Johnathan succumbs,governors lose senate battle by Vanguard Media Limited

C M Y K

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

SIR ANTHONY OBUH’S DECLARATION Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh’s declaration of his gubernatorial ambition under the Platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State, which was held at the Cenotaph, Asaba yesterday. Photos by Henry Unini

From left; Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Hon. Basil Ganagana, Sir Tony Obuh and his wife, Esther Obuh

From left; Hon. Evelyn Ojakovo, Sir Tony Obuh and his wife, Lady Esther Obuh

From left; Sir Tony Obuh, his wife, Lady Esther Obuh, Chief Julius Ogboru and Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay

Supporters at the declaration venue

Chief Ayiri Emami (middle) addressing the mammoth crowd during the public declaration

Supporters at the declaration venue

Obuh acknowledging cheers from the teaming supporters on arrival at venue

Daddy Showky entertaining the teaming crowd

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Jonathan succumbs, Governors lose senate battle •As OBJ loyalist, 1000 PDP members join APC BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU and DAUD OLATUNJI

HERE were indications yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee, NWC, may have succumbed to the aggrieved senators’ demand for automatic ticket in the 2015 elections. The Presidency appears very sensitive over any matter that could mar the reelection of President Jonathanin2015andquickly responds to disputes or apathy raised by top party cliques in order to accommodate and carry the entire party along as they now say in political parlance. Shortly after allowing state governors to control the party structures in their various states as far as the elections were concerned serving senators mounted pressure to have their way too. The PDP -led Senate had abruptly adjourned plenary for two days Wednesday, over alleged hijack of electoral materials for the recently conducted ward congresses by the governors thereby making their reelection bids and even aspirations for other political positions difficult. The implication of the party’s decision to also allow the senators continue would be that some of the nine serving governors like Theodore Orji of Abia State and his counterparts in Benue - Gabriel Suswam; Enugu- Sullivan Chime; Delta- Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Ebonyi- Martin Elechi; Akwa Ibom- Godwill Akpabio; Katsina – Ibrahim Shema; Kebbi Aliyu Dakinbari and PlateauJonah Jang may after all miss the opportunity of going to the Senate following party decisions. This was even as the hideand- seek game between the party and former President Olusegun Obasanjo continues with about 1000 of Obasanjo’s supporters led by the former national treasurer and Obasanjo’s strong ally, Bode Mustapha defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State yesterday following the frosty relation between him and the national leadership of the PDP. Obasanjo had earlier in the year said on Channels Television that he bore no grudge against anybody in the PDP, but expressed his displeasure with the choice of Mr Buruji Kashamu as the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation committee

of the party in the SouthWest. “As a former President of Nigeria, the Chairman of West African Commission on Drug and a member of the Global Commission on Drug, I cannot accept that the zonal leader of my political party and, worse still in my zone, will be an indicted drug baron wanted in America. How do I explain that to friends outside Nigeria? This is only one of the many issues that I have pointed out and still pointing out,” he said, while giving a reason for his seeming withdrawal from the party’s national activities. According to him, he had a “national and international standard to maintain and reputation to keep and sustain.” However, the Senate President, David Mark led other aggrieved PDP senators to the meeting with Jonathan and the NWC of the PDP led by the national Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Thursday night. One of the senators who was part of the meeting between Jonathan and the national leadership of the party told Saturday Vanguard that both parties agreed that the senators would be allowed automatic tickets to contest the 2015 general elections. He said, “After listening to our grievances, President Jonathan showed understanding of our plight and assured that any of us that had shown interest to return to the National assembly would have the ticket. “This is a welcome development; a situation whereby about seventy five percent of serving senators are given automatic tickets by the party to return after elections will strengthen our democracy,” the senator said. Another source also hinted that the deliberation was fruitful as the party’s NWC was mandated to work out the modality which would ensure that the senators were returned in the 2015 without causing more crises within the party. With the assurance given to the senators, the source hinted that the senate would resume for legislative business on Tuesday. Asked whether there was plan to cancel the ward congresses to accommodate them in the promised automatic ticket, he said there was nothing like cancellation but that the NWC would work out the modalities. Saturday Vanguard gathered that President

Jonathan and the PDP’s NWC had to concede to the demand of the senators to ensure that the harmonious relationship between the president and the senate continued, bearing in mind that the senate had always supported the presidency during critical times. It was further gathered that allowing new crop of senators to take over the senate would not be in the interest of the presidency following the hard tackles against Jonathan by the House of Representatives. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe declined comments on the outcome of the meeting saying that the issue was a party affair. Meanwhile, about 1000 PDP members including the former National Treasurer, Bode Mustapha who were said to be loyal to Obasanjo in Ogun State have defected to the APC. They warned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba against plunging the country into war following his removal of the security details of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. Mustapha, also a former member of House of Representatives between

From left: Oyo State Governor, Senator Isiaq Ajimobi and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina cutting the tape to declare the plant open during the commissioning of Ultra Modern Edible Oil & Margarine Plant held at Idi Ayunre Junction, Ibadan yesterday, PHOTO BY SHOLA OYELESE, IBADAN 1999 and 2003 who had earlier submitted his form of intent for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat, led other prominent members of the PDP including the former Chairman of Abeokuta North, Sunday Akintona. He described APC as a better alternative to PDP. He berated the IGP for withdrawing Tambuwal’s security aides, saying that the continued absence of the security aides attached to the speaker could expose him to sundry security risks particularly the menace of the Boko Haram sect whose activities had attacked prominent persons in the country. “In Nigeria, we love sentiments a lot. Do we

know what can happen to Nigeria if anything should happen to Speaker Tambuwal? Nobody knows! The IGP should not put this country on fire. He should immediately restore Tambuwal’s security aides until a court of competent jurisdiction declares his seat vacant. “He was elected as the primus inter-pares in the House of Representatives. He was elected as leader by his members and it is only his members that can remove him as Speaker or a court of competent jurisdiction. Then and only then can his security aides be withdrawn. “When people were defecting to PDP, it was hosanna in Aso Rock to the

extent that Governor Mimiko of Ondo State defected to the PDP. ‘’But whatever is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. When Tambuwal defected, you withdrew his security aides. Why didn’t you do same when Governor Mimiko defected to the PDP because he was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP?.” The APC state Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lemboye, who received Mustapha’s form however, promised that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants in the state.

Suicide bomber bombs bank in Bauchi •14 persons killed, several others injured BY SONI DANIEL

FEMALE suicide bomber yesterday morning, at about 10 am, bombed bank customers at the First Bank, Azare, Bauchi State while banking transactions were going on, killing seven and injuring 10. A resident of Azare town who spoke on the condition of anonymity said most of the victims were workers who were in the bank to withdraw their salaries. Reuters however reported that nine people died from the explosion. The suicide bomber, it was learnt concealed the Improvised Explosive Device, IED, in her hijab and joined the bank customers on a queue to make withdrawals from one of the bank’s ATMs centres before the bomb exploded. The Information and Communications Officer,

at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Mallam Dahiru Haruna Shira, confirmed the incident on the telephone with newsmen adding that both the injured and the dead were brought to the hospital. However, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, said at the hospital that 14 dead bodies and 37 injured persons were brought to the hospital. Ibrahim also said 16 other victims were still on admission, while others were referred to Malam Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano because the victims had brain injuries. Two women were among those who died, and most of the people are from within Azare, while others are from Shira and Giade, he said.The First Bank

building where the suicide bombing took place had all its glass windows shattered. All banks in the town have been closed down and banking services suspended. Another bank staff who spoke on the issue said about 20 persons died while another said that the woman who carried out the attack had her body cut into two even as her head was found across the road near a suya spot, adding that a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who was in the bank to make withdrawals when the incident that killed her occurred. The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Bauchi State, DSP Haruna Mohammed,also confirmed the bank attack by a suspected Boko Haram female suicide bomber, pointing out that seven persons died while another 10 sustained various degrees of injuries. “On the 7/11/2014 at about

10:05hrs,there was a bomb explosion suspected to have been carried out by a female suicide bomber at First Bank premises in Azare Town, Bauchi State,” he said, adding that the, “scene of incident was visited by the Commissioner of Police for an on the spot assessment and to commiserate with victims.” He further said that, ‘’five of those wounded were treated and discharged.” According to him, “The entire surrounding have been cordoned off and swept by Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, E.O.D,” even as “four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and they are assisting the police with useful information that could aid investigation.’’

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Anger in Lagos, Ogun over hitches in distribution of voter cards •INEC extends exercise to Monday in Lagos • It is a mess – Fashola BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, DAPO AKINREFON, MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO AND OLAWALE GABRIEL

GAINST high expec tations that trailed the massive public enlightenment for residents of Lagos and Ogun States to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, the collection turned into a near flop in the two states at the commencement of the three day exercise. A frustrated Governor Babatunde Fashola was forced to go on public television yesterday to comfort Lagos citizens who he said were extremely disappointed by what he described as a mess. The exercise which was scheduled to take place in 11 of the 20 recognised local government areas of the state either did not take place at all or took off hours behind schedule after many expectant registrants had departed. The Lagos State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in a face saving measure was forced to extend the collection exercise scheduled to end tomorrow to Monday. The same tale of disappointment also shadowed the exercise in Ogun State, the other state where the distribution of the PVCs commenced in the country yesterday. Though the situation in Ogun looked relatively better than that in Lagos, there were also loud complaints from voters especially in communities neighbouring Lagos including Arepo where voters claimed that they waited endlessly for the officials of the commission. In many polling units where the officials were present they, however, lacked logistical materials to carry out the exercise. The PVCs being distributed are to replace the temporary voter cards given to voters at the point of registration in 2011. The distribution of the PVCs in Lagos State was scheduled in Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Mushin, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe; and Ojo Local Government. Thousands of residents who trooped to their various polling units very early in the morning waited for INEC officials for over six hours without any trace of officials to distribute the PVCs. Many went back to their respective homes in disappointment. The exercise, which was supposed to start by 8.00 a.m. did not start till about 3.30pm

Lagosians checking their names on the INEC list of permanent voters cards (PVC) around 3 pm. at Sunday Adigun polling Unit, Alausa, Ikeja yesterday. as polling units visited witnessed several frustrated residents waiting for INEC officials who were nowhere to be found. Among the polling units visited in the Ikeja area were Awolowo Way, Sunday Adigun Street where former Governor Bola Tinubu is registered, Polling Unit 008, Alausa among others. Everywhere, voters were seen in clusters either waiting for the INEC officials or for the materials or in some cases for both. Mr. Adewale Fasade, who was sighted at a Polling Unit in Ward C, Ikeja said he first went to his polling unit at Oregun and after waiting for hours without any sign of the INEC officials relocated to Ward C, Alausa on being told that some INEC officials were there. An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Wale Ogundimu, who was at Ward ‘C’ said he mobilised several members to come out as early as 8:30am to collect their PVCs, but lamented that they had been waiting for INEC for the past six hours lamenting that the officials were nowhere to be seen by mid afternoon. The same story prevailed in most areas of Ojo Local Government Area and even at the polling unit by the council secretariat on Olojo Drive. Mr. Afolabi Timothy, a resident, lamented that the officials made him wait endlessly, saying “if they knew they were not ready why would they include our council among those whose PVCs were ready.” “You can see, I am yet to know my fate. I woke early today and I got here by 7:00 am; waiting for the officials. At the moment they are yet to arrive. In fact, the names are yet to be pasted. I don’t know if my name was among the 4.8 million residents who will collect their

PVC. “I am beginning to doubt the credibility of next year’s election.” Another resident, Mrs. Tina James said “If I knew they would not come, I would have travelled for my business trip. But now, I don’t know what to do. “After waiting here for over three hours, I went to the Ojo local government secretariat to see if they were already distributing the materials to the officials, I mean the Youth Corpers but to my surprise, I saw them also waiting for the materials,” she said.

Fashola broadcast statement Reacting to the development yesterday, Governor Fashola who had proclaimed a public holiday for state workers because of the exercise faulted the excuse of INEC in blaming contractors for the floppiness as inexcusable Fashola, in a broadcast on the state’s television, LTV urged all registered residents of the eleven Local Governments where INEC commenced distribution of PVCs yesterday, to go and collect their cards to prevent themselves from being disenfranchised. He said by omission or commission, INEC had decided to make the exercise a painful experience in Lagos by announcing that it would only issue PVCS in 11 Local Governments out of the 20 old initially scheduled by the commission. Fashola expressed deep disappointment at what he described as the lack of planning which he said spoke volumes of the contempt and disregard of INEC for the rights of citizens, recalling that it was INEC that first announced that the exercise was planned for August, and later shifted it to September,

before finally announcing a take off for yesterday. The governor stated: “I can only imagine the level of disappointment that you must all feel, having waited anxiously for this exercise and in spite of the fact that we had declared a work free day. “As far as this further messy conduct is concerned, its lame excuse is that nine contractors disappointed it. Who are the contractors? Are they faceless? I think Nigerians deserve to know who they are. The information at my disposal is that all the cards are in Lagos and INEC must explain why it had decided not to distribute all of them”. “If this is a foretaste of what we should expect in the general elections, for me it is a bad start. It tastes awful but do not be disappointed as not to partake in the all important interest of keeping the country’s democracy.” He reiterated that INEC has not answered the question he posed about the delisting of over 1,400,000 voters from the register it compiled in 2011 in spite of assurances it gave Nigerians, and billions of naira it expended for the purpose.

INEC’s REC reacts The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, in his reaction to the development said the exercise would be extended to compensate for the initial hiccups. Dr Ogunmola told Saturday Vanguard that “Yes we had some delays to the kick off because some documents we were expecting from Abuja did not arrive early but we have gotten it. Our staff went to their respective locations to work and because of this delay, we have extended the closure of work from 4pm to 5pm every day.” “We will extend the closing time to 5pm and extend it by

P & G to host fabric event in Germany ROCTER & Gamble, the world leading fabric P care company has concluded plans to hold the 2nd edition of its future fabrics event taking place

from November 12 through 14, in Berlin, Germany. The event, with the theme “Fabric of the Senses” will showcase how the company’s 3-step fibre science approach has influenced its new products. It will also afford the company the rare opportunity to unveil its latest discovery on how human psychology and cognitive behaviour analysis are helping to fuel its product innovation. Guests will explore the revolutionary new approach to fabric care innovation that is inspired and informed by the cognitive science of human multi-sensory perception. During the event, guests will explore the revolutionary new approach to fabric care innovation that is inspired and informed by the cognitive P &G Fabric Care, whose global brands include Ariel, Tide Dash, Downy and Lenor. According to the company, the latest research showed that people are affected by multi-sensory influences even more than they realized and, at some point, they stopped wearing clothes because they lost the mult-sensorial properties that originally drew them in-their specific look, feel and handle. Commenting on the event, Vice-President of P &G Fabric Care Europe, Robert Van Pappelendam said, “It is P &G Fabric care’s belief that people are increasingly looking to the clothing industry, as well as fabric care experts, to make fashion more accessible and easier to clean and care for. This is why we’ve been working with fashion designer. Giles Deacon, and respected fabric trends forecaster. Premiere Vision, to forge to link between fabric care and fashion. So, we can develop products that respond to macro trends in the fashion and fabric industry. At the same time, we’ve also been working with the leading cognitive science professor, Dr. Lawrence Rosenblum to better understand how people’s perception and relationship with their clothes is unconsciously influenced by the multi-sensory properties of fabrics. This knowledge is at the very heart of our latest innovations to help us reinvigorate and lengthen the relationship consumers can have with their favourite garments.”

another day (till Monday, November 10th.)”

Complaints trail PVC distribution in Ogun Complaints of absent officials, shortage of logistics materials and missing names marred the exercise in most parts of Ogun State as the collection of the PVCs commenced in the state yesterday. The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso, were, however, among the few who had few complaints as they collected their cards easily at Ajura ward 4. The former governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba, however, could not find his card

at the Ago Oba Central Mosque in Ward 13, Abeokuta South local government, where he was supposed to pick up his card even though he found his name on the roll. He was, however, directed to the INEC office as he was told that he was among special dignitaries who the commission had made special arrangements for to collect their cards from the office. In Arepo, a sub-urban community near Lagos, residents waited endlessly for the officials to come.Oneresidentwhospoke toSaturdayVanguardoverthe telephone slammed the commission for the poor conduct of the exercise saying that it was lamentation of woe all around the community.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 — 7

BRIEFS

Tambuwal storms court with 68 lawyers ...as court orders Reps to maintain status quo till Nov 17 BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

HE embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday, stormed the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court with 68 senior lawyers, saying his life was in great danger. The Speaker who was equally accompanied to the court by members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the House of Representatives, urged the court to direct the Inspector-General General of Police, Sulaiman Abba to restore his security details. Addressing the court through his lead counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, yesterday, Tambuwal specifically accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu of plotting his downfall. He said that the two defendants had already conscripted the IGP into the plot to politically eliminate him, hence the abrupt withdrawal of all his security details. Therefore, Fagbemi, who led five other Senior Advocates of Nigeria that appeared for the Speaker yesterday, urged the high court to compel the defendants to show cause why the security aides hitherto attached to the plaintiff should not be restored. Meanwhile, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, yesterday, ordered the House of Reps to maintain status quo until November 17 when it would hear both the substantive matter that was brought before it by Tambuwal and two separate preliminary objections that were raised against the suit. Whereas the PDP and its Chairman, Mu’Azu jointly filed the first preliminary objection, the IGP and the Attorney General of the

Federation in their own joint objection, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. Nevertheless, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, yesterday, undertook that nothing would be done to jeopardize the position of the Speaker till the next adjourned date. The AGF through his lawyer, Mr. Okeaya-

Inneh, SAN, however urged the court to strike out the suit, contending that “by virtue of section 215(5) of the 1999 Constitution, the court cannot question the powers of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any Minister of the Government of the Federation authority to the Inspector-General on lawful directions with respect to the

maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary”. In their joint counter affidavit to Tambuwal’s originating summons dated October 30, both the AGF and the IGP, told the court that the membership seat of the 1st plaintiff at the House of Reps became automatically vacant at the point of his defection to the 2nd plaintiff, APC.

Muslim-Muslim ticket, no way, APC’s Bimbo Daramola says BY GBENGA ARIYIBI, ADO EKITI

member of the National Assembly, Hon. Bim bo Daramola,has dismissed the speculation that his party,the All Progressive Congress (APC) is going to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidential and vice-presidential slots in next year’s general elections, just as the lawmaker has finalized arrangements to donate a 32-bed hospital to his community Speaking with the newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday,Daramola urged members of the public to disregard such a speculation “as it was mere speculation” Daramola who is representing Oye -Ikole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives urged Nigerians to wait until the party picks its candidate. The lawmaker promised that his party would not leave any stone unturned towards ensuring that the party do the needful by considering the socio -political and religious factors in picking its candidates in 2015 general elections.

Withdraw SURE-P task force on Lagos roads, CNPP tells FG

T APC governorship hopeful,Akin Ambode, in a group photograph with members of Lagos State House of Assembly during consultations at the weekend.

2015: PDP aspirants rush to beat deadline •As Monye, Sagir, Ohakim, Elumelu, Ewuga, Anyanwu, others submit forms BY HENRY UMORU

S the Peoples Demo cratic Party, PDP closed submission of expression and nomination forms for all elective positions, governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly aspirants, yesterday rushed to Wadata Plaza, National Secretatiat to beat the deadline for submission of forms. At the PDP national Secretariat to submit his forms for Imo gubernatorial election, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim declared yesterday that Imo will lose N20 billion in monetary value if he fails to get the ticket come

November 29 governorship primary election of the party. Ohakim who noted that though the All Progressives Congress (APC) is in charge of government in Imo, but said that the party was not in power, however boasted that he would empower 10,000 youths and 1.4million artisans, adding that he decided to re-run with the view to rescue the state from what he called a calamity. He however promised that the acrimony which emanated from the conduct of last

week Saturday ward congresses would be managed by the party. Roll call of aspirants who rushed to submit their nomination forms yesterday were Ndudi Elumelu and Prof. Sylvester Monye for Delta; Sagir Hamisu for Zamfara State; Alhaji Lawal Samaila Abdullahi (Kaduna), Ambassador Ignatius Long Jan, Plateau; Mohammed Dele Belgore (Kwara), Senator Simeon Ajibola (Kwara), Zubairu Abdullahi (Kebbi).

Construction firms, retrenched workers cry out to FG, states over debts BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

N appeal has gone to the Federal Government and states owing construction companies in the country over completed and ongoing projects to pay up to save the contractors from pains. Some laid off workers of some of the companies, particularly those working on Eastern roads, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said they were sacked by their companies because they had no money to cope with paying their salaries. Confirming the development, a director of one of the companies said it was true that construction

companies had embarked on retrenchments because, according to him, they could neither move on with jobs on sites nor continue to carry on with workers’ salaries in situation of non-payments by the governments they worked for. He said, “They promised to pay but they never fulfilled their promises. The Federal Government owes us especially on the work we are contracted to do on EnuguOnitsha-Port Harcourt road and states like Ondo, Delta and few others are owing us. How then can contractors go on with jobs and how can they pay salaries?

HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Lagos State Chapter has condemned the deployment of SURE P taskforce on Lagos Roads by the Federal Government. In a press statement signed by CNPP, Lagos Chairman Hon. Akinola Obadia, the group stated that the recent clash with the officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), which role is to control the highway is an attempt to cause chaos and unrest within the state. Obadia added: “No doubt, the SURE-P programme introduced by Federal Government has given jobs to some Nigerians; however, we do not appreciate their deployment 3 months to the general elections. It’s a deliberate act on the part of the Federal Government to intimidate the residents of Lagos and thereby create confusion and unrest.” We are appealing to the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the men in black uniform from Lagos roads and also call the management of SURE-P to order and allow peace to reign in Lagos State, he concluded.

Amosun appeals over bursary delay By DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

HE governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikun le Amosun has appealed to the students who are Ogun indigines across the country to exercise patience over the delay in the payment of this year ’s bursary. The governor who spoke through his Special Assistant on Education, Clement Olusegun, blamed some schools of not sending their lists to the government. Clement while explaining the reason for the delay said “ the governor is very passionate about the payment of bursary, but , there are some schools which are yet to submit their lists but we are still working on it and very soon, the bursary will be paid to the students.”

PSC approves new CP for Cross River State By K INGSLEY OMONOBI-ABUJA.

HE Police Service Commission has approved the posting of CP. Henry Adebayo Fadairo to Cross River State as the new Commissioner of Police for the State Command. A statement by the Commission noted that CP. Fadairo until his new posting was the Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration, ‘A’ Department, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The posting is in line with the Constitutional Mandate of the Commission to appoint Officers as Commissioners of Police for State Commands.

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Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 8, 2014

BRIEFS Imposition: Group tasks Uduaghan on Clark’s advice

2015: Why I want to govern Delta — Obuh A

POLITICAL pressure group, Ijaw Political Assembly, has called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to heed the advice of Chief Edwin Clark to allow popular candidates emerge in the governorship and other elective positions in the state. The group in a statement by its national chairman, Comrade Sekebor Ebikeredeh, said the call by Chief Clark to Dr.Uduaghan and other political leaders became necessary to give room for internal democracy against the non popular candidate syndrome. According to them, the only thing that can work against Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, electoral victory is the imposition of an unpopular candidate against the choice of the masses, appealing to party leaders to support the crusade against imposition of candidates.

BY FESTUS AHON, Asaba

PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship aspirant in Delta State, Mr Tony Obuh, has said that the health policy of his administration, if elected, would be aimed at reducing social disparities in health care (universal coverage) by placing emphasis on primary health care. Deltans from all tribes graced the event. The crowd was huge. Obuh who spoke yesterday during his official declaration for the governorship race at the Cenotaph, Asaba, said; “emphasis will be on access to first intervention basic healthcare, including public hygiene. Pregnant women and their babies, children who are five and below, and the elderly will continue to have free medical care. “We will ensure functional and sustainable healthcare delivery in communities through well-equipped primary healthcare centres and continuation of renovation of our hospitals, including providing them with modern equipment. All the local governments will have functional health facilities, while our tertiary health facility at the Teaching Hospital in Oghara will always

INEC postpones collection of PVC in Rivers BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

Delta Gubernatorial Race: Chief Edwin Clark chatting with Delta State Gubernatorial Aspirant, Hon. Ndidi Godwin Elumelu during his visit to Chief Clark, shortly after he submitted his PDP Nomination Forms at PDP Head Office in Abuja while Mrs Clark looks on in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan. receive prompt attention months, we have agriculture through and to put it at par with other consulted widely across sustaining such institutions the State, received strengthening of existing globally”. prayers; we have received a g r i c u l t u r a l While saying they thousands of telephone i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . would pursue their calls and text messages, Communities will be to policies and programmes including personal encouraged with renewed vigour, visitations from all concentrate on areas of deep sense of segments of our society comparative advantage. “Our policy thrust will responsibility and deliver asking me to come to service proactively to contest for the post of the focus on strategic every nook and cranny of Governor of our dear agricultural production and support across the the State, he said; Delta State.” “towards this end, a Continuing, he said: “I value chain through bottom-up approach that am aware of the large agri-business market g u a r a n t e e s cultivable lands around us identification and entry export responsiveness to the which stand us in good strategies, yearnings of the populace stead. If properly promotion and market will be adopted which is harnessed, it could be a d e v e l o p m e n t , the hallmark of good vital tool in our quest for agricultural extension governance and a Delta Beyond Oil. In and training, including leadership. recognition of the fact that storage, processing, and “I am ready to serve in oil is an exhaustible packaging transportation of fresh a more challenging resource, our capacity to impact on the administration will and perishable produce lives of the people of encourage the growth of to minimize post-harvest losses. Delta State. In the last few

Large turn out as Edo voters receive PVC BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

HE Permanent Voters Card (PVC) exercise commenced successfully yesterday in Edo state with political leaders in the state hailing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the exercise. Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) yesterday took their public

awareness campaign to major markets in Benin sensitizing the people on the need to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). Saturday Vanguard however, observed that the permanent voters card arrived most of the centers at about 10am and the turnout was very impressive. A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the state, Senator Rowland Owie, Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Political Matters, Chief Charles Idahosa, APC House of Representatives aspirant, Crosby Eribo commended INEC for the exercise. Saturday Vanguard observed in Uhumnwonde and Ikpoba Okhai Local

Horsefall, Elekema clash over Wike guber ambition BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

N elder statesman in Rivers state and former Director General Department of State Security, DSS, Chief Albert Horsefall has called on the former Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike to forget his ambition of being governor of the state come 2015.

Horsefall who hinged his position on the ground that power should rotate between the upland and Riverine parts of the state said their would be another round of crisis in the state if Wike emerged governor of the state. In a swift reaction, Leader of Kalabari stakeholders forum of Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Precious Elekema

dismissed the fears of Chief Horsefall as mere speculations, saying another upland governor in 2015 would not upset the peace in the state. He said those opposed to Wike’s governorship bid in the PDP were not ready for election, stressing that the party needed a candidate that would secure victory for it at the general polls.

Government Councils that some cards belonging to voters in Ebonyi and Enugu states were mixed up with that of some units in these councils.

FUNERAL

AMA Mary Edun is dead. She died after a brief illness. There will be service of song today at her residence, 217, Yoruba road Extension, Sapele from 4.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Tomorrow, her funeral service comes up at First Baptist Church, Palmer road, Sapele from 10.00 a.m. to 12. noon. Interment follows at her residence in Jesse town while there reception holds at the Sapele Athlectic Club, ATP Roundabout, Sapele the next day, November 15. Mama is survived by children among who is Barr. Joshua A. Edun.

NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, has postponed the date for collection of permanent voters registration card, PVC to next week. A statement from the Supervisory National Commissioner in Charge of INEC, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers states, Mrs Thelma Iremiren said the exercise would now hold in the 23 local government areas “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State wishes to inform the general public that the Distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to take place in the Seven (7) Local Government Areas in the State, that is in Okrika, Opobo/ Nkoro, Ogu/Bolo,Oyigbo,Omuma ,Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Tai from Friday 7th November – 9th , 2014 and Thursday 13th November -17th, 2014 respectively has been postponed and will be conducted collectively with the other Local Government Areas on Friday 28th of November – 30th of November, 2014 for Distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and from Wednesday 3rd of December – Sunday 7th December, 2014 for Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) Exercise.

Bayelsa to name monument after Ijaw music icon, King Robert Ebizimor

BY EMEM IDIO

S a mark of honour, Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday in Yenagoa announced the resolve of the state government to name a major monument in the state to immortalize the Late Ijaw music icon, King (Dr.) Robert Ebizimor. Governor Dickson who paid glowing tributes to the departed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Ijaw National Affairs also instituted an annual musical performance in honour of the late musician every 31st July, the day he passed on. While describing the late musician as the foremost Ijaw musical exponent who spent most of his life propagating the culture and traditions of the Ijaws, Dickson noted that the musical maestro will continue to occupy a significant chapter in the history of Ijaw people, and regretted that his demise has left a big vacuum.

2015: Esan people will reciprocate Oshiomhole’s goodwill by voting APC— Okojie BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

HEAD the 2015 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senatorial aspirant of the party in Edo Central senatorial district, Prince Joe Okojie says the people of the area, popularly known as the Esans will show appreciation to the developmental projects cited in the area by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole led APC government by voting for APC in the forthcoming elections. He advised the people to look back where they were before the advent of the Oshiomhole led administration in 2008 and where they are now, pointing out that ‘affliction shall not arise again’.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 8, 2014 — 9

Ojukwu’s son, Umeh team up for election BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, Onitsha

ATIONAL chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday kicked off his senatorial campaign at the grave yard of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s country home’ Nnewi, Anambra state. Umeh also used the rally to recognize Ojukwu’s son, Emeka Ojukwu jnr as APGA’s candidate for Nnewi NorthI Nnewi SouthIEkwusigo federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Addressing party supporters at the rally, Umeh noted that with himself at the senate and Ojukwu Jnr in the house

of representatives, nobody will tell our opponents that Ndigbo have arrived. Umeh further noted that with them in the national assembly, Ojukwu’s spirit would continue to bubble in happiness and be resting in peace. “We are going to have quality representation. We will ensure truth. Anybody who used Ojukwu,s name to win election and later derail will surely be pursued by the land of Ndigbo”, Umeh stated. In his speech, Ojukwu Jnr declared; “my father lived life of servitude and I will follow his foot steps. I will never let you down. Some people used our platform and dropped us”. In his speech, a member of APGA Board of Trustee, BoT, and prominent Igbo

leader, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka said it was his initiative to lead Umeh to consult Ojukwu’s oracle in line with seeking the blessing of our ancestors. Ezeonwuka noted that the essence of seeking the blessing of our ancestors was because they were selfless in serving our purpose during their own time, as against the selfishness of our modern time. He added: “as the Ogirishi Igbo of Igbo land, whoever consults these great men like Ojukwu and succeeds and thereafter fails to work for the good of Ndigbo will be cursed by myself, with my position as the Ogirishi Igbo (cleanser of abominable things in Igbo land).

Deputy Speaker, House of Reps. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (right) and National Organizing Secretary, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Mustapher during Deputy Speaker’s submission of nomination Form for PDP gubernatorial primary election 2014 at the Party Headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja on Friday.

Enugu PDP crisis: Truce fails as Asogwa–led the truce being brokered faction obtains injunction by President Goodluck BY FRANCIS IGATA, Enugu

HE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu

State, is yet to abate as an Enugu High Court yesterday restrained Elder David Ajah from parading himself as the acting State Chairman of

the party. A factional Chairman of the party loyal to Governor Sullivan Chime, Mr Ikeje Asogwa obtained the injunction indicating that

Jonathan between the Chime’s faction and the David Ajah faction loyal to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu had failed. Supporters of Ekweremadu’s faction had earlier obtained an injunction by the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice A. Ademola in Abuja, restraining the national leadership of the party from accepting an other results of last Saturday’s delegates election across the 17 local governments in Enugu State, other than the one already submitted by the Ajah faction who is recognised by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party. However, yesterday’s injunction coming a day before the national delegates congress of the party slated for Saturday was reportedly granted by Justice A. R. Ozoemena but details of the order were scanty as a copy was not obtained as at press time. Although it could not be immediately ascertained what the Chime’s faction intended to achieve with the injunction which was said to have accorded recognition to the Ikeje Asogwa’s faction, some members of the party viewed the development as a collapse of the peace accord brokered by the President Thursday night.

BRIEFS Nigerian female scientiest, Okeke, features on CNN African Voices

ABLE News Network (CNN) International will this weekend feature Nigerian female scientist, Professor Francisca Nnenna Okeke as star guest on the Glosponsored television magazine programme, African Voices. The programme is sponsored by by national telecommunications carrier, Globacom Limited. A professor of Physics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Okeke was the first woman to Head the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2003 to 2006 and the first female Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, 2008 to 2010. She was also the first indigenous female Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University as well as the first female Professor of Physics in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The 30-minute programme runs on CNN International and will be telecast at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday and at 4.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Viewers can also watch the show during the repeat broadcasts on Monday at 3:30 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., on Tuesday at 5.30 a.m. and on Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. The research professor has contributed immensely to the development of Physics at both secondary and tertiary levels in Nigeria and has conducted many workshops. She has written a number of Physics text books and articles that have enhanced the teaching and learning of Physics at both secondary and tertiary levels in Nigeria. She has written many articles that encouraged girls to study Physics in the country.

Insurgency: Why Japan can’t assist Nigeria BY HUGO ODIOGOR

APAN has stated why it has not extended military assistance to Nigeria in its battle against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North Eastern parts of the country. Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji said the post second world war policy of the Asia country forbids it from participating in foreign military activities except in peace keeping operation. The envoy who was guest of Vanguard Newspaper this week said “apart from humanitarian assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) and other forms of collaboration through multilateral institutions, Japan is forbidden by Article 9 of its post war constitution from getting involved in any form of military activities abroad.” Ambassador Shoji who expressed concerns with the state of insecurity in the North East region of Nigeria, said “the activities of Boko Haram has forced Japan to scale down its overseas development programmes in Northern Nigeria.”

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

SUPERB RHYTHMS, SENSELESS LYRICS … And the Naija music goes on BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE, AYO ONIKOYI, EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO, ISHOLA BALOGUN

ur cover last week was on Nigerian music. We titled it NIGERIA’S MUSIC IS NOW ALL ABOUT SEX AND NO SENSE. We pointed out the emptiness in the lyrical content of Nigerian music but commended their rhythms for providing danceable vibes. We recalled that the lyrics of Nigerian artistes in the past were rich in philosophy, life experiences, love etc and wondered why today’s Nigerian musician doesn’t give a hoot about creativity that could engender imagination. We recalled the performances of artistes and groups like Fela, Victor Olaiya, Osadebe, BLO, One World, Ofege, Wings, Apostles, Funkees, Chris Okotie, Jide Obi, Onyeka Onwenu, Mike Okri etc and wondered why the new generation sing all about sex with no story or message to even make their songs meaningful. We even published the

lyrics of many international artistes to illustrate our points – that even if you are singing about a woman’s waist, there should be a story to it. Today, we conclude that cover although many called to commend our story and ask for more. Chidi Okolo, a popular music presenter in the 80s said that “the story of Nigerian music cannot end in one edition.” We intend to do more but today we want you to appraise the lyrics of some of our top artistes of today and pass judgment yourself. We will also bring you an interview with the legend, Victor Olaya and Ray Mike Nwachukwu, another legend who was more into music production in those days and does a music programme on Classic FM every Wednesday. Let’s start with our artistes of today. One of the songs ruling the airwaves right now is Lil Kech’s Shoki,a song whose only meaning is a patterned dance rhythm it generates. Throughout the song, no meaning is ascribed to what Shoki means except the beat, which has caught on like

One of the songs ruling the airwaves right now is Lil Kech’s Shoki,a song whose only meaning is a patterned dance rhythm it generates

wildfire in the clubs. It reminds so much of Skelewu, another hit that delivered virtually nothing but a dance style which has mysteriously disappeared same way it appeared on the scene. The Shoki is mentioned more than 100 times in the song, without any story, direction, instruction or philosophy, just dance and dance

(Lil Kesh ft Davido & Olamide) oya show me shoki, shoki shoki everybody shoki, shoki shoki and the request say shoki, shoki shoki everybody shoki, shoki shoki oya show me shoki, shoki shoki everybody shoki, shoki shoki oya shoki, shoki shoki shoki, shoki shoki i am looking for that shawty with the baddest shoki when everybody they shoki abi you still dey look for johnny but if you get case for body the town will go make you the shawty david please don’t stop it i wanna see you drop it now for me now on this ground oya daun

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—11

A cross section of new generation Nigerian artistes

SUPERB RHYTHMS, SENSELESS LYRICS Continues from page 10

(kesh)

oya shoki kin shoki bami wa omoge to ba yodi ha mi o ni ko wa twerk to wa gbon’di ha all i want her to do is to shoki shoki kin shoki ha shoki kin shoki ha bami wa omoge to ba yodi ha mi o ni ko wa twerk to wa gbon’di ha all i want er to do is to shoki shoki kin shoki ha shoki, shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki shoki ha shoki wo n lewo mo gbe de yi ejo ijo shoki leleyi ejo ijo igboro leleyi anyway awon butty le jo si no problem no’wo si’waju k’ejika ma lo so tun, so si ma fo soke di e, di e ose oya f ’ako si The MAVINS crew led by Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, D’Prince and others have made music that sold in millions across the African continent with many awards to show for it. While no one would question Don Jazzy’s talent as a music maker, lyrical content of his productions have raised eye-brows many times

over. Their latest effort Dorobucci was a good example. The beat was top draw but people have continued to wonder what the music was all about. Was it sending a message, instructing on some social issues or telling a story? Nobody seemed sure. Even the MAVIN crew themselves seem clueless as the only explanation they could offer is that, “Dorobucci means anything that has life and good”. But try following and making sense of the lyric and see if you could connect the explanation to the lyric. It just doesn’t click. Unless they are giving their fans a jigsaw puzzle to confound their musical minds.

(Verse - Don Jazzy)

Ehn dorobucci Don dorobucci Doro jazzy Ehn doro boss Doro big You know say doro heavy Doro skillful You know say doro bloody Doro get the biggest label wey you Know of course Doro tush pass anybody wey doro meet Doro gather pass anybody for The gathering Doro get money pass everybody there

(Hook - Reekado

Banks:)

Oya doro... dorobucci o...oh na na na Doro... dorobucci o Doro doro dorobucci mama n mo o Doro... dorobucci Bo nye be o Doro fresh....nkwanu Doro big.....nkwanu, nkwanu Doro flashy Doro classy Doro fine pass anybody wey doro see Doro get pass anybody wey doro meet Eo

(Verse - Tiwa Savage:) Doro na diva....doro Doro na tiwa Doro na leader....doro Follow the leader...doro Doro doro do do doro....doro Doro is bigger...doro Doro is higher Follow the ladder...doro So follow the ladder Doro get liver She no dey tire Doro hot Doro eminado Doro fine Do do dorobucci eh Doro me Doro you Doro mavin We the baddest crew

[Verse - Dr. Sid:] Doro suru Doro lere Doro grab

Doro carry Doro fast pass anybody wey don dey Fast before Doro sleek pass anybody wey doro jam Eh ehn Doro hammer Doro pako Doro knack pass carpenter wey don Dey knack before Doro nado Doro messi Doro dribble anybody wey try to mark Doro

“Dorobucci means - Korede anything (Verse Bello:) that has Doro doro African prince doro life and See doro dey make all the girls good”. dey feel Robo robo But try o following Doro Doro catch anybody wey doro and fish doro Doro chop anybody wey doro making beef sense of Doro Doro mega the lyric Doro super and see if Doro star mega super star o you could Doro Doro catch anybody wey doro connect fish doro Doro chop anybody wey doro the explanation beef Doro to the lyric Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

SUPERB RHYTHMS, SENSELESS LYRICS

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy and his artistes Continues from page 11 [Verse - Di’Ja:] Doro bad Doro double-o-seven....doro Doro na yaro Doro wey get e money....doro Doro like for do anything wey doro like For do Mey nobody try doro Cos dey go wound o Doro bad Doro double-o-seven....doro Doro na yaro Doro wey get e money....doro Doro like for do anything wey doro like For do Mey nobody try doro Cos dey go wound o

[Verse - D’Prince:]

Doro is a cheerful giver Doro is a kind of boss.....a kind of boss Doro is a money spender Doro too dey floss.....too dey floss Too dey floss o Anywhere wey doro dey You know say wahala dey.....wahala Dey Chickalas dey.....chickalas dey Cos doro gallant eh Anywhere wey doro dey eh Wahala dey.....wahala dey Chickalas dey.....chickalas dey Cos doro gallant o Omoba Doro money Doro baller

[Verse - Reekado Banks:]

Doro popping Doro naughty Doro fly pass anybody wey dey the Plane ehn ehn

Doro ball pass anybody wey dey the Pitch yeh [Hook - Reekado Banks:] Doro... dorobucci o Doro... dorobucci o Doro doro dorobucci mama n Mo.....doro fine pass wey anybody Doro see Doro.....doro get pass anybody wey Doro meet Bo nye be o Dorobucci Doro big Doro street Nkwanu doro big Doro chuck norris After winning the MTN Project Fame music competition, the song that launched Iyanya into super stardom in the Nigerian music industry is arguably a hit tract ‘Kukere’. The music audience swallowed the single, hook, line and sinker. It even won him many awards and the door to many other endorsements, aside the doors the MTN opened for the singer. No doubt the song was a musical exercise but one with plenty of beat and no bit. Though it was clear enough from the lyrics that the singer is praising his God for having blessed him, but for what, why and how were completely missing in the song. No story at all. Check it out: All my ladies All my ladies Nse nse decale (oya decale) ale, ale ale All my ladies

All my ladies Nse nse decale (oya decale) Kukere kukere kukere I get money o Kukere kukere kukere Oya make we rock o Sangele sangele sangele Till the early morning o Sangele sangele sangele oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye Thankful for all he has done So me I wanna have some fun Steady rocking to the early morn Call your friends dem, make dem come Yes you could see a star was born I am a Don Corleone Come get some I am on the run Enemies dem fire burn Who God don bless e No man can curse e You say, you say ale, ale ale Kukere kukere kukere I get money o Kukere kukere kukere Oya make we rock o Sangele sangele sangele Till the early morning o Sangele sangele sangele oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye All my ladies All my ladies Nse nse decale (oya decale) All my ladies

Doro popping Doro naughty Doro fly pass anybody wey dey the Plane ehn ehn Doro ball pass anybody wey dey the Pitch yeh

All my ladies Nse nse decale (oya decale) Today na for jolly e So shakey ur body This one na happy day Oya make we dey rock o Kukere kukere kukere I get money o Kukere kukere kukere Oya make we rock o Sangele sangele sangele Till the early morning o Sangele sangele sangele oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye All my ladies (na so o) All my ladies (na so o) Nse nse decale (oya decale) (na so o) Etighi (5x) Who God don bless e No man can curse e You say, you say ale, ale ale Kukere kukere kukere I get money o Kukere kukere kukere Oya make we rock o Sangele sangele sangele Till the early morning o Sangele sangele sangele oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye oohhh na na na na ye ye ye ye ye We leave you, dear readers to appraise these. And to add to our cover we bring you an interesting interview from Ray Mike Nwachuikwu, a music buff.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—13

Our music is empty —Ray Nwachukwu BY ISHOLA BALOGUN AND JULIET EBIRIM Ray Mike Nwachukwu is arguably one of the few Nigerians who have traversed the whole gamut of communication. From radio to television, from television to advertising and from advertising to music production even with a stint in Daily Times in the 70s. Nwachukwu who hails from Agbor in Delta State anchors a music programme on Classic F.M Loaded with a collection of old records in his office along Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos, he sat on a swivel chair with a computer on his table, a microphone, mixer, a processor and a set of micro speakers that produce sound reminiscence of a digital studio. Saturday Vanguard was welcomed to different highlife music tunes of Victor Uwaifo, Ngeiye, a Ghananian highlife tune among others. He is a music buff who not only produces music but also teaches music. Surfing his software archives to entertain his guests with good high-life music, the interview began as he gave clear analyses of different genres and why artistes today lack quality. Enjoy it.

How did you begin your recording studio? started the first indigenous stereo recording company in Nigeria. When I was in LINTAS Advertising as a producer, we used to bring all our commercials from London. LINTAS (Lever International Advertising Services) was then an arm of UAC. The British didn’t think we were ripe enough to do their commercials and so we used to go there to bring commercials. It tingled something in me and I said we must stop the trend of going abroad to bring commercials. I started the first stereo studio in a one-room apartment in 1977. I was so caught up in making sure that what I did was good. These days, everybody is doing commercial. But I think you can work for money and also be good at what you do. Self fulfillment is very important because that is what is going to galvanize your inner being into becoming a better person. If I wanted to make money, I would have made money, having been the pioneer in what I was doing. How would you describe the present crop of musicians in the country? The present musicians are doing well now but two things are structurally wrong; One is the culture of not trying to do things very well. These days, all their tunes sound alike. Most of them just want to get rich quick. They forget that there is a sequence and process in everything in life. There has to be a progression in life, but we do not like that in this country. Though I’m not a rich person, I’m fulfilled, because I have all along set out to do what makes me happy. I only do things that even if you wake me up in the middle of the night, I can talk about them. Secondly, they lack content. Music is communication and my upbringing in communication is broadcasting. Broadcasting is

hinged on a tripod – Education, Entertainment and Information. What we have now is pure entertainment, it’s good but it’s not complete, therefore communication is not complete. From what you tell people, they get informed and educated. I respect and love the musicians we have today but most of them are missing it and that is part of the problem of the larger society as well. What do you think is responsible for the trend? Our society keeps nudging people into doing things that are not necessarily right because we are fun-loving people who love to get entertained. So, anything that gives us entertainment has a good pass mark. There is nothing in our music today that is educative. Once in a while, some of these artistes stumble on good lyrics, but they don’t know how to turn the lyrics into what will be very educative and informative. . For instance, Brymo did a very good philosophical song - ‘Arambe’ couple of years back. These days, their lyrics are not thorough and this is because they don’t sit down to write songs. Victor Uwaifo and I were discussing recently and he said our singers should learn how to play some form of instrument and be versed in music. You don’t necessarily have to go to the university to study music, afterall I didn’t go to the university to study music. Again, we bite off more than we can chew. A young aspiring music artiste actually gave me an insight into how songs are done these days. He said there are different beats at the studio, a singer comes, requests for a particular one and sings something on the beat. I laughed because I saw that there was no creativity in what they did. They use a beat that has been created for something else and that’s why all the music these

Ray Mike Nwachukwu

days sound alike. Nothing is gained from those songs. If this continues, where is the hope for music? What is your take on music reality shows and how have they have helped in teaching music? Part of the problem we have in this country is not peculiar to us alone, it’s now a global phenomenon. Music is being bastardized. But just because it’s going wrong somewhere doesn’t mean it should go wrong here too. Nigerians copy a lot, especially from the Americans. America has re-colonized the world in a lot of things. We buy and swallow ideas hook, line and sinker; instead of taking only what suits us and discarding the rest. When I produced Dora Ifudu several years ago, she had just returned from America, New York University and she was brimming with ideas. I told her to go to the village and give me one Igbo song and one of the songs she brought ‘Bata Ngwa Na Egwuabia’ became a hit in her first album. I did that because I’ve had an experience in the past, when I took an artiste abroad and a very good English musician asked me “What is the impact of this music in Nigeria, in your local dialect?”, I didn’t have any answer because the artiste was singing in English. The man meant well and that opened my eyes to a lot of things. My advice to

Continues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

but it’s the naked truth, Ghanians are more dedicated to what they do. Nigerians get carried away easily. If you ask me, the only artiste who plays something close to Highlife is Flavour. Sunny Neji was also doing well, but I don’t hear much of him any longer.

Our music is empty —Ray Nwachukwu Continues from page 13 Nigerians is ‘do something that the white man doesn’t know how to do’. If I begin to talk about the problems of our musicians, some people will call for my head, because they’ll think that I don’t want them to survive. But it’s not about survival, it’s about our tomorrow. This trend won’t last because it lacks intrinsic value, it’s empty. Don’t you have plans to set up a music academy considering the wealth of experience you have garnered over the years? Wherever I find myself, I always want to make an impact. I doubt if I have the energy to start something like that. I am always willing to help people who want me and who feel I can be of benefit to them and that’s why this programme I do on Classic FM makes a lot of sense to me. I want to give to people, I love to contribute. I don’t know about the academy, but if you set something up and ask me to come and lecture, I will. Highlife which was regarded as indigenous music is going into extinction, what’s your take on that? A foreigner once asked me: ‘What’s the music of your country?’ and I said ‘High Life’. He said ‘Is Highlife not from Ghana?’. It pained me to the roots that the white man thought that Ghana owns Highlife music.

There is still a tussle between Nigeria and Ghana as to where Highlife originated from. A musicologist, John Collins who is Scottish, but born in Ghana is the Head of the music department in Legon University, Ghana. He’s a friend and we sat down to discuss this and he said Highlife had some influences from the Caribbean and also from the blacks in diaspora in Britain. That’s why you see that the Highlife of the 50’s and 60’s had a lot of calypso influence. Ghanians will claim Highlife only because they play more of it than Nigerians and they had better musicians because of the fact that they had schools of music when we had none. Nkrumah gave them schools of music, so most Ghanians at the time, could read music without going to the university to study it. But the Nigerians who could read music then were those who went to the university to study it. So, the Ghanians had better musicians, but I don’t think that qualifies them to be owners of Highlife music. It will be very difficult to say Highlife is from Nigeria or Ghana. The debate will continue for a long time. Do you see Nigeria reclaiming her place in Highlife music? It would be difficult. Are the Nigerians of today ready to take it back? Are they working towards taking it back? It pains me to say this,

Most Nigerian musicians today would argue that they do the kind of songs people want, as most ‘good’ songs don’t sell, how true is that considering the fact old good music still endures? People do commercial music these days because they want to survive but I don’t buy that argument, because you can marry and balance both. You can make money and make sense, for goodness sake! What Nigerians love is plenty money.

Ray Mike Nwachukwu... A singer is supposed to be a musician

2Face, Sultan react BY KEHINDE AJOSE AND ANOZIE EGOLE

here are a few who try to be different. However, they may not be more than ten per cent and that cannot be a pass mark as we pointed out in the cover last week. Below are the reactions of 2Face and Sultan after which we bring you the interview with the legend, Victor Olaiya. 2face Idibia and Sound Sultan see the development from different perspective. According to 2face Idibia, “There are two sides to that. One side is that some artistes just know how to

package themselves while a few others don’t know. Remember also that the entertainment industry is broad industry and comes in different forms. What this person finds amusing may not be interesting to another. Again, some artistes deliberately sing or music to target concerts or the clubs. For these artistes, they have their plans. On the other hand, we have some artistes who just follow the bandwagon. It is also allowed in entertainment as long as it works for you,” 2face Idibia said. In the same vein, the Jagbajandis crooner,

Is there a difference between a singer and a musician? A singer is supposed to be a musician. Our singers must learn to play something, they must be groomed and they must learn the rudiments of music. To that extent, you shouldn’t call yourself a musician if you do not know music. Everybody can sing, I’m sure you sing in the bathroom while bathing. These days, they even use auto-tune to tune voices. A good musician must know the rudiments of music. It’s simple, it’s just that Nigerians don’t take time to do things well. We have schools of music in the country now, so people can go there and do musical courses. Musicians should be able to communicate properly by informing, educating and entertaining people, because if it is just to entertain, then a lot is missing.

Sound Sultan, is not indifferent in his reaction as he believes that for him to rate himself well, he must be able to sing good music that will not only endure but will also be a source of pride to his children. “It’s about variety and people. There must be variety. Having said that, whether negative or positive, it’s about the artiste and whoever is listening. For me, when it comes to music, I see it as a big tool that should not be misused. If music is misused it can tell on the generations to come. I want to be able to play music that will be friendly to children even my own kids,” he stated.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—15

Victor Olaiya speaks on Tuface, new generation musicians •Says he will die for High Life music BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO & KEHINDE AJOSE

r. Victor Abimbola Olaiya will be 84 years old on December 31,2014. He was born in Ijesha-Isu, Ikole Local Government Area, Ekiti. His father was a church organist while the mother was a traditional cultural band leader. They did not oppose his interest in music, but rather tried to be source of inspiration to him. He learnt to play E-Flat French horn, the B-Flat trumpet after leaving Africa School, Onitsha and came to Africa College also in Onitsha. Due to the sporadic movement of his father’s job, the young Victor had to come to Lagos to complete his secondary education. In Lagos he played with a street Brass Band in 1947 on a salary of one Shilling and six Pence. Then he moved to Sam Akpabot’s Sextet all Stars, and by 1949 he was invited to establish the Ritz Tempo Orchestra. He kept moving later from one band to another. At Ritz, he was band leader, soloist first trumpeter and vocalist. From a band in Yaba at Rex Club owned by Mr. Alfred Rewane, he joined late Bobby Benson and led his second band with outings at Yaba Ambassador Hotel for a few years. Victor Olaiya initially began his working life at the topographical and lithographical section of the Department of Lands and Survey, Lagos. After three years, he transferred his services to the Lagos Town Council Municipal Treasurer’s Department and was in charge of Cost and Works Ledger. But all that time, he remained married to music as part-time. As part of our Independence anniversary special cover that we started last week we approached Victor Olaiya to tell us about music of the past and now.

What was the event like and who were those present on that independence day ball? I wish I can remember all those that were present but I know that Tafawa Balewa was present, then Nnamdi Azikwe was present, and the last Governor General representing the queen, Sir James Robertson was very much present . My band played at that state ball not only at the state ball but also three years after when Nigeria was attaining the republican status, my band also played .All the ministers available at that time were present Like Late TOS Benson? Yes, late TOS Benson was present. He was minister at that time .The state ball

took place at the Federal palace hotel banquet hall

s it true that you played during the 1960 Independence Ball? Very very correct, I played at the state ball.

Nobody can take the monopoly of highlife music .In my own opinion, it is the Lingua Franca of west Africa .It depicts the culture of West Africa countries

How was the event? What was the feelings like at that time? As young as I was then, I felt it was a lifetime opportunity for me to grace such an occasion and it was graced by all other African heads of states What made the government pick you out of the bunch of other highlife stars at that time to perform at the state ball? At that time, quite frankly, I was the talk of the town. I was unchallenged. I was supreme. I think the minister for information was J.M Johnson, he was there and he nominated my band .All functions including the beauty pageants, Miss Nigeria, it was Victor Olaiya that performed. I stood tall. Can you recall some of the tunes you rendered that day?

Olaiya I had a composition specially for that day. I composed a song for the independence ball for that occasion. The governor general then, Sir James Robertson and the representative of the Queen, Tafawa Balewa walked up to me while they were dancing and had an handshake with me and we also had a small talk with me while the music was going on .I considered it the height of my success. How did highlife come to Nigeria because we learnt that you brought it from Ghana. Is that correct? That is not correct . But I accept that Late E.T. Mensah, my professional colleague then had to come and popularize it more in Nigeria .But highlife had been in existence before I, Victor Olaiya, was born. .Nobody can take the monopoly of highlife music .In my own opinion, it is the Lingua Franca of west Africa. It depicts the culture of West African countries. English speaking West African Countries? It’s not only English speaking because States like Guinea, Ivory coast, Cotonou and Togo, Congo play high life but in different dimensions Why were you called the evil genius of highlife? I think that was a name that was bestowed on me by late Alhaji Alade Odunewu of Daily Times because everywhere I played was always jam

Continues on page 43

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , NOVEMBER 8, 2014

minu Tambuwal is not a traitor. He is an honourable man, deserving of that title as a member of the House of Representatives, and its highly respected Speaker to boot. His activities in that position in the past three years have bequeathed an aura of decency to the conduct and disposition of the august assembly to a degree unequalled by his predecessors, some of whom were swept out of office in unpleasant circumstances. He remained a member of the PDP in every way honourable at every turn of the road, protecting and defending the Constitution in the gentlemanly discharge of his office according to its provisions. Leaving a political party for another has been a feature of political movement for ages, even before Nigerian politics was born. The great Winston Churchill of Great Britain is on record as having moved from the Liberals to the Conservatives before becoming one of the most successful Prime Ministers of his nation. “Crossing the carpet” did not make him a traitor. Here in Nigeria, one recalls that the formation of the first government of the defunct Western Region was as a consequence of a massive defection from the NCNC to the Action Group. In fact, changing one’s membership of one political party for another, could be described as a time-honoured feature of healthy politics. Even political parties, not just their members, are known to have discarded one policy for a new one. And so, people who were formerly elected into such parties may then be open to a choice, especially if the change occurred at the level of their constituency. In Nigeria where party politics is not unusually aligned to the leanings of a particular leading figure, whole States have been known to change with the fancy of their leaders.

aminu tambuwal is not a traitor It cannot have been forgotten that the Speaker earned his office through the collaboration of the ADC. He was not the official candidate of his party. The PDP sponsored a lady member, Mulikat Akande, but members of the ACN, the erstwhile opposition, joined some dissidents from the PDP to install Tambuwal. That made the gentleman a veritable Speaker of no particular party, but a true servant of all parties—and that was what Tambuwal truly has been. The House had never enjoyed such openness, such smooth control. It is therefore false to categorize him as having been elected “under” the PDP platform, or to misconstrue his evenhanded direction of the House affairs as “shenanigans designed to frustrate the express will of the Nigerian electorate”.

whatever interpretation is favoured in view of the impact which either location did have on the Speaker. One should also remark that it is patently jejune to speak of the identity of the Speaker as belonging to a party stripe. A PDP man is voted into office as a House Speaker—not as a PDP speaker. Whilst his party affiliation may colour his activities, he is expected, in the main, to

t is uncharitable, to say the least, to characterize defection—to use the slightly derogatory term of switching from one party to the other—as treachery. There is no “high principle” involved in calling quits to an association which has gone sour. It is, in fact, rife in our body politic. We have seen politicians who left a party as back-benchers in one organization to emerge as cabinet members in the government formed by another party. There have been politicians who stood for two different parties as the presidential flag-bearers on different occasions. The ceremony, accompanied by sheer delight with which a man, or woman, who changes from one political party to another is received in the new party shows that what one party has lost, the other has gained. End of story. No one is a PDP man, or an APC man ... or whatever... •Tambuwal .for longer than he says he is. The basis of his or her recent days. It is Section 68 (c) and membership is at the runs thus: constituency identity. That is “A member of the Senate or of the the essence of the power of House of Representatives shall vacate recall from the home ground. his seat in the House of which he is a In all the defection that was member if he being a person whose spread all over the nation of election to the House was sponsored recent, we have not by a political party he becomes a experienced the exercise of member of another political party that machinery of recall till before the expiration of the period for now. Surely, the electorates which that House was elected: know their rights? The party provided that his membership of the organization could have latter political party is not as a result educated them more about of division in the political party of the situation if it sees any which he was previously a member or headway there. But each of a merger of two or more political affected political party has parties or factions by which he was sought for redress from the previously sponsored.” law courts, though with very little success so far. For me, That means that while the movement that indicates that very few of one’s membership of a party is organizations have any frowned upon, it is permitted if there is confidence in the alignment a dissension within the party or in the of their policies with those of case of a merger with another party. It their grassroots elements. does not lead to an automatic That then brings up the termination of one’s membership of the important rider in the house. It is for Tambuwal to prove that conditions under which the there was what could be described as a Constitution permits a division, or accepted as a division, in legislator to change from one his former party, the PDP, prior to his party to another without movement. That description may be losing his or her seat. It has considered at the level of the House become the most quoted part or his constituency, depending on of the 1999 Constitution in

Changing one’s membership of one political party for another, could be described as a time-honoured feature of healthy politics

be fair to the motivations and deliberations originated by all the members of the House, irrespective of their party. This has to be no less so in the case of Tambuwal who was, in fact, elected with the help of the entire House membership.

he support of the opposition for Tambuwal was pure politics. The claim that Mulikat Akande was proposed by the PDP in order to placate the Southwest’s desire for a share of the “national cake” is no more than a convenient excuse. But it would have served to fulfil their putative pattern of “zoning”. Since the President had come from the South-south, the VicePresident from the North Central and the Head of the Senate from the North East, it would have fitted admirably for the fourth place to have been claimed by the Southwest. It would demonstrate the country-wide expanse of the PDP. But it would also have established an outpost of influence for the party within a stronghold zone of the opposition. That was what the ACN rejected when it supported someone from another area against an indigene of their own soil. That is politics and to suggest that it would not have worked out if the situation had been reversed only declares a pathetic ignorance of political manoeuvres. The PDP, of course, would have gleefully reacted precisely in like manner if they were in the same position as the opposition at that time. It has been painful for the “greatest”, (or is it “largest”?) political party in Africa. The police was made to withdraw the security to which Tambuwal is entitled as a speaker, thus ensuring that a law-enforcement agency would become a law-breaking agent. The chief hackwriters of the PDP, whose pages now drip with tears as well as vitriol, support this “bush” tactics and even invoke more of the “nuisance value” which the government is capable of adding to any politician’s existence. But all that will not change the truth. Tambuwal is NOT a traitor. He has betrayed no one. Time out

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—17

t is all so predictable and all so sad. Our number four citizen and Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal jumped ship last week Tuesday. I don’t think his defection caught anybody by surprise least of all the powers that be in the PDP. You would have had to be living in Mars to be surprised by his defection. It was always going to be when not if. But what did catch me by surprise was his action immediately after his defection when he mounted the podium gleefully with a broom in his hand to announce that his new party was going to sweep away you know who. not have gotten him the required I thought it was too soon, votes without the support of too indecent especially from some PDP members. In any case someone who had carried he would not even have been himself with so much considered if he was not a PDP decorum throughout his member. stint as Speaker. So if he falls out with the A couple of weeks to allow leaders of PDP as he obviously angst and anger to cool down has done, if his aspiration would not hurt. It’s like a flirt doesn’t tally with theirs as seems or a chronic womaniser who to be the case, he should still goes to an owambe party show some gratitude, at least in when his wife’s body has just public to his erstwhile party. been interred. After all, changing jobs should Nobody expects celibacy from any womaniser but decorum dictates that you limit your activities to your bedroom in the short term. And we all know that politicians are worse than any womaniser. not make you denigrate your t is also on account of previous employer. The ability decency that to say the right words and do professional footballers the right things in public is what don’t celebrate when they makes a Statesman.Now, why score against their former would a man, a politician leave clubs irrespective of what such an exalted position? Why they feel in their hearts. would he gamble with a seat There is no doubt that PDP that many would lick smelly was good to Tambuwal. It asses or even kill for? I can think gave him a platform that of several reasons but I will brought him to the House of settle for two; pragmatism and Representatives, as well as ambition. a platform to become the Hon. Tambuwal is from Sokoto Speaker. It is true that the State, and only a miracle in the position was not earmarked name of INEC can make PDP for him but APC alone would win in that State so his chances

Softly…. Softly…. Softly of winning a PDP election and coming to the House to be made a Speaker again are slimmer than my little finger. He also, from the last account, wants to be the Governor of his State; a job that the powers in PDP would never consider a man like Tambuwal for. He may have his own reasons for jumping ship but these seem pretty obvious to me.Now in following his heart and mind, he has not

No matter how this ends, whether Tambuwal continues as Speaker or goes, Jonathan will be the loser

considered the effect of his action on the polity, on the country. Is it responsible even if legally permissible for a number four citizen to defect? How does it help our democracy? Are there times when a personal ambition is subsumed by a larger interest? And should he still hold on to power and the position he got as a PDP leader? Is it a precedent he is proud to set? And what is the cost of a self-serving five week break to the country? The law will determine the legal

ne of the keys that will propel your rising is the key of persistent thanksgiving. Thank God that the devil could not stop you despite all he threw at you. For some it was hardship, sickness, loss of job, loss of fortune, death of member of the family, discouragement. For others, it was pain, sorrow, barrenness, unprogressiveness, miscarriages, etc. In the midst of it all, God is still God. There can be no other God like Jehovah that reigneth from eternity to eternity. The truth of the matter is that no matter what you may have lost, God’s intervention is the reason why you did not lose everything. Remember that Satan’s ministry is to steal, kill and destroy while Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). I beseech you to join the league of those that constantly thank God in everything (1 Thess. 5:18). That you have life is by grace. You did not make or created yourself. God is your maker. He made you for a glorious purpose. Remember what He told Jeremiah, “before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jer. 1:5). No matter the present state of your life, it is not the end. You are on your way to greatness. Thank God that you are alive.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am. C M Y K

ow, who is saying this? PDP or the Federal Government? Because neither has the power under our constitution to dictate to the House. But even if it had the power, isn’t discretion the better part of valour? Isn’t restraint the better part of power? Even if PDP gets away with this crude use of power what about the collateral damages? These two rash and irrational acts have exposed

realm in life. Hear me, as you commit to thanking God always, your status will change this year. Learn to recount God’s benefit in your life and give Him thanks. The Psalmist said in Ps. 103:2, “… and forget not all His benefits”. Never take the happenings in your life for granted. Nothing is too small to give God thanks for. When you appreciate Him for that little, much will be added. Don’t let the devil stop you and make you to focus on what you have not received. Stay focused on your future but be totally grateful for your present. Your future is too great compared to where you are now. Thank Him in advance for where He is taking you. Beloved, see God as the reason behind every good thing in your life. Know that, no man can prevail by strength (1 Sam 2:9). Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7). Know that God is the doer of everything good in your life. It is not by your act of hard work, “for without God ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Lift your voice and thank Him for every good thing that has happened to you. Know that God expects you to thank Him. In Lk 17,

The reality of thanksgiving Thank Him for your present status. Know that you are not the worst. You are better than someone else. When you thank Him, He will lift you higher than your present level. You are just one step away from your desired goal. There are three days in a man’s life. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. You can do nothing about yesterday because it is gone but you can do something today and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Refuse to be tied to your negative past. It will rob you of your now and future. It is a killer of joy. When there is no joy there can be no fruitfulness. Thus, you cannot see any reason to be thankful. Your attitude is what determines your altitude in life. If you are not grateful to God, you will be grounded. When gratitude becomes your lifestyle, you will continue to gain altitude in life. Thanksgiving will take you to a higher

aspects of my questions but his heart and his character will have to supply the ethical and moral answers.The PDP reaction to the Tambuwal’s action was so disingenuous, so predictable and so sad. It went into a closed door meeting and came out with a sledge hammer. Within 48 hours, it had promulgated two decrees that seemingly overrode the law and the constitution. It had, through a “strong” acting IG, withdrawn the security details of our number four citizen without thinking or caring about the consequences. The second decree ordered the Speaker to reconvene the House within one week or be impeached.

the party in many unsavoury ways; they have exposed it of double standard since nobody threw the statute and the kitchen sink at Dr Mimiko and a couple of State Speakers who defected from the parties that led them into power and joined the PDP. They have also exposed a leadership that is intolerant of opposition and selective in its application of the law. They have ominously told us that the police and our security agencies are under the armpit of the ruling party. What does that portend for 2015? They have also exposed a leadership that does not learn from mistakes. It has refused to learn that it is sometimes better to manage a bull in a china shop than to force it out. Tambuwal has just a few months left at best. Why not wait it out? It did the same thing to Mallam Sanusi who had but a few months left as the Governor of Central Bank and got a face full of rotten eggs for its trouble. This is not likely to fare better because it is not well thought through and will win it more enemies than friends. No matter how this ends, whether Tambuwal continues as Speaker or goes, Jonathan will be the loser. Unfortunately, as in this case, everybody he tries to humiliate ends up being lionised. Finally, General Gowon once said that there were no bad leaders but bad advisers. I disagree; you can choose not to take bad, vindictive and shallow advice—if you are decent enough; and deep enough.

He asked the leper who returned to thank Him about the other nine that were cleansed of leprosy. This means that God keeps record of what He has done and He is waiting for you to return the glory to Him. The leper that returned to give Him glory was made whole while those who did not return to give Him glory were not made whole. As you thank Him, He will make available what is missing by making your life whole. It is time to make thanksgiving your lifestyle daily and constantly. To manifest testimonies like never before, you must constantly give Him thanks because it is His will. In doing His will, you will be pleasing Him and in return there shall be restoration in every area of your life because He reigns forever. Keep thanking Him and testimonies shall not cease in your mouth every day, week and month. God bless you and bless our great nation Nigeria. Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

18 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Day a fan kissed me in the presence of my wife — Femi Adebayo F

emi Adebayo, son of legendary actor popularly known as Oga Bello has gone from living under the shadow of his father to create a niche for himself in the Yoruba movie industry. Many see him as a sex symbol and one of the leading hunks of the Yoruba films but Femi would tell you he is just an actor who strives to interpret his roles as best as he could. The star of Jelili fame in this interview speaks of his father’s influence in his life, his career, his experience with female fans and lots more:

ow has your dad influenced your choice of acting as a career? Well, the question of my dad influencing my acting career could have a ‘no’ and a ‘ yes’ answer. A ‘ yes’ in the sense that when I was very young I watched his movies a lot and liked them. At a point I had a feeling I would do what he is doing when I become a man. But along the line I fell in love with law and decided to become a lawyer. My dad never directly influenced any choice I made. Whatever my choices are in life, he is always there to give me his utmost support. When I decided to study law he was with me all the way and when I chose acting he didn’t object either. How do you separate your emotions from the roles you play? That’s where your professionalism comes in; apart from the fact that I had the talent I also learned acting as a craft. I believe having a talent is one and learning the rudiments of the profession is another. Acting is all make-believe and for you to make your act believable you must get into the character and believe you are actually the role you are playing. Now, if you want me to be the lover of an actress I have never even met before, as a professional

actor it is easy for me, because all I have to do is get into the character of her lover. After doing all that I need to do I’ll drop that character after the film. Separating your emotion from acting is based on professionalism of course, because I’m a professional actor I find it easy to do. Does your wife complain about your love and romantic roles? In as much as she doesn’t complain about my job, there is a level of tolerance any woman can manage. Every woman has her threshold of tolerance. I am lucky I have a wife who understands my job but I try as much as possible not to overstep my boundaries when it comes to the opposite sex. What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you? (Laughs) Ah, she jumped on me, kissed me and told me that she had promised herself that whenever she sees me she was going to do that to me. Fortunately, I was with my wife that day and I told her I was sorry and she said it was okay. It’s one of those anxious moments of our job. Before the fan left she apologised to me and to my wife. Can you act a gay role? Why not? I can play any role given to me. I don’t have restrictions, as a good actor I must be able to

interpret any script given to me. After all it is makebelieve, it has nothing to do with who you really are. For an instance, I am a Muslim but I have had to play the role of a pastor many times over. You don’t act English movies, why? That is not true; I’ve done a couple of English movies. For an instance, I was in Lady’s Men. But I do more of Yoruba because I’m a promoter of culture. I love Yoruba culture.

•Femi Adebayo

Describe Your most embarrassing moment. The one I mentioned initially. A fan kissed me in public while my wife was right beside me. If you were not an actor what would you be doing? I would have been in the law court.

By ANU TELLA

Well,my acting career is God’s calling so if God tells me to go into politics too, I will.

Judging from how far you have gone in the industry, would you say you are at the right level? Yes. But there is room for progress. This was not the position I was four to five years ago. Now I’m a producer and I’m still working hard. What would you say acting has done for you? Acting has made me great. Is there anything you are working on now? I’m working on two projects right now; one is Alade Owala, to showcase reasons behind tribal marks. I did a little bit of research on it. That is coming out

very soon. I also did a little project on Crime. Those are the projects I’m working on for now. My acting school is also there. It is a school of performing art, dance drama, makeup and all that. The school is six years old now. We work on upcoming actors .That’s my little quarter to the society and I also have a charitable foundation. That is our way of giving back to the society what they have given to us. Collecting from the society to help the less-privileged . Do you see yourself going into politics? Well,my acting career is God’s calling so if God tells me to go into that too, I will. What if you are given a role to be your dad’s boss, how would you do that? That has happened severally. At that point he’s not my dad, we are in characters and we should play the characters to perfection.. We have to be professional. I don’t even need to apologise.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—19

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you dump a fiance(e) with a terminal disease or go ahead with your wedding plans? It’s few days to their wedding and she has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Stephanie and her fiance, Collins were devastated. They spent all their time crying, and going through conflicting emotions of anger, frustration and denial. Stephanie is totally shocked as she couldn’t understand how or why this has happened to her. Collins on his own has been trying to be supportive despite the situation but he’s in a dilemma. He doesn’t know if he should turn his back on someone he loves and walk away or go on with the wedding and pray for a miracle, since it is said that love conquers all. If you find yourself in Collins’ shoes, would you go ahead with the wedding or simply take a walk. Here are the responses of our entertainment celebrities:

I’ll go on with the wedding if...

— Evia Simon, Actress

t depends on how much I love him and how much he loves me too. I probably might continue with the wedding if the disease is not contagious or hereditary. And if I’m certain my future children won’t be at risk of contracting the disease. If it is contagious, I won’t continue with it.

•Evia

•Cynthia

I will wed him like in a movie

— Cynthia Agholor, Actress

will be disappointed to know he didn’t trust me enough to tell me about the disease and that could affect my feelings for him, but I will not stop the wedding. I will wed him as if I’m shooting a movie scene in a movie because he already killed my trust for him prior to the wedding. But if we both got to know about it at the same time few days to our wedding, I will not only wed him with all my heart, but I will also care and love him more to the end.

• Blessing

I’ll pray for divine intervention

— Blessing Patrick, Actress

believe this would never happen to me. But I’ll just calm down and look unto God and trust Him for divine intervention and healing, because it wasn’t my fiance’s will that such a thing should happen to him.

•Adol

I’ll not call off the wedding — Adol, Singer

Though medical science says terminal disease is incurable, but only God has the final say. Loving and getting married to someone means everything, ‘For better, for worse’ that’s what the bible preaches. I will proceed with the wedding, then we’ll figure it out spiritually. With God , all things are possible.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA 08061644307

email: daise4000@yahoo.com

Ayo Animashaun:

Rags to riches tale of hipTV boss

•Ayo Animashaun

t is not everyday that one hears of a person, who despite his poor background, rose to the height of influence in the society. One of such persons is Ayo Animashaun. Today, Ayo is helping others fulfil their dreams after getting his actualized. He is the owner of HipTV who is doing a lot in the entertainment industry. Ayo has made an indelible mark in the sand of time, even though he had a rough patch growing up. In 2013, two major events happened in his life that changed his story forever. He was listed as one of the most influential people in the Nigerian entertainment world by net.ng and his HipTV was launched on DSTV. Ayo Animashaun is the CEO of Smooth Promotions, an entertainment firm that organizes “The Headies Award.” He is also the publisher of Hip-hop World Magazine. Today HipTV is arguably one of the most watched music TV on DSTV. He is the brain behind the success stories of reputable musicians like Tuface, Mi, Olamide and many others. In this edition, we present to you a young man who has taken music business to the next level for Nigerian artistes. Enjoy!

HIS STORY… yo Animashaun hails from Lagos state, though hewas born in Kwara state. He completed both his elementary and secondary school in Kwara state. Ayo Animashaun may have been one of the youngest in his time to have gained admission into higher institution as he was only 16 years old when he began studying Business Administration at Kwara state Polytechnic. Ayo discovered his love for music quite early in life and took advantage of his passion to make a brand for himself. His biggest challenge was lack of fund as

“his rags to riches" story wasn’t a tale of bed of roses, but he refused to give up as he knew that his day would break soon. Ayo Animashaun would stay with his classmates after class at a record store to record tunes and lyrics as that became his passion. He studied Business Administration because he needed to get an education. His dream was music to the extent that he was ready to become a music personality even after school. Strangely, he was so young when he started writing down lyrics for his friends and even banking lyrics for future purposes. He had to do all kind of odd jobs to make ends meets in school while feeding his passion. Even though he saw that things were tough from the beginning, he didn’t relent one bit. At some point, he needed money to publish his book of lyrics and found

someone who lent him a N1000. At the venue of the book launch people were already waiting, but the books were still with the printers. Ayo almost suffered a heart break thinking he wouldn’t be able to sell any of his books of the time schedule, but he resolved to be resilient. He picked himself up and 300 copies of the book were sold out that day. Later he had to hook his book of lyrics with a wheelbarrow after completion of his O.N.D. Ayo eventually went back for his HND. After youth service, he was advised against writing just a book of lyrics. He decided to publish a magazine for youths which will centre on music and entertainment. He named his magazine Hip-hop World magazine, but he couldn’t sustain it for lack of fund. To be able to survive, he got a job as an entertainment

•Ayo Animashaun with KSB & Dele Momodu

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music industry. It is an annual ceremony which features performances by established and promising artists. It is broadcast live on HipTV to television viewers across Nigeria and this year 2014 edition promises an exciting show. His monthly Hip-hop World Magazine is loved by so many youths in the society. Through the platform of his company, he has been credited with a lot of innovative ideas like the Hip hop World Exclusive Partea which is held in Lagos and London. He was actively behind the success stories of Mi, Olamide, Tuface, Rugged Man and many others.

•Car Gift to the winner of Next Rated at the Annual Headies

RECOGNITION oday Ayo Animashaun is a model to several youths including musicians and writers. He has scaled through difficult times of starvation, lack, debts,

•Ayo Animashaun with D'banj

•Ayo Animashaun with Orezi, Kcee & DJ Jimmy Jatt

•Ayo Animashaun with his kids

reporter with “The Fame Magazine where he was paid N1200 per month and later worked for Encomium Magazine. While working with Encomium, he was able to raise money to continue his Hip-Hop world magazine that birthed “The Headies” and today the HipTV on DSTV. His glory… INVESTMENTS e is the CEO of Smooth Productions, an entertainment firm that organizes “The Headies Award”. The Headies which was formerly known as the Hip Hop World Awards was established by Ayo Animashaun in 2005, but its first edition took place in 2006 to recognize outstanding achievement in the

•Ayo Animashaun with Jedi, Ali Baba & Tee A

deprivation and lack of sleep, and he has attained global recognition. His HipTV which has a channel on DSTV is also viewed in so many local stations. Today, one way or the other, reputable Hip-hip musicians, actors, actresses, VJ’s and even foreign stars, have had one thing or the other to do with ‘The Headies’ boss. His international event and awards projects have drawn both foreign and local stars from afar. He has over 50 workers working for him. The story of these workers, like Dayo of HipTV who has relocated to New York, may not have been complete, if Ayo hasn’t grown his brand and employed them. Ayo Animashaun has helped a lot of Nigerian artistes fulfilled their dreams. He is one of the frontiers of Nigerian Hip-hop Music and that the Nigerian music wouldn’t be complete without his contribution.

•Ayo Animashaun with Juliet Ibrahim & Okey Bakassi

•Ayo Animashaun with Sound Sultan, 2Face, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dammy Krane and others

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

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Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, others thrill at GUS grand finale party

he atmosphere in the Women Development

Centre Awka, Anambra state, on November 1, 2014, was electrifying as the audience was thrilled to a blend of entertainment and reward for the Gulder Ultimate Search, Season 11 contenders. The grand event which had a cultural theme kicked off with a traditional dance which serving as an appetizer for the audience to feed on. Thereafter, the audience was shocked to its bone marrow when the anchor of the event was unveiled in a dramatic manner. By the time Okey Bakassi pulled off his clownish outfit the audience realized he was going to be the MC for that night taking them on a journey of ribcracking jokes, spot on delivery, and undiluted entertainment. Chinedu Ubachukwu, the winner of the 2014 edition of GUS smiled home with N10m and a brand new Ford Explorer Sport SUV valued at N15.9 million. Amazingly the youngster happens to hail from Anambra state and was formally presented as the winner of the 11th edition of the GUS as a result of his doggedness and discovering the general’s war helmet in the Aguleri forest. In his remarks, Governor Willie Obiano, who happened to be the first Governor to have payed GUS contenders a visit in the jungle, emphasized the need for Nigerians to appreciate homegrown

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talents and reiterated the point by calling on investors and individuals to come to Anambra to invest and contribute to the development of the state. He interjected humour in his speech and while he was about to leave the podium, Okey Bakassi beckoned him to wait for a while as he was presented a symbolic chair by the GUS council of elders headed by Nollywood actor Chidi Mokeme for his support and contributions to this year ’s edition. Nne Cosy Joe and Afolabi Emmanuel Olusegun were presented with cash prizes of N2.75m each for their participation in the reality TV show, while Otto Canon Chimenem, who came 4th in the competition, also won the Viewers Choice award and was given a cash prize of N1.5m and a brand new Ford Focus sleek car valued at over N4.3m.Canon shared his inspirational story of persistence, saying he had applied for the GUS on several occasions and was turned down. He however persisted against all odds. His tale was welcomed amidst rounds of

applause and cheers from the audience. In his usual humourous fashion, Okey Bakassi threw a joke at 25year old Samantha Appi who won the prize for being the ‘Last Woman Standing’ saying she has been raised in the creeks, as a result she learnt how to climb trees and perform manly duties as a Niger Delta damsel. Samantha who hails from Bayelsa State went home with a participation fee of N1.45m and brand new Ford Ecosport valued at N5.5m for being the ‘Last Woman Standing.’ Evi Addoh and Noela Iroh, walked home with N1.4 and N1.35m respectively as participation fee. Twenty six years old Sharon Robinson also got N1.3m , followed by Nwagboso from Abia State who got a participation fee of N1.2m. Ikenna Emedike was compensated with N1.25m for being part of the programme. The first set of evictees at the 2014 GUS, Loretta Erijakpor and Eriata Blessing were rewarded with participation fee of N1.025m while Sandra Nwagbagiro and Ikenna Iwuoha got N1.125m each as participation

Chinedu Ubachukwu, the winner of the 2014 edition of GUS smiled home with N10m and a brand new Ford Explorer Sport SUV valued at N15.9m.

fees. The event reached its climax when the Mavins crew represented by Don jazzy and Dr Sid mounted the stage. Dr Sid was clad in a black T-Shirt and jeans fêting the audience to his hit track Pop Champagne. Emotions overwhelmed the audience when Don jazzy emerged from the back stage to perform Surulere, a song rich in lyrics alluding to the

fact that patience has rewards. There after the ‘Doroboss’ as he is often called by his fans gave a spectacular performance of the Mavin crew’s hit song, Dorobucci. It was a moving melody, thrilling track, laced with pleasurable performance. Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) is a Nigerian reality television powered by Nigerian Breweries Plc for one of its products, Gulder.

Teebillz’s gift to Tiwa Savage A

fter a decline in their public display of love and affection, the talented sexy singer Tiwa Savage took to her Instagram account to announce the gift Teebillz, her husband gave her. Teebillz surprised his heartthrob and superstar wife with a beautiful puppy. The question on the lips of Tiwa’s fans is this: “Have their marital walls been mended?”.

•Tiwa Savage with puppy

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By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Zaina reveals what she would do in another life S

I featured 25 artistes in my new album, MI boasts E verybody is talking about MI’s new album, The Chairman, but it appears no one has a clue the artiste featured 25 artistes in the album to bring to his fans varying flavours to suit varying tastes. Mr. Incredible himself disclosed this at the weekly entertainment event, ‘Industry Nite’ where an album listening party was held to herald its launch. The event which took place at the Spice Route, Victoria Island, afforded fans, music enthusiasts and critics an opportunity to have a firsthand feel of what to expect from the album. The album which is his third, comes four years after dropping his last album, Safe. It features a stellar line up of some of Nigeria’s biggest names in the music industry. The album parades notable acts such as 2 Face, Phyno,Sound Sultan, Olamide,Runtown, Parotranking, Reminisce to mention a few. While the production prowess of Sarz, Pheelz, newcomers L37, G plus, Sammy Gyang and Reinhard were deployed towards making the album a hit. MI who felt elated and appreciative for the huge turnout at the event was full of praises and kind words for his fans for their unflinching support.“I sincerely have to thank and appreciate my fans for their patience. What many people don’t know is that when Jesse and Brymo split from the label, it was a major blow to me, because we had already started work on the album,” MI said.

OUL Musik’s First Lady Zaina known for her hit song, Sarewale, recently revealed in an interview with Showtime what she would do differently if she were to start all over again. In her words: “I would take all opportunities as they came. I would do what I believe and do what I feel is right. I will be more like a Davido and just go for the opportunities around me. As you grow you become more cautious, but I would have that ‘One life to live’ mindset. That is what I would have done differently.”

I have a big crush on Chidinma — Nosman

Nosman is a talented Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. His love and passion for music manifested early •Nosman in childhood when he was a star performer in a weekly kiddies show, ”Children‘s Variety” on NTA Aba, which also featured stars like Rita Dominic. The energetic artiste who recently released a single, My Baby, opened up to Showtime on his embarrassing moment on stage and his celebrity crush. “My embarrassing moment on stage was when I had my first audition at the Hilton hotel in Singapore. The pianist started playing a different tune from what I had told him initially. Those few minutes were so embarrassing. He continues: ”I have a huge respect for 2face Idibia. He is one of the revolutionaries of the Nigerian music industry.” Talking about his celebrity crush, he said: “I have a big crush on Chidinma. Everything about her looks natural to me.”

•MI

•Zaina

My mother is my greatest musical influence — Gloria Ibru

•Gloria Ibru

LORIA Ibru and music are like Siamese twins that cannot be separated. The versatile musician who started music at a tender age revealed to Showtime who her greatest musical influence is. She puts it this way: “I think my mother is my greatest musical influence. She always pushed us to do our best. Because she loved music so much I was exposed to it from tender age. There was music in my house all the time and what better influence could one have had? Music wasn’t forced on me, it has always been there”.

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Muma Gee opens up on why she’s going into politics T he last may not have been heard of entertainers who are delving into politics. The latest name on the long list is

singer cum actress, Gift Eke popularly known as Muma Gee. Muma Gee who is married to Nollywood actor, Prince Eke and a mother of twins is contesting for the Federal House of Representatives seat

•Muma Gee

for Abua/Odua and Ahoada Federal Constituency of Rivers State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. She was in Lagos, during the week, where she intimated the entertainment journalists concerning her intention to go into politics. According to her, “It has always been a thing of pain in my mind when I see how some people are being marginalized.; when I see women suffering under-development. It has always been a thing of pain in my mind when I see women and children suffer abject poverty. It’s extremely sad that we sit back at home and complain about the leadership of this country. It’s my civic responsibility to ensure that I use the gift that God has given to me to liberate my people. I am conscious that there are many youths out there who believe in me and in my cause as an artiste, a personality and a role model to the young ones.” Speaking further, the reggaeraga singer said, “Late King of pop music, Michael Jackon sang a song a “Better world for All.” And I think it’s that time in my life I will take up a civic responsibility that has been bestowed on me by my people. It’s that time to ensure that those people who believe in me as a role model should be given a chance to also decide on who

should be our leader tomorrow. On why she joined the PDP, Muma Gee stressed that she joined the ruling party because of what it stands for. “I believe that power belongs to the people. I do also believe that the people have to be empowered, and that power should by the people for the people. And the party stands for the masses. That’s why I choose the party as a platform to express my ultmost desire to serve my people. In fact, to ensure that good leadership is put in place in my state, I had to relocate from Lagos back to my home land few years ago in preparation for this, and it’s now that the reason is properly unveiled. In pursuit of my foray into politics, I decided to get married four years ago and have children. Initially, I didn’t want to have children for a start, but now, I have twins. Muma Gee, however, assured that while pursuing her political career, she would sustain her passion for music. “You would recall that when I first started my career in music, it was like a magic. I started out as a reggaeraga artiste and suddenly, I created a genre that was rarely in existence. I suffered and faced challenges and today, that genre of music has come to stay which is African traditional style of music. Music is my life and I will continue to play my music, ” she assured.

Darasen Richards takes The Antique tto o AFRIFF

A scene from Invasion 1897

MAJOR BREAK THR OUGH BREAKTHR THROUGH

American govt adopts Nollywood film

his is good news for Nollywood: The muchanticipated epic movie, “Invasion 1897 (Nogbaisi Ovonramwen),”

produced by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, has been adopted by the American government through its agency, Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. They have also adopted the works of one of Nigeria’s premier photographers to the Royal Court of Benin, Chief, Solomon Osagie Alonge. Making this revelation during the week, Imasuen, who just returned to the country after series of international premieres of the film said, the institute decided to adopt the film because of its historical perspective. According to him, Invasion 1897 and the works of Chief Alonge which span half-century and present a dynamic continuous record of the reigns of Oba Akenzua II (1933–78) and Oba Erediauwa (1979–till date) as well as the political and social events surrounding the Benin royal palace were used by the institute to commemorate 50 years of African Art in its museum for African Art. C M Y K

Also, sharing his memorable experience while premiering the film abroad, the celebrated director cum producer lauded the recognition that the film enjoyed at the international scene. Invasion 1897 was well received at the international scene. For the first time, an African film was shown inside the British museum. Among the dignitaries that graced the premiere were the crowned Prince of Britain and the family that returned the stolen Benin Artifacts recently. We also debuted at the Toronto African Art and Music Festival as the opening film of the festival,” Imasuen recounted. Speaking further,the celebrated director disclosed that plans have been concluded to officially release the film at the cinemas across the West African sub-region on December 5. This, he said, is in furtherance of the film’s three core objectives; history, entertainment and education. Lauding the distributors of the movie, Silverbird Distribution, Imasuen noted that it will be the first time they would be releasing a film

simultaneously in two different countries. “As far as they are concerned, this is their centenary film. They have assured me that they are giving it full Hollywood ratings in terms of presentation in the cinema and they are releasing it simultaneously in Nigeria and Ghana,” he said. Imasuen said, December date is timely, following the historical perspective of the storyline which brought about the misunderstanding that trailed the Benin Empire by the British army. “So, December is actually a significant period

because it was during the Igue Festival that the British came and wanted to see the Oba and the law of the land forbade them from seeing him during that period,” the filmmaker narrated. He further revealed that by the end of November, there will be a starstudded release party for the movie in conjunction with City People Magazine, while December 10 will witness a special Igue screening nationwide.

ne of the films that will take the centre stage at this year’s edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) which opens from Sunday, November 9 through 16, at the prestigious Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Cross River State, is Darasen Richards’ The Antique. The film, which premiered last month at Eko hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, featured notable actors including Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Ricardo •Darasen Agbor, Funso Adeolu, Kiki Omeili, Gabriel Afolayan, comedian Akpororo among others. The epic movie boasts of an enchanting storyline which unfolds in a series of mindgripping cinematography under the directorial expertise of award winning filmakers, Darasen Richards and DJ Tee. The film is a fictional story, inspired by events th of the Southern Nigeria people in the 19 Century. It will be exhibited at Havanna Film Festival in Cuba, the Dubai Film Festival 2014 and the Berlin Film festival. The film is also scheduled to hit world cinemas soon. A writer, producer, director and music producer, Darasen was the overall winner of the first ever 48 hour film challenge in Africa, carting away the Best Director, Best Screen Sound and Best Film of the Year. His neotraditional film making and visual art approach is a mosaic of his good, bad and ugly experiences in life.

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Nollywood’s busiest actress confesses:

he ancient city of Calabar, the Cross River State capital will come alive again this Sunday as African movie stars and stakeholders converge there for this year’s edition of the prestigious Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), holding at Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar. Already,the organisers have relocated to Calabar ahead of tomorrow’s opening of the festival. A series of topical issues, according to insiders, have been chosen for the industry sessions in this year’s edition. The festival, which holds from November 9 through 16, will run for five week days. Actors, filmmakers, film marketers, distribution houses and various professional guilds in the entertainment industry will gather at different venues to chart a new course for African cinema. Meanwhile, festival Manager, AFRIFF, Ikenna Ezenyirioha, revealed that the industry sessions are an integral part of the festival that cannot be ignored, adding that professionals in different fields will be on hand to host different classes. According to him, the sessions are the artistic and business sides of showbiz, which are essential to the development of the creative non-oil sector of the economy. He noted that this will bring about the right skills and attitude as well as open up business deals, networking and possible

‘I hardly find time for myself again’ O

*Film makers at last year’s AFRIFF

Calabar comes alive as AFRIFF begins collaborations among the filmmakers that will be attending the festival. Some of the great subjects to be explored by the festival include, Acting laboratory – Acting with integrity, to be hosted by notable producer/ director, Mildred Okwo and Adapting African literature for screen- A cinematic goldmine, to be handled by an army of industry bests such as Jude Idada, a screenwriter, playwright and novelist; Tunde Kelani, foremost cinematographer; Yemi Akintokun, a movie director; Jane Maduegbena, a lawyer and mobile application expert and Jeremy Weate of Cassava Republic publishing outfit.

Other sessions will include Art of Film Criticism, a conversation about the work and art of a film critique to be handled by Don Omope, Editor of African Screens Magazine and Shaibu Husseini of Nigeria’s Guardian newspaper; Demystifying Distribution in Nigeria, to be hosted by Gab Okoye (Gabosky), Chichi Nworah, Uwem Jacobs and Kene Mkparu of FilmHouse among others.The weeklong event will also treat topics like Going International…, a window to major festival circuit; Nollywood Alert, information platform for film industry on health and development; The Restless Pitch, a training workshop to be followed by an open, creative live pitching session and Relativity Nollywood Summits on digital distribution and piracy.

Excitement as Zik Zulu’s Oasis hits airwaves

he much talked about TV series, “Oasis”produced by Zik Zulu-Okafor in collaboration with The Incubator has finally hit the airwaves last Saturday, after premiering the previous day at Silverbird cinemas, inside Ikeja City Mall. The 35-episode tele-novella features Beverly Naya, Moet Abebe, Tope Tedela, Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, David Nnaji, Ifeanyi Williams, Mary-Jane Ugbaja, Zik Zulu Okafor amongst others. “Oasis” which is a sequel to ‘Heaven’s Gate’ is currently showing on AIT and Africa Magic, is a story of violation, rape, loss of confidence and an unusual drama that borders on a story of change through Christ. Speaking at premiere, Okafor said, the tele-novella was painstakingly conceived and specially written for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. “Oasis, is not just a soap, it is a complete family package that will educate, inform, entertain and help redirect the ill focus of our youths. It is our special gift to Nigerians who are already bored watching foreign soaps on air every day. Oasis is the new face of Nigerian entertainment on TV…” In his brief remarks, Pastor Iluyomade representing The Incubator commended Okafor and his team for creating and producing such a wonderful and exciting soap. He called on Nigerians to learn from the good storyline of the soap, which he described as a great work of art.

ne of Nollywood’s most-sought-after actresses at the moment, Oma Nnadi has confessed that she hardly finds time to attend to her personal needs again following her tight schedules in recent times. The Nkwere, Imo State-born actress who’s currently making headlines in the national dailies, made this confession, while in a chat with HVP. She has evolved from being an unknown actress to one of today’s busiest actresses, taking after likes of Mercy Johnson and Chika Ike. No month passes without Oma interpreting at least three movie roles. Those in the know say notable producers now queue up to have her feature in their movies. Interestingly, in the past two months, Oma has been busy, jumping from one movie location to another. Just last week, she returned to Lagos from Port-Harcourt where she was on the set of Uche Nacy’s production, alongside Ebube Nwagbo among others. She’s currently in Asaba, shooting an epic movie, and she’s expected to storm Enugu this weekend for another production. Later this month, the soft-spoken actress will be travelling back to the United States, where she hopes to spend few weeks before returning to the trenches again. Upon her return, Oma will join the set of Chinwe Isaac’s production as well as Uche Nacy’s. According to her, she would be busy from now till the end of the year. “I don’t even have time for myself again. I feel like I am stressed up. But this is what I love doing and I have to be happy doing what I know how to do best,” she said. Among Oma’s latest works are: Daughter of a Gambler, Girls on fire and Daughters on fire, Sisters Battle, Village babes and high Babes, Troubled King and Kings Help, Devil in disguise and Devil in Me, among others.

*Zik *Zulu Okafor, and Monalisa Chinda, one of the cast of the sitcom

•Oma C M Y K

26 —Vanguard, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

anozieegole@yahoo.com

08116759764

Daddy Showkey, Oritsefemi thrill fans at Hood to Hood G

s u c s a m a ! D k c a l a l t t e t a S r e d n u s e m co S

CREEN goddess, Stella Damasus is currently not finding it funny, especially with the way fans are blasting her following a picture she posted on her Instagram page. The mother of two, was playing dress up for an international holiday ‘halloween’ which entails being dressed up in a scary fashion pitched her against her fans who did not hesitate to denounce her action. Interestingly, her fans went

— Kaffy alented queen of dance and CEO of Imagnito Dance Group, Kaffy has revealed that apart from dancing, she also has passion for motivating, empowering and inspiring young people to achieve their dreams in life. According to the acclaimed dancer, some Christian faithful believe that celebrities achieve success without the divine help of God. “We in the secular world understand that God is responsible for who we are today, as our lives to the glory of His name. Because His grace is responsible for our uplifting and when people wonder why you are so great or your doing very well, it’s not because we don’t go through rough times. Rather it’s because we learn to overcome them. And it’s an opportunity to draw people to God. You don’t have to be a pastor or own a church to enrich lives, empower minds and lead people to spiritual growth,” she remarked. C M Y K

stadium came alive the moment he mounted the stage. Meanwhile, one of the reigning music stars, Oritsefemi who was the guest artiste at the opening ceremony, also excited fans as he performed his popular track, “Double Wahala,” which was greeted with resounding ovation. Speaking at the event, General Manager, GOTV, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa said, this year ’s edition of Hood to Hood is bigger, better and more colourful. “Last year, Sean Tizzle performed at the closing ceremony.”

to her Instagram page where they vented their anger on her for being part of the evil celebration. Some of their comments read thus: “I can’t Believe you participated in this evil belief, have you checked out the origin? Am sorry sister, but this is not right...”Halloween is celebrating witchcraft and that is contrary to God’s commandments. Hence I believe it’s not for true Christians! “Stella you need Jesus”.

I love to motivate young people T

hetto soldier,Daddy Showkey who staged a comeback after a long break from the music scene lived up to his billing recently when he thrilled fans with his gala songs at the grand finale of the second edition of Hood to Hood Championship. The event, sponsored by GOTV held at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium complex, Lagos. The Glo ambassador threw the stadium into wild ecstasy as he took fun seekers back in time. The singer, who recently released “Asalamabeez”, where he featured Harrysong proved to his fans that he is back for good after a long break from the industry. The

•Daddy showkey

•Oritsfemi

Bachure steps out with Dancing Belle

ohnson Damilare Aderemi better known as Bachure, a multifarious instrumentalist who has shared the same stage with top acts is stepping out in style. The burgeoning entertainer has debuted with a single titled “Belle Dancer.” The 5-minute thriller single is already enjoying a rave review while climbing to the top musical charts gradually. The midtempo song is produced by Nosepiz, an equally young and hard working producer who’s bracing up to blow the minds of pundits and cynics alike. As a back-up artist and vocalist for notable artists like D’Tunes , Tony Totch, Dr. Frabz, OJB Jezreel among others, Bachure’s dexterity in delivering melodious tunes in RnB, Soul and Afrobeat is the same reason his profile has been on the rise. He’s an alumnus of Lagos State Polytechnic where he studied •Bachure Accounting.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 — 27

Rihanna returns to Instagram

fter six-months absence, Rihanna has returned to Instagram as she reunites with her nearly 13 million followers last Sunday morning. She posted a photo of her head upside down with the caption: “Hellurrr #badgalback.” Recall that her account was suspended in May after she published a topless photo of herself from the cover of French magazine, Lui. The naked picture which violated the app’s terms of use caused her account to go dark. She also stirred controversy by posing in front of a mosque in Abu Dhabi and got a couple of Thai men in trouble by posting a picture of herself with an endangered animal. But it appears that Rihanna and Instagram have made up. She shared a drawing of her’s holding hands with IG, written: “#RIHunited #badgalback @instagRam.” Instagram also celebrated her return on Twitter. During her absence, her fans had petitioned for her return and BET’s “106 & Park” started a campaign to get RiRi back. K. Michelle drops ‘Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart?’ Last week she revealed the title and cover art, and now K. Michelle is sharing the track- listing for her sophomore album “Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart?”. The album which is set to be due come December 9, is said to be the follow-up to her 2013 debut, Rebellious Soul, which features single “Love ‘Em All,” “My second album is absolutely amazingly scary good, juicy, yummy,” K. Michelle disclosed in a chat with Rap-Up TV. “I wanted people to know that I am a musician. This album is so musical. I feel like it’s so ahead of its time.”

BY IYABO AINA

08184172548

Jail: Chris Brown recounts losses ...opens up on his relationship with Rihanna But through his trials and he “Loyal” singer, who tribulations, he’s learned to recently settled his lawsuits be comfortable on his own. “I including the one in D.C, has don’t have to prove myself,” finally opened up on his past said Chris. “I’m comfortable relationship with Rihanna, being a singing, dancing, squashing his beef with Drake painting, and great guy. I and his jail experience. don’t have to be tough.” During his sit-down with Ebro Speaking on his media, the hit-maker admitted relationship with Rihanna, that he was unsure where his Chris Brown said, “ She’s career would take him after jail, straight, and being in this as he claimed that he lost $20 industry, you just need million in endorsements due to somebody that understands his bad reputation. He also you and understands who revealed that he was addicted to you are personally aside from lean (“the hood cocktail”) and your name. At the end of the found it impairing his work. “It day, I and she have a real wasn’t conducive to me. I was connection as best friends on falling asleep on video sets, I was top of our intimacy.” “But I’m cursing people out randomly, I scared of marriage ’cause I’m was doing crazy stuff,” he said. young right now.”

On why he returned to Rihanna after the altercation, he said: “I just wanted to make sure that the love was still there. I wanted to make amends to her, showing I could be the man that she wanted me to be.”

Mariah Carey plans Christmas concerts T

o celebrate the 20th anniversary of her bestselling Christmas album, Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey has announced her first annual Christmas extravaganza entitled, All I Want for Christmas Is You: A Night of Joy and Festivity. The four shows will take place at the Beacon Theatre in her hometown of New

Kelly Rowland welcomes baby boy.

ormer Destiny Child singer, Kelly Rowland, has become the newest mother in the American singing scene. The pretty talented singer gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday, November 4. Kelly and her husband, Tim Witherspoon, have named their new bundle of joy Titan Jewell. Kelly, in a statement said: “We are thrilled to announce that we are the proud parents of our first son. We are blessed to report everyone is healthy and happy!” Born at 1:30 p.m. PT, Kelly Rowland gave birth to her first son named Titan Jewell Witherspoon weighing 7.5 lbs. Recently, in July, Kelly said: “The dad picked out the name. It has to do with family.”

York City from December 15 through December 20. She will perform classics off her album, Merry Christmas, which has sold over 14 million copies to date, and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You. “I can’t imagine being anywhere more special than live on stage, in my hometown, celebrating with my fans during the Christmas season, my most treasured time of the year,” said Mariah.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

There’s more

sexual abu

in the banks in Nollywood

— Bayray Mcnw

Eberechukwu Nwizu known as Bayray Mcwinzu started he industry after winning the third edition of the Amstel Malta She was able to hold her own until an experience put her off Bayray is back, displaying versatility and unconventional ro In this interview she tells her story of defeat and triumph an

•Bayray Mcnwizu

By KEHINDE AJOSE

ow has the journey been so far for you and why were you off the scene for some time? I had to attend to some personal issues. Besides that, I took two years off and came back late last year. Funny enough, the first film I did just got a ZAFAA UK nomination. With that, God has wiped away my tears. What tears? Tears of not working for a while. Not working for some time got to me emotionally down. Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate C M Y K

about what I do. Acting is my life. Before I won AMBO, I worked for at least ten years with my mother. I started off on this job at the age of twelve. Even as a young person, I knew I wanted to be an actress, I knew I wanted to be on stage. But as a child I was helping my mum out. She was a barrister and owned a law firm. Looking back now, I am glad I went through all that because it has given me a business edge. All those tears were not wasted they were tears for the future to come. How did your growing up contribute to what you are doing now? For me, I am grateful to God for

my late mother because she was the one who was always telling me to believe in myself no matter what. She was the one that kept telling me that looking good is always good business. She told me if I maintained my good looks it would bring me nothing but something good. Hearing those words motivated me to take on the world. Her words encouraged me. As a young girl, I didn’t have to depend on a man for money. It’s important to me as a woman to hone my craft and be an asset to the society Would you say the Nollywood of today and actors of this generation

are purpose-driven? I cannot speak for them but one has to be purpose- driven. It is said that by a man’s actions you can tell what is in his heart. Looking at any actor you can know if they are purpose-driven by their actions. My business is not to busy myself with what someone else is doing. For Nollywood, I think we are not there yet, but we are rapidly getting there. Look at the AGN under the leadership of Ibinabo Fibresima. Now, I hear of producers and actors who under AGN leadership have been awarded scholarships to go abroad to study. I also hear of the government supporting the AGN .I think its purpose driven. Now, we have insurance. We want the world to associate themselves with Nigerian movies. We are rapidly getting there. What is your most challenging movie role? I will say the stage played in Lion and the Jewel written by Wole Soyinka. I played Sidi, an eighteen year old girl. My role in Tales Of Eve was also challenging; I had to switch from playing the role of a 13-year old to that of a 37 year- old lady. In addition, a film I just did where I had to play a woman who is completely frigid, who doesn’t smile and her back is completely straight. That is another challenging movie role I had to play. After playing that role I had backache for a long time. As an actor if you take your business serious you must exercise frequently to keep in shape or

is th ev It

in ha ha t

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 — 29 people see us more and adjudge us the worst. The person that is seen often takes the blame whereas everybody does it. It’s more rampant in other industries. Yes, it happens. Directors have tried to come to me and made such moves.

use

than d

wizu

er journey in the movie Box Office in 2007. f the scene. But ole interpretations. d many more

The person that seen often takes he blame whereas verybody does it. t’s more rampant in other ndustries. Yes, it appens. Directors ave tried to come to me and made such moves.

else there are rolea you wouldn’t be able to fill. It’s quite challenging. I don’t blame some Hollywood actors who, after doing a very intense film, commit suicide. As an actor, after doing a job you have to learn to relax, separate yourself from the character and become yourself. You have to make sure you don’t lose your true identity. Most of the roles I have played are intense and I hope they come off as entertaining. Do you subscribe to the injection of soft porn in our movies? I will answer that question like this; for me as a future film maker a film has to have a meaning, it must have a message that it’s trying to convey to the society. Infusing soft porn just for the sake of soft porn is wrong; it has to have a true connection with the storyline. Can you engage in such? I am not sure I can say I endorse such because if I say that I will be giving a lot of people wrong ideas. Most people are looking up to me and listening to what I am saying. I will not endorse it but I am also a realistic person; it depends on the storyline. There are some things that are expected of a particular scene. You cannot afford to run away from it .If I am not comfortable with a scene I tell my directors. I have always had a very cordial relationship with my directors. That‘s the thing about having formal education as an actor. There are different kinds of kisses. There is the ‘In love’ kiss, there is the ‘I cannot do without you’ kiss. When you are filming and your tongue comes out the director is showing the viewers something very sexual.

hat attribute makes you special as an actress? I am a confident woman and I do believe I am beautiful. I am blessed and I do not shy away from that. I am aware of my beauty and the effect it has on men. I try not to make it a defining thing in my life though. I love my body .Some people know they are beautiful and they use it as a tool to get what they want. When a woman is not confident of herself whether she is fleshy or skinny it will come off in her actions. I am just comfortable in my skin.

It’s been said that sex sells in entertainment, do you think it should be a major marketing strategy? No, it shouldn’t be. I believe for everything that somebody can do there are always an alternative .Like the Indian movies of those days. They never engaged in lips touching but you would find intimacy in their movies. That for me is genius. For you to have engaged in such a scene without actually making it look like a gritty sexual scene is pure genius. For me, it doesn’t have to be a major strategy .Yes, these days everybody is half nude or naked. Obviously, when you look at Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj they hardly have clothes on and they get a lot of viewers and you wonder why their society accepts that. It is their society; it is the way they were raised. When you raise a child, making her believe that the only way she could get things done or be successful in entertainment is to show off her body or to have the right size of boobs; what do you expect? No one wants to be cerebral anymore, they all want to be sexy and that affects the society. Can you go naked in a movie? I will be very uncomfortable. I am a very confident lady, even as I am right now; I only undress in front of those close to me, especially the female folks. I am a very shy person. It will take a lot for me to even undress in front of a person let alone a room full of directors, cameramen, people I don t know. I will be uncomfortable. I am not certain I will be able to do it. What is the craziest thing you have heard about yourself? The craziest thing was that I was in church one day and I got a tweet that read that I have abandoned acting for jewelry-making and I think my error was that I didn’t have my publicist send out a report to say that it was not true. After a while people started to believe that, and thought I had left the scene. It hurt but thank God I am back and better. That is the craziest thing I have ever heard about myself. I will never abandon acting

Have you ever been a victim of sex for roles? It’s called Casting couch. Of course, I have been approached; I have been asked this question and I have said ‘no’ because I never engaged in it. But the offers have come up. How does it happen? It happens the same way a man tells a woman “I like you; I will like to take care of you”. It’s the same thing. This one is not wooing though, they want to collect something in exchange for something .It happens everywhere even in the banking industry. After working with Mr Obi Emelonye on his crime series Calabash which is about the craziness of the banking industry, I discovered that the movie industry does not even come close in sexual harassment in comparison to what happens in the bank industry. But because we are in the open and on screens C M Y K

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

r. Efunbowale Olatunbosun Dosekun, has many passions. An experienced consultant paediatrician, the 56-year-old Managing Director, Outreach Children’s Hospital, Festac Town, Lagos, is renowned for her dedication to saving the lives of newborns born prematurely. Lately, Dosekun, who is also Chief Executive Officer, Anu Dosekun Healthcare Foundation has been expressing another passion – her zeal to enable a better lease of life to Nigerians as a whole. In an encounter during the week, she expressed her concerns about the state of healthcare delivery in the nation, particularly in the wake of the recent outbreak Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. The Foundation, is currently planning a 2-day infectious diseases workshop in December for healthcare practitioners on global best practices, is convinced that as Nigerians, we must change our total attitude of knowledge and plans. Dosekun who is calling out to Nigerians to come out whenever there is problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again, is convinced that if we could do it with Ebola, we can do it with so many other ills. She speaks of her relationship with the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh and her future expectations for Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases. Excerpts: Dr Ameyo Adadevoh was one of my best friends. She was my friend for 40 years. I was with her at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, IDH, (Mainland Hospital). I was not in her room because she had Ebola, but I was outside her window in the isolation unit. I was there in the 24 hours that she went into coma. I felt the frustration, the pain and the helplessness. Dr Adadevoh had felt she was at low risk and her being infected came as a great surprise to all of us. When you are sick, you are not really able to be rational because you are still in a state of confusion that was what Ameyo felt. She felt she did not have direct contact with the index case. But that just tells us that when you are dealing with a highly pathogenic organism, you may not even directly touch the patient, but you may have had contact with someone who might have had contact with the bodily fluids of the patient, and either sat down with that person, or it could be the shoes. The person might have come out of the C M Y K

Ebola, gone but still around

•Dr. Olatunbosun Dosekun room where there has been contamination. Because it is highly pathogenic, just a few of the microorganisms are enough to move from one person to the other to effect transmission. At peace So in her last days, it was peaceful for her, I know she has gone to be with the Lord. I just know it. I know it would not be very pleasing for the person that she was a very empathetic person that gave all of her, for me not to do what has been laid out. I would be cheating my friend by not using her death as a way to make the world a better place. All of us that love her owe her that. She wasn’t the only one that died, other health workers, died too, but she was most pronounced. We who were her members, colleagues and family, should use this as an opportunity to change the history of Nigeria, Africa and the world. But she is gone now. Let’s not ponder over what happened before. From the lives of the 12 persons who have died, let something beautiful come out of it. They are our sacrificial lambs and are now in a better place. How pleasing it would be for the angels that they are now, in the

greater realms, to see us now changing Nigeria. From this ability to set standards to increase our ability to be more sympathetic to social issues, Nigeria would be a better place. From their death, let our country be greater, so the pain we have can be relieved. I am not ashamed to say I have been all over the world, seen changes and I believe there is no place like Nigeria. The people and the physical environment, the resources can ask for more. The belief in God here is tremendous; we still have our young believing there is a Creator. We need to be encouraged.

30—SATURDAY

in the hospital, because we are familiar with it, we are always picking infectious diseases. A hospital is just the isolation unit; we must talk about the community and other aspects on infection control and protection. When Ebola came to West Africa, we all thought it was not our business. Yet this is how God is telling us that whatever happens to our neighbour is our business. America thought it would never get to them, now Ebola is on the front burner of the American every day. The same in Europe; Ebola

In her last days, it was peaceful for her, I know she has gone to be with the Lord

Coming out I initially stayed in the back ground in my little corner because I do not have the energy to run up and down. But I have decided to come out. I want to be a voice, because if we all stay away, who will make the change? There are now voices picking up issues. We are talking about infectious disease that we should have been talking about all along. As medical practitioners, in our own way,

is now a global thing. Same thing is the poverty. We must nip it in the bud, reduce it, and control it. When this outbreak occurred, I still believe it is our belief in God - a divine thing. Yes it has come and gone, but it can come again. it has been in Africa since 1974, so we must change our attitude. What are our plans if it does happen again?

Emerging diseases We are only thinking now of community infections. Infections those are the healthcare infection infections. Ebola is one of the emerging diseases, they are frightful and we are not even analysing them. If anything at all, In issues like health in the corporate world, it is wise for them to get involved because if anything happens productivity will be reduced and their own businesses will be affected. I found it confusing that there could be an epidemic linked with broken skin, body fluids, and we are not talking about it or making a fuss about environmental sanitation, infrastructure, and talking about us living in better housing conditions, roads, and these things must go together. This is the time government that should be serious. So the corporate industry and religious community should be involved. It should be one big melting point called development. Resource control We want to come out an attract funds so that we Continues onPage 31

SATURDAY

By GABRIEL OLAWALE

lot has been said about beer, and people tend to have different opinion of it. When taken in moderation, beer possesses some health benefits. For instance, beer which is naturally made up of hops, malted barley, water and yeast has a number of natural antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent heart disease and even rebuild muscle. If you’re worried about dehydration, keep in mind that beer is 93 percent water and thus a good hydrating agent. It also has one of the highest energy contents of any food or drink. Barley is very rich source of B group vitamins including, niacin which helps in convert food to energy, riboflavin for healthy skin, hair, blood and brain. The truth is that beer is as allnatural as orange juice or milk. Beer doesn’t need preservatives because it has alcohol and hops, both of which are natural preservatives. Beer is only “processed” in the sense that it is cooked and fermented, then filtered and packaged. Researchers studied commercial beer production to determine the relationship between beer production methods and the resulting silicon content, and concluded that beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density and bone strength. Promotes good cholesterol

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 — 31

One beer a day keeps the doctor away

•A good hydrating agent A beer a day may keep heart stones compared to those who drank other types of alcohol. The benefit disease away. Alcohol raises may be due to beer ’s high water levels of ‘good’ HDL content. Better Brain cholesterol, and has anticlotting effects, which keeps Power blood vessels clear and Alcohol intake may protect blood healthy. Israeli researchers vessels in the brain and also lower found that people who drank stroke risk, say researchers. While one beer daily had lower excessive alcohol intake can cause levels of fibrinogen, a protein irreparable brain damage, moderate that helps promote blood daily consumption actually clotting. safeguards a sharp mind, research shows. A study shows that people Healthier kidneys with one drink a day have a 20 Research found that men percent lower risk of brain function who drank beer had a 40 decline (as measured by memory percent lower risk of kidney

and other cognition tests) than non drinkers. Lower cancer risk Beer’s health benefits aren’t limited to those who drink it: Marinating steak in your favourite brew could eliminate up to 88 percent of the carcinogens that form as a result of pan-frying meat, according to a Portuguese study. Moderation is key Don’t ignore the golden rule, ‘’everything in moderation” before you go on a beer binge. This means no more than two beers a day for men and one for women. If you overdo it, alcohol can take a toll on your health, contributing to liver damage, certain cancers, heart problems, and more. Alcoholics tend to have high blood levels of the hormone epinephrine and deficiencies of the mineral magnesium. This combination produces severe arrhythmias, or heartbeat irregularities, a common cause of sudden death in heavy drinkers. Chronic drinkers typically develop hypertension, a leading cause of stroke. People with certain health conditions — including gout, high triglycerides, or breast cancer, for example — should avoid drinking beer or other alcohol because it can exacerbate those health problems.

Ebola, gone but still around Continues from Page 30 can set up first class training workshops, with demonstrations, planning a workshop in December, we have approached corporate organisations and they say Ebola is no longer here, so there is no need, but we are in trouble with that kind of mindset. We will continue begging for resources we need. We need capacity building at all levels. Everybody needs education and practical demonstrations that are standardised and they must be supervised. All hospitals need to have drills, a surveillance system, etc. Ebola Ambassador We must have an Ebola Ambassador. Where is our Czar? We do not have one. In the hospital, there has to be a Czar who is in charge of leadership that cascades down. This is one of the developments that the

Federal Ministry of Health has to put into policy. Every hospital must have an infection control leader that must be trained, and set standards for the hospital. These standards must not only be implemented but also monitored. From the Federal Ministry of Health, we are regulate that they are standard setting. The difference between hospitals here and in the developed economies is standard setting. They set standards and have regulatory bodies that set these stands and their regulatory bodies do not compromise these standards. It is until we get to that level we will be delivering substandard care. The problem of this is that the financing, till we can finance our hospital, there will be substandard. Preparation for infection control How did Ebola come? It is linked with poverty, a zoonotic disease, a disease of animals. I believe we are better prepared now than before the first contact, it is just that it

•Dr. Olatunbosun Dosekun has to be in our face regularly, like a drill. Just suppose this happens again, what is the role of everyone? We need to constantly challenge ourselves about the possibility of another occurrence. Let us realise that this can happen. We can now start looking at the deeper issues, but are we even prepared for other infections, such as the infectious diseases, things like hospital

infections, wound infections, other widespread infections? We are moving out of the Ebola outbreak, but preparing for other types of infection control. It has to be in our faces, it must be a constant drill, there has to be awareness, thrown in our face. What the public health role is and role of the environment? We need to const challenge ourselves of the possibility. We how are looking at the other deeper issues of poverty, poor infrastructure, health literacy , poor coordination between the different agencies to help that these thing as do not happen, and that every one follows the rules and regulations , laid down, and of course have greater capacity of our workers , Workshop role It hoped that all the health workers and doctors will submit to the process of donning and removal of the PPEs

. This has to be on the governed site. We are getting PPEs for every participant. They would practice there under supervision under the experts in donning and doffing of the PPEs. A bit expensive to put together, people have to come and be fully knowledgeable. You can assimilate but you have to practice over and over. We would have the training for 250-300 personnel from different health organisations and workplaces. There are thousands of them but we are hoping that others should come out and set up similar things. A time will come when a herd of our personnel would have been adequately trained. If trained as team, say 25 percent trained to international standards, we will encourage them with material and audio visual materials to go and become trainers, so they can train others. This is not about making money or attaining fame. It is about supporting our great country, Nigeria.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

C M Y K

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, NO VEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 8,, 2014—33

Green with envy E

merald green derives its name from the gemstone emerald. As a colour, emerald green is lively and radiant. Green is a colour of elegance and beauty and it is the colour most associated with springtime and freshness in the USA and Europe. The colour of nature, plants and trees, green is believed to promote lifestyle and well being. It is also believed to be the colour associated with jealousy and envy. Take a look at our pick of fashion items and see which one you covet.

•Sequins green pump •Sequins green dress

•KellyGreen Bag

•Emerald drop earrings

•Omawumi •Sequin-fedora-hat

•Sterling-silver emerald-cocktail-ring

•Christies-harry-winston-emerald-necklace

P&G introduces new product

enultimate Saturday, Procter and Gamble, P&G makers of body care products, activated its latest product called Camay at an event held inside Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. At the activation event, shoppers and passers by had fun as the organizers, gave them the rare opportunity to experience the magic of the new product. Speaking on the product, Tolu Pogoson, ABM, Beauty Care, P&G

C M Y K

Nigeria said that Camay body care collection is designed for the true woman and is meant to captivate her admirers and get her compliments all day long. She also reiterated the commitment of the company to continue to deliver excellent products that embodies the true value of a woman while also catering for her needs. “I can assure you that P&G is dedicated to delivering quality body care products that cater to the needs

that matter most to our customers. Camay is a new testament to this” she said. Interestingly, the smell of Camay is the first thing that hits you. Sticking to the same smell, it’s like a burst of flowers but so much more deep and rich. The cream itself is rich and moisturizing, and leaves you delicately scented with the gorgeous fragrance.

•Emerald drop earrings

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 will not keep you in suspense. In Africa, we give our new-born babies names to tell a particular story of the time, the past, situations or purely as a metaphor. One of such names in Urhoboland, though rare, is: Uwevwirohwofabeno (it is difficult to understand the inner workings of another person’s house). Jaw-breaking? The short form, Beno, is our title today. For a long time, this couple was a role model, envied by all. They were the ultimate couple, the benchmark against which everybody measured the success of their marriages and families. But beneath the façade was a very abusive husband who engaged in systematic battery. When the wife got tired of the hypocrisy and charade, she spilled the beans. The eldest son of a family travelled abroad long ago and has not visited since he left Nigeria. Even when one of the parents died he did not come to pay his last respect. Non-family members thought he refused to visit because he could not fit into our daily life any longer (poor infrastructure and insecurity, etc.). Now the real reasons for his long absence has come to fore. He is gay and will visit only on the condition that he comes with his partner (now “husband” or “wife”, because they are officially “married”), but the surviving parent would hear none of it; stalemate.

any, if not all, families seem to carry one baggage or the other. For some it is delinquent children or drug addicts. Incest is going on in some families; house helps, impregnated by their ogas; love children unknown to spouses, sometimes until after the spouses’ demise. There are also terminal ailments and debilitating health conditions. The list goes on. These are crosses life has thrust on us (Job, The Book of Job) or crosses we thrust on ourselves due to our actions or inactions( Samson, Judges 15:16). We should bear them issues to others. Consider the with equanimity while we man who told his wife that if seek personal and divine she gets pregnant, the solutions. Chanting “it is not marriage is over. For him my portion in Jesus name” family means just husband does not necessarily immune and wife. The same that is you from life’s problems and childlessness challenges. Living involves destroying other marriages and bringing unimaginable facing challenges. Sometimes what we agonies to families is what he consider crosses are non- has freely embraced. Bill Clinton has only one

God. It is apparent that God never intended any big cat to have it all. That is how it is with us, humans. That is how it is in all aspects of life. If you have it all, you will be perfect and be like God and that is impossible. So, man should be contented with his positives and learn to adapt and live with the negatives, much of which is product of his perceptions, anyway?

Beno

daughter, Barrack Obama has two. Back home, an old friend who has an empire worth N1b, is contented with his three daughters. Yet somebody with a comparatively small business empire of N200 million is lamenting. He is crying, not over the death of his only son, but the fact that his two daughters are now the surviving children to inherit his wealth which they will “take to other families when they get married.”

Now the real reasons for his long absence has come to fore. He is gay and will visit only on the condition that he comes with his partner (now “husband” or “wife”)

One of my favourite channels on television is Animal Channel and I have a bias for big cats. Cheetahs are the fastest of all big cats. They are mainly solitary, except when bachelors team up to enhance their chances. Incidentally the Cheetah is the least powerful of the big cats, so its kills often get stolen by bigger and stronger cats.

The leopard is also solitary, but stronger than the cheetah. It is an efficient predator, but the risk of pride of lions and pack of hyenas is never far away. But it has a secret weapon; it is the only big cat that climbs efficiently, so it is able to stow away its kill high up the tree from the reach of hyenas and lions. The lion is the king of the jungle, but the least efficient hunters of all the big cats. When hunting its big size becomes a stumbling block. In fact, lions scarcely hunt; the lionesses do the hunting. All lions have poor stamina and can only sustain their speed for about 90 metres unlike hyenas and wild dogs. What the lion has going for it is they live in a group (pride) which helps in hunting and raising their young. The tiger is the biggest and strongest cat, but its size impedes its mobility. It is also solitary. Like lions, tigers are not efficient predators like other big cats. utside the Bible, wild life, more than many other things, has convinced me about the existence of

hy envy or desire to trade places with people and families whose baggage you do not even know. I can understand if you want to model certain aspects of your life or family after someone or family you consider a role model. I can also understand if you want to look at how others are doing things with a view to improving yourself, but you cannot go through life looking over your shoulders always as if you are in a race with others. Those who are busy envying other people and families should spend that precious time and energy working to improve themselves and their families. We live in the age of make-believe, extreme makeup, packaging, positioning, branding and perception management. So many cracked walls are papered over so that the more you look, the less you see. The grass always seems greener on the other side; only remember that uwevwirohwofabeno; siegware, miyeri (it is difficult to understand what goes on in the homes of other people. I greet you all).

(Text Only)

Muscles' Improver Technique:

itting down with the feet outtretched in front of you; draw them to wards you till the heels touch or almost touched the crotch. With the hands hold the

big toes for a count of 5 to 10. Rest and repeat once or twice more.

Benifits:

his exercise firms up the thigh muscles. It benefits the pelvic region helping to ease painful periods and labour pains in women and increasing mainly vigour in the menfolk.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—35

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

He wants me and still wants his ex wife Dear Julie, Mine is a peculiar case. I had a two-year relationship with a man who is 15 years my senior. The relationship has just ended because I struggled for over a year with his inability to commit to me and his ongoing relationship with his exwife. Due to his having an affair throughout their 14 year marriage, he has developed a relationship with her that is based on dependence, guilt and obligation. He spends holidays, many family occasions, and some vacations with her and their undergraduate children. It’s almost as if they are still married, yet he had this intimate relationship with me which the children and exwife were aware of. It became unrealistic for me to expect that I was to be an

important relationship in his life and to expect that he would respect my needs to be a priority? I was respectful of his relationship with his children, but the way it was set up was not convenient for us. His exwife orchestrated the children’s lives and he just joined in as if they were still an intact family. I had many sleepless nights over this situation, until I could not stand to be the “other woman” any longer. Whta do you think about this? Lydia, Port-Harcourt Dear Lydia, Some people are simply unavailable and anything can make them unavailable. It could be their ex, from a marriage or a long-term relation-

ship, it could be alcohol, it could be work, it could be food, it could be sports. Or anything. The bottom line is that people who are unavailable are that way because they don’t want to be fully present in a relationship. Usually this is from a deep fear of closeness and being hurt deeply early in their lives. This can not be fixed except by them and more closeness certainly can be demanded or mandated by their partner. When you are with someone who is unavailable, unless they know and see that they are unavailable and want more closeness with you for themselves, there will be no change. An unavailable person can only become available through deep personal work, to uncover what keeps him or her unavailable. And then there’s the learning new relationship behaviour. All of this takes a lot of work and time. I am glad you saw the light about your relationship – that you were with a man who was uncomfortable with intimacy and for that reason maintaining two relationships. You intuitively understood that he could not be fully with either you or his ex-wife. So what to do in these situ-

ations? If the person you are with does not see that he or she is unavailable after repeated attempts by you to show him or her what’s really going on, there is only one thing to do – leave. A relationship with an unavailable person is painful, and you don’t need

I am insecure I am having an affair with my next-door neighbour. We are very fond of each other. We were friends a couple of months before we started kissing. Now we are getting close to having sex. I am completely love-sick. I was so confident, but now that I have feelings for her, I feel insecure. I know we could have a great relationship. How can I get past this insecure feeling and let this relationship flourish? Sola, Lagos Dear Sola, The feeling of insecurity comes from over-investing in how your relationship partner perceives you. In other words, what the woman you are dating thinks about you has become too important to you.

He builds a wall around himself Aunty Julie, Thank you Aunty Julie for your good advice to people. My fiancé never talks about his feelings so if he gets mad at me, I usually don’t know why. Most times I panic when I see that he is acting different . It’s always so obvious that something is wrong and so I rack my brain trying to think: What did I say? What did I do? Did something happen that I didn’t notice? Well, when it happened again recently but I just decided to ignore it because he gets over things fast anyway. It seemed to be better, because I wasn’t suffering so much and he seemed to get over it quicker because I wasn’t looking at him strangely wondering and asking him “Are you okay?”. But here is my question about this: If I keep doing this, could he build up resentments toward me that I will never know

about, since we never discuss these things? Could he also be stuffing feelings that will someday explode in my face and end in divorce? He goes from being a fun-loving, playful, affectionate person to a cold, quiet person with a wallup. Or maybe this stuff isn’t even about me – it could be about something inside of him that makes him depressed and I’m taking it personally! I don’t know what to think. But isn’t it bad, if the love of your life (by the way, he tells me that I’m the love of his life too) can never talk about any feelings? He tells me that he loves me, but he obviously has a problem being truly intimate with me if he can’t discuss any deep desires or fears. Jacinta, Owerri Dear Jacinta, Emotional expression in the relationship is so important that

I would go as far as telling you not to get married until he is able to freely express himself. You are right to be worried that he will accumulate resentments and that someday he will explode. Or, worse, he will just stop loving you and maybe have an affair, or work too much, or get a hobby he is so passionate about that it consumes him. While it is possible that his walling-up has nothing to do with you, it is much more likely that it does have to do with you. Walling-up is a common strategy people use to punish their partner for doing something wrong. Unfortunately you can’t figure out what you have done wrong . Most people are not able to figure it out in these situations because the “wrong” thing is all in the perception, your fiancé’s perception. Get him to talk to you, every

time he walls up, or don’t marry him. But try and find romantic ways to get him to open up whenever he feels like this. For instance: “Honey, I can see that you are withdrawn. I bet I have done something that either made you angry or hurt your feelings, or offended you. I know you will get over this soon, but we need to talk about it. If you don’t talk about what’s bothering you, I will not know what to do differently next time. And worse, if you don’t talk about your feelings, they will go into a bag of things I have done wrong that you will never get over. Please talk to me now as this walling-up is not healthy and not how people who love each other should behave.” You can also use people who are close to both of you to find out what is bothering him.

C O C K - T A L E S Marriage lesson After Brian proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side. “Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did. They were huge on her and she said that she couldn’t wear them because they were too large. I said to her, 'Of course they are too big for you, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.' Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem." Brian took his dad’s advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and gave them to Brian. “Try these on,” she said. Brian went along with it and tried them

that kind of pain. Then you need to learn how to pick partners who are available, so that you don’t have to deal with this kind of a painful relationship again. This is not an easy task, as you have to become good at being able to spot available people.

on, but they were far too small. “What’s the point of this? I can’t get into your panties,” said Brian. “Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don’t change your attitude, you never will!” Differences between men and women A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, and she does. A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a

The other possible explanation for the feeling of insecurity is that you are spending too much time with her. Often in relationships, people tend to get too close and do not give each other enough space. As a result they begin to feel lost. That’s what the feeling of insecurity is telling you — you are losing yourself. To get over the feeling of insecurity, you need to return to yourself. You need to always remember to keep a balance between returning to yourself on a regular basis, while also investing in the relationship. Spend time away from her on a regular basis, focusing on what’s important to you. Make sure that during that time, you force yourself to focus on what you are doing or whom you are with, instead of thinking about her. Spend time with guy friends . This is very good for men in general, and will return you right back to who you are, diminishing the feelings of insecurity. Make sure that you are pursuing things in your life that matter to you, such as career goals or hobbies. Investing time and energy in what’s important to you will return you back to yourself. Tell her very gently that the time away from her does not mean anything about her or the relationship. Tell her you need time and space to tend to yourself. Make sure she knows you are not abandoning her. Also be sure that you do not give in to the longing to be together during the time you decided to devote to yourself. Put the longing in the background and focus on you. If you able to do this, you will restore yourself, which will return your confidence and allow you to be in love without being love-sick.

new argument. The silent treatment A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Weapons of mass distraction

he propaganda war between Russia and Ukraine took a turn for the bizarre after a busty Crimean model was voted Russia’s top natural beauty. Maria Zarring, who has a natural 34K bust, was born in the Crimea, the Ukrainian region now run by the ethnically Russian population. But Ukranian commentators have accused Russia of choosing the 28-yearold only because they wanted to humiliate Ukraine, and they are insisting that her breasts are not natural. Kiev beauty expert Oksana Melnyk said: ‘They have only chosen her to rub our

noses in it.’ She added: ‘Moscow is laughing at the Ukraine by claiming one of our own success stories for their own. But in fact, she is not even a real woman.’ But model Maria says she wants no part of the furore. She said: ‘I am not interested in politics.’ ‘I am proud of my boobs, I am proud of my body, I am proud of my title and I am proud of my homeland.’ Maria—who now lives in Moscow—used to have an office job in marketing but gave it up in 2011 when she won a TV wet T-shirt contest. Today Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

The devil man of Colombia: J ob interviews must be a riot with this freaky fellow —and no, that’s not a mask he’s wearing (you ought to see him first thing in the morning). Meet the terrifying Devil Man of Colombia who proudly sports black tattooed eyeballs, multiple horn implants and more piercings than a sewing machine convention on steroids. Caim Mortis is one guy who won’t need to get dressed up to go trick or treating this Halloween—but whether you’d want him banging on

Drunk Chinese man forced to sleep in dog's kennel

drunk Chinese man fell into a container full of raw sewage when he took a short cut home from the pub in the hope of avoiding an argument with his wife. Chi Fang, 42, had spent the evening drinking with friends in his home city of Wuhu in eastern China’s Anhui District when his wife called and

ordered him to come home immediately. Leaving the pub as quickly as he could, Mr Chi decided to take a quick route home, passing over a bridge that would usually shave several minutes off his journey and potentially spare him a confrontation with his furious wife. Nauseous from all the

alcohol he had consumed, Mr Chi was forced to stop to be sick but he unfortunately lent too far over the railing and toppled off the bridge into a tank full of sewage. Describing his ordeal, Mr Chi said: ‘It was very dark and I was feeling a bit queasy so I lent over a railing which I thought was part of a bridge. ‘I can’t exactly remember what happened next, but I suddenly fell over the edge, and head first into the sewage,’ he added. ‘At first I thought it was water, until I became aware of the smell...That sobered me up pretty quickly,’ Mr Chi went on to say. Having fallen into a vat of raw faeces, Mr Chi’s mobile phone stopped working, so he was forced to shout for help until a group of passers-by eventually called the emergency services. A police spokesman said: ‘When we arrived it was

your front door asking for sweets is another matter entirely. The 42-year-old has spent 11 years modifying his body including having his eyeballs tattooed completely black, horn-like dermal implants put into his forehead and forearms and a horn piercing. As a result of his menacing body overhaul Caim’s devout Catholic family rejected him and he moved from Colombia to Mexico where people are more accepting. Caim said: ‘When people first see me their normal reaction is to be shocked or amazed. ‘The first thing they ask me is “does it hurt?” or “ who did this to you?” ‘One of the key motivations for my own body modifications has been to be unique and different compared to others in the world. ‘Body modification difficult to see where he was as he was covered in sewage and completely black. ‘We eventually spotted him though and managed to haul him out, which was very unpleasant.’ After being rescued, Mr Chi’s first thought was to race home to his by now livid wife, Lei, 37—not even stopping for a shower along the way. Speaking after the incident, Mrs Chi said: I was all set to give him a rollicking for being out late drinking, but when he turned up looking like that I just went ballistic.’ ‘It’s like being with a child sometimes,’ she added. Mrs Chi forced her disgraced husband to spend the rest of the night sleeping in their pet dog’s kennel, but even there he wasn’t welcome. ‘The dog didn’t want to be near me and went inside,’ he said. ‘’

Grigory Karasin said on Monday that newly elected leaders in eastern Ukrainian separatist regions have a ‘mandate’ to negotiate with Kiev, Interfax news agency reported. ‘The elected representatives of Donetsk and Luhansk regions obtained a mandate to hold negotiations with central Ukrainian authorities to solve problems... via a political dialogue,’ he said. Interfax reported him as echoing a statement from the Foreign Ministry that Russia will ‘respect the will of the people of south-east Ukraine’. culture has been around for ages, it is not just a fashion or a temporary fad although people presume it is.’ Like Caim, lots of people want to stand out from the crowd, and he helps them in his jobs as a tattoo artists and body painter. Fittingly, he is launching his new career as a DJ this Halloween and is touring with another DJ, Gisella, who will play the part of an ‘Angel’ to his devil on stage. Caim said: ‘I have always been heavily into music, especially Latin styles, EDM and world fusion and I have been training as a DJ for many months. ‘I am excited to bring this unique concept and theme and people will definitely enjoy our show.’

Cash Rains Down On Maryland Highway, Sending Drivers Scrambling

rivers scrambled to grab money flying around a Maryland highway after an armored truck’s D door burst open. Maryland State Police say a lock on the truck seems to have malfunctioned, causing the door to open Friday morning. A bag of cash fell onto Interstate 270 near Urbana and the bills flew in the air. Police say a number of drivers stopped on the interstate and grabbed what cash they could before a fire department vehicle arrived and turned on its emergency lights. Responding troopers were able to help the truck’s driver recover about $200. It’s not known how much cash was lost. Police urge the drivers who took the cash to return it to the state police barracks in Frederick, or else face charges of theft if they ’re found.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;37

Pra or Cecilia Pinheir o @ 70 Prayyer and dance ffor Pinheiro The mass for the thanksgiving service to celebrate 70th birthday of Mrs Cecilia Alaba Pinheiro, Proprietress and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Isabel Group of Schools, Ibadan Oyo State was held at St Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church Jericho GRA, Ibadan on Sunday 2nd November, Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

R-L: Oba Anthony Kayode Alakija, The Alakija of Ikija Ijebu; Olori Olayinka Alakija and Erelu Olaide Gbolade. Mrs Cecilia Alaba Pinheiro, celebrant, dancing during the church service.

L-R; Rev Augustine Abayomi, Parish Priest, St Richard's Catholic Church, Jericho. Ibadan; Omooba (Dr) Kehinde Odusote; Mrs Dorcas Awoniyi and Professor Timothy Awoniyi, Chairman of the occassion.

L-R:Pastor Funmi Ayo-Odugbesan; Mrs Cecilia Alaba Pinheiro, celebrant; Mr Yemi Odusote, President/CEO, Pauline Fredricks Co and Princess Tola Odusote

R-L: Omooba Adewole Odusote; Mr Olufemi Adesesan; Mrs Alaba Odusote and Mrs Taibat Odusote .

(Front) Mrs Cecilia Alaba Pinheiro, Celebrant flanked by Alaba Mrs Ngozi Eke (left) and Dr (Mrs) Yewande Adeyemo, daughters in Law; Back from left Adeniyi Adeyemo; Femi Quadri and Yinka Eke, Children at the reception

Fenog launc hes lat est acquisitions in W arri launches latest Warri

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Ernest Nwapa (M), Matthew Tonlagha (R), Executive Director, FNL; Hon. George Ekpemupolo (3rd R), Chairman Warri South West Council; Chief Ayiri Emami (2nd R) and others.

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Ernest Nwapa and Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director FNL in a warm handshake.

FENOG Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian company providing engineering and design services to the Nigerian oil and gas industry and corporate organizations has launched acquisition of new equipment to expand and compliment their operations. The acquisition includes The Offshore and Deep Water Barge (Akpevweoghene),500 HDD drilling rig, three sea going vessels, PD 350 HDD rig and Pipelay Barge.

The Offshore and Deep Water Barge (Akpevweoghene).

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Ernest Nwapa (M), Matthew Tonlagha (3rd R), Executive Director, FNL, and others commissioning the three sea going vessels.

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Ernest Nwapa (R), Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director FNL and their foreign business associates.

38 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8 8,, 2014

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Think ahead of your Inheritancegrabbing in-laws! T

HE Nigerian culture is often rooted in diplomacy, especially when it has to do with polygamous relationships. Eight cases out of ten, it is the first wife that’s left gnashing her teeth. A few weeks ago, Bola a good friend had a get together party for a few friends to mark the arrival of her first grand-child. I wasn’t seated five minutes when this lovely middle-aged lady came in. She looked a bit apprehensive as she searched the room for known faces, saw mine and beamed, trotting towards me. Did I know her? When she came closer, I couldn’t hide my astonishment. It was Alaba! Five years ago, she lost her husband in a motor accident. She was a casual friend of our ‘group’ and we’d tried to rally round her when the poor man died until her grief turned to indignance! After three children—two boys and a girl—Alaba wanted a fourth one but Jeje, her husband, talked her out of it. He said nobody had that many children these days, if they wanted the best education for the kids and still have a bit of money left over to have quality life, three children were about right. Jeje was the secretary of the professional body he belonged to and travelled extensively in the course of his duties. He was on one of his assignments when he had the accident on his way to Benin and his corpse was deposited at one of the hospitals there. Alaba was naturally devastated as grief engulfed her —how would she cope with Alaba had no recollection of three children all under 14? ever clamping eyes on her. “I One of Jeje’s professional was told you were travelling colleagues offered to go with with Jeje as his wife when the her to Benin to, at least, see accident happened?” queried her husband’s corpse before Alaba. The poor woman kept any burial arrangements could mum and the Matron had to be made. At the hospital, they hustle her out of the ward. saw the matron who consoled Back in Lagos Alaba nearly the two of them. “It was a went ballistic. The thought of miracle the wife survived and

Alaba was furious and threatened them with a knife

a stroke of luck she didn’t lose the pregnancy,” the matron said. Her two visitors looked blank. ‘ Alaba reminded her of the name of the man whose corpse they came to see, she said it was the same man she was referring to. “But I am his wife!” Alaba yelled. The Matron’s eyes widened. “All I know is that the man was brought in with a woman found with him in the car. They were travelling together and we kind of assumed they were husband and wife ... “ defended the Matron. Alaba insisted on seeing the woman and was taken to a private ward; she cowered when she saw her. She was obviously her husband’s mistress who knew her;

her husband planning to have a child with his mistress whilst convincing her they didn’t need another child nearly blew her mind. She’d lovingly packed his suitcase when he made that fateful journey, never suspecting she was preparing her husband for a night of passion with another woman!

take the car away and arrange for a buyer. When she went to arrange for her husband’s terminal benefits, she was told a pregnant woman claiming to be his legal wife had already been brought by Jeje’s relatives for the same purpose. Luckily, Alaba was well known by the officials involved but they still had to insist on her bringing a copy of her wedding certificate.

She was on autopilot throughout the funeral rite as the story of her husband’s escapade had spread like wild fire—thanks to society’s active grapevine. Mourners were embarrassed for her but friends rallied round the best they could. She was still battling with her anger weeks after the funeral when her dead husband’s relatives called to take possession of his only car. Alaba was furious and threatened them with a knife. Suspecting they might be back, she instructed her mechanic to

ll the unnecessary hassle she suffered from her husband’s greedy people drove any thoughts of grieve from her mind. She refused to wear black to mourn a husband whose loyalty was to someone else. But, the trauma of her pre.dicament took its toll on her - she lost interest in her appearance and there was a time we feared she might be losing it. She dropped out of circulation until she made this sudden appearance at Bola’s. Her transfonnation was simply spectacular! She’d toned her complexion to the max and her clothes and accessories were very trendy. Those who knew her amongst the guests were obviously dumb-founded. We forgot for a moment the solemn occasion under which we’d last met and openly complimented her on

clawing her way back to civilization. It was a relief to talk about something else as Alaba recounted, with pride, how she was lucky to have impounded her husband’s briefcase the minute she came back from her Benin trip, “It was one of these combination-lock briefcases and I’d been made to believe it contained confidential papers of the association of which Jeje was the secretary ”, she explained. “Instead, there were complete documentsof a plot of land in a choice area here in Lagos and a house he’d bought and paid for in Ibadan. I put both properties straight into the market and the money they fetched launched the business I’d always dreamt of starting. “I thank God I’ve done very well for myself and the kids .. Don’t think it was easy—I went through hell and back and I had a lot of setbacks. My husband’s greedy relatives didn’t want to know how we were coping, so I had to take things easy and not flaunt any wealth for a couple of years until they were off my back. As for the mistress Jeje had the accident with, I later learnt she had a daughter. Good luck to her, I feel no bitterness towards her—it takes two to tango and she can’t take all the blame for Jeje’s indiscretion ... “

The kindest way to tell the kids you’re divorcing A ll kids react to the news that their parents are divorcing in different ways. Some retreat into themselves, others might misbehave or rebel. While there isn’t a magic wand you can wave to take their pain away, there are things you can do to make the process easier. Marianne, a 46 year-old who came from a broken home and has been through a divorce herself offers the following advice: “Try not to bad-mouth your husband in front of the children. My father was a

serial adulterer and Mum struggled to keep her feelings to herself. All I could think was: ‘He’s my dad. If he’s a liar and a cheat, what does that make me?’ I grew up believing that I too must be a bad person. If you need to vent your anger, do it to a friend, but never within earshot of your children.

“If possible, you and your partner should tell the kids together. Presenting a united front is very important. Let them know how much you both love

them and stress that this isn’t their fault— it’s about you and their father. Explain the basics of what is going to happen. Encourage them to ask questions. They may be worried about whether they will have to move house or school and:how often they’ll be able to see their dad. Give them honest and clear answers” “After you’ve broken the news, try to spend a few quiet minutes a

day alone with each child. This will give them the opportunity to talk if they want to. I bought my 15-year-old daughter a hard-back notebook and said to her that if there was anything she wanted to talk to me about, but found it difficult to say out loud, she could write it in there and leave it somewhere where I would see it. This seemed to encourage her to open up.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;39

YETUNDE AREBI

Infidelity: Why women chop and clean mouth you please. Cheers. Steven by yahoo mail Dear Yetunde, I read what that man did to his wife and I was not happy at all. Why is it that men are always like that when they catch their wives cheating? Is it that cheating is only good for men and women are not allowed to cheat? Many men cannot even take good care of their wives and children and they expect the women to continue to suffer in silence. It is difficult for a woman to see her children suffering and just stay there without doing anything about it. We all know the situation of the economy, there is no money anywhere. How much are people getting from their jobs that will be enough to take care of the whole family's needs? Another reason is that some of these men don't even know how to sex properly. (Really?) They don't know how to satisfy their wives. They think that because they are their wives, they can just do the sex anyhow and the women must take it like that. They don't want to care if the woman enjoyed it or not. Why will they not cheat if they now find someone who can sex them well? (Interesting!) Lastly, many of the big men only think about money. They believe that because they are giving their wives money to do everything they want to do, they should not complain about anything. Then, they will be running after small, small girls and they expect their wives to just stay there and be looking and enjoying money. That is why these women are now sleeping around with young, young boys too. If the men can do it, why can't women do it? Men should just stop making noise over this matter. Gloria by yahoo mail

Hi, This piece needs no long introduction. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article on infidelity and why men always find it more difficult than women to forgive their spouses when it happens. I have received a couple of responses from our readers, some of which I want to share with you today. I found the last contribution quite instructive and hope that you would learn a few things from it. Please don't forget that there is no time bound for all issues raised on this column, so feel free to hit at me at anytime you want your contribution published here. My email address is yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk. Do have a wonderful weekend. Hi I read your article in Saturday Vanguard on infidelity and how women have learnt to chop and clean mouth so to say. It is a very unfortunate thing and it is sad that this is what our marriages have been reduced to. I believe it is a reflection of the times and situation that we have found ourselves in. On one hand, we are a people that are yearning for freedom from the shackles of cultural and traditional practices, empowerment of women and equality of the genders, while on the other hand, we expect that we should have all these things while still holding on to the same roles women play in traditional African settings. It is high time our men realised that they cannot continue to have their cakes and eat them at the same time. Today's women are no longer women as we used to know them in African settings. They are now educated, more enlightened, more informed and more aware of what is happening around the globe. Sexual evolution is one of them. With this education, they have been able to acquire other powers, most importantly, economic power. Many of them contribute substantially, if not even more to the welfare of the family more than their husbands. Not even forgetting that there are women who have totally taken over the roles of their husband in their homes. If a woman can do all the things that a man does, we should not be surprised that she also can cheat in her relationships, like men often do. Every day of our lives, we are faced with temptations. Our ability to overcome these various temptations depends largely on our values, self esteem and discipline. Add the fear of God and the golden rule that you do unto others what you wish done to you, and you might be able to overcome some of these temptations. However, it is our society that has created monsters of our women. We expect them to live the lives of modern women and at the same time, be submissive, obedient, loyal and all those things that our grandmothers were. As a man who loves his peace and sanity, this is my advice to other men. I think it is best to close your mind to the possibility of your woman playing outside games as they are the most difficult to catch if they really do not want to be caught. And if you are unfortunate enough to catch her, remember that no one is perfect. If you can, please forgive. And if you are one of those who still believe it is an abomination, then please let her go in peace. I agree with you, Yetunde that there is absolutely no need to dehumanise a woman for falling into temptation, which any human being can be a victim of. Thanks for this very informative article as usual. I'm still waiting for the response to my other mail, if

If a woman can do all the things that a man does, we should not be surprised that she also can cheat in her relationships, like men often do

Dear Yetunde, Please, let me chip in a few lines from my personal experience. I like what you are doing and pray that God will grant you the grace to keep it up. I have been reading your articles for many years now and must confess that I have learnt a few things from them. Unfortunately, I am a victim of male chauvinism when it comes to the issue of cheating. I do not have to tell you how it happened. The fact is that I did and I was caught and could not deny it. And I eventually paid for my mistake. I had expected my husband to react in the typical way most men would but was surprised he did not. He told me he understood my feelings and why I had done it and that he had forgiven me. I thanked God that he did not treat things the way the man in your article did. He even promised that no one will hear what had happened from him. I was very grateful and in my heart resolved never to do such a thing again, no matter the circumstance. From that moment, I rededicated myself to our marriage and tried to do everything to please him, including boycotting all my friends and even some family members. Yet, it seemed that there was nothing I could do to please him. It was as if on paper, he had forgiven me, but in truth and by all actions, he never did. In my presence he would make stupid jokes and remarks about women who cheat on their spouses. Naturally, this made me very self conscious and doubtful of his forgiveness. He would ask questions about my movement and would want to crosscheck

every of my actions even from our four year old daughter at the time. This was also very disturbing for me. However, the most painful was that he would never allow the matter rest. Sometimes, he would ask if our love making was good and met my expectations as he did not want to be responsible in any way for my straying again. Other times, he would demand that I tell him how the guy used to make love to me and what we used to say to each other. If I refused, he would get angry and accuse me of keeping things from him and that discussing it was his way of ensuring that I didn't do it again. Sometimes, if he saw me discussing about a guy from the office or something new that he was not aware of before, he would just start warning me. "I hope you are not doing anything funny oh! If I catch you this time, I swear I will not forgive you. I swear I will throw your things out. I swear I will do this and that!" In the end, I became a shadow of myself. It affected me personally and psychologically. I lost my self esteem and respect. Even dressing became a problem as I did not want to wear anything that could draw attention to me or that he would not be comfortable with. I almost started hating myself. And even when I discovered he was also cheating on me, I could not find a voice to ask him or challenge him. I finally realised that I was living in a loveless marriage and was trapped. I knew that if I did not do something to change my situation, I will be unhappy with him for the rest of my life. I could not bear to live that way. Yet, it was difficult for me to go and tell my parents what I had done and expected my husband to keep secret for me. I already knew what their reaction would be, especially my mother's. So, I confided in an aunt and with her support, I was able to summon up the courage to talk to my husband about how I felt about his so called forgiveness. To my surprise, he neither tried to apologise nor stopped me when I told him of my decision to move out. He treated the whole thing with disdain. He had done me a favour and I should therefore be eternally grateful to him and submit myself to all possible abuse. The marriage ended the night we discussed the issue and from then, I began planning my exit from the flat we shared. Initially he did not want me to take our daughter, insulting me that he did not trust me to take good care of her, but I guess he thought it over and then gave in. Eventually, what I was so desperate to keep secret became known to some people. Only at that time, they could not really judge me and it was not that I also cared too. I felt the four years of abuse I had endured were enough price for what I had done. I have been divorced and living alone for over seven years now and I am a happier and better person. The truth is that cheating will always remain a male thing. Only very brave women can get away with it, even when caught. For the rest, it will continue to be chop and clean mouth because there is a lot at stake. Hardly would a man truly forgive infidelity. If he does, in all sense of it, he must be an exceptional man and such a woman ought to thank her God. Or the woman must have contributed something rare and special to the man's success or progress, such that the man has no choice but to dance to her tunes. My own contribution is that men don't ever forgive, they can only pretend to. Please don't publish my identity. Thank you.

40—SA TURD AY Vanguard, NO VEMBER 8 40—SATURD TURDA NOVEMBER 8, 2014

•The suspected Chief Priests and worshippers arrested in 2004 with recovered human skulls

Bloody tales of Okija shrine re-echo *as Chief priests fight with youths over mode of worship BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO. ONITSHA

choes of the controversial and dreaded Okija shrines resonated, Weekend, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State following fight for supremacy between the Chief Priests of the shrines and youths in the area. The elderly priests alleged that the youths have hijacked their shrines and are duping and killing unsuspecting patronizers of the notorious Ogwugwu—Akpu and Ogwugwu—Isi—Ula shrines by parading themselves as priests. TAFA BALOGUN CONNECTION A similar crisis erupted amongst the worshippers of the shrines few years ago leading to startling discovery of human parts at various stages of decomposition inside the shrines. The discoveries which shook the nation and beyond took place in August, 2004, following a

petition to the police, by a former chief priest of the shrine. It attracted the visit of the then InspectorGeneral of Police, Tafa Balogun, who swiftly carried out the arrest of some worshippers. There were also recovery of some human skulls and bodies, which stunned the world. REVELATIONS This time around, a prominent elder from Ubahu Ezike, Umuhu village, Okija and President of Herbs and Leaves Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Dr. Omeifejideofor Azugbo, came out with more revelations about the deadly shrines warning that calamity may befall the entire Okija community and Anambra State in general if nothing was done to bring down the escalating crisis in the shrines and stop the wanton destruction of human lives inside the shrines. Azugbo who claims to be the chief priest of Ogwugwu-Ubahu-Idengwo deity, specifically asked various security agencies to send their respective investigators into the town to monitor the nefarious activities of those he identified as ‘jobless youths’ who forcefully took over the priesthood of the shrines as an opportunity to swindle unsuspecting

members of the public. He also warned politicians and prominent businessmen who are still going to the shrine for power acquisition or for acquisition of prosperity, to be mindful of the fact that the alleged swindlers have taken over the shrine, adding that although the shrines are still retaining their original efficacy, the priests are now piloting its affairs in a negative direction. CHIEF PRIEST SPEAKS He told Crime Guard exclusively at his Umuhu-Okija palace that “We have many shrines in various villages at Okija but the most popular ones among them are Ulasi, Ogwugwu Isi Ula and Ogwugwu Akpu. Ulasi is their husband. Others are Ogwugwu Mmiri, Ogwugwu Uburu, Ogwugwu Ubiaka, Ogwugwu Apunama, Ihemereumuhuike shrine, Aho Umuhu shrine, Ana Umuhu Okija shrine, Ogwugwu Isura shrine, among others. Ogwugwu Akpu came into existence about 1,400 years ago and series of chief priests had served and handed over to others in the order of seniority until 2002 when crisis erupted during the regime of one Jibuike as the chief priest. MISMANAGEMENT “It was Jibuike who handled the shrine carelessly that enabled the youths move in. probably, because he did not get children early in life to take over from him. From 1999,

Continues on pg 41

•Fmr. IGP Tafa Balogun on inspection tour of the shrine.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

•Chief Azugbo

Continues from pg 40 Jibuike was mismanaging the shrine because he knew nobody would replace him from his own lineage, since the service rotates among Ubahu-Ezike family. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND “The Ogwugwu Akpu shrine was the daughter of Ezinukpodu who was married to Ubahu Ezike. She was into farming in those days but some thieves were constantly stealing cassava from her farmland and when she reported the matter, the villagers gave her charms to keep inside the farm land and the charms started killing all the thieves who were still going to steal her cassava crops. It was when she died that her cassava farmland was renamed Ogwugwu-Akpu shrine and priests started worshipping it. Apart from those cassava thieves who were killed those days, the shrine was modified in such a way that when two or more persons have financial disagreements among themselves, the aggrieved one would consult the shrine which would, in turn, send its messenger to summon the other party or parties to appear before it for the settlement of the disputes. “Like in the law court, chief priests of the shrine would mediate into the matter, hear from both parties, give a verdict and mandate the defaulter to bring the money in dispute to the shrine from where the rightful owner would be refunded. On the other hand, if the defaulter fails to bring the money to the shrine on the agreed date, the shrine would strike him or her dead and once he or she dies, the remains would be brought to the shrine by the messengers and they will lie there without burial, which was why so many corpses were found inside the shrine in 2004 when the police stormed there. As for the Ogwugwu- Isi- Ula, which sprang up at the former Orie -Nwogwugwu market, it used to safeguard and immunize children against any type of sickness. When a new child is born and dedicated to the shrine, he or she would no longer fall sick till they grow old. HOW THE CRISIS STARTED “So, the crisis in the shrines started in 2004 when the servants conspired to destroy Ogwugwu-Akpu and serve Ogwugwu-Isi Ula to make money but I refused to support them and they planned to catch me alive and deal with me. In August, 2004, the spirit of my shrine told me to leave my compound for security reasons and I

Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 —41 NOVEMBER 8, 2014 2014—41

•Recovered fresh human remains in 2004

Bloody tales of Okija shrine re-echo left in obedience by 11.30 a.m, and by 11.45 a.m., my enemies stormed my compound with a team of policemen but when they could not find me at home, they destroyed my house and looted some properties. It was the same criminals who invited policemen to arrest me that accused me of invoking a mermaid from my own Ogwugwu-Uburu-Idingwo shrine to disturb them.

him N217,500. Ubu Ihembosi shrine summoned me to appear before it,. I went there . I paid N5,000 to state my case and thereafter, the Chief priest demanded N150,000 from me to look into my case but I refused to pay and he threatened to kill me. Even till date, the man in question is still planning my death with my family members.

SETTLEMENT OF FINANCIAL DISPUTE “Another thing that caused problem was when we stopped lending out monies deposited at the shrine for onward transmission to their respective owners. You know that when the shrine settles a financial dispute between two parties and directs the debtor to return the money to the shrine for onward transmission to the rightful owner, if the rightful owner did not come on time to the shrine to collect the money, some people would come and request that the money be lent to them for business. When we discovered that some of those who borrowed the money did not return them at the agreed time or even at all, we decided to stop lending the money to anyone and some people became aggrieved without minding that some of the debtors who refused to return the money were struck dead by the shrine and their corpses were kept there. We put that borrowing method to a stop as far back as 1963.

HIJACK BY THE YOUTHS “Our young boys have now taken over the shrine to dupe people and enrich themselves. All the present crop of priests in Okija shrines are dupes and they have desecrated the shrines. The shrines are now killing those elders who are not condemning the dupes or who are not outspoken against the corrupt practices. Why I am still alive today is because I refused to shut up my mouth against the dupes and for that, my life is at stake because they are after me.

PLANS TO KILL ME “One man from Ubahu-Ezike took my name to about seven shrines to kill me, alleging that I was owing him but non of the shrines killed me between 2002 till date. When he discovered that the Okija shrines did not do me anything, knowing fully well that my hands were clean, he now dragged me to Ubu-Ihembosi shrine, claiming that I was owing

CALLS FOR FEDERAL GOVT INTERVENTION “Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, deploy secret agents to Okija to monitor the activities of these dupes. The shrines are still sacred as they were in the old days but the new generation priests are desecrating them because of greed. The youths in Okija are now claiming to be herbalists without certificate. Government should come into the community and ameliorate the situation. It is very urgent because people are being killed there. The shrines are killing our old men badly for keeping mute and watching the young ones dupe some politicians and top businessmen. The business is thriving now because this is political era. In spite of the fact that my life is now in danger, I still maintain that truth is life.

THE FATE OF VICTIMS “If the shrine kills any person from Okija for bad behaviour, he or she will have the privilege to be buried in the grave but if the shrine kills a non- indigene, his or her remains will be taken to the shrine and deposited forever. The shrine does not kill an innocent person. The shrine will kill a defaulter and drain the blood so that when the corpse is deposited there, it will never decay. The corpse will remain dried and fresh. SETBACK “The worst is that at the moment, we don’t have an Igwe in Okija. I am the king maker in this community. I will soon take a chieftaincy title of Turuawai I of Okija and it is only after that, that somebody can be crowned the Igwe of Okija. Even our so-called prominent businessmen cannot fight the youths in Okija which is presently made up of 36 villages as against 30 villages it had before now. The Ogwugwu Ubulu Idengwo shrine which I worship is a messenger of god who saves lives and creates success and prosperity to humanity.” ANOTHER WITNESS SPEAKS Corroborating Azugbo’s statement, another prominent indigene of Ubahu Ezike, Titus Azuawusiefe confirmed that their children who are supposed to be in school or in business are now forcing themselves to become chief priests of the shrines because of money. According to him, “These youths were arrested and taken to Abuja some years ago but they were released to come back home to continue with their nefarious activities and wicked killings. The shrines are even dealing with them but they don’t care.”

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 8, 2014

I have lost a father, brother, dear friend —widow of murdered conductor

•Mrs. Abasirim and children

BY EVELYN USMAN

his is certainly not the best of times for Mrs Ini Abasirim, the pregnant widow of the bus conductor who was allegedly killed by policemen attached to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, last Monday, along OshodiApapa expressway , owing to the devastating effect of the tragedy on her. The widow who looked a shadow of herself is yet to come to terms with the reality of the demise of her husband of fourteen years. The 30-year-old pregnant woman with four children aged 14, 11, 7 and 4 respectively woke up as usual penultimate Monday, without any inkling that tragedy lurked around. The first unpalatable signal reared up after her husband, Ikechukwu, 36, woke up at about 6am, a time considered late for bus conductors. He reportedly jumped up from the bed to have a quick bath. Thereafter, he donned his shirt and dashed out of the room, bidding his wife whom he fondly called mummy, goodbye. Later that day, he reportedly rushed back and

The greatest challenge now is how to cater for our four children and the unborn one

instructed his wife not to allow the children go out of her sight when they returned from school and bid her farewell again, not knowing that it was his final farewell. Everything was going on well with the pregnant woman until about 2pm when an uproar was heard outside. Crestfallen neighbours and friends who heard news of her husband’s death were wailing outside their house. She came out dumbfounded and could not fathom what was amiss until she saw her husband in a pool of his blood, stone dead, inside a commercial bus. The distraught widow who spoke with Crime Guard on the good moments she shared with her husband whom she described as her ‘confidant, wished that she would wake up to discover that it was all a dream after all. “ Ah!, she exclaimed. “ I know I am dreaming and will definitely wake up to find out that my husband is by my side. Where do I start from?,” she asked and paused for a while. Tried as she could to get hold of her emotions, she could not as tears freely ran

Late Ikechukwu down her cheeks. After sometime, she continued: “ I was preparing for a church programme that day. In fact, I was just bringing out the cloth I would wear that evening when one of my children ran in shouting ‘Mummy, Mummy! Daddy!’ . I asked what about daddy and he dragged my hand outside. On reaching outside, I saw a mammoth crowd gathered round a commercial bus. In my

confused state, I rushed to where the bus was and to my shock, I found my husband who doubled as my friend, father, brother and confidant , lying in the pool of his blood. I shook him and shouted,’Daddy, Daddy, what happened, who did this to you’? But I was greeted with dead silence. I begged him to wake up so we could continue from where we stopped but he did not respond. When I asked what happened, I was told he was calling passengers at Second Rainbow Bus-Stop when two buses in which were officials of LASTMA that were chasing an erring bus driver ran towards him. One of the buses knocked him down while the other ran over him. They did not even care to wait to rush my husband to the hospital. They abandoned him to bleed to death.” Other bus drivers rushed him to two private hospitals where he was rejected, as the hospitals staff demanded for police report before treatment would be carried on him. They were on their way to the Lagos University Teaching |Hospital,LUTH when he breathed his last. We were told that as he was being rushed to the hospital, he kept saying that LASTMA officials were responsible for his state” Describing her late husband as a man who had tall dreams for his children in spite of his job, the widow said: “ My husband never joked with the education of his children. He had plans to train them to university level, even if it meant carrying loads or pushing trucks. In fact, he had started saving towards our first child’s university education so that the burden would not be much on him. Now, he will never live to see his dreams come true, no thanks to LASTMA officials who snuffed life out of him. My late husband was not rich but he was a very good husband and father. He never raised his hand towards me since I married him. I would miss him forever, as no one can take his place. His death has left a vacuum in me. I just wish I would wake up and discover this is all a dream. The greatest challenge now is how to cater for our four children and the unborn one. The only person that was helping out lies stone dead in the morgue. Where do I start picking the pieces of my life,?” She lamented.

SATURDAY

packed and he said something extra ordinary must be in that music that I dish out and he felt the best description he could give me as at that time is the evil genius of highlife music The popular tune Bonsue, did it originate from Ghana or from Nigeria? It originated from Ghana without prejudice but I have my own version of Bonsue which is peculiar to us in Nigeria. What was your relationship with Rex Lawson and E.T Mensah? Rex Lawson was a member of my band. We played in my band. He passed through me. Then after he played with me, he went to Ghana, came back, and then succeeded in creating a sound which was acceptable by the generality of highlife fans in Nigeria and west coast and then he gained his freedom as well as popularity. He was a very good professional colleague. Then King E.T Mensah, as I usually call him, and I were called the highlife giants of Africa .We styled it .He was a much elderly fellow. He came to Nigeria and ‘scattered’ the whole place with his style of Ghanaian highlife music. Everywhere went haywire. Thereafter, the idea of both of us coming together came up and arranging a highlife album which we named and styled Hi Life Giants of Africa. . He was a great man and he managed at that time to play the saxophone and the trumpet but I only played the trumpet. When we came together to release this album, he handled the musical harmony while he left the arrangement to Victor Olaiya because he was very much gifted in musical harmony .He ravaged the whole of west Africa with his highlife style-the Ghanaian style of highlife music. It was by God’s grace that I managed to stop him from coming to Nigeria. He would have packed the whole money away from Nigeria. Then I had to go to Ghana where my music became acceptable to the Ghanaians and it was at that instance he decided to approach me to release an album comprising of his own top highlife tunes and my own top highlife tunes .it was here we did the rehearsals. We managed to popularize it, went to the studio, arranged, composed and did everything. It was accepted by the general music populace Coming down to the modern era now, we learnt that you did a collabo with Tuface?What informed that collaboration? Well it was not my original idea. It was an idea suggested by Premiere recording company .We were trying to do something of that nature in the highlife all stars club wish we formed years ago .While we were contemplating, the premiere musical company

came up with the idea, and we gave it a trial. Tuface is such a gifted young boy that I like. He respects people especially the elderly very highly. He is gifted musically. During the trial, I discovered a number of talents which this guy has including respectability for elder musicians. He is a wonderful boy .As providence will have it, we gave it a trial and it came out successful. The song has become the talk of the town since then. What can you say about other greats in highlife music like Osita Osadebey, Roy Chicago, Eddy Okonta, Adeolu Akinsanya? What can you remember about them? They were all good and great musicians. They were very good during their lifetime .They were equally as great as Victor Abimbola Olaiya , if not greater. How come you sing in Igbo too? If you have read through my early life and history you will have discovered that I grew up in Igbo land, born in Calabar. I went to Owerri RCM School. From there, I went to Onitsha for my education, the Anglican college. That was where I learnt to play the horn which later metamorphosed into B flat trumpet .I schooled in Igbo land , learnt to play the horns in Igbo land and thereafter I transferred my services to the Yoruba land in Lagos.This has made up for my early history and how I became what some people have called a ‘Tribalist’ because I speak plenty of languages. That was how I came about playing in Igbo, Itsekiri, Hausa , Yoruba and so many other languages. I can remember the 1959 federal elections you sang Bakudaya That is true .I think it was a generally accepted tune at that time and gave me another extra boost during the Awolowo, Azikwe and Opara campaign for political parties before independence .Bakudaya was accepted at that time by all the three major regions at that time. I thank God for that. Can you compare today’s music with the past and what is the future of highlife? I call all other musicians my professional colleagues because we are all doing the same job. I am not out to crucify or criticize .I don’t think it is my right to criticize any musician, but I have this to say that what they play nowadays is music. We are all in the profession. Whether it is acceptable or not is a question of opinion but what I need to say is that in those days, during our time, we tried to play constructive and educative, highly philosophical and a palatable music .Music that conveys sense and again it has to be musical and the arrangement has to be fantastic. It has to be educative .What people say of the present days musicians quite frankly is a question of opinion. What they are doing is not what we tried to do during our own

Olaiya...What people say of the present days musicians quite frankly is a question of opinion

Victor Olaiya speaks on Tuface, new generation musicians time. Whether that is correct or incorrect , I leave it to the public. It’s a question of opinion. They are also playing music.

Continues from page 15

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—43

Fuji, Fuji reggae, Afro beat, juju, all of them had to borrow a leaf or two from high-life to enable them to stand

Is highlife not threatened? Because most present day musicians are not playing highlife. What is the future of high life? High life has a great future, because for it I live, for it I shall die. There is no gain saying everybody wants to talk about high life. High-life is the lingua franca of this nation .Fuji, Fuji reggae, afro beat, juju, all of them had to borrow a leaf or two from high-life to enable them to stand. So it still remains the lingua franca of this nation and no type of music can threaten the existence of high life music. We learnt that you were there when Nigeria was fighting the civil war with Biafra. Is that correct that you played for the Federal troops at the war front? That is very true and I was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant colonel at that time. I went to one division - Kaduna -Nsukka sector and I took highlife to Congo

during the Congo civil war and our troops went there to assist them. I was seconded to Congo to take high-life with my band to the place. I think I did my best to make the troops happy, to be able to popularize highlife music of Nigeria. If you were to advise musicians of this generation what will it be? My advice will be that anybody who wants to come into music shouldn’t come into it because Victor Abimbola Olaiya has made a success of it. They must make sure they have callings in the field of music . Examine your conscience , pray to your God and you must be very hard working. I believe that to be a successful man you have to work very hard . It’s been said that ninety nine percent of the people in the world do not think , the remaining one percent, four over five of that one percent think they think, while one percent of it does the thinking for the whole of the world and I think that is where I stand. The young should make sure that they have natural callings in the field of music , be prayerful, work hard and success will be yours.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Boy, 15, stabs teacher to death, celebrates

•Victim: Ann Maguire was stabbed in the back seven times

•Killer: William Cornick told a friend the teacher had to die

he schoolboy who killed his teacher had planned the murder for as long as three years. Senior school staff, parents and pupils were all aware of the ‘irrational hatred’ William Cornick harboured for Ann Maguire, but did not believe he would carry out his deadly threats. Last night, police, prosecutors and the council all insisted no one could have foreseen the events in April that became the first murder of a teacher in a British classroom. But, as Mrs Maguire’s devastated husband Don eloquently spoke of the void left by her fatal stabbing, it was revealed that: •Cornick, who admitted murder on Monday, had repeatedly told classmates about his desire to kill the 61year-old; •In one Facebook message he told a friend the teacher ‘deserved more than death, more than pain’; •Just two months before the killing he said Mrs Maguire must die because she had banned him from a bowling trip; •One parent claimed Cornick had a list of teachers and pupils and other people he wanted ‘payback’ on; •Even when he showed off

his knife in class on the morning of the killing, saying what he planned to do, nobody acted; •He planned to murder two other teachers – one of whom was pregnant; •The paramedic who treated Mrs Maguire said her stab wounds were the worst he had seen. Cornick stabbed the teacher to death in front of horrified classmates in April this year – winking at one before he struck. With chilling calmness, he then strolled back to his desk, saying to shocked pupils: ‘Good times.’His rampage was stopped only by the heroic actions of a female teacher, who dragged Mrs Maguire away from him as pupils fled screaming. Since the murder, Cornick, now 16, has shown a terrifying lack of remorse – even boasting that he is ‘proud’ of the murder and didn’t ‘give a s***’ about Mrs Maguire’s family. After the murder he told a psychiatrist: ‘I wasn’t in shock, I was happy. I had a sense of pride. I still do. ‘I know it’s uncivilised but I know it’s incredibly instinctual and human. Past generations of life, killing is a route of survival. It’s kill or be

killed. I did not have a choice. It was kill her or suicide.’ Police and prosecutors said there was nothing the school could have done to stop the ‘inexplicable’ attack – saying there had been nothing to suggest the intelligent, middle class pupil who came from a ‘decent’ and loving family had been capable of ‘homicidal violence.’ But the court was told of a string of warnings that Cornick’s hatred was spiralling out of control in the months leading up to the murder.

The paramedic who treated Mrs Maguire said her stab wounds were the worst he had seen. Cornick stabbed the teacher to death in front of horrified classmates in April this year

Last night Leeds City Council refused to answer any detailed questions about the case. Paul Greaney, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court the calculating teenager was setting up a psychiatric defence to the crime he already intended to commit.Then, in February, Mrs Maguire banned Cornick from a school bowling trip because he had not done his Spanish homework. He defied the order not to go and his parents were called in for a meeting at which the teenager made plain that he hated Mrs Maguire’. Cornick was then made to work on his own in school for the day as punishment. After this, he posted another message on Facebook, describing the teacher as a ‘f****** bitch that deserves more than death, more than pain, torture and more than anything that we can understand’.The weekend before the murder Cornick behaved as if all was well at his father’ s house. He later told psychiatrists he had already decided he would commit ‘homicide rather than suicide’. ‘I just knew I was going to kill her,’ he said. ‘I decided on the Sunday it was going to be a knife. ‘I thought I was just going to go to school and wait for her lesson and do it. I wanted to get caught, that’s why I did it in school. I wanted to be in jail.’ On the morning of the murder he showed his knives to some pupils in school. Many didn’t take him seriously, but those who did were threatened. Cornick said he would kill them if they revealed his plan. So brazen was the

teenager that he brought a bottle of Jack Daniels to school to ‘celebrate’ afterwards. Even when Cornick said he would kill head of year, Andrew Kellett and stab pregnant Languages teacher, Sinead Miley, nothing was done. In police interviews with teenage classmates played in court, they told how they had noticed disturbing aspects to his personality. Julie Langton, whose two daughters attend the school, said people were aware of Cornick’s grudges against Mrs Maguire. ‘It was known he had some sort of issue with Mrs Maguire, about how she was being with him,’ she said. ‘He didn’t like that she was pushing him...to concentrate harder and to do his studies a bit more than he was. She knew he was capable and it triggered a lot of what he felt. ‘There were all sorts of things going around school about what he was planning and the things he wanted to do in connection with that day; that he had a list and had people he wanted payback on.’ Passing a minimum 20-year sentence, Mr Justice Coulson said Cornick had carried out a ‘relentless, brutal and cowardly’ attack. Chief Superintendent Paul Money, of West Yorkshire Police, said in his view ‘no person acting in authority could have reasonably foreseen the events’ of that day. Nigel Richardson, Leeds City Council director of children’s services, said: ‘This was an isolated and unprecedented incident.’ Culled from Daily Mail

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—45

Death on British Airways flight P

assengers on a plane from Heathrow heard an immigrant deportee screaming “I cant’ breathe” as he was pinned to his seat by security guards before collapsing and dying, a court has heard. Jimmy Mubenga, 46, was already handcuffed and had his seatbelt on, but the three G4S guards bent him forward, impairing his ability to breathe, the Old Bailey jury was told. By the time the cabin crew on the British Airways flight raised the alarm it was too late, and the married father had collapsed and gone into cardiac arrest. The whole incident on 12 October 2010 took only 35 minutes. Mr Mubenga was an Angolan national who had been living in the UK for a number of years with his wife and children, the youngest of whom was a few months old. Although he was tearful before his departure, he had acknowledged that he had to go back and was “resigned” to the situation, jurors were told.

•British Airways

Prosecutor Mark Dennis QC said that before boarding the jet Mr Mubenga had been “fit and healthy” and “thoroughly co-operative”. But as the security guards waited for the plane to take off, he became upset after taking a call on his mobile while in the toilet. Fearing he was going to try to escape, the guards restrained Mr Mubenga as he shouted: “Please let me go, I want to see my family.” Mr Dennis said there was no criticism of the guards, Terrence Hughes, 53, from Portsmouth, Colin Kaler, 52, from Kempston, Bedfordshire, and Stuart Tribelnig, 39, from Horley, Surrey, until Mr Mubenga was strapped into his seat. “He was restrained by the application of rigid handcuffs with his arms bound behind his back and his seat belt holding him into the seat. “Such restraint should have been enough to hold Mubenga in the seat. The officers could have simply stepped back and tried to calm the situation by words,”

•Jimmy Mubenga and his wife Adrienne Makenda Kambana arrived in Britain in 1994

Jimmy Mubenga, 46, was already handcuffed and had his seatbelt on, but the three G4S guards bent him forward, impairing his ability to breathe, the Old Bailey jury was told

said Mr Dennis. “However, they did not take that course and instead sat one either side of Mubenga, with one leaning over from the seat ahead. “In doing so, they held Mubenga bent forward so that his ability to breathe properly was inevitably impaired. In an unprecedented move, a section of the Boeing 777 with three rows of three seats has been specially constructed inside Court 16 of the Old Bailey to demonstrate to the jury how Mr Mubenga died. “Each officer would have known from training and common sense that keeping someone in such a position was likely to cause harm, yet they did so over a prolonged period, ignoring shouts from Mubenga that he was in trouble,” said Mr Dennis. “Shouts of ‘I can’t breathe’ were heard by many a passenger.” After Mr Mubenga collapsed, Mr Dennis said,

the security guards still failed to react. “Even then, when Mubenga was seated motionless and staring open-eyed ahead of him, the officers would appear to have preferred to assume that Mubenga was simply feigning his condition. “It was only when it finally dawned on one of the officers that Mubenga was in a critical state that the alarm was raised and the ‘medical emergency’ reported to the control tower. “By then Mubenga had almost certainly already suffered a cardiac arrest and was, in all likelihood, beyond recovery.” Mr Dennis said the guards’ main motivation might have been to ensure the plane took off, thinking that Mr Mubenga would calm down once he was airborne. The defendants all deny manslaughter. The trial continues.

Culled from The Independent C M Y K

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

EPC establishes regional centre for education innovations

LEARNING WITHOUT BORDERS:

Is Minerva University redefining 21st century education? BY LAJU ARENYEKA xperience, they say, is the best teacher. If this statement is true, then the best teaching practices do not tally with the well known, widely accepted style of copying, cramming and pasting that is practiced in Nigerian universities, and indeed, all over the world. It isn’t only this popular saying that contradicts the popular mode of education; proprietors of Minerva University in United States of America, which was founded in 2012, say they are out to redefine what a university education should be in the 21st century. Minerva’s Recruitment Director for Africa, Mrs. Fatou Badiane-Toure in a chat with Saturday School Life argued that “the inspiration to build a radically different university stemmed from an analysis of the current world of higher education and the lack of focus on equipping students with the skills they really need in order to thrive.” But how exactly does the Minerva style of education work? The university just took in its first batch of 33 students, from different parts of the world, who do not take classes, but intensive, interactive seminars in a virtual environment through video conferencing. After their first year in California, these students will spend each semester in a different city of the world, and at the end of their four-year stay, would have experienced living in at least seven different cities. BadianneToure argued that what sets the new university apart is that its “curriculum is centered on purposefully teaching students habits of mind, and foundational concepts, that will teach students how to think creatively, think critically and communicate effectively. This is different from what is done at other institutions, where the focus of the curriculum is in transferring information – and hoping that students pick up the other skills incidentally. At Minerva, this

Nigerian Universities mist utilize their access to technology to revolutionize the education sector

is reversed – we focus on the key skills and use subject matter as case studies.” Joy Okoro, is the only Nigerian among the founding students of the University. From her experience at Minerva, she was quick to point out that Nigerian Universities mist utilize their access to technology to revolutionize the education sector. She opined: “Technology is at our disposal but it is not being well utilized in higher education in Nigeria/Africa. Universities do not necessarily need to be as adventurous as Minerva and hold all classes online but should incorporate the use of laptops in classes. Collaborative documents,

videos, online journals and articles would help to make current and interesting information more accessible to students. Books and papers get wet, torn or lost but online material will always be there and can be downloaded in some cases. This will revolutionize higher education in Africa.” Revolution seems to be the reason for Minerva’s completely untraditional university. With no library, no dining hall, no gym, a different city each yearMinerva seems to be doing away with everything traditional about a university education even beyond the classroom onto social interaction? In this respect, the Minerva spokesperson responded: At Minerva, we see the different cities where our students will be living as our “campus.” To this end, we do not seek to reinvent the stadiums or libraries or theaters that exist in San Francisco but will instead use this great, existing infrastructure to allow our students to explore and create their university experience. Because our students will be traveling in cohorts, they will still have the “social interaction” and cohesion that their peers at other universities are exposed to. They will be living with their classmates, participating in group projects and many other interactions that students have at t r a d i t i o n a l universities.”

s part of efforts to improve access to quality education in Nigeria, The Education Partnership Centre (TEP) has announced the establishment of its Centre for Education Innovations (CEI) in the country. As a matter of fact, CEI has already commenced the examining of emerging innovative models within the education space that holds promise for the Nigerian poor. The Center for Education Innovations initiative, is a nonprofit DfID-funded to improve access to education in developing countries using innovative programmes that target the poor. In achieving its goals, the programme will identify, analyse and connect non-state innovative programmes for quality and affordable education in developing countries like Nigeria to bridge the gaps as identified globally. According to the Managing Director, TEP, Dr. Mo AdefesoOlateju, “the programme aims to support policy makers, funders, and programme implementers to harness the potentials of the non-state sector to achieve educational goals. Featured on the CEI global website (www.educationinnovations.org) are 511 innovative models from around the world, and counting. Of these, 31 are from Nigeria, having been profiled by TEP Centre, and already attracting global interest.” "Centre for Education Innovation is an initiative of Results for Development Institute (R4D) and relies on a broad network of regional partners and collaborators. With the establishment of CEI in Nigeria, the country joins a global network of CEI Hubs located in East Africa, South Africa and India".

Joy Okoro, a member of the Founding Class of the Minerva Schools at KGI

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—47

Independent d n e l l i w y c a d i d can n o i t u t i t s o r p l a politic

laws rather than of men. On the prevalence of defections among politicians in the country The problem is most political parties are without well-defined ideology. If political parties have good ideology, you will not act in any way that contradicts it. Currently, there is no clearcut ideological differences and it does not even make sense moving from APC to PDP. When politicians vie for an election and win in one party, when they perceive the chances of not being nominated again they defect to the other party. It should be enshrined in the constitution that political parties should have a well defined ideology known to Nigerians. So if ambitious politicians are joining any party they will be aware of the party’s ideology. But because political parties have not stated what they want equivocally, politicians go there with their personal ambition. This is the major reason politicians move from one political party to the other shamelessly. But in civilized societies like Britain, we have the conservatives, Labour and others with well defined ideologies. During the 60s all political parties had their ideology well spelled out and politicians followed it passionate. These days we don’t know the difference between all the political parties. Most political parties are after what they would get from politicians rather than the ideology that will transform our great Nation.

a n u b o i r E n e S — BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

Senator Nnamdi Eriobuna a member of the 2014 National Conference, in this encounter, attributes recurring defection of politicians from one party to the other to lack of ideology among the political parties and says independent candidacy will help redress the problem.

hat do you make of General Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to contest the presidential election for the fourth time in 2015? That is the beauty of democracy. He has the right to vie for the office of President. But the decision of who becomes the President in 2015 lies with the electorate. He accused the ruling PDP of wanting to steal forever. This he claimed triggered his presidential ambition to stop corruption in Nigeria. Interestingly, the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is passionately addressing the deficiencies affecting us as a nation, such as corruption, provision of good living conditions, good roads, airport,railway lines and efficient power supply. Is your view on power supply not informed by your stint as chairman of the Senate Committee on electricity because many people are complaining of poor power supply and crazy bills? Sincerely, from my observations of past administrations, President Jonathan has made huge progress in improving on the power sector. Without any contradiction, I travelled to my village in Anambra State recently, I realized there was electricity for the whole two weeks of my stay. In 24 hours we had electricity for up to 17hours. When I travelled to Asaba, there was power supply for up to 15hours in a day. Contrary to your finding, both small and medium enterprises still rely on generators to run their businesses... Even in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja they still power their offices with generators. But electricity should be quantified by hours you have power to hours you don’t. I maintain that people don’t understand how the electricity sector works.

•Sen Nnamdi Eriobuna

If governments intend to make power sector improve with either gas or hydro, they have to place orders by putting their specifications based on peculiarity of our environment. The company that manufactures power plants gives them time based on the data given them which could take two or three years to be ready. The ruling party has been very successful when compared to the military era. When I visited major power stations for an oversight function in 2002, I found out that out of 12 turbans, only three were functional. The military neglected the power sector for many years. For the ruling party to correct it over night would take time because you have to put into consideration the generation, transmission and then distribution. You may have the power plants in place and the distribution line

would be under construction. Delay is inevitable. Hopefully, in the next two to three years, electricity outage would be a thing of the past. I rate the Jonathan administration very high with regards to electricity and national development. On the House of Representative’s proposed removal of immunity clause for presidents and governors The major reason behind it is that those in power act with impunity. They are protected by the constitution. Less you forget governments are made of laws rather than men. There will be more sanity whereby everybody knows that he is under the law. But the immunity clause makes Nigeria different from other parts of the world. Immediately the immunity clause is removed, governments will be made of

During the 60s all political parties had their ideology well spelled out and politicians followed it passionately

How can the issue of defection be addressed in our polity? During the just concluded National Conference, we tabled an avenue for a form of independent candidacy. If you can vie for an office as an independent candidate by stating what you intend to do to the people; if you succeed, you continue championing that which you stood for. Independent candidacy will solve the problem of political prostitution in Nigeria. His take INEC’s creation of additional 30,000 polling units ahead of the 2015 elections The INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega is not being sensitive to the plight of the people, especially at a time elections is around the corner. If he does not have a bad intent, why must he insist on such action? The constitution may have empowered him to go ahead which is some of the lapses we have in the constitution but it could be detrimental to our nascent democracy. Jega should suspend his plans till after the elections when he can now look at everything holistically.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

ne of the Governorship aspirants in Rivers State, Alabo Paworiso Samuel Horsfall on October 24th sent a strong signal to other contestants of what they should expect in the forthcoming PDP primaries. This was on the occasion of his declaration of intent to run for the Governorship election on the PDP platform in February, 2015. In a stunning show of strength, Horsfall pulled into the fold of PDP 127,000 decampees from APC, a feat that none of the other 16 aspirants has achieved. Horsfall’s landmark declaration took place at the Legacy Centre, Sani Abacha Road, Port Harcourt, where National and Zonal officers of the party were at hand to receive the decampees. Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the leader of the decampees and a former chieftain of the APC in Rivers State, Chief William Igwe, said their collective conviction to dump APC for PDP stemmed from their belief in Alabo Horsfall’s sense of direction, clear thinking and commitment to progressive ideals of social and political wellbeing and economic development. Chief Igwe, speaking to journalists at the venue reaffirmed the commitment of his group to work conscientiously for the party to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 as well as work for the actualization of Horsfall’s gubernatorial aspiration in the state in 2015.

pursue and achieve the best as well as leverage their inalienable right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Also included is a comprehensive food production programme to turn all agricultural and agro-allied industries into a vibrant and profitable unit of the state economy. Further high points in the Agenda include

Conflict resolution, Health care, Educational development, Transport and Power. Drawing further on his vast experience, Alabo Samuel Horsfall, a Grand Patron of the Association of Unemployed Graduates in Rivers State, declared his commitment to job creation and empowerment of the teeming and rising population of the unemployed, through various strategies. In unmistakable reference to good corporate governance, the nineteenawards winning aspirant, including Awards of Excellence by National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and Good Conduct from Africa International Media Organization, declared as part of his Roadmap, a discrete and efficient “Resource Management” culture, through a rational prioritization of development goals and controlled utilization of resources, through sound budgeting to achieve his Agenda objectives and the aspirations of the peoples of the state within set time frames. Finally, the Kalabari-born Micro-biology graduate and thorough grass-root mobiliser, who believes that inordinate quest for power based on self-interest and unnecessary grandstanding in the political space has, as it were, unfortunately chased God out of the State, promised to return Rivers State to God as part of his 7point Agenda.

agitating that the impact of the legislators are not being felt outside Ughelli; precisely Agbarho and Uwheru because people back in Ughelli here believe that those other people are not part of the constituency. I think I will turn it round. And I will achieve that by doing quarterly town hall meetings. I will start with Agbarho, Uwheru and then Ughelli. I should be able to ask the Agbarho constituents, what your needs are; what do you desire and what are the things that you require; those are the things that I will take to Asaba. When preparing the budget it is what they tell me that I will put in there for them in the budget. Peradventure if there are laws that are not working well, I will also reflect it by way of motion or by way of private member bill. If you have an effective constituency office and you have constituents officers, one for Agbarho, one for Uwheru and one for Ughelli, they can bring their complaints.

On some of the projects he intends to influence to the area, he said; “I remember when I was in NDDC, we were able to influence some township roads and the roads were done the way that is not satisfactory, and if you drive to Agbarho during the rainy season, you will see flood everywhere despite the heavy dredging that is going on everywhere. There is no link between the drainage and the rivers or stream that is flowing. So I think the issue of drainage is what we are going to contend with in Agbarho. Agbarho has become an urban center because of the influx of people from Warri, Effurun and the neighbouring areas. On his assessment of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, he said; “the new word now is that he is finishing strong. The evidence of finishing strong is everywhere. You see our airport, you see our health institutions, you see our schools, then recently our roads; you see flyovers, another airport is now springing up in Warri.

RIVERS 2015:

Horsfall

sets a record In his declaration speech to a mammoth crowd of party faithful and supporters which included Ikwerre Reality Movement, IYC Worldwide, Association of Muslim Women, Coalition of Non-Indegenes in Rivers State, Mile 1 Market Women and the Opuwari of Kalabari, among several others, Paworiso Horsfall told his audience that his gubernatorial aspiration was propelled by the need to deliver the state and its people from the present state of alarming insecurity, sociopolitical degradation as well as stagnated economic and infrastructural development. Drawing from his comprehensive study and analysis of the challenges of the state in a sixty-six-page compendium, Alabo Horsfall, a two-time Commissioner in Rivers State and a former Hon. Member of House of Representative, unfolded a 7-point Agenda in his Roadmap for a New Rivers State. Highlights of his 7-point Agenda include restoration of security in the state to give every resident the freedom and liberty to

OLOROGUN JARO MOVUDU EGBO

'I want to ser ve my people' By Festus Ahon

LOROGUN Jaro Movudu Egbo is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stock in Delta State. He has been in

•Alabo Paworiso Samuel Horsfall

Further high points in the Agenda include Conflict resolution, Health care, Educational development, Transport and Power politics since 1998 till date. Egbo, who hails from Uduere-Ughelli and Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State is aspiring to represent the Ughelli North constituency II, in the House Of Assembly Excerpts: On what informed his decision to run for the State House of Assembly, he said; “the decision to run for the House of Assembly is informed by the desire to serve my people. I believe that our constituency, consisting of the Kingdoms of Agbarho, Ughelli and Uwheru which is a size of or bigger than some Senatorial Districts in Bayalsa and other northern states is grossly under represented. On the unique things he intends to do if elected, he said; “You see, people are

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—49

2015: Enugu commissioner fights Nike domineering family

By FRANCIS IGATA, Enugu

here has been an uneasy calm in the build-up for Enugu-East/IsiUzo Federal Constituency following the ambition of the seating chairman of EnuguEast Local Government Area, Mr. Cornelius Nnaji to jettison his chairmanship and contest for the House of Representative of the constituency. In this interview, the Commissioner for Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Enugu State, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike vows to truncate the efforts of the council chairman. Excerpts.... You had the ambition to the run for the House of Representatives in your area, Enugu-East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency. Why are you no longer running? Yes, anybody in the political arena, either appointive or elective will have ambition to climb higher. I have been a Commissioner in Enugu state since 2011 till date where I have served as commissioner for transport and was later redeployed to the Ministry of interministerial affairs. I have served my people well which triggered the ambition to run for the house of Representatives. As it stands, my primary consultation started with the hierarchy of the party in the state. On consulting the hierarchy of the party, they advised me to jettison the idea in order to allow the incumbent holder of the office, Amb. Kingsley Ebenyi who is serving his first term to complete his second term in line with the party’s pronouncement that those who are at the national

•Pastor Anike

assembly serving their first term, should be allowed to complete their second term in office. I had to abide by it. The seat belongs to EnuguEast/Isi-Uzo federal constituency. Enugu-East has been I always heed the advise of the leadership of the party to hold-on my ambition. We are told that the Chairman of Enugu-East Local Government Area, Mr. Cornelius Nnaji has picked the nomination form to contest for the Enugu-East/

Isi-Uzo federal constituency even as a seating council chairman. How do you react to this development? The issue before us is that we are wondering why a seating chairman who is only in the first term of two tenures, having been sworn-in January this year wants run for the house of representative. He should have waited to exhaust his tenure as local government chairman before aspiring to run. What I am opposing is that if he wants to resign as

chairman and run, there are eligible people in the council area that are professionals in different fields who are ably qualified to occupy such position. It should not be only him that is qualified as he is trying to prove that he can run for the election. Elective offices are not about the occupier of the seat. Giving the fact that he is also from the same family that has produced the last house of representative member, in the person of Gil Nnaji who is currently serving as a senator and also is his elder brother while he, Cornelius is a seating local government chairman they should have considered others. His elder brother is also contesting to go back to the senate, he Cornelius also wants to contest for house of reps. That is why the gods are wise. The leadership of the party has declared that IsiUzo should be given a fair chance to go for a second term and that is where I stand. The two brothers have had it all. Starting with the local government chairman, house of representative and now senate at the same time. You people have never complained, why now? The issue is that in the past, Cornelius had not been in the same political group with his elder brother. Going by his pedigree, we never campaigned for him to become a council chairman on the basis of family politics. It was based on what we thought he could deliver and represent. But

Abia and 2015 Election T

•Dr Uche Ogah

he recent adoption of Dr Uche Ogah by the Umu Ada Nkwa Ngwa socio cultural organization as the preferred candidate for the governor of Abia state in 2015 is indeed the right choice by the women of Abia state. Going forward, the women folk in God’s own state have taken the lead in opting for a proven and resultorientated leadership for the state. Abia people are worried that among the South East and South South states Abia lags behind in development. And this has been attributed to poor governance. And from all indications the so called zoning of the office of the governor may plunge the state into further mismanagement. The questions every Abian should be asking as 2015 draws nearer are; what kind of leader do we need? Do we need one who will spend greater part of his tenure serving the bidding of his god fathers? Is he one who yield to sentiments of his own people

only? Is he one who will spend more time fighting perceived enemies than over seeing developments? Dr Ogah has distinguished himself in the area of industrial development if only one can city the ALSA Industrial city which he established in his native Isikwuato Local Government in 2013. Nearing 80% completion, the complex is expected to provide jobs for over 42,000 Nigerians, grow the Abia state economy by 23-30% annually in the next five years and open up the state to local and foreign investment. That is purposedriven capacity building. Abia state can tap from the vision of this man. The general election next year should elicit change in the assessment of what good governance is in Abia State. And Dr Oga parades the business credential that Abia needs to stand out among the performing states in Nigeria. •Christian Anozie from Festac, Lagos

this representation now, is what is putting us back. His action is pushing us into another circle of servitude and domination by the same family. If your elder brother has been a local government chairman, house of rep member and now a senator and you want to have the same circle as your elder brother how will it play out? He is now a council chairman and is proceeding to become a house of representative member and will also want to become a senator. My intention has never been to oppose him but to run for the house of representative seat. But I cannot run on my own because our caucus has taken a stand. I have to abide by the party decision. What if there are forces in the state leadership of your party backing his political ambition? Let’s not think about it. What have been said by the party is clear. In this state we respect zoning. Like I am leading the campaign for the emergence of the governor ’s successor from the Enugu-North senatorial district extraction. The leadership of the party made it known that they are zoning the governorship to Enugu-North senatorial zone. Likewise, the leadership of the party has made it known that they are zoning it to Isi-Uzo. What we are now saying is that Cornelius is driven by power that is why he cannot abide by simple party decision. He believes he can find a way to truncate what the party has already zoned. My position is what I want to make clear. The position of Nike people is that we have eligible people who can fill any position, whether in the state, house of reps and anywhere. It is not only Cornelius Nnaji that is qualified to run for this election. I am talking for my generation. There are people more qualified than myself. I told Nike people that it must not be me and it must not be Cornelius. If they do not want me, we can fish for other people if it is zoned to Enugu-East. But it should not be Cornelius. He is a serving council chairman and has their mandate for which he was elected. Whatever he has promised the people during his electioneering campaigns, he should fulfill that promise. He should not abandon the projects he started for the people so that at the end of his four year term, we will be able to judge him based on his performance which will qualify him for another position.

50—SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

ith the emergence of BoConcept in Nigeria, local competitors in the furniture industry have to brace up if they must compete favourably. BoConcept is an international furniture making company with more than 60 years of experience had its debut in Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos few months ago to showcase its concept of first class furniture brands that has kept it in business for 60 years with more than 260 stores in more than 60 countries. Nigeria as a developing country is one of leading economies in Africa and world’s investment destination is a good place for furniture business to thrive and more importantly to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians needed to be engaged and at the same time learn skills according to a source from the management. According to the country Manager, Grace Kalu, BoConcept is a sprawling inspirational place with more than 20 studios presented in a 600m 2 showroom. Our presence in the furniture industry in Nigeria will encourage competition but BoConcept is more than furniture, it is a concept that offers customized solutions to meet any need or taste. We don’t believe that you should furnish a room with what is available but rather with things that are functional, beautiful and meet your exact needs”. “However, our years of existence is

BoConcept onment saf BoConcept:: Nigeria’s envir environment safee haven for furniture business

Let quality reflect in every aspect of our business and home a testimony to the brand’s success and ability to create contemporary furniture to urban-minded customers that don’t want to compromise on quality and

design. The company offers after sale maintenance services and warranty on upholstery and board furniture.”

Talking about the quality of design, Zainab Quadri, one of the interior designers said, “Our

entry into the Nigerian market is focused slightly more on customers or businesses, that have an appreciation for detail, design and furniture that lasts. We set ourselves apart by offering a range of services and tools that go beyond what Nigerians are used to. For instance, we offer free interior design services for businesses, and our website boasts a tool that permits you to become your own furniture or interior designer to customize furniture with different types of materials, fabric, leather and colours. It also includes a Naira price calculator, which is extremely useful and not offered by anyone in the industry”. “The quality, design and functionality of the BoConcept furniture makes it ideal for businesses that are looking to furnish and decorate meeting rooms, reception areas, restaurants, hotel rooms, waiting rooms and offices in a manner that truly represents the corporate profile or leaves that lasting first impression. BoConcepts range of product is ranging from tables and chairs, wallsystems, side boards, sofas and signature chairs and boardroom furniture to lamps, pictures and accessories.

Caver ts 11.2 .2 million Dollar Cavertton inves invests Dollarss on local capacity development By LAWANI MIKAIRU

averton Helicopters has invested more than 1.2 million Dollars on training of Nigerians in the various cadre within the company. This is a deliberate effort by the company to assist the federal government realize its intention to increase indigenous participation in the industry through the development of human capacity, as stipulated in the Nigerian Content Development Act of 2010. Since 2010 when the company put in place a training programme, 146 Nigerians have been trained at a cost of more than $1.2million. Those trained include “three personnel for flight operations Ab-Initio, one for Private Pilot License(PPL), two for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and two for Rotary Wing Conversion; 81

pilots for different flight operations Type Rating training for all aircraft types EC155, AW139, Bell 412, S76 and DHC6. Fifty-seven Aviation engineers have also been trained as follows: 16 Engineering Ab-Initio and 41 Engineering Type Rating training.” These facts were revealed during the graduation ceremony of 15 Nigerian Engineers who have completed a typerated course on AW139 Helicopter. According to a statement from the company “ The need to put in place a defined training program for pilots and engineers was heightened when Caverton participated and won a five (+2) year tender to provide 6 x AW139 helicopters for Shell operations in Nigeria. A seventh AW139 was added to the fleet in the fourth year. “

More Nigerians embrace Glo Xchange More Nigerians across the country are daily embracing the newly launched mobile money super agent network, Glo Xchange, as the town hall meetings, now concluded, recorded huge turnout of Small and Medium-scale Entrepreneurs. The agents’ training sessions which were held in Aba, Kaduna, Ilorin, Osogbo and Akure saw Nigerians in their hundreds at the venues where Glo and partner banks enlightened the public and prospective agents on the basic principles of the Glo Xchange agent network. Speaking during the training sessions, the Mobile Money Specialists......... described Glo Xchange as a very safe business, a quick and easy way of making money with minimal risk. Addressing the participants in Osogbo, Mobile Money representative, Alex Muia stated that Glo Xchange, in collaboration with Mobile Money Operators, is a reliable and convenient platform for sending or receiving money and paying for goods and services, using their mobile phones. He informed the participants that Glo Xchange agents have the opportunity of

making up to fifty thousand naira initial profit monthly, adding that this will increase as more people use the platform for transfers. He added that as the business grows, agents will graduate to the level of recruiting other agents, sub dealers and dealers. In Ilorin and Aba, the mobile Money Specialists James Kogie and Basil Mutisya harped on the importance of Glo Xchange to Nigerians in their daily business transactions. They described Glo Xchange as a Mobile Money agent Network aimed at accelerating mobile money revolution and financial inclusion in Nigeria. At the end of the exercise in Aba, over 60 per cent registration was recorded out of the hundreds of Prospective agents that attended the event. Commenting on the exercise, an Aba based businessman, Mr. Amaike Shilo described it as a good development from Globacom, which according to him, will enhance greater speed and reduce the risk of monetary transaction. Ekwuribe Ruth another agent in Aba, stated that the concept is a wonderful move, adding that the platform will enable ease of monetary transaction at all times. Pharmacist Ucheoma Madumere described it as “apt and a handy money platform, a very good development. “

Foundation members of Uhuru Internaitonal Foundation during its 1st anniversary of Lekki zone held in Lagos recently.

Uhuru Foundation sues for youth empowerment at anniver sar anniversar saryy THE Lekki zone of Uhuru st International Foundation at 1 anniversary held recently in Lagos, reiterated its commitment to impact meaningfully on the society and in particular the youths, with focus to kick against human maltreatment, inequality at all level in the society. President of the Foundation, Lekki zone, Engr. Gerald Azonobo, said, the driving force of the zone is to positively impact on the lives of those living within its environs through acts of charity, promote civic education and encourage educational pursuits of the youths. In addition, Vice President, Lagos zone, Sonny Irikete Philips, said the Foundation was formed to propagate against racial discrimination, segregation, injustice and bad governance against the black race anywhere in the world, and we empower the youths and give them orientation of life so that they become useful to themselves and the society at large. He said further that the vision is to ensure that black race is liberated to express their God-given potentials and

to build a community that can uplift the nature of a black man wherever he goes. To this extent, we imbibe the basic philosophy of life, how you can live crime-free, drug free without being a menace to the society. Counting on the achievement of the Foundation, Philip said, “we’ve campaigned the need to sanitise our electoral system. Again the way politicians use our youths for political tendencies because of the level of poverty in the country and people find it difficult to feed three square meals a day. We have not overlooked the old peoples homes, the orphanages, prisoners etc. These group of people in the society that need care. We have also had a campaign in schools to embrace peaceful atmosphere than engaging in crisis no matter any reason. In addition, he said, as members of this great movement, we must ensure that we are guided by good conduct and exemplary lifestyles at all times. The event was attended by, NBM of Africa’s National President, Mr. Bemigho Eyeoyibo, other National Executive Officers, Western Regional and Zonal Presidents, some founding members of Lekki Zone, a 1st Class Monarch from Ogun State, HRM Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi (Iselu of Eselu).

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

BY VERA ANYAGAFU, reporting from Florida, USA

he realisation that the United States of America is still struggling with racial stereotypes is apparently worrisome, owing to the general belief that the country with about 51 states, is a beacon of democracy and a country where the concept of human rights are held in highest regard. It is worthy of note that most African countries find it somehow ridiculing to comprehend the fact that with Obama’s win as first black American President, cases of racial profiling is still a story told in America today, and there is still much of white privileges. Social benefits to the whites in America also are often visible, which leaves one with the common belief that the blacks still do not share equal rights with their supposed white brothers. To get a clearer picture here, it is important to point out that a common idea is that stereotyping

Racial stereotypes, still a struggle in America causes prejudices and discrimination. Although a number of the white Americans refuse to believe the fact that stereotyping is dangerous to communal growth, a good number of them are of the view that blatant stereotyping can lead to violence or acts of aggression between both races. The fact that humans resort to stereotyping as a way of identifying with the in-group, could only be expanded to mean formation of biases for or against the in-group and the out-group which often times lead to conflict as evident in the US. Highlighting some of the situational racism that are apparent in the US, renowned critic Mr. Eric Deggans said that the whites in America are favoured to the detriment of the blacks in the US. Deggans noted that the situation, makes the white culture the generic baseline and excuses white poverty and crime as outliers, not reflective of culture.

•President Obama According to him, “Prejudice is seductive, easy to use against people we dislike and racism here is ideally described to be a social construct fine-tuned in America to justify slavery of which we now seek

Diaspora in different forms

he Nigerian Diaspora is a formidable force in the development and preservation of our collective consciousness today. Of particular significance in terms of examples is the Nigerian Diasporic citizenship in North America. The typical Nigerians outside Nigeria normally will keep their links with home, but the links begin to weaken as they struggle towards integration into the societies of their residence. This probably accounts for the seemingly broken links that a lot of families complain about in relation to their sons and daughters abroad. But the same relationship improves when the Nigerian residents abroad move on to the next stage of their sojourn which is a lot more promising and less demanding. It is at this later stage that they become very useful to home. A cursory look at the Nigerian diasporic citizenship shows that there are different classes of the citizenship. But before then, let me dwell a little on the background to the Diaspora. In general terms, diaspora is made possible by a

Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 8, 2014—51

number of factors and more so, these factors vary from one form of diaspora to another. Perhaps the factors which necessitated the formation of the first authentic and most popular diasporic experience, the Jewish diaspora, are different from those which shaped the African diaspora, of which the Nigerian experience is a part of. But no matter the differences in the reasons for specific diaspora formations, one thing appears to be constant, and that is, diasporas are formed because of the migration of a people from a country/ continent of origin to another, the country/ continent of residence, and for reasons of discomfort emanating from natural disasters, oppression, suffering, war and sometimes, abject poverty. The formation of African diaspora is peculiar. It is a result of the unfortunate experience of Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Many Africans were carted away like commodities to the Americas and West Indies where they worked under inhuman conditions in the plantations. Later, and gradually, they regained

freedom and became, like any other person, part of the general citizenry of the various countries where they found themselves. These people make up the first layer of the African diaspora. They are prominent in North America as African Americans. Because Nigeria is a part of Africa, somehow, there is a strong feeling that Nigerians are also part of the original African Americans. Next to this is another layer of the African diaspora, made up of early Africans, who went to America to study in order to receive ‘civilization’ and help in the ‘humanization of the savages’ (indeed!). At this level, it is easy to know who the specific Africans were. Many of them grew to dislike the western civilization, but at the point it had become late because they were already part of it. They generally drifted to extremes. While some abandoned the western values and all the values offered, others embraced them and abandoned African values. Those who got integrated into the western societies remained there while those who rejected the societies

•Trayvon Martin how to unwind. And the Obama administration will not do much, because when one’s allays are not standing strongly behind, the situation becomes some sort of difficult to manage. Obama has been accused of favoritism and the issue of racism has been part of his challenges. returned. In between is another set of people who out of necessity remained; those who had commitments and those who lost their humanity. A number of those who returned left a part of themselves behind. They had, perhaps, inadvertently copulated with the whites and produced offspring that would become part of the new generation of African Americans in North America. After these, came another category, they were Africans who left because of the oppression of the early African politicians and rulers, who were so corrupt and vicious, so some people could not continue living in Africa. They were those on either forced or voluntary exile. Though many of them returned eventually, they left their marks in their countries of residence by leaving behind, their children. The next set of people to enlarge the diasporic citizenship were the second generation of Africans or Nigerians, who went out in search of education because they were unable to cope with the stiff competition for few chances in the few institutions of higher learning in the country and the continent. They enjoyed the opportunity offered by generous American institutions in order to acquire higher education. They no doubt had intentions of returning after their education, but they were unfortunately dismayed by the fast deteriorating political and economic

Stand your right law in the US Saturday Vanguard’s Observation

The story was that the shooting of a 17 year old African-American, Trayvon Benjamin Martin and several other untold racial stereotypes are typical examples of the racial profiling that is still going on in the US. George Zimmerman, a white American and former neighborhood watch coordinator, fatally shot and killed Trayvon, a high school student in Sanford Florida. 70 yards (64m) from the rear door of the townhouse where Martin was staying. Obviously, George acknowledged he shot Martin, claiming it was in self defense, and he was acquitted of the crime, under the stand your right law in the US. George shot and killed Martin who was unarmed, he was taken into, treated for head injuries, then questioned and for five hours and was released because there was no evidence to refute his claim of having acted on self defense and that under Florida’s stand your ground statute, the police were prohibited by law from making an arrest. As news of the case spread, thousands of protesters across the country called for justice, following the fact that George was reported to have several times made calls to the police to report people believed to be suspicious and on each of his calls, he only offered information about their race, reporting that the people were blacks.. he described an unknown man just walking, looking about and he said the guy was up to something.

situations in their homes of origin. If you have been counting with me you will realize that we already have isolated five layers of the diasporic citizenship in the west. But those would not be all. There are yet more, at least two more. The next two are, first, a combination of the beneficiaries of the Diversity Visa programme, popularly known as the visa lottery winners and their friends and relations who joined them, and a set of new Africans/Nigerians who are semi literate, mostly artisans and traders with who call themselves ‘hustlers.’ Their mission is to capitalize on some dreamlike opportunities purported to be available along the streets of America. They tacitly have passed a vote of no confidence on their home countries. The second of the last two layers is made up of decent Africans and Nigerians; the professionals, skilled workers and advanced researchers who migrate or relocate to the western countries in search of ‘greener pastures.’ They are products of the brain-drain syndrome in Africa. They are regarded as immigrants though, but they more or less are Africans/Nigerians who live and work outside Africa/ Nigeria. This has been a long introduction to an equally tall list of issues I want to raise about Nigerian diaspora, being, as we interact right now, a former diaspora myself (though people do not believe me

when I call myself former, probably because I am always outside the country). Only last month, I was in New England, USA. I met an old friend in Boston Massachusetts. He has always been an excellent person, being a proud product of University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. But I am not talking about the academic pedigree of my friend, Dr. Ejike Eze, rather I was struck by his patriotic position as a diaspora Nigerian. Dr. Eze is the President of Igbo Union in New England, which covers from Massachusetts, through New Hampshire, Rhode Island, to Connecticut. He took me to Igbo House, an imposing structure that legally belongs to Igbo people. This, I guessed at first, would be where they meet to make merry, especially in holding the celebrated ‘Nigerian parties.’ But I was not altogether right. I learnt from him that the union was more than a mere social interactive avenue. The union has designed and is currently implementing an Igbo language learning programme for Igbo diasporic citizenship; part of the larger Nigerian diaspora. Interestingly, as we interact, about fifty candidates, mostly youngsters are registered and learning how to speak Igbo. As if that is not enough, more than twenty are on the waiting list because facilities could not be overstretched to accommodate them.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

•Olejeme

•Uduehi

•Anyanwu

Women in power game:

Pushing beyond the gender barrier By HUGO ODIOGOR

olitics is a game which men have made their turf and women who stray into it are seen as having wandered off course. While women have made their mark in countries like Argentine, Brazil, Britain, Germany, India, South Korea etc, their counterparts in Nigeria are still struggling to overcome the sociocultural and institutional constraints placed before them. Even with the promise to give Nigerian women 35% representation in public service, there are just few women that have braved the odds to make their presence felt. It is therefore imperative to examine what is encouraging some Nigerian women to push beyond the limits of affirmative action in the power game. In Delta State, we have two women who have thrown themselves into the titanic battle to wrestle the ticket for the governorship seat in Asaba. These are Dr. Ngozi Olejeme and Dr. Esther Uduehi. We also have Senator Chris Anyanwu who represented Owerri zone in the upper legislative chambers and Mrs. Helen Esuene, the former Minister for Health and Environment, who wants to be governor of Akwa Ibom State. Dr. Ngozi Olejeme We also have Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), who is one of the strong contenders for the governorship seat in Delta State. This has given her the platform to advance the issues of Social Insurance for workers in the country.

Currently, she is a member of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Economic team and the brain behind the Subsidy Reinvestment Fund Programme (SURE-P), programme through which she has empowered several young people. She sits on the Board of Trust Fund Pensions PLC, and on the Board of several other corporate organizations. Dr. Olejeme who hails from Asaba in Oshimili South is a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, administrator and politician. She has strong followers among young people and workers who have seen what she can do. Her advocacy for the down-trodden and hopeless was honoured with a Doctorate Degree Award by the American Heritage University of Southern California (AHUSC). This was bestowed on her as a result of her relentless philanthropic activities and promotion of good governance. It is to the credit of Dr. Olejeme that she has revived the NSITF which was a dying instruction with less than 800 workers to its present status where about 4,000 Nigerians are on its pay roll. It is also to her credit that over 800,000 Nigerian youths have benefited from the SURE-P programme while so many projects are receiving funding from SURE-P. Dr. Esther Uduehi Another woman to watch is Dr. Esther, born in Obiaruku, Ukwanni Local Government Area in Delta North. Her academic qualifications, professional experience and political experience put her in good position to be rated among the top contenders. She retired as a Permanent Secretary in the defunct Bendel State. While in the civil service, she was the Chief Executive

Officer of one of the largest Local government Areas and Sole Administrator of Bendel Broadcasting Service (Radio and Television). She was a former Presidential Adviser and is now the Chairman, Governing Board, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult And Non-Formal Education. Senator Christiana Anyanwu Senator Christiana Anyanwu, popularly called “Chris" is the latest to declare her interest in the governorship of Imo Sate. Sen. Chris who is a journalist, publisher, author, and politician, obtained a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Missouri and Florida State University respectively. She worked for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Imo Broadcasting Corporation as a news caster and reporter before she was appointed Imo State commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Welfare under Imo Governor Amadi Ikwechegi. After her tenure as commissioner, Chris became Publisher/Editorin-Chief of TSM (The Sunday Magazine), a weekly publication which focused on political issues. She was imprisoned from 1995 to 1998 for treason after reporting on a failed coup d’état against the government of General Sani Abacha. In 2007 she was elected to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party to represent Owerri zone. Chris Anyanwu was reelected as Senator for Imo East on the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the April 2011.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—53

Emenike thanks coach for standing by him N

IGERIA interna tional Emmanuel Emenike has thanked Fenerbahce coach 0smail Kartal for standing by

Stampede: 2 feared dead, 20 injured at Uyo stadium TWO persons were feared dead and 20 others injured in a stampede at the entrance of Akwa Ibom International Stadium on Friday during its inauguration. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that crowd control was a difficult task in spite of the road blocks mounted some kilometres away from the stadium. Although the spectators got tickets to enable them access the 30, 000 capacity stadium, the crowd started thronging the stadium about five hours ahead of the scheduled time for the match. Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Emem Bassey, said that two unconscious persons were taken to an undisclosed hospital. “I was told that two persons have been taken to the hospital; these are perhaps people who were fighting at the gate in their bid to enter the stadium,” Bassey said.

He said that the third unconscious person, a woman, was revived in the stadium and had started talking. “It should be expected; this is the first time this

is happening, everybody is excited, everybody wants to enter the stadium. “We have 150 medical personnel in this place and eight ambulances.

All our medical teams are up and doing and all the clinics are manned,” Bassey said. Security operatives at some check points were using horse whips and tear-gas to control the crowd.

AUL Scholes says Manchester United have not been good enough under Louis van Gaal so far, insisting a club of their stature cannot just play well and lose. Writing in the Independent, the legendary former United midfielder admitted he was surprised by how ‘subdued’ Van Gaal has been in the Old Trafford dugout compared with the way he was at the World Cup while managing Holland. And Scholes also made reference to United’s inferior record at this stage of the season compared with the last under David Moyes - United have 13 points from 10 games after their defeat at the hands of Manchester City last weekend. ‘This is Manchester United. It is simply not good enough to play well for 20 minutes and lose. ‘Louis van Gaal talks about progress. I expected United to have a better record by this stage of the season. Under David

encounter. He understands my state, 0smail Kartal is like my father. “It was an emotional event and challenging. He grabbed my hand and helped me stand up,” Emmanuel Emenike was quoted as saying. The 27 - year - old has averaged a goal every other game since he switched to Europe from FC Cape Town in 2009.

•

Emenike

Leaving me out of Eagles good for me Tottenham on Sunday, — Moses revealing he’s only just time before I get back to

Continued from back page The on-loan Chelsea star grabbed his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw with West Ham last week. Now he’s ready for more of the same against

getting back to anything like his true form. Moses said: “I still think there’s a lot more to come from me because I didn’t really have any kind of pre-season. “It’s only a matter of

Costa fit to star t against for it. Liverpool Costa’s fitness has pro-

OSE Mourinho has confirmed Diego Costa will start against Liverpool, as he thanked the Spanish federation for leaving the striker out of their next squad but insisted he did not ask

voked more discussion than any other issue at Chelsea this season, with Mourinho effectively making public pleas to Spain coach Vicente del Bosque that he allow the striker some rest but stating that he could not directly ask for it.

my very best,” adds Moses who feels his omission from the Nigeria squad will only be of benefit.

Uyo is our new home — Pinnick P RESIDENT of the Ni geria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has thanked the government and people of Cross River State for the enormous support given the former NFF board led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari saying that, the success story of that board would not be complete without mention of Cross River State.

Man United under-performing under Van Gaal, Scholes blasts

him during his barren spell in front of goal. Despite failing to score in five straight games before Sunday’s encounter with Besiktas, the manager still kept faith with the 2013 African Cup of Nations goalscorer, handing him his fifth start of the season at Recep Tayyip Erdoan Stadyumu. “Before the derby, I was well prepared for this

Moyes last season United had 17 points from their first 10 games. This time, having spent £150million in the summer, they have 13 points from 10 games.’ Scholes also says he has become worried about the apparent downbeat mood of the squad after their underwhelming start to the campaign, especially in the case of record signing Angel di Maria.

Pinnick who was speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo yesterday said after enjoying the hospitality of Calabar, the Super Eagles had now found a new home. “This(Uyo) is our new home,” Pinnick said, adding, “ we expect that the Akwa Ibom State government will accord us in equal measure, what its counterpart in Cross River gave the last board.” He praised the excellent facilities in the stadium and said, “this is comparable to any stadium you can find anywhere in the world.” The NFF boss said his idea of football development was not based on

•Van Gaal

Gerrard’s slip gives City title — Mourinho

OSE MOURINHO has taunted Steven Gerrard ahead of tomorrow’s showdown with Liverpool saying “You cost your team the title!” Mourinho claims Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea at Anfield effectively handed the Premier League to Manchester City. Gerrard’s mistake let Demba Ba in to score for an under-strength Blues side, who won 2-0 - and Liverpool’s title chal-

lenge then crumbled. Mourinho said: “It gave the title to Man City, as simple as that. Liverpool, with a point in that match, would have been champions. “Without it, they lost the title. It meant nothing to us. After our defeat against Sunderland, our position was the subposition. “That match, for us, meant just professional pride you have to go for every game and try to

win, but we were not in the race.” Mourinho, who confirmed top scorer Diego Costa will start tomorrow, also claims he is not surprised by Liverpool’s disastrous start to the season. He said: “In the Premier League I’m not surprised with anything. Every match is difficult. You don’t know when people are going to lose a point.

•Gerrard

the number of trophies won. “It is not the trophies but developing a football culture that can carter for the needs of our youth. Look at England today, they have the best football culture but they are not number one in the world. We hope to evolve a culture which will enhance mass participation and things are done better.” He pointed out that his approach is holistic as every aspect of the game would be looked into. “Our coaches will soon be sent out to go and understudy their counterparts abroad. In December, some of our referees are going to the UK for refresher course. That is the kind of football development we are talking about.”

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

We have been the best for some time and we hope to keep being there. We, as players. We will continue to do our best to remain number one in Africa

How we defied NFF crisis to win AWC title — Oparanozie Desire Oparanozie was one of the heroines of the 2015 AWC in Namibia. Apart from leading Nigeria’s charge to reclaim the title she lost two years earlier, France-based footballer was the tournament’s most prolific finisher with 5 goals and she got the Golden Boot Award. In this chat with Jacob Ajom on her return from Windhoek penultimate week, Oparanozie shares her story with Jacob Ajom

OW do you feel being part of the Super Falcons that recaptured the AWC trophy that was lost 2 years ago? It has always been a great pleasure winning laurels. It is the dream of every sports man and woman to win laurels. Indeed, that is why people go into competitions. So, it is really a great pleasure and I am very happy about it. What would this do to your career? Winning the 2015 AWC, my second continental title, will boost my career and my CV. It will attract more clubs to me. It is a great achievement to me, personally. How will this affect you in your club, and will your team mates in France receive you when you return to them? Definitely, it will have a positive effect as even while the competition was on they have been asking me to come back; they can’t wait to have me back and all that. They are happy for me and really look forward to having me back. (Oparanozie has since returned to France). Looking at the team, the Super Falcons, for how long do you think you can hold onto your number one position in Africa? Although I cannot specifically say this is for how long we are going to be number one, what I can assure you is that we will do everything possible to keep it for as long as we can. We have been the best for some time and we hope to keep being there. We, as players. We will continue to do our best to remain number one in Africa. What do you think gives Nigeria the edge over teams like Cameroon, South Africa and to some extent, Ghana? I don’t know their level of preparations and what they are doing. But as for us

Nigeria, we have a good league system and we are always determined to win laurels and that gives us the extra effort above other teams. You are a top striker for club and country. How do you feel when you play and don’t score? It is never a good feeling for any attacker at all. The issue of goal drought is never a good omen for any striker. How did you feel emerging the top scorer in AWC? It’s great, it’s exciting. Indeed, it is inexplicable because I can’t really describe the feeling. I can’t find the right words to describe the feeling but I know I feel great. After the WAC, the next stop is the World Cup in Canada. What should we expect from you at the World Cup in Canada? We should expect good performance, expect me scoring in every game in Canada. We expect that the team will perform better than we did before. While at the AWC in

•Oparanozie Namibia, the NFF was in crisis. How did this affect the team? Well, it did in a way but in this tournament we knew all that was going on but did not

allow it weigh us down. We motivated ourselves, talked to each other and made sure we remained focused. This was because we already had a

target before leaving for Namibia so whichever problem the NFF were facing, we did not allow it affect us negatively.

Ex-Eagles, entertainment stars play against HIV F ORMER Super Eagles players will lock horns with Entertainment All Stars at the Campos Mini Stadium on December 6 to create awareness for the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The match, which is put together by Friends Africa, is aimed at eradicating victimization and stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. This game is part of a week-long programme of activities to mark this year’s World AIDS Day in the country. According to Friends Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador and Olympic Gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, former Super Eagles stars like Austin

•Okocha Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Jonathan Akpoborie, Celestine Babayaro and many others will do battle with entertainment stars which

include Afeez Ayetoro (Saka), Jude ‘Mr Incredible’ Abaga, ID Cabasa, Sidney ‘Dr Sid’ Esiri amongst others in what promises to be a very interesting match. The 2012 edition had former Eagles’ captain, Okocha score a hattrick as the former Nigeria internationals ran out 5-0 winners. At the press conference to launch its 2014 campaign held yesterday at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel,Dr Akudo Anyanwu Ikemba, Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Friends Africa stated: “Stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS is the biggest challenge facing the eradication of this

epidemic. The fear of being ostracized doesn’t create an enabling environment for people to boldly access treatment or attempt to know their status. “By combining the love Nigerians have for football, using the former Super Eagles Stars and celebrities as role models, the campaign aims to reach out to 20,000 Nigerians, creating a platform for people to know their HIV status. The more people we can test also means the more people we can reach in terms of educating them about HIV/ AIDS thus reducing stigmatization of people living with it.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2014—55

NNPC JUNIOR TENNIS Onoja Sisters re-enact sisters act, qualify for girls 12 finals

WO sisters, Neku and Iye Onoja, have qualified for the Girls 12 finals at the NNPC Junior Tennis Championship

How to stop court cases against NFF — Aligbe F

ORMER Spokes man of Nigerian Airways, Chris Aligbe has called for the domestication of the law of the Nigeria Football Federation at the National Assembly to prevent persons from taking the football-governing body to civil courts in Nigeria. Speaking against the backdrop of the recent case instituted by Chris Giwa at a Jos High Court, which was later withdrawn by Giwa upon a directive by the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, Aligbe frowned at the alarming rate at which the NFF was being dragged to court by aggrieved persons. Aligbe said to forestall this trend a bill should be sent by any stakeholder in the sporting press or NFF to the National Assembly to enact a law preventing a civil court from hearing such suits. Noting that FIFA’s statutes frowned at football matters being taken to civil court, Aligbe said that frequent recourse to civil courts has made Nigeria a laughing stock amongst the comity of football nations, adding

that the world was tired of the charade playing out in the country. The Managing Director of Belujane Konsult added that with the domestication of the NFF law in the National Assembly, the era of going to civil courts would be long gone in the football fraternity. “The constant recourse to civil courts to settle football disputes will be a thing of the past if there is a law from the National Assembly preventing a court in Nigeria from entertaining disputes arising in sports, especially football, as the only appropriate quarter for such disputes is the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. “We need to get our acts in order and the only way out is to do the needful so that we would not be the laughing stock of the world and avoid any FIFA ban flowing from the interference of a civil court in Nigeria with the affairs of NFF”, added Aligbe. If it is domesticated, the ordinary law courts will not have jurisdiction to entertain football disputes. The courts will throw such matters out on grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

United to lose De Gea to Real

•De Gea

ETERAN Real stopper Iker Casillas is set to leave the club next summer and De Gea is top of their list of replacements. It was believed that De Gea was negotiating a new contract at Old Trafford but progress has been slow and reports in Spain suggest he could make the move to the Bernabeu if United fail to qualify for next season’s

Champions League. De Gea’s current Red Devils deal expires in 2016, which could help Real secure a cutprice deal for his services. The Spanish keeper, however, appears solely focused on United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. “We will train hard all this week and we are going to make sure we get all three points,” he said after last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City. “It was a shame we didn’t get anything from the match.’’

•Pinnick

currently taking place in Kaduna - a feat reminiscent of the famous sistersact encounters by the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, in Grand Slam and WTA Championship events. Neku 11 and Iye 9 also exhibit the traits of the American tennis legends with the younger Iye being the more aggressive and more adventurous on court. Other finalists are Usman Kushima from Abeokuta and Musa Yahaya from Kano who meet in the Boys 12 finals as well as Abdullahi Ajanaku and Gabriel Friday both from Lagos who meet in the Boys 10 finals. All final matches are scheduled for Saturday. Meanwhile, junior sensations, Angel McCleod and Marylove Edwards are on course for another showdown in the Girls 14

singles event. McCleod will meet Kasara Adegboyega from Ibadan while Edwards will take on Favour Moses from Kaduna in their semifinal matches. The Boys 16 semifinals will feature Chris Itodo from Kaduna against Olumide Ayoola from Lagos and an all Lagos clash between Chris Bulus and David Amusu. The weeklong tournament which is part of the ITA Junior Tennis Circuit ends today.

•Junior Tennis player in action.

Don’t display Maribor horror at Anfield, Ivanovic warns Chelsea

R A N I S L AV Ivanovic believes Chelsea they will lose at Liverpool this afternoon if they play as badly as they did against Maribor during the UEFA Champions League clash Wednesday night. Chelsea salvaged a 11 draw against the Slovenia champions, who they thrashed 6-0 two weeks ago, with a late Nemanja Matic finish to stay in control of Champions League Group G. Liverpool are thirsting for revenge after Chelsea beat them 2-0 at Anfield in April to hand a telling blow to their title hopes. Manager Brendan Rodgers rested several key players for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday with the fixture against the unbeaten League leaders in mind. And Ivanovic said: “We know how our performance has to be to get the points from Liverpool away. I think if we play against Liverpool as we played against Maribor, we know it is not possible (to get any points). “Of course this was a warning to the team and this is good. When you look on the positive side of these games, this is a reminder. “It is a warning against complacency. We can’t be relaxed. We have to learn from every game.’’

CRACKING ENCOUNTER... Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Bale returns for Real R

EAL Madrid winger Gareth Bale will return to the starting line-up when the La Liga leaders take on Rayo Vallecano today Real Madrid won all five games while Bale was sidelined by a

•Bale

muscle injury. The Welshman, 24, came off the bench during Real’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. “Bale did well and was fine,” said boss Carlo

Ancelotti. “I thought it was too soon for him to start. Today he will play the game.” Real have now won 12 matches in succession, three below the club record run achieved in 1960-61 and 2011-12. In Bale’s absence, Isco has been in impressive form, raising questions over whether the former Tottenham winger would regain his place. But Bale’s impressive cameo against Liverpool appears to have tipped the balance. On Thursday, Bale was also recalled to the Wales squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Belgium on 16 November.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Leaving me out of Eagles good for me — Moses

UPER Eagles for ward, Victor Moses reckons his being left out of the last two 2015 Afcon qualifiers will only improve his form at loan

side Stoke He has therefore promised Stoke fans he’s ready to show them exactly what he’s all about.

Continues on pg 53

Presidents Jonathan, Mahama, Quattara commission Akwa Ibom Int’l Stadium

•Victor Moses

RESIDENT G o o d l u c k Jonathan led Ghanaian leader President John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian Head of State, Dr. Alassane Ouattara to open Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo yesterday, with Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, as chief host. The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet – proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Mr. Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world.” The event which kicked off with a lot of cultural displays, dance and the appearance of various artistes including Tiwa Savage, Kaycee among others. The event was also marked with long speeches by host G o v e r n o r, G o d s w i l l Akpabio and President Goodluck Jonathan. An international friendly between Nigeria and Ghana U23 Olympic team climaxed activities at the commissioning ceremony. The warm-up game between the two West African nations is to officially open the new stadium, which is also known as the Nest of Champions, and the winners of the oneday friendly will receive the Transformation Cup for their efforts.

•L-R; PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu; Akwa Ibom State, Governor Godswill Akpabio; President of Ghana, John Mahama;President Goodluck Jonathan,President of Cote D’lvoire, Alhassan Ouattarra; the Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio and the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere during the commissioning ceremony of the 30,000 Capacity Akwa Ibom International Stadium, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Eagles pip Meteors to win Transformation Cup N

IGERIA beat Gha na 1-0 in a friendly to open the brand-new Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo and win the Transformation Cup last night. Nigeria made up of players from the domestic league were more purposeful than the Black Meteors and simply out muscled the Ghana U23s in a game watched by three Presidents led by Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan. Local boy Emem Eduok made history by scoring the first goal in an official match at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in the 35th minute, when he headed Nigeria in front

TODAY’S FIXTURES Liverpool Burnley Man Utd Southampton West Ham QPR Almeria Real Madrid

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Chelsea Hull Crystal Palace Leicester Aston Villa Man City Barcelona R. Vallecano

1.45pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 6.30pm 5.00pm 9.00pm

off a cross from the right by Solomon Kwambe. The energetic Eduok has scored 20 goals this season to equal an alltime record set by Jude Aneke three seasons ago. The lively Dolphins striker came close to dou-

bling his tally in the 56th minute but his half volley from outside the box missed the target with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori well beaten. And his 78th minute strike was too weak to trouble the Ghana shot stopper. A minute later, Eduok’s

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)Manchester United Coach, Louis – (3,4) 5)L.G.A in Adamawa State (5) 8)Zodiac Sign (3) 9)President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Yinka – (7) 10)L.G.A in Nasarawa State (5) 11)Greek Alphabet (3) 12)Former Nigerian President, Alhaji Shehu – (7) 16)Former Cameroun Ïndomitable Lions”Striker, Achille – (5) 17)State in Nigeria known as “The Sunshine State”? (4) 19)Czech Republic Currency (6) 22)L.G.A in Kaduna State (6) 25)Sketch (4) 27)Country in Asia (5) 28)Argentina “La Albiceleste”National Coach, Alejandro – (7) 32)French Word for “Name”? (3) 33)Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Isa – (5) 34)First Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Adetokunbo – (7) 35)Title (3) 36)Hausa Girl’s Name (5)

DOWN 1)Former Super Eagles Coach, Berti – (5) 2)L.G.A in Borno State (5) 3)Former Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” striker, Theophine – (5) 4)France & Tottenham Hotspurs Goalkeeper, Hugo – (6) 5)Former South Africa “Bafana Bafana” Full-back, Aaron – (7) 6)L.G.A in Oyo State (7) 7)State in Nigeria (7) 13)Vietnamese Currency (3) 14)Wildebeest (3) 15)Lion’s Cry (4) 18)L.G.A in Abia State (4) 19)Corps Marshall, Federal Roads Service Corporation (FRSC), Mr. Boboye – (7) 20)Liverpool Coach, Brendan – (7) 21)President, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Mr. Sani – (7) 23)Frozen Water (3) 24)Former West Bromwich Albion Coach, Pepe – (3) 26)Eritrea’s Capital City (6) 29)Holland Premiership Club-Side (5) 30)Sierra Leone Currency (5) 31)Former Super Eagles Striker, Victor – (5)

former Kano Pillars coach Malik Jabir, chased the game in the second half. Nigeria gave debuts to Sharks pair of Chima Akas and Joseph Nathaniel, goal scorer Eduok as well as Bobby Sokari and Mfon Udoh of

cross from the left was smashed against the crossbar by substitute Mfon Udoh. Nigeria midfielder Bobby Sokari was denied a goal in stoppage time by a goal line clearance by Nti Mensah. Ghana, handled by 1

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