, Goden Educational Consultants. It runs like a cooperative relations h i p where

Chief Mrs Gladys Oluremi Oyewole Makele: Our education system is old fashioned

experts in various disciplines make contributions for a holistic result, because I am not an expert in all disciplines. So, I have a consortium of consultants, reason being that anytime the company has a project to execute, I can meet the accounts unit for instance, to handle the aspect that involves accounting. Likewise others. I also have acquisition with some establishments of private universities to get their papers collated and inspected by the National University Commission (NUC). I have also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Leads University of Ibadan.

Presently, I’m the chairman, Board of Trustees, Leads University, Ibadan. I’m there to use my experience and knowledge to sort out some pending issues between the University and NUC and I must say these are not unusual issues.

Declining state of educational system in Nigeria I would not say that the educational system is actually declining but what is happening is

The woman is already burdened with high levels of responsibility. If a woman is not relating well with her husband’s family, they would not blame her husband but the woman that the system is not providing relevant education for modern lives. The society is changing and new innovations are taking over.

For instance, fourteen years ago, when I was working as academic planning director in the University of Lagos in 1996,there was no GSM, internet was rare.

But now, we have the internet and all that; so we expect that these new innovations should form part of University training system. Unfortunately, today some of the university lecturers are still lecturing with black board and chalks, whereas in the U.S as far back as 1996, we did our assignments on the email and after that, your lecturer corrects it and email back to you.

One of the challenges of the education system is the inability to review our strategies,and the curriculum of the universities. We’re too rigid to embrace new areas of knowledge. For instance, if I am to lecture in the university now I need to re-train myself because it is no more what

Chief Mrs Gladys Oluremi Oyewole Makele it used to be ten or fifteen years ago. Learning methods are changing all over the world. Today, most universities in the country are still struggling with library materials, whereas in the U.S you can sit in your hostel, email your library, pay online for the books or materials you need and you get them online right there in your bedroom. Our universities are still putting hard copy journals in their library and some are not up to date. The same thing with research work.

How much are we giving to research? Go to most of the universities today, what is the volume of research work there?

How often do lecturers go for refresher courses or interact with their counterparts abroad?

Learning is a universal currency. Economics for instance is the same thing all over the world. In the past, there used to be grant for academic staff even those doing their Ph.D, to travel abroad for experiment especially those doing engineering. Some of our university laboratories are nothing to write home about. I visited one recently, it was amazing, and I can say my laboratory at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo in 1970 is better equipped than that one. How often do we fund our university laboratories? The administrative staff have been neglected in terms of training and development. There is need for training.

There is this saying that when you empower a woman, you feed a nation, what is your take on this statement?

I believe that when you empower a woman you empower a nation because empowerment is beyond giving me food but giving me skills to enable me provide food for myself and to impact on the society. Yes, by our creative nature, we nurture the children and spend more time with them. Biblically, women are created for that while the man should provide food. These days, things have changed.The man alone can’t cope unless you want him to die early because the cost of living has risen, so is the complexity of the society. The demand of the society on parents are increasing, likewise that of the children. What I’m saying is that with the little money your

husband could bring, a good woman would use it to satisfy the need of the family. Sometimes, she will not present her own needs.Anywhere you empower a woman, it always reflects in that home.

Why do we have few women in leadership?

I think there are multiple reasons for it. One, it is too tasking because a woman serves as a coordinator in the home. So with her personal work or office work, you would discover that it’s difficult for her to combine profession, marriage, children, in-laws and even her own relatives. So, the woman is already burdened with high levels of responsibility. If the woman is not relating well with her husband’s family, they would not blame her husband but the woman. By the time a woman attends to all these, there is hardly time for her to fight for leadership positions. There is also the social perception to it. You see, as much as we claim to have been exposed and well travelled, some husbands and families feel threatened when a woman says she wants to contest an elective position, reason being that, it’s believed that a woman cannot win election with her own initiative. They believe she must add prostitution to it or has something to do with the governor or the leader of the party which are not true. So, it’s already assumed that a woman can’t get to a position on her own merit. A “man” must be there to push her and she will be paying the prices.

That relegates a lot of women to the background. For instance, if I want to contest an election, most of the people I might likely meet out there are men and when you go to see a man in his office for an advise or for mentorship, by the time you are leaving his office, stories will go round, that a particular woman is always coming to that office to see that man.

They fail to see him as a mentor, but having a relationship with you in another way. This tends to be a bottle-neck for women.

Another one is the issue of finance; a lot of women are not financial strong to contest elections even at the local government levels.

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Nollywood stars turned ...Ho w are the ...How theyy faring Pastors (1) in their new calling?

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lthough, many have criticised their decisions to embrace Ch rist, blaming such

decisions principally on the turn of events in their lives, it is not out of place today to come across celebrities who have become preachers of the Word.

From Eucheria Anunobi to

Zack Orji, Ndidi Obi, Pat Attah, Ernest Azuzu and many others, it has been a steady influx of firebrand celebrity Pastors into the Vineyard of God. But the question on the lips of everyone is whether these celebrities have found true happiness after all, and if they do, how much has the

•Zack Orji

pulpit paid off, in place of dumping their flourishing careers in acting for the work of God. Like the Biblical saying, "When we come to the Word of God and we pray over His Word, when His Word shines on us, we are exposed and emptied of any other thing.”

reasons, Eucheria shocked her fans when she announced she had given her life to Christ. Few months after the announcement, UK was ordained at the Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos, as an evangelist.

Interestingly, with her ordination which was performed by Pastor Psalm Okpe, Eucharia willed the power to preach as a pastor and she's doing so, without looking back. Those in the know said, she already counsels youths in the church and travels at random to spread the gospel of salvation.

This, however, has not taken away some of the Pat traits that made her fans Attah term her “a bad girl” before her transformation.

She is still flashy and daring. Just weeks after the ordination, Eucheria bought a brand new BMW X5. Severally, she has refuted reports that she has abandoned her acting career for the work Eucheria of God. Instead, she Anunobi pointed out that she would be choosier in accepting roles in movies.

P

at Attah

•Liz Benson

•Charles Okafor

Zack Orji

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x-President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Zack Orji can be described as “a gentleman without blemish.” This, no doubt informed his decision to become a worker in the Vineyard of God. Zack Orji ordained a full-time evangelist by Bishop Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI). He is said to have dedicated his time to preaching the gospel of good tidings across the nations of the world. The veteran actor has been spotted in such cities as Abuja, Nasarawa and Makurdi where he is engaged in various evangelical activities. But

Pat Attah? That play boy actor who broke the hearts of many ‘Nollywood babes’ during his time, and left as soon as the ovation was loud. The once-upon-a•Okey dreadlock-turned clean cut Ogunjiofor actor, is currently based in Hamburg, Germany where he's winning souls for Christ.

Those in the know said, he does not preach in churches, rather he is now very much a born-again.

Many knew him before he left the this, however, has not stopped him from storming the celebrity hangout, in Surulere to fraternize with his friends and colleagues in the movie industry.

Eucharia Anunobi

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n fact, Eucheria Anunobi’s conversion was the most talked about conversion to Christ in recent times. The actress who ruled the screen in the early 90s with her role in the film “Glamour Girls” has been trailed with many controversies and scandals, most of which bothered on her relationships and crashed marriage. But after many years of being in the news for the wrong

Zack Orji has since been ordained a full-time evangelist by Bishop Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI)

shores of the country as one who was close to the ladies and in love with the bottle. Today, reading his posts online, one would acknowledge the fact that Pat is a new creature in Christ. He often uses social network sites including Facebook to deliver his sermon and messages to those who care to read them. But what we don’t know is how he has been faring over there.

L

iz Benson

Elizabeth Benson, popularly known as Liz Benson used to be the toast of many lovers of Nigerian films and TV series. Her journey into stardom began when she appeared on the set of the popular television soap opera, Fortunes, in 1993. Liz Benson played the part of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the soap, which ran for about two years on the NTA. After that, she acted in various TV series and many movies. In 1994, her role in Glamour Girls, a very successful home video that focused on prostitution, literally changed her fortunes. The movie shot her into prominence and soon, she became a subject of many scandals and controversies, forcing her to disappear from teh scene, in order to rebrand herself. But as luck would have it, she got married to her Bishop Great Emeya husband in 2009, at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State. She has since been ordained an evangelist in the church. Presently, she runs the church with her husband.

Charles Okafor

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harles Okafor who staged a comeback to Nollywood recently in Uche Jombo’s film, “Misplaced” after disappearing from the radar is also one of the actors that are winning souls for Christ. He used to act alongside Saint Obi, Zack Orji and Richard Mofe Damijo and has made a name for himself before disappearing from the scene. The UNIPORT trained actor who starred in such films as Forest of Promises, Ocean Deep, Across the River, Between Love, Boiling Point, and Executive Connection, worked briefly with the Security and Exchange Commission, before resigning to go into full time acting.

Recently, he was spotted at a filling station around Isolo area of Lagos, and from the way, he looked, the handsome actor has surely given up the things of this world.

Okey Ogunjiofor

O

kechukwu Ogunjiofor is known to be the founder of Nollywood.

He produced the film, Living in Bondage which gave birth to Nollywood. With the explosion of this movie in 1992, Nollywood prides itself today as second to the largest movie industry in the world after 20 years of its existence. But this man who started this innovation engage himself more in other aspects of movie production. He hardly features in movies but appears on special arrangement. He has since reconciled himself with his maker.

Today, he is not only a preacher of teh Word, he is also House of God. He is also a motivational speaker and unknown to many, Paullo as he’s fondly called by his fans is an author of many Christian literature .

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 35

Jaywon, Papa Ajasco for

Nnenna Chairman of Committee, Mr. Brendan Shehu,(r) speaking at the inuagural meeting. Centre is Dr. Dadu & left is a Committee Member

Advisory committee on film industry meets ...charts a new course for Nollywood

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he Advisory Committee on the Nigerian Film Industry has met with a promise to contribute to the sustainability of the vibrancy of the Nigerian Film industry. Rising from a two- day meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, members of the committee were optimistic that there are better days ahead for the film industry in Nigeria if indeed all stakeholders brace up against inherent challenges and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sector.

The meeting which held last week in Jos, was the first since the committee was constituted last month by the Nigerian Film Corporation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen her efforts towards the growth of the Nigerian Film Industry.

At the inauguration of the committee, whose membership include veterans who have cut their teeth in the Nigerian film industry, Dr. Danjuma Dadu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, said it had become both imperative and expedient to have an Advisory body

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that will interface with policy and practicing bodies in the industry and foster the synergy needed to move Nollywood forward.

Dadu hinted that shortly after he assumed office at the Nigerian Film Corporation in May, 2013, he embarked on a consultation with practitioners and stakeholders across the film production hubs in Nigeria.

A “fallout of that exercise reveals that there was a need to set up a body that will aggregate and articulate issues that the consultations threw up”, as well as advice the NFC on related industry issues, hence the Advisory Committee on film. The issues include funding, policy environment, industry support services, training and manpower development, marketing and distributions, film villages and destinations, the proposed Motion Picture Practitioners Council, amongst others.

He expressed his appreciation to members of the Committee for not only accepting the task but for their solidarity and commitment to serve their father land in a capacity that

will turn around the fortunes of the second largest film industry in the world. Dadu assured the Committee of the support of the Nigerian Film Corporation in the conduct of their assignment. The Federal Government, he further said, was committed to ensuring a vibrant film industry through responsive policy and industry interventions.

Responding, Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Brendan Shehu, who has served the film industry for 35 years, threw his weight behind idea to put in place an Advisory body for the industry that will help the government keep a brace with challenges and opportunities in the sector. Mr. Shehu said, the Nigerian Film industry is experiencing dynamic changes at all fronts and has positioned itself as a critical player in not just the entertainment industry, but in economy, culture and diplomatic successes of the nation. Mr. Brendan Shehu, was the pioneer Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation.

The 13 Members of the Advisory Committee on the Nigerian Film Industry are: Mr Brendan Shehu Chairman, Chief Tunde Oyelede, Mr Mahmood Ali Bologun, Chief Pete Edochie (OON), Mr Victor Okhai, Chief Osita Okeke (Ossy Affason) Prince Chuwang R. Pam, Mr Yakubu Jang, Alhaji. Sani Muazu, Mrs Lantana Ahmed, Mrs Hanatu Dantong, Alhaji Ahmed Belli and Mr. Gideon Barde.

& FFriends riends independence Da w Dayy sho show N igerian families are in for a treat this October as popular TV series, Nnenna storms the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos with Jaywon, Papa Ajasco & Company, Explicits, N-Stars, MC Prince, Omonla, Spirit Soul and Body, and many other exciting performers for the highly anticipated Nnenna & Friends Independence Day Show 2013.

According to Nnenna, “This event will be a double celebration because apart from your much-loved Nnenna & Friends Show, I will also be launching my Music Video CD entitled Mum Like No Other which is a compilation of 10 beautiful songs for the kids and teens to sing and dance along to.”

Guests, according to the orgainsers, will receive bountiful gifts and products from Indomie Noodles, Ribena Fruit Drinks, OK Foods, Toasties Bread Chips, StarTimes Decoders, Beloxxi Biscuits, Aquarite Water and other corporate bodies who have partnered with the organisers to make the event possible. The show takes place on Tuesday, 1st October.

O’jez celebrates Eyengho

he Nigerian film community otherwise called Nollywood will gather to honour one of their own, producer, Alex Eyengho come tomorrow. .Eyengho is this month’s recipient of the O’jez Entertainment Award, a monthly award series for people that have distinguished themselves in their various field of human endeavour.

Eyengho recently brought honour to the country when he was

•Alex Eyengho

elected Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). He became the first ever African to occupy that office in FIAPF founded in 1933. FIAPF is to film producing at global level what FIFA is to the game of football. “We are happy to have Mr. Alex Eyengho as

recipient of this month’s O’jez Entertainment Awards. Its indeed a great feeling to see Nigerians excelling in their careers and Eyengho is one of them, and you know that O’jez award is our little way of encouraging individuals who are doing well in their chosen professions. ” Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chief Executive Officer of the O’jez Entertainment Limited, organizers of the award and owners of O’jez chains of celebrity restaurants, said in a statement signed by his media Company, Media Image Managers, MIM.

•Nnenna

36—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

08056180112

Birth control: The good, the bad about female condom R

ECENTLY, the United Nations Populations Fund, UNFPA, presented a batch of four million female condoms to the Society for Family Health, SFH, at its warehouse in Ota, Ogun State. Earlier in 2011, female condoms were part of a large cache of contraceptive commodities distributed by the Federal government as part of effort to help reduce maternal and child death nationwide. It is not surprising the current emphasis on female condoms nationally and globally.

What is it?

A woman can get pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs in the uterus.

Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart or by stopping egg production.

One effective method of contraception is the female condom— a birth control (contraceptive) device that acts as a barrier to keep sperm from entering the uterus.

Female condoms, made •The female condom ...demonstrating the use from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane, are condoms need to be stored in sperm getting to the womb. It worn inside the birth canal to places that aren’t too hot or is important to use condoms prevent semen getting to the too cold, and away from correctly, and to make sure womb. When used correctly sharp or rough surfaces that there is no contact with the during penetrative sex, they could tear them or wear them birth canal before a condom away. It is advisable to buy has been put in. This is because semen can be released before a man has fully ejaculated. A female condom can be put in up to eight hours before sex.

Female condoms can be inserted up to eight hours before sex, and that means that women share the responsibility for using condoms

,

help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At a glance If used correctly and consistently, the female condom is about 95 percent effective. This means that five out of 100 women using female condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year. Using female condoms protects against both pregnancy and STIs. Proper use means that a female condom must be placed inside the woman before there is any contact with the partner. Female

,

condoms that have a certified mark on the packet. This means they’ve been tested to international safety standards. Condoms that don’t have the certified mark won’t meet these standards, so don’t use them. A female condom can get pushed too far into the birth canal, but it’s easy to remove it yourself.

Female condoms may not be suitable for women who are not comfortable touching their genital area. Do not use a female condom more than once.

How it works The female condom is worn inside the birth canal to stop

How to condom

use

female

Take the female condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom – do not open the packet with your teeth. Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina. Make sure that the large ring at the open end of the female condom covers the area around the vaginal opening. The man should enter into the female condom, not between the condom and the side of the birth canal.

Remove the female condom immediately after sex by gently pulling it out – you can twist the large ring to prevent

semen leaking out. Throw the condom away in a bin, not down the toilet.

Who can condom

use

female

Most people can safely use condoms. However, they may not be the most suitable method of contraception for women who do not feel comfortable touching their genital area.

Advantages It is important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception for extra protection. Advantages of female condoms include preventing the exchange of bodily fluids (semen and vaginal fluid), female condoms help to protect against many STIs, including HIV. When used correctly and consistently, female condoms are a reliable method of

preventing pregnancy. You only need to use them when you have sex – they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex. In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms. Female condoms can be inserted up to eight hours before sex, and thaqt means that women share the responsibility for using condoms with their partner. The female condom can be used during menstruation or pregnancy, or after recent childbirth. It eliminates the woman’s concern that the man won’t wear a condom.

She can protect herself from pregnancy and STIs without relying on the male condom.

Disadvantages Female condoms fail for the same reason as male condoms — a rip or tear in a condom (can be made before or during intercourse), the condom is not placed before intercourse, failure to use a condom each time you have intercourse, and spilling of semen from a condom while removing it.

Friction of the condom may reduce stimulation and lubrication, making intercourse less enjoyable or even uncomfortable.

There may be irritation and allergic reactions. Some couples find that putting a condom in can interrupt sex — to get around this, try making using a condom part of foreplay or insert the female condom in advance. Condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly.

Worse still, female condoms are not as widely available as male condoms.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 37

Solidstar again! ..returns with “Grace and Glory”

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Music superstars battle for star prize ...as Project Fame ends today

By IYABO AINA AND ADERONKE ADEYERI

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HE grand finale of the most popular musical reality show project Fame has been slated for today in Lagos. The degree of excitement, extraordinary musical craftsmanship and entertainment, in the past weeks, leaves the show ’s

teeming audience yearning for more from the six contestants.,who Joke Silva, the Principal of the musical reality show’S academy, referred to as ‘the powerful six’.

Olawale, Immaculate, Omolayo, Rowland, Margaret and Niniola ensured their extraordinary talents and nine weeks of hard-work were not a waste. Confronted with the ingenuity of the twelve other

contestants, at this year’s edition of the MTN Project Fame West Africa, the six finalists delivered, week-in-week-out, with admirable gusto and great musical performances that had the academy’s panel of judges, faculty members and the audience spread over the entire West African sub-region, commending their craftsmanship.

Also, celebrities and hip-hop stars continue to shower encomiums on the contestants.

Banky W said, ‘this year ’s contestants performed as if they were superstars already’.

Even Wizkid, who doubles as Pepsi and MTN brand ambassador, admitted this much: ‘these guys are good’.

How Briggs family won MDA

By ANOZIE EGOLE

I

T was an atmosphere of excitement and merriment at the Conventional Center, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, last weekend as the Briggs family, stole the votes of

C M Y K

the fans with their electrifying performances and dance steps in the season seven grand finale of the popular family dance show , Maltina Dance All, which was sponsored by Nigerian breweries to emerge the winner.

This year's edition was tagged, “Evolution”.

The show could be said to have lived up to its billings by fans after a light entertainment all sponsored by the brand, Maltina. Comedian “Laff up” of stand up Nigerian never allowed the audience to get bored as he kept cracking rib breaking jokes just to light up the fans. There was also a slight dancing competition among children there present and a package was given to the winner and the runner ups as well.

Hosted by Osas Ighodaro, who reeled out the programs of the event. The four families that made it to the final stage were called upon to perform one after the other.

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

FTER dropping such hits as “Omotena, Skibo, Oluchi ft. Flavour and Knockout', Solidstar is set to rule the airwaves again as he concludes plans to drop his highly anticipated second studio album come October 1. The album is being dropped to mark the nation's 53 independence celebration.

Already, pundits are optimistic that the starstudded album titled, “Grace & Glory” has what it takes to revolutionize the nation’s hip hop scene. The 22 track album,featured some of the nation's finest acts including Olamide, Flavour, Timaya, Inyanya, Xcellente, Vector among others.

Signed onto Achievas Entertainment, Solidstar explains that 'One Nigeria” is a unity song that is, “specially dedicated to the centenary celebration of the country as an entity, ahead of next year ’s celebration. “It is our little contribution to the unity, peace and love that our nation needs, especially at this critical moment.”

Commenting on the album which will be marketed and distributed by Obaino Music, CEO of Achievas Entertainment, Mr. Paul Cole Chiori (Ossy) stated that the album was a follow up to Solidstar ’s debut entitled “One In A Million.”

“He showed class and maturity in his delivery and lyrics. Solidstar has been growing from strength to strength in the music business and we are very proud of his humble achievements so far.”

Youthful Ossy, further disclosed that two hot videos would soon hit the airwaves alongside a •Solidstar show at O2 Arena in London on October 6.

Haven Homes celebrates 2face EKPENBOR GRACE

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n order to show appreciation for his artistic ingenuity, Haven Homes, promoters and developers of lifestyle living recently took time out to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most talented music stars, 2Face Idibia in grand style.

The company, which also endorsed the “African Queen” crooner as its roving ambassador decided to celebrate 2Face, for making the top ten in the

•2Face Idibia, and Haven Homes MD/CEO Tayo Sonuga

recently released Ten Bankable Artistes list in Africa by Forbes and Channel O. 2Face clinched the 6th position, having been credited with the oration: “10 million disc and at least 7 million digital scale, multiple ambassadors, one campaign associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philanthropist- 2Face Foundation!

Apart from getting involved in “Awards Projects” which he explained was aimed at giving back to the society, ensuring peace and addressing the ills of violence, unfairness and injustices among others, the Haven Homes brand recently deployed 2Face’s musical artistry and ingenuity to adapt a theme song that depicts the affordable luxury brand of homes that the company develops. The song is currently on Haven Homes’ website.

2Face had earlier purchased some units of houses from the Haven Homes exquisite stable.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

BY IYABO AINA

Miss America 20 14 201 emerges!

Lindsa Lindsayy Lohan, Matt Nordgren par ays partt w wa L

indsay Lohan and Matt Nordgren have decided to go their separate ways just one week after it was reported that they were dating.

“Their work schedules and the distance just make dating impossible,”a source says of the Canyons actress, 27, and the clean-cut Texan, 30. “He really likes and respects her. He thinks she is back on top, emotionally and physically.”

If she is, he may be part of the reason why. Insiders disclosed last week that Nordgren, a former quarterback for the University of Texas and the Philadelphia Eagles- was a good influence on Lohan, who recently completed

*Lindsay and Matt Nordgren

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a court-ordered stint in rehab.

“He’s older, a successful businessman, and he has been a great friend to her,” one source disclosed. “He’s also a Christian and won’t drink around her.

He’s trying to keep her sober and on the straight and narrow. He’s really good for her.”

As previously reported, the two actually met seven years ago through mutual pals. “We’ve hung out,” Nordgren told the New York Post’s Page Six recently. “But I have been a friend trying to support her for many years now.”

Kanye West claims self defense against photographer K

anye West is fighting back against the photographer who’s suing him for damages following an altercation at LAX in July. The rapper, 36, has counter-filed papers claiming he acted in self-defense when he allegedly shoved Daniel Ramos this summer, TMZ reports.

The papers state that it was Ramos who “willfully and wrongfully caused [West] to reasonably believe his safety was in danger.” They further allege that the hip hop star did only what was “necessary for his self-defense and safety and was justified in doing those acts.”

As previously reported, the “Black Skinhead” rapper was walking near the Tom Bradley International Terminal arrivals exit when he allegedly tried to steal Ramos’ camera. “He didn’t hurt the pap,” a source close to West told Us Weekly at the time. “They were just heckling him as usual. Kanye went to grab the camera and the *Kanye guy fell being so dramatic.”

he new Miss America has just been announced in a live pageant show held last Sunday, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Miss New York Nina Davuluri won the competition, marking the second year in a row Miss NY took home the crown.

The 24-year-old beauty from Syracuse said, “I don’t agree with plastic surgery, however, I can understand that from a standpoint. More importantly, I’ve always viewed Miss America as the girl next door. And Miss America is always evolving.” She added, “I wouldn’t want to change someone’s looks , but be confident in who you are.”

Davuluri, who once battled bulimia, won the $50,000 scholarship cash.

Not only did she become the first Miss America to be crowned in Atlantic City, but she’s also the first Indian-American to be crowned Miss New York and is the first Miss America winner of Indian descent. The first runnerup went to Miss California, followed by Miss Oklahoma, Miss Florida and Miss Minnesota.

*Nina Davuluri

Anti gay parents want Elton John’s concert cancelled

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parents’ group has urged the Russian President to cancel an Elton John concert, saying the veteran performer plans to violate a ban on “homosexual propaganda.”

In an open letter to Vladimir Putin, the local parents’ committee in the central Ural region reportedly said “The singer intends to come out in support of local sodomites and break the current Russian law, directed at protecting children.”

The law is part of a broader attempt by Mr Putin to win over Russians in the

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mostly conservative country following protests against his rule.

Gay activists say the propaganda law has increased discrimination against them and emboldened vigilante-style attacks.

Sir Elton was said to be planning to perform on December 6 in Moscow and December 7 in Kazan.

Earlier this month, the British singer said he wanted to perform in Russia to support the gay community.

“As a gay man, I can’t leave those people on their own without going over there and supporting them. I don’t know what’s

going to happen, but I’ve got to go,” he said.

Also Sir Elton reminisced about having sex on a Moscow rooftop with a translator during his 1979 Soviet Union tour.

Sir Elton, who is one of the world’s most prominent gay celebrities, lives with his partner David Furnish and their two children in southern France.

Madonna and Lady Gaga criticised the anti-gay law in concerts in St Petersburg last year, leading Moscow to implement harsher visa rules for performers coming to Russia.

*Elton John

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 39

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Luxurious Bridal collection from the Native &Vogue runway T

here is no better way to shop for your wedding dress or gain ideas than watching the collections come to life on the catwalk. The Native &Vogue Port Harcourt International fashion week runway featured a luxurious collection of bridal wears from Nigeria’s most talented bridal designers.

The evening was gorgeous with glamorous styling, dramatic silhouettes, and rich embroidery. Designers blended hand-beading and floral elements with lush textural skirts, corset bodices to create striking, chic gowns, with luxurious fabrics and impeccable fit that give each gown an undeniable haute couture feel.

•Delem designs

•House of Buno

•Paul Van Zyl

•Paul Van Zyl

An evening of Fashion, music and entertainment

BY Esther Onyegbula

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t was indeed an evening of fashion, music and quality entertainment at the second edition of Fashion and Music Show held recently at Ikeja City Mall.

It began with a red carpet section at 5pm, with Nigeria’s top models taking to the runway to display amazing designs from clothing stores in the mall. The best of both local and international designers were on display. The show was opened by SoundCity presenter, S.DOT who was the host of the evening. Guest designers who showcased their outfits were Yomi Casual, Mon-Ami, Signature by Aniferaz and J-Reason and fifteen fashion stores who are tenants in the mall. Special guests at the show were top fashion icons.

There were also musical performances by T-songz, Korede Bello, I-rap, Mykey O, Karate kid, C M Y K

El-phlex and 2012 Project fame winner, Ayoola .

The highlight of the event was the runway showcase: trendy casual, comfy sport wears, and corporate outfits for both men and women were part of the collections showcase. Collections from Us polo, Addidas, Da viva, woolworths, foschini Markham, Levis, Nike, United colour of benetton and Twice as Nice also took centre stage. In her opening speech, Mrs Erejuwa Gbadebo, CEO Broll properties LTD, noted that Ikeja City Mall has become a place of commerce, place of entertainment, and a tourist centre “today, we have been able to show Nigerians worldwide that running such a business model within our shores is possible, where people can have as many packages as they want at the same time, shopping and having fun. That’s the kind of atmosphere we want to create with our innovations.”

•Paul Van Zyl

•Zhalima Grazioni

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY

A day without laughter is wasted

will also enable the youth to have a unique experience of gratitude to God and worship to Him at the Assemblies of God Church, Maza Maza.

Preference for comedy It is true one of the lucrative careers today is music. Yes, I do love music but I don’t have the voice to sing so I decided to do that which I know I can do best and which gives me joy whenever I do it. I chose comedy because I do derive joy from it, when I see people that are not in a good mood and making them to smile again with my anointed mouth which I use in cracking ribs and jokes in the sense that I

—Mar Martins tins Obigbo a.k.a. MC Recharge Card

O

bigho Martins a.k.a Mc Recharge Card is a bundle of talents.

He is an Edo State indigene but lives in Lagos. He is the 4th of 4 children, and a very active member of Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria. Just two years ago, he found his passion in the comedy, and he is already making waves. He is now in high demand because of his sense of humour. He has been featuring in so many concerts, programme etc within and outside the country. Recently he was in Benin Republic. He has also been successful by being the C.E.O of Recharge Card Entertainment and also the founder of a popular group known as the Eagle’s Eye. He spoke to Youthful Vibes recently about his journey into comedy and how he is contributing to change the society for better.

Excerpts: You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humour in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.

—Bill Cosby Journey into comedy My journey into comedy has not really been easy because I believe nothing good comes easy, like a pastor do say: “The bigger your dreams, the bigger your challenges”. so I believe only God, prayers and my hardwork can get me there.

Vision and Mission of Eagle’s Eye I noticed that most of the programme that are organized by some of our youths are nothing more than birthday parties, carnivals, club jamz, all night activities to satisfy youthful exuberance, and oftentimes end up not giving glory to God. I have burden to organize a crew that is unique, God fearing and dynamic that will help the

lives of the youth and other individuals in converting their energies to positive ventures which will also glorify God. Hence our vision and mission respectively reads: Mission: Seeing Beyond Human Imagination(S.B.H.I) Vision: Giving you a Reason to Live...(G.R.L) Why the name Eagle’s Eye? The group was named eagle’s eye because when you look at the word, “Eagle”, we all know it is greater than other birds and everything about an eagle is unique and special, and we also found it in the Bible.

Impacting lives Eagle’s Eye is set to positively affect young people by bringing them to the realization that God is the owner of our lives and we are working on helping them to actualize their purpose for living. The greatest tragedy is not to know the reason why

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—41

•Martins

The greatest tragedy is not to know the reason why you are alive you are alive. We are not products of accident or chance but products of creation. For instance, on September 30, we shall host the 2nd edition of our event titled: “Experiencing Power Of praise”(E.P.O.P). It is going to be a praise concert that

communicate easily with comedy than music.

I am into fashion designing, dancing and acting.

Interestingly, one profession I would have loved to venture into is the Nigerian Armed Forces (Army) because I love the discipline and confidence

they exude. Their uniform is something that blows my mind. Although, I have been involved with one of the paramilitary groups known as Royal Rangers Nigeria.

My Role models I have two people who are my role models. In the acting industry, John Okafor a.k.a Mr Ibu while in the aspect of comedy I have my big boss who is one of the finest gospel comedians in Nigeria popularly known as Akpororo.

Driving force I know what I am about to say will sound funny or surprising to some people.

For me it is Poverty that is my driving force. People do say that poverty is a disease but I believe that poverty is more than a disease. I consider it a sin because when your are poor you easily think about things that are evil. Nobody wants to be poor in this life but every man should know that to be a man is not a day’s job, so most times when I feel like giving up and I remember the big basket of poverty, I jump up immediately without being told.

Advice to Nigerian youths eyeing the Comedy industry I know the challenges facing the youth are much.

All that I have to say is that if everybody likes your dream or vision, then you have a problem. Therefore, if you have a vision, then get ready for challenges and trials as the higher your dream then the bigger your challenges. Above all, in everything you do, please put God first.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Rotaract of Amuwo Main installs new president other award recipients conRepresentative and other Ron September 21, 2013, O all roads led to the in- ducted by Rotaractor Timo- taractors. vestiture ceremony of Rota- thy, the District Rotaract ractor Chimezie Judemary Udechukwu as the First Class President of Rotaract Club of Amuwo Main. The event witnessed a large turn out of Rotarians, Rotaractors, guests and friends of Rotary.

Rotaractor Bayo Oduntan, the Chartered President handed over the baton of leadership to Chimezie after a great year of service.

Rotary Club of Amuwo, the sponsporing club of Rotaractor Chimezie’s club stood solidly behind him and his team. Mr. Victor Gotevbe of Vanguard Media Limited was the guest speaker for the day. He shared on the theme: I am one and I am powerful. He also was given a leadership award with

Rotaractor Chimezie Udechukwu and, Rotaractor Adaora Amene (The Investiture chair cum Vice President of Rotaract Club of Amuwo Main) paid a courtesy visit to Vanguard to express appreciation.

42— SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

High-profile gathering as Adesina buries mum

L-R: Mallam Iyau Darazo, SA to General Buhari; Dr Olubiyi Adesina; Mr Femi Adesina, President, NGE; Chief Tam David -West, General Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Tayo Adesina and Mallam S. Yussuf.

R-L:Mr Femi Adesina, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard, and wife.

T

FROM north to south, from east to west, traffic of high-power dignitaries kept pouring in to commemorate with Femi Adesina, Deputy Managing Director, Sun Newspaper and President, Nigerian Guild of Editors who lost his mother, Late Mama Ruphina Olajumoke Adesina recently.

At the Interdenominational commendation service held in honour of the deceased in Lagos, the crowd of the country’s who’s who got heavier, grander and with more panache. Photos by Bamidele Lamidi

R-L: Prof. Tayo Adesina; Mr Gbenga Akinjogbin; Dr Biyi Adesina; Mr Femi Adesina and his wife, Nike.

UNIABUJA’s Dep. Registrar’s son weds

L-R: Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard, and Mrs Comfort Obi, Publisher, Source Magazine.

From left: Mr Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and strategy, Lagos State; Mr Kayode Akinmade, Ondo State Commissioner for information; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Mr Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner of Information

he usual pomp and pageantry that come with society weddings descended on St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos when the son of Deputy Registrar of University of Abuja, Mrs Folashade Balogun took a wife. The couple, Oluwabusola Bathy Akomolede and Adekunle James Balogun took their matrimonial oaths before family and friends on September 7, 2013

L-R: Ike and Adesuwa Oyenekwe, Barr.

Adesoji Oluyori, couple, Kunmi and Busola Balogun, Chairman of the Wedding, AVM Olufunsho Martins and Mrs. Funsho.

L-R: brides parents, Chief Kola and Abike Akomolede, the couple, Kunmi and Busola Balogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba and groom's mother, Deputy Registrar, University of Abuja, Mrs Folashade Balogun

L-R:Groom's mum, Mrs Folashade Balogun, the couple, Kunmi and Busola Balogun; Chief and Chief Mrs Kola and Abike Akomolede.

Groom's mother, Mrs Folashade Balogun, Kunmi and Busola Balogun Couple and groom's brother, Prince Tumi Balogun

From left: Rear Admiral Abiodun Olukoya (rtd); Chief Alex Akinyemi, former Minister of Sports and Mrs Farida Waziri, former Chairman, EFCC.

From left: Colonel Henry David (rtd) and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State

SATURDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 — 43

Panache as ROF’s Olori Oluwo buries brother Maria Unini celebrates 70 he entire town of Ijegun in Lagos reverberated with sight and sound of a fiesta-like event last

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Saturday, September 21th when members of Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, ROF, stormed the suburb at the behest of their leader, Olori Oluwo, Otunba Francis Meshioye for the final burial of his late brother, Pa. Olufemi Johnson Meshioye.

The party held at the Muslim Playing Ground and there was much to eat and drink, not only for the guests, but also for the people of the town who ventured in.

L-R: Onijegun of Ijegun, HRH Oba Nureni Alani Akinremi, Olomitutu Ilufemiloye, Olori Oluwo, ROF, Otunba Francis Meshioye and Chief Igho Osagie

The Olori Oluwo, ROF, Otunba Francis Meshioye and wife.

L-R: Chief (Mrs) P.A. Giwa-Osagie and Olori Aramide Oniru, Olori Iya Abiye, ROF.

L-R: Chief O. Akin Akala, Afilaka of Village Headmaster fame, Elder Joseph A. King and Elder S.A. Omotayo.

L-R:Princess Akeem Adesope, Adesina Adeyemi, Apena Alakoso Akin George, High Chief Nureni Sulaimon, Sam Adebola, Sunday Odusanya, Ojomu Obanta, Lagos

IT was joy and celebration galore at the home of the Uninis when mother of ththe family, Mrs Maria Unini celebrated her 70 birthday. Before the merry-merry party by the children of the celebrant, a thanksgiving mass was held at St Mark’s Anglican church, Ubulu-Uku, Sunday. There was much too eat and drink.

L-R:Mr. Byron Unini, Mr. Godwin Unini, Mrs. Maria Unini , the celebrant and Mrs. Rose Awunor.

Secretary, Office of the SSG, Delta State, Mr Ogidi Gbagbeje (middle) congratulating Mrs. Maria Unini (left) while son, Mr. Byron Unini looks on

Deam Mrs. Edith Okowa (left) and Hon. Mrs. Joan Marakpor (right) congratulating Mrs. Maria Unini

Madam Miriam Ighorodje laid to rest in style BURIAL of Mrs Omotiyede Miriam Ighorodje, mother of Mr. Oghene Ighorodje, a Vanguard Staff took place at Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government area of Delta State on May 31, 2013. The ceremony was well attended by family and friends who were much delighted with first class hospitality.

L-R: Elohor, Ighorodje Oghene Joseph and wife, Edna and Constance

L-R: Elohor, Edna and Constance, all sisters

L-R: Mrs Joy Ighorodje, Mrs Margaret Ighorodje and Mrs Edna Ighorodje

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Found after 40 years A

08116759759

Swazi king to wed 14th wife S

waziland’s 45-year-old king, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute mon arch, has chosen an 18-year-old as his 14th wife, the palace says.

Swaziland’s King Mswati III has chosen an 18-year-old beauty pageant contestant as his 14th wife, a palace spokesman says, days before a muchcriticised parliamentary vote. “I can confirm that the king has introduced to the nation a new liphovela (royal fiancee),” said Ludzidzini palace governor Timothy Mtetwa on Tuesday. Mswati, who is sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, introduced Sindiswa Dlamini at a Reed Dance celebration over the weekend, Mtetwa told AFP. She wore red feathers on her head — a sign of royalty. The young woman graduated from Mbabane’s St Francis High School last year and is a finalist in the Miss Cultural Heritage beauty pageant. The winner will be announced on September 28. The weekend’s

father and son have been found living in the jungle of Vietnam four decades after they went missing during the country’s war with the U.S. Yesterday authorities confirmed that the men were Thanh, 82, and 41-year-old Lang. The older man once lived a normal life with his family in the hamlet of Tra Kem at the time of the Vietnam War. Ho Van Thanh and his son, Ho Van Lang apparently fled their home village 40 years ago after a bomb killed three members of their family. They were discovered by locals looking for firewood in deep forest in the Tay Tra district of Quang Ngai province. But one day his wife and two of his sons were killed by a mine explosion, putting him in a state of shock. He took his two-year-old son and fled into the jungle, thereafter never having any contact with anyone else. The pair survived by foraging fruit and cassava from the forest and planting corn. They wore loincloths made out of tree bark, and lived in a timber hut raised five metres above the ground. When the foragers saw the two ‘jungle men’ from a distance acting abnormally, they alerted local authorities. Officials set up a team to track them down, and found them yesterday after a five-hour search. The father could speak a little of the minority Cor language, but the son knew only a few words. The pair are now undergoing medical check-ups as a first step to being reintegrated into mainstream society.

celebrations were a smaller repeat of last month’s official annual Reed Dance, where young virgins from across the kingdom gather and dance for the king.

“It just happened that the international community was there to witness the event,” said Mtetwa. The wedding only takes place once the fiancee falls pregnant. Dlamini will then become Mswati’s 14th wife. The monarch’s colourful private life is off-limits in local media, but has drawn a lot of international interest.

‘Having sex on duty is like taking a tea break’

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hy armed policeman who had 40-minute tryst with another man’s wife while on patrol kept his job. PC Shaun Jenkins, 36, left his patrol car to have sex with another man’s wife while working for Gwent Police in South Wales. A colleague waited in the vehicle outside during the 40-minute tryst. Report said the act was similar to an officer taking a lavatory break. Tribunal said it did not pose a risk to the public because he could have been back ‘within a minute or two’

Selfless Navy veteran donates a kidney to a dying woman

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elfless Navy veteran donates a kidney to a dying woman after hearing about her devoted husband’s year-long sandwich board appeal to find a donor. Larry Swilling, 78, spent a year walking the streets of Anderson, South Carolina, with a sandwich board appealing for donors. His wife of 57 years Jimmie Sue, 76, was born with only one kidney. Retired Navy lieutenant commander Kelly Weaverling, 41, read about his efforts and contacted them. The operation took place on Wednesday and was a great success.

‘It was his dying wish to cuddle his baby ' T

he heartbreaking moment a dying soldier cra dled his newborn daughter just seven days before he passed away. Soldier Gary Coleman, from Hampshire, was ‘thrilled’ to become a dad.

He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2011, which spread to his brain. Wife Joanne asked to be induced so her husband could spend precious moments with his newborn daughter. Tragically, seven days after baby Amba’s birth, the doting father died.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—45

ABUJA KILLINGS:

No, they are Keke NAPEP operators, water suppliers, cobblers—Musa, Survivor Continued from page 12 person so that they would live in that house, and that they have earlier been warned that they had five days to leave that place or be dealth with. I think this is not one incident we should hide under the generic term of terrorist activities so that the public will have no sympathy for the victims. I think it calls for further inquiries. There are many questions begging for answers so that extra judicial killings of Nigeria should not be perpetrated under the guise of fighting terrorists. It is a careless and unlawful killing of Nigerians whose only crime was that they were squatters in an uncompleted building allegedly belonging to a retired General.

Security agencies are serving some interests —Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Consultative Youth Forum They should call for probe. We are not running a banana republic where people will just wake up because they are security agencies and decide to take peoples lives at any given time without concrete evidence. Today, as a result of these extra judicial killings, we have the issue of Boko Haram that we cannot control. The leader of the group was killed, not because he has not committed any crime but we are saying, take him through the process of law, probe him, make findings, let him make confessional statements, then execute him through legal processes, but not in this case where anybody will just wake up at any given time. Once there is an allegation, people will just open fire.

People will just kill people and get away with it. Whose interest are the security agencies serving? Are the security agencies working to kill people or to protect lives and properties. Those are things we must clearly define. So, to that extent, I am of the view that they must be probed so that others will learn. If somebody is found wanting, they should deal with that person.

Nobody is above the law especially when innocent souls are being taken away like that. No, it’s really not right.

The APO killings is extra judicial murder— Shehu Sani, President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria The gruesome killing of the Abuja Apo seven by the security agents stands condemned. The justification for the killings is untenable and stands rejected. The testimonies given by survivors of the extrajudicial killings is both revealing and raises ethical and professional questions on the conduct of the state apparatus. The narrative given by the security agencies, on the

Survivors in hospital

The state has a moral and constitutional duty to combat violence and terror and restore peace but not at the price of the life of innocent persons circumstances of the killings is an idiotic and unconvincing tale. It is a poorly written fictional script meant for the dumbest. We are for now convinced that the alleged terrorists murdered were squatters. The culture of wanton killings and gross human rights violations perpetrated by security agents in the guise of fighting terror is legally wrong and morally unacceptable. The raging insurgency in the north was sparked by extra judicial killings in 2009 and is sustained by same erroneous strategy. We have not as a nation learnt our lessons. We cannot continue to accept excuses for arbitrariness and bringadage. So much blood has been spilled for expediency. If we accept the extra judicial killing of ‘insurgents’ by security agents, we have logically issued a license for impunity. Fighting insurgency should not be an excuse to kill innocent persons and commit heinous atrocities with the seal or stamp of the state. The Apo seven killings is a micro indicator of carnage and massacre going on behind the veil of the state of emergency in the North eastern part of the country. It also stands condemned. Discretion, accountability and responsibility in the

use of lethal force is indispensable in a free and democratic state. The state has a moral and constitutional duty to combat violence and terror and restore peace but not at the price of the life of innocent persons. We demand that the Federal Government set up an independent judicial commission of enquiry to investigate this dastardly act with the view of bringing the culprits to book.

There should be independent investigation-- Atiku Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says only an independent investigation by Nigeria’s parliament, the judiciary or civil society will unravel the facts behind the killing of the citizens with 16 others injured in the reported shooting incident in the neighborhood of the Apo legislative quarters of Abuja, the Federal Capital.Since the incident took place in the early morning hours of Friday, there have been conflicting reports concerning the shoot-out with the Department of State Security (DSS) claiming that they had a confrontation

with the insurgent group, Boko Haram, while independent sources are indicating that the victims were economic migrants squatting in the uncompleted building.In a statement by his media office on Saturday, Atiku said he became disturbed following the accounts by the Reuters International news agency as well as the local media that the victims were squatters who came under attack at the instigation of owner of the building.“For me, this issue borders on human rights, the rule of law and the sanctity of human life. Our security services should stick to their role under the constitution: make the country safe.” said Atiku.He said while every citizen should support the government’s efforts to counter

terrorism and defeat it, allegations of abuses and extra-judicial killings must not be swept under the carpet.The former Vice President decried the tendency of security agencies to profile certain Nigerians, in spite of constant denials to the contrary, saying that terrorist profiling was a fact of life today in Nigeria.He recalled that in 2006, it took riots by Igbo traders in the Federal Capital Territory to force the government at that time to investigate, arrest and charge police officers that allegedly killed six Igbo traders they branded as armed robbers. “There must be an independent investigation into this incident to insure human rights and the rule of law. Things don’t have to get to this sorry pass,” Atiku cautioned the authorities.

NYA gives one week ultimatum for probe or…

Meanwhile, a protest by the Nigerian Youths Assembly (NYA) in demand of justice for the victims was on Wednesday was put off due to a peace meeting between the representatives of government, the Emir of Garki District, Alhaji Usman Nga, the National Union of Keke NAPEP Riders and the NYA. Spokesperson for the government and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. John Chukwu had appealed to the youths to abort the planned protest in the FCT and allow government more time to investigate the matter. This, NYA heeded.

In a statement forwarded to Saturday Vanguard, the National President of NYA, Comrade Nurudeen Mustapha said, “After the deliberation, we decided to give the government and the security agencies one week to set up an independent probe panel and to prosecute all the perpetrators of the Apo extra-judicial act, failure to do so after a week, we would mobilize youths throughout Nigeria to protest the injustice meted at innocent youths who were killed in cold blood for committing no offense.

“We believe that this kind of dastardly and senseless act by the security men must stop before it gets out of hands. We expect the federal government to leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of this matter. We also want to appreciate and thank all human rights activists, especially Mr. Shehu Sani, for their patriotism and standing with us on the course to a just society.”

Senate’s intervention Meanwhile, the Senate had on Tuesday plenary, after a heated debate on the killings directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Legal, Judiciary and Human Rights to investigate the matter and report back to it.

Botton line Indeed, two things are involved. It is either the security agencies were right or wrong. But even if they were right, some analysts still believe that their role was to engage and arrest, then bring to justice, but certainly not the outright killing of the suspects. But then, it is left to be seen what would be the outcome of the probe as most Nigerians are keenly watching to know if the matter would as well go the way of the “ Apo six”.

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Collapsed buildings: Survivors recount ordeal •‘Capital 1 cup’ football matches saved us—survivors

By UJU MBANUSI

INCIDENCE of building collapse in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, has assumed an alarming dimension following its frequent occurrence.

The recent one occurred Wednesday night in Tinubu area of Lagos, after a threestorey building on No 15, Alli Street, landed on a bungalow close to it, killing three persons: an 82 year-old man,a four-year-old child and a middle-aged businessman with many others injured.

The incident which occurred at about 10.30 pm also rendered several families homeless.

Residents o f the buildings, particularly those of the bungalow located at number 16, were shocked over the disaster and wondered why they were victims.

The bungalow had 10 rooms (popularly known as ‘face me I face you’ apartments) while the three storey building comprised three bedroom flats on the second and third floors and shops on the first and ground floors.

When Crime Guard visited the scene Thursday, some of those who managed to escape were seen thanking God for sparing their lives . Some were also sighted trying to salvage the remains of their property from the rubble,while relatives of those who lost their lives and the injured were seen wailing.

Capital 1 football match saved us— Survivors Some of the survivors who spoke to Crime Guard said they would have been among those who lost their lives had they not gone out to watch Capital 1 cup football matches.

According to one of them who identified himself as

•How we brought out

the Island General Hospital”.

Survivors recount experience on hospital beds Crime Guard also paid a visit to Emergency Unit of the Lagos Island General Hospital where some of the injured were receiving treatment. A middle aged woman identified as Ramota Oduwole, a trader at the Lagos Island Market, who was brought in a state of coma reportedly demanded for her husband and children immediately she regained consciousness. Despite assurances from nurses that members of her family were in good health, she reportedly insisted on seeing them, until her husband who was also being attended to at the emergency unit showed up.

Their eight-year-old daughter was also undergoing treatment.

Narrating how she found herself in the hospital , she said: “ I was in the apartment with my husband and children, when we heard a deafening sound. Before we knew what was happening, it was followed by a loud

•Survivors receiving treatment at the hospital.

At first, none was sure of where the loud bang was from, until we heard the shout of a woman informing us that a building had collapsed. By then, I had reached the end of the street. I never knew our building was affected until I came close, only to find some of my neighbours who also ran for safety. I couldn’t believe my eyesat the sight of the remains of what used to be home for me.

I lost everything I have laboured for, but I am grateful to God that I am alive because only the living can save for tomorrow” How we dragged out an old man from the rubble- resident Another resident of the area,Imoh, gave a graphic description of how they rescued one of the dead persons from the rubble. He also said he stopped at a

I lost everything I have laboured for, but I am grateful to God that I am alive because only the living can save for tomorrow

,

Chikwe, “ I was on my way back from a viewing centre where I had gone to watch the football matches when I heard a loud bang. At first, I thought it was a bomb and immediately took to my heels.

Next thing I heard was series of cracks with people running from one direction to another.

82-yr -old man’s body

scene because they were afraid if another building will collapse.

Just then, we had a faint cry of help from the rubble. I had to summon courage and invited some young men to go and save the person. But we could not locate the exact area because the whole place was dark. We had to use our phones and touch lights, in the process of which I even lost my phone. Just then, we saw a hand. We tried lifting the brick on the person but could not because it was too heavy.

Other people came and joined us before we managed to lift it. But by then, it was too late because the man had died. I believe he was sleeping because he laid on part of the mattress. We later discovered he was an old man who only moved in three months ago.”

We worked until the wee hours and managed to rescue about five persons alive, who were subsequently rushed to

bang, and that was all I could remember. I woke up to find myself, my husband and our eight year-old daughter here”.

She paused for a while , looked to her left and right before continuing, “ A friend of mine sent a huge amount of money to me from abroad, to help her purchase some merchandise from the market that Wednesday. But I could not deposit it in the bank because the banks had closed. I decided to keep it at home with the intention of taking it to the bank today( Thursday).

At the moment, we are yet to find the money. It must have been stolen by hoodlums who came to loot in the name of helping out. Apart from the clothes we have on, we lost everything in the collapsed building, but I thank God for sparing our lives. I only sustained injuries on my legs and lower back. Right now, we would appreciate any kind gestures from the Lagos State Government towards helping us settle back to normal life”, she stated.

Another survivor who had a swollen face and blood-shot eyes, merely stared at this reporter, unable to identify himself when asked to, let alone to narrate his ordeal.

The Medical Director of the Lagos Island General Hospital, Dr. A.O Balogun,who spoke with Crime Guard concerning the condition of the patients, said some of those rushed in had been treated and discharged, while others whose condition were critical ,were admitted and still being attended to.

“There is a male victim with ‘uterium peritonium’ case. He is currently under observation to ascertain if he needs to be operated on... the rest of them are in stable condition. I was at the ward attending to them until few hours ago, when I had to rush down to my office for an important meeting”. he said.

,

friend’s place to watch the football match. “ When it was about 10.30pm, I left my friend’s house to avoid being queried by my wife for coming late.

Immediately I got to my street, I saw the whole place was in disarray. No one made any attempt to get close to the

•Survivors receiving treatment at the hospital.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28 2013 — 47

C M Y K

48— SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

How Aba Women Riot split Igboland

BY UDUMA KALU

P

ERHAPS, this year’s new yam festival in Obowu, one of the largest communities in Igbo heartland, was the grandest. The festival which began on August 16 with an intellectual feast ended on the 17th with the new yam cut and eaten by all in the large square.

New yam festival is important to the Igbo. It celebrates their lives. They use it as a thanksgiving to God for a good harvest, and for articulating their people’s lives and realities.

Held at Otoko Obowu, the two -day event organized by the Obowo Development Association (ODA Federated), a sociocultural umbrella body of all Obowu citizens in Imo state and elsewhere, was attended by the Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha represented by Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mrs Victoria Mbakwe, wife of the late charismatic governor of old Imo state, Sam Mbakwe, members of the National Assembly such as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Matthew Nwagwu, Prof.

Chudi Uwazurike, immediate past senator of the Okigwe zone, Chief. SN Anyanwu, former secretary to the Imo state government, Chris Okewulonu, Celestine Ngaobiwu, Deacon Okafor, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, SSG to the Imo government, political leaders, scholars, monarchs, hundreds of cultural and political groups, among many others.

But what caught the attention of the over 5000 delegates to the venue was the event’s lecture topic: Igbo identity crises. This did not only point at the reason why denials of origins and identity problems persist in Igboland, it explained in detail how the well known Aba Women’s Riots split Obowu and Igboland The topic was timely, coinciding with the Igbo women’s national meetings known as August meetings.

August Meetings are held in all Igbo towns and villages by the women for the development of their land.

Incidentally,late Chief Sam Mbakwe’s wife, Victoria, leads the women of Obowu in that capability. And she was present.

Two scholars were picked to talk on this topic. Prince Keke

•Uwazurike, speaking after the chieftancy tittle

C. Chima of Ihitte, a former Permanent Secretary and Prof.

Chidi Osuagwu of Obowu of the Federal university of technology were asked to discuss the Ikenga and Ihitte Factors in the Archeology of Obowu Cultural Displays, Iwaji by Autonomous Communities.

T

he Igbo identity crisis began in I929, Osuagwu began. The British had just introduced the warrant chief system to enhance their colonial administration in Eastern Nigeria. In the North and West, the monarchs made the system work. But the East had no monarchy with such overwhelming powers as in the other two. They therefore created warrant chiefs for that purpose. This is the root of the presence of many traditional rulers and autonomous communities in Igboland, with their attendant boundary and chieftaincy violence as Chima noted.

This was what led to one of the biggest protests against

•Chima at the lecture

colonial rule, The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 in Nigeria and the British Empire in general.

But the Aba Women’s Riot

Okugo on taxation. The women there mobilised nearly 10,000 women who protested at the office of Warrants across Igboland, Calabar and Opobo . During the two months “war” at least 25,000 Igbo women were involved in protests against British officials. About 50 were killed.

The policy was dropped.

But the set up panels in Eastern Nigeria on the cause of the riots. Assistant District Officer NAPG Mackenzie studied Obowu. With maps, historical details and Igbo philosophy, Osuagwu identified three reasons why the Obowu clans split. The first was the demand for a separate court by the Ihitte chiefs in order to have more

During the two months “war” at least 25,000 Igbo women were involved in protests against British officials. About 50 were killed. played a major role in the Igbo identity crisis, he alleged. The revolt began when a woman named Nwanyereuwa confronted one Mark Emereuwa, a census official in Oloko, in Bende area controlled by a Warrant chief,

warrant-chiefs. The next was the struggle to fill the warrant chief stool of Onwunali Obasi of Amuzi deposed by the women. The process polarized support along the sub-clan lines,” Hence the vehemence with which Ihitte demanded a

separate court three years later.”

T

he third, Osuagwu said, was the banditry of the Obowu against colonialism.

The people, in reaction to Britain’s punitive measures, attacked government establishments, bringing embarrassment to Obowu youth abroad. Then, the Methodist Church established a Bookshop at Umuahia, and this news stirred the region.

But an Ihitte-Obowu young man went into the Bookshop and stole some. The Zik Group of Newspapers carried the story, saying the man could not read and did not know what to do with the books. This story embarrassed Obowu youth, who were jeered at, in the colonial townships. They decided to act.

“Obowu youth decided that Ikenga-Obowu should excise Obowu from the name and answer Ikenga; Ihitte was to do same and answer Ihitte. In desperation, Obowu youth had decided to abolish their proper names and answer adjectives.

Richard Onyeneho, of Umuariam, led the youth to inform Ikenga-Obowu of the new development in clan nomenclature, while David Epeagba led the youth to inform Ihitte-Obowu. The warrant-chiefs having created the framework for an easy-sale in Ihitte, the idea was adopted.

It failed in Ikenga because of the intervention of a patriot Obowu people had better come to know better; Biringa Odiotu of Umunachi Obowu,” Osuagwu told the perplexed gathering.

SATURDAY

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 28,, 2013—49

Church has a distinct role to play as a moral beacon of society — Ighodalo P

astor Itua Ighodalo is the Senior Pastor of Lagos-based Trinity House, and an accomplished chartered accountant working as a managing partner in SIAO, an accounting, auditing, and financial advisory firm.

In this chat with Ebele Orakpo, he speaks on the Church’s annual Honour Nigeria Awards programme scheduled for October 6, 2013.

Alluding to the Bible passage that says that three-fold cord is not easily broken, he says the Church must unite for more impact on society, adding that Trinity House has various programmes aimed at putting Church at the forefront of society.

Excerpts: What is Honour Nigeria all about?

Honour Nigeria is a programme we have once a year, usually around Nigeria’s independence time because it is part of our social responsibility efforts as the body of Christ. One of the things that we like to do in Trinity House is to bring the Church into the relevant aspects of society that it should be part of. A lot of people think that Church and society, Church and politics or Church and leadership should be separate. Spiritually, there

Pastor Itua Ighodalo...We must be able to challenge leadership and speak what I call Truth to leadership

can be some kind of separation of duties and attitudes and whatever, but physically, there should be interaction and association. Church is part of society and society is part of Church and Church has a distinct role to play as a moral beacon, an ethical voice, as the direction of society. So the Church must make sure it plays that role.

Could you tell us more about the

Church’s other programmes?

We have come up with various programmes in Trinity House to put Church at the forefront of society.

One, we have 14 related non-government organisations (NGOs) that deal with various aspects of society. One of the NGOs takes care of the deaf, another looks at the blind, one takes care of motherless babies’ homes, one takes care of street girls and prostitutes and some take care of the weak in

society. We have scholarships for indigent students and we have teacher training programmes. Two, we have what we call a Community Impact Group where we take segments of society, look at the challenges of that segment and see how we can proffer solutions. For instance, we can take a geographical area like Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos, we do a poll/survey of the people to see what the problems are.

They could be roads, water, clinics etc.

We try and provide solutions to those problems. Then we have our leadership training for leaders in society - spiritual, economic and political leaders. We call it Trinity Nigeria where we try to educate our people as to the importance of getting involved in politics and leadership, in governance and transformation, the various strategies that we need in order to have a better Nigeria. Then we have Honour Nigeria which is like a service, praying for Nigeria, recognising Nigeria as a geographical content/political entity and then recognising a few people in society that have contributed over the years, hopefully with an unblemished record, to the wellbeing of Nigeria; to lift them up as signs, as mentors, as ethical standards and as people that the younger people can look up to because they have done outstanding things in the society.

Who and who are billed to receive the award?

This year, we are honouring about three people. One of them is Professor Grace Alele-Williams, the first woman vice-chancellor in Nigeria, for her great contribution to education, her sense of leadership, sense of duty and her fighting spirit. We are giving her the Women’s Leadership/Female role model award. In the past, we had given that award to Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson and Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo.

The story of an American who writes and speaks Yoruba

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

I

T is not in doubt that our indigenous languages are going into ex tinction as a result of our attitude to our native languages. We despise it, undervalue it and repudiate it as if it was criminal to communicate in our mother dialect. Rather, we cherish and appreciate English language, foisted on us by our colonial masters over our indigenous language. Even at homes, children and kids who are victims of this scorn tend to believe English is far superior to that which confers in us our natural identity.

Surprisingly, those who are real custodian of English language are more interested in our languages and cultural heritage. Professor Andrew Apter, a Director of African Studies in University of California, Los Angeles, is very proficient in Yoruba language. He speaks and writes the language as if he was born and bred in a Yoruba remote village. A couple of years back, he wrote to a friend: Ore mi owon, omo ile naa ni!

Inu mi dun nigba ti mo ri iranse eamil re! Yes, Emi ni, Ogundele, Omo Ayede, Igi aje to mi Igi Ogun gbelele!...

Apter works on ritual, memory, and indigenous knowledge as well as colonial culture, commodity fetishism and state spectacle. His historical ethnography of Yoruba hermeneutics informs his research on “syncretism” and creolization in West Africa and the Americas.

Andrew came to Nigeria in the 1980s and within the few months he stayed in Nigeria, he chose the rural areas of Yoruba land which in his estimation still

have the African culture and traditions intact. As an anthropologist, he investigated such challenging questions as how humans evolved and came to adapt to diverse environments, what led to the rise of urban life, what causes disease and death, how people imbue their lives with meaning, and how language reflects and shapes social life.

As a person who actually wanted to accomplish his mission, he did not stay in the cities like Lagos or Ibadan, he chose an ancient town in Ayede-Ekiti, the then Ondo State, now Ekiti State of Nigeria.

He interacted with the people, mostly indigenes of the town and embraced their traditional religions like the famous late Aduni Olorisa who spent her lifetime in Osogbo in Osun State.

He lovesYemoja and Sango festivals to the extent that he wrote a book on them entitled: Black Critics and Kings: The Hermeneutics of Power in Yoruba Society (University of Chicago Press, 1992).

He went the extra mile to study the history of the town including the number of Obas that had been crowned, a history that is hardly known to many indigenes of the town.

He was so in love with Yoruba language that he studied it well. When he communicates to his Yoruba friends, he does it clearly in Yoruba with perfect

Professor Andrew Apter. ..communicates in Yoruba language lexis and structure whereas, so many of his Yoruba friends have almost become foreigners in their own country due to their inability to speak or write very well in their native language .

He adopted Yoruba name - Ogundele and he is widely known and called that name in Ayede Ekiti till date.

We have heard of many white men who came to Africa and fell in love with our indigenous languages and religions.

Remember the Aduni Olorisa of blessed memory. Aduni found our mode of dressing attractive and interesting so much that she lived in Osogbo, learned Yoruba language and equally believed in Osun goddess. We will not forget the American who only visited University of Ibadan for the first time to learn the language and preferred the name - Titilayo falling in love with our culture and

traditions.

It is true that we had our kingdoms and empires such as Oyo, Benin, Songai and our system of administration. If the white men endeavour to re-write history and tell our children that their ancestors were living like apes before they were colonised, who will will be ready to dispute and challenge that notion with good knowledge of our history, culture and heritage? Is it our children and kids who we have not taught our languages or traditions at our various homes?

It would be ridiculous for an American or Briton to return to Africa in order to teach our children and grandchildren their native languages, customs and traditions. It will never happen, God willing but that is only when we shift the paradigm.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 5

Why we killed Ironsi and installed Gowon — Jeremiah Useni C HAIRMAN of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, General Jeremiah Useni, rtd, has given reasons why the north masterminded the killing of the former military Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, during the 1066 crises in thje country.

Useni who said he broke his left leg during a game of football, just one year after he joined the Army said, ’’At the time, we were not concerned with where you came from or what your religion was. As long as you were from the north, we cherished each other so much.... ’’So, we also learnt later that a broad government was being formed. A northerner will be transferred to the South, while a Southerner will be transferred to the north. General Hassan Katsina was the governor of the north at the time. People like Kashim Ibrahim were also gone. So, those of us, Army officers from the

From left: Rev. [Dr] Femi Asiwaju, Vice Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter; Dr. Dele Sobowale, Convener of the Christian Conscience and Rev.[Prince] Lagun Adesanya, Chairman ,Council of Clergy, CCC, during the Christian Conscience Seminar on: Politics Now and Beyond, held at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez north were very angry really. ’’I was a Second Lieutenant then, my mates were Ibrahim Babangida, Garba Duba, Mamman Magoro, and the rest. I was together with Yelwa in 4th Battalion,

while Duba was in Kaduna. There was another officer from Niger State, I have forgotten his name, and he was even a Senator recently. We realised that Igbo were behind all the

killings, and were angered the more because they were not even arrested. Although, they were later arrested and taken to jail, but information came to us that they were just enjoying themselves

S-East APC begs Ndigbo to forgive Fashola

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

F

OLLOWING the unqualified and unreserved apology tendered by Governor Babatunde Fashola for the controversial deportation of 14 Anambra indigenes from Lagos State to Onitsha, the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East zone has appealed to Ndigbo and Anambrarians in particular to forgive and forget.

The party also appealed to Ndigbo, to put the matter behind them, especially those who wittingly or unwittingly are transferring the aggression on Senator Chris Ngige’s bid to return to Anambra State government to complete the good works he started.

In a statement through the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, South-East APC warned that the mistake of some Lagos State government officials should not be used to deny Anambrarians the golden opportunity to elect Senator Ngige to complete his blue print.

It maintained that Anambrians must be weary of those money mongers and big bankers whose only manifesto is propaganda and whose only interest is profit motive.

The statement reads in part: “Now that Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, BabatundeRajiFashola has tendered

unqualified and unreserved apology, we plead with Ndigbo and Anambrarians in particular to forgive and forget.“To err is human and to forgive is divine. Accordingly, we appeal to our people to put the matter behind us, especially those who wittingly or unwittingly are transferring the aggression on Senator Chris Ngige’s bid to return to Anambra State government to complete the good works he s t a r t e d .

“Ngige we must recall opened our eyes to what prudent management of state revenue can achieve, before then the governors only share the money and abandon projects. He did 20 percent of his Blue-Print, Governor Obi did and we need Ngige to complete it for the interest of future generations.

“It is also germane to note the roads Ngige tarred years ago are more durable than that of Governor Obi” the

party stated.

It enjoined Ndigbo to all bear in mind that it pays to place the bigger picture ahead in their calculations and the bigger picture in this instance is to elect Senator Ngige, who is a tested and trusted hand. The statement stressed that “They will tell you that Ngige is stingy. Yes Ngige is stingy, because he defends the interest of the greatest number of Anambrians and not the few big men.

ACF, Oyakhire flay FG over ASUU strike

BY EMEKA MAMAH with agency report

F

ORMER Military Administrator of Taraba and Oyo States, Dr Amen Oyakhire has asked the Federal Government to address the grievances of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which has led to the closure of universities in the last 88 days, saying that ‘’government is not treating ASUU properly.’’

Oyakhire spoke in an interview with Saturday Vanguard in Benin City, as the strike by ASUU entred its 88th day today.

This was even as the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, also yesterday called on the Federal Government and ASUU to reach amicable settlement to end the ongoing strike by university lecturers.

National Publicity

Secretary of ACF, Mr Anthony Sani, who made this known said the strike had brought untold hardship on students, parents and the education sector, and needed to be called off.

In Bida, Niger State, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, also asked the National Assembly to fast track the amendment of the Polytechnic Act to meet modern reality.

ASUP National President, Mr Chibuzor Asomugha, spoke at the union’s 75th National Executive Council Meeting at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

ASUU had on July 1, this year embarked on a strike it described as “comprehensive, total and indefinite,” following the non-implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, the union signed with the

Federal Government in 2009.

Last Thursday, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, also gave the Federal Government a two-weeks ultimatum to resolve its problem with ASUU to avert the total closure of all public schools in the country.

The NUT is made up of teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.

NUT President, Michael Olukoya, gave the ultimatum in Abuja at the end of the union’s meeting with teachers’ representatives across the country.

Olukoya stressed that members of the union would not hesitate to close down the nation’s schools, if the two parties failed to reach agreement after two weeks, adding that ‘’the current ASUU strike is nationalistic, patriotic and self-sacrificing.’’

there. Even their ranks were returned to them and they were wearing their uniforms inside the jail.

We started meeting to find a way out. Our Brigade Commander, Maimalari was killed, Col. Pam, Tafawa Balewa and the rest were all killed. We continued to meet in secret, strategising on how to take revenge. ’’But while that was going on, words started going round about what the Igbo officers were saying: that they had killed the snake, but had failed to cut off the head. Which meant those of us left might make them suffer later, that there was therefore the need to finish us off. Instead of them to show remorse and apologise, they were planning another sinister attacks. We were together with Col. Remawa at the time, he was serving in Abeokuta, and we heard of a grand plot to kill our emirs. A meeting of all emirs was called in Ibadan, all our emirs gathered in Ibadan, that the head of state, Ironsi, would address them. So we said, are we going to let him come, address them and leave? Or should we just kill him or what? Our fear was that he was in the company of our emirs, and you know bullets do not select whom to hit. What do we do? We don’t want even a single emir to die. ‘’He also considered arresting him at his lodge before he goes to meet with them. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi was the governor of South West at the time, and the head of state, Ironsi, was staying in his house in Ibadan. So we don’t want a

situation where they would say he conspired with us.

So we decided the best thing to do was to open fire there even if Governor Fajuyi was also caught, so that they would just be buried together, and that was what happened. ‘’Before that time, a party was organised for officers, they brought all sort of drinks for us there. In fact, since joining the Army, I had never seen so many assorted drinks like the one they brought for us that day.

The plan was to get us all drunk, so that they would just come and open fire on us and kill us all. That was what they planned for us at the 4th Battalion Ibadan because we were the most feared, because we were the ones who lost a brigade Commander, Lagerma.

When Murtala returned from Lagos empty handed, everyone was just crying because Lagerma was a very nice man. After the coup, Gowon was made the Head of state. ’’It was Garba Dada, the guy from Niger state, the one I was telling you was a Senator recently. He was the Adjutant General at the time, and he was our co-ordinator. We did not stay in one place to meet. We used to drive up to beyond Ijebu-Ode meeting inside the car and then turn back.

Why Gowon was selected?

H‘’We started with General Danjuma, he was the C.O. and then Mamman Shuwa, who was later transferred to Kaduna as the GOC. So also was Martins Adamu. Adamu was leading Ogoja troop, Danjuma was in Nsukka, and I was in Abakaliki...

.

CBN tackles money laundering, suspends WDAS

BY PETER EGWUATU

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday announced new measures to tackle money laundering and also suspended the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS). The apex bank suspects that the money laundering might be linked to early political campaigning for 2015 elections and thus putting pressure on the naira.

According to a circular released by the CBN and signed by Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Batari Musa, “ Available statistics indicate that Nigeria has become the largest importer of US Dollar due largely to importation of cash by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

This development has implications for the country. The WDAS is

hereby suspended and its place Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) is hereby re-introduced with effect from Wednesday, October 2, 2013. The RDAS will take place on Monday and Wednesday for every week.

The CBN also revoked the operating licences of 20 Bureau De Change (BDC) due to mal practices. The apex bank explained that the affected BDCs did not render returns on the ultilsation of the foreign exchange purchased and also failed to provide documentary evidence that their purchase were utilized for eligible transactions in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibitions Act 20111( as amended), Terorism (Prevention) Act 2011(as amended).

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Lagos street sweepers groan under poor pay ... want Fashola to intervene

BY EBUN SESSOU

F

ifty-eight-year-old Afusat, a widow is one of the street sweepers in Lagos State. Afusat was a petty trader who was struggling to make ends meet with her five children. Her youngest child is in JSS 2. Fifteen years ago after she lost her husband, she has been facing numerous challenges raising her children. Afusat told Saturday Vanguard that she was using the profit realised from her petty business to train her children.

Today, Afusat has secured a job as one of the street sweepers in Lagos metropolis. She is combining both the gains she realises from her petty trading and her salary to nurture her children. But, there seems to be no difference as the salary she earns as street sweeper is next to nothing.

Although, she was grateful to have gotten this job, she seems not to be satisfied as the challenges involved is more than the stipends she earns as salary. When she started the job, she was optimistic that it would meet her demands. But, right now, she is completely confused. Her words: “When my friend introduced me to it, she told me that, as a street sweeper, I will be able to feed my family and cater for my needs, that, I could attend to some pressing needs without necessarily going into debt but the story is different now”, she added.

She further said that, the only satisfaction she derives from the job is the opportunity it affords her to do other jobs. “The job is based on shift. We resume at 7am and close at 1pm while others resume at 1pm and close at 6pm everyday. The job is comfortable and our salaries come regularly.

Some of us are traders, businessmen and women as well as students”, she disclosed.

Iyabo, a-200 level student in one of the tertiary institutions who sweeps around Ebute Metta area of Lagos also told Saturday Vanguard that she got involved in the job due to her financial constraints. “Since I started this job, I have been able to attend to some pressing needs but not all my needs. I am still struggling to pay my school fees”, she groaned.

She implored the state government to intervene and look into the possibility of increasing the salary in order to help improve their standard of living.

“Our salary is N12,000 only but I know that it can be improved upon”, she noted.

On safety, she disclosed that, sweepers are trained

from time to time on how to prevent accident. “We know that there are lots of danger on the job and that is why we are trained on safety precautions. We are also constantly enlightened on safety precautions, including how they should never work on the road with their backs to oncoming vehicles.

“Government also provides some safety kits, including nose covers, gloves, reflective jacket which prevent us from contracting health problems. Most commercial drivers are reckless such that they do not respect the job we do. There are cases where sweepers had been killed in Lagos”, she lamented.

An aged man (name withheld) who works on a road within Isolo area told Saturday Vanguard that when he started in 2009, he was paid N8,500 per month, and only recently it was increased to N10,000.

Another man in Ejigbo area had been on his beat and the same route for three years. He earns N12,000 as well. Others who spoke around Lagos Island said there is need for an insurance policy covering sweepers.

“Up till now, sweepers are yet to be covered with insurance policy against accidents.

“This issue of insurance has dragged on for too long and we implore the governor to assist in resolving any impediment to the insurance policy.

“Street sweepers’ m e d i c a l issues should be taken seriously because we know that this has not been

heeded by healthcare centres.” One common word to them was that government should improve their welfare

package. The man in Isolo for instance, complained that his salary is not enough to meet his demands. He also lamented that he had not been allowed to go on leave in three years, while the one in Ejigbo calls on government to extend to sweepers seasonal gifts as accorded to other civil servants especially during festive periods.

Speaking on the issue, a motorist Hakeem made a case for these sweepers.“The fact remains that it is very difficult to pull aside the efforts of the an average Lagos street sweeper in the megacity dream by the present administration as most of them defy the danger involve in the job but work to keep Lagos clean.

“They work so hard, often in difficult and high risk areas. The question is, do they earn ‘a fair wage’ commensurate to the risk they take?Even the Lagos

State Governor, Babatunde Fashola appreciates their contribution to the interpretation of his dream for the state and calls them “critical champions of change.”

However, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the scheme was introduced by the former governor of the state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; but it has been reinvigorated and expanded under the current administration.

Those who work under the Private Service Providers are paid by the state government through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the sum of N10,000 naira while those who were employed directly under LAWMA get N12,000 naira.

As of the middle of 2012, a total of 120 private companies had been engaged as service providers, which in turn collectively employed about 12,500 sweepers.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 51

Collapsed FCT Govt Secondary School injures 8 students in Abuja •Minister seals off a block off the school •Chief Medical Director of the hospital asked to give the students special attention

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

I

T was a sad day yes terday in Nyanya, a satellite town and a suburb in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja when a storey building in one of the FCT owned Government Secondary School, GSS collapsed with eight students critically injured.

An eye witness told Vanguard that a section of the balcony of one of the storey buildings was affected, just as all the female students involved in the incident sustained various degrees of injuries, including broken limbs.

According to a source, one of the students who fell head down lost half her teeth immediately and some of the victims have since been rushed to the Maitama General

Hospital in Abuja, but no life was lost.

Speaking to Vanguard on telephone, the Director, Development Control of the FCDA, Yahaya Yusuf who disclosed that no life was lost, said that the hospital management was quick to attending to the injured students, adding that he was immediately at site to inspect, even as he stressed that instruction has been given that no work should be carried out there until integrity test was done to ensure that the other structure was strong enough for any additional structure.

Responding swiftly to the development, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed ordered that a one-storey block of classrooms at the Government Secondary School, Nyan-

ya be sealed off.

Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed gave the directive yesterday in Nyanya while inspecting the site.

The Minister who was represented by the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Architect Reuben Okoya directed the Department of Development Control to investigate further to identify the cause.

The Minister immediately visited Maitama District Hospital where the students that sustained what he termed minor injuries were taken to for immediate medical attention.

At the hospital, Senator Mohammed instructed the Education Secretariat to foot all the medical bills of the injured students and that the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital must give the students special attention.

Senator Dr Chris Ngige ,former governor of Anambra State and APC gubernatorial candidate in the Anambra gubernatorial race condoles with John Nnia Nwodo (in spectacles) during the funeral service of Nwodo's wife,Mrs Regina Obiageli Nwodo, in Ukehe ,Enugu State yesterday.

The Principal of the School, Mrs. Ngozi Ezeh during the inspection re-

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

E

MINENT Nigerians, yesterday, converged at the Ukehe country home of former Information Min-

•Cancels Monthly Environmental Exercise

T

HE Federal Capital Ter ritory Administration, FCTA, yesterday disclosed that it arrested 6,586 hawkers from January to September and 467 minors, just as it explained that out of the number of hawkers arrested, 4,729 were convicted with 633 sentenced.

Addressing Journalists yesterday on the activities of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, the Acting Director, Mrs Aishat Adebayo who noted that the administration could not arraign the minors because of their peculiar situation, however disclosed that the administration has gone into collaboration with the Police to keep them in its Juvenile unitv adding that hawkers must leave the Federal Capital territory against the backdrop that the administration does not allow it and that they must go to designated areas to carry out their activities.

The acting Director who also admitted that some of the staff of AEPB engage in sharp practices, said that over seventy of such staff of the agency have been reprimanded to serve as deterrent to others.

She however did not give answers to how much the AEPB has raked in under the period she reviewed as well as how much the agency spends in cleaning the nation’s capital city, just

as she disclosed that the revenues collected were paid to the central Treasury, adding that the AEPB has fourteen lawyers who are civil servants of the FCTA as well as twenty four Magistrates assigned for the assignment by the FCT Judiciary department.

Mrs Adebayo who also said that the monthly environmental programme was cancelled because of its failure as residents of the city use the day to stay in their

homes and watch home videos, but said that in the House to House programme of AEPB where enforcement for abatement of nuisances in Gaduwa, Yayal Estate, Birnin Kebbi, Yaba Close, Kano Street, among others, adding that between January and August this year, a total number of houses inspected were 2,393, 2,146 alleged nuisances abated, 247 court summons served and 157 convicted.

Daughters of Niger Delta win award at Abuja Film festival gion through the eye of orBY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE, Abuja

D

AUGHTERS of the Niger Delta, yesterday clinched the best documentary film award at the just concluded Abuja film festival at the Silverbird galleria, Abuja. The film produced by Nigeria Delta women, beat three other films to clinch the award.

Daughters of the Niger Delta, is a production of

Media Information narrative Development, MIND with the instrumentality of Niger Delta women, aimed at stimulating public discuss on the cultural and societal injustice being meted on the Niger Delta women and children. The film tells a different story about the Niger Delta than the usual media reports about oil outputs, conflict, and kidnapping. It gives a taste of everyday life in the re-

the main entrance measuring 1.2x1.5m when it gave way.

Jonathan, Mark, Ekweremadu,others eulogise Justice Nwodo at burial

FCTA arrests 6, 586 hawkers, 467 minors in 9 months, convicts 4,729, sentenced 633

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

marked that students were leaning on the hand railing of the canopy above

dinary women from the area.The Programme Director of the film, Ilse Lamoen Isoun said that the film was produced to provoke public dialogue among government, policy makers and all stakeholders in the society, with a view to arrive at a policy change that would address societal in-balance that put women and children at a disadvantageous position in the Niger Delta region.

ister, Chief John Nnia Nwodo in Igbo Etiti local government area of Enugu state to pay their last respect to his fallen wife, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Regina Nwodo, whose remains were interred amidst glowing tributes.

Justice Nwodo, who served at the Abuja Judicial division, passed on at a London hospital on August 6 while on vacation in United Kingdom and her corpse was flown into the country last week when she began her last journey home with several funeral activities held in her honour in Abuja, Enugu and Anambra State. President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, poured encomiums on the departed Justice of the Appeal Court, describing her as “an honest, truthful and incorruptible judge whose demise will

leave a vacuum in the family and Nigeria in general”.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Province, Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke who delivered a homily at a pontifical funeral mass that preceded her burial, urged Christians to” emulate the virtue of incorruptibility as exemplified by Justice Nwodo stemming from the torrential testimonies bestowed on her while she was on the bench”.

Speaking on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor Goodwill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibiom state lashed out at the opposition saying, “the fate of more than 167 million Nigerians cannot be left in the hands of an opposition who continues to change its name like Chameleons.

The opposition is in disarray. They have changed name six times. I urge Nigerians to rely on PDP to deliver the much expected dividends of democracy”.

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

W

ith the mindless quest for profit in the Nigerian retail market, the production and sale of unbranded consumables has become the order of the day. Undiscerning consumers often fall victim to the antics of u n s c r u p u l o u s manufacturers, consuming products which might turn out toxic in the long run.

Small wonder Food Science experts recently disclosed that about 200,000 Nigerians die of food poisoning yearly; while many others are at risk of doing so before long.

“There are many avenues through which food can be contaminated, and when people eat these foods they will have problems which may result in death,” renowned Food Science Expert, Professor Alfred Ihenkunronye, was quoted as saying recently.

Today, a variety of vegetable oils can be found in the retail market, many of them adulterated. In most cases, consumers have no option but to purchase them due to availability and cost implications.

Branded vegetable oil is costly, so the average consumer often opts for retail variants sold in used jerry cans and bottles. So the estimation that about 70 per cent of Nigerians get their cooking oil from unreliable sources is hardly surprising.

Even as the trend gets worse, Mrs. Abisola Olasumbo Adekoya, Deputy Director, Food Products and Others,

Breath of fresh air as Power Oil debuts

comply with industrial standards and counterfeit products are not dumped in the market. Engr. Fred Akingbesote, Head, MANCAP, SON, who also graced the Power Oil launch, affirmed that the product had scaled a very demanding tripartite process and could be reckoned with in the market. “Our quality standards include tracking products from the raw material to processing and finished product stages and Power Oil has met our standard criteria adequately” he declared.

As Power Oil makes its revolutionary foray into the market, its producers guarantee that consumers will heave a sigh of relief from adulteration and get value for their money like they richly deserve.

DHC holds seminar, presents book

F

L-R: Brand Manager, Power Oil, Miss Vani Malik; Head, MANCAP, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Fred Akingbesote; Deputy Director, Food Products and others, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Abisola Olasumbo Adekoya, and MD/CEO, Dufil Prima Foods Plc. Mr. Deepak Singhal, during the launch of Power Oil in Lagos recently National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), recently alerted consumers to the fact that unbranded vegetable oil is unsuitable for consumption and could have negative health implications. She listed heart disease as one of such problems due to high cholesterol content and other fattening agents in some kinds of oil.

Meanwhile, the grim

development has not been lost on Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of leading noodles brand, Indomie, which recently moved to plug this gap by unveiling a vegetable oil brand which is not only affordable but also comes with numerous healthy spin-offs.

“Unbranded oil, which the majority of Nigerians consume, is often adulterated. The people in the lower economic stratum don’t have access

to branded oil because it is very expensive. Power Oil will check all of that by giving consumers quality at affordable prices,” said Mr. Deepak Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, Dufil Prima Plc. Singhal added that besides giving Dufil Prima Plc a much larger share in the vegetable oil market, Power Oil – which is non-fattening and cholesterol-free – is designed to suit the purchasing power of

deal in grasscutter business at one stage or the other?

What about the nutritional benefits the people who patronize pepper soup joints, beer parlours, parties, relaxation centres and eateries are deriving from such timeout.

Do you know the economic, commercial, nutritional and medicinal values of grasscutter to mankind? A visit to a grasscutter farm where different types and sizes of cages are used for rearing grasscutter in captivity should serve you a good menu of the profitability of the business in the country today.

Grasscutters are very beefy rodents with high commercial value. Every part of grasscutter farming is profitable-from the meat, hairs, pancreas, feed, breeding stocks and cages.

Grasscutter meat is low in fat and cholesterol; is increasingly recommended by nutritionists, especially for the elderly, health conscious people and people living with chronic diseases that require modified diets. Big hotels also pay well for this high class meat specie.

The affluent are now switching to grasscutter as they are the livestock of the future. This is partly because the animals are far more prolific, cheaper and easier to raise than other livestock. In fact, many animal farms are now being converted to grasscutter farms.

Nigeria alone is targeting about 2 metric tons of yearly grasscutter production not only for domestic market but also for African and other overseas patronage. In fact, the business of breeding, storing, transportation, processing, financing and servicing grasscutter products should give employment to many people. A grasscutter farmer does not have to invest from breeding stock stage to table size rearing; an investor can specialize to perfect in just a segment of grasscutter trade and secure more areas of special concentration as follows: Table size grasscutter production Male grasscutters that are not going to be used for reproduction should be fattened and raised as a

table meat for between 1012 months. We now have fast growing species that can weigh up to 4-5 kilogrames in the shortest possible period; coupled wish the addition of special pellets for weight gain.

Grasscutter meat is hot cake in the local and international market.

Grasscutter breeding stock production This is one of the most lucrative aspects of grasscutter farming.

V i s i t www.jovanafarms.com for more details. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box in this page.

“In tunities in Grasscutt er “Invvestment oppor opportunities Grasscutter farming” I n line with government efforts to reduce unemployment in the country, become selfemployed and explore wealth potential in grasscutter farming, Managing Director/CEO, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne advised Nigerians that there is wealth in venturing into animal farming.

According to him, when you think about becoming wealthy, you probably think of a high paying job, a high yielding investment portfolio or a partnership to launch a new product or services that will roll in millions.

But what assurance do you have on getting adequate funds and market for these services or product? Have you ever wondered why the government and the private sector are placing more emphasis on small and medium business opportunities and financing in the country today? Have you ever come across a grasscutter farm?

Can you imagine the financial gains accruing to those men and women who

varying consumers in the market. Indeed, Power Oil is available in a 140ml Sachet and 750ml/3-litre bottles, depending on buyers’ preferences.

“Dufil Prima Foods has always been known for innovation, and Power Oil will place us firmly ahead of our competitors or potential ones the same way all of our existing products have over the years,” affirmed Singhal during the launch of Power Oil in Lagos which was witnessed by key regulatory bodies and the media.

As regards quality, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) is geared towards ensuring that manufactured products

Onebunne

or standard and efficient performance in the competitive global business environment, management of the Dominion House Consulting is set to enrich its audience with the necessary information suitable for modern day business practice. With the theme: Emergence of Global Financial Leaders, DHC will be featuring seasoned and tested professional speakers to ensure that participants in different fields of endeavour will learn more on value creation and business innovation.

Business Manager, DHC, Mr Kolapo Samuel, said, come October 1, 2013, at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Alausa, Lagos participants will learn new strategies of building business, adopting financial principles and as well discipline to sustain them.

According to him, our aim is to ensure that Nigerians garner enough information on entrepreneurial skills and leadership competencies to help them emerge as global brands.

“As an independence bonus package, the management has agreed to train 10 Youth Corpers free at the seminar for their future benefits.

Samuel further said that to make the seminar a complete one, the management shall make a public presentation of its book: “Successful People” that tells you how to change your thinking, change your life and change your world.

BUSINESS GUIDE

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 53

C M Y K

54 —SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Okemmiri dreams CAF ticket track the realisation supersport.com. for Sharks fast of our dream for ticket on The Blue Angels will the continent. host struggling side, HARKS winger, “But most importantly S Anthony Okemmiri is to garner points that Heartland in the Matchday 35 duel at the Sharks has said his side can afford the luxury to dream of a continental ticket in the ongoing Glo Premier League season.

The Port Harcourtbased side hitherto written off as relegation candidates have over night raked in points that have shored up the side’s fortune as contenders for an African ticket.

On Wednesday at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt the coach Gbenga Ogunbote-tutored side defeated El Kanemi Warriors 3-0 in Glo Premier League Matchday 34 tie to jack up their total points earning to 47. Okemmiri said his side are working very hard to cement a spot for themselves on the continent next season.

“We’re still working as well as dreaming and believing we’ll be able to grab a continental ticket.

“Right now our priority is to fight hard to grab points on the road in the remaining matches, points on the road will

will see us completely climb out from the danger zone. It’s better for our image and the calibre of players in Sharks for us to finish the league race on a respectable position than being wedged in the drop zone.

“We’re happy things are looking up for us right now and we’ve vowed not to lift our legs on the throttle till the last game of the season,” said the former Kwara United strongman to

ARCELONA foot baller Lionel Messi has appeared before a Spanish judge as part of a tax fraud investigation.

The 26-year-old Argentine, four times Fifa World Player of the Year, and his father Jorge Messi are accused of defrauding the authorities of more than 4m euros ($5.4m; £3.4m).

The two men were questioned separately at the court in Gava, near Barcelona. Both father and son deny the allegations.

The Messis’ lawyer said he wanted to resolve the matter.

The footballer and his father are suspected of using companies abroad - in Belize and Uruguay to sell the rights to use Lionel Messi’s image, thereby circumventing tax obligations in Spain. The allegations date back to 2007-9.

The income related to Mr Messi’s image rights included contracts with Banco Sabadell, Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, and the Kuwait Food Company.

After Friday’s hearing, which was a closed-court session, the state prosecutor’s spokesman told the BBC that no agreement

BLESSED ASSURANCE... (from right)Ese Brume,Blessing Okagbare and Chinazom Amadi on the podium during the 2013 Cross River/ All Nigeria championships in Calabar

Delta ready to spend on Oduduru, Brume, others

S

TILL basking in the euphoria of Blessing Okagbare saving Nigeria the blushes at last month’s World Championships in Moscow, Delta State sports council boss, Amaju Pinnick has hinted that promising juniors like Divine Oduduru, Ese Brume and others will be given financial support to achieve global status in athletics.

The State governor,

•Ogunbote

Tax fraud: Messi, father appear in Spanish court

B

Stadium and Okemmiri said the encounter is a sure three points waiting for his side to pick.

“Of course, that’s a sure three points for us to further improve our ranking on the log. It’s a grudge game of a sort because we lost the first fixture to Heartland in Owerri so this is our turn to grab our own points and I can tell you assuredly that we won’t miss the rare opportunity,” Okemmiri said.

had been reached with the two men and their lawyers.

The spokesman said that the defence’s strategy had been to pin blame on Jorge Messi, insisting on the innocence of the star striker.

In August, Jorge Messi made a payment of 5m euros to the tax authorities - the 4.16m euros of

the alleged unpaid tax plus interest.

The BBC’s Tom Burridge in Madrid says that Spanish tax authorities are taking a much tougher line on tax infringements due to the country’s economic crisis, which is why they are continuing to pursue the case despite this payment. Lionel Messi has previously stated that he and and his father “have never committed any infringement. We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations”.

6 Nigerian cyclists for Tour de Cote d’Ivoire

By Osaretin Emuze

S

IX Nigerian top cyclists will today in Abidjan join over 300 cyclists from other parts of Africa for the Tour de la reconciliation beginning today September 27th and end November 6th..2013: The cyclists, all male, left Lagos on Thursday by road with three officials to participate in the 10-day road race to prepare towards ECWAS Cycling tour holding in November.

The Technical Director of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Mohammed Bashiru, said the federation has commenced training of the

cyclists in preparation for the ECOWAS Tour and African continental championship coming up in November and December in Egypt..

He added that the federation has identified 12 male and 10 female cyclists out of which six each will be selected to represent the country in the Tour de la reconciliation in Cote D Ivoire, Tour de Faso from Octobeer 24 to November 6, 2013, the ECOWAS international cycling tour from Lagos to Abidjan from November 11-18, 2013 as well as the African continental championship in Egypt November 29 to to 5th December 5, 2013.

Emmanuel Uduaghan while hosting Okagbare who won a silver in the women’s long jump and bronze in the 200m at the worlds in Russia said a US$100,000 training grant will be given to the newly crowned African women 100m record holder to prepare her for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But athletics enthusiasts reasoned that promising junior athletes from the State should equally

be given funding and exposure to achieve world standard performances.

“We should look beyond Okabgare. After Rio 2016 what next?

Since Delta State has taken it upon itself to help her athletes to achieve more success, some of our juniors should also be given a push,” said a former national athlete.

However, Mr. Amaju declared that Delta has plans for all the promising junior athletes in the State. “Sure Delta will support these juniors to achieve their goals in athletics. We have plans and when the time comes, they will be unfolded.”

Oduduru showed his class at the last African junior championships in Mauritius. This was after dazzling home fans at the maiden African youth championships in Warri.

He was also at the IAAF world youth championships in Ukraine. Brume also won a long jump and women 4x100m gold at the African championships in Mauritius. She stated that her ambition was to be among the world’s top five within the shortest possible time, adding that she wants to follow in the footsteps of Okagbare.

Athletes dope comments annoy Fraser-Pryce

S

HELLY-ANN Fras er-Pryce said the majority of athletes’ comments toward her after winning three gold medals at the World Track and Field Championships were negative, believing she took performance-enhancing drugs this season.

“Some thought I was on drugs to have done what I did. I don’t know why. So the reaction was mixed. I didn’t get any fancy hurrah. Well, some persons thought, oh, it was nice and it was

Shelly-Ann FraserPryce... Dope concerns

good, but the majority of athletes had their negative comments,” said Fraser-Pryce Fraser-Pryce, like countryman Usain Bolt, swept 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100-meter relay gold medals at last month’s World Championships in Moscow. She was more dominant than Bolt.

Fraser-Pryce won the 100 in 10.71 seconds, beating the second-place finisher by .22 of a second. The margin of victory was more than double the previous World Championships record in the race. There have been 14 World Championships dating to 1983.

She won the 200 in 22.17 seconds, beating the second-place finisher by .15 of a second (nowhere near the record for margin of victory).

The times were very impressive but also in line with her progression.

Fraser-Pryce, 26, also ran 10.72 and 10.77 in the 100 this season. Her personal best was set last year — 10.70. She has gone sub-10.8 in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013.

Fraser-Pryce’s personal best in the 200 is 22.09, also from 2012. She has only recently begun putting more emphasis into that event.

“I have not done any-

thing that nobody else has ever done before, apart from winning three gold medals, but it was just hard work,” she said. “The times were not ridiculous; it was just very good execution. I am a very good starter.”

Fraser-Pryce had the sixth-fastest reaction time in the 100 final and the fourth fastest in the 200 final, not that it makes much of a difference.

Her comments bring to mind a press conference from July that abruptly ended when a question about a separate Jamaican doping case was asked of Fraser-Pryce.

Reporters were told not to ask Fraser-Pryce and Carmelita Jeter about doping. Jeter walked out of the press conference, and Fraser-Pryce soon followed, but she could have thought the press conference was over rather than doing it in protest like Jeter.

Fraser-Pryce served a six-month suspension in 2010-11 for testing positive for oxycodone. She said it was due to medication she took for a toothache. Oxycodone, a banned narcotic, is not considered a performance-enhancing drug or a masking agent.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 — 55

Bale set for home debut against Atletico Madrid

R

EAL Madrid forward Gareth Bale could make his home debut in tonight’s derby with Atletico Madrid.

The world-record £85.3m summer signing from Totten-

CHAN: Bafana Bafana rehearse for Eagles in Morocco B

AFANA Bafana coach, Gordon Igesmund said he will use the friendly against Morocco to start preparations of his team for the CAF Africa Nations Championship billed start in January 2014 in South Africa.

The hosts were given a tough group featuring Nigeria, Mali and Mozambique and according to the coach making it out of the group will be quite a task. He stated that the friendly against Morocco will afford his plays the opportunity to put their minds to it.

“There are only two Fifa calendar dates between the Chan tournament and the September qualifiers in 2014, so it is important to take advantage of this invitation and also have a feel of how things are like in Morocco. We would also take this opportunity to include some of the players who will feature in the Chan tourna-

ment to strike a balance.”

“We could have drawn anyone and it could still have been tough because there are no easy matches any more in international competition.

“We are playing at home, and that should galvanise us to do well,” Igesund said,

adding: “We are going to need all our best players so we can do well in this event.”

The led by Stephen Keshi won the 2013 African Cup of Nations hosted by South Africa and the CHAN Eagles also led by Keshi are hoping to do the same.

ham has missed the last two games with a thigh muscle injury as Real extended their unbeaten start.

Bale 24, made a goalscoring debut in the 2-2 draw at Villarreal and then featured as a substitute in the 6-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray.

“I think he will be ready for Saturday, no problem,” said boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Atletico have won all their six games so far this season, as have leaders Barcelona.

Under new manager Gerardo Martino, Barcelona have yet to drop points and can make it their best ever start to a season if they beat Almeria.

The other unbeaten side in

La Liga, promoted Villarreal, visit Real Betis on Sunday night.

•Bale *SWERVE... Super Eagles forward, Obinna Nsofor swerves a Bafana Bafana player during a recent friendly match between both sides in South Africa.

Bafana coach, Gordon Igesmund has said that he is preparing for the Eagles in next year’s CAF Africa Nations Championship billed for the Rainbow nation.

Basketball: Our girls lost to bad luck – Umar

BY PATRICK OMORODION

N

IGERIA’S national wom en’s basketball team fought gallantly yesterday but lost their quarter final match to host, Mozambique 74-77 despite winning three out of the four quarters played at the Pavilhao do Maxaquene in Maputo at the on-going 2013 Afrobasket.

The Scott Nnaji-tutored side led 72-64 in the last quarter but the host fought back to close the lead at 72-69 points with less than a minute to go but lost concentration and allowed Mozambique to overpower them and take the match at 7774.

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Tijanni Umar who spoke on phone from Maputo last night praised the team for their performance which took the host by surprise and kept their fans on their toes throughout the encounter, adding, “the loss was unfortunate as our girls lost to bad luck.”

Continuing, the NBBF boss said, “If our girls had prepared the way the Angolans and Mozambicans prepared, nobody would have beaten them in this tournament. We had almost won the game before the host had the three pointer in the last minute and the clock just ticked away. I must praise them for playing the game of their lives today.”

He stressed that “I have always said that preparation for competitions should be early and thorough. We will go back and plan the way forward. We should have proper way of funding so as to be able to decide when to start campng our teams for competitions.”

C

HELSEA manager, Jose Mourinho has put Andre Villas-Boas in his place as he accused the Spurs boss of being a ‘’kid’’ telling tales about him.

Villas Boas disclosed yesterday that he is no longer on speaking terms with his former mentor.

And while the Chelsea boss opted out of a full-frontal assault on the man he crosses swords with at White Hart Lane this afternoon, the tone of his comments was pretty blatant.

Asked to describe his relationship with the Spurs chief, Mourinho said: ‘’I don’t describe it. ‘’I’m not a kid who discusses relationships with the media.

*Mourinho

Mourinho hits back at Villas Boas It’s a personal thing, and I’m not here to discuss that. ‘’I don’t care about what he says. I’m not here to comment on what he says. I’m not interested.’’

Quizzed further over whether beating his former protege

would be all the sweeter, Mourinho added: ‘’No. No. ‘’I played a Champions League final against a club where the manager (Louis Van Gaal at Bayern Munich) was somebody very important in my career, somebody that gave me

Don’t let Kwara United die, coach begs fans

C

OACH of Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Samson Unuanel, has called on lovers of soccer in Kwara State to see the club as ‘their baby, which should not be allowed to die’.

The coach, who expressed concern at the club’s declining fortunes at home, noted that something was wrong each time the team played at home, urging its supporters to take a hard look at the problem, before it would get out of hand.

He said the technical crew and the players had done all they could to win home games, but were surprised to always manage to secure

draws, adding that it recorded yet another draw in its week 34 match.

“That is football. At times you play and you don’t get the desired results. Everybody here can see that the boys played well, but I don’t know what to say; I can only blame the poor results to ill luck. We have done everything humanly possible; We have a good and balanced team, but everytime we play at home, we have problems,’’ an unhappy Unuanel said.

The Afonja Warriors, as United are known, are placed 8th on the log, after week 34 matches, with 48 points from a possible 99, in 33 matches

the chance to grow up and teach me so many things.

COWAP engages elders in fitness walk

I

N celebrating this year ’s international day of older persons, the Charity Organisation for the Welfare of Aged People, COWAP recently organized a long kilometer elderly health and fitness walk to ease the tension and stress faced by elders in the community, reports Olayinka Ajayi.

The event was held in collaboration with Guaranty Trust bank PLC. Addressing News men the Project Director Mr. Esan Olusola however commended their courage for coming out often to keep fit.

He however, admonished aged pensioners not to relent in exercises and balance diet in order to stay healthy and stay active. “ exercise has more advantage in keeping you smart physically and mentally, I will strongly urge you all to do away with foods that contain high cholesterol and starch, but rather eat fresh fruits and vegetables” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

I can still make Eagles list —Aluko ULL City’s Sone Super Eagles debut in season I can still break into the team for Brazil Aluko is aiming to 2009.

H establish himself in the His last game under definitely,” he told BBC Premier League and earn a Nigeria recall.

The former England youth international switched allegiances four years ago and made his

coach Stephen Keshi was in June 2012 as a substitute in a 2-0 over Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“If things go my way this

PRESIDENTIAL TOUCH.... Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo (right) being decorated by President Goodluck Jonathan after the team won the Africa Nations Cup early this year in South Africa. Dr Ladipo is pleading with coach Stephen Keshi to allow him hit the 100 caps mark for the Eagles.

Help Yobo hit 100 caps mark, Ladipo begs Keshi •Says Eagles’ll overcome Ethiopia

By PATRICK OMORODION

T

HE clamour for the recall of Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo increased during the week with the President-General of the Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo adding his voice.

Dr. Ladipo who spoke in Lagos pleaded with the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi to reconsider dropping of Yobo from the team because of his contribution to the team in the past, adding that the captain may be used sparingly in matches.

“I feel that Yobo has contributed immensely to our football and should be given that honour to hit the 100 caps mark.

He can be brought into matches to play for few minutes in just four matches. He is also experienced and can motivate the team,” he said.

Also speaking on the bonus issue that almost threatened to tear the team apart, Dr. Ladipo said that the intervention of the sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was in the right direction because, “ nothing should distract the team from qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

“We just have two more matches to qualify and the issue of bonus should not cause problem for the team now. I thank the minister for coming to the rescue by promising to ensure they get the US$10,000 bonus they are demanding,”Dr. Ladipo said in Lagos.

On the hurdle posed by Ethiopia, the Supporters Club boss said, “The Ethiopians are good no doubt but I don’t see them stopping Nigeria. If we prepare well, the Eagles will go to Addis Ababa and defeat them there but it is not going to be easy.”

The first leg of the final

qualifier has been fixed for October 13 by the Ethiopians who claim they play their matches on Sunday while the return leg is scheduled for the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on November 16, 2013.

Some players of the

team have expressed optimism in the team’s qualification but Elderson Echiejile, a defender has cautioned on the effect of the high altitude in Addis Ababa while coach Keshi said he expects a tough match from the Ethiopians.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Kano Pillars Media Officer, Idris (8) 5.Japanese Wrestler (4) 7.Untruth(3) 8.Rodent (4) 9.Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu 10.Beverage (3) 11.Visitor (5) 12.Africa’s Largest River (4) 14. Hebrew Alphabet (4) 16. Super Eagles’ Fullback, Kenneth (6) 20. Traditional Ruler of Oyo (6) 24. Unable to Hear (4) 25.L.G.A in Bauchi State (4) 26.Lagos State Capital (5) 27.Headgear (3) 28.Seventh Month of The Year (4) 29.Nasarawa United Striker, Victor(4) 30.Assistance (3) 31.L.G.A in Abia State (4)

•Keshi

Today’s matches Tottenham Aston Villa Fulham Hull City Man Utd S’hampton Swansea

1

v v v v v v v

2

Chelsea Man City Cardiff West Ham West Brom Crystal Palace Arsenal

3

32.Nigerian International Athletes, Blessing (8) DOWN 1.Barcelona FC Coach, Gerardz (7) 2.Spanish “Primera Liga” Club Side (7) 3.L.G.A in Lagos State (5) 4.Country in Africa (7) 5.Finland Currency Unit (7) 6.Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun (5) 13.L.G.A in Taraba State (3) 15.L.G.A in Rivers State (3).

17. Igbo Word For”Tortoise” (3) 18.Maldives Currency (7) 19.Enyimba International FC Striker, Bishop (7) 21.Meadow (3) 22.Lagos Sate Governor, Mr. Babatunde (7) 23.Solar Plane (7) 24.France “Ligue One” Club-Side (5) 25.L.G.A in Katsina State (5)

Sport.

“If I maintain my form then I will have a good case for selection.”

Nigeria face Ethiopia over two legs in October and November in a playoff for a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Injuries have prevented Aluko from being a regular for the Super Eagles and he has not featured in Nigeria’s 2014 qualifiers so far.

“Disappointed would be a strong word to use maybe but I’ve never hidden the fact that I want to play for Super Eagles,” he said.

“That remains the aim so missing out again is frustrating but makes me hungrier too.

“Earning a recall does cross my mind but it is not an everyday thought.

“During international breaks and other random times when team-mates and coaches ask me how come I’ve not been selected, then I think about it.”

While Aluko believes a place in the Nigeria squad is achievable he does concedes that others are ahead of him in Keshi’s thinking.

“To keep working hard and hope is all I can do, we are fortunate as Nigerians that we are blessed with top players especially in attacking positions so competition is high,” he said.

“I’m now in arguably the best league in the world and in the Premier League good form for my club playing regularly so I can’t do too much more than I am.

Hopefully I can maintain this and focus on helping Hull City.”

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