Insecurity: Army to deploy more troops to Kano

2—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—3

4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 — 5

Insecurity: Army to deploy more troops to Kano …Dialogue still the best option---Dasuki, NSA …As gunmen invade police stations, banks ,killing 4 policemen and looting police armoury ...CAN declares tomorrow a day of prayers and fasting

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI,ABDULSALAM MOHAMMAD,UMAR YUSUF, NDAHI MARAMA and OLAYINKA LATONA

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HE Nigerian army said it would deploy more soldiers to Kano to help speed up complete restoration of peace. This is even as the newly appointed National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, rtd, has said that dialogue with the members Jamaatul Ahlis Sunnah lid Daawa wal Jihad popularly known as Boko Haram still remains the best option for peace to be restored to the North and other parts of the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubike Ihejirika,said this during his visit to Kano to commission a new Brigade headquarters building in Bukavu Barracks and a borehole donated by the 3 Brigade to Unguwar Dabai community.

Also, the NSA,Dasuki spoke when he paid a courtesy call on the Borno State Governor Alhaji Kashim Shettima at the Government House, Maiduguri yesterday even as 12 unidentified gunmen Thursday night invaded Gulak, headquarters of Madagali and Mubi Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, killing about four policemen, including three Inspectors and a Corporal after looting the police armoury.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Ali Gulak hails from Gulak, just like the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Mr Bala Ngilari and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Umaru Fintiri.

However, the Nigerian Army has chosen to celebrate this year’s Army Day Celebration in Kaduna which is currently engulfed in security challenges of terrorism and reprisal attacks to let the people know that the Military will not abandon them in their time of trials and tribulation, according to the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt General Onyeabor Azubilke

Ihejirika.

Ihejirika spoke through the Chief of Army Civil Military Relations and Chairman of the NADCEL 2012, Major General Bitrus Kwaji who represented him at a briefing to herald the celebration in Abuja yesterday, also noted that Kaduna remained the home of the Military, where majority of its institutions were located, hence, the state would always play host to its activities irrespective of terrorism threats.

“The choice of Kaduna for this year’s NADCEL is deliberate. We want to assure the public that despite the security challenges and imposition of curfew in some areas, Kaduna is still home of the Nigeria Army.

As you are aware, we have several Army institutions in Kaduna and we want to assure everybody that in spite of the challenges, we will not abandon them”, Ihejirika added, noting that the major highlight of the week-long ceremony will be the unveiling of a locally built Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, by the Nigerian Army

by Mr. President. This is even as he also hinted in Kano State that more troops would be deployed in the state to boost the existing manpower.

Addressing Nigerian troops at the end of his oneday official visit to Kano State yesterday , Ihejirika said, “We want Kano to return quickly to peace because of its role in the socio- economic baseline of not only Nigeria but West Africa and to this effect more troops will be deployed so that you have the time to rotate and rest.”

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lso, the Lagos State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on Christians in the state to set aside tomorrow as a day of fasting and prayers in churches in honour of those who lost their lives in different bomb attacks in parts of the North, a statement signed

by Monsignor Bernard Okoduwa and Archbishop George Amu, chairman and secretary-general of CAN respectively stated, adding that the exercise

had become necessary in view of the unending Boko Haram insurgence in most northern states, leading to persecution of Christians.

However, the NSA said that security challenges in the country had lingered for so long just as people have suffered untold hardship since insurgency began, adding that pragmatic solution must be found to check the trend.

He said he was in Borno to cross- fertilize ideas with the governor and other stakeholders on how best to resolve the lingering crisis, as according to him, the governors were in a better position to identify the situation on ground.

He further said that since the insurgency started, many methods had been adopted by the various security agencies to combat the situation but most of such methods failed to achieve the desired results pointing out that as such, dialogue still remains the best option.

The NSA said when he visited Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, almost all shops and other business premises were deserted, as the area remained as a ghost town just as most people deserted their houses for fear of being killed.

He therefore called on members of the Jamatul Ahlis Sunnah lid Daawati wal Jihad to come out and embrace dialogue, as the Federal Government was not only sincere but committed to amicable solution of the problems.

Dasuki further said that the Federal Government was determined to immediately resolve the security challenges in the country, as no meaningful development could be achieved without peace.

Responding, Governor Kashim Shettima thanked the NSA for coming to Borno barely a week after his appointment, adding that he was particularly impressed with his sense of humility and the good disposition he has for the people of Borno.

The Governor said the root cause of this insurgency could be attributed to un-

Gov Imoke at African CEO roundtable. employment and abject poverty among the people, adding that as such, his government was determined to create jobs for the teeming youths through agriculture, since 80 percent of the people in the state were farmers, and expressed optimism that with the support and prayer of Nigerians, peace would be achieved.

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hettima said his ad ministration had continued to toe the path of dialogue and therefore called on the members of the sect as ‘’our brothers and citizens of Borno State,’’ to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

He said Borno has gone through many crisis in its history but came out stronger, hence he was optimistic that the state will come out stronger at the end of the current challenges.

He then prayed Almighty Allah will guide

and protect him in the herculean task ahead of him.

On the attack on Gulak and Mubi in Adamawa State, reports from Madagali, a border local government between Adamawa and Borno States told Saturday Vanguard that the gunmen numbering about 12 had earlier attacked the Divisional Police Station in the town, where they killed the four policemen and some houses of notable personalities in the area.

According to the report, the invaders also attacked two old generation banks in the area, where they cartered away huge sums of money and other valuables.

The casualty figure occasioned by the attack was reportedly high as the entire town was enveloped by fear following sporadic shootings and heavy explosions that lasted for about one hour.

The attackers were said to have overrun the police sta-

tion and emptied the armoury, after killing their victims.

However, at Mubi, explosives planted at a police station and another filling station in the commercial nerve centre of the state were quickly detected and defused by the Anti-bomb Disposal Squad stationed in the area.

A 6pm to 6am curfew has been imposed on the town and its environs which has witnessed attacks and killings more than any other town in the state in the last two years.

Adamawa State Police command has confirmed the attack on Gulak and Mubi Local Government Areas.

Spokesman for the command, ASP Numuel Yoila told Saturday Vanguard that a comprehensive report of the incidents were being compiled to ascertain the casualty figure.

Two students of Fidei Polytechnic killed in cult violence

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi WO students of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko have been confirmed dead in a cult related crisis that engulfed the institution yesterday.

The death occurred against the backdrop of reports that the Benue State Police Command recovered a box full of AK 47 live ammunition from four suspects who were hauling the arms to the crisis torn Eggon and Alaago communities of Nasarawa State.

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•Four suspects arrested Briefing newsmen yesterday on the two incidents, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, ASP Ejike Alaribe said the police in Gboko last night received a report that two suspected cultists had at 8pm stormed the home of two students of Fidei Polytechnic and shot one of them whose name was given as Akawa on the neck, thus killing him instantly.

Alaribe noted that Akawa died before he could

receive medical attention, adding that when the news of his death filtered into the institution, students mobilized themselves and went after the assailants.

According to him, “They caught up with the two suspects who were identified as being responsible for the shooting, matcheted one of them to death but the police arrived the scene before they meted out jungle justice on the other”.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

Anyaoku, Utomi, others to grace launch of Jesuit University in Africa

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU ORMER SecretaryGeneral of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Pat Utomi and Abike Dabiri-Erewa will be among the dignitaries that will grace the fund raising dinner for the establishment of the first ever Jesuit University in Africa, to be known as Loyola Jesuit University (LJU).

The dinner, which holds on Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, will also be attended by other eminent Nigerians, the clergy, royal fathers as well as some ministers and state governors.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the university, Provincial Superior of the ANW Jesuits, Very Rev. Fr. Jude Odiaka, SJ said LJU will become the first Jesuit University in Africa.

According to him, the university will be a multi-campus institution with the School of Business Management and Social Sciences in Ogbere, Ogun State; the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Science in Ewatto, Edo State;

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and the School of Engineering and Applied Natural Sciences in Ngor Okpala, Imo State.

The development of these campuses will accordingly, be in three phases.

“Loyola Jesuit College [LJC] is becoming a fastselling brand even beyond the shores of Nigeria. Less than twenty years old, the school has constantly won a top place in the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) as well as garnered other numerous awards for excellence in science, mathematics, and sports.

Several alumni of LJC have also excelled in various fields of learning at leading universities around the world, including: Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown,

Fordham, Stanford, Oxford, Imperial College, Santa Clara, and many others. Owing to the resounding success of the school and the litany of achievements of its students and alumni, many Nigerians have long besieged the Jesuits (the owners of LJC) with requests to open a tertiary institution in Nigeria of the standard of LJC for a holistic formation of our youths.”

“In response, the Jesuits of North-West Africa (ANW) province now plans to start in 2015 our first university in Nigeria with the name, Loyola Jesuit University (LJU).” Rev. Fr. Odiaka stated.

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ERIOUS crisis is now looming at the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, following the alleged favouritism to some geo-political zones in the submission of names of chairmen and members of various government parastatals submitted by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to President Goodluck Jonathan for consideration.

Saturday Vanguard gathered yesterday that in the list submitted by Tukur to President Jonathan, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Mantu will chair the Board of Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC. Mantu who hails from Plateau state was the National Coordinator of Bamanga Tukur Campaign Organisation during the party’s national convention.

Senator Jonathan Zwing-

Crisis looms in PDP as Tukur nominates Mantu, Zwingina, others as board chairmen

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja ina from Adamawa State was also picked as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, while Dr. E.M.I. Enemuo was nominated to chair the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, EhaAmufu in Enugu state, while Alhaji Shittu Bamayi who is from Plateau state was nominated as member of the National Manpower Board just as Alhaji Abubakar Mahmud Garapowa wass slated for membership of the former Education Trust Fund, ETF, now Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Tertfund.

Diver disappears in Ughelli River

BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

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ANDEMONIUM broke out in Ughelli, Delta State on Thursday, following attempts to recover the body of a diver who drowned in the Ughelli river while on a rescue operation of a dredger that sank in the r i v e r .

The dredger said to be

owned by a contractor working for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sank in the river on Monday around the bridge at the Amekpa junction while executing a project to open up the river.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the dredger sank a week after the project began, adding that the con-

tractor engaged the services of the Port Harcourt based diver to assist in the recovery of the dredger.

The source said one of the divers whose identity could not be ascertained at the time of this report, got to the point where the dredger was, but moments after, the diver was discovered to be missing as all efforts to locate him afterwards proved abortive.

Also, the former Minister of Education, Dr. Birma Daudu was nominated as a member of the National Agriculture Laison Services based in Zaria, while Alhaji Aliyu Tukur was recommended as member of the Federal Collage of Education in Yola, with Squadron Leader Musa Ashu and Alhaji Inuwa Mayobella being nominated for membership of the NRC and the National Metrological Centre respectively.

The National Library of Nigeria has Usman Danburam as member, while Kunle Akindele was nominated a member of the National Medical and Dental Council, even as Abu King Shullwa is espected to become a member board of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja and both Mrs. Mariam Guaram and Chief Vero Tamgboowei becoming members of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC among others.

Sources said that those who were uncomfortable with the present arrangement complained that some zones of the country were well favoured over others and then vowed to oppose the list.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 — 7

NUJ, FCDA make peace over demolition of Abuja press centre •As Development Control takes responsibility

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU OURNALISTS in Abuja yesterday strongly protested against the demolition of the relaxation spot situated in the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ press centre in Utako, Abuja by the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCDA as the department accepted full responsibility for all that happened.

But for the intervention of acting chairman, Abuja chapter of NUJ, Abdulrasheed Abdukarim followed by the quick response of the National Secretary, NUJ, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman who went into a brief meeting with the Control Director, Alhaji Yahaya Yusuf and other management staff of the department to resolve and calm the situation.

Though, Leman described the approach that led to the commotion and seizures of cameras at both end as a gangster one and a mismanagement on the part of the development control due to over zealousness on the part of the site officer who did not communicate well with the journalists at the press centre.

The two cameras seized unfortunately belong to Gbenga Olamikan, AbujaVanguard Photographer who said that all the pictures he took during the demolition process and the chaos that ensued had been deleted by the department before the cameras were released to NUJ National Secretary.

However, Leman said, “What happened was as a result of over zealousness on the part of development control department officials. The first step we took was to retrieve the two cameras that were seized and the director graciously handed them over to me” “The next step was to decongest the development control gate which was taken over by journalists so as to allow those that want to go out to do so after which we will go to the press cen-

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tre to look at the damage done there”.

“I am happy to say that everything is okay now and other relevant issues will be worked out between NUJ and the department”.

Speaking, Development Control director, Alhaji Yahaya Yusuf promised to caution the department’s officers in order to avert recurrence of such situation in future, commended the maturity and frankness with which the ex-

ecutive members of NUJ handled the situation He said that the relationship that exists between the department and the NUJ has gone beyond any rancour that could cause ripples between the two bodies.

Yusuf explained that the department officers only to the press centre to re-validate the centre while he regretted the way and manner the site officer handled the whole process.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel Former Ogun State Governor inside Isabo High Court 4 in continuation of the case between him and the EFCC - Photo By WUMI AKINOLA

Federal High Court orders INEC to restore two constituencies in Benue

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi EDERAL High Court sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital has directed the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to restore two hitherto scrapped state constituencies in Benue state.

The two state constituencies to be restored as ordered by the court are Agasha which is presently in Guma state con-

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stituency and Otukpa which is currently under Ogbadibo state constituency.

Delivering judgment in two separate suits filed by the Agasha and Otukpa communities, Justice Abimbola Obasaki pointed out that INEC could not convince the court on why the two constituencies should not be restored.

She therefore ordered it to conduct election for Otukpa constituency within 14 days while that of Agasha should be

done within 30 days.

Justice Obasaki however noted that INEC could approach the appellate court if it were not satisfied with the judgment of the trial court.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the Agasha community, John Shishi described it as sound judgment, adding that it was a positive development in the nation’s evolving democracy and an indication that Nigerian judiciary was alive.

Why we delayed salary — Kwara govt

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, Ilorin WARA State Com missioner for Finance, Mr. Demola Banu, has clarified reasons for the unusual delay in the payment of

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this month’s salary of civil servants saying it was as a result of late arrival of the monthly allocations from the federal government to the state.

The Commissioner spoke in an interview

with journalists in Ilorin. ”Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is very much concerned about welfare of Kwara workers. Workers would be paid before the end of the month”.he said. Demola Banu said that the explanation became necessary because the state which is the 33rd least paid out of the 36 states depend largely on the federal allocations for survival and that kwara should not be compared with such states like Lagos and other states in the NigerDelta areas among others which get fat allocations.

The commissioner also warned about an impending financial crisis in many states of the federation over late release of federal allocation by the federal government.

B-r-i-e-f-s Glo partners Ondo govt to combat infant/maternal mortality EADING telecoms operator, Globacom and the Ondo State government have initiated a partnership that is targeted at reducing infant and maternal mortality in the State. This will be achieved through a special scheme called Abiye Safe Motherhood project.

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Through the collaboration, Globacom will provide 10,000 handsets and toll-free lines, on a Close User Group (CUG) platform, for expectant and nursing mothers, health workers and rural transportation service providers in the scheme coordinated by Ondo State Ministry of Health.

Outsourcing expo makes case for practice Outsourcing Practitioners

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UTSOURCING practitioners and users have urged companies and businesses to outsource areas of their businesses in which they do not have core competencies to maximise value.

The call was made at the outsourcing expo and seminar organised by Resource Intermediaries Limited, RIL, in conjunction with Association of

of Nigeria, AOPN, and other partners.

Managing Director/CEO of Coca Cola Nigeria, Kelvin Balogun, who was the keynote speaker at the seminar said that “outsourcing drives value beyond cost for companies” stressing that “companies must embrace change management and leverage technology as enablers in the push for new business frontiers.”

Pa Gabriel Fatimehin’s burial A Gabriel Ade Fa timehin (aka Afafilo) is dead. He died on April 22, 2012 after a brief illness, aged 80 years.

Wake keep holds at his residence, L36, Afatilo Street, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 5pm prompt.

Funeral service takes place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, OkeIla, Ado-Ekiti, on Friday, July 6.

He survived by wives,

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•Pa Gabriel Fatimehin children, among them, Mr Bamidele Fatimehin, grand children etc.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

Fresh fuel price increase: Don’t dare Nigerians, NLC warns FG

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG S rumour mill contin ues to have it that the Federal Government is completing full deregulation of the the downstream sector of the petroleum industry which would automatically translate into higher pump price of fuel, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has warned the government not to dare Nigerians with such obnoxious policy.

President of NLC, Comrade Abdulwahhed Omar, said though officially labour was not aware of the plans, but insisted that it would be tragic should government contemplate on further increase in the pump price of fuel when the report of the subsidy probe which vindicated labour long argument that the fuel subsidy regime was fraud infested had not been implemented.

The NLC president who said that labour would not leave anything to chance disclosed that officials of the organisation would meet to take a strong res-

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•Anambra Governor, Peter Obi swearing in a new comissioner yesterday. olution that not until all issues relating to fraud in the fuel subsidy regime were thoroughly investigated and culprits brought to book accordingly, no action should be taken on deregulation of the downstream or fuel price increase.

According to him”We have not heard it officially from any quarters, but ordinarily, if that is the case, the only thing I will

say is that maybe government is daring Nigerians.

This is the same thing we

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure ORPS members serv ing in Akure, the Ondo state capital wept profusely when a reckless driver knocked down and killed one of them.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the deceased, Olaniyan Tosin Michael with call up number 0D/

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way of dealing with it is to further increase the pump price. It is up to Nigerians to decide whether they can take it or not.” ”NLC members are Nigerians and it is up to Nigerians whether they will take this insult. To me, it is an insult that you discovered a fraud of monumental dimension, you are not addressing it and now you are saying the best thing is, let us hit at the Nigerian people and allow that fraud to go Scot free. Maybe Nigerian labour would very soon take a resolution that nobody should contemplate any further increase in the pump price of fuel, unless the issue of this subsidy fraud that is on the ground is thoroughly scrutinized and those indicted conclusively prosecuted accordingly.”

Gov Obi reshuffles cabinet …swears in 12 new commissioners, SSG

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka OVERNOR Peter Obi yesterday, swore in 12 new commissioners

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Reckless driver kills corps member in Ondo 11c/0301 was going for the weekly Community Development service CDSwhen he met his untimely death.

Eyewitness account said that the driver identified as Olaoluwa Fasemo, a staff of Coop cocoa Industry in Akure was on speed when the deceased was crossing the road at about 9am on Thurday.

The deceased was said to be going to the Akure South Local Government

have said even before the increase in the fuel price in January. We said, look,

there is so much fraud in the subsidy regime, go and investigate, by the time you finish investigation, you would have discovered that what is going on in the name of subsidy is so meagre that even government can live with it. The rest and the bulk of the money is going into private pockets.

“We have been thoroughly vindicated by the fuel subsidy probe committee report that over N1.8 trillion spent in the name of subsidy was a fluke whereas what government provided in 2011 budget as money for subsidy was only about N260 billion. So, you see, it is the issue of the fraud.

Now, the subsidy fraud has just been reported, you have not dealt with it and you think the best

Secretariat to collect some document required for his CDS. An eyewitness account said that the noise of passers-by drew the attention of everybody to the scene.

A corp member, Kemi Omilana said most of the corps members who were at the council secretariat rushed to the scene and discovered that one of them was lying helplessly on his own blood.

Omilana alledged that the driver after the ugly incident abandoned his vehicle in the middle of the road and ran away.

The deceased was rushed to the state Hospital in Akure but had to be referred to the Federal Medical Centre FMC in Owo for further treatment.

It was however learnt that he died that same night she was rushed to FMC Owo. Confirming the incident, the NYSC spokesperson in the state, Mrs. Christy Olatoye, described the news of the death of the corps member as a rude shock to the

and the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, recently cleared by the state House of Assembly, urging them to serve the state with diligence.

Of the number, five were members of the dissolved state executive council, with three of them retaining their former portfolios. The former commissioners who retained their former positions were Professor Chinyere Okunna (budget and economic planning), Mr. Emeka Nwankwu (public utilities and water resources) and Architect Callistus Ilozumba (works), while Mr. Peter Afuba, formerly of lands was named attorney general and commissioner for justice, just as Mr.

Robert Okonkwo moved from transport to commerce and industry.

The other seven commissioners are Patrick Obi (hosing and urban development), Dr. Chike Ohamobi (transport), Lady Henrietta Azuka Agbata (women affairs), Dr. Edozie Aroh (youth and sports) and Mrs. Azuka Enemuo (local government). The rest are Chief Joe Martins Uzodike (information) and Mr. Vincent Ezenwajiaku (special duties). The new SSG is Mr. Oseloka Henry Obaze who, until recently, was a top official of the United Nations in New York .

Ministries yet to have commissioners include agriculture, education,

health, lands and survey and environment.

Obi explained at the swearing in ceremony at the executive chambers of the Government House, Awka that more commissioners would soon be cleared by the House of Assembly to ensure full compliment of the state executive council (EXCO).

Governor Obi told the new EXCO members that though he appointed them, it was the wish of God that they should serve the people of Anambra State to the best of their abilities, urging them to emphasize on the things that would improve the living conditions of the people.

Boko Haram: Investors beg Jonathan to speed up dialogue

By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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USINESS men in the country have pleaded with the Federal Government to fast-track the dialogue process with the Boko Haram sect in order to avert further destruction of lives and property as a result of the frequent attacks by the sect.

The President, Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture ABEOCIMA, Alhaji Surajudeen Bada who made the plea on behalf of stakeholders yesterday in Abeokuta, noted that business can only thrive in a peaceful atmospphere. ”The incessant bombings that had claimed hunfdreds of lives in some northern states as well as high rate of armed rob-

bery in other parts of the country are enough to scare potential investors away from the country”.

Speaking on the cashless economy,the Chamber commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for the policy which according to it, was designed to curb cash dominance with its implication for cost of cash management to the banking industry, security and money laundering.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 — 9

Drama in court as witness denies death threat allegation

BY DAUD OLAJUNJI, Abeokuta HERE was a mild drama yesterday at the on-going trial of the former governor of Ogun state Otunba Gbenga Daniel when a principal prosecution witness Mr. Babatunde Adeluola who was brought to court by Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, denied the claim by the commission that his life was being threatened by the acussed person.

Contrary to the expectation that Adeluola, a Business Development Manager with the Skye Bank Plc, would confirm the EFCC’s claim that his life

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The new Group General manager NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu talking to journalists after a Presidential Briefing on the new Petroleum Industry Bill at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

How Oshiomhole’s convoy was attacked — Police •As Govt accuses PDP

BY SIMON EBEGBULEMJ, Benin HE Edo State Police Command said yesterday that it has commenced investigation into the attack on the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole Thursday night and the burning of the Police post by youths alleged to be students of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Usen.

However, the State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, alleged thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state opened fire on the Governor ’s convoy at about 6pm, shortly after he paid a visit to the Onogie of Usen, His Royal Highness Oluogbe 11,at his palace.

It stated however that “the brave security details attached to the governor, supported by an additional contingent of regular policemen deployed to maintain law and order, rose to the occasion. They were able to shield the governor, key government functionaries and ACN leaders.

But several official vehicles including Toyota Land cruisers, Hilux pick up van and Toyota Corrola Saloon car were either badly damaged or riddled with bullet”.

The attack is coming barely two months after the Governor escaped death following the acci-

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dent involving his convoy at Auchi, where three journalists in his convoy lost their lives.

However, the Police Command in a statement signed by its spokesman in the state, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo, narrated that “the governor went on campaign tour to Usen town in Ovia South West Council of Edo state, the governor while on his way to the campaign venue met the students and promised to

address them on his way back.

After the campaign at about 6: 15pm, the governor decided to address them on a later date as it is already getting late.

ACN yet to pick governorship candidate in Ondo — ACN S/W leaders should be disregarded,

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan HE reported en dorsement of Mr. O l u w a r o t i m i Akeredolu(SAN) as the governorship candidate

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of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ondo State may have not received the blessing of all chieftains of the party as the South West leadership of the party declared that his nomination would

Committee set up to plan Ogbemudia’s 80th birthday uel Osaigbovo OgbemuCOMMIT TEE and other subcommittees made up of

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family members, friends and associates of two time governor of Bendel and Edo states, Dr. Sam-

“I will reposition NNPC for better service delivery”

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja N his first public statement since he was appointed the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the new helmsman, Andrew Yakubu, yesterday promised that he will work towards repositioning the corporation for better service delivery.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa where he was part of a delegation led by the Minister of Petroleum Resourc-

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was in danger, the witness caused stir in court when he told Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of the Abeokuta High Court during the continuation of the hearing of the corruption charges preferred against Daniel by the EFCC that his absence from court during the last adjourned date was due to ill health and not threats from any one.

The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, had on June 5 informed the court that Adeluola was absent because he had received threat messages after the last hearing on May 7.

Jacobs had also claimed that the witness was ill by tendering a medical report to support his claim.

But while being cross-

examined on Friday by Daniel’s lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, the principal prosecution witness denied that the former governor who is currently standing trial on a 38-count charge of alleged stealing, false declaration of assets and fraudulent conversion of lands, threatened his life.

Responding to Osipitan’s question on whether he had been threatened by anyone over the matter, Adeluola insisted saying “no, I was only ill the last time”.

The EFCC lead counsel at this stage however objected to further examination of the witness

by Daniel’s counsel on the alleged threat to his life.

es, Dezani Allison-Maduekwe to present the Draft Petroleum Industry Bill to the president, Mr Yakubu said the perception of Nigerians about the NNPC would also be changed.

According to him, his appointment as a GMD of the NNPC was a call to service which required that in the discharge of his duties he would be transparent and responsible. ”The NNPC is the mainstay of the nation’s economy. We must reposition NNPC for better service; we must reposition it to support the economy.”

dia have been set up for the celebration of the icon’s 80th birthday in September.

The inauguration of the various committees took place recently at Dr. Ogbemudia’s residence in Benin.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were the chairman of the committee, Engr. C. O. Ogiemwonyi and the secretary, Dr Osawaru. Other members include Rev. (Mrs.) Dele George, Mr. Sam Ogbemudia jnr., Hon. Uyi Ogbemudia, Mrs. Yetunde Ogbemudia, Dr. Tonnie Iredia, Capt. Osa Okunbor, Prof. Ihonvbere, Prof. Osunbor, Mr. Osaro Ogie, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu and Dr. Felix Iyamu.

Others also included Barr. Eugene Okolocha, Gen. Pat Onaghise and close friends and associates of the former governor from Edo and Delta states.

still be put before the congress.

Until this is done, the zonal leaders of the party, said through National Vice Chairman, South West, Mr. James Kolawole that nobody can say the party has picked its candidate.

According to the leaders of the party, “the congress would be an affirmation and until that is done, nobody can say that a candidate has emerged.

“Don’t let anybody deceive you, for anybody to be declared a governorship candidate, such a person must be endorsed by the party congress”.

He said the reports in some newspapers on the choice of the candidate

adding that the process of picking the gubernatorial candidate for the 20th October, 2012 election in Ondo State would not be concluded until 10th of next month.

Meanwhile, trouble was averted yesterday in Ibadan when some aggrieved members of the party from Ogun State stormed the venue of a meeting by the zonal leaders to protest alleged imposition of candidates for the local government elections.

This was extensively discussed and that internal party mechanism would be adopted in resolving the matter. He noted that such reaction should be expected in democracy.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard,JUNE 30, 2012

More people are secretly practising homosexuality in Nigeria in Nigeria. The lives of LGBTI people and their friends, families and allies will be further frustrated with fear and prejudice. We need to pray and stand up against injustice”.

Consequent upon the bill, it might be a hard time for both gay and religious leaders who are in support of this practice.

Meanwhile, Rev Macauley, the gay minister who founded the church, is probably planning a come back to resume full operation of his gay ministry even though he remains in self-imposed exile in London. ”Religion is the backbone to life in Nigeria, so we all want to go to church,” he said. “But we don’t want to lie to God about who we are.”

Macauley first set up House of Rainbow in 2006, where

BY EBUN SESSOU

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Reverend Rowland

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t also prescribed 10 years for anybody convicted of aiding and abetting the contraction of same sex marriage in Nigeria and also nullifies certificates of same sex marriage contracted outside the shores of Nigeria.

The act also kicked against the operation of gay clubs in Nigeria with a punishment of 10 years jail term without option of fine for anybody guilty of operating gay clubs within the country.

But it seems Rowland has succeeded in enlarging his coast as more people are secretly engaging in different forms of homosexual activities.

•Gay couple in Malawi

Nigeria is kicking against the practice of same sex marriage where homosexuality is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, so it might be a terrible time for both gay and religious leaders who are in support of this practice

According to him, “ My Church is a voice of the younger generation of citizens and activists in diaspora and our collective belief is in a more progressive Nigeria. They are afraid of our growing influence as we gather allies not just from the West, a people that are not afraid but powerful and resilient.

“Right now, we are spreading our tentacles to every village, town and city

A Nigerian gay was reported in one of the social media, as being married to a German lawyer and later divorced him.

Similarly, another Nigerian gay is currently operating a gay entertainment company in Abia Sate.

Okechukwu, as he is called opined that his company provides gay dancers and entertainment services for private parties and business functions amongst others.

Man, Adisa, accused of sodomising teenagers for rituals

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of contracting marriage between same sex.

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lthough, the story of homosexuality in Nigeria is gradually becoming unpopular as those who indulge in such act are not bold to openly declare their identities, the fact still remains that homosexuality is being practised in some parts of the world including Nigeria.

Reverend Olajide Rowland Macauley, a gay pastor, is currently running a church called House of Rainbow which was situated at No 36/ 38 Yakoyo street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

It will be recalled that in 2008, Saturday Vanguard reported that Reverend Rowland was initiating new members into the gay club and at same time running the church secretly in Nigeria. He was also reported to have appeared sometime ago on Cable News Network, CNN, where he proudly talked about his gay church.

The initial reaction which greeted his exposure, created doubts in the minds of Nigerians over the existence of such church in their shore.

But an uproar in the Anglican communion in Europe on gay bishops once again brought the case of Reverend Rowland to the fore.

However, when the Saturday Vanguard visited his residence at plot 145, flat 1, Jakande estate, Isolo, Lagos, his apartment was under lock and key. It was learnt that the gay pastor vacated his home when he read the story of his clandestine activities in a national newspaper.

The usual church service at both the Jakande estate branch and the Ojodu headquarters of the House of Rainbow Ministries could not hold following the newspaper report.

Impeccable sources hinted that Rev. Macauley has since relocated to Europe where he’s presently running his gay church.

Following the recent outcry against gay practice in Nigeia, the Senate recently passed the anti same-sex marriage bill prohibiting all marriages between man and man, conversely between woman and woman.

The Bill sponsored by Senator Magnus Abe, PDP, Rivers, prescribes 14 years jail term for anybody convicted

Zimbabwe.

Nigerian homosexual opens a gay entertainment company in Abia State

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around the world”. The Church is also calling on faithful and dedicated local leaders who believe in homosexuality and lesbianism. There are ten House Of Rainbow Fellowship local leaders in Ghana, Nigeria, UK, Burundi, and Lesotho.

According to the gay pastor, “any negative effect on the anti-gay bill will be detrimental to the work and mission of House Of Rainbow

he openly held Sunday services in a Lagos hotel hall decorated in rainbow colours. A public backlash culminated in members being beaten as they left the church. Macauley fled to the UK after receiving death threats.

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his year, he has recruited a small team that includes his local leaders in Lagos.The project could even spread beyond the borders of Africa’s most populous nation. Macauley has recently recruited a local leader in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Available information shows that he is presently considering spreading his tentacles to Rwanda and

21 year old man, Adisa, who was accused of sodomising teenagers for ritual purposes.

He narrowly escaped being lynched by a mob at Amai Street, Amukoko in Lagos recently.

According to residents of the area, Mr Adisa, who was revered as a man of God, had been engaging in that act for a long time but luck ran out of him when his neighbours discovered he was having sex with one of the boys.

“We rushed to his house but when he saw us coming, he escaped throughthe back fence of his house and ran away,” said a resident of the street who did not want to be named.

Mr Adisa was sighted last Thursday morning in the area and it took the timely intervention of the elders in the community to rescue him when his neighbours descended on him. He was subsequently taken to the house of the Baale (community leader) of the area where some of the youths in the area continued to torture him.

Hypnotic act

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yewitnesses said Mr Adisa hypnotised the boys before sleeping with them on a white cloth spread on the floor in his apartment.

Azeez Kareem, one of the boys who admitted being a Continues on Page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard,JUNE 30, 2012—11

Continues from Page 10

Admission and denial

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n absolving himself of any wrong doing, Mr Adisa denied indulging in any ritual act.

“Whatever they say, it is only God that really knows the truth. I did not run away, I went to the mountain to pray, at Osogbo. I only make sex with them,” said Mr Adisa.

“I started doing it just this month and I’ve slept with only two boys. There is nothing like ritual. I don’t force them nor give them money and I don’t spread anything on the ground.”

Meanwhile, the Baale of Alafia, Jide Saliu disclosed that this has been going on for long but was just told about

•Some members of the gay

•Some members of the gay

More people are secretly practising homosexuality in Nigeria

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victim of Mr Adisa’s sexual acts, narrated his ordeal.

“One day, we were going to the field to play football when this man called us. He asked for our names and religion, I said Islam and my cousin said Christianity. He said I should leave. I went and came back and they were preaching. I didn’t know what they were talking,” said Master Azeez, 17.

“Another day, I just entered the house and I saw one boy.

He ordered the boy to go outside. He then said I should go and buy Atare (Alligator pepper). When I came back, he said I should pull my clothes and lie down on the floor, there was a white cloth on the floor. I didn’t know what he was doing. After that, he said I should eat the alligator pepper but I refused.”

Residents said that Azeez’s cousin, Tunde, who had moved in with Mr Adisa for several weeks, had become a changed person in recent times.

“I came back from school one day only to find out that my brother has started living with him. We didn’t know him before. I asked my mother if she was aware of my brother’s new home and she said no, that he is a prophet of God, that God sent him to help the boy. That was the first time I met(Mr Adisa),” said Wale Razak, Tunde’s elder brother.

Tunde was indisposed at the time of the incident; he had gone to write his General Certificate Examination papers.

“He (Tunde) used to be a very noisy chap but since he began living with the terrorist, he became very quiet. And we were thinking the man was really preaching to him, we never knew he was using juju on him.”

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Nigeria in the meantime has passed a bill that punishes same-sex unions with 14 years in prison. The bill also punishes those who “aid and abet” such unions with 10 years imprisonment.

the incident.

“I have called the police under my jurisdiction. I will hand over everything to them. And I’ve talked to the Oba of Ijora and he said I should take the matter serious.”

It was gathered that police officers from the Pako Police Post, Amukoko, arrived the scene later and whisked him away.

Malawi revives debate on gay rights

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y selling the presidential jet and getting rid of 60 limousines driven by high-ranking officials, Joyce Banda, Malawi’s new president, is making waves.

But even before trimming the fat from the state budget, Ms. Banda made headlines when she announced her intention to repeal the country’s antigay law shortly after her April swearing-in. If she has her way, Malawi would be one of the rare African countries to do so.

Two -thirds of African countries have laws that criminalize consensual samesex acts, according to Cary Alan Johnson, executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), a New York-based gay advocacy group. In most countries, same-sex acts between men, known as sodomy, are punishable by harsh prison sentences. Many of these laws date back to the colonial period, in particular in countries that were under British rule.

Reverend Rowland

“You cannot stop the tide,” says Mr. Johnson. “The end of stigma, discrimination and criminalization of homosexuality in Africa is only a matter of time. Like minority and disabled rights, they will move forward. This does not mean there will not be a push back. And that is what we are experiencing right now.”

Backlash

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he United Nations and some Western nations are urging African governments to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) rights.

But recent decisions by the US and UK to tie those rights to foreign funding has had unintended consequences on the continent.

In reaction, homophobia is now on the rise in Africa, and much of it is state-generated.

Several African leaders have instructed law makers to stiffen laws against same-sex acts and same-sex marriage.

Uganda has revived a controversial bill to introduce death penalty for consensual same-sex acts.

According to local media, hate crimes have increased against gay persons. An LGBT workshop was raided recently in the capital, Kampala, where a well-known advocate was arrested, forcing her to flee the country.

Nigeria in the meantime has passed a bill that punishes same-sex unions with 14 years in prison. The bill also punishes those who “aid and abet” such unions with 10 years imprisonment.

Foreigners without diplomatic protection and humanitarian workers could also be prosecuted under this new bill. It is currently on President Goodluck Jonathan’s desk, waiting to be signed into law.

Liberia’s president and Noble Peace prize winner, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has defended two new bills in her country that would hand down much tougher sentences for “voluntary sodomy,” which is now a misdemeanour.

abroad to use aid money to help defend LGBT rights and protect asylum seekers.

Tying overseas aid to gay rights seems to have not only brought African leaders up in arms, but also African religious leaders.

The Council of African Apostles (CAA), an annual gathering of African Christian evangelicals issued a statement in March calling on the US and UK to withdraw their statements tying aid to the legislation of gay rights.

The CAA said that aid in whatever form should not be tied to morals, principles and/ or religious beliefs.

The CAA declared that “ we find it morally irresponsible of Western powers to attach the adoption of ‘gay rights’ to development support. Such positions affirm the long-held beliefs that the West does not relate with Africa on a basis of equality and also that such pronouncements violate the Paris Principles on Development support.” (The Paris Declaration or Principles for Aid Effectiveness, Continues on Page 12

Aid condition UK Prime Minister David Cameron has hinted to Commonwealth leaders that future aid from his country would be contingent on recognition of gay rights.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama issued a memorandum last December instructing US agencies

•Okechukwu

12—SATURDAY Vanguard,JUNE 30, 2012

More people are secretly practising homosexuality in Nigeria law on sodomy if the act is consensual. “I think things are changing,” says Mr. Johnson. “A few years ago, Africa was a monolithic bloc against LGBT rights and now it’s starting to crack.”

Pastor behind the gay marriage ruling in USA

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• Rainbow Church •Rowland-Jide-Macaulay

endorsed in 2005, was meant as a blueprint for an ideal aid relationship between donor and recipient countries, in which developing countries are allowed to formulate their own policies and strategies.)

Not a government priority

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or most African governments, protecting and promoting the rights of the LGBT community is not a national priority. Their position was made clear in March, when some Arab and African countries at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council walked out on a debate about violence against LGBT persons. The panel was organized by South Africa, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2007.

Nigeria left the room after denying that any of its citizens have been subject to violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ambassador Fode Seck of Senegal, as leader of the Africa group at the council, refuted the notion that gay rights are part of global human rights.

“We categorically reject all attempts to hijack the international human rights system by imposing social concepts or norms, in particular certain behaviours, that have no legal grounds in the human rights debate.

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Continues from Page 11

Meanwhile, in the 12 sharia states in the North, gay sex carries the death penalty, although no executions have yet taken place

Such an initiative would be perceived as a flagrant disrespect for the universality of human rights.”

Historic resolution

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historic resolution passed in June 2011 at the council made gay rights a universal human right.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has received a lot of criticism from some African leaders for standing behind the cause.

In his address to the Human Rights Council in December 2011, Mr. BanKi-Moon said he understood the topic of sexual orientation was a sensitive one. “Like many of my generation,” he said, “I did not grow up talking about these issues. But I learned to speak out because lives are at stake. And because it is our duty under the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect the rights of everyone, everywhere.”

The UN’s first report on conditions facing LGBT people around the world came out that same month. The report, prepared by the UN

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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, showed incidents of targeted and systematic patterns of violence.

According to Navi Pillay, the human rights commissioner, such incidents constitute a grave human rights challenge that the council has a duty to address. “As always, people are entitled to their opinion,” she said. “They are free to disapprove of same-sex relationships, for example and they have an absolute right to believe and follow in their own lives whatever religious teachings they choose. But that is as far as it goes. The balance between tradition and culture on the one hand and universal human rights on the other must be struck in favour of human rights.”

For Mr. Johnson of the IGLHRC, the glass is half full in regards to the advancement of LGBT rights in Africa. He points to South Africa’s leadership in LGBT rights.

Malawi has now followed suit.

Mauritius has also decriminalized consensual same-sex acts, while Mozambique has softened its

ounder, Prophet, Pastor; Rev Elder Troy D. Perry is behind the gay marriage ruling.

It was noted that the history behind the California Supreme Court decision that gives the “right to marry” to same-sex couples are the bold steps taken over four decades by onetime Pentecostal minister Troy Perry in trying to establish legal and religious rights for gays and lesbians. Perry, who founded a church 40 years ago that became an international denomination for Christian homosexuals, filed the initial lawsuit with his spouse and a lesbian couple in February 2004 that led to last month’s ruling making California the second state, after Massachusetts, to legalize marriage for samesex couples. The 4-3 decision by the high court though endangered by an expected state initiative in November to amend the constitution to ban gay marriage marked another milestone for the homosexual-oriented Metropolitan Community Churches, started by Perry in 1968 in Los Angeles County.

In 1969, Perry performed the first public same-sex “holy union” ceremony in the U.S., and in January 1970 he filed the first-ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage. It was dismissed

before coming to trial.Perry tried unsuccessfully for years to gain membership in the National Council of Churches for MCC churches. But ministers in the denomination do serve on NCC committees and have been welcomed into many regional and local interfaith councils. Meanwhile, gay caucuses grew vocal within nearly all mainline denominations, and some clergy were conducting same-sex blessings.

The idea of legal marriage for gays was too politically volatile in the mid-1990s for the MCC to make it a priority issue. But by early 2001, Perry and his church were fully committed to the fight. Perry and his longtime partner, Phillip Ray De Blieck, were legally married July 16, 2003, at an MCC congregation in Toronto.“Today the California Supreme Court legally recognized our marriage,” Perry, 67 and now retired, exulted on May 15, saying that “our marriage is equal in the eyes of the law to all other marriages.”

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entecostal pastors often see gay desire as the work of demons. “You might start casually but, once you get into it, you will be possessed by the spirit,” said Emmanuel Owoyemi, a pastor in Lagos.

Meanwhile, in the 12 sharia states in the North, gay sex carries death penalty, although no executions have yet taken place.

A national anti-gay marriage bill, which pushes for jail sentences for anyone who even assists gay marriage, has been before Nigeria’s parliament since 2009 and was passed recently prohibiting the practice.

•Founder, Prophet, Pastor; Rev Elder Troy D. Perry Behind The Gay Marriage Ruling

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—13

Insecurity: A nation under siege

federal government to raise special courts for terrorism crimes if the activities of the Boko Haram sect that have been engaging in bombings leading to massive loss of lives and wanton destruction of property must end.

Also, disturbed by the level of insecurity in parts of the country caused by the Boko Haram sect, the 36 States governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) insisted on the establishment of State police.

According to them, establishment of state police remains the only strategy in putting to check the rising insecurity in the country.

The governors also called on the federal government to establish special intervention fund for state governments that are particularly affected by the Boko Haram activities.

The group’s chairman, Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi disclosed that already state governments are currently over-stretched in funding security.

Also, as panacea out of the insecurity crisis, most Nigerians have canvassed for national conference. Many militancy groups believe that the Nigerian project cannot be built on unfairness and are therefore asking for reflections and negotiation on it.

Kidnapping and armed robbery

By Charles Adingupu rom the deep cave in Anambra where the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) operates to the creek in the Niger Delta which parades dozens of militant groups battling for resource control, down to the West where the Odua Peoples Congress holds sway up to the savannah in the north that has recently witnessed the insurgence of the Boko Haram group all at one time or the other holds the Nigerian government in arms-lock.

Dr. Frederick Fasehun puts it better when he observed that “Nigeria has passed through the milestone of a devastating civil war, through the paralyzing June 12 crisis, the unprofitable Niger Delta crisis and now, the blazing Boko Haram insurgency. And so shall this country continue to move from one minefield of crisis to another.”

The Nigerian society has become a system of states competing with one another, all in a bid to grab what belongs to all. This intense competition results in conflict. As the tempest rages, various ethnic groups that make up the Nigerian nation continue to lay conflicting claims to the centre which has failed to hold.

Consequently, the nation has witnessed series of ethnic crisis all bothering on mistrust, tension, hatred and hostility. The military destruction of Odi in November 1999 just few months after the inauguration of civil rule was a clear manifestation that beyond Nigeria’s democratic veil is authoritarianism.

While defending the invasion of Benue State in 2011, General Victor Malu’s home area, the then General Alexander Ogomudia said, “the general’s area even right to the boundary with Cameroun along River Katsina Ala is fully charged. The greatest number C M Y K

The Nigerian society has become a system of states competing with one another, all in a bid to grab what belongs to all.

This intense competition results in conflict. As the tempest rages, various ethnic groups that make up the Nigerian nation continue to lay conflicting claims to the centre which has failed to hold

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of ex-service men in this area are concentrated in that area. They did not capture those soldiers with bows and arrows or with bare arms.”

By Onozure Dania

Also, the unprecedented carnage perpetrated by the militant groups in the Niger Delta who until recently embraced the amnesty programme is still very fresh in the memory.

According to General Ogomudia, some stupendously rich generals are believed to be behind of most violence.

There are those of them who instigate violence either because the people they have sponsored are not playing or dancing to their tune.

Until recently, local groups put on ethnic armour to resist political marginalisation as other ethnic militias carried the shield of hatred to quench the burning arrows of political manipulation.

On daily basis, the activities of the Boko Haram and its attendant effects are unquantifiable. The reports on the activities in national newspapers show that lives are lost, buildings destroyed and businesses paralysed.

Consequent upon the surging waving endless destruction of infrastructures, the Senate recently implored the

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n daily basis, reports of kidnap ping and armed robbery have become a reoccurring decimal. The incidence of kidnapping is more prevalent in the East and Niger Delta area.

Only recently, the cousin of Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan was adopted by unknown men. In Rivers State, cases of kidnapping abound.

In the Eastern states, stories of kidnap are reported on daily basis.

Just last year, over 50 persons were feared killed in a gory robbery operations in Kogi State. Most of the victims were said to be travelling from Lagos to Abuja when their bus was stopped by armed robbers who ordered them out and asked them to lie face down on the express road. Unsuspecting oncoming vehicles rammed into them, leaving behind mangled flesh and broken skulls. Only 14 bodies were recovered as it was impossible to gather the other bodies.

In Edo, Ogun, Delta and Rivers states, bank robbery are reported on daily basis. In all of these operations, many were reported dead while many were maimed and injured.

Osagie drags Edo govt to court

A contractor to the Edo State government, Hitech Constuction Company has been dragged to court by Elder Sonny Giwa Osagie over alleged trespass into his property, claiming N12.017million as special and general damages.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State government and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Elder Osagie who stated that he is an Engineer by prfession, claimed in his suit now before Justice Erameh of the state High Court that the construction company which has its head office at Siluko Road, Benin City had unlaw-

fully trespassed into his said property known as 1-3 Asoro Grammer School Close, Off Ekehuan Road, Benin City where he resides, by detroying his fence on May 13, 2011, despite the fact that he obtained a Certificate of Occupancy over the land upon which he build his house.

The plaintiff’s lawyer Amos Oikeh who filed the suit further claimed that the first defendant in the process of destroying his fence, also destroyed his entrance gate, worth N150,000; designed iron protector worth N 750, 000, electrical fittings /cable worth N570,000 and the beautification flow-

ers worth N440,000, adding that as a result of the destruction of the fence and gate of his house, the occupants of the property had been gravely exposed to danger, as according to him, armed robbers on or about May 16 2011, robbed his tenants of their property.

Oikeh further stated that ‘’as a result of the destruction of the fence and gate and the robbery incident his tenants, he (his client) has suffered grave shock, which has made him to visit the hospital often and also hire the services of security men.’’

14— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

INSECURITY:

Our expectations from the new NSA — Senators THE Senate has been in the forefront in the debate on how to resolve issues emanating from the state of insecurity that has partially closed-down a number of cities in the North. The appointment of a new National Security Adviser in the person of Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) is one of the pro-active measures that have been taken by President Goodluck Jonathan towards frontally confronting the problem. But to what extent the appointment of Dasuki, a prince of the Sokoto caliphate and one time Aide-de-Camp to General Ibrahim Babangida can go in redressing the insecurity situation in the country is now an issue. A number of senators spoke on the issue on the fringes of the recently concluded Senate retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Excerpts:

*Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): New NSA

BY UMORU HENRY

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E should work hard — S e n a t o r Mohammed Magoro, Chairman Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, PDP, Kebbi South My expectation is that he is going to work very hard, there are a lot of challenges facing the nation, to some extent internationally. He has been watching what has been going on, he has a lot of

exposure in this kind of arena, he is also well educated in the field, so we look forward to him to bring a sort of fresh air so that we can move forward and get over this situation which this country has been facing for sometimes now.

First of all as he settles down, he needs to be properly briefed since he is from outside, it will be a different thing when he comes inside and if properly briefed, he will make up his mind on the areas he wants to attend to first and

Fresh ideas — Senator Domingo Obende, ACN, Edo North Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT You know that he is a man of intelligence and very reserved, he is someone that is not loud so you won’t find him all over in all the occasions and I believe that having seen that the buck has been pushed to the north, I don’t want to be speculative.

Maybe we are also going to see the emergence of the Minister of Defence from the North so the buck has been pushed to them and we expect that they curb this menace called Boko Haram and not just that, we also expect that the security system in this nation becomes very perfect; we want to be able to walk on the streets and say that we are safe and we are sure that we

can see our next morning.

In the absence of this, of course, security will have to be taken away from governance, but I know that the first thing government does is that they must be able to secure lives and property, the assignment is enormous.

I would want him to understand that the buck has been pushed to his table and the development of a nation can only happen if there is security. igerians expect him to do a lot in the area of security and of course terrorism and kidnapping, these are all part of security challenges I do believe that we must have a template to confront these challenges.

Having done that, we also need to have another template. After curbing this major challenge, how do we equip the Police? How do we equip the internal affairs security people to make sure

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foremost. Generally, I think Nigerians are tired of what has been going on, they want to see something physically new being introduced by let’s say these scanners we are talking about, introduction of road scanners, that is vehicle scanners; if we can have them instead of these long queues we have at road blocks, people will now yeh, we have something new.

And of course, when you go and come, you tell people, there is something there on the road scanning people that can even see their stomach and not only inside their cars, that will go a long, long way and if one has bad intention, you are now going to think twice, these are the kind of things we are looking forward to seeing being introduced.

I know it takes time because it requires money for you to be able to acquire such equipment, but we just have to do that whether we like it or not, we are in a situation we cannot say we don’t have money even if we have to borrow, we can also have to approach some countries that can assist us with these kind of equipment; there are so many options we can examine.’

of this country and for us to see the end of this Boko Haram.

On the expectations from the new Security Adviser, I don’t have much to say.

Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, Kaduna Central, Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries Presently, I think the issue of insecurity, Boko Haram, to be specific is what is topmost in everybody ’s mind, I believe that expectations are for him to be able to help to work out how government is going to dialogue with them and how we are going to see an end to all these senseless killings. That should be topmost in his agenda.

It is the most difficult job in the country —Senator Garba Mohammed Basheer, Kano Central, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works

I would want him to understand that the buck has been pushed to his table and the development of a nation can only happen if there is security

that every Nigerian has the right to move from one place to another because today, I am scared I don’t blame Azazi — Senator Ibrahim Musa, CPC, Niger North Well you know that the President has the right to fire anybody he so desires, so the issue of assignment of the new National Security Adviser, I neither commend nor condemn him; I don’t blame Azazi.

The issue of security is that which no one has a monopoly of it; I don’t blame him in the sense that he is not an angel, he cannot be here and be there at the same time, nobody knows what is going to happen next in the other place, what I think we should do is to pray for the survival

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First of all, I want to say that I do not envy his position, this is just the most difficult job in the country now; the expectations are so high, the challenges are huge.

I believe that as an experienced military officer, he has the basic experience, he is someone that has a good network across the country and I believe he cannot do it alone, we as Nigerians regardless of whatever are our backgrounds have to come and support him so that he can succeed, but let me say that I have no doubt in him, he is going to do his best.

I think like the President mentioned, it wasn’t because the previous NSA failed in his duties, this is more of an additional hand; this thing happens, some come, some go. I believe he can deliver.

SATURDAY

Vanguard,

Government is confused on Boko Haram — Clerics Say Christians should prepare to defend themselves

BY EBUN SESSOU

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s the security situation in Nigeria gets worsen consequent upon the incessant attacks by terrorist group, Christian leaders insist this ugly trend must be put to check before it degenerates to full blown religious crisis. EBUN SESSOU interviewed Rt. Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Bishop Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West and advised Christians to brace up in order to address the aggression against them. Excerpt What is your opinion on the would solve the problem. If including the right existence, government would not rise to of state of the nation? freedom to serve this occasion, then, Christians Presently, the state of the nation is very fragile. Our and would raise to defend God, there is no by extension, the nation is themselves. And that has been one who would wait heading towards the voice of our Christian until everybody is dead. God disintegration. Already, some leaders. will not do what we can do for So, you are of the opinion ourselves. He will only group of people are treating fellow Nigerians as aliens. that Christians should defend strengthen us. David in the This potends danger for the themselves?

Bible, “God strengthens my No one is inferior to the hand to win the battle”. We are nation. When there is no peaceful co-existence, other. We have the right of not talking about war but we tolerance, mutual existence, worship. must do everything within our So, where is the place of the hands to defend ourselves. understanding amongst the citizens of a nation, then that ten commandments that say, Are you advocating war? nation is heading for thou shall not kill stand?

In the days of Nehemiah, It doesn’t say we should not when the broken walls of disintegration and that is a very serious and critical thing defend ourselves. This is Jericho were to be rebuilt, to think about. At the moment, ethical. It is beyond ten some people rose against the that is where Nigeria as a commandments. And when people of God. But, Noah told the Lord rises to fight, then we them to be ready to fight their nation stands.

What is your opinion on the should join in the course. It is course by themselves. Right important to tackle spiritual now, Christians must learn present state of the nation?

The issue of insecurity has things with spiritual things how to hold cutlass on one been problem for long.The while physical things are hand and Bible on the other inability of the government to tackled with physical things. to defend themselves. provide a practicable system This is not a spiritual issue Then, where is the place of that would help to curb where you cast out demons. prayer in conflict? criminality has remain a major However, when it comes to the Christians must pray. challenge. We are operating a right of a citizen in a nation, Although, we cannot worship system where criminals go unpunished.

This development is contrary to what obtains in the advanced countries. It will interest you enior Pastor of Evangel scam of all sorts and it is to know that anyone who Pentecostal Church, Liberty unfortunate that the Nigerian violates traffic laws wouldn’t House, Lekki, Iheanyi Ejiogu in people have been brought to go unpunished. Today, the this interview opined that the a state where Nigeria is country is face with Boko only instrument that would synonymous with corruption Haram’s activities are bring solution is peace. and poverty. For me, the state targeted at Christians. It has of the nation right now is become a Sunday-Sunday The state of the nation... appalling and that is what I syndrome and it shows that I am sad that we are where we see as a child growing up in some parts of this nation did are today. Nigeria seems to be Nigeria. not want the existence of other a resource filled nation but Attack on churches... citizens. It is a sign of hatred occupied by people who do not No consolation can bring and if it continues, there might understand the need for it. back the dead. I don’t think be a reprisal. And that is why Right now, there is terrorism, there is any consolation that the issue of insecurity should can be given to anyone who address. The nation must sit had to serve his or her God down and address this issue and died in the process. It is critically. totally uncalled for. There are How has the Christian body lots of ways to agitate for taken the issue? something rather than killing The Christian body has been innocent lives. crying. They have been Do you think, the attack is talking to the government and to demoralise Christians? urging President Jonathan to The church has always been address the issue. The CAN under attack but now, it is Chairman nationwide, Rev. becoming totally unbearable.

Ayo Oritsajafor, Primate But, I don’t think true Sunday Makinde as well as Christians can be other religious leaders have demoralised. But, the fact is been addressing this issue but that the countenance of the it seems the government itself body of Christ is dropping is confused. And according to because of what is happening. sources, it seems the sponsors People are unhappy, they are of this group are planning to mourning and sad. attack the South-South, South Lots of people have been West, South-West and saying that Christians should Christians have been advised defend themselves, what is to be at alert. We have the right your opinion? to worship our God, and Christians are not violate. according to Bishop Christianity is not a religion Chukwuma, we are ready to but a way of life. Christianity Pastor Iheanyi Ejiogu meet force with force if that

Rt. Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi God under duress. A situation where some people are praying, others should defend themselves.

Nobody prayers for war and this is a warning to the federal government. And I hope the President will pay attention to what is happening right now.

Are you insinuating that Boko Haram has religions backing?

The handwriting is on the wall.

Have you been able to talk to religious leaders?

We have been meeting at the NIREC level where all religious bodies converge. We have been talking about this particular issue but it seems nothing is done.

Do you think this group is

JUNE 30, 2012—15

agitating for something?

If they are agitating for their right, then, their leaders should come out openly and tell the world what they want.

But, it seems they are faceless.

Poverty and Nigeria concept what can you say, what is role of Christian leaders?

We are blessed as a nation but the more the resources we have, the poorer we become.

It is confusing. Nigeria is not poor except that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation. And until corruption is tackled, it might be difficult to eradicate poverty. Almost everybody is affected except for some privileged few and these are the politicians.

What efforts have been put together by the Christian leaders to influence government’s decisions?

We have been playing our roles and praying at the same time for the nation. The |Christian leaders have been warning and encouraging the Nigerian government to do the right thing.

What is the way forward?

Christians are not warming up for war. We are praying for peace for our nation. We don’t want this country to be dismembered. Boko Haram must stop the killing and government must rise to the occassion. Government must respect the law of this nation.

We have the laws and the government is saddled with the responsibility of defending every Nigerian. But if the government fails in her duty to protect Nigerians, it means Christians must think of how to defend themselves.

No consolation can bring back the dead—Ejiogu

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is peace and does not engage in violence.

Although, there is nothing wrong in defending and protecting our territory. But, we still trust God to handle the protection of our women and children who are being killed for no reason.

Insecurity in Nigeria what is your opinion?

People feel more unsafe now than before. I think the Church as a body should begin to sentitise her people on the need to understand that these threats are real. And in whatever way they can contain this act, they should not hesitate to do so. The security operatives should be able to address the current happenings in the country. It is important to make sure that this issue doesn’t degenerate to religious wars. Religious wars are beyond emotion.

People willingly die for their religion than what they do for the country. I pray that this issue doesn’t get to religious crisis. So, churches all over the world especially Nigeria should be objective and broad minded.

Has Christian body been able to talk to other religious leaders?

The truth is that there are too many Islands in the Christendom especially in

Nigeria where everybody is isolated from the other.

Everybody seems to be having a private agenda and it becomes hard to correct and advise each other. I don’t know how much of the information gets to the grassroots. I think what the church can do is to talk more in terms of social responsibility. The state of the nation reflects the state of the church and if so much good is happening in the church, it should reflect on the society.

This is not a time to trade accusations but a time to look inward if we are truly honest and sincere. Church should be ready to serve. People are not serving again, everybody is working for his pocket to secure government’s appointment.

The way forward?

With the concept of peace, monsters can live together.

But, there is need for effective co-existence where everybody might not agree on everything. We can all tolerate one another. Unfortunately, the concept of peace has not been considered in all of these. Peace is means to live together despite our differences. The church should not be discouraged

16— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

•President Jonathan during the media chat

Presidential Media Chat:

Ripple effect speads across the country

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

C M Y K

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The third media chat of President Goodluck Jonathan last Sunday after his return from Brazil where he participated in this year’s United Nations’ Earth Summit at a time violence was raging in Kaduna and Yobe states killing several people, has come and gone, but the ripples caused by the chat are still spreading across the polity.

Just one year into his presidency, he seemed to have become the taunt of some people, mocked by opposition elements, who likened him to Nero fiddling while Rome was burning. Although many people on phone didn’t get through to the President which looked deliberate to avoid critics and genuine democrats from asking questions that may rattle him. Nevertheless, he responded to some salient issues confronting the nation such as security, terrorism, trip to Brazil despite the troubles in Kaduna, Borno, Yobe in which several lives were being lost, asset declaration, fuel subsidy probe, increase in electricity tariff, the 2015 presidential vote, controversial renaming of University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University and alleged money laundering by the Nigerian embassy in the USA. But what tends to cause political storm and unsettling to most people was his contention that he does not need to publicly declare his assets as a matter of principle.

Hear him: “It is personal and I don’t give a damn about that. The law is clear about it and so making it public is no issue and I will not play into the hands of the people.

I have nothing to hide, I declared assets publicly under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua because he did it, but it is not proper. I could be investigated when I leave office. You don’t need to publicly declare it and it is a matter of principle. It is not the president declaring assets that will change the country.”

Early reactions came from opposition parties including Congress for Progressive

Just one year into his presidency, he seemed to have become the taunt of some people, mocked by opposition elements, who likened him to Nero fiddling while Rome was burning

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Change (CPC) which frowned at President Jonathan’s refusal to openly declare his assets before assuming office. The party argued that there is a clear mandate on him to make his assets public to the people of Nigeria, because refusal would mean that his administration supports corruption in the country. It is highly ridiculous that President Jonathan, while he was VicePresident to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, declared his assets alongside Yar’Adua only for him to now allege he was compelled and forced to do so because his boss did that.

The CPC and many people also have described him as “an unprincipled person,” who otherwise ought to have resigned if he was forced to act against his wish.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) 1999 No. 24, Chapter VI – The Executive, Part 1 – The Federal Executive. A – the President of the Federation. 140 – Declaration of assets and liabilities; oaths of president. 140 – (i)

states that a person elected to the office of president shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in this constitution and has taken and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.

In the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 Code of Conduct for public officers, it was stated in general, that, 1. a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

On Declaration of Assets 11. – (i) subject to the provisions of this constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter – (a) at the end of every four years; and (b), at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of eighteen years.

(2 Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorised in that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this code.

(3 Any property or assets acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift, or loan approved by this Code of Conduct Bureau shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.

There is also Code of Conduct Tribunal consisting of a chairman and two other persons with powers that where it finds a public officer, guilty of contravention of any of the provisions of this Code, shall impose upon that officer any of the punishments specified and such other punishment as may be prescribed by the Nation-

al Assembly.

So , while it is mandatory for the President, Vice-President and others referred to as pubic officers for the purpose of the Code of Conduct to declare their assets and liabilities to the Bureau as required by the Constitution, there is no law making these public officers to declare same publicly.

According to Saturday Vanguard investigations, anyone who desires to know the assets and liabilities of any public officer should apply to the Code of Conduct Bureau for such information.

Under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, the Bureau cannot refuse to provide the needed information required by anybody after following due process. The only problem is that people may find it difficult and cumbersome to access such information from Code of Conduct Bureau. It is much more easy if such information is in the public domain when public officers declare their assets and liabilities publicly just as late President Umaru Yar’Adua did when he was alive – at least for transparency, honesty, accountability so that others can follow suit and therefore checkmate corruption and graft by our leaders.

Dr. Tunde Owolabi of Lagos State University, LASU, and Dr. D.S. Braimoh, reacting, told Saturday Vanguard that those who want to get information on assets and liabilities of Mr. President should be investigative and approach the Code of Conduct Bureau instead of waiting for his public declaration. “They should go to INEC where he filled forms for the presidential election to get such information, or go to Otuoke or Abuja to see if he has embezzled public fund, not to overheat the polity with this issue of public declaration of assets.” Both academics said there are other sensitive national issues to address than assets declaration.

“Too much energy is being expended on this. Issues that warrant immediate attention are food, power, bad roads, unemployment, poverty, underfunded hospitals, and so on,” Braimoh and Owolabi asserted.

However, the need to tackle corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of our nation cannot be overlooked. “If Nigeria cannot kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. Some of our founding leaders like Ahmadu Bello, late Premier of Northern Region, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Prime Minister of Nigeria, Aminu Kano, left behind just a house and a farm, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, did not acquire choice properties here or abroad, compared with the ill-gotten fortunes of our present day political leaders,” said Yakubu Ibrahim, a teacher.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012—17

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 30, 2012 Dear Julie, I dated a man nine years ago. We lived in different cities and neither of us could move at that time so we broke up. I do love boyfriend now, as I did then. I have been single the whole time but he got married, had two children and divorced in those nine years.

We have now been dating for seven months and are deeply in love with each other.

Though he has mentioned marriage, he has also said that he wants to wait six months. I new relationship. You have am ready now. I think I should been together for seven back off from the relationship months; you are in love and and give him some space. I want to marry. He wants to feel he needs to get his head wait six months, which means together and decide whether that if you wait, you would he wants to make this commit- have been going together for a total of thirteen months. ment. Am I being too hasty?

However, since you are ready Sheila, Abuja to marry after seven months, you are contemplating ending Dear Sheila, As I understand your ques- the relationship until he “gets tion, you had not seen this his head straight.” And you are man during the last nine years. wondering whether you are He now is divorced and has being hasty.

Perhaps it would be a good two young children. So for all intents and purposes, this is a idea to ask yourself what’s

Am I being too hasty? your hurry. Seven months isn’t a long time to get to know someone after not being with them for nine years.

And seven months isn’t long to wait, if you are getting as much out of the relationship as suggested by your statement, “ we are very much in love.”

You didn’t say anything about yourself other than you have been single during the nine year period.

If you love boyfriend? Consider his responsibilities.

He, on the other hand, has responsibilities toward two

I’m dating a co-worker Dear Aunty Julie, I have been married for six years. My wife and I are having difficulties in our relationship.

I feel I need more sex and more variety in the way she looks. I would like to see her dress up sexy occasionally, or act out fantasies in various outfits . She refuses saying I am just trying to control her.

I have recently become involved with a co-worker who seems to be able to pull all the right strings for me, and feels the same way sexually as I do.

I love my wife and would consider counseling. I try to avoid the co-worker, but I find her difficult to resist.

Steve, Lagos Dear Steve, It sounds like you may feel that you missed out on your sexual conquest days and want to re-establish them now. You say you want things to work out with your wife, yet your behaviour does not suggest that you are committed to doing that. You seem to want your wife to pre-

tend she is someone else in order for you to feel sexual toward her. It sounds like your idea of sexuality is based more upon what you have read in magazines than it is based upon intimacy between two people.

There is nothing wrong with wanting variety in sexuality and learning how to be sexually playful. Nor is there anything wrong with just wanting a sexual relationship. However, sexuality within the context of an intimate relationship is an entirely different experience.

What you describe suggests that what you want and seem to get from your affair, is purely a sexual liaison without the intimacy. What your wife may want is intimacy first and then add the playful sexuality. A marriage counselor, with a specialty in sex therapy might be helpful for you and your wife. This would give you both an opportunity to explore the nature of your relationship and the role of sexuality as well.

I also suggest that if you truly want to work on your marriage, stop the affair, pronto. If your

wife should discover it, your credibility will no doubt suffer and the entire marriage could blow up on you.

If you find it difficult to just say “no,” I suggest you seek counseling immediately for yourself and then seek marriage counseling.

You cannot go into marriage counseling carrying the secret of your affair nor can you tell the marriage counselor without also telling your wife.

children. For him, taking a step toward marriage, means a step-mother for his children, and the responsibilities that go with marriage.

He is probably thinking about how he will be able to integrate his young children into a new marriage. He might be shy about making another mistake. He might be thinking about financial considerations given that he probably has child support and may have spousal support as well.

A lot of factors may be at play other than the fear of commitment. I would be wondering how long he has been separated, what his relationship is

My husband had an affair Dear Julie, My husband had an affair for the past three months. We have three children and have been married for eight years.

He admits to the affair and said that he has stopped it and wants to rebuild our relationship. I feel so disappointed and shaken that I am afraid to put any trust in his actions.

What do I do?

Tara, Ilorin Dear Tara, I can understand that you feel disappointed and possibly angry for the behaviour of your cheating spouse. Affairs are usually a sign of a relationship that has been in trouble for a while. Usually, at least one member of the couple feels

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very year, Fred and Ethel would spend a day at the State Fair. Every year, Fred would say, “Ethel, I’d like to ride in that airplane.”And every year, Ethel would say, “I know, Fred, but that airplane ride cost ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars.”

One year, while they were at the fair, Fred said, “Ethel, I’m 74 years old. If I don’t have a ride in that airplane this year, I may never get another chance.” ”Fred, that airplane ride cost ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars,” Ethel replied.

The pilot happened to overhear them and said, “Listen folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride. If

non related to, not appreciated and possibly physically and emotionally abandoned.

You may not know how to rebuild trust.

Once you have had time to vent your anger and dismay, it is important for you and your husband to take an inventory of your relationship and determine your mutual needs. You can work out how you as individuals, and a couple, can take responsibility to nurture yourselves and each other.

In this way, the relationship can sustain differences. You can work through problems rather than one or both of you repeating the role of a cheating spouse. An affair may leave a couple shaken but they can recover.

I’m having an affair with a married woman Aunty Julie, I am currently having an affair with a 26-year-old woman. We are both married and have young children. We love each other, but it is very difficult. She has a problem with trusting people. We both can talk very well with each other and share almost all of our feelings.

She is thinking about a divorce, because she finds in me the things she misses at home.

But she only wants to leave

her husband when she feels that she has done everything to make the relationship work at home with her husband. It is getting harder each day for both of us. If we will be together, do we have a chance of making things work?

Ada, Awka Dear Ada, By virtue of having an affair, you both have violated the trust of your current mates. You say that you are both in love and

C O C K - T A L E S

A day at the fair

like with children and his exwife. For him, at least, there is a lot more to consider than just “ we are deeply in love.”

I’d suggest that you talk about some of these issues and use this time to think about what marriage to this man would be like, above and beyond the romance. Leaving the relationship because he wants a bit more time before making a major commitment probably says more about your impatience than it does about his unwillingness to make a commitment. You may do well to use this time to get to know the man that he is today, not the man he was nine years ago.

you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word, I won’t charge you anything. But, if you say one word, then you’ll have to pay the ten dollars.”

Fred and Ethel agreed, so up they went.

The pilot did all kinds of rolls and dives, twists and turns, but not a word was heard.

He did all his fancy maneuvers again, but still not a word.

When they finally landed, the pilot turned to Fred and said, “Gosh, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, and yet you never said a word.” ”Well,” Fred replied, “I was going to say something when Ethel fell out, but ten dollars is ten dollars.”

Grass eater A man and a woman started to have sex in the middle of a dark forest. After about

15 minutes of it, the man finally gets up and says, “Damn, I wish I had a flashlight!”. The woman says, “Me too, you’ve been eating grass for the past ten minutes!”

Exam fever A teacher was wrapping up class, and started talking about tomorrow’s final exam. He said there would be no excuses for not showing up tomorrow, barring a dire medical condition or an immediate family member’s death. One smart ass, male student said, “What about extreme sexual exhaustion?”, and the whole classroom burst into laughter.

After the laughter had subsided, the teacher glared at the student, and said, “Not an excuse, you can use your other hand to write.”

that you derive things from one another that your current spouses do not offer.

Now you are thinking of breaking up two families and are concerned with dealing with the consequences. Have you both expressed to your respective spouses that you are unhappy and, for the sake of the children if nothing else, want to try to make things better? Or have you, like so many others, simply looked elsewhere without giving your spouses a chance to make things better?

Having an affair is at best risky business, especially when there are children involved. You will have to deal with hurt children, angry spouses, as well as your own guilt.

Is your love for one another strong enough to overcome all of this? Will you still love each other when you have to deal with the realities of your new life together?

I suggest that before you decide to break up your respective marriages that you take a moratorium on having an affair with one another . After a few months of marital counseling you will be in a better position to make a decision on how to proceed.

SATURDAY

Vanguard JUNE 30, 2012—19

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he horror of divorce, once dubbed the mo dem epidemic, are nothing compared with the nightmare of constantly living with the evidence that the parents who’d painstakingly drummed moral values into you are afterall not infallible.

Divorce, though painful is at least cut and dried. The end of the marriage is imminent, children, thank heavens, are resilient and adaptable to change. After the initial blow of divorce, provided the parents behave in a civilized manner and don’t fight for their children’s affection or grumble about each other, there can be some very satisfying compromise. Not so with polygamy. Polygamy in the sense that you initially give your wife and children the false impression of a monogamous marriage, then spring polygamy on them.

Even the law of the land is very straight-forward as to the legal rights of polygamous wives.

Step-mums ‘ll continue to be bad news to step-children!

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smiles and forcing us kids to accept all the unlikely excuses they gave us for their odd behaviour.

“Shortly after this bickering, my father got promoted to a post that went with a company house and other fringe benefits. We had a gardener, a cook, a steward and the news that knocked us out cold— someone was expecting a baby for my father, and horror of horrors, she was moving into the house too.I couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t believe the fact that a father who’d been

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he husband is to start as he means to go on. If you want a polygamous marriage, the first and subsequent wives are to be married under the native law and customs. An initial court marriage makes the addition of more wives illegal. But of course, we know all this is hot air. Backed by the impotence of our judicial system when matrimony is concerned, a lot of men please themselves forcing their wives to live under the most impossible condition, after they ’ve brought in other wives.’ Admittedly such wives stay for one reason or the other. But what about the children of such an alliance?

After living with a set of parents for 15, 20 years, how do they react to the entrance of second and third wives all staying under the same roof ?

And sharing all the amenities in the home? Fadake,an 18year-old undergraduate said her parents had been married for 14 years when she started noticing that things were no longer the same at home with their parents. “It started with constant muffled quarrels in their bedroom,” related Fadake. “But they both usually come out pretending that we children, four in all, didn’t know what was going on. I guess they imagine they could cover up their rows and frictions by putting on false

ruthlessly strict with us would dare to flaunt his shortcomings in our presence. But that was exactly what he did. This woman was then installed in the guest chalet. All of a sudden,we were made to live with this horrid looking woman with a bulging stomach. My mother was positively embarrassed; ashamed is the right word. I promptly discouraged my friends from visiting the house and all the affection I had for my father flew out of the window. Our youngest,

I promptly discouraged my friends from visiting the house and all the affection I had for my father flew out of the window

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who was ten at the time was bewildered and hostile. She was positively nasty to the new wife,and when she thought nobody was looking, would sneak up to her and snarl: “Go away, I hate you!”

“It was my mother I felt sorry for. She too stopped encouraging her friends to drop by to stop them gloating over her ridiculous status.That happened about two years ago.

I was before then foolishly hanging on to my virginity, but that was quickly remedied, thanks to my father. If he could stray,so could I. I know the importance of good education and that is what I am going to get. Even now, I still can’t get over the fact that my father could be so callous, so unfeeling in the way he treated his family for that thing he called a second wife. I used to love him, you know. But now, I don’t give a damn if I never saw him again...”

A

pinke came from a po lygamous home. At 34,

Should you be worried about that rash?

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f you have some rashes and you are worried, here is a guide to help you alley some of your fears. Is it dry and itchy in the crook of your arms, knees and wrists or on your hands? It is probably a topic eczema—the commonest form of the condition. Other symptoms include redness and inflammation. Don’t scratch it because you’ll infect it and end up with scars.

Instead, ease the itching with an unscented moisturizer, and if it continues, visit your doctor. Good news it is not

Often, it’s the cheap costume stuff that does the damage, because chances are it contains nickel

contagious. Do you have dry, itchy, scaly skin on your forehead, nose and scalp?

Seborrhoeic eczema is a common harmless rash affecting the face and the scalp. It looks like the skinfolds of the armpits and

groins. It looks like dandruff, but is actually caused by yeast that generally lives harmlessly on the skin. Your doctor should be able to give you an anti-fungal cream.

Are the outsides of your knees, elbow wrists covered in red scaly patches with

silvery-white scales? Sounds like psoriasis, it’s quite common and is usually caused by stress, and aggravated by alcohol and smoking. Slap on loads of unscented moisturizer after washing and learn some relaxation techniques to destress yourself.

Does it come in jewelry on hands? Chances are you’re allergic to your jewelry. Often, it’s the cheap costume stuff that does the damage, because chances are it contains nickel.

Just stop wearing it, especially, if you also use skin-toning creams.

she was already the mother of an eight-years old from a marriage that hit the rock barely a year after she tied the knot. A personal assistant to the managing director of a pharmaceutical company, she met a lot of men in her job.

Not all of them wanted a permanent commitment until she met Supo, a 45-year old owner of a very flourishing electronics company. He was already married with six children, and six months after Apinke met him, she was pregnant. She wanted more children of course,and since she lived in a very comfortable flat, she thought her lover would just take over the responsibilities of a husband and let her stay where she was.

“I was wrong”, said Apinke.

“He wanted a second wife and was determined that I should live with his family with my daughter. My daughter was horror stricken when I told her. She wept that she didn’t want to live with anybody else but my man was not moved.

In the end, we married under native law and customs and I moved into a flat in his house.His first child, who was about 16 at the time, was very hostile to me. She treated me as something unpleasant the dog dragged in. His five other children simply ignored me and my poor daughter was more miserable than ever.

“My friends, seeing the unhealthy atmosphere under which we lived; simply stopped coming. His first wife always had a cynical know-itall-look whenever she saw my friends and had referred to them as prostitutes on several occasions. My husband wasn’t always around and whenever I dared to complain, he always told me to be more tolerant. He had changed too.

Now that I was safely in his net, he didn’t care as he once used to. I had two boys for him then I left. His first daughter’s hatred for me was worse than her mother’s jealousy.

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henever she had friends around, she insulted me indirectly through them. She refused to acknowledge my presence anywhere and regarded me with contempt. It was a relief when I finally decided to pack my bags and leave. My daughter was overjoyed. You know, even now, wherever I run into my husband’s daughter (my stepdaughter really, though I could never see her that way) she would look at me mockingly and make rude faces at me!

“Some men could be quite insensitive about throwing two warring wives together.

No one really likes a live-inrival but in their anxiety that all their children should live under the same roof, a lot of men stoke the fire of bitterness and resentment within the family they are trying to keep together. When a man married the first time, that’s love”, someone once said. “When he marries a second time, that’s courage.”And Lord knows you need a lot of courage to cope with two or more women.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 engaged in an animated conversation with a woman she’d never met. She was pretty and flirty, with aggressive cleavage and perfectly long braids.

Is divorce contagious?

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t was 2 A.M., and Glory should have been blissfully snuggled up in bed beside the warm body of her husband, Godwin. Instead, she was skulking around their dark kitchen, trolling through his recent text messages like some possessed psycho. She scrolled through the usual notes from work contacts and friends, until she saw one from Sharon (who the hell was Sharon?) that began, “Are you here???” Her heart kicked into a gallop when she opened the message and read, “I miss you so much. I need a hug. Come find me.”

The text was sent to Godwin during his recent business trip to Abuja. Glory was livid. She charged up the stairs to confront her sleeping husband and, as it turned out, made a complete mess of herself. The text, she learnt from her groggy, befuddled Godwin was sent by an old colleague of his who’s loveydovey with everyone. She remembered then that she even called her “sweetie” on Facebook, and she’d never met her.

Glory was never this distrustful or deranged until her best friends’ marriage imploded .

Sarah and Steven were their goto couple, the ones they invited for dinner when they just felt like hanging out, the ones who helped them carry boxes when they moved, the ones they called when they had to race to the hospital at 1 a.m. to give birth to their second son and needed someone to stay with their 2-yearold. They had been together 12plus years although their relationship had its issues . He’s a football fanatic, she is a homevideo addict. But a year prior to Steven’s affair, Sarah had hit a rough patch emotionally. Glory and her hubby knew that Steven was weary of her malaise but they had no idea how weary, until he revealed that he’d found solace in the arms of another woman whom he referred to as his “soul mate.”

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t’s one thing to read about cheating scandals especially when it involved couples whose partner ’s work around the opposite sex. It’s another thing entirely when you witness the devastation of hurricane infidelity on a daily basis. When you field the sobbing calls from the brokenhearted wife, and your husband hears the steamy details from the gleeful adulterer, it hits you where you live.

It’s more personal and more unnerving and defies simple explanations or rationalizations.

It feels scary, as if scientists suddenly announced, “It’s true,

aliens really do live among us.” Which is probably why Steven’s duplicity unleashed in Glory's mind a deeply unsettling and tenacious line of thought: If a regular, married guy , someone she thought she knew and understood, who seemed reasonably happy could go rogue with another woman, what’s to stop her husband from doing the same? In fact, might his best friend’s cheating open the door for Godwin’s to stray, too , to think, hey, if Steven can do it, why can’t I? It was under the influence of those disorienting concerns that Glory flailed blindly into Incident Number Two. She and Godwin were at a party not far from their home when she looked across the room and noticed that Godwin was

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nstead of walking up and saying hello, as she would have even a few months before, she left the room. Give him a few minutes, she thought, and he’ll come looking for me. Ten minutes passed. Fifteen. The hide-and-seek routine clearly wasn’t working, and when she walked back into the room, it

was obvious why. He was still engrossed in Miss 36D. She took a deep breath and reminded herself of the textmessage episode. Perhaps this was an old colleague, too? But no. When she finally grabbed Godwin’s hand and introduced herself to the woman, she

looked stunned and embarrassed. His face was inscrutable enough to set off alarm bells. She said they should leave.

What ensued was a scene she’d rather forget. Godwin claimed to be grateful to her for dragging him away from the conversation. “I don’t remember her name, but she wouldn’t leave me alone,” he said. Glory didn’t buy it, and she told him so. Loudly. With accusations and profanity.

They barely spoke for 24

hours, and when they did, they were polite, careful, detached. Glory had truly offended him.

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he too felt miserable. It was bad enough that their friends’ relationship was ended but now theirs had

been hit by random shrapnel.

Glory knew she should be trying to mend things — or at least find a way to not act crazy. But the more she watched Sarah’s agony and Steven’s joyful liberation, the more freaked out she got.

Glory had to read articles on how to tell if your man is cheating, then scoured Godwin’s behaviour for clues: Has he become more fastidious in his grooming? More protective of his phone? Changed his work hours? Become more solicitous? One night, he called apologetically to say he’d be home late. Solicitous? Check. Changing work habits? Check.

If she went to his office, would she catch him mid-tryst? Indeed, Glory had worked myself up into such a state, she barely spoke to their two sons and finally called him. He sounded exhausted.

Not the voice of a husband who’s just had an illicit encounter, but the voice of a man who’s working hard to make money to build a comfortable home.

When he came home that night, Glory tried to act normal.

She figured he’d be too tired for sex, so she was surprised when he responded to her come-hither glance by happily locking the bedroom door. Is he really into this or just putting on a good show? she wondered, as they made their way lovingly and expertly through their bedroom routine. Yes, they have a routine.

After 19 years and two kids, it would be tough not to.

I’m having an affair with a married man I

have been involved in an affair with a married man for over three years.

Many times, we have tried to let go of each other as we both realized that it was not right since he was married. And due to his religious beliefs and morals , he felt that it was wrong to break a marriage no matter what problems there are. I had always accepted this and when I failed at other relationships, we would see each other again. I know I am foolish to be involved in such a messy situation but I do love him and cannot let go. I do have other men interested in me, but I am not interested in any one else. Am I normal?

Lelia, Benin

Ans: Your situation is very common, including the pain and suffering that you experience. Becoming involved with a married person to the point of considering a future together is a very dicey proposition. First of all, the relationship that is established is based on knowing the person as married, not as a single and available person. Thus the playing field is not level. The married person is dividing his/her emotions between two people. Secondly, there is the issue of trust. Namely, the married person is cheating on his/her spouse. What’s to say that he won’t cheat on you? Thirdly, you are putting yourself in the position of second class citizen, waiting for your lover to make a decision about who will be the benefactor of his affections.

Perhaps you should question your own

psychological makeup. Why are you willing to accept being in such a precarious situation where you have to accept his excessive baggage? What damage does this do to your selfesteem?

Are you afraid of intimacy with someone who is totally available? Are you so needy for a relationship that every time a relationship breaks up, you fall back on the married man?

Your relationship with him sounds like one based on neediness or dependency rather than on authentic love. Some of these relationships do work out, but then some people do win the lottery.

Do you want to base your future happiness on a lottery? Do you feel truly happy in this affair with a married man?

* Glory, male ,30, from Edo State, based in Benin, needs a Godfearing responsible lady for marriage aged 20-25 on 07065229627 *Jones, young, male, desires a mature working class lady for a committed relationship that could lead to marriage on 08039582019 *Paul, based in Port Harcourt, needs a responsible lady on 08070635409 for a serious relationship 07084985655 *Ismail, 36, needs a busty Muslim girl of 20-25 on *Raymond, 29, goodlooking, gainfully employed, needs a nice girl of 18-29 to share his world of bliss with on 08031590030 * James, 35, based in Onitsha, wants to link with a lady of 08169188232 23-31 for a serious relationship on 07068946893 *Kelvin, based in Lagos, needs a girl for a serious Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want relationship on to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com 07065877994 *Williams, 36, from Edo Do you want to be linked?

State, wants a working Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people class or self-employed who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or lady of age 27-29 for a embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. responsible relationship

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—21

from a shoeless poor boy who having experienced debilitating poverty understood and therefore could relate to our collective predicament into an autocratic ‘take-no-nonsense’ leader. (I use that term loosely.) Finally,this person develops a spine and rather than face the terrorist that are ripping this nation apart it is the people (a large chunk of who voted for him) that you flex your Presidential might on. It is well.

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here seems to be a convergence of evil entities or activity in our land.

Everything that can possibly go wrong has; and the other things left with some semblance of ‘rightness’ (hard put to name them though) are fast eroding. In a nutshell, I feel like we are under siege.

Grand scale violence has become a weekly occurrence, as far as the people in Northern Nigeria are concerned there is an all-out war going on, and what does the C in C do?

He takes a delegation of 116 people and goes off to attend the Earth Summit. Who am I to say that hat is not a worthy cause considering how important the preservation of the Earth is for our continued survival, I just think that given everything that currently plagues us as a nation, other things should rank higher on the list of priorities for any ‘compassionate’ leader who means business. As for those who decree that a leader can ‘rule’ from anywhere, (I so hate that word) I implore them to revisit modern history and go over the circumstances that brought our current President to ‘power’.

Shoeless & clueless The consequences of Mr President’s peculiar leadership style (no pun intended) is affecting us all.

t hasn’t taken us long to get here no? Same shit different day. Not that I am surprised though. It’s just that I can no longer draw consolation from my age old mantra that at least I didn’t vote for him because in truth it doesn’t matter. The consequences of

Mr President’s peculiar leadership style (no pun intended) is affecting us all.

For me it’s no much that he has refused to declare his assets. I blame the law for not making that compulsory for all public officers before and after they resume public office. Although that isn’t completely true, is it? Or what is the Fifth Schedule, Part 1, 11(1) of the 2010 Constitution (as amended) all about? It is in the manner in which he

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The ONE DAY DISABILITY EXPERIENCE was inspired by my brief meeting with Baroness Lynda Chalker in 2008, at the World

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igerians with Disabilities have been fighting to end social exclusion to no avail. In 2007, Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disabilities (ASCEND), in collaboration with Mobility Aid and Appliances Research and Development Centre (MAARDEC) and other Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs), took the bull by the horn by presenting a bill, aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, to the National Assembly.

ASCEND and MAARDEC followed up the bill with advocacy that created unprecedented awareness across the country. These events were a ROAD SHOW FROM LAGOS TO ABUJA and a ONE DAY DISABILITY EXPERIENCE. The Road show TEAM was made up of four drivers with disabilities who drove their personal cars, two drivers without disabilities who drove two buses conveying trumpeters and persons with disabilities and Road Safety officials with two escort vehicles. We paid courtesy calls on the Governors of the states along our route to Abuja. The road show created a lot of awareness and sensitized the state Governors on the plight and prospects of persons with disabilities in their states which helped advance the cause of Nigerians with disabilities.

refused that I find interesting. Finally, our erstwhile ‘humble, unassuming gentleman’ has ripped the mask off. He’s told us all to go to hell and he doesn’t ‘give a damn’ about what we think, feel or want to know.

Again, I am not surprised. What I find most painful is the calibre of person in question. In one year (it’s been so harrowing it seems so much longer) this person has transformed

Doing what has never been done Economic Forum on Africa, held in South Africa. Baroness Lynda Chalker informed me that when she became a member of the British Parliament, she decided to live one day on a wheelchair to enable here experience firsthand, what persons with disabilities go through daily; so as to enable her serve their interests better. There and then, the idea of the ONE DAY DISABILITY EXPERIENCE for the members of the National Assembly came to me.

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consulted with Senator Bode Olajumoke on the project and he was very excited and immediately took me to the Senate President, Senator David Mark and the then Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Dimeji Bankole. Both men pledged their

support. However, only senators eventually participated as no member of the House of Representatives showed the kind of enthusiasm Senator Olajumoke had for the project; which ensured the success of the event in the Senate.

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he Senators some on wheelchair and others blindfolded and given guide cane, moved from their various offices to the Senate Chambers, to attend to their daily duties, but quickly found out that they could not even get to their seats, much less carry out their duties.

The Senators were shocked to see the level of inaccessibility of the Senate Chambers. The Senate President David Mark had to appeal to the Senators to end the exercise

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r President may no longer be shoeless, but there is no doubt that he remains utterly clueless. To be so utterly thoughtless in his response as to why he was yet to declare his assets, during a Media Chat for that matter just shows how lacking in political savvy this person truly is. You will not declare your assets because it is ‘not proper’ (uh?) and you could be ‘investigated when you leave office’ (duh!) then he goes on to say … “ you don’t need to publicly declare it (assets) and it is a matter of principle…” that’s an oxymoron right there.

It makes me wonder about the people who surround him; men and women hitherto considered cerebral and of high intellectual capacity. Haven’t they heard the word ‘spin’? Then again maybe it’s not necessary; perhaps Mr President has finally slipped into that zone where most if not all of our past ‘leaders’ have found themselves sooner or later; a place where they lack any iota of regard for the people they claim to govern. And if that be so, then make we carry go! It is only a matter of time.

and proceed to their seats as they had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the chamber was grievously inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

He promised that the Senate will do everything possible to ensure that the new Senate Chambers under construction was fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

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his event helped ensure the passage of the disability bill; which unfortunately has been awaiting the President’s assent for over a year. This situation, coupled with the continued social, economic and political exclusion of persons with disabilities inspired the Hope and Possibilities Ride.

The title, “Hope and Possibilities Ride” was borrowed from the Achilles Track Club International’s Hope and Possibilities Race. It is intended to put disability issues in the front burner of National discuss, thus help mainstream persons with disabilities, promote Polio eradication, safety on Nigerian roads and create enabling environment, to take the services of MAARDEC to the door steps of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30,2012

Tomato: Nature’s secret weapon against ill health T

he health benefits of tomato are almost too numerous to list. It includes good eye sight, good gut health, low hypertension, diabetes, skin problems and urinary tract infections.

Tomato is considered both a fruit and vegetable and forms an integral part of the cuisine all across the globe and is especially popular in Nigeria.

Daily consumption of tomato provides a great boost to health apart from improving the flavour of food. It consists of a large number of antioxidants which have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals,and exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. It also improves eye health and prevents hypertension and urinary tract infections.

Health benefits of tomato have been known to mankind since ages.

Reduces Cholesterol and Protects Heart: The lycopene in tomato prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the

It also contains abundant vitamin A and potassium as well as iron.

Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health.

Vitamin K which is

Vitamin A, present in tomato aids, aids in improving vision, preventing nightblindness and macular degeneration.

Keeps Gut Healthy: Tomato keeps the digestive system healthy by preventing both

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omato is also have been proven to be effective against many forms of cancer.

Essentially, the major health benefits of tomato include the following: Abundant Source of Antioxidants: Tomato contains large amount of ycopene, an antioxidant highly effective in scavenging cancer causing free radicals.

This benefit can be obtained from even heat-processed tomato products, including ketchup. The lycopene in tomato fights against cancer and has been shown to be particularly effective in fighting prostate cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the stomach and rectum as well as pharynx and oesophageal cancers. It also protects against breast cancer and cancer of mouth according to studies published by Harvard School of Public Health.

in type 2 diabetes.

For Healthy Skin: Tomato aids in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin.

Topical application of tomato juice is known to cure severe sunburns. Daily consumption of tomato protects the skin against UV-induced erythema. Tomato ranks high in preparation of anti-aging products.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections: Tomato intake also reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections as well as bladder cancer Prevents Gallstones: Regular consumption of tomato can also dissolve gallstones.

There have been various studies to prove the efficacy of tomato against many chronic diseases and cancers.

The antioxidant properties of tomato can also be derived from processed foods which include tomato such as ketchup and puree. Daily consumption of tomato fulfils the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals and exerts protective effect on the body.Tomato: Nature’s secret weapon against ill health

•Tomatoes...essential in all its ramifications levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and lead to deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals: A single tomato can provide about 40 percent of daily vitamin C requirement.

Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which acts against cancer-causing free radicals.

essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes.

Counters the effect of Cigarette smoke: The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.

Improves Vision:

constipation and diarrhoea.

It also prevents jaundice and effectively removes toxins from the body. Lowers Hypertension: Daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of developing hypertension.

Alleviates Diabetes: A study conducted by Journal of the American Medical Association shows that daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress

he health benefits of tomato are almost too numerous to list. It includes good eye sight, good gut health, low hypertension, diabetes, skin problems and urinary tract infections.

Tomato is considered both a fruit and vegetable and forms an integral part of the cuisine all across the globe and is especially popular in Nigeria.

Daily consumption of tomato provides a great boost to health apart from improving the flavour of food. It consists of a large number of antioxidants which have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals,and exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.

It also improves eye health and prevents hypertension. and urinary tract infections.

Health benefits of tomato have been known to mankind since ages.

Tomato is also have been proven to be effective against many forms of cancer.

Where harmful bacteria hide in hotel rooms O

ne of the most contaminated things you’re likely to encounter in a hotel room may surprise you. It’s not the bed or even the door handle.

It’s the TV remote control.That, and bedside lamp switches, are among the most contaminated surfaces in hotel rooms, a new study shows.

Researchers found high levels of fecal bacteria and other potentially harmful bacteria on these commonly used items.The sponges and mops hotel housekeepers use to clean hotel rooms were also on the list. That could pose a risk for crosscontamination from room to room.

The researchers say their findings may help hotels develop moreeffective ways to target the items most likely to be contaminated with bacteria that

could pose a health risk to their guests. “Hoteliers have an obligation to provide their guests a safe and secure environment,” researcher Katie Kirsch, an undergraduate student at the University of Houston. Currently, housekeepers clean 14-16 rooms per 8-hour shift, spending approximately 30 minutes on each room,” Kirsch says.

“Identifying high-risk items within a hotel room would allow housekeeping managers to strategically design cleaning practices and allocate time to efficiently reduce the potential health risks posedby microbial contamination in hotel rooms.”In a study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, researchers sampled bacteria levels of 19 common surfaces in nine different hotel rooms.

They then compared contamination levels of bacteria, such as fecal and aerobic bacteria, in each of the samples. Overall, researchers found fecal bacteria present on 81 percent of the samples.

Not surprisingly, some of the most contaminated samples came from the toilet and bathroom sink. But the study also showed high levels of contamination on several high-contact items, such as TV remotes, telephones, carpets, and bedside lamp switches. The least contaminated surface tested was the headboard.

The study also showed several items taken from hotel housekeepers’ carts, including sponges and mops, had high levels of both types of bacteria.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—23

Taking care of your sexual health S

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midst the household chores, taking care of the entire family, and doing her best to keep everyone happy, a woman often neglects herself. Someone who used to spend hours in front of the mirror tends to rush through her ‘getting ready ’ time as there are other responsibilities to be fulfiled. Her hair is ruffled, her dress is not prim and proper, her skin has lost the glow and eyes, the sparkle.

But, here is a warning to all those women who tend to forget themselves amidst the work and worries.

What men want: A man would love to see his wife the way she was before marriage.

She used to love to buy new clothes, take care of her appearance and be in her best self always.

Have fun, girls: Looking pretty and dressing up are a women’s right. Women should not neglect themselves after marriage. Don’t skip the luxurious beauty parlour sessions, and do not miss out on the opportunity to look good always.

Be at your beautiful best, to keep your husband happy and content. When you look good, he feels good!”

Keep your man on his toes: To keep the charm and the sparkle alive, women need to keep surprising their man. The secret to a successful married

How to look sexy for your husband

o you’ve taken a vow to have more sex with your spouse. You’ve brought out the scented candles, satin sheets, and everything that it takes to rock your bed. But while you are at it, why not do it the right way? hen it comes to sexual health, a lot of women are confused about what’s right and what’s not. There is plenty of knowledge about birth control, but when it comes to sexual dos and don’ts, a lot of women don’t voice their doubts. Here are a few sexual dos and don’ts that will help you maintain your sexual health.

Drink lots of water Urinary tract infection is a common problem that affects women especially when they start getting sexually active.

Also known as honeymoon cystitis, women are advised to drink lots of fluids like water as the bladder and tends to get irritated during intercourse.

It is also a good idea to wash your privates after a session of intimacy to prevent any external inflammation or infection. This happens because the woman’s sexual organ is so close to the outside.

Use condoms, no matter what You should make sure you use a condom as protection at all times to avoid unwanted pregnancies. But if you are trying to conceive , don’t bother. Why? A condom is the only form of birth control that will also protect you from STDs too.

Another way to prevent any infections is to wash your private parts after every act and change your undergarments

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life is not to loose yourself as you find ways to keep people around you happy. Go out on dates, dress pretty, spend on yourself and keep your beauty on priority list. In your free time, take care of the little things that you might have neglected, your hair, skin, nails.

and how they are looking.

This shouldn’t happen.

Women need to make sure that they don’t loose on the ‘beautiful feeling’ of impressing everyone and especially their husbands. Surprise them, buy new clothes, new lingerie, makeup and keep your wardrobe updated with latest in trend.

Post wedding boredom: The initial days of married life, where you make sure that you impress all with your pretty dresses, and accessories that go with it, somewhere gets faded away with time. In the first few weeks (not even months) of post marriage, women tend to make sure that they put their best look forward. They want to garner as many praises as they can so they get up early to take time out to dress up. But slowly, things change and they hardly care about what they are wearing

Spice up your life: Women, especially after they get pregnant, tend to skip their beauty treatments. They do not wish to waste time in beauty parlours.

They want to finish everything as quickly as possible, so instead of the luxurious facial, they would opt for a simple clean up.

Children become their priority, and no doubt they should be too. But if they plan their life, they can be beautiful mothers.

Is your man really a good catch? goes the cliché. But what about the man behind you? Have you bothered to find out whether he is a woo-man, a wow-man, or a woe-man!

Sometimes, bad boys are fun boys, but if you want a longterm relationship, you have to start looking for a good catch.

Unfortunately, sometimes the good catches are really bad catches and sometimes the bad catches are good catches and occasionally the catch that you catch is not the catch you were hoping to catch but something completely different!!!

Ok, calm down, take a deep breath.

Trying to find that somebody special can be a life long task. So how does the unassuming lady get her own personal love story? In a nutshell? By knowing who you are and what you want.

Someone once said that a good way to judge a guy is in the grooming. Check out his haircut and his shoes. See if you

can sneak a peek under his bed and take note. Are there any dead bodies under there? No? Then read on.

Good catches tend to have really positive outlooks on life.

Watch how he acts when he gets hurt. It’s okay to be upset for a while, but as long as he cuts his losses and moves on, then you know his outlook is bright.

On the other hand, if the guy seems hard to please, if he acts like a know-it-all, and if he holds a grudge, he’s probably a bad catch.

Times have changed. Gone are the days when women judged a potential mate primarily on pay. Women are no longer look-

ing for mere providers. Wom-

,

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here’s a woman behind every successful man,

en want partners!

The reason? Most women are “bringing home the bacon” and cooking it too. Most women have their own homes and their own dreams as well. So, the focus has changed. Sure there are gold diggers that would beg to differ, but they are in the minority.

Though good looks, good pay, and a degree still hold a degree of importance, what are you truly bringing to the table except for ratio advantage?

For example, some years ago, a gorgeous guy whose credentials on paper were truly impressive, asked a lady out. He was verifiably single, success-

ful, charismatic, and fun to be with. But he lost some serious

Watch how he acts when he gets hurt. It’s okay to be upset for a while, but as long as he cuts his losses and moves on, then you know his outlook is bright

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points when on the second date, he demanded sex! On the second date! And he wasn’t even smooth about it. He explained to his date that it was his “policy” before shelling out too much money, and that it had worked for him in the past.

Needless to say, that situation fizzled out real fast when the lady laughed and showed the fool to the door.

The nerve!

Even if the lady was in his car, he would have given her more time to warm up than that!

If you’re a guy who’s still “available” despite all your credentials, (especially if you’re over 40 and have never, ever been married), perhaps it’s time to do a reality check. Certainly every woman you encounter can’t be “crazy” or “lacking”.

Here’s how to tell if he’s really a good catch: Are you a “Real GrownUp? This means void of mental games, and minus the bragging about your “conquests”. It also

means letting go of excess bag-

regularly.

Stay hydrated Make sure you drink lots of water through the day. It provides you with the right amount of fluid to get you going! Dehydration can be your biggest enemy. Not just that, water will also flush out toxins from your body keeping your system healthier. You may want to cut down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you consume as not only does it dehydrate you but reduces your libido as well. Alcohol can actually escalate anxiety, making you stay away from sex. Whereas caffeine is known to decrease libido among women. So limit your cups of coffee!

Exercise Regular exercise is a sure way to improve your libido. It is also said to improve erections in men as it improves circulation. Working out will also make your heart stronger, making it possible for you to go at it longer wink, wink. Improving your level of fitness will also mean an improved self-esteem that will automatically put you in the mood for more action in bed!

Other infections You could contract other vaginal infections like fungus or smelly vaginal discharge via swimming pools, saunas or public toilets. Your safest bet, is to carry your own wet/ dry tissue and wipe yourself after using a public toilet, swimming pool or a sauna.

This also holds true if you are in for an overnight journey in a bus or an aeroplane.Avoid sitting on public toilets.

gage from former lovers. Recognize that sometimes love hurts.

Get over it and move on.

Do you have realistic expectations?

I am often amazed at how guys think that relationships will flourish and “magically” be sustained with very little effort on their part. Anything worth having has to be worked at! You can’t put in 60 hours a week at work, and 60 minutes a week with your woman and expect to have success at both. Also, if you want your girl to look like Mariah Carey, you probably shouldn’t look like Drew Carey!

Are you an equal partner?

Can you give as well as take?

Are you willing to compromise to make your mate happy? As a popular record states “I can do bad by myself.”

Forget a good job. Do you have a good heart?

In today’s economy, job security is fleeting. But a good heart will endear you indefinitely to your love interest. Are you kind and generous? Loyal?

Are you responsible? This is what has true staying power to a woman of substance.

24— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

N15m scam :

Jim Iyke speaks!

Jim Iyke

A week ago, Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke broke the news that the N15 million case filed against him has been thrown out of court for lack of evidence.

And just a day after,the plaintiff, Hajia Habiba Abubakar fired back that the case was not thrown out of court due to lack of evidence, rather,she withdrew it after the actor apologized to her, and signed an agreement to pay the money in installments until the full amount is realised. However, an online media claimed that Abubakar also made available documents backing her claims.

Speaking from far away Brazil where he is currently attending the Rio +20 gathering, Jim Iyke said “It was God’s intervention. I’m

Prezzo breaks up with Goldie

s ure even she doesn't

know how it ended like this.”

He said , “the fact that she’s still running around proves it. It was a conspiracy to bury me and take an undeserved equity of my company and I refused and hell broke loose.

“How can it be fraud when I admitted the amount invested? My lawyer advised me to take the deal and walk away when they had nothing else to say. It’s just part of my ventures.

“We settled out of court and I'm a gentleman and apologized for the angry words I spoke. When I’m home, I’m still gonna further hold a press conference and apologize

Foluke Daramola refutes house ejection tale

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ince their love affair began the housemates have managed to remain a ‘couple’ despite their frequent fights.

However, it seems as though Kenyan rapper, Prezzo, is now finally done with his Nigerian ‘lover ’, Goldie.

He confided in his friend,

Keitta, last Wednesday about how tired he is with his relationship with the singer.

In his words, ‘I’m not even eating the food she cooks for me now. I can make eggs. I am done. Watch this space. It’s time to bring the old Prezzo back…This chick is a 'weirdo' and I found myself caught up in the mix.’

Even when Biggie played Goldie’s song, Prezzo complained, asking Biggie to change the song and play ‘real music’.

Yoruba actors are not paupers — Madam Kofo

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eteran actress, Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo has cause to disagree recently with Tunde Oshinibosi (Laface) over a demeaning statement the former made against the lifestyle of her colleagues in the movie industry.

Laface who is the founder of the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards(YMAA), while speaking at

the award night, held early this month, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, insinuated in good faith that “most movie stars are poor people who desire to be encouraged.’Angered by this insinuation, Madam Kofo quickly mounted the stage amidst applaud to put the record straight. She declared:"we are not poor people. Take a good look at me and you would behold an evidence of good living."

to my family and true fans that saw me through that abyss. Well, this is all I can say for now.”

Meanwhile, reports had it that Jim Iyke and his parents paid a visit to Abubakar ’s Abuja home where they pleaded with the woman to tamper justice with mercy.

And after listening to Jim’s aging parents, Abubakar was said to have calmed down and made a decision to discontinue the case but not without some conditions.

According to reports, some of the conditions the actor must fulfill before being let off the hook are that he, Jim Iyke, must tender a written public apology to Habiba Abubakar in at least two Nigerian daily papers. And that he, Jim Iyke, must also pay back the N16.5m he collected from Abubakar but this time in installments.

lump and beautiful Yoruba actress, Foluke Daramola who recently rounded off her tour in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada where she premiered her latest movie “Aaye Mi”, is currently boiling with anger.

The actress, upon returning to the country was confronted with a report that she was ejected from her Marwa Garden’s residence located within Alausa area in Ikeja, Lagos.

The report which was published online claimed that Foluke was ejected from the house following her inability to meet up with the payment of her bills. She was also accused of boasting to her friends that the property belonged to her.

The story further claimed that the mother of two, converted the property on several occasions as her movie location. She was also said to have instituted a prayer session to dispossessed the owner of the property.

But reacting to the story, Daramola said “ it was twisted to suit the writer’s whims as she has never had any problem with her landlord.”

The actress, however, admitted moving away from the house about three months ago.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 , 2012—25

26—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012

Karen Igho turns radio presenter E

NTERTAINMENT personality and co-winner of the sixth season of Africa’s biggest reality competition ‘Big Brother Africa’ 2011, Karen Igho, has been unveiled as the newest addition to fast rising Lagos indigenous radio station, NAIJA fm 102.7!

The move signifies Karen’s debut as a radio personality; and her boisterous and outspoken nature promises to be an experience for listeners on radio!

Karen joins a talented team of radio hosts at NAIJA fm 102.7 – a 24-hour totally Nigerian Radio Station, with all programming content and delivery being in Nigerian Languages, and Pidgin English –a development that has brought information, fun and entertainment into the lives and homes

of every Nigerian.

Speaking on the new development, an obviously excited Karen graciously expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity. While urging fans in advance to tolerate her blunt nature, she also promised to give a hundred percent, acknowledging she is new to the game.

“You know I’m not a presenter but I’m going to do my best. I’m also going to put in my 100% for people to enjoy and l hope listeners would enjoy the show!’’

Equally talented Karen, who turned a year older on April 6, also added that she trusts the job would be easy, as speaking ‘pidgin english’ is fun for her. Karen speaks Hausa, Urhobo and English fluently.

NAIJA fm 102.7 obtains and retains exciting On-Air Personalities, some of whom are already well known in different spheres of Entertainment, and deploys first rate software and equipment as well as Industry best practice in running the station.

Pay MCSN N40m now or...

•Court orders NCC

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LAGOS Federal High Court presided over by Justice Charles Archibong, has granted Musical Copyright Society Nigeria, MCSN, the absolute order of Garnishee against all banks holding any money for the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, in execution of N40 million judgment, secured earlier against NCC .

Before the order nisi earlier secured by MCSN was made absolute, the Court lined up all the 19 banks served with the order to disclose how much each of them was holding on behalf of the NCC. Though none of the banks was found to

T

HE management of La Casera Limited, makers of La Casera, Latina and Nirvana soft drinks made good their promise when they formally presented the new brand ambassador-Miss La Casera

be holding substantial funds for the NCC to pay for the full judgment sum of N40million, MCSN will never the less be going home with a symbolic amount to demonstrate that the judgment it got against the NCC over the issue of collecting society was no fluke. While banks without NCC’s accounts were discharged from the proceedings, not less than N4 million is expected to be paid to MCSN in the next few days by the affected banks and before the next adjourned date, July 20, when the banks are to report back to the court.

MCSN’s lawyer, Mr Olumide Ekisola, who spoke on the court

order, said, “We are pleased with the outcome of the hearing as half bread is better none. My clients have suffered persecution by NCC but we thank God for the judiciary, which remains the last hope of the common man and the oppressed.”

Director General of MCSN, Mr Mayo Ayilaran, on his part said, “More than the money involved, the symbolic nature of the action in its entirety underscores the fact that no matter how long, evil can not over ride good and darkness cannot overcome light. It’s unfortunate that a body established to protect Copyright owners has turned around to hound the same copyright

•Mayo owners for which it was established. It’s like a policeman turning around to rob and kill the same people he is to protect.”

Glamour launch hits Lagos

F

AST rising Afro beat musician Jethro Abejoye aka D Dollar will launch his much anticipated album titled Glamour in Lagos, Sunday, amidst pomp and endless entertainment.

The album launch tagged Unveiling Glamour will have the high and mighty in Nigeria’s afro beat Juju music world trooping to the venue on the Lagos mainland to see the young star unveiled in the lights of the stage.

D Dollar who is signed with Oceania Entertainment will be performing his hit track Ere Bere meaning the game begins along side other tracks that are currently enjoying massive airplay in radio stations.

In a chat with this writer, Jethro describes Ere Bere as his soul inspiration. He said “ Ere bere is a 12 minutes non stop medley. It’s a song that showcases my true strength and versertility as an afro beat artist” The launch will have the D Dollar aglow on stage while performing his other songs Oro mi to pe, Aloyin Lo wu and Wedding Day another song hot on the airwaves.

D Dollar says he is already shooting the video for Wedding Day which should be out by the end of the year. The video will be shot on location in Lagos and Abuja.

The launch to be held tomorrow is already reverberating across the Afro beat world to a fever pitch with slight fears from organizers that the venue may not hold the teaming crowd expected to be at the launch.

Miss La Casera gets Car, N1m prize with a brand new 2012 KIA salon car and a cash prize of N1million. In his remark, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Prahlad

•Miss La Casera (r) recieving her car gift

Gangadharan said Miss La Casera is the first to get a car as a prize, along with the One Million Naira cash.

He said that this was done as part of the year-long celebration of La Casera th Anniversary.

Also speaking at the event, the Marketing Manager, Mr. Benson Abraham explained that Miss La Casera the Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle of the company through which it gives back to the society, as well as reach out to the needy and less privileged.

The newly crowned La Casera Queen Antoinette Igebu expressed enthusiasm, to be the face of brand. ”I am very elated and proud to be La Casera 2012 and I hope

to have a very impactful reign.

She explained that the most exciting part of being Miss La Casera is the fact that she would be serving as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vehicle for company through which the brand will reach out to the needy and less privileged in the Society.

It would be recalled that Antoinette Igebu was recently crowned as the sixth Miss La Casera during the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) event held in Benin, Edo State. The crowning of the 2012 Miss La Casera coincides with the 10th Anniversary celebration of La Casera carbonated soft drink which was introduced to Nigeria in 2001.

•Jethro

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012—27

Ego Omalicha parts way with Questionmark

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

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HE cordial relationship that once existed between the artiste formerly known as Ego Omalicha and her record company, Questionmark Entertainment has been revoked. Ego Omalicha the much taunted first lady of the record company not only ended her romance with her former label, she has also changed her name. She says she wants to be officially called Safarie.

The sexy artiste broke into the scene as Ego and scored a big hit with the track ‘Omalicha” and “Thinking about you”. Ego sources said parted ways with her former record label following conflicts over her image, brand and style of music. The artist and label couldn’t agree on her image and creative differences.

The revocation was however cordial as both parties agreed that her contract be terminated.

Asked what’s next, She revealed that “My dad was the first person I gave the news about my parting ways with Questionmark Entertainment and to my utmost surprise, he (my dad)decided to take up the responsibility of funding my career pending when I get another label.

Right now I’m in the studio working on my new single and video which will be released next week.

Seun Kuti tours Europe

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ARELY three weeks after he returned from a playing a tour of some States in the United States of America, Seun Anikulapo- Kuti and members of Fela Egypt 80 band left the Nigerian shores to begin a six weeks tour of Europe. The tour is in continuation of the promotional tour of his second album “From Africa with Fury, Rise”.

Seun Kuti who is currently working on his third album has been enjoying rave reviews in the international print and electronic media. The album From Africa with Fury, RISE is making appreciable sales in the US and European music market.

Seun Kuti and the Band will be performing at concert and in festival venues in London, France, Rotterdam and Japan. In Rotterdam Seun Kuti will be performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival while in Japan he would be headlining the prestigious Fuji Rock Festival. The Band is expected back in the country early August.

I

N America, France

and India where the TV reality show holds, the youth have been provided a platform to exhibit their raw, unique and dynamic talents.

Today Nigeria joins the rest of the world as Rapid Blue Format and Optima Media Group (OMG), the organizations behind the Nigerian Idols TV show which our TV screens for two seasons brings popular “Got Talent” franchise to Nigeria.

The debut season of the show to be known as the “Nigeria’s Got Talent” will last for six months and it will begin in June and ends in December 2012 . The month of July welcomes the auditions and this is expected to attract thousands of talented Nigerians of all ages and sexes to audition centres located across the country.

Speaking on the new addition to the Nigerian entertainment industry, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, Managing Director of Optima Media Group enthused that , “The group puts Nigeria on the world map again, sideby-side with countries like America, France,

One year after, family, friends gather for Xty Essien

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n June 30, 2011, the nation was woken with the shocking news of the death of one of the country’s biggest musical ambassador and famed Lady of songs, Christy EssienIgbokwe.

An accomplished actress and philanthropist, Christy also known as Akpenor in the now rested TV Sitcom, The New st Masquerade died a few a months to her 51 birthday which was November 11, 2011.

She also died with the unfilled dream of not seeing her son Kaka walked down the aisle with his heart (She had actually chosen the wedding day in October).

As recalled by this reporter, Mummy as she was also known by many for unparalleled philanthropy and kindness th also died without living to release her 11 album. Michael Jackson also died few weeks to the date he was th to release his 11 album. There were so many ifs that followed Christy’s demise.

As the first and only female president of the musicians apex union, Christy ensured that she left a legacy. She remains the only president that ever put food on the table for her colleagues during her two term tenure.

Blessed with four sons, Christy ensured the “boys” never for a moment missed having a sister as she was both a mother and a sister to them.

One year after her demise, the family set up a foundation, the late Christy Essien-Igbokwe Memorial Foundation. The foundation which organized its maiden event on May 27 for the underprivileged and handicapped in the society aims at actualizing some of the dream of the Lady of Songs. s we remember Madam Christy, her husband, •Ego Omalicha friend and brother, Edwin, relives her memories thus;.

“We live with the full realization of her physical separation in our family as we feel the vacuum created by her absence in our everyday lives.

But it is for me as her husband and our four sons; not a time for celebration.

It is rather for us a sober moment to reunite with her in faith and spirit as our family always did together while she was here with us, and time to glorify God who had admitted her into His place of Eternal Peace in Heaven”.

June 30, 2012 falls on a Saturday, but the family will be joining other people of and India who have bought into is essentially a platform to ful- good faith tomorrow July 1, the ‘Got Talent’ franchise; which fill our mission to enable Nige- 2012 for the memorial service is one of the fastest growing in rian youth to have the best of at the Archbishop Vining the world. Through the fran- fun with their friends while also Memorial Church Cathedral chise, we will provide a world- fulfilling their life dreams. Our on Oba Akinjobi, G.R.A, Ikeja, wide platform for raw, unique, youths are very talented; they Lagos.

The Church service and dynamic talent in this coun- have delivered great music, try and at the same time present great acting and have achieved according to Chief Igbokwe a world class entertainment a whole lot in other endeavours will begin at 10a.m. which is our trademark. like sports and even in academOne of the most significant ics. And that is why Airtel is here features of the show is the op- to demonstrate its commitment portunity it will give to talented to such lofty goals,” said amateurs and unknown per- S r i v a s t a v a . formers to exhibit their talents. For Evita Mousalli, COO Cool, With no age barrier in place, Wazobia Info Radio stations performances will be decided who are the official media partby an audience vote.” ners “It is exciting that this show On Airtel’s sponsorship of the finally comes to Nigeria. It’s a Nigeria’s Got Talent reality TV franchise I have followed since show, the Chief Operating Of- inception and for us at Cool FM ficer and Executive Director of it’s huge and we must be part Airtel Nigeria, Deepak of it. So we are excited to take Srivastava said the news of Nigeria’s Got Tal”Airtel connects Nigerian youth ent across Nigeria with all our to their friends, fun and life as- 11 radio stations and counting.”

•Xty Essien pirations. Nigeria’s Got Talent

A

Nigeria Got Talent debuts

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

EBUN SESSOU

Rice is my number one food — Olukoga

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tunba Fatai Olukoga, is the Special Adviser to Governor Fahola on Education. He is from Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he talks on his special food and why it is necessary to stay healthy.

*Otunba Olukoga

Growing up?

Rice and dodo were my favourites as a child. I was also used to eating corn beef, eggs and yam. As a child, food was dear to me and I wouldn’t compromise it with any other thing.

From childhood to adulthood?

Today’s Menu

As a typical Lagos boy, I don’t joke with all the staple foods. There are seafoods, crayfish. But, I haven’t stopped to eat rice. Rice is the number one food in Nigeria and it is one of my favourites.

Staple foods in Ikorodu?

There is a special delicacy in Ikorodu and it is known as akaranka . It is prepared with corn and eaten with beans.

There is what we call robo which is also prepared with corn mixed with pepper which is fried. There is Ikokore which is prepared with yam and plenty of fish.

There is rice and eba.

Can you prepare I k o k o r e?

No, but I can cook rice, fry

plantain, cook soup. I know how to cook soup too. I learnt how to cook when I was in America. I can cook beans and fry eggs too.

Exercises?

I engage in early morning walk every Saturday in my area and and I spend at least two hours.

Fruits I enjoy pawpaw and watermelon. I eat watermelon as appetizer on a daily basis.

I take fruits before meals.

As an educationist, how would you advise people on their lifestyle?

Everything must be done in moderation. People should cultivate the habit of eating moderately and engage in exercises everyday.

MARKET SCENE

Plantain season at Idi-Oro market

Nsala Soup (White Soup) Recipe Catfish Fresh or dry utasi leaves Raw white yam or yam poeder or potato puree Habanero peppers to taste salt crayfish seasoning Ogiri Okpei / Iru (Nigerian traditional seasoning)

Preparation

Cut the catfish into pieces and remove the intestines.

Place in bowl and pour very hot water on the fish. This helps to toughen the skin of the fish so that the pieces do not disintegrate while cooking the soup. Leave for about two minutes and wash the fish with cold water. You should also wash off any slimy substance on the outer skin of the fish at this time.

Boil a few cubes of raw white yam. When soft, pound in a mortar with pestle till a smooth paste is formed, then set aside. You can substitute white yam with yam powder or potato puree for the thickening.

Wash and pound/blend the utazi leaves, the chilli pepper and the crayfish and set aside. Utazi is bitter in taste and only used for flavouring so one or two leaves should be enough especially when using the fresh leaves.

Place the catfish in a pot and pour enough water to cover the fish. Add the seasoning and cook till done. Feel free to add beef and dry fish to this soup recipe.

When the catfish is almost done, add the blend of crayfish, pepper and utazi leaves . Also add the yam paste in small lumps and salt to taste.

Cover the pot and allow the contents to cook at high heat till all the yam paste has dissolved. While cooking, if you think that the yam paste will make the soup too thick, you can remove some that are yet to dissolve.

The Nigerian nsala soup is ready to be served with eba (garri), semolina, amala, pounded yam amongst others.

CHEF'S CORNER

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sala soup or White Soup is a tasty, fast and easy soup recipe that has its origins in the riverine areas of Nigeria. Nsala Soup is perfect for a cold rainy day due to its spicy taste.

Because, it is so easy to prepare. You can count on it to save the day when you run out on soup a few days before the big soup day

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n Idi-Oro market, a bunch of ten plantains sells between N300 and N500, d e p e n d i n g on the size of the plantain. You can also get about six bunches of such for between N1, 500 and N3, 000, also depending on the size. This particular market is only a place where plantains are sold at cheaper price. House wives who do not know where to buy plantain at cheap and affordable prices now have the opportunity to do so. Idi Oro market is the best place to get plantains at cheap and affordable prices Plantain is rich in complex starch, very low in fat, rich in protein and contains high amount of potassium. Little wonder plantain is always in high demand. Like every other food or fruit, plantains have a season and the season is now. Their high nutritional and medicinal value will do you a world of good.

Recipe for better sex: What to eat to add spice

HEALTHY TIPS

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eed to spice up your sex life? All the ingredients you need may be found at your disposal.

Like many aspects of health, our sex drive is affected by what we put into our bodies. Certain foods affect the body in different ways.

Depending on what you consume, wining and dining can induce more sleep than romance. A big, fancy dinner, a bottle of wine and fine chocolates may sound sweet but such meals are actually little more than empty calories.

To really get your blood going, consider circulation-enhancing dishes. Food that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, salmon and wild salmon are best. Omega-3 makes your nervous system function better.

For better sex life, go for food including granola, oatmeal, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, dair y, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, soybeans, chickpeas and seeds. These foods are helpful for improving sexual function in men.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 , 2012—29

30— Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012

Heartbreak for Ronaldo and Portugal as stubborn Spain reach Euro 2012 final S

PAIN didn’t wake up to plaudits for their team’s beautiful football Thursday morning, but that won’t matter to a nation that finds itself in a third successive major final at Euro 2012.

Great teams find a way. And for Vicente Del Bosque’s revered, ball-playing conquistadors, the way against Portugal was as much about blocking the road as it was about making inroads of their own.

Portugal can feel aggrieved they lost on penalties. Paulo Bento’s men gave Spain their fiercest test of the tournament and rightly showed no respect for their reputation. Their high-pressing game succeeded in unsettling Spain’s rhythm for long periods, and we saw little of the tiki-taka torture that’s been inflicted on many of their hapless victims these past four years.

Soon enough, it was clear Bento’s Portugal would not be resigned to a walk-on role in Spain’s latest possession show-reel. These were two teams playing at the same level, and had the game been called at 90 minutes, a points

decision would have been split right down the middle.

In extra-time, Spain grew stronger and finally began to resemble the team who won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. As Portuguese legs wearied, gaps appeared and both Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas had chances to win the game outright.

Maybe if Del Bosque had deployed a natural striker where Cesc Fabregas was stationed from the 54th minute onwards, we might not have reached extra-time at all.

By the time we did, it was Spain or penalties. Portugal’s attacking resources were otherwise engaged, and their best chance had come and gone when Cristiano Ronaldo sliced wide at the death after a swift counterattack.

To say Portugal failed to score is an understatement.

Ronaldo and Co. managed just two efforts on target in 120 minutes and thus took Spain’s remarkable record to nine successive tournament knockout matches without conceding a goal.

The last man to score against Spain in a knockout match remains Zinedine Zidane, who finished the job for

France in their 3-1 secondround victory at the 2006 World Cup. For that, the Spanish deserve every plaudit. You can be critical of their tactical approach going forward, and Del Bosque’s reluctance to play a forward. And you can bemoan the tiki-taka passing game as “boring” or overindulgent.

But as Spain proved recently, football matches that aren’t lost are always there for the winning.

They’ll be the first to admit they weren’t at their best. But for all their relative shortcomings against Portugal, they still managed to shut out a team, boasting the best attacking player in Europe, and enjoy the better of the goalscoring opportunities themselves.

When it came down to penalties, Bento made a huge mistake in putting Ronaldo down for the fifth kick, because there was always the danger he might not be needed. And when Bruno Alves confused his number in the lineup, you knew exactly what would happen next.

Alves missed, and it was left to Fabregas to win for Spain—

* Ronaldo

and keep them on course for a historic third successive major-tournament victory.

As the red shirts rushed the goal in riotous celebration, Ronaldo looked to the heavens and cursed his luck.

He didn’t test Iker Casillas over 120 minutes and he wouldn’t get the chance in the shootout, either.

Portugal came close, but matching the champions just wasn’t enough in the end. Boxing fans would make the argument there’s justice in that.

F

OUR teams remain at Euro 2012, and dozens of players have already turned in brilliant performances.

So who’s played the best? That’s the topic of the day here. Here are my choices for the 20 best players or is it actually 21?—of Euro 2012 so far. Most of the names come from the final four teams, but a few have already gone home for the summer. Like the list? Hate it? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Petr Jiracek Country: Czech Republic Position: Midfield When he was healthy, Tomas Rosicky was the Czech Republic’s best and most creative player. In Rosicky’s absence, Petr Jiracek took over as his country ’s best. Jiracek finished with two goals for an offensively challenged Czech squad and provided the much-needed width in the midfield.

Also, his unruly mop of er. Against France in the hair made Nickleback’s Chad Group D finale, Ibrahimovic Kroeger green with envy swiveled a shot, an acrobatic side volley, past Hugo Lloris Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the match-winner (though Sweden added another in the Country: Sweden second half).

Position: Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic reinforced his reputation as a Fabio Coentrão world-class striker with two Country: Portugal goals at Euro 2012.

Position: Full-back Otherwise, Sweden João Moutinho was excellent disappointed. against the Czech Republic in One of Ibra’s two goals came the quarterfinals, but Fabio straight out of the top draw- Coentrão has been a vital

•Philipp Lahm

• Petr Jiracek

• Zlatan

Euro 2012: Ranking the top contributor for Portugal throughout Euro 2012.

Coentrão provides a threat going forward down the flank and has one assist to his name.

As a converted midfielder, he has the speed to keep up with opposing attackers

Philipp Lahm Country: Germany Position: Full-back Speaking of excellent fullbacks, pint-sized German

captain Philipp Lahm has set the standard so far at Euro 2012.

Lahm has put in his usual defensive contribution and also provided a beauty of a goal, Germany ’s opener against Greece.

Pepe Country: Portugal Position: Central defense Somewhat surprisingly, Pepe has conceded only one foul so far at Euro 2012. In fact, the

Portuguese central defender has been shockingly well behaved.

Less surprising has been Pepe’s solid defending, his work rate and being a strong physical presence.

He even has a goal and nearly scored another against Germany in the group stage with a beautifully curled shot.

Mario Gomez Country: Germany Position: Striker Mario Gomez has scored three goals, tied for most at Euro 2012. But

•

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012 —31

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HE 2012 rendition of Wimbledon at the All England Club started off just as the tennis world expected it to.

There were a few unexpected twists and turns, but that always comes with a tournament like Wimbledon.

In case you missed some of the action, here are the latest news and notes from Day 1 at the All England Club.

The plight of Venus Williams The swift demise of Venus Williams has been quite sad for tennis fans to endure. She was once a living legend on the tennis court and still can be considered one but her current play hardly reflects that sentiment. The elder of the two Williams sisters, Venus was bested by Elena Vesnina, 6-1, 6-3. She lost the first five games and missed her first five serves against the No. 79 player in the world. This wasn’t the comeback that many thought we would see from Williams.

Roger Federer rolls Fed-Ex got off to a stellar start this week in London, throttling Albert Ramos, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, to advance to Round 2 in straight sets. That was the perfect way for Federer to begin his quest for his seventh Wimbledon singles title.

He couldn’t afford a marathon match in the opener, nor can he afford the like later on. A possible semifinal matchup with Novak Djokovic is looming and Federer will need to do his best to avoid the fatigue factor that sets in toward the

• Gomes

• Buffon

•Maria Sharapova

•Venus Williams

•Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic

Wimbledon 2012: Latest news and notes from all England club back end of the fortnight.

Upset alert No. 6 seed Tomas Berdych suffers a heartbreaking upset to Ernests Gulbis in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4). He had the best chance of any to meet Djokovic in the quarterfinals, but those dreams were upended by the No. 92 player in the world.

The difference in this match was Gulbis’ ability to finish the tiebreakers. There really isn’t any way around that. Unfortunately for Berdych, we will not see him in the final like we did in his 2012 loss to Rafael Nadal.

American John Isner was ousted by Alejandro Falla, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5.

• Modric

That’s a tough loss for Isner, especially because it came against a player who had lost 14-of-21 matches this year.

Isner hasn’t made it pass the quarterfinals in his last five tournaments.

Sharapova shines

Djoker gets the job done Novak Djokovic had no problem with his first-round opponent Juan Carlos Ferrero. Djoker finished the Spaniard off in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. He has a second-round date with American Ryan Harrison.

The defending champion got off to a

• Gerrard

good start in the match and the tournament. He shouldn’t have a problem with any of his future opponents until his prospective date with Roger Federer in the semifinals later in the tournament.

Top-seeded Maria Sharapova made quick work of her first-round opponent, Anastasia Rodionova, in straight sets, 62, 6-3, to easily reach the second round.

Russia’s biggest tennis star is looking to win her second straight Grand Slam singles title after running roughshod on the French Open field. Up next for Sharapova is Tsvetana Pironkova.

• Pepe

• Silva

players at the tournament so far he hasn’t scored since Germany’s second group game.

Since then, Gomez has struggled to reproduce the form that made him a match-winner against Holland and Portugal. With Miroslav Klose pushing for a starting position, Gomez will have to be at his best in the semifinals

Buffon and Casillas Countries: Italy and Spain Position: Goalkeeper How can one separate Italy ’s Gianluigi Buffon and Spain’s Iker Casillas?

Casillas kept Spain in the competition with a great save against Croatia in the group stage. Buffon stonewalled England’s Glen Johnson from point-blank range in the quarterfinals before winning the penalty shootout with a save on Ashley Cole.

Both keepers are among the world’s best, both are World Cup winners, both captain their national teams and both are still at the top of their game.

Again, how does one

separate the two?

Steven Gerrard Country: England Position: Midfield Steven Gerrard captained England to the quarterfinals, providing dozens of dangerous crosses, superb set pieces and three assists along the way.

Gerrard led by example, demonstrated total commitment and fulfilled all the other cliches expected of a captain of England.

Not that any of it was a bad thing

Luka Modric Country: Croatia Position: Midfield Luka Modric played like a man possessed against Spain, and his heroics almost resulted in an upset. Instead, Spain pulled out a tight win and Croatia went home. Now the media reports Modric is looking to capitalize on his excellent showing at Euro 2012

with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur.

David Silva Country: Spain Position: Midfield/forward That David Silva ranks this humbly in the countdown speaks to the quality of Spain’s squad. Deployed as an outside forward in Spain’s experimental formations at Euro 2012, Silva has created constant danger with darting runs and pinpoint passes.

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32 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012

I found love in the T

emitayo George-Benson who emerged second runner-up at the 2006 edition of West African Idols studied Accounting in England and later switched to management which has contributed a great deal to the heights she had attained in the business world. She however, still nurses the ambition of taking a degree in Performing Arts because “I believe that’s also my call. You know music is powerful. It has the ability to change people’s lives and affect their emotions positively. What would life be like without entertainment? What would life be like without interesting and informative shows on Television? The answer is…Life would be boring.

Life can be enhanced with good, high standard entertainment.” For that purpose, she founded TGI Limited, an entertainment company that specializes in promoting and managing gifted entrepreneurs for various services needed in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview with SAM EYOBOKA during Little Saints Orphanage 16th anniversary Joy Night where she mesmerized the audience with a scintillating performance, she reveals plans to take the music industry by storm with a nationwide live concert. Excerpts…. putting up performances. It’s something God has deposited in me. You know God has created so many skills in this life. There are artistes, there are performers and there are dancers, instrumentalists, footballers. I think artistes have a social responsibility to use whatever talent or resource they have. Even if they don’t have physical money, they have time, they have their voices, they have their talents, they can use same to promote positive messages that will encourage people to help and to give.

How will you narrate your experience at the Idols West Africa?

Idols West Africa was a wonderful experience for me. It was a grooming experience, I would say. It turned me into a more matured and decisive

What motivated you into the entertainment industry? will just say that God is the one leading me to do everything that I’m doing. I just believe that my life is not all about serving myself without caring about my neighbours. I believe as a Nigerian, I owe this country a duty to make impact; that is going to change somebody’s life. I believe that my ministry is with youths and children. First of all, my mum runs the Little Saints Orphanage and I just believe I have so much power to influence people especially through the medium of music. I don’t want to be like Jonah that God called to do something but he refused and he was swallowed up and forced to do it anyway.

I want God to know that I want to do it willingly because at the end of the day, the dream is to make heaven. I have lost a lot

I

of people in my life and I’ve realized that I don’t have all the time in the world. It’s all about the impact I’m able to make in the life of my brother or my sister and just live a life that is pleasing to God while leaving a legacy for my children and my children’s children.

Besides the passion for an impact, why is the focus on youths and children? Is it because of mummy ’s involvement in orphans?

No! My passion is because of the fact that, first of all, I’m a Christian and God has touched my heart. So, I have a heart that’ after the things of God and my desire is to see that the children are happy. I don’t look at myself as fortunate because I have a mother and father that love me and they take care of my needs. I look at myself as one who is

supposed to occupy that position and I’m supposed to show that love to someone else; help someone experience that same love that they didn’t get from their biological mum or dad; help look for a way to provide for their needs, help look for a way to make their lives better, improve the standard of their lives because it could have been me out there in the streets. It could have been me that is an orphan and abused and have nobody. I ask myself all the time, what would I want? God is our ultimate helper but He has called us all to help each other, to lead people to Him and live a glorious life.

Why the vehicle of music? ver since I was young, that has been me. I’ve been dancing, singing,

E

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Temitayo George-Benson

international concerts such as the Michael Bolton concert alongside other artistes like Angie Stone, 2 Face, Darey, PSquare, Kore from Infinity band and Tolu Odukoya. I appreciate gospel artistes also because they are championing the cause for Jesus. That’s why I’m inspirational, that’s why I’m gospel.

How did you meet your husband, Desmond Benson?

God led him to me here in my office. He walked in one day with another producer and they started working on my album. And that’s how we got by. We just clicked. God spoke to me and told me that he is the one.

Were they working with Goldmyne or something?

No! He has an independent production company called

I’m forming a team of people who are very inspiring, very committed and willing to make sure that every aspect of my concert becomes a major success

artiste. It’s giving me a direction. I’ve realized that my direction is to continue to harness my talent and use my skills to create wealth so that I can help the abused, abandoned and orphaned children.

How did you feel becoming the second runnerup?

It was a wonderful experience, but I thank God that since that time, God has blessed me with wonderful opportunities to perform at

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Theory Sound. He has his own production and record label.

He works with other artistes.

He’s very good and I believe that his name is going to blow seriously.

Has he worked with any notable musician that you know?

He’s worked with the likes of Davido, BOUQUI. He’s worked with me. He’s partly a member of Six Team gospel group from back in the days.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012 — 33

recording studio—Temitayo I love the number 12 because there were 12 disciples, 12 months in a year, my mum was born on the 12th of December

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sponsors, friends, a lot of people who do events management and different kinds of people. People that have been influential even in this event; we have people who sponsored decoration, people who sponsored food, people that are very passionate about the vision and the ministry. And because they know that the proceeds from my event are going into the ministry, they are going to be very happy to support also.

Who is your role model?

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•Temitayo performing at the idol Where will you go from here?

I have released a debut album which I wrote after Idols West Africa. I decided to sow that album as a seed to the Little Saints Orphanage.

So whatever project we do, whether it’s a campaign for street children or whether it’s a documentary about the orphanage, we use my music.

My next album is going to be more commercial.

When are we expecting that? hat will be between now and the end of the year.

We are already working on it.

One of my very fine songs titled In Your Hands, which I co-wrote with my producer, Edmond Benson will be part of that album. It’s going to be a hot song. You people should look out for that song.

T

How many tracks are we expecting?

I love the number 12 because there were 12 disciples, 12 months in a year, my mum was born on the 12th of December.

I was born on the 12th of April, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya died on the 12 th of September, there are 12 hours in the first part of a day. I’m just committed to the number 12. I just feel that 12 is very significant.

You talked about a project

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you are proposing. Can you expatiate on it?

I’m actually starting my own concert “Temitayo Live In Concert.” It’s something I want to do to also meet all the people that have been influential in my growth throughout my music career; sit with them one-on-one, celebrate them, get them to listen to my music, create more awareness also about the ministry that I’m into and also encourage them to also support that. And I’m planning to take it on a tour. We’re going to Calabar, Abuja and so many places. I will be working with different people. I’m forming a team of people who are very inspiring, very committed and willing to make sure that every aspect of my concert becomes a major success.

What will be the format?

We are still in the planning stages but I believe it’s going to be wonderful. It’s going to be very international. I want to give people the standard that they don’t see everyday here in Africa. I want it to be very international.

Who are you going to work with so that you can achieve this excellence?

I’m going to keep working with sets of people God has put in my life, my family, my

irst of all, Jesus is my greatest role model. I look up to Him because of the kind of life He lived here on earth; a very selfless life. It wasn’t about Himself; it was about helping the needy, helping the sick, helping people who need help. And I realize that there are lots of people that I have to help. I don’t know who exactly or where exactly they are but I know that God is going to lead me to do my part, to help them. In my music, I’ve had great role models, great international ones. The likes of Angelique Kidjo, the likes of Asa, the likes of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Sade Adu, great gospel people like CeCe Winans. I like people that sing about love, life and inspiring things. It helps people to improve in different aspects of their lives and relationships.

If you were not born into this family, where would you have been?

If I was not born into this family, only God knows the answer to that. I’d be exactly the same way.

I want to be an international performing artiste that uses her

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time and talent to help orphans and abandoned children, to improve the standard of their lives.

How would you describe the music industry in Nigeria?

I’ll say it’s fast growing, it’s improving in great dimensions and it can only get better. I want inspirational and gospel artistes to be encouraged and continue to do good music; music that glorifies the kingdom.

I learnt you lost a friend in the recent DANA air crash in Lagos.

Can you talk about it?

A ll I’ll say about the

Dana crash is that I lost someone I love very dearly, Eyo Bassey and it made me realize that time is short. I felt very depressed for a long time. I did a lot of soul searching and I asked God a few questions in prayers to figure out why all these things happen. I wanted to understand why bad things happen to good people and all I got is that the life in this earth is splitting.

People are clinging on to this life as if they have all the time in the world. There’s a graduation that we all have to pass and some people don’t care. They need to care more about where their families and friends are going to end up. They need to lead more people to Christ, win more souls, help people who cannot help themselves.

That’s what life is about. It’s not about storing up treasures. We really don’t have as much time as we think we have. We have to know where we are going. The aim of life is not to store up treasure, but to live a legacy, affect lives, make impact, live a life that’s pleasing to God so that you can move on and spend eternity with God in Heaven and not in hell. I’m not really

thinking about myself right now, I’m thinking about how to make impact in my generation.

Temitayo George-Benson

34—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 , 2012

I was very cognizance of my ability and audacious acumen as a businessman despite my young age because I was barely 30

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I dared the hard-tackles of life to succeed —Prince Osobase

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IS riveting story, would no doubt en courage many youths to triumph over despondency and hopelessness arising from dearth of white collar jobs.

At 40, Prince Lewis Osobase, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) * Onomeregbor of Wosina Global Resources Limited, has carved a niche for himself as a successful entrepreneur within a few years of foray into the business world.

Sharing his story with Saturday Vanguard, Osobase recalled how he started his journey as a businessman saying, “against the advice of friends and siblings, I stepped into business and dared the hardtackles of frustration to succeed.

“I started in 2001 with the distribution of black oil after my youth service at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) because I didn’t want to work for anybody. Indeed, it would surprise you to know that I turned down

an offer of automatic employment at NNPC because the management among all other youth corps members gave me employment at the end of my service year based on my diligence and outstanding service.”

However, his strides in business did not come on a platter of gold and in one instance, Osobase recalled how he escaped death by whiskers while conveying his products to a market in Lagos.

“I used to accompany my hired truck while sourcing for products at depots. And I later switched to distributing kerosene to market women at the popular Mile 12 Market, Lagos and sometimes, I slept inside the truck while on trips. I was following my driver on the trip because I could not afford to lose the little money invested in the business which I got from my father and a loan from an uncle in the United States of America. And on a particular day, I had an auto

O-MEN

Prince Osobase...I started in 2001 with the distribution of black oil after my youth service accident that left me with scars on my hands (he raised up his hands as proof) and the products were lost in the incident thereby setting the business back. The truck had barely left depot in Benin for Lagos State when we had an accident at a spot in Ore, Ondo State but I thank God because the scar on my wrist has made me a better person. I becameundaunted in my vision to succeed as a business man.”

Not a few would have made a u-turn from the business following the relative reversal of fortune and probably venture into a new business line, but Osobase stuck to his gun.

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H

e said:” I was very cog nizance of my ability and audacious acumen as a businessman despite my young age because I was barely 30 and the difficulty which the auto accident posed to my fortune in business. My assurance was hinged on my belief that “God would make a way

Why men go bald

G

oing bald is a fact of life for millions of men. Adults lose about 10,000 scalp hairs each and every day. Hair normally lives for around five years.

With male baldness ,these hairs do not always get replaced and gradually bald areas appear. This process can however take a long time and the age at which you start to lose hair does not necessarily provide any clues as to how long it will be until you define yourself as bald.

There are a number of reasons why men start to go bald, but if you are a man between the ages of about 20 to 45 and you start to lose scalp hair, then the chances are 95 per cent certain that you are experiencing baldness. As the term suggests, male baldness follows a typical sequence or pattern. Hair loss can start in different areas but is usually at the temples and/or on

Throughout the duration of the 45 minutes interview, he interspersed the chat with biblical verses which he claimed had reassured him of imminent success in future despite the initial setback the auto accident cost his fledgling business.

the crown of the head. Initial thinning of hair progresses over a number of years and may lead to total baldness but more typically loss of hair over the top surface of the head.

The causes of baldnesMost men are genetically pre disposed to baldness. It is the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces baldness. Testosterone, a

hormone that is present in high levels in males after puberty, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle, it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely.

This process gradually depletes your stock of hair and is normal hair loss.

Hair loss and going bald is something many men have to adjust to as they get older. There are, however, a number of diseases and conditions that can cause hair loss. By treating the illness, hair loss can be reversed.

Illnesses and conditions that can cause male hair loss include: • High temperature associated with infections or flu.

• Thyroid and pituitary problems.

Some medical treatments; •

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where there seems to be no way” and I did not for once doubt His ability to turn things around for me because I know that I am not a lazy man.”

Truly, every set back is a tonic for a good comeback. A reprieve came his way when a new generation bank got wind of his challenges and offered to help him out.

“It was a “miracle” how officials of the bank managed to know me because I was then operating from my one room apartment. I was in my residence on a particular afternoon when I learnt that some bank officials were looking for me and when I saw them, they explained their mission. They said that they had come to ask me to access their facility so that I can purchase a truck of my own to convey my products and that was the turning point for me in business because the bank actually provided the fund with which I purchased my first truck.

And at the moment, I have about 20 trucks for distribution of products to our numerous clients and a tank farm for storage of the products. I also have about 1000 staff on my payroll in various operation offices in different parts of the federation such as Lagos, Enugu, Benin and Umuahia, while plans are on hand to set up offices in other major cities of Nigeria. My company’s annual turnover is about N1billion. I thank God for making me a success story today.

radiotherapy, side effects of medications such as interferon, chemotherapy and steroids can all cause hair loss.

• Stress •Psychological problems such as trichotillomania where some people pull out their hair •Exposure to dangerous chemicals such as thallium acetate •Fungal infections of the scalp •Ringworm •Burns •Alpaca Areata Universalis, where the whole body is affected, or totalis where the whole of the scalp becomes bald.

If hair loss is caused by diseases, there are usually other symptoms that accompany hair loss. If you believe your hair loss may be caused by disease go check it out with your doctor.

Go to your doctor if: You lose hair suddenly, if your hair loss is in clumps or significant enough that you notice large amounts on your pillow, covering the back of your clothes or when you wash your hair. This type of hair loss does not represent typical male baldness, but it does require a diagnosis. Hair loss can also occur for a number of reasons and can often be treated successfully.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—35

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We have a lot of people proposing to be members, but the truth is that in COFFHA, social is secondary while charity is primary presently. We have a lot of peo-

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ple proposing to be members, but the truth is that in COFFHA, social is secondary while charity is primary. Some people withdraw when they come and then find that we are more concerned about charity. We have no hard criterions, except that we try as much as we can to encourage marriages since we usually move our meetings from home to home.

Hence, our husbands look forward to when their wives would host. To honour them therefore, we hold an annual event which we call Husbands’ Night.

r e d i s n o c o t t n r a e l I’ve e t a n u t r o f f l e s y m — Phil Okonkwo r decision to lives informed her Humanityh uc to to n io s fo Her pass mittee of Friend ith two other w o establish the Com ag s ar ye ne -o ty L, en COFFHA tw interview with GIFT GABRIE e is th th took up friends. In time wo who recently Mrs.Phil Okonk ship of COFFHA for the first ice mantle of leader ks abou t her passion for serv since 1991, spear COFFHA. and her plans fo Excerpts:

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hat actually inf o r m e d the formation of COFFHA? In 1991, myself and two other friends- Mrs.Carol Ufere and Gloria Esama, decided to come together to build an association which we could have other friends buy into, for the purpose of contributing to humanity. We invited other friends to join us, and in a bid to give it a more objective leadership, we decided not to hold the mantle of leadership, but to give other people the opportunity to head the association. The first president therefore was Mrs.Gloria ItaIkpeme, a management staff with the Nigerian LNG. Our focus is women and children.

Today, I’m the fourth president of COFFHA, having taken over from Lady Christy Ray-Okoye a few months ago.

I’m very happy we’ve gone this far in terms of achievements.

How well has COFFHA lived up to its purpose?

For children, we have focused on the rehabilitation of children’s wards in the General Hospital in Ikeja. We’ve equally renovated one of the children’s wards at the Apapa General Hospital. At the Gbagada General Hospital, in collaboration with Mobil, we donated a dialysis machine which they used for years. We constructed and equipped a COFFHA Emergency Centre at the Isolo General Hospital.

We’ve equally made donations to motherless babies’ and physically challenged homes.

Having done all that, we’re currently looking at sustainability through partnering with other organisations. We’ve also engaged in widows’ financial empowerment in states like Anambra and Lagos together with the first ladies of those states. Now, we’re looking at partnering with 7up and Coca-cola to have an enlarged widows’ programme.

Wercises three times a week for a toned and tightened lower body. Feeling panicky about ant sexy skirts? Just do these ex

an up-and-coming party? There’s no need!

These leg exercises will target your lower body while boosting your metabolism and improving your balance.

Side lunge Benefits: Side lunges will target your legs from different angles, working your gluteals, inner thighs, hamstrings and calves.

How to do side lunges 1.Stand tall with your legs hip-width apart, your core in tight and shoulders back.

2.Lift your right foot and take a step to your right as you push your hips backwards.

3.Lower your body by dropping your hips and bending your left knee. Make sure your knee doesn’t go past your toe and then quickly push yourself back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times for each leg Caution: Don’t lunge too far to the side. Your knee should line up over your foot. Your standing foot should remain on the floor at all times and your foot should point straight ahead.

A

Mrs Okonkwo That way, instead of giving cash to these women, we could give them starter packs like coolers, umbrellas and drinks from these companies to enable them start up. We are also working with youths to add value to their lives, both morally and educationally.

Could you let us a little into your background?

I come from Ibuzor in Delta State. I come from a family of eight and I’m the fifth. My father was an educationist and my mother was a full-time housewife. I attended Saint Maria Goreti Girls Grammar School in Benin. We had teachers who were Reverend Sisters and who taught us to give to the l ess privileged with the little we had. I went to Idia College for my higher school and then ,I went to the University of Benin where I studied English Language. I am very happily mar-

ried with four lovely children, and I’m presently a civil servant.

Are you i nsinuating that you developed passion for serving humanity from your teachers at Maria Goreti?

Yes. That contributed in a way because since then, I’ve learnt to consider myself fortunate each time I achieve some feats. Even my fiftieth birthday was celebrated with the less privileged children.

My father was equally my role model because he always went out of his way to help family friends get schools and school fees for their children.

He even helped to put my own husband in school because his father was his friend; at a time when we never knew we would be friends or even get married!

Presently, what’s the strength of COFFHA? We’re about twenty-two

ny challenge as the president?

The major challenge is getting dedicated and committed members; not just anyone.

Funding and sustainability is also very important to us now.

All our activities have been centred on Lagos, so, we’re going back to our various communities as members to collectively implement projects.

When we leave this world, we will be carried back home to our villages for burial, so, it is important that we see to the development of our various roots. We’re also looking at having a COFFHA Centre soon, and I think that is a huge challenge.

The basic amenities of life, which government is supposed to provide, we do not have! You neither find portable water nor roads in the rural areas! Even the urban areas cannot boast of good roads! I’m even yet to mention electricity! NGOs cannot assume the role of government, but we can only complement! Only government can implement such large projects!

How to get luscious legs jumping jack into a tough leg and bum booster. It makes great cardio exercise too.

How to do squat jacks 1.Stand with your feet close together, hands touching the sides of your head, and lower down into a narrow squat so that your weight shifts back to your heels.

2.

Staying low, push off your heels and jump your feet wide, landing in a wide squat position (b). Lift and jump back to the start position . Continue jumping your feet out and in with a squat as fast as you can. Repeat 15 times Overhead squat Benefits: Legs, bum and shoulders. Overhead squats are a great compound move, which hit every muscle from your head to your toes.

They also target your core and co-ordination while increasing shoulder mobility.

2.Keeping the bar over your head, squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground . Pause ,then push through the heels and return to

standing, squeezing your glutes as you rise.

Repeat 15 times Romanian dead lift Benefits: This move blitzes your hamstrings and gluteals while improving strength and power. Don’t be afraid of lifting a heavier kettle bell than usual.

How to do Romanian dead lifts 1.Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, hold a kettlebell with your hands in front of hips .

2.Tilt your hips back and bend forward from the hips, until your back is nearly parallel to the ground .

3.Once you feel a stretch in the backs of How to do overhead squats your legs, reverse the movement, keeping 1.Hold a light weighted bar overhead, with the kettlebell close to your body.

Squat jacks your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet Repeat 15 times Benefits: A bend of the knees turns the humble slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

C M Y K

36—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 , 2012

SATURDAY

no one sees your facebook status update for three days and you already have 43 inbox messages asking if you’re okay. That is the true measure of self value. That is the true measure of impact. I got a call the other day from one of my students and he said “Sir, please I will like you to be my

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

I started school all over again

Dumebi’s core Project Team from top left to bottom right: Abraham “AB”, Frank “Cool”, Pere “Doc”, Simdi “Kaiwen”, Sarah “SarahTee” and Mohammed “Le Omar”.

—Dumebi Daniel Onuora umebi

is

another

interesting person who couldn’t graduate from NnamdiAzikiwe University of after spending five years s t u d y i n g Metallurgical& M a t e r i a l s Engineering due to some outstanding courses. In 2006, he took what he expressed as the best decision of his life amidst peer pressure or ridicule he faced amongst friends to start University all over again. This led him to study in Singapore and Malaysia, and today, he has to his credit an internet radio station with over 25,000 connections . He had a chat with Saturday Youthful Vibes on this adventurous journey.

Excerpts:

What inspired your passion?

My core passion is undoubtedly Public Speaking.

I started following and understudying President Barack Obama in November 2007 from my residence in Singapore till his inauguration in January 2009. His ability to get people listen to him was amazing. His Iowa victory speech in January 2008 was something else. I started public speaking way back at my secondary school, Command Day Secondary School Ikeja. I was so appreciatedthat I became the President of the Literary and Debating Society. I won a number of competitions.

Since then I have always found myself in such positions and have been honoured to speak on global platforms. Our Nigerian government officials need to understand that there’s more to “Fellow Nigerians”. It’s about emotion, gesture, right choice of words, an unbiased belief and moral system. I love speaking to people, not that I’m a talkative, on the contrary I’m reserved.

You can’t be a Public Speaker without a passion for addressing needs. This passion basically fuels your engine to go that extra mile.

Barack Obama understands this. That’s why he ended the Berlin speech with “Yes We Can”. Up tilll today the world has not recovered from that speech.

Please tell us about your upbringing.

I was born in Kaduna State to the family of Emmanuel &Rufina O. Emmanuel, but we hail from Nawfija, in Orumba South L.G.A. of Anambra State. I spent my early childhood at NigercemNkalagu because my

mentor”, at the end of the call I turned to my younger brother and said “A mentor at 29? What on earth do I know?” he laughed at me silly.

•Dumebi Daniel Onuora

could bring my imagination to life I went ahead with it. A number of folks did tell me it wasn’t possible. A fool’s venture. Well, I went ahead with it. The idea’s simple. One radio platform where different people can connect and Introduc host their shows from all Network ing the World You over the world. We provide A th g ainst Crim (WYNAC the platform, you log in e ). with your access details, regular and quality internet connection, good Dad was the Quarry computer and you’re on. We Manager at Nigercem, that’s a had 380 connections when we cement producing company. started in February 2011. By June We later moved to Abuja and we had over 25,000 connections. finally Lagos in 1995.

It’s totally free and voluntary. The I gained admission into show hosts are responsible for the NnamdiAzikiwe University in sustainability of their shows. For 2000 to study Metallurgical & us we have other businesses, the Materials Engineering. At first profit from which is used to sustain I had no idea what that meant. the radio. We haven’t started Never liked it because I never generating income because that had passion for metals. In depends on the success and 2005, I failed to graduate as I involvement of webcasters from had outstanding courses. By around the world. A lot is involved.

2006, I took the best decision It’s huge stuff because the of my life, to start school all Technical team too are scattered over again. I then proceeded around the world. It’s an insanely to study Information busy back-end at the admin side.

Technology in Singapore Your plate must be full.

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Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—37

I love speaking to people, not that I’m a talkative, on the contrary I’m reserved

where I acquired a Diploma in Computing (Networking). I further moved to Malaysia where I studied Computer Networks at Stamford College and obtained my BSc in Computer Networks (Magna Cum Laude) from the prestigious University of East London.

Why and how did you become different to make a difference?

I wanted to do something no one on the planet had done before. At least none that I’ve heard of. I had to explore the possibilities, once I was sure I

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How do you measure the impact of your work?

Hmmm. I’ll share something with you. I’m currently serving my beautiful Nigeria in Rivers State. I arrived at a school where I was told there were vagabonds, hoodlums and they manufactured weapons. I walked in there, connected with these young guys, and till today there’s been serious change. My work is not separate from myself. I am my work and my work is me.

How do I measure or access the impact? Feedback. When your mobile phone battery runs down due to calls, email is filled, text messages keep coming, and when

Do you intend to stick to the vision of being an entrepreneur or looking forward to being an employee?

Employee? [He laughs] I’m not a fan of that word but I leave my entire being in God’s able hands.

If HE feels I could meet my future wife as an employee in the United Nations that won’t be a bad idea at all. [Laughs]. Don’t mind me; I have a natural affiliation to selfless, enterprising and resourceful ladies. I love them too much. [Laughs]. Ok, seriously, I and my genius friends, Abraham Katung, Frank AsohSnr, Pere Bessman and Mohammed AlJabri own an IT-based company.

We are currently trying to get a few business deals in Nigeria.

We develop software, market and propose enterprise solutions, and also conduct trainings on presentation and communication skills. We currently have a tourism deal with the Republic of Maldives and another deal with the Exchange Trade Centre International in Malaysia. This provides an opportunity to host and promote African business exhibitions in Malaysia. Also, with our business connections outside Nigeria we are working on promoting business relations with Nigerian entrepreneurs and other countries. One of our tourism projects won an international award in New York last month. So for now, we’ll be doing our own thing. If any organization wants me?

We’ll have to discuss serious terms.. Except the President needs a 21st century public speaking coach, [Laughs] then I can consider the employee status.

What would you tell Nigerian youth who want to follow your path?

I’ll quote Charles S. Dutton from the movie FAME: “Everything that you want to change about yourself, all the parts of yourself that you keep secret, it’s your power. It’s who you are”. Surround yourself with positive minds. I remember a business presentation in which an Executive said to us “This thing you want to do sound impossible” but my brother & partner, Abraham Katung was quick to respond “Sir, with all due respect we will be delighted to prove you wrong”. I’ve had my own fair share of suffering, started school all over again, but I can sure tell you that when you are driven by passion, passion for what you love doing, then work becomes fun and you will hit success like you never imagined. Now that’s what I know for sure.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Stephen o. Ifeanyi Ajegunle Lagos state

S

tephen is a 22 years old from Mbaitolu Local Government Area in Imo State. He grew up in Ajegunle, Lagos where he currently resides. He attended Randle Senior Secondary school,Apapa. Stephen’s childhood was very challenging having to contend with environmental factor, Peer groupinfleunce, financial difficulty and ghetto lifestyle.

Against all odds, She has consistently remain focus with a mandate to affect lives positively. He is a writer and a motivational speaker. He started motivating and challenging youngsters as a High school student to awaken the giant inside of them. Out of this burden, he wrote his first book titled “UNDERSTANDING TIME AND CHANCE” which reveals the power of preparation, proper time management, information, the impact of the rights relationship and the place of our potentials. It also reveals how to recognize, use and create opportunities. He is on the verge of founding an organization with a mission to raise outstanding leaders of vision, character and charisma.

In his own words to young Nigerians:

Y

ou are a solution to this generation. You came as an answer to the prayers of many. You are an asset to the world. It is not only about amassing wealth but it’s about adding value, and affecting the lives of others.

It is not only about fulfilling days but fulfilling destiny.

Start preparing for a wonderful future NOW! The world is awaiting your manifestation.

Always remember, THE MISSION IS POSSIBLE!!!

Dumebi D. Onuora

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48— SATURDAY, Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi presents book The Giwa-Osagies hold 25th memorial for Dad

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he popular Giwa-Osagie family of Benin set the ancient kingdom in celebratory atmosphere last Saturday when they rolled drums to celebrate the 25th memorial of their father, Chief Frank S. GiwaOsagie, who during his life was the first black man to take the mantle at the Nigerian Prisons service as director.

A memorial thanksgiving for the late patriarch took place at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Benin City and it was a theatre of social camaraderie as eminent chiefs of Benin, notable government functionaries and other well-wishers celebrate with the Giwa-Osagies. Photos

by Barnabas Uzosike

R

ight Reverend Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, Bish op of Lagos West showed the author in him when he presented a book “Let the Nations Hear” to the public at the Haven event Centre, Ikeja recently. Notable personalities like Dr. Christopher Kolade, Senator Bode Olajumoke and others were part of the occasion that saw Steve Akinretoye as chairman of the occasion and Dr. Uche Ogah.

Photos By Diran Oshe

:

Dr. Osaretin Giwa-Osagie (right); Dr. Mudiame Giwa-Osagie; Prof. and Mrs. Osato Giwa-Osagie; and other members of Giwa-Osagie family

Prof.Osato Giwa-Osagie and his Wife Chief Eduwu Ekhator and Rt.Revd. Peter Imasuen, Bishop of Benin

L-R:Barr. Steve Odigie and Chief Eseosa Eghobamien, Obobaifo of Benin

L-R: Chief Eseosa Eghobamien and Chief Benjamin Iredia, Osayunoba of Benin, presented Oba of Benin

L- R: Mr. Steve Akinretoye, Chairman of the Ceremony, Chief Presenter, Dr. Uche Ogah Presenting the Book, Rt. Revd & Mrs Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, Bishop of Lagos West. and Dr. Christopher Kolade

L- R: Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state ,Gov. Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Mr. Steve Akinretoye, Prof.

Tunde Samuel , representing Asiwaju Baola Tinubu and Chief Host,Rt. Revd. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi

L- R: HRM Oladiran Adewoye, Agunbiade 111, Olosi of Osi -Ekiti and Senator Bode Olajumoke, special guest of honour

At the launch of Glo Gista

Meadow Hall School celebrates Red Ball @ 10

Globacom adds to its swelling porfolio of innovative products on Monday with a new product known as Glo Gista, a value-added service driven tariff plan. In the picture are some of Glo’s eggheads.

To Meadow Hall Schools, nothing can be compared to the 10 years of academic excellence. And in the light of this celebration, a Red Ball party was initiated as a way of giving thanks to God for making a landmark in the educational sector.

To the school, Red Ball signifies romance, roses, fashion, red carpets, healthy foods, fruits, boldness and blood of Jesus. Speaking at the occasion, the School Director, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani said, it is a time to give thanks to God and showcase excellence. “We believe Meadow Hall is an excellent school and everything we are doing shows that Meadow Hall is a place to excel. It has been 10 years of excitement, challenges and fulfillment” she said.

Globacom’s Acting Head of Marketing , Mr Adeniyi Olukoya flanked by Richard Morse , Globacom’s Head of Strategy and Innovation (right) and Sales Director, Mike Sidwell C M Y K

Student of Meadow Hall Schools and Mum posed at the Red Carpet

Senator Olorunnibe Mamora and Mrs Kunbi Ogunsola

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—49

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 — 51

Nigeria loses 3 million barrels of crude oil monthly — Petinrin

BY OKEY NDIRIBE AND EMMAN OVUKPORIE, Abuja The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice-Marshall Oluseyi Petirin yesterday revealed that the nation was losing about three million barrels of crude oil to thieves monthly. He further stated that the figure used to be as high as 90 million barrels monthly prior to the intervention of the Defence Headquarters several months ago.

The CDS made these disclosures yesterday when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee investigating upsurge in illegal oil bunkering in the country.

In his own remarks before the Committee, the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim had said a seized ship which was earlier alleged to be carrying 8.5 million barrels of stolen crude oil was eventually discovered not to have crude oil on b o a r d .

It would be recalled that Chairman of the Committee, Muraina Ajibola had during the public hearing said the ship contained 8.5m barrels of crude oil and the Committee subsequently constituted a subcommittee which was directed to establish the veracity of the information within 72 hours..

In addition, the Navy was directed to hand over the said ship to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for s a f e k e e p i n g .

Contrary to the claims of the Committee, the CNS said there was no crude oil on board the ship at the time of its arrest. He also disputed the claims of the Committee on the origin of the ship saying it was Belgian and not F r e n c h .

Ibrahim however identified factors responsible for oil bunkering to thrive to include complicity of insiders that worked in oil companies in the past; lack of information sharing among security

agencies as well as a ready-made market for crude oil.

In his submision, the Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice-Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin who led the CNS to the public hearing disclosed that the Defence Headquarters was taking the initiative of arresting the situation.

He revealed that as part of the initiatives, all boats and barges plying Nigerian coastal waters must henceforth be registered with the

Defence Headquarters (DHQ). In addition, any boat or barge conveying crude oil must also be registered with an oil producing company.

Said he: “Having discovered the magnitude of threat illegal bunkering is posing to our economy, coupled with the fact that the agency of government that is supposed to do certain things has refused to carry out their responsibilities, we decided to take up the challenge towards curbing the menace of illegal bunkering.”

He continued: “One of the initiatives we are putting in place is that henceforth, all boats and barges carrying crude oil must be registered with an oil company. This is to discourage those that have no business transporting crude to be i n v o l v e d . ”Furthermore, we felt that another effective way of curbing the illicit trade is to have all boats and barges operating on our waters registered with the Joint task Force (JTF). ”With the registration, we would be able to have the identity of the owners in the event of any occurrence. There were instances where my men would apprehend some of these boats but the next thing is that they will just jump into the water and swim away abandoning the boat. ”In that type of situation, we are only left with the boat and nobody to arrest.

It is even more appalling when the smallest boat costs about N20m. So, all power boats and barges must be registered. ”We are not concerned about the registration money, we are only interested in having the identities of the owners of the boats and barges. ”We believe that with this, we should be able to bring down the incidents of illegal bunkering in the country. We are getting involved because those saddled with the responsibility have refused to yield to several requests from us to that effect.

Petinrin also blamed relevant regulatory agencies partly for encouraging the illegal trade by not having proper official documentation of the boats and barges operating in the Niger Delta region.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OBUMNEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chigozie Peace Obumneme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maxwell Chigozie Onovweruo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEGBITE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegbite Yemisi Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Idowu Yemisi Eunice. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBANOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghale Blessing Agbanobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Musowo Oghale Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IYAMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Favour Iyama, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Favour Aghado. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYODELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ayodele Michael, now wish to be known and addressed as Olanipekun Afolabi Daniel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EVBOTA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Izere Funmilayo Evbota, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Izere Funmilayo Aboyewa.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOCHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Okocha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Gagman. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Ministry of Health and general public please take note.

OGUNGBEMI— We, formerly known and addressed with the family surname Ogungbemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Olugbemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONUORAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onuorah Priscilla Ncheta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifediorah Priscilla Ncheta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANANABA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchechi Enyioma Ananaba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchechi Enyioma Chima-Uzuegbu.

All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

DANIEL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabamitale Onaopepo Olu Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabamitale Onaopepo FemiOgunbadejo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LUKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Martina Luka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martina Umaru.

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EKWURIBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekwuribe Joyce Chidubem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. UsamahChukwumah Joyce Chidubem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Edith Okolo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Edith Anakwue.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOLISE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwolise Ifeoma Agatha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Matthew Ifeoma Agatha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Obinna Okeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Matthew Obinna Anthony. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSAROGIAGBON —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Ikponmwosa Osarogiagbon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Ikponmwosa Uwaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FATUNDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatunde Abosede Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Awesu Abosede Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Akpe Owan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Akpe Udensi. All former documents remain valid. University of Benin and general public please take note.

AREMU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aremu Oluwatoyin Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odogucha Toyin Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEDIPE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedipe Eniola Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olanrewaju Eniola Yetunde.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EBIETOMIYE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatokunbo Bolaji Ebietomiye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olatokunbo Bolaji Basualdo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ODIH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odih Evelyn Ekitu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Ireh Onohworua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUICHIKELU—We, formerly known and addressed as Umuichikelu Umuanuta, of Umunnacha Village, Umuaga Town in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, now wish to be known and addressed as Umuchukwukelu of Umunnacha Village. All former documents remain valid.Umunnacha and the rest of Umuaga and general public please take note.

IDUBOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idubor Aituariagbon Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekhator Bob Aituariagbon Sarah.

All former documents remain valid.

U.B.T.H; UNIBEN and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Nane This is to confirm that the name Ndukwe Afoma Maria Gorretti, refers to one and the same person as Ewenyi Afoma Maria Gorretti, now wish to be known and addressed as EwenyiNduka Afoma Maria Gorretti. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OSIBOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E v e l y n Oghenekohwo Osiboko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E v e l y n Oghenekohwo Omagbemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the name Osoroh Nicholas Onoriode, refers to one and the same person as Osoroh Onos Nicholas Onoriode, now wish to be known and addressed as Osoroh Onos Nicholas Onoriode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name KAMA—This is to confirm that the name Kama Daniel, refers to one and the same person as Matthew Orighaye Kokoroko, now wish to be known and addressed as Matthew Orighaye Kokoroko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name ADUNA—This is to confirm that the name Aduna Johnny, refers to one and the same person as Adun John, now wish to be known and addressed as Adun John. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJAYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajayi Mistura Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abdul Mistura Olayinka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKAFOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Stella Onuwaekwuotu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Austin (Augustine) S t e l l a Chukwunwendu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ELOSIUBA—I, formerly known and adderssed as Miss Elosiuba Chinenye Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezekwelu Chinenye Nneka. All former documents remain valid. Delta State Polythenic Ogwashi Ukwu, NYSC and general public please take note.

DAVID—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Udoimuk David, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Esther Ndueso Akpakpan. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

E B A R E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Osezele Ebare, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Osezele Chibuzo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

O K O D U WA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoduwa Maris Ivie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnaji Maris Ivie. All former documents remain valid. Notore Chemical Industries Limited, Onne; FUTO; Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo State and general public please take note.

REUBEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Reuben Tina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kizito Tina Ogechukwu. All former documents r e m a i n valid.General public please take note.

T U E S D AY — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Tuesday OkpokunouEre Benedicta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okpokunou-Ere Benedicta Alfred Gbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEKONWU — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinelo Nwanneka Onyekonwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinelotam N. Chukwueke. All former documents remain valid.

Anambra State College of Education, Akwa; University of Nigeria Nsukka; Hallel College, Port Harcourt and general public please take note.

ONYEOGO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O n y e o g o Okwunwan Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebole Joy Okwunwan. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ETIM– I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikwo Bassey Etim, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ikwo Jerry Etim. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WILSON USIM – I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Miss) Roselyn Wilson Usim, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Roselyn Ibitoye Ayodele Abosede. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba and general public please take note.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012 — 53

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ADOIBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adoibo Paulina Munasuoyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Muna Thomas. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

E J I K E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnenna Mary Ejike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnenna Mary Ezenwoko.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

M U S TA P H A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Mafaku Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekunwe Sunny Mafaku. All former documents remain valid. Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and general public please take note.

ORIAKHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oriakhi Osariemen Gift, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajakaiye Anthony O. Gift.

All former documents remain valid. Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and general public please take note.

OWOICHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owoicho Eneh Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jonah Eneh Peace. All former documents remain valid.Unity College of Education Aunkpa Adoka, Benue State and general public please take note.

OGWUMIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ogwumike Onyedikachi Mike C; now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Mike Onyedikachi Chijindum Okwuonu.

All former documents remain valid.University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education and general public please take note.

IWUCHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Scholarstica Kelechi Iwuchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alaji Scholarstica Kelechi Uju. All former documents remain valid.FUTO; NYSC; WAEC and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the name Uriah Agnes Adaogute, Adaogute Agnes Simon refer to one and the same person, now, I wish to be known and addressed as Uriah Agnes Adaogute. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

D Z U N G W E WA N D O O — I , Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ruth Wandoo Dzungwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ruth OkeyNduka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKECHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinonyerem Aqueen Ekechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinonyerem Aqueen George Nwaeke.

All former documents remain valid.Imo State University, Owerri; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and general public please take note.

UMOREN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Umoren Comfort Etim, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joseph Odu Comfort. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University, Abraka; Post Primary Educaton Board, Asaba and general public please take note.

I Y E D O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Sylvia Iyedo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sylvia Omekeh.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

USELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Usele Emuejevoke Vanessa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Avwaeh Emuejevoke Vanessa. All former documents remain valid. Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Bar Association and General public please take note.

A G B A G A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonette Eloko Agbaga, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs. Aganbi Eloko Anthonette. All former documents remain valid, Local G o v e r n m e n t Commission Asaba. and general public please take note.

NNAMANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Christy Odinkenma Nnamani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Christy Odafe Borke. All former documents remain valid, and General public please take note.

EREYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osariemen Patricia Ereyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osariemen Patricia Omo-Amadasun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

IRIKEFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emuesiri Aghogho IrikefE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghuvwu Emuesiri Aghogho. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKWUGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kate Okwugha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kate Ebilade Oroupa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E G E R E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Egere Oghenetega, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayanka Oghenetega. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ENIKUEMEHIN— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Emola Enikuemehin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Emola Eghwrudjakpo Kama. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OYEWUMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bukola Lolade Oyewumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bukola Suanu All Tuakpugi. former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ELEWA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyinlola Temitope Elewa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyinlola Temitope Aiyedogbon. All former documents remain valid. FJSC; Fugro Nigeria Ltd and general public please take note.

O K WA R A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okwara Edith Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Johnson Edith Nneka. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NWOKORIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwokorie Ozioma Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugochukwu Ozioma Nkiruka. All former documents remain valid.Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education; UNN and general public please take note.

VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE

Task Force on PIB submits reports

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja HE Special Task force on the Review of Petroleum Industry Bill and the Petroleum Industry Bill Technical Committee yesterday submitted their reports to the President and other stake holders at the presidential Villa with a promise from the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dezani Allison Maduekwe that President Goodluck Jonathan, will submit the Bill to the National Assembly within the next fourteen days ( 1 4 d a y s ) .

Speaking with State House correspondents after the ceremony, the minister said the revised draft would be discussed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) next week.

According to her, “We will prepare for the presentation to the Federal Executive Council, my assumption therefore is that within the next 10 to 14 days, it will be in their hands but again that will be at the pleasure of Mr. President. ”Ours is to present it and review it with government stakeholders as it is done for every bill”, she said .

The minister said “This bill has been 50 years in the making, it has taken a long time. It went through the entire gamut of the sixth session of the National Assembly and it did not get promulgated into law. In agreement with the seventh Assembly, we took it back and completely reviewed it again. ”This is not a small bill, it is a critical bill for this country and for our oil and gas sector, therefore at this point, government will do the final review and put it in front of the FEC for approval; part of that process is that it will go

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through the AttorneyGeneral office. Nigerians should understand that we have been in a hurry for a long time to put this bill out but we will try to ensure that by the time it enters the National Assembly, we are very comfortable with it and we are putting forward a bill that we believe the oil and gas sector can stand on and can grow on for many years to come in this c o u n t r y . ” Giving insight into the Bill, Mrs Alison Maduekwe said “the teams have reconfigured the various sections. The fiscal regimes used are so much different. The manner and templates for various calculations have been looked at differently and other fiscal areas. ”The issue of domestic gas and fiscal regime for domestic gas have been looked at robustly. The issue of the reconfiguration of the NNPC to ensure that it becomes the commercial entity that it is supposed to be and we can actually grow a first rate national oil company that over the years will grow to compete with other national oil companies of the likes of Petronas, Petrobras etc. ” All these have been looked at.

The administrative roles and some of the others have also been looked at. The intention to ensure that going forward, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is actually a professionally run ministry and that it engages professionals in the oil and gas sector . ”We have professionals now, but they are along the administrative line.

We want to ensure that like other agencies of government, there are professionals in the ministry itself so that the ministry is not dependant solely on its technical status.”

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2012 — 55

Obi not linked with murder case, say Onicha-Ugbo natives I NDIGENES of OnichaUgbo, in Delta State resident at home and in diaspora have raised alarm over plans by some few sponsored persons in the community to smear the name of their traditional ruler, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I. A statement issued at the end of an emergency meeting held in the town, saidthe recent publication in one of the national dailies in which the traditional ruler was allegedly linked with the muder of a young man who was allegedly involved in the rape

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of a mad woman in the community.

The group stated that it was a taboo for anybody to link a traditional ruler to a heinous crime as muder. They however, regretted the death of the said young man, adding that it was unthinkable, ridiculous and a clear campaign of calumny in insinuating that the royal father was involved in the crime.

They described Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I as God fearing, humble and a lover of peace whose reign since he ascended the throne over a decade

ago has brought abundant peace as well as attracted socio-economic development to the town. ‘’Cordial relationship also exists amongst his subjects and neighbouring communities and their traditional rulers,’’ the group added.

The Onicha-Ugbo indigenes noted that their ruler, Obi Chukwumalieze I who is a Justice of Peace JP, has never been found wanting or ever engaged in any criminal act. They expressed dismay over his being linked with the murder of one of his

subjects especially when he has never been known to be a ritualist. The indigenes who passed a vote of implicit confidence on the traditional ruler, urged

members of the public to discountenance the allegation against the royal father who is a first class traditional ruler in the state.

It would be recalled that

a young man of about 32 years who hails from the community met his untimely death after he allegedly raped a mad woman in a bush.

Ayo Francis-Akerele passes Away HE death has occurred of a well-known Lagos business-woman, Mrs. Margaret Ayodele Francis-Akerele, aged 58.

Born on the 23 rd of July, 1954 in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Ayo Francis- Akerele obtained Bsc and Msc degrees in Psychology from the University of Lagos, before being called to the English Bar in 1996. After working at the Nigerian Custom Services, and as a Banker at the former International Merchant Bank (IMB), she set up her own furniture business in Lagos.

T

Late Mrs. Akerele

56 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 30,

2012

Fear grips Idimu landlords, residents as land grabbers takeover properties •Monarch allays fears, says no cause for alarm

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI ANDLORDS and residents in some parts of Idimu and environs. In Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, have appealed to Lagos State Government to intervene in the recent land matter to avert imminent communal clash.

It would be recalled that the paramount ruler of Isheri-Olofin, Oniseri of Isheri-Olofin, Wahabi Ayinde Balogun, recently won a land dispute of about 40 years in Lagos High Court between indigenes of Isheri Olofin and OlorunfunmiMadarikan family of Idimu over landed properties in old Isheri comprising; Egbe, Igando, Meshindi (Ogbomosho) villages and

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others.

According to them, the appeal became necessary as land grabbers took their turn to take possession of landed property in Arida, IdowuEgba,council and Ogbomoshotedo areas in Idimu on the strength of court judgement.Notices were also pasted on all the affected houses, informing them of the court judgment.

One of the property owners who did not want his name mentioned, narrated, “hoodlums who are loyal to Isheri-Olofin family took the advantage of the court verdict and unleash terror on the landlords, residents and shop-owners in the affected areas, asking us to come forward to regularise our various land titles with the rightful owners or be kicked out, adding hence, adding that the land, earlier

belong to OlorunfunmiMadarikan’s family has the regularisation become necessary.

It was gathered that after the High Court judgment won by Owoeye and Co, solicitor to IsheriOlofin party, Olorunfunmi-Madarikan family, the former custodian and owner of the disputed landed property had proceeded to the appeal court to nullify the judgement.[Appeal No CA/L/525/11] The Madarikan family however, expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement and therefore filed an appeal suit in conjunction with Abisiwa family was filled against the judgment.

Both families also maintained that motion on stay of execution and interlocutory injunction stays pending determination of appeal.

70% of outdoor ad space unused — OAAN According to Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, 70 percent of out-of-home advertising space in Nigeria was unused due to challenges created by multiple payments and duplication of duties by government agencies at various levels. The advertising body said the possibilities in outdoor advertising have not been fully exploited because there were no clear-cut government regulators and laws and a specific identity of what the body described as ‘who owns the land.”

At a briefing on the forthcoming advertising forum scheduled for July 6, at Sheraton Hotels, in Lagos, Mr. Charles Chijide, President of OAAN, pointed out that many outdoor advertising agencies have closed shops, with some employers turning to job seekers.

He said the forum, themed Outdoor Advertising Regulation and Control in Nigeria, would be a full day of technical deliberations on ways to tackle the dire situation of outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

Some of the issues that would be addressed at the forum by knowledgeable speakers are self-regulation, government regulation, multiple taxation and multiple payments, grey areas on what the laws say, who controls what, and so on.

Lecture Gov. T.A. Orji delivers a lecture on “Regional Economic Integration & National Transformation; Domestic Security and the Role of Stakeholders” The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji will be delivering a lecture titled, “Regional Economic Integration & National Transformation; Domestic Security and the Role of Stakeholders,” at a Public Policy Forum holding on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 10.30 a.m.

According to a release by Chairman of the Public Policy Forum, Prof. (Amb) George Obiozor, the choice of Gov. Orji as Guest Speaker for the lecture was in recognition of his renewed determination towards achieving accelerated socio-economic development and high-level human capital through sustained economic integration framework that matches the pace of global economic advancement.

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—57

Undoing the ravages of office work The Crescent Moon Technique: From sitting on your heels, rise up on your knees and stretch back the right leg as far back as you can, and keep the left knee bent to waist level. Now, with hands together, raise them overhead and bend backwards.

Hold the position for about 10 seconds, then change legs and repeat.

Benefits: The Crescent Moon tones

The Camel

The Twist Over

up the muscles of the hips, thighs and legs. It is also said to promote balance and concentration.

The Camel Technique: Sit on your heels and arrange the hands next to the feet with fingers pointing backwards.

Now lift yourself up and hump up the chest and let the head drop. This is the Camel, stay in the posture for some 15 counts.

Lower the body, rest a white and repeat.

Benefits: The Camel, Ustrasara ir Sanskrit, endows the practitioner with elasticity. Th chest expansion that come with this exercise coupled with gentle but deep breathing ar most rejuvenating.

People with chest an respiratory disorders will gain help from the practice of the Camel.

The Twist Over Technique: Lying flat on your back wift feet together

The Crescent Moon

and arms spread out at shoulder level, plac your right foot on top of you left thigh. Now, bring your lef hand to hold your right knee and gently press the left leg down. In all of this, try to keep your back flat down on th floor. Hold the position for some 10 to 15 seconds an repeat on the other side.

Benefits: The Twist over endows the spine with suppleness and the digestive organs and kidney get gentle but effective massage.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Ademola Adetokumbo Victoria Island Lagos 9.00am — 10.00am on Satufdays

58—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 , 2012 — 59

60—Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012

UNREQUITED LOVE!

By EVELYN USMAN

Ghanian in Police net for alleged battery, murder of Nigerian girlfriend Bereaved father demands for daughter’s corpse, granddaughter

*Chika’s new baby

,

FOUR years ago, Miss Chika Obasi like very other young girl, left the cuddling of her parents in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital for Lagos in search of greener pastures.

The Ohazara local government area, Ebonyi State born pretty lady was full of expectations as she made to settle down in Lagos. Soon, she got hooked up with a Ghanaian, an eligible bachelor known as Patrick Pascal,and one year into the amorous affairs, both became head over heels in love.

Not wanting to take chances, the then 22 year-old Miss Obasi quickly moved into Pascal’s Onifade Aiyetoro apartment in the neighbouring Ogun State and they started living as ‘husband and wife’ . Reports say things went on well with the duo until quite recently; and today the relationship has even turned sour as Miss Obasi, the hitherto cynosure of Pascal’s eyes has been turned into a punching bag. A day without Pascal beating Chika is said to be incomplete. As the former lovebirds now live like cats and dogs. Unfortunately, during one of the quarrels last Wednesday, Pascal allegedly beat Chika to a pulp and threw her out of the house.

But as you read this piece, an agonizing twist has been introduced into the whole unholy drama as Chika’s whereabouts is unknown .

Meanwhile, back at her parents Port Harcourt home, apprehension has set in ,following a strange call informing them that their daughter’s corpse was found somewhere in Lagos, last Thursday, necessitating her father to rush down to Lagos.

But searches conducted round hospitals and mortuary so far have been futile.

Narrating the family ’s predicament, Chika’s father, Eze Cletus Obasi who was visibly distraught called on the Police and other concerned authorities to wade into the matter with a view to finding his daughter’s body.

As if the family had a premonition of what has befallen Chika, Eze Cletus, who is Eze Igbo in Port Harcourt, disclosed that when the

Not wanting to take chances, the then 22 year-old Miss Obasi quickly moved into Pascal’s Onifade Aiyetoro apartment in the neighbouring Ogun state and they started living as ‘husband and wife

daughter visited last year, she was prevented from returning back to Lagos, apparently due to the fact that the marriage with the Ghanaian was done against their consent. But like one blinded by love, Chika, reportedly sneaked back to Lagos.

Explaining what could have resulted in the fight, Eze Cletus said, “ My daughter called to say that her husband drove her away from the house three weeks ago and she went to stay with a friend. She later called last week that she got to her husband’s house, only to find another woman he claimed was his new wife . When she confronted them, she said her husband, the strange woman and another lady started

,

beating her and at the end she was thrown out.

But to my shock, next day being Thursday, my telephone rang and the number happened to be my daughter’s. But when I picked the call, it was another person who introduced himself as Aloe. He asked if I knew the owner of the phone and when I told him it was my daughter’s, he informed us that they had a terrible situation, as my daughter was lying dead in a street I can not remember.

I begged him to rush her to the hospital or even to the morgue. I also advised him to go and report at the police station around , promising to send my relatives to the place.

The caller promised to call back.

But since then, I have not heard

*Missing Chika... murdered? from him. Even when I tried the line, the phone was switched off. I have gone round mortuaries in Lagos and even hospitals and police stations in search of my daughter; but all is to no avail.”

Continuing, Eze Cletus said, “The question begging for an answer is the whereabouts of my daughter. If she is alive , then how come we have not been able to reach her. And if she is dead, then where is her corpse? As if that is not enough, my daughter has a child for her socalled husband. But she called to inform me one day that he took the baby to Ghana and never returned with her. Now

I have to grieve over my daughter and granddaughter”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police command has arrested the Ghanaian and two other persons alleged to have gang -beaten the estrange wife. The case as gathered, was reported by Eze Obasi at Itele- Otta police division, thereby leading to their arrest.

Spokesman for the Ogun State Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest, saying that the corpse was yet to be found.

But he could not state categorically if it was a case of murder, saying, “ We have been searching for the body since, to no avail.

A-R-M-E-D R-O-B-B-E-R-Y

Two members of Ogun royal family arrested

By DAUD OLATUNJI, TWO members of one of the u l i n g royal families in Ogun State suspected to be armed robbers met their waterloo last Sunday when men of the Nigeria Customs Service,NCS, in Ogun State intercepted them with blood-stained jeep that was recently robbed in Lagos. Nemesis caught up with the two suspects identified as, Ademola Adeniyi and Ajayi Adesina after they allegedly offered the sum of r

N500,000 to the customs officers to evade arrest shortly after a robbery operation at 5am. Their attempts were however rebuffed by the men of the Customs who insisted that they must face the music.

The Comptroller of Customs in the state,Akande Bamidele who paraded the suspects before handing them over to police said Adesina was initially arrested with Acura MDX with no number plate and later his colleague in crime, Ademola, was also

nabbed with one Passat marked, Abuja KWL 560 AA, in Ewekoro Local Government area of Ogun State.

Addressing newsmen shortly before the display of 406 cartons of frozen poultry products worth three million naira, the comptroller said Ajayi was initially arrested with the blood-stained Acura and he later called his alleged ring leader, Ademola on phone to rescue him. The Customs boss further disclosed that the second suspect, Ademola later arrived the

scene in a lemon-green Passat and begged the custom officers to release his colleague in crime and then offered them bribe.

According to him, the suspects who were later handed over to the police in the state made confessional statements confirming that they robbed at gun point at Bariga in Lagos that Sunday.

“On close examination, we discovered that they are hardened criminals, we saw human blood on the Acura and we have every reason to suspect that the other car brought by Adeniyi was

stolen,that is why we are handing the case over to the police.

While receiving the suspects on behalf of the police state command, the Head of Ogun Police Command state Criminal Investigations Department, Mr. Fola Ogunkoya promised to investigate the case and subsequently charge them to court after completion.

Meanwhile, the state command of Nigeria Customs service has impounded no fewer than 406 cartons of frozen food at Idi-Iroko and Imeko-Afon axis of the state.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—61

62—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012

Warri Wolves boss thumbs down Nigerian league Stories by KATE OBODO

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arri Wolves G e n e r a l Manager, Tony Rafua has said that the Nigeria Premier League is still on a low side, stressing that at this stage of the League, things would have improved better for it to be compared to other leagues in the world.

“Honestly speaking, I’m not too impressed with the running of the league so far. A lot of things have not been put right the way a true professional league should be,” he told Inside Out Premier League in Ado Ekiti.

Continuing he said, “ It is unfortunate that

many people have lost faith in the whole setting . But then, since we are earning our living from it, we want to continue to do the necessary things that would enable the league grow.

“I can not imagine a situation where league matches are always moved backward or suspended for no reason.

As it is said that the league has gotten to Week 28 but most of the clubs have not played their outstanding games, how then can one justify that? For me, whenever we are called upon to play we will play but in my own view I don’t think is the best for the league.

I also think if the calender can be

harmonised, the idea of rescheduling matches at will would be done in proper order,”he said.

Stressing that club owners who invest heavily on their clubs get little, he said, “I’m not speaking for Warri Wolves but as a stakeholder of the NPL, my annoyance is that the clubs invest so much but get little from the organiser of the league which is so painful and discouraging. Football is supposed to be a money spinning venture all over the world but unfortunately in Nigeria, it is a money sucking venture. And until we come out to tell ourselves the truth, the league will still remain the same,” he concluded.

S-west clubs x-ray performances in NNL, NWL

BY IME BASSEY

O BATTLE .....Bassey Ezekiel of Lobi Stars (right) challenging Chikeluba Ofoedu of Rangers for the ball during a league match.

Fame Academy confident of success in Con Fed Cup

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ederation Cup giant killers, Fame Academy of Lagos have said they are among the favourites to win this year ’s title having defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan 2-1 last Monday in Sagamu to book their passage into the round of 32 of the oldest competition.

Chief Coach of the nonleague side, Yinka Adeniyi told Inside Out Premier League that their victory calls for celebration.

“I feel excited for a very fantastic game and we give God the glory for the victory. We are the under dogs and no one gave us a chance but we will prove our critics wrong that we are strong favourites to win the cup this year,” Adeniyi said, adding that his opponents were overrated.

“I have watched Shooting Stars in their past league matches, they were not fantastic but were overrated. This

is F.A Cup and anything can happen. Any team that underrate my team will be doing that at their peril. I have a bunch of young players but not too experienced,”he confessed.

Meanwhile, Fame Academy has been paired to face Gombe Utd in the round of 32 of the competition in Lokoja.

According to Adeniyi, “We are ready for more challenges and we are ready to surprise the socalled big teams. Expect good football from the team in the next round.”

Adeniyi however, expressed optimism that his team can go as far as the final of the competition to be hosted in Lagos later this year.

“It is very possible for us to play in the final of the competition with the calibre of players in my squad and we could win the trophy. The final will be in Lagos and that will be a huge advantage to us,” he added

yo State Football Association Chairman, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju has said that the poor performance of the various clubs in the South-West zone in the Nigerian National League (NNL) and the Nation-Wide league (NWL) is a component of many factors.

Barrister Adepoju made this known after the South-West zonal meeting of state FA chairmen and club administrators in the zone to address the way forward.

He noted that the state chairmen are keen on aiding the club sides to return to winning ways.

“For us as chairmen of the various State FAs, we can’t just seat and watch without acting, else we lose growth and also followers. So we had to take up the responsibility of helping the various clubs’ management to get things right. This we looked at from the viewpoint of forging unity amongst ourselves.

“We were able to identify some of the problems plaguing the clubs as of the moment, issues that are within our control (State FA), those of the State Government which happens to be the owners of the clubs and the various club management

Okagbare

Metu

Nigerian athletes are dope free, says AFN

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thletics Federation of Nigeria doping c o m m i t t e e chairman, Dr. Ken Anugwueje disclosed that all the Nigerian athletes competing at the African Championships have been put through a stringent dope test.

According to him these tests were carried out on athletes who were camped in Port Harcourt and also all those others who participated at the All Nigeria/Cross Championships in Calabar.

“We don’t expect anyone of our athletes to test positive here in Port Novo or at the London 2012 Olympics.

“What we have right now is a very clean team. And I would be very

surprised if we have any positive case and even if we do, it will be from those we have not tested.

“We were very stringent with our testing. There were times we even had to conduct search on the bags of the athletes to

ensure no one was taking drugs we are not aware of,” said Dr. Anugwueje He added that the AFN is determined to end the cycle of Nigerian athletes testing positive at international events.

We gave our athletes the best—Ogba

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thletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba is yet to come to terms with Nigeria surrendering the 100m gold at the African Championships, which comes to an end on Sunday.

Ogba sat dumbfounded as Blessing Okagbare and Obinna Metu failed to make the desired impact

in the sprints. He had expected so much from the athletes, having gone out his way to put them in one of the best hotels in Benin Republic.

“It was with the hope that we will not have any complaints that we paid their allowances up front.

We did everything to make sure that they are focused in giving us good result,” Ogba remarked.

Morton, Okagbare win gold

BY BEN EFE, Port Novo LESSING Okabgare made up for the disappointment of losing the women 100m gold, when she effortlessly took the long jump gold yesterday.

She landed 6.96m on the second jump to put smiles on the faces of Athletics Nigeria officials who had earlier watched with disgust as 400m hurdles runner, Ameachi Morton was disqualified and stripped of his gold, after he was judged to have stepped

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out of his lane. However, he was restored to his number one position after a careful study of the footage by the track judges.

Morton had taken the lead from the 200m mark, but at the last curve there was some movements Morton kicked the hurdles just as the South Africa’s Ly Van Zyl who in lane one stumbled and fell.

Morton running in his first African Championships said he was happy to have his gold back. He ran 49.32 seconds, while Mamoudu Hanne of Senegal who chased him

down the finish line came in at 49. 39, Kenya’s Boniface Macheru finished for the bronze at 49. 45.

In the women 400m brave Regina George won silver for Nigeria. Botswana’s Amantle Montsho proved too strong for the rest of the women. The World champion from Deagu 2011 set a championships record with 49.54 seconds, while George running in her first African championships made 51.11 beating Senegelese veteran Amy Thiam to third place, she finished 51.68 seconds..

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 30, 2012—63

Elijah lauds Eagles’/Arsenal friendly

BY IME BASSEY AUDI ’89 silver winning Flying Eagle star, Samuel Elijah has welcomed the proposed Super Eagles friendly

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•Believes Keshi’s on right track against Arsenal in August.The former Super Eagles defender who made his mark in the Nigerian

league said it would help the home lads to prepare well enough before their next qualifiers.

ALL FOR CHESS... Nigerian Breweries Plc and the Nigeria Chess Federation, NCF, ushered in the 2012 edition of the 35th International Open Chess Championship in a press briefing ion Lagos. From left, Mr. Edem Vindah, Manager, Public & Media Relations, NB Plc. Mr. Vivien Ikem representing Public Affairs Adviser, NB Plc handing over the championship trophy to Mrs. Bidemi Ganiyu-Opolo, Secretary General, Nigeria Chess Federation and Mr. Femi Solaja (right) representing the President NCF. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

Technical director: Ukeachu favours Onigbinde, Amodu

By EDDIE AKALONU

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oach Tony Ukeachu has said the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, should have no problem choosing a Nigerian as its technical director, just as he has recommended the pair of Shaibu Amodu and Festus Onigbinde as the most suitable hands to man the vacant position in the Federation.

Speaking to Saturday Vanguard Sports, Ukeachu posited that both men have the experience, capacity and knowledge which the FA has specified for the position.

Earlier, Ukeachu had also expressed support to the Ministerial directive barring the NFF from employing a foreigner for the office, saying there are capable Nigerians available to do the work.

“That office needs someone who is popular among stakeholders, available and has dedication towards meeting the aspirations of the people. We have them ready in those I have mentioned,” he stressed.

Ukeachu, the former Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Enyimba and Udoji United Football club handler feels that both Amodu

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and Onigbinde meet the requirements the NFF specified for the job.

“Both men have already worked at club and national team levels and have been instrumental in bringing up some of our notable players.

They know our teams and players and have worked in all parts of the country,” he said.

“My take is that they know where to go to get the players and I can’t see how a 39 year old foreigner the NFF initially settled for, could have worked effectively with Nigerian coaches and clubs to transform our football. No foreigner can be effective on the job without having a

Nigerian as his guide and support. Rather than do that, we should entrust the job only on the shoulders of our own person because we have them here and they will be more than dedicated to give the country the best ,” he advised. Ukeachu therefore, called on the NFF

to gear up effort towards or administrator take up the job,” adding that “however, in the event the NFF do not want Amodu or Onigbinde, there are equally other qualified Nigerians available to take up the post whom we are ready to give full support to be successful on the job,” he stated.

London Olympics: We’ll win gold medal, NWF assures

By IME BASSEY

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ollowing the training tour of the weightlifters billed to fly the country’s colours at the forthcoming London Olympics Games, First Vice President of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, Alhaji Mohammed Halilu has assured Nigerians that the lifters will win gold at the Games.

The former Nassarawa State Commissioner of Sports said that the lifters’ performance at the last African Championship will be improved upon by the training which will keep them abreast with the best present techniques and tools to fight favourably for gold medal.

“What is on our mind is to comeback with medals from the Games. With lifters in camp and their per-

formance at the last African championship, I am convinced of a gold medal. The reason behind the Germany camping is

to improve on the lifters’ techniques so they will be in a better position to compete favourable with their counterparts at the

Games,” Halilu said.

It will be recalled that the lifters departed the shores of the country for Germany with seven lifters.

NHF spokesman sure of memorable Hockey league

By IME BASSEY

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head of this years’ grand finale of the International Energy Insurance (IEI) Hockey National League billed for the hockey pitch at the Abuja National Stadium, media officer of the Nigerian Hockey Federation, Taiwo Alimi has said that the tournament will leave lasting marks in the hearts of hockey lovers.

Alimi, who said that the tournament will commence at the end of August, noted that the winner of the championship will represent the nation

at this year ’s African Hockey Championship due to hold in Nairobi, Kenya.

“The final comes up immediately after the Olympic Games in London. We are expecting another interesting tournament that will leave indelible memories in the hearts of hockey enthusiast.

“The push for the laurel is built on the winner representing the country at the African Hockey Championship billed for Kenya later this year.

The competitive aspect of the tournament is that

derived by the various clubs in the conferences having avenue to test their mettle which they don’t get regularly,” Alimi said.

It will be recalled that the 2011 edition was won by Yobe Desert Warriors after defeating Niger Flickers in the final of the male category while the female category was won by Bayelsa Queens, which returned to give Imo Heartlands, winners of the inaugural edition of the league in 2010, a run for their money, to lift the trophy.

“It is a good game for the team most especially, the home lads to get more experience. More so, it will serve as a good preparation for the team’s next qualifiers. Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world; therefore, nobody should play down the tie for any reason whatsoever,” Elijah said. On the progress in the rebuilding process of the Eagles, the former Kwara United defender stated that Keshi is on track, adding that he is following the footsteps of his former coach, Clemens Westerhof.

He expressed joy over the stop of automatic shirt given to foreign players in the past.

“I believe that the present crop of players in the team are talented and want to make name for themselves which in-turn, takes the country to her desired height as we enjoyed when we were young stars during the time of Clemens Westerhof. “What excites me most is the removal of automatic shirt. This has actually brought competitiveness into the team, making the foreign lads to sit up.

I have to be sincere with you, Keshi is doing a good job which can’t just be ignored. I am sure he (Keshi) is on the right part and will not fail if we give him the necessary support,” Elijah added.

2012 AWC: Chiejine calls for early preparation

By KATE OBODO

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ormer Super Falcons goalkeeper Ann Chiejine has called for early preparations ahead of the forthcoming Africa Women’s Champion,AWC, slated for Equatorial Guinea later in the year.

Chiejine who believes Falcons would do better in the Championship if there are more friendly matches organised for the team, praised the team for their performance in the international friendly against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa. Speaking with Saturday Vanguard Sports at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos last Saturday, the former Falcons captain said, “early preparation is the key if we must succeed in the forthcoming AWC. “So far, there have been an improvement in the team but there is need for more work if there must a tremendous change and credible performance in the competition.

“At least five or more friendly matches should be organised for the team ahead of the competition as it would help them improve in their performance,” she said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, June 30, 2012

Falcons will soar beyond Africa — Unuanel Stories by KATE OBODO

UPER Falcons assistant coach Samuel Unuanel has said that his team is capable of defending the

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African Women’s Champion(AWC) title when the competition begins later this year in Equatorial Guinea.

He also said they are focusing in building a formidable team that would surprise the world in the nearest future. The six times African Women’s Champion defeated the Warriors of Zimbabwe 6-0 on aggregation to qualify for the forthcoming AWC. The Ocean Boys Chief Coach who stood in for an indisposed coach Kadiri Ikhana against Banyana Banyana of South African in a international friendly game last Saturday at the

Teslim Balogun stadium, expressed his delight on the performance of his players despite drawing with the South Africans .

“The team have what it takes to rule Africa and the World under the tutelage of Kadiri Ikhana.

I’m happy with the development of the team and I think with more friendly matches and hard work, I see them ruling Africa again.

For now, we want to blend the foreign-based players with the local ones and I believe before the event we will have a strong team,” he assured.

Arsenal friendly good for Eagles — Keshi

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EKO 2012: The Mascot for the 18TH National Sports Festival was unveiled in Lagos Thursday by the Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, at the Muson Centre in Lagos. Governor Fashola (2nd left), his Deputy and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the festival, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right), the Mascot, LASGIBI (2nd right) and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, a member C of the LOC (left), during the ceremony.

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Nations/World Cup qualifiers:

UPER Eagles Chief Coach , Stephen Keshi believes the upcoming friendly match between the Super Eagles and Arsenal will be hugely beneficial to both sides.

The Eagles will meet Arsene Wenger’s team at the Abuja National Stadium on August 5 as the Gunners intensify their preparations for the 2012/ 2013 season.

It is the first time Arsenal will be playing in Nigeria and Keshi believes

Home-based players can make the difference if... Cooreman

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hief coach of Warri Wolves Football Club, Maurice Cooreman has said that the new Super Eagles Stephen Keshi is building would improve with time if he continues to blend the home-based players, who are hungry for honours, with their f o r e i g n - b a s e d compatriots.

The former Kaduna United coach who expressed satisfaction

with the performance of the local players who have featured in both the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World qualifiers said Keshi has done well but needs to include more players from the local league, stressing that there are many more home-based players who need such opportunities to prove their worth.

“My experience with the local league shows that Nigeria is blessed

with a rich pool of talented players that are determined and focused when given the chance,”Cooreman said.

He said that “so far, Keshi has shown that he is committed and capable for the job and has also shown that there are good players in the Nigerian Premier League who were neglected by his predecessors.

“Building a new team with new players is a very big task for any coach who wants the best for his team, therefore it requires time and patience. Here in Nigeria, it is a different ball game as everybody wants the team to win all the time without minding what is at stake.

It is a difficult thing for any national team coach but people don’t want to know, all they want is winning and getting

results which is good,” he stressed.

He however, affirmed that Keshi would qualify the country for the Nations Cup in South Africa, if all hands are on deck.

“Nigerians need to be patient and support Keshi to achieve this. I believe at the end of the Nations Cup qualifier, he would come out with better results, “ he added.

the experience will be special. “The game will be very special and I believe it is going to be hugely beneficial to both teams.

“Like you know, Arsenal are preparing for the new Barclays English Premier League season while we will also use the game to prepare for the upcoming World and Nations Cup qualifiers, so this game is very important,” Keshi told SuperSport.com.

Keshi also hinted that home-grown players would be relied upon to prosecute the game against Arsenal.

“The game will be especially important for the home-based players who will have a chance to prove themselves against top flight competition,” he said. The coach also took the time to appraise his rebuilding project with the national team which has seen him blood domestically-based talent and the foreign-based professionals.

“To be honest, I can’t say I’m satisfied yet with the project. Yes, there are improvements in several aspects but we will be deceiving ourselves if we think everything is perfect,” Keshi said.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Enugu Rangers Forward, Ejike – (7) 5 Ethiopian Currency – (4) 7 South African President, Jacob – (4) 8 Amphibian – (4) 9 Former Osun State Governor, Olapade – (10) 13 Adhesive – (4) 14 State in Nigeria Known as “The Big Heart”? – (5) 16 Former Super Eagles Striker, Nwankwo – (4) 17 Brazillian Currency – (4) 19 Colour – (5) 20 Bangladesh Currency – (4) 21 Tanzania Capital City – (10) 26 Former Delta State Governor, Mr. Felix – (4) 27 L.G.A in Kano State – (4) 28 L.G.A in Jigawa State – (4) 29 Beach Soccer “Eagles” Striker, Isiaka – (7)

Down 1 L.G.A in Abia State – (4) 2 Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore – (4) 3 Kano Pillars Striker, Victor – (4) 4 L.G.A in Ebonyi State – (4) 5 L.G.A in Katsina State – (10) 6 Everton Defender, Jack – (7) 10 INEC National Chairman, Attahiru – (4) 11 L.G.A in Osun State – (10) 12 Plural of Radius – (5) 15 England Premier League Division 2 Club Side – (5) 16 State in Nigeria – (7) 18 Anambra State Capital – (4) 22 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Samuel – (4) 23 Yemen Capital City – (4) 24 Yoruba Girl’s Name – (4) 25 Linear Measurement Unit – (4)

SOLUTION ON PAGE 53

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