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C M Y K

2— SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014

C M Y K

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014—3

C M Y K

4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

God chose me •Sanusi says on his triumphant entry into Emir’s palace BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD HE new Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sunusi Lamido Sunusi 11, yesterday afternoon made a triumphant entry into the Emir palace seven days after he was so appointed by the Kano state Government. A mammoth crowd of well wishers, Royal guards, and heavily armed policemen escorted the new emir whose appointment was greeted by violence in the city to the palace. However, police ended their five-day siege on the palace Thursday night. Armed police moved out in batches.

Alhaji Sanusi pledged to continues to exhibit high sense of transparency, fairness, responsibility, maintaining that he would continue to treat everybody as equal. The new emir said that “God gives power to whom he wants and that he was not the best among the candidates but God has chosen him

to lead”. Emir Sanusi II also urged Muslims to always turn to God in times of difficulties for divine intervention and resolution on such challenges. The Emir said: “I enjoin Muslims to draw my attention to whatever wrong I have committed, for I know that to err is human, but to forgive is God’s”.

vSanusi surrounded by Royal Guards as he enters the palace

Extradition of Abuja bomb blast suspect

•Sudan says no to Nigeria BY EMEKA MAMAH HE extradition of the mastermind of the April 14, 2014, bombings of Nyanya-Abuja Motor Park that claimed the lives of about 100 people, Aminu-Sadiq Ogwuche might take longer than expected. For now, it has hit the rock. This is because the Sudanese government was said to have refused to cooperate with the Nigerian officials in their effort to extradite the suspect. Saturday Vanguard gathered that Sudan’s refusal to extradite Ogwuche followed the alleged intervention of a powerful Nigerian in one of the traditional institutions in Nigeria. He was said to have moved in to stop the extradition of Ogwuche using the instrumentality of his Alma Mata, African International University, in Sudan. Apart from this, Sudan whose President, Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, ICC, for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, has no bilateral agreement with any country in the world on extradition of criminals. Reliable security sources in Abuja said that the Nigerian, who has used the Alma Mata on several occasions to recommend and secure admission for some willing Nigerian youths in

Heart of Kano old city began Till date, Police have not offered explanation as to why they took over the emir ’s palace and officials are keeping sealed lips over the matter. The journey to the palace tucked in the heart of old city began from Government House, Kano by 3.30pm shortly after the new emir led the Juma’at prayers at the state House. The emir, while at the palace, also conducted Asr prayers (late evening prayers) inside the palace mosque and was received by hundreds of jubilant subjects. Sanusi who drove into the palace in the official vehicles of the emirate, stepped into the palace of his forefather through a new gate that was erected for him in line with tradition. Thereafter gunshots fired to herald the entrance of the new emir. This was essentially conducted by the palace guards as a mark of honour to herald a new beginning. In his Friday sermon to the congregation, the new emir called on all Muslims to fear God in all their dealings, adding that its through the fear of Allah “ we can get it right”.

Sudan, is believed to have used his influence to reach out to some old students of the university to frustrate the extradition of Ogwuche possibly to prevent Nigerian security from getting details from the suspect on some of the financiers of Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria. According to the sources, a team of Nigerian officials including security agents who travelled to Sudan with the aim of effecting the extradition or bringing back Ogwuche were turned back on the claims by the Sudanese officials that there was no court order for the arrest of the suspect. It was learnt that when the officials of the Nigerian security agencies arrived Khartoum, Sudan last week for the hand-over of Ogwuche by the Sudanese authorities, they were faced with conditions that were unknown to them particularly against the backdrop of the fact that Sudan was not a signatory to any convention on the extradition of criminals and terrorists. Saturday Vanguard further gathered that the Sudanese authorities pointedly told the Nigerian security officials that they needed the Court papers particularly the charge sheet detailing the offences for which Ogwuche was being tried and declared wanted. Ogwuche’s wife, who is based in Sudan is be-

lieved to be the interface between the Nigerian Emir and her husband’s lawyer that are battling to get the suspected terrorist out of the hook in Sudan. The failure of the officials to bring Ogwuche back to the country was said to have informed the arraignment of Ogwuche (in absentia) along with some of his accomplices for terror related offences in an Abuja court last Tuesday. Ogwuche was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS, after linking him to the deadly blast in Nyanya which claimed over 75 lives. However, the arraignment of Ogwuche in absentia was again allegedly questioned by the Sudanese government which also doubted the genuineness of the allegations against the suspected terrorist, saying that he (Ogwuche) could have been framed. The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, had shortly after the Nyanya bomb blast hinted that Interpol had issued a red alert for the arrest of Ogwuche, who was once arrested on suspicion of terrorism but released following pressure from human rights groups and the father of the suspect. Also, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA and Coordinator of the National Information Centre, NIC, Mike Omeri, had said that

Ogwuche, who had been on the wanted list of the security agencies was arrested in Sudan. Omeri, who was surrounded then by spokespersons of the military, the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, said the security agencies in the country were working with their counterparts in Sudan to extradite the suspect, who was a deserter of the Nigerian Army, back to the country. Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations at the DSS, Marylyn Ogar, had also hinted that the security agencies discovered that Ogwuche had escaped to Sudan, when his father could not produce h i m . The discovery of the Ogwuche’s escape to Sudan while five others were arrested prompted the DSS to declare him wanted alongside with one other suspect. “Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche who was earlier declared wanted has been arrested in Sudan with the efforts of the Army, DSS, the National Bureau of the Interpol based at the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters and security operatives in Sudan. “The efforts of the interpol, Nigerian Police and the DSS led to his arrest,” Omeri said. He promised that further information on him and the second suspect would be communicated to the public as they come in.’’ Ogwuche, an Army de-

serter was said to have dropped out of university in Britain. He served in a Nigerian intelligence unit. The University of South Wales confirmed that he studied at the institution between 2007 and 2010, when it was known as the University of Glamorgan, but said he failed to complete his course. WalesOnline, a Welsh news site, reported that Ogwuche was a member of the university’s debating society and wrote on an online professional profile that his goal was “to be a successful busin e s s m a n . ” But it said the Business Science student had made increasingly radical postings on his Facebook page in 2010 and 2011, under a profile picture with the word “Asadullah”, meaning “Lion of God.” The university told the site in a statement: “Aminu Ogwuche was a student at the former University of Glamorgan between 2007 and 2010 but didn’t go on to complete his studies at the u n i v e r s i t y . ” It said the institution was “surprised” to hear of his alleged involvement with Boko Haram, saying: “There were no reported indications of extremist behaviour during his time as a student. “There has been no contact between Mr Ogwuche and the university following his departure in 2010,” the institution stated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 5

Sanusi sues for peace with Jonathan •May withdraw suit against the president BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja N a bid to consolidate his position as the new Emir of Kano, the erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, yesterday, initiated moves to terminate his suit against President Goodluck Jonathan following his sack from CBN. Sanusi’s suit pending before the National Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Abuja, is challenging the powers of President Jonathan to suspend a sitting Governor of the apex bank without recourse to the National Assembly. The plaintiff had contended that only a twothirds majority of the Senate could oust a CBN governor from office, irrespective of any allegation levelled against the occupant of such position. Though the case was initially filed before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, it was later transferred to the

BRIEFS Go home and tend your farms, Benue Govt tells displaced persons HE Benue Government yesterday told dis placed Kwande people currently camping in Makurdi to return to their communities and tend to their farms. Mr Peter Torjune, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives made the call in Makurdi. Torjune spoke when the Chairman of PDP in Kwande Local Government Area, Mr Terkula AzuaIkyur, led other party officials on a visit to the camps. He said if they don’t go home now “in the present cropping season, there would be acute food shortage in the next harvesting period.”

Man, 35, remanded in prison for allegedly raping 2-year old girl APC National Convention: Rivers State Governor , Rotimi Amaechi and his delegates at the Convention . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

NIC by trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole who declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter. Kolawole had in his judgment on May 20, relied on Section 24(3) of the NIC Act 2006, to transfer the case on the basis that the issues bordered on employer/employee relationship.

On May 30 when the matter came up for hearing at the NIC, the National President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, directed all the parties to appear before him yesterday to address the court on the import of section 47 of the NIC Act. Adejumo gave the di-

rective after both Sanusi and Jonathan, urged him to hands-off the case since an appellate court was already seized of the facts of the matter. The duo told the court that they had lodged separate appeals against the judgement of the High Court.

Why we are sourcing $200m from Germany, by Okonjo-Iweala •As Safe Schools Initiative commences BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief HE Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has explained that the federal government decided to source a $200 million facility from Germany to enable it establish the Nigeria Development Bank, which would provide low-interest, longterm loans for industrialists. The minister who held talks with a German business delegation, in Abuja, on Thursday said the facility was “a soft loan” which would enable the country build a strong manufacturing sector, which she described was key to the nation’s dream of becoming one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020. “I am particularly delighted that one project in which we are particularly working with the Germans is the project of the Development Bank of Nigeria. We need to build a bank that can provide funds for the industrialization of the nation. We need a bank that can give long-term loans at an affordable rate. That was how the industrialized nations did it and that is what we want to do”, she said.

Mararaba Upper Area Court yesterday ordered the remand of one Torkegh Matu, 35, of Angwan-Jikwoyi, New Karu, Nasarawa State in prison for allegedly raping a two-year old girl. The Police Prosecutor, Mr Joseph Ahwa, told the court that the incident was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba, by one Jennifer Aso of same address with the accused on June 10. Ahwa said the victim lived with her mother in the same compound with the accused. The prosecutor said the victim’s mother came home and noticed bruises on the body of her twoyear old daughter whom she left while asleep. “She checked her and noticed some bruises on her private part. She took her to a medical center in Mararaba, where it was confirmed that there was an attempt at penetration.

According to the minister, in spite of the impressive macro-economic performance in recent years, the nation still faced the challenges of job creation and a growing inequality – the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

Osun Govt has no plan to retrench workers — Speaker AJEEM Salaam, the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, yesterday said there was no plan by the state government to retrench any of its workers. Salaam spoke while addressing traditional rulers in Egbedore Local Government Area at Awo in Osun. The speaker said that rather than sack workers, the state government planned to employ more workers to reduce the rate of unemployment in the state. “Gov. Rauf Aregbesola is not ready to sack any worker. He will rather employ more workers than to sack any at all. “If he is ready to sack workers, he could have done that a long time ago, but rather than sacking anybody, he has been employing workers,” the speaker said.

Violence erupts at APC convention BY OKEY NDIRIBE AND DAPO AKINREFON tween delegates of different factions of the party from Abia and Ebonyi States. Some of the aggrieved delegates from both states who spoke to Vanguard alleged that although they were democratically elected as delegates for the party ’s convention, they had been denied accreditation by the Convention Committee headed by Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Aliyu Wammako with Senator Chris Ngige as secretary. One of the delegates from Abia State who identified himself as Uche Emeka accused Ngige, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, former National Chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and National Vice-Chairman of the party for the South-East, Mr Nyerere as being responsible for their plight. ”We were reliably informed that Ngige and Okorocha have instructed that our Chairman who is Fabian Okonkwo and the rest of us from Abia State should not be accredited. ”We have been calling to inquire and we also have it on good authority that they are directly responsible for this. Our state chairman, has been making calls to find out what is wrong, but no answer has been provided,” he said.

IOLENCE erupted yesterday at the secretariat of the Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abuja. Two APC members were beaten up by some delegates of the party from Abia and Ebonyi states while policemen looked on. One of them who was labeled as “Ngige boy ” was stripped naked near the secretariat along Emeka Anyaoku Street, Area 11 Abuja. Investigations by Vanguard revealed that the fighting erupted be-

Dutse Sahad stores gutted by fire HE Sahad Supermarket in Dutse, Jigawa state was yesterday gutted by fire and property worth millions of naira destroyed.. The General Manager of the supermarket, Alhaji Ahmed Bello told newsmen in Dutse that the incident occurred at about 5.30a.m. Bello explained that he received a phone call from one of the staff who noticed smoke coming out of the store and rushed to the place. “When I got there, I entered the supermarket to see what was happening but when I inhaled thick smoke I fell, in fact I was lucky to have come out alive,” he said. He said that the prompt intervention by men of fire service helped in putting out the fire. He said that there were no casualties and nobody was injured during the fire outbreak but millions of Naira had been lost in the incident.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

APC settles for Odigie-Oyegun •How he emerged Chairman BY OKEY NDIRIBE and DAPO AKINREFON HERE are indications that former Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Tom Ikimi was persuaded to forget about his ambition of emerging as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, thereby paving way for the emergence of former Governor of Edo State, Mr John OdigieOyegun. Sources close to the party’s leadership had told Saturday Vanguard yesterday that series of meetings were held by the party’s caucus over whether a consensus arrangement would be adopted at yesterday’s convention or not. It was learnt that there had earlier been a sharp disagreement between the camp of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who proposed the consensus option and the camp of the party ’s governors who had favored the voting option at the convention. It was learnt that the Governors who were initially supporting the ambition of Chief Tom Ikimi to emerge as the next National Chairman of the party had insisted on the voting option on the ground that they had greater numerical advantage among the delegates at the convention. Another factor that was said to have worked against Ikimi was that whereas he was perceived as not having been consistent in his political career, OdigieOyegun had always been consistent as a progressive. Some groups within the National Caucus had expressed fears that Ikimi could actually go back to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, where he had belonged in the past. However, one source said that Tinubu had countered the argument presented by the Governors camp by pointing out at the last meeting held early yesterday that it was better for the new leaders of the party to emerge by consensus for the purpose of forging greater unity within the party. Tinubu’s camp had also pointed out that open voting at the convention could cause more divisions and widen the cracks that have already emerged within the party in recent times. It was gathered that the governors camp were eventually persuaded to accept Tinubu’s consensus proposal thereby paving the way for Odigie-Oyegun to emerge. It would be recalled that earlier in the week, the party’s National Caucus had by consensus decided to allocate its offices to different zones across the country. This was confirmed by Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso while speaking to a group of journalists in Abuja earlier in the week.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (centre), German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Geah Mueller (2nd right), his wife, Mrs. Getruda Mueller-Hooents (right), German Consular General to Nigeria, His Excellency, Micheal Dehus (left) and Member of German Parliament, Mrs. Dagmar Vear (2nd left) when the German delegation visited the Governor's Office, at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta yesterday. PHOTO BY WUMI AKINOLA

Adamawa stakeholders condemn Kabang bomb attack •Back law makers action against Nyako HE Adamawa State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Stakeholders yesterday condemned in strong terms bomb attack in Kabang, a suburb in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, which occurred last Sunday, 1 June, 2014. The group described the incident as a huge let down to residents, victims and their relations, who live around the vicinity and an attempt to decimate a large population of Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents. . “The entire members of this pressure group wish to express our extreme anguish and regret over the wanton decimation of a large population of Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents. “Specifically, we condemn in strong terms the recent bomb attack in Kabang, a suburb in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State which occurred last Sunday 1, June 2014. The incident was a huge let down to residents, victims and their relations who live around the vicinity.” The bombing, which occurred at a football viewing centre claimed over 20 lives, and several others injured from the gruesome murder.The Adamawa elders, who also condemned the politicisation of insecurity challenges in the country, said they were totally sickened by what they called the pettiness of cheap political gimmicks surrounding Boko Haram’s horrific activities in the recent past.

Mindful of Federal Government’s determination to stem the tide of these reckless killings of innocent citizens by Boko Haram insurgents since 2009 to date, the group thumped up to the military

for their resolve to secure the over 200 Chibok School Girls recently abducted by the insurgents and wanton decimation of a large population of Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents. The group further commended the recent selec-

tion of some African leaders drawn from different countries in the continent to fashion out a frame work to tackle the menace of terrorism in three North Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Take responsibility for your action, Maku tells Kwankwaso HE Minister of In formation, Mr. Labaran Maku, yesterday refuted the allegation by Governor Kwankwaso of Kano State that the President was after his life, following the violence that erupted in Kano after the selection process that led to the announcement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new emir of Kano. The Minister described as desperate and paranoid what he called the campaign of calumny by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso waged against the Federal Government and President Goodluck Jonathan. Maku said, it was surprising why Kwankwaso has chosen to drag the name of the President and federal government into the succession crisis rocking the Kano Emirate, even when it is a known fact that the appointment of traditional rulers is within the purview of State

Governments. Instead of blaming the federal government for the crisis that greeted the appointment of the new Emir, the Minister said, the Governor should face the people of Kano and explain to them the role he and APC leaders played in the imbroglio. “My attention has been drawn to the recent allegation by Governor Kwankwaso that the President is after his life in the wake of the violence that erupted in Kano following the widely reported politicisation of the selection process that led to the announcement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. “It is a known fact that the appointment of traditional rulers is within the purview of State Governments and it is surprising why Kwankwaso has chosen to drag the name of the President into the succession crisis rocking the Kano Emirate.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 7

2015: Nigeria must not break, PDP warns opposition BY HENRY UMORU

BRIEFS Senator Kuta buried in Minna •As IBB, others pay tribute BY WOLE MOSADOMI HE remains of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta has been laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery, Min a, Niger state yesterday. Chief Immam of Min a, Sheik, Is ah Fair led the two rakat prayers at the Emir ’s palace before his remains was buried at the cemetery with the state governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, members of the National Assembly and Traditional rulers present. Former military president Babangida described his death as not only a loss to Niger state alone but to the country in general. ”We have lost another committed Nigerian again who devoted his life to the development of the masses and the less privileged. He ensured that whatever he chose to do were executed to the letter. We have really lost a real gem ,” Gen Babangida remarked. Former Information Minister, Professor Jerry GA a described late Senator Kuta as true democrat who will be be for ever be remembered for his meaningful contributions on the floor of the House before his demise.

HEAD of 2015 Presi dential election, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC and other opposition groups must note that that Nigeria was heading for what it termed the most trying election and should epensure that the present democracy does not break, just as it stressed that like previous elections, 2015 will come and go. Reiterating that the APC is owned and run technically by one man, the PDP urged the Nigerian youths to protect the nation’s democracy to ensure that the present policies of government continue and provisions made for the youths of this country, adding that it was not acceptable added that such a situation where one to a nation like Nigeria where we have differences in religion, tribe, culture, among others. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at PDP National Secretariat when he officially received some APC youths under the aegis, PDP youth frontier who dumped their party for the

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola;(middle), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport , Dr. Mariam Masha (left) with Winners of the competition, during the finals of the 2014 Be Road Friendly Competition among the State Primary and Secondary Schools, in Alausa Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez PDP , national youth leader, mobilise for the PDP to win owned by one individual in ComradeAbdullahi Maiba- the 2015 elections as that a nation of different diversira, who noted that he would guide against any gents.” Maibasira who noted that had seen them promote break in the continuation of the ideology of one man the party from ruling the the youths who left the APC while they were still in the country, all its programmes have seen the light and believe in the PDP which APC on social media, and policies. Comrade Maibasira has the interest of Nigeristressed that he was happy receiving them into the said, “You have taking the ans at heart and mainPDP , promising that they right decision by leaving tained certain level of conwill be adequately reward- the APC to joining our great sistence, said, “PDP is the ed based on their activities party. I have watched you only party that has not to win other youths into thr many times on the social change its name, slogan, family of PDP. media promoting the ide- logo and has maintained According to PDP , the ology of one man party. A democracy in the country group must work and party that is technicallly for 15 years.”

Arrested pro-Biafra members moved to Abuja —Enugu CP BY TONY EDIKE EADER of the Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, Mr. Benjamin Onwuka and 12 members of his group arrested last week following a failed attempt to seize the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, have been transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation. The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, who disclosed this in Enugu said after the arraignment of the suspects they were moved to Abuja where they are currently undergoing further interrogation. Onwuka and members of the pro-Biafra group had in the early hour of Thursday, June 5, 2014 invaded the premises of Enugu state government-owned radio station in an attempt to make a broadcast of their intention to re-awaken the defunct Republic of Biafra. A police sergeant and a BZF member were killed in the incident while 13 members of the group were arrested.

US posts $18m bounty for Nigeria’s Boko Haram, 3 African militants BY ADEKUNLE ALIYU with Agency report

he United States post ed $18 million in rewards Friday for the capture of four African militants involved in the kidnapping of foreigners and attacks on Western targets. Some $5 million each was offered for a former member of Nigeria’s Boko Haram and two founding leaders of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) based in the Maghreb region.A fourth reward of $3 million was set for an Egyptian extremist who has plotted against the US, the State Department said. Khalid al-Barnawi was named as a leader of the Nigeria-based group known as Ansaru that split from Boko Haram in early 2012, the agency ’s Rewards for Justice program said in a statement. The group has close ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and was behind the kidnapping of seven foreigners in a raid on a construction site in restive northern Nigeria in February 2013. The seven from Britain, Greece, Lebanon and Italy were later executed by their captors. Barnawi also reportedly helped plan the May 2011 kidnapping by Ansaru of a British and an Italian en-

gineer, who were both killed 10 months later. “Ansaru originated as a faction of Boko Haram, has close ties to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and has sought to target Westerners, including US citizens,” the State Department said. It also named Hamad elKhairy and Ahmed elTilemsi as founding leaders of MUJAO, and former members of AQIM. Tilemsi took part in the kidnapping of two French nationals in Niamey, Niger in January 2011. The men were later executed in Mali after an attempt by French special forces to rescue them failed. As a military leader of MUJAO, Tilemsi also aid-

ed the abduction of three European aid workers in Algeria from a refugee camp in Tindouf, in October 2011. MUJAO claimed to be behind that kidnapping — the first time that the group emerged to the fore saying it was an offshoot of AQIM. The three Europeans were finally released in July 2012 in Mali in exchange for three Islamists held by Mauritania. While still a member of AQIM, Khairy planned attacks in Mauritania and took part in the December 2008 abduction of UN envoy and Canadian Ambassador Robert Fowler in Niger. He had also ordered the 2011 kidnapping of the

three European aid workers in Algeria, in which two people were also wounded. Khairy has also claimed responsibility for the April 2012 kidnappings of seven Algerian diplomats in Mali. At least one of the hostages were later killed, and three were freed. Rewards for Justice also offered $3 million for Egyptian explosives expert Abu Yusuf al-Muhajir, a former member of the Tawhid w’al Jihad Egypt, described as an extremist group active in the Sinai Peninsula from 2004 to 2006. “Abu Yusuf was involved in attack planning against a variety of targets in Egypt, including US interests,” the State Department said.

Kidnap, murder: Court reserves judgement against banker Monday BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO NITSHA - An Otuocha High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice G. C. Anunude has reserved judgement till Monday, June 16, in a three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnap and murder brought against a staff of United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc, Ogboefere (Cooking utensils) market branch, Bridge-head, Onitsha, Jude Onwuzulike. The police had in 2013, arraigned Onwuzulike before the court, accusing him of conspiring with others now at large to kidnap and murder one Chinwuba Ekwenze, a motor spare parts dealer at Nkpor, near Onitsha. The court had earlier fixed last Wednesday for judgement but because the presiding judge went to Abuja on a seminar, the judgement date was shifted to Monday. According to the charge, Onwuzulike had on Monday, January 14, 2013, allegedly lured Ekwenze to an unknown destination and murdered him with the assistance of others suspected to be hired killers. Consequently, the accused person pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was remanded in the Onitsha prison custody, while his trial commenced.

BY SONI DANIEL, Abuja

Amnesty prog: Schneider employs 15 Niger Limited, Marcel Delta trainees geria Hochet, made the offer Schneider Electric’s facil-

HE Presidential Am nesty Programme (PAP), yesterday, received a boost with the global electrical energy management specialist, Schneider Electric, offering employment to 15 of the 30 delegates trained in Power Management in France by the company. The Managing Director of Schneider Electric Ni-

when he met with the Spec ial Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, at a brief ceremony in Abuja.The students were trained at the company’s Isaac Boro training facility in France. The CEO stated that the graduates, who were rounding off their training in November this year, would be engaged at

ities in either Port Harcourt, Rivers State or any other locations in the country. Hochet announced that the remaining trainees would be placed with any of its electrical contracting partners in Nigeria. Hochet said the company was happy to be associated with the amnesty programme, which had brought peace and stability to the Niger Delta and improved the economy of Nigeria.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

How popular singer, Kefee died in Los Angeles BENJAMIN NJOKU, ISHOLA BALOGUN, IYABO AINA , ANOZIE EGOLE & JULIET EBIRIM

ULTIPLE awardwinning Nigerian gospel singer, Kefee Don Momoh, has died. Kefee passed on in the early hours of yesterday, after she had been in coma for two weeks in an undisclosed American hospital. She went into a coma, after collapsing on a 14hour flight on her way to Chicago from Lagos for an event about two weeks ago. Her United Kingdom-based manager, Adeline Adebayo confirmed her death. Kefee died, on a day, the remains of icocinic Nollywood producer, Amaka Igwe were laid to rest in her marital home, in Ndiuche Arondizuogu, Imo State. An official statement from Kefee’s U.K. publicist, said: “On behalf of the family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing to glory of Kefee.” “Due to lungs failure this morning , our leader, daughter, wife, sister, friend Kefee Branama Queen died. May her

•Late Kefee

beautiful, gentle and precious soul rest in perfect peace. Amen! “In contrast to earlier rumours and stories, I do state that Kefee wasn’t six months pregnant, neither did she have pre-eclampsia,” the statement said. On-Air-Personality, Yaw, a close friend of the late singer ’s husband, OAP Teddy Don Momoh also confirmed the sad news on Wazobia FM yesterday morning, saying: “One of our very own is

dead. May her soul rest in peace.” Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the singer had finished recording songs for her upcoming album in Nigeria and was returning to Chicago where she was based when she suddenly slumped on a US bound flight, and later died after 15 days. Reports had it that when she slumped, the plane was forced to make an emergency landing as she

was rushed into the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in Los Angeles. It was initially rumoured that she had recovered from the coma, which raised hopes of her survival, until yesterday morning when her death was announced. Kefee whose music career started at age eight in her church choir, was famous for her gospel songs ‘Branama’ and ‘Kokoroko’. She won several awards including the best collaboration Headies Award in 2010. She was one of the top nominees for the 2014 Crystal Gospel Awards, taking place next month at Muson Centre, Lagos. Until her death, Kefee resided happily with her husband in the United States and managed her restaurant, Branama Kitchen, in Maryland, Lagos. In 2010, Kefee won the Best Collaboration award at the Headies for her song ‘Kokoroko’ featuring Timaya. In 2012, she married Star FM radio personality, Teddy Esosa. She was formerly married to label owner, Alec Godwin for three years. Their marriage crashed in 2008. She later remarried radio and show host, Teddy Don-Momoh. She opened ‘Branama’ kitchen in 2012. Kefee was one of the top gospel singers in Nigeria. Her soulful songs delivered in her native dialect gained her critical praise and commercial success.

BRIEFS

Obasanjo , Alake eulogise CBN ex-deputy governor, Lemo BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

ORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo F and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo have eulogised the immediate-past Deputy

Governor in charge of operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo at a reception organised in his honour by Egba sons and daughters in Abeokuta to welcome him after his ten years service at CBN. Speaking at the reception, both Obasanjo and Alake however, advised that laudable government programmes should not be discontinued after the expiration of the life of an administration. Obasanjo in his tribute said if his wishes were to have come through, Lemo would have been retained in higher capacity at the Apex Bank, saying bigger roles await him in future. “I have had cold in the last 48 hours and my Doctor advised me to rest, but it is only a bad father that will not want to honour a good child.

Ofuani insists on equity, fairness in Delta 2015 BY HUGO ODIOGOR

Edo Assembly crisis: CP raises alarm over alleged plot to unleash mayhem *As Police parade 42 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, child defilers BY SIMON EBEGBULEM OLLOWING the po litical crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Foluso Adebanjo has raised an alarm over alleged plot by politicians to unleash mayhem in the state during the next Monday sitting of the State House of Assembly. The CP disclosed this when he paraded 42 suspects involved in armed robbery, defilement, kidnapping and murder including a 42 years old Pastor who raped a 12 year old girl. Adebanjo stated that “in the last few days, the Edo state Police Command has done its best to contend with the crisis without loss of lives. From the information available, politicians are heating up the polity by making unguarded statements which is creating unnecessary tension in the state.

ELTA State governorship aspirant, Chief Clement Ofuani, has stressed the need for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to adhere to the provisions of its constitution on power rotation as a means to strengthen internal democracy and eliminate rancour and distraction within its fold. He said the founding fathers of the ruling People Democratic Party enshrined section 7 Sub Section 8 (c ), in its constitution at the onset of its formation because “it recognised the need for every section of the country in the party to have a sense of belonging and eliminate the inequality that may arise from the uneven demographic distribution in each zone, region or social unit”. Ofuani said, “Nigeria’s electoral experience which had shown that people generally vote along ethnic lines that give undue advantage to candidates from certain demographic majorities, ensuring that they always emerged with scant regards for the yearnings of the minority.” He said that the State Chapter of the Party should uphold this provision as any attempt to jettison the constitutional provision would create rancour which would not augur well for internal democracy. Ofuani who was first Commissioner of Economic planning in Delta state and former Senior Special Assistant on Policy matters,to late President Musa Yar’Adua,dismissed criticisms that zoning gives opportunity to unqualified hands to aspire to govern the state.

NBA rejects amendment on High court law •Says: We ‘ll challenge it in court BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME and DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR IVERS state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Asso ciation yesterday condemned the amendment on the 2001 Rivers state High court law by the state House of Assembly, saying it would challenge the new law signed into existence by the state governor in court. The Rivers state governor had signed the amended bill into law which authorizes the Chief Registrar of the court to assign cases to judges in the absence of a substantive Chief Judge or acting Chief Judge in the state. Chairman of the NBA, Bar Denis Okwakpam who briefed media men at the end of their meeting yesterday evening said there was no way the Chief Registrar who is junior to judges would be allowed to assign cases to his superiors, adding they had constituted five committees to meet with all parties in the crisis with a view to ending it. “We have informed the house and have gotten approval to form committee from the 5 branches of High courts in the state in order for the house to participate actively in the case. We believe with this development the crisis will come to an end”.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson(m), Mr. Ron Yeffet, President Yeffetmesika Group (l) and Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, Minister of State for Power (r), when Mr. Yeffet paid a courtesy call on the Governor at the Bayelsa House, Abuja.

“Information from undisclosed sources revealed that political stalwarts, supporters are arming thugs with offensive weapons for a complete show down at the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday 16th June 2014. The Edo State police Command therefore is using this medium toi warn politicians, party

supporters and political thugs to have a rethink and desist from making unguarded statement capable of creating chaos at the state House of Assembly. “The Command wishes to warn and advise politicians to follow due process through the courts or political solution in resolving their observable

disagreement amongst themselves. For the avoidance of doubt and purpose of clarity., the command will not tolerate any act of thuggery but will encourage the good citizens of Edo state to be law abiding and go about their lawful business without fear of harassment.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 9

Uduaghan sues for peace as govt continues demolition in Sapele BY GODWIN OGHRE, SAPELE

BRIEFS HE South-South Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , Dr. Steve Oru, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the party, over his nomination for a ministerial appointment. Oru, who gave the commendation at the Osubi Airport during a warm reception by his people led by an aspirant into the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Prince Eric Oharisi, said he will always be commited to the administration of President Jonathan in his transformation agenda. While thanking President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammed Sambo, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih for finding him worthy to serve in this administration, Oru said he never expected such huge crowd, describing the reception as a carnival, promising not to disappoint President Jonathan for the confidence reposed in him.

ELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Council, advised traders and peo-

ple of the area whose market stores were demolished in the ongoing statewide demolition of illegal structures, to be peaceful and patient with the government, adding that the demolition exercise was for

public interest, particularly as it is geared toward giving the area a surface lift, that will be good for all. Just like in Warri and some other areas of the state, the government embarked on demolition

of illegal structures and environmental sanitation. But the exercise affected the source of income of many who have no other means of livelihood. They were a pathetic sight. They were, however, hoping that some reprieve may be worked out for them. Dr Uduaghan, accompanied by the Commissioner for Housing and Ugo of Okpe Land, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, who addressed over five thousand traders who besieged a few sects of newly constructed state government owned market stores in the Sapele main market, also assured the traders that the market stores would be completed and allocated to them to alleviate their pains from the ongoing demolition exercise in the area.

I’ll always be committed to you — Oru tells Jonathan

NGO trains women, youth in Jos

Why I left party for Sylva — APC chieftain •Asks FG to avert fresh N/D crisis BY SONI DANIEL

Part of Olympia Roundabout in Sapele during the demolition exercise.

HE Bayelsa State governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Mr. Famous Daunemigha, says he left the All Progressives Congress because of the presence of the former state governor, Chief Timipre Sylva in the party. Daunemigha, who was the Special Adviser on Monitoring to Sylva before they fell apart, told Saturday Vanguard in an exclusive interview in Abuja that his former boss was not a true democrat going by his antecedents as a governor. Daunemigha noted that it was strange and painful for Sylva to pitch his tent with the progressives when his adminis-

tration made it impossible for the opposition to exist in any part of the state during his tenure as Bayelsa state governor. The former CPC candidate recalled how government-sponsored thugs invaded the party’s campaign rally with dynamites and forced the members, who had gathered to listen to him to scamper for their safety. The former Iyaw Youth Council Deputy President noted, “My reasons for not aligning with the APC are just genuine. But I need to remind Nigerians that there was a time that we as CPC went for our normal campaign rally in Bayelsa when Sylva was the governor and we were not allowed to meet.

O curb the tide of youths unemployment and also reduce crime in Plateau State, Italian-based NonGovernmental Organisation, NGO, Apurimac Onlus has engaged over 10,000 youths and women in various skills to make them self-employed as well as employers of labour.In its training centres which cut across five local government areas of Mikang, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, the organization offers training in knitting, hairdressing, catering, shoe making and Information and Communication Technology, ICT . To ensure that funds are available for Apurimac Onlus to implement its projects, the European Union through its Instrument for Stability, IFS in July, 2013 intervened to strengthen and consolidate on all peaceful structures in the State using peaceful dialogue processes, training on peace education and enhancement of journalists’ capacity on peaceful reporting.

Chibok Girls: Educationist asks PDP, APC to stop blame game RKED by the abduction of over 200 female stu dents of Government Girls’ College, Chibok in Borno State, by the Boko Haram terrorists, an elder stateswoman and activist of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (NASU), Lagos State University chapter, Arinola Abass, has admonished the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop the blame game and rather join hands to ensure the girls are released unconditionally and without further delay. Abass, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos during the week said : “As a mother, parent and a true Nigerian, I have come up with a campaign since the abduction of these innocent girls, that the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram terrorists, must release them unconditionally and without further delay. I feel for these girls because the government has not done enough to facilitate their release.

Pascal Adigwe most qualified for Senate — Dr. Osakwe BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

GLO congratulates Flavour on MAMA awards NIGERIA’s national telecommunications company, Globacom, has congratulated one of its ambassadors, the urban high-life crooner, Izuchukwu Chinedu Okolie, popularly known as Flavour on his recent award at the 2014 edition of MTV African Music Award (MAMA) which was held on Saturday night at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Durban, South Africa. Flavour won in the Best Live Act on Stage category, beating three other nominees. The MAMA awards, which reward talented African artistes in various genres, had other Nigerian artistes winning six awards out of the eighteen categories available. According to a statement from Globacom headquarter, “Flavour’s award is a testimony of his hard work and dedication to his music career through the years. He has distinguished himself as one of Africa’s finest artistes. It is a well deserved honor and we are proud of him as a worthy Glo ambassador,” the statement added. Speaking on his award, Flavour, who was overwhelmed by the pronouncement, attributed the award to his persistence and consistency.

S the 2015 election gathers momentum, mem bers of the People’s Democratic Party in DeltaNorth have been reminded to be wary of sweet tongue-coated politicians seeking their support only to be dumped after they have achieved their selfish aims. A chieftain of the party, Dr. Godwin Osakwe, gave the charge while speaking in an interview with newsmen at Ashaka, Delta State. Dr. Osakwe described Chief Pascal Adigwe, a Senatorial aspirant for Delta-North Senatorial District as “ the most qualified for the position”. He stated that a recent survey carried out among the aspirants for the position found Chief Pascal Adigwe who had earlier represented Aniocha Oshimili Constituency in the House of Representatives, not only to have performed creditably well, but to have made evident representation in the provision of basic amenities to the area.

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Sambisa – A Day In A Dreaded Den BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri T would have looked like a scene from a movie. I knew it was not. I am neither an actor, nor were the others with whom I drove into the dreaded Sambisa forest. I just wanted to have an idea of the den of the terrorists. I knew when to ask my escorts that I had seen enough. Sambisa is a vast stretch of land that people describe from what they saw on the side they visit. How does one describe a place that borders more than 10 local government areas in Borno State alone? Chibok, Askira, Damboa, Gwoza, Kondugha, Dikwa, Bama are some of the local government areas border Sambisa. Further traces of the forest’s 60,000 square kilometres spread to Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Kano States. Once famous for game reserve situated in its heart, Sambisa forest was a fortress deliberately set to tackle desertification; it is now a den of terrorists, who appropriated it after killing some of the staff. Nobody remembers Sambisa for anything again except for the attacks that are launched from it. Who is immune to the dangers of Sambisa? The forest is terrifying. It has thick vegetation, and wild animals leave nobody in doubt that danger lurks. Before the insurgency, little was heard about Sambisa. Those who knew it were mostly tourists who patronised the game reserve that is 50 kilometres south-east of Maiduguri. We entered Sambisa through Kawuri to Gambole, situated at the edge of the forest, picking as much speed as

the pick-up van could. Pick up vans and motorcycles are the most favoured vehicles for challenging the intricacies of the forest, depending on the part, the time of the year and the knowledge of the driver about the forest. A good knowledge of the terrain is critical.

WHAT CRITICS OF THE MILITARY DON’T KNOW

have been watching a horror film. The only difference was that I feared an attack might occur at any time. Mercifully, there was none. All types of animals are present in Sambisa. There are elephants, horses, donkeys, monkeys, antelopes, and snakes are in all their species, just like the birds that protest the intrusion on their privacy with shrills, some ear-shattering. The forest is fertile supporting the production of

Critics of the performances of the military do not understand the complications of Sambisa. At a point, we passed through dry land, with shrubs, turning into thick forests in flashes and suddenly, we were wading through waters, then the vehicle was severally stuck in swamp. During the rains, parts of Sambisa are like any community in the savannah. A lot of local intelligence of the forest tracks is required to navigate it, and conquer it. The vastness of the forest means the insurgents can move around it with ease, avoiding detection. Speculations that the forest tracks had been wired with landmines were foremost in my mind as we drove through. I spent one day in Gambole, a fishing community, before continuing the journey. The people were carrying on with life, oblivious of the dangers near them. They confirmed they heard of the attacks in other places and sometimes lost their goods to the insurgent, whose forage for food takes to them wherever they can find it. We drove for about 15 kilometres into Sambisa before I re-considered the journey. There appeared to be no end to the forest. Wild animals of different species were making sounds like as if they were from a different planet. I might just

Continues on page 11

Some parts are waterlogged, swampy, with thick vegetation that provides adequate cover. Most of the places in Sambisa are not motorable

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SAMBISA FOREST Continues from page 10 various cash crops and those for immediate consumptions. Fruits are in abundance. The insurgent could be benefitting from these in their settlements within the forest. A hunter from Damboa, Mallam Yusuf Gana said Sambisa would be challenging for a military operation. Before the insurgents occupied it, Gana used to hunt in Sambisa. “It is a difficult place to operate in,” he said. “Some parts are water-logged, swampy, with thick vegetation that provides adequate cover. Most of the places in Sambisa are not motorable”. Mango Park, a Chibok youth stated that Sambisa’s vastness makes a good knowledge of it difficult. His point was that insurgents select points from which to operate and used vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles suitable for that terrain. They prefer unmotorable parts, but know how to get to their hide-outs. Civilian JTF, a child of circumstances, makes a strong point for the involvement of locals in the fights. Their performance drove the insurgents out of Maiduguri, restricting them mostly to the unprotected villages. In the recent Giwa Barracks attack, the civilian JTF killed some of the fleeing attackers. The youth were saying they had had enough of relations being killed. They formed vigilante groups to fight the insurgents. Without formal training for combat, and without

What critics of the military don’t know

I will fight the insurgents even if it will cost my life sophisticated weapons the attackers use, they are limited to sheer determination.

Members of civilian JTF listening to advises from their elders on how to protect their territory against Boko Haram attacks in Konduga Council Area of Borno state

WE CAN DO MORE IF ARMED – VIGILANTE GROUPS Civilian JTF brought relief to Maiduguri by handing over attackers, who settle with the populace, to security operatives. Modu Mustapha, 21, said he joined the civilian JTF to support the military campaigns to on terror. “We are trying to protect our heritage and our State,” said Mallam Zarami, 30. “It is the only place we can call our own. We volunteered; when started, some ran away, thinking the sect will kill us. We want peace to return to Borno, as our parents, brothers and sisters live here. We are not happy about the violence the insurgents unleash on us. We decided to assist the security agencies in efforts to address the security challenges,” he said. Legal Adviser of the civilian JTF, Jibrin Gunda and its spokesman, Bello Dambatta told newsmen, “The Borno State government had done

its best in supporting us through training and payment of our allowances. We have structures in all the 27 local government areas and our members are highly disciplined. If we have arms, we can take the fight to the insurgents in Sambisa. “The President once called us heroes, but has never granted us financial or logistic support. We are risking our lives to keep the country one. We want Federal Government to assist us.” “If the military can give us a cover, we can confidently enter Sambisa. We know the terrain better than the security operatives,” Bana Bukar, a civilian JTF member said.

HOW BOKO HARAM RELOCATED TO SAMBISA Mustapha, a hunter from Kawuri, said the sect have many professionals, like medical personnel, technicians, wielders, carpenters, and drivers, mostly those they captured and forced to work for them. He said the terrorists in Sambisa hide their weapons, food items and other valuables in tunnels. “The attackers are not after us, hunters and some Fulani herdsmen

who live in Sambisa, on several occasions sight them. They do not stop us from our work”. Mustapha said he rarely went to Sambisa after the attackers were chased out of Maiduguri and they relocated to the forest fully. “It must however be understood that even if they are well-equipped , the civilian JTF cannot do better than our military,” a retired military officer said. The motivation of the civilian JTF, he warned, should be checked. “They are revenging loss of relations, it is different from the professional manner in which the military is expected to operate”. Abubakar Yusuf, a civilian JTF confirmed the issue of motivation. “The attackers killed my father and

elder brother in Maiduguri. I will fight the insurgents even if it will cost my life. I have never been to Sambisa forest, but I heard it is difficult to penetrate. I still want to storm Sambisa with my members one day to face them,” Yusuf stressed. The Borno State said it had spent more than N10 billion in prosecuting the war against terror. “The only support we have not provided to the military is ammunition, and that is because the laws prevent us from doing so. We do so much in mobilising citizens to support the military,” a government official said. The State employs thousands of youth volunteers called the civilian JTF, whose efforts complement the military in intelligence gathering.

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What President Sawyer told Nigerian Governors on life after office BY HENRY UMORU, Assistant Political Editor he day was Friday, June 6 and the locale was the Rivers State government house when the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF under the leadership of the State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gathered his serving colleagues to hear how to prepare for Life after office. The hall was not only occupied by serving Governors, but past state executives, Senators, government functionaries, private entrepreneurs, among others to at least brainstorm on this very sensitive and salient topic, “ Transitioning Out: Making the most of life after office. Other issues raised and discussed at the well packaged one day Retreat were overview of the Current State of Health Sector at the Sub- National level; Achieving and Sustaining Universal Primary Health Care at the Substantial level; and Over view of the State of Unemployment in Nigeria. It was the 4th of the series of Retreats organised by the Amaechi led NGF with the second one held at Giginya Coral Hotel, Sokoto State, November 15 and 16th , 2013 while the third one took place in March this year at the Eko Hotel and Suites with far reaching decisions on how to grow the economy. Present at the event were the host ?Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Rochas

Former President of Liberia, Prof Amos Sawyer

Okorocha of Imo; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State; Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State; Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and Deputy Governor of Borno State, Zana Umaru Mustapha. Others were the Director- General of the Forum, Asishana Okauru; former President of Liberia, Prof Amos Sawyer; Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki; Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum( Downstream), Senator Magnus Abe; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mallam Nasir El Rufai; Prof Wole Owolabi; Prof Ayo Gboyega; Prof

Our leaders must note that they will leave the office at the end of the day and for this reason, they should see public office as an assignment and not an entitlement

Oyewole Tomori, Secretary General, Organisation of African Trade Union, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu; among others. Though the event may have come and gone, but its memories especially the very touching, educative and frank lecture by former President of Liberia, Prof. Amos Sawyer will not be forgotten in a jiffy by the participants especially the governors who have one year or less than that to leave office.. In his 9- page lead paper titled, “ Transitioning out- Life after Office: Perspective and Challenges”, the former President of Liberia urged Nigeria political leaders especially the President and Governors to understand that the strength of any nation like Nigeria as a federation rests on good governance and this must cut across the three tiers of government, the federal, State and local governments Having experienced the dynamics of governance as president in the then war torn country, Sawyer who warned that those in government must put in place measures to address normal friction between state and federal governments which must occur in a country like Nigeria, said, “There are always challenges in the relationships between federal and state levels of governance… What is most important, however, is that there should always exist a spirit of cooperation between federal and state governments and a willingness to find solutions together.” Professor Sawyer who also charged public office holders to ensure that they deliver quality service for what the people want and would make them Continues on page 14

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Continues from page 13 happy is good service delivery like the provision of hospitals, schools, good roads,water, empowerment, among others, adding that it would also serve a yardstick to determining how society will relate with them at the end of their tenure, even as he urged them to engage in effective peer learning as a form of capacity building among themselves. According to him, our leaders must note that they will leave the office at the end of the day and for this reason, they should see public office as an assignment and not an entitlement and urged public office holders to ensure that they make positive impact in the lives of the people. The former Liberia President particularly told the governors that a good portion of time must be taken up in building consensus among diverse constituencies as well as negotiate with the federal governments as that would help them reach productive outcomes to the problems facing the people they govern, adding that preparation for transitioning out of public service and the question of the quality of life the governors would like to live after public service were issues which should be considered by all public office holders while they are preparing to hold office or shortly after they are installed in office. He said that if the governors carefully think about what quality of life they plan to live after office, the quality of service they provided for the people while in office will answer this as to whether they will move freely in the society, or if they can walk freely on the streets of their states or market square or if after office, the Governors will run away to foreign Countries or remain in Abuja like some former office holders(including lawmakers) who have permanently remained in the nation’s capital city because they failed the people while in office. The former President also told the governors they must be mindful also that others will come after them and most often they would have had predecessors and as holders of public office, they must have it in mind that they are a chain of actors with a responsibility to build upon the good things

VP Sambo

Gov Ajimobi

Gov Okorocha

Gov Ahmed

Gov Oshiomhole

Gov Fashola

Gov Kwankwaso

Sen Saraki

What President Sawyer told Nigerian Governors on life after office in a manner that is inclusive of all, including former leaders. An agenda for transformation cannot be implemented by the government alone. The stature and experience of former leaders who left office in good standing can prove invaluable in promoting development objectives at all levels of governance where human and material resources need to be mobilized and deployed. ”I want to congratulate this august body for taking time off to reflect on some critical areas of governance and development in Nigeria, particularly at the level of state governance(The strength of Nigeria as a federation lies not only in good governance at the federal level but also at the level of state and local governance. The federal system of governance works best when there are strong institutions of governance at all levels when the interaction among them works smoothly, especially in the delivery of public goods and services to the people. ”There are always challenges in the relationships between federal and state levels of governance. Contentions over jurisdictional responsibilities and prerogatives, resource allocation and budgets, among others will always exist and solutions to these challenges might not always satisfy all parties. What is most important, however, is that there should always exist a spirit of cooperation between federal and state governments and a willingness to find solutions together. Quite frequently adequate solutions to contentions about jurisdictional issues can be found when the search for solutions is guided by the principle of subsidiarity. ”Mr. Chairman, I am not telling you things you do not already know. As Governors, a good portion of your time is taken up in building consensus among diverse constituencies and negotiating with the federal governments to reach productive outcomes to challenges. This is what governance is about-reaching common understandings about how to address dilemmas and challenges of development. ”Mr. Chairman, the issue under consideration at this session is of critical importance to successful public service. Preparation for transitioning out of public service and the question of the quality of life we would like to live after public service are issues which should be considered by all public office holders while they are preparing to hold office or shortly after they are installed in office. If we carefully think about what quality of life we want to live after office, the answer to that question will help to shape the quality of service we provide when in office. ”I submit to you that most if not all public office holders would like to live life after office in dignity and with relevance. Concerns about security, especially physical and financial security, and about maintaining social standing and public respect and approbation are key elements of the concern about living life in dignity. Concerns about a relevant life often have to do with life that gives us a productive niche and appreciation in society.”

My preparation for exiting office began at the time I was inducted into office that were done by their predecessors and to leave their footprints for their successors to follow. According to him, as governors now and former governors later, if they must address the demands for financial and material help,

to manage public affairs in a way that changes things for the better, by developing and using the human resources of the society

they must engage in what he termed, social and charitable work as part of a foundation or charitable institution, adding that leaders who leave office with goodwill were usually able to work with others in establishing or strengthening community-based and other types of nongovernmental organizations, strengthening scholarship programs and microcredit, savings and loans associations, among others. He said, “One of the personal challenges of holding public office, especially elected office, is the temptation to condemn what our predecessors have done and to seek to present ourselves as the first ever to do the right things. We are too often reluctant to give due credit to our predecessors. This orientation does not enhance development; it does not help us to build from strength to strength. Moreover, it breeds enmity and an adversarial relationship between incumbents and predecessors. It is not healthy for life after office. ”It is good for us to come to public office with a vision. It is even more helpful if that vision is

conditions of hardship, I functioned both as ceremonial as well as substantive head of the government. This included all the trappings of office. In March 1994, a new transitional government was formed and I stepped down, returning to life as a private citizen. How did I cope with my new circumstance? No retinue of state security, no assistants, and advisors; no bullet-proof limousine, and no crowds attending my every appearance! My preparation for exiting office began at the time I was inducted into office. ”Let me share with you how I prepared for life after office. And I recommend this to all leaders. First, when appointed or elected, it is important to see public service as a privilege: We must see public service as a privilege and because it is a privilege, we should be appreciative of the opportunity given us to serve and we must be humble by this opportunity. ”We must remind ourselves every day that public service is an assignment and not an entitlement. We must be mindful that as an assignment, public service is of time-bound duration. We enter, we serve and we exit. ”We must be mindful also that others are to follow us and most often we would have had predecessors. As holders of public office, we are in a chain of actors and we have a responsibility to build upon the

haring his personal experience while in office and how he prepared for life out of office and that which must be of dignity which every serving governor and President must note, the former Liberia President said, “my personal experience has, in part, guided my views on this question. In September 1990, at the peak of the Liberian civil war, I was chosen to serve as Interim President. Although under

LEAVING PUBLIC OFFICE

good things that were done by our predecessors and to leave our footprints for our successors to follow.

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BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor nly simpletons would dismiss the kind of vicious politics that emit from the palaces of the nation’s traditional rulers. Contestants for elective political offices and their supporters have the right to appeal the outcome of an election, and when they fail, they can persevere till another election within four years. The politics of the palace, however, stretches beyond imagination of men. It has now emerged that many traditional rulers from the north were on the same wavelength with the presidency in piling pressure to stop erstwhile governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from succeeding the late Emir Ado Bayero. The battle for the succession to the throne was shaped in two dimensions. On one part as has been generally reported was the vicious opposition of the presidency to the emergence of Lamido Sanusi as successor to the quiet and reserved Bayero. Sanusi was suspended by President Goodluck Jonathan from office as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN last February and his emergence as emir of the nation’s second most influential emirate could not but have been unsettling given that he had not been cleared of the charges leveled against him. But not so for the opposition which profited from Sanusi’s not too few darts directed at the presidency. Within twenty four hours after the burial of the late Bayero, opposition leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Kano reportedly piling pressure on Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso. On the other hand, the kingmakers who by the rules have the responsibility of short listing three princes for the throne were under another kind of pressure. Vanguard learnt that several traditional rulers from across the north also put pressure on the kingmakers against Sanusi. The opposition to Sanusi from the northern traditional rulers was not necessarily because of the political or moral issues that fanned the opposition raised by the presidency. The northern Emirs, Saturday Vanguard learnt, were mostly supportive of the first son of the late Emir who is the Ciroma Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero. The reason for their support for him, it was gathered, was C M Y K

The politics behind Sanusi's emergence

Late Emir Ado Bayero

Sanusi Lamido, the new Emir

Gov Kwankwaso presenting Letter of Appointment to the new Emir

Protesters in Kano

Dangote visits the new Emir to help set a tradition in Northern Nigeria that could see their own sons being favoured to succeed them in future. The kingmakers, it was learnt, however, saw through this and in their own permutations believed that instituting that tradition of first sons succeeding Emirs would dilute the power and influence of kingmakers. Some sources say that such consideration propelled the kingmakers to shortlist Lamido Sanusi among the candidates for the succession. It has, however, remained a matter of contention whether he was number one on the kingmakers’ list submitted to the governor. The governor under the law has the right to pick any one of the three names submitted to him by the kingmakers. Sources claim that Lamido

Crowd at the burial of Ado Bayero Sanusi was the third in the list and Ciroma first. Perhaps, it was based on this order or the shortlist that leaked to the press that prompted the initial congratulatory message by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP . The PDP has recovered to congratulate its one time mortal foe, Lamido Sanusi. But as at press time, the presidency was yet to congratulate the former CBN governor. President Jonathan who has been the butt of several criticisms as not a strong leader has this time decided to hold his dignity. Perhaps he has weighed the moral burden on him congratulating a controversial man and the opportunity cost to his reelection by distancing from the 15th Emir of Kano

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , JUNE 14, 2014 Vanguard,

s stories had it, he conceptualised and built the church— a small, but aesthetically beautiful and compact building on 1004 Estate premises. He also shepherded and patterned it after his beliefs which included the good, old-fashioned Latin mass -all solemn and reverential. Not in St Charles, up till this day, will you see exuberant displays and loud clapping. It’s fair to say that his heart and soul never really departed the little church decades after he physically left as Parish Priest. And now, his spirit would probably never leave it. Stories about him abound for new comers and you have to be deaf not to hear them. The consistent ones are about

his temper, his strong sense of discipline, his love for order and beauty and his incredible ear for music. Out of sheer curiosity, I went to get his biography about four years ago. The book confirmed what I had always known; that he was indeed a man of history. He had a good one-on- one relationship with many actors in the first republic including the Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa. And being a military officer, he had a good relationship with the ruling elite of the first military government and often acted as advisor/ confessor to many. You could almost say from the book, that he saw the war coming and was a passive participant in the unfortunate Civil War. I was also struck by his wit, his candour, his courage and his intellect. Seeing him being wheeled to the church on special occasions as his birthday, his ordination anniversary, or Easter, it was hard to relate the man to the lore. It was also hard to relate the frail man who could no longer hold an handkerchief, to the energetic man who according to his biography, swam the lagoon easily. For a man who dominated his environment, and who was known for his impatience, the last few years when he had to completely depend on others, must have been torture. You are C M Y K

We strut about in pomp and power forgetting that not only is power transient, life itself is transient

on the crack and the ant walked to the other side. Alas! after all the work, the ant finally got to its destination only to find that the hole, its home, was too small for the leaf and had to reluctantly abandon it. here are many lessons to be learnt from this simple story of course; lessons of industry, perseverance and guile. But the one for today is the need to fix our sight on the end game as a friend would put it. Many of us carry the burdens and baggage of life as if they will not be abandoned at the six feet hole which is too small for anything but our lifeless body. The officiating priest enjoined us to discover our purpose in life and use it to serve humanity. I think it is a good advice. The shocking death of Prof. Dora Akunyili is a good example of how ephemeral life is. This time last year, she was alive and bubbly. Today, she is gone. What I remember about her was her passion to make Nigeria a safer place although it grieves me when high profile public figures die in foreign hospitals. The bell tolls every day reminding us of the need to put our houses in order; of the need to leave a legacy; of the need to touch lives positively. It also reminds us of the vanity of life.

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. Email: 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.

HE mortal body of Monsignor Pedro Ayodele Martins, the first Nigerian chaplain of the Nigerian Army, the oldest Lagosian to be ordained a priest, and the oldest priest in Africa, was finally laid to rest last week in a week long ceremony that involved the entire Arch Diocese. It also had many former residents of 1004 Estate and ex-military officers in attendance. He was aged 103. He was also a priest for over 70 incredible years. Although I had heard so much about him as many accounts on the civil war mentioned his name, Monsignor Pedro Martins was already old and frail when I eventually ‘met’ him. It happened when I changed my parish to St Charles Borromeo in Victoria Island. And you could not attend that parish without ‘knowing and meeting’ the revered priest.

For whom the bell t olls tolls immediately consoled however, by the fact that his longevity and subsequent incapacitation, would have given him more than enough time for atonement and to make peace with his maker. In any case, he had done his bit and the many firsts he had achieved cannot be taken away from him. The role he played, and the influence he had in the church, the military and the secular world at large, will outlive him. Those who openly admit he influenced their decisions to go into priesthood are also there to carry the torch. My take here is that the tolling of the bell, which announces the dead, is actually for the living. It is not to wake up the dead but to serve as a wake-up call for those who are still alive and can still alter the way they choose to live their lives. This much was emphasized by the officiating priest whose theme is the title of this article. Many of us make choices as if we will live forever. Yet the only thing that is certain is death. We strut about in pomp and power forgetting that not only is power transient, life itself is transient. I am reminded of a story which was sent to me during the week. It was about the industry, ingenuity but folly of an ant. This little ant which was carrying a large, dry leaf encountered many obstacles on the way. By sheer industry it was able to overcome them. The most significant one was when it got to a crack on the floor and didn’t know how to pass with the leaf. After going round many times, it simply positioned the leaf in such a way that it became a sort of bridge

It is y our time f or God’s fa vour your for fav he favor of God is the best thing that can happen to anyone. When you find favor with God, your life will never remain the same. A moment with the King will change your life forever. When you find favor with God and then with men, everything will just fall in place for you. In the book of Esther 2:8-15, it was recorded that Esther found favor with the king and she was chosen out of the several maiden that came before the king. If you read from verse 9, of the same chapter; “and the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him and he speedily gave her things for purification”. You can see that when you are favored, everything will work out fine for you. When it is your turn, favor will bring it to pass. When God wants to favor you, He uses your very situation to glorify Himself. What do I mean by this? Before the King called for maidens to be chosen, there was a place to be filled. The reason you are going through your situation now is because God wants to favor you. Now back to the text, Esther 2:12, the maidens went before the King one after the other, but the King did not choose anyone of them before it got to Esther’s turn. Why, because ‘Esther’ has been ordained to take the position. When it is your turn to get that job, to get a child, a promotion, own your house, nothing can stop it; no demon from the pit of hell can stop it. Listen to me, the turn of Esther came, and she found favor with the king. Not even the extra things used by the other maidens made the king to choose them. You don’t need to sleep with the chairman/director for you to get a job or get promoted. You don’t need to bribe anyone before you get the contract because God does not need your assistance to favor you. When your turn comes, you will get it. The bible says, “Heaven and Earth belong to God” (Ps. 24:1). Whether you’re in the North, East, West or South, with God’s favour upon your life, you can begin to possess your possession and become the king of that K I L land. God is working A O behind the scene for you to be promoted, for you to get N G married, to get your own children. When it is your U D O turn to shine, nobody can E stop it. When it is your turn to get married, no witch or E W A wizard can stop you from G N getting married. No matter what you are going through B T right now, hear me child of God, God is saying to you, E B I now is your turn to be D favored, now is your turn to get those your heart desires O V I and nothing can stop it. R Are you comparing your life with your mates/friend’s E G W life, in terms of

achievement, listen to me, now is your turn, it is not how long you wait that matters, but the timing of God that matters. God will not because of you spoil His ‘C.V’. He is a God of integrity; He has never failed anyone, and will not fail you. Did He say he will give you a child? He will do it. Whatever it is He says He will do, He will do it and now is the time because of God’s favour. You don’t have to leave your place of blessing. Where you are now is where God wants to bless you. He knows where and when to give it to you. Wait for Him so that you don’t miss out of God’s favor for your life. A word from God for you. It does not matter how many has gone ahead of you in that interview, marriage, own their house, when it is your turn, favor will take you ahead of them. Time and chance happen to everyone. Your chance will definitely come. The children of Israel had been slaves for a very long time. Thus they were in captivity in the hands of their masters. Their masters hated them so much and made them to work harder than usual but when it was time for God to release and set them free, God said they will not leave Egypt empty handed. What did God do? God gave them favour with their masters to such an extent that whatever the Israelites asked of them the Egyptians gave to them knowing full well that the Israelites were not coming back. Know that God is the same always. What He did for the Israelites He will do for you. He will make those that have risen against you in your political party, office, community, etc, to fall in love with you. Remember that the hearts of kings are in His hands and like the rivers of waters He turneth it to please Himself. Just as God did to pharaoh, so shall He do to everyone that is sitting on top of your blessings. He will make them to favour you and release the blessings to you in Jesus name, amen.

You can see that when you are favored, everything will work out fine for you

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18— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

BY KEHINDE AJOSE he has endeared herself to the hearts of Nigerian movie lovers with her show on Tv –Village Square TV. Hauwa Allahbura is a young lady who isn’t new to the limelight, she hugged stardom when she emerged the winner in the Miss FCT pageant years back. Armed with a passion for making anything she does work, Hauwa opens up on her experience as a media personality, why she hasn’t been heartbroken and her celebrity crush. My name is Hauwa Allahbura and I am currently a TV presenter for Villagesquare TV a Nollywood entertainment channel broadcasting on ONTV .I a m an actress and I am working on developing some projects for people to enjoy in the future. Well my journey into the entertainment industry began in 2013 after my reign as Miss Federal Capital Territory- FCT. I was Miss FCT from 2012 to 2013. Before then, I had always had a passion for TV and movies so I just figured that it was the right time for me to pursue a career in that industry. I started by going for many auditions for the job of a TV presenter. I got to audition for it and fortunately for me, they saw something in me that they liked and I got the job. It was really exciting for me because it was like a positive feedback for all my hard work. Well, I would say it’s a combination of all three things; fame, money and passion. I have a lot of passion for movies, drama, and stories . However, in order to be successful in this industry you have to court a certain level of fame which is also nice because with that fame and passion I can make lots of money and achieve so many things that I dream of doing. What people talk about mostly is the fact that I have nice dark skin and I am also from the northern part of Nigeria so it sort of influences my accent a little. Some people say they like my Hausa accent . I like it too. I also believe my actual personality makes me unique. My close friends see me as a comedian because I like to laugh and make people laugh but sometimes I may be saying something and they start laughing and I wonder what they find so funny but that’s just it. I am also very dramatic, something people hardly know about me? My friends even call me Hauwa “Wahala”. They often say that should be my surname My parents are in full support of my career path right now in TV and movies but they weren’t in support of my participation in the Miss FCT pageant They later started to support me towards the end of my reign. It was quite tough with them at the beginning. First of all, I am from the north C M Y K

simple, easy, comfortable, no heels or makeup type of thing. So it’s a balance of glam and comfort. There is someone I have always been crushing on from afar and I am sure I share this same crush with a lot of women. My celebrity crush is and has always been RMD. Since I was a little girl and even till now. I met him once, even interviewed him on the red carpet at the Nollywood @20 event. I was star struck and I couldn’t stop staring. I believe there are different levels of sexual harassments. What I think is quite normal is when a man tries to propose to you an offer during an audition stage

I’ve never been heartbroken — Hauwa Allahbura even though I am a Christian, my parents are still very conservative and they did not know or understand that the Miss FCT pageant did not involve •Hauwa Allahbura any sort of display of nudity. They thought that without necessarily giving you an I would be going on stage in a ultimatum or directly asking for sex bikini and all that and that idea in exchange for getting a job. I irritated them. When they found out think that will always be there that it did not involve any nudity , because it is how men are , they started to support me. especially in this country. The other You know it’s weird or maybe level is where I get really angry not, but I have never been .When someone tries to force you heartbroken before. Maybe I enjoy into sleeping with them just to do the dumping before getting because they want to do something dumped. I actually think heartbreak for you or because you are asking is an option and I think it’s time for a job. When it comes to that, I for girls to know their worth and get would say women have a choice over the heartbreaks. and that choice is to maintain their My sense of style is a balance of personal integrity and say a big no. two different styles. I love being Some upcoming talents may be glam especially when I am going desperate for a breakthrough in for events or other social gatherings with other beautiful people. I love to their career and they may decide that they have no choice other than be glamorous in that sense, but to sleep with the person, but I do when I am just doing my every day not believe in that. I believe in grocery shopping or running taking the long route to success around, I don’t think anybody will through hard work and persistence. expect me to be glamorous, so I like

My sense of style is a balance of two different styles. I love being glam especially when I am going for events or other social gatherings with other beautiful people

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 —19

Would y ou dump you your HIV P ositiv e Positiv ositive Spouse?

I will show him love and af fection aff —Sandra Basse y, Bassey Model and Actress

I’ll love and encourage her - I.K. Ogbonna, Actor and Model k Ogbonna is one of the fastest rising Nollywood actors at the moment and is sought after by producers. With just less than two years of acting professionally, IK who also doubles as a model for many brands in Nigeria and abroad, is versatile and obviously knows his onions. He first got public attention after participating in the 2005 Amstel Malta Box Office, but delved into modelling after that. He has featured some high budget Nollywood movies between 2012 and 2013, most prominently “Playing Safe,” “A Wish,” and “Love Lorn.” ‘Here’s his opinion, “The knowledge of the status creates some sense of caution and fear. But the knowledge of the virus makes it easier for you to know how to accommodate and handle a friend or spouse with the virus. I would go for a test to be sure that I’m clean. I can only love and encourage my spouse. They are still human beings and the fact that they have HIV doesn’t make them less human. You can only contact it through blood and exchange of body fluids. If well managed, it should not be a problem. Finally, it’s advised to know your status”.

•IK

andra Bassey is indeed a symbol of talent, beauty and brain. She broke into the entertainment industry when she took home the prestigious crown of Miss Niger Delta. The pretty Sandra Bassey who recently forayed into Nollywood has three movies to her credit including the blockbuster, Half of a Yellow Sun. According to her, “If I truly love him, I wouldn’t because anyone can be in that situation. Besides, HIV is not only contacted through sex, he might have gotten it through any other means mistakenly and no one is above mistake. As a matter of fact, we make mistakes every day of our lives. This is when he needs to be shown more love, affection and care. He will definitely need my support and care to pull through. With prayers and support, a miracle can happen. I can never leave my spouse because he’s HIV Positive.” •Sandra Bassey

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I’ll stay if he has been faithful — Seyifunmi, Model

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We can’t sleep together anymore — Chelsea Eze, Actress

pcoming model, Seyifunmi popularly known as k Shy is one diva to loo g out for in the modellin world where she struts s her trade. Shy, who wa featured in the popular Golden Penny Pasta l commercial said she’lse remain with her spou on one condition, “On one condition – If he didn’t contact it while cheating on me. If he contacted it mistakenly, not while sleeping around I am going to stay with him.”

We’ll make love on using protectiAc tor — Benson Okonkwo,

old e may not be a househod actor, name yet but Nollywo a made Benson Okonkwo has ng in a few rri sta lf se him for name The actor controversial movies. 30 movies er ov in ted ac s ha who n his spouse said he won’t abando n. “No, I no matter the situatio use marriage won’t dump her, beca, till death do is for better for worse love to her us part. I will not make on. Then we without using protecti d and pray Go to r se will come clo she gets better.”

n actress who helsea Eze is a Nigeria th her first wi e nc ine om came into pr where she als nd t sca Nollywood film Silen veive Nnaji and acted alongside Gene o won the Most Majid Michel. She als ard for her role in the Promising Actress aw ovie Academy film at the 6th Africa M Award. On her part, she said ”I won’t dump him. That’s a little too harsh. But if my spouse was HIV Positive, I would take certain measures. First of all, we can’t be sleeping together anymore to avoid the risk of my getting infected. But I will be there to support him in whatever way I can.”

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20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

FLORENCE AMAGIYA, 08061644307 daise4000@yahoo.com

postle Helen Ukpabio founded the head of African Evangelical franchise Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries based in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. She was born in the village of Mbente, Imo State, Nigeria and is married to Dr. Elijah Ukpabio. She has three children. She spent her early life at St. George's Catholic School, Falomo, Lagos, Jinadu Anglican School in Obalende, Lagos, and the Methodist Girls' School in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Hellen founded Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries in 1992 with the aim of spreading her often literal interpretations of the Word of God to the people of West Africa. Often associated with Ukpabio and her organisation is the claim that Satan has the ability to manifest himself in the bodies of children by demonic possession and make them become his servants in the form of 'witches' or 'wizards'. Apostle Helen has one of the biggest churches in Calabar, called Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries. It is headquartered in Calabar, Cross Rivers State. She is a powerful preacher, who oversees more than two hundred and fifty church branches within and outside Nigeria. Helen has produced so many Alist Christian movies. She has some musicals albums as she had composed some worship songs including the popular I HEARD ABOUT YOU.” Lady Apostle Helen is an author of several books and a regular host of Deliverance Wake, featured on many international TV stations, including Inspiration Network, Hosanna Broadcasting Network, African Broadcasting Network, Kingdom Africa, etc. She is married to Dr. Elijah Ukpabio and they are blessed with three children. Hellen has produced over 30 movies and has worked with only the best hands in Nollywood. She remains the only producer that flies her cast and crew to set and back. Apostle Helen is worth over N150m. She has over 500 members in her church in Calabar alone. The church edifice has estimated value of N20m. Her offering and tithe revenue is over a hundred and fifty thousand naira per month. Some of her movies produced are The price, A heartless evil man, end of the wicked, violent crimes etc

Biography

The AMAZING live style ust as working for God in the ministry of winning souls is profitable, it can also be stressful without adequate funding. But in a situation where one is rewarded and celebrated for doing the Lord’s work, it becomes a worthwhile endeavour. In this piece, we bring to you two great female pastors who have combined preaching of the gospel with running their different homes and other businesses. Enjoy!

Apostle Helen Ukpabio

Achievements

Worth

nveiling the mysteries of witchcraft Akwa Ibom state child witch scam ( the wholesome truth)

Books written

Apostle Helen is worth over N300m. She has over 500 members in her church in Calabar alone. The church edifice has estimated value of N20m. Her offering, and tithe is over a hundred and fifty thousand naira per month

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 21

es of two female PASTORS Bishop Bola Odeleke branches in Nigeria, UK, and an office in USA. She is the Provost of Christ Message Ministry International University, which is affiliated to the Lagos State University (LASU) and she is a constituent member of the International Council of Christian Churches. A mentor, adviser and mother to many priests, pastors and Kingdom workers, both male and female, Bishop Odeleke has given birth to many ministries and churches in her 36 years of active service in the Lord’s vineyard. She also established the Women Institute for Success Education (WISE), an institute to counsel, mentor and bring up young ladies as well as train women for leadership in the society and success at the home front. She is the Matron of the Institute of Christian Theologians of Nigeria. She has 13 churches to her credit. Bola is worth over N200m. She has a lot of properties spread across Lagos and outside Lagos. The land in which Power Pentecostal Church at Oshodi express way Okota- Isolo is located is estimated to be way over N150m. The church edifice at Ejigbo cost more than N15m to complete. She has a huge apartment building at one of the choicest area at Adeniyi Jones in Ikeja worth over N150m. ver the years, Bishop Odeleke has won a number of local and international awards, including the Peace Ambassador Award by Campaign for Peace International. She also has Certificate of Ordination, License and Recognition from ministry of Gospel of Jesus (LOS ANGELES U.S.A) and All Faith Chapel (U.S.A)

Awards

Worth

ishop Bolanle Margaret Odeleke was born 19 June 1950 to the family of Aboderin. She had her primary and secondary education before going into business. She got married to late Gen. Lasun James Odeleke and the Lord blessed them with children and grand children. In 1974, Bola received the call to go into full time Evangelical Ministry. She thereupon started her missionary activities, using the name “Lady Evangelist Odeleke and her Crusade Team.” Entering Lagos from the Northern Nigeria, Lady Evang. Bola Odeleke and her team had a famous daily morning and evening for three years crusade

Biography

at CAC Yaba. She was consecrated in 1995 as the Bishop of International Ministerial Council of Great Britain (IMCGB) and Power Pentecostal Church (PPC) Worldwide by Late Archbishop Douglas. The consecration was gazetted in the U.K. She lost her husband, who was a member of the then Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) of President Ibrahim Babangidaled administration, in a motor accident in 1990, but it didn’t stop her from serving the Lord in His vineyard. This is evident in all she has established.

Bola is worth over N200m. She has a lot of properties spread across Lagos and outside Lagos. The land in which Power Pentecostal Church at Oshodi Expressway Okota- Isolo is located is estimated to be way over N150m

woman of many parts, Bishop Odeleke is the President of Christ Message Ministry and Power Pentecostal Church with 13 C M Y K

Establishments

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

s l i d u b e Adokiy a r a i n n i l o l i i m t u l m n o i a t s t petro W and fropop singer , or ave-making A ad ss e Amba Imo State Peacn has hugged the Adokiye Kyriaasons. But this time rts of re news for all so

•Adokiye pet

ro station

the news on antress is in . ch en e th , d men aroun business acu g Showtime has it in account of her h ac re ts or s p Confirmed re, along with some busines a p u er g g n puttin that the si partners are ation in the mega petro st , Kwara State. heart of Ilorin ion, which is The petro stat r completion over 70% nea many of the of may be one is planning to singer/actressear future. build in the n one in the “ I am not al e some pillars venture, I hav ey informed the behind and th g situated at location bein nstruction is Ilorin. The cobut I need almost done looking for loan” money. I am time. she told Show

Omawumi joins forces with Wax Dey overs of good music, will have a full dose of fun as Nigerian By ANOZIE EGOLE

Don Jazzy gives D’Banj new title on birthday By Kehinde Ajose apo Oyebanjo the selfstyled kokomaster who often calls himself ‘Big fish’ and Bangalee (Ejanla) celebrated his 34th birthday on the 9th of June. Heritage Bank hosted Dbanj ‘s birthday party held at Four Points by Sheraton, and presented him a sumptuous red race car birthday cake. Dbanj who is known to be a stunner was clad in a green suit befitting his status. The bank is also partnering with the bank on his Nagropreneur project. In the same vein, Dbanj’s former business partner and producer took to twitter to celebrate his friend. According to him: ’Shout out to @IamDbanj of the Lee temple. The #DoroEntertainer of life. Have fun and God bless.’ Donjazzy gives Dbanj a new title of Doro Entertainer. The duo once recorded an album in the Mohits era called The Entertainer.

female singer Omawumi joins forces with talented Cameroonian singer Wax Dey to create a new African hit titled, “Forever”. Both artistes who also starred in the all-African theme song, “Cocoa Na Chocolate,” alongside D’banj, Diamond, Fally Ipupa, Femi Kuti and a host of others, describe “Forever” as a song for everybody. It’s obviously a hit from both worlds and hardly do we get West and Central African stars do songs together. Both are very talented, witty and marketable and they also, have been recognized on several occasions for their incredible contributions to African music. Meanwhile, it is rumoured that Cameroonian singer, Wax, could become a new signing into D’banj’s DB Records soon! So, should we say this new song, “Forever” is that song everyone will love to listen and possess?

h-slit Mocheddah ‘s hig AMAs dress lights up M se By Kehinde Ajo estinambari’ ocheddah, the ‘D clinched an ce crooner who on as one of MAs in 2010, w at the A M e th at d ar aw cked a great look the stars who ro ic Awards (MAMA) held us MTV Africa M uth Africa last week. in Durban, So Atafo Inspired high slit Clad in a Mai couldn’t hide her black dress, that heddah obviously had a struck a sensual lap .Moc e event and also great time at th renowned reality TV star selfie pose with n. Khloe Kardashia

•Mocheddah

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Tiw a tells hubby at BY IYABO AINA

I love you so much,

I was Eedris backup singer for three years -Timaya By Kehinde Ajose ancehall singer Timaya revealed recently he was a backup singer for rapper Eedris Abdulkareem. The ‘Ukwu’ sensation who recentlky shot the video of his collaboration with Sean Paul was a guest on the Season Two of popular talk show ‘The Juice’ hosted by Toolz. Timaya went down memory lane, talking about his days of little beginnings. He said: ‘I started from church, before starting up as a backup for Eedris Abdulkareem for three years before exploring my music career.’. His new song ‘Bow down’ is gradually becoming an irresistible tune among music lovers.

MAMA

t was an emotion-laden night for Tiwa Savage at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards, which held at Durban, South Africa. After clinching the Best Africa Female Act award, the MAVIN First Lady was all syruppy and couldn’t keep her words together as she thanked her crew and most especially her husband and manager, TeeBillz The Eminado singer dedicated her award to her husband, thanking him for all the hardwork in her career so far. She said, “I just want to thank God, fans, 323 Entertainment, my label, Mavin, my producer and boss, Don Jazzy and finally, I want to say thank you to the most handsome and amazing husband in the whole wide world, TeeBillz, who has put so much to make our story a success thank you and I love you very much”. Her husband has mostly stood by her through the thick and thin especially when critics took on her for being rather obscene on stage. TeeBillz came to her defence, saying he endorses all that Tiwa does on stage, clad or unclad.

•Tiwa Savage

•Timaya

Wizkid finally finds his Carol By ANOZIE EGOLE n what looked like a cocktail party held by Pepsi to honour its ambassadors at Spice Bar, Victoria Island ,recently, Star boy Wizkid seems to have found his Carol. The talented singer, who stepped out in a white-buttoned down shirt with black buttons, tailored pants with a matching suit jacket and a loose bow-tie for that ‘Wizzy’ effect, came in with his entourage as well as label mate, Banky W. As it was time for Wizkid to perform, the host, Johnson gave him a grand entrance to the stage and the crowd shrieked with glee as Wizzy grabbed the mic and sang and danced with so much energy. Looking into the crowd of dedicated fans, the Pepsi ambassador spotted a female fan dancing and grooving to his tunes, •Wizkid called her out to the stage to dance with him and finally admitted that he had found ‘Carol’ after two years and the DJ put on the famous ‘looking for Carol’ song. Among other artistes who graced the event were, Lynxxx, Tiwa Savage and Banky W.

les g a E r e p u S r o f g in ssadors s Eagles’ World Cup campaign.the three Glo AmbI,a r ered in “Ada Ada” croone e songs were rend Th l, oa C ifted rapper M eper penetration de de an r i, Waje W nguages fo um la aw or m aj O m r, e ar ou av ho Fl w ng like When G e Voice and Ego, ed by the ong Nigerians. So am igerians of bl Naeto C, Chee th re m e asse Brazil minds N ors, wer all Glo ambassaduce three theme songs to od pr n team and company to t for the Nigeria mobilise suppor victory at the mundial. erfully fire the players to wer to Win, pow The songs are Po r and MI; Raise Your ou delivered by Flavby the Glo All Stars, as ed or ch an , ian Voice? of popular Niger igerians N well as a medley ch hi w ts an ch b Supporters’ Clu ally downloading as ring are enthusiastic the Raise back tunes. lele, no yawa in The refrain No ch in popular Nigerian whi Your Voice song eans “no m h is Pidgin Engl ting with worries” is resonave the relo ho w Nigerians in the song. assuring words amongst s ay ?s The lyrics would raise others, that We ld shine our ou w e our flag, W raise our eyes, We would d our name. en ef D voice and !. Velvety No dulling Naija itable im in e, voiced Waj norousOmawumi and sobined with m co e voiced Che bassadors other A-list Glo am ians to er ig N e to encourag pport su to join their voices

untry won Nigeria beat ent when the co ll at the ba the golden mom medal in foot the Olympic gold ll giants like Brazil and ba ot expense of fo songs A rg en ti na . e essence of the Globacom said th lief in the Super be rd was to create the ians that with ha of 160 t Eagles and Niger or pp su e th d an work, dedicationte Nigerians, the team million passiona il. can excel in Braz

•Glo Ambassad

ors

C M Y K

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard , JUNE 14, 2014 Vanguard,

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People don’t see me as a serious person —Charles Awurum C is not Mama G.’ The same goes for Mr. Ibu and I. I must not play a stupid man before you realise I’m an actor. But were you born a comic-actor? I was not born a comedian. I used to tell people that comedy is not about deformity. I would say that I forced myself into comedy. This is because, when I saw my colleagues playing comedy, I developed passion for it. I don’t believe in playing one particular role in movies. in movies, but we enjoy each other’s companionship whenever we are on the same movie sets. Following the roles you play in movies; do you think people sometimes take you seriously? harles Awurum is one of the highly rated comic-actors in the Nigerian movie industry. But beyond comedy, Awurum tells HVP, that he is capable of doing the unexpected. He recounts some of the challenges, he’s facing as a comic-actor par excellence. ow do your children feel each time they watch your movies? My children are still under aged. My first son is about 6 years old. They ask me a lot of funny questions each time they watch my films. I always tell them that if I don’t do this, they wouldn’t go to school. In fact, they ask me funny questions which I also answer in funny ways. It seems you didn’t marry early? Yes, I married in 2006. Why did you marry that late? If I have known why, I would have married early. I met my wife in 2006, and we got married the same year. If I had met her before 2006, I would have wasted much time. Does it mean you were not in any relationship before you met your wife?

•Charles Awurum Most people tend to take you unserious because you are a comic-actor. Even when you tell a girl “I like you,” she would laugh at you, believing that you a joking. But they do not know that outside the world of make-believe, one can be really serious. I feel that people should start seeing us from that standpoint and learn to separate us from the characters they watch on screen. Outside the screen, I am a very serious person.

I have a hard face, but today, they do not want to give me any other role apart from comedy Relationship is not marriage. You might be going out with someone who’s not your wife. That’s why in marriage, you must look out for somebody who must be ready to suffer with you and accept you for who you are. I didn’t find that kind of woman until 2006 when I met my wife. Would you say you are stereotyped in movies? I have acted in so many films that were not comedy. My first film was “Obiora” which was not comedy, and I interpreted my role very well. But it’s the viewers that sometimes influence the producers to consider an actor for a particular role. If Patience Ozokwor (a.k.a Mama G ) is not playing a wicked woman in a movie, the viewers would say, ‘this C M Y K

At first, producers did not believe I could play comedy very well because of my hard face. They say, I have a hard face, but today, they do not want to give me any other role apart from comedy. When you joined Nollywood, did you envisage that you would end up as a comedian? I didn’t, but just watch out I will soon dump comedy. They way I came into comedy, is the way I will leave it. What do you have in common with Mr Ibu? It’s comedy. I used to tell people that my relationship with Mr Ibu is beyond the screen. He’s my brother. Don’t ask me why the producers prefer to pairs us

French actress eyeing Nollywood! ward- winning Hollywoodbased Nigerian filmmaker, Odera Ozoka, who coproduced the highly funded $2 million film, Ije: The Journey, starring two of the country’s greatest actresses, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola JoladeEkeinde, is returning to the trenches again with his French-born actress collaborator, Clotilde Delavennat, after the success of his first feature film, Soul Diaspora. Delavennat, managed by Black Tower Productions, has worked behind the scenes with Nollywood royalties and she’s about to boost her profile as she stars in their forthcoming movie, “Hollywood Street.” The French actress, who was in Nigeria in 2012, for the premiere of Soul Diaspora at Ozone Cinemas, Yaba, has expressed her desire to work with many Nollywood stars, including Kate Henshaw and Emeka Ike, among others. “I am interested in working with Kate Henshaw. She probably doesn’t remember me, but I met her during my last visit to Nigeria when I was promoting Soul Diaspora. She strikes me as a powerful talent, and I hope to work with her someday. Also, Emeka Ike, he’s a lovely man.” This up and coming actress is currently fascinated with world cinema, and Nollywood is equally on her radar. With the anticipation of Hollywood Street brewing, and a role in Ozoka’s next movie, Biafran epic, A Forgotten Place, this actress and producer is surely set for the top.

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I am alive, Natty cries out ..hails Ibinabo for rescuing him omanus Amuta who played Natty in the evergreen sitcom, New Masquerade, has debunked the rumours that went viral last week that he has passed on, saying “ I am very much alive.” He is one of the ailing actors, for whom the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)’s president, Ibibabo Fiberesima has been seeking financial assistance from President Goodluck Jonathan; an effort which two weeks ago, yielded a lifeline of N10 million for screenwriter Chike Bryan, who requires a kidney transplant in India. The actor ’s eldest son, Dr. Chukwuma Amuta refuted the rumours during the week. “It is true that my dad had stroke some five years ago, in 2009. Presently he is clinically stable and he is recovering

Death rumours:

•Natty and Ibinabo

Lupita Nyong’o set to produce Chimamanda’s Americanah

well.That was why I was very surprised when I heard about such information being spread in the media. He is improving gradually. He goes for checkup. He’s okay. Nathy is still alive,”Dr Amuta said. Also, speaking in Enugu, the comic actor declared that he’s still alive. He, however, praised the president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima for rescuing him. Ibinabo was in Enugu recently alongside the Secretary-General of the guild, Mr Yakubu Abubakar where she facilitated the actor ’s admission in the hospital for further treatment. “ My daughter, only God will reward you for saving my life. You have showed me that there is God. Anybody that says you are not working is not well. As you have saved my life, God will continue to preserve you. You brought me to this kind of big man hospital, paid everything, still gave me and my family extra money, bought foodstuffs for me. Only God can reward you. You have given me hope. now I am free,”said Natty.

scar award-winning Kenyan-Mexican actress, Lupita Nyong’o, is teaming up with Brad Pitt to produce the on-screen version of Americanah, a prize-winning novel by prominent Nigerian writer and author of Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi •Lupita Adichie. Nyong’o said, she was honoured to be able to bring the book to life as a movie: “Page after page, I was struck by Ifemelu and Obinze’s stories, whose experiences as African immigrants are so specific and also so imminently relatable. It is a thrilling challenge to tell a truly international story so full of love, humour and heart.” The film will be funded by Pitt’s Plan B production company which also produced, 12 Years a Slave. “ Americanah” tells the story of a young Nigerian couple, Ifemelu and Obinze, who leave their military-ruled country for the West. While the academically successful Ifemelu goes to America, Obinze leads a risky, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they are able to reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria. The novel has received a number of awards including winner of the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and The Chicago Tribune 2013 Heartland Prize for Fiction. It has also featured as one of The New York Times’s Ten Best Books of the Year.

Evelle, winner of Nigerian Idol 2014 ‘My victory came as a surprise’ 3-year old Zibili Evelyn Ibhade, who emerged winner of this year’s edition of Nigerian Idol talent hunt show, has described her victory as one that came as a surprise to many, especially as she had fewer votes from the public, a week to the grand finale. Evelle defeated her closest rival Odugbemi Idowu Sarah, a.k.a EyeD, who many tipped for the prize, during a spectacular grand finale held last weekend in Lagos. By this victory, Evelle became the proud owner of a Hyundai Four Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), in addition to N7.5 million, an Android tablet phone, an ipod and a recording deal with Universal Music Group. Speaking shortly after announcing her as the winner, Evelle, amidst tears, dedicated the award to her mother, who is currently in hospital, having been involved in an auto crash two weeks ago on her way to Lagos to witness her daughter’s performance. “God first, then, my mum; it has to be my mum. I know this will make her feel much better than she is feeling right now. My victory came as a surprise to many, especially because I had fewer votes a week to the grand finale from the public compared to the number of votes received by EyeD. To actually get more people to vote for me, I went into my closet and prayed and said to God: I don’t know how this is going to happen; I am going to give it my best shot and I want you to help me in such a way that even those who have been voting for my opponent will vote for me this time. That was my prayer, and I am sure that was what happened,” she added. Evelle said she has long dreamed of having a car to mark her birthday and now, God has given her one. She felt on top of the world as she was handed the dummy cheque and car keys by the Director of Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluwole Rawa, at the Dreams Studios, Bamako, Ogba, venue of the show. Evelle is a part-time singer at the Eko Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotels.

unde Kelani, the award-winning director, photographer, storyteller, and producer was at the Pencils Film and Television Institute (PEFTI) last Tuesday, for a one-day interactive session with past and present students of the institute as well as the general public who came from all walks of life. Over 600 audience members made up of entertainers, academics and practitioners were treated to a screening of Tunde Kelani’s heart-warming movie titled Maami. TK, as he is fondly called in the industry, also delivered lecture on Digital Film Making and reacted to several questions from the attentive audience. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Biola Adenuga, Managing Director of PEFTI said, “We are truly honoured to once again have the iconic TK here with us in such a forum. The event was fully recorded and would be aired on wapTV across Nigeria and Africa so that everyone who didn’t attend would be able to gain •Biola Adenuga and TK from the lecture.”

Day PEFTI hosted Tunde Kelani

Evelle,

C M Y K

26 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU ’banj, one of Nigeria’s hottest musical stars turned 34, on Monday, June 9. And as expected, activities were rolled out to mark his birthday anniversary, at Four Point Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, courtesy of Heritage Bank. The Koko Master seized the opportunity offered by the gathering to unveil yet another significant aspect of his career, a strong entrepreneurial initiative focusing on Agriculture and Agro-economic enterprise called Koko Agropreneu as he donated N50 million to empower the Nigerian youths. In this exclusive interview with Showtime Celebrity, D’banj shares what he feels was the mistake he made while the partnership with Don Jazzy lasted as his former business partner. He also talks about his relationship with top Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji among other issues. You are celebrating your 34th birthday anniversary as well as your 10 years on stage, this year. How has the journey been so far? It has not been an easy one. Though, it’s been interesting, full of ups and downs; sobbing and smiling. But importantly, it’s been rewarding. God has been so good to me. What I have achieved in my 34 years of life, as well as my 10 years as a performer, it’s only the Almighty Lord that could have done it for me. I am so honoured and privileged. When you look back from where you started 10 years ago, what were the mistakes you made you wished you didn’t make? I don’t really like to recount my mistakes. This is because I believe that for every individual, there is always a learning process. A good friend of mine used to call it ‘school fees.’ So, when you go through a bad experience, just have it that you have paid an expensive school fee. What you should have asked me is that how many schools fees have I paid in the past 10 years? I would tell you that as every other human being, I am not perfect. I have made my own normal mistakes. But in my own opinion, there has not been any mistake I made that has been detrimental to my career. God has always saved me. Thank Almighty God for mercies. Could you recall some of those mistakes? One major mistake I made was not doing something differently in the past, considering all that happened between me and my ex-business partner, Don Jazzy. This is because we never really had issues. I believe, people that fueled the problem. May be, I should have fought more for what I brought up. I personally found and signed everybody that belonged to the one time popular record label, ‘Mo Hits Records’ consisting of major artistes such as Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, Prince, K-Switch and co-partnered with Don Jazzy. I recall one time when he told me that he wanted us to go our separate ways. I also remember asking him to give me about six months to fashion out modalities for the separation. May be, I should have requested for one year. But like I sang in one of my songs “Top of the World”, I have no regrets parting ways with him. However, I should have tried harder, which I did. But in all honesty, I’m grateful to Almighty God. But would you say, you are missing Don Jazzy in all ramifications? Not more than the ordinary. You know, when you say you are missing somebody, it means you need the person in your life. No, I don’t miss him. But I saw him at the MTV music awards, in South Africa. We ran into each other every

D’ban marri on Ge now and then. Pe

•Says no re •Celebrate donation t

again. Who told th are running o own reco my ow cann sta 10 i

27— SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

African teams are under achievers — Weah, Toure

ith few qualifying places, some dodgy sportsmanship and an overdose of bad luck, football on the continent has struggled. But don’t give up, says Antoinette Muller In 1990, Cameroon were the darlings of the World Cup. With Roger Milla’s legendary hip shake, a win over Argentina and the team’s eventual run to the quarter-finals a door was opened for an additional African team to qualify for the tournament four years later. But then the continent’s success dwindled and it would be more than a decade before the world would sit up and take note again. In 2002, Senegal were the surprise package at an otherwise predictable World Cup. Like Cameroon before them, they started off their campaign with a win over the defending champions France and would eventually make it through to the quarterfinals. Then in 2010 Ghana had one of the most impressive runs for an African team in World Cup history and were on the brink of becoming the first semi-finalists, only to have their dreams shattered by a missed penalty in the dying minutes. Pele predicted that an African side would lift the World Cup before the end of the 20th century, but so far none has come close. This time round, Africa is well-represented with Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria participating in Brazil - but it’s unlikely that any of these will go on to lift the trophy. Ivory Coast’s golden generation have the best chance of going far, but they are notorious for struggling in crunch matches. Why have African teams under-performed on the big stage? One theory involves the allocation of places. As a continent, Africa has 48 countries competing to get to the finals but only five places available. Europe gets 13 places. It used to be even worse, with Africa only allocated two places. Everyone will remember Milla’s hip shaking, but George Weah, arguably Africa’s most talented son, never had a chance to play at a World Cup. There are others, too, who have missed out on their chance at glory. And when they do qualify, it is often marred with controversy. The elimination of Algeria in 1982 is one of the most outrageous examples of an African team being on the receiving end of dubious sportsmanship. Having beaten both West Germany and Chile, Algeria slipped up against Austria – but still had a chance of advancing unless West Germany beat Austria 1-0 or 2-0. The Germans went ahead early on against Austria and both sides stopped competing once they realised how the score would benefit them. It caused outrage from the media and fans, with one Austrian commentator telling viewers to turn off the TV. There were calls for the game to be replayed or at least for the Europeans to be punished, but Fifa did not take any action. It did have an impact, with the governing body ruling that in future the last pair of group games must be played at the same time. But imagine the outcry if England, France or Argentina had been eliminated this way? So the attitude towards African teams by the authorities is questionable, as is the way they are perceived. Despite the skill and talent of African players, and their obvious achievements, success is viewed as a novelty. Yaya Toure said recently that African players do not get as much recognition as they should, C M Y K

causing outrage in many quarters. Yet many feel that he has a point. While the stiff competition of players such as Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may explain why they have not won any of the big awards, neither Toure nor Didier Drogba have ever been named Premier League player of the month. One can understand how Toure might feel irked. Toure has won the African Player of the Year award three times. Drogba has won it twice. Drogba is a record-goal scorer. Toure is a midfield beast who was integral in helping Manchester City to the title this year. Cheick Tiote has blossomed at Newcastle and Wilfried Bony is equally growing in stature. Like many other players, though, they have struggled significantly when making the shift from club to country. Africa has never had more than one African side in the knockout stages of the competition and John Barnes, who represented England at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, believes that a mental tweak is required. “Africans must show the same desire and discipline when playing for their country that they do when playing for European clubs,” he told SuperSport recently. But the issue is more complex than that. African footballers have repeatedly come into conflict with their own football authorities, as Samuel Eto’o pointed out recently. “The only problem in Africa is our leaders, who do not respect us. Until we are respected, other (continents) will never have any consideration for us,” He told the Confederation of African Football. Eto’o was barred from the national team for instigating a boycott over unpaid bonuses two years ago. The Cameroon team also refused to board a plane this year because of a bonus dispute. Weah, the only African player to win World, European and African Footballer of the Year awards, agrees that the governing of the sport needs an overhaul. “Former players govern European football while those without passion or knowledge of the game rule in Africa. Footballers rather than officials

should travel business class on flights because they are the ones going to play,” he said. Others, like Bosnia-born Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic, suggest that a combination of political influence as well as socio-economic environment adds to Africa’s struggles. Halilhodzic believes that because of the desire to want to play in Europe, many African players often forget their team. For Africa to succeed globally, a clear pathway to local success needs to be carved. Academies are f o r e v e r appearing across the continent, but m a n y players would still far rather compete in Europe than in their domestic leagues. The leagues will take time and investment to grow, but there is certainly sufficient interest in the sport to justify this investment. One thing that’s unique about African football is the way most of the continent rallies around its teams. Africa is not a country but African football certainly is. This rarely happens in other areas. We are African whenever there is a World Cup and tend to support each other. You rarely hear Europeans talk about being “European” or teams carrying the “hopes of a continent”. That enthusiasm could be harnessed. Once the potential is realised the sport will boom and Pele could be proved right –if a little premature.

28—SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

World cup final ticket hits £12,000 T

We don’t fear England

—-Barzagli

ickets for the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro are peaking at over $20,000 (£12,000) as football fans scrap to book their seat at the Maracanã on July 13. Global ticket exchange site Viagogo (who do not allow the resale of World Cup tickets in the UK), have had a wave of demand globally as they build-up for the showpiece event in Brazil. A massive 4.5million Chileans have searched for match tickets, while 32 per cent of Uruguayans have looked to book their place in Brazil. Indeed, the entire continent of South America has been swept up in a frenzy to catch a glimpse of their stars, with every country except Colombia – perhaps put off by the injury to Radamel Falcao – logging on en masse to search for World Cup tickets. Elsewhere, France and the Netherlands have witnessed impressive demand, but, remarkably, holders Spain have not managed the same pull. “As the world’s largest ticket marketplace, we have a unique view of global consumer demand for the World Cup. While it’s to be expected that favourites such as Chile, Argentina and Spain are snapping up tickets, it’s more surprising to see that the US - not known for being a nation of football lovers has the second highest demand in the world,” a spokesperson for Viagogo said. “Tickets are currently listed on our site from $18.91 to $20,827. The fastest selling ticket to date has been for Croatia vs Mexico, which was bought within 14 minutes of being listed.”

Schurrle: ndrea Barzagli insists Italy’s ageing team does not fear England youngsters, but gave clues on Daniele De Rossi’s role. “The heat will certainly affect both teams, young or old,” said the 33-year-old Barzagli “We prepared well with this ‘Manaus Hut’ at Coverciano. The conditions will be difficult, but if you want to play at this level then you have to be ready for anything. “We will experience difficulties in the humidity, but so will England.” The Nazionale trained in a speciallyconstructed sauna in Italy, which they nicknamed the ‘Manaus Hut.’ Italy also have young figures, as Mattia De Sciglio and Matteo Darmian are expected to start as full-backs. “Our full-backs are bringing a lot of energy, hunger and also maturity, despite being such young players in their first World Cups and going into the starting XI. There is pressure, but they are also proving their character and maturity.” C M Y K

Germany can be champs again

•Schurrle

ndre Schurrle is confident Germany will end 24 years of hurt and lift the World Cup in Brazil. “We are very strong because we have been together in this group for three or four years. Everybody knows each other and the way we play. “There are a lot of big players with a lot of quality. As always with Germany the pressure is high, the people always expect us to win this but we can do it. “We played so good in the qualifiers, we won almost every match so they expect us to win but our goal has to be the title because we are always in the semi-final or the final. I’m excited about what to expect and what we can achieve. You watch the World Cup as a child with your friends and family because it is such a big event. To be there and to play in it is a dream come true.” Germany have been drawn in a group containing Ghana, USA and Portugal, who they face in their opening game on Monday night. Schurrle added: “The group is very tough. The first match against Portugal is going to be very important. We need to win this. Portugal have a strong side, with of course Cristiano Ronaldo at the top. But if we use our qualities and play the way we can, then we should go through.”

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 29

Rooney taunts Italy W

England v Italy: Tonight

11pm

...says we are better than Italy ayne Rooney was in bullish mood, insisting England “have moved ahead of Italy” since Euro 2012. The two nations clash in Manaus tonight, their first competitive meeting since the Azzurri won on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals. “I think we have moved ahead of Italy in the last two years. The squad we have is youthful with a lot of energy and excitement. It will be interesting to see how we have moved on and progressed. “The future is bright with so much ability and it is a joy to be part of the squad. I still feel I have a massive role to play. I think we can all be really excited. “The Italians should look at our team. They have some great players, but so do we and they should be worried about their own team. “We’ve prepared well, we’re ready, in truth the games haven’t been too bad in the heat and humidity. We’re ready for this game and just looking forward to it now.”

Pirlo looks ...says Italy can win trophy s Italy begin their World Cup campaign tonight against England, midfielder Andrea Pirlo has tipped them the Italians to win the World Cup. The 2006 tournament winner shrugged off suggestions Italy are “dependent” on his performances to impress. “No. We are 23 players at the disposal of the Coach and know to go all the way we need a contribution from everyone, as we learned in 2006. Even 10 minutes can be enough to make a decisive contribution. “Can Italy win the World Cup? Of course. When I play, it is solely to win. I am never just content with getting through the round. We have a competitive squad and will give our all to achieve this objective. “We have what it takes to go far. The important thing is to believe, sacrifice ourselves, work hard and the results can arrive.” The Nazionale begin their World Cup campaign in Manaus against England, where the climactic conditions are causing concern. “It will be very hot in Manaus for us, just as it will be for England, so it’s not a problem for one team more than another. We are preparing well in terms of training, food and hydration, so those elements can help.” Pirlo was asked who his favourites were to lift the trophy in Brazil this summer. “Spain and Brazil are among the favourites, as they have all the potential to repeat their success, but we know the World Cup is always full of surprises. “Spain are a very strong side with great players, it’s not as if we are just discovering that now.”

beyond England

•Gerrard

Parlour: Gerrard better than Pirlo R ay Parlour claims England shouldn’t worry about Italy star Andrea Pirlo – as Steven Gerrard is a better player. The Azzurri general has been targeted as the key danger man for Cesare Prandelli’s side - despite his advancing years. But former Three Lions star Parlour believes Liverpool captain Gerrard will be able to handle the 35year-old during England’s opening World Cup match in Manaus. “We should not be man-marking Pirlo,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “Pirlo has been a fantastic player for Italy but he’s getting on a bit now. “He’s still got that [brilliant] passing ability and he will try and control games. Steven Gerrard is just as good, though, if not better than Pirlo. “I don’t think England should be worried about players like that.” C M Y K

Argentina don’t have a Suarez — Maradona

iego Maradona has once more backed Carlos Tevez over his omission from the Argentina national team. The former No 10 and the Juventus forward are close friends and worked at international level during the last World Cup in South Africa. However, four years on and with Alejandro Sabella in charge, Tevez is not participating in the tournament hosted by Brazil this summer. For his former Coach, it could be a mistake the Albiceleste come to regret. “We do not have a striker like Luis Suarez,” Maradona told reporters ahead of Argentina’s kick-off on June 15 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. “We had Tevez and we allowed ourselves to leave him out”.

30— SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

Neuer ready to stop Ronaldo •Neuer

Germany v Portugal

June 16 5pm

ermany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recovered from his shoulder injury and will start Monday’s World Cup match against Portugal, where he hopes to shut out Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring, coach Joachim Low has said. Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who was also struggling with an injured ankle, is likely to play a holding midfield position rather than in the back four, a visibly relieved Low told a news conference ahead of his team’s Group G opening game against Portugal in Salvador. “The injury situation is causing me less and less concern,” Low said. “Manuel Neuer took part in training today and he is ready to go on Monday. Neuer, Germany’s number one goalkeeper for the last four years and pillar of their defence, injured his shoulder in Bayern Munich’s German Cup final victory over Borussia Dortmund last month. The injuries had cast a shadow over Germany’s World Cup training camp. Neuer did not play in the friendlies against Cameroon and Armenia. Lahm, considered one of the world’s best right backs, played in midfield against Armenia. “Phillip Lahm played midfield from the start against Armenia and I’m fairly confident that will be the same solution for us on Monday,” Low said.

Ronaldo will lead us — Mendes P edro Mendes told talkSPORT he is convinced that Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit enough to lead his country a g a i n s t •Ronaldo Germany on Monday.. Mendes, who won 12 caps for Portugal, told Drivetime: “His injury is a big concern for all of us so hopefully he will be fully fit because he’s our best player. “It was good to see him back, he had a couple of knocks at the beginning of the game but he looked fit so it’s good news for us. “We didn’t want him to push too much because there’s a concern he could get hurt again or that he could make his injury worse. “But he looks OK. I think he will be back and fully fit.”

Sterling must star t against start Italy ormer international Paul Scholes wants England to go for the jugular in their World Cup campaign. The ex-Manchester United man believes the Three Lions have been guilty of over-caution at previous major tournaments and sees this summer’s competition in Brazil as an opportunity for Coach Roy Hodgson to instil a new philosophy. To do this, he says young talents such as Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley should be given the nod by Hodgson for today ’s opening match against Italy. “I was watching the England vs Ecuador friendly in an airport lounge,” Scholes wrote on his Paddy Power blog. “In the first half Ross [Barkley] went on a run and I thought, ‘Is that Rooney?’ Barkley made me think of Wayne at Euro 2004. I had to take a second look because I thought it was Wayne. “Now is a great chance for Roy Hodgson to give English football the identity we’ve lacked. “Tell the world that this is how we play, attack! There is no point taking people like Raheem Sterling or Ross Barkley to Brazil ‘for the experience’. Play them. “Roy Hodgson has little to lose by going for the jugular. Will we be satisfied if England scrape through to the quarter finals playing negative football?” C M Y K

Scholes:

•Benitez

afa Benitez has advised England on how to approach Andrea Pirlo and says they have the players to trouble Italy. The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign in Group D against the Italians tonight, with particular attention in both camps being on how England may handle marking the Juventus midfielder.

How to stop Pirlo, by Benitez Writing in his column for The Independent, Benitez has mused on that same subject himself. “Of course we need to discuss him in some detail because we know he will probably be very dangerous

in a place like Manaus when England start their tournament against Cesare Prandelli’s team on Saturday,” the Napoli Coach has considered. “The simple idea is to man-mark Pirlo. Simple in theory? Maybe. Simple in practice? No. Even if somebody like Danny Welbeck is sent on to the pitch with the job of stopping Pirlo – chasing and chasing, closing him down – the Italian will still have the ability to find space and put in the pass that can change everything. “It was the same last season when my Napoli side played his Juventus team. We started with a strategy to stop Pirlo as much as we could, controlling the space around him and limiting the possibilities of him creating serious danger. “Whatever you do against him, he will probably always have his moment to put in the important pass. ‘Thread it’ as I know you like to say. A very appropriate word!”

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 31

nj in secret iage, speaks enevieve Nnaji

Bottoms Up. I have been on the same stage with Kanye West, Kenny Rogers. I was on stage at the World Music Award, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. I performed at the Mandela Charity Event in South Africa. I performed my hit track “Top Of The World” that became the theme song for the Africa Cup of Nation, which Nigeria eventually won. Every time for me is memorable. I have adorned a lot of international stages. But I would say, that each time I’m on stage, something new happens to me, always. I am looking forward to the Grammys. What do you think could be done differently in the Nigerian music industry? I think we need to get to that level where the musician will be a heavy investor. There is so much money in the industry at the moment. But we are not well structured to diversify. So, we need to put structures in place. We have made so much money. Now, think of when we put structures in place. We used to say that we live by example. With the kind of partnership I am doing with the Heritage Bank today, I think it’s not just for Agriculture alone. It would involve so many other things. One will see how you can become a musician and at the same time invest wisely in other sectors of the economy. Could you recall one of your greatest embarrassments while on stage? I don’t really see anything as an embarrassment because I am an entertainer. But there was this show, Koko concert which I organized long time ago. I was performing on stage, and suddenly, my trouser got torn. As it happened, I bent down to conceal it but I was pretending to be dancing. Don Jazzy, noticing it, came to block me while I disappeared from stage. However, it wasn’t embarrassing for me because the audience did not notice it. What’s your new “Koko” Agropreneur initiative all about? I am 34 years, this year. And this year also happens to be my 10 years as entertainers. My first single was released in October, 2004. This year, marks my 10th year as an entertainer. When I look back, I feel humbled by what God has done in my life in such a short time. That’s why I have decided to give back to society. This is not the first time; anybody would embark on a charity project. Last year, I decided that I was going to do something differently. Me and the Head, of my Business Development, Mr. Tony travelled to South Africa where an organisation approached us to work with us. Initially, I was not interested in the project, but after listening to their presentations, and how the organisation has been working to eradicate poverty in Africa, I immediately developed interested in the project. When they told me the role they wanted me to play; that’s to champion the cause of the campaign in 2014, following the African Union’s declaration of 2014, as the year of Agriculture. This is because the mass of land that we have acquired as Africans and, going by the world’s projection, we would depend on Agriculture to feed about 70 per cent of the population. They also told me that in 2013, at the African Union summit, all the African leaders signed an agreement, which stated that each country would commit at

egret parting with Don Jazzy s birthday with N50m to Agriculture

ople are alleging that we have come together hem that we are quarreling? It’s just that we ur own different businesses now. He has his ord label called Mavin Records, while I have wn label, DBM Records. Nobody is saying, we not do music together, or perform on the same age again. In fact, while I am celebrating my 0 years on stage, it also means that Don Jazzy s celebrating 10 years of his musical career. Does the break up affect your relationship with him? Of course, it affected our relationship for a long time. It’s close to two years since we broke up. But we have been seeing each other. Probably, we will get into the studio soon to do songs together. How do you react to the aged-long rumour that you are dating top Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji? There have been so many rumours about so many things. I don’t like to talk about my personal relationship again because people always misunderstand me. But rumours must always be rumours. But it’s always good to put the record straight? Honestly, I’m not dating Genevieve. Let me clear the air now. You had a huge crush on her? I never did.

I think we need to get to that level where the musician will be a heavy investor. There is so much money in the industry at the moment. But we are not well structured to diversify At 34 years, is D’banj not thinking of settling down? Of course, I am thinking of settling down. Who said, I am not married? My private life must remain private, especially to the press. Meaning that D’banj is secretly married? It could be so. Who is the woman in your life? I wouldn’t disclose her identity so that they don’t plan to kidnap her. Could you share your memorable moments on stage in the past 10 years? I have so many memorable moments. Just yesterday (Sunday), I was on stage with Trey Songz, at the just concluded MAMA awards, in Durban. We performed his monster track,

programme that the youths can benefit from. I was privileged to listen to the Minister as he asked me whether I would like to be the ambassador of the Nagropreneur initiative called Nigeria Agricultural Entrepreneur. The project is geared towards empowering about 750,000 youths in Nigeria that are interested in going into agriculture. I want to kick off the project by showing example. I believe that by flagging off the project, I’m not only giving back to the society, but I’m also empowering the youths. This is my own little contribution to the development of the nation. As a result, I said on my birthday, I will give out N50 million to boost the agricultural sector of our economy. The essence of this, is to encourage the youths to embrace agriculture. My new initiative is aimed, on the one hand, at providing practical leadership and encouragement to the massive youth population to embrace the agriculture revolution being championed by the Minister of Agriculture, as part of the national socio-economic transformation agenda.

least 10 percent of its annual budget on Agriculture. And today, you can see that there is a concerted effort to encourage Nigerians to go back to the land. Today, everyone wants to become a musician because of the success that has been recorded in the industry. And that’s why the African Union decided to embark on this project. Even though, I wasn’t interested initially, my Business Development manager prevailed on me to consider the importance of being part of the project to unlock the wealth that is hidden in our natural resources. So, we kicked off the project, and they took me to Ghana’s Coco plantation which is about three and half hours from the main town. Later, I was introduced to the small scale farmers who I would say are responsible for producing about 60 percent of our food. In January, I was at the African Union summit, where I signed as the first African youth, the exercise that would concentrate on Agriculture, because if we don’t feed ourselves in the next five years, we end up depending on foreign assistance. But if we all go back to the land, we will be able to feed the rest of the world. That’s how the project started and that’s why I am partnering Heritage Bank to make the dream come true. Ten years ago, the music industry like Agriculture was nothing to write home about. When I told my parents in 2002, that I wanted to become a musician, they objected to it. I relayed my experience in my first album; how my International Passport was seized by my parents. But 10 years down the line, I am still standing tall in my chosen profession. Then, they said music was a hobby, but today, music has become a serious business. We can use the same passion to go into agriculture because, while growing up, agriculture to me was perceived as a demeaning job. But the richest man in Africa today is a farmer. Dangote is into agriculture. So, I decided to practice what I preach. I have been doing some researches with my team on the social media, and we discovered that there are so many youths across Africa, especially in Nigeria that want to venture into agriculture. I met with the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, who told me that he likes what I am doing, insisting that he wants me to do a song that would promote the project. According to the Minister, the budget for agriculture has been increased by 1.2 percent. He also disclosed that the federal government has set up a

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

by Anozie Egole

Tonto Dikeh S

Seun Akindele bags Alomo Bitters amabassador ollywood big boy, Seun Akindele, has N joined the long list of brand ambassadors as he was recently unveiled by Kasaprenko Limited, producers of Alomo Bitters. alongside other Ghollywood stars like, John Dumelo, Adjetey Anang as brand ambassador. The Ghanaian company unveiled the Nigerian and Ghanaian actors amidst pomp and glee. Alomo Bitters is a Ghanaian, special alcoholic herbal product made from plant extracts that have been scientifically proven to possess medicinal properties especially for men who are having sexual issues with their partners. In October 2013, CNN featured the product as one of five global liquors about to go big in the world.

signed to DB records? •Tonto Dikeh

everal Instagram posts have indeed confirmed that the Koko Master has signed the controversial Nollywood diva, Tonto Dikeh on his DB Record label. The deal had been speculated earlier this week, after Tonto was photographed with the entire DB Records crew, in what seemed like a gettogether party. Tonto, who shares the same birthday, June 10th with D’Banj, has achieved remarkable success in Nollywood over the years, and took a plunge into music production, recording, and publishing. Though some of her songs like ‘Hi’, ‘Jeje’, have received negative critics from Nigerians. With much speculations about her record label deal, there have been mixed reactions to the move. Many are of the opinion that Tonto was not recruited for her musical dexterity, but as a PR stunt to DB Records. She stands to gain fairly good number of advantages, as she will now have unfettered access to the production abilities of 2Kriss and DeeVee, as well as the mentor-ship of D’banj and Kayswitch. So what next for her? A collaboration with D’banj?

•Seun Akindele

•Oma

Oma excites with “Muna” udding Nollywood actress Oma Iyasara, who seems to have found favour in the eyes of movie producers as she keeps getting scripts from different angles, have opened up on her recent role in yet-to-be-released Muna movie. The curvy actress said that though she has been taking roles but the reason why she is so excited with Muna is that it is just opposite of herself. “ I can play any role given to me by any producer, but this is my first time of acting like a local house girl who does not have a clue about anything. You see her, very beautiful and you expect her to be polished but she blabs a lot. It is a comedy movie with you will watch out for,” she said. On her take on sex scenes, she said that the farthest she has gone was to kiss in a movie, “ the much I have done so far was to kiss. It all depends on the scripts, I do not select scripts but I can not be in all the movies,”.

Terr y G pla ys the erry plays diplomatic judge —finds female name sake

Naija Street Champ :

•Terry G

t the grand finale of Naija Street Champ held over the weekend, Nigerian born hip hop star, Terry G who was one of the judges for the event, proved to contestants and the audience his high sense of diplomacy when it comes to judging the contestants. When the singer was asked to judge the contestants, he keeps saying that they all performed well and that, it is only the audience that will judge. Hear him, “ You guys did well, it is only the audience that will judge you. Left for me, I will choose you all but you know that in every competition, it is only one winner that will emerge. I am very happy with Stephanie, one of the female singers, she is the female Terry G as she shouts like me when ever she wants to perform. I wish you all luck,”. He said.

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014—33

BY IYABO AINA

Kourtney Kardashian confirms pregnancy F ollowing speculations making wave that American television personality, Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant; the fashion designer cum model has confirmed she’s expecting baby no.3 with fiance, Scott Disick. Kourtney Kardashian confirmed it in Keeping up with the Kardashians preview Celebrity Mums aired on Sunday June 8, 2014 by Allison Takeda. According to report, the 35-year-old reality star will break the news to Disick during the second half of KUWTK’s ninth season.

Rita Ora, Calvin Harris split eports gathered from US Weekly says, Scottish •Rita and Calvin DJ, singer-songwriter, and producer Calvin Harris and British singer cum songwriter Rita Ora who have dated for over a year, have finally called it quits. The DJ took to his Twitter on Friday to break the news himself. In his tweet he said, “To address speculation, myself and Rita ended our relationship some time ago.” “She is a beautiful, talented woman and I wish her all the best,” Harris added. In an interview with The Mirror last month, Ora hinted at the struggles of making their long distance relationship work. “You have to fly each other out, you just have to,” Ora said. “Sometimes you fly for 20 hours, sometimes you only fly for five hours. It’s an effort, but you make it work.” “I’m not a fan of long distance relationships,” the 23-year-old added, “If you had a choice, you want that person with you. It makes me pretty sad. But you work with what you’ve got.” Ora and Harris first stepped out together in May 2013. Ora previously dated Rob Kardashian.

Rihanna rents $7m worth residence

Nicki Minaj talks wedding plans

•Nicki

omething great is definitely in the pipeline between Nicki and her fiancé, Future. That’s because she has revealed some outstanding details of her wedding even though she isn’t yet engaged. She told In Touch magazine “I’m gonna have 10 dresses,” Nicki explained. “OK, maybe more like three!” she added. And what kind of dresses? “A big princess dress, something short I can dance in at the party and then an Alexander McQueen gown that’s sexy and figure-hugging.” Could wedding bells be in their future?

hree months ago, she put her Pacific Palisades mansion on the market for $15 million. And now Rihanna is renting a $7M, seven-bedroom concrete palace in the Hollywood Hills. According to Prive Luxury Rentals, the mansion’s towering 40-foot ceilings in the foyer connect to an atrium, which leads outside. Designed by David Lawrence Gray, the billiard room offers a state-ofthe-art DJ booth with professional sound and light system. Nestled atop Sunset Plaza Drive, the 10,000-square-foot home boasts eight-and-a-half bathrooms, a Porche-designed gourmet kitchen, screening room, and a twobedroom guest house. Also, the courtyard on the •Rihanna

…..After putting her pacific palisades mansion on the market

half-acre property has a serenity garden. At $60,000 a month, the mansion’s best feature is the 270-degree view, which spans downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. The 26-year-old seven-time Grammy winner will surely enjoy swimming laps in the long pool, which connects to a 12-person jacuzzi at the edge of the property. Rihanna whose net worth is $90 million reportedly owns real estate in New York and her Barbados hometown. Lastly, the battleship starlet will kick off ‘The Monster Tour ’ with rapper Eminem at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on August.

C M Y K

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Lifeline

Women and the big “O” •Most women need at least 20 minutes of sexual activity...

ometimes reaching an orgasm isn’t as easy as it appears. There are evidences that the big O for a woman is far more complicated compared to the man. The act itself releases oxytocin—a chemical that induces feelings of relaxation, peace, safety and other positive feelings. That is why an orgasm can briefly alleviate a headache, arthritic pain or menstrual pain. G-spot Many women believe the “G-spot” simply stands for the “Good spot” but in fact, it is named after Ernst Gräfenberg, a German gynaecologist that discovered the region of female genitalia that contains a large cluster of nerve ending. The G-spot is the spot for orgasm for most women – if they can find it! Genitalia There is a link between a woman’s sexual confidence and her likelihood of orgasm. If a woman feels insecure about her genitalia, she’ll struggle to orgasm. There is no such thing as “normal” genitals; they come in all shapes, colours and sizes. Male factor Normally, a woman takes much longer than her male partner to reach orgasm. Studies have found that most women need at least 20 minutes of sexual activity to reach orgasm. One study had 84 percent of men reporting that they believed their partner orgasmed when they had sex, but only 64 percent of women reported having actually orgasmed during their last sexual session. So, communicate! A lot of men don’t know that they need to work harder. Dysfunction The Planned Parenthood reports that 1 in 3 women struggle to orgasm with a partner, and as high as 80 percent of women struggle to orgasm from intercourse alone. As a whole, female sexual dysfunction (which includes failure to orgasm) is experienced by 43 percent of all women. Spontaneous is good! There are tales of women who orgasmed from riding a horse or getting a massage. They may be true! Certain activities stimulate blood flow to the genitals and induce relaxation, two crucial components to reaching

orgasm. Role of condoms Studies have found that women are just as likely to reach orgasm with or without a condom. Some scientists speculate that condoms may help a woman’s chances of reaching orgasm since the man doesn’t need to worry about ejaculating too early and needing to pull out, he might be able to last longer. Age factor If you’re getting depressed about wrinkles or the effect gravity is taking on your mammary glands, here’s one thing to cheer up about regarding getting older: your sex life might get better! Studies have shown that

If a woman feels insecure about her genitalia, she’ll struggle to orgasm. There is no such thing as “normal” genitals more women in their 40’s and 50’s experience regular orgasms than women in their 30’s. There is no

scientific reasoning behind these findings, but it could be because with time comes experience and older women know how to direct their partner to help them orgasm more. Treatment Eros, an FDA-approved device, helps blood flow to the genitals and can up a woman’s chances of orgasm. There are also over-the-counter creams that can increase sensitivity in the vaginal region. Variety helps Women have reported having an easier time climaxing if they incorporate several sexual acts or positions into a romp session. For example, having your partner both manually please you and have intercourse with you will make it more likely that you’ll orgasm than just one or the other.

C M Y K

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014—35

By Sola Ogundipe, 08056180112, solazed@live.com

Lifestyle

Truth about cellulite

uite a number of girls, women and even men suffer from an accumulation of an annoying orange peel skin dimples and unattractive fat deposits known as cellulite. More commonly, cellulite is known as the” orange peel syndrome”, “cottage cheese skin”, “hail damage”, or the “mattress phenomenon”. It may sound like a medical condition, but cellulite is nothing more than normal fat beneath the skin. Put simply, cellulite is fat. There is really no difference between cellulite fat, and regular fat. Everyone has fat just underneath the skin and cellulite is the dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It is a collection of fat pushing against the connective tissue beneath the skin making the surface pucker and look lumpy. ellulite commonly accumulates on the hips, stomach, buttocks and thighs. Check if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh, and if it looks a bit lumpy, you might probably have it. If you do have cellulite, you are not alone as many girls, most women, and some men have it. Cellulite has nothing to do with weight gain and it is definitely not a sign of obesity as even slender people and the skinniest of girls and women can

cellulite commonly accumulates on the hips, stomach, buttocks and thighs ••Cellulite can be prevented by living as healthy as possible have it. If you are overweight, however, losing weight may reduce cellulite. Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite, but is caused mainly by the poor elasticity of the skin, the genes, gender, and the amount of fat in the body. Age and thickness of the skin are also factors. Cellulite typically shows up after puberty and while it is sometimes an unsightly and

embarrassing condition, but it is not dangerous. Many people, though, would like to get rid of it because of the way it looks especially on lighter skin. Cellulite can be prevented by living as healthy as possible with a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and other forms of fibre and regular exercise. However, since genes and hormones play a great role on ‘ what is cellulite,’ even the most careful lifestyle changes may not

prevent its development. Note that cellulite cannot be removed with creams or lotions. The dimples caused by cellulite are superficial, therefore creams will do nothing. Liposuction, a surgical procedure removes deep fat, but not cellulite, which is just beneath the skin; liposuction may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin. Medi-spa treatments are ineffective and may cause

permanent injury. Cellulite is not a genetic problem so no one has to live with it permanently. For now, the best option for removal and prevention of cellulite is exercise and, if needed, weight loss. Experts agree that the most effective exercise routine for cellulite is one that incorporates aerobic exercises and strength training along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre.

C M Y K

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By CHIOMA OBINNA h! Tobi’s crying is becoming unbearable. The sound is driving me crazy. They tried to pacify her,but she refused. Give her breast milk, she won’t stop. She will be wide awake and crying. I don’t know what to do with her again. Mummy Tobi, are you sure that baby is not hungry? How old is she? Seven months. Have you introduced other foods apart from breast milk? No. I am giving only infant formula and breast milk. Then she must really be hungry. When a baby cries so loud while she is wide awake, she wants to be fed. The cry shows the baby is not getting enough food. At age six months, you should introduce your baby to other foods known as weaning— mixed feeding or introduction of solid foods. This should begin for infants by six months of age (26 weeks) but not before 17 weeks. Breast milk or infant formula should continue during the complementary feeding period with the amount gradually reduced as the variety of foods increases. As all infants’ needs are different, mothers should also be aware of key nutrients and foods needed in line with resources available. Foods to introduce At six months, it is time to try solid food. Every baby is different, so there is no telling how your baby will take to this new experience. He may need a while to get used to new tastes and textures. Milk is not enough anymore At six months, your baby starts to need extra nutrients, in particular iron. But he still needs breast milk or formula as well, until he is a year old. During baby’s first six months, the digestive and immune systems have been gradually gaining strength. The body is now ready to process solid food. Once your baby is six months old, you can give other foods; try new ones quickly. Foods to begin with Well-mashed cooked vegetables, such as potato, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli or cauliflower. Also, fruit, such as ripe cooked apple, pear, mango or papaya or mashed fruit such as ripe avocado or banana. Baby rice or other cereal mixed with your usual milk Once your baby is happy eating from a spoon, you can increase the range of foods. Try blended meat and fish or chicken. Cook thoroughly and remove bones. Whole milk yoghurt and custard is also good. Don’t give cow’s milk (or goat’s or sheep’s) until he’s a year old.

Mother & Child

At 6 months,your baby needs solid food

Starchy foods It’s a good idea to base on starchy foods. Breakfast cereals, baby breadsticks, potatoes, couscous, bread, pasta, millet, rice and oats are okay. Your baby needs one protein-rich food at each meal. This could be: fish, but not shark, swordfish and marlin, well-cooked eggs, dairy produce, lean red meat, poultry lentils. Give diluted juice in a beaker or feeding cup, rather than a bottle. Followon formula milk can be used if you wish. But there’s no need for you to give it to your baby if he’s already eating balanced meals.

•Other variety of foods

N a t u r e ’ s H e a l t h

Papaya, a natural contraceptive NRIPE papaya (paw paw) is widely used as a contraceptive in parts of Southern Asia. Once ripe, though, it loses the phytochemicals that interfere with progesterone and thus its contraceptive properties. The seeds of the papaya could actually serve as an effective male contraceptive. Papaya seeds, taken daily, could cut a man’s sperm

•paw paw count to zero and was safe for long-term use. Best of all, the sterility is reversible: if the man stops taking the seeds, sperm count would return to normal.

C M Y K

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When to brush your teeth(2) Dental Clinic By Dr. SAMUEL AWOSOLU ypothetically let’s say one has not cleaned/brushed the teeth and mouth all day, eaten all day, failed to brush the teeth and mouth at night. Food debris will sit in the mouth and plaque easily accumulates on the teeth. Saliva flow is in addition very low in the night; the amount of saliva produced is at the lowest in the night. Saliva is a natural neutraliser of the acid produced by the bacteria in the mouth acting on the food debris to produce lactic acid which dissolves the tooth substance, the whole process initiating tooth decay. Saliva has a basic pH, that is the hydrogen ion concentration in a fluid it is a measure , where substances are graded according to their acidity or basic nature , 1 being highly acidic and 14 being highly basic 7 is neutral so the saliva has a ph close to 7.4. This factor makes the teeth most susceptible to the effect of acid at the period if plaque is not removed before bedtime. Brushing after breakfast is sensible for those who will be at work and school or workshop whichever place of business. Brushing first thing in the morning not only freshens the breath, it removes the halitosis (bad breath) common on waking in the morning. This has the additional advantage of stimulating the saliva production which neutralises whatever acid has been produced in the night by the action of bacteria which are normal in the mouth, normal inhabitants that are. Chewing stimulates production of saliva. It is the opinion of another school of thought that where it is possible to brush the teeth after meals, provision for a travel or pocket toothbrush can be kept in the office or in the school or work place. Some advocate rinsing the mouth with fluoridated mouthwashes; whilst others feel where it is not entirely possible the use of sugar-free chewing gum containing xylitol will be able to cleanse the teeth stimulate saliva flow. ost people know Spicy the thyme plant as Garden Thyme or as Mother Thyme. It is a delicate herb which is both pungent and hot with a penetrating fragrance. It is also a fabulous herb for healing a large number of ailments. Thyme cures styes and aids pink eye. It cleans ailments, lung congestion, scrapes and cuts coughing ailments and immediately with its overall flu conditions. It is antiseptic and disinfectant even used to remove properties. It is known to nightmares from children. increase the flow of urine Thyme is used for sprains, and to help in rheumatism, muscular menstruation. Thyme treats atrophy, stroke, multiple women with menstrual sclerosis and paralysis. It cramps and PMS symptoms helps in the delivery process also. It is a common and prevents miscarriages; in remedy for stomach

Have a cup of thyme tea for good health

fact, it cleanses all the organs of the body. Thyme has been applied in treatment of nervous disorders, leprosy and paralysis. Thyme is a good overall herb to keep in the kitchen. Drinking a cup of thyme tea instead of coffee in the morning offers great comfort in the stomach, chest and an overall wellbeing.

•Thyme is a good overall herb

38—SATURDAY Vanguard , JUNE 14, 2014 Vanguard,

C M Y K

ccording to the latest estimates of the World Health Organization(WHO), the population of Persons with Disabilities is 15% of the world population. If you apply this percentage to Nigeria’s population of about 160 million, the population of Nigerians with Disabilities will be 24 million. This population is more than the population of Togo (6.028 million), Sweden (9.378 million), Namibia (2.283 million) and Finland (5.364 million) put together which is 23.05 million. These figures are from the World Bank. No Nation, no matter how well endowed, can achieve any meaningful development without carrying along such a significant population. When we as a nation, build inaccessibility of our society, infrastructures, formulate policies and implement them a good number of persons with disabilities have or carry on any managed to distinguish developmental effort as if themselves in their chosen there are no Nigerians with career. Persons like Barr. disabilities, we are simply Danlami Basharu an excluding about 24 million accomplished administrator, Citizens socially, Cobams Asuquo, a economically and politically. renowned Music producer, Unfortunately, we cannot Barr. Dan Onwe, a Lawyer, wish this population away. Dr. Mrs Uduak Ikpegbu, a This population must eat, senior registrar at the Lagos have shelter, move about if State University Teaching only for the sake of moving hospital, Alh. Umaru Alabout, go to hospital etc. Makura, the Governor of They are only excluded from Nasarawa state, Prof. contributing their quota to Chinua Achebe who we our National development, thus making them dependent have lost to America because of the inaccessibility of our on the rest of the society. society, to mention but a few, Whereas, if we build a one can then imagine what society that is accessible to all Nigerians, we will make it the contributions of persons with disabilities to our possible for persons with disabilities to contribute their national development would be if we have a society that quota to national is accessible to all. development. The only way we can Despite the level of

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014—39

‘Legislation to protect the disabled critical to national development’

ensure that we build a society that is accessible to all and unleash the potentials inherent in Persons with disabilities, is to ensure that their rights are protected through legislation. This is even more expedient, given the fact that our constitution failed to make any provision to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Our constitution

•Disabled boarding a bus... did not even recognize that there are persons with disabilities in Nigeria. How can a Nation that is worth its salt, make a constitution with such grievous omission.

Thankfully, with the current constitution review effort, we have an opportunity to correct this unfortunate omission. I am aware that Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, supported by our development partners is making a contribution to the constitution amendment; one can only hope that our input will be favourably considered by the National assembly. A country like Uganda, that has a robust legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, also has ample provision in their constitution for persons with disabilities. The Ugandan constitution for instance, has a provision that reserved 5 Parliamentary seats for persons with disabilities. This provision has ensured that persons with disabilities are represented in their parliament at all times. Little wonder why Uganda has gone far ahead of Nigeria in mainstreaming issues of disability in their national development. If Nigeria as a nation is truly desirous to join the league of developed countries, we must ensure that we mainstream persons with disabilities through constitutional provisions and robust legislation. The Hope and Possibilities Ride will help put these issues in the front burner of national discuss.

(Text Only)

•Head-to-Knee

Head-to-Knee (Standing) Technique: Stand straight up with the feet together. Gently lower the trunk till the forehead is touching or almost touching the knees and make a ring with your forefingers and thumbs around the big toes. Stay in the position for about 10 seconds. Return to the upright position, rest a while and repeat. Benefits: •Lengthens the spine, making it supple and elastic.

Can even give a little extra “growth”. • Mobilizes the joints. • Invigorates the entire nervous system. •Stretches the hamstrings and muscles of the back of the legs and the lower body. • Stretches all the muscles on the posterior side of the body. •Rectifies shortening of the legs resulting from fractures, and can correct inequalities in the length of the legs. • Increases the blood supply to the brain. Main Benefit:The Standing Forward

Save our souls and bodies too! Bend gives a complete stretch to the entire posterior of the body, from the back of the scalp to the back of the heels. The position enables the body to take advantage of the force of gravity. If the head and neck are kept relaxed, their weight will aid the body.In stcetching a bit further, provided that the knees are net allowed to bend. Technique:Lie flat on your belly with hands along the sides. Now, breathe in deeply and raise feet, hands,

•Trunk Raise

Trunk Raise

head and chest off the floor. Hold the position for 3 to 7 seconds, rest awhile and repeat. Benefits: The Trunk-Raise strengthens the muscles of the back, buttocks and shoulders. It helps improve a double chin. Technique: Stand with the feet together, bend the trunk down and with the fore finger and thump form a ring around the big toes with the corresponding fingers of both hands. Keep the knees straight and flatter the back with the head hold up. Benefits:This posture tones the digestive

organs. Add flexibility to the spine and tones the hamstring(muscles of the back of the legs). Technique: Sit down with legs extended,place the hands behind you and raise your body up such that you are on just your hands and feet. Retain the pose for some 20 seconds, rest and repeat. Benefits: This posture strengthens the hands and abdominal muscles.

Inclined Plane

Standing Forward Bend

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

•Inclined Plane

•Standing Forward Bend

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

Big really is beautiful! M eet the 18st pageant queens who fatten up to be crowned Miss Large. Beauty pageants are not usually associated with cellulite, rolls of flab or the models with thunderous thighs that wobble like jelly. But in Israel’s Miss Large beauty contest, such qualities are highly prized. Contestants in the Fat and Beautiful competition, held in the southern Israeli town of Beersheva last weekend, could only enter after proving they weighed the requisite 80kg (12st 6lbs). Many of the 16 contestants, vying to be crowned the next Miss Large more than met the quota. After a succession of rounds, Israel crowned its new plussized beauty queen. Weighing in at 110 kilograms (17st 3lbs), Vered Fisher, 22, won first prize and was crowned Israel’s Fat and Beautiful queen. Fisher, who served in the intelligence unit in the Israeli army, walked down the catwalk in a packed hotel conference room alongside the other contestants, dressed in ca-

sual wear and evening gowns. Esterica Nagid, a modelling agent who has sponsored the Fat and Beautiful pageant for the 20th consecutive year, said fat is beautiful too. ‘I want to show that there is no difference between skinny and fat. Nobody determined that only the skinny girls are beautiful.

‘I am not encouraging fat but if it exists and is aesthetic and pretty, then this is the place to express it,’ Nagid said. The criteria, Nagid said, is to first and foremost be beautiful and to weigh between 80kg (12st 6lbs)

08 116759 759 081 6759759 to 120kg (18st 9lbs). Fisher’s message, after being crowned, was for large ladies to be proud of their size. ‘Stay this way because you are pretty as you are and you can succeed as you are,’ Fisher said.

‘Give me my C pocket money or I’ll jump’

hinese boy, 10, holds parents to ransom over late payment of his 50p. It’s the tantrum every parent knows all too well—the kicking and screaming when a child isn’t paid their pocket money. But when ten-year-old Xiao Wei’s father was late in paying him his weekly 50p stipend, the stubborn youngster took matters into his own hands. Rather than break some toys or sulk in his room, he climbed onto the window sill of the family’s third-storey apartment... and threatened to jump if he wasn’t paid in full and on time. Incredibly, police in Shangsi county in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous

Region said it was the fifth time he had threatened or attempted to end his life— part of a trend being mirrored across the country. He has attempted to take his own life so many times over any lapse in his lifestyle remuneration that his father didn’t even come to the scene—choosing to drink rice wine at home instead. Police said that on one of the occasions when he had tried to kill himself his mother had to give him money on the ledge of a window to get him back inside. Another time he held a knife against his throat and threatened to slit his artery in

protest at being asked to do his homework. And last month he actually did leap from an apartment building, but his fall was broken by telegraph and electrical cables and he was only slightly hurt. According to the father, both he and his wife are ‘common workers’ unable to give into their sons endless demands for pocket money. ‘He is always comparing himself to kids who have more and thus becomes extremely dissatisfied,’ said his dad. When he was quizzed about where the idea had come from to end his life from a building leap, he said: ‘I saw an adult doing it on TV .’

orld's biggest W tumour weighing 30lbs and the size of a

World's biggest tumour weighing 30lbs

watermelon is removed from the uterus of Indian woman. The world’s biggest uterine tumour, weighing 30lbs and measuring 21 inches in diameter, has been removed from an Indian woman. Doctors in the southern city of Chennai performed a complex operation on a 52-year-old woman identified as Latha. She had been suffering breathlessness and fatigue for several years but had no idea the giant tumour - similar to the size of a watermelon —was growing inside her. A month ago, the 52-yearold arrived at Chennai’s Kumaran Hospital, bleeding heavily. Doctors ran tests and discovered she was severely anaemic, before detecting a ‘large fibroid’ growth attached to the outer surface of the

The Chinese don’t C want a baa-by!

uterus, which was putting pressure on her body and causing her symptoms. Dr Mani Mekalai, head of the hospital’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology, said the team were ‘shocked’ to find the massive growth. She said: ‘In medical parlance, this is called a super giant uterine fibroid and the largest one removed before this, in Africa weight 21lbs. S u r g i c a l gastroenterologist, Dr Shiva Kumar said: ‘The

surgery which went on for three-and-a-half hours by itself was challenging as the fibroid, which takes blood supply to grow, had a lot of blood vessels attached to it. ‘It was also stuck to the small bowel and omentum and was also pressing on the uterus. ‘We had to carefully slice through and detach it.’ The team removed the uterus along with the fibroid — which measured 21 inches in diameter — to prevent it from re-growing. Latha has recovered and been discharged from hospital.

hinese couples are in a race against time to have a child in the Year of the Horse instead of 2015’s ‘dreaded’ Year of the Sheep. Some Chinese believe sheep are meek and babies born in that year will grow up to be followers rather than leaders. According to superstition, the children are destined for heartbreak and failed marriages. Like all animals in the Chinese zodiac, the horse sign comes imbued with characteristics, such as vitality, loyalty and adventure. The year of the horse is generally considered an auspicious time. Health professionals say many patients have inquired about early delivery via Caesarean section to ensure a horse-year birth. It has also been noted that fertility consultations have spiked in recent months. The Year of the Sheep begins on February 19, 2015, so the window for conception closes around the end of this month.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14 2014—41

NEPC’s director, Ibrahim’s son weds Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, a Director with Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) was a joyous father when his son Olaniyi Ibrahim wedded Esther Oyega at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ojo Cantonment, Lagos on Saturday May 3, 2014. Many high-profile dignitaries graced the occasion.

Olugbemi buries mum t was a parade of who’s who in the society when Bayo Olugbemi, Managing Director, First Registrar, and his siblings laid the remains of their late mother, Madam Apinke Abigail Olugbemi, to rest in Ibadan, Oyo State. After the funeral service at St. David Cathedral, Kudeti, the Olugbemis and their relatives hosted guests who came from far and wide to a deluxe reception.

The couple, Mr. & Mrs. Olaniyi Ibrahim in traditional attire.

Parents of the groom, Mr. & Mrs. Olajide Ibrahim with the newly-wed, Mr. and Mrs. Olaniyi Ibrahim.

L-R:Bayo Olugbemi and his brother, Olasunbo with their wives.

The couple, Mr & Mrs. Olaniyi Ibrahim with Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Femi Boyede (left) and the groom's father Mr. Ibrahim (right)

Proud parents of the newly-wed, Mr. & Mrs. Olajide Ibrahim with the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo at the wedding.

L-R: Aare Arisekola Alao (2nd left),Bayo Olugbemi, MD, First Registrar, Oba Otudeko and others

Reception AFTER the commissioning of Eku Government Baptist Hospital by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, a reception for the Governor and his entourage held at the country home of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara.

The ola w oles’ Kola olaw K colour ful w edding in colourful wedding Ilorin lorin, capital city of Kwara State was agog penultimate weekend as captains of industry,businessmen,politicians and academicians gathered at Roemichs Events Centre, in honour of the families of Prince and Princess (Mrs) John Olobayo and Professor and Professor (Mrs) Kolawole for the Holy wedlock of their children; Adedunmola (nee Olobayo) and Temiloluwa Kolawole, a computer guru.

The couple; Mr and Mrs Temiloluwa Kolawole L-R: Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr.Peter NwaOboshi Chairman PDP, Delta State and Senator Emmanuel Edisiri Aguariavwodo.

L-R:Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan,Chief Joseph Okpara and Olorogun Kenneth Okpara C M Y K

From right : MD Abubakar, IGP, Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo and others.

Gov Ahmed of Kwara State, flanked by parents of the groom, Professor & Mrs Kolawole

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

YETUNDE AREBI

Yetunde, who says men don’t benefit from breasts sucking? It works both ways. I am a man and I enjoy having my nipples caressed and sucked before and during sex especially. Perhaps because I am aware of its immense pleasures, I know how to give it to my woman such that I will have her swooning in my arms in the shortest possible time. You don’t need to be an expert to know that breast sucking is good and women enjoy it very much. Only it is not in our culture for women to admit that they enjoy having sex even if you caught them in the act. Tony by e-mail Let me delve a bit more into the potentials of breast sucking and sexual pleasures. Sucking, licking and kissing a woman’s breasts is sexually stimulating if done correctly. Because there is a direct connection between the breasts, vagina and cervix, both the breasts and clitoris engorges and enlarges due to pleasure from the stimulation. Breast sucking does not only give immense pleasure to the woman, it adds to her chances of achieving orgasm. It helps to increase her vaginal lubrication making it easier for coitus. Some women may even achieve orgasm from breast stimulation alone without vaginal intercourse. The effect of breast sucking in women is very similar when compared with effects of breastfeeding in infants. This is because of the intense stimulation of the nipples which results in the release of the hormone, oxytocin into the bloodstream. Oxytocin release is also responsible for the nipple becoming erect with excitement on stimulation, which is caused by contraction of muscles underneath the skin of the areola. This is not all. Oxytocin is also responsible for the tingly feeling after sexual arousal and/or orgasm, as well as a sense of sexual satisfaction causing the body to relax and also eliminate stress and pain. Perhaps this is the most interesting part. A good breast suck may lead to good sex. Research has shown that good sex lowers the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. The more sex you have the higher chances of getting your breasts stimulated and sucked. This will boost the immune system, improve blood circulation and cause the secretion of breast-beneficial hormones. Could this be the origin of the famous clarion call? A note of caution however for couples dealing with female infertility. According to a study, it is recommended that women trying for conception should abstain from having their breasts sucked as breast feeding is a form of contraceptive for women. It explained that to the brain, a man sucking the breasts is just the same as a baby sucking on the mother’s breasts because the brain cannot differentiate between them. Once sucking starts, the brain receives a message that breastfeeding is taking place and so the system does not release the hormones that produces eggs for conception and pregnancy cannot take place. I doubt if this will be our last article on breast sucking! Anyways, you may reach me via: yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk Cheers!

Still on the wonders of breast sucking! Hi, Weeks after Saturday Vanguard published the above titled article, it has continued to generate interest and excitement from our readers, the general perception being that breast sucking is pleasurable for both men and women and has immense benefits too. While the thrust of the article was on the genuineness and relevance of the purported clarion call on men to help women fight breast cancer by sucking vigorously and regularly on the breasts, most of the responses I have been receiving focused more on the pleasures of breast sucking. I have decided to revisit the issue again by sharing some of these responses with you while trying to figure out the health benefits of the pleasures available to our “breasticles” as suggested in the article. Yetunde, your piece on breast sucking was wonderfully written. As you rightly mentioned, there may not be a direct or very obvious benefit for the man sucking a woman’s breasts, but when critically analysed, the enjoyment of breast sucking goes both ways. Though the woman might be the direct beneficiary of the sucking, the man’s sexual desire is further heightened when he sees that the woman is enjoying his handiwork. A man’s pleasure or desire begins when he spots the breasts, even without touching, he appreciates what he has seen and it signals a sexual desire in his brain. It is the same way he sees a wiggling buttocks and is desirous of it. Personally, I enjoy sucking my women’s breasts and also play with them a lot and most of the women I have been with, have been thrilled by what I can do for them. Breast sucking lays the foundation for what is to come when you want to have sex. When you do it well for most women, they will be the ones begging you to go to the next

A man’s pleasure or desire begins when he spots the breasts, even without touching, he appreciates what he has seen and it signals a sexual desire in his brain level. So, I would conclude that breast sucking is good for both men and women. I noticed that you do not have a contact address on this page, which is why I used this one. Hope you don’t mind. Dapo by e-mail Dear Yetunde, Interesting article on sucking boobs in Saturday Vanguard. While I don’t know everything about sucking a woman’s breasts, I know enough to

indulge often. My wife is very cooperative and needs little prompting to stick her twins in my face at any given time. Who enjoys it more is debatable but I suspect she gets more satisfaction than I expect. However, besides sucking of boobs the next best thing is staring at boobs! If eyes could eat, all the extra large and humongous, breasted women would have long been on the dinner plate. Even the medium and small sized boobs won’t be spared. Men (and to some extent women) are as engrossed with the phenomenon of looking unashamedly at women’s boobs as much as fondling or sucking them. I read a report quoting doctors urging men to look at busty women for 10 minutes a day. It is good for your health, they prescribed. Staring at busty women can lengthen your life, scientists have proved. A German study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concludes that staring at women’s breasts for a few minutes daily is better for your health than going to the gym. Just 10 minutes of looking at the charms of well-endowed females is equivalent to a 30-minute aerobics work-out,” Charles by BBM (This is getting very interesting, indeed)

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Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014—43 14,

hen a man you’ve just started going out with makes you feel like royalty any time he takes you out, you feel flattered and put more effort into the relationship. Could he be the one? However, if your new catch is a pompous slob who brags he’d never been given the heaveho by any woman, you look at him again and wonder: What did they see in him? Bella, now in her 30s met Sylvester when she was ready for a serious relationship after she’d had a few flings. “When, a few weeks into our relationship he bragged he’d never been dumped by any of his girlfriends, I raised my eyebrows,” said Bella. “After all, even super-stars get dumped. I assumed he was doing that classical man thing of pretending everything in life is their decision. And for eight months, I really tried to make things work. But in the end, my total and utter skinned he actually needs frustration with him got the things spelling out in words of better of me. one syllable. Having reached “It always seemed to me that the age of 30 plus, I now realise Sylvester didn’t care honesty really is the best enough—not about me, not policy. If a relationship isn’t about his flat and definitely going anywhere, then nip it in not about his appearance. I the bud-but have the decency was irritated that he never not to patronise the other realised how I felt. His person with platitudes. When unwashed jeans and dirty flat I met Sylvester, I’d just ended felt insulting, as if I wasn’t something with a top designer worth the effort. So, some who was very slick, with eight months into the sunglasses and sharp suits — relationship I decided to call both native and European. He it a day, in the hope that one really cared about his day I might meet a man who appearance and, more makes me feel I matter. So that irritatingly, mine. So when I fateful evening, at one of the ran into bumbling, scruffy low-budget restaurants he Sylvester, he seemed like the often took me, I looked him perfect alternative. straight in the eyes and told “He definitely wasn’t my him it was over. Why was I so usual type, but I thought his blunt with him? The answer tall, teddy-bear frame was is simple. He is so thick- cute. When we first met at a

How to put a conceited man down When we first met at a friend’s openhouse gettogether, I liked his wry humour and charm just becomes odd when that’s a regular occurrence and you’re in your thirties. I even offered to give him some of my own glasses, but he never took the hint. After a couple of months, I began to feel offended that Sylvester never bothered to clear up before I came over. Surely if you’re trying to impress, you at least run the hoover around? Perhaps the fact that I didn’t run screaming the first tune I went back to his place made him think I accepted such a lack of hygiene. “I started to see him less and less, and when he would casually mention the prospect of a future together, I couldn’t see it at all. He may have been complimentary calling me ‘beautiful’ and buying me cheap gifts, but I couldn’t get beyond the fact he always wore the same jeans. don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I thought I was a pretty good catch for him, and couldn’t understand his lack of efforts. “I warned him from the outset that I’m quite traditional —1 like men to motivate relationships — but when nothing changed, I assumed he wasn’t that bothered. That was why I did the deed a few weeks ago. I asked him to bring my toiletries and hairdryer to the restaurant. The penny must have dropped at that point. After I’d told him a few home truths, I was amazed he seems shocked. The tirade was fuelled as much by annoyance as a need to get the message across. Why did I have to be the one to tell him to wash his jeans? Frankly, I believe I deserve better and he does need to try harder. “It was sad, as it always is, to shake hands and go our separate ways, but I did sigh with relief. We’re just not right for each other. Though he wasn’t expecting my unrelenting critique of his lackadaisical approach, I hope that it helps him in the long run...”

ll this interest in exercising all the time to be healthily on top of the world is very well, just as long as you eager-beavers don’t overdo it! According to a heart specialist, commonsense jogging and exercise are completely safe and beneficial to any reasonably healthy person. He, however, advises joggers and other potential exercisers to follow these vital rules to make their work-outs fun and healthy. If you feel pain, stop. This is the main danger of vigorous exercise — you try to fight on after your body starts sending you dire warning pain signals. Ignore these signals at your peril! Having a regular medical checkup, is a must, especially if you start exercising at an older age. If you are healthy and younger than 35, it is

Too muc he xercise could be bad for y ou! much ex you! A generally safe to start exercising without a check-up. After that age, have a check-up every year even if the exercise doesn’t cause you problems. Thirty minutes exercise as well as checking weight and blood pressure are important. The good news is that exercise helps dissolve the cholesterol clogging up your arteries. It can also help you keep your weight and blood pressure under control. Jogging is not the only way to exercise. Swimming and cycling are very good, and are less harmful to leg joints, muscles and ligaments than jogging. Be careful of hot road and weather conditions when you are out exercising. Running on the edge of the roads can hurl your feet and ankles and exercising on extremely hot days can put extra strain on your ankles. Exercising three or four times

friend’s open-house gettogether, I liked his wry humour and charm. Initially, things progressed pretty quickly. We both loved scrabble, quality take-aways and home movies. We’d meet up, share a bottle of wine and play a game. But his relentless competitiveness started to grate on my nerves. ouldn’t he just let a lady win for once? As much as I enjoy these casual nights, why didn’t he once invite me to a fancy restaurant? He had a good job, so, did it never cross his mind that a bit of romance is good for the soul? “Then there was the issue of his clothes. Endearing scruffy look is ok once in a while, but

there are levels of what is socially acceptable and Sylvester crossed them. He wore the same blue jeans every time we met. When I asked if he washed them, he said he sometimes had them dry-cleaned. But that’s not real washing! He seemed offended when I pointed that out. Once, when we were getting ready to go out, I just lost it, shouting: ‘Not those jeans again!’ They were so stiff with dirt they could stand up on their own. Disgusting. “ Need I start on his flat? I’m not snobbish, but his flat is worse than many students’ hovel How can any grown man live like that? “It might look like fun to drink red wine from chipped mugs with your suya once in a while, but it

a week is enough to keep you in shape. The object of exercise is to get your pulse up to between 75 and 85 per cent of its capacity. A doctor can tell you what this rate is for you after an examination. Build up your exercise rate slowly. If you are going to jog, start by walking briskly and gradually, introduce short spells of running. Don’t push your body beyond what is comfortable. Don’t be in too big a hurry to get fit. Exercise alone isn’t the key to good health. It is also important to reduce cholesterol strain on your body. Exercise cannot cure or prevent heart disease, heart problems can be treated only by a doctor. But a healthy body can stop heart problems from developing. Exercising should keep you in tune with your body and commonsense should tell you when to seek medical help.

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

he leadership of the Nigeria Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, led by Engr. Mrs. Zara Bunu Abubakar during the week ended activities to commemorate their 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION with a plea to the abductors of the over 200 girls of the Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno state to free them. In line with the mood of the nation concerning the girls, and as mothers who know what it feels like when a child is missing, the association decided to make the 50thth anniversary celebration, a low key affair. The activities however went ahead in very important aspects, starting with a SECURITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. They took Security Awareness Campaign to major markets in Abuja including Wuse and Garki markets, where market women were sensitized on the need to be conscious of their environment, considering the prevailing security situation in the country. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah was on hand to deliver security tips at the Security Awareness Campaign.

VISIT TO VICTIMS OF NYANYA BOMB BLASTS AT NATIONAL HOSPITAL ABUJA

Mrs Zara Bunu Abubakar, POWA President (centre) with executive members of POWA

On same date, the delegation visited victims of Nyanya Bomb blasts in the National Hospital, Abuja. The hospital management who received the POWA delegation led them to wards where the victims were receiving treatments. They made cash donation to the 23 victims. There was also the POWA Games and Talent Show for whose preliminary competitions commenced three months earlier from the 37 Police Commands and Zones across the country. It came to a climax with finals which held at POWA International School, opposite the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The Inspector-General of Police was in attendance while the representatives of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), NAOWA, NOWA and NAFOWA graced the event. Members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police from the Force Headquarters, Zones and Commands were also in attendance. The sporting event commenced with calisthenics display by pupils of Police Children School, Port Harcourt. Police children of Zone 9 Umuahia defeated their counterparts from Zone 2 Lagos to claim the coveted Basketball trophy. The Football final between Police Children from Zone 1 Kano and Zone 6 Calabar ended in a goalless draw. The penalty shoot-out ended 5-4 in favour of Zone 1 Kano. Police Children of Zone 1 Kano emerged winners of the POWA Talent Show with their sterling performance in singing and dancing. Aside from the presentation of trophies and certificates, cash gifts, sporting shirts and other materials were presented as prizes to Police children who won in aforementioned categories.

POWA lift for widows, orphans istration for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by their spouses to enable them access free adequate health services for their families. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of grinding machines, sewing machines by the POWA President to Police widows who won them through free raffle draws. Bags of rice were presented to other widows while school bags and other educational items were given to Police Orphans. On same day, a delegation led by the POWA President visited the Police Hospital Area 1, Abuja where a wheel chair and other medical consumables were donated to the hospital. The management of the hospital who were elated expressed their gratitude to POWA. POWA 50TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING DINNER The climax of the anniversary was the Fund-raising dinner which held at the prestigious Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC). The programme which started after the arrival of the POWA President; Eng. Mrs. Zahra BunuAbubakar and POWA Patron; the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar at about 8:00pm on 17th May, 2014 had many dignitaries of the society in attendance. Among the dignitaries at the occasion are the father of POWA President, Architect Ibrahim Bunu, His Excellency Captain Idris Wada; the Executive Governor of Kogi State, DEPOWA President, Mrs. Mary Iyah Badeh, representative of Chief of Defence Staff, friends and families of the POWA President and POWA Patron. Cash donations ranging fromN100,000 to N10 million were received from Governors, Captains of Industries, the Nigeria Police Force formations, Zones and Commands, friends and families at the occasion and their representatives at the fundraising dinner. Awards including posthumous ones were given to deserving personalities who contributed immensely to the development of POWA both now and in times past. The Night was not without entertainment by the host and members of POWA. Some of Nigeria’s best musicians including Iyanya and Banky ‘W’ dished out contemporary Nigerian most loved songs to the admiration of the members who trooped into the dance floor to celebrate the anniversary.

POWA also instituted a programme for the empowerment of Police widows and help for Police orphans. Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force Micro-Finance Bank gave a pep talk to the Police widows on the need for them to be self-sustaining through small scale businesses. They were also advised on how to access soft loans from the bank to bring their dreams to reality. Deputy Commissioner of Police Esther Dimka delegated by the IGP advised PWA members of the importance of reg-

POLICE CHILDREN

POWA also instituted a programme for the empowerment of Police widows and help for Police orphans

EMPOWERMENT FOR WIDOWS AND HELP FOR

y earliest memories of him were in the 60s when he came on holidays from the University of Lagos. He was a disciplinarian (what did you expect from a teacher with five young sons then). After his graduation, our standard of living improved sharply. Papa was a very faithful and devoted husband. He was fiercely loyal to his wife. He was a very loving and caring father. He met all his children’s needs within his teacher ’s salary; we never lacked anything he could afford. His children were his “wealth and treasures”. “People often find themselves achieving victories

write to wish my father, Joseph Ewherido, a happy Father ’s Day, which comes up tomorrow. even though I know he may not really need it. In heaven such a mundane stuff does not count. But I find myself compelled to do it partly because I never had the opportunity to thank him enough for the love he showered on me and the sacrifices he made, because he suddenly passed on 26 years ago while I was writing my degree exams at the University of Nigeria. My father is the most selfless human being I ever came across. He always put himself last after family and all. He poured out his all on his family, his Christian faith, humanity and his many students over a period of 35 years.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 —45 The woman was a stranger in labour that he saw by the road side while driving past. A talebearer tried to use my father’s penchant for giving lifts to strangers to create a rift with my mother. She would come while my father was away and say: “I thought you travelled with your husband. I saw a woman in the front seat of his car.” And my mother would respond: “ you know my husband; he will give lift to anybody, including goats, dog, fowls and lizards.” After she is gone, my mother would tell us that, “ you see how this gossip is trying to make me start a quarrel with your father. If she thought I travelled, whom then did she come to visit?” My father brought Christianity to a number of villages during his sojourn as a teacher. He lived, guided by the ethos that a good name is better than silver and gold. He was simple, straightforward and naïve in the ways of the world. He succumbed to his first major illness on May 31, 1988. He would have been 88 years this year. For those divinely favoured to have their fathers around show special love and gratitude to daddy tomorrow. For those nursing grudges against their fathers, it is time to talk things over and let go. I know the notice is short, but death’s notice is shorter. For me, it is happy Father’s Day, papa; you are up there with the best.

Happ y father’s da y, papa Happy day that are empty, successes that have come at the expense of the things they suddenly realize were far more valuable to them”(Steven Covey). Papa did not fall into this category; somehow, he got his priorities right, he saw tomorrow. He knew family was important and put us in the front burner. He taught his children English language, geography and other arts subjects at home to complement their school work. He gave us a head start over our classmates and contemporaries in English language, especially. It is to his credit that we knew how to pronounce such words as: listen, penalty, quay, postpone, Thomas, Peugeot, Renault and castle, early in life, while our contemporaries struggled. He also taught us that there was no such phrase as “next tomorrow”; that the proper usage is “day after tomorrow” or “in two days’ time.” He diligently went through school works and would give you the hair dryer if you came back with a result he considered poor. It was taboo to perform poorly in English language because, being a graduate in that field, he considered it a personal failing. He always emphasized the importance of education. At the beginning of each session,

included in their lists such non-existent titles as oxygen, carbon dioxide, osmosis, titration, amoeba and other names they could conjure just to extort as much money as possible. The irony was that they still did not buy the books, but spent the money on the latest fashion and groove to oppress other students. Then during school time, they borrowed books. Papa’s passion was teaching. He was a teacher from cradle to grave (all his working life). When he retired and opened a pharmacy, he would leave his business to teach free of charge at the Minor Seminary.

Papa’s passion was teaching. He was a teacher from cradle to grave

he would collect everybody’s list of books and go to the bookshop to buy them. We always had more books than our classmates who were from much richer homes. It was not entirely the fault of the parents of these classmates though. This was a time when children took advantage of their illiterate parents; some betrayed the trust of their parents, while others simply took advantage of their parents who were either too busy or not interested in personally purchasing their children’s books. Those with illiterate parents

Whatever semblance of a good father or husband that I have today is thanks in large measure to my father. He taught us by words and actions how to be a loving but strict father and a dependable and devoted spouse. y father was kind to a fault. In the 70s when life was much safer, he gave lift to any bystander on the road who flagged him down. A pregnant woman he was taking to the hospital delivered in the back seat (fabric not leather) of the car.

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JUNE 14 14, 2014

BRIEFS Lagos 2015: Ikorodu declares for all parties, wants indigine to succeed Fashola

Ago residents fault Fashola’s defence against landlords By Hugo Odiogor esidents of Ago in Isolo Local Council Development area have expressed their displeasure with Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola over the condition he has placed for repairing the deplorable 3.5km failed road that has become a nightmare to the people. Governor Fashola who was in Ago last weekend said the state government would not embark on the completion of the remaining portion of the road on the condition that some of the landlords that took the government to court must withdraw their litigation. But some residents of Ago who spoke to Saturday Vanguard faulted the Lagos State Governor whose visit to Ago and comments fell short of expectation, in a state where he has been highly commended as a high profile achiever. Engr. Kareem Olushola said “the people of Ago have been loyal supporters of the government of Governor Fashola and thought that his visit to the area would have offered hope to the residents, but the Governor simply dashed the hopes of the people”. Engr. Olushola who is a landlord of one of the houses taken over by flood, said even there are legal issues to be sorted out, wisdom demands that the state should create channels for water to flow away from the major road linking the area to Amuwo Odofin and Festac Town. According to him, “this is the portion of the road where the sum of N190 million was expended last year on pouring hard core stones to make it motorable.” But even the palliative project has also failed to alleviate the sufferings of users of the road. It made it worse, Saiod Olushola

This is Apartheid! Owners of small cars have constantly suffered from damages to their cars. Those who use SUVs are not exempted, just as those who use commercial vehicles. Many simply avoid the road which also serves as a link from Apapa- Mile 2 commuters trying to avoid traffic congestion caused by road construction on the ApapaOshodi expressway. Another resident, Chief Chuka Okafor, who owns a shopping complex taken over by flood in Ago said “the position taken by Governor Fashola amounts to punishing the entire residents of Ago because it is not the entire residents that took the encroached on the road beyond the legal specifications you do not expect ordinary residents or Landlord Associations to resolve such issues”. He said “ why do we have government if it could not resolve an issue as this?” If the Governor is so legalistic, why did the same administration ignore the court judgment on the illegal tolling of the Lekki link road? We know what is happening, this administration does not like the presence of non indigenes, simple”. Mrs. Jenifer Ibonye said: “How does Lagos State government expect the residents to wade into the problem of litigation between the governor and the affected landlords? What Governor Fashola is doing is to find an excuse not to fix Ago road,” She said “the Lagos State government is not sincere because revenue it does not find excuses not to collect taxes and the land user charges. Beyond the issue of the failed Ago road, the inner streets terribly worse than in other parts of Lagos”. According to her ” There are no social amenities in Ago, no water supply, nothing to make the people living in Ago feel that they are part of the government”. Mrs. Ibonye said “the discriminatory policy of development introduced in Ago is similar to the policy of separate development in South Africa by the white minority regime which was globally called apartheid system”.

By Olasunkanmi Akoni s part of preparations toward 2015 elections, prominent politicians in Ikorodu Division, Thursday, expressed their interest to vie for the governorship seat in Lagos with the full backings of the Ikorodu monarchs and elders. The agitation for governor of Lagos State in the next dispensation is being championed by a group under the umbrella of the Ikorodu Division Solution Allaince, IDSA. Speaking at a news conference, in Ikorodu, the Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Kabir Sotobi said all traditional rulers in Ikorodu had given their blessing and support to whoever emerged from Ikorodu to become the governor of Lagos next year irrespective of the political party such candidate was contesting. "It is the turn of Ikorodu to produce the next governor of Lagos State. I am not bothered about the zoning arrangement, the groups coming out now are not politicians. Ikorodu people should ensure that they do not lose their voting rights. " We want Ikorodu to produce the next governor of Lagos. The eminent personalities in Ikorodu are not doing this alone. Our mission is to have governor who comes from Ikorodu come 2015. "If the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , decides to have candidate from Ikorodu, we will support them, if the APC decides to have candidate from Ikorodu.

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The discriminatory policy of development introduced in Ago is similar to the policy of separate development in South Africa by the white minority regime which was globally called apartheid system

Lagos road construction takes largest budget : Commissioner

state government to court.” According to Chief Okafor, “it is only the state government that can resolve the issue of the litigation especially, by those whose houses have been earmarked for demolition, it is the government that knows those landlords that have legitimate claims to their titles and those who should be entitled to compensation. It is also the government and its agencies that know those that have

agos State Government has said road construction and rehabilitation takes the highest line in the state budget preparation and execution. The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze who said this added that lack of fund was the major challenge on road construction and rehabilitation in the state as there were about 10,000 roads in the state. He added that there was no abandoned road construction by the state but there could be challenges that could stall road construction such as court cases on a property that falls within the right of way for road or drainage construction.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 — 47

LBS to engage youths with talent programme ome of the nation’s brightest youths will hone their research skills and gain firsthand exposure to academic life at the forthcoming Lagos Business School Young Talents Programme. Scheduled for August 1, 2014, the one-day programme is aimed at building a relationship with budding talents in or out of the university. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty. The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with a first-class or second-classupper honours degree. “The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career,” explained Dr Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on this programme. “It is also an institutionalised way of

A f orgo tt en subject • Stakeholders lament fading History subject in Nigerian schools BY LAJU ARENYEKA n 1955 when the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations first began, 90 percent of Nigerian students studied and wrote History as a subject. In 1960, the figure reduced to 81 percent, dropping consistently to 21.5 percent in 1975, and rising to 42.7 percent in 1980. A study in 1993 showed that Nigerian students rated history in the 9th position out of twelve subjects. Alarming as these might seem, even a cursory look at the country ’s education system today proves that the situation is worse. History is, more or less, a forgotten subject. Prof. O.A Adesoji, a Professor of History at Obafemi Awolowo University told Saturday Vanguard: ‘It has been observed that the study of history particularly at the secondary school level had suffered terrible decline in contemporary period such that just for few students are studying History, many are studying Government. Lagos State for instance, has removed History as a subject from its school curriculum. The factors for this decline ranged from such complaints about the huge volume of History syllabus, the dearth of capable, committed and genuinely interested teachers as well the perceived uselessness of History as a subject.’ Mr. Britto Beneficio, a lecturer of History and International Relations at the Lagos State University, also regrets that history has been consistently relegated to the background for years. ‘It did not begin today,’ he said, ‘it is something that can be traced to the 70s’ and 80s’. When I was a student at St. Gregory’s college in the 1980s, it was a

Experts say that the declining fortune of history as a course of study could also be linked with the impression that has been created over a period of time that the study of history has no career prospect. But Britto asserts that this position is not accurate

compulsory subject for us. But it was not so in many other schools. Students had the choice between History and Government, and it had somehow been passed from one generation to another that it was a difficult subject. Even now, because of the dwindling state of the subject, when we take in students to study History and Int’l relations, many of them don’t have a background in history.’ This is no surprise as recent reports show that

even the performance of the few students who do History in WASSCE leave much to be desired. In a recent communiqué, the West African Examination Council, WAEC, which conducts the WASSCE examinations, reported that there was a considerable decline in students’ performance in History among other subjects during the 2013 November/December examinations. Experts say that the declining fortune of history as a course of study could also be linked with the impression that has been created over a period of time that the study of history has no career prospect. But Britto asserts that this position is not accurate. ‘A historian can work almost anywhere. He can branch into Sociology, Psychology, Human Resources or any of the Humanities. Besides the truth is that most organizations want to train workers who have a good education irrespective of what they studied.’Skeptics might argue that with a 54 percent unemployment ratio, this assumption might be a stretch. But beyond employment figures, what implications could relegating ‘History’ to history have on the future of the country? Britto believes that the desertion of History will steer the country in the wrong direction. He said: ‘Any country that cannot learn from history or educate its populace about its history is heading for the gutter. History is the study of the past in relation to the present and the future. It is when we have a healthy understanding of the past that we can create the kind of future we desire. Adesoji argues that ‘if we do not learn from history, we will keep repeating the same mistake over and over again. But the truth is that we cannot escape history, we all will be remembered in spite of ourselves.’

The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future.” As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained. “We’ll invite them to programmes from time to time. They’ll be part of LBS…in the sense that they have come here and interacted with the academic community. It will be an annual programme going forward,” Uzo added. According to Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, Africa is on the brink of profound change and the LBS Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time. “LBS strives to be a worldclass business school with a significant impact on the African environment.

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48— SATURDAY Vanguard , JUNE 14, 2014 Vanguard,

That midnight call from Dora Akunyili Her simple wish that never came true BY SOLA OGUNDIPE he phone call came just after midnight. As the strident and persistent tone startled me out of fatiguedslumber, I clawed for my handset on the bedside table wondering who could be calling so late and why. The caller’s number was unfamiliar and for a fleeting moment I considered rejecting the call and going back to my much-needed sleep. I was used to getting countless unsolicited and frivolous nocturnal calls from unknown sources daily, and as a counter measure, I developed the habit of switching my cell phone to silent mode at bedtime. But on this day, I had returned home quite late, dead beat and fallen asleep without remembering to switch to the silent mode and now the phone was ringing and disrupting my sleep. With an open mind, I answered the call expecting nothing special. The voice on the line was female. It was radiant, intense and determined all at once. “Who is this?” I blurted. The reply was prompt. ”Hello, is this Shola? Am I speaking to Shola? My name is Dora.” Dora? I asked blankly. ”Yes Dora, Dora Akunyili.” The cobwebs of sleep vanished from

pharmaceutical professional groups somewhere in Ikeja, Lagos The NAFDAC Director General was special guest and I was among several journalists invited to provide coverage. I recalled how half-way through the event, all media men were asked to step out of the gathering because “sensitive matters” were about to be discussed with the DG. This didn’t go down well with those concerned. The explanation that we were only meant to “hang around” outside for a few minutes failed to stop us taking offense. There were several loud protests, but the organisers stood their ground and ordered every journalist out of the gathering. One after the other, we were marched outside and the door firmly shut behind us. The meeting was paused while this lasted and a head count was even taken after to be certain none of the journalists was lurking inside among the participants. Many of us did not hide our displeasure at this treatment and we all left the venue immediately and went about other activities. But for Akunyili’s midnight phone call, I had completely forgotten the incident. “Madam, you didn’t offend me. It wasn’t you who

I was humbled by this call. Never, in my wildest dreams, had I anticipated such humility and openness from a public official my mind. My sleep-glazed eyes instantly came alive and my drowsiness evaporated like morning dew. I was dumbfounded! Why was the renowned Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, calling me in the dead of the night? How did she obtain my phone number? My thoughts ran riot as the voice on the phone continued to speak. “Shola my son, I’m sorry to be calling so late, but I need to speak to you. I want to apologise for what happened this morning. I’m sorry that you were embarrassed. You are justified if you felt offended, but I’m appealing to you to forgive and forget.” This statement took me by surprise, but it made sense; a lot of sense. My mind went back 12 hours earlier to the “incident” she referred to. In the flashback, I recalled the activity that had been organised by one of the sent me out,” I managed to reply. But she wasn’t going to accept any of that. “My son, I was there,” she stated. “I might not have sent you out, but you were asked to leave because of me. I feel responsible and that is why I’m apologising. Please accept my apology. You and your colleagues have consistently supported me in safeguarding the health of Nigerians. I value that support and it is my hope that this incident does not erode the mutual trust we share.” I was humbled by this call. Never, in my wildest dreams, had I anticipated such humility and openness from a public official. How could I turn down such person? Much later, I gathered she had earlier called every journalist who was present that day and everyone accepted her apology. As time went on, I was privileged to know and understand even better the character in the person of Professor Dora

Akunyili. It’s been a decade or thereabouts, but I recall the encounter vividly. It is indelible in my mind and one of my fondest memories of the late NAFDAC DG. To the best of my knowledge, no public office holder in Nigeria engaged the media the way she did. My first encounter with her was in 2001 shortly after she was appointed DG. Her respect for the media quickly became evident during the first workshop the Agency organised for pure water manufacturers. It was there she declared her intention to engage the media in her campaign against fake and counterfeit drugs. Sometime later, during one of the jointly organised health events by NAFDAC and UNICEF in Abuja, there was a communication breakdown between the hotel accommodating journalists and the organisers. Akunyili stepped in and personally attended to the welfare of journalists, staying up far into the night till the wee hours. She always exhibited great respect, admiration and support for the media. At almost every opportunity she showed that love and regard. In her book, every journalist was either “My son” or “My daughter”. She knew us by our first names and we had her personal phone numbers. Not once, throughout her tenure did she fail to acknowledge the media as instrumental to her success. She was even accused of being too fond of the media. Nevertheless, she always told whoever cared to listen that half of her success was due to the men and women of the pen profession. She was an interesting person, and there was no dull moment in her company. If you needed clarification on any issue, all you had to do was call her line or send a text message. She would always call you back or reply your message. When you published a story that challenged the Agency’s regulatory activities, she wouldn’t hold it against you but would thank you for being objective and keeping her on her toes. Almost to a fault, Akunyili was a stickler for order and uprightness. She didn’t tolerate laziness, sloppiness or tardiness, especially among her staff. Years ago, a few of us witnessed her reprimand one of her staff in her office at the old Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi, in Lagos. Apparently, the staff in question that had been caught in fraudulent activity, had approached the DG to appeal for leniency, but he met her on the wrong side. She sent him away after a thorough tongue

Dora Akunyili lashing. After, Akunyili apologised for “losing her cool” in our presence, but pointed out that there was no room for dishonesty in her Agency. I recall another time another member of her staff had a disagreement with her official driver. She got wind of the matter and rather than send the driver away, requested that he (staff’s driver) exchange positions with her own driver. The “new” driver was attached to her house and he got along quite well with the DG. Yet another time I saw red in her eyes was during the clampdown of the Onitsha drug market. Akunyili was so infuriated, her eyes blazed with fire of palpable anger. Consistently, she took the battle to the fake drug barons, describing the drug market as “a national embarrassment”. Not only did she lament the embarrassing level of fake drugs in the market but was also pained by the fact that identities of the drug counterfeiters were not hidden. She dealt ruthlessly with them. But she was also human. A chink in her steely visage appeared during the infamous “My Pikin” teething mixture saga in which several infants died of poisoning. For the first and perhaps the only time ever at a press conference, there were tears in her eyes and her voice cracked with emotion as she announced the hospitalisation and death of infants as a result of ingestion of tainted teething mixture. Always down to earth and unpretentious, these are just instances of how the deceased went to great lengths to ensure all was well with Nigeria and Nigerians. At several instances, she engaged us in small talk and chit-chat. These were times she rendered account about her early life, and how she went to school in the village and her closeness to her father who mentored and encouraged her tremendously. She never hid the fact that she was much closer to her father than her mother and often recalled how she was to be sent to the village to stay with her grandmother to train her. But her father preferred to be close to her and ensure she pursued her education. It was during one of these “chats” that she mentioned in passing that when she clocked the age of 60 she would cut her hair to wear a low- cut style. Dora died of ovarian cancer last Saturday at 59. She did not live to wear the low -cut hair style. Sad. With no time for vanities, Akunyili’s achievements are an inspiration. Her experiences are a message of hope and testimony of commitment, courage and integrity. She didn’t have to know you to like you. In 2004, when she emerged as the 7th recipient of the Nigerian Exemplary Award, it meant a lot to her that her courage in safeguarding the health of Nigerians regardless of attempts on her life was not in doubt. Akunyili truly established the fact that one can make a difference. She was really proud of that Award which was essentially to showcase exemplary Nigerians who have remained resolute on the path of integrity and serve as role models to be emulated. She served humanity to the best of her ability. And she was loved by all. May her soul rest in peace.

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014—49

50—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2014

Nigerian youths need to be engaged positively—Onomeregbor ishop Dr. Felix Onomeregbor is a UN member for Peace, Unity and Development , Nigeria. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he bares his mind on the need for government to empower the youths even as he goes into Niger Delta communities empowering people and also preaching peace and reconciliation through his prophetic voice world outreach. Excerpts: As a UN ambassador for peace, unity and development , you have been carrying out community and youth empowerment programmes and also clamouring for Niger Delta youth empowerment, what informed this campaign? s a Niger Delta person and also a gospel minister, I believe ministers are in a better position to tell government what is happening at the grassroots because we are closer to the communities and interact with them on a daily basis. So if any leader in government wants to handle community development or tackle crisis-ridden communities, I believe the first thing to do is to approach church leaders in that community because some churches have plans for community outreach. However, my passion for youth empowerment in Niger Delta is based on the fact that youths are the live wire of any nation. Any nation where youths are not positioned for the future, that nation

will always have crisis; reason being that one day, those in power will pass on and at that time, if the future generations are not groomed to take over power as leaders, we would also have a repetition of a failed state. Again, coming from a poor background made me discover many areas youths can be helped to prevent youth restiveness, communal crisis, armed robbery etc. This is why I do not only have passion for youth empowerment ,but also draw attention of government, meaningful and wealthy Nigerians even in Niger Delta to rescue youths from unemployment as well as rescue our nation. But more industries are dying, youths are thrown into labour market and government can’t provide all the jobs, how do we tackle this? here is no economy where government provides all the jobs or total welfare package for its citizens. Having said that, few factors also are responsible for economic development which government must be deeply involved in – steady power supply which attracts foreign investors, as well as capacity building. Nigerians can create jobs for themselves if there is steady power supply. Again, for any economy to grow, the government in that nation must provide security to lives and property so that investors will be assured of security for their investment. Good road network system that guarantees free movement of goods and services helps any economy to grow. Good communication system also plays a role in nation building. These are factors that attract investors to any part of the world. But government cannot do

Onomeregbor: Our youths need employment it all alone and that is why we have NGOs and other grassroot organisations that can partner government to achieve developments needed in a country like Nigeria. Major challenges facing governance today is that our leaders refuse to realise or don’t know the pains at the grassroots. Most of our leaders are quick to forget their yesterday. I read sometime ago that somebody in government looted N22 billion, another N300m and things like that. If these looters would use the money they stole from government to develop their communities, at least build some industries that can employ up to 200 youths in that area, it will be difficult to see youths carrying arms or fighting. What is causing communal crisis in many communities today is that those in government are not caring for the youths who gave them their votes to represent them in government. They only enrich their families and that is all. We see that many communities in Nigeria including Niger Delta lack development, as a peace ambassador, what do you need from government to carry out this work?

f the census of Nigeria is correct, Nigeria’s p o p u l a t i o n is up to 150 million , but I believe if it is well counted, we are more than that. What I’m asking for, give me two billion naira, you will never see criminal youths in Delta State. You can’t see youths againroaming thestreets.We have our strategies. First, every idle youth needs empowerment. How do you empower these youths? These youths are not even asking you to give them millions. or instance, I can empower youths through agriculture. And when that is done through experts with the fund well distributed, you hardly can see any youth in Niger Delta with gun, machete or involve in armed robbery. I would rehabilitateandreorientthem physically and spiritually. As peace ambassador, there are other methods to apply to makethembetteroffandthey would not like to involve themselves with evil. So, anywhere government can send us with my prophetic instructions if observed will bring about peace in that community. What role do you want government to play? resident Jonathan is trying. But major challenge in Nigeria is we have a lot of people at the corridors of power who are deceitful and don’t know what to do. They are not ready to solve the problem in the country but are after money. I advise the government to empower people like us to carry out some of these grassroots development and peace will reign in our country.

‘Nigeria can reduce impor tation of importation BUSINESS GUIDE frozen meats through animal farming’ resently, Nigerian non-oil exports are still significantly below potential. The gradual decline over the last 49 years is saddening especially when we look at past data for example in 1961. We supplied 43 percent of the global shelled groundnuts; today it is almost zero percent. US, Asia and Argentina now have universal dominance of the groundnut market. Also, in 1961, we exported 19 percent of the world’s cocoa but have been rapidly overtaken by Ivory Coast and Palm oil and Shea-butter is another great example. Nigeria produces one of the purest forms in the world, and yet we are an irrelevant, almost nonexistent, exporter in the global market. This is sad given the fact that any nation that imports virtually everything will not survive in the long run. According to Animal Farm Consultant and Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, the business of producing, processing, exporting, transporting, financing and servicing grasscutter product should give employment to many people. He said, rearing of grasscutter for local consumption will decrease importation of frozen meat, chicken, fish and turkey into the country and producing grasscutter for export will greatly enhance the economic potential. It will firm up the naira, improve the GDP, reduce inflation and create more jobs for Nigerians. In addition, he said,

grasscutter is free from cultural and religious taboos. This makes it to be a universal favourite. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in a recent study observed that millions of people are starving everyday and this affords the investor the opportunity of raising grasscutter for international trade. Grasscutter meat can be exported and used in many forms, sold in top class international hotels and used to prepare different delicacies such as barbecue, canned meat, sausages, meat pies, peppersoup, suya etc. “The demand for grasscutter meat is very high within the international market like Italy, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, the USA, especially where you have large concentration of Africans, black people. Many people now prefer grasscutter meat because it is white and healthier than cow meat which is red”. “The business of grasscutter farming in Nigeria is growing at a feverish pace attracting farmers who are considering it either as a complimentary business,or as a main and sustainable revenue stream”.Onebunne said, a robust and thriving grasscutter meat industry would add value to the economy. It would not

only offer opportunities for major investors to start and grow large meat processing companies for export thereby contributing to employment creation and foreign exchange, but it also will open avenues for the lucrative trade in smoked and dried meat export. What is more, the industry would transform the fortunes of many small producers and leverage assets for the poor. Others, who would benefit from the spinoff in the value chain, are the manufacturers of animal feeds, distributors, stockists, butcheries, restaurants etc. At Jovana Farms we have for sale fast growing species of grasscutter for intending farmers. ou can get started, without the costly items the so-called experts Y say you should have. With N45,000-

N50,000 one can kick-off with onemale and four-females depending on the age, weight and specie. They can be reared in wooden cages which cost N7,000 to N10,000, therefore with N60,000 one is already in a profitable business. Jovana Farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. Attend our nationwide seminars nearest to you to know more opportunities in grasscutter farming. Visit us at www.jovanafarm.com, E-mail: jovanafarms@gmail.com for more details. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box on this page.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014—51

‘How we fought armed robbers on expressway’ By ESTHER ONYEGBULA embersofa notorious gang of armed robbers that have been terrorizing unsuspecting passengers and motorists along Mile 2-Badagry Expressway met their waterloo recently, after the police at Ijanikin succeeded in outsmarting them. Reports said members of the gang who were armed to the teeth thought it would be business as usual and waylaid passengers on the ever-busy expressway. They were busy robbing passengers of a commercial bus with registration number KTU 766 XK at Olorunsogo bus stop when a team of Policemen from Ijanikin who have been on their trail swooped on them. According to reports, immediately the armed robbers sighted the policemen, they opened fire on them. The

*The bus

Drivers account Recounting the ugly incident, the commercial bus driver, Are Abayomi, said, “that evening, we carried passengers from Okokomaiko bus stop to Okoafo. When we got to Iyana -Isashi bus stop, a passenger alighted from the bus. When we got to Cele nica bus stop, another passenger alighted. Immediately I drove off, one of the passengers at the front asked another one behind to “give me the change in your hand”. That was the language he used, because there is a demarcation between the driver’s seat, two front passengers seat and the rest of the bus. The passenger behind stretched his hand through the little space like a pigeon hole and gave him the change which turned out to be a rifle. As soon as he received the rifle, he pointed the gun at me and ordered me to park. At this point, it dawned on me that while passenger were boarding the bus at Okokomaiko, armed robbers joined them too, because after the two passengers alighted at Iyana- Isashi and Cele nica bus stop respectively, no new passenger entered the bus. When I refused to stop the vehicle, he began to slap me and drag the steering with me while the others inside the bus were busy harassing and robbing passengers inside the bus. “Over whelmed, with a

*CP. Umar Manko thousand thoughts flying across my head, I refused to park believing that if only I could get across the bridge, I would jump out of the moving vehicle. However, I felt that would endanger the lives of the passengers. I also thought that if I could switch off the vehicle, because the bus has tracker, they will not be able to move the

bus. I was in a fix. I had no option but to silently pray for rescue to come in my heart. Finally when the bus stopped, one of the robbers at the back seat came to the driver’s seat and ordered me to lap the passenger sitting at the middle because the front has two seats excluding the driver ’s seat. Immediately, he took over the driver ’s seat, all of a sudden, I started hearing gun shots. “I held the robber at the driver’s seat, as he began to struggle with me, his shirt got torn in the process and he was able to free himself from my grip. It was while he fled that a bullet hit him and he fell, unable to run with the others. The rescue

One killed as fresh fracas breaks out in Ajegunle By KINGSLEY NDIMELE ear gripped residents of the densely populated Ajegunle area, Lagos State, Weekend, following a fracas that broke out at boundary bus stop. The incident which Crime guard gathered that the street urchins from both streets engaged each other in hot argument which degenerated into fierce fighting during which dangerous weapons were freely used,andduring the process,many people were wounded and properties

destroyed. The body of an unknown middle-aged man was discovered later at the scene of the fracas. A tricycle rider who spoke on condition of anonymity told Crime Guard that “they wanted to remove the chairman from the park, but the chairman refused which resulted to the fight. On the first day, the thugs came out and started breaking bottles, damaging tricycles and causing trouble. People were running helter-skelter amidst rampage and looting of

policemen responded and gunned down one of the bandits. He died on the road to the hospital while the other gang members escaped with bullets wounds. Items recovered from the unidentified dead robber includes; two locally made double barrel pistols, two life cartridges and four expended cartridges while two handsets belonging to one of the passengers were also recovered.

passengers in the bus, some of them moved out of the bus when the bus stopped. And then, sounds of gun shots filled the air, I was terrified and confused because the passengers co-operated with them. I felt the gun shots were uncalled for since all the passengers co-operated. It was later I discovered that the shots were from the robbers who had sighted the policemen who had come to our rescue. When they realised that the police had overpowered them, the robbers started running because they knew they would have bigger trouble in their hands.” Conductor’s account A ccording to the bus conductor, the three seats at the back had one robber each but it was only one of them at the back that had a pistol with which they robbed the commuters. “Immediately one of the robbers gave something to the one at the front, they started operation at the back. They collected the money I was holding in my hand. They collected money and phones from the passengers sitting at the back. As they were dealing with us all, the police arrived from nowhere and delt with them. If this is the way police works, we all should be praising them daily. I commend the way they reacted,”he stated. Although, the DPO Ikegwuonu Obinna Chidozie, Ijankin Police division declined making any comment regarding the incident, Crime Guard reliably gathered that the case has been transferred to anti-robbery for further investigation.

Overwhelmed, with a thousand thoughts flying across my head, I refused to park believing that if only I can get across the bridge, I would jump out of the moving vehicle

was indeed a miracle. I wasn’t expecting that kind of intervention let alone from the Nigerian Police. Passengers account One of the passengers told Crime guard, “It was a terrible experience for me; I have never had close encounter with armed robbers in my entire life before that fateful evening, but I thank God I survived it. Like other passengers, I boarded the bus from Okoko bus stop. It never crossed my mind that some of the people that entered the bus with us were not passengers but armed robbers till they started their operation after Cele nica bus stop. “After they had finished robbing me and other

people’s stores. Other boys tried to prevent them from entering into the streets but they started throwing bottles at them. Area boys in the streets came out to stop them and serious fighting ensued. When one of them brought out a matchet, the rest in the street armed themselves with matchets and they started fighting. This is what the street urchins have been causing almost every week in the streets,and the police seem to be helpless because they have not made any

efforts to stop the fracas. This incessant fighting is affecting our businesses and many people are afraid of going about their respective engagements.” Reports said the situation was brought under control after a team of anti-riot policemen, members of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Navy stormed the streets and chased them all out. It was learnt that some arrests were made while the policemen are still patrolling the area.

52—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014

BY EBUN SESSOU

O ne of the experiences Honourable Ramotalahi Akintola-Hassan would not forget in a hurry was when she lost her first husband five years after marriage. She waited for seven years before going into another marriage. Today, she is happily married. She is the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Physical and Urban Planning in the Lagos State House of Assembly. The female lawmaker is currently representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2. In this interview, she speaks extensively on personal and official issues. Excerpts:

an you tell us about your back ground I hail from a village called Ibese in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. My late parents were the Akintolas. I had all my education in Lagos before becoming a female lawmaker. I had my first baby at the age of 25. Unfortunately, I lost my husband five years after my marriage. I stayed without a husband for seven years before I re-married in 2006. How were you able to cope without a husband? It was a bitter experience. Those were my seven years of agony and emotional pain. It is only an experienced individual who can better understand and explain those years of agony. I wouldn’t pray for my enemy to experience such. It was that experience that lured me into dating a married man. Unfortunately, the relationship did not last. My late husband was a nice man. He died at a very young age. It was a bad experience. How did you get into Lagos State of Assembly? I worked at Amuwo Odofin Local Government in 1996; I was later posted to Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA). But I resigned and and joined Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. I joined politics after the death of my father to keep the family name in politics because he was a strong politician. I contested for the LSHA in 2011 and I won. Today, I have an empowerment programme which caters for the vulnerable children. I have lots of children that are not mine that I finance their education. I love people around me and that is why my philosophy about life is “no condition is permanent”. The fact that I am a lawmaker today does not mean the position is permanent and that is why it is important to always appreciate people. I have learnt a lot of things. People said, I don’t contribute on the floor of the House but I can say categorically that I have learnt a lot as a female lawmaker. There are few individuals who have been in the Lagos State House of Assembly for a long time and those are the people, I under-study so as to know how to approach issues. What are the challenges of being a female lawmaker? What is your opinion on exclusive breastfeeding of babies even as working mothers? When I was a nursing mother, I used to breastfeed my daughter in the morning before going to my workplace and also at night. One might not be able to breastfeed the child throughout the day but I can advise that, it is important to breastfeed our kids. And it is also important to know that the male child tends to love breast milk more than the girl C M Y

I went through hell when I lost my first husband —Akintola-Hassan Anyone who does evil, will encounter evil and anyone who does good, will encounter good things child and that is why men tend to love breast more. As a lawmaker, how do you manage your home front? I go to market and do the cooking myself. I patronise some markets including Mushin, Abattoir among others within the metropolis whenever I want to shop. I cater and maintain my home as a wife. My home is my number one priority. I even wash my husband’s underwears. I do my shopping and cooking personally. Although, I have a house help I don’t maltreat her. Anyone who does evil, will encounter evil and anyone who does good, will encounter good things. Are you satisfied with the number of women in public office and what is your advice for women in politics? I believe in 2015, we will have a female governor and there could be increase in the number of female lawmakers. But women have done a lot in politics and they should be appreciated. We will support any woman who comes out to contest for governorship in 2015. How have you affected people in the grassroots? I have empowered lots of people in my community. I gave out transformers, free GCE forms, JAMB forms to the people in my constituency. I sponsor people to Jerusalem and Mecca every year. I built a borehole in my constituency. I gave out generators to communities. I have facilitated the construction of roads in my constituency by the state government. A bridge has even been approved in Ibeshe by the state government for construction as well. I have a a vocational programme for over 300 people in my constituency.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2014 â€” 53

From Right: Jason S.J. SUN (Chairman), TTGM Group; Jane YU Director, TTGM West Africa; Chief Albert K. Iyorah, GMD, TTGM, West Africa and AlBrett Group and Nefishetu Sule, BDM, TTGM West Africa at the commissioning of TTGM West Africa and Al-Brett group building in Lekki,Lagos

My wife is lazy, man tells court 43-year-old man, Dada Olalekan, on Friday asked an AdoEkiti Customary Court to dissolve his 15-year-old marriage to his wife, Bosede, accusing her of frequent fighting and unwillingness to work. Olalekan said that though he asked Bose to learn any trade of her choice, she ignored his advice and chose to be jobless. He added that he paid some money for her apprenticeship but she

complained about the work and left the place without his consent. The father of five further told the court that whenever he gave the wife money to cook for him and the children, she would prepare the food late. According to him, the developments usually lead to incessant fighting. He also said that his wife did not have respect for him and often failed to listen to his advice. Responding, Bose,36, accused her husband of

calling his concubines on phone in her presence, explaining that such action was always causing them to fight. She said she had not been disrespecting the husband and never failed to cook for him and the children, adding that he was always returning home late. She explained that she was once doing business and taking care of the family until she spent all the money and became joblessness.

54— SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14 , 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014—55

Brazil 2014 World Cup images

IT’S A GOAL . . . Brazil’s forward Neymar celebrates after egualizing during World Cup opening match against Croatia at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo

DAZZLING . . . US singer Jennifer Lopez performing prior to the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Photos: AFP

LET’S DANCE . . . Jennifer Lopez (L) and Brazilian pop singer Claudia Leitte entertaining the spectators as they dance

JOYFUL . . . Brazilian fans cheer prior to the Group A football match opener between Brazil and Croatia .

SAMBA BOYS . . . Brazilian fans cheer downtown Foz do Iguacu, Parana few hours Group A match opener.

BOATMAN . . . Performers take part in the Brazil 2014 opening ceremony

FLOWER GIRLS . . . People dressed as flowers also take part in the opening ceremony.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2014 Colombia Uruguay England Mexico Holland

Today’s Matches v v v Greece 5pm Costa Rica 8pm Italy 11pm Results 1 Cameroon 0 5 Spain 1

Holland hammer Spain 5-1 H OLLAND last night shocked the world when they embarrassed defending champions with a 5-1 humiliation that has already made them the team to beat in the ongoing World Cup. It was dramatic and sensational. It made nonsense of the opener between Brazil and Croation. Spain scored first through an Alonso penalty in the 27th minute. Van Persie equalised with an incredible goal that would for long be a great promotion for football. Another goal came from him. Robben scored twice and De Vrij also got his name on the scorer’s chart. They instantly became the talk of town in the whole Brazil here. Their game, not only the goals, has made them the team to beat. They humiliated the team that pipped them 1-0 to win the 2010 World Cup. What a revenge. But the World Cup is still on.

Spain’s keeper Iker Casillas fighting back emotions after conceding one of the goals yesterday.

We’ll run Eagles down — Iran Coach •Keshi reacts UT here in Sao Paulo, every football lover believes that the Super Eagles would slide through their first group opponents Iran like hot knife on butter when both teams clash on Monday. And the enthusiasm of Nigerians and comments of Super Eagles also suggest that they would be on fire against the Iranians. But Iran coach and master of the game, Carlos Queiroz has warned his opposite number, Stephen Keshi

EXICO were rewarded for their attacking intent when Oribe Peralta’s 61st minute strike gave them a 10 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener at a rainsoaked Dunas arena yesterday.

Mexico pip Cameroon Across 1 The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba (Dr) Victor – (8) 5 Norwegian Capital City – (4) 7 Adult Male Sheep – (3) 8 State in Nigeria Known as “The Confluence State”? – (4) 9 Land Measurement Unit – (4) 10 Enyimba FC Skipper, Chinedu – (5) 12 Ghana Football Association President, Mr. Kwesi – (9) 16 Former Rivers State Governor, Sam – (5) 18 Vigilant – (5) 19 L.G.A in Zamfara State – (5) 21 Bayelsa United Striker, Dengo – (9) 24 Manchester City Winger, Samir – (5) 27 L.G.A in Edo State – (4) 28 Hebrew Alphabet – (4) 29 French Word for “Name” – (3) 30 Former Ebonyi State

not to count his chicks before they are hatched. ‘’We’re concentrating on the Nigerian match. For us, Nigeria means the World Cup. The Nigerian match means everything for us. We’ll do our best to bring pride and dignity to Iran”, he vowed showing how serious they view the first match against the Eagles. He dismissed bookmakers who tip Nigeria to overrun the Iranians. ‘’Iran will make a statement 1 2 3

in the World Cup. Iran is one of those countries where football is in the blood of the people. The players give their all in anything they set out to do”, the coach added. Eagles battle Iran in Curitiba on Monday. However, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said here that the Eagles Nigerians saw in the friendly matches will be different duing the matches here. He said Nigerians should expect a better team. 4 7 5 6

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Governor, Dr. Sam – (4) 31 L.G.A in Anambra State – (8)

Down

8 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 27 29 30 31 28 13 14

INSIDE Italy, England in heavyweight clash Pg.29 African teams are under-achievers — Weah Pg.27 World Cup final ticket hits £12,000 Pg.28 Neurer ready to stop Ronaldo Pg.30

1 Flamingoes (U-17) Striker, Uchenna – (4) 2 L.G.A in Benue State – (4) 3 Kebbi State Governor, Saidu – (9) 4 Constellation – (4) 5 L.G.A in Kogi State – (5) 6 National Registrar, Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Dibu – (8) 11 Precipitation – (3) 13 L.G.A in Lagos State – (5) 14 England Premiership Club-Side – (9) 15 L.G.A in Borno State – (4) 16 L.G.A in Osun State – (8) 17 Against – (4) 20 Distant – (3) 22 L.G.A in Enugu State – (5) 25 Vend – (4) 26 Muslim Cleric – (4)

SOLUTION on page 16

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